If you want to be export approved, this is a requirement that applies mainly to facilities that manufacture animals, foods and products used in the food chain, but also to taxidermy, tanneries, pet food establishments and cold stores.

Animal products need to originate from establishments that are registered for export of that product to the destination country. This means that the registered establishment has a valid ZA certificate issued by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) with a ZA number on it.

In order to become ZA approved, the following sequence of events occurs:

• Every establishment is entitled to a courtesy visit. This is a basic visit from the state veterinary services to help you to decide if you would like to become ZA approved. A basic report is written and sent to you after the visit. Information from DAFF on the requirements for typical establishments can be found at ­­­­DA FF Import Export.
• Once the courtesy visit is done and you wish to become ZA approved, you need to apply for approval with the state vet offices in your area (there are three offices in Gauteng – Pretoria, Germiston and Randfontein. 
• Contact the office relevant to you, request a cost-recovery form from the admin clerks and enquire as to the cost of application (first time is the same as renewal of your ZA number and the cost is indicated on the form). You will need to contact the state vet in order to set up the first appointment.
• Payment for your application entitles you to 3 visits from the state vet services with the aim of ZA approval. This is so that if there is anything outstanding that prevents your registration, you do not have to pay again until your 3 visits are exhausted. These visits are planned and arranged with the state vet.

Use the VPN (Veterinary procedural Notice) applicable to your establishment to see what is required. Please note that the turn-around time from the first visit to getting your certificate is up to 3 months.

Should you gain ZA approval, you need to collect your ZA certificate from your state vet office. ​

Phone in advance – you may need to request a copy of the certificate from DAFF if your certificate has not yet reached the state vet office.

ZA approved establishments are subject to unannounced visits. Should you refuse to allow state vet officials onto the premises, your certification may be suspended at the discretion of the responsible state vet.

For more information on becoming export approved, and thus obtaining a ZA number, please follow this link: Application to register a facility to export meat.

For more information email: vet.export@gauteng.gov.za​