Whether filling the car or buying a pint, Australians expect to get exactly what they pay for.
The National Measurement Institute's latest compliance results show how inspectors protect fair transactions and help businesses meet Australia's measurement laws.
During 2025-26, NMI completed 5,405 trader audits across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia. Inspectors assessed 13,838 measuring instruments and found 84% complied with measurement law.
NMI also inspected 37,684 lines of prepackaged goods, representing 139,241 individual packages, and conducted 1,458 trial purchases.
At initial audits, 65% of traders complied with measurement law. Follow-up audits showed positive results, with 80% of previously non-compliant traders who were revisited found to be compliant. Measuring instrument compliance increased from 84% at initial audits to 87% at follow-up.
Most businesses want to do the right thing and promptly correct issues after inspectors explain their obligations. NMI uses education, guidance and proportionate regulatory action to improve compliance and maintain a level playing field.
Concentrated program compliance checks
Retail fuel remained a major focus. NMI tested 7,131 retail fuel dispensers across its compliance activities. Four per cent were inaccurate to consumer disadvantage and 5% were inaccurate to consumer advantage.
During a nationally coordinated program in March and April 2026, NMI inspectors audited 485 fuel retail sites across Australia and tested 3,200 dispensers. NMI extended the program to provide additional assurance and ease the growing public concerns about fuel supply, prices and measurement accuracy.
In October 2025, NMI inspectors visited 541 licensed premises to check that drinks sold by measure met Australia's measurement laws. Of these premises, 398, or 74%, complied with the law.
Most businesses corrected problems after inspectors explained their obligations. These checks help consumers receive the amount they pay for and support licensed venues that follow the rules.
In 2025–26, across its compliance activities, NMI issued 1,940 non-compliance notices, 63 warning letters and 18 infringement notices totalling $90,665. Each response reflected the seriousness of the issue and the risk of further non-compliance.
NMI also received 646 complaints from consumers and businesses, including 478 (74%) about fuel. After investigating, NMI found that 26 fuel complaints were justified, equivalent to 4% of all complaints received in 2025–26.
Targeted compliance work also supported process improvements for businesses. In one example, a seafood importer introduced quality measurement weight checks after the NMI identified short measure in their imported products. The change helps prevent future short measure and supports compliance with Australian measurement requirements.
Report a concern
Consumers and businesses can report a trade measurement concern by calling 1300 686 664 or emailing infotm@measurement.gov.au.