Imported food virtual inspections - Expressions Of Interest

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has received advice from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) has issued Imported Food Notice 03-21 accepting expressions of interest from parties interested in virtual visual label inspections for eligible imported surveillance food.

Purpose

To advise importers and brokers that from 5 July 2021, the department will be accepting expressions of interest from parties interested in engaging in virtual visual label inspections for eligible imported surveillance food.

Key points

• A virtual inspection is conducted in real time using Microsoft Teams.  Virtual inspections allow a departmental authorised officer to connect with an importer through a smart portable device and conduct the inspection remotely. The only platform currently used is Microsoft Teams.
• From 5 July, importers must express interest to participate in a virtual inspection and conduct connectivity testing with the department prior to booking a virtual inspection. Expressions of interest can be sent to IFIS-InspectionSupport@agriculture.gov.au.
• Guidelines will be sent to importers that express interest with the complete list of requirements that must be met to undertake a virtual inspection.
• Importers must have the technological capability and connectivity to participate in a virtual inspection through Microsoft Teams. Importers must also nominate representatives to undertake virtual inspections. Representatives will be required to follow directions of authorised officers, including the selection of samples for inspection and positioning the goods to the camera for detailed inspection.
• Importers will be charged per the existing charging guidelines. If, during a virtual inspection, the food is found not to be compliant, the virtual inspection will be cancelled, and a physical inspection must be booked.
• Food eligible for a virtual label and visual inspection is surveillance food. The following surveillance foods are not eligible for virtual inspections:
• formulated supplementary sport foods
• food subject to a holding order
• food subject to analytical testing.
• Risk food is also not eligible for label and visual virtual inspections.
• Physical inspections will continue to be an option for importers who do not wish to book a virtual inspection.

Background

• In 2020, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the department conducted a trial of virtual inspections under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) for label and visual inspections of surveillance foods.
• The virtual inspection trial was a success and found virtual inspections offered many benefits for both industry and the department including greater flexibility and efficiencies. Due to the success of the trial, the department supports offering virtual inspections as a permanent option under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme for eligible surveillance foods.
• The department will continue to explore the use of alternative media platforms and smart technology devices that support virtual inspections in real time, such as the use of smart glasses.