Request a Demo1. Competent authority
Competent authority | Responsibility |
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) | MPI is the key organization that regulates food imported into New Zealand. It:
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Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) |
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2. Market access approval
2.1 Import Health Standards (IHS)
The Import Health Standard, or IHS, is required for importation into New Zealand of any biosecurity risk goods. The IHS specific to your product outlines the steps you need to follow to ensure successful importation. In many cases, certain dairy products can only be imported from countries explicitly listed in the relevant IHS. If your dairy products do not have a corresponding IHS, they will not be eligible for export to New Zealand. The following are the key IHS related to dairy products:
2.2 Food Safety Clearance
Some food products of high regulatory interest require food safety clearance. Dairy foods of high regulatory interest include raw milk products, fresh cheese, curd cheese and soft cheese (pasteurised). The corresponding clearance requirements are listed as below:
Dairy HRI food | Permitted country or region of export | Clearance requirement | Testing requirement |
Raw milk products | • European Union • United Kingdom • Switzerland | Official certificate | Not applicable |
Fresh cheese, curd cheese and soft cheese (pasteurised) | • European Union • United Kingdom • Norway • Switzerland | Option 1: Official certificate | Not applicable |
Option 2: Testing of consignment | Listeria monocytogenes n = 5, c = 0, m = not detected in 25 g
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All other countries | Testing of consignment |
2.3 Inspection and testing
MPI will tell you if the dairy food you're importing needs to be inspected, sampled or tested. HRI dairy food may need testing, and these must be conducted in approved laboratories.
3. Product compliance
3.1 Product requirements
Dairy products in New Zealand must comply with the product requirements as shown in the table below:
Items | Key Provisions |
Product standards | |
Substances added to foods | Schedule 15 – Substances that may be used as food additives of the Food Standards Code Schedule 17 – Vitamins and minerals of the Food Standards Code |
Contaminants | Schedule 19 – Maximum levels of contaminants and natural toxicants |
3.2 Label
Dairy products should follow the labeling requirements in the Part 1.2 Labelling and other information requirements of the Food Standards Code. The food label should be included on or attached to the product and presented in a clear, easy-to-read format in English. While other languages may appear on the label, all essential information must be provided in English to ensure compliance. In addition, the label must have the right information to meet the Fair Trading Act and Weights and Measures Regulations.
Key labeling items of dairy products include name of the food, lot identification, net quantity, name and business address of the supplier, advisory statements, warning statements and allergen declaration, statement of ingredients, date marking information, storage conditions and directions for use, Nutrition information panel (NIP) and more. For more details, please refer to ChemLinked FoodCheck on Labeling.
* Global Food Compliance Service
We provide various market entry services to help stakeholders better understand exporting requirements, establish business, and secure a competitive place to facilitate trade development.
Covered Countries
China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
Our Services
Food Ingredient Review
Label Review
Product Registration
Regulatory Consultation
Monitoring, Training and Customized report
Please feel free to contact us via food@chemlinked.com if you need any help.
