20/06/2025
📌 New Drug Testing Standard – What It Means for Your Business
🧪 AS/NZS 4308:2023 is now in effect (implementation began 14 April 2025)
If your business conducts workplace drug testing, you need to know about the updated Australian standard AS/NZS 4308:2023 – it directly impacts how testing must be carried out to ensure legal compliance.
This standard outlines the procedures for urine drug testing, and it replaces the older 2008 version. While the update was published in November 2023, a national transition period is in place until December 2026. However, many providers (including DATNQ) began implementing the updated procedures from April 2025 to stay ahead of compliance requirements.
🔍 Why This Matters:
Failing to comply with the new standard could mean:
Your drug testing results may not be legally defensible
You could be non-compliant with WHS policies and industrial agreements
You risk disputes in the case of positive results, especially if challenged by employees or unions
✅ Lower detection thresholds for certain drugs
For example, co***ne now has a lower cut-off level, meaning smaller traces will trigger a positive result.
✅ Clearer donor identification & consent rules
Workers must be properly identified, and procedures must be followed to ensure their consent is valid and recorded.
✅ Stronger chain-of-custody procedures
Every sample must be tracked accurately from collection to analysis, ensuring nothing can be tampered with or disputed.
✅ Improved quality control standards
Testing now requires stricter procedures and documentation, ensuring every step meets accredited lab standards.
🛠️ What You Need to Do:
At Drug and Alcohol Testing NQ (DATNQ), we’re already compliant with the 2023 standard. We work with businesses across mining, construction, transport, logistics, and manufacturing to ensure:
Your testing programs are updated
Your staff are informed of the changes
Your results will hold up if ever challenged
Let us help you review your current policy, update your procedures, and ensure your business is covered and compliant.
🚨 Don’t Settle for Less – Choose the Experts at DATNQ 🚨
📞 Call Us Today: 0429 837 402
💻 Visit: drugandalcoholtestingnq.com.au
📧 Email: jmlsolutions@outlook.com.au
📍 Based in Townsville | Servicing All of North Queensland
✅ Mobile & Onsite Testing
✅ Same-Day Service Available
✅ Confidential, Professional & Fully Compliant
🧾 Reference:
Standards Australia – AS/NZS 4308:2023: Procedures for specimen collection and detection of drugs of abuse in urine
www.standards.org.au
🔒 Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored HR or legal guidance, please consult a qualified professional.
