REGULATION C/REG.XX/YY/ZZ IMPLEMENTING AT MEMBER STATE 
LEVEL THE ECOSTANDARD 023:2022 FOR MANGO  
 
THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS,  
 
REGARDING   Articles  9, 10, 11 and 12 of the ECOWAS Treaty as amended, 
establishing the Council of Ministers and defining its composition and functions  
REGARDING   Article 26 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty signed in Cotonou on 
24 July 1993, which stipulates that Member States a gree to harmonize and 
coordinate their industrialization policies with a view to promoting industrial 
development and integration of their economies  
REGARDING  the provisions of Article 26 (3) of the said Treaty, particularly point 
L thereof, which commits Member States to adopt common standards and 
adequate quality control systems in order to create a sound basis for 
industrialization and promote collective self -reliance  
REGARDING  the Additional Act AlSA.2/07/10 on the adoption of the Common 
Industrial Poli cy for West Africa (PICAO) and its action plan  
REGARDING  Regulation C/REG.14/12/12 of 2 December 2012 adopting 
procedures for the harmonization of ECOWAS standards  
REGARDING  Regulation C/REG.19/12/13 on the adoption of the ECOWAS 
regional quality infrastr ucture scheme  
REGARDING  Regulation C/REG.9/06/17 on the organization and operation of 
the Community Committee on Technical Regulations (ECOREG)  
REGARDING  Regulation C/REG.10/6/21 on the procedures for harmonization, 
adoption and revision of ECOWAS technical regulations;  
WHEREAS , in accordance with the provisions of Regulation C/REG.10/6/21 
approving the procedures for harmonization of ECOWAS regulations, there is a 
need to establish regulations for the products;  
NOTING  that following the meeting of the Technical Committee for the 
Harmonization of Agricultural Products held from 2 to 7 March 2015, mangoes 
were selected for standardization to facilitate trade not only within ECOWAS but 
also at the international level;  
EMPHASIZING that the ECOWAS region al standard ECOSTAND 023: 2022 
applies to mangoes intended for human consumption;  BEARING  in mind that the harmonized ECOSTAND 023 -2022 standard for 
mangoes is a trade facilitation tool not only within ECOWAS but also at the 
international level  
DESIRING  to establish a Common Market by proceeding, among other things, 
with the harmonization of Standards, technical regulations and Conformity 
Assessment Procedures to reduce Technical Barriers to Trade within the 
ECOWAS region;  
CONSIDERING  that the promotion of  the quality of products and services is a 
means of protecting consumers  
CONSIDERING  that market surveillance for the purpose of consumer protection 
can only be achieved through an appropriate Community policy of technical 
regulations  
ON THE RECOMMENDATI ON of the workshop of the Community Committee 
on Technical Regulations (ECOREG), held on March 29, 2021, 14 draft 
technical regulations on products/services from the four regional value chains: 
mango, cassava and derivatives, textiles and clothing, and inf ormation and 
communication technology were selected for development;  
 
