The World Trade Organization`s (WTO) Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement was adopted by all members of the WTO in 1995. The primary aim of this agreement is to protect human, animal and plant life from risks arising from the import and export of products.
SPS measures refer to measures that are implemented to regulate the quality, safety, and health of food, as well as to prevent the spread of pests and diseases to animals and plants. The WTO recognizes the importance of these measures, given that they have a direct impact on food safety and environmental protection.
The agreement sets out to ensure that SPS measures are non-discriminatory, science-based, and transparent. WTO members are required to base their SPS measures on scientific evidence and must provide adequate justification when there is no scientific evidence to support a measure.
The agreement also recognizes the right of WTO members to take measures necessary to protect human, animal and plant life, and health, but they must avoid using these measures as disguised trade barriers. The WTO has in place a dispute settlement mechanism that can be used to resolve conflicts arising from the implementation of SPS measures.
The SPS agreement is a critical tool in promoting world trade, as it provides a level playing field for all WTO members, regardless of their level of development. Developed countries have a responsibility to provide technical assistance and capacity building to developing countries to help them implement SPS measures that are consistent with the agreement.
In conclusion, the WTO SPS agreement is an essential instrument in promoting world trade while ensuring the protection of human, animal, and plant life from risks arising from the import and export of products. Its implementation requires science-based, non-discriminatory, and transparent measures that are not used as disguised trade barriers. Developed countries must support capacity building in developing countries to achieve this goal.