G/SPS/GEN/1908  
26 May 2021  
(21-4339) Page: 1/11 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures   
 
  
ANNUAL REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 6  
OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE APPLICATION OF SANITARY  
AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES  
NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT1 
Article 6 of the SPS Agreement requires that measures take into account pest - or disease -free areas 
or areas of low pest or disease prevalence. This concept is frequently referred to as "regionalization". 
At the 2 -3 April 2008 meeting, the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures adopted 
guidelines to further the practical impl ementation of Article 6.2 These guidelines are intended to 
provide assistance to Members in the implementation of Article 6 by improving transparency, 
exchange of information, predictability, confidence and credibility between importing and exporting 
Memb ers. 
The guidelines require the Secretariat to prepare an annual report to the Committee on 
implementation of Article 6 based on the information provided by Members concerning:  
1. requests for recognition of pest - or disease -free areas or areas of low pest or  disease 
prevalence;  
2. determinations on whether to recognize a pest - or disease -free area or area of low pest 
or disease prevalence; and/or  
3. Members' experiences in the implementation of Article 6 and the provision of relevant 
background information by Membe rs on their decisions to other interested Members.  
The report covers the period from 1 April 2020 until 31 March 2021, based on information provided 
by Members through notifications and information presented during SPS  Committee meetings. 
This information was frequently provided under the agenda item "Pest - and or Disease -Free 
Areas  - Article 6". Relevant information provided under other agenda items is also included in the 
report. A list of notifications related to Article 6 is contained in section 4 ; and section 5  lists the 
relevant specific trade concerns.  
Within the context of the Fifth Review  of the Operation and Implementation of the SPS Agreement , 
the Committee also discussed several recommendations  on regionalization.3 
 
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 G/SPS/48 . 
3 The recommendations from the Fifth Review, and information on the Committee discussions, are 
available  in Part A of the Report of the Fifth Review ( G/SPS/64 , see section 9 on regionalization). A factual 
report on the work of t he Committee is contained in document G/SPS/64/Add.1  (see section 14 on 
regionalization).  In addition, an overview of all of the proposals submitted under the Fifth Review , including 
several on regionalization,  is available in document G/SPS/GEN/1625/Rev.6 . G/SPS/GEN/1908  
 
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  1  REQUESTS FOR RECOGNITION OF PEST - OR DISEASE -FREE AREAS OR AREAS OF LOW 
PEST OR DISEASE PREVALENCE  
1.1  June 2020 meeting ( G/SPS/R/ 99 and G/SPS/R/99/Corr.1 ) 
1.1.1   Colombia – Recovery of its status as an FMD -free country with vaccination 
(G/SPS/GEN/1768 ) 
1.1.  Colombia provided the following statement: We would like to briefly mention a communication  
that we had prepared for the March meeting, which was cancelled for well -known reasons. We wish 
to inform WTO Members that the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has restored the status 
of Colombia as a foot and mouth disease (FMD) free zone where  vaccination is practised. 
Given  Colombia's new health status granted by the OIE in its capacity as an SPS Agreement 
reference body, we wish to invite WTO Members to inform their health authorities so that the 
restrictions imposed by some countries may be lifted, thus facilitating ongoing processes to ensure 
compliance with sanitary requirements. Detailed information can be found in communication 
G/SPS/GEN/1768  regarding the restoration of Colombia's health status as a foot and mouth disease 
(FMD) free zone where vaccination is practi sed. 
1.1.2   Mexico – Declaration of an area free from fruit flies of the quarantine -significant 
genus Anastrepha  and species Rhagoletis pomonella  (G/SPS/GEN/1780 ) 
1.2.  Mexico  provide d the following statement: Mexico would like to share with Members 
communication G/SPS/GEN/1780  (19 May 2020), declaring the municipality of San Juan Atenco in 
the State of Puebla to be an area free from fruit flies of the quarantine -significant genus Anastrepha  
and species Rhagoleti s pomonella . The authority responsible for these self -declarations is the 
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), acting through the National Agriculture and 
Food Health, Safety and Quality Service (SENASICA). Mexico kindly requests that the se 
self-declarations be used as reference in their commercial dealings.  
1.1.3   Mexico - Declaration of area free from large avocado seed weevils ( Heilipus lauri ), 
small avocado seed weevils ( Conotrachelus aguacatae  and C. perseae ) and avocado seed 
moths ( Stenoma catenifer ) (G/SPS/GEN/1782 ) 
1.3.  Mexico  provided the following statement: Mexico would like share with Members 
communication G/SPS/GEN/1782  (25 May 2020), declaring the municipality of Taxco de Alarcón in 
the State of Guerrero to be an area free from the large avocado seed weevil ( Heilipus lauri ), the 
small avocado seed weevil ( Conotrachelus aguacatae  and C. perseae ) and the avocado seed moth 
(Stenoma catenifer ). The authority responsible for these self -declarations is the Ministry of 
Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), acting through the National Agri culture and Food 
Health, Safety and Quality Service (SENASICA). Mexico kindly requests that these self -declarations 
be used as reference in their commercial dealings.  
1.1.4   Peru - Self-declarations as a country free from diseases caused by the yellow head 
virus (genotype 1) and the infectious myonecrosis virus ( G/SPS/GEN/1793 ) 
1.4.  Peru submitted document G/SPS/GEN/1793  and provided the following statement: Peru would 
like to highlight to WTO Members the ongoing work being done by its fisheries and aquiculture health 
authority, the National Fisheries Health Authority (SANIPES), with regard to improving health 
conditions in the country. This work has resulted in two self -declarations, also published by the OIE, 
regarding the yellow head virus (genotype 1) and the infectiou s myonecrosis virus . Peru wishes to 
invite Members to take account of these self -declarations in subsequent trade/health formalities. 
Members can find further details in document G/SPS/GEN/1793  and in notifications 
G/SPS/N/PER/873  and G/SPS/N/PER/874 . 
1.1.5   Chinese Taipei - OIE official recognition of foot and mouth disease -free zone  
1.5.  Chinese Taipe i submitted document G/SPS/G EN/18134 and provided the following statement: 
We are pleased to inform Members of our recently gained foot and mouth disease -free status. 
 
