WTO TBT Committee to Host Thematic Sessions on Regulatory Cooperation Between Members

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee has announced that it will host two thematic sessions on regulatory cooperation between members. The sessions, which will address intangible digital products and cybersecurity, will be webcast on YouTube for all interested stakeholders.

Both sessions will be held on June 20, 2023. Registration is required; further details and registration will be available on the session pages in the coming weeks.

Thematic Session on Regulatory Cooperation between Members on Intangible Digital Products

This session will highlight regulatory challenges related to emerging digital technologies. Attendees will learn how the WTO TBT Agreement can assist governments and other stakeholders in developing novel regulations and standards that both safeguard consumers and facilitate trade, particularly in an emerging global digital economy.

Topics will include:

• What are the challenges and opportunities for trade in intangible digital products? How can standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures help address these challenges and harness these opportunities?
• What is the impact of regulatory interventions on Micro-, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the area of trade in intangible digital products? How can it be ensured that MSMEs are not disproportionately affected by such regulations, and what role can the TBT Committee play in this regard?
• What opportunities exist for regulatory cooperation and standards development between members and stakeholders (both within and outside the WTO) in the area of emerging digital technologies, and how can such cooperation help in avoiding unnecessary regulatory fragmentation in this area?

Thematic Session on Regulatory Cooperation between Members on Cybersecurity

This session will explore the role of technical relations, standards, and conformity assessment in contributing to members’ policies to address cybersecurity threats. Attendees will hear about current approaches in managing cybersecurity risks, as well as opportunities for regulatory cooperation in this area.

Topics will include:

• What are the challenges and opportunities of trade and regulation of cybersecurity?
• How do the disciplines and principles under the WTO TBT Agreement contribute to effective trade policies to ensure cybersecurity? What role can the TBT Committee play?
• What best practices should guide the development and implementation of regulations in this area? What role can international standards play in this regard?