Draft Regulations: Live Animal Export by Sea

Posted 11 July 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development has published draft regulations regarding the transportation of live animals for export by sea.

In terms of the Animal Protection Act, No. 71 of 1962, these draft regulations aim to establish mandatory standards for animal welfare during maritime transit, following the guidelines previously issued in March 2023. The proposed measures are designed to ensure that stress, harm, and injury are minimised throughout the export process.

The draft regulations cover the following stages of transport:

  • Transport from the farm of origin to the port of embarkation;
  • Handling and holding at port facilities; and
  • The duration of the sea voyage until disembarkation.

Once finalised, the regulations will impose specific compliance obligations on several stakeholders, including:

  • Livestock exporters and shipping agents;
  • Vessel owners and operators;
  • Registered veterinarians and animal health technicians; and
  • Feedlot managers and animal handlers.

Interested parties have until 25 August 2025 to submit written comments on the draft regulations to the Department.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations; professionals must monitor the transition from guidelines to mandatory regulations to provide accurate compliance advice on livestock logistics.
  • For your business: Legal and compliance firms serving the agricultural sector should update their risk assessment frameworks to account for stricter animal welfare reporting and oversight.
  • For your clients: Exporters must prepare for mandatory veterinary certification and potential increases in operational costs to meet the new standards for vessel conditions and animal handling.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/live-animal-export-by-sea-input-sought-on-draft-regulations

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