4 Chinese Ta ipei submitted a corrigendum on 29 July 2020, document G/SPS/GEN/1813/Corr.1 . G/SPS/GEN/1908  
 
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  On 13 June 2020, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) officially recognized the health 
status of the Taiwan, Penghu  and Matsu areas of our customs territory as a foot and mouth disease 
(FMD) free zone, where vaccination is not practiced. Over the last 23 years, we have implemented 
a series of measures to eradicate FMD. So, for us it is an important milestone on our jou rney since 
the first occurrence of the disease in 1997. In the interest of transparency and in accordance with 
Article 6 of the SPS Agreement, we would encourage all Members to kindly take note of this 
recognition.  
1.6.  We also invite Members to inform their he alth and veterinary authorities at the earliest 
opportunity so that restrictions previously imposed by some may now be lifted. We look forward to 
cooperating closely with our trading partners, and to discussing the resumption of trade in relevant 
animals a nd animal products. This should be of some benefit to global food security during these 
difficult times of the COVID -19 pandemic and the severe outbreaks of African swine fever 
experienced around the world.  
1.1.6   Russian Federation - OIE official recognition of zones free from certain animal 
diseases  
1.7.  The Russian Federation  announced that, following OIE procedures, it had gained official status 
of freedom from cont agious bovine pleuropneumonia. It explained that extensive studies, analysis 
and sampling had taken place in all its regions.  
1.1.7   Ukraine - Update on its avian influenza -free status  
1.8.  Ukraine  provided the following statement: With regards to the WTO Agreement on  the 
Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, animal health, welfare and veterinary public 
health must be improved worldwide to ensure safe international trade, Ukraine is pleased to support 
the fundamental principle of WTO of transparency in in ternational trade. Ukraine would like to 
provide a brief update to Members with regard to the disease -free status of Ukraine for avian 
influenza (AI).  
1.9.  In Ukraine, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) 
are diseas es subject to mandatory notifications in accordance with the Law of Ukraine on Veterinary 
Medicine. The system for AI surveillance in Ukraine is based on active and passive surveillance that 
is fully in compliance with OIE recommendations. Ukraine had noti fied to OIE one single outbreak of 
highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among domestic poultry that was registered on 19 January 
2020. All measures were taken in a timely manner due to the current National Control Programme 
on avian influenza developed  in accordance with the provision of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health 
Code. Control measures included a stamping out policy, monitoring, movement and certification 
restrictions in place, etc. All measures were effectively implemented by the competent auth ority of 
Ukraine. This case has been localized and eradicated without further spreading of disease.  
1.10.   Ukraine has notified to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) the outbreak of HPAI 
and submitted a follow up; surveillance has been carried out in accordance with the OIE Terrestrial 
Animal Health Code; and a three -month period was applied following completion of the stamping 
out policy and cleansing and disinfection without any new outbreaks. The final report was submitted 
to the OIE on 12 May 2020.  Therefore, Ukraine declares that the whole country is free from avian 
influenza as of 12  May 2020 in accordance with its national legislation and Article 10.4.3 of the 
OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Ukraine appreciates the adequate feedback from Memb ers on 
this case.  
1.2  November 2020 meeting ( G/SPS/R/100 , G/SPS/R/100/Corr.1 , 
G/SPS/R/100/Corr.2  and G/SPS/R/100/Corr.3 ) 
1.2.1   Colombia - Self-declaration of a zone free of Aujeszky's disease in 15 departments  
1.11.   Colombia referred to G/SPS/GEN/1856 , notifying the self -declaration of a zone free of 
Aujeszky's disease in Colombia in line with OIE guidelines. Colombia specified that this area accounts 
for 95 % of the country's industrialized swine production and is home to the main genetic centers 
and slaughterhouses for the export of pigs.  G/SPS/GEN/1908  
 
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  1.2.2   Mexico - Declarations of areas free from large avocado seed weevils, small avocado 
seed weevils and avocado seed moths ( G/SPS/GEN/1824 , G/SPS/GEN/1825 ) 
1.12.   Mexico reported on documents G/SPS/GEN/1824  and G/SPS/GE N/1825  regarding the 
declaration of several areas located in the  states of Guerrero, Michoacán de Ocampo, and Mexico as 
areas free from the large avocado seed weevil ( Heilipus lauri ), the small avocado seed weevil 
(Conotrachelus aguacatae  and C. perseae ), and the avocado seed moth ( Stenoma catenifer ). 
Mexico  indicated that phytosanitary measures had been taken to maintain and protect these areas.  
1.3  March 2021 meeting ( G/SPS/R/101 ) 
1.3.1   Mexico – Declaration of an area free from fruit flies of the quarantine -significant 
genus Anastrepha  (G/SPS/GEN/1875 ) 
1.13.   Mexico  reported on document G/SPS/GEN/1875  regarding the declaration of several areas 
located in the states of Guerrero, Aguascalientes, Durango and Tamaulipas as areas free from fruit 
flies of the quarantine -significant genus Anastrepha . Mexico indicated that phytosanitary measures 
had been taken to maintain and protect these areas.  
1.3.2   Mexico – Declaration of areas free from large avocado seed weevils, small avocado 
seed weevils and avocado seed moths ( G/SPS/GEN/1869 ) 
1.14.   Mexico  reported on document G/SPS/GEN/1869  regarding the declaration of several areas 
located in the states of Michoacán de O campo, Jalisco, Nayarit, Puebla, Guerrero and the State of 
Mexico as areas free from the large avocado seed weevil ( Heilipus lauri ), the small avocado seed 
weevil ( Conotrachelus aguacatae  and C. perseae ) and the avocado seed moth ( Stenoma catenifer ). 
Mexic o indicated that phytosanitary measures had been taken to maintain and protect these areas.  
1.3.3   Colombia – Declaration of foot and mouth disease -free status ( G/SPS/GEN/1768 ) 
1.15.   Colombia  recalled that, in February 2020, the OIE had restored Colombia's health status as a 
FMD-free zone where v accination was practiced, and referred to document G/SPS/GEN/1768 . 
Colombia thanked the Members that had recognized this status and reiterated its invitation to 
Members to inform their health authorities so that the restrictions imposed by some countries could 
be lifted, thus facilit ating ongoing processes to ensure compliance with sanitary requirements.  
2  DETERMINATION ON WHETHER TO RECOGNIZE A PEST - OR DISEASE -FREE AREA OR 
AREA OF LOW PEST OR DISEASE PREVALENCE  
2.1.  No Member reported on experiences in recognizing a pest - or disease -free a rea during the 
period covered by this report.  
3  MEMBERS' EXPERIENCES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 6  
3.1  June 2020 meeting (G/SPS/R/99  and G/SPS/R/99/Corr.1 ) 
3.1.1   European Union – ASF restrictions not consistent with the OIE international 
standard  
3.1.  The European Union submitted the following statement: Once again, the European Union must 
draw the attention  of WTO Members to inconsistencies in the application of OIE international 
standards related to African swine fever. The OIE Terrestrial Code contains clear guidance for the 
identification, treatment and certification of tradable products. Yet, several WTO  Members chose to 
ignore these recommendations that were developed, consolidated and adopted in the OIE with the 
support of these same Members.  
3.2.  Through the European Union's strict regionalisation policy, the European Union demonstrates 
every day in its sin gle market that African swine fever can be managed effectively to make sure that 
legitimate and safe trade is not the cause of any outbreak. The European Union is highly transparent 
on its disease control measures and provides information through the websi tes of the G/SPS/GEN/1908  
 
