210-2025: Scheduling arrangements for imported cargo inspections

1 July 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Importers, brokers, operators of approved arrangement sites and operators of biosecurity entry points.

What has changed?

We are drafting new policy to improve the way we schedule biosecurity and imported food inspections.

A Have Your Say survey on the draft policy will be open for consultation from 1 July to 8 August 2025.

The draft Scheduling arrangements for imported cargo inspections policy introduces:

• three inspection appointment categories (standard, group, and recurring appointments)
• recurring appointment arrangements, to replace manned depots and other permanent booking arrangements.

We are seeking feedback from import industry participants on:

• your current scheduling arrangements
• your experience with booking inspections in the Biosecurity Portal
• the options detailed in the new policy.

Your feedback will help to inform improvements to the draft policy.

The department will also be holding consultations sessions as per the details below:

• Melbourne
• Monday, 14 July 2025, 10:00 to 11:30
• Clocktower Centre,
• 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039.

Register for Melbourne event

• Sydney
• Tuesday, 15 July 2025, 10:00 to 11:30
• Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach,
• 2 Princess St, Brighton-Le-Sands NSW 2216.

Register for Sydney event

• Brisbane
• Thursday, 17 July 2025, 10:00 to 11:30
• Novotel Brisbane Airport
• 6/8 The Cct, Brisbane Airport QLD 4008

Register for Brisbane event

• Teams Live Event
• Monday, 21 July 2025, 14:00 to 15:00 AEST
• Tuesday, 23 July, 15:00 to 16:00 AEST

Register for online event

You must register to attend these events.

Further information

Industry participants requesting further information can contact the department at cargooperationssurvey@aff.gov.au.