The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is a division of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR). It maintains Australia’s measurement system by administering the National Measurement Act 1960.
Compliance with measurement regulation in 2025–26 reports on NMI’s performance as a Commonwealth regulator.
It also reports compliance rates and outcomes across industry sectors and compliance programs, and the regulatory actions we took in response to non-compliance. We use this information to develop future compliance priorities. We also consider stakeholder feedback, complaints, broader risk assessments and emerging regulatory issues.
This report complements the DISR Corporate Plan and Annual Report. These reports have a performance measure relating to the effectiveness of NMI’s trade measurement activities. In 2025–26, it was performance measure 12: increasing compliance with fair measure regulations through National Measurement Institute trader engagement.
We continue to improve our reporting and compliance practices in response to recommendations from the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) audit of trade measurement compliance activities in 2023–24 and the inquiry into the administration of Commonwealth regulations in 2024–25. In 2025–26, the ANAO also reported on our implementation of Auditor-General recommendations as part of DISR. This year, we focused on strengthening the systems and practices that support risk-based and accountable regulation to achieve better outcomes for industry and consumers.
In reporting our performance, we demonstrate our commitment to Resource Management Guide for Regulator Performance (RMG 128) Principle 1: Continuous improvement and building trust.
5,405 trader audits found that 65% of traders complied with measurement law in an initial audit. Of the non-compliant traders we revisited, 80% complied with measurement law.
69% of trial purchases were compliant with measurement law.
541 licensed premises were audited as part of a concentrated audit in October 2025. 74% of them complied with measurement law. Across 2025–26, we audited another 492 licensed premises, of which 71% complied with measurement law.
485 retail fuel stations were audited as part of a concentrated audit in 2026. 63% of them complied with measurement law. Across the entire year, we tested 7,131 retail fuel dispensers, of which 82% were compliant with trade measurement law. 4% of dispensers tested had an error resulting in consumer disadvantage.
13,838 measuring instruments were audited, of which 84% (11,660) were compliant with measurement law. Verification audits of 1,697 measuring instruments found that 88% (1,486) of them were compliant.
3 measurement standards laboratories calibrated more than 7,251 reference standards.
We approved 155 new measuring instrument designs (pattern approvals) for use in Australia.
We represented Australia in 36 international legal metrology engagements, mostly through the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).
Australians rely on measurement every day. For example, when we buy fuel, we rely on the petrol pump (a measuring instrument) to deliver the amount we have paid for. When we buy fruit and vegetables at the supermarket, we rely on shop scales to charge for the correct amount. Australia’s measurement law governs these purchases and supports trusted measurement across Australia.
To maintain confidence in Australia's measurement system, NMI aims to achieve the following objectives:
NMI’s compliance program and priorities for 2025–26 were set out in Legal metrology priorities 2025–26.
Overall, compliance generally improved following intervention. Persistent non-compliance in some sectors shows where further attention is needed.
NMI delivered most activities planned for 2025–26. We adapted some programs in response to changing risks and operational considerations. The year’s results showed the value of education, engagement and proportionate enforcement in improving compliance with measurement law.
Approved designs and verified instruments help ensure measuring technologies used in trade are accurate, reliable and suitable for Australian conditions.
Measuring instruments must be manufactured according to an approved pattern (design). The pattern approval process determines whether a measuring instrument is suitable for its intended use. It also determines whether the instruments can operate within allowable limits of error under various environmental and usage conditions.
More than 10,000 measuring instrument designs have been approved for trade use in Australia. We approved 155 new measuring instrument designs this year. Examples of designs approved this year include a fuel dispenser, a water meter, and a parcel measuring system used by freight and logistics businesses (also known as a multidimensional measuring instrument).
NMI licenses 294 external organisations that employ more than 1,170 authorised verifiers. Verifiers test measuring instruments before they are first used for trade to ensure they meet legal requirements. They assess between 85,000 and 110,000 measuring instruments each year.
How NMI is helping industry explore new technologies for assessing grain quality
Grain quality assessment plays an important role in Australia's grain industry. It helps producers, buyers and exporters make informed trading decisions. As new technologies emerge, NMI is working with industry to understand how they can support more consistent and efficient quality assessment.
In 2025–26, NMI worked with grain industry partners to explore the use of imaging analysis and artificial intelligence technologies for assessing grain quality. The work examined how these technologies performed in operational environments and how their results compared with established assessment methods. The focus was on machine performance, auditing, diagnostics, operational processes, and comparisons between traditional manual assessments and technology-based approaches.
Industry trials expanded to include wheat, barley and oats, with more than 180,000 grain samples processed during the 2025–26 harvest. The technology can assess up to 10,000 kernels in under 3 minutes.
This work has improved NMI's understanding of emerging technologies that may influence future grain quality assessment practices. By working closely with industry, NMI is helping ensure emerging technologies can be evaluated against existing measurement and inspection practices. The collaboration supports innovation across the grain supply chain while maintaining confidence in the quality assessments that underpin grain trading. The work provides a foundation for assessing whether new grain assessment technologies are fit for use in trade.
During compliance activities, trade measurement inspectors use reference standards of measurement to check the accuracy of measuring instruments used in trade. Verifiers also use reference standards to check and verify measuring instruments used in trade.
Our measurement standards laboratories in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) to calibrate and verify reference standards of measurement. In 2025–26, these laboratories calibrated 7,251 reference standards of measurement, such as:
NMI ensures international recognition and acceptance of Australia’s measurement system by acting as the interface between the Australian and international measurement systems. Key areas of engagement included collaboration with the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF), Pacific Island Metrology Committee (PIMC), Measurement Canada, and Trading Standards New Zealand.
The Australian Government is a signatory to the Metre Convention and the International Organization for Legal Metrology (OIML) Convention. NMI represents Australia in our obligations under these treaties and ensures international recognition and acceptance of Australia’s measurement system. International engagement helps Australian businesses to access global markets. It also aligns Australia's measurement requirements with international standards.
In 2025–26, NMI:
Australia is also a member economy of the Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum (APLMF). We presented outcomes from the Frozen Seafood Program at the 32nd Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum meeting held in Bandung, Indonesia, in November 2025. We also continued to chair the APLMF Working Group on Measurement of Fuels. This working group aims to harmonise the requirements for fuel measurement in the Asia-Pacific economies with a view to removing technical barriers to trade.
Engagement activities focused on strengthening regulatory partnerships, supporting industry compliance, advancing emerging measurement technologies and maintaining Australia's leadership in legal metrology. Key areas of engagement included collaboration with Standards Australia, state and Commonwealth agencies, and a broad range of industry stakeholders.
We continued to engage with regulated industries through the Consumer and Industry Liaison Committee (CILC). We also consulted on electricity metering, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and liquids other than water, grain technology, water metering, digital standards and emerging technologies. We worked with online retailers and major sales platforms to help make sure measuring tools sold online comply with measurement law.
We provide training in biological, chemical, physical and legal measurement to help build national and international capability and expertise in measurement to meet industry demands. In 2025–26, NMI delivered 27 courses (13 training courses and 14 consultancies). We also enrolled 82 people in e-learning modules and issued 159 certificates to verifiers and assistant trade measurement officers in our role as a registered training organisation. Trade measurement officers are also known as trade measurement inspectors (inspectors).
These engagements helped inform policy development, improve compliance outcomes, support harmonisation with international standards and increase stakeholder awareness of regulatory obligations.
Improving confidence in the sale of sand, gravel, compost and firewood
Bulk landscape products such as sand, gravel, compost and firewood are often sold by volume or mass. Making sure customers receive the quantity they pay for can be challenging, particularly when products are measured and delivered in large quantities.
Unlike many everyday consumer products, verifying these measurements requires specialised equipment and testing methods.
To strengthen measurement assurance in this sector, NMI developed new tools and procedures for auditing bulk goods in real-world trading environments. The work included testing of electric tipper trailers for field inspections.
In 2025–26, NMI validated these new techniques across a range of building, landscaping and garden products as part of the marketplace intelligence program. NMI also worked with Standards Australia and potting mix industry representatives to better understand measurement practices and emerging trends.
The work supports a more consistent national approach to measuring bulk landscape products. It helps give consumers and businesses confidence that products are measured fairly and accurately.
In 2025–26, NMI conducted 5,405 trader audits across industry sectors, including:
NMI’s inspectors visited 3,905 traders in an initial audit. Our inspectors returned to 1,500 traders to confirm they had improved their practices and had fixed previous non-compliance. This is called a follow-up audit.
NMI did not meet the targets for follow-up audits relating to detriment or no detriment within the specified timeframes. Only 59% of follow-up audits relating to detriment were completed within the 60-day timeframe and 89% of follow-up audits for no detriment were completed within the 120-day timeframe. NMI expects this result to be higher and is strengthening the monitoring of follow-up audit timeframes. The results are an improvement on performance reported in 2024–25.
During a trader audit, NMI’s trade measurement inspectors check whether a business is complying with Australia’s trade measurement law. They identify where education, corrective action or enforcement may be required.
A trade measurement inspector will:
More information is at: Trader compliance and enforcement outcomes
NMI responds to complaints received from consumers and businesses on our website and through our helpline. Complaints provide an important source of intelligence about potential trade measurement issues in the marketplace. They help us identify non-compliant practices and direct regulatory effort where it can have the greatest impact.
We received 646 complaints in 2025–26. In response, we audited 715 business premises. We finalised 579 complaints (including some from the previous year).
Our trade measurement inspectors:
NMI issued 191 non-compliance notices for the following breaches:
Some traders received more than one non-compliance notice. Some received a non-compliance notice covering more than one breach.
In line with the National Compliance Policy, we issued 3 warning letters and 3 infringement notices and established one compliance agreement. The 3 infringement notices attracted a total of $24,665 in fines issued to non-compliant traders.
How targeted compliance activity improved checks across the imported seafood supply chain
Imported seafood can pass through a complex, global supply chain before reaching Australian consumers. In 2025–26, NMI audited seafood businesses importing prepackaged frozen seafood to ensure consumers receive the amount of seafood shown on the package.
At a typical audit, NMI inspectors partially defrost the seafood to remove the water ‘glaze’ before they weigh it. The glaze is a layer of water applied to seafood to protect it during transport and packaging. The package label should show the amount of seafood in the package. It should not include the water glaze.
An importer was found to be non-compliant with these requirements. NMI’s inspectors measured less seafood than the amount marked on the label. Furthermore, the business had no processes in place to ensure the label on the package showed the actual amount of seafood they were receiving from their overseas suppliers. An infringement notice valued at more than $18,000 was issued to the importer.
After working with NMI, the importer implemented checkweighing processes for the prepackaged seafood they were receiving into Australia. They also required suppliers to meet Australian measurement requirements. They changed suppliers to one who was able to comply with Australian measurement law. By strengthening controls earlier in the supply chain, the business improved confidence that products would meet measurement requirements before reaching retailers and consumers. The case shows how targeted compliance activity can improve measurement practices before products reach retailers and consumers.
Delivering effective measurement regulation relies on a skilled and capable workforce. NMI continues to invest in staff capability and wellbeing. We remain above Australian Public Service averages for staff retention, skills and capability.
