UNITED

NATIONS

Distr.

GENERAL

TRADE/WP.7/2001/9

10 January 2002

ORIGINAL : ENGLISH

ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE

COMMITTEE FOR TRADE, INDUSTRY AND

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Working Party on Standardization of

Perishable Produce and Quality Development

Fifty-seventh session, Geneva, 12 to 14 November 2001

REPORT OF THE FIFTY-SEVENTH SESSION

SUMMARY

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables:

Revised UN/ECE standards adopted: Beans (see TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.1), Sweet Peppers (see ../Add.2), Lettuce (see ../Add.3), Onions (see ../Add.4), Peas (see ../Add.5)

UN/ECE recommendations adopted: Avocados (see ../Add.6) for a one-year trial period.Table Grapes (see ../Add.7) for a two-year trial period.

Numbering system: The secretariat will prepare an example for the use of the legal numbering system in the standards.

Name of the Specialized Section: The name was changed to "Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables".

Use of trademarks in UNECE standards: A solution given by the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs was agreed. The implementation and the question of marking will be discussed in the next session of the Specialized Section.

Dry and Dried Produce (Fruit):

Revised UNECE standard adopted: Walnut Kernels (see ../Add.8)

GE.02-

TRADE/WP.7/2001/9

page 2

SUMMARY (continued)

Walnut colour chart: To be finalized at the next session of the Specialized section in a working group (France, United States, Chairman, Secretariat) and to be printed by INC or OECD.

Automatic inclusion of the annexes: All standards will automatically include the actual version of the annexes. The specialized section will decide whether they should be published with each standard or separately.

Early and ware potatoes: Several amendments to the UNECE Standards for Early and Ware Potatoes were adopted (see ../Add.9 and ../Add.10). The OECD Scheme will begin work on an explanatory brochure (rapporteurs: Poland and Belgium).

Seed Potatoes: Amendments to the UNECE Standard for Seed Potatoes were adopted (see ../Add.11).

Meat: The Working Party took note of the publication of the UNECE Standard for Bovine Meat and the progress of the work on ovine and poultry meat.

Application: Delegations were invited to check the document on application of UNECE standards and transmit any corrections to the secretariat.

Geneva Protocol: The Working Party agreed that the specialized sections and the working group on working procedures should further the possible revision of the Geneva protocol.

Working procedures: The working group revised the draft document which will be distributed on the home page and by email.

Name of the working party: It was agreed that the name should be shortened but no consensus was found on the wording. It was decided to change the name when adopting the revised working procedures.

Trade descriptions and classification codes: A first meeting of the working group was held during the session. The results will be communicated to all delegations by email.

Exchange of non-conformity cases: The secretariat will request information on contacts points to establish a comprehensive list which will be available on the home page.

Code marks: The questionnaire on acceptance of code marks will be sent again.

Internal quality: Following a request from the OECD Scheme, the Working Party agreed that the Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables will discuss internal quality when working on standards.

Cooperation with other international standardization bodies: The Working Party confirmed its strong commitment to the closest possible cooperation and contact of the secretariats to avoid any duplication of work because the main goal of the work was the creation of quality standards for trade facilitation. The Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables will discuss the outcome of the last Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Publications: the Working Party decided to publish collections of the UNECE standards for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables and Dry and Dried Produce (Fruit) in 2002.

Opening of the session

1.	The meeting was held in Geneva from 12 to 14 November 2001 and chaired by Mr. Miguel Vilchez-Barros (Spain). The session was opened by the Director of the Trade Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Dr. Carol Cosgrove-Sacks.

2.	The Director welcomed the delegations to Geneva. She informed that the Executive Secretary of UNECE, Ms. Danuta Hübner, had left the organization to take up a post in the Polish Government. Until the nomination of a successor the Deputy Executive Secretary, Mr. Paolo Garonna, was in charge.

3.	She congratulated the group on the excellent work done by the five specialized sections. There were five meetings in the first half of the year which meant that all specialized sections met in 2001. Many standards were updated and proposed for adoption as revised UNECE standards or recommendations.

4.	She said further to the review of the work of the specialized sections a number of important horizontal issues were included on the agenda:

-	The revision of the Working Procedures and the status of the legal framework of parts of the work contained in the Geneva Protocol.

-	The use of trademarks in UNECE standards, on which she hoped progress could be made on the basis of a new proposal from the legal services.

-	The possible codification of UNECE standards to facilitate their use in electronic commerce. This process was initiated through the cooperation with EAN International with which UNECE cooperates closely in many areas.

5.	She thanked Germany, Slovakia and the United Kingdom for the organization of international training courses and said that the secretariat also had been actively promoting the use of UNECE Standards through presentations in different countries. One of the results is the preparation of an Asian seminar on food standards jointly organized by UNECE and ESCAP.

6.	She expressed the hope that a decision would be taken on changing the name of the Working Party making it shorter and more concise.

Participation

7.	The session was attended by delegations from the following countries: Belgium, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States.

8.	The European Community was also represented.

9.	On the invitation of the secretariat, a representative of the OECD Scheme for the Application of International Standards for Fruit and Vegetables participated in the session.

Item 1	Adoption of the agenda

10.	The agenda was adopted with the following amendments:

-	Addition of TRADE/WP.7/2001/INF.1 (Poland: reservation walnut kernels)

-	Addition of TRADE/WP.7/2001/INF.2 (Secretariat: working procedures)

-	Document TRADE/WP.7/2001/4 was replaced by TRADE/WP.7/2001/INF.3 (Trademarks)

-	The colour chart for walnut kernels was not received.

11.	The secretariat apologised to the group that translations of official documents had been extremely late for this meeting, explaining that all documents had been submitted by the Trade Division with full respect of the required deadline (10 weeks ahead of the session) and the reports of the specialized sections and their addenda had been submitted mostly more than 15 weeks before the session but that the delay was due to an overcharge of work in the Conference Services.

12.	The Chairman said on behalf of the group that the delay was most unfortunate because especially for the Working Party it was extremely important that delegations had the opportunity to study documents before the meeting and consult with their experts. He stressed the need for documents to be issued in time for consideration.

13.	The delegate of the Netherlands requested that the secretariat send an invitation and the agenda by mail or fax to delegations to facilitate their preparation and travel arrangements.

Item 2	Matters of interest arising since the fifty-sixth session

Document for this session: TRADE/WP.7/2001/2

14.	The Director of the Trade Division informed delegations that the spring session of the Commission had launched a high-level strategic review of UNECE's work programme which would start on 19 November. This would be the first major review since the reform in 1996/97. She said that she was confident that UNECE work on standards would continue to figure prominently on the work programme.

15.	She said that the Commission had urged its subsidiary bodies to give high priority to cross-sectorial cooperation. In the context of cooperation with the Inland Transport Committee the Trade Division was working on concrete proposals to facilitate cross-border trade in agriculture.

16.	She reported that the Committee for Trade, Industry and Enterprise Development focused on the service sector this year which was also relevant for the Working Party considering that for each person working directly in agriculture three or four people were working in related services.

17.	She said that the Committee had endorsed the work of the Working Party and its specialized sections and had especially appreciated the successful meeting of rapporteurs on seed potatoes in Moscow organized by the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology and the publication of the UNECE Standard for Bovine Carcase and Cuts in cooperation with Australia.

18.	She said that the delegation of the Russian Federation had suggested that seminars could be organized to assist in capacity building in this area.

19.	Concerning the possible UNECE support to the work on explanatory brochures she said that no decisions had been taken concerning reallocation of resources to the Agricultural Standards Unit. The secretariat would continue to work in close cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Item 3	Specialized Section on Coordination of Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Document: TRADE/WP.7/GE.2/2001/19 (Report of the 47th session)

20.	In the absence of the Chair of the Specialized Section, the Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Ulrike Bickelmann, reported on the results of the 47th session.

(a)	Texts recommended for adoption as revised UNECE standards:

Documents:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2001/19/Add.3

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2001/19/Add.4

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2001/19/Add.5

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2001/19/Add.6

21.	Beans: The proposed text was adopted as a revised UNECE Standard. The text will be published as addendum 1 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.1).

22.	Sweet Peppers: With a correction in VI. B, the proposed text was adopted as a revised UNECE Standard. The text will be published as addendum 2 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.2).

23.	Strawberries: The proposed revision was not adopted but referred back to the Specialized Section. The group felt that the revision of the standard needed further discussion in the Specialized Section and that additionally there was no time pressure because the OECD Plenary meeting had not yet finalized the explanatory brochure for strawberries.

24.	Lettuce: With a number of drafting corrections, the proposed text was adopted as a revised UNECE Standard. The text will be published as addendum 3 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.3).

25.	Onions: The proposed text was adopted as a revised UNECE Standard. The text will be published as addendum 4 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.4).

26.	Peas: The proposed text was adopted as a revised UNECE Standard. The text will be published as addendum 5 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.5).

(b)	Texts recommended for adoption as UNECE recommendations for a trial period and recommendations currently in trial period

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2001/19/Add.3

Avocados

27.	The UNECE Recommendation for Avocados is in a trial period until 2002. This recommendation allows trade of smaller sizes of fruit of the variety Hass. The delegations of the United Kingdom, France and Spain reported positive reactions of the trade to this recommendation.

28.	The Specialized Section proposed to introduce maturity requirements into the recommendation for the remaining year of the trial period.

30.	It was mentioned that for the variety Nabal a lower figure than 19% of dry matter content might

be appropriate and that the requirements were not applicable to Antillean varieties. The Specialized Section was asked to clarify this in the standard when it was reviewed at the next session.

31.	The proposal was adopted with an editorial amendment and will be published as addendum 6 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.6).

Table Grapes

32.	The proposed text, integrating maturity requirements as well as a lower minimum size for special late harvest varieties was adopted for a two-year trial period as a UNECE Recommendation. The text will be published as addendum 7 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.7). A correction to the French text was pointed out to the secretariat. The Specialized Section will discuss the mention of trademarks in the list of varieties again at its next session.

Plums

33.	The UNECE Recommendation for Plums integrating hybrids is in a trial period until 2002.The text will be discussed at the next session of the Specialized Section with special attention to the mention of the trademarks.

(c)	Numbering system for the standards

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2001/19, para.167

TRADE/WP.7/2001/3

34.	At the last session of the Specialized Section the secretariat proposed to change the numbering system used in UNECE standards to a legal numbering system (1, 1.2, 1.2.1, etc.) in order to make the standards easier to read and allow numbering of all paragraphs if necessary instead of having to use indentation which might easily get lost in one of the language versions and lead to confusion. The present proposal was based on the existing standard layout.

35.	Additionally to the numbering system it was also proposed to include in footnote 3 concerning consumer packages the text of the Geneva Protocol which is at present only referenced. A new footnote 5 concerning additional marking of e-mail addresses and home pages was proposed.

36.	In the discussion the proposal was welcomed by several delegations. The change in footnote 3 was agreed, the addition of footnote 5 was not deemed necessary because the marking is already possible with the existing standard.

37.	It was mentioned that the numbering system was logical but difficult to read once four or more numbers were used. As a possible solution the delegation of Germany proposed to put the numbers in a separate column to facilitate referencing but to maintain the indentations in the standard to facilitate its use.

38.	It was agreed that the secretariat would prepare a new proposal based on one of the more complex standards e.g. Citrus Fruit for the next session of the Specialized Section.

(d)	Name of the Specialized Section

Document: TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2001/19, para.165

39.	The Working Party agreed to change the name of the Specialized Section to:

"Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables".

(e)	Use of trademarks in UNECE standards

Documents:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2001/19, paras 127 to 135

TRADE/WP.7/2001/INF.3

40.	The question had been discussed at length at the Specialized Section, which had not been able to conclude the issue and referred it to the Working Party for decision.

41.	The secretariat reported on the events since the Specialized Section meeting. There have been numerous exchanges between the secretariat and the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, with representatives of Sun World and with other trademark holders and organizations which had helped to better understand the subject matter. It had been identified as the main problem that in the UNECE lists of varieties the distinction between synonyms to the generic variety name and trademarks was not clear enough and might be misunderstood.

