G/TBT/41  
 
19 November 2018  
(18-7253) Page: 1/31 
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade    
 
EIGHTH TRIENNIAL REV IEW OF THE OPERATION  AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 
AGREEMENT ON TECHNIC AL BARRIERS TO TRADE  UNDER ARTICLE 15.4  
_______________  
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
 
INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  2 
1   GOOD REGULATORY PRACTICE  ................................ ................................ ....................  2 
2   REGULATORY COOPE RATION BETWEEN MEMBE RS ................................ ......................  4 
3   TECHNICAL REGULA TIONS  ................................ ................................ ..........................  8 
4   CONFORMITY ASSES SMENT PROCEDURES  ................................ ................................ ... 8 
5   STANDARDS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  14 
6   TRANSPARENCY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  16 
7   TECHNICAL ASSIST ANCE  ................................ ................................ ...........................  21 
8   OPERATION OF THE  COMMITTEE  ................................ ................................ ...............  24 
ANNEX: SUBMISSIONS F ROM MEMBERS BY TOPIC  (NOV. 2015 – NOV. 2 018)  ...............  27 
 
  G/TBT/41  
 
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  INTRODUCTION  
The Eighth Triennial Review is being carried out in 2018 in accordance with the mandate under 
Article 15.4 of the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement).1 It was concluded 
on 15 November 2018 .2 The Committee's previous seven triennial reviews were completed in 1997, 
2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015.3 During the review period (November 2015 – November 
2018), the Committee has undertaken work to follow up on specific decisions and recommendations 
agreed in previous reviews.4  
Members recognize that the full implementation of the Committee's existing decisi ons and 
recommendations is a process that may span over several reviews. In this regard, Members reiterate 
the importance of following up on previously agreed decisions and recommendations as contained 
in G/TBT/1/Rev.13 .  
1  GOOD REGULATORY PRAC TICE  
Good Regulatory Practice (GRP)  can contribute to the improved and effective 
implementation of the substantive obligations under the TBT Agreement. Effective 
implementation through best practices is seen as an important means of avoiding 
unnecessary obstacles to trade. Institutionalizing the various mechanisms, 
processes and procedures  of GRP through laws, regulations and guidance, as well 
as through the creation and designation of institutions within Member 
governments to oversee regulatory processes, is seen as a means of giving effect 
to GRP. Effective internal policy coordination, i ncluding among regulators, 
standardizing bodies and trade officials implementing the TBT Agreement, is 
stressed. Additionally, regulatory cooperation between Members is an effective 
means of disseminating GRP.  
G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , p.6 
 
1.1  Exchange of experiences  
1.1.  During the review period, most of the Committee's exchange of experiences took place in the 
context of thematic sessions on Good Regulatory Practice (GRP), held on 8 March 20165 and 
28 March 2017.6 The topic of GRP was also discussed in the contexts of regulatory cooperation 
between Members (Section 2), conformity as sessment procedures (Section 4), transparency 
(Section  6), and technical assistance (Section 7). The Committee also undert ook discussion s during 
this period to advance the mandate from the Sixth Triennial Review to find a way forward on the  
non-exhaustive list of voluntary mechanisms and related principles of GRP (the "non -exhaustive 
list") to guide Members in the efficient and effective implementation of the TBT Agreement across 
the regulatory lifecycle.7  
1.2.  In the discussions, several Member s provided examples of the benefits of GRP . The 
Philippines  explained that GRP helps ensure the design of high -quality and cost -effective regulations 
                                                
1 Article 15.4 of the TBT Agreement states:  "Not later than the end of the third year from the date of 
entry into force of the WTO Agreement and at the end of each three -year period thereafter, the Committee 
shall review the operation and implementation of  this Agreement, including the provisions relating to 
transparency, with a view to recommending an adjustment of the rights and obligations of this Agreement 
where necessary to ensure mutual economic advantage and balance of rights and obligations, without  
prejudice to the provisions of Article 12.  Having regard, inter alia , to the experience gained in the 
implementation of the Agreement, the Committee shall, where appropriate, submit proposals for amendments 
to the text of this Agreement to the Council fo r Trade in Goods".  
2 A list of submissions circulated in the TBT Committee relevant to the topics under review is contained 
in the Annex to this document (p. 26). 
3 Reports of these triennial reviews are contained in: G/TBT/5 ; G/TBT/9 ; G/TBT/13 ; G/TBT/19 ; 
G/TBT/26 ; G/TBT/32 ; and G/TBT/37 . 
4 A compilation of the TBT Committee's Decisions and Recommendations adopted since January  1995 is 
contained in document G/TBT/1/Rev.13 . This document also contains the Committee's Rules of Procedure, 
including Guidelines for Ob server Status for Governments and International Intergovernmental Organizations.  
5 G/TBT/GEN/191 .  
6 G/TBT/GEN/214 . 
7 Relevant documents concerning the "non -exhaustive list" ( JOB/TBT/11 9/Rev.1 ) are contained in: 
G/TBT/GEN/192 ; G/TBT/M/68 , paras. 2.349 – 2.350; and, G/TBT/M/74 , paras 2.269 – 2.292.  G/TBT/41  
 
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  that are also compatible with open trade . It also  contributes to the establishment of a common and 
predict able framework for regulatory intervention which in turn facilitates global regulatory 
cooperation and harmonization. The ASEAN8 Good Regulatory Practice Guide of 2009 assists ASEAN 
governments to this effect.9 Canada  noted that a focus on small businesses  in targeted 
administrative burden -reduction initiatives ("the small business lens") contributes to reducing 
regulatory costs without compromising other important social objectives.10  
1.3.  Specifically on the topics of internal coordination  and transparency and  consultation , 
South Africa  recalled the importance of establishing domestic administrative mechanisms to facilitate 
cooperation and coordination between competent authorities and coordination with other 
stakeholders. In this respect, South Africa highligh ted the use of domestic TBT committees to assist 
with the effective implementation and operation of the TBT Agreement.11 The European Union  
described the EU Better Regulation Portal which aims to further open up policy -making by enabling 
stakeholders and ci tizens to express their views throughout the entire life cycle of a policy.12 The 
Republic of Korea  noted that efforts on regulatory reform and rationalization of technical regulations 
have eased burdens on ministries, and that its Regulatory Information Sy stem improves efficiency 
by reducing time for information exchange between agencies.13 China  described its Trade Policy 
Compliance Mechanism , and explained that numerous laws and regulations were amended and 
optimized; more than 1,000 policies by the centra l and local governments were reviewed by the end 
of 2015.14 
1.4.  A discussion specific to the topic of regulatory impact assessment  (RIA) also took place. 
Australia  described implementation of best practice in RIA, in particular on transparency and public 
consul tation. Public consultation informs all elements of a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), helps 
identify viable policy alternatives, confirms the accuracy of data, ensures that there are no 
unintended consequences and helps increase understanding amongst af fected stakeholders .15 The 
European Union  explained how trade impacts and TBT Agreement obligations are taken into account 
in the preparation of RIAs in the EU, in the context of the "Policy Cycle" of the Better Regulation 
agenda.16 The Republic of Korea  presented the use of "Technical Regulatory Impact Assessment" in 
Korea, which aims to improve not only the quality of regulation but also helps strengthen 
coordination among related ministries.17 The Philippines  said it was in the process of creating an 
oversight body to review RIAs or RIS formulated by different regulatory agencies.18 
1.5.  The United States  explained that its use of RIAs is based on a requirement set out in two 
Executive Orders for "economically significant" regulations , and that agencies have a n obligation to 
consider trade impacts in RIAs. The US highlighted  characteristics of good RIAs: they are 
transparent, clear, have a logical structure; use good science; are well documented; and include a 
discussion of sources and the magnitude of uncertai nty.19 Brazil  noted that RIAs should be applied 
ex ante  and ex post  and highlighted the benefits of RIAs for reducing unnecessary regulatory 
burdens. However, developing and least developed Members (LDCs) face challenges in applying RIAs 
due to lack of avai lable data and structured databases, and in this respect information sharing on 
RIA is beneficial for both transparency purposes and as an effective form of technical assistance.20  
1.1.1   Other information  
1.6.  Observers  also provided relevant information. The OECD21 noted that about two thirds of its 
members report that they assess trade impacts as part their RIA processes, although this is not 
                                                
8 Association of Southeast Asian Nations.  
9 G/TBT/GEN/214 , paras. 1 -2; and RD/TBT/210 .  
10 G/TBT/GEN/214 , para. 3; and RD/TBT/211 . 
11 G/TBT/W/452 , paras. 2.1 -2.3. 
12 G/TBT/GEN/214 , para. 5; and RD/TBT/213 . 
13 G/TBT/GEN/214 , para. 4; and RD/TBT/212 .  
14 G/TBT/GEN/191 , para. 5; and RD/TBT/139 .  
15 G/TBT/GEN/191 , para. 3; and RD/TBT/135 .  
16 G/TBT/GEN/191 , para. 6; and RD/TBT/140 .  
17 G/TBT/GEN/191 , para. 1; an d RD/TBT/131 .  
18 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.7; and https://www.wto.org/ english/tratop_e/tbt_e/6_Philippines_e.pdf  
19 G/TBT/GEN/191 , para. 4; and  RD/TBT/136 . 
20 G/TBT/W/461/Rev.1 , paras. 2.4-2.8. 
21 Organisation for Economic Co -operation and Development.  G/TBT/41  
 
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  without challenges .22 Other relevant updates were provided by ARSO23, OECD24, SADC25, and 
UNECE .26  
1.2  Recommendations  
1.7.  Building on thi s exchange as well as on previous decisions and recommendations of the 
Committee, and with a view to furthering its work in the area of GRP, the Committee  agrees:  
a. to continue to exchange information  on mechanisms of GRP adopted by WTO Members 
that facilitate the implementation of the TBT Agreement and, in this vein:  
i. to dedicate , unless otherwise agreed, the first thematic session of the TBT Committee 
each year to the topic of GRP;  
ii. to hold a thematic session on the role and function of domestic committees, and other 
administrative mechanisms, that facilitate internal coordination on TBT;  
b. to encourage  those Members that conduct RIA or similar initiatives as part of their 
regulatory process  to provide , to the extent feasible , a hyper link to the studies ( ex ante ) 
in the pertinent no tification to the TBT Committee,  as well as to notify on a regular basis 
or publish on a publicly accessible website  the subsequent related assessments ( ex post ) 
in the national language27; 
2  REGULATORY COOPERATI ON BETWEEN MEMBERS  
"The Committee notes that regulatory cooperation between Members is an 
effective means of disseminating GRP. It can also build confidence between trading 
partners through enhancing mutual unde rstanding of regulatory systems, thereby 
supporting efforts that aim at removing unnecessary barriers to trade. A 
fundamental component to regulatory cooperation is the promotion of dialogue 
between Members, including at senior level. A wide variety of app roaches can be 
employed by regulators to collaborate with each other – from information sharing 
to negotiating specific agreements."  
G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , p.9 
 
2.1  Exchange of experiences  
2.1.  During the review period, most of the Committee's exchange of experiences took place in the 
context of two thematic sessions on regulatory cooperation between Members, held on 14  June 2016 
(energy efficiency), and on 9 November 2016 (food (nutrition) labelling).28 
2.1.1   Energy efficiency  
2.2.  Members described a range of national schemes and programmes  related to energy 
efficiency. Australia  described it s experience in applying minimum energy performance standards 
(MEPS) through the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) programme.29 Canada  said its energy 
efficiency regulations cover a wide range of product categories and include references to mandatory 
MEPS, w hich are  viewed as a cost -effective way of reducing energy consumption and Greenhouse 
                                                
