The Government will accept US and EU toy safety standards as compliant in New Zealand, eliminating the need for separate local testing.
The policy change was unveiled by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer and Regulation Minister David Seymour and originated from a submission to the Red Tape Tipline. Testing each toy against New Zealand standards currently costs importers between $3,500 and $5,000.
New Zealand's toy safety regulations date from 2002 and have not kept pace with modern international standards. The divergence from Australian requirements has been causing importers to retest toys that already meet comparable international standards.
The Ministry for Regulation found that harmonising with Australia would cut compliance costs and enhance New Zealand's appeal to suppliers. Over 10 years, the alignment is forecast to deliver $6.8 million in net benefits.
"When a parent buys a toy for their child, they should be able to trust that it is safe. That's the bottom line, and it isn't changing," Brewer said.
Updated regulations will be issued in exposure draft form for public consultation before taking effect. Suppliers will receive a six-month transition period to adapt to the new framework, which will require toys for young children to meet 1 of 3 internationally recognised safety standards.