FRESH PRODUCE IMPORTERS ASSOCIATION - Pretoria

The Fresh Produce Importers Association (FPIA) aims to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the South African import sector. It deals with matters related to imports of fresh fruit and vegetables and specifically assist members with quality and plant health related regulatory problems. It also provides an effective mechanism to engage with regulatory authorities in a coordinated and informed manner.

The FPIA members are currently divided into six focus groups namely (1) Bananas, (2) Citrus Fruit, (3) Deciduous Fruit and Table Grapes, (4) Exotic Fruit, (5) Subtropical Fruit and (6)Vegetables. Focus groups were established to organize Members with similar interests and priorities to ensure effective and efficient prioritization and communication.

FPIA members enjoy, among  

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others, the following benefits and services:

• Access to updated information relating to multilateral and bilateral agreements and relevant plant health and food safety legislation, regulations, control measures and national standards that affects the importation of fresh produce
• Access to specific information on pest issues which may have an influence on imports and an updated list of cleared products for importation.
• Assistance with import permit applications of cleared products.
• Technical assistance with new and existing imports to ensure that export certification complies with SA import requirements and to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the import process.
• Technical assistance with interceptions of imported consignments and management of
problems causing interceptions.
• Technical representation and coordinated pursuance of Members' import priorities and
supported by technical recommendations to at various regulatory forums to pursue FPIA import priorities.
• Presentation of trade priorities and technical information