This permit is an integrated permit required to engage in marine aquaculture activities, which includes farming (grow out), collection of broodstock, operating a fish processing establishment, and transport for marine aquaculture purposes.

This permit is an integrated permit required to collect and possess broodstock, operate a hatchery, and transport for marine aquaculture purposes.

This permit is applicable to the transport of marine aquaculture product(s) by a non - marine aquaculture right holder.

This permit is required for the processing of marine aquaculture product(s) by a non – marine aquaculture right holder.

This permit is required by the marine aquaculture right holder to access the gazetted dive ban areas for maintenance operations (e.g. cleaning of effluent channels to remove biofouling), marine aquaculture research, and ranching purposes. These areas have been restricted to diving activity as per the regulations for the protection of wild abalone (Haliotis midae) as published in the Government Notice R62 of 1 February 2008.

This permit is required in terms of section 83 of the MLRA to undertake any marine aquaculture related research and development e.g. new species development, growth trials, technology development. A permit for marine aquaculture scientific investigations and practical experiments can be applied for through by a marine aquaculture right holder, academic/ research institution, or private company.

This permit is required to import any marine aquaculture product(s) and includes the import of marine ornamentals. An import permit is required for the import of any live or processed marine aquaculture product(s).

This permit is required for the export of marine aquaculture product(s). Any entity that would like to export a marine aquaculture product should have a supplier agreement in place with a supplier if the entity is a non – marine aquaculture right holder.

In accordance with section 81 of the MLRA, the department has implemented an exemption permitting the local sale of undersized cultured abalone products. This exemption applies to marine aquaculture right holders, as well as to retailers, restaurants, and hotels. The exemption was introduced in recognition of the legal minimum size limit of 114mm applicable to the harvesting of wild abalone.

This exemption authorises the local sale of live, frozen, canned, pouched, and minced farmed undersized abalone product(s) and excluding farmed dried abalone product(s). Marine aquaculture right holders supplying undersized cultured abalone to local markets are required to implement and maintain traceability systems.

The exemption holder is required to comply with the conditions attached to the exemption, which includes proper labelling, traceability, and record keeping of farmed undersized abalone product(s) sold locally in South Africa. Traceability is also important for ensuring food safety in the case of contaminated products sold on the market as there should be a mechanism in place to recall products unsuitable for human consumption.

An exemption is currently in place for marine aquaculture fish processing establishments (FPE) subject to the condition that the exemption holder obtain a permit in terms of Section 13 of the MLRA. The exemption will lapse after the updated Policy on the Allocation and Management of Rights to operate a FPE is published in the Government Gazette for implementation.

A permit is applied for through the department to operate a marine aquaculture FPE and process marine aquaculture product(s), which would either be on site (i.e. marine aquaculture establishment) or located off the premises of the marine aquaculture establishment.

illustration

showing traceability of undersized cultured abalone product to the consumer to minimize conflict with illegally sourced wild abalone products sold on the local market.

An application form for a right to engage in marine aquaculture should be completed and can be obtained from the DFFE, Branch: Fisheries Management, Customer Service Centre (CSC), Ground floor, Foretrust Building, Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, and the DFFE Fisheries Branch forms page.

Aquaculture is a commercial activity and therefore involves trading and operation of a business. All applicants will be required to register their business as a partnership, sole proprietor, company, non-profit organisation (section 21 company), or co-operative. Certified copies of all registration documents and identification documents of the applicant should accompany the application form.

The applicant is required to declare the financial status of the proposed business with the South African Revenue Services (SARS), which will grant a valid tax clearance certificate that should accompany the application. Contact the national SARS Call Centre at 0800 00 72 77.

All aquaculture activities need approval from the local authority (e.g. municipality) and/or landowner. This approval does not however exempt the applicant from undergoing a thorough public participation process (PPP), which will ensure that all interested and affected parties (I&AP) are informed and aware of the planned activities around them. The approval or agreement with the landowner should be put in writing and submitted with the application.

At a local level the provincial authorities administer the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act of 1983. Local municipalities administer and apply municipal by – laws that determine zoning and land use planning where applicable to aquaculture. Land use planning and zoning is therefore a provincial mandate. The planning and development of land based marine aquaculture may require authorisation or rezoning in terms of these provincial laws. The Communal Land Rights Act (No. 112 of 2004) may also affect coastal aquaculture development in certain areas where communal land rights exist.

This step consists of ensuring that the land assigned for a proposed aquaculture activity is rightfully owned by the applicant or that the applicant obtains consent for the use of the land, ensuring that the land use planning for a proposed aquaculture activity is in place or that it is in the process of being addressed. These land use planning aspects include:

• Ensuring that the land is correctly zoned for agriculture use or it is zoned for aquaculture use, industrial use or that an application for rezoning has been lodged with the applicable local municipality.
• Ensuring that the intended aquaculture activities are in compliance with the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983).

The applicant should find a proper site zoned for aquaculture, agriculture or industrial use. In the case where a site is not zoned specifically for the above, an application for re-zoning will have to be submitted to the relevant authority and proof thereof supplied along with the application.

The following relevant offices can be contacted for further information and enquiries on land use planning and access:

Depending on the ownership of the identified site, a valid lease agreement or a title deed will be required by the applicant and should be submitted with the application form.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is the responsible authority for land allocated on the admiralty reserve. The Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act No. 24 of 2008) (ICMA) provides for integrated coastal management, including norms, standards and policies to promote conservation of the coast and to ensure that development and use of this zone is socially and economically justifiable and ecologically sustainable. The ICMA has repealed the Sea Shore Act (No. 21of 1935), although not in its entirety. Access to sea space (including lease of sea space) is still dealt with in terms of the Sea Shore Act, with due consideration that access in port areas is subject to the Transnet National Ports Authority and the National Ports Act, 2005 (No. 12 of 2005).

applications for leases: HWM and CPP

All applications for leases of sea space (outside Transnet National Ports Authority jurisdiction), pipelines below the high-water mark (HWM) and coastal public property (CPP) should be lodged with the DFFE (Branch: Oceans and Coasts). As the lead agency for coastal leases and concessions, the DFFE (Branch: Oceans and Coasts) is the relevant department to submit this application, which may be initiated as a formal letter of request. For further queries concerning the relevant sections of the ICM Act you may contact the DFFE (Branch: Oceans and Coasts), Chief Directorate: Integrated Coastal Management, Adv. Radia Razack, Tel. (021) 819 2421 and e-mail rrazack@dffe.gov.za.

applications for leases on state land: 

For further enquiries on lease agreements for sea space within Transnet National Ports Authority jurisdiction you may contact Thozamile Jaxa (Saldanha Bay) and Anja Moller (Algoa Bay).

All applications for lease of state land and/ or pipelines crossing state land will require a lease agreement from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure you may contact Suzy Valentine, Tel. (021) 402 2157 and email suzy.valentine@dpw.gov.za.

The DFFE (Branch: Oceans and Coasts) Chief Directorate: Integrated Coastal Management is responsible for regulating the discharge of wastewater into the marine environment (including estuaries).

The discharge of effluent from land-based sources into the marine environment (including estuaries) will require a coastal waters discharge permit (CWDP) or general discharge authorisation (GDA) in terms of section 69 (2) of the ICMA, which came into effect on 1 December 2009. It is advised that stakeholders contact the DFFE (Branch: Oceans and Coasts) to initiate the application process for a CWDP or GDA, where applicable. Stakeholders are encouraged to include any additional information deemed relevant to their application.

enquiries

For further queries you may contact the DFFE (Branch: Oceans and Coasts), Directorate: Coastal Pollution Management, Mr Rueben Molale, Cell: 072 898 1144 and e-mail: rmolale@dffe.gov.za / cwdp@environment.gov.za.

A map (e.g. aerial, topographical) should be provided with GPS boundary co-ordinates of the site and location of the proposed operation, which can be obtained from the site owner or relevant authority. Any potential sources of pollution, intake and outlet pipelines should be indicated on the site map.
The applicant is required to submit a comprehensive business plan, including the following information with supporting documentation, where applicable:

