Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1936 — CELEX:32026D1936 |
|---|---|
| Publication | August 12, 2026 |
| Entry into force | August 12, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Importers, agrifood operators and veterinary authorities managing imports from New Zealand |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries — Animal Health and Health Certification |
| Repealed regulation | Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1901 |
| Regulatory framework | Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and Animal Health Law (EU) 2016/429 |
| Certificate model | Annex VII of the EU–New Zealand bilateral agreement |
Importers of live animals and animal products from New Zealand must update their health documentation immediately. The Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1936, published and in force since August 12, 2026, establishes a new official health certificate model and repeals the previous Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1901, which had been in force for over a decade.
The change is significant: the new framework aligns with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls and the Animal Health Law (EU) 2016/429, two regulatory pillars that have transformed certification requirements in the EU since 2015. Any consignment arriving at a border control post without the new certificate may be detained or rejected.
What does this regulation establish?
Decision 2026/1936 updates the conditions under which the EU accepts imports of live animals and animal products from New Zealand, recognizing that New Zealand health standards are equivalent to EU standards. These are the key elements it establishes:
- New official health certificate model: Consignments must be accompanied by the certificate set out in Annex VII of the EU–New Zealand bilateral agreement. This model replaces the one used under Decision 2015/1901.
- Additional guarantees for partial equivalence: For certain products where equivalence with EU standards is only partial, the certificate must include attestations (specific declarations) that demonstrate compliance with the specific requirements demanded by the EU.
- Attestations on animal welfare at slaughter: The new certificate incorporates specific declarations relating to animal welfare in the slaughter process, a requirement that was not explicitly covered in the previous 2015 model.
- Repeal of Decision 2015/1901: The previous regulation is completely repealed and replaced by this new legal framework.
- Alignment with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and Animal Health Law (EU) 2016/429: The new framework is integrated into the health regulatory architecture in force in the EU.
| Aspect | Before (Decision 2015/1901) | Now (Decision 2026/1936) |
|---|---|---|
| Reference regulatory framework | Pre-2017 health regulations | Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and Animal Health Law (EU) 2016/429 |
| Certificate model | Previous model (Decision 2015) | Annex VII of the EU–New Zealand bilateral agreement |
| Guarantees for partial equivalence | Not specifically differentiated | Mandatory additional attestations in the certificate |
| Animal welfare at slaughter | Not explicitly covered | Mandatory specific attestation in the certificate |
| Status of previous regulation | In force | Repealed |
Economic and operational impact
The main impact of this regulation is operational and documentary: it does not introduce new fees or tariffs, but it does require immediate updating of certification processes, given that the regulation entered into force on the same day as its publication.
The economic risks arising from non-compliance are direct:
- Detention of consignments at the border: A consignment detained at a border control post generates storage costs, supply chain delays and possible losses of perishable products.
- Rejection and return of goods: If the certificate does not conform to the new Annex VII model, the competent authority may refuse entry of the consignment, with the cost of return freight or destruction.
- Review of contracts with New Zealand suppliers: Importers must verify that their suppliers in New Zealand are issuing certificates with the new model and the additional attestations required, including those relating to animal welfare at slaughter.
- Adaptation of internal procedures: Agrifood operators and veterinary authorities at the border must update their documentary verification checklists.
Who does it affect?
- Importers of live animals from New Zealand destined for the EU.
- Importers of animal products (meat, dairy, fish products, etc.) from New Zealand.
- Agrifood operators that receive, process or distribute New Zealand animal products in the EU.
- Veterinary and control authorities at EU border inspection posts managing the entry of these consignments.
- Customs agents and freight forwarders managing import documentation from New Zealand.
- New Zealand exporters that must issue the new certificates for their consignments destined for the EU.
Practical example
A Spanish importer of New Zealand lamb has a consignment in transit with an arrival date at Barcelona port after August 12, 2026. If the exporter in New Zealand has issued the health certificate with the previous model (based on Decision 2015/1901), the border control post may reject the consignment for not conforming to the new model of the Annex VII of the EU–New Zealand bilateral agreement.
Furthermore, if the product in question has only partial equivalence with EU standards, the certificate must include the specific additional attestations for that product category. If the certificate lacks the attestation on animal welfare at slaughter, the border veterinary authority may equally deny entry.
The practical solution: contact the New Zealand supplier immediately to confirm that it is issuing the new certificate model before the goods leave the country of origin.
What should companies do now?
- Verify immediately with the New Zealand supplier that it is issuing health certificates in accordance with the new model of Annex VII of the EU–New Zealand bilateral agreement, not the model of Decision 2015/1901.
- Review consignments in transit with arrival dates after August 12, 2026 and confirm that health documentation complies with the new regulation.
- Check whether imported products have partial equivalence with EU standards, in which case the certificate must include the specific additional attestations.
- Verify the inclusion of the animal welfare at slaughter attestation in all certificates for meat products and similar items.
- Update internal documentary verification procedures so that the logistics, quality and customs team is aware of the new certificate model required.
- Inform the customs agent or freight forwarder of the regulatory change so they alert if they detect certificates with the old model.
Frequently asked questions
From when is the new health certificate mandatory for importing from New Zealand?
From August 12, 2026, the date of publication and entry into force of Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1936. There is no transitional period: the regulation applies immediately and Decision 2015/1901 is repealed from that same date.
What health certificate model should I require from my supplier in New Zealand?
The certificate must conform to the model set out in Annex VII of the EU–New Zealand bilateral agreement. If the product has only partial equivalence with EU standards, the certificate must also include the specific additional attestations for that product category. For meat products, the attestation on animal welfare at slaughter is mandatory.
What happens if my consignment arrives with the old certificate model (Decision 2015/1901)?
The EU border control post may detain or reject the consignment for not complying with the new certification model. This can generate storage costs, delays, and in the worst case, return or destruction of the goods. It is essential to ensure that the supplier issues the new model before the goods leave New Zealand.
What products does this regulation affect?
It affects all consignments of live animals and animal products from New Zealand entering the EU that have been recognized as equivalent to EU standards. This includes, among others, meat, dairy and other agrifood products of New Zealand animal origin.
What is partial equivalence and how does it affect the certificate?
Partial equivalence means that a New Zealand product meets EU standards only in certain aspects, not all. In these cases, Decision 2026/1936 requires that the health certificate include attestations (declarations) that specifically demonstrate compliance with EU requirements not covered by general equivalence. The importer must verify with their supplier whether their product falls into this category.
Official source
Consult full regulation on official source — EUR-Lex CELEX:32026D1936
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026D1936