Transparency data

Summary minutes of the joint management committee held 10 April 2024

Published 4 June 2025

Joint summary minutes of the 1st meeting of the Joint Management Committee under the Agreement on Sanitary Measures Applicable to Trade in Live Animals and Animal Products between the United Kingdom and the Government of New Zealand.

Hybrid, 10 April 2024 

The first meeting of the Joint Management Committee under the UK-New Zealand sanitary agreement took place on the 10 April 2024 in hybrid format.

The UK participants from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, the Food Standards Agency, and the Department for Business and Trade, and the British High Commission, Wellington and New Zealand participants from the Ministry for Primary Industries, the New Zealand Embassy, Brussels, and New Zealand High Commission, London had a fruitful exchange of views on matters related to implementation of the sanitary agreement. 

1. Welcome and Introductions 

New Zealand opened the meeting with introductory remarks followed by the UK, with general introductions provided on both sides. This meeting marked the first formal meeting of the UK-NZ Sanitary Agreement Joint Management Committee.

The parties adopted the agenda and confirmed the relevant competent authorities and contact points. The committee rules of procedure were also discussed.

2. Information exchange and priorities

Both parties updated on relevant domestic policy legislative developments.

The UK provided an overview and update on the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), with further discussion of this and UK health certificates. It was highlighted that the Sanitary Agreement sets out requirements regarding health certificates for animals and animal products as well as import check frequencies and costs associated with border controls. 

Both parties agreed to discuss and consider further the interface between BTOM and the Sanitary Agreement.

In addition, the UK updated on its precision breeding and livestock Act which entered into force in October 2023 and enables genetic changes which would result through natural selection processes. The legislation would provide for rapid proliferation of advantageous genetic traits to combat, for example, environmental challenges and animal diseases. New Zealand noted interest in this topic.

NZ provided an update on domestic policy and legislative developments relating to New Zealand’s ruminant protein regulations as well as on the animal product certification work with the UK. On the latter, NZ and the UK continue to have good technical engagement and further discussion was planned in the near future.

NZ also touched on wider changes to New Zealand’s electronic certification system but noted that would be covered in more detail during the SPS Sub-Committee meeting.

3. Trade Conditions and Priorities

Developments relating to market access priorities for both sides were discussed and both parties committed to further progress.

An update on an application for certification arrangements with Singapore was provided by the UK, with further details on next steps in the process.  

New Zealand highlighted that onward certification/third country certification remains an active area of interest considering the increasingly complex nature of trade. Considerations and issues experienced in this area were discussed.

4. Agreement Maintenance

Maintaining and enhancing the Sanitary Agreement was discussed under this item. Both parties noted and agreed the importance of incorporating regulatory changes and evolution of international standards and Parties’ animal health and sanitary measures.

5. International Market Access/Information exchange and developments 

Items of interest for both sides were discussed including increasing use of methane inhibitor products globally to mitigate the adverse impacts of agricultural activity on the environment, sustainability and/or climate change. The work of both parties on these products was discussed recognizing the need for international collaboration and a harmonised approach (with international standards/alignment) to the use of inhibitors emphasised. Support for work on this was considered.

6. International Cooperation-joint opportunities

In a brief discussion, both parties reflected on the long history of bilateral technical engagement and joint work in the relevant international fora. Both parties agreed that that engagement should continue and cooperation where both parties interests and objectives align.   

7. Closing remarks

The discussions were summarised and both parties agreed it had been a productive and successful meeting. The positive working relationship between the UK and New Zealand was highlighted along with a commitment to continue working together.    

The timing of the next meeting would be coordinated via respective secretariats.