WTO COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE
PROPOSALS RELATING TO NOTIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE
At the Committee meeting of 21 July 2000, the Secretariat was requested to prepare a paper
compiling the relevant proposals and comments made to date concerning notifications and procedures
for information exchange, with a view to facilitate discussions that might lead to the Committee's
agreement on certain proposals to improve the existing procedures.  This paper has been prepared in
response to that request.  (The existing decisions and recommendations of the Committee onnotification procedures and procedures for information exchange are contained in document
G/TBT/1/Rev.6 – Annex 1 of this paper).
The Chairman would like to invite delegations to further reflect on the proposals, and suggest
that the Committee revert back to them at its next meeting on 4-6 October 2000.
00-3493RESTRICTEDWORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/TBT/SPEC/16
11 September 2000
(00-3493)
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade
DRAFT
PROPOSALS RELATING TO NOTIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE
I. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR DRAFT TECHNICAL REGULATIONS AND
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
A. Length of time allowed for comments
1. Extension of time-period for comments
(a) Extension of time-period for comments from 60 days to 90 days, as notifications take
time to reach the concerned agencies to make comments (India, G/TBT/W/93);
(b) 60 days comment period is too short for draft technical regulations given that they
need to be circulated to many authorities for comments (Thailand, G/TBT/M/15).
2. Starting date of time-period for comments
(a) The comment period of 60 days should run from the date on which the notification is
published by the WTO (European Communities,  G/TBT/W/133, G/TBT/M/12).
(b) Members are encouraged to allow 60 days for comments, to be calculated starting
from the date of circulation of notification (Thailand, G/TBT/M/20, G/TBT/W/84).
B. Handling of comments on notifications
3. The name and address of the authority responsible for dealing with comments should be
indicated either as part of the information referred to in Article 15.2, or in the notification form, if the
authority is different from the one drawing up the proposal (European Communities,  G/TBT/W/133).
4. The number of authorities dealing with comments should be minimized
(European Communities,  G/TBT/W/133).
5. Cooperation and coordination between national enquiry points needs to be strengthened
(Thailand, G/TBT/W/84).
C. Summary of content of notified technical regulations and conformity assessment
procedures
6. Notifications should encompass a summary of the proposed technical regulation, outlining the
objectives and the main features of the regulation, to make them more user-friendly (Norway).G/TBT/SPEC/16
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7. Due to the frequent unavailability of documentation in one of the WTO working languages,
translation problems and delivery of documentation beyond the deadline of the comment period, a
description of the contents of notified technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures
should be provided to allow consideration by other Members in the absence of documentation
(Thailand, G/TBT/W/84).
D. Attachment of full text of draft technical regulations and conformity assessment
procedures to notifications
8. The text of the notified proposal should automatically accompany the notification to the WTO
where it could be directly obtained.  Submission of these documents can be done electronically,
whenever possible (European Communities, G/TBT/W/133;  Norway ).
E. Regular reviews of notification procedures by the Committee
9. The Committee could review periodically how well notification procedures work.
(European Communities, G/TBT/W/133).
F. Monthly summary of notifications
10. An approach similar to the SPS monthly summary of notifications for the TBT Committee
would provide useful information, such as originating countries and products concerned (Mauritius,
G/TBT/M/19).
II. PROCEDURES FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE
A. Texts of adopted legislation
11. Texts of adopted legislation should be made available in accordance with Article 2.11 of the
Agreement (European Communities, G/TBT/W/133).
B. Use of internet for information exchange
12. Enhancement of internet usage can facilitate access to and exchange of information by
Members.  The WTO could create a portal for this purpose, organizing its databases as required to
facilitate the access to information by Members, therefore strengthening the notification process
(Brazil, G/TBT/W/140).
13. Support for the initiative of electronic circulation, but interests of developing countries should
be taken into account (Thailand, G/TBT/M/20).
14. Members may voluntarily make unofficial translations of proposed rules available – whether
translations are of their own proposals or those of another Member - and could inform the Secretariat
of the availability, language, and location of the translation on the Internet.  The WTO could provide
this information (notification, availability, language and location) to WTO Members generally
through existing electronic systems on the WTO Home Page (United States, G/TBT/W/90).
