G/SPS/GEN/1850/Rev.1  
 
25 February 2021  
(21-1626) Page: 1/8 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures    
 
COLLECTION OF RESOURCES TO FACILITATE IMPLEMENTATION OF  
NATIONAL  SPS COORDINATION MECHANISMS  
NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT1 
Revision  
1.  The Report of the Fifth Review of the Operation and Implementation of the SPS Agreement2, 
adopted on 31 July 20203, includes several recommendations on various topics, including national 
SPS coordination mechanisms.  This document responds to the Committee's  specific  recommendation  
request ing "the Secretariat to prepare a collection of resources that can be useful for Members in 
implementing their national coordination mechanisms, starting with those mentioned at the 2019 
Workshop on Transparency and Coordination, and including additional resources as suggested by 
Members ".4,5 
2.  This document is composed of  three sections: (i) experiences of Members with national 
SPS coordination mechanisms  and experiences of  regional organizations in facilitating and 
strengthening national  SPS coordination  mechanisms; (ii) best practices shared by Members  and 
lessons learned in developing and strengthening their national SPS coordination mechanisms; and 
(iii) tools/resources  available from the  WTO and other international organizations  that can be use ful 
in strengthening coordination  mechanisms.  
EXPERIENCES WITH SPS COORDINATION MECHANISMS  AT THE NATIONAL AND 
REGIONAL LEVEL  
3.  In the 2019 Workshop on Transparency and Coordination, several Members identified various 
mechanisms and systems to coordinate SPS issues  at the national level.  Several regional 
organizations also shared their experiences in facilitating and strengthening national mechanisms. 
These mechanisms/systems are indicated in the table  below.  
Coordination 
mechanism/system  Responsibilities/Functions  
I. NATIONAL SPS COORDINATION  
Single agency 
covering both SPS 
and TBT issues  Single agency responsible for covering both SPS and TBT issues, creating a "single 
window" for meeting transparency requirements  and for managing  regulatory 
issues in the SPS area, as well as interfacing at the national and international level.  
Some key tasks include : 
▪ Notification of all technical and SPS regulations that may impact trade, 
including those based on international standards.  
 
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 documents G/SPS/64  and G/SPS/64/Add.1 . 
3 At its June 2020 meeting, the SPS Committee agreed to adopt the Fifth Review Report on an ad 
refere ndum basis. Under this procedure, the Fifth Review Report was adopted unless a Member objected by 
31 July 2020.  
4 The specific recommendation is contained in paragraph 6.7 of  the Fifth Review Report ( G/SPS/64 ). 
5 The programme and report of the Workshop on Transparency and Coordination are available in 
documents G/SPS/GEN/1694/Rev.2  and G/SPS/R/96 , respectively. Presentation s are also available at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/workshop15072019_e.htm . G/SPS/GEN/1850/Rev.1  
 