• Company profile and shareholding structure (N.B. A certificate for Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) should be provided as proof of the transformation status of the company, if applicable.). 
• Species and product category to be farmed e.g. shellfish, finfish, crustaceans, seaweeds etc. in a mono or polyculture system.
• The proposed production of the proposed species per annum, including in the hatchery, nursery and grow out (where applicable).
• A detailed description of operation and maintenance plan, including but not limited to:
• Description of the system design and technology
• Animal husbandry techniques
• Feed (i.e. artificial or natural e.g. seaweed) (if applicable)
• Effluent discharge and water treatment methods (if applicable)
• Biosecurity and animal health management (N.B. a written agreement with a suitably qualified animal health service provider (e.g. veterinarian) should be provided as proof in the implementation of a biosecurity and animal health monitoring programme, if applicable). The method of application and use of any kind of chemicals, antibiotics, disinfectants, fertilizers, therapeutants and anaesthetics, that may be used or result from the operation should be listed.
• A marketing plan and strategy should be included and a SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) analysis for the proposed venture.
• A financial overview should be provided with a financial plan including projections for start-up capital, expenditure, income, cash flow and financial indicators over a minimum two-year period.
• Training facilities and employment opportunities that will be created should be highlighted in the business plan.
• Information on how the facility will minimize and prevent potential negative environmental impacts.

enquiries

For further queries and assistance in reviewing your business plan, please contact the DFFE, Directorate Aquaculture Extension Technical Services (D: AETS), Pontsho Sibanda, tel. (012) 309 5855  and e-mail psibanda@dffe.gov.za.

A traceability protocol is required for the sale of aquaculture products  in compliance with the food safety  requirements and relevant legislation. This involves appropriate traceability from the farm to the market. Traceability is  important for ensuring food safety in case contaminated products are sold on the market and a mechanism is required to recall the products. For further queries and assistance in complying with relevant food safety programmes (as updated from time to time) please contact the DFFE, Directorate Sustainable Aquaculture Management (D: SAM), Cell 066 471 1480, and E-mail samsanitation@dffe.gov.za. For additional information you may access the traceability protocol and the programme manuals on the Fisheries Branch strategy and framework web page / or contact the Directorate: SAM, Food Safety, Cell 066 471 1480 and E-mail samsanitation@dffe.gov.za  

The requirement for an environmental authorisation in some cases is based on the projected production level of the aquaculture farm and other listed activities which may be triggered. This step consists of ensuring that the necessary services and infrastructure (e.g. electricity, water, roads, sewerage etc.) are available at the required capacities, or that an application has been made for the service to the applicable service providers or local authorities to ensure that whatever activity is carried out is within acceptable environmental thresholds.

The minister of DFFE published regulations that list activities which require a basic assessment or scoping and environmental impact reporting (EIR). These regulations were published on 18 June 2010 and  as amended  in 2017, 2018 and 2021. Environmental authorisation may be required before the establishment of an aquaculture operation as certain activities are listed under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations 2014 listing notices: GNR.982 of 4 December 2014: Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 (Government Gazette No. 38282); GNR.983 of 4 December 2014: Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Listing Notice 1 of 2014, (Government Gazette No. 38282); GNR.984 of 4 December 2014: Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Listing Notice 2 of 2014 (Government Gazette No. 38282); and GNR.985 of 4 December 2014: Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Listing Notice 3 of 2014 (Government Gazette No. 38282).

Authorisation of aquaculture projects based on production capacity requires a basic assessment report (BAR) unless there are activities which are triggered under listing notice 2 or 3 which triggers a full scoping and EIR. It is the applicant's responsibility to appoint an independent and suitably qualified environment assessment practitioner (EAP) as required for the completion of the environmental authorisation process. The applicant should ensure that the appointed EAP is suitably qualified and registered for conducting the required EIA and environmental authorisation process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the competent authority with access to all information at their disposal, regarding the proposed activities and the application for environmental authorisation.

The applicant is responsible for all costs of the environmental authorisation process, it should be noted that for planning purposes the decision-making process for a BAR is 107 days this excludes appeals and the pre - application phase. It is therefore important for an applicant to make the necessary planning before submitting an application for a right to engage in marine aquaculture. Proof of an environmental authorisation should be submitted with the application if the applicant is advised that an environmental authorisation is required and they should register the DFFE (Branch: Fisheries Management) as an interested and affected party (I&AP). All environmental impact reports should be forwarded for comments to the DFFE (Branch: Fisheries Management),Directorate: Sustainable Aquaculture Management (SAM), e-mail environassessments@dffe.gov.za. In the case where an applicant is not required to conduct an EIA and/ or exempted from obtaining environmental authorisation for the proposed aquaculture activity then the applicant must submit written proof from the relevant authority in support of the application.

