Building products are the foundation of every construction project, whether it’s residential housing, commercial facilities, or infrastructure developments. From structural steel and cladding systems to adhesives, waterproof membranes, and insulation each product used on-site must meet strict regulatory standards to ensure safety, durability, and compliance with national and regional codes.
In New Zealand, compliance with the Building Code is mandatory, and all products must demonstrate that they are “fit for purpose.” But achieving this compliance is more than a checkbox; it involves a comprehensive process of assessment, documentation, and sometimes third-party verification.
In this article, we explore what building product regulatory compliance means, why it matters, how the assessment process works, and what manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors need to do to ensure their materials meet required standards.
Why Regulatory Compliance Matters for Building Products
Non-compliant products pose significant risks both to buildings and the people who use them. Using materials that haven’t been properly assessed can lead to structural failures, fire risks, water ingress, and even litigation. building product regulatory compliance ensures that:
- Safety standards are upheld
- Products perform as expected under local environmental conditions
- Buildings meet code requirements
- Legal liabilities are minimized for contractors and developers
Additionally, building consent authorities (BCAs) require clear evidence that all installed products are code-compliant, especially for critical elements like structural components, fire-rated materials, and weatherproofing systems.
Understanding New Zealand’s Building Product Requirements
In New Zealand, all building work must comply with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC). The NZBC sets performance-based requirements for aspects such as structure, fire safety, moisture control, durability, and energy efficiency.
While the code doesn’t approve specific products, it does require that any material used must reliably meet relevant clauses. Therefore, suppliers and specifiers must show that a product meets applicable sections of the NZBC, such as:
- Clause B1 – Structure
- Clause B2 – Durability
- Clause E2 – External Moisture
- Clause F2 – Hazardous Building Materials
The Key Routes to Building Product Regulatory Compliance
There are several ways building products regulatory compliance can be demonstrated. Depending on the product type, performance claims, and building application, one or more of the following may be used.
Codemark Certification
Codemark is a voluntary, yet powerful certification scheme that provides a clear pathway to building product regulatory compliance. It’s particularly beneficial for innovative or imported products.
Benefits:
- Recognised throughout New Zealand by all BCAs.
- Speeds up building consent approvals.
- Backed by independent third-party evaluation.
Product Technical Statements (PTS)
A PTS is a self-declared document issued by a manufacturer or supplier that explains how and why their product meets Building Code performance requirements.
Key Elements:
- Description of the product and intended use.
- Clauses of the NZBC the product complies with.
- Supporting evidence such as test results, certifications, and past performance.
While a PTS is not a formal approval, it’s commonly used to help BCAs and designers assess suitability.
Appraisals and Evaluations
Independent evaluations conducted by organisations like BRANZ, AS/NZS accredited laboratories, or other recognized bodies provide robust evidence of product performance.
Examples:
- BRANZ Appraisals
- IANZ-accredited test reports
- Structural engineering assessments
These third-party assessments carry significant weight with BCAs and are especially useful for products with no standard references to make them building product regulatory complianced.
History of Acceptable Use
Some products are accepted based on a long history of safe and effective use in New Zealand. In these cases, consistent performance over time can be presented as part of the compliance evidence.
Limitations:
- Only applies to traditional or widely used materials.
- Still requires some documentation or field examples.
Producer Statements
For products that are part of an engineered system, Producer Statements (PS1–PS4) may be used to confirm that the product, when used as part of the system, meets compliance standards.
For example, a PS1 may be provided by a chartered engineer to confirm that a proprietary cladding system meets structural and weather-tightness requirements when installed correctly.
How to Ensure Building Product Regulatory Compliance
If you’re a supplier, contractor, or developer, it’s essential to have a clear strategy for verifying and documenting building product regulatory compliance. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Identify Applicable Code Clauses
Before anything else, understand which parts of the NZBC apply to your product. For instance:
- A roofing membrane may need to comply with B2 (durability) and E2 (external moisture).
- A structural beam must meet B1 (structure) and B2.
Gather Supporting Evidence
Depending on the product, you may need:
- Laboratory test results
- Performance certifications (e.g., Codemark, ISO)
- BRANZ appraisals or engineering assessments
- Installation manuals and maintenance guides
- PTS documentation
- Field performance data or case studies
Prepare a Product Compliance Pack
Package your documentation into a clear and well-organized folder or digital file. This makes it easier for designers and BCAs to review.
Include:
- Technical specifications
- Compliance pathways (Codemark, PTS, etc.)
- Manufacturer credentials
- Maintenance and warranty terms
Work with Professionals
If you’re unsure whether a product meets the required standards, consult:
- Building consultants
- Chartered engineers
- Product compliance specialists
- Testing laboratories
Their input can help refine your compliance strategy and avoid delays in approval.
Challenges in Meeting Compliance Standards
Even with robust systems in place, there are challenges and building product regulatory compliance system have challenges:
- Imported products may lack local test data.
- Innovative materials might not fit standard code references.
- Code interpretations can vary between BCAs.
- Documentation may not be in a format expected by officials.
Addressing these issues early is key to smoother compliance.
Role of Building Consent Authorities (BCAs)
BCAs review compliance documentation during the building consent process. Their job is to confirm that every material used in the project meets the required standards.
They may ask for additional evidence or reject materials that lack sufficient proof. Having a thorough compliance pack helps avoid project delays.
Conclusion
In a construction landscape that demands durability, safety, and environmental responsibility, ensuring building product regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. Through certifications, technical documentation, independent evaluations, and expert consultation, stakeholders can guarantee that every component used on-site stands up to scrutiny and performs as intended.
Whether you’re a manufacturer preparing your product for the market, or a builder selecting materials for a project, understanding the pathways to product compliance is essential for successful outcomes.
Need help verifying your Building Product Regulatory Compliance?
Contact our team for expert guidance on navigating New Zealand’s regulatory requirements and ensuring your products meet all the necessary standards for approval and performance.
