A new agreement between Australia and New Zealand will support innovation and strengthen trade and consumer protections across both countries. 

Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have signed a new Standards Development and Distribution Agreement, renewing longstanding cooperation between the two national standards bodies. 

Having a coordinated approach to standards reduces red tape, allowing businesses across both sides of the Tasman to operate with certainty.  

The agreement will strengthen cooperation across shared priority areas including emerging technologies, energy transition, climate resilience, digital technologies and supply chains. 

The joint standards are developed by experts from across industry, government and academia and provide clear rules and guidance to support safety, quality, productivity, compatibility and consumer protection. 

The agreement also provides clearer pathways for joint standards development, and more streamlined adoption of international standards. It builds on more than 40 years of cooperation between Australia and New Zealand on standards development. 

The new agreement took effect on 1 January 2026. 

For more information, visit: https://www.standards.org.au/news/new-trans-tasman-agreement-to-strengthen-single-economic-market   

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres: 

“Working closely with our friends and neighbours across the Tasman opens up opportunities for businesses to work together, share expertise and broaden Australia’s economic base. 

“For small and medium-sized businesses, reducing regulatory complexity supports them to grow, invest and create new jobs."