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Exporting

What's an RMP

An RMP is a written programme designed to manage the hazards, wholesomeness and labelling of animal material and products. Hazards may be biological, chemical or physical.


Your RMP describes how you will process your products to meet the requirements of the Animal Products Act 1999. This is to ensure the products you sell are 'fit for purpose' – safe, suitable and truthfully labelled.


Who needs an RMP

In general, all primary processors of animal material and products for human or animal consumption are required to operate under a registered and independently verified RMP. Certain dairy processors and secondary processors (for example, dual operator butchers) also need an RMP.

Examples of primary processors needing an RMP include:

  • mammal, bird (including ostrich and emu) and seafood primary processors
  • farm dairy operators
  • dairy processors, including, stores, and transporters (unless covered by the Food Act 2014)
  • most avian egg primary processors
  • deer velvet processors.
  • Examples of secondary processors needing an RMP include:
  • renderers and blood-drying operations for mammals and birds
  • dual operator butchers (butchers dealing in both homekill and regulated meat)
  • all secondary processors of animal products intended for human or animal consumption who export to countries requiring official assurances


Your Risk Management Programme

Your RMP sets out how you ('the operator') will identify and control, manage, eliminate or minimise food safety hazards and other risk factors in relation to your processing. All animal products traded and used must be 'fit for intended purpose' and meet the appropriate New Zealand animal product legislation.

Your registered RMP is a legally binding document that must be developed and implemented in accordance with the Animal Products Act 1999 and other relevant New Zealand legislation.

Developing your RMP

You can develop your RMP from scratch to meet the needs of your specific operation, or base it on a template, a Code of Practice (COP), or a model.


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