2 Jun 2013

Agreement reached in Beijing on NZ meat exports

5:46 am on 2 June 2013

New Zealand meat exports to China can start again on a normal basis after an agreement was reached with officials in Beijing.

Chinese Customs officials had refused to clear deliveries of meat because of confusion about a name change on documentation.

The Government says clearance of a two week backlog of meat on the wharves has begun over the past few days.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said Chinese officials agreed this weekend in Beijing to resume meat exports using New Zealand Food Safety Authority certification.

Mr Guy said officials from China will visit over the next month to work on new meat certificates that will allow reliable future access for New Zealand meat.