Official Assurance Programme for Export of Live Animals and Germplasm

Current OAP

The current official version of the Official Assurance Programme for Export of Live Animals and germplasm, dated 28 November 2011, is now in force for all the industry groups involved. The new OAP covers the transition period until new Codes of Practice are developed – refer to Transition Plan below.

Exporters are advised to familiarise themselves with this programme so that they are aware of the requirements that apply to them. Previous versions of this document are expected to be destroyed, or removed from circulation, to prevent inadvertent use.

Official Assurance Programme Requirements for Export of Live Animals and Germplasm Link to PDF document (896 KB)

Transition Plan for Industry Link to PDF document (36 KB)

Export Verification Programme Link to PDF document (76 KB)

The Export Verification Programme document defines the operational detail of the verification process for export approved premises (semen centres, embryo teams and poultry hatcheries) being implemented as a result of the issuing of the new Notices (see below) and the changing of the OAP into Codes of Practice.

Official Assurance Programme Forms

Issues Register for interpretations and clarifications

Since the issuing of the Official Assurance Programme in 2008, a number of questions have arisen about interpretations of various sections of the Official Assurance Programme. MAFBNZ has provided clarifications, and these are now recorded in the issues register:

Issues Register - Official Assurance Programme Link to PDF document (566 KB)

Note: this is a living document and will be updated as issues are raised and clarified. Check these from time to time as the document may be updated with minor amendments without formal notification.

OAP legal notices:

Animal Products (Official Assurances Specification) Notice 2011 Link to PDF document (246 KB)
Animal Products (Recognised Agencies and Persons Specifications) Notice 2011 Link to PDF document (109 KB)
Animal Products (Export Approved Premises) Notice 2011 Link to PDF document (74 KB), and
Animal Products (Export Verification Requirements) Notice 2011 Link to PDF document (118 KB)

Complaints and appeals procedure

A complaints and appeals procedure can be downloaded here:

Complaints and Appeals Link to PDF document (25 KB).

Page last updated: 30 January 2012