Legislation
Legislative Departments
The dairy industry is regulated by certain government departments. Each one controls a specific component of the legislation governing the dairy industry through relevant Acts, Regulations and Guidelines. These are the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, Department of Agriculture.
A combined list of SA dairy legislation and standards
Here we have compiled documents to download or website links pertaining to the Dairy Industry within South African departments:
What's new?
Legislative published in the government gazette
Click below to view the documents:
New amendment Acts and Regulations:
- The Regulations relating to the Management Control System in respect of the Sale and Export of Certain Agricultural Products (R.6634 dated 19 September 2025) published by the Department of Agriculture in government gazette will come into operation 12 months after publication, in September 2026.
- The Regulation Relating to the Maximum Levels of Mycotoxins in Foodstuffs (No. 7091 of 6 February 2026) published by the Department of Health in government gazette will come into operation 24 months after publication, in February 2028.
Draft new regulations
Click below to view the following new documents:
- Draft Regulation on Food Additives in South Africa: Draft Regulation on Food Additives published which intends to replace numerous existing regulations including Colourant Regulation R1008, Preservative Regulations R965 (et al), Miscellaneous additives R 1425/6, and most of the Sweetener Regulations R733.
- Draft New Regulations relating to the Identification of Animals No. R.6091 of 4 April 2025.
- Draft New Regulations for the Exportation of Live Animals by Sea No. R.6400 of 11 July 2025.
- Intention to register Methods of Production as Management Control System (Notice No. 7597 of 19 June 2026) under the Management Control System Regulation (R.6634 of 19 September 2025) of which 8 (eight) following Annexures can impact the Dairy Industry:
Draft revised regulations
- No. R.6501 of 15 August 2025 for the Draft revision of Regulations relating to the Classification, Packing and Marking of Dairy Products and Imitation Dairy Products intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa was published for the request for comments of the second draft Regulations relating to the classification, packing and marking of dairy products and dairy related products intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa.
- Proposed Amendment to the List of Waste Management Activities that have, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the Environment (No. 7461 of 12 May 2026).
Department: Trade, Industry and Competition
Department: Health
Department: Agriculture
SABS
International Organisation for Standardisation
Codex Alimentarius: International Food Standards
International Dairy Federation
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
SARS
Department: Trade, Industry and Competition
Department: Health
Health legislation governing milk and other dairy products.
- Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972) – Updated version (PDF)
(The Act and regulations can be obtained in hard copy format from Lexis Nexis Publishers, Tel: 0860 765 432
Additives
- Regulations relating to the use of sweeteners in foodstuffs (R733/2012)
- List of permissible sweeteners referred to in Regulation 4 of the regulations relating to the use of sweeteners in foodstuffs
- Also, see Codex General Standards for Food Additives
- Regulations – Preservatives and antioxidants: Amendment (R60/2009)
- Regulations – Preservatives and antioxidants (R965/1977)
- Regulations relating to food colourants (R1008/1996)
- Regulation 1425 of 17 November 2016: Regulations Relating To Miscellaneous Additives in Foodstuffs
- Draft Regulation on Food Additives in South Africa: Draft Regulation on Food Additives published which intends to replace numerous existing regulations including Colourant Regulation R1008, Preservative Regulations R965 (et al), Miscellaneous additives R 1425/6, and most of the Sweetener Regulations R733
Compositional standards
- Regulations Relating to Max Levels of Metals in Foodstuffs – R588 of 15 June 2018
- Regulations relating to maximum levels of metals in foodstuffs – Amendment (R545/2008)
- Regulations governing tolerance for fungus-produced toxins in foodstuffs: Amendment (R751/2009)
- Regulations relating to objects packed in foodstuffs intended for children (R1090/2005)
- Regulations relating to maximum levels for melamine in foodstuffs (R1054/2009)
- Regulations governing tolerance for fungus-produced toxins in foodstuffs (R1145/2004)
- Regulations governing tolerances for fungus –produces toxins in foodstuffs (R313/1990)
- Regulations relating to the Food, Drugs & Disinfectants Act, 1929 (Act 13 of 1929) (R574 & R575 of 1930)
