Article
Dried Abalone Compulsory Specification (VC9108) Gazetted by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Published: 02/07/2025
On the recommendation of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition has gazetted the Compulsory Specification for Dried Abalone (VC9108) under Section 13(4) of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act (Act 5 of 2008). The specification introduces mandatory compliance measures for all dried abalone products intended for export, with the primary goal of safeguarding the sustainability of South Africa’s legal abalone industry.
On
the recommendation of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications
(NRCS), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition has gazetted the
Compulsory Specification for Dried Abalone (VC9108) under Section 13(4) of the
National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act (Act 5 of 2008). The
specification introduces mandatory compliance measures for all dried abalone
products intended for export, with the primary goal of safeguarding the
sustainability of South Africa’s legal abalone industry.
Strengthening
Legality and Traceability
The
regulation requires all dried abalone products to carry a valid health
certificate issued by the NRCS. This critical measure ensures full traceability
of abalone from farm to fork and prohibits the export of illegally harvested,
confiscated, or unregulated abalone. By eliminating avenues for poached or
illegally reprocessed abalone to enter legal markets, the new specification
strengthens enforcement and supports ethical trade.
Protecting
the Legal Industry
South
Africa’s abalone farming industry has invested over R3 billion over the past 20
years, supporting more than 2,300 sustainable jobs in the aquaculture sector.
However, this legitimate industry continues to face mounting challenges due to
the influx of illegal abalone exports, which exceed 2,000 tonnes per year,
compared to only 1,000 tonnes of legally farmed production. The availability of
uncertified, lower-quality products on global markets has devalued South
Africa’s premium abalone offering and undermined the industry’s credibility.
This regulation aims to level the playing field, protect jobs, and sustain
long-term sector viability.
Securing
Export Markets and Enhancing Food Safety
All
exporters are now required to ensure their dried abalone shipments carry valid
health certification. The industry is mobilising a coordinated strategy to
notify import authorities and global buyers of the new requirements,
encouraging them to only accept certified abalone products. This is expected to
give legal South African exporters a competitive edge, while also mitigating
public health risks associated with uncertified products entering international
food systems.
Compliance
Pressure and Business Implications
Businesses involved in the processing and export of dried abalone must now align fully with NRCS standards, including undergoing regular inspections and reporting any changes to processing. Failure to comply may result in operational suspensions, reputational damage, and loss of access to export markets. While this adds a compliance burden, it is ultimately an investment in credibility, market access, and sustainability for those operating within the law.
In
conclusion, the Compulsory Specification for Dried Abalone (VC9108) represents
a critical regulatory milestone in securing the integrity and future of the
abalone industry. This comprehensive
approach represents a critical step in combating marine resource crimes that
have cost South Africa billions in lost revenue while strengthening the legal
aquaculture sector's sustainability and global competitiveness.
By Thapelo Machaba, Agbiz