Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures

The international seafood trade is governed by agreements under the World Trade Organization (WTO) structure and in particular under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures.

SPS measures are among the most relevant for fish trade as it may prove to be the favourite means of protectionism for importing countries.

The change in import regulations such as the introduction HACCP related regulatory systems are probably the most prominent example of an SPS application.

Seafood companies in all countries must comply with complex sets of regulatory and statutory requirements implemented and controlled by their regulators.

Goverments face as well challenges, as their role shift from fish inspector to systems regulatory verifier. Particularlly since an effective food safety programme, even one narrowly aimed only at a specific seafood export, would require appropriately trained inspectors and adequate laboratory facilities (or access to such facilities).

I have assisted industry and governments in over 20 countries (so far) to implement cost effective compliance programmes that would provide market access for their products to the most favourable markets.