Retail and wholesale trade industry
Last Updated: 15 September 2021
Business types in this industry
The retail industry includes traditional sales outlets for consumers and business as well as online retailers and commission based selling. Businesses include:
- electrical, electronic and whitegoods
- floor coverings, furniture and housewares
- food and grocery
- fuel
- hardware, building and garden supplies
- motor vehicles, trailers, parts and accessories
- clothing and footwear
- personal accessories
- pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
- recreational goods
- textiles
- books, magazines, papers and office supplies
Legislation, standards and initiatives
You must be aware of the laws that apply to the retail and wholesale trade industry.
Key legislation
Mandatory industry codes & standards
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) guides
Licences and permits
The licences and permits you require may vary depending on what you are selling, where you are selling, processes involved in producing goods for sale as well as Federal, State and Local government rules.
The licences and permits you may need include:
- erecting/displaying signage
- playing video/sound recordings
- preparing and/or selling food
- selling and distributing alcohol
- selling tobacco products
- disposal of waste
- importing goods
- zoning permits and noise restrictions
- restricted trading days and hours
- handling, storage and use of chemicals or dangerous substances
Industrial chemicals
If you import industrial chemicals, you must register your business with the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS). You will need to pay a registration fee.
Items that could contain industrial chemicals include:
- soap
- cosmetics
- paint
- glue
- printing ink
- cleaning products
Find the licences and permits you need for your business
Search the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) to find information on the licences you may need.
Taxation
The retail and wholesale trade industry have specific goods and services tax (GST) measures. Know your GST obligations and register with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to ensure you can claim your GST credits.
Other tax measures that may apply to your business:
- retailers who import goods must be aware that GST and duty fees apply on imports over $1000
- small retailers may be eligible for tax concessions
Other ATO resources
The Australian Taxation Office provides a range of industry benchmarks which may be of assistance when setting up or managing your business. Visit ATO Retail trade Benchmarks to learn more.
Employ people
If you employ staff, you need to comply with Australia’s national workplace laws specific to the retail and wholesale trade industry.
Workplace health and safety (WHS)
There are general work health and safety regulations for all businesses, however there are state and territory WHS requirements that apply to businesses in the retail and wholesale trade industry industry:
Environment
While retailers do not generally rely heavily on the environment, they can still have a significant impact. The main environmental issues that businesses in the retail and wholesale trade industry should understand include
- state based plastic bag ban
- waste management and reduction
- environmental labelling for electrical products
- recycling
- reporting
- sustainability
Insurance
Alongside compulsory insurances, the retail and wholesale trade industry has specific insurances. These insurances include:
- public liability insurance
- equipment and machinery
- property and buildings
- vehicles
- business interruption
Find support
If you need advice or support, consider getting help from your industry association, a business adviser, accountant or legal professional.
Further advice and assistance
Check our general business information for additional regulations and obligations relevant to your business.
For further advice and assistance, consider contacting your accountant, solicitor, business adviser or industry association.