- Regulations governing certain solvents in foodstuffs: Correction Notice (R315/2006)
- Regulations relating to edible fats and oils (R1316/1996)
- Regulations governing certain solvents in foodstuffs (R911/2001)
- Regulations governing radioactivity in foodstuffs (R1931/1990)
Fortification and other nutritional issues
- Regulations relating to the fortification of certain foodstuffs: R217 of 3 March 2016
- Regulations relating to the fortification of certain foodstuffs – Registered fortification mix manufacturers/suppliers/importers: June 2012
- Regulations relating to trans fat in foodstuffs: R127 of 2011
- Regulations relating to food-grade salt: R184 of 2007
- Amendment of regulations relating to the fortification of certain foodstuffs: R1206 of 2008
- Regulations relating to the fortification of certain foodstuffs: R504 of 2003
- Regulations relating to the reduction of sodium in certain foodstuffs and related matters: R214 of 2013
- Amendment to Regulations Relating To Reduction Of Sodium In Certain Foodstuffs And Related Matters: R1071 of 6 Oct 2017
Health Legislation
Hygiene and related matters
- Regulations Governing General Hygiene Req for Food Premises, Transport of Food and Related Matters _ R638 of 22 June 2018
- Regulations – Regarding Processed Foodstuffs – R723 of 10 August 2001
- Regulations – Relating To Hygiene Requirements For Milking Sheds, The Transport Of Milk And Related Matters – R961 of 23 November 2012
- Regulations – Relating to Perishable Foodstuffs – R 952 of 1999
- Regulations – Relating To Perishable Foodstuffs – R1183 of 1 June 1990
- Regulations relating to the application of HACCP System: R908 of 2003
- Regulations relating to the application of HACCP System – Amendment: R1060 of 2009
Infants and children
- Regulations – Relating To Foodstuffs For Infants And Young Children – R991 of 6 December 2012
- Regulations relating to objects packed in foodstuffs intended for children (R1090/2005)
Labelling and advertising
- Guidelines Applicable To The Regulations Relating To The Labelling and Advertising Of Foodstuffs (R146 of 2010) – 1 September 2011
- Regulations – Relating To The Labelling And Advertising Of Foodstuffs – R146 of 1 March 2010
- Regulations – Relating To The Labelling And Advertising Of Foodstuffs Amendment – R45 of 19 January 2012
- Regulations – Relating To The Labelling And Advertising Of Foodstuffs Amendment – R1091 of 19 November 2010
- Regulations – Relating To The Labelling Of Foodstuffs Obtained Through Certain Techniques Of Genetic Modification – R25 of 16 January 2004
Law enforcement
- Enforcement By Local Authority – R128 of 17 February 2011
- Enforcement By Local Authority – R393 of 21 April 2006
- Enforcement By Local Authority – R429 of 13 May 2005
- Enforcement By Local Authority – R953 of 29 September 2006
- Regulations relating to the powers and duties of inspectors and analysts conducting inspections and analyses on foodstuffs and at food premises (R328/2007)
Microbiological standards
- Regulations – Governing Microbiological Standards For Foodstuffs And Related Matters – R692 of 16 May 1997
- Regulations – Governing Microbiological Standards For Foodstuffs And Related Matters – R1588 of 20 December 2002
- Regulations – Governing Microbiological Standards For Foodstuffs And Related Matters Amendment – R706 of 2 September 2011
- Regulations – Governing Microbiological Standards for Foodstuffs and Related Matters Amendment- R547 of 23 May 2008
- Regulations – Relating To Milk And Dairy Products – R1555 of 21 November 1997
- Regulations – Relating To Milk And Dairy Products Amendment R1262 of 31 December 2010
Packaged water and other beverages
- Regulations – Relating to All Bottled Waters – R 718 of 2006
- Regulations – Relating To All Bottled Waters Amendment – R455 of 26 May 2010
- Regulations – Relating To Soft Drinks – R1769 of 9 August 1985
Pesticides and veterinary drugs (maximum residue limit)
- Regulation – Governing The Maximum Limits For Pesticide Residue That May Be Present In Foodstuffs – R246 of 11 February 1994
- Amendment – Regulations Governing the Maximum Limits for Pesticide Residues that may be present in Foodstuffs R119 of 10 February 2020 – PART 1 | PART 2
- UPDATE: Regulation – Governing The Maximum Limits For Pesticide Residue That May Be Present In Foodstuffs – Notice number 46 of 19 January 2012
- Regulations – Governing The Maximum Limits For Pesticide Residues That May Be Present In Foodstuffs Amendment – R1047 of 20 October 2006
- Regulations – Governing The Maximum Limits for Veterinary Medicine and Stock Remedy Residues That May Be Present in Foodstuffs – R1387 R860 of 25 August 2017
- Draft Regulation: Department of Health published a new draft Mycotoxin regulations on 1 November 2024 for comment by 1 February 2025 (3 months for comments). This will replace R1145 Fungus Producing Toxin Regulations.
