DEAS 900: 2024 
ICS 67.060  
 
© EAC2024                                                                                                                            Second Edition 2024  
 
DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Cereals, pulses and their products — Sampling  
 
 
 
 
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  DEAS 900: 2024  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  ii 
 Copyright notice  
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Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.  Violators 
may be prosecuted . DEAS 900: 2024  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  v 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  1 
2 Norma tive references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  1 
4 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  2 
5 Equipment and devices  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  3 
6 Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 3 
6.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  3 
6.2 Sampling of bulk products  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  3 
6.2.1  General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  3 
6.2.2  Sampling of dynamic bulk products  ................................ ................................ ..........................  4 
6.2.3  Sampling of static bulk products  ................................ ................................ ................................  4 
6.2.4  Number and mass of samples of grain  ................................ ................................ ......................  4 
6.2.5  Number and mas s of samples of milled and other cereal products  ................................ ....... 7 
6.3 Sampling from bagged grains  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 8 
6.3.1  General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  8 
6.3.2  Bags  for cutting  and starting  (bleeding)  ................................ ................................ ....................  8 
6.4 Sampling of milled and other cereal products in packed units  ................................ ...............  9 
6.4.1  Bales, “crates boxes” or sacks and bags to be sampled  ................................ ........................  9 
6.4.2  Increments or packed units  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  9 
6.4.3  Number and mass of increments  ................................ ................................ ................................  9 
7 Laboratory sample  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  12 
7.1 Homogenization  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  12 
7.2 Division of the aggregate sample  ................................ ................................ .............................  12 
7.2.1  Coning and quartering method  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 12 
7.2.2  Sample div iders  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  12 
8 Packaging and labelling of samples  ................................ ................................ .........................  13 
8.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  13 
8.2 Labels for samples  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  13 
9 Shipment of samples  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  14 
10 Sampling report  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  14 
11 Hygiene and safety  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  14 
Annex  A (informative)  Examples of mechanical sampling devices used on flowing grain  ...........  16 
A.1 Crosscut sampling devices  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 16 
A.2 Full-flow diverter -type sampling devices  ................................ ................................ .................  18 
A.3 Rotating cup sampling devices  ................................ ................................ ................................  18 
A.4 Bucket elevator sampling devices  ................................ ................................ ............................  19 
Annex B (informative)   Examples of instruments used to sample static products an d instruments 
used to divide samples  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  20 
B.1 Cereal sampling instruments  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 20 
B.1.1  Instruments used to sample static bulk prod ucts in tote bags and rigid containers  .........  20 
B.1.2  Instruments used to take samples from sacks or bags including bulk sacks .....................  23 
B.2 Instruments used to sample milled products, excluding products in granular form ..........  24 
B.2.1  Instruments used to sample static bulk products  ................................ ................................ .. 24 
B.2.2  Instruments used to take samples from sacks and bags  ................................ ......................  25 
B.3 Instruments used to divide samples  ................................ ................................ ........................  25 
B.3.1  Quartering irons  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  25 
B.3.2  Multiple -slot dividers (with partitions and plates)  ................................ ................................ .. 25 
B.3.3  Cone -shaped dividers (Boerner t ype) ................................ ................................ ......................  26 
B.3.4  Rotating mechanical divider  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 26 DEAS 900: 2024  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  iv 
 B.4 Guide to instruments suitable for sampling cereals and cereal products  ...........................  29 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  30 
 
 DEAS 900: 2024  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  v 
 Foreword  
Development of the East African Standards has been necessitated by the need for harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of prod ucts and services in the East African Community. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are exchanged within 
the Community will be removed.  
The Community has established an East  African Standards Committee  (EASC)  mandated to develop and issue 
East African Standards  (EAS) . The Committee is composed of representatives of the National Standards Bodies 
in Partner States, together with the representatives from the public and private s ector organizations  in the 
community .  
East African Standards are developed through  Technical Committees that are representative of key 
stakeholders including government, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties. 
Draft East Af rican Standards are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the Partner 
States. The comments received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of standards, in accordance 
with the Principles and procedures for developm ent of East African Standards.  
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are  implementing .  
The committee responsible  for this document is Technical Committee EASC / TC 014, Cereals , pulses  and 
related products . 
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be subject of patent rights. 
EAC sha ll not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  DEAS 900: 2024  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  vi 
 Introduction  
Sampling is a procedure which requires both a method and equipment that are suitable for the task. Any analysis 
of the characteristics of a lot and any interpretation o f the results would prove futile if the sample were not 
representative of the lot from which it was taken . 
The lack of consistently applied sampling methods by laboratories within the EAC Partner States has led to 
discrepancies of test results. The laborat ories use either ISO  or GAFTA methods for sampling.  This prompted 
the EAC Partner States to develop the East African Standard for Sampling for Cereals and Pulses based on 
ISO and GAFTA standards.  The purpose of this standard is therefore to come up with h armonized sampling 
procedures to avoid discrepancies and any trade barriers with in the EAC region.  
 
