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SPS AGREEMENT TRAINING MODULE: CHAPTER 1

Introduction to the SPS Agreement

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1.3 What is an SPS measure?

According to Annex A of the SPS Agreement, an SPS measure is any measure applied:

1. to protect animal or plant life or health within the territory of the Member from risks arising from the entry, establishment or spread of pests, diseases, disease-carrying organisms or disease-causing organisms;
    
2. to protect human or animal life or health within the territory of the Member from risks arising from additives, contaminants, toxins or disease-causing organisms in foods, beverages or feedstuffs;
    
3. to protect human life or health within the territory of the Member from risks arising from diseases carried by animals, plants or products thereof, or from the entry, establishment or spread of pests; or
    
4. to prevent or limit other damage within the territory of the Member from the entry, establishment or spread of pests.
     

For the purpose of these definitions, “animal” includes fish and wild fauna; “plant” includes forests and wild flora; “pests” include weeds; and “contaminants” include pesticide and veterinary drug residues and extraneous matter.

SPS measures can take many forms. Examples of SPS measures include the following:

• requiring animals and animal products to come from disease-free areas;
• inspection of products for microbiological contaminants;
• mandating a specific fumigation treatment for products; and
• setting maximum allowable levels of pesticide residues in food.

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