New Zealand risks falling behind as EU Livestock Strategy commits to welfare standards for imports

The European Commission has adopted an EU Livestock Strategy that commits to requiring certain imported animal products to meet the EU's animal welfare standards, while a similar proposal for New Zealand still awaits New Zealand Government action.

The EU Livestock Strategy, adopted on 7 July 2026, states that reciprocal requirements should apply to certain imported animal products, with legislative proposals covering layer hens and broiler chickens expected by the end of 2026 and pigs in the second quarter of 2027. Our full analysis of the strategy sets out what it gets right and where the detail still needs work.

The commitment now needs to be delivered through the legislative proposals, but the direction is clear: welfare-based import requirements are becoming an established feature of trade policy.

New Zealand banned sow stalls in 2016 and battery cages in 2023, yet products from these systems continue to be imported and sold alongside New Zealand-produced goods. 63% of the pork consumed in New Zealand is imported, and most of it comes from countries that still use sow stalls. The majority of imported liquid eggs, used in food manufacturing, come from countries that still permit battery cages.

Farmers in favour 

Walt Cavendish, of Farming With Walt, said: "European farmers are getting an assurance that imports will have to meet the same standards they do. Kiwi farmers deserve the same. We're proud to farm to some of the highest welfare standards, but that pride doesn't pay the bills when you're being undercut by imports produced in ways that would be illegal here. It's time for a level playing field."

“I support New Zealand’s animal-welfare standards and the farmers who have invested in meeting them. Those farmers should not then be undercut by imported pork, chicken and egg products produced under systems that are not permitted here. Requiring equivalent welfare outcomes for imports would support both fair competition and the integrity of New Zealand’s standards.” said Robert Hickson, New Zealand farmer.

Curia Market Research polling of 1,000 New Zealand farmers, released in May, found 79% agree imported animal products should be required to meet New Zealand's welfare standards. Horizon Research polling has consistently found over 80% of the New Zealand public agree.

"If the EU can do this, then so can New Zealand”

Rainer Kravets, Co-Executive Director of Animal Policy International, said: "The EU has confirmed what independent legal analysis and precedent have consistently found: applying domestic welfare standards to imports is practical, WTO-compatible and increasingly the direction of travel. If the EU can do this then so can New Zealand. With an election this year, parties have a clear opportunity to say where they stand."

The EU is one of New Zealand's largest trading partners, with a free trade agreement in force since 2024. California's Proposition 12 and the EU's direction of travel show major producers adapt when clear standards are set, without triggering retaliation.

The Animal Products (Closing the Welfare Gap) Amendment Bill, a member's bill lodged by MP Steve Abel and currently awaiting selection in the member's bill ballot, is one mechanism to deliver the policy. The New Zealand Government could also take the approach forward directly.

Read the full media release.

Further reading

• Our analysis of the EU Livestock Strategy

• Closing the welfare gap in New Zealand: questions answered

• Legal analysis: applying New Zealand's standards to imports

• Curia polling: 8 in 10 farmers want welfare standards applied to imports