Importation of Commercial Quantities of Plant Propagation Material: Criteria and Guidelines

Purpose

This document is compiled to inform potential importers of plant propagating material regarding the primary criteria and guidelines which are applicable when considering applications to import commercial quantities of such material. The criteria stipulated will essentially serve as an initial screening process in the evaluation of the application. It is important to note that these criteria are additional to the final import requirements which will be determined by a pest risk assessment/analysis.

Background

In terms of the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act No. 36 of 1983), the importation of controlled goods (e.g. plant propagation material) is subject to the provision of the said Act.

The importation of vegetative propagating material of regulated goods of economic importance is subject to a post entry quarantine evaluation procedure at an officially recognized and approved plant quarantine facility.

 The importation of propagation material is limited to an agreed-upon number of cuttings/variety to allow for the evaluation thereof in the official plant quarantine facilities to accommodate the evaluation, research and breeding needs of the various relevant industries.

Criteria

Should a need arise to import large quantities of plant propagation material, each request for importation will be subject to the following criteria and prescripts:

• Only varieties/clones will be considered for the implementation of a key program or a critical situation within industry.
• The merits of each potential importation should be motivated in writing with regard to specific industry objectives, agricultural strategies supported and the contribution to a better life for all.
• Only one (1) application per calendar year per crop per company/importer as determined by available capacity.
• All applications should preferably reach the Directorate at least 18 months prior to the projected date of importation.  (This period is necessary to allow for the execution of a Pest Risk Analysis/Assessment, the drafting of import requirements, the negotiation of a final import protocol, the drafting of a management plan and the authorization to import).
• Commercial consignments of plant propagating material may only originate from a country or state that is free from all the relevant regulated pests as determined by a Pest Risk Analysis/Assessment for the specific crop.
• Applications for crops for which an officially recognized Plant Certification Scheme exists must be accompanied by a recommendation by the relevant Plant Improvement Association.
• Plant propagation material imported as a commercial consignment will have to comply with National Plant Certification Scheme operational procedures.
• Plants/cuttings may not exceed 30 cm in length.
• An official phytosanitary certificate to be issued with each consignment.
• Only plant propagating material originating from an official plant certification scheme will be considered for crops where such schemes exist.
• A site/facility should be registered as an open-quarantine site/facility at the time of the application .  Requirements for such site/facility will be provided.
• A compulsory post entry quarantine evaluation period will be determined by the outcome of the Pest Risk analysis/Assessment, and will not be less than one (1) active growing season .
• Prescripts for the maintenance of the imported consignment within the registered open-quarantine site/facility as included in the Management Plan, must be strictly adhered to at all times .

Guidelines

• Rooted plants will originate from a soil less sterile growing medium .
• No soil is allowed.
• All costs involved in the evaluation and importation of a commercial consignment, including the post entry quarantine evaluation procedures, will be for the account of the importer .  Services rendered by officials of the Directorate, will be charged according to the current approved Government Tariffs.
• An application for an account with the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries should be submitted  if the applicant is not already an account holder.
• A commercial consignment will not qualify for inclusion in a recognized plant certification scheme.