Prohibition
Department: Agriculture
- Agricultural Product Standard Act, 1990, Act 119 of 1990
- The Agricultural Products Standard Act Amendment 2023 (Act No. 12 of 2023) published on 3 April 2024 has come into operation on 22 August 2025 as proclaimed in the Proclamation 279 of 2025 published by the Department of Agriculture in government gazette.
Regulations relating to the classification, packing and marking of dairy products and imitation dairy products intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa
- No. R.6501 of 15 August 2025 for the Draft revision of Regulations relating to the Classification, Packing and Marking of Dairy Products and Imitation Dairy Products intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa was published for the request for comments of the second draft Regulations relating to the classification, packing and marking of dairy products and dairy related products intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa.
| Published |
| Regulation R.1510 of 22 November 2019 |
Regulations regarding the classification, packing and marking of edible ice intended for sale in the Republic of South Africa
| Published |
| Regulation R.3617 of 30 June 2023 |
Regulations relating to the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin used on agricultural products intended for sale in Republic of South Africa
| Published | Communiqués |
| Regulation R.3023 of 10 February 2023 | Restrictions on the use of certain Cheese names – EU SADC EPA – 15 Nov ’16 |
The above agricultural legislation can be obtained from www.nda.gov.za
SABS
Non-Compulsory Standards Relating to Milk and Dairy Products Food Safety and Quality
- SANS 1828:2016 – Edition 2.00
Cleaning chemicals for use in the food industry - SANS 1853:2009 – Edition 1.01
Disinfectants and detergent-disinfectants for use in the food industry - SANS 10049:2012 – Edition 4.01
Food safety management requirements for prerequisite programmes (PRPs) - SANS 10133:2012 – Edition 2.00
The application of pesticides in food-handling, food-processing, and catering establishments - SANS 22005:2009/ISO 22005:2007 – Edition 1.00
Traceability in the feed and food chain – General principles and basic requirements for system design and implementation - Notice of publication of SANS 22004:2016
Food safety management systems – Guidance on the application of ISO 22000:2005 - SANS 314:2012/ISO 707:1997 – Edition 2.00
Milk and milk products – Guidance on sampling - SANS 1678:2014 – Edition 2.01
Sterilised milk - SANS 1679:2013 – Edition 2.01
Pasteurised milk - SANS 10330:2007 – Edition 2.01
Requirements for a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system - SANS 5763:2006 – Edition 2
Efficacy of cleaning plant, equipment and utensils: swab technique - SANS 898:2011 – Edition 1
Good manufacturing practice for the self-mixing of feed in the livestock industry - Non-Compulsory Standards Relating to Milk and Dairy Products Food Safety and Quality
Compulsory Standards Relating to Milk and Dairy Products Food Safety and Quality
The National Regulator for Compulsory Standards enforces the following standards (extensions of the regulations) in terms of the Trade Metrology Act, 1973, Act 77 of 1973:
- SANS 289:2016 – Edition 1.06
Labelling requirements for prepackaged products (prepackages) and general requirements for the sale of goods subject to legal metrology control - SANS 458:2011 – Edition 1.02
Tolerances permitted for the accuracy of measurements of products (including pre-packaged products) in terms of legal metrology legislation - SANS 1841:2015 – Edition 2.01
Control of the quantity of contents in prepacked packages within the prescriptions of legal metrology legislation
The undermentioned acts administer the following standards for drinking water:
- SANS 241–1:2015 – Edition 2, Part 1
Microbiological, physical,aesthetic and chemical determinants - SANS 2412:2015 – Edition 2, Part 2
Application of SANS 241-1
• Municipal Systems Act, 2000, Act 32 of 2000
• Health Act, 2003, Act 61 of 2003
• Water Services Act, 1997, Act 108 of 1997
• Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972, Act 54 of 1972
All SANS documents can be ordered electronically at http://www.store.sabs.co.za/ or at 012 428 7911
International Organisation for Standardisation
- ISO 22000 – Food safety management systems – Requirements for any organisation in the food chain.
