FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 3.4

FAO/WHO CODEX TRAINING PACKAGE

SECTION THREE – BASICS OF NATIONAL CODEX ACTIVITIES3.4 Organizing Codex documentation

Codex Training Package June 2004

2FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 3.4

How should a country organize its Codex files?

Whatever works best Simple enough to enable everyone to find the information

Many countries organize their electronic and paper files based on Codex committees

Countries that may only be actively participating in two or three committees should still maintain information files on the activities of all the individual Codex Committees

Some countries keep their circular letters (CLs) filed separately

Codex Training Package June 2004

3FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 3.4

National use of Codex standards

No obligation for countries that are Members of Codex to adopt any of the standards elaborated by the Commission

Many countries will review the Codex standards as part of their process for developing national policies and legislation

Countries that are members of the WTO are encouraged to harmonize their national measures with Codex standards

The Codex Alimentarius provides a ready-made set of standards that can be adapted to suit a country’s requirements

Codex Training Package June 2004

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National use of Codex standards (contd.)

Some countries have established a formal step-by-step process to develop national legislation and have incorporated a review of Codex standards as one of the steps

Important that the Codex Contact Point be linked to the process so that countries are aware and can take advantage of existing international standards

Codex Training Package June 2004

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Developing national food law

Codex standards are not intended to replace national legislation but rather are intended to assist in establishing national policies

Countries must enact a national food law to provide the legal framework for administering national policies and regulations