Product Labelling Regulatory Review completed
7 September 2026
We have completed our review of New Zealand's product labelling system, with Cabinet agreeing a package of decisions to progress key recommendations from the review.
Product labels provide important information such as ingredients, expiry dates and safety warnings, helping consumers make informed choices and use products safely.
Our review found that regulation has not kept pace with online shopping, global supply chains, advances in technology, and changing consumer expectations.
Through engagement with businesses, industry groups, regulators and consumer representatives we found that many existing requirements are complex, unnecessarily prescriptive and outdated, increasing costs and limiting innovation.
The final report makes 16 recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of product labelling regulation, reducing compliance costs and supporting innovation while maintaining appropriate consumer protections.
Cabinet has agreed to progress a focused package of changes, including enabling digital labelling and strengthening food and beverage labelling guidance.
The Ministry for Regulation will continue working with relevant agencies and regulators to support implementation of Cabinet's decisions and the wider review recommendations.