What should country of origin labels on non-food and food products look like?

Non-food products

As labelling is optional, it is up to businesses to decide which words to use and what the label should look like.

Businesses that are interested in using the ‘Australian made, Australian grown’ kangaroo logo should note that it is a registered trade mark that is administered by Australian Made Campaign Limited.

AMCL logos showing a kangaroo in a triangle symbol so you can easily and quickly identify products of Australian origin

For more information on how to apply for a licence to use the logo, visit www.australianmade.com.au.

Food products

Depending on the food product, the required country of origin information may take the form of:

  • a text statement, or
  • a text and graphic label known as a ‘standard mark’.

The Food Labelling Standard imposes strict requirements around the use of standard mark labels, including the text that may be used on the labels.

An online decision tool developed by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science is available to help businesses determine which labels they can use on their products.

The ACCC recommends that businesses seek independent legal advice before changing their labels to ensure that they are complying with the Food Labelling Standard.

Three component standard mark – mandatory for certain food items grown, produced or made in Australia. The label includes:

  • the kangaroo in a triangle symbol to identify the food’s Australian origin
  • the minimum proportion, by ingoing weight, of Australian ingredients, indicated by a percentage and shown in a bar chart
  • a statement indicating what percentage of the food was grown or produced in Australia.
Three component label

Two component standard mark – mandatory for certain food items that are packed in Australia for sale. It may also be used for imported foods that contain Australian ingredients. The label must identify the percentage of Australian grown or produced content in the food (text in the label will vary). It includes:

  • the minimum proportion, by ingoing weight, of Australian ingredients, indicated by a percentage and shown in a bar chart
  • a statement indicating what percentage of the food was grown or produced in Australia.
The bar chart indicates what percentage of the product is Australian made, and the explanatory text spells this out in simple terms.

Country of origin statement – a text-only label which is used for products that are deemed ‘non-priority’ foods. Imported priority foods must also, as a minimum, carry a country of origin statement in a clearly defined box.
The country of origin statement indicates where the product was made