This Standard specifies requirements for the production and supply of manufactured food for domesticated dogs and cats.

The Standard covers production of pet food from sourcing and receipt of ingredients to storage, processing (including heat treatment), packing, labelling and storage of products in order to assure its safety for pets. It also includes instructions for the uniform application of information provided on labels.

The Standard applies to both domestic and imported manufactured pet food products. Imported products are also subject to official animal and plant biosecurity risk assessment and associated import requirements in order to prevent the introduction of foreign animal diseases.

Additionally, the Standard may form the basis for certifying product for export market access. Importing country requirements set by overseas governments for access to their individual markets are not handled by this Standard but are dealt with under Commonwealth legislation dealing with export certification.