   
  
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
16 January  2023 
(23-0371) Page: 1/32 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures    
 
 
RECOMMEN DED PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING  
THE TRANSPARENCY OBLIGATIONS OF THE SPS AGREEMENT  (ARTICLE 7)  
Revision1 
The term transparency in the context of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is used to signify one 
of the fundamental principles of its agreements: the aim is to achieve a greater degree of clarity, 
predictability and information about trade policies, rules and regulations of Members.  
In implementing this concept , Members use notifications.  Under the SPS Agree ment, notifications 
are used to inform other Members about new or changed regulations that may significantly affect 
their trading partners.2 SPS notifications and other related  documents can be accessed through the 
WTO Secretariat's Documents Online  application  (https://docs.wto.org/ ) and the ePing SPS&TBT 
Platform ( https://eping.wto.org/ ).3 Transparency under the SPS Agreement  also includes answering 
reasonable questions, and pu blishing regulations.  
These procedures have been developed to assist Members fulfil their transparency obligations under 
Article  7 and Annex  B to the SPS Agreement  regarding the notification of SPS regulations, answering 
information requests and publishing regulations.  
These guidelines do not add to nor detr act from the existing rights and obligations of Members under 
the SPS Agreement  nor any other WTO Agreement.  These guidelines do not provide any legal 
interpretation or modification to the SPS Agreement  itself.  
1  IDENTIFICATION OF THE NATIONAL NOTIFICATION A UTHORITY AND OF THE 
NATIONAL ENQUIRY POINT (S) 
1.1.  In accordance with paragraph 10 of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement , Members are obliged to 
designate "a single central government authority" (the National Notification Authority  (NNA)) as 
responsible for the imple mentation at the national level of the provisions concerning notification 
procedures.  Paragraph 3 of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement  indicates that each Member "shall ensure 
that one enquiry point exists" (the National Enquiry Point (NEP)) which is responsibl e for the 
provision of answers to all reasonable questions as well as the provision of relevant documents.4 
1.2.  Contact information of Members' NNA s and NEPs is available through the ePing SPS&TBT 
Platform . When a Member 's NNA or NEP has been designated, or changed, the domestic entity 
designated as "Notification admin" is responsible for updating the contacts in this Platform .5 
Alternatively, Members can request the Secretariat to update the contact information  by sending an 
email to spscommittee@wto.org  to provide  the following details : 
 
1 This revision of the Recommended Transparency Procedures does not include any substantive changes 
to the text. It incorporates updates based on changes in the online tools  (ePing SPS&TBT Platform ). 
Since  revision 4, all notification recommendations are consolidated in one document.  
2 The SPS Agreement uses the terms 'measures' and 'regulations' somewhat interchangeably when 
referring to any sanitary or phytosanitary measure such as laws, decrees, or ordinances applied  to protect 
human, animal or plant life or health as defined under paragraph 1 of Annex A to the SPS Agreement.  
3 More information on the ePing SPS&TBT Platform  is available at: http://www.wto.org/spstransparency . 
4 In practice, a number of Members have decided to designate the same entity as the National Enquiry 
Point and the National Notification Authority while others have found it more functional to establish more than 
one Enquiry Point to cover the areas of food safety, animal and plant health.  
5 Notification admin rights , usually held by the NNA,  can be requested  by emailing the Secretariat at 
spscommittee@wto.org . Notification admin s are also respons ible for granting notification drafting rights or 
notification submission rights to other users registered o n the ePing SPS&TBT Platform . G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 2 - 
 
  − Contact name ; 
− Name of institution ; 
− Postal addres s/physical address ; 
− Phone ; 
− E-mail; and  
− Website address . 
2  RECOMMENDED NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES  
2.1.  Members should follow these procedures when notifying regulations as required in 
paragraphs  5 or 6 of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement . The form ats for regular notifications 
(see ANNEX A -1: REGULAR NOTIFICATIONS  of these procedures) should be used for notificatio ns in 
accordance with paragraph  5 of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement , whe reas the form ats for emergency 
notifications (see ANNEX B -1: EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS  of these procedures) should be used  for 
notifications as provided for in paragraph 6 o f Annex B to the SPS  Agreement . These notification 
formats can be completed and submitted through t he ePing  SPS&TBT Platform . Users with 
notification drafting rights or notification submission rights for this Platform  can fill in only or fill in 
and submit the notification  formats  online.  
2.1  Application of Annex B, paragraph s 5 and 6 (preambular part) , to the SPS Agreement  
2.2.  In accord ance with Article 7 and paragraph 5 of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement , Members are 
required to notify all regulations the content of which is "not substantially the same as the content 
of an international standard, guideline or recommendation", if such regul ations are expected to have 
a significant effect on trade of other Members.  
2.3.  Members are encouraged to notify all regulations that are based on, conform to, or are 
substantially the same as an international standard, guideline or recommendation, if they are  
expected to have a significant eff ect on trade of other Members.6 
2.4.  For the purposes of Annex B, paragraphs 5 and 6 , to the SPS Agreement , the concept of 
"significant effect on trade of other Members" may refer to the effect on trade:  
− of one sanitary or ph ytosanitary regulation only or of various sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulations in combination;  
− in a specific product, group of products or products in general;  and 
− between two or more Members.  
2.5.  To assess whether the sanitary or phytosanitary regulation may  have a significant effect on 
trade, the Member concerned should consider relevant available information such as:  the value or 
other importance of imports to the importing and/or exporting Members concerned, whether from 
other Members individually or colle ctively;  the potential development of such imports;  and difficulties 
for producers in other Members, particularly in developing country Members, to comply with the 
proposed sanitary or phytosanitary regulations.  The concept of a significant effect on trade of other 
Members should include both import -enhancing and import -reducing effects on the trade of other 
Members, as long as such effects are significant.  
2.2  Timing of notifications  
2.6.  Paragraph 5(a) of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement  obliges Members to publish a notice at an 
early stage in such a manner as to enable interested Members to become acquainted with a proposal 
to introduce a particular regulation.  This is useful so that other Members are better able to assess 
and if necessa ry, comment on the proposed measures.  Members may wish to provide information 
to the SPS Committee regarding expected modifications to their national regulator y systems.  
 
