Follow the steps
What you need to know
An overview of exporting rendered animal products from start to finish.
Rendering is the breaking down of animal tissues using heat into the constituent fat and protein elements.
To export rendered animal products successfully you need to know about:
- registering as an exporter with MPI
- all the legislation relating to your type of business
- all the requirements of your destination country
- risk management programmes (RMPs)
- registering for access to E-cert, MPI's online certification system, to apply for the required export certificates
- fees and charges
- export clearance requirements.
You may have to meet other requirements as well. These might be of a commercial nature, or requirements set by other government agencies like the New Zealand Customs Service. It will also pay to check with your importing agent in the destination country that you haven't overlooked any requirements.
Learn more about export clearance procedures on the NZ Customs 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.
Non-commercial exporters don't usually have to register
If the purpose of your export is non-commercial, you don't have to register as an exporter or use the services of a registered exporter unless requested by your shipper (airline or shipping company).
Comply with New Zealand legislation and food standards
You need to meet labelling requirements, and all relevant standards and regulations, including the:
- Animal Products Act 1999 – NZ Legislation website
- Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 – NZ Legislation website
- Biosecurity Act 1993 – NZ Legislation website
Check the requirements of your destination country
As an exporter, you are responsible for knowing and meeting the Overseas Market Access Requirements (OMAR) for your destination country. OMARs differ for countries and products and set out requirements for all operators in your export chain, for example processors, storage providers, and transporters.
You need to apply to MPI to read OMARs because they're password protected.
Apply for a password to access OMARs
Search for your OMAR
When you have your password, you'll be able to read the OMARs for your products.
Read the OMAR for your destination country thoroughly to make sure you can comply with all the requirements.
If your export destination has an OMAR you'll 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.
More information
Other information you should check includes:
Guidance offered by FYIs can help you with exporting concerns or issues. (You may need your OMAR password to read some FYIs.)
OMAR notifications will give you the latest updates for your destination country.
You may also need to be 'listed'
Some overseas markets (destination countries you want to export to) only accept animal export products from premises included on official lists. To be included on the official list, your premises need to meet requirements set by the overseas market. The country OMAR will tell you if you need to be listed, and the process to follow.
Find out about country listings
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 what certification you need and any other requirements. For the rendering of animal products, including fish and the dried blood production of birds and mammals, you must operate under an RMP regardless.
Note that if there's no OMAR, it could mean your product is prohibited to be sent to the destination country.
Operate under a risk management programme (RMP) if you need official assurance
To get an official assurance for a rendered animal product, the product must be produced and processed under a registered and verified Risk Management Programme (RMP). Other suppliers in your export chain, for example, storage facilities, processors, and transporters, also need to operate under an approved programme. Information in the RMP will form part of your application for official assurance.
RMPs help you manage hazards, ensure your rendered product is fit for purpose, and meets legal requirements. If at any point the rendered product is processed outside of an approved RMP, you can't get an official assurance and your rendered product will lose export eligibility.
You can also prepare a successful RMP by using one of the Codes of Practice (COP) that has been developed by MPI in consultation with the rendering industry.
- Read more about the rendering industry Codes of Practice [PDF, 802 KB]
- Visit the New Zealand Renderers Group website
After developing your programme, you must register it, and get it verified each year.
Ensure storage requirements are met
Stand-alone operators who store rendered product before it is exported must meet specific requirements depending on the market.
Ensure transport requirements are met
Use a recognised verifier to do verification
MPI Verification Services undertakes verification of operators. You need to work with them to ensure your rendering complies with all requirements, and that you're following your RMP.
Apply for access to E-cert
Export applications are handled online through E-cert, a web application MPI uses to issue government assurances and approve consignments for export. You must register before you can use the system.
E-cert tracks products from the time they’re produced until they're exported.
E-cert is password protected. New exporters need to apply for access.
Download and complete the form to register for access to E-cert
Registration should be complete within a week, provided all supplied information is correct and payments completed. If you have any questions about registration, email approvals@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 a consignment's 'official assurance' or export certificate.
The information you enter about your rendered animal products and the declarations you make confirm that your product complies with requirements.
Find out what security devices you need for your products
Meat products must be packed and labelled to ensure they're secure and that the contents can be traced to the official assurances (export certificates) that apply to them. Security devices help to protect the integrity of the products, and have to be approved by MPI.
Find out more about security devices, types, and legal 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 your rendering products comply with all requirements and standards throughout the process, we issue the official assurance (export certificate) through E-cert.
There are various ways the official assurance can be provided for your consignment. Check the OMAR of your destination country and the official assurances programme.
Read the Animal Products Notice: Official Assurance Requirements [PDF, 401 KB]
