G/SPS/W/359  
 
18 April  2024 
(24-3248) 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  
DIGITAL TOOLS  
THEMATIC SESSION JUNE 2024  
PROPOSAL  FROM  THE EUROPEAN UNION  
The following proposal , received on  18 April 2024, is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of the European Union . 
 
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Based on the discussion at the last SPS Committee meeting in March 2024 and the proposals 
submitted for the Sixth Review of the Operation and Impl ementation of the SPS Agreement , 
the European Union  would like to make the following suggestions for the upcoming thematic session 
on the use of digital tools.  
1  POSSIBLE SESSIONS OF THE THEMATIC SESSION  
1.1  Better use/further development of e Ping SPS&TBT  Platform  
1.1.  The e Ping SPS&TBT Platform  has proven to be a valuable tool for both governments and other 
stakeholders. Since its establishment , it has been discussed at several fora. Now after a few years 
of using it, it  would be useful to take stock of the ma jor achievements and possible areas of 
improvement. As  it is a joint system with TBT, it could also be beneficial to exchange views with the 
TBT Committee to identify possible synergies.  
1.2  e-certification – Recent developments in the light of the COVID -19 pa ndemic  
1.2.  The recent COVID -19 pandemic forced WTO Members to find alternative ways to ensure smooth 
trade and increased the use of electronic certifications. The session would provide a possibility to 
exchange the experiences and lessons learned by Members an d the main developments in this area.  
1.3  Enhance transparency and information sharing through more efficient use of 
Members'  website s to publish information on SPS legislation, new developments, FAQs 
and other specific projects  
1.3.  Although many Members publish r elevant SPS information on their website, there are still 
shortcomings for example in relation to the approval procedures, as it was highlighted in the 
conclusions and recommendations of the Working Group on Approval Procedures; "Members are 
encouraged to make relevant information on approval procedures available on official websites, 
ideally in multiple languages, and to use e -tools to provide clear and timely information on approval 
procedures; " (G/SPS/ 68). 
1.4.  In case of new and complex legislation, it is beneficial to provide specific information to help 
understand the new requirements. It can be in the form of a special website, FAQ or with the help 
of other IT tools.  G/SPS/W/359  
 
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  1.5.  The session would provide a possibility to  discuss some good examples and have some useful 
exchanges on the best formats.  
1.4  Use of new technology e.g. AI  
1.6.  Explore the ways new technology is used to facilitate safe trade. Members would have the 
possibility to provide information on their projects and planned developments in this field.  
2  POSSIBLE EU SPEAKERS  
2.1.  The European Union  is considering to provide speakers for sessions 2,  3 and 4, depending on 
the final agenda.  
 
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