Official Assurance Programme for Export of Live Animals and Germplasm
The Official Assurance Programme for live animals and germplasm is an export programme specifically related to the export of live animals, and germplasm of some species. The programme is supported by four legal notices (see below OAP legal notices) that introduced some significant changes to the export programme from November 2011.
The Ministry for Primary Industries is currently working towards the amalgamation and harmonisation of export programmes.
As a part of this review, the Official Assurance Programme: Requirements for Export of Live Animals and Germplasm (OAP) is being replaced by four Codes of Practice. The Codes of Practice consolidate the recommendations that are agreed with industry for the minimum export standards supporting the issue of official assurances under Part 5 of the Animal Products Act 1999.
The requirements for export are published as two types of documents that set the standards and specifications for export:
- Codes of Practice or the OAP
- Export Requirements (overseas market access requirements)
Development of Codes of Practice to replace the OAP
The current version of the Official Assurance Programme: Requirements for Export of Live Animals and Germplasm (OAP) is Version 5, which has sections deleted where a Code of Practice replaces that section.
Official Assurance Programme Requirements for Export of Live Animals and Germplasm
(794 KB)
Official Assurance Programme Forms
The following two Codes of Practice and a separate definitions document were issued for use from 1 February 2013.
- Code of Practice: General Live Animal Export
(172 KB) - Code of Practice: Pre-export Quarantine and Isolation
(110 KB) - Definitions
(68 KB)
Draft Codes of Practice
The following two draft Codes of Practice are currently undergoing consultation:
- Code of Practice: Export Germplasm
(1102 KB) - Code of Practice: Export Poultry
(326 KB)
Verification of Export Approved Premises
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.
Export Verification Programme
(76 KB)
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. MPI has provided clarifications, and these are now recorded in the issues register:
Issues Register - Official Assurance Programme
(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 2013
(274 KB)
Animal Products (Recognised Agencies and Persons Specifications) Notice 2011
(109 KB)
Animal Products (Export Approved Premises) Notice 2011
(74 KB)
Animal Products (Export Verification Requirements) Notice 2011
(118 KB)
Complaints and appeals procedure
A complaints and appeals procedure can be downloaded here:
Complaints and Appeals
(25 KB)
Page last updated: 24 April 2013



