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Standards and conformance
Our Trade and International team is responsible for overseeing standards and conformance infrastructure in New Zealand and advising the Government on related policy.
On this page
The purpose of a standards and conformance system
An effective standards and conformance system makes it easier for consumers and businesses to make informed decisions. The Government, consumers and the community rely on standards and conformance to protect public health, safety and the environment.
Defining standards and conformance
Standards are published documents that set out agreed specifications for products, processes, performance or services. Standards can cover safety, compatibility, performance, information and quality.
Conformance assessments check that goods, services, personnel and systems meet standards or comply with regulatory requirements.
The conformance infrastructure includes the regulations, institutions and arrangements for carrying out conformity assessments.
Our policy role
Our policy advice on maintaining an efficient standards and conformance infrastructure helps remove technical barriers to improve trade.
Businesses use standards and conformance to support innovation and development, and compete locally and internationally.
Guide to New Zealand’s Standards and Conformance System 2018 [PDF, 920 KB]
Mutual recognition arrangements
New Zealand has mutual recognition arrangements with other economies. This allows exporters to have their conformity assessments in New Zealand recognised in overseas economies.
More information on these arrangements is available on the Conformity Assessment Mutual Recognition Arrangements.
More information
More information on New Zealand standards is available on the Standards New Zealand website.