The Role of WTO Committees through the Lens of Specific Trade Concerns Raised in the TBT Committee

Abstract The existing literature shows that transparency and monitoring reduce trade costs, improve regulatory practices build sustain trust. In this paper, using 555 specific concerns (STCs) raised by the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) committee in period 1995–2018, we develop a novel classification of STCs. We distinguish between STCs aiming exchange information (transparency STCs) those monitor compliance with TBT agreement (monitoring STCs). show that: (i) when intend foster transparency, they are mainly used relation notified measures, thus suggesting acquire not only new but also higher quality than provided merely notifications; (ii) challenge WTO members Agreement, primarily address draft promote accountability good practices; (iii) at stage less likely escalate dispute on adopted measures. Guided these findings, suggest potential for some reforms efficiency system. These include: introducing reporting system outcome STCs; committees fill gap missing systematically STC mechanism measures; building settlement requirement raise matter discuss it within relevant before filing formal case.