Page117
AGREEMENT ONTECHNICAL BARRIERS TOTRADE
Members,
Having regard totheUruguay Round ofMultilateral Trade Negotiations;
Desiring tofurther theobjectives ofGATT 1994;
Recognizing theimportant contribution thatinternational standards andconformity assessment
systems canmake inthisregard byimproving efficiency ofproduction andfacilitating theconduct
ofinternational trade;
Desiring therefore toencourage thedevelopment ofsuchinternational standards andconformity
assessment systems;
Desiringhowevertoensurethattechnicalregulationsandstandards,includingpackaging,marking
andlabelling requirements, andprocedures forassessment ofconformity withtechnical regulations
andstandards donotcreate unnecessary obstacles tointernational trade;
Recognizing thatnocountry should beprevented from taking measures necessary toensure
thequality ofitsexports, orfortheprotection ofhuman, animal orplant lifeorhealth, ofthe
environment, orfortheprevention ofdeceptive practices, atthelevels itconsiders appropriate, subject
totherequirement thattheyarenotapplied inamanner which would constitute ameans ofarbitrary
orunjustifiable discrimination between countries where thesame conditions prevail oradisguised
restriction oninternational trade, andareotherwise inaccordance withtheprovisions ofthisAgreement;
Recognizing thatnocountry should beprevented from taking measures necessary forthe
protection ofitsessential security interest;
Recognizing thecontribution which international standardization canmake tothetransfer of
technology from developed todeveloping countries;
Recognizing thatdeveloping countries mayencounter special difficulties intheformulation
andapplication oftechnical regulations andstandards andprocedures forassessment ofconformity
withtechnical regulations andstandards, anddesiring toassist themintheirendeavours inthisregard;
Hereby agree asfollows:
Article 1
General Provisions
1.1 General terms forstandardization andprocedures forassessment ofconformity shallnormally
have themeaning given tothem bydefinitions adopted within theUnited Nations system andby
international standardizing bodies taking intoaccount theircontext andinthelightoftheobject and
purpose ofthisAgreement.
1.2 However, forthepurposes ofthisAgreement themeaning oftheterms given inAnnex 1applies.
1.3 Allproducts, including industrial andagricultural products, shallbesubject totheprovisions
ofthisAgreement.Page118
1.4 Purchasing specifications prepared bygovernmental bodies forproduction orconsumption
requirementsofgovernmentalbodiesarenotsubjecttotheprovisionsofthisAgreementbutareaddressed
intheAgreement onGovernment Procurement, according toitscoverage.
1.5 Theprovisions ofthisAgreement donotapply tosanitary andphytosanitary measures asdefined
inAnnex AoftheAgreement ontheApplication ofSanitary andPhytosanitary Measures.
1.6 Allreferences inthisAgreement totechnical regulations, standards andconformity assessment
procedures shallbeconstrued toinclude anyamendments thereto andanyadditions totherulesorthe
product coverage thereof, except amendments andadditions ofaninsignificant nature.
TECHNICAL REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Article 2
Preparation, Adoption andApplication ofTechnical Regulations
byCentral Government Bodies
With respect totheircentral government bodies:
2.1 Membersshallensurethatinrespectoftechnicalregulations,productsimportedfromtheterritory
ofanyMember shallbeaccorded treatment nolessfavourable thanthataccorded tolikeproducts of
national origin andtolikeproducts originating inanyother country.
2.2 Members shallensure thattechnical regulations arenotprepared, adopted orapplied witha
viewtoorwiththeeffect ofcreating unnecessary obstacles tointernational trade. Forthispurpose,
technical regulations shallnotbemore trade-restrictive thannecessary tofulfilalegitimate objective,
taking account oftherisks non-fulfilment would create. Such legitimate objectives are,interalia:
national security requirements; theprevention ofdeceptive practices; protection ofhuman health or
safety, animal orplant lifeorhealth, ortheenvironment. Inassessing suchrisks, relevant elements
ofconsideration are,inter alia: available scientific andtechnical information, related processing
technology orintended end-uses ofproducts.
2.3 Technical regulations shallnotbemaintained ifthecircumstances orobjectives giving rise
totheiradoption nolonger existorifthechanged circumstances orobjectives canbeaddressed in
alesstrade-restrictive manner.
2.4 Where technical regulations arerequired andrelevant international standards existortheir
completion isimminent, Members shallusethem, ortherelevant parts ofthem, asabasis fortheir
technical regulations except when suchinternational standards orrelevant partswould beanineffective
orinappropriate means forthefulfilment ofthelegitimate objectives pursued, forinstance because
offundamental climatic orgeographical factors orfundamental technological problems.
2.5 AMember preparing, adopting orapplying atechnical regulation which mayhaveasignificant
effect ontrade ofother Members shall, upontherequest ofanother Member, explain thejustification
forthattechnical regulation interms oftheprovisions ofparagraphs 2to4.Whenever atechnical
regulation isprepared, adopted orapplied foroneofthelegitimate objectives explicitly mentioned
inparagraph 2,andisinaccordance withrelevant international standards, itshallberebuttably presumed
nottocreate anunnecessary obstacle tointernational trade.Page119
2.6 With aview toharmonizing technical regulations onaswide abasis aspossible, Members
shallplayafullpart,within thelimits oftheirresources, inthepreparation byappropriate international
standardizing bodies ofinternational standards forproducts forwhich theyeither haveadopted, or
expect toadopt, technical regulations.
2.7 Members shallgivepositive consideration toaccepting asequivalent technical regulations of
other Members, evenifthese regulations differ fromtheirown, provided theyaresatisfied thatthese
regulations adequately fulfil theobjectives oftheirownregulations.
2.8 Whereverappropriate,Membersshallspecifytechnicalregulationsbasedonproductrequirements
interms ofperformance rather thandesign ordescriptive characteristics.
2.9 Whenever arelevant international standard doesnotexistorthetechnical content ofaproposed
technical regulation isnotinaccordance withthetechnical content ofrelevant international standards,
andifthetechnical regulation mayhaveasignificant effect ontradeofother Members, Members shall:
2.9.1 publish anotice inapublication atanearly appropriate stage, insuchamanner as
toenable interested parties inother Members tobecome acquainted withit,thatthey
propose tointroduce aparticular technical regulation;
2.9.2 notify other Members through theSecretariat oftheproducts tobecovered bythe
proposed technical regulation, together withabrief indication ofitsobjective and
rationale. Such notifications shall takeplace atanearly appropriate stage, when
amendments canstillbeintroduced andcomments taken intoaccount;
2.9.3 uponrequest, provide toother Members particulars orcopies oftheproposed technical
regulation and,whenever possible, identify thepartswhich insubstance deviate from
relevant international standards;
2.9.4 without discrimination, allow reasonable timeforother Members tomake comments
inwriting, discuss these comments upon request, andtakethese written comments
andtheresults ofthese discussions intoaccount.
2.10 Subject totheprovisions inthelead-in toparagraph 9,where urgent problems ofsafety, health,
environmental protection ornational security ariseorthreaten toariseforaMember, thatMember
mayomitsuchofthestepsenumerated inparagraph 9asitfindsnecessary, provided thattheMember,
upon adoption ofatechnical regulation, shall:
2.10.1 notify immediately other Members through theSecretariat oftheparticular technical
regulation andtheproducts covered, withabriefindication oftheobjective andthe
rationale ofthetechnical regulation, including thenature oftheurgent problems;
2.10.2 upon request, provide other Members withcopies ofthetechnical regulation;
2.10.3 without discrimination, allow other Members topresent theircomments inwriting,
discuss thesecomments uponrequest, andtakethesewritten comments andtheresults
ofthese discussions intoaccount.
2.11 Members shallensure thatalltechnical regulations which havebeenadopted arepublished
promptly orotherwise made available insuchamanner astoenable interested parties inother Members
tobecome acquainted withthem.Page120
2.12 Except inthose urgent circumstances referred toinparagraph 10,Members shall allow a
reasonable interval between thepublication oftechnical regulations andtheirentry intoforce inorder
toallow timeforproducers inexporting Members, andparticularly indeveloping country Members,
toadapt theirproducts ormethods ofproduction totherequirements oftheimporting Member.
Article 3
Preparation, Adoption andApplication ofTechnical Regulations
byLocal Government Bodies andNon-Governmental Bodies
With respect totheirlocalgovernment andnon-governmental bodies within theirterritories:
3.1 Members shalltakesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothemtoensure compliance
bysuchbodies withtheprovisions ofArticle 2,withtheexception oftheobligation tonotify asreferred
toinparagraphs 9.2and10.1ofArticle 2.
3.2 Members shallensure thatthetechnical regulations oflocalgovernments ontheleveldirectly
below thatofthecentral government inMembers arenotified inaccordance withtheprovisions of
paragraphs 9.2and10.1ofArticle 2,noting thatnotification shall notberequired fortechnical
regulations thetechnical content ofwhich issubstantially thesameasthatofpreviously notified technical
regulations ofcentral government bodies oftheMember concerned.
3.3 Members mayrequire contact withother Members, including thenotifications, provision of
information, comments anddiscussions referred toinparagraphs 9and10ofArticle 2,totakeplace
through thecentral government.
3.4 Members shallnottakemeasures which require orencourage localgovernment bodies ornon-
governmental bodies within theirterritories toactinamanner inconsistent withtheprovisions of
Article 2.
3.5 Members arefullyresponsible under thisAgreement fortheobservance ofallprovisions of
Article 2.Members shallformulate andimplement positive measures andmechanisms insupport of
theobservance oftheprovisions ofArticle 2byother thancentral government bodies.
Article 4
Preparation, Adoption andApplication
ofStandards
4.1 Members shallensure thattheircentral government standardizing bodies accept andcomply
withtheCode ofGood Practice forthePreparation, Adoption andApplication ofStandards inAnnex 3
tothisAgreement (referred tointhisAgreement asthe"Code ofGood Practice"). They shalltake
suchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothem toensure thatlocal government andnon-
governmental standardizing bodies within theirterritories, aswellasregional standardizing bodies
ofwhich theyoroneormore bodies within theirterritories aremembers, accept andcomply with
thisCode ofGood Practice. Inaddition, Members shallnottakemeasures which havetheeffect of,
directly orindirectly, requiring orencouraging suchstandardizing bodies toactinamanner inconsistent
withtheCodeofGoodPractice.TheobligationsofMemberswithrespecttocomplianceofstandardizing
bodies withtheprovisions oftheCode ofGood Practice shallapply irrespective ofwhether ornot
astandardizing body hasaccepted theCode ofGood Practice.Page121
4.2 Standardizing bodies thathaveaccepted andarecomplying withtheCode ofGood Practice
shallbeacknowledged bytheMembers ascomplying withtheprinciples ofthisAgreement.
CONFORMITY WITH TECHNICAL REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Article 5
Procedures forAssessment ofConformity byCentral Government Bodies
5.1 Members shallensure that,incases where apositive assurance ofconformity withtechnical
regulations orstandards isrequired, theircentral government bodies apply thefollowing provisions
toproducts originating intheterritories ofother Members:
5.1.1 conformity assessment procedures areprepared, adopted andapplied soastogrant
access forsuppliers oflikeproducts originating intheterritories ofother Members
under conditions nolessfavourable thanthose accorded tosuppliers oflikeproducts
ofnational origin ororiginating inanyother country, inacomparable situation; access
entails suppliers 'righttoanassessment ofconformity under therulesoftheprocedure,
including, when foreseen bythisprocedure, thepossibility tohave conformity
assessment activities undertaken atthesiteoffacilities andtoreceive themark ofthe
system;
5.1.2 conformity assessment procedures arenotprepared, adopted orapplied withaview
toorwiththeeffectofcreatingunnecessaryobstaclestointernationaltrade.Thismeans,
interalia,thatconformity assessment procedures shallnotbemore strictorbeapplied
more strictly thanisnecessary togivetheimporting Member adequate confidence that
products conform withtheapplicable technical regulations orstandards, taking account
oftherisksnon-conformity would create.
5.2 When implementing theprovisions ofparagraph 1,Members shallensure that:
5.2.1 conformity assessment procedures areundertaken andcompleted asexpeditiously as
possible andinanolessfavourable order forproducts originating intheterritories
ofother Members thanforlikedomestic products;
5.2.2 thestandard processing period ofeachconformity assessment procedure ispublished
orthattheanticipated processing period iscommunicated totheapplicant uponrequest;
when receiving anapplication, thecompetent bodypromptly examines thecompleteness
ofthedocumentation andinforms theapplicant inaprecise andcomplete manner of
alldeficiencies; thecompetent body transmits assoonaspossible theresults ofthe
assessment inaprecise andcomplete manner totheapplicant sothatcorrective action
maybetaken ifnecessary; evenwhen theapplication hasdeficiencies, thecompetent
body proceeds asfaraspracticable withtheconformity assessment iftheapplicant
sorequests; andthat,upon request, theapplicant isinformed ofthestage ofthe
procedure, withanydelay being explained;
5.2.3 information requirements arelimited towhat isnecessary toassess conformity and
determine fees;
5.2.4 theconfidentiality ofinformation about products originating intheterritories ofother
Members arising from orsupplied inconnection withsuchconformity assessmentPage122
procedures isrespected inthesamewayasfordomestic products andinsuchamanner
thatlegitimate commercial interests areprotected;
5.2.5 anyfeesimposed forassessing theconformity ofproducts originating intheterritories
ofother Members areequitable inrelation toanyfeeschargeable forassessing the
conformity oflikeproducts ofnational origin ororiginating inanyothercountry, taking
intoaccount communication, transportation andother costs arising from differences
between location offacilities oftheapplicant andtheconformity assessment body;
5.2.6 thesiting offacilities usedinconformity assessment procedures andtheselection of
samples arenotsuchastocause unnecessary inconvenience toapplicants ortheiragents;
5.2.7 whenever specifications ofaproduct arechanged subsequent tothedetermination of
itsconformity totheapplicable technical regulations orstandards, theconformity
assessment procedure forthemodified product islimited towhat isnecessary to
determine whether adequate confidence exists thattheproduct stillmeets thetechnical
regulations orstandards concerned;
5.2.8 aprocedure exists toreview complaints concerning theoperation ofaconformity
assessment procedure andtotakecorrective action when acomplaint isjustified.
5.3 Nothing inparagraphs 1and2shallprevent Members fromcarrying outreasonable spotchecks
within theirterritories.
5.4 Incases where apositive assurance isrequired thatproducts conform withtechnical regulations
orstandards, andrelevant guides orrecommendations issued byinternational standardizing bodies exist
ortheircompletion isimminent, Members shallensure thatcentral government bodies usethem, or
therelevant parts ofthem, asabasis fortheirconformity assessment procedures, except where, as
dulyexplained upon request, suchguides orrecommendations orrelevant partsareinappropriate for
theMembers concerned, for,interalia,suchreasons as:national security requirements; theprevention
ofdeceptive practices; protection ofhuman health orsafety, animal orplant lifeorhealth, orthe
environment; fundamental climatic orother geographical factors; fundamental technological or
infrastructural problems.
5.5 Withaviewtoharmonizing conformity assessment procedures onaswideabasisaspossible,
Members shallplayafullpart,within thelimits oftheirresources, inthepreparation byappropriate
internationalstandardizingbodiesofguidesandrecommendationsforconformityassessmentprocedures.
5.6 Whenever arelevant guide orrecommendation issued byaninternational standardizing body
doesnotexistorthetechnicalcontentofaproposedconformityassessmentprocedureisnotinaccordance
withrelevant guides andrecommendations issued byinternational standardizing bodies, andifthe
conformity assessment procedure mayhaveasignificant effect ontrade ofother Members, Members
shall:
5.6.1 publish anotice inapublication atanearly appropriate stage, insuchamanner as
toenable interested parties inother Members tobecome acquainted withit,thatthey
propose tointroduce aparticular conformity assessment procedure;
5.6.2 notify other Members through theSecretariat oftheproducts tobecovered bythe
proposed conformity assessment procedure, together withabrief indication ofits
objective andrationale. Suchnotifications shalltakeplaceatanearlyappropriate stage,
when amendments canstillbeintroduced andcomments taken intoaccount;Page123
5.6.3 uponrequest, provide tootherMembers particulars orcopies oftheproposed procedure
and,whenever possible, identify theparts which insubstance deviate from relevant
guides orrecommendations issued byinternational standardizing bodies;
5.6.4 without discrimination, allow reasonable timeforother Members tomake comments
inwriting, discuss these comments upon request, andtakethese written comments
andtheresults ofthese discussions intoaccount.
5.7 Subject totheprovisions inthelead-in toparagraph 6,where urgent problems ofsafety, health,
environmental protection ornational security ariseorthreaten toariseforaMember, thatMember
mayomitsuchofthestepsenumerated inparagraph 6asitfindsnecessary, provided thattheMember,
upon adoption oftheprocedure, shall:
5.7.1 notify immediately other Members through theSecretariat oftheparticular procedure
andtheproducts covered, withabriefindication oftheobjective andtherationale of
theprocedure, including thenature oftheurgent problems;
5.7.2 upon request, provide other Members withcopies oftherules oftheprocedure;
5.7.3 without discrimination, allow other Members topresent theircomments inwriting,
discuss thesecomments uponrequest, andtakethesewritten comments andtheresults
ofthese discussions intoaccount.
5.8 Members shallensure thatallconformity assessment procedures which havebeenadopted are
published promptly orotherwise made available insuchamanner astoenable interested parties in
other Members tobecome acquainted withthem.
5.9 Except inthose urgent circumstances referred toinparagraph 7,Members shall allow a
reasonableintervalbetweenthepublicationofrequirementsconcerningconformityassessmentprocedures
andtheirentry intoforce inorder toallow timeforproducers inexporting Members, andparticularly
indeveloping country Members, toadapt theirproducts ormethods ofproduction totherequirements
oftheimporting Member.
Article 6
Recognition ofConformity Assessment byCentral Government Bodies
With respect totheircentral government bodies:
6.1 Without prejudice totheprovisions ofparagraphs 3and4,Members shallensure, whenever
possible, thatresults ofconformity assessment procedures inother Members areaccepted, evenwhen
those procedures differ from theirown, provided theyaresatisfied thatthose procedures offer an
assurance ofconformity withapplicable technical regulations orstandards equivalent totheirown
procedures. Itisrecognized thatprior consultations maybenecessary inorder toarrive atamutually
satisfactory understanding regarding, inparticular:
6.1.1 adequate andenduring technical competence oftherelevant conformity assessment
bodies intheexporting Member, sothatconfidence inthecontinued reliability oftheir
conformityassessmentresultscanexist;inthisregard,verifiedcompliance,forinstance
through accreditation, withrelevant guides orrecommendations issued byinternational
standardizing bodies shallbetaken intoaccount asanindication ofadequate technical
competence;Page124
6.1.2 limitation oftheacceptance ofconformity assessment results tothose produced by
designated bodies intheexporting Member.
6.2 Members shallensure thattheirconformity assessment procedures permit, asfaraspracticable,
theimplementation oftheprovisions inparagraph 1.
6.3 Membersareencouraged,attherequestofotherMembers,tobewillingtoenterintonegotiations
fortheconclusion ofagreements forthemutual recognition ofresults ofeachother'sconformity
assessment procedures. Members mayrequire thatsuchagreements fulfilthecriteria ofparagraph 1
andgivemutual satisfaction regarding theirpotential forfacilitating trade intheproducts concerned.
6.4 Members areencouraged topermit participation ofconformity assessment bodies located in
theterritories ofother Members intheirconformity assessment procedures under conditions noless
favourable thanthose accorded tobodies located within theirterritory ortheterritory ofanyother
country.
Article 7
Procedures forAssessment ofConformity byLocal Government Bodies
With respect totheirlocalgovernment bodies within theirterritories:
7.1 Members shalltakesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothemtoensure compliance
bysuchbodies withtheprovisions ofArticles 5and6,withtheexception oftheobligation tonotify
asreferred toinparagraphs 6.2and7.1ofArticle 5.
7.2 Members shallensure thattheconformity assessment procedures oflocalgovernments onthe
level directly below thatofthecentral government inMembers arenotified inaccordance withthe
provisions ofparagraphs 6.2and7.1ofArticle 5,noting thatnotifications shallnotberequired for
conformity assessment procedures thetechnical content ofwhich issubstantially thesame asthatof
previously notified conformity assessment procedures ofcentral government bodies oftheMembers
concerned.
7.3 Members mayrequire contact withother Members, including thenotifications, provision of
information, comments anddiscussions referred toinparagraphs 6and7ofArticle 5,totakeplace
through thecentral government.
7.4 Members shallnottakemeasures which require orencourage localgovernment bodies within
theirterritories toactinamanner inconsistent withtheprovisions ofArticles 5and6.
7.5 Members arefullyresponsible under thisAgreement fortheobservance ofallprovisions of
Articles 5and6.Members shallformulate andimplement positive measures andmechanisms insupport
oftheobservance oftheprovisions ofArticles 5and6byother thancentral government bodies.
Article 8
Procedures forAssessment ofConformity byNon-Governmental Bodies
8.1 Members shalltakesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothemtoensure thatnon-
governmental bodies within theirterritories which operate conformity assessment procedures comply
withtheprovisionsofArticles5and6,withtheexceptionoftheobligationtonotifyproposedconformityPage125
assessment procedures. Inaddition, Members shallnottakemeasures which havetheeffect of,directly
orindirectly, requiring orencouraging suchbodies toactinamanner inconsistent withtheprovisions
ofArticles 5and6.
8.2 Members shall ensure thattheircentral government bodies relyonconformity assessment
procedures operated bynon-governmental bodies onlyiftheselatter bodies comply withtheprovisions
ofArticles 5and6,withtheexception oftheobligation tonotify proposed conformity assessment
procedures.
Article 9
International andRegional Systems
9.1 Where apositive assurance ofconformity withatechnical regulation orstandard isrequired,
Members shall, wherever practicable, formulate andadopt international systems forconformity
assessment andbecome members thereof orparticipate therein.
9.2 Members shall takesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothem toensure that
international andregional systems forconformity assessment inwhich relevant bodies within their
territories aremembers orparticipants comply withtheprovisions ofArticles 5and6.Inaddition,
Members shallnottakeanymeasures which havetheeffect of,directly orindirectly, requiring or
encouraging suchsystems toactinamanner inconsistent withanyoftheprovisions ofArticles 5and6.
9.3 Members shallensure thattheircentral government bodies relyoninternational orregional
conformity assessment systems onlytotheextent thatthese systems comply withtheprovisions of
Articles 5and6,asapplicable.
INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE
Article 10
Information About Technical Regulations, Standards and
Conformity Assessment Procedures
10.1 Each Member shallensure thatanenquiry point exists which isabletoanswer allreasonable
enquiries fromotherMembers andinterested parties inother Members aswellastoprovide therelevant
documents regarding:
10.1.1 anytechnical regulations adopted orproposed within itsterritory bycentral orlocal
government bodies, bynon-governmental bodies which havelegalpower toenforce
atechnical regulation, orbyregional standardizing bodies ofwhich suchbodies are
members orparticipants;
10.1.2 anystandards adopted orproposed within itsterritory bycentral orlocalgovernment
bodies, orbyregional standardizing bodies ofwhich suchbodies aremembers or
participants;
10.1.3 anyconformity assessment procedures, orproposed conformity assessment procedures,
which areoperated within itsterritory bycentral orlocalgovernment bodies, orbyPage126
non-governmental bodies which havelegal power toenforce atechnical regulation,
orbyregional bodies ofwhich suchbodies aremembers orparticipants;
10.1.4 themembership andparticipation oftheMember, orofrelevant central orlocal
governmentbodieswithinitsterritory,ininternationalandregionalstandardizingbodies
andconformity assessment systems, aswellasinbilateral andmultilateral arrangements
within thescope ofthisAgreement; itshall alsobeabletoprovide reasonable
information ontheprovisions ofsuchsystems andarrangements;
10.1.5 thelocation ofnotices published pursuant tothisAgreement, ortheprovision of
information astowhere suchinformation canbeobtained; and
10.1.6 thelocation oftheenquiry points mentioned inparagraph 3.
10.2 If,however, forlegal oradministrative reasons more thanoneenquiry point isestablished
byaMember, thatMember shallprovide totheother Members complete andunambiguous information
onthescope ofresponsibility ofeachofthese enquiry points. Inaddition, thatMember shallensure
thatanyenquiries addressed toanincorrect enquiry point shallpromptly beconveyed tothecorrect
enquiry point.
