Transitioning from paper-based to automated SPS systems

STDF Session
12 July 2017
WTO 

The world's population will reach 9.1 billion in 2050 and agricultural production will have to increase by approximately 60 percent to feed the planet (FAO, 2015). New technologies in farming are expected to bring a number of benefits, such as increased productivity, improved traceability, reduced food wastage, and strengthened food safety. Technology is also central to the use of automated certification processes, helping to lower the time and cost to export from developing countries.

Against that background, this session looked at the current state of play on electronic SPS certification and its role in facilitating safe trade, as well as the potential of the Internet of Things to transform how sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) risks are managed within supply chains. It explored how developing countries can access and adopt new technologies to promote trade and benefit their domestic populations. Panellists discussed how to strengthen SPS import/export controls on the journey from paper to digital-based systems.

The objective of the session was to have an informed dialogue on the use of new technologies in the context of SPS compliance and trade, identify best practices, and consider challenges and opportunities for future action to support developing countries, to benefit from new technologies.

Programme

Opening Remarks:

Moderator:

  • Edwini Kessie, Director, Agriculture and Commodities Division, WTO

Panel Discussion:

  • Barbara Cooper, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Australia
  • Bill Gain, Global Program Manager, Trade Facilitation & Border Management, World Bank Group
  • Mark Reader, Group Category Director, Rentokil
  • Diane Taillard, Director, Consumer Safety & Traceability, GS1

Closing Remarks:

  • Melvin Spreij, Secretary, Standards and Trade Development Facility

Presentations

Barbara Cooper, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Australia
Bill Gain, Global Program Manager, Trade Facilitation & Border Management, World Bank Group
Mark Reader, Group Category Director, Rentokil
Diane Taillard, Director, Consumer Safety & Traceability, GS1

Podcast

Listen to the podcast from this session.

STDF Briefing Note- Facilitating safe trade: going paperless with SPS e-certification

A new STDF Briefing note on paperless SPS systems was shared at the session showcasing: e-Cert in action in Kenya; the impact on inclusive trade supporting MSMEs; the work of Codex, OIE and IPPC in guiding the way on e-cert, including the ePhyto project funded by STDF.