Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson. (File photo) Photo: Facebook / PACER Plus
New Zealand has adopted more than 110 new or updated standards in line with Australia, in the first such update in a decade.
The Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson said the standards would make it easier for businesses operating on both sides of the Tasman.
The two national standards bodies had come to an agreement after the prime ministers backed an update in Queenstown in August.
It included 33 new joint standards and a further 24 re-aligned standards for the two countries in areas like civil engineering, fuels, public health and safety, and building design.
New Zealand was also adopting a further 57 digital technology international standards already in use in Australia on topics like artificial intelligence, cyber security, cloud computing and geographic information.
In a statement, Simpson said it meant New Zealanders could have greater confidence that new technologies would be used safely and responsibly.
"It ensures our standards system reflects modern science, technology, regulatory and business practice. It's a win for New Zealand businesses, consumers, and our economy."
The agreement also removed commissioning fees for New Zealand industry to participate in joint standards development.
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