CEFTA

The implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, including veterinary matters, is regulated in Article 12 of the CEFTA 2006 on ‘Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’. CEFTA, in alignment with the WTO SPS Agreement, aims to enhance cooperation among its Parties for the purposes of:

• Implementing regulations in a non-discriminatory manner in the region; and
  

• Negotiations to conclude agreements on harmonization or mutual recognition, in accordance with the relevant WTO provisions.
  

Although not all CEFTA Parties are WTO Members, Article 12(1) of the CEFTA 2006 provides that “The rights and obligations of the Parties, relating to the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, shall be governed by the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures”.

 CEFTA Parties established the Subcommittee on Agriculture and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues, which reports to the CEFTA Committee of Trade Facilitation, and whose task is “to contribute to the promotion of trade and facilitate trade in agricultural products within the region” and “discuss and coordinate to the maximum extent the policies on agriculture and the protection of plant health, animal health and food safety and other relevant areas” (see Annex 7 to Decision No. 1/2015). Further information is available here.