TRTA Components - Trade Related Technical Assistance Programme

NEDA
National Economic and Development Authority

EU
Delegation of the European Commission
to the Philippines

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Beneficiary Agencies

DA
Department of Agriculture

BFAR
Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources

PCA
Philippine Coconut Authority

DTI
Department of Trade and Industry

BOC
Bureau of Customs

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)


Implementing Agency:	DTI Bureau of Product Standards (BPS)

Objectives:

Improve the functioning of the WTO-TBT enquiry point
Review the regulatory framework on technical regulations, conformity assessment and certification procedures
Enhance the knowledge on EC requirements
Improve knowledge of EU market access for exporting Philippine goods

Activities:

Enhancement of the notification data processing and management system by upgrading hardware and software
Review of the existing technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures
Proficiency testing of Philippine laboratories
Training on EU technical regulations on the following:

a. Electrical Product Safety/Low Voltage Directive (EPS/LVD)
b. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
c. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
d. Restriction on Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ROHS)

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

Implementing Agencies:	Department of Agriculture (DA)
	Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)
	Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

Objectives:

Improve knowledge of EU food and feed control
Recommend an SPS legislative and regulatory framework that is in line with EU regulations
Improve safety in the fishery and coconut food and feed chains
Implement Goods Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)

Activities:

Review of the SPS legislative and regulatory framework
Strengthening of inspections and enforcement measures through training, assessment, etc.
Development of a risk assesment and management system
Establishment of a coordinated system for registration
Upgrade of the BFAR and PCA laboratories;provision of equipment to copra farmers
Conduct of GMP and HACCP training
Participation in international standard setting bodies (Codex Alimentarius, etc.)

Trade Facilitation/Customs

Implementing Agency:

Bureau of Customs (BOC)

Objectives:

Activities:

Establishment of a risk management system and a valuation database
Development of a Customs Academy as well as training on risk management, valuation, classification, Customs ACOS principles, special controls, post clearance audit, HRD, trade facilitation

WTO Capacity-Building

Implementing Agencies:	DTI Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR)
	Department of Agriculture (DA)
	National Econimic and Development Authority (NEDA)

Objectives:

Improve knowledge and skills on WTO issues for stakeholders, e.g., TBT, SPS, trade in services, Singapore issues, etc.
Increase WTO-related networking and coopeartion
Increase awareness on WTO/international trade related issues

Activities:

Training on WTO-related issues by EU experts
Workshops on WTO-related issues to stregthen networking between the government, private sector and the academe
Research/studies on WTO issues