Overview – exporting
Find out the requirements which apply to processors, stores, transport operators and most exporters, and other exporting information in this section of the website. If you're new, start here.
Export requirements
Whether you grow, farm, harvest, process, store or transport food intended for export or are the exporter, you need to be aware of what is required to prepare your food products for destination markets.
All food and food-related products exported from New Zealand must meet New Zealand standards. They may also have to comply with additional requirements set by destination countries or markets. The particular requirements you need to comply with differ depending on:
- the product you export
- the destination country.
You can find an explanation of how to meet these requirements, including registration, and plans and programmes for processors, storage facilities, transport operators and exporters, by clicking on the page, Introduction to exporting, in the left-hand menu.
Legislation
Export requirements are regulated through the following Acts:
- Animal Products Act (APA) 1999 – which applies to products including meat, dairy products, seafood, honey and bee products, petfood and inedibles, and includes the Official Assurances Programme to assist you with getting export certificates
- Food Act 1981 – which allows limited beef exports to Australia
- Wine Act 2003 – which regulates exporting of New Zealand grape wine, other fruit wine, cider and mead.
What you will find here
The information here is general to all or most exporters, processors, storage facilities and transport operators. To find requirements specific to the food products you intend to export, refer to the exporting information for your food sector.
The Exporting section of the site is split into various sub-sections. Use the menu on the left to find your way around.
The information is divided so that you can find information about:
Introduction to exporting – if you are new to exporting food products, the information here will help you understand the relevant legislation and the different requirements you must meet.
Export certification – find out about official assurances and other kinds of certification that assure border authorities in destination markets that your products comply with all requirements.
Security devices – brands, legends, seals and other security devices are necessary if you process, store, transport or export animal products, including dairy.
Electronic certification (E-cert) – certification for animal and dairy products is increasingly carried out using MAF’s web application, E-cert – find out who can use E-cert, how to set up access and where to get help with using it.
Market Access (OMARs/FYIs) – Overseas Market Access Requirements (OMARs) describe destination country requirements for different food products – this section provides access to them and information about how to use them.
Reporting non-conforming poducts – if your products fail to meet destination country requirements, you need to report to MAF within 24 hours – find out when and how to do this.
Further sub-sections provide more generic information relevant to Exporting:
- Fees & charges – familiarise yourself with any service-related costs you may be required to pay to MAF.
- Registers & lists – get access to registers including registered exporters for different food products.
- Documents – find a full list of documents relating to Exporting.
- What’s new – check the page regularly for important updates relevant to Exporting.
Related information
General information for Exporting is contained in this section of the website. To find out how to meet exporting requirements specific to your food sector, refer to the Exporting information in your food sector. You may also need to refer to the MAF Biosecurity website for other export requirements, such as those relating to live animals and germplasm.
MAF Biosecurity (MAF Biosecurity website)
Keeping up to date
It's important to keep up to date with any new or revised information about Exporting. There are different ways to keep up to date – choose the methods that work best for you:
- What’s new – Click on What’s new in the left-hand menu to read the most recent updates to Exporting or E-Cert.
- Get emails – Sign-up to receive the latest MAF news by email. Click on the Get emails link in the right-hand panel or at the bottom of any page to sign-up for email notifications.
- Subscribe to feeds – Sign up to receive news feeds. Click on the Subscribe to feeds link at the bottom of any page to add to your list of news feeds.
