Travellers urged to comply with SA's import regulations

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“Compliance will assist our country to minimise or prevent 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 department said.

South Africa, like other countries, has a crucial mandate and right to protect its territory, biodiversity and economy against harm. The country 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 legislation aimed at preventing the introduction, establishment and spread of pests and diseases from other parts of the world.

“Once introduced into the country, the said elements are expensive and difficult to control, thus prevention is imperative. Furthermore, the importation of certain liquor products, with an alcohol content of more than 1% into the county for drinking purposes is restricted, except on the authority of an import certificate issued by the department,” the department said.

Import conditions may differ according to the country of origin/export, global pest distribution and the type of products.

Upon arrival in South Africa, all the imported consignments of the 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 department’s inspectors.

Travellers are advised to contact the department’s offices for information regarding the product to be imported:

For animals and animal products, travellers can call 012 319 7514/7476, fax 012 319 8292 or e-mail az.vog.ffad@stimrePteV. For plants and plant products, they can call +27 (0)12 319 6102/6130/6207, fax +27 (0)12 319 6370 or e-mail: az.vog.ffad@stimrePhtlaeHtnalP.

For information regarding liquor products, they can call +27 (0)11 971 5138/ +27 (0)12 319 6137. They can also send an e-mail to az.vog.ffad@SokojN.

For information on the department’s inspection services and procedures, travellers can contact the Directorate: Inspection Services at +27 (0)12 309 8701, fax +27 (0)12 309 8785 or e-mail: az.vog.ffad@PtsenrE.