In a move that has chicken importers crying foul, veterinary inspections at ports have been ramped up – with previously random inspections for a multi-container consignment becoming a lengthy inspection of every single container.
The move will tighten control on the quality of imports – ensuring not only the quality of incoming chicken meat but also that what has been declared is what is actually in the containers of frozen chicken, says FairPlay.
The 2019 poultry master plan promises “decisive action” against illegal imports, where taxes and import duties can be evaded if volumes are underdeclared or if high-duty chicken portions are mislabelled as ones subject to lower or no duties. The SA Revenue Service (Sars) is part of a task team formed to combat such activities, the advocacy group points out.
Chicken importers, however, have complained that the intensified inspections have not been accompanied by an increase in veterinary staff.
Paul Matthew, outgoing CEO of the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters, told Business Day, that this had resulted in major congestion at the ports.
“As a result of the new inspection procedures, ports across the country are experiencing a backlog and mass container congestion. The situation is being compounded by the fact that many food containers need refrigeration, and there are not enough plug points to go around,” Matthew said.
The FairPlay Movement believes state veterinary capabilities should have been ramped up years ago, and suggests that the private sector may have to help.
It has also encouraged Sars and the customs service to follow suit and ensure that all imports, including poultry, are thoroughly inspected.
