International Harmonization

The harmonization of laws, regulations and standards between and among trading partners requires intense, complex, time-consuming negotiations by CFSAN officials. Harmonization must simultaneously facilitate international trade and promote mutual understanding, while protecting national interests and establish a basis to resolve food issues on sound scientific evidence in an objective atmosphere. Failure to reach a consistent, harmonized set of laws, regulations and standards within the freetrade agreements and the World Trade Organization Agreements can result in considerable economic repercussions.

• Participation in Codex Alimentarius

• Cosmetics International Activities

• International Organizations and Standard-Setting Bodies

  • International Office of Epizootics
  • International Plant Protection Convention
  • World Health Organization
  • Food and Agricultural Organization
    • Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
    • Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues
    • Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Microbiological Risk Assessments
  • Pan American Health Organization
  • Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development