WORLD TRADE G/TBT/1/Rev.5
11December 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-5426)
Committee onTechnical Barriers toTrade
DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED
BYTHE COMMITTEE SINCE 1JANUARY 1995
Note bytheSecretariat
Revision
Thepresent document supersedes allprevious G/TBT/1 documents. Itreproduces thedecisions
andrecommendations adopted bytheCommittee concerning itsrulesofprocedure andtheinterpretation,
implementation andadministration oftheAgreement.
Contents Page
I. Rules ofprocedure forthemeetings
oftheWTO Committee ..................................................................... 2
Annex 1:Guidelines forObserver Status for
Governments intheWTO
Annex 2:Guidelines forObserver Status forInternational
Intergovernmental Organizations intheWTO
II. Statements onimplementation and
administration oftheAgreement ........................................................... 10
III. Notification procedures ...................................................................... 11
IV. Procedures forinformation exchange ..................................................... 19
V. Technical assistance .......................................................................... 22
VI. Regional standards-related activities ...................................................... 22
VII. Notification format under Article 10.7................................................... 23G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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I. RULES OFPROCEDURE FOR THE MEETINGS OFTHE WTO COMMITTEE ON
TECHNICAL BARRIERS TOTRADE
Atitsfirstmeeting on21April 1995, theCommittee adopted thefollowing Rules ofProcedure.
Inaccordance withArticle IV:6oftheWTO Agreement, theseRules arebeing submitted totheCouncil
forTrade inGoods forapproval.
CHAPTER I-Meetings
Rule1
TheCommittee onTechnical Barriers toTrade (hereinafter theCommittee) shall meet as
necessary, butnotlessthanonceayear.
Rule2
Meetings oftheCommittee shallbeconvened bytheDirector-General byanotice issued,
preferably three weeks, andinanyevent notlessthantencalendar days, prior tothedatesetforthe
meeting. Intheevent thatthetenth dayfallsonaweekend oraholiday, thenotice shallbeissued
nolaterthanthepreceding WTO working day. Meetings maybeconvened withshorter notice for
matters ofsignificant importance orurgency attherequest ofaMember concurred inbythemajority
oftheMembers.
CHAPTER II-Agenda
Rule3
Alistoftheitems proposed fortheagenda ofthemeeting shallbecommunicated toMembers
together withtheconvening notice forthemeeting. ItshallbeopentoanyMember tosuggest items
forinclusion intheproposed agenda upto,andnotincluding, thedayonwhich thenotice ofthemeeting
istobeissued.
Rule4
Requests foritems tobeplaced ontheagenda ofaforthcoming meeting shallbecommunicated
totheSecretariat inwriting, together withtheaccompanying documentation tobeissued inconnection
withthatitem. Documentation forconsideration atameeting shallbecirculated notlaterthanthe
dayonwhich thenotice ofthemeeting istobeissued.
Rule5
(Will notapply)
Rule6
Thefirstitemofbusiness ateachmeeting shallbetheconsideration andapproval oftheagenda.
Representatives maysuggest amendments totheproposed agenda, oradditions totheagenda under
"Other Business". Representatives shallprovide theChairperson ortheSecretariat, andtheother
Members directly concerned, whenever possible, advance notice ofitems intended toberaised under
"Other Business".G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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Rule7
TheCommittee mayamend theagenda orgivepriority tocertain items atanytimeinthecourse
ofthemeeting.
CHAPTER III-Representation
Rule8
Each Member shallberepresented byanaccredited representative.
Rule9
Eachrepresentative maybeaccompanied bysuchalternates andadvisers astherepresentative
mayrequire.
CHAPTER IV-Observers
Rule10
Representatives ofStates orseparate customs territories mayattend themeetings asobservers
ontheinvitation oftheCommittee inaccordance withtheguidelines inAnnex 1tothese Rules.
Rule11
Representatives ofinternational intergovernmental organizations mayattend themeetings as
observers ontheinvitation oftheCommittee inaccordance withtheguidelines inAnnex 2tothese
Rules.
CHAPTER V-Officers
Rule12
TheCommittee shallelectaChairperson1andmayelectaVice-Chairperson fromamong the
representatives ofMembers. Theelection shalltakeplace atthefirstmeeting oftheyearandshall
takeeffect attheendofthemeeting. TheChairperson andVice-Chairperson shallholdoffice until
theendofthefirstmeeting ofthefollowing year.
Rule13
IftheChairpersonisabsentfromanymeetingorpartthereof,theVice-Chairpersonshallperform
thefunctions oftheChairperson. IfnoVice-Chairperson waselected oriftheVice-Chairperson is
notpresent, theCommittee shallelectaninterim Chairperson forthatmeeting orthatpartofthemeeting.
1TheCommittee shallapply therelevant guidelines contained inthe"Guidelines forAppointment ofOfficers
toWTO Bodies" (WT/L/31 dated 7February 1995).G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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Rule14
IftheChairperson cannolonger perform thefunctions oftheoffice, theCommittee shall
designate theVice-Chairperson referred toinRule12or,ifnoVice-Chairperson waselected itshall
electaninterim Chairperson toperform those functions pending theelection ofanewChairperson.
Rule15
TheChairperson shall normally participate intheproceedings assuch andnotasthe
representative ofaMember. TheChairperson may, however, atanytimerequest permission toact
ineither capacity.
CHAPTER VI-Conduct ofBusiness
Rule16
TheChairperson mayconsider postponing ameeting intheevent thatheorshefeelsthatdoing
somayresult inamore representative levelofparticipation byWTO Members.
Rule17
Inaddition toexercising thepowers conferred elsewhere bythese rules, theChairperson shall
declare theopening andclosing ofeachmeeting, shalldirect thediscussion, accord therighttospeak,
submit questions fordecision, announce decisions, ruleonpoints oforder and,subject tothese rules,
havecomplete control oftheproceedings. TheChairperson mayalsocallaspeaker toorder ifthe
remarks ofthespeaker arenotrelevant.
Rule18
During thediscussion ofanymatter, arepresentative mayraiseapoint oforder. Inthiscase
theChairperson shallimmediately statetheruling. Iftheruling ischallenged, theChairperson shall
immediately submit itfordecision anditshallstand unless overruled.
Rule19
During thediscussion ofanymatter, arepresentative maymove theadjournment ofthedebate.
Anysuchmotion shallhavepriority. Inaddition totheproponent ofthemotion, onerepresentative
maybeallowed tospeak infavour of,andtworepresentatives against, themotion, afterwhich the
motion shallbesubmitted fordecision immediately.
Rule20
Arepresentative mayatanytimemove theclosure ofthedebate. Inaddition totheproponent
ofthemotion, notmore thanonerepresentative maybegranted permission tospeak infavour ofthe
motion andnotmore thantworepresentatives maybegranted permission tospeak against themotion,
afterwhich themotion shallbesubmitted fordecision immediately.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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Rule21
During thecourse ofthedebate, theChairperson mayannounce thelistofspeakers and,with
theconsent ofthemeeting, declare thelistclosed. TheChairperson may, however, accord theright
ofreply toanyrepresentative ifaspeech delivered afterthelisthasbeendeclared closed makes this
desirable.
Rule22
TheChairperson, withtheconsent ofthemeeting, maylimitthetimeallowed toeachspeaker.
Rule23
Representatives shall endeavour, totheextent thatasituation permits, tokeep their oral
statements brief. Representatives wishing todevelop theirposition onaparticular matter infuller detail
maycirculate awritten statement fordistribution toMembers, thesummary ofwhich, atthe
representative 'srequest, maybereflected intherecords oftheCommittee.
Rule24
Inorder toexpedite theconduct ofbusiness, theChairperson mayinvite representatives that
wishtoexpress theirsupport foragiven proposal toshow theirhands, inorder tobedulyrecorded
intherecords oftheCommittee assupporting statements; thus, onlyrepresentatives withdissenting
views orwishing tomake explicit points orproposals would actually beinvited tomake astatement.
Thisprocedure shallonlybeapplied inorder toavoid undue repetition ofpoints already made, and
willnotpreclude anyrepresentative whosowishes from taking thefloor.
Rule25
Representatives should avoid unduly longdebates under "Other Business". Discussions on
substantive issues under "Other Business" shallbeavoided, andtheCommittee shalllimititselftotaking
noteoftheannouncement bythesponsoring delegation, aswellasanyreactions tosuchanannouncement
byother delegations directly concerned.
Rule26
While theCommittee isnotexpected totakeaction inrespect ofanitemintroduced as"Other
Business", nothing shallprevent theCommittee, ifitsodecides, totakeaction inrespect ofanysuch
itemataparticular meeting, orinrespect ofanyitemforwhich documentation wasnotcirculated
atleasttencalendar daysinadvance.
Rule27
Representatives should make every effort toavoid therepetition ofafulldebate ateachmeeting
onanyissue thathasalready beenfullydebated inthepastandonwhich there appears tohavebeen
nochange inMembers 'positions already onrecord.
Rule28
Proposals andamendments toproposals shallnormally beintroduced inwriting andcirculated
toallrepresentatives notlaterthantwelve hours before thecommencement ofthemeeting atwhich
theyaretobediscussed.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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Rule29
Iftwoormore proposals aremoved relating tothesamequestion, themeeting shallfirstdecide
onthemost far-reaching proposal andthenonthenextmost far-reaching proposal andsoon.
