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Quality & documentation

Kitchenware for Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand set a general duty rather than a detailed approval scheme: packaging and food-contact materials must be fit for purpose and not likely to contaminate food, under Standard 3.2.2 of the Food Standards Code.

The framework

Food Standards Australia New Zealand places food packaging under Standard 3.2.2, clause 9. Food businesses must "only use packaging material that is fit for its intended purpose" and "only use material that is not likely to cause food contamination".

The duty sits with the food business using the material, so importers of kitchen tools are usually asked to evidence suitability rather than show a government approval.

What this means for kitchenware

  • What buyers accept: with no mandatory approval, retailers commonly accept test reports to recognised EU or US standards as evidence of suitability. Confirm which your buyer prefers before commissioning tests.
  • Use conditions: state the foods, temperatures and cleaning the product is sold for, because suitability is judged against intended purpose.
  • Consumer product safety: sharp tools and children's use can bring separate consumer-law expectations; confirm warnings and labelling for your channel.

What to send us

  • The product reference and sample version, or a drawing number and revision.
  • Every component that touches food, with its material: stainless grade, polymer, silicone, wood, coating or decoration.
  • The foods it will meet and the conditions: temperature, contact time, repeated or single use, dishwasher or hand wash.
  • The country of sale and the sales channel, plus your buyer's document checklist if they have one.
  • Whether the request covers the current configuration or a proposed change.

We prepare the brief with you and confirm which reports and declarations exist for the configuration, which need commissioning, and how long testing takes.

Keep documents connected

When materials, finishes, colours or use claims change, check whether earlier documents still cover the product, and connect the final report or declaration to the sample and specification version being ordered. See test reports and documents for how to read a report's scope.

Official guidance

Sources checked 21 September 2026. Requirements depend on the actual product and intended use.