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 Table Grapes 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 persons shall sell table grapes in the Republic of South Africa other than imported table
grapes referred to in subregulation (3) –
(c) unless such table grapes are packed in accordance with the packing requirements as set out in regulations 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9;
PACKING REQUIREMENTS FOR TABLE GRAPES
Requirements for table grapes containers
5. Containers in which table grapes 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 table grapes;
(c) be free from any visible sign 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 table grapes are damaged or are at risk of being damaged, during normal storage, handling or transport.
Packing requirements
6. (1) Only table grapes of the same quality, cultivar and ripeness shall be packed together in the same container. In case of mixed cultivars packed in the same container, grapes shall be of the same quality and shall comply with their individual ripeness standards”.
(2) Class 1 table grapes in the same container must be uniform in colour.
(3) Each container shall be packed firmly and to capacity.
(4) If table grapes 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 table grape.
Stacking of containers on pallets
8. If containers containing table grapes are palletised:
(a) the pallet shall be clean, undamaged and suitable;
(b) local pallets may have visible signs of fungus growth and Arthropoda infestation.
(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 pallet loads
9. (1) A pallet load of containers shall be strapped in a suitable manner.
(2) If containers without lids are being 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

Table grapes 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries