Effective from 13 March 2026, South Africa has amended the Vinegar and Imitation Vinegar Labelling Regulations, with immediate consequences for packaging, class designations, acidity statements, and front-of-pack claims. The amendments introduce stringent rules on how added foodstuffs must be reflected in the class designation, how acidity must be declared, and when terms such as “premium”, “pure”, “special” and similar quality claims may appear on the front of packaging. Manufacturers, importers and repackers should move quickly to review affected labels, advertising, and brand presentations to avoid compliance exposure and unnecessary product risk.

Contact us below should you require any labelling compliance advice.