Government’s projected $111m digital-label benefit rests on a standard still to be written

Summarised by Centrist

Digital labelling will not eliminate physical labels, and New Zealand businesses may already add online information alongside mandatory printed details. 

A digital label is product information accessed through something like a QR code on the packaging. 

Cabinet has approved development of a national standard to clarify what may move online and what must stay on the package.

The Ministry for Regulation found that most rules neither expressly prohibit nor permit digital labels. Regulation Minister David Seymour says a common standard would allow real-time updates, reduce reprinting costs and help exporters meet overseas requirements. 

The review estimates reforms could deliver $111 million in net benefits over 10 years, but the standard, timetable and product-by-product rules have not been published.

The government also plans to align labels for over-the-counter medicines with Australia, reducing the need for New Zealand-only packaging. Seymour said: “If over-the-counter medical products are good enough for people across the ditch, they’re good enough for us.”

The government says alignment should improve access, but has not quantified how many products might enter the market or what consumers might save.

The review made 16 recommendations covering digital labels, food and beverages, supermarkets, over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements. Decisions on most remain outstanding.

Read more at  RNZ | Government announcement | Ministry review

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