The manufacture and labelling of wine in Australia is regulated by Federal and State laws. This Guide, prepared by the Corporation, provides a general overview of legislative and other requirements for Australian winemakers (see Disclaimer).
Information can be accessed online by a Category Index or an A-Z Index.
LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS
The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act 1980 and its Regulations include requirements covering the export of wine and Australia’s obligations under international trade agreements. The Act also prescribes a Label Integrity Program and Register of Protected Names.
The Trade Practices Act 1974 (see Sections 52 and 53) applies to the wine industry, and can apply in addition to similar provisions in the AWBC Act for false or misleading claims.
Federal legislation also requires the payment of levies by grape and wine producers and exporters.
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand Authority has specific wine production requirements under Standard 4.5.1 for wine made in Australia. Imported wines must meet Standard 2.7.4. Food Packaging legislation is administered under the State/Territory Measurement (or Weights and Measures) legislation.
For information about regulations covering vineyards and viticulture, see the Australian Wine Research Institute web site.