Become OCS NZ Certified
All sites handling raw plastics in Aotearoa are eligible for OCS NZ Certification. This includes:
Plastics Converters
Plastics Recyclers and Reprocessors
Logistics and Warehousing
New Zealand were the first country globally to require an audit as part of the OCS certification process. This helps to ensure that all participating members have the right measures in place to protect the environment, stay ahead of regulation, and enhance the industry's reputation.
Read on to learn about the OCS NZ certification process.
Certification Process
Certification follows a three-year cycle, with a comprehensive third-party audit in year 1, supported by self-assessments in years 2 and 3. This ensures a process of continual improvement, and the implementation of effective measures to prevent and manage spills. Click the buttons to learn more about each stage of the certification cycle.
Annual fees are designed to cover the costs of programme management, third-party audits, and the development of resources to support certified sites. These fees ensure the ongoing improvement and impact of the programme.
Fees are tiered based on site size and risk. This ensures that auditor costs for varying sites are covered, and keeps the programme accessible to businesses of all sizes. Please see the fee brackets below for details.
Note: Initial audits are free for members of Plastics New Zealand.
Annual Fees
Before registering, companies can download the OCS NZ Guide from the Resources page to familiarise themselves with the programme requirements.
To get started, reach out via OCS@plastics.org.nz or fill in the 'Get in Touch' form. We’ll arrange a follow-up call if needed, or, if you’re ready to proceed, provide a registration form. This form helps us understand your site and processes, allowing us to determine the appropriate fee bracket, based on company size and risk.
You’ll then receive a three-year contract, an invoice, and suggested dates for your initial audit. Once the contract is signed, the invoice is paid, and an audit date is confirmed, your certification journey begins!
Registration
Get in Touch:
Your first audit will be conducted by our third-party auditor, who will visit your site to assess whether the right measures are in place to prevent and manage plastic spills. This visit includes interviews with key personnel and a visual inspection of your facility. The auditor’s approach is supportive, providing on-the-spot guidance about what’s working well and where improvements might be needed.
You’ll receive a detailed report within 15 working days, outlining whether your site meets the OCS NZ standards or if corrective actions are required. If corrective actions are needed, you’ll have one month to develop a corrective action plan. This plan will be reviewed by the auditor to ensure it addresses all necessary improvements.
Once these actions are completed, you’ll receive your OCS NZ certificate and a collateral pack, valid for three years. Note: If significant corrective actions are needed, a revisit may be required, which could incur a fee.
Third Party Audit
“The audit process was smooth and the feedback was beneficial and authentic.”
“It felt like the audit was there to help us rather than police us, which was refreshing.”
“The checklist in the guide helped us to review our processes, and the posters are great to display.”
What audited sites had to say...
Self-Assessments
During the three-year certification period, sites are required to complete an annual self-assessment. You’ll receive a reminder at least two months before the deadline, along with your annual fee invoice. To maintain certification, simply complete the self-assessment form and return it to OCS@plastics.org.nz.
Failure to complete the self-assessment or pay the annual fee may result in loss of certification.
Repeat
At the end of each three-year certification period, a new third-party audit is required to renew your certification. This helps ensure that your site continues to meet best practice standards as processes, staff, and site layouts evolve. You’ll need to confirm any changes, sign a new contract, pay your 'audit year' fee, and lock in a date for your next audit!