Resources
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about our services, sampling, turnaround, reporting and certifications. If your question is not here, contact us directly.
Services
Timor Labs provides laboratory testing (food and beverage microbiology, soil microbiology, water and selected chemistry, environmental monitoring and swabbing), consulting and compliance support, ISO/HACCP/GMP implementation support, training, and research, development and formulation support.
Timor Labs is based in Aileu, Timor-Leste, and supports clients across the country. Visits and sample delivery are by appointment.
Individuals with appropriate testing requirements are welcome to contact us. We will confirm whether the request fits our scope and explain the sampling and submission process.
Sampling
Yes. Local sample collection and in-country coordination is one of our core services, and it is recommended where chain-of-custody and correct sampling technique are important. Contact us to arrange sampling support.
Courier submissions can be accepted for many sample types. Contact us before dispatch so we can confirm packaging, temperature, labelling and holding-time requirements — incorrect handling can make a sample unsuitable for testing.
Sample quantity depends on the sample type and the methods required. Contact Timor Labs before collecting samples and we will confirm the correct containers, volumes and handling for your scope.
Testing
Tell us about your sample, product, facility or compliance objective and the decision you need to make. We will recommend a defined scope — the tests, methods and reporting that fit the purpose — before you commit to anything.
Microbiology testing generally requires approximately 7–10 days from formal sample acceptance, depending on the selected method, sample type and whether confirmation testing is required. Turnaround starts after formal sample acceptance, once required information is received and commercial terms are confirmed where applicable.
Where feasible, we will discuss expedited options. Microbiology methods have minimum incubation requirements that cannot be shortened, so contact us early if you have a deadline and we will advise what is realistic.
Samples are reviewed at receipt against acceptance criteria. If a sample is unsuitable — for example because of container, temperature, volume or holding time — we will tell you promptly, explain why, and advise on re-sampling.
No. Chemical parameters are quoted according to the sample matrix, required method and current laboratory scope, and some analyses — such as heavy metals or pesticide residues — are outside the routine scope. We will tell you plainly what we can and cannot test.
Reporting
Reports are issued in English by default. Tetun or Portuguese reporting can be discussed at the time of booking.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a formal report identifying the customer and sample, the methods used, the results and their units, and applicable observations, reviewed and authorized before issue. Our team can walk you through your COA and what it means in practice.
Yes. Clear interpretation is part of our service. We can review results with you, explain what they indicate, and discuss practical corrective or preventive actions where findings require them.
Certification
Timor Labs provides implementation and preparation support. ISO certification is issued by an independent certification body, not by Timor Labs.
Timor Labs is developing its systems in alignment with ISO/IEC 17025 principles and is working toward formal accreditation. Because accreditation applies to a defined laboratory and test scope, customers with a regulatory, export or contractual requirement should contact Timor Labs before testing.
Yes. We support implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 systems — gap assessments, documentation, internal audits and pre-assessment preparation. Certification itself is performed by an independent certification body.
That depends on the requirement. Certification and accreditation scopes are specific, so confirm with us — before sampling — whether your test, method or report must fall within a particular accreditation or regulatory framework.
Training
Yes. We deliver practical training in food hygiene, GMP, HACCP fundamentals, sampling and aseptic technique, environmental monitoring, internal auditing, reading laboratory reports and customized topics. Request a training proposal and we will shape the program around your team.
Confidentiality
Yes. Customer samples, results and business information are handled confidentially. Results are released only to the customer or parties the customer authorizes.
Not sure which test or service you need?
Tell us about your sample, facility, product or compliance objective. Our team will help define an appropriate scope.