The World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee is preparing for a series of thematic sessions on November 11, focusing on critical emerging technologies, the role of metrology in trade, and good regulatory practices.
The committee announced that the upcoming sessions will cover international standardization developments in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, semiconductors, and GPS technologies. These areas are seen as increasingly relevant for global trade as technology evolves.
A key topic will be the role of metrology—the science of measurement—in facilitating trade. Metrology supports national quality infrastructure by helping ensure product quality, safety, and reliability. This infrastructure forms the foundation for many policies, institutions, standards, and practices used by WTO members to underpin world trade.
Another focus area is good regulatory practices. The sessions will address how regulatory impact assessments can help governments make decisions that are transparent, evidence-based, and consistent with the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.
According to the WTO press release: “The TBT Committee holds thematic sessions throughout the year as part of its workplan. The live streamed sessions are an opportunity for WTO members to hear from experts working in specific fields and explore topics at the intersection of trade and regulatory developments.”
More information about these thematic sessions is expected to be published in coming weeks.
During a recent informal meeting, the TBT Committee’s Transparency Working Group discussed proposals aimed at clarifying which notification formats should be used as measures change over time. Members also welcomed new video tutorials explaining how to use various functions on ePing—a platform designed to share timely information about technical barriers to trade—and considered further enhancements to support stakeholder engagement.
These efforts aim to improve both the accessibility and quality of information available regarding technical barriers faced by traders worldwide. The ePing platform provides up-to-date notifications on TBT measures (https://eping.wto.org/). Further details about technical barriers to trade are available from the WTO (https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/tbt_e.htm).
“Thematic sessions scheduled for 11 November will focus on three areas: Critical emerging technologies; The role of metrology in facilitating trade; Good regulatory practices,” according to the committee statement.
Details on speakers participating in these events will be released soon through official channels.