22 G/TBT/GEN/191 , para. 2; RD/TBT/134  and RD/TBT/133 .  
23 African Organization for Standardisation ( G/TBT/GEN/200 ; G/TBT/GEN/219 ; G/TBT/GEN/239 ; and 
RD/TBT/142 ). 
24 G/TBT/GEN/208 . 
25 Southern African Development Community ( G/TBT/GEN/189 ). 
26 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe ( G/TBT/GEN/187 ; G/TBT/GEN/201 ; 
G/TBT/GEN/224 ; G/TBT/GEN/234 ; G/TBT/GEN/245 ; and G/TBT/GEN/247 ). 
27 In line with a previous recommendation by the TBT Committee, for ex ante  RIAs, this information 
could be made available through a hyperlink to the assessment in Box 8 of the notification template or by 
including the assessment in the draft measure itself ( G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 5.6.2.1.d. on p.35).  
28 G/TBT/GEN/198 ; and G/TBT/GEN/205 .  
29 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.3.  G/TBT/41  
 
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  Gas (GHG) emissions and have been particularly effective in removing the least -efficient products 
from the marketplace.30 
2.3.  China  presented its national mandatory energy eff iciency standards, based on minimum 
allowable values for energy efficiency (so as to phase out low efficiency products), energy efficiency 
grades (labelling programmes to inform the consumer) and an index for evaluating energy -saving 
products (a certificat ion scheme).31 The European Union  introduced its energy efficiency policies , 
which i nclude product energy performance ("eco -design") requirements ( to "push" the market by 
allowing only products that meet minimum requirements for energy efficiency thus influ encing the 
supply side) and energy labelling ( to "pull" the market by influencing the demand side).  EU 
harmonization avoids fragmentation of rules with in the Single Market.32  
2.4.  Japan  explained its "Top Runner Programme" which develops standards that promote high 
energy efficiency for a wide array of products . By evaluating manufactures' and importers' 
achievements based on a weighted average of products, the programme also ensures diversity of 
products in the market and makes it possible to promote innovation s.33 The Republic of Korea  
presented its range of voluntary and mandatory energy efficiency programmes, energy labelling 
schemes, and highlighted the importance of addressing network standby energy consumption.34 
2.5.  Mexico  outlined its process for developing en ergy efficiency regulation, and explained that it 
opted for a mandatory approach taking into account several issues including its consumer culture.35 
Singapore  introduced the work of its national standards body SPRING (now known as Enterprise 
Singapore) to bring together industry, regulators, academia and consumers to identify, develop and 
promote energy efficiency standards, which are used by regulators to define: best practices in energy 
management systems (ISO 50001); minimum energy performance of equipme nt used in buildings; 
test methods for home appliances; and, the Green Mark Assessment Criteria to speed up the pace 
of green building development.36  
2.6.  South Africa  presented its national standard for Energy Efficient Measurement and Verification 
(M&V) (SANS 50010:2011) linked to tax incentives for energy efficiency, and supported by an 
accreditation programme for Energy Efficient  M&V bodies under SANAS.37, 38 The United States  
presented Energy Star, a global voluntary energy efficiency labelling programme managed by the 
EPA39, relying on performance specifications, testing and verification. It was noted that the EPA 
product specification development cycle is elaborate, transparent and provides opportunity for 
international input. All Energy Star products need to be third -party certified before they can carry 
the label.40 
2.7.  Members and Observers also emphasized the importance of standards . Australia  highlighted 
the role of I SO41 and IEC42 in developing and managing energy efficiency standards for a number of 
products.43 China  encouraged Members to adopt ISO and IEC testing methods, to promote mutual 
recognition of laboratory test results and the application of QR code electronic  labels, and also to 
promote capacity building on energy efficiency standards in developing Members.44 The IEC 
emphasized the opportunity to reduce global electricity consumption by increasing efficiency of 
electrical motors, and explained that IEC 60034 -30 indicates three energy efficiency classes for 
                                                
30 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.18.  
31 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.4; and RD/TBT/144 . 
32 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.17; and RD/TBT/162 . 
33 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.16; and RD/TBT/143 . 
34 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.19; and RD/TBT/153 .  
35 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.20; and RD/TBT/154 . 
36 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.6; and RD/TBT/160 .  
37 South African National Accreditation System.  
38 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.10; and RD/TBT/146 .  
39 Environmental Protection Agency.  
40 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.21; and RD/TBT/152 . 
41 International Organization for Standardization.  
42 International Electro technical Commission.  
43 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.3.  
44 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.4; and RD/TBT/144 . G/TBT/41  
 
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  cage-motors.45 UNECE  presented the three agreements administered by WP.2946 to support energy 
efficiency of vehicles.47 
2.8.  A number of invited speakers addressed the topic of voluntary versus mandatory 
approaches . For instance, a representative of Schneider Electric , sharing experience as Chair of 
the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 3948, said the global regulatory and standards landscape for energy efficiency 
of data centres is complex, and voluntary programmes allow for consumer choice and deliver 
results.49 On a similar note, the Consumer Technology Association  called for flexible and innovation -
friendly approaches to energy efficiency regulation in the technology industry, and said that 
voluntary approaches are preferred to manda tory regulation based on minimum energy performance 
standards.50 AHAM51 highlighted the different benefits arising from the use of international, regional 
or industry standards for energy efficiency.52 
2.9.  More generally on cooperation between Members , Canada  said that regulatory cooperation 
works best when it is collaborative; in other words, driven by consumers having similar preferences, 
stakeholders having similar concerns, and regulators with mutual interests. Canada also explained 
that Canada -US Regulatory C ooperation Council (RCC) has taken up work to address gaps in the 
alignment of energy efficiency standards between Canada and the US identified by industry, which 
are increasing costs for business and creating consumer confusion.53 Mexico  described Pan -Amer ican 
efforts to harmonize energy efficiency labelling requirements in light of the challenge of product 
comparability in terms of energy consumption.54 The United States  described its cooperation in 
various fora aimed at supporting good policy development i n the field of energy efficiency, including: 
the IEA -4E55 initiative, the SEAD56 and work in national and international standardizing bodies.57 
2.10.   Invited speakers also highlighted the benefits of cooperation . IEA58 noted that cooperation 
on energy efficiency reg ulation is important to reduce costs of energy -efficient appliances for 
consumers .59 ILAC60/IAF61 explained the benefits of its multilateral mutual recognition arrangements 
– for government, business and consumers – in supporting organizations and products to  
demonstrate improvements of environmental and energy performance.62 
2.1.2   Food (nutrition) labelling  
2.11.   Regarding the objective of protecting human health , the United States  highlighted the 
significant negative consequences of childhood obesity, the factors that influence the food 
environment  for families and children , the positive contribution of the new US Nutrition Facts Label, 
and areas for future work in nutrition labelling.63 The WHO64 stated that nutrition labelling is one 
part of a comprehensive approach and policy measures to promote healthy diet and prevent and 
control diet -related non -communicable diseases.65 
2.12.   On the importance of harmonizing standards , Brazil  emphasized the need for balance in 
food labelling between, on the one hand, the right of consumers to receive pertinent information, 
                                                
45 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.8; and RD/TBT/145 .  
46 UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations.  
47 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.9; and RD/TBT/150 .  
48 Subcommittee on Sustainability for and by Information Technology.  
49 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.7; and RD/TBT/148 .  
50 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.11; and RD/TBT/149 .  
51 Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers.  
52 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.5; and RD/TBT/147 .  
53 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.18.  
54 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.20; and RD/TBT/154 . 
55 Energy Efficient End -use Equipment  
56 Super -Efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment Initiative.  
57 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.15; and RD/TBT/151 .  
58 International Energy Agency.  
59 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.2; and RD/TBT/161 .  
60 International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation.  
61 International Accreditation Forum.  
62 G/TBT/GEN/198 , para. 1.12; and RD/TBT/155 . 
63 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.3; and RD/TBT/179 .  
64 World Health Organization.  
65 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.2; and RD/TBT/183 .  G/TBT/41  
 
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  and, on the other, allowing trade to take place . It was noted that Codex66 standards and the TBT 
and SPS Agreements could help  harmonize food labelling.67 In this regard, Costa Rica  described 
ongoing work of the CCFL68 electronic working group (eWG) on front -of-pack nutrition labelling. The 
eWG has two objectives: (i) to determine whether the Codex Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling 
provide adequate guidance on front -of-pack nutrition labelling; and (ii) the role of Codex in 
promoting harmonization of front -of-pack labelling implemented by various stakeholders.69 Codex 
presented its work on food labelling as related to  information on h uman nutrition, undertaken by the 
CCFL and the CCNFSDU .70, 71  
2.13.   Specifically on labelling requirements , Canada  provided information on the Canadian Food 
Inspection Agency's on -line industry labelling tool designed to help domestic and foreign 
stakeholders det ermine if they require a particular label, such as the Nutrition Facts table.72 The 
Philippines  presented the results of the APEC73 Survey on Packaging and Labelling Requirements on 
Pre-packaged Food Products, which aims to increase transparency and take sto ck of labelling and 
packaging requirements of APEC member economies .74 Chinese Taipei  explained its food labelling 
regulations and the nine elements that are required to be indicated in Chinese and common symbols 
on the container or packaging of food  and food raw materials.75 
2.14.   Invited speakers also addressed the topic of labelling requirements. The Mexican Council of 
the Consumer Products Industry  presented Mexico's experience with front -of-pack labelling, and 
mentioned three lessons learned: (i) regulations  have to be clear and comprehensive; (ii) front -of-
pack labelling has to be complemented with educational campaigns; and (iii) digital tools could 
provide multiple sources of information and enable the design of smart labels.  Mexico 's intervention 
highligh ted that the front-of-pack labelling should: (i) follow Codex Guidelines; (ii) be science -based; 
(iii) consult with consumers; and (iv) not constitute arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or 
undermine intellectual property rights.76 Mondelēz Internatio nal explained that lack of harmonization 
in food labelling requirements adds costs for producers and consumers, and that keeping up to date  
with the changing landscape of food labelling requirements at the local, national and international 
level is a major  challenge for the private sector.77 Guatemala  said that the non -harmonization of 
food labelling at the international level affected exports from developing countries in particular. It 
was difficult to comply with different labels in each country.  
2.15.   A number of Members described recent developments . The United States  described the 
updated US Nutrition Facts Label. Recent work has been undertaken in light of: (i) improved scientific 
information on links between diet, health and chronic diseases; (ii) changes in  the amount of foods 
consumed; and (iii) changes in priorities for dietary guidance (greater focus on calories and serving 
sizes).78 Canada  explained that changes to the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations are being 
proposed in order to incorporate scientifi c updates and to harmonize with the US system, including 
with respect to the list of nutrients to be declared and the basis for Daily Values.79  
2.16.   The European Union  reported on the recently adopted EU legal framework for food labelling 
which  sets out princip les, objectives and provisions governing food information to consumers, and 
which for the first time includes a mandatory nutrition declaration.80 Chile presented its new 
regulations on nutri tional labelling, which include  three main elements: (i)  restricti ons of marketing 
of food products to children under 14; (ii)  restrictions of marketing or sale in school environments; 
and (iii)  the use of front -of-package warning labels .81 Switzerland  described changes to its legal 
                                                
66 Codex Alimentarius Comm ission.  
67 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.18; and RD/TBT/187 .  
68 Codex Committee on Food Labelling.  
69 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.7; and RD/TBT/188 .  
70 Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses.  
71 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.6; and RD/TBT/184 .  
72 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.15; and RD/TBT/181 .  
73 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.  
74 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.19; and RD/TBT/192 .  
75 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.11 . 
76 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.16; and RD/TBT/191 .  
77 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.17; and RD/TBT/189 .  
78 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para.  1.10; and RD/TBT/167 . 
79 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.12; and RD/TBT/180 .  
80 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.20; and RD/TBT/190 .  
81 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.13; and RD/TBT/193 .  G/TBT/41  
 
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  framework for mandatory food labelling,  including that within four years  all pre -packaged food would 
be required  to have a nutrition declaration indicating amounts of certain nutrients.82 
2.1.3   Other information  
2.17.   Observers  also provided relevant information. Updates were provided by ARSO83, CODEX84, 
IEC85, OECD86 and UNECE .87 
2.2  Recommendations  
2.18.   Building on this exchange as well as on previous decisions and recommendations of the 
Committee, and with a view to furthering its work and raising awareness of the importance of 
regulatory cooperation between Members, t he Committee  agrees:  
a. to continue its information exchange in the area of regulatory cooperation between 
Members, based on topics identified by them .  
3  TECHNICAL REGULATION S 
3.1  Exchange of Experiences  
3.1.  European Union  emphasized that mandatory marking and labell ing requirements affect a 
very large portion of global trade, and that these are becoming increasingly complex. It was 
suggested that the Committee discuss practical aspects of compliance with mandatory marking and 
labelling requirements affecting imported  products, and promote measures and practices that enable 
producers to fulfil the legitimate objectives pursued by mandatory marking and labelling 
requirements in the least costly and burdensome way possible, thereby facilitating trade.88 
3.2  Recommendations  
3.2.  With a view to furthering its work in the area of mandatory marking and labelling requirements, 
the Committee  agrees : 
a. to hold a discussion of how to facilitate compliance with mandatory marking and labelling 
requirements on pr oducts, and consider the need fo r further work in the Committee on 
this topic, including on a sectoral basis, as appropriate.  
4  CONFORMITY ASSESSMEN T PROCEDURES  
"Five articles of the TBT Agreement address conformity assessment procedures, 
and establish obligations of a substantive and proc edural nature. Articles 5 and 6 
contain disciplines applying to central government bodies. Articles 7, 8 and 9 relate 
to conformity assessment procedures of local government bodies, non -
governmental bodies and international and regional systems. The defini tion of a 
conformity assessment procedure is contained in Annex 1, Paragraph 3 of the 
Agreement."  
G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 3, para. 3.1  
 
4.1  Exchange of experiences  
4.1.  During the  review period, most of the Committee's exchange of experiences took place in the 
context of three thematic sessions held on the topics of conformity assessment procedures and risk 
                                                
82 G/TBT/GEN/205 , para. 1.14; and RD/TBT/182 .  
83 G/TBT/GEN/200 ; G/TBT/GEN/219 ; and G/TBT/GEN/239 . 
84 RD/TBT/184 . 
85 RD/TBT/145 .  
86 G/TBT/GEN/208  and RD/TBT /194.  
87 G/TBT/GEN/207 ; G/TBT/GEN/224  and RD/TBT/150 . 
88 G/TBT/W/534  G/TBT/41  
 
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  assessment. These sessions were held on 10  March  201689, 28 March 201790 and 13 June 2017.91 
The topic of c onformity assessment procedures was also discussed in the context of regulatory 
cooperation between Members (Section 2).  
4.1.1   Approaches to conformity assessment  
4.2.  Members discussed factors that influence the choice and design  of conformity assessment 
procedures. For example, Canada  described its use of different types of conformity assessment 
procedures depending on the levels of risk associated with products (low, medium and high risk).92 
The European Union  emphasized proporti onality and recognition (or lack thereof) as two inter -
related trade aspects of conformity assessment, and said it follows a risk -based approach to 
conformity assessment that ensures consistency within a given product category.93 The EU explained 
that Decis ion 768/2008 sets out criteria for selecting procedures in proportion to the level of risk 
and safety required. EU experience showed that GRP helps inform and determine the choice of 
conformity assessment procedures and that any type of conformity assessme nt procedure requires 
an adequate level of post -market surveillance.94 The European Union also emphasized that risk 
assessment ( see Section 4.1.4 below ) is a crucial factor for the choice and design of appropriate 
conformity assessment procedures.95 The United States  stressed that the TBT Agreement maintains 
neutrality with respect to approaches to conformity assessment , as demonstrated in the Indicative 
List of Approaches to Facilitate the Results of Conformity Assessment,  and that this is important 
given th e dynamic nature of risk, including in areas like the " Internet of Things" and 3D printing.96 
The United States suggested the Committee discuss the development of National Quality 
Infrastructure  (NQI) , use of accreditation as a trade facilitat ive tool, and national and regional 
implementation of conformity assessment .97 
4.3.  The European Union  suggested  that the Committee initiate work to develop recommendations 
or practical guidelines to support regulators in the choice and design of appropriate and 
proportionate conformity assessment procedures, and exchange of information and experiences on 
market surveillance (post -market controls).98  
4.4.  South Africa  suggested  that the Committee consider the topic of "Certificates of Free Sale" 
requirements which, South  Africa says, create challenges for exporters. South Africa explained that 
a Certificate of Free Sale is a document which states that a specific product meets the domestic 
regulatory requirements of the exporting  Member and that the product is freely avail able for 
purchasing in the exporting Member's domestic market.99  
4.1.2   Use of relevant international standards, guides or recommendations  
4.5.  Members and Observers discussed the use of relevant international standards, guides 
and recommendations . For example, Mexico  introduced a pilot project on safety requirements of 
electric products with regulation based on ISO/IEC 17067:2013. While national variations are 
sometimes needed, international schemes such as those of the ISO/IEC system are used for 
certification.100 The ISO stressed the importance of common international standards, guides and 
recommendations as the basis for conformity assessment procedures to facilitate international trade 
and noted that the ISO/CASCO101 toolbox includes a risk -based set of conformity assessment 
standards for the operation of conformity assessment bodies (CABs), accreditation bodies and peer 
evaluation.102 The IEC explained that membership in the IEC Global Conformity Assessment Systems 
                                                
89 G/TBT/GEN/190 . 
90 G/TBT/GEN/213 . A revised Secretariat note on the TBT Committee's work on conformity assessment 
procedures was circulated on 22 March 2017 ( JOB/TBT/224 ). 
91 G/TBT/GEN/226 . 
92 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 5; and RD/TBT/127 . 
93 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 9 ; and RD/TBT/138 . 
94 G/TBT/GEN/226 , para. 1; and RD/TBT/222 . 
95 G/TBT/W/462 , paras 2.2 and 2.4.  
96 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 7; and RD/TBT/129 .  
97 G/TBT/W/531 . 
98 G/TBT/W/462 . 
99 G/TBT/W/453 . 
100 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 11; and RD/TBT/137 .  
101 ISO Committee on Conformity Assessment.  
102 G/TBT/GEN/213 , para. 2; and RD/TBT/209 .  G/TBT/41  
 
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  is open to all qualifying certification bodies and laboratories and that the systems are based on 
predefined and common operational rules and peer assessments.103  
4.1.3   Facilitating the recognition of conformity assessment results  
4.6.  Members discussed approaches used in certain sectors . Japan  introduced two examples of 
sectoral international schemes that facilitate the acceptance of test results in other Members: the 
IECEE CB Scheme104 and the OECD principles of Good Laboratory Practice. Both schemes help reduce 
duplicat ive testing and save government and industry resources.105 Singapore  (on behalf of ASEAN) 
explained that ASEAN has put in place mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) and harmonized 
regulatory regimes in three sectors: Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE)  (based on IECEE CB 
scheme); pharmaceuticals (based on Pharmaceutical Inspection Co -operation Scheme – PIC/S); and 
cosmetics. ASEAN's work on the acceptance and recognition of conformity assessment results has 
facilitated the flow of goods within the regio n and led to reduced costs for traders and faster time -
to-market for goods.106 Switzerland  provided another example of a free trade agreement (FTA) in a 
specific sector: the China -Switzerland FTA which includes a side -agreement that uses the OIML107 
standards to mutually recognize test results and reduce costs of conformity assessment procedures 
for weighing instruments.108 
4.7.  There was also discussion on the use of MRAs , as well as alternative approaches. China  
described the China -New Zealand FTA, China's first FTA  negotiated with a developed Member. The 
FTA includes an "Agreement between China and New Zealand on Cooperation in the Field of 
Conformity Assessment in relation to Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Components" (EEE 
MRA). The EEE MRA seeks to reduce  compliance costs and facilitate trade while assisting regulators 
in managing risks related to electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility as well as reducing 
language barriers. China emphasized the importance of MRAs based on equality and mutual 
benefit.109 The European Union  described the EU approach to conformity assessment in FTAs as 
including: a joint commitment to choose the least -burdensome procedure on basis of risk 
assessment and GRP principles to ensure fitness for purpose; the reference to existing multilateral 
schemes (e.g. ILAC, IAF) where positive assurance of conformity is required; sector -specific 
provisions such as use of UNECE -type approval certificates for motor vehicles or supplier's 
declaration of conformity ( SDoC ) for some sectors , e.g.  electronics; and , where appropriate,  
integration of existing bilateral MRAs into FTAs. While MRAs provide a one -stop shop for 
manufacturers, they entail high administrative burdens and limit incentives for regulatory 
convergence by freezing the stat us quo.110  
4.8.  Chinese Taipei  noted that there are limits to the effectiveness of MRAs as they tend to be 
costly, time -consuming, rigid and limited in scope. Allowing participation of CABs on a national 
treatment basis is more time and cost effective and mitiga tes issues of rigidity and obsolescence, 
particularly when there is the possibility for expansion of scope.111 Canada  preferred national 
treatment of CABs providing for recognition (including designation, registration, approval, licensing 
and notification) o f foreign CABs on conditions no less favourable than those applied domestically, 
citing the example of Article 8.6 of the Trans -Pacific Partnership (TPP). In terms of other approaches, 
Canada encourages the use of voluntary Multilateral Accreditation Arran gements (MLAs) and noted 
that MRAs are harder to negotiate, implement, and benefits difficult to measure, although they can 
be useful for certain sectors, such as telecoms.112 Mexico  reported on a programme for international 
cooperation to improve implementa tion of MRAs. In this respect, COMENOR113 cooperates with 
                                                
103 G/TBT/GEN/213 , para. 1; and RD/TBT/203 .  
104 IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components, 
Certification Body scheme.  
105 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 4; and RD/TBT/126 .  
106 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 6; and RD/TBT/128 . 
107 International Organization for Legal Metrology.  
108 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 8; and RD/TBT/130 .  
109 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 10; and RD/TBT/132 .  
110 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 9; and RD/TBT/138 .  
111 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 1; and RD/TBT/123 . 
112 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 5; and RD/TBT/127 .  
113 Consejo Mexicano de Normalización y Evaluación de la Conformidad (Mexican Council for 
Standardization and Conformity Assessment).  G/TBT/41  
 
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  several CABs and laboratories worldwide to recognize test results and help foreign manufacturers 
obtain the Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) mark.114 
4.9.  There was also discussion on the use of accreditation . For example, Australia  highlighted the 
importance of ILAC MRA115 and IAF MLA116, which create a strategic framework to support 
international trade. However, Australia questioned whether a "peer evaluation" process every four 
years is sufficient to maintain confidence in the results produced under the ILAC MRA and IAF MLA, 
and whether the participation of a professional independent evaluator could help towards objectivity 
and impartiality in this process.117 Canada  and the European Union  (including the EA118) jointly 
presented the bilateral "Protocol on the mutual acceptance of the results of conformity assessment", 
part of the Canada -EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The Protocol relies 
heavily on accreditation to build confidence between Cana dian and EU regulators so as to facilitate 
the mutual acceptance of test results and product certifications by Canadian and EU -recognized 
CABs.119  
4.10.   Further on the topic of accreditation, the United States  presented the TBT Chapter of NAFTA120 
as an example of a mechanism that enables recognition of CABs of NAFTA parties through 
accreditation.121 Indonesia  explained that for mandatory SNI122, conformity assessment activities 
have to be performed by CABs accredited by the Indonesian Accreditation Body (KAN123), and 
designated by the respective regulators (who have full responsibility for ensuring conformity with 
their requirements). The recognition of competency of foreign CABs occurs through bilateral or 
multilateral recognition agreements following a reciprocal princi ple.124 South Africa  explained how 
SADCA125 helps facilitate national, regional and international recognition and acceptance of 
conformity assessment results through SANAS126, MAURITAS127 and SADCAS.128 Attention was also 
drawn to AFRAC129 which aims at raising awaren ess and building capacity on accreditation in Africa 
with a view to expanding the AFRAC MRA.130 
4.11.   Members also discussed developments in regional trade agreements  relating to the 
recognition and acceptance of conformity assessment results: Canada131; China132; the European 
Union133; South Africa134; Singapore (on behalf of ASEAN)135; Switzerland136; Chinese Taipei137; the 
United States138; and jointly Canada and the European Union.139 
4.1.4   Risk assessment  
4.12.   Risk assessment is a cross -cutting topic with relevance to different aspects of  the work of the 
TBT Committee. A number of issues were discussed including how the level of risk  influences the 
choice of conformity assessment procedure, and different sectoral examples. Chinese Taipei  
                                                
114 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 11; and RD/TBT/137 .  
115 International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement.  
116 International Accred itation Forum Multilateral Recognition Arrangement.  
117 G/TBT/GEN/213 , para. 3; and RD/TBT/204 . 
118 European Accreditation ( RD/TBT/206 ). 
119 G/TBT/GEN/213 , paras. 4 -5; and RD/TBT/205 .  
120 North American Free Trade Agreement.  
121 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 7; and RD/TBT/129 .  
122 Standar Nasional Indonesia  
123 Komite Akreditasi Nasional.  
124 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 2; and RD/TBT/124 . 
125 Southern African Development Community Cooperation in Accreditation.  
126 South African National Accreditation System.  
127 Mauritius Accreditation System.  
128 SADC Accreditation Service.  
129 African Accreditation Cooperation.  
130 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 3; and RD/TBT/125 . 
131 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 5; and RD/TBT/127 .  
132 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 10; and RD/TBT/132 .  
133 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 9; and RD/TBT/138 .  
134 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 3; and RD/TBT/125 . 
135 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 6; and RD/TBT/128 . 
136 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 8; and RD/TBT/130 .  
137 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 1; and RD/TBT/123 . 
138 G/TBT/GEN/190 , para. 7; and RD/TBT/129 .  
139 G/TBT/GEN/213 , para. 4 -5; RD/TBT/205 ; and RD/TBT/206 .  G/TBT/41  
 
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  emphasized the relevance of risk assessment to conformity assessment procedures, technical 
regulations, and standards.140 
4.13.   For example, with respect to how the  level of risk influences the choice of conformity 
assessment procedure, the European Union  noted that the basic principles underpinning risk 
asses sment in the EU are proportionality and the precautionary principle. Two elements are 
important: (i) determining what level of risk is deemed unacceptable, which entails a political 
decision; and (ii) the scientific assessment of the risk. Risk assessment forms part of impact 
assessment in the EU, which is carried out for Commission initiatives likely to have significant 
economic, social, and environmental impacts.141 Indonesia  explained that it assigns risk assessment 
scores to a number of different electric al and electronic products, ranging from medium to high and 
suggested that the Committee explore an internationally accepted definition on high - and low -risk 
products as Members sometimes assess the risk of the same product differently.142 Chinese Taipei  
noted that it uses different conformity assessment procedures depending on the risk of the product. 
The results of risk assessment may change overtime due to varying perceptions of risk factors in 
light of evolving societal concerns, and it is therefore cruci al to identify the key factors that contribute 
to risks and to incorporate them into the assessment.143  
4.14.   A number of other sectoral examples  were raised. For example, the United States  noted 
that the FDA144 has the mission of protecting public health from vari ous food safety and nutrition 
risks. The FDA mandated trans fats labelling in 2003, and revoked the "generally recognized as safe" 
(GRAS) status of partially hydrogenated oils in 2015. The FDA also issued a Draft Voluntary Guidance 
on Sodium Reduction Targ ets, and updated the Nutrition Facts Label to ensure that consumers have 
information to make healthy choices.145 In the area of cybersecurity, China  highlighted serious and 
growing cybersecurity risks facing industrial control systems (ICS). China's Electron ic Technology 
Information Research Institute engaged in risk assessment for ICS and sought to increase 
cooperation with other Members in the areas of standards development and information and 
technical exchange.146 The United States  presented the United Stat es Cybersecurity Framework, 
developed by NIST147 in collaboration with the private sector, technology experts and government 
agencies. The Cybersecurity Framework is not a particular set of standards or regulatory 
requirements, but rather a living document t hat incorporates effective standards that are being 
applied by industry, with an emphasis on the use of international standards.148  
4.1.5   Other information  
4.15.   The Philippines  presented the results of a business survey that identify conformity assessment 
procedures and technical requirements as the two types of non -tariff barriers that are most 
burdensome for Philippines' exporters.149  
4.16.   Observers  also provided relevant information. For instance, information on the trade effects 
of conformity assessment procedures was p rovided by the OECD150 and the ITC.151 Other relevant 
                                                
140 G/TBT/W/530 . 
141 G/TBT/GEN/226 , para. 1; and RD/TBT/222 . 
142 G/TBT/GEN/226 , para. 3; and RD/TBT/228 .  
143 G/TBT/GEN/226 , para. 2; and RD/TBT/227 . 
144 Food and Drug Administration.  
145 G/TBT/GEN/226 , para. 4; and RD/TBT/221 . 
146 G/TBT/GEN/226 , para. 5; and RD/TBT/220 .  
147 National Institute of Standards and Technology.  
148 G/TBT/GEN/226 , para. 6.  
149 G/TBT/GEN/204 , para. 1.5; and RD/TBT/178 . 
150 G/TBT/GEN/213 , para. 6; G/TBT/GEN/208 ; and RD/TBT/207 . 
151 International Trade Center ( G/TBT/GEN/213 , para. 7; and RD/TBT/208 ). G/TBT/41  
 
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  updates were provided by ARSO152, BIPM153, CROSQ154, IEC155, OIML156, SADC157, UNECE158 and 
UNIDO .159 
4.2  Recommendations  
4.17.   Building on this exchange as well as on previous decisions and recommendations of the 
Committee,  in particular the mandate from the Fifth Triennial Review160, and with a view to furthering 
its work in the area of conformity assessment procedures, the Committee  agrees:  
a. to continue to exchange information  in respect of the three areas of work identified in 
previous reviews (namely: Approaches to conformity assessment; Use of relevant 
international standards, guides or recommendations; and Facilitating the recognition of 
conformity assessment results)161; 
b. with respect to "Approaches to conformity assessment" to initiate work  on developing non-
prescriptive practical guidelines162 to support regulators in the choice and design of 
appropriate and proportionate conformity assessment procedures, including, but not 
limited to, the following areas:  
i. criteria related to risk assessment and other relevant factors, including  for 
identification of lower and higher risk products;  
ii. the range of approaches to conformity assessment available to regulators within 
different regulatory frameworks;  
iii. elements of conformity assessment that regulators can use in designing appropriate 
procedures;  
iv. legal and administrative frameworks  that enable regulators to confidently rely on a 
particular conformity assessment regime (for example, SDoC may need to be 
supported by appropriate product reca ll, product liability  laws and consumer protection 
legislation) ; 
c. in parallel to the above work, to hold thematic sessions on:  
i. risk assessment, including: categori zation of risks, and methods of risk assessment;  
ii. post market controls (e.g. market surveillan ce) and other pre -market  controls;  
iii. "Certificates of Free Sale ", without prejudice to their use by Members, including  on: 
the range of appropriate and less trade res trictive available alternatives;  related 
challenges faced by regulators and exporters, including with respect to producing 
certificates when they are not in use in the exporting market; and how these apply to 
re-exports;  
iv. the development of  National Quality I nfrastructure  (NQI) , includin g metrology, 
standardiz ation, conformity assessment,  and accreditation , and its use by regulators ;  
                                                
152 G/TBT/GEN/200 ; G/TBT/GEN/219 ; G/TBT/GEN/239 ; RD/TBT/164 ; and RD/TBT/233 . 
153 International Burea u of Weights and Measures ( G/TBT/GEN/188 ; G/TBT/GEN/202 ; G/TBT/GEN/216 ; 
G/TBT/GEN/231 ; RD/TBT/214 ; and RD/TBT/231 ). 
154 CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality ( G/TBT/GEN/209 ; and RD/TBT/195 ). 
155 RD/TBT/165 ; RD/TBT/196 ; and RD/TBT/203 . 
156 G/TBT/GEN/186 ; G/TBT/GEN/211 ; and G/TBT/GEN/232 . 
157 G/TBT/GEN/189 ; and RD/TBT/122 . 
158 G/TBT/GEN/201 ; and RD/TBT/237 . 
159 United Nations Industrial Development Organization ( G/TBT/GEN/225 ; G/TBT/GEN/235 ; and 
G/TBT/GEN/246 ). 
160 G/TBT/26 , para. 19(c).  
161 G/TBT/19 , para. 46; and G/TBT/32 , para. 5. 
162 The guidelines would need to remain neutral in respect of the range of approaches that exist.  G/TBT/41  
 
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  v. the use of  international and/or regional systems for conformity assessment by 
regulators in both national and regional regulatory regimes ; and, 
vi. case studies  of practical examples of how Members arrive at the acceptance of 
conformity assessment results (including by using the approaches mentioned in  the 
Committee's "Indicative List"163).  
5  STANDARDS  
The provisions concerning the preparation, adoption and applicat ion of standards  
are contained in Article 4 of the TBT Agreement and in the Code of Good Practice 
for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards (the "Code of Good 
Practice"). In addition, Articles 2.4, 2.5, 5.4, and Paragraph F of Annex 3 of the 
Agreement pro mote the use of relevant international standards, guides and 
recommendations as a basis for standards, technical regulations and conformity 
assessment procedures. Articles 2.6, 5.5 and Paragraph G of Annex 3 emphasize 
the importance of Members' participati on in international standardization activities 
related to products for which they have either adopted, or expect to adopt, 
technical regulations.  
G/TBT/1/Rev.1 3, Section 4, para 4.1  
 
5.1  Exchange of experiences  
5.1.  During the review period, most of the Committee's exchange of experiences took place in the 
context of a thematic session on standards, held on 14 June 2016164, and in the context of the Eighth 
Special Meeting on Procedures for Information Exchange, held on 8 November  2016.165 The topic of 
standards was also discussed in the context of regulatory cooperation between Members (Section  2). 
5.1.1   Use of standards in regulation  
5.2.  The United States  presented the revised US Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Circular 
A-119 that set s policy on how agencies should choose and incorporate standards by reference in 
Federal technical regulations, and on the review of regulations incorporating standards by 
reference.166 The European Union  explained that regulations under the EU's New Approac h make 
indirect reference to harmonized European standards (CEN167, CENELEC168 and ETSI169), which 
avoids having to amend legislation each time a standard is revised.170 Australia  described 
collaboration between the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation an d Science and national 
standardizing bodies to improve regulatory outcomes, and the importance of promoting  coordination 
and harmonization across all jurisdictional levels.171 Canada  noted the benefits of incorporating 
standards by reference, and potential c hallenges if references to standards are not precise.172 
5.3.  Invited speakers also addressed the use of standards in regulation. ASTM International  
emphasized the need for standards to evolve so as to remain relevant for regulators, and said that 
6,900 ASTM stan dards have been cited by 75 nations, and that ASTM International has entered into 
95 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with standardizing bodies from developing countries.173 
CEN/CENELEC  explained the relationship between European Standards organizations (CEN, CENELEC 
and ETSI) and their international counterparts (ISO, IEC and ITU174) and stressed the objective of 
                                                
