Seafood Labelling Compliance: What Every Australian Hospitality Business Needs to Know by 2026

From 1 July 2026, new country-of-origin seafood labelling laws will come into effect across Australia — and they’re set to make a big splash in the hospitality industry.

Fresh seafood display with Australian and imported origin labels under new national labelling laws.

Under these rules, restaurants, cafés, and other food service venues selling seafood for immediate consumption must clearly display whether their seafood is:

• Australian,

• imported, or

• a mix of Australian and imported seafood.

These labelling requirements will apply to all menu items containing seafood, whether it’s a grilled barramundi fillet, prawn pasta, or sushi roll.

Why This Change Matters

The new laws aim to improve transparency and consumer confidence in the seafood industry. Australians have long shown strong preferences for locally sourced seafood, and these regulations are designed to help diners make informed choices about what ends up on their plate.

For hospitality operators, however, these updates introduce a new compliance responsibility. Even small venues or takeaway outlets that serve seafood will need to ensure their menus, boards, and digital ordering platforms meet the new labelling requirements.

Failing to comply could lead to penalties under Australian Consumer Law, as enforced by agencies such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and state and territory consumer protection authorities.

How to Prepare Your Business

If you operate a restaurant, café, pub, or catering business, now is the time to start preparing for the transition. Here are some practical steps:

1. Review your current menu — Identify every dish containing seafood and note the origin of each ingredient.

2. Speak to your suppliers — Confirm the source of the seafood you purchase to ensure you can label it accurately.

3. Plan for updates to menus and signage — You’ll likely need to redesign or reprint menus, digital boards, and online ordering pages to include the correct origin information.

4. Train your staff — Front-of-house and management staff should understand the new rules so they can answer customer questions confidently.

For more details, visit the official business.gov.au guidance: Seafood labelling laws are changing for hospitality businesses.

Need Help Understanding Your Legal Obligations?

While Bane Legal Services does not provide legal advice and is not a law firm, we can connect your business with a qualified commercial or hospitality lawyer who understands the complexities of consumer law and regulatory compliance.

With over 30 years of business experience, we help Australian hospitality operators find the right legal partner to navigate regulatory changes like these — saving you time, stress, and unnecessary risk.

Disclaimer:

Bane Legal Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for general informational purposes only.