INTRODUCTION

1. General overview of South Africa’s commitment to global market access & maintenance based on requirements for phytosanitary measuresby PATRICK TSHIKHUDODoA: Directorate Plant HealthDivision: Import/Export Protocols17 JULY 2008

2. INTRODUCTION SA –active trader in the global import/export market of agric product • Trading of plants & plant products= risk of pests and diseases introduction into importing country • SA -signatory member of various multilateral agreements • SA- opportunity to export its agricultural products to different international markets (fruits, vegetables, seeds etc)

3. International legislation regulating global trade SA=Signatory member of WTO- SPS (Agreement on the Application of Sanitary & Phytosanitary Measures) • Sets rules for global trade of agricultural products • Subscribes to the principle of equal market access and international co-operation in protecting human, animal and plant Health WTO SPS gives members rights & obligation to: • Protect the humans, plants & animals from foreign pests (i.e. set phytosanitary regulations) • Regulatory measures based on scientific data (i.e. technical justified & appropriate)

4. WTO SPS principles Includes: • Scientific risk assessment • Appropriate level of protection • Transparency / Provision of information • Harmonized measures- ISPMs

5. WTO – SPS recognize 3 International Standards Setting Bodies • IPPC – International Plant Protection Convention • CODEX – Codex Alimentarius Commision • OIE – Office of International Epizootics / World Animal Health Organization

6. IPPC Purpose: • effective action to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products, and • to promote appropriate measures for their control Scope: • Covers international cooperation in controlling the introduction of pests associated plants and plants products • Extends to items capable of harboring or spread pests, such as: • Storage places, Conveyors / vehicles and containers

7. WTO – SPS and IPPC Obligate members to • Provide an NPPO or national contact point (for SA= DoA DPH & APIS) & • Regulate import & export of plants & plant products based on international principles & standards

8. Current special export markets • Bilateral agreements • Coordinated in collaboration with the relevant industry and role players to ensure compliance Established export programmes: • Citrus – EU, Japan, South Korea, China, Iran, Taiwan, Middle East, USA, Africa • Table Grapes: EU, Israel, China, USA • Apples & pears: USA, Taiwan, EU, Mexico Current negotiation with some important importing countries: • Litchi – USA • Mango – PIP was forwarded to India, China, Japan • Avocado – Finalizing the information packages (pest listing) • Citrus – (Thailand, Australia)

9. COMMUNICATION - INITIATION OF SA EXPORTS • Export actions are undertaken on request & in collaboration with SA industries • Technical meeting with representatives of different fresh fruit industries ( CGA, PPECB,DFPT,SATI, Subtrop, etc) • held every two months • Ongoing communication with counterpart NPPOs in consultation with all the role players

10. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EXPORT PROGRAMME Global access for plant & plant products is based on: • Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) by importing country • 3 stages of PRA • Initiation stage: Identifying the pests and pathway • Risk assessment: Scientific evaluation of pest • Risk Management: setting appropriate mitigation measures • Bilateral agreement between NPPOsregarding import requirements • Authorization by importing country • Issue of import permit

11. REGULATING EXPORTS OF FRUIT TO SPECIAL MARKETS DoA-APIS + PH I/EP • Phytosanitary registration of PHC and PUC • Phytosanitary inspections to verify compliance with the requirements of the importing country, and • Issuing phytosanitary certificates in collaboration with DoA assignees e.g (PPECB (Perishable Products Export Control Boards)

12. Market Maintenance Relies on: • Technically justified measures base on: • Reliable published information • Rapid pest identification method • Up-to-date survey and pest lists • Effective pest mitigation treatments • Surveillance for new pests • Good Agricultural practice • Communication & cooperation between role players & stakeholders • A record of credibility i.e. the ability to comply with requirements & provide reliable information • Active country membership of and participation in the relevant International Standards Setting Bodies, and • Implementation of the appropriate international standards (ISPMs)

13. SA’s constraints relating to international trade • Limited scientists to conduct PRA • Limited pest survey information for providing to NPPO in target country • Limited cooperation between DoA, Provincial and other departments and the industry • Inconsistency regarding communication from importing countries

14. Scientists CONCLUSION • South Africa has a great potential to access new International markets • Effective communication • Reliable scientific information of commodity pests & diseases • Plant health legislation & standards • Team Work (shared responsibility) Different Industries & stakeholders (DoA) NPPO + Provincial departments Market access & maintenance Producers / farmers Assignees

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