What is Country of Origin Labelling?
And why you should ask for the “A”
Know Where Your Seafood Comes From
From 1 July 2026, new Australian laws make Country of Origin Labelling mandatory for seafood sold in cafés, restaurants, pubs and clubs.
That means when you eat seafood out, you have the right to know where it comes from.
Clear, simple labels help you make informed choices and support Australian seafood producers.
Country of Origin Labelling tells you whether seafood is: Australian (A), Imported (I) or Mixed (M). You’ll find this information on menus, menu boards or other written displays where seafood is sold. The rules apply whether seafood is fresh, frozen, cooked or raw.
Why It Matters
Knowing the origin of your seafood helps you:
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Support Australian fishers and aquaculture farmers
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Choose seafood produced under Australia’s high environmental and food safety standards
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Make confident, informed decisions when dining out
Australian seafood is among the most sustainably managed and highly regulated in the world, yet we import a staggering 64%.
Imported Seafood
%
What to Look For When Dining Out
When ordering seafood, check the menu for country of origin information. If you don’t see it: Ask your server. Businesses are required by law to tell you where their seafood comes from. Your question helps ensure transparency and supports businesses doing the right thing.
Choosing Australian Seafood
When you choose Australian seafood, you’re supporting:
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Local fishing and aquaculture communities
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Jobs across coastal and regional Australia
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Sustainable seafood management
Look for “A”ustralian” on the menu — and if it’s not clear, don’t be afraid to ask.
Check out our launch campaign…
This campaign was funded by the Australian Government under the $1 Billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund.
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