EDICT S 
 
CHAPTER ONE : GENERAL PROVISIONS  
ARTICLE 1: PURPOSE  
This Regulation makes the ECOSTAND 023:2022 standard for mango 
mandatory in ECOWAS Member States.  
ARTICLE 2: SCOPE OF APPLICATION  
This Regulation makes ECOSTAND Standard 023:2022 for Mango 
mandatory in ECOWAS Member States.  
This Regulation applies to commercial varieties of mangoes grown from 
Mangifera indica L., of the Anacardiaceous family, intended to be served fresh 
to the consumer, after wrapping and packaging. Mangoes intended for industrial 
processing are excluded from this regulation.  
ARTICLE 3: DEFINITIONS  
For this Regulation, the following terms and definitions shall apply:  3.1 Clean  
Practically free of any visible foreign matter.  
3.2 Firm  
Not soft, overripe or stunted.  
3.3 Fresh  
The fruit retains its ripe appearance, is not misshapen and shows no signs of 
dehydration.  
3.4 Good Quality  
Reasonably firm and possessing the characteristics of the variety with res pect 
to shape, appearance and development.  
3.5 Lenticels  
Pores on the surface of the fruit allowing gas exchange between the atmosphere 
and the internal tissues of the fruit.  
3.6 Peduncle  
Stem -like floral part that bears the flowers.  
3.7 Practically free  
Free from pests and damage caused by them, affecting the overall appearance 
of the product.  
3.8 Resin  
Viscous liquid from the fruit stalk that gradually hardens when exposed to air.  
3.9 Sound  
Product not affected by rotting or deterioration to the extent t hat it is unfit for 
consumption.  
3.10 Sub -zero 
Waxy or waxy  
CHAPTER II  : PROVISIONS FOR PRODUCT QUALITY  
ARTICLE 4 : QUALITY REQUIREMENTS  
Mangoes covered by this regulation must meet the following requirements:  
4.1 General requirements  
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances 
allowed, the mangoes must be:  (a) whole ;  
(b) sound; and  
(c) clean ;  
(d) practically free of damage caused by pests  
(e) free of abnormal external moisture, excluding condensation following  
removal from cold storage  
(f) free of any foreign smell and/or taste  
(g) firm; and  
(h) fresh in appearance;  
(i) free from damage caused by low temperatures;  
(j) free from black spots or necrotic streaks  
(k) free from marked bruises;  
(l) sufficiently devel oped and displaying satisfactory ripeness;  
(m) where a peduncle is present, its length must not exceed 1.0 cm.  
4.1.1 . Maturity requirements  
On shipment, t he development and condition of the mangoes must be such as 
to enable them:  
- to ensure the continuation of the ripening process until they reach the 
appropriate degree of ripeness corresponding to the varietal characteristics;  
- to withstand transport and handling; and  
- arrive in satisfactory conditions at the place of destination.  
In relation to the development of ripeness, the color may vary according to the 
variety.  
4.2 Contaminant and hygiene requirements  
4.2.1 . Contaminants  
4.2.1.1  The products covered by this regulation shall comply with the maximum 
limits of the Codex General Standard for  Contaminants and Toxins in Foods and 
Feeds CODEX STAN 193.  
4.2.1.2  The products covered by this regulation shall comply with the maximum 
residue limits for pesticides established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.  
4.2.2.  Hygiene  4.2.2.1  It is recommend ed that the products covered by the provisions of this 
Regulation be handled in accordance with the relevant sections of ECOSTAND 
52: ECOWAS General Code of Practice for Food Hygiene, CAC/RCP 53, Code 
of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables an d other relevant codes 
of practice.  
4.2.2.2  The products should comply with any microbiological criteria established 
in accordance with CAC/GL 21, Principles for the Establishment and Application 
of Microbiological Criteria for Foods.  
CHAPTER III. PACKAGI NG, LABELLING AND SAMPLING  
ARTICLE 5: PACKAGING  
5.1. Packaging  
Mangoes must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly. The 
materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as 
to avoid causing any external or internal damage to the produce (mangoes). The 
use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications, is 
allowed, provided the printing or labelling has been done with non -toxic ink or 
glue.  
Mangoes shall be packed in each container  in compliance with CAC/RCP 44, 
Recommended International Code of Practice for Packaging and Transport of 
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.  
5.2 Description of the containers  
The containers shall meet the quality, hygiene, ventilation and resistance 
characteris tics to ensure suitable handling, shipping and preserving of the 
mangoes. The baskets (or the batch of mango products presented in bulk) must 
be free of all foreign matter and smell.  
5.3 Homogeneity  
The contents of each basket must be uniform and contain o nly mangoes of the 
same origin, variety, quality and size. The visible part of the contents of the 
basket must be representative of the whole basket . 
ARTICLE 6: LABELLING / RE-LABELLING  
6.1 Consumer Packaging  
In addition to the requirements of ECOSTAN 50, the ECOWAS General 
Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods, the following specific 
provisions are used:  
6.1 1  Nature of the Product  If the produce is not visible from the outside, each package shall be labelled with 
the name of the produce and poss ibly with the name of the variety.  
6.1.2  Non-retail containers  
Each basket must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same 
side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from the outside, or in the 
documents accompanying the shipment . For products transported in bulk, these 
indications must appear on a document accompanying the goods.   
6.1.2.1  Identification  
Name and address of the exporter, packer and/or dispatcher. Identification code 
(optional).  
6.1.2.2  Nature of the product  
The nam e of the produce must always appear on the package.  
Name of the variety or commercial type (optional).  
6.1.2.3  Origin of the produ ct 
Country of origin and, optionally, growing area or national, regional or local place 
name.  
6.1.2.4  Commercial Identification  
The following information should be included on the package:  
- Class;  
- Size (size code or weight range in grams);  
- Number of units (optional);  
- Net weight (kg) (optional).  
 
6.1.2.5  Official Inspection Mark  
This statement on t he package is optional.  
 
ARTICLE 7: SAMPLING  
Sampling shall be carried out in accordance with ISO Standard 874, Fresh Fruit 
and Vegetables - Sampling.  
CHAPTER IV: PROVISIONS RELATING TO LITIGATION  
ARTICLE 8:  INFRINGEMENTS  It is an offence to contravene the  provisions of this bylaw for any person or 
company who: 
a) Exports, imports and /or markets a product that does not meet the    
quality requirements of this technical regulation;  
b) fails to comply with the packaging and labeling or relabeling 
requirements  (re-labeling follows the same process as labeling ) 
(c) removes the label from a product;  
(d) provides inaccurate and/or misleading information  
e) hinders the action of the competent authorities and authorized agents 
in the exercise of their powers.  
Any prod ucer or importer is required to put in place a procedure for the 
withdrawal from the market of any product likely to present a major risk to the 
health of consumers.  
Each member state may define additional offences if necessary.  
ARTICLE 9 : PENALTIES  
Each Member State shall lay down the penalties for infringements of this  
Regulation.  
ARTICLE 10 : PROCEDURE  
Infringements of the provisions of this Regulation shall be recorded by means 
of official reports by the authorized officials of each State in accordance with its 
own administrative or criminal procedure.  
ARTICLE 11  : RIGHT OF APPEAL  
Each State shall guarantee to any natural or legal person whose proceeds are 
detained or seized pursuant to this Regulation the right to appeal against such 
decision in accorda nce with the relevant procedure.  
ARTICLE 12 : COMPENSATION  
Where an enforcement authority exercises its power under these Regulations 
to seize any mango, it shall be liable to pay compensation to any natural or legal 
person who records any loss or damage ca used by the exercise of that power 
if: 
 (a) it is ultimately found that there has been no violation of these 
regulations in respect of the product seized; and  
(b) the exercise of the power did not result from the negligence or default 
of that person.  
CHAPT ER V: FINAL PROVISIONS  
 
ARTICLE 13: REVISION  
The decision to revise this Regulation shall be taken on the basis of proposals 
from the Member States or the Community Committee for Technical Regulations 
(ECOREG) in consultation with the Member States.  
The revision of this Regulation shall follow the same procedure as that for its 
preparation.  
ARTICLE 14: REPEAL   
The decision to repeal this Regulation shall be taken on the basis of proposals 
from the Member States or the Community C ommittee  for Technical Regulation 
(ECOREG) in consultation with the Member States (or the Community Quality 
Council (CQC)).  
ARTICLE 15 : EFFECTIVITY   
This Regulation shall be effective on the date of signature by the ECOWAS 
Council of Ministers.  
ARTICLE 16 : PUBLICATION  
This Regulation shall be published by the ECOWAS Commission in the Official 
Journal of the Community within thirty (30) days from the date of its signature 
by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers. It shall also be published within the 
same period by each Member State in its Official Gazette and notified to the 
World Trade Organization (WTO) in accordance with the provisions of the 
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).  
 
DONE IN ..., ON ...  
 
FOR THE COUNCIL,  
 
THE PRESIDENT,  ANNEXES :  
Annex 1: Classification of Mangoes  
Mangoes are classified into three classes as defined below. All classes of 
mangoes must meet the general requirements as  defined  in ECOSTAND 023 
as amended  :  
1.1 "Extra" Class  
Mangoes in this class must be of superior quality. They must be characteristic 
of the variety. They must be free from defects, with the exception of very slight 
superficial defects, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the 
produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentatio n in the package.  
1.2 Class I  
Mangoes in this class are of good quality. They must be characteristic of the 
variety. Slight defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect 
the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping qualit y and 
presentation in the package. These defects may be:  
- slight defects in shape ;  
- slight skin defects due to rubbing or sunburn, suberized spots due to resin 
exudation (including elongated streaks) and healed bruises not exceeding 1, 2, 
3, 4, 5 cm² fo r size groups A, B, C, D, E, F.  
1.3 Class II  
This class includes mangoes which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher 
classes, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified in Section 2.1 above. 
Defects, however, may be allowed provided the mangoes re tain their essential 
characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation. 
These defects may be:  
- defects in shape ;  
- skin defects due to rubbing or sunburn, suberized spots due to resin 
exudation (including elongated streaks) an d healed bruises not exceeding 4, 5, 
6, 7, 8, 9 cm² for size groups A, B, C, D, E, F.  
In classes I and II, scattered sub -germinated rusty lentils are accepted, as well 
as yellowing of green varieties due to direct exposure to the sun, not 
exceeding 40% of the surface and showing no signs of necrosis.  
 
 
  
Annex 2: Provisions concerning sizing  
Size is determined by the weight of the fruit according to the following  table:   
 
Table 1: Fruit sizes  
 
 Size code Weight (in grams)  
A 100 -350 
B 351 -550 
C 551 -800 
D 801  - 1000  
E 1001 - 1300  
F > 1300   
 
The maximum acceptable difference between mango fruits in the same basket 
belonging to one of the above -mentioned size groups is 75, 100, 125, 150, 175 
and 200 g respectively. The minimum weight of mangoes must not be less  
than 100 g.  
 
Annex 3: Provisions concerning tolerances  
 
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each basket of 
mango products not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.  
 
3.1 Quality Tolerance  
 
3.1.1 "Extra" Class  
 Five percent by number or weight of mangoes not satisfying the requirements 
of the class, but meeting those of Class I or, exceptionally, coming within the 
tolerances of that class.  
 
3.1.2 Class I  
 
Ten percent by number or weight of mangoes not satisfying the r equirements 
of the class, but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally, coming within the 
tolerances of that class.  
 
3.1.3 Class II  
 
Ten percent by number or weight of mangoes satisfying neither the 
requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of 
produce affected by rotting, marked bruising or any other deterioration 
rendering it unfit for consumption.  
 
3.2 Size Tolerances  
 
For all classes, ten percent by number or weight of mangoes in each basket 
may fall outsid e (above or below) the size range of the group, at 50% of the 
maximum acceptable difference for the group. In the smallest size category, 
mangoes must not be less than 90 g, as shown in Table 2 :  
 
Table 2 - Size tolerances for mangoes  
Size code Normal size  deviations (in grams) Acceptable size deviations (< 
10% of fruit/package over the normal size range) (in grams) Max. Acceptable 
difference between fruits in each basket (in grams)  
A 100 - 350 90 - 385 112.5  
 
B 351 - 550 315.9 - 605 150  
 C 
 551 - 800 495.9  - 880 187.5  
D 
 801 - 1000 720.9 - 1100 225  
E 
 1001 - 1300 900.9 - 1430 262.5  
F 
 > 1300 > 1170.9