Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

A33: Packaging requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

27 May 2016 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Gazette No. 40014, 27 May 2016 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Regulations Relating To The Grading, Packing And Marking Of Pears Destined 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 pears in the Republic of South Africa, other than imported pears referred to in subregulation (3) --
(c) unless such pears 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 PEARS
General
5. Containers in which pears are packed shall --
(a) be clean, dry, undamaged and suitable;
(b) not impart a foreign taste or odour or any substance which may be injurious to the pears;
(c) be free from any visible signs 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 the pears are damaged or are at risk of being damaged, during normal storage, handling or transport.
Packing requirements for pears
6. (1) Only pears of the same quality, cultivar, ripeness and size shall be packed together in the same container.
(2) Class 1 pears in the same container must be uniform in colour.
(3) Each container shall be packed firmly and to capacity.
(4) Pears shall be sized by diameter: Provided that sizing shall be optional in the case of Class 2 and Lowest Class pears.
(5) If pears 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, not transmit any harmful substance injurious to the pears.
Stacking of containers on pallets
8. If containers containing pears are palletised --
(a) the pallet shall be clean, undamaged and suitable;
(b) local pallets may 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 of the 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 pallets loads
9. (1) A pallet load of containers shall be strapped in a suitable manner.
(2) If containers without lids are used, a suitable covering shall be placed on top of the pallet load of containers, before the pallet load is strapped 

Reference of the measure

Regulations 2(1)(c) and 5-9 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Pears 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries