Information for franchisors and professional advisers

A new Franchising Code of Conduct was introduced on 1 April 2025. Under the new code, there are changes to franchisor disclosure obligations.

Certain documents are no longer on the register

You can no longer upload a disclosure document or key facts sheet to the register.

If the documents were on your franchise profile, they are now hidden from public view. You do not need to remove them.

Other actions franchisors may need to take

There are other actions that franchisors may need to take to comply with the new franchising code.

Visit the ACCC website for guidance on changes to the franchising code. If you’re unsure about your obligations, we strongly recommend you seek professional advice.

Under the franchising code, all franchisors must:

• create a franchise profile and publish business information on the register;
• join the register at least 14 days before entering into a franchise agreement; and
• confirm or update the information in their franchise profile by a specific date each year.

If you are required to be on the register but are not, you are in breach of the franchising code and penalties apply.

Exemptions

Master franchisors are exempt from being on the register if they have only 1 Australian sub-franchisor.

Franchisors who do not need to update their disclosure documents in accordance with section 21(2) are not exempt from maintaining a profile on the register, including by updating their profile at least annually.

If you’re required to be on the register, you must confirm or update your franchise profile by a specific date each year. This makes sure the register has recent and accurate information.

Due date for annual confirmation or update

The due date depends on the financial year your franchise business operates in.

You must confirm or update your franchise profile before the 14th day of the 5th month after the end of your financial year.

Example

A franchisor that uses the Australian financial year (1 July to 30 June) must confirm or update the information in their profile before 14 November each year.

You must make sure the information you disclose:

• is true;
• can be substantiated; and
• does not omit important information.

It is against the law for businesses to mislead.

There can be penalties for franchisors who do not adequately disclose information or disclose false or misleading information.

To login to the register and access the franchisor dashboard, you need:

1. your personal Digital ID
   Digital ID is a safe and easy way to verify and reuse your ID online.
   Learn how to set up your Digital ID.
2. authority to act on behalf of the franchise in Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM)
   RAM is an authorisation service. It allows you to act on behalf of a business online after its ABN has been linked with your Digital ID.
   How you get authority to act will depend on your role in the business.
   Learn how to set up a business in RAM
   Learn how to create an authorisation in RAM.

If you are having technical issues using these services, you can contact Digital ID or RAM for support.

Login to the franchisor dashboard

Franchisors without an ABN

Franchisors that can’t obtain an ABN, such as foreign franchisors, can contact info@franchisedisclosure.gov.au for options to create, confirm or update a franchise profile on the register.

Authorising a representative

Franchisors can authorise representatives, such as lawyers, to access the franchisor dashboard on their behalf.

Representatives will need their own Digital ID authorised in RAM.

When authorising representatives in RAM, you must:

• select the representative type Standard user; and
• select agency-level access for The Treasury.

Visit the RAM website for steps to create an authorisation and accept an authorisation.

Managing multiple franchise profiles

You can manage multiple franchise profiles from one franchisor dashboard if you operate under the same Australian Business Number (ABN).

If your franchise businesses (brands) operate under different ABNs, you will need to select the relevant franchise business you are acting on behalf of when you log in.

To complete your franchise profile on the register, you will need to provide:

• business details; and
• disclosure information; and
• public contact details.

The disclosure information you must provide should already be in your franchise disclosure document.

Contact details

You also need to give your private contact details. This information will not display on the register. It will be used if we need to contact you about your profile. This includes automated alerts when your annual confirmation or update is due.

Optional documents

You can choose to publish a copy of your:

• standard form franchise agreement; and
• logo

If you upload a document, make sure you remove or redact personal and sensitive information that relates to an individual other than the franchisor, a franchisee or a site occupied by a franchisee. This includes signatures, personal email addresses and phone numbers. Documents with personal or sensitive information may be removed from the register.

You can use the franchisor dashboard to:

• record and update your contact details;
• create a new franchise profile;
• confirm the information in your profile is up to date;
• update or create a new version of your profile; or
• view or download a copy of your current profile or past versions of your profile (superseded profiles).

Instructions are available within the dashboard to help you complete these tasks.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) administers the franchise disclosure register. The ACCC is bound by the Australian Privacy Principles of the Privacy Act 1988.

Read the Privacy policy for franchisors.