Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

P69: Export technical measures, n.e.s. 

Date when the measure came into force

04 September 2003 

Publication where the measure is specified

Government Notice No. R. 978 (Government Gazette 25171) Of 4 July 2003 

Regulation where the measure is specified

Compulsory Specification For Frozen Rock Lobster And Frozen Lobster Products Derived Therefrom 

Country/Region applying the measure

South Africa 

The rationale of the measure

This specification covers requirements for the handling, preparation, processing, packaging, freezing, storage and quality of frozen lobster tails, frozen whole lobster (cooked or raw) or any other frozen lobster product derived from lobsters of the families Palinuridae and Scyllaridae, and of the family Nephropidae (genera Homarus, Nephrops and Metanephrops, or any other species of lobster), intended for human consumption. It also covers requirements for factories and employees involved in the production. 

Coded list of objectives

X: For purposes n.e.s. 

Description of the measure

4.1.2 Requirements for importing countries
In order to meet the requirements of an importing country, products for export may be packed to requirements that deviate from those laid down in this specification, subject to the following conditions:
a) prior written application for the packaging of the product in accordance with the proposed deviation shall be made to the authority administering this specification, full details of the intended deviation being furnished;
b) the deviation shall not, in the opinion of the authority administering the specification, after consultation with organizations representing the industry, result in the packing and exporting of a product of doubtful quality or of such nature as to affect deleteriously the Republic of South Africa's export image in the market concerned; and
c) the products hall be accurately described on its container or label and the labelling or marking shall not be misleading to the consumer.
6.4 Marking on outer containers and packages for export
Outer containers and packages for export shall be marked in accordance with the requirements of the importing country and may be marked differently from the requirements of 6.1 and 6.3, provided that there is no attempt to misrepresent the contents. Details as required by 6.1(c) shall be printed on each outer container and package.
7.2.2 Delivery for export
The frozen product for export shall be conveyed from the factory to the freezer storage depot and
delivered into the transporting vessel's freezer storage facilities at a temperature of-1 8 ̊Cor lower.
If, at any time during this transportation, the temperature of the product rises above-18 ̊C,it shall be
lowered to the required temperature as rapidly as possible. The product shall be reinspected if the
temperature has risen above -7 ̊ C. 

Reference of the measure

Regulation 4.1.2, 6.4 and 7.2.2 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Frozen rock lobster and frozen lobster products derived therefrom 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries