Which bee products businesses need an RMP
If you export bee products to countries that require official assurance, you must operate under a risk management programme (RMP). This applies if you are:
- an operator who stores bee products intended for export, or
- a secondary processor who extracts, processes, packs, or stores bee products.
Developing your RMP
You can develop your bee product RMP in one of 2 ways.
- Use a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) RMP template.
- Write your own, using the bee products Operational Code.
Templates for bee product RMPs
Risk management programme template: Bee product [PDF, 3.7 MB]
Risk management programme template: Honey storage [PDF, 1.8 MB]
Template RMPs don't need to be evaluated
If you use one of the RMP templates, you don't need to get an independent evaluation of your RMP. You can find out more about this in the waiver document.
Waiver of the requirement to provide a copy of an independent evaluation report [PDF, 113 KB]
However, you'll need to get your RMP evaluated if you:
- write your own RMP, or
- write your own module and add it to the RMP template (e.g.: to add extra processes or activities).
Using the bee products operational code to develop an RMP
You can write your own custom RMP. You can use the MPI bee products operational code to develop it. It guides you through the requirements for developing, registering, and implementing your RMP.
Operational Code: Processing of bee products [PDF, 1.9 MB]
How to get your RMP verified
Your RMP needs to be verified by a recognised agency. When you apply to register your RMP, you'll need to include a letter from your chosen agency confirming that they're willing to verify your RMP.
Find a verifier working under the Animal Products Act – New Zealand Food Safety
Find out more about risk management programmes
Maintenance compounds for bee product processing
If your business operates under an RMP, the chemicals you use to clean or maintain your bee product processing area (maintenance compounds) must meet certain requirements.
You can use our database to find approved maintenance compounds.
Approved maintenance compounds – non-dairy
Find out about other requirements for exporting honey
Overseas market access requirements (OMARs)
Who to contact
If you have questions about honey and bee product RMPs, email info@mpi.govt.nz
