Resources and Guidelines
This page contains resources and guidelines relevant to those that handle, process or export seafood.
Catch Certificaton
New catch certification requirements will apply from 10 January 2026. Click on the links below to download the relevant documents.
Aquaculture Fish Farm List – China
This is a list of aquaculture fish farms registered in New Zealand whose product is eligible for export to China.
Catch Certifcation SSC Guide Version
Supporting Document Catch and Annex IV Classification Template
Catch Certification SSC Frequently Asked Questions
Annex 5 6-Digit EU CN Codes for Classification of Catch
Annex 4 – EU Fishing Gear List
EU Catch Certification Product Exemptions
SSC Submission: Proposed Import Health Standard: Returned New Zealand Animal Products
Seafood Standards Council submission on Proposed Import Health Standard: Returned New Zealand Animal Products.
SSC Submission – Cost Recovery, MPI Food System
Seafood Standards Council Submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries on proposed changes to cost recovery in MPIs Food System.
Seafood Safety Research Publications
This publication summaries document has been generated for stakeholders who have an interest in current and past seafood safety research. Each summary states the main finding of the research, and how it impacts the seafood industry.
SSC Submission RoVE October 2019
Seafood Standards Council submission to the Education and Workforce Committee Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill
Food Safety Section Detail Report
This report details the approach to food safety and fitness for purpose of seafood produced, in and exported from, New Zealand.
SSC Submission Human Consumption Spec Review May 2019
Seafood Standards Council submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries Review of Specifications for Products Intended for Human Consumption.
SSC Submission RoVE April 2019
Seafood New Zealand Submission to the Ministry of Education Reform of Vocational Education, Discussion Document
Operator Verification Guide
This resource provides guidance to seafood premises operating under a Risk Management Programme (RMP). It is also relevant for those operating an Operator System under the Limited Processing Fishing Vessel Regulated Control Scheme (RCS).
Traceability Guide
This guideline provides the New Zealand seafood industry with recommended best practice to manage seafood traceability from harvest/catch to point of sale.
Histamine Guide
This guideline aims to clarify the legislative requirements associated with histamine in seafood. It provides particular reference to compliance with the EU Overseas Markets Access Requirements (OMAR).
Catch Certification Guide
New Zealand has agreed an alternative Catch Certificate format and this guide provides details on how to generate the Catch Certificate. It also provides further information to assist with understanding the requirements.
Damaged Packaging: Prevention and Management
This resource aims to clarify the legislative requirements that apply to packaging and to provide guidance on levels of acceptability as well as options for dealing with packed product that has become damaged. It is intended as a guide only.
MPI Electronic Certification Tips
This document provides tips for using the MPI Animal Products E-Cert system.
Inshore Vessel Guidelines
This guide provides information for people who work on fishing vessels which supply product to New Zealand, or to export markets and do not operate under a registered Risk Management Programme or the Limited Processing Fishing Vessels Regulated Control Scheme.
EU IUU Catch Certification
EU Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
European Union regulations 1005/2008 and 1010/2009 came into effect on 1 January 2010. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that fisheries products imported into the EU market stem from legal sources, and requires consignments to be accompanied by a Catch Certificate validated by the flag state of the catching vessel. Further details, including the legislation can by clicking here.
Other resources are found below.
EU Listed Vessels – Data
Aquaculture Fish Farm List – China
This is a list of aquaculture fish farms registered in New Zealand whose product is eligible for export to China.
Catch Certifcation SSC Guide Version
Supporting Document Catch and Annex IV Classification Template
Catch Certification SSC Frequently Asked Questions
Annex 5 6-Digit EU CN Codes for Classification of Catch
Annex 4 – EU Fishing Gear List
EU Catch Certification Product Exemptions
SSC Submission: Proposed Import Health Standard: Returned New Zealand Animal Products
Seafood Standards Council submission on Proposed Import Health Standard: Returned New Zealand Animal Products.
SSC Submission – Cost Recovery, MPI Food System
Seafood Standards Council Submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries on proposed changes to cost recovery in MPIs Food System.
Seafood Safety Research Publications
This publication summaries document has been generated for stakeholders who have an interest in current and past seafood safety research. Each summary states the main finding of the research, and how it impacts the seafood industry.
SSC Submission RoVE October 2019
Seafood Standards Council submission to the Education and Workforce Committee Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill
Food Safety Section Detail Report
This report details the approach to food safety and fitness for purpose of seafood produced, in and exported from, New Zealand.
SSC Submission Human Consumption Spec Review May 2019
Seafood Standards Council submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries Review of Specifications for Products Intended for Human Consumption.
SSC Submission RoVE April 2019
Seafood New Zealand Submission to the Ministry of Education Reform of Vocational Education, Discussion Document
Operator Verification Guide
This resource provides guidance to seafood premises operating under a Risk Management Programme (RMP). It is also relevant for those operating an Operator System under the Limited Processing Fishing Vessel Regulated Control Scheme (RCS).
Traceability Guide
This guideline provides the New Zealand seafood industry with recommended best practice to manage seafood traceability from harvest/catch to point of sale.
Histamine Guide
This guideline aims to clarify the legislative requirements associated with histamine in seafood. It provides particular reference to compliance with the EU Overseas Markets Access Requirements (OMAR).
Catch Certification Guide
New Zealand has agreed an alternative Catch Certificate format and this guide provides details on how to generate the Catch Certificate. It also provides further information to assist with understanding the requirements.
Damaged Packaging: Prevention and Management
This resource aims to clarify the legislative requirements that apply to packaging and to provide guidance on levels of acceptability as well as options for dealing with packed product that has become damaged. It is intended as a guide only.
MPI Electronic Certification Tips
This document provides tips for using the MPI Animal Products E-Cert system.
Inshore Vessel Guidelines
This guide provides information for people who work on fishing vessels which supply product to New Zealand, or to export markets and do not operate under a registered Risk Management Programme or the Limited Processing Fishing Vessels Regulated Control Scheme.
SSC Submissions
Copies of recent submissions made by the Seafood Standards Council can be found on the Seafood New Zealand Submissions page
Aquaculture Fish Farm Contact List
EU Listed Vessels – Data
Aquaculture Fish Farm List – China
This is a list of aquaculture fish farms registered in New Zealand whose product is eligible for export to China.
Catch Certifcation SSC Guide Version
Supporting Document Catch and Annex IV Classification Template
Catch Certification SSC Frequently Asked Questions
Annex 5 6-Digit EU CN Codes for Classification of Catch
Annex 4 – EU Fishing Gear List
EU Catch Certification Product Exemptions
SSC Submission: Proposed Import Health Standard: Returned New Zealand Animal Products
Seafood Standards Council submission on Proposed Import Health Standard: Returned New Zealand Animal Products.
SSC Submission – Cost Recovery, MPI Food System
Seafood Standards Council Submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries on proposed changes to cost recovery in MPIs Food System.
Seafood Safety Research Publications
This publication summaries document has been generated for stakeholders who have an interest in current and past seafood safety research. Each summary states the main finding of the research, and how it impacts the seafood industry.
SSC Submission RoVE October 2019
Seafood Standards Council submission to the Education and Workforce Committee Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill
Food Safety Section Detail Report
This report details the approach to food safety and fitness for purpose of seafood produced, in and exported from, New Zealand.
SSC Submission Human Consumption Spec Review May 2019
Seafood Standards Council submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries Review of Specifications for Products Intended for Human Consumption.
SSC Submission RoVE April 2019
Seafood New Zealand Submission to the Ministry of Education Reform of Vocational Education, Discussion Document
Operator Verification Guide
This resource provides guidance to seafood premises operating under a Risk Management Programme (RMP). It is also relevant for those operating an Operator System under the Limited Processing Fishing Vessel Regulated Control Scheme (RCS).
Traceability Guide
This guideline provides the New Zealand seafood industry with recommended best practice to manage seafood traceability from harvest/catch to point of sale.
