Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

A31: Labelling requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

24 May 2013 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Gazette No. 36480, 24 May 2013 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Regulations Relating To The Grading, Packing And Marking Of Fresh Vegetables 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 in the Republic of South Africa fresh vegetables, other than imported fresh vegetables referred to in subregulation 2;
(e) unless the containers concerned are marked according to the requirements set out in regulations 10 and 11;
Marking requirements
10. (1) Each container containing fresh vegetables destined for sale shall be marked in clear and legible letters and figures with the following particulars: Provided that all particulars shall be grouped on the same side:
(a) The name or trademark and physical or postal address of either the producer or owner or importer or packer of the fresh vegetables packed in that container.
(b) The expression "Class 1", "Class 2", "Class 3" and "Lowest Class", as the case may be.
(c) The total number of prepacked units per outer container.
(d) The total number(count) of vegetables in each container or the net mass as prescribed by the Trade Metrology Act, 1973 (Act No. 77 of 1973) or size of the vegetables if prescribed in Part II for the specific type of vegetable.
(e) The name of the type of fresh vegetables in the case of containers where the contents are not visible from outside.
(f) The packing date.
(g) Country of origin.
(2) If containers containing fresh vegetables are packed in an outer container, each outer container shall be marked with the particulars in subregulation 1, as well as with the number of containers it contains, on at least one end of every carrier container by means of stamping or stenciling or by pasting a printed label thereon. Provided that outer containers which allow visibility of the individual prepacked units need not provide any marking.
(3) The particulars prescribed in subregulation 1 shall be indicated on the container by stamping, printing or by affixing a label thereon.
(4) Particulars shall be printed in English or both in English and any of the other official languages: Provided that internationally acknowledged symbols may be used.
(5) If at any stage the class or size designation should change, the labels shall be replaced unless the new class or size designation is stamped across the old class or size designation, in clear legible letters of at least 2 mm larger than the previous marks, with a suitable stamp.
(6) If classified fresh vegetables are displayed for sale in loose quantities ;
(a) any quantity of a particular class, shall not be displayed mixed with fresh vegetables of any other class; and
(b) the class and country of origin in case of imported fresh vegetables shall be indicated in clear, legible letters on a notice board prominently placed at the quantity of fresh vegetables.
Prohibited particulars
11. No wording, illustration or other device of expression which constitutes a misrepresentation or which directly or by implication can create a misleading impression of the contents shall appear on a container containing fresh vegetables or on a label affixed thereto or which is displayed therewith. 

Reference of the measure

Regulations 2(1) e) ; 10-11 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Fresh vegetables 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries