South Africa’s oxtail import conditions remain unchanged following the latest communication from the Directorate of Animal Health. Meanwhile, oxtail prices this winter have surged in South Africa due to the shortage caused by the unresolved Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) impasse.
Scrapie Clause: No Movement on Removal
Directorate of Animal Health has confirmed that the Scrapie clause will not be removed from the existing Health Certificate.
As a result, beef imports from Argentina remain constrained, despite industry calls for South Africa’s requirements to be aligned with international norms.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Requirements: Two-Certificate Approach Maintained
On FMD, the Department is standing firmly by its earlier proposal for two separate certificates, structured as follows:
- Certificate 1: Offal and bone‑in meat from FMD‑free zones without vaccination.
- Certificate 2: Boneless meat from FMD‑free zones where vaccination is practised.
The justification provided is that the O strain reportedly circulating in Argentina is considered more contagious than the SAT strains present in South Africa.
However, based on our ongoing research, the World Organisation for Animal Health continues to list Argentina as FMD-free in 2026. Argentina does not have the O strain, and no reputable source corroborates the Directorate’s assertion.
This discrepancy remains a significant concern because it directly affects imports of oxtail and beef fat from Argentina. South Africa relies on these imports because local production volumes are insufficient to meet domestic demand.
Positive Diplomatic Engagement with Argentina
Despite the regulatory impasse, there is encouraging progress on the diplomatic front. The Argentine Embassy will be meeting with Minister Willie Aucamp this week to discuss the matter further.
This engagement signals a constructive step toward resolving the certification challenges and ensuring that South Africa’s import conditions are both scientifically sound and trade‑facilitating.
MeatFacts will continue monitoring developments closely and will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
