Paragraph 16 Technical working groups and ad hoc groups

The SPS Sub-Committee may by a decision pursuant to Article 191(6) of the Agreement create or abolish, where appropriate, technical working groups or ad hoc working groups, including scientific groups and expert groups.

The membership of the ad hoc working groups need not be restricted to representatives of the Parties. The Parties shall ensure that the members of any groups created by the SPS Sub-Committee respect any appropriate confidentiality requirements.

Unless otherwise decided by Parties, the groups created by the SPS Sub-Committee shall work under the authority of the SPS Sub-Committee, to which they shall report.

The meetings of the working groups may be held as the need arises, in person or by a video or audio-conference.

The Secretariat of the SPS Sub-Committee shall receive a copy of all relevant correspondence, documents and communications pertaining to the activities of the working groups.

The working groups shall have the power to make recommendations in writing to the SPS Sub-Committee. The recommendations shall be made by consensus and communicated to the Chair of the SPS Sub-Committee, who shall circulate the recommendations as provided for in Article 7.

These Rules of Procedure shall be applied mutatis mutandis to any technical working group or an ad hoc working group created by the SPS Sub-Committee, unless otherwise provided for in this Article. The references to the Association Committee in Trade Configuration shall be understood as references to the SPS Sub-Committee.