Record Number of Disputes Signals Rising Stakes (Image Credits: Pexels)
Geneva – Representatives from World Trade Organization member countries gathered for the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures meeting from 11 to 13 March, confronting a record-high 76 specific trade concerns related to food safety, animal health, and plant protection. This marked an increase from the 71 issues raised in November 2025. The discussions highlighted ongoing tensions in global agricultural trade while showcasing progress in resolving disputes.[1][2]
Record Number of Disputes Signals Rising Stakes
The committee addressed 76 specific trade concerns, surpassing previous benchmarks and underscoring the growing complexity of international standards for safe food and healthy livestock. Twelve of these emerged for the first time, reflecting fresh frictions in cross-border commerce. Members actively engaged through the SPS mechanism, which allows nations to voice objections to measures perceived as trade barriers.[1]
Over half of all concerns raised to date – more than 55 percent – have reached resolution or partial agreement, demonstrating the forum’s effectiveness. The European Union, among others, flagged restrictions on animal products tied to diseases like African swine fever, avian influenza, and foot-and-mouth disease, arguing they deviated from World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines. Brazil provided updates on new formats for reporting disease status, aiding transparency efforts.
Twelve New Concerns Take Center Stage
Delegates introduced 12 novel specific trade concerns, spanning critical areas that could reshape import policies worldwide. These included disputes over food additives, where countries questioned the scientific basis for certain restrictions. Additional treatment requirements linked to foot-and-mouth disease prevention also drew scrutiny, as did complaints about undue delays in approval processes and insufficient information sharing.[1]
Residues from pesticides and contaminants formed another flashpoint, with members seeking clearer risk assessments. Issues around communication gaps for seeds and planting materials rounded out the newcomers. Long-standing worries persisted, such as measures responding to the Fukushima nuclear plant’s treated water discharge and controls on veterinary medicines.
- Food additives and their regulatory alignment
- Treatment mandates for foot-and-mouth disease risks
- Delays and opacity in import approvals
- Pesticide and contaminant residue limits
- Communication shortfalls for seeds and plants
Long-Standing Issues Persist Amid Progress
Veteran concerns like pesticide regulations, contaminants, and endocrine disruptors returned to the agenda, with members urging bilateral consultations. The committee noted persistent challenges in import controls, including transparency deficits that exporters say hinder market access. Animal health restrictions continued to dominate, prompting calls for adherence to international benchmarks.
Despite the volume, the forum facilitated updates and dialogues that advanced several cases. For instance, over 55 percent of historical STCs achieved some resolution, a testament to sustained multilateral cooperation. The Trade Concerns Database tracks these developments, offering public insight into the process.[1]
Transparency Push and Forward-Looking Plans
Prior to the main session, the Transparency Working Group convened on 10 March to tackle notification challenges. The 2025 transparency report revealed a record 2,496 notifications, with developing economies submitting about 80 percent – including standout efforts from Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. These figures emphasize the committee’s role in harmonizing standards without stifling legitimate protections.[1][3]
Looking ahead, members endorsed a June 2026 workshop on transparency for developing nations and two November sessions: one on sampling and testing methods, another on hitchhiker pests proposed by Australia and Canada. Saudi Arabia’s idea for an artificial intelligence thematic session is set for March 2027. The pilot SPS mentoring system, launched last year, pairs experts for knowledge sharing, with expansion under review.
| Key Metric | 2025 Highlights |
|---|---|
| Notifications | Record 2,496 (80% from developing economies) |
| Trade Concerns (March 2026) | 76 total, 12 new |
| Resolutions | Over 55% resolved/partially resolved |
The Balancing Act of Trade and Safety
The SPS Agreement empowers members to safeguard human, animal, and plant health through science-based measures, while preventing unjustified barriers. Chaired by France’s Maria Cosme, the committee fosters dialogue that aligns national rules with global norms. Initiatives like the Standards and Trade Development Facility update strategies to support capacity building in poorer nations.[3]
These meetings reinforce the WTO’s commitment to equitable trade amid evolving risks, from pests to technological advances. As concerns mount, the emphasis on transparency and resolution offers a pathway to smoother commerce.
Key Takeaways
- Record 76 STCs reviewed, with 12 debuting in March.
- Progress on resolutions exceeds 55 percent historically.
- Future focus: workshops on transparency, pests, and AI in SPS.
The surge in trade concerns highlights the delicate interplay between health protections and market access. What steps should WTO members prioritize next to ease these frictions? Share your views in the comments.
