2012年WTO上诉机构对涉及TBT协定的三个案件的裁决表明，区别技术法规和标准的关键因素是强制性，强制使用就是技术法规，自愿使用就是技术标准，二者适用不同的法律规则，承担不同的法律义务。影响市场准入和包含强制执行条件的，都可能构成技术法规。第2。1条的核心是禁止歧视性产品标签，实行国民待遇。第2。2条的核心是禁止限制贸易的产品标签，必需性是其关键测试。第2。4条讨论国际标准作为技术法规的基础问题。
The awards to the three Cases relating to the TBT by the AB of WTO/DSB in 2012 indicate that，Compulsory compliance is the key to distinguishing between technological standards and regulation，voluntary for former and compulsory use for latter. The two are governed by different rules and obligations. Having impacts to market access and conditions for implementation all constitute technological regulation. The Art 2.1 prohibits discriminatory labels by carrying out national treatment. Art 2.2 prohibits constraining trade labels，necessity is the test. Art 2.4 is about relevant international standards as a basis for technological regulation.
