WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/TBT/1/Rev.8
23 May 2002
(02-2849)
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade
DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED
BY THE COMMITTEE SINCE 1 JANUARY 1995
Note by the Secretariat
Revision
The present document supersedes all previous G/TBT/1 documents.  It reproduces the
decisions and recommendations adopted by the Committee concerning its rules of procedure and the
interpretation, implementation and administration of the Agreement.
Contents
Page
I. RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE MEETINGS OF THE WTO
COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO  TRADE ...............................................2
II. STATEMENTS ON IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE
AGREEM ENT ...................................................................................................................... ..10
III. NOTIFICATION PROCE DURES FOR DRAFT TECHNICAL
REGULATIONS AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PR OCEDURES ......................11
IV. PROCEDURES FOR INFO RMATION E XCHANGE .......................................................19
V. TECHNICAL ASSIST ANCE ................................................................................................22
VI. REGIONAL STANDARDS-REL ATED ACTI VITIES ......................................................23
VII. NOTIFICATION FORM AT UNDER ART ICLE 10.7 .......................................................24
VIII. NOTIFICATION PROC EDURE UNDER THE CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE
FOR THE PREPARATION, ADOPTION AND APPLICATION OF
STANDARDS ...................................................................................................................... ....25
IX. DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE ON PRINCIPLES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS,  GUIDES ANDRECOMMENDATIONS WITH RELATION TO ARTICLES 2, 5 AND
ANNEX  3 OF THE AGREEMEN T .....................................................................................26
X. UNDERSTANDING OF "REASONABLE INTERVAL" UNDER
ARTICLE 2.12 ................................................................................................................... .....30G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 2
I. RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE MEETINGS OF THE WTO COMMITTEE ON
TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE
At its first meeting on 21 April 1995, the Committee adopted the following Rules of
Procedure.  In accordance with Article IV:  6 of the WTO Agreement, these Rules are being submitted
to the Council for Trade in Goods for approval.
CHAPTER I - Meetings
Rule 1
The Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (hereinafter the Committee) shall meet as
necessary, but not less than once a year.
Rule 2
Meetings of the Committee shall be convened by the Director-General by a notice issued,
preferably three weeks, and in any event not less th an ten calendar days, prior to the date set for the
meeting.  In the event that the tenth day falls on a weekend or a holiday, the notice shall be issued no
later than the preceding WTO working day.  Mee tings may be convened with shorter notice for
matters of significant importance or urgency at the request of a Member concurred in by the majorityof the Members.
CHAPTER II - Agenda
Rule 3
A list of the items proposed for the agenda of the meeting shall be communicated to Members
together with the convening notice for the meeting.  It shall be open to any Member to suggest items
for inclusion in the proposed agenda up to, and not including, the day on which the notice of the
meeting is to be issued.
Rule 4
Requests for items to be placed on the agenda of a forthcoming meeting shall be
communicated to the Secretariat in writing, to gether with the accompanying documentation to be
issued in connection with that item.  Documentation for consideration at a meeting shall be circulated
not later than the day on which the notice of the meeting is to be issued.
Rule 5
(Will not apply)
Rule 6
The first item of business at each meeting shall be the consideration and approval of the
agenda.  Representatives may suggest amendments to the proposed agenda, or additions to the agenda
under "Other Business".  Representatives shall provide the Chairperson or the Secretariat, and theother Members directly concerned, whenever possible, advance notice of items intended to be raised
under "Other Business".G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 3
Rule 7
The Committee may amend the agenda or give priority to certain items at any time in the
course of the meeting.
CHAPTER III - Representation
Rule 8
Each Member shall be represented by an accredited representative.
Rule 9
Each representative may be accompanied by such alternates and advisers as the representative
may require.
CHAPTER IV - Observers
Rule 10
Representatives of States or separate customs territories may attend the meetings as observers
on the invitation of the Committee in accordance with the guidelines in Annex 1 to these Rules.
Rule 11
Representatives of international intergovernmental organizations may attend the meetings as
observers on the invitation of the Committee in accordance with the guidelines in Annex 2 to these
Rules.
CHAPTER V - Officers
Rule 12
The Committee shall elect a Chairperson1  and may elect a Vice-Chairperson from among the
representatives of Members.  The election shall take place at the first meeting of the year and shall
take effect at the end of the meeting.  The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall hold office until
the end of the first meeting of the following year.
Rule 13
If the Chairperson is absent from any meeting or part thereof, the Vice-Chairperson shall
perform the functions of the Chairperson.  If no Vice-Chairperson was elected or if theVice-Chairperson is not present, the Committee shall elect an interim Chairperson for that meeting or
that part of the meeting.
                                                     
1The Committee shall apply the relevant guidelines contained in the "Guidelines for Appointment of
Officers to WTO Bodies" (WT/L/31 dated 7 February 1995).G/TBT/1/Rev.8
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Rule 14
If the Chairperson can no longer perform the functions of the office, the Committee shall
designate the Vice-Chairperson referred to in Rule  12 or, if no Vice-Chairperson was elected it shall
elect an interim Chairperson to perform those f unctions pending the election of a new Chairperson.
Rule 15
The Chairperson shall normally participate in the proceedings as such and not as the
representative of a Member.  The Chairperson may, however, at any time request permission to act ineither capacity.
CHAPTER VI - Conduct of Business
Rule 16
The Chairperson may consider postponing a meeting in the event that he or she feels that
doing so may result in a more representative level of participation by WTO Members.
Rule 17
In addition to exercising the powers conferred elsewhere by these rules, the Chairperson shall
declare the opening and closing of each meeting, shal l direct the discussion, accord the right to speak,
submit questions for decision, announce decisions, rule on points of order and, subject to these rules,
have complete control of the proceedings.  The Chairperson may also call a speaker to order if theremarks of the speaker are not relevant.
Rule 18
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may raise a point of order.  In this case
the Chairperson shall immediately state the ruling.  If the ruling is challenged, the Chairperson shall
immediately submit it for decision and it shall stand unless overruled.
Rule 19
During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move the adjournment of the
debate.  Any such motion shall have priority.  In addition to the proponent of the motion, onerepresentative may be allowed to speak in favour of, and two representatives against, the motion, after
which the motion shall be submitted for decision immediately.
Rule 20
A representative may at any time move the closure of the debate.  In addition to the proponent
of the motion, not more than one representative may be granted permission to speak in favour of the
motion and not more than two representatives may be granted permission to speak against the motion,
after which the motion shall be submitted for decision immediately.
Rule 21
During the course of the debate, the Chairperson may announce the list of speakers and, with
the consent of the meeting, declare the list closed.  The Chairperson may, however, accord the right ofG/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 5
reply to any representative if a speech delivered after the list has been declared closed makes this
desirable.
Rule 22
The Chairperson, with the consent of the mee ting, may limit the time allowed to each speaker.
Rule 23
Representatives shall endeavour, to the extent that a situation permits, to keep their oral
statements brief.  Representatives wishing to develop their position on a particular matter in fuller
detail may circulate a written statement for distribution to Members, the summary of which, at therepresentative's request, may be reflected in the records of the Committee.
Rule 24
In order to expedite the conduct of business, the Chairperson may invite representatives that
wish to express their support for a given proposal to s how their hands, in order to be duly recorded in
the records of the Committee as supporting statements;  thus, only representatives with dissenting
views or wishing to make explicit points or proposal s would actually be invited to make a statement.
This procedure shall only be applied in order to avoid undue repetition of points already made, and
will not preclude any representative who so wishes from taking the floor.
Rule 25
Representatives should avoid unduly long debates under "Other Business".  Discussions on
substantive issues under "Other Business" shall be avoided, and the Committee shall limit itself totaking note of the announcement by the sponsoring delegation, as well as any reactions to such an
announcement by other delegations directly concerned.
Rule 26
While the Committee is not expected to take acti on in respect of an item introduced as "Other
Business", nothing shall prevent the Committee, if it so decides, to take action in respect of any such
item at a particular meeting, or in respect of any item for which documentation was not circulated at
least ten calendar days in advance.
Rule 27
Representatives should make every effort to avoid the repetition of a full debate at each
meeting on any issue that has already been fully debated in the past and on which there appears to
have been no change in Members' positions already on record.
Rule 28
Proposals and amendments to proposals shall normally be introduced in writing and
circulated to all representatives not later than twelve hours before the commencement of the meeting
at which they are to be discussed.
Rule 29
If two or more proposals are moved relating to  the same question, the meeting shall first
decide on the most far-reaching proposal and then on  the next most far-reaching proposal and so on.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 6
Rule 30
When an amendment is moved to a proposal, the amendment shall be submitted for decision
first and, if it is adopted, the amended proposal shall then be submitted for decision.
Rule 31
When two or more amendments are moved to a proposal, the meeting shall decide first on the
amendment farthest removed in substance from the original proposal, then, if necessary, on theamendment next farthest removed, and so on until all the amendments have been submitted for
decision.
Rule 32
Parts of a proposal may be decided on separately if a representative requests that the proposal
be divided.
CHAPTER VII - Decision-Making
Rule 33
Where a decision cannot be arrived at by consensus, the matter at issue shall be referred to the
Council for Trade in Goods.
Rule 34
(Will not apply)
CHAPTER VIII - Languages
Rule 35
English, French and Spanish shall be the working languages.
CHAPTER IX - Records
Rule 36
Records of the discussions of the Committee shall be in the form of minutes.2
CHAPTER X - Publicity of Meetings
Rule 37
The meetings of the Committee shall ordinarily be held in private.  It may be decided that a
particular meeting or meetings should be held in public.
                                                     
2The customary practice under the GATT 1947, whereby representatives may, upon their request,
verify those portions of the draft records containing their statements, prior to the issuance of such records, shall
be continued.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
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Rule 38
After a private meeting has been held, the Chairperson may issue a communiqué to the Press.
CHAPTER XI - Revision
Rule 39
The Committee may decide at any time to revise these rules or any part of them.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 8
ANNEX 1
Guidelines for Observer Status for Governments in the WTO
1. The purpose of observer status in the General Council and its subsidiary bodies is to allow a
government to better acquaint itself with the WTO and its activities, and to prepare and initiate
negotiations for accession to the WTO Agreement.
2. Observer governments shall have access to the main WTO document series.  They may also
request technical assistance from the Secretariat in relation to the operation of the WTO system in
general, as well as to negotiations on accession to the WTO Agreement.
3. Representatives of governments accorded observer status may be invited to speak at meetings
of the bodies to which they are observers normally after Members of that body have spoken.  Theright to speak does not include the right to make proposals, unless a government is specifically invited
to do so, nor to participate in decision-making.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
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ANNEX 2
Guidelines for Observer Status for International
Intergovernmental Organizations in the WTO 3
1. The purpose of observer status for international intergovernmental organizations (hereinafter
referred to as "organizations") in the WTO is to enable these organizations to follow
discussions therein on matters of direct interest to them.
2. Requests for observer status shall accordingly be considered from organizations which have
competence and a direct interest in trade policy matters, or which, pursuant to paragraph V:1
of the WTO Agreement, have responsibilities related to those of the WTO.
3. Requests for observer status shall be made in writing to the WTO body in which such status is
sought, and shall indicate the nature of the work of the organization and the reasons for its
interest in being accorded such status.
4. Requests for observer status shall be considered on a case-by-case basis by each WTO body
to which such a request is addressed, taking into account such factors as the nature of work of
the organization concerned, the nature of its membership, the number of WTO Members in
the organization, reciprocity with respect to access to proceedings, documents and other
aspects of observership, and whether the organization has been associated in the past with thework of the CONTRACTING PARTIES to GATT 1947.
5. In addition to organizations that request, and are granted, observer status, other organizations
may attend meetings of the Ministerial Conference, the General Council or subsidiary bodies
on the specific invitation of the Ministerial C onference, the General Council or the subsidiary
body concerned, as the case may be.  Invitations may also be extended, as appropriate and on
a case-by-case basis, to specific organizations to follow particular issues within a body in an
observer capacity.
6. Organizations with which the WTO has entered into a formal arrangement for cooperation
and consultation shall be accorded observer status in such bodies as may be determined by
that arrangement.
7. Organizations accorded observer status in a particular WTO body shall not automatically be
accorded such status in other WTO bodies.
8. Representatives of organizations accorded observer status may be invited to speak at meetings
of the bodies to which they are observers normally after Members of that body have spoken.
The right to speak does not include the right to circulate papers or to make proposals, unless
an organization is specifically invited to do so, nor to participate in decision-making.
9. Observer organizations shall receive copies of the main WTO documents series and of other
documents series relating to the work of the subsidiary bodies which they attend as observers.
They may receive such additional documents as may be specified by the terms of any formal
arrangements for cooperation between them and the WTO.
10. If for any one-year period after the date of the grant of observer status, there has been no
attendance by the observer organization, such status shall cease.
                                                     
3These guidelines shall apply also to other organizations referred to by name in the WTO Agreement.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
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II. STATEMENTS ON IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE
AGREEMENT
Background and purpose
Article 15.2 of the Agreement provides that each Member shall inform the Committee of
measures in existence or taken to ensure the implementation and administration of the Agreement.  In
response to this provision of the Agreement Memb ers shall submit the relevant information in the
form of written statements.  The Committee agreed on the following decision concerning the contents
of these statements.
Decisions
1. The statement should cover the legislative, regulatory and administrative action taken as a
result of the negotiation of the Agreement or currently in existence to ensure that the provisions of the
Agreement are applied.  If the Agreement itself has been incorporated into domestic law, the
statement should indicate how this has been done.  In other cases, the statement should describe the
content of the relevant laws, regulations, administrative orders, etc.  All necessary references shouldalso be provided.
2. In addition, the statement should specify
(a) The names of the publications used to announce that work is proceeding on draft
technical regulations or standards and procedures for assessment of conformity and
those in which the texts of technical regulations and standards or procedures for
assessment of conformity are published under Articles 2.9.1, 2.11;  3.1 (in relation to
2.9.1 and 2.11);  5.6.1, 5.8;  7.1, 8.1 and 9.2 (in relation to 5.6.1 and 5.8);  and
paragraphs J, L and O of Annex 3 of the Agreement;
(b) the expected length of time allowed for presentation of comments in writing on
technical regulations, standards or procedures for assessment of conformity under
Articles 2.9.4 and 2.10.3;  3.1 (in relation to 2.9.4 and 2.10.3);  5.6.4 and 5.7.3;  7.1,
8.1 and 9.2 (in relation to 5.6.4 and 5.7.3);  and paragraph L of Annex 3 of the
Agreement;
(c) the name and address of the enquiry point(s) foreseen in Articles 10.1 and 10.3 of the
Agreement with an indication as to whether it is/they are fully operational;  if for
legal or administrative reasons more than one enquiry point is established, complete
and unambiguous information on the scope of responsibilities of each of them;
(d) the name and address of any other agencies that have specific functions under the
Agreement, including those foreseen in Articles 10.10 and 10.11 of the Agreement;
and
(e) measures and arrangements to ensure that national and sub-national authorities
preparing new technical regulations or procedures for assessment of conformity, or
substantial amendments to existing ones, provide early information on their proposals
in order to enable the Member in question to fulfil its obligations on notifications
under Articles 2.9, 2.10, 3.2, 5.6, 5.7 and 7.2 of the Agreement.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
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III. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR DRAFT TECHNICAL REGULATIONS AND
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT 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.4
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
1.  Member to Agreement notifying Government, including the competent authorities of
the European Communities, which has acceded to theAgreement and which is making the notification;  if
applicable, name of local government involved
Articles 3.2 and 7.2).
