CODEX UPDATE TO THE TBT COMMITTEE
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY the CODEX ALIMENTARIUS
COMMISSION (CODEX)
This document contains information provided by
Codex for consideration at the TBT Committee meeting of 25‑27 June 2025
under Agenda Item 7.a on Updates by Observers.
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1 11th Session of the Codex
Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (CCCPL11, Working by correspondence, 7
- 30 April 2025)
1.1. CCCPL11 supported further discussion
on the alignment of labelling provisions for non-retail containers in Cereals, Pulses,
and Legumes standards with the General
Standard for the Labelling of Non-retail Containers (CXS 346-2021) at
the next session. A new work proposal to revise the Standard for Wheat and Durum Wheat (CXS 199-1995) is
expected to be submitted to the Committee for consideration.
1.2. CCCPL11 also agreed to consider
further matters referred by the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and
Sampling (CCMAS) regarding ash content determination in standards for cereal,
pulses, and legumes.
2 44th Session of the Codex Committee
on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS44, Virtual, 13-18 May 2025)
2.1. CCMAS44 agreed to forward for final
adoption at Codex Alimentarius Commission's 48th Session (CAC48):
·_
the updated list of nitrogen-to-protein
conversion factors, to transfer methods from commodity standards into the Recommended Methods of Analysis and Sampling
(CXS 234-1999);
·_
several methods of analysis and sampling plans, including
follow-up formula and dietary fibre, and numeric performance criteria (NPC) for
sodium chloride and salt determination in certain fish and fishery products for
inclusion in CXS 234-1999;
·_
the moisture method at normal pressure for whey
powders as a Type IV method, with an explanatory footnote acknowledging its
limited precision. This exceptional endorsement addresses practical constraints
in international trade while maintaining the Type I method (ISO – International
Standards Organization and IDF – International Dairy Federation) as the
reference in case of disputes.
·_
the analytical methods for fruit juices and
nectar, cocoa products and chocolate to CAC48 for endorsement or revocation;
and
·_
NPC for nitrate and nitrite in food matrices to
support Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) in setting maximum levels and
residue levels.
2.2. CCMAS44 also agreed to publish a new
information document on sampling plans with applications and guidance on
Bayesian sampling approaches and to continue work on sampling plans for bulk
and heterogeneous materials, including those for mycotoxins.
2.3. CCMAS44 agreed to continue working
on retyping the protein method in quinoa, reviewing methods for cocoa products
and chocolate, as well as sugars and honey methods, fruit juices and nectars,
focusing on authenticity and quality parameters, precautionary allergen
labelling methods, and harmonizing names and formats for principles.
2.4. The
reports of the above-mentioned Codex sessions, including other relevant
documents, are available on the respective pages on the Codex webpage: CCCPL11
and CCMAS44.
3 CODEX MEETINGS OF TBT RELEVANCE
3.1. As of March 2025, the 34th Session of the Codex Committee
on General Principles (held 2‑6 June 2025 in Lille, France) has taken
place, and the 88th Session of the Executive Committee of the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (scheduled for 14-18 July 2025 in Rome, Italy) is
upcoming.
3.2. Regular updates on the status of the work of these Committees are
published on their dedicated web pages: CCGP34
and CCEXEC88.
3.3. 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.
4 GENERAL
4.1. In collaboration with Host Country Secretariats, the Codex
Secretariat is 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.
5 Codex Strategic Plan
5.1. CAC47 (2024) adopted
the Codex Strategic Plan 2026-2031. While
continuing to highlight the importance of responding to Members' needs, using
Codex texts, and using efficient work practices, the new strategic plan also
aims to strengthen relationships with relevant international organisations and
promote a coordinated approach to addressing global challenges. A monitoring
framework will be submitted to CAC48 (2025)
for approval.
5.2. CAC47 continues monitoring the
implementation of the current Codex Strategic Plan 2020‑2025. A final implementation
report will be delivered at CAC49 (2026).
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