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TBT-Specific Trade Concerns

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Forum …

For what?

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To discuss “matters relating to the operation of this Agreement or the

furtherance of its objectives”

(Article 13.1)

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Meetings

3 times per year (at least once, types)

Agenda

In Geneva only

b-to-bWorkshop

s

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Who is there?

Local mission representatives

Capital based representatives (technical)

Observers

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Horizontal (general) issues

Good regulatory practice

Transparency procedures

Conformity assessment

Technical assistance / SDT

Other (labelling, definitions)

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Horizontal (general) issues“TBT

Triennial Reviews”

(Article 15.4)

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Vert

ical (s

peci

fic)

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Vert

ical (s

peci

fic)

Approximately 150 in TBT Committee

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“REACH”Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of

Chemicals

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“GMOs”Genetically Modified Organisms

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Wood Products

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Fish Head

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“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)

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Typical issues raised in the context of discussion of specific

trade concerns

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More trade restrictive than necessary

Discrimination

Rationale (legitimate objective)

Failure/Delay to notify

Entry into force of the measure

Failure to reply to comments

Not in line with international standards

Typic

al

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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)

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Request explanation / clarification from Enquiry Point

Bilateral consultations

Raised in TBT Committee

Request formal consultations

Dispute

150

(not raised formally)

1

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Specific trade concerns in the Region (potential or real)?

What are the difficulties you face in using the TBT (and SPS) Committees?

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Make use of the TBT Committee