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  EU Commission, of the member States, of the OIE and through bilateral contacts with trade partners. 
For example, weekly synthesis reports are published by the EU Commission.  
3.3.  The European Union would like to insist that WTO Members apply import m easures that are 
consistent with the SPS Agreement and with international standards. The European Union continues 
to give high priority to this issue and stands ready to work with WTO Members to remove 
country -wide and scientifically unjustified bans. Give n the large number of WTO Members affected 
by the disease, from EU member States to China, from Belarus to Malaysia, the European Union has 
suggested to organise a thematic session on the subject of African swine fever ( G/SPS/W/322 ). 
3.1.2   European Union – HPAI restrictions not consistent with O IE international standards  
3.4.  The European Union submitted the following statement: The European Union appreciates the 
cooperation with those WTO Members that recognise the principle of zoning and accept the 
regionalisation measures put in place in the Europe an Union. Many Members trust the European 
Union's effective and transparent system of control and eradication of animal diseases like Avian 
influenza for many years now (and vice versa) and we do not experience any incident that would 
put this trust in que stion. On the other hand, there is still a significant number of WTO Members 
that disregard their obligations under Article 6 and Annex C of the SPS Agreement, in particular 
China, Korea and South Africa.  
3.5.  Country -wide bans after a disease outbreak are not scientifically justified. There is also no 
justification for WTO and OIE Members to wait one year or more to restore the disease -free status 
- instead of the three months defined by the OIE Code. The European Union successfully manages 
regionalisation meas ures in its entire territory, namely the single market of its member States. 
The veterinary services of all EU member States work in full transparency. Trade partners of the 
European Union can be reassured that it is at all times fully aware of the animal health situation in 
all member States.  
3.6.  The European Union reiterates its call to all WTO Members to respect their obligations on 
regionalisation under the WTO SPS Agreement; allow trade of all safe products from non -affected 
zones; lift all bans after regaining freedom 3 months after the application of stamping -out, cleaning 
and disinfection of all affected premises; refrain from imposing trade restriction in case of HPAI in 
wild or captive birds; refrain from imposing trade restriction in case of LPAI detected. The European 
Union has repeatedly explained the disease control and regionalisation measures taken in the event 
of an outbreak and offered bilateral structured dialogues to come to a solution with WTO Members. 
Unfortunately, these offers have not  yielded concrete results so far.  
3.7.  The European Union appeals to WTO Members to respect the recommendations of international 
standard setting bodies. These recommendations were developed and adopted with their support.  
3.2  November 20 20 meeting ( G/SPS/R/100 , G/SPS/R/100/Corr.1 , 
G/SPS/R/100/Corr.2  and G/SPS/R/100/Corr.3 ) 
3.2.1   European Union - Update on the African swine fever situation  
3.8.  The European Union thanked the Members that had supported its proposal for a thematic 
session on African swine fever (ASF) to be held in March 2021.5 The European Union shared 
information on recent ASF c ases affecting feral pigs in Germany, which had been immediately 
notified to the OIE and trading partners. Intensive surveillance was ongoing in all high -risk areas, 
and regionalization and movement restrictions had been put in place. The European Union st ressed 
that it aimed at guaranteeing a swift, efficient, and coherent response to ASF outbreaks in line with 
OIE standards and guidelines, and that its measures ensured that pigs, pork, and pork products 
from areas not under trade restrictive measures coul d be placed safely on the EU market and 
exported. The European Union highlighted its transparent approach and the effective management 
of its regionalization policy.  
 
