Market Access Updates

WOAH Country Freedom
On September 23rd, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) officially recognised New Zealand as free of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Many markets had already recognised New Zealand’s self-declaration of HPAI absence, so this additional recognition will not make a significant difference to the petfood industry.

Japan
Japan has recognised that HPAI is absent from New Zealand; therefore, requirements have reverted to those prevailing prior to the outbreak, provided that poultry ingredients were slaughtered on or after 25 June 2025. Japan has expressed concerns for products containing mixed species. The slaughter date ranges on the JP200 certificate for each species are unclear. They require slaughter dates to be clearly defined for each species, and this information should be recorded in the “Official Information” box. Refer to OMAR Notification 36/25, published on 26 September, here.
An updated JP200 will be issued in due course to resolve this.
MPI and Japan are negotiating access for wild cloven-hoofed animals. In the meantime, wild venison and goat are not allowed entry. Wallaby, kangaroo, and possum are allowed entry. Rabbit and hare remain prohibited imports, and this is unlikely to change.

China
Thank you to everyone who participated in discussions regarding heat treatments for retail-ready petfoods. This formed part of a submission to MPI, which has since made a further submission to GACC on the revision of the retail-ready protocol. A response is awaited.
The proposed systems audit is still planned. The week commencing 26 October is suggested but yet to be confirmed.
The heat treatment protocols affect all products, not just avian-containing petfoods. Therefore, all processors should prioritise work on validating heat treatments across their range of products destined for China, once the heat treatments are confirmed.
There has been no word yet on the approval of the requested additions and amendments to the China establishment listings. MPI remains in contact with the affected operators.

Korea
MPI is still in discussion with Korea regarding petfood premises listings. Premises are divided into two groups: those that have a history of exporting to Korea prior to 25 January 2025 (“old premises”) and those that wish to be listed but do not have that history of export (“new premises”).
Draft premises questionnaires have been received, and MPI has sought clarification on a couple of issues. MPI is developing a guidance document to assist operators. The Association has commented on the first draft of this document. Both the questionnaire and the guidance document should be completed very soon.
The questionnaire and guidance document will be sent to all “old” premises first and forwarded to Korea in batches. Soon after, they will be sent to all “new” premises, which will also need to complete the AP20(2) form.
Negotiations are also underway to update the KR204 certificate. The Association has provided comments on the draft to MPI.

Taiwan
It is intended that six petfood premises will be audited by Taiwan in a systems audit. Information has been sent to Taiwan for all six premises, and a response is awaited.
Audit dates are unclear but are expected to occur early in the first quarter of 2026. Once the systems audit is complete, MPI will be able to add further premises to the list of approved sites without requiring Taiwan’s approval.

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. However, this carries the same risk that should HPAI reappear, restrictions will be reinstated.

USA Tariffs
The USA has imposed a blanket 15% tariff on New Zealand exports, which includes petfoods, effective from 7 August. Goods arriving after 4 October are affected.
No change is expected, as efforts by MFAT have so far proved unsuccessful.