WTO TBT/SPS ENQUIRY POINTS

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)

The National TBT Enquiry Point is a general reference point for information on proposed and adopted technical rules and regulation, standards and conformity assessment procedure of Lesotho and other countries. The enquiry Point also serves to answer reasonable queries from exporters and importers from within the country and abroad.

Setting up a National TBT Enquiry Point is a requirement for members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). The TBT agreement applies to all members of the WTO and aims to ensure that technical regulations, standards and testing, inspection and certification procedures do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade. Each member state is also obliged under the standards, testing, inspection and certification procedures that may significantly affect trade, and allow other members reasonable time to make comments.

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)

Similar to the TBT is the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) with similar objectives by which members are required to set up a National SPS Enquiry Point and answer questions regarding any measures taken to protect animal and plant life or food safety issues. Any measures taken that can significantly affect trade should be notified to the WTO Secretariat.

For further information please contact;

TBT Enquiry Point

Department of Standards and Quality Assurance
Ministry of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing
LNDC Building, Phase II Kingsway, Maseru
P O Box 747, Maseru 100

Tel: +266 22322113 / 22317454

Email: lessga@leo.co.ls

SPS Enquiry Point

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
P O Box 24
Maseru 100

Tel: +266 22322741

Email: seeisotabitha@yahoo.com

Alternatively you can send an enquiry using the Contact Form on this website.  Click here to make an enquiry.