Fidji

27 juin 2025 — G/TFA/N/FJI/3  

Fiji has established a Test Procedures Working Group under the National Trade Facilitation Committee. The group has developed a Position Paper and an initial work plan to undertake a scoping and gap analysis (ongoing). The working group is led by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and consists of 10 other trade facilitation agencies.

The Department of National Trade Measurements and Standards has developed new standards and testing regimes for some traded products that are engaged with the initiative assesses laboratory capacity and future needs on a regional basis.

The following specific activities have been undertaken:

• The NZMPI Aid Project has implemented the following:

- Facility Upgrade, including increased floor space and equipment availability in the Post-Entry Quarantine laboratory at Koronivia. They are now able to conduct molecular-level testing. BAF provided staff training and certification, and existing SOPs were updated.

- Serological (ELISA) and molecular (PCR) testing for local animal diseases (e.g., American Foul Brood) and exotic diseases (e.g., Foot and Mouth Disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, African Swine Fever, etc.).

The World Bank Group is assisting the Working Group to undertake the scoping requirements to identify the future needs for new or updated testing facilities, or to existing facilities for 2nd testing, to ensure access to the second test for the private sector. Planning workshops were conducted in February and June 2023. BAF is currently examining the current requirements for 2nd testing and the future feasibility of undertaking these tests in Fiji or elsewhere. The World Bank Group is also reviewing the current draft of the Biosecurity legislation related to 2nd testing procedures, as well as providing support to BAF on adopting a risk-based approach for testing and inspection. A draft policy addressing test procedures is currently in the development process with support from the World Bank Group.

Areas of assistance required:

Fiji requires assistance to develop the following 2nd testing requirements:
• Specifics of laboratory requirements and accreditation to achieve compliance.
• Laboratory training and capacity development requirements.
• 2nd testing implementation strategy (including processes and timing).
• Implementation of policy and standard operating procedures when legislation is approved.
• Potential automation and laboratory sample tracking.
• Stakeholder consultancy and awareness on secondary tests.