Register of Approved Occupational Clothing

About this grant

If your business has a non-compulsory uniform, you must register it before your employees can claim tax deductions for the costs of the uniform. You may also be eligible for a reduction in fringe benefits tax (FBT) if you provide the uniform to your employees for free or at a reduced cost.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• The design of the non-compulsory uniform must meet the approved occupational clothing guidelines
• Some of the uniform design basics to meet the guidelines are:
• The uniform must be a complete outfit with either a full body garment such as a dress, or a top and bottom garment such as a shirt and trousers, blouse and skirt.
• A company identifier, such as discrete logo, name or initials, must be permanently attached to all items in the uniform. this includes accessories.
• For clothing, the identifier or logo must be at least 80% of a 4cm square area.
• For accessories, such as a tie or scarf, the identifier or logo must be at least a 1cm square area.
• Identifiers or logos must be in a contrasting colour or shade to the garments they are attached to. they must be visible from 2m away.
• You must permanently attach the identifier or logo to each garment. this may include embroidering, iron on or heat seal.
• The entire garment range can have a maximum of 8 colours. this includes different shades of a colour. it excludes those found in the identifier or logo.
• There is a limit to the number of colour/pattern/print combinations allowed. we base this on the number of employees in a class.
• When the uniform is worn by different groups of employees, there must be a common theme. a common theme requires the same colour lower body garment to be worn by all employees.
• The uniform must be appropriate for the duties of the employee.

What the funding covers

• Registering a uniform will allow your employees to claim tax deductions for the costs of the uniform, its laundry, dry-cleaning and repair.

How to apply

1. 1Confirm readiness: Ensure you meet criteria (e.g., ABN, turnover limits, GST registration), align project objectives with grant goals, and estimate time for evidence gathering and writing.
2. 2Gather evidence: Collect documents like financials, business plans, market research, project budgets, resumes, risk analysis, and support letters to prove capability and impact.
3. 3Register/log in: Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) if needed, sign into the relevant portal (e.g., Business Grants Hub portal), and note any prerequisites like advisory service reports.
4. 4Prepare and write application: Address all selection criteria clearly (project details, government alignment, costs, outcomes, benefits); keep concise, factual, and compelling; validate for completeness.
5. 5Review, approve, and submit: Proofread, get stakeholder sign-off, submit online via the portal before deadline (no late entries); expect eligibility check, merit assessment, and outcome notification.
6. 6Visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/register-of-approved-occupational-clothing for application details

Application tips