WT/COMTD/AFT/W/89  
 
21 October  2021 
(21-7958) Page: 1/7 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Aid for Trade    
 
UPDATE ON THE STANDARDS AND TRADE DEVELOPMENT FACILITY  
NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT1 
This document is being issued by the Standards and Tr ade Development Facility  for the  
Committee on Trade and Development 's 53rd Session on Aid for Trade . 
 
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1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  This document provides a brief update on the work of the Standards and Trade Development 
Facility (STDF) . Delegates are encouraged to visit the STDF website2 to view and become  familiar 
with STDF activities and projects, download STDF briefing notes and other publications, and 
subscribe to STDF's mailing list (at the bottom of the  STDF  homepage) to receive regular updates 
on STDF work.  
1.2.  Established in 2004 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the 
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Bank Group (WBG), the World Health 
Organization (WHO) and the WTO, the STDF  promotes improved food safety, a nd animal and plant 
health capacity in developing countries. The work of the partnership is guided by the STDF Strategy 
(2020 -2024), which aims to further strengthen STDF's role in Aid for Trade as a global platform for 
dialogue and learning on SPS capacity development.3 The STDF finances the development and 
implementation of collaborative and innovative SPS projects, with the potential to influence and 
catalyse SPS  improvements. The STDF  Strategy is accompanied by a new  Monitoring, Evaluation 
and L earning (MEL) Framework, which is being integrated into STDF projects.4  
1.3.  The pandemic has changed the way the STDF and its partners work. The Secretariat released 
its third COVID risk management report in July and continues to learn, adapt, and actively m onitor 
the implications of COVID across all its work streams.5 STDF's new film "Shaping a safer world" 
highlights the importance of investing in SPS capacity development as a global public good to support 
economic recovery and longer -term resilience again st COVID -19 and similar shocks.6 SPS delegates 
are encouraged to watch and share this film widely.  
2  STDF GLOBAL PLATFORM  
2.1.  The STDF convenes and connects diverse public and private sector organizations across 
agriculture, health, trade, and development to ex change experiences, identify opportunities for 
collaboration, and promote a more coherent approach to SPS capacity development. As part of this 
platform, the STDF Working Group allows members to share and learn from each other's work, 
helping to disseminat e, influence and scale up good practices more widely.  
 
1 This document has been prepared under the Secretariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice to the 
positions of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO.  
2 See: http://www.standardsf acility.org . 
3 See: https://standardsfacility.org/sites/default/files/STDF_Strategy_2020 -2024.pdf . 
4 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/sites/default/files/STDF_MEL_ Framework_Final_English.pdf . 
5 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/sites/default/files/STDF_Risk_Management_19July_2021.pdf . 
6 Watch STDF's new fi lm at: https://youtu.be/DT3dnlz -nTg. WT/COMTD/AFT/W/89  
 
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  2.2.  The Working Group will meet virtually  on 19-21 October  2021, chaired by Tom Heilandt, Codex 
Secretary. The summary report of th is meeting will be made available on the STDF website.7 The 
STDF currently  benefits from the expertise and knowledge of six SPS experts from developing  
countries , namely Visoni Timote (Fiji), Mirian Bueno (Honduras),  Lucy Namu (Kenya) , Shitar Dorjee 
(Bhutan), Juliet Goldsmith (Jamaica) and Unesu  Ushewokunze -Obatolu (Zimbabwe).8  
2.3.  The Secretariat released STDF's 2020 Annual Report in July  2021.9 The report focuses on how, 
despite the challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic, the STDF adapted quickly across all its 
workstreams and kept deliv ering strong results in 2020.   
3  STDF KNOWLEDGE WORK  
3.1.  The aim of STDF's knowledge work is to identify and promote good practices and improve 
SPS capacity development outcomes. Some of this work takes place in virtual Practitioner Groups, 
set up in 2020, that bring together stakeholders for in -depth discussions on topics that cut across 
the areas of food safety, animal and plant health, and trade.  
3.1  Prioritizing SPS Investments for Market Access: P -IMA 
3.2.  The P -IMA framework is an evidence -based approach to help inf orm and improve SPS planning 
and decision making, and mobilize public, private and/or donor resources for SPS investments. 
The framework is being applied in several developing countries through project and project 
preparation grants  (see Annex I) . A joint STDF/EIF/COMESA/AGRA webinar was organized on  
24 September to share the  results of P -IMA's application  in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, under an 
STDF/EIF project. The recording of this webinar can be found on the dedicated webpage for the 
event .10  
3.3.  Delegates w ho would like to know more about, or benefit from , the P-IMA framework can visit 
the STDF website11 or contact Ms Angelica Cottica ( angelica.grisuk@wto.org ) in the STDF 
Secretariat.  
3.2  Public Private Partnership (PPP)  
3.4.  The Secretariat is currently identify ing, collect ing, and compil ing examples of PPPs in the area 
of SPS capacity (across food safety, animal health and/or plant health) to facilitate safe trade. 
SPS delegates are encouraged to share PPP e xamples via the survey (English, French and Spanish) 
on the STDF website.12 The Secretariat hosted a PPP Practitioner Group meeting on 8 September  
where FAO introduced its new Strategy on Private Sector Engagement 2021 -2025.13 A summary 
report of this meet ing can be found on the PPP Practitioner Group webpage.14    
3.5.  Delegates who would like to know more about STDF's PPP work can visit the STDF website15 
or contact Ms Marlynne Hopper in the STDF Secretariat ( marlynne.hopper@wto.org ).  
3.3  Good Regulatory Practice  
3.6.  STDF's work on Good Regulatory Practice (GRP) aims to provide guidance to ensure that 
SPS measures ar e "fit for purpose" and avoid the creation of non -tariff barriers. A practical Guide on 
GRP in the SPS area for developing countries will be presented during a WTO SPS Committee 
 
7 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/working -group -documents . 
8 See for their bios : https://www.standardsfacility.org/developing -country -experts . 
9 See: https://www.standar dsfacility.org/stdf -2020-annual -report . 
10 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/prioritizing -investments -and-leveragi ng-resources -boost -agri-food-
exports -comesa -region . 
11 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/prioritizing -sps-investments -market -access -p-ima. 
12 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/public -private -partnerships . 
13 See: http://www.fao.org/3/cb3352en/cb3352en.pdf . 
14 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/stdf -public -private -partnerships -ppps-practitioner -group .  
15 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/public -private -partnerships . WT/COMTD/AFT/W/89  
 
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  side-event  on 3 November, 2021 at 13:30 CET.  Information on how to register for this webinar can 
be found on the dedicated webpage for this event.16  
3.7.  Delegates who would like to know more about STDF's GRP work can visit the STDF website17 
or contact Ms Marlynne Hopper in the STDF Secretariat ( marlynne.hopper@wto.org ). 
3.4  Electronic SPS certification  
3.8.  The STDF promote s and support s the transition to paperless SPS systems  in developing 
countries . The Secretariat regularly hosts SPS e -Cert Practitioner Group meetings to identify 
opportunities for collaboration, promote synergies and disseminate good practices.18 A joint 
UNESCAP /ADB/ICC/STDF webinar was organized on 8 September  to provide an  overview  of SPS 
eCert in international standard -setting bodies and present  case studies from countries across the 
Asia-Pacific region.  The recording of this webinar can be found on the dedicated webpage for the 
event.19  
3.9.  Delegates who would like to know more about  STDF's work on SPS eCert can visit the 
STDF  website20 or contact Mr Simon Padilla in the STDF Secretariat ( simon.padilla@wto.org ). 
4  STDF FUNDING MECHANISM  
4.1.  Since its inception, the STDF has devoted 65%  of its res ources to least developed countries 
(LDCs) and other low -income countries (OLICs), going beyond its target to devote at least 40% of 
its resources to these countries. 48% of the number of STDF projects and PPGs has gone to Africa, 
25% to Asia -Pacific, 17%  to Latin America -Caribbean, and 2% to other regions (Middle East and 
Europe). 9% of all STDF projects and PPGs are classified as global, benefiting all developing 
countries. An overview of on -going projects and PPGs and beneficiaries is provided in Annex 1 . 
4.1  Project development  
4.2.  The STDF provides advice and support on issues related to SPS project development and 
finances project preparation grants (PPGs). PPGs, normally up to US$50,000, are available to help 
applicants articulate their SPS needs and develop technically sound and sustainable project 
proposals. PPGs can be requested to: (i) apply SPS capacity evaluation and prioritization tools; 
(ii) prepare feasibility studies before project development to assess the potential impact and 
economic viability of proposals in terms of costs and benefits; and (iii) develop project proposals for 
funding by donors and/or the STDF.  
4.3.  A total of 113 PPGs  have been approved by the STDF since its inception. Information on all 
on-going and completed PPGs is available on the STDF website.21 
4.2  Project implementation  
4.4.  Financing for projects is also available from the STDF. The STDF Working Group gives 
favourable consideration to projects that: (i) identify, develop and disseminate good practice in 
SPS-related technical cooperation,  including the development and application of innovative and 
replicable approaches; (ii) apply regional approaches to address SPS constraints; and/or 
(iii) implement collaborative approaches across food safety, animal and plant health and trade. 
Beneficiar ies must contribute to the project from their own resources, either in the form of financial 
or in-kind contributions (such as staff time, use of premises, vehicles, or other existing assets).  
4.5.  A total of 104 projects  have been approved by the STDF since its inception. Information on 
all on -going and completed projects is available on the STDF website.22 A selection of completed 
 
16 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/stdf -guide-good-regulatory -practices -improve -sps-measures   
17 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/good -regulatory -practice . 
18 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/sps -ecac. 
19 See: https://www.unescap.org/events/2021/webinar -sps-e-certs-accelerating -cross-border -paperle ss-trade . 
20 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/SPS -eCert. 
21 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/projectpreparationgrants . 
22 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/projectgrants . WT/COMTD/AFT/W/89  
 
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  STDF projects is subject to an independent ex -post evaluation  according to the STDF  evaluat ion 
guidelines .23  
4.3  How to apply for funding?  
4.6.  Applications for STDF funding can be made at any point in the year but should be received at 
least 60 working days in advance of each Working Group meeting to be considered at that meeting. 
The next deadline for the submission of applications is 24 December 2021 . Further information on 
the system, eligibility criteria, etc. is available on the STDF website.  
RECOMMENDED STEPS:  
1. Browse the webpages for information (aims, eligibility cri teria, etc.) on:  
https://www.standardsfacility.org/funding   
2. View examples of previous projects:  
a. PPGs: http://www.standardsfa cility.org/projectpreparationgrants  
b. PGs: http://www.standardsfacility.org/projectgrants  
3. Carefully read the guidance note for applicants:  
https://www.standardsfacility.org/sites/default/files/STDFGuidanceNote2021_EN.docx  
4. Consult relevant stakeholders in the country/region.  
5. Send a brief concept note of your potential project for feedback on eligibility and 
likelihood of funding  (STDFSecretariat@wto.org ). 
6. Fill out an application form and submit it electronically before the deadline:  
a. PPGs: https://wto.formstack.com/forms/ppg_application  
b. PGs: https://wto.formstack.com/forms/pg_application  
 
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23 See: https://www.standardsfacility.org/sites/default/files/STDF_214_Evaluation_Guidelines_2021_Final.pdf . WT/COMTD/AFT/W/89  
 
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  ANNEX 1  
ONGOING STDF PROJECTS AND PROJECT PREPARATION GRANTS (PPGS)  
COUNTRY PROJECTS AND PPGs  
Country  STDF reference  
and hyperlink  Project / PPG name  
Afghanistan  STDF/PPG/669  Promoting compliance with international SPS 
requirements in food of animal origin and feed for food -
producing animals  
Armenia  STDF/PPG/761  Applying the P -IMA framework to promote export of 
agricultural products  
Bhutan  STDF/PPG/734  Strengthening capacity for border in spection and 
control of plants, animals and their products  
Burkina Faso  STDF/PG/566  Reducing aflatoxin contamination in maize  
Cameroon  STDF/PG/593  Improving SPS capacity in the Penja pepper value chain  
Ecuador  STDF/PPG/709  Applying the P -IMA framework  
Egypt  STDF/PPG/720  Assessing the establishment of a HPAI Free 
Compartment  
Ethiopia  STDF/PG/477  Improving sanitary capacity to facilitate livestock 
exports  
Ghana  STDF/PPG/786  Supporting implementation of the National Policy for 
Aflatoxin Control in Food and Feed using the P -IMA 
framework  
Guinea  STDF/PG/498  Strengthening the phytosanitary system  
India STDF/PG/517  Strengthening the spice value chain and improving 
market access  
Jamaica  STDF/PG/759  Ensuring food safety capacity of the pepper value chain 
to access strategic export markets  
Kyrgyz Republic  STDF/PG/569  Enhancing capacity for food safety management in the 
fruit and vegetable industry  
Mali  STDF/PG/611  Promotion of Codex standards and codes of practice 
particularly in the smoked fish industry  
Mongolia  STDF/PG/534  Piloting an improv ed animal identification and 
registration system  
Niue STDF/PPG/616  Supporting the establishment of a bee sanctuary  
Papua New Guinea  STDF/PG/553  Expanding cocoa trade  
Philippines  STDF/PPG/722  Piloting the use of Regulatory Impact Assessment in the 
agriculture and fisheries sector  
Peru  STDF/PPG/767  Feasibility study on implementation of zoning as means 
to control infectious diseases in aquaculture  
Senegal  STDF/PG/672  Meeting sanitary standards to improve the safety of 
shellfish and boost market access  
Solomon Islands  STDF/PG/521  Laboratory capacity building to support fish exports  
Sri Lanka  STDF/PPG/721  Strengthening food safety and quality compliance in 
spices  
Sudan  STDF/PG/435  Upgrading the sesame seed value chain  
Tajikistan  STDF/PG/447  Improving food safety in honey and apricots to boost 
exports  
Togo STDF/PG/375  Strengthening the SPS system  
Uganda  STDF/PG/543  Enhancing the capacity of the fruit and vegetable sector 
to comply with EU phytosanitary requirements  
Zambia  STDF/PG/481  Strengthening phytosanitary capacity for plant exports 
in Zambia  
 
