New Zealand Proposes Export Exemption Reforms to Boost Food Exports

Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard highlighted the government's commitment to making New Zealand's food exports more efficient and accessible to international markets.

The coalition Government has announced a new export exemption proposal aimed at reducing regulatory barriers for food businesses and increasing the value of New Zealand exports. Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard highlighted the government's commitment to making New Zealand's food exports more efficient and accessible to international markets.

Key Proposal Highlights

Simplified Exemption Process: The proposed regulatory changes would eliminate the need for individual export exemption applications and assessments by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Enhanced Innovation: The new exemption pathway is designed to allow food exporters to own and manage the process for meeting importing country requirements, fostering greater product innovation.

Independent Verification: Exporters would need to meet any conditions specified in regulations, with these conditions being independently verified as part of their existing risk-based measures.

Benefits of the Proposal

Reduced Red Tape: The proposal aims to cut unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, enabling food businesses to focus on creating jobs, opportunities, and generating export dollars for New Zealand.

Economic Impact: Food exports are a crucial part of New Zealand's economy. The proposed changes demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting the primary sector and enhancing the value of exports.

Alignment with Trading Partners: The new system would align New Zealand's processes with those of key trading partners such as Canada, Australia, and European Union member countries.

Current Challenges

Under the existing system, food produced for sale in New Zealand—and for export—must meet domestic food standard requirements for composition and labeling. Exporters must apply to MPI for exemptions under the Food Act 2014 when foods are produced to meet different importing country requirements. This process is both costly and inefficient, requiring case-by-case applications for each product and market.

Sector Feedback

Dairy Sector: Representatives from the dairy sector, the main users of the current export exemption process, have expressed that the existing system limits their ability to capitalize on export opportunities, innovate, and compete in global markets.

Government’s Response

Minister Hoggard emphasized the government's responsiveness to industry concerns and the aim to streamline processes to support exporters better. The consultation process for the proposed changes is now open, inviting stakeholders to provide their input on the regulatory reforms.

Minister’s Statement

"Food exports are the bedrock of our economy, and this proposal demonstrates this Government’s steadfast commitment to backing the primary sector and growing the value of New Zealand exports," said Minister Hoggard. "The clear message from dairy sector representatives is that the current exemption process limits their ability to innovate and compete overseas. The options proposed in the consultation better align New Zealand with key trading partners, including Canada, Australia, and European Union member countries."

Next Steps

The government is actively seeking feedback from stakeholders on the proposed changes. The consultation process will gather insights to refine the proposal, ensuring it effectively reduces regulatory barriers and supports the growth of New Zealand’s food export industry.

For more details on the proposal and how to participate in the consultation, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the Ministry for Primary Industries’ website.