Page tools
codexalimentarius > detail
Title
Many common issues of interest between Codex and WTO
Description

Thursday 23 November - Geneva

I look forward to continuing to work together and strengthening the partnership between our organizations

WTO Director-General
Ambassador Roberto Azevêdo.

 

The Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), Guilherme Costa, met the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General, Ambassador Roberto Azevêdo, in Geneva. Mr Costa is currently in Geneva attending a series of meetings.

During the meeting with Ambassador Azevêdo, the Codex Chair informed him about the work which is being developed by the Codex Chairs and Vice-Chairs and the interest to work very closely with International Organizations such as WTO. The DG shared the view that there were many common issues of interest between Codex and WTO.

There is also interest in holding events together in the future either at the margins of the SPS Committee Meetings or at the Codex Alimentarius Commission, to discuss food safety and trade related issues. 

Guilherme Costa highlighted the Codex interest to continue building strong cooperation with the WTO, both at the Subsidiary Bodies (SPS and TBT Committees) as well as in the STDF Working group meetings, among other joint activities.

“There are many issues of interest on food safety and trade that we can certainly strengthen our cooperation with each other through," he said.

Did you know?

The reference made to Codex food safety standards in the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS Agreement) means that Codex has far reaching implications for resolving trade disputes. WTO members that wish to apply stricter food safety measures than those set by Codex may be required to justify these measures scientifically

Links

Download Trade and Food Standards

Download "Trade and Food Standards"

 “Trade in Food Standards” emphasizes the importance of governments engaging in the setting of international standards for food (through the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission) and in resolving food trade concerns through the WTO's relevant committees: the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and the Technical Barriers to Trade Committee. The publication also underlines the importance of helping developing countries comply with international food standards so that they can participate more effectively in food trade.

 

News date
23/11/2017