Views sought on new Building Product Specifications

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is urging tradies, local authorities, designers, retailers and the public to have their say on a draft document that would enable many more overseas products to be easily used in New Zealand 

Dr Dave Gittings, Manager of Building Performance and Engineering and MBIE, said the new document streamlines the process for those looking to use proven and tested overseas products, knowing they will be accepted through the consenting system. 

“The draft Building Product Specifications document released today contains specifications and overseas standards that can be used to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code.  

“Designers will be able to use overseas products that comply with any one of these standards and specifications to show the building work meets overall Building Code requirements.” 

MBIE released the proposed first version of the document on Tuesday 3 June, which contains specifications and standards for products already used in New Zealand, such as windows, plasterboard and cladding. 

“We will be rolling out further updates to this document over time, as well as developing other pathways for recognising overseas products,” added Gittings. 

“We think there’ll be a lot of interest in the changes – from councils who will be using the Building Product Specifications when assessing compliance – to designers, builders and developers keen to understand what other options are out there, and I’d like to encourage everyone to have their say.” 

Submissions close at 5:00pm on Monday 23 June 2025. 

Click here to find out more about the Building Product Specifications and have your say.