Replacing our electronic certification systems

We are updating our electronic certification systems

The Future of Certification programme will replace and modernise New Zealand’s electronic certification systems for exporting. These systems enable $33 billion worth of export trade and support biosecurity. The Government is investing $20 million in the programme.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will develop a new single system to replace:

• AP E-Cert (Animal Products Electronic Certification System)
• ePhyto (Electronic Phytosanitary Certification System)
• Wine E-Cert (Wine Electronic Certification System)
• Tahora (data exchange)
• Dairy Quota Management.

We will update our processes to support the new certification system as well as automating currently manual processes where appropriate.

During 2022, we ran a procurement project to choose a supplier to help us deliver our new certification solution. Market engagement with prospective suppliers took place in early 2022. This was followed by the release of a registration of interest to the market in late May and a request for proposal in November with our short-listed suppliers. We expect to announce the Future of Certification supplier in mid-2023.

How you can get involved and keep informed

We want to support our stakeholders during the programme. We're committed to informing, involving, and partnering with them. 

In September, and October 2022, we ran several virtual national hui with a remit to inform and involve sector stakeholders. This discussed:

• what work we've done so far
• how we have responded to what we heard in the 2021 sector workshops
• the plans for the rest of 2022 and beyond.

We also ran breakout sessions to discuss:

• the potential impacts of the changes
• how stakeholders can get involved.

There were about 200 attendees across the 4 sessions, representing all aspects of the primary sector including producers, exporters, recognised agencies, and industry bodies.

Feedback has been very positive, and participants provided good insights to inform change management activities. 

The key messages from the industry hui included:

• ensuring business continuity
• maintaining the benefits of the current system
• increasing access to the certification system
• providing training and support for all business shapes and sizes.

The key messages from the hui for Māori included:

• certification is vital for Māori
• traceability is critical to show the value of indigenous and Māori products
• Kai Māori has intangible values like aroha and whakapapa
• Māori would benefit from unique training pathways.

Future of Certification – feedback report from the hui [PDF, 3.4 MB]

The team is developing a plan to continue to develop both engagement across the sector and partnership with Māori producers and exporters.

Why we are updating our systems

Our current certification systems are a mix of electronic applications and paper processes. These systems are old and nearing their end of life. Replacing them with a single application, like systems used in other countries, will help:

• businesses and exporters with simpler processes
• trading partners with easier 2-way exchange of digital certificates.

It will also:

• help protect us from food safety and biosecurity risks
• support our primary industries with efficient trade
• maximise new market opportunities with a flexible system
• support an increase in trade volume while COVID-19 recovery is a priority.

Cabinet papers

Investing in the Future of Certification to support trade of primary exports and imports [PDF, 809 KB]

Proposal to endorse a detailed business case for investing in the Future of Certification [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Who to contact

If you have questions about the programme, email futurecertification@mpi.govt.nz