In this paper the sanitary measures for the meat trade in Pacific Rim countries are assessed from the perspective of the current GATT negotiations on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures. These negotiations include harmonisation of standards, greater transparency of domestic technical regulations, better risk assessment, promoting area freedom and improved dispute settlement procedures. It is concluded that greater coordination of SPS measures can overcome the potential misuse of some domestic policy sanitary instruments that impede international agricultural trade.