 
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  DEAS 900: 2024  
 
© EAC 2 024 – All rights reserved  1 
  Cereals, pulses and their products  — Sampling  
1 Scope   
This draft East African Standard specifies requirements for the dynamic or static sampling, by manual , electronic  
or mechanical means , for assessment  of compliance to East African standards  for cereals, pulses and their 
products . 
It is not applicable to seed grain.  
NOTE  The sampling of seed grain is governed by the rules establi shed by the ISTA (International Seed Testing 
Association).   
2 Normative references   
There are no normative references in this document.  
3 Terms and definitions   
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
3.1 
lot 
identifie d quantity of material (cereal, pulses or their product) from which a sample can be taken and controlled 
to determine one (or several) characteristic(s)  
3.2 
sampling  
drawing or constituting a sample  
3.3  
dynamic sampling  
drawing or constituting a sample  from flowing lot   
3.4  
static sampling  
drawing or constituting a sample  from stationa ry lot 
3.5 
increment  
amount of material taken at one time at each individual sampling point throughout a lot  
3.6 
aggregate sample  
combination of two or more increments  (3.5), taken by experimental sampling  throughout a lot (3.1), combined 
and homogenized  
3.7 
laboratory sample  
sample prepared by homogenizing and dividing an aggregate sample  (3.6) for sending to the laboratory and  
intended for inspection or testing   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  2 
 3.8 
homogenization  
thorough mixing by mechanical or manual means so that contaminants and physical properties are evenly 
distributed throughout the aggregate or laboratory sample  
3.9 
packed unit  
quantity of grains or their products contained in a sack, a bag or a retail pack  or any other package  
Note: Package commodity or unit of product uniformly wrapped and sealed  
3.10 
sampling error  
that part of total estimation of inaccuracy  of a characteristic due to the heterogeneity of the charac teristics, the 
nature of sampling and to known and acceptable deficiencies in the sampling plan  
3.11 
bleeding  
opening of grains in sacks and pouring into open spaces/containers so that the grain is in bulk form  
 
4 General requirements  
4.1 For the purpose of this standard, sampling includes the following stages:  
a) taking a defined number of increments to constitute an aggregate sample;  
b) homogenization of the aggregate sample;  and 
c) reduction of the aggregate sample into the laboratory sample(s).  
4.2 Since the co mposition of the lots of cereals, pulses or their products is rarely homogeneous and since 
certain contaminants are  distributed in a non -uniform way, a sufficient number of increments shall be taken and 
carefully mixed to constitute an aggregate sample fro m which it will subsequently be possible to obtain one or 
several laboratory sample(s).  
For non -flowing commodities (static), particular care shall be taken to ensure that these increments are 
distributed regularly throughout the grain mass, both at the su rface and deep down.  
4.3 It is essential that cereals, pulses and their products which are damaged on transit (either by water or 
other contaminants) or out of condition should be kept from the sound grain and sampled separately. Samples 
of the unsound mat erial damaged in transit shall not be mixed with samples of the sound material.  
4.4 Precautions shall be taken to ensure that all equipment used is clean, dry and free from foreign odour.  
The sampling procedures shall be carried out in such a way that the sampled material is protected from any 
source of accidental contamination caused by rain, dust, etc.  
4.5 All the sampling procedures shall be carried out over a sufficiently short period of time to avoid any  
modification of the volatile substances in the s amples. If one of the sampling stages takes a long time, the 
increments, individually or combined, shall be kept in sealed containers.  
4.6 In the event of arbitration, samples shall be taken jointly by representatives of both the purchaser and  the 
vendor  (seller) , or by a third party nominated by common accord.  
4.7 Precautions shall be taken to guarantee the integrity of all samples from the moment they are drawn, 
tested and retained  in the laboratory.   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  3 
 5 Equipment  and devices  
There are many different types of sampling equipment or devices. The most suitable equipment should be 
chosen taking into account the product to be sampled, the quantity required and the containers to be used.  
Annex A describes the general typ es of mechanical sampling devices used on flowing grain, and shows 
illustrations of examples of such devices. Annex B gives examples of instruments used to sample static 
products, and examples of instruments used to divide samples.  
Annex A and B are not ex haustive.  
Mechanical sampling devices shall have suitable points of access for the examination, cleaning, maintenance, 
and repair of all surfaces subject to wear. The points of access should be made of materials which do not 
generate an electrostatic charg e. 
For maize, suction sampling devices should have a twin bore tube with an air supply. These suction sampling 
devices may also be used for other cereals.  
6 Sampling  
6.1 General  
Sampling in bulk concerns drawi ng of  samples from  both dynamic and static cereals, pulse s or their products. 
In both cases, the sample can be taken using mechanical or manual means.  
Sampling from packed units ( 3.9) only concerns static sampling and only uses manual means.  
The number of increments and the masses are given in Table 1 and Table 2 for grain, in Table 3 and Table 4 
for milled and other cereal products and in Table 5 for milled and other cereal products in packed units.  
One laboratory sample ( 3.7) is required by lot or sub -lot of  1 500 tonnes maximum.  
EXAMPLE  For a lot of 6 000 tonnes, analyse at least four laboratory samples.  
6.2 Sampling of bulk products  
6.2.1 General  
Whenever possible, sampling should be carried out when the products are flowing ( for example,  during loading 
or unloading) so that all the constituent parts  of the lot have the same probability of being sampled.  
When mechanical means are not available, implement a manual sampling plan.  
The methods (mechanical or manual) of taking samples from flowing lots shall be adapted to the speed at which 
the products ar e flowing (see Table 1 and Table 3). For static grain, whichever method of sampling is used, the 
increments should be taken at regular intervals over the entire width and depth, up to 9 m. Sample lots of bulk 
grain which are more than 9 m deep when they ar e flowing.  
For lorries and trailers, it is recommended that samples be taken statically.  
In order for the aggregate sample to be representative, the number of increments shall be as high as possible.  
Tables 1 to 4 specify the minimum numbers of increments to be carried out in different situations.   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  4 
 6.2.2 Sampling of dynamic bulk products  
6.2.2.1 General  
Since the characteristics and make -up of the lot can vary, the increments shall be taken  from the whole lot, that 
is, as long as the material is dynamic . 
6.2.2.2 Mechanical sampling  
Adjust the equipment so that the size of the increments or the frequency  of sampling can be varied over a wide 
range.  
A series of fixed -size increments shall be taken at pre -determined intervals according to the flow and in such a 
way that each part of the lot has the same chance of entering the sampling device intake.  
EXAMPLE  Crosscut sampling devices meet this requirement irrespective of the type of flow.  
6.2.2.3  Manual sampling  
Take increments at regular intervals.  
6.2.3 Sampling  of static bulk products  
For static sampling, the equipment and methods of taking samples shall take into account the height of the 
product to be sampled.  
Up to a depth of 2 m, manual probes can be used. Up to a depth of 2 .5 m, mechanical sampling de vices can 
be used if the principle of sampling according to which they function does not create any segregation at the 
probe tube intake and does not cause damage to the grains. Otherwise, if the height of the product exceeds 2 .5 
m, only suction sampling d evices shall be used.  
Lots of bulk grain which are more than 9 m deep shall be sampled when they are flowing.  
The lot should be sampled over its entire depth using a grid method (see Figure 1 and Figure  2). 
In the current state -of-the-art, the sampling pr obes used for grain are not correctly adapted to the powdery 
nature of flours.  
6.2.4 Number and mass of samples of grain  
6.2.4.1  Number and mass of increments  
The number and the mass of the increments are given in Table 1 and Table 2. All the increments ta ken together 
constitute the aggregate sample which shall be homogenized and divided ( 7.1 and 7.2) to form the laboratory 
sample.  
6.2.4.2  Mass of laboratory samples  
The recommended mass of a laboratory sample is determined by the type and the requirements o f the tests 
that are to be carried out (see Table 1 and Table 2). 
For analysis of contaminants, the mass of the laboratory sample shall be from 1 kg to 10 kg.  
For analysis of other characteristics, it shall be at least 1 kg (3 kg for samples taken with a v iew to trial milling).   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  5 
 6.2.4.3  Sampling of flowing bulk products by mechanical or manual means  
The mechanical sampling device shall be set up so that increments of the size specified in Table 1 can be 
obtained.  The sampling procedure to obtain the minimum mass of laboratory sample for flowing grain shall be 
as specified in Table 1.  
Table 1 — Sampling of flowing grain by mechanical or manual means   
Method  Range of mass 
of increment  
g Minimum number of 
incrementa Minimum mass of 
laboratory sample 
for contamin ants Minimum mass of 
laboratory sample 
for other analyses  
Mechanical sampling  300 - 1 900   20 per lot or sub -
lot of 500 tonnes  
 25 per lot or sub -
lot of 1 500 
tonnes for large 
batches of size 
greater than 1 
500 tonnes   
 
 
 
 
 
 
For ochratoxin A and 
aflatoxins:  10 kg  
For pesticides,  heavy  
metals, dioxins: 1 kg  
For other 
contaminantsb: 3 kg   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 kg to 3 kg 
according to 
analytical 
requirements  Manual sampling  300 - 1 900  For contaminants:  
 20 per lot or sub -
lot of 500 tonnes  
 25 per lot or sub -
lot of 1 500 
tonnes for large 
batches of size 
greater than 1 
500 tonnes  
For other analyses:  
 3 per lot or sub -lot 
of 500 tonnes  
 4 per lot or sub -lot 
of 1 500 tonnes 
for large batches 
of size greater 
than 1 500 tonnes  
a Frequency according to grain flow  
b Other cont aminants like deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins, zearalenone; for the determination of DON, the mass of laboratory 
sample can be 1 kg. 
 
6.2.4.4  Sampling of static bulk products  
The sampling procedure to obtain the minimum mass of laboratory sample for stat ic grain shall be as given in 
Table 2 . 
 
  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  6 
 
Table 2 — Sampling of static bulk grain (mechanical sampling systems recommended) in trailers or 
lorries, wagons, ships or bulk tankers, silos or warehouses   
Size of lot or sub -lot 
m Range of mass 
of incrementa 
g Minimum number of 
incrementb Minimum mass of 
laboratory sample for 
contaminants  Minimum mass of 
laboratory 
sample for other 
analyses  
m ≤15 t  
 
 
 
400 - 3 000  3 sampling points   
 
 
For ochratoxin A and 
aflatoxins: 10 kg  
For pesticides, heavy 
metals, dioxins: 1 kg  
For other 
contaminantsc: 3 kg   
 
 
1 kg to 3 kg 
according to the 
analytical 
requirements  15< m ≤ 30 t 8 sampling points  
30< m ≤  45 t 11 sampling points  
45< m ≤ 100 t  15 sampling points  
100< m ≤  300 t  18 sampling points  
300< m ≤ 500 t  20 sampling points  
500< m ≤  1500 t  25 sampling points  
Per lot or sub -lot of 1 
500 t  25 sampling points  
a If taken mechani cally, the mass of the sample can be appropriate to the equipment . 
b Frequency according to grain flow  
c Other contaminants like deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins, zearalenone; for the determination of DON, the mass of laboratory 
sample can be 1 kg. 
 
The n umber of samples to be taken for laboratory analysis and arbitration shall be subject to an agreement 
between the parties concerned   as per the sampling requirements specified in  this standard . 
If the mass of the laboratory sample cannot be complied with,  the number of increments shall be increased.  
Figure 1 shows examples of the distribution of eight sampling points and Figure 2 for 25.  
 
 
a) For lorries “in one piece” ( for example,  dumper truck, semi -trailer)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chassis  trailer 
 
  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  7 
 
b) For lorries distribute d in chassis and trailer  
Figure 1 — Examples of the distribution of sampling points for 8 points  
 
 
 
 
Figure 2 — Examples of the distribution of sampling points for 25 points  
6.2.5 Number and mass of samples of milled and other cereal products  
See Tables 3 and 4.  
The sampling procedure to obtain the minimum mass of laboratory sample for flowing milled and other cereal 
products shall be as given in Table 3.  
Table 3 — Sampling of flowing milled and other cereal products by mechanical or manual means   
Method  Indicativ e of 
mass of 
increment  
g Minimum number of 
increment  Minimum mass of 
laboratory sample for 
contaminants  Minimum mass of 
laboratory sample 
for other analyses  
Mechanical sampling  300 - 1 900  15 per lot or sub -lot of 
100 tonnes  
(frequency according 
to flo w)  
 
For powdery products: 1  
kg 
For agglomerated 
product s, (for example, 
pellets): 3 kg 
  
 
 
1 kg to 3 kg according 
to analytical 
requirements  Manual sampling  300 - 1 900  15 per lot or sub -lot of 
100 tonnes , that is, for 
a flow  
 ≤20 t/h, minimum 
of 3 per hour  
 20 t/h minimum 
of 3 per 20 t  
NOTE 1  Additional increments may be required to reach the minimum mass of laboratory sample.  
NOTE 2  As it is assumed that powdery products are more homogeneous than grains, a laboratory sample of 1 kg is 
sufficient for cont aminant analysis.  
 
The s ampling procedure to obtain the minimum mass of laboratory sample for static milled and other cereal 
products  shall be as given in Table 4.   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  8 
 Table 4 — Sampling of static bulk milled and other cereal products (mechanical sampling sy stems 
recommended) in trailers or lorries, wagons  
Size of lot or sub -
lot 
m Indicative  mass 
of increment  
g Minimum number of 
increment  Minimum mass of 
laboratory sample for 
contaminants  Minimum mass of 
laboratory 
sample for other 
analyses  
m ≤15 t  
 
 
400 - 3 000  3 sampling points   
 
For powdery products: 
1 kg 
For agglomerated 
product s, (for example, 
pellets): 3 kg  
 
1 kg to 3 kg 
according to the 
analytical 
requirements  15< m ≤ 30 t 3 sampling points per 
compartment  
30< m ≤  45 t 5 sampli ng points per 
compartment  
m  45 t 5 sampling points per 
compartment  
NOTE 1  Additional increments may be required to reach the minimum mass of laboratory sample.  
NOTE 2  As it is assumed that powdery products are more homogeneous than grains, a labor atory sample of 1 kg 
is sufficient for contaminant analysis. 
 
It is recommended to sample milled and other cereal products when flowing, during manufacturing or upon 
shipment. The sampling in silos is not recommended.  
6.3 Sampling from bagged grains  
6.3.1  General  
Increment  samples  shall be drawn  from original  bags  selected  at random  from the consignment  which  are clea
rly identifiable  with the appropriate  markings. The minimum number of bags to be sampled in each consignment 
shall be in accordance with the scheme in Table 5 . 
Table 5 — Minimum number of bags to be sampled in each consignment  
Number of bags  
In consignment  To be sampled (min)  
For up to 20 bags  
 a sample will be drawn from every bag  
For up to 100 bags  Not less than 20 of the bags  shall be sampled  
101 to 1 000 bags  Not less than 50 of the bags  shall be sampled  
over 1 000 bags  Not less than 0.5 % (1 in 200 bags ) with a minimum of 50 of the bags 
shall be sampled  
 
Increme nt samples  shall be drawn  uniformly,  by a piercing  spear  from the top, middle  and bottom  of each  bag.
If it is not possible  to draw  a sample  by spear  efficiently,  then the original  bags  may be opened  to sample  by a 
hand scoop.   So far as is possible  samples  shall be drawn  from the ends  and middle  of the bags  in rotation.   
6.3.2 Bags  for cutting  and starting  (bleeding)   
When  grains are loaded  from bags  to be cut and bled into the hold(s ) of the vessel, increment samples shall be 
taken  at the nearest  point  to the hold, either in accordance with 6.2.4.3 for good s in bulk, or if not possible , 
samples  shall be drawn  from the bags  as provided  in 6.3 for goods  in bags.   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  9 
 6.4 Sampling of milled and other cereal products in packed units  
6.4.1 Bales, “ crates boxes” or sa cks and bags to be sampled  
A lot is constituted by a group of basic units (“packed unit”) which originate from one or several sources of 
manufacture which have the same traceability identification code on the individual packaging.  
The packed units are gene rally transported in crates boxes or pallets which contain an appropriate number of 
basic units. The method applicable to sacks (see 6.4.3) shall be used to define the appropriate number of crates 
boxes or pallets that are to be sampled.  
6.4.2 Increments o r packed units  
The packed unit shall be the increment sampled at random from the overall contents of the lot selected for 
sampling.  
IMPORTANT — Avoid selecting packed units which occupy the same position in several crates boxes 
or pallets.  
6.4.3 Number and  mass of increments  
The increments shall be taken from the centre and over the whole length of each packed unit to be sampled 
using a tapered sampling probe specially designed for sacks (see B.1.2). They shall be taken from the number 
of sacks specified in Table 5 . 
The following equation shall be used as a guide for determining the frequency of sampling per lot, F(n), for lots 
marketed in individual packages (sacks, retail packages, etc.).  
Take an incremental sample from every nth sack or bag (decimal figur es should be rounded to the nearest 
whole number), where n is the number of packed units between two increments.  
F(n) = 
P AI B
mmmm  
where  
mB is the mass, in kilograms, of the lot;  
mI is the mass, in kilograms, of the increments (approximately 0 .100 kg);  
mA is the mass, in kilograms, of the aggregate sample  
NOTE  For analyses of contaminants, mA is approximately 1 kg for powdery products and 3 kg for agglomerated  
products ( for example,  pellets), and 1 kg to 3 kg for other analyses . 
mP is the mass,  in kilograms, of the individual package.  
The frequency of sampling per lot calculated with a mass of increment of 0 .100 kg corresponds to a minimum 
number of increments to be taken. If the mass of the increment is greater than 0 .100 kg, the frequency of 
sampling calculated with 0 .100 kg shall be applied.  
Practical examples of a calculated frequency of sampling for lots of 25 t, 50 t and 100 t are given in Table 6 and 
Figure 3.   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  10 
 Table 6 — Sampling procedure to obtain the minimum mass of laboratory sample fo r milled and other 
cereal products in packed units: practical examples for lots of 25, 50 and 100 tonnes and an av erage 
mass of 800 kg per pallet  
Lot size  Mass 
of 
individ
ual 
sacks  Mass of  
increment  Calculated  
frequency of 
sampling for  
contaminant  
analysis on 
agglomerated  
product  Equivalent per  
pallet  Calculated  
frequency of 
sampling for  
contaminant  
analysis on 
powdered  product 
or for other 
analyses  on any 
type of  product  Equivalent per  
pallet  
Kg kg kg 1 increment 
every  nth packed 
unit 1 sample shall be 
all n bags, or 1 
sample  shall be 
all x pallets  1 increment every  
nth packed unit  1 sample shall be  
all n bags, or 1 
sample  shall be all 
x pallets  
25 000  1 0.100  833 1 sample every  
833 packed unit, 
or 1 sample per 
pallet  2 500  1 sample every2 
500 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 3 
pallets  
25 000  2 0.100      
25 000  5 0.100  167 1 sample  every  
167 packed unit, 
or 1 sample per 
pallet  500 1 sample every 
500 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 3 
pallets  
25 000  25 0.100  33 1 sample  every  
33 packed unit, or 
1 sample per 
pallet  100 1 sample every 
100 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 3 
pallets  
25 000  40 0.100  21 1 sam ple every  
21 packed unit, or 
1 sample per 
pallet  63 1 sample every 63 
packed unit, or 1 
sample every 3 
pallets  
25 000  50 0.100  17 1 sample  every  
17 packed unit, or 
1 sample per 
pallet  50 1 sample every 50 
packed unit, or 1 
sample every 3 
pallets  
50 000  1 0.100  1 667  1 sample  every  1 
667 packed unit, 
or 1 sample every 
2 pallets  5 000  1 sample every 5 
000 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 6 
pallets  
50 000  5 0.100  333 1 sample  every  
333 packed unit, 
or 1 sample every 
2 pallets  1 000  1 sample every 1 
000 packed  unit, or 
1 sample every 6 
pallets  
50 000  25 0.100  67 1 sample  every  
67 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 2 
pallets  200 1 sample every 
200 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 6 
pallets  
50 000  40 0.100  42 1 sample  every  
42 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 2 
pallets  125 1 sample every 
125 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 6 
pallets  
50 000  50 0.100  33 1 sample  every  
33 packed unit, or 100 1 sample every 
100 packed unit, or  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  11 
 
1 sample every 2 
pallets  1 sample every 6 
pallets  
Table 6 (continued)  
Lot size  Mass 
of 
individ
ual 
sacks  Mass of  
increment  Calculated  
frequency of 
sampling for  
contaminant  
analysis on 
agglomerated  
product  Equivalent per  
pallet  Calculated  
frequency of 
sampling for  
contaminant  
analysis on 
powdered  product 
or for other 
analyses  on any 
type of  product  Equi valent per  
pallet  
kg kg kg 1 increment 
every  nth packed 
unit 1 sample shall be 
all n bags, or 1 
sample  shall be 
all x pallets  1 increment every  
nth packed unit  1 sample shall be 
all n bags, or 1 
sample  shall be all 
x pallets  
100 000  1 0.100  3 333  1 sampl e every  3 
333 packed unit, 
or 1 sample every 
4 pallets  10 000  1 sample every 10 
000 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 12 
pallets  
100 000  5 0.100  667 1 sample  every  
667 packed unit, 
or 1 sample every 
4 pallets  2 000  1 sample every 2 
000 packed unit, or 
1 samp le every 12 
pallets  
100 000  25 0.100  133 1 sample  every  
133 packed unit, 
or 1 sample every 
4 pallets  400 1 sample every 
400 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 12 
pallets  
100 000  40 0.100  83 1 sample  every  
83 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 4 
pallets  250 1 sam ple every 
250 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 12 
pallets  
100 000  50 0.100  67 1 sample  every  
67 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 4 
pallets  200 1 sample every 
200 packed unit, or 
1 sample every 12 
pallets  
Note: For unit sizes not specified in the table, a clo sest unit size shall be referenced for calculation .  
2  
 
 
interval of 16 sacks between two increments  
19 
 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 
37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 
49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 
61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 
 
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  12 
 
Figure 3 — Examples of the distribution of sampling points for a frequency of sampling F(n) of 17  
7 Laboratory sample  
7.1 Homogenization  
The aggregate sample shall be thoroughly homogeniz ed prior to any division procedure intended to obtain the 
laboratory sample.  
NOTE  Division without prior homogenizing results in unrepresentative laboratory samples.  
7.2 Division of the aggregate sample  
Reduce the aggregate sample to obtain the required nu mber of laboratory samples of specified mass (see 
tables 1 to 4) by using a method and equipment that will give representative laboratory samples. Examples are 
given in 7.2.1, 7.2.2 and B.3. Alternative equipment may be used when handling very large aggreg ate samples, 
but it shall be capable of producing representative laboratory samples.  
The equipment has to be thoroughly cleaned between each sample to avoid cross -contamination.  
7.2.1 Coning and quartering method  
7.2.1.1 Thoroughly mix the aggregate sample  by repeating operations 7.2.1.2 and 7.2.1.3 at least twice  before 
dividing as described in operations 7.2.1.3 and 7.2.1.4. Work on a clean, non -absorbent surface  and wear personal 
protective   equipment . 
7.2.1.2  Gather the grains together into a cone -shaped pile.  
7.2.1.3  Flatten out the surface of the pile and then divide the pile into quarters, A, B, C, and D.  
7.2.1.4 Discard two diagonally opposed quarters (B and C) and mix the two remaining quarters (A and D)  (see 
Figure 4).  
7.2.1.5  Repeat the whole  process until the laboratory sample of the required size is obtained.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 4 — Coning and quartering method  
7.2.2 Sample dividers  
Use the divider on a flat surface.  
7.2.2.1  Cone -shaped divider  
7.2.2.1. 1 To reduce an aggregate sample, use an appar atus with a stand if necessary, and use collection  boxes 
or buckets.  
7.2.2.1. 2 Homogenize the sample by repeating operations 7.2.2.1.3 and 7.2.2.1.4 at least three times and  by 
remixing the subsamples in the hopper.   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  13 
 7.2.2.1.3  Pour the aggregate sample into  the closed hopper.  
7.2.2.1.4  Two sub -samples are obtained in the two collection boxes (or buckets).  
7.2.2.1.5  Keep the contents of one of the two collection boxes.  
7.2.2.1.6  Put two empty collection boxes back in position.  
7.2.2.1.7  Repeat operations 7.2.2.1.2 to 7.2.2.1.6 as many times as necessary using the sub -sample from  
7.2.2.1.5, alternating the collection boxes to be kept until the laboratory sample of the required size is obtained.  
7.2.2.2  Rotary mechanical divider  
Switch on the centrifugal divider . Pour the aggregate sample into the upper hopper. Proceed as in 7.2.2.1.4 to 
7.2.2.1.6. Repeat operations 7.2.2.1.2 to 7.2.2.1.6 as many times as necessary, alternating the collection boxes 
until the laboratory sample of the required size is obtained.  
7.2.2.3 Riffle divider  
Riffle dividers shall only be used for small samples (less than 2 kg).  
Proceed as in 7.2.2.1.4 to 7.2.2.1.6. Repeat operations  7.2.2.1.2 to 7.2.2.1.6 as many times as necessary, 
alternating the collection boxes until the laboratory samp le of the required size is obtained.  
8 Packaging and labelling of samples  
8.1 General  
Laboratory samples shall be placed in clean containers. The containers shall be suitable for the masses of the 
laboratory samples. The masses shall be appropriate for all  the analyses that are to be carried out. The 
containers shall also preserve the initial characteristics of laboratory samples.  
Ideally these containers shall be completely full and shall be sealed to avoid any change in their contents. If 
present, seals s hall be tamper -proof and identifiable.  
8.2 Labels for samples  
The following  information shall be legibly and indelibly marked on the labels on the laboratory sample and shall 
include the instructions required under the terms of the contract, for example:   
a) name of the product  
b) origin of the sample  
c) nature of the product;  
d) mass represented;  
e) lot identifier ( number ); 
f) contract number (if necessary);  
g) sampling date;  and 
h) location and point of sampling .  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  14 
 9 Shipment of samples  
Samples should be sent to the laboratory as  quickly as possible.  The samples should be stored and transported 
in conditions appropriate to the preservation of their integrity.  
10 Sampling report  
The sampling report may contain some or all of the following information:  
a) date of sampling;  
b) name and sig nature of the persons authorized to carry out sampling;  
c) if necessary:  
(i) name and signature of the vendor /seller ; 
(ii) name and signature of the purchaser /buyer ; and  
(iii) name and signature of the deliverer ; 
d) description of the product, including:  
(i) name of the sample  
(ii) lot number  
(iii) sample reference ; 
(iv) sample mass ; 
(v) lot size ; and  
(vi) sample origin ( for example,  flat silo, vertical silo, lorry);  
e) the description of the sampling operation, including:  
(i) location and point of sampling ; 
(ii) number of increments per lot ; 
(iii) number of laboratory sam ples per lot ; 
(iv) sampling procedure used (equipment, static/flowing, etc .); 
(v) destination of the sample, e.g. the name and address to which the samples are to be shipped ; and  
(vi) comments if any;  and 
f) transportation and storage conditions.  
11 Hygiene and safety  
The sampling device used shall comply with applicable  hygiene and  safety requirements and, in particular, have 
sufficient lighting for inspection, manoeuvring and maintenance. A suitable mask should be worn if the device 
is used in a potentially dusty environm ent.  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  15 
 WARNING — Walking on grain stored in storage bins, ships' holds, silos and lorries is dangerous. In 
some cases, the atmosphere in silos may be asphyxiating or toxic as a result of the accumulation of 
gas caused by the metabolism of the grain and fungi /mould. Local legislation and industrial safety 
standards shall be observed.  
 
