Foodstuffs, powder
Definition

(list of HS codes covered by this card)
Solid foodstuffs in powder form or fine flakes, such as milk-powder, flour or sugar.

This card also covers animal feed products in powder form or fine flakes.

For larger particles see card for ‘Loose grain and seeds’.

For products in individual packs see specific card for ‘Retail packages and finished articles’.


Foodstuffs, powder
Recommended minimum quantity for each final sample

0,5 kg
Applicable standards (ISO and EU Norms) and relevant legislation
  • EN ISO 707:2008 Milk and milk products — Guidance on sampling.
  • EN ISO 5555 Animal and vegetables fats and oils. Sampling.
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 of 27 January 2009 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of feed.
You should also refer to your national legislation and national guidelines regarding sampling.


Equipment needed
Suggested sampling tool depending on the method used
Containers to be used for the sampling
  • Plastic bags, different sizes, with or without pre-printed labels (P00).
  • Plastic bottles, various sizes (P02, P03, P04)
All containers must be suitable for food.

Safety precautions and risk assessment
  • You should be aware of and follow any health and safety instructions in the local risk assessment and/or safe working practices for the location where the sampling is to take place.
  • Pay attention to any safety labels. If you have indications that there are dangerous goods, request the SDS or ADR.
  • See Health and Safety for Sampling of Food Products for detailed advice on hygiene and risks for dry food products in bulk.
  • The hygiene of food products must be maintained.
  • Ensure you have clean and appropriate PPE for the circumstances.
  • Products of vegetable origin can be dusty or infested with agents that are dangerous to human health. Officers should make a risk assessment when they have sighted the consignment.
  • Officers should wear appropriate respiratory protection for exposure to dust.
  • High levels of dust in the air in combination with static electricity may generate a fire or explosion.

Sampling plan
Type of consignment Procedure
Consignment for Customs clearance One aggregate sample consists of an appropriate number of incremental samples chosen randomly or systematically throughout the consignment. When you are satisfied the consignment is homogeneous, one incremental sample is usually taken as representing the goods covered by the same customs declaration.

Consignments for CAP (export refunds) or excise control The aggregate sample consists of an appropriate number of incremental samples. The minimum number of incremental samples is described below. If the consignment consists of goods originating from one production line (the lot number is identical) a reduced number of samples may be taken.

Loose in carriages, bulk, tanks or container One aggregate sample from five or more incremental samples taken from conventional points depending on the size of the tank and number of tanks, chosen randomly or systematically throughout the consignment, see Sampling of solids, 2.2 Sampling of bulk products in the General part.

Check the homogeneity of the lot — if the homogeneity is in doubt, take more incremental samples. More aggregate samples should be created from tanks if containing different products or lots.

Sample is usually taken from top openings through the hatch. Cross-sectional sampling can be also used.
  • Spear-type sampler (S01-01): a spear-type sampler should be inserted with the sampling chamber(s) closed. When the probe has reached the required depth, the chambers should be opened and the probe twisted to ensure the chambers are filled. Close the chambers and withdraw the probe.
  • Zone sampler (S02-01): the probes are inserted into the load with the opening facing the bottom, then rotated 180° and withdrawn slowly in order to provide uniform samples of the whole section. In each lot, the samples must be collected at various points to ensure the aggregate sample is representative.
Bags, drums One or more aggregate samples: from incremental samples (one or more depending on the product homogeneity, number of containers) drawn from the middle of each container chosen randomly or systematically throughout the consignment, see Sampling of solids from transport packages in the General part.

An aggregate sample may be formed only from containers from the same lot contained in the same consignment. If there are several lots, they should be identified and sampled separately.

If a sample is taken from only one container (e.g. barrel), it is poured directly from the sampler into the sample container.

Powders being moved One aggregate sample: from incremental samples throughout the whole diameter of the stream, with intervals determined by the moving speed, see Sampling from moving cargo.

Where the product is being mechanically moved using conveyors or other equipment there may be diverter valves or chutes that allow samples to be drawn at regular intervals from the moving stream. If these are not present it may be necessary for health and safety reasons to stop the flow and use a shovel or scoop to draw samples from the conveyor. In some cases samples may be collected by passing a scoop with long handles through the moving stream of chemical product at regular intervals. In each case samples must be drawn during the whole time the lot is flowing past the sampling point to ensure that the aggregate sample is representative.


Handling of samples
General comments
  • Where the product is transported loose in bulk, the load must be considered as a whole and the samples must be taken from all parts of the load.
  • Continuous automatic sampling is always the preferred method as opposed to manual sampling.
  • Dividing the sample: the size of an aggregate sample may be large. It will therefore be necessary to reduce this to obtain the final samples. Please refer to the Sample Division System.
Sampling form
  • Fill in the sampling form. One copy should be attached to the samples and one copy should be kept for the record.
Transport
  • The samples must be protected against light and odour to prevent contamination, microbiological growth or other situations which would damage the sample.
Storage
  • The samples must be kept at ambient temperature in a dry and well-ventilated place. They must be protected against light and odour to prevent contamination, microbiological growth or other situations which would damage the sample.
  • Samples which will be tested for the moisture content, or where the moisture content may affect the analysis, must be packed in moisture-tight containers with an air-tight closure. The container must be filled completely and then sealed to prevent any change in the moisture content.

Foodstuff, powder (expand list)
HS number Description


Revisions
Version Date Changes
1.0 12.10.2012 First version
1.1 10.02.2021 Update - New format, addition of animal feed HS Codes and other modifications