When it comes to citing international agreements, it is important to adhere to a specific format to ensure consistency and accuracy. One such agreement is the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), which was established by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. In this article, we will provide a simple guide on how to properly cite the SPS Agreement.

First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that international agreements like the SPS Agreement are legally binding and can be cited in legal documents and academic research papers. Therefore, citing the agreement accurately is critical to maintain the integrity of your work. Here are the essential elements you need to include when citing the SPS Agreement:

1. The title «Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures»: The full title of the agreement should be included in italics to indicate that it is a proper noun.

2. The date of adoption: The SPS Agreement was adopted on April 15, 1994, and entered into force on January 1, 1995. Therefore, the date of adoption and the entry into force date should be included in parentheses, separated by a comma.

3. The source: The SPS Agreement is available on the WTO`s website and can be cited as such. Include the web address or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) of the agreement, so those interested in referencing your work can find it easily.

4. The jurisdiction: The SPS Agreement is a multilateral agreement signed by various countries, including the United States, China, and Japan. It applies to all WTO member countries, and therefore it should be cited as such.

Here is an example of how to properly cite the SPS Agreement:

Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (adopted 15 April 1994, entered into force 1 January 1995), 1867 U.N.T.S. 493, available at www.wto.org/english/docs_e/legal_e/15-sps.pdf.

In conclusion, citing the SPS Agreement correctly is crucial for both legal and academic purposes. By following the guidelines presented above, you can ensure that your references are accurate and easy for others to locate. Nevertheless, always check the guidelines provided by your institution or publisher to guarantee that your citation meets their standards.