Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) Study on National SPS Coordination Mechanisms in Africa – preliminary recommendations WTO Workshop on SPS Coordination at National and Regional Levels 17 October 2011, Geneva

Background SPS management capacity and compliance depend on coordinated action by wide range of public, private and other stakeholders (PPP) National SPS coordination mechanisms (committees) (being) established in Africa - often driven by projects (e.g. PAN-SPSO), regional SPS frameworks (RECs)

Objectives i.Analyse existing national SPS committees (survey, communication, interviews, desk research) ii.Identify practical recommendations to enhance development, performance and sustainability of SPS committees NB: Draft study prepared in collaboration with UK Natural Resources Institute (NRI) and to be finalized in 2011 taking into account discussions at WTO workshop

Outcomes (1) Only one country (out of 17) rates SPS committee as satisfactory Unclear organizational mandates Out-dated legislation Limited SPS awareness at all levels Inadequate resources Lack of trust, transparency Difficulties in involving private sector (and academia, consumer organizations, etc.)

Outcomes (2) High diversity in objectives, functions, scope, members, legal status, frequency of meetings, communication methods, funding, etc. No one size/type fits all solution Six preliminary recommendations

1. Raise SPS awareness Organize high-level SPS stakeholder event (in collaboration with WTO, REC, other development partners, etc.) to define objectives and scope Show economic impact of potential measures on trade and wider economy

2. Clarify organizational mandates Integrate SPS coordination in SPS policy and review/ update legislation Formalize SPS committees (where necessary and appropriate) NB: Lengthy process, should not be an excuse for putting coordination on hold

3. Build on existing mechanisms Resource limitations Committees, working groups, taskforces on food safety, animal/plant health, specific sectors or commodities National Codex Committees Kenya Horticulture Taskforce Mango Taskforce in Mali Existing mechanisms facilitate private sector participation

4. Follow good meeting practices Appoint Secretariat / Chair Establish terms of reference / operational procedures Prepare agenda, circulate documents before and after meetings, allow time for comments, prepare minutes, etc.

5. Establish clear and effective communication strategy Use media and other existing tools (including SPS-IMS, STDF) Consider creation of web-based SPS information network/ portal connecting wide variety of stakeholders (NNA, NEP, Codex/IPPC/OIE contact points, private sector associations, etc.) (STDF/PG/19) Consider broadening scope to all standards affecting trade in agricultural products (including TBT / private standards)

6. Promote sustainability Ownership and commitment Formalization of SPS committee Practical and workable design and structure Resources (government budget vs. external funds) Training / capacity building

For more information: Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) World Trade Organization Centre William Rappard Rue de Lausanne 154 CH-1211 Geneva Switzerland