The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional body whose main objectives are to achieve economic development, peace and security, alleviate poverty, enhance the standard and quality of life of the people of Southern Africa and support the socially disadvantaged through Regional Integration. The Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Annex to the SADC Protocol on Trade identifies that SADC Member States may require a positive assurance of conformity with Technical Regulations or Standards to fulfil their legitimate objectives, such as the protection of human health or safety, environment, and national security. The annex however requires that procedures used to demonstrate conformity with technical regulations or standards should not create unnecessary barriers to trade.
