Official Government Certification for Animal Products
Exporting meat, dairy, seafood, or other animal-derived products from New Zealand requires official health certificates issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). These certificates are signed by MPI-authorized veterinary officers and certify that your products meet the importing country’s animal health and food safety standards.
Why it matters: Without the correct health certificate, your animal products will be rejected at the border. Destination countries require proof that products are:
- Free from disease (e.g., foot-and-mouth disease, BSE)
- Processed in approved facilities with MPI establishment numbers
- Compliant with specific import conditions for that country
The challenge: 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.
Our solution: We navigate OMARs, coordinate with MPI, and ensure your health certificates are issued correctly for your specific product and destination.
What Makes Health Certificates Different?
Health certificates for animal products are not the same as standard food safety certificates for processed foods.
Veterinary Health Certificates
For animal-derived products
- Signed by: MPI-authorized veterinary officers only
- Covers: Animal health status, disease-free declarations
- Facility requirement: Must be processed in MPI-registered establishment with RMP
- Format: Strict OMAR template for each destination country
- Examples: Beef, lamb, dairy powder, seafood, wool, hides
Standard Food Certificates
For processed/manufactured foods
- Signed by: MPI food safety officers or authorized exporters
- Covers: Food safety, hygiene, manufacturing standards
- Facility requirement: Must meet NZ Food Act 2014 requirements
- Format: Generic health certificate templates
- Examples: Honey, wine, sauces, snacks, pet food
Products We Certify
Meat Products
- •Beef and veal
- •Lamb and mutton
- •Venison
- •Pork
- •Poultry
- •Game meat
Dairy Products
- •Milk powder (whole, skim)
- •Infant formula
- •Butter and cream
- •Cheese
- •Whey products
- •Casein
Seafood
- •Fresh fish
- •Frozen fish
- •Shellfish (mussels, oysters)
- •Crayfish/lobster
- •Salmon and trout
- •Processed seafood
Other Products
- •Wool and fleece
- •Hides and skins
- •Animal feed (rendered)
- •Gelatin and collagen
- •Animal by-products
- •Pet food (with meat/fish)
Understanding OMARs (Overseas Market Access Requirements)
Every country that imports animal products publishes their specific requirements in New Zealand’s OMAR database. OMARs are the official rulebook for what health certificates and documentation are required.
Why OMARs Are Complex:
- Country-specific: China’s requirements for beef are completely different from Japan’s
- Product-specific: Even within one country, lamb and beef have different certificate templates
- Constantly changing: OMARs are updated frequently when countries change import conditions
- Establishment-dependent: Only certain NZ facilities are approved to export to certain markets
We do the OMAR work for you. Our team stays up-to-date with the latest requirements for each market and ensures your health certificates meet every specification.
MPI Establishment Numbers & Eligibility
To export animal products, your processing facility must be:
- Registered with MPI and have a Risk Management Programme (RMP)
- Approved for export to the specific destination country
- Listed in MPI’s export eligibility database for that product/country combination
What We Verify Before Issuing Certificates:
Facility Checks
- Establishment number is active and registered with MPI
- RMP status is current and not suspended
- Product scope covers what you’re exporting
Market Access Checks
- Destination approval: Your facility is eligible to export to that country
- Product listing: The specific product is approved for that market
- Certificate template: Correct OMAR template for product/destination
Our Certification Process
How We Get Your Health Certificates Issued
Pre-Shipment Verification
We verify your establishment number, product eligibility, and destination market access. We confirm you’re approved to export that product to that country.
Certificate Preparation
We draft the health certificate using the correct OMAR template for your product and destination. All veterinary declarations are included.
MPI Issuance
We coordinate with MPI for an authorized veterinary officer to sign the certificate. You receive the official stamped document.
Key Export Destinations
China
China is New Zealand’s largest market for meat and dairy. Requires GACC registration for establishments and specific health certificates for each product category.
Key products: Dairy powder, beef, lamb, seafood | Lead time: 3-5 days
United States
USDA-FSIS requires specific export certificates for meat products. Seafood goes through FDA with different requirements.
Key products: Grass-fed beef, lamb, venison | Lead time: 2-3 days
European Union
EU requires comprehensive veterinary certificates with traceability data. All establishments must be EU-approved.
Key products: Lamb, dairy, seafood | Lead time: 3-4 days
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia)
Requires Halal certification alongside health certificates for meat products. Each country has unique import permit systems.
Key products: Halal lamb and beef | Lead time: 4-6 days (includes Halal coordination)
Pricing
Standard Health Certificate
$150
per certificate
For single-product shipments to standard markets (China, USA, EU, Australia). Includes OMAR compliance, establishment verification, and MPI coordination.
- Establishment eligibility check
- OMAR-compliant certificate drafting
- MPI veterinary officer coordination
- 3-5 business day turnaround
Complex Shipments
CUSTOMFrom $220
per certificate
For multi-product shipments, first-time market access, or destinations with additional requirements (e.g., GACC pre-approval for China).
- Multiple products on one certificate
- First-time exporter to that market
- Additional attestations or declarations
- Priority processing and support
Note: MPI charges separate government fees for issuing health certificates (typically $50-$150 depending on certificate type). We’ll advise exact costs upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my establishment is eligible to export to a specific country?
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 (especially China and the EU).
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.
Can you help with first-time exports to China (GACC registration)?
Yes. China requires all establishments to be GACC-registered before the first shipment. This is a one-time process that can take 2-6 months. We can guide you through the application or connect you with specialists who handle GACC registrations.
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. Plan ahead—don’t wait until cargo is ready to ship before requesting the certificate.
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.
Ready to Export Your Animal Products?
OMAR-Compliant Health Certificates. MPI-Certified.
We handle the complexity of veterinary certification so you can focus on exporting NZ’s world-class animal products.
Get Health Certification
Or call us at 021 025 15316