South Africa (ZA)

1.1 Establishment registration

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the Department) is the Australian government authority responsible for export registration, inspection and certification of Australian food and agricultural exports.

All premises involved in the production of bovine milk and milk products for export must be registered with the Department. Premises involved in the production of non-bovine products may also need to be registered, however this is only when required by an importing country, please see product information here. For more information or assistance with the export registration process contact the Department's Dairy, Eggs and Fish Program at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au. We also encourage you to work with your importer to clarify any specific import conditions for the products you are exporting.

Exceptions to establishment registration and export certification
  1. (a) ice cream;
  2. (b) cheesecakes, Bavarian desserts and similar desserts;
  3. (c) colostrum;
  4. (d) milk or milk products encased in pastry or a fruit or vegetable product;
  5. (e) milk products where milk or milk products are not the major component;
  6. (f) milk or milk products that are derived from the lacteal secretion obtained from an animal other than a bovine animal;
  7. (g) milk or milk products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material;
  8. (h) any other milk or milk products that are not covered by subsection (1) of this section;
  9. (i) liquid milk and milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres;
  10. (j) milk or milk products not covered by paragraphs (a) to (i) exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms;
  11. (k) milk or milk products in the form of a tablet or capsule.
  12. (l) milk or milk products for export to New Zealand.

Note

If South Africa requires government to government certification and registration for the entry of the above goods, then this can only be provided by the department when the goods have been approved to be prepared in an export registered establishment.

In some circumstances a non-prescribed good certificate can be issued. There is no requirement for export registration in these circumstances, please contact npgexports@aff.gov.au for further information.

Dairy-based powdered drink products

South Africa considers dairy-based powdered drink products to be prescribed goods, irrespective of the percentage of dairy as an ingredient. These products must be manufactured in an export registered establishment and be accompanied by the prescribed goods dairy certificate using template ZD050, please refer to Section 5 below.

The department advises exporters to obtain an import permit for dairy-based powdered drink products they wish to export to this market, especially products which contain less than 50% dairy ingredients by weight or by volume.

Exceptions (ships stores)

Export certification is not issued for ships stores as the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 do not apply. Ships stores are milk and milk products on ships or aircraft for the use of passengers and crew or for the service of the ships or aircraft on a voyage from Australia.

1.2 Overseas listing

Initial listing procedureRequired?
Establishment listing required for South Africa

No

1.3 Prohibited products

Soft unpasteurised cheeses are prohibited for export to South Africa.

There are no other known products that are prohibited for export to this market.

1.4 General information

2.1 Milk and milk products

Milk and milk products of bovine origin are defined as prescribed goods under the Export Control Act. Production of these products for export is regulated under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Milk and milk products manufactured from non-bovine species, for example buffalo, goat and sheep, may also need to be regulated through the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, though this is only required when export registration and health certification from the Department is required by South Africa.

We are not aware that South Africa has any known additional requirements for the production and export of non-bovine milk and milk products.

Dairy-based powdered drink products

South Africa considers dairy-based powdered drink products to be prescribed goods, irrespective of the percentage of dairy as an ingredient. These products must be manufactured in an export registered establishment and be accompanied by the prescribed goods dairy certificate using template ZD050, please refer to Section 5 below.

The department advises exporters to obtain an import permit for dairy-based powdered drink products they wish to export to this market, especially products which contain less than 50% dairy ingredients by weight or by volume.

2.2 Compositional requirements

2.3 Further information

3.1 Technical grade and pharmaceutical products

Unless technical products and pharmaceutical material are prepared at an establishment that produces milk and milk products for export as food, these products are non prescribed goods. They are not regulated by the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

3.2 Animal feed

Unless animal food is prepared at an establishment that produces milk and milk products for export as food, these products are non prescribed goods.

In accordance with the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, animal food must be clearly identified as animal food and not for human consumption. It must also be segregated from and not contaminate milk and milk products that are for human consumption.

 

3.3 Manufacturing grade products

South Africa has no known additional requirements for Manufacturing Grade milk and milk products that differ from the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Manufacturing Grade products are defined in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.
 

3.4 Processing

3.5 Further information

4.1 Microbial and residue sampling

South Africa has no known additional requirements for microbial sampling of milk and milk products that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.
 

South Africa residue standards

Maximum residue limits (MRLs) or import tolerances for residues of specific agricultural and veterinary chemicals approved for use in Australia may not exist in South Africa or may be established at levels lower than those established in Australia. Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants may also vary between South Africa and Australia.

