WTO members note further progress on Trade Facilitation Agreement implementation

WTO members discussed the latest progress in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) at the 22-23 April meeting of the Committee on Trade Facilitation. An update on the rate of implementation of TFA commitments and on members’ technical assistance needs was provided by the WTO Secretariat.

According to the update the current rate of implementation of TFA commitments stood at 70.1 per cent for the entire WTO membership as of 22 April. This figure is expected to rise to 83 per cent by 2023 based on the notifications members had submitted on their respective implementation dates. Broken down by level of development, the current rate of implementation commitments equates to a 100 per cent rate of implementation by developed members and 61 per cent among developing members and least developed countries (LDCs). The implementation rate for each WTO member can be viewed here.

The Secretariat also reported on how much information has been received from members about technical assistance needs and available support to fully implement the TFA. Ninety-five members have notified their “Category C” designations, which identify the TFA provisions for which a member needs additional time and assistance. Eighty-seven of those members have notified the technical assistance they need, with 14 of them having notified arrangements with donors and progress with technical assistance.

Members also continued to discuss plans to conduct the first-ever review of TFA implementation, which is due this year, four years after the Agreement’s entry into force on 22 February 2017. The Chair reported on members’ informal discussions on the matter which took place on 22 April. Suggestions include analysing the provision of technical assistance and capacity building, identifying gaps members have experienced in securing technical assistance, the distribution of funds, and the impact of COVID-19 on LDCs. Additionally, members made suggestions on possible elements for inclusion in the background factual report being prepared by the Secretariat. Proposals include providing sample texts where members could add their comments and additional information that they wish to share regarding the domestic effect of implementation of the TFA.

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Source: WTO