Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

A33: Packaging requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

04 September 2003 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Notice No. R. 978 (Government Gazette 25171) Of 4 July 2003 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Compulsory Specification For Frozen Rock Lobster And Frozen Lobster Products Derived Therefrom 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

The rationale of the measure

This specification covers requirements for the handling, preparation, processing, packaging, freezing, storage and quality of frozen lobster tails, frozen whole lobster (cooked or raw) or any other frozen lobster product derived from lobsters of the families Palinuridae and Scyllaridae, and of the family Nephropidae (genera Homarus, Nephrops and Metanephrops, or any other species of lobster), intended for human consumption. It also covers requirements for factories and employees involved in the production. 

Coded list of objectives

X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

4.3 Packing of lobsters and lobster tails
Only lobsters or lobster tails of the same species shall be packed together in any one container.
4.5.5 A lobster may be packed in an ice block, provided that it is completely covered with the ice. There shall be no cracks or other flaws in the ice.
4.7.6 Lobster tails in catering packs may be presented graded or ungraded for size, but this shall be declared on the main panel of the label. Provided that the flesh is firm and sound, some minor defects to the shell of such tails may be present. In every other respect, tails in catering packs shall comply with the quality, wrapping, packing and labelling requirements of this specification.
4.9 Overpacking of lobster tails, frozen whole raw lobster and frozen whole cooked lobster
Adequate provision for overpacking shall be made to compensate for loss of mass during frozen storage, transportation and distribution.
5.1.1 Packaging and wrapping materials
Subject to the relevant requirements of the Regulations promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972),packaging and wrapping materials for the unprotected product shall be unused (new), clean, non-toxic, inert and of low moisture-vapour permeability, and shall not contain substances deleterious to the product or harmful to health. Wrappers for tails shall bear a true description of the product. Any description that appears on such a wrapper shall not conflict with the requirements of clause 6. Wrappers shall be of such size as to cover the tails adequately, thereby ensuring that, when frozen, the tails do not stick to one another and are protected from freezer burn. No packaging or wrapping material shall impart a flavour to, or in any way cause discoloration of, the product, or be itself discoloured by contact with the product. Packaging materials shall a) not be such as to impair the organoleptic characteristics of the product,
b) not be capable of transmitting substances injurious to the product or harmful to human health, and
c) be strong enough to protect the product adequately.
5.1.2 Outer containers
Only fibre board or other acceptable containers shall be used. The containers shall be unused (new), clean and intact, and shall be neatly and securely closed. Wooden outer containers shall not be made of green wood and shall not contain substances injurious to the product or harmful to health. Outer containers shall be so securely closed as to prevent contamination of the contents by dust or other foreign matter and shall be strong enough to protect the product adequately.
5.2 Glazing
The product may be glazed with chilled water or other acceptable glazing agent as a substitute for wrapping, provided that the glaze is maintained in an acceptable condition upto and including the final point of sale. When the product is glazed, the coating of ice shall cover the product completely to ensure that dehydration and oxidation are minimized. Water used for glazing shall comply with the requirements for potable water (see 3.4.1) or sea water (see 3.4.2), and its temperature shall be 5 ̊C or lower. 

Reference of the measure

Regulation 4.3, 4.5.5, 4.7.6 , 4.9, 5.1.1 , 5.1.2 and 5.2 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Lobsters and lobster tails 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries