Background
Following its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2024, the Union of the Comoros is undertaking a series of reforms to strengthen its quality infrastructure and enhance its implementation of the WTO Agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). These efforts include the modernization of the national quality framework, the establishment of effective SPS and TBT coordination mechanisms, the adoption and implementation of relevant legislation, and increased engagement with international standard-setting bodies. This national workshop aims to raise awareness among public and private stakeholders of the importance of quality, standards, transparency and SPS/TBT measures for consumer protection, public health, trade facilitation and economic development.
Objectives
The workshop aims to:
- Raise awareness of the importance of quality, standards and conformity assessment for economic development and market access.
- Strengthen understanding of the WTO SPS and TBT Agreements and their practical implications for the Union of the Comoros.
- Support the operationalization of national SPS and TBT coordination mechanisms, including the National SPS Committee (CNSPS) and National TBT Committee (CNOTC).
- Enhance stakeholders’ capacity to use tools such as ePing to monitor SPS and TBT notifications and regulatory developments.
- Promote the adoption of good regulatory practices, transparency and international standards in the development and implementation of national measures.
Participants
The workshop will bring together:
- Officials from multiple Ministries and regulators of the Union of the Comoros.
- Members of the National SPS Committee (CNSPS) and National TBT Committee (CNOTC).
- National SPS and TBT notification authorities and enquiry points.
- Representatives of the private sector, including chambers of commerce, business associations, exporters, importers and manufacturing enterprises.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness among stakeholders of the role of quality, SPS and TBT measures in protecting consumers and facilitating trade.
- Improved understanding of the institutional and legal reforms being undertaken to strengthen the national quality infrastructure.
- Enhanced capacity of stakeholders to participate in SPS and TBT transparency mechanisms, including the use of ePing.
- Strengthened operational readiness of the CNSPS and CNOTC through discussions on procedures, coordination mechanisms and responsibilities.
- Identification of priority actions and recommendations to support the implementation of SPS and TBT obligations and related quality reforms.
- Greater collaboration between government institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders in advancing quality and market-access objectives.
