RESTRICTED  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/ACC/SAM/9 
23 June 2008 
 
 (08-2964) 
Working Party on the 
Accession of Samoa Original:   English 
 
 
 
ACCESSION OF SAMOA  
Action Plan for the Implementation of the  
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement  
 
 The following submission, dated 19 June 2008, is  being circulated at the request of the 
Government of Samoa. 
_______________ WT/ACC/SAM/9 
Page 2  
 
  Action Plan for the Implementation of the SPS Agreement
 
 
Action Timeframe and Comments 
Parliamentary passage of Quarantine (Bio security) 
Act 2005. Completed. 
Introduction of new standards, animal health 
regulations and food safety regulations in conformity 
with the SPS Agreement principles. The introduction of new standards and regulations 
follows the principles set out in the Biosecurity Act 
and is based on risk analysis. 
Further development of quarantine website, 
www.samoaquarantine.gov.ws, to improve 
notification and access to documentation. Improve input of data and the operation of the 
website.  Technical assistance to assist in further 
operational improvement of website, for it  to be in 
good order by July 2007. 
Measures are applied only to  the extent necessary to 
protect human, animal or plant health and regulations 
governing animal and plant health and food safety shall be based on scientific evidence. The Quarantine (Biosecurity) Act 2005 mandates a 
risk based approach consistent with principles of 
SPS Agreement. 
To the extent possible, members shall follow 
international standards, guidelines, and 
recommendations in establishing SPS measures. Samoa participates in the development of 
international standards (e.g. plant standards under 
IPPC through the Paci fic Plant Protection 
Organisation) and follows international standards and 
guidelines in the development of national standards. 
Equivalence:  Members shall recognize different 
measures that achieve the same level of protection. The Quarantine (Biosecurity) Act 2005 mandates a 
risk based approach consistent with principles of SPS Agreement.  Samoa has b een flexible with this 
principle and uses it to facilitate trade without 
compromising Quarantine. 
Contact for SPS and administrative procedures: 
 
 Assistant Chief Executive Officer 
 Quarantine Division 
 Ministry of Agriculture Other linked contact points have been established. 
MAF/Quarantine for IPPC, MAF/APH for OIE and 
MCIL for Codex. 
Establishment / Training of enquiry officer with 
MAF:  
 Head of Quarantine 
 Ministry of Agriculture July 2009: 
 Ongoing training with capaci ty required expected to 
be achieved by July 2009.  Technical assistance has 
been sought from New Zealand / AusAid. Quarantine  
Establishment of implementing regulations, including 
control, inspection and approval procedures. The Quarantine (Biosecurity) Act 2005 is  flexible.  It 
already provides a mandate for administrative 
procedures outlining control, inspection and approval 
procedures, following the principles of the SPS Agreement. 
Further identification of regulations necessary for 
giving full effect to the Act (if any). Section 69(1) allows for the making of Regulations 
for such matters which are necessary for giving full 
effect to the Act. 
Draft / Passage of Regulations. July 2010 (in line with the achievement of the 
Quarantine Performance Measures).  
Upgrade and strengthen facilities and equipment.  
(Require x-ray machines, mo re disposal / treatment 
facilities, new replacement of  existing old machines, 
strengthen fumigation mechanisms, IT support 
systems - computers, etc.) The most basic facilities and equipment are in place.  
Technical assistance has been sought from 
New Zealand / AusAid.  
Development of manuals.  Printing of forms, 
brochures, etc. (SPS specific). Operational manuals and procedures are already in 
place.  These are updated regularly.  
Include National Awareness Workshop on SPS. Techni cal assistance to be sought by July 2009 to 
commence awareness programmes. 
SPS specific intensive training of at least 
15 quarantine officials. By July 2009.  WT/ACC/SAM/9 
 Page 3 
 
 
  Action Timeframe and Comments 
National awareness programmes on 
SPS implementation (to include customs officers, private sector people and civil society). By July 2010 (Capacity achievement to be achieved 
by these dates).  In line with performance measure target to complete.  
 
By July - December 2009.  
 
By July 2010 - Decembe r 2011 (Capacity 
achievement to be achieved by these dates). 
Full implementation. By  1 January 2012.  In line with  performance 
measure target to complete. 
 
__________