15. In order to facilitate a broader understanding of the implications of regulatory proposals,
Members may wish to post their comments on the proposals on the Internet and make their Internet
address known to other Members on the National E nquiry Point List (United States, G/TBT/W/90).G/TBT/SPEC/16
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C. Technical assistance
16. Developed countries, who have established a national notification system and whose
standardization bodies have accepted the Code of Good Practice, should hold workshops/seminars and
provide financial/technical assistance to upgrade infrastructure in developing countries and help them
create web-sites (India, G/TBT/W/93).
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ANNEX 1
DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE COMMITTEE
SINCE 1 JANUARY 1995
I. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES
1. Format and Guidelines
Background and purpose
The procedures for notification under the Agreement have been kept under constant review by
the Committee.  In order to ensure a uniform and efficient operation of these procedures the
Committee agreed on the following format and guidelines.1
Recommendation
(a) Information contained in the notification form should be as complete as possible and
no section should be left blank.  Where necessary, "not known" or "not stated" should
be indicated.
(b) Notifications may be transmitted by electronic mail to the WTO Central Registry of
Notifications (CRN):  crn@wto.org
Decisions
Item Description
(i)  Member to Agreement notifying G overnment, including the competent
authorities of the European Communities, which hasacceded to the Agreement and which is making thenotification;if applicable, name of local government involvedArticles 3.2 and 7.2).
(ii)  Agency responsible Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a
technical regulation or procedures for assessment of
conformity.  The authority or agency designated to
handle comments regarding the specific notificationshall be indicated if different from above.
                                                     
1Where boxes appear under items 3 and 11 of the format, notifiers are requested to check the relevant
box or to indicate relevant information under "other".G/TBT/SPEC/16
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Item Description
(iii)  Notified under Relevant provision of the Agreement:
Article 2.9.2:  proposed technical regulation by centralgovernment body,Article 2.10.1:  technical regulation adopted for urgentproblems by central government body,Article 3.2:  proposed technical regulation or technical
regulation adopted for urgent problems by local
government (on the level directly below that of thecentral government),Article 5.6.2:  proposed procedures for assessment ofconformity by central government body,Article 5.7.1:  conformity assessment  procedure
adopted for urgent problems by central government
body,
Article 7.2:  proposed procedure for  assessment ofconformity  or conformity assessment procedureadopted for urgent problems by local government (onthe level directly below that of the centralgovernment),
Other Articles under which notification can arise in
cases of urgency set out in those Articles are:  Article8.1:  adopted procedures for assessment of conformityby non-governmental body,Article 9.2:  adopted procedures for assessment of
conformity by international or regional organization.
(iv)  Products covered HS or CCCN (chapter or heading and
number) where applicable.  National tariff heading ifdifferent from HS or CCCN.  ICS numbers may beprovided in addition, where applicable.  A cleardescription is important for an understanding of thenotification by delegations and translators.
Abbreviations should be avoided.
(v)  Title and number of pages Title of the proposed or adopted technical regulation
or procedure for the assessment of conformity that isnotified.  Number of pages in the notified document.The language(s) in which notified documents areavailable. If a translation of the document is planned,this should be indicated.  If a translated summary is
available, this too should be indicated.
(vi)  Description of content An abstract of the proposed or adopted technical
regulation or procedures for assessment of conformity
clearly indicating its content.  A clear description is
important for an understanding of the notification bydelegations and translators.  Abbreviations should beavoided.
(vii)  Objective and rationale, including the nature  ofurgent problems where applicableFor instance:  health, safety, national
security, ... etc.G/TBT/SPEC/16
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Item Description
(viii)  Relevant documents (1) Publication where notice appears,
including date and reference number;  (2) Proposaland basic document (with specific reference numberor other identification) to which proposal refers;(3) Publication in which proposal will appear whenadopted;
(4) Whenever practicable, give reference to relevant
international standard.If it is necessary to charge for documents supplied,this fact should be indicated.
(ix)  Proposed dates of adoption and entry into force The date when the technical regulation
or procedures for assessment of conformity isexpected to be adopted, and the date from which the
requirements in the technical regulation or procedures
for assessment of conformity are proposed or decidedto enter into force, taking into consideration theprovisions of Article 2.12.
(x)  Final date for comments The date by which Members may submit comments in
accordance with Articles 2.9.4, 2.10.3, 3.1 (in relation
to 2.9.4 and 2.10.3), 5.6.4, 5.7.3 and 7.1 (in relation to5.6.4 and 5.7.3) of the Agreement.  A specific dateshould be indicated.  The Committee hasrecommended a normal time limit for comments onnotifications of 60 days.  A Member may, if
necessary,  however, indicate in its notification that it
will proceed to implement the proposed measure after45 days if no comments or requests for extension ofthe time limit have been received from other Memberswithin that time.  Any Member which is able toprovide a time limit beyond 60 days is encouraged to
do so.
(xi)  Texts available from If available from national enquiry point, put a cross in
the box provided.  If available from another body,
give its address, e-mail, telex and telefax number.Such indications should not in any way discharge therelevant enquiry point of its responsibilities under theprovisions of Article 10 of the Agreement.G/TBT/SPEC/16
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WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/TBT/Notif.99.
(99-0000)
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade
NOTIFICATION
The following notification is being circulated in accordance with Article 10.6.
1. Member to Agreement notifying:           
If applicable, name of local government involved (Articles 3.2 and 7.2):           
2. Agency responsible:           
Agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification shall be
indicated if different from above:           
3. Notified under Article 2.9.2 [    ], 2.10.1 [    ], 5.6.2 [    ], 5.7.1 [   ], other:           
4. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading.
ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable):           
5. Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document:           
6. Description of content:           
7. Objective and rationale, including the nature of urgent problems where applicable:           
8. Relevant documents:           
9. Proposed date of adoption:
Proposed date of entry into force:          
10. Final date for comments:           
11. Texts available from:  National enquiry point [    ] or address, e-mail and telefax number of
the other body:           G/TBT/SPEC/16
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2. Timing of notifications
Background
The Committee dealt with this aspect of notification procedures in the following way:
Recommendation
When implementing the provisions of Articles 2.9.2, 3.2 (in relation to Article 2.9.2), 5.6.2
and 7.2 (in relation to Article 5.6.2), a notification should be made when a draft with the complete text
of a proposed technical regulation or procedures for assessment of conformity is available and when
amendments can still be introduced and taken into account.
3. Application of articles 2.9 And 5.6 (Preambular part)
Background and purpose
With a view to ensuring a consistent appr oach to the selection of proposed technical
regulations and procedures for assessment of conformity to be notified, the Committee established the
following criteria.
Recommendation
For the purposes of Articles 2.9 and 5.6, the concept of "significant effect on trade of other
Members" may refer to the effect on trade:
(a) Of one technical regulation or procedure for assessment of conformity only, or of
various technical regulations or procedures for assessment of conformity in
combination;
(b) in a specific product, group of products or products in general;  and(c) between two or more Members.
When assessing the significance of the effect on trade of technical regulations, the Member
concerned should take into consideration such elements as the value or other importance of imports in
respect of the importing and/or exporting Members concerned, whether from other Members
individually or collectively, the potential growth of such imports, and difficulties for producers in
other Members to comply with the proposed technical regulations.  The concept of a significant effecton trade of other Members should include both import-enhancing and import-reducing effects on the
trade of other Members, as long as such effects are significant.
4. Translation of documents relating to notifications and address of body supplying the
documents
Background and purpose
In order to avoid difficulties that can arise from the fact that the documentation relevant to
technical regulations, standards and procedures for assessment of conformity is not available in one ofthe WTO working languages and that a body other than the enquiry point may be responsible for such
documentation, the Committee agreed on the following procedures:G/TBT/SPEC/16
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Recommendation
When a Member seeks a copy of a document relating to a notification which does not exist in
that Member's WTO working language, it will be advised, on request, by the notifying Member of
other Members that have requested, as of that date, a copy of the document.  The Member seeking acopy of a document relating to a notification may then contact such other Members in order to
determine whether the latter are prepared to share, on mutually agreed terms, any translation that they
have or will be making into relevant WTO working language(s).
Decisions:
(a) When a translation of a relevant document exists or is planned, this fact shall be
indicated on the WTO TBT notification form next to the title of the document.  If
only a translated summary exists, the fact that such a summary is available shall be
similarly indicated;
(b) upon receipt of a request for documents, any translated summaries that exist in the
language of the requester or, as the case may be, in a WTO working language, shall
be automatically sent with the original of the documents requested;  and
(c) Members shall indicate under point 11 of the WTO TBT notification form the exact
address, where available, email address, telephone and fax numbers of the bodyresponsible for supplying the relevant documents if that body is not the enquiry point.
5. Processing of requests for documentation
Background
The Committee addressed the problems of supplying and obtaining requested documentation
on notified technical regulations and procedures for assessment of conformity as follows:
Recommendations:
(a) Requests for documentation should contain all the elements permitting the
identification of the documents and in particular, the WTO TBT notification number
(G/TBT/Notif. ...) to which the requests refer.  The same information should appear
on the documents supplied in response to such requests;  and
(b) any request for documentation should be processed if possible within five working
days.  If a delay in supplying the documentation requested is foreseen, this should be
acknowledged to the requester, along with an estimate of when the documents can be
provided; and
(c) Email requests for documentation should include name, organization, address,
telephone and fax numbers, and email address in the request; and
(d) Electronic delivery of documentation is encouraged and requests should indicate
whether an electronic version or hard copy is desired.G/TBT/SPEC/16
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6. Length of time allowed for comments
Background
The Committee set the following time limits for presentation of comments on notified
technical regulations and procedures for assessment of conformity.
Recommendation
The normal time limit for comments on notifications should be 60 days.  A Member may, if
necessary, however, indicate in its notification that it will proceed to implement the proposed measure
after 45 days if no comments or requests for extension of the time limit have been received from otherMembers within that time.  Any Member which is able to provide a time limit beyond 60 days is
encouraged to do so.
7. Handling of comments on notifications
Background and Purpose
In order to improve the handling of comments on proposed technical regulations and
procedures for assessment of conformity submitted under Articles 2.9.4, 2.10.3, 3.1 (in relation to
2.9.4 and 2.10.3), 5.6.4, 5.7.3 and 7.1 (in relation to 5.6.4 and 5.7.3) of the Agreement, the Committeeagreed on the following procedures.
Recommendations:
(a) Each Member should notify the WTO secretariat of the authority or agency (e.g. its
enquiry point) which it has designated to be in charge for handling of comments
received;  and
(b) a Member receiving comments through the designated body should without further
request
(i) acknowledge the receipt of such comments,(ii) explain within a reasonable time to any Member from which it has received
comments, how it will proceed in order to take these comments into account
and, where appropriate, provide additional relevant information on the
proposed technical regulations or procedures for assessment of conformityconcerned, and
(iii) provide to any Member from which it has received comments, a copy of the
corresponding technical regulations or procedures for assessment of
conformity as adopted or information that no corresponding technicalregulations or procedures for assessment of conformity will be adopted for
the time being.
8. Decision Relating to Notifications
Labelling Requirements
Background and purposeG/TBT/SPEC/16
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With the purpose of clarifying the coverage of the Agreement with respect to labelling
requirements, the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade took the following decision.
Decision
In conformity with Article 2.9 of the Agreement, Members are obliged to notify all
mandatory labelling requirements that are not based substantially on a relevant international standard
and that may have a significant effect on the trade of other Members.  That obligation is not
dependent upon the kind of information which is provided on the label, whether it is in the nature of a
technical specification or not.G/TBT/SPEC/16
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II. PROCEDURES FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE
1. Regular Meetings
Background and purpose
In order to give Members the opportunity to discuss the activities and problems relating to
information exchange the Committee took the following action.
Decision
Regular meetings of persons responsible for information exchange including persons
responsible for enquiry points will be held on a biennial basis.  Representatives of interested observers
will be invited to participate in such meetings.  Th e meetings will deal only with technical issues,
leaving any policy matters for consideration by the Committee itself.
2. Booklets on Enquiry Points
Background and purpose
In order to improve publicity concerning the role of enquiry points in answering queries from
Members as provided in Articles 10.1 and 10.3 of the Agreement the Committee took the followingaction.
Recommendations:
(a) The issuing of brochures on enquiry points would be of value.(b) all booklets issued by Members should contain the elements and, as far as possible,
follow the layout below:
(i) Objective, name, address, telephone number, fax number, and email and
internet addresses, if available, of WTO TBT enquiry point(s).
Objective:
Refer to the provisions of Articles 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 of the
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade.
Date established, and name of responsible officer.
Who can use the enquiry point(s):
Refer to the provisions of Articles 2.9.3 and 2.10.2;  3.1 (in relation
to 2.9.3 and 2.10.2);  5.6.3 and 5.7.2;  7.1, 8.1 and 9.2 (in relation to
5.6.3 and 5.7.2);  10.1 and 10.3;  paragraphs M and P of Annex 3 of
the Agreement.
(ii) Information available from enquiry point(s).
Documentation:
Refer to the provisions of Articles 2.9.3 and 2.10.2;  3.1 (in relation
to 2.9.3 and 2.10.2);  5.6.3 and 5.7.2;  7.1, 8.1 and 9.2 (in relation toG/TBT/SPEC/16
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5.6.3 and 5.7.2); 10.4, 10.8.1 and 10.8.2;  paragraphs M and P of
Annex 3 of the Agreement
Documentation that can be obtained from the enquiry point(s).
Procedures for handling documentation on proposed or adopted
domestic regulations and standards and procedures for assessment of
conformity
Notifications:  content, format, comment period:
Refer to the provisions of Articles 2.9.2, 2.10.1, 3.2, 5.6.2, 5.7.1, 7.2,
8.1, 9.2 and paragraphs C and J of Annex 3 of the Agreement, and to
the decisions of the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade
regarding format and comment period.
Procedures for handling notifications issued by other Members of the
Agreement, for issuing notifications from domestic sources, and for
handling comments on notifications received or issued.
Publication:
Refer to the provisions of Articles 2.9.1 and 2.11;  3.1(in relation to
2.9.1 and 2.11);  5.6.1 and 5.8;  7.1, 8.1 and 9.2 (in relation to 5.6.1
and 5.8);  10.1.5;  and paragraphs J, L and O of Annex 3 of the
Agreement
Procedures for ensuring compliance with these provisions of the
Agreement, including any publications by the enquiry point(s).
(iii) Facilities offered (including charges, if any).
Data bank (content and form of documents, e.g. paper, microfilm, computer,
etc.).
Access to data (retrieval system:  manual, tape, on-line;  software used).Languages used.
Translation, if any.
Brief description of the Agreement:  objectives, date of entry into force, date joined, status in
domestic law.
List of Members of the Agreement.
List of enquiry points of other Members.
3. Enquiries which the Enquiry Points should be Prepared to Answer
Background and purpose
With a view to encouraging a uniform application of Articles 10.1 and 10.3 of the Agreement
the Committee took the following action.G/TBT/SPEC/16
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Recommendation:
(a) (i) An enquiry should be considered "reasonable" when it is limited to a specific
product, or group of products, but not when it goes beyond that and refers to
an entire business branch or field of regulations, or procedures for assessmentof conformity;  and
(ii) when an enquiry refers to a composite product, it is desirable that the parts or
components, for which information is sought, are defined to the extent
possible.  When a request is made concerning the use of a product it is
desirable that the use is related to a specific field.
(b) The Enquiry Point(s) of a Member should be prepared to answer enquiries regarding
the membership and participation of that Member, or of relevant bodies within its
territory, in international and regional standardizing bodies and conformity
assessment systems as well as in bilateral arrangements, with respect to a specific
product or group of products.  They should likewise be prepared to providereasonable information on the provisions of such systems and arrangement.
4. Handling of Requests
Background and purpose
The purpose is to improve the handling of requests from other Members received under
Article 10.1 and 10.3.
Recommendation
An enquiry point should, without further request, acknowledge the receipt of the enquiry.
5. List of Enquiry Points Prepared by Secretariat
The email addresses of enquiry points should be provided, where available, in order to be
included in document G/TBT/ENQ/--.
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