New Zealand’s Biosecurity Regulations and Sustainable Packaging Standards​

New Zealand’s Biosecurity Regulations and Sustainable Packaging Standards​

New Zealand maintains strict biosecurity controls to protect its unique ecosystem. All imported goods must comply with the Biosecurity Act 1993, with mandatory declarations of all packaging materials through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) electronic system. Wooden packaging requires MPI-approved ISPM 15 certification, with detailed treatment records including temperature and duration of heat treatment (minimum 56°C for 30 minutes).​

Sustainable packaging is highly regulated under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. Plastic packaging must be either compostable (meeting AS/NZS 4736 standards) or recyclable, with clear labeling in English indicating disposal methods (“Recycle”, “Compostable”). Food packaging must display “Use By” or “Best Before” dates in dd/mm/yyyy format and include allergen information in bold text.​

Electrical products must meet Electrical Safety Regulations 2010, with mandatory “Approved by ES” certification marks. Packaging for hazardous goods must comply with ADG Code 7.1, with diamond-shaped warning labels and UN numbers clearly displayed. Temperature-sensitive goods require “Chilled” or “Frozen” indicators, with insulation meeting minimum R-value requirements for New Zealand’s varying climate zones.​