measures related to bse in may 1996 switzerland presented information on its bse situation and noted that a number of countries had restricted imports of dairy products although both the oie and the who concluded that dairy products posed no risk in respect of bse. in october 1996 switzerland provided an update of its sanitary prescriptions culling and veterinary measures to be adopted at the border. in march 1997 switzerland indicated that although it was a country of low incidence of bse it had been subject to a number of bse-related trade restrictions some of which could not be justified under wto rules. the chairman agreed to hold informal consultations with interested members on 21 march 1997. in july 1997 switzerland reported that although there had been some positive developments problems remained. switzerland addressed some questions to the members concerned stressing its interest to find rapid solutions through bilateral discussions. argentina informed the committee that it had replied to swiss questions and would provide more information switzerland expressed satisfaction with this progress. brazil noted that its import prohibition of bovine semen was based on the classification of bovine semen as a medium risk product and on brazils bse-free status. at the subsequent meeting of the relevant mercosur working grou in july 1997 brazil would attempt to reclassify bovine semen as low risk. canada noted that there had been no changes to its import conditions for the importation of live cattle bovine embryos bovine semen bovine meat or meat products from switzerland although a draft document on bse policies was being discussed. canada was receiving comments on its draft measure which would be in accordance with the oie code. canada was concerned with the lack of quantitative or qualitative parameters for the differentiation between countries with high and low incidence of bse and re-extended an invitation for bilateral discussions. the united states stressed that it did not prohibit the importation of meat. bse-related measures were subject to continued review based on scientific evidence which for example had led to the opening of trade in bovine semen although other matters remained unresolved. the united states remained open to scientific discussion in the area. switzerland noted that the united states required certification for dried meat and hoped that the reviewed us policies would be in line with oie recommendations. romania informed the committee that it had held bilateral discussions with switzerland. its policies were in line with oie recommendations and would be notified shortly. switzerland expressed satisfaction with the results of bilateral talks. poland noted that imports to poland were carried out on the grounds of individual import permissions but that no application had been received from switzerland. switzerland requested bilateral clarifications. singapore indicated that countries exporting beef were required to certify bse-freedom for six years. it believed this measure to be consistent with the sps agreement and planned to notify it shortly. the czech republic was concerned about continued occurrence of bse in switzerland especially since the czech republic was bse-free. however imports of bovine semen brain and embryos from switzerland were not restricted. the czech republic would prefer to continue discussion at the level of veterinary experts. the european communities noted that measures were taken on a national basis by ec member states but were screened for conformity with ec law before being notified to wto. in the case of bse this had taken more time than expected and although there was no common position within the european communities changes to the policy were being considered. the european communities indicated it was going beyond oie recommendations and indicated that it would be useful to continue discussions with the relevant experts. in octobe