Labelling requirements apply to a substantial range of products, so labelling is an issue affecting many industries in Australia. Some categories of goods (such as food and pharmaceutical products) are subject to detailed labelling provisions which are specific to those goods and imposed by Australian Government legislation. Certain imported goods are subject to special labelling regulations which include country of origin labelling requirements. State and Territory laws and regulations impose additional labelling requirements on some goods.
The Department cannot provide legal advice in relation to the labelling requirements that apply to specific products. However this website provides links to the principal agencies responsible for administration of Commonwealth product labelling laws, and also provides access to information about the country of origin labelling provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
Country of Origin Labelling
Although many classes of products are subject to origin labelling regulations, there is no general requirement to indicate the country of origin on products offered for sale in Australia. If origin claims are made, either voluntarily or because they are required, they must be true and comply with the Trade Practices Act 1974. An outline of the effect of these provisions (Division 1AA of the Act) is accessible via the following link: Country of origin claims
Information about country of origin labelling requirements is also available from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The ACCC is responsible for enforcing the Trade Practices Act 1974, including compliance with the country of origin labelling regulations, and is happy to respond to telephone, written or facsimile inquiries. Please note, however, that the ACCC is unable to provide legal advice. Contact details for your nearest ACCC office may also be obtained from the Commission's website.
The Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905 and the Commerce (Imports) Regulations 1940 impose country of origin labelling requirements on certain imported goods. Major classes of goods covered by this legislation include food; medicines; fertilizer; plants and seeds; textiles, apparel and footwear; jewellery; electrical goods; tobacco products; leather goods; earthenware; tiles; china and porcelain; kitchenware; toys; watches and clocks. This legislation imposes a further requirement for a ‘true description’ to be shown on some of these goods. The legislation is accessible via the links below.
Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905
Commerce (Imports) Regulations
Other Product Labelling Laws
Specific labelling requirements apply to the goods listed below. Click on the links for further information from the agency responsible for administration of these rules.
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals
The National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals administers the requirements for registration and labelling of these products. For further details follow this link: http://www.nicnas.gov.au/About_NICNAS/FAQs/Existing_Chemicals/Labeling_Industrial_Chemicals.asp
Food and Beverages
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/CoOL_brochure_2006.pdf [general information for consumers]
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/thecode/assistanceforindustry/userguides/index.cfm [user guides to the new Food Standards Code]
Pharmaceuticals
http://www.tga.health.gov.au/docs/pdf/tgo69.pdf [General requirements for labelling of medicines]
Paint Products
http://www.tga.health.gov.au/ndpsc/paintgui.pdf
Textile, Clothing and Footwear
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/87951 [tcf origin claims]
The above list is not necessarily exhaustive. Businesses seeking to comply with Australia’s labelling laws are advised to seek independent legal advice in relation to their particular circumstances.
For answers to some frequently asked questions about country of origin labelling follow this link:
Q&A
Information about origin labelling requirements may also be obtained by calling the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research on (02) 6213 6535.