10.3 EachMember shalltakesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable toittoensure thatone
ormore enquiry points existwhich areabletoanswer allreasonable enquiries from other Members
andinterested parties inother Members aswellastoprovide therelevant documents orinformation
astowhere theycanbeobtained regarding:
10.3.1 anystandardsadoptedorproposedwithinitsterritorybynon-governmentalstandardizing
bodies, orbyregional standardizing bodies ofwhich suchbodies aremembers or
participants; and
10.3.2 anyconformity assessment procedures, orproposed conformity assessment procedures,
which areoperated within itsterritory bynon-governmental bodies, orbyregional
bodies ofwhich suchbodies aremembers orparticipants;
10.3.3 themembershipandparticipationofrelevantnon-governmentalbodieswithinitsterritory
ininternational andregional standardizing bodies andconformity assessment systems,
aswellasinbilateral andmultilateral arrangements within thescope ofthisAgreement;
theyshallalsobeabletoprovide reasonable information ontheprovisions ofsuch
systems andarrangements.
10.4 Members shalltakesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothemtoensure thatwhere
copies ofdocuments arerequested byother Members orbyinterested parties inother Members, in
accordance withtheprovisions ofthisAgreement, theyaresupplied atanequitable price(ifany)which
shall, apart from therealcostofdelivery, bethesame forthenationals1oftheMember concerned
orofanyother Member.
10.5 Developed country Members shall, ifrequested byotherMembers, provide, inEnglish, French
orSpanish, translations ofthedocuments covered byaspecific notification or,incaseofvoluminous
documents, ofsummaries ofsuchdocuments.
1"Nationals" hereshallbedeemed, inthecaseofaseparate customs territory Member oftheWTO, tomean persons,
natural orlegal, whoaredomiciled orwhohavearealandeffective industrial orcommercial establishment inthatcustoms
territory.Page127
10.6 TheSecretariat shall, when itreceives notifications inaccordance withtheprovisions ofthis
Agreement, circulate copies ofthenotifications toallMembers andinterested international standardizing
andconformity assessment bodies, anddraw theattention ofdeveloping country Members toany
notifications relating toproducts ofparticular interest tothem.
10.7 Whenever aMember hasreached anagreement withanyother country orcountries onissues
related totechnical regulations, standards orconformity assessment procedures which mayhavea
significant effect ontrade, atleastoneMember party totheagreement shallnotify other Members
through theSecretariat oftheproducts tobecovered bytheagreement andinclude abriefdescription
oftheagreement. Members concerned areencouraged toenter, uponrequest, intoconsultations with
other Members forthepurposes ofconcluding similar agreements orofarranging fortheirparticipation
insuchagreements.
10.8 Nothing inthisAgreement shallbeconstrued asrequiring:
10.8.1 thepublication oftextsother thaninthelanguage oftheMember;
10.8.2 theprovision ofparticulars orcopies ofdrafts other thaninthelanguage oftheMember
except asstated inparagraph 5;or
10.8.3 Members tofurnish anyinformation, thedisclosure ofwhich theyconsider contrary
totheiressential security interests.
10.9 Notifications totheSecretariat shallbeinEnglish, French orSpanish.
10.10 Members shall designate asingle central government authority thatisresponsible forthe
implementation onthenational leveloftheprovisions concerning notification procedures under this
Agreement except those included inAnnex 3.
10.11 If,however, forlegaloradministrative reasons theresponsibility fornotification procedures
isdivided among twoormore central government authorities, theMember concerned shallprovide
totheother Members complete andunambiguous information onthescope ofresponsibility ofeach
ofthese authorities.
Article 11
Technical Assistance toOther Members
11.1 Membersshall,ifrequested,adviseotherMembers,especiallythedevelopingcountryMembers,
onthepreparation oftechnical regulations.
11.2 Membersshall,ifrequested,adviseotherMembers,especiallythedevelopingcountryMembers,
andshall grant them technical assistance onmutually agreed terms andconditions regarding the
establishmentofnationalstandardizingbodies,andparticipationintheinternationalstandardizingbodies,
andshallencourage theirnational standardizing bodies todolikewise.
11.3 Members shall, ifrequested, takesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothem to
arrange fortheregulatory bodies within their territories toadvise other Members, especially the
developing country Members, andshallgrant themtechnical assistance onmutually agreed terms and
conditions regarding:Page128
11.3.1 theestablishment ofregulatory bodies, orbodies fortheassessment ofconformity with
technical regulations; and
11.3.2 themethods bywhich theirtechnical regulations canbestbemet.
11.4 Members shall, ifrequested, takesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothem to
arrange foradvice tobegiven toother Members, especially thedeveloping country Members, and
shallgrantthemtechnicalassistanceonmutuallyagreedtermsandconditionsregardingtheestablishment
ofbodies fortheassessment ofconformity withstandards adopted within theterritory oftherequesting
Member.
11.5 Membersshall,ifrequested,adviseotherMembers,especiallythedevelopingcountryMembers,
andshallgrant themtechnical assistance onmutually agreed terms andconditions regarding thesteps
thatshould betaken bytheirproducers iftheywishtohaveaccess tosystems forconformity assessment
operated bygovernmental ornon-governmental bodies within theterritory oftheMember receiving
therequest.
11.6 Members which aremembers orparticipants ofinternational orregional systems forconformity
assessment shall, ifrequested, advise other Members, especially thedeveloping country Members,
andshall grant them technical assistance onmutually agreed terms andconditions regarding the
establishment oftheinstitutions andlegalframework which would enable themtofulfiltheobligations
ofmembership orparticipation insuchsystems.
11.7 Members shall, ifsorequested, encourage bodies within theirterritories which aremembers
orparticipants ofinternational orregional systems forconformity assessment toadvise otherMembers,
especially thedeveloping country Members, andshould consider requests fortechnical assistance from
themregarding theestablishment oftheinstitutions which would enable therelevant bodies within their
territories tofulfil theobligations ofmembership orparticipation.
11.8 Inproviding advice andtechnical assistance toother Members interms ofparagraphs 1to7,
Members shallgivepriority totheneeds oftheleast-developed country Members.
Article 12
Special andDifferential Treatment ofDeveloping Country Members
12.1 MembersshallprovidedifferentialandmorefavourabletreatmenttodevelopingcountryMembers
tothisAgreement, through thefollowing provisions aswellasthrough therelevant provisions ofother
Articles ofthisAgreement.
12.2 MembersshallgiveparticularattentiontotheprovisionsofthisAgreementconcerningdeveloping
country Members 'rights andobligations andshalltakeintoaccount thespecial development, financial
andtradeneedsofdevelopingcountryMembersintheimplementationofthisAgreement,bothnationally
andintheoperation ofthisAgreement 'sinstitutional arrangements.
12.3 Members shall, inthepreparation andapplication oftechnical regulations, standards and
conformity assessment procedures, takeaccount ofthespecial development, financial andtradeneeds
ofdeveloping country Members, withaview toensuring thatsuchtechnical regulations, standards
andconformity assessment procedures donotcreate unnecessary obstacles toexports fromdeveloping
country Members.Page129
12.4 Members recognize that,although international standards, guides orrecommendations may
exist, intheirparticular technological andsocio-economic conditions, developing country Members
adopt certain technical regulations, standards orconformity assessment procedures aimed atpreserving
indigenous technology andproduction methods andprocesses compatible withtheirdevelopment needs.
Members therefore recognize thatdeveloping country Members should notbeexpected touse
international standards asabasis fortheirtechnical regulations orstandards, including testmethods,
which arenotappropriate totheirdevelopment, financial andtrade needs.
12.5 Members shall takesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothem toensure that
international standardizing bodies andinternational systems forconformity assessment areorganized
andoperated inawaywhich facilitates active andrepresentative participation ofrelevant bodies in
allMembers, taking intoaccount thespecial problems ofdeveloping country Members.
12.6 Members shall takesuchreasonable measures asmaybeavailable tothem toensure that
internationalstandardizingbodies,uponrequestofdevelopingcountryMembers,examinethepossibility
of,and,ifpracticable, prepare international standards concerning products ofspecial interest to
developing country Members.
12.7 Members shall, inaccordance withtheprovisions ofArticle 11,provide technical assistance
todeveloping country Members toensure thatthepreparation andapplication oftechnical regulations,
standards andconformity assessment procedures donotcreate unnecessary obstacles totheexpansion
anddiversification ofexports from developing country Members. Indetermining theterms and
conditions ofthetechnical assistance, account shallbetaken ofthestageofdevelopment oftherequesting
Members andinparticular oftheleast-developed country Members.
12.8 Itisrecognized thatdeveloping country Members mayfacespecial problems, including
institutional andinfrastructural problems, inthefield ofpreparation andapplication oftechnical
regulations, standards andconformity assessment procedures. Itisfurther recognized thatthespecial
development andtrade needs ofdeveloping country Members, aswellastheirstage oftechnological
development, mayhinder their ability todischarge fully their obligations under thisAgreement.
Members, therefore, shalltakethisfactfullyintoaccount. Accordingly, withaviewtoensuring that
developing country Members areabletocomply withthisAgreement, theCommittee onTechnical
Barriers toTrade provided forinArticle 13(referred tointhisAgreement asthe"Committee") is
enabled togrant, uponrequest, specified, time-limited exceptions inwhole orinpartfromobligations
under thisAgreement. When considering suchrequests theCommittee shalltakeintoaccount thespecial
problems, inthefieldofpreparation andapplication oftechnical regulations, standards andconformity
assessment procedures, andthespecial development andtradeneeds ofthedeveloping country Member,
aswellasitsstage oftechnological development, which mayhinder itsability todischarge fullyits
obligations under thisAgreement. TheCommittee shall, inparticular, takeintoaccount thespecial
problems oftheleast-developed country Members.
12.9 During consultations, developed country Members shallbearinmind thespecial difficulties
experienced bydeveloping country Members informulating andimplementing standards andtechnical
regulations andconformity assessment procedures, andintheirdesire toassist developing country
Members withtheirefforts inthisdirection, developed country Members shalltakeaccount ofthespecial
needs oftheformer inregard tofinancing, trade anddevelopment.
12.10 TheCommittee shallexamine periodically thespecial anddifferential treatment, aslaiddown
inthisAgreement, granted todeveloping country Members onnational andinternational levels.Page130
INSTITUTIONS, CONSULTATION AND DISPUTE SETTLEMENT
Article 13
TheCommittee onTechnical Barriers toTrade
13.1 ACommittee onTechnical Barriers toTrade ishereby established, andshallbecomposed
ofrepresentatives fromeachoftheMembers. TheCommittee shallelectitsownChairman andshall
meetasnecessary, butnolessthanonceayear, forthepurpose ofaffording Members theopportunity
ofconsulting onanymatters relating totheoperation ofthisAgreement orthefurtherance ofits
objectives, andshallcarry outsuchresponsibilities asassigned toitunder thisAgreement orbythe
Members.
13.2 TheCommittee shallestablish working parties orother bodies asmaybeappropriate, which
shallcarry outsuchresponsibilities asmaybeassigned tothembytheCommittee inaccordance with
therelevant provisions ofthisAgreement.
13.3 Itisunderstood thatunnecessary duplication should beavoided between thework under this
Agreementandthatofgovernmentsinothertechnicalbodies.TheCommitteeshallexaminethisproblem
withaviewtominimizing suchduplication.
Article 14
Consultation andDispute Settlement
14.1 Consultations andthesettlement ofdisputes withrespect toanymatter affecting theoperation
ofthisAgreement shalltakeplace under theauspices oftheDispute Settlement Body andshallfollow,
mutatis mutandis ,theprovisions ofArticles XXII andXXIII ofGATT 1994, aselaborated andapplied
bytheDispute Settlement Understanding.
14.2 Attherequest ofaparty toadispute, oratitsowninitiative, apanel mayestablish atechnical
expert group toassist inquestions ofatechnical nature, requiring detailed consideration byexperts.
14.3 Technical expert groups shallbegoverned bytheprocedures ofAnnex 2.
14.4 Thedispute settlement provisions setoutabove canbeinvoked incases where aMember
considers thatanother Member hasnotachieved satisfactory results under Articles 3,4,7,8and9
anditstradeinterests aresignificantly affected. Inthisrespect, suchresults shallbeequivalent tothose
asifthebody inquestion were aMember.Page131
FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 15
Final Provisions
Reservations
15.1 Reservations maynotbeentered inrespect ofanyoftheprovisions ofthisAgreement without
theconsent oftheother Members.
Review
15.2 Each Member shall, promptly afterthedateonwhich theWTO Agreement enters intoforce
forit,inform theCommittee ofmeasures inexistence ortaken toensure theimplementation and
administration ofthisAgreement. Anychanges ofsuchmeasures thereafter shallalsobenotified to
theCommittee.
15.3 TheCommitteeshallreviewannuallytheimplementationandoperationofthisAgreementtaking
intoaccount theobjectives thereof.
15.4 Notlaterthantheendofthethirdyearfromthedateofentry intoforceoftheWTO Agreement
andattheendofeachthree-year period thereafter, theCommittee shallreview theoperation and
implementation ofthisAgreement, including theprovisions relating totransparency, withaviewto
recommending anadjustment oftherights andobligations ofthisAgreement where necessary toensure
mutual economic advantage andbalance ofrights andobligations, without prejudice totheprovisions
ofArticle 12.Having regard, interalia, totheexperience gained intheimplementation ofthe
Agreement, theCommittee shall, where appropriate, submit proposals foramendments tothetextof
thisAgreement totheCouncil forTrade inGoods.
Annexes
15.5 Theannexes tothisAgreement constitute anintegral partthereof.Page132
ANNEX 1
TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS FOR THE
PURPOSE OFTHIS AGREEMENT
Theterms presented inthesixthedition oftheISO/IEC Guide 2:1991, General Terms and
TheirDefinitionsConcerningStandardizationandRelatedActivities,shall,whenusedinthisAgreement,
havethesame meaning asgiven inthedefinitions inthesaidGuide taking intoaccount thatservices
areexcluded from thecoverage ofthisAgreement.
Forthepurpose ofthisAgreement, however, thefollowing definitions shallapply:
1. Technical regulation
Document which laysdown product characteristics ortheirrelated processes andproduction
methods, including theapplicable administrative provisions, withwhich compliance ismandatory.
Itmayalsoinclude ordealexclusively withterminology, symbols, packaging, marking orlabelling
requirements astheyapply toaproduct, process orproduction method.
Explanatory note
Thedefinition inISO/IEC Guide 2isnotself-contained, butbased ontheso-called "building
block" system.
2. Standard
Document approved byarecognized body, thatprovides, forcommon andrepeated use,rules,
guidelines orcharacteristics forproducts orrelated processes andproduction methods, withwhich
compliance isnotmandatory. Itmayalsoinclude ordealexclusively withterminology, symbols,
packaging, marking orlabelling requirements astheyapply toaproduct, process orproduction method.
Explanatory note
Theterms asdefined inISO/IEC Guide 2cover products, processes andservices. This
Agreementdealsonlywithtechnicalregulations,standardsandconformityassessmentprocedures
related toproducts orprocesses andproduction methods. Standards asdefined byISO/IEC
Guide 2maybemandatory orvoluntary. Forthepurpose ofthisAgreement standards are
defined asvoluntary andtechnical regulations asmandatory documents. Standards prepared
bytheinternational standardization community arebased onconsensus. ThisAgreement covers
alsodocuments thatarenotbased onconsensus.
3. Conformity assessment procedures
Anyprocedure used, directly orindirectly, todetermine thatrelevant requirements intechnical
regulations orstandards arefulfilled.
Explanatory note
Conformity assessment procedures include, interalia,procedures forsampling, testing and
inspection; evaluation, verification andassurance ofconformity; registration, accreditation
andapproval aswellastheircombinations.Page133
4. International bodyorsystem
Body orsystem whose membership isopentotherelevant bodies ofatleastallMembers.
5. Regional bodyorsystem
Body orsystem whose membership isopentotherelevant bodies ofonlysome oftheMembers.
6. Central government body
Central government, itsministries anddepartments oranybody subject tothecontrol ofthe
central government inrespect oftheactivity inquestion.
Explanatory note:
InthecaseoftheEuropean Communities theprovisions governing central government bodies
apply. However, regional bodies orconformity assessment systems maybeestablished within
theEuropean Communities, andinsuchcases would besubject totheprovisions ofthis
Agreement onregional bodies orconformity assessment systems.
7. Local government body
Government other thanacentral government (e.g. states, provinces, Länder, cantons,
municipalities,etc.),itsministriesordepartmentsoranybodysubjecttothecontrolofsuchagovernment
inrespect oftheactivity inquestion.
8. Non-governmental body
Body other thanacentral government body oralocal government body, including anon-
governmental body which haslegalpower toenforce atechnical regulation.Page134
ANNEX 2
TECHNICAL EXPERT GROUPS
Thefollowing procedures shallapply totechnical expert groups established inaccordance with
theprovisions ofArticle 14.
1. Technical expert groups areunder thepanel'sauthority. Their terms ofreference anddetailed
working procedures shallbedecided bythepanel, andtheyshallreport tothepanel.
2. Participation intechnical expert groups shallberestricted topersons ofprofessional standing
andexperience inthefieldinquestion.
3. Citizens ofparties tothedispute shallnotserve onatechnical expert group without thejoint
agreement oftheparties tothedispute, except inexceptional circumstances when thepanel considers
thattheneedforspecialized scientific expertise cannot befulfilled otherwise. Government officials
ofparties tothedispute shallnotserve onatechnical expert group. Members oftechnical expert groups
shallserve intheirindividual capacities andnotasgovernment representatives, norasrepresentatives
ofanyorganization. Governments ororganizations shalltherefore notgivethem instructions with
regard tomatters before atechnical expert group.
4. Technical expert groups mayconsult andseekinformation andtechnical advice fromanysource
theydeem appropriate. Before atechnical expert group seeks suchinformation oradvice fromasource
within thejurisdiction ofaMember, itshallinform thegovernment ofthatMember. AnyMember
shallrespond promptly andfullytoanyrequest byatechnical expert group forsuchinformation as
thetechnical expert group considers necessary andappropriate.
5. Theparties toadispute shallhaveaccess toallrelevant information provided toatechnical
expert group, unless itisofaconfidential nature. Confidential information provided tothetechnical
expert group shallnotbereleased without formal authorization from thegovernment, organization
orperson providing theinformation. Where suchinformation isrequested fromthetechnical expert
group butrelease ofsuchinformation bythetechnical expert group isnotauthorized, anon-confidential
summary oftheinformation willbeprovided bythegovernment, organization orperson supplying
theinformation.
6. Thetechnical expert group shallsubmit adraftreport totheMembers concerned withaview
toobtaining theircomments, andtaking them intoaccount, asappropriate, inthefinalreport, which
shallalsobecirculated totheMembers concerned when itissubmitted tothepanel.Page135
ANNEX 3
CODE OFGOOD PRACTICE FOR THE PREPARATION, ADOPTION AND
APPLICATION OFSTANDARDS
General Provisions
A. Forthepurposes ofthisCode thedefinitions inAnnex 1ofthisAgreement shallapply.
B. ThisCode isopentoacceptance byanystandardizing body within theterritory ofaMember
oftheWTO, whether acentral government body, alocalgovernment body, oranon-governmental
body; toanygovernmental regional standardizing bodyoneormore members ofwhich areMembers
oftheWTO; andtoanynon-governmental regional standardizing bodyoneormore members ofwhich
aresituated within theterritory ofaMember oftheWTO (referred tointhisCode collectively as
"standardizing bodies" andindividually as"thestandardizing body").
C. Standardizing bodies thathaveaccepted orwithdrawn fromthisCode shallnotify thisfactto
theISO/IEC Information Centre inGeneva. Thenotification shallinclude thename andaddress of
thebodyconcerned andthescope ofitscurrent andexpected standardization activities. Thenotification
maybesenteither directly totheISO/IEC Information Centre, orthrough thenational member body
ofISO/IEC or,preferably, through therelevant national member orinternational affiliate ofISONET,
asappropriate.
SUBSTANTIVE PROVISIONS
D. Inrespect ofstandards, thestandardizing bodyshallaccord treatment toproducts originating
intheterritory ofanyother Member oftheWTO nolessfavourable thanthataccorded tolikeproducts
ofnational origin andtolikeproducts originating inanyother country.
E. Thestandardizing body shallensure thatstandards arenotprepared, adopted orapplied with
aviewto,orwiththeeffect of,creating unnecessary obstacles tointernational trade.
F. Where international standards existortheircompletion isimminent, thestandardizing body
shallusethem, ortherelevant parts ofthem, asabasis forthestandards itdevelops, except where
suchinternational standards orrelevant partswould beineffective orinappropriate, forinstance, because
ofaninsufficient levelofprotection orfundamental climatic orgeographical factors orfundamental
technological problems.
G. With aviewtoharmonizing standards onaswideabasis aspossible, thestandardizing body
shall, inanappropriate way, playafullpart,within thelimits ofitsresources, inthepreparation by
relevant international standardizing bodies ofinternational standards regarding subject matter forwhich
iteither hasadopted, orexpects toadopt, standards. Forstandardizing bodies within theterritory
ofaMember, participation inaparticular international standardization activity shall, whenever possible,
takeplacethrough onedelegation representing allstandardizing bodies intheterritory thathaveadopted,
orexpect toadopt, standards forthesubject matter towhich theinternational standardization activity
relates.
H. Thestandardizing body within theterritory ofaMember shall make every effort toavoid
duplication of,oroverlap with, thework ofother standardizing bodies inthenational territory orwith
thework ofrelevant international orregional standardizing bodies. They shallalsomake every effort
toachieve anational consensus onthestandards theydevelop. Likewise theregional standardizingPage136
bodyshallmake every effort toavoid duplication of,oroverlap with, thework ofrelevant international
standardizing bodies.
I. Wherever appropriate, thestandardizing body shall specify standards based onproduct
requirements interms ofperformance rather thandesign ordescriptive characteristics.
J. Atleastonce every sixmonths, thestandardizing body shall publish awork programme
containing itsname andaddress, thestandards itiscurrently preparing andthestandards which ithas
adopted inthepreceding period. Astandard isunder preparation from themoment adecision has
beentaken todevelop astandard untilthatstandard hasbeenadopted. Thetitles ofspecific draft
standards shall, upon request, beprovided inEnglish, French orSpanish. Anotice oftheexistence
ofthework programme shallbepublished inanational or,asthecasemaybe,regional publication
ofstandardization activities.
Thework programme shallforeachstandard indicate, inaccordance withanyISONET rules,
theclassification relevant tothesubject matter, thestage attained inthestandard 'sdevelopment, and
thereferences ofanyinternational standards taken asabasis. Nolaterthanatthetimeofpublication
ofitswork programme, thestandardizing body shall notify theexistence thereof totheISO/IEC
Information Centre inGeneva.
Thenotification shallcontain thename andaddress ofthestandardizing body, thename and
issue ofthepublication inwhich thework programme ispublished, theperiod towhich thework
programme applies, itsprice (ifany), andhowandwhere itcanbeobtained. Thenotification may
besentdirectly totheISO/IEC Information Centre, or,preferably, through therelevant national member
orinternational affiliate ofISONET, asappropriate.
K. Thenational member ofISO/IEC shallmake every effort tobecome amember ofISONET
ortoappoint another bodytobecome amember aswellastoacquire themostadvanced membership
typepossible fortheISONET member. Other standardizing bodies shallmake every effort toassociate
themselves withtheISONET member.
L. Before adopting astandard, thestandardizing body shallallow aperiod ofatleast60days
forthesubmission ofcomments onthedraftstandard byinterested parties within theterritory ofa
Member oftheWTO. Thisperiod may, however, beshortened incases where urgent problems of
safety, health orenvironment ariseorthreaten toarise. Nolaterthanatthestartofthecomment period,
thestandardizing bodyshallpublish anotice announcing theperiod forcommenting inthepublication
referred toinparagraph J.Such notification shallinclude, asfaraspracticable, whether thedraft
standard deviates from relevant international standards.
M. Ontherequest ofanyinterested party within theterritory ofaMember oftheWTO, the
standardizing body shallpromptly provide, orarrange toprovide, acopyofadraftstandard which
ithassubmitted forcomments. Anyfeescharged forthisservice shall, apart from therealcostof
delivery, bethesame forforeign anddomestic parties.
N. Thestandardizing body shalltakeintoaccount, inthefurther processing ofthestandard, the
commentsreceivedduringtheperiodforcommenting.Commentsreceivedthroughstandardizingbodies
thathaveaccepted thisCode ofGood Practice shall, ifsorequested, bereplied toaspromptly aspossible.
Thereplyshallinclude anexplanation whyadeviation fromrelevant international standards isnecessary.
O. Once thestandard hasbeenadopted, itshallbepromptly published.
P. Ontherequest ofanyinterested party within theterritory ofaMember oftheWTO, the
standardizing body shallpromptly provide, orarrange toprovide, acopy ofitsmost recent workPage137
programme orofastandard which itproduced. Anyfeescharged forthisservice shall, apart from
therealcostofdelivery, bethesame forforeign anddomestic parties.
Q. Thestandardizing body shallafford sympathetic consideration to,andadequate opportunity
for,consultation regarding representations withrespect totheoperation ofthisCode presented by
standardizing bodies thathaveaccepted thisCode ofGood Practice. Itshallmake anobjective effort
tosolve anycomplaints.