What wine verifiers check
Verification checks that winemaking businesses (including bottling businesses) are following their wine standards management plan (WSMP) and meeting the requirements of the Wine Act 2003. You must give your verifier access to your site and the relevant information during the verification visit.
Your verifier will check:
- that the scope of your WSMP is correct
- you are following the procedures in your WSMP
- you are keeping the required records
- you are meeting any applicable export requirements.
Verification under the Wine Act is systems-based. The focus is on your systems and processes, rather than an inspection of your business.
Find out more about what verifiers do
How often WSMPs are verified
You must get your WSMP verified within 6 months of registration, or before you can export any wine (whichever is first). Your anniversary date will be based upon the date of your first verification. After this, you must have a verification completed every 12 months if you are making wine intended for export.
If you are making wine exclusively for domestic sale, your verification frequency may be reduced, subject to verification outcomes and verifier recommendations.
Your verifier will let you know if your schedule will change, based on the verification results.
In either situation, unacceptable verification outcomes may result in more frequent verification.
Details of verification frequency and steps are in clause 62 of the Wine Regulations 2021.
Wine Regulations 2021, Clause 62 – NZ Legislation
Find a recognised WSMP verifier
Verification can only be performed by a person who has been recognised under the Wine Act. Verifiers must also be employed or engaged by an agency recognised under the Wine Act.
List of agencies recognised as WSMP verifiers
Who to contact
If you have questions about verifying your plan, contact your verifier or email wine.rules@mpi.govt.nz