Rule30
When anamendment ismoved toaproposal, theamendment shallbesubmitted fordecision
firstand,ifitisadopted, theamended proposal shallthenbesubmitted fordecision.
Rule31
When twoormore amendments aremoved toaproposal, themeeting shalldecide firston
theamendment farthest removed insubstance from theoriginal proposal, then, ifnecessary, onthe
amendment nextfarthest removed, andsoonuntilalltheamendments havebeensubmitted fordecision.
Rule32
Parts ofaproposal maybedecided onseparately ifarepresentative requests thattheproposal
bedivided.
CHAPTER VII-Decision-Making
Rule33
Where adecision cannot bearrived atbyconsensus, thematter atissue shallbereferred to
theCouncil forTrade inGoods.
Rule34
(Will notapply)
CHAPTER VIII-Languages
Rule35
English, French andSpanish shallbetheworking languages.
CHAPTER IX-Records
Rule36
Records ofthediscussions oftheCommittee shallbeintheform ofminutes.2
2Thecustomary practice under theGATT 1947, whereby representatives may, upon their request, verify
those portions ofthedraft records containing their statements, prior totheissuance ofsuch records, shall be
continued.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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CHAPTER X-Publicity ofMeetings
Rule37
Themeetings oftheCommittee shallordinarily beheldinprivate. Itmaybedecided thata
particular meeting ormeetings should beheldinpublic.
Rule38
After aprivate meeting hasbeenheld, theChairperson mayissueacommuniqué tothePress.
CHAPTER XI-Revision
Rule39
TheCommittee maydecide atanytimetorevise these rules oranypartofthem.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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ANNEX 1
Guidelines forObserver Status forGovernments intheWTO
1. Thepurpose ofobserver status intheGeneral Council anditssubsidiary bodies istoallow
agovernment tobetter acquaint itself withtheWTO anditsactivities, andtoprepare andinitiate
negotiations foraccession totheWTO Agreement.
2. Observer governments shallhaveaccess tothemain WTO document series. They mayalso
request technical assistance from theSecretariat inrelation totheoperation oftheWTO system in
general, aswellastonegotiations onaccession totheWTO Agreement.
3. Representatives ofgovernments accorded observer status maybeinvited tospeak atmeetings
ofthebodies towhich theyareobservers normally afterMembers ofthatbody havespoken. The
righttospeak doesnotinclude therighttomake proposals, unless agovernment isspecifically invited
todoso,nortoparticipate indecision-making.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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ANNEX 2
Guidelines forObserver Status forInternational
Intergovernmental Organizations intheWTO3
1. Thepurpose ofobserver status forinternational intergovernmental organizations (hereinafter
referred toas"organizations") intheWTO istoenable theseorganizations tofollow discussions therein
onmatters ofdirect interest tothem.
2. Requests forobserver status shallaccordingly beconsidered from organizations which have
competence andadirect interest intrade policy matters, orwhich, pursuant toparagraph V:1ofthe
WTO Agreement, haveresponsibilities related tothose oftheWTO.
3. Requests forobserver status shallbemade inwriting totheWTO body inwhich suchstatus
issought, andshallindicate thenature ofthework oftheorganization andthereasons foritsinterest
inbeing accorded suchstatus.
4. Requests forobserver status shallbeconsidered onacase-by-case basis byeachWTO body
towhich sucharequest isaddressed, taking intoaccount suchfactors asthenature ofwork ofthe
organization concerned, thenature ofitsmembership, thenumber ofWTO Members inthe
organization, reciprocity withrespect toaccess toproceedings, documents andother aspects of
observership, andwhether theorganization hasbeen associated inthepastwiththework ofthe
CONTRACTING PARTIES toGATT 1947.
5. Inaddition toorganizations thatrequest, andaregranted, observer status, other organizations
mayattend meetings oftheMinisterial Conference, theGeneral Council orsubsidiary bodies onthe
specific invitation oftheMinisterial Conference, theGeneral Council orthesubsidiary bodyconcerned,
asthecasemaybe.Invitations mayalsobeextended, asappropriate andonacase-by-case basis, to
specific organizations tofollow particular issues within abody inanobserver capacity.
6. Organizations withwhich theWTO hasentered intoaformal arrangement forcooperation
andconsultation shall beaccorded observer status insuchbodies asmaybedetermined bythat
arrangement.
7. Organizations accorded observer status inaparticular WTO body shallnotautomatically be
accorded suchstatus inother WTO bodies.
8. Representatives oforganizations accorded observer status maybeinvited tospeak atmeetings
ofthebodies towhich theyareobservers normally afterMembers ofthatbody havespoken. The
righttospeak doesnotinclude therighttocirculate papers ortomake proposals, unless anorganization
isspecifically invited todoso,nortoparticipate indecision-making.
9. Observer organizations shallreceive copies ofthemain WTO documents series andofother
documents series relating tothework ofthesubsidiary bodies which theyattend asobservers. They
mayreceive suchadditional documents asmaybespecified bytheterms ofanyformal arrangements
forcooperation between them andtheWTO.
10. Ifforanyone-year period afterthedateofthegrant ofobserver status, there hasbeenno
attendance bytheobserver organization, suchstatus shallcease.
3These guidelines shall apply alsotoother organizations referred tobyname intheWTO Agreement.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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II. STATEMENTS ON IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE
AGREEMENT
Background andpurpose
Article 15.2oftheAgreement provides thateachMember shall inform theCommittee of
measures inexistence ortaken toensure theimplementation andadministration oftheAgreement.
Inresponse tothisprovision oftheAgreement Members shallsubmit therelevant information inthe
formofwritten statements. TheCommittee agreed onthefollowing decision concerning thecontents
ofthese statements.
Decisions
1. Thestatement should cover thelegislative, regulatory andadministrative action taken asaresult
ofthenegotiation oftheAgreement orcurrently inexistence toensure thattheprovisions ofthe
Agreement areapplied. IftheAgreement itselfhasbeenincorporated intodomestic law,thestatement
should indicate howthishasbeendone. Inother cases, thestatement should describe thecontent of
therelevant laws, regulations, administrative orders, etc.Allnecessary references should alsobe
provided.
2. Inaddition, thestatement should specify
(a) Thenames ofthepublications usedtoannounce thatwork isproceeding ondraft
technical regulations orstandards andprocedures forassessment ofconformity and
those inwhich thetexts oftechnical regulations andstandards orprocedures for
assessment ofconformity arepublished under Articles 2.9.1, 2.11; 3.1(inrelation
to2.9.1 and2.11); 5.6.1, 5.8;7.1,8.1and9.2(inrelation to5.6.1 and5.8); and
paragraphs J,LandOofAnnex 3oftheAgreement;
(b) theexpected length oftimeallowed forpresentation ofcomments inwriting ontechnical
regulations, standards orprocedures forassessment ofconformity under Articles 2.9.4
and2.10.3; 3.1(inrelation to2.9.4 and2.10.3); 5.6.4 and5.7.3; 7.1,8.1and9.2
(inrelation to5.6.4 and5.7.3); andparagraph LofAnnex 3oftheAgreement;
(c) thename andaddress oftheenquiry point(s) foreseen inArticles 10.1and10.3ofthe
Agreement withanindication astowhether itis/they arefullyoperational; ifforlegal
oradministrative reasons more thanoneenquiry point isestablished, complete and
unambiguous information onthescope ofresponsibilities ofeachofthem;
(d) thename andaddress ofanyother agencies thathavespecific functions under the
Agreement, including those foreseen inArticles 10.10 and10.11 oftheAgreement;
and
(e) measuresandarrangementstoensurethatnationalandsub-nationalauthoritiespreparing
newtechnical regulations orprocedures forassessment ofconformity, orsubstantial
amendments toexisting ones, provide early information ontheirproposals inorder
toenable theMember inquestion tofulfil itsobligations onnotifications under
Articles 2.9,2.10, 3.2,5.6, 5.7and7.2oftheAgreement.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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III. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES
1. Format andGuidelines
Background andpurpose
Theprocedures fornotification under theAgreement havebeenkeptunder constant review
bytheCommittee. Inorder toensure auniform andefficient operation ofthese procedures the
Committee agreed onthefollowing format andguidelines.4
Recommendation
Information contained inthenotification formshould beascomplete aspossible andnosection
should beleftblank. Where necessary, "notknown" or"notstated" should beindicated.
Decisions
Item Description
(i)Member toAgreement notifying Government, including thecompetent
authorities oftheEuropean Communities, which
hasacceded totheAgreement andwhich is
making thenotification;
ifapplicable, name oflocal government involved
Articles 3.2and7.2).
(ii)Agency responsible Body elaborating aproposal fororpromulgating a
technical regulation orprocedures forassessment
ofconformity. Theauthority oragency
designated tohandle comments regarding the
specific notification shall beindicated ifdifferent
from above.
(iii) Notified under Relevant provision oftheAgreement:
Article 2.9.2: proposed technical regulation by
central government body,
Article 2.10.1: adopted technical regulation by
central government body,
Article 3.2: proposed oradopted technical
regulation bylocal government (onthelevel
directly below thatofthecentral government,
Article 5.6.2: proposed procedures for
assessment ofconformity bycentral government
body,
Article 5.7.1: adopted procedures forassessment
ofconformity bycentral government body,
4Where boxes appear under items 3and11oftheformat, notifiers arerequested tocheck therelevant box
ortoindicate relevant information under "other".G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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Item Description
(iii) Notified under (cont'd) Article 7.2: proposed oradopted procedures for
assessment ofconformity bylocal government (on
thelevel directly below thatofthecentral
government),
Other Articles under which notification canarise
incases ofurgency setoutinthose Articles are:
Article 8.1: adopted procedures forassessment of
conformity bynon-governmental body,
Article 9.2: adopted procedures forassessment of
conformity byinternational orregional
organization.
(iv)Products covered HSorCCCN (chapter orheading and
number) where applicable. National tariff
heading ifdifferent from HSorCCCN. ICS
numbers maybeprovided inaddition, where
applicable. Aclear description isimportant for
anunderstanding ofthenotification bydelegations
andtranslators. Abbreviations should beavoided.
(v)Title andnumber ofpages Title oftheproposed oradopted ofthenotified
document technical regulation orprocedures for
assessment ofconformity. Number ofpages in
thenotified document. Thelanguage(s) inwhich
notified documents areavailable.
(vi)Description ofcontent Anabstract oftheproposed oradopted technical
regulation orprocedures forassessment of
conformity clearly indicating itscontent. Aclear
description isimportant foranunderstanding of
thenotification bydelegations andtranslators.
Abbreviations should beavoided.
(vii) Objective andrationale, including thenature
ofurgent problems where applicableForinstance: health, safety, national
security, ...etc.
(viii) Relevant documents (1)Publication where notice appears,
including dateandreference number;
(2)Proposal andbasic document (with specific
reference number orother identification) towhich
proposal refers;
(3)Publication inwhich proposal willappear
when adopted;
(4)Whenever practicable, givereference to
relevant international standard.
Ifitisnecessary tocharge fordocuments
supplied, thisfactshould beindicated.
(ix)Proposed dates ofadoption andentry into
forceThedatewhen thetechnical regulation
orprocedures forassessment ofconformity is
expected tobeadopted, andthedatefrom which
therequirements inthetechnical regulation or
procedures forassessment ofconformity are
proposed ordecided toenter intoforce, taking
intoconsideration theprovisions ofArticle 2.12.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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Item Description
(x)Final dateforcomments Thedatebywhich Members maysubmit
comments inaccordance withArticles 2.9.4,
2.10.3, 3.1(inrelation to2.9.4 and2.10.3),
5.6.4, 5.7.3 and7.1(inrelation to5.6.4 and
5.7.3) oftheAgreement. Aspecific dateshould
beindicated. TheCommittee hasrecommended a
normal time limit forcomments onnotifications
of60days. AMember may, ifnecessary,
however, indicate initsnotification thatitwill
proceed toimplement theproposed measure after
45days ifnocomments orrequests forextension
ofthetime limit have been received from other
Members within thattime. AnyMember which is
abletoprovide atime limit beyond 60days is
encouraged todoso.
(xi)Texts available from Ifavailable from national enquiry point, puta
cross intheboxprovided. Ifavailable from
another body, giveitsaddress, e-mail, telex and
telefax number. Such indications should notin
anywaydischarge therelevant enquiry point of
itsresponsibilities under theprovisions of
Article 10oftheAgreement.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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WORLD TRADE G/TBT/Notif.97.
1997
ORGANIZATION
(97-0000)
Committee onTechnical Barriers toTrade
NOTIFICATION
Thefollowing notification isbeing circulated inaccordance withArticle 10.6.
1. Member toAgreement notifying:
Ifapplicable, name oflocalgovernment involved (Articles 3.2and7.2):
2. Agency responsible:
Agency orauthority designated tohandle comments regarding thenotification shallbe
indicated ifdifferent from above:
3. Notified under Article 2.9.2 [],2.10.1 [],5.6.2 [],5.7.1 [],other:
4. Products covered (HSorCCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading.
ICSnumbers maybeprovided inaddition, where applicable):
5. Title, number ofpages andlanguage(s) ofthenotified document:
6. Description ofcontent:
7. Objective andrationale, including thenature ofurgent problems where applicable:
8. Relevant documents:
9. Proposed dateofadoption:
Proposed dateofentry intoforce:
10. Final dateforcomments:
11. Texts available from: National enquiry point []oraddress, e-mail andtelefax number
ofother body:G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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2. Timing ofnotifications
Background
TheCommittee dealtwiththisaspect ofnotification procedures inthefollowing way:
Recommendation
When implementing theprovisions ofArticles 2.9.2, 3.2(inrelation toArticle 2.9.2), 5.6.2
and7.2(inrelation toArticle 5.6.2), anotification should bemade when adraftwiththecomplete
textofaproposed technical regulation orprocedures forassessment ofconformity isavailable and
when amendments canstillbeintroduced andtaken intoaccount.
3. Application ofarticles 2.9And5.6(Preambular part)
Background andpurpose
Withaviewtoensuring aconsistent approach totheselection ofproposed technical regulations
andprocedures forassessment ofconformity tobenotified, theCommittee established thefollowing
criteria.
Recommendation
Forthepurposes ofArticles 2.9and5.6,theconcept of"significant effect ontrade ofother
Members" mayrefertotheeffect ontrade:
(a) Ofonetechnical regulation orprocedure forassessment ofconformity only, orof
varioustechnicalregulationsorproceduresforassessmentofconformityincombination;
(b) inaspecific product, group ofproducts orproducts ingeneral; and
(c) between twoormore Members.
When assessing thesignificance oftheeffect ontrade oftechnical regulations, theMember
concerned should takeintoconsideration suchelements asthevalue orother importance ofimports
inrespect oftheimporting and/or exporting Members concerned, whether from other Members
individually orcollectively, thepotential growth ofsuchimports, anddifficulties forproducers inother
Members tocomply withtheproposed technical regulations. Theconcept ofasignificant effect on
tradeofother Members should include bothimport-enhancing andimport-reducing effects onthetrade
ofother Members, aslongassucheffects aresignificant.
4. Translation ofdocuments relating tonotifications andaddress ofbodysupplying thedocuments
Background andpurpose
Inorder toavoid difficulties thatcanarisefrom thefactthatthedocumentation relevant to
technical regulations, standards andprocedures forassessment ofconformity isnotavailable inone
oftheWTO working languages andthatabody other thantheenquiry point mayberesponsible for
suchdocumentation, theCommittee agreed onthefollowing procedures:G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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Recommendation
When aMember seeks acopyofadocument relating toanotification which doesnotexist
inthatMember 'sWTO working language, itwillbeadvised, onrequest, bythenotifying Member
ofother Members thathaverequested, asofthatdate,acopyofthedocument. TheMember seeking
acopy ofadocument relating toanotification maythencontact suchother Members inorder to
determine whether thelatter areprepared toshare, onmutually agreed terms, anytranslation thatthey
haveorwillbemaking intorelevant WTO working language(s).
Decisions:
(a) When atranslation ofarelevant document exists orisplanned, thisfactshall be
indicated ontheWTO TBTnotification formnexttothetitleofthedocument. Ifonly
atranslated summary exists, thefactthatsuchasummary isavailable shallbesimilarly
indicated;
(b) upon receipt ofarequest fordocuments, anytranslated summaries thatexistinthe
language oftherequester or,asthecasemaybe,inaWTO working language, shall
beautomatically sentwiththeoriginal ofthedocuments requested; and
(c) Members shallindicate under point 11oftheWTO TBTnotification form theexact
address, telephone andfaxnumbers ofthebodyresponsible forsupplying therelevant
documents ifthatbody isnottheenquiry point.
5. Processing ofrequests fordocumentation
Background
TheCommittee addressed theproblems ofsupplying andobtaining requested documentation
onnotified technical regulations andprocedures forassessment ofconformity asfollows:
Recommendations:
(a) Requests fordocumentation should contain alltheelements permitting theidentification
ofthedocuments and inparticular, theWTO TBT notification number
(G/TBT/Notif. ...)towhich therequests refer. Thesame information should appear
onthedocuments supplied inresponse tosuchrequests; and
(b) anyrequest fordocumentation should beprocessed ifpossible within fiveworking
days. Ifadelay insupplying thedocumentation requested isforeseen, thisshould be
acknowledged totherequester.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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6. Length oftimeallowed forcomments
Background
TheCommittee setthefollowing timelimits forpresentation ofcomments onnotified technical
regulations andprocedures forassessment ofconformity.
Recommendation
Thenormal timelimitforcomments onnotifications should besixtydays. AMember may,
ifnecessary, however, indicate initsnotification thatitwillproceed toimplement theproposed measure
afterforty-five daysifnocomments orrequests forextension ofthetimelimithavebeenreceived
from other Members within thattime. AnyMember which isabletoprovide atimelimit beyond
sixty daysisencouraged todoso.
7. Handling ofcomments onnotifications
Background andPurpose
Inorder toimprove thehandling ofcomments onproposed technical regulations andprocedures
forassessmentofconformitysubmittedunderArticles2.9.4,2.10.3,3.1(inrelationto2.9.4and2.10.3),
5.6.4, 5.7.3 and7.1(inrelation to5.6.4 and5.7.3) oftheAgreement, theCommittee agreed onthe
following procedures.
Recommendations:
(a) Each Member should notify theWTO secretariat oftheauthority oragency (e.g.its
enquiry point) which ithasdesignated tobeincharge forhandling ofcomments
received; and
(b) aMember receiving comments through thedesignated body should without further
request
(i) acknowledge thereceipt ofsuchcomments,
(ii) explain within areasonable timetoanyMember from which ithasreceived
comments, howitwillproceed inorder totakethese comments intoaccount
and,whereappropriate,provideadditionalrelevantinformationontheproposed
technical regulations orprocedures forassessment ofconformity concerned,
and
(iii) provide toanyMember fromwhich ithasreceived comments, acopyofthe
corresponding technical regulations orprocedures forassessment ofconformity
asadopted orinformation thatnocorresponding technical regulations or
procedures forassessment ofconformity willbeadopted forthetimebeing.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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8. Decision Relating toNotifications
Labelling Requirements
Background andpurpose
With thepurpose ofclarifying thecoverage oftheAgreement withrespect tolabelling
requirements, theCommittee onTechnical Barriers toTrade tookthefollowing decision.
Decision
Inconformity withArticle 2.9oftheAgreement, Members areobliged tonotify allmandatory
labelling requirements thatarenotbased substantially onarelevant international standard andthatmay
haveasignificant effect onthetrade ofother Members. Thatobligation isnotdependent upon the
kindofinformation which isprovided onthelabel, whether itisinthenature ofatechnical specification
ornot.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
Page19
IV. PROCEDURES FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE
1. Regular Meetings
Background andpurpose
Inorder togiveMembers theopportunity todiscuss theactivities andproblems relating to
information exchange theCommittee tookthefollowing action.
Decision
Regularmeetingsofpersonsresponsibleforinformationexchangeincludingpersonsresponsible
forenquiry points willbeheldonabiennial basis. Representatives ofinterested observers willbe
invited toparticipate insuchmeetings. Themeetings willdealonlywithtechnical issues, leaving any
policy matters forconsideration bytheCommittee itself.
2. Booklets onEnquiry Points
Background andpurpose
Inorder toimprove publicity concerning theroleofenquiry points inanswering queries from
Members asprovided inArticles 10.1and10.3oftheAgreement theCommittee tookthefollowing
action.
Recommendations:
(a) Theissuing ofbrochures onenquiry points would beofvalue.
(b) allbooklets issued byMembers should contain theelements and,asfaraspossible,
follow thelayout below:
(i) Objective, name andaddress ofWTO TBTenquiry point(s).
Objective:
Refer totheprovisions ofArticles 10.1, 10.2 and10.3 ofthe
Agreement onTechnical Barriers toTrade.
Dateestablished, andname ofresponsible officer.
Whocanusetheenquiry point(s):
Refer totheprovisions ofArticles 2.9.3 and2.10.2; 3.1(inrelation
to2.9.3 and2.10.2); 5.6.3 and5.7.2; 7.1,8.1and9.2(inrelation
to5.6.3 and5.7.2); 10.1and10.3; paragraphs MandPofAnnex
3oftheAgreement.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
Page20
(ii) Information available from enquiry point(s).
Documentation:
Refer totheprovisions ofArticles 2.9.3 and2.10.2; 3.1(inrelation
to2.9.3 and2.10.2); 5.6.3 and5.7.2; 7.1,8.1and9.2(inrelation
to5.6.3 and5.7.2); 10.4, 10.8.1 and10.8.2; paragraphs MandP
ofAnnex 3oftheAgreement
Documentation thatcanbeobtained from theenquiry point(s).
Procedures forhandling documentation onproposed oradopted
domestic regulations andstandards andprocedures forassessment of
conformity
Notifications: content, format, comment period:
Refer totheprovisions ofArticles 2.9.2, 2.10.1, 3.2,5.6.2, 5.7.1,
7.2,8.1,9.2andparagraphs CandJofAnnex 3oftheAgreement,
andtothedecisions oftheCommittee onTechnical Barriers toTrade
regarding format andcomment period.
Procedures forhandling notifications issued byother Members ofthe
Agreement, forissuing notifications from domestic sources, andfor
handling comments onnotifications received orissued.
Publication:
Refer totheprovisions ofArticles 2.9.1 and2.11; 3.1(in relation to
2.9.1 and2.11); 5.6.1 and5.8;7.1,8.1and9.2(inrelation to5.6.1
and5.8); 10.1.5; andparagraphs J,LandOofAnnex 3ofthe
Agreement
Procedures forensuring compliance with these provisions ofthe
Agreement, including anypublications bytheenquiry point(s).
(iii) Facilities offered (including charges, ifany).
Databank(content andformofdocuments, e.g.paper, microfilm, computer,
etc.).
