How do the majority of products labelled Australian Made or Product of Australia stack up against new country of origin laws which came into effect earlier this year?
Are companies running risks with their labelling and risking fines of up to $200,000 for corporations and $40,000 for individuals?
How the new laws work - and the protection that they afford - will be the subject of a series of free 'plain English' seminars to be held nationally from Monday 30 November.
Nine seminars in all State capitals plus Cairns will bring the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's expertise in this area to help guide businesses through new laws.
'Australian made claims are a known winner in the Australian market place,' ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, said today. 'Many consumers actively seek out Australian products or will give preference to Australian goods when comparing it to a slightly cheaper import.
'The new laws have re-defined the rules for labelling, packaging, use of logos and advertising that makes a claim about where the goods come from. The new rules clarify what conditions good must fulfil to be sure they comply. 'Some businesses may find that an Australian-made claim is risky for their product - others may be delighted to discover that they now have a marketing advantage.
'I urge businesses contemplating making the use of Australian made claims to attend the seminars. The ACCC is ensuring that the new laws will be explained simply and attendees will receive a copy of a new plain English guideline that outlines the changes.
'The seminars are being advertised nationally. Alternatively those interested in attending should contact Mr Richard Fitzpatrick on (02) 6243 1062 or Ms Hayley Neal (02) 6243 1067.'
Country of Origin - Seminar Series
Date
Venue 30 November, 11-12 am Launch in Sydney, Hotel Carlton Crest, Darling Harbour 30 November, 2 pm 1st Sydney Industry Seminar, Hotel Carlton Crest, Darling Harbour 1 December, 9 am 2nd Sydney Industry Seminar, Mercure Parramatta Travelodge 2 December, 9 am 1st Melbourne Industry Seminar, Karralika Conference Centre, Ringwood 2 December, 2 pm 2nd Melbourne Seminar, Chifley on Flemington, North Melbourne 3 December, 2 pm Hobart Industry Seminar, Hotel Grand Chancellor 7 December, 1:30 pm Brisbane Industry Seminar, Brisbane Marriott Hotel 8 December, 10:30 am Cairns Industry Seminar, Cairns International Hotel 9 December, 1:30 pm Perth Industry Seminar, Duxton Hotel 10 December, 1:30 pm Adelaide Industry Seminar, Stamford Plaza
Contact for registration: Hayley Neal Ph (02) 6243 1067 Fax (02) 6243 1078 E-mail: hayley.neal@accc.gov.au
Are companies running risks with their labelling and risking fines of up to $200,000 for corporations and $40,000 for individuals?
How the new laws work - and the protection that they afford - will be the subject of a series of free 'plain English' seminars to be held nationally from Monday 30 November.
Nine seminars in all State capitals plus Cairns will bring the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's expertise in this area to help guide businesses through new laws.
'Australian made claims are a known winner in the Australian market place,' ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, said today. 'Many consumers actively seek out Australian products or will give preference to Australian goods when comparing it to a slightly cheaper import.
'The new laws have re-defined the rules for labelling, packaging, use of logos and advertising that makes a claim about where the goods come from. The new rules clarify what conditions good must fulfil to be sure they comply. 'Some businesses may find that an Australian-made claim is risky for their product - others may be delighted to discover that they now have a marketing advantage.
'I urge businesses contemplating making the use of Australian made claims to attend the seminars. The ACCC is ensuring that the new laws will be explained simply and attendees will receive a copy of a new plain English guideline that outlines the changes.
'The seminars are being advertised nationally. Alternatively those interested in attending should contact Mr Richard Fitzpatrick on (02) 6243 1062 or Ms Hayley Neal (02) 6243 1067.'
Country of Origin - Seminar Series
Date
Venue 30 November, 11-12 am Launch in Sydney, Hotel Carlton Crest, Darling Harbour 30 November, 2 pm 1st Sydney Industry Seminar, Hotel Carlton Crest, Darling Harbour 1 December, 9 am 2nd Sydney Industry Seminar, Mercure Parramatta Travelodge 2 December, 9 am 1st Melbourne Industry Seminar, Karralika Conference Centre, Ringwood 2 December, 2 pm 2nd Melbourne Seminar, Chifley on Flemington, North Melbourne 3 December, 2 pm Hobart Industry Seminar, Hotel Grand Chancellor 7 December, 1:30 pm Brisbane Industry Seminar, Brisbane Marriott Hotel 8 December, 10:30 am Cairns Industry Seminar, Cairns International Hotel 9 December, 1:30 pm Perth Industry Seminar, Duxton Hotel 10 December, 1:30 pm Adelaide Industry Seminar, Stamford Plaza
Contact for registration: Hayley Neal Ph (02) 6243 1067 Fax (02) 6243 1078 E-mail: hayley.neal@accc.gov.au