Overview of the different labeling and marking requirements, including any restrictive advertising or labeling practices and where to get more information.

New Zealand prohibits the importation of all goods bearing false or deceptive trademarks.  New Zealand also prohibits the entry of any foreign manufactured goods that bear the name or trademark of a New Zealand manufacturer or trader, the name of a place in New Zealand, or words that would associate the goods with New Zealand, unless the names or words are accompanied by a definite indication of the country of origin.

There is no general requirement that the country of origin be indicated on all imported goods. The country of origin must, however, be shown on footwear, clothing items, and dry-cell batteries.

Various prepared, blended, compounded, mixed, or imitation foodstuffs require compliance with detailed regulations regarding labeling.  In general, food labeling requirements in the U.S. market exceed those of the New Zealand market.  Paints containing lead, wool products, electrical appliances and equipment, footwear, drugs, toilet preparations, and food products must also be specially labeled.  Regulations also provide that all packaged goods bear an indication of the net weight of the contents and specify how such weights are to be indicated for each commodity.  All weights and measures should be quoted in metric units.

New Zealand has a labeling standard for genetically modified (GM) food.  Under the standard, the label listing ingredients for food products, with certain exceptions, must include the words “genetically modified” if genetic material or protein from genetic modification is present.  It is the responsibility of food businesses applying the food label, re-labeling food, or selling the food to meet this standard’s requirement.  This includes manufacturers, packers, importers, and sometimes retailers.  Several exceptions exist for the labeling of GM food.

Except for movie film and dangerous goods, there are no regulations governing the marking of outside packing cases.

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.