Different registration and licensing rules and regulations exist depending on your food business' location. Examples of common food businesses that need a food business licence include:
Other types of businesses that may require a food licence include:
Each Australian State and Territory classifies food businesses differently. To determine your food business classification, you should consult your State or Territory's guidelines. These are listed for your convenience below.
If you are uncertain which industry category your food business falls under, consult our handy guide on determining your food sector.
Keeping the above information in mind, you can now register your food business with your local council and arrange to obtain a food business licence.
To determine your local council's process for licensing, visit the Australian Business Licence and Information Service to search for relevant information based on your location and business type.
You will need to provide your local authority with certain information:
All food businesses must comply with food safety law. First, your State or Territory may require you to hire a Food Safety Supervisor. Second, you may need to develop a Food Safety Program based on HACCP principles.
To learn more about your food safety obligations, consider reading:
In the following States and Territories, food businesses must have a Food Safety Supervisor on staff and available at all times:
|
Step |
What It Involves |
Why It’s Important |
|
Register your business |
Choose a business structure and register your business name |
Establishes the business legally |
|
Notify or register with the local council |
Inform the local council about your food business |
Allows the council to regulate and inspect the business |
|
Meet food safety requirements |
Follow the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code |
Ensures food is prepared and handled safely |
|
Appoint a Food Safety Supervisor |
Nominate a qualified person responsible for monitoring food safety |
Helps maintain safe food handling practices |
|
Obtain required licences or permits |
Apply for any licences needed for your specific food business |
Ensures the business can legally operate |
Your elected Food Safety Supervisor must have proper training and certification before they can work in the position. To help you evaluate your choices regarding Food Safety Supervisors, we have compiled some useful resources:
In consultation with your Food Safety Supervisor, you will need to develop a Food Safety Program based on HACCP principles.
Once you have created your Food Safety Program, you will need to show evidence that your Food Safety Program meets food laws and regulations to your local council. This Food Safety Program can be audited by local government at any time, and you may face fines if your food business does not comply with all food laws and regulations.