According to the SWA the trademark is one of the first foreign registrations in South Africa with protection and will make it easier to enforce against counterfeit products.
Karen Betts (pictured), SWA chief executive, said: "The registration of the 'Scotch Whisky' certification trademark in South Africa is a milestone for Scotland's national drink in our largest export market in Africa, and one of the largest in the world.
"This registration offers Scotch whisky a greater degree of legal protection and will allow us to prosecute rogue traders who seek to cash-in on the heritage, craft and quality of genuine Scotch.”
SWA sources show that Scotch whisky exports earn the UK £139 every second, totalling more than £4bn annually, while exports to South Africa increased by 20.7% to £144m in 2017, equalling nearly 100 bottles every minute.
More than 100 countries globally now have the 'Scotch Whisky' trademark for legal protection.
Betts added: "Consumers can enjoy Scotch whisky confident that South Africa stands behind Scotch whisky as a Scottish product, produced according to traditional methods.”