5 A Thematic Session on African Swine Fever was held on 23 March 2021, on the margins of the 
SPS Committee meeting. The presentations a nd the programme can be found in the SPS Gateway: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/sps_thematic_session_230321_e.htm . The Chairperson's 
summary of the Th ematic Session is contained in Annex A of the March 2021 summary report, G/SPS/R/101 . G/SPS/GEN/1908  
 
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  3.2.2   European Union - ASF restrictions not consistent with the OIE international 
standard  
3.9.  The European Union drew Members' attention to inconsistencies in the application of 
OIE international standards related to ASF. The European Union noted that several Members did not 
follow the OIE Terrestrial Code recommendations that had been dev eloped and adopted with their 
support. The European Union had demonstrated in its single market that the disease could be 
managed effectively to ensure that legitimate trade was not the cause of any outbreak. The European 
Union was transparent on its disea se control measures and provided information through many 
channels. ASF was a disease affecting many EU and non -EU countries.  
3.10.   The European Union welcomed the decision to organize a thematic session on ASF in March 
2021. The objective would be to build conf idence among Members to apply trade conditions 
consistent with the SPS Agreement and international standards. The European Union invited 
Members to work together to prepare the thematic session and work on the removal of country -wide 
and scientifically unj ustified trade bans.  
3.2.3   European Union - HPAI restrictions not consistent with the OIE international 
standard  
3.11.   The European Union praised those Members that trusted the EU effective and transparent 
system of control and eradication of animal diseases such as A I. The European Union regretted that 
some Members disregarded their obligations under Article 6 and Annex C of the SPS Agreement. 
Country -wide bans after a disease outbreak were not scientifically justified, and there was no 
justification to wait one year or more to restore the disease -free status, instead of the three months 
defined by the OIE Terrestrial Code. The European Union reiterated its call to all Members to respect 
their regionalization obligations; allow trade of all safe products from non -affected zones; lift all bans 
after regaining freedom three months after eradication and re -instate trade conditions applicable to 
disease -free countries without delay; refrain from imposing trade restrictions in case of HPAI in wild 
birds; and refrain from imp osing trade restrictions in case of detected LPAI. The European Union 
appealed to Members to respect the recommendations of ISSBs that had been developed and 
adopted with their support.  
3.3  March 2021 meeting ( G/SPS/R/101 ) 
3.3.1   European Union - ASF restrictions not consistent with the OIE international 
standard  
3.12.   The European Union drew the Committee's attention to inconsistencies in the application of 
OIE international standards related to ASF. The European Union considered that many Members did 
not follow the OIE Terrestrial Co de guidance for the identification, treatment and certification of 
tradable products. The European Union highlighted that it had, as well as other Members, 
demonstrated that ASF could be managed effectively to ensure that legitimate trade was not the 
cause  of any outbreak. The European Union added that ASF was a disease affecting many EU and 
non-EU countries. The European Union invited Members to work on the removal of country -wide and 
scientifically unjustified trade bans.  
3.3.2   European Union - HPAI restriction s not consistent with the OIE international 
standard  
3.13.   The European Union praised those Members trusting the EU effective and transparent system 
of surveillance, regionalization and eradication of animal diseases such as avian influenza. 
The European Union r egretted, however, that some Members disregarded their obligations under 
Article 6 and Annex C of the SPS Agreement. Country -wide bans after a disease outbreak were not 
scientifically justified where effective movement controls were in place, and there was  no justification 
to wait one year or more to restore the disease -free status, instead of the three months in the 
OIE Terrestrial Code. The European Union reiterated its call to Members to respect their 
regionalization obligations; allow trade from non -affected zones; lift bans three months after 
eradication and reinstate trade conditions applicable to disease -free countries without delay; refrain 
from imposing trade restrictions in case of HPAI in wild birds; and refrain from imposing trade 
restrictions in  case of detected low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI). The European Union called G/SPS/GEN/1908  
 
