Update on OECD ACTIVITIES of interest to the SPS Committee

COMMUNICATION FROM the OECD

The following communication, received on 8 February 2024, is being circulated at the request of the OECD.

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1  Sanitary and Phytosanitary electronic certificates: current practices and benefits

1.1.  Building on previous work on electronic certificates (Digital opportunities for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Systems and the trade facilitation effects of SPS Electronic Certification; and Electronic sanitary certificates for trade in animal products: Opportunities and Challenges), the OECD has started research to address key knowledge and evidence gaps regarding the use and impacts of SPS e-certificates. More specifically, the report aims to provide a better understanding of the benefits of using SPS e-certificates by addressing three key questions, namely: i) what is the current use of SPS e-certificates; ii) what was the role of SPS e-certificate during the COVID-19 pandemic and how does this enhance our understanding of e-certification's impact on trade; and iii) what is the relevance of SPS e-certificates for traceability throughout supply chains. An interim report will be presented to the OECD Joint Working Party on Agriculture and Trade in May 2024.

OECD contact: Edith.Laget@oecd.org and Annelies.Deuss@oecd.org

2  Quality infrastructure

2.1.  OECD is working on a project aiming to explore the interrelations between regulation and quality infrastructure. It explores how these two systems support each other and bring sector-specific examples. A first version of the issues paper will be shared with the OECD Regulatory Policy Committee in early April. The project was launched at an expert workshop at the WTO Secretariat in May 2023.

OECD contact: Marianna.karttunen@oecd.org and alberto.morales@oecd.org

3  Optimising food safety regulatory systems for economic recovery

3.1.  Following its previous publications on Optimising food safety regulatory systems for economic recovery, OECD is offering support to several of its member states to improve the regulatory enforcement in the food and veterinary sector. This involves enhancing a risk-based approach to enforcement and improving the use of data and strengthen the State Food and Veterinary Service institutional framework.

OECD contact: Giuseppa.ottimofiore@oecd.org and alberto.morales@oecd.org

4  Large-Scale Food Fortification

4.1.  As previously reported, the OECD continues working on a project to support improvements in the regulatory frameworks for Large-Scale Food Fortification. The project involves building a strong assessment and measurement conceptual framework for food fortification regulation as the first step for subsequently developing indicators on policy, regulation and institutional set-up and practical implementation to assess the success of food fortification regulatory delivery. OECD's work will help identify bottlenecks and provide good practice principles and recommendations to strengthen the regulatory frameworks for large-scale food fortification and to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.

OECD contact: vaia.karapanou@oecd.org

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