G/SPS/GEN/2170  
 
10 November  2023 
(23-7602) Page: 1/7 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: English  
 
  
INFORMATION ON SPS -RELATED ACTIVITIES OF  
THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE (ITC)  
(JULY  - OCTOBER  2023) 
COMMUNICATION FROM ITC 
The following communication, received on 9 November  2023, is being c irculated at the request of 
the ITC. 
 
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The International Trade Centre is continuing its efforts to assist enterprises to meet technical market 
requirements. An update of selected SPS -related activities of interest to WTO Members is provided 
below.  
1  PROJECTS  
1.1  Iraq: Strengthening the Agriculture and Agri -food Value Chain and Improving trade 
policy (SAAVI) (September 2020  - April 2025 / Donor European Union ) 
1.1.  This project aims to support stabilization and governance through building the capacities of 
key Iraqi institutions to deliver public services, as well as sustainable job creation through the 
development of human capital and the enhancement of private sector 's competitiveness. The project 
focuses on the development and implementation of sector strategies fo r high -potential products, as 
well as on defining more market -oriented policies to improve predictability and efficiency in the 
business environment. SAAVI also provides assistance to enhance Iraq 's trade policy and supports 
the country in its WTO accessio n process.  
1.2.  A sub -activity of the programme supports three agri -food value chains in improving food safety 
and quality of their products (namely potatoes, tomatoes, and poultry). Selected farmer and 
producer alliances are trained in good hygiene practices, codex and national standard requirements 
as well as storage and warehousing practices with the aim of meeting domestic buyer requirements 
and preparing for exports at the same time. An agri -food based farmer alliance that grows potatoes 
for domestic consum ption is being supported to improve food safety related standards, Standard 
Operating Procedures, and storage practices in Mosul. A poultry -based alliance in Nineva region is 
being assisted in strengthening biosecurity measures and hygiene practices to inc rease food safety. 
The objective is to comply with government regulations and meet standards of large domestic 
buyers. As a second phase, exports are also targeted at a limited scale.  
1.3.  A guide on Food Safety for Iraqi small and medium sized enterprises has been prepared in 
Arabic language and is undergoing printing to be rolled out in the coming implementation period.  
1.4.  A group of quality and food safety advisers completed their training and is currently supporting 
MSMEs to improve their production processes. The Iraq Quality for Trade Platform remains ready for 
scaling. Approval for mapping of SPS/quality requirements for 'dates, fresh or dried ', has been 
obtained by the Ministry of Trade and research will begin by end 2023.  G/SPS/GEN/2170  
 
