Plant Health
The importance of plant health not only lies in the yielding of a vast number of primary food sources, but also the ripple effect in terms of utilisation for animal feed.
Plant pests and diseases have an impact on the quantity and quality of yields, which can lead to scarcity and increased cost of food and feed.
Monitoring and responsible control of biosecurity threats to plant health are crucial, especially amidst changing climatic conditions and invasive alien species impacting on healthy ecosystems.
To manage plant health, South Africa has specific legislation, regulations and tariffs, as well as a list of reportable pests and diseases.
1. Legislation
Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 (Act No. 36 of 1983)
The purpose of this act and its subordinate regulations, is to regulate plants and plant products to ensure that imported commodities are free from quarantine and regulated non-quarantine pests.
2. Import Regulations
2.1 Regulations R.111 of 27 January 1984 as amended
Regulations R.111 provide for the importation of regulated articles by means of import permit.
2.2 Government Notice R.1013 of 26 May 1989 as amended
3. National Control Measures
3.1 Control Measures R. 110 of 27 January 1984 as amended
Plant Health Tariffs
Tariffs as published in the Government Gazette No. 11803 on 07 March 2025 in terms of the Agricultural Pests Act, 1983 and International Phytosanitary prescripts. Tariffs will come into force on 01 April 2025.
Reportable Pests & Diseases
Certain pests and diseases must be reported to the Directorate: Plant Health at the Department of Agriculture. Among these are Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), Citrus Greening and Polyphagous Shothole Borer (PSHB).
Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV)
Citrus Greening
Spindle Tuber of Potato
Glossary of Key Plant Health Terms
Report a concern
The NBH is South Africa’s go-to and exchange hub for all matters pertaining to plant and animal health. You can lodge a report regarding animal or plant diseases, plant pests and weeds by clicking the button below.
