CITES

ORCHID IMPORT AND EXPORT PHYTOSANITARY REQUIREMENTS

The Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulates the trade in plants and animals in countries that are signatories to the Convention. South Africa is one of the signatories.
All orchids are part of the Appendix II listing under Cites with a few listed under Appendix I
All South African indigenous orchids are currently listed under Appendix II

IMPORTATION OF PLANTS: A Phytosanitary certificate from the country of importation is essential and is subject to the requirements of the South African Department of Agriculture, Pretoria and, where species are concerned and covered by CITES regulations, from the Department of Nature Conservation in your region.
PLEASE NOTE: A fee is applicable for the inspection of incoming plant shipments. It is advisable to apply well in advance (4 to 6 weeks) of the proposed date of import for the necessary documentation.

EXPORT OF PLANTS: It is important to determine what the phytosanitary requirements of the country are that you are exporting plants to. There are different requirements regarding dormant tubers, bare root plants, seed and cut flowers and you will need to have these available when the plants are inspected in South Africa for issuing you with the South African Phytosanitary certificate. Generally the Phytosanitary issuing authorities in South Africa do not have access to this information so it is imperative that this information is obtained before having the plants inspected. A fee is applicable for the issueing of South African Phytosanitary certificate. A travelling fee is also applicabe should an Inspector be required to visit your premises.