Decree-Law No. 5/2016 approving the Plant Health Framework Act.

This Decree-Law approves the Plant Health Framework Act. This Framework Act, consisting of 88 articles divided into eight Chapters and nine Annexes, establishes the adoption of compulsory procedures and measures, whose technical-scientific and administrative nature extends to all public and private individuals, engaged in agricultural activities or in scientific exploration or import and export activities, or who are owners of a warehouse or other related activities involving the handling, production and marketing of plants or products of plant origin. In addition, it establishes the objectives that guide their fundamental principles, designating the Center for Agronomic and Technological Research of São Tomé e Príncipe (CIAT), as competent Plant Health Authority entitled to regulate phytosanitary inspection.
Its main objectives are: to preserve and ensure the quality and health of the plants; to maintain a phytosanitary surveillance service for the prevention, control and dissemination of plant pests and diseases; to prevent the introduction or dissemination of harmful agents affecting plants, plant products and forests in Sao Tomé and Príncipe, to develop an effective epidemiological surveillance system, to control the transit of plants within the national territory, to control the import and export of plants, forestry and related products; to ensure the quality of inputs and services used in agriculture, encouraging the community participation in phytosanitary protection actions, implement appropriate measures aimed at plant protection, conservation of natural resources, and the preservation of human health; to ensure the identity and quality of vegetable products intended for consumers; to implement and promote phytosanitary education. The decree-Law is divided as follows: General provisions (Chap. I); Phytosanitary Inspection and Control; Use, Inspection and Control of Phytosanitary Products (Chap. II); Classification of Plant Products (Chap. III); Promotion of Phytosanitary Education (Chap. IV); Provided Services; Offences and Penalties (Chap. V); Final Provisions (Chap. VIII).