40th Report in 2010: Classification of Notifications of Technical Measures to Trade in Terms of Their Conformity

March 21,2011

xiaoluo

Abstract: Based on the rules of the WTO, the report classifies foreign notifications of measures in terms of their conformity as barriers, general violations and pending measures. The preliminary finding from analysis of China’s assessment cases of official notifications in 2006 and 2009 indicates that barriers only account for 11.3% of the total foreign notification. The finding provides basic analysis methods for proper assessment of foreign notifications, reasonably identifying technical barriers to trade (TBT), and adopting effective countermeasures. The report also proposes recommendations like prudence in using TBT, adherence to the WTO major principles in assessing and handling notifications, strengthening active follow-up of foreign information related to TBT, and improving China’s laboratory data accumulation and capability.