Non-Tariff Barriers

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

7.2.2 Canned mussels, oysters, clams, cockles, scallops, whelks and marine molluscs other than abalone
7.2.2.1 Presentation and presentation
Canned molluscs other than abalone may be packed from molluscs that were pre-cooked or raw, smoked or unsmoked, whole unshelled or shucked units. The molluscs units shall be culled, washed where appropriate and if necessary trimmed and packed in containers with, or in, a suitable oil, brine, own juice, a suitable sauce or another suitable grade packing medium.
Canned marine molluscs products may consist of marine molluscs packed with vegetables, fruits, cereals or other appropriate ingredients.
Other forms of presentation may be permitted provided that they
a) meet all regulatory requirements, and
b) are adequately described on the label and in accordance with the labelling requirements.
Shelled molluscs units presented in a shallow type container shall be neatly packed in rows close together with all units in the same upside down positions. There shall be no void spaces between the molluscs units or between the molluscs units and the walls of the container.
Cans shall not be over filled to the extent that they cause mechanical damage of the molluscs units or result in bulging lids.
Molluscs units packed without the shell shall be reasonably uniform in colour and in size. When smoked, the molluscs units in any one container shall have a uniform smoked colour.
Molluscs units shall not contain excessive amounts of green feed to the extent that it causes the discolouration of the packing oil.
Where the product is packed in an oil packing medium such as a vegetable oil, the packing medium shall be reasonably free from sediment and turbidity. Where the product is presented as a type of molluscs in "X" oil where " X indicates the type of oil, the exuded liquid in the oil determined in accordance with 11.6 shall not exceed 30 %.
7.2.2.2 Drained mass
When determined in accordance with 11.5, the drained mass when packed in vertical containers shall be at least 60 % of the d.n.m.. When packed in flat cans the drained mass shall be at least 70 % of the d.n.m. Baby clams packed in vertical cans shall have a drained mass at least 50 % of the d.n.m. 

Reference of the measure

Regulation 7.2.2 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Canned mussels, oysters, clams, cockles, scallops, whelks and marine molluscs other than abalone 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries