the-asean-sub-committee-on-sanitary-and-phytosanitary-measures-ac-sps
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Overview
The ASEAN Sub-Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (AC-SPS) was established for ensuring effective implementation of the provisions contained in Chapter 8 (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures) of the ATIGA.
Specifically, AC-SPS have the following functions:
- Facilitate exchange of information on such matters as occurrences of sanitary or phytosanitary incidents in the Member States and Non-Member States, and change or introduction of sanitary and phytosanitary-related regulations and standards of the Member States, which may, directly or indirectly, affect trade between and among Member States;
- Facilitate co-operation in the area of sanitary or phytosanitary measures including capacity building, technical assistance and exchange of experts, subject to the availability of appropriated funds and the applicable laws and regulations of each Member States;
- Endeavor to resolve sanitary and phytosanitary matters with a view to facilitate trade between and among Member States. The AC-SPS may establish ad hoc task force to undertake science-based consultations to identify and address specific issues that may arise from the application of sanitary or phytosanitary measures; and
- Submit regular reports of developments and recommendations in the implementation of the SPS Chapter to the AFTA Council, through SEOM for further action.
Priority Areas of Cooperation
- Monitoring and update on activities related to Equivalence (Article 84) and Cooperation (Article 85) of the ATIGA SPS Chapter.
- Support the notifications of proposed NTMs and measures under emergency situation in accordance with Article 11 and 83 of the ATIGA, respectively.
- Exchange of information on SPS related initiatives, best practices in the adoption of international standards, ASEAN harmonised standards related to SPS, as well as technical assistance and capacity building programmes and activities related to SPS from international organization/funding agencies to AMSs.
- Facilitate the consultation to incidents and problems related to SPS Measures.