42.	The main goal of the solution developed with the Legal Office was thus to clarify this distinction in a way that could be used in all relevant standards. This was done in an introductory note. For the actual mention of the trademarks two versions were proposed:

-	the first, maintaining the present two column list of varieties and other names with the inclusion of trademarks in endnotes to the relevant varieties;

-	the second, adding a third column and including trademark names there.

(the complete text of the conference room document INF.3 received from the Legal Office is reproduced in addendum 13 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.13))

43.	The Working Party decided to follow the second version because the first would become too complicated for lists which contain many trademarks. However, for practical reasons, e.g. in the case of a reduced number of trademarks involved, the specialized sections may consider the first version, with footnotes rather than endnotes for specific standards.

44.	The Working Party decided that the Standard Layout should contain provisions for the list of varieties.

45.	The Working Party decided further that (based on the second version) the text clarifying the distinction between trademarks and varieties should be included at the beginning of these provisions and read as follows:

"Introductory note:	Some of the varieties listed in the following may be marketed under names for which trademark protection has been sought or obtained in one or more countries.

Names known by the United Nations to be trademarks for such varieties are not included in the list of varieties (first column) nor in the list of other names by which such variety may be known (second column). References to trademark names have been included (third column) for informational purposes only."

46.	The Working Party agreed further that a disclaimer (possibly in a footnote) would be added to state the position of the United Nations:

"Disclaimer:

(1)	Some of the varietal names listed in the first column may indicate varieties for which patent protection has been obtained in one or more countries. Such proprietary varieties may only be produced or traded by those authorized by the patent holder to do so under an appropriate license therefor. The United Nations takes no position as to the validity of any such patent or the rights of any such patent-holder or its licensee regarding the production or trading of any such variety.

(2)	The United Nations takes no position as to the validity of any such trademarks or the rights of any such trademark owners or their licensees to mark such varieties under such trademarks.

(3)	The United Nations endeavoured to ensure that no trademark names are listed in the following. However, it is the responsibility of any trademark owner to notify the United Nations promptly if a trademark name has been included in the following listing and to provide the United Nations with an appropriate varietal, or generic, name for the variety as well as adequate evidence of the validity of any applicable patent or trademark regarding such variety."

47.	The Working Party decided further that (based on the second version) the column headings of the list varieties should be as follows:

Variety	Other names by which the variety is known	Known trademarks which may only be used under license
...	...	...

48.	The delegation of the United States informed that they had received comments on the wording of the introductory note and the disclaimer from Sun World. The secretary said that he would transmit these comments to the Legal Office and would inform about the outcome at the next session of the Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.

49.	The Working Party discussed the question if trademark names could be used (by trademark holders) to fulfil the marking requirement under VI B. of the standards or if the varietal name (column 1) would always have to be marked. There were different opinions in the group.

50.	Some delegations said that in many cases the varietal name was a code of numbers and letters and they preferred the trademark to be marked which would be more relevant information for the consumer/inspector. They stated the additional problem that for some produce the varietal name was not known but only the trademark (e.g. Pluot, Apriot, Plumcot).

51.	The delegation of France said that in their country the marking of the variety was mandatory.

52.	The Working Party decided that the question of marking should be discussed in the Specialized Section.

(f)	Corrigendum to standards

Documents:	TRADE/WP.7/2001/5 (Corrigendum English)

TRADE/WP.7/2001/5/Add.1 (Corrigendum French)

53.	The Working Party took note of a number of corrections concerning some standards adopted at the last session (TRADE/WP.7/2000/11/Add.1 to Add.14). They will be included in the standards if no objections are received until the end of the year.

Item 4	Specialized Section on Standardization of Dry and Dried Produce (Fruit)

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.2/2001/13 (Report of the 48th session)

54.	The Chairman of the Specialized Section, Mr W. Staub, introduced the report of the 48th session.

(a)	Texts recommended for adoption as revised UNECE standards:

Document: TRADE/WP.7/GE.2/2001/13, paras. 15 to 28

Walnut Kernels

Document: TRADE/WP.7/GE.2/2001/13/Add.1

55.	The proposed text was adopted as a revised UNECE Standard with a few amendments proposed by the Chairman. The text will be published as addendum 8 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.8).

