The WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) sets out rules for applying measures to protect animal, plant and human life or health through quarantine measures.

The SPS Agreement recognises the right of WTO members to implement measures provided they are scientifically justifiable or based on international standards. The measures should also be applied only to the extent necessary to protect human, animal or plant life, health or safety.

Department of Agriculture, Water and Resources is responsible for managing Australia's SPS measures and our engagement with the SPS Committee.