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Every year disease outbreaks, of varying intensity, occur throughout the world from both unpredictable occurrences and known underlying risks. Many risks are exacerbated by globalization and the increasing volume of international trade. Emergency measures taken to control a problem and subsequent regulations established to prevent future issues must effectively deal with the risks based on the best available science under uncertainty. Despite these efforts, conflicts among trading partners still arise. This paper analyzes all Specific Trade Concerns citing the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) from 1995 to 2011. There are 327 concerns raised of which 81 have a primary concern regarding plant health regulations. Analysis will show the common types of dispute, countries involved, most contested rule violation, and the impact of trade patterns on dispute likelihood. A framework is presented to aid in regulatory design that considers international commitments in light of the patterns of dispute.<p><p>Keywords: