FAQ
What does a typical process involve for a container shipment
Firstly you need to decide whether you would like to have CIS arrange the inspection for your consignment, or whether you would like to have the packer send a sample directly to our laboratory.
The first step is to provide us with a packing advice with the following details:
- Packer's name and contact details
- Product
- Tonnage
- Product specifications for analysis and instructions if necessary
- Vessel name
- Estimated time of departure
We then send the packer a 'sample request' form to ensure that the sample arrives at the correct address as soon as possible after packing. The form will state the shipper's name and above details.
Once packed, we should receive the sample/s in our laboratory. Upon receipt, CIS head office will advise the lab of the specification for the shipment and the analysis is then carried out.
In terms of certificates, we provide a wide range of documents, although in most cases our clients require a certificate of quality and weight. It is beneficial if we receive draft document instructions prior to, or at least during, the analysis process therefore allowing time for documents to be checked amended by the time analysis is completed.
What is the turnaround time on documentation?
We require 24 hours to complete certificate drafts. Final documents are issued immediately once approved by the client.
How do you issue your certificates?
We issue our certificates electronically, via emailed e-cert. We now have a new system for issuing documents called Web Docs. With Web Docs we generate a signed and encrypted document in PDF format that can be downloaded from the Client Log In area of our website. Click here to find out more about Web Docs.
We can also print and post certificates, this does incur an administration charge.
What is the turnaround time on analysis?
We take one to two working days for most analyses required for shipping documents. Tests that take more than two working days are:
- Pesticides residues
- Amino acid profile
- Biological analysis such as salmonella, ecoli, mould and bacteria.
- Heavy metals
- Antibiotics
If I decide to go ahead what information do you need to ensure things run smoothly?
The most efficient way to have us work with you is to inform us of each shipment order prior to packing, so that we can prepare the file documentation, ensuring a trouble free start. It is also a good idea to keep us up to date with changes such as vessel, estimated time of departure and/or reference numbers.
What methods do you use with analysis?
We use internationally recognized methods, including the ones listed below. If a method isn't listed, please contact us and we will advise you as soon as we can.
- Meals (AOAC methods)
- Fats and Oils (AOCS methods)
- Grain, seeds, pulses (AACC and NACMA approved methods)
What if I need my shipment to be sampled independently?
CIS has an extensive network of inspectors covering all of the regular grain packers around Australia. Upon receiving shipment instructions, we will inform our inspector in the relevant location, who will then liaise with the packer and make arrangements to be present during the loading of the containers. Our representative will draw samples, prepare a composite and send it promptly to our laboratory for analysis in accordance with your instructions.