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  on Members to respect the recommendations of ISSBs, which had been developed and adopted with 
their support.  
3.14.   The OIE provided an update regarding the relevant chapter of the OIE Terrestrial Code 
(Chapter 10.4), which had undergone extensive revisions to be proposed for adoption at its 
May 2021 General Session. The OIE highlighted some of the revisions, including a change to the title 
of the chapter (to refer to infection w ith HPAI viruses), a modification to the list of disease names in 
Chapter 1.3, and impacts on notification and surveillance requirements notably for LPAI, a new 
article on safe commodities, and a revision of the definition of poultry. The OIE pointed to th e 
Terrestrial Code Commission Report of February 2021 (Part A) on its website, detailing the 
amendments.  
4  NOTIFICATIONS RELATED TO ARTICLE 6  
4.1.  From April 2020 through March 2021, 159 notifications ( 33 regular and 126 emergency) related 
to Article 6. Eleven of those notifications , all regular notifications,  indicated that the notified measure 
was trade facilitating; these notifications mainly inform of measures that will simplify the 
requirements for the import of products originating from certain regions, as w ell as the recognition 
of pest -free or disease -free areas  (Table 4.1 ). 
Table 4.1: Trade Facilitating Notifications Related to Article 6  
Document 
symbol  Notifying 
Member  Description of content  
G/SPS/N/ARG/239  Argentina  The notified text contains the phytosanitary requirements, 
agreed with the Spanish National Plant Protection Organization 
(NPPO), governing the importation of plant propagation material 
(plants and cuttings) of the species Dianthus  spp., Gerbera  spp. 
and Limonium  spp. from Spain.  
G/SPS/N/BRA/1680  Brazil  Phytosanitary requirements for grain imports (Category 3, 
Class 9) of wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) produced in Lithuania and 
the products must be free of soil material and plant residues.  
G/SPS/N/CHL/633  Chile Following the completion of the relevant pest risk analyses, 
which made it possible to establish the appropriate 
phytosanitary requirements, Exempt Resolution No. 1.410 of 
2001 has been amended as follows:  
Article 1 has been replaced by the following:  
Shipments must include an official phytosanitary certificate 
issued by the phytosanitary authority of the country of origin, 
declaring that:  
1.1. The shipment is free of Platynota  stultana  
(Lep. Tortricidae) and Argyrotaenia  franciscana  (=A. citrana ) 
(Lep. Tortricidae).  
1.2. In the case of Epiphyas postvittana : 
1.2.1. The shipment originates from an area not regulated for 
Epiphyas postvittana  and is free of Epiphyas postvittana . 
or 
1.2.2. The shipment originates from an area regulated for 
Epiphyas postvittana  and has undergone phytosanitary 
treatment for the control of Epiphyas postvittana 
(Lep. Tortricidae), indicating the product, dose, temperature 
and exposure time.  
Article 2 has been replaced by the following:  
2. The following will be accepted as quarantine treatment for 
the control of Epiphyas  postvittana  (Lep. Tortricidae) and 
must be carried out at the place of origin or destination. 
The specifications concerning the treatment carried out must 
be indicated in the relevant section of the phytosanitary 
certificate, specifying the product, dose, temperature and G/SPS/GEN/1908  
 
