WORLD TRADE WT/TC/NOTIF/SPS/1
12August 1996
ORGANIZATION(96-3192)
Original: English
TECHNICAL COOPERATION HANDBOOK ONNOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Agreement ontheApplication ofSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures
1. Thissection oftheHandbook onNotification Requirements covers thenotification obligations
under theAgreement ontheApplication ofSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures ("SPS Agreement").
Itconsists ofthefollowing fiveparts:
PartI: Overview ofnotification requirements
PartII: Listing ofthenotification obligations
PartIII Document concerning guidelines andformats
PartIV: "Mock" examples ofnotifications
PartV: TextoftheAgreement
2. Foracceding countries, thedeadlines forthesubmission oftheirnotifications willbegoverned
bytheirrespective Protocols ofAccession.
Note: TheHandbook onNotification Requirements doesnotconstitute alegalinterpretation of
thenotification obligations under therespective Agreement(s). Ithasbeen prepared bythe
Secretariat toassist Members incomplying withtheirnotification obligations.SPS-I -Page1
SPS-I
AGREEMENT ONTHE APPLICATION OF
SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
OVERVIEW OFNOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSSPS-I -Page2
AGREEMENT ONTHE APPLICATION OFSANITARY
AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
Least-developed country Members oftheWTO may delay theimplementation oftheSPS
Agreement, including notification obligations, until theyear 2000 .
I. What areSPS measures? (Annex A,paragraph 1oftheSPS Agreement)
TheSPS Agreement applies toallSPS measures which may affect international trade. Sanitary and
phytosanitary measures aredefined inAnnex Aasanymeasures applied:
toprotect from
human or
animal liferisks arising from additives,
contaminants, toxins or
disease-causing organisms
intheir food;
human life plant- oranimal-carried
diseases
(zoonoses);
animal or
plant lifepests, diseases, ordisease-
causing organisms;
acountry damage caused bythe
entry, establishment or
spread ofpests.
Sanitary andphytosanitary measures taken toprotect thehealth offishandwild fauna, aswellasforests
andwild flora, arealsoincluded inthisdefinition. Alltypes ofmeasures toachieve these purposes
arecovered bytheSPS Agreement, whether these arerequirements onfinal products, processing
requirements, inspection, certification, treatment orpackaging andlabelling requirements directly related
tofood safety.
II. Which measures have tobenotified? (Annex B,paragraph 5oftheSPS Agreement)
• Proposed SPSregulations (such aslaws, decrees orordinances which areapplicable generally),
orchanges toregulations, which arenotthesame asaninternational standard andhave a
significant effect ontrade .
• Note thatSPS measures inforce before 1January 1995 donothave tobenotified (but
subsequent changes tothese measures dohave tobenotified). However, Members should be
able toanswer questions about such measures should they berequested todosobyother
Members through their Enquiry Points.
III. Recommended Notification Procedures -G/SPS/7
TherecommendednotificationproceduresundertheSPSAgreementarecontainedindocumentG/SPS/7.
Thisdocument, which isself-explanatory, contains guidelines regarding: theassessment ofasignificant
effect ontrade, thetiming ofnotifications, translation, handling ofrequests fordocumentation or
information, andthehandling ofcomments onnotifications. With regard toguidelines forthecompletion
ofthenotification formats, recommendations arecontained under Item Fforregular notifications and
under Item Gforemergency notifications.SPS-I -Page3
IV. Emergency Notifications (Annex B,paragraph 6oftheSPS Agreement)
Why anemergency format?
• Asseveral notifications hadbeen received asemergency notifications without therequired
indication ofthenature oftheemergency andanexplanation astowhy advance notice was
notpossible (asrequired bytheSPSAgreement inparagraph 6ofAnnex B)ithadbeen suggested
attheMarch 1995 meeting oftheSPSCommittee thataformat specifically forthenotification
ofemergency measures becreated. This format wasadopted bytheSPSCommittee atitsJune
1995 meeting. Therelevant recommended notification procedures were adopted inMay 1996
(contained indocument G/SPS/7).
When should theemergency notification format beused?
• Annex B,Paragraph 6refers toasituation "where urgent problems ofhealth protection arise
orthreaten toarise ".
What should bedone?
• Immediately notify Members through theSecretariat indicating thenature oftheurgent problem
(seeItem GinG/SPS/7).
• Provide upon request copies ofregulation toother Members.
• Allow members tomake comments inwriting andtake these intoaccount.
V. Enquiry Points (Annex B,paragraph 3oftheSPS Agreement)
Thepurpose oftheEnquiry Point istoanswer allreasonable questions from Members orprovide relevant
documents regarding inter alia:
• sanitary orphytosanitary measures adopted orproposed;
• control andinspection procedures;
• riskassessment procedures.
Note thateach WTO Member should ensure theexistence ofoneEnquiry Point. TheWTO Secretariat
regularly issues anupdated listofallNational Enquiry Points notified totheWTO intheG/SPS/ENQ/...
series.
VI. Notification Authority (Annex B,paragraph 10oftheSPS Agreement)
Members arefurthermore required toidentify anational central governmental authority which is
responsible fortheimplementation ofthenotification procedures under theSPSAgreement. Formany
Members theNotification Authority andtheEnquiry Point arethesame entity. Thelatest listofNational
Notification Authorities iscontained indocument G/SPS/6 (15May 1996).
VII. Documents ofinterest
• "Understanding theWorld Trade Organization Agreement onSanitary andPhytosanitary
Measures".
• "Graphs onthecoverage oftheSPS andTBT Agreements", Note bytheSecretariat,
G/SPS/W/32, 10November 1995.SPS-II -Page 1
SPS-II
AGREEMENT ONTHE APPLICATION OF
SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
NOTIFICATION OBLIGATIONSSPS-II -Page2
AGREEMENT ONTHE APPLICATION OFSANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
NOTIFICATION OBLIGATIONS
Item Notification requirement Type ofmeasure Periodicity Format Members notifying ToWhom
1. Agreement onthe
Application ofSanitary
andPhytosanitary
Measures, Art.7and
Annex B,paragraphs 5-
10Sanitary/phytosanitary
regulationsAdhoc G/SPS/7 WTO Members WTO
Secretariat
2. Annex B,paragraph 6 Emergency actions-
sanitary/phytosanitary
regulationsAdhoc G/SPS/7 WTO Members WTO
Secretariat
3. Annex B,paragraph 3 Enquiry Point Once upon entry
intoforce ofthe
WTO Agreement
fortheMember
concerned (subject
toup-dates)WTO Members WTO
Secretariat
4. Annex B,paragraph 10 Notification Authority Once upon entry
intoforce ofthe
WTO Agreement
fortheMember
concerned (subject
toup-dates)WTO Members WTO
SecretariatSPS-III -Page1
SPS-III
AGREEMENT ONTHE APPLICATION OF
SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
DOCUMENT
G/SPS/7RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE G/SPS/7
11June1996
ORGANIZATION(96-2204)
Committee onSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures
RECOMMENDED NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES
Atitsmeeting of29-30 May1996, theCommittee adopted thefollowing revised recommended
notification procedures withregard toparagraphs 5and6ofAnnex BoftheAgreement.
