The Australian Standards are published documents setting out specifications and procedures designed to ensure products, services and systems are safe, reliable and consistently perform the way they are intended to. They establish a minimum set of requirements which define quality and safety criteria.

Australian Standard Drug Class Screening cut-off levels may take other factors into account, such as the cut-off level for cannabis metabolites which makes allowance for passive smoking (it is set at a level that ensures a positive result cannot be obtained from passive smoking).

AS/NZS 4308:2023 (Urine)

Currently in a three year transition period (to Nov 2026) with AS/NSZ 4308:2008 being replaced by AS/NZS 4308:2023. The main change is to decrease the screening cut off for cocaine metabolites from 300 ug/L down to 150 ug/L, and a corresponding drop in confirmatory cut off from 150 ug/L down to 100 ug/L resulting in more detections on site along with confirmatory testing being more likely to match the initial screening result.

The second key change in the updated urine standard is a decrease in the confirmatory cut off levels for Benzodiazepines metabolites from 200 ug/L down to 100 ug/L. This will reduce the likelihood of a non negative on site screen returning a confirmed negative confirmation due to a mixture of metabolites present in the urine with no individual component over 200 ug/L. Screening cut offs for Benzodiazepines remain at 200 ug/L.

Current drug screening cut-off levels per drug class for urine testing – AS/NZS 4308:2008

• Amphetamine Type Stimulants (300 ug/L)
• Benzodiazepines (200 ug/L)
• Cannabis Metabolites (50 ug/L)
• Cocaine Metabolites (300 ug/L) – changing to 150 ug/L with new standard 2023
• Opiates (300 ug/L)

AS/NZS 4760:2019 (Oral Fluid)

Current drug screening cut-off levels per drug class for oral fluid testing – AS/NZS 4760:2019

• Opiates (50 ng/mL)
• Amphetamine Type Stimulants (50 ng/mL)
• Benzodiazepines (10 ng/mL) *
• Cannabis (THC) (15 ng/mL)
• Cocaine (50 ng/mL)
• Methamphetamine (50 ng/mL)
• Oxycodone (40 ng/mL)

 * Testing is optional for BZO based on workplaces specific testing requirements or policies.

AS/NZS 3547:2019 (Electronic Breath Alcohol Testing Devices)

Specifies the requirements for the performance, testing and marking of breath alcohol testing devices for uses such as, but not limited to,  personal, workplace and medical screening purposes.

Most industry users require alcohol testers to be Australian Standard Certified for example the Australian Police usually tender with Australian Standard Certification as a minimum requirement (to eliminate inferior instruments).  

The Australian Standards are published documents setting out specifications and procedures designed to ensure products, services and systems are safe, reliable and consistently perform the way they are intended to. They establish a minimum set of requirements which define quality and safety criteria.

Are Australian Standards Law? Australian Standards are only legally enforceable when they are incorporated into legislation.

Benefit of Australian Standards? Standards mean better value for all and a level playing field. They ensure the quality and consistency of products and services, giving businesses and consumers greater peace of mind. They also benefit the economy, improving health and safety, protecting our natural resources, and improving our quality of life.

Who sets Australian Standards? Australian Standards are set by Standards Australia, a standards body recognised by the Commonwealth Government to co-ordinate standardisation activities.

Are Australian Standards compulsory for manufacturers or importers? On their own, standards are voluntary. There is no requirement for the importers or manufacturers to comply with standards however, State and Commonwealth governments often refer to Australian Standards® (AS) or joint Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) in their legislation. When this happens, these standards can become mandatory.

For more information regarding Australian Standards contact our Alcohol and Drug advisory team here or phone 1300 789 908.