Product labelling regulatory review

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

Product labels list ingredients, expiry dates, and safety warnings on an item – they are essential for keeping customers safe and informed.

Currently businesses have to navigate more than 30 different codes, standards, and regulations that dictate what information must be shown on a label, and how it is displayed. 

The review team recently completed consultation with businesses and industry groups to understand product labelling pain points across a range of product types and to help us shape the review’s terms of reference.

Read the terms of reference for the review.

Read the summary of engagement on the review.

We heard through consultation that the labelling system has become confusing, costly, and often outdated with rules that make it harder for Kiwi companies to compete and innovate.

We will look at opportunities to:

• cut compliance costs for businesses
• encourage innovation in how product information is shared
• and better align New Zealand’s rules with international trading partners.

The review will look to remove product labelling barriers to improve supermarket competition.

Review findings and recommendations will be delivered to Ministers to consider at the end of the year.