Plant Protection and Quarantine Law Number:34, December, 2024.

The Plant Protection and Quarantine Act (Law No. 34) establishes a legal framework for phytosanitary regulation. The primary statutory objectives are to safeguard agricultural productivity by preventing the introduction and dissemination of pests, and to facilitate international trade through compliance with global standards.The Act mandates the Somali Agricultural Regulatory and Inspection Services (SARIS) as the competent authority responsible for the administration and enforcement of phytosanitary measures. SARIS is vested with the power to issue import permits and phytosanitary certificates, conduct laboratory testing of seeds and fertilizers, and monitor agricultural produce in transit or storage. The legislation incorporates international legal instruments, specifically the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM), to govern domestic protocols.Key provisions include the designation of "quarantine areas" and "pest-free areas" based on scientific risk analysis to mitigate economic damage. The Act grants authorized inspectors broad powers to examine shipments, seize non-compliant materials, and implement emergency measures during outbreaks. Furthermore, it prohibits the importation of soil and regulates the movement of genetically modified organisms.