In adopting these guidelines (Annex 9), the Committee noted the wide consultation that had taken place following the suggestions made at its thirty-third meeting (11). It was pleased to note that the guidelines had already been adapted for local use by a number of WHO Member States and that positive feedback had been received especially with regard to the flexibility and clarity of the guidance. They were designed to allow a step-by-step approach tailored to the stage of development of a particular registration system and the needs and priorities of the national health authorities. The guidelines were intended to assist drug regulatory authorities and international organizations involved in the procurement of pharmaceutical products, and to provide manufacturers with an indication of the data required. The Committee recognized that these guidelines were a first step: they would need to be supported by training and advice on implementation. Use by international organizations would be crucial to their promulgation. It recommended that further consideration should be given to the feasibility of developing a system of international reference products.