This manual guides WTO members to establish SPS national notification authorities and enquiry points, including specific operations required by members to be conducted on SPS Information Management System (SPS IMS)
This document serves as a practical guide for government bodies responsible for managing Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures within the World Trade Organization framework. It outlines the specific responsibilities of National Notification Authorities (NNAs) and National Enquiry Points (NEPs), offering advice on establishing these entities, managing notifications via systems like SPS IMS and ePing, and handling requests for information from other Members.
The manual details the procedural steps for initiating notifications, writing effective submissions, and responding to comments or inquiries. It includes examples of notification formats, timelines for compliance (such as the 60-day comment period), and links to relevant WTO documents and recommended procedures for implementing transparency obligations.
The manual recommends a minimum of 60 days for the comment period on proposed regulations.
Yes, while some Members combine these functions to save resources, others find it more functional to establish them as separate bodies.