22 October 2004
New Zealand’s Meat Trade with China
Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (Inc)
“Discussions between New Zealand and the People’s Republic of China on the approval of New Zealand meat processing
plants for export to China are ongoing, notwithstanding the deadline of 1 November 2004, announced some time ago, for
the issue of import permits to Chinese importers” Chief Executive of the Meat Industry Association, Caryll Shailer, said
today. “A delegation from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority will be in Beijing next week to advance those
discussions.”
“Progress has been hindered by different technical understandings of New Zealand’s meat hygiene system and the advanced
technologies utilised in today’s modern food environment. Industry will continue to work in partnership with government
to ensure our valued trade with China is put on a secure footing.”
“The industry does not accept that its plants are sub-standard, Dr Shailer says. It has invested heavily over the last
half century to ensure that its food safety standards for exported meat meet the increasingly rigorous requirements of
the world’s most discerning markets and that conditions in our processing and export plants match or exceed world
practice. There have been counterpart investments by livestock producers in ensuring that stock presented for slaughter
is healthy, and increasing investment in meeting the traceability requirements in certain markets.”
The Association is currently seeking data to enable an accurate assessment of the potential trade impact following
China’s re-confirmation of the implementation date for its existing rule. That rule states that from 1 November 2004
import permits will no longer be issued for product that does not come from a plant registered by China’s own
inspectors.
“Transitional arrangements have been provided to enable product to continue to enter China where an importer has a valid
import permit issued before 31 October. Importers in China actually hold the import permits so it may be some days
before we are able to accurately determine any immediate impact.”
We understand that the New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s recommendations for plants that fulfill the requirements may
now be accepted as the basis for China’s own approval. “China’s willingness to accept a systems approach to listing is a
step in the right direction.”
China is a key and growing market for lamb products, fancy meats, beef cuts, offals and other products, and in 2003 was
worth approximately $255 million. It is the diverse product mix and the significant growth potential that makes China
such an important market for the New Zealand meat industry.
ENDS