The National Environmental Management Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008) (NEM: WA) deals with waste minimisation, recovery, reuse, recycling, treatment, disposal and integrated management activities have been promulgated and may require environmental authorisation, where applicable. 

The following relevant offices can be contacted for further information and enquiries on EIA regulations:

An environmental management programme (empr) must be submitted with the application, which must be conducted by an independent specialist who is qualified in compiling emprs in accordance with nema, which is at the cost of the applicant.

In all cases where the use of an exotic, threatened or protected species is considered, the relevant authorities must be approached to obtain the necessary authorisations and legal frameworks in terms of species choice, primarily provided by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEM: BA). Species choice and the above legal frameworks inform the EIA authorisation process in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA).

The minister published Regulations for Alien Invasive Species (AIS) in 2014, which stipulate the requirement for a risk assessment and permit in terms of the NEM:BA. These regulations are available online at www.dffe.gov.za.

equeries concerning NEM:BA (10/2004): AIS Regulations of 2020 as amended

For further queries concerning the NEM:BA (10/2004): AIS Regulations of 2020 as amended you may contact:

The DFFE (Branch: Biodiversity and Conservation) Directorate: Biodiversity Risk Management, Sub-Directorate: Issuing Authority,
Livhuwani Nnzeru
Tel. 021 441 2748 or 021 441 2725 / 2726 / 2759
E-mail lnnzeru@dffe.gov.za / aispermits@dffe.gov.za  or

Khathutshelo Nelukalo
Tel. 021 441 2812
E-mail knelukalo@dffe.gov.za.

Restricted activities relevant to threatened and protected species (TOPS) that may apply to the manner of farming in an aquaculture project include the possession, breeding and killing of a threatened or protected species. Such activities require a TOPS permit from the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (for marine aquaculture species) and from the relevant provincial department (for other aquaculture species).

tops enquiries

For enquiries regarding TOPS you may contact the relevant Branch: Biodiversity and Conservation, Chief Directorate: Specialist Monitoring Services, Directorate: Oceans Conservation Strategies
Gcobani Popose
Tel. 021 819 2416
E-mail: gpopose@dffe.gov.za  or

Matshidiso Malatji
Tel. 012 399 8816
E-mail: ocpermits@dffe.gov.za.

The NEM:BA influences marine aquaculture as it prescribes procedures for the management and culture of exotic organisms (in terms of the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations) and the protection and restrictions pertaining to the farming of endangered or threatened species (in terms of the Threatened and Protected Marine Species Regulations, 2017).

The following relevant offices can be contacted for further information and enquiries on TOPS:

The minister or the delegated authority may require an applicant to provide any additional information/ documentation in relation to the application, which the minister/ his or her delegated authority reasonably considers necessary and may refuse to consider the application until such information/ documentation is provided.

1. Original, completed, signed and dated application form. (Supporting documentation included).
2. Proof of ownership of site (title deed) or a valid lease agreement for the site. (This is a once-off submission until expiry of lease).
3. Valid tax clearance certificate as approved by South African Revenue Services (SARS). (Once off annual submission).
4. Certified true copy / copies of (an) original identity document (ID) and Company registration documentation must be submitted once-off. This is a once-off submission for all permit types of the same company until the Department has been notified of the changes or amendments on the company existence and supporting documents of the change to the company has been submitted and updated on the company profile.
5. No letter of authorisation required, if the applicant is the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative, only a company resolution or proof thereof accompanied by a certified copy of his /her ID (certification of ID not older than 6 months).
6. If applying on behalf of a Right holder, a letter of authorization from the Right holder granting the nominated person permission to sign documents on his/her behalf or to collect the relevant permit(s) (True certified copies of the Identity documents of the Right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
7. If processing occurs on the marine aquaculture operation/farm, Certification by the South National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) (if regulated under a processing standard). If processing for human consumption "certificate of acceptability for food premises" obtained from the local municipality and the NRCS certificate.
8. If processing occurs off-site the marine aquaculture operation/farm, provide the name of the processing facility, NRCS certificate from the processing facility, lease agreement or proof of ownership for the processing facility and processing agreement accompanied by certified copy of ID of the signatory of the owner of the processing facility and "certificate of acceptability for food premises" obtained from the local municipality if processing is for human consumption.
9. Wet storage and holding area information especially for the ranched abalone and other applicable species which normally require a holding facility before legally regulated processing. (Name and physical address for the animals being kept) if the applicant needs to hold the animals before processing).
10. True, certified copies of valid disc licence(s) for all nominated vehicles not exceeding maximum of 10 vehicles.
11. A signed agreement between the vehicle owner and the applicant, if the vehicle owner is not the applicant/ permit holder. (True certified copies of the Identity documents of the right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
12. A true, certified copy of a valid South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) certificate.
13. A signed agreement between the vessel owner and farmer, if the vessel owner is not the farmer. (True certified copies of the identity documents of the right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
14. A certified copy of the nominated Skipper's identity document and certified copy of Skipper's license.

