Temporary Ban Imposed on Maize Seed Imports from Malawi to Tanzania

The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticide Authority (TPHPA), serving as the National Plant Protection Organization of the United Republic of Tanzania, has taken decisive action by imposing a temporary ban on the importation of maize seeds from Malawi.

According to the Director General  Prof. Joseph C. Ndunguru ,who announced this through a Press Release, the move is in response to the ongoing Pest Risk Analysis, which encompasses the evaluation of risks associated with introducing Genetically Modified maize seeds.

Under the Plant Health Act No.4 of 2020, TPHPA is entrusted with the responsibility for controlling pesticides, phytosanitary measures, importation and use of plants and plant products, and preventing the introduction and spread of pests. As a result of this ban, all maize seeds from Malawi, including those in transit, will be subject to this restriction until the clarity of the associated risks is established and ascertained.

It is important to note that the current status of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in Tanzania is at the stage of an interim bio-safety regulation, permitting only small-scale confined GMO trials that do not extend to small- or large-scale production for commercial purposes. Consequently, all maize seed imports are mandated to be free from GMOs.

This ban will immediately suspend the processing, evaluation of the application, and issuance of Phytosanitary import clearance for the aforementioned commodity. This action underscores Tanzania’s commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of its agricultural sector.