Magic numberDuring the 20 - 21 October meeting of the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Committee) at WTO headquarters in Geneva, attention was drawn to a new phytosanitary standards under development that could have a major impact on international trade in goods. In particular, it was noted that work is underway on a standard for minimizing pest movement by sea containers and conveyances in international trade, and a similar standard for air containers and aircraft will be developed in future.

Delegates were cautioned that work on these important standards could be delayed as the IPPC standards-setting programme is facing cuts because of a shortage of operational funds. Thus the meeting s magic number was determined to be -1.2 million USD, the International Plant Protection Convention s projected budget deficit for 2011. Australia, the EU and US supported the IPPC s call for extra funding and urged delegations to raise the issue with relevant agencies in their countries.

Click here for more information on the 20 - 21 October meeting of the SPS Committee.