G/TBT/N/ZAF/271

1 April 2026

(26-2611)

Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade

Original: English

1.

Notifying Member: SOUTH AFRICA

If applicable, name of local government involved (Articles 3.2 and 7.2):

2.

Agency responsible:

Department of Agriculture

Directorate: Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Private Bag X343

Pretoria

South Africa

0001

Att: Ms. Dibetso Kekana

Tel: +27 12 319-6231

Fax: +27 12 319-6265

Web site www.nda.gov.za

E-mail: DibetsoK@nda.gov.za

3.

Notified under Article 2.9.2 [X], 2.10.1 [ ], 5.6.2 [ ], 5.7.1 [ ], 3.2 [ ], 7.2 [ ], Other:

4.

Products covered (HS codes or national tariff lines. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Rooibos and Green Rooibos products

5.

Details of notified document(s) (title, number of pages and languages, means of access): Regulations relating to rooibos and green Rooibos products intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa: Amendment; (14 page(s), in English)

Link to notified document(s) and/or contact details for agency or authority which can provide copies upon request:

https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/ZAF/26_01821_00_e.pdf

6.

Description of content: The proposed regulations set minimum standards for the Rooibos and Green Rooibos products and prescribe the labelling of such products when presented for sale as well as the control systems to ensure compliance with the standards.

Food safety issues are excluded from the proposed regulations.

7.

Objective and rationale, including the nature of urgent problems where applicable: Enable the industry to utilize a variety of Rooibos quality (product standardisation) and with optimum consumer satisfaction.; Reducing trade barriers and facilitating trade

8.

Relevant documents:

Regulations regarding Rooibos and Green Rooibos products intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa: Amendment

9.

Proposed date of adoption: To be determined

Proposed date of entry into force: To be determined

10.

Provision of comments

Final date for comments: 31 May 2026

[X] 60 days from notification

Contact details of agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification:

South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)

Contact person: Ms. Nokubongwa Mvelase

WTO TBT Enquiry Point

Stakeholder Relations Department

1 Dr Lategan Road, Groenkloof

Private Bag X191

Pretoria 0001

Tel: +(27) 12 428 6125

Email: wto@sabs.co.za

Website: http://www.sabs.co.za