_______________
Members should follow theseguidelines when notifying regulations asrequired inparagraphs
5or6ofAnnex B.Theformat forregular notifications (Item Fbelow) should beusedfornotifications
inaccordance withparagraph 5ofAnnex B,whereas theformat foremergency notifications (Item G
below) should beusedfornotifications asprovided forinparagraph 6ofAnnex B.
A. Application ofAnnex B,paragraph 5(preambular part) oftheSPSAgreement
Recommendation:
Forthepurposes ofAnnex B,paragraphs 5and6intheSPSAgreement, theconcept of
"significant effect ontrade ofother Members" mayrefertotheeffect ontrade:
- ofonesanitary orphytosanitary regulation onlyorofvarious sanitary orphytosanitary
regulations incombination;
- inaspecific product, group ofproducts orproducts ingeneral; and
- between twoormore Members (countries).
When assessing whether thesanitary orphytosanitary regulation mayhaveasignificant effect
ontrade, theMember concerned should takeintoconsideration, using relevant information which is
available, suchelements asthevalue orother importance ofimports inrespect oftheimporting and/or
exporting Members concerned, whether fromother Members individually orcollectively, thepotential
development ofsuchimports, anddifficulties forproducers inother Members tocomply withthe
proposed sanitary orphytosanitary regulations. Theconcept ofasignificant effect ontrade ofother
Members should include bothimport-enhancing andimport-reducing effects onthetrade ofother
Members, aslongassucheffects aresignificant.G/SPS/7
Page2
B. Timing ofnotifications
Recommendation:
When implementing theprovisions ofparagraph 5ofAnnex B,anotification should bemade
when adraftwiththecomplete textofaproposed regulation isavailable andwhen amendments can
stillbeintroduced andcomments taken intoaccount.
C. Translation ofdocuments relating tonotifications andaddress ofbody supplying the
documents
Recommendation:
When aMember seeks acopyofadocument relating toanotification which doesnotexist
inthatMember 'sWTO working language, itwillbeadvised, onrequest, bythenotifying Member
ofother Members thathaverequested, asofthatdate,acopyofthedocument. TheMember seeking
acopy ofadocument relating toanotification maythencontact suchother Members inorder to
determine whether thelatter areprepared toshare, onmutually agreed terms, anytranslation thatthey
haveorwillbemaking intorelevant WTO working language(s).
(a) When atranslation ofarelevant document exists orisplanned, thisfactshall be
indicated ontheWTO notification form nexttothetitleofthedocument. Ifonlya
translated summary exists, thefactthatsuchasummary isavailable shallbesimilarly
indicated.
(b) Upon receipt ofarequest fordocuments, anytranslated summaries thatexistinthe
language oftherequester or,asthecasemaybe,inaWTO working language, shall
beautomatically sentwiththeoriginal ofthedocuments requested.
(c) Members shallindicate under point 12oftheWTO notification form (point 11for
Emergency Notifications) theexact address ofthebody responsible forsupplying the
relevant documents ifthatbody isnottheenquiry point.
D. Processing ofrequests fordocumentation orinformation
Recommendation:
(a) Requests fordocumentation should contain alltheelements permitting theidentification
ofthedocuments andinparticular, theWTO SPSnotification number towhich the
requests refer. Thesame information should appear onthedocuments supplied in
response tosuchrequests.
(b) Anyrequest fordocumentation orinformation should beacknowledged ifitcannot
beresponded toandprocessed within fiveworking days. Ifadelay insupplying the
documentation orinformation requested isforeseen, thisshould beacknowledged to
therequester.
(c) FAX facilities should beusedtotheextent possible inresponding torequests for
documentation orinformation.G/SPS/7
Page3
E. Handling ofcomments onnotifications
Recommendation:
(a) Each Member should notify theWTO Secretariat oftheauthority oragency (e.g.its
enquiry point) which ithasdesignated tobeincharge forhandling ofcomments
received.
(b) AMember receiving comments through thedesignated body should without further
request
(i) acknowledge thereceipt ofsuchcomments;
(ii) explain within areasonable timetoanyMember from which ithasreceived
comments, howitwillproceed inorder totakethese comments intoaccount
and,whereappropriate,provideadditionalrelevantinformationontheproposed
sanitary orphytosanitary regulations concerned; and
(iii) provide toanyMember fromwhich ithasreceived comments, acopyofthe
corresponding sanitary orphytosanitary regulations asadopted orinformation
thatnocorresponding sanitary orphytosanitary regulations willbeadopted
forthetimebeing.
(c) Favourable consideration should begiven torequests forextension ofthecomment
period, notably where there havebeendelays inreceiving andtranslating therelevant
documents.
F. Completion offormats -Regular notifications (Annex B,Paragraph 5)
Information contained inthenotifications should beacomplete aspossible andnosection should
beleftblank. Where necessary, "notknown" or"notstated" should beindicated.
Item Description
1.Member notifying Government, including thecompetent authorities ofthe
European Community, which ismaking thenotification.
2.Agency responsible Body elaborating aproposal fororpromulgating asanitary or
phytosanitary regulation.
3.Products covered Tariff itemnumber(s) (normally HS,chapter orheading and
number) ascontained innational schedules deposited withthe
WTO. ICSnumbers maybeprovided inaddition, where
applicable. Aclear description isimportant foran
understanding ofthenotification bydelegations and
translators. Abbreviations should beavoided.G/SPS/7
Page4
4.Titleandnumber of
pages ofthenotified
documentTitle oftheproposed oradopted sanitary orphytosanitary
regulation. Number ofpages inthenotified document.
5.Description ofcontent Anabstract oftheproposed oradopted sanitary or
phytosanitary regulation clearly indicating itscontent. A
clear description isimportant foranunderstanding ofthe
notification bydelegations andtranslators. Abbreviations
should beavoided.
6.Objective andrationale Forinstance: food safety, animal health, plant protection,
etc.
7.Existence of
international standardIfarelevant international standard doesnotexist, putacross
intheboxprovided; otherwise briefly describe howthe
proposed regulation deviates from such international
standard.
8.Relevant documents and
language(s) inwhich
these areavailable(a)Publication where notice appears, including dateand
reference numbers;
(b)Proposal andbasic document towhich proposal refers
(with specific reference number orother identification), and
thelanguage(s) inwhich thenotified documents andany
summary ofthese areavailable;
(c)Publication inwhich proposal willappear when adopted;
(d)Whenever practicable, give reference torelevant
international standard. Ifitisnecessary tocharge for
documents supplied, theamount ofthecharge should be
indicated.
9.Proposed dateof
adoptionThedatewhen thesanitary orphytosanitary regulation is
expected tobeadopted.
10.Proposed dateofentry
intoforceThedatefrom which therequirements intheregulation are
proposed ordecided toenter intoforce.G/SPS/7
Page5
11.Final dateforcomments
andagency orauthority
handling commentsThedatebywhich Members may submit comments in
accordance with Annex B,Paragraph 5(b) oftheSPS
Agreement. Aspecific dateshould beindicated. Anormal
timelimit forcomments onnotifications ofsixty dayshas
been recommended. AMember may, ifnecessary,
however, indicate initsnotification thatitwillproceed to
implement theproposed measure afterforty-five daysifno
comments orrequests forextension ofthetimelimit have
beenreceived from other Members within thattime. Any
Member which isabletoprovide atimelimitbeyond sixty
daysisencouraged todoso.
Theagency orauthority which hasbeen designated to
handle thecomments should beindicated.
12.Texts available from Ifavailable from national enquiry point, putacross inthe
boxprovided. Ifavailable from another body, give its
address, telefax number and(ifavailable) E-mail address.
Suchindications should notinanywaydischarge therelevant
enquiry point ofitsresponsibilities under theprovisions of
Annex B,Paragraphs 3and4oftheSPSAgreement.G/SPS/7
Page6
RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE G/SPS/N/COUNTRY
dateofdistribution
ORGANIZATION
(95-0000)
Committee onSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures
NOTIFICATION
1. Member toAgreement notifying:
Ifapplicable, name oflocal government involved:
2. Agency responsible:
3. Products covered (tariff item number(s) asspecified innational schedules deposited with
theWTO. ICSnumbers may beprovided inaddition, where applicable):
4. Title andnumber ofpages ofthenotified document:
5. Description ofcontent:
6. Objective andrationale:
7. Aninternational standard, guideline orrecommendation does notexist [].
Ifaninternational standard, guideline orrecommendation exists, whenever possible,
identify deviations:
8. Relevant documents andlanguage(s) inwhich these areavailable:
9. Proposed date ofadoption:
10. Proposed date ofentry intoforce:
11. Final date forcomments:
Agency orauthority designated tohandle comments:
12. Texts available from: National enquiry point []oraddress, telefax number andE-mail
address (ifavailable) ofother body:G/SPS/7
Page7
G. Completion offormats -Emergency notifications (Annex B,Paragraph 6)
Information contained inthenotification formshould beascomplete aspossible andnosection
should beleftblank. Where necessary, "notknown" or"notstated" should beindicated.
Item Description
1. Member notifying Government, including thecompetent authorities ofthe
European Community, which ismaking thenotification.
2. Agency responsible Body elaborating aproposal fororpromulgating a
sanitary orphytosanitary regulation.
3. Products covered Tariff itemnumber(s) (normally HS,chapter or
heading andnumber) ascontained innational schedules
deposited withtheWTO. ICSnumbers maybe
provided inaddition, where applicable. Aclear
description isimportant foranunderstanding ofthe
notification bydelegations andtranslators.
Abbreviations should beavoided.
4. Titleandnumber of
pages ofthenotified
documentTitle ofthe proposed oradopted sanitary or
phytosanitary regulation. Number ofpages inthe
notified document.
5. Description of
contentAnabstract oftheproposed oradopted sanitary or
phytosanitary regulation clearly indicating itscontent. A
cleardescription isimportant foranunderstanding ofthe
notification bydelegations andtranslators. Abbreviations
should beavoided.
6. Objective and
rationaleFor instance: food safety, animal health, plant
protection, etc.
7. Nature ofurgent
problem(s)Indication oftheunderlying reasons forresorting to
emergency action.
8. Existence of
international standardIfarelevant international standard doesnotexist, puta
cross intheboxprovided; otherwise briefly describe
how theproposed regulation deviates from such
international standard.G/SPS/7
Page8
9. Relevant documents
andlanguage(s) in
which these are
available(a)Measure(s) taken andbasic regulation which was
modified (with specific reference number orother
identification), andthelanguage(s) inwhich thenotified
documents andanysummary ofthese areavailable;
(b)Publication inwhich regulation willappear;
(c)Whenever practicable, give reference torelevant
international standard. Ifitisnecessary tocharge for
documents supplied, theamount ofthecharge should be
indicated.
10. Dateofentry into
force andperiod of
applicationThedatefromwhich therequirements entered intoforce,
and,ifapplicable, theperiod oftimeduring which they
will apply. (Forexample: immediate entry intoforce
[date], duration oftwomonths.)
11. Texts available from
andagency or
authority handling
commentsIfavailable from national enquiry point, putacross in
theboxprovided. Ifavailable from another body, give
itsaddress, telefax number and(ifavailable) E-mail
address. Such indications should notinanyway
discharge therelevant enquiry point ofitsresponsibilities
under theprovisions ofAnnex B,Paragraphs 3and4of
theSPSAgreement.
Theagency orauthority which hasbeen designated to
handle thecomments should beindicated.G/SPS/7
Page9
RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE
G/SPS/N/COUNTRY
dateofdistribution
ORGANIZATION
(95-0000)
Committee onSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures
NOTIFICATION OFEMERGENCY MEASURES
1. Member toAgreement notifying:
Ifapplicable, name oflocal government involved:
2. Agency responsible:
3. Products covered (tariff item number(s) asspecified innational schedules deposited with the
WTO. ICSnumbers may beprovided inaddition, where applicable):
4. Title andnumber ofpages ofthenotified document:
5. Description ofcontent:
6. Objective andrationale:
7. Nature oftheurgent problem(s):
8. Aninternational standard, guideline orrecommendation does notexist [].
Ifaninternational standard, guideline orrecommendation exists, whenever possible,
identify deviations:
9. Relevant documents andlanguage(s) inwhich these areavailable:
10. Date ofentry intoforce/period ofapplication (asapplicable):
11. Texts available from/and agency orauthority designated tohandle comments: National
enquiry point []oraddress, telefax number andE-mail address (ifavailable) ofother body:SPS-IV -Page1
SPS-IV
AGREEMENT ONTHE APPLICATION OF
SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
EXAMPLESSPS-IV -Page2
WORLD TRADE G/SPS/N/XER/3
16July1996
ORGANIZATION
(96-0000)
Committee onSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures
NOTIFICATION [Hypothetic]
1. Member toAgreement notifying: Xertia
Ifapplicable, name oflocal government involved:
2. Agency responsible: Quarantine andInspection Service
3. Products covered (tariff item number(s) asspecified innational schedules deposited with
theWTO. ICSnumbers may beprovided inaddition, where applicable): Bovine live
animals (HS0102.10)
4. Title andnumber ofpages ofthenotified document: Draft revised quarantine requirements
fortheimportation ofbovine animals.
5. Description ofcontent: Requirements regarding: import permits, health certificates, arrival
procedures andimporters 'responsibilities.
6. Objective andrationale: Prevent thespread ofbovine tuberculosis tothedomestic bovine
herd. Protection ofanimal health.
7. Aninternational standard, guideline orrecommendation does notexist [X].
Ifaninternational standard, guideline orrecommendation exists, whenever possible,
identify deviations:
8. Relevant documents andlanguage(s) inwhich these areavailable: Areview ofthe
quarantine risks associated withtheimportation ofbovine animals. Bureau ofRural Resources
1996. Available inEnglish. Upon request, summaries maybeobtained inSpanish andFrench.
9. Proposed date ofadoption: 20September 1996.
10. Proposed date ofentry intoforce: 1October 1996.
11. Final date forcomments: 16September 1996.
Agency orauthority designated tohandle comments: Quarantine andInspection Service
12. Texts available from: National enquiry point [X]oraddress, telefax number andE-mail
address (ifavailable) ofother body:SPS-IV -Page3 SPS-IV -Page3
WORLD TRADE G/SPS/N/ERL/6
10August 1996
ORGANIZATION (96-0000)
Committee onSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures
NOTIFICATION OFEMERGENCY MEASURES [Hypothetic]
1. Member toAgreement notifying: Earthland
Ifapplicable, name oflocal government involved:
2. Agency responsible: Ministry ofAgriculture
3. Products covered (tariff item number(s) asspecified innational schedules deposited with the
WTO. ICSnumbers maybeprovided inaddition, where applicable): Potatoes (HS0710.10)
4. Title andnumber ofpages ofthenotified document: Urgent communication from theMinistry
ofAgriculture andPlant Inspection Service.
5. Description ofcontent: Thecommunication, dated 7August 1996, provisionally banstheimport
ofpotatoes from Xertia.
6. Objective andrationale: Plant protection.
7. Nature oftheurgent problem(s): Infections ofPseudomonas solanacearum have been detected
inimports from Xertia. This disease hasnever been found inEarthland andprovisional
information indicates thatthere exists apotential foritsspread with serious biological and
economical consequences. Ariskassessment willbeundertaken toestablish theriskofsuch an
infection occurring andwillbeused asthebasis foreventual further phytosanitary measures.
8. Aninternational standard, guideline orrecommendation does notexist [X].
Ifaninternational standard, guideline orrecommendation exists, whenever possible,
identify deviations:
9. Relevant documents and language(s) inwhich these areavailable: Official Journal of
Earthland, Volume 4,page 10.Available inEnglish onrequest.
10. Date ofentry intoforce/period ofapplication (asapplicable): 5August 1996. Provisionally
valid until 1November 1996.
11. Texts available from/and agency orauthority designated tohandle comments: National
enquiry point [X]oraddress, telefax number andE-mail address (ifavailable) ofother
body:SPS-IV -Page4 SPS-IV -Page4
[HYPOTHETIC]
Permanent Mission ofXertia
RuedeMoyenne-Saconnex, 20A
9988Genève
Attention: WTO Secretariat
Regarding: Identification ofEnquiry Point andNotification Authority
With reference toAnnex 2,paragraph 3andparagraph 10oftheAgreement ontheApplication of
Sanitary andPhytosanitary Measures, Ihavethehonour toinform youofthefollowing:
TheNational Enquiry Point ofXertia is:
Miss. [name], Responsible forWTO SPSEnquiries
Ministry ofAgriculture andNatural Resources ofXertia
3,River Street
1123 -Capitalville
tel: +98-1-76543210
fax: +98-1-76540123
e-mail: sps.enq@ag.min.xe
TheNational Notification Authority ofXertia is:
Mr.[name], Responsible forWTO SPSNotifications
(same address asforEnquiry Point)
tel: +98-1-76544455
fax: +98-1-76543322
e-mail: sps.not@ag.min.xe
Yours sincerely,
[signature]
[name]
Deputy Permanent RepresentativeSPS-V -Page1
SPS-V
AGREEMENT ONTHE APPLICATION OF
SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
TEXT OFTHE AGREEMENTSPS-V -Page2
AGREEMENT ONTHE APPLICATION OF
SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
Members ,
ReaffirmingthatnoMembershouldbepreventedfromadoptingorenforcingmeasuresnecessary
toprotect human, animal orplant lifeorhealth, subject totherequirement thatthese measures are
notapplied inamanner which would constitute ameans ofarbitrary orunjustifiable discrimination
between Members where thesame conditions prevail oradisguised restriction oninternational trade;
Desiring toimprove thehuman health, animal health andphytosanitary situation inallMembers;
Noting thatsanitary andphytosanitary measures areoften applied onthebasis ofbilateral
agreements orprotocols;
Desiring theestablishment ofamultilateral framework ofrules anddisciplines toguide the
development, adoption andenforcement ofsanitary andphytosanitary measures inorder tominimize
their negative effects ontrade;
Recognizing theimportant contribution that international standards, guidelines and
recommendations canmake inthisregard;
DesiringtofurthertheuseofharmonizedsanitaryandphytosanitarymeasuresbetweenMembers,
onthebasis ofinternational standards, guidelines andrecommendations developed bytherelevant
international organizations, including theCodex Alimentarius Commission, theInternational Office
ofEpizootics, andtherelevant international andregional organizations operating within theframework
oftheInternational PlantProtection Convention, without requiring Members tochange theirappropriate
levelofprotection ofhuman, animal orplant lifeorhealth;
Recognizing thatdeveloping country Members mayencounter special difficulties incomplying
withthesanitary orphytosanitary measures ofimporting Members, andasaconsequence inaccess
tomarkets, andalsointheformulation andapplication ofsanitary orphytosanitary measures intheir
ownterritories, anddesiring toassist them intheirendeavours inthisregard;
Desiring therefore toelaborate rulesfortheapplication oftheprovisions ofGATT 1994which
relate totheuseofsanitary orphytosanitary measures, inparticular theprovisions ofArticle XX(b)1;
Hereby agree asfollows:
Article 1
General Provisions
1. ThisAgreement applies toallsanitary andphytosanitary measures which may, directly or
indirectly, affect international trade. Suchmeasures shallbedeveloped andapplied inaccordance with
theprovisions ofthisAgreement.
2. Forthepurposes ofthisAgreement, thedefinitions provided inAnnex Ashallapply.
3. Theannexes areanintegral partofthisAgreement.
1InthisAgreement, reference toArticle XX(b) includes alsothechapeau ofthatArticle.SPS-V -Page3
4. Nothing inthisAgreement shallaffect therights ofMembers under theAgreement onTechnical
Barriers toTrade withrespect tomeasures notwithin thescope ofthisAgreement.
Article 2
Basic Rights andObligations
1. Members havetherighttotakesanitary andphytosanitary measures necessary fortheprotection
ofhuman, animal orplant lifeorhealth, provided thatsuchmeasures arenotinconsistent withthe
provisions ofthisAgreement.
2. Members shallensure thatanysanitary orphytosanitary measure isapplied onlytotheextent
necessary toprotect human, animal orplant lifeorhealth, isbased onscientific principles andisnot
maintained without sufficient scientific evidence, except asprovided forinparagraph 7ofArticle 5.
3. Members shall ensure thattheirsanitary andphytosanitary measures donotarbitrarily or
unjustifiably discriminate between Members where identical orsimilar conditions prevail, including
between theirownterritory andthatofother Members. Sanitary andphytosanitary measures shall
notbeapplied inamanner which would constitute adisguised restriction oninternational trade.
4. Sanitary orphytosanitary measures which conform totherelevant provisions ofthisAgreement
shallbepresumed tobeinaccordance withtheobligations oftheMembers under theprovisions of
GATT 1994which relate totheuseofsanitary orphytosanitary measures, inparticular theprovisions
ofArticle XX(b).
Article 3
Harmonization
1. Toharmonize sanitary andphytosanitary measures onaswideabasis aspossible, Members
shall base their sanitary orphytosanitary measures oninternational standards, guidelines or
recommendations,wheretheyexist,exceptasotherwiseprovidedforinthisAgreement,andinparticular
inparagraph 3.
2. Sanitary orphytosanitary measures which conform tointernational standards, guidelines or
recommendations shallbedeemed tobenecessary toprotect human, animal orplant lifeorhealth,
andpresumed tobeconsistent withtherelevant provisions ofthisAgreement andofGATT 1994.
3. Members mayintroduce ormaintain sanitary orphytosanitary measures which result inahigher
levelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection thanwould beachieved bymeasures based ontherelevant
international standards, guidelines orrecommendations, ifthere isascientific justification, orasa
consequence ofthelevelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection aMember determines tobeappropriate
inaccordance withtherelevant provisions ofparagraphs 1through 8ofArticle 5.2Notwithstanding
theabove, allmeasures which result inalevelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection different from
thatwhich would beachieved bymeasures based oninternational standards, guidelines or
recommendations shallnotbeinconsistent withanyother provision ofthisAgreement.
2Forthepurposes ofparagraph 3ofArticle 3,there isascientific justification if,onthebasis of
anexamination andevaluation ofavailable scientific information inconformity withtherelevant
provisions ofthisAgreement, aMember determines thattherelevant international standards, guidelines
orrecommendations arenotsufficient toachieve itsappropriate level ofsanitary orphytosanitary
protection.SPS-V -Page4
4. Members shallplayafullpart,within thelimits oftheirresources, intherelevant international
organizations andtheir subsidiary bodies, inparticular theCodex Alimentarius Commission, the
International Office ofEpizootics, andtheinternational andregional organizations operating within
theframework oftheInternational Plant Protection Convention, topromote within theseorganizations
thedevelopment andperiodic review ofstandards, guidelines andrecommendations withrespect to
allaspects ofsanitary andphytosanitary measures.
5. TheCommittee onSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures provided forinparagraphs 1and4
ofArticle 12(referred tointhisAgreement asthe"Committee") shalldevelop aprocedure tomonitor
theprocess ofinternational harmonization andcoordinate efforts inthisregard withtherelevant
international organizations.
Article 4
Equivalence
1. Members shallaccept thesanitary orphytosanitary measures ofother Members asequivalent,
evenifthese measures differ fromtheirownorfromthose usedbyother Members trading inthesame
product, iftheexporting Member objectively demonstrates totheimporting Member thatitsmeasures
achieve theimporting Member 'sappropriate levelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection. Forthis
purpose, reasonable access shallbegiven, uponrequest, totheimporting Member forinspection, testing
andother relevant procedures.
2. Members shall, uponrequest, enter intoconsultations withtheaimofachieving bilateral and
multilateralagreementsonrecognitionoftheequivalenceofspecifiedsanitaryorphytosanitarymeasures.
Article 5
Assessment ofRiskandDetermination oftheAppropriate Level
ofSanitary orPhytosanitary Protection
1. Members shallensure thattheirsanitary orphytosanitary measures arebased onanassessment,
asappropriate tothecircumstances, oftheriskstohuman, animal orplant lifeorhealth, taking into
account riskassessment techniques developed bytherelevant international organizations.
2. Intheassessmentofrisks,Membersshalltakeintoaccountavailablescientificevidence;relevant
processes andproduction methods; relevant inspection, sampling andtesting methods; prevalence
ofspecific diseases orpests; existence ofpest- ordisease-free areas; relevant ecological and
environmental conditions; andquarantine orother treatment.
3. Inassessing therisktoanimal orplantlifeorhealth anddetermining themeasure tobeapplied
forachieving theappropriate levelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection from suchrisk,Members
shalltakeintoaccount asrelevant economic factors: thepotential damage interms oflossofproduction
orsalesintheevent oftheentry, establishment orspread ofapestordisease; thecosts ofcontrol
oreradication intheterritory oftheimporting Member; andtherelative cost-effectiveness ofalternative
approaches tolimiting risks.
4. Membersshould,whendeterminingtheappropriatelevelofsanitaryorphytosanitaryprotection,
takeintoaccount theobjective ofminimizing negative trade effects.
5. With theobjective ofachieving consistency intheapplication oftheconcept ofappropriate
level ofsanitary orphytosanitary protection against risks tohuman lifeorhealth, ortoanimal and
plant lifeorhealth, eachMember shall avoid arbitrary orunjustifiable distinctions inthelevels it
considers tobeappropriate indifferent situations, ifsuchdistinctions result indiscrimination oraSPS-V -Page5
disguised restriction oninternational trade. Members shallcooperate intheCommittee, inaccordance
withparagraphs 1,2and3ofArticle 12,todevelop guidelines tofurther thepractical implementation
ofthisprovision. Indeveloping theguidelines, theCommittee shalltakeintoaccount allrelevant factors,
including theexceptional character ofhuman health riskstowhich people voluntarily expose themselves.
6. Without prejudice toparagraph 2ofArticle 3,when establishing ormaintaining sanitary or
phytosanitarymeasurestoachievetheappropriatelevelofsanitaryorphytosanitaryprotection,Members
shallensure thatsuchmeasures arenotmore trade-restrictive thanrequired toachieve theirappropriate
levelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection, taking intoaccount technical andeconomic feasibility.3
7. Incases where relevant scientific evidence isinsufficient, aMember mayprovisionally adopt
sanitary orphytosanitary measures onthebasisofavailable pertinent information, including thatfrom
therelevant international organizations aswellasfromsanitary orphytosanitary measures applied by
other Members. Insuchcircumstances, Members shall seektoobtain theadditional information
necessary foramore objective assessment ofriskandreview thesanitary orphytosanitary measure
accordingly within areasonable period oftime.
8. WhenaMemberhasreasontobelievethataspecificsanitaryorphytosanitarymeasureintroduced
ormaintained byanother Member isconstraining, orhasthepotential toconstrain, itsexports and
themeasure isnotbased ontherelevant international standards, guidelines orrecommendations, or
suchstandards, guidelines orrecommendations donotexist, anexplanation ofthereasons forsuch
sanitary orphytosanitary measure mayberequested andshallbeprovided bytheMember maintaining
themeasure.
Article 6
Adaptation toRegional Conditions, Including Pest- orDisease-Free Areas
andAreas ofLowPestorDisease Prevalence
1. Members shallensure thattheirsanitary orphytosanitary measures areadapted tothesanitary
orphytosanitary characteristics ofthearea-whether allofacountry, partofacountry, orallorparts
ofseveral countries -from which theproduct originated andtowhich theproduct isdestined. In
assessing thesanitary orphytosanitary characteristics ofaregion, Members shalltakeintoaccount,
interalia,thelevelofprevalence ofspecific diseases orpests, theexistence oferadication orcontrol
programmes, andappropriate criteria orguidelines which maybedeveloped bytherelevant international
organizations.
2. Members shall, inparticular, recognize theconcepts ofpest-ordisease-free areas andareas
oflowpestordisease prevalence. Determination ofsuchareas shall bebased onfactors suchas
geography, ecosystems, epidemiological surveillance, andtheeffectiveness ofsanitary orphytosanitary
controls.
3. Exporting Members claiming thatareas within theirterritories arepest-ordisease-free areas
orareas oflowpestordisease prevalence shallprovide thenecessary evidence thereof inorder to
objectively demonstrate totheimporting Member thatsuchareas are,andarelikely toremain, pest-
ordisease-free areas orareas oflowpestordisease prevalence, respectively. Forthispurpose,
reasonable access shallbegiven, upon request, totheimporting Member forinspection, testing and
other relevant procedures.
3Forpurposes ofparagraph 6ofArticle 5,ameasure isnotmore trade-restrictive thanrequired
unless there isanother measure, reasonably available taking intoaccount technical andeconomic
feasibility, thatachieves theappropriate levelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection andissignificantly
lessrestrictive totrade.SPS-V -Page6
Article 7
Transparency
Members shallnotify changes intheirsanitary orphytosanitary measures andshallprovide
information ontheirsanitary orphytosanitary measures inaccordance withtheprovisions ofAnnex B.
Article 8
Control, Inspection andApproval Procedures
Members shallobserve theprovisions ofAnnex Cintheoperation ofcontrol, inspection and
approval procedures, including national systems forapproving theuseofadditives orforestablishing
tolerances forcontaminants infoods, beverages orfeedstuffs, andotherwise ensure thattheirprocedures
arenotinconsistent withtheprovisions ofthisAgreement.
Article 9
Technical Assistance
1. Members agree tofacilitate theprovision oftechnical assistance toother Members, especially
developing country Members, either bilaterally orthrough theappropriate international organizations.
Suchassistance maybe,interalia,intheareasofprocessing technologies, research andinfrastructure,
including intheestablishment ofnational regulatory bodies, andmaytaketheformofadvice, credits,
donations andgrants, including forthepurpose ofseeking technical expertise, training andequipment
toallow suchcountries toadjust to,andcomply with, sanitary orphytosanitary measures necessary
toachieve theappropriate levelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection intheirexport markets.
2. WheresubstantialinvestmentsarerequiredinorderforanexportingdevelopingcountryMember
tofulfil thesanitary orphytosanitary requirements ofanimporting Member, thelatter shallconsider
providingsuchtechnicalassistanceaswillpermitthedevelopingcountryMembertomaintainandexpand
itsmarket access opportunities fortheproduct involved.
Article 10
Special andDifferential Treatment
1. Inthepreparation andapplication ofsanitary orphytosanitary measures, Members shalltake
account ofthespecial needs ofdeveloping country Members, andinparticular oftheleast-developed
country Members.
2. Where theappropriate levelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection allows scope forthephased
introduction ofnewsanitary orphytosanitary measures, longer time-frames forcompliance should be
accorded onproducts ofinterest todeveloping country Members soastomaintain opportunities for
theirexports.
3. WithaviewtoensuringthatdevelopingcountryMembersareabletocomplywiththeprovisions
ofthisAgreement, theCommittee isenabled togrant tosuchcountries, uponrequest, specified, time-
limited exceptions inwhole orinpartfromobligations under thisAgreement, taking intoaccount their
financial, trade anddevelopment needs.
4. MembersshouldencourageandfacilitatetheactiveparticipationofdevelopingcountryMembers
intherelevant international organizations.SPS-V -Page7
Article 11
Consultations andDispute Settlement
1. Theprovisions ofArticles XXII andXXIII ofGATT 1994 aselaborated andapplied bythe
Dispute Settlement Understanding shallapply toconsultations andthesettlement ofdisputes under
thisAgreement, except asotherwise specifically provided herein.
2. Inadispute under thisAgreement involving scientific ortechnical issues, apanel should seek
advice from experts chosen bythepanel inconsultation withtheparties tothedispute. Tothisend,
thepanel may, when itdeems itappropriate, establish anadvisory technical experts group, orconsult
therelevant international organizations, attherequest ofeither party tothedispute oronitsown
initiative.
3. Nothing inthisAgreement shall impair therights ofMembers under other international
agreements, including therighttoresort tothegoodoffices ordispute settlement mechanisms ofother
international organizations orestablished under anyinternational agreement.
Article 12
Administration
1. ACommittee onSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures ishereby established toprovide aregular
forum forconsultations. Itshallcarry outthefunctions necessary toimplement theprovisions ofthis
Agreement andthefurtherance ofitsobjectives, inparticular withrespect toharmonization. The
Committee shallreach itsdecisions byconsensus.
2. TheCommittee shall encourage andfacilitate adhocconsultations ornegotiations among
Members onspecific sanitary orphytosanitary issues. TheCommittee shall encourage theuseof
international standards, guidelines orrecommendations byallMembers and,inthisregard, shallsponsor
technical consultation andstudy withtheobjective ofincreasing coordination andintegration between
international andnational systems andapproaches forapproving theuseoffoodadditives orfor
establishing tolerances forcontaminants infoods, beverages orfeedstuffs.
3. TheCommittee shallmaintain close contact withtherelevant international organizations in
thefieldofsanitary andphytosanitary protection, especially withtheCodex Alimentarius Commission,
theInternationalOfficeofEpizootics,andtheSecretariatoftheInternationalPlantProtectionConvention,
withtheobjective ofsecuring thebestavailable scientific andtechnical advice fortheadministration
ofthisAgreement andinorder toensure thatunnecessary duplication ofeffort isavoided.
4. TheCommittee shalldevelop aprocedure tomonitor theprocess ofinternational harmonization
andtheuseofinternational standards, guidelines orrecommendations. Forthispurpose, theCommittee
should, inconjunction withtherelevant international organizations, establish alistofinternational
standards, guidelines orrecommendations relating tosanitary orphytosanitary measures which the
Committee determines tohaveamajor tradeimpact. Thelistshould include anindication byMembers
ofthose international standards, guidelines orrecommendations which theyapply asconditions for
import oronthebasis ofwhich imported products conforming tothese standards canenjoy access
totheirmarkets. Forthose cases inwhich aMember doesnotapply aninternational standard, guideline
orrecommendation asacondition forimport, theMember should provide anindication ofthereason
therefor, and,inparticular, whether itconsiders thatthestandard isnotstringent enough toprovide
theappropriate levelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection. IfaMember revises itsposition, following
itsindication oftheuseofastandard, guideline orrecommendation asacondition forimport, itshould
provide anexplanation foritschange andsoinform theSecretariat aswellastherelevant international
organizations, unless suchnotification andexplanation isgiven according totheprocedures ofAnnex B.SPS-V -Page8
5. Inorder toavoid unnecessary duplication, theCommittee maydecide, asappropriate, touse
theinformation generated bytheprocedures, particularly fornotification, which areinoperation in
therelevant international organizations.
6. TheCommittee may,onthebasisofaninitiative fromoneoftheMembers, through appropriate
channels invite therelevant international organizations ortheirsubsidiary bodies toexamine specific
matters withrespect toaparticular standard, guideline orrecommendation, including thebasis of
explanations fornon-use given according toparagraph 4.
7. TheCommittee shallreview theoperation andimplementation ofthisAgreement three years
afterthedateofentry intoforce oftheWTO Agreement, andthereafter astheneedarises. Where
appropriate, theCommittee maysubmit totheCouncil forTrade inGoods proposals toamend the
textofthisAgreement having regard, interalia,totheexperience gained initsimplementation.
Article 13
Implementation
Members arefullyresponsible under thisAgreement fortheobservance ofallobligations set
forthherein. Members shallformulate andimplement positive measures andmechanisms insupport
oftheobservanceoftheprovisionsofthisAgreementbyotherthancentralgovernmentbodies.Members
shalltakesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothemtoensure thatnon-governmental entities
within theirterritories, aswellasregional bodies inwhich relevant entities within theirterritories are
members, comply withtherelevant provisions ofthisAgreement. Inaddition, Members shallnot
takemeasures which havetheeffect of,directly orindirectly, requiring orencouraging suchregional
ornon-governmental entities, orlocalgovernmental bodies, toactinamanner inconsistent withthe
provisions ofthisAgreement. Members shallensure thattheyrelyontheservices ofnon-governmental
entities forimplementing sanitary orphytosanitary measures onlyifthese entities comply withthe
provisions ofthisAgreement.
Article 14
Final Provisions
Theleast-developedcountryMembersmaydelayapplicationoftheprovisionsofthisAgreement
foraperiod offiveyears following thedateofentry intoforce oftheWTO Agreement withrespect
totheirsanitary orphytosanitary measures affecting importation orimported products. Other developing
country Members maydelay application oftheprovisions ofthisAgreement, other thanparagraph 8
ofArticle 5andArticle 7,fortwoyears following thedateofentry intoforce oftheWTO Agreement
withrespect totheirexisting sanitary orphytosanitary measures affecting importation orimported
products, where suchapplication isprevented byalackoftechnical expertise, technical infrastructure
orresources.SPS-V -Page9
ANNEX A
DEFINITIONS4
1. Sanitary orphytosanitary measure -Anymeasure applied:
(a) toprotect animal orplantlifeorhealth within theterritory oftheMember fromrisks
arising from theentry, establishment orspread ofpests, diseases, disease-carrying
organisms ordisease-causing organisms;
(b) toprotect human oranimal lifeorhealth within theterritory oftheMember fromrisks
arising from additives, contaminants, toxins ordisease-causing organisms infoods,
beverages orfeedstuffs;
(c) toprotect human lifeorhealth within theterritory oftheMember fromrisksarising
from diseases carried byanimals, plants orproducts thereof, orfrom theentry,
establishment orspread ofpests; or
(d) toprevent orlimitother damage within theterritory oftheMember fromtheentry,
establishment orspread ofpests.
Sanitary orphytosanitary measures include allrelevant laws, decrees, regulations, requirements and
procedures including, interalia,endproduct criteria; processes andproduction methods; testing,
inspection, certification andapproval procedures; quarantine treatments including relevant requirements
associated withthetransport ofanimals orplants, orwiththematerials necessary fortheirsurvival
during transport; provisions onrelevant statistical methods, sampling procedures andmethods ofrisk
assessment; andpackaging andlabelling requirements directly related tofoodsafety.
2. Harmonization -Theestablishment, recognition andapplication ofcommon sanitary and
phytosanitary measures bydifferent Members.
3. International standards, guidelines andrecommendations
(a) forfoodsafety,thestandards,guidelinesandrecommendationsestablishedbytheCodex
Alimentarius Commission relating tofoodadditives, veterinary drugandpesticide
residues, contaminants, methods ofanalysis andsampling, andcodes andguidelines
ofhygienic practice;
(b) foranimal health andzoonoses, thestandards, guidelines andrecommendations
developed under theauspices oftheInternational Office ofEpizootics;
(c) forplanthealth, theinternational standards, guidelines andrecommendations developed
under theauspices oftheSecretariat oftheInternational Plant Protection Convention
incooperation withregional organizations operating within theframework ofthe
International Plant Protection Convention; and
(d) formatters notcovered bytheabove organizations, appropriate standards, guidelines
andrecommendations promulgated byother relevant international organizations open
formembership toallMembers, asidentified bytheCommittee.
4Forthepurpose ofthesedefinitions, "animal" includes fishandwildfauna; "plant" includes forests
andwildflora;"pests"includeweeds;and"contaminants"includepesticideandveterinarydrugresidues
andextraneous matter.SPS-V -Page10
4. Riskassessment -Theevaluation ofthelikelihood ofentry, establishment orspread ofapest
ordisease within theterritory ofanimporting Member according tothesanitary orphytosanitary
measures which might beapplied, andoftheassociated potential biological andeconomic consequences;
ortheevaluation ofthepotential foradverse effects onhuman oranimal health arising fromthepresence
ofadditives, contaminants, toxins ordisease-causing organisms infood, beverages orfeedstuffs.
5. Appropriate levelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection -Thelevel ofprotection deemed
appropriate bytheMember establishing asanitary orphytosanitary measure toprotect human, animal
orplant lifeorhealth within itsterritory.
NOTE: Many Members otherwise refertothisconcept asthe"acceptable levelofrisk".
6. Pest- ordisease-free area-Anarea,whether allofacountry, partofacountry, orallorparts
ofseveral countries, asidentified bythecompetent authorities, inwhich aspecific pestordisease does
notoccur.
NOTE: Apest-ordisease-free areamaysurround, besurrounded by,orbeadjacent toanarea-whether
within partofacountry orinageographic region which includes partsoforallofseveral countries -
inwhich aspecific pestordisease isknown tooccur butissubject toregional control measures such
astheestablishment ofprotection, surveillance andbuffer zones which willconfine oreradicate the
pestordisease inquestion.
7. Areaoflowpestordisease prevalence -Anarea, whether allofacountry, partofacountry,
orallorpartsofseveral countries, asidentified bythecompetent authorities, inwhich aspecific pest
ordisease occurs atlowlevels andwhich issubject toeffective surveillance, control oreradication
measures.SPS-V -Page11
ANNEX B
TRANSPARENCY OFSANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY REGULATIONS
Publication ofregulations
1. Members shallensure thatallsanitary andphytosanitary regulations5which havebeenadopted
arepublished promptly insuchamanner astoenable interested Members tobecome acquainted with
them.
2. Except inurgent circumstances, Members shall allow areasonable interval between the
publication ofasanitary orphytosanitary regulation anditsentry intoforce inorder toallow timefor
producersinexportingMembers,andparticularlyindevelopingcountryMembers,toadapttheirproducts
andmethods ofproduction totherequirements oftheimporting Member.
Enquiry points
3. EachMember shallensure thatoneenquiry point exists which isresponsible fortheprovision
ofanswers toallreasonable questions frominterested Members aswellasfortheprovision ofrelevant
documents regarding:
(a) anysanitary orphytosanitary regulations adopted orproposed within itsterritory;
(b) anycontrol andinspection procedures, production andquarantine treatment, pesticide
toleranceandfoodadditiveapprovalprocedures,whichareoperatedwithinitsterritory;
(c) riskassessmentprocedures,factorstakenintoconsideration,aswellasthedetermination
oftheappropriate levelofsanitary orphytosanitary protection;
(d) themembership andparticipation oftheMember, orofrelevant bodies within its
territory, ininternational andregional sanitary andphytosanitary organizations and
systems, aswellasinbilateral andmultilateral agreements andarrangements within
thescope ofthisAgreement, andthetextsofsuchagreements andarrangements.
