Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson have welcomed a new certification scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in Shanghai on Wednesday.

The scheme will unlock access to China’s $200 million cosmetics and skincare market — a move that the ministers said will drive stronger returns for New Zealand exporters and boost the economy.

“This is a smart, practical step that removes a long-standing trade barrier and opens up valuable new channels for our exporters,” McClay said.

“It means more high-quality, innovative New Zealand products on shelves in China - not just online, but in stores across one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon began the first day of his whistle-stop China trade mission on Wednesday in Shanghai.

He touched down in Shanghai in the early hours of Wednesday morning, New Zealand time.

As part of his trade mission Luxon is attending a cosmetics event hosted by Antipodes, Health Basics, Ecostore, Linden Leaves and Trilogy. Some skincare products have had difficulty getting into China because of a Chinese regulatory barrier.

The new certification scheme, developed with International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), provides exporters with a Government-issued Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificate that meets Chinese regulatory requirements.

“This certification allows Kiwi-made cosmetics to be sold through traditional retail channels in China, significantly expanding market reach beyond cross-border e-commerce and supporting our goal of doubling exports by value in 10 years,” McClay said.

Minister Simpson said the scheme is a strong example of the Government’s commitment to backing New Zealand businesses and removing barriers to growth.

“With global demand for health and beauty products rising, this gives our exporters the confidence to grow and compete in China; quickly, credibly, and at scale,” Simpson said.

“It’s another example of how we’re cutting red tape and aligning our standards with key trading partners to give Kiwi firms the certainty they need to succeed.”

How it works:

Exporters complete an independent GMP assessment with IANZ. If successful, MBIE confirms compliance with a certificate signed on behalf of the Government.

New Zealand’s ban on animal testing for cosmetics remains in place, giving Chinese consumers assurance that Kiwi products are high-quality, safe, sustainable, and ethically produced.

More information and application details will be available online soon.