1) The document discusses procedures for information exchange regarding regulations in the United States. 2) It outlines the notification process in the US, including the use of the Federal Register for issuing notices and accepting comments from both domestic and foreign parties on proposed regulations. 3) Key electronic tools for accessing information on US regulations are also mentioned, such as RegAlert which tracks regulations across all 50 US states.

1. Special Meeting on Procedures for Information Exchange November 2, 2004 Geneva Anne Meininger United States WTO TBT Enquiry Point

2. U.S. WTO TBT Enquiry Point National Center for Standards and Certification Information (NCSCI)‏ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)‏ U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)‏

3. Prior to Notification in the U.S. U.S. Regulations U.S. Federal Register Electronic Tools

4. U.S. Regulations Federal regulatory agencies Interested parties Administrative Procedures Act

5. “ Notice and Comment” Notice Comment Regulation (Final Rule)‏

6. “ Notice and Comment” 1. A notice is issued. Definitions Cost to benefit analysis Risk assessment Impact statements Contacts

7. “ Notice and Comment” 2. Comments are accepted. No restrictions Domestic and foreign Equal consideration Full consideration to substantive comments. Impact the final regulation

8. “ Notice and Comment” 3. A Final Rule is issued. Comments are addressed Basis and purpose Justification Time Codification into law

9. U.S. Federal Register One source for “Notice and Comment” Legal text Newspaper format Published every business day Paper, microfiche, electronic formats

14. Electronic Tools RegAlert Regulations in 50 U.S. states

15. Thank you. U.S. WTO TBT Enquiry Point National Center for Standards and Certification Information (NCSCI)‏ 100 Bureau Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2160 E-mail: ncsci@nist.gov Telephone: 301-975-4040