1. Workshop on Transparency English Group 1
Kylie Oakes-Ati
Australia

2. What it takes to be transparent ?
Notification of measures conforming to international standards
Definition of “significant impact on trade” important
Suggested text para 7, G/SPS/W/215
Operational guidelines/step-by-step approach
When to notify (at “an early stage”)
Contact addresses – individual/institution
Clear procedures for when EP/NNA staff change

3. What it takes to be transparent ?
Comment period of 60 days + automatic extension on request
Consensus on merits and need to make period “effective”
Disagreement over date at which comments period should begin i.e. circulation by Secretariat or notification to Secretariat
Difficulties also with automatic provision of comment period on addenda due to domestic constraints
Suggestion on Secretariat help by Chinese Taipei para.16
Translation difficulties – accessibility/reliability

4. How to benefit from transparency?
Canada’s good practice checklist
Electronic: newsletters, website, export alerts
Face to face: stakeholder seminars with private sector
Constraints of developing countries
Poor feedback on electronic communication
Cost of face to face briefings
National SPS Committees
Public sector – one way to overcome HS code problem
Private representation
But, impossible to accommodate all stakeholders
Mentoring
We agree, now let’s discuss the detail!