Knowledge-Sharing Module on CAREC Trade: Facilitating Trade Through Digital SPS Certification

In 2015, the ministers of the CAREC countries endorsed the Common Agenda for the Modernization of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures for Trade. Since then, CAREC has implemented initiatives to modernize SPS to ensure protection while facilitating trade. This includes the need for a comprehensive approach based on effective information-sharing, streamlining of procedures, and genuine collaboration among all trade-related agencies including customs and SPS agencies at the borders.

The CAREC Institute in collaboration with ADB, undertook a survey research that explored certification for plant and plant products only, leveraging on e-Phyto solutions by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It was to assess the potential of digital SPS certificates and to analyze the underlying mechanisms for recognition and use of such digital certificates.