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Learn how OIE establishes standards through science, democracy, and global collaboration. Member participation, rapid updates, and transparent processes drive the internationally recognized codes.
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OIE standard-setting procedures - Focus on the Terrestrial & Aquatic Codes SPS workshop Geneva 17 October 2011 Dr Sarah Kahn Head International Trade Dept. s.kahn@oie.int
OIE standard setting procedure Transparent Science based Democratic Member participation Rapid & responsive International collaboration Well-established
Standard- setting: the OIE Codes DelegatesCommissionsExperts Topic Specialist Commissions Scientific review Advice of experts or other Specialist Commissions World Assembly: National Delegates 178 Members Draft text 1 2 Comments DELEGATES ASSEMBLY OIE INTERNATIONALSTANDARD Adoption
Well established process • DG convenes independent experts to draft texts • many are drawn from Reference Centres • attention to geographic balance. • Examination of draft texts by Specialist Commissions and Working Groups, as appropriate • Two-year cycle / 4 occasions for Member comments • Formal adoption of standards by the World Assembly, usually based on consensus (or 2/3 majority).
Science-based • Standards are based on and regularly updated with latest scientific information • Collaboration between Code Commissions (Terrestrial and Aquatic) and other Specialist Commissions • Network of OIE 265 Reference Centres • Expert groups - internationally recognised experts, geographic balance • .
Transparency • All standards adopted through the established formal process • Member comments are addressed by Specialist Commissions and the decisions and rationale are published in Commission reports (on the OIE website). • Two-year cycle - 4 occasions for Member comments • Work plans of Commissions published and adopted annually • Opportunity for debate at General Session (report reviewed at meeting and adopted within one month after the GS).
Rapid and responsive • Routine cycle: 2 years • more rapid in an urgent situation, to protect health. • Standards are regularly updated, based on relevant new scientific information • Commissions meet twice per year (total of 4 weeks for Terrestrial Code), to review Member comments and revise/finalise texts • Expert meetings on ‘ad hoc’ basis
International collaboration • Official agreements with FAO and WHO, and with more than 60 other international organisations • Coordination within the ‘3 sisters’ – participation in meetings, sharing reports etc. • Through the Animal Production Food Safety Working Group, collaboration at strategic level with Codex • proposal for joint standards development in future.
Member Country participation • Delegates are the most frequently source of requests for the development or revision of standards • Delegates/the World Assembly elect Commission Members and adopt the reports of the Specialist Commissions, including their work programs • Delegates are asked to endorse the DG’s proposals on membership of permanent working groups.
Member Country participation • The National Delegate as a Member of the World Assembly of Delegates is centrally involved in • adoption of standards (by consensus or vote) • nominating experts, Reference Laboratories and Collaborating Centres, (which are frequent participants in expert groups) • The OIE recommends nomination of 7 Focal points to help Delegates to meet the OIE obligations • the OIE provides seminars (at least one per region each 2 years) to the nominated focal points – and to new Delegates.
Democratic All Members have the same opportunity to participate in the development and adoption of standards: ‘One Member, One Vote’ For further information: http://www.oie.int/fileadmin/Home/eng/Internationa_Standard_Setting/docs/pdf/A_OIE_procedures_stand___recom_2011.pdf
OIE standard setting procedure Transparent Science based Democratic Member participation Rapid & responsive International collaboration Well-established