AQTA has warned that imports of products from New Zealand food establishments that do not pass approval will be restricted

There was an online meeting between representatives of the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AQTA) and the Ministry of Primary Industry of New Zealand.

During the meeting, the representatives of New Zealand were given detailed information about the activities of the Agency and the measures taken to provide the population with healthy and safe food products. At the same time, information was brought to the attention of the Law "On Food Safety" that came into force on January 1, 2023, and the requirements arising from that law. It was reported that starting from January 1, the import of products from foreign food facilities requiring approval is allowed only after the facility has been approved. The recognition of the equivalence of the approval system of some countries is carried out automatically, while in some countries it is carried out by assessment. In this context, in order to import animal products from New Zealand to the customs territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the food facilities where those products are produced and processed must be approved by AQTA. This issue was discussed at the meeting.

In the end, it was brought to the attention of the representatives of the authorized state agency of New Zealand that, unless the food facilities operating in this country are approved by the Agency, the import of high-risk food and feed products will be restricted from August 1, 2023. In addition, an official letter was addressed to the competent authority of New Zealand about the relevant decision of AQTA.

The agency once again warns the entrepreneurs engaged in importing food products to our country, stating that according to the requirements of the relevant legislation, it will not be possible for companies that do not apply for approval to import food products belonging to veterinary control that are included in the special risk group.