Founded in 1960, the Terrestrial Code Commission is responsible for ensuring that the recommendations of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (the Terrestrial Code) reflect current scientific information on the protection of international trade and surveillance methods for animal diseases, including zoonoses. It works with internationally renowned specialists to prepare draft texts for new articles for the Terrestrial Code and to revise existing articles in light of advances in veterinary science. As well, the Terrestrial Code Commission collaborates closely with the Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission on issues needing a harmonised approach, and with the Biological Standards Commission and the Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases to ensure the Terrestrial Code Commission is utilising the latest scientific information in its work.

The views of the Delegates of Member Countries and Territories are routinely sought through the circulation of draft and revised texts and, at each General Session, the Delegates discuss and formally adopt the draft texts as OIE standards. These texts are then incorporated into the next edition of the Terrestrial Code.