MINUTES FOR THE ANNUAL DECIDUOUS FRUIT COORDINATING MEETING HELD ON 29 June 2011, AT ARC INFRUITECH (OLIVE GROOVE CONFERENCE ROOM) IN STELLENBOSCH, AT 09:00. ATTENDANCE REGISTER LIST Name Company Contact

numberE-mail address

Margaret Reinecke Ceres fruit growers

0233169440 Margaret.reinecke@cfg.co.za

Veronica Arendse The Grape Company

083 4833 728 vn@thegrapeco.co.za

Dirk Smit USDA-APHIS 082 858 0366 Dirk.J.Smit@APHIS.USDA.GOV Shelley Johnson University of

Stellenbosch 072 5004 365 sjohnson@sunac.za

Collete le Roux Dole 021 9140 600 colette.le.roux@dole.com Heleen van Zyl Dole 0728427819 Heleen.van.zyl@dole.com George Hendike Safe Farm

Ventures 021 657 000 george@safe.co.za

Adam Dolamo DAFF AdamD@daff.gov.za Lindi Benic Saapa/Saspvvia

Hortgro/Sati 083 7084 947 lindi@dfpt.co.za

Eric Mudau DAFF 012 319 6289 EricMu@daff.gov.za Mpho Sekgala DAFF 012 319 6295 MphoS@daff.gv.za Rian van Eeden Capespan 0824620752 Rian_van_eeden@capespan.co.za Ilse Scott Univeg 0218828470 ilse@univegexports.co.za HenkCriesse Tru-Cape 082 6521 828 henky@tru-cpae.co.za Kuben Naidoo DAFF 031 3372 755 KubenN@daff.gov.za Marile van Heerden

Ceres fruit growers

0233169484 Marile.van.heerden@cfg.co.za

Veronica Arendse The Grape Company

083 4833 728/0218729504

vn@thegrapeco.co.za

Louise V/d Merwe The Grape Company

0218729504 lvs@thegrapeco.co.za

Dirk Smit USDA-APHIS 082 858 0366 Dirk.J.Smit@APHIS.USDA.GOV Almee Kleyn Fruitworks 0846536070/08

4872327 almeek@fruitworks.co.za

Jacobus v/d Merwe Fruitworks 0218728327 jacobus@fruitworks.co.za Elain Laubscher United Exports 0839867512 Elaine@unitedexports.com.du Anel Genode Fruitways logistics@fruitways.com Ilze du Plessis Fruitways logistics@fruitways.com Zelde Kennedy Fruitways logistics@fruitways.com Ana-Lize Sequira Fruitways logistics@fruitways.com Benard Henning PPECB 0824650772 Bernardh@ppecb.com Hein Portwig Fruitways 0836070536 Hein.Portwig@fruitways.com Barnie Hickiman Molteno Brothers 0829235753 abh@moltenobros.co.za Shelley Johnson University of

Stellenbosch 072 5004 365 sjohnson@sunac.za

Omar Benjamin Cool Chain Group 0214462700 Omar.benjamin@coolchaingroup..com

Collete le Roux Dole 021 9140 600 colette.le.roux@dole.com George Hendikse Safe Farm

Ventures 021 657 000 george@safe.co.za

Jacques Du Preez HORTGRO 0828648149 Jacques@hortgro.co.za Lindi Benic Saapa/Saspvvia

Hortgro/Sati 083 7084 947 lindi@dfpt.co.za

Eric Mudau DAFF 012 3196289 EricMu@daff.gov.za Mpho Sekgala DAFF 012 319 6295 MphoS@daff.gv.za Debbie Bonzaaier Colors 0218075000 debbi@colorsfruit.com Elzette Schutte Colors 0218075000 elzette@colorsfruit.com HenkGriessel Tru-Cape 082 6521 828 henky@tru-cpae.co.za Kuben Naidoo DAFF 031 3372 755 KubenN@daff.gov.za Mari Jordaan Unifruitti SA 072 3924 444 mari@unifrutti.co.za Hardy Lambrechts Delecta Fruit 0820738015 Hardy.lambrechts@delecta.co.za

Hein Portwig Fruitways 083 6070 536 Hein.Portwig@fruitways.com

Natasha Wentzel PPECB 0219301134 natashaw@ppecb.com Francois Smit PPECB 0824621006 francoiss@ppecb.com Johan Strydom PS Logistics 0832981000 pslog@mweb.co.za Karen Smit- Lotner Core Fruit 0827804390 Karen@corefruit.com Janine Koegelenberg

Core 0837245618 Janine@corefruit.com

Nikki Rossouw Core 0835945256 nikki@corefruit.com

Janine Kruger EXSA 082 6751 744 janine@exsa-exp.co.za Geoff Croxford EXSA 082 6554 441 geoff@exsa-exp.co.za Francois Moller DAFF 082 777 9768 FrancoisM@nda.agric.za Mashudu Silimela DAFF 012 319 6241 MashuduS@daff.gov.za Thobela Bongumusa

DAFF 012 319 6151 BongumusaT@daff.gov.za

P van Schalkwyk LeRoux Group 021 864 1967 Pvu@lerouxgroup.co.za/pieter@lerouxgroup.co.za

Lize Ferreira JD Kirsten (EDMS)BPK

0218727021 lize@jdk.co.za

Herman Louw Hoekstra Fruit Exporters

083 321 2755 herman@hoekstraexport.co.za

Nico Ferreira Two-A-Day 0825238239 nico@tad.co.za K. Conradie Two –A- Day 082 523 8241 Kobusc@tad.co.za Andre Van Wyk SATI 082 468 7577 andre@satgi.co.za Marchelle Young Goreevers 082 44 7882 Marchelle.young@goreefers.co.za Jaco Smit CAPESPAN 083 675 5687 jaco.smit@capespan.co.za Suzette Gilfellan Hortgro 021 882 84 70/1 suzette@hortgro.co.za Petro Conradie Dutoit Vrugte 023 312 1071 petro@dutoit.com Johan Lubbe Afrifresh 0798842249 JohanL@afrifresh.co.za Susan van Vuuren Afrifresh 0836803483 Susan@afrifresh.co.za W Matshediso DAFF 0414842725 bonkeb@nda.agric.za M. Erasmus DAFF 021 809 1712 madree@daff.gov.za Rusty Wellman Cool Chain Group 0832693811/02

14462700 Rusty.ewllman@coolchaingroup.co.za

J. Koegelenberg Colors 021 807 5000 janinek@colorsfruit.com T. Van Zyl Colors 021 807 5000 trnake@colorsfruit.com I. Mcmaster Maersilline 083 796 6108 safsalreftec@maersk.com Mike Holtzhausen DAFF 082 787 7788 MikeH@nda.agric.za

ITEMS DISCUSSIONS/DECISIONS RESPONSIBLE PERSON 1. Welcome and objective of meeting

Mr. Holtzhausen welcomed all the members and outlined the purpose of the meeting, general background and issues to be discussed. He highlighted that the main purpose of the meeting is to critically reflect at what happened during 2010/2011 export season, challenges encountered and to take decisions on procedures to be used for 2011/2012 export season in order to enable South Africa (SA) to comply with the phytosanitary import conditions of different markets. He encouraged attendees to use this opportunity to discuss all the matters that are related to deciduous fruit exports in order to make 2011/2012 deciduous fruit export programme a success. He further indicated that challenges experienced during the past season were non-compliance to bilateral protocols. He gave an example of the export of apples to Taiwan where the orchards and the pack house from the Eastern Cape were not complying (fraudulence record) with the requirements. He further indicated that this was of great concern to all stakeholders because it jeopardizes the credibility of South Africa with the Taiwan NPPO. Due to the challenges experienced during the past season on the export of apples to Taiwan, Mr Holtzhausen indicated that there will be a pre-visit inspection by Directorate Inspection Services (D:IS) inspectors to all facilities intending to export to this market before the foreign inspector comes. He emphasized that if during the visit a facility is not complying, it would be

Mr Holtzhausen

rejected to export for the season and the owner should write or submit a letter indicating the corrective measures applied to ensure compliance to be considered for export on the following season. With regard to export of Barlinka table grapes to Japan, he indicated that one container was shipped during the season. He emphasized the importance of good working relationship in order to get fruit to the market. He further raised a concern that there are other illegal channels used to export fruit to other countries which SA do not have market access or have official access. He warned the meeting that this could be a worrying factor if those countries could decide to do the same for export into SA exposing our country to import and establishment of quarantine pests that may have seviour implications on production and future exports. Mr Holtzhausen requested that there should be transparency between The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), different Industries and other role players regarding Phytosanitary issues. He urged everyone involved in the export of fruit to special markets to work together in order to ensure success and compliance. It was suggested and agreed that the annual deciduous coordinating meeting should be held at least two weeks before school holidays since most role players are on holidays at that time and as a result they are not able to attend.

2. Attendance and Apologies Attendance register was circulated and the chairperson Mr Holtzhausen

requested all participants to ensure that they complete their contact information so that they receive the minutes.

3. Confirmation of Agenda The agenda was confirmed and adopted. All role players 4.Overview report for the 2010/11 season

I) Statistics and volumes

Mr Möller provided a presentation covering statistics (% passed and rejected during phytosanitary inspections), volumes and reasons for rejections for 2010/2011 deciduous fruit export season - grapes to China, Israel, and USA and apples to Taiwan and apples and pears to the USA as follows: China table grapes • Mr Möller indicated that 28% of 38 628 cartons

presented for China were rejected, mainly due to the following reasons:

wrong orchard numbers; Interception of mealybugs - Planococcus Ficus.

• He emphasized that:

2% samples was drawn for phytosantiary inspections;

Only 8 Chinese Ports of entry, as stipulated on the protocolcan be used;

Quarantine pests of concern to China should be controlled or managed at all times. Main quarantine pests are Ceratitis capitata, C. rosa, and Planococcus ficus; and

Grapes should be cold treated for 22 consecutive days at pulp temperature of -0.5ºC or below.

Israel table grapes

Mr Möller/ all role players

• Mr Möller indicated that 21% of 97 290 cartons presented for Israel were rejected, mainly due to the following reasons:

Fruit flies and pear leaf roller; Wrong orchard numbers; Use of wrong stickers on the cartons; Orchard numbers not registered; and Use of wrong PUC/PHC number.

• He emphasized that:

PUCs should be registered with DAFF; Plantex should be applied at all PUCs in the

Western Cape during early spring and stem barriers must be applied after pruning.

Old and loose bark must be removed from the trees.

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) should be applied to ensure compliance to the protocol of Israel.

USA organic table grapes • Mr Möller indicated that from the Western Cape,

34% of 11 070 cartons presented were rejected mainly due to fruit flies. From the Northern Cape, 3 750 cartons were presented and there was no rejection.

Iran grapes • Mr Möller indicated that there was 50% rejection on

cartons presented for inspection to this market and the reasons for rejection were due to interception of Banded Weevil.

Japan barlinka grapes • Mr Möller indicated that 3 400 cartons were

presented and there was no rejection. • He further indicated that MAFF had a concern

regarding stickers that were falling from the cartons. It was indicated that for the next season, the S.A.P.Q mark should be printed or water proof stamped on the business side of the carton with all information as indicated on the protocol. The correct sizing of the mark was also emphasized. The industry indicated that barlinka grapes window for export is over and they accepted that only small quantities may be exported in future.

Iran apples • Mr Möller indicated that there was 96 % passing rate

for all 62608 cartons presented for export to this market and rejection was due to Banded Weevil.

Taiwan apples • Mr Möller indicated that only 92 % of 85 824 cartons

presented for Taiwan were passed and 8% was rejected due to the following reasons:

Wrong orchards/ block numbers, PHC; and Bryobia rubrioculus.

• Regarding phytosanitary certification, he indicated

that DAFF will evaluate pack houses and orchards to ensure compliance to BAPHIQ protocol before the Taiwanese inspector comes. He further emphasized that if the facility is not complying with the requirements as stipulated on the protocol, it will be rejected for export to Taiwan for the season.

• He further emphasized the importance of all role players to ensure compliance to the protocol of Taiwan.

USA apples and pears • Mr Möller indicated that no export took place for

apples to the USA during the season. • Regarding pears, he indicated that of the 67 680

cartons presented only 3% was rejected due to grain chinch bug.

Other Permit countries Mauritius • Mr Möller indicated that rejections of fruit intended

for export to this market was mainly due to interception of San Jose scale fruit flies on plums.

Bangladesh • Mr Möller indicated that rejections of fruit intended

for export to this market was mainly due to interception of Mealy Bugs.

Mr Holtzhausen indicated that it is the responsibility of each producer to control quarantine pests of concern to different importing countries and to make sure that the present fruit that are free from pests for exports. Mr Griesel requested that the names of facilities that are always not complying to protocols should be announced to the whole industry since they cost them a lot of money due to their non- compliance. Mr Holtzhausen indicated that the names will be forwarded to Ms. Benic´, who will

decide how to handle the matter. Mr Holtzhausen emphasized that a lot of fruit are rejected due to minor problems that could be prevented or avoided e.g. wrong orchards numbers and cultivars. He encouraged all role players to follow protocols.

II) FBO updating and Phytosanitary registration FBO updating Phytosanitary registration

Ms Wessel provided a presentation on behalf of Directorate :Food Safety and Quality Assurance (D:FSQA) as follows: • Ms Wessel indicated that online registration for FBO

and update of information is currently up and running and there is no closing date for registration of FBO. She indicated that currently there is about 10 000 codes that are updated on the FSQA webpage.

• She also indicated that DAFF is currently working on the finalization of electronic phytosantitary registration documents for special markets. For this season, registration for special markets will still be done through manual system as before and not online and is handled by the Directorate Plant Health (Division Import/Export protocols).

• She emphasized that it is important for all role players to differentiate FBO registration from Phytosanitary registration for export to special markets since there are still role players who are still confused with the two systems.

• She indicated that online registration is the same as the manual document that was used previously and nothing has been changed except that the current system is electronic. Ms. Benic´ emphasized that there is no need for re-registration of facilities that are already on FSQA database since the information was

Ms Wessels/ Ms Thobela

transferred to the electronic version. • Both the electronic and manual FBO registration can

be utilized. Ms Thobela provided a presentation regarding the overview on phytosanitary registrations for deciduous special markets and procedure for 2011/12 season as follows: • The followings were challenges that were encountered

during the past season such as: Proof of payments without reference numbers

(PUC/PHC); Late registrations after the lists are sent for

verification by D: IS or to the importing county; Confusion regarding varieties/ cultivars; Faxed Registration documents; Contradicting information between documents

and information on farm; Record keeping and provision of false

information; Cultivar and block numbers provided during

inspection; Uninformed person provided as contact person

for a PUC/PHC.

• Ms Thobela indicated the website linkage where phytosanitary registration documents and protocols, directives, and work plans could be found, as follows:

www.daff.gov.za Divisions Plant Health Exporting from SA

Phytosanitary registration for special export

markets Special export protocols, directives,

programmes • Physical address that information should be couriered

to was indicated as follows: Room 439/440 Harvest House Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 30 Hamilton street Arcadia, Pretoria 0002 Attention: Eric Mudau (Tel 012 319 6289) or

Bongumusa Thobela (Tel 012 319 6151) • The due dates for sending application forms to DAFF

were agreed as follows: Table Grapes 05 August 2011; Apples and Pears 02 September 2011;

• She indicated the procedure for registration will be as follows:

Directorate Plant Health (DPH) will capture the information;

DPH will update draft list on DAFF website and same list will be sent to industry for verification;

DPH will send verified list to Directorate Inspection Services (DIS), for verification and approval.

The approved list will be updated on DAFF website (this will depend on the approval by different importing countries).

III) PPECB-Cold chain

Mr Möller indicated that requirements for cold chain remain the same as the previous season and that for any enquiry Mr Julius could be contacted.

