Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

• The integrity of Australia's quarantine regime and our
  right to protect animal, plant, and human health and life are
  preserved.
• Decisions about market access on quarantine or food
  safety grounds continue to be made on the basis of
  science.
• A framework for discussions on specific products has been
  established.

Summary

The SPS Chapter covers market access issues affecting
quarantine and food safety, consistent with World Trade
Organization rules. Two committees have been
established:

• an SPS Committee to discuss general matters and enhance
  the understanding of each Party's SPS measures and associated
  regulatory processes.
• a Standing Technical Working Group on Animal and Plant
  Health Measures to focus on quarantine matters relating to
  trade in specific animal and plant products.

Both countries have reaffirmed that decisions on matters
affecting quarantine and food safety will be based on science.
The agreement preserves the rights of both countries to
protect animal, plant and human health and life in their
respective territories. Australia's regulatory systems,
risk assessment and policy development processes are not
affected, and the AUSFTA does not compromise Australia's
quarantine regime.