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Wine Standards Management Plans (WSMP)
A key aspect of the Wine Act 2003 is the concept of Wine Standards
Management Plans (WSMPs). The WSMP is a comprehensive and verifiable
statement about compliance with food safety, wine composition,
labelling and overseas market access requirements. WSMPs are to
be created by wine businesses and then approved by the New Zealand
Food Safety Authority (NZFSA).
Templates have been developed to assist the wine industry in
the development of WSMPs, these comply with the law and incorporate
current best practises.
The WSMP concept is supported in the legislation through the
wine standards, and a provides for a set of enforcement provisions.
Along with the introduction of the WSMP the Act also provides
for an improved system of wine export controls and introduces
the idea of cost recovery
Five Steps to a WSMP
1. Introduce WSMP Code of Practice (COP)
You need to ensure that your business operates according to a
management plan that is acceptable under the Act. Copies of the
WSMP COP are available from the NZFSA website. Wine businesses
that choose to follow the approved COP will find the process quite
simple, however Companies are at liberty to develop their own
management plans but then these will require independent evaluation
before they can be approved by NZFSA.
2. Sign up a verifier
When you have developed your WSMP you will need to confirm who
will be your WSMP Verifier as the documents you submit must include
a letter from the verifying agency as a part of the registration
process.
3. Fill in the WSMP details
This requires the completion of two (2) forms which are also available
on the NZFSA website:
a. The WSMP outline which indicates the steps involved in your
winemaking, whether you are following a WSMP COP, the WSMP contact
person and any other legal requirements.
b. The WSMP application form (WA4)
4. Send in your WSMP for registration
The following four (4) documents are required
" Completed WSMP application (WA4)
" Relevant WSMP outline
" Winery site plan
" A letter from your verifying agency confirming their willingness
to verify your WSMP
You will also need to pay a registration fee
5. Get Verified
You will need to have your WSMP audited by your verifier
Talk to Achieve Enterprises about
your verification needs
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