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AgVetLink August 2004: Page 12

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FAQ – Data Assessment Service (DAS)

Queries about the Data Assessment Service come into the ACVM Group regularly. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers.

Q Can registrants do their own DAS report?

A Yes, they can. However, the person undertaking the report should not be the same person who compiles the data sets.

Q Does the ACVM Group still do DAS reports?

A Yes, the ACVM Group still does DAS reports on behalf of registrants.

Q Can registrants have both the ACVM Group and others undertake DAS reports for an application?

A Yes, this is acceptable. For example, an application requires DAS reports in the chemistry and residues areas.

The registrant can request the ACVM Group does the residue DAS report, while they or another can undertake the chemistry DAS report.

Q Does the ACVM Group have a list of persons who can undertake DAS reports?

A No, not at present. While there is a list of consultants on the website ( http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/acvm/registers-lists/consultants.htm ), these persons have requested their names be on this list (including their areas of expertise) in order to assist registrants prepare their data packages. This is a consultancy role, not a DAS assessment role.

Q Does this mean I cannot use anyone on this consultant list to prepare a DAS report?

A No, you can contact anyone on the list and ask whether they are prepared to undertake a DAS report.

However, it is the responsibility of the registrant to ensure the person is competent to do the data assessment.

Q What should I consider as ‘competent’ when considering any person to undertake the DAS report?

A The person must have a good understanding of:

• the ACVM Act and the risks managed under it;

• the ACVM Group’s standards and guidelines; and 

• the area of the DAS assessment (i.e. appropriate expertise and experience).

Q How can I determine whether people are ‘competent’?

A This is for you to ascertain.

However, as a guide, you should consider reviewing their CVs to determine whether this relates to the DAS assessment you wish them to undertake. In addition, you could consider whether they have had previous experience in preparing DAS reports, and whether the ACVM Group had any issues or not with their reports.

Bear in mind, lack of experience in preparing a DAS report does not mean they are incompetent.

For specialised areas such as efficacy DAS reports, their expertise and recent experience must be in the relevant areas. You should not assume that a person competent on herbicides is likely to be competent on insecticides.

In addition, it should also not be assumed that a person who is competent on vegetables is likely to be competent on crops other than vegetables.

Q Who should I use – the ACVM Group or another?

A This is a commercial decision for you to make. However, the ACVM Group has stated that regulatory work takes priority over DAS assessments because the latter is a discretionary service. Consequently, the ACVM Group may take longer than someone else to complete a DAS assessment.

Q What if I have more questions?

A Please feel free to ring or email the ACVM Group. The February 2004

Agvetlink, which is available on the website, also contained an article on DAS business rules that should be read in conjunction with these FAQs.

 

AgVetLink for PAR traders

It has become apparent from applications coming into the ACVM Group from people/organisations wishing to register as PAR traders that the concept of trading in PARs is not clear. For this reason a special edition of AgVetLink has been published to answer frequently asked questions and to help people understand the new system. The trader AgVetLink covers:

• trading in PARs

• who must apply to become a trader

• what must be included in an application

• how veterinarians are affected

• how feed manufacturers are affected

• advertising

• ACVM and HSNO terminology.

This special issue will be sent to registrants of PAR products, organisations/individuals identified as traders, and will also be available on the website.