UPDATE ON THE STANDARDS AND TRADE DEVELOPMENT
FACILITY
Note by the Secretariat[1]
This
document is being issued by the Standards and Trade Development Facility for
the Committee on Trade and Development's 43rd Session on Aid for
Trade.
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1 Overview
1.1. Food and agricultural exports often trigger sanitary and
phytosanitary (SPS) compliance challenges. Adequate capacity to control SPS
risks is crucial for many developing countries to gain and maintain access to
foreign markets. Repeated rejections of shipments for non-compliance with SPS
requirements result in stricter scrutiny by importing countries, increased
transaction costs, damaged reputation and a loss of confidence in the exporting
country’s competent authority. A strong SPS control system is also an essential
asset to protect a country's consumers from unsafe food as well as its
productive capacity and ecosystem from the entry, spread and establishment of
invasive species. Increased incidences of pests and diseases negatively impact
agricultural production, the effects of which can sometimes be long-lasting on
the country’s ability to export.
[1] This document has been prepared under the Secretariat's own
responsibility and is without prejudice to the positions of Members or to their
rights and obligations under the WTO.