EDI STANDARDS AUTHORITY FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN FRUIT INDUSTRY

ESAFI Background

ESAFI was formed in 2016 as focused initiative to standardize the format and manner in which data is transferred between official and business IT systems used to support the official export and phytosanitary certification processes. It is apparent that standardization of data enables automation of a number of functions and processes being used by stakeholders in the South African export value chain. These uses have therefore been taken into account where possible and have influenced the evolution of the Standards over time.

ESAFI is following a step-wise approach to considering each new Standard, focusing on those the directly impact on the phytosanitary certification as a priority. The Standards are updated on a regular basis and availble on this website in an electronic format.

ESAFI Participation

The most important stakeholer of ESAFI is Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) given the official use of these Standards. The Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), as an asignee of DAFF, is also very involved in the update and use of these Standards. Input from and engagement with industry stakeholders is also critical and thus a ESAFI Steering Group made up of these various stakeholders meet on a regular basis.

ESAFI Steering Group Members:

• DAFF: Inspection Services
• DAFF: ICT
• DAFF: Plant Health
• PPECB
• IT Vendors operating in the fruit industry
• Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa
• HortGro
• Subtrop
• South African Table Grape Industry

ESAFI Secretariat

The PhtyClean Project Team at Fruit South Africa act as the ESAFI Secretariat.

Approximately 7 to 10 Steering group meetings are held per annum to review the Standards.

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