To comply with New Zealand regulations it is important to understand the type of products you are offering for sale, and ensure that they comply with any relevant standard that may apply. This is in addition to your general obligations per the Consumer Guarantees and Fair Trading Acts.
Currently there are eight product safety standards that are set per the Fair Trading Act. Ensuring the goods you sell comply with these standards before offering them for sale is critical. Any listing found or believed to be in breach will be removed.
- Baby walkers
- Children's nightwear
- Children's toys
- Cigarette lighters
- Cots
- Multipurpose ladders
- Pedal bicycles
- Sunscreen
In addition to the above product safety standards, products that are declared unsafe and have been banned from sale in New Zealand must not be offered for sale. Currently the below items are subject to unsafe goods notices in New Zealand.
- small high-powered magnets
- chainsaws without a chain brake
- lead in children’s toys
- hot water bottles that do not meet the standard
- candles with lead in the wicks and candlewicks containing lead
- pistol crossbows
- inclined infant sleep products
If you have any questions about the above, you should seek independent advice before offering those goods for sale.
Helpful links:
Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment – Compliance Matters
Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment – Unsafe goods notices
Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment – Product recalls
Commerce Commission New Zealand – Product safety standards