Hold organic certification before claiming 'organic'
Use of 'organic' on food labels requires certification by an accredited certifier under NASAA / ACO.
Who must comply
Producers + retailers claiming 'organic' on Australian food.
What triggers it
Use of 'organic' / 'biodynamic' claims.
When due
Continuous; certification annually renewed.
Evidence required
Current certification; chain-of-custody records; labelling compliance.
Max penalty
ACL misleading conduct — civil penalties up to $100M / 30% turnover (from 28 March 2026)
Summary
Use of 'organic' or 'biodynamic' claims on Australian food labels is governed by the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce + ACL misleading conduct. Six AQIS-accredited certifiers; without certification, organic claims attract ACCC + state Fair Trading enforcement under s 18 ACL.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Industries
Topics
Related obligations
- CWLTHCountry of Origin Labelling for food (CoOL Information Standard)Food sold in Australia must carry country-of-origin labelling per the 2016 Information Standard.
- CWLTHComply with Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL)From 25 February 2026, allergen labelling must use plain English and a standardised format.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with organic certification before claiming 'organic'?
- Producers + retailers claiming 'organic' on Australian food.
- What triggers organic certification before claiming 'organic'?
- Use of 'organic' / 'biodynamic' claims.
- When is organic certification before claiming 'organic' due?
- Continuous; certification annually renewed.
- What is the maximum penalty for organic certification before claiming 'organic'?
- ACL misleading conduct — civil penalties up to $100M / 30% turnover (from 28 March 2026)
- What evidence is required for organic certification before claiming 'organic'?
- Current certification; chain-of-custody records; labelling compliance.
Source: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/controlled-goods/organic-bio-dynamic/exporting-organic-products. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.