Scheduling arrangements for imported cargo inspections

We may direct imported goods for inspection on arrival to manage biosecurity and food safety risks. 

To deploy our officers safely and efficiently, you need to request an inspection appointment. The main appointment type is a standard appointment. It covers one inspection activity. 

You can book most standard appointments through the Biosecurity Portal. For some commodities, you can make a booking via email to Client Contact Group. See commodities eligible for an email booking under ‘Who cannot use the portal’. 

From 1 July 2026, we will introduce new portal booking types:

• department coordinated attendance
• group appointments
• recurring appointments.

We worked with industry to design these booking types through in-person sessions, online events, and ‘Have your say’ surveys. More information is in the cargo scheduling policy.

Cargo scheduling policy

• Cargo scheduling policy (DOCX 801 KB)

The policy does not include: 

• export inspections
• inspections by non-departmental officers
• inspections by industry participants operating under an approved arrangement.

Department coordinated attendance

Department coordinated attendances may be arranged by us when we need to:

• manage heightened biosecurity risk
• undertake surveillance or monitoring and assurance activities
• address potential animal welfare issues
• address non-compliance. 

Before we set up an arrangement, we will aim to contact the entity to confirm how officers will attend.

Group appointments

Group appointments will allow an inspection request for more than one consignment. You can request a group appointment in the Biosecurity Portal for eligible inspections. 

You can submit a group appointment when the:

• inspection type is eligible for a group appointment
• request covers many consignments
• inspection requires both biosecurity and imported food inspection activities.

Availability may vary by region and depends on staff availability.   

Recurring appointments

Recurring appointments will replace manned depots and permanent arrangements. Recurring appointments allow more inspections in each appointment. This new scheduling option introduces:

• clear eligibility guidelines 
• standardised scheduling and management of recurring appointments.

Recurring appointments may involve one or more departmental officers attending:

• weekly (full-days or part-days)
• one or more days per week. 

You can still request standard or group appointments even if you have a recurring appointment.

Recurring appointments will follow the below schedule:

We will publish the process for recurring appointments before the new policy begins. 

Applications

To submit an early recurring appointment application, email the completed application form to recurringappointments@aff.gov.au. 

Application form

• Recurring appointment application form (PDF 399 KB)
• Recurring appointment application form (DOCX 277 KB)

New recurring appointments will commence from 1 July 2026.

General terms

Either we or the recurring arrangement holder can cancel or change a booking arrangement at any time. This is subject to the following conditions:

• The entity no longer wants the arrangement.
• The arrangement is no longer needed as the volume of goods handled by the entity has reduced.
• The entity does not use officers for the full length of the appointment.
• The working conditions at the site are unsafe.
• A lack of available officers affects other entities.

We will give at least 5 business days’ notice before making any changes. If the premises is unsafe the notification period is within 24 hours of the change.

A recurring appointment will end on the date listed in the appointment agreement.

To extend a recurring appointment, you must submit a new request in the Biosecurity Portal at least 8 weeks before it ends.

If your recurring appointment ends, you must book standard appointments until a new one is approved. 

For more information on standard bookings, see request for inspection.