WORLD TRADE G/TBT/1/Rev.4
6August 1996
ORGANIZATION(96-3150)
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 the
decisions andrecommendations adopted bytheCommittee concerning itsrules ofprocedure and
theinterpretation, implementation andadministration oftheAgreement.
Page
A. RULES OFPROCEDURE FOR THE MEETINGS
OFTHE WTO COMMITTEE 2
ANNEX 1:GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVER STATUS FOR
GOVERNMENTS INTHE WTO
B. STATEMENTS ONIMPLEMENTATION AND
ADMINISTRATION OFTHE AGREEMENT 8
C. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES 9
D. PROCEDURES FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE 17
E. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 20
F. REGIONAL STANDARDS-RELATED ACTIVITIES 20
G. NOTIFICATION FORMAT UNDER ARTICLE 10.7 21G/TBT/1/Rev.4
Page2
A. RULES OFPROCEDURE FOR THE MEETINGS OFTHE WTO COMMITTEE
ONTECHNICAL BARRIERS TOTRADE
Atitsfirstmeeting on21April 1995, theCommittee adopted thefollowing Rules of
Procedure. Inaccordance withArticle IV:6oftheWTO Agreement, these Rules arebeing
submitted totheCouncil forTrade inGoods forapproval.
CHAPTER I—MEETINGS
Rule1
TheCommittee onTechnical Barriers toTrade (hereinafter theCommittee) shallmeetas
necessary, butnotlessthanonceayear.
Rule2
Meetings oftheCommittee shallbeconvened bytheDirector-General byanotice issued,
preferably three weeks, andinanyevent notlessthantencalendar days, prior tothedatesetfor
themeeting. Intheevent thatthetenth dayfallsonaweekend oraholiday, thenotice shallbe
issued nolaterthanthepreceding WTO working day. Meetings maybeconvened withshorter
notice formatters ofsignificant importance orurgency attherequest ofaMember concurred in
bythemajority oftheMembers.
CHAPTER II—AGENDA
Rule3
Alistoftheitems proposed fortheagenda ofthemeeting shallbecommunicated to
Members together withtheconvening notice forthemeeting. ItshallbeopentoanyMember to
suggest items forinclusion intheproposed agenda upto,andnotincluding, thedayonwhich the
notice ofthemeeting istobeissued.
Rule4
Requests foritems tobeplaced ontheagenda ofaforthcoming meeting shallbe
communicated totheSecretariat inwriting, together withtheaccompanying documentation tobe
issued inconnection withthatitem. Documentation forconsideration atameeting shallbe
circulated notlaterthanthedayonwhich thenotice ofthemeeting istobeissued.
Rule5
(willnotapply)
Rule6
Thefirstitemofbusiness ateachmeeting shallbetheconsideration andapproval ofthe
agenda. Representatives maysuggest amendments totheproposed agenda, oradditions tothe
agenda under "Other Business". Representatives shallprovide theChairperson ortheSecretariat,
andtheother Members directly concerned, whenever possible, advance notice ofitems intended to
beraised under "Other Business".G/TBT/1/Rev.4
Page3
Rule7
TheCommittee mayamend theagenda orgivepriority tocertain items atanytimeinthe
course ofthemeeting.
CHAPTER III—REPRESENTATION
Rule8
Each Member shallberepresented byanaccredited representative.
Rule9
Each representative maybeaccompanied bysuchalternates andadvisers asthe
representative mayrequire.
CHAPTER IV—OBSERVERS
Rule10
Representatives ofStates orseparate customs territories mayattend themeetings as
observers ontheinvitation oftheCommittee inaccordance withtheguidelines inAnnex 1tothese
Rules.
Rule11
Representatives ofinternational intergovernmental organizations mayattend themeetings
asobservers ontheinvitation oftheCommittee inaccordance withtheguidelines inAnnex []to
these Rules.
CHAPTER V—OFFICERS
Rule12
TheCommittee shallelectaChairperson1andmayelectaVice-Chairperson from among
therepresentatives ofMembers. Theelection shalltakeplace atthefirstmeeting oftheyearand
shalltakeeffect attheendofthemeeting. TheChairperson andVice-Chairperson shallhold
office untiltheendofthefirstmeeting ofthefollowing year.
Rule13
IftheChairperson isabsent from anymeeting orpartthereof, theVice-Chairperson shall
perform thefunctions oftheChairperson. IfnoVice-Chairperson waselected orifthe
1TheCommittee shallapply therelevant guidelines contained inthe"Guidelines forAppointment ofOfficers
toWTO Bodies" (WT/L/31 dated 7February 1995).G/TBT/1/Rev.4
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Vice-Chairperson isnotpresent, theCommittee shallelectaninterim Chairperson forthatmeeting
orthatpartofthemeeting.
Rule14
IftheChairperson cannolonger perform thefunctions oftheoffice, theCommittee shall
designate theVice-Chairperson referred toinRule12or,ifnoVice-Chairperson waselected it
shallelectaninterim Chairperson toperform those functions pending theelection ofanew
Chairperson.
Rule15
TheChairperson shallnormally participate intheproceedings assuchandnotasthe
representative ofaMember. TheChairperson may, however, atanytimerequest permission to
actineither capacity.
CHAPTER VI—CONDUCT OFBUSINESS
Rule16
TheChairperson mayconsider postponing ameeting intheevent thatheorshefeelsthat
doing somayresult inamore representative levelofparticipation byWTO Members.
Rule17
Inaddition toexercising thepowers conferred elsewhere bythese rules, theChairperson
shalldeclare theopening andclosing ofeachmeeting, shalldirect thediscussion, accord theright
tospeak, submit questions fordecision, announce decisions, ruleonpoints oforder and,subject
tothese rules, havecomplete control oftheproceedings. TheChairperson mayalsocallaspeaker
toorder iftheremarks ofthespeaker arenotrelevant.
Rule18
During thediscussion ofanymatter, arepresentative mayraiseapoint oforder. Inthis
casetheChairperson shallimmediately statetheruling. Iftheruling ischallenged, the
Chairperson shallimmediately submit itfordecision anditshallstand unless overruled.
Rule19
During thediscussion ofanymatter, arepresentative maymove theadjournment ofthe
debate. Anysuchmotion shallhavepriority. Inaddition totheproponent ofthemotion, one
representative maybeallowed tospeak infavour of,andtworepresentatives against, themotion,
afterwhich themotion shallbesubmitted fordecision immediately.
Rule20
Arepresentative mayatanytimemove theclosure ofthedebate. Inaddition tothe
proponent ofthemotion, notmore thanonerepresentative maybegranted permission tospeak in
favour ofthemotion andnotmore thantworepresentatives maybegranted permission tospeak
against themotion, afterwhich themotion shallbesubmitted fordecision immediately.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
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Rule21
During thecourse ofthedebate, theChairperson mayannounce thelistofspeakers and,
withtheconsent ofthemeeting, declare thelistclosed. TheChairperson may, however, accord
therightofreply toanyrepresentative ifaspeech delivered afterthelisthasbeendeclared closed
makes thisdesirable.
Rule22
TheChairperson, withtheconsent ofthemeeting, maylimitthetimeallowed toeach
speaker.
Rule23
Representatives shallendeavour, totheextent thatasituation permits, tokeeptheiroral
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
thatwishtoexpress theirsupport foragiven proposal toshow theirhands, inorder tobeduly
recorded intherecords oftheCommittee assupporting statements; thus, onlyrepresentatives
withdissenting views orwishing tomake explicit points orproposals would actually beinvited to
make astatement. Thisprocedure shallonlybeapplied inorder toavoid undue repetition of
points already made, andwillnotpreclude anyrepresentative whosowishes from taking the
floor.
Rule25
Representatives should avoid unduly longdebates under "Other Business". Discussions on
substantive issues under "Other Business" shallbeavoided, andtheCommittee shalllimititself to
taking noteoftheannouncement bythesponsoring delegation, aswellasanyreactions tosuchan
announcement byother delegations directly concerned.
Rule26
While theCommittee isnotexpected totakeaction inrespect ofanitemintroduced as
"Other Business", nothing shallprevent theCommittee, ifitsodecides, totakeaction inrespect
ofanysuchitemataparticular meeting, orinrespect ofanyitemforwhich documentation was
notcirculated atleasttencalendar daysinadvance.
Rule27
Representatives should make every effort toavoid therepetition ofafulldebate ateach
meeting onanyissue thathasalready beenfullydebated inthepastandonwhich there appears to
havebeennochange inMembers 'positions already onrecord.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
Page6
Rule28
Proposals andamendments toproposals shallnormally beintroduced inwriting and
circulated toallrepresentatives notlaterthantwelve hours before thecommencement ofthe
meeting atwhich theyaretobediscussed.
Rule29
Iftwoormore proposals aremoved relating tothesame question, themeeting shallfirst
decide onthemost far-reaching proposal andthenonthenextmost far-reaching proposal andso
on.
Rule30
When anamendment ismoved toaproposal, theamendment shallbesubmitted for
decision firstand,ifitisadopted, theamended proposal shallthenbesubmitted fordecision.
Rule31
When twoormore amendments aremoved toaproposal, themeeting shalldecide firston
theamendment farthest removed insubstance from theoriginal proposal, then, ifnecessary, on
theamendment nextfarthest removed, andsoonuntilalltheamendments havebeensubmitted for
decision.
Rule32
Parts ofaproposal maybedecided onseparately ifarepresentative requests thatthe
proposal bedivided.
CHAPTER VII—DECISION -MAKING
Rule33
Where adecision cannot bearrived atbyconsensus, thematter atissue shallbereferred
totheCouncil forTrade inGoods.
Rule34
(willnotapply)
CHAPTER VIII—LANGUAGES
Rule35
English, French andSpanish shallbetheworking languages.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
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CHAPTER IX—RECORDS
Rule36
Records ofthediscussions oftheCommittee shallbeintheform ofminutes.2
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.
ANNEX 1
GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVER STATUS FOR GOVERNMENTS INTHE WTO
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 may
alsorequest technical assistance from theSecretariat inrelation totheoperation oftheWTO
system ingeneral, aswellastonegotiations onaccession totheWTO Agreement.
3. Representatives ofgovernments accorded observer status maybeinvited tospeak at
meetings ofthebodies towhich theyareobservers normally afterMembers ofthatbody have
spoken. Therighttospeak doesnotinclude therighttomake proposals, unless agovernment is
specifically invited todoso,nortoparticipate indecision-making.
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.4
Page8
B. STATEMENTS ONIMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OFTHE
AGREEMENT
Background andpurpose:
Article 15.2oftheAgreement provides thateachMember shallinform theCommittee of
measures inexistence ortaken toensure theimplementation andadministration oftheAgreement.
Inresponse tothisprovision oftheAgreement Members shallsubmit therelevant information in
theform ofwritten statements. TheCommittee agreed onthefollowing decision concerning the
contents ofthese statements.
Decisions:
1. Thestatement should cover thelegislative, regulatory andadministrative action taken asa
result ofthenegotiation oftheAgreement orcurrently inexistence toensure thattheprovisions of
theAgreement areapplied. IftheAgreement itself hasbeenincorporated intodomestic law,the
statement should indicate howthishasbeendone. Inother cases, thestatement should describe
thecontent oftherelevant laws, regulations, administrative orders, etc.Allnecessary references
should alsobeprovided.
2. Inaddition, thestatement should specify:
(a) thenames ofthepublications usedtoannounce thatwork isproceeding ondraft
technical regulations orstandards andprocedures forassessment ofconformity and
those inwhich thetextsoftechnical regulations andstandards orprocedures for
assessment ofconformity arepublished under Articles 2.9.1, 2.11; 3.1(in
relation to2.9.1 and2.11); 5.6.1, 5.8; 7.1,8.1and9.2(inrelation to5.6.1 and
5.8); andparagraphs J,LandOofAnnex 3oftheAgreement;
(b) theexpected length oftimeallowed forpresentation ofcomments inwriting on
technical 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 3of
theAgreement;
(c) thename andaddress oftheenquiry point(s) foreseen inArticles 10.1and10.3of
theAgreement withanindication astowhether itis/they arefullyoperational; if
forlegaloradministrative reasons more thanoneenquiry point isestablished,
complete andunambiguous information onthescope ofresponsibilities ofeachof
them;
(d) thename andaddress ofanyother agencies thathavespecific functions under the
Agreement, including those foreseen inArticles 10.10 and10.11 ofthe
Agreement; and
(e) measures andarrangements toensure thatnational andsub-national authorities
preparing newtechnical regulations orprocedures forassessment ofconformity,
orsubstantial amendments toexisting ones, provide early information ontheir
proposals inorder toenable theMember inquestion tofulfil itsobligations on
notifications under Articles 2.9,2.10, 3.2,5.6, 5.7and7.2oftheAgreement.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
Page9
C. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES
1. Format andGuidelines:
Background andpurpose:
Theprocedures fornotification under theAgreement havebeenkeptunder constant
review bytheCommittee. Inorder toensure auniform andefficient operation ofthese
procedures theCommittee agreed onthefollowing format andguidelines.3
Recommendation:
Information contained inthenotification form should beascomplete aspossible andno
section 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 foror
promulgating atechnical regulation orprocedures
forassessment ofconformity. Theauthority or
agency designated tohandle comments regarding
thespecific notification canbeindicated if
different 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,
3Where boxes appear under items 3and11oftheformat, notifiers arerequested tocheck therelevant box
ortoindicate relevant information under "other".G/TBT/1/Rev.4
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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 Forinstance: 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.4
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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, telex andtelefax
number. Such indications should notinanyway
discharge therelevant enquiry point ofits
responsibilities under theprovisions ofArticle 10
oftheAgreement.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
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WORLD TRADE G/TBT/Notif.96.
1996
ORGANIZATION
(96-0000)
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 canbe
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:
8. Relevant documents:
9. Proposed dateofadoption:
Proposed dateofentry intoforce:
10. Final dateforcomments:
11. Texts available from: National enquiry point []oraddress andtelefax number ofother
body:G/TBT/1/Rev.4
Page13
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 adraftwiththe
complete textofaproposed technical regulation orprocedures forassessment ofconformity is
available andwhen amendments canstillbeintroduced andtaken intoaccount.
3. Application ofarticles 2.9And5.6(Preambular part):
Background andpurpose:
With aviewtoensuring 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 of
other Members" mayrefertotheeffect ontrade:
- ofonetechnical regulation orprocedure forassessment ofconformity only, orof
various technical regulations orprocedures forassessment ofconformity in
combination;
- inaspecific product, group ofproducts orproducts ingeneral; and
- between twoormore Members.
When assessing thesignificance oftheeffect ontrade oftechnical regulations, the
Member 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 for
producers inother Members tocomply withtheproposed technical regulations. Theconcept ofa
significant effect ontrade ofother Members should include bothimport-enhancing and
import-reducing effects onthetrade ofother Members, aslongassucheffects aresignificant.
4. Translation ofdocuments relating tonotifications andaddress ofbody
supplying thedocuments:
Background andpurpose:
Inorder toavoid difficulties thatcanarisefrom thefactthatthedocumentation relevant to
technical regulations, standards andprocedures forassessment ofconformity isnotavailable inG/TBT/1/Rev.4
Page14
oneoftheWTO working languages andthatabody other thantheenquiry point maybe
responsible forsuchdocumentation, theCommittee agreed onthefollowing procedures:
Recommendation:
When aMember seeks acopyofadocument relating toanotification which doesnotexist
inthatMember 'sWTO working language, itwillbeadvised, onrequest, bythenotifying
Member ofother Members thathaverequested, asofthatdate, acopyofthedocument. The
Member seeking acopyofadocument relating toanotification maythencontact suchother
Members inorder todetermine whether thelatter areprepared toshare, onmutually agreed
terms, anytranslation thattheyhaveorwillbemaking intorelevant WTO working language(s).
Decisions:
(a) When atranslation ofarelevant document exists orisplanned, thisfactshallbe
indicated ontheWTO TBTnotification form nexttothetitleofthedocument. If
onlyatranslated summary exists, thefactthatsuchasummary isavailable shall
besimilarly indicated;
(b) Upon receipt ofarequest fordocuments, anytranslated summaries thatexistin
thelanguage oftherequester or,asthecasemaybe,inaWTO working language,
shallbeautomatically sentwiththeoriginal ofthedocuments requested;
(c) Members shallindicate under point 11oftheWTO TBTnotification form the
exact address, telephone andfaxnumbers ofthebody responsible forsupplying
therelevant documents ifthatbody isnottheenquiry point.
5. Processing ofrequests fordocumentation:
Background:
TheCommittee addressed theproblems ofsupplying andobtaining requested
documentation onnotified technical regulations andprocedures forassessment ofconformity as
follows:
Recommendations:
(a) requests fordocumentation should contain alltheelements permitting the
identification ofthedocuments andinparticular, theWTO TBTnotification
number (G/TBT/Notif. ...)towhich therequests refer. Thesame information
should appear onthedocuments supplied inresponse tosuchrequests;
(b) anyrequest fordocumentation should beprocessed ifpossible within fiveworking
days. Ifadelay insupplying thedocumentation requested isforeseen, thisshould
beacknowledged totherequester.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
Page15
6. Length oftimeallowed forcomments
Background:
TheCommittee setthefollowing timelimits forpresentation ofcomments onnotified
technical regulations andprocedures forassessment ofconformity.
Recommendation:
Thenormal timelimitforcomments onnotifications should besixty days. AMember
may, ifnecessary, however, indicate initsnotification thatitwillproceed toimplement the
proposed measure afterforty-five daysifnocomments orrequests forextension ofthetimelimit
havebeenreceived from other Members within thattime. AnyMember which isabletoprovide
atimelimitbeyond sixty daysisencouraged todoso.
7. Handling ofcomments onnotifications:
Background andPurpose
Inorder toimprove thehandling ofcomments onproposed technical regulations and
procedures forassessment ofconformity submitted under Articles 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 and5.7.3) oftheAgreement, the
Committee agreed onthefollowing procedures.
Recommendations:
(a) eachMember should notify theWTO secretariat oftheauthority oragency
(e.g.itsenquiry point) which ithasdesignated tobeincharge forhandling of
comments received; and
(b) aMember receiving comments through thedesignated body should without further
request
(1) acknowledge thereceipt ofsuchcomments,
(2) explain within areasonable timetoanyMember from which ithas
received comments, howitwillproceed inorder totakethese comments
intoaccount and,where appropriate, provide additional relevant
information ontheproposed technical regulations orprocedures for
assessment ofconformity concerned, and
(3) provide toanyMember from which ithasreceived comments, acopyof
thecorresponding technical regulations orprocedures forassessment of
conformity asadopted orinformation thatnocorresponding technical
regulations orprocedures forassessment ofconformity willbeadopted for
thetimebeing.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
Page16
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 all
mandatory labelling requirements thatarenotbased substantially onarelevant international
standard andthatmayhaveasignificant effect onthetrade ofother Members. Thatobligation is
notdependent upon thekindofinformation which isprovided onthelabel, whether itisinthe
nature ofatechnical specification ornot.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
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D. PROCEDURES FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE
1. Regular Meetings:
Background andpurpose:
Inorder togiveMembers theopportunity todiscuss theactivities andproblems relating to
information exchange theCommittee tookthefollowing action.
Decision:
Regular meetings ofpersons responsible forinformation exchange including persons
responsible forenquiry points willbeheldonabiennial basis. Representatives ofinterested
observers willbeinvited toparticipate insuchmeetings. Themeetings willdealonlywith
technical issues, leaving anypolicy 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 tookthe
following action.
Recommendations:
(a) Theissuing ofbrochures onenquiry points would beofvalue.
(b) Allbooklets issued byMembers should contain theelements and,asfaras
possible, follow thelayout below:
(i) Objective, name andaddress ofWTO TBTenquiry point(s).
Objective:
Refer totheprovisions ofArticles 10.1, 10.2and10.3ofthe
Agreement onTechnical Barriers toTrade.
Dateestablished, andname ofresponsible officer.
Whocanusetheenquiry point(s):
Refer totheprovisions ofArticles 2.9.3 and2.10.2; 3.1(inrelation to
2.9.3 and2.10.2); 5.6.3 and5.7.2; 7.1,8.1and9.2(inrelation to
5.6.3 and5.7.2); 10.1and10.3; paragraphs MandPofAnnex 3of
theAgreement.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
Page18
(ii) Information available fromenquiry point(s).
Documentation:
Refer totheprovisions ofArticles 2.9.3 and2.10.2; 3.1(inrelation to
2.9.3 and2.10.2); 5.6.3 and5.7.2; 7.1,8.1and9.2(inrelation to
5.6.3 and5.7.2); 10.4, 10.8.1 and10.8.2; paragraphs MandPof
Annex 3oftheAgreement
Documentation thatcanbeobtained from theenquiry point(s).
Procedures forhandling documentation onproposed oradopted domestic
regulations andstandards andprocedures forassessment ofconformity
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, andto
thedecisions 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 withthese provisions ofthe
Agreement, including anypublications bytheenquiry point(s).
(iii) Facilities offered (including charges, ifany).
Databank(content andform ofdocuments, e.g.paper, microfilm, computer,
etc.).
Access todata(retrieval system: manual, tape, on-line; software used).
Languages used.
Translation, ifany.
Annex
Brief description oftheAgreement: objectives, dateofentry intoforce, datejoined, status in
domestic law.
ListofMembers oftheAgreement.
Listofenquiry points ofother Members.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
Page19
3. Enquiries which theEnquiry Points should bePrepared toAnswer:
Background andpurpose:
With aviewtoencouraging auniform application ofArticles 10.1and10.3ofthe
Agreement theCommittee tookthefollowing action.
Recommendation:
(a) (i) Anenquiry should beconsidered "reasonable" when itislimited toaspecific
product, orgroup ofproducts, butnotwhen itgoesbeyond thatandrefers to
anentire business branch orfieldofregulations, orprocedures forassessment
ofconformity.
(ii) When anenquiry refers toacomposite product, itisdesirable thattheparts or
components, forwhich information issought, aredefined totheextent
possible. When arequest ismade concerning theuseofaproduct itis
desirable 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 ontheprovisions 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.4
Page20
E. 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 by
potential donor Members ontheirtechnical assistance programmes maybecommunicated to
Members through theSecretariat. Members willtakeintoaccount theprovisions ofArticle 11.8
oftheTBTAgreement when considering requests fortechnical assistance from theleast-developed
country Members. Inagreement withrequesting Members orpotential donor Members, asthe
casemaybe,theinformation concerning specific needs andtechnical assistance programmes
would becirculated bytheSecretariat toallMembers onaninformal basis. Whilst information
would bemultilateralized inthismanner, technical assistance would continue tobeprovided ona
bilateral basis. TheSecretariat would reflect theinformation circulated under thisprocedure in
thedocumentation prepared forannual reviews oftheimplementation andoperation ofthe
Agreement iftheMembers concerned soagree.
Technical assistance would remain asanItemoftheagenda oftheCommittee ona
permanent basis andwould beincluded ontheagenda ofaregular meeting oftheCommittee
when sorequested byaMember inaccordance withtheagreed procedures.
F. REGIONAL STANDARDS-RELATED ACTIVITIES
Address byrepresentatives:
Background andpurpose:
TheAgreement contains anumber ofprovisions onregional standardizing bodies and
systems forconformity assessment. Inorder tokeepabreast oftheactivities ofsuchbodies and
systems, theCommittee decided asfollows.
Decision:
Representatives ofregional standardizing bodies andsystems forconformity assessment
maybeinvited toaddress theCommittee ontheirprocedures andhowtheyrelate tothose
embodied intheAgreement, onthebasis ofagreed listsofquestions.G/TBT/1/Rev.4
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G. 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
withanyother country orcountries onissues related totechnical regulations, standards or
conformity assessment procedures which mayhaveasignificant effect ontrade, atleastone
Member party totheagreement shallnotify other Members through theSecretariat oftheproducts
tobecovered bytheagreement 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: