WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/W/215 
8 October 2007 
 (07-4294) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures  
  
 
 
COMPILATION OF PROPOSALS REGARDING THE REVISION OF THE 
"RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE TRANSPARENCY 
OBLIGATIONS OF THE SPS AGREEMENT (ARTICLE 7)" 
 
Note by the Secretariat
1 
  
In an effort to facilitate the discussions of Members on transparency in the context of the 
upcoming Workshop on Transparency (15-16 October)
2 and the subsequent meeting of the SPS 
Committee (17-19 October)3, the Secretariat has prepared a draft Revision of the Recommended 
Procedures for Implementing the Transparency Obliga tions of the SPS Agreement (Article 7) found in 
G/SPS/7/Rev.2. 
This draft Revision consolidates suggestions  and proposals put forth by Members, in 
particular in the context of the Second Review of  the Implementation of the SPS Agreement and in 
discussions with regard to transparen cy at meetings of the SPS Committee.4  It also includes prior 
decisions by the Committee relating to transparency (e.g. unofficial translations, recognition of 
equivalence) as well as some suggestions from th e WTO Secretariat, mainly for the clarity and 
consistency of the document, based on the experience gained and observations made in the past years. 
For ease of reference and comparison, the proposed changes are highlighted in this document.  
The Committee will be invited to adopt the re vised recommendation during its meeting of 18-
19 October 2007. 
 
    
                                                     
 
1 This document has been prepared under the Secret ariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice 
to the position of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO. 
2 See G/SPS/GEN794/Rev.1 for th e programme of the workshop. 
3 See WTO/AIR/3061 for the proposed agenda for the Committee meeting. 
4 Since the last SPS Committee meeting held in J une 2007, two additional submissions have been 
received with respect to transparency.  These submissions were circulated as G/SPS/W/212 from China, and as 
G/SPS/W/214 from New Zealand.  G/SPS/W/215 
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RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING  
THE TRANSPARENCY OBLIGATIONS OF  
THE SPS AGREEMENT (ARTICLE 7) 
 
Revision
5 
  1. Transparency in the context of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is used to signify one of 
the fundamental principles of its agreements: th e aim is to achieve a greater degree of clarity, 
predictability and information about trade polici es, rules and regulations of Members.  In 
implementing this concept Members use notificati ons.  Under the SPS Agreement, notifications are 
used to inform other Members about new or change d regulations that may significantly affect their 
trading partners.
6  Transparency under the SPS Agreement also includes answering reasonable 
questions, and publishing regulations. 
2. These procedures have been developed to assist Members fulfil their transparency obligations 
under Article 7 and Annex B of the SPS Agreemen t regarding the notification of SPS regulations, 
answering information requests under the national enquiry point system and publishing regulations. 
IDENTIFICATION OF THE NATIONAL NO TIFICATION AUTHORITY AND OF THE 
NATIONAL ENQUIRY POINT  
3. In accordance with paragraph 10 of Annex B, Members are obliged to designate "a single 
central government authority" as responsible for th e implementation at the national level of the 
transparency provisions.  Paragraph 3 of Annex B indicates that each Member "shall ensure that one 
enquiry point exists" which is responsible for the provision of answers to all reasonable questions as 
well as the provision of relevant documents.      
4. When a Member’s national notification aut hority or national enquiry point has been 
established, or changed, the WTO Secretariat should be  informed.  The Secretariat regularly circulates 
a list of all Members' notification authorities and enqu iry points, and this information is available also 
on the WTO website.   These lists are updated three or four times a year.  The national enquiry points 
are listed in the G/SPS/ENQ/ document series of th e WTO, and the notification authorities are listed 
in the G/SPS/NNA/ series.  It is useful to provide the following contact inform ation so that they can 
be included in the lists: 
• Contact name 
• Name of institution 
• Postal address / physical address 
• Phone 
• Fax 
• E-mail 
• Website address 
 5. Members should also refer to the guidelines on transparency contained in the handbook How 
to apply the transparency provisions of the SPS Agreement  (November 2000), when notifying 
                                                     
 
5 To be issued as G/SPS/7/Rev.3 upon adoption by the SPS Committee . 
6 The SPS Agreement uses the terms 'measures' an d 'regulations' somewhat interchangeably when 
referring to any sanitary or phytosanitary measure such as laws, decrees, or ordinances applied to protect human, 
animal or plant life or health as defined under paragraph 1 of Annex A to the SPS Agreement.  G/SPS/W/215 
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  regulations and operating national enquiry points in accordance with Article 7 and Annex B of the 
SPS Agreement. 
RECOMMENDED NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES  
 
6. Members should follow these procedures when notifying regulations as required in 
paragraphs 5 or 6 of Annex B.  The form for routine  notifications (see Annex A-1) should be used for 
notifications in accordance with paragraph 5 of Annex B, whereas the form for emergency 
notifications (see Annex B-1) should be used for notifications as provided for in paragraph 6 of 
Annex B.  
A. APPLICATION OF ANNEX  B, PARAGRAPH 5 (PREAMBULAR PART ) OF THE SPS  AGREEMENT  
7. Members are obliged to notify all regulations fo r which the content is "not substantially the 
same as the content of an international standard , guideline or recommendation", if such regulations 
are expected to have a significant impact on trade.   Furthermore, Members are encouraged to notify 
all regulations that are based on, conform to, or are substantially the same as an international standard, 
guideline or recommendation, if they are expected to have a significant impact on trade.7 
8. For the purposes of Annex B, paragraphs 5 an d 6 of the SPS Agreement, the concept of 
"significant effect on trade of other Members" may refer to the effect on trade: 
 - of one sanitary or phytosanitary regulation only or of various sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulations in combination; 
  - in a specific product, group of pr oducts or products in general;  and 
 
