SPS Agreement Principles

Harmonization

The SPS Agreement encourages--but does not require--countries to harmonize their SPS measures, to the greatest extent possible, by basing their health measures on relevant international standards. Harmonization is intended to reduce unnecessary variances between countries' technical standards...differences which can often be the source of trade friction.

"the establishment, recognition, and application of common sanitary and phytosanitary measures by different countries."

The SPS Agreement recognizes three international standard setting bodies as the official entities for developing health- related standards, guidelines and recommendations:

These international bodies include:

• Codex Alimentarius for food safety standards
  
• International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) for plant health standards, and
  
• Office of International Epizooties (OIE) for animal health standards.

Under the SPS Agreement, a phytosanitary measure which is based on or conforms to an existing and relevant international standard is presumed to be in compliance with all aspects the SPS Agreement. International standards are referred to as 'safe harbor standards' in the sense that their use makes that measure immune to challenge. In these instances a risk assessment is unnecessary.

However, if a country chooses not to use an existing international standard, that country is required to base its measure on a risk assessment and be prepared to notify the reasons for their deviating from the relevant international standard.