G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
4 June 2018 
(18-3406) Page: 1/31 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures    
 
 
RECOMMEN DED PROCEDURES FOR I MPLEMENTING  
THE TRANSPARENCY OBL IGATIONS OF THE SPS AGREEMENT (ARTICLE 7 ) 
Revision1 
The term transparency in the context of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is used to signify one 
of the fundamental principles of its agreements: the aim is to achieve a greater degree of clarity, 
predictability and information about trade policies, rules and regulations of Members.  
In implementing this concept Members use notifications.  Under the SPS Agreement, notifications 
are used to  inform other Members about new or changed regulations that may significantly affect 
their trading partners.2 Transparency under the SPS Agreement also includes answering 
reasonable questions, and publishing regulations.  
These procedures have been develope d to assist Members fulfil their transparency obligations 
under Article 7 and Annex B of the SPS Agreement regarding the notification of SPS regulations, 
answering information requests under the National Enquiry Point system and publishing 
regulations.  
These guidelines do not add to nor detract from the existing rights and obligations of Members 
under the SPS Agreement nor any other WTO Agreement.  These guidelines do not provide any 
legal interpretation or modification to the SPS Agreement itself.  
1  IDENTIFIC ATION OF THE NATIONA L NOTIFICATION AUTHO RITY AND OF THE 
NATIONAL ENQUIRY POI NT 
1.1.  In accordance with paragraph 10 of Annex B of the SPS Agreement, Members are obliged to 
designate "a single central government authority" as responsible for the implementation a t the 
national level of the provisions concerning notification procedures.  Paragraph 3 of Annex B of the 
SPS Agreement indicates that each Member "shall ensure that one enquiry point exists" which is 
responsible for the provision of answers to all reasonab le questions as well as the provision of 
relevant documents.3 
1.2.  When a Member’s National Notification Authority or National Enquiry Point has been 
designated, or changed, the WTO Secretariat should be informed.  Contact information is available 
through the SP S Information Management System ( http://spsims.wto.org ). It is useful to provide 
the following contact information so that they can be included in the lists:  
 Contact name ; 
 Name of institution ; 
 Postal address /physical a ddress ; 
 Phone ; 
                                                
1 This revision of the Recommended Transparency Procedures  does not include any substantive changes 
to the text. It incorporates updates based on changes in the online tools (SPS IMS, SPS NSS and ePing) and 
the notification templates. It also includes text and the notification format contained in the Decision on S pecial 
and Differential Treatment (G/SPS/33/Rev.1) to consolidate all notification recommendations into one 
document.  
2 The SPS Agreement uses the terms 'measures' and 'regulations' somewhat interchangeably when 
referring to any sanitary or phytosanitary m easure such as laws, decrees, or ordinances applied to protect 
human, animal or plant life or health as defined under paragraph 1 of Annex A to the SPS Agreement.  
3 In practice, a number of Members have decided to designate the same entity as the Enquiry P oint and 
the National Notification Authority while others have found it more functional to establish more than one 
Enquiry Point to cover the areas of food safety, animal and plant health.  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
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   Fax; 
 E-mail; and  
 Website address . 
2  RECOMMENDED NOTIFICA TION PROCEDURES  
2.1.  Members should follow these procedures when notifying regulations as required in 
paragraphs 5 or 6 of Annex B of the SPS Agreement.  The form for r egular notifications 
(see Annex  A-1 of these procedures) should be used for notificatio ns in accordance with 
paragraph  5 of Annex B of the SPS Agreement, whereas the form for emergency notifications (see 
Annex B -1 of these procedures) should be used for notifications as provided for in paragraph 6 o f 
Annex B of the SPS Agreement.  
2.1  Application of Annex B, paragraph 5 (preambular part) of the SPS A greement  
2.2.  In accordance with Article 7 and paragraph 5 of Annex B of the SPS Agreement, Members are 
required to notify all regulations the content of which is "not substantially the same as the content 
of an international standard, guideline or recommendation", if such regulations are expected to 
have a significant effect on trade of other Members.  
2.3.  Members are encouraged to notify all regulat ions that are based on, conform to, or are 
substantially the same as an international standard, guideline or recommendation, if they are 
expected to have a significant eff ect on trade of other Members.4 
2.4.  For the purposes of Annex B, paragraphs 5 and 6 of the SPS Agreement, the concept of 
"significant effect on trade of other Members" may refer to the effect on trade:  
 of one sanitary or phytosanitary regulation only or of various sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulations in combination;  
 in a specific product, g roup of products or products in general;  and 
 between two or more Members.  
2.5.  To assess whether the sanitary or phytosanitary regulation may have a significant effect on 
trade, the Member concerned should consider relevant available information such as:  the va lue or 
other importance of imports to the importing and/or exporting Members concerned, whether from 
other Members individually or collectively;  the potential development of such imports;  and 
difficulties for producers in other Members, particularly in dev eloping country Members, to comply 
with the proposed sanitary or phytosanitary regulations.  The concept of a significant effect on 
trade of other Members should include both import -enhancing and import -reducing effects on the 
trade of other Members, as lon g as such effects are significant.  
2.2  Timing of notifications  
2.6.  Paragraph 5(a) of Annex B of the SPS Agreement obliges Members to publish a notice at an 
early stage in such a manner as to enable interested Members to become acquainted with a 
proposal to introdu ce a particular regulation.  This is useful so that other Members are better able 
to assess and if necessary, comment on the proposed measures.  Members may wish to provide 
information to the SPS Committee regarding expected modifications to their national regulator y 
systems.  
2.7.  Paragraph 5(b) of Annex B of the SPS Agreement obliges Members to submit a notification at 
an early stage when amendments can still be introduced and comments taken into account.  This 
should be done when a draft of the complete text of a regulation is available.  
2.8.  Paragraph 5(d) of Annex B of the SPS Agreement obliges Members to allow a reasonable 
period of time for submission, discussion and consideration of comments.  Members should 
normally allow a period of at least sixty calendar days for comments, except for proposed 
                                                
