MBIE has published the first version of the Building Product Specifications, clearing the way for more overseas products to be used in construction in New Zealand.
Thousands of products made and tested to a range of overseas standards can now be used as part of existing Building Code acceptable compliance pathways, meaning if they are used appropriately, they will face no barriers for use in New Zealand.
The newly released Building Product Specifications document lists 130 product standards, including US, European and other international standards alongside New Zealand equivalents for products like plasterboard, cladding and insulation. It also consolidates the full range of fire testing standards, making it easier for overseas suppliers to demonstrate how their products can comply with New Zealand requirements.
MBIE has updated several acceptable solutions and verification methods to reference the Building Code Specifications and improve their format for clarity and consistency.
Soon, other pathways will be in place for the Minister of Building and Construction to endorse overseas standards, and for MBIE to formally recognise certain products certified overseas as complying with the Building Code.
MBIE has published the first version of the Building Product Specifications and new editions of 16 acceptable solution and verification method documents. This is the first edition of the Building Product Specifications. It contains specifications and standards for building products that are already known and used, such as windows, timber and cladding.
What the Building Product Specifications are for
The Building Product Specifications:
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provide more choice of building products for use in Building Code compliant work
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incorporate a wider range of New Zealand and international standards into building compliance pathways (acceptable solutions and verification methods)
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make it easier and faster to add, update and modify building product standards in the Building Code system.
What’s in the first edition of the Building Product Specifications
The Building Product Specifications contains a list of 130 product standards and generic specifications that can be used with an acceptable solution or verification method to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code.
These standards and specifications have been assessed to ensure they provide an equivalent or better level of performance than currently set out in Building Code documents.
Updated acceptable solutions and verification methods
As a consequence of publishing the Building Product Specifications, multiple acceptable solutions and verification methods have been revised to cite the Building Product Specifications and published as new editions.
MBIE has made minor amendments that do not affect the level of performance required but may assist in the interpretation of requirements and support consistency across Building Code clauses.
The Building Product Specifications is just one of three new pathways being developed to provide for overseas building products to be used more easily in New Zealand.
