Shipments to Australia

Australia has fairly strict quarantine regulations that control the importation of certain materials. Samples from below about 3 meters are usually free of harmful microorganisms, as are samples of process products like concentrates. Samples from above about 3m may require special treatment to meet quarantine requirements. SGS’ Perth facility is an accredited quarantine laboratory and ensures that the treatment that may be required does not affect subsequent testing.

DOCUMENTATION NEEDED

When sending samples to SGS in Australia from outside the country, to expedite your analyses the following information should accompany the samples:

1. A letter on Company Letterhead with the following information is required:

Name of company and subsidiary

Name of deposit/operation

Contact address, phone and facsimile numbers

Country of origin of samples

Nature of samples; e.g. rock, drill core, concentrates

Depth below surface from which samples originate. (Quarantine officials make regular microscopic checks for organic material.)

Reason for sending samples; i.e. analysis at SGS Minerals Services

Commercial value of samples; usually zero (importation tax is due on material with value)

SGS Minerals Services' quarantine permit number (200417732)  

Total weight of samples and how packed (eg 2kg lots)

The address, phone and fax numbers of the receiving laboratory

The name of the contact person at the receiving laboratory  

Name of contact person at your own company

OTHER PERTINENT NOTES

It is advisable to use a shipping or freight agent.

All shipping / freight documentation, including the above letter, should be attached securely to the samples and to the Bill of Lading.

The samples should be securely packed and labeled including the name of the person at SGS Minerals Services who knows about the samples. (This can reduce delays once the samples arrive at the Laboratory).