Food and Grocery Code of Conduct penalty regime

2 December 2024

The legislation to introduce penalties into the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct has passed Parliament, and will come into effect from 1 April 2025. The maximum fines for breaches of the Code will be the greater of: 

• $10 million 
• three times the benefit gained from the breach 
• 10 per cent of turnover in the preceding 12 months. 

These represent the greatest penalties available under any Australian industry code. 

The legislation also provides the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission with the power to issue infringement notices for less serious breaches of the Code.  

The revised version of the Code itself has yet to be introduced to Parliament. The AFGC will keep members informed of developments as they unfold.  

For more information, please contact samantha.blake@afgc.org.au or rick.umback@afgc.org.au. 

Tanya Barden
Chief Executive Officer