WTO SPS and TBT Agreements Quiz

SPS Agreement Purpose and Significance

• The main purpose of the SPS Agreement is to ensure that measures to protect animal and plant life, as well as human health, are based on scientific principles and do not unfairly restrict international trade.

Harmonization and International Standards

• Harmonization is significant in the context of the SPS Agreement as it allows member countries to align their national standards with international standards, reducing trade barriers and facilitating trade.
• The WTO recognizes Codex standards as reference standards for international trade and trade dispute settlement.
• International standards, such as those developed by Codex, OIE, and IPPC, are mandatory for member countries in the framework of WTO.

SPS Agreement Requirements

• The SPS Agreement requires member countries to ensure that their domestic and imported products meet the same standards, thereby preventing unfair discrimination between domestic and imported products.

Codex Standards and Organizations

• Codex standards are reference standards for international trade and trade dispute settlement, and are recognized by the WTO.
• The relationship between Codex standards and the SPS Agreement is that Codex standards serve as the basis for national standards, ensuring harmonization and facilitating international trade.
• The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is responsible for standards related to plant health.
• The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) is based in Paris and is responsible for standards related to animal health.

WHO and Codex History

• The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded on 7th April by 61 countries.
• The inaugural meeting of CODEX took place in Rome.
• Codex has developed over 1,000 standards to date.
• The Codex Commission was established for Austria after the World War by Dr. Fritz Bergischer.

National Codex Contact Point

• The national codex contact point for India is located in New Delhi.