The Government will recognise the toy standards of the United States and the European Union, so toys that meet those standards will be compliant in New Zealand too.
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer said that when a parent buys a toy for their child, they should be able to trust that it is safe, but the rules used to guarantee that safety have been stuck in 2002.
They've been overtaken by newer, more modern standards several times over, leaving New Zealand lagging behind Australia, and that mismatch was hurting Kiwi importers and retailers.
“We've heard they're retesting toys against our outdated standard, even when those toys already meet a comparable international one. That's wasted time, wasted money, and it can mean fewer products on our shelves and less choice for families,” said Brewer.
At the same time, Regulation Minister David Seymour said the Ministry for Regulation found that aligning with Australia would reduce compliance costs for suppliers and make New Zealand a more attractive market. This change is expected to have a net benefit of NZD 6.8 million over ten years.
“Following a submission to the Red Tape Tipline, we will be making it easier for businesses to put their toys on New Zealand shelves.”
Under the current rules, Kiwi toy suppliers are forced to front the costs of getting a toy compliant with New Zealand standards. This can cost between NZD 3,500 and NZD 5,000 per toy.
Under the new rules, if a toy is compliant in the US or the EU, it’s compliant in New Zealand, at no additional cost to Kiwi businesses.
Opening the doors to competition will also drive prices down at the checkout, making more toys more affordable to more Kiwi families. Although most toys comply with average toy standards, this change means reputable brands such as Hauck, Happy Horse, Jellycat, Douglas, Little Dutch and Yolline will become more commercially viable to import.
"Parents will be pleased to know that once these changes are in place, toys sold here for young children will need to meet one of three internationally recognised safety standards, each offering the same level of protection for children," added Brewer.
"This is the Government fixing the basics by cutting needless costs for business and giving Kiwi parents better value, without ever compromising on the safety of their kids.
An exposure draft of the updated regulations will be released for consultation. Subject to final decisions, suppliers will be given a six-month transition period to adopt the updated requirements.
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