Franchise disclosure register: your annual update deadline is approaching

If you run a franchise system in Australia, there is an important compliance deadline to keep on your calendar each year.

Under the Franchising Code of Conduct, franchisors must confirm or update their information on the Franchise Disclosure Register every year. Failing to update the register is a breach of the Code, and penalties may apply.

With the new financial year now underway, it is a good time to prepare for the update. You can also use this opportunity to review your broader franchise network and financial information.

What is the Franchise Disclosure Register?

The Franchise Disclosure Register is a free online register hosted and maintained by the Australian Government. It gives people access to franchising information to help them make better business decisions. Franchisors provide the franchise information published on the register.

For anyone considering buying a franchise, the register can provide useful information about a franchise system before they make a business decision.

If a franchisor is not listed on the register, the ACCC says this may be a sign that the franchisor is not meeting other requirements under the Franchising Code of Conduct. These requirements include acting in good faith and disclosing important financial information.

The ACCC also advises prospective franchisees to be careful before handing over money or signing documents with a franchisor that is not listed. Such a business is unlikely to be a legitimate franchise system and may even be a scam.

Who needs to be on the register?

All existing franchisors must have a profile on the register. If you are not yet listed, you need to create a profile immediately.

New franchisors must join the register at least 14 days before entering into a franchise agreement. The same requirement applies to master franchisors with two or more sub-franchisors.

If you are unsure whether your business needs to be on the register, the ACCC recommends seeking independent legal advice.

If you should be on the register but are not, you are in breach of the Franchising Code of Conduct and penalties apply.

What information must be published?

Franchisors must publish specific information on their register profile, including:

• The franchise’s name and the name or names under which it carries on business in Australia
• The franchise’s ABN, if it has one
• The address of the franchise’s registered office and principal place of business in Australia
• The franchise’s telephone number and email address
• The franchise’s ANZSIC division and subdivision
• Any other information required by the Secretary under section 92(4) of the Franchising Code

Franchisors can also choose to publish a copy of their standard franchise agreement on the register.

The annual confirmation requirement

Once a franchisor has joined the register, they must confirm or update their information every year, even if nothing has changed.

If any information is incorrect or has changed since the previous update, the franchisor must correct it. This helps keep the information on the register current and useful for people who rely on it.

The timing rule is specific. Franchisors must confirm or update their register information before the 14th day of the fifth month after the end of their financial year.

For franchisors whose financial year runs from 1st July to 30th June, the update must be completed before 14th November each year.

If your business has a different financial year, your deadline will depend on when that financial year ends.

Failing to complete the annual update is a breach of the Franchising Code of Conduct, and penalties may apply.

How to access and update your profile

The official Franchise Disclosure Register website provides instructions on how to join the register, create a profile and update your profile.

If your financial year has recently ended, now is a good time to diarise your annual update deadline. Gather your current business information and access your profile to confirm or update your details.

For franchisors using the Australian financial year, from 1st July to 30th June, the annual confirmation or update must be completed before 14th November.

References

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) (2026) Franchise disclosure register. Available at: Franchise disclosure register | ACCC