4 February 2026
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is for all participants involved in importing food into Australia subject to inspection under the Imported Food Control Act 1992 and their onshore management.
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is currently experiencing delays in inspection availability for imported food goods arriving in Melbourne, Victoria. Clients can continue to book inspections via the Biosecurity Portal as usual. However, please be advised that scheduled booking dates may be subject to longer wait times than normal.
What is driving this?
Extended delays are being impacted by client booking behaviours and goods not being ready for inspection.
How is the department responding?
The department is actively working to address and improve booking efficiencies. Measures being implemented include accelerated training of new staff to increase inspection capacity and actively reviewing schedules to optimise imported food bookings. The department apologises for any inconvenience caused.
What can industry do?
It is important that when you select 'Goods Ready for Inspection' in the booking request, that the goods are actually prepared and ready for inspection. To ensure readiness, all requirements outlined in BICON and those stipulated in the issued direction(s) must be met. This includes, but is not limited to:
- All documentation required for the inspection is complete, accurate, and readily available
- Goods are presented in a manner suitable for inspection, including correct segregation by lot where applicable.
If inspecting officers attend and the above criteria is not met, your booking may be cancelled, and cancellation fees and further booking delays may apply.
Selecting 'AM' or 'PM' preferred booking times may be a business requirement, but this can delay the next available inspection date until the preferred slot is open. To maximise the likelihood of securing an earlier inspection date, we recommend selecting the 'Anytime' option when requesting inspections.
When earlier inspection times become available, the department may bring bookings forward. The department will attempt to contact the person listed in the inspection request, however, if you do not respond, the department will offer the available appointment to the next scheduled booking. Clients should also monitor notification emails closely, as these may advise of changes to inspection dates.
To further reduce delays, consider virtual inspections for label and visual inspections. Virtual inspections may allow for an earlier booking time compared to those requiring physical attendance by an authorised officer. For eligibility and instructions, visit Inspecting and testing imported food.
Further information
Please contact the department on 1800 900 090 for enquires relating to your booking request.