In this lesson, you will learn who is responsible for implementing the SPS Agreement in the United States and what parts of the U.S. government participate in SPS Committee meetings and the WTO Dispute Settlement Body. The United States system is one example of how the SPS agreement is implemented and being followed. However, each country has its own system, and there is no one correct way to implement or follow the SPS Agreement. During this Lesson, the United States is presented as an example of one model that could provide valuable guidance for structuring SPS regulatory systems. You will also learn about different ways that Members help each other in the international agricultural trade community through a function called capacity building.

- Robert G. Ahern, PhD