SAMANCTA SAmpling MANual for C ustoms and T ax T ax A uthorities

SAMANCTA

SAMANCTA will be available as an online Database Initially in English only Eventually in all languages of the EU SAMANCTA

Development  Financed by the European Commission as a guide for Officers in all Member States.  Created by the Sampling Working Group for the Group of Customs Laboratories under Action 3 – Networking on Quality.  The Sampling Working Group includes experts from selected member states You can find out more about the Group of Customs Laboratories herehere

Purpose  To ensure the quality of samples received for analysis at laboratories.  To harmonise procedures  To provide constructive guidance to officers on the sampling methods to be used for each type of product.

Disclaimer  The information included in SAMANCTA is intended to provide a guideline for sampling goods for customs purposes.  It is the reader's own responsibility to verify the information before use.  Current National and EU Legislation may supersede the information in this guide.  You should always check!

STRUCTURE The manual consists of two parts:  The General Part Which contains general information for all officers undertaking sampling Which contains general information for all officers undertaking sampling  The Specific Part Which consists of a number of “sampling cards” giving details of how to sample different types of goods. Which consists of a number of “sampling cards” giving details of how to sample different types of goods.

General Part Divided into chapters:  Terms and Definitions  The Legal basis of the guide  Health and Safety  Standards (relevant ISO & EN Standards)  General Principles of Sampling  Sampling Tools  Sampling Containers  Ethnic Glossary of foods in non-EU languages  (Training – not yet available)  List of European Customs Laboratories

Navigation  The chapter headings are listed on the left hand side. Although primarily in English at the moment certain pages show other languages for demonstration purposes only.

Navigation  Holding the mouse over an item will show the next level of the menu.

Navigation  You can select each level until you find the section you want.

General Part  You should familiarise yourself with the General Part of the Manual before commencing any sampling operations.  The General Part may also be used for reference and additional information during a sampling operation, however,  The Specific Sampling Card will provide details of the particular hazards, methods, equipment for the specific goods being sampled.

Specific Part The procedure for sampling goods depends on:  The type and physical nature of the goods;  The transportation and packaging. The cards are therefore arranged on this basis.  Additionally there is a card covering “Retail Packages”  The next slides show the order of the cards.

Fish/Meat Prep. PowderChap 9 and 12 DairyChap. 5 Chap. 14 Chap. 24 Food Liquid Low Viscosity High Viscosity Fresh/Chill Dried/Salt. Meat Frozen FISH L: Live FC: Fresh/Chilled F: Frozen D: Dried/smoked/salted Fish L FC D F Specific Part – Food chapter Veg. Prod Nuts Fruit & Veg Plants Fresh Chilled Prepared Fats Butter Cheese Loose Grain* *Loose grain includes free flowing granules and pellets Sampling Cards Available Not Available

Specific part - Chemicals Chemicals Gas Solid GranulesPowder BlockSheetsUnit Liquid Low Viscosity Med. Viscosity High Viscosity  You do not need to remember these.  There are three different methods of finding the card you need.

SEARCH from the Home Page  Three Search Tools 1.By HS Code 2.By Product Type 3.From the Description  For Example: HS Code 1001 HS Code 1001  Gives this result.  The links will take you to the card for “Loose Grain”

Another Example  A search on the Description: Wheat  Gives these results  Again – the links will take you to the “Loose Grain” card.

What is on the Sampling Card All the cards use a standard format and include the same information

Standard content of Sampling Cards   Description of goods covered   Minimum size of final sample   European/ISO Standards that may apply   Specific legislation   Equipment required   Safety precautions   Sampling plans/methods   Storage & Transportation   HS Codes covered by the card

The Loose Grain Card  The first section gives a general definition of products falling within the scope of the sampling procedure

Loose Grain  The next section shows the minimum quantity for each final sample.  Then any standards or legislation relating to the products covered.  NOTE – You should always check current legislation and standards as well as your national guidelines

 The equipment listed is a recommendation, but this will vary depending on the circumstances of the consignment being examined.  Where a reference number is shown as a link, this will take you to the list of equipment in the general part where there is a full description and usually a picture. Loose Grain

The safety precautions and risk assessment only give an indication of the likely hazards. Local and national guidelines and risk assessments should be checked before commencing the sampling. Loose Grain

The Sampling plan explains the method by which a representative sample can be obtained. Loose Grain

The Sampling Procedure gives detailed methods for drawing the samples Loose Grain

This section may also give additional information. For example: Loose Grain – methods of reducing the aggregate sample to the correct size for analysis

There is a reminder about the Sample Form and information on the transportation and storage of samples. Loose Grain

Finally – there is a list of all the commodities covered by the card

Using the Cards  Read the card before you start – this will assist you in drawing up your sampling plan.  Refer to the General Part if you need more detailed information on a particular point.  The Cards are designed to be printed out so you can take a copy with you when do the sampling.  Remember the card is only a guide and you must check your National guidance and legislation and any other measures in force.

Problems  A Feedback Form is available. Please use this to report any problems or errors in SAMANCTA as it will assist the improvement of the Manual. Thank You