New Zealand · Food Contact

Recycled Material Approval in New Zealand

A practical guide to Recycled Material Approval for food contact sold in New Zealand: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Recycled plastics used in food contact need specific approval and process validation; Brands selling packaging, tableware, or kitchenware in New Zealand

Authority

Ministry for Primary Industries

Legal basis

Food Act 2014

Local representative

The importer is normally responsible for compliance

Timeline

Before sale; testing usually takes weeks

Cost

Migration testing is the main cost

If you do not comply

Withdrawal, recall, and fines

Who needs this

Recycled plastics used in food contact need specific approval and process validation
Brands selling packaging, tableware, or kitchenware in New Zealand

Documents you need

Recycled material approval evidence
Food contact declaration of compliance
Migration test reports
Material composition and supplier declarations

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Recycled material approval evidence
Food contact declaration of compliance
Migration test reports
Material composition and supplier declarations

How to comply

Validate the recycling process for food contact
Confirm the material is in scope of food contact rules
Review composition against the positive list
Test migration where required

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Recycled Material Approval — New Zealand
Product category: Food Contact
Authority: Ministry for Primary Industries
Legal basis: Food Act 2014

Documents we already have:
  1. Recycled material approval evidence
  2. Food contact declaration of compliance
  3. Migration test reports
  4. Material composition and supplier declarations

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Recycled Material Approval in New Zealand?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before sale; testing usually takes weeks.

Migration testing is the main cost.

Common rejection reasons

Recycled content without approval
No declaration of compliance
Migration limits exceeded
Non-authorised substance in the formulation

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.

Official sources

FAQ

Who needs Recycled Material Approval in New Zealand?

Recycled plastics used in food contact need specific approval and process validation Brands selling packaging, tableware, or kitchenware in New Zealand.

What documents are required for Recycled Material Approval?

Recycled material approval evidence; Food contact declaration of compliance; Migration test reports; and material composition and supplier declarations.

What is the first step for Recycled Material Approval?

Validate the recycling process for food contact. Before sale; testing usually takes weeks.

How long does Recycled Material Approval take?

Before sale; testing usually takes weeks.

How much does Recycled Material Approval cost?

Migration testing is the main cost.

What happens if I sell without it?

Withdrawal, recall, and fines.

Who regulates Recycled Material Approval in New Zealand?

Ministry for Primary Industries.