SGS launches a Weed Seed Searches service in Australia

Weed seeds in grain shipment are undesirable, and in many cases banned. Weed seed searches can verify compliance to local regulations and ensure there will be no issues at the destination port of entry.

International grain trading requirements differ by country, but weed seed testing is mandatory to verify the quality of shipments and prevent the import of undesirable weeds and non-native species. China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia are just some of the countries that require grain imports to be tested. Requirements vary, by destination country and by commodity, making expert testing indispensable.

SGS’s laboratory at Pinkenba, Queensland, in Australia, has received its formal report from the country’s National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and now offers weed seed testing with accreditation pending.

Experts from SGS can sample a shipment, assess its weed seed status and, if appropriate, certify it to be within the proscribed limit. With NATA accreditation pending, this value added service means clients can ship grain secure in the knowledge of its compliance to local requirements.