Border Management Authority responds to call to ditch original vet certificates

THE Border Management Authority (BMA) has defended its continued requirement for original paper-based veterinary health certificates for poultry imports.

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

This comes after calls from Merlog Foods to adopt secure online verification systems to prevent delays at South African ports.

Merlog Foods, an importer of chicken and chilled meats, had urged the BMA to modernise its verification processes by fully embracing the use of electronic veterinary certificates issued by Brazil.

These digital documents are already available through an internationally recognised online portal and are accessible to both the BMA and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

“After months of disruption to poultry imports, we urge the Border Management Authority to align port inspection procedures with modern, technologically based practices,” said Georg Southey, manager at Merlog Foods.

“Formalising the use of electronic verification systems would streamline trade while maintaining food safety and compliance.”