The process for exporting rendered animal products
Rendering is the breaking down of animal tissues using heat, pressure, or other means into fat and protein elements.
Export requirements vary for rendered animal products, depending on the destination market. We've created a step-by-step process so you can see what's involved.
MEET NEW ZEALAND REQUIREMENTS FOR RENDERED ANIMAL PRODUCT EXPORTS
New Zealand legislation and operating requirements.
Comply with New Zealand legislation and food standards
You need to meet labelling requirements, and all relevant standards and regulations. Legal requirements are set out in the:
- Animal Products Act 1999
- Biosecurity Act 1993.
Operating requirements
Your rendered animal products must be produced and processed under a risk management programme (RMP). This is regardless of whether your destination market needs an official assurance (export certificate).
About risk management programmes
RMPs help you manage hazards, ensure your feed is fit for purpose, and meet legal requirements.
The 'Code of practice: Rendering' provides guidance for developing your RMP. It was developed by MPI in consultation with the rendering industry.
Code of practice: Rendering [PDF, 802 KB]
Legislation
Animal Products Act 1999 on the NZ Legislation website
Animal Products Regulations 2021 on the NZ Legislation website
Animal Product Notice: Production, Supply and Processing [PDF, 2.6 MB]
Biosecurity Act 1993 on the NZ Legislation website
Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 on the NZ Legislation website
CHECK DESTINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR RENDERED ANIMAL PRODUCT EXPORTS
Overseas Market Access Requirements and requirements for your market.
Find out the market access requirements
As an exporter, you're responsible for knowing and meeting the Overseas Market Access Requirements (OMAR) for your export destination. OMARs differ between markets and products. They set out requirements for all operators involved with exporting your product – from farmers to transporters.
You need to apply to MPI to read animal product OMARs because they're password protected.
Search for your OMAR
When you have your password, you'll be able to read the OMARs for your products.
Search for your destination market OMAR
Check all the requirements in the OMAR
Read the OMAR for your destination market 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’ (export certificate). This is the New Zealand Government's assurance that your product meets the standards set out in the OMAR. You'll need to get your official assurance before you can send your product.
You can find out more about getting an export certificate in the Official Assurance Requirements Notice.
Animal Products Notice: Official Assurance Requirements [PDF, 401 KB]
Check FYIs and OMAR notifications
Besides the OMAR, there may be other documents that have information about your market.
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 market.
'For Your Information' (FYI) documents
Exporting to a market with no OMAR
If there is no OMAR for your export destination, work directly with your importer or in-market 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 market.
Find out if your premises need to be approved
Some overseas markets require premises to be approved, or 'listed', before you can export your products.
'Listing' is a procedure agreed between governments for ensuring that:
- a country's market access requirements are met, and
- products are produced in premises approved to export to that country.
Your OMAR will tell you if your premises need to be listed, and the process to follow.
Get official devices for your products
Meat products must be packed and labelled to ensure they're secure and the contents can be traced to the export certificates that apply to them. Official devices, which help protect the integrity of the products, have to be approved by MPI.
Find out more about official devices and legal requirements
Are you using wood packaging?
If you use wood packaging products (other than paper) for your export product, check it meets the plant health requirements of the destination country. Most countries require you to treat your wood packaging to make sure it's free of pests and diseases.
REGISTER AS AN ANIMAL PRODUCTS EXPORTER
How to register and list of registered exporters.
How to register
You must register using our online form.
AP1 exporter registration – online form
You'll need to pay a registration fee each year. If you don't register with MPI, you can use the services of an exporter who is already registered.
Questions?
If you have questions about registering as an exporter, email approvals@mpi.govt.nz
Our list of registered exporters
When your application has been processed and approved by MPI, you will be added to our list of registered exporters. This list is available to the public.
REGISTER FOR AP E-CERT, IF NEEDED
About AP E-cert and how to register.
About AP E-cert
Animal Products (AP) E-cert is the system MPI uses to issue official government assurances under the Animal Products Act. We issue the official assurance as an export certificate.
At each step of the production process, operators need to add information to AP E-cert. At the end of the process, the exporter uses AP E-cert to apply for the export certificate.
You need to use AP E-cert if:
- your destination market requires an export certificate, or
- product traceability is required for export.
AP E-cert is password-protected and new exporters and operators need to apply for access.
How to register
To use AP E-cert, your company must be either:
- a registered exporter under the Animal Products Act 1999
- a business with a registered risk management programme (RMP) or regulated control scheme (RCS)
- an export-approved premises (EAP), or
- an agent acting for another company that is registered as one of the above.
You need to get company access first, then add access for individuals.
APPLY FOR AN EXPORT CERTIFICATE, IF NEEDED
Using AP E-cert and how to request approval to get your certificate.
Using AP E-cert
If your destination market requires an export certificate, you need to apply for it through AP E-cert. We explain how to register for AP E-cert in step 4.
Log in
When you're registered, you can log in and use the system.
Request approval of your certificate
Once you've raised your application in AP E-cert, email your nearest MPI signing office to arrange approval.
Find contact details for MPI signing offices
Getting your export certificate
When MPI is satisfied that your products comply with all requirements and standards, we issue the export certificate through AP E-cert.
Some markets may require a printed export certificate. Check your destination country’s OMAR and the Official Assurance Requirements Notice to work out what you need.
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
Our walk-through demo will show you how to raise an export certificate in AP E-cert.