To deliver our regulatory obligations, NMI appointed 6 new trade measurement officers (TMOs) in 2025–26. Their appointment follows 12–18 months of training in a Certificate IV in Trade Measurement and a Certificate IV in Government (Investigations). There are now 42 trade measurement officers. Staff also received foundational training on topics such as driver safety, fire extinguisher use, manual handling, and complex measuring instruments.
This work supports NMI’s performance target to build staff capability through internal and external training opportunities (RMG 128).
NMI launched a new online portal in 2025. Since September 2025, NMI test and calibration clients have been able to submit online requests for test and calibration services. They can get a quote, accept it and download the end report via a secure client portal available all day, every day.
Since its release, around a fifth of external test and calibration service requests have been serviced through the portal. Around a half of NMI’s internal test and calibration work is also managed through the system.
'The biggest benefit to me is that the portal centralises everything. I have visibility of all our requests, and I can see their status in real time. I can also download final reports as soon as they are available and they are stored on the portal. This reduces the risk of them becoming lost or tampered with. It’s convenient, secure and it saves me time.'
NMI is planning to deliver more services in future releases. Online access to pattern approval services will be available soon.
Following a comprehensive review, NMI is reforming Australia’s measurement legislation. In the 2023–24 Budget, the Australian Government announced $12.7 million of funding over 4 years to implement these reforms and support traders to understand their obligations.
The reforms aim to streamline, modernise and simplify Australia’s measurement legislation to be more principles-based and flexible. The legislation will continue to ensure Australia has a strong, efficient and effective measurement system that reduces the regulatory burden on businesses. It will also better align Australia’s measurement standards with international best practice. The Regulation Impact Statement is available on the Measurement Law Review section on the Office of Impact Analysis website.
NMI also continued to maintain Australia's existing measurement legislation. Some legislative instruments were scheduled to sunset on 1 April 2026. Sunsetting is a process that requires legislative instruments to be reviewed and either remade, replaced or allowed to lapse if they are no longer needed.
Two regulations originally scheduled to sunset remain in force: the National Measurement Regulations 1999 and the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009. These regulations provide the legal basis for Australia's units of measurement, utility metering requirements and pattern approval processes.
We also reviewed other instruments scheduled to sunset. These included the National Measurement Guidelines 2026, which specify how legal units of measurement can be combined. Three recognized-value standards of measurement were remade. They set standards for position, the density of water and acceleration due to gravity. Other recognized-value standards were allowed to sunset where they were no longer needed.
How NMI checks specialised fuel systems at unmanned sites
Unmanned sites present distinct operational and technical challenges. Inspectors must arrange access and understand the site infrastructure. They then need to safely dispense, test and return the fuel without anyone else around. Long regional travel, fuel supply constraints and the use of bulk or high-flow equipment can add complexity.
As part of the 2025–26 fuel compliance program, NMI audited unmanned fuel sites across regional and remote Australia. Inspectors tested bulk fuel systems at coastal marinas, high-flow diesel dispensers, and other specialised installations without help or support from anyone else on site.
The work took inspectors to the Sapphire Coast, Snowy Mountains, Mount Buller, and The Bluff, Australia's highest fuel site by elevation. Testing involved handling fuel measures containing hundreds of litres, returning fuel to elevated storage tanks, and maintaining fuel quality throughout the process.
The audits helped provide assurance that specialised fuel systems continue to measure accurately, including at sites that are remote, unattended or difficult to access. The work also extended regulatory oversight to fuel facilities that can be technically challenging to inspect.
NMI plans compliance activities each financial year. We publish the planned industry focus areas in our annual legal metrology priorities. Compliance activities are organised into programs that run across the financial year. The program duration varies. A program may run throughout the whole year, for 6 months, or just a few weeks. These programs guide our trade measurement inspectors when planning their activities.
In 2025–26, NMI undertook 2 concentrated programs focused on measurement compliance in the following areas:
We used all available trade measurement inspectors across the country to complete audits of these trade groups during the nominated weeks.
We deferred 2 pilot activities planned for 2025–26: electric vehicle charging infrastructure and electricity meter submetering. Other compliance activities were a priority during the year. Both pilot activities are included in the 2026–27 compliance program.
Compliance is when trade activities meet the requirements of Australia’s measurement law. If a business or person doesn’t fulfil their duties under the law, they are non-compliant.
Non-compliance can take many forms, including:
Non-compliance doesn’t always affect the integrity of measurement-based transactions. Measurement errors are usually relatively minor, and large errors are rare. However, even minor measurement errors can have a significant impact on competition and consumer disadvantage.
When selling over-the-counter products by weight, a common non-compliance is failure to remove the weight of the container. For example, a delicatessen that sells products in a plastic container needs to tare the container off at the point of sale. Failure to tare can add 10–20 grams to each transaction. Over time, even a small error of this kind could cost customers thousands of dollars.
Most businesses want to do the right thing. They promptly rectify trade measurement breaches once they are made aware of them.
From 20 to 24 October 2025, trade measurement inspectors audited licensed premises that sell alcohol. Examples include pubs, clubs, hotels, sporting clubs, breweries and distilleries. The program helped ensure customers get what they pay for when they buy a drink, while supporting businesses to understand and comply with trade measurement law. By working with venue operators and staff, NMI helps promote fair trading practices and confidence in measurement-based transactions.
During this audit, NMI’s trade measurement inspectors:
Reasons for non-compliance included:
Most non‑compliance was relatively minor. Traders usually corrected the issue following advice from trade measurement inspectors.
NMI issued 144 non-compliance notices for the following breaches:
Some traders received more than one non-compliance notice. Some traders received a non-compliance notice covering more than one breach.
NMI sent 3 warning letters and issued 3 infringement notices amounting to a total of $19,800.
