The Government is pressing ahead with a year‑long digital labelling trial that will let a small number of approved retailers rely on online information instead of some physical labels for certain imported foods.

An expressions‑of‑interest process opened today for retailers who want to participate. Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says the trial is aimed at lowering compliance costs that can deter smaller or new entrants, with the broader objective of sharpening competition.

Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says the exemption will be temporary and tightly scoped. It will apply only to lower‑risk, pre‑packaged imported products. Items in the trial must still carry physical labels that comply with the rules of countries with comparable food regulatory systems, and the information shoppers normally see on a label will need to be accessible digitally.

All other retailers will continue using standard physical labels during the trial. Products must continue to meet the Food Act 2014, the compositional requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, and any other relevant laws.

New Zealand Food Safety will assess applicants, run the trial, provide guidance and monitor compliance. Findings will feed into Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s broader consideration of digital labelling.

The release does not specify which retailers or product categories will be involved, how consumers will access the digital information in‑store, or how accessibility will be handled for shoppers without smartphones. Locations of participating retailers will be announced once selected.

More information for prospective participants is available online, and submissions to the expressions‑of‑interest process close on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.