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Market Surveillance

WP6 Market surveillance

Introduction

Market surveillance and the chain of control of products which enter the market is a pillar of quality infrastructure. Since its establishment in 2003, the Advisory Group on Market Surveillance (MARS) brings together all players involved (public authorities, manufacturers, retailers, importers, consumers, etc.) to increase transparency and attract attention to the role and responsibilities of public authorities in the chain of control. It has developed comprehensive guidance and serves as a forum of best practice and development of recommendation guidelines.

Market surveillance is a set of activities by designated authorities to ensure that products comply with mandatory requirements and do not endanger any aspect of public interest. This involves proper calibration of machinery and measurements (metrology) as well as actively engaging with other border control agencies such as customs. MARS actively brings together member States to discuss best practice for countering sub-standard and counterfeit goods.

In focus

Mars-Trade-infocus

MARS is finalising a revision of Recommendation M on counterfeits which is near finalized. A revised version should be put forward for approval at the 2024 WP.6 Annual Session.

MARS will soon launch a project to revise Recommendation N on Good Market Surveillance Policies and Practices. If you are interested to join this work, please contact the secretariat.

Key deliverables

Symbol/Title Issued date ENG FRE RUS

Recommendation M on Use of Market Surveillance Infrastructure as a Complementary Means to Protect Consumers and Users against Counterfeit Goods

2007

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ECE/TRADE/C/WP.6/2011/12
Recommendation N on Good Market Surveillance Policies and Practices

2011

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ECE/CTCS/WP.6/2016/7
Recommendation S on Applying Predictive Risk Management Tools for Targeted Market Surveillance

2016

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Template for exchanging information between Market Surveillance Agencies

2015

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ECE/TRADE/389
Glossary of Market Surveillance Terms

2011

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ECE/CTCS/WP.6/2022/4
Revised Glossary of Market Surveillance Terms

2022

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ECE/TRADE/301
Market Surveillance in the ECE Region
2004 PDF    
History

The Advisory Group on Market Surveillance (MARS) was established in 2003, resulting from the UNECE International Forum on Market Surveillance (29 October 2002, Geneva).

Market players such as public authorities, manufacturers, retailers, importers, and consumers/users need transparent rules of play. Consistent and effective procedures in the field of the protection of consumers and workers are a precondition to address this concern. Improved coordination and creation of best practices for market surveillance authorities are of great importance. Such cooperation and coordination are essential for the good functioning of both national markets and for the ECE region at large in order to eliminate distortion of competition and to protect consumers. Transparent and consistent best practices will also contribute to the facilitation of international trade.

The general task of the Advisory Group on Market Surveillance (MARS Group) is to contribute to the activities of the Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6) aimed at creating conditions conducive to the development and promotion of global trade and economic cooperation.

Impact

Impact text forthcoming

Events

Official annual reports of the Advisory Group on Market Surveillance (MARS)

Official meetings of the Advisory Group on Market Surveillance (MARS)

Other events related to market surveillance organized by WP.6

Policies and Procedures
Symbol / title Issued date ENG FRE RUS

ECE/CTCS/WP.6/2023/14 Annex III
Terms of reference of the Advisory Group on Market Surveillance (MARS Group)

2023 PDF PDF PDF