Compliance rates at licensed premises have generally been above 70% (Figure 1). Previous concentrated audits in 2019 and 2022 found similar compliance rates of 71% and 74%, respectively. In 2025–26, we revisited some sites that didn’t meet requirements in the 2022 audit to ensure they were staying on track and following the rules. By returning to venues and expanding the range of checks, NMI is continuing to work with businesses to ensure customers get what they pay for.
Figure 1: Licensed premises compliance with measurement law, as identified in NMI’s routine compliance audits and in concentrated audits
NMI planned a nationally coordinated compliance program for March 2026 to check the accuracy of fuel dispensers used for trade. We targeted retail fuel this year due to compliance history and stakeholder feedback. High-risk and new traders were the main focus of the fuel audit program. Follow-up audits targeted businesses that have had problems before.
Trade measurement inspectors across Australia conducted targeted audits, tested dispensers for measurement accuracy and investigated consumer complaints.
The program happened to coincide with the fuel market disruption linked to conflict in the Middle East in early 2026. Consumers were increasingly concerned about fuel supply and rising prices. These concerns drew public attention to fuel retailers and measurement accuracy. As the disruption continued, NMI extended the program into April.
During this program, NMI’s trade measurement inspectors:
Reasons for non-compliance for measuring instruments included:
Most non-compliance was corrected by traders following advice from trade measurement inspectors. NMI issued 214 non-compliance notices for the following breaches:
Some traders received more than one non-compliance notice. Some received a non-compliance notice covering more than one breach.
The program provided assurance that fuel dispensers continued to measure accurately during a period of market uncertainty. It demonstrated our ability to adapt operational priorities and deliver a coordinated national regulatory response. The accuracy of fuel dispensers continues to be a focus in 2026–27 as part of the measuring instruments program.
While onsite, inspectors also collected fuel samples to support the Fuel Quality Standard monitoring program.
We audit retail fuel dispensers for accuracy every year as part of our routine trade measurement inspection program. Over the past five years, the proportion of dispensers tested that were found to be inaccurate to the consumer’s disadvantage ranged from 3% to 6% each year.
In the previous concentrated audit of retail fuel in 2019–2020, NMI’s trade measurement inspectors found similar levels of non-compliance:
The 2025–26 results were broadly consistent with past audit findings.
NMI inspectors make over-the-counter transactions throughout the year to check that businesses selling products by weight, measure or count comply with trade measurement law. These audits help ensure customers get what they pay for. They also help ensure that businesses operate on a level playing field.
Over-the-counter transactions have higher rates of non-compliance. They continue to be a focus for compliance activity.
During these visits in 2025–26, inspectors:
Reasons for non-compliance included:
NMI issued 718 non-compliance notices for the following breaches:
Some traders received more than one non-compliance notice. Some received a non-compliance notice covering more than one breach.
NMI sent 25 warning letters and issued 5 infringement notices with total fines of $13,200.
Auditing over-the-counter transactions is an ongoing priority for NMI, as indicated in our Legal metrology priorities 2026–27.
A prepackaged good is a single item comprising a product and packaging so that it is ready for sale. NMI’s trade measurement inspectors check prepackaged goods throughout the year as part of their routine audit activities. The purpose is to ensure consumers receive the quantity shown on the package and that businesses comply with labelling requirements. Auditing prepackaged goods is an ongoing priority for NMI as indicated in our Legal metrology priorities 2026–27.
In 2025–26, trade measurement inspectors checked 37,684 lines of prepackaged goods to verify they:
Of the lines of prepackaged goods tested in 2025–26, 1,754 (5%) contained less product than the amount stated on the package. This was higher than in previous years due to a focus on over-the-counter transactions as part of our national compliance program for the year. Most of the discrepancies were relatively small, with a shortfall of less than 5%. For example, if a 1 kg packet of flour had a shortfall of 5%, the customer would receive 950 g (50 g less).
Most discrepancies detected in prepackaged goods are small. Traders usually resolve them quickly following advice from the trade measurement inspector.
Table 1: Inspection outcomes for prepackaged goods, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Prepackaged lines inspected | Individual packages inspected | Lines with short measure | Lines with non-compliant labelling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 17,360 | 59,862 | 678 (4%) | 851 (5%) |
| 2022–23 | 29,966 | 107,065 | 1,848 (6%) | 1,844 (6%) |
| 2023–24 | 61,263 | 236,163 | 1,928 (3%) | 2,815 (5%) |
| 2024–25 | 55,615 | 213,773 | 1,485 (3%) | 2,467 (4%) |
| 2025–26 | 37,684 | 139,241 | 1,754 (5%) | 1,666 (4%) |
Among the categories of prepackaged goods, meat and seafood consistently have the greatest proportions of products with short measure. The other categories of products can vary from year to year. The following table lists the categories of prepackaged goods identified with the greatest proportions of incorrect measurement in 2025–26.
Table 2: Prepackaged goods categories with the highest proportions of lines with short measure, 2025–26
| Prepackaged goods category | Individual packages inspected | Prepackaged lines inspected | Lines with short measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape materials | 430 | 71 | 25 (35%) |
| Oil (non-edible) | 76 | 8 | 1 (13%) |
| Personal grooming/hygiene | 346 | 84 | 9 (11%) |
| Meat (processed) | 5,579 | 1,812 | 191 (11%) |
| Seafood (fresh) | 1,328 | 412 | 40 (10%) |
| Meat (fresh – excluding seafood) | 25,923 | 8,313 | 706 (8%) |
| Dairy (cheese) | 6,724 | 2,233 | 175 (8%) |
| Pet supplies | 1,725 | 449 | 28 (6%) |
| Fruit and vegetables (fresh) | 23,083 | 6,331 | 348 (5%) |
| Sauce | 432 | 101 | 5 (5%) |
For this year-long program, NMI’s trade measurement inspectors targeted traders who own complex measuring instruments such as weighbridges, truck-mounted flow meters and wheeled loader weighers. These high-capacity measuring instruments are used in various industries to trade high-value, large quantities of commodities such as coal, wheat, fuel and waste. The Complex Measuring Instrument Program continues to be a priority in 2026–27.
