We appoint laboratories to conduct testing on samples of imported food.
As an appointed analyst, you test food to verify it meets specific:
- food safety requirements
- requirements within the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
You help us monitor imported food as part of our Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS).
If you are an importer wanting to choose an appointed analyst, see how to book a laboratory.
Your responsibilities
To work as an appointed analyst, you must meet our conditions for appointment.
How it works
We inspect imported food and take samples for testing. Your laboratory analyses samples and reports on the results.
See the how to test imported food samples.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- have the appropriate testing capability
- be accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) or International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) for the food/analyte combination
- be able to report results electronically via our eResult system
- meet and comply with our conditions for appointment.
Testing capability
You must identify the tests your laboratory can conduct and report per the imported food testing and reporting guide for appointed analysts.
You must also provide your NATA or IANZ scopes of accreditation. Submit these along with your Imported food testing capability application.
You can subcontract some specified testing to other appointed analysts. Use the testing capability application to let us know when you do this. You cannot subcontract all testing.
eResult system requirements
Your system must be able to report electronically via the eResults system. Email the AIMS administrator to find out more.
These guides set out how to set up and use the eResults system.
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
| eResults External Domain Dictionary PDF | 13 | 682 KB |
| eResults External Domain Dictionary DOCX | 13 | 347 KB |
| eResults External Code Requirements PDF | 12 | 847 KB |
| eResults External Code Requirements DOCX | 12 | 866 KB |
| eResults External System Interface Requirements PDF | 78 | 1.3 MB |
| eResults External System Interface Requirements DOCX | 79 | 2.8 MB |
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
How to apply
If you’re eligible to apply, you must:
- complete both application forms
- submit your NATA or IANZ scopes of accreditation.
Download application forms
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
| Application for approval of a laboratory to be appointed as an analyst PDF | 4 | 267 KB |
| Imported food testing capability application PDF | 6 | 393 KB |
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
Email the laboratory contact officer if you have any questions about your application.
Submit your application
By mail
Laboratory contact officer
Imported Food section
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
By email
Email: AppointedAnalysts@awe.gov.au
Subject: Laboratory contact officer
What happens next
We will contact you when we receive your application.
We will assess your application and verify if your laboratory meets our eligibility criteria.
Once we have accepted your application, we will direct you to email eResultsAdmin. They will help you set up eResults testing to link our Import Management System (AIMS) with your IT system.
If your eResults testing can be set up correctly, we will send you a:
- letter of appointment
- Instrument of Appointment and Schedule
We add your details to our list of appointed laboratories and laboratory nomination form.
You can then begin testing.
Legislation
The Imported Food Control Act 1992 authorises our officers to inspect and take food samples for testing. We regulate imported food at the border. We use risk–based targeting of food for end point inspection and analysis.
The Imported Food Control Regulations 2019 sets out how the imported food inspection arrangements operate.
The Imported Food Control Order 2019 lists food classified as risk. Risk food is food considered to pose a medium or high risk to public health, based on advice from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Section 34 of the Act requires our Secretary, or a delegate, to appoint a laboratory as an appointed analyst to analyse food samples.