DAFF urges travellers to comply with import requirements

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Import compliance is crucial

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. The above courtesy reminder is not limited to the attendees of the event, but also includes anyone visiting South Africa at any time of the year.

South Africa, like any other country, has a crucial mandate and sovereign right to protect its territory, biodiversity and economy against harm. It, therefore, regulates 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 expensive to control and manage. For that reason, 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 DAFF.

DAFF import contact details

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 DAFF offices for detailed information regarding the product to be imported:

• Animals and animal products: Phone 012 319 7476/7500/6313 or send an email to az.vog.ffad@stimrePteV.

• Plants and plant products: Phone 012 319 6102/6130/6207/6313 or send an email to az.vog.ffad@stimrePhtlaeHtnalP.

• Liquor products: Phone 011 971 5138/012 319 6137 or send an email to az.vog.ffad@SokojN.

Upon arrival in South Africa, all the imported consignments of the above mentioned regulated products must be presented to the DAFF inspectors 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 DAFF inspectors.