They aim to try to complete this when they meet next in March 2013.

Meanwhile, the specific trade issues attracting the most comment in this Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures Committee meeting included new queries about new-member Russia’s import ban on live animals and its listing of enterprises approved for exporting to Russia, and on-going concerns about the EU’s regulations on novel foods and proposed limits on cadmium in cocoa and chocolate.

One concern was reported as resolved: specific trade concern no. 334 on Chinese Taipei’s maximum residue levels for ochratoxin A, a toxin produced by mould. The concern was first raised by India, Colombia and the EU in the previous meeting (July 2012) after the new regulation was circulated in April. Chinese Taipei has revised the rule, notified in a document circulated in September. The EU said this settled the issue.

“I would like to hear more of these reports,” said chairperson Maria Albarece.

The US, supported by Canada, Chile and Paraguay urged countries to apply internationally-recognized standards more, including new standards, because they are based on science. Morocco and Burkina Faso agreed but added that the standards-setting bodies should do more on issues of interest to developing countries.

In informal consultations, members also continued to work on private sector standards. Part of the discussion was on defining what they are, chairperson Maria Albarece reported to formal committee. Several developing countries urged members to reach consensus on actions the committee might take, many of which have not been agreed. Belize said an analysis showed that every product exported by its private sector faces private standards, the chairperson reported.

The committee also streamlined the way it invites international organizations to be “ad hoc” observers, by extending the invitation for a year unless any member objects, instead of meeting by meeting.

At the end of the meeting delegates and Secretariat staff paid an emotional tribute to Irma Bracco, who is retiring after having served as administrative assistant on SPS since the committee’s birth in 1995.