South Africa extends deadline for farms to register under VPN-59 to continue red meat exports to UAE until Dec. 31, 2026

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp announced the extension, giving producers additional time to comply with the Veterinary Procedural Notice 59 (VPN-59) registration requirements.

During the extended period, exports can proceed where the 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: Animal Health for processing.

“This extension is critical for our livestock sector and agricultural trade relations with the United Arab Emirates. By allowing trade to continue smoothly while our state veterinarians and farmers complete the registration process, we are protecting local livelihoods, supporting market continuity, and ensuring our red meat industry can meet all international standards without unnecessary disruption”, Minister Aucamp said.

Aucamp said the extension was intended to allow farms and feedlots to complete the registration process without interrupting trade.

“This extension is intended to facilitate the completion of the registration process and prevent unnecessary interruptions to trade. This, however, does not exempt any farm or feedlot from the applicable registration requirements,” he said.

Deadline remains firm

After 31 December 2026, farms and feedlots that have not been registered will not 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.

The Department of Agriculture said the extension applies to farms and feedlots supplying livestock for slaughter for the UAE market.