What the ACCC does

  • We enforce the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.
  • We provide guidance material for industry participants about code obligations.
  • We take reports about alleged breaches of the code or misconduct affecting your business. You can report a potential breach to the ACCC.
  • We conduct compliance checks and investigate alleged breaches of the code.

What the ACCC can't do

  • We don’t resolve individual disputes.
  • We don’t provide legal advice.
  • We don’t take enforcement action for every report we receive.

The food and grocery code now applies to all grocery supply agreements

The remade Food and Grocery Code of Conduct came into effect on 1 April 2025. The code is mandatory for large grocery businesses.

Previously there were transitional arrangements that meant some new code requirements did not apply to grocery supply agreements that started before 1 April 2025. This transition period ended on 1 April 2026.

All code requirements now apply to all grocery supply agreements, regardless of whether an agreement was entered into before, on or after 1 April 2025. For more information, view the update.

The supermarkets excessive pricing prohibition is now in force

From 1 July 2026, under the Food and Grocery Code it’s against the law for very large retailers to engage in excessive pricing of grocery products for retail sale. These retailers must also keep pricing information relating to the prohibition.

The ACCC is responsible for enforcing compliance with the prohibition.

About the food and grocery code

The remade Food and Grocery Code of Conduct started on 1 April 2025 and is now mandatory. The code automatically applies to large grocery businesses. It regulates how large grocery businesses do business with their suppliers.

Enforcement of the food and grocery code

The ACCC is responsible for enforcing compliance with the food and grocery code. Breaches of the code can result in consequences such as infringement notices or court action.

Excessive pricing prohibition

Under the food and grocery code, it is against the law for very large retailers to engage in excessive pricing of grocery products for retail sale. These retailers must also keep pricing information relating to the prohibition.