The Government has announced a package of initiatives, to make it easier to use building products from overseas, by providing assurance that they will be accepted by building consent authorities (BCAs) as complying with the Building Code.
The Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes) Amendment Bill giving effect to these changes was passed by Parliament on 2 April 2025.
By the end of July 2025, a new pathway for streamlining compliance with the Building Code will be in place and enable more than 12,000 essential products – such as plasterboard, cladding and insulation – to be more widely accepted for use by BCAs.
The changes will also enable the recognition of overseas certified building products and methods from later this year.
The passing of the Bill is an important step forward to make it easier and more affordable to build in Aotearoa New Zealand by boosting consumer choice and access to internationally-recognised products.
Under the new system, unnecessary and costly delays can be avoided because builders and designers will be able to count on high-quality building products from overseas being accepted for use.
Consenting authorities can be confident that products certified under recognised overseas certification schemes are compliant with the Building Code. They will be required to accept these certified products, as long as they are used as intended.
These changes will also support local manufacturers to test their products against widely accepted overseas standards, opening the door to important export markets.
Latest legislation
Background
What it means for you
Overseas products and standards roles, responsibilities and benefits in the building sector under the changes.
