How BuiltReady works

Legislative framework

The BuiltReady scheme operates under the legislative framework provided by the Building Act 2004 (the Act), Building (Modular Component Manufacturer Scheme) Regulations 2022 (the regulations) and specific BuiltReady scheme rules (refer to Figure 1). Scheme rules are secondary legislation made by MBIE's Chief Executive that align with the regulations and provide much of the operational detail for the BuiltReady scheme.

Other key documents for the operation of this scheme include the international standard IS0/IEC 17065: 2013 Conformity assessment – requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services, which is included by reference in the scheme rules.

Further documents supporting the BuiltReady scheme's day-to-day operation include the Accreditation Body's (Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JASANZ)) accreditation manual and arrangements with Modular Component Manufacturer certification bodies, and the Certification Bodies own commercial arrangements with proprietors.

Roles and responsibilities

The framework in which the BuiltReady scheme operates in New Zealand is supported by the Building Act 2004 (the Act), Building (Modular Component Manufacturer Scheme) Regulations 2022 (the regulations) and specific BuiltReady scheme rules. These three key pieces of legislation outline the roles and responsibilities for all scheme parties. They also detail requirements to ensure that certified manufacturers design and manufacture components that meet the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.

All parties must comply with the requirements outlined in the Building Act, the regulations and the BuiltReady scheme rules.

Below is an explanation of the important parties within the BuiltReady scheme and some key responsibilities for their roles.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

Sometimes referred to as the Chief Executive.

• Overseeing and managing the performance of the bodies involved within the BuiltReady scheme.
• Appointing the Modular Component Manufacturer Certification Accreditation Body.
• Registering accredited Modular Component Manufacturer Certification bodies.
• Registering certified manufacturers.
• Can suspend and revoke registration and certification if required.

Modular Component Manufacturer Certification Accreditation Body (MCMCAB)

Currently appointed to be Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JASANZ).

• Responsible for assessing, accrediting and monitoring product certification bodies.
• Can suspend and revoke accreditation if required.

Modular Component Manufacturer Certification Bodies (MCMCBs)

• Evaluate, monitors, and audits a manufacturer’s quality management system, management structure and design and manufacturing processes.
• Is responsible for certification of manufacturers, including determining scope and limitations for certification.
• Issues evidence of certification to manufacturers.
• Can suspend and revoke certification of a manufacturer.

Modular Component Manufacturers

• Issue manufacturer's certificates for modular components for which they have been certified to design (if applicable) and manufacture.
• Ensure modular components continue to be designed and manufactured in accordance with their quality plan.
• Ensure they continue meet the requirements set out in the regulations and scheme rules.
• Design (if applicable), manufacture, transport, and installation of modular components.

Manufacturers certificates can only be issued by a certified and registered manufacturer.

Accreditation, certification and registration

There are a number of steps that an organisation needs to go through in order to be considered a scheme party.

Accreditation

All Modular Component Manufacturer Certification Bodies (MCMCBs) that wish to assess, evaluate, and certify modular component manufacturers (MCMs) under the BuiltReady scheme must be accredited by the Modular Component Manufacturer Certification Accreditation Body (MCMCAB) MBIE has appointed for the scheme (JAZANZ).

Accreditation as an MCMCB, including how to apply

Certification

Manufacturers of modular components that wish to become certified as a manufacturer under the BuiltReady scheme must apply for certification through an accredited and registered MCMCB.

Certification as a manufacturer, including how to apply

Registration

Both MCMCBs and manufacturers must go through a registration process with MBIE.

Only MCMCBs that have been accredited by the appointed accreditation body and registered by MBIE can certify a manufacturer.

Registration requirements for certification bodies

Manufacturers must be certified by an MCMCB and registered by MBIE to be able to issue manufacturers certificates.

Registration requirements for manufacturers

Enforcing the BuiltReady scheme

The Building Act gives MBIE, the appointed accreditation body (JAZANZ) and certification bodies certain powers in relation to compliance actions for accreditation, certification, and registration within the BuiltReady scheme.

Accreditation and registration of certification bodies, and certification and registration of manufacturers can be suspended or revoked if the relevant monitoring body sees fit.

Reasons for suspension or revocation could include:

• a breach of the scheme rules, the certificate's conditions or the certification body's procedures
• the MCMCB no longer meets the criteria and standards for accreditation or registration
• a critical non-conformity
• failure to pay fees
• if the certified manufacturer changes their quality management, design and manufacturing processes without prior notification
• misuse of a manufacturer's certificate
• the certificate has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.

Before suspending or revoking a manufacturers certification or registration the responsible certification body or MBIE must give the manufacturer a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

A certified manufacturer can withdraw from the scheme at any time if they no longer wish to certify their modular components under the scheme.

It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to notify customers immediately to stop using a manufacturers certificate if the manufacturer is no longer certified or registered.

Image provided by Kāinga Ora.