GPL Introduction

A. INTRODUCTION

  • Background
    1. The Regulations of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Grading, Packaging and Labelling of Agriculture Products) known as GPL Regulations have been gazetted on 18 August 2008.
    2. The regulations were drafted in accordance with Section 3 (2) (c) of Act 141 which explains the authority of FAMA to undertake the activities of grading, packaging and labelling of agricultural products.
    3. The 3P Regulation Draft was also forwarded to the WTO Notification Committee on 24 June 2008 to notify the WTO members about the Malaysian plan to enforce the 3P regulation. This notification was collaboratively managed with SIRIM and the objection period was two (2) months from the date of notification.
  • Purpose of Implementation
    1. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural products marketing in order to remain competitive;
    2. To be able to maintain existing markets or expand market access in and out of the country in line with the changes in the world trade.
  • GPL Regulation Target Groups
    The GPL Regulation encompasses the domestic, export and import markets. The target groups are as follows: -
    1. Exporters
    2. Importers
    3. Wholesalers
    4. Retailers
  • Agricultural Produce Involved
    1. Vegetables (73 types)
    2. Fruits (56 types)
    3. Flowers (6 types)
    4. Legumes (2 types)
    5. Coconut
    6. Grains
    7. Sugarcane
  • Methods of Implementation
    • A. Grading
      1. The GPLRegulation sets that all agricultural produce must be graded according to the standard.
      2. Agricultural produce to be marketed shall be graded in accordance with the Malaysian Standard (MS) grade specifications.
      3. If an agricultural produce has no MS specification, it should in accordance with the grade standards set by FAMA from time to time or in accordance with the grade standards of the origin country.
      4. All produces are graded into three categories: Premium Grade, Grade 1 and Grade 2.
      5. Grading emphasises on five key features which include uniform maturity, freshness, free of defects, free from damage and uniformity in size.
    • B. Packaging
      Product packaging for agricultural produce to be marketed should comply with certain characteristics, which are:
      1. the measurement is suitable with the quantity of packaged agricultural produces; contains agricultural produce of the same type and standard; and
      2. does not exceed 30 kilogramme.
      3. Packaging must also meet the quality, hygiene and durability criteria to provide maximum protection from any damage to agricultural produces during handling and transporting;
      4. Made from materials that will not have an adverse effect on agricultural produces packaged in it.
      5. To reuse a package that already has markings or labels on it, the markings must be erased and the existing label must be removed before use.
    • C. Labelling
      1. All agricultural produces must be labelled, with the label either marked or affixed, and shall be:
        • the size of not less than 11 cm X 7 cm,
        • marked or firmly affixed and easily visible on the upper surface or side of the package.
      2. The label shall contain the following details:
        • The name and business address of the importer, exporter, agent, producer or distributor, as the case may be, of agricultural produces;
        • Common name of the produce
        • Standard grade of the agricultural produces
        • The size of agricultural produces
        • Country of origin of the agricultural produces
        • Weight of the agricultural package
        • Weight of agricultural products package, and
        • The label 'Produce of Malaysia' if the agricultural produce is to be exported
      3. The details should be marked to be:
        • legible and durable;
        • font size no smaller than 20 point;
        • using the national language and may include any translation in any other language (for local market)
        • labelling in English and may include any translation in any other language (for exported agricultural products);
        • and the national language (for imported agricultural produces)
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