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  1.2  Malaysia Arise  Plus Project (Februa ry 2021  - January 2024 / Donor European Union)  
1.5.  In partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the project aims to support inclusive 
and sustainable trade growth and poverty reduction in Malaysia, while contributing to economic 
integration in the A SEAN region.  
1.6.  Activities include biosecurity of fisheries and aquaculture, plant health, animal health and 
sustainable agriculture practices including GAP, Organic, Green Livestock and agricultural waste 
management.  
1.7.  A second round of training and onsite adv isory assistance to the Department of Fisheries (DOF) 
(after those in September 2022) was held from 18 to 28 July 2023 through a mission of 
two international experts, including site visits related to fish disease surveillance, and guidance 
provided on prac tical aspects of implementing EU requirements. Working sessions on EU audits and 
addressing specific constraints related to exporting to the European Union were also held. 
Review  and advisory of the National Disease Surveillance Programme (NDSP) and contro ls in 
fisheries was carried out with recommendations developed for strengthening the programme. 
22 participants from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, attended the training and advisory 
sessions held in Putrajaya city.  
1.8.  A workshop on risk screening of a quatic alien invasiveness was held between 21 and 24 August 
2023. To address shortcomings in the method that was being used in Malaysia, the present training 
was based on Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS -ISK) risk screening decision -support 
tool that helps in informing decisions to manage and control non -native (invasive) aquatic species 
developed by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science in the United Kingdom. 
The training included sessions on Risk analysis and decision -support tools in the context of invasion 
biology and weed risk assessment, Risk screening protocol, utilization of Aquatic Species 
Invasiveness Screening Kit, and Statistical analysis and publication. A total of 27 participants 
representing 6 national age ncies (DoF, National Fish Health Resource Centre, Department of Wildlife 
and National Parks, Johor Biotechnology and Biodiversity Corporation, Department of Agriculture, 
Forestry Department) attended the workshop. This training was held in Putrajaya city. Based on 
request from the national partner, a second workshop has been planned to be held in November to 
cover DoF staff from Sabah region.  
1.9.  A 5-day training workshop on traceability of eggs and dairy products was held from 7 to 
11 August 2023 in Putrajaya,  Malaysia, which included classroom sessions and site visits to eggs 
and dairy production facilities. The workshop aimed to provide technical support to Department of 
Veterinary Services (DVS) Malaysia, in developing a traceability system for eggs and dair y. 
Sessions  included : (a) Determination and identification tools or method used to identify eggs and 
milk and the system to monitor their movement ; (b) Identification of method most suited for 
Malaysia, for identification and traceability of eggs and milk ; and (c). Familiarization on related 
EU regulations and how the European Union implements and monitors the traceability system for 
eggs and milk products. A  subsidiary of a Dutch milk production company based in Pakistan provided 
practical aspects of how t raceability systems are implemented at production and processing levels. 
This latter company is a beneficiary of  support under the EU -financed GRASP project (mentioned in 
following section) being implemented in Pakistan. 41 participants from DVS, Ministry of Agriculture 
and Food Security (MAFS) attended, as did numerous private dairy and poultry farm business 
representatives.  
1.10.   The Electronic ASEAN Catch Documentation Scheme (eACDS) application: traceability tool 
from sea to plate developed by Southeast Asian  Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) is 
currently being piloted at two sites in Malaysia. Guidance on the utilization and operationalization of 
the system is being provided by SEAFDEC. Moreover, an EU expert is advising on 
compatibility/alignment with R egulation (EC) 1005/2008. In this regard, a series of training 
workshops were held with DOF to support the set up and operationalization of an electronic catch 
and traceability system. Training included information sessions on requirements under the 
EU legislation 1005/2008 to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) 
fishing. These trainings were held between 3 September and 27 October in Kuala Terengganu, and 
Kota Kinabalu cities.  G/SPS/GEN/2170  
 
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  1.11.   45 participants from the Ministry of Agricultu re and Food security (MAFS) and private sector 
attended a 3 -day training on agricultural project management towards overall sustainability of farms 
and with the specific focus on environmental sustainability (19 -21 September). The training provided 
an over view on issues, challenges, successes and lessons learned of agricultural projects and 
provided the basic elements of agricultural project management and environmental sustainability.  
1.12.   A 3-day training workshop on Organic Agriculture and sustainability took  place 22 -24 August. 
The training covered the new EU organic regulation (EU 2018/848), its implications on future trade 
and impact upon the current 'equivalent ' system of trading of organic products coming into 
the European Union  to a 'compliance ' system p ost 2024.  
1.13.   The project is also supporting the Plant Biosecurity Division of DOA on pest identification and 
management of EU -quarantined pests for vegetables, flowers, tropical plants and aquatic plants. 
A series of 4 training courses took place between June  and September 2023, to train officers from 
Plant Biosecurity Divisions, State Agricultural Officers of DOA. The compilation of information for 
ten important species of pest and diseases of : (a) rice, leafy and fruity vegetables grown in the 
glasshouse and  fields and their natural enemies ; and (b) of quarantine important in EU countries 
and natural enemies was prepared in advance and used during the training sessions.  
1.14.   A series of four workshops on Integrated Pest Management for vegetables, flowers and rice 
took place between June and September 2023.  Attended by 60 DoA plan biosecurity officers, 
these  workshops covered : (a) General Concept and Basic Principles of Integrated Ecological Pest 
Management (IEPM) ; (b) IEPM and Biological Control in Rice ; (c) IEPM and Biological Control in 
Vegetables and Flowers ; and (d) EU experiences in IEPM with a focus on Biological Control in 
vegetables and flowers under glasshouse condition.  
1.3  Philippines Arise  Plus Project (March 2021 – February 2025 / Donor European Union)  
1.15.   The project aims to foster inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction in the Philippines 
through improved Philippines ' trade performance and competitiveness and specifically by putting in 
place a National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) that promotes ex port competitiveness, and a quality 
management and control systems for exported food products better aligned with international best 
practices.  
1.16.   Planning of a series of trainings on microbiological testing including advanced methods, 
related method validati on, implementation of decision rule, and commercial sterility has commenced 
to be held in the first half of 2024.  
1.17.   Following the development of guides consisting of risk -based inspection checklists, guidelines, 
procedural manuals, and SOPs in fresh fruits a nd vegetables, processed coconut and fisheries sectors 
a series of trainings on implementing the protocols developed has been held for officers of the related 
Competent Authorities - the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau o f 
Plant Industries (BPI) of the Department of Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Authority  - between 
June and August 2023. 90 participants, all inspectors from head office and regional offices from the 
said CAs attended the trainings. Classroom sessions we re complemented with site visits and mock 
inspections to practice the use of the revised inspection protocols.  
1.18.   Support is ongoing to BFAR 's regional laboratories for accreditation against ISO 17025: 2017 
to test for veterinary drug residue analysis aiming at expanding BFAR 's capacity to the many regions 
in Philippines.  
1.19.   Quality and food safety/SPS requirements for priority product market combinations have been 
identified under the project for selected priority products - Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Water, 
Coconut Flour. This information is now available on the Philippines Quality for Trade Platform. 
(website: Qualityfortrade.intracen.org/Philippines/compass)  
1.20.   Moreover, a team of 20 Quality Champions developed and qualified under the project coached 
enterprises  to improve food safety over a period of 5 months having undergone training on related 
general aspects and specific methods and systems (GHP, HACCP, ISO 22000). The qualified Quality 
Champions are now envisaged to roll out a series of trainings for MSMEs i n collaboration with national 
public institutions and private sector partners.  G/SPS/GEN/2170  
 
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  1.4  Myanmar Trade -Related Assistance (Arise Plus – Myanmar) (July 2019 - May 2024 / 
Donor European Union)  
1.21.   The ARISE Plus project aims at building inclusive and sustainable trade gro wth in Myanmar 
through support to MSMEs in selected value chains enhancing food safety and SPS compliance 
(targeting tea, coffee, honey, horticulture products) and trade policy formulation and 
implementation.  
1.22.   Work is advancing on Myanmar Platform on Qualit y and Food Safety. The site already contains 
information on SPS and quality requirements for selected product -market combinations (avocado, 
coffee, honey, and tea, dried mango and dried pineapple targeting EU markets) and now features 
similar requirements for mango puree and canned pineapple. The site also features 25 expert 
(Trainer -cum-Counsellor and Quality Champion) profiles and 12 service provider institutions in 
Myanmar. A series of awareness workshops for each of the product associations is under 
consideration for 2024.  
1.23.   Following the successful submission of the National Residue Monitoring Plan (NRMP) 2023, 
Myanmar maintains EU market access for honey and the project continues its work on the 
continuation and sustainability of the plan beyond the end of the project implementation period 
(expected for May 2024). A training programme customized to non-compliant cases of honey 
samples was designed, and pesticide residue was identified as an important juncture of future 
compliance with EU requirements. Thu s, a guide on pesticides residues in honey as well as training 
sessions around this topic were developed.  
1.24.   The project continues to support a private food testing laboratory for compliance with 
ISO/IEC  17025. The laboratory was assisted in demonstrating their capability through proficiency 
testing. Several lots of equipment for micro -biology and chemical testing were procured.  
1.25.   6 enterprises (cross -sector) are being coached for FSSC 22000 v6 implementation. 
The coaching includes gap assessmen t and the preparation of action plans as all enterprises already 
have HACCP systems in place.  
1.26.   Ten food safety experts were trained as ISO 22000 lead auditors and successfully passed 
IRCA/CQI approved course exams.  
1.5  SYMST: Systematic Mechanism for Safer Trad e (Lao People's Democratic Republic and 
Viet Nam) (December 2018 – October 202 3 / Donor European Union)  
1.27.   The overall objective of the project is to improve food safety through better governance in 
Lao People's Democratic Republic and Viet Nam . The project a ims to strengthen the regulatory 
framework for control of plant health and pesticides in the fruits and vegetable sector and other 
plant products through the application of norms and standards to improve market access.  
1.28.   On the Viet Nam and Lao Quality for T rade Platforms users can discover quality and food 
safety/SPS requirements for priority product market combinations under the project (such as, 
pomelo, dragon fruit, black pepper to the European Union as well as coffee to the European Union, 
Korea and Thai land for Viet Nam  and exports of rice, chili, basil and coffee to the E uropean Union 
for Lao People's Democratic Republic ). 
1.29.   The Plant Protection Lab under DOA, Lao People's Democratic Republic was supported for 
compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Training on the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and 
identification of documentation required for implementation of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements 
was completed. Preparation of the national pesticides residue monitoring plan was also complet ed. 
1.30.   In Viet Nam  training was completed for the National Plant Protection Department on 
regulatory needs of an import tolerance dossier. The training also included work done by various 
countries on the Codex MRLs.  
1.31.   Extensive training, support and coaching re lated to hygiene and food safety, including HACCP 
where relevant, was provided to farms, processors and exporters involved on model value chains 
developed under the project in both countries.  G/SPS/GEN/2170  
 
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  1.32.   Training of inspectors and plant quarantine officers was complet ed. Training on EU online 
SPS certification platform, TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) was completed.  
1.33.   Awareness events and awareness materials and well as manuals on food safety and 
SPS-related market access requirements and related compliance were  completed.  
1.34.   The project ended on 16 October 2023.  
1.6  Lao ARISE Plus Project ( 1 November 2018  – 31 December 2023 / Donor 
Europea n Union)  
1.35.   A number of trainings supported Lao 's Food and Drug Department (FDD) food inspectors to 
improve inspections carried out at the establishment in order to ensure compliance with GMP and 
GHP requirements and issue audit certificates. A train -the-trainer workshop took place between 3 to 
7 July in Vientiane Capital for FDD food inspections to better understand the Thai food regulat ory 
system in support of improving exports to Thailand. This workshop focused on the enforcement 
measures related  to Thai regulations undertaken by food inspectors including the principles of 
auditing and manging an audit programme.  
1.36.   Activities were held to  develop and qualify a team of Quality Champions under the project 
and attached to the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) with whom they 
implemented awareness events on quality and food safety.  
1.37.   A team of Quality Champions, FDD and DOA st aff completed hands -on training on food safety 
and initiated food safety related support to seven enterprises.  
1.7  Uzbekistan: Facilitating the Process of Accession to the WTO (February 2020 – 
October 2024 / Donor European Union)  
1.38.   Under this project, a series o f trainings to reinforce pest risk analysis and integrated pest risk 
management capacities of Uzbekistan 's Agency for Plant Protection and Quarantine were organized 
from June to August 2023. The latest training workshop on "Risk-based official controls " was held 
between 31 July and 4 August 2023. The forthcoming work on the development of risk -based 
management systems and risk -based controls, as well as the update of phytosanitary measures for 
import control requirements, is envisaged for the next reporting  period.  
1.39.   Support to the Sanitary -Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Committee is ongoing 
towards drafting the "Law on Food Safety and Quality ". A review of legislative documents covering 
sanitary rules and food additives is also envisaged to start i n the next reporting period.  
1.40.   In response to a request by Uzbekistan 's State Committee of Veterinary and Livestock 
Development, relevant chapters of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) 's latest revised 
version of the Terrestrial Animal Health Co des are being translated into the Uzbek language towards 
improved implementation of standards for animal health and welfare, targeting completion in 
November 2023. Forthcoming work will, inter alia, cover animal traceability and preparation of a 
national r esidue monitoring plan.  
1.8  Pakistan: Growth for rural advancement and sustainable progress (GRASP) 
(June  2019 - December 2024 / Donor European Union ) 
1.41.   ITC has been providing technical assistance to government agencies related to food safety, 
plant protection a nd animal health in Sindh and Balochistan provinces in Pakistan to improve their 
technical functions, equipment and capacities. These include the food authorities in both the 
provinces, agriculture extension departments, livestock departments, plant protec tion departments, 
and animal health institutes.  
1.42.   In this context, ITC has equipped the food authorities with fully functional mobile van 
laboratories, trained staff on various technical topics including on the WTO SPS Agreement, provided 
recommendations to improve their regulatory and institutional frameworks and contributed to the 
development of an animal health information system among other activities.  G/SPS/GEN/2170  
 
