Industry codes

  • Codes of conduct provide a set of rules or minimum standards for an industry. They cover the relationship between industry participants and with their customers.
  • Some codes of conduct are mandatory – that is, the industry must follow them. Others are voluntary, only applying to those who sign up.
  • The ACCC regulates codes of conduct that are prescribed as regulations under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Other codes are led by industry and not enforced by the ACCC.

Dairy Code of Conduct

The Dairy Code of Conduct is an industry code that regulates the conduct of dairy farmers and buyers of raw milk from those farmers. Raw milk must not be bought from dairy farmers other than under a milk supply agreement that complies with the Code.

Electricity Retail Code

The code is for electricity retailers and sets a maximum price for certain electricity offers. It also forms a reference price for marketing activities.

Food and Grocery Code of Conduct

The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct is a voluntary code prescribed under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. It was introduced to improve standards of business behaviour in the food and grocery sector. The code does not override existing rules in the Australian Consumer Law.

Franchising Code of Conduct

The franchising code has obligations for franchisors and franchisees. If you're thinking about buying a franchise, it’s important that you understand whether it's right for you.

Horticulture Code of Conduct

Growers and traders need to comply with the horticulture code when buying and selling horticulture produce.

Oil Code of Conduct

Wholesale suppliers and fuel resellers have rights and responsibilities under the code. It covers supply, sale and purchase of declared petroleum products, like unleaded petrol and diesel.

Sugar Code of Conduct

The sugar code regulates the actions of cane growers, mill owners and some sugar marketers. It covers contracts and agreements to supply sugar cane and on-supply sugar.

Wheat Port Code of Conduct

The wheat port code regulates the conduct of port terminal service providers. It seeks to ensure that exporters of bulk wheat have fair and transparent access to port terminal services.

Unit Pricing Code

Businesses need to comply with the Unit Pricing Code if they sell certain food-based grocery items. Grocery retailers must display unit prices so that consumers can make informed choices.

Industry code compliance checks

The ACCC can require businesses that are covered by a prescribed industry code to provide information or documents they're required to keep, generate or publish.

Industry-led codes

An industry-led code of conduct sets standards for how an industry deals with its members and customers. Industry-led codes are a form of self-regulation and are voluntary.