The aim of the Animal Health Act, 2002 (Act No. 7 of 2002) is to promote animal health and to control animal diseases; provide for the appropriate governance structures and regulate the importation and exportation of animals.
The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement applies to all sanitary and phytosanitary measures which might affect international trade. Members can apply science-based risk measures to achieve an appropriate level of sanitary and phytosanitary protection in relation to risks to animal and plant life and human health. Domestic legislation such as the Animal Health Act, 2002, contributes to compliance to international obligations, such as those contained in the SPS Agreement, but domestic legislation and related policies extends beyond this and aims to achieve its primary purpose statement (e.g promoting animal health).