Controlled, Restricted & Hazardous Goods Permit / non-SARS document

Agriculture Sanitary-Phytosanitary Certificate DAFF

A health certificate from the Department of Agriculture for animal and plant products, confirming they're safe and disease-free.

Last updated: 24 May 2026

Not a SARS form The Agriculture Sanitary-Phytosanitary Certificate is issued by a body other than SARS. See the Where to submit row below for the issuing body. SARS checks for it at clearance but does not issue it.
Quick answer

DAFF — A health certificate from the Department of Agriculture for animal and plant products, confirming they're safe and disease-free.

Issued by Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development (DALRRD)

This is not a SARS form — apply directly with the issuing body. SARS checks for the permit at clearance but does not issue it.

Open the official issuer site ↗

Key facts

When you need itImporting/exporting meat, poultry, hides, animal hair, honey, plants — or anything in wooden packaging (ISPM-15).
Where to submitIssued by the Department of Agriculture, NOT SARS. Required at clearance.
Does customs stamp it?NO PHYSICAL STAMPIssued and endorsed by Agriculture; checked by Customs.
Commonly confused withWooden crates and pallets count — relevant to art and furniture exports.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Agriculture Sanitary-Phytosanitary Certificate a SARS form?

No. The Agriculture Sanitary-Phytosanitary Certificate is not issued by SARS — it is a permit / certificate from another body. A health certificate from the Department of Agriculture for animal and plant products, confirming they're safe and disease-free. See "Where to submit" below for the issuing body.

When and where do I lodge the DAFF?

Importing/exporting meat, poultry, hides, animal hair, honey, plants — or anything in wooden packaging (ISPM-15). Issued by the Department of Agriculture, NOT SARS. Required at clearance.

Does customs stamp the DAFF?

Issued and endorsed by Agriculture; checked by Customs.

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This page is a plain-English guide, not legal or customs advice. Form names and procedures are verified against the official SARS "Find a Form" index at the time of publication, but requirements change — always confirm on sars.gov.za or with a registered customs broker before lodging. The Agriculture Sanitary-Phytosanitary Certificate is NOT a SARS form — it is issued by a body other than SARS.