Glossary of terms

AIMS 

AQIS Import Management System, the AQIS computer system that processes entries for both imported foods and quarantine purposes.

Analytical tests 

Analytical tests that are carried out by a laboratory on a sample of food taken during an inspection of imported food. They include microbiological, chemical, contaminant and food additive tests.

AQIS 

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, an operating group within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry—Australia (DAFF).  AQIS is responsible for a range of regulatory functions in areas such as quarantine, food imports and exports.

The Code 

The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code which contains food standards applicable to food for human consumption in Australia.

Entry 

A customs/quarantine electronic document generated using the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service's Integrated Cargo System. An entry may contain one or more lines/foods.

Food 

Food includes:

1. any substance or thing of a kind used or capable of being used as food or drink by human beings, or
2. any substance or thing of a kind used or capable of being used as an ingredient or additive in, or substance used in the preparation of, a substance or thing referred to in paragraph (a), or
3. any other substance or thing that is prescribed,

whether or not it is in a condition fit for human consumption, but does not include a therapeutic good within the meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

FSANZ 

Food Standards Australia New Zealand, the agency responsible for developing food standards and administering the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code. FSANZ is responsible for providing policy advice to AQIS's Imported Foods Program.

Holding Order 

A legal document provided for in the Imported Food Control Act 1992 (the Act). Use of a Holding Order increases the rate of inspection of a failing food until subsequent imports demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Act. (Usually in force until five consecutive shipments pass inspection.)

Imported Food Inspection Scheme 

The Imported Food Inspection Scheme is administered by AQIS and inspects foods at various rates based upon the risk to human health and safety associated with that food. FSANZ conducts the food risk assessment and advises AQIS of those foods that pose a medium to high risk to human health and safety. The legal basis for the inspection of imported food on arrival to Australia is the Imported Food Control Act 1992.

Inspection

Includes inspection (visual and label assessment), or inspection and analysis (samples taken and sent for analysis), as the case requires.

Label assessment 

AQIS will assess the labelling applied to imported food at each inspection. Labels are assessed against specific requirements in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Line 

When a broker lodges an entry with the Australian Customs Service Integrated Cargo System, they will list the items being imported on lines within the import entry. An import entry may consist of one line or many lines of products. As such it is not an indication of the number of import entries as an import entry may have multiple lines.

Lot 

A quantity of a food prepared or packed under essentially the same conditions (ordinarily from a particular preparation or packing unit and during a particular time ordinarily not exceeding 24 hours).

Lot Code 

Unique code which identifies a lot and can be used for recall purposes if necessary.

NATA 

National Association of Testing Authorities.

Other tests 

These are tests of food that do not involve laboratory analysis. This term covers the visual assessment (but not label) of the food and an assessment of the government to government certification regarding the bovine spongiform encephalopathy status for the beef and beef product in the food.

Risk Category Food 

Foods that have been assessed by FSANZ as representing a medium to high potential risk to consumer health. Referred to AQIS by Customs for inspection at the rate of 100 per cent of imports.

Surveillance Category Foods 

A general term for foods that are either Active Surveillance Category or Random Surveillance Category foods under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.

Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement 

The Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement is an arrangement between the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia and the Government of New Zealand. It allows goods, including low risk foods, to be traded freely between New Zealand and Australia and enhances the freedom of individuals to work in both countries.