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 using the Request for Inspection form. See further information under ‘Who cannot use the portal’.

We are introducing new booking types:

• group appointments
• recurring appointments
• department coordinated attendance.

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.

The policy does not include: 

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

Group appointments

Group appointments will enable you to request multiple inspections in a single appointment. Digital Identity users will request group appointments in the Biosecurity Portal.

You can request a group appointment when the:

• inspection type is eligible for a group appointment.
• request covers multiple consignments.
• request covers a single consignment that requires inspections for both biosecurity and imported food. 

Availability may vary by region and depends on staff availability. This feature will be introduced progressively.

Recurring appointments

Recurring appointments replace manned depots and permanent arrangements. This scheduling option introduces clear eligibility guidelines and standardised scheduling.

Recurring appointments allow more inspections in each appointment and may involve one or more departmental officers attending:

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

Recurring appointment holders can also request standard and group appointments.

Recurring appointments will follow the below schedule:

Applications

To apply for a recurring appointment, email the completed application form to recurringappointments@aff.gov.au. More information is available in the Cargo Scheduling Policy.

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 your agreement, you must submit a new request at least 8 weeks before it ends. If your recurring appointment ends, you must book standard or group appointments until a new one is approved.

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

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.