Access todata(retrieval system: manual, tape, on-line; software used).
Languages used.
Translation, ifany.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
Page21
ANNEX
Brief description oftheAgreement: objectives, dateofentry intoforce, datejoined, status
indomestic law.
ListofMembers oftheAgreement.
Listofenquiry points ofother Members.
3. Enquiries which theEnquiry Points should bePrepared toAnswer
Background andpurpose
Withaviewtoencouraging auniform application ofArticles 10.1and10.3oftheAgreement
theCommittee tookthefollowing action.
Recommendation:
(a) (i) Anenquiry should beconsidered "reasonable" when itislimited toaspecific
product, orgroup ofproducts, butnotwhen itgoesbeyond thatandrefers
toanentirebusinessbranchorfieldofregulations,orproceduresforassessment
ofconformity; and
(ii) when anenquiry refers toacomposite product, itisdesirable thattheparts
orcomponents, forwhich information issought, aredefined totheextent
possible. When arequest ismade concerning theuseofaproduct itisdesirable
thattheuseisrelated toaspecific field.
(b) TheEnquiry Point(s) ofaMember should beprepared toanswer enquiries regarding
themembership andparticipation ofthatMember, orofrelevant bodies within its
territory, ininternational andregional standardizing bodies andconformity assessment
systems aswellasinbilateral arrangements, withrespect toaspecific product orgroup
ofproducts. They should likewise beprepared toprovide reasonable information on
theprovisions ofsuchsystems andarrangement.
4. Handling ofRequests
Background andpurpose
Thepurpose istoimprove thehandling ofrequests from other Members received under
Article 10.1and10.3.
Recommendation
Anenquiry point should, without further request, acknowledge thereceipt oftheenquiry.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
Page22
V. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Procedures forexchange ofinformation
Background andpurpose
Inconsidering theways inwhich theprovisions ofArticle 11could begiven operational
significance, theCommittee agreed toexchange information ontechnical assistance asfollows:
Decision
Specific needs fortechnical assistance aswellasinformation thatmaybeprovided bypotential
donor Members ontheirtechnical assistance programmes maybecommunicated toMembers through
theSecretariat. Members willtakeintoaccount theprovisions ofArticle 11.8oftheTBTAgreement
when considering requests fortechnical assistance from theleast-developed country Members. In
agreement withrequesting Members orpotential donor Members, asthecasemaybe,theinformation
concerning specific needs andtechnical assistance programmes would becirculated bytheSecretariat
toallMembers onaninformal basis. Whilst information would bemultilateralized inthismanner,
technical assistance would continue tobeprovided onabilateral basis. TheSecretariat would reflect
theinformation circulated under thisprocedure inthedocumentation prepared forannual reviews of
theimplementation andoperation oftheAgreement iftheMembers concerned soagree.
Technical assistance would remain asanItemoftheagenda oftheCommittee onapermanent
basis andwould beincluded ontheagenda ofaregular meeting oftheCommittee when sorequested
byaMember inaccordance withtheagreed procedures.
VI. REGIONAL STANDARDS-RELATED ACTIVITIES
Address byrepresentatives
Background andpurpose
TheAgreement contains anumber ofprovisions onregional standardizing bodies andsystems
forconformity assessment. Inorder tokeepabreast oftheactivities ofsuchbodies andsystems, the
Committee decided asfollows.
Decision
Representatives ofregional standardizing bodies andsystems forconformity assessment may
beinvited toaddress theCommittee ontheirprocedures andhowtheyrelate tothose embodied inthe
Agreement, onthebasis ofagreed listsofquestions.G/TBT/1/Rev.5
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VII. NOTIFICATION FORMAT UNDER ARTICLE 10.7
AGREEMENT REACHED BYAMEMBER WITH ANOTHER COUNTRY ORCOUNTRIES
ONISSUES RELATED TOTECHNICAL REGULATIONS, STANDARDS
ORCONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
NOTIFICATION
Under Article 10.7oftheAgreement "Whenever aMember hasreached anagreement with
anyother country orcountries onissues related totechnical regulations, standards orconformity
assessment procedures which mayhaveasignificant effect ontrade, atleastoneMember party tothe
agreement shallnotify other Members through theSecretariat oftheproducts tobecovered bythe
agreement andinclude abriefdescription oftheagreement." Thefollowing notification under Article
10.7hasbeenreceived.
1. Member notifying:
2. Titleofthebilateral orplurilateral Agreement:
3. Parties totheAgreement:
4. Dateofentry intoforce oftheAgreement:
5. Products covered (HSorCCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading):
6. Subject matter covered bytheAgreement (technical regulations, standards or
conformity assessment procedures):
7. Brief description oftheAgreement:
8. Further information available from: