The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) have early this month signed the protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of local fresh pears to China.
Strong trading partners
The signing means the South African pear producers will have easy access to the lucrative and huge Chinese agricultural markets. Latest statistics indicate that pears contributed approximately 15.3% (R2. 8 billion) of the total gross value for deciduous fruits (R18. 2 billion) in South Africa during the 2017/18 season.
Traditionally the two countries have strong trade and economic ties; during 2020 South African exports to China was valued at US$9.79 billion, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. Similarly, also according to COMTRADE database on international trade, during the same season South African imports from China were US$14.31 billion.
Guidance and procedures
The protocol for phytosanitary requirements gives guidance on procedures and processes to be followed for the exportation of the pear fruit. In a statement, the DALRRD said the initial request for market access of fresh pear started simultaneously with that of apples in 2008. However, added the department, pest risk analyses (PRAs) for these products were separated and the GACC started with apples.
Technical information
The pears PRA started in 2015 after conclusion of the apple protocol a year before. Since then, the two countries exchanged bilateral technical information on the subject. The draft protocol was finalised in 2020 after the DALRRD and GACC agreed on technical issues and later last year, the final protocol was signed by ministers of the two countries.
According to the protocol, all fresh pear fruit to be exported from South Africa to China will have to meet all agreed and applicable phytosanitary requirements, as well as all food safety rules and health standards as defined by GACC. The fruit must also be free of the quarantine pests of concern to China as listed in the protocol. Pear orchards, pack houses and cold storage facilities wishing to export their fruit to China must be registered with and approved by both the GACC and DALRRD.
Earning foreign exchange
“There is a need to open more markets for South African commodities because it will benefit the economy of the country by earning foreign exchange and creating more job opportunities”, said DALRRD statement. The department said it will co-operate with various commodity industries and it will continue to strive to open new market opportunities to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector. This will also enhance chances for the South African commodities to compete with that of other countries in international markets.
Further export on successful exportation
Interested parties can familiarise themselves with the “Protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh pears from SA to China”. For further information on successful exportation of pears, they obtain more information on the DALRRD website using the following link: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/Branches/Agricultural-Production-Health-FoodSafety/Plant-Health/Exporting-from-SA/Special-export-protocols