1. Original, completed, signed and dated application form. (Supporting documentation included).
2. Certified true copy / copies of (an) original identity document (ID) and company registration documentation must be submitted once off. This is a once-off submission for all permit types of the same company until the department has been notified of the changes or amendments on the company existence and supporting documents of the change to the company has been submitted and updated on the company profile.
3. Proof of ownership of site (title deed) or a valid lease agreement for the site. (This is a once-off submission on the renewal of the permit.
4. Valid tax clearance certificate as approved by South African Revenue Services (SARS). (Once off annual submission).
5. If applying on behalf of a Right holder, a letter of authorization from the right holder granting the nominated person permission to sign documents on his/her behalf or to collect the relevant permit(s) (True certified copies of the identity documents of the right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
6. No letter of authorisation required, if the applicant is the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative, only a company resolution or proof thereof accompanied by a certified copy of his /her ID (certification of ID not older than 6 months.
7. True certified Identity documents and diving certification of all divers. Only the Northen Cape abalone ranching right holders will submit the contract of employment of the current divers with their diving certificates and ID certified. (Note: All divers including permit holder must not have been found to be guilty of any contravention in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998 or have pending criminal cases).
8. Data on current broodstock currently held as per the application form.
9. Information on broodstock to be collected and collection areas. (Please note the genetic zones)
10. If the applicant is not the owner of the nominated vehicles, then the signed agreement between the vehicle owner and the applicant needs to be submitted with the certified copy of the signatory to the letter.
11. True certified copies of valid vehicle registration for all nominated vehicles.
12. The valid disc licenses of the nominated vehicles need to be submitted as well.
13. A signed agreement between the vessel owner and farmer, if the vessel owner is not the farmer. (True certified copies of the identity documents of the right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
14. A certified copy of the nominated Skipper's Identity document and the certified copy of the skipper's license.

1. Original, completed, signed and dated application form. (Supporting documentation included).
2. Certified true copy / copies of (an) original identity document (ID) and company registration documentation must be submitted once off. This is a once-off submission for all permit types of the same company until the Department has been notified of the changes or amendments on the company existence and supporting documents of the change to the company has been submitted and updated on the company profile.).
3. No letter of authorisation if the applicant is the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative, only a company resolution or proof thereof accompanied by a certified copy of his /her ID (certification of ID not older than 6 months).
4. A letter of authorisation from the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative granting the nominated person permission to sign documents on his/her behalf or to collect the relevant permit(s) and supply the information to the department on behalf of the company (True certified copies of the Identity documents of the Right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
5. Valid tax clearance certificate as approved by South African Revenue Services (SARS). (Once off annual submission).
6. True certified Identity documents and diving certification/ permits of all divers. (Note: All divers including permit holder must not have been found to be guilty of any contravention in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998 or have pending criminal cases).
7. A true, certified copy of a valid South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) certificate.
8. A signed agreement between the vessel owner and farmer, if the vessel owner is not the farmer. (True certified copies of the identity documents of the right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
9. A certified copy of the nominated Skipper's identity document and the Skipper's licence.

