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What are the Registration Requirements for Dairy RMPs?

Outline of Registration Requirements for Dairy RMPs

Once the RMP has been completed and undergone the necessary evaluation by a recognised evaluator the operator needs to submit the RMP to NZFSA for registration. The various steps in the registration process are described below.

1. Application for Registration of RMP

The following documentation must be submitted to NZFSA (Attn Programme Manager (Production & Processing), Approvals and ACVM Group:

• The evaluator endorsed RMP, or the evaluator endorsed RMP outline, or the evaluator endorsed RMP amendment.

• The appropriate application form (DPF-4), and application fee $134 (inc GST).

• The RMP evaluation report (including premises and heat treatment evaluation reports) and endorsement from recognised evaluators.

Note: The RMP evaluator is responsible for sighting any premises or heat treatment evaluation reports and using these as additional material to support any recommendations for registration of the RMP.

2. NZFSA Assessment of RMP

• NZFSA acknowledges receipt of the application – this will usually be by email.

• NZFSA undertakes an assessment of RMP. Note that for new premises NZFSA allows 10 working days for a well prepared RMP and 20 working days for existing businesses.

• If necessary NZFSA asks the operator and/or the RMP evaluator for more information.

• If RMP needs to be amended, the operator will need to send it to evaluator for endorsement and updating of evaluator’s report (which is returned to operator).

• Once everything has been completed the operator submits final documents to NZFSA.

Note: NZFSA requires a period of time, eg 10 or 20 working days for assessment of RMPs. Operators must plan for this time when determining when operations can commence.

3. Registration of RMP

• NZFSA completes the assessment of the RMP and asks the operator for assessment fee of $134/hour.

• The operator pays the assessment fee or indicates a willingness to pay.

• NZFSA registers the RMP (with appropriate conditions).

• NZFSA sends a letter, notice of registration and stamped copy of the registered RMP to the operator and the Recognised Verifying Agency.

• NZFSA publishes operator details on Dairy RMP web register.

4. Refusal to Register the RMP

• If the D-G refuses to register the RMP he must give the applicant an opportunity to make submissions.

• The D-G cannot register the RMP if:

– it does not comply with requirements under APA

– it will not ensure product is fit for intended purpose

– the applicant is not a fit and proper person

– the business or operator is not resident in NZ.

• If the DG does refuse to register the RMP, the applicant may seek review of that decision under section 162 of the Act.

5. Change of RMP Operator

• Registration of a RMP applies only to a particular operator and premises or place.

• Change in operator includes:

– change in name of company (not shareholding)

– change in members of a partnership (not in respective shares)

– death, bankruptcy, receivership, or liquidation of the operator.

• Registration may not be transferred to a different operator or premises or place.

• A new operator may register a RMP in substantially identical terms as those applied to a former operator:

• Use form AP5 to apply for registration with a new operator.

6. Amendments to RMP

• Minor amendments:

– Operator to document and validate

– Operator to notify NZFSA when required.

• Significant amendments

– Operator to document and validate

– Operator to submit amendment to recognised evaluator for evaluation

– Then apply to NZFSA for registration using DPF-6 and the process described above in 1, 2 and 3.

7. Surrender of RMP

• An operator may choose to surrender their registered RMP at any time.

• The operator must:

– Notify the D-G in writing, including how any remaining animal product will be dealt with

– Notify the recognised verifying agency

– Return the RMP registration documentation to NZFSA

– DG then approves surrender of the RMP.