- 2 - 
 
  Coordination 
mechanism/system  Responsibilities/Functions  
▪ Definition of priorities for regulatory issues  through the establishment of  a 
regulatory agenda . 
▪ Continuous engagement in  international partnerships in order to encourage 
regulatory convergence and promote common standards and guidance with 
strategic partne rs. 
Single regulatory 
agency for 
SPS issues  Single regulatory agency covering food safety, animal and plant health issues , 
jointly governed by two Minist ries with relevant portfolios (e.g. Agriculture and 
Health).  
Single regulatory agency supporting transparency efforts through partnerships with 
multiple regional and international stakeholders (e.g. Standards and Trade 
Development Facility (STDF), the Asia P acific Economic Cooperation (APEC), 
the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) 
and the Global Food Safety Partnership (GFSP)).  
Inter -departmental/  
Inter -ministerial 
coordination 
mechanisms   Dedicated multi -disciplinary coordination team, drawing on expertise across 
different government departments, to monitor and track action on trade barriers in 
order to improve access to export markets. This includes regular communication 
with and reporting  to the business community.  
Inter-ministerial coordination scheme involving various Ministries and Commissions 
(e.g. Commerce, Agriculture, Customs and Health) with a clear -cut assignment of 
responsibilities across the various entities to ensure transpar ency of 
SPS notifications.  
Coordination across  SPS competent authorities through the organization of periodic 
coordination meetings organized (e.g. 2 to 3 times per year) to:  
▪ share the concerns to be considered at the international level;  
▪ identify STCs and issues of interest to be raised in the SPS Co mmittee;  
▪ participate in harmonization meetings coordinated at the regional level; and  
▪ monitor/audit notifications of nonconformit y and corrective measures . 
Coordination among  cross-agency groups that deal with various WTO agreements 
aimed at  creating a domestic network for coordination, positioning and training.  
National 
SPS Committees  Coordination of SPS -related issues through a national SPS committee composed of 
Government departments and ministries, private sector and non -governmental 
organizations.  
II. REGIONAL SPS COORDINATION  
African Union  The African Union undertakes efforts to facilitate domestic and regional 
SPS coordination and increase participation of African countries in the work of 
standard -setting bodies and the SPS Committee. These efforts are also aimed at 
building synergies to resolve food safety, animal and  plant health issues; and 
promoting dialogue with other regional blocs for mutual support during 
standard -setting activities. Examples of coordination activities undertaken include 
supporting electronic forum/physical meetings to discuss specific trade con cerns 
prior to SPS Committee meetings; supporting physical participation of AU member 
States in the meetings of Codex, OIE and the SPS Committee; and conducting 
training activities to strengthen domestic SPS coordination mechanisms.  
APEC  APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum (FSCF)6 Partnership Training Institute 
Network (PTIN) uses a public -private partnership model for improving food safety 
and facilitating trade in the APEC region. It works with FSCF Regulators to deliver 
capacity building through worksho ps, encouraging the adoption of good regulatory 
practices in APEC economies in areas such as public consultation in the drafting of 
food safety regulations; and systematic publication of regulations.  
 
6 APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum (FSCF) includes food safety regulators from t he 21 APEC 
economies. The APEC FSCF focuses on food safety capacity building and regulatory dialogue, encourages the 
use of science -based international standards and alignment to Codex standards, as well as the adherence to 
WTO SPS and TBT provisions . G/SPS/GEN/1850/Rev.1  
 
- 3 - 
 
  Coordination 
mechanism/system  Responsibilities/Functions  
ECOWAS  ECOWAS has undertaken various coordination efforts and supported 
implementation of transparency provisions in the region. Some of the challenges 
faced include limitations in terms of knowledge, awareness and ownership of 
SPS issues; cooperation between the  notification authority and other government 
authorities; and compliance with SPS transparency provisions. Possible solutions 
include increasing training on SPS transparency provisions, revitalizing 
the functioning of the national SPS committees, establish ing monitoring and 
management systems within the notification authorities, and increasing advocacy 
and sensitization of high -level authorities or decision makers on the importance of 
SPS. 
IICA  IICA has facilitated various domestic coordination initiatives  implemented in 
the Latin American and Caribbean region. Based on IICA's experience, countries 
should consider the following points when establishing a national SPS committee: 
possibility to interact with different actors (public and private); need for per iodic 
training of all actors involved; capacity to identify and resolve issues, and 
disseminate results on a permanent basis; and importance of a strong solid focal 
point.   
  G/SPS/GEN/1850/Rev.1  
 
- 4 - 
BEST PRACTICE S AND LESSONS LEARNED  
4.  The following table provides an overview of best practices shared by Members and lessons learned in developing and strengthen ing their national 
SPS coordination mechanisms.  
Best Practice s Lessons Learned  
1. Training  
▪ Using training to promote national SPS coordination.  
▪ Undertaking a training gap analysis and develop ing a training strategy.  
▪ Strengthening the knowledge and understanding of WTO SPS provisions in order to 
enhance compliance of SPS measures.  
▪ Delivering general st aff induction training and specific training on WTO matters for 
government agencies and industry sectors.  ▪ Importance of taking advantage of national, regional and international 
SPS/TBT training events to promote and register new users.  
▪ Coordinate technical  cooperation to benefit from synergies and reduce 
duplication.  
2. Communication and advocacy  
▪ Engaging in continuous communication and advocacy efforts to broaden cooperation 
on SPS transparency matters.  
▪ Advocating and sensitizing high -level authorities or decision -makers on the 
importance of SPS notifications and issues.  
▪ Participating in WTO transparency workshops and enhancing technical cooperation 
with developing country Members.  
▪ Promoting public awareness of SPS transparency -related websit es, including  
notifications, translations, monthly newsletters.  
▪ WTO online tools: encouraging industries, especially Micro, Small and Medium 
Enterprises (MSMEs) to utilize WTO SPS/TBT tools, including ePing; and periodic 
promotion, training and registrati on of new users to account for staff turnover, new 
enterprises.  ▪ Continuous dissemination of benefits from the implementation of transparency 
provisions at all levels is essential.  
▪ Promoting the use of ePing by MSMEs to access information on SPS and TBT 
import requirements.  
▪ Technology facilitates the wider distribution of notifications electronically.  
▪ Political will is critical for supporting national SPS activities.  
▪ Continuously creating awareness, building inter -agency accountability and 
establishing feedb ack mechanisms on priority SPS issues are necessary to 
sustain stakeholder's interest.  
3. Regulatory process  
When developing/revising SPS regulations consider:  
▪ Improving transparency of the SPS regulatory process.  
▪ Building up a legal system in line with multilateral trade rules.  
▪ Verifying consistency with domestic and international legal frameworks.  
▪ Allowing for interagency review and comment.  
▪ Ensuring the publication of a notice, notification of proposed regulation to the WTO 
and provision of a comm ent period.  
▪ Making proposed regulations publicly available (public docket); reviewing comments 
received; and tak ing the comments and discussions into account in finalizing the 
regulation.  
▪ Reviewing (regulators) the coverage of all measures and distinguish ing which parts 
may fall under the SPS or TBT Agreements; notifying regulations containing both 
SPS and TBT elements to the SPS and TBT Committees  (SPS/TBT NNAs) ; indicating 
in the notification if the regulation has been notified to another WTO committee; 
and keeping track of notifications made under both committees.  ▪ Public comment mechanisms result in better, fit -for-purpose SPS regulations.  
▪ Institutions must have procedures for developing regulations.   
  G/SPS/GEN/1850/Rev.1  
 
- 5 - Best Practice s Lessons Learned  
4. Format and composition of national SPS coordination mechanisms  
When establishing a national coordination mechanism, it is important to consider:  
▪ Evaluating the need for and suitability of a national SPS committee, as well as 
defining responsibilities and areas of work.  
▪ Including representative s of both public and private sectors.  
▪ Integrating cross -cutting SPS issues discussed in various multilateral fora.  
▪ Using national SPS/TBT committees to receive stakeholders' feedback on WTO online 
tools, including ePing.  
▪ Delivering periodic training  to participants.  ▪ Leadership is fundamental to develop and maintain processes of change.  
▪ Transparency should be a regular agenda item.  
▪ The SPS NNA has a key role in the implementation of transparency 
provisions.  
▪ Strategic alliances strengthen Members ' performance and parti cipation in 
transparency processes.  
▪ Domestic and regional consultation mechanisms:  
o Facilitate compliance with international transparency commitments.  
o Are successful when they have a solid focal point and processes that 
affect decision -makers.  
o Are effective  if they identify challenges and resolve issues.  
o Are key to establish sustainable processes.  
o Are usually not constrained by financial limitations.  
▪ The existence of contact networks favours cooperation and synergies between 
peers.  
▪ Industry associations usua lly report through direct relationships rather than 
formal processes/channels. They also report through forums and committees.  
▪ Larger businesses rely on departmental and ministerial relationships.  
▪ Reporting of issues through step -by-step processes can be i nconsistent.  
▪ MSMEs see trade barriers as their own responsibility and business as usual. 
Can be unclear who to report to.  
▪ Private sector can provide unique technical and scientific information, as well 
as production knowledge.   
  G/SPS/GEN/1850/Rev.1  
 
