CodeMark NZ Program Update

Joanne HurstCodeMark, Scheme / Program Update

Consultation on the proposed transition timeline for the new CodeMark mark of conformity

On 24th March 2023, the MBIE launched a consultation in relation to a proposed transition timeline for the new CodeMark mark of conformity. The consultation is seeking feedback on the following:

  1. A requirement for product certification bodies (PCBs) to use MBIE’s certificate template with the new mark of conformity.
  2. A requirement for certificate holders to make technical information from CodeMark certificates easily accessible for the public.

On one hand, as certificate holders, we do not think that the problematic related issues to point one are of significant concern to you. 

On the other hand, we do think that the problematic related issues related to point two are very relevant to you. Here are two issues that you might want to consider:

  1. It is unclear that making the technical information available to the public will bring any real benefit. At the same time, this also means that the technical information will be available to your competitors.
  2. Developing IP upon which the certificate is based requires a significant investment.
    • Identifying the bodies/partners who can help produce the evidence is in itself important information.
    • Sometimes, some of the IP belongs to a third-party (like the manufacturer) and access to it was only provided to the certificate holder as a means to achieve certification. Making this information available to the public could result in a loss of competitive advantage and/or creating unnecessary barriers for the certificate holder to access already developed IP.

An alternative approach could be to request a CAB to maintain this information and requires them to supply it to regulators/government entities upon request. It will achieve a similar level of transparency and accountability while avoiding the issues listed above.

Should you wish to participate to this consultation, you can submit an answer at: www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say 

Consultation has now opened and submissions must be made by 5pm, 20 April 2023.