The interface of trade policies and environmental policies and how to render both policy areas mutually supportive has been the subject of the work in the OECD Joint Working Party on Trade and Environment (JWPTE) since the group's creation in 1991. The JWPTE meets regularly twice a year and sponsors certain events, such as consultations with NGOs and workshops.

The work of the JWPTE includes the following issues:

Environmental effects of trade

- Assessment methodologies
- Environmental goods and services
- Environmental effects of trade liberalisation

Environmental measures and trade

- Market access and environmental requirements
- Regional trade agreements and environment
- Environmental labelling and trade
- Trade measures and multilateral environmental agreements