Implementation of Transparency Requirements in Uganda: Progress and Challenges
Establishing electronic notification systems, widening engagement with regulatory agencies, and training stakeholders are key steps towards implementing transparency requirements of TBT Agreement in Uganda. Progress has been made at national and international levels, but challenges persist in ensuring compliance and effectiveness.
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Progress on Implementation of Transparency Requirements of TBT Agreement in Uganda EAC Public-Private Sector Workshop on WTO Transparency Requirements and Procedures on TBT and SPS Kenya, Nairobi, March 2016 George Opiyo TBT National Enquiry Point Uganda National Bureau of Standards
Contents Update on the establishment of Electronic Notification System Widening engagement with TBT regulatory agencies Private sector involvement in implementation of the TBT agreement Status of implementation of the National Action Plan to improve the effectiveness of the TBT Enquiry Point and Notification Authority in Uganda Priority areas of interventions in draft Action Plan Enquiry Point & Notification Authority Challenges in implementation of WTO TBT Transparency Requirements
Update on the establishment of Electronic Notification System: National level Uganda has adopted use of UN DESA Electronic Ping (ePing) SPS & TBT notifications alert system Started training, registering stakeholders & piloting ePing in July 2015 Regional based trainings being conducted Establishing ePing User Groups (manufacturers, horticulture & Fish sectors) Manufacturers User Group established in Feb 2016
Update on the establishment of Electronic Notification System: International level TBT Committee mandated WTO Secretariat to develop an export alert system for TBT notifications, in cooperation with other organizations (2015 7th Triennial Review recommendation) WTO Secretariat is collaborating with UN DESA & ITC to use ePing as the basis for the global alert system WTO Secretariat is expected to introduce global alert system to TBT Committee in Nov. 2016 meeting Participated in training of participants of the fellow- up to 2015 Advanced Course on TBT agreement in March 2016
Widen engagement with TBT regulatory agencies Developed a programme to carry out targeted interventions and awareness creation to enhance implementation and compliance to the transparency requirements of TBT and SPS Agreements Target: MDAs responsible for the implementation and administration of the SPS and TBT Agreements CEOs and top management level Programme expected to be implemented in April 2016
Private sector involvement in implementation of the TBT agreement Engage within the framework of the National TBT/SPS Committee Participate in trainings, workshops & seminars on the SPS and TBT Agreements Participate in regulatory, standards & conformity assessment development processes Participate in policy formulation in the areas related to implementation of the SPS & TBT Agreements
Status of implementation of the draft National Action Plan to improve the effectiveness of the TBT Enquiry Point and Notification Authority in Uganda Task 1 - Improving the WTO TBT Enquiry Point and Notification Authority: Staff: 2 (EP), 1 notification officer Capacity Building: pending Operating Procedures: pending Reference Materials: receive reference materials from ITC, UNCTAD, WTO, etc. Alert Service: adopted use of ePing SPS & TBT notifications alert system (training & awareness ongoing)
Status of implementation of the draft National Action Plan to improve the effectiveness of the TBT Enquiry Point and Notification Authority in Uganda Task 2 - Communication with Stakeholders: TBT Coordination Committee: National TBT/SPS Committee operational since 2004 (meets normally 3 times annually. Hold extraordinary meetings) Capacity Building: pending
Status of implementation of the draft National Action Plan to improve the effectiveness of the TBT Enquiry Point and Notification Authority in Uganda Task 3 Promotion: Website: no dedicated websites for Enquiry Point & Notification Authority. Promoted using websites of host institutions (UNBS & MTIC resp.) Brochure: outdated, pending Promotional Event: pending Building Awareness: pending Partners: pending
Priority areas of interventions in draft Action Plan Enquiry Point & Notification Authority Development of operating procedures for the TBT Enquiry Point and Notification Authority TBT Enquiry Point: based on ISO 9001 Participation in regional and international meetings, conferences, seminars, and trainings Update & production of a brochure highlighting the services of the TBT Enquiry Point in Uganda Awareness building
Challenges in implementation of WTO TBT Transparency Requirements Lack of interest & commitment by regulatory agencies to implement transparency provisions of the TBT Agreement Lack of commitment by private sector stakeholders to review & provide comments on relevant TBT notifications & draft TBT measures of other WTO Members Funding gaps