6 The Secre tariat should provide an annual report on the level of implementation of the transparency 
provisions of the SPS Agreement and of the recommended transparency procedures contained in this 
document, including, inter alia , an overview of those notifications which relate to the adoption of international 
standards, guidelines and recommendations by Members . This annual report is circulated as a revision of 
document G/SPS/GEN/804 . G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 3 - 
 
  2.7.  Paragraph 5(b) of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement  obliges Members to submit a notificatio n at 
an early stage when amendments can still be introduced and comments taken into account.  
This should be done when a draft of the complete text of a regulation is available.  
2.8.  Paragraph 5(d) of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement  obliges Members to allow a reaso nable period 
of time for submission, discussion and consideration of comments.  Members should normally allow 
a period of at least 60 calendar days for comments, except for proposed measures which facilitate 
trade7 and those which are substantially the sam e as an international standard, guideline, or 
recommendation.  Where domestic regulatory mechanisms allow, the 60 -day comment period should 
normally begin with the circulation of the notification by the WTO Secretariat.  Any Member which is 
able to provide a  time-limit beyond 60 days is encouraged to do so.  
2.9.  A notification should be made well before the entry into force of the relevant measure, except 
when urgent problems of health protection arise or threaten to arise for the Member concerned.  
In accordance w ith paragraph 6(a) of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement , any regulation brought into 
force in urgent circumstances is required to be notified immediately and a rationale for the urgent 
action provided.  
2.10.  The late notification of a measure already in force does no t in and of itself constitute sufficient 
reason for the use of the emergency format.  When urgent problems of health protection are not 
involved, late notifications should be made using the regular format and consideration should still 
be given to all comme nts received, in accordance with paragraph 5(d) of Annex  B to the 
SPS Agreement . 
2.3  Requesting documents related to a notification  
2.11.  Members requesting documents related to a notification should provide all the information 
necessary to identify the documents an d in particular the WTO SPS notification document symbol  to 
which the requests refer.  
2.12.  When requesting an electronic transmission of documents from another Member, 
Members  should indicate which electronic formats they are able to receive, including compatible 
versions.  
2.4  Providing documents related to a notification  
2.4.1   Address of body supplying the documents  
2.13.  Members should indicate under point 13 of the WTO notification format the full address of the 
body responsible for supplying the relevant documents i f that body is not the National Notification 
Authority or the National Enquiry Point.  Where the relevant documents are also available from a 
website, the website address or a specific hyperlink to these documents should be provided.  
2.4.2   Responding to requests  
2.14.  Members are obliged to provide upon request to other Members copies of the proposed 
regulation in accordance with paragraph 5(c) of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement . 
Documents  requested should normally be provided within five working days.  If this is not possi ble, 
the request for documentation or information should be acknowledged within that period and an 
estimate given of the time required to provide the requested documentation.  With a view to 
facilitating the timely provision of comments on notifications, Me mbers are strongly encouraged to 
comply with the five -day deadline.  
2.15.  Documents supplied in response to a request should be identified with the WTO 
SPS notification document symbol  to which the request refers.  
 
7 Trade facilitating measures could include, inter alia , the raising of the level of maximum residu e limits 
of certain pesticides in certain products, the lifting of a ban on imports, or the simplification or elimination of 
certain certification/approval procedures.  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 4 - 
 
  2.16.  Members should use e -mail facilities to the exte nt possible in responding to requests for 
documentation or information.  Members are encouraged to publish their sanitary or phytosanitary 
measures on the Internet, to facilitate the supply of documents, and to provide the address of 
relevant websites.  
2.17.  Memb ers may also submit an electronic version of the text of the notified draft regulation 
together with the notification format.  These texts are stored on a WTO server and are accessible 
through a hyperl ink in the notification format.8 Information about the provision, storage, and 
language of attachments to SPS notifications is contained in ANNEX C: FACILITY TO ACCESS FULL 
TEXTS OF NOTIFIED REGULATIONS  of these procedures.  
2.4.3   Acknowledging receipt of documents  
2.18.  The Member requesting documents relating to a notification should acknowledge receipt of 
the documents provided.  
2.4.4   Translation of documents  
2.19.  When a translation of a relevant document exists or is planned, this fact should be indicated 
on the WTO notification f ormat next to the title of the document.  If only a translated summary exists, 
the fact that such a summary is available should be similarly indicated.  
2.20.  If a translation of a document or summary exists in the language of the requesting Member, 
or, as the cas e may be, in the WTO working language used by the requesting Member, it should be 
automatically sent with the original of the document requested.  
2.21.  Where documents are not available in a WTO working language, developed country Members 
shall, upon request, su pply a translation of the document, or in case of voluminous documents, 
a translation of a summary of the document, in a WTO working language in accordance with 
paragraph  8 of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement . 
2.22.  When a Member seeks a copy of a document relating to a notification which does not exist in 
that Member's WTO working language, the notifying Member should advise the requesting Member 
of other Members that have requested, as of that date, a copy of the document.  The Member seeking 
a copy of a document re lating to a notification may contact other Members in order to determine 
whether the latter are prepared to share any translation that they have or will be making.  
2.23.  Any Member possessing an unofficial translation of a document relating to a notification sho uld 
inform the notifying Member of the existence of the unofficial translation and should submit to the 
Secretariat a supplement to the original notification submitted by a Member.  The supplement should 
indicate the address for requesting a copy or the website address where the unofficial translation 
can be found.  The format of the supplement can be found in ANNEX D: AVAILABILITY OF UNOFFICIAL 
TRANSLATIONS  of these procedures.  Neither  the Se cretariat nor the Member providing the unofficial 
translation can be held responsible for the accuracy or quality of these tran slations.9 Alternatively, 
Members can share unofficial translations of a document relating to a notification through the 
interna tional forum of the ePing  SPS&TBT Platform . 
2.5  Handling of comments on notifications  
2.24.  Each Member is responsible for updating the contact details of the authority or agency (e.g.  its 
National Notification Authority) which it has designated to be in charge of handling comments 
received, if no other agency has been designated in the notification, and of any change and/or 
modification of such authority or agency.10 
 
8 See G/SPS/GEN/818 . 
9 See G/SPS/GEN/487  for further information on this mechanism.  
10 Notification admin s are responsible for updating the contacts in the ePing SPS&TBT Platform . 
Notification admin rights can be requested  by emailing the Secretariat at spscommittee@wto.org . G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 5 - 
 
