The SPS Agreement, or the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, is an international agreement that sets out the rules and guidelines for countries when it comes to sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS). These measures are put in place to protect human, animal, and plant health, and to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. The SPS Agreement was established under the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is binding for all its member countries.
Italy is one of the WTO member countries that has ratified the SPS Agreement. As a member, Italy is obligated to follow the rules and guidelines set forth in the agreement. This means that Italy must apply SPS measures to ensure the safety of its consumers and to prevent the spread of diseases and pests in its territory.
Italy has implemented a number of measures to comply with the SPS Agreement. For example, Italy has established a national system for risk assessment and risk management of food and feed, including the development of early warning systems for food contamination. Italy also has a strict system for inspecting and certifying the quality and safety of its agricultural products, such as fruits and vegetables, before they are exported to other countries.
In addition, Italy has implemented measures to control the spread of animal diseases. For instance, Italy has established a national veterinary surveillance system to monitor the health of its livestock and to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Italy also has a strict system for the transportation and trade of live animals, which includes the mandatory vaccination of animals against certain diseases.
When it comes to plant health, Italy has established a national phytosanitary system that monitors and inspects plant materials to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases. Italy also has strict regulations for the import and export of plants and plant products, to ensure that they meet the necessary phytosanitary requirements.
In conclusion, the SPS Agreement is an important international agreement that governs the implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary measures worldwide. Italy is a member of the WTO and has implemented various measures to comply with the SPS Agreement, ensuring the safety of its consumers and preventing the spread of diseases and pests both within its borders and around the world.