Question

Q7) What are SPS regulations? Under what conditions are they authorized by the WTO?

Answer 1

Meaning of SPS Regulations:

Sanitary and Phytosanitary(SPS) regulations are biosecurity and quarantine measures taken to protect plant,animal and human life from risks arising from the introduction , establishment and spread of pests and diseases and from dangers arising from toxins and contaminants in food and feed.These regulations are governed by World Trade Organization (WTO) by its committee the SPS committee.

The SPS agreement frames rules and regulations to guide WTO members in the adoption, development and enforcement of sanitary and Phytosanitary measures which affects trade.All the WTO members are required to meet the principles and obligations of the SPS agreement.

Conditions Authorised by WTO:

1.Members of WTO has to develop and apply measures of SPS regulations which may directly or indirectly affect international trade.

2.The members has the right to take necessary SPS measures to protect human, animal and plant life or health .These measures should be consistent with the provisions of the agreement.

3.The members shall accept the SPS measures of other member countries equally even if these measures differ from their own or from those used by other members trading in the same product.

4. There should be transperancy in the SPS regulations applied by the members of WTO.

​​​​​​​5.The SPS committee of WTO provide regular forum for consultation to its member countries.