Walnut colour chart

56.	At the last session of the Specialized Section, the delegation of the International Nut Council had proposed to provide 1,000 copies of the annex before the session of the Working Party.

57.	The colour chart had not been printed yet because some more editorial issues had to be clarified (inclusion of a lemon coloured kernel, separation/ new text for the black kernel).

58.	Because the chart was urgently needed in trade it was decided to form an editorial group consisting of the delegations of France and the United States, the Chairman of the Specialized Section and the secretariat, who would review the new draft to be provided by INC before deciding to have the 1,000 copies printed. Should INC not be able to print the chart, the OECD Scheme might be approached to undertake this work.

(b)	Automatic inclusion of the annexes to the standard layout into the individual standards

Document:TRADE/WP.7/GE.2/2001/13, paras. 98, 118

59.	The Working Party agreed the proposal of the Specialized Section that all standards should always include the actual version of the annexes (on determination of the moisture content) to the standard layout i.e. if the annexes were changed, the standards would automatically be adjusted.

60.	The Specialized Section will discuss the question whether the annexes should be included with each individual standard or be published separately.

Item 5	Specialized Section on Standardization of Early and Ware Potatoes

Document: TRADE/WP.7/GE.5/2001/8 (Report of the 15th session)

61.	The secretariat informed the Working Party on the outcome of the fifteenth session of the Specialized Section.

(a)	Amendments to the standards

Document: TRADE/WP.7/GE.5/2001/8, paras. 25, 30

62.	The Working Party adopted the proposed amendments concerning the definition of long varieties and the inclusion of an indicative list of long varieties of an irregular shape. The texts will be published as addenda 8 and 9 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.9 and Add.10).

63.	It was clarified that potatoes were usually associated with one breeder who would have to give a description of the variety when demanding its protection. The Specialized Section had decided to base its definition on the statement of the breeder because other definitions might depend on where the variety is grown.

(b)	Explanatory brochure

Document: TRADE/WP.7/GE.5/2001/8, paras. 43 to 47 and 52

64.	The Specialized Section stated that there was an urgent need to ask the OECD Scheme to develop a revised explanatory brochure for Early and Ware Potatoes. The representative of the OECD Scheme said that this request had been discussed and agreed at the plenary meeting of the Scheme in October. Poland and Belgium have confirmed that they will serve as rapporteurs for this brochure.

Item 6	Specialized Section on Standardization of Seed Potatoes

Document: TRADE/WP.7/GE.2/2001/8 (Report of the 31st session)

65.	The Chairman of the Specialized Section, Mr. G. Bianchi, informed the meeting on the outcome of the 31st session.

66.	He said that the group had decided to meet annually from now on and to replace the meeting of rapporteurs by bureau meetings, which could be extended to other experts who had the task of developing specific proposals.

67.	He said that the main areas of work at the moment were to rewrite the introduction of the standards, introduce international classes for more transparency in trade and prepare an updated version of the UNECE publication on national certification schemes. Questionnaires had been sent out by the secretariat to 75 countries and 30 replies had been received to date. He said that the replies would help the group to define their further direction.

68.	He thanked the secretariat for the consistent support of the work on seed potatoes.

69.	The delegation of the Russian Federation said that the meeting of rapporteurs held in Moscow had been highly appreciated and very well attended. He said that decisions had been taken in line with the proposals made by the group. He confirmed that Russia was prepared to organize further meetings also on other subjects e.g. meat.

Amendments to the standard

Document: TRADE/WP.7/GE.6/2001/8, Annex

70.	The Working Party adopted the amendments proposed by the Specialized Section as revised UNECE Standard for Seed Potatoes. The text will be published as addendum 10 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.11).

