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Class determinations (CDs) under the ACVM Act 1997
Class determinations (CDs) tell you if your product is an agricultural compound under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act 1997. Find out if you need a class determination and how to get one.
What is a class determination (CD)?
A class determination tells you the status of your product under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act 1997.
It is used to find out whether a Trade Name Product (TNP) requires registration before it can be imported, manufactured, sold, or used in New Zealand. Generally, agricultural compounds must be registered unless they fit an exempt category.
Definition of agricultural compound
To do your own class determination, use:
Products regulated under the ACVM Act 1997 guideline [PDF, 465 KB]
Alternatively, you can get us to do a class determination for you. Fees apply for this service. Each class determination may take us up to 15 working days to complete.
Apply for an ACVM class determination
To apply for a class determination, follow the request guideline, fill out the request form, and send it to us with the product label and required fee.
- Class determination request ACVM guideline [PDF, 226 KB]
- Class determination request: Form ACVM 15 [DOCX, 341 KB]
- Fees to apply for class determination and other ACVM services [PDF, 158 KB]
After we make a class determination
You will receive a class determination outcome letter with the advice. Class determinations are valid for 3 years.
If you must register your agricultural compound
Read our information for registering different types of agricultural compound.
- Register a veterinary medicine
- Register an agricultural chemical
- Register a vertebrate toxic agent (VTA)
Importing a product that doesn't need registration
Present your outcome letter to MPI Biosecurity New Zealand at the border. This allows your product to be released under the ACVM Act.
Other border requirements: biosecurity, hazardous substances and new organisms (HSNO)
Your product may require biosecurity assessment or Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) approval before it can be cleared for entry into New Zealand. Contact MPI or the Environmental Protection Authority (for HSNO approvals) for further information.
- Email animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz (for animals or plants)
- Environmental Protection Authority
Exempt products: your obligations under ACVM Regulations 2011
Even if your agricultural compound is exempt from registration, you must comply with certain obligations when you import, manufacture, sell, or use the product in New Zealand.
Exempt product obligations under the ACVM Regulations 2011 [PDF, 418 KB]
