Page 39 - Trade and Food Standards

Figure 4: Specific trade concerns referencing Codex Standards raised from 2012 to 2016 *
Figure 4: Specific trade concerns referencing Codex standards raised from 2012 to 2016
41%
Source: WTO Secretariat
A recent driver of STCs before the TBT Committee has been the upward trend in food- and nutrition- labelling regulations. Discussion of labelling measures to promote nutrition and healthy diets has become a major issue in the TBT Committee, with one third of new STCs brought to the attention of WTO members since 2012 concerning these types of labelling schemes. A second major source of STCs in TBT discussions is the regulation of alcoholic beverages, including labelling, compositional requirements and definitions.
The benefits of taking part
The growing number of notifications and STCs referencing Codex standards before the SPS and TBT Committees underscores the importance of countries ensuring that they are equipped to take part in and engage with the system of standard setting and the WTO.
The foundation for engaging in the work of the SPS and TBT Committees and in the Codex
38% 1
1
1
11
1%
% 10%
standard-setting process is effective multi- stakeholder coordination at the national level. Successful implementation of the SPS and TBT Agreements requires a whole-of-government approach, involving a wide range of ministries and agencies, including health, agriculture, industry, trade, environment and standards bodies, among others, many of which are also involved in the Codex process. The private sector has an essential role to play as well: it is producers who must contend with the requirements of food measures domestically and in export markets, and the private sector is a key partner in the development and application of food standards.
Governments and the private sector alike can track notifications to keep abreast of regulatory changes in export markets, identify possible concerns and ensure compliance with new requirements. Then, when the need arises, it is WTO members who submit comments on a draft regulation of another member that may impact exports, and, if necessary, use the SPS and TBT Committees to resolve concerns.
Part 2. The benefit of taking part 27
Food safety ( SPS)
Labelling (non-food safety related) (TBT)
Others (TBT)
Quality, compositions (TBT)