Item 7	Specialized Section on Standardization of Meat

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.11/2001/13 (Report of the 10th session)

71.	The secretariat introduced the work of the tenth session of the Specialized Section. He said that the main items had been the publication of the UNECE Standard for Bovine Meat and discussions on the drafts for ovine and chicken meat. He thanked the United States for the organization of the meeting of rapporteurs on poultry meat, in Washington, from 29 to 31 October 2001 and said that this standard would probably be ready for adoption in 2002.

72.	The delegation of the Russian Federation stated their strong support for the work of this group. The work methods were efficient by assigning competent rapporteurs and democratic by taking every justified proposal into account. He said that they were grateful to the United States for organizing the meeting of rapporteurs in Washington to which they had participated as the only importing country.

Item 8	Application of UNECE Standards

Documents:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2001/18

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2001/19, para. 153

Background:	TRADE/WP.7/2000/11 paras. 91 to 93

73.	Following a request by the Working Party at its last session, the secretariat prepared a consolidated document listing by standard the acceptances of countries. This information can also be found on the web site of the agricultural standards unit at: www.unece.org/trade/agr under the menu item GENERAL.

74.	It was mentioned that some of this information was outdated (e.g. no separate entries for Slovakia and the Czech Republic) and that delegations should comment on this document and transmit corrections to the secretariat if necessary.

Item 9	General questions concerning the work of WP.7 and its specialized sections

(a)	Status and possible revision of the Geneva Protocol

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/2001/6

75.	The secretariat introduced the document which reproduces the Geneva Protocol (paragraph numbers have been added to facilitate reference), information on acceptances, as well as questions concerning its applicability. He said that some of the questions had been raised by the Specialized Section on Standardization of Seed Potatoes who were asking if their work was covered by the Protocol or not.

76.	He said further that the goal of this document was to inform and to initiate a discussion which could lead to amendments to the Protocol if deemed necessary by the Working Party. He said that he had reviewed the provisions of the Protocol in detail and it had seemed to him that many were outdated and others could be introduced into the standard layout or the Working Procedures.

77.	The delegate of Germany said that she agreed that many provisions could be moved out of the protocol but that at present the protocol was the place for commitments by governments towards standardization. Could these commitments also be covered by the working procedures and the standard layout?

78.	The Chairman said that the protocol could be updated where appropriate and some parts could be moved to the working procedures and the standard layout. These could then be annexed to the protocol together with acceptances and other relevant information. The protocol would thus serve as a frame for a complete description of the terms of reference of the work of the Working Party. He said he would prefer to maintain the name "Geneva Protocol" as it had a certain recognition in international trade.

79.	The delegate of Germany asked if this would not make updating too complicated because every change of the annexes would mean going through the procedure of changing the protocol. The secretariat said that it could be provided for in the Protocol that the annexes could be updated by a decision by the Working Party.

80.	It was decided that:

-	The secretariat will clarify with the legal services what the legal procedures around a protocol and its status are, in what way it is different from a convention and how it is amended.

-	Each Specialized Section should put the item on the agenda and transmit their ideas and opinions to the Working Party.

-	The Working Group on Working Procedures will be given the task to further discuss the document 2001/6, to collect the information from the specialized sections and to evaluate the necessity to amend the Geneva Protocol. The results and proposals will be transmitted to the Working Party.

-	Each delegation will research their Country's position concerning the Geneva Protocol.

81.	The delegation of Switzerland informed that in their case the Foreign Ministry had been responsible and the Protocol was seen as a declaration of the intention to undertake standardization.

(b)	Revision of the Working Procedures of the Working Party and its Specialized Sections

Document: TRADE/WP.7/2001/INF.2

82.	The Working Group on working procedures (European Community, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) met during the session and revised the document. The new version of the text will be distributed by e-mail to the participants and other interested delegations.

(c)	Name of the Working Party

82.	The Working Party discussed the proposal to simplify its name.

83.	No consensus was found, however, for changing the name at the present session. It was agreed that if the name was shortened the actual scope of the work of the Working Party should be described in the working procedures so that there would be no misunderstandings. The Working Party agreed to decide on the changing of the name when adopting the new working procedures.

