WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
3 July 2023  
(23-4517) Page: 1/99 
Trade Policy Review Body  
3 and 5 May 2023  Original: English/anglais/inglés  
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
OECS -WTO MEMBERS  
MINUTES  OF THE MEETING  
Addendum  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Saqer Abdullah ALMOQBEL (Saudi Arabia)  
This document contains the advance written questions  and additional questions by WTO 
Members , and replies provided by  the OECS -WTO Members .1 
 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
3 et 5 mai 2023  
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUES COMMERCIALES  
ÉTATS DE L'OECO MEMBRES DE L'OMC  
COMPTE RENDU DE LA REUNION  
Addendum  
Président : S.E.  M. Saqer Abdullah ALMOQBEL (Arabie saoudite)  
Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses  fournies par  les États de l'OECO 
Memb res de l'OMC .1 
 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
3 y 5 de mayo de 2023  
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES  
MIEMBROS DE LA OMC INTEGRANTES DE LA OECO  
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN  
Addendum  
Presidente: Excmo.  Sr. Saqer  Abdullah ALMOQBEL (Arabia Saudita)  
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito  y 
las preguntas adicionales de los Miembros de la OMC,  así como las respues tas facilitadas por  los 
Miembros de la OMC integrantes de la OECO .1 
  
 
1 In English only./En anglais seulement./En inglés solamente.  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
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  Contents  
THAILAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  3 
CANADA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  8 
SINGAPORE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  13 
UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  14 
CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  22 
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 36 
UNITED KINGDOM  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  41 
EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  46 
BRAZIL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  76 
COLOMBIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  78 
ARGENTINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  87 
ECUADOR  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  91 
SAINT VINCENT AND TH E GRENADINES – APPENDIX TO RESPONSES  ............................  95 
   
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REFERENCE  QUESTION TEXT  RESPONSE  
THAILAND  
WT/TPR/S/437 -01 
p.26 para. 2.25  Regarding the CARICOM Single 
Market and Economy (CSME), 
could the OECS provide an 
explanation on the difference 
between "single market" as 
the first component of the 
CSME and "single economy" 
as the second component?  The Single Market comprises five (5) regimes:  
1. Free movement of skills/labour  
2. Free movement of goods  
3. Free movement of services  
4. Free movement of capital  
5. The right of establishment  
 
The Single Economy will incl ude all of the above plus further economic policy 
coordination and harmonisation including fiscal and of monitory policy 
harmonisation.  
WT/TPR/S/437 -01 
p.30 para. 2.55  Could the OECS indicate her 
prospective on Common 
Investment Policy among 
OECS -WTO Mem bers in long 
term? If any, which authority 
would be responsible for 
formulating and 
implementing this policy?  The States purpose and function of the OECS given in Article 4 of the Revised 
Treaty of Basseterre "to establish the Economic Union as a single ec onomic and 
financial space" as well as the objectives and principles of the Protocol of Eastern 
Caribbean Economic Union set out in Articles 2 and 3 of the Protocol can 
contemplate and anticipate the pursuit by the Member States of harmonised or 
common inv estment policy. Should the Member States agree to work towards 
this, the work would be centred in the Economic Affairs Council working with the 
relevant Council of Ministers both of which would be responsible to the OECS 
Authority.  
WT/TPR/S/437 -01 
p. 32 p ara. 3.6. & 
WT/TPR/S/437 -02 
p. 81 para. 3.6.  The OECS -WTO Members allow 
manufacturers to apply for the 
waiver from the Council for 
Trade and Economic 
Development (COTED) to use 
imported materials that are not 
available in CARICOM member 
States. In this reg ard, could the 
OECS provide information on 
the criteria used in 
determining whether 
materials are available or not 
available in a CARICOM 
member State, as well as 
providing the list of goods 
that are eligible to such 
waiver?  There isn't a criterion for det ermining whether materials are available or not 
available but a procedure. Upon receipt of a request for the suspension of the 
CET, the Secretary General of CARICOM inquires of Member States of their 
ability to supply the quantities required by the country /manufacturer. 
Suspensions will or will not be granted based on the responses received on the 
ability to supply.  
WT/TPR/S/437 -01 
p. 38 para. 3.43.  Referring to the investment 
promotion agencies mentioned 
in paragraph 3.43, could the 
OECS clarify the functions of 
these agencies and how they Paragraph 3.43 on page 38 of the Secretariat's Report on the OECS WTO 
Members speaks to the inve stment promotion agencies established separately by 
each OECS WTO Member  
 
St Vincent and the Grenadines Response   
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operate as one -stop shops? 
Furthermore, are these one -
stop shops co -operated by 
six OECS members, where 
foreign investors would be 
facilitated with the access to 
any investment related 
information of each OECS 
member, without a need to 
go to that specific member 
country?  Invest SVG is the investment promotions agency for St. Vincent and the 
Grenadines and falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, Econ omic 
Planning, and Information Technology. The agency was established in 2003 as 
National Investment Promotion Inc. and rebranded in 2009 to Invest SVG. The 
agency is responsible for attracting and facilitating local and Foreign Direct 
Investment (FDI). In vest SVG also offers services in Investment Promotions, 
Investment Facilitation, Export and Research/Information Development.  
Website: http://investsvg.com  
 
Saint Lucia 's Response:  
Invest Saint Lucia is the national investment promotion agency of the 
Government of Saint Lucia responsible for stimulating, promoting and facilitating 
the development of business activities in Saint Lucia. We offer expert and 
comprehensive knowledge of processes to set up a business as well as available 
incentives to foster  growth and expansion in the economy.  
We serve as a one -stop shop for investors by providing information and guidance 
on how to establish and expand business. Each investor is assigned to an Officer 
that facilitates/guides the investor through the process of establishment. The 
agency also has access to physical assets such as land and factory space that we 
make available for investors to support their business. Some of our services 
include:  
 
Information And Advisory  
• Provide professional advice and guidanc e to investors to navigate the 
investment process from the first encounter and even beyond the installation 
and operational stages of the project.  
• Conduct thorough and reliable research and analysis of the market and 
economy.  
• Offer comprehensive knowle dge of the local and international processes, 
incentives, and other resources required to establish a business or investment.  
 
 
INVESTOR MATCHMAKING  
• Host meetings to match investors with suitable sector -specific projects.  
• Liaise with investors and indu stry partners.  
• Connect investors with key agencies in trade, tourism, development, and 
primary sectors.  
 
SITE SELECTION  
• Identify sites for business development.  
• Plan and facilitate site visits and familiarisation tours.  
• Assist with selecting commer cial space located throughout the island 's 
economic hubs.  
  
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SET UP AND INSTALLATION  
• Facilitate business start -up. 
• Support investors with entry into Saint Lucia and assist with expediting the 
process where necessary.  
• Guide investors throughout the inst allation process and offer full support.  
• Assist with selecting the right talent and skillsets to match investor business 
operations.  
 
RETENTION AND REINVESTMENT  
• Provide resources to foster growth and expansion of business operations.  
• Offer follow -up and after care support to investors.  
• Liaise with relevant local authorities and public institutions to channel investor 
issues.  
WT/TPR/G/437 
p.19 para. 4.3. Referring to An OECS Contingent 
Rights Model Bill mentioned in 
paragraph 4.3, could the OECS 
clarify the detail of OECS 
Contingent Rights Model Bill 
and the anticipated impact 
for the free movement of 
OECS citizens within the 
Economic Union?  The Policy and model bill on contingent rights allows for the implementation of 
Article 12.3 of the Protocol o f Eastern Caribbean Economic Union of the Revised 
Treaty of Basseterre (RTB).  
 
With complete implementation of the OECS Policy and Model Bill on Contingent 
Rights, citizens of OECS Protocol Member States (PMSs) and their qualifying 
family members (spouse a nd dependents) will move across borders within the 
ECEU with greater ease. It extends the benefits already provided to citizens of 
OECS PMSs at the borders with respect to indefinite stay to include benefits 
beyond the borders such as access to services in cluding education, healthcare 
and key social protection services on equal terms to what obtains for citizens of 
the host Protocol Member State (PMS). Hence, matters of differential access for 
social services that are articulated in the Social Rights Sectio n of the OECS 
Contingent Rights Policy would need to be addressed to achieve equal treatment 
on these matters for citizens of OECS PMSs and family members. Some of these 
differential matters include differences in fee structures for accessing education 
[for instance accessing programmes at the national community colleges], access 
to special services in healthcare and other social protection programmes, among 
others.  
WT/TPR/G/437 p. 
20 para. 4.10.  Could the OECS identify the 
four targeted sub -sectors 
under the Five -Year Action 
and Implementation Plan for 
Harmonising the regulatory 
and legislative policy 
environment for professional 
services in the CARICOM?  The four target sectors are: Professional Services, Health and Wellness Services, 
Cultural Services and  Information and Communication and Technology Services.  
WT/TPR/S/437 -01 
p. 58 para. 4.76.  With reference to the Hotel Aid 
Acts, could the OECS provide 
clarification on whether the St Lucia  
The fiscal incentives offered under the principal legislation (Tourism Incentives 
Act, Cap 15.30) covers accommodation as well as other products/services within  
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fiscal incentives offered by 
these Acts cover hotel 
businesses or other rel ated 
services operated by Small 
and Medium Enterprises 
(SMEs)?  In addition, could the 
OECS also provide more 
information whether there 
are any policies among the 
OECS members that promote, 
encourage, or enhance 
capacity building of the 
SMEs, especially in potential 
sectors such as tourism?  the tourism value chain – restaurants, transportation, provision of yachting 
services, marine b ased recreational services etc.  
 
