Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B7: Product quality, safety or performance 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

ARTICHOKES
1. The regulations and requirements for artichokes heads of the varieties (cultivars) of Cynara scolymus L., are as follows:
Quality standards
(1) Subject to the standards for Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Lowest Class artichokes in subregulation 3 and the permissible deviations in subregulation 5, artichokes shall ;
(a) be intact;
(b) be free from decay;
(c) be clean and free from foreign matter, including soil;
(d) be free from Arthropoda infestation;
(e) be free from insect damage or damage caused by other organisms;
(f) be free from blemishes;
(g) be free from injuries;
(h) be free from bruises;
(i) be free from abnormal external moisture;
(j) be free from foreign odours;
(k) not be running to seed;
(I) be free from cold damage;
(m) be free from sun-scorch;
(n) be free from any other factors that affect or may affect the quality of the artichokes detrimentally;
(o) be fresh and firm and show no sign of withering;
(p) be sound and attractive in appearance and have normal characteristics of the cultivar;
(q) be of such development and condition as to enable them to withstand transport and handling.
(2) The stems of artichokes shall be cut off cleanly and not be longer than 100 mm:
Provided that this provision is not applicable to artichokes packed in bunches or to the artichokes of the
variety "Spinoso".
Classifications
(3) (a) In the case of Class 1 artichokes ;
(I) the bracts shall be well closed;
(ii) the ducts shall show no incipient woodiness; and
(iii) small cracks due to frost, may be present.
(b) In the case of Class 2 and Class 3 artichokes ;
(i) the bracts may be slightly open;
(ii) the ducts may show incipient woodiness;
(iii) small cracks due to frost, may be present; and
(iv) slight staining on the outer bracts are permitted.
(c) In the case of Lowest Class artichokes - unspecified.
Permissible deviations with regard to quality standards
(5) (a) Class 1 artichokes may deviate from the quality standards for Class 1 with 10% by mass: Provided that the deviating artichokes ;
(I) at least comply with quality standards for Class 2; and
(ii) do not exceed the following individual limits:
decay: 2%
injuries: 6%
Arthropoda infestation: Limit as set out in regulation 4(4)(c): Part 1.
(b) Class 2 artichokes may deviate from the quality standards for Class 2 with 15% by mass: Provided that the deviating artichokes do not exceed the following individual limits:
decay: 4%
injuries: 8%
Arthropoda infestation: Limit as set out in regulation 4(4)(c): Part 1.
(c) Class 3 artichokes may deviate from the quality standards for Class 3 with 25% by mass: Provided that the deviating artichokes do not exceed the following individual limits:
decay: 6%
injuries: 10%
Arthropoda infestation: Limit as set out in regulation 4(4)(c): Part 1.
(d) In the case of Lowest Class -decay shall not exceed 20% by mass or number. 

Reference of the measure

Regulation 1(1)-(3) and (5) of Part II 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Artichokes 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries