Strengthening the Compliance of the OIC Member States
to International Standards
68
As for extra-OIC trade, it is important to complement the picture of SPS and TBT incidence that emerges
from NTM Map with a consideration of STC notifications made by OIC member states against other OIC
member states. This analysis provides information as to the extent to which standards are in fact
perceived as potential barriers to intra-regional trade, although it is important to keep in mind that
countries typically make STC notifications only when a significant amount of exports is in question, so
the focus is necessarily on large markets, like the USA and the EU.
In the TBT Committee, OIC member states have only raised three STCs involving other OIC member
states. Two of the matters were initiated by Turkey (bottled water exports to Egypt, and halal meat and
poultry exports to Malaysia), and one by Egypt (consumer protection labeling in Indonesia). In the case
of the SPS Committee, OIC member states have not notified any STCs with respect to other OIC member
states. It is important not to read to much into these results. In particular the low number or lack of STC
notifications does not mean that standards issues do not raise the costs of intra-regional trade within
the OIC. Countries typically notify STCs in relation to new standards issues, or changes in regulations,
not long standing positions that businesses have adjusted to. In light of the NTM Map analysis, it is likely
that product standards are a serious issue for many firms within the OIC, particular for manufacturers in
Asia and the Arab countries. There is likely considerable scope to free up intra-OIC trade by moving
forward on product standards.