Under the plant and animal biosecurity division, there are four sections. They are:
1.Animal Biosecurity Section
This Section is responsible for implementing animal biosecurity and animal welfare aspects of the overall mandates of BAFRA. Animal Biosecurity measures are implemented in line with the Biosecurity Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2010, Livestock Act 2001, Livestock Rules and Regulations 2017 and other tertiary legislations developed under the Act.
2.Veterinary Public Health Section
The section is responsible for protecting the public health from zoonotic diseases by ensuring foods of animal origin are of good quality and safe for human consumption. The veterinary public health measures are implemented in line with Livestock Act 2001, Livestock Rules and Regulations 2017 and other tertiary legislations developed under the Act
3.Plant Quality Control Section
Conduct inspection and certification and regulate quality of plants and plant products including agricultural farming inputs based on the specific quality standards and requirements. These services are provided as per the applicable provisions laid out in the Plant Quarantine Act of Bhutan 1993, Seed Act of Bhutan 2000 and Pesticides Act of Bhutan 2000, and the rules thereunder.
4.Plant Biosecurity Section
The section is responsible for implementation of plant biosecurity continuum measures to manage intrusion of quarantine plant pests and diseases including invasive alien species through effective vigilance, surveillance, assessment and monitoring. It also implements relevant International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) for issuing phytosanitary/export certificates and import permits.
The core mandates of the division are as follow:
The primary mandates of Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) is to implement effective biosecurity measures to protect the agriculture farming system including animal health, and public health from risks of entry, establishment and spread of exotic and or notifiable pests and diseases. Thus, a major role is placed…more
Import of animals/plants and their products are allowed into the country with prior approval and obtaining Import Permit from BAFRA. At arrival at the point of entry, the consignment intended for import must be accompanied with a Phytosanitary Certificate for plant consignment and Zoo-sanitary Certificate for animal consignment…more
Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority implements measures to reduce the transmission of animal or plant, pest and diseases from one dzongkhag to another. Hence In-Country Movement Permits are issued
BAFRA facilitates the export of plant and plant products by issuing the certificates as per the requirements of the importing country following the procedure below…more
A person who intends to operate a food business requires a food safety license from BAFRA. BAFRA issues food safety licence to a food business that complies with BAFRA GHP/GMP Criteria for Licensing of food business. To obtain a food safety licence…more
To provide food testing services to the regulators, food businesses and the general public, National Food Testing Laboratory was established, and it has following testing facilities..more
BAFRA provides product certification services to support the farmers, industries and commerce in Bhutan for market access and trade facilitation. BAFRA implements product certification in conformity with ISO IEC 17065:2012 to provide a third party mark of certification. Our certification services will enable you…more
The Biosafety requirements are implemented as per the Biosafety Act of Bhutan 2015, and Biosafety Rules and Regulations 2018. The objectives of this Act is to protect, conserve and safeguard the biodiversity of Bhutan and also to promote the nation’s food and nutrition security and safeguard the animals and human health from unintended effect of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). Read More…
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Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Post Box: 1071,
Thimphu, Bhutan, Tel: +975-02-327031/325790 Fax: +975-02-327032/335540