Strengthening the Role of VSS in Trade Policy

With sustainability being recognized as a progressively more important trade goal, trade policy is increasingly referencing and utilizing voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) to achieve sustainability outcomes. With this increase comes the question of which VSSs are worthy of trust to deliver on sustainability goals and their use in trade policy.

The ISEAL Credibility Principles, among other guidelines and frameworks, outline core values for effective VSSs, lending to their global credibility. Because different VSSs are designed to achieve varying environmental results, establishing their credibility is critical to how (and whether) they can be used in trade policy.

This interactive lunch seminar will explore how different stakeholders (standards-setting organizations, policy-makers, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations are approaching the issue of VSSs’ credibility and how the World Trade Organization (WTO) can advance the integration of VSSs into trade policies.

The discussion will focus on the following two questions, and participants are encouraged to reflect on them ahead of the session to share their insights:

• What makes a VSS credible for use in trade policy design and implementation?
• What is the role of the WTO in facilitating or encouraging the use of credible VSSs in trade policy?