4 The Secretariat should provide an annual report on the level of i mplementation of the transparency 
provisions of the SPS Agreement and of the recommended transparency procedures contained in this 
document, including, inter alia , an overview of those notifications which relate to the adoption of international 
standards, guidelines and recommendations by Members.  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
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  measures which facilitate trade5 and those which are substantially the same as an international 
standard, guideline, or recommendation.  Where domestic regulatory mechanisms allow, the 60 -
day comment period should normally begin with the circulation of the notification by the WTO 
Secretariat.  Any Member which is able to provide a time -limit beyond six ty days is encouraged to 
do so.  
2.9.  A notification should be made well before the entry into force of the relevant measure, except  
when urgent problems of health protection arise or threaten to arise for the Member concerned.  
In accordance with paragraph 6(a) of Annex B of the SPS Agreement, any regulation brought into 
force in urgent circumstances is required to be notified immediat ely and a rationale for the urgent 
action provided.  
2.10.   The late notification of a measure already in force does not in and of itself constitute 
sufficient reason for the use of the emergency format.  When urgent problems of health protection 
are not involved, late notifications should be made using the regular format and consideration 
should still be given to all comments received, in accordance with paragraph 5(d) of Annex B of 
the SPS Agreement.  
2.3  Requesting documents related to a notification  
2.11.   Members requestin g documents related to a notification should provide all the information 
necessary to identify the documents and in particular the WTO SPS notification number to which 
the requests refer.  
2.12.   When requesting an electronic transmission of documents from another  Member, Members 
should indicate which electronic formats they are able to receive, including compatible versions.  
2.4  Providing documents related to a notification  
2.4.1   Address of body supplying the documents  
2.13.   Members should indicate under point 13 of the WTO notif ication format the full address of 
the body responsible for supplying the relevant documents if that body is not the National 
Notification Authority or the National Enquiry Point.  Where the relevant documents are also 
available from a website, the website address or a specific hyperlink to these documents should be 
provided.  
2.4.2   Responding to requests  
2.14.   Members are obliged to provide upon request to other Members copies of the proposed 
regulation in accordance with paragraph 5(c) of Annex B of the SPS Agreement.  Documents 
requested should normally be provided within five working days.  If this is not possible, the request 
for documentation or information should be acknowledged within that period and an estimate 
given of the time required to provide the requested do cumentation.  With a view to facilitating the 
timely provision of comments on notifications, Members are strongly encouraged to comply with 
the five -day deadline.  
2.15.   Documents supplied in response to a request should be identified with the WTO SPS 
notification  number to which the request refers.  
2.16.   Members should use e -mail facilities to the extent possible in responding to requests for 
documentation or information.  Members are encouraged to publish their sanitary or phytosanitary 
measures on the Internet, to faci litate the supply of documents, and to provide the address of 
relevant websites.  
2.17.   Members may also submit an electronic version of the text of the notified draft regulation 
together with the notification format.  These texts are stored on a WTO server and ar e accessible 
                                                
5 Trade facilitating measures could include, inter alia , the raising of the level of maximum residue limits 
of certain pesticides in certain products, the lifting of a ban on imports, or the simplification or elim ination of 
certain certification/approval procedures.  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
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  through a hyperl ink in the notification format.6 Information about the provision, storage, and 
language of attachments to SPS notifications is contained in Annex C of these procedures.  
2.4.3   Acknowledging receipt of documents  
2.18.   The Member requesting d ocuments relating to a notification should acknowledge receipt of 
the documents provided.  
2.4.4   Translation of documents  
2.19.   When a translation of a relevant document exists or is planned, this fact should be indicated 
on the WTO notification form next to the title of the document.  If only a translated summary 
exists, the fact that such a summary is available should be similarly indicated.  
2.20.   If a translation of a document or summary exists in the language of the requesting Member, 
or, as the case may be, in the WTO wor king language used by the requesting Member, it should be 
automatically sent with the original of the document requested.  
2.21.   Where documents are not available in a WTO working language, developed country 
Members shall, upon request, supply a translation of th e document, or in case of voluminous 
documents, a translation of a summary of the document, in a WTO working language in 
accordance with paragraph 8 of Annex B of the SPS Agreement.  
2.22.   When a Member seeks a copy of a document relating to a notification which does not exist 
in that Member's WTO working language, the notifying Member should advise the requesting 
Member of other Members that have requested, as of that date, a copy of the document.  
The Member seeking a copy of a document relating to a notification  may contact other Members in 
order to determine whether the latter are prepared to share any translation that they have or will 
be making.  
2.23.   Any Member possessing an unofficial translation of a document relating to a notification 
should inform the notifying  Member of the existence of the unofficial translation and should submit 
to the Secretariat a supplement to the original notification submitted by a Member.  
The supplement should indicate the address for requesting a copy or the website address where 
the u nofficial translation can be found.  The format of the supplement can be found in Annex D of 
these procedures.  Neither the Secretariat nor the Member providing the unofficial translation can 
be held responsible for the accuracy or quality of these tran slations.7 
2.5  Handling of comments on notifications  
2.24.   Each Member should notify the WTO Secretariat of the authority or agency (e.g. its National 
Notification Authority) which it has designated to be in charge of handling comments received, and 
of any change and/or modification of such authority or agency.  
2.25.   Members submitting comments on a notified draft regulation should provide them without 
unnecessary delay to the authority designated to handle the comments, or to the National 
Notification Authority if no other des ignation is made.  
2.26.   A Member receiving comments through the designated body should, without further 
request:  
i. acknowledge the receipt of such comments;  
ii. explain within a reasonable period of time, and at the earliest possible date before the 
adoption of the me asure, to any Member from which it has received comments, how it will 
take these comments into account and, where appropriate, provide additional relevant 
information on the proposed sanitary or phytosanitary regulations concerned;  
iii. provide to any Member fr om which it has received comments, a copy of the corresponding 
sanitary or phytosanitary regulations as adopted or information that no corresponding 
sanitary or phytosanitary regulations will be adopted for the time being.  
                                                
6 See G/SPS/GEN/818.  
7 See G/SPS/GEN/487 for further information on this mechanism.  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
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  2.27.   A Member receiving comments throu gh the designated body may consider making available 
to other Members, where possible, non -confidential comments and questions it has received and 
answers it has provided, or summaries thereof, preferably via electronic means.  
2.28.   Members should grant requests  for extension of the comment period wherever practicable, 
in particular with regard to notifications relating to products of particular interest to developing 
country Members, where there have been delays in receiving and translating the relevant 
document s or where there is a need for further clarification of the measure notified.  A 30-day 
extension should normally be provided and notified to the WTO (see section below on Addenda).  
2.29.   Members are also encouraged to use the "Procedure to Enhance Transparency o f Special 
and Differential Treatment in Favour of Developi ng Country Members " (G/SPS/33/Rev.1).8 
2.6  Addenda, revisions and corrigenda  
2.30.   In addition to their original notifications, Members can also provide supplementary 
information in three different forms:  
 An addendum is used to provide additional information or changes to an original 
notification.  A Member may wish to indicate on the addendum if the final regulation has 
been substantially modi fied from the notified proposal;  
 A corrigendum is used to correct an  error in an original notification such  as an incorrect 
address detail; or  
 A revision is used to replace an existing notification.  
2.31.   Any addendum or corrigendum should be read in conjunction with the original notification.  
2.6.1   Addenda  
2.32.   Members should notify changes in the status of a notified SPS regulation.  The issuance of an 
addendum allows Members to track the status of an SPS regulation via its unique notification 
number.  Addenda to SPS notifications should be made in a number of circumstances, such as:  
 if the comment period has been extended;  
 when a proposed regulation is either adopted, published or comes into force, if the 
relevant dates have not been provided in the original notification or have been changed.  
Members are strongly encouraged to follow t his recommendation and inform other 
Members in a timely manner.  A Member may wish to indicate on the addendum if the final 
regulation has been substantially modified from the notified proposal;  
 if the content of a previously notified draft regulation is pa rtially changed, or if the scope of 
application of the existing notification is modified, either in terms of Members affected or 
products covered.  Such an addendum should provide for a new 60 -day comment period 
unless the notified change is of a trade -facilitating nature or is negligible.  Where domestic 
regulatory mechanisms allow, the 60 -day comment period should normally begin with the 
circulation of the notification by the WTO Secretariat;  
 if a proposed regulation is withdrawn;  
 in the case of an emergency notification, an addendum should also be submitted if the 
period of application of the existing notification is extended.  
2.33.   An addendum should:  
i. briefly recap what was notified, when and what it was about - this is a practical 
requirement, and reduc es the need for Members to have to go back to the original 
notification to check what it was about;  
ii. specify what change has been made and why - briefly state why the information, dates, 
etc. have been changed;  and 
iii. restate the comments deadline, even if it has not been changed - as a reminder to 
Members that if they wish to comment it must be done by this date.  
2.34.   A form for making an addendum is available in Annex A -2 of these procedures for regular 
notifications and in Annex B -2 for notifications of emergency  measures.  
                                                
8 See Section 2.9 for more information on S&D notifications.  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
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  2.6.2   Revisions  
2.35.   Revisions replace an existing notification.  Revisions should be submitted, for example, if a 
notified draft regulation was substantially redrafted or if a notification contained a large number of 
errors.  A Member should provide a furth er period for comments on the revised notification, 
normally 60 calendar days, unless the notified change is of a trade -facilitating nature or would 
have a negligible effect on trade.  Where domestic regulatory mechanisms allow, the 60 -day 
comment period sh ould normally begin with the circulation of the revised notification by the WTO 
Secretariat.  
2.36.   A form for making a revision is available in Annex A -3 of these procedures for regular 
notifications and Annex B -3 for notifications of emergency measures.  
2.6.3   Corrige nda 
2.37.   Members should inform the Secretariat of any error(s) contained in their original 
notification.  The Secretariat will issue a corrigendum accordingly.  
2.38.   A form for making a corrigendum is available in Annex A -4 of these procedures for regular 
notification s and Annex B -4 for notifications of emergency measures.  
2.7  Regulations that contain both SPS and TBT measures  
2.39.   When a regulation contains both SPS and TBT measures, it should be notified according to 
both the SPS and TBT Agreements, preferably with an indication of which parts of the regulation 
fall under the SPS Agreement (e.g., a food safety measure) and  which parts fall under the 
TBT Agreement (e.g., quality or compositional requirements).  
2.8  Notification of determination of the recognition of equivalen ce of sanitary or 
phytosanitary measures9 
2.40.   In accordance with the Decision on Equivalence (G/SPS/19/Rev.2), a Member which has 
made a determination recognizing the equivalence of sanitary or phytosanitary measures of 
another Member or Members shall notify o ther Members through the Secretariat of the measure(s) 
recognized to be equivalent and of the products affected by this recognition.  
2.41.   For the purposes of this notification, equivalence is defined to be the state wherein sanitary 
or phytosanitary measures ap plied in an exporting Member, though different from the measures 
applied in an importing Member, achieve, as demonstrated by the exporting Member and 
recognized by the importing Member, the importing Member’s appropriate level of sanitary or 
phytosanitary protection.  A determination of the recognition of equivalence may be with respect to 
a specific measure or measures related to a certain product or categories of products, or on a 
systems -wide basis.  
2.42.   Notification should also be made of significant variatio ns to existing equivalence 
arrangements, including their suspension or rescission.  
2.43.   See Annex E of these procedures for further information on the format for the notification of 
determination of the recognition of equivalence of sanitary or phytosanitary me asures . 
2.9  Notification of Special and Differential Treatment (S&D Notification)  
2.44.   In accordance with the Decision on Special and Differential Treatment (G/SPS/33/Rev.1), 
when an importing Member decides on whether and how special and differential treatment may  be 
provided in response to a specific request, that Member should inform the SPS Committee.  
                                                
9 At its meeting of 25 -26 June 2002, the Committee adopte d a format and recommended procedures for 
the notification of determination of the recognition of equivalence of sanitary or phytosanitary measures which 
can b e found in G/SPS/7/Rev.2/Add.1.  This document was incorporated into the previous Revision 
(G/SPS/ 7/Rev.3).  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
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  2.45.   This may be done in writing and/or under the agenda item on Special and Differential 
Treatment at any meeting of the SPS Committee. Information provided in writing  should be 
submitted to the WTO Secretariat as an addendum to the original notification concerning the 
measure. The addendum shall indicate: (1) the name(s) of Member(s) that requested special and 
differential treatment; (2) if special and differential tre atment was provided, the form of such 
treatment; and (3) if not provided, the addendum shall indicate why special and differential 
treatment was not provided and whether technical assistance or any other solution was found to 
address the identified concern . 
2.46.   A form for making an S&D notification as an addendum to the original notification is 
available in Annex A -5 of these procedures.  
2.10  Completed notifications  
2.47.   Notifications should be submitted, preferably by using the SPS NSS platform 
(http://nss.wto.org/spsmembers ) or by e -mail from the National Notification Authority to the 
Central Registry of Notifications (CRN) at the WTO.  The e -mail address is: crn@wto.org . 
2.48.   Electronic copies o f all notification formats can be downloaded from the WTO website at:  
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/sps_e.htm . 
2.49.   Members may submit electronic copies, in PDF format, of proposed regulations along with 
the corresponding notifications to the WTO Secretariat.  These texts will be accessible, in the 
format and language provided, through a hyperlink in the notification format (see paragraph 22).  
2.50.   In addition, Members are encouraged to pr ovide a website address or a specific hyperlink, if 
available, for the relevant documents in the appropriate section of the notification format.  
2.10.1   SPS Notification Submission System (SPS NSS)  
2.51.   The SPS NSS ( http:// nss.wto.org/spsmembers ) is an online platform where WTO Members 
can directly complete and submit notifications. Submission through the SPS NSS allows for 
notifications to be processed more accurately and efficiently by the WTO Secretariat, making 
notificat ions accessible to the Membership much more rapidly.  
2.52.   Contact the Secretariat ( spscommittee@wto.org ) to request  access credentials for the 
SPS NSS. 
3  GUIDELINES FOR NATIO NAL ENQUIRY POINTS  
3.1.  The National Enquiry Poin t system established in paragraph 3 of Annex B of the SPS 
Agreement is an effective avenue for obtaining information regarding SPS systems and measures 
from other Members.  
3.2.  The National Enquiry Point handles on a routine basis:  
 document and information requ ests; 
 general enquiries;  and 
 delivery and charging of documents.  
3.3.  National Enquiry Points should also provide, upon request, information on participation in any 
bilateral or multilateral equivalence agreements and arrangemen ts in accordance with 
paragraph  3(d) of Annex B of the SPS Agreement.  
3.4.  While the mode of delivery is at the discretion of the Member concerned, it is recommended 
that delivery of documents should be by the fastest means possible.  In the first instance, if the 
Member has such facilities, t he documents should be made accessible through a website or sent by 
e-mail or by fax.  Alternatively, a Member can send the documents by post or via a requesting 
Member’s diplomatic mission in their territory.  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
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  3.5.  A Member may only charge the same cost for the documents as it would for its own nationals 
plus the cost of delivering the documents in accordance with paragraph 4 of Annex B of the SPS 
Agreement.  
3.6.  Members should also refer to the guidelines on transparency contained in the handbook 
Practical Manual for  SPS National Notification Authorities and S PS National Enquiry Points (2018  
Edition ), when notifying regulations and operating National Enquiry Points in accordance with 
Article 7 an d Annex B of the SPS Agreement.10 
4  PUBLICATION OF REGUL ATIONS  
4.1.  The publicati on of regulations is a fundamental component of transparency under the SPS 
Agreement.  This is a general obligation on Members, and does not relate specifically to the work of 
either the National Notification Authority or National Enquiry Point.  
4.2.  In accordan ce with paragraphs 1 and 2 of Annex B of the SPS Agreement, Members are 
obliged to:  
i. ensure that all SPS regulations which have been adopted are published promptly in such a 
manner as to enable interested Members to become acquainted with them.  Regulations to 
be published include laws, decrees or ordinances which are applicable generally;  
ii. except in urgent circumstances, allow a reasonable interval between the publication of a 
sanitary or phytosanitary regulation and its entry into force in order to allow tim e for 
producers in exporting Members and particularly in developing country Members, to adapt 
their products and methods of production to the requirements of the importing Member.  
4.3.  As agreed in the Doha Decision on Implementation -Related Issues and Concerns  
(WT/MIN(01)/17, paragraph  3.2): 
Subject to the conditions specified in paragraph 2 of Annex B to the Agreement on the 
Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, the phrase "reasonable interval" 
shall be understood to mean normally a period of not  less than 6 months.  It is 
understood that timeframes for specific measures have to be considered in the 
context of the particular circumstances of the measure and actions necessary to 
implement it.  The entry into force of measures which contribute to the liberalization of 
trade should not be unnecessarily delayed.  
4.4.  The reasonable interval specified above between the publication and entry into force of new 
regulations should be provided, including when these are based on, conform to, or are 
substantially the  same as an international standard, guideline, or recommendation.  
4.5.  Members are encouraged to publish SPS regulations on the Internet where possible.  
Publication on the Internet has a number of advantages and benefits to Members over more 
traditional methods . It: 
i. allows for greater transparency;  
ii. makes it easier for Members to obtain documents;  and 
iii. reduces the amount of work involved in processing and fulfilling document requests.  
5  ACCESS TO INTERNATIO NAL ELECTRONIC RESOU RCES RELATED TO SPS 
NOTIFICATIONS AND OT HER SPS INFORMATION  
5.1.  There are a number of international resources on the Internet which could facilitate Members' 
access to SPS -related information.  These include the WTO Secretariat's Documents Online Facility 
(http://d ocs.wto.org ) and SPS Information  Management  System  (SPS IMS) 
(http://spsims.wto.org ). 
5.2.  Members are encouraged to provide the WTO Secretariat up -to-date information regarding 
SPS-related websites within their territory f or inclusion on the WTO's SPS web page.  
                                                
10 Available at: http://www.wto.org/spstransparency . G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
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  5.3.  ePing ( http://www.epingalert.org ) is a publically available SPS & Technical Barriers to Trade 
(TBT) notification alert system. Subscribers are able to receive e -mail alerts regarding SPS & TBT 
notifications covering particular products or markets of interest to them.  In addition, users can 
search and share notifications, upload additional information and related documents, as well as 
participate in discussion forums. ePing al so offers an Enquiry Point Management Tool to facilitate 
both domestic and international information sharing and discussion.  
 G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
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  ANNEX A -1: REGULAR NOTIFICAT IONS  
COMPLETION OF FORMAT S - REGULAR NOTIFICATION S 
(ANNEX B, PARAGRAPH 5 OF THE SPS AGREEME NT) 
Information contained in the notifications should be as complete as possible and no section should 
be left blank. Where necessary, "N ot known ." or " Not stated ." shoul d be indicated.  
Item  Description  
1. Member notifying  Government, including the competent authorities of the European Union, 
which is making the notification.  
2. Agency responsible  Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulation.  
3. Products covered  Tariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapter or heading and number) as 
contained in national schedules deposited with the WTO. ICS numbers 
should be provided in addition, where applicable.  A clear description i s 
important for an understanding of the notification by delegations and 
translators. Abbreviations should be avoided.  
4. Regions or 
countries likely to be 
affected  The geographical regions or countries likely to be affected by the notified 
regulation should be identified to the extent relevant or practicable. 
Members are encouraged to be as specific as possible in identifying regions 
or countries likely to be affecte d. 
5. Title, language and 
number of pages of 
the notified document  Title of the proposed or adopted (in the case of late submissions) sanitary 
or phytosanitary regulation. Number of pages in the notified document. 
Languages in which the notified document is available.  
If a translation of the whole document or its summary exists, indicate this 
here. 
If a Member submits the text of the draft regulation or a summary or 
translation thereof in PDF format along with the notification, the WTO 
Secretariat will fac ilitate access to this text through a hyperlink in the 
notification format.  
6. Description of 
content  A summary  of the proposed or adopted (in the case of late submissions) 
sanitary or phytosanitary regulation clearly indicating its content and health 
protection objective. The summary should be as complete and accurate as 
possible to allow the full understanding of the proposed regulation. T o the 
extent possible, likely effects on trade should be described. Abbreviations 
should be avoided. Where practic able it should also include an outline of 
the specific sanitary measures the regulation will apply. The summary 
should enable trading partners to determine whether the notified measure 
is likely to have an impact on products they wish to export to the noti fying 
Member.  
When a regulation contains both SPS and TBT measures, it should be 
notified according to both the SPS and TBT Agreements, preferably  with 
an indication of which parts of the regulation fall under the SPS 
Agreement and which parts fall under t he TBT Agreement.  
7. Objective  and 
rationale  State whether objective is: protection of human health from food -borne 
risks; or protection of human health from plant - or animal -carried 
diseases; or protection of animal health from pests or diseases; or 
protection of animal health from contaminated feed; or protection of plant 
health from pests or diseases; or prevention of other damage from entry, 
establishment or spread of pests.  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Item  Description  
8. Existence  of 
international 
standard, guideline or 
recommendation  If a rele vant international standard, guideline or recommendation exist s, 
put a cross in the box provided for the appropriate standard -setting 
organization and  give the appropriate reference of the existing standard, 
guideline or recommendation, e.g., Codex standar d number, ISPM number, 
OIE Code chapter. Indicate whether the proposed regulation conforms to 
the relevant international standard and if not, describe,  whenever possible,  
how and why the proposed regulation deviates from the international 
standard, guideli ne or recommendation.  
If no international standard, guideline or recommendation exists, put a 
cross in the box " None". 
9. Other  relevant 
documents and 
language(s) in which 
these are available  Documents referenced here are different from those listed in box 5. 
Documents which should be referenced include:  
(a) Publication where notice of the proposed regulation  appears, including 
date and reference numbers;  
(b) Proposal and basic document to which proposal refers (with specific 
reference number or other id entification), and the language(s) in which the 
notified documents and any summary of these are available;  
(c) Publication in which proposal will appear when adopted.  
If it is necessary to charge for documents supplied, the amount of the 
charge should be indicated.  
Provide the website  address and hyperlink for these documents where 
available.  
If a Member submits texts of referenced documents in PDF format along 
with the notification to the WTO Secretariat, hyperlinks to these texts will 
be made available u nder this item.  
10. Proposed date of 
adoption and of 
publication  The date when the sanitary or phytosanitary regulation is expected to be 
adopted. Also provide where possible the proposed date of publication of 
the final measure if this differs from the date of adoption.  
11. Proposed date of 
entry into force  The date from which the requirements in the regulation are proposed or 
decided to enter into force  shall normally be at least six months  following 
the above date of adoption and/or publication.  
Where appropriate, Members should accord longer time -frames for 
compliance on products of interest to developing country Members. This 
shall normally be a period of not less than six months.1 
Put a cross in the box if the proposed measure contributes to the 
liberalization of trade. In this case, the implementation of the measure 
should not be unnecessarily delayed and no comment period need be 
provided.  
12. Final date for 
comments and agency 
or authority handling 
comments  The date by which Members may submit c omments in accordance with 
Annex B, paragraph  5(b) of the SPS Agreement. A Member should  normally 
allow a period of at least sixty calendar days for comments. Check the box 
if this is 60 calendar days following the date of circulation of the notification 
as a WTO document ; the Secretariat will indicate the corresponding date . 
If not, a specific date should be indicated. Any Member which is able to  
provide a time limit beyond 60 days is encouraged to do so.  
The agency or authority which has been designated t o handle the 
comments should be indicated. If this is the National Notification Authority 
or the National Enquiry Point, put a cross in the box provided. If another 
agency or authority has been designated, provide its name, address, fax 
and e -mail address.  
For proposed measures which facilitate trade or those which are 
substantially the same as an international standard, guideline or 
recommendation, Members may reduce or eliminate the period for receiving 
comments.  
                                                
1 Doha Decision on Implementation -Related Issues and Concer ns (WT/MIN/(01)/17, paragraph 3.1). G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 12 - 
 
  Item  Description  
13. Texts  available 
from If available fro m the National Notification Authority or the National Enquiry 
Point, put a cross in the respective box. If available from another body, give 
its address, fax number and e -mail address. Such indications do not in any 
way discharge the relevant National Enqu iry Point of its responsibilities 
under the provisions of Annex B, paragraph s 3 and 4 of the SPS 
Agreement.  
Provide the website address  and specific hyperlink  of the document notified, 
if available.  
If a Member submits the text of the draft regulation in PDF format along 
with the notification, a hyperlink to this text will be made available under 
this item.  
  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 13 - 
 
    
  
G/SPS/N/ ISO COUNTRY CODE/#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original:  Language  
 
NOTIFICATION  
1. Notifying Member: SPS1A  
If applicable, name of local government involved: sps1b  
2. Agency responsible: sps2a  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as specified in national 
schedules deposited with the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, 
where applicable): sps3a  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or practicable : 
[sps4b]  All trading partners sps4bbis  
[sps4abis]  Specific regions or countries: sps4a  
5. Title of the notified document: sps5a . Language(s): sps5b.  Number of pages: sps5c  
sps5d  
6. Description of content: sps6a  
7. Objective and rationale: [ sps7a]  food safety, [sps7b]  animal health, 
[sps7c]  plant protection, [sps7d]  protect humans from animal/plant pest or 
disease, [sps7e]  protect territory from other damage from pests. sps7f  
8. Is there a relevant international standard? If so, identify the  standard:  
[sps8a]  Codex Alimentarius Commission (e.g.  title or serial number of Codex 
standard or related text) : sps8atext  
[sps8b]  World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (e.g.  Terrestrial or 
Aquatic Animal Health Code, chapter number) : sps8btext  
[sps8 c] International Plant Protection Convention (e.g.  ISPM number) : 
sps8ctext  
[sps8d]  None  
Does this proposed regulation conform to the relevant international standard?  
[sps8ey] Yes   [sps8en] No  
If no, describe, whenever possible, how and why it deviates from the 
international standard: sps8e  
9. Other relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available: sps9a  
sps9b  
G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 14 - 
 
  10. Proposed date of adoption (dd/mm/yy) : sps10a  
Proposed date of pub lication (dd/mm/yy) : sps10bisa  
11. Proposed date of entry into force: [sps11c]  Six months from date of publication , 
and/or  (dd/mm/yy) : sps11a  
[sps11e]  Trade facilitating measure sps11ebis  
12. Final date for comments: [sps12e ] Sixty days from the date of circulation of the 
notification and/or (dd/mm/yy) : sps12a  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [sps12b]  National 
Notification Authority, [sps12c]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and 
e-mail address (if  available) of other body: sps12d  
13. Text(s) available from: [sps13a]  National Notification Authority, 
[sps13b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  sps13c  
 
  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 15 - 
 
  ANNEX A -2: REGULAR NOTIFICAT IONS - ADDENDA  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ ISO COUNTRY CODE/# /Add.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION  
Addendum  
The following communication, received on DateReception , is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Member . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title 
Measure  
This addendum concerns a:  
[ModificationComment ] Modification of final date for comments  
[Notification ] Notification of adoption, publication or entry int o force of regulation  
[ModificationContent ] Modification of content and/or scope of previously notified draft 
regulation  
[Withdraw ] Withdrawal of proposed regulation  
[ModificationDate ] Change in proposed date of adoption, publication or date of entry 
into force  
[ModificationOther ] Other: ModificationOtherText  
Comment period: (If the addendum extends the scope of the previously notified 
measure in terms of products and/or potentially affected Members, a new deadline for 
receipt of comments should be p rovided, normally of at least 60 calendar days. Under 
other circumstances, such as extension of originally announced final date for comments, 
the comment period provided in the addendum may vary.)  
[SixtyDayCirculation ] Sixty days from the date of circulat ion of the addendum to the 
notification and/or (dd/mm/yy) : DateComment  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [CommentNNA]  National 
Notification Authority, [CommentNEP] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and 
e-mail address (if availab le) of other body:  
CommentAddress  
Text(s) available from: [TextAvailableNNA]  National Notification Authority, 
[TextAvailableNEP] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  
TextSupplierAddress  
G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 16 - 
 
  ANNEX A-3: REGULAR NOTIFICAT IONS - REVISIONS  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ ISO COUNTRY CODE/# /Rev.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original:  Language  
 
NOTIFICATION  
Revision  
1. Notifying Member: SPS1A  
If applicable, name of local government involved: sps1b  
2. Agency responsible: sps2a  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as specified in national 
schedules deposited with the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, 
where applicable): sps3a  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or practi cable : 
[sps4b]  All trading partners sps4bbis  
[sps4abis]  Specific regions or countries: sps4a  
5. Title of the notified document: sps5a.  Language(s): sps5b.  Number of pages: sps5c  
sps5d  
6. Description of content: sps6a  
7. Objective and rationale: [sps7a]  food safety, [sps7b]  animal health, 
[sps7c]  plant protection, [sps7d]  protect humans from animal/plant pest or 
disease, [sps7e]  protect territory from other damage from pests. sps7f  
8. Is there a relevant international sta ndard? If so, identify the standard:  
[sps8a]  Codex Alimentarius Commission (e.g.  title or serial number of Codex 
standard or related text) : sps8atext  
[sps8b]  World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (e.g.  Terrestrial or 
Aquatic Animal Health Code, chapter number) : sps8btext  
[sps8c]  International Plant Protection Convention (e.g.  ISPM number) : 
sps8ctext  
[sps8d]  None  
Does this proposed regulation conform to the relevant international standard?  
[sps8ey] Yes   [sps8en] No  
If no, describe, whenever possib le, how and why it deviates from the 
G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 17 - 
 
  international standard: sps8e  
9. Other relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available: sps9a  
sps9b  
10. Proposed date of adoption (dd/mm/yy) : sps10a  
Proposed date of publication (dd/mm/yy) : sps10bisa  
11. Proposed date of entry into force: [sps11c]  Six months from date of publication , 
and/or  (dd/mm/yy) : sps11a  
[sps11e]  Trade facilitating measure  sps11ebis  
12. Final date for comments: [sps12e]  Sixty days from the date of circulation of the 
notification and/or (dd/mm/yy) : sps12a  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [sps12b]  National 
Notification Authority, [sps12c]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and 
e-mail address (if available) of other body: sps12d  
13. Text(s) available from:  [sps13a]  National Notification Authority, 
[sps13b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  sps13c  
 
  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 18 - 
 
  ANNEX A -4: REGULAR NOTIFICAT IONS - CORRIGENDA  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ ISO COUNTRY CODE/# /Corr.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION  
Corrigendum  
The following communication, received on DateReception, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Member . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title 
Measure  
Text(s) available from: [ TextAvailableNNA]  Natio nal Notification Authority, 
[TextAvailableNEP] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  
TextSupplierAddress  
 
  
G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 19 - 
 
  ANNEX A -5: REGULAR NOTIFICAT IONS -  
SPECIAL AND DIFFEREN TIAL TREATMENT  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ISO COUNTRY CODE/# /Add.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION  
Addendum  
The followin g communication, received on DateReception, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Member . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title 
 
Measure  
 
Special and Differential Treatment  
 
(1) Name(s) of Member(s) that requested special and differential treatment: 
MembersRequested  
 
(2) Special and differential treatment provided  [IsTreatmentProvided]  Yes 
 [IsTreatmentProvidedNo]  No 
 
Describe how such treatment was provided, including what form it took.  
 
TreatmentProvided  
 
(3) If special and differential treatment was not provided, indicate why it was not 
provided and whether technical assistance or any other solution was found to 
address the identified concern.  
 
OtherSolution  
 
Text(s) available from: [ TextAvailableNNA]  National Notification Authority, 
[TextAvailableNEP] National Enquiry Point, or address, fax number and e-mail address (if 
available) of other body:  
TextSupplierAddress  
 
  
G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 20 - 
 
  ANNEX B -1: EMERGENCY NOTIFIC ATIONS  
COMPLETION OF FORMAT S - EMERGENCY NOTIFICATI ONS 
(ANNEX B, PARAGRAPH 6 OF THE SPS AG REEMENT)  
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.  
Item  Description  
1. Member notifying  Government, including the competent authorities of the European Union, 
which is making the notification.  
2. Agency responsible  Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a sanitary or 
phytosanitary regulation.  
3. Products covered  Tariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapt er or heading and number) as 
contained in national schedules deposited with the WTO.  ICS numbers 
should be provided in addition, where applicable.  A clear description is 
important for an understanding of the notification by delegations and 
translators.  Abbreviations should be avoided.  
4. Regions or 
countries likely to be 
affected  The geographical regions or countries likely to be affected by the notified 
regulation should be identified to the extent relevant or practicable.  
Members are encouraged to be as specific as possible in identifying 
regions or countries likely to be affected.  
5. Title, language and 
number of pages of 
the notified document  Title of the proposed or adopted (in the case of late submissions)  sanitary 
or phytosanitary regulation.  Number  of pages in the notified document.  
Languages in which the notified document is available.  
If a translation of the whole document or its summary exists, indicate this 
here. 
If a Member submits the text of the draft regulation or a summary or 
translation thereof in PDF format along with the notification, the WTO 
Secretariat will facilitate access to this text through a hyperlink in the 
notification format.  
6. Description of 
content  A summary of the proposed or adopted sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulation clearly indicating its content and health protection objective.  
The summary should be as complete and accurate as possible to allow the 
full understanding of the proposed regulation.  To the extent possible, 
likely effects on trade should be described.  Abbreviations should be 
avoided.  Where practicable it should also include an outline of the specific 
sanitary measures the regulation will apply.  The summary should enable 
trading partners to determine whether the notified measure is likely to 
have an impact o n products they wish to export to the notifying Member.  
When a regulation con tains both SPS and  TBT measures, it should be 
notified according to both the SPS and TBT Agreements , preferably  with 
an indication of which parts of the regulation fall under the SPS 
Agreement and which parts fall under the TBT Agreement.  
7. Objective  and 
rationale  State whether objective is:  protection of human health from food -borne 
risks;  or protection of human health from plant - or animal -carried 
diseases;  or protection of ani mal health from pests or diseases;  or 
protection of animal health from contaminated feed;  or protection of plant 
health from pests or diseases; or prevention of other damage from entry, 
establishment or spread of pests.  
8. Nature of urgent 
problem(s) and 
reason for urgent 
action  Indication of the underlying reasons for resorting to emergency action, 
e.g., incursion of pests associated with imports, outbreak of a disease in 
supplying areas, etc.  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Item  Description  
9. Existence of 
international 
standard, guideline or 
recommen dation  If a relevant international standard, guideline or recommendation exist s, 
put a cross in the box provided for the appropriate standard -setting 
organization and  give the appropriate reference of the existing standard, 
guideline or recommendation, e.g ., Codex standard number, ISPM 
number, OIE Code chapter.  Indicate whether the proposed regulation 
conforms to the relevant international standard and if not, describe, 
whenever possible, how and why the proposed regulation deviates from 
the international s tandard, guideline or recommendation.  
If no international standard, guideline or recommendation exists, put a 
cross in the box " None". 
10. Other relevant 
documents and 
language(s) in which 
these are available  Documents referenced here are different from t hose listed in box 5.  
Documents which should be referenced include:  
(a) Measure(s) taken and basic regulation which was modified (with 
specific reference number or other identification), and the language(s) in 
which the notified documents and any summary o f these are available;  
(b) Publication in which regulation will appear.  
If it is necessary to charge for documents supplied, the amount of the 
charge should be indicated.  
Provide the website address and hyperlink for these documents where 
available.  
If a Member submits texts of referenced documents in PDF format along 
with the notification to the WTO Secretariat, hyperlinks to these texts will 
be made available under this item.  
11. Date of entry into 
force and period of 
application  The date from whic h the requirements entered into force, and, if 
applicable, the period of time during which they will apply.  (For example: 
immediate entry into force [date], duration of two months.)  
Put a cross in the box if the proposed measure contributes to the 
liberali zation of trade.  
12. Agency or 
authority handling 
comments  The agency or authority which has been designated to handle the 
comments should be indicated.  If this is the National Notification Authority 
or the National Enquiry Point, put a cross in the box p rovided.  If another 
agency or authority has been designated, provide its name, address, fax 
and e -mail address.  
13. Texts  available 
from If available from the National Notification Authority or National Enquiry 
Point, put a cross in the respective box.  If available from another body, 
give its address, fax number and e -mail address.  Such indications do not 
in any way discharge the relevant National Enquiry Point of its 
responsibilities under the provisions of Annex  B, paragraph s 3 and 4 of 
the SPS Agreement . 
Provide the website address  and specific hyperlink of the document 
notified, if available.  
If a Member submits the text of the draft regulation in PDF format along 
with the notification, a hyperlink to this text will be made available under 
this item.  
 
  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 22 - 
 
    
  
G/SPS/N/ ISO COUNTRY CODE/#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original:  Language  
 
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
1. Notifying Member:  SPS1A  
If applicable, name of local government involved:  sps1b  
2. Agency responsible:  sps2a  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as specified in national 
schedules deposited with the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, 
where applicable): sps3a  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or practicable : 
[sps4b]  All trading partners sps4bbis  
[sps4abis]  Specific regions or countries: sps4a  
5. Title of the notified document: sps5a.  Language(s): sps5b.  Number of pages: sps5c  
sps5d  
6. Description of content: sps6a  
7. Objective and rationale: [sps7a]  food safety, [sps7b]  animal health, 
[sps7c]  plant protection, [sps7d]  protect humans from animal/plant pest or 
disease, [sps7e]  protect territory from other damage from pests. sps7f  
8. Nature of the urgent problem(s) and reason for urgent action: sps8a  
9. Is there a relevant international standard? If so, identify the standard:  
[sps9a]  Codex Alimentarius Commission (e.g.  title or serial number of Codex 
standard or related text) : sps9atext  
[sps9b]  World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (e.g.  Terrestrial or 
Aquatic Animal Health Code, chapter number) : sps9btext  
[sps9c]  International Plant Protection Convention (e.g.  ISPM number) : 
sps9ctext  
[sps9d]  None  
Does this proposed regulation conform to the relevant international standard?  
[sps9ey] Yes   [sps9en] No  
If no, describe, whenever possible, how and why it deviates from the 
international standard: sps9e  
G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 23 - 
 
  10. Other relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  sps10a 
sps10b  
11. Date of entry into force ( dd/mm/yy )/period of application (as applicable): sps11a  
sps11c sps11cbis sps11d  
[sps11e]  Trade facilitating measure sps11ebis  
12. Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [sps12a]  National 
Notification Authority, [sps12b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and 
e-mail address (if available) of other body: sps12c  
13. Text(s) available from: [sps13a]  National Notific ation Authority, 
[sps13b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body: sps13c  
 
  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 24 - 
 
  ANNEX B -2: EMERGENCY NOTIFIC ATIONS - ADDENDA  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ ISO COUNTRY CODE/# /Add.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
Addendum  
The follow ing communication, received on DateReception, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Member . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title 
Measure  
This addendum concerns a:  
[ModificationComment ] Modification of final date for comments  
[ModificationContent ] Modification of content and/or scope of previously notified 
regulation  
[Withdraw ] Withdrawal of regulation  
[ModificationDate ] Change in period of application of measure  
[ModificationOther ] Other: ModificationOtherText  
Agency or authority des ignated to handle comments: [ CommentNNA]  Natio nal 
Notification Authority, [ CommentNEP] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and 
e-mail address (if available) of other body:  
CommentAddress  
Text(s) available from: [ TextAvailableNNA]  Natio nal Notification Authority, 
[TextAvailableNEP] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  
TextSupplierAddress  
 
  
G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 25 - 
 
  ANNEX B -3: EMERGENCY NOTIFIC ATIONS – REVISIONS  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ ISO COUNTRY CODE/# /Rev.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original:  Language  
 
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
Revision  
1. Notifying Member:  SPS1A  
If applicable, name of local government involved:  sps1b  
2. Agency responsible:  sps2a  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as specified in national 
schedules deposited with the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, 
where applicable): sps3a  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or practi cable : 
[sps4b]  All trading partners sps4bbis  
[sps4abis]  Specific regions or countries: sps4a  
5. Title of the notified document: sps5a.  Language(s): sps5b.  Number of pages: sps5c  
sps5d  
6. Description of content: sps6a  
7. Objective and rationale: [sps7a]  food safety, [sps7b]  animal health, 
[sps7c]  plant protection, [sps7d]  protect humans from animal/plant pest or 
disease, [sps7e]  protect territory from other damage from pests. sps7f  
8. Nature of the urgent problem(s) and r eason for urgent action: sps8a  
9. Is there a relevant international standard? If so, identify the standard:  
[sps9a]  Codex Alimentarius Commission (e.g.  title or serial number of Codex 
standard or related text) : sps9atext  
[sps9b]  World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (e.g.  Terrestrial or 
Aquatic Animal Health Code, chapter number) : sps9btext  
[sps9c]  International Plant Protection Convention (e.g.  ISPM number) : 
sps9ctext  
[sps9d]  None  
Does this proposed regulation conform to the relevant international  standard?  
G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 26 - 
 
  [sps9ey] Yes   [sps9en] No  
If no, describe, whenever possible, how and why it deviates from the 
international standard: sps9e  
10. Other relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  sps10a 
sps10b  
11. Date of entry into force (dd/mm/yy )/period of application (as applicable): sps11a  
sps11c sps11cbis sps11d  
[sps11e]  Trade facilitating measure sps11ebis  
12. Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [sps12a]  National 
Notification Authority, [sps12b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and 
e-mail address (if available) of other body: sps12c  
13. Text(s) available from: [sps13a]  National Notific ation Authority, 
[sps13b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body: sps13c  
 
  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 27 - 
 
  ANNEX B -4: EMERGENCY NOTIFIC ATIONS – CORRIGENDA  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ ISO COUNTRY CODE/# /Corr.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
Corrigendum  
The followin g communication, received on DateReception, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Member . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title 
Measure  
Text(s) available from: [ TextAvailableNNA]  Natio nal Notification Authority, 
[TextAvailableNEP]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  
TextSupplierAddress  
 
  
G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 28 - 
 
  ANNEX C:  FACILITY TO ACCESS F ULL TEXTS OF NOTIFIE D REGULATIONS  
ATTACHMENTS SUBMITTE D TOGETHER WITH WTO SPS NOTIFICATIONS  
Guidelines  
1  GENERAL  
(a) An "attachment" is a draft regulatory text or a translation or a summary thereof referred 
to in a WTO SPS notification.  
(b) An attachment will not be considered as a WTO document.  
(c) The Secretariat cannot be held responsible for the content of attachments.  
2  PROVISION OF ATTACHM ENTS TO THE WTO   
(a) Attachments should be provided electronically to the Central Registry of Notifications 
(crn@wto.org ), in conjunction with the corresponding WTO SPS notification.  
(b) Attachments will not be scanned by the WTO Secretariat if submitted in hard copy.  
(c) Attachments should be provided in PDF format only.  Notifications sh ould continue to be 
submitted in Word.  
(d) Individual attachments should not exceed 4MB in size;  multiple attachments may be 
provided.  
3  STORAGE OF ATTACHMEN TS  
(a) Attachments will be stored on a WTO central server.  
(b) Attachments stored on the WTO central server will  be viewable online by clicking on the 
hyperlink in the notification form.  
(c) Attachments can also be downloaded directly by the user.  
(d) Attachments will not be circulated in hard copy form.  
4  LANGUAGE OF ATTACHME NTS 
(a) Attachments may be provided in their original language.  
(b) If available, Members may also provide translations.  
(c) Attachments will not be translated by the Secretariat.  
  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 29 - 
 
  ANNEX D: AVAILABILIT Y OF UNOFFICIAL TRAN SLATIONS  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ ISO COUNTRY 
CODE/# /Suppl.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures    
 
AVAILABILITY OF TRAN SLATIONS  
NOTE BY  THE SECRETARIAT  
Supplement  
The Secretariat has been informed that an unofficial translation into language  of the document 
referenced in this notification is available for consultation at:  
 
html address.  
__________________________________________________ ____________________________  
Comité des mesures sanitaires et phytosanitaires  
TRADUCTIONS DISPONIB LES 
NOTE D U SECRÉTARIAT  
Supplément  
Le Secrétariat a été informé qu'une traduction non officielle en langue du document auquel renvoie 
la présente notification pouvait être consultée à l'adresse suivante:  
 
adresse  html. 
__________________________________________________________ ____________________  
Comité de Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias  
ACCESO A TRADUCCIONE S 
NOTA DE LA SECRETARÍ A 
Suplemento  
Se ha comunicado a la Secretaría que en la dirección:  
 
dirección  html 
 
se pu ede consultar una traducción no oficial al idioma del documento a que se hace referencia en 
la presente notificación.   
 
 
  
G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 30 - 
 
  ANNEX E: NOTIFICATIO N OF RECOGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE  
RECOMMENDED P ROCEDURES FOR THE CO MPLETION  
OF THE NOTIFICATION FOR MAT 
In accordance with the Decision on Equivalence (G/SPS/19 /Rev.2 ), a Member which has made a 
determination recognizing the equivalence of sanitary or phytosanitary measures of another 
Member or Members shall notify other Members through the Secretariat of the m easure(s) 
recognized to be equivalent and of the products affected by this recognition.  
For the purposes of this notification, equivalence is defined to be the state wherein sanitary or 
phytosanitary measures applied in an exporting Member, though differen t from the measures 
applied in an importing Member, achieve, as demonstrated by the exporting Member and 
recognized by the importing Member, the importing Member’s appropriate level of sanitary or 
phytosanitary protection.  A determination of the recognitio n of equivalence may be with respect to 
a specific measure or measures related to a certain product or categories of products, or on a 
systems -wide basis.  
Notification should also be made of significant variations to existing equivalence arrangements, 
including their suspension or rescission.  
Item  Description  
1. Member notifying  Government, including the competent authorities of the European Union , 
which is making the notification.  
2. Title of the text 
stating determination 
of the recognition of 
equivalence  Title of any formal or informal agreement, Memorandum of Understanding 
or other document establishing the determination of recognition of 
equivalence.  
3. Parties involved  Name of the exporting Member or Members whose measure has been 
determine d to be equivalent.  
4. Date of entry into 
force of the 
determination of the 
recognition of 
equivalence and any 
associated procedures 
or regulations  Date from which procedures, regulations or other measures based on the 
determination of recognition of equi valence took effect.  
5. Products covered 
(HS or ICS where 
applicable, otherwise 
national tariff 
heading)  Tariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapter or heading and number) as 
contained in national schedules deposited with the WTO of the product(s) 
which a re imported on the basis of the determination of the recognition of 
equivalence.  
6. Brief description of 
the measure(s) 
recognized to be 
equivalent  Clearly indicate the nature of the recognition of equivalence, including 
which measure(s) of the exporting Member have been determined to be 
equivalent and which elements of the importing Member's usual 
requirements are met by these equivalent measures.  
7. Further information 
available from  The agency or authority from which an interested Member may request 
further information regarding the specific determination of equivalence 
being notified.  If this is the National Enquiry Point, check the box 
provided.  If available from another body, give its address, fax number and 
e-mail address.  Provide the website addres s of the document, if available.  
 
  G/SPS/7/Rev.4  
 
- 31 - 
 
    
  
G/SPS/N/EQV/ ISO COUNTRY CODE/ # 
 
DateDistribut ion 
(00-0000)  Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION OF DETERMINATION OF THE RECOGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE  
OF SANITARY OR PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES  
The following notification of determination of the recognition of equivalence has been received.  
 
1. Member notifying: 1A 
2. Title of the text stating the determination of the recognition of equivalence : 2a 
3. Parties involved:  3a 
4. Date of entry into force of the determination of the recognition of equivalence 
and any associated procedures or regulations:  4a 4b  
5. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff 
heading):  5a 
6. Description of measures recognized to be equivalent:  6a 
7. Further information available from:  
[7b] National Enquiry Point  
[7c] Other (specify)   7a 
 
 
__________