G/SPS/GEN/1850  
 
29 October  2020 
(20-7571) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures    
 
 
COLLECTION OF RESOURCES TO FACILITATE IMPLEMENTATION OF  
NATIONAL  SPS COORDINATION MECHANISMS  
NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT1 
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  sectio ns: (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 developi ng 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.  
▪ Definit ion of priorities for regulatory issues  through the establishment of  a 
regulatory agenda . 
 
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. Presentations are also available at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e /sps_e/workshop15072019_e.htm . G/SPS/GEN/1850  
 
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  Coordination 
mechanism/system  Responsibilities /Functions  
▪ Continuous engagement in  international partnerships in order to encourage  
regulatory convergence and promote common standards and guidance with 
strategic partners.   
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 support ing transparency efforts through partnerships with 
multiple  regional and international  stakeholders (e.g. Standards and Trade 
Development Facility (STDF), the Asia Pacific 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 commun ication 
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 transparency of SPS 
notifications . 
Coordination across  SPS competent authorities through the organization of p eriodic 
coordination meetings organized (e.g. 2 to 3 times per year)  to: 
▪ share the concerns to be considered at the i nternational level;  
▪ identify STCs and issues of interest to be raised in the SPS Committee;  
▪ 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 C OORDINATION  
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 an d 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 co ncerns 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 worksh ops, 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.  
ECOWAS  ECOWAS has undertaken various coordination effo rts and supported 
implementation of transparency provisions in the region. Some of the challenges 
faced includ e 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 
includ e increasing training on SPS transparency provisions, revitalizing the 
functioning of the national SPS committees, establishing monitoring and 
management systems within th e notification authorities, and increasing advocacy 
 
6 APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum (FSCF) includes food safety regulators from the 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  
 
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  Coordination 
mechanism/system  Responsibilities /Functions  
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 periodic 
training o f 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  
 
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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 staff induction training and specific training on WTO matters for 
government agencies and industry sectors.  ▪ Importance of taking advantage of national, regional and i nternational 
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 tran sparency workshops and enhancing technical cooperation 
with developing country Members.  
▪ Promoting public awareness of SPS transparency -related websites, 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 registration 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 feedback 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 c onsistency 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 comment 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 distinguishing which parts 
may fall und er 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  
 
- 5 - Best Practice s Lessons Learned 
4. Format and composition of national SPS coordination mechanisms  
When e stablishing 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 representatives of both public and private sectors.  
▪ Integrat ing 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.  
 ▪ Leadershi p 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 participation  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 usually repo rt 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 inconsistent.  
▪ 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  
 
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USEFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR NATIONAL SPS COORDINATION  
Tool 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 contain ing 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 toolkit  Toolkit contain ing 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 an d 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, statements 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 annotated 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/ members/   
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 specific SPS/TBT notifications.  
ePing provides additional functionaliti es 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 th e 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/  
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 controls, as well as 
regulatory and technical measures that stem from impor tant non -trade objectives 
related to health and environmental protection ( i.e. s anitary and phytosanitary 
(SPS) measures and technical barriers to trade (TBT)). The database is a systematic 
source of information and aims to enhance transparency in NTMs.9 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 system s. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978924151571
9  
 
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 Coordinat ors can be contacted for more information.  
9 UNCTAD: https://unctad.org/system/files/official -document/ditctab2017d3_en.pdf .  
  G/SPS/GEN/1850  
 
- 7 - Tool What is it?  Where to find it?  
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 glob ally 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 animal 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/   
P-IMA Framework  The P -IMA framework offers an evidence -based approach to inform and improve SPS 
planning and decision -making processes. It helps to link SPS investments to public 
policy goals including export growth, agricultural productivity, and poverty 
reduction. In the process, P -IMA encourages  public -private dialogue, boosts 
transparency and accountability, and improves the economic efficiency of 
investment decisions.  https://www.standardsfacility .org/prioritizing -sps-
investments -market -access -p-ima 
 
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