The term transparency in the context of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is used to signify one of the fundamental principles of its agreements: the aim is to achieve a greater degree of clarity, predictability and information about trade policies, rules and regulations of Members. In implementing this concept Members use notifications. Under the SPS Agreement, notifications are used to inform other Members about new or changed regulations that may significantly affect their trading partners. Transparency under the SPS Agreement also includes answering reasonable questions, and publishing regulations.
These procedures have been developed to assist Members fulfil their transparency obligations under Article 7 and Annex B of the SPS Agreement regarding the notification of SPS regulations, answering information requests under the National Enquiry Point system and publishing regulations.
These guidelines do not add to nor detract from the existing rights and obligations of Members under the SPS Agreement nor any other WTO Agreement. These guidelines do not provide any legal interpretation or modification to the SPS Agreement itself.