The “Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures” (SPS Agreement) is an international agreement that was established by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. The agreement aims to ensure the protection of human, animal, and plant life or health while promoting fair trade practices in the global market.
The SPS Agreement covers various regulations and standards related to food safety, animal health, and plant health that are applied by WTO member countries. The agreement recognizes the need for such measures to prevent the spread of diseases and pests that can endanger human, animal, and plant life. However, it also recognizes that these measures can impact international trade and create barriers to free trade.
To ensure that SPS measures do not create unjustified trade barriers, the agreement establishes various rules that member countries must adhere to. These rules include the requirement that SPS measures must be based on scientific evidence, be applied only to the extent necessary to protect life or health, and be transparent and accessible to all interested parties.
The SPS Agreement also establishes a framework for resolving disputes between member countries regarding SPS measures. Disputes can be raised by a member country that believes that another member country`s SPS measures are unjustified or discriminatory. The dispute settlement process involves consultations between the parties involved, followed by a panel review if the consultations fail to resolve the issue.
The SPS Agreement has had a significant impact on international trade, especially in the agricultural sector. WTO member countries are required to follow the rules established by the agreement when applying SPS measures, which has helped to reduce the number of unjustified trade barriers and promote fair trade practices. This has also led to increased consumer confidence in the safety and quality of imported food products and has helped to promote global food security.
In conclusion, the “Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures” is an important international agreement that promotes the protection of human, animal, and plant life while ensuring fair trade practices. Adherence to the rules established by the agreement has helped to reduce unjustified trade barriers and promote global food security. As such, it is an essential tool for achieving sustainable development and the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