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  Document 
symbol  Notifying 
Member  Description of content  
exposure time.  
2.1. Once the treatment is completed, the shipment must 
remain protected at all times until its arrival in Chile in order 
to maintain its phytosanitary status.  
2.2. The shipment must be free of soil and other plant 
remains.  
2.3. Packaging must be new (repackaging is not permitted), 
closed and resistant to handling. It must indicate the region 
of origin of the f ruit and the name of the packaging 
establishment where it was processed.  
2.4. The packaging materials used must allow for potential 
phytosanitary treatments to be carried out at points of entry.  
2.5. All containers must use official NPPO seals or fastening s 
and, in the case of air exports, pallets transported must be 
protected using plastic or mosquito -type nets and each unit 
sealed or fastened.  
2.6. The wood used for packaging, pallets and packing 
materials must comply with quarantine regulations when 
entering the country.  
Agriculture and Livestock Service Resolution No. 9.338 of 2019 
should be repealed.  
See document attached to this notification for details.  
G/SPS/N/CHL/652  Chile The no tified text establishes the phytosanitary requirements and 
regulations governing the importation of reproductive material 
for the indicated species.  
Further details can be found in the document attached to this 
notification.  
G/SPS/N/CHL/656  Chile The no tified text establishes the provisional measure affecting 
the monitoring carried out throughout the process of exporting 
Hass avocado pears ( Persea americana ), grown in the 
municipalities of Uruapan, Salvador Escalante, Peribán de 
Ramos, Tancítaro, Nuevo P arangaricutiro (San Juan), Ario de 
Rosales and Taretan in  the state of Michoacán, Mexico, to Chile. 
The measure establishes that monitoring may only be carried 
out at specific times determined by SAG, depending on the 
quantity of exports and any breaches t hat occur.  
Further details can be found in the document attached to this 
notification.  
G/SPS/N/CRI/235  Costa Rica  The notified draft Resolution establishes the mandatory 
phytosanitary measures for the importation of unrooted 
cuttings, rooted cuttings and plants with roots of purslane 
(Portulaca  spp., Portulaca  hybrid, Portulaca oleracea  and 
Portulaca grandiflora ), for sowing, originating from the state of 
Texas, United States of America.  
G/SPS/N/ECU/229  Ecuador  Resolution No. 0243 of 19 November 2019 provided for the 
immediate entry into force of the mandatory phytosanitary 
requirements governing the importation into Ecuador of 
predatory mites ( Neoseiulus cucumeris ) for biological control 
from the Netherlands.  
G/SPS/N/ECU/230  Ecuador  Resolution No. 0258 of 3 December 2019 provided for the 
immediate entry into force of the mandatory phytosanitary 
requirements governing the importation into Ecuador of the 
biological control agent Steinernema carpocapsae  from the 
Netherlands.  G/SPS/GEN/1908  
 
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  Document 
symbol  Notifying 
Member  Description of content  
G/SPS/N/ECU/231  Ecuador  Resolution No. 0256 of 2 December 2019 provided for the 
immediate entry into force of the mandatory phytosanitary 
requirements governing the importation into Ecuador of the 
biological control agent Heterorhabditis bacteriophora  from the 
Netherlands.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/381  Mexico  In accordance with the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary 
and Phytosanitary Measures, Mexico advises that the Ministry of 
Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Agri -Food 
Health, Safety and Quality Service have established the draft 
phytosanit ary requirements governing the importation into 
Mexico of fresh truffle ( Tuber spp.) ascocarps originating in and 
coming from France.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/382  Mexico  In accordance with the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary 
and Phytosanitary Measures, Mexico advises that the Ministry of 
Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Agri -Food 
Health, Safety and Quality Service have established the draft 
phyto sanitary requirements governing the importation into 
Mexico of fresh apples (Malus domestica)  originating in and 
coming from Belgium.  
 
5  SPECIFIC TRADE CONCERNS AND REGIONALIZATION  
5.1.  Specific trade concerns (STCs) can be raised due to issues pertaining to regionalization. 
From April 2020 through March 2021, five STCs that related to regionalization were raised for the 
first time  (Table 5.1 ). 
Table 5.1: New STCs Related to Regionalization (April 20 20 – March 2 021) 
STC ID Title Member 
raising the 
concern  Member 
responding to 
the concern  Date first 
raised  
(subsequently 
raised)  
505 China's recognition of equivalence 
for third parties introduced as part 
of Phase 1 of the Economic and 
Trade Agreement between the 
United States and China  Australia  China  05/11/2020 
(0 times)  
494 HPAI-related restrictions by China, 
the European Union and 
Kazakhstan  Ukraine  China; 
European 
Union; 
Kazakhstan  05/11/2020 
(0 times)  
489* Mexico's import restrictions on 
pork Brazil  Mexico  05/11/2020 
(1 time)  
484* India's approval procedures for 
animal products  Russian 
Federation  India 25/06/2020 
(1 time)  
471* US non -recognition of the pest -
free status in the European Union 
for Asian longhorn beetle and 
citrus longhorn beetle  European 
Union  United States  25/06/2020 
(2 times) 
* These STCs were subsequently raised again in the same reporting period.  
5.2.  For the same period, seven6 previously raised STCs that related to regionalization were brought 
again to the attention of the Committee  (Table 5.2). 
 
