RMP updates
By 1 November 2023, all Risk Management Programme (RMP) operators were required to have updated their RMP. This was to align with the new regulations and notices introduced as a part of the Regulatory Redesign programme.
Animal Products Regulations 2021 – NZ Legislation
About Regulatory Redesign
Regulatory Redesign aims to make it easier for businesses operating under the Animal Products Act 1999 to find and comply with their requirements.
Redesign of animal products and wine regulations and notices
What are RMP vessels?
Fishing vessels (boats) that do primary processing at sea are known as "RMP vessels" and "factory vessels". Processed fish from these vessels may go directly to market without further processing. It may be sold in New Zealand or sent for export.
You do not need an RMP for some fish
You do not need to process fish under an RMP if:
- the fish you catch are not landed in New Zealand
- the fish or fish products are not claimed to be New Zealand products.
This RMP exemption is in Regulation 262 of the Animal Product Regulations 2021 – New Zealand Legislation
What is primary processing for RMP vessels?
Primary processing includes:
- filleting finfish at sea, whether or not the fish are to be delivered to an onshore processor
- all other processes normally applied to the fish if they are intended for export without delivery to an onshore processor.
RMP vessel operators (factory vessel operators) can do more primary processing activities than:
- inshore fishing vessels
- limited processing fishing vessels (LPFVs).
Some processing activities that are normally classed as secondary processing (for land-based processing premises) are classed as primary processing on RMP vessels (factory vessels). It depends on whether you plan to export the fish without doing more land-based processing.
Animal Products (Definition of Primary Processor) Notice – New Zealand Legislation
Requirements for RMP vessels
RMP vessels must:
- operate under a registered RMP
- follow the Animal Product Notice: Production, Supply and Processing [PDF, 1.9 MB]
Rendering requirements for RMP vessels
The requirements for RMP vessels that do rendering are in the Animal Product Notice: Production, Supply and Processing [PDF, 1.9 MB]
Find out more about risk management for rendering fish material
RMP resources and guidelines
Risk management programmes (RMPs) for seafood
Risk management programmes (RMPs), including how to develop, register, operate, and amend your RMP
Seafood RMP templates and food safety codes
Manuals and guidelines for seafood processing
Processing fish and seafood for export
If you're processing fish for export, there are more requirements you need to meet.
Find out about exporting seafood
General commercial fishing requirements
If you process fish, you might also need to meet some general commercial fishing requirements. This will depend on what you're doing.
Find out about commercial fishing
Who to contact
If you have questions about RMP vessels or seafood processing, email info@mpi.govt.nz
