PROPOSED OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THE
SPS TRANSPARENCY WORKING GROUP

SUBMISSION FROM NEW ZEALAND

The following submission, dated 24 April 2025, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of New Zealand.

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Following the successful conclusion of the Sixth Review of the Operation and Implementation of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures on 20 March 2025, this submission aims to support ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and cooperation among Members. In accordance with the report adopted by the SPS Committee in _G/SPS/74, and in particular the recommendations set out in Section 2.6 therein titled "Transparency/Notification Procedures", New Zealand submits the following operational guidelines for an SPS Transparency Working Group.

The proposed guidelines are intended to foster an inclusive and cooperative approach to SPS implementation, and to strengthen the operation of the Committee in addressing current and emerging SPS challenges relating to transparency, taking into account the principles of the SPS Agreement.

New Zealand would welcome active discussion on the proposed guidelines, including at the upcoming SPS Committee intersessional meeting to be held on 15 May 2025. We look forward to collaborative dialogue with all Members on this matter.

Proposed Operational Guidelines for the Transparency Working Group (TWG)

1.  Purpose

The TWG is established to advance work on transparency, as agreed in _G/SPS/74.

2.  Scope

The scope of the TWG is set out in the recommendations of Section 2.6 ("Transparency/Notification Procedures") of document _G/SPS/74. In addition, if directed to do so by the SPS Committee, the TWG may be tasked to explore other mutually agreed-upon topics.

3.  Structure

The TWG will be open to all Members and Observers of the SPS Committee, on a voluntary basis. The TWG will have no set membership (apart from the Steward/Co-Stewards). It will operate for a two-year period, which may be extended by the SPS Committee if and as agreed.

Steward/Co-Stewards

The TWG will identify a Steward/Co-Stewards from among its Members. These roles will be reviewed annually.

After each meeting, the Secretariat and the Steward/Co-Stewards will be jointly responsible for providing a written report regarding the TWG's discussions, activities and decision-making to the SPS Committee.

4.  Sessions

The TWG will operate in line with existing SPS Committee settings. Meetings will be run according to relevant WTO rules and procedures.

With prior agreement of the Members, the Secretariat may invite individuals or representatives of organizations with specific expertise to participate on an ad hoc basis at a specified meeting, or part of a meeting, or for specified business, as invited experts.

5.  Functions

The TWG will have the following functions:

·_          Reporting to the SPS Committee on its discussions and activities.

·_          Discussing, identifying, promoting, and/or developing appropriate activities in line with the scope outlined above.

·_          Sharing observations based on the identification of approaches and challenges associated with the implementation of the transparency provisions of the SPS Agreement.

·_          Coordinating with the TBT Committee Transparency Working Group, as appropriate, to align work where possible.

·_          Undertaking other relevant functions as directed by the SPS Committee.

6.  WTO Secretariat

The Secretariat, working in conjunction with the Steward/Co-Stewards, will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the TWG and providing administrative, technical, and editorial support, as required.

7.  Amendments

Any amendments to the functions or operation of the TWG will be decided by the SPS Committee.

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