Text description to Step-by-step Guide to Endorsed Standards

Step-by-step guide to Endorsed Standards. The building consent process.

This step-by-step guide shows the building consent process in its current state plus the different pathway possible if using the Endorsed standards scheme introduced by the Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes) Amendment Act 2025. It will support you to understand the new processes and what requirements need to be met at each stage. Any requests for information (RFI) will occur as usual.

Design and pre-application

1. A homeowner has engaged a designer to design a new house and to act as agent for obtaining a building consent. 

Design development

2. The designer completes the design of the house, ensuring that the plans and specifications comply with all relevant performance requirements of the Building Code. They have collated the manufacturer’s information for the products specified including any appraisals or CodeMark certificates.

2A. The designer has specified using a product manufactured to an overseas product standard that has been recognised as an Endorsed Standard. The product is not deemed-to-comply pathway, so the product forms part of an alternative solution.

Building consent application

3. The designer submits the application using the council’s online portal.   

4. The council checks that there is adequate information for the application to be accepted for processing.  

5. The council accepts the application and deposit, and the statutory clock has started. The council has 20 working days to grant or refuse the building consent.

Building consent processing

6. A building consent officer (BCO) is assigned to process the consent, checking that the building work as described in the plans and specifications comply with the performance requirements of the Building Code.

6A. The BCO may refer to the list of Endorsed Standards published by MBIE to verify whether a product standard has been recognised, and to understand any associated conditions. While this recognition does not constitute a deemed-to-comply pathway, the BCO may take it into consideration. However, the proposed building work must still be assessed to ensure that the products are used as intended and that the work complies with the Building Code.

7. The BCO checks the information provided and is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the work, if completed in accordance with the plans and specifications provided, will comply with the performance requirements of the Building Code.

8. The BCO grants the building consent, stamps the plans and specifications, generates the building consent, and any other accompanying documentation and notifies the agent and owner that the building consent has been granted. On payment of the processing fees, the building consent is issued.

9. Building work can now begin.