Labels under ACCC spotlight

 

ChecklistThe Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published new guidance to assist businesses in complying with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) when making country of origin claims.

“Country of origin labels are valuable tools that allow consumers to make informed choices and let businesses compete fairly,” ACCC chairman, Rod Sims, said.

“Many consumers specifically seek out, or are willing to pay a premium for, Australian produce, or products that are made in Australia. This information assists manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, retailers, advertisers and anyone else who may be making country of origin representations, in deciding what claims are appropriate for their products.”

The ACCC’s guidance provides information and examples to illustrate when businesses can say their goods are ‘Made in’, ‘Product of’ or ‘Grown in’ Australia and includes advice on how a business can rely on the ‘safe harbour’ provisions in the ACL.

“Any claim that is likely to mislead consumers about the origin of a product will also breach the law. Credence claims are a priority area for the ACCC, particularly those with the potential to adversely impact the competitive process and small businesses,” Sims said.

Businesses making false or misleading representations could face penalties of up to $1.1 million under the ACL.

Recent penalties have included a $55,000 fine against Gold Coast-based retailer, UNJ Millenium, in part, for false claims that sheepskin and wool bedding products were made in Australia. Further, supermarket chain Coles paid infringement notices totalling $61,200 for alleged misleading representations about the country of origin of fresh produce made in five of its stores between March 2013 and May 2013.

The guidance has been produced by the ACCC in consultation with an intergovernmental National Working Group chaired by the Department of Industry and Treasury, and including the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

The development of the guidance has also involved engagement with the state and territory ACL regulators and a number of industry associations. Various industries raised specific country of origin issues with the ACCC and this guidance aims to clarify these areas.

As well as enforcement, the ACCC is providing manufacturers, importers and retailers with guidance on complying with the law.

The practical guide provides information and examples to illustrate when businesses can say their goods are ‘made in’, ‘product of’ or ‘grown in’ Australia.

It also includes guidance on how a business can rely on the ‘safe harbour’ provisions in the Australian Consumer Law, which provide a defence to an allegation that a country of origin claim is false, misleading or deceptive.

The ACCC is also urging packaging designers to take special care when using graphics, such as logos, symbol,s and pictures, as they can be just as forceful and effective as written representations.

The revised guide on country of origin labelling is available at www.accc.gov.au.

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