(a) The following terms and definitions shall apply to this subpart only:

(1) Designating Authority means a body with power to designate, monitor, suspend, remove suspension of, or withdraw conformity assessment bodies as specified under this part.

(2) Designation means the identification by a designating authority of a conformity assessment body to perform conformity assessment procedures under this part.

(3) Regulatory Authority means a government agency or entity that exercises a legal right to control the use or sale of products within a party's jurisdiction and may take enforcement action to ensure that products marketed within its jurisdiction comply with legal requirements.

(b) Other terms concerning conformity assessment used in this part shall have the meaning given elsewhere in this part or in the definitions contained in “Guide 2: Standardization and Related Activities—General Vocabulary of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)” (ISO/IEC Guide 2) (1996 edition), which is incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies are available from the International Organization for Standardization, 1, rue de Varembé, Case postale 56, CH-1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, or on the Internet at http://www.iso.ch or may be examined at the Food and Drug Administration's Medical Library, 5600 Fishers Lane, rm. 11B-40, Rockville, MD 20857, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. In the event of an inconsistency between the ISO/IEC Guide 2 and definitions in this part, the definitions in this part shall prevail.

This part specifies the conditions by which each party will accept or recognize results of conformity assessment procedures, produced by the other party's conformity assessment bodies (CAB's) or authorities, in assessing conformity to the importing party's requirements, as specified on a sector-specific basis in subparts A and B of this part, and to provide for other related cooperative activities. The objective of such mutual recognition is to provide effective market access throughout the territories of the parties with regard to conformity assessment for all products covered under this part. If any obstacles to such access arise, consultations will promptly be held. In the absence of a satisfactory outcome of such consultations, the party alleging its market access has been denied may, within 90 days of such consultation, invoke its right to terminate the “Agreement on Mutual Recognition Between the United States of America and the European Community,” from which this part is derived, in accordance with § 26.80.

(a) The United States shall, as specified in subparts A and B of this part, accept or recognize results of specified procedures, used in assessing conformity to specified legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions of the United States, produced by the other party's conformity assessment bodies (CAB's) and/or authorities.

(b) The European Community (EC) and its Member States shall, as specified in subparts A and B of this part, accept or recognize results of specified procedures, used in assessing conformity to specified legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions of the EC and its Member States, produced by the other party's CAB's and/or authorities.

(c) Where sectoral transition arrangements have been specified in subparts A and B of this part, the obligations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section will apply following the successful completion of those sectoral transition arrangements, with the understanding that the conformity assessment procedures utilized assure conformity to the satisfaction of the receiving party, with applicable legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions of that party, equivalent to the assurance offered by the receiving party's own procedures.

(a) This part applies to conformity assessment procedures for products and/or processes and to other related cooperative activities as described in this part.

(b) Subparts A and B of this part may include:

(1) A description of the relevant legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions pertaining to the conformity assessment procedures and technical regulations;

(2) A statement on the product scope and coverage;

(3) A list of designating authorities;

(4) A list of agreed conformity assessment bodies (CAB's) or authorities or a source from which to obtain a list of such bodies or authorities and a statement of the scope of the conformity assessment procedures for which each has been agreed;

(5) The procedures and criteria for designating the CAB's;

(6) A description of the mutual recognition obligations;

(7) A sectoral transition arrangement;

(8) The identity of a sectoral contact point in each party's territory; and

(9) A statement regarding the establishment of a Joint Sectoral Committee.

(c) This part shall not be construed to entail mutual acceptance of standards or technical regulations of the parties and, unless otherwise specified in subpart A or B of this part, shall not entail the mutual recognition of the equivalence of standards or technical regulations.

The parties agree to implement the transitional commitments on confidence building as specified in subparts A and B of this part.

(a) The parties agree that each sectoral transitional arrangement shall specify a time period for completion.

(b) The parties may amend any transitional arrangement by mutual agreement.

(c) Passage from the transitional phase to the operational phase shall proceed as specified in subparts A and B of this part, unless either party documents that the conditions provided in such subpart for a successful transition are not met.

The parties shall ensure that the designating authorities specified in subpart B of this part have the power and competence in their respective territories to carry out decisions under this part to designate, monitor, suspend, remove suspension of, or withdraw conformity assessment bodies (CAB's).

The following procedures shall apply with regard to the designation of conformity assessment bodies (CAB's) and the inclusion of such bodies in the list of CAB's in subpart B of this part:

(a) The designating authority identified in subpart B of this part shall designate CAB's in accordance with the procedures and criteria set forth in subpart B of this part;

(b) A party proposing to add a CAB to the list of such bodies in subpart B of this part shall forward its proposal of one or more designated CAB's in writing to the other party with a view to a decision by the Joint Committee;

(c) Within 60 days following receipt of the proposal, the other party shall indicate its position regarding either its confirmation or its opposition. Upon confirmation, the inclusion in subpart B of this part of the proposed CAB or CAB's shall take effect; and

(d) In the event that the other party contests on the basis of documented evidence the technical competence or compliance of a proposed CAB, or indicates in writing that it requires an additional 30 days to more fully verify such evidence, such CAB shall not be included on the list of CAB's in subpart B of this part. In this instance, the Joint Committee may decide that the body concerned be verified. After the completion of such verification, the proposal to list the CAB in subpart B may be resubmitted to the other party.

The following procedures shall apply with regard to the suspension of a conformity assessment body (CAB) listed in subpart B of this part.

(a) A party shall notify the other party of its contestation of the technical competence or compliance of a CAB listed in subpart B of this part and the contesting party's intent to suspend such CAB. Such contestation shall be exercised when justified in an objective and reasoned manner in writing to the other party;

(b) The CAB shall be given prompt notice by the other party and an opportunity to present information in order to refute the contestation or to correct the deficiencies which form the basis of the contestation;

(c) Any such contestation shall be discussed between the parties in the Joint Sectoral Committee described in subpart B of this part. If there is no Joint Sectoral Committee, the contesting party shall refer the matter directly to the Joint Committee. If agreement to suspend is reached by the Joint Sectoral Committee or, if there is no Joint Sectoral Committee, by the Joint Committee, the CAB shall be suspended;

(d) Where the Joint Sectoral Committee or Joint Committee decides that verification of technical competence or compliance is required, it shall normally be carried out in a timely manner by the party in whose territory the body in question is located, but may be carried out jointly by the parties in justified cases;

(e) If the matter has not been resolved by the Joint Sectoral Committee within 10 days of the notice of contestation, the matter shall be referred to the Joint Committee for a decision. If there is no Joint Sectoral Committee, the matter shall be referred directly to the Joint Committee. If no decision is reached by the Joint Committee within 10 days of the referral to it, the CAB shall be suspended upon the request of the contesting party;

(f) Upon the suspension of a CAB listed in subpart B of this part, a party is no longer obligated to accept or recognize the results of conformity assessment procedures performed by that CAB subsequent to suspension. A party shall continue to accept the results of conformity assessment procedures performed by that CAB prior to suspension, unless a regulatory authority of the party decides otherwise based on health, safety or environmental considerations or failure to satisfy other requirements within the scope of subpart B of this part; and

(g) The suspension shall remain in effect until agreement has been reached by the parties upon the future status of that body.

The following procedures shall apply with regard to the withdrawal from subpart B of this part of a conformity assessment body (CAB):

(a) A party proposing to withdraw a CAB listed in subpart B of this part shall forward its proposal in writing to the other party;

(b) Such CAB shall be promptly notified by the other party and shall be provided a period of at least 30 days from receipt to provide information in order to refute or to correct the deficiencies which form the basis of the proposed withdrawal;

(c) Within 60 days following receipt of the proposal, the other party shall indicate its position regarding either its confirmation or its opposition. Upon confirmation, the withdrawal from the list in subpart B of this part of the CAB shall take effect;

(d) In the event the other party opposes the proposal to withdraw by supporting the technical competence and compliance of the CAB, the CAB shall not at that time be withdrawn from the list of CAB's in subpart B of this part. In this instance, the Joint Sectoral Committee or the Joint Committee may decide to carry out a joint verification of the body concerned. After the completion of such verification, the proposal for withdrawal of the CAB may be resubmitted to the other party; and

(e) Subsequent to the withdrawal of a CAB listed in subpart B of this part, a party shall continue to accept the results of conformity assessment procedures performed by that CAB prior to withdrawal, unless a regulatory authority of the party decides otherwise based on health, safety, and environmental considerations or failure to satisfy other requirements within the scope of subpart B of this part.

The following shall apply with regard to the monitoring of conformity assessment bodies (CAB's) listed in subpart B of this part:

(a) Designating authorities shall assure that their CAB's listed in subpart B of this part are capable and remain capable of properly assessing conformity of products or processes, as applicable, and as covered in subpart B of this part. In this regard, designating authorities shall maintain, or cause to maintain, ongoing surveillance over their CAB's by means of regular audit or assessment;

(b) The parties undertake to compare methods used to verify that the CAB's listed in subpart B of this part comply with the relevant requirements of subpart B of this part. Existing systems for the evaluation of CAB's may be used as part of such comparison procedures;

(c) Designating authorities shall consult as necessary with their counterparts, to ensure the maintenance of confidence in conformity assessment procedures. With the consent of both parties, this consultation may include joint participation in audits/inspections related to conformity assessment activities or other assessments of CAB's listed in subpart B of this part; and

(d) Designating authorities shall consult, as necessary, with the relevant regulatory authorities of the other party to ensure that all technical requirements are identified and are satisfactorily addressed.

Each party recognizes that the conformity assessment bodies (CAB's) listed in subpart B of this part fulfill the conditions of eligibility to assess conformity in relation to its requirements as specified in subpart B of this part. The parties shall specify the scope of the conformity assessment procedures for which such bodies are listed.

(a) The parties shall exchange information concerning the implementation of the legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions identified in subparts A and B of this part.

(b) Each party shall notify the other party of legislative, regulatory, and administrative changes related to the subject matter of this part at least 60 days before their entry into force. Where considerations of safety, health or environmental protection require more urgent action, a party shall notify the other party as soon as practicable.

(c) Each party shall promptly notify the other party of any changes to its designating authorities and/or conformity assessment bodies (CAB's).

(d) The parties shall exchange information concerning the procedures used to ensure that the listed CAB's under their responsibility comply with the legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions outlined in subpart B of this part.

(e) Regulatory authorities identified in subparts A and B of this part shall consult as necessary with their counterparts, to ensure the maintenance of confidence in conformity assessment procedures and to ensure that all technical requirements are identified and are satisfactorily addressed.

Each party shall appoint and confirm in writing contact points to be responsible for activities under subparts A and B of this part.

(a) A Joint Committee consisting of representatives of the United States and the European Community (EC) will be established. The Joint Committee shall be responsible for the effective functioning of the “Agreement on Mutual Recognition Between the United States of America and the European Community,” from which this part is derived.

(b) The Joint Committee may establish Joint Sectoral Committees comprised of appropriate regulatory authorities and others deemed necessary.

(c) The United States and the EC shall each have one vote in the Joint Committee. The Joint Committee shall make its decisions by unanimous consent. The Joint Committee shall determine its own rules and procedures.

(d) The Joint Committee may consider any matter relating to the effective functioning of that agreement. In particular it shall be responsible for:

(1) Listing, suspension, withdrawal and verification of conformity assessment bodies (CAB's) in accordance with that agreement;

(2) Amending transitional arrangements in the sectoral annexes to that agreement;

(3) Resolving any questions relating to the application of that agreement not otherwise resolved in the respective Joint Sectoral Committees;

(4) Providing a forum for discussion of issues that may arise concerning the implementation of that agreement;

(5) Considering ways to enhance the operation of that agreement;

(6) Coordinating the negotiation of additional sectoral annexes to that agreement; and

(7) Considering whether to amend that agreement in accordance with § 26.80.

(e) When a party introduces new or additional conformity assessment procedures affecting a sectoral annex to that agreement, the parties shall discuss the matter in the Joint Committee with a view to bringing such new or additional procedures within the scope of that agreement and the relevant sectoral annex.

(a) Nothing in this part shall be construed to limit the authority of a party to determine, through its legislative, regulatory, and administrative measures, the level of protection it considers appropriate for safety; for protection of human, animal, or plant life or health; for the environment; for consumers; and otherwise with regard to risks within the scope of the applicable subpart A or B of this part.

(b) Nothing in this part shall be construed to limit the authority of a regulatory authority to take all appropriate and immediate measures whenever it ascertains that a product may:

(1) Compromise the health or safety of persons in its territory;

(2) Not meet the legislative, regulatory, or administrative provisions within the scope of the applicable subpart A or B of this part; or

(3) Otherwise fail to satisfy a requirement within the scope of the applicable subpart A or B of this part. Such measures may include withdrawing the products from the market, prohibiting their placement on the market, restricting their free movement, initiating a product recall, and preventing the recurrence of such problems, including through a prohibition on imports. If the regulatory authority takes such action, it shall inform its counterpart authority and the other party within 15 days of taking such action, providing its reasons.

Either party may suspend its obligations under subpart A or B of this part, in whole or in part, if:

(a) A party suffers a loss of market access for the party's products within the scope of subpart A or B of this part as a result of the failure of the other party to fulfill its obligations under this part;

(b) The adoption of new or additional conformity assessment requirements as referenced in § 26.73(e) results in a loss of market access for the party's products within the scope of subpart B of this part because conformity assessment bodies (CAB's) designated by the party in order to meet such requirements have not been recognized by the party implementing the requirements; or

(c) The other party fails to maintain legal and regulatory authorities capable of implementing the provisions of this part.

(a) Each party agrees to maintain, to the extent required under its laws, the confidentiality of information exchanged under this part.

(b) In particular, neither party shall disclose to the public, nor permit a conformity assessment body (CAB) to disclose to the public, information exchanged under this part that constitutes trade secrets, confidential commercial or financial information, or information that relates to an ongoing investigation.

(c) A party or a CAB may, upon exchanging information with the other party or with a CAB of the other party, designate the portions of the information that it considers to be exempt from disclosure.

(d) Each party shall take all precautions reasonably necessary to protect information exchanged under this part from unauthorized disclosure.

Each party shall endeavor to ensure that fees imposed for services under this part shall be commensurate with the services provided. Each party shall ensure that, for the sectors and conformity assessment procedures covered under this part, it shall charge no fees with respect to conformity assessment services provided by the other party.

Except where there is written agreement between the parties, obligations contained in mutual recognition agreements concluded by either party with a party not a party to the agreement from which this part is derived (a third party) shall have no force and effect with regard to the other party in terms of acceptance of the results of conformity assessment procedures in the third party.

The agreement from which this part is derived shall apply, on the one hand, to the territories in which the Treaty establishing the European Community (EC) is applied, and under the conditions laid down in that Treaty and, on the other hand, to the territory of the United States.

(a) The “Agreement on Mutual Recognition Between the United States of America and the European Community,” from which this part is derived, including its sectoral annexes on telecommunication equipment, electromagnetic compatibility, electrical safety, recreational craft, pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) inspections, and medical devices shall enter into force on the first day of the second month following the date on which the parties have exchanged letters confirming the completion of their respective procedures for the entry into force of that agreement.

(b) That agreement including any sectoral annex may, through the Joint Committee, be amended in writing by the parties to that agreement. Those parties may add a sectoral annex upon the exchange of letters. Such annex shall enter into force 30 days following the date on which those parties have exchanged letters confirming the completion of their respective procedures for the entry into force of the sectoral annex.

(c) Either party to that agreement may terminate that agreement in its entirety or any individual sectoral annex thereof by giving the other party to that agreement 6-months notice in writing. In the case of termination of one or more sectoral annexes, the parties to that agreement will seek to achieve by consensus to amend that agreement, with a view to preserving the remaining Sectoral Annexes, in accordance with the procedures in this section. Failing such consensus, that agreement shall terminate at the end of 6 months from the date of notice.

(d) Following termination of that agreement in its entirety or any individual sectoral annex thereof, a party to that agreement shall continue to accept the results of conformity assessment procedures performed by conformity assessment bodies under that agreement prior to termination, unless a regulatory authority in the party decides otherwise based on health, safety and environmental considerations or failure to satisfy other requirements within the scope of the applicable sectoral annex.

(a) The sectoral annexes referred to in § 26.80(a), as well as any new sectoral annexes added pursuant to § 26.80(b), shall form an integral part of the “Agreement on Mutual Recognition Between the United States of America and the European Community,” from which this part is derived.

(b) For a given product or sector, the provisions contained in subparts A and B of this part shall apply in the first place, and the provisions of subpart C of this part in addition to those provisions. In the case of any inconsistency between the provisions of subpart A or B of this part and subpart C of this part, subpart A or B shall prevail, to the extent of that inconsistency.

(c) The agreement from which this part is derived shall not affect the rights and obligations of the parties under any other international agreement.

(d) In the case of subpart B of this part, the parties shall review the status of such subpart at the end of 3 years from the date described in § 26.80(a).