Main laws

New Zealand Act

Standards and Accreditation Act 2015

It matters when standards are cited in law, contracts, or tenders, or when accreditation claims are made.

In forceNew ZealandPlain-English guide5 practical checks

Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.

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Quick read

  • This Act sets the framework for New Zealand Standards and accredits certain testing and inspection bodies.
  • It usually operates in the background but becomes critical when a product, process or service must meet a cited standard, when buying testing or inspection services, or when...

Likely relevant if

  • Manufacturers whose products are designed, tested or labelled against New Zealand Standards
  • Importers and distributors relying on standards-based compliance documents from suppliers
  • Construction, engineering and trades businesses working to standards cited in building, transport or safety rules

Check first

  • Do not make statements or use marks that falsely imply accreditation under the Act for testing or inspection services.
  • If relying on accreditation, check the Accreditation Council’s published requirements and conditions for the relevant scheme.
  • Accredited conformity assessment bodies must maintain control over their accredited services to the Council’s satisfaction.

What the Act does

The Standards and Accreditation Act 2015 sets up New Zealand’s official system for developing, approving and maintaining New Zealand Standards. It also establishes accreditation schemes for conformity assessment bodies engaged in testing and inspection activities. Accreditation confirms that these bodies meet defined standards of competence and reliability.

The Act does not automatically require all businesses to comply with every standard. Instead, it supports compliance when a standard is cited in law, contract, tender or customer requirement, or when accredited testing or inspection services are used.

Practical sense check

  • Understand if any law, contract, tender or customer requires compliance with a New Zealand Standard.
  • Identify the exact version of the standard that applies to your product, service or process.
  • Check if testing or inspection providers you use are accredited under the Act.
  • Avoid making claims that your testing, inspection or certification is accredited unless confirmed.
  • Keep organised records of standards, reports and accreditation documents.

Who the Act applies to

The Act is relevant to a wide range of businesses but applies differently depending on the role. It covers:

  • Businesses developing or using New Zealand Standards.
  • Conformity assessment bodies engaged in testing and inspection activities seeking accreditation.
  • Businesses relying on accredited testing or inspection results to meet legal, contractual or market requirements.

Certification bodies are included in the broad definition of conformity assessment bodies, but accreditation schemes focus on testing and inspection activities. Many businesses are indirectly affected when standards or accreditation are referenced in other laws or contracts.

When the Act matters in everyday business

The Act becomes important when standards or accreditation affect business decisions. Common trigger points include:

Practical sense check

  • Launching a new product or service that must meet a cited New Zealand Standard.
  • Changing suppliers or service providers who provide testing or inspection reports.
  • Preparing tenders or proposals requiring accredited testing or inspection evidence.
  • Responding to regulators referencing standards or accreditation requirements.
  • Entering export markets that require internationally recognised accredited testing or inspection.

Key obligations and risks

The Act imposes specific obligations and risks, especially regarding accreditation claims. Key points include:

Risk controls

  • Do not make statements or use marks that falsely imply accreditation under the Act for testing or inspection services.
  • Ensure any accreditation claim matches the actual accredited body and service.
  • Check the Accreditation Council’s published requirements and conditions if applying for or relying on accreditation.
  • Verify the exact standard and version cited in legislation or contracts before relying on it.
  • Keep evidence of the standards used, reports obtained, and providers engaged.

Misleading claims about accreditation can attract fines under section 40(2) of the Act. Accredited bodies must maintain control over their accredited services and keep records as required by the Accreditation Council.

Using standards and choosing accredited providers

A New Zealand Standard under the Act includes standards developed or adopted under this Act and those promulgated under earlier standards legislation. Businesses often rely on inherited standards, so verifying the current official version is important.

When using testing or inspection services, accreditation confirms the provider meets recognised competence standards. The Accreditation Council maintains schemes for bodies engaged in testing and inspection activities, not broadly for all certification bodies.

Practical sense check

  • Ask providers to identify the specific accredited body and scope of accreditation.
  • Confirm the accreditation is current and covers the required testing or inspection service.
  • Keep copies of accreditation certificates, scope details, reports and engagement documents.
  • Verify accreditation before submitting tenders or making compliance claims where accreditation is required.
  • Maintain records to demonstrate compliance with accreditation requirements.

Common questions

Does the Act require all businesses to comply with New Zealand Standards?

No. The Act establishes the system for standards and accreditation but does not automatically impose compliance. Businesses must comply when a standard is cited in law, contract, tender or customer requirement.

What types of bodies can be accredited under the Act?

The Act accredits conformity assessment bodies engaged in testing and inspection activities. While certification bodies are included in the definition, accreditation schemes focus on testing and inspection services.

What are the risks of making false accreditation claims?

Making false or misleading statements about accreditation can lead to fines under section 40(2) of the Act. Businesses should only claim accreditation if it is valid and current.

How can I verify if a testing or inspection provider is accredited?

Check the Accreditation Council’s published requirements and conditions and ask the provider for their current accreditation certificate and scope of services.

Why is it important to verify the exact version of a New Zealand Standard?

Standards can be revised, replaced or withdrawn. Using the correct version ensures compliance with current legal, contractual or market requirements.

Related topics

Food & Product ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceStandards, Accreditation & Certification

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