- Definition: SPS measures are basic rules for food safety and animal/plant health standards.
- They apply to domestically produced food and local animal/plant diseases, as well as imports.
- Significance:
- Ensure food is safe for consumers.
- Prevent spread of pests or diseases among animals and plants.
- Allow countries to set their own standards.
- Regulations must be based on science.
- Should be applied only to the extent necessary for protection.
- Should not arbitrarily discriminate between countries.