In 2025–26, NMI’s trade measurement inspectors audited 382 complex measuring instruments, of which 101 (26%) were found to be non-compliant (a 74% compliance rate). Most non-compliance was due to instruments not being verified rather than measurement accuracy.
Of the 357 instruments that were tested:
At the follow-up audit, the non-compliance rate was lower at 22% (a 78% compliance rate).
This year-long program targets areas where we need to improve our understanding of the compliance risk in a sector. It also allows inspectors to investigate emerging issues that fall outside the scope of other programs and to undertake audits that align with their competency-based training and development needs. In 2025–26, trade measurement inspectors audited:
Across this program, inspectors:
Reasons for non-compliance included:
NMI issued 344 non-compliance notices for the following breaches:
Some traders received more than one non-compliance notice. Some received a non-compliance notice covering more than one breach.
NMI issued 6 warning letters and 2 infringement notices for $1,650 and $4,950.
The program identified non-compliance issues across measuring instruments, prepackaged goods and trading practices. The findings from this program will inform future compliance program priorities.
NMI published its planned program of activities as part of the Legal metrology priorities 2025–26. This section provides an overview of trader audits – how many traders we audited and what we audited – over the 5 years to 2025–26.
The data in this section includes aggregate results from all audits conducted in 2025–26. Compliance and enforcement activities are listed in the financial year they were taken. As a result, an initial audit, follow-up audit and enforcement action may be recorded in different financial years.
In 2025–26, NMI conducted 5,405 trader audits across a range of industry sectors. We audited 13,838 measuring instruments, 212 weighbridges and 37,684 lines of prepackaged goods (139,241 individual packages). The targets for these activities are set under our national compliance program in the Legal metrology priorities for 2025–26. The number of measuring instruments audited is higher than planned because the total includes audits of retail weighing instruments and retail fuel dispensers under the concentrated audit program.
Table 3: Trader audits by type, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Trader audits | Measuring instruments | Weighbridges | Lines of prepackaged goods | Individual packages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 3,131 | 7,118 | 473 | 17,360 | 59,862 |
| 2022–23 | 4,410 | 7,651 | 130 | 29,966 | 107,065 |
| 2023–24 | 5,161 | 8,526 | 222 | 61,263 | 236,163 |
| 2024–25 | 5,152 | 7,427 | 272 | 55,615 | 213,773 |
| 2025–26 | 5,405 | 13,838 | 212 | 37,684 | 139,241 |
Table 4: Trader audit outcomes, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Initial audits | Initial compliance | Follow-up audits | Follow-up compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 2,529 | 1,738 (69%) | 602 | 481 (80%) |
| 2022–23 | 3,183 | 2,124 (67%) | 1,227 | 945 (77%) |
| 2023–24 | 3,634 | 2,437 (67%) | 1,527 | 1,094 (72%) |
| 2024–25 | 3,528 | 2,511 (71%) | 1,624 | 1,293 (80%) |
| 2025–26 | 3,905 | 2,542 (65%) | 1,500 | 1,194 (80%) |
NMI inspectors issue non-compliance notices when they identify breaches of trade measurement law during trader audits. NMI considers all enforcement actions in line with the National Compliance Policy.
We consider escalating our response when:
NMI may negotiate a compliance agreement when:
A single warning letter, infringement notice or other enforcement action may relate to multiple breaches of trade measurement law.
When non-compliance is assessed as having a low level of harm with minimal likelihood of continued non-compliance, the trade measurement inspector will issue a non-compliance notice and may give advice if appropriate. The aim is to provide education and guidance on measurement legislation requirements. A follow-up audit will check that any issues identified have been fixed. This is the most common course of action.
NMI may refer more serious non-compliance to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP). The CDPP decides whether to take forward a referral for prosecution. Prosecutions may also conclude in the years after any referral.
In 2025–26, we issued 1,940 non-compliance notices, 63 warning letters and 18 infringement notices (Table 5). We referred one finding of non-compliance to the CDPP.
Table 5: Enforcement actions, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Non-compliance notices | Warning letters | Infringement notices (number and total value) | Enforceable undertakings | Referrals to the CDPP | Convictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 926 | 35 | 18 ($28,860) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | 1,687 | 47 | 18 ($27,700) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | 1,971 | 59 | 24 ($91,970) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | 1,520 | 55 | 22 ($65,100) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | 1,940 | 63 | 18 ($90,665) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Notes: For infringement notices, dollar values in brackets are the total value for the financial year.
In 2025–26, the most common breaches resulting in a warning letter were short measure in prepackaged goods and breaches of trading practices.
The most common breaches resulting in an infringement notice or warning letter were associated with:
Combined, these breaches resulted in 63 warning letters and 18 infringement notices totalling $90,665.
How NMI worked with large retailers to improve measurement practices across their stores
For a national retailer, a measurement issue in one store can point to a risk across many locations. NMI identified issues involving checkout scales and short-measure products in 2 large retailers. We worked with them to improve trade measurement compliance across their store networks.
One retailer introduced a national program to check its checkout scales and correct faults. Almost half of its scales had been checked by the time of reporting. The program addressed individual faults while strengthening the retailer’s approach to managing its scales nationally, across the entire store network.
In a separate matter, NMI issued a $13,200 infringement notice after a retailer failed to remove short-measure products from sale when notified. The retailer then improved its processes for responding to trade measurement notifications.
Together, these examples show how NMI combines engagement and enforcement to address immediate problems and support broader improvements. This work helps protect consumers by encouraging national retailers to apply more consistent measurement practices across their stores.
In this section, we report our compliance outcomes by the sectors that have a history of non-compliance.
NMI focuses compliance activities on sectors with a history of higher rates of non-compliance. Over the past 5 years, fruit and vegetable retailers, seafood and meat retailers, delicatessens and other small food businesses have consistently had some of the highest rates of non-compliance (Figure 2). Together, these sectors account for almost three-quarters of all trader audits.
These sectors are higher risk because of the nature of their trading activities. They rely on manual weighing, measuring and packaging practices, which can increase the chance of short measure, labelling errors and trading practice breaches. Smaller traders are also less likely to have rigorous quality assurance processes in place. As a result, we audit traders in these sectors throughout the year, with a focus on over-the-counter transactions.
Fuel retailers and licensed premises have also experienced higher rates of non-compliance. NMI focused on these sectors through the concentrated audit programs. These programs provide assurance that businesses continue to comply with trade measurement law and help identify areas requiring further compliance activity.
Figure 2: Sectors with high rates of non-compliance with measurement law over the past 5 years
In 2025–26, NMI audited 206 fruit and vegetable shops. About 60% did not comply with trade measurement law in the initial audit (Table 6). The non-compliance rate improved at a follow-up audit, however, 28% were still non-compliant.
Reasons for the non-compliance included:
Combined, these breaches resulted in 8 warning letters and 3 infringement notices totalling $4,950.
Table 6: Audit outcomes and enforcement actions in fruit and vegetables – retail, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Initial audits | Initial non-compliance | Follow-up audits | Follow-up non-compliance | Warning letters | Infringement notices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 46 | 22 (48%) | 54 | 25 (46%) | 9 | 4 ($6,660) |
| 2022–23 | 293 | 185 (63%) | 238 | 82 (34%) | 22 | 3 ($3,595) |
| 2023–24 | 172 | 81 (47%) | 172 | 69 (40%) | 7 | 2 ($9,390) |
| 2024–25 | 64 | 27 (42%) | 74 | 26 (35%) | 2 | 3 ($9,390) |
| 2025–26 | 206 | 127 (62%) | 165 | 46 (28%) | 8 | 3 ($4,950) |
In 2025–26, NMI audited 41 delicatessens. Almost 40% did not comply with trade measurement law in the initial audit (Table 7). The non-compliance rate improved at a follow-up audit, however, 19% were still non-compliant.
In all cases, the non-compliance involved short measure in prepackaged goods.
Combined, these breaches resulted in one warning letter. There were no infringement notices issued to delicatessens in 2025–26.
Table 7: Audit outcomes and enforcement actions in delicatessens, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Initial audits | Initial non-compliance | Follow-up audits | Follow-up non-compliance | Warning letters | Infringement notices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 5 | 0 (0%) | 2 | 0 (0%) | 0 | 0 ($0) |
| 2022–23 | 179 | 111 (62%) | 42 | 12 (29%) | 0 | 1 ($1,110) |
| 2023–24 | 38 | 14 (37%) | 78 | 16 (21%) | 2 | 1 ($6,260) |
| 2024–25 | 26 | 7 (27%) | 22 | 5 (23%) | 2 | 0 ($0) |
| 2025–26 | 41 | 16 (39%) | 21 | 4 (19%) | 1 | 0 ($0) |
In 2025–26, NMI audited small businesses selling foods, in addition to the other sectors reported here. Examples include soup and dessert bars, products sold over the counter (such as jerky, biltong and hemp), or specialist retailers of prepackaged goods (such as honey or coffee).
Some 46% did not comply with trade measurement law in the initial audit (Table 8). The non-compliance rate improved at a follow-up audit; however, 28% were still non-compliant.
Reasons for the non-compliance included:
Combined, these breaches resulted in 12 warning letters and one infringement notice of $1,650.
Table 8: Audit outcomes and enforcement actions in small business – food, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Initial audits | Initial non-compliance | Follow-up audits | Follow-up non-compliance | Warning letters | Infringement notices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 53 | 23 (43%) | 17 | 3 (18%) | 0 | 1 ($1,110) |
| 2022–23 | 112 | 56 (50%) | 61 | 14 (23%) | 0 | 1 ($1,110) |
| 2023–24 | 278 | 149 (54%) | 136 | 47 (35%) | 8 | 2 ($9,390) |
| 2024–25 | 260 | 112 (43%) | 236 | 57 (24%) | 20 | 1 ($6,600) |
| 2025–26 | 196 | 91 (46%) | 122 | 34 (28%) | 12 | 1 ($1,650) |
In 2025–26, NMI audited 74 traders selling seafood. Almost half of them did not comply with trade measurement law in the initial audit (Table 9). The non-compliance rate improved at a follow-up audit, however, 26% were still non-compliant.
Reasons for the non-compliance included:
Combined, these breaches resulted in 6 warning letters and 2 infringement notices totalling $4,950.
Table 9: Audit outcomes and enforcement actions in seafood – retail, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Initial audits | Initial non-compliance | Follow-up audits | Follow-up non-compliance | Warning letters | Infringement notices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 17 | 5 (29%) | 2 | 0 (0%) | 0 | 0 ($0) |
| 2022–23 | 90 | 50 (56%) | 42 | 9 (21%) | 1 | 0 ($0) |
| 2023–24 | 99 | 47 (47%) | 70 | 23 (33%) | 7 | 2 ($4,240) |
| 2024–25 | 24 | 10 (42%) | 24 | 1 (4%) | 0 | 0 ($0) |
| 2025–26 | 74 | 36 (49%) | 43 | 11 (26%) | 6 | 2 ($4,950) |
In 2025–26, NMI audited 295 traders selling fresh meat. Almost half of the traders audited did not comply with trade measurement law in the initial audit (Table 10). The non-compliance rate improved at a follow-up audit, with only 15% (25) still being non-compliant.
