Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

A33: Packaging 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

Packing and sorting requirements
(4) Asparagus known as "sprue" or "slender asparagus" shall have a maximum diameter of 10 mm.
(5) Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 asparagus shall --
(a) be uniform in length, diameter and colour in the same bundle, punnets or, if packed loose, in the same container; and
(b) if packed in bundles or punnets, consist of bundles or punnets of the 500 g, 1 kg or 2 kg in the same container.
(6) Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 asparagus shall be sorted and packed according to the following minimum and maximum lengths:
(a) 170 mm to 220 mm for long shoots: Provided that 270 mm is the maximum length for green asparagus and violet green asparagus;
(b) 120 mm to 170 mm for short shoots; or
(c) 120 mm and less for tips.
(7) The minimum diameter as well as the size groups for Class 1 asparagus shoots (bundles or punnets), measured at the mid-point of their length, shall be:
Minimum diameter Group
(a) (i) 15 mm 15 mm - 20 mm
(ii) 18 mm 18 mm - 24 mm
(iii) 24 mm 24 mm and more
(b) The diameter of the shoots of a particular size group packed in the same bundle, punnet of, if packed loose, in the same container shall deviate by not more than 10 mm.
(c) In the case of individually packed shoots 10 mm and more.
(8) A container Class 1 -
(a) white asparagus shall contain 100% white asparagus and no violet/green asparagus or green asparagus; and
(b) violet asparagus, shall at least contain 90% violet asparagus and may contain not more than 10% by number asparagus of another colour group.
(c) Green asparagus shall contain 100% green asparagus: Provided that up to 10 mm in the case of short and up to 20 mm in the case of long shoot measured from the cut at the shoot may be white.
(9) A container Class 2 and Class 3 -
(a) white asparagus shall contain 90% white and no violet/green asparagus or green asparagus;
(b) violet asparagus, shall contain 80% violet and not more than 10% by number asparagus of another colour group; and
(c) green asparagus shall contain 90% green asparagus and may contain a mixture of white and violet asparagus if the container is marked accordingly.
(10) In the case of Lowest Class asparagus - unspecified.
Permissible deviations with regard to packing and sorting requirements
(12) Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 asparagus may deviate from the packing and sorting requirements as set out in subregulation 4 to 10, with 10%, 15% and 25% respectively by number: Provided that shoots do not deviate by more than 2 mm in the case of diameter and more than 10 mm in the case of length from the declared and specified diameter or length. 

Reference of the measure

Regulation 2(4)-(10) and (12) 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Asprugus 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries