Government export functions for food and plant products
Many government agencies help New Zealand food and plant product exporters to market and sell their goods and services overseas. Find out about the agencies, their areas of responsibility, and how they can help you.
Six main agencies
The 6 agencies directly involved in exporting food and plant products are:
- the Ministry for Primary Industries
- New Zealand Customs Service
- New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
- the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Medsafe (the Ministry of Health).
Find out how they can help you
Negotiates market access arrangements and provides trusted assurances to overseas markets.
How MPI helps exporters
MPI helps make sure that New Zealand export products meet the requirements of importing countries by:
- providing information on general export requirements for primary products
- issuing export certificates to ensure goods meet certain standards and requirements
- providing regulatory advice on food safety, biosecurity, and animal welfare
- negotiating market access arrangements
Facing a trade barrier?
MPI can help with trade barriers like:
- food safety and standards
- animal welfare.
Contact MPI
- complete our online form
- exporterhelp@mpi.govt.nz
- phone the exporter help team on 04 894 0269
Note, our main phone line for general enquiries is 0800 00 83 33.
Monitors export goods and encourages New Zealand's international trade.
How Customs helps exporters
Customs works closely with exporters and agencies in other countries to support international trade. The service can:
- give advice on customs and duty, including export agreements and procedures
- help with border clearance at destination countries.
If goods have been held up at an international border, NZ Customs is the first agency you should contact.
Customs also:
- verifies harmonised systems (HS) codes
- applies tariff classifications and rates
- issues Rules of Origin
- helps with export entry clearance
- manages the Secure Exports Scheme
- can advise on export prohibitions and restrictions
Facing a trade barrier?
Customs can help with trade barriers like:
- border clearance issues
- tariff classifications
- rules of origin.
Contact Customs
- export2fta@customs.govt.nz
- Phone 0800 42 87 86
The government's international trade promotion and business development agency.
How NZTE helps exporters
NZTE provides exporters with capability-building services and access to international networks. NZTE:
- helps businesses expand internationally
- finds international business partners forming strategic alliances or joint ventures
- takes part in international trade shows and fairs.
Type of help available
- Export Essentials – a series of guides
- Market guides and tips
- Export Essentials workshops
- International Growth Fund
Contact NZTE
- Find your nearest NZTE office
- Phone 0800 55 58 88.
Supports business growth for economic development.
How MBIE helps exporters
MBIE has resources to help exporters, including:
- Questions to ask yourself before exporting
- International market research
- Advice on export planning
- Export intelligence reports – export performance of 21 products
- Importing and exporting laws
MBIE can also help register intellectual property in foreign countries.
Facing a trade barrier?
If you're a manufacturer, MBIE can help with trade barriers like:
- standards and regulations
- rules selling to foreign governments
- restrictions blocking exports.
Contact MBIE
Builds and maintains trade access for New Zealand's goods and services.
How MFAT helps exporters
MFAT is the government's principal adviser and negotiator for free trade agreements. It also negotiates tariffs.
On the MFAT website is:
MFAT also works closely with MPI to negotiate market rules for food safety and biosecurity and to ensure the rules are implemented as agreed.
While MFAT can provide in-market support if goods are held up at an international border, the NZ Customs Service is your first point of contact.
Facing a trade barrier?
Contact MFAT
- exports@mfat.govt.nz
- Phone 0800 82 46 05
The authority responsible for the regulation of therapeutic products in New Zealand.
How Medsafe helps exporters
Medsafe can provide export certificates for dietary supplements. The certificates are issued in the form of a statement for foreign governments that explains the regulatory setting for dietary supplements.
- Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985
- Guidance on whether a product is a dietary supplement
- Export certification for dietary supplements
Medsafe can also help with manufacturing and packaging requirements.
Contact Medsafe
Something else?
If you have a question for MPI unrelated to commercial exporting:
- email info@mpi.govt.nz
- phone 0800 00 83 33.