Forum on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) in the framework of the Seminar “Two Associated Regions – A World of Opportunities”
October 21, 2014
The seminar was held on October 16 and 17, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica (COMEX) and the European Union (EU) within the framework of the Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union (AACUE).
The event included presentations on the trade pillar of the agreement, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. Aspects related to the political dialogue and cooperation pillars were also addressed, and success stories from exporting and importing companies such as Grupo Industrial PAMA SA, Atún Calvo, and TOTAL were presented. Several panel discussions were also held on various topics:
- Trade in services, establishment and public procurement.
- Trade in goods.
- Trade and sustainable development.
- Market intelligence.
- Intellectual property.
- Rules of origin.
- Experience in the implementation of other agreements.
- Sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS).
Regarding this last panel, our partner-consultant Edgar Tenorio participated as moderator. In his presentation, Mr. Tenorio emphasized the importance and proper use of SPS measures, as their application must always be aimed at protecting human, animal, and plant health and life. He also noted that within the framework of trade flows between Central America and the European Union, this issue becomes even more relevant, given that the main products exported to the European market are agricultural (pineapples, bananas, unroasted coffee, pineapple juice, and fresh melons), which are subject to compliance with these types of measures.
The panel addressed the question: How can companies practically ensure compliance with SPS measures? To address this question, participants discussed specific sanitary and phytosanitary requirements that must be met in both markets; they mentioned key issues that exporting companies must consider before exporting; and they analyzed the sanitary and phytosanitary provisions of the AACUE (United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) that can be invoked to support and guide exporting or importing companies.
The panel included Ms. Cristina Laso, Deputy Head of the "Bilateral International Relations" Unit of the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Affairs of the European Commission; Ms. Alejandra Porras, Advisor on MSF-related matters at the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica; Mr. Miguel Miranda, General Manager and partner of MONDAISA; and Mr. Juan José Bolaños, Commercial Director and member of the Board of Directors of PIÑALBO.
Below you can view a brief summary of the panel's conclusions on MSF in video format:
If you are interested in watching the full video, you are encouraged to check out the website www.comex.go.cr of COMEX.