Update on the proposed new country-of-origin food labelling system

If you missed our previous communications on the matter, you might not yet be aware that the Federal Government has decided to proceed with the implementation of a new mandatory country of origin food labelling system incorporating the Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) logo. When the States and Territories ratify the new system, the rules for using the logo on food products will change.

The Federal Government is moving quickly towards implementation of its new scheme. The Australian Made Campaign has had several meetings with the Department of Industry and Science and we anticipate a draft of the Information Standard, which will effectively set down new rules for companies to follow, will be released shortly.

The new labelling system will be mandatory for all foods, except for a few categories such as soft drinks and confectionery (ie product categories identified in the Government’s consumer research as being of low concern as regards country of origin). More detail on this is included in the link below.

A large education campaign directed at both consumers and business is envisaged by the Government.

Widespread use of a symbol incorporating the logo that clearly identifies genuine Australian food products and produce should further boost the logo's strong connection to Australia, and with that, the sales of great Aussie goods in domestic and global marketplaces. We anticipate it will have a 'halo effect' on other product categories too, lifting the profile of all other products carrying the logo.

The Government has confirmed that it will be free to access the new food labels, and there will be an online portal where companies can access information and download the labels.

The new labelling system will impact on the operations of Australian Made Campaign Ltd (AMCL) because of the mandated involvement of the AMAG logo – but it is of course too early to be at all clear about that. 

The Government was initially hoping the new scheme would be introduced by the end of 2015, but early 2016 is now more likely. Once the new proposal becomes law, there will be a staggered phase-in period of 3 months to 2 years (depending on the type of product) which will enable businesses to minimise and spread the cost of relabelling. 

At this stage it is business as usual for AMCL and for use of the AMAG logo.

Licensees will be kept fully informed and advised as soon as further details come to hand.

In the meantime, please visit the Department of Industry’s website for more information.