Plant Improvement Act, 2018: Commencement Date Announced

Posted 21 November 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category New Legislation

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Presidency has issued a proclamation determining the commencement date for the Plant Improvement Act, No. 11 of 2018, which will replace the existing regulatory regime for plant material.

In terms of the proclamation published in the Government Gazette, the Plant Improvement Act, No. 11 of 2018 will come into effect on 1 December 2025. This legislation repeals the Plant Improvement Act, No. 53 of 1976 in its entirety, marking a significant shift in the regulation of the South African seed and plant industry.

The implementation of the Act is accompanied by new regulations that define the procedural and technical requirements for compliance. The primary objectives of the 2018 Act include:

  • The registration of premises from which business involving plant material is conducted;
  • The establishment of schemes for the certification of plant material to ensure quality and phytosanitary standards;
  • The regulation of the sale and export of plants and propagating material; and
  • The maintenance of variety integrity through a national plant variety control system.

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

  • For yourself: Legal and compliance professionals must familiarise themselves with the new definitions and registration procedures under the 2018 Act to provide accurate advice before the December 2025 transition.
  • For your business: Entities operating as nurseries, seed laboratories, or plant breeders must audit their current premises and operational certifications against the new regulations to ensure uninterrupted compliance.
  • For your clients: Clients in the agricultural sector must prepare for updated administrative requirements regarding the sale and movement of propagating material, including potential changes to documentation and labelling standards.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/plant-improvement-act-in-force-from-1-december-2025

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