  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/89  
 
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  REGIONAL PROJECTS AND PPGs  
Region/countries  STDF reference  
and hyperlink  Project / PPG name  
Africa  
Botswana, Kenya, 
Mozambique, South Africa, 
Tanzania, Zambia, 
Zimbabwe  STDF/PG/694  Enhancing trade through regulatory harmonisation and 
biopesticide -based residue mitigation in the SADC 
Region  
Benin, Burkina  Faso, 
Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, 
Guinea  Bissau, Niger, Mali, 
Senegal, Togo  STDF/PPG/770  Voluntary food quality control in West Africa through 
digitisation  
Cameroon, Central African 
Republic, Chad, Congo, 
Equatorial Guinea, Gabon  STDF/PPG/768  Harmonizing phytosanitary legislation in Central Africa  
COMESA members  STDF/PG/606  Mainstreaming SPS investments into CAADP and other 
frameworks in COMESA member states  
Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, 
South  Africa  STDF/PPG/765  Establishing an ISO 17025 accredited mobile laboratory 
for food safety testing in the SADC region  
Mali, Senegal  STDF/PG/665  Piloting the use of voluntary Third -Party Assurance 
(TPA) Programme in Africa to improve food safety 
outcomes for public health and trade  
Mozambique, South Africa  STDF/PG/567  Establishing and maintaining fruit production areas free 
and under low prevalence  of fruit fly pests  
Asia and Pacific  
Bangladesh, Cambodia, 
Indonesia, Lao People's 
Democratic Republic, Nepal, 
Sri Lanka  STDF/PG/634  Asia pesticide residue mitigation through the promotion 
of biopesticides and enhancement of trade opportunities  
Cambodia, Lao People's 
Democratic Republic, 
Viet Nam STDF/PG/619  Safer spices: boosting food safety and market access 
for the peppercorn value chain  
Cambodia, Lao People's 
Democratic Republic, 
Malaysia, Papua New 
Guinea, Philippines, 
Thailand, Viet Nam  STDF/PG/432  Promoting IT solutions for surveillance and pest 
reporting  
Cambodia, Lao People's 
Democratic Republic, 
Myanmar, Thailand, 
Viet Nam STDF/PPG/755  Enhancing seed trade in the Asia -Pacific region through 
phytosanitary compliance and public private 
partnership s 
Latin America and Caribbean  
Argentina, Plurinational 
State of Bolivia, Colombia, 
Costa  Rica, Ecuador, 
El Salvador, Guatemala, 
Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, 
Paraguay  STDF/PPG/753  Latin American residue mitigation through the 
promotion of biopesticides  
Belize, Costa Rica, 
Dominican Republic, 
El Salvador, Guatemala, 
Honduras, Nicaragua, 
Panama  STDF/PG/495  Accreditation of diagnostic tests for animal diseases  
Belize, Honduras  STDF/PG/682  Piloting the use of Third -Party Assurance (TPA) 
Programme in Central America to improve food safety 
outcomes for public health and trade  
CARICOM countries  STDF/PPG/733  Piloting the use of the P -IMA framework in the 
CARICOM region  
Colombia, Costa  Rica, 
Hondu ras, Nicaragua, 
Panama  STDF/PPG/716  Food safety risk analysis capacity building in Latin 
America  
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru 
(and Trinidad and Tobago)  STDF/PG/577  Improving coordination to support management of 
cadmium levels in cocoa in Latin America and the 
Caribbean  
Colombia, Ecuador  STDF/P G/681  Improving institutional capacity to mitigate trade 
barriers due to high cadmium levels in cacao  
Global    
All developing countries  STDF/PG/503  Rolling out a system approach globally  
All developing countries  STDF/PPG/782  Remote inspection practices in food safety for improved trade  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/89  
 
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  EVALUATIONS (ON -GOING AND PLANNED)  
Country(ies)  STDF reference  
and hyperlink  Project name  
Argentina, Plurinational 
State of Bolivia, Brazil, 
Chile, Costa  Rica, Ecuador, 
Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, 
Uruguay  STDF/PG/345  Regional feed and food safety programme  
Argentina, Plurinational 
State of Bolivia, Brazil, 
Chile, Paraguay, Peru, 
Uruguay  STDF/PG/502  Rolling out phytosanitary measures to expand market 
access  
Comoros  STDF/PG/242  Strengthening the SPS system  
Developing countries  STDF/PG/504  ePhyto: Enhancing safe trade in plants and plant 
products  
Developing countries  STDF/PG/609  Facilitating e -veterinary certification based on single 
window system  
Myanmar  STDF/PG/486  Improving compliance with SPS measures to boost 
oilseed exports  
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