Madrid, 22/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Union and the Mercosur adopted an "action plan" to facilitate trade, during the EU/Mercosur summit in Madrid, on the sidelines of the EU/Latin America Summit. Without awaiting the conclusion of the association and free trade agreement presently being negotiated (see EUROPE of 18 May, p.10), actions should be immediately begun in the following areas:
Sanitary and phytosanitary measures: in order to facilitate trade in animal and vegetable products, co-operation will cover: 1) information exchange on the criteria and the control instruments as well as the procedures for the certification of these products, 2) the identification of procedures that create difficulties, 3) the analysis of possible simplifications to administrative requirements. The two parties also recognise that their aim is to reach an mutual recognition agreement in this area. The final declaration from the summit nevertheless recalled that this agreement will have to be integrated into the bi-regional association agreement, in the framework of the "single undertaking".
Standardisation: the aim is to enhance co-operation between the Community and Mercosur standardisation bodies, through training programmes, the implementation of an electronic network, exchange
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of experiences and technical documents, the establishment of notification mechanisms for standardisation projects etc. This co-operation should also, among others, aim to identify the standards that could create obstacles and facilitate a more active participation (in the works of international bodies: ISO, IEC, ITU).
Technical regulations and certificate of conformity: the two parties agree to establish an information and experience exchange mechanism on possible technical barriers to trade and the ways in which to counter them. Thus this aim also passes by the promotion of international standards and the concluding of recognition agreements. The two parties should among others: 1) publish guides explaining the existing technical standards and the procedures in the two regions, including among others on labelling, 2) organise seminars, 3) support the improvement of the operational capabilities of the certification bodies in the Mercosur countries, in order to enable them to take part in the international co-operation fora, 4) take part as much as possible in the specific fora, such as the United Nations agreement on the type approval of motor vehicles, the international conference on standardisation in the pharmaceutical domain and the global "task force" on harmonisation in the medical material sector.
Customs: the two parties agree to take fifteen measures to simplify the customs procedures, notably by: 1) spreading through electronic measures guides and recent information on customs systems, notably including information on customs legislation, regulatory or administrative notes and guidelines, 2) undertake to simplify the procedures and the documents necessary, notably by harmonising the customs declaration forms, 3) immediately introducing a simplified procedure for the temporary importation of goods for fairs and exhibitions, 4) improve the present method for the assessment of risks, while respecting the confidentiality of commercial information, 5) undertake to ensure the highest level of integrity in their respective administrations, 6) improve co-operation between the customs administrations, including eventually through an arrangement of mutual assistance between administrations.
Electronic commerce: the two parties foresee to launch a regular dialogue notably covering the recognition of electronic signature certificates, the use of electronic contracts, the processing of un-solicited communications or consumer protection. The recognise that the new EU/Latin America programme should facilitate co-operation between the two regions concerning the regulatory framework and standardisation in the field of electronic commerce. Moreover, The two parties should examine the effects of national tax system on the development of electronic commerce.