Market Access
Market Access Process:
Phytosanitary Side of the Market Access Process
Most of the work that Subtrop is involved with is on phytosanitary side of the market access process as depicted below.
Phytosanitary regulations are there to prevent the introduction of new pests and diseases. To address this, the following process is followed:
Pest information package (PIP)
to
Pest risk assessment (PRA)
to
Quarantine pest list (QPL)
to
Agreement on mitigation treatments
Once mitigation treatments are agreed upon, a draft workplan is generated and reviewed, a verification visit is scheduled, and once access is granted then a rule needs to be signed by the Ministers of both countries.
Bear in mind that market access for our industry is often one of a number of bilateral trade negotiations mediated by government-to-government engagements for every market being pursued, and that government agencies usually process one commodity at a time.
Track Market Access Progress
USA
We are at the mitigation phase of the process and our best case scenario for market access is 2026.
We have proposed a Systems Approach which includes multiple measures to mitigate against quarantine pests. The Systems Approach is based on similar Systems Approaches that have enabled Mexico and Peru to gain access to the USA. The USDA-APHIS will review the proposal once they have finalized the Pest Risk Assessment (PRA) and Quarantine Pest List (QPL). A response to the draft PRA was sent on 8 June 2023. Once the USDA-APHIS finalize the PRA, they will then consider the Systems Approach proposal.
There are trade issues that are influencing progress on this application. These relate to pork, poultry, and beef applications from the US side. Hopefully political engagements can help sort these out.
There is a planned upcoming virtual bilateral meeting between the DoA and the USDA-APHIS. This meeting is scheduled for mid-November 2026.
Updated 22 September 2026
Taiwan
Our best case scenario for market access is 2026.
The Taiwanese BAPHIQ are busy with the PRA since information was provided on 6 November 2020. Market access has to be gained for SA pome fruit before avocados. A response is still pending.
Updated 22 September 2026
South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Our best case scenario for market access is 2026.
The avocado PIP was sent by the DoA to the South Korean authorities on 9 December 2025 and receipt confirmed. A DoA-Fruit SA visit is planned for mid-October 2026 and it is anticipated feedback (on the PIP or a PRA) will be supplied by then.
Updated 22 September 2026
Vietnam
Our best case scenario for market access is 2031.
Access for SA avocados follows access for SA mandarins, grapefruit, and lemons.
Subtrop provided a response to the PRA to the DAFF on 14 August 2018, and this was forwarded to the PPD on 4 October 2018. The Systems Approach proposal was resent to DALRRD on 18 March 2024.
Updated 22 September 2026
Thailand
The Pest Information Package was submitted to the DAFF in February 2013. There is, however, a long queue ahead of the application: market access is to be gained for SA blueberries, pears, stone fruits, and then avocados. Parallel to this are the market access requests from Thailand to import mangosteens and longans into SA.
A protocol for the blueberries application is expected in 2027.
Once the rule allowing for imports of produce from Thailand has been published, there might be a faster turn-around time on applications for SA produce exports.
Updated 22 September 2026
Mexico
The SAGARPA responded on 19 July 2022 indicating that additional information is needed before a PRA will be done. This information was sent to the DoA on 22 January 2025 and then to SAGARPA who confirmed on 7 May 2025 that they were analyzing the information. Revised photos were subsequently sent on 29 May 2025 and SAGARPA confirmed receipt. There are regular follow-ups by the DoA, with the most recent in August 2026, but no response from SAGARPA as yet.
Updated 22 September 2026
Israel
We are still seeking a potential importer to assist with the application. If their application to import is successful, then the PIP can be sent to the DoA for submission to the Israeli authorities.
Updated 22 September 2026
Pakistan
The DPP responded on 13 April 2022 indicating that the PIP will need to be revised. The revised PIP was confirmed to have been sent on 15 March 2024.
We have been informed that this application is influenced by an application from Pakistan to gain access for Pakistan mangoes to South Africa. The verification visit for this application has been done and report is being finalized by the DoA.
Updated 22 September 2026