  2.25.  Members submitting comments on a notified draft regulation should provide them without 
unnecessary delay to the authority designated to handle the comments, or to the 
National  Notification Authority if no other designation is made.  
2.26.  A Member receiving comments through the des ignated body should, without further request:  
i. acknowledge the receipt of such comments;  
ii. explain within a reasonable period of time, and at the earliest possible date before the 
adoption of the measure, to any Member from which it has received comments, how  it will 
take these comments into account and, where appropriate, provide additional relevant 
information on the proposed sanitary or phytosanitary regulations concerned;  
iii. provide to any Member from which it has received comments, a copy of the correspondin g 
sanitary or phytosanitary regulations as adopted or information that no corresponding 
sanitary or phytosanitary regulations will be adopted for the time being.  
2.27.  A Member receiving comments through the designated body may consider making available 
to other  Members, where possible, non -confidential comments and questions it has received and 
answers it has provided, or summaries thereof, preferably via electronic means.  
2.28.  Members should grant requests for extension of the comment period wherever practicable, 
in particular with regard to notifications relating to products of particular interest to developing 
country Members, where there have been delays in receiving and translating the relevant documents 
or where there is a need for further clarification of the m easure notified.  A 30-day extension should 
normally be provided and notified to the WTO (see section below on Addenda).  
2.29.  Members are also encouraged to use the "Procedure to Enhance Transparency of Special and 
Differential Treatment in Favour of Developi ng Country Members " (G/SPS/33/Rev.1 ).11 
2.6  Addenda, revisions and corrigenda  
2.30.  In addition to their original notifications, Members can also provide supplementary information 
in three different form ats: 
− An addendum is used to provide additional information or changes to an original notification.  
A Member may wish to indicate on the addendum if t he final regulation has been 
substantially modi fied from the notified proposal;  
− A corrigendum is used to correct an error in an original notification such  as an incorrect 
address detail; or  
− A revision is used to replace an existing notification.  
2.31.  Any addend um or corrigendum should be read in conjunction with the original notification.  
2.6.1   Addenda  
2.32.  Members should notify changes in the status of a notified SPS regulation.  The issuance of an 
addendum allows Members to track the status of an SPS regulation via its un ique notification 
number.  Addenda to SPS notifications should be made in a number of circumstances, such as:  
− if the comment period has been extended;  
− when a proposed regulation is either adopted, published or comes into force, if the relevant 
dates have not been provided in the original notification or have been changed.  Members 
are strongly encouraged to follow this recommendation and inform other Members in a 
timely manner.  A Member may wish to indicate on the addendum if the final regulation has 
been substantially modified from the notified proposal;  
− if the content of a previously notified draft regulation is partially changed, or if the scope of 
application of the existing notification is modified, either in terms of Members affected or 
products c overed.  Such an addendum should provide for a new 60 -day comment period 
unless the notified change is of a trade -facilitating nature or is negligible.  Where domestic 
regulatory mechanisms allow, the 60 -day comment period should normally begin with the 
circulation of the notification by the WTO Secretariat;  
− if a proposed regulation is withdrawn;  
 
11 See Section 2.9  for more information on S&D notifications.  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 6 - 
 
  − in the case of an emergency notification, an addendum should also be submitted if the period 
of application of the existing notification is extended.  
2.33.  An addendum sho uld: 
i. briefly recap what was notified, when and what it was about - this is a practical requirement, 
and reduces the need for Members to have to go back to the original notification to check 
what it was about;  
ii. specify what change has been made and why - briefly state why the information, dates, etc. 
have been changed;  and 
iii. restate the comments deadline, even if it has not been changed - as a reminder to Members 
that if they wish to comment it must be done by this date.  
2.34.  A form at for making an addendum is avail able in ANNEX A -2: REGULAR  NOTIFICATIONS - 
ADDENDA  of these procedures for regular notifications and in ANNEX B -2: EMERGENCY 
NOTIFICATIONS - ADDENDA  for notifications of emergency measures.  These notifications can be 
completed and submitted through the ePing SPS&TBT Platform . 
2.6.2   Revisions  
2.35.  Revisions replace an existing notification.  Revisions should be submitted, for example, if a 
notified draft regulation was substantially redrafted or if a notification contained a large number of 
errors.  A Member should provide a further period for comments on the revised notification,  normally 
60 calendar days, unless the notified change is of a trade -facilitating nature or would have a 
negligible effect on trade.  Where domestic regulatory mechanisms allow, the 60 -day comment period 
should normally begin with the circulation of the rev ised notification by the WTO Secretariat.  
2.36.  A form at for making a revision is available in ANNEX A -3: REGULAR NOTIFICATIONS - 
REVISIONS  of these procedures for regular notifications and ANNEX B -3: EMERGENCY 
NOTIFICATIONS – REVISIONS  for notifications of emergency measures.  These notifications can be 
completed and submitted through the ePing SPS&TBT Platform . 
2.6.3   Corrigenda  
2.37.  Members should inform the Secretariat of any error(s) contained in their original notification.  
The Secretariat will issue a corrigendum accordingly.  
2.38.  A form at for making a corrigendum is available in ANNEX A -4: REGULAR NOTIFICATIONS - 
CORRIGENDa  of these procedures for regular notifications and ANNEX B -4: EMERGENCY 
NOTIFICATIONS – CORRIGENDa  for notifications of emergency measures.  These notifications can 
be completed and submitted through the ePing SPS&TBT Platform . 
2.7  Regulations that contain  both SPS and TBT measures  
2.39.  When a regulation contains both SPS and TBT measures, it should be notified according to 
both the SPS and TBT Agreements, preferably with an indication of which parts of the regulation fall 
under the SPS Agreement  (e.g., a food s afety measure) and  which parts fall under the 
TBT Agreement (e.g., quality or compositional requirements).  
2.8  Notification of determination of the recognition of equivalence of sanitary or 
phytosanitary measures12 
2.40.  In accordance with the Decision on Equivalence ( G/SPS/19/Rev.2 ), a Member which has made 
a determi nation recognizing the equivalence of sanitary or phytosanitary measures of another 
Member or Members shall notify other Members through the Secretariat of the measure(s) 
recognized to be equivalent and of the products affected by this recognition.  
 
12 At its meeting of 25 -26 June 2002, the Committee adopted a format and recommended procedures 
for the notification of determination of the recognition of equ ivalence of sanitary or phytosanitary measures 
which can be found in G/SPS/7/Rev.2/Add.1 . This document was incorporated into G/SPS/7/Rev.3  and 
subsequent revisions.  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 7 - 
 
  2.41.  For the  purposes of this notification, equivalence is defined to be the state wherein sanitary 
or phytosanitary measures applied in an exporting Member, though different from the measures 
applied in an importing Member, achieve, as demonstrated by the exporting M ember and recognized 
by the importing Member, the importing Member 's appropriate level of sanitary or phytosanitary 
protection.  A determination of the recognition of equivalence may be with respect to a specific 
measure or measures related to a certain product or categories of products, or on a systems -wide 
basis.  
2.42.  Notification should also be made of significant variations to existing equivalence 
arrangements, including their suspension or rescission.  
2.43.  See ANNEX E: NOTIFICATION OF RECOGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE  of these procedures for 
further information on the format for the notification of  determination of the recognition of 
equivalence of sanitary or phytosanitary measures . These  notificati ons can be completed and 
submitted through the ePing SPS&TBT Platform . 
2.9  Notification of special and differential treatment (S&D notification)  
2.44.  In accordance with the Decision on Special and Differential Treatment ( G/SPS/33/Rev.1 ), 
when an importing Member decides on whether and how  special and differential treatment may be 
provided in response to a specific request, that Member should inform the SPS Committee.  
2.45.  This may be done in writing and/or under the agenda item on Special and Differential 
Treatment at any meeting of the SPS Com mittee. Information provided in writing should be 
submitted to the WTO Secretariat as an addendum to the original notification concerning the 
measure. The addendum shall indicate: (1) the name(s) of Member(s) that requested special and 
differential treatme nt; (2) if special and differential treatment was provided, the form of such 
treatment; and (3) if not provided, the addendum shall indicate why special and differential 
treatment was not provided and whether technical assistance or any other solution was found to 
address the identified concern.  
2.46.  The format for making an S&D notification as an addendum to the original notification is 
available in ANNEX A -5: REGULAR NOTIFICATIONS - of these procedures , and can be completed 
and submitted through the  ePing  SPS&TBT Platform . 
2.10  Completed notifications  
2.47.  Notifications should be submitted, preferably online by using the ePing SPS&TBT Platform . 
Alternatively, they can be submitted by e-mail from the National Notification Authori ty to the Central 
Registry of Notifications (CRN) at the WTO.  The e -mail address is: crn@wto.org . 
2.48.  Electronic copies of all notification formats can be downloaded from the WTO website at:  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/notification_formats_e.htm . 
2.49.  Members may submit electronic copies, in PDF format, of proposed regulations along with the 
corresponding notifications to the WTO Se cretariat.  These texts will be accessible, in the format and 
language provided, through a hyperlink in the notification format (see paragraph 2.17.  ). 
2.50.  In addition, Members are encouraged to provide a website address or a specific hyperlink, 
if available, for the relevant documents in the appropriate section of the notification format.  
2.51.  The ePing SPS&TBT Platform  is an online platform where WTO Members can directly complete 
and submit notifications. Submission through this Platform allows for notifications to be processed 
more accurately and efficiently by the WTO Secretariat, making notifications accessible to the 
Membership much more rapidly.  
2.52.  Members should c ontact the Secretariat ( spscommittee@wto.org ) to designate a  notification 
admin  for the ePing SPS&TBT Platform , who will be respon sible for granting notification drafting 
rights or notification submission rights to other registered users . G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 8 - 
 
  3  GUIDELINES FOR NATIONAL ENQUIRY POINTS  
3.1.  The National Enquiry Point  (NEP)  system established in paragraph 3 of Annex  B to the 
SPS Agreement  is an eff ective avenue for obtaining information regarding SPS systems and 
measures from other Members.  
3.2.  The NEP handles on a routine basis:  
− document and information requests;  
− general enquiries;  and 
− delivery and charging of documents.  
3.3.  NEPs should also provide, upon request, information on participation in any bilateral or 
multilateral equivalence agreements and arrangemen ts in accordance with paragraph  3(d) of 
Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement . 
3.4.  While the mode of delivery is at the discretion of the Member concerned, it is recommended 
that delivery of documents should be by the fastest means possible.  In the first instance, if the 
Member has such facilities, the documents should be made accessible through a website or sent by 
e-mail. 
3.5.  A Member may only charge the same cost for the documents as it would for its own nationals 
plus the cost of delivering the documents in accordance with paragraph 4 of Annex  B to the 
SPS Agreement . 
3.6.  Members should also refer to the guidelines on transparency  contained in the handbook 
Practical Manual for SPS National Notification Authorities and S PS National Enquiry Points , when 
notifying regulations and operating National Enquiry Points in accordance with Article 7 an d Annex  B 
to the SPS  Agreement .13 
4  PUBLICA TION OF REGULATIONS  
4.1.  The publication of regulations is a fundamental component of transparency under the 
SPS Agreement . This is a general obligation on Members, and does not relate specifically to the work 
of either the National Notification Authority or Na tional Enquiry Point.  
4.2.  In accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of Annex  B to the SPS  Agreement , Members are obliged 
to: 
i. ensure that all SPS regulations which have been adopted are published promptly in such a 
manner as to enable interested Members to become a cquainted with them.  Regulations to 
be published include laws, decrees or ordinances which are applicable generally;  
ii. except in urgent circumstances, allow a reasonable interval between the publication of a 
sanitary or phytosanitary regulation and its entry  into force in order to allow time for 
producers in exporting Members and particularly in developing country Members, to adapt 
their products and methods of production to the requirements of the importing Member.  
4.3.  As agreed in the Doha Decision on Implement ation-Related Issues and Concerns 
(WT/MIN(01)/17 , paragraph  3.2): 
Subject to the conditions specified in paragraph 2 of Annex B to the Agreement on the 
Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, the phrase "reasonable interval" 
shall be understood to mean normally a period of not l ess than 6 months.  It is 
understood that timeframes for specific measures have to be considered in the context 
of the particular circumstances of the measure and actions necessary to implement it.  
The entry into force of measures which contribute to the li beralization of trade should 
not be unnecessarily delayed.  
 
13 Available at: http://www.wto.org/spstransparency . G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 9 - 
 
  4.4.  The reasonable interval specified above between the publication and entry into force of new 
regulations should be provided, including when these are based on, conform to, or are substantially 
the same as an international standard, guideline, or recommendation.  
4.5.  Members are encouraged to publish SPS regulations on the Internet where possible.  
Publication  on the Internet has a number of advantages and benefits to Members over more 
traditional methods.  It: 
i. allows for greater transparency;  
ii. makes it easier for Members to obtain documents;  and 
iii. reduces the amount of work involved in processing and fulfilling document requests.  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 10 - 
 
  ANNEX A -1: REGULAR NOTIFICATIONS  
COMPLETION OF FORMATS - REGULAR NOTIFICATIONS  
(ANNEX B, PARAGRAPH 5 , TO THE SPS AGREEMENT ) 
Information contained in the notifications should be as complete as possible and no section should 
be left blank. Where necessary, "N ot known ." or " Not stated ." should be indicated.  
Item  Description  
1. Member notifying  Government, including the competent authorities of the European Union, 
which is making the notification.  
2. Agency responsible  Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulation.  
3. Products covered  Tariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapter or heading and number) as 
contained in national schedules deposited with the WTO. ICS numbers 
should be provided in addition, where applicable.  A clear description i s 
important for an understanding of the notification by delegations and 
translators. Abbreviations should be avoided.  
4. Regions or 
countries likely to be 
affected  The geographical regions or countries likely to be affected by the notified 
regulation shou ld be identified to the extent relevant or practicable. 
Members are encouraged to be as specific as possible in identifying regions 
or countries likely to be affected.  
5. Title, language and 
number of pages of 
the notified document  Title of the proposed o r adopted (in the case of late submissions) sanitary 
or phytosanitary regulation. Number of pages in the notified document. 
Languages in which the notified document is available.  
If a translation of the whole document or its summary exists, indicate this 
here. 
If a Member submits the text of the draft regulation or a summary or 
translation thereof in PDF format along with the notification, the WTO 
Secretariat will facilitate access to this text through a hyperlink in the 
notification format.  
6. Description of 
content  A summary  of the proposed or adopted (in the case of late submissions) 
sanitary or phytosanitary regulation clearly indicating its content and 
health protection objective. The summary should be as complete and 
accurate as possible  to allow the full understanding of the proposed 
regulation. T o the extent possible, likely effects on trade should be 
described. Abbreviations should be avoided. Where practicable it should 
also include an outline of the specific sanitary measures the reg ulation 
will apply. The summary should enable trading partners to determine 
whether the notified measure is likely to have an impact on products they 
wish to export to the notifying Member.  
When a regulation contains both SPS and TBT measures, it should be  
notified according to both the SPS and TBT Agreements, preferably  with 
an indication of which parts of the regulation fall under the 
SPS Agreement  and which parts fall under the TBT Agreement.  
7. Objective  and 
rationale  State whether objective is: protec tion of human health from food -borne 
risks; or protection of human health from plant - or animal -carried 
diseases; or protection of animal health from pests or diseases; or 
protection of animal health from contaminated feed; or protection of plant 
health fr om pests or diseases; or prevention of other damage from entry, 
establishment or spread of pests.  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Item  Description  
8. Existence  of 
international 
standard, guideline or 
recommendation  If a relevant international standard, guideline or recommendation exists, 
put a cross in the box provided for the appropriate standard -setting 
organization and give the appropriate reference of the existing standard, 
guideline or recommendation, e.g., Codex standard number, WOAH 
(founded as OIE) Code chapter , ISPM number . Indicate whether the 
proposed regulation conforms to the relevant international standard and if 
not, describe, whenever possible, how and why the proposed regulation 
deviates from the international standard, guideline or recommendation.  
If no international standard , guideline or recommendation exists, put a 
cross in the box " None". 
9. Other relevant 
documents and 
language(s) in which 
these are available  Documents referenced here are different from those listed in box 5. 
Documents which should be referenced include:  
(a) Publication where notice of the proposed regulation  appears, including 
date and reference numbers;  
(b) Proposal and basic document to which proposal refers (with specific 
reference number or other identification), and the language(s ) in which the 
notified documents and any summary of these are available;  
(c) Publication in which proposal will appear when adopted.  
If it is necessary to charge for documents supplied, the amount of the 
charge should be indicated.  
Provide the website add ress and hyperlink for these documents where 
available.  
If a Member submits texts of referenced documents in PDF format along 
with the notification to the WTO Secretariat, hyperlinks to these texts will 
be made available under this item.  
10. Proposed date of 
adoption and of 
publication  The date when the sanitary or phytosanitary regulation is expected to be 
adopted. Also provide , where possible , the proposed date of publication of 
the final measure if this differs from the date of adoption . 
11. Proposed date of 
entry into force  The date from which the requirements in the regulation are proposed or 
decided to enter into force shall normally be at least six months following 
the above date of adoption and/or publication.  
Where appropriate, M embers should accord longer time -frames for 
compliance on products of interest to developing country Members. This 
shall normally be a period of not less than six months.1 
Put a cross in the box if the proposed measure contributes to the 
liberalization of  trade. In this case, the implementation of the measure 
should not be unnecessarily delayed and no comment period need be 
provided.  
12. Final date for 
comments and agency 
or authority handling 
comments  The date by which Members may submit comments in acco rdance with 
Annex B, paragraph  5(b), to the SPS Agreement . A Member should 
normally allow a period of at least 60 calendar days for comments. Check 
the box if this is 60 calendar days following the date of circulation of the 
notification as a WTO document ; the Secretariat will indicate the 
corresponding date . If not, a specific date should be indicated. Any Member 
which is able to provide a time  limit beyond 60 days is encouraged to do 
so. 
The agency or authority which has been designated to handle the 
comments should be indicated. If this is the National Notification Authority 
or the National Enquiry Point, put a cross in the box provided. If an other 
agency or authority has been designated, provide its name, address and 
e-mail address.  
For proposed measures which facilitate trade or those which are 
substantially the same as an international standard, guideline or 
 
1 Doha Decision on Implementation -Related Issues and Concerns ( WT/MIN(0 1)/17 , paragraph 3.1).  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 12 - 
 
  Item  Description  
recommendation, Members may reduc e or eliminate the period for 
receiving comments.  
13. Texts  available 
from If available from the National Notification Authority or the National Enquiry 
Point, put a cross in the respective box. If available from another body, 
give its address and e -mail address. Such indications do not in any way 
discharge the relevant National Enquiry Point of its responsibilities under 
the provisions of Annex B, paragraph s 3 and 4 , to the SPS Agreement . 
Provide the website address and specific hyperlink of the document 
notified, if available.  
If a Member submits the text of the draft regulation  in PDF format along 
with the notification, a hyperlink to this text will be made available under 
this item.  
  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 13 - 
 
    
  
G/SPS/N/ISO  COUNTRY CODE/#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original:  Language  
 
NOTIFICATION  
1. Notifying Member: SPS1A  
If applicable, name of local government involved: sps1b  
2. Agency responsible: sps2a  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as specified in national 
schedules deposited with the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, 
where applicable): sps3a  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or practicable : 
[sps4b]  All trading partners sps4bbis  
[sps4abis]  Specific regions or countries: sps4a  
5. Title of the notified document: sps5a . Language(s): sps5b.  Number of pages: 
sps5c  
sps5d  
6. Description of content: sps6a  
7. Objective and rationale: [sps7a]  food safety, [sps7b]  animal health, 
[sps7c]  plant protection, [sps7d]  protect humans from animal/plant pest or 
disease, [sps7e]  protect territory from other damage from pests. sps7f  
8. Is there a relevant international standard? If so, identify the standard:  
[sps8a]  Codex Alimentarius Commission (e.g.  title or serial number of Codex 
standard or related text) : sps8atext  
[sps8b]  World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (e.g.  Terrestrial or 
Aquatic Animal Health Code, chapter number) : sps8btext  
[sps8c]  International Plant Protection Convention (e.g.  ISPM number) : 
sps8ctext  
[sps8d]  None  
Does this proposed regulation conform to the relevant international standard?  
[sps8ey] Yes  [sps8en] No  
If no, describe, whenever possible, how and why it deviates from the 
international standard: sps8e  
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 14 - 
 
  9. Other relevant documents and language(s) in which  these are available: sps9a  
sps9b  
10. Proposed date of adoption (dd/mm/yy) : sps10a  
Proposed date of publication (dd/mm/yy) : sps10bisa  
11. Proposed date of entry into force: [sps11c]  Six months from date of publication , 
and/or  (dd/mm/yy) : sps11a  
[sps11e]  Trade facilitating measure sps11ebis  
12. Final date for comments: [sps12e]  Sixty days from the date of circulation of the 
notification and/or (dd/mm/yy) : sps12a  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [sps12b]  National 
Notification Auth ority, [sps12c]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number 
and e -mail address (if available) of other body: sps12d  
13. Text(s) available from: [sps13a]  National Notification Authority, 
[sps13b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  sps13c  
 G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 15 - 
 
  ANNEX A -2: REGULAR  NOTIFICATIONS - ADDENDA  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ISO  COUNTRY CODE/# /Add.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION  
Addendum  
The following communication, received on DateReception , is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Member . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title 
Measure  
This addendum concerns a:  
[ModificationComment ] Modification of final date for comments  
[Notification ] Notification of adoption, publication or entry into force of regulation  
[ModificationContent ] Modification of content and/or scope of previously notified draft 
regulation  
[Withdraw ] Withdrawal of proposed regulation  
[ModificationDate ] Change in proposed date of adoption, publication or date of  entry 
into force  
[ModificationOther ] Other: ModificationOtherText  
Comment period: (If the addendum extends the scope of the previously notified measure 
in terms of products and/or potentially affected Members, a new deadline for receipt of 
comments shou ld be provided, normally of at least 60 calendar days. Under other 
circumstances, such as extension of originally announced final date for comments, the 
comment period provided in the addendum may vary.)  
[SixtyDayCirculation ] Sixty days from the date of circulation of the addendum to the 
notification and/or (dd/mm/yy) : DateComment  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [CommentNNA]  National 
Notification Authority, [CommentNEP] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax n umber and 
e-mail address (if available) of other body:  
CommentAddress  
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Text(s) available from: [TextAvailableNNA]  National Notification Authority, 
[TextAvailableNEP] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other b ody: 
TextSupplierAddress  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 17 - 
 
