SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) standards
Measures to protect human, animal and plant health applied to international trade in food and agricultural products.
SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) standards
SPS measures are the regulations and procedures applied by countries to protect the life and health of people, animals and plants from risks related to food, animal diseases and pests.
International framework
The WTO SPS Agreement establishes the rules for the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures in international trade. It requires that measures be based on scientific evidence and not constitute disguised restrictions on trade.
Reference organizations
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO): food standards
- OIE / OMSA: animal health standards
- IPPC: phytosanitary standards (plant protection)
Application in EU
The EU applies some of the strictest SPS standards in the world. Imports of animal, plant and food products are controlled at Border Control Posts (PCF) via the TRACES system.
Concrete examples
Maximum pesticide residue limits (MRLs), microbiological standards for foods, heat treatment requirements, certification of the absence of certain animal diseases, and phytosanitary treatment of wood packaging (ISPM 15 standard).
Business impact
SPS standards constitute one of the main non-tariff barriers to global trade. They represent a major challenge for exporters from developing countries to the EU.