Free cosmetic and food labelling checklist (Australia 2025)
Labelling products in Australia can feel complicated. Between cosmetics and food, the rules come from different standards, and it’s not always clear what has to be on the front versus the back of a pack. To make it easier, I’ve put together a free PDF checklist with the basic legal requirements and best practices for both cosmetic and food packaging.
⚠️ Important note: This checklist is only a quick reference. It does not replace the official legislation. Always confirm details in the legal texts or with a compliance advisor.
What the checklist covers
- Front labels (principal display panel): what legally must appear, and where net contents should go.
- Back labels (information panel): the mandatory details such as ingredients, batch codes, allergens, nutrition panels and warnings.
- Best practices for legibility, contrast and layout to keep labels clear and user-friendly.
- Common mistakes small brands often make, like missing addresses, poor contrast or incorrect country of origin marks.
Who it is for
- Small businesses creating their own packaging
- Designers working on cosmetic or food labels
- Startups who want a quick overview before diving into the full standards
Download the free checklist
Download the free cosmetic and food labelling checklist (PDF)
It’s designed to be simple and easy to scan, so you can check the essentials without digging through legislation every time.
Where to find the full rules
For complete requirements, check the official sources:
- Cosmetics Standard 2020
- Trade Measurement (Net Content) Rules
- Food Standards Code
- Country of Origin Food Labelling Standard 2016
Need help with packaging design?
Even with a checklist, compliance does not replace great design. Your packaging should not only meet legal standards but also:
- Reflect your brand identity
- Stand out on shelves
- Communicate trust and quality
If you would like help creating packaging that is both beautiful and compliant, I offer brand and packaging design services tailored to Australian and international markets.
