Some food must be imported with a recognised foreign government certificate. The certificate is negotiated under a mandatory government certification arrangement.

Foreign governments can apply for a government certification arrangement. These arrangements cover the export of certain foods classified as risk food to Australia.

Mandatory foreign government certification is needed to import:

As an appointed analyst, you test samples of imported food. This is part of our Imported Food Inspection Scheme.

This guide sets out:

Date of issue: 20 January 2022

Date of effect: Immediately

Reference Number: MAA2021-02

The third NSW RFAs Annual Meeting of Officials took place by videoconference on 4 November 2021. The meeting was attended by officials from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and the NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (which includes the Environment Protection Authority and the Environment, Energy and Science group), Department of Regional NSW (which includes NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services) and the NSW Natural Resources Commission.

We inspect and test food imports under our Imported Food Inspection Scheme.

Our sampling procedure makes sure the correct number of samples are taken from a consignment of food when it is referred for testing.

We regularly conduct reviews and consult with our stakeholders to assist us in identifying areas that may benefit from regulatory reform. Visit the below pages for more information about our previous activities.