From 1 July 2026, you'll need to tell customers if the seafood in dishes you serve is Australian, imported or a mix both.
New Country of Origin labelling rules for seafood will apply to hospitality businesses selling food that contains seafood and is served for immediate consumption (including dine in, take away or delivery).
These requirements have been introduced as part of Australian Consumer Law. The transition period for these new rules has begun, so you can start implementing these changes into your business ahead of the deadline.
What are the Country of Origin seafood labelling requirements?
If you run a hospitality business that sells seafood, you will need to specify the country of origin for ingredients such as:
- Fish and eels
- Crustaceans (prawns, shrimp, lobster and crab)
- Molluscs (oysters, mussels, scallops and clams)
- Other aquatic animals (jellyfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers)
- Eggs or larvae of aquatic animals (caviar or roe)
For each dish containing one of the ingredients above, you must state if the seafood used is:
- Australian
- Imported
- Mixed
How do I implement the labelling system in my business?
The origin of seafood in your dishes needs to be labelled clearly to customers before they order. This can include:
- On your in store and online menus
- On a menu board
- A sign in your business
- A notice on any online food ordering platforms
There are three label methods you can choose from, but the labels must be clear, accurate, truthful and written in English.
Option 1: Single letter AIM labels
This method uses a single letter to show where the seafood comes from:
- A is used if the seafood is from Australia
- I is used if the seafood is imported
- M is used if the seafood has mixed origins (the dish includes both Australian and imported seafood)
These letters should be included on your menu for each dish containing seafood. Your menu will also need to include a legend to explain what each letter stands for.
Option 2: Detailed labels
This method uses a full word description of the seafood source, such as:
- Australian
- Imported seafood
- Seafood of mixed origin
If you use detailed labels, you won’t need to include a legend on your menu. Instead, you would include the label as part of the name of the dish or after it. For example:
- Australian salmon fillet served with seasonal vegetables
- Salmon fillet served with seasonal vegetables (Australian)
- Salmon fillet served with seasonal vegetables (Imported)
- Seafood marinara pasta (Mixed origin)
Option 3: A single statement for your whole business
This method can be used if your business only uses one source of seafood (for example, all Australian or fully imported). In this instance, you can meet your labelling requirements by using a single origin statement rather than labelling each seafood dish.
The statement can be included on your printed and online menus or on a sign in your business premises.
Examples of this wording are:
- All the seafood served in our business is Australian.
- All the seafood served in our business is imported.
Tip: If you experience a temporary change to your usual seafood supply, for example due to a supplier shortage, this will need to be communicated to your customers. You can do this by updating your menus with removable stickers or using signage where customers place their order (this may include at your shop counter or online via any ordering apps).
Are there any exceptions?
The use of non-solid forms of fish and seafood do not need to be labelled. Exempt items include:
- Fish or seafood based sauces, oils and powders (fish or oyster sauce, prawn oil, squid ink, fish stock)
- Shelf stable seafood that does not require refrigeration (tinned tuna or salmon, shrimp paste)
- Food that is not marketed as containing seafood, such as a Caesar salad which includes canned or jarred anchovies in the dressing
Meals at fundraising events or food that is booked more than 24 hours in advance (for example: for a special occasion/event menu) do not need include Country of Origin Seafood Labelling.
Are there any additional requirements?
Under Australian Consumer Law, you may be asked to provide proof to Consumer Protection that the seafood served matches the country of origin labelling stated by your business. This could include:
- Invoices or receipts
- Written communication from suppliers, such as an email
- Photos of packaging showing the country of origin
These records must be kept for three months from the date you last offered the seafood item to customers.
More information
- Learn more about Country of Origin labelling rules and download examples of signs and menus that can be used in your business.
- Read the frequently asked questions about Country of Origin labelling rules on Business.gov.au.
- If you have questions on your obligations under Australian Consumer Law, contact Consumer Protection.
- Sign up to the SBDC small business news to get the latest information to help you run your business delivered straight to your inbox.
