What is Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)?

Why in News? India and the European Union (EU) continue to differ on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS), which govern food and animal safety rules and are key to India’s agricultural and processed food exports to the EU.

Relevance : UPSC Pre &  Mains

Prelims : SPS

Mains: GS 3

This assumes significance as the EU is India’s largest and most premium export destination for agricultural items, particularly coffee, tea, spices, and rice. However, India’s exports to the EU have seen limited growth over the years, rising from $3.02 billion in FY19 to $4.54 billion in FY25, largely due to the stringent standards imposed by the EU on foreign agricultural products.

Purpose of SPS Measures:

• Ensure food safety
• Prevent the spread of pests and diseases
• Maintain biosecurity and public health standards

Examples of SPS Measures:

• Food safety regulations regarding maximum pesticide residue levels
• Standards for animal health certification during meat exports
• Restrictions on imports of plants or seeds that may carry pests
• Ban on certain agricultural imports from disease-affected regions

SPS Agreement (WTO):

• The World Trade Organization (WTO) governs SPS measures under the SPS Agreement (1995).
• The SPS Agreement allows countries to set their own food safety and animal/plant health standards but requires:

• Measures to be scientifically justified
• Measures to not be disguised trade barriers
• Transparency and non-discrimination in enforcement

India-EU SPS Issues:

• The European Union (EU) applies very stringent SPS standards.
• This affects India’s agricultural exports like:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Rice
• Spices

• The EU often imposes restrictions citing food safety concerns, limiting India’s access to the European market.
• India argues that some of these measures go beyond necessary safety precautions and act as non-tariff barriers to trade.

Why is SPS important for India?

• Agricultural exports are a major part of India’s trade with the EU.
• Resolving SPS issues is critical for boosting farmers’ income and expanding India’s global agricultural footprint.
• Addressing SPS disputes is a key part of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the EU.

Way Forward:

• Enhance domestic quality standards to meet international norms.
• Improve traceability, certification, and testing infrastructure.
• Engage in bilateral dialogues and WTO consultations to resolve disputes.