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New Zealand

New Zealand

Access one of Oceania's most advanced consumer markets with RCM marking, strict food safety oversight, and comprehensive product safety requirements.

5.1M
Population
$320B
GDP (2025)
3
Official Languages

Key Requirements Overview

RCM Marking

Electrical safety & EMC compliance

MPI Food Safety

Food Standards Code compliance

WAND Notification

Medical devices registration

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New Zealand Advanced consumer market with rigorous standards

New Zealand offers access to one of Oceania's most advanced consumer markets with sophisticated regulatory frameworks ensuring product safety and quality. The country shares many standards with Australia through the RCM scheme while maintaining its own sector-specific requirements for food, health products, and hazardous substances.

Market Advantages

High-income market with strong consumer protection
Trans-Tasman mutual recognition with Australia
English-speaking business environment
Progressive sustainability and stewardship programs

Regulatory Framework

New Zealand operates a multi-agency regulatory system overseen by MBIE, MPI, Medsafe, EPA, and WorkSafe.

Many regulations are harmonized with Australia, particularly for electrical products, while food safety and therapeutic goods have distinct NZ requirements.

Quick Facts

Official Languages
English, Māori, NZ Sign Language
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Standards Body
Standards New Zealand (SNZ)
Key Regulators
MBIE, MPI, Medsafe, EPA, WorkSafe

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Our experts help you navigate RCM marking, MPI registrations, and all NZ-specific requirements for your products.

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Regulations & Requirements

Key regulatory authorities

Understanding New Zealand's multi-agency regulatory framework

RCM & EESS

Regulatory Compliance Mark for electrical safety and EMC, shared with Australia under trans-Tasman arrangements.

• RCM marking mandatory on electrical products
• High-risk items require certification
• Responsible Supplier registration via ERAC

MPI Food Safety

Ministry for Primary Industries regulates food safety, biosecurity, and agricultural products under the Food Act 2014.

• Joint Food Standards Code with Australia
• Food importer registration required
• Border checks and MPI clearance

RSM & Telepermit

Radio Spectrum Management for wireless devices and Telepermit for telecommunication equipment connecting to public networks.

• RCM or R-NZ marking for RF devices
• Telepermit for network-connected devices
• RF exposure and technical standards

Medsafe

Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority regulates therapeutic products under the Ministry of Health.

• WAND database notification for medical devices
• Local Sponsor required for foreign manufacturers
• Pre-market approval for medicines

EPA

Environmental Protection Authority regulates hazardous substances and cosmetics under HSNO Act.

• GHS 7 classification and labeling
• Cosmetics Group Standard compliance
• Chemical safety and SDS requirements

WorkSafe

WorkSafe New Zealand oversees workplace health and safety, including electrical and gas appliance safety.

• Electrical safety compliance enforcement
• Workplace hazardous substance safety
• Market surveillance and audits
Product Requirements

Requirements by product category

Understand which authority regulates your products and compliance requirements

Electronics & Electrical

RCM + EESS

AS/NZS safety and EMC standards compliance. High-risk items require certification; medium-risk need Supplier's Declaration. RCM marking mandatory.

Wireless & Telecom

RSM + Telepermit

RF devices need RCM or R-NZ marking. Network devices require Telepermit from Spark NZ. Compliance to ETSI/CISPR/AS/NZS standards.

Food & Beverages

MPI Food Safety

Food Standards Code compliance, English labeling, MPI importer registration, border checks. Food Control Plan or National Programme required.

Medical Devices

Medsafe WAND Notification

WAND database notification within 30 days. Local Sponsor required. Risk-based classification. International standards compliance expected.

Cosmetics

EPA Cosmetic Group Standard

Compliance with Cosmetics Group Standard 2020. INCI ingredient listing, prohibited/restricted substances aligned with EU. No animal testing.

Toys & Children's Products

AS/NZS ISO 8124

Choking hazard testing for under-3 toys. Heavy metals, flammability testing. Age grading labels. Children's nightwear flammability requirements.

Textiles & Apparel

Labeling Standards

Country of origin labeling, fiber content disclosure, care labeling. Children's nightwear flammability standard AS/NZS 1249 compliance.

Chemicals & Hazardous Goods

EPA HSNO + GHS 7

GHS 7 classification and labeling mandatory. Hazard pictograms, SDS in English with NZ contact. Child-resistant packaging for poisons.

Automotive & Vehicle Parts

Land Transport Rules

UN/ECE compliance for vehicles. Entry Certification for imports. Motorcycle helmets UNECE 22.05. Child car seats AS/NZS 1754. Tyrewise scheme.

Batteries

Hazardous Substance + Stewardship

Lithium batteries UN38.3 testing. Hazardous labeling if applicable. Product stewardship scheme development for large batteries and e-waste.

Building Materials

Building Code + Standards

Building Act 2004 compliance. NZS standards for timber, cement, plasterboard. CodeMark voluntary certification. WaterMark for plumbing.

Pharmaceuticals

Medsafe Pre-Market Approval

Medicines Act approval required. Quality, safety, efficacy evaluation. GMP certification. Pharmacopoeial standards compliance.

These are the basic requirements, but individual product types and regulatory schemes may have additional requirements.
Please contact SANTIQ for the full requirements that apply to your products.

Compliance Journey

Your New Zealand compliance process

Follow these steps to ensure your products meet New Zealand requirements

1

Product Classification

Identify all applicable NZ regulations for your product. Determine if it requires RCM marking, MPI registration, WAND notification, EPA compliance, or other sector-specific approvals.

2

Appoint Local Representative

Engage a New Zealand entity as Responsible Supplier for electrical equipment, Sponsor for medical devices, or registered importer for food and chemicals.

3

Testing & Documentation

Conduct testing at accredited laboratories to AS/NZS or IEC standards. Prepare technical files, SDS for chemicals, and Supplier's Declaration of Conformity where required.

Accepted Labs

  • • NATA-accredited laboratories
  • • ILAC MRA recognized labs

Test Standards

  • • AS/NZS standards
  • • IEC/ISO international standards
4

Certification & Registration

Submit applications for required certifications: ERAC registration for RCM, WAND notification for medical devices, MPI food importer registration, or Telepermit applications.

Marking, Labeling & Market Entry

Apply RCM or R-NZ marking to products. Ensure all labels are in English with required warnings, ingredients, and NZ contact details. Maintain compliance records for inspection.

Final steps:

  • • Apply mandatory marks and labels
  • • Obtain MPI clearance for food imports
  • • Maintain post-market compliance
  • • Monitor regulatory changes
The actual process will vary depending on which authority regulates the specific product. The information provided here is high-level and not intended to be exhaustive.
Please contact SANTIQ for the full requirements that apply to your products.
Documentation

Required documentation for New Zealand

Essential documents needed for certification and compliance

Technical Documentation

Required technical files for compliance:

  • Product Specifications & Drawings
    Detailed specifications, schematics, ratings, materials
  • Test Reports & Certificates
    From NATA or ILAC-accredited laboratories to AS/NZS standards
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
    In English with NZ contact info and emergency number
  • Quality Management Documents
    ISO 9001, GMP certificates, factory inspection reports
  • Label Artwork & User Manuals
    Product labeling, packaging, instructions in English

Legal & Regulatory Documents

Required legal documents and authorizations:

  • Registration Certificates
    MPI food importer, WAND notification, Telepermit grant
  • Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
    For medium-risk electrical products with technical file
  • Authorization Letters
    Appointing NZ representative or Sponsor
  • Company & Importer Details
    NZ Business Number, GST registration, relevant licenses
  • Product Stewardship Evidence
    Tyrewise enrollment for tires, upcoming battery scheme compliance
Authorities can audit or request information at any time. Ensure your documentation is complete and up-to-date to respond quickly and avoid penalties.

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