Import animals and genetic material

About
What you should do
How long does it take
How much does it cost
Forms to complete
Who to contact

 

 

About applying for a permit to import animals and genetic material

Apply for a permit with the Registrar of Animal Improvement to import animals or genetic material to South Africa. You must apply 30 days before you want to import.

If you are importing an animal, you must have a:

  • Certificate from a recognised registrar in the country where you are importing the animal from. The certificate must indicate a DNA blood type of the animal and the animal profile. Should you fail to get this certificate, you will be liable to take the imported animal for DNA testing in South African. You must test it with 30 days after arrival.

If you are importing and embryo, you must have a:

  • DNA certificate of the animal that used for fertilisation of that embryo.

If you are importing genetic material, you must get a:

  • Genetic material import agent to collect the genetic material. You cannot collect the genetic material yourself. The agent must pack, label and mark the genetic material.
  • DNA certificate and full details of each animal whose genetic material is imported. You must get the certificate from a recognised registrar in the country where you are importing the genetic material from.

If you are importing poultry or fertile eggs, you must write a motivation letter to the Director: Animal Health. Your letter must state reasons why you want to import eggs and poultry into South Africa. You must get a:

  • Certificate from the foreign supplier of the poultry or eggs. The certificate must confirm the generation status of those eggs and poultry.

From the port of entry, the poultry and eggs will be transported under the supervision of a veterinarian or in a vehicle sealed by a state veterinarian.

What you should do

  • Apply 30 days before importing.
  • To import an animal, you must:
    1. Get a DNA certificate from a recognised registrar in the country where you are importing the animal from.
    2. Download and complete the application form below.
    3. Attach the DNA certificate (if you were able to get a certificate).
    4. Pay the prescribed fee to the Director-General: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Standard Bank, Branch: Arcadia, Account no: 011219556, Branch code: 000845/ 010845
    5. Post your application to: The Registrar of Animal Improvement, Private Bag X138, Pretoria, 0001
  • To import an embryo, you must:
    1. Contact a recognised registrar in the country where you want to import from. The registrar must give you a DNA certificate of the animal that used for fertilisation of that embryo. You cannot test the embryo in South Africa.
    2. Download and complete the application form below.
    3. Attach the DNA certificate.
    4. Pay the prescribed fee to the Director-General: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Standard Bank, Branch: Arcadia, Account no: 011219556, Branch code: 000845/ 010845
    5. Post your application to: The Registrar of Animal Improvement, Private Bag X138, Pretoria, 0001
  • To import genetic material, you must:
    1. Hire a genetic material import agent to collect, label and mark the genetic material you want to import.
    2. Contact a recognised registrar in the country where you want to import from. The registrar must give you a DNA certificate and full details of each animal that the genetic material was begotten. You cannot test the genetic materials in South Africa.
    3. Download and complete the application form below.
    4. Attach the DNA certificate.
    5. Pay the prescribed fee to the Director-General: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Standard Bank, Branch: Arcadia, Account no: 011219556m, Branch code: 000845/ 010845
    6. Post your application to: The Registrar of Animal Improvement, Private Bag X138, Pretoria, 0001
  • To import poultry or fertile eggs, you must:
    1. Write a motivation letter to the Director: Animal Health. Your letter must state reasons why you want to import eggs and poultry into South Africa.
    2. Contact the foreign supplier whom you are buying the poultry or eggs from. The foreign supplier must give you a certificate for the poultry or eggs confirming the generation status of those eggs and poultry.
    3. Download and complete the application form below.
    4. Attach the motivation letter and the certificate from the foreign supplier.
    5. Pay the prescribed fee to the Director-General: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Standard Bank, Branch: Arcadia, Account no: 011219556, Branch code: 000845/ 010845
    6. Post your application to: The Registrar of Animal Improvement, Private Bag X138, Pretoria, 0001.

How long does it take

It will take 30 days to process your application.

How much does it cost

R220

Forms to complete

Application for the importation of animals and genetic material

Who to contact

 

Registrar of Animal Improvement

Tel: 012 319 7424/34
Fax: 012 319 7570/7425
Physical address: Delpen Building, Cnr Annie Botha Avenue and Union Street, Riviera, Pretoria
Postal address: The Registrar of Animal Improvement, Private Bag X138, Pretoria, 0001

 

Share this page