Country of origin labelling (CoOL) is a legal requirement for Australian food packaging manufacturers. It’s also something people actively look for. People want clear, honest information in packaging about where their food comes from. They check packaging for facts they can trust.
That small detail about origin can influence buying decisions, especially in the packaging of seafood & meat products, snacks, and speciality coffee, which are highly competitive in the market. Get it right, and you strengthen your brand’s credibility. Get it wrong, and you risk penalties and lost customer confidence.
To comply with country of origin labelling requirements, Australian food manufacturers need to understand which products require it, how to display it correctly, and how to integrate it into their packaging without compromising design.
The Purpose Behind Country of Origin in Food Labelling
Country of origin labelling serves two key functions. First, it helps consumers understand where their food comes from. It could be whether that’s grown, made, or packed in Australia or overseas. Second, it protects businesses from legal risks by requiring truthful, standardised claims about origin. CoOL is an important consideration in custom packaging to ensure all required labelling is both accurate and compliant with Australian regulations.
In a marketplace that increasingly values local sourcing and sustainability, the right labelling can make a huge difference in purchasing decisions. Businesses that support local sourcing contribute more to the local economy, have stronger ties with local suppliers, and are concerned about environmental impact. Thus, making them more appealing to consumers. Australians tend to trust products marked “Australian Made” or “Grown in Australia” more than imported options. As such, effective country of origin food labelling offers both compliance and competitive advantage.
Who Regulates Country of Origin Labelling in Australia?
Country of origin labelling in Australia is governed by multiple laws and standards. Each plays a specific role in ensuring that consumers receive accurate information about where their food comes from:
- Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
This is enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The ACL prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct. This means any origin claim on packaging must be truthful and verifiable. - Food Standards Code – Standard 1.2.11
Managed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), this standard outlines general food labelling requirements. It supports the broader labelling framework but defers to the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard for specific origin labelling rules. - Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016
This is the core regulation for food origin labelling in Australia. It specifies when a label is required, how origin claims should be displayed, and other rules for substantiating origin claims.
Mandatory origin labelling applies to most food sold in retail settings in Australia, but there are important exemptions.
Types of Country of Origin Claims
To stay compliant, it’s essential to understand the different types of claims that can be made under Australian law. Every label must clearly state the origin of the product using an approved claim like “Product of Australia,” “Grown in Australia,” “Made in Australia,” or “Packed in Australia.” The claim must accurately reflect the product’s journey and match the legal definitions.
Here’s how and when to put these elements on your food packaging:
“Grown in Australia”
This applies to products where all the ingredients are grown in Australia. This claim is often used in fresh produce, meat, and seafood packaging.
“Made in Australia”
A product can still be labeled “Made in Australia” if it underwent its last substantial transformation in the country, even if some ingredients are imported. For example, a snack bar packaging can still include the “Made in Australia” claim if the product is manufactured in Victoria, despite using imported nuts and chocolate.
“Packed in Australia”
Used for products that are packaged locally but contain mostly imported ingredients. This claim does not imply the food was grown or made in Australia. And only uses the bar chart in labeling the products.
“Product of Australia”
This label is applied if 100% of the products are from Australia and almost all processing is done locally.
Each of these claims must be supported by visual indicators, such as text statements and a bar chart showing the proportion of Australian ingredients, especially in retail food packaging.
What Foods Are Covered
Not all food sold in Australia is subject to country of origin labelling. Here’s a breakdown of what is required to carry an origin label and where the rules don’t apply.
Food That Must Be Labelled:
- Packaged food for retail sale in supermarkets and grocery stores
- Imported packaged food products
- Fresh and processed food (e.g., frozen vegetables, tinned fruit, packaged meat, dairy, and snacks)
- Coffee, tea, and other dry pantry goods
- Seafood sold in retail stores
Food That’s Exempt:
- Pre-packaged or prepared food sold in non-retail settings like restaurants, cafés, takeaway outlets, school canteens, caterers, and food stalls
- Food made, packaged, and sold on the same premises (e.g., bread from a local bakery and sausages from a butcher shop) unless they are to be sold off-site
- Food not meant for human consumption, such as pet food
- Single-ingredient foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, water, and vinegar
- Food for special medical purposes
- Delivered food, such as home-delivered pizza or takeaway meals that are packaged for consumption
Mandatory Elements on a Country of Origin Label
