Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification
A33: Packaging requirements 
Date when the measure came into force
09 September 2004 
Publication where the measure is specified
Government Notice R. 790 (Government Gazette 26530) Of 9 July 2004 
Regulation where the measure is specified
Compulsory Specification For The Manufacture, Production, Processing And Treatment Of Canned Fish, Canned Marine Molluscs And Canned Crustaceans 
Country/Region applying the measure
South Africa 
The rationale of the measure
This specification covers the manufacture, production, processing, and treatment of canned fish, canned fish products, canned marine molluscs, canned marine mollusc products, canned crustaceans and canned crustacean products. 
Coded list of objectives
X: For purposes n.e.s. 
Description of the measure
7.1.14 Canned fish cakes and canned fish balls
7.1.14.1 Preparation and presentation
Fish cakes and fish balls shall be prepared from flaked, shredded, or minced fish flesh with or without the addition of seasoning ingredients, edible starchy material, egg and other ingredients.
Bones shall be removed where practicable. No bones that are hazardous to the consumer shall be present. The head, gills, gut, intestines or its contents or other unsuitable or any unsound fish parts shall not be used.
The product described as fish balls shall be formed into characteristic rounded shaped units and the product described as fish cakes shall be formed in flat rounded disc-like shaped units.

The units shall not be ragged or disintegrated and shall retain their shape when normally handled. The units shall not be soggy or mushy and shall be free from grittiness.
7.1.14.2 Fish protein nitrogen content
When determined in accordance with 13.1, the protein nitrogen content derived from the fish flesh in the fish cakes or fish balls without the packing medium shall be not less than 1,O % by mass.
7.1.14.3 Drained mass
7.1.14.3.1 Packed in brine or sauce
The drained mass of the product when determined in accordance with 11.5, shall be not less than 60 % of the d.n.m.
7.1.14.3.2 Packed with vegetables, fruit or cereals
The drained mass of the fish content of the cakes or balls shall be at least 25 % of the d.n.m. and the total drained mass of all solid components at least 55 % of the d.n.m. when determined in accordance with 11.5. 
Reference of the measure
Regulation 7.1.14 
Measure also domestic
Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Code Product Partial coverage Partial coverage indication Date in Date out
1604.20.90 -- Other Yes Canned fish cakes and canned fish balls    
Description
Canned fish cakes and canned fish balls 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description
All countries