- ISO 22001 – Guidelines on the application of ISO 9001:2000 for the food and drink industry (replaces: ISO 15161:2001).
- ISO/TS 22002-1 First edition 2009-12-15; Prerequisite programmes on food safety-Part 1: Food Manufacturing
- ISO/TS 22002-3 First edition 2011-12-15; Prerequisite programmes on food safety-Part 3: Farming
- ISO 707 – Second edition 1997 07 01; Milk and milk products – Guidance on sampling
- All SANS documents can be ordered electronically at http://www.store.sabs.co.za/iso-standards or at 012 428 7911
Codex Alimentarius: International Food Standards
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established by FAO and WHO in 1963 develops harmonised international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice to protect the health of the consumers and ensure fair trade practices in the food trade. The Commission also promotes coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Codex standards are based on the best available science assisted by independent international risk assessment bodies or ad-hoc consultations organized by FAO and WHO.
- Codex Alimentarius List of Standards
- CAC/GL 1-1979 General Guidelines on Claims
- CAC/GL 2-1985 Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling
- CAC/GL 8-1991 Guidelines for Formulated Supplementary Foods for Older Infants and Young Children
- CAC/GL 13-1991 Guidelines for the Preservation of Raw Milk by Use of the Lactoperoxidase System
- CAC/GL 20-1995 Principles for Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection
- CAC/GL 21-1997 Principles for the Establishment and Application of Microbiological Criteria for Foods
- CAC/GL 23-1997 Guidelines for Use of Nutrition and Health Claims
- CAC/GL 24-1997 General Guidelines for Use of the Term Halal
- CAC/GL 25-1997 Guidelines for the Exchange of Information between Countries on Rejections of Imported Foods
- CAC/GL 26-1997 Guidelines for the Design, Operation, Assessment and Accreditation of Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems
- CAC/GL 30-1999 Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct of Microbiological Risk Assessment
- CAC/GL 32-1999 Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods
- CAC/GL 33-1999 Recommended Methods of Sampling for Pesticide Residues for the Determination of Compliance with MRLs
- CAC/GL 40-1993 Guidelines on Good Laboratory Practice in Pesticide Residue Analysis
- CAC/GL 50-2004 General guidelines on sampling
- CAC/GL 63-2007 Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct of Microbiological Risk Management
- CAC/GL 66-2008 Guidelines for the Use of Flavourings
- CAC/GL 67-2008 Model Export Certificate for Milk and Milk Products
- CAC/GL 75-2010 Guidelines on Substances used as Processing Aids
- CAC/MISC 1-1989 Information on the Use of Food Additives in Food
- CAC/MISC 5-1993 Glossary of Terms and Definitions (Veterinary Drugs Residues in Foods)
- CAC/MISC 6-2012 List of Codex Specifications for Food Additives
- CAC/MRL 1 Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Pesticides
- CAC/MRL 2 Maximum Residue Limits for Veterinary Drugs in Food
- CAC/RCP 1-1969 General Principles of Food Hygiene
