New Zealand’s food exporters are set to benefit from a major policy shift that removes the need for special exemptions when exporting products that meet overseas standards. Starting 25 September 2025, businesses can bypass domestic composition and labelling rules if their goods comply with the destination country’s regulations.
Led by Food Safety Minister Hon Andrew Hoggard, the reform is expected to cut red tape, reduce costs, and speed up approvals—especially for dairy, packaged foods, and supplements. A one-year transition period will help exporters adjust, with further expansions planned for all food categories.
What’s Changing?
Under the previous system, exporters had to apply for exemptions on a product-by-product basis, even when their goods were fully compliant with overseas regulations. This process often slowed down shipments and created uncertainty—especially in sectors like dairy, where nutritional standards vary widely between countries.
The new framework allows exporters to bypass New Zealand’s domestic requirements if their products align with the importing country’s rules. This means:
- Faster approvals
- Lower compliance costs
- Greater flexibility for innovation and product development
Impact on Key Sectors
The dairy industry, in particular, stands to benefit. With global demand for specialized dairy products rising, New Zealand producers can now tailor their offerings to diverse markets without being constrained by local composition rules.
Other sectors expected to gain include:
- Packaged foods and beverages
- Nutritional supplements
- Specialty ingredients and health products
Source | Beehive NZ