Meat and meat products from Rundu Abattoir will now be traded south of the redline and exported to international markets, following certification by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, which upgraded the abattoir to Class A status.
The announcement was made by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB), which said that trading will occur under the strict supervision of the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
“LLPB has approved the registration of Rundu Abattoir, managed by Meatco, as an A-class export abattoir after it received export status registration from the Directorate of Veterinary Services. This certification is only awarded after implementing strict animal health and food hygiene processes. As a result of this certification, meat and meat products from Rundu Abattoir can be exported to countries outside Namibia and to areas south of the veterinary cordon fence, under strict supervision of the Directorate of Veterinary Services. The Livestock Products Board hopes that this certification will lead to increased prices for livestock producers in the affected area,” said LLPB.
Additionally, LLPB announced a compulsory brand of an “N” on livestock intended for export to South Africa after the Director of Animal Health in South Africa notified the Namibian livestock industry in March about the livestock improvement legislation (Act 62 of 1998) that must be followed for importing livestock into South Africa.
“This requirement is specific to South Africa and states that a permit issued by the Registrar of Livestock Improvement in South Africa is necessary, along with a veterinary import permit from South Africa, to export livestock to South Africa. This new requirement will be effective from 1 April 2024 and also mandates that livestock must be marked with the Namibian ‘N-character’ at the time of export. Importers must obtain a permit from the Livestock Improvement Office in South Africa before applying for an RSA Veterinary import permit, as per a letter dated 5 April 2024,” LLPB said.
Namibia exports beef to Norway, China, Botswana, South Africa, Ghana, and Angola.
