What will happen to food businesses who haven't applied for registration by 28th February 2019?
If businesses have not applied for registration by the 28th February deadline, they will be operating unregistered businesses. Their customers may refuse to accept their goods or use their services, and MPI and local Councils may take enforcement action.
For any new businesses, it's never too late to register see NZGAP Registration Page on how to register.
What will happen to food businesses whose applications have not been evaluated/approved/processed by 28th February 2019?
If these businesses have submitted a correct application, have proof of receipt of this application (e.g. have received an email form NZGAP, industry body or MPI stating that their application is "in progress"), have submitted a plan for evaluation, and are producing safe and suitable food, they can continue to operate as a food business.
If businesses applied for registration on time, but now need to register a different plan or programme, they can continue to operate as a food business - as long as they have proof of receipt of this application, as are producing safe and suitable food.
Can businesses accept food from unregistered suppliers?
Food businesses have a responsibility to only source food from reputable suppliers. For suppliers that are not yet registered, businesses may ask for proof that their Food Act registration is being processed (i.e. email receipt of application) and that these suppliers are providing safe and suitable food. It's also important to note that some businesses are exempt from registration (from Food Act, Animal Products Act, or both), but may still be reputable suppliers.
What if a new business but not yet trading?
Food Act registrations isn't needed yet, but note that it can take up to 3 months to get NZGAP certified because of registration, developing and implementing systems as well as getting audited, therefore it is important to plan ahead.
What horticultural operations does NZGAP cover?
Growing, packing, transport, stage, wholesale.
What if I am GLOBALG.A.P. certified?
You may be registered via another industry body, but if not you can register for the Food Act via NZGAP by signing up to 'Mutual Recognition Certification' . You may also register directly with MPI if you wish to use the GLOBALG.A.P. checklist/audit as your Food Act audit (you cannot register via Council in this case). If you do wish to register via the Council, this will be a separate National Programme Level verification (additional to GLOBALG.A.P. audit) via the Council.
FAQ: NZGAP and Food Act
Why NZGAP?
NZGAP certification enables growers to achieve both market access and regulatory compliance in one assurance system.
What does NZGAP certification cover?
NZGAP is aligned with National Programme Level 1 of the Food Act for horticulture (includes growing and packing of minimally processed fruit and vegetables).
What NZGAP certification does NOT cover?
If you have other operations like slicing, dicing or juicing, NZGAP certification will not meet all of your Food Act requirements as some of your operation is NP2/NP3 or you require a Custom Food Control Plan.
What if I already have NZGAP or GLOBALG.A.P. certification?
Great - you're covered once you give NZGAP permission to register your business. Your next audit will double as a Food Act verification.
What if I have uncertified crops?
If you sell any uncertified crops commercially, you will need to add these crops to your NZGAP certification or get a separate NP1 registration and verification with your territorial authority.
How much does it cost?
NZGAP certification currently costs $1318 in year 1 and $771 per year after that. This covers your registration, certification and audit costs.
What is the deadline?
You need to be registered for the Food Act by 28th February, 2019. NZGAP can ensure that your registration will be processed for Food Act, once we receive your approval to do so.