G/SPS/GEN/2224  
 
16 May 2024  
(24-3820) Page: 1/3 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures    
 
  
SPS COMMITTEE THEMATIC SESSION ON DIGITAL TOOLS  
TUESDAY, 25 JUNE 2024  
WTO, CENTRE WILLIAM RAPPARD, GENEVA  
PROGRAMME1 
1.  Based on discussions at the last SPS Committee meeting and proposals submitted in the context 
of the Sixth Review of the Operation and Implementation of the Agreement on the Application of 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), the SPS Commit tee will hold a Thematic 
Session on Digital Tools. Members were invited to identify topics for discussion and suggest 
speakers. The following draft programme, based on proposals submitted by the European Union, 
Norway, and the United States2, aims to delv e deeper into utilizing technological solutions in the 
SPS field, including for facilitating safe trade through improved transparency and efficiency.  
2.  The thematic session will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, beginning 
at 10:00 (CE T) and continuing in the afternoon at 15:00 (CET). The thematic session can be attended 
in person or virtually via Zoom. Interpretation will be provided in English, French, and Spanish.  
3.  Members are invited to submit any inputs on the programme and suggest speakers by Thursday, 
30 May 2024 . 
 
1 This document has been prepared under the Secretariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice 
to the positions of Me mbers or to their rights and obligations under the WTO.  
2 G/SPS/W/359 , G/SPS/W/366 , and G/SPS/W/3 63, respectively.  G/SPS/GEN/2224  
 
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  TUESDAY, 25 JUNE 2024  
Opening remarks  
Chairperson of the SPS Committee:  Mr Tayutic Mena Retana  
Session 1: Digitalization in SPS for Trade Facilitation  
This session delves into the transformative impact of digitalization on trade facilitation processes. 
It will cover relevant work in the international standard -setting bodies (ISSBs), Codex, WOAH, and 
IPPC, and other intergovernmental organizations. Additionally, speakers from Members and Industry 
will share their insights and experiences with online tools, including e -certification platforms, 
websites to publish SPS legislation, and other digital resources.  
Speakers:  
Perspectives from International Organizations  
▪ Codex [Speaker TBC]  
▪ WOAH [Speaker TBC]  
▪ IPPC [Speaker TBC]. E -Phyto (Certification), online commenting system, and eLearning 
courses.  
▪ OECD [Speaker TBC]  
▪ … 
Followed by Q&A session and discussion  
Perspectives from Members  
▪ Ms Maria Sværi Buskoven , Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA), Norway. 
e-Certification  
▪ United States [Speaker TBC].  e-Certification of animal products for human consumption.  
▪ Costa Rica [Speaker TBC]. Central American Digital Trade Platform .  
▪ United States [Speaker TBC].  Experiences promoting adoption of ePhyto.  
▪ China [Speaker TBC]  
▪ European Union [Speaker TBC]  
▪ Ecuador [Speaker TBC]  
▪ … 
Followed by Q&A session and discussion  
Perspectives from Industry  
▪ International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC) [Speaker TBC].  Experiences from the private 
sector in promoting uptake and adoption of ePhyto.  
▪ … 
Followed by Q&A session and discussion  
Session 2: Digital Tools in the SPS Committee – Benefits, Challenges & Lessons Learned  
This moderated p anel discussion delves into how the SPS Committee effectively employed digital 
tools during the COVID -19 pandemic (eAgenda, Interprefy,  virtual bilateral meetings, etc.). 
The discussion aims to extract valuable lessons for future endeavours, highlighting both the 
opportunities embraced and the hurdles overcome in the digital realm.  
Moderator [TBC]  
Speakers:  
▪ United States [Speaker TBC]  
▪ … 
Followed by Q&A session and discussion  G/SPS/GEN/2224  
 
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  Session 3: Future of Digital Tools and New Technologies  
Participants will explore future developments and barriers in digital tools to facilitate safe trade. 
This session will showcase projects and planned developments utilizing technologies such as artificial 
intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Discussions  will centre on how digital tools can improve 
efficiency and safety in global trade.  
Speakers:  
▪ WTO Secretariat [Speaker TBC]. Possible enhancements to the ePing SPS&TBT Platform . 
▪ European Union [Speaker TBC]  
▪ United States  [Speaker TBC].  Use of AI and/or machine learning for the digitization of food 
product imports.  
▪ … 
Followed by Q&A session and discussion  
Closing remarks  
Discussion of any possib le next steps, followed by closing remarks.  
Chairperson of the SPS Committee:  Mr Tayutic Mena Retana  
 
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