WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/SPS/GEN/1134 
20 January 2012  
 
(12-0368) 
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 Secretariat
1 
 
 1. At the 2-3 April 2008 meeting, the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 
adopted guidelines to further the pr actical implementation of Article 6.
2  These guidelines are 
intended to provide assistance to Members in the practical implementation of Article 6 by improving 
transparency, exchange of information, predic tability, confidence and credibility between importing 
and exporting Members. 
2. The guidelines require the Secretariat to pr epare an annual report to the Committee on 
implementation of Article 6 based on the in formation provided by Members concerning: 
(a) requests for recognition of pest- or disease-free areas or areas of low pest or disease 
prevalence; 
(b) determinations on whether to recognize a pest- or disease-free area or area of low pest 
or disease prevalence;  and/or 
(c) Members' experiences in the implementa tion of Article 6 and the provision of 
relevant background information by Members on their decisions to other interested Members.  
3. This report is based on information provided by Members through notifications and from 
information presented during SPS Committee meetings.  This info rmation was frequently provided 
under the agenda item "Information on Relevant Ac tivities", and more recently under the agenda on 
"Pest- and or Disease-Free Areas - Article 6".  This agenda item is divided into three sub-items, the first two of which address the points above:  (a) Information from Members on their Pest or Disease Status, and (b) Information from Members on thei r Experiences.  Relevant information provided 
under other agenda items is also included in this report, which covers information provided in the 
years 2009 through 2011. 
                                                      
1 This document has been prepared under the Secret ariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice 
to the positions of Members or to their rights or obligations under the WTO. 
2 G/SPS/48. G/SPS/GEN/1134 
Page 2  
 
  A. R
EQUEST FOR RECOGNITION OF PEST - OR DISEASE -FREE AREAS OR AREAS OF LOW PEST OR 
DISEASE PREVALENCE  
March 2009 meeting (G/SPS/R/54) 
 
4. Mexico indicated that it had declared its entire territory to be free from classical swine fever 
(CSF) on 30 January 2009.  The efforts dated back to 1973, with control and eradication measures in 
the north ‑western states, subsequently extending to th e entire territory with the launching of the 
National Campaign against Hog Cholera.  Mexico was planning to submit the relevant information to 
the OIE shortly in support of its self-declaration.  In view of its status, Mexico asked its trading 
partners to remove any current CSF ‑related restrictions on imports of  swine, swine genetic material, 
and swine meat and meat products. 
June 2009 Meeting (G/SPS/R/55) 
 
5. Indonesia described its efforts to  eradicate Khapra beetle within its territory, as detailed in 
G/SPS/GEN/946.  Following comprehensive quaran tine measures, surveilla nce and eradication 
efforts, there was no evidence of the existence of  Khapra beetles.  Indonesia requested trading 
partners to recognize the status of Indonesia as free from this pest, and to cease requiring fumigation 
of agricultural products, especially grains, beans and pallets, from Indonesia. 
6. Canada reported that it had regained status as  free of low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza 
and requested that trading partners remove any rema ining measures due to avian influenza in light of 
its disease-free status (G/SPS/GEN/866). 
October 2009 Meeting (G/SPS/R/56) 
 
7. Chile reported that in August 2009, pandemic hu man influenza was detected on two turkey 
breeding farms (G/SPS/GEN/981).  The outbreak corresponded to the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus and was duly reported to the OIE on 21 August 2009.  The detected virus was a human virus that 
had been transmitted to the turkeys.  In these ci rcumstances, the likelihood of viral dissemination was 
negligible and there were no risks in trading fresh  poultry meat and poultry by-products.  A number of 
Members had introduced trade-restricting measures wh en there were no scientific grounds to do so.  
One Member even notified its measures as based on th e presence of avian influenza, despite the fact 
that Chile's freedom of this disease was recognized by the 172 members of the OIE.  Chile urged 
Members to comply with Articles 2.2 and 2.3 of  the SPS Agreement and to examine all evidence 
before or applying measures in situations such th is one.  Certain measures, if taken hurriedly and 
without any scientific basis, resulted in significant trade losses. 
October 2010 Meeting (G/SPS/R/61) 
 
8. Japan indicated that on 6 October 2010 it had applied to the OIE for recognition of its 
regained FMD-free status.  Japan thanked those impor ters that had already resumed their imports of 
beef, and requested other Members to lift their suspensions. 
March 2011 Meeting (G/SPS/R/62) 
 
9. Chile stated that some Members had not yet recognized its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) 
free status, even though Chile had been free of FM D for 24 years.  Members' failure to recognize 
Chile's status had resulted in numerous bureaucratic problems.  This was also the case with regards to 
CSF.  G/SPS/GEN/1134 
 Page 3 
 
 
  10. The European Union urged its trading partners to  apply the concept of regionalisation in the 
event of disease outbreaks. 
11. Japan reported that its status as an FMD-free country without vaccination had been restored.  
Japan requested Members that c ontinued to suspend imports on the grounds of the FMD outbreak to 
lift their restrictions. 
October 2011 Meeting (G/SPS/R/63) 
 
12. South Africa reported on an outbreak of FMD that occurred in February 2011 in the northern 
part of Kwazulu Natal Province, bordering Mozamb ique and Swaziland.  M easures implemented to 
eradicate and prevent the disease from spreading to  neighbouring countries included the vaccination 
of 93,000 cattle twice;  tracing and destroying animal s that left the region before the investigation 
began;  imposing a ban on sales;  notifying th e OIE on 25 February 2011 and informing trading 
partners.  South Africa was applying for OIE offi cial recognition of the zone as FMD-free without 
vaccination, and requested trading partners to apply the safe commodities approach in accordance 
with the OIE guidelines for importation of products from South Africa. 
13. Mexico indicated that following two outbreak s of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) in 
July and September 2011 in the states of Tabasco a nd Veracruz, the National Health, Food Safety and 
Food Quality Service (SENASICA) conducted an ep idemiological analysis.  The investigations 
showed no epidemiological link between these cases, and no more cases were identified.  Mexico has been free of epizootic VEE strains since 1972 and ma intains surveillance of the populations at risk.  
The enzootic virus in the recent outbreaks was of a very low pathogenicity, and did no demonstrate 
ability to spread within the horse population.  Me xico's vector control programme ensured early 
detection of any risks to production or to public health, and this was strengthened during the rainy 
season to mitigate any risk of VEE.  Other Member s should continue to recognize Mexico as free of 
epizootic VEE, or acknowledge closure of the r ecent VEE cases as notified to the OIE on 29 August 
and 13 September 2011, or accept the regionalization of the outbreaks and recognize the State of 
Jalisco as free of this disease (G/SPS/GEN/1124). 
B. D
ETERMINATION ON WHETHER TO RECOGNIZE A PEST - OR DISEASE -FREE AREA OR AREA OF 
LOW PEST OR DISEASE PREVALENCE  
June 2009 Meeting (G/SPS/R/55) 
 
14. Belize reported that the Mediterranean fruit fly programme had been initiated in 1977, as a 
surveillance programme.  In 1987, the programme had been modified to its present comprehensive 
status which had allowed Belize to maintain its fruit fly free status for 14 years, and market access for 
several non-traditional products.  Belize thanke d the United States for recognizing its disease-free 
status as of 2001, and reiterated that fruit flies ha d been conclusively controlled in its territory. 
October 2009 Meeting (G/SPS/R/56) 
 
15. The European Union gave additio nal information about its notif ication concerning the list of 
third countries from which poultry and poultry products  may be imported into and transit through the 
European Union (G/SPS/N/EEC/349). 
June 2010 Meeting (G/SPS/R/59) 
 
16. The United States reported USDA's recent de termination that the Mendoza province of 
Argentina was recognized as a pest-fre e area for Mediterranean fruit fly.  The United States invited all G/SPS/GEN/1134 
Page 4  
 
  Members to review its notification on the matter (G/SPS/N/USA/2039) and comment by 
29 August 2010.  The United States also stated that  it now recognized all of Chile as Med-fly free. 
C. M
EMBERS ' EXPERIENCES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 6 
March 2009 meeting (G/SPS/R/54) 
 
17. Australia reported that since December 2008,  Australia was officially free from equine 
influenza.  Australia's statement of freedom w as based on the control programme and comprehensive 
surveillance which met OIE requirements.  Australia also reported that since January 2009, Australia 
was officially free of citrus canker, following  a successful four-and-a-half-year eradication 
programme. 
18. Brazil reported that two more areas had been r ecognized as free of black sigatoka.  Brazil now 
had more than 1,005,000 square kilometres throughout  twelve states free from this disease.  The aim 
was to extend these pest-free areas following IPPC recommendations. 
19. The Philippines reported on its pest-free areas for Mango Pulp and Seed Weevils. 
20. Belize provided information on an outbreak of  virulent Newcastle Disease in commercial 
poultry in the Cayo District that had been reported to the OIE in November 2008.  Depopulation and 
decontamination measures, along with movement cont rols, had succeeded in controlling the disease in 
the commercial poultry sector, however, it had spread to backyard poultry in the Cayo, Belize, Stann 
Creek and Toledo Districts.  Belize planned to c ontrol the disease through repeat vaccinations every 
three months to obtain disease-free recognition with vaccination. 
June 2009 Meeting (G/SPS/R/55) 
 
21. Zambia provided information resulting from surveys regarding Fruit Fly and American 
Foulbrood disease in Honeybees. 
22. Costa Rica provided information on measures to control the citrus bacterial disease 
Huanlongbing (HLB), also known as Yellow Dragon disease (G/SPS/GEN/930).  Steps were being 
taken to prevent the entry of the disease into th e country, including increased inspection of citrus 
material at entry points into the country, technical tr aining of field and laboratory technicians, training 
of producers and sampling of vector insects at the national level. 
23. Mozambique reported that its plant health re gulations had been improved in accordance with 
the IPPC standards, and were scheduled to enter into force in September 2009.  Mozambique would 
declare areas free of fruit fly and identify low prev alence areas in order to ensure recognition of its 
food products, as its south and central regions were  free of fruit flies after twelve months of 
systematic food surveillance. 
24. Chile reported that the country had been recogni zed by the OIE as presenting a negligible risk 
with respect to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopath y (BSE) (G/SPS/GEN/952).  This was the result of 
intensive surveillance and control of the bovine population and the a pplication of strict standards. 
25. El Salvador reported that it was free of CSF.  This had been achieved through the monitoring 
of all potential focal points and the implemen tation of an awareness-raising programme.  G/SPS/GEN/1134 
 Page 5 
 
 
  October 2009 Meeting (G/SPS/R/56) 
 
26. Costa Rica reported on a series of surveillance, control, prevention and eradication measures 
for CSF (G/SPS/GEN/966). Having met the necessary requirements established by the OIE, Costa 
Rica declared itself to be a "country free from CSF". 
27. Madagascar reported on its surveillance of fru it fly populations in collaboration with the 
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 
March 2010 Meeting (G/SPS/R/58) 
 
28. Argentina provided information on measures taken in  response to the detection of fruit flies in 
one locality of Patagonia (G/SPS/GEN/994).  As a r esult of the measures, the area regained its fruit 
fly-free status in November 2009. 
29. Madagascar indicated that it had notified an outbr eak of the bee disease varroasis to the OIE.  
The disease had been observed and identified in one of  the regions of the high plateau and measures 
had been taken.  In addition, surveillance in other honey-producing areas had been strengthened. 
June 2010 Meeting (G/SPS/R/59) 
 
30. Philippines drew attention to the new FMD st atus awarded to the Philippines by the OIE 
General Assembly in May 2010 (G/SPS/GEN/1031). 
31. Paraguay reported that it had been designa ted by the OIE as FMD-free with vaccination 
(G/SPS/GEN/1023).  Paraguay also highlighted its re-certification by the OIE as a "BSE Negligible 
Risk" country and as free from rinderpest.  Finally, Paraguay drew attention to its National Swine 
Health Plan and the Programme for the Eradication of CSF 2010-2012. 
32. Brazil noted that with the addition of Mato Gr osso do Sul, a region of 14 states had been 
designated as free of Black Sigatoka, as notified in G/SPS/N/BRA/115. 
October 2010 Meeting (G/SPS/R/61) 
 
33. Korea reported that there had been no other outbr eaks of FMD since the one in May 2010.  In 
September 2010, the OIE had recognized Korea' s status as FMD-free without vaccination. 
34. Paraguay reported that since the restoration of  its FMD-free status with vaccination in 2006, 
Paraguay had not had any cases of FMD.  In Februa ry 2011, the OIE had lif ted the high surveillance 
zone in place for preventative measures and rest ored Paraguay's classification as FMD-free with 
vaccination.  Paraguay had also been rece rtified as a BSE-negligible-risk country. 
June 2011 Meeting (G/SPS/R/63) 
 
35. China provided information on the introduction of the regionalization management system. 
36. Colombia provided information regarding its recent self-declaration as a country free from 
avian influenza. 
37. Japan reported on the regaining of its avian influenza disease-free status. G/SPS/GEN/1134 
Page 6  
 
  October 2011 Meeting (G/SPS/R/63) 
 
38. Korea reported that after the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on 
29 December 2010, it had implemented a stampi ng-out policy and disinfected the affected and 
neighbouring farms (G/SPS/GEN/1116).  Culling and disinfection on the infected premises was 
completed and there had been no further outbreaks.  Korea had declared itself an HPAI free country 
as of 23 August 2011 in accordance with the OIE Te rrestrial Animal Health Code 2011, and had 
notified this to the OIE on 5 September 2011. 
39. The European Union stated that 11 outbreaks we re reported in Bulgar ia between 5 January 
and 7 April 2011.  Stamping out measures were im posed rather than emergency vaccination.  High 
risk and low risk areas were defined in the country  and the movement of an imal and products between 
those areas and the rest of the country were regulated until 30 September, six months after the last outbreak.  This was complemented by a control a nd surveillance plan for wildlife in southeast 
Bulgaria to be implemented at least until mid-Apr il 2012.  A plan, co-funded by the European Union, 
included the reinforced control on the movement of  domestic animals and surveillance of livestock 
and wildlife to ensure that the area along the borde r with Turkey was free of disease.  Bulgaria was 
preparing a final report on the outbreak which could serve as the basis for the application to the OIE 
of re-instatement of its previous disease-free status. 
40. South Africa reported that an outbreak of HPAI in ostriches was detected in March 2011. The 
pathogenicity of the virus (H5N2) was confirme d on 16 March 2011.  The outbreak was reported to 
OIE and trading partners.  Temporary measures were introduced immediately to control exports of all 
poultry and products thereof.  The outbreak was li mited to the Western Cape Province and the area 
was subsequently declared an avian influenza cont rol area.  The other eight provinces of South Africa 
were negative for the disease.  South Africa was in the process of regionalizing the infected area to 
conform to the OIE guidelines.  The outbreak was lim ited to ostriches, therefore export of other 
poultry could continue from bio-secured compartments. 
41. Jamaica reported that in September 2009 its Pl ant Health Committee received confirmation of 
the presence of Liberibacter asiaticus  that causes HLB.  A survey show ed that the HLB and its vector, 
the citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri , were present throughout the island.  In November 2010, the FAO 
provided technical assistance to facilitate the produ ction of clean nursery stock;  public awareness 
programmes;  technical consultancies;  production of pathogen free material;  and improved capacity 
for the diagnostic testing for HLB.  To restrict th e spread of HLB, the Plan t Quarantine Branch made 
HLB a notifiable plant pest.  A Citrus Nursery Orde r was being prepared.  An island-wide survey was 
underway to determine the incidence of the di sease in commercial groves.  The Ministry of 
Agriculture and Fisheries initiated a biological cont rol programme in commercial and residential plots 
(G/SPS/GEN/1118). 
D. N
OTIFICATIONS RELATED TO ARTICLE 6 
42. From 2009 through October 2011, 225 notifica tions (regular and emergency) related to 
Article 6.  Nineteen of those notifications (18 re gular and one emergency) i ndicated that the notified 
measure was trade facilitating;  these notifications mainly inform of measures that will simplify the 
requirements for the import of products originatin g from certain regions, as well as the recognition of 
pest-free or disease-free areas.  G/SPS/GEN/1134 
 Page 7 
 
 
  Trade Facilitating Notifications Related to Article 6 
 
Document Symbol Notifying 
Member Notified document title Description of content 
G/SPS/N/AUS/230 Australia Importation of Hatching 
(Fertile) Duck Eggs from 
Approved Countries - 
Draft Policy Review The policy review proposes a more relax 
set of requirements for the  importation of 
hatching (fertile) ducks eggs from 
approved countries 
G/SPS/N/AUS/233 Australia Policy determination on 
the importation of fresh unshu mandarin fruit from 
Shizuoka Prefecture in 
Japan The importation of fresh unshu mandarin 
fruit from four designated export areas in the Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan may be 
permitted, subject to the Quarantine Act 
1908 and the application of phytosanitary measures as specified in the Final Import 
Risk Analysis Report for Fresh Unshu 
Mandarin Fruit from the Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. These measures are 
designed to limit quarantine risk to a level 
which achieves Australia's appropriate level of protection. 
G/SPS/N/AUS/251 Australia Final Import Risk Analysis 
Report for Fresh Stone Fruit from California, 
Idaho, Oregon and 
Washington The importation of fresh stone fruit from 
California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington in the United States may be permitted, 
subject to the Quarantine Act 1908 and the 
application of phytosanitary measures as specified in the Final Import Risk Analysis 
Report for Fresh Stone Fruit from 
California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. These measures are designed 
to limit quarantine risk to a level which 
achieves Australia's appropriate level of 
protection. 
G/SPS/N/AUS/252 Australia Extension of existing 
policy for the importation 
of fresh mango fruit from 
the Philippines to Australia - Inclusion of the 
additional growing area of 
Davao del Sur, Mindanao Island Australia is proposing to amend the 
conditions for the importation of fresh 
mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit from the 
Philippines to allow fruit from the province of Davao del Sur of Mindanao 
Island, to be imported into Australia 
subject to conditions.  
G/SPS/N/CHL/310 Chile Phytosanitary requirements 
for the importation into Chile of fresh melons, 
watermelons, pumpkins, 
courgettes and cucumbers for consumption from the 
Department of Ica, Peru, 
and approval of the work plan. The notified text outlines the operational 
system and the phytosanitary requirements for the importation into Chile of certain 
fresh fruit originating in the Department of 
Ica, Peru. G/SPS/GEN/1134 
Page 8  
 
  Document Symbol Notifying 
Member Notified document title Description of content 
G/SPS/N/CHL/324 Chile Phytosanitary requirements 
for the importation into Chile of fresh grapefruit, 
satsumas, mandarins or 
tangerines, navel oranges and tangelos for 
consumption from the 
Departments of Ica and 
Lima, Peru, and approval 
of the work plan. The notified text lays down the 
phytosanitary requirements for the importation into Chile of fresh grapefruit, 
satsumas, mandarins or tangerines, navel 
oranges and tangelos for consumption from the Departments of Ica and Lima, 
Peru, in accordance with  the specifications 
established in the joint SAG-SENASA 
(Chilean Agriculture and Livestock 
Service -Peruvian National Agrarian Health Service) work plan. 
G/SPS/N/CHL/343 Chile Amendment to Resolution 
No. 6.076 of 2009 establishing phytosanitary 
requirements for the 
importation into Chile of fresh "Hass" avocado pears 
(Persea americana) for 
consumption from the Province of Tucumán, 
Argentina, and approval of 
the work plan. Amendment to the work plan for the 
exportation of "Hass" avocado pears (Persea americana) from Argentina to 
Chile in order to incorporate the 
Department of Ledesma, Province of Jujuy. 
G/SPS/N/TPKM/246 Chinese Taipei Draft of the "Quarantine 
Requirements for the Importation of Carrot from the Areas where 
Burrowing Nematode 
(Radopholus similis ) is 
Known to Occur in 
Australia" Importation of fresh carrots ( Daucus 
carota  L.) from areas where burrowing 
nematode ( Radopholus similis ) is known 
to occur in Australia (New South Wales, 
Northern Territory, Queensland, South 
Australia and Western Australia) must be 
regulated in acco rdance with the 
"Quarantine Requirements for the Importation of Carrot from the Areas 
where Burrowing Nematode is known to 
Occur in Australia".  The operation of the designated production sites, soil testing, 
harvest, packing and storage operation, 
export inspection procedure, and import inspection shall follow these quarantine 
requirements. 
G/SPS/N/COL/177 Colombia Draft Resolution of the 
Colombian Agricultural 
Institute (ICA) 
"Authorizing the entry of meat of bovine animals 
and swine from Panama 
for local consumption in the municipality of Juradó 
(Department of Chocó) 
without animal health 
import documents". Authorization; Ban on the movement of 
meat; Penalties; Notification; and Entry 
into force.  G/SPS/GEN/1134 
 Page 9 
 
 
  Document Symbol Notifying 
Member Notified document title Description of content 
G/SPS/N/COL/228 Colombia Resolution No. 003683 of 
20 September 2011 suspending the importation 
into Colombia from 
Paraguay of animals and the risk products thereof 
capable of transmitting or 
carrying the FMD virus. Suspension of the entry into Colombia 
from Paraguay of animals and the risk products thereof capable of transmitting or 
carrying the FMD virus for a period of six 
months;  assessment of the risk of the disease being introduced into Colombia;  
suspension of applications;  notification 
and entry into force. 
G/SPS/N/EEC/380 European Union Draft Commission 
Decision on imports of semen, ova and embryos of 
animals of the ovine and 
caprine species into the Union" The purpose of this Decision is to align 
accordingly the model h ealth certificates 
for imports into the Union of ova, embryos 
and semen of animals of the ovine and 
caprine species taking into account the amendments made to Directive 92/65/EEC 
by Directive 2008/73/EC and Regulation 
(EU) No 176/2010 and therefore to repeal Decision 2008/635/EC. 
G/SPS/N/SGP/37 Singapore Revision of the Veterinary 
Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats The AVA's re-categori zation of the rabies-
status of countries and consequent changes to quarantine requirements are 
implemented to facilitate the movement of 
pets belonging to travellers and persons relocating to Singapore, and facilitate the 
clearance of commercial imports of dogs 
and cats.  
G/SPS/N/USA/2005 United States Proposed Rule: Changes in 
Disease Status of the Brazilian State of Santa 
Catarina with Regard to 
Certain Ruminant and Swine Diseases (Docket 
No. APHIS-2009-0034) The Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) is proposing to amend the regulations governing the importation 
of certain animals and animal products by 
adding the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina to the list of regions we recognize 
as free of foot-and-mouth disease, 
rinderpest, swine vesicular disease, CSF, and African swine fever.  
G/SPS/N/USA/2041 United States Notice: Determination of 
Pest-Free Areas in Mendoza Province, 
Argentina; Request for 
Comments (Docket No. APHIS-2010-0032) The APHIS is advising the public that they 
have received a request from the Government of Argentina to recognize 
additional areas as pest-free areas for 
Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) in Argentina. After reviewing the 
documentation submitted in support of this 
request, the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has 
determined that these areas meet the 
criteria in the regulation for recognition as pest-free areas.  G/SPS/GEN/1134 
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  Document Symbol Notifying 
Member Notified document title Description of content 
G/SPS/N/USA/2042 United States Notice of Availability of a 
Pest Risk Analysis for Importation of Wall 
Rocket Leaves from the 
United Kingdom into the Continental United States 
(Docket No. APHIS-2010-
0027) The APHIS is advising the public that they 
have prepared a pest risk analysis with respect to perennial wall rocket leaves 
grown in the United Kingdom.  The 
analysis evaluates the risks associated with 
the importation into the continental United 
States of fresh leaves of perennial wall 
rocket. Based on that analysis, APHIS 
believe that the application of one or more 
designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of 
introducing or disseminating plant pests or 
noxious weeds via the importation of wall rocket leaves from the United Kingdom. 
G/SPS/N/USA/2157 United States Proposed Rule: 
Importation of Live Swine, Swine Semen, Pork, and 
Pork Products; Estonia, 
Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia (Docket No. 
APHIS-2008-0043) The APHIS is proposing to amend the 
regulations governing the importation of animals and animal products to add 
Estonia, Hungary, Slovak Rep., and 
Slovenia to the region of the European Union that we recognize as a low-risk 
region for CSF.  APHIS also proposes to 
add Estonia, Slovak Rep., and Slovenia to the list of regions considered free of swine 
vesicular disease (SVD) and to add Slovak 
Rep. and Slovenia to the list of regions considered free of FMD and rinderpest.  
G/SPS/N/USA/2182 United States Importation of Bromeliad 
Plants in Growing Media 
From Belgium, Denmark, 
and the Netherlands (Docket No. APHIS-2010-
0005) The APHIS is proposing to amend the 
regulations governing the importation of 
plants and plant products to add Bromeliad 
plants of the genera Aechmea, Cryptanthus, Guzmania, Hohenbergia, 
Neoregelia, Tillandsia, and Vriesea from 
Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands to the list of plants that may be imported into 
the United States in an approved growing 
medium, subject to specified growing, inspection, and certification requirements.  
G/SPS/N/USA/2253 United States Notice of Availability of 
Pest Risk Analyses for the Importation of Fresh 
Pitaya and Pomegranates 
from Mexico into the Continental United States 
(Docket No. APHIS-2011-
0031) The APHIS is advising the public that they 
have prepared pest risk analyses that evaluate the risks associated with the 
importation into the continental United 
States of fresh pitaya and pomegranates from Mexico. Based on these analyses, 
APHIS believes that the application of one 
or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of 
introducing or disseminating plant pests or 
noxious weeds via the importation of fresh 
pitaya and pomegranates from Mexico.   G/SPS/GEN/1134 
 Page 11 
 
 
  Document Symbol Notifying 
Member Notified document title Description of content 
G/SPS/N/USA/2254 United States Proposed Rule: 
Importation of Tomatoes From the Economic 
Community of West 
African States Into the Continental United States 
(Docket No. APHIS-2011-
0012) The APHIS is proposing to amend the 
fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of tomatoes from the 
member States of the Economic 
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) into the continental United 
States. As a condition of entry, tomatoes 
from the ECOWAS would be subject to a 
systems approach that would include 
requirements for pest exclusion at the production site, fruit fly trapping and 
monitoring, and procedures for packing the 
tomatoes. The tomatoes would also be required to be accompanied by a 
phytosanitary certificate issued by the 
national plant protection organization of the exporting country with an additional 
declaration that the tomatoes had been 
produced in accordance with the proposed requirements.  
 
E. SPECIFIC TRADE CONCERNS AND REGIONALIZATION  
43. Specific trade concerns (STCs) can be raised due to issues pertaining to regionalization.  
From 2009 through 2011, four STCs that related to regionalization were raised for the first time. 
New STC's Related to Regionalization (2009-2011) 
 
STC 
No Title Member 
raising 
the 
concern Member 
maintaining 
the measure Date first 
raised 
280 New meat import 
conditions European 
Union Indonesia 23/06/2009 
286 Import restrictions on 
poultry meat Brazil Indonesia 28/10/2009 
305 Import Restrictions on 
Beef and Recognition 
of the Principle of Regionalization Brazil Indonesia 20/10/2010 
318 US failure to recognize 
South Patagonia as 
FMD-free and to Import Beef from North 
of the 42nd Parallel Argentina United States 30/06/2011 
  
44. For the same period, five previously raised STCs that related to regionalization were brought 
to the attention of the Committee. G/SPS/GEN/1134 
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  Previously Raised STC's Related to Regionalization (2009-2011) 
 
STC 
No Title Member 
raising the 
concern Member 
maintaining the 
measure First date 
raised 
269 Restrictions on apples China United States 24/06/2008 
271 Restrictions on imports of 
swine meat Brazil Mexico 24/06/2008 
280 New meat import conditions European Union Indonesia 23/06/2009 
305 Import Restrictions on Beef 
and Recognition of the Principle of Regionalization Brazil Indonesia 20/10/2010 
318 US failure to recognize 
South Patagonia as FMD-
free and to Import Beef from 
North of the 42nd Parallel Argentina United States 30/06/2011 
 
 
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