By Ulrich Hoffmann and Rene Vossenaar

Private voluntary standards (PVS) are becoming more frequent and complex and have both positive and negative effects on producers in developing countries. Some years ago, UNCTAD created the Consultative Task Force (CTF) on Environmental Requirements and Market Access for Developing Countries to help facilitate a dialogue between public and private stakeholders on the impact of and adjustment to PVS. (So far, CTF work has focused on two sectors: electrical and electronic equipment and horticulture, in particular fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV)).