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Australia's new fish labelling laws for hospitality businesses came into effect on 1 July 2026. Restaurants, cafes, pubs and other food service venues are now legally required to display the country of origin for any seafood they serve. Failing to comply carries penalties under the Australian Consumer Law.
Here is what your business needs to know.
| Effective date | 1 July 2026 |
| Applies to | Restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, takeaways, food trucks, market stalls, hotels, casinos |
| Exemptions | Canteens, schools, prisons, hospitals, medical institutions |
| Record retention | Records must be retained for 3 months after the last time the product was served |
| Labelling options | AIM system, detailed labels, or single statement |
| Covered by | Australian Consumer Law |
What are Australia's new fish labelling laws?
Country of origin labelling for seafood has existed in supermarkets and grocery stores for some time. The rules have now extended to the hospitality sector - meaning any business that prepares and serves seafood for immediate consumption must tell customers where that seafood comes from.
The laws fall under the Australian Consumer Law and apply at the federal level. They do not require detailed nutritional breakdowns or supplier names - just a clear, accurate indication of whether the seafood on your menu is Australian, imported or a mix of both.
The intent is straightforward. Customers in Australia have the right to know where their food comes from, and hospitality businesses now have a clear obligation to tell them.
Which businesses do the laws apply to?
The requirements cover a broad range of food service venues, including:
- Restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs
- Takeaway and fast-food venues
- Food trucks and market stalls
- Hotels, motels and casinos
- Amusement parks and entertainment venues
Canteens, schools, prisons, hospitals and other medical institutions are exempt from the requirements.
For the laws to apply, a seafood dish must be marketed as containing seafood (by name or description on your menu), ready to eat when served, and ordered and supplied within 24 hours.
What types of seafood need to be labelled?
The laws cover more than just fish. Covered items include fish and eels, crustaceans such as prawns, lobster and crab, molluscs such as oysters, mussels and scallops, aquatic animals like sea urchins, and their eggs and larvae (including caviar and roe).
There are also exemptions. Dishes that aren not described or marketed as seafood do not require origin labels. Seafood in liquid or powder form - such as fish sauce or prawn oil - is excluded, as are shelf-stable processed products like canned tuna or shrimp paste. Seafood ordered more than 24 hours in advance is also outside the scope of the rules.
Three ways to display fish labelling information
Businesses have three options for how they show country of origin. Each method is equally valid - the right one depends on your menu format and operation.
The AIM system
Display a single letter next to each seafood item: A for Australian, I for Imported, or M for Mixed origin. If you use this method, you must include a legend on the same menu or signage explaining what each letter means. This approach works well for larger menus with multiple seafood items.
Detailed labels
Write the origin out in full, using text such as "Australian," "Imported" or "Mixed origin" next to each seafood dish. No legend is required. It is simple, clear and suits smaller or more streamlined menus.
Single statement
If your business sources all seafood exclusively from one country, you can use a single blanket statement rather than labelling each dish individually - for example, "We only serve Australian seafood." This option is only available if there are no exceptions. If you serve any imported seafood, even occasionally, this method is not appropriate.
Fish labelling record-keeping requirements
Compliance does not stop at what is displayed on your menu. Businesses must also maintain documentation that proves the origin of any seafood served, for at least three months after the product was last offered to customers.
Acceptable records include supplier invoices, receipts, emails confirming origin and photos of product packaging. Suppliers have a legal obligation to provide country of origin information in writing when a hospitality business requests it. If a supplier refuses, you can report this to your state or territory consumer protection agency.
A well-organised record-keeping system does not need to be complicated - it just needs to be consistent and accessible if your business is ever inspected.
What if my seafood supply changes temporarily?
Supply chains can shift, particularly in venues that rely on seasonal or variable seafood availability. If your seafood origin changes temporarily, you do not need to reprint all your menus. You can update your fish labelling using removable stickers over existing labels, temporary signage, or updates to a digital menu system.
The requirement is accuracy. As long as what you display reflects the current origin of the seafood on the plate, you are meeting your obligations.
How food safety training supports compliance
Keeping up with changes to food law is an ongoing responsibility for any hospitality business. Training your team in food safety fundamentals - including an awareness of labelling and compliance obligations - helps ensure those requirements are met consistently, day to day.
The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) offers nationally recognised food safety courses for businesses across Australia. Whether you are onboarding new staff or refreshing your team's existing knowledge, AIFS provides the practical training needed to run a safe, compliant food business.
Get food safety training for your team.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do food trucks need to comply with fish labelling laws?
A. Yes. Food trucks are covered by the requirements if they sell seafood that is ready to eat and ordered within 24 hours of it being served. The same rules apply to market stalls and other mobile food vendors.
Q. What happens if my business does not comply?
A. Non-compliance with country of origin labelling rules can result in penalties under the Australian Consumer Law. Food businesses found to be making false or misleading claims about seafood origin may face enforcement action from the relevant state or territory consumer protection agency.
Q. Where does the origin information need to be displayed?
A. Origin information can be displayed on a printed or digital menu, on signage at the point of sale, or on an ordering screen. What matters is that it is clearly visible to the customer before they order.
Q. My supplier cannot tell me where the seafood comes from. What should I do?
A. Suppliers are legally required to provide country of origin information in writing when a hospitality business requests it. If a supplier refuses, document the request and report it to your state or territory consumer protection agency.
Q. Are prawns and oysters included in the new requirements?
A. Yes. Crustaceans (including prawns, lobster and crab) and molluscs (including oysters, mussels and scallops) are all covered under Australia's fish labelling laws.
Q. Do I need to label the origin of fish sauce or seafood seasoning?
A. No. Seafood in liquid or powder form - such as fish sauce, prawn oil or seafood seasoning - is exempt from the requirements. The rules apply to seafood dishes, not condiments or flavouring additives.
