G/SPS/W/360  
 
22 April 2024 
(24-3298) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: English  
 
SIXTH REVIEW OF THE OPERATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT  
ON THE APPLICATION OF SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES  
AMENDED PROPOSALS  
PROPOSAL  FROM  THE UNITED KINGDOM  
The following proposal , received on  19 April 2024, is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of the United Kingdom . 
 
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1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  Following the presentation and discussion of proposals for the Sixth Review of the Operation 
and Implementation  of the WTO SPS Agreement at the informal meeting of 20 March 2024, and 
having considered the contributions of other Members made at that time, the United Kingdom has 
amended their proposals. In the interest of supporting the efficient operation of the Com mittee , 
the United Kingdom  would like to withdraw our previous proposals and submit the streamlined 
proposals below for consideration.  
1.2.  The United Kingdom recogni zes that other proposals may be submitted by Members for 19  April 
deadline. We want to ensure a  collaborative approach to the refinement, consolidation and 
finalization of proposals covering similar topics or themes and plan on reaching out to Members with 
corresponding suggestions shortly.  
2  AMENDED UK PROPOSALS FOR TOPICS TO BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SIXTH  REVIEW 
OF THE OPERATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WTO AGREEMENT ON THE 
APPLICATION OF SPS MEASURES  
2.1  Explore how to further enhance effective utilisation of existing flexibilities and 
support for developing and least developed countries on the development and application 
of SPS measures to build on the MC13 SPS and TBT Declaration.  
2.1.  In light of the recent MC13 S&DT Declaration  - and - building on the relevant workstream from 
the MC12 SPS Declaration work programme (group 5) - we believe the Commi ttee should further 
consider ways to enhance accessibility and effective utilisation of existing flexibilities within the 
SPS Agreement that support developing and LDC Members to engage and benefit from international 
trade. (Relevant SPS Agreement Article 9: Technical Assistance, and Article 10: Special and 
Differential Treatment). Recogni zing the fundamental importance of contributions from developing 
and least developed countries into any discussions on this topic, the U nited Kingdom  proposes the 
Committe e continue the work on exploring how the existing flexibilities in the SPS  Agreement could 
be used more efficiently, with a focus on sharing and exploring best practices.  G/SPS/W/36 0 
 
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  2.2  Review and promote the role of electronic/IT technologies ranging from but not 
limite d to electronic certifications, e Phyto system, e Ping SPS&TBT P latform, remote 
audits and verifications; and virtual communication tools to aid the effective application 
and operation of SPS measures to facilitate trade and support the functioning of the 
SPS Committee by enabling more effective information sharing between Members  
2.2.  We propose a theme that explores in more detail the role of electronic tools and techniques 
that can be employed to aid the application of SPS measures, including ensuring that cost  and ease 
of implementation do not create undue barriers to trade (for developing and LDC countries in 
particular). (Relevant SPS Agreement Article 8: Control, Inspection and Approval Procedures and 
Article 9: Technical Assistance).  
 
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