New Zealand Raises Requirements for Dairy Products Destined for the Chinese Market

Recently, New Zealand MPI issued a document named “China: Transition to AP E-Cert and Enhance Traceability Requirements”, which introduced more stringent requirements for country of origin labeling of dairy products. From 30 March 2015, only dairy products produced using raw materials (milk source) from NZ and made in NZ or with a small amount of auxiliary materials or non-dairy ingredients (such as lactose) of non-NZ origin are allowed to use labels bearing the “made in New Zealand” designation. Exporters should also have a New Zealand animal product export permit. In addition, NZ dairy companies are required to submit more detailed packaging information to the NZ MPI. The package should clearly indicate the brand name, expiry date, storage and transportation methods as well as a certificate of hygiene. NZ dairy industry representatives have further clarified that the requirement for milk materials being of NZ origin essentially means protein based raw materials should be from NZ.

The new measure serves as the gold standard for determining the right to bear the 100 % made in NZ designation. It will also facilitate Chinese consumer’s ability to identify the quality, milk source and country of origin of imported dairy products.