6 In addition, three of the new STCs, as indicated in Table 5.1, were subsequently raised again in the 
same reporting period.  G/SPS/GEN/1908  
 
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  Table 5.2: Previously Raised STCs Related to Regionalization (April 20 20 – March 20 21) 
STC ID Title Member 
raising the 
concern  Member 
responding to 
the concern  Date first raised  
(subsequently 
raised)  
466 The Philippines' trade 
restrictions on imports of 
meat European Union  Philippines  7/11/2019 
(3 times)  
463 Ukraine's restrictions on 
swine products  Brazil  Ukraine  18/07/2019 
(3 times)  
456 Korea's import restrictions on 
poultry due to highly 
pathogenic avian influenza  European Union  Korea, Republic 
of 21/03/2019  
(2 times)  
431 South Africa's import 
restrictions on poultry due to 
highly pathogenic avian 
influenza  European Union  South Africa  2/11/2019 
(8 times)  
406 China's import restrictions 
due to highly pathogenic 
avian influenza  European 
Union; United 
States of 
America  China  16/03/2016 
(12 times)  
393 Korea's import restrictions 
due to African swine fever  European Union  Korea, Republic 
of 15/07/2015  
(10 times)  
392 China's import restrictions 
due to African swine fever  European Union  China  15/07/2015  
(10 times)  
5.3.  In addition, panel proceedings in the context of the WTO dispute settlement resolution 
procedures continued with respect to three previously raised STCs:  
▪ India's restrictions due to avian influenza ( STC 185  raised by the United States, March 2004). 
At its meeting on 19 June 2015, the DSB adopted the Appellate Body report and the panel 
report, as modified by the Appellate Body report ( DS430 ). Thereafter, on 19 April 2016, the 
matter was referred to arbitration under Article 22.6 of the DSU. The arbitration panel was 
composed with the original panelists. On 6 April 2017, India requested the establishment of 
a com pliance panel  (Article 21.5) . At its meeting on 19 April 2017, the DSB deferred the 
establishment of a compliance panel. At its meeting on 22 May 2017, the DSB agreed, 
pursuant to Article 21.5 of the DSU, to refer to the original panel, if possible.  The co mpliance 
panel was composed by the original panellists. The arbitration and compliance proceedings 
are currently ongoing.7 
▪ The Russia n Federation 's measures on live pigs and pork products due to African swine fever 
(STC 369  raised by the European Union, March 2013). At its meeting on 21 March 2017, the 
DSB adopted the Appellate Body report and the panel report ( DS475 ), as modified by the 
Appellate Body report.  Thereafter, on 3 January 2018, the matter was referred to arbitration 
under Article 22.6 of the DSU. O n 25 January 2018, the Russian Federation requested 
consultat ions under Article 21.5 (com pliance proceedings) of the DSU, and on 2 February 
2018, the European Union also requested consultations under Article 21.5 of the DSU.  At its 
meeting on 29 October 2018 , the DSB deferred the establishment of a compliance panel.  At 
its meeting on 2 1 November 2018, t he DSB agreed, pursuant to Article 21.5 of the DSU, to 
refer to the original panel, if possible. The compliance proceedings commenced with a 
compliance panel composed by the original panellists. Pursuant to a request f rom the 
European Union for the panel to suspend its proceedings in accordance with Article 12.12 of 
the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU), 
the panel informed the DSB of its decision of 28 January 2020 to suspe nd its work 
(WT/DS475/24 ).8 As the compliance panel had not been requested to resume its work, 
 
7 The compliance panel has received several joint requests from the parties to postpone the issuance of 
its final report. In its mo st recent communication, dated 12 April 2021 , the compliance panel informed the DSB 
that it had accepted an additional joint request from the parties to postpone the issuance of its report until the 
end of September 2021.  
8 In its communication, the panel noted that its authority would lapse on 28 January 2021 unless the 
European Union indicated that it wished the panel to recommence its work.  G/SPS/GEN/1908  
 
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  pursuant to Article 12.12 of the DSU, the authority for establishment of the panel lapsed as 
of 28 January 2021.  
▪ Costa Rica's measures on fresh avocados due to avocado sunblotch viroid ( STC 394  raised 
by Mexico, July 2015). On 8 March 2017, Mexico requested consultations with Costa Rica  
(DS524 ). On 22 November 2018, Mexico requested the establishment of a panel. At its 
meeting on 4  December  2018, the DSB deferred the establishment of a panel. At its meeting 
on 18  December 2018, the DSB establ ished a panel. Thereafter, t he panel was composed 
on 16 May 2019. The  panel proceedings are currently ongoing.  
__________