The export path for our rice to New Zealand is expected to widen. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 15th that it has become possible to export packaged rice weighing 25 kg or less without the submission of a phytosanitary certificate.
Until now, exporting domestic rice to New Zealand required attaching a phytosanitary certificate and going through import quarantine or fumigation procedures upon arrival.
However, it was acknowledged that the risk of pest and disease inflow is low for packaged rice that is processed and immediately packaged, leading to the relaxation of export requirements following negotiations between the two countries.
In the future, packaged rice for retail export (up to 25 kg) can be exported without the issuance of a quarantine certificate. There will be no need to undergo additional quarantine procedures upon arrival in New Zealand.
The quarantine office expects that this measure will simplify administrative procedures for exporters and significantly enhance export convenience.
The export performance of our rice to New Zealand has rapidly increased from 4 tons in 2022 to 18 tons in 2023, and 137 tons last year.
Kim Jeong-hee, the head of the quarantine office, noted, "Domestic rice is popular in the New Zealand market for its good taste and high quality," adding, "The relaxation of quarantine requirements will further invigorate the export of domestic rice to New Zealand."