No images? Click here 18 June 2021Reminder. Industry Notification: Importing food, drinks and/or ingredients? Check you are properly registered by 30 June 2021.If you import food, drinks, or ingredients for sale (including goods for further processing or re-export), you must be registered as a food importer with New Zealand Food Safety (part of the Ministry for Primary Industries). Alternatively, you can use an agent who is registered to import your food for you.As part of New Zealand Food Safety's improvements to the food safety system, from 30 June 2021, there will be an automatic check of Food Importer registrations for all consignments intended as food for sale. This means that from 30 June, food consignments imported into New Zealand by unregistered importers will be held, until a Food Importer registration number is issued. These rules apply to everyone importing food for sale including: processed food; health and dietary supplements; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; fresh fruit and vegetables; grains, seeds, and nuts; confectionery; and food for promotional giveaways. Imported food includes ingredients used in the manufacturing of food and beverages, such as hops. How do you register? It is simple and inexpensive to apply. Go to Register as a Food Importer for easy-to-follow steps on how to register, renew or update your Food Importer registration. It will take approximately five working days to receive a new Food Importer registration number. So if you need one, don’t delay. You may need to also register as a food business under either the Food Act 2014, Animal Products Act 1999 or Wine Act 2003. To find your food rules, go to My Food Rules and complete the online questionnaire. Questions?For more information, see the May 2021 Industry Update: Importing food, drinks and/or ingredients? If you have any questions about registration as a food importer, or if you are unsure if the product you import is classed as food for sale, please email info@mpi.govt.nz or call 0800 00 83 33.
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