The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme) has set up the new technical Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection,, and Certification, Systems (CCFICS), the responsibilities of which include:

a) To develop principles and guidelines for food inspection and certification systems with a view to harmonizing methods and procedures which protect the health of consumers, ensure fair trading practices and facilitate international trade in foodstuffs.

b) To develop principles and guidelines for the application of measures by the competent authorities of exporting and importing countries to provide. assurance that foodstuffs comply with requirements

c) To develop guidelines for the application of quality assurance. systems to ensure that foodstuffs conform with requirements and to promote the recognition, of these systems in facilitating trade in food products under bilateral/multilateral arrangements by countries.

d) To develop guidelines and criteria with respect to format, declarations and language f such official certificates as countries may require with a view towards international harmonisation,.

e) To make recommendations for information, exchange in relation to food import/export control.

f) To see as a coordinating body for CODEX with other international groups working on matters elated to food inspection and certification systems.

g) To consider other mattes assigned to it by the Commission in relation to food inspection and certification systems.

The latest meeting of CCFICS was held in Canberra, Australia from 27 February to 3 March 1995. The Committee noted the importance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and, in particular, the obligation of members of the WTO to attune their food standards with CODEX standards, except where there is a technical or risk management justification for adopting a different approach. Subjects considered in the meeting include:

- Proposed Draft principles; for Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification.

- Guidelines for the Exchange of Information in Food Control Emergency Situations.

- Draft Glossary of Terms based on Internationally Accepted Definition

- Draft Guidelines for the Testing, Operation, Assessment and Accreditation of Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems.

- Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Exchange of Information on Rejection .

- Contact Address for Imported Food Control Agencies

- Proposed Draft Guidelines for Principle Elements in an Electronic Documentation

- Application of ISO Standards f the 9000 Series and Official Systems for Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification,

- Review of existing CODEX Standards or Codes with a View towards the Harmonization of Inspection and Certification Systems.

This meeting provided a forum for discussion on hat is being done individually and collectively towards ensuring the safety of foods moving in international trade and in ensuring market access for foods products.