New Zealand · Textiles

Textile Restricted Substances in New Zealand

A practical guide to Textile Restricted Substances for textiles sold in New Zealand: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Textiles must meet limits for azo dyes, formaldehyde, and other restricted substances; Online sellers shipping textiles to consumers in New Zealand

Authority

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Legal basis

Fair Trading Act 1986

Local representative

The importer or brand owner in market is responsible

Timeline

Before sale

Cost

Testing dominates; labelling is low cost

If you do not comply

Fines and product withdrawal

Who needs this

Textiles must meet limits for azo dyes, formaldehyde, and other restricted substances
Online sellers shipping textiles to consumers in New Zealand

Documents you need

Restricted substance test report
Fibre composition test reports
Care and origin labelling artwork
Restricted substance test reports

Compliance checklist

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

Restricted substance test report
Fibre composition test reports
Care and origin labelling artwork
Restricted substance test reports

How to comply

Test dyes and finishes against the limits
Verify fibre composition
Test for restricted substances where required
Prepare local-language care and content labels

Brief for your lab or agent

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

Request: Textile Restricted Substances — New Zealand
Product category: Textiles
Authority: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Legal basis: Fair Trading Act 1986

Documents we already have:
  1. Restricted substance test report
  2. Fibre composition test reports
  3. Care and origin labelling artwork
  4. Restricted substance test reports

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Textile Restricted Substances 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 dominates; labelling is low cost.

Common rejection reasons

Azo dye detected above the limit
Fibre percentages inaccurate
Care label missing
Origin labelling incorrect

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.