Australia · Home kitchen
Start a home food business in Australia
Home-based food businesses must meet the food-safety rules that apply to their activity and notify the local food regulator before starting.
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Notify the food regulator
A new food business generally must notify its local food regulatory agency, usually the local council, before starting.
Home, online, mobile and other food businesses remain subject to applicable parts of the Food Standards Code.
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Food-safety officers can inspect a home business. The premises and practices must be suitable for the food being handled, including hygiene, storage, handwashing and contamination controls.
Tell the regulator about later changes to the business name, location or food activities as required.
Food Safety Supervisor and training
Everyone handling food needs skills and knowledge appropriate to their work.
Some food-service, catering and related retail businesses handling unpackaged, ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food need a certified Food Safety Supervisor under Standard 3.2.2A.
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The applicable category and local implementation depend on the activity and jurisdiction. Check with the local council or regulator rather than assuming one rule covers every home business.
Business structure
A company is not mandatory for every business. Common structures include sole trader, partnership, company and trust.
Structure affects tax, liability, setup costs and reporting; business.gov.au explains the differences without prescribing one option.
ABN and business name
Most businesses need an Australian Business Number, but eligibility and requirements depend on the activity and structure.
A business name generally needs registration when it differs from the legal or personal name used by the business.
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Use the Australian Government Business Registration Service to work out and apply for the registrations that apply. ABN registration is free; other registrations can have fees.
Tax & records
Understand the basic tax and record-keeping steps for your country.
Official guidance
Check the latest requirements for your location and activity before trading.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can vary by location and business activity. Always check the latest official guidance before you start trading.