Buy Australian First

BAF Product Directory

Product Directory Evidence Standard

Last updated: 15 August 2026

This standard explains what Buy Australian First Pty Ltd (BAF) means when the Australian Products Directory displays an Australian Owned, Australian Made or Australian Owned & Made product-directory status.

A substantiated product-directory status is not the same as formal BAF Verification. Formal BAF Verification is only shown where the separate verification process has been completed and a current BAF Verified status and BAF ID apply.

1. Evidence-first listing rule

BAF does not intend to list a product in the Australian Products Directory merely because its packaging, advertising, business name or branding appears Australian. Before a product is published with an Australian status, BAF must have a recorded source that reasonably supports the displayed claim at the time it is checked.

2. Australian Owned product-directory status

For the product directory, “Australian Owned” means the evidence recorded by BAF supports the relevant ownership claim for the Australian business or brand responsible for the product. It does not mean that a physical product itself is “owned” by Australia, and it does not automatically mean the product was made in Australia.

Where formal BAF ownership verification has not been completed, the status is a substantiated directory classification rather than a BAF Verified Australian Owned certification.

3. Australian Made product-directory status

“Australian Made” means BAF has recorded evidence reasonably supporting that the identified product is made or manufactured in Australia. BAF has regard to the Australian Consumer Law country-of-origin principles, including substantial transformation, when evaluating manufacturing claims.

Australian Made status is product-specific. It must not be read as a statement that every product sold by the business or brand is made in Australia.

4. Australian Owned & Made

This directory status is used where BAF has recorded evidence supporting both the relevant Australian ownership claim and the Australian manufacturing claim for the identified product.

5. Evidence sources

Depending on the claim, BAF may rely on one or more sources such as:

  • the manufacturer or brand's current official website;
  • current product pages, packaging statements or manufacturer information;
  • ABN, ASIC or other public business information relevant to ownership;
  • published ownership information from reliable primary sources;
  • manufacturing addresses or process information;
  • current certification or licensing information from a recognised scheme;
  • documents supplied by an authorised business representative; or
  • other reliable evidence reasonably supporting the claim.

6. Evidence date and changing circumstances

Ownership, manufacturing arrangements, ingredients, factories, suppliers and product ranges can change. A product-directory status reflects the evidence available when BAF last checked the claim. BAF may re-check, update, remove or suspend a product status where newer information creates a reasonable concern.

7. Conflicting or insufficient evidence

If credible sources conflict, the manufacturing location is unclear, ownership cannot be reasonably established, or the evidence is too weak to support the claim, BAF may decline to list the product, remove the status or request further information.

BAF's product-directory rule is to avoid publishing an Australian status where the claim cannot be reasonably substantiated.

8. Formal BAF Verification remains separate

Product-directory research is not a substitute for the formal evidence and assessment process under the BAF Verification Standard & Terms. A product or business must not display a BAF Verified badge merely because it appears in the Australian Products Directory.

9. Product images, names and third-party rights

Product names, trade marks and images remain the property of their respective owners. BAF may display product information for directory and identification purposes where legally permitted. Rights holders may contact BAF about an image, trade mark, inaccurate description or other content concern.

10. BAF is not the retailer

Unless expressly stated otherwise, BAF does not sell products listed in the directory and does not set their retail price, stock level, delivery, returns or warranty terms. Transactions occur with the relevant third-party seller.

11. What the status does not assess

A product-directory Australian status does not, by itself, certify product quality, safety, nutrition, sustainability, professional suitability, value for money or compliance with every law or industry standard.

12. Corrections and challenges

Businesses and members of the public may provide evidence that a product status is incorrect or out of date. BAF will review material correction requests under the Corrections, Complaints & Appeals Policy.

13. Consumer law

BAF will not knowingly use this standard to create a misleading overall impression. Nothing in this document limits rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.

14. Contact

Product evidence or correction enquiries can be sent to admin@buyaustralianfirst.com.au.

See also the Directory Disclaimer and Legal & Policies.