Procedure for taking samples for analysis
8.—(1)  Where a consignment of fresh fruits or vegetables has been imported and an authorised officer takes a sample of the consignment for analysis under section 39 of the Act, the authorised officer shall —
(a)seal the sample in such manner as its nature permits;
(b)label the sample with the particulars of the licensee of the consignment and the date the sample was taken;
(c)sign his name on the label;
(d)direct the licensee or, where the licensee is not present, the person having charge of the consignment to sign an acknowledgment that the sample comes from the consignment imported by him or of which he is in charge, as the case may be; and
(e)forthwith deliver the sample to an authorised analyst for analysis.
(2)  Where the authorised officer determines that the consignment is to be detained until a report of the result of the analysis is obtained, he shall —
(a)cause the consignment to be marked or labelled for identification; and
(b)direct the licensee or, where the licensee is not present, the person having charge of the consignment to store the consignment at such place as the authorised officer may specify until the report is obtained.
(3)  Where the licensee is not present at the time the consignment is detained, the authorised officer shall, as soon as practicable, inform the licensee of the detention.
(4)  Any person who —
(a)fails to comply with a direction of an authorised officer given under paragraph (1) or (2); or
(b)without the authority of the authorised officer, removes, sells or otherwise disposes of any part of a consignment which has been detained,
shall be guilty of an offence.
(5)  Where the result of the analysis of the sample confirms that the sample does not contain any —
(a)prohibited pesticide residue;
(b)residue of any pesticide which exceeds the prescribed level referred to in rule 9(1)(a) in respect of the pesticide; or
(c)residue of any toxic chemical which exceeds the prescribed level referred to in rule 9(1)(b) in respect of that toxic chemical,
an authorised officer shall forthwith release the consignment to the licensee if the consignment is detained.