Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS. The EU Japan SPS Chapter will improve predictability of trade for all agricultural products; not only for products already traded but also for new products. However, it will not lower safety standards or require parties to change their domestic policy choices on matters such as the use of hormones or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). On Import conditions, import procedures and trade facilitation the EU and Japan have agreed to ensure that any import procedures including the approval and clearance process are simplified, expedited and completed without undue delays. As regards import conditions for meat and meat products, the EU and Japan have agreed on procedures for listing of establishments eligible to export to the other party. Both parties have committed that costs for audits shall be borne by the importing party unless otherwise agreed. The EU and Japan have agreed to apply zones or compartments established for disease- free areas in case of outbreaks for animal diseases in their trade. Both parties have committed to exchange views on ways to establish and maintain mutual recognition of health status. As regards plant health, the EU Japan agreement recognises the concepts of pest free areas, pest free places of production and pest free production sites as well as areas of low pest prevalence areas and protected zones concepts, which they agree to apply to trade between them. The Parties shall also ensure that the procedures for establishing or maintaining phytosanitary import conditions are carried out without undue delays. As regards food additives, the transparencies of the approval process and the requirements for assessment of an application have become more transparent. Both Parties have also committed to publish the timelines for the approval of food additives. Transparency and exchange of information Japan and EU commit to ensure transparency on import conditions and control, inspection and approval procedures including details about mandatory administrative steps and expected timelines. This ensures that companies and authorities have better access to information that can affect trade and facilitate the application. By discussing issues and being informed of any changes of regulatory requirements intensively is a useful preventive tool to facilitate trade as the issue could be solved before it becomes a barrier.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS. Objectives of SPS Provisions The Chapter on SPS measures has as its main objective to facilitate trade between the Parties. The most important part of the Chapter deals with the provision of assistance in order to improve their capacity to address potential disruptions to trade and achieve equivalence and/or compliance with EU requirements.
