Franchising Code of Conduct 2025: Day 1 – National Franchise Disclosure Register Updates

The new Franchising Code of Conduct 2025 takes effect on 1 April 2025, bringing significant updates for franchisors. To help you prepare, The Franchise & Business Lawyers will post daily updates on the Code and the steps franchisors need to take leading up to its commencement. Today, we’re focusing on changes to the National Franchise Disclosure Register.

Starting 1 April 2025, the following updates will apply to the National Franchise Disclosure Register:

1. Franchisors can no longer upload Key Facts Sheets or Disclosure Documents. Previously, uploading these documents was optional, but if you’ve already uploaded them, they will automatically become invisible to the public from 1 April 2025.

2. Franchisors must provide additional information, including:
   (a) Whether the franchisor, a director of the franchisor, an associate, or a director of an associate has been convicted of a serious offence, subject to a final judgment in civil proceedings, or been bankrupt/insolvent within a specified period.
   (b) Whether the franchise agreement includes provisions for arbitration of disputes.

These updates aim to enhance transparency while reducing administrative burdens for franchisors. However, failing to comply with the new requirements, including submitting the additional information by 1 April 2025, could lead to penalties under the Franchising Code of Conduct. Staying proactive is essential.

Franchisors must include the additional information in the National Franchise Disclosure Register by no later than 1 April 2025 to comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct 2025. Let The Franchise & Business Lawyers handle this for you with expert assistance. Contact us today to get started.