1. Original, completed, signed and dated application form.
2. Certified true copi(es) of (an) original identity document (ID) and Company registration documentation must be submitted once off. This is a once-off submission for all permit types of the same company until the Department has been notified of the changes or amendments on the company existence and supporting documents of the change to the company has been submitted and updated on the company profile.
3. Proof of ownership of site (title deed) or a valid lease agreement for the site. (Once off annual submission until the expiry of the lease).
4. Valid tax clearance certificate as approved by South African Revenue Services (SARS). (Once off annual submission).
5. If applying on behalf of a right holder, a letter of authorization from the Right holder granting the nominated person permission to sign documents on his/her behalf or to collect the relevant permit(s) (True certified copies of the Identity documents of the Right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
6. No letter of authorisation if the applicant is the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative, only a company resolution or proof thereof accompanied by a certified copy of his /her ID (Certification of ID not older than 6 months).
7. Certification by the South National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) (if regulated under a processing standard). A "certificate of acceptability for food premises" obtained from the local municipality is applicable if processing products/ species for human consumption.
8. Wet storage and holding area information especially for the ranched abalone and other applicable species which normally require a holding facility before legally regulated processing. (Name and physical address for the animals being kept) if the applicant needs to hold the animals before processing).
9. True, certified copies of valid disc licence(s) for all nominated vehicles not exceeding maximum of 10 vehicles if processing is occurring off-site the production area where transportation will be required. This mostly applicable to independent factories which are not attached to farms/ production area.
10. Applicant must complete the following fields: Species common name, scientific name. Specify the processing method, whether product is frozen, live packed, chilled, filleted, gutted, whole, minced, smoked, only packed etc).
11. Applicants who are non-right holders must submit the following with the Fish Processing Establishments application(s):
1. Proof of purchase such as invoice and or reference to the import permit and the copy of import permit if the product was previously imported from the issued permit or
2. Processing agreement letter with the Right holder/ Supplier (attach certified copy of signatories to the agreement/ letter IDs that are not more than 6 months old).

1. Original, completed, signed and dated application form. (Supporting documentation included).
2. Certified true copy / copies of (an) original identity document (ID) and company registration documentation must be submitted once off. This is a once-off submission for all permit types of the same company until the Department has been notified of the changes or amendments on the company existence and supporting documents of the change to the company has been submitted and updated on the company profile.
3. Valid tax clearance certificate as approved by South African Revenue Services (SARS). (Once off annual submission)
4. No letter of authorisation if the applicant is the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative, only a company resolution or proof thereof accompanied by a certified copy of his /her ID (Certification of ID not older than 6 months).
5. A letter of authorisation from the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative granting the nominated person permission to sign documents on his/her behalf or to collect the relevant permit(s) and supply the information to the department on behalf of the company (true certified copies of the Identity documents of the right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
6. True, certified copies of valid disc licence(s) for all nominated list of vehicles not exceeding maximum of 10 vehicles.
7. Applicant must complete the following fields: Species common name, scientific name. State the description product/ species/ organisms to be transported whether is whole, frozen, live packed, chilled, filleted, gutted, whole, minced, smoked etc).
8. Proof of purchase such as invoice(s) and the reference to the import permit and the copy of import permit if the product was sourced from the previous import issued import permit.
9. Specific routes of transportation i.e. from the Cape Town International Airport to Durban harbour (NB: We do take unspecified areas such as South Africa) It must point be point A to point B). Also note that we do not transport beyond the borders of South Africa such from South Africa to Mozambique or Namibia which not covered by South African legislation. (In such cases we use export permits).
10. Supplier agreement letter with the non- right holder applicants (attach certified copy of signatories to the agreement/ letter IDs that are not more than 6 months old).

