Consultations

Purpose of consultation

Consultation invites reasoned comments on a defined draft or technical question. It helps identify ambiguities, omissions and practical consequences. A consultation draft is not a final publication and does not, by itself, set an applicable requirement.

Open consultations

A consultation notice identifies its subject, responsible technical function and status. The specific notice governs access to the draft and submission of comments. Use that notice rather than a general contact message to respond.

Draft and closing time

Check the draft reference, edition and closing date, including the stated time zone. A comment on a different edition may not address the text under consideration. The closing time determines whether the submission route remains open.

Who may comment

Eligibility and any representation requirements are stated in the notice. Contributors should identify whether they respond personally or for an organisation and disclose interests material to the subject.

Preparing a comment

Identify the clause or passage, explain the issue and give a reasoned proposal. Where a change is suggested, provide the intended wording or technical treatment. General approval or objection without explanation is less useful to the review.

Closed consultations

Closed notices retain the draft identity, consultation period and relevant status. They may link to a disposition summary or resulting publication where authorised. Closure does not mean that every comment has been accepted.

Treatment of comments

Comments are considered through the document's review arrangements. Decisions distinguish accepted changes, alternative treatment and comments not adopted. Publication of contributor information follows the notice and applicable data arrangements.

Guidance development process