Question NW2907 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
08 December 2020 - NW2907
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether the Animal Health Act, Act 7 of 2002 is an attempt to partially domesticate the Republic’s international obligations arising from the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The aim of the Animal Health Act, 2002 (Act No. 7 of 2002) is to promote animal health and to control animal diseases; provide for the appropriate governance structures and regulate the importation and exportation of animals.
The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement applies to all sanitary and phytosanitary measures which might affect international trade. Members can apply science-based risk measures to achieve an appropriate level of sanitary and phytosanitary protection in relation to risks to animal and plant life and human health. Domestic legislation such as the Animal Health Act, 2002, contributes to compliance to international obligations, such as those contained in the SPS Agreement, but domestic legislation and related policies extends beyond this and aims to achieve its primary purpose statement (e.g promoting animal health).