In 2000, the WTO TBT Committee adopted a decision on the “Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations,” commonly referred to as the “Six Principles” (WTO, 2000). The Six Principles guide WTO members and standards bodies in ensuring that international standard-setting processes are fair, inclusive, and reflective of global needs—including the interests of developing countries.
| Principle | Summary of emphasis |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Standards development processes should be accessible, with stakeholders able to track progress and provide feedback. |
| Openness | Participation in standards-setting should be nondiscriminatory, enabling meaningful engagement from all stakeholders, particularly developing countries. |
| Impartiality & consensus | Decision making should balance competing interests to impart fairness. |
| Effectiveness & relevance | Standards should meet practical needs without distorting trade. |
| Coherence | Cooperation and coordination among “relevant standards bodies” should prevent the development of conflicting international standards. |
| Development dimension | The challenges of developing countries must be considered, offering support, such as financial or technical assistance, to empower participation. |
Source : World Trade Organization. (2000). Principles for the development of international standards, guides and recommendations. https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/principles_standards_tbt_e.htm
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