4. STANDARDS

4.1 General
4.2 The Intention of Standardization
4.3 Standardization Systems
4.4 National Standards for Fish Boxes and Containers

4.1 General

The development of official standards is a key factor in creating the best possible adapted and cheapest product.

Standardization of containers both nationally and internationally would be of great benefit to the fishing industry. This is difficult to achieve however, because the types of fishing and scale of operations differ from region to region, and to be effective containers must be suited to the fishery and must fit within the economic constraints of the industry.

Despite these difficulties a great deal of mark has been done in many countries and several countries have developed national standards, often in cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Work is also proceeding on the international scene and ISO (the International Standards Organization) has published over 4 000 recommendations and standards. The European-Standards Organization (CEN), with support from the EEC and EFTA countries and from Spain has published several standards.

The FAO/WHO through the Codex Alimentarius Commission drafted several recommended standards aimed at Food Standard Programs.

Thus the picture is quite confused but perhaps this will clarify and common standards will eventuate.

4.2 The Intention of Standardization

The advantages of standardization can shortly be summarized as follows:

1. production of packing materials can be rationalized by using the same equipment;
2. materials can be bought in large uniform quantities to a lower price;
3. the quality of raw materials and finished products can, to a greater extent, be controlled and improved;
4. it will be easier to cooperate on part deliveries from both raw material producers and production units;
5. several producers can specialize on partial production and/or cooperation can take place as with regard to production of large quantities for the markets;
6. when different products reach the same processing operation, standardization will facilitate linking to the same processing and distribution lines;
7. reduce transport time and improve economy for freighted goods;
8. generally, standardization will result in economy for both producers and users.

Requirements for standardization of fish boxes have primarily come as a consequence of:

1. requirements by Health authorities for control of hygiene and quality of the raw material;
2. adaptation and standardization as a consequence of requirements by transport systems.

4.3 Standardization Systems

Scandinavia and parts of Europe, have approximately the same standards of fish production, a consequence of the trade in fish products.

Within the different countries there is a great variation in sizes of boxes and containers. However, within Europe adaptation has taken place by using the measurements of the Euro pallet (80 x 120 cm) .

To keep the freight as low as possible the aim has been to stack boxes/containers optimally on pallets.

Cold stores, lorries, railways and ships are often built according to the Euro pallet module. This will mean that area and volume of these forms of transport can be utilized to a maximum.

Marking and safety of goods

Marking of packing material must describe contents (fish species), weight, size of fish, sender and receiver. In international trade it is normally the receiving country that defines the standards of packing materials and the rules of marking.

Safety of the goods is an important factor to consider when delivering to domestic as well as to export markets.

Goods on pallets will sometimes slide off. This can be prevented by loading of uniform boxes in a stable regular pattern. The load can be further stabilized by the use of strapping or enclosing the whole load in shrink plastic film. Secure loading rules protect both the goods and the people handling them.

4.4 National Standards for Fish Boxes and Containers

If a standardization system has not been established it is important that each country try to adapt 4-5 different box sizes suitable for the following transport/handling and health requirements:

• should fit generally used transport pallets;
• suitable for transport by public transport systems such as ships, trains and lorries;
• they must be of a type which can be handled by jack trolleys and fork lifts;
• must be adapted to various loading and unloading equipment;
• should be made of hygienic and non-toxic material which is easy to clean.

We will now return boxes in general circulation in the fishing industry and used for transport of fish.

Exports

When fresh fish is exported from one country to another the exporter normally has to meet the requirements set by the importing country as to packing materials, marking, hygienic requirements, freshness of raw materials, etc.

Success on export markets depends to a great degree on whether the exporter is able to adapt to standards set by the customer.