CODEX UPDATE TO THE
TBT COMMITTEE
Information
provided BY the CODEX ALIMENTARIUS
COMMISSION
(CODEX)
This
document contains information provided by CODEX at the TBT Committee
meeting of 5‑7 June 2024 under Agenda Item 7 (Update by Observers).
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1 Codex meetings held since the last
session of the TBT Committee (13‑15 March 2024)
1.1 INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF TBT RELEVANCE
1.1.1 Codex meetings held since the last meeting of the TBT Committee
1.1.1.1 43rd Session of the Codex Committee on Methods of
Analysis and Sampling (Budapest, Hungary, 13-18 May 2024)
1.1. CCMAS43 endorsed methods of analysis
or methods numeric performance criteria for provisions in several standards,
including standards developed by the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary
Herbs (CCSCH) and the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO), and endorsed a
sampling plan for methylmercury in fish submitted by the Codex.
1.2. The review of methods of analysis in
the Standard for Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CXS 234-1999) is
ongoing to ensure that methods contained in this standard are still fit for
purpose and current. Review of methods for cereals, pulses and legumes and fish
and fishery products was concluded and forwarded to the 47th session
of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC47) for adoption later this year. Work on
methods for fruit juices will continue work will start on methods for cocoa
products and chocolate.
1.3. CCMAS has also been working on an
information document to support the implementation of the revised General
Guidelines on Sampling (CXG 50-2004), that will take the format of an e-book
and sample plans apps. This work is not yet concluded and continues to work on
methods of analysis for precautionary allergen labelling will also continue,
with the aim of making significant progress by the time of the next session of
the Committee.
1.4. Further information on the work of
the Codex committees can be found in the report of the respective session
available on the Codex website: CCMAS43.
2 FORTHCOMING CODEX MEETINGS OF TBT RELEVANCE - (As of May 2024. See
the Codex website for the full meeting calendar)
2.1 86th Session of the Executive Committee of the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC86, Rome, Italy, 1 - 5 July 2024)
2.1. CCEXEC86 will focus on a critical review of new work proposals and
the advancement of proposed standards and related texts for adoption by CAC47
including the monitoring progress of standards development.
2.2. Key topics to be considered includes the model for future Codex
work, Codex Strategic Plan 2026-2031, Codex budgetary and financial
matters, and applications from international non‑governmental organizations for
observer status in Codex.
2.2 27th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Import and
Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS27, Cairns, Australia, 16–20
September 2024)
2.3. CCFICS27 will focus on the development of the consolidated
guidelines related to equivalence and the guidelines on the prevention and
control of food fraud including the revision and update of the Principles for
Traceability/Product Tracing as a Tool within a Food Inspection and
Certification System (CXG 60-2006).
2.4. Discussions will also address guidance on appeals mechanisms in the
context of the rejection of imported food, and on the standardization of
sanitary requirements. Additionally, there will be a review and update of the
list of emerging global issues affecting both approaches and technologies
relating to food controls that may be relevant to TBT and SPS areas.
2.5. Regular updates on the status of work of these Committees are
published on their dedicated webpages: CCEXEC86, CCFICS27.
2.6. For specific questions on the status of work in Codex committees of
interest to TBT delegates, please check the dedicated webpages or send an email
to codex@fao.org.
3 GENERAL
3.1. The Codex Secretariat in collaboration with Host Country
Secretariats are continuing to convene working group meetings and webinars in
advance of Codex subsidiary sessions to support delegations' preparations and
facilitate discussions and consensus-building. Further information is available
on the Committee webpages and the Codex calendar.
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