1. Original, completed, signed and dated application form. (Supporting documentation included).
2. Copy / copies of (an) original identity document (ID) and company registration documentation
3. Certified true copy / copies of (an) original identity document (ID) and Company registration documentation must be submitted once off. This is a once-off submission for all permit types of the same company until the Department has been notified of the changes or amendments on the company existence and supporting documents of the change to the company has been submitted and updated on the company profile.
4. Valid tax clearance certificate as approved by South African Revenue Services (SARS).
5. No letter of authorisation if the applicant is the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative, only a company resolution or proof thereof accompanied by a certified copy of his /her ID (certification of ID not older than 6 months).
6. A letter of authorization from the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative granting the nominated person permission to sign documents on his/her behalf or to collect the relevant permit(s) and supply the information to the department on behalf of the company (true certified copies of the Identity documents of the Right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
7. Applicant must complete the following fields: Species common name and scientific name for the researched species/ marine organism(s).
8. A comprehensive research proposal as per the guidelines for a research proposal for scientific investigations and practical experiments.
9. If applying for a renewal, an application for a new "scientific investigations and practical experiments permit" will only be considered if a report on the outcomes of the previous research is submitted.
10. True, certified copies of valid disc licence(s) for all nominated list of vehicles not exceeding maximum of 10 vehicles.
11. Transport agreement letter if the permit holder is not an owner of the vehicles utilised for research purposes  (attach certified copy of signatories to the agreement/ letter IDs that are not more than 6 months old).
12. Supplier agreement letter if the supplier of spat or species in a non- right holder applicant (attach certified copy of signatories to the agreement/ letter IDs that are not more than 6 months old).
13. Supplier of spat or the source of the product/species to be researched.
14. Information on broodstock: number held at the facility for the experiment; number to be collected and collection areas.
15. Identity documents and diving certification of all divers. (Note: All divers including permit holder must not have been found to be guilty of any contravention in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act of 1998 or have pending criminal cases)

1. Original, completed, signed and dated application form. (Supporting documentation included).
2. Certified true copy / copies of (an) original identity document (ID) and company registration documentation must be submitted once-off. This is a once-off submission for all permit types of the same company until the department has been notified of the changes or amendments on the company existence and supporting documents of the change to the company has been submitted and updated on the company profile
3. The applicant also need to submit his/her application in compliance with International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) that stipulates the rand value and the amount or mass in kilograms (Kg) of species/ products to be brought into South Africa (The Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries are exempted from this requirement).
4. If the applicant is the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative, only a company resolution or proof thereof accompanied by a certified copy of his /her ID (certification of ID not older than 6 months).
5. A letter of authorization from the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative granting the nominated person permission to sign documents on his/her behalf or to collect the relevant permit(s) and supply the information to the department on behalf of the company (True certified copies of the Identity documents of the right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
6. Valid tax clearance certificate as approved by South African Revenue Services (SARS). (Once off annual submission).
7. The number of species must be completed by the applicant on the application form. Failing to do so will result in application not being processed.
8. A list of countries of importers / suppliers shall be provided. (Maximum of 20 countries)
9. Original international aquatic animal health certificate that guarantees freedom from World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) listed diseases, exotic diseases to RSA and emerging diseases (where applicable, please consult the state veterinarian for further guidance:)
10. An application for a renewal of farmed species/ products import permit shall only be considered if all trade documents and electronic monthly summaries have been submitted in respect of previously issued import permits. NB: An application will not be accepted if monthly summaries are outstanding.

1. Original, completed, signed and dated application form. (Supporting documentation included).
2. Certified true copy / copies of (an) original identity document (ID), company registration documentation must be submitted as once-off. (This is a once-off submission for all permit types of the same company until the department has been notified of the changes or amendments on the company existence and supporting documents of the change to the company has been submitted and updated on the company profile).
3. If the applicant is the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative, only a company resolution or proof thereof accompanied by a certified copy of his /her ID (certification of ID not older than 6 months).
4. A letter of authorisation from the right holder/ business owner/ legal and active company representative granting the nominated person permission to sign documents on his/her behalf or to collect the relevant permit(s) and supply the information to the department on behalf of the company (true certified copies of the Identity documents of the right holder and the nominated party must be attached).
5. Valid tax clearance certificate as approved by South African Revenue Services (SARS). (Once off annual submission).
6. Applicant must complete the following fields: Species common name, scientific name, product description (state whether product is frozen, live, chilled, filleted, gutted, whole, minced etc) scientific name, cases, nett mass in kilograms, and list the species numerically.
7. List of countries of not more than the maximum of 20 countries where product/ species is exported to (destination country):
8. Aquatic animal health Import requirements of the importing country (please consult the state veterinarian for further guidance) aquahealth@dffe.gov.za; 073 906 9045.
9. Applicants who are non-right holders must submit the following with the export application(s):
1. Proof of purchase such as invoice and or reference to the import permit and the copy of import permit if the product was previously imported from the issued permit.
2. Supplier agreement letter with the Right holder/ Supplier (attach certified copy of signatories to the agreement/ letter IDs that are not more than 6 months old).
10. An application for a renewal export permit shall only be considered if electronic monthly summaries have been submitted in respect of previously issued export permit(s).