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  1.43.   Currently, ITC is providing additional support to these institutions to procure further 
equipment for th eir testing laboratories (including testing kits and consumables), arrange training 
materials and manuals for their master trainers, prepare and participate in precision testing, 
obtain  ISO 17025 accreditation, develop software solutions for effective enfo rcement of food safety 
regimes, train inspectors on sampling, handling and conducting risk -based assessments, as well as 
train animal health staff on technical topics such as surveillance system operations, vaccine 
production, artificial insemination etc.  
1.44.   On the private sector side, ITC has developed step -by-step guides for SMEs (of mango, dates, 
onion, tomato, banana, grapes, dairy and meat) to implement quality management systems and 
obtain food safety certifications. Going forward, ITC will be providing coaching and handholding 
services to selected SMEs to take them through the implementation process (including audits) and 
enable them to successfully receive certifications such as Global GAP, HACCP, ISO 22000, BRCG S 
among others. ITC has also been working with academia to review their course offerings related to 
SPS and providing them with updated courses and materials to improve their curriculums.  
1.9  EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II) (1  August 2023 – 31 July 
2027 / Donor European Union ) 
1.45.   The second phase of the EU -EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II) was 
launched at a ceremony held in Arusha on 3 October 2023. MARKUP II is regional initiative funded 
by the European Union (EU) to unlock the full potential of agribusinesses within the EAC region; 
implemented b y ITC working in partnership with the EU regional Delegation, the EAC secretariat and 
the governments of six EAC member states.  
1.46.   MARK UP II aims to promote economic growth in the East African Community (EAC) through 
private sector development and export pro motion. It seeks to enhance sustainable and inclusive 
intra-African trade, pan -African trade, and trade with the E uropean Union. MARKUP II will address 
trade barriers, value addition, compliance, trade facilitation, investment, technology transfer, and 
institutional support.  
1.47.   MARKUP II builds on the achievements of its predecessor, MARKUP I, streamlining procedures, 
supporting enterprises, and facilitating international trade. The sectors of intervention are: avocado, 
cocoa, coffee, essential oils, French be ans, gum Arabic, horticulture, leather, packaging, spices and 
tea. MARKUP II will strengthen EAC 's small businesses in close partnership with the East African 
Business Council, EAC Partner States, business support organizations, and local institutions.  
1.48.   One specific component of MARK UP II aims at strengthening quality compliance and 
standards.  
1.10  The Philippines: Bangsamoro Agri -Enterprise Programme (BAEP) (12  September 
2023 – 11 September 2026  / Donor European Union ) 
1.49.   Part of a bigger programme (Farmers – Fisherfolks ' Advancement and Integration to Resilient 
Value Chains in BARMM) led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and 
co-implemented with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the Philippines - which aims at 
improving local agricu ltural/sea -aqua product production in quality, diversity, consolidation and its 
response to the needs of the market. ITC will specifically focus on implementing food safety systems 
and increasing the investment readiness of selected enterprises.  
1.50.   The Actio n is anchored on a partnership between IOM, FAO and ITC that maximizes the 
strengths of each partner, especially in terms of field presence and existing community partnerships, 
technical expertise and international value chain linkages respectively.  
For mo re information, please contact:  
Khemraj Ramful , Senior Adviser, Export Quality Management, ITC  
Tel: +41 22 730 04 87  
Fax: +41 22 730 05 76  
E-mail: ramful@intracen.org  
 G/SPS/GEN/2170  
 
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  Hema Menon , Trade Training Officer, Export Quality Management, ITC  
Tel: +41 22 730 0 5 84 
Fax: +41 22 730 05 76  
E-mail: menon@intracen.org  
 
ITC EXPORT QUALITY MANAGEMENT  
Website : http://www.intracen.org/  
 
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