South African livestock producers have been given additional time to meet registration requirements for supplying livestock for red-meat exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the deadline extended to 31 December 2026.
Farms and feedlots supplying livestock for slaughter for red-meat exports to the UAE must complete the registration process required under Veterinary Procedural Notice 59 by the extended deadline.
Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp announced the extension in a media release on 26 August, saying the additional time would allow trade to continue while state veterinarians and producers complete the required registration process.
“This extension is critical for our livestock sector and agricultural trade relations with the UAE,” Aucamp said.
He added that maintaining trade would help protect livelihoods, support market continuity and give producers sufficient time to meet international requirements without unnecessary disruption.
Registration Requirements Remain in Place
The extension does not remove or relax the registration requirements.
During the extended period, exports may continue only where the relevant facility has been inspected by the responsible provincial state veterinarian, compliance with the applicable requirements has been verified, and a compliant registration application has been submitted to the Directorate of Animal Health for processing.
Farms and feedlots that remain unregistered after 31 December 2026 will no longer be eligible to supply livestock for slaughter for red-meat exports to the UAE.
Exports originating from unregistered facilities will not be supported or endorsed.
UAE Market Remains Important for Red-Meat Industry
The importance of maintaining access to international markets was highlighted recently by Matthew Karan, director of Karan Beef, during the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation national congress held in Pretoria in mid-August.
Karan noted that in 2024, 66% of South Africa’s meat exports were destined for five countries: the UAE, Jordan, China, Kuwait and Mozambique.
He argued that export markets play an important role in strengthening the wider red-meat supply chain and reducing producers’ dependence on domestic demand.
“Exports aren’t just a bonus when the local market is quiet but a mechanism to grow the entire supply chain,” Karan said.
He also explained that international markets can provide an outlet for cuts that have lower demand among South African consumers. According to Karan, this can allow producers to earn premiums on those products while reducing pressure on the domestic market.
The extension of the UAE registration deadline therefore provides South African livestock producers with additional time to meet the required veterinary and regulatory standards while maintaining access to an important export destination.
For producers supplying the UAE market, completing the registration process before the 31 December 2026 deadline will be essential to maintaining eligibility for future exports.
