WTO members convened on November 11, 2025, for a series of thematic sessions addressing international standards for critical and emerging technologies (CETs), the role of metrology in trade facilitation, and good regulatory practices. The meetings also included an information session on non-tariff measures affecting information and communication technology products under the WTO's Information Technology Agreement.
During the session on CETs, speakers highlighted the importance of international standards in supporting innovation and trustworthiness in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and GPS technologies. Several WTO members referenced these standards when formulating technical barriers to trade (TBT) measures to encourage regulatory coherence and reduce compliance costs for businesses. Participants noted that rapid technological changes require standard-setting processes to adapt quickly and called for broader participation from multiple stakeholders, including those from developing countries.
The discussion on metrology emphasized its significance in ensuring accurate and consistent measurements across borders. This reliability supports quality assurance in goods and facilitates trade. Speakers marked the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention by noting how international cooperation strengthens national metrology institutes' technical capabilities, especially regarding new technologies. Challenges faced by developing nations include limited resources, infrastructure gaps, and shortages of skilled personnel.
At the session on good regulatory practices, members discussed the value of mandatory regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) for evaluating TBT measures’ effects on trade while balancing policy objectives. Early implementation of RIAs with interagency review and public consultation was recommended to minimize disruptions to trade. Members also cited capacity limitations and data gaps as ongoing challenges.
In a cross-cutting session involving both the TBT Committee and Information Technology Agreement Committee, participants explored ways to share information about ICT-related TBT matters to improve mutual understanding.
During the main committee meeting, several specific trade concerns were addressed. The United States reported resolving an issue related to India's food safety regulations for alcoholic beverages: "The United States reported the resolution of a trade concern it had raised on India's Food Safety and Standards Amendment Regulations on alcoholic beverages and underscored the importance of open dialogue and cooperation." The United Kingdom similarly resolved a concern over Malaysia’s proposed amendments concerning alcoholic beverages: "The United Kingdom reported the resolution of a trade concern it had raised on Malaysia's proposed amendments to a food regulation regarding alcoholic beverages and underlined the role of the TBT Committee in reducing unnecessary barriers to trade."
A total of 70 trade concerns were discussed at this meeting, covering topics such as cybersecurity, steel, tin, paper products, food packaging, audio/video equipment, fertilizers, automobiles, cosmetics, among others.
Members adopted new transparency guidance intended to help them provide updates throughout all stages of TBT measure development. According to the release: "The transparency guidance members adopted at the Committee meeting will assist members when they provide updates throughout the regulatory lifecycle of TBT measures." The guidelines were developed by a working group established in 2022.
Cabo Verde announced its first notification under guidelines adopted by the committee earlier this year regarding legal arrangements put in place for implementing TBT rules: "Cabo Verde announced at the meeting its first notification, in line with the guidelines adopted by the TBT Committee in March 2024."
The WTO Secretariat introduced three new video tutorials along with informational materials designed to help users track member notifications via its ePing platform.
Brazil presented details about current South-South cooperation efforts through its National Institute of Metrology (Inmetro), while U.S. representatives shared information about their Global Information and Communications Technology Standards Program managed by ANSI.
In terms of technical assistance activities during 2025—nine national or regional events took place across Paraguay, Ecuador, Viet Nam, Chile, Ethiopia, Comoros, Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Namibia; three virtual clinics focused specifically on ePing were held for Myanmar, Guatemala and Comoros.
A side event co-hosted by several countries together with UN’s Sanitation and Hygiene Fund examined safety standards for feminine hygiene products due to health risks associated with high toxicity levels found in some items.
The next meeting is scheduled from March 4-6 , 2026 , preceded by thematic sessions focusing on conformity assessment procedures .