4. Members shallensure thatwhere copies ofdocuments arerequested byinterested Members,
theyaresupplied atthesame price (ifany), apart fromthecostofdelivery, astothenationals6ofthe
Member concerned.
Notification procedures
5. Whenever aninternational standard, guideline orrecommendation doesnotexistorthecontent
ofaproposed sanitary orphytosanitary regulation isnotsubstantially thesame asthecontent ofan
international standard, guideline orrecommendation, andiftheregulation mayhaveasignificant effect
ontrade ofother Members, Members shall:
(a) publish anotice atanearly stage insuchamanner astoenable interested Members
tobecome acquainted withtheproposal tointroduce aparticular regulation;
5Sanitary andphytosanitary measures suchaslaws, decrees orordinances which areapplicable
generally.
6When "nationals" arereferred tointhisAgreement, thetermshallbedeemed, inthecaseofa
separate customs territory Member oftheWTO, tomean persons, natural orlegal, whoaredomiciled
orwhohavearealandeffective industrial orcommercial establishment inthatcustoms territory.SPS-V -Page12
(b) notify other Members, through theSecretariat, oftheproducts tobecovered bythe
regulation together withabriefindication oftheobjective andrationale oftheproposed
regulation. Such notifications shalltakeplace atanearly stage, when amendments
canstillbeintroduced andcomments taken intoaccount;
(c) provideuponrequesttootherMemberscopiesoftheproposedregulationand,whenever
possible, identify theparts which insubstance deviate from international standards,
guidelines orrecommendations;
(d) without discrimination, allow reasonable timeforother Members tomake comments
inwriting, discuss thesecomments uponrequest, andtakethecomments andtheresults
ofthediscussions intoaccount.
6. However, where urgent problems ofhealth protection ariseorthreaten toariseforaMember,
thatMember mayomitsuchofthestepsenumerated inparagraph 5ofthisAnnex asitfindsnecessary,
provided thattheMember:
(a) immediatelynotifiesotherMembers,throughtheSecretariat,oftheparticularregulation
andtheproducts covered, withabriefindication oftheobjective andtherationale of
theregulation, including thenature oftheurgent problem(s);
(b) provides, upon request, copies oftheregulation toother Members;
(c) allows other Members tomake comments inwriting, discusses these comments upon
request, andtakes thecomments andtheresults ofthediscussions intoaccount.
7. Notifications totheSecretariat shallbeinEnglish, French orSpanish.
8. Developed country Members shall, ifrequested byother Members, provide copies ofthe
documents or,incaseofvoluminous documents, summaries ofthedocuments covered byaspecific
notification inEnglish, French orSpanish.
9. TheSecretariat shallpromptly circulate copies ofthenotification toallMembers andinterested
international organizations anddrawtheattention ofdeveloping country Members toanynotifications
relating toproducts ofparticular interest tothem.
10. Members shall designate asingle central government authority asresponsible forthe
implementation, onthenational level, oftheprovisions concerning notification procedures according
toparagraphs 5,6,7and8ofthisAnnex.
General reservations
11. Nothing inthisAgreement shallbeconstrued asrequiring:
(a) theprovision ofparticulars orcopies ofdrafts orthepublication oftextsother than
inthelanguage oftheMember except asstated inparagraph 8ofthisAnnex; or
(b) Members todisclose confidential information which would impede enforcement of
sanitaryorphytosanitarylegislationorwhichwouldprejudicethelegitimatecommercial
interests ofparticular enterprises.SPS-V -Page13
ANNEX C
CONTROL, INSPECTION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES7
1. Members shallensure, withrespect toanyprocedure tocheck andensure thefulfilment of
sanitary orphytosanitary measures, that:
(a) suchprocedures areundertaken andcompleted without undue delay andinnoless
favourable manner forimported products thanforlikedomestic products;
(b) thestandard processing period ofeachprocedure ispublished orthattheanticipated
processing period iscommunicated totheapplicant uponrequest; when receiving an
application, thecompetent body promptly examines thecompleteness ofthe
documentation andinforms theapplicant inaprecise andcomplete manner ofall
deficiencies; thecompetent body transmits assoon aspossible theresults ofthe
procedure inaprecise andcomplete manner totheapplicant sothatcorrective action
maybetaken ifnecessary; evenwhen theapplication hasdeficiencies, thecompetent
body proceeds asfaraspracticable withtheprocedure iftheapplicant sorequests;
andthatupon request, theapplicant isinformed ofthestage oftheprocedure, with
anydelay being explained;
(c) information requirements arelimited towhat isnecessary forappropriate control,
inspection andapproval procedures, including forapproval oftheuseofadditives
orfortheestablishment oftolerances forcontaminants infood, beverages orfeedstuffs;
(d) theconfidentiality ofinformation about imported products arising from orsupplied
inconnection withcontrol, inspection andapproval isrespected inawaynoless
favourable thanfordomestic products andinsuchamanner thatlegitimate commercial
interests areprotected;
(e) anyrequirements forcontrol, inspection andapproval ofindividual specimens ofa
product arelimited towhatisreasonable andnecessary;
(f) anyfeesimposed fortheprocedures onimported products areequitable inrelation
toanyfeescharged onlikedomestic products orproducts originating inanyother
Member andshould benohigher thantheactual costoftheservice;
(g) thesame criteria should beusedinthesiting offacilities usedintheprocedures and
theselection ofsamples ofimported products asfordomestic products soastominimize
theinconvenience toapplicants, importers, exporters ortheiragents;
(h) wheneverspecificationsofaproductarechangedsubsequenttoitscontrolandinspection
inlightoftheapplicable regulations, theprocedure forthemodified product islimited
towhatisnecessary todetermine whether adequate confidence exists thattheproduct
stillmeets theregulations concerned; and
(i) aprocedure exists toreview complaints concerning theoperation ofsuchprocedures
andtotakecorrective action when acomplaint isjustified.
Where animporting Member operates asystem fortheapproval oftheuseoffoodadditives orfor
theestablishment oftolerances forcontaminants infood, beverages orfeedstuffs which prohibits or
7Control, inspection andapproval procedures include, interalia,procedures forsampling, testing
andcertification.SPS-V -Page14
restricts access toitsdomestic markets forproducts based ontheabsence ofanapproval, theimporting
Member shallconsider theuseofarelevant international standard asthebasis foraccess untilafinal
determination ismade.
2. Where asanitary orphytosanitary measure specifies control atthelevel ofproduction, the
Member inwhose territory theproduction takesplace shallprovide thenecessary assistance tofacilitate
suchcontrol andthework ofthecontrolling authorities.
3. Nothing inthisAgreement shallprevent Members from carrying outreasonable inspection
within theirownterritories.