47. Food safety is an important aspect of
ASEAN cooperation with the aim to assure the safety and quality of foods entering internal
as well as export markets. In the context of ASEAN integration, the main objective is to
achieve freer movement of safe and healthy food within the region. Achievement of such
objectives should also contribute to the enhancement of product competitiveness and regional
market integration. Assurance of food safety, harmonisation of produce quality and
standardisation of trade certification are among the priorities addressed, building upon the
experience of some Member States and existing international standards such as Codex, World
Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
To facilitate trade between and among Member States while protecting human, animal and
plant health, Member State commit to apply the principles of the WTO’s Sanitary and
Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement in the development, application or recognition of any SPS
measures. ASEAN has explored opportunities for further cooperation, technical assistance,
collaboration, and information exchange on SPS matters consistent with commitments set
forth in the AEC Blueprint. In addition, Member States are also considering development of
equivalence arrangements and recommending equivalence decisions.