2.  Agency responsible Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a
technical regulation or procedures for assessment ofconformity.  The authority or agency designated tohandle comments regarding the specific notificationshall be indicated if different from above.
3.  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,
                                                     
4Where 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/1/Rev.8
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Item Description
3.  Notified under (cont'd) Article 7.2:  proposed procedure for  assessment of
conformity  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:
Article 8.1:  adopted procedures for assessment ofconformity by non-governmental body,Article 9.2:  adopted procedures for assessment ofconformity by international or regional organization.
4.  Products covered HS or CCCN (chapter or heading and number) where
applicable.  National tariff heading if different fromHS or CCCN.  ICS numbers may be provided in
addition, where applicable.  A clear description is
important for an understanding of the notification bydelegations and translators.  Abbreviations should beavoided.
5.  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 are
available. If a translation of the document is planned,this should be indicated.  If a translated summary isavailable, this too should be indicated.
6.  Description of content An abstract of the proposed or adopted technical
regulation or procedures for assessment of conformityclearly indicating its content.  A clear comprehensibledescription stating the main features of the proposedor adopted technical regulation or procedures for
assessment of conformity is important for an
understanding of the notification by delegations andtranslators.  Abbreviations should be avoided.
7.  Objective and rational e, including the nature of 
urgent problems where applicableFor instance:  health, safety, national security, ... etc.
8.  Relevant documents (1) Publication where notice appears,  including date
and reference number;  (2) Proposal and basicdocument (with specific reference number or otheridentification) to which proposal refers;(3)  Publication in which proposal will appear when
adopted; (4) Whenever practicable, give reference to
relevant international standard.  If it is necessary tocharge for documents supplied, this fact should beindicated.
9.  Proposed dates of adoption and entry into force The date when the technical regulation or procedures
for assessment of conformity is expected to be
adopted, and the date from which the requirements in
the technical regulation or procedures for assessmentof conformity are proposed or decided to enter intoforce, taking into consideration the provisions ofArticle 2.12.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
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Item Description
10.  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 relationto 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 on
notifications of 60 days.  Any Member which is able
to provide a time limit beyond 60 days is encouragedto do so.  Members are encouraged to advise of anyextension to the final date for comments.
11.  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.  Ifavailable in a web-site, provide the web-site address.
Such indications should not in any way discharge the
relevant enquiry point of its responsibilities under theprovisions of Article 10 of the Agreement.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
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WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/TBT/N/
(00-0000)
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:           
Name and address (including telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and web-site
addresses, if available) of 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 natu re 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, telephone and fax
numbers, e-mail and web-site addresses, if available of the other body:           G/TBT/1/Rev.8
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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/1/Rev.8
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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, e-mail 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) E-mail requests for documentation should include name, organization, address,
telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail 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/1/Rev.8
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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.  Any Member which
is able to provide a time limit beyond 60 days, such as 90 days, is encouraged to do so  and should
indicate this in the notification.
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 Committee
agreed 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 conformity
concerned, 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 technical
regulations or procedures for assessment of conformity will be adopted for
the time being.
8. Monthly Listing of Notifications Issued
Background and purpose
With a view to provide a brief indication of the notifications issued, the Committee agreed on
the following procedure.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
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Decision
The Secretariat is requested to prepare a monthly table of notifications issued, indicating the
notification numbers, notifying Members, Articles notified under, products covered, objectives and
final dates for  comments.
9. Enhancement of Electronic Transmission of Information
Background and purpose
Enhancement of Internet usage can facilitate access to and exchange of information by
Members.  This would also facilitate and provide the maximum time possible for receiving
notifications, obtaining and translating of relevant documents, and the presentation of comments.With a view to facilitate the access to informa tion by Members, as well as to strengthen the
notification process, including the time needed fo r the publication and circulation of notification by
the Secretariat, the Committee agreed on the following action.
Decision
Whenever possible Members should file notifications by downloading, filling out and
returning the complete form by e-mail to the Secr etariat.  The Committee will continue to explore
ways to shorten the time for the submission, publication and circulation of notifications, as well as to
examine the steps that would be needed to facilita te the electronic transmission of information among
Members to complement the hard copy information exchange.
10. Decision Relating to Notifications
Labelling Requirements
Background and purpose
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 atechnical specification or not.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 19
IV. 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 and to review periodica lly how well notification procedures work, the
Committee took the following action.
Decision
Regular meetings of persons responsible for information exchange, including persons
responsible for enquiry points and notifications, will be held on a biennial basis.  Representatives of
interested observers will be invited to participate in such meetings.  The 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 e-mail 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.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 20
(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 to
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.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 21
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.
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 assessment
of 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 provide
reasonable 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 e-mail addresses of enquiry points should be provided, where available, in order to be
included in document G/TBT/ENQ/--.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 22
V. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Background and purpose
In considering the ways in which the provisions of Article 11 could be given operational
significance, the Committee agreed to exchange information on technical assistance as follows:
Decision
Specific needs for technical assistance, as well as information that may be provided by
potential donor Members on their technical assistance programmes, may be communicated to
Members through the Secretariat.  Members will take into account the provisions of Article 11.8 of
the TBT Agreement when considering requests for technical assistance from the least-developedcountry Members.  In agreement with requesting Members or potential donor Members, as the case
may be, the information concerning specific needs and technical assistance programmes would be
circulated by the Secretariat to all Members on an informal basis.  Whilst information would be
multilateralized in this manner, technical assistance would continue to be provided on a bilateral
basis.  The Secretariat would reflect the info rmation circulated under this procedure in the
documentation prepared for annual reviews of the implementation and operation of the Agreement if
the Members concerned so agree.
Technical assistance would remain as an item of the agenda of the Committee on a permanent
basis and would be included on the agenda of a regular meeting of the Committee when so requestedby a Member in accordance with the agreed procedures.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 23
VI. REGIONAL STANDARDS-RELATED ACTIVITIES
Background and purpose
The Agreement contains a number of provisions on regional standardizing bodies and systems
for conformity assessment.  In order to keep abreas t of the activities of such bodies and systems, the
Committee decided as follows.
Decision
Representatives of regional standardizing bodies and systems for conformity assessment may
be invited to address the Committee on their procedures and how they relate to those embodied in the
Agreement, on the basis of agreed lists of questions.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 24
VII. NOTIFICATION FORMAT UNDER ARTICLE 10.7
AGREEMENT REACHED BY A MEMBER WITH ANOTHER COUNTRY OR COUNTRIES
ON ISSUES RELATED TO TECHNICAL REGULATIONS, STANDARDS
OR CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
Notification
Under Article 10.7 of the Agreement "Whenever a Member has reached an agreement with
any other country or countries on issues related to technical regulations, standards or conformity
assessment procedures which may have a significant effect on trade, at least one Member party to the
agreement shall notify other Members through the Secretariat of the products to be covered by the
agreement and include a brief description of the agreement."  The following notification underArticle  10.7 has been received.
1. Member notifying:
2. Title of the bilateral or plurilateral Agreement:
3. Parties to the Agreement:
4. Date of entry into force of the Agreement:
5. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading):
6. Subject matter covered by the Agreement (technical regulations, standards or
conformity assessment procedures):
7. Brief description of the Agreement:
8. Further information available from:G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 25
VIII.  NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE UNDER THE CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR
THE PREPARATION, ADOPTION AND APPLICATION OF STANDARDS
1. Paragraph J
Decision
The communication of the work programmes of standardizing bodies via the Internet would
be another possibility to fulfil paragraph J obligations on transparency.  Hard copies of such work
programmes would, nevertheless, always be made available on request in accordance with
paragraph P of the Code of Code of Good Practice.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 26
IX. DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE ON PRINCIPLES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS,  GUIDES AND RECOMMENDATIONS WITH
RELATION TO ARTICLES 2, 5 AND ANNEX 3 OF THE AGREEMENT
Background and purpose
At the Second Triennial Review of the Agreement, the Committee noted that in order for
international standards to make a maximum contribu tion to the achievement of the trade facilitating
objectives of the Agreement, it was important that all Members had the opportunity to participate in
the elaboration and adoption of international standards.  Adverse trade effects might arise from
standards emanating from international bodies as defined in the Agreement which had no procedures
for soliciting input from a wide range of intere sts.  Bodies operating with open, impartial and
transparent procedures, that afforded an opportunity for consensus among all interested parties in theterritories of at least all Members, were seen as more likely to develop standards which were effective
and relevant on a global basis and would thereby contribute to the goal of the Agreement to prevent
unnecessary obstacles to trade.  In order to improve the quality of international standards and to
ensure the effective application of the Agreement, the Committee agreed that there was a need to
develop principles concerning transparency, openness, impartiality and consensus, relevance andeffectiveness, coherence and developing country interests that would clarify and strengthen the
concept of international standards under the Agreement and contribute to the advancement of its
objectives. In this regard, the Committee adopted a decision containing a set of principles it
considered important for international standards development.  These principles were seen as equally
relevant to the preparation of international standards, guides and recommendations for conformityassessment procedures. The dissemination of such principles by Members and standardizing bodies in
their territories would encourage the various international bodies to clarify and strengthen their rules
and procedures on standards development, thus further contributing to the advancement of the
objectives of the Agreement.
Decision
1. The following principles and procedures should be observed, when international standards,
guides and recommendations (as mentioned under Articles 2, 5 and Annex 3 of the TBT Agreement
for the preparation of mandatory technical regulations, conformity assessment procedures andvoluntary standards) are elaborated, to ensure transparency, openness, impartiality and consensus,
effectiveness and relevance, coherence, and to address the concerns of developing countries.
2. The same principles should also be observe d when technical work or a part of the
international standard development is delegated under agreements or contracts by internationalstandardizing bodies to other relevant organizations, including regional bodies.
A. TRANSPARENCY3. All essential information regarding current work programmes, as well as on proposals for
standards, guides and recommendations under consideration and on the final results should be made
easily accessible to at least all interested parties in the territories of at least all WTO Members.
Procedures should be established so that adequate time and opportunities are provided for written
comments.  The information on these procedures should be effectively disseminated.
4. In providing the essential information,  the transparency procedures should, at a minimum,
include:
- The publication of a notice at an early appropriate stage, in such a manner as to
enable interested parties to become ac quainted with it, that the international
standardizing body proposes to develop a particular standard;G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 27
- the notification or other communication through established mechanisms to members
of the international standardizing body, providing a brief description of the scope of
the draft standard, including its objective and rationale.  Such communications shall
take place at an early appropriate stage, when amendments can still be introduced andcomments taken into account;
- upon request, the prompt provision to members of the international standardizing
body of the text of the draft standard;
- the provision of an adequate period of time for interested parties in the territory of at
least all members of the international standardizing body to make comments inwriting and take these written comments in to account in the further consideration of
the standard;
- the prompt publication of a standard upon adoption;  and
- to publish periodically a work programme containing information on the standards
currently being prepared and adopted.
5. It is recognized that the publication and communication of notices, notifications, draft
standards, comments, adopted standards or work programmes electronically, via the Internet, wherefeasible, can provide a useful means of ensuring the timely provision of information.  At the same
time, it is also recognized that the requisite t echnical means may not be available in some cases,
particularly with regard to developing countries.  Accordingly, it is important that procedures are in
place to enable hard copies of such documents to be made available upon request.
B. O
PENNESS
6. Membership of an international standardizing body should be open on a non-discriminatory
basis to relevant bodies of at least all WTO Members.  This would include openness without
discrimination with respect to the participation at the policy development level and at every stage of
standards development, such as the:
- Proposal and acceptance of new work items;- technical discussion on proposals;- submission of comments on drafts in order that they can be taken into account;
- reviewing existing standards;
- voting and adoption of standards;  and- dissemination of the adopted standards.
7. Any interested member of the international standardizing body, including especially
developing country members, with an interest in a specific standardization activity should be provided
with meaningful opportunities to participate at all st ages of standard development.  It is noted that
with respect to standardizing bodies within the te rritory of a WTO Member that have accepted the
Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards by Standardizing
Bodies (Annex 3 of the TBT Agreement) participatio n in a particular international standardization
activity takes place, wherever possible, through one delegation representing all standardizing bodies
in the territory that have adopted, or expected to adopt, standards for the subject-matter to which theG/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 28
international standardization activity relates.  This is illustrative of the importance of participation in
the international standardizing proce ss accommodating all relevant interests.
C. IMPARTIALITY AND CONSENSUS
8. All relevant bodies of WTO Members should be provided with meaningful opportunities to
contribute to the elaboration of an international standard so that the standard development process will
not give privilege to, or favour the interests of, a particular supplier/s, country/ies or region/s.
Consensus procedures should be established that seek to take into account the views of all parties
concerned and to reconcile any conflicting arguments.
9. Impartiality should be accorded throughout all the standards development process with
respect to, among other things:
- Access to participation in work;- submission of comments on drafts;
- consideration of views expressed and comments made;
- decision-making through consensus;- obtaining of information and documents;- dissemination of the international standard;- fees charged for documents;
- right to transpose the international standard into a regional or national standard;  and
- revision of the international standard.
D.
EFFECTIVENESS AND RELEVANCE
10. In order to serve the interests of the WTO membership in facilitating international trade and
preventing unnecessary trade barriers, international standards need to be relevant and to effectivelyrespond to regulatory and market needs, as well as scientific and technological developments in
various countries.  They should not distort the global market, have adverse effects on fair competition,
or stifle innovation and technological development.   In addition, they should not give preference to
the characteristics or requirements of specific countries or regions when different needs or interests
exist in other countries or regions.  Whenever possible, international standards should be performancebased rather than based on design or descriptive characteristics.
11. Accordingly, it is important that international standardizing bodies:
- Take account of relevant regulatory or market needs, as feasible and appropriate, as
well as scientific and technological developments in the elaboration of standards;
- put in place procedures aimed at identifying and reviewing standards that have
become obsolete, inappropriate or ineffective for various reasons;  and
- put in place procedures aimed at impr oving communication with the World Trade
Organization.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 29
E. COHERENCE
12. In order to avoid the development of conflicting international standards, it is important that
international standardizing bodies avoid duplication of, or overlap with, the work of other
international standardizing bodies.  In this respect, cooperation and coordination with other relevant
international bodies is essential.
F. DEVELOPMENT DIMENSION
13. Constraints on developing countries, in particular, to effectively participate in standards
development, should be taken into consideration in the standards development process.  Tangible
ways of facilitating developing countries' participation in international standards development should
be sought.  The impartiality and openness of any international standardization process requires that
developing countries are not excluded de facto  from the process.  With respect to improving
participation by developing countries, it may be appropriate to use technical assistance, in line with
Article 11 of the TBT Agreement.  Provisions for capacity building and technical assistance within
international standardizing bodies are important in this context.G/TBT/1/Rev.8
Page 30
X. UNDERSTANDING OF "REASONABLE INTERVAL" UNDER ARTICLE 2.12
Background
At its meeting of 15 March 2002, the Committee took note of the Ministerial Decision (made
at the Ministerial Conference of 14 November 2001) regarding the implementation of Article 2.12 ofthe Agreement.
 
Decision
Subject to the conditions specified in paragraph 12 of Article 2 of the Agreement on
Technical Barriers to Trade, the phrase "reasonable interval" shall be understood to mean normally a
period of not less than 6 months, except when this would be ineffective in fulfilling the legitimate
objectives pursued.
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