The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff) on 24 February 2015 announced the implementation of inspections for fresh fruit and vegetables, feed products, grains and grain products including ornamental foliage and flowers, sourced from among others, national fresh produce markets, pack houses, silos, distribution centres and farms intended for export to African countries.
Consignments of 20 kg or more of fresh fruit and vegetables, feed products, grains and grain products; and consignments of 10 kg or more of ornamental foliage and flowers will be subjected to the following conditions and terms: (i) No consignment shall be released without having been inspected by the designated assignee, namely the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB). (ii) An export certificate shall accompany each consignment. (iii) No country will be exempted from such inspection. (iii) The comprehensive inspections as per the export regulations shall come into effect on 1 April 2015. (iv) The exporter shall pay the prescribed inspection fee as determined by the PPECB. (v) Samples for analytical testing purposes (in order to verify compliance with food safety) shall be drawn by the PPECB inspector, sent to the designated laboratories and exporters will be liable for such costs.
Prior arrangement for inspection of consignments shall be made with the PPECB.