Reasons for the non-compliance included:
Combined, these resulted in 5 warning letters. There were no infringement notices issued to meat retailers in 2025–26.
Table 10: Audit outcomes and enforcement actions in meat – retail, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Initial audits | Initial non-compliance | Follow-up audits | Follow-up non-compliance | Warning letters | Infringement notices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 78 | 36 (46%) | 35 | 6 (17%) | 4 | 1 ($2,220) |
| 2022–23 | 409 | 190 (46%) | 170 | 44 (26%) | 4 | 4 ($4,705) |
| 2023–24 | 289 | 120 (42%) | 194 | 55 (28%) | 11 | 4 ($18,065) |
| 2024–25 | 98 | 37 (38%) | 95 | 24 (25%) | 5 | 3 ($6,345) |
| 2025–26 | 295 | 141 (48%) | 168 | 25 (15%) | 5 | 0 ($0) |
NMI audited 492 licensed premises through routine compliance activities in 2025–26. The results of the concentrated audit program, which audited a further 541 premises, are reported separately. Almost 30% did not comply with trade measurement law in the initial audit (Table 11). The non-compliance rate improved at a follow-up audit; however, 9% were still non-compliant.
Reasons for the non-compliance included:
Combined, these breaches resulted in 4 warning letters and 3 infringement notices totalling $19,800.
Table 11: Routine audit outcomes and enforcement actions for licensed premises, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Initial audits | Initial non-compliance | Follow-up audits | Follow-up non-compliance | Warning letters | Infringement notices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 354 | 103 (29%) | 102 | 12 (12%) | 5 | 0 ($0) |
| 2022–23 | 158 | 20 (13%) | 98 | 16 (16%) | 4 | 1 ($1,110) |
| 2023–24 | 88 | 21 (24%) | 70 | 9 (13%) | 1 | 3 ($4,695) |
| 2024–25 | 107 | 17 (16%) | 37 | 3 (8%) | 1 | 0 ($0) |
| 2025–26 | 492 | 141 (29%) | 87 | 8 (9%) | 4 | 3 ($19,800) |
In 2025–26, NMI audited 600 supermarkets. Almost 30% did not comply with trade measurement law in the initial audit (Table 12). The non-compliance rate improved slightly at a follow-up audit, however, 21% were still non-compliant.
Reasons for the non-compliance included:
Combined, these breaches resulted in 11 warning letters and 3 infringement notices totalling $14,850.
Table 12: Audit outcomes and enforcement actions in supermarkets, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Initial audits | Initial non-compliance | Follow-up audits | Follow-up non-compliance | Warning letters | Infringement notices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 493 | 179 (36%) | 93 | 21 (23%) | 5 | 4 ($4,440) |
| 2022–23 | 597 | 123 (21%) | 266 | 46 (17%) | 11 | 5 ($12,740) |
| 2023–24 | 749 | 207 (28%) | 268 | 75 (28%) | 6 | 2 ($4,695) |
| 2024–25 | 599 | 146 (24%) | 249 | 58 (23%) | 3 | 9 ($25,125) |
| 2025–26 | 600 | 171 (29%) | 190 | 40 (21%) | 11 | 3 ($14,850) |
Note: Supermarkets audit data includes visits to major supermarkets, independent supermarkets and co-operatives, and smaller retail supermarkets.
The National Measurement Act 1960 regulates measuring instruments that are used for trade purposes. This regulatory framework is consistent with international best practice: measuring instruments used for trade must be of an approved pattern (design), verified and accurate.
A measuring instrument is non-compliant if it:
This section reports how many instruments we assessed for accuracy and whether inaccuracies were to the detriment (or disadvantage) of consumers, over the 5 years to 2025–26.
Accurate measuring instruments are needed for consumers and businesses to have confidence that they are getting what they paid for.
An accurate measuring instrument operates within legal tolerances or ‘maximum permissible errors’. Our trade measurement inspectors test instruments for accuracy. If an instrument is incorrect by more than the permitted error, even to the consumer’s advantage, it is defined as non-compliant under the legislation.
For example, if a consumer bought 60.0 litres of petrol, and the dispenser had an error of 1% to consumer disadvantage, the consumer would receive 59.4 litres of petrol. If a consumer bought 60 litres of petrol and the dispenser had an error of 1% to consumer advantage, the consumer would receive 60.6 litres of petrol. Both dispensers would be non-compliant because they are outside the maximum permissible error for fuel dispensers which is + or - 0.3%.
In 2025–26, trade measurement inspectors assessed 13,838 measuring instruments, of which 84% complied with measurement law (Table 13).
Compliance rates improved at the follow-up audit, when NMI’s trade measurement inspectors found that 87% of measuring instruments assessed complied with measurement law. Further non-compliance can be detected at follow-up audits.
Instrument categories with the greatest proportions of instruments found to be inaccurate to consumer disadvantage are shown in Table 14.
We also examined 263 point-of-sale systems and 212 weighbridges for compliance with their approval and licensing conditions. We paused accuracy testing of weighbridges while we develop and evaluate safer testing methods.
Table 13: Audit outcomes by compliance types, initial audit, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Instruments tested |
Compliant | Not verified | Inaccurate (consumer advantage) |
Inaccurate (consumer disadvantage) |
Other non-compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 7,118 | 6,054 (85%) | 305 (4%) | 186 (3%) | 258 (4%) | 315 (4%) |
| 2022–23 | 7,651 | 6,639 (87%) | 298 (4%) | 369 (5%) | 161 (2%) | 184 (2%) |
| 2023–24 | 8,526 | 7,142 (84%) | 536 (6%) | 376 (4%) | 199 (2%) | 273 (3%) |
| 2024–25 | 7,427 | 6,481 (87%) | 293 (4%) | 354 (5%) | 156 (2%) | 143 (2%) |
| 2025–26 | 13,838 | 11,660 (84%) | 690 (5%) | 670 (5%) | 402 (3%) | 416 (3%) |
Note: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding and instruments failing for more than one reason.
Table 14: Instrument categories with the greatest proportions of instruments found to be inaccurate to consumer disadvantage, 2025–26
| Instrument category | Instrument examples | Number tested | Proportion with consumer disadvantage | Proportion with consumer advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail fuel dispensers | Petrol and diesel pumps used at retail sites to refuel vehicles | 7,131 | 305 (4%) | 348 (5%) |
| Weighing instruments (30 kg or less) |
Scales used in supermarkets, butchers and fruit and vegetable stores | 5,198 | 53 (1%) | 306 (6%) |
| Beverage dispensers | Beverage dispensers | 378 | 25 (7%) | 2 (0.5%) |
| High-capacity weighing instruments (30 kg to 3 t) | Large platform scales for weighing pallets, garbage truck weighing of bins | 108 | 5 (5%) | 3 (3%) |
| Specialised weighing instruments (class 1 and 2) | High-precision scales for precious metals and gemstones | 180 | 3 (2%) | 7 (4%) |
| Multi-dimensional measuring instruments | Parcel measuring systems used by freight and logistics businesses | 56 | 6 (11%) | 2 (4%) |
| LPG fuel dispensers | LPG fuel dispensers | 49 | 3 (6%) | 0 |
Note: Instrument categories are from Schedule 2 of the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009
Of the 7,131 fuel dispensers tested in 2025–26:
Most dispensers found to be inaccurate to consumer disadvantage were inaccurate by up to 3 times the maximum permissible error of 0.3%. This is only 90 cents for each $100 of fuel, but it could add up to tens of millions of dollars a year to the detriment of the Australian community.
Table 15: Petrol and dispenser dispenser accuracy outcomes, 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Petrol and diesel dispensers tested | Inaccurate to consumer advantage | Inaccurate to consumer disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 3,970 | 87 (2%) | 227 (6%) |
| 2022–23 | 1,956 | 65 (3%) | 95 (5%) |
| 2023–24 | 2,484 | 152 (6%) | 122 (5%) |
| 2024–25 | 2,613 | 151 (6%) | 90 (3%) |
| 2025–26 | 7,131 | 348 (5%) | 305 (4%) |
Consumer concern about this issue is reflected in the number of complaints to NMI about short measure from fuel dispensers (liquid and gas). Almost three quarters of complaints to NMI were about these potential breaches of trade measurement law (Table 16). Only 26 (4%) of the complaints received in 2025–26 were justified when we investigated them. This is broadly consistent with previous years.
Table 16: Consumer complaints about fuel (liquid and gas), 2021–22 to 2025–26
| Year | Total complaints received | Fuel complaints received |
Fuel complaints justified (consumer disadvantage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 536 | 372 (69%) | 16 (3%) |
| 2022–23 | 507 | 349 (69%) | 14 (3%) |
| 2023–24 | 428 | 300 (70%) | 17 (4%) |
| 2024–25 | 385 | 240 (62%) | 12 (3%) |
| 2025–26 | 646 | 478 (74%) | 26 (4%) |
Public weighbridge operators and servicing licensees help build trust and confidence in the accuracy of measurements used to determine the trade value of goods. NMI appoints:
Compliance and monitoring activities that help ensure the integrity of the licensing system include:
We also monitor servicing licensee compliance through:
In 2025–26, NMI conducted:
Combined, the identified breaches resulted in 91 non-compliance advice emails and 6 warning letters. NMI considers all enforcement actions in line with the National Compliance Policy.
How NMI paused traditional weighbridge testing while it reviews safety risks and explores safer methods
Weighbridges support trade across the transport, logistics and industrial sectors. Their size, heavy use and exposure to environmental conditions make accurate testing important for businesses and their customers.
NMI traditionally tests weighbridges using a truck, trailer and forklift to place and move test masses across the instrument. The process simulates working loads and checks whether the weighbridge complies with national measurement requirements. However, it can also involve interactions between mobile plant, workers, pedestrians and other site traffic.
In 2025, NMI temporarily suspended weighbridge testing using the traditional truck, trailer and forklift configuration after identifying safety and operational risks that could not be adequately controlled at some sites. During the pause, NMI has continued regulatory oversight through modified screening tests and observation of servicing licensee verification activities.
NMI commissioned an independent review to assess the risks and recommend alternative testing methods. We will pilot the proposed methods in 2026–27.
The work will help ensure weighbridges can continue to be tested safely and effectively, supporting confidence in measurement-based transactions across transport, logistics and industrial sectors.
NMI's national network of trade measurement inspectors also supports regulatory programs delivered on behalf of other Australian Government agencies:
NMI supports DoHDA in the administration and enforcement of the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 and the now-repealed Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under the MoU, NMI’s trade measurement inspectors undertake monitoring, compliance and enforcement activities, including information visits and complaint investigations. In agreement with DoHDA, we paused this program in 2025–26.
NMI supports the delivery of the Australian National Fuel Quality Monitoring Program on behalf of DCCEEW. The program is administered under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 through an operational agreement. Under the agreement, NMI’s trade measurement inspectors are appointed as fuel quality standards inspectors. They completed fuel site inspections and sampling activities to assess the quality of liquid fuels throughout the Australian supply chain.
The results are published in the DCCEEW 2025–26 annual reports.
