What you need to know
An overview of exporting from start to finish.
What this export process includes
This export process is for inedible animal products that are not for human consumption, including skins, hides, animal trophies, and wool.
Products for export to countries that require an 'official assurance' (export certificate) from MPI need to be processed and stored in MPI-approved premises. Operators involved in the processing and storage of these products must operate under an export approved premises (EAP) or a risk management programm (RMP) registration.
To export inedible animal products successfully you need to know about:
- registering as an exporter, or using the services of a registered exporter
- legislation relating to your type of business
- meeting the requirements of your destination country
- engaging a verifying agency
- relevant fees and charges
- for some countries, registering for access to E-cert, MPI's online certification system, to apply for the required official assurances (export certificates)
- border clearance requirements.
You may also need to meet other requirements. These might be commercial requirements, or requirements set by other government agencies like the New Zealand Customs Service. It will also pay to check with the importing agent in your destination country that you haven't overlooked any requirements.
Find out more about export clearance procedures on the NZ Customs website
One-off exports by individuals
If you are an individual wanting to export a single consignment of inedible animal products, like hides or hunting trophies, you need to confirm with the country you are exporting to whether they require an official assurance (export certificate) or CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) certificate.
Read our guide for hunters exporting hunting trophies
If you need an export certificate, contact an MPI Verification Services office to process the official assurance (export certificate).
Contact MPI Verification Services
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is responsible for managing New Zealand’s CITES responsibilities.
Read the documentation for hunting trophies on the DOC website
What you need to do
The tasks you need to complete.
Register as an exporter or use the services of a registered exporter
If you're exporting commercially, you must register with MPI or use the services of a registered exporter. Exporter registration can be done online, or by completing a printed form.
Find out how to register as an exporter
If you have questions about registering as an exporter, email approvals@mpi.govt.nz.
Check the requirements of your destination country
As an exporter, you're responsible for knowing and meeting the Overseas Market Access Requirements (OMAR) for your destination country. OMARs differ between countries and products, and set out the requirements for all operators in your export chain – for example, processors, storage providers, and transporters.
If there's an OMAR for your export destination, you will likely need an 'official assurance', also known as an export certificate, before you can send your product. Official assurance is the New Zealand Government's assurance to the destination country that your product meets the standards set out in the OMAR.
Read the Animal Products Notice: Official Assurance Requirements [PDF, 401 KB]
Read the OMAR thoroughly to make sure you can comply with all the requirements. You'll need to register with MPI to read the OMARs for animal products because they're password-protected.
Apply for a password to access OMARs
Find the OMAR for your destination country
You should also check the OMAR notifications, which will give you the latest updates for your destination country.
Exporting to a country with no OMAR
If there is no OMAR for your export destination, work directly with your importing agent to find out about certification and any other requirements.
Note that if there is no OMAR, it could mean your product is prohibited from being sent to that country.
Operating under a risk management programme (RMP), if needed
For an animal product to get an official assurance (export certificate), it must be produced and processed under either a registered risk management programme (RMP) or an export approved premises (EAP) registration. This applies for all commodities except those with special exemptions, such has hunting trophies.
Other parties involved in handling of these products, such as storage facilities and processors, also need to operate under appropriate MPI registrations. Information provided in the Eligibility Document (Ecert ED) chain issued by each involved operator will form part of your application for official assurance.
RMPs help you manage hazards, ensure your product is fit for purpose, and meet legal requirements. If at any point your product is processed outside of an approved RMP, you can't get an official assurance and your product will lose its eligibility for export.
Register and verify your RMP
After developing your programme, you must register it and get it verified each year.
MPI Verification Services verifies operators. You need to work with them to ensure your processes comply with all requirements, and that you're following your RMP.
Contact MPI Verification Services
Ensure storage and transport requirements are met
Stand-alone operators who store and transport an animal product before it is exported must meet specific requirements, depending on the market.
Read more about requirements for stores (cold and dry)
Find out if you can use E-cert
For many destination countries, export applications are handled online through E-cert, the web application MPI uses to issue official assurances (export certificates) and approve consignments for export. Your OMAR will say whether your application can be handled through E-cert.
E-cert tracks products from the time they're produced until they're exported. It is password-protected, and new exporters need to apply for access.
Download the form to register for access to E-cert
Your registration should be finalised within a week, providing all supplied information is correct and payments have been made. If you have questions about E-cert, email ecert.admin@mpi.govt.nz.
Request an export certificate through E-cert
Once you are a registered user of E-cert you can access the password-protected website and apply for an official assurance (export certificate) for your consignment.
The information you enter about your inedible animal products and the declarations you make will confirm that your product complies with requirements.
Are you using wood packaging?
If you use wood packaging products other than paper for your export product, check your wood packaging meets the phytosanitary requirements of the destination country. Some countries may require you to treat your wood packaging to make sure it's free of pests and diseases.
Getting your export documentation
How you know you've met MPI requirements.
When MPI is satisfied that your products comply with all of the requirements and standards, we issue the 'official assurance' (export certificate) through E-cert, if required.
The official assurance can be provided for your consignment in various ways. Check the OMAR for your destination country and the official assurances programme.
Read the Animal Products Notice: Official Assurance Requirements [PDF, 401 KB]
Training and help using AP E-cert
Guidance resources to help you understand the exporting process, certification, and how to use AP E-cert.
AP E-cert demonstration
Walk-through a demo to learn how to raise an export certificate in AP E-cert.
