South Africa has extended the registration deadline for farms and feedlots supplying livestock for slaughter for red meat exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in a move aimed at protecting uninterrupted trade while producers complete the required compliance processes.
Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp announced that farms and feedlots supplying livestock for slaughter for export to the UAE will now have until 31 December 2026 to put the necessary systems in place and comply with the requirements of Veterinary Procedural Notice 59 (VPN-59).
“This extension is critical for our livestock sector and agricultural trade relations with the United Arab Emirates. By allowing trade to continue smoothly while our state veterinarians and farmers complete the registration process, we are protecting local livelihoods, supporting market continuity, and ensuring our red meat industry can meet all international standards without unnecessary disruption”, Minister Aucamp said.
He added that the Ministry and the Department of Agriculture remain fully committed to supporting South African producers as they expand their reach in key global markets.
During the extended period, exports may continue only if specific conditions are met. The facility must first have been inspected by the responsible provincial state veterinarian, while compliance with the applicable requirements must also have been verified.
In addition, a compliant application form for registration of the farm or feedlot must have been submitted to the Directorate: Animal Health for processing.
“This extension is intended to facilitate the completion of the registration process and prevent unnecessary interruptions to trade. This however does not exempt any farm or feedlot from the applicable registration requirements,” Minister Aucamp explained.
The extension provides producers and feedlots with additional time to complete the registration process without immediately disrupting the supply chain serving the UAE market. However, the department stressed that the extension does not remove the obligation to comply with VPN-59 or the relevant registration requirements.
After 31 December 2026, farms and feedlots that remain unregistered will no longer be eligible to supply livestock for slaughter for red meat exports to the UAE.
Exports originating from unregistered facilities will therefore not be supported or endorsed by the South African authorities.
The department said the extended deadline is intended to balance continued access to an important international market with the need to ensure that livestock entering the export chain comes from facilities meeting the required animal-health and regulatory standards.
