ORGANIC REGULATIONS RELEASED: OANZ Begins Regulatory Review

The long-awaited regulations under the Organic Products and Production Act 2023 have now been released. This is a significant milestone for the organic sector in Aotearoa, following years of advocacy and consultation.

OANZ will be reviewing the regulations closely with our technical experts over the coming weeks. We’ll provide members with feedback and analysis next month to help us all understand what these changes mean in practice.

You can view the regulations here:
* Organic Products and Production Regulations 2025 >
* Organic Standards Regulations 2025 >

We’ll keep you updated and make sure you have the information you need as this process unfolds.

Have your say about the proposed organics inputs notice

Consultation is now open on the proposed Organic Notice on inputs for generic substances. The assessment, management, and use of inputs is a critical component of organic production and processing. The incorrect use of an input can affect the ability of a product to carry an organic claim and a product's eligibility to be exported.

MPI are seeking your feedback on the proposed notice. The notice sets lists for substances that can be used in products such as cleaners and sanitisers, fertilisers and soil conditioners, and crop protection. Each substance listed is acceptable on the basis that its use complies with the circumstances and any conditions specified for each input.

The consultation opened on 30 September and MPI is accepting submissions until 5pm on 7 November 2025.

Have your say about the proposed organics inputs notice >

About the Organic Products and Production Act 2023

The Organic Products and Production Act 2023 is new legislation that creates a legal framework for organic standards in New Zealand. It mandates that anyone labelling or advertising a product as “organic” must comply with government-recognised standards, be approved as an operator, and undergo oversight to ensure integrity and compliance.

The goal of the Act is to lift consumer confidence in organic claims, give certainty to businesses about what “organic” means, and ensure New Zealand’s organic products can compete in international markets. The Act enables rules (via regulations, standards and notices) to define exactly what organic production, processing, storage, testing, labelling, etc. involve.