Official Export Certification for Processed Foods
Exporting New Zealand processed foods, honey, or beverages to many international markets requires official certification from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). These Trade Certificates prove your products meet the importing country’s food safety and quality standards.
Common destinations requiring MPI Trade Certificates:
- European Union (EU)
- United Kingdom (UK)
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia)
- Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand)
We handle the entire MPI certification process on your behalf.
What Is an MPI Trade Certificate?
An MPI Trade Certificate is an official government document issued by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries that certifies:
Product Origin & Safety
- Your products were manufactured in New Zealand
- They meet New Zealand food safety standards
- The processing facility is MPI-registered (if required)
Destination Requirements
- Products comply with importing country’s regulations
- Certificate meets the specific format required by the destination
- All required health and safety declarations are included
Products We Certify
Honey & Bee Products
New Zealand’s premium export
- Manuka honey (all UMF grades)
- Clover and multifloral honey
- Propolis and bee pollen
- Royal jelly products
- Beeswax
Beverages
Wine, spirits, and soft drinks
- Wine (red, white, rosé, sparkling)
- Spirits and liqueurs
- Craft beer and cider
- Fruit juices and concentrates
- Non-alcoholic beverages
Processed Foods
Manufactured food products
- Dairy products (butter, cheese, milk powder)
- Preserved foods (jams, sauces, pickles)
- Confectionery and snacks
- Health supplements and nutraceuticals
- Pet food (manufactured)
The MPI AP E-Cert System
Most MPI Trade Certificates are now issued digitally through the AP E-Cert system (Animal Products Electronic Certification). This is the official MPI online portal for export documentation.
Why You Need an Expert:
Complex System
The AP E-Cert portal is notoriously difficult to navigate. Field errors, unclear validation rules, and technical glitches are common.
Time-Sensitive
Certificates must be issued before vessel departure. Any errors or delays can hold up your entire shipment.
Country-Specific Formats
Each destination requires different certificate formats and declarations. We know exactly which template to use.
Our MPI Certification Process
We handle the entire certification workflow so you don’t have to deal with the AP E-Cert system.
Simple 3-Step Process
Submit Product Details
Send us your commercial invoice, packing list, and product specifications. Tell us the destination country.
We Enter into MPI System
We log into the AP E-Cert system and enter all your shipment details, selecting the correct certificate template for your destination.
MPI Issues Certificate
MPI verifies the information and issues the digital certificate. We deliver it to you and your freight forwarder immediately.
Key Destinations & Requirements
European Union (EU)
The EU requires MPI health certificates for all processed foods. Honey must meet strict residue limits and traceability requirements.
Common products: Honey, wine, dairy products, health supplements
United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the UK requires its own health certificates (separate from EU). MPI issues UK-specific certificates through the AP E-Cert system.
Common products: Honey, wine, lamb products, dairy
China
China requires certificates for most food imports, with particularly strict requirements for honey, dairy, and infant formula. Products must be from GACC-registered facilities.
Common products: Manuka honey, dairy powder, wine, health supplements
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia)
Middle Eastern countries require Halal certification alongside MPI health certificates for many food products. We can coordinate both.
Common products: Honey, dairy, beverages, snacks
What Information We Need
To apply for an MPI Trade Certificate, we need:
- Commercial Invoice: Product description, HS code, quantity, and value
- Manufacturing Details: Your RMP (Risk Management Programme) number or MPI-registered facility code
- Destination Country: Where the product is being exported to
- Consignee Details: Full name and address of the importer
- Container/Shipment Details: Container numbers (if applicable) and vessel/flight details
- Test Reports (if required): Lab results for residue testing or quality analysis
Pricing
Standard Certification
$120
per certificate
For most processed food, beverage, and honey exports. Includes AP E-Cert entry, MPI submission, and digital certificate delivery.
- AP E-Cert system entry
- MPI verification and issuance
- Digital certificate delivery
- 2-3 business day turnaround
Complex Shipments
CUSTOMFrom $180
per certificate
For multi-product shipments, complex declarations, or destinations requiring additional documentation (e.g., China GACC verification).
- Multiple product SKUs on one certificate
- Additional attestations or declarations
- China GACC pre-approval coordination
- Priority processing and support
Note: MPI may charge additional government fees for certain certificate types (typically $50-$100). We’ll advise if this applies to your shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an MPI certificate for all food exports?
Not always. It depends on your destination country and product type. Australia typically doesn’t require MPI certificates for processed foods. However, EU, UK, China, and most Asian markets do. We can advise based on your specific shipment.
How long does MPI certification take?
Standard turnaround is 2-3 business days from when we submit your application. Rush service may be available for urgent shipments—contact us for details. Plan ahead and submit at least 5 days before vessel departure.
Does my facility need to be MPI-registered?
For many processed foods and all animal products (dairy, honey), yes. Your manufacturing facility must have an RMP (Risk Management Programme) and be registered with MPI. If you’re unsure, send us your product details and we’ll confirm the requirements.
What if my product doesn’t have an RMP?
Some low-risk processed foods don’t require RMP registration. However, you’ll still need to meet Food Act 2014 requirements. We can help determine if your product qualifies for MPI certification without an RMP, or guide you through the RMP registration process.
Can you help with first-time honey exports to China?
Yes. China requires honey producers to be GACC-registered before the first shipment. This is a one-time registration process that can take several weeks. Once registered, each shipment needs an MPI certificate. We can coordinate both the initial GACC registration and ongoing MPI certificates.
Ready to Get MPI Certified?
Export with Confidence. Get MPI Certified.
We handle the AP E-Cert system so you can focus on selling your products overseas.
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Or call us at 021 025 15316