Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)
The basic rules governing food safety and animal and plant health standards are covered by the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
SPS measures are those that are used to protect human, animal, or plant life or health from risks that come from the spread of pests and diseases, or from additives, toxins, or contaminants found in food, beverages, or feedstuffs.
The SPS Agreement requires that WTO members establish a national “Enquiry Point" to answer enquiries from other members regarding the technical requirements and SPS-related measures for products sold in their countries.
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
The Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) describes the rights and obligations of WTO members concerning the development and use of technical measures that affect product trade.
The purpose of the TBT Agreement is to reduce barriers to trade resulting from different technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures from one country to another, while also providing members with the right to implement measures to achieve legitimate policy objectives, such as the protection of human health and safety, or the environment.
The TBT Agreement requires that WTO members establish a national “Enquiry Point" to answer enquiries from other members regarding the technical requirements for products sold in their countries.
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