Mr Julius

IV) Key responsibilities of different Mr Mudau provided a presentation on behalf of DAFF, Mr Mudau/ all role players

role players/ stakeholders highlighting the key responsibilities of different role players as follows:

• He indicated that the key responsibilities for producer includes knowledge of the special programmes for countries they want to export their fruit, proper control of quarantine pests in the orchards and pack houses and ensure traceability of activities through record keeping. He emphasized that failure by producers to execute these responsibilities may lead to non-compliance.

• With regard to packers he indicated that their responsibilities includes knowledge of the special programs, ensure effective control of quarantine pest and prevent pest contamination, knowledge and application of ISPM 15 mark on the pallets, ensure reliable traceability and apply corrective action for non-compliance.

• Regarding exporter’s responsibilities, he indicated that they need to keep up to date with registration requirements in order to be able to assist producers and packers, ensure that relevant PUC/PHC are register in time, interpret different protocols/ work plants to producers to ensure compliance and to ensure that only registered PUCs/blocks are packed for special markets.

• Mr Mudau indicated that responsibilities for PPECB include execution of cold chain activities, quality inspection and issuance of export certificates.

• DAFF responsibilities include liaising with stakeholders regarding market access issues, negotiating new markets, communicating with different importing countries, coordinate registration process for export of fruit to different

special market, conduct inspection and issuance of phytosanitary certificates.

5. New/ additional market access / mitigation options

I) Barlinka table grapes to Japan

Mr Naidoo provided a presentation on procedures for the export of Barlinka table grapes to Japan as follows: • He indicated that Barlinka table grapes to Japan can

be produced from all production areas where there is intensive pest management system.

• He indicated that in order to export to this market, the PUC/PHC, inspection depots and pre- cooling facilities need to register with DAFF and pre-cooling facilities to be approved by DAFF Directorate Inspection Services, PPECB and Japanese Plant Quarantine officers.

• He indicated that pests of concern to Japan are Mediterranean fruit fly, False Codling Moth (FCM) and other quarantine pests.

• He indicated that PPECB need to provide DAFF with the list of approved vessels and containers before commencement of the programme which DAFF will forward to MAFF.

• The role players requested if there is a possibility to extend market access for other varieties of table grapes to Japan. Mr Holtzhausen indicated that the industry needs to send a request to DAFF in this regard. Ms Benic´ will look at the matter.

• Industry requested DAFF to invite MAFF inspector’s earlier. Mr Holtzhausen indicated that in order for inspectors to arrive earlier the industry need to provide information regarding the date they are intending to load the first consignment.

Mr Naidoo/ all role players

• Regarding the marking requirements, he indicated that it is important to use the correct marks and sizes. The S.A.P.Q marks must be printed in the box or water proof stamped. Stickers are not allowed. The industry indicated that printing the marks on cartons is currently expensive. Mr van Wyk advised the role players to use water proof stamps during the coming season and the other option can be looked at it at the later stage. Mr Holtzhausen indicated that the industry need to comply to Japan’s requirements in order for the programme to run smoothly.

II) Irradiation of table grapes to the USA Export requirements for irradiated table grapes

Mr Silimela provided a presentation regarding the export of irradiated grapes to the USA on behalf of DAFF as follows: • He indicated that the export of table grapes to the USA

was difficult program due to the requirements that are difficult to implement. DAFF together with the industry and USDA-APHIS has been exchanging technical information regarding the use of irradiation as the mitigation options for different quarantine pests. He thanked the industry (Hortgro, SATI), HEPRO, USDA-APHIS and other role players who participated in the certification of HEPRO facility and the finalization of the agreement for the export of irradiated table grapes from South Africa to the USA.

• He further indicated that irradiation is a specialized mitigation with specific requirements. There are special marking and labeling requirements that need to be followed (e.g. the use of RADURA symbol on each carton).

Mr Möller presented the export requirements of irradiated

Mr Silimela/ Mr Möller

table grapes to USA as follows:

• He indicated that for export the export of irradiated table grapes to the USA, obligatory pre-clearance, insect proof packing material, irradiation from an approved irradiation plant and other special market requirements as indicated in the agreement are necessary.

• All production areas and cultivars can be exported to this market based on compliance.

