SA wine industry update: COVID-19 lockdown #6 – South African wine exports permitted
· 2 min read
The South African wine industry has received permission to export its products, following intensive lobbying by an Industry Exporters Task Team with Government on the matter over the past week.
On Tuesday afternoon, 7 April 2020, the Minister of Transport gazetted new Directions under the lockdown Regulations to expressly permit the export of wines and other fresh produce products.
The regulations stipulate that wines are permitted to be exported and agricultural cargo to be moved to sea ports and international airports for export.
The Minister of Transport has permitted the following expressly: “During the lockdown period, the transportation of the wines and any other fresh produce products at the sea ports and international Airports Designated as Port of Entry for export is allowed”
The notice also stated the following: “Agricultural Cargo is allowed to be transported to sea ports and International Airports Designated as Ports of Entry and exported to the relevant destination”
Download the latest Government Gazette:Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 – Sea ports 7 April 2020
The Exporters Task Team is still taking all aspects in the Gazette into consideration and will meet soon to discuss and communicate all relevant operational activities.
The South African wine industry is truly grateful to Government and all the respective role-players for showing an understanding for the industry’s challenges through this concession, as nearly half of South Africa’s wine production is exported and a restriction on exports would have a severe effect on wine-related businesses, but most importantly the livelihood of close to 300 000 people employed by the wine industry value-chain.
The latest decision by Government follows on an earlier concession for the wine industry to complete harvesting and processing activities to prevent wastage during the 21 day lockdown.
Amidst the excitement from the industry about these concessions, we need to reiterate that with this concession comes a great responsibility to keep our employees safe during this time.
ALSO READ:SA WINE INDUSTRY UPDATE: COVID-19 LOCKDOWN #7 – DISPENSATION TO ALLOW EXPORT OF SA WINE for more detail regarding the export exemption and preventative measures when dealing with bulk and packaged wines in warehouses.
ENQUIRIES:
Vinpro [email protected]
WoSA [email protected]
SALBA [email protected]
More from
Markets, business and trade
Don’t arrive in Paris hoping to get lucky
Three days in Paris can open doors to markets around the world. But the real work starts long before the exhibition. From finding the right buyers to preparing your stand and following up afterwards, here's how to make Wine Paris count.
Paris is calling. Again.
Wine Paris has become one of the important dates on the global wine calendar. For South Africa, being there matters. But being there with a plan matters more.
Neethlingshof debuts flagship red 'TORS' with Absa Cape Blend Top 6 Win
Neethlingshof Estate has introduced its flagship red, TORS, marking its debut with a win at the Absa Cape Blend Top 6 Awards for its maiden 2024 vintage. Crafted as the estate’s pinnacle expression, TORS was developed for fine wine collectors seeking a micro-vinified Stellenbosch blend shaped by site specificity and low-intervention winemaking.