Plant Health Regulations, 2023 (GN 284 of 2023).

These Regulations consisting of 118 articles organized into 10 Parts regard several issues related to plant health and plant production, the main ones of which are (i) pesticide management; (ii) import and export of plants and plant products; (iii) movement of biological control agents; (iv) control of pests. The Regulations aim to protect plant health through rigorous standards for pesticide management, ensuring safety for users and the environment while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Part 2 details the pesticide registration process, classifying products as synthetic, bio-pesticides, or biological control agents. Applicants must submit comprehensive dossiers, including analytical methods, safety, and environmental data, for scientific evaluation before approval or rejection by the Authority. Pesticides are registered under full, provisional, or restricted-use categories. Applications may be rejected for incomplete or false information, hazardous risks, inefficacy, poor quality, excessive toxicity, or unfavorable risk-benefit outcomes, with resubmission allowed after addressing deficiencies. Part 3 mandates pesticide dealers to secure a license from the Authority by meeting training, documentation, storage, safety, and premises standards. Part 4 outlines rules for importing, exporting, transporting, and re-exporting pesticides and application equipment, requiring permits, quality checks, adherence to labeling and safety standards, and inspection compliance. Provisions include experimental use allowances and revocation or suspension of permits for non-compliance. Part 5 focuses on pesticide safety, covering (i) packaging and labeling, (ii) sample collection, (iii) residue evaluation to ensure compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), (iv) advertising standards, (v) storage requirements, and (vi) compliance inspections.
Part 6 governs the importation of plants, plant products, and regulated articles, requiring a permit from the relevant Authority for all such imports. Applications must follow prescribed procedures, and a pest risk analysis is conducted to assess the risk level, categorizing items as low-risk, high-risk, or prohibited. High-risk materials undergo thorough assessments, post-entry quarantines, and specific handling protocols, while low-risk items require appropriate documentation, including phytosanitary certificates. Genetically modified organisms and certain regulated materials face additional biosafety and quarantine measures. The Regulations also establish requirements for importing fresh produce, micro-propagated materials, cereals, legumes, soil, and soilless growing media, focusing on contamination prevention and pest management. All shipments are subject to inspection at entry points, with strict packaging, conveyance, and labeling rules. Non-compliant consignments may be seized, destroyed, or returned at the importer’s expense. The Regulations also specify conditions for timber, wood packaging materials, and their treatment, requiring an official mark for treated materials. These measures aim to prevent harmful pests and pathogens, protect local biodiversity, and ensure compliance with international phytosanitary standards. Part 7 outlines export procedures for plants and regulated articles, requiring inspection and issuing phytosanitary certificates if consignments meet importing country requirements and are pest-free. Re-export certificates require inspection and accompanying documents. Consignments in transit must comply with Tanzania’s phytosanitary rules, with inspections conducted at entry points. The Authority also manages pest identification, diagnostic protocols, and related services, with non-compliance potentially leading to the refusal of certificates.
Part 8 governs the movement of biological control agents, including their import, export, and release. The Authority conducts pest risk analysis, ensures compliance with phytosanitary requirements, and monitors the impact of biological control agents on target and non-target organisms. Applications for import and export permits require detailed documentation, including proof of efficacy, biosafety plans, and secure packaging. Part 9 establishes guidelines for pest control. It outlines procedures for declaring regulated pests, including quarantine pests, and requires pest surveillance, risk analysis, and notifications. Landowners must report and destroy pests, with authorities taking action when necessary. The Regulations mandate monitoring for new pests, declaration of pest outbreak quarantine areas, and implementation of phytosanitary measures to control pest spread. The Authority is responsible for maintaining pest-free areas, addressing migratory pest threats, and ensuring compliance with pest management practices.