Important ASD changes now in effect

We’re committed to keeping you informed about regulatory changes that may impact your farming operation, especially when it comes to maintaining access to premium markets like the EU.

On 3 June 2025, a new version of the Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form came into effect, reflecting updated EU rules on the use of antimicrobials in livestock. These changes are part of wider efforts to meet evolving expectations around animal health, traceability, and food safety.

What’s changing?

To meet new EU import requirements, animals destined for the EU market must not:

• Be treated with antimicrobials solely for the purpose of growth promotion or yield enhancement
• Receive antimicrobials classified by the EU as critical to human medicine

These changes are reflected in Question 5.0 of the updated ASD:

“Have any of the animals been treated with antimicrobial agent(s) in their lifetime for the sole purpose of promoting growth or increasing yield?”

If you answer “yes”, those animals will be withheld from processing for EU markets. Your ANZCO livestock representative will follow up to confirm details.

Please note: Therapeutic use of antimicrobials — such as treatment for coccidiosis, bloat, or ketosis — remains permitted and animals treated for these reasons are still eligible for EU export.

Transition period: Paper vs eASD

• The new electronic ASD form (eASD) became live on 3 June 2025
• Old paper ASDs will be accepted until 30 September 2025, under a transition period approved by MPI
• A very limited number of updated ASD books have been printed. If you need one, you can order them via the OSPRI website: https://www.ospri.co.nz/contact-us/order-asd-form-book/

We encourage all suppliers to move to eASDs through MyOSPRI. It’s faster, more accurate, and helps avoid costly delays caused by illegible or incomplete paperwork.

Benefits of eASDs:

• Saves time — your farm details are pre-filled after first use
• Reduces errors — minimises processing issues
• Speeds up returns — accurate forms help prevent product downgrades

If you haven’t received the new paper form yet, please use the eASD if possible. If that’s not an option, you can continue using the existing ANZCO paper version until the updated form arrives.

For questions or support, please contact your ANZCO livestock representative.