Export Laboratory Programme (ELP)
The Export Laboratory Programme came into force on 1 February 2010 and all laboratories must operate under the new Export Laboratory Programme by date 31 Jan 2011 for testing of live animals and germplasm for export.
- Export Laboratory Programme: Requirements for Laboratories Conducting the Testing of Live Animals and Germplasm for Export (ELP)
(357 KB) - Export Laboratory Programme (ELP) Forms
Registers and lists:
ELP Test List 1 (41 KB) for the complete list of tests a laboratory may undertake under the Export Laboratory Programme.
ELP Recognised Laboratories List 2 (53 KB) for the list of recognised laboratories and that laboratory’s approved tests, recognised persons and their signatory functions.
Investigation and Diagnostic Centres conducts tests for exporting animals and animal products abroad (overseas), as well as diagnostic tests for animals with suspected disease.
To enter the programme, laboratories will need to be accredited to ISO 17025, to the scope of the Export Laboratory Programme, and be recognised by MAFBNZ.
Existing laboratories accredited to ISO 17025
Existing laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 can operate under their current provisions until their accreditation or surveillance audit date is due. Before that date, laboratories will need to have developed the following:
- procedures to meet specifications of the Export Laboratory Programme
- application for recognition of the laboratory
- applications for the recognition of person(s)
To be sent an information pack on the process to become registered as an laboratory for the testing of live animals and germplasm for export, email your request to:
The accreditation body (IANZ) will audit to ISO 17025 to the scope of the Export Laboratory Programme. We recommend that you make appropriate arrangements with IANZ.
New laboratories entering the programme need to be accredited first
New laboratories entering the Export Laboratory Programme will need to be audited and accredited to ISO 17025 and to the scope of the Export Laboratory Programme by IANZ before application for recognition can be made to MPI. For further details refer to:
Issues Register for interpretations and clarifications
Since the issuing of the Export Laboratory Programme in 2010, a number of questions have arisen about interpretations of various sections of the Export Laboratory Programme. MPI has provided clarifications, and these are now recorded in the issues register:
Issues Register – Export Laboratory Programme (60 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 from time to time without formal notification.
ELP Legal Notice
Complaints and appeals procedure
A complaints and appeals procedure can be downloaded here:
Complaints and appeals (25 KB)
Conflict of Interest Policy
The MPI Conflict of Interest policy, FAQs and case summaries are available here:
MPI Conflict of Interest policy June 2010 (91 KB)
Questions and answers on managing conflicts of interest (12 KB)
Quick links for case studies of examples of conflicts of interest (13 KB)
Page last updated: 30 April 2012