ACCC Cash Acceptance Rules Now in Effect: What Supermarkets and Fuel Retailers Must Do in 2026

From 1 January 2026, new cash acceptance obligations are reshaping how certain retailers operate across Australia. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released formal guidance on two new industry codes that mandate when and how cash must be accepted.

While the reform is targeted, the implications are broader than many businesses expect, particularly for branded networks, franchise systems, and multi-site operators.

Retail signage showing cash acceptance as required under new ACCC payment regulations for supermarkets and fuel retailers

This article breaks down what’s changed, who it affects, and what you should be doing now.

What Are the New Cash Acceptance Codes?

The new industry codes require supermarkets and fuel retailers to provide customers with a reasonable opportunity to pay in cash at certain retail locations.

Under the rules, cash must be accepted where:

• The payment is made in person

• The transaction value is $500 or less

• The purchase occurs between 7:00am and 9:00pm

This is not a blanket rule across all industries, it is deliberately narrow, but highly enforceable within its scope.

Who the Rules Apply To (And Who They Don’t)

The obligations apply specifically to:

• Supermarket retailers

• Fuel retail businesses

However, there are important carve-outs:

Exempt Businesses

The codes generally do not apply to:

• Small businesses with annual turnover under $10 million

• Fuel retailers that do not regularly sell unleaded petrol

Critical Exception for Franchise and Branded Networks

A key nuance, particularly relevant for franchising, is this:

If a small business operates under a registered trademark used by a larger retailer, the rules may still apply.

This means franchisees and branded independents cannot assume exemption based purely on turnover. The structure of the brand and network matters.

When Can a Business Be Exempt?

The ACCC recognises that compliance is not always commercially viable.

Businesses may apply for an exemption under limited circumstances, including:

• Exceptional operational circumstances

• Situations where compliance costs pose a material risk to business viability

This is not an automatic relief mechanism, it requires a formal application and supporting evidence.

How to Apply for an Exemption

If your business believes it qualifies, the ACCC encourages early engagement.

Applications can be submitted directly via email to the ACCC, and should clearly outline:

• The nature of the business

• Why compliance is not feasible

• Supporting financial or operational evidence

Timing matters, delayed applications may increase regulatory exposure.

Enforcement: What Happens Next?

The ACCC is responsible for enforcing compliance with the codes.

However, there is a transitional window:

• Penalties will not apply until 1 July 2026

This provides businesses with a critical adjustment period, but it should not be mistaken for a grace period to ignore compliance.

When assessing potential breaches, the ACCC has indicated it will consider:

• Practical and operational constraints

• Cost implications

• External factors affecting compliance

• Whether an exemption application is in progress

This signals a context-driven enforcement approach, but one that still expects proactive compliance.

Why This Matters for Franchising and Multi-Site Businesses

For franchise systems and branded retail networks, this reform introduces compliance complexity at the unit level.

Key risks include:

• Franchisees incorrectly assuming exemption

• Inconsistent cash policies across locations

• Brand-wide exposure due to non-compliant sites

From a systems perspective, franchisors should be reviewing:

• Operational manuals

• Payment policies

• Franchisee guidance and training

This is not just a legal issue, it is a network governance issue.

Practical Next Steps for Business Owners

If you operate in, or alongside, the affected sectors:

1. Assess applicability — don’t rely on assumptions about size or structure

2. Audit payment systems — ensure cash acceptance capability where required

3. Review brand obligations — especially if operating under a larger trademark

4. Consider exemption eligibility early

5. Prepare for enforcement before July 2026

Need Help Navigating the Changes?

Understanding whether these rules apply to your business and how they interact with your structure, is not always straightforward.

Bane Legal Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

However, we work with business owners across Australia to connect them with experienced commercial lawyers who understand franchising, retail compliance, and regulatory risk.

With over 30 years of business experience, we help you get the right legal expertise-fast.

Source

This article is based on guidance published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission regarding the cash acceptance industry codes, effective 1 January 2026.