Common-sense fix eases costs for toy importers

This 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 and Regulation Minister David Seymour say.

"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," Mr Brewer says.

"But the rules we use to guarantee that safety are stuck in 2002. They've been overtaken by newer, modern standards several times over, and they've left New Zealand lagging behind Australia.

"That mismatch is 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 We've heard they're retesting toys against our outdated standard even when those toys already meet a comparable international one.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," Mr Brewer says.

"The Ministry for Regulation found that aligning with Australia would reduce compliance costs for suppliers and make New Zealand a more attractive market. So that's what we're doing. This change is expected to have a net benefit of $6.8 million over 10 years" Mr Seymour says.

“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 front the costs of getting a toy compliant with New Zealand standards. This can cost between $3,500 and $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.  

“This change is expected to have a net benefit of up to $6.8 million over 10 years. Opening the doors to competition will also drive prices down at the checkout, making more toys more affordable to more kiwi families.  

"This is good news for importers. Although most toys are compliant with the 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. 

“This is one more problem fixed by the Tipline that Kiwis face, and the bureaucracy won’t touch. The Ministry for Regulation really is the gift that keeps on giving.”

"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," Mr Brewer says.

"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," Mr Brewer says.

An exposure draft of the updated regulations will be released for consultation. Subject to final decisions, suppliers will then be given a six-month transition period to move to the updated requirements. ...