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

Quality standards
(1) Subject to the regulations for Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Lowest Class sweet corn in subregulation 4 and the permissible deviations in subregulation 11 for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 sweet corn 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 abnormal external moisture;
(i) be free from cold damage;
(i) be free from sun-scorch;
(k) have a sweet corn aroma and be free from a sour or any other foreign odours;
(I) be free from any other factors that affect or may affect the quality of the sweet corn detrimentally;
(m) be fresh and firm;
(n) be sound and attractive in appearance and have normal characteristics of the cultivar; and
(o) be of such development and condition as to enable them to withstand transport and handling.
(2) The kernels shall, except in the case of miniature corn, be well formed, not underdeveloped, soft and milky and show no sign of dents or discolouration.
(3) The cob shall be filled completely with kernels in straight rows.
(4) (a) Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 sweet corn ;
(i) shall be well trimmed;
(ii) the stalk shall not be longer than 20 mm and less than 8 mm; and
(iii) the end of the cob shall not be seedless for more than 25 mm.
(b) In the case of Lowest Class sweet corn - unspecified.
(5) In the case of miniature sweet corn ;
(a) the cob shall not be pollinated, but shall be conical, straight leading to a point;
(b) the kernels shall be evenly immature and in straight rows without confusion or spiralling; and
(c) silk shall be absent.
Permissible deviations with regard to quality standards
(11) (a) Class 1 sweet corn may deviate from the quality standards for Class 1 sweet corn with 10% by mass: Provided that the deviating sweet corn ;
(i) at least comply with the quality standards for Class 2; and
(ii) do not exceed the following individual limits:
-decay: 2%
-injuries: 6%
-Arthropoda infestation: Degree as set out in regulation 4(4)(c): Part 1.
(b) Sweet corn classified as Class 2 and Class 3 may deviate from the minimum standards with 15% and 25% respectively by mass: Provided that the deviating sweet corn do not exceed the following individual limits:
-decay: 4% and 6% respectively;
-injuries: 8% and 10% respectively;
-Arthropoda infestation: Degree as set out in regulation 4(4)(c): Part 1.
(c) In the case of Lowest Class-decay shall not exceed 20% by mass or number. 

Reference of the measure

Regulation 36(1)-(5) and (11) 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Sweet corn 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries