Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

A33: Packaging requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

29 May 2009 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Gazette No. 32254, 29 May 2009 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Apples Intended For Sale in the Republic Of South Africa 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

Coded list of objectives

X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

2. (1) No person shall sell apples in the Republic ofSouth Africa otherthan imported apples refelTed to in subregulation (3)
(c) unless such apples are packed in a container and in accordance with the packing requirements as set out in regulations 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9
PACKING REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLES
Requirements for containers
5. Containers in which apples are packed shall -
(a) be clean, dry, undamaged and suitable;
(b) not impart a foreign taste or odour to the apples;
(c) be free from any visible sign of fungus growth;
(d) be free from Arthropoda infestation; and
(e) be strong and rigid enough to ensure that the original shape be retained and not bulge out, dent in, break or tear. To the extent that apples are damaged or are at risk of being damaged, during normal storage, handling or transport.
Packing requirements
6. (a) Only apples of the same quality. Cultivar, ripeness and size shall be packed together in the same container.
(b) Class 1 apples in the same container must be uniform in colour.
(c) Each container shall be packed firmly and to capacity.
(d) Apples shall be sized by diameter or weight: Provided that sizing shall be optional in the case of Class 2 apples.
(e) If apples are packed in prepacked units. Such units shall be packed in a suitable manner in an outer container: Provided that the prepacked units are clean. Dry, undamaged and suitable.
Packing material
7. If packing material is used inside the containers, such packing material shall be clean, dry, odourless
and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage to the apples.

Stacking of containers on pallets
8. If containers containing apples are palletized -
(a) the pallet shall be clean, undamaged and suitable;
(b) local pallets shall have visible signs of fungus growth and Arthropoda infestation. This is only applicable to export. Imports will be covered by the ISPM 15;
(c) the containers shall be stacked firmly and square with each other and the pallet;
(d) only containers ofthe same dimensions shall be stacked in the same layer on the pallet; and
(e) the containers shall not be stacked upside-down on the pallet.
Strapping of the pallet loads
9. (1) A pallet load of containers shall be strapped in a suitable manner.
(2) If containers without lids are being used, a suitable covering shall be placed on top of the pallet load of containers, before the pallet load is strapped.
Provisions concerning presentation
10. (1 ) Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only apples of the same origin, variety, quality and size (if sized) and the same degree of ripeness. The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents except for mixed sizes and varieties. 

Reference of the measure

Regulations 2 (1)(c), 5,6 ,7, 8 (a) , (c)-(e) , 9, 10 

Measure also domestic

No 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Apples 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries