Standards Code

Standards Code and the GATT Policy Negotiations

In relation to the GATT Policy Negotiations, Christopher Mark (1993) provided the following explanation and/or definition of Standards Code: Formally known as the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. A GATT Codenegotiated during the Tokyo Round to prevent technical requirements — including product standards and testing and certification procedures –from functioning as impediments to trade unless they are necessary for advancing a “legitimate domestic objective” such as health, safety, or environmental protection. The Code does not attempt to formulate standards themselves, nor to set up specific testing and certification systems. Signatories include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, the European Community, Finland, France, Gern'1any, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.