The MC12 SPS Declaration instructed the SPS Committee to launch a Work Programme to identify challenges in the implementation of the SPS Agreement, the mechanisms available to address them, and the impact of emerging challenges on its application. The Committee established five thematic groups to undertake this work.
As mandated in the Declaration, the Committee finalized the report in November 2023 with the intention of presenting it to ministers at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) earlier this year. However, some members requested more time to endorse it.
The report, prepared by former Committee Chair acting as facilitator Mr. Tang-Kai Wang of Chinese Taipei, details key findings of the Work Programme and includes recommendations for moving forward. Key findings affirm the continued importance of the SPS Agreement for ensuring safe international trade in food, animal, and plant products. Aligning SPS measures with international standards and scientific principles remains crucial when confronting new challenges.
A significant focus of the report is on promoting global food security and sustainable food systems. The Committee underscores sustainable agricultural growth and innovation in international trade. It calls for using international standards from bodies like the Codex Alimentarius Commission, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to harmonize SPS measures and safeguard human, animal, and plant health.
The necessity of basing SPS measures on scientific evidence is another critical point emphasized in the report. This is particularly important when international standards are either lacking or unsuitable. The report stresses guidance from international standard-setting bodies to manage scientific uncertainty during risk analysis.
To enhance safe international trade, adapting SPS measures to regional conditions is highlighted as essential. This includes recognizing areas free from specific pests or diseases, which facilitates safe trade efforts limiting pest spread such as Mediterranean fruit fly or diseases like African swine fever. Building capacity to align domestic regulatory frameworks with international guidance is also underscored.
Ongoing cooperation with international bodies is deemed essential for addressing new challenges and opportunities. The report emphasizes providing technical assistance, capacity building, and fostering South-South cooperation to help developing economies comply with SPS requirements and expand their export opportunities. The role of Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) in coordinating this assistance is crucial.
The Committee engaged various stakeholders in preparing the report including international standard-setting bodies, observer organizations, member authorities, agricultural producers, food manufacturers, traders, and STDF. These consultations allowed exchanges on addressing new opportunities and challenges in international trade such as growing global population, technological advances, climate change, sustainable agricultural practices,and proliferation of pests and diseases.
The SPS Committee recommends continuing targeted discussions on implementing the SPS Agreement considering emerging challenges including Sixth Review of Operation Implementation of SPS Agreement specific thematic sessions.