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About the register
The Franchise Disclosure Register is a free online register that gives people access to some key franchising information to help them make better business decisions.
The register is hosted and maintained by the Australian Government's Treasury Department. However, all franchise content on the register is published by franchisors.
If you're thinking about buying a franchised business or are currently a franchisee, you can access the register to find out information about the franchise system you’re interested in.
If you’re a franchisor, you must create a franchise profile and publish information about your business on the register. If you are not on the register but should be, you will be in breach of the Franchising Code of Conduct and penalties may apply. The ACCC is responsible for enforcing compliance with the franchising code.
Which franchisors need to be on the register
Existing franchisors who have created and given a disclosure document before 31 October 2022 must be on the register. If this applies to you and you are not currently on the register, you must create a profile on the register immediately.
New franchisors who are proposing to enter into a franchise agreement with a prospective franchisee, must join the register at least 14 days before entering into a franchise agreement.
These rules also apply to master franchisors which have 2 or more subfranchisors.
Franchisors who are still unsure about whether they need to be on the register, or who want more information, should seek independent legal advice.
Keeping the register updated
After joining the register, all franchisors must update or confirm the information included in the register each year. This is to make sure the register includes the most recent and accurate information.
Existing franchisors
Franchisors who are on the register must update or confirm the information included in the register each year. This must be completed before the fourteenth day of the fifth month following the end of the franchisor’s financial year.
Example
A franchisor who gave a disclosure document before 31 October 2022 created a profile on the register on 10 November 2022. This franchisor uses the Australian financial calendar (1 July – 30 June) as their financial year.
This means the franchisor must update or confirm the information in the register before 14 November 2023, and by this date for each following year. This date is the fourteenth day and five months following 30 June 2023, the franchisor's end of financial year.
New franchisors
Franchisors who gave a disclosure document and joined the register after 31 October 2022 must also update or confirm their profile information in the register each year.
This must be done before the fourteenth day of the fifth month following the end of the franchisor’s financial year.
Example
A franchisor gives a disclosure document to a prospective franchisee and joins the register on 1 May 2023. The franchisor signs a franchise agreement with the prospective franchisee on 18 May 2023. This franchisor operates on a 1 April – 31 March financial year. The franchisor’s financial year will end on 31 March 2024.
This means that the franchisor will need to update or confirm the information included in the register by 14 August 2024, and by this date for each following year. This date is the fourteenth day and five months following 31 March 2024, the franchisor's end of financial year.
How to create and update a profile on the register
The Franchise Disclosure Register provides instructions and information about how to join the register and update a profile.