CodeMark scheme framework
Product certification (brand name CodeMark) is designed to lift standards of building quality and performance. It is a voluntary scheme operating in both New Zealand and Australia, and was developed jointly by New Zealand’s Department of Building and Housing and the Australian Building Codes Board.
The first New Zealand CodeMark certificate was issued in September 2010. CodeMark has been operating for longer in Australia, with 23 certificates issued by the end of 2010.
CodeMark: who sets the rules
The Building Act 2004
and the Building (Product Certification) Regulations 2008 provide the legislative basis for the CodeMark scheme in New Zealand. The regulations prescribe:
- Criteria and standards for the accreditation of product certification bodies
- Criteria and standards for the certification of building products and methods
- The content of product certificates issued under the Building Act 2004
- Fees payable by applicants seeking to be accredited product certification bodies.
The Department of Building and Housing is responsible for administering the CodeMark scheme in New Zealand. It must also keep a register of accredited product certification bodies and CodeMark- certified building products, methods or systems.
CodeMark Scheme rules have been developed jointly by New Zealand and Australia, allowing for differences in the two countries’ building legislation.
CodeMark: who approves the products
CodeMark certificates can only be issued by accredited product certification bodies. These companies are responsible for evaluating products or systems and issuing certificates where these comply with the New Zealand Building Code.
Product certification bodies must also carry out annual audits on CodeMark-certified products to keep the certificates valid.
Product certification bodies are themselves assessed and accredited by the organisation JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand). JAS-ANZ works on behalf of the CodeMark scheme operators to maintain product certification standards.
Product certification bodies
If you want to have your building product or system certified, you must apply to an accredited product certification body. You will have to pay an application fee to them.
The overall cost of gaining CodeMark will depend on a number of factors including the quality of supporting evidence you submit about your product compliance. All fees for gaining CodeMark are a commercial arrangement between you and the product certification body, and the Department has no control over or involvement with this.
Product certification bodies currently accredited for New Zealand are:
GlobalMark Pty Ltd
SAI Global
CertMark Australasia
In listing product certification bodies, the Department of Building and Housing does not endorse them as the only such organisations. Other organisations who wish to seek accreditation are invited to contact the Department at info@dbh.govt.nz.