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About the register

The Franchise Disclosure Register is a free online register that gives people access to 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.

Franchisees using the register

If you're thinking about buying a franchised business or are currently a franchisee, use the register to find out information about franchise systems.

If a franchisor is not on the register, you should be careful before handing over any money or signing any documents with them. They are unlikely to be a legitimate franchise system and may even be a scam. Read our guide about how you can stay protected from scams.

A franchisor who doesn’t follow the requirement to be on the register may also not be following other parts of the Franchising Code of Conduct. This includes the requirement to act in good faith or disclose important financial information.

Franchisors must be on the register

If you should be on the register but are not, you are in breach of the Franchising Code of Conduct and penalties apply. 

All existing franchisors must be on the register. If you are not on the register, you must create a profile immediately.

New franchisors must join the register at least 14 days before entering into any franchise agreements.  

These rules also apply to master franchisors which have 2 or more sub franchisors.

Franchisors who are still unsure about whether they need to be on the register should seek independent legal advice.

Franchisor profile

If you’re a franchisor, you must create a franchise profile and publish the following information about your business on the register.

  • your franchise’s name
  • the name(s) under which your franchise carries on business in Australia
  • your franchise’s ABN (if you have one)  
  • the addresses of your franchise’s registered office and principal place of business in Australia
  • your franchise’s telephone number and email address
  • your franchise’s ANZSIC division and subdivision, and
  • any other information required by the Secretary under clause 53C(4).

Franchisors can choose to publish a copy of their standard franchise agreement, disclosure document, and information statement.

Keeping the register updated

If you do not update the register each year, you will be in breach of the Franchising Code of Conduct and penalties may apply. 

After joining the register, all franchisors must update or confirm the information included in the register each year. This makes sure the register includes the most recent and accurate information.

Franchisors must update or confirm the information included in the register before the 14th day of the 5th month following the end of the franchisor’s financial year.
 

Example

A franchisor who created a profile on the register uses the Australian financial calendar (1 July – 30 June) as their financial year.

The franchisor must update or confirm the information in the register before 14 November each year. This date is the 14th day and 5 months following 30 June, 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.