6_SPS and TBT

SPS = Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

TBT = Technical Barriers to Trade

SPS may only be introduced to protect human, animal or plant health

TBT covers als technical regulations also to protect national security or prevent delusive practices

SPS allows deviation from international standards only scientific arguments, TBTs also on the basis of for other reasons such technological problems or climactic and geographical factors

Cassis de Dijon is a 1979 decision by the European Court of Justice. Germany had banned the sale of the French liqueur Cassis de Dijon because it didn’t meet German alcohol standards. The Court ruled that if a product is legally produced and sold in one EU country, it must generally be allowed in all others. This created the principle of mutual recognition, which helps remove barriers to trade and supports the free movement of goods within the EU.