Trade Facilitation Committee advances TFA review and discusses implementation support

This note has been prepared by the WTO Secretariat to assist public understanding about the work of the WTO's councils, committees and other bodies. It is not intended as a complete account of all issues raised at the meeting. These can be found in the formal meeting minutes.

Nine members took the floor, some speaking on behalf of groups of members. While discussions continue on issues concerning technical assistance and capacity building and future support for TFA implementation, members broadly reaffirmed their commitment to completing the second review and to reaching agreement on a final report by the end of the year.

Nigeria outlined its experience in the implementation of its trade facilitation measures with regards to WTO advance rulings. Under Article 3 of the FTA, WTO advance rulings are written decisions issued by a customs authority before goods are imported that provide binding guidance on how the goods will be treated when they enter the country.

The Committee heard from six organizations - the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, the International Trade Centre, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Bank, United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) - that provided updates on their activities in support of TFA technical assistance and capacity building. These organizations also responded to questions regarding their efforts to address the implementation needs of developing and least developed country (LDC) members.

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