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Third Party Agencies (TPAs) - Organics

Third Party Agencies (TPAs) are recognised by NZFSA to:

• Assess Organic Management Plans (OMPs)
• Verify operators’ compliance with NZFSA criteria and OMPs
• Register operators for participation in the programme, and
• Manage the timely resolution of non-compliance issues.

Third Party Agencies report to NZFSA regularly on their own activities and compliance with NZFSA Standards, and the performance of associated operators.

This allows NZFSA to monitor performance and trends.

Third Party Agencies are also required to have adequate resources for managing the reporting function and follow-up of required corrective actions.

Finally, TPAs verify that the production of individual consignments was handled in accordance with the criteria prescribed in NZFSA Standard OP3. This is so NZFSA may provide official assurances to competent authorities in overseas markets.

Application Forms

TPA Application Pack

Introduction to the OOAP and Guidelines for New TPAs

• Background to the programme
• Overview of roles and responsibilities
• Focus on NZFSA's activities
  • Standard-setting
  • Approvals
  • Compliance
  • Assurance issue
• Description of non-compliances
• Appeals, complaints, and disputes

Key Documents

Standard OP1: "Accreditation, Approval & Performance Measurement Criteria for Third Party Agencies & Personnel"

• Organisation must be accredited to ISO Standard 17020
• Individuals must be assessed for technical competence and approved by NZFSA
• Reporting to NZFSA
• Assessment against specified criteria by NZFSA at a frequency assigned

Standard OP2: "Third Party Agency Responsibilities"

• Assess operators against criteria (Standard OP3)
• Assign operators to assessment frequency categories
• Conduct regular and surveillance assessments at frequency assigned
• Conduct end point tests (residues, etc.)
• Verify consignments' eligibility for official assurance

Standard OP3: "Registration & Performance Measurement Criteria for Operators - Organic Products"

• Initial registration requirements
  • develop Organic Management Plan
• Ongoing responsibilities, activities
  • reporting to TPA
  • providing evidence to TPA to support consignment eligibility
  • assessment by TPA at frequency determined by category
• NZFSA Technical Rules for Organic Production.

A Guide to the NZFSA Procedure for Recognition and Performance Measurement of Third Party Agencies and Their Individuals

Third Party Agency (TPA) Register

TPA Guidelines for Imported Organic Product