What is the link between Codex and WTO?

The two WTO agreements of most significance for international food trade and Codex are:

the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Measures (SPS), which concerns measures applied to protect human, animal and plant health; and
the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), which refers to technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures and applies to all commodities, not just food.

The WTO's SPS Agreement states that “to harmonize sanitary and phytosanitary measures on as wide a basis as possible, Members shall base their sanitary or phytosanitary measures on international standards, guidelines or recommendations”. The Agreement names the joint FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius as the relevant standard-setting organization for food safety with specific reference to standards, guidelines and recommendations established by the Commission.

Using the standards

The two WTO agreements of most significance for international food trade and Codex are: the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Measures (SPS), which concerns measures applied to protect [...]

Using the standards

What's the difference between a Codex standard and a private standard like ISO?

Codex, as an inter-governmental organization, prepares documents to assist governments in their statutory and regulatory work to protect their citizens from health hazards caused by food consumption. Compliance with applicable [...]

Using the standards

How do governments use Codex standards?

Members use Codex standards to ensure safe, good quality food to their citizens. By introducing legislation and regulation that is consistent with Codex standards and guidelines governments may reduce the [...]

Using the standards

What is the role of observers in Codex?

International organizations – either IGOs or INGOs - with official Observer Status in Codex may participate in Codex meetings as well as in working groups established. Observers may make interventions, [...]

Using the standards

How can I find out which Codex standards have been adopted and can be used?

To find out more about standards already adopted or to download a copy of an existing standard, consult the Official List of Standards at the Codex Alimentarius Commission website.[...]