New trans-Tasman agreement to strengthen Single Economic Market

Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have signed a new Standards Development and Distribution Agreement and Standard Operating Procedures, marking a major step forward in modernising and streamlining the development and maintenance of joint trans-Tasman standards, and the harmonised adoption of international standards together.

This renewed agreement strengthens one of the region’s longest standing partnerships and reinforces our shared ambition for a seamless Single Economic Market. It enhances the trans-Tasman standards system through:

• Contemporary governance arrangements that reflect modern expectations and best practice
• Clearer pathways for developing and maintaining joint trans-Tasman standards and adopting international standards
• A more streamlined approach that reduces duplication and improves efficiency for industry, regulators and stakeholders
• Updated commercial arrangements that support a sustainable and collaborative operating model between two national standards bodies

Together, these improvements create a more coordinated, efficient, and future focused standards system that supports innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth and integration across Australia and New Zealand.

Importantly, the new agreement will enable broader industry participation and strengthen alignment with international standards trusted by businesses and consumers alike.

By modernising how our two National Standards Bodies develop, maintain and provide access to joint standards, we are future-proofing a relationship underpinning more than 2,000 existing joint standards supporting significant trans-Tasman economic activity.

The renewed partnership will deepen cooperation and alignment across shared priorities, including emerging technologies, energy transition, climate resilience, digital technology including AI and biometrics, supply chain strength, and the harmonisation of standards that support trade, safety, consumer protection and market competition. It reinforces the essential role of standards as an enabler of the NZ–Australia Single Economic Market, as well as longstanding arrangements like the Closer Economic Relations agreement and the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement.

Our shared vision is a modern trans-Tasman standards system that keeps pace with change, enhances productivity, and strengthens the capacity of both nations to participate in global markets. By harmonising how standards are developed and adopted, we are supporting industry growth, regulatory coherence, and safer, more efficient outcomes for businesses and communities on both sides of the Tasman.

Together, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand are committed to delivering on this vision and to ensuring this partnership remains a strong and stable pillar of economic prosperity, innovation, and co-operation across the Tasman.

Standards Australia Chief Executive Officer, Rod Balding, said the agreement provides tangible benefits across both economies.

“This agreement delivers a more modern, efficient and predictable standards system across the Tasman for industry and the community. It supports safer products, stronger productivity and smoother pathways for businesses operating in both countries. Most importantly, it reflects a shared ambition to ensure our standards keep pace with new technologies and changing market needs.”

New Zealand Standards Executive, Sanjai Raj, said the strengthened partnership reflects a long-standing commitment to joint outcomes.

“New Zealand and Australia have a long history of working together on standards that deliver practical benefits for people, communities and our shared economy. This agreement strengthens that partnership and creates a more streamlined way of developing joint Trans-Tasman and adopting international standards in a harmonised way. It also gives our organisations greater ability to be strong economic enablers respond to emerging national and regional priorities, and support industry to become more connected to international markets and trade opportunities.”

The new Agreement took effect from 1 January 2026.
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Read the Ministers' statements

AUS: Senator the Hon Tim Ayres - Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science

NZ: Hon Scott Simpson - Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister