2026-27 Cost Recovery Arrangements

Overview

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) reviews its cost recovery arrangements annually. Stakeholders are consulted as part of the review. We welcome your input into the 2026-27 cost recovery review. 

FSANZ proposes no fee changes for the 2026–27 period. Although there was a pay increase as outlined in the Enterprise Agreement and certain costs did rise, these were offset by reductions in other areas. As a result, the overall difference is considered immaterial and will not be reflected in any adjustments to the fees for 2026–27. 

FSANZ is therefore undertaking consultation on the broader cost recovery arrangements for applications to vary the Food Standards Code. The purpose of this survey is to gather feedback from users of the system about their preferences regarding the fee structure and payment arrangements and to collect ideas for future amendments to the regulations.

Important notes for participants:

• The requirement to charge fees for certain applications, and to pay refunds where actual costs are less than the amount charged, is set by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act). Changes to the Act are outside the scope of this consultation.
• The focus of this consultation is on future arrangements, improvements and possible amendments to the regulations and policy within the existing legislative framework.
• Your feedback will help FSANZ ensure that cost recovery arrangements are fair, transparent and effective for all users.

To assist you in providing thorough and helpful feedback, please use the following questions as prompts to guide your thinking and to organise your responses. These questions are designed to help structure your input and ensure that all relevant aspects of the cost recovery arrangements are considered in your submission.

How to make a submission

Once you begin your submission you can save a draft and continue at another time before the closing date. 

References

• 2025-26 Cost Recovery Implementation Statement [PDF 976KB] 

Why your views matter

FSANZ invites and welcomes public and stakeholder input into all its standards setting processes. Your views will help us ensure an effective, transparent and accountable regulatory framework for industry and food authorities.