Food business operators should note that:

  • These differences can be interrogated case-by-case by considering the South Africa standards and the Australian standards.
  • Any detection of a residue above the South Africa MRLs/MLs (as applicable) at the border may result in rejection of the consignment.

Note

Importing country residue standards can usually be found via the official webpages of their competent authority. Links to a limited number of export markets and Australia are provided on the DAFF website.

4.2 Operational requirements additional to Australia's export legislation

South Africa has no known additional requirements for general operations that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

 

 

4.3 Hygiene

South Africa has no known additional hygiene requirements that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

 

 

5.1 Milk and milk products

Milk and milk products that are prescribed under Australia's export rules
  1. are milk or milk products derived from a bovine animal; and
  2. are intended to be exported as food.
Milk and milk products that are not prescribed under Australia's export rules

Milk and milk products which do not meet the criteria under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 are classified by Australia as non-prescribed goods. It is the responsibility of the exporter to confirm with South Africa if there are any specific requirements for the import of these products. Typically, non-prescribed goods include, ice-cream, non-bovine milk products, colostrum and products with a minor component of dairy.

Further information on exporting non-prescribed goods from Australia is available on the Department's website.

In some cases, an importing country requires specific health certification and government oversight for what would typically be non-prescribed milk and milk products. When required, these products become prescribed under export legislation and must meet all export and importing country requirements. This includes, the products being manufactured and stored at an export registered establishment and must have a valid export permit and health certificate for each consignment. Guidance on export registration can be found at Dairy export registered establishments.

5.1.1 Health certificate for milk and milk products

For milk and milk products produced for human consumption (including milk and milk products classified as a prescribed good by an importing country), use Health Certificate template ZD050.
 

ZD050 Dairy Health Certificate
 

The ZD050 Certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition
  2. Fit for human consumption
  3. Of Australian origin.
Endorsement 2018 - Dairy - South Africa veterinary statement

I, a veterinarian authorised thereto by the controlling veterinary authority of Australia, hereby certify that the milk or milk-based products mentions and stipulated above:

1. was produced from milk or milk-based products, legally imported into the exporting country from one or more of the following countries: New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, United States of America, Canada and Germany.

2. Was processed at an officially approved manufacturing plant and subjected to one of the following processes before being introduced onto South African territory:

2.1 In the case of milk or milk-based products originating from areas where no outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred within the last 12 months and where vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease have not been carried out in the last 12 months, and;

2.1.1 ultra high temperature treatment at 132°C for 1 second; and/or

2.1.2 pasteurised at 72°C for 15 seconds or 60°C for 30 minutes; and/or

2.1.3 heat sterilised for 30 minutes at a pressure of 15 lbs (100kPa); and/or

2.1.4 an acidification process such that the pH value is lowered and kept below 6 for at least one hour.

3. Do not contain any harmful additives and is unconditionally passed as fit for human consumption.

4. Do not contain any products derived from animals other than milk or milk-based products.

5. Do not, to the best of my knowledge and belief, constitute any danger of introducing infectious or contagious diseases into South Africa.

6. The milk for the milk or milk-based products was obtained from bovine (animal species).

Optional Endorsement 2089 - Dairy - South Africa Veterinary and radioactivity statement

I, a veterinarian authorised thereto by the controlling veterinary authority of Australia, hereby certify that the milk or milk-based products mentions and stipulated above:

1. Was produced from milk or milk-based products, legally imported into the exporting country from one or more of the following countries: New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, United States of America, Canada and Germany.

2. Was processed at an officially approved manufacturing plant and subjected to one of the following processes before being introduced onto South African territory:

2.1 In the case of milk or milk-based products originating from areas where no outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred within the last 12 months and where vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease have not been carried out in the last 12 months, and;

2.1.1.ultra high temperature treatment at 132°C for 1 second; and/or

2.1.2.pasteurised at 72°C for 15 seconds or 60°C for 30 minutes; and/or

2.1.3.heat sterilised for 30 minutes at a pressure of 15 lbs (100kPa); and/or

2.1.4.an acidification process such that the pH value is lowered and kept below 6 for at least one hour.

Do not contain any harmful additives and is unconditionally passed as fit for human consumption. Do not contain any products derived from animals other than milk or milk-based products.

Do not, to the best of my knowledge and belief, constitute any danger of introducing infectious or contagious diseases into South Africa. The milk for the milk or milk-based products was obtained from bovine (animal species).

The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout.

Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed 50 Bq/kg.

Import permit

If the South African Import Permit is required to be included with the ZD050 Veterinary Certificate, it can be included in the REX in the Import Document field (Document Number and Document Date) and it will print below the endorsement on the ZD050 Certificate. See Section 6.1.

Transit Certification Requirements

Milk and milk products transiting the European Union or the United States may require transit documentation. These certificates are available as additional certificates through the NEXDOC system. If the product is transiting the United States, standard certification is required and the exporter should contact the Department for advice on how this certification may be issued.

European Union (EU) transit certificates are available for consignments transiting the EU. Refer to the EU documentation requirements for edible products for the reference numbers and attestations in these certificates.

5.2 Manufacturing grade products

For Manufacturing Grade milk and milk products, use the ZD016 Certificate as to Condition for Manufacturing Grade products.

The ZD016 Certificate as to Condition contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition
  2. Of Australian origin.

5.3 Technical grade and pharmaceutical products

The ZD001 Certificate as to Condition may be issued for technical products and pharmaceutical material.

The ZD001 Certificate contains the following attestations:

I certify to the best of my knowledge that the information on this form is true and correct in every particular details and that the product described above is of Australian origin and is acceptable for sale in Australia.

5.4 Animal feed

The ZD015 Certificate as to Condition for Stockfood can be issued for stockfood made from milk and milk products.

The ZD015 Certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition
  2. Of Australian origin.
Endorsement 3662 - Dairy - South African Stock Food and Radiation Attestation

I, a veterinarian authorised thereto by the controlling veterinary authority of Australia, hereby certify that the milk or milk-based products mentioned and stipulated above: 1. Was produced from milk or milk-based products, legally imported into the exporting country from one or more of the following countries: New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, United States of America and Canada. 2. Was processed at an officially approved manufacturing plant and subjected to one of the following processes before being introduced onto South African territory: 2.1 In the case of milk or milk-based products originating from areas where no outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred within the last 12 months and where vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease have not been carried out in the last 12 months, and; 2.1.1 ultra high temperature treatment at 132°C for 1 second; and/or 2.1.2 pasteurised at 72°C for 15 seconds or 60°C for 30 minutes; and/or 2.1.3 heat sterilised for 30 minutes at a pressure of 15 lbs (100kPa); and/or 2.1.4 an acidification process such that the pH value is lowered and kept below 6 for at least one hour. 3. Do not contain any products derived from animals other than milk or milk-based products. 4. Do not, to the best of my knowledge and belief, constitute any danger of introducing infectious or contagious diseases into South Africa. 5. The milk for the milk or milk-based products was obtained from bovine (animal species).

The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed 50 Bq/kg.
 

5.5 Consignments under 10 kilograms and trade samples

Export certification is not issued for consignments and trade samples that are less than 10 kilograms. The department advises exporters to confirm with their importers if certification is required by the authorities in South Africa in these circumstances. 

 

5.6 Additional certification/letters

The ZX01 Certificate as to Dioxin Status of Australian Dairy Products is available on request.

European Union (EU) transit certificates are available for consignments transiting the EU. Refer to the EU documentation requirements for edible products for the reference numbers and attestations in these certificates.

6.1 Import permit

An import permit is required for all shipments of dairy products to South Africa.

Exporters must include the import permit number into the import document field (document number and document date) in the Request for Permit. The import permit number is issued by the South African Government.

Exporters should ensure that their importer complies with any requirements to obtain a permit for imports into South Africa.

 

6.2 Port-of-entry inspection and testing

7.1 Packaging

South Africa has no known specific requirements for labelling and packaging in addition to those provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

 

 

7.2 Labelling

South Africa has no known specific requirements for labelling and packaging in addition to those provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

 

 

7.3 Shelf life

South Africa has no known specific requirements for shelf life restrictions other than those provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

 

 

7.4 Shipping marks

South Africa has no known specific requirements for shipping marks (port marks).

7.5 Further information

South Africa has no known specific requirements for shipping and airfreight. Milk and milk products must be transported to ensure their condition and integrity is maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

8.1 Refrigeration, transfer and loadout

03/08/2023 - Updated residue statement to refer to importing country standards (section 4.1).
20/06/2023 - Updated endorsement 2018 of health certificate for milk and milk products (section 5.1.1).
20/02/2022 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Dairy headings.
27/09/2021 - Removal and replacement of Dairy by Definition wording.
08/06/2021 - References to export legislation have been updated.