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Uniform Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex Standards

The Commission follows an eight step procedure for the elaboration of its standards, guidelines and other texts which provides time and opportunity to all interested members/organizations to interact on the draft stage and to have their comments heard before a new standard is adopted by the Commission.

Uniform Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex Standards

Step 1
The Commission decides to elaborate a Standard and assigns the work to a committee. A subsidiary body may also suggest to the Commission that work be done in a specific area.

Step 2
The Secretariat arranges preparation of a Proposed Draft Standard.

Step 3
Proposed draft Standard is sent to governments and international organizations for comments.

Step 4
The comments are considered by the concerned subsidiary body to amend the proposed draft standard.

Step 5
The proposed draft standard is sent to the Commission/Executive Committee through the Secretariat for adoption as a draft standard.

Step 6
The draft standard is sent to governments and international organizations for comments.

Step 7
The comments are considered by the concerned subsidiary body.

Step 8
The draft standard is returned to the Commission for adoption as a Codex Standard. to be sent to governments for acceptance

A more detailed explanation as to how the process operates is available at the Codex Alimentarius Web site:
http://www.fao.org/codex/manual/Manual12ce.pdf