Privacy Policy

Introduction

The Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security of the Republic of Mauritius is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of exporters / individuals. This Privacy Policy explains how the Ministry collects, uses, discloses and safeguards information when exporters / individuals submit their applications for a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) on the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Information Management Portal (https://sps.govmu.org).

The SPS Information Management Portal is an important information tool for traders (importers / exporters) to obtain from one single source, all the SPS related information that they may require in order to comply with regulatory obligations as regards the import and export of plants / plant products and animal / animal products.

The portal also provides a platform for exporters / individuals to apply online for Phytosanitary Certificates which are important documents required for the export of plant and plant-based products. All applications are processed by the National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) and PCs are issued electronically after payment effected by the applicants.

Controller

The Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security is a controller under the Data Protection Act 2017 (DPA), which means that it determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data and has decision making power with respect to the processing.

Data Collection

The Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security may collect information about users. The information collected on the SPS Portal may include the following:

Personally identifiable information such as First Name, Last Name, National Identity Card, address, email address, telephone number, mobile number, company name, company address, Business Registration Number (BRN) and credit card / online enabled card details for online payment.

We process your data on the basis of your consent and for the purpose of processing applications for the issue of Phytosanitary Certificates.

Use of user information

Having accurate information about the user allows the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security to provide a smooth, efficient and customized experience. Specifically, information may be collected about a user via the site to:

• register all users applying for a Phytosanitary Certificate.
• generate Phytosanitary Certificate as per recommended guidelines of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) for which Mauritius is a Contracting Party.
• create and manage user accounts.
• enable communication between the user and the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security through email, telephone.
• sending notifications to users about the status of their applications.
• make online payment prior to issue of PC

Legal basis for personal information

The Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security more specifically the National Plant Protection Office (NPPO), is the Office responsible for issuing a Phytosanitary Certificate as per Section 22 Subsection (3) of the Plant Protection Act (2006).

As per Section 22, subsection (1), any person exporting a plant, plant product or other regulated articles from Mauritius shall apply for a Phytosanitary Certificate from the NPPO in such manner as the NPPO may determine.

Phytosanitary certification is used to attest that consignments meet phytosanitary import requirements of the importing country and is undertaken by an NPPO.

Data Disclosure

For the purpose of reporting, data might be shared with the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security (Head Office) and public sector agencies upon approval from the Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry, as per the Data Protection Act 2017 without the consent of the data subject.

Data Security

The Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security is committed to ensuring the security of personal data in order to prevent unauthorised access, accidental deletion and malicious hacking attempts. The computers storing the information are kept in a secure environment with restricted physical access. Secure firewalls and other measures are used to restrict electronic access.

Data Subjects’ rights

First time users applying for a Phytosanitary Certificate, are requested to register on the SPS Information Management Portal, whereby they will be requested to provide personal information. A user account will be created on the SPS application and any rectification or amendment to the personal data can be made by updating the user profile information.

Links to another website

The SPS Information Management Portal may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once they have used these links to leave the site, it should be noted that the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security does not have any control over that other website. Therefore, the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which they provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement.

Cookie

The website uses cookies to remember users and understand ways to enhance their experience. An option for accepting and rejecting cookies is also available on the website. For more information about cookies, importance of using cookies and how to reject and delete cookies, please visit our Cookie Policy.

Compliance with Data Protection Act 2017

All processing of personal data by the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security will be done in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2017.

Conclusion

This policy will be updated as and when required to reflect best practice in data management, security and control and to ensure compliance with any changes or amendments made to the Data Protection Act 2017.