New rules for meat exports to China have been agreed, effective from Monday, at a meeting in China between Chinese trade officials and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
Nathan Guy. Photo: RNZ
Mr Guy says the Government learned of the new rules on Thursday, after a meat shipment was held up at Dalian in north-eastern China.
He says that since then, officials have worked to clarify and negotiate the implementation of the new rules, which include a requirement that veterinarians sign off meat consignments at departure points before export.
Mr Guy says officials have agreed to a new certification process, as well as new overseas market-access requirements.
He says work will continue during the weekend, while agreement has been reached enabling meat consignments that are ready for export now to be cleared for entry into China.
Chinese meat officials will be in New Zealand next week to help implement the new regime.
