Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

A33: Packaging requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

08 August 2003 

Publication where the measure is specified

Published under Government Notice No. R.918 of 30 July 1999 As corrected by: Government Notice No. R. 723 of 12 July 2002 As amended by: Government Notice No. R.1125 of 8 August 2003 

Regulation where the measure is specified

REGULATIONS GOVERNING GENERAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD PREMIS ES AND THE TRANS PORT OF FOOD: The Health Act, 1977 (Act No. 63 of 1977) 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

Coded list of objectives

A: Protection of human life and health 

Description of the measure

S standards and requirements for food containers
7. (1) No person shall sell canned or hermetically sealed food in a container which -
(a) bulges at the flat or around sides or ends or one side of which bulges when the other side is pressed;
(b) is in any way blown or from which gas escapes when it is opened or punctured, unless
(i) the container contains an aerated drink; or
(ii) gas has been used as a preservative;
(c) is so rusted or damaged that it is liable to contaminate or spoil the food or that it leaks or has become unsealed;
(d) had a leak which was resealed.
(2) A container shall be clean and free from any toxic substance, ingredient or any other substance liable to contaminate or spoil the food in the container.
(3) Repacked food, depending on the type of food, shall be packed in a dustproof and liquid roof container that protects the product therein against contamination under normal handling conditions and shall be so packed or sealed that the food cannot be removed from its container without the stopper or lid or similar seal being removed or without the wrapping, container or seal being damaged.
(4) Perishable food, excluding the products referred to in regulation 14 and products that are not prepacked, except food for consumption as meals on food premises, shall, when served to the consumer, be packed in a container that protects the food therein against contamination 

Reference of the measure

Section 7 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Prepackaged food 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries