International Trade Division of the Department of Agriculture, Forestries and Fishing
International Trade’s functions are:

  • to ensure that South Africa’s agricultural trade interests are well represented at all times
  • the analyses of international trade and marketing policies and their effect on the sector
  • advice on agricultural trade policy.

The Directorate also represents the DoA at international forums and negotiations to promote the interest of the agricultural sector, and ensures the correct and smooth operation of permits, quotas and schemes to facilitate trade in terms of trade agreements and other international commitments.

To get to more information of this division, choose “Divisions” in the left-hand menu and click on “International Trade” in the drop-down menu that appears.

State Veterinary Services
Full contact details for the State Veterinary Services in all Provinces including quarantine stations and import/export control.

Application to export animals / embryos / ova / semen
Application form, downloadable in pdf format from the Department of Agriculture.

Application for the issuance of a phytosanitary certificate for exporting plants and plant products
Exporters of plants and plant products must have phytosanitary authorisation in the form of an import permit issued by the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of the importing country and a phytosanitary certificate from the NPPO of South Africa. This section of the South African Government Services website gives detailed information about the steps to follow, legal framework, service standard, cost, the forms which need to be completed and relevant contact details of the relevant authority that issues these certificates.

Application for the issuance of a phytosanitary certificate
Downloadable pdf form to apply for a phytosanitary certificate. Department of Agriculture (Directorate Plant Health and Quality)

Application for the exportation of ostriches and ostrich eggs
An export permit from the Registrar of Animal Improvement is needed before you can export ostriches or ostrich eggs from South Africa. The applicant must be a juristic person, e.g. John Peter Citizen, or John Peter Citizen T/A Diepsloot Stud, or Diepsloot Stud CC, of Diepsloot Stud (Pty) Ltd, or Diepsloot Ltd. If the applicant does not sign the application personally, a letter authorising the signatory such as an agent to sign the application on behalf of the applicant, must accompany the application. Applications must be submitted to the Registrar 30 days prior to exportation. This section of the South African Government Services website gives detailed information about the steps to follow, legal framework, service standard, cost, the forms which need to be completed and relevant contact details of the relevant authority that issues these certificates.

Application for the exportation of ostriches or eggs
Downloadable pdf form to apply for permission to export ostriches or eggs. Department of Agriculture (Directorate Animal and Aqua Production Systems).

Application for approval and registration of veterinary export facilities
Animals products may only be exported if they come from premises that comply with international standards or the legislation of the importing country. These premises could be an approved abattoir, artificial insemination centre, collection centre, farm, feedlot, food processing factory, food storage premises, etc..This section of the South African Government Services website gives detailed information about the steps to follow, legal framework, service standard, cost, where to obtain the forms which need to be completed and relevant contact details of the relevant authority that issues these permits.

SENWES
Senwes is a diversified agri-business that provides agricultural production inputs, market access to agricultural products and value-adding services to its customers. On their website, you are able to view international export quotations for maize, wheat, soybeans, sunflower, soy oil and sorghum as well as import/export prices for maize and wheat.

Guidelines for Importing and Exporting Animals and Genetic Material