Aug 26, 2025
The 2025/26 season is already shaping up to be a pivotal one for the velvet sector. Two key developments are front-of-mind, namely VelTrak re-registrations and a stepped-up verification programme designed to safeguard integrity and maintain a level playing field.
VelTrak re-registrations – open since 1 August
Re-registration for VelTrak Accredited Account Owners opened on 1 August 2025. By mid-August, over ten organisations had already submitted their re-registration application. A list of approved Accredited Account Owners will be published on the DINZ website.
This process ensures every Accredited Account Owner – typically a buyer, processor, or exporter – has reaffirmed their commitment to the updated Terms of Use and is ready for the season ahead. At the recent annual buyers meeting in Christchurch, DINZ and the NZDFA jointly addressed a range of questions. The mood in the room was clear – the sector recognises that robust registration and clear rules underpin trust in our product, both domestically and in overseas markets.
VelTrak remains a cornerstone of our integrity system – tracking each consignment of velvet from farm to market, with time-stamped, tamper-resistant seasonal Velvet Status Declarations (VSDs). This digital chain of custody is essential for compliance, traceability, and confidence in the New Zealand velvet brand.
Verifications will be more rigorous, more visible, more consequential
From 1 September 2025, DINZ will roll out an expanded verification plan covering Accredited Account Owners. These verifications are about protecting the integrity of the velvet value chain, ensuring consistent levy collection, and verifying that all market participants are meeting their obligations.
Our value chain’s credibility is one of our strongest commercial advantages. Overseas buyers source New Zealand velvet as it is consistent, ethically produced, and fully traceable. If any operator cuts corners – whether by under-declaring, paying late, or using work-arounds – the whole sector risks reputational damage. This season’s verification programme is therefore about visibility, verification and deterrence. Companies that fail to meet their obligations can expect to be suspended from VelTrak.
Seasonal declarations a go for 2025/26 season
In addition, this year will see the activation of seasonal declarations within VelTrak. It has long been a point of feedback from farmers, buyers and processors that the need for farmers to log in and approve each consignment after it has been scanned by the buyer limits the smooth progression of product through the supply chain.
Earlier this year, the rules around VSDs were changed, and VelTrak has since been updated to allow for seasonal declarations. In short, this means that as a farmer. you still need to declare that you are removing and handling the velvet in accordance with NVSB and RCS requirements, but your declaration is valid for 180 days. Each consignment sent during this time, irrespective of who the recipient is, will have the declaration attached to it and be able to move through the system.
You will still be able to log in and see all consignments from your farm, but you will not get an email about them unless there is an action required.
Buyers will still be required to scan each consignment but shouldn't need to wait for farmer approval on any additional consignments within the 180-day period, simplifying management and logistics.
A shared journey from farm to market
Our industry operating practices recognise that every participant in the chain – from farmer to exporter – is a custodian of the industry’s reputation. The integrity of our product doesn’t just happen at the farm gate. It’s reinforced at every transfer, every declaration, and every export clearance. Completing independent verifications are a routine way in which to reinforce discipline, level the playing field, and support our desired positioning.
As re-registrations continue and verifications step up, the message is clear: be on top of your obligations, keep your records tidy, and use VelTrak as intended. When everyone plays their part, we are operating in a sector that we can all be proud of.
