Improving Transparency of the Standard-Setting Process  

WOAH has published a new access point to all previous editions of its Aquatic Animal Health Code. This, together with the repository published last year of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, demonstrates how the Organisation is working to improve the transparency, documentation and traceability of its standard-setting process.

Since 1968, the Organisation, in collaboration with its experts, has been elaborating technical science-based international standards. At its annual General Sessions, new and revised texts are presented to the Organisation’s highest governing body—the World Assembly of Delegates—for their consideration, discussion, and adoption. The new texts then enter into force. Accessing key references in the evolution of WOAH Standards has been of great interest to Members and stakeholders alike, and this was not necessarily an easy endeavour, until today.

WOAH’s Terrestrial and Aquatic Codes

The Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Terrestrial Code) was first adopted in 1968, following the agreement of Members to work towards a harmonised approach to protecting against the global spread of animal diseases. The Aquatic Animal Health Code (Aquatic Code) was first published in 1995. Since then, WOAH regularly updates the Codes, and has published new editions nearly every year.

Why give access to previous editions?

While the most recent edition of the Codes is the sole reference for current use, readers may need access to previous editions for specific purposes. In addition to addressing this need from Members, this repository also gives access to chapter-level changes between editions and includes relevant documents supporting the amendments introduced over time. Consequently, this aims to promote a better understanding of the process for the adoption of WOAH Standards and their evolution. Designed to facilitate access to the institutional memory of the Organisation, the repository also links documents in the WOAH Documentary Portal.

How to access them

These repositories are available directly from the WOAH website and were built using resources from the Documentary Portal (http://doc.woah.org). All content is fully available to the public.

Access previous editions of the Terrestrial Code

Access previous editions of the Aquatic Code

For further information or inquiries please contact the Standards Department (standards@woah.org) or the Documentation Centre (documentation@woah.org).