Histamine Guide
This guideline aims to clarify the legislative requirements associated with histamine in seafood. It provides particular reference to compliance with the EU Overseas Markets Access Requirements (OMAR).
Catch Certification Guide
New Zealand has agreed an alternative Catch Certificate format and this guide provides details on how to generate the Catch Certificate. It also provides further information to assist with understanding the requirements.
Damaged Packaging: Prevention and Management
This resource aims to clarify the legislative requirements that apply to packaging and to provide guidance on levels of acceptability as well as options for dealing with packed product that has become damaged. It is intended as a guide only.
MPI Electronic Certification Tips
This document provides tips for using the MPI Animal Products E-Cert system.
Inshore Vessel Guidelines
This guide provides information for people who work on fishing vessels which supply product to New Zealand, or to export markets and do not operate under a registered Risk Management Programme or the Limited Processing Fishing Vessels Regulated Control Scheme.
Seafood Safety Research
Research relating to seafood safety is show below.
EU Listed Vessels – Data
Aquaculture Fish Farm List – China
This is a list of aquaculture fish farms registered in New Zealand whose product is eligible for export to China.
Catch Certifcation SSC Guide Version
Supporting Document Catch and Annex IV Classification Template
Catch Certification SSC Frequently Asked Questions
Annex 5 6-Digit EU CN Codes for Classification of Catch
Annex 4 – EU Fishing Gear List
EU Catch Certification Product Exemptions
SSC Submission: Proposed Import Health Standard: Returned New Zealand Animal Products
Seafood Standards Council submission on Proposed Import Health Standard: Returned New Zealand Animal Products.
SSC Submission – Cost Recovery, MPI Food System
Seafood Standards Council Submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries on proposed changes to cost recovery in MPIs Food System.
Seafood Safety Research Publications
This publication summaries document has been generated for stakeholders who have an interest in current and past seafood safety research. Each summary states the main finding of the research, and how it impacts the seafood industry.
SSC Submission RoVE October 2019
Seafood Standards Council submission to the Education and Workforce Committee Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill
Food Safety Section Detail Report
This report details the approach to food safety and fitness for purpose of seafood produced, in and exported from, New Zealand.
SSC Submission Human Consumption Spec Review May 2019
Seafood Standards Council submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries Review of Specifications for Products Intended for Human Consumption.
SSC Submission RoVE April 2019
Seafood New Zealand Submission to the Ministry of Education Reform of Vocational Education, Discussion Document
Operator Verification Guide
This resource provides guidance to seafood premises operating under a Risk Management Programme (RMP). It is also relevant for those operating an Operator System under the Limited Processing Fishing Vessel Regulated Control Scheme (RCS).
Traceability Guide
This guideline provides the New Zealand seafood industry with recommended best practice to manage seafood traceability from harvest/catch to point of sale.
Histamine Guide
This guideline aims to clarify the legislative requirements associated with histamine in seafood. It provides particular reference to compliance with the EU Overseas Markets Access Requirements (OMAR).
Catch Certification Guide
New Zealand has agreed an alternative Catch Certificate format and this guide provides details on how to generate the Catch Certificate. It also provides further information to assist with understanding the requirements.
Damaged Packaging: Prevention and Management
This resource aims to clarify the legislative requirements that apply to packaging and to provide guidance on levels of acceptability as well as options for dealing with packed product that has become damaged. It is intended as a guide only.
MPI Electronic Certification Tips
This document provides tips for using the MPI Animal Products E-Cert system.
Inshore Vessel Guidelines
This guide provides information for people who work on fishing vessels which supply product to New Zealand, or to export markets and do not operate under a registered Risk Management Programme or the Limited Processing Fishing Vessels Regulated Control Scheme.
Contact NZSCC
For all Seafood Standards Council enquiries, please contact:
Cathy Webb
Seafood Standards Manager
Level 12
7WQ
7 Waterloo Quay
Wellington 6011
PO Box 297
Wellington 6140