By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) instituted stiffer control measures as of yesterday to ensure food safety in the country.
A notice circulated by Minister John Mutorwa warns that only fresh produce imports accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate from the country of origin in the format provided by the International Plant Protection Convention, will be allowed in Namibia.
“All grain and primary processed grain products will only be allowed to enter the country if accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate from the country of origin, a Certificate of Analysis on key parameters including moisture, foreign matter and afflatoxins, an official Grade Attestation by the country of origin (where applicable) and a valid Plant Health Import Permit and Trade Import Permit,” Mutorwa says in his notice.
In addition an importer will need to have a Certificate of Official Attestation of Conformity for fresh produce as well as a valid Plant Health Import Permit and Trade Import Permit issued by the Namibian government for the produce to be allowed in.
All fresh produce importers were advised to obtain an Annual Import Licence from the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency of the MAWF upon satisfactory inspection of facilities where the imports will be stored and handled.
Mutorwa also says importers of pest control products, fertilisers and farm feeds will need to obtain an annual import licence issued by the Plant Health Division of the MAWF. “All consignments will be sealed at the border post of entry, un-sealed and inspected at the first point of destination.”
The Minister adds that in line with Gazette Notice No 247 of 01 August 2014, “these inspections at the border post shall be carried out by the Agro Marketing and Trading Agency of the MAWF, who shall also be responsible for the collection of levies applicable at the point of termination of the imports.”