MPI has published an updated Technical Standard for Phytosanitary Certificates, effective 18 September 2026.

AsureQuality must fully implement the updated requirements by 18 March 2027. During this transition period, we're updating our verification processes to align with the Standard.

The requirements that apply to you depend on your organisation and whether you're an MPI Approved Organisation (MAO) with MPI 3a approval to manage and retain supporting documentation.

We've summarised what you need to know below to help you provide the right information and keep your phytosanitary certificate requests moving through verification as smoothly as possible.

What does this mean for your organisation?

If you're an MAO with MPI 3a approval

If your organisation has MPI 3a approval, you can retain supporting documentation within your own records rather than uploading all supporting documents to MPI Trade Certification (MPITC).

You'll still need to upload:

• Import permits and treatment certificates when required by the importing country, unless the market has specifically advised that the IVA doesn't need to sight the permit.
• Written confirmation from MPI or the importing country's relevant authority when import requirements aren't published in the ICPR or an import permit.
• For Official Assurance Programme (OAP) consignments, all documents required by the programme, such as Declarations of Conformity and inspection records or reports.

During the transition period, our IVA team may ask you to remove documentation from MPITC that doesn't need to be uploaded.

From 18 March 2027, IVAs must assess all documents uploaded to MPITC, including documents that aren't required. Uploading only the required supporting documentation will help make the verification process as efficient as possible.

If you're an MAO without MPI 3a approval

You'll need to continue uploading the supporting documentation required for your phytosanitary certificate requests.

You don't need to upload shipping documents or Carter's notes, as these don't support phytosanitary eligibility.

If you're an exporter that isn't an MAO

Make sure your organisation is registered to use MPI's electronic certification system and that you have the required supporting documentation ready before submitting your request.

If you use an IVA or another organisation to obtain phytosanitary certification on your behalf:

• your organisation must be registered in MPITC
• you need to have a nominated Primary Contact
• permission must be granted to individuals from other organisations or IVAs who raise certificates on your behalf.

You don't need to upload shipping documents or Carter's notes, as these don't support phytosanitary eligibility.

When importing requirements aren't published

If your commodity isn't listed in the relevant Importing Countries Phytosanitary Requirements (ICPR) or stipulated in an Import Permit, you'll need written confirmation from MPI or the importing country's relevant authority confirming:

• the applicable import requirements
• that a phytosanitary certificate is required.

This may apply to consignments such as laboratory specimens and re-export products.

The written confirmation must be uploaded with your Trade Certification request.

If your import permit isn't in English

If an import permit needs to be uploaded and isn't in English, you'll also need to provide a full English translation.

The translation must:

• be completed by an experienced translator
• be on the translation provider's letterhead, where possible
• state that it's a true and accurate translation of the original
• be signed or stamped by the translator or translation provider.

AI-generated translations can be used by independent translation services, provided an independent human translator reviews and verifies the accuracy of the translation. AI-generated translation isn't recommended for documents containing sensitive or confidential information.

Please refer to MPI's updated Technical Standard for Phytosanitary Certificates for the full translation requirements.

MPI Technical Standard for Phytosanitary Certificates

What you need to do

To help keep your certificate requests moving smoothly:

• Confirm whether your organisation has MPI 3a approval and make sure supporting documentation is retained or uploaded as required.
• Make sure the people responsible for certificate requests understand which documents need to be retained and which need to be uploaded to MPITC.
• Check any required foreign-language import permits have an acceptable English translation.
• If applicable, check your MPITC registration and permissions, including your nominated Primary Contact and permissions for anyone raising certificates on your behalf.

Need more information?

MPI's guidance should be your first point of reference for information about the updated requirements and using MPI Trade Certification.

How to use MPI Trade Certification

If you can't find the information you need in MPI's guidance, or you're unsure how the requirements apply to your organisation, please contact our IVA team at IVA@asurequality.com.

For questions about registering in MPI's electronic certification system, contact tradecertification@mpi.govt.nz.