- 6 - 
USEFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR NATIONAL SPS COORDINATION  
Tool/Resource  What is it?  Where to find it?  
WTO Documents Online  Database providing access to all official WTO documentation, including SPS -related 
documents.7 This tool also includes an e -mail alert service (E -Subscriptions), where 
users can register to receive e -mail alerts whenever new WTO documents matching 
their interests are circulated.8 https://docs.wto.org/  
SPS Members 
transparency toolkit  Toolkit containing information about notification formats, handbooks, links to 
Members ' SPS websites and other aids for Members ' SPS-related transparency work.  https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/transparen
cy_toolkit_e.htm  
TBT Members 
transparency t oolkit  Toolkit containing information on the transparency obligations and procedures, and 
related work in the TBT Committee, as well as on -line resources.  https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/tbt_transpa
rency_toolkit_e.htm  
SPS Information 
Management System 
(SPS IMS)  Comprehensive database containing specialized and  detailed information on 
SPS notifications, specific trade concerns (STCs), National Notification Authorities 
(NNA)/National Enquiry Points (NEP) contact information, and other SPS documents.  http://spsims.wto.org  
TBT Information 
Management System 
(TBT IMS)  Comprehensive database allowing users to search all TBT notifications submitted by 
Members, as well as specific trade concerns raised in the TBT Committee. Users can 
also access information on TBT Enquiry Points, st atements on implementation and 
acceptance of the Code of Good Practice.  http://tbtims.wto.org  
eAgenda  Members can submit items, including specific trade concerns (STCs), for inclusion in 
the SPS Committee meeting anno tated draft agenda, increasing transparency and 
early notice on STCs and other agenda items, and allowing Members to upload 
statements prior to or after the SPS Committee meeting.  https://eagenda.wto.org/mem bers/ 
Annotated agenda for 
SPS Committee meetings  Ahead of each SPS Committee meeting, the Secretariat prepares an annotated 
agenda for the formal and informal meeting s.9 The annotated agenda provides 
detailed information on the agenda items to be  discussed by the Committee. 
In particular, i t includes useful background details on topics under discussion and 
the relevant document symbols of submissions from Members and Observer  
organizations, as well as documents prepared by the Secretariat. The annotated 
agenda aids Members in their preparation for SPS Committee meetings.  Documents for meetings ; 
https://docs.wto.org/  
ePing system  SPS/TBT notification alert system launched by WTO, UNDESA and ITC in November 
2016. Users can sign up to receive daily or weekly email alerts using individual 
criteria, and search for specifi c SPS/TBT notifications.  
ePing provides additional functionalities for officially designated NNAs/NEPs to 
coordinate and communicate with domestic stakeholders.  http://www.epingalert.org  
The Global Trade 
Helpdesk (GTH)  Multi-agency initiative jointly led by ITC, UNCTAD, and the WTO that aims to simplify 
market research for companies, and especially MSMEs, by integrating trade and 
business information into a single online portal.  http://www.globaltradehelpdesk.org/  
 
7 Password -protected access to Members for restricted documents.  
8 This e-mail alert service is available only for Members and requires  a personal WTO account. Delegation Coordinators can be contacted for more information.  
9 Password -protected access to Member s for annotated agendas, which are restricted documents.   
  G/SPS/GEN/1850/Rev.1  
 
