๐Ÿ“ Auckland, New Zealand โœ‰ info@foodverification.co.nz ๐Ÿ“ž 0221281203
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Wine Standards Management Plan Verification

Wine Standards Management Plan verification is required for many New Zealand wine businesses operating under a registered Wine Standards Management Plan, also known as a WSMP. Verification checks whether the wine business is following its WSMP, keeping required records, managing wine safety and suitability requirements, and meeting applicable Wine Act and export-related requirements.

Access Food Verification & Auditing Limited provides Wine Standards Management Plan verification support for New Zealand wine businesses, where applicable and within recognised scope.

Who This Service Is For

This service may be suitable for wineries, contract winemakers, wine bottling businesses, wine packaging businesses, wine storage operations within WSMP scope, wine businesses preparing to export, wine businesses preparing for first WSMP verification, wine businesses needing corrective action support after verification, and wine businesses changing or updating their WSMP.

What Is WSMP Verification?

WSMP verification is a systems-based check of the wine business. The focus is on whether the business is following its registered WSMP and maintaining systems, records and procedures that support wine safety, suitability and compliance. Verification may review the WSMP scope, procedures, required records, wine activities matching the registered WSMP, corrective actions, applicable export requirements, traceability and batch records, and whether changes to the business have been managed correctly.

Export Wine Businesses

Wine businesses making wine for export generally need to meet additional export-related requirements and maintain suitable records to support export eligibility. WSMP verification for export businesses may include review of export-related procedures, wine eligibility records, traceability and batch records, product identification, export documentation controls, and applicable market access or export requirements.

Domestic-Only Wine Businesses

Wine businesses making wine only for domestic sale may have different verification frequency arrangements depending on their verification outcome, performance and verifier recommendations. Domestic-only wine businesses should still maintain good WSMP records, procedures and traceability to show that wine safety and suitability requirements are being managed.

Common Issues Found During WSMP Verification

  • WSMP scope not matching actual activities
  • Missing or incomplete records
  • Changes to site or process not updated in the WSMP
  • Traceability gaps
  • Batch records incomplete
  • Export-related records not available
  • Corrective actions not closed
  • Previous verification findings not followed up
Important Wording: The term "WSMP Verification" is only used where this service is within recognised Wine Act scope. Where recognised scope is not confirmed, we use wording such as "WSMP compliance support" or "wine verification preparation support".

Our Process

Initial Enquiry

We discuss your wine business, WSMP status, activities, site details, export status and verification needs.

Scope Confirmation

We confirm the WSMP scope, site activities and whether the verification service is within recognised scope.

Verification Booking

A verification visit or assessment is scheduled based on business availability, verifier availability and any required timeframe.

Document and Record Preparation

Before verification, the business should prepare the WSMP, records, procedures and any previous verification findings or corrective action evidence.

Verification Assessment

The verifier checks whether the business is following the WSMP, keeping required records and meeting applicable Wine Act and export-related requirements.

Verification Outcome

The verification outcome may be acceptable or unacceptable depending on the objective evidence reviewed.

Corrective Actions

If non-compliances or corrective actions are raised, the business must address them within the required timeframe and provide suitable evidence for close-out.

Follow-Up and Ongoing Verification

Future verification frequency depends on the type of wine business, export status, verification outcome and how well the business manages compliance.

Need Help With WSMP Verification or Wine Compliance Preparation?

Contact us today for free initial guidance. We can help you understand what to prepare, what records may be needed and the next step for your wine business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What is a Wine Standards Management Plan?
A Wine Standards Management Plan, or WSMP, is a documented system used by wine businesses to manage wine safety, suitability and compliance requirements under the Wine Act.
What is WSMP verification?
WSMP verification is a check to confirm that a wine business is following its registered WSMP, keeping required records and meeting applicable wine regulatory and export requirements.
Who needs WSMP verification?
Many wine businesses operating under a registered WSMP need verification. This can include wineries, contract winemakers, bottling businesses and other wine businesses within the WSMP scope.
When does the first WSMP verification need to happen?
The first WSMP verification is generally required within the required timeframe after registration, and before exporting wine where export requirements apply.
What will be checked during WSMP verification?
The verifier may check WSMP scope, procedures, records, traceability, corrective actions, winemaking activities, bottling or packaging records, and applicable export requirements.
Do export wine businesses need annual verification?
Wine businesses making wine intended for export generally need regular verification, commonly annually, depending on applicable requirements and verification outcomes.
Can domestic-only wine businesses have reduced verification frequency?
Domestic-only wine businesses may be eligible for reduced verification frequency depending on verification outcomes, performance and verifier recommendations.
Can you help before WSMP verification?
Yes. We can help review records, procedures, scope, corrective actions and readiness before WSMP verification, where applicable.
Can you help with corrective actions after WSMP verification?
Yes. We can help review findings, identify corrective actions and support preparation of close-out evidence.
Can you verify any wine business?
Verification can only be provided where the service is within recognised scope. We will confirm the applicable scope before starting the work.