View livestreams of four thematic sessions on conformity assessment hosted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
All sessions will be held on March 3, 2026. Visit each session’s webpage for livestream access, speaker information, and additional details.
Session 1: Role of NQI in Regulatory Systems
This session will provide WTO members with an opportunity to share experiences on the key role of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) in their regulatory systems and in supporting the implementation of the TBT Agreement. It will also examine challenges faced by developing and least-developed country members in strengthening their NQI systems and explore opportunities for support in this area. Featured speakers include Warren Merkel, vice president of policy at the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
Session 2: Risk Assessment and the Use of First-Party Conformity Assessment
This session will provide members with an opportunity to share their experiences conducting risk assessments to determine the level of risk of products and select the most appropriate conformity assessment procedure. Members will also discuss the benefits of using first-party conformity assessment for low-risk products, as well as approaches for ensuring consistency in the design of conformity assessment procedures at central and sub-central levels.
Session 3: Market Surveillance Risk Assessment Methodologies
This session will cover market surveillance risk assessment methodologies that members use to protect their citizens without unnecessarily impacting trade, including innovations in pre- and post-market inspection, surveillance, and enforcement. Discussions will include how misinformation and disinformation may affect policy decisions, and how members can identify and combat them at early stages.
Session 4: MRAs Across Different Sectors
This session will explore member experiences negotiating, developing, and operationalizing various types of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) across sectors—including strategies for expanding awareness and use of MRA provisions, and identifying potential sectors where MRAs can address emerging global challenges.
