Firstly if looking to import a gas appliance into NZ you need to be aware of the following:

Gas Appliance Regime
The new gas appliance regime, which began on 4th May, has a two year transition to a third party certification system for all appliances that use gas. During the transition either the old or new (Certification) systems must be used. Until 4 May 2012, products may be sold under the transitional provision that allows the old regime’s system to be used. After this date however, these products will no longer be saleable.

An explanation on the old regime Safety Obligations: Gas Appliances and Fittings is available on this website.  (www.ess.govt.nz)

The new gas appliance certification regime provides three alternative compliance paths recognising;

•European certification (2009/142/EC) provided a gas suitable for NZ  is included in the certification, or
•Australian certification (AS 3645) provided a gas suitable for NZ  is included in the certification, or
•As a third alternative, certification to NZS 5262 provided a ISO/IEC Guide 67 system 2 surveillance system is implemented.
The regulations now explicitly state that the obligations on appliance importers also apply to persons who import gas installations such as caravans.

Products not certified will not be acceptable for sale or installation NZ in after 4 May 2012.

All appliances are required to be marked with a ‘dataplate’ listing relevant safety criteria.

All certified appliances are also required to be covered by a Supplier Declaration made by the NZ manufacturer or importer. The requirement for this declaration to be registered on the gas appliance website remains a requirement.

In addition, certified products are required to be labelled with a gas safety compliance label. This label, which is also being introduced in Australia, becomes mandatory for all appliances after 4 May 2012.

 

For specialised appliances; those supplied in small quantities (<11) and imported installations such as caravans, there is an alternative endorsement regime. This system operates through an approved practitioner appointed by the Ministry.

The Regulations also contain a provision for selected (specified) fittings to be subject to the certification or endorsement regime and also a provision to establish a Declared Article system similar to the Electricity Regulations “High Risk” regime. At this time no products have been made subject to these provisions.

While the primary obligations for certification and declarations are placed on the importers or manufacturers, obligations are also placed on on-sellers (“Other suppliers”) to verify that products that they sell are listed on the website. Likewise installers are required to check for the label or website listing. Both these obligations apply irrespective of the compliance path being used during the transitional period.


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