Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

A84: Inspection requirement 

Date when the measure came into force

01 April 2009 

Publication where the measure is specified

Laws of Botswana Chapter 35:02 Plant Protection 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Plant Protection Act 

Country/Region applying the measure

Botswana 

The rationale of the measure

To prevent the introduction,spread and establishment of plant pests:to facilitate trade in plants;To enable Botswana to comply with its international obligations 

Coded list of objectives

C: Protection of life and health of plants 

Description of the measure

12. Examination and treatment of imported plants, etc.
(1) Any person who imports any plant, plant product or regulated article shall immediately declare the item and deliver it to a plant inspector or other representative of the NPPO.
(2) A plant inspector or representative of the NPPO, upon receipt of an item in terms of subsection (1) may-
(a) examine the plant and its container as well as any required accompanying documentation;
(b) if the presence of any regulated pest thereon is established or reasonably suspected, cause the same to be treated at the expense of the importer; and
(c) if he or she considers that any measures taken or to be taken under paragraph (b) are, or are likely to be, ineffective and he or she considers the pest to have the potential to cause an unacceptable impact on the plant resources of Botswana, or if the imported articles are not accompanied by the required documentation, cause the imported articles to be re-exported or destroyed.
(3) Inspections under this section shall be carried out during regular business hours, except where the plants, plant products or other regulated articles are in transit or extremely perishable or where their entry has otherwise been delayed, in which case, upon application by the importer and upon payment of any prescribed fee, the NPPO may agree to an inspection being carried out at any other time. 

Reference of the measure

Article 12 

Measure also domestic

No 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Plant and plants, regulated articles 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

Entire world