 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/GEN/458 
12 December 2003 
 (03-6572) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures  
   
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SPS COMMITTEE ON  
THE OPERATION OF ENQUIRY POINTS 
31 OCTOBER 2003 
 
 
Presentations by Participants
 
 
   The SPS Committee held a Special Meeting on  the Operation of Enquiry Points on 
31 October 2003.  Attached are the agenda for the meeting and the presentations made by speakers.  
The presentations made by the speakers from Senegal and from Thailand have been circulated as 
documents G/SPS/GEN/441 and G/SPS/GEN/450, respectively. G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 2  
 
     
 
    
 
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SPS COMMITTEE ON  
THE OPERATION OF ENQUIRY POINTS 
 
 
PROGRAMME 
 
 
 
   
Friday, 31 October  2003
 
 
     
 
    
 
     
 
 
 
This special meeting is organized by  the WTO Secretariat.  The objective is to use panel presentations 
and discussions to address specific problems countries  might be facing which are inhibiting the effective 
performance of their Enquiry Points  and identify possible solutions.  The meeting will immediately follow the 
meetings of the SPS Committee (29-30 Oc tober 2003) so as to facilitate the participation of appropriate experts 
from capital.   
 
The special meeting is open to Members, Observer Governments and Observer Organizations of the 
WTO.  There is no registration fee.  Participants from WTO Members and Observer Governments should come 
as part of their official delegation.    
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 3 
 
 
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SPS COMMITTEE ON  
THE OPERATION OF ENQUIRY POINTS 
 
Friday, 31 October 2003 
 
Programme 
 
 
  
A.  Opening statement 
 
Transparency Obligations under the SPS Agreement and the  
Operation of Enquiry points  
 
Ms Gretchen H. Stanton Secretary, SPS Committee 
 9:30
B.  Constraints faced by SPS Enquiry Points  – (Presentations from 
selected Members)   
   
 • Argentina 
Ms Roxana Blasetti  
Coordinadora de Legislacion Internacional 
Direccion Nacional de Mercados Agroalimentarios Ministerio Economia Y Produccion – Secretaria de Agricultura 
 10:15
 • Egypt  
Mr Abdallah Shafie 
 
General Director & International Relations Foreign Agricultural Relations Department Ministry of Agriculture 
 10:30
 • Senegal  
Mr Cheikh Saadbouh Seck 
Directeur du Commerce Extérieur 
Ministère du Commerce 
 10.45
 • Mauritius  
Mr  M. Chinappen  
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Technology and Natural Resources 
Plant Pathology Division 11.00
   
  Open discussion 11:15
   
  End of the morning session 12:30
 
 
   
   
   
--- Lunch break:  12:30 to 14:30 --- 
 
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 4  
 
C.  Overcoming the Constraints  – (Presentations from selected Members)  
   
 • Chile  
Ms Antonieta Urrutia Anabalon 
Ingeniero Agronomo 
Asuntos Internacionales – SAG Agricultura  14:30
 • Jamaica  
Ms Carol Thomas Chief Plant Quarantine Inspector 
Plant Quarantine – Produce Inspection Division Ministry of Agriculture  14:50
 • Thailand  
Mr Anut Visetrojana  
Senior Officer 
National Bureau of Agricultural Commodities and Food Standards  Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives  15:10
 • South Africa  
Ms Mogajane  
Assistant Director General 
National Regulatory Services National Department of Agriculture 
 15:30
 • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit – GTZ  
Mr Eckhard Volkmann 
Division Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 
Project Agricultural Trade  15:50
   
  Open discussion  16:10
  
D. Concluding Remarks   17:10
  
E. End of Session  17:30
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 5 
 
 
 
Transparency Obligations under the SPS Agreement and the 
Operation of Enquiry Points  
 
Ms Gretchen H. Stanton 
Secretary, SPS Committee 
  
Special meeting on the 
Operation of SPS Enquiry 
Points
Gretchen H. Stanton
Secretary of the SPS Committee 
31 October 2003
 
 
Statistics
• 135 Members have a National Enquiry 
Point  (91 %)
• 125 Members have a National Notification 
Authority  (84 %)
• 83 out of the WTO’s 148 Members have 
notified SPS measures  (56 %)
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 6  
 
Notifications - Statistics
As of 1 October 2003: 
• 3,649 notifications circulated (excluding 
Corrigenda, Addenda and Revisions) 
• 3,935 (including Co rrigenda, Addenda and 
Revisions)
 
 
Number of Notifications per Member
1995 to 1 October 2003
01234567891011121314151617181920212223
1 2 to 5 6 to
10 11 to
20 21 to
30 31 to
100 101 to
200 201 to
300 301 to
850 
 
 
Notifications Circulated
0100200300400500600700800900
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003
(until 1
October)
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 7 
 
 
Notifications: some statistics
•U S A  ( 8 2 0 )
• New Zealand (259)
• EC (214)
• Mexico (203)
• Chile (156)
• Korea (141)
• [China (140)]• Japan (106)
• Thailand (105)
• Philippines (48)
• Indonesia (19)
• South Africa (17)
• Jamaica (6)
• Egypt (0)
• India (0)
 
 
Members Notifying
1995 until 1 October 2003
020406080100120140160
Developed
countriesDeveloping
countriesLeast
Developed
CountriesTotalNumber of Member s
Not Notified
Notified
 
 
Notifications by Region
Middle East 
1%Africa 2%
Western 
Europe 11%
Central and 
Eastern 
Europe 4%
Latin 
America 
25%North 
America 
28%
Asia 29%
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 8  
 
Transparency Obligations
Infrastructure
•National notification authority
– A single central government authority responsible for 
the implementation of notification procedures
•Enquiry Point
– Responsible for the provision of answers & 
documentation to all reasonable questions from 
interested Members
Tell us who and where you are!Annex B
Para. 3
Para. 10
 
 
Communication Issues
If the WTO Secretariat
cannot get hold of the 
Enquiry Point/National 
Notification Authority...
WHO CAN?
 
 
Results from Questionnaire
G/SPS/W/103/Rev.1
• Of 72  responses to Questionnaire on 
Operation of SPS EPs and NNAs (49%)
In 50% of Members the EP and NNA are 
same  agency
• Average – 3 staff for EP and for NNA
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 9 
 
 
National Notification Authority
(NNA)
• prepares notifications about new or changed 
measures
• provides copies of the measure upon request
• receives and takes into account commentsAnnex B
Paragraph 10
Latest List: G/SPS/NNA/#
 
 
• After receiving comments:
– acknowledge receipt
– explain:
• how taken into account
• provide additional relevant information
– provide: 
• copy of regulation as adopted
• or, information of non-adoption
– where possible, make available to other Members 
comments/questions received and answered Handling of Comments
Recommended Notification Procedures
G/SPS/7/Rev.2 - Point E-
 
 
Handling requests
Requests for texts of SPS regulations
• 71% of Members have a complete 
inventory of SPS regulations 
Requests for information
How long does it take to respond?
• 10 days on average 
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 10  
 
The Enquiry Point
• “answers to all reasonable questions” about:
• adopted or propo sed SPS regulations,
• control, inspection procedures, quarantine 
treatment, approval procedures,
• risk assessment procedures,
• membership/participation in international and 
regional organizations, bilateral and multilateral agreements and arrangements
Latest List: G/SPS/ENQ/#Annex B
Paragraph 3
 
 
Establishing an Enquiry Point
• Government or independent
• Access to information/relationships with
responsible agencies
• Can be same as NNA
• Some countries have more than one: clearly
define responsibilities of each
 
 
Providing Documents
• Responding to requests
– five working days
– if not, acknowledge request
• estimation of time required
•V i a
– fax/e-mail if possible
– Internet
•Acknowledge receipt of 
documentsRecommended Notification Procedures
G/SPS/7/Rev.2 - Point D -
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 11 
 
 
Providing DocumentsRecommended Notification Procedures
G/SPS/7/Rev.2 - Point D -
•T r a n s l a t i o n
– If exists / planned -
• indicate or send along
– Developed countries:
• supply translation of document or 
translated summary in WTO working 
language
– Share translations
– Unofficial translations 
 
Using the Enquiry Point: 
Beyond Obligations
• Collect/disseminate SPS 
information
– SPS documents– SPS notifications received
• Inform other government agencies, 
private sector
• Coordinate comments on other
countries’ notifications
• Submit comments – follow-up
 
 
How to obtain notifications?
• Paper copies:
Copy to Geneva Mission 
OR
Single address in
Capital
• Electronic copies:
Documents online from the 
WTO web site 
www.wto.org
(G/SPS/N/+ country symbol 
e.g. USA)• Email updates:
(Send e-mail to 
listproc@list.unicc.orgwith Subscribe SPS + 
your name in body of 
message
e.g. Subscribe SPS Mickey 
Mouse)
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 12  
 
Notifications
90% of EPs receive SPS Notifications
How?
• 22% via the WTO web page
• 57% via e-mail from the Secretariat• 35% via mail from the Secretariat
• 18% via Geneva-based Missions
 
 
How to make it work
• Relationship with other 
government departments
• Interface with industry
• Relationship with the 
Geneva Mission
• Contact with the 
Secretariat
 
 
Inter-agency coordination and 
communication
Does the EP/NNA have regular contact with 
officials in relevant agencies?
• 87% of EPs have regular contact
• 88% of NNA have regular contact
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 13 
 
 
Other Services
• 79% of EPs provide information about 
other countries’ impo rt requirements to 
interested domestic producers
• 61% of EPs are regularly informed of 
developments in Codex, OIE and IPPC
 
 
What if a proposed regulation will affect 
my exports?
• Request text of the draft regulation 
• Request extension of comment period, if needed
• Make comments on the proposed regulation
• Request an explanation for measures that are not based on 
an international standard, guideline or recommendation
• Raise the issue in the SPS Committee
• Bilateral consultations;  seek technical assistance
• Dispute Settlement Procedures
 
 
Assistance
• The Transparency Handbook – including 
letters and fax templates
– 62% of EPs/NNAs have a copy of the WTO 
Handbook on Transparency
• Questionnaire on Technical Assistance –
G/SPS/W/113
– What are your countries’ technical assistance 
requirements? – information, training, 
infrastructure (hard and/or soft)
Tell us what you need
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 14  
 
Technical Assistance
Responding Members willing to provide 
technical assistance 
• 58% willing to provide technical assistance 
to EPs 
• 54% willing to provide technical assistance 
to NNAs
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 15 
 
 
Argentina  
Ms Roxana Blasetti 
 
Coordinadora de Legislación Internacional 
Dirección Nacional de Mercados Agroalimentarios 
Ministerio Economía Y Producción – Secretaría de Agricultura 
 
SpecialSpecial Meeting Meeting ofofthethe
SPS SPS CommitteeCommittee on on 
NATIONAL ENQUIRY POINTSNATIONAL ENQUIRY POINTS
Presentation by ARGENTINA
GenevaGeneva --31 31 OctoberOctober 20032003
 
 
TransparencyTransparency
RightsRights andand ObligationsObligations
OBLIGATIONOBLIGATION TO NOTIFY THE WTO OF DRAFT TO NOTIFY THE WTO OF DRAFT 
NATIONAL SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY NATIONAL SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY 
MEASURESMEASURES
RIGHTRIGHT TO TO COMMENT ON SANITARYCOMMENT ON SANITARY
MEASURES NOTIFIED TO ARGENTINAMEASURES NOTIFIED TO ARGENTINA ’’S S 
FOCAL POINT  BY OTHER WTO MEMBERS FOCAL POINT  BY OTHER WTO MEMBERS 
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 16  
 
ARGENTINA’S SYSTEM ARGENTINA’S SYSTEM 
FOR THE FOR THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF 
TRANSPARENCY TRANSPARENCY 
OBLIGATIONSOBLIGATIONS UNDER THE UNDER THE 
SPS AGREEMENTSPS AGREEMENT
 
 
NationalNational CommissionCommission ofofthetheSPS  SPS  
CommitteeCommittee
Made up Made up ofof: : 
RelevantRelevant nationalnational bodiesbodies
PrivatePrivate sectorsector
NatureNature ::
IntergovernmentalIntergovernmental
ObjectivesObjectives ::
--ToToprovideprovide technicaltechnical supportsupport forforthetheNationalNational
NotificationNotification AuthorityAuthority
--ToToexamineexamine andand discussdiscuss topicstopics on on thetheSPS SPS 
CommitteeCommittee ’’s agendas agenda 
 
DomesticDomestic ImplementationImplementation ofof
TransparencyTransparency ObligationsObligations
--AnalysisAnalysis ofofnotificationsnotifications made made totothetheWTO WTO 
SecretariatSecretariat by by otherother MembersMembers
--AnalysisAnalysis ofof draftdraft sanitarysanitary andand
phytosanitary phytosanitary measuresmeasures forforadoptionadoption byby
thetherelevantrelevant nationalnational bodiesbodies
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 17 
 
 
In Argentina, In Argentina, thethenationalnational notificationnotification
bodybody isis
--thetheSecretariatSecretariat ofofAgricultureAgriculture , , LivestockLivestock , , FisheriesFisheries andand
FoodFood ((SAGPyASAGPyA ))ofofthetheMinistryMinistry ofofthetheEconomyEconomy andand
ProductionProduction
--TheThe UnderUnder --SecretariatSecretariat ofofAgriculturalAgricultural andand FoodFood PolicyPolicy is is 
responsibleresponsible forforthethefocal focal pointpoint , i.e. , i.e. thetheNationalNational
NotificationNotification AuthorityAuthority (NNA)(NNA)
--TheTheNationalNational AgricultureAgriculture andand FoodFood QualityQuality andand HealthHealth
ServiceService (SENASA)(SENASA) is is thetheNationalNational EnquiryEnquiry PointPoint
 
 
NationalNational NotificationNotification AuthorityAuthority
--ArgentinaArgentina ’’s National Notification Authority s National Notification Authority 
(NNA) lies within the purview of the Under(NNA) lies within the purview of the Under --
Secretariat of Agricultural and Food Policy Secretariat of Agricultural and Food Policy 
and is managed by the National and is managed by the National 
Directorate of AgriDirectorate of Agri --Food Markets.Food Markets.
--TheThe NNA has NNA has establishedestablished a series a series ofofstepssteps
forforthetheanalysisanalysis ofofnotificationsnotifications ..
 
 
--TheThe NNA NNA drawsdraws up a up a weeklyweekly listlist ofof
notificationsnotifications receivedreceived , , whichwhich ititforwardsforwards toto
thethe relevantrelevant governmentgovernment bodiesbodies andand thethe
privateprivate sector.sector.
--TheThe NNA examines NNA examines eacheach notificationnotification
receivedreceived in in thethelightlight ofofitsitspotentialpotential trade trade 
implicationsimplications forforArgentinaArgentina ’’s exports and s exports and 
requests the notifying Member to provide  requests the notifying Member to provide  
a copy of the full text of the draft.a copy of the full text of the draft.AnalysisAnalysis ofofNotificationsNotifications ReceivedReceived
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 18  
 
--Once Once itithas has receivedreceived thethedraftdraft , , thetheNNA NNA 
prepares a prepares a summarysummary andand identifiesidentifies anyany
restrictiverestrictive aspectsaspects so as so as totohelphelp thethe
domesticdomestic sectorssectors involvedinvolved in in theirtheir
analyticalanalytical tasktask..
--ItItthenthen providesprovides thethegovernmentgovernment andand thethe
privateprivate sector sector withwith thethe full full texttext ofofthethe
standardstandard , , alongalong withwith thethe summarysummary , , thethe
restrictiverestrictive aspectsaspects identifiedidentified andand a a 
questionnairequestionnaire ..AnalysisAnalysis ofofNotificationsNotifications ReceivedReceived
 
 
--TheThe draftsdrafts are are studiedstudied in in thethe lightlight ofof
internationalinternational standardsstandards andand scientificscientific
evidenceevidence ..
--TheThe NNA NNA analysesanalyses anyany doubtsdoubts ororcommentscomments
thatthat may emerge may emerge fromfrom thethe studystudy andand
conveysconveys themthem totothethenotifyingnotifying MemberMember forfor
considerationconsideration ..AnalysisAnalysis ofofNotificationsNotifications ReceivedReceived
 
 
DIFFICULTIESDIFFICULTIES
--LimitedLimited human human resourcesresources
--LimitedLimited infrastructureinfrastructure andand technologicaltechnological
resourcesresources
--FailureFailure ofofthethenotifyingnotifying MemberMember totoprovideprovide thethe
draftdraft
--DelayDelay by by thethe notifyingnotifying MemberMember in in providingproviding
thethedraftdraft
--TextText ofofthethedraftdraft suppliedsupplied in a in a languagelanguage otherother
thanthan one one ofofthetheofficialofficial WTO WTO languageslanguages
--TheThe6060--daydaycommentcomment periodperiod is is notnotobservedobserved
--No response No response totocommentscommentsAnalysisAnalysis ofofNotificationsNotifications ReceivedReceived
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 19 
 
 
ReviewReview ofofDraftDraft
DomesticDomestic StandardsStandards
Prior Prior tototheirtheir AdoptionAdoption
 
 
--ItIthas has notnot yetyet beenbeen possiblepossible legallylegally toto
provideprovide forforthethesubmissionsubmission totothethe NNA NNA ofof
draftsdrafts preparedprepared by by thethe variousvarious agencies agencies 
responsibleresponsible forforsafetysafety mattersmatters prior prior tototheirtheir
approvalapproval ..
--TheThe submissionsubmission ofofdraftsdrafts is coordinated  is coordinated  
withinwithin a a givengiven MinistryMinistry butbutnotnotyetyetbetweenbetween
MinistriesMinistries ..
 
 
DraftDraft DomesticDomestic StandardsStandards
Argentina is Argentina is awareaware ofofthethedifficultiesdifficulties
facingfacing developingdeveloping countriescountries ..
TheThe existingexisting domesticdomestic procedureprocedure is is 
beingbeing reevaluatedreevaluated .
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 20  
 
DIFFICULTIESDIFFICULTIES ::
--Legal Legal taskstasks divideddivided amongamong variousvarious
StateState agenciesagencies
--PoorPoor coordination coordination betweenbetween thesethese
agenciesagencies
--LackLack ofoftraining training totodetermine determine whenwhen
notificationnotification is is necessarynecessary
--ShortageShortage ofofhuman human resourcesresourcesDraftDraft DomesticDomestic StandardsStandards
 
 
SpecificSpecific ProblemsProblems
DifficultiesDifficulties identifiedidentified in in notificationsnotifications in 2003, out in 2003, out ofofa total a total ofof87 87 
notificationsnotifications reviewedreviewed ::
38 notifications38 notifications ::
--6060--day period not respected (in some cases less than one month) day period not respected (in some cases less than one month) 
--No response to repeated requests (by eNo response to repeated requests (by e --mail and fax) for extensionmail and fax) for extension
4 notifications4 notifications ::
--Texts sent in nonTexts sent in non --official WTO languagesofficial WTO languages
--No translation availableNo translation available
14 notifications14 notifications ::
--No time provided for commentsNo time provided for comments
3 notifications3 notifications ::
--Texts too long to be sent by eTexts too long to be sent by e --mailmail
--TextsTexts due to be sent on CD through the post never arriveddue to be sent on CD through the post never arrived
 
 
 2 notifications : 
- No response to request for texts by e-mail or fax 
 
3 notifications : 
- No e-mail address or web page for requesting the full texts 
 
72 notifications : 
- Drafts do not refer to any international reference guidelines 
or standards 
 
15 notifications : 
- 5 refer to OIE standards- 8 refer to the International 
Plant Protection Convention 
- 2 refer to the CODEX 
 
Out of the 15 referring to an international standard : 
- 9 point to similarities or differences with the international 
standard 
- 6 make no reference to or indicate any differences with the 
international standard  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 21 
 
 
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONSPOSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
--To grant the 60To grant the 60 --day period for submitting day period for submitting 
commentscomments
--To grant an To grant an extension ofextension of that period should a that period should a 
developing country justifiably so requestdeveloping country justifiably so request
--To indicate in the notification whether there is an To indicate in the notification whether there is an  
international reference standardinternational reference standard
--To single out aspects of the notified draft that To single out aspects of the notified draft that 
depart from the international standarddepart from the international standard
 
 
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONSPOSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
--InstitutionalInstitutional consolidationconsolidation
--Training Training ofofhuman human resourcesresources
--FinancialFinancial assistanceassistance
--FollowFollow --up by up by thetheSPS SPS CommitteeCommittee
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 22  
 
Egypt 
Mr Abdallah Shafie 
 
General Director & International Relations 
Foreign Agricultural Relations Department 
Ministry of Agriculture 
 
Special Meeting of SPS Committee on Special Meeting of SPS Committee on 
Enquiry pointsEnquiry points
The Operation of the Egyptian National The Operation of the Egyptian National 
Enquiry Point and Notification AuthorityEnquiry Point and Notification Authority
Presentation byPresentation by
MrMrAbdallahAbdallah ShafieShafie
Director General Director General 
International Relations DepartmentInternational Relations Department
Ministry of Agriculture and Land Ministry of Agriculture and Land 
ReclamationReclamation
 
 
The organizational structure of the The organizational structure of the 
National Enquiry Point and National Enquiry Point and 
Notification AuthorityNotification Authority
in EGYPTin EGYPT
zThe International Relations Department in the Ministry of Agriculture 
and Land Reclamation is BOTH the National Enquiry Point and the 
National Notification Auth ority notified to the WTO,
zThe department takes over these responsibilities through a designated 
unit (the SPS unit), 
zHowever, due to lack of resources, the staff of the SPS unit are
sometimes required to carry over other responsibilities (not necessarily 
related to the SPS agreement).  
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 23 
 
 
How do we operate ?How do we operate ?
zArrival of notifications and Enquiries:
z The SPS unit receives HARD copies of the notifications submitted
by other members through our mission in Geneva (mostly used, buttakes time) .
z Moreover, notifications could be reached on the WTO Web Page(rarely used due to lack of probable facilities). 
 
 
How do we operate ?         How do we operate ?         (Continued)(Continued)
zSorting of information and notifications
z Once received, notifications are sorted according to: the 
notifying member; the sector or field concerned (Animal, Plant, or Pesticides); the date of circulation; and the deadline for comments.
z Sorting is undertaken manually, and notifications are then photocopied for circulation.
 
 
How do we operate ?         How do we operate ?         (Continued)(Continued)
zDissemination of information and notifications
z Copies of notifications, together with the coordinates of the 
notifying member, are then FAXED to the relevant Technical 
Authority with a request to scientifically examine and comment on 
the notified measure.
z Copies of notifications are also sent to the National Commodities 
Council for dissemination among stakeholders from the business 
sector for consideration and compliance .  
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 24  
 
How do we operate ?         How do we operate ?         (Continued)(Continued)
zHaving finished the scientific examination 
process in the relevant Technical Authority;
Æ The SPS unit, together with the Technical Authority and the 
National Agriculture commodities Council, hold Special meetings
with the participation of private sector importers and exporters,
Æ This meeting allows the later to be informed about the Scientific 
content of the measure in question, 
Æ In addition, it allows exporters to identify problems in complying with the notified measure
Æ Depending on the outcome of the Special meeting , Requests/ 
comments/ enquiries are sent to the notifying member’s Enquiry Point.
 
 
How do we operate ?         How do we operate ?         (Continued)(Continued)
zIn addition, the SPS unit (enquiry point and national notification authority) 
is responsible for organizing technical visits for inspectors from other WTO member countries to, inter alia , evaluate a pest free area, scrutinize the 
laboratory activities of the technical Authorities,and/or factory processes
 
 
With whom do we function  ?With whom do we function  ?
The Unit maintains contact with the following Technical 
Authorities:
zThe General organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS) for notifications 
and enquiries related to animal health and food/feed from animals.
zCentral Administration for Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) for notifications and enquiries related to Phytosanitary issues,
zCentral Laboratory for Food and Feed (CLFF) – ISO 17025 certified – for 
notifications and enquiries related to food and feed quality,
zCentral Laboratory for Pesticides (CLP) for notifications and enquiries related to Pesticide residues and heavy metal traces in products
zAnimal health Research Laboratory for notifications and enquiries related to 
food/feed based on animal products 
zPotato Brown Rot Laboratory for notifica tions and enquiries related to potato 
brown rot disease.
zNational Commodities Council with participation from private sector 
importers and exporters 
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 25 
 
 
Constraints facing the SPS unitConstraints facing the SPS unit
zTwo major categories:
ÆLogistical constraints:
ÆCoordination and organization of the system (networking at the 
national level)
 
 
““LogisticalLogistical ””constraintsconstraints
The most pertinent of which are;
zLow awareness about the role and impact of SPS measures,
zCost implications can be prohibitive for our exporters,
zShortage of office equipments and facilities, (up-to-date 
computers, telephone lines for internet connections…etc.),
zShortage in secondary (but extremely important) facilities like translation of technical documents from/into Arabic and from/into one of the WTO official languages,
zInadequate financing for investment in compliance (especially for SMEs), 
zLack of well functioning information management infrastructure,
 
 
““System organizationSystem organization ””
constraintsconstraints
General ;
zNotifications arrive too late that we most probably miss the 
“rather short” comment period,
zNo mechanism to compel the authorities to publish SPS measures 
at an early stage.
zUncertainity about the manner in which article 10.1 (S&Dt for 
developing countries) is being implemented,
zDo not receive replies to some of our comments/enquiries,
zEnquiries triggered by the media are not always justified by theconcerned technical authority. Thus, generate additional work 
load. 
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 26  
 
““System organizationSystem organization ””
constraintsconstraints
Specific;
zShortage of trained staff exclusively committed to carrying out 
enquiry point activities and notification procedures,
zLack of coordination mechanism at the domestic level,
zSystemic collection and storage of record is lacking and research 
capacity is weak (both in the SPS unit as well as in the technical 
authorities),
zInability to participate in the SPS committee meetings due to lack of human and financial resources.
 
 
NeedsNeeds
zIncrease the level of awareness through exchange of experience with other 
members, especially the developed ones,
zIncrease awareness of the impact and role of the SPS Agreement through dedicated seminars and workshops,
zSeminars for the private sector 
zAssistance to establish the legal framework and to develop infrastructural 
framework ,
zAssistance in translating the SPS documents into Arabic,
zTraining our staff on providing technical justification when a measure 
deviates from international standards,
zAssistance to participate in the activities of the THREE SISTERS,
 
 
NeedsNeeds
zAssistance to gather information and to obtain documents on measures 
applied by other members,
zAssistance to establish a system to promote permanent cooperation between the public sector and official regulators,
zAssistance to SMEs to comply with SPS measures adopted in our major 
export markets,
zFunding participation in the activities of the international standard setting bodies as well as in the the SPS committee meetings.
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 27 
 
 
Mauritius  
Mr M. Chinappen 
 
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Technology and Natural Resources 
Plant Pathology Division 
 
 
THE MAURITIAN EXPERIENCE : THE MAURITIAN EXPERIENCE : 
OPERATING THE SPS ENQUIRY POINTOPERATING THE SPS ENQUIRY POINT
Nearly four years of experience in fulfilling transparency    
obligations of the SPS agreement – para 3 of annex B.
Committed to the good functioning of the Enquiry point 
Responsible for receipt and dissemination of information 
pertaining to sanitary and phytosanitary measure s
Always committed to answer queries on sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures
 
SEAT OF THE SPS ENQUIRY POINTSEAT OF THE SPS ENQUIRY POINT
The seat of the SPS Enquiry Point is at the Plant 
Pathology Division of the Ministry of 
Agriculture, 
Food Technology & Natural Resources 
(MoAFT&NR).
WHY MoAFT&NR ? 
Because it generates almost all  phytosanitary measures – the source of SPS measures.
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 28  
 
SEAT OF THE SPS ENQUIRY POINTSEAT OF THE SPS ENQUIRY POINT
Contact point:Contact point:
Mr. M Chinappen
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Technology 
& Natural Resources
Plant Pathology Division
Reduit, Mauritius
Tel   (230)  464-4872
Fax  (230)  465-9591
E-mail            plpath@intnet.mu
or     moa-pathology@mail.gov.mu
 
SEAT OF THE SPS ENQUIRY POINTSEAT OF THE SPS ENQUIRY POINT
WTOWTO
SecretariatSecretariatPermanent Mission Permanent Mission 
of Mauritius in of Mauritius in 
GenevaGeneva
SPS Enquiry Point SPS Enquiry Point 
MoAFTMoAFT & NR& NR
Plant Pathology DivisionPlant Pathology Division
Interested Interested 
Parties in Parties in 
MauritiusMauritiusSPS Enquiry SPS Enquiry 
Point in Foreign Point in Foreign 
CountriesCountriesMinistries / Ministries / 
Agencies in Agencies in 
MauritiusMauritius
 
STAFF  & FACILITIESSTAFF  & FACILITIES
A team of six officials ( 3 technical and 3 
administrative) under the supervision of the head 
of the SPS Enquiry Point (the Principal Research & 
Development Officer of the Plant Pathology Division.
We operate a database of all SPS Notification from all 
other country member, notified by the WTO. The 
database is available for reference to all local 
organisations / stakeholders concerned with the SPS 
measures – Telephone/Fax/E-mail facilities.
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 29 
 
 
OPERATING THE SPS ENQUIRY POINTOPERATING THE SPS ENQUIRY POINT
Responsible for answering “all reasonable questions ” 
and for providing information / documents relevant to 
those questions – a whol e range of SPS issues.
Handling of inbound comments and other members’ 
notifications
Inbound comments : The SPS Enquiry point is the liaison 
between various governmental and non-governmental organisations. Regular SPS Committees are held to 
keep pace with new developments on sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures world-wide. 
 
OPERATING THE SPS ENQUIRY POINTOPERATING THE SPS ENQUIRY POINT
Other members’ Notifications: 
Processing other WTO Members’ Notifications
1. Scan WTO 
Notifications regularly
3. Distribute 
Notifications to interested org. or place in 
database for reference.4. Receive requests for documents, submit request to 
notifying Member and upon receipt of document send 
to inquirer
5. Comments received from interested local party and sent to 
notifying Member for further consideration.
6. Pass the Notifying Member’s response to party 
that commented.
 
LOCAL COLLABORATORSLOCAL COLLABORATORS
Ministry of Health & Quality of Life – Sanitary and 
Health issues
Ministry of Fisheries – Issues pertaining to fish and 
fish products
Veterinary Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Food 
Technology & Natural Resources – Issues pertaining 
to meat and meat product
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 30  
 
PROCESSING SPS NOTIFICATIONSPROCESSING SPS NOTIFICATIONS
Routine Notification :- form as per para 5 annex B
Local collaborators informed us of any sanitary and 
phytosanitary decision, such as to either impose a 
ban on importation/exportation or to lift a ban etc. 
from a specific country or region.
We processed the Notification form with relevant 
information and sent to the National Notification Authority for onward transmission to the WTO, 
Geneva.
 
PROCESSING SPS NOTIFICATIONSPROCESSING SPS NOTIFICATIONS
Emergency Notification :- form as per para 6 annex B
Local collaborators informed us of any sanitary and 
phytosanitary decision, such as to either impose a ban on importation/exportation or to lift a ban etc. from a 
specific country or region.
We processed the Notification form with relevant 
information and sent to the National Notification Authority for onward transmission to the WTO, 
Geneva or in case of urgency the Notification is 
directly communicated to the Permanent 
Representative in Geneva by  the SPS Enquiry Point, 
for quick response and implementation of the 
decision/measures.
 
EXAMPLE OF QUERIESEXAMPLE OF QUERIES
During the nearly four years of operation, we have 
received only around three to four inquiries.
An example of an inquiry :-
In 2001 due to an outbreak of cholera in Republic of 
South Africa, we received an inquiry regarding 
importation of canned fish products from the said 
country.   The concerned party was advised 
accordingly upon receipt of the requested information
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 31 
 
 
EXAMPLE OF NOTIFICATIONEXAMPLE OF NOTIFICATION
1G/SPS/N/MUS/5 :- Temporary suspension of 
importation of live cattle , sheep and goats from 
Zimbabwe and the Republic of South Africa 
WHY? Due to prevalence of Foot and Mouth 
Disease
2G/SPS/N/MUS/6 :- Temporary ban on importation of horses and other equidae into Mauritius with 
immediate effect.
WHY? Due to prevalence of FMD
 
EXAMPLE OF NOTIFICATIONEXAMPLE OF NOTIFICATION
3G/SPS/N/MUS/8 :- Lift of ban on import of chilled 
processed pork from France and on import of live 
cattle from FMD free zones in South Africa. 
WHY? On basis of OIE report sep 2001 Vol 14 No. 
38
4G/SPS/N/MUS/9 :- Lifting of ban on import of pork 
and pork products from the European Communitties
(except United Kingdom) and on import of live cattle, 
live sheep and live goat from FMD free zones in 
South Africa with immediate effect..
WHY? On basis of OIE report sep 2001 Vol 14 No. 38
 
WHAT ARE OUR + POINTSWHAT ARE OUR + POINTS
A committed and dynamic technical and administrative 
staff
Up-date database on all SPS Notifications and other SPS related issues
Existing legal framework – a new wave of modern 
legislation is underway ( in compliance with international 
obligations WTO/SPS, TRIPS, UPOV, etc.)
Good interaction between governmental bodies and private organisations – various sub-committees
Linkages with regional organisations e.g SADC, 
COMESA etc.
Up-date diagnostic facilities & Pest Risk Analysis to cater 
for our import and export market 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 32  
 
WHAT MAURITIUS COULD DO WHAT MAURITIUS COULD DO 
BETTERBETTER
More awareness in other st andard-setting agencies:
Conduct seminars and convene meetings with other   
local and regional stakeholders.
Develop better links to industries:
More interaction between government officials and   private industries
Get smarter with electronic media (e-mail and world -
wide web):
Preparation of a keyword database for all SPS issues & 
a web-site for the Enquiry Point is in preparation 
WHAT MAURITIUS CAN PROVIDEWHAT MAURITIUS CAN PROVIDE
Assistance in the setting-up & operation of the SPS 
Enquiry Point to other Member Country
Technical help in other related SPS areas
Provide necessary docu ments related to the 
implementation of SPS Enquiry Point
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 33 
 
 
Chile  
Ms Antonieta Urrutia Anabalón 
Ingeniero Agronomo 
Asuntos Internacionales – SAG 
Agricultura 
 
NATIONAL NOTIFICATION 
POINT FOR THE WTO SPS 
AGREEMENT
ANTONIETA URRUTIA ANABALÓN
AGRONOMISTCHILE
 
DESCRIPTION OF CHILE’S NATIONAL 
NOTIFICATION /ENQUIRY POINT
THE CHILEAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
HAS ENTRUSTED THE AGRICULTURE AND 
LIVESTOCK SERVICE (SAG) WITH THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF COORDINATING AND 
OPERATING THE SPS NOTIFICATION /ENQUIRY 
POINT .
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 34  
 
CONTACT POINT IN CHILE
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK SERVICE (SAG)
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
 
CHILE’S SPS REGULATORY AGENCIES
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE:
•AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK SERVICE (animal 
and plant health, and safety of primary products for
export)
MINISTRY OF HEALTH:
•ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES DIVISION (food
safety)
MINISTRY OF THE ECONOMY:
•SERNAPESCA (animal health and safety of
hydrobiological products)
 
RESOURCES
HUMAN RESOURCES:
•1 PROFESSIONAL
•1 SECRETARY
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 35 
 
 
RESOURCES
EQUIPMENT :
•1 COMPUTER
•E-MAIL 
•ELECTRONIC AND PAPER ARCHIVES
 
ELECTRONIC DATABASE
•Chilean notifications (dispatch format)
•Supporting documentation for notifications
To obtain these documents, each regulatory
agency or SAG technical unit sends the
notification request by e-mail and ordinary mail. 
 
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 36  
 
Product - Country - Entity
Affected AreasDescription
International
StandardDocument and
Language
Comments
Entry into force ValidityNature
 
PROVISIONAL IDENTIFICATION 
“NOTIFICACIONES CHILE” FOLDER:
•G-SPS-abbreviated title
•Entry in general index (“Indice”)
“TEXTOS CHILE” FOLDER:
•Sps-abbreviated title–
Text designated by symbol 
G/SPS/N/CHL/____
 
FINAL IDENTIFICATION
“NOTIFICACIÓN CHILE” :
•G-SPS-number
•Number and date entered in index
(“Indice”)
“TEXTO CHILE”:
•Sps-number
•Text given final number
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 37 
 
 
TEXT DISTRIBUTION  
FINAL NOTIFICATION SENT TO THE 
TECHNICAL UNIT OR REGULATORY AGENCY
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR THE 
NOTIFICATION SENT TO CONTACT 
POINTS ON REQUEST
 
COMMENTS
RECEIPT AND FORWARDING OF COMMENTS 
ON CHILEAN NOTIFICATIONS
FOLLOW-UP ON COMMENTS SUBMITTED
 
RECEIPT OF NOTIFICATIONS FROM OTHER 
COUNTRIES
RECEIPT AND ELECTRONIC ARCHIVING OF 
NOTIFICATIONS
PRINTING AND CLASSIFICATION BY INTEREST 
GROUP 
MAILING TO SPECIFIC GROUPS
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 38  
 
DISPATCH OF NOTIFICATIONS
DISPATCH OF PRINTED DOCUMENTS TO SELECTED 
AGENCIES
ARCHIVING OF PAPER COPIES AT THE 
SECRETARIAT
RECEIPT/CHECKING AND DISPATCH OF PAPER 
COPIES OF NOTIFICATIONS RECEIVED
 
VERIFICATION OF NOTIFICATIONS
CHECKING OF PRINTED DOCUMENTS AGAINST 
ELECTRONIC ARCHIVES
CHECKING OF WTO WEB SITE TO DOWNLOAD 
ELECTRONIC VERSIONS OF MISSING 
NOTIFICATIONS 
ADDITIONAL DISPATCH AND ARCHIVING
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 39 
 
 
Jamaica 
Ms Carol Thomas 
 
Chief Plant Quarantine Inspector 
Plant Quarantine – Produce Inspection Division 
Ministry of Agriculture 
  
##
Trelawny
St. AnnSt. Mary
Portland
St. ThomasSt. Catherine
ClarendonManchesterSt. ElizabethWestmorelandHanover
KSASt. James
KINGSTONMONTEGO BAYSPS ENQUIRY POINT IN JAMAICA
Geneva, October 31, 2003
 
Agencies involved with SPS
ÀFour agencies are involved in SPS matters
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ministry of Health- Ministry of Commerce, Science &
Technology
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign
Trade
ÀInter-agency coordination is important in 
achieving desired objectives.
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 40  
 
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 
ENQUIRY POINT
ÀThe National Enquiry Point was 
established in the Ministry of 
Agriculture in July 1999
ÀThe Enquiry Point is located in the 
Plant Quarantine Unit
ÀTwo members of staff received 
training in the operation of the Enquiry 
Point
 
Establishment of Enquiry 
Point
ÀNational sensitization workshops on 
the role of the Enquiry Point were held 
in  2000 and again in 2002
ÀParticipants drawn from:
- Exporters
-I m p o r t e r s- Government agency representatives
- Consumer groups
 
Functioning of the Enquiry 
Point
ÀThere are two members of staff assigned to 
the Enquiry Point (one technical person and 
a secretary)
ÀWTO/SPS website is accessed daily
ÀSPS Notifications relevant to Jamaica are identified and downloaded
ÀA weekly newsletter of these notifications is 
produced and distributed to relevant 
agencies & individuals via  e-mail or fax
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 41 
 
 
Functioning of the Enquiry 
Point
ÀThe Enquiry Point provides information on  
Jamaica’s SPS requirements 
ÀIt also provides information on the SPS requirements of other countries upon 
request.
ÀResponds to requests for full texts of 
notifications made by Jamaica.  
Notification Authority
ÀThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign 
trade is the National Notification Authority
ÀThere is a close link between the Enquiry 
Point and Notification Authority
ÀInformation for national notifications are compiled by the relevant agencies, sent to 
the Enquiry Point for formatting and then  
passed on to the Notification Authority for 
submission to the WTO Secretariat.
 
Steps taken to ensure effective 
functioning of the Enquiry 
Point
ÀOn-going capacity building – participation 
in workshops and training opportunities 
(USDA, FAO, WTO Secretariat). 
ÀSupport from the Ministry for the activities of the Enquiry point 
– Funding participation in APEC Symposium on 
Notification Procedures in Peru in July 2002.
– Dedicated staff for the enquiry point
– Provision of equipment and material
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 42  
 
Steps taken to ensure effective 
functioning of  the Enquiry 
Point
ÀContinued dialogue with stakeholders to 
ensure full participation and awareness of the work of the Enquiry Point and its 
relevance to them. 
ÀCo-ordination with all the government 
Ministries and agencies involved in SPS activities
 
Conclusion and 
recommendations
ÀExpand the circulation of the newsletter 
to include a wider cross-section of persons
ÀGreater emphasis on public awareness and 
sensitization 
ÀPromote greater involvement of the 
regulatory agencies in the notification of 
SPS measures
ÀPhysically upgrading the Enquiry Point
 
Conclusions and 
Recommendations
ÀGreater involvement of the private sector in 
SPS matters
ÀSPS issues must be accorded priority at national policy level and backed up by the 
necessary budgetary support .
*********** 
 
    G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 43 
 
 
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit – GTZ 
Mr Eckhard Volkmann 
 
Division Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 
Project Agricultural Trade 
 
 
 
 
Technical Assistance for SPS Enquiry Points
(Eckhard Volkmann, GTZ, Eschborn)
Special Meeting of the WTO SPS Committee on the 
Operation of Enquiry Points
31 October 2003
Geneva, Switzerland
 
 
Technical Assistance for NEP
Overview of Presentation
1. GTZ activities in TRTA
2. Objectives and Tasks of NEP
3. Constraints of NEP
4. Prerequisites for well operating NEP
5. Support for NEP (donors and GTZ)
6. Requirements for Support
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 44  
 
GTZ activities in TRTA
General Introduction to GTZ
GTZ “Ltd”: technical implementation agency
for BMZ
other ministries
international clients
Facts and Figures:
Focused, world wide engagement (130-70 partners)
More than 2000 projects in various sectors 
(programs)
 
 
GTZ activities in TRTA
Project Scope
SPS relevance:
about 70 projects (related to products of plant / animal 
origin)
Project scope:
Crop Protection, Anim al health protection
Pesticide Management
Certification, Laboratory Management
Food Quality Assurance
Organisational Development of Producer Associations
Curriculum development and training
 
 
GTZ activities in TRTA
Trade Program
Trade Program components
Trade and Investment Project
Trade Fund (Monterrey)
Agricultural Trade Project
Agricultural Trade Project Topics:
Value-added chains
WTO (AoA, SPS, TBT)
Etc.
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 45 
 
 
Objectives and Tasks of NEP
Objectives and Activities
Fulfil transparency obligation
Information and Knowledge Management
Work on document and information requests
Process and answer general enquiries
Deliver and charge information (national and foreign 
organisations and institutions
SOURCE:
WTO, 2000: How to Apply the Transparency Provisions of the SPS Agreement,
A Handbook  from WTO Secretariat
 
 
Objectives and Tasks of NEP
General Fields of Activity
NEPs gather and disseminate information on SPS 
interventions among a multitude of national and international stakeholders. This demands:
Documentation
Coordination
Communication
 
 
Constraints of NEP
Overview
Coordination between multitude of stakeholders
Lack of analytical skill for screening
Technical Constraints
Weak communication facilities
Weak documentation facilities
Financial resources
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 46  
 
Constraints of NEP
Coordination
MIT Private sector
WTO secEnquiry Point
Bureau of 
StandardsProducers/
Consumers
Importers/
ExportersMoHMoFAEmbassies
 
 
Constraints of NEP
Skill for Screening and Coordination
Information
Supply
Consumer
protection
Animal
healthPlant
healthInformation
Demand
Importers
Foreign NEP
ExportersEnquiry
PointScreening
Coordination
 
 
Information
DemandInformation
SupplyConstraints of NEP
Skill for Screening and Coordination
Consumer
protection
Animal
healthPlant
healthImporters
Foreign NEP
ExportersEnquiry
PointScreening
Coordination
 
  G/SPS/GEN/458 
 Page 47 
 
 
Constraints of NEP
Technical Constraints:
PCs; IT-facilities
Telecommunication; 
www, @ 
 
 
Prerequisites for well operating NEP
Analytically  and technically skilled staff (2-4 persons)
If possible in vicinity of notification authority
Technical equipment
 
 
Support for NEP
Sources
WTO support (SDTF)
JITAP (e.g. Cluster 15)
Bilateral Donors (DFID, SIDA etc.)
GTZ 
Find more information on 
STDF at www.standardsfacility.org
JITAP at www.jitap.org
GTZ and links to other donors (coming during November) at
http://www.gtz.de/themen/economic-development/english/
 
 G/SPS/GEN/458 
Page 48  
 
Support for NEP
GTZs Approach
Training material is abundant
Analysis of existing best practises 
Needs assessment
Participatory institutional development
Capacity development on the job
South-south cooperation 
Twinning
Peering
 
 
Requirements for Support
Existing notification authority and enquiry point
Commitment / ownership
Government institutions only
 
 
Contact
www.gtz.de
Mrs Doris Guenther
Doris.guenther@gtz.de
Tel.: 0049 (0) 6196 79 14 78
Thank you for your attention
 
__________ 