- CAC/RCP 45-1997 Code of Practice for the Reduction of Aflatoxin B1 in Raw Materials and Supplemental Feedingstuffs for Milk-Producing Animals
- CAC/RCP 46-1999 Code of Hygienic Practice for Refrigerated Packaged Foods with Extended Shelf-Life
- CAC/RCP 47-2001 Code of Hygienic Practice for the Transport of Food in Bulk and Semi-PackedFood
- CAC/RCP 51-2003 Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals, including Annexes on Ochratoxin A, Zearalenone, Fumonisins and Tricothecenes
- CAC/RCP 54-2004 Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding
- CAC/RCP 57-2004 Code of Hygienic Practice for Milk and Milk Products
- CAC/RCP 62-2006 Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Dioxin and Dioxin-like PCB Contamination in Food and Feeds
- CAC/RCP 66-2008 Code of Hygienic Practice for Powdered Formulae for Infants and Young Children
- CODEX STAN 1-1985 General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods
- CODEX STAN 150-1985 Standard for Food Grade Salt
- CODEX STAN 192-1995 General Standard for Food Additives
- CODEX STAN 206-1999 General Standard for Use of Dairy Terms
- CODEX STAN 206-1999 General Standard for Use of Dairy Terms
- CODEX STAN 207-1999 Standard for Milk Powders and Cream Powder
- CODEX STAN 208-1999 Standard for Cheeses in Brine (Group Standard)
- CODEX STAN 221-2001 Group Standard for Unripened Cheese including Fresh Cheese
- CODEX STAN 243-2003 Standard for Fermented Milks
- CODEX STAN 250-2006 Standard for a Blend of Evaporated Skimmed Milk and Vegetable Fat
- CODEX STAN 251-2006 Standard for a Blend of Skimmed Milk and Vegetable Fat in Powdered Form
- CODEX STAN 252-2006 Standard for a Blend of Sweetened Condensed Skimmed Milk and Vegetable Fat
- CODEX STAN 253-2006 Standard for Dairy Fat Spreads
- CODEX STAN 256-2007 Standard for Fat Spreads and Blended Spreads
- CODEX STAN 262-2006 Standard for Mozzarella
- CODEX STAN 263-1966 Standard for Cheddar
- CODEX STAN 264-1966 Standard for Danbo
- CODEX STAN 265-1966 Standard for Edam
- CODEX STAN 266-1966 Standard for Gouda
- CODEX STAN 267-1966 Standard for Havarti
- CODEX STAN 268-1966 Standard for Samsoe
- CODEX STAN 269-1967 Standard for Emmental
- CODEX STAN 270-1968 Standard for Tilsiter
- CODEX STAN 271-1968 Standard for Saint-Paulin
- CODEX STAN 272-1968 Standard for Provolone
- CODEX STAN 273-1968 Standard for Cottage Cheese incl. Creamed Cottage Cheese
- CODEX STAN 274-1969 Standard for Coulommiers
- CODEX STAN 275-1973 Standard for Cream Cheese
- CODEX STAN 276-1973 Standard for Camembert
- CODEX STAN 277-1973 Standard for Brie
- CODEX STAN 278-1978 Standard for Extra Hard Grating Cheese
- CODEX STAN 279-1971 Standard for Butter
- CODEX STAN 280-1973 Standard for Milkfat Products
- CODEX STAN 281-1971 Standard for Evaporated Milks
- CODEX STAN 282-1971 Standard for Sweetened Condensed Milks
- CODEX STAN 283-1978 General Standard for Cheese
- CODEX STAN 284-1971 Standard for Whey Cheeses
- CODEX STAN 288-1976 Standard for Cream and Prepared Creams
- CODEX STAN 289-1995 Standard for Whey Powders
- CODEX STAN 290-1995 Standard for Edible Casein Products
International Dairy Federation
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
SARS
