Product Safety Standards: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about the mandatory safety requirements for retailers selling physical goods in New Zealand.
Product Safety Standards are mandatory rules designed to ensure that physical goods sold to the public meet specific safety requirements to protect consumers.
Who it's for
This scheme is for any retailer that sells physical goods. This includes businesses that sell items through physical storefronts as well as those operating through digital channels.
What you get
Compliance with these standards is mandatory for all retailers. By following these rules, you ensure that the items you sell meet the necessary safety levels required by law. To manage your responsibilities, you should check the official product list regularly to stay informed about which specific goods are subject to these safety regulations.
What it costs you
There is no stated fee to participate in this scheme, but the cost to your business includes the time and effort required to monitor product regulations. You must dedicate resources to regularly checking the product lists to ensure every item in your inventory remains compliant with current safety rules.
The catch to know
A common mistake is assuming that importing goods from overseas exempts you from local rules. However, importing goods does not exempt you from New Zealand safety standards. As the retailer, you are responsible for ensuring that any product you sell—regardless of its origin—meets the local safety requirements. You must also be prepared to manage a safety recall if a product is found to be unsafe.
How to apply
- Identify the types of physical goods you sell in your business.
- Regularly check the official product list to see which items are subject to safety standards.
- Monitor your inventory to ensure all goods remain compliant with these mandatory rules.
- Be prepared to act if a safety recall is issued for any product in your stock.
- Visit the official portal for more details: https://www.tradingstandards.govt.nz