Australia introduces mandatory seafood origin labelling in hospitality

Australia has begun a 12-month transition period for new mandatory seafood labelling rules that will apply to hospitality and food service venues nationwide from 1 July 2026.

Announced jointly by Australia's federal Ministers for Industry and Innovation and for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the reform is intended to strengthen consumer confidence and improve transparency around the origin of seafood served in food service settings.

Under the new standard, hospitality businesses must identify ready-to-eat seafood as Australian (A), imported (I), or of mixed origin (M), using the "Australian-Imported-Mixed" (AIM) model. The change was agreed in November 2023 by federal, state and territory consumer affairs ministers, following an extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and the public, officials said.

The labelling requirement will extend to a broad range of food service businesses, including restaurants, cafes, pubs, food trucks and market stalls. Businesses are already being encouraged to begin applying the new labels during the transition period, although compliance will not be mandatory until July next year.

Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the rules are designed to help consumers make informed choices while keeping implementation practical and affordable for operators.

“Australian seafood is world renowned for its high quality and sustainable practices, but more than 60% of seafood bought by Australians is imported,” he said via a press release. “These changes give Aussie seafood lovers the opportunity to make sure they’re buying local.”

“I encourage businesses to use this 12-month transition period to adjust to the new measures and find what works best for them and their customers," Ayres added.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the labelling scheme would benefit both consumers and Australia’s seafood industry.

“Australia’s seafood industry provides significant value both as a job creator and economic driver in regional Australia,” she said. “I’ve been a proud supporter of mandatory labelling for seafood products because I know it will help support Australia’s seafood industry.”

“The Albanese Labor Government will continue to back our local seafood industry and Australian consumers, who deserve and want to know where their seafood is coming from,” Collins continued, arguing that Australian fisheries “are some of the best regulated in the world”.

"When you choose to buy Australian seafood, you can be confident the product is sustainably sourced and that you are not supporting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing practices," she added.

Government officials said further guidance materials will be issued throughout the transition period to help businesses in meeting the new requirements.