PPECB

PPECB
Responsibility:
Approved By:

Protocol

REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPPING PERISHABLE

PRODUCTS IN OPEN DOOR GENERAL PURPOSE
(GP) CONTAINERS
Service Managers
Executive: Customised Services

Name:
Name:

Doc No: HP10

Page 1 of 2

Rev: 12

ISO CLAUSE:
Date: 08/07/04

Initial:
Initial:

Exporters must take note of the fact that the PPECB does not recommend the
open-door concept. It is allowed only because of the lack of better equipment
and under very specific conditions.
Open door container shipments will be stopped immediately if increasing
levels of waste is reported by PPECB quality inspectors or by overseas buyers.
INTRODUCTION
Open door container shipments of certain products to certain destinations are however allowed because
this is often, the only system available.
Exporters can also not hold the PPECB or the shipping lines responsible for quality losses directly or
indirectly related to the open door concept. Exporters are therefore encouraged to discuss every
planned shipment with PPECB personnel to ensure that arrangements are made timeously to ensure
optimum product handling.
The following requirements and recommendations are designed to minimize product quality loss and to
ensure most optimum handling procedures with minimum delays.
1.

Booking & General

1.1

The PPECB Operation office in the respective port of loading, must be advised of container
numbers, in order to verify validity of the ISO registration of containers.

1.2

Container depots must arrange for cleanliness inspection, at least 24 hours prior to loading.

1.3

All containers, if packed prior to arrival, should be kept under cover with doors open at loading
point, while awaiting shipment, or being packed on last day prior arrival of a vessel.

1.4

Containers must be shipped within 3 days from packing.

1.5

All products must be inspected and approved for export by PPECB.

1.6

The mere fact that the product and procedures were passed by PPECB does not imply that the
product will not loose quality during subsequent storage and transport.

1.7

Product requirements change during the season. This and sometimes also climatic conditions
may require that some products cannot always be shipped ventilated. This is especially true for
late season onions and citrus fruits. Decay (and sprouting in onions) increases later in the
season necessitating refrigerated transport. Exporters must first check with the PPECB if open
door shipments will be allowed.

2.

Minimum requirements for a container

2.1

It must have a sound, rust free and sturdy steel frame.

2.2

The inside of the container must be clean, dry and free from any foreign taint or odour.

2.3

A clean tarpaulin must be supplied by the shipping line to cover open doors while at sea.

PPECB

PPECB
Responsibility:
Approved By:

Protocol

REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPPING PERISHABLE

PRODUCTS IN OPEN DOOR GENERAL PURPOSE
(GP) CONTAINERS
Service Managers
Executive: Customised Services

Name:
Name:

Doc No: HP10

Page 2 of 2

Rev: 12

ISO CLAUSE:
Date: 08/07/04

Initial:
Initial:

2.4

Wire netting to prevent cargo from falling out of the container must be installed at the door end.

2.5

Hooks must be fitted to the inside door end, to secure the wire netting.

2.6

The container number must be registered with ISO in Paris and the container must have a valid
safety certificate. (CSC Plate).

3.

Procedures during loading and shipment

Containers must be loaded in such a way to ensure adequate fresh air ventilation throughout the
total load. This includes the center of the container.

3.1

If loaded break bulk, a layer of pallets must be placed on the floor.

3.2

Wooden pallets must be stacked vertically against the back, to ensure vertical movement of air.

3.3

All cargo, should be loaded with flat dunnage between layers.

3.4

Potatoes should be packed in woven bags.

3.5

Leave at least 200mm opening between the top of the cargo and the ceiling.

3.6

Observe the maximum permissible load, to avoid accidents or rejections at point of crane
handling.

3.7
3.8

Containers must be shipped with both doors open.

Doors must be secured when open.

3.9

Containers must be stowed one high, with doors facing aft.

3.10

Water must never be allowed to enter the container. Containers must be closed or tarpaulins
rolled down, when exposed to rainy or inclement weather. Tarpaulins must be opened
immediately when danger of water ingress disappears.

3.11

A maximum voyage of 10 days, including other port calls will be allowed for this method of
shipment.

3.12

Open door container shipments will only be allowed for voyage times not exceeding 10 days.

3.13

No transshipments will be allowed.

The PPECB cannot, due to the uncontrolled nature of open-door container shipment, prepare a technical
report on handling and voyage conditions. This may have an effect on finalizing insurance claims.
Ventilated shipments will only be allowed if the abovementioned procedures are followed and all
requirements are met.