ABSTRACT
International trade concerns the exchange of goods and services between countries. Numerous trade conflicts are rooted in the question of whether or not particular goods (might) constitute risks to human health and/or the environment. In such instances, risk assessment is intended to take the sting out of the conflict. Risk assessment is usually considered a technical exercise to be performed by experts, and which will result in an objective evaluation of the risks discussed. Risk assessment is usually viewed as an apolitical stage or endeavour. In this paper, we will challenge such assumptions.
