Importing and using products from overseas

If you want to import, sell or use an overseas product, it is important to do your research first.

Most overseas building products can be imported into Aotearoa New Zealand without restriction or the need for any approval.

However, not all imported products will automatically comply with the Building Code. Sometimes there is not enough existing evidence to show that they do, so you may need to do your own testing or assessment.

If you intend to sell imported products in Aotearoa New Zealand, there is a range of legislation you need to comply with. This includes meeting your obligations under consumer legislation, as well as ensuring the product complies with all relevant provisions of the Building Code.

Importing and selling overseas products

To make sure the products you import will be suitable to be used in Aotearoa New Zealand, you should ask the manufacturer to supply you with technical information and evidence that helps show compliance with the Building Code.

You may also want to arrange for your own product tests or assessments to be carried out. While overseas building products may be tested to international standards, you will need to check the relevancy of these standards to Aotearoa New Zealand conditions.

Our performance-based Building Code has some specific requirements relating to our environments (such as seismic activity, exposure to salt-laden winds and sea spray, high ultra-violet light levels, and wind-driven rain).

Overseas testing may be relevant, but you still need to demonstrate the product meets specific performance requirements of the Building Code.

Your customers will be unable to be issued with a building consent without information that proves the product, when installed correctly, will comply with the Building Code.

You may also breach consumer legislation by selling products that are not fit for purpose.

Restrictions on some imports

You can bring most building products into Aotearoa New Zealand relatively easily. However, there are some important exceptions.

Products with potential biosecurity concerns

The Biosecurity Act 1993 places restrictions on the import of some forest and wood products such as plywood, particle board, timber, poles and laminated beams.

This does not mean you cannot import these items but you do need to comply with any relevant rules and requirements.

The Ministry for Primary Industries controls biosecurity in Aotearoa New Zealand. Before importing any products that could be deemed a biosecurity risk please check their website.

Hazardous products

Products such as some paints, glues and sealants must have approval before they can be brought into the country, this is covered under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.

The Environmental Protection Authority controls whether a product is classed as a hazardous substance.

Prohibited items

The New Zealand Customs Service controls the import of goods and provides an online list of all goods prohibited from entering the country. You should check its website for the latest information.

Tax, duties and tariffs

If you import building products into Aotearoa New Zealand for either personal or commercial use you may be required to pay goods and services tax (GST) or other fees, duties and tariffs.

The New Zealand Customs Service collects these charges on behalf of the Government. You should check their website for more details and a list of charges.

Using imported products in your building work

There are two deemed to comply pathways that can be used for overseas products: 

1. Approved Products Certified Overseas
2. Building Product Specifications.

Approved Products Certified Overseas are certified building products or methods recognised by the Chief Executive of MBIE. 

Recognised products will be deemed to comply with the Building Code and must be accepted for use by building consent authorities (BCAs), providing they are:

• used as intended, including any conditions or limitations of recognition, and
• supported by the required technical information.

The Building Product Specifications contains a list of 130 product standards and generic specifications that can be used with an acceptable solution or verification method to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code.

These standards and specifications have been assessed to ensure they provide an equivalent or better level of performance than currently set out in Building Code documents.

Other overseas products may not comply with the Building Code, even though importers and suppliers have responsibilities to show they do.

If you are seeking a building consent, you will have to demonstrate to the BCA how the product complies. It is a good idea to check whether the product has been used successfully in New Zealand before.

You should also make sure the manufacturer, local importer or supplier has provided good technical information with their product. This will help you to demonstrate to the BCA that the product complies with the Building Code.

If the product has been tested overseas and to international standards, you may have some assurance that the product is safe and fit for purpose.

For additional assurance, Endorsed Standards – which are groups of standards issued by trusted overseas standards organisations and standard certification schemes – can be used as supporting evidence of compliance with the Building Code. 

However, you will still need to check the relevancy of these standards to New Zealand conditions, and make sure you can show compliance with our Building Code.

Building Product Specifications

Approved Standards Certified Overseas

Endorsed Standards