Understanding The Agreement On Sanitary And Phytosanitary Measures: Role Of WTO In Promoting Global Health Objectives
- IJLLR Journal
- May 26
- 1 min read
Advocate Zoya Siddiqui, LLM, Integral University, Lucknow
ABSTRACT
Historically regarded as primarily a platform for trade liberalization and economic development, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has increasingly acknowledged the significant link between trade and public health. This article examines the unconventional yet crucial function of the WTO in promoting global health initiatives. The organization's involvement in global health is exemplified by one of its key agreements, known as the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), which binds all WTO member countries. This agreement specifically addresses health concerns in relation to international trade. In our current era of globalization, characterized by extensive trade and mutual dependency, the expansion of international trade has heightened health risks, owing to the widespread distribution of goods. These goods may pose potential health hazards, whether toxic or otherwise. The SPS Agreement enables WTO member states to implement protective measures against products that could harbour diseases. This clearly means that the members have freedom to apply measures to protect human, animal and plant life. These measures often take the form of food safety requirements. The article explores the various articles of the agreement and also puts forward various cases to explain the same
Keywords: health, trade, WTO, SPS, dispute