A key aspect of the Ministry of Tourism 's mandate lies in enhancing the 
competitiveness of tourism products and services through the implementation of 
targeted capacity building initiatives. This was heightened during the p andemic 
and is expected to be institutionalized in the proposed Tourism Development Act. 
One of the key policy initiatives within this legislation is certification, and as such 
a range of support, including training and development, will be offered to 
businesses in meeting the required standards. Opportunities will be provided to 
enhance their capacity in other areas to include customer service, digitization, 
disaster management and environmental conservation.  
 
 
For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , the Hotel  Aids Acts covers all hotel 
businesses from small apartments to large hotels. Other incentives relate to:  
• The Fiscal Incentives Act: harmonizes fiscal incentives to industry and contains 
a wide range of incentives for traditional inventors in the areas o f manufacturing 
and light manufacturing sectors.  
• The Information Communication Technology Incentives Act: reduces 
impediments to investment and provides incentives to encourage the growth of 
this sector.  
• Small Business Development Act: provides incenti ves to small and micro 
businesses.  
The Centre for Enterprise Development is one of the main agencies set up to 
provide capacity building for small businesses.   
WT/TPR/G/437 p.9 -
10 paras. 2.5.-2.6. Thailand supports the 
Organization of the Eastern 
Caribbea n States (OECS) 
Development Strategy (ODS) 
which aims at promoting the 
development of member states 
according to the three pillars of 
development strategies, namely 
the generation of economic 
growth, the promotion of human 
and social wellbeing, and the 
sustainable use of natural 
endowments. These strategies 
align with Thailand's national 
agenda on Bio Circular -Green 
(BCG) Economy Model, which 
has been adopted at the 2022 
APEC as the Bangkok Goals on Pillar 3 of the OECS Development Strategy is on Sustainable Use of Natural 
Endowments. The strategy for Pillar 3 is developed around seven (7) objectives 
and several specific objectives (selectively listed), namely:  
1. Support the enabling environment and means of implementation;  
a.  Strengthen Policy, Legal and Institutional Frameworks  
b. Technology development and acquisition  
2. Advance ocean governance;  
a. Maintain ecosystem integrity  
b. Foster Sustainable use of marine resources  
3. Improve biodiversity and ecosystem management;  
a. Formulation and Implementation of a Regional Biodiversity 
Strategy and Action Plan  
b. Protecting biodiversity through sustainable livelihoods  
4. Foster increased use of sustainab le energy;  
a. Encourage Geothermal Energy Development;  
b. Develop incentive regime to stimulate investment in renewable 
and energy -efficient technologies;   
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Bio-Circular -Green (BCG) 
Economy. This model of 
economic d evelopment promotes 
efforts towards sustainability 
goals which addresses complex 
regional economic and 
environmental challenges. The 
BCG Economy enhances the 
harmonisation of human and 
nature as well as the connection 
between the current generation 
and the  next. Bio -economy 
emphasises the application of 
bio-technology in advancing 
development. Circular Economy 
helps reduce waste. Green 
Economy manages sustainable 
use of natural resources and the 
transition towards renewable 
energy.  
 
Nonetheless, Thailand is  of 
the view that ODS lacks clear 
strategies on the third pillar 
on the sustainable use of 
natural endowments. While 
natural resources are, in 
actuality, the strength of 
OECS member states, they 
also come with challenges in 
terms of natural disasters 
induc ed by climate change. 
We therefore wish to be 
informed of measures 
incorporated to maximise the 
use of natural resources in 
order to protect the 
ecosystem, while 
accelerating sustainable 
economic growth. Are there 
also strategies or measures 
in place to re duce the 
impacts from climate change c. Foster Innovation and Resilience for Sustainable Energy  
5. Promote further climate change and disaster risk ma nagement;  
6. Support greater sustainable use of land and water resources;  
7. Promote and facilitate proper chemical, waste and pollution 
management  
Strategic Priority 3 of the OECS is "Value the Environment ". OECS policy 
makers, increasingly cognizant of the ne ed for mainstreaming ecosystem values 
and natural assets accounting into national development strategies and plans, 
have called for the introduction of ecosystem valuation and accounting at the 
national and regional level. Ministers have also noted the imp ortance of 
communications, data and information in decision making and have endorsed the 
establishment of an OECS Environmental Information System supported by 
national systems. Such systems would also support implementation of regional 
instruments such as  the Green Blue Economy Strategy (GBE), the Eastern 
Caribbean Regional Ocean Policy (ECROP) and the Biodiversity and Ecosystems 
management Framework (OECS BEF).  
Strategic Priority 4 of the OECS is "Build Resilience " which focuses on 
strengthening communit ies, systems, infrastructure and people to reduce 
vulnerability from climate change and other hazards. Emphasis will be on Land, 
water, ecosystems management and pollution reduction as well as hazard 
mapping, school upgrades and community resilience projec ts. Expected results 
are (i) Enhanced capacity at the national and regional levels to plan manage and 
mitigate for climate change and other natural hazards; and (ii) Improved 
financial mechanisms to respond to disasters and outbreaks.  
Please see https://www.oecs.org/climate -&-disaster -resilience/    
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on the well -being of the 
people?  
CANADA  
WTO SECRETARIAT 
REPORT –  
 
OECS -WTO 
Members – Part 2 – 
Trade and 
Investment 
Regimes: 2.3 Trade 
Agreements and 
Arrangements  
 
Page 25 (Paragraph 
2.17)  Paragraph 2.17 of the 
Secretariat Report states that 
"[t]he OECS supported a 
multilateral reform effort that is 
open, inclusive, and transparent, 
and called for the restoration of 
the two -tiered dispute 
settlement system".  
 
1. Canada appre ciates the 
OECS's support to restore a two -
tiered dispute settlement 
system. We also appreciate the 
OECS's involvement in the 
informal discussions for dispute -
settlement reform.  
 
Has the OECS considered 
participating in the Multi -
Party Interim Appeal 
Arbitration Arrangement 
(MPIA)? Until the impasse at 
the Appellate Body is 
resolved, the MPIA provides 
access to its participants to 
binding and two -tiered 
dispute settlement when it 
comes to disputes between 
them.  The OECS is not opposed to the MPIA in princi ple. The issue has been discussed 
at the level of senior officials on occasion. However, no decision has been taken 
for OECS countries to join the MPIA. The focus of the OECS has been to 
participate constructively in discussions to resolve the Appellate Bo dy impasse. 
In this regard, four OECS Members are co -sponsors of a proposal in the Dispute 
Settlement Body to launch the selection process to appoint Appellate Body 
Members. The OECS has also been actively involved in the informal discussions 
on dispute se ttlement reform.  
OECS -WTO 
Members – Part 4 – 
Trade Policies by 
Sector: 4.1 
Agriculture and 
Fisheries  
 
Page 45 (Paragraph 
4.7) The Secretariat Report mentions 
that the authorities of some of 
OECS -WTO Members noted that 
import -restrictions measures 
were in place to partly offset 
unfair trading practices from 
trading partners.  
 
2. Could the OECS -WTO 
Members provide a list of 
these "unfair trading The OECS is fully committed to its WTO obligations. This notwithstanding, the 
region recognises that some WTO Members impose in their jurisdictions, certain 
practi ces such as subsidies, which provide an unfair advantage to some of their 
exports to the region. The OECS Commission is working with its Member States 
to address these concerns.   
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practices" by trading 
partners that warrant the use 
of import restrictions?  
Page 45 (Paragraph 
4.11)  The Secretariat Report mentions 
that other than Sai nt Vincent 
and the Grenadines, no other 
OECS -WTO Member has 
submitted a notification to the 
WTO with regard to domestic 
support. Paragraph 4.8 of the 
Secretariat Report mentions that 
domestic -support measures are 
mainly provided in the form of 
input subsid ies.  
 
Domestic -support notifications 
help to underpin the work of the 
WTO Committee on Agriculture 
and the information in the 
notifications allow Members to 
monitor the implementation of 
commitments under the WTO 
Agreement on Agriculture.  
 
3. Could the O ECS-WTO 
Members that have not yet 
submitted a domestic -
support notification indicate 
if they have encountered 
technical issues or 
challenges that affect their 
ability to submit a domestic -
support notification?  OECS Member States are committed to their tra nsparency obligations in the 
WTO. No OECS Member is wilfully non -compliant with its WTO notification 
obligations. However, our Member States remain challenged by domestic 
capacity constraints, including the small size of Ministries and Departments. The 
OECS Commission is committed to working with its Member States to address 
these challenges, including by making use of relevant technical assistance 
available at the WTO and elsewhere.  
 
St. Kitts and Nevis  have not submitted a domestic support domestic -
notification due to technical challenges: man -power/technical know -how. St. 
Kitts and Nevis via the Ministry of International Trade is seeking to have a WTO 
technical capacity building workshop on Notifications covering Agriculture, Trade 
Facilitation Agreement,  etc.  
 
4. Could the OECS -WTO 
Members advise as to 
whether they will be 
submitting a domestic -
support notification in the 
near future?  OECS Member States are actively working to address their capacity constraints 
to allow them to better meet their WTO not ifications obligations.  
 
St. Kitts and Nevis  has every intention to submit notifications re domestic -
support soonest. This is dependent upon training received and the Ministry of 
Agriculture efforts to assign a trained officer to submit notifications that  covers 
all Agriculture matters (apart from domestic -support)  
Antigua And 
Barbuda – Part 3 – 
Trade Policies and 
Practices by Section 3.3.6 speaks to 
government procurement in 
Antigu a and Barbuda.  
   
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Measure: 3.3.6 
Government 
Procurement  
 
Page 93 (Paragraphs 
3.79 to 3.84)  5. Is there a process in 
place to challenge a tender 
award or public procurement 
decision? If so, which 
entities are responsible for 
managing dispute resolution, 
and what is the time frame 
for review of complaints?  
Antigua And 
Barbuda – Part 4 – 
Trade Policies by 
Sector: 4.2.2 
Telecommunications  
 
Page 100 (Paragraph 
4.43)  The Secretariat Report states 
that "foreign suppliers [of mobile 
services] wishing to have a 
commercial presence must 
undertake a minimum 
investment of at leas t USD 
500,000."  
 
6. What is the rationale 
behind the minimum -
investment requirement of 
USD 500,000 for the 
commercial presence of 
foreign suppliers of mobile 
services in Antigua and 
Barbuda?   
Dominica – Part 3 – 
Trade Policies and 
Practices By 
Measure: 3. 3.6 
Government 
Procurement  
 
Pages 144 -148 
(Paragraphs 3.82 to 
3.103)  7. Is there a process in 
place to challenge a tender 
award or public procurement 
decision? If so, which 
entities are responsible for 
managing dispute resolution, 
and what is the time fram e 
for review of complaints?   
Page 145 (Paragraph 
3.84)  Paragraph 3.84 states that until 
2022, the Procurement and 
Contract Administration Act 
2012 governed procurement in 
Dominica and provided a margin 
of preference of up to 20 percent 
for domestic suppli ers or for 
products locally produced while 
participating in tenders.  
   
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8. Could Dominica please 
confirm whether the new 
Public Procurement and 
Disposal of Public Property 
Act also includes a 20 -
percent margin for domestic 
suppliers? Although 
paragraph 22 o f the overall 
Secretariat Report does note 
that Dominica grants a 20 -
percent margin for domestic 
suppliers, this information is 
not included in the Annex for 
Dominica. It would therefore 
be helpful if Dominica could 
clarify whether this previous 
margin of preference has 
carried over to the new Act.  
Page 146 (Paragraph 
3.93)  Paragraph 3.93 notes that the 
Public Procurement and Disposal 
of Public Property Act No. 14 
includes a section on electronic 
government procurement, which 
states that all public 
procurement may be undertaken 
using electronic means by use of 
an electronic g overnment 
procurement system. A 
procuring entity may use 
electronic government 
procurement to conduct all 
stages of the procurement 
proceedings, including 
publication of invitations to 
participate in public 
procurement; distributing the 
prequalification or  bidding 
documents to bidders by free -of-
charge download; inviting 
bidders to submit their 
applications to prequalify, 
expressions of interest, bids, 
quotations or proposals 
electronically; opening of bids   
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and proposals, evaluation of 
bids, quotations, and  proposals; 
and awarding procurement 
contracts.  
 
9. Does Dominica 
maintain an electronic 
procurement platform where 
all public procurements are 
listed, or does the term 
"electronic government 
procurement" refer to any 
means of conducting public 
procuremen t that occurs 
online, as managed by the 
procuring entity?  
Dominica – Part 3 – 
Trade Policies and 
Practices by 
Measure: 3.3 
Measures Affecting 
Production and 
Trade  
 
Page 138 (Paragraph 
3.45)  The Secretariat Report states 
that "[d]espite the electronic 
submissions on the platform, 
companies are still requested to 
physically send completed forms 
and signed articles of 
incorporation to CIPO […]".  
 
10. Why are companies 
required to send completed 
forms and signed articles of 
incorporation to CIPO 
physically?   
QUESTIONS 
REGARDING THE 
GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
Part 4 – Sectoral 
Development: 5.5 
Information and 
Communication 
Technology (ICT) 
and E -Commerce  
 
Page 79 (Paragraph 
5.26)  The Government Report notes 
that " the Government of Saint 
Lucia  saw the need to review 
and refresh its commitment to 
the sustainable national 
development through ICT" and 
that "has given rise to the Saint 
Lucia Digital Development 
Strategy".  
 
11. What are the main 
pillars and objectives of the 
Saint Lucia  Digital 
Development Strategy as The trade -related objectives in the Saint Lucia Digital Development Strategy is 
captured under one key pillar – Pillar #3: Integrated Digital Architecture and 
Infrastructure.  
This pi llar focuses on the creation of shared, secure, resilient, and maintainable 
national digital infrastructure which supports Saint Lucia 's aspiration to be an 
established and recognized digital society and economy. One key initiative is the 
execution of a tr ade logistics project. It is anticipated that work done in this 
pillar will positively impact Saint Lucia 's UN E -Government rankings.  
The specific policy objectives of this pillar include –  
1. Design of a National Digital Architecture which facilitates th e ease of 
doing business in the public and private sectors and leads to an improved 'Doing 
Business Ranking '. 
2. Government transforming itself through digital technologies to provide its 
stakeholders with a new enhanced customer experience and more effect ive  
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they pertain to trade and 
trade policy?  service whether through new modern web or mobile enabled e -Services or faster 
technology -supported services over the counter.  
3. Working with the private sector to create national standards for data 
exchange which promote new arrangements and/or busine ss opportunities that 
support the development of new innovative services in and between the public 
and private sectors.  
SINGAPORE  
QUESTIONS 
REGARDING THE 
SECRETARIAT 
REPORT  
 
1 Summary  
 
Page 10 (Para 29)  "There is no restriction to foreign 
capital participation in 
telecommunications services in 
the OECS -WTO Members, 
although specific capital 
requirements may apply. 
Licences are granted by the 
national regulators." Could the 
OECS elaborate on the specific 
capital requirements that would 
apply for for eign 
telecommunications service 
providers and investors 
interested in operating in the 
OECS?  For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , the capital requirement refers to the 
application process for a licence which will require the applicant to provide proof 
of securing the required capital that will be needed to build out the relevant 
telecommunications network that is required by the licence to deploy the 
services that are allowed by the licence granted.  
 
Saint Lucia's  Response:  
"…no restriction to foreign capi tal participation in telecommunications services in 
the OECS -WTO Members " 
Under the current legislative and regulatory framework, there are no restrictions 
in relation to "foreigners " applying for the licences, via the National 
Telecommunications Regulator y Commission (NTRCs), to operate an electronic 
communications service in the ECTEL 's Contracting States. However, the 
requirement is that an applicant needs to be a company with good standing, 
incorporated in each Contracting State and have met the financi al and technical 
requirements for approval. This evaluation is conducted by ECTEL and its 
recommendations are submitted to the Ministers for consideration, through the 
NTRCs in each of its Contracting State, as outlined in the Telecommunications 
Act and Te lecommunications (Licensing & Authorisation) Regulations.  
7 Multilateral 
Trading System – 
the WTO  
 
Page 25 (Para 7.11)  "Since 1998, the OECS WTO 
Members have supported both 
the renewal of the E - Commerce 
Work Programme and the 
Moratorium owing to the 
enormous potential of e -
commerce and digital trade, as 
well as the need to provide a 
stable and predictable 
environment for the private 
sector to pursue e -commerce 
development." What measures 
has the OECS put in place to 
attract foreign investment in 
digital/e -commerce into the The OECS is certainly open to foreign investment and expertise to aid its push 
for digitalisation. In October 2021, the OECS received s upport from the 
Commonwealth Secretariat to complete an e -trade readiness assessment. 
Several OECS Members States, as well as the Commission, have received 
assistance from the World Bank to modernise their e -commerce ecosystem, 
including modern legislation  and infrastructure. Several Member States are also 
establishing Ministries with specific responsibility for digitalisation. Digitalisation 
and investment in the digital economy are also elements of Member States 
national development strategies, including the OECS -wide Development 
Strategy.   
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region, and is the OECS open to 
foreign investment and expertise 
to aid its push for digitalisation?  
PART II: 
QUESTIONS 
REGARDING THE 
GOVERNMENT 
REPORT  
 
3.2 Government 
Procurement  
 
Page 30 (Para 3.2)  None of the OECS states are 
signatory to the WTO Agreement 
on Government Procurement or 
participate as an Observer in the 
respective Committee. What 
measures does the OECS have in 
place to facilitate openness, 
transparency and non -
discrimination between local and 
foreign suppliers when 
participating in public 
procurement?  The OECS does not a regional policy, legislative or regulatory framework for 
public procurement. At the CARICOM level, there is a Protocol on Public 
Procurement for the Caribbean Community which establishes the conditions and 
procedures for the progressive integration of the national public procurement 
market of each Contracting Party into a single, unified and open area through 
the design and implementation of a regional best practice regime for public 
procurement. Operating principles of the protocol are national treatment and 
MFN; t ransparency; accountability; best value for money; and procedural 
fairness.  
 
For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , procurement notices are openly advised 
on all national and regional platforms, as well as the donor funding platforms. 
There is a national Publ ic Procurement Act (34 of 2018). Open competitive 
bidding is utilized as the standard method of procurement.  
 
Saint Lucia's  Response:  
Saint Lucia has introduced legislation which makes open competition mandatory. 
It also iterates the circumstances where n on-competitive methods can be 
pursued and the allowable exemptions in accordance with procurement best 
practices. Provisions regarding notification, reporting, challenge and review also 
exists to allow for fairness, openness and transparency.  
UNITED STATE S 
Questions based on 
the OECS 
Secretariat Report 
(WT/TPR/S/437), 
Page 32, paragraph 
3.6 The Secretariat report states, 
"None of them [i.e. OECS 
members] has any non -
preferential rules of origin." WTO 
document G/RO/W/214, Section 
C, page 8, indicates that 
Antigua, Grenada, Saint 
Lucia, and Saint Vincent and 
the Grenadines  have not yet 
submitted a notification under 
Article 5 of the Agreement on 
Rules of Origin on whether they 
apply non preferential rules of 
origin. Section B of the 
aforementioned document 
indicates that Dominica and 
Saint Kitts and Nevis have both 
notified the Secretariat that they The OECS Commission is working with the relevant Member States to submit the 
necessary notifications.  
 
Grenada  is aware of the obligation and is working towards submitting the 
notification.  
 
St. Vincent and the Grenadines  is cognizant of its obligation to transparency 
and would work towards submission in the medium term.  
 
Saint Lucia  intends to notify before the end of 2023.   
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do not apply non preferential 
rules of origin.  
 
1. Can Antigua, Grenada, 
Saint Lucia, and Saint 
Vincent and the Grenadines  
provide a status update on 
when they w ill submit their 
notifications to the 
Secretariat?   
Questions based on 
the OECS 
Secretariat Report 
(WT/TPR/S/437), 
page 42, paragraph 
3.68  During the period under review, 
some of the OECS -WTO 
Members made amendments to 
their intellectual property rights 
(IPR) legislation. Antigua and 
Barbuda enacted a new Patent 
Act in 2018, as well as its 
implementing Regulations. Saint 
Vincent and the Grenadines 
passed a new bill on plant 
varieties protection. Legislation 
on geographical indications 
enacted in Saint Kitts and Nevis 
in periods covered by past 
reviews also entered into force 
during the review period. 
Regulations for copyright were 
implemented in 2018.  
 
2. Other than Saint Vincent 
and the Grenadines, do other 
members of OECS WTO have 
laws concerning plant variety 
protection?   Antigua and Barbuda  currently has in existence, a draft bill pertaining to plant 
variety protection. Dominica has a Protection of New Varieties of Plants Act (Act. 
No. 14 of 1999). In 2019, St. Vincent and the Grenadines passed legislation to 
protect the intellectual propert y rights of breeders of new plant varieties. 
Member States are part of a broader regional project with a development partner 
to modernize IP legislation, including new plant varieties.  
 
Grenada  does not have Plant variety Protection legislation.  
 
Saint Luc ia does not have plant variety protection laws.   
Questions based on 
the ANTIGUA AND 
BARBUDA  
Secretariat Report 
(Annex 1)  
 
Page 67, paragraph 
1.10:  The Secretariat report of Antigua 
and Barbuda states: "Since 
2021, the Government 
implements a Medium -Term 
Fiscal Strategy (MTFS) to 
improve its fiscal position. To 
achieve fiscal consolidation, the 
Government prioritizes revenue 
collection: improving 
compliance; reducing tax   
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expenditures; and expanding the 
property tax base."  
 
3. To the best of your 
knowledge  are there other 
fiscal strategies that are not 
included in the MTFS that can 
be added to optimize the 
results of this strategy?  
Page 94, Paragraph 
3.89 Patent rights are enforced by the 
Patent Act 2018, as amended by 
the Patents (Amendment) Act 
2022, which replaces the 
previous legislation of 2012. The 
right to a patent belongs to the 
inventor and the conditions for 
patentable inventions are 
covered by the Act. 
Furthermore, the Act specifies 
the application procedures for 
filing for and obtaining  a patent, 
as well as the rights of the 
patent holder. A patent expires 
20 years after the filing date of 
the application. Compulsory 
licensing is allowed when the 
public interest requires, the 
manner of exploitation was 
determined as anti -competitive, 
or the invention is not available 
in sufficient quantities or quality 
or at predetermined reasonable 
prices. Search and reports from 
external partners are now 
admitted as part of the 
examination process for patent 
applications. The amendment of 
2022 provides for a reduction of 
fees payable by a natural person 
or a small business entity. The 
Act also integrates Antigua and 
Barbuda's obligations under the 
Patent Cooperation Treaty into 
the domestic legislation.    
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4. With respect to 
"search and reports from 
externa l partners … admitted 
as part of the examination 
process for patent 
applications," does "external 
partners" refer to certain IP 
offices or research 
organizations within Antigua 
and Barbuda, or another 
entity? If the latter, please 
identify such entity.  
 
 5. Did the amendment of 
2022 to the Patent Act 2018 
bring any additional 
substantive changes to 
patent rights in Antigua and 
Barbuda besides reducing 
fees payable by a natural 
person or small business 
entity and besides 
integrating Patent 
Cooperation Tre aty 
obligations into the domestic 
legislation?   
Part III. Questions 
based on the 
DOMINICA  
Secretariat Report 
(Annex 2)  
 
Page 129, 
paragraph 3.8  The Secretariat Report notes the 
notifications made by Dominica 
to the WTO under the WTO 
Trade Facilitation Agr eement 
(TFA). Dominica self -identified 
TFA Article 10.4.3, on the 
operation of the single window, 
as a Category C commitment 
with a definitive implementation 
date of 31 December 2022.  
 
6. Transparency is critical 
to all traders for 
understanding what customs 
formalities are required and 
providing certainty at the 
border. What is Dominica's   
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plan to submit its notification 
for TFA Article 10.4.3?  
Part IV. Questions 
based on the 
GRENADA  
Secretariat Report 
(Annex 3)  
 
Page 186, 
paragraph 2.23  Grenada's Citizenship by 
Investment programme allows 
"qualified investors" to apply to 
become a citizen or permanent 
resident of Grenada against an 
investment of  USD 350,000+.  
 
7. Could Granada please 
describe the steps it has 
taken to ensure the CBI 
program minimizes the risk 
of financial and economic 
crimes and evasion of law 
enforcement in investors' 
country of origin?  Grenada - Each application is vetted by th e Government through a thorough due 
diligence background check, during which time submitted information is 
examined and verified. Grenada has anti -money laundering legislation in place.  
Page 188, 
Paragraph 3.2  The Secretariat Report notes the 
notification s made by Grenada to 
the WTO under the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA). 
Grenada self -identified TFA 
Article 10.6.2, on the use of 
customs brokers, as a Category 
A commitment with a definitive 
implementation date of 22 
February 2017.  
 
8. Transparency is critical 
to all traders for 
understanding what customs 
formalities are required and 
providing certainty at the 
border. When does Grenada 
anticipate submitting its TFA 
Article 10.6.2 notification on 
the use of customs brokers?  Grenada  is awa re of the obligation and is working towards submitting the 
notification once the new Customs Brokers regulation is enacted.  
Part V. Questions 
based on the SAINT 
KITTS AND NEVIS 
Secretariat Report 
(Annex 4)  
 Legislation on tradema rks, 
patents, and copyright was 
updated in 2000 to make it 
compatible with the TRIPS 
Agreement. Three such laws 
were passed by Parliament in 
that year and entered into force   
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Page 275, 
paragraph 3.151  in 2002. Later, in 2007, the 
Geographical Indications Act No. 
6 of 2007, Cap 18.39 , was 
passed, but it did not enter into 
force until 2016. The Protection 
of Layout Designs Act was also 
passed in 2007 and entered into 
force that year. However, 
enabling regulations are still 
either in draft form for 
trademarks or do not exist for 
patents . Regulations for 
copyright were implemented in 
2018 (see below). There is no 
legislation for the protection of 
undisclosed information in Saint 
Kitts and Nevis.  
 
9. Does St. Kitts and Nevis 
have plans to issue enabling 
regulations for patents?  
 
 10. Does Saint Kitts and 
Nevis have plans to pass 
legislation for the protection of 
undisclosed information?   
Page 277, 
paragraph 3.164  which reads: "The Copyright Act 
allows for exceptions or 
exemptions of National 
Treatment and MFN Treatment. 
The Copyright Act enables the 
Minister, by Order, to restrict or 
allow protection to works and 
nationals of any country 
specified therein. Section 145 of 
the Act allows the Minister to 
order that the provisions of the 
Copyright Act can apply on 
bases including 
nationality/habitual residence, 
place of incorporation for bodies 
corporate, nature of the works, 
and place of publication or 
performance. Sec tion 146   
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confers a power on the Minister 
to restrict protection to countries 
that do not provide adequate 
protection to works of Saint Kitts 
and Nevis."  
 
11. Can Saint Kitts and 
Nevis please explain how 
sections 145 and 146 of the 
Copyright Act are consis tent 
with the national treatment 
and most -favored -nation 
provisions in TRIPS Articles 3 
and 4, respectively?  
Page 281, 
paragraph 4.13  12. How is the Saint Kitts 
and Nevis Agricultural 
Transformation and Growth 
Strategy 2022 2031  prepared 
to handle the potential for 
climate -related crises?  The Saint Kitts and Nevis Agricultural Transformation and Growth Strategy 
covers is very comprehensive and covers key areas including innovation, the 
infusion of new technology, and mitigating s trategies to combat climate change.  
Part V. Questions 
based on the 
SAINT  LUCIA  
Secretariat Report 
(Annex 5)  
 
Page 307, 
paragraph 1.5:  13. How is Saint Lucia's 
National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 
(2018‐2028) different from the 
CARICOM Regional Organisation 
for Standards and Quality 
(CROSSQ) plan?  The CROSQ 's Regional Standards Development Priority Plan (RSDPP) 2022 -2027 
includes some provisions for climate change. For example, disaster preparedness 
and management and environmental management.  
 
The Saint Lucia NAP has integrated climate adaption consideratio ns such as 
requirements for coastal setbacks, river/ravine buffers, potable water quality 
standards, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS), building codes (Note 
2018 CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code), hurricane resistance, 
energy effic iency, flood resistance and site improvements, including drainage 
improvement and air quality standards (including indoor air quality standards).  
 14. Does NAP expand on 
those standards or address other 
sectors that the CROSSQ does 
not? The Saint Lucia NA P expands on the CROSQ standards and includes other 
sectors.  
Page 379, 
paragraph 3.156  The Patents Act, No. 16 of 2001 
grants protection for 20 years to 
patent holders. It covers new 
inventions, involving an 
inventive step and capable of 
industrial applic ation. Title X of The Draft Patents Act and Regulations are currently being reviewed by the 
Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property (ROCIP) and the Legislative 
Drafting Unit for implementation later this year. Saint Lucia received technical 
assistance from WIPO and a draft law was presented which is currently being 
reviewed.   
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the Commercial Code contains 
provisions for compulsory 
licensing of intellectual property 
but is yet to enter into force. As 
of December 2022, the draft 
Regulations were still with the 
Attorney General's Chambers. In 
the absence of the re levant 
implementing regulations, Saint 
Lucia still fails to fully comply 
with the provisions of the TRIPS 
Agreement, since, in accordance 
with its domestic legislation it 
cannot provide a 20 -year 
protection period for patents. 
The lack of an up -to-date 
legislation is reflected in the fact 
that Saint Lucia did not grant 
any patents during the review 
period.  
 
15. Does St. Lucia have 
plans to issue regulations 
implementing the Patents 
Act? 
 
Part VI. Questions 
based on the SAINT 
VINCENT AND THE 
GRENADINES 
Secretariat Report 
(Annex 6)  
 
Page 421, 
paragraph  1.24:  16. In light of the recent 
increases of the rate of the 
current account deficit, does the 
Government of Saint Vincent 
and the Grenadine s plan to 
adjust the National Economic 
and Social Development Plan 
(2013 2025) to address the 
shocks of the COVID 19 
pandemic and the volcanic 
eruption?  The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is currently working on a 
roadmap for the development of a new National Economic and Social 
Development Plan.  
Page 445, 
Paragraph  3.93 There is no legislation pertaining 
to protection of undisclosed 
information/trade secrets.  
17. Does Saint Vincent and 
the Grenadines have plans to 
pass legislation pertaining  to Consideration would be given to legislative work in the near future.   
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protection of undisclosed 
information/trade secrets?  
   
CHINA  
Questions on the 
Secretariat Report  
 
Page 5 ， Para 3  All OECS -WTO Members sought 
fiscal consolidation during the 
review period, with a goal to 
achieve primary surpluses in 
their Central Government 
accounts. Reform measures 
included replacing some taxes, 
increasing the rates and 
coverage of others, trimming 
expenditure, in particular current 
expenditure, rationalizing  fuel 
prices, and debt restructuring.  
 
1. Please introduce the types 
of taxes replaced and the 
scope covered. Are import 
and export duties covered by 
the adjustment?  Grenada  
No taxes were replaced during the review period. Rates however were adjusted. 
This includes the Customs Service Charge (CIF) which increased from 5% to 6% 
and the Petrol Tax increased from $3.50 per gallon to $5.50 per gallon.  
 
Answer: For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , under the new HS system, 
Import duty on hybrid and electric vehicl es is reduced to 20%. Additionally, the 
Income Tax threshold and percentages for individual and corporate was 
adjusted: corporate tax was reduced from 30% to 28% and the tax threshold 
was increased.  
 
2.Will the import and export 
duties for certain 
produc ts/services be 
affected?  The OECS does not maintain export duties.  
Page 6, Para 6  Notifications to the WTO remain 
an issue for OECS -WTO 
Members. Problems with the 
implementation of WTO 
Agreements and with respect to 
notification compliance may be 
attributable to a lack of technical 
capacity or human resources 
and, more recently, to the 
effects of the COVID -19 
pandemic.  
3. Is there a specific plan to 
address the problems due to 
a lack of technical capacity or 
human resources?  OECS Commission  
The OEC S Commission through regional donor funded initiatives such as the ACP 
TradeCom II Project on Consolidating the OECS Economic Union through Sustain 
Trade Capacity Building and the 11th EDF funded project on Strengthening 
Regional Integration in the OECS Re gional Integration through Growth 
Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) have addressed certain aspects of 
capacity building. Targeted intervention to address the specific issue of 
notification compliance has not been undertaken.  
 
Dominica  
Dominica does not suffer from this deficiency as described in Page6, Para 6 
above our issue revolves around the lack of accurately collated data and of 
course the displacement caused by the Pandemic.  
 
Grenada   
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The plan is to consult with the WTO Secretariat to seek technical  assistance 
through training, so that Grenada can collaborate with the OECS, to meet 
obligations under the WTO Agreement.  
 
Saint Lucia's Response:  
Saint Lucia intends to conduct an inventory of the outstanding notification 
submissions/commitments and to su bsequently reach out to the Secretariat for 
technical assistance to build capacity in notifications for those are  
as where we are lacking the competences. Thereafter we will develop a plan 
aimed at improving our level of compliance, by prioritizing those a reas within 
which we have the competences to complete/fulfil the notification requirements.  
Page 7, Para 13  ...The use of a customs broker is 
not mandatory in any OECS -
WTO Member, except Dominica. 
The OECS -WTO Members 
updated and modernized their 
customs legislation during the 
period under review. They all 
currently use the ASYCUDA 
World system for customs 
processing and clearance. 
Importers need to register with 
the customs authorities to 
access the system. The OECS 
WT Members have made 
considerable progr ess during the 
period under review as regards 
the implementation of trade 
facilitation measures. The 
respective customs offices run 
an operational risk management 
system. Single Windows for 
imports are, however, not yet in 
place and there are currently no 
authorized economic operators' 
schemes. All the OECS WTO 
Members use the hierarchy of 
valuation methodology set out in 
the WTO Customs Valuation 
Agreement; according to the 
authorities, the transaction value 
is used for valuation in some 
90%-95% of imports ; the main 
exceptions are related to imports The OECS is working towa rds a regional risk management system. The data is 
not yet available.  
 
Dominica  
Dominica runs an Operational Risk Management System; the Customs & Excise 
Division does not carry out 100% examination of cargo /consignment, therefore, 
cargo selectivity is employed which is based on risk analysis. Consignments are 
routed to a red, yellow or green channel for processing and clearance of that 
Division. The data is not shared with importer, however, audits are done on 
large companies; based on th e results recommendations are made to assign the 
consignee the release with less Customs intervention.  
 
For St Vincent and the Grenadines : 
The Asycuda System selectivity module is geared towards recognizing the 
different levels of risk in the Customs and E xcise Department with lane 
selectivity that identifies the levels of risk and risk treatment by the following 
colours  
Red Lane – High Risk - both documentary and physical examinations are 
performed  
Yellow Lane – Medium Risk a full documentary check is done  for possible risk  
Blue Lane - low Risk = post clearance documentary check is done  
Green Lane – No Risk – No checks are done  
These lanes are seen as a result of the risk analysis conducted. At all stages of 
documentary and physical examination, an inspect ion act is to be completed by 
the officer. The Asycuda system also records every interaction by an external or 
internal user.  
 
Saint Lucia's response : 
Each customs office should be able to identify an infraction or none compliance 
with the Customs Laws. Th is becomes the basis on which reports of such 
infraction or none compliance are recorded in reports. These reports ' identity the 
infraction and making reference to the Asycuda SAD (Single Administrative 
Document) or declaration containing all the particula r about the importation. A  
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of used vehicles, where recourse 
to list of prices is frequently 
made.  
4. Please specify the content 
of the operational risk 
management system of each 
customs office. Is the data 
shared?  report can be generated as a result of any infraction found during the 
documentary checks or physical examination of the goods.  
The Post Clearance Unit goes further and carries out more in -depth checks on 
most declarations to ens ure conformity with the Customs Laws. Their findings 
are recorded and provide a pool of data on compliance trends. Likewise, the 
Customs Audit Unit would also generate reports of their findings which would 
highlight any infractions found and identify the t ype of infractions.  
These reports are then used to inform Management who will then make 
recommendations for the change in the criteria of the good, importer or 
declarant as high or low risk. This in turn will inform all customs 
officers/units/stations of t he level of scrutiny needed through the ASYCUDA 
System. The criteria for goods, importers and declarants would highlight past 
infractions and guide the officers in carrying out his/her documentary or physical 
examinations.   
5. Please describe the types 
of high- and medium -risk 
goods and the criteria for 
identifying them in the risk 
management system.  The OECS is working towards a region -wide risk management system.  
 
Dominica  
High and medium -risk goods are determined by the country of origin and 
consignee. The ASYCUDA system assesses various parameters to include Cost of 
Insurance and Freight (CIF), value of consignment, the percentage of duties 
applied and taxes.  
 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadine s: 
 
A list of high -risk goods and source countries has been imputed into the Asycuda 
System to flag as possible high -risk. The criteria for identifying these goods are 
the HS code and Country code.  
The list of goods are as follows;  
Motor vehicles and parts an d aircraft and parts  
Plastic bags and disposable plastic containers.  
 
Saint Lucia's Response : 
The categorization of High and Medium risk goods can be as a result of a number 
of things.  
 
a) Country Laws on restrictions and prohibitions.  
b) Country requirem ents for the importation of the particular item e.g. (other 
agency requirements).  
c) History of infractions such as incorrect classification, undervaluation, falsifying 
documents of that specific HS code.   
6. How can goods -importing 
companies be informed of 
border control measures for 
imports when the Single Dominica  
Goods importing companies can be in formed of border control measures for 
imports through the Dominica Customs website which is informative and  
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Windows for imports are not 
yet in place and there are 
currently no authorized 
economic operators' 
schemes?  provides detailed information on imports and exports procedure. The website 
also provides links to other border agencies.  
 
 
St Vincent and the Grena dines  
Information can be found on the Asycuda Website, emails are generally sent to 
customs agents and brokers.  
 
The OECS is working towards a region -wide risk management system. The data 
is not yet available.  
 
Saint Lucia's Response : 
Companies can acces s the Customs and Excise website for information on the 
border measures. The websites of different agencies can also be accessed for 
information on border measures.   
7. "Members shall not 
introduce the mandatory use 
of customs brokers" is a 
provision of A rticle 10.6.1 of 
the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA), which 
Dominica has classified as a 
Category A provision that 
was supposed to be formally 
implemented by 22 February 
2017. Please explain the 
reasons for not formally 
implementing this provision 
by no w. Dominica  
Dominica 's clearance process for cargo goes through the ASYCUDA and one 
must be well trained to operate the system. For commercial consignments these 
companies use trained staff to submit accurate entries into the system. Since 
submissions must  be done correctly the lack of training to use this system by 
non-commercial and individual importers makes it almost impossible to enter 
their consignment into the system correctly and therefore, makes the use of 
brokers necessary for that purpose. For co mmercial importers brokers are not 
required.  
 
8. Do OECS members have 
plans to implement the 
Single Windows for imports, 
and if so, please describe the 
plan and anticipated 
timeline.  OECS Member States are committed to implementing single windows by the 
implementation deadline. The timelines for implementation can be found in the 
schedules of their TFA commitments.  
 
Dominica  
Yes. Dominica does plan to implement the Single Window for imports; this is 
spelt out in our Country Report.  
 
St. Vincent and the Grenadines  notified the implementation of the single 
window for 2035. Under the Caribbean Digital Transformation project, there is a 
component for a customs single window to improve trade facilitation. Currently, 
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is negot iating with UNCTAD to contract them for 
implementation. By the end of the 2nd quarter, the contract should be finalized. 
Therefore, implementation would be well ahead of the notified timeline.  
  
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Saint Lucia's Response : 
Pursuant to Saint Lucia 's trade facil itation obligation, it intends to establish an 
Electronic Single Window. While the anticipated timeline was December 31st, 
2023, which is in keeping with the definitive implementation date notified to the 
WTO in 2019, Saint Lucia has not received any donor  funding for this initiative 
and will therefore intends to request an extension of the notified implementation 
date.  
Page 7, Para 14  In 2022, the OECS -WTO 
Members applied tariff schedules 
based on different revisions of 
the HS nomenclature. As a 
conseque nce, the number of 
tariff lines varies according to 
the country.  
 
9. Is it positive and effective 
to use tariff schedules 
determined by different 
versions of the HS 
nomenclature?  Both at the CARICOM and OECS level, there is agreement and a concerted effor t 
to utilise the latest version of the HS by all Member States.  
 
Saint Lucia's Response : 
The CARICOM Common External Tariff is the base tariff used by all OECS 
Member States and all CARICOM Member States including the OECS members 
are expected to implement  the 2022 version of the Harmonized Commodity 
Description and Coding System.  
 
OECS Members have fallen behind with respect to the timely transposition of 
their national tariffs to the 2O22 edition of the HS nomenclature (HS 2022). 
Nonetheless, there is a g eneral commitment to implement HS 2022 before the 
end of 2023.  
Page 7, Para 15  Duty-free access is granted by 
the OECS -WTO Members to 
imports from other CARICOM 
countries, provided these 
imports meet the CARICOM rules 
of origin criteria and barring the 
exceptions provided by Article 
164 of the RTC, introduced in 
2006.  
 
10. What are the main origin 
criteria involved in the 
CARICOM rules of origin?  Article 84 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas states that:  
 
Subject to the provisions of this Article, goods that have been consigned from 
one 
Member State to a consignee in another Member State shall be treated as being 
of Community origin,  
where the goods:  
(a) have been wholly produced within the Community; or  
(b) have been produced within the Co mmunity wholly or partly from materials  
imported from outside the Community or from materials of undetermined  
origin by a process which effects a substantial transformation characterised:  
(i) by the goods being classified in a tariff heading different from  that 
in which any of those materials is classified; or  
(ii) in the case of the goods set out in the List in Schedule I to this  
Treaty (hereinafter referred to as "the List "), only by satisfying the  
conditions therefor specified.  
 
See Revised Treaty of Cha guramas (RTC) Article 83/84 ( Revised Treaty of 
Chaguaramas (caricom.org) ). 
Page 8, Para 17  All the OECS -WTO Members 
maintain import prohibitions and 
licensing requirements. The 
prohibitions are for health, 
safety, and security concerns. Grenada  
With regards to import prohibitions and licensing requirements, the customs 
department implements on behalf of all agencies at the border. The relevant 
agencies including the Division of Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, Grenada Energy 
Division, the Royal Grenada Police force, and the Ministry of National Security  
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Import licensing requirements 
for certain products are also in 
place for the same reasons, 
although some licences are 
required for economic reasons, 
such as the protection of infant 
industries or for balance -of-
payments purposes. Import 
licensing schemes may be tied to 
regional integration (e.g. 
products covered by Article 164 
of the Revised CARICOM Treaty), 
such that some products are 
subject to licensing only when 
imported from outside the 
CARICOM region or, in some 
cases, from o utside the OECS 
subregion. Most licences, other 
than those imposed for health 
and safety reasons, are granted 
automatically. Non automatic 
licences are also required for 
some agricultural and agri -
business goods.  
 
 
11. Please introduce the 
institutional d esign of the 
import prohibitions and 
licensing requirements for 
OECS -WTO members and the 
specific progress made in 
trade facilitation measures.  
  have a list of import prohibitions and lice nsing requirements that they are 
responsible for. The basis for these restrictions includes environmental 
protection, national security purposes, public morals and for the protection of 
infant industries.  
 
Please see attachment for St. Vincent and the Grenadines . 
 
Saint Lucia's Response : 
Saint Lucia's Import Licensing System is regulated by the External Trade Act, 
Cap 13.11 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia, the External Trade (Restricted 
Imports) (Amendment) Order 2012, and by the Customs (Management and 
Control) Act, Cap 15.05 of the Re vised Laws of Saint Lucia. Statutory Instrument 
No. 67 of 2019 contains the list of items for which an import license is required.  
 12. Is there a specific list of 
goods subject to import 
prohibitions and licensing 
requirements imposed by the 
OECS?  Domin ica 
Dominica list of specific goods subject to licensing requirements (Division of 
Trade):  
• Tobacco products;  
• Potatoes;  
• Flour;  
• Cement;  
• Petroleum products; and  
• Noxious and Dangerous Substances as prescribed by the Act which 
governs the same.   
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Grenada  
Yes, th ere is a specific list of goods subject to import prohibitions and licensing 
requirements available to all traders on the Custom 's website.  
Page 38, Para 3.37  Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, 
Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent 
and the Grenadines have 
legislation that provides for the 
operation of free zones. 
However, free zones are not 
operational in Grenada and Saint 
Vincent and the Grenadines. 
Enterprises operating i n free 
zones are exempt from customs 
duty and other taxes on imports 
of goods used to construct and 
operate enterprises within the 
zone. Enterprises also benefit 
from tax benefits for a certain 
period, depending on the size of 
the investment and the number  
of employees. Saint Kitts and 
Nevis does not have legislation  
providing for the establishment 
of free zones. It has, however, 
legislation providing for a duty 
free regime.  For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , the opportunity has never been 
capitalized upo n by any investor.  
 
13. On "Enterprises also 
benefit from tax benefits for 
a certain period, depending 
on the size of the investment 
and the number of 
employees", please explain 
the proportional relationship 
between the size of the 
investment and the number 
of employees with the tax 
benefits.  The response to this question will be provided subsequently.  
 
14. On "Saint Kitts and Nevis 
does not have legislation 
providing for the 
establishment of free zones. 
It has, however, legislation 
providing for a du ty-free 
regime", is the scope of the In essence, the legislation on the duty -free regime does not support the 
establishment of a free zone. The scope of the legislation is very limited and 
specific to certain goods; therefore, the concept of a free zone will require an 
entirely different piece of legislation that supports the functions/operations and 
objectives of a free zone; this is not the case  in St. Kitts and Nevis.   
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duty-free regime in Saint 
Kitts and Nevis consistent 
with the scope covered by 
the free zone legislation?   
15. Since Grenada and Saint 
Vincent and the Grenadines 
have legislation, why is the 
free zone not yet 
operational?  Grenada  
The Qualified Enterprise ACT (CAP 270) act provides for tax benefits and 
exemptions on "certain enterprise s". This is if the Minister of the time being 
responsible for industry considers it to be the public interest to do so with 
respect to a specified enterprise. Under this Act, a "qualified enterprise " can 
import supplies (other than raw materials) and get p rotection from new taxes 
that may be imposed during the concession (duty free). The legislation therefore 
was targeted at a specific company. There needs to be legislative amendment to 
enforce the freezone for all companies. This would require to identific ation of a 
geographical location, a facility, technical capacity amongst other requirements. 
There is no anticipated timeline for this initiative at present.   
16. Does Saint Kitts and 
Nevis have any plans to 
legislate for a free zone? If 
so, please descri be the plan 
and the anticipated timeline.  St. Kitts and Nevis , at this point in time, does not have plans to establish a 
free zone. There are discussions on this concept, but no step towards the 
establishment of a free zone has been taken.  
Page40, Para 3 .51 Not all the OECS -WTO Members 
have local testing facilities. For 
instance, while Saint Kitts and 
Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines have testing 
laboratories, Saint Lucia has not. 
This implies that the testing of 
products is not standardized 
across the OECS; due to the lack 
of facilities in some OECS States, 
the products have to be sent for 
testing to other CARICOM 
countries, mainly to Trinidad and 
Tobago.   
 
17. What communication and 
coordination mechanisms 
have been established 
between OECS -WTO 
members and CARICOM to 
ensure sampling, 
transporting, standardization 
of testing processes, 
accuracy of test results and 
timeliness of testing There is no regional or sub -regional communication or coordination mechanism 
at the OECS or CARICOM level related to standards conformity assessment and 
certification among regional testing facilities.  
 
Saint Lucia's Response : 
Conformity assessment protocols that require testing have been communicated 
through WTO notifications.  
 
Sampling is performed in accordance with the relevant product standard or ISO 
2859-1: 1999 (E) Sampling Procedures for Inspection by Attributes – Part 1:  
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procedures? Is there a 
mechanism in place to credit 
exporting countries for 
testing results that meet 
international standards?  Sampling schemes indexed by acceptance quality limit (AQL) for lot -by-lot 
inspection.  
 
Requirements for the transportation and preservation of samples are defined i n 
the product standards or the test method.  
 
Confidence in test results is assured through the utilization of laboratories that 
are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 Testing and calibration laboratories.  
 
The timelines of testing procedures depend on test protoc ols. Microbiological 
parameters take longer since an incubation period is necessary. Importers are 
encouraged to arrange with exporters/suppliers for products to be tested prior to 
import and test reports or conformity statement is submitted to the regulat ory 
body upon import. Where valid conformity statements or test reports are 
submitted, additional testing is not required.  
 
Laboratory results are accepted from the exporting country provided the 
laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025. Also, conformity stat ements issued by 
third-party certification bodies are also accepted in place of local testing. For 
example, certification bodies that are part of the IECEE scheme.   
18. What specific local 
testing facilities are lacking 
in Saint Lucia?  The Ministry of Agr iculture operates a newly commissioned laboratory (National 
Agricultural Diagnostic Facility -NADF) with capabilities to test agro -processed 
foods including nutritional facts. However, some test procedures are not yet 
available   
19. Due to the lack of test ing 
facilities in some countries, 
imported products have to be 
sent to other CARICOM 
countries for testing. Does 
this incur additional costs for 
product -importing 
companies?  Yes, it does.  
 
Saint Lucia's Response : 
In situations where a conformity statement  or laboratory report is not submitted 
the importer may incur additional testing costs.  
WTO Secretariat 
Report on OECS 
WTO Members, 
Page57, Para 4.7  Commercial ports in the 
subregion are owned by the 
respective Government. These 
state-owned seaports are 
managed and operated by public 
entities, such as the port 
authorities in their respective 
countries. In addition to 
operating terminals and berths, 
port authorities also provide 
piloting services. Similar to the 
situation in aviation, seaport Dominica  has no drafted plan to allow for the private sector to operate the 
cruise ship terminals   
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management and  operation by 
port authorities has its basis in 
statutory provisions. There are 
no restrictions in foreign 
participation in port operations; 
however, in practice the private 
sector's participation remains 
limited. The authorities note that 
the seaport mana gement 
regimes in the OECS -WTO 
Members are under 
reform/review. The private 
sector is increasingly invited to 
participate in terminal and berth 
operation through public -private 
partnership (PPP) arrangements. 
As an example of PPP 
arrangements, private sect or 
companies are currently 
operating the cruise ship 
terminals in Antigua and 
Barbuda under long -term 
concession agreements with the 
Government; Dominica is also 
considering allowing the private 
sector to operate cruise ship 
terminals.  
 
