Importers of goods into New Zealand in some sectors need to provide test reports that certify the goods meet a particular product standard adopted and required by New Zealand authorities. New Zealand laboratories undertaking the testing must be IANZ-accredited for these tests. If tested overseas, the testing laboratory must have an equivalent accreditation, i.e. accredited by an accreditation body that is a full signatory partner to the ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) MRA (Mutual Recognition Arrangement).
Unfortunately, some submitted test reports originating from offshore locations in support of import certification have proven to be fraudulent. IANZ therefore provides a service, usually through international liaison with our ILAC MRA partners, to verify the authenticity and validity of test reports issued by overseas laboratories. Following successful verification of the test report, IANZ will issue an endorsement document. The authentication process may take as little as a few days or extend up to a few weeks depending on the response from overseas parties (ILAC MRA partners and testing laboratories). There are fees for this service.
The fee to establish the authenticity of tests reports for graphic materials is $260 +GST per test report. (Please refer to the Manufacturing, importing and retailing graphic materials in New Zealand section below). For all other overseas test reports the authenticating fee is $360 +GST per test report.
Process:
Importers need to forward their test report to IANZ for review, after which payment is requested. The authentication process will begin once payment is received.
Note:
· The test report must be in English and preferably an electronic version issued by the testing laboratory.
· Ideally, the test report should be endorsed with the combined ILAC MRA accreditation body symbol (logo) from the issuingl aboratory.
You will receive an email advising the outcome of the authentication process. If verified, IANZ will provide an endorsement document.
(includes finger paints, children’s crayons and children’s water colour paints)
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Graphic Materials Group Standard 2020 outlines the rules and acceptable test methods and provides information on leachable metal limits for compliance in New Zealand.
Laboratory test results for graphic materials intended for use by children must be submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The EPA will confirm whether the substance complies with the Group Standard, which sets limits on the maximum amount of leachable metal.
For overseas test reports relating to graphic materials, EPA will refer the importer to IANZ to determine if testing has been performed by a laboratory accredited for the specific approved methods in the Group Standard by an accreditation body recognised under the ILAC MRA.
The graphic materials application form on the EPA website states: ‘If the laboratory test report is from an overseas laboratory, a letter from IANZ is required to confirm that the testing is by a chemical testing laboratory, that is IANZ accredited or has an equivalent accreditation, and the report is valid’.
Tips for checking overseas test reports for graphic materials to see if they are likely to be acceptable toI ANZ:
· Does the report carry the symbol (logo) of an ILAC MRA signatory? e.g. CNAS, HKAS
· Has the distributor indicated that the testing has taken place in an accredited laboratory and the results found to comply with the Group Standard?
· Has testing been carried out to acceptable methods, including EN 71-3 or AS/NZS ISO 8124.3 for leachable metals?
· Do the test results indicate compliance? (i.e. pass)
· The report should preferably be less than three years old.
Face paints are not covered by the Graphic Materials Group Standard 2020 but are regulated under the Cosmetic Products Group Standard.
Graphic materials which do not fit the scope of this Group Standard (i.e. are not finger paints, children’s crayons or children’s water colour paints) may fit within the scope of other relevant Surface Coatings and Colourants Group Standards.
