Common use of Transparency and Exchange of Information Clause in Contracts

Transparency and Exchange of Information. 1. The Parties confirm their commitments to implementing the transparency provisions set out in the SPS Agreement and the TBT Agreement to facilitate access to relevant information on TBT or SPS measures. 2. The EC Party agrees to cooperate with initiatives of the Pacific States to establish a mechanism to permit efficient notifications of TBT and SPS measures at a regional level. 3. The Parties shall endeavour to inform each other at an early stage of proposals to modify or introduce TBT or SPS measures that may affect trade between the Parties, where appropriate making use of existing systems. 4. In particular with regard to TBT measures, the Parties agree, inter alia, to: (a) Intensify their collaboration, with a view to facilitating access to their respective markets, by increasing the mutual knowledge and understanding of their respective systems in the field of technical regulations, standards, metrology, accreditation and conformity assessment; (b) Exchange information, identify and implement appropriate mechanisms for particular issues or sectors, e.g., alignment to international standards and reliance on the supplier’s declaration of conformity; (c) Develop common views and approaches on technical regulatory practices, including transparency, consultation, proportionality, the use of international standards, conformity assessment, and market surveillance.