General principles for analysts
An analytical laboratory wishing to be included in the scheme should complete the application form in full.
Each applicant laboratory should indicate on the application form whether they are seeking approval for feedingstuffs, grain or both. They must also indicate the analysis tests for which they wish to be tested.
Laboratories seeking approval for grain must undertake a minimum of two determinations. Those seeking approval for feedingstuffs must undertake a minimum of three determinations. Approval is given for grain and/or feed and does not necessarily relate to the activities of the laboratory as a whole.
Applicants are sent the respective ring test samples which must be analysed according to the relevant Gafta Methods of Analysis (GAFTA Form 130). Results of this analysis should be sent to the inspecting laboratory on the form provided.
The production of satisfactory analytical data at the application stage is a requirement for acceptance under the scheme and gaining Associate Membership of Gafta as an analyst.
Successful applicants are included in the first ring test following acceptance of their application, and ring tests thereafter will be held twice per year. Ring test samples are normally despatched to participating laboratories in January and July each year. Successful applicants must participate in both of the twice yearly ring tests to remain approved under the scheme.
Participating laboratories are identified in reports by a unique reference number, known only to themselves, Gafta and the inspecting laboratory. Published analytical data is not attributable to a specific laboratory by name or location and therefore the identity and performance of any laboratory is not known to any other. Tests of satisfactory performance and acceptability are based on the target standard deviation for each analyst chosen from either the appropriate form of the Horowitz equation or the trial standard deviation after removal of outliers. Z-Scores are deemed satisfactory if |z| = 2.
Approved Analysts that report unsatisfactory results for one or more tests are advised that their performance in those tests is not satisfactory.
If results for the same test or tests are unsatisfactory at the next round, approval is suspended. Once a laboratory is suspended it is left to that lab to undertake the checking of internal procedures to improve performance. Suspended laboratories may re-apply to join the scheme after a period of 6 months has elapsed, to allow time to improve testing protocols.
A supply of samples from each ring test are retained by the inspecting laboratory and are available for purchase by scheme analysts to assist with performance. There is a small charge for this service. For further information on this service please contact the Trade Assurance Manager.
Laboratories that achieve approval under the scheme have their names listed on the Register that is maintained on the Gafta website, are printed in the Yearbook and are also posted in Gafta circulars and newsletters. Details are also given of any suspensions, resignations etc.
Analysts scheme costs - application, membership and ring tests
A once only joining fee of £350 is payable at the time of application, together with the relevant fees for the determinations (see below). In addition an annual charge is levied for Category F Associate Membership subscriptions. The membership fee for year 2011/12 is £550. A full membership year is from 1st October to 30th September the following year.
New scheme members are required to pay the annual membership subscription charge (applied on a pro-rata basis) at the time of gaining acceptance onto the scheme.
Payment for each round of ring tests is due within 30 days from date of invoice. A laboratory which had not paid the annual membership fee or for any fees relating to a round of ring testing will not be allowed to participate in subsequent ring tests and will have their names removed from the register (unless there is a valid reason for non-payment).
Each determination per round is charged according to the following scale:
No. of determinations Fee per determination Total
2 £85 £170
3 £70 £210
4 £55 £220
5 £50 £250
6 £45 £270
(The fees for determinations for Grain and Feedingstuffs are calculated separately).
Example:
A laboratory applying to join the scheme and be tested for moisture, oil and protein in feedingstuffs would pay:
£ 350 application fee, plus £210 for 3 determinations. If the applicant laboratory is successful in the ring test the annual membership fee (applied pro rata) is also due for payment.
Thereafter the appropriate six monthly ring test fees are payable plus the annual membership fee.
Important Note: where appropriate ring test samples are despatched by courier from the United Kingdom direct to the participating laboratory. This is to enable the tracking of samples and to receive confirmation of delivery. In some cases (through experience) samples are better sent by mail where extreme customs related delays have been encountered. The cost of the sending of samples by whichever means, together with the cost of any required documentation to enable delivery of the samples (eg: a phytosanitary certificate) are added at cost price to the invoice. Samples for analysts in China and Ukraine are sent via the Gafta offices in those countries for local distribution. Samples to Brazil and Argentina are sent via mail to avoid customs delays.
Certification
Approved laboratories are awarded the GAFTA Approved Analyst Certificate in recognition of their achievement. The Certificate will list the tests (grain/feedingstuffs/rice) for which the laboratory is approved. Certificates are valid for 6 months, and are re-issued after each round successfully completed. Each certificate states the renewal date so that lapsed or cancelled certificates are invalid.