The Ultimate Guide to SPS Information: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

The SPS or Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures are essential quality control measures for agricultural and food products. They aim to protect human, animal, and plant health from potential risks posed by biological, chemical, or physical contaminants. These measures require all products to meet certain sanitary and phytosanitary standards before entering a country, ensuring the safety of consumers.

What are SPS Measures?

SPS measures are international standards and regulations set by governments to protect people, animals, and plants, as well as prevent the spread of pests or diseases. They are mandatory requirements that apply to all food products that enter a country. The SPS measures cover four main areas:

• Sanitary measures: to ensure that food products do not contain harmful substances that could pose a risk to human health, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
• Phytosanitary measures: to prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases by regulating the import and export of plants and plant products.
• Animal health measures: to protect animal health by preventing the spread of diseases and pests through animal products, usually regulated through quarantine and testing protocols.
• Food safety measures: to ensure that food products comply with good manufacturing practices, including labeling, marketing, and packaging standards, to protect consumer health.

Why are SPS Measures Important?

SPS measures are essential for ensuring the safety and quality of food products, protecting human and animal health, and preserving plant health. They help to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, reducing the risk of epidemics and avoiding huge economic losses to farmers. For instance, the avian influenza outbreak in 2016 led to over 50 million chicken and turkeys being culled, leading to huge financial losses for producers and creating a risk to human health. In conclusion, without SPS measures, there would be a significant risk to human and animal health, as well as the environment.

Complying with SPS Measures

To comply with SPS measures, you need to ensure that your products meet all the requirements set by the government of the importing country. Compliance involves following proper production techniques and using approved chemicals and methods for food safety. It also involves ensuring that the packaging and labeling of the product are up to standard. Failing to comply with SPS measures can result in consequences such as product recalls and market bans.

Examples of SPS Measures

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is responsible for setting international trade regulations that affect SPS measures. Some of the exemplary SPS measures include:

• The Codex Alimentarius- a set of food safety standards that governments use to improve food quality and safeguard the health of consumers.
• The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)- an international treaty that protects plants from pests and diseases.
• The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)- an international organization that issues standards for the health and welfare of animals to prevent the spread of diseases.

The Impact of SPS Measures on Trade

SPS measures can have a significant impact on trade. While they are important for protecting human, animal, and plant health, they can create barriers to trade. Countries may use SPS measures to protect their local producers, creating a form of protectionism. It can also lead to increased costs for importers who must comply with the regulations, disincentivizing trade. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between protecting consumers and promoting trade.

Conclusion

SPS measures play a crucial role in protecting human, animal, and plant health and ensuring the safety of food products. Complying with SPS measures is critical for any business that intends to export food products. They help to prevent the spread of diseases, protect consumers, and preserve the environment and the economy. By understanding the different SPS measures, businesses can effectively navigate trade regulations and promote food safety.