(d)	Elaboration of explanatory material to UNECE standards

Background: TRADE/WP.7/2000/11 paras. 89 to 90

84.	The topic was already covered in the Director's introductory speech (see para. 19).

Item 10	Follow-up concerning items discussed at the last session

(a)	Internationally recognized list of trade descriptions and classification codes for fruits and vegetables.

85.	The secretariat announced that Mr. Mitic from EAN International, who had initiated this work, could not attend the session for technical reasons. He proposed nevertheless to hold an initial session of the working group in this question more clearly define what the goals of this work would be.

86.	Several delegations stated that it would be difficult to advance the work without the participation of EAN but agreed that the time could be used to establish a list of questions which could be presented to EAN for clarification.

(b)	Exchange of information on non-conformity cases	TRADE/WP.7/2000/11/Add.21

87.	The relevant OECD document had been adopted at the last session. The Chairperson of the Plenary Meeting of the OECD Scheme informed that that meeting had agreed to update this document and some proposals had been received. She said that if countries who were not members of the Scheme had any proposals for the amendment they could transmit them through the UNECE secretariat to the OECD.

88.	The secretariat will send a letter to countries requesting information concerning contact points with the goal of establishing a comprehensive list which will be accessible on the web site.

(c)	List of countries accepting/not accepting code marks	TRADE/WP.7/2000/11/Add.22

89.	The questionnaire had been sent out after the last session. Only a few answers were received. The secretariat will resend the questionnaire on this issue and countries were invited to supply the relevant information.

Item 11	Report on operational activities (e.g. international workshops and training courses on standardization and quality control)

90.	The delegations of Germany, the United Kingdom and Slovakia reported on international training courses held in their countries with the goal of achieving international harmonization of quality control. The next Geisenheim meeting will be held in early 2003, the next international training course in the United Kingdom, most likely in September 2002, and the next international training course in Slovakia in May or June 2002.

91.	The delegation of Poland reported on the cooperation of France and Poland in a PHARE project concerning training and EU harmonization of quality control for fresh fruit and vegetables.

Item 12	Matters of interest arising from the work of other international organizations

Document: TRADE/WP.7/2001/7

(a)	Codex Alimentarius Commission and Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

92.	The Working Party regretted that no representative of FAO/WHO was present to give a report of the activities in Codex Alimentarius.

(b)	European Community

93.	The European Community has revised several standards (sweet peppers, peas, beans, apples and pears, citrus fruit, onions, melons, miniature produce) taking into account UNECE standards. A revision of the leek standard will be published shortly (the amendments will be transmitted to GE.1 for harmonization). A new EC standard for Inshell Walnuts was published, a standard on Inshell Hazelnuts and on Cultivated Mushrooms will follow shortly. The revised regulation on quality control (former 2251/1992) was published as regulation 1148/2001.

(c)	ISO/TC 34/SC 14

94.	The secretariat informed that this ISO group was elaborating quality standards for dry and dried produce (Dried Rosehips, Dried Sour Cherries). The secretariat had invited the Chairman of this group to participate at the Working Party session but he had sent apologies.

95.	The Working Party asked the secretariat to write again to the Chairman of this ISO group to :

-	inform him that the Working Party is very interested in their work and would like to cooperate closely with them in order to avoid any kind of duplication

-	request more information about the group (e.g. participants) so that delegations could get in touch with their national delegations to the ISO group.

(d)	OECD Scheme

96.	Information on the work of the OECD Scheme will be published in addendum 12 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.12). In their report the OECD Secretariat gave further information about the coordination meeting between secretariats and chairpersons of the OECD Scheme, CCFFV and the UNECE Specialized Section on Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (see also TRADE/WP.7/2001/7).

97.	As an outcome of the last Plenary Meeting of the OECD Scheme, the Working Party was invited to discuss:

-	The possible inclusion of minimum indices for internal quality into UNECE standards, by produce with differentiation between Classes Extra, I and II.

-	The proposals for amelioration of cooperation of the different bodies dealing with standardization of fruit and vegetables made by the coordination meeting mentioned above.

