National Voluntary Certification Scheme for Manufacturers of Prefabricated Construction

About the Consultation

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed National Voluntary Certification Scheme for Manufacturers of Prefabricated Construction.

The proposed Scheme aims to strengthen confidence in prefabricated construction by introducing a nationally consistent, systems-based certification framework for manufacturers of prefabricated building systems.

The consultation considers how manufacturers can demonstrate ongoing compliance through independently certified manufacturing systems, supported by product traceability, conformity assessment, quality management and digital records throughout the product lifecycle.

The proposal recognises the growing importance of modern methods of construction and seeks to improve confidence among builders, certifiers, regulators, insurers and consumers while reducing unnecessary duplication across jurisdictions.

For GS1 Australia members, the consultation raises important questions regarding:

• Digital product identification and the use of GS1 standards (Australian Standards).

• Product traceability.

• Manufacturer declarations of conformity.

• Verification of certified products.

• Interoperability between manufacturers, regulators and digital systems.

• Digital product information and future Digital Product Passport initiatives.

• Alignment with international standards.

Key Documents & Links

• National Voluntary Certification Scheme Consultation Page

• Draft Scheme Rules

• Economic Analysis

• Consultation Survey

GS1 Australia Discussion Paper – Summary

GS1 Australia has prepared an industry discussion paper to support members and industry partners considering the consultation.

The paper focuses specifically on those areas where internationally recognised supply chain standards can assist implementation of the proposed Scheme.

Importantly, the discussion paper does not seek to comment on broader construction policy, certification models or commercial arrangements. Those matters are more appropriately addressed by industry associations, manufacturers and other sector participants.

Instead, the paper examines how trusted product identification, interoperability and digital verification can support the objectives of the Scheme.

Key themes raised in the submission include:

Supporting the Scheme

GS1 Australia supports the objectives of the National Voluntary Certification Scheme and the move toward systems-based assurance for prefabricated construction.

The discussion paper focuses on practical implementation issues that can improve interoperability, verification and long-term scalability.

Technology Neutrality and Standards

The consultation appropriately adopts a technology-neutral approach.

However, GS1 Australia notes that technology neutrality should not be confused with standards neutrality.

Manufacturers should remain free to choose the technologies most appropriate for their businesses, while using internationally recognised identification standards that enable products and conformity information to be consistently understood across the broader construction ecosystem.

Interoperability and Digital Product Identification

The ABCB's own Economic Analysis identifies internationally recognised GS1 standards as the preferred interoperable pathway for supporting traceability and confirms that those standards do not mandate any particular technology.

The discussion paper explores opportunities to better reflect these findings within the proposed Scheme Rules and implementation guidance.

Product Identification and Verification

The proposed Scheme introduces Manufacturer Declarations of Conformity and long-term record retention requirements.

The discussion paper examines how globally unique product identifiers and digital verification can strengthen confidence that certified products can be accurately identified and verified throughout their operational life.

Particular attention is given to product recalls, product substitution and ongoing verification of conformity information.

Digital Product Passports and International Alignment

International markets are increasingly adopting digital product information requirements, including Digital Product Passports for construction products.

The discussion paper considers how the proposed Australian Scheme can align with these emerging international developments without creating unnecessary duplication for Australian manufacturers.

GS1 Australia Submission – Summary

GS1 Australia will provide a formal submission responding to the consultation.

The submission focuses on areas where GS1 Australia has recognised expertise, including: product identification, traceability, digital product information, interoperability, open international standards, product verification, digital conformity information and international alignment.

The submission deliberately avoids commenting on broader construction policy matters such as practitioner licensing, fee structures, surveillance frequency, mandatory participation or broader industry regulation, recognising that these matters are more appropriately addressed by construction industry stakeholders.

Supporting Documents

• GS1 Australia Industry Discussion Paper – Trusted Product Identification and Digital Product Conformity for Prefabricated Construction

• GS1 Australia Draft Submission – National Voluntary Certification Scheme

Impacts and Outcomes

⏳ Consultation Oprn
_{Submissions close • September 2026}

❓ GS1 Australia Discussion Paper available for review

❓ Draft submission open for industry comment

❓ Final submission to be lodged with the Australian Building Codes Board