New Trade Certification System Boosts New Zealand's Exporters

New Zealand’s $33 billion export sector is set to benefit from the launch of a modernized trade certification system that aims to streamline and future-proof the process of exporting the nation’s top products to global markets. According to Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard, this new system will make it easier, more reliable, and adaptable for exporters to meet the evolving demands of international trade.

A Modern Approach to Exporting

New Zealand’s food and wine exports are globally recognized for their high quality and sustainability, bringing valuable revenue, jobs, and opportunities to the country. As international trade continues to evolve, it’s essential that New Zealand’s certification processes keep up with the times. This new certification system will allow for faster and more flexible responses to changing market requirements and emerging trends.

“Exporters have made it clear they want a system that is available when they need it, easy to use, and responsive to new market demands,” said Hoggard. “The modernized certification system is an essential step in ensuring that New Zealand’s exporters can continue to succeed on the world stage.”

Key Benefits of the New System

The new system brings several key advantages for exporters:

• Reliability and Flexibility: Exporters now have access to a system that is always available and can respond quickly to market changes.
• Single Integrated Process: Unlike the previous six different legacy systems, which required substantial investment to maintain, the new system integrates everything into one streamlined digital process.
• Future-Proofing: By replacing outdated systems, the new certification process ensures New Zealand’s export industry can adapt to the changing global trade landscape for years to come.

Wine Sector Leads the Way

The first sector to benefit from the new certification system is the wine industry, which successfully went live this week. As part of the rollout, the new system will help wine exporters take advantage of the recent European Union Free Trade Agreement, a benefit that was not available under the old system. The modernization of the certification process allows the wine sector to compete more effectively in international markets.

Expanding to Other Export Sectors

While the wine industry has successfully transitioned to the new system, the roll-out continues in stages. Certification for other export products, including plant products and animal products (such as dairy), will follow in the coming year. This phased approach ensures that each sector’s needs are carefully addressed during the transition process.

By replacing multiple legacy systems, the Trade Certification System will provide exporters with a more reliable and secure process to ensure that New Zealand products continue to meet the highest international standards. This is a crucial step in future-proofing the certification process for every exporter and the industries that support them.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has been working closely with wine exporters to ensure that they understand the new system and that the transition will not disrupt their operations. This is especially important as the wine sector heads into the harvest season in early 2024.

Looking Ahead

As the modernized certification system is implemented across more sectors, it will enable New Zealand exporters to continue growing and expanding their reach in international markets. With a more efficient, adaptable, and reliable certification process, exporters can focus on what they do best—producing the world’s finest food, wine, and agricultural products. This new system represents a significant step forward in securing the future of New Zealand’s export industries, ensuring that they remain competitive and resilient in an ever-changing global market.