The regulations for capsicums (peppers) of varieties (cultivars) Capsicum annuum L., are as follows:
Quality standards
| (1) | Subject to the regulations for Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Lowest Class capsicums and the permissible deviations in subregulation 5 capsicums shall ; |
| (b) | be free from foreign matter; |
| (c) | be free from insect damage; |
| (d) | be free from blemishes; |
| (e) | be free from cracks: Provided that a collective length of up to 30 mm is permissible in the case of Class 2; |
| (f) | be free from injuries; |
| (g) | be free from bruises; |
| (h) | be free from frost damage; |
| (i) | be free from sun-scorch: Provided that an area of 10 mm2 is permissible in the case of Class 2; |
| (j) | be free from foreign odours; |
| (I) | be free from any other factors that affect or may affect the quality of the capsicums detrimentally; |
| (n) | be of a colour typical of cultivar concerned; and |
| (o) | be uniform in size and colour. |
| (2) | Capsicums are divided into four types according to shape: |
| (a) | elongated (pointed) capsicums; |
| (b) | square blunt capsicums; |
| (c) | square pointed capsicums; or |
Classification
| (a) | In the case of Class 1 capsicums the stalk may be slightly damaged but the calyx shall be intact. |
| (b) | In the case of Class 2 and Class 3 capsicums the calyx may be damaged or cut off. |
| (c) | In the case of Lowest Class capsicums - unspecified. |
Packing and sorting requirements
| (a) | Capsicums shall be packed ; |
| (i) | according to the diameter measured at the stalk end of the elongated pointed capsicums, square blunt capsicums and square pointed capsicums; and |
| (ii) | according to the equatorial diameter in the case of flat capsicums. |
| (b) | The minimum diameter for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 ; |
| (i) | elongated pointed capsicums is 30 mm; |
| (ii) | square blunt capsicums is 50 mm; |
| (iii) | square pointed capsicums is 40 mm; and |
| (iv) | flat capsicums is 55 mm. |
| (c) | The maximum difference in diameter between the largest and smallest capsicum in the same packing may not exceed 20 mm. |
| (d) | Capsicums shall be packed separately as monocoty colors. |
| (e) | Capsicums of different colours shall be packed separately: Provided that a mixture of capsicums of different colours is allowed if the size and quality are uniform and the same number of capsicums of each colour is present. |
Permissible deviations with regard to quality standards
| (a) | Class 1 capsicums may deviate from the quality standards for Class 1 with 10% by mass: Provided that the capsicums— |
| (i) | at least comply with the quality standards for Class 2; and |
| (ii) | does not exceed the following individual limits: |
| - | Arthropoda infestation: Limit as set out in regulation 4(4)(c): Part 1. |
| (b) | Class 2 and Class 3 capsicums may deviate from the quality standards for Class 2 and Class 3 with 15% and 25% respectively by diameter: Provided that the capsicums does not exceed the following individual limits: |
| - | decay: 4% and 8% respectively; |
| - | injuries: 8% and 10% respectively;and |
| - | Arthropoda infestation: Limit as set out in regulatin 4(4)(c): Part 1. |
Permissible deviations with regard to packing and sorting requirements
| (6) | Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 capsicums may deviate from the packing and sorting requirements set out in subregulation 4, with 10%, 15% and 25% respectively by diameter: Provided that the capsicums may deviate by maximum 5 mm from the minimum diameter. |
Marking requirements
| (7) | Subject to the provisions of regulation 10(1) of Part 1, each container in which Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Lowest Class capsicums are packed, shall be marked with ; |
| (a) | the colour, if the capsicums are of a colour other than green; |
| (b) | the type (elongated pointed capsicums, square blunt capsicums, square pointed capsicums or flat capsicums) if the capsicums are not visible from the outside; and |
| (c) | the minimum and maximum diameter. |
