South Africa: Inconsistent Participation of Southern African Countries at Codex

While Southern African countries generally adopt Codex standards, there are concerns that many are missing the opportunity to shape or influence these standards due to their poor attendance of meetings. Their presence is critical especially given the growing efforts by some countries (mainly the European Union) to introduce non-scientific factors into Codex’s decision-making and standards setting process. Notably, the European Union is the largest trading partner for Southern Africa and has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho. Many agriculture industries benefit from the structure and predictability of Codex`s science-based framework. Hence, Southern Africa has an important stake in their own self-interest in ensuring that the credibility of Codex as a science-based international standard-setting organization is maintained to enhance trade.

South Africa: Inconsistent Participation of Southern African Countries at Codex