98.	The Working Party felt that the question concerning internal quality should be adressed directly to GE.1.

99.	Concerning the cooperation with other international standardization bodies, the Working Party confirmed its strong commitment to the closest possible cooperation and contact of the secretariats to avoid any duplication of work because the main goal of the work was the creation of quality standards for trade facilitation.

100.	The delegation of the European Community said that the proposals made by the informal working group seemed a step in the right direction, especially the proposal to consider the UNECE standards as drafts at step 3 of the Codex procedure. He recognized that there was no consensus on this question at the Codex Alimentarius Commission. He was of the opinion that because of this the subject should be further discussed in the CCFFV.

101.	The Working Party agreed that the Specialized Section GE.1 should discuss the outcome of the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its next session. Any proposals coming out of this discussion would be transmitted to the CCFFV.

Item 13	Matters of interest arising from the reports of the Working Party on Technical Harmonization and Standardization Policies

102.	The secretary of this Working Party, Mr. Serguei Kouzmine, informed about the outcome of its last session which might be of interest to WP.7:

-	The Working Party had adopted a new recommendation on an international model for technical harmonization;

-	The group had realized that no standard-setting organization seemed to have mechanisms in place to monitor the use of their standards. The group considered that information about the use of standards is an important means to promote them and will to explore the possibility of UNECE Governments' taking on the obligation to inform about the use they make of the standards.

-	The group was preparing a workshop on the question of where the emphasis of quality control should lie, with pre-market control or market surveillance. There might be a possibility of organizing a joint workshop.

103.	Mr Kouzmine informed the meeting that he had good contacts with CIS countries who were very interested in UNECE work on agricultural standards, although they rarely had the means to send representatives to the sessions.

Item 14	Other business

104.	No discussions were held under this item.

Item 15.	Programme of work

(a)	Calendar of meetings

105.	The Working Party took note of the calendar of meetings. It is reproduced in addendum 14 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.14)

(b)	Publications

106.	The secretariat said that the publication of a collection of UNECE Standards for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables and Dry and Dried Fruit had been included in the budget for 2002.

107.	The Working Party agreed that the collections should be published in 2002. At the same time standards for fresh fruit and vegetables which were not yet aligned to the standard layout should be brought to the attention of the Specialized Section for consideration at its next meeting to make an amendment possible before their publication.

(c)	Future work

108.	The work programme as included in TRADE/WP.7/2001/8 was adopted with the following changes:

-	GE.1:	Addition of work on the inclusion of internal quality, the development of a new standard for echalottes, the revision of the standard for edible sweet chestnuts.

The name for GE.1 was updated in line with the decision taken (see para.39).

-	GE.2:	Addition of work on the revision of the standard for dried prunes.

109.	The programme is reproduced in addendum 14 to this report (TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.14).

Item 16	Election of officers

110.	The Working Party unanimously reelected the existing bureau:

Chair:	Mr. Miguel Vilchez Barros (Spain)

Vice-Chair:	Ms. Olimpia Vorovenci (Romania)

Vice -Chair:	Mr. David Priester (United States)

111.	The Chairman thanked delegations for their support and said that he was prepared to serve as Chairman at the next session. He announced that after the next session he would not stand for reelection and invited the Working Party to think about his succession.

Item 17	Adoption of the report

112.	The Working Party adopted the report of its 57th session on the basis of a draft prepared by the secretariat.

ANNEX

ADDENDA TO THIS REPORT

TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.1	Revised UNECE Standard for Beans
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.2	Revised UNECE Standard for Sweet Peppers
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.3	Revised UNECE Standard for Lettuce
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.4	Revised UNECE Standard for Onions
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.5	Revised UNECE Standard for Peas
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.6	Revised UNECE Recommendation for Avocados
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.7	Revised UNECE Recommendation for Table Grapes
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.8	Revised UNECE Standard for Walnut Kernels
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.9	Revised UNECE Standard for Early Potatoes
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.10	Revised UNECE Standard for Ware Potatoes
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.11	Revised UNECE Standard for Seed Potatoes
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.12	Statement from OECD
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.13	Conference paper from the Legal Office of the United Nations
TRADE/WP.7/2001/9/Add.14	Programme of work and calendar of meetings