The OIE develops standards that serve as a reference for international trade. 176 countries are members of the OIE and a large number of international NGOs and intergovernmental organisations have an observer status. The World Trade Organisation Agreement on the application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) considers that WTO members applying the OIE Standards meet their obligations under this Agreement.

OIE's primary objective is to protect the health of animals, to ensure a safe and fair trade in animals and animal products worldwide, along with the promotion and the coordination of all animal health standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations. It also sets guidelines for animal welfare although this mandate does not fall under the SPS agreement.

The World Assembly of OIE Delegates adopts standards, codes of practices and other related texts that are prepared by specialised Commissions and Ad hoc working groups. The 27 Member States of the European Union are all members of the OIE. In 2004, the European Community (now the EU) also signed an agreement (2004/C 215/03 - 2004/C 215/04) with the OIE to become a formal observer of the OIE and shares the competence with its Member States on the basis of the level of harmonisation of the relevant legislation. Since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009 the European Union replaced the European Community. The EU and its Member States elaborate EU comment and position papers on issues discussed in the OIE.

In addition the OIE in conjunction with the FAO is responsible for the Global Framework for the progressive control of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADS). In the GF-TADS for Europe steering committee the current President is Bernard Van Goethem (Director, Directorate D, DG SANCO). The reports of these meetings can be found [here ].