Importing cylinders is easier now that UN certified cylinders are accepted as an alternative to having LAB numbers. Airtanks NZ import an extensive range of Paintball cylinders, Aluminium scuba tanks, composite breathing apparatus cylinders, high pressure composite cylinders for filling PCP air rifles, medical Oxygen cylinders, specialty gas cylinders and cylinders for OEM applications. All of the cylinders Airtanks NZ import are UN certified, manufactured by AMS and supplied with an import certificate issued by Worksafe New Zealand.
Worksafe New Zealand keep an online register of cylinder import certificates so dive shops and cylinder filling centres can do an online check if the cylinder owner forgets to take a copy of their import certificate when they go to get the cylinder filled. This spreadsheet is called "UN Cylinders.xls" and can be downloaded here: https://worksafe.govt.nz/the-toolshed/registers/records-of-cylinders-fittings-and-containers-for-gases-under-pressure/
There is often a time delay of a few months between certification and the update of the spreadsheet, so it is important the cylinder owner takes the certificate with them every time until the spreadsheet has been updated. Taking a picture of the cert with your phone is a good idea to ensure you always have it. As long as you have a copy of the certificate, there is no reason why your cylinder cannot be filled before it appears on the Worksafe New Zealand UN Cylinders spreadsheet.
UN cylinders MUST have an import certificate issued by Worksafe New Zealand to be filled in New Zealand. You cannot just purchase UN certified cylinders online from overseas and import them, they are not legal for use without a Worksafe New Zealand import certificate. Cylinders need to be inspected and manufacturers certification reviewed by an inspector in New Zealand before the import certificate is issued to protect our nation from poorly manufactured cylinders.
The image shows a sample import certificate, prior to 2018 the import certificates were issued by individual inspectors and not in the Worksafe New Zealand format.
