Foreword by the Hon Paul Swain, Minister of Commerce
In today's global market place, meeting standards or specific requirements, and proving that you do, is essential for business success. Failure to do so can be a serious business risk.
The technical requirements of our trading partners can be a major barrier for New Zealand exports. Traders need to do their homework to be sure their goods will not incur substantial compliance costs at the point of import or, worse still, be refused entry at the border.
Standards and conformance is a complicated subject area and one where benefits can be hard to define. The Ministry of Economic Development has published this booklet to explain the concepts and organisations that make up the technical infrastructure that supports New Zealand business. The booklet describes the relationship between regulations, standards, measurement and conformity assessment, and outlines technical requirements in trade. The roles and activities of New Zealand's five technical infrastructure bodies are explained in detail, as are those of the core government agencies concerned with this area. The final section gives contacts for further information.
Technical standards and requirements have an effect on almost every part of a modern economy. The government, consumers and the community rely on standards and conformance to protect public health, safety and welfare and to guard our environment. Businesses use standards and conformance to support innovation and development and to maintain competitive edge. Strictly meeting technical requirements also attracts premium prices.
New Zealand sells globally and we source the components of our products globally. This makes it essential that our traders work to standards and specifications that are recognised internationally. We need to have in place processes and rules that will enable us to make the most of our trading opportunities, while limiting any associated risks.
We are fortunate in having high calibre scientific and technical specialists to protect and promote our interests in these areas. Our standards and conformance bodies have established an international reputation for expertise and integrity and have forged strong links with their international counterparts. These relationships have enabled New Zealand to establish Mutual Recognition Arrangements with major trading partners. This network is expanding rapidly, removing the necessity for goods to be re-tested or re-inspected on arrival in the export market and saving exporters time and money.
Our standards and conformance infrastructure can be of real assistance to New Zealand business. I hope this booklet will provide you with a useful reference.
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