1.3: Sanitation
IMPROVED SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY (SPS) SYSTEM TO FACILITATE AGRICULTURAL TRADE Other Information:
SPS refers to the protection of human, animal and plant life and health from foreign pests, diseases and contaminants. SPS
barriers identified as trade barriers continue to grow due to the lack of regulatory capacity in various countries and/or
through the lack of sound science. This growth impedes agricultural trade around the world. Reduced trade flows due to SPS
barriers limit U.S. exports and efforts of developing countries to participate in and benefit from global trade. In response
to these problems, USDA will use its extensive expertise and work closely with other U.S. agencies to strengthen regulatory
coordination, streamline procedures to enhance trade and encourage the use of sound science in addressing SPS and biotechnology
issues. The Department also will continue to monitor adherence to the SPS Agreement of the WTO and actively participate in
U.S. Government enforcement of this agreement. Additionally, USDA will work aggressively with its private-sector trading partners
and international standards-setting organizations to develop a stronger system of international guidelines. These new guidelines
will foster the widespread adoption of science based regulatory systems. USDA will conduct regulatory capacity-building activities,
as well as domestic and international outreach and training. These efforts will not only help protect the life and health
of humans, animals and plants within the United States, but also will facilitate trade through greater regulatory harmonization.
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