The basic objective of the National Building Code for Vanuatu (NBCV) is to ensure that acceptable standards of structural sufficiency, fire safety, health, and amenity, are maintained for the benefit of Vanuatu now and in the future. The requirements included in the NBCV are intended to extend no further than is necessary in the public interest, to be cost effective, not needlessly onerous in their application, and easily understood.
The NBCV was originally published in 1990 with an accompanying partial commentary to explain the more complex provisions of the code and a companion Home Building Manual Vanuatu (HBMV)l. The HBMV is intended for the use of para-professionals and professionals in the building industry for the speedy design of simple houses which conform to the structural requirements of the NBCV. Approval authorities may use the HBMV for the confirmation of the adequacy of the structural details given in the proposals submitted to them.
The 1990 code was updated in 2000, mainly the updating of standards, and was legislated in 2013.
