Export markets covered by the Official Organic Assurance Programme
This registration process applies to all operators exporting organic products under the Official Organic Assurance Programme (OOAP). The OOAP has a set of requirements for products going to overseas markets.
The OOAP covers exports to:
- the European Union (EU)
- Japan
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
- USA
- China.
Our organics guidance has extra information to help you follow the OOAP.
Official Organic Assurance Programme guidance [PDF, 290 KB]
Markets or products not covered by the assurance programme
For all markets not covered by the OOAP, you need to find out the exporting requirements for your organic product.
We suggest you contact the Organic Exporters Association of New Zealand for support.
Organic Exporters Association of New Zealand
Exports to Australia
Products that are recognised as organic in New Zealand can also be sold as organic in Australia.
The process for exporting organic products
Export requirements vary for organic products, depending on your destination market. We’ve created a step-by-step process so you can see what’s involved.
1. Meet regular exporting requirements
Meet the domestic requirements for your product. You will need to meet New Zealand Food Safety legislation. For example, if you export organic wine, you also need to meet all requirements for conventional (non-organic) wine, whether New Zealand grape wine or fruit wine.
Some products may have other export requirements, such as phytosanitary certificate requirements (detailed in ICPR documents) or 'overseas market access requirements' (OMARs).
2. Check organic requirements for your export market
The OMAR document for your market will specify the requirements you must meet.
European Union (EU) [PDF, 426 KB]
Norway [PDF, 256 KB]
Switzerland [PDF, 354 KB]
Taiwan [PDF, 334 KB]
USA [PDF, 400 KB]
United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) [PDF, 391 KB]
China [PDF, 422 KB]
Japan [PDF, 316 KB]
- Also refer to "Exporting organic products to Japan"
3. Apply to be certified as an organic operator
A recognised agency (RA) will need to certify that your product is organic. All operators involved in the production, processing, and export of your product must be certified.
Apply for certification by contacting an RA. There are only 2 agencies in New Zealand that can certify organic products:
You will be charged for services by these agencies. To get certified, you will need an organic management plan. This will be verified and registered with your recognised agency.
4. Register with MPI as an organics exporter
You must register with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to export using the OOAP.
OP1 organic exporter registration – online form
Animal products
If you export animal products, you will also need to register as an animal product exporter.
Use our online form (AP1) to register as an animal products exporter
Wine and cider
If you export wine or cider, you will also need to register as a wine exporter. Types of wine and cider include:
- fruit wine
- vegetable wine
- cider
- mead
- wine made from New Zealand grapes.
Wine exporter registration online form (WA1)
5. Get official organic assurance
How you get assurance differs, depending on the destination market. Note that while the timing for assurances varies between markets, we recommend that in all cases you obtain an official organic assurance before the products leave New Zealand.
For exports to the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, and Northern Ireland
Official organic assurances for consignments exported to the European Union (including Northern Ireland), Norway, and Switzerland must be issued before the goods leave New Zealand. Work with your freight forwarder to ensure you are updated about changes in shipping dates.
You must complete an official organic assurance application form for each consignment.
OOAP official organic assurance application (not for use with MPI Trade Certification) [XLSX, 160 KB]
Then raise and submit a request for a Certificate of Inspection (COI) in the European Union’s electronic certification system, TRACES.
Your recognised agency will verify your products. The certificate will be issued electronically. No paper certificate is needed.
For exports to the USA
Official organic assurances for consignments exported to the USA must be requested before the goods leave New Zealand. However, MPI recommends that you obtain an official organic assurance before products leave New Zealand. Work with your freight forwarder to ensure you are updated about changes in shipping dates.
You must complete an official organic assurance application form for each consignment.
OOAP official organic assurance application (not for use with MPI Trade Certification) [XLSX, 160 KB]
Your recognised agency will verify your products.
The certificate will be issued electronically. No paper certificate is needed.
For exports to Taiwan and Japan
The official organic assurance needs to be issued before the consignment is presented for import clearance. However, MPI recommends that you obtain an official organic assurance before products leave New Zealand. Work with your freight forwarder to ensure you are updated about changes in shipping dates.
You must complete an official organic assurance application form for each consignment.
OOAP official organic assurance application (not for use with MPI Trade Certification) [XLSX, 160 KB]
Your recognised agency will verify your products.
MPI will send you a printed hard copy of the certificate or let you know when this is ready for collection.
For exports to the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland)
Official organic assurances for consignments exported to the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland) must be issued before the goods leave New Zealand. Work with your freight forwarder to ensure you are updated about changes in shipping dates.
Submit applications for an official organic assurance to the UK using MPI Trade Certification.
How to use MPI Trade Certification
You must complete an official organic assurance supporting document for each consignment.
OOAP official organic assurance supporting document (only for use with MPI Trade Certification) [XLSX, 57 KB]
Your recognised agency will verify your products.
When MPI has issued the certificate, MPI will:
- email a PDF copy of the certificate to you, and
- send you a printed hard copy of the certificate (or let you know when this is available to collect).
