Expanding the use of digital technologies within SPS systems can create greater efficiencies, facilitate trade, and assist with the safe supply of food products to improve global food security.
Digital and agriculture trade
Innovative digital technologies have the potential to transform agricultural trading systems, to manage risk more efficiently, and to help ensure the smooth functioning of markets in the face of changing conditions and pressures. In sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) systems, the use of digital tools (such as electronic certification and remote audits) has created both opportunities and challenges.
Key messages
Regulatory frameworks for the production and trade of animal products are more complex than for plant products. While plant pests and diseases pose substantial economic and environmental risks, unlike animal diseases they rarely pose a direct risk to human health or life. Whereas multiple government authorities (i.e. veterinary and public health authorities) oversee and certify traded food products of animal origin to manage animal and public health risks, there is usually only a single national phytosanitary authority that oversees plant health.
The successful expansion of digital tools requires careful planning, long-term investment, and the sharing of expertise. Targeted financial assistance and capacity building can support countries that currently lack the capabilities to adopt these tools.
Context
Electronic SPS certification has had positive effects on trade volumes
OECD quantitative analysis shows that the use of SPS e-certificates between 2010 and 2018 led to an increase in export values, although these effects did not materialise immediately. More specifically, gravity model estimates demonstrate that implementing e-certificates increased the total value of exports for animal products, vegetable products, and processed food, by 16%, 25% and 32%, respectively, two years after the creation of e-certificates.
Costs, benefits, and effectiveness of remote audits for international food safety
OECD analysis shows that conducting food audits remotely has multiple benefits, such as lower travel expenses, reduced emissions footprints, more flexible use of time, and opportunities to train and involve more staff. However, there are also major drawbacks, including limitations to gather audit evidence, a heavy additional burden of preparation time, internet connectivity issues, and the lack of interpersonal engagement.
Most stakeholders consider remote audits to be less effective than on-site audits, particularly for those of regulatory systems or for the physical auditing of establishments. To facilitate future analysis and discussions, the OECD proposes a harmonised terminology and the development of practical guidelines on how and when to conduct remote audits.
