Market Access Updates

Japan
OMAR Notification 25/26 published early July, reflected that Japan has recognised HPAI is absent from NZ, therefore requirements have reverted to those prevailing prior to the outbreak. This is welcome but comes with the risk that, should HPAI reoccur, we are back to square one.

Recently there has been a rejection at the Japan border with two issues:
Firstly, the inclusion of rabbit. Japan have confirmed that rabbit and hare are prohibited imports due to the risk of importing rabbit viruses. This is permanent. Rabbit has been imported into Japan for some time and it has “slipped through.”
Secondly, two venison products were denied entry as there was no slaughter premises assigned on the certificate. Japan MAFF refused entry as venison was not ante- and post-mortem inspected. MPI believes there is an agreement in place for wild venison. MPI is in discussion with MAFF on the matter and in the meantime, certificates will continue to be signed as “commercial risk.”

China
The Association has made comments on the draft updated petfood protocol, which has been submitted to GACC.
MPI is meeting with GACC again on 26th August to progress.
The proposed systems audit is still planned, but dates remain unclear.
A response has been received from GACC on the current batch of requested additions and amendments to the China establishment listings. Some have been accepted and some required further information. MPI is in contact with the affected operators.

Korea
MPI are still in discussion with Korea regarding petfood premise listings and the update to the certificate KR204. The Association has provided comment on the draft to MPI.

Taiwan
Six petfood premises will be audited by Taiwan.
Information has been sent to Taiwan from all six.
Dates are unclear.
Once the audit is complete MPI will be able to add further premises to the list of approved premises.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong has accepted that HPAI is now absent in New Zealand and, like Japan, requirements have reverted to those prevailing prior to the outbreak and carries the same risk should HPAI re-appear.

USA Tariffs
USA has imposed a blanket 15% tariff on NZ exports, which includes petfoods, in effect on 7th August. The previous tariff is in effect for goods in transit, provided they arrive by 4th October.
Efforts MFaT to amend this have so far proved fruitless.