What it says on the label

The Ministry for Regulation’s fifth review will be into product labelling.

This is the information on a product or its packaging that includes essential details such as ingredients, expiry dates, usage instructions, and batch numbers. 

Currently businesses must navigate more than 30 different codes, standards, and regulations that dictate what information must be shown on a label.

We have heard that many of these regulations are fragmented, overlap and are too complex which can:  

• make it harder to align with key international trading partners
• increase costs for importers and exporters
• create barriers for businesses trying to enter new markets, and
• limit the use of more efficient and innovative labelling methods, like QR codes.

Updating product labelling rules could:

• cut compliance costs for Kiwi businesses
• encourage innovation in how information is shared, and
• align us better with global trading partners.

We are working with other agencies, businesses, and groups to shape the terms of reference for the Review. 

Find out more