 - between two or more Members.  9. To assess whether the sanitary or phytosanitary  regulation may have a significant effect on 
trade, the Member concerned should consider  releva nt available information such as:  the value or 
other importance of imports to the importing and/or exporting Members concerned, whether from 
other Members individually or collectively;   the potential development of such imports;  and 
difficulties for producers in other Members, particul arly in developing country Members, to comply 
with the proposed sanitary or phytosanitary regulatio ns.  The concept of a significant effect on trade 
of other Members should include both import-enhancing a nd import-reducing effects on the trade of 
other Members, as long as such effects are significant. 
B. TIMING OF NOTIFICATIONS  
10. When implementing the provisions of paragraph 5 of Annex B, a notification should be made 
at an early stage  when a draft with the complete text of a proposed regulation is available and when 
amendments can still be introduced and comments taken into account.8  Members shall normally 
allow a period of at least sixty days for comme nts, except for proposed measures which facilitate 
trade.  The 60-day comment period should begin with the circulation of the notification by the WTO 
                                                      
7See proposal from Canada in G/SPS/GEN/778.  See also submissions from New Zealand 
(G/SPS/W/150, G/SPS/W/157, an d G/SPS/W/168),  Canada (G/ SPS/W/158), European Communities 
(G/SPS/W/159) and Chile (G/SPS/W/170). 
8 See proposal from Egypt in Job(07)/104. G/SPS/W/215 
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  Secretariat.
9  Any Member which is able to provide a time-limit beyond sixty days is encouraged to 
do so.10  
11. A notification shall be made well before the entr y into force of the relevant measure, including 
measures which conform to the re levant international standards11, except when urgent problems of 
health protection arise or threaten to arise for th e Member concerned.  Any regulation brought into 
force in urgent circumstances must be notified immediately and a rationale for the urgent action 
provided.   
12. The late notification of a measure already in  force does not in and of itself constitute 
sufficient reason for the  use of the emergency format .  When urgent problems of health protection are 
not involved, late notifications should be made usin g the regular format and consideration should still 
be given to all comments received.   
C. REQUESTING DOCUMENTS RELATED TO A NOTIFICATION  
13. Members requesting documents related to a no tification should provide all the information 
necessary to identify the documents , and in particular the WTO SPS notification number to which the 
requests refer. 
14. When requesting an electronic transmission of documents from anot her Member, Members 
should indicate which elec tronic formats they are able to rece ive, including compatible versions. 
D. PROVIDING DOCUMENTS RELATED TO A NOTIFICATION  
Address of body supplying the documents 
 
15. Members should indicate under point 12 of the WTO notification format the full address of 
the body responsible for supplying th e relevant documents if that body is not the notification authority 
or the enquiry point.  Where the relevant documen ts are also available from a website, the website 
address should be provided.  
Responding to requests 
 16. Documents requested should normally be provided within five working days.  If this is not 
possible, the request for documentation or informa tion should be acknowledged within that period and 
an estimate given of the time required to provide the requested documentation.  With a view to 
facilitating the timely provision of comments on no tifications, Members are strongly encouraged to 
comply with the five-day deadline.12 
17. Documents supplied in response to a request should be identified with the WTO SPS 
notification number to which the request refers. 
18. Members should use fax and e-mail facilities to th e extent possible in responding to requests 
for documentation or information.  Members are enc ouraged to publish their sanitary or phytosanitary 
                                                      
9 See proposal from China in G/SPS/W/212.  See also submissions from Ch ina (G/SPS/W/162), Chile 
(G/SPS/W/170), and Egypt (Job.(07)/104). 
10See Procedure to Enhance Transparency of Sp ecial and Differential Treatment in Favor of 
Developing Countries (G/SPS/33), step 1. 
11 See proposal from Canada in G/SPS/GEN/778.   See also submissions from New Zealand 
(G/SPS/W/150, G/SPS/W/157, an d G/SPS/W/168),  Canada (G/ SPS/W/158), European Communities 
(G/SPS/W/159) and Chile (G/SPS/W/170). 
12 See proposal from China in G/SPS/W/212.  G/SPS/W/215 
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  measures on the Web, to facilitate the supply of doc uments, and to provide the address of relevant 
websites . 
Acknowledging receipt of documents 
 
19. The Member requesting documents relating to a notification should acknowledge receipt of 
the documents provided. 
Translation of documents 
 
20. When a translation of a relevant document exists or is planned, this fact should be indicated 
on the WTO notification form next to the title of th e document.  If only a translated summary exists, 
the fact that such a summary is ava ilable should be similarly indicated. 
21. If a translation of a document or summary exis ts in the language of the requesting Member, 
or, as the case may be, in the WTO working langua ge used by the requesting Member, it should be 
automatically sent with the orig inal of the document requested. 
22. Where documents are not available in a WTO working language, devel oped country Members 
shall, upon request, supply a translation of the doc ument, or in case of voluminous documents, a 
translation of a summary of the doc ument, in a WTO working language. 
23. When a Member seeks a copy of a document rela ting to a notification which does not exist in 
that Member's WTO working language, the notifying  Member should advise the requesting Member 
of other Members that have requested, as of that date, a copy of the document.  The Member seeking 
a copy of a document relating to a notification ma y contact other Members in order to determine 
whether the latter are prepared to share any tr anslation that they have or will be making. 
24. Any Member possessing an unoffici al translation of a document re lating to a notification should 
inform the notifying Member of the existence of the unofficial translation and should submit to the 
Secretariat a supplement to the or iginal notification submitted by a Member.  The supplement should  
indicate the address for requesting a copy or the Web address where the unofficial translation can be 
found.  The format of the supplement can be found in Annex C.  Neither the Secretariat nor the Member 
providing the unofficial translation can be held responsible for the accuracy or quality of these 
translations.13 
E. HANDLING OF COMMENTS ON NOTIFICATIONS  
25. Each Member should notify the WTO Secretariat of the authority or agency (e.g. its 
notification authority) which it has designated to be  in charge of handling comments received, and of 
any change and/or modification of such authority or agency. 
26. Members submitting comments on a notified draf t regulation should provide them without 
unnecessary delay to the authority desi gnated to handle the comments, or to the national notification 
authority if no other designation is made. 
27. A Member receiving comments through the desi gnated body should, without further request: 
 (i) acknowledge the receipt of such comments; 
 
                                                      
13 See G/SPS/GEN/487 for further in formation on this mechanism. G/SPS/W/215 
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   (ii) explain within a reasonable period of  time, and at the earliest possible date  before the 
adoption of the measure,  to any Member from which it has received comments, how it 
will  take these comments into account and, where appropriate, provide additional 
relevant information on the proposed sanitary or phytosanitary regul ations concerned;  
 
 (iii) provide to any Member from which it has received comments, a copy of the 
corresponding sanitary or phyto sanitary regulations as adopt ed or information that no 
corresponding sanitary or phyto sanitary regulations will be adopted for the time being; 
  (iv) make available to other Members, where possible, comment s and questions it has 
received and answers it has provided , preferably  via electronic means . 
 28. Members should grant requests for extension of  the comment period wherever practicable, in 
particular with regard to notifica tions relating to products of partic ular interest to developing country 
Members, where there have been delays in receiving  and translating the rele vant documents or where 
there is a need for further clarification of the me asure notified.  A 30-day extension should normally 
be provided. 
29. Members are also encouraged to use the "Proce dure to Enhance Transparency of Special and 
Differential Treatment in Favour of Developing Countries" (G/SPS/33).14 
F. ADDENDA , REVISIONS AND CORRIGENDA  
30. In addition to their original notifications, Members can also provide supplementary 
information in three different forms. 
• An addendum is used to provide additional information or changes to an original 
notification.  A Member may wish to indicate on the addendum if the final regulation has been substantially modified from the notified proposal.  
• A corrigendum is used to correct an error in an original notification such as an incorrect 
address detail. 
• A revision is used to replace  an existing notification. 
 
Any addendum or corrigendum should be read in  conjunction with the original notification. 
Addenda 
 
31. Members should notify changes in the status of a notified SPS regulation.  The issuance of an 
addendum allows Members to track the status of an SPS regulation via its unique notification number.  
Addenda to SPS notifications should be made  in a number of circumstances, such as: 
(a) if the comment period has been extended; 
(b) when a proposed regulation is either adopted or comes into force.  A Member may 
wish to indicate on the addendum if the final regulation has been substantially 
modified from the notified proposal.  Members are strongly encouraged to strictly 
follow this recommendation and inform other Members in a timely manner .15 
                                                      
14 In accordance with its decision contained in G/SPS/33/Add.1, the SPS Committee is mandated to 
review the implementation of this procedure no later th an its first regular meeting in 2008, with a view to 
deciding then whether to continue with the same procedure or introduce modifications.  
15 See submissions from China (G/SPS/W/212) and the European Communities (G/SPS/W/159).  G/SPS/W/215 
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  (c) if the content of a previously notified draft regulation is changed, or if the scope of 
application of the existing notification is reduced or extended , either  in terms of 
Members affected or  products covered.   Such a change may warrant the extension of 
the comment period .  Such an addendum should provide for a new 60-day comment 
period starting with the date of distribution of the addendum unless the notified 
change is of a trade-facilitati ng nature or is negligible.16 
(d) if a proposed regulation is withdrawn; 
(e) If there is a change in the proposed date of adoption, date of publication or date of 
entry into force.  
 
In the case of an emergency notification,  an addendum should also be submitted if the period of 
application of the existing notification is extended. 
 
32. An addendum should: 
• briefly recap what was notified, when and what it was about - this is a practical 
requirement, and reduces the need for Member s to have to go back to the original 
notification to check what it was about; 
• specify what change has been made and why - briefly state why the information, 
dates, etc have been changed;  and 
• restate the comments deadline, even if it has not been changed - as a reminder to 
Members that if they wish to comment it must be done by this date. 
 33. A form for making an addendum is available in  Annex A-2 for routine notifications and in 
Annex B-2 for notifications of emergency measures. 
Revisions  
 
34. Revisions replace  an existing notification.  Revisions should be submitted, for example, when 
the scope of application of a notified regulation is extended, either in terms of Members affected or 
products covered, or  if a notification contained a large number of errors which necessitated issuing a 
revision.  A Member should provide a further period for comments on the revised notification, 
normally 60 days beginning with the distribution of the revised notification .17 
35. A form for making a revision is available in Annex A-3 for routine notifications and Annex 
B-3 for notifications of emergency measures. 
Corrigenda  
 
36. Members should inform the Secretariat of any erro r(s) contained in their original notification.  
The Secretariat will issue a corrigendum accordingly. 
37. A form for making a corrigendum is available in Annex A-4 for routine notifications and 
Annex B-4 for notifications of emergency measures. 
                                                      
16 WTO Secretariat proposal to minimize confusion regarding the difference between this 
recommendation and the recommendation with respect to  revisions, below.  See also footnote 17. 
17 Proposal from the WTO Secretariat. The section pr oposed for deletion has led to some confusion in 
its implementation in the past.  Therefore it is proposed that all changes to the scope of application of a 
notification be submitted as an Addendum.  See also footnote 16. G/SPS/W/215 
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  G. 
REGULATIONS THAT CONTAIN BOTH SPS AND TBT MEASURES  
38. When a regulation contains bot h SPS and TBT measures, it should be notified according to 
both the SPS and TBT Agreements, preferably  with an indication of which parts of the regulation fall 
under SPS Agreement (e.g. a food safety measure) and which parts fall under the TBT Agreement 
(e.g., quality or compositional requirements). 
H. NOTIFICATION OF DETERMINATION OF THE REC OGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE OF SANITARY OR 
PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES18 
39. In accordance with the Decision on Equivale nce (G/SPS/19), a Member which has made a 
determination recognizing the equivalence of sanitary  or phytosanitary measures of another Member 
or Members shall notify other Members through the S ecretariat of the measure(s) recognized to be 
equivalent and of the products affected by this recognition.  
40. For the purposes of this notification, equivalence is defined to be the state wherein sanitary or 
phytosanitary measures applied in an exporting Me mber, though different from the measures applied 
in an importing Member, achieve, as demonstrated by the exporting Member and recognized by the 
importing Member, the importing Member ’s appropriate level of sanitary or phytosanitary protection.  
A determination of the recognition of equivalence may be with respect to a specific measure or 
measures related to a certain product or cate gories of products, or on a systems-wide basis.  
41. Notification should also be made of signi ficant variations to existing equivalence 
arrangements, including their suspension or rescission.    
42. See Annex D for further information on the format for the Notification of Determination of 
the Recognition of Equivalence of Sa nitary or Phytosanitary Measures.  
I. COMPLETED NOTIFICATIONS  
43. Notifications should be sent, preferably by e-mail, but if not  by fax or air mail, from the 
national notification authority to the central registry of notifications (CRN) at the WTO.  The address is: 
 Central Registry of Notifications  e-mail:  crn@wto.org  
 World Trade Organization 
 Rue de Lausanne 154  1211 Geneva 21  Switzerland  Fax:  (+41 22) 739 5638 
 
Electronic copies of all of the notification form ats can be downloaded from the WTO website at:  
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/sps_e.htm   
 
44. Members are not  required to send the legal texts of the proposed regulation that is being 
notified.  However, they are encouraged to provi de a Web address, if available, for the relevant 
documents in the appropriate section of the notification format . 
                                                      
18 At its meeting of 25-26 June 2002, the Committee adopted a format and recommended procedures 
for the notification of determination of the recognition of equivalence of sanitary or phytosanitary measures 
which can be found in G/SPS/7/Rev.2/Add.1.  This document has been incorporated into this Revision.  G/SPS/W/215 
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  GUIDELINES FOR NATIONAL ENQUIRY POINTS 
 
45. The National Enquiry Point system establishe d under the SPS Agreement is an effective 
avenue for obtaining information regarding SPS systems and measures from other Members. 
46. The National Enquiry Point handles on a routine basis: 
• document and information requests; 
• general enquiries; and 
• delivery and charging of documents. 
 47. National Enquiry Points should also provide, upon request, information on participation in 
any bilateral or multilateral equivale nce agreements and arrangements. 
48. While the mode of delivery is at the discretion of the Member concerned, it is recommended 
that delivery of documents should be by the fastest  means possible.  In the first instance, if the 
Member has such facilities, the documents should be sent by e-mail, or by fax.  Alternatively, a 
Member can send the documents by post or via a requesting Member’s diplom atic mission in their 
territory. 
49. A Member may only charge the same cost for the documents as it would for its own nationals 
plus the cost of delivering the documents. 
PUBLICATION OF REGULATIONS (Annex B, pa ragraph 1 and 2 of the SPS Agreement) 
 
50. The publication of regulations is a fundamental component of transparency under the SPS 
Agreement.  This is a general ob ligation on Members, and does not re late specifically to the work of 
either the national notification authority or national enquiry point. 
51. Members are obliged to: 
(a) ensure that all SPS regulations which have  been adopted are published promptly in 
such a manner as to enable interested countries to become acquainted with them.  
Regulations to be published include laws, d ecrees or ordinances which are applicable 
generally; 
(b) except in urgent circumstances, allow a r easonable interval between the publication 
of a sanitary or phytosanitary regulation and its entry into force in order to allow time 
for producers in exporting Members and partic ularly in developing country Members, 
to adapt their products and methods of production to the requirements of the importing Member. 
52. As agreed in the Doha Decision on Implementation-Related Issues and Concerns:
 
Subject to the conditions specified in paragraph 2 of Annex B to the 
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures, the phrase "reasonable interval" shall be understood to 
mean normally a period of not less than 6 months.  It is understood 
that timeframes for specific measures have to be considered in the 
context of the particular circumstances of the measure and actions 
necessary to implement it.  The en try into force of measures which G/SPS/W/215 
Page 10  
 
  contribute to the liberalization of trade should not be unnecessarily 
delayed.  
53. Members are encouraged to publish SPS regulati ons on the Web where possible.  Publication 
on the Web has a number of advantages and benefits  to Members over more traditional methods.  It: 
(a) allows for greater transparency; 
(b) makes it easier for Members to obtain documents;  and 
(c) reduces the amount of work involved in processing and fulfilling document requests. 
 
54. Members are also encouraged to provide regular updates to the SPS Committee on their 
national regulatory systems for developing and adopting SPS measures and also on their upcoming 
workplans with respect to SPS measures so that ot her Members are better prep ared to assess and, if 
necessary, comment on their proposed measures .19 
ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC RESOURCES RELATED TO SPS 
NOTIFICATIONS AND OTHER SPS INFORMATION  
 55. There are a number of international resources on the Web which could facilitate Members' 
access to SPS-related information.  These include the WTO Secretariat's SPS Information 
Management System (SPS IMS) ( http://spsims.wto.org ) as well as the FAO's International Portal on 
Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health ( http://www.ipfsaph.org ). 
56. Members are encouraged to provide up-to-date  information regardi ng SPS-related websites 
within their territory for inclusion on the WTO's SPS web page . 
 
_______________ 
 
                                                      
19 See submissions from Mexico (G/SPS/W/136 and G/SPS/W/166).  G/SPS/W/215 
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ANNEX A-1:  ROUTINE NOTIFICATIONS 
 
COMPLETION OF FORMATS - ROUTINE  NOTIFICATIONS (ANNEX B , PARAGRAPH  5) 
Information contained in the notifications s hould be as complete as possible and no section 
should be left blank.  Where necessary, "not known" or "not stated" should be indicated. 
Item Description 
1. Member notifying Government, including the competent authorities of the European 
Communities, which is making the notification. 
2. Agency responsible Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a sanitary or 
phytosanitary regulation. 
3. Products covered  
 Tariff item number(s) (normally HS , chapter or heading and number) 
as contained in national schedule s deposited with the WTO.  ICS 
numbers sho uld be provided in addition, where applicable.    A clear 
description is important for an und erstanding of the notification by 
delegations and translators.  A bbreviations should be avoided.   
4. Regions or countries 
likely to be affected The geographical regions or countries  likely to be affected by the 
notified regulation should be identified to the extent relevant or practicable .  Members are encouraged to be as specific as possible in 
identifying regions or coun tries likely to be affected . 
5. Title, language and 
number of pages of the notified document Title of the proposed or adopted (i n the case of late submissions)  
sanitary or phytosanitary regulation.  Number of pages in the notified document.  Languages in which th e notified document is available.  
If a translation exists of the whole document, or a translated summary 
of the document exists, indicate this here and provide an address 
where the translation is available . 
6. Description of content A summary  of the proposed or adopted (in the case of late 
submissions) sanitary or phytosanita ry regulation clearly indicating its 
content and health protection objec tive.  The summary should be as 
complete and accurate as possible to allow the full understanding of 
the proposed regulation.  To the extent possible, likely effects on 
trade should be described.  Abbreviations s hould be avoided.  Where 
practicable it should also include an outline of the specific sanitary 
measures the regulation will apply.   The summary should permit 
trading partners to determine whether the notified measure is likely 
to have an impact on products they wish to export to the notifying 
Member . 
When a regulation contains both SPS and TBT measures, it should 
be notified according to both the SPS and TBT Agreements, 
preferably  with an indication of which parts of the regulation fall 
under the SPS Agreement and which parts fall under the TBT 
Agreement.  G/SPS/W/215 
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 Item Description 
7. Objective and rationale State whether objectiv e is:  protection of human health from food-
borne risks;  or protection of human health from plant- or animal-carried diseases;  or protection of animal health from pests or diseases;  or protection of animal health from contaminated feed;  or 
protection of plant health from pests or diseases; or prevention of 
other damage from entry, establishment or spread of pests. 
8. Existence of 
international standard, guideline or recommendation If a relevant international standa rd, guideline or recommendation 
exists, put a cross in the box provided for the appropriate standard-
setting organization and give the appropriate reference of the existing 
standard, guideline or recommendati on, e.g., Codex standard number, 
ISPM number, OIE Code chapter.  Indicate whether the proposed 
regulation conforms to the relevan t international standard and if 
not, describe how the proposed regulation deviates from the 
international standard, guid eline or recommendation.   
If no international standard, guidelin e or recommendation exists, put a 
cross in the box "none".  
9. Relevant documents and 
language(s) in which 
these are available Documents referenced here are di fferent from those listed in box 5. 
Documents which should be referenced include:  
(a) Publication where notice of the proposed regulation  appears, 
including date and reference numbers; 
(b) Proposal and basic document to which proposal refers (with 
specific reference number or other identification), and the language(s) 
in which the notified documents and any summary of these are available; 
(c) Publication in which proposal will appear when adopted. 
Provide the Web address and hyperlink for these documents where 
available.   If it is necessary to char ge for documents supplied, the 
amount of the charge should be indicated. 
10. Proposed date of 
adoption and publication  The date when the sanitary or phyto sanitary regulation is expected to 
be adopted.  Also provide the proposed  date of publication of the final 
measure if this differs from the date of adoption .  
11. Proposed date of entry 
into force  The date from which the requireme nts in the regulation are proposed 
or decided to enter into force.  This should normally be at least six 
months following the above date of adoption and publication .  Where 
appropriate, Members should acco rd longer time-frames for 
compliance on products of interest  to developing country Members. 
Put a cross in the box, if the pr oposed measure contributes to the 
liberalization of trade.  In this ca se the implementation of the measure 
should not be delayed and no comm ent period needs to be provided .  G/SPS/W/215 
 Page 13 
 
 
 Item Description 
12. Final date for comments 
and agency or authority handling comments The date by which Members may submit comments in accordance 
with Annex B, Paragraph 5(b) of the SPS Agreement.  Check the box 
if this is 60 days following the date  of circulation of the notification 
as a WTO document. 20  If not, a specific date shoul d be indicated.  A 
Member shall normally allow a peri od of at least sixty days for 
comment.  Any Member which is able to  provide a time limit beyond 
60 days is encouraged to do so. 
The agency or authority which has been designated to handle the 
comments should be indicated.  If this is the national notification 
authority or the national enquiry point, put a cross in the box 
provided.  If another agency or auth ority has been designated, provide 
its name, address, fax and (if available) E-mail address.  
For proposed measures which facili tate trade, Members may reduce 
or eliminate the period for receiving comments.  
13. Texts available from If available from the national notification aut hority or the enquiry 
point, put a cross in the respective box.  If available from another 
body, give its address, fax number an d (if available) E-mail address.  
Such indications do not in any wa y discharge the relevant enquiry 
point of its responsibilities unde r the provisions of Annex B, 
Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the SPS Agreement.  Provide the Web address of the document notified, if available.  
                                                      
20 See proposal from China in G/SPS/ W/212.  See also submissions from China (G/SPS/W/162), Chile 
(G/SPS/W/170), and Egypt (Job.(07)/104) G/SPS/W/215 
Page 14  
 
  
 
WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
 
 
NOTIFICATION 
 
1. Notifying Member :   
If applicable, name of local government involved: 
2. Agency responsible:  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as  specified in national schedules deposited with 
the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, where applica ble):  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affect ed, to the extent relevant or practicable: 
5. Title, language and number of pages of the notified document: 
6. Description of content:  
7. Objective and rationale:  [   ] food safety, [  ] animal he alth, [  ] plant protection, 
[  ] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease, 
[  ]  protect territory from other damage from pests  
8. Is there a relevant international sta ndard? If so, identify the standard:  
[  ] Codex Alimentarius Commission   
 [(e.g., Codex standard number, title of Code of practice], etc.)  
[  ] World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)   
 [(e.g., Terrestrial or Aquatic Animal Code  chapter number)]  
[  ] International Plant Protection Convention  
 [(e.g., ISPM N°)]  
[  ] None   
Does this proposed regulation conform to  the relevant international standard?  [  ] Yes    [  ] No  
 If no, describe the differences:  
9. Relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  
10. Proposed date of adoption and of publication (dd/mm/yy) : 
11. Proposed date of entry into force (dd/mm/yy): 
[  ]  Trade facilitating measure   G/SPS/W/215 
 Page 15 
 
 
 12. Final date for comments:  ⁭Sixty days from the date of ci rculation of the notification  
or [DATE:  dd/mm/yy]  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments:  [  ] National notification authority, [  ] 
National enquiry point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if ava ilable) of other body:   
13. Texts available from:  [  ] National notification authority,  [  ]  National enquiry point,  or 
address, fax number and E-mail addr ess (if available) of other body:  
 G/SPS/W/215 
Page 16  
 
 ANNEX A-2:  ROUTINE NOTIFICATIONS - ADDENDA 
 
 
WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Add.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
 
 
NOTIFICATION  
 
Addendum  
 
 
 The following communication, dated # Month Year, is being circulated at the request of the Delegation of [Member]. 
_______________  
 
 
Title outlining what the SPS measure or product is 
  [Text]   [Where the notified document can be obtaine d from – include contact name, agency, full 
address, telephone, facsimile, and email] as appropriate]
. 
 This addendum concerns a:
 
  [  ]  Modification of final date for comments
 
 [  ]  Notification of adoption of a regular or final rule  
 [  ]  Modification of content of previously notified draft regulation,  including expended or 
reduced scope  
 [  ] Withdrawal of proposed regulation  
 [  ]  Change in proposed date of adoption, da te of publication or date of entry into force  
 [  ] Other__________  
 
Comment period:  [If the addendum extends the scope of the previously notified measure in terms of 
products and/or potentially affected Members, a new deadline for receipt of comments should be 
provided, normally of at least 60 days.]  
 ⁭Sixty days from the date of circulati on of the addendum to the notification  
 or [DATE:  dd/mm/yy]  
 
Agency or authority designated to handle comments:  [  ] National notification authority, [  ] National 
enquiry point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if avai lable) of other body :  G/SPS/W/215 
 Page 17 
 
 
 ANNEX A-3:  ROUTINE NOTIFICATIONS - REVISIONS 
 
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Rev.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
  
NOTIFICATION  
 
Revision  
 
1. Notifying Member :   
If applicable, name of local government involved: 
2. Agency responsible:  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as  specified in national schedules deposited with 
the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addi tion, where applicable) : 
4. Regions or countries likely to be affect ed, to the extent relevant or practicable: 
5. Title, language and number of pages of the notified document:  
6. Description of content:  
7. Objective and rationale:  [   ] food safety, [  ] animal he alth, [  ] plant protection, 
[  ] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease, 
[  ]  protect territory from other damage from pests  
8. Is there a relevant international sta ndard? If so, identify the standard:  
[  ] Codex Alimentarius Commission  
 [(e.g., Codex standard number, title of Code of practice], etc.)  
[  ] World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)  
 [(e.g., Terrestrial or Aquatic Animal Code  chapter number)]  
[  ] International Plant Protection Convention  
 [(e.g., ISPM N°)]  
[  ] None   
Does this proposed regulation conform to  the relevant international standard?  [  ] Yes    [  ] No  
 If no, describe the differences:  
9. Relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  
10. Proposed date of adoption  / publication (dd/mm/yy):  
11. Proposed date of entry into force (dd/mm/yy): 
[  ]  Trade facilitating measure  G/SPS/W/215 
Page 18  
 
 12. Final date for comments:  Final date for comments:  ⁭Sixty days from the date of circulation of 
the notification  
or [DATE:  dd/mm/yy]  
Agency or authority designated Agency or authority designated to handle comments:  
[  ] National notificati on authority, [  ] National enquiry point, or address, fax number and E-
mail address (if availabl e) of other body:   
13. Texts available from:  [  ] National notification authority,  [  ]  National enquiry point,  or 
address, fax number and E-mail addr ess (if available) of other body:   G/SPS/W/215 
 Page 19 
 
 
  
ANNEX A-4:  ROUTINE NOTIFICATIONS - CORRIGENDUM 
 
 
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Corr.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
 
  
NOTIFICATION  
 
Corrigendum
 
 
 
 The following communication, dated # Month Year, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of [Member]. 
_______________  
 
 
Title outlining what the SPS measure or product is  
  [Text]   [Where the notified document can be obtaine d from – include contact name, agency, full 
address, telephone, facsimile, and email as appropriate]. 
 
_______________  
 G/SPS/W/215 
Page 20  
 
 ANNEX B-1:  EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS 
 
C
OMPLETION OF FORMATS - EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS (ANNEX B , PARAGRAPH 6) 
57. Information contained in the notification fo rm should be as complete as possible and no 
section should be left blank.  Where necessary, "not  known" or "not stated" should be indicated. 
 
Item Description 
1. Member notifying Government, including th e competent authorities of the European 
Communities, which is making the notification. 
2. Agency responsible Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a sanitary or 
phytosanitary regulation. 
3. Products covered  Tariff item number(s ) (normally HS, chapter or  heading and 
number) as contained in nationa l schedules deposited with the 
WTO.  ICS numbers should be provided in addition, where 
applicable.   A clear description is impor tant for an understanding of 
the notification by delegations a nd translators.  Abbreviations 
should be avoided.   
4. Regions or countries likely 
to be affected The geographical regions or countries  likely to be affected by the 
notified regulation should be identif ied to the extent relevant or 
practicable. Members are encouraged to be as specific as possible 
in identifying regions or countries likely to be affected.  
5. Title, language and number 
of  pages of the notified 
document Title of the proposed or adopted  sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulation.  Number of pages in  the notified document.  Languages 
in which the notified document is available.   
If a translation exists of the whole document, or a translated 
summary of the document exists, , in dicate this here and provide an 
address where the translation is available . 
6. Description of content A summary of the pr oposed or adopted sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulation clearly indicating its content and health protection 
objective.  The summary should be as complete and accurate as 
possible to allow the full understa nding of the proposed regulation.  
To the extent possible, likely effe cts on trade should be described.  
Abbreviations should be avoided.  Where practicable it s hould also 
include an outline of the specifi c sanitary measures the regulation 
will apply.  The summary should permit trading partners to 
determine whether the notified measure is likely to have an 
impact on products they wish to export to the notifying Member.  
When a regulation contains both SPS or TBT measures, it should 
be notified according to both the SPS and TBT Agreements, preferably
 with an indication of which parts of the regulation fall 
under the SPS Agreement and wh ich parts fall under the TBT 
Agreement.   G/SPS/W/215 
 Page 21 
 
 
 Item Description 
7. Objective and rationale   State whether objective is:  protection of human health from food-
borne risks;  or protection of human health from plant- or animal-carried diseases;  or protection of animal health from pests or diseases;  or protection of animal health from contaminated feed;  
or protection of plant health fro m pests or diseases; or prevention 
of other damage from entry, establishment or spread of pests. 
8. Nature of urgent 
problem(s) and reason for urgent action Indication of the underlying reason s for resorting to emergency 
action, e.g., incursion of pests asso ciated with imports, outbreak of 
a disease in supplying areas, etc.  
9. Existence of international 
standard, guideline or recommendation If a relevant international sta ndard, guideline or recommendation 
exists, put a cross in the box provi ded for the appropriate standard-
setting organisation and give the appropriate reference of the 
existing standard, guideline or  recommendation, e.g., Codex 
standard number, ISPM number, OIE Code chapter.  Indicate 
whether the proposed regulati on conforms to the relevant 
international standard and if not,  briefly describe how the 
proposed regulation deviates from  the international standard, 
guideline or recommendation.   
If no international standards, gui deline or recommendation exists, 
put a cross in the box "none".  
10. Relevant documents and 
language(s) in which these are available Documents referenced here are diff erent to those listed in box 5.  
Documents which should be referenced include:  
(a) Measure(s) taken and basic regulation which was modified 
(with specific reference number or  other identification), and the 
language(s) in which the notifie d documents and any summary of 
these are available; 
(b) Publication in which regulation will appear; 
Provide the Web address and hype rlink for these documents where 
available. If it is necessary to charge  for documents supplied, the 
amount of the charge should be indicated. 
11. Date of entry into force 
and period of application  The date from which the requirement s entered into force, and, if 
applicable, the period of time duri ng which they will apply.  (For 
example: immediate entry into force [date], duration of two months.) Put a cross in the box, if the proposed measure contributes to the 
liberalization of trade.  In this case the implementation of the 
measure should not be delayed and no comment period needs to be 
provided . G/SPS/W/215 
Page 22  
 
 Item Description 
12. Agency or authority 
handling comments  The agency or authority which ha s been designated to handle the 
comments should be indicated.  If this is the national notification 
authority or the national enquiry point, put a cross in the box provided.  If another agency or  authority has been designated, 
provide its name, address, fax a nd (if available)  E-mail address.  
13. Texts available from If available from the national notif ication authority or enquiry 
point, put a cross in the respecti ve box.  If available from another 
body, give its address, fax numb er and (if available) E-mail 
address.  Such indications do not in any way discharge the relevant 
enquiry point of its responsib ilities under the provisions of 
Annex B, Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the SPS Agreement.  Provide the 
Web address of the document notified, if available.  G/SPS/W/215 
 Page 23 
 
 
  
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
  
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
 
1. Notifying Member :   
If applicable, name of local government involved: 
2. Agency responsible:  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as  specified in national schedules deposited with 
the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, where applicable) : 
4. Regions or countries likely to be affect ed, to the extent relevant or practicable: 
 
5. Title, language  and number of pages of the notified document: 
6. Description of content:  
7. Objective and rationale:  [   ] food safety, [  ] animal he alth, [  ] plant protection, 
[  ] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease, 
[  ]  protect territory from other damage from pests  
8. Nature of the urgent problem(s)  and reason for urgent action:  
9. Is there a relevant international sta ndard? If so, identify the standard:  
[  ] Codex Alimentarius Commission  
 [(e.g., Codex standard number, title of Code of practice], etc.)  
[  ] World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)  
 [(e.g., Terrestrial or Aquatic Animal Code  chapter number)]  
[  ] International Plant Protection Convention  
 [(e.g., ISPM N°)]  
[  ] None   
Does this proposed regulation conform to  the relevant international standard?  [  ] Yes    [  ] No  
 If no, describe the differences:  
10. Relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  
11. Date of entry into force (dd/mm/yy)/ period of application (as applicable): 
[  ]  Trade facilitating measure  G/SPS/W/215 
Page 24  
 
 12. Agency or authority designated to handle comments:  [  ] National notification authority, [  ] 
National enquiry point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if ava ilable) of other body:   
13. Texts available from:  [  ] National notification authority,  [  ]  National enquiry point,  or 
address, fax number and E-mail addr ess (if available) of other body:  G/SPS/W/215 
 Page 25 
 
 
 ANNEX B-2:  EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS - ADDENDA 
 
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Add.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
   
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
 
Addendum
 
 
 
 The following communication, dated # Month Year, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of [Member]. 
_______________  
 
 Title outlining what the SPS measure or product is
 
 
 [Text]   [Where the notified document can be obtaine d from – include contact name, agency, full 
address, telephone, facsimile, and email as appropriate]. 
 
This addendum concerns a:
 
  [  ]  Modification of final date for comments
 
 [  ]  Modification of content of previously notified draft regulation,  including expended or 
reduced scope  
 [  ] Withdrawal of proposed regulation  
 [  ]  Change in period of application of measure  
 [  ] Other__________  
  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments:  [  ] National notification authority, [  ] National 
enquiry point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if avai lable) of other body : 
  
_______________  
 G/SPS/W/215 
Page 26  
 
 ANNEX B-3:  EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS - REVISIONS 
 
 
WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Rev.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
   
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
 
Revision 
 
1. Notifying Member : 
If applicable, name of local government involved: 
2. Agency responsible:  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as  specified in national schedules deposited with 
the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, where applicable) : 
4. Regions or countries likely to be affect ed, to the extent relevant or practicable: 
5. Title, language  and number of pages of the notified document: 
6. Description of content:  
7. Objective and rationale:  [   ] food safety, [  ] animal he alth, [  ] plant protection, 
[  ] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease,   
[  ]  protect territory from other damage from pests  
8. Nature of the urgent problem(s)  and reason for urgent action:  
9. Is there a relevant international sta ndard? If so, identify the standard:  
[  ] Codex Alimentarius Commission  
 [(e.g., Codex standard number, title of Code of practice], etc.)  
[  ] World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)  
 [(e.g., Terrestrial or Aquatic Animal Code  chapter number)]  
[  ] International Plant Protection Convention  
 [(e.g., ISPM number)]  
[  ] None   
Does this proposed regulation conform to  the relevant international standard?  [  ] Yes    [  ] No  
 If no, describe the differences:  
10. Relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:   G/SPS/W/215 
 Page 27 
 
 
 11. Date of entry into force (dd/mm/yy)/ period of application (as applicable): 
[  ]  Trade facilitating measure  
12. Agency or authority designated to handle comments:  [  ] National notification authority, [  ] 
National enquiry point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if ava ilable) of other body:   
13. Texts available from:  [  ] National notification authority,  [  ]  National enquiry point,  or 
address, fax number and E-mail addr ess (if available) of other body: G/SPS/W/215 
Page 28  
 
 ANNEX B-4:  EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS – CORRIGENDUM 
  
 
WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Corr.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
  
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
 
Corrigendum
 
 
 
 The following communication, dated # Month Year, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of [Member]. 
_______________  
 
 Title outlining what the SPS measure or product is
 
 
 [Text]   [Where the notified document can be obtaine d from – include contact name, agency, full 
address, telephone, facsimile, and email as appropriate]. 
  G/SPS/W/215 
 Page 29 
 
 
 ANNEX C:  AVAILABILITY OF UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS 
 
 
 WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DU COMMERCE  
ORGANIZACIÓN MUNDIAL DEL COMERCIO  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Suppl.# 
12 March 2004 
 (04-0000) 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
 
 
AVAILABILITY OF TRANSLATIONS 
 
Note by the Secretariat  
 
Supplement  
 
 The Secretariat has been informed  that an unofficial translation into [langu age] [one of the WTO 
working languages] of the document referenced in this notification is available for consultation at:  
  http://www. ........... ............ ............ ........ 
__________________________________________________________________________________________ 
Comité des mesures sanitaires et phytosanitaires 
 
TRADUCTIONS DISPONIBLES 
 
Note du Secrétariat
 
 
Supplément  
 
 Le Secrétariat a été informé qu'une traduction non officielle en [langue] [l'une des langues de travail de l'OMC] du document auquel renvoie la présente notif ication pouvait être consultée à l'adresse suivante: 
 
  http://www. ........ ............... ............. 
__________________________________________________________________________________________ 
Comité de Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias 
 
ACCESO A TRADUCCIONES 
 
Nota de la Secretaría
 
 
Suplemento  
 
 Se ha comunicado a la Secretaría que en la dirección: 
   http://www. ........... ............ ............ ........ 
 
se puede consultar una traducción no oficial al [idioma] [uno de los idiomas de trabajo de la OMC] del documento a que se hace referencia en la presente notificación. 
 
 G/SPS/W/215 
Page 30  
 
 ANNEX D – NOTIFICATION OF RECOGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE 
  
Recommended Procedures for the Comple tion of the Notification Format  
  In accordance with the Decision on Equivale nce (G/SPS/19), a Member which has made a 
determination recognizing the equivalence of sanitary  or phytosanitary measures of another Member 
or Members shall notify other Members through the S ecretariat of the measure(s) recognized to be 
equivalent and of the products affected by this recognition.    
 For the purposes of this notification, equivalence is defined to be the state wherein sanitary or 
phytosanitary measures applied in an exporting Me mber, though different from the measures applied 
in an importing Member, achieve, as demonstrated by the exporting Member and recognized by the importing Member, the importing Member ’s appropriate level of sanitary or phytosanitary protection.  
A determination of the recognition of equivalence may be with respect to a specific measure or 
measures related to a certain product or categor ies of products, or on a systems-wide basis. 
  Notification should also be made of signi ficant variations to existing equivalence 
arrangements, including their suspension or rescission.   
Item Description 
1.  Member notifying Government, including  the competent authorities of the European 
Communities, which is making the notification. 
2.  Title of the text stating 
determination of the 
recognition of equivalence Title of any formal or inform al agreement, Memorandum of 
Understanding or other document establishing the determination 
of recognition of equivalence. 
3.  Parties involved Name of the expor ting Member or Members whose measure has 
been determined to be equivalent. 
4.  Date of entry into force of  
the determination of the recognition of equivalence and any associated procedures or regulations  Date from which procedures, regulations or other measures based 
on the determination of recogniti on of equivalence took effect. 
5.  Products covered (HS or 
CCCN where applicable, 
otherwise national tariff 
heading) Tariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapter or heading and 
number) as contained in nationa l schedules deposited with the 
WTO of the product(s) which are imported on the basis of the 
determination of the recognition of equivalence.  
6.  Brief description of the 
measure(s) recognized to be equivalent Clearly indicate the nature of the recognition of equivalence, 
including which measure(s) of the exporting Member have been determined to be equivalent a nd which elements of the importing 
Member's usual requirements are met by these equivalent measures.  
7.  Further information 
available from: The agency or authority from which an interested Member may 
request further information regarding the specific determination 
of equivalence being notified.  If this is the National Enquiry 
Point, check the box provided.  If available from another body, give its address, fax number and (if available) E-mail address.  Provide the Web address of the document, if available.  G/SPS/W/215 
 Page 31 
 
 
  
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/EQV/N/# 
Date of circulation 
 (00-0000) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:   
   
NOTIFICATION OF DETERMINATION OF THE RECOGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE 
OF SANITARY OR PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES 
 
 
 The following notification of determination of the recognition of equivalence has been 
received. 
 
 
1. Member notifying: 
 
2. Title of the text stating the determination of the recognition of equivalence: 
 
3. Parties involved:  
4. Date of entry into force of the determination of the recognition of equivalence and 
any associated procedures or regulations (dd/mm/yy): 
  
5. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff 
heading): 
  
6. Description of measures recognized to be equivalent:  
 
7. Further information available from:  
 [   ]  National Enquiry Point   [   ]  Other (specify)  
 
 
__________