Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B31: Labelling requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

04 October 2002 

Publication where the measure is specified

Statutory Instrument 265 of 2002 

Country/Region applying the measure

Zimbabwe 

The rationale of the measure

These regulations shall apply to all foods which are sold or manufactured for sale in Zimbabwe. 

Coded list of objectives

X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

Prepackaged food labelling
4 (1) Prepackaged food shall not be described or presented on any label or in any labelling in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character in any respect.
(2) Prepackaged food shall not be described or presented on any label or in a labelling by words, pictorial or other devices which refer to or are suggestive either directly or indirectly, or any other product with which such food might be confused, or in such a manner as to lead the purchaser or consumer to suppose that the food is connected with such other products.
Labelling
5 (1) The package of every food offered for sale shall bear a label stating the following particulars—
(a) the name and business address of the manufacturer, packer or distributor indicating the actual site of production;
(b) an accurate statement of the contents in terms of mass, measure or numerical count;
(c) the common or usual name of the food, or if it purports or is represented to be a food for which a standard had been established, the name prescribed in that standard or where no common or standard names exists, the appropriate descriptive name;
(d) if the food is made from 2 or more ingredients, the common or usual name of each such ingredient in descending order of proportion by mass provided that
(i) pork fat, lard and beef fat shall always be declared by their specific names;
(ii) class names as indicated in the First Schedule may be used;
(e) where the food contains any artificial flavouring or artificial colouring the name of the artificial flavouring or artificial colouring;
(f) where the food contains a chemical preservative, immediately preceeding or following the time of the preservative ingredient, the words “added as a preservative” or words to that effect;
(g) date of minimum durability in the form of “Best before . . .” followed by day, month, year of produce with a minimum durability of not more than 3 months, months and year for products with a minimum durability of 3 months and more or “use by . . .” followed by day and month for products with a shelf life not exceeding 30 days provided that products listed in the Second Schedule are exempted from this declaration;
(h) where a food or any of its ingredients has been treated with ionizing radiation a written statement indicating that treatment in close proximity to the name of the food or ingredient. The use of the international radura sign (as shown in Schedule III) is optional but where it is used it should be in close proximity to the name of the food;
(i) where a food or any of its ingredients has been genetically modified it shall be declared in writing in close proximity to the produce or ingredient name;
(j) a packing number and/or date on which the goods were packed or code number which signifies such date provided that an inspector shall on request be informed by the manufacturer or producer of the date which such code number signifies.
(2) The particulars required to appear on the label in terms of subsection (1) shall be—
(a) in the English language:
Provided that in the case of foods described solely in an area where English is not the predominant language, the predominant language may be used in addition to English; and
(b) printed in clear and indelible letters and be prominent and legible; and
(c) printed in a contrasting colour to that of the back-ground of the package;
(d) printed in type no smaller than 6 point;
Provided that—
(i) the particulars referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (1) shall be printed in a type no smaller than 12 point;
(ii) where the size or the nature of the package would render compliance with this subsection impossible, the Secretary may authorize, in writing, such particulars, to be printed in smaller type or be omitted.
(3) Labels shall be affixed on a conspicuous position on the package.
(4) A label shall state any necessary direction for the handling use storage of the particular food , for example “keep refrigerated”. 

Reference of the measure

Art 4 and 5 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

These include prepackaged food i.e food that is made up in advance in a container and ready to use as well as every food product manufactured or sold in Zimbabwe. 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries