Post on 27-Mar-2015
transcript
Transparency Procedures in the TBT Agreement
WTO, Trade and Environment Division
WTO and Transparency
Key WTO Principle“Its main function is to ensure that
trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible”
“Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably
and freely as possible”
Information assists industryInformation assists industry
Transparency aids complianceTransparency aids compliance
Transparency in the TBT Agreement
For Technical Regulations
Articles 2, 3 and 10
Article 10, Annex 3: paras. J, L,
M, N, O & P
Articles 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10
For Standards
For Conformity Assessment Procedures
Transparency in the TBT Agreement
1. Notifications1. Notifications 2. Publication2. Publication
3. Handling of comments
3. Handling of comments
5. Maintenance of an enquiry point
5. Maintenance of an enquiry point
4. Dissemination of information
4. Dissemination of information
6. The TBT Committee
6. The TBT Committee
This afternoon...
Notifications
Members have to notify
what ?
Statement on the implementation and administration of the Agreement
Statement on the implementation and administration of the Agreement
Draft technical regulations and CAPs, and adopted urgent measures
Draft technical regulations and CAPs, and adopted urgent measures
Bilateral and multilateral agreementsBilateral and multilateral agreements
Adherence to, or withdrawal from, the Code of Good Practice and the
existence of a work programme
Adherence to, or withdrawal from, the Code of Good Practice and the
existence of a work programme
Four Types of Notifications
Statement on the implementation and administration of the
Agreement
Relevant TBT Provision
TBT Art. 15.2
Each Member shall, promptly after the date on which the WTO Agreement enters into force for it, inform the
Committee of measures in existence or taken to ensure the implementation and administration of the Agreement
Each Member shall, promptly after the date on which the WTO Agreement enters into force for it, inform the
Committee of measures in existence or taken to ensure the implementation and administration of the Agreement
Why?
Provide a quick overview of how individual Members have chosen to implement the
Agreement
Provide a quick overview of how individual Members have chosen to implement the
Agreement
Assist Members in meeting their obligations under the Agreement, by enabling them to
take stock of their existing legislation & institutional structure
Assist Members in meeting their obligations under the Agreement, by enabling them to
take stock of their existing legislation & institutional structure
What?
In 1995, the TBT Committee decided that the Statements
should include
Relevant Laws and RegulationsRelevant Laws and Regulations
Name & Address of Enquiry point(s)Name & Address of Enquiry point(s)
PublicationsPublications
Time allowed for commentsTime allowed for comments
Other national authorities and agenciesOther national authorities and agencies
Measures to ensure that national and sub-national authorities provide early
information on their proposals
Measures to ensure that national and sub-national authorities provide early
information on their proposals
When?
A One-Time NotificationA One-Time Notification
In case of change, a revision must be provided
In case of change, a revision must be provided
Who?
92 Members have submitted their statements under Article 15.2
Europe, CentralAsia&Caucase
Africa and MiddleEast
America
Asia and Pacific
Notification of Draft Technical Regulations and Conformity
Assessment Procedures (CAPs), and of Adopted Urgent Measures
Why to notify?
How to know the requirements in
Country B?
How to know the requirements in
Country B?
Notification to the WTO!Notification to the WTO!
Country A exports lighters
Country A exports lighters
Country B drafts a technical regulation
on lighters
Country B drafts a technical regulation
on lighters
How to comment on them?
How to comment on them?
InformationInformationAids complianceAids compliance
Assists industryAssists industry
Relevant TBT Provisions
TBT Art. 2&5
For Technical Regulations
Article 2
Article 5For Conformity
Assessment Procedures
What?
Draft Technical Regulations
Draft Conformity Assessment Procedures
Conformity Assessment Procedures already adopted for urgent reasons
Technical Regulations already adopted for urgent reasons
2.9.22.9.2
5.6.25.6.2
2.10.12.10.1
5.7.15.7.1
TBT Articles
What?
