Notifications for South Africa (61 notifications)

South Africa implemented a new format phytosanitary certificate for re-export since 1 April 2021. The new format has the following security features: 1. The certificate has two numbers: on top right-hand corner there is a barcode, which is the document number;2. There is a second barcode and QR code as an added security feature;3. The phytosanitary certificate number appears between the QR and the barcode. This is the number to be used on any communication in relation to issued phytosanitary certificate;4. The new phytosanitary number starts with NPPO-ZA/yyyy/mm/number;5. The e-phyto will only contain the new phytosanitary certificate number; 6. Phytosanitary certificates will be printed on normal A4 printing paper. Trading partners are to note that South Africa will have to discontinue the use of original paper with security features in the international trade.

This Compulsory Specification requires that frozen lobsters and frozen lobster products derived therefrom for direct consumption or further processing, which are to be offered for sale, comply with this Compulsory Specification and the requirements of the latest edition of the South African National Standard (SANS) 2074 which applies to the manufacture, production, processing, and treatment of the products covered by this specification. The hygiene requirements for the product, as well as chemical and microbiological contaminant requirements for the product, and the requirements for employees at the packing facility, shall comply with the requirements of the latest edition of SANS 2074.

The National Plant Protection Organization of South Africa (NPPOZA) will discontinue the use of original paper for phytosanitary certificates from 1 April 2021. Phytosanitary certificates will be printed on normal A4 printing paper. Trading partners are to note that South Africa will discontinue the use of original paper with security features in the international trade.The following are features for the phytosanitary certificate that will be printed on normal A4 paper: 1. The certificate has a series number and the phytosanitary certificate number. At the top right-hand corner there is a barcode with the series number; 2. There is a second barcode and QR code as an added security feature; 3. The phytosanitary certificate number appears between the QR and the bar code. This is the number to be used on any communication in relation to issued phytosanitary certificate;  4. The new phytosanitary number starts with NPPO-ZA/yyyy/mm/number; 5. The e-phyto will only contain the new phytosanitary certificate number. NB: From 1 April 2021 the NPPOZA will print phytosanitary certificates on normal A4 paper. Trading partners have the ability to verify the certified phytosanitary certificates using https://app.ecert.co.za/VerifyCertificate/ExternalVerification.

On 18 November 2020, Sweden reported an outbreak of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to the OIE. It is necessary for South Africa to prevent the entry of HPAI into the country. The importation from Sweden of live birds as well as their products, that have not sufficiently been treated to inactivate the avian influenza virus, has been suspended with immediate effect.

On 18 November 2020 Denmark reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to the OIE. Therefore, it is necessary for South Africa to prevent the entry of HPAI into the country, and the importation from Denmark of live poultry, birds, meat as well as products derived from poultry and birds, which have not sufficiently been treated to inactivate the avian influenza virus, has been temporarily suspended with immediate effect.

On the 30 October 2020 the Netherlands reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to the OIE. Therefore, it is necessary for South Africa to prevent the entry of HPAI into the country, and the importation from the Netherlands of live poultry, birds, meat as well as their products that have not sufficiently been heat treated to inactivate the avian influenza virus has been temporarily suspended with immediate effect.

The National Plant Protection Organization of South Africa (NPPOZA), has had to review the use of security features on phytosanitary certificates. Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, with the increasing cases there is a need to reduce contact in order to ensure continued certification services. The NPPOZA will be temporarily issuing phytosanitary certificates printed on normal A4 paper which will have the following features: 1. QR code 2. 2X barcodes 3. Coat of arms in colour All the information that will be on the phytosanitary certificate will be generated from the eCertification system. Trading partners are to note that South Africa will have 2 types of certificate paper in the international trade: 1. The original paper with security features, and 2. normal A4 paper with QR and bar codes),this arrangement will be in place until further notice.

In April 2020, the National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa (NPPOZA) introduced the use of eCertification for the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for plant and plant products in general. Electronic stamps and signatures are used during the e-Certification process. The phytosanitary certificate contains the security features as described below and the attachments (where applicable) will be printed on normal white A4 paper with the South Africa emblem, QR code, phytosanitary certificate number, barcode and will be signed as per ISPM1 guidelines. The following are features for the new phytosanitary certificate template for South Africa: 1 The paper format has additional security features embedded in the document that can be viewed under ultraviolet light. 2 The certificate has 2 numbers; top right-hand corner there is a barcode, which is the document number. 3 There is a second barcode and QR code as an added security feature. 4 The phytosanitary certificate number appears between the QR and the bar code, this is the number to be used on any communication in relation to issue phytosanitary certificate. 5 The new phytosanitary number starts with NPPO-ZA/yyyy/mm/number. 6 The e-phyto will only contain the new phytosanitary certificate number.

To provide for alternative arrangements to the use of original veterinary health certificates due the impacts of COVID-19 on airfreight and courier mail services. Who does this notice affect? 1. Importers of Live animals and animal products/by-products. 2. Importers of live animals and animal products/by-products. 3. The exporting Veterinary Authorities that has asked to use alternatives to original paper VHCs. 4. This temporary change is relevant to the use of original and Veterinary Health Certificate (VHCs) and it does not apply to countries that already provide original VHCs with the consignments. Interim arrangements 1. Where an importer is unable to present the original VHC from the exporting country's Veterinary Authorities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our inspection officers will instead accept the electronic copy of the VHC as lodged by the exporting Veterinary Authorities through our contacts provided hereunder.  2. Our inspection officers may in some cases request verification of documentation directly from the exporting Veterinary Authorities. 3. Where a paper original is issued by the competent authority prior export, we recommend that it is attached to the goods and/or consignments to minimise potential delays at inspection. 4. The CVO must submit a list of authorised Email addresses that will submit such certificates to the address mentioned below.

To provide for alternative arrangements to the use of original paper phytosanitary certificates due the impacts of COVID-19 on airfreight and courier mail services.Who does this notice affect?1. Importers of horticultural fresh produce, cut flowers, plants and other plant based commodities.  2. The exporting NPPO that has asked to use alternatives to original paper PCs.  3. This temporary change is relevant to the use of original paper phytosanitary certificates (PCs) and it does not apply to countries that already provide original PCs via ePhytos or with the consignments . Interim arrangements 1. Where an importer is unable to present the original paper PC from the exporting country NPPO as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our inspection officers will instead accept the electronic copy of the PC as lodged by the exporting NPPO through our contacts provided hereunder.  2. Our inspection officers may in some cases request verification of documentation directly from the exporting NPPO or use an online tool provided by the exporting NPPO.3. Where a paper original is issued by the exporting NPPO prior export, we recommend that it is attached to the goods and/or consignments to minimise potential delays at inspection

The amendment to the Regulation makes provision for the maximum limits for pesticide residues in foodstuffs under the control of the Department of Health, in terms of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972).

South Africa developed an electronic system for export certification (eCertification). The issuance of ePhytos started on 1 November 2019. The eCertification system further required introduction of new template of the paper based phytosanitary certificate.Trading partners that have ability to receive ePhytos that South Africa will be delivering, may receive them via the IPPC hub in an XML format or direct (where bilaterally agreed).This is phase 1 of the migration to the new phytosanitary certificate template and ePhyto, which started with grapes in November 2019 and will be followed by Citrus in March 2020 and the rest of plant commodities in April 2020. Members are advised to take note that currently there are two phytosanitary certificate templates in circulation until end of March 2020.The following are features for the new phytosanitary certificate template for South Africa: 1. The paper format has additional security features embedded in the document that can be viewed under ultra violet light; 2. The paper format has two numbers: - one at the top right-hand corner: a barcode which is the document number; - a second barcode and QR code as an added security feature. The phytosanitary certificate number appears between the QR and the barcode. This is the number to be used on any communication in relation to issued phytosanitary certificate. The new phytosanitary certificate number starts with "NPPO-ZA/yyyy/mm/number"; 3. The ephyto will only contain the new phytosanitary certificate number.

The Compulsory Specification for Processed Meat Products (VC 9100) has been published and will come into effect two months after date of publication, 8 August 2019.

DAFF is making amendments on the regulations regarding stock remedies. The proposed regulations describe categories under which stock remedies are authorised for marketing purposes. Furthermore, the proposed regulations introduce control measures on extra label use of stock remedies. The regulations are published as part of the ongoing review of use and marketing of stock medicines conducted by DAFF.

This Compulsory Specification requires that canned meat products, for human consumption, which are to be offered for sale, comply with this Compulsory Specification and the requirements of the latest edition of the South African National Standard (SANS) 1675 that apply to the manufacture, production, processing, and treatment of the products covered by this specification. The hygiene requirements for the product, as well as chemical and microbiological contaminant requirements for the product, and the requirements for employees at the packing facility, shall comply with the requirements of the latest edition of SANS 1675.

The Compulsory Specification for aquacultured live and chilled raw bivalves molluscan shellfish (VC 9107) has been published and will come into effect six months after the date of publication.

This compulsory specification (VC9100) requires that high risk (heat treated and ready to eat) processed meat products for human consumption which are offered for sale, complies with the microbiological requirements for disease-causing organisms, the hygiene requirements for the factory/processing facility, equipment and for employees outlined in the referenced SANS 885. The compulsory specification also requires that the principles of HACCP, as recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, as a minimum, be used for the implementation of a product safety management system.

Regulations relating to Maximum Levels of Metals in Foodstuffs: amendment notified in G/SPS/N/ZAF/46 (dated 22 September 2016) was adopted 15 June 2018.

These new Regulations has been compiled to govern the handling, transportation, storage and sale of foodstuffs to the general public of South Africa by food-producing establishments in order to protect the consumers against any potential risk of contracting food poisoning or a food-borne illness. The new Regulations provide for updates in respect of, inter alia, inclusions, deletions, modifications of definitions, deletion of sections no longer relevant, and movement of certain Regulations to enhance clarity. In addition, hygienic requirements for appliances, bulk milk tanks and butchery equipment have been included, as well as provisions for the hygienic transportation of meat and meat products. The review also included alignment with Codex Alimentarius and other international scientific developments e.g. from the World Health Organisation such as the 5 Keys to Safe Foods to ensure South African Food Legislation is current and based on international norms and standards.

The Compulsory Specification for canned fish, canned marine molluscs and canned crustaceans and products derived therefrom, (VC 8014) has been published and will come into effect six months after the date of publication.