Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996 (Act No. 47 of 1996)

The purpose and aim of this statutory measure are to compel importers of meat, poultry meat and MDM to render records and returns to the levy administrator. This is necessary to ensure that continuous, timeous and accurate information relating to meat imported and marketed is available to all role players. Market information is deemed essential for all role players in order for them to make informed decisions. By prescribing the keeping of records with the rendering of returns on an individual basis, market information for the whole of the industry can be processed and disseminated. The establishment of the statutory measure should assist in promoting the efficiency of the marketing of red meat, poultry meat and MDM. The viability of the meat importing industry should thus be enhanced.

The measure is not detrimental to any of the objectives of the Act and, in particular, shall not be detrimental to the number of employment opportunities or fair labour practice in the meat importing industry.

Confidential information of any person subject to this statutory measure obtained by the levy administrator through the implementation, administration and enforcement of this statutory measure shall be dealt with in accordance with section 23(2) of the Act.

The measure shall be administered by the Levy Administrator who may appoint other service providers if and when necessary to assist them with the administration of the statutory measure. The latter shall act in terms of the mandate and on behalf of the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters.