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Food testing - information for food importers
Other format
This information is also available in the following format:
- Food Testing for Importers
PDF [874.9 KB]
Where an imported food is directed for testing under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) the testing must be conducted by a laboratory appointed under Section 34 of the Imported Food Control Act 1992.
The importer/owner of the food (or their authorised agent) must nominate an appointed analyst (laboratory) prior to booking an imported food inspection.
Prior to nominating a laboratory, the importer/owner (or their authorised agent) must:
1. Check the required tests specified on the Food Control Certificate.
2. Select a laboratory from the ‘List of Appointed Analysts’ table below, identifying that all of the required tests can be performed by that laboratory.
3. Contact the laboratory to check that they:
- can perform the tests required on the food sample (as some laboratories are not accredited to perform certain tests on some classes of foods)
- have courier arrangements in place to collect samples from the DAFF collection sites (as some laboratories do not service all areas)
- will accept the nomination. Note: the importer/owner is responsible for paying the laboratory test costs and laboratories may require a deposit prior to testing
4. Complete the IFIS Laboratory Nomination Form and forward it to the laboratory. An inspection cannot be booked until the laboratory accepts the nomination and notifies DAFF via the form.
- Imported Food Inspection Scheme Laboratory Nomination Form PDF [118 KB]
- Imported Food Inspection Scheme Laboratory Nomination Form
Word [96 KB]
Alternatively, the importer can set up an ongoing commercial arrangement with an appointed analyst and the DAFF regional office via the form.
If the samples are still subject to quarantine restrictions (eg. uncooked pig meat), the laboratory must be a quarantine approved premise ie. QAP (Class 5) – these are marked with an asterisk(*) in the table below.
If you have any questions about selecting an appointed analyst please contact your regional office.
Further information on how to lodge an imported food entry can be found at Lodging import declarations and documentation.
List of Appointed Analysts
Laboratory |
Service area
|
Microbiological Tests |
Chemical Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
|
South Australia & Northern Territory |
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Australia wide |
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Australia wide |
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ALS Food & Pharmaceutical |
Australia wide |
|
|
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Queensland only |
|
|
|
|
Victoria, NSW and Queensland |
|
|
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|
Australia wide |
|
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All states & territories except South Australia |
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Australia wide |
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All states & territories except South Australia |
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NSW only |
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Queensland & Victoria only |
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29 May 2013