The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has asked the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to investigate differences in declared chicken import prices identified in its analysis of trade statistics.
Certain consignments were priced substantially above or below the ranges the association considered usual, according to a statement issued by Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of SAPA’s Broiler Organisation.
The concerns had been raised during a meeting with SARS, and the association had requested an investigation, Breitenbach said.
SAPA’s analysis of import statistics for the first half of 2026 highlighted low declared prices for some chicken products subject to import duties and higher prices for certain consignments of mechanically deboned meat (MDM), which the association described as duty-free.
Among its examples were Brazilian leg quarters reportedly imported at R2.07/kg, compared with what SAPA described as usual import prices of R19-R20/kg.
For Brazilian MDM, most import prices ranged from R8/kg to R11/kg during the first six months of the year, but some consignments were declared at R15-R18/kg, the association said.
These differences raised questions about whether the correct duties were being paid on some imports, SAPA argued. However, the figures presented in its statement did not establish that declarations were incorrect or that duty evasion had occurred.
Most of the pricing anomalies identified by the association involved imports from Brazil and Argentina, although it also flagged consignments from the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain.
An investigation was needed to protect customs revenue and ensure fair competition for local poultry producers, Breitenbach said.
SAPA also intends to raise its concerns with the ministers of agriculture and finance.
