The World Trade Organization (WTO) reported on Monday (31.10.2022) that a total of 34 countries had submitted 225 notifications linked to COVID-19 in its Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (OTC).
These notifications mainly concern the extraordinary and temporary simplification of certification and related procedures and the introduction of new regulatory requirements for medical products in response to the pandemic, according to the information note released by the WTO.
The WTO noted that The majority (68%) of such notifications covered regulations on medical products such as personal protective equipment, pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
It was also reported that a considerable number of the notified measures were temporary, generally applicable for a period of six months or one year, or for the duration of the public health emergency.
On the other hand, the note stated that WTO members also referred to the pandemic in 54 specific trade concerns, which addressed significant impacts on their economies.
Additionally, several members shared their experience in matters related to COVID-19, including the aforementioned Committee. Trade facilitation measures and regulatory flexibilities introduced during the pandemic, technical assistance and capacity building projects, the development of standards and improved access to them. (WTO Briefing Note)
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