TBT Basic Presentation

1
TBT-Specific Trade Concerns
2
Forum
For what?
3
To discuss matters relating to the operation of
this Agreement or the furtherance of its
objectives (Article 13.1)
4
Meetings
3 times per year (at least once, types)
Agenda
In Geneva only
5
Who is there?
Local mission representatives
Capital based representatives (technical)
Observers
6
Good regulatory practice
Transparency procedures
Horizontal (general) issues
Conformity assessment
Technical assistance / SDT
Other (labelling, definitions)
7
Horizontal (general) issues
8
Vertical (specific)
9
Approximately 150 in TBT Committee
Vertical (specific)
10
REACHRegistration, Evaluation and
Authorization of Chemicals
11
GMOsGenetically Modified Organisms
12
Wood Products
13
Fish Head
14
Waste Directive (WEEE) Directive on Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Hazardous Substances Directive (WEEE)
Directive on the restriction of the use of
certain Hazardous Substances in the Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (HSEEE)
15
Typical issues raised in the context of
discussion of specific trade concerns
16
More trade restrictive than necessary
Discrimination
Rationale (legitimate objective)
Typical
Failure/Delay to notify
Entry into force of the measure
Failure to reply to comments
Not in line with international standards
17
What to do if you have a specific trade concern?
Request explanation / clarification from Enquiry
Point
Bilateral consultations
Raise issue at TBT Committee meeting
Request formal consultations (Dispute Settlement)
(Solution)
18
(not raised formally)
Request explanation / clarification from Enquiry
Point
Bilateral consultations
Raised in TBT Committee
Request formal consultations
Dispute
19
Specific trade concerns in the Region (potential
or real)?
What are the difficulties you face in using the
TBT (and SPS) Committees?
20
Make use of the TBT Committee