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Organics - Overview

If you produce, sell or export New Zealand-made organic products this page will guide you through the requirements.

What ‘organic’ means

‘Organic’ is a labelling term used on products that have been produced in accordance with organic production standards. This may be certified by a certification body or authority.

Organic agriculture is based on minimising the use of external inputs. For example, it avoids or excludes the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, antibiotics, growth promotants, genetic modification and irradiation.

Organic handlers, processors and retailers follow voluntary standards to maintain the integrity of organically produced products.

Organic certification standards are not food safety standards. Organic products must meet the same food safety standards that apply to all food for sale in New Zealand.

NZFSA’s policy on organic food

Read about NZFSA’s organic food policy and the background behind it.

Organic food - NZFSA policy statement

Selling organics in New Zealand

If you produce organic products for sale in New Zealand you must meet the regulatory requirements for your type of product. For example, dairy products must meet the requirements of the Animal Products Act 1999.

In addition, you may choose to meet voluntary organic production standards. NZFSA does not administer organic standards for products sold in New Zealand. For more information about organic standards, contact an organic certifying body.

Selling organics in New Zealand

Exporting organics

If you export organic products, requirements differ depending on the country you export to, and whether or not you are exporting under NZFSA’s official organic assurance programme (OOAP).

Exporting organics under the OOAP

NZFSA has an agreement with some countries to facilitate the export of organic products. This is called the official organic assurance programme (OOAP). The OOAP operates for these countries: the European Union, Switzerland, USA, Japan and Taiwan.

Following the OOAP certifies your organic products have met organic standards, usually equivalent to those of the country you are exporting to. It allows you to apply the same organic certification label as for organic products made in the destination country.

Exporting organics

Exporting organics to countries not covered by the OOAP

If you export organic products to a country that is not covered by the OOAP, you are responsible for determining the requirements of the country you are exporting to. The following websites may help you.

OPENZ website

OANZ website

Contact

organics@nzfsa.govt.nz

Updated 11 August 2009