The increasing attention on trade facilitation as a means to stimulate economic growth and competitiveness has generated a renewed focus on SPS measures, how they are applied to imports, exports and transit goods, and the extent to which, if any, these measures unnecessarily increase the costs of doing business. Recent STDF work has sought to identify, analyse and foster dialogue on experiences, lessons and good practices to improve the implementation of SPS controls in way that facilitates safe trade, while minimizing transaction costs. The findings of this work also provide timely inputs to enhance the integration of SPS-related components in broader trade facilitation programmes.

STDF's film "Safe Trade Solutions" takes a look at what Chile, Peru and Colombia have done to make goods flow faster across their borders, while also preventing the spread of pests or diseases among animals and plants, and ensuring that food is safe for consumers.