The Use of Voluntary Sustainability Standards in Trade Policy
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Voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) are becoming more relevant in aligning trade policy with sustainability goals. They are now increasingly recognized and referenced by governments in a wide range of trade policy instruments, including market access regulations, due diligence laws, free trade agreements, public procurement policies, and export promotion strategies.
However, their integration into trade policy varies, and VSSs differ significantly in their scope, governance, and assurance systems. Consequently, credibility criteria are needed to assess which standards should be incorporated into trade policy to facilitate and support sustainable trade.
This explainer, developed by IISD in collaboration with ISEAL explores examples of how VSSs are currently used in trade policy and outlines key opportunities and challenges associated with their inclusion. It highlights the need for targeted capacity building, financial support, and clearly defined credibility criteria to ensure that VSSs meaningfully contribute to sustainable trade.