This resource explains how international regulatory cooperation (IRC) can improve regulatory quality and effectiveness, facilitate trade and investment, and help economies to address shared challenges. Drawing on APEC members’ practical experience and OECD analysis, it provides decision‑makers with evidence, examples and case studies to support informed choices about when and how to undertake IRC. The resource emphasises that IRC is flexible rather than “one size fits all”, encompassing approaches ranging from information sharing to harmonisation and mutual recognition, and should be tailored to domestic objectives and contexts. Overall, it makes a strong case for governments to systematically consider IRC as part of good regulatory practice and effective domestic rule‑making.
See the following for more information about IRC:
Case studies
This resource uses case studies to show how different approaches to international regulatory cooperation work in practice across APEC and its member economies, and the OECD. Rather than promoting a single approach, the case studies provide practical, real‑world insights to support economies to make effective use of IRC.
APEC Case Studies:
- The APEC Life Sciences Innovation Forum and Regulations Related to Drug and Vaccine Approvals
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Chemical Dialogue: Regulatory Cooperation Workstreams and the Virtual Working Group on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
- The APEC Automotive Dialogue and Electric Vehicles
- The APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum: Pesticide Maximum Residue Levels Compliance and Enforcement
- APEC Business Travel Card
- APEC Wine Regulatory Forum
OECD Case Studies:
- International Cooperation in Competition Law Enforcement (an OECD case study)
- OECD Mutual Acceptance of Data for Chemicals
- Additional Case Studies from the OECD
Other Case Studies:
Additional Resources
More Information
For any queries, contact IRC@mbie.govt.nz