Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are advancing in their review of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, with a focus on revising background documents, draft reports, and recommendations. The Chair of the Committee, Cecilia Risolo from Argentina, has called for additional written comments by December 6, 2024. This feedback will help finalize documents ahead of the next meeting in March 2025.
Two thematic sessions were held as part of this Sixth Review. The first session addressed "Emerging Risks and New Agricultural Technologies to Address Them," based on a joint proposal by Canada and the European Union. It focused on defining SPS-related emerging risks and exploring new agricultural technologies. A follow-up session is planned for March 2025 to discuss innovative regulatory approaches.
The second session examined the Codex Guidelines for Voluntary Third Party Assurance Programmes (vTPA), with discussions led by Belize. Participants shared experiences from pilot projects in West Africa, Central America, and East Africa, supported by organizations such as UNIDO and IICA.
Cecilia Risolo also updated members on discussions related to the Special and Differential Treatment Declaration adopted at the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi in February 2024. Coordination among committees is emphasized for implementing this declaration.
During the meeting, members raised a record number of 64 specific trade concerns (STCs). These included issues like import restrictions due to chemical limits, pesticide regulations, and disease-related measures affecting animal products.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 17-21, 2025.