Official Government Certification
Exporting meat, dairy, seafood, or other animal-derived products from New Zealand requires official health certificates issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Free from Disease
Products must be certified free from foot-and-mouth disease, BSE, and other animal health concerns specific to the destination country.
Approved Facilities
Processing must occur in MPI-registered establishments with valid Risk Management Programmes (RMP) and approved establishment numbers.
Specific Conditions
Each destination country has unique import conditions documented in OMARs—requirements vary dramatically by market and product type.
Not Just a Food Safety Doc
Health certificates for animal products are different from standard food safety certificates. They require MPI-authorised veterinary officers to sign them—this is called an “Official Assurance.”
Unlike generic food certificates signed by food safety officers, veterinary health certificates attest to animal health status, disease-free declarations, and compliance with strict OMAR templates specific to each destination country.
MPI Establishment Numbers & Eligibility
To export animal products, your processing facility must meet three critical requirements.
Registered with MPI
Your facility must have a Risk Management Programme (RMP) in place and be registered as an MPI-approved establishment.
Approved for Export
Your products must be approved for export to the specific destination country. Not all establishments are approved for all markets.
Listed in MPI Database
Your facility must appear in MPI’s export eligibility database for that specific product and country combination.
The Challenge: OMARs
Health certificate requirements vary dramatically by destination country and product type. Each country publishes their requirements in New Zealand’s Overseas Market Access Requirements (OMARs)—hundreds of pages of technical specifications.
OMARs are country-specific, product-specific, and constantly changing. China’s requirements for beef are completely different from Japan’s. Even within one country, lamb and beef have different certificate templates.
Our solution: We navigate OMARs, coordinate with MPI, and ensure your health certificates are issued correctly for your specific product and destination.
Transparent Pricing
Standard Health Certificate
- Establishment eligibility check
- OMAR-compliant certificate drafting
- MPI veterinary officer coordination
- 3-5 business day turnaround
For single-product shipments to standard markets (China, USA, EU, Australia).
Complex Shipments
- Multiple products on one certificate
- First-time exporter to that market
- Additional attestations or declarations
- Priority processing and support
For multi-product shipments or destinations with additional requirements.
Note: MPI charges separate government fees for issuing health certificates, typically ranging from $50-$150 depending on certificate type and complexity. These fees are charged directly by MPI and are not included in our service pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my establishment is eligible?
Check MPI’s Registered Establishments database online, or send us your establishment number and destination country—we’ll verify eligibility for you. Not all facilities are approved for all markets.
What’s the difference between an RMP and an establishment number?
An RMP (Risk Management Programme) is your food safety plan approved by MPI. Your establishment number (e.g., “58” for a meat plant) is the unique ID assigned to your facility. You need both to export animal products.
How long does it take to get a health certificate issued?
Standard turnaround is 3-5 business days from when we receive your shipment details. This assumes your establishment is already approved for that market.
Do I need a separate health certificate for every shipment?
Yes. Each shipment requires its own health certificate with specific details (lot numbers, production dates, container numbers). Certificates are valid for a single consignment and cannot be reused.
Related Services
MPI Trade Certificates
For processed foods, honey, and beverages — a different MPI pathway with its own certification requirements.
Documentation Bundle
Your health certificate data must align with your commercial documents. Our bundle ensures full consistency.
HS Code Classification
Correct HS codes are required for MPI health certificate applications. Get expert classification.
Health certificates are one part of the broader documentation required for animal product exports. For a complete overview of all the documents involved in exporting from New Zealand, see our comprehensive guide to export documentation from New Zealand.