Cattle & Goat Export Procedures Manual (Sea Freight & Air Freight)
1. Overview
This manual outlines the step-by-step procedures, documentation, and timelines for the export of live cattle and goats from South Africa to international markets. It applies to both slaughter and breeding livestock exports.
2. Process Flowchart
A. Sea Freight Export
Order Confirmation → 
Procurement & Selection → 
Veterinary Checks → 
Quarantine → 
Regulatory Documentation → 
Transport to Port → 
Vessel Loading → 
Import Clearance
B. Air Freight Export
Order Confirmation → Procurement & Selection → Veterinary Checks → Quarantine → Regulatory Documentation → Delivery to Airport → Flight Loading → Import Clearance
3. Step-by-Step Procedures
Step 1 – Order Confirmation
Buyer specifies breed, quantity, weight, age, destination port/airport, and Incoterms (FOB, CIF, etc.).
Seller issues Proforma Invoice including all costs (livestock, quarantine, vet, feed, transport, documentation).
Buyer secures Import Permit from destination country.
Deposit or bank guarantee received before procurement begins.
Step 2 – Procurement & Selection
Animals sourced from trusted farms.
Verified for health, breed purity, and weight.
Ear-tagged for identification and tracking.
Step 3 – Pre-Export Veterinary Procedures
Veterinary inspection by State Vet.
Mandatory vaccinations (FMD, Brucellosis, Anthrax, etc.).
Dipping and deworming.
Veterinary Treatment Record issued.
Step 4 – Quarantine
Animals moved to Approved Export Quarantine Facility.
Quarantine period: 14–30 days (destination-specific).
Continuous vet supervision and feeding.
Step 5 – Documentation Preparation
Required Documents:
Veterinary Health Certificate
Export Permit (Dept. of Agriculture)
Movement Permits
Certificate of Origin (if required)
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
SGS or Third-Party Inspection Certificate (if required)
Step 6 – Transport to Port/Airport
Livestock transported in ventilated, approved trucks.
Feed and water provided en route.
Border vet clearance if crossing international borders to port.
Step 7 – Loading & Shipment
Sea Freight: Livestock vessels or ventilated containers.
Air Freight: IATA-approved livestock crates
Veterinary inspection at loading point.
Step 8 – Import Country Clearance
Veterinary inspection upon arrival.
Customs duties/taxes paid by buyer.
Release to buyer or onward inland transport.