Drawing on work by the APEC Subcommittee on Standards and Conformance (SCSC) on good practices in technical regulation, this survey-based report examines how APEC member economies ensure that regulatory policies protect health, safety and the environment while promoting free trade in the Asia-Pacific region. The report summarizes member economies’ preferred approaches to and practices in conformity assessment and the laws governing such practices, and examines the application of international standards to conformity assessment, cooperation among member economies, and member economies incorporate good practices into assessment requirements. It also describes member economies’ mandatory assessment requirements for electrical installations, photovoltaic products, and medical devices/pacemakers. The report also offers observations as the basis for further improvement in conformity assessment approaches in member economies.

Executive Summary

1. Introduction
2. Summary of Survey Responses
Appendix A. Survey Answers
Appendix B. Survey on Compliance with Article 5 of the WRO TBT Agreement