Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B31: Labelling requirements 

Date when the measure came into force

24 August 2007 

Publication where the measure is specified

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 AUGUST 2007 

Regulation where the measure is specified

FOODSTUFFS, COSMETICS AND DISINFECTANTS ACT, 972;REGULATIONS RELATING TO HEALTH MESSAGES ON CONTAINER LABELS OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

Coded list of objectives

A: Protection of human life and health 

Description of the measure

Health messages on container labels
2. (1) Container labels for alcoholic beverages must contain at least one of the health messages set out in the annexure to these regulations.
(2) A health message referred to in subregulation (1) shall-
(i) be visible, legible and indelible and the legibility thereof shall not be affected by any other matter, printed or otherwise;
(ii) be on a space specifically devoted for it which must be at least one eight of the total size of the container label; and
(iii) be in black on a white background.
Language
3. A health message shall be in any of the South Afncan official languages but must be in the same language as that of the container label.
Prohibited statements
4. The following information or declarations shall not appear on any container label of an alcoholic beverage:
(a) Words, pictorial representations, descriptions which may create the impression that such an alcoholic beverage has been manufactured in accordance with recommendations made by-
(i) a health professional registered in terms of any law; (ii) any health organization, association or foundation;
(b) the words "health", "healthy", "heal", "cure", "restorative" or other words or symbols claiming that the alcoholic beverage has health giving, medicinal, therapeutic or prophylactic properties as part of the name or description of the alcoholic beverage; or
(c) the words: Subject to the provisions of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act no. 101 of 1965) or similar wording that makes reference to the said Act. 

Reference of the measure

Section 2-5 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Alcoholic beverages 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries