The challenge of compliance with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and other standards associated with the export of shrimp and selected fresh produce items to the United States market

The World Bank commissioned this study to understand the challenges faced by United States receivers and buyers of offshore frozen shrimp and selected fresh fruits and vegetables. With this objective in mind, the report analyzes both statistical evidence from regulatory and other governmental agencies and the viewpoints of a sampling of importers, handlers, distributors, and chain buyers. The evidence was collected through a combination of literature review and direct interviews in person and by telephone. Besides discussing costs and difficulties with compliance, the report identifies coping strategies, equity impacts, and the resulting needs for capacity building. The study starts off with the consumption and production patterns for selected commodities (seafood, fruits, and vegetables), and, consequently, the significant role of imports.