   
  
G/SPS/GEN/1837  
 
15 October  2020 
(20-7091) Page: 1/5 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: English  
 
INFORMATION ON SPS -RELATED ACTIVITIES OF  
THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE (ITC)  
(1 MARCH – 1 OCTOBER 2020 ) 
COMMUNICATION FROM ITC 
The following communication, received on 14 October  2020, is being c irculated at the request of 
the ITC. 
 
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The International Trade Centre is continuing its efforts to assist enterprises to meet technical 
requirements. An update of selected SPS -related activities of interest to the WTO Members is 
provided below.  
1  PROJECTS  
1.1  EU-EAC Market Access Up grade Programme - MARKUP (July 2018 - July 2022 / Donor 
European Union ) 
1.1.  This EU  financed project aims to contribute to the economic development of the East African 
Community ( EAC) region (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda), with the specific 
objective to improve market access of agro -industrial crop and horticultural sectors to the European 
Union , and among the five EAC partners. The selected products are avocado, cocoa, coffee, spices 
and tea.  
1.2.  Implementation of GlobalG.A.P. among avocado producers in Kenya and Tanzania (June 2019  
- December 2020): nine Tanzanian producer groups (comprising a total of 446 farmers) , being 
assisted in the implementation of GlobalG.A.P. towar ds certification , have undergone third -party 
certification audit. Results are awaited.  
1.3.  Eight Kenyan producer groups are currently being helped in the implementation of the said 
standard. Trainings are now complete. Quality Management Systems have been deve loped and 
quality manuals prepared. Soil, water, manure and product testing are ongoing. Upcoming activities 
include internal audit, corrective action on nonconformities followed by external audit for 
certification.  
1.4.  Swahili translation of the GlobalG .A.P. standard applicable to the sector is now published and 
available on the GlobalG .A.P. website.  
1.5.  A five -day workshop on food safety for Quality Champions in Burundi  was completed . 
1.2  Uzbekistan - Facilitating the Process of Accession to the WTO (21  February 202 0 - 
20 February 2025 / Donor European Union ) 
1.6.  The project supports Uzbekistan 's development plans to modernize i ts economy through 
leveraging the process of WTO accession. The overall objective of the action is to contribute to the 
economic development of U zbekistan by assisting the country to create a trade environment that is 
in conformity with international standards, including predictable and enforceable laws and G/SPS/GEN/1837  
 
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  regulations. The specific objective of the action is to create a trade environment that is i n conformity 
with the World Trade Organization (WTO).  
1.7.  A mapping of SPS -related institutions and an assessment  of their needs were carried out 
remotely through an electronic survey and validated through videoconference exchanges. Activities 
to reinforce SPS  institutions are being designed, beginning with support to State Plant Quarantine 
Inspection in the review of the plant health legislation and training for the development of a pest 
risk analysis system.  
1.3  Côte D 'Ivoire: UK Trade Partnerships Programme (Jun e 2019 - March 2022 / Donor 
United Kingdom ) 
1.8.  The UK Trade Partnerships Programme is designed to ensure countries maximize benefits of 
Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and in particular, maximize trade with the United Kingdom 
under existing EU EPAs or under UK specific EPAs negotiated post -Brexit. Exporters in EPA countries 
are not fully taking advantage of the export opportunities provided by EU Economic Partnership 
Agreements for a number of reasons including lack of awareness and gaps in competitiven ess in 
UK/EU markets in such areas as quality.  
1.9.  In Côte d 'Ivoire the project aims to build the ability of targeted firms/products to export to 
UK/EU markets. Agri -sector products – both fresh and processed - are part of the selected priorities. 
ITC has comm enced the first phase of its support to SMEs in building knowledge among up to 
30 producers of fresh produce (e.g. bananas, pineapples) on Good Agricultural Practice, focusing on 
requirements for GlobalG.A.P. A number of pilot enterprises will be coached t o implement 
GlobalG.A.P.  
1.4  Burundi Market Access Upgrade Programme -MARKUP (July 2018 – June 2022 / 
Donor European Union ) 
1.10.   This project aims to enhance quality infrastructure services with particular focus on its support 
to coffee and tea sectors. Testing lab oratories involved in testing ( physico -chemical, chemical, 
microbiology) are being reinforced in terms of equipment and training of technicians. SMEs in the 
tea and coffee sectors are being supported to implement food safety systems (HACCP/ISO 22000) 
and a  few to comply with Rainforest requirements.  
1.11.   The inspectors of SPS related authorities have been trained on the requirements of 
ISO/IEC  17020 and are now being coached to implement their management systems according to 
that standard.  
1.12.   The project is also pr oviding technical assistance to the coffee sector of the country to reduce 
the incidence of the potato taste defect. In line with the regional EAC strategy on the aflatoxin issue, 
a national strategy is being elaborated for Burundi regarding measures to be  taken for that issue in 
the local products.  
1.5  Pakistan: Growth for rural advancement and sustainable progress (June 2019 – 
December 2024 / Donor European Union ) 
1.13.   ITC is implementing the EU funded "Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress " 
(GRASP ) project which aims to contribute to the reduction of poverty through development of rural 
micro, small and medium -sized enterprises ( MSMEs ) in selected districts within two provinces of 
Pakistan: Balochistan and Sindh. GRASP will focus on selected produc t lines within livestock and 
horticulture.  
1.14.   In the context of this project, ITC is providing support to strengthen the SPS authorities in 
the two provinces which include the food safety authorities and the departments dealing with plant 
health and animal he alth. The project will also provide support to MSMEs to improve quality and 
food safety of their products.  G/SPS/GEN/1837  
 
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  1.6  Myanmar Trade -Related Assistance (Arise Plus – Myanmar)  (July 2019 - June 2023 / 
Donor European Union ) 
1.15.   The ARISE Plus project aims at building inclus ive and sustainable trade growth in Myanmar 
through support to MSMEs in selected value chains (component 1), enhancing food safety and SPS 
compliance (component 2 – targeting tea, coffee, honey, horticulture products) and trade policy 
formulation and imple mentation (component 3). Under component 2 a number of activities have 
been completed. Two gap assessments of microbiology laboratories with road map for accreditation 
of ISO 17025; a webinar on the ISO 17025 for more than 50 laboratory staff. Support was given to 
provide 100 inspectors from the Plant Protection Division with personal protective equipment (PPE) 
to ensure their safety and the continuity of the inspection duties during COVID -19; companies in the 
food business took part into virtual sessions o n biosecurity requirements; posters and pamphlets 
delivered to Institutions for COVID -19 prevention for the food sector. More than 130 participants 
joined webinars on Codex Alimentarius organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry Food and 
Agriculture  Excellence (CII -FACE). World Food Safety Day was celebrated and visible on social 
media. Myanmar can now export honey to the European Union according to an EU Commission 
Decision made on 29 July 2020 following the approval of the National Residue Monitori ng Plan. 
Competent authorities, sector association and processors are supported through online training to 
establish control measures and bee wealth management system and implementation of HACCP.  
The project Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/ArisePlusMyanmar . 
1.16.   The ARISE Plus project with its component on SPS builds synergies with ARISE + Regional, 
and ITC ongoing projects through related quality and SPS components (e.g. Inclusive tourism 
development with focus on Kayah state (consolidation) & Tanintharyi (extens ion) (NTF IV), funded 
by the Netherlands Trust Fund; Myanmar Trade and Investment Project (TIP) funded by DFID; 
Myanmar: Upgrading horticulture supply and sustainable tourism to develop business linkages, 
UN Cluster on trade and productive capacity -  funded by Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs 
(SECO) trust fund).  
1.7  Tajikistan: Enabling market access for agricultural products through improved food 
safety system (March 2018 - February 2021 / STDF - PG-447 implemented by ITC in 
collaboration with FAO  in particular for output 1 on the regulatory control system)  
1.17.   The goal of the project is to improve export competitiveness of Tajik SMEs and food safety 
through better use of agri -chemicals and veterinary medicines with focus on honey and apricot 
sectors. It enhances high value market access for Tajik agri -food producers and processors and 
increases the level of safety of Tajik domestic food by reducing the risk of contamination and 
improving the systems of control and monitoring of agri -chemicals and veter inary medicines.  
1.18.   A group of 17 previously trained Tajik honey and apricot experts started in March/April 2020 
to impart training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Good 
Hygiene Practices (GHP), EU market access requirem ents as well as harvesting and post -harvest 
technology to farmers and producers. The first  set of training was stopped due to COVID -19 
restrictions and resumed in September/October 2020 with round of training in Snagvor, Rasht and 
Laksh districts for 64 pa rticipants ( nine women) with strict application of the precautionary measures 
(wearing masks, providing hand sanitizers and following social distance).  
1.19.   FAO conducted two virtual meetings on the regulatory control system by international 
consultants while l ocal staff gathered in hotel. In March 2020, the project supported Tajikistan to 
submit the first National Residue Monitoring Plan (NRMP) a pre -requisite for accessing the EU market 
for honey by 31  March  through a number of virtual meetings with ITC staff and international experts. 
2019 honey samples could not be collected due to COVID -19 travel restrictions in support of the 
NRMP. Synergies with Myanmar in honey sector has been initiated.  
1.20.   The project launched the development of an information, education and communication (IEC) 
strategy and implementation plan. The plan includes the creation of awareness and sensitization 
material on good practices for the application of agri -chemicals and v eterinary medicines.  G/SPS/GEN/1837  
 
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  1.8  SYMST: Systematic Mechanism for Safer Trade ( Lao People's Democratic Republic  and 
Viet Nam)(December 2018 – October 2022 / Donor European Union ) 
1.21.   The overall objective of the project is to improve food safety through better governance i n 
Lao People's Democratic Republic and Viet  Nam. The project aims to strengthening the regulatory 
framework for control of plant health and pesticides in the fruits and vegetable sector and other 
plant products through the application of norms and standard s and improve market access.  
1.22.   In Lao People's Democratic Republic  three field missions were conducted from March to August 
2020 to the target regions to launch the project and offices, select beneficiaries and plan field 
activities and trials (Luang Namtha to support watermelon for export to China; in Vientiane for export 
of rice to the European Union and in Pakxe for export of chili and basil to the European Union ). The 
project is initiating support to the pesticides laboratory on usage of a LC -MS/MS machin e for 
measuring Maximum Residual Levels (MRLs); training on EU regulations relating to the importation 
of the project 's target products; development of the EU Regulation manual, plant health and 
pesticide awareness campaign.  
1.23.   Viet Nam was included as second  beneficiary of the project in May 2020. The Plant Protection 
Department is the project focal point. A series of online meetings were conducted between ITC, EUD 
in Viet  Nam and PPD to develop a proposed plan of action for the project. Selection of national  and 
international experts are ongoing. A preliminary list of products to target under the project include 
mango, dragon fruit, citrus, and black pepper for export to the European Union . Synergies with 
Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) and ARISE Plus V ietnam were discussed through online 
meetings.  
1.9  Lao ARISE Plus Project (2012 -2023 / Donor European Union ) 
1.24.   A team of future Quality Champions (QCs) has been identified and selected. These QCs will 
support Lao SME as trainers and coaches in the area of qualit y management and food safety. 
They will be trained and qualified over the next 15 months.  
1.25.   The recommendations for strengthening the conformity assessment services have been 
validated by stakeholders through more than ten online meetings; implementation of 
recommendations is planned in the areas of SPS such as assistance to strengthen the pesticides 
laboratories, training of inspectors of the food and drug department on HACCP.  
2  COVID -19 RELATED MEASURES  
2.1.  ITC has launched a number of initiatives to monitor the effect of the global COVID -19 pandemic 
on micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs) and to provide assistance customized to 
their needs during this challenging time ( https://www.intracen.org/covid19 /). 
• ITC Action Plan: Supporting small businesses through the COVID -19 crisis and towards the 
future - A 15-point action plan for open economies ( https://www.intracen.org/covid19/15 -
Points-Action -Plan/); 
• ITC Trade Forum magazine ( http://www.tradeforum.org/tradeforum.aspx ): issue n ° 3 is 
now out and it looks at small businesses and micro entrepreneurs based in least developed 
count ries and small island states, a group particularly affected by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
• Covid -19 dimension was included in ongoing and planned training and sensitization activities 
provided off site via video conferences, webinars, with support of local cons ultants and 
institutions ; 
• Provision of relevant information on standards on personal protective equipment made 
available (from ISO and AFNOR) and helped beneficiaries with implementing quality 
management systems to produce disinfectants, masks, and hospita l gowns ; 
• Posters and sensitization materials developed and disseminated among project partners and 
beneficiaries including COVID -19 prevention for the food sector. A set of online animated 
videos is also under production in Guinée for dissemination. A COVID-19 Safety Guides for 
Community Visits including for community food service providers (in Myanmar as ITC joint 
initiative under NTF IV and One UN SECO projects ); 
• A joint ISO/ITC webinar on COVID -19 and food safety, 15 June 2020 - how SMEs in the food 
industry can take advantage of ISO standards to overcome the challenges and succeed in G/SPS/GEN/1837  
 
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  the New Normal (more than 1 ,000 people registered and more than 600 attended the 
webinar 
(https://zoom.us/rec/share/1ZJ4C7jR1EhOf43ctHHud4A4HqC8T6a80Ckc_voExITSAPYSqt3t
I6IIRJdYhcI  - Access Password: 5d.#A3*.) ; 
• Promoted access to webinars organised by other instit utions, e.g. more than 130 participants 
from Myanmar joined webinars on Codex Alimentarius organized by the Confederation of 
Indian industry Food and Agriculture Excellence (CII -FACE) ; 
• Mapping of SPS -related institutions and assessment of their needs carri ed out remotely in 
Uzbekistan through an electronic survey and validated through videoconference exchanges ; 
• Provision of Personal Protective Equipment to plant health inspectors to ensure their safety 
and continuity of the inspection duties (i.e. in Myanma r under ARISE Plus project) ; 
• Gap assessments of microbiology laboratories with development of road map for 
accreditation of ISO 17025 through questionnaire, video calls and webinar on the ISO 17025 
for more than 50 laboratory staff (in Myanmar under ARISE +); 
• International off -site support with national consultants (video calls, webinars) to develop 
and submit National Residue Monitoring Plan to the European Union (i.e. DG SANTE approved 
Myanmar for export honey to the European Union ). Support to honey sect or to competent 
authorities, sector association and processors through online training to establish control 
measures and bee wealth management system and implementation of HACCP.  
For more information, please contact:  
Ludovica Ghizzoni , ITC Adviser on Expor t Quality Management  
Tel:  +41 22 730 06 38  
Fax:  +41 22 730 05 76  
E-mail: ghizzoni@intracen.org   
 
Khemraj Ramful , ITC Senior Adviser on Export Quality Management  
Tel:  +41 22 730 04 87  
Fax:  +41 22 730 05 76  
E-mail: ramful@intracen.org   
 
ITC EXPORT QUALITY MANAGEMENT  
Website : http://www.intracen.org/eqm   
Twitter :  http://www.twitter.com/ITCstandards   
 
 
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