Port Health
| Description: |
Port Health Services monitors and evaluates all foodstuffs, cosmetics, disinfectants, hazardous substances and medicines entering the Western Cape through the ports, and controls and monitors the possible entering of all serious contagious diseases into the Western Cape and the rest of South Africa. These infectious diseases include yellow fever, cholera, plague and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Port and Environmental Health is responsible for the three sea ports (Cape Town, Mossel Bay and Saldanha Bay) and the Cape Town International Airport.
Airport Health Control
If a passenger is suspected of having an infectious disease such as SARS and presents with symptoms during the flight, the crew will alert the Airports Company of SA who will notify the port health officer. On arrival, a metro (emergency services) doctor, in conjunction with a Port Health Official (PHO), will assess the person and the necessary measures will be taken (eg quarantine). Water and food supplies to aircraft are monitored.
Vessel Inspection
Vessels that seek entry to any of the three sea ports must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health or a practiques 72 hours before entering the harbour. Vessels are checked for rodents and sanitation conditions. A valid Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC) is required. According to international health regulations, an infected vessel must be fumigated. Water and food supplies to vessels are monitored.
Imported Foodstuffs
Imported foodstuffs are inspected at random for possible hazardous or toxic substances at all ports of entry. When goods are offloaded, they are usually removed under extended health guarantees and only released if the Port Health Official (PHO) is satisfied. All shipments must conform to the Foodstuff, Cosmetic and Disinfectants Act, 54 of 1972.
Pharmeceuticals and Medicines
Products are checked to see whether they have been registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
Hazardous Substances
Consignments are only released if a valid Hazardous Substances license can be produced.
Port Exports
The port health authority will issue Free Sale certificates for export of foodstuffs under certain conditions.
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| Instructions: |
For more information regarding port health, contact: |
| Provided At: |
These facility categories: |
| Government Body: | (Western Cape Government) |
- Environmental and Port Health (Public Information) (File type: pdf; size: 42.79 KB)
- Yellow fever certificates (Service)
- SARS Outbreak Response Flowchart 2 (Guidelines, Manuals and Instructions) (File type: pdf; size: 372.39 KB)
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Western Cape Government © 2024. All rights reserved.
This project is an initiative of the Western Cape Government. |
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