Product stewardship accreditation

To accredit a product stewardship scheme, the Minister for the Environment must be satisfied that the scheme:

• meets the requirements of section 14 of the WMA
• is likely to meet the scheme’s objectives within the time frames set in the scheme
• is likely to promote waste minimisation or reduce the environmental harm from disposing of the product without causing greater environmental harm throughout the life cycle of the product
• is consistent with New Zealand’s international obligations; and
• is consistent with any guidelines published under section 12 (if the scheme relates to a priority product).

All applications must be made using the appropriate forms. If a priority product(s) is included in your proposed scheme you will need to complete the priority product form.  An example of this could be a product that the scheme will also process associated plastic packaging (as plastic packaging has been declared a priority product). 

Submitted applications are reviewed and assessed before recommendations are provided to the Minister. The Minister for the Environment ultimately decides if an application for accreditation is approved.

Summary of assessment criteria

For priority products

If your application includes a priority product(s) in your proposed scheme it must be consistent with the General Guidelines for Product Stewardship Schemes for Priority Products Notice 2020 [NZ Gazette website].

We recommend you:

• meet all the requirements in the self-assessment checklist in appendix A of the Product stewardship accreditation application form - Guide for applicants (in either guide) before you submit your application. Schemes that do not meet all the requirements are unlikely to be successful.
• contact us when you start the process. We are here to help.

If your scheme addresses one (or more) of the priority products:

• Product stewardship accreditation application form: Priority products.

If your scheme does not address a priority product:

• Product stewardship accreditation application form: Voluntary products.

Please use the following guides to help you complete the appropriate accreditation form:

• Product stewardship accreditation guide for applicants: Priority products
• Product stewardship accreditation guide for applicants: Voluntary products.

For further advice or to send your completed application, email PSAccreditation@mfe.govt.nz.