What BMS processing covers
BMS processing includes:
- primary and secondary processing
- land-based wet storage
- depuration (cleansing).
Primary or secondary processing
Both primary or secondary processing start when the BMS is received at the processing premises.
Land-based wet storage
This is the temporary storage of BMS intended for:
- retail
- wholesale
- processing.
The BMS is moved from a growing area to land-based premises. At the premises it gets:
- desanded (removing sand)
- conditioned or stored before processing or direct sale.
Depuration
Depuration treatment reduces the level of contaminants in live BMS by managing the aquatic environment. This treatment is done before any:
- wet storage
- retail
- wholesale
- processing.
Requirements for BMS processors
All BMS processors must operate under a risk management programme.
Find out about risk management in seafood and fish processing
You must also comply with the Animal Products Notice: Production, Supply and Processing. This includes requirements for:
- testing
- reception
- raw harvested BMS
- processing BMS
- wet storage of BMS, including the appropriate wet storage systems
- depuration of BMS
- shucking, processing, and packing
- heat shocking
- repacking
- labelling.
The requirements for BMS are in Parts H3 of Animal Product Notice: Production, Supply and Processing [PDF, 2.6 MB]
BMS processors who export
If you export BMS, then you also need to meet the requirements for the specific country you're exporting to – especially if you export to the European Union (EU) or the United States.
Find out more about exporting seafood
Who to contact
If you have questions about BMS processing, email info@mpi.govt.nz