Technical Regulations of Local governments on the level directly below
that of the central government
Conformity Assessment Procedures of Local governments on the level directly below that of the central government
And also ...
3.23.2
7.27.2
TBT Articles
Except when a technical regulation or a conformity assessment procedure is “substantially the same” as a
measure already notified by the central government body
What?
Technical Regulations and Conformity
Assessment Procedures
6 Types of Documents Must Be Notified...
Draft
Already adopted for urgent reasons
Of local governments on the level directly
below that of the central government
What?
Where urgent problems arise or threaten to arise….
Safety, HealthSafety, Health
Environmental ProtectionEnvironmental Protection
National SecurityNational Security
May omit such of the steps as necessary
2 differencesNotification is upon adoptionNotification is upon adoption
Notification mentions the nature of the urgent problem
Notification mentions the nature of the urgent problem
Conditions?
Members must notify a measure when both sets of conditions apply
ANDAND
The measure may have a significant effect on
trade of other Members
The measure may have a significant effect on
trade of other Members
A relevantinternational standard
does not exist
A relevantinternational standard
does not exist
OROR
TBT Art. 2.9 and 5.6
What is it?
The measure is not in accordance with the
standard
The measure is not in accordance with the
standard
Conditions?
The measure may have a significant effect on trade of other Members...
When assessing the significance of the effect on trade of technical regulations, such elements should be taken into consideration:
When assessing the significance of the effect on trade of technical regulations, such elements should be taken into consideration: The difficulties for producers in other
Members to comply with the proposed technical regulations
The difficulties for producers in other Members to comply with the proposed
technical regulations
The value of imports in respect of the Members concerned
The value of imports in respect of the Members concerned
The potential growth of such importsThe potential growth of such imports
TBT 2.9.2
How?
Information on the products covered
Information on the products covered
TBT 5.6.2And
A brief indication of the objective and rationale of
the proposed measure
A brief indication of the objective and rationale of
the proposed measure
A notification must contain
And
Guidelines developed by the TBT Committee Guidelines developed by the TBT Committee
WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATION G/TBT/N/
(01-0000)
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade
NOTIFICATION
The following notification is being circulated in accordance with Article 10.6.
1. Member to Agreement notifying: If applicable, name of local government involved (Articles 3.2 and 7.2):
2. Agency responsible: Name and address (including telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and web-site addresses, if available) of agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification shall be indicated if different from above:
3. Notified under Article 2.9.2 [ ], 2.10.1 [ ], 5.6.2 [ ], 5.7.1 [ ], other:
4. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable):
5. Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document:
6. Description of content:
7. Objective and rationale, including the nature of urgent problems where applicable:
8. Relevant documents:
9. Proposed date of adoption: Proposed date of entry into force:
10. Final date for comments:
11. Texts available from: National enquiry point [ ] or address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and web-site addresses, if available of the other body:
The Format
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
1. Member to Agreement notifying: If applicable, name of local government involved (Articles 3.2 and 7.2):
Who notifies?
