Every four years, WTO members review their implementation of the SPS Agreement. The proposed process for the Sixth Review was discussed and adopted by members at an SPS Committee meeting in November 2023.
Members discussed 21 proposals for the Sixth Review, covering a wide variety of topics such as addressing modern challenges and emerging risks, voluntary third-party assurance programs, regionalization, technology, transparency, and maximum residue levels. The committee aims to conclude the review by March 2025, with recommendations being developed in the interim.
A thematic session focused on the uptake of digital tools, particularly the electronic phytosanitary certificate solution developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), with connections to the work of the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). Participants noted how e-certificates can help combat fraud and corruption, foster greater reliability of trade, save costs, paper, and time, and contribute to sustainability.
Examples showcased included Morocco saving USD 40 million per year through e-certificates and Ecuador reducing processing time by 97%. Data shared highlighted increased trade volumes associated with e-certificates across different sectors. Other digital tools incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) were noted for focusing inspections on high-risk shipments and combating food fraud.
Members discussed 53 specific trade concerns (STCs), including six raised for the first time. New STCs addressed issues such as animal diseases, delays in authorization processes, melamine contamination, and maximum residue limits (MRLs) in food products. Persistent concerns were also raised regarding the European Union's measures on pesticide residues, contaminants, endocrine disruptors, and veterinary medicinal products.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), African swine fever (ASF), and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) continued to attract attention. Members discussed surveillance, monitoring plans, and adherence to World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards. One concern about a member's import restrictions due to BSE was reported as resolved.
The list of STCs discussed during the meeting is available here.
Members adopted a landmark report on the SPS Declaration Work Programme that responds to challenges and opportunities facing international trade in food, animal and plant products. This fulfills a mandate given by ministers at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2022.
The report details key findings of the Work Programme and includes recommendations for moving forward. Key findings affirm the continued importance of aligning SPS measures with international standards and scientific principles when confronting new challenges.
Several members highlighted the importance of attending SPS Committee meetings in person for effective engagement both during meetings and bilaterally. However, it was also recognized that in-person attendance may pose challenges for delegates.
The Committee's future agenda includes an intersessional informal meeting scheduled for September to advance work on the Sixth Review. The next SPS Committee week is set for November 11-15, 2024. It will include SPS@30 events and two thematic sessions: one on emerging risks and modern challenges; another on Codex guidelines for voluntary third-party assurance programs.