Exporting perishable goods requires an export certificate or official assurance certifying that your consignment meets set standards.
Export certificates
Export certificates are official documentation that confirms the suitability, health and safety requirements of products or commodities that are exported from New Zealand.
Export Certificates include Health certificates for Animal products such as Meat, Seafood, Honey and Dairy products. Export Certificates also include Phytosanitary certificates for Plant products such as Apple, Cherry and forestry products. Exporting wine requires a wine certificate as part of the export requirements.
Not all shipments require an export certificate. However, for formal international trade, it is the essential official documents to get released at the border in most of the import countries.
Food products accompanied by an export certificate means the official satisfied the product complies with the relevant regulations and requirements. It is important to check the market access requirements of the destination country (OMAR) to find out more details.
Eligibility documents
A declaration of eligibility documentation may be needed to complete this requirement. An export certificate can be provided once all eligibility documentation has been satisfied, meeting all the requirements of the destination country.
An approved verifier reviews eligibility documentation. The approval process is conducted each time products are moved between registered premises. They also contain information confirming the destination market the products meet the requirements for.
Electronic certification (E-cert)
Some official assurances are issued using E-cert to make exporting efficient and effective. This system is used for food safety and biosecurity certification and is available for animal products, dairy and phytosanitary certificates.
If you need more information about Export Certifications, please contact our Export Certification expert.
