Purpose

The START Team assists member States’ efforts to converge towards better regulations. To reduce non-tariff barriers to trade, the content of technical regulations should revolve around the definition of essential requirements. Making reference to international standards in national legislation is the most efficient way to achieve this.

The Team holds consultations with governments, international organizations and business associations and consumer groups, as well as standards-setting bodies and test houses, among others, to explore concerns related to regulatory convergence. The START Team uses a model for regulatory cooperation created in 2001, Recommendation L. The model details the necessary steps for the preparation, adoption and application of technical regulations in a specific sector by the use of international standards.

Currently, several Sectoral Initiatives¹ based on Recommendation L are currently underway:

• Telecom (SIT)
• Earth-Moving Machinery (SIEMM)
• Equipment for Explosive Environments (SIEEE)
• Pipeline Safety (SIPS)

Publications

• A Common Regulatory Language for Trade and Development

About the START Team

The ad hoc team of specialists on STandardization And Regulatory Techniques (START) was established in 1999 by decision of the Committee. It reports to the Working Party at its annual session. The terms of reference (see annex 2 of TRADE/WP.6/2001/8/Add.1) were last revised in 2001. In 2009 the Group had its mandate extended until 2011 by the UNECE Executive Committee. The work of the Team is open to representatives all United Nations Member States. Experts from international organizations, representatives of the private sector and non-governmental organizations can participate as observers.

1  To fulfill its tasks, the START Team recommends launching Sectoral Initiatives, which are supported by the UNECE secretariat.