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New process for getting your samples analysed – from 1 October 2009

If you export wine to the European Union, then you need to know about upcoming changes to the process for getting your wine samples analysed.

Guidance for winemakers and exporters

From 1 October 2009, 2 things are changing:

1. the provider of analysis services for export wine

2. the way in which NZFSA administers Crown funding for this service.

Winemakers and exporters will select a laboratory from a list of laboratories recognised by NZFSA. This list will be available from September 2009 on the recognised laboratories page of NZFSA’s website.

Recognised laboratories for export wine analysis

NZFSA has invited interested laboratories to apply to become recognised to provide analysis of export grape wine for export certification. The results from the analysis can be used to support the issue of export VI-1 export certificates for wine destined for EU countries

There will not be a commercial contract between NZFSA and any laboratory. Instead, grape wine exporters must make their own contractual arrangements with their chosen recognised laboratory, and pay the laboratory directly for the analytical services provided.

Crown funding is still available to support this service, allowing NZFSA to issue a rebate of the actual cost of the analysis, up to a maximum of $160.00 + GST per sample. Rebates for export wine testing will only be issued where the results have been used to support the issue of a VI-1 certificate for wine destined to European Union countries.

How the new process will work

The 6 steps listed below explain the new process:

Step 1: Select your recognised laboratory

NZFSA will publish a list of laboratories that are recognised to provide analysis of export grape wine. This list will be updated on the recognised laboratories page of NZFSA’s website.

Recognised laboratories for export wine analysis

Wine exporters will select a recognised laboratory from the list and make contractual arrangements with their chosen laboratory.

Step 2: Submit your application for export eligibility approval for your batch of wine

When you apply to the Wine Export Certification Service (WECS) for export eligibility approval for your batch of wine for export to the EU, you will be asked to supply details of the actual cost of the analysis.

A new unique reference number will be provided on your application form. This number must accompany all samples submitted to WECS and to your laboratory for traceability purposes.

Step 3: Submit your samples

For each batch of wine, you need to send one sample to your laboratory, and two samples to WECS for sensory analysis and for retaining as a reference sample.

Step 4: Receive your results

Your test results will appear on the wine web portal in the same way that they do now, along with a PDF version of the laboratory’s analysis report.

Step 5: Apply for export eligibility for your consignment

Once your batch of wine has been approved for export to the EU, you can include it in your electronic application for consignment approval. You make this application to WECS through the wine web portal.

WECS will then issue your V1-1 certificate for each eligible batch of wine and an export eligibility statement for the consignment.

Step 6: Receive your rebate

The first time a VI-1 is issued for a particular batch of wine, you will be eligible for a rebate. This rebate covers the actual cost of analysis up to a maximum of $160.00 + GST per sample. NZFSA will pay the total monthly rebate due directly into your bank account, and will send you remittance advice.

Flow diagram: Getting your wine analysed for export certification

Updated 14 August 2009