Cooperation, capacity building and technical assistance on sanitary and phytosanitary measures
Article 64
1. The Parties agree to promote cooperation between SADC EPA States’ SPS institutions and equivalent EC Party institutions. 2. The Parties agree to cooperate in facilitating regional harmonisation of measures and the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks and policies within and between the SADC EPA States, thereby enhancing intra-regional trade and investment. 3. The Parties agree that the following are priority areas for cooperation: (a) the building of technical capacity in the public and private sectors of SADC EPA States to enable sanitary and phytosanitary control, including training and information events for inspection, certification, supervision and control; (b) the building of capacity in SADC EPA States to maintain and expand their market access opportunities; (c) the building of capacity to ensure that measures adopted do not become unnecessary barriers to trade, while recognising the Parties’ rights to set their own appropriate levels of protection; (d) the enhancement of technical capacity for the implementation and monitoring of SPS measures, including promoting greater use of international standards; (e) the promotion of cooperation on the implementation of the SPS Agreement, particularly strengthening SADC EPA States’ notification and enquiry points as well as other matters concerning relevant international standards setting bodies; (f) the development of capacities for risk analysis, harmonisation, compliance, testing, certification, residue monitoring, traceability and accreditation including through the upgrading or setting up of laboratories and other equipment to help SADC EPA States comply with international standards. In this regard, the Parties acknowledge the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and the need to take into account the priority products and sectors identified in accordance with this Chapter; and (g) the support for the participation of SADC EPA States in relevant international standards setting bodies. Appendix I A Priority products and sectors for SADC EPA States' harmonisation Fish, fishery products, aquaculture products, fresh or processed Cattle, sheep and poultry Fresh meat Processed meat products Cereals Vegetables and spices Oilseeds Coconut Copra Cotton seeds Groundnut Cassava Beer, juices Dried and canned fruits Appendix I B Priority products and sectors for export from SADC EPA States to the EC Party Fish, fishery products and aquaculture products, fresh or processed Beef and beef products Other meat products Fruit and nuts Vegetables Cut flowers Coffee Sugar