 
 
  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  16 
 
Annex  A 
(informative)  
 
Examples of mechanical sampling devices used on flowing grain  
A.1 Crosscut sampling devices  
Crosscut sampling devices allow a complete cross - section of  a freely falling flow of grains to be taken. They 
may be open -nozzle sampling devices (see Figure A.1), tubular sampling devices with adjustable apertures 
(see Figure A.2) or tubular sampling devices with a worm screw (see Figure A.3).  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key 
1 nozzle  
2 sampling device  
3 grain 
Figure A.1 — Open -nozzle crosscut sampling device, ensuring intermittent, repeated sampling  
 
 
  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  17 
  
Key 
1 sample divider  
2 sampling flow 
3 return of excess grains into system  
Figure A.2 — Tubular crosscut sampling device wit h adjustable apertures  
 
 
Key 
1 grain flow  
2 worm screw  
3 sample flow  
Figure A.3 — Tubular sampling device with worm screw  
 
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  18 
 A.2 Full-flow diverter -type sampling devices  
In this type of sampling device, a flap or shutter intermittently diverts the flow of g rain (see Figure A.4) . 
 
Key 
1 sample  flow  
2 flap or shutter  
Figure A.4 — Full-flow diverter -type sampling device  
A.3 Rotating cup sampling devices  
The freely falling flow of grain is intermittently sampled by a cup which rotates around a central vertical  axis (see 
Figure A.5).  
 
Key 
1 grain flow   3 rotating cup   5 sample flow  
2 vertical chute   4 flow 
Figure A.5 — Rotating cup sampling device  
 
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  19 
 A.4 Bucket elevator sampling devices  
This type of sampling device samples grain from a moving belt or conveyor. Bu ckets travelling in a continuous 
loop take samples over the entire width of the grain flow because the configuration of the lateral rollers 
concentrates the grain on the belt. Once the buckets have pivoted around the upper roller, the samples are 
delivered  into the hopper (see Figure A.6).  
 
 
Key 
1. sampling bucket(s)  
2. sampling bucket belt  
3. belt guide  
4. balance weight  
5. special roller  
6. samples container  
7. conveyor roller  
8. carrier belt  
9. safety panel  
10. hopper  
NOTE  As they are elevated, the buckets sample the grain from a bel t or conveyor and, once they have pivoted around 
the upper roller, deliver the samples into the hopper.  
Figure A.6 — Bucket elevator sampling device  
 
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  20 
 
Annex B  
(informative)  
 
Examples of instruments used to sample static products and 
instruments used to divid e samples  
B.1 Cereal sampling instruments  
B.1.1  Instruments used to sample static bulk products in tote bags a nd rigid containers  
B.1.1.1  Manual concentric tapered sampling probes  
B.1.1.1.1  Open or closed shaft: with one or several apertures. See Figures B.1 and B.2.  
 
 
Figure B.1 — Open shaft with single aperture  
 
 
Figure B.2 — Open shaft with several apertures or closed shaft with compartments and several 
apertures  
 
B.1.1.1.2  Open shaft with sequentially staggered apertures: several apertures. See Figure B.3.  
 
 
Figure B.3 — Open shaft with several sequentially staggered apertures  
B.1.1.2  Gravity -type sampling p robes with extension rods and T -shaped handles   
B.1.1.2.1  Gravity -type sampling probe: concentric. See Figure B.4.  
 
 
Figure B.4 — Concentric gravity -type tapered probe head  
B.1.1.2.2  Gravity -type sampling probe: cup -type. See Figure B.5.  
 
