Importing pig meat, pig meat products and by-products from Canada, the EU, Mexico and the USA
Information for importers
On May 3rd 2012 the High Court upheld MPI’s decision to issue the new import health standards, allowing the importation of raw uncooked pork from countries where the disease Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is present. Interim relief orders granted by the High Court, prohibiting the import of consumer ready cuts of raw pork under the new import health standards, lapsed upon judgment.
However, on 18 May the New Zealand Pork Industry Board filed notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal. Application to extend the interim relief orders pending the outcome of the appeal, has also been filed but that application has not yet been heard by the High Court.
Prospective importers should seek advice on the latest developments in this matter in order to minimise the risk of an interruption to or suspension of trade, which could result in commercial losses if product was in preparation for export, or is subject to a court-directed recall after importation into New Zealand. MPI will not accept liability for any such losses.
We will update this information if there are any changes to the status of these import health standards.
Prospective importers are further advised that MPI may be verifying a representative sample from every imported consignment of consumer ready cuts to ensure the commodity conforms to the requirements of the import health standards (i.e. less than 3kg, no minced meat, and no lymphatic tissue present).
For technical support and information relating to import health standards and the verification process, please contact Animal Imports tel. 0800 008 333 or animalimports@mpi.govt.nz
Import health standards
These regulatory documents contain the full scope and associated import requirements. All importers should read these documents outlining the biosecurity requirements that must be met to import pig meat, pig meat products and by-products.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| MEAPORIC.MEX | Importing Pig Meat and Pig Meat Products for Human Consumption from the Sonora State of Mexico |
| MEAPORIC.NAM | Importing Pig Meat and Pig Meat Products for Human Consumption from Canada and/or the United States of America |
| MEBYPORIC.NAM | Importing Pig By-Products from Canada and/or the United States of America |
| MEAPORIC.EU | Importing Pig Meat and Pig Meat Products for Human Consumption from the European Union |
These import health standards have replaced the following import health standards:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
MEACPOIC.CAN  (43 KB) |
Importing Processed pig meat products from Canada |
| MEACPOIC.MEX (44 KB) |
Importing Processed pig meat products from Mexico |
| MEACPOIC.USA (34 KB) |
Importing Processed pig meat products from the USA |
| MEAPORIC.CAN (44 KB) |
Importing Unprocessed pig meat products from Canada |
| MEAPORIC.EEC (61 KB) |
Importing Pig meat for human consumption from the European Union |
| MEAPORIC.USA (38 KB) |
Importing Unprocessed pig meat products from the USA |
| MEAPORIC.SPE (56 KB) |
Importing Pig meat and Pig meat products from Finland or Sweden |
| MEAPORIC.MEX (45 KB) |
Importing unprocessed Pig Meat Products for human consumption from Mexico (State of Sonora) 31 August 2001 |
Background
On May 3rd 2012 the High Court upheld MPI’s decision to issue the new import health standards (above), allowing the importation of raw uncooked pork from countries where the disease Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is present.
MPI analysed the risks and consulted extensively with affected parties and international experts before reaching a decision to issue the Import Health Standards for pig meat and pig meat products from the European Union, Canada, USA and Sonora State of Mexico, which allow for the import of consumer-ready cuts weighing no more than 3kg, with lymph nodes removed.
Further analysis was undertaken in response to an Independent Review Panel report, resulting in the Director-General’s decision to issue the import health standards.
MPI’s primary concern is to ensure the risk of diseases – such as PRRS – establishing in New Zealand is effectively managed, while meeting our obligations under international agreements for science-based and least-trade-restrictive import requirements.
On 18 May, the New Zealand Pork Industry Board lodged an appeal to the Court of Appeal against the High Court decision. Application to extend the interim relief orders pending the outcome of the appeal, has also been filed but that application has not yet been heard by the High Court.
Prospective importers should seek advice from MPI on the latest developments in this matter in order to minimise the risk of an interruption to or suspension of trade, which could result in commercial losses if product was in preparation for export, or is subject to a court-directed recall after importation into New Zealand. MPI will not accept liability for any such losses.
More background on the issue is detailed in the following documents:
- Background Information (46 KB)
- Media Release - Court upholds decision to issue pork import health standards
Page last updated: 24 May 2012