6. Have a pre-opening inspection
A registration officer will contact you to arrange a pre-opening inspection and to approve your business to operate. This will usually happen within 2 weeks of when you apply.
They will give you advice about anything you might still need to do.
Once we're satisfied that your business is ready, you will be issued with a food registration certificate and can start trading.
For significant change applications, a registration officer will contact you to discuss the changes you are making to your business.
A pre-opening inspection may not be necessary, decided on a case-by-case basis.
7. Get verified
Within your first 6 weeks of operation a verifier will visit your premises with you to assess your procedures and paperwork and make sure all safety procedures and plans are being followed.
Your business will be verified regularly while you're operating.
Verification of your food business
8. Renew your registration
You need to renew your food registration certificate:
- every year if you're on a food control plan, or
- every other year if you're on a national programme.
This is a separate step to verification and will usually happen at a different time.
Renewing your food registration certificate
Need help?
The Public Health team is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Public Health
Phone: 04 499 4444
Email: publichealthenquiries@wcc.govt.nz