Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

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Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) is one of the important components of the World Trade Agreement (WTA). The signatories of WTA are obliged to adopt measures to achieve the appropriate level of sanitary or phytosanitary protection to safeguard human, animal or plant life or health. WTA members have to take necessary measures to prevent damages due to spread of pests or diseases. Members are bound to adopt measures to control or eradicate pest or disease in the territory of the importing member and they may also adopt cost-effective alternative approaches to limit the risks.

The Main Objective of SPS Agreement

•  The protection of human or animal life or health from risks arising from additives, contaminants, toxins, or disease-causing organisms in foods, beverages, or feedstuffs within a territory.

•  The protection of animal or plant life or health from risks arising from the entry, establishment, or spread of pest, disease, disease-carrying organisms, or disease-causing organisms within a territory.

•  The prevention or reduction of the risks of other damages within a territory from the entry, establishment, or spread of pests

The members of the SPS agreement have to facilitate technical assistance to other members, especially developing country members, either bilaterally or through the appropriate international organizations. The main areas are processing technologies, research and infrastructure. The members also have to facilitate the establishment of national regulatory bodies and may advice on credits, donations, grants, technical expertise, training and equipment to other members who have not attained SPS standards. This is adopted in order to allow such countries to adjust to, and comply with SPS measures necessary to achieve the appropriate level of SPS protection in their export markets.

The agreement helps the developed and under-developed nations to reach appropriate SPS standards to compete in international trade scenario.

Last updated on: 21-12-2007