   
  
G/SPS/GEN/2131  
 
16 June 2023 
(23-4127) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: English  
 
UPDATE ON OECD ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST TO THE SPS COMMITTEE  
COMMUNICATION FROM THE OECD  
The followi ng communication, received on 16 June  2023, is being circulated at the request of the 
OECD . 
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1  COSTS, BENEFITS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF REMOTE AUDITS FOR INTERNATIONAL 
FOOD SAFETY  
1.1.  Remote audits enabled international food trade to continue despite the severe COVID -19 
pandemic disruptions, but what is their role in the future? Based on case studies and an OECD 
survey, this r eport examines the cost, benefits and effectiveness of remote audits. The analysis 
reveals that key benefits include lower travel expenses, reduced emissions footprints, more flexible 
use of time, and opportunities to train and involve more staff. There we re nevertheless major 
drawbacks, including limitations to gather audit evidence, a heavy additional burden of preparation 
time, internet connectivity issues, and the lack of interpersonal engagement. In general, most 
stakeholders consider remote audits to be less effective than on -site audits, particularly for those of 
regulatory systems or for the physical auditing of establishments. This report highlights the need to 
harmoni ze the terminology in this area of work, and to develop practical guidelines on ho w and when 
to conduct remote audits.  
− Deuss, A. and S. Honey (2023), "Costs, benefits and effectiveness of remote audits for 
international food safety", OECD Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Papers, No. 196, OECD 
Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/fef97106 -en. 
Contact:  
Annelies Deuss (E-mail: annelies.deuss@oecd.org ) 
 
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