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Organics - Exporting

The official organic assurance programme

NZFSA sets requirements for exporting organic products to countries operating under the official organic assurance programme (OOAP). These requirements are based on each country’s regulations. This usually means controls are equivalent to the importing country’s organic standard.

The OOAP is a programme which exporters choose to operate under in order to meet specific market requirements and facilitate entry of their products into these markets.

Markets covered by the OOAP, and their specific requirements, are detailed in the link below.

Market-specific export requirements for organics

Markets covered by the OOAP may also allow organic exports via alternate routes.

The official organic assurance programme consists of three key documents. These are NZFSA organic standards OP1, OP2 and OP3. Appendix 2 of OP3 outlines the technical rules for organic production.

These standards outline the requirements that operators, exporters, and third party agencies must meet. Any export requirements specific to the country you are exporting to must also be met.

Responsibilities of operators, exporters and third party agencies

The official organic assurance programme applies to:

• operators and exporters – producers, processors and exporters of organic products, for example meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, processed foods, honey and other bee products, and seeds. Operators and exporters are required to meet NZFSA organic standard OP3.

• third party agencies (TPAs) - organisations that are recognised by NZFSA to certify that organic products have been produced in accordance with the appropriate rules. Third party agencies are required to meet NZFSA organic standards OP1 and OP2.

Organic products covered by the official organic assurance programme (OOAP)

Organic products that fall within the following categories are usually covered by the OOAP:

• processed plant and animal products for human or animal consumption, for example, dairy products, fruit juices)

• unprocessed plant and animal products and animals, for example, fruit and vegetables, seeds, unprocessed raw wool.

For more information on products covered by the OOAP see the technical rules below.

NZFSA organic standard OP3, Appendix two: NZFSA technical rules for organic production

Organic products not covered by the official organic assurance programme (OOAP)

Examples of products not covered by the OOAP include:

• organic products sold in New Zealand

• organic products exported to markets that are not part of the official organic assurance programme (OOAP)

To get these products certified as organic, contact an organic certifying body.

Certification - Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) website

Related links

• NZFSA organic standard OP1

• NZFSA organic standard OP2

• NZFSA organic standard OP3

• Market-specific export requirements

• Guide to the New Zealand Food Safety Authority official organic assurance programme

• Organic food - NZFSA policy statement

Contact

organics@nzfsa.govt.nz

Updated 11 August 2009