Trade Barriers Working Group
Meeting by Teleconference 24 June 2013
Meeting notes
1.
International Pet Food Safety Standard (referred to Safety WG)- FEDIAF confirmed that this
WG is assembling responses and a meeting is planned shortly.
2.
Seek endorsement of key regulators (for Safety Standard). Potential for an alliance with OIE
(similar to World Renderers Organisation as attached).
Brief background provided following earlier information circulated concerning World Renderers
Organisation and their OIE co-operation agreement.
Discussion included comments on need for consistent approaches amongst GAPFA members,
suggestion to commence discussion at local level to build relationships and understanding, concern
that OIE guidelines are differently interpreted leading to potential barriers and query if the WG
might seek different interpretations for petfood having a different risk profile to the food chain.
Agreed that PFIAA would seek feedback from ARA-WRO on their experience with the co-operation
agreement thus far.
3.
Labelling and claims- compile a spread sheet which compares requirements for different
markets. (Target was defined as to achieve a best practice label template)
Noted additions for US and EU just received and now added to the spreadsheet. Members to
consider common elements for possible incorporation into a “best practice” international guideline
document.
Members noted that there are different legal and guideline requirements for different jurisdictions.
Also noted that inclusion of other markets would be helpful particularly in Asia and South America
and members to seek inputs form these regions for inclusion.
Members discussed variable approaches to therapeutics and potential trade barriers which may
result. An example from Japan of additional duty payable if protein exceeds 35% was tabled. Other
examples are welcomed from members to better understand how the differing approaches might
impact on trade.
PFIAA raised issue of “low risk” nutritional Petfoods being treated differently to (higher risk)
therapeutic veterinary medicines and the advantages of approaches such as PARNUTS listing of
“accepted nutrition-health relationships” from EU.
4.
Establish key contacts- a register of key agency/government contacts (for GAPFA member
reference)
An initial spreadsheet has been partly populated but needs further data. The spreadsheet to be recirculated for WG member inputs.
5.
Consider a review of tariff levels and impacts- prioritise markets for investigation.
Little progress on this item thus far. Japan raised tariff on >35% protein foods. Members asked to
submit examples for further discussion.
6.
Next meeting and target outcomes
Follow up items

Safety WG inputs on potential trade barriers
OIE
- Discuss safety and OIE relationships at local levels and feedback to WG
o - Ask WRO for their experiences on OIE co-operation agreement – PFIAA
-


Labelling & Claims:
- Consider common elements in labelling spreadsheet – Spreadsheet to be
circulatedSeek input from other markets, eg Asia. Sth America – PFIAA &
Members to contact
- Comment and consider if a low risk petfood approach to therapeutics such as
PARNUTS should be a potential WG goal
Key Regulatory Contacts - Populate further the key contacts spreadsheet. - Members
Tariff Barriers - Seek views and examples on tariff barriers to trade for discussion - Members
Next meeting Tuesday 20 August Midday GMT (13 hours ahead of this June meeting time)