The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is pleased to announce that South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP) has published an official release with regard to the re-opening of European Union (EU) export markets to the various equine disciplines in South Africa.
The South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development was officially notified that the reinstatement of direct exports of registered equines from South Africa to the EU was approved.
This official announcement was further to a meeting of the EU Commission Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed – Controls and Import Conditions Section whereby the EU Member States endorsed the Commission’s proposal for an amendment to Annex IV of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404.
This amendment places South Africa’s African Horse Sickness (‘AHS’) free zone back on the Annex IV list as an authorised zone within South Africa from which registered equines are authorised for direct entry into the EU following the required in-country pre-export quarantine period.
Chairman of the ARF, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said:
“The reinstatement of direct exports of registered equines from South Africa to the EU is a major and long-awaited development for the South African racing and breeding industry.
It has been an extensive and intensive process, and I want to congratulate the South African Government and SAEHP for their tireless efforts on behalf of the equine industry in South Africa. With this key hurdle cleared, there remains much work to do in order to restore the South African thoroughbred racing and breeding industry to its place as a key player after 13 years of relative isolation.
This breakthrough is vital to ensure the long-term sustainability of racing and breeding in South Africa as it will stimulate economic growth and investment with the opportunity to export South African horses overseas as well as participate in global racing events to showcase the quality of South African horses. The ARF will continue to offer and provide our support as horse exports are resumed.”
SAEHP operates in a public/private partnership with the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and the Western Cape Department of Veterinary Services, and further collaborates with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to negotiate the reimplementation of direct exports based on EU protocol principles to potential trade partner countries.
Additionally, SAEHP has been supported by private individuals, organisations and bodies in the South African racing industry. In 2021, SAEHP also entered into a funding agreement with ARF members, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA), with the purpose of supporting the operation of SAEHP and providing technical support to carry out work related to the restoration of direct export of South African horses to international markets.
Chief Executive of the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa, and ARF Executive Council Member, Vee Moodley said:
“The NHA is delighted with this development, and recognises its importance for both the South African thoroughbred racing industry as well as other equine disciplines in South Africa.
We expect that the re-opening of normal trade will, over time, stimulate growth in these industries and the wider South African economy, led by the further creation of jobs in the employment intensive racing and breeding industries.”
David Abery, Chairman of SAEHP, said:
“Direct exports to the EU may be open, but the work does not stop here. Apart from continuing the push to open other export markets, what has been achieved must now be maintained. We look forward to continuing to work with relevant stakeholders to continue this important work.
Our next goal now is to ensure that the necessary functions of SAEHP that are vital for the maintenance of the protocol are well funded and secure for the long term. This will, in turn, support industry to maximise the value which flows from an efficient and strong horse export system.”
