Views sought on new Building Product Specifications

Published: 03 June 2025

Tradies, local authorities, designers, retailers and the public are being urged to have their say on a draft document that would enable many more overseas products to be easily used in New Zealand.

Dr Dave Gittings, Manager, Building Performance and Engineering, said: “This new document streamlines the process for those looking to use proven and tested overseas products, knowing they will be accepted through the consenting system.”

“The draft Building Product Specifications document released today contains specifications and overseas standards that can be used to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code. 

“Designers will be able to use overseas products that comply with any one of these standards and specifications to show the building work meets overall Building Code requirements.

“Today we are releasing the proposed first version of this document which contains specifications and standards for products that we already know and use, such as windows, plasterboard and cladding. 

“We will be rolling out further updates to this document over time, as well as developing other pathways for recognising overseas products.

“We think there’ll be a lot of interest in the changes - from councils who will be using the Building Product Specifications when assessing compliance - to designers, builders and developers keen to understand what other options are out there, and I’d like to encourage everyone to have their say.”

Find out more and have your say:

Give feedback on the Building Product Specifications

MBIE media contact

Email: media@mbie.govt.nz