This is a correction to the media statement issued on 16 September 2011 on invitation for permit applications to export agricultural products to the European market.
In the statement exporters are invited to apply for permit to export the following products: cheese, cut flowers, frozen strawberries, canned fruit (pears, apricots and peaches), frozen orange juice, pineapple juice, apple juice, white and red wine.
At present, the European Union has not authorised South Africa to export any dairy products, including cheese, to any of the European Union member countries. In order for South Africa to be able to export dairy products to the European Union, South Africa will have to comply with the European Union import requirements, for example but not restricted to, a residue monitoring programme and the need for traceability.
It will be costly to implement, and the process of implementation will take time. We do not foresee that these measures will be fully implemented in time for exporters to make use of the grant tariff preferences mentioned in the media statement.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) would like to apologise to exporters for inconsistencies in listing cheese as one of the permitted commodities to be exported.
For more information contact:
Mr Steve Galane
Tel: 012 319 7960
Fax: 012 319 6943
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail: DAIS@daff.gov.za / stevegalane@mtn.blackberry.com
Re: Invitation for permit applications to export agricultural products to the European market
