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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate knowledge of the prerequisites for perishable produce export inspection 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252171  Demonstrate knowledge of the prerequisites for perishable produce export inspection 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Conduct the pre-inspection preparations for a perishable produce consignment.
  • Monitor the food safety standards in all phases of the post harvest processes.
  • Ensure that all packaging materials and containers meet the required export standards.
  • Label and mark the containers and packaging of an export consignment to the prescribed formats and standards.
  • Utilise a traceability system to obtain information on the origination of all products and inputs in the process.
  • Prepare an export presentation for the inspection of a perishable produce consignment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Literacy and Numeracy NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Indicate the legislative requirements and pre-inspection preparations that must be concluded before a perishable produce export consignment may be assessed. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to:

    Legislated export pre-conditions, payment for inspection fees, SADC exceptions, selective exclusions, export application and timing, inspection location requirements, service level agreements, special consignment requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The legislated pre-conditions that a potential exporter must adhere to before a consignment may be exported are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The regulations that prescribe the level at which inspection fees are calculated, is described and the possible consequences of effecting a late payment are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons why SADC countries are exempt from the export regulations are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The instances in which selective exclusions from the export regulations are granted, are described and the limits placed on these exclusions are listed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The selective exclusions include but are not limited to:
  • In transit or on voyage consumption, weight restriction on: gifts, tourist allocations.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The particulars that an export application must include, are detailed and the prescript timeframes for the submissions are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The infrastructure and facilities that must be provided in the produce inspection area are described and the primary functions of these facilities are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The role that service level agreements play in the pre-inspection processes is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The administrative requirements for special consignments are described and the reasons why additional preparation is necessary for these, are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the mandatory food safety requirements and the practices that will ensure the maintenance of these standards. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to:

