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National Agri-trade and Food Safety Authority

National Agri-trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) is a statutory body created to oversee food safety and agricultural trade in Pakistan. It ensures compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and international standards, aligning Pakistan’s agricultural exports with global benchmarks such as Codex Alimentarius, WOAH, and IPPC. It was created in 2025 and replaced the Department of Plant Protection and Animal Quarantine Department.

Background

NAFSA was established to consolidate and modernize food safety and trade regulation, addressing outdated legislation. It replaces the following laws:

  • Pakistan Plant Quarantine Act, 1976
  • Pakistan Animal Quarantine Ordinance, 1979
  • Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance, 1971
  • Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937
  • These will be repealed upon a date notified by the federal government.

Objectives

The primary objectives of NAFSA include:

  • Quality & Safety Regulation: Enforce SPS standards for agricultural inputs and products.
  • Trade Facilitation: Streamline regulations for export and inter-provincial trade.
  • Health & Environmental Protection: Safeguard against contaminated or hazardous products.
  • Biosecurity: Control disease outbreaks and manage pest-free zones.
  • Market Access: Secure international markets for Pakistani agricultural products

Structure and governance

NAFSA, a corporate body with nationwide authority, is led by a Prime Minister–appointed Board of Governors and a Director General, supported by scientific, advisory, complaint, and appellate committees to ensure effective regulation and oversight.

Key functions

Enforce SPS compliance across trade.

  • Register and regulate businesses and processing plants.
  • Conduct inspections and manage quarantine services.
  • Issue certifications for quality, health, and SPS compliance.
  • Implement biosecurity controls and disease monitoring.
  • Coordinate international representation and trade negotiations.
  • Accredit testing laboratories.
  • Manage SPS-related crisis responses.

NAFSA officers can inspect, sample, seize, or destroy non-compliant products.

Funding

NAFSA Fund includes:

  • Federal allocations and seed money
  • Export Development Fund
  • Donations, grants, and fines
  • Licensing and certification fees
  • Investment income

The fund is subject to annual audits by the Auditor General of Pakistan and independent accountants.

Offences and penalties

Violations include import of banned goods, forgery, or unsafe products. Penalties range from:

  • Up to 3 years’ imprisonment and/or PKR 3 million fine (serious offences)
  • Up to 2 years’ imprisonment and/or PKR 2 million fine (quarantine violations)
  • Up to 1 year and/or PKR 1 million (minor offences)
  • Fines up to PKR 500,000 for procedural violations, with daily penalties for continued non-compliance.

Cases are handled by the Court of Sessions upon official complaint.

Coordination with provincial governments

NAFSA collaborates with provincial governments by:

  • Requesting annual control plans
  • Issuing policy guidance and model laws
  • Supporting legal harmonization
  • Resolving disputes via advisory bodies

Transition and repeal

Department of Plant Protection and Animal Quarantine Department were dissolved. Their assets and employees were transfer to NAFSA, with a six-month transition period for staff adjustment. These departments continued limited functions temporarily.

Significance

NAFSA represents a unified, science-driven approach to agricultural trade and food safety in Pakistan. It strengthens regulatory oversight, aligns domestic practices with international standards, and promotes Pakistan’s global competitiveness in agricultural markets.

Controversy over appointment of director general

On May 8, 2025, a constitutional petition (C.P. No. D-1837 of 2025) was filed in the Sindh High Court challenging the appointment of Tahir Abbas, a BS-19 Customs officer, as Director General (BS-20) of the National Agri-trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA). The petition, submitted by Advocate Rashid Mahar, argues the appointment violates merit, service rules, and a prior court judgment dated April 9, 2024, which emphasized seniority and qualifications for technical posts. It also cites S.R.O. 1332(1)/2021, which outlines eligibility criteria for the DG role, including a B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture with specialization and 17 years of relevant experience. The court has issued notices to respondents, and a hearing is scheduled for May 16, 2025.

See also

References