20. Does Dominica h ave a 
drafted plan to allow the 
private sector to operate 
cruise ship terminals? If so, 
please introduce the plan.  
ANNEX 3 – 
GRENADA  
Page193, Para 3.27  As sh own in the previous TPR 
report, the applied MFN rates for 
18 tariff lines exceed their 
corresponding bound rates. All 
these lines are related to 
agricultural products, including 
beef, poultry offal, sweet 
peppers, as well as certain juices 
and alcoholic be verages. Among 
these lines with broken bindings, 
seven lines relate to beef and We are aware of these anomalies and accordingly under the CET review of 
CARICOM, the bound rates will be reviewed, and the applied MFN rates will be 
adjusted.   
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poultry offal whose MFN rates 
are lower than the corresponding 
CET rates, while seven lines 
relate to alcoholic beverages and 
have higher MFN rates than the 
CET rates (Table 3. 3) 
 
21. Please explain the 
reasons for "the applied MFN 
rates for 18 tariff lines 
exceed their corresponding 
bound rates".  
 22. Please explain the 
reasons for "seven lines 
whose MFN rates are lower 
than the corresponding CET 
rates".  We are aware of these anomalies and accordingly under the CET review of 
CARICOM, the bound rates will be revi ewed, and the applied MFN rates will be 
adjusted.  
ANNEX 5 SAINT 
LUCIA  
Page 394, Para 4.79  Saint Lucia acceded to the 
International Maritime 
Organization in 2001, and since 
that time has signed onto a 
number of its international 
conventions.  
 
23. What specific 
international conventions has 
Saint Lucia signed? What is 
the status of 
implementation?   
 In general, imports of 
agricultural and fishery 
commodities, including food 
items, must be accompanied by 
a sanitary/phytosanitary 
certificate from the comp etent 
authorities of the exporting 
country. Consignments of 
lumber and used tyres must be 
fumigated prior to their release 
from Customs unless a 
certificate of treatment at the 
country of origin is presented. A 
permit from the Pesticides 
Control Board is n ecessary for   
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importation of approved 
pesticides; some pesticides are 
prohibited, based on their active 
ingredients.  
 
24. On "some pesticides are 
prohibited, based on their 
active ingredients", what are 
the main active ingredients 
of pesticides included her e? 
ANNEX 6 SAINT 
VINCENT AND THE 
GRENADINES  
Page 442, Para 3.70  In general, imports of 
agricultural and fishery 
commodities, including food 
items, must be accompanied by 
a sanitary/phytosanitary 
certificate from the competent 
authorities of the exporting 
country. Consignments of 
lumber and used tyres must be 
fumigated prior to their release 
from Customs unless a 
certificate of treatment at the 
country of origin is presented. A 
permit from the Pesticides 
Control Board is necessary for 
importation of approved 
pesticides; some pesticides are 
prohibited, based on their active 
ingredients.  
 
24. On "some pesticides are 
prohibited, based on their 
active ingredients", what are 
the main active ingredients 
of pesticides included here?  Answer: The decision t o prohibit the importation of a pesticide is guided mainly 
by the list of Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Annexes A and B under the 
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), Annex III of the 
Rotterdam Convention and to a lesser extent th e PAN International list of Highly 
Hazardous Pesticides.  
 
An official list of prohibited pesticides has not been published. However, 
decisions were taken in the past to prohibit the following: Aldrin, Primicid, 
Mocap, Furidan, Methyl Bromide, Lindane, Chlo rdecone, Benlate, Calaxin, 
Glyphosate, and Malathion.  
 25. Which pesticides are 
prohibited from importation? 
Is there a negative list?   
Questions on the 
Government 
Statement  
 
Page 20, Para 4.7  Five pieces of draft legislation 
have been prepared and are a t 
various stages of consideration 
at the national and regional level 
to round out the legislative and 
regulatory framework for the The Bills are at various stages of final approval at the Legal Affairs Council or the 
National Cabinets before being approved by the OECS Authority for enactment 
by Member States.  
 
St Lucia 's Response  
Animal Health Bill and Plant Health Bill   
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Customs Union. Bills on Animal 
Health, Plant Health, Food 
Safety, Customs and Standards 
provide the legislative 
framework for  the harmonised 
border management system. An 
institutional framework to drive 
the work and process has also 
been developed. It consists of a 
national working group in each 
Member State; A regional 
working group and sub -
committees on Customs, SPS, 
TBT and P ort Management.  
 
26. Please specify the 
specific progress of the five 
pieces of draft legislation.  The Bills are still in drafting stage (though significantly advanced) and are being 
updated pursuant to suggestions made and accepted at the recent meeting of 
the OECS Legal Affairs Committee (LAC) held 9 -10 March, 2023. Those 
suggestions are to be incorporated into the updated OECS Bills, which were 
approved at the LAC meeting, by the OECS Legal Drafter and disseminated to 
the member states for finalization and fur ther processing.  
 
Food Safety Bill  
Meeting held with the Ministry of Health on 12 April, 2023.  
 
It was concluded that a committee will be formed for the preparation of a policy.  
 
Customs Bill  
The OECS convened a meeting to the Legal Affairs Committee on Tu esday March 
31, 2021 to discuss the Customs Bill.  
 
The meeting concluded with the Commission informing that Saint Lucia 's 
observations will be communicated to the other Member States at the other 
meetings scheduled to discuss the provisions of the Bill.  
 
Standards Bill  
A meeting of the OECS Legal Affairs Committee on Friday, March 10, 2023 with 
the discussion on the OECS Standards Bill.  
 
At this session, it was agreed that the Bill will be discussed in its entirety 
recognizing that there were clauses, whos e provisions require further 
clarification. At the commencement of the discussion the Attorney General of 
Saint Lucia informed the meeting of the comments from the Legislative Drafting 
Unit (the Unit) on the Bill. The meeting was informed by the Commission  that 
though the comments were long after the initial discussion between the Chief 
Parliamentary Counsels, they will be received and reviewed and that a separate 
meeting will be scheduled to discuss the comments.  
Page 46, Para 6.3  Administrative transparency and 
efficiency that affect the time 
and cost of doing business have 
been identified as the essential 
aspects of investment climate 
that need to be addressed.  
 
27. At present, Chinese 
contracting enterprises are 
generally satisfi ed with the 
local business environment 
in Dominica. For large -scale The bank procedures are contingent on transparency and accountability, 
therefore every non -national is sub ject to these procedures to encourage fair 
and equitable investment.   
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enterprises, the Dominican 
government and banks pay 
more attention. However, 
small -scale Chinese 
businessmen complain that it 
takes a long time to complete 
bank procedures on -site. 
What me asures does the 
Dominica government plan to 
take to improve 
administrative transparency 
and efficiency to further 
improve the investment 
environment?  
Page50, Para 11.5  The Three (3) phases of the 
Project have been completed 
and recommendations, on the 
way forward, have been made 
available to the relevant 
Government Authorities for 
required action. Presently, key 
stakeholders have met and have 
decided to employ the services 
of a manager whose primary 
responsibility will be the 
implementation of the 
recommendations stemming out 
of this Project, and to realize the 
SW platform in Dominica.  
 
28. When is Dominica 
expected to implement the 
Single Windows? Please 
provide further information.   
Other Questions    
 
29. Please introduce the 
economic and trade policies 
and competent authorities of 
the OECS and its member 
states in blue/marine 
economy, and any incentives 
or restrictions on foreign 
investment in blue/marine 
economy  The following links can be accessed for information on the OECS Oceans 
Governance policies and frameworks.  
 
• https://oecs.org/en/blue -economy -eastern -caribbean -ocean -governance   
• https://www.oecs.org/en/our -work/knowledge/library/ocean -
governanc e  
• https://www.oecs.org/en/our -work/projects/21 -biodiversity -and-
ecosystems -management -framework    
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• https://www.oecs.org/en/our -work/projects/28 -caribbean -regional -
oceanspace -project -crop  
 30. According to Chinese 
companies in Grenada, your 
government has adopted 
differential policies for the 
issuance of work permits for 
foreign workers, charging 
XCD 5,000 (approximately 
USD 1,873) per year for work 
permit applications from 
China, while charging a lower 
rate, as low as XCD 1,500 
(approximately USD 562) for 
work permit applications 
from the Commonwe alth, 
North America and Europe. 
Please explain the rationale 
for differential rate policies.   
 
31. Can an OECS member 
state sign a separate FTA 
with another country? If so, 
are there any precedents? If 
not, please provide the 
relevant legal basis  An OECS country can engage in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with 
another country; however, given that that member state is a part of the wider 
OECS and CARICOM arrangement, they must inform the Community of their 
desire to engage in such neg otiations. Moreover, it must subsequently update 
the Community of the outcome of their negotiations before they are able to sign 
such an agreement.  
 
The specific Member state must seek the approval of the CARICOM region, 
through the CARICOM Council of Tra de and Economic Development (COTED), 
and if the COTED is satisfied that the said agreement does not undermine the 
