notification g sps n bra 74 and g sps n bra 75 on bse-related measures canada expressed concern over the way brazil applied the ec geographical bse risk gbr system as the basis for classifying countries according to their bse risk. canada requested that brazil conduct its own bse risk analysis and classification of canada and stated that it had sent a copy of its bse risk assessment to the brazilian authorities for their consideration. the united states also questioned brazils use of the ec risk assessment classifications and noted that the european communities had stated that its risk assessment classification system was not meant to serve as an international standard. chapter 2.3.13 of the oie international health code established the criteria for the determination of bse risk of a country or region. the united states met the oie criteria for a country free of bse and had completed a risk assessment on all the factors for bse occurrence. active surveillance for bse continued at levels far exceeding those of the international standard and a strong bse awareness programme had been developed for veterinarians farmers and others working with ruminants. the oie code recognized that certain tissues could be traded if they originated in countries such as the united states which was free of bse. the united states believed that any measures against its exports of cattle beef or any other products because of bse were unjustified and not consistent with wto obligations. brazil noted that human health concerns were at the root of the measures which referred to both the oie international standards and the ec classification system. thus far brazil had not been able to conduct a risk assessment for all countries and the provision of canadas risk assessment would assist the brazilian authorities in this regard. brazil would take into consideration decisions reached at the oie international committee meeting in may 2003 when reviewing its measures. in june 2003 brazil reported that it had notified six regulations relating to bse. in september 2004 canada informed the secretariat that the issue had been resolved with brazil.