163 The "Indicative List" refers to the Indicative List of Approaches to Facilitate the Acceptance of the 
Results of Conformity Assessment:  Annex 1 of G/TBT/1/Rev.13  (p.52).  
164 G/TBT/GEN/199 . 
165 G/TBT/GEN/206 , para. 5. A summary report is contained in Section 3 of the Annex to G/TBT/M/70 . 
166 G/TBT/GEN/199 , para. 1.2.  
167 European Committee for Standardization.  
168 European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization.  
169 European Telecommunications Standards  Institute.  
170 G/TBT/GEN/199 , para. 1.3; and RD/TBT/157 .  
171 G/TBT/GEN/199 , para. 1.6; and RD/TBT/159 .  
172 G/TBT/W/529 . 
173 G/TBT/GEN/199 , para. 1.4; and RD/TBT/156 . 
174 International Telecommunications Union.  G/TBT/41  
 
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  promoting coherence and avoiding duplication, and providing one single entry  point for EU 
stakeholders to participate in national, regional and international standardization.175 
5.1.2   Transparency in standard -setting  
5.4.  Japan  described how the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee implements certain 
recommendations from the Seventh Trienni al Review176 on transparency in standard setting, in 
particular with respect to notification of the specific website addresses where its work programmes 
are published, and sharing information about the publication of a notice announcing the period for 
commen ting on a draft standard.177  
5.5.  The WTO -ISO Standards Information Gateway was launched  (replacing the ISO/IEC 
Information Centre)  in November 2016.178 This website provides information about: standardizing 
bodies that have accepted or withdrawn from the Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption 
and Application of Standards; the work programmes these bodies must publish at least every six 
months; and the templates for notification of this information to the WTO -ISO Standards Information 
Gateway .179 
5.1.3   Other i nformation  
5.6.  Canada  highlighted the importance of the gender perspective in the development of standards 
and technical regulations.180  
5.7.  Observers  also provided relevant information. Updates were provided by ARSO181, BIPM182, 
CODEX183, CROSQ184, IEC185, ISO186, OIML187, SADC188, WHO189 and UNECE .190 
5.2  Recommendations  
5.8.  Building on this exchange as well as on previous decisions and recommendations of the 
Committee, and with a view to furthering its work in the area of standards, the Committee  agrees:  
a. to hold a thematic session on incorporating standards by reference in regulations with a 
view to discussing and possibly collecting best practices  and which would take into account 
existing guidelines and policy considerations on  referencing standards; and,  
b. to hold a workshop on the role of gender in the development of standards . 
                                                
175 G/TBT/GEN/199 , para. 1.5; and RD/TBT/158 .  
176 G/TBT/37 , para. 4.10.b.  
177 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 3.2; and RD/TBT/202 . 
178 https://tbtcode.iso.org/ ; G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, Section 3.2.  
179 G/TBT/37 , para. 4.10.b; and https://tbtcode.iso.org/sites/wto -tbt/home.html .  
180 G/TBT /W/532 . 
181 G/TBT/GEN/200 ; G/TBT/GEN/219 ; G/TBT/GEN/239 ;  RD/TBT/164 ; and RD/TBT/233 . 
182 G/TBT/GEN/202 ; G/TBT/GEN/231 ; and RD/TBT/214 . 
183 G/TBT/GEN/197 ; G/TBT/GEN/223 ; G/TBT/GEN/233 ; G/TBT/GEN/238 ; RD/TBT/163 ; RD/TBT/184 ; 
RD/TBT/215 ; RD/TBT/216 ; RD/TBT/226 ; RD/TBT/232 ; and RD/TBT/243 . 
184 G/TBT/GEN/209 . 
185 G/TBT/GEN/230 ; RD/TBT/165 ; RD/TBT/203 ; and RD/TBT/224 . 
186 RD/TBT/209 . 
187 G/TBT/GEN/203 ; and G/TBT/GEN/232 . 
188 G/TBT/GEN/189 ; and RD/TBT/122 . 
189 G/TBT/GEN/195 ; G/TBT/GEN/222 ; G/TBT/GEN/229 ; RD/TBT/183 ; and RD/TBT/236 . 
190 G/TBT/GEN/187 ; G/TBT/GEN/224 ; G/TBT/GEN/237 ; G/TBT/GEN/245 ; and G/TBT/GEN/247 . G/TBT/41  
 
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  6  TRANSPARENCY  
"The TBT Agreement contains transparency  provisions in: Articles 2 and 3 
(technical regulations); Articles 5, 7, 8 and 9 (conformity assessment procedures); 
Annex 3, paragrap hs J, L, M, N, O & P (standards); and Articles 10 (general 
transparency provisions) and 15 (final provisions). A number of decisions and 
recommendations have been made with a view to facilitating access to information 
and further improving the implementati on of transparency procedures under the 
Agreement."  
G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 5, para. 5.1, p. 20 (emphasis added)  
 
 
6.1  Exchange of experiences  
6.1.  During the review period, most of the Committee's exchange of experiences took place in the 
context of its Eighth Special Meeting on Procedures for Information Exchange held on 8 
November  2016.191 In the Committee's discussions on transparency, three areas were discussed in 
particular: (i) online tools; (ii) functioning of enquiry points; and, (iii) notifications of technical 
regulations and conformity assessment procedures. The topi c of transparency was also discussed in 
the context of technical assistance  (Section 6 ).  
6.2.  Members continued to submit an increasing number of TBT notifications during the review 
period (Chart  1). During the review period, 11  Members submitted their first S tatement on 
Implementation and Administration of the TBT Agreement under Article 15.2 of the TBT Ag reement 
(15.2 Statement) and 8  Members submitted revisions to their statements.192 
 
Chart 1: Total TBT notificati ons per Triennial Review period193 
 
 
 
 
                                                
191 G/TBT/GEN/206 . A summary report is contained in the Annex to G/TBT/M/70 . 
192 Figures as of 15 November 2018.  
193 Figures as of 15 November 2018.  
17362011 209526534645583863597687
010002000300040005000600070008000Total number of notifications (new, addenda, 
corrigenda, revisions)G/TBT/41  
 
- 17 - 
 
  6.1.1   Online tools  
6.3.  The Committee  launched ePing, the global alert mechanism for TBT and SPS notifications 
developed jointly by the WTO, UNDESA194 and ITC, at the Eighth Special Meeting on Procedures for 
Information Exchange on 8 November 2016.195 
6.4.  Members discussed their experiences utilising ePing and leveraging online tools and technology 
to involve stakeholders in the process of gathering, disseminating, tracking and responding to TBT 
notifications.196 Uganda  shared its experience in piloting and i mplementing ePing at the national 
level, lessons learned, and steps taken to promote ePing including through meetings of the national 
TBT/SPS Committee.197 Australia  highlighted the benefits of ePing in terms of transparency, 
consultation and accountability,  and its efforts to promote ePing using different tools and events.198 
Canada  noted the user -friendly interface of ePing, and found the email alert and search filters 
particularly useful.199 South Africa  said ePing is an indispensable tool that facilitates pub lic awareness 
and the identification of potential technical barriers in draft measures at an early stage.200 
6.5.  Korea  shared its KNOWTBT201, a comprehensive portal for supporting stakeholders to track and 
respond to TBT notifications.202 The European Union  presente d its TBT web platform (EC -TBT 
website), its functioning and how it is promoted to stakeholders.203 The Philippines  introduced the 
web-based portal, the "Philippine National Trade Repository" that enables access to information and 
facilitates compliance with  regulations; using examples it was shown how technology facilitates 
transparency in the area of regulation.204 The United States  presented its web -based platform "Notify 
US", and underlined the extensive use of the alert service by US stakeholders.205 
6.6.  Members  discussed their experiences using the TBT Notification Submission System (TBT NSS), 
the online platform for Members to prepare and submit TBT notifications to the WTO.206 Canada  
emphasized the value and reliability of the TBT NSS, and its benefits for faste r processing of 
notifications by the Secretariat which in turn gives Members more time to become informed and for 
interested parties to submit comments.207 The United States  highlighted the benefits of the TBT 
NSS, and noted that the system facilitates coord ination between agencies before notifying.208 The 
European Union  said that while the NSS works well, there are challenges such as with respect to 
submission of texts that are too long or contain many images, and during periods of closure of the 
WTO.209 Kenya  welcomed the faster and reliable TBT NSS, and said that its use eases coordination 
and reduces delays in the submission of notifications.210 Trinidad and Tobago  said the TBT NSS helps 
avoid delays in the submission of notifications related to coordination.211 
6.7.  The Committee  launched the modernized TBT Information Management System (TBT IMS) in 
March 2017.212 Brazil  highlighted that the TBT search tool lacks valuable information that is included 
in the corresponding SPS search tool, especially with respect to the status of the specific trade 
                                                
194 United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.  
195 www.epingalert.org ; G/TBT/GEN/206 , para. 2; G/TBT/M/70 , para. 1.1; and 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/1_eping_e.pdf .  
196 G/TBT/GEN/206 , para. 3; and G/TBT/ M/70, Annex, para. 1.1. 
197 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.3; and https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/2 -Uganda_e.pdf . 
198 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.5; https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/4_Australia_e.pdf ; and 
G/TBT/W/537 . 
199 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.23. 
200 G/TBT/W/452 . 
201 Korean Network on W orld TBT.  
202 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.4; and https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/3_Korea_e.pdf . 
203 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.6; and 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/5_EU_Stakeholders_e.pdf . 
204 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.7; and 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/6_Philippines_e.pdf . 
205 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.8; and https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/7_US_e.pdf . 
206 www.nss.wto.org/tbtmembers : for more information and a ccess please contact tbtnss@wto.org ; and 
G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.27. 
207 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.28.  
208 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.29.  
209 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.30.  
210 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.31. 
211 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.26.  
212 www.tbtims.wto.org ; and G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.2.  G/TBT/41  
 
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  concerns  (STCs) raised in the Committee . Therefore, Brazil suggested adding four columns to the 
TBT STCs search tool in the TBT IMS.213 
6.1.2   Functioning of enquiry points  
6.8.  Members shared experiences on the role of enquiry points in fac ilitating internal coordination 
and the handling , accepting, and transmitting  of comments, and exploring ways to improve their 
functioning.214 The Secretariat presented the WTO TBT  Enquiry Point Guide at the 14-15 November 
2018 Committee meeting.215 
6.9.  The Europe an Union  presented the TBT notification procedure within the EU and recalled EU 
member States' obligations when notifying new national technical regulations.216 Chinese Taipei  
explained how its TBT enquiry point enhances coordination with and amongst regulat ors, through 
preparatory work before TBT Committee meetings and the delivery of seminars on transparency.217 
In order to overcome resistance to notify from regulators, Chinese Taipei provided its regulators 
with examples of similar notifications made by othe r Members to help persuade them of the necessity 
to notify.218  
6.10.   Switzerland  established a unit within its administration to assess TBT and trade relevance of 
all legislative projects and to ensure notifications take place.219 South Africa  explained that it 
coordinates through a domestic TBT committee that brings regulators and quality infrastructure 
bodies together to discuss the annotated draft agenda in advance of TBT Committee meetings; this 
was also an opportunity to emphasize to regulators the importance o f notifying.220 A list of contact 
persons in different regulatory departments, including at the divisional level within each department, 
should be maintained to facilitate coordination.221 TBT enquiry point officials have a wide range of 
backgrounds, from lawyers to librarians to administrators.222 
6.11.   Uganda  highlighted the challenge of empowering notification authorities and enquiry points 
to be able to identify draft regulations that meet notification requirements.223 Canada  underscored 
the importance for tradin g partners of the work of enquiry points in collecting and disseminating 
information, and in handling comments, and explained Canada's internal process for handling 
comments.224 Senegal  mentioned the difficulty of coordination between enquiry points and 
notification authorities.225 
6.12.   The United States  explained that its enquiry point and notification authority are the same 
entity, which avoids coordination problems. The US enquiry point is essentially a facilitator of 
communications, making information available to both industry and government, ensuring 
notifications are submitted, and handling comments. USTR coordinates with industry to develop 
positions for WTO TBT Committee or for bilateral engagements based on information received from 
the US enquiry point.226 Trinidad and Tobago  explained that its enquiry point is housed at the Bureau 
of Standards. The enquiry point is tasked with preparing notifications, which are sent to the WTO 
through its notification authority, the Ministry of Trade and Industry.227 
                                                
213 G/TBT/W/461 , paras. 3.1 -3.4. 
214 G/TBT/ M/70, Annex, Section 2.  
215 G/TBT/37 , para. 5.12.a.ii.  
216 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.2; and https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/8_EU_EP_e.pdf . 
217 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.3.  
218 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.1 2. 
219 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.4.  
220 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.10. See related discussion in para. 1.3.   
221 G/TBT/M/ 70, Annex, para. 2.5. 
222 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.18.  
223 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.7.  
224 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.11. 
225 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.24. 
226 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, paras. 1.15 and 1.25.  
227 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.26.  G/TBT/41  
 
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  6.13.   The Unite d States  stressed the importance of Members regularly updating their enquiry point 
contact information, including email addresses, fax numbers and website URLs. It was suggested 
that Members validate the accuracy and availability of their enquiry point con tact information.228 
6.14.   New Zealand  encouraged the sharing of information amongst Members about the effective 
operation of enquiry points  to reduce the burden of establishing and operating enquiry points in 
developing Members. This could also be useful for Memb ers which submit a limited number of 
notifications . New Zealand suggested discussion of good practices for domestic coordination and 
engagement with regulators to reinforce the transparency obligations in the TBT Agreement and 
ensure all relevant measures are notified in accordance with the Agreement .229 
6.1.3   Submission of notifications  
6.15.   Brazil  identified challenges related to situations where a Member considers it difficult to 
establish – or foresee – whether a draft technical regulation falls under the TBT and/o r the SPS 
Agreement.230 The United States  presented a paper analysing WTO Members' TBT notifications and 
their links to trade in goods, and highlighted that over 92% of global goods exports can be linked to 
TBT notifications.231 The paper reviewed notification  patterns by Members, and highlighted certain 
information that is routinely missing from Members' notifications but that is particularly important 
to traders: products affected; date of entry into force; and whether the measure is  in accordance 
with intern ational standards, guides or recommendations.232 Japan  underscored the significance of 
information provided in Box 8 of the notification format ("relevant documents"), and the need to 
improve access to the relevant documents through information technology  (websites).233 Australia  
emphasized that including keywords in TBT notifications could help further identify the goods and/or 
types of measures covered by a notification .234 
6.1.4   Texts of notified technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures  
6.16.   With res pect to access to full texts  of notified measures, Trinidad and Tobago , Uganda  and 
the United States  said that although they include a link to the full text of draft measures (or provide 
the full text to the Secretariat for posting on the WTO website) when  submitting notifications, their 
enquiry points are nevertheless frequently asked to send the full text separately.235 The United 
States  noted that Members sometimes cite international standards which are copyright protected 
and suggested that in such cases Members could add a note to that effect, provide the name of the 
standard, and, where possible, provide a link to where it can be purchased.236 
6.17.   With respect to the adopted final text , the United States  highlighted the importance of 
providing information on w hether proposed technical regulations and/or conformity assessment 
procedures have entered into force.237 Australia  suggested changes to the addendum notification 
template to enhance transparency for the private sector and assist Members in notifying the ado ption 
of measures.238 The United States  emphasized the benefits for traders and Members of sharing 
information on Members' websites where final technical regulations, as well as applicable conformity 
assessment procedures, can be freely accessed.239 
                                                
228 G/TBT/W/451 . 
229 G/TBT/W/463 . See related discussion in para. 1.3.   
230 G/TBT/W/460/Rev.1 . 
231 G/TBT/GEN/215  and G/TBT/M/71 , para. 2.332.  
232 G/TBT/W/464 . 
233 G/TBT/W/528 . 
234 G/TBT/W/537 . 
235 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, paras. 1.11, 1.12, and 1.16 . 
236 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.12.  
237 G/TBT/W/464 . 
238 G/TBT/W/537 . 
239 G/TBT/W/535 . G/TBT/41  
 
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  6.1.5   Handling o f comments  
6.18.   Switzerland  highlighted the benefits of disseminating comments received on notified 
measures and replies thereto, on a voluntary basis, such as improving transparency and efficiency, 
and facilitating the preparation of Committee meetings and co ordination between Members.240 
6.2  Recommendations  
6.19.   Building on this exchange as well as on previous decisions and recommendations of the 
Committee, and with a view to furthering its work in the area of transparency, the Committee  
agrees:  
a. with respect to function ing of enquiry points : 
i. to encourage  Members to validate the contact information of their enquiry points as 
contained in the TBT IMS241 to improve the accuracy and availability of this 
information. Members are encouraged to either inform the Secretariat that the current 
information is correct, or to provide the Secretariat with updated information , by the 
March 2019 Committee meeting;  
ii. to discuss  in the context of the Ninth Special Meeting on Procedures for Information 
Exchange: how ePing can facilitate the work of enquiry points; linkages between ePing 
and domestic  registers of central regulatory planning or action, or other "early warning  
systems"; and the private sector's use of ePing.  
b. with respect to domestic coordination : 
i. to discuss  good practices for domestic coordination and engagement with regulators, 
including sharing information about how Members effectively communicate with 
regula tory agencies to ensure that all relevant notifications are made.  
c. with respect to use of online tools : 
i. to discuss  how to  improve the TBT IMS in order to  best reflect the status of STCs raised 
in the TBT Committee with a view to  modify its format accordingl y before the next 
Triennial Review .  
d. with respect to the submission of notifications : 
i. to exchange information , for the purposes of enhancing predictability and 
transparency,  on practices used in situations where a Member considers it is difficult 
to establ ish whether a draft technical regulation or conformity assessment procedure 
may fall under the TBT and/or the SPS Agreement. This exchange may be organized 
as an information session in cooperation with the SPS Committee;  
ii. to encourage  Members to provide ma ximum specific information on the products 
potentially impacted by notified measures  (in Box 4 of the notification format) . In this 
connection, to hold an initial discussion  on how to improve – and what challenges exist 
for – the identification of products  including with respect to the use of ICS and/or HS 
codes and/or product names where precise codes do not apply;  
iii. to discuss  challenges in identifying deviations from relevant international standards, 
guides or recommendations;  
iv. to encourage  Members , where possible,  to provide a website address giving access to 
the text of the "relevant documents" in Box 8 of the notification format; and  
                                                
240 G/TBT/W/536 . 
241 http://tbtims.wto.org/en/NationalEnquiryPoints/Search . G/TBT/41  
 
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  v. to consider , in light of the above, the need to review and update the Committee's 
Format and Guidelines for New Notificati on242. Consideration could also, at that point, 
be given to the development of a keyword list  and mechanism for assigning relevant 
keywords  for TBT notifications.  
e. with respect to adopted final texts : 
i. to recommend  Members to notify the adopted final text of technical regulations and 
conformity assessment procedures243; 
ii. to modify  the existing addenda notification template244 or to develop a new addenda 
template specific to adopted final texts so as to provide Members with the ability to 
indicate when  the measure entered – or will enter – into force and provide information 
on where  the final text can be obtained, including website address245;  
iii. to endeavour  to provide the Secretariat, to the extent possible before the June 2019 
TBT Committee meeting, with  up-to-date website information for where adopted final 
texts of technical regulations, as well as applicable conformity assessment procedures, 
can normally be accessed; and  
iv. to request  the Secretariat to maintain an up-to-date and readily available list of  such 
websites, based on information from Members and within the limits of its resources , 
and to publish the list annually in the Annual Review of the Implementation and 
Operation of the TBT Agreement .  
f. with respect to the handling of comments : 
i. to reiterat e previous recommendations246 to encourage  Members to disseminate 
comments received on notified draft measures and substantive replies, on a voluntary 
basis; and  
ii. to discuss , in the context of the Ninth Special Meeting on Procedures for Information 
Exchange, the dissemination of comments received on notified draft measures and 
substantive replies on a voluntary basis, possibly via existing online tools  such as 
ePing . 
7  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  
Provisions on technical assistance are contained in Article 11 of the TBT  
Agreement. Technical assistance has been considered an area of priority work for 
the Committee since its establishment; it figures on the agenda of the Committee 
on a permanent basis. Members have regularly, on a voluntary basis, exchanged 
experiences and  information on technical assistance in order to enhance the 
implementation of Article 11 of the TBT Agreement.  
G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 6, para. 6.1, p. 43  
 
7.1  Exchange of experiences  
7.1.  During the review period, most of the Committee's exchange of experiences took place in the 
context of a thematic session on technical assistance, held on 9 November 2016247, and in the 
context of the Eighth Special Meeting on Procedures for Information Exchang e, held on 8 
November  2016.248  
                                                
242 G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Annex 3.2, pp. 58 -61.  
243 Circulated as an addendum to the original notification in line with G/TBT/35 . 
244 G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Annex 3.3, p. 62; and G/TBT/35 . 
245 G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 5.6.2.1, p. 35; and G/TBT/35 . 
246 G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 5.3.1.9, p. 28.  
247 G/TBT/GEN/204 . 
248 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex.  G/TBT/41  
 
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  7.2.  Indonesia  described an MoU between the BSN249 and the IAPMO250 on standardization of 
plumbing, signed in 2003 and extended until 2017. The MOU addresses consumer needs for safe 
and effective plumbing systems in Indonesia's growing  building and construction market.251 
7.3.  The European Union  presented the ACP -EU TBT Program252 which aims at: enhancing the 
capacity of ACP regional and continental quality infrastructure institutions; supporting the capacity 
of ACP economic operators to comply with technical regulations, standards and conformity 
assessment procedures; and dissemin ating results and experiences.253 
7.4.  The United States  explained how the Standards Alliance supports developing Members in 
implementing the TBT Agreement254, and highlighted examples of assistance to TBT enquiry points 
and notification authorities in Africa.255 The United States also introduced five different TBT capacity 
building programmes offered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).256 Invited speakers also 
provided information on capacity building projects . The Grocery Manufacturers Association  presented 
two different APEC capacity building projects: the Food Safety Cooperation Forum (FSCF); and the 
Partnership Training Institute Network (PTIN).257 
7.5.  The Secretariat  described the Aid -for-Trade initiative, and the benefits of improving the 
tracking and monitoring  of TBT -related activities and support under Aid for Trade were discussed.258 
The EIF259 presented its work in the area of standards; the EIF Trust Fund is supporting at least 10 
projects with standards -related elements, including one standards -specific projec t in Lao PDR.260 
7.6.  The Philippines  encouraged a discussion of a Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF)  
counterpart for TBT. An STDF for TBT could be aimed at: increasing awareness of TBT; mobilizing 
resources; strengthening collaboration; identifying and disseminating good practices; and providing 
support and funding for the development and implementation of projects that promote compliance 
with TBT standards and requirements.261 The Philippines  further suggested that replicating the STDF 
in the TBT area  could assist Members in advocating TBT principles such as GRP.262 The Philippines , 
Mauritius  and Uganda  highlighted the benefits and successes of STDF in the SPS area, and 
encouraged Members to revisit a TBT -related technical assistance and capacity -building funding 
facility.263 
7.1.1   Technical assistance  on transparency  
7.7.  The United States  presented the technical as sistance that it provided through the Standards 
Alliance to build capacity of TBT enquiry points and notification authorities of African Members, 
including the development of action plans.264 Kenya  said that technical assistance from the 
Standards Alliance s upports development of a notification alert system similar to ePing. Malawi  noted 
that technical assistance from the Standards Alliance has demonstrated that an enquiry point can 
be effectively run by relatively few people, an important point for a smaller  economy like Malawi.265  
                                                
249 National Standardization Agency of Indonesia.  
250 International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.  
251 G/TBT/GEN/204 , para 1.4; and RD/TBT/177 . 
252 African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States -EU TBT Program  
253 G/TBT/GEN/204 , para. 1.8; and RD/TBT/174 . 
254 G/TBT/GEN/204 , para. 1.3; and RD/TBT/172 . 
255 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.15; RD/TBT/176 ; and 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/9_US_SA_e.pdf . 
256 G/TBT/GEN/204 , para. 1.7; and RD/TBT/171 . 
257 G/TBT/GEN/204 , para. 1.6; and RD/TBT/173 . 
258 G/TBT/GEN/204 , para. 1.1; and RD/TBT/170/Rev.1 . 
259 Enhanced Integrated Framework.  
260 G/TBT/GEN/204 , para. 1.2; and RD/TBT/186 . 
261 G/TBT/GEN/204 , para. 1.5; and RD/TBT/178 . 
262 G/TBT/GEN/214 , paras. 1 and 2; and RD/TBT/210 .  
263 G/TBT/W/538/Rev.1 . 
264 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.15; RD/TBT/176 ; and 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/9_US_SA_e.pdf . 
265 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.21.  G/TBT/41  
 
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  7.8.  Canada  described a planned capacity building activity with Trinidad and Tobago, consisting of 
representatives visiting the Canadian notification authority and enquiry point to observe operations 
in order to boost transparency and th e application of good regulatory practices.266 
7.9.  Uganda  underlined gaps in the capacity of small and medium -sized enterprises ( SMEs ) to 
analyse the technical texts referenced in notifications, and suggested helping SMEs to build their 
capacity in this respect.267 To ease the burdens that SMEs face in reacting to notifications, Australia  
suggested including ePing in training programmes to increase awareness, and to use industry 
associations to analyse trade barriers on behalf of SMEs.268 CROSQ  and ITC provided relev ant 
information in this regard.269 
7.1.2   Other information  
7.10.   The Secretariat  provided information on its TBT technical assistance activities.270 In addition, 
information was provided on relevant contributions made by the TBT Secretariat to the Aid -for-Trade 
Global Re view in 2017, including on quality infrastructure and ePing.271 
7.11.   Observers  also provided relevant information. Updates were provided by ARSO272, BIPM273, 
CODEX274, CROSQ275, IEC276, ISO277, OECD278, OIML279, SADC280, UNECE281 and UNIDO .282  
7.2  Recommendations  
7.12.   Building on this exchange as well as on previous decisions and recommendations of the 
Committee, and with a view to furthering its work in the area of technical assistance, the Committee  
agrees:  
a. to encourage  Members to continue providing and exchanging  experiences on technical 
assistance , including on how to improve donor coordination ; 
b. to request  the Secretariat to provide a presentation on the feasibility, including challenges 
and options, of expanding the present STDF to encompass measures covered by the TBT 
Agreement, or setting up a separate and dedicated TBT development facility ; and,  
c. to develop  a good practice guide on how to prepare a comment on a WTO notified technical 
regulation or conformity assessment procedure.  
                                                
266 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 2.22.  
267 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.20. 
268 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, para. 1.21. 
269 G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, paras. 1.19 and 1.22.  
270 G/TBT/38/Rev.1 , Section 5 (for 2015); G/TBT/39/Rev.1 , Section 5 (for 2017); G/TBT/GEN/220  (for 
2017); and G/TBT/GEN/221  (para. 5.1 on the 2016 -2017 biennium).  
271 G/TBT/GEN/228 . 
272 G/TBT/GEN/193 ; G/TBT/GEN/200 ; G/TBT/GEN/219;  G/TBT/GEN/239 ; RD/TBT/142 ; RD/TBT/164 ; 
and RD/TBT/233 . 
273 G/TBT/GEN/188 ; G/TBT/GEN/202 ; G/TBT/GEN/216 ; G/TBT/GEN/231 ; RD/TBT/214 ; RD/TBT/230 ; 
and RD/TBT/231 . 
274 G/TBT/GEN/223 ; G/TBT/GEN/233 ; G/TBT/GEN/244 ; RD/TBT/163 ; RD/TBT/215 ; RD/TBT/232 ; and  
RD/TBT/243 .           
275 G/TBT/GEN/209 ; and RD/TBT/195 . 
276 G/TBT/GEN/210 ; G/TBT/GEN/218 ; G/TBT/GEN/230 ; RD/TBT/165 ; RD/TBT/196 ; RD/TBT/224 ; and 
RD/TBT/235 . 
277 G/TBT/GEN/217 . 
278 RD/TBT/194 . 
279 G/TBT/GEN/186 ; G/TBT/GEN/196 ; G/TBT/GEN/203 ; G/TBT/GEN/2 11; and G/TBT/GEN/232 . 
280 G/TBT/GEN/189 ; and RD/TBT/122 . 
281 G/TBT/GEN/187 ; G/TBT/GEN/194 ; G/TBT/GEN/201 ; G/TBT/GEN/224 ; G/TBT/GEN/234 ; 
G/TBT/GEN/245 ; and G/TBT/GEN/247 . 
282 G/TBT/GEN/225 ; and G/TBT/ GEN/246 . G/TBT/41  
 
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  8  OPERATION OF THE COM MITTEE  
Operatio n of the Committee.  Pursuant to Article 13 of the TBT Agreement, the 
TBT Committee was established with the purpose of: "affording Members the 
opportunity of consulting on any matters relating to the operation of this 
Agreement or the furtherance of its ob jectives, and shall carry out such 
responsibilities as assigned to it under this Agreement or by the Members". Since 
its first meeting, Members have used the TBT Committee as a forum to discuss 
issues related to specific measures (technical regulations, st andards or conformity 
assessment procedures) maintained by other Members. These are referred to as 
"specific trade concerns" (STCs) and relate normally to proposed draft measures 
notified to the TBT Committee or to the implementation of existing measures.  The 
Committee also holds thematic sessions that address cross -cutting issues related 
to the implementation and operation of the TBT Agreement.   
G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , para. 8.1, p. 49.  
 
8.1  Exchange of experiences  
8.1.  During the r eview period the Committee held nine regular meetings, from March 2016 to 
November 2018.283 A total of 80  new specific trade concerns (STCs) were raised in the review period , 
whilst over the same period, 454  previously raised STCs were also discussed (Chart 2).284 Back to 
back with the regular meetings, the Committee also held thematic sessions that addressed the 
following cross -cutting issues related to the operation and implementation of the TBT Agreement: 
good regulatory practice285, regulatory cooperation bet ween Members286, standards287, conformity 
assessment procedures288, transparency (the Committee's Eighth Special Meeting on Procedures for 
Information Exchange)289, technical assistance290, and the operation of the Committee.   
Chart 2: STCs per triennial review period291 
 
 
                                                
283 G/TBT/M/68 , G/TBT/M/69 , G/TBT/M/70 , G/TBT/M/71 , G/TBT/M/72 , G/TBT/M/73 , G/TBT/M/74 , 
G/TBT/M/75 , and G/TBT/M/76  to be issued . 
284 Detailed information on these STCs is available on the TBT IMS ( http://tbtims.wto.org/ ). 
285 G/TBT/GEN/191 ; and G/TBT/GEN/214 . 
286 G/TBT/GEN/198 ; and G/TBT/GEN/205 . 
287 G/TBT/GEN/199 ; and G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, Section 3.  
288 G/TBT/GEN/190 ; G/TBT/GEN/213 ; and  G/TBT/GEN/226 . 
289 G/TBT/GEN/206 ; and G/TBT/M/70 , Annex, Sections 1 -2. 
290 G/TBT/GEN/204 . 
291 Figures as of 15 November  2018.  
21 31 50 50105 107 12680105676 96210319313454
3187126146315426 439534
0100200300400500600
New STCs Previously raised STCsG/TBT/41  
 
- 25 - 
 
  8.2  Recommendations  
8.2.  Building on this experience as well as on previous decisions and recommendations of the 
Committee, the Committee  agrees:  
a. with respect to thematic sessions , building on the valuable experiences gained in the 
context of thematic se ssions since 2012292: 
i. to continue  to hold thematic sessions in conjunction with its regular meetings  during 
2019 to 2021 , with a view to further deepening the Committee's exchange of 
experiences on specific topics;  
ii. to encourage  a more balanced representation of speakers in thematic sessions, from 
all regions in the world including developing and least developed Members (LDCs). In 
this respect, to request  the Secretariat to explore the use of WTO technical assistance 
funding to s upport participation of speakers from LDCs, and to consider other ways of 
facilitating engagement (e.g. streaming);  
iii. for planning purposes, no later than the last meeting of the year, normally in 
November, the TBT Committee will confirm  the specific topics  to be discussed at the 
thematic sessions that would take place during the following year;  
iv. to hold the following thematic sessions293:  
• March  2019: good regulatory practice294 and conformity assessment 
procedures295; 
• June 2019: transparency296, including the Ninth  Special Meeting on Procedures 
for Information Exchange297; 
• November  2019: conformity assessment procedures298 and standards299; 
• March  2020: good regulatory practice300 and conformity assessment  
procedures301; 
• June 2020: transparency302 and technical regulations303; 
• November  2020: conformity assessment  procedures304 and one additional  topic 
to be def ined in November 2019 ; 
                                                
292 In the Sixth Triennial  Review, Members agreed on the need to focus and deepen their work and 
decided to dedicate time to thematic sessions in response to the specific decisions and recommendations in the 
triennial review reports, in order to press for greater progress on these issues. This recommendation was 
reiterated in the Seventh Triennial Review ( G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 8.1.1, p.50).  
293 This listing provided below is flexible. Members may agree to include other matters for discussion, or 
they may agree to otherwise adapt this work programme to reflect unforeseen developments. The Committee 
will organize these thematic sessions based on proposals from Members.  
294 See para. 1.7.a.ii  (domestic committees, and other administrative mechanisms, to facilitate internal 
coordination on TBT).  
295 See paras. 4.17.c.i  (risk assessment) and 4.17.c.ii (market surveillance and other pre -market and 
post-market controls).  
296 See para. 6.19.   
297 Pursuant to the 1995 de cision to hold regular meetings of persons responsible for information 
exchange ( G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 5.8.1, p. 42).  
298 See para. 4.17.c.iv (National Quality Infrastructure).  
299 See para. 5.8.a (incorporating standards by reference in regulations).  
300 See para. 1.7.   
301 See para. 4.17.   
302 See para. 6.19.   
303 See para. 3.2.  
304 See para. 4.17.   G/TBT/41  
 
- 26 - 
 
  • in 2021, Members will continue to hold thematic sessions on topics to be defined 
in November 2020;  
b. with respect to specific trade concerns :  
i. to adjust,  on a trial basis305, the procedures306 for the inclusion of specific trade 
concerns in the annotated draft agenda of the Committee as follows:  
• Members wishing to propose the inclusion of a specific trade concern in the 
annotated draft agenda should dir ectly inform both the Secretariat and the 
Member(s) involved of their intention to do so no less than twenty calendar days  
prior to the convening of the TBT Committee meeting;  
• the annotated draft agenda issued by the Secretariat in advance of each 
Committe e meeting will include all specific trade concerns communicated by 
Members to the Secretariat; it will indicate  (to the extent such information has 
been communicated to the Secretariat) which concerns are being raised for the 
first time and which have been  previously raised, as well as which concerns relate 
to proposed  technical regulations or conformity assessment procedures, and 
which concerns relate to final technical regulations or conformity assessment 
procedures. It should be circulated no less than f ifteen calendar days  before the 
meeting;  
ii. to continue discussions with a view to improving the  efficiency  and effectiveness  of the  
Committee's consideration of specific trade concerns;  
c. with respect to Observers : 
i. to ensure  timely consideration of re quests fo r observer status; and  
ii. to discuss  best practices for  observer s' participation in meetings of the  TBT Committee.  
_______________  
 
                                                
305 This adjustment will be valid for the March  and June 2019 Committee meetings. After the June 2019 
meeting, the Committee will revert to the original procedures unless there is agreement to apply the adjusted 
procedures on a permanent basis, or to pursue another course of action.  
306 G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 8.1.1.a, sub -paragraphs (i - iv), p. 50. The proc edures in sub -paragraphs 
(i) and (ii) of G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 8.1.1. a, are replaced by the trial procedures set out in the two bullets 
below. The procedures in sub -paragraphs (iii) and (iv) of G/TBT/1/Rev.13 , Section 8.1.1.a, remain unchanged 
and continue to apply.  G/TBT/41  
 
- 27 - 
 
  ANNEX: SUBMISSIONS F ROM MEMBERS BY TOPIC  (NOV. 2015 – NOV. 2 018)1  
Member  Symbol  Date Title 
Good Regulatory Practice  
United States  JOB/TBT/269  22 October 2018  Comments from the United States 
on JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
European Union  JOB/TBT/266  22 October 2018  Comments from the European 
Union on JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
South Africa  JOB/TBT/265  22 October 2018  Comments from South Africa on 
JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
Mexico  JOB/TBT/259  19 September 2018  Comments from Mexico on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Colombia  JOB/TBT/258  18 September 2018  Comments from Colombia on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Brazil  JOB/TBT/257  18 September 2018  Comments from Brazil on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Korea  JOB/TBT/256  18 September 2018  Comments from Korea on 
JOB/TBT/248  
United States  JOB/TBT/255  17 September 2018  Comments from United States on 
JOB/TBT/248  
European Union  JOB/TBT/254  17 September 2018  Comments from European Union 
on JOB/TBT/248  
Uganda  JOB/TBT/251/Rev.1  14 September 2018  Comments from Uganda on 
JOB/TBT/248  
South Africa  JOB/TBT/250  12 September 2018  Comments from South Africa on 
JOB/TBT/248  
New Zealand  JOB/TBT/249  3 September 2018  Comments from New Zealand on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Brazil  G/TBT/W/461/Rev.1  5 June 2018  Operation of the Committee – 
Good Regulatory Practices – 
Conformity Assessment 
Procedures - Transparency - 
Eighth Triennial Review  
New Zealand  G/TBT/W/463  13 March 2018  Domestic coordination of 
information relevant to 
Notifications - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
South Africa  G/TBT/W/452  24 October 2017  Operation of the Committee – 
Good Regulatory Practice – 
Transparency - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
Regulatory Cooperation Between Members  
Singapore  JOB/TBT/268  22 October 2018  Comments from Singapore on 
JOB/TBT/248/ Rev.1  
European Union  JOB/TBT/266  22 October 2018  Comments from the European 
Union on JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
Guatemala  JOB/TBT/260  19 September 2018  Comments from Guatemala on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Mexico  JOB/TBT/259  19 September 2018  Comments from Mexico on 
JOB/TBT/248  
United States  JOB/TBT/255  17 September 2018  Comments from United States on 
JOB/TBT/248  
European Union  JOB/TBT/254  17 September 2018  Comments from European Union 
on JOB/TBT/248  
                                                
1 Submissions are arranged by subject, in reverse chronological order. Should a submission be relevant 
to more than one topic it will appear more than once. More general information, such as the reports provided 
by the Chairperson on thematic sessions or information provided by Observers, is not included in this list.   G/TBT/41  
 
- 28 - 
 
  Member  Symbol  Date Title 
Technical Regulations  
United States  JOB/TBT/269  22 October 2018  Comments from the United States 
on JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
Singapore  JOB/TBT/268  22 October 2018  Comments from Singapore on 
JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
European Union  JOB/TBT/266  22 October 2018  Comments from the European 
Union on JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
Brazil  JOB/TBT/257  18 September 2018  Comments from Brazil on 
JOB/TBT/248  
United States  JOB/TBT/255  17 September 2018  Comments from United States on 
JOB/TBT/248  
European Union  G/TBT/W/534  6 June 2018  Mandatory Marking and Labelling 
Requirements on Imported 
Products: Practical Compliance 
Issues - Eighth Triennial Review  
Conformity Assessment Procedures  
United States  JOB/TBT/269  22 October 2018  Comments from the United States 
on JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
Singapore  JOB/TBT/268  22 October 2018  Comments from Singapore on 
JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
European Union  JOB/TBT/266  22 October 2018  Comments from the European 
Union on JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
Egypt  JOB/TBT/263  18 October 2018  Comments from Egypt on 
JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
Colombia  JOB/TBT/258  18 September 2018  Comments from Colombia on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Brazil  JOB/TBT/257  18 September 2018  Comments from Brazil on 
JOB/TBT/248  
United States  JOB/TBT/255  17 September 2018  Comments from United States on 
JOB/TBT/248  
European Union  JOB/TBT/254  17 September 2018  Comments from European Union 
on JOB/TBT/248  
Australia  JOB/TBT/252  14 September 2018  Comments from Australia on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Uganda  JOB/TBT/251/Rev.1  14 September 2018  Comments from Uganda on 
JOB/TBT/248  
South Africa  JOB/TBT/250  12 September 2018  Comments from South Africa on 
JOB/TBT/248  
New Zealand  JOB/TBT/249  3 September 2018  Comments from New Zealand on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Brazil G/TBT/W/461/Rev.1  5 June 2018  Operation of the Committee – 
Good Regulatory Practices – 
Conformity Assessment 
Procedures - Transparency - 
Eighth Triennial Review  
Brazil  G/TBT/W/533  5 June 2018  Conformity Assessment 
Procedures - Operation of the 
Committee - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
United States  G/TBT/W/531  5 June 2018  Approaches to Conformity 
Assessment - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
Chinese Taipei  G/TBT/W/530  29 May 2018  Proposal on a holistic approach to 
Risk Assessment - Eighth 
Triennial Review  
Uganda  JOB/TBT/245  20 March 2018  Comments by Uganda on 
G/TBT/W/462  - Eighth Triennial 
Review  G/TBT/41  
 
- 29 - 
 
  Member  Symbol  Date Title 
European Union  G/TBT/W/462  9 March 2018  Approaches to Conformity 
Assessment - Eighth Trienn ial 
Review  
South Africa  G/TBT/W/453  25 October 2017  Certificates of Free Sale: 
Compliance with the Provisions of 
the WTO Agreement on Technical 
Barriers to Trade - Eighth 
Triennial Review  
Standards  
Canada  JOB/TBT/267  22 October 2018  Comments from Canada on 
JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
South Africa  JOB/TBT/265  22 October 2018  Comments from South Africa on 
JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
Japan  JOB/TBT/264  19 October 2018  Comments from Japan on 
JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
United States  JOB/TBT/255  17 September 2018  Comments from United States on 
JOB/TBT/248  
European Union  JOB/TBT/254  17 September 2018  Comments from European Union 
on JOB/TBT/248  
Japan  JOB/TBT/253  14 September 2018  Comments from Japan on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Canada  G/TBT/W/532  5 June 2018  Standards and Technical 
Regulations: A Gender -Based 
Discussion - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
Chinese Taipei  G/TBT/W/530  29 May 2018  Proposal on a holistic approach to 
Risk Assessment - Eighth 
Triennial Review  
Canada  G/TBT/W/529  24 May 2018  Incorporation of standards by 
reference - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
South Africa  G/TBT/W/452  24 October 2017  Operation of the Committee – 
Good Regulatory Practice – 
Transparency - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
Transparency  
United States  JOB/TBT/269  22 October 2018  Comments from the United States 
on JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
European Union  JOB/TBT/266  22 October 2018  Comments from the European 
Union on JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
South Africa  JOB/TBT/265  22 October 2018  Comments from South Africa on 
JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
Colombia  JOB/TBT/258  18 September 2018  Comments from Colombia on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Brazil  JOB/TBT/257  18 September 2018  Comments from Brazil on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Korea  JOB/TBT/256  18 September 2018  Comments from Korea on 
JOB/TBT/248  
United States  JOB/TBT/255  17 September 2018  Comments from United States on 
JOB/TBT/248  
European Union  JOB/TBT/254  17 September 2018  Comments from European Union 
on JOB/TBT/248  
Japan  JOB/TBT/253  14 September 2018  Comments from Japan on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Australia  JOB/TBT/252  14 September 2018  Comments from Australia on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Uganda  JOB/TBT/251/Rev.1  14 September 2018  Comments from Uganda on 
JOB/TBT/248  G/TBT/41  
 
- 30 - 
 
  Member  Symbol  Date Title 
Australia  G/TBT/W/537  8 June 2018  Transparency - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
Switzerland  G/TBT/W/536  8 June 2018  Transparency – Handling of 
comments - Publication of 
comments on notified measures 
and replies thereto - Eighth 
Triennial Review  
United States  G/TBT/W/535  6 June 2018  Transparency: List of Member 
Websites on adopted technical 
Regulations - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
Brazil  G/TBT/W/461/Rev.1  5 June 2018  Operation of the Committee – 
Good Regula tory Practices – 
Conformity Assessment 
Procedures - Transparency - 
Eighth Triennial Review  
Brazil  G/TBT/W/460/Rev.1  5 June 2018  Notification Procedures under the 
TBT Committee - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
Japan  G/TBT/W/528  9 May 2018  Effective use of the notification 
format - Eighth Triennial Review  
Uganda  JOB/TBT/246  20 March 2018  Comments by Uganda on 
G/TBT/W/464  - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
United States  G/TBT/W/464  16 March 2018  Improving information in 
Notifications - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
New Zealand  G/TBT/W/463  13 March 2018  Domestic coordination of 
information relevant to 
Notifications - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
South Africa  G/TBT/W/452  24 Octobe r 2017  Operation of the Committee – 
Good Regulatory Practice – 
Transparency - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
United States  G/TBT/W/451  18 October 2017  Transparency - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
Technical Assistance  
United States  JOB/TBT/255  17 September 2018  Comments from United States on 
JOB/TBT/248  
European Union  JOB/TBT/254  17 September 2018  Comments from European Union 
on JOB/TBT/248  
Uganda  JOB/TBT/251/Rev.1  14 September 2018  Comments from Uganda on 
JOB/TBT/248  
The Philippines, 
Mauritius and 
Uganda  G/TBT/W/538/Rev.1  8 June 2018  Technical Assistance - Eighth 
Triennial Review  
Operation of the Committee  
European Union  JOB/TBT/266  22 October 2018  Comments from the European 
Union on JOB/TBT/248/Rev.1  
United States  JOB/TBT/255  17 September 2018  Comments from United States on 
JOB/TBT/248  
European Union  JOB/TBT/254  17 September 2018  Comments from European Union 
on JOB/TBT/248  
Japan  JOB/TBT/253  14 September 2018  Comments from Japan on 
JOB/TBT/248  
Australia  JOB/TBT/252  14 September 2018  Comments from Australia on 
JOB/TBT/248  G/TBT/41  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Member  Symbol  Date Title 
South Africa  JOB/TBT/250  12 September 2018  Comments from South Africa on 
JOB/TBT/248  
New Zealand  JOB/TBT/249  3 September 2018  Comments from New Zealand on 
JOB/TBT/248  
United States  G/TBT/W/539  8 June 2018  Operation of the Committee: best 
practices for Observers - Eighth 
Triennial Review  
Brazil  G/TBT/W/461/Rev.1  5 June 2018  Operation of the Committee – 
Good Regula tory Practices – 
Conformity Assessment 
Procedures - Transparency - 
Eighth Triennial Review  
Brazil  G/TBT/W/533  5 June 2018  Conformity Assessment 
Procedures - Operation of the 
Committee - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
South Africa  G/TBT/W/452  24 October 2017  Operation of the Committee – 
Good Regulatory Practice – 
Transparency - Eighth Triennial 
Review  
 
__________