    Hygienic environment, hazardous agents, importing countries requirements, chemical application certificate, residual levels, special produce requirements, chemical treatments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity of maintaining hygienic conditions throughout all handling and storage operations is explained and the monitoring practices that must be followed to uphold the standards are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The particular hazards that may cause the contamination of perishable produce are indicated and the dangers that each may pose to food safety are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The hazards include but are not limited to:
  • Physical, biological, chemical.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity of adhering to the food safety requirements of an importing country is explained and the procedures that have to be followed to ensure compliance are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons why routine testing of residual levels in perishable produce are conducted, is explained and the procedures to monitor the efficacy periods of the chemical agents that have been used, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The repercussions, when residual levels of a pre-harvest pest control, or other scheduled chemicals exceed the allowable concentration limits, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The function of the chemical application certificate is explained and the information that this document must include, are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The information includes but is not limited to:
  • Pre harvest chemicals: type, application rate, date of application.
  • Post harvest chemicals: type, application rate, date of usage.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The necessity of abiding by the special food safety requirements specified by an importer is explained and examples of these are listed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Indicate the standards that are prescribed for packaging materials and containers used to convey perishable produce. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to:
  • Reasons for specific packaging, separating cultivars and different sizes, material requirements, pallet types, standard sizes and specifications, wrapping. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why perishable produce requires specific packaging, are explained and the functions that the packaging has to perform, are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The functions include but are not limited to:
  • Protection, handling, transport, quality enhancement, climate control, cooling, ventilation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity to separate the various cultivars and different sizes of perishable produce when packing these is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The characteristics to which packaging materials must conform, are indicated and their suitability for onveyancing of perishable produce is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to:
  • New, clean, undamaged, dry, do not transmit harmful substances, polystyrene, polyethylene, cardboard, paper.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various components of perishable produce packaging are detailed and their particular uses are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The components include but are not limited to:
  • Cartons, bulk bins, layer requirements, inner packaging, outer packaging.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The various pallet types utilised in the exportation of perishable produce are indicated and the standard sizes and specifications of these are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The pallet types include but are not limited to:
  • ISO specifications (International Standards Organisation), ISPM 15 mark of approval (phytosanitary treatment of wood), pallet sizes, suitability for specific produce.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The particular criteria that pallets must conform to are detailed and the identification markings that should be applied to these, are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The conditions include but are not limited to:
  • Clean, sturdy, odourless, free of fungal and mould, devoid of bark, conform to phytosanitary regulations, free of Arthropoda, must have quality control markings.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The specifications for materials used in wrapping perishable produce are indicated and the particular product groups that may be wrapped in each, are listed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the functions and operation of a traceability system and the necessary produce marking requirements. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to:
  • Reasons for marking and labelling, specifications and marking requirements, necessity for a traceability system, information to be documented, product recall program, product withdrawal program, product re-routing program, product dumping programs. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why all packaging must be clearly marked are explained and the specific placement areas, are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The reasons include but are not limited to:
  • Visibility, easy recognition of produce, marking or labels on the lids of containers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The specifications for marking and labelling the various product groups are indicated and the necessary information that must appear, is listed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The specifications and information include but are not limited to:
  • Product groups, cultivar, class, country of origin, name and address of producer or exporter, PUC (Producers Code), PHC (Pack House Code), FBO (Food Business Operator).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity of establishing a traceability system for perishable produce exportation is explained and the programs that a system should incorporate, are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Functions include but are not limited to:
  • Legislated requirement, obtain information on any business in the process, trace the source of any substance used in the process, recall program, withdrawal program, re-routing program, dumping program, archiving of records.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The information that must be documented to ensure that every "footprint" in the process is accessible, is indicated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The requirements and documentation include but are not limited to:
  • Track able: produce origination, transport and export destinations, all produce handling -source to destination and back.
  • Traceability: unique markings, barcodes, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The objectives of a product recall program within a traceability system are explained and the operational procedures of the program are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The objectives of a product withdrawal program within a traceability system are explained and the operational procedures of the program are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The objectives of product re-routing and product dumping programs within a traceability system are explained and the operational procedures of these programs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The necessity of archiving all records is explained and the minimum period that these records must be kept, is indicated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe the preparation that is required to "present" a consignment of perishable produce for export inspection. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to:
  • Coordinate transport, handling and storage procedures, preparation of inspection area, consignment to be presented within the agreed time, documentation, produce marking, accessibility of produce. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods to co-ordinate the transport, handling and storage of a perishable produce consignment, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures for the preparation of the inspection area are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity of "presenting" a consignment within the agreed time, is explained and the consequences of not fulfilling these obligations are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The prescribed documentation that must be made available for viewing and confirmation at the inspection point, is detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The required documentation includes but is not limited to:
  • Application for inspection, consignment note, service level agreement, chemical application certificate.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The manner in which the consignment should be marked is described and the importance of ensuring that this correlates with the documentation that is presented, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons why unrestricted access to all the produce must be provided, are detailed. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established principles. Practical assessment activities will be used, which are appropriate to the contents in which qualifying learners are working. These activities will include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge be assessed. The specific outcomes must be assessed in its own right, through oral and practical evidence. It cannot be assessed by observation only.

    The specific outcomes and essential knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge, but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, then they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a learner is able to perform specific outcomes, but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found, both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the assessment criteria for each specific outcome and must be assed in its own right, through oral and written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Applying knowledge of the prerequisite procedures to ensure that all preparations have been completed prior to the presentation of a consignment for inspection. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in the monitoring of the traceability system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Coordinating the transport, handling and storage of a perishable produce consignment to ensure that the consignment is timeously presented. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Ensuring that the marking of a consignment correlates with the information that is detailed in the export documentation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Relaying information on the use of scheduled chemicals to compile a chemical application certificate. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the potential dangers of exporting produce in which the residual levels of a scheduled chemical exceeds the allowable concentration. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors must:
  • Be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Hold an assessor certificate according to the current requirements.
  • Have experience or an in depth knowledge of the perishable produce export industry. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The Learner:
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58350   Further Education and Training Certificate: Perishable Produce Exportation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.