  ANNEX A -3: REGULAR NOTIFICATIONS - REVISIONS  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ISO  COUNTRY CODE/# /Rev.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original:  Language  
 
NOTIFICATION  
Revision  
1. Notifying Member: SPS1A  
If applicable, name of local government involved: sps1b  
2. Agency responsible: sps2a  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as specified in national 
schedules deposited with the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, 
where applicable): sps3a  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or practi cable : 
[sps4b]  All trading partners sps4bbis  
[sps4abis]  Specific regions or countries: sps4a  
5. Title of the notified document: sps5a.  Language(s): sps5b.  Number of pages: 
sps5c  
sps5d  
6. Description of content: sps6a  
7. Objective and rationale: [sps7a]  food safety, [sps7b]  animal health, 
[sps7c]  plant protection, [sps7d]  protect humans from animal/plant pest or 
disease, [sps7e]  protect territory from other damage from pests. sps7f  
8. Is there a relevant international sta ndard? If so, identify the standard:  
[sps8a]  Codex Alimentarius Commission (e.g.  title or serial number of Codex 
standard or related text) : sps8atext  
[sps8b]  World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (e.g.  Terrestrial or 
Aquatic Animal Health Code, chapter number) : sps8btext  
[sps8c]  International Plant Protection Convention (e.g.  ISPM number) : 
sps8ctext  
[sps8d]  None  
Does this proposed regulation conform to the relevant international standard?  
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 18 - 
 
  [sps8ey] Yes  [sps8en] No  
If no, describe, whenever possible, how and why it deviates from the 
international standard: sps8e  
9. Other relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available: sps9a  
sps9b  
10. Proposed date of adoption (dd/mm/yy) : sps10a  
Proposed date of publication (dd/mm/yy) : sps10bisa  
11. Proposed date of entry into force: [sps11c]  Six months from date of publication , 
and/or  (dd/mm/yy) : sps11a  
[sps11e]  Trade facilitating measure  sps11ebis  
12. Final date for comments: [sps12e]  Sixty da ys from the date of circulation of the 
notification and/or (dd/mm/yy) : sps12a  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [sps12b]  National 
Notification Authority, [sps12c]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number 
and e -mail address (if available ) of other body: sps12d  
13. Text(s) available from: [sps13a]  National Notification Authority, 
[sps13b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  sps13c  
 G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 19 - 
 
  ANNEX A -4: REGULAR NOTIFICATIONS - CORRIGENDA  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ISO  COUNTRY CODE/# /Corr.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION  
Corrigendum  
The following communication, received on DateReception, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Member . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title 
Measure  
Text(s) available from: [ TextAvailableNNA]  Natio nal Notification Authority, 
[TextAvailableNEP] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  
TextSupplierAddress  
 
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 20 - 
 
  ANNEX A -5: REGULAR NOTIFICATIONS -  
SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ISO  COUNTRY CODE/# /Add.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION  
Addendum  
The followin g communication, received on DateReception , is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Member . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title 
 
Measure  
 
Special and Differential Treatment  
 
(1) Name(s) of Member(s) that requested special and differential treatment: 
MembersRequested  
 
(2) Special and differential treatment provided  [IsTreatmentProvided]  Yes 
 [IsTreatmentProvidedNo]  No 
 
Describe how such treatment was provided, including what form it took. 
 
TreatmentProvided  
 
(3) If special and differential treatment was not provided, indicate why it was not 
provided and whether technical assistance or any other solution was found to 
address the identified concern.  
 
OtherSolution  
 
Text(s) available from: [ TextAvailableNNA]  National Notification Authority, 
[TextAvailableNEP] National Enquiry Point, or address, fax number and e-mail address (if 
available) of other body:  
TextSupplierAddress  
 
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 21 - 
 
  ANNEX B -1: EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS  
COMPLETION OF FORMATS - EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS  
(ANNEX B, PARAGRAPH 6 , TO THE SPS AGREEMENT ) 
Information contained in the notification form should be as complete as possible and no section 
should be left blank. Where necessary, " Not known ." or " Not stated ." should be indicated.  
Item  Description  
1. Member notifying  Government, including the competent authorities of the European Union, 
which is making the notification.  
2. Agency responsible  Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a sanitary or 
phytosanitary regulation.  
3. Products covered  Tariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapter or  heading and number) as 
contained in national schedules deposited with the WTO.  ICS numbers 
should be provided in addition, where applicable.  A clear description is 
important for an understanding of the notification by delegations and 
translators.  Abbreviations should be avoided.  
4. Regions or 
countries likely to be 
affected  The geographical regions or countries like ly to be affected by the notified 
regulation should be identified to the extent relevant or practicable.  
Members are encouraged to be as specific as possible in identifying 
regions or countries likely to be affected.  
5. Title, language and 
number of pages  of 
the notified document  Title of the proposed or adopted (in the case of late submissions)  sanitary 
or phytosanitary regulation.  Number of pages in the notified document.  
Languages in which the notified document is available.  
If a translation of the whol e document or its summary exists, indicate 
this here.  
If a Member submits the text of the draft regulation or a summary or 
translation thereof in PDF format along with the notification, the WTO 
Secretariat will facilitate access to this text through a hype rlink in the 
notification format.  
6. Description of 
content  A summary of the proposed or adopted sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulation clearly indicating its content and health protection objective.  
The summary should be as complete and accurate as possible to allow 
the full understanding of the proposed regulation.  To the extent possible, 
likely effects on trade should be described.  Abbreviations should be 
avoided.  Where practicable it should also include an outline of the specific 
sanitary measures  the regulation will apply.  The summary should enable 
trading partners to determine whether the notified measure is likely to 
have an impact on products they wish to export to the notifying Member.  
When a regulation contains both SPS and TBT measures, it s hould be 
notified according to both the SPS and TBT Agreements, preferably  with 
an indication of which parts of the regulation fall under the 
SPS Agreement  and which parts fall under the TBT Agreement.  
7. Objective  and 
rationale  State whether objective is : protection of human health from food -borne 
risks;  or protection of human health from plant - or animal -carried 
diseases;  or protection of animal health from pests or diseases;  or 
protection of animal health from contaminated feed;  or protection of plant 
health from pests or diseases; or prevention of other damage from entry, 
establishment or spread of pests.  
8. Nature of urgent 
problem(s) and reason 
for urgent action  Indication of the underlying reasons for resorting to emergency action, 
e.g., incursion o f pests associated with imports, outbreak of a disease in 
supplying areas, etc.  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Item  Description  
9. Existence of 
international 
standard, guideline or 
recommendation  If a relevant international standard, guideline or recommendation exist s, 
put a cross in the box provided for the appropriate standard -setting 
organization and  give the appropriate reference of the existing standard, 
guideline or recommendation, e.g., Codex standard number, WOAH 
(founded as OIE) Code chapter , ISPM  number . Indicate whether the 
proposed regulation conforms to the relevant international standard and 
if not, describe, whenever possible, how and why the proposed regulation 
deviates from the international standard, guideline or recommendation.  
If no inte rnational standard, guideline or recommendation exists, put a 
cross in the box " None". 
10. Other relevant 
documents and 
language(s) in which 
these are available  Documents referenced here are different from those listed in box 5.  
Documents which should be referenced include:  
(a) Measure(s) taken and basic regulation which was modified (with 
specific reference number or other identification), and the language(s) in 
which the notified documents and any summary of these are available;  
(b) Publication in which regulation will appear.  
If it is necessary to charge for documents supplied, the amount of the 
charge should be indicated.  
Provide the website address and hyperlink for these documents where 
available.  
If a Member submits texts of referenced documents in P DF format along 
with the notification to the WTO Secretariat, hyperlinks to these texts will 
be made available under this item.  
11. Date of entry into 
force and period of 
application  The date from which the requirements entered into force, and, if 
applicable, the period of time during which they will apply.  (For example: 
immediate entry into force [date], duration of two months.)  
Put a cross in the box if the proposed measure contributes to the 
liberalization of trade.  
12. Agency or 
authority handl ing 
comments  The agency or authority which has been designated to handle the 
comments should be indicated.  If this is the National Notification 
Authority or the National Enquiry Point, put a cross in the box provided.  
If another agency or authority has bee n designated, provide its name, 
address and e -mail address.  
13. Texts  available 
from If available from the National Notification Authority or National Enquiry 
Point, put a cross in the respective box.  If available from another body, 
give its address, fax number and e -mail address.  Such indications do not 
in any way discharge the relevant National Enquiry Point of its 
responsibilities under the provisions of Annex  B, paragraph s 3 and 4 , to 
the SPS Agreement . 
Provide the website address and specific hyperlin k of the document 
notified, if available.  
If a Member submits the text of the draft regulation in PDF format along 
with the notification, a hyperlink to this text will be made available under 
this item.  
 
  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 23 - 
 
    
  
G/SPS/N/ISO COUNTRY CODE/#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original:  Language  
 
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
1. Notifying Member:  SPS1A  
If applicable, name of local government involved:  sps1b  
2. Agency responsible:  sps2a  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as specified in national 
schedules deposited with the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, 
where applicable): sps3a  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or practi cable : 
[sps4b]  All trading partners sps4bbis  
[sps4abis]  Specific regions or countries: sps4a  
5. Title of the notified document: sps5a.  Language(s): sps5b.  Number of pages: 
sps5c  
sps5d  
6. Description of content: sps6a  
7. Objective and rationale: [sps7a]  food safety, [sps7b]  animal health, 
[sps7c]  plant protection, [sps7d]  protect humans from animal/plant pest or 
disease, [sps7e]  protect territory from other damage from pests. sps7f  
8. Nature of the urgent problem(s) and r eason for urgent action: sps8a  
9. Is there a relevant international standard? If so, identify the standard:  
[sps9a]  Codex Alimentarius Commission (e.g.  title or serial number of Codex 
standard or related text) : sps9atext  
[sps9b]  World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (e.g.  Terrestrial or 
Aquatic Animal Health Code, chapter number) : sps9btext  
[sps9c]  International Plant Protection Convention (e.g.  ISPM number) : 
sps9ctext  
[sps9d]  None  
Does this proposed regulation conform to the relevant international standard?  
[sps9ey] Yes  [sps9en] No  
If no, describe, whenever possible, how and why it deviates from the 
international standard: sps9e  
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 24 - 
 
  10. Other relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  sps10a 
sps10b  
11. Date of entry into force ( dd/mm/yy )/period of application (as applicable): 
sps11a  sps11c sps11cbis sps11d  
[sps11e]  Trade facilitating measure sps11ebis  
12. Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [sps12a]  National 
Notification Authority, [sps12 b] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number 
and e -mail address (if available) of other body: sps12c  
13. Text(s) available from: [sps13a]  National Notification Authority, 
[sps13b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body: sps13c  
 G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 25 - 
 
  ANNEX B -2: EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS - ADDENDA  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ISO COUNTRY CODE/# /Add.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
Addendum  
The follow ing communication, received on DateReception, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Member . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title 
Measure  
This addendum concerns a:  
[ModificationComment ] Modification of final date for comments  
[ModificationContent ] Modification of content and/or scope of previously notified regulation  
[Withdraw ] Withdrawal of regulation  
[ModificationDate ] Change in period of application of measure  
[ModificationOther ] Other: ModificationOtherText  
Agency or aut hority des ignated to handle comments: [ CommentNNA]  Natio nal 
Notification Authority, [ CommentNEP] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and 
e-mail address (if available) of other body:  
CommentAddress  
Text(s) available from: [ TextAvailableNNA]  Natio nal Notification Authority, 
[TextAvailableNEP] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  
TextSupplierAddress  
 
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 26 - 
 
  ANNEX B -3: EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS – REVISIONS  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ISO  COUNTRY CODE/# /Rev.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original:  Language  
 
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
Revision  
1. Notifying Member:  SPS1A  
If applicable, name of local government involved:  sps1b  
2. Agency responsible:  sps2a  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as specified in national 
schedules deposited with the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, 
where applicable): sps3a  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or practicable : 
[sps4b]  All trading partners sps4bbis  
[sps4abis]  Specific regions or countries: sps4a  
5. Title of the notified document: sps5a.  Language(s): sps5b.  Number of pages: 
sps5c  
sps5d  
6. Description of content: sps6a  
7. Objective and rationale: [s ps7a]  food safety, [sps7b]  animal health, 
[sps7c]  plant protection, [sps7d]  protect humans from animal/plant pest or 
disease, [sps7e]  protect territory from other damage from pests. sps7f  
8. Nature of the urgent problem(s) and reason for urgent action: sps8a  
9. Is there a relevant international standard? If so, identify the standard:  
[sps9a]  Codex Alimentarius Commission (e.g.  title or serial number of Codex 
standard or related text) : sps9at ext 
[sps9b]  World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (e.g.  Terrestrial or 
Aquatic Animal Health Code, chapter number) : sps9btext  
[sps9c]  International Plant Protection Convention (e.g.  ISPM number) : 
sps9ctext  
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 27 - 
 
