Secretariat
About the Secretariat
The Secretariat for Environmental Enforcement Matters is an independent and impartial body established under the Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) between Colombia and the United States (U.S.).
The Secretariat is responsible for receiving and considering Submissions allegeding that either Party is failing to effectively enforce its environmental laws. In addition, the Secretariat prepares and develops Factual Records. In accordance with articles 18.8 and 18.9 of the TPA.
Background
The U.S. and Colombia signed the Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) on November 22, 2006, and on June 28, 2007, they signed a Protocol amending the TPA. Once the internal procedures for its ratification were completed and the implementation phase was finalized, the TPA came into force on May 15, 2012.
The TPA between the U.S. and Colombia included a chapter about the environment (chapter 18). In particular, Article 18.8 of this TPA established that the Parties would designate a Secretariat, for which they would provide for related arrangements through an exchange of letters or understanding between the Parties.
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Functions
The Secretariat for Environmental Enforcement Matters is in charge of receiving and considering Submissions on enforcement matters, as well as development of Factual Records.
