In order to advance the work of the Codex Committee on Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS), two inter-sessional working group meetings (IWGs) were held back-to-back from 17-19 March in Oslo, Norway. The sessions were hosted by the Norwegian government in collaboration with the Government of New Zealand.

The working group on Establishment listing guidance was chaired by Norway, whereas the IWG on consolidation of Codex guidelines related to equivalence was chaired by New Zealand.

In her opening remarks, the Director-General of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Ingunn Midttun Godal, welcomed the delegates to Oslo and underscored the important role the Codex Alimentarius plays in supporting a safe, fair, and science‑based global food system. She noted that Norway’s engagement in Codex work is both long-standing and active. As chair of the CCFICS electronic working group on establishment listing, Midttun Godal commended Members and Observers for coming together for constructive, forward‑looking dialogue and for building on the progress already achieved.

 CCFICS Chairperson, Tom Black, thanked the governments of New Zealand and Norway for hosting the IWGs in hybrid format in Oslo. Black said that the meeting was an important gathering to progress work to develop the text for the establishment listing guidance and to consolidate the existing Codex texts on equivalence. The meeting saw strong participation both in person and online by the Codex family, with delegates working with a great collaborative spirit to progress the texts. Black highlighted that the deliberations of the IWGs will help set both pieces of work up for success at the CCFICS28 plenary session in Perth, Australia in October 2026.

Hilde Kruse, Senior Food Standards Officer in the Codex Secretariat, commended the chairpersons and all the participants for their active, constructive and collaborative work, and the organizers for creating excellent logistical arrangements conducive to efficient and inclusive work and good networking opportunities.

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CCFICS webpage