The World Trade Organization's Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee has reviewed ongoing work on transparency and discussed topics including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and metrology in trade. The committee announced that thematic sessions are scheduled for November 11, focusing on critical emerging technologies, the role of metrology in trade, and good regulatory practices.
The first area of focus will be recent developments in international standardization efforts for AI, machine learning, semiconductors, and GPS technologies. The second area will address how metrology supports trade by ensuring product quality, safety, and reliability. This is part of the broader "National Quality Infrastructure" that supports global commerce. The third topic will examine how regulatory impact assessments help governments make transparent and evidence-based decisions, in line with the WTO's Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.
The TBT Committee holds thematic sessions throughout the year as part of its workplan. These sessions are live streamed and provide WTO members with the opportunity to hear from experts and discuss issues at the intersection of trade and regulatory policy. More information about the thematic sessions and upcoming speakers will be made available on the WTO's official pages.
The committee's Transparency Working Group discussed proposals to clarify which notification formats should be used as measures change over time. Members also welcomed new video tutorials on the ePing platform and considered further improvements to facilitate stakeholder engagement. These efforts are intended to improve the quality and accessibility of information related to TBT measures.
The ePing platform is available online for those seeking more information about transparency in technical barriers to trade. Additional details about the Technical Barriers to Trade can also be found on the WTO website.