Importation of agricultural regulated products into the Republic of South Africa during the festive season
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is calling on all international travellers who will be visiting South Africa during the festive season, or returning to South Africa after the holidays, to comply with the country’s import requirements for agricultural and related regulated products/articles. Compliance will assist our country in preventing and minimising the potential risk of introducing alien invasive species, foreign pests and diseases that could be associated with imported plants, plant products, animals, animal products and other regulated goods.
South Africa, like any other countries, has a crucial legislative mandate and sovereign right to protect its territory, biodiversity and economy against harm, therefore it regulates the importation of animals and animal products, liquor products, plants and plant products, honey and honey products, as well as any other potentially harmful materials from other countries into its territory. This is in accordance with the country’s relevant legislation, which is aimed at preventing the introduction, establishment and spread of pests and diseases from other parts of the world. Once a quarantine pest or disease is introduced into the country, it is difficult and costly to control and manage it, therefore, prevention is imperative.
Furthermore, the importation of certain liquor products with an alcohol content of more than 1% into the country for drinking purposes is restricted, except on the authority of an import certificate issued by DALRRD.
Please note that import conditions may differ according to the country of origin/export, global pest distribution, type of products, etc. Travellers are therefore advised to contact DALRRD offices for detailed information regarding the product to be imported, through:
Animals and animal products:
Tel.: +27 12 319 7476/7500/6313
Fax: +27 12 319 8292
Email: VetPermits@dalrrd.gov.za
Plants and plant products:
Tel.: +27 12 319 6102/ 6130/ 6207/ 6313
Fax: +27 12 319 6370,
Email: PlantHealthPermits@dalrrd.gov.za
Liquor products:
Tel.: +27 11 971 5138/ +27 12 319 6137
Email: NjokoS@dalrrd.gov.za
Upon arrival in South Africa, all the imported consignments of the above-mentioned regulated products must be presented to the Border Management Authority (BMA) border guards at the port of entry for compliance inspections as per import conditions. The consignments may not be removed from the port of entry without written authorisation or before being granted entry by the BMA border guards.
For information on Border Management Authority inspection services and procedures, please contact BMA—Agriculture Specialist at:
Tel: +27 66 019 0812 or Email: ernest.phoku@bma.gov.za
For technical enquiries:
Mpho Sekgala
Deputy Director: Biosecurity Promotion and Awareness Directorate: Food Import and Export Standards
Tel.: +27 12 319 6295
Email: MphoS@dalrrd.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson
Mr Reggie Ngcobo
Cell: 066 29 80980
E-mail: MLO.Minister@dalrrd.gov.za