• The critical quarantine pests include Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly), Ceratitis rosa (Natal fruit fly), Thaumatotibia leucotreta- (False codling moth), Eutetranychus orientalis (Oriental red mite) and Phlyctinus callosus (Vine snout beetle).

• He emphasized the importance of implementing GAPs for the control of quarantine pests.

• He further indicated that the registration procedure for this market is the same as the others but for this market PHC managers/ owners need to sign agreement with HEPRO.

• Marking requirements are must be implemented as stipulated in the agreement..

6. Serious issues with current markets I) Pre-season verification and

registration Taiwan apples

Mr Matshediso provided a presentation regarding the procedure for pre season verification and registration for the export of apples to Taiwan as follows:

• He emphasized that role players should comply with

requirements of this market as stipulated on the protocol. He also emphasized that packhouses doors and opening should be covered with plastic curtains and that accurate records must be kept for future reference.

Mr Matshediso/Mr Holtzhausen

II) Wording of additional

declarations on phytosanitary certificates

• He indicated that the PUC/PHC and correct orchard numbers should be clearly indicated on the carton.

• All PUC, PHC and orchard/ block numbers should be registered with DAFF. Traps must be put as stipulated in the Taiwan protocol.

• He further indicated the importance of effective pest control for Codling Moth and accurate record keeping.

Mr Holtzhausen provided a presentation regarding wording of additional declaration as follows: • He emphasized the importance of all role players to

know different International Standards for Phytosantary Matters (ISPMs); mainly ISPMs 7, 12, 13 and 23.

• Mr Holtzhausen further indicated that that additional declaration are set by importing countries and can be found on bilateral agreements, importing countries regulations, directives and permits.

• Ms. Benic´ suggested that a task team need be formed which will mainly focus on standardization of interpretation of ISPMs. D:IS and Industry to nominate task team members and IS to coordinate through office of the Deputy Director NPPPIS

7. Logistics arrangements for 2011/12 season

Mr Holtzhausen provided a presentation regarding the logistics arrangements for 2011/2012 season as follows: • He indicated that FBO owners need to update/ register

their facilities with D: FSQA before applying to participate in special market programmes. The online FBO registration and update of information is currently up and running.

• With regard to Phytosanitary registration, he indicated that registration documents for special programmes should be submitted as indicated on DAFF in the registration document. Furthermore, he indicated that the forms should be comprehensive, legible, contain correct information and ensure that correct names and spelling are used.

• He emphasized that producers should use alpha numeric codes for registration of their orchards since this was the agreement during the previous meetings;

• Mr. Holtzhausen also indicated approved inspection points to be used for this season as follows:

China - FPT (Durban, , and Cape Town); Israel - FPT (Cape Town); Japan - FPT (Cape Town); Mexico - registered Controlled Atmosphere rooms

and PHCs; Taiwan - CFG, KROMCO, Two a Day, Molteno,

Cold Harvest in Paarl and FPT in Cape Town and PE);

USA apples and pears-CFG, KROMCO, Two a Day;

USA Table Grapes - FPT in Cape Town (this include irradiation of grapes), Piketko, Cold Harvest, FPT.

• He indicated that Phytosanitary Certificate will not be

Mr Holtzhausen/ all role players

re-issued and that relevant and correct information should be written on the Phytosanitary certificate.

• He highlighted the due dates for registration of PUC’s and PHC’s as follows:

Table Grapes - 05 August 2011; Apples and Pears - 02 September 2011;

• The dues dates to invite foreign inspectors will be as follows:

Israel table grapes - end of October 2011; Mexico apples – end of October 2011; Taiwan apples - October 2011; USA - end of September 2011; Japan – end of November 2011.

8. Panel discussion I)Table grapes

There were no issues discussed regarding table grapes.

All role players .

II) Apples and pears

With regard to apples and pears export, the following were discussed: • Exporters highlighted their concern regarding

regulations that they have to comply with for export of apples to Taiwan as compared to other countries like Chile, New Zealand, Argentina etc. who also export apples to the same country but requirements are not stringent for them.

