Definition: Proposed regional cold chain standards under development by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to harmonize cold chain requirements across member states and facilitate cross-border trade in perishable goods.
Why It Matters: Harmonized SADC standards would simplify cross-border cold chain operations, reduce trade barriers, and improve food safety across the region. South African cold chain operators would benefit from clearer requirements for SADC trade.
Proposed Scope:
– Temperature requirements for different product categories
– Transport and storage standards
– Documentation and traceability
– Cross-border inspection protocols
– Mutual recognition arrangements
SADC Member States: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, DRC, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Current Status: Framework discussions ongoing, South Africa participating through DTI and DALRRD
Related Terms: Cross-Border, Regional Trade, DALRRD, Export Certification