About Us
The South African Association of Seafood Importers & Exporters (SAASIE) was founded in 2010 to provide a forum for joint participation and discussion between members on matters of shared interest pertaining to the import, export and /or processing of seafood and related products.
This platform allows for constructive collaboration and discussion between industry, government agencies, regulators and other public or private stakeholders to reduce unnecessary trade barriers in order to promote sustainable growth in the seafood industry. However, no such joint participation or discussion shall ever occur in relation to the pricing of seafood products or other acts of market collaboration.
All members are commercially involved in either the import, export or processing of seafood products in South Africa. The members of SAASIE operate in various industries in the value chain and are either seafood wholesalers, seafood processors, foodservice distributors, restaurants, retailers or commercial fisheries.
SAASIE as an association is sector agnostic and products traded include a wide range of seafood species, including both fresh and frozen products.


Seafood importers and seafood exporters have experienced many challenges in the industry due to unnecessary trade barriers. This, coupled with a volatile trade environment as exchange rates fluctuate, makes for a tricky landscape for South African businesses to operate in. SAASIE’s intention is to work closely with all industry stakeholders to improve the trading landscape for operators in this industry.
The South African Association of Seafood Importers & Exporters (SAASIE) is a non-profit organisation and recognised industrial body as envisaged under Section 8 of the Marine Living Resource Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998) and represents its members by consulting with government departments as well as private and public entities operating in this sector.
SAASIE is governed by its Constitution which was adopted at its first Annual General Meeting held in 2010.
SAASIE has been involved in many fair-trade matters, the most significant relating to:
SAASIE’s Mission
Represent the industry in interactions with government departments and other forums on initiatives that drive economic growth, whilst promoting sustainable, ethical business practice and fair trade in the South African seafood industry.
SAASIE’s Vision
Promote, protect and enhance the common interest of members commercially involved in the business of importing, exporting and processing of seafood related products in South Africa.
SAASIE interacts with governmental departments as well as other public and private entities on behalf of its members and regularly engages with:
- Department of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries (DEFF)
- National Regulator of Compulsory Specifications (NRCS)
- Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)
- South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
- Economic Development Department (EDD)
- International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC)
- Southern African Customs Union (SACU)
- The Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI)
- South African Revenue Services (SARS)
- Department of Health (DOH)