- 7 - Tool/Resource  What is it?  Where to find it?  
The global database on 
Non-Tariff Measures 
(TRAINS)  TRAINS provides information on a broad range of policy instruments including 
traditional trade policy instruments, such as quotas and price co ntrols, as well as 
regulatory and technical measures that stem from important non -trade objectives 
related to health and environmental protection (i.e. sanitary and phytosanitary 
(SPS) measures and technical barriers to trade (TBT)). The database is a syst ematic 
source of information and aims to enhance transparency in NTMs.10 https://trains.unctad.org/  
The food control system 
assessment tool  Comprehensive tool jointly developed by FAO and WHO to assist Members in 
assessing the effectiveness of national food control systems.  https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978924151571
9 
The Performance of 
Veterinary Services 
(PVS) Pathway  OIE's flagship capacity building platform for the sustainable improvement of national 
Veterinary Services. The PVS Pathway empowers national Veterinary Services by 
providing them with a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and 
weaknesses using a globally consistent methodology based on international 
standards - a useful external perspective that can reveal gaps, inefficiencies and 
opportunities for innovation. This enables countries to take ownership and prioritise 
improvements to their an imal health system.  https://www.oie.int/solidarity/pvs -pathway/  
The Phytosanitary 
Capacity Evaluation 
(PCE)  Interactive tool developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) 
to conduct a situational analysis of the existing phytosanitary system, and to help 
the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPOs) assess its progress over time in 
the implementation of the IPPC and the international standards on phytosanitary 
measures.  https://www.ippc.int/en/core -activities/capacity -
development/phytosanitary -capacity -evaluation/  
STDF work on 
SPS capacity evaluation 
tools An STDF briefing note (2017) provides an overview of three main tools that are used 
to evaluate SPS capacity, as a first step in identifying and addressing SPS priorities: 
the OIE -PVS Pathway, the IPPC -PCE tool, and the FAO/WHO National Food Control 
System s Assessment Tool. The briefing note provides examples and case stories. 
Previous STDF work on SPS tools included workshops and a compilation of other 
SPS-related capacity evaluation tools. More information is available on the STDF 
website.  https://www.standardsfacility.org/capacity -evaluation -
tools  
STDF - Prioritizing 
SPS Investments for 
Market Access (P -IMA) 
Framework  The P -IMA framework offers an evidence -based approach to inform and improve 
SPS planning and decision -making processes and mobilize public, private and/or 
donor resources for SPS investments. Developed by the STDF, the framework helps 
to link SPS investments to public policy goals including export growth, agricu ltural 
productivity, and poverty reduction. Experience has shown that in the process, 
P-IMA encourages public -private dialogue, boosts transparency and accountability, 
and improves the economic efficiency of investment decisions. The framework has 
been app lied in several developing countries, including through STDF project and 
project preparation grants (PPGs). The STDF is currently finalizing a review and 
update of the P -IMA user guide to improve its practicality and user -friendliness and 
allow virtual tra ining on the P -IMA framework. The guide will be issued in 2021. 
More information is available on the STDF website.  https://www.standardsfacility.org/prioriti zing-sps-
investments -market -access -p-ima 
STDF Library  The STDF Library holds a wide range of global SPS resources including guidelines on 
SPS capacity building, training materials, capacity assessments, project reports and 
evaluations, research papers and  articles. All the information in the Library is publicly 
available.  https://www.standardsfacility.org/library  
 
10 UNCTAD: https://unctad.org/system/files/official -document/ditctab2017d3_en.pdf .  
  G/SPS/GEN/1850/Rev.1  
 
- 8 - Tool/Resource  What is it?  Where to find it?  
STDF work on Good 
Regulatory Practice  The STDF is carrying out work on how Good Regulatory Practice (GRP) can be used 
to improve the quality and effectiveness of SPS measures in developing countries. 
GRPs include for example stakeholder consultation and regulatory impact 
assessment . STDF's GRP  work aims to provide guidance and a practical checklist for 
developing countries to ensure that SPS measures are "fit for purpose" and avoid 
the creation of non -tariff barriers. This work is guided by a peer review group of 
STDF members and other partners . An update is expected in 2021. More information 
is available on the STDF website.  https://www.standardsfacility.org/good -regulatory -
practice  
STDF publication on 
National SPS 
Coordination 
Mechanisms: An African 
perspective  This STDF paper (2012) examines the existence and functioning of national SPS 
coordination mechanisms in Africa. The paper provides practical suggestions and 
guidance for the establishment of national SPS committ ees, including a practical 
checklist  on the creation and operation of these committees, and offers lessons 
learned in this regard. Case studies of selected national SPS  coordination 
mechanisms, as well as information documents related to such mechanisms, are 
also included. In addition, the p aper provides information on tools that, among other 
things, support coordination and communication among SPS  stakeholders at the 
national, regional and international level.  https://www.standardsfacility.org/sites/default/files/STD
F_NationalSPSCoordinationMechanisms_EN_0.pdf  
STDF publication on 
Regional SPS 
Frameworks and 
Strategies in Africa  This report for the STDF includes a preliminary analysis of regional SPS policy 
frameworks in Africa, in light of the SPS Agreement and the standard -setting 
activities of Codex, OIE and IPPC, and explores the possibility of further actions.  https://www.standardsfacility.org/sites/default/files/STD
F_Regional_SPS_Stategies_in_Africa_EN_0.pdf  
 
__________