Draft Regulations: Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Act, 2024

Posted 26 September 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 released three sets of draft regulations under the Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Act, No. 10 of 2024 for public consultation.

In terms of the Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Act, No. 10 of 2024, which is yet to be brought into operation, the Minister has gazetted draft control regulations, draft import regulations, and a third set of administrative regulations. Stakeholders have until 26 October 2025 to submit written comments on the proposed frameworks.

The draft control regulations are intended to provide the mechanisms for managing and preventing the spread of quarantine pests within South Africa. This includes the designation of regulated areas and the specific phytosanitary measures required to contain outbreaks.

The draft import regulations establish the criteria for the introduction of plants, plant products, and other regulated articles into the Republic. These regulations specifically address:

  • Phytosanitary import permit requirements;
  • Foreign phytosanitary certification standards; and
  • Inspection, sampling, and testing procedures at designated ports of entry.

The publication of these drafts signals the government’s preparation for the full implementation of the 2024 Act, which will replace the Agricultural Pests Act, No. 36 of 1983.

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

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations; impact is channelled through professional advisory roles regarding agricultural compliance and international trade law.
  • For your business: Agricultural firms and logistics providers must evaluate the proposed administrative fees and inspection timelines to adjust operational budgets for the 2025/2026 period.
  • For your clients: Importers and exporters of plant-based commodities must review the specific permit and certification requirements to ensure future shipments comply with the modernized phytosanitary standards.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/plant-health-phytosanitary-act-draft-regulations-out-for-comment

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