What changed
- The Department of Consumer Affairs has prescribed standard pack sizes for major and blended edible oils.
- Permitted sizes are 200 ml/g, 500 ml/g, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 15 and 20 litre/kg.
- When quantity is shown by volume, the pack must also clearly state equivalent weight.
- Manufacturers, packers and importers have a three-month transition period; early adoption is allowed.
Approved standard pack sizes
| Small and household packs | Large packs |
|---|---|
| 200 ml/g, 500 ml/g, 1 litre/kg, 2 litre/kg, 3 litre/kg, 4 litre/kg, 5 litre/kg | 15 litre/kg and 20 litre/kg |
The revised standard operating procedure covers major oils and blended edible oils, including palm, soybean, sunflower, mustard/rapeseed, groundnut, sesame, rice bran, cottonseed and corn oil.
What shoppers should check
Compare the price per litre or kilogram, not only the front-of-pack price. A familiar-looking pouch can contain a different quantity, and the new rules are intended to make that comparison clearer.
Why the government changed the packaging rules
The Department said increasing numbers of package quantities made price comparisons difficult. During the earlier industry consultation, examples included similar-looking packs containing 650 g, 700 g, 810 g, 850 g or 870 g. Standard sizes should make value-for-money comparisons more direct.
What remains exempt
Packages below 200 ml or 200 grams remain outside the standardisation requirement so affordable small packs can continue. Minor edible oils are also exempt. Existing rules covering sampling, net-quantity testing and permissible errors continue under the Legal Metrology framework.
Does this change oil prices or quality?
The announcement is about pack sizes and quantity declarations, not a guaranteed price reduction or a new quality standard. Brands can still set prices. Consumers should compare equivalent quantities and read oil type, ingredients, manufacturing details and other required labels.
Consumer checklist
- Check whether the front label shows volume, weight, or both.
- Compare equivalent pack sizes across brands.
- Use the unit price where retailers provide it.
- Check the oil type and whether it is blended.
- Report suspected short quantity or misleading declarations through official consumer channels.