We take a risk-based approach when we plan our compliance programs. We combine market intelligence, stakeholder feedback, and compliance history. Our programs may include requests from industry for specialist advice or support to meet their measurement regulatory responsibilities.
The 2026–27 compliance targets are informed by:
- government priorities
- stakeholder feedback
- engagement with industry peak bodies
- industry and business risk assessments
- individual compliance reports
- feedback from trade measurement inspectors
- industry reports.
In 2026–27, our compliance programs prioritise areas where current risk assessments, compliance history and market changes indicate the greatest need for regulatory attention. This includes a stronger focus on audits of prepackaged articles, over-the-counter transactions, and measuring instruments. Emerging risks are addressed through pilot programs and inspector discretion to assess risk early and target effort where potential harm is greatest.
These programs guide our trade measurement inspectors when planning their activities.
Our target this year is to conduct 8,000 trader audits across industry sectors in metropolitan and regional areas. As part of this, we aim to audit:
- 8,800 measuring instruments
- 58,000 prepackaged goods
- 1,400 over-the-counter transactions through trial purchases.
Over-the-counter transactions
Throughout 2026–27, NMI trade measurement inspectors will audit over-the-counter transactions, including point-of-sale (POS) systems and online sales, with onsite assessments where appropriate. We do not target specific industries. We target over-the-counter transactions more broadly, including butchers, fruit and vegetable retailers, and delicatessens.
Our inspectors will check that businesses are:
- ensuring that the weight of packaging is not included in the pricing of goods
- using measuring instruments that are verified, accurate, and properly maintained
- training staff in correct measurement and transaction processes
- applying good business processes at the point of sale and act to resolve any issues we identify.
NMI will engage with consumer groups and industry bodies that play an important role in supporting awareness and promoting good practice across sectors.
We will also engage with key industry groups and stakeholders. We will develop targeted education materials to support traders, focusing on over-the-counter transactions, weighing instruments, prepackaged goods, and quality system process improvements.
Prepackaged goods
A prepackaged good is a single item ready for sale in its packaging. NMI’s trade measurement inspectors check prepackaged goods to ensure they:
- contain the correct amount of product
- are correctly marked.
We inspect manufacturers, wholesalers and importers who supply retailers that sell to consumers. The aim is to prevent non-compliant packaging entering the supply chain.
Our focus is on product types with evidence of significant non-compliance or where data gaps create uncertainty about compliance.
Measuring instruments
An accurate measuring instrument is the basis of any trade measurement transaction. Measuring instruments that are inaccurate, or used incorrectly, may result in consumers receiving less than the amount they have paid for.
We will target instrument types with a higher risk of significant non-compliance or limited compliance data. Instrument types include:
- multi-dimensional measuring instruments
- retail fuel dispensers
- high flow fuel meters
- wheeled loaders
- grain density
- weighing instruments with a capacity between 30 kilograms and 3 tonnes.
Compliance confidence audits
We follow-up with traders who have a history of non-compliance in previous audits. This helps us assess whether regulatory actions have reduced risk and changed behaviour in high-risk traders. It ensures we can focus our efforts where risk remains highest.
This year, we will re-inspect traders with a history of significant non-compliance identified in the 2025–26 audits. The focus this year will be on:
- retail fuel
- licensed premises
- frozen seafood.
Concentrated audits
During concentrated audit programs, all trade measurement inspectors focus on a target industry from a week to a month. We select industries based on our knowledge of the industry, the types of products they sell, and the likelihood of non-compliance.
This year, we will be auditing:
- animal (regional livestock) and pet supplies
- garden and landscape materials
- the ‘highest risk’ trader types from the broader over-the-counter transaction inspection program.
Where possible, we engage with industry before the program and ensure there is a consistent approach.
Pilot programs
We use pilot programs to assess emerging or uncertain risks, test regulatory responses and determine where broader regulatory action is needed.
The pilot programs planned for this year are as follows:
- Develop our regulatory approach to electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) in response to new requirements being phased in from 2026.
- Audit online traders through trial purchases. A focus will be goods sold by measurement as well as the sale of unapproved instruments in online retail websites.
- Develop our regulatory approach to electricity sub-metering arrangements.
- Investigate alternative test methods for weighbridge test units.
Servicing licensee, public weighbridge and verifier audits
Public weighbridge operators and servicing licensees help build trust and confidence in the accuracy of measurements used to determine the trade value of goods.
We audit servicing licensees and the measuring instruments they verify. Our compliance and monitoring activities include:
- audits of recently verified measuring instruments
- audits of public weighbridges
- audits of servicing licensees.
The aim is to ensure the integrity of the licensing framework.