 
 
  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  21 
 
Figure B.5 — Cup-type (head represented in open position)  
B.1.1.3  Mechanical sampling devices  
B.1.1.3.1  There are three main categories of mechanical sampling devices (see B.1.1.3.2 to B.1.1.3.4).  
B.1.1.3.2  Gravity -type sampling device. See Figure B.6.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure B.6 — Gravity -type sampling device  
B.1.1.3.3  Suction sampling device (sometimes called “vacuum sampling device”). See Figure B.7.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  22 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a) Example of sampling from a lorry  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
b)  
c)  
d)  
e)  
f)  
b) Example of sampling at depth over 2 m (ships, bulk tankers, etc.)  
  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  23 
 
Key 
1. sample  
2. grain mass  
3. porous head unit  
4. air 
5. grain sample  
6. sampling head unit  
7. coupling  
8. extra sampling length  
9. automatic discharge of collected sample  
10. tank for collected sample  
11. vacuum chamber  
12. duct 
Figure B.7 — Suction (or “vacuum ”) sampling device  
B.1.1.3.4  Pneumatic sampling device (not represented)  
B.1.2  Instruments used to take samples from sacks or bags including bulk sacks  
B.1.2.1  Tapered sampling probes for sacks  
Minimum diameter: 17 mm; aperture: 40 mm  15 mm. See Figure B.8.  
 
 
Figure B.8 — Tapered sampling probe for sacks  
B.1.2.2  “Walking stick” -type sampling probe  
Concentric tubes, minimum diameter: 20 mm:  
a) Open shaft: with one or several apertures;  
 
b) With compartments: with one or several apertures (s ee Figure B.9).   
 
 
Figure B.9 — “Walking stick” -type, concentric sampling probe for sacks: open shaft with several 
compartments   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  24 
 
B.1.2.3  Cone -shaped sampling device  
See Figure B.10.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure B.10 — Cone -shaped sampling device  
B.1.2.4  Gravity -type sam pling probes with extension rods and T -shaped handles for open -topped 
sacks  
See Figures B.4 and B.5.  
B.1.2.5  Archimedes' screw sampling probe  
Generally a small, portable, electric sampling probe. See Figure B.11.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure B.11 — Archimed es' screw sampling probe (portable)  
 
 
 
B.2 Instruments used to sample milled products, excluding products in granular 
form  
B.2.1  Instruments used to sample static bulk products  
B.2.1.1  Identical to those used to sample cereals (B.1.1), except for mechanical s ampling devices.  Only 
two types of mechanical sampling device are suitable for the sampling of milled products (see B.2.1.2 and 
B.2.1.3). In general, pneumatic sampling devices are not suitable for this usage.   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  25 
 
B.2.1.2  Electromechanical Archimedes' screw sa mpling probe (Figure B.12).  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure B.12 — Electromechanical Archimedes' screw sampling probe  
B.2.1.3  Gravity -type mechanical sampling device (Figure B.6).  
B.2.2  Instruments used to take samples from sacks and bags  
Identical to those used to sa mple cereals (B.1.2).  
B.3 Instruments used to divide samples  
Made of materials which are not liable to contaminate samples.  
B.3.1  Quartering irons  
See Figure B.13.  
B.3.2  Multiple -slot dividers (with partitions and plates)  
B.3.2.1  Small laboratory dividers for milled samples.  
Minimum of 12 slots;  chutes of: 12. 7 mm. See Figure B.14.  
B.3.2.2  Medium -sized dividers for samples of cereals in the form of grain.  
Minimum of 18 slots; chutes of: 12. 7 mm. See Figure B.14.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  26 
 
 
 
 
Figure B.13 — Quartering iron  Figu re B.14  — Riffle divider: multiple -slot 
divider (of the type with partitions and plates) 
with two collection boxes  
 
B.3.3  Cone -shaped dividers (Boerner type)  
See Figure B.15.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure B.15 — Cone -shaped divider (Boerner type)  
B.3.4  Rotating mechanical divider  
Allows multiple samples to be obtained simultaneously. See Figure B.16.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  27 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key 
1. loading hopper  
2. rotating chute  
3. driving motor  
4. cone -shaped hopper with eight appertures  
5. sub-sample collection  
6. sub-sample collection spout  
7. two sub -sample collection  boxes  
8. excess grain evacuation, grain to put back in the divider  
9. adjustment of flaps to modify division factor  
10. one of eight adjustable apertures   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  28 
 Figure B.16 — Rotating mechanical divider   
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  29 
 B.4 Guide to instruments suitable for sampling cereals and cereal products  
Storage condition  Reference to Figures in Annex B  
Cereals in the form of grain  Milled and other cereal products  
Static bulk products in silos, bins 
and warehouses  B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4,  B.5, B.6, B.7  B.12 
Wagons, ships and containers for 
transportation of bulk products  B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4, B.5, B.6, B.7  B.12 
Tote bags and rigid containers  B.1, B.2, B.3, B.4, B.5, B.6, B.7  B.12 
Sacks and bags (textile fibre, 
paper and plastic)  B.4, B.5,  B.8, B.9, B.10, B.11  B.8, B.9, B.10, B.11, B.12  
NOTE  The minimum dimensions of the instruments are given for information only.  
 
 
 
 
 
  
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved  30 
 Bibliography  
[1] EAS 900:2017, Cereals and Pulses - Sampling  
[2] ISO 24333, Cereals, pulses and their products — Sampling  
[3] Gafta No. 124, Sampling rules — Rules for sampling, analysis instructions and analysis certification .  
 DEAS 900: 2024    
 
© EAC 2024  – All rights reserved