If a local government is involved in the technical regulation or the conformity assessment procedure, it has to be mentioned in this section
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
2. Agency responsible: Name and address (including telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and web-site addresses, if available) of agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification shall be indicated if different from above:
Which agency is responsible for elaborating a proposal or promulgating a technical regulation or a conformity assessment procedure
If a different agency handles comments, it must be indicated here
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
3. Notified under Article 2.9.2 [ ], 2.10.1 [ ], 5.6.2 [ ], 5.7.1 [ ], other:
5 options
2.9.2
2.10.1
5.6.2
5.7.1
Other
3.2
7.2
8.1
9.2
Proposed TR by central body
Adopted TR by central body
Proposed CAP by central body
Adopted CAP by central body
Proposed/Adopted TR by local body
Proposed/Adopted CAP by local body
Adopted CAP by Non gov body
Adopted CAP by int’al/reg’al body
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
Technical RegulationTechnical Regulation
Conformity Assessment Procedure
Conformity Assessment Procedure
Central Government Body
Local Government Body
Intern’al/ regional organization
Technical RegulationTechnical Regulation
Conformity Assessment Procedure
Conformity Assessment Procedure
Conformity Assessment Procedure
Conformity Assessment Procedure
Non-Governmental Body
Conformity Assessment Procedure
Conformity Assessment Procedure
ProposedProposed
AdoptedAdopted
ProposedProposed
AdoptedAdopted
ProposedProposed
AdoptedAdopted
ProposedProposed
AdoptedAdopted
AdoptedAdopted
AdoptedAdopted
Art. 2.9.2
Art. 2.10.1
Art. 5.6.2
Art. 5.7.1
Art. 3.2
Art. 3.2
Art. 7.2
Art. 7.2
Art. 8.1
Art. 9.2
To summarize... the following may be notified...:
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
In practice, almost all notifications are made under Articles 2.9.2 and 5.6.2:
4795
177 4
489
55 3 127
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
Art.2.9.2 Art. 2.10.1 Art. 3.2 Art. 5.6.2 Art. 5.7.1 Art. 7.2 No articlementioned
– Notifications from 1995 to 2003 (by article) –
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
4. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading.ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable):
Clear description of the products covered in the measure (including tariff headings)
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
5. Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document:
Under this section, the following information is also provided:
-the language(s) in which notified documents are available; and,
-if a translation of the document is planned or available.
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
6. Description of content:
Contains a clear description of the content of the proposed or adopted technical regulation or conformity assessment procedure
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
7. Objective and rationale, including the nature of urgent problems where applicable:
The “legitimate objective” of the measure may be indicated here.
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
40%
12%13%
7%
7%
6%4%
1%4% 3% 5%
Protection of human health or safefy Prevention of deceptive practices Adoption of new domestic law
Consumer information and labelling Quality requirements Harmonization
Protection of environment Protection of plant and animal health Trade facilitation
Other No objective
Notifications in 2003 – Legitimate objectives statedNotifications in 2003 – Legitimate objectives stated
Protection of human health or safety
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
8. Relevant documents:
A reference to the following documents may be provided:
-the publication where a notice appears;
-the proposal and basic document to which the proposal refers;
-the publication in which the proposal will appear when adopted;
-whenever practicable, the reference to a relevant international standard.
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
9. Proposed date of adoption:Proposed date of entry into force:
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
10. Final date for comments:
A specific and final date by which Members may submit comments.
The Committee has recommended a normal time limit for comments on notifications of 60 days.
Any Member which is able to provide a time limit beyond 60 days is encouraged to do so.
Members are encouraged to advise of any extension to the final date for comments.
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
11. Texts available from: National enquiry point [ ] or address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and web-site addresses, if available of the other body:
Information on whether the text of the measure is available from the national enquiry point or from another body. Members also indicate here the exact address, where available, e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers of the body responsible for supplying the relevant documents if that body is not the enquiry point.
How? 11 Sections in a Notification Form
Item 1 - Government making the notification
Item 2 - Body elaborating a proposal (TR or CAP)
Item 3 - Relevant provision of the Agreement
Item 4 - Clear description of the product
Item 5 - Title of proposal, number of pages, language.
Indicate translations or summaries
To summarize...
How? Guidelines of the TBT Committee
Item 6 - Abstract, main features of the proposed/adopted measure
Item 7 - Legitimate objectiveItem 8 - Any relevant document (publications). Reference to
international standardsItem 9 - Adoption and entry into forceItem 10 - Final date for comments - normal time-limit of 60
days!Item 11 - Where to find the text of the measure
To summarize...
When?
TBT 2.9.2
Amendments can still be introduced
Amendments can still be introduced
TBT 5.6.2And
Comments taken into account
Comments taken into account
Notifications shall take place at an early appropriate stage, when
And
TBT Committee: when a draft with the complete text is available
TBT Committee: when a draft with the complete text is available
When?
TBT 2.10.1 TBT 5.7.1And
Notifications must be made immediately upon adoption
For technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures adopted for urgent reasons….
How Many?
0
200
400
600
800
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Total number of TBT notifications, 1995-2003
By 80 Members
How Many?
Notifications by Region
Other
15%Asia and Pacific
19%
Africa
2% Latin America
and Caribbeans
24%
US and Canada
9%
EU+EFTA
31%
Other
15%Asia and Pacific
19%
Africa
2% Latin America
and Caribbeans
24%
US and Canada
9%
EU+EFTA
31%
How Many?Notifications made by participating Members...
49 notifications (articles 2.9 and 5.6)
Notification of Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements
Notification of bilateral and multilateral agreements
Whenever a Member has reached an agreementTBT
Art.10.7
Must NOTIFY it through the Secretariat
With one or more countries
On issues related to technical regulations, standards or CAPs
That may have a significant effect on trade
The Format
1. Member notifying:
2. Title of the bilateral or plurilateral Agreement:
3. Parties to the Agreement:
4. Date of entry into force of the Agreement:
5. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading):
6. Subject matter covered by the Agreement (technical regulations, standards or
conformity assessment procedures):
7. Brief description of the Agreement:
8. Further information available from:
TBT notifications under Article 10.7
0 0
18
0
10
1
6
4 4
02468
101214161820
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Geographical Repartition of Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements Notified
413
21
31Europe
Africa
America
Asia andPacific
Notification of Acceptance of, or Withdrawal from, the Code of
Good Practice and the Existence of a Work Programme
What is the Code of Good Practice?
Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards
It lays down disciplines in respect of central government, local government, non-
governmental and regional standardizing bodies developing voluntary standards
It lays down disciplines in respect of central government, local government, non-
governmental and regional standardizing bodies developing voluntary standards
Who may accept the Code?
This Code is open to
Any standardizing body within the
territory of a Member, whether
Any standardizing body within the
territory of a Member, whether
Any governmental regional standardizing body one or more members of which are WTO Members
Any governmental regional standardizing body one or more members of which are WTO Members
Any non-governmental regional standardizing body one or more members of which are situated within the
territory of WTO Member
Any non-governmental regional standardizing body one or more members of which are situated within the
territory of WTO Member
A central government bodyA central government body
A local government bodyA local government body
A non-government bodyA non-government body
Which Provisions are contained in the Code?
Members must
Take "such reasonable measures" as may be available to them to ensure that standardization bodies, which are on their territory or to which they are related, accept and comply with the Code
Not take measures which have the effect of requiring or encouraging such standardizing bodies to act in a manner inconsistent with the Code
Standardization Bodies must
Assume the general disciplines of the TBT Agreement
Notification Obligations
Standardization Bodies must
notify
Their acceptance of, or withdrawal from, the Code of Good Practice (Paragraph C)
Their acceptance of, or withdrawal from, the Code of Good Practice (Paragraph C)
The existence of a work programme (Paragraph J)
The existence of a work programme (Paragraph J)
ISO/WTO Guidelines on Notifications
Notification Under Paragraph C
Notifications are made through the ISO/IEC Information Center in Geneva, or through the national member body of ISO/IEC, or, preferably, through the relevant national member or international affiliate of ISONET.
Copies are sent by ISO/IEC to the WTO Secretariat, and are circulated to WTO Members.
Notifications are made through the ISO/IEC Information Center in Geneva, or through the national member body of ISO/IEC, or, preferably, through the relevant national member or international affiliate of ISONET.
Copies are sent by ISO/IEC to the WTO Secretariat, and are circulated to WTO Members.
Standardizing bodies that have accepted or withdrawn from this Code shall notify this fact
Standardizing bodies that have accepted or withdrawn from this Code shall notify this fact
Format of the Notification Under Paragraph C (Acceptance)
ISO/IEC Information Centre International Organization for Standardization Case postale 56 CH-1211 GENEVA 20 Switzerland NOTIFICATION UNDER PARAGRAPH C OF THE WTO TBT CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE (Notification of acceptance of the WTO TBT Code of Good Practice) Country (or regional arrangement): ....................................................................................................... Name of standardizing body: .................................................................................................................. Address of standardizing body: .............................................................................................................. Telephone: .................................... Telefax: ....................................... Telex: ...................................... E-mail:............................................................................................... Type of standardizing body: .................................................................................................................... Scope of current and expected standardization activities: ................................................................... The above indicated standardizing body hereby notifies its acceptance of the Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards presented in Annex 3 to the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. ................................................................................................................................................................ (Name)(Signature)(Date) ............................................................................................................................................................... (Title)
Format of the Notification Under Paragraph C (Withdrawal)
ISO/IEC Information Centre International Organization for Standardization Case postale 56 CH-1211 GENEVA 20 Switzerland NOTIFICATION UNDER PARAGRAPH C OF THE WTO TBT CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE (Notification of acceptance of the WTO TBT Code of Good Practice) Country (or regional arrangement): ....................................................................................................... Name of standardizing body: .................................................................................................................. Address of standardizing body: .............................................................................................................. Telephone: .................................... Telefax: ....................................... Telex: ...................................... E-mail:............................................................................................... Type of standardizing body: .................................................................................................................... Scope of current and expected standardization activities: ................................................................... The above indicated standardizing body hereby notifies its acceptance of the Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards presented in Annex 3 to the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. ................................................................................................................................................................ (Name)(Signature)(Date) ............................................................................................................................................................... (Title)
Standardizing bodies that have accepted the Code
144 standardizing bodies from 104
Members
74 central governmental standardizing bodies
74 central governmental standardizing bodies
61 non‑governmental standardizing bodies
61 non‑governmental standardizing bodies
2 statutory bodies2 statutory bodies
2 parastatal bodies2 parastatal bodies
3 non-governmental regional bodies3 non-governmental regional bodies
1 central governmental/ non‑governmental body
1 central governmental/ non‑governmental body
1 autonomous body1 autonomous body
Standardizing bodies that have accepted the Code
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80Central governmentalstandardizing body
Non governmentalstandardizing body
Statutory body
Parastatal body
Non-governmental regionalbody
Central governmental/ non governmental body
Autonomous body
Notification Under Paragraph J
Standardization bodies, that have accepted the Code, have to notify the existence of a work programme no later than at the time of its
publication, i.e. at least twice a year
Standardization bodies, that have accepted the Code, have to notify the existence of a work programme no later than at the time of its
publication, i.e. at least twice a year
Notifications are sent the ISO/IEC Information Center, or preferably, through the relevant
national member or international affiliate of ISONET, as appropriate
Notifications are sent the ISO/IEC Information Center, or preferably, through the relevant
national member or international affiliate of ISONET, as appropriate
Format of the Notification Under Paragraph J
ISO/IEC Information Centre International Organization for Standardization Case postale 56 CH-1211 GENEVA 20 Switzerland NOTIFICATION UNDER PARAGRAPH C OF THE WTO TBT CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE (Notification of existence of work programme) Country (or regional arrangement): ....................................................................................................... Name of standardizing body: .................................................................................................................. Address of standardizing body: .............................................................................................................. Telephone: ..................................... Telefax: ...................................... Telex: ...................................... E-mail: ........................................... 1. Name and issue of the publication in which the work programme is published: ............................... 2. The period to which the work programme applies: ............................................................................ 3. The price of the work programme (if any): ........................................................................................ 4. How and where the work programme can be obtained: ..................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................. (Name)(Signature)(Date) ................................................................................................................................................................ (Title)
General Notification Aspects
Who is Responsible?
TBT Art. 10.10
Members shall designate a single central government authority that is responsible for the implementation on
the national level of the provisions concerning notification procedures under this Agreement except
those included in Annex 3
Code of Good Practice
Who is Responsible?
TBT Art. 10.11
Where the responsibility for notification issues is divided among several central government authorities
Members must provide complete and unambiguous information on the scope of responsibility of each
authority
Notify in which language?
The official languages of the WTO
EnglishEnglish
FrenchFrench
SpanishSpanish
or or
TBT Art. 10. 9
Where do I send notifications?
WTO SecretariatWTO SecretariatCentral Registry of NotificationsCentral Registry of Notifications
CRN@wto.orgCRN@wto.orgFax: +41 22 739 5197Fax: +41 22 739 5197
1) Statement on implementation and administration of the Agreement
2) Notifications of technical regulations and CAPs
3) Notifications of bilateral or plurilateral Agreements
And the WTO Secretariat?
Circulates notifications among Members
Circulates notifications among Members
Mission in GenevaMission in Geneva
Translates them into the three official languagesTranslates them into the three official languages
Monthly lists of notificationsMonthly lists of notifications
WTO WebsiteWTO Website
Notifications: symbols
1. Statement on Implementation and Administration of the Agreement: G/TBT/2/Add.#
2. Notifications of technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures:G/TBT/N/Country Symbol/#
3. Notifications of bilateral or plurilateral agreements:G/TBT/N/10.7/#
Notifications: symbols
• Notifications of acceptance of or withdrawal from the Code of Good Practice: G/TBT/CS/N/#
• Monthly list of notifications (prepared by
the Secretariat): G/TBT/GEN/#
• List of Enquiry Points (prepared by the
Secretariat) G/TBT/ENQ/#
Other TBT Transparency Procedures
Transparency in the TBT Agreement
1. Notifications1. Notifications 2. Publication2. Publication
3. Handling of comments
3. Handling of comments
5. Maintenance of an enquiry point
5. Maintenance of an enquiry point
4. Dissemination of information
4. Dissemination of information
6. The TBT Committee
6. The TBT Committee
Publication
Publication Obligations of MembersPre-Adoption Stage
Members must publish a notice of the measure when both sets of conditions apply
ANDANDThe measure may have a significant effect on
trade of other Members
The measure may have a significant effect on
trade of other Members
A relevantinternational standard
does not exist
A relevantinternational standard
does not exist
OROR
TBT Art. 2.9.1 and 5.6.1The measure is not in
accordance with the standard
The measure is not in accordance with the
standard
This obligation may be waived in case of emergency
Publication Obligations of MembersPost-Adoption Stage
Members must publish promptly all a adopted technical regulations and conformity assessment
procedures
TBT Art. 2.11 and 5.8
The measure is not in accordance with the
standard
The measure is not in accordance with the
standard
those which did not have a significant effect on trade of other Members or those which were in accordance with an
international standard
Including...
Publication Obligations of MembersPost-Adoption Stage
Members must leave a reasonable interval between the publication of technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures and their entry into force,
except in case of urgent circumstances
TBT Art. 2.12 and 5.9
Definition of a “reasonable interval”
TBT Art. 2.12
PublicationPublication Entry into forceEntry into forceNot less than 6
months
When this would be ineffective in fulfilling the legitimate objectives pursued
When this would be ineffective in fulfilling the legitimate objectives pursued
Except
In urgent circumstancesIn urgent circumstances
Publication Obligations of Standardization Bodies Related to the Work Programme
Standardization bodies must publish
Code of Good Practice,
Paragraph J
Their work programme
A notice of the existence of the work programme
The TBT Committee agreed in 1999 that the communication of the work programmes of standardizing bodies via the internet would be another possibility to fulfill Paragraph J obligations
What is contained in the work programme?
Standardizing bodies must publish, at least every six months, a work programme containing the
following information
Their name and address Their name and address
The standards they are currently preparing
The standards they are currently preparing
The standards they have adopted in the preceding period
The standards they have adopted in the preceding period
Publication Obligations of Standardization Bodies Related to the Work Programme
Publication Obligations of Standardization Bodies Related to Standards
Standardization bodies must publish
Code of Good Practice,
Paras. L & O
A notice specifying the comment period of a standard
The text of the standard
Procedures for Dissemination and Exchange of Information
Procedures for Dissemination and Exchange of Information
Provision of copiesProvision of copies
Provision and sharing of translationsProvision and sharing of translations
Electronic toolsElectronic tools
Regular Meetings of Persons Responsible for Information Exchange
Regular Meetings of Persons Responsible for Information Exchange
Provision of copies
Provide copies of proposed technical regulations and
conformity assessment procedures
Members must, upon request, And, whenever possible, identify
the parts of the measure which in substance deviate from relevant
international standardsArticles 2.9.3
and 5.6.3
Provision of copies
Requests for documentation should include all the elements permitting the identification of the documents and in particular,
the WTO TBT notification number (G/TBT/Notif.)
All the elements permitting the identification of the documents and the notification number should also appear on the documents
supplied in response to such requests
How to handle requests for documentation?
Any request for documentation should be processed if possible within 5 working days
If a delay in supplying the documentation is foreseen, this should be acknowledged to the requester, along with an estimate
of when the documents can be provided
Provision of copies
Provide hard copies of draft and adopted standards, and of the most recent work
programme
Standardization Bodies must, upon
request, Afford national treatment to requests from foreign interested parties, with due adjustments to be made for differential
costs of delivery Code Paras.
M and P
To summarize...
Requests contain the elements permitting the identification of a document
Requests contain the elements permitting the identification of a document
Process them within 5 working daysProcess them within 5 working days
Provision of Translations
The documents covered by a specific
notification
Developed country Members must, upon request, provide in 1 of the 3 official WTO languages, translations of
In case of voluminous documents, summaries
of such documents
Article 10.5, 10.8
OROR
The publication of texts/the provision of details/copies of drafts other than in the language of the Member is not required (except for developed country Members)
Sharing of Translations
Document Request
Other Requesting Members are Encouraged to Share Existing
Translations in WTO Languages
Other Requesting Members are Encouraged to Share Existing
Translations in WTO Languages
Translation/ Summary Exists
or planned
Must be Indicated in the Notification Form
Must be Indicated in the Notification Form
Any Translated Summary in Requester’s Language or in WTO
Language must be Automatically Sent
Any Translated Summary in Requester’s Language or in WTO
Language must be Automatically Sent
Recommendation of the TBT Committee
The use of electronic tools
The TBT Agreement does not contain provisions relating to the use of electronic tools
The TBT Agreement does not contain provisions relating to the use of electronic tools
However, since 1999, the use of the Internet as a means to facilitate access to, and exchange of, information has been
a constant theme of discussion in the TBT Committee
The TBT Committee encouraged Members, whenever possible, to file notifications by downloading, filling out and returning the complete form by e-mail to the Secretariat
Electronic transmission of information
Feasibility of creating a central depository for notifications on the WTO website
Feasibility of creating a central depository for notifications on the WTO website
Paragraph L of the Code: electronic publication of the notice can constitute another possibility of fulfilling the
transparency obligations
Paragraph L of the Code: electronic publication of the notice can constitute another possibility of fulfilling the
transparency obligations
Electronic circulation of notifications encouragedElectronic circulation of notifications encouraged
Regular Meetings of Persons Responsible for Information Exchange
To give Members the opportunity to discuss the activities and problems relating to information
exchange and to review periodically the functioning of notification procedures
To give Members the opportunity to discuss the activities and problems relating to information
exchange and to review periodically the functioning of notification procedures
Why?
How often?
When is the next one?
Every 2 yearsEvery 2 years
Who can participate?
Persons responsible for information exchange, including persons responsible for enquiry points
and notifications
Persons responsible for information exchange, including persons responsible for enquiry points
and notifications
2-3 November 20042-3 November 2004
Comments on Proposed Technical Regulations and
Conformity Assessment Procedures
Length of time allowed for comments
Allow reasonable time for other Members to
make comments in writing
Members are required prior to the adoption of a technical regulation or of a conformity assessment procedure to
Discuss these comments upon request
Articles 2.9.4 and 5.6.4
Take these written comments and the
results of these discussions into account
Length of time for comments
The TBT Committee decided that the normal time limit for presentation of comments on
notified technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures should be 60 days
Length of time for comments
Length of time for comments on notified technical regulations and CAPS
60 days or beyond
Indicated in the notification
Handling of comments
Acknowledge receiptAcknowledge receipt
ExplainExplain How taken into accountHow taken into account
Provide additional relevant information
Provide additional relevant information
ProvideProvideCopy of regulation as adoptedCopy of regulation as adopted
Or, information of non-adoption
Or, information of non-adoption
Results of the Third Triennial Review (2003)
More than 60 day comment period should be provided to developing countries
More than 60 day comment period should be provided to developing countries
Requests to Enquiry Points should be in one of the WTO languagesRequests to Enquiry Points should be in one of the WTO languages
Responses to comments in writing, and possibly shared with the TBT Committee (on a voluntary basis)
Responses to comments in writing, and possibly shared with the TBT Committee (on a voluntary basis)
Disseminate comments and responses by means of national websitesDisseminate comments and responses by means of national websites
Art. 10.5 – developed countries should provide translations of documents covered by notifications without being requested
Art. 10.5 – developed countries should provide translations of documents covered by notifications without being requested
Electronic transmission to the SecretariatElectronic transmission to the Secretariat
On Handling of comments
TBT Notifications
52.346.9 46.3 47.2 46.5 49.6
53.3 49.254.8
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Comment period/days
Average time allowed for comments
1. Drafting of the Measure
2. Publication of a Notice
3. Notification to other Members
4. Provision of Copies
5. Discussion of the Comments
6. Adoption of the Measure
7. Publication of the Measure...
Tim
e...
8. Entry into Force of the MeasureMin.
6 months
Enquiry Points
WTO Members must set up a national enquiry point
Establishment of an Enquiry Point
Concerns institutions that are in a position to answer queries on documents issued by bodies with regulatory authority, that is central and
local government bodies, and non-governmental bodies, which are entrusted with the legal power
to enforce a technical regulation
Article 10.1
Relates to enquiries on documents issued by other non-governmental bodies and regional
bodies of which they are membersArticle 10.3
If more than one enquiry point is established, Members must provide “complete and unambiguous information” on the scope of responsibility of each enquiry point
Enquiry Points must respond to reasonable enquiries and provide relevant documents
regarding:
Art. 10.1, 10.2, 10.3
Technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures
Membership and participation in international and regional
standardizing bodies and conformity assessment systems / bilateral and
multilateral arrangements
Location of notices published
Location of other Enquiry Points
Functioning of Enquiry Points
Enquiry Points: Related obligations
Supply copies of requested documents to Members and interested parties of Members at an equitable price
Supply copies of requested documents to Members and interested parties of Members at an equitable price
Provide translations or summaries of the documents related to a notification
Provide translations or summaries of the documents related to a notification
What is a reasonable enquiry?
An enquiry point is mandated to answer all "reasonable enquiries"
An enquiry point is mandated to answer all "reasonable enquiries"
Articles 10.1 and 10.3
Articles 10.1 and 10.3
When it is limited to a specific product, or group of products
Using the Enquiry Point: Beyond Obligations
• Collect/disseminate TBT information
– TBT documents
– TBT notifications received
• Inform other government agencies, private sector
• Coordinate comments on other countries’ notifications
• Submit comments – follow-up