  [sps9d]  None  
Does this proposed regulation co nform to the relevant international standard?  
[sps9ey] Yes  [sps9en] No  
If no, describe, whenever possible, how and why it deviates from the 
international standard: sps9e  
10. Other relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  sps10a 
sps10b  
11. Date of entry into force ( dd/mm/yy )/period of application (as applicable): 
sps11a  sps11c sps11cbis sps11d  
[sps11e]  Trade facilitating measure sps11ebis  
12. Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [sps12a]  National 
Notification Authority, [sps12b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number 
and e -mail addr ess (if available) of other body: sps12c  
13. Text(s) available from: [sps13a]  National Notification Authority, 
[sps13b]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body: sps13c  
 G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 28 - 
 
  ANNEX B -4: EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS – CORRIGENDA  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ISO  COUNTRY CODE/# /Corr.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
Corrigendum  
The followin g communication, received on DateReception, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Member . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Title 
Measure  
Text(s) available from: [ TextAvailableNNA]  Natio nal Notification Authority, 
[TextAvailableNEP]  National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if 
available) of other body:  
TextSupplierAddress  
 
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 29 - 
 
  ANNEX C: FACILITY TO ACCESS FULL TEXTS OF NOTIFIED REGULATIONS  
ATTACHMENTS SUBMITTED TOGETHER WITH WTO SPS NOTIFICATIONS  
Guidelines  
1  GENERAL  
(a) An "attachment" is a draft regulatory text or a translation or a summary thereof referred to 
in a WTO SPS notification.  
(b) An attachment will not be considered as a WTO document.  
(c) The Secretariat cannot be held responsi ble for the content of attachments.  
2  PROVISION OF ATTACHMENTS TO THE WTO   
(a) Attachments should be provided electronically to the Central Registry of Notifications 
(crn@wto.org ), in conjunction with the corresponding WTO SPS notification.  
(b) Attachments will not be scanned by the WTO Secretariat if submitted in hard copy.  
(c) Attachments should be provided in PDF format only.  Notifications should continue to be 
submitted in Word.1 
(d) Individual attachments should not exceed 4MB in size;  multiple attachments may be 
provided.  
3  STORAGE OF ATTACHMENTS   
(a) Attachments will be stored on a WTO central server.  
(b) Attachments stored on the WTO central server will be viewable online by clicking on the 
hyperlink in the notification format. 
(c) Attachments can also be downloaded directly by the user.  
(d) Attachments will not be circulated in hard copy form.  
4  LANGUAGE OF ATTACHMENTS  
(a) Attachments may be provided in their original language.  
(b) If available, Members may also provide translations.  
(c) Attachments will not be translated by the Secretariat.  
 
1 The most efficient way to submit notifications is online through the ePing SPS&TBT Platform . Refer to 
section 2 of the document for further guidance on the notification procedure.  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 30 - 
 
  ANNEX D: AVAILABILITY OF UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS  
  
  
G/SPS/N/ISO  COUNTRY 
CODE/# /Suppl.#  
 
DateDistribution  
(00-0000)  Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures    
 
AVAILABILITY OF TRANSLATIONS  
NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT  
Supplement  
The Secretariat has been informed that an unofficial translation into language of the document 
referenced in this notification is available for consultation at:  
 
html address.  
______________________________________________________________________________  
Comité des mesures sanitaires et phytosanitaires  
TRADUCTIONS DISPONIBLES  
NOTE DU SECRÉTARIAT  
Supplément  
Le Secrétariat a été informé qu'une traduction non officielle en langue  du document auquel renvoie 
la présente notification pouvait être consultée à l'adresse suivante:  
 
adresse  html. 
______________________________________________________________________________  
Comité de Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias  
ACCESO A TRADUCCIO NES 
NOTA DE LA SECRETARÍA  
Suplemento  
Se ha comunicado a la Secretaría que en la dirección:  
 
dirección  html 
 
se puede consultar una traducción no oficial al idioma del documento a que se hace referencia en la 
presente notificación.   
 
 
G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 31 - 
 
  ANNEX E: NOTIFICATION OF RECOGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE  
RECOMMENDED P ROCEDURES FOR THE COMPLETION  
OF THE NOTIFICATION FORMAT  
In accordance with the Decision on Equivalence ( G/SPS/19/Rev.2 ), a Member which has made a 
determination recogniz ing the equivalence of sanitary or phytosanitary measures of another Member 
or Members shall notify other Members through the Secretariat of the measure(s) recognized to be 
equivalent and of the products affected by this recognition.  
For the purposes of th is notification, equivalence is defined to be the state wherein sanitary or 
phytosanitary measures applied in an exporting Member, though different from the measures applied 
in an importing Member, achieve, as demonstrated by the exporting Member and recog nized by the 
importing Member, the importing Member 's appropriate level of sanitary or phytosanitary protection.  
A determination of the recognition of equivalence may be with respect to a specific measure or 
measures related to a certain product or categor ies of products, or on a systems -wide basis.  
Notification should also be made of significant variations to existing equivalence arrangements, 
including their suspension or rescission.  
Item  Description  
1. Member notifying  Government, including the competent authorities of the European Union , 
which is making the notification.  
2. Title of the text 
stating 
determination of the 
recognition of 
equivalence  Title of any formal or informal agreement, Memorandum of Understanding 
or other document establishing the determination of recognition of 
equivalence.  
3. Parties involved  Name of the exporting Member or Members whose measure has been 
determined to be equivalent.  
4. Date of entry into 
force of the 
determination of the 
recognition of 
equivalence and any 
associated 
procedures or 
regulations  Date from which procedures, regulations or other measures based on the 
determination of recognition of equivalence took effect.  
5. Products covered 
(HS or ICS where 
applicable, 
otherw ise national 
tariff heading)  Tariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapter or heading and number) as 
contained in national schedules deposited with the WTO of the product(s) 
which are imported on the basis of the determination of the recognition of 
equivalence.  
6. Brief description 
of the measure(s) 
recognized to be 
equivalent  Clearly indicate the nature of the recognition of equivalence, including 
which measure(s) of the exporting Member have been determined to be 
equivalent and which elements of t he importing Member's usual 
requirements are met by these equivalent measures.  
7. Further 
information available 
from The agency or authority from which an interested Member may request 
further information regarding the specific determination of equivalenc e 
being notified.  If this is the National Enquiry Point, check the box provided.  
If available from another body, give its address, and e -mail address.  
Provide the website address of the document, if available.  
 
  G/SPS/7/Rev.5  
 
- 32 - 
 
    
  
G/SPS/N/EQV/ ISO COUNTRY CODE/ # 
 
DateDistribut ion 
(00-0000)  Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Language  
 
NOTIFICATION OF DETERMINATION OF THE RECOGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE  
OF SANITARY OR PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES  
The following notification of determination of the recognition of equivalence has been received.  
 
1. Member notifying: 1A 
2. Title of the text stating the determination of the recognition of equivalence : 2a 
3. Parties involved:  3a 
4. Date of entry into force of the determination of the recognition of equivalence 
and any associated procedures or regulations:  4a 4b  
5. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff 
heading):  5a 
6. Description of measures recognized to be equivalent:  6a 
7. Further information available from:  
[7b] National Enquiry Point  
[7c] Other (specify)  7a 
 
 
__________  
