Class determinations are a form of advice that tells you if your product is an agricultural compound under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act 1997. Find out how to get one or how to do your own self-determination.
From 10 February 2025, you will need to apply for a class determination using the ACVM Approvals Online system. You can access ACVM Approvals Online through MyMPI.
Before you login to the system, read the:
User guide for class determination users [PDF, 4.6 MB]
Class determinations are advice provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) upon application, on the status of your product under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act 1997.
The class determination service can be used to find out whether a Trade Name Product (TNP) requires registration before it can be imported, manufactured, sold, or used in New Zealand. Generally, agricultural compounds must be registered unless they fit an exempt category in Schedule 2 of the ACVM (Exemptions and Prohibited Substances) Regulations 2011.
Definition of agricultural compound
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is developing an online system to handle ACVM approvals. The system will replace existing ageing approval systems.
ACVM Approvals Online will be more flexible than current systems and more user-friendly for businesses.
ACVM class determinations will be the first to move to ACVM Approvals Online. From 10 February 2025, you can use the online system to apply for a class determination.
You access ACVM Approvals Online through MyMPI – a secure online tool for accessing some MPI services.
You need a RealMe account to access MyMPI. If you don't have a RealMe account, you can create one within MyMPI.
You'll be asked for some personal information to set up your MyMPI account.
You'll also be able to link your account with your business. You can search for your business in MyMPI by its New Zealand Business Number (NZBN). If your business doesn't appear in MyMPI, there is a link to an online form that you can use to tell us your business details.
Once your login is set up in the system and you have your MyMPI account, you'll then be able to request access to ACVM Approvals Online through MyMPI.
We'll send you confirmation by email when it's approved. You'll then be able to request ACVM class determinations using MyMPI.
Each class determination request may take up to 15 working days to complete. You will receive a 'class determination outcome' letter about the result.
Before contacting us, read through our user guide – you may find the answer in the document.
User guide for class determination users [PDF, 4.6 MB]
If you still have questions, email approvals@mpi.govt.nz
Include in your email:
Provided no changes are made to the product composition or labelling, class determinations are valid:
A self-determination allows you to do your own assessment of whether your product is an agricultural compound under the ACVM Act. You will need to determine whether your product must be registered or fits an exemption category in Schedule 2 of the ACVM (Exemptions and Prohibited Substances) Regulations 2011.
Note that if your self-determination is incorrect, the product may not be cleared for importation, or if imported, it may be subject to non-compliance action.
To do your own self-determination, fill out the ACVM 76 form and attach it to your product.
ACVM 76 form: Declaration: Importers self-determination – Agricultural compounds exempt from registration [PDF, 694 KB]
ACVM 76 form: Declaration: Importers self-determination – Agricultural compounds exempt from registration [DOCX, 110 KB]
If you must register your agricultural compound, follow the relevant advice.
Registering a veterinary medicine
Registering an agricultural chemical
Registering a vertebrate toxic agent (VTA)
If you are importing a product that is exempt under the ACVM (Exemptions and Prohibited Substances) Regulations 2011, you need to present evidence to Biosecurity New Zealand officers at the border. The evidence must be your self-determination or a class determination outcome letter from MPI. These documents are used to decide if your product can be released.
Clearance delays are likely to occur if class determination outcome letters have expired when importation is attempted.
Self-determination declaration forms are likely to experience clearance delays if not fully completed. If the self-determination is incorrect, the product may not be cleared for importation.
Your product may require biosecurity assessment or Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) approval before it can be cleared for entry into New Zealand. Contact MPI or the Environmental Protection Authority (for HSNO approvals) for further information.
Even if your agricultural compound is exempt from registration, you must comply with certain obligations when you import, manufacture, sell, or use the product in New Zealand.
Exempt product obligations under the ACVM Regulations 2011 [PDF, 418 KB]
Inclusion of a Registered Veterinary Medicine in an Oral Nutritional Compound Exempt from the Requirement for Registration [PDF, 214 KB]
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