DAFF - IFN : 14-26: Cargo Scheduling Policy update - Recurring appointments

Date of publication: 07 September 2026 

Attention

Importers, brokers, operators of approved arrangement sites and biosecurity entry points managing goods subject to imported food inspection who requested or have been approved for a recurring appointment. 

Purpose

This notice is to provide an update on recurring appointments as introduced under the Cargo Scheduling Policy.

Key points

Entities are progressively transitioning to their new recurring appointment arrangements on a fortnightly basis. 

The Scheduling arrangements for imported cargo inspections webpage now includes guidance on the ongoing management of your recurring appointment. 

You can find information about your arrangement in your appointment agreement, noting:

• unless specified, your appointment start time may vary
• only the inspection types specifically included in your agreement can be conducted during your appointments
• if your appointment overlaps with a public holiday, it will not occur
• where additional inspection time is required, you must book standard or group appointments.

The department continues to assess applications and notify applicants of the outcome. 

We thank industry for their ongoing support during the development and implementation of the Cargo Scheduling Policy.

More information

Please visit Scheduling arrangements for imported cargo inspections for: 

• guidance on requesting and managing a recurring appointment
• further information about the Cargo Scheduling Policy and the four types of appointments available for the inspection of imported goods.

For further assistance please contact the department's Recurring Appointments Team at recurringappointments@aff.gov.au.  

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