Lesotho Lifts Suspension on Livestock Imports From South Africa

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 17, 2026

Lesotho has lifted its suspension on imports of specified livestock and livestock products from South Africa, allowing trade to resume immediately under veterinary controls.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition said the lifting of the suspension applies subject to sanitary requirements set out in veterinary import permits.

Under the new requirements, red meat and pork from South Africa may be imported only if they originate from abattoirs approved by the South African Competent Veterinary Authority for export and specifically approved or recognised by the Lesotho Veterinary Authority.

Imports of live cloven-hoofed animals may also resume, but only if the animals originate from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) compartments approved by the South African authority and recognised or approved by the Lesotho Veterinary Authority for export to Lesotho.

The ministry will continue to prohibit imports of certain livestock commodities, including feet, heads and viscera or other offal, until further notice.

The measures were announced in Department of Livestock Services Circular No. 5 of 2026, shared by Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane.

The ministry warned that illegal imports, misrepresentation of consignments, sourcing products from unapproved establishments or FMD compartments, and failure to comply with veterinary requirements constitute offences under Lesotho’s Stock Disease Proclamation No. 10 of 1896 and the Importation and Exportation Act of 1952, as amended in 1984.

Non-compliant consignments may be refused entry, detained, returned, seized or destroyed, while offenders may face prosecution.

Lesotho introduced the import restrictions under Circular No. 3 of 2025 following an outbreak of FMD in South Africa.

The lifting of the suspension restores part of the livestock trade between the neighbouring countries while maintaining restrictions intended to prevent the introduction or spread of animal diseases.

Source: FSX Business News