15. The Meeting noted that the trade facilitation measures of APWG include MRA and harmonization of standards. The MRA provides for the commitment of AMS to recognise the result of technical service (TS) performed by the listed TS based on the requirements of importing AMS. Without the MRA the recognition of result of TS to meet the technical requirements of importing AMS would be upon the discretion of importing AMS. The harmonization of the technical requirements of UN Regulations provides simplification of technical requirements among ASEAN in a sense that the exporting AMS do not have to adjust its production system to meet other AMS standards if the standards are harmonised. However, harmonization is still work in progress for APWG noting the existing additional requirements imposed by some AMS. The ultimate goal however, is to have harmonised requirements which can be achieved by reducing or eliminating the additional requirements of the standard or having these additional requirements become international requirements.
16. The Meeting noted the recommendations of Malaysia on the harmonization of the UN Regulations on emission, based on her presentation, as follows:
i. Emission regulation was proposed to be withdrawn from harmonization with UN Regulation Phase 1.
ii. The Emission Regulation Harmonization Plan among AMS can only be developed once the Fuel Properties as well as Exhaust Emission has been standardised.
iii. Detailed feasibility studies and survey with regards to Fuel Property and Exhaust Emission should be conducted to ensure the objective is achieved.
17. Considering the above, the Meeting noted the possibility of coming up with minimum requirements for fuel property and exhaust emission in ASEAN for harmonization and sought the updated inputs from AMS on their existing fuel property and emission requirements, as follows: