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NZFSA Policy Statement on Market Access and Official Assurances

When providing official assurances for animals, plants and related products, the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is guided by a set of Market Access and Official Assurance principles (the principles). The principles set out NZFSA policy on bilateral market access protocols and certification arrangements relating to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues and associated trade aspects.

The principles were developed and agreed by NZFSA and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) in 2006.

The principles are published on the NZFSA website. They are grouped under headings relating to market access requirements, export certification and certification systems, and the apportioning of related costs. The roles and responsibilities are clarified for each participant in the market access and official assurances system, including third party verifiers. The principles reflect the NZFSA and MAFBNZ philosophy relating to official assurances, including the importance of ensuring integrity and credibility.

Background to the NZFSA policy statement on Market Access and Official Assurances Principles

Both NZFSA and MAFBNZ provide official assurances for a wide range of animals, plants and related products.

By adhering to joint principles, NZFSA and MAFBNZ can ensure their respective systems are aligned, harmonised and integrated as appropriate. This may benefit those industry operators who need to obtain official assurances from both NZFSA and MAFBNZ. An example would be an exporter of a plant product that needs phytosanitary assurances from MAFBNZ and organic assurances from NZFSA.

The principles align with the Government’s Regulatory Model. The Regulatory Model defines clear roles and tasks for the regulator, the verifier and industry operators. Where possible, the verifier role is devolved to third party agencies (i.e. agencies independent of government).

The principles are consistent with standards and guidelines set by relevant international organisations. These organisations include the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the International Plant Protection Convention and the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Further Information about the NZFSA’s Policy on Market Access and Official Assurances:

Market Access & Official Assurance Principles

The Regulatory Model

Codex Alimentarius Commission

International Plant Protection Convention

World Organisation for Animal Health

This page was last updated on 16 February 2009.