16 January 2026
Attention
Industry stakeholders, including food importers and brokers responsible for importing consignments of food subject to testing under the Imported Food Control Act 1992.
Purpose
Following industry engagement between May 2024 and August 2025, the department has finalised the Cargo Scheduling Policy (the policy, formerly: Scheduling arrangements for imported cargo inspections policy).
All feedback received during the engagement period was considered in context of the final policy which will come into effect from July 2026.
Current scheduling arrangements that will be transitioned to recurring appointments under the policy include:
- manned depots
- permanent arrangements.
Next Steps
Due to the high volume of existing scheduling arrangements, the department will soon be engaging with arrangement holders, to invite them to commence the recurring appointment application process ahead of policy implementation
It is anticipated industry will be invited to apply for recurring appointments from March 2026.
Please note: all applications will be considered together in alignment with the Policy, with outcomes anticipated to be communicated from May 2026.
More information
The department will shortly be publishing the policy on our website and will provide updated communication once complete.
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