The chain of evidence is the physical and documentary measures that provide a proven direct link between the declared cargo, the sample taken and the evidence given by the analyst regarding the classification of the cargo.

The Chain of Evidence for Samples

Physical Measures

• Identification of the declared means of transport:

• Container,

• Lorry,

• Ship,

• Rail-wagon etc.

Physical Measures

• Identification of the Cargo:

• Marks & Numbers,

• Description,

• Count

• Exclusion of other goods.

Physical Measures • Representative Samples:

• Samples drawn from different packages

• Different parts of the load

• Duplicate Samples (And Traders if requested)

• (Agreement of the trader)

Remember Health & Safety

Physical Measures

• Security of Samples:

• Labelled and sealed

• Stored securely (and appropriately)

• Transported securely (and appropriately)

• Seals intact on arrival at the analyst.

Documentary Measures • Examination account must include:• Details of the declaration• Who was present• All the details used to identify the goods• How the sample was taken• How it was representative• How it was sealed and stored• Any other information available

A Witness Statement!

Documentary Measures

• The Test Note must show details of:

• The declared cargo

• The sampled packages

• The seals put on the samples

Documentary Measures

• Office Records:

• Records of examinations

• Records of Samples

• Records of storage & dispatch to analyst

Documentary Measures

• The Analyst must record:

• The receipt of the sample

• The seals found on the samples

• When they were broken

Chain of Evidence

One weak link

will break the chain!