The Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate shall

(a) issue phytosanitary import permits for plants, plant products and other related articles;

(b) issue certificates for phytosanitary regulation of the import contracting party for the consignment of plants, plant products and other regulated articles;

(c) carry out surveillance of growing plants including areas under cultivation, fields, plantations, nurseries, gardens, green houses, laboratories, wild flora, plants and plant products in storage or in transit, particularly to report the occurrence, outbreak and spread of pests and the control of the pests;

(d) inspect consignments of plants and plant products and where appropriate other regulated articles to prevent the introduction and spread of pests;

(e) carry out the disinfestations or disinfection of consignments of plants and plant products and other regulated articles moving in international traffic and ensure that they meet phytosanitary requirements;

(f) protect endangered areas and designate, maintain and carry out surveillance of pest-free areas and areas of low pest prevalence;

(g) conduct pest risk analyses;

(h) ensure that the phytosanitary security of consignments after certification as regards composition, substitution and re-infestation of plants and plant products intended for exports are satisfactory;

(i) train and develop staff;

(j) disseminate information within the country about quarantine requirements and procedures to prevent and control plant pests; and

(k) co-operate with member countries of the International Plant Protection Convention.