WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/SPS/7/Rev.1
26 November 1999
(99-5125)
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
RECOMMENDED NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES
Revision
At its meeting of 10-11 March 1999 , the Committee adopted the following revised
recommended notification procedures with regard to paragraphs 5 and 6 of Annex B of theAgreement.  These were previously circulated as the Annex to G/SPS/12.
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Members should follow these guidelines when notifying regulations as required in
paragraphs 5 or 6 of Annex B.  The format for routine  notifications (Item F below) should be used for
notifications in accordance with paragraph 5 of Annex B, whereas the format for emergencynotifications (Item G below) should be used for notifications as provided for in paragraph 6 ofAnnex B.
A. APPLICATION OF ANNEX B, PARAGRAPH 5 (PREAMBULAR PART) OF THE SPS
AGREEMENT
For the purposes of Annex B, paragraphs 5 and 6 in 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 products or products in general;  and- between two or more Members.When assessing whether the sanitary or phytosanitary regulation
1 may have a significant effect
on trade, the Member concerned should take into consideration, using relevant information which isavailable, such elements as the value or other importance of imports in respect of the importing and/orexporting Members concerned, whether from other Members individually or collectively, the potentialdevelopment of such imports, and difficulties for producers in other Member s to comply with the
proposed sanitary or phytosanitary regulations.  The concept of a significant effect on trade of otherMembers should include both import-enhancing and import-reducing effects on the trade of otherMembers, as long as such effects are significant.
                                                     
1 Sanitary and phytosanitary measures such as laws, decrees or ordinances which are applicable generally.G/SPS/7/Rev.1
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B. TIMING OF NOTIFICATIONS
When implementing the provisions of paragraph 5 of Annex B, a notification should be made
when a draft with the complete text of a proposed regulation is available and when amendments canstill be introduced and comments taken into account.
A notification shall be made well before the entry into force of the relevant measure , except
when urgent problems of health protection arise or threaten to arise for the Member concerned.  Any
regulation brought into force in urgent circumstances must be notified immediately.
C. REQUESTING DOCUMENTS RELATED TO A NOTIFICATION
Members requesting documents related to a notification should provide all the elements
permitting the identification of the documents, and in particular the WTO SPS notification number towhich the requests refer.
D. PROVIDING DOCUMENTS R ELATED TO A NOTIFICATION
Address of body supplying the documents
Members should indicate under point 12 of the WTO notification format (point 11 for
Emergency notifications) the full address of the body responsible for supplying the relevant documentsif that body is not the notification authority or the enquiry point.
Responding to requests
Documents requested should normally be provided within five working days.  If this is not
possible, the request for documentation or informatio n should be acknowledged within that period and
an estimate given of the time required to provide the requested documentation.
Documents supplied in response to a request should be identified with the WTO SPS
notification number to which the request refers.
Members should use fax and e-mail facilities to the extent possible in responding to requests
for documentation or information.  Members are encouraged to publish their sanitary or phytosanitary
measures on the world wide web, to facilitate the supply of documents.
Acknowledging receipt of documents
The Member requesting documents relating to a notification should acknowledge receipt of
the documents provided.
Translation of documents
When a translation of a relevant document exists or is planned, this fact should be indicated
on the WTO notification form next to the title of the document.  If only a translated summary exists,the fact that such a summary is available should be similarly indicated.G/SPS/7/Rev.1
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If a translation of a document or summary exists in the language of the requesting Member,
or, as the case may be, in the WTO working language used by the requesting Member, it should beautomatically sent with the original of the document requested.
Where documents are not available in a WTO working language, developed country Members
shall, upon request, supply a translation of the document, or in case of voluminous documents, atranslation of a summary of the documents, in a WTO working language.
When a Member seeks a copy of a document relating to a notification which does not exist in
that Member's WTO working language, the notifying Member should advise the requesting Memberof other Members that have requested, as of that date, a copy of the document.  The Member seekinga copy of a document relating to a notification may contact other Members in order to determinewhether the latter are prepared to share any translation that they have or will be making.
Any Member possessing an unofficial translation of a document relating to a notification
should inform the notifying Member of the existence of the unofficial translation and is encouraged tomake it available to ot her interested Members, through elect ronic fac ilities wher e appropriate.  In
doing so, the Member should clearly i ndicate the unofficial  and non committal  nature of the
translation.
E. HANDLING OF COMMENTS ON NOTIFICATIONS
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 ofany change and/or modification of such authority or agency.
Members submitting comments on a notified draf t regulation should pr ovide them without
unnecessary delay to the authority designated to handle the comments, or to the national notificationauthority if no other designation is made.
A Member receiving comments through the designated body should, without further request(i) acknowledge the receipt of such comments;(ii) explain within a reasonable period of time, and at the earliest possible date  before the
adoption of the measure,  to any Member from which it has received comments, how
it will  take these comments into account a nd, where appropriate,  provide additional
relevant information on the proposed sanitary or phytosanitary regulations concerned;
(iii) provide to any Member  from which it has received comments, a copy of the
corresponding sanitary or phytosanitary regulations as adopted or information that nocorresponding sanitary or phytosanitary regulations will be adopted for the timebeing;
(iv) where possible make available to other Members comments and questions it has
received and answers it has provided , preferably  through electronic facilities.
Favourable consideration should be given to requests for extension of the comment period, in
particular with regard to notifications relating to products of particular interest to developing countryG/SPS/7/Rev.1
Page 4
Members, or where there have been delays in receiving and translating the relevant documents.  An
extension of the time-limit for comments of at least 30 days should be provided upon request,whenever possible .
F. COMPLETION OF FORMATS - ROUTINE  NOTIFICATIONS (ANNEX B,
PARAGRAPH 5)
Information contained in the notifications should be as complete as possible and no section
should be left blank.  Where necessary, "not known" or "not stated" should be indicated.
Item Description
1. Member notifying Government, including the competent authorities of the European
Communities, which is making the notification.
2. Agency responsible Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a sanitary or
phytosanitary regulation.
3. Products covered and
regions or countries likelyto be affectedTariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapter or  heading and
number) as contained in national schedules deposited with theWTO.  ICS numbers may be provided in addition, whereapplicable.  A clear description is important for an understandingof the notification by delegations and translators.  Abbreviationsshould be avoided.  The geographical regions or countries likelyto be affected by the notified regulation should be identified to theextent relevant or practicable .
4. Title and number of  pages
of the notified documentTitle of the pr oposed or adopted sanitary or phytosanitary
regulation.  Number of pages in the  notified document.  Worldwide web address of document notified, if available.
5. Description of content A summary  of the proposed or adopted sanitary or phytosanitary
regulation clearly indicating its content and health protectionobjective.  The summary should be as complete and accurate aspossible to allow the full understanding of the proposedregulation.  T o the extent possible, likely effects on trade should
be described.  Abbreviations should be avoided.  Where
practicable it should also include an outline of the specific
sanitary measures the regulation will apply.G/SPS/7/Rev.1
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6. Objective and rationale State whether objective is:  protection of human health from food-
borne risks;  or protection of human health from plant- or animal-
carried diseases;  or protection of animal health from pests or
diseases;  or protection of animal health from contaminated feed;
or protection of plant health from pests or diseases; or prevention
of other damage from entry or spread of pests.
7. Existence of international
standard, guideline orrecommendationIf a relevant international standard, guideline or recommendation
does not exist, put a cross in the box provided;  otherwise give theappropriate reference of the existing standard, guideline orrecommendation and briefly describe how the proposed regulationdeviates from the international standard, guideline orrecommendation.
8. Relevant documents and
language(s) in which theseare available(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 thelanguage(s) in which the notified documents and any summary ofthese are available;
(c) Publication in which proposal will appear when adopted;(d) If it is necessary to charge for documents supplied, the amount
of the charge should be indicated.
9. Proposed date of adoption The date when the sanitary or phytosanitary regulation is expected
to be adopted.
10.Proposed date of entry into
forceThe date from which the requirements in the regulation are
proposed or decided to enter into force.  Where appropriate,Members should accord longer time-frames for compliance onproducts of interest to developing country Members.
11.Final date for comments
and agency or authority
handling commentsThe date by which Members may submit comments in accordance
with Annex B, Paragraph 5(b) of the SPS Agreement.  A specific
date should be indicated.  A normal time limit for comments on
notifications of sixty days has been recommended.  A Membermay, if necessary, however, indicate in its notification that it willproceed to implement the proposed measure after forty-five daysif no comments or requests for extension of the time limit havebeen received from other Members within that time.  AnyMember which is able to provide a time limit beyond sixty days isencouraged to do so.
The agency or authority which has been designated to handle the
comments should be indicated.  If this is the national notificationauthority or the national enquiry point, put a cross in the boxprovided.  If another agency or authority has been designated,provide its name, address, fax and (if available) E-mail address.G/SPS/7/Rev.1
Page 6
For proposed measures which f acilitate tr ade, Members may
reduce or eliminate the period for receiving comments.
12.Texts available from If available from the national notification authority or the enquiry
point, put a cross in the respective box.  If available from anotherbody, give its address, fax number and (if available) E-mailaddress.  Such indications do not in any way discharge therelevant enquiry point of its responsibilities under the provisionsof Annex B, Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the SPS Agreement.G/SPS/7/Rev.1
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WORLD TRADE G/SPS/N/COUNTRY
date of distribution
ORGANIZATION
(99-0000)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
NOTIFICATION
1. Member to Agreement notifying:
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  may be provided in addition, where
applicable). R egions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or
practicable :
4. Title and number of pages of the notified document:
5. Description of content:
6. Objective and rationale:  [   ] food safety, [  ] animal health, [  ] plant protection, 
[  ] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease,  [  ]  protect territory from otherdamage from pests
7. An international standard, guideline or recommendation does not exist [  ].
If an international standard, guideline or recommendation exists, give the appropriate
reference and briefly identify deviations:
8. Relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:
9. Proposed date of adoption:
10. Proposed date of entry into force:
11. Final date for comments:
Agency or authority designated to handle comments:  [  ] National notification 
authority, [  ] National enquiry point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if available) of other body:
12. Texts available from:  [  ] National notification authority,  [  ]  National enquiry point,
or address, fax number and E-mail a ddress (if available) of other body:G/SPS/7/Rev.1
Page 8
G. COMPLETION OF FORMATS - EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS (ANNEX B,
PARAGRAPH 6)
Information contained in the notification form should be as complete as possible and no
section should be left blank.  Where necessary, "not known" or "not stated" should be indicated.
Item Description
1. Member notifying Government, including the competent authorities of the European
Communities, which is making the notification.
2. Agency responsible Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a sanitary or
phytosanitary regulation.
3. Products covered and
regions or countries likelyto be affectedTariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapter or  heading and
number) as contained in national schedules deposited with theWTO.  ICS numbers may be provided in addition, whereapplicable.  A clear description is important for an understandingof the notification by delegations and translators.  Abbreviationsshould be avoided. The geographical regions or countries likely tobe affected by the notified regulation should be identified to theextent relevant or practicable.
4. Title and number of pages
of the notified documentTitle of the pr oposed or adopted sanitary or phytosanitary
regulation.  Number of pages in the notified document.  Worldwide web address of document notified, if available.
5. Description of content A summary of the proposed or adopted sanitary or phytosanitary
regulation clearly indicating its content and health protectionobjective.  The summary should be as complete and accurate aspossible to allow the full understanding of the proposedregulation.  To the extent possible, likely effects on trade shouldbe described.  Abbreviations should be avoided.  Where
practicable it should also include an outline of the specificsanitary measures the regulation will apply.
6.  Objective and rationale State whether objective is:  protection of human health from food-
borne risks;  or protection of human health from plant- or animal-
carried diseases;  or protection of animal health from pests or
diseases;  or protection of animal health from contaminated feed;
or protection of plant health from pests or diseases; or prevention
of other damage from entry or spread of pests.
7. Nature of urgent
problem(s)Indication of the underlying reasons for resorting to emergency
action.G/SPS/7/Rev.1
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8.Existence of  international
standard, guideline orrecommendationIf a relevant international standard, guideline or recommendation
does not exist, put a cross in the box provided;  otherwise give theappropriate reference of the existing standard, guideline orrecommendation and briefly describe how the proposed regulationdeviates from the international standard, guideline orrecommendation.
9. Relevant documents and
language(s) in which theseare available(a)  Measure(s) taken and basic regulation which was modified
(with specific reference number or other identification), and thelanguage(s) in which the notified documents and any summary ofthese are available;
(b)  Publication in which regulation will appear;(c)  If it is necessary to charge for documents supplied, the
amount of the charge should be indicated.
10.Date of entry into force
and period of applicationThe date from which the requirements entered into force, and, if
applicable, the period of time during which they will  apply.  (Forexample:  immediate entry into force [date], duration of twomonths.)
11.Texts available from and
agency or authorityhandling commentsIf available from the national notification authority or enquiry
point, put a cross in the respective box.  If available from anotherbody, give its address, fax number and (if available) E-mailaddress.  Such indications do not in any way discharge therelevant enquiry point of its responsibilities under the provisionsof Annex B, Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the SPS Agreement.
The agency or authority which has been designated to handle the
comments should be indicated.G/SPS/7/Rev.1
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WORLD TRADE
G/SPS/N/COUNTRY
                  date of distribution
ORGANIZATION
(99-000)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES
1. Member to Agreement notifying:
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 may be provided in addition, where applicable).Regions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or practicable:
4. Title and number of pages of the notified document:
5. Description of content:
6. Objective and rationale:  [  ] food safety, [  ] animal health, [  ] plant protection,
[  ] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease, [  ]  protect territory from otherdamage from pests
7. Nature of the urgent problem(s):
8. An international standard, guideline or recommendation does not exist [  ].
If an international standard, guideline or recommendation exists, give its appropriate
reference and briefly  identify deviations:
9. Relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:
10. Date of entry into force/period of application (as applicable):
11. Texts available from/and agency or authority designated to handle comments:
[ ] National notification authority, [  ] National enquiry point, or address, fax numberand E-mail address (if available) of other body:
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