   
  
G/SPS/GEN/1711  
 
28 June 201 9 
(19-4369) Page: 1/10 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures    
 
ANNUAL REPORT ON THE  IMPLEMENTATION OF A RTICLE 6  
OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE APPLICATION OF S ANITARY  
AND PHYTOSANITARY ME ASURES  
NOTE BY THE SECRETAR IAT1 
Article 6 of the SPS Agreement requires that measures take into account pest - or disease -free areas 
or areas of low pest or disease prevalence. This concept is frequently referred to as "regionalization". 
At the 2 -3 April 2008 meeting, the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures adopted 
guidelines to further the practical implementation of Artic le 6.2 These guidelines are intended to 
provide assistance to Members in the implementation of Article 6 by improving transparency, 
exchange of information, predictability, confidence and credibility between importing and exporting 
Members.  
The guidelines require the Secretariat to prepare an annual report to the Committee on 
implementation of Article 6 based on the information provided by Members concerning:  
a. requests for recognition of pest - or disease -free areas or areas of low pest or disease 
prevalence;  
b. determinations on whether to recognize a pest - or disease -free area or area of low pest 
or disease prevalence; and/or  
c. Members' experiences in the implementation of Article 6 and the provision of relevant 
background information by Members on their decision s to other interested Members.  
The report covers the period from 1 April 201 8 until 31 March 201 9, based on information provided 
by Members through notifications and information presented during SPS  Committee meetings. This 
information was frequently provi ded under the agenda item "Pest - and or Disease -Free Areas - 
Article 6". Relevant information provided under other agenda items is also included in the report. A 
list of notifications related to Article 6 is contained in section 4; and section 5 lists the relevant 
specific trade concerns.  
1  REQUESTS FOR RECOGNI TION OF PEST - OR DIS EASE -FREE AREAS OR A REAS OF LOW 
PEST OR DISEASE PREV ALENCE  
1.1  July 201 8 meeting (G/SPS/R/ 92/Rev.1 ) 
1.1.1   Brazil – Freedom from FMD with vaccination  
1.1.  Brazil drew the Committee's attention to OI E Resolution No. 22 of May 2018 regarding the 
recognition of the FMD status of OIE members, highlighting the designation of the entire territory of 
Brazil as an area free of the disease where vaccination was practised, with the exception of the State 
of Sa nta Catarina, which had maintained the status of free zone without vaccination since 2008. 
Brazil also informed the Committee that it expected to be recognized as a n FMD-free country without 
vaccination by 2023.  
                                                
1 This document has been prepared under the Secretariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice 
to the positions of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO.  
2 G/SPS/48.  G/SPS/GEN/1711  
 
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  1.1.2   Costa Rica – Official OIE recognition of Cos ta Rica as a country free from classical 
swine fever  
1.2.  Costa Rica informed the Committee of the official OIE recognition as a country free from 
classical swine fever (G/SPS/GEN/1638). For over 21 years, Costa Rica's National Animal Health 
Service (SENASA) ha d implemented a series of measures for the surveillance, control, prevention 
and eradication of the disease. Costa Rica further explained that during the 86th General Session of 
the OIE, held in May 2018, the Assembly had adopted Resolution No. 29, "Recogn ition of the Classical 
Swine Fever Status of Members", including Costa Rica in the list of members recognized as being 
free of classical swine fever, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 15.2 of the Terrestrial 
Code. In the interests of transparenc y and in accordance with Article 6 of the SPS Agreement, 
Costa  Rica encouraged Members to take note of this recognition, which reflected intensive efforts by 
both the public and private sectors to promote animal and public health both in Costa Rica and at 
the global level.  
1.1.3   Madagascar – OIE recognition of freedom from peste des petits ruminants  
1.3.  Madagascar informed the Committee that it had been officially declared as free from peste des 
petits ruminants during the 86th General Session of the World Assembly o f OIE Delegates. To date, 
there had never been any suspected cases of the disease in the country. Madagascar thanked all of 
its partners who had provided technical and financial assistance in achieving the outcome, namely 
OIE, FAO, Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), and SADC through the Africa Solidarity Trust Fund.  
1.1.4   Mexico – Declaration of an area free from fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha  
(G/SPS/GEN/1616)  
1.4.  Mexico informed the Committee of the declaration of several areas as free from fruit flies of 
the quarantine -significant genus Anastrepha , as circulated in document G/SPS/GEN/1616. 
These  areas included the  municipalities of San Dimas and the northern and s outh-eastern region of 
the municipality of Pueblo Nuevo in the State of Durango; Burgos and Méndez in the State of 
Tamaulipas; and Monte Escobedo in the State of Zacatecas. Phytosanitary measures would be 
applied according to the Regulation implementing th e Federal Law on Plant Health and the Mexican 
Official Standard (NOM -075-FITO-1997). Mexico further noted that the Decisions declaring the free 
areas had entered into force on 24 April 2018, one day after their publication in the Official Journal, 
and were  available for consultation in Spanish.  
1.2  November 201 8 meeting (G/SPS/R/ 93) 
1.2.1   Mexico – Self-declaration as a country historically free from African swine fever  
1.5.  Mexico informed the Committee about its self -declaration as a country historically free from 
African swine fever (G/SPS/GEN/1641). Mexico explained that the self -declaration contained 
information on African swine fever in Mexico; early detection systems; s pecies susceptible to African 
swine fever in Mexico; and measures for maintaining ASF -free status. Mexico also reported that this 
communication had been submitted to the SPS Committee for purposes of transparency and in order 
to provide Members with furthe r information on the current regulatory process in Mexico. Finally, 
Mexico informed Members that the document was available for consultation on the website of the 
World Organization for Animal Health.  
1.2.2   Mexico – Declaration as an area free from Mediterranean  fruit fly ( Ceratitis Capitata 
(Wiedemann)  
1.6.  Mexico informed the Committee about its declaration as an area free of Mediterranean fruit fly 
(G/SPS/GEN/1644). Phytosanitary measures would be applied according to the national emergency 
and prevention system ag ainst exotic fruit fly (NOM -075-FITO-1997). Mexico further noted that the 
decisions declaring the free areas had entered into force on 7 September 2018, one day after their 
publication in the Official Journal, and were available for consultation on the web site of the Federal 
Official Gazette.  G/SPS/GEN/1711  
 
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  1.3  March 201 9 meeting (G/SPS/R/ 94) 
1.3.1   Mexico – Declaration of areas free from pink bollworm ( Pectinophora gossypiella ) 
(G/SPS/GEN/1662, G/SPS/GEN/1662/Corr.1 and G/SPS/GEN/1673)  
1.7.  Mexico brought to the attention of the Committ ee the declaration that the territories of 
Chihuahua, Sonora, Baja California and the municipality of Sierra Mojada in Coahuila, as well as the 
federative entities of Coahuila de Zaragoza and Durango, were free from pink bollworm 
(Pectinophora gossypiella ), as explained  in documents G/SPS/GEN/1662 and G/SPS/GEN/1673, 
respectively. This was consistent with the procedures established in the Mexican Official Standard 
NOM-026-SAG/FITO -2014. The Decision would remain in force for 24 months.  
1.3.2   Mexico – Declaration of an area free from boll weevil ( Anthonomus grandis 
Boheman ) (G/SPS/GEN/1672)  
1.8.  Mexico informed the Committee of the Decision declaring the State of Chihuahua as an area 
free from boll weevil ( Anthonomus grandis  Boheman), as described  in document G/SPS/GEN/ 1672, 
in accordance with the procedures established in Mexican Official Standards NOM -026-SAG/FITO -
2014 and NOM -069-FITO-1995. The Decision had entered into force on 21 December 2018 and 
would remain in force for 24 months.  
1.3.3   Mexico – Declaration of areas fr ee from large avocado seed weevils, small avocado 
seed weevils and avocado seed moths (G/SPS/GEN/1674)  
1.9.  Mexico brought to the attention of the Committee its Decision declaring the municipalities of 
Jala and Santa  María del Oro in the state of Nayarit as fre e from large avocado seed weevils ( Heilipus 
lauri), small avocado seed weevils ( Conotrachelus aguacatae  and C. perseae ) and avocado seed 
moths ( Stenoma catenifer ), as described  in document G/SPS/GEN/1674. The Decision was 
consistent with the procedures est ablished in Mexican Official Standards NOM -066-FITO-2002 and 
NOM-069-FITO-1995. The Decision had entered into force on 21 December 2018 and would remain 
in force for 24 months.  
1.3.4   Mexico – Self-declaration as a country historically free from rabbit haemorrhag ic 
disease (G/SPS/GEN/1669)  
1.10.   Mexico informed the Committee of its self -declaration as historically free from rabbit 
haemorrhagic disease, as explained  in document G/SPS/GEN/1669.  
1.3.5   Mexico – Declaration of areas free from fruit flies of the quarantine -significant 
genus Anastrepha  (G/SPS/GEN/1686)  
1.11.   Mexico brought to the attention of the Committee its Decision declaring certain areas free 
from fruit flies of the quarantine -significant ge nus Anastrepha , as described  in document 
G/SPS/GEN/1686. The Decision had entered into force on 6 October 2018 and would remain in force 
for 24 months.  
1.3.6   Peru - Recognition of Peru as a country free of foot and mouth disease without 
vaccination  
1.12.   Peru referred  to document G/SPS/GEN/1698. In May 2005, the OIE had recognised ten 
regions as FMD -free without vaccination, which allowed exports of animals and animal products and 
by-products from the regions of Ica, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Apurímac, Cuzco, P uno, 
Moquegua, Madre de Dios and Tacna. In May 2007, the OIE had recognized seven additional regions 
(Amazonas, Loreto, San Martín, Huánuco, Ucayali, Pasco and Junín) as FMD -free without vaccination. 
In 2008, the OIE had recognised Peru as an FMD -free coun try, over 97.6% of the territory without 
vaccination and 2.4% (Piura, Tumbes, San Ignacio province -Cajamarca - and Lima) with vaccination. 
In order to maintain this status, the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA) had strengthened 
its quarantine and a nimal health surveillance systems and, through the Directorate for Animal Health 
and the National Food and Mouth Disease Programme, had established a sanitary protection area in 
Piura, Tumbes, San Ignacio province, and Cajamarca, where strategic vaccinatio n was applied, 
among other measures. Following the recognition of the whole country as FMD -free without G/SPS/GEN/1711  
 
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  vaccination by the OIE in May 2018, Peru had been saving USD 10 million per year in FMD -related 
costs.  
2  DETERMINATION ON WHE THER TO RECOGNIZE A PEST - OR DISEASE -FREE AREA OR  
AREA OF LOW PEST OR DISEASE PREVALENCE  
2.1.  No Member reported on experiences in recognizing a pest - or disease -free area during the 
period covered by this report.  
3  MEMBERS' EXPERIENCES  IN THE IMPLEMENTATI ON OF ARTICLE 6  
3.1  July 201 8 meeting (G /SPS/R/ 92/Rev.1 ) 
3.1.1   Botswana – Suspected FMD outbreak in Ngamiland (G/SPS/GEN/1622)  
3.1.  Botswana informed Members of the suspected outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Naune 
Crush, Sehithwa in Ngamiland district. Botswana reported that following information prov ided by 
farmers, the Department of Veterinary Services had found five animals that showed clinical signs of 
the disease. As a result of these findings, the slaughter and movement of all cloven -hoofed animals, 
as well as trade of these animals and their fre sh products from the affected areas, had been 
suspended. Botswana further indicated that vaccinations had since commenced and that farmers 
had been encouraged to cooperate with Ministry officials to contain the situation. 
Botswana  expressed its commitment to keep the Committee informed as more information became 
available.  
3.1.2   Chile – Recognition of animal health status and regionalization criteria for 
quarantine pests  
3.2.  Chile informed the Committee that in 2017 it had recognized the FMD status of various 
countri es, namely: Paraguay, as FMD -free with vaccination; Nicaragua, as FMD -free without 
vaccination; Peru, as an FMD -free zone without vaccination in 98.36% of the country, and FMD -free 
with vaccination in the remaining 1.64%. In relation to the recent outbreak  of low pathogenic avian 
influenza, Chile indicated that a small number of countries had reacted in a disproportionate manner 
to its non -compulsory notification of the outbreak to the OIE and trading partners. Chile further 
requested Members to be cautious  when reviewing notified measures to ensure that they did not 
penalize Members for their transparent approach.  
3.3.  Chile drew the Committee's attention to document G/SPS/GEN/1615 which provided 
information on its measures aimed at establishing regionalization criteria for quarantine pests in 
Chile. Chile reminded Members that it was the only country in the region recognized by the IPPC as 
free of all species of fruit fly, despite isolated outbreaks which had been rapidly reported and 
eradicated. Chile further n oted that although most of its trading partners had recognized this status, 
which had facilitated its worldwide exports of fruits and vegetables, a few countries maintained 
certain restrictions and had not recognized the entire territory as fruit fly -free. Chile urged those 
countries to recognize its status.  
3.1.3   South Africa – Update on the listeria  outbreak  
3.4.  South Africa provided an update on the situation surrounding South African food after the 
Listeria outbreak. In December 2017, a listeria outbreak had been  declared by the Minister of Health, 
following an increase in laboratory -confirmed cases of listeria in July 2017. South Africa indicated 
that 91% of the cases were caused by Listeria monocytogenes  sequence type 6 (ST6), and the 
remaining 9% by other sequence types. After extensive investigation of many food processing 
facilities, slaughter houses, farms and other sources of raw materials, the source of the ST6 outbreak 
had been identified as ready -to-eat processed meat products manufactured at a single production 
facility, which received raw materials from many countries. South Africa reported that the facility 
had immediately been closed, follow -up actions had been instituted and affected products had been 
recalled as of 1  March 2018. Over 4000 tons of affected products had been destroyed by thermal 
treatment or dumping in landfills. Since the recall of products, the number of reported cases per 
week had drastically decreased. South Africa noted tha t a number of Members had introduced trade 
restrictions on South African food products due to the outbreak, and further observed that in G/SPS/GEN/1711  
 
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  July 2018, some had either lifted or eased these trade restrictions. South Africa requested that 
Members observe the pr ovisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) and lift the 
trade restrictions. Finally, South Africa expressed its willingness to continue bilateral discussions.  
3.2  November 201 8 meeting (G/SPS/R/ 93) 
3.2.1   Canada – Experiences and approaches to regio nalization relating to animal diseases  
3.5.  Canada recognised the importance of the SPS Agreement's obligations on adaptation to 
regional conditions, both for facilitating international trade and safeguarding animal and plant health. 
In document G/SPS/GEN/1650,  Canada shared information about resources regarding recent 
experiences and approaches to regionalization. Canada further explained that information submitted 
on Canada's approach to zoning as an effective tool for animal disease control and to facilitate trade 
along with information on specific disease incidence, and Canada's risk management activities in 
response to avian influenza in British Columbia in 2014 and in Ontario in 2015, were available on 
the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. Canada enc ouraged other Members to share 
information on their experiences with pest and disease -free areas.  
3.6.  The United States expressed its appreciation for the information provided in document 
G/SPS/GEN/1650. The United States reminded the Committee that in the con text of the Fifth Review , 
Members' had emphasized the importance of sharing experiences on regionalization. The United 
States underscored that this agenda item represented an important opportunity where Members 
could share their experiences and information  about procedures and processes related to various 
aspects of regionalization. Finally, the United States thanked Canada for its efforts to link 
regionalization to the Fifth Review.  
3.7.  Brazil and the European Union echoed the US comments and thanked Canada fo r sharing its 
experience. The European Union reminded Members that in 2012 it had submitted information on 
the EU regionalization system in document G/SPS/GEN/1159. The European Union also encouraged 
Members to provide information under this agenda item.  
3.8.  The Chairperson reminded the Committee that providing information on their pest or disease 
situation in the SPS Committee did not substitute for legal obligations to submit certain information 
to the IPPC or the OIE.  
3.2.2   Japan – Current situation of classical s wine fever  
3.9.  Japan provided an update on the situation of classical swine fever  (CSF), indicating that it had 
notified the OIE on 9 September 2018 of the occurrence of the disease for the first time in 26 years , 
in Gifu prefecture.  Japan underscored that it was now free from the disease and that it had shared 
information on the occurrence of the disease, control measures and surveillance  with its trading 
partners. Various preventive measures had been implemented, which included stamping out 
procedures, establ ishment of a shipping and mov ement  restriction zone, as well as monitoring of pig 
farms within the shipping restriction zone and farm s with epidemiological links to the affected farm. 
Japan further explained that they had undertaken the testing of wild boa rs in Gifu and other 
prefectures, which had yielded positive results only in the Gifu prefecture, specifically within 
proximity of the affected farm (up to 12 km). Japan indicated its intent ion to apply for the recovery 
of its CSF -free status from the OIE,  given that no additional cases of CSF in domestic pigs had been 
found. Japan thanked its trading partners for their prompt response to continue trade in porcine 
products.  
3.3  March 201 9 meeting (G/SPS/R/ 94) 
3.3.1   China – Information on African Swine Fever  
3.10.   China emphasized its commitment to OIE standards and its efforts to manage epidemic animal 
diseases — such as low -pathogenic avian influenza, foot -and-mouth disease and bluetongue disease 
— in accordance with OIE criteria such as the regionalization principle. C hina underlined that African 
swine fever, in particular, was an infectious disease with many possible transmission routes, which 
severely threatened swine herds, and which was affecting an increasing number of countries. In the 
absence of an effective vacc ine to date, it was difficult to prevent and control it. When the disease G/SPS/GEN/1711  
 
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  had surfaced in China for the first time in August 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs 
and the General Administration of Customs of China had carried out full -scale p revention and control 
procedures. The African swine fever epidem ic in China was now under control, with the epidemic 
status of areas in 18 provinces having been lifted. China  concluded by informing Members that in 
accordance with the SPS Agreement and its own level of protection, it had had to temporarily prohibit 
imports of pigs and related products from countries where African swine fever had been reported.  
3.3.2   South Africa – Update on avian influenza and FMD  
3.11.   South Africa recalled that in November 2017 it had  shared with the Committee that the first 
outbreak of HPAI H5N8 had been reported in chickens in the country in June 2017. A total of 203 
outbreaks had been reported to the OIE, of which 98 had now been closed. No new cases had been 
reported since July 201 8. On FMD outbreaks in the Limpopo province, South Africa informed that it 
periodically experienced outbreaks in its protection zone. A case had been reported in May 2018 and 
control measures had been implemented; a further six cases had been reported betw een May and 
November 2018 and possible cases in January 2019. As a result of the immediate reporting of the 
outbreaks to the OIE, South Africa had lost its FMD -free zone without vaccination status.  
3.3.3   Ukraine - Update on import regulations for live animals  and related products  
3.12.   Ukraine updated the Committee on the status of its new import regulation  for live animals , 
reproductive material, food products of animal origin, feed, hay, straw, as well as by -products of 
animal origin and processed products, notified as G/SPS/N/UKR/111. The regulation was necessary 
to implement the State Control Law which had entered into force in April 2018. Ukraine explained 
the new requirements followed a risk -oriented approach based on international standards, and 
following the trade-facilitating principles of regionalization, compartmentalization and equivalence. 
The new regulation covered the relationship between food business operators, relevant regulatory 
authorities, exporting countries and state veterinary inspectors. Followin g adoption, the former 
import requirements would cease to apply and there would be a six -month transitional period after 
official publication for purposes of developing a unified template for import certificates. 
Ukraine  added that its competent authoritie s would contact trading partners' counterparts during 
the transitional period regarding previously agreed bilateral certificate s. 
4  NOTIFICATIONS RELATE D TO ARTICLE 6  
4.1.  From April 201 8 through March 201 9, 89 notifications ( 40 regular and 49 emergency) related 
to Article 6. Twenty -one of those notifications ( 17 regular  and 4 emergency ) indicated that the 
notified measure was trade facilitating; these notifications mainly inform of measures that will 
simplify the requirements for the import of products originatin g from certain regions, as well as the 
recognition of pest -free or disease -free areas.  
Table 4.1: Trade Facilitating Notifications Related to Article 6  
Document symbol  Notifying 
Member  Description of content  
G/SPS/N/BRA/1424  Brazil  This Resolution revokes  the RDC No. 59, of 6 December 2012 
which provides for the criteria for importing semi -finished or 
semi-finished raw materials and foodstuffs for human 
consumption in Brazil, originated in or coming from the 
Fukushima, Japan.  
G/SPS/N/BRA/1425  Brazil  This Resolution revokes the RDC No. 59, of 6 December 2012 
which provides for the criteria for importing semi -finished or 
semi-finished raw materials and foodstuffs for consumption 
human in Brazil, originated in or coming from the Fukushima, 
Japan.  
G/SPS/N/ECU /209 Ecuador  The notified Resolution establishes the mandatory 
phytosanitary requirements governing the importation of the 
biological control agent Steinernema feltiae  from the 
Netherlands.  
G/SPS/N/ECU/213  Ecuador  Mandatory phytosanitary requirements governing the 
importation of predatory mites ( Macrocheles robustulus ) for 
biological control from the Netherlands.  G/SPS/GEN/1711  
 
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  Document symbol  Notifying 
Member  Description of content  
G/SPS/N/KAZ/29  Kazakhstan  On the basis of  the official notification of the World 
Organisation for Animal Health, the Committee of Veterinary 
Control and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture of 
Kazakhstan reports registered outbreaks of Newcastle disease 
in the territory of California, Unite d States of America. In this 
regard, from 21 January 2019, temporary restrictions are 
imposed on the importation of live poultry and hatching eggs, 
down and feathers, poultry meat and all poultry products, 
fodder and feed additives for birds, as well as us ed equipment 
for the maintenance, slaughter and cutting of birds from 
California, United States of America into the territory of 
Kazakhstan.  
G/SPS/N/KAZ/31  Kazakhstan  On the basis of the official notification of the World 
Organisation for Animal Health, t he Committee of Veterinary 
Control and Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture of 
Kazakhstan reports cases of the disease susceptible species of 
animals with bluetongue in the territory of Rhineland -
Palatinate, Germany. In this regard, since 21 January 2019 
temporary restrictions are imposed on the importation to 
Kazakhstan of live cattle, wild, zoo and circus animals 
susceptible to bluetongue, camels and other representatives 
of the camelidae family (llama, Alpaca, vicuna), semen of 
bulls, rams, and goa ts-producers, embryos of cattle and small 
cattle from these lands.  
G/SPS/N/KAZ/32  Kazakhstan  The measure represents a temporary restriction on the 
importation to the territory of Kazakhstan of animals 
susceptible to foot -and-mouth disease, as well as beef, pork, 
lamb, milk and dairy products, including finished cooked 
products, non -food raw materials and products obtained from 
slaughter of animals susceptible to foot -and-mouth disease, 
used equipment fo r their maintenance, slaughter and 
processing, feed and feed additives for animals from the 
territory of Primorsk of the Russian Federation.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/336  Mexico  Pursuant to the Decision establishing the module of 
phytosanitary requirements for the importation of goods 
regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural 
Development, Fisheries and Food, in relation to plant health 
(Acuerdo por el que se establece el módulo de requisitos 
fitosanitarios para la importación de mercancías reguladas  por 
la Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, 
Pesca y Alimentación, en materia de sanidad vegetal), 
published in the Mexican Official Journal on 7 February 2012, 
the phytosanitary requirements for the importation into Mexico 
of orchid pla nts (Phalaenopsis spp.) originating in Germany 
and coming from Guatemala have been established on the 
basis of a pest risk analysis.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/337  Mexico  Pursuant to the Decision establishing the module of 
phytosanitary requirements for the importation of goods 
regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural 
Development, Fisheries and Food, in relation to plant health 
(Acuerdo por el que se establece el módulo de requisitos 
fitosanitarios para la importación de mercancías reguladas por 
la Secr etaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, 
Pesca y Alimentación, en materia de sanidad vegetal), 
published in the Mexican Official Journal on 7 February 2012, 
the phytosanitary requirements for the importation into Mexico 
of orchid ( Phalaenopsis  spp) plants originating in the 
Netherlands and coming from Guatemala have been 
established on the basis of a pest risk analysis.  G/SPS/GEN/1711  
 
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  Document symbol  Notifying 
Member  Description of content  
G/SPS/N/MEX/342  Mexico  The phytosanitary requirements for the importation of wheat 
grain ( Triticum aestivum ) originating in an d coming from 
Poland were established on the basis of the results of the 
corresponding pest risk analysis pursuant to Article 11, 
subparagraph 1 of the Decision establishing the module of 
phytosanitary requirements for the importation of goods 
regulated by  the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural 
Development, Fisheries and Food, in relation to plant health 
(Acuerdo por el que se establece el módulo de requisitos 
fitosanitarios para la importación de mercancías reguladas por 
la Secretaría de Agricultura , Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, 
Pesca y Alimentación, en materia de sanidad vegetal), 
published in the Mexican Official Journal on 7 February 2012.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/343  Mexico  Existing phytosanitary requirements for the importation of 
orchid plants ( Phalaenopsis  spp) originating in and coming 
from Germany have been amended on the basis of the results 
of a pest risk re -assessment pursuant to Article 11, paragraph 
1 of the Decision establishing the module of phytosanitary 
requirements for the importatio n of goods regulated by the 
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, 
Fisheries and Food, in relation to plant health (Acuerdo por el 
que se establece el módulo de requisitos fitosanitarios para la 
importación de mercancías reguladas por la Se cretaría de 
Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y 
Alimentación, en materia de sanidad vegetal), published in the 
Mexican Official Journal on 7 February 2012.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/345  Mexico  The phytosanitary requirements for the importation of wheat 
grain ( Triticum aestivum ) originating in and coming from 
Germany were established on the basis of the results of the 
corresponding pest risk analysis pursuant to Article 11, 
subparagraph 1 of the Decision establishing the module of 
phytosanitary requiremen ts for the importation of goods 
regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural 
Development, Fisheries and Food, in relation to plant health 
(Acuerdo por el que se establece el módulo de requisitos 
fitosanitarios para la importación de mercancía s reguladas por 
la Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, 
Pesca y Alimentación, en materia de sanidad vegetal), 
published in the Mexican Official Journal on 7 February 2012.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/347  Mexico  Pursuant to Article 11, paragraph I, of t he Decision 
establishing the module of phytosanitary requirements for the 
importation of goods regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, 
Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food, in relation 
to plant health (Acuerdo por el que se establece el módul o de 
requisitos fitosanitarios para la importación de mercancías 
reguladas por la Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, 
Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentación, en materia de sanidad 
vegetal), published in the Mexican Official Journal on 
7 February 2012, th e current phytosanitary requirements for 
the importation into Mexico of orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.) 
plants, seedlings and cuttings originating in and coming from 
the Netherlands have been amended on the basis of a pest risk 
re-assessment.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/357  Mexico  On the basis of a pest risk analysis, phytosanitary 
requirements were established for the importation into Mexico 
of raspberry ( Rubus idaeus ) roots originating in and coming 
from Italy.  G/SPS/GEN/1711  
 
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  Document symbol  Notifying 
Member  Description of content  
G/SPS/N/MEX/359  Mexico  The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock,  Rural Development, 
Fisheries and Food has established phytosanitary requirements 
for the importation of chilli pepper ( Capsicum annuum ) seeds 
originating in Tanzania and coming from the Netherlands 
following the completion of the relevant pest risk analys is. 
G/SPS/N/MEX/363  Mexico  The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development developed 
the proposed phytosanitary requirements for the importation 
of celery ( Apium graveolens ) seeds for sowing originating in 
Chile and coming from the Netherlands on the basis of the 
results of a pest risk analysis.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/365  Mexico  The phytosanitary requirements for the importation of fresh 
kiwifruit ( Actinidia chinensis  and A. deliciosa ) originating in and 
coming from Italy were established on the basis of the results 
of a pest risk assessment pursuant to Article 11, paragraph 1 
of the Decision establishing the module of phytosanitary 
requirements for the importation of goods regulated by the 
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, 
Fisheries and F ood, in relation to plant health (Acuerdo por el 
que se establece el módulo de requisitos fitosanitarios para la 
importación de mercancías reguladas por la Secretaría de 
Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y 
Alimentación, en materia de sanidad vegetal), published in the 
Mexican Official Journal on 7 February 2012.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/366  Mexico  The phytosanitary requirements for the importation of paddy 
rice (Oryza sativa) originating in and coming from Uruguay 
were established on the basis of the resu lts of a pest risk 
assessment pursuant to Article 11, paragraph 1 of the Decision 
establishing the module of phytosanitary requirements for the 
importation of goods regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, 
Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food,  in relation 
to plant health (Acuerdo por el que se establece el módulo de 
requisitos fitosanitarios para la importación de mercancías 
reguladas por la Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, 
Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentación, en materia de sanidad 
vegetal), published in the Mexican Official Journal on 
7 February 2012.  
G/SPS/N/MEX/367  Mexico  The phytosanitary requirements governing the importation of 
fresh pears ( Pyrus communis ) originating in and coming from 
Belgium were established on the basis of the  results of a pest 
risk assessment pursuant to Article 11, paragraph 1 of the 
Decision establishing the module of phytosanitary 
requirements for the importation of goods regulated by the 
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, 
Fisheries and Food, in relation to plant health (Acuerdo por el 
que se establece el módulo de requisitos fitosanitarios para la 
importación de mercancías reguladas por la Secretaría de 
Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y 
Alimentación, en materia de sanidad  vegetal), published in the 
Mexican Official Journal on 7 February 2012.  
G/SPS/N/PHL/414  Philippines  This order provides the rationale and the conditions in 
instituting this emergency measure lifting the temporary ban 
on the importation of poultry and poultry products from 
Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.  
G/SPS/N/RUS/155  Russian 
Federation  Due to improvement of low epizootic situation with avian 
influenza in Sweden, the Russian Federation abolishes 
provisional import restriction on live poultry, hatching eggs , 
prepared poultry meat products and all kind of poultry -farming 
products, containing products of poultry processing.  
 G/SPS/GEN/1711  
 
- 10 - 
 
  5  SPECIFIC TRADE CONCE RNS AND REGIONALIZAT ION 
5.1.  Specific trade concerns (STCs) can be raised due to issues pertaining to regionalization. From 
April 201 8 through March 201 9, two STCs that related to regionalization were raised for the first 
time. 
Table 5.1: New STCs Related to Regionalization (April 201 8–March 201 9) 
STC No  Title Member raising 
the concern  Member 
maintaining 
the measure  Date first raised  
456 Korea's import restrictions on 
poultry due to highly 
pathogenic avian influenza  European Union  Korea, 
Republic of   21 March 2019 
449 The Russian Federation's 
bluetongue -related import 
restriction on ruminants  European Union  Russian 
Federation  1 November 2018 
5.2.  For the same period, three previously raised STCs that related to regionalization were brought 
again to the attention of the Committee.  
Table 5.2: Previously Raised STCs Related to Regionalization (April 201 8–March 201 9) 
STC No  Title Member raising 
the concern  Member 
maintaining  
the measure  Date first raised  
271 Restrictions on imports of 
swine meat  Brazil  Mexico  24 June 2008 
406 China's import restrictions 
due to Highly Pathogenic 
Avian Influenza  European Union, 
United States of 
America  China  16 March 2016 
431 South Africa's import 
restrictions on poultry due to 
Highly Pathogenic Avian 
Influenza  European Union  South Africa  2 November 2017 
5.3.  In addition, panel proceedings in the context of the WTO dispute settlement resolution 
procedures continued with respect to two previously raised STCs:  
▪ India's restrictions due to avian influenza (STC 185 raised by the United States, March 2004). 
At its m eeting on 19 June 2015, the DSB adopted the Appellate Body report and the panel 
report, as modified by the Appellate Body report (DS430). Thereafter, on 19 April 2016, the 
matter was referred to arbitration under Article 22.6 of the DSU. The arbitration panel was 
composed with the original panelists. On 6 April 2017, India requested the establishment of 
a compliance panel  (Article 21.5) . At its meeting on 19 April 2017, the DSB deferred the 
establishment of a compliance panel. At its meeting on 22 May 2017, the DSB agreed, 
pursuant to Article 21.5 of the DSU, to refer to the original panel, if possible.  The arbitration 
and compliance proceedi ngs are currently ongoing.  
▪ The Russia n Federation 's measures on live pigs and pork products due to African swine fever 
(STC 369 raised by the European Union, March 2013). At its meeting on 21 March 2017, the 
DSB adopted the Appellate  Body report and the pa nel report (DS475), as modified by the 
Appellate Body report.  Thereafter, on 3 January 2018, the matter was referred to arbitration 
under Article 22.6 of the DSU. O n 25 January 2018, the Russian Federation requested 
consultations under Article 21.5 (com pliance proceedings) of the DSU, and on 2 February 
2018, the European Union also requested consultations under Article 21.5 of the DSU.  The 
compliance proceedings are currently ongoing . 
 
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