Franchising Code of Conduct

  • A franchise agreement is a legal contract that both the franchisor and franchisee must follow.
  • Franchisors must not give franchisees information that is misleading or deceptive and must follow the Franchising Code of Conduct.
  • Understand whether franchising is right for you before signing an agreement. Our free course ‘Is franchising for me?’ can help.

About franchising

Franchising is a way of doing business. A franchisor largely controls how the franchisee’s business is run and controls the name, brand, and business system the franchisee is going to use.

Thinking about buying a franchise

Buying a franchise is a big decision. Franchising comes with risks that can be hard to spot. Franchisees also have to follow more rules and restrictions than other small business owners.

Beginning a franchise agreement

Beginning a franchise agreement is a big step. If the franchise does not go well people can lose a lot of money.

During a franchise agreement

Franchising agreements can go for a long time and there are obligations on both sides. Franchisors have obligations during a franchise agreement, including to keep franchisees informed.

Extending or ending a franchise agreement

Franchise agreements usually operate for a limited time. How an agreement can be ended early or renewed will depend on what’s in the franchise agreement.

When things go wrong with a franchise

It is not possible to predict what can happen during a business relationship. Franchise agreements usually go for many years. Sometimes, things can go wrong.

What the ACCC does in franchising

The ACCC is the national regulator of consumer and competition laws, including the Franchising Code of Conduct. We do not resolve individual franchising disputes or give legal advice.