What has ASEAN done to eliminate technical barriers to trade?
A 5: So far 20 products groups that are widely traded in ASEAN have been selected for standard harmonisation. Harmonisation of standards for these products groups is carried out through alignment of national standards with relevant international standards and the harmonisation process is targeted for completion by end of this year. The ASEAN Framework Agreement on Mutual Recognition Arrangements was signed on 16th December 1998, and provides the basis for accelerating the development of bilateral as well as regional mutual recognition arrangements on standards and conformity assessments among ASEAN Members. Under the umbrella of MRAs, sectoral MRAs are being explored for pharmaceutical, cosmetics, electrical and electronic products, and telecommunication equipments. ASEAN also aims to implement the ASEAN Common Technical Dossier for Pharmaceutical Product Registration by year 2002 to assist elimination of technical barriers to trade. In addition, harmonisation of maximum residue limits
