23 July 1986

38th plenary meeting

Work of the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1488 (XLVIII) of 22 May 1970, 1974 (LIX) of 30 July 1975, 1983/7 of 26 May 1983 and 1985/9 of 28 May 1985,

Reiterating the world-wide importance and practical value of the work of the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods constantly to develop and update internationally harmonized safety standards and regulations,

Taking into account the growing desirability of widening the decision-making base of the Committee through broader geographical representation by granting observers full membership in the Committee in view of their active participation in its work and by encouraging the participation of developing countries and other non-member countries in its future work,

Noting that the satisfactory functioning of the Committee is dependent upon an adequate level of technical support and servicing,

1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General concerning the work of the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, particularly questions of extended participation and membership;

2. Invites the Secretary-General, in the light of his report and further consultations with experts and observers participating in the work of the Committee, to take the following measures to widen the decision-making base of the Committee:

(a) Encouraging the participation of experts on a wider geographical basis;

(b) Welcoming, in particular, the participation of interested developing countries, upon request, as full members of the Committee;

(c) With respect to the active participation of observers in the work of the Committee, appointing experts designated by the Netherlands and Sweden as full members of the Committee, subject to confirmation by the Committee but not later than February 1987;

3. Invites Governments, in particular those of interested developed countries having expertise in the transport of dangerous goods, with the assistance of the Secretariat, to support the participation of interested developing countries, upon request, in the meetings of the Committee;

4. Repeats its request to the Secretary-General to maintain the regular work programme at the requisite level by the full implementation of Council resolutions 1983/7 and 1985/9;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to prepare a report on the implementation of the present resolution for submission to the Council not later than at its second regular session of 1987.