Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures - Sixth review of the operation and implementation of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures - Regionalization - Proposal from India

SIXTH REVIEW OF THE OPERATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT
ON THE APPLICATION OF SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES

regionalization

proposal from india

The following proposal, received on 3 December 2024, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of India.

 

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Building on the work under the MC12 SPS Declaration Work Programme and the proposal submitted by India (_G/SPS/W/357) during the Sixth Review, while also highlighting the Members' obligations entailed under the SPS Agreement, and taking into account the report adopted by the SPS Committee (_G/SPS/72), this proposal suggests thematic sessions on adaptation to regional conditions with an aim to create a common understanding around the different concepts of regional conditions, share and learn from experiences of international standard-setting bodies (ISSBs) and Members and to identify and address the challenges faced by Members.

1  PROPOSED AGENDA

1.1  Concepts and Categorization of Regional Conditions

1.1.  This session will examine various concepts of regionalization, including the classification of disease-free zones, areas, and compartments. It aims to support the effective implementation of Article 6 of the SPS Agreement concerning animal disease outbreaks, ultimately promoting safer international trade in animal products.

1.2.  The SPS Secretariat may provide a review of the discussions on Article 6 of SPS Agreement, while also highlighting the inputs of Members on the various categories of regions or regional conditions under Article 6.

1.3.  The international standards setting bodies (ISSBs), may provide detailed presentations on regionalization, its forms, regulatory gaps, and challenges in effective support and implementation of regionalization.

2  RECOGNITION OF REGIONAL CONDITIONS

2.1.  This session aims to provide a platform to Members to share their experiences on recognition of regional conditions including the low disease prevalence area to facilitate their understanding and application among the Membership.

2.2.  Members can share their experiences on some horizontal issues faced by them.

3  POSSIBLE SPEAKERS

3.1.  India is considering to provide speakers for the experience sharing session, depending on the final agenda.

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