Self Containment Green Warrant Certification in New Zealand: Simplified Guide

Preparing your vehicle for Self Contained Green Warrant Certification in New Zealand can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the practical requirements, government legislation, and guidance documents you need to know to ensure your vehicle is compliant and passes inspection.

Head to our Blogs for quick guides on what you need.

Practical Requirements – Checklist for Self Contained Certification

To get ready for your Self Contained Green Warrant Certification inspection, your vehicle must have these basic requirements:

• Water Supply System –  stored in a safe, ventilated, opaque, and secure container.   Industry guidance is that this should be at least 12L of fresh water per person for 3 days.

• Wastewater System – Grey water storage with external ventilation.  Industry guidance, not law, is that the wastewater is the same size or larger than the fresh water.  

• Fixed Toilet – Permanently installed, with a minimum of 3L per person.

• Sink – Connected to wastewater storage with a trap, available for handwashing and dishwashing.

• Rubbish Storage – Secure rubbish container.  Industry guidance is for a sealable storage container with minimum 1L per person per day.

• Ventilation System – Via windows, fan, or openable vents.

💡 Tip: Label water and greywater systems clearly. Inspectors often check for secure, non leaking fittings and proper ventilation.

All elements of the self containment system are secure and fit-for-purpose while expected to operate safely for the life of the 4 year warrant period

All equipment must meet the self-containment needs of all occupant(s) of the vehicle for a minimum of 3 days.

For full guidance, visit the official regulation pages below.

Government Legislation – Primary Requirements

The main legislation defines the legal framework for Self Contained vehicles and certifiers:

• Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023

Covers all aspects of water, wastewater, and plumbing standards for self-contained vehicles in New Zealand.

Government Legislation – Secondary / Practical Guidance

Secondary legislation includes checklists and detailed standards that inspectors use:

• New Zealand Gazette – Self Contained Vehicle Standards

Provides the technical requirements for vehicles, ensuring inspectors can certify compliance.

Plumber, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board Guidance

For clarity on any technical detail or regulatory question, this guidance includes diagrams and detailed explanations:

• PGDB Self-Contained Vehicle Guidance

Helps you understand specific installation requirements and how to meet certification standards.

• PGDB Fix-a-Potty Technical Guidance

Plumber, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board Guidance on Fix-a-Potty bracket.  

All our products are made or selected for Self Containment Certification

📝 Tip: Inspect your vehicle carefully before booking certification. Small details, like secure lids on water containers or properly vented greywater tanks, are common reasons inspections fail.