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NZ Building Code · Standards & CodesBuilding Product Specifications (BPS) for NZ builders
A plain-English rundown of what the Building Product Specifications are, what they cover, and how you actually use them on a job.
Building Product Specifications (BPS) is a set of product standards that tells you which recognised specs a building product needs to meet — things like steel, timber, concrete, glazing and insulation. For a builder it matters because BPS is what backs the products you put in the wall when you’re demonstrating compliance.
What BPS is
The BPS 1st Edition was issued under section 25B(1) of the Building Act 2004 on 28 July 2025. It sets out 130 product standards plus generic specifications.
- It covers manufacture, fabrication, testing, quality control, performance, installation and maintenance.
- It is used with the acceptable solutions and verification methods — it cannot be used on its own.
What it covers
The 130 specifications are grouped by material and system. Here’s the shape of it, with the referenced standards from each group:
- Steel — welded mesh (AS/NZS 4671:2019), structural steel (AS/NZS 5100), fasteners (AS 3566 / EN 14592), hot-dip galvanising (AS/NZS 4680), zinc coatings (AS/NZS 4534) and framing (AS/NZS 4600).
- Timber — treatment (NZS 3640 + AS/NZS 1604), durability (NZS 3602), bracing (§2.5.4.3), piles (NZS 3603) and glulam (AS/NZS 1328).
- Concrete — reinforcing (AS/NZS 4671:2019, Grade 500E ductile seismic), pumice (NZS 3122) and CMU (AS/NZS 4455).
- Glazing — windows and doors (AS 2047 + NZS 4211), glass (AS 1288) and sealants (ASTM C920).
- Insulation — thermal resistance (ASTM C518 / ISO 8301), bulk (NZS 4218 + NZS 4214) and reflective foil (AS/NZS 4859.1).
- Fire testing — ISO 5660-1/2 (cone calorimeter), BS 8414-2 (facade fire), AS 1530.1–4 and EN 13501.
- Air handling — AS/NZS 3666 microbial control, mechanical ventilation and HRV testing.
How you use it on a job
BPS doesn’t stand alone — it’s a reference layer that sits alongside the acceptable solutions and verification methods you’re already working to.
- Find the material or system you’re specifying (steel, timber, concrete, glazing, insulation, fire testing or air handling).
- Check the product against the standard BPS names for that group.
- Use it together with the relevant acceptable solution or verification method — not in isolation.
Plain-English guide, not advice. This page helps you understand and navigate the rules — it is general information, not design, engineering or consent advice, and it does not reproduce the copyrighted tables of NZS 3604 or any Standard. Always check the current Standard or Acceptable Solution and your BCA, and use a suitably qualified LBP, engineer or QS where it matters.
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Common questions
When was the BPS 1st Edition issued?
It was issued under section 25B(1) of the Building Act 2004 on 28 July 2025.
How many product standards does BPS cover?
It sets out 130 product standards plus generic specifications, covering manufacture, fabrication, testing, quality control, performance, installation and maintenance.
Can BPS be used on its own to show compliance?
No. BPS is used with the acceptable solutions and verification methods — it cannot be used in isolation.
Which materials and systems does BPS cover?
Steel, timber, concrete, glazing, insulation, fire testing and air handling, each referencing recognised standards such as AS/NZS 4671:2019 for reinforcing and ISO 5660-1/2 for fire cone calorimeter testing.
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