WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/TBT/N/COL/3
26 April 2001
(01-1974)
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade
NOTIFICATION
The following notification is being circulated in accordance with Article 10.6.
1. Member to Agreement notifying:   COLOMBIA
If applicable, name of local government involved (Articles 3.2 and 7.2):           
2. Agency responsible:   Ministry of Economic Development
Agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification shall be
indicated if different from above:           
3. Notified under Article 2.9.2 [  X ], 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):   Rubber products, plastic
products, ceramic products, glass products, metal products and flat steel products;  Steel
tubes, cement pipes, tubes for electrical purposes, tubes and pipes, fittings and plastic
valves, flanges, joints and other tube and pipe connections;  Insulators, wires, cables,
lighting and signalling devices.  Brake systems, fuelling systems, gas supply systems,
lubrication systems, control systems, cooling systems and drainage systems.  Liquid fuels,
alcohols, ethers, solvents, paints, varnishes and inks for printing.  Electrical equipment andswitches, equipment for handling petroleum products, natural gas products and gas
cylinders, fire protection equipment;  Boilers and heat exchange units;  Household heaters
and heating appliances, household cooling appliances, stoves, cookers, ovens and the like,
pressure receptacles, crockery, cutlery and table utensils, laundry appliances;  Glass
containers, loading and auxiliary equipment, lifting devices;  Transmission systems andsuspension systems;  motor cycles and bicycles and their components;  Concrete structures;
sawn wood and wood for construction, glass for buildings and ducts.
5. Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document:   Draft Resolution
Making Non-Mandatory Certain Mandatory Official Colombian Technical Standards
(25 pages)
6. Description of content:   Colombian Technical Standard (NTC) 11 metal tubing.  seamed
and seamless carbon steel, ferritic alloy steel and austenitic alloy steel tubes.  general
requirements, Paragraphs:  6.9 hydrostatic pressure;  NTC 44 (fourth revision) civil
engineering and architecture.  Asbestos cement pipes and joints for the conveyance of liquidunder pressure.  Paragraphs:  4.5 leak-tightness, 4.6 internal hydraulic pressure,
4.7 resistance to longitudinal bending and 4.8 resistance to transversal flattening;  NTC 244
(first revision), Motor vehicles.  liquid for hydraulic drum brakes.  Paragraphs:  all;
NTC 268 (second revision), Asbestos cement sanitary piping.  Paragraphs:  4.5 leak
tightness, 4.7 resistance to longitudinal bending, 4.8 resistance to transversal flattening and7. labelling;  NTC 307 (third revision), Electricity.  hard, semi-hard or soft copper
conductors, concentric cabling.  Paragraphs:  4. requirements for wires, 5. joints, 6. aperture,
7. construction, 11. weight and electrical resi stance and 12. area variation;  NTC 308 (thirdG/TBT/N/COL/3
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revision), Electrical engineering.  aluminium 1350 conductors.  concentric cabling.
Paragraphs:  5. requirements for wires, 6. joints, 7. aperture, 8. construction, 11. linear
density and electrical resistance, 12. area variation, 13. finish, 14. mechanical and electrical
testing on conductors not annealed after cabling, 15. mechanical and electrical testing on
conductors annealed after cabling;  NTC 309 (third revision), Electricity.  aluminiumconductors steel-reinforced (ASCR) (concentric la y with coated steel core).  Paragraphs:  6.
Wire specifications, 7. joints, 8. aperture, 9. construction, 10. conductors' tensile strength,
12. linear density and electrical resistance, 13. area variation, 14. manufacture, finish and
appearance and 15. mechanical and electrical testing;  NTC 360 (second revision),
Electricity.  aluminium 1350-h19 round wire for electrical purposes.   Paragraphs:  5.
materials and manufacture, 6. tensile properties, 7. bending properties, 8. resistivity and 12.
manufacture, finish and appearance;  NTC 361 (first revision), Electrical engineering.magnet wires.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 382 (seventh revision) Plastics.  polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) tubes classified according to pressure (R DE series).  Paragraphs:  6.1 dimensions and
tolerances, 6.2 sustained pressure, 6.3 burst pressure, 6.4 resistance to flattening, 6.5
extrusion quality, 6.6 impact strength, 6.7 non-toxicity and 10. labelling;  NTC 384 (first
revision), Civil engineering and architecture.  Asbestos cement.  sewage piping.Paragraphs:  4.3 leak-tightness, 4.4 resistance to flattening, 4.5 resistance to bending, 4.6
resistance to chemicals and 7. labelling:  NTC 401 (fourth revision), Civil engineering and
architecture.  reinforced concrete sewage pipes.  Paragraphs:  11.4.1 compressive strength
and 11.4.2 absorption;  NTC 461 (first revision), Electrical engineering.  steel wires for
steel-reinforced aluminium cables.  Paragraphs:  3.1 material, 3.3. resistivity, 3.4 finish,3.5 joints, 4.2 dimensions and tolerances, 4.4 specifications for rolling and 4.5 tensile
properties;  NTC 520 Metal piping.  electric-resistance-welded carbon steel tubes for boilers
and superheaters for high-tension operability.  Paragraphs:  4.1 General indication;
NTC 539 (second revision), Plastics.  polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl
chloride (CVC) pipes for the conveyance of drinking water.  non-toxicity requirements.Paragraphs:  non-toxicity requirements;  NTC 576 (second revision), Plastics.  solvent
cement for PVC tubes and accessories.  Paragraphs:  4.1 requirements, 4.2 solubility, 4.3
viscosity, 4.4 shear strength 4.5 resistance to hydrostatic pressure and 7.2 labelling;
NTC 647 (fifth revision), Packaging.  Tin plate.  Paragraphs:  3.1.3 purity of tin coating,
3.1.4 thickness of hot dip coating and 4.1 thickness of electrolytic coating;  NTC 693 (third
update), Electricity.  wet-process porcelain reel insulators.  Paragraphs:  4. material, 5.
dimensions and characteristics and 8.2.2 low frequency wet flame test;  NTC 835 Methylicalcohol for industrial use.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 888 (first revision), Electrical household
appliances.  water heaters for household use, safety devices for their installation.
Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 916 (second revision), China for use in institutions.  Paragraphs:  4.7
release of lead and cadmium;  NTC 977 (first revision), Motor vehicles.  assembled hoses
for hydraulic brake systems using non-petroleum brake fluid.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 979(fourth revision), Plastics.  rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and elbows for housing and
protecting insulated electric wires.  Paragraphs:  4.1 dimensions and tolerances, 4.2
resistance to flattening, 4.3 extrusion quality, 4.4 water absorption, 4.5 flammability, 4.6
impact strength, 4.7 tensile strength, 4.8 deflection under load and heat and 7. labelling;
NTC 980 (fourth revision), Metal recipients.  dry chemical powder fire extinguishers.Paragraphs:  4.4 leak-tightness, 4.5 discharge efficiency, 4.9 fire extinction capability and 7.
labelling;  NTC 1020 Fuel tanks for use in motor vehicles.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1022
(fourth revision), Civil engineering and architecture.  non-reinforced concrete sewage
piping.  Paragraphs:  10.3 requirements relating to flattening from external loads, 10.5
requirements relating to permeability and 15. labelling;  NTC 1023 Polyvinyl chlorideadhesive insulating tape for use in electrical installations in motor vehicles.  Paragraphs:
4.3 dielectric breakdown, 4.4 adhesivity, 4.5 resistance to penetration at high temperature,
4.6 fire resistance, 4.7 fragility and 4.8 oil resistance;  NTC 1059 Motor vehicles.  external
lights.  Paragraphs:  4.1 vibration, 4.2 humidity, 4.3 photometry, 4.4 corrosion, 4.5 bladesG/TBT/N/COL/3
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and 4.6 dust/sampling;  NTC 1062 (second revision), Plastics.  hot and cold water
distribution system using chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic piping.
Paragraphs:  4.1 description of basic materials, 6.1 dimensions and tolerances, 6.2 sustained
hydrostatic pressure, 6.3 thermocycles, not e 4:  non-toxicity, 12.2.5 working pressure,
12.2.9 maximum working temperature, 7.2.1 hydrostatic resistance to bursting, 7.1.3resistance to sustained hydrostatic pressure, 7.2.3 thermocycles and 12. labelling of the
product;  NTC  1087 (second revision), Plastics.  rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes for
sanitary use.  Paragraphs:  3.1 materials, 3.3 inner and outer surfaces, 4.1 dimensions and
tolerances, 4.2 burst pressure, 4.3 transversal flattening, 4.4 extrusion quality, 4.5 water
absorption, 4.6 impact strength, 4.7 chemical resistance and 7. labelling;  NTC 1090 (first
revision), Motor vehicles sleeves for hydraulic cylinders.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1091
(second revision), Valves for portable liquid petroleum gas containers of a water capacity ofnot more than 109 litres.  (gate valves for gas cylinders).  Paragraphs:  4.1 materials, 4.3
interchangeability characteristics, 4.4 safety valve calibration, 4.5 operation and 7.2
labelling;  NTC 1102 Paints.  like products.  thinners.  Paragraphs:  7.2 labelling and 4.1.1
impurity content;  NTC 1205 (second revision), China crockery for household use.
Paragraphs:  4.7 lead and cadmium release;  NTC 1246 Motor vehicles.  portable hydraulicjacks.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1260 (third revision), Plastics.  rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
ventilation and rainwater pipes.  Paragraphs:  3.1 materials, 3.4 inner and outer surfaces, 4.1
dimensions and tolerances, 4.2 resistance to flattening, 4.3 extrusion quality, 4.4 impact
strength and 7. labelling;  NTC 1289 (first revision) Motor vehicles. unshielded high tension
cables.  dimensions, general requirements and testing methods. Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1298Motor vehicles.  ignition coils for motor vehicles. Paragraphs:  4.2 insulation resistance, 4.3
surge resistance, 7.2.1 mark and 7.2.2 rated voltage;  NTC 1337 (third revision) Electrical
engineering. switches for fixed electrical household appliances and the like.  general
requirements (voltages less than or equal to 260V and currents less than or equal to 30(a).
Paragraphs:  3. general requirements, 4. specifications and 6. testing:  NTC 1339 (sixthrevision), Plastics. rigid polyvinyl chloride fittings for pipes for the conveyance of fluids
under pressure.  Paragraphs:  3.1 materials, 3.3 inner and outer surfaces. 4.1 dimensions and
tolerances. 4.2 burst pressure, 4.3 moulding quality, 4.4 threads, 4.5 mechanical joints and
7. labelling;  NTC 1341 (fifth revision), Rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics and fittings
for sanitary and ventilation piping.  Paragraphs:  3.1 materials, 3.3 inner and outer surfaces,
4.1 dimensions and tolerances, 4.2 chemical resistance, 4.3 moulding quality, 4.4 impact
strength, 4.5 threads, 4.6 mechanical joints and 7. labelling;  NTC 1349 Motor vehicles.leaf springs. Paragraphs:  4.1 materials, 4.2 hardness and 4.7 torque;  NTC 1360-1 (third
revision), Paints.  paints for road marking.  part 1. specifications for paints. Paragraphs:
4 requirements.  table 1, maximum solvent quantities according to Colombian Technical
Standard 1102;  NTC 1375 Pneumatic tyres for motor cycles and scooters for on-road use.
Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1413 (first revision), Glass packaging.  Glass containers forpharmaceutical and chemical products. Paragraphs:  3. general requirements (critical
defects) (glass spikes inside container, bird swing, glass particle adherences inside container
or on outer surface of opening, blister on internal surface, burr on sealing surface);
NTC 1451 (first revision), Civil engineering and architecture.  asbestos cement.  tubing for
electric conductors. Paragraphs:  4.5 leak-tightness and 4.6 resistance to transversalflattening;  NTC 1467 Safety code for safety glass materials used in on-road motor vehicles.
Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1489 (second revision), Electrical household appliances.  hand-held
irons with temperature control.  Paragraphs:  3.1 protection,  4.3 dielectric rigidity, 4.4
leakage current, 4.5 conductor cable restraint, 4.6 cable protector, 4.7 heating, 4.1.3
thermostat stability and 7. packaging and labelling;  NTC 1491, Motor vehicles.  portablemechanical jacks.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1509 (first revision), Motor vehicles.  rubber seals
for hydraulic disk brake cylinders.  Paragraphs:  2, parts specifications, 3. test brake fluid
and 5. testing requirements;  NTC 1578 Glass.  safety glass for buildings. Paragraphs:  4.2.1
impact strength, 4.3.1 impact strength and 7. labelling;  NTC 1602, Plastics. low-densityG/TBT/N/COL/3
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polyethylene pipes for conveying water.  class 40.  Paragraphs:  3.1 materials, 3.3 inner and
outer surfaces, 4.3 burst pressure, 4.4 environmental stress crack resistance and 7. labelling:
NTC 1630 (third revision), Plastics.  rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping for housing and
protecting underground electricity and telephone cables.  Paragraphs:  3.1 materials, 3.4
inner and outer surfaces, 4.1 dimensions and tolerances, 4.2 extrusion quality, 4.3 impactstrength, 4.4 pipe rigidity, 4.4 leak-tightness of joints, 4.6 flammability and 7. labelling;
NTC 1619, Paints.  anti-corrosive primers with chlorinated rubber vehicle.  Paragraphs:  4.1
benzol, methanol and chlorine compound content and 7.2.9 precautions or toxicity;  NTC
1651 (first revision), Paints.  anti-corrosive alkyd vehicle primers.  Paragraphs:  4.1 benzol,
methanol and chlorine compound content and 7.2.9 specifications and recommendations for
use and toxicity;  NTC 1652 (first revision), Motor vehicles.  master cylinders for hydraulic
brake systems. Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1672 (second revision), Health and safety.  gascylinders for industrial use.  marking for content identification. Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1680,
Paints.  phenolic vehicle anti-corrosive primers.  Paragraphs:  4.1 benzol, methanol and
chlorine compound content and 7.2.1.9 precautions or toxicity;  NTC 1712, Motor vehicles.
helicoidal springs for suspension.  Paragraphs:  4.1 material, 4.5 hardness, 4.11 load and
4.12 rate; NTC 1715 (first revision), Motor Vehicles.  friction material for brake systems.Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1721 (first revision), Motor vehicles.  brake fluid.  Paragraphs:  all;
NTC 1746 (third revision), Plastics.  thermoplastic pipes and fittings for the conveyance of
gas under pressure.  Paragraphs:  5.3 dimensions and tolerances of pipes, 5.4 chemical
resistance, 5.5 sustained pressure, 5.6 high temperature operability, 5.7 minimum
hydrostatic burst pressure, 5.8 apparent tensile strength at yield point, 5.9 joints, 5.10 plasticvalves, a.1.5.2 minimum hydrostatic burst pressure/apparent tensile strength (rapid rupture),
a.1.5.3 sustained pressure at 23°C, a.1.5.4 fluidity index, a.1.5.5 pipe constriction, a.1.5.6
thermal stability, a.1.5.7 weather resistance, a.1.5.8 dimensions and tolerances, a.1.5.9
short-term pressurization for 12 inch size, a.1.5.10 validation of the CBDH for polyethylene
pipes, a.1.6 labelling, a.2.4.1.1 resistance to flattening, a.2.4.1.2 impact strength, a.2.4.1.3confirmation of conformity in test impacts, a.2.4.1.4 extrusion quality, a.2.4.1.5 weather
resistance, a.2.4.1.7 labelling, a.2.4.1.8 minimum resistance to hydrostatic bursting/apparent
tensile strength, a.2.4.1.9 sustained pressure at 23°C, a.3.5.3 flow rate, a.3.5.4 pipe
constriction, a.3.5.5 elongation at bursting point, a.3.5.6 minimum resistance to hydrostatic
bursting/apparent tensile strength (rapid rupture), a.3.5.7 sustained pressure and a.3.5.8
weather resistance;  NTC 1747 (first revision), Plastics.  polyethylene (PE) pipes specified
by inside diameter (rdie-pm).  Paragraphs:  4. material, note 1:  non-toxicity, 6.6 sustained
pressure, 6.7 burst pressure, 6.8 environmental stress crack resistance, 6.9 sustained
pressure at high temperature and 9. labelling;  NTC 1748 (first revision), Plastics.  rigid
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes for sewage.  Paragraphs:  3.4 inner and outer surfaces, 4.2
transversal flattening, 4.3 impact strength, 4.4 rigidity, 4.5 impermeability at joints and 7.
labelling;  NTC 1798 (second revision), Household articles.  Pressure pans.  Paragraphs:  3.general requirements, 4.1 resistance to pressure, 4.2 operation of valves for pressure
regulation, 4.3 safety devices for pressure release, 4.4 lid safety, 4.5 explosion pressure, 4.8
lead content and 7. packaging and labelling;  NTC 1814 (first revision), Motor vehicles.
radiators for cooling.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1853 (third revision), Glass packaging.  Glass
containers for wines and spirits.  Paragraphs:  4.2 thermal shock, 4.3 annealing, 4.5 internalpressure;  NTC 1884 Motor vehicles.  wheel cylinders for hydraulic drum brake systems.
Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1889 (third revision), Petroleum and its by-products.  aviation turbo
fuel.  Paragraphs:  all on civil aviation control and supervisions NTC 1908 (first revision),
Manually-operated gas valves for appliances, connector valves for appliances and hose end
valves.  Paragraphs:  1.3 dimensions, 1.4 adjustment devices, 1.5 valve rods and knobs, 1.7appliance connector valves, 1.8 resistance, 1.9 materials, 1.10 assembly, 1.11 labelling, 2.2
leaks, 2.4 continuous operation, 2.5 low-temp erature operation, 2.6 operation testing for gas
burner valves with non-moveable rotors and 2.10 labelling materials;  NTC 1923 Motor
vehicles.  non-metal tubes for air brakes.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 1961, Household articles.G/TBT/N/COL/3
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aluminium pans.  Paragraphs:  3.4.1 paint, 4.1 material, 4.6 paint adherence, 4.7 anodizing
and 7. labelling;  NTC 1982 (first revision), Household articles.  packing for pressure pan
seals.  Paragraphs:  3. general requirements, 4. specifications and 7. packaging and
labelling;  NTC 2000 Colombian Code for Reinforced Concrete Structures.  Paragraphs:
all;  NTC 2001 Colombian Code for Metal Structures.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 2042 Motorvehicles.  tanks for air brake systems.  Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 2050 National Electricity
Code.  Paragraphs:  all on control and supervision – Superintendencia de Servicios
Publicos ;  NTC 2078 Machinery and mechanical applicances.  refrigerators, household
type.  Operating requirements.  Paragraphs:  3. general requirements, 4.2 storage
temperature in chilled food compartment, 4.6 door sealing and 4.12 temperature of freezing
compartment;  NTC 2083 Wood.  preserved wood.  classification and requirements.
Paragraphs:  all;  NTC 2088 Electrical household appliances.  electric instantaneousimmersion heaters for water.  Paragraphs:  3.2 fittings, 3.3 construction (earthing and
electrical safety), 3.4 heat setting selector, 4.1 electrical protection, 4.2.3 leakage current in
operation and 4.6 pressure;  NTC 2294 (fourth revision), Plastics.  mechanical joints with
elastomer seals for rigid PVC pipes and fittings, for conveyance of water under pressure.
Paragraphs:  3. general requirements, 4.1 leak-tightness, 4.2 dimensions and tolerance ofmechanical joint, 4.3 mechanical joint push- on type and 4.4 mechanical joint compression
type;  NTC 2534 (first revision), Plastics.  mechanical joints for plastic drainage and sewage
pipes with elastomer seals.  Paragraphs:  4.1 dimensions and tolerances, 4.2 leak-tightness
and 7. labelling;  NTC 3317 (first revision), Plastics.  rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes
for use in irrigation systems.  Paragraphs:  4.1 dimensions and tolerances, 4.2 sustainedpressure, 4.3 burst pressure, 4.4 transversal flattening, 4.5 extrusion quality, 4.6 impact
strength, 4.7 dimensional stability, 4.8 leak-tightness and 7. labelling;  NTC 3363 Plastics.
rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes corrugated with smooth interior to house and protect
electricity and telephone cables.  Paragraphs:  3.1 materials.  3.3 inter and outer surface.  4.1
dimensions and tolerances, 4.2 extrusion qual ity, 4.3 impact strength, 4.4 pipe rigidity, 4.5
leak-tightness of joints, 4.6 adhesivity, 4.7 transversal flattening, 4.8 flammability and 7.
labelling;  NTC 3410 (first revision), Plastics.  bell type polyethylene fittings for
polyethylene pipes with controlled outside diameter (IPS or CTS).  Paragraphs:  5.
materials, 6.1 dimensions and tolerances, 6.2 requirements for pressure testing system, 9.1
labelling;  NTC 3531 Gas household appliances.  combustible gas-fired instantaneous water
heaters for household use.  continuous flow heaters.  Paragraphs:  3. construction
characteristics, 4. functional characteristics (requirements only), 6. labelling and 7.1.1instructions (for use, installation, modification, wording for instructions);  NTC 3535
ceramic utensils in contact with food.  lead and cadmium release.  permissible limits and
testing method.  Paragraphs:  5. permissible limits;  NTC 3567 Machinery and mechanical
appliances.  metal ducts for evacuation by natural draught of gas combustion products (LPG
or natural gas).  Paragraphs:  3. general construction and assembly requirements;  NTC3601 Printing and publishing.  inks for lithograph printing.  Paragraphs:  table 2. maximum
heavy metal content;  NTC 3620 Glass packaging.  glass containers for carbonated
beverages.  Paragraphs:  3. general requirements (critical defects) (spikes inside container,
bird swing, glass adherences inside container or on outside of opening, blisters on internal
surface, burrs on sealing surface), 4.2 thermal shock, 4.5 internal pressure and 4.9 thickness,control and supervision – Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio .
7. Objective and rationale, including the na ture of urgent problems where applicable:   
      
8. Relevant documents:   Law 155 of 1959, Law 170 of 1994 and Decree 2522 of
4 December 2000.G/TBT/N/COL/3
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9. Proposed date of adoption:  Upon publication
Proposed date of entry into force:  4 August 2001
10. Final date for comments:   28 June 2001
11. Texts available in:  Spanish
National enquiry point:
Ministerio de Desarollo Económico
Dirección de Comercio y Promoción de la Competencia
Carrera 13 No. 28–01, Piso 7o
Bogota, D.C. Colombia
Tel:  (571) 3505500 Ext. 1700
Fax:  (571) 3509564
E-mail:  normalizacion01@mindesa.gov.co
Other body:
Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio
Carrera 13 No. 27–00, Piso 10o
Bogota, D.C. Colombia
Tel:  3820840
Fax:  3822692