Check the rules where your business will operate

Start with where you want to run the business. A global brand can offer different agreements in different countries. Ask for the documents that apply in your country, state or province before comparing offers.

United States

The FTC disclosure rule applies to covered offers or sales for a franchise located in the US or its territories. It provides a federal disclosure framework, including the FDD and pre-sale review period. Exemptions exist, and state rules can provide additional requirements or rights. Do not infer a post-signing refund right from the federal review period.

Australia

Use the ACCC’s current guidance. A new Franchising Code began in April 2025, with some obligations starting in November 2025. The applicable provisions can depend on when an agreement was entered, renewed, extended or transferred. Ask a local adviser to identify the version and rules relevant to your transaction.

Australia’s public Franchise Disclosure Register is useful for beginning research, but the information comes from franchisors. The government says it does not review, vet or endorse that material before inclusion. A listing does not replace your investigation or the documents for your actual offer.

Canada

Check the relevant province rather than assuming US forms or one national checklist will answer the question. Ontario publishes franchise buyer guidance connected with the Arthur Wishart Act. This guide does not attempt a province-by-province legal survey or determine a buyer’s remedies. Ask locally about disclosure, timing and the actual contract.

Other countries

Look for current official business and regulator guidance and independent local franchise-law advice. New Zealand’s government guidance, for example, recommends legal and accounting advice for a business or franchise purchase. That is not evidence that US disclosure rules apply there.

A short local-check worksheet

Record the location, currency, exact seller, disclosure date, proposed signing date and every agreement you would sign. Ask which disclosure and review requirements apply, whether there is any cancellation right, and how disputes are handled. Keep any answer tied to its source and date. Where the local position has not been verified, leave the question open instead of assuming a familiar rule applies.

Read the original sources

1. 16 CFR Part 436, official 2026 annual editionAccessed 17 October 2026 · External source
2. ACCC: Franchise disclosure documentAccessed 17 October 2026 · External source
3. Australian Government: Franchise Disclosure RegisterAccessed 17 October 2026 · External source
4. Ontario: Franchising information for buyers and ownersAccessed 17 October 2026 · External source
5. ACCC: The franchise agreementAccessed 17 October 2026 · External source
6. New Zealand Government: Buying a business or franchiseAccessed 17 October 2026 · External source