Follow the steps
What you need to know
An overview of getting an AWEC to export livestock.
Check exemption list before you start
Some types of animals can be exported without an AWEC. Check the exemptions list before you start.
Check the list of animals exempt from getting an AWEC
Contact MPI early
You should contact MPI early in the export planning process to discuss your proposed export and prospective application. You may seek, at this pre-application stage, an indication of any concerns MPI could have about the proposed export and find out what information MPI may need as part of the application process.
Note that New Zealand doesn't allow the export of livestock by sea for any reason (no exemptions) or export for slaughter by air, unless an exemption is granted by the MPI Director-General.
Find out about exemptions for exporting livestock for slaughter
To obtain an Animal Welfare Export Certificate you need to:
- complete the request for services form and send it to MPI's animal exports team
- complete a declaration if exporting non-exempt livestock (cattle, goats, deer, and sheep), stating the purpose of the export and send the declaration to MPI
- be aware of the restrictions on exporting livestock for slaughter
- be familiar with any guidance document issued by MPI for the transport of animals
- complete the questionnaire MPI sends you and return it to us
- comply with any conditions set by MPI for your export
- ensure all other documentation is completed for exporting your live animals.
Refer to the steps to exporting live animals to find out what other documentation you need
Legal obligations
Regulations relating to animal exports and animal welfare export certificates are in Part 3 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Exporters need to be familar with the legislation.
What you need to do
The tasks you need to complete.
Apply for your Animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC)
To get an AWEC, you must complete a request for services form.
Download the request for services form [PDF, 284 KB]
Email your completed form to animalexports@mpi.govt.nz.
Declare the purpose of your export when exporting livestock
If you're exporting livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, or deer) for any purpose, you must also provide MPI with a sworn declaration stating the intended end-use of the animals. The form must be included with your application.
Download and complete the declaration form [PDF, 28 KB]
Email your completed Request for Services form, and Declaration of Purpose for Export of Live Animals form (if required) to animalexports@mpi.govt.nz
Complete the questionnaire sent to you
After submitting your Request for Services form and, if relevant, the sworn Declaration of Purpose for Export of Live Animals form, MPI will send you a questionnaire to request more information about the export, including details regarding the post arrival destination.
All requested information must be returned to MPI at least 20 working days before the planned date of export. If all requested information is not received, your request may be refused.
MPI may contact you by email or telephone for further information or clarification. Sometimes a meeting may also be needed before the assessment is completed.
If the outcome of the assessment is favourable, the MPI animal exports team will notify you of the decision in an email that also lists the conditions under which the final AWEC may be issued.
If the assessment is unfavourable, MPI staff will tell you the reasons and how to resolve them to qualify for an AWEC. If the issues cannot be resolved, you may decide to abandon the export application.
Comply with AWEC conditions
You will need to comply with, or show that you arranged to comply with, any conditions specified in the AWEC decision email before your animals are allowed to leave New Zealand. Checks will be made that the conditions have been, or will be met.
Getting your AWEC
What happens on the day of export.
On the day of export, a veterinarian from MPI Verification Services (MPI VS) will verify at the port of departure that all conditions of the AWEC have been met. The final AWEC will then be issued by the MPI VS veterinarian and your animals can leave New Zealand.