• In response to this, Mr Holtzhausen indicated that protocols may differ based on the pest’s occurrence on these countries. It was highlighted in the meeting that it would important to compare the requirements for different countries before DAFF could engage in the negotiations with the Taiwan NPPO.

• Mr Holtzhausen indicated that registration with DAFF

is always stipulated as part of import requirements and it is important to ensure compliance and traceability in case where there is no compliance.

9. Other markets where additional declaration and/or treatment required

I) Iran

Mr Naidoo provided a presentation as follows: • He indicated that Iran is now becoming strict and they

are reviewing their import requirements; • Exporters must ensure that they get the latest import

requirements for verification to ensure compliance.

Mr Naidoo

II) United Arab Emirates

• Mr Naidoo indicated that the current import conditions require that the consignment be free from pernicious scale and that if any fruit type is a host to this organism, DAFF will conduct inspection.

• The industry requested DAFF to establish pest free areas for Penicious scale.

• The industry also requested to know where non special market inspection would be done because they interfere with special market inspection.

• In response, Mr Holtzhausen indicated that the issue will be looked at and some pack house can be used for inspections.

All role players

III) Others • Mr Naidoo indicated that exporters should obtain the import conditions from the importing country with translation if possible, if not they could use translator like web lingo.

• He added that the translated import conditions should be forwarded to DAFF for verification before export can take place. This can also assist in determining if the conditions can be complied with and if

Mr Naidoo

Phytosanitary inspections or treatments are needed. 10. Potential new special programs I) Prunus spp. (plumcot, apricot,

and cherries) to the USA

II) Apples to China

Mr Silimela provided a presentation regarding the markets that DAFF is currently negotiating with different importing countries. • Mr Silimela indicated that the draft condition for

export of Prunus spp. to the USA is currently published on Federal Register by USDA for public comments and we will get feedback on how it went.

• Mr Silimela indicated that currently there is some

exchange of information between DAFF and AQSIQ regarding the finalization of import conditions for the export of apples to China.

• Ms. Benic´ indicated that AQSIQ agreed to remove some of the pests in the pest list but they insist that False Codling Moth, Codling Moth and Mealy bug is not widely distributed in China.

• Mr Silimela further indicated that if the import requirements will be finalized within the current export season, special arrangements will be done for registration.

All role players

11.Risk management Mr Dolamo provided a presentation on behalf of DAFF regarding wood packaging material as follows: • He indicated that the purpose of regulating Wood

Packaging Material is to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine pests through untreated and unprocessed wood;

• He indicated that DAFF responsibility is to enforce ISPM 15 regulation, registration and auditing of service providers, deregistration of non complying service providers and to conduct inspections on certified wood packaging materials.

Mr Dolamo

• He indicated that responsibilities of service providers is to ensure that wood packing material has been debarked, treated and marked in accordance with the requirements for ISPM 15 and to keep records for audit purposes.

• With regard to the responsibilities of the exporters, he indicated that they need to ensure that the suppliers of wood packaging materials are registered with DAFF D: IS and are on DAFF website and to ensure that packaging material used for export is properly marked and in compliance.

• He indicated that marking requirements should be legible, permanent and non transferable, placed in visible location, preferably on at least two opposite sides, they must be rectangular or square in shape and there should be no additional information within the borders of the mark.

• He indicated the most common non compliances experienced as using untreated, unmarked wood packaging materials for export, illegible markings, packaging material which is not debarked and service providers who do not follow treatment specifications of ISPM 15.

• He further indicated non compliance to ISPM 15, the consignments could be refused entry, destroyed or treated which will be costly.

12.Other matters a) Malaysia labeling • Ms Benic´indicated that there is currently an issue

with Malaysian labeling and the new regulation will be enforced from 01 July 2011. She further indicated that there is currently a grace period for 3 months. Ms Hanlie Wessels and Ms Benic´ can be contected for further details.

All role players

13. Closure • Ms Benic´ thanked and wished Mr Holtzhausen for

his guidance and assistance to the industry. He wished him well on his retirement

• Mr Holtzhausen thanked all participants for their attendance.

The meeting was closed at 12:50

All role players

Compiled by DAFF: Directorate Plant Health, Division: Import/ Export Protocols