Country-Specific Export Requirements
Navigating the unique documentation rules for New Zealand's key trading partners.
Every Destination Has Unique Rules
Understanding country-specific requirements is critical to avoiding delays, rejections, and fines. We help you meet them—every time.
Note: Export requirements change frequently. This guide provides an overview of key requirements as of January 2026. Always verify current requirements before shipping, or work with our team to ensure compliance.
China
Complex regulatory environment with strict registration and documentation requirements.
Key Requirements
GACC Registration CRITICAL
General Administration of Customs China (GACC) registration is mandatory for food exporters. This applies to meat, dairy, seafood, and many other food products.
Certificate Formats CRITICAL
China requires specific certificate formats and templates. Using non-approved formats will result in rejection at the border.
Translation Requirements CRITICAL
All documents must be accompanied by Simplified Chinese translations. The translation must be certified and match the English version exactly.
Health Certificates
Country-specific health certificates issued by MPI are required for food products, with very specific language and declarations.
Required Documents
- • GACC facility registration
- • Phytosanitary/Health Certificates (MPI-issued)
- • Certificate of Origin
- • Commercial Invoice with HS codes
- • Packing List with detailed contents
- • Certified Chinese translations
Common Errors to Avoid
- ✗ Using outdated certificate templates
- ✗ Missing or incorrect GACC facility codes
- ✗ Translation discrepancies
- ✗ Incorrect product descriptions
United States
FDA registration and Prior Notice requirements for food imports.
Key Requirements
FDA Registration CRITICAL
Food facilities must register with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This includes manufacturers, processors, and packers of food products.
Prior Notice CRITICAL
All food shipments require Prior Notice filing with FDA at least 2 hours before arrival (for sea shipments). This is submitted electronically via the FDA Prior Notice System.
Invoice Requirements CRITICAL
Commercial invoices must include detailed product descriptions, country of origin, manufacturer details, and accurate HS codes. Vague descriptions will trigger holds.
USDA Requirements
Meat, poultry, and egg products require USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) clearance in addition to FDA requirements.
Required Documents
- • FDA Prior Notice confirmation
- • FDA Facility Registration number
- • Commercial Invoice (detailed)
- • Packing List
- • Certificate of Origin (if claiming FTA benefits)
- • USDA certificates (for meat/poultry)
Common Errors to Avoid
- ✗ Late or missing Prior Notice filing
- ✗ Incomplete product descriptions on invoices
- ✗ Missing FDA registration numbers
- ✗ Incorrect HS codes triggering FDA holds
Australia
Closer Economic Relations (CER) benefits and strict biosecurity controls.
Key Requirements
CER Agreement Benefits CRITICAL
Under the Closer Economic Relations (CER) agreement, most goods from New Zealand enter Australia duty-free. However, proper documentation is still required to claim these benefits.
Biosecurity Requirements CRITICAL
Australia has strict biosecurity controls. All food, plant, and animal products require biosecurity declarations and may require import permits or treatments.
Certificate of Origin
A Certificate of Origin (COO) is often required to claim CER duty-free status, particularly for goods that may contain third-country materials.
Labelling Standards
Food products must comply with Australian labelling standards, including ingredient lists, allergen declarations, and country of origin labelling.
Required Documents
- • Certificate of Origin (for CER benefits)
- • Commercial Invoice
- • Packing List
- • Biosecurity import permit (if required)
- • Phytosanitary Certificate (for plant products)
- • Health/Export Certificates (for animal products)
Common Errors to Avoid
- ✗ Failing to declare biosecurity risk items
- ✗ Missing Certificate of Origin for CER claims
- ✗ Incorrect tariff classification
- ✗ Non-compliant product labelling
United Kingdom & European Union
Post-Brexit documentation including EORI numbers and customs declarations.
Key Requirements
EORI Numbers CRITICAL
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is required for both the exporter and importer. UK and EU EORI numbers are now separate post-Brexit.
Customs Declarations CRITICAL
Full customs declarations are now required for shipments to both the UK and EU. This includes detailed commodity codes, values, and origin information.
Rules of Origin CRITICAL
To benefit from the UK-NZ FTA or EU trade agreements, goods must meet rules of origin requirements and be supported by appropriate origin documentation.
Health/SPS Certificates
Animal and plant products require health certificates and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) compliance. The UK and EU have different certificate requirements post-Brexit.
Required Documents
- • EORI numbers (importer and exporter)
- • Commercial Invoice with commodity codes
- • Packing List
- • Certificate of Origin (for FTA claims)
- • Health/Phytosanitary Certificates (for SPS goods)
- • Customs declarations (completed by freight forwarder or customs broker)
Common Errors to Avoid
- ✗ Missing or invalid EORI numbers
- ✗ Incorrect commodity codes
- ✗ Inadequate origin documentation for FTA claims
- ✗ Using UK certificates for EU shipments (or vice versa)
- ✗ Missing safety/conformity declarations
Additional Markets
We support exports to markets worldwide including:
Each market has unique requirements. Contact us for specific guidance on your destination.
Don't See Your Destination?
We ship worldwide and have expertise across all major trading partners. Contact us for specific requirements tailored to your destination market.
Or call us at 021 025 15316
Country-Specific Expertise
We stay current with changing regulations across all major markets and ensure your documents meet the latest requirements.
Fast Processing
We understand tight shipping deadlines. Standard turnaround is 2–3 business days, with same-day options available.
100% Accuracy
We guarantee the accuracy of our work. If we make an error, we cover any resulting fees and correct it immediately.