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Import Clearance Procedure

Returned New Zealand exports (rejected New Zealand exports)

All exporters are legally obliged to notify NZFSA should their export be rejected from an importing country or export is turned around during transit. For more information about returned animal products see the Exporter obligations under the APA: Information Pamphlet

Exporter obligations under the APA: information pamphlet

Following Biosecurity New Zealand clearance, all returned New Zealand foods (i.e. originally exported from New Zealand) which have been rejected from an importing country or turned around in transit are subject to specific NZFSA import requirements as follows:

• Returned animal products (excluding dairy) are regulated under the Animal Products Act 1999 and associated requirements under OMAR 01/172. An Animal Products Officer (APO from NZFSA Verification Agency) is responsible for assessing the returned food. Should the food be intended for sale on the domestic market, the APO must seek confirmation from a Food Act Officer prior to releasing the food.

Note: Although outside the scope of this document, OMAR 01/172 also applies to returned animal products for animal consumption or industrial/technical uses.

• Returned dairy products are regulated under the Animal Products Act 1999. The requirements for returned dairy material / product will differ depending on the reason for the return and intended use when re-imported into New Zealand. The exporter/importer should contact the Programme Manager (Verification) to discuss (on +64 4 894 2416) or email alisa.bradley@nzfsa.govt.nz ) before product is returned.

• Returned ‘other’ foods (excluding animal and dairy) – food is assessed on a case-by-case basis by a Food Act Officer at the local NZFSA Verification office and disposition determined in consultation with NZFSAVA Wellington.