December 17, 2012

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Agriculture has created a clearly defined procedure for imposing and lifting bans on livestock imports.

The procedure includes drafts and proposals for a temporary ban and other steps that should be taken when countries that have banned the export of their livestock lift them.

Rules for imposing temporary bans stipulate that the ministry should contact the country concerned through official channels, or the Kingdom's embassy in a particular country, regarding any disease or epidemic.

There should also be a recommendation or report from a specialised world organisation confirming the outbreak of a disease that is contagious to humans or animals. To lift the ban, a report needs to come from a specialised international organisation stating that the causes for the ban no longer exist.

As for imposing a temporary ban, a memorandum by the department of animal quarantine should be developed explaining the seriousness of the risk of imported animals, a recommendation for the temporary ban and the causes for it. The minister must issue an order which will be circulated to all bodies concerned, in addition to sending a report to the World Trade Organisation.

To lift the ban, a request should be sent to the ministry from the appropriate party in the designated country requesting that the ban be lifted and indicating the health status of the animals.

It should be confirmed that there is no danger of infections that are contagious to humans of animals, that no prohibited drugs or materials were used on the animals, the implementation of veterinarian supervision and investigation systems in the concerned country, and preventive and supervisory measures with the latest reports from a specialised international organisation stating the end of the disease.

The ministry, after studying the request, will issue a memorandum explaining the reasons for lifting the ban. The memorandum will be circulated to all concerned parties.

If it is necessary for a team of inspectors to visit the country concerned, the ministry will take the necessary steps. Upon returning to the Kingdom, the team will report its recommendations to the ministry.