Follow the steps
What you need to know
An overview of exporting veterinary medicines from start to finish.
Veterinary medicines are used to prevent, treat, or control diseases or conditions in animals. Products can range from antibiotics and vaccines to animal shampoos.
Read the definition of a veterinary medicine
To export veterinary medicines successfully you need to know about:
- the regulation requirements of the destination country
- the ingredients in your product
- the manufacturing, packaging or repackaging, and labelling requirements of the destination country
- how to get your product registered, if required
- keeping the right records
- certificates of compliance, if needed
- certificates of free sale, if needed
- relevant fees and charges.
You may have to meet other requirements as well. These requirements might be commercial, or set by other government agencies like the New Zealand Customs Service (NZ Customs). It will also pay to check with the importing agent in your destination country that you haven't overlooked any requirements.
Learn more about export clearance procedures on the NZ Customs website
Manufacturing veterinary medicines for export?
If you manufacture veterinary medicines for export, you also need to meet:
- trade agreements if exporting to Australia, Canada, the European Union, or Switzerland
- the manufacturing requirements of the destination country.
What you need to do
The tasks you need to complete.
Check the regulatory requirements of your destination country
Destination countries have their own regulations for importing veterinary medicines. You can find out these requirements either from your import agent or by contacting MPI's equivalent regulatory authority in the destination country. You may be asked to supply a list of ingredients.
The requirements may state that you need 'official assurance' (for example, a certificate or documentation) from MPI confirming that your product complies with requirements for the safe manufacture, product testing, or labelling of veterinary products.
If you're manufacturing, repackaging, or pre-labelling veterinary medicines for export, you may need to meet extra requirements. Check with your importing agent or the regulator to find out. If the veterinary medicine is registered for sale in New Zealand, you must also meet the New Zealand registration and manufacturing requirements.
Find out about manufacturing veterinary medicines for export
Include a batch certificate, if required
If you're manufacturing veterinary medicines for export to Australia, Canada, the European Union or Switzerland, then you must supply a batch certificate for your consignment.
Read what to include on a batch certificate
Get certification for your product, if required
If your destination country requires you to have official assurance for your veterinary product, MPI can issue several types of certificate of compliance, provided that the requirements and conditions are met.
Learn more about certification under the ACVM legislation
Read about certificates of compliance in the ACVM Act on the NZ Legislation website
Contact MPI to request a certificate, because there may be requirements you need to meet. Email approvals@mpi.govt.nz. Fees apply.
Check the New Zealand registration status of your product, if required
If your destination country needs to know whether your product is registered in New Zealand, you can search the ACVM register to find out.
Search the ACVM register for your product
Find out if your product is exempt from New Zealand registration
Some veterinary medicines, such as topical skin preparations and non-medicated shampoos, do not need to be registered.
Find out which veterinary medicines are exempt from registration
| If you're manufacturing, repackaging, or re-labelling only for export, then your product doesn't need to be registered and you can continue to Step 3 of this process. If you're unsure or need to register your product, continue with Step 2. |
Ask MPI if you're unsure
If you're unsure whether your veterinary medicine must be registered or is exempt from registration, you can ask MPI to determine this for you. Fees apply for MPI's 'class determination' service.
Download the form to request a class determination [DOCX, 131 KB]
Check labelling requirements
You need to understand the requirements for labelling your product.
Download the requirements for labelling veterinary medicines [PDF, 217 KB]
Register your product, if necessary
If the importing country requires the product to be registered in New Zealand, you may need to get it registered.
- Download the requirements for veterinary medicine registration [PDF, 127 KB]
- Read the registration process guide
If you have any questions, email approvals@mpi.govt.nz.
Getting your export documentation.
How you know you've met MPI requirements.
Getting your documentation
If you requested documentation or certification from MPI, then a paper copy signed by MPI will be posted to you. Fees may apply.
Before you send your export product, check that you have met the importing requirements of your destination country, returned all of the correct documentation, and paid any fees.
