1. ASEAN GAP ALIGNMENT Equivalence Matrix Tool
ANNEX 5
ASEAN GAP ALIGNMENT Equivalence Matrix Tool
Presented by: Lara V. Navarro, OIC-Chief ,Standards Development Division, BAFS
During the Workshop on ASEAN Good Agricultural Practices Alignment, November 2016, PHILIPPINES
ASEAN GAP PRACTICES ALIGNMENT WORKSHOP

2. Presentation Outline Rationale/Background 2. Alignment of Standards
1st PSC Meeting, EWG GAP Plan of Action
2. Alignment of Standards
3. Equivalence Matrix
Step by Step procedure
4. Other considerations
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3. RATIONALE/BACKGROUND
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4. Expert’s Working Group on GAP: Plan of Action
Priority Action 3: Align national standards with ASEAN agricultural best practices
Activity 3.2 Alignment of national GAP standards with ASEAN GAP
Timeline: 2016 to 2020
Lead Country: Philippines
1st PSC Meeting, Bangkok, 2015
Regional activity: Alignment of national GAP Standards with ASEAN GAP
(guidelines and training on self-assessment; peer review)
POA: 2.1 Develop alignment assessment tool
2.1 Peer review on the conduct of self-assessment (using the same matrix of equivalence of ASOA), focusing on Food Safety
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5. WORKSHOP AIM: Provide a framework to align National standards to meet the ASEAN GAP standards
Agree on the tool
Road test the tool: Self Assessment
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6. ALIGNMENT OF STANDARDS
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7. Acceptance of equally reliable systems
Inclusive Way Forward
Acceptance of equally reliable systems
With the goal in sight – of achieving harmonization and equivalence – major factors are considered:
Standards and conformity assessment systems should be inclusive for all ASEAN Member States and;
Regional standards can be adopted or adapted as a national standard, particularly by countries that have not yet promulgated their own national standard
Image source, GOMA Project 2012
Evaluation of DA Laboratories and Proposed Laboratory Policy

8. Alignment process takes into the experiences of similar undertakings:
International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence for OA Systems (FAO, UNCTAD, IFOAM);
Global Organic Market Access Project (FAO, UNCTAD, IFOAM);
Task Force on ASEAN Standards for Organic Agriculture
Others: Codex Food Import Export Certification Systems (Guidance on Equivalence)
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9. Anticipating the Future
Brunei
Cambodia
Acceptance of equally reliable systems
Indonesia
STEPS
ACTIVITIES
Standards
Adoption/Adaption* of ASEAN GAP
*Alignment Activities
Conformity Assessment
Inspection/Testing (ISO 17020)
Certification (ISO 17065)
Accreditation (ISO 17011)
MRA
Elements of the MRA:
Regulations
Infrastructure
Obligations/Management
Others
Laos
ASEAN GAP MRA
Systems Recognition
Malaysia
where national standards and supervision systems are set up
CRITICAL ELEMENTS:
International Standards: ASEAN GAP, ISO
Consistent with WTO rules, Good Regulatory Practices
Myanmar
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
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10. EQUIVALENCE MATRIX/TOOL
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11. Guidance Manual (Adopted from the TF-ASOA)
Scope and Purpose:
Guidelines in filling up the Equivalence Matrix in assessing the alignment of the AMS National Standards with the ASEAN GAP
Purpose of the document is to provide a common understanding among the AMS in using the Equivalence Matrix
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12. Objective of the Equivalence Assessment
Provide Self-Assessment;
Review the Assessment of other AMS
Resolve issues that may occur during peer review;
Determine the degree of equivalence of the ASEAN GAP against AMS
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13. Terms and Definitions:
BASE STANDARD: ASEAN GAP REFERRED STANDARD: National Standards ASSESSMENT GUIDE: E = equivalent A = referred standard > ASEAN GAP N = not equivalent
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14. Equivalence Assessment Tool

15. Procedures: STEP A: Self Assessment
Relevant references/legislations/regulations of the AMS should be cited as deemed appropriate in meeting the requirements of the BASE Standard
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16. Procedures: STEP B & C: Peer Review; Resolution REVIEWER ASSESSMENT
LEAD
2nd Reviewer
STEP B & C: Peer Review; Resolution
Lead Reviewer: country that have an existing standard and certification in place
Reviewer must not review each other’s standards
Review may be done either physically, teleconference, electronic ( )
Evaluation of DA Laboratories and Proposed Laboratory Policy

17. Procedures: STEP D: Validation (GROUP) REVIEWER ASSESSMENT LEAD
2nd Reviewer
STEP D: Validation (GROUP)
GROUP VALIDATION
PLENARY DISCUSSION
Review of the results of the review
Resolve any issues
All reviewed assessments should undergo group validation
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18. Other Considerations
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19. A: Additional; N: Not equivalent
Deviations
A: Additional; N: Not equivalent
Addressed by providing justification/proper interpretation of the National Standard;
One on one correspondence is not usually met
Result of the Alignment:
Identify which points are relevant/essential
Venue to assess efficiency and appropriateness of the standard
Identify ‘vague’ provisions or gaps in the requirements
Basis for REVISION/MODIFICATION of the National Standard
Evaluation of DA Laboratories and Proposed Laboratory Policy

20. Evaluation of DA Laboratories and Proposed Laboratory Policy

21. Department of Agriculture
BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STANDARDS
BPI Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Website:
Telefax Nos.:
(+632) , , ,
Trunkline Nos.:
(+632) local
Evaluation of DA Laboratories and Proposed Laboratory Policy