General overview of South Africa’s commitment to global market access & maintenance based on requirements for phytosanitary measures by PATRICK TSHIKHUDO DoA: Directorate Plant Health Division: Import/Export Protocols 17 JULY 2008

2 INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION SA –a 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 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 3 International Standards Setting Bodies WTO – SPS recognize 3 International Standards Setting Bodies IPPCIPPC – International Plant Protection Convention CODEXCODEX – Codex Alimentarius Commision OIEOIE – Office of International Epizootics / World Animal Health Organization

6 IPPCIPPC Purpose: effective action to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products, and to promote appropriate measures for their controlScope: plantsCovers 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 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: 1.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 2.Communication & cooperation between role players & stakeholders 3.A record of credibility i.e. the ability to comply with requirements & provide reliable information 4.Active country membership of and participation in the relevant International Standards Setting Bodies, and 5.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 CONCLUSION Different Industries & stakeholders ( DoA) NPPO + Provincial departments Producers / farmers Assignees Scientists Market access & maintenance  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)  Team Work (shared responsibility)

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