An ever-increasing number of sanitary and phytosanitary measures which affect the agricultural and food industries are giving rise to specific trade concerns at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
In its most recent report on trade-related developments during the period from mid-October 2014 to mid-May 2015, the WTO noted a significant increase in the notification of new or modified sanitary and phytosanitary measures. This increase led to the expression of a record number of trade concerns at the meeting of the WTO Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures held in Geneva from July 15 to 16 2015.
WTO member states use the committee meetings to raise and discuss concerns about regulations introduced to protect human, animal or plant life or health, including food safety measures, which they consider hinder international trade and adversely impact competitive opportunities. The types of measure discussed range from new product standards and approval processes to regulations restricting marketing and banning imports.
This has been excerpted from a 21 August 2015 newsletter by International Law Office and is available in its entirety at:
http://www.internationallawoffice.com/newsletters/detail.aspx?g=d2896c33-2112-4da8-b7fb-d907c74907a7