STC Number - 255
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Application of regionalization and prohibition of bovine meat

Maintained by: China
Raised by: Brazil
Supported by:
First date raised: June 2007 G/SPS/R/45 paras. 26-27
Dates subsequently raised: October 2007 (G/SPS/R/46 para. 203)
Number of times subsequently raised: 1
Relevant documents: Raised orally
Products covered: 02 Meat and edible meat offal; 0201 Meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled.; 0202 Meat of bovine animals, frozen.
Primary subject keyword: Animal Health
Keywords: Animal health; International Standards / Harmonization; Risk assessment; Pest- or Disease- free Regions / Regionalization; Foot and mouth disease
Status: Resolved
Solution: In November 2013, Brazil informed the Secretariat of the resolution of this STC.
Date reported as resolved: 11/11/2013

Extracts from SPS Committee meeting summary reports

In June 2007, Brazil indicated that China continued to prohibit meat products that had been treated to prevent the potential spread of FMD and furthermore failed to apply the concept of regionalization in accordance with Article 6 of the SPS Agreement. China had not notified these measures; Brazilian exporters learned of them only when shipments were blocked. Numerous efforts to resolve these problems bilaterally had not succeeded, and China had not responded to Brazil's requests for justification. Brazil requested that China adjust it requirements to take into account the OIE-recognized FMD-free zones, and to remove restrictions on products whose processing inactivated the FMD virus, such as gelatine and dairy products.

China recalled that there had been an FMD outbreak in Brazil in 2005, which led China to impose emergency measures. However, progress had been made through bilateral consultations. China had provided a questionnaire to Brazil with respect to the recognition of FMD-free zones in June 2006, and had received a reply only in March 2007. This response was now being considered by experts in risk assessment to determine whether a visit was needed to verify information. With regard to the ban on Brazilian beef, China had provided Brazil with draft protocol last year, and received some feedback in February 2007. However, this response was not complete, and China was waiting for further reply. China remained willing to further discuss this matter with Brazil at the technical expert level, as good and efficient cooperation was required to resolve the issue quickly.

In October 2007, Brazil informed Members that since the last session of the Committee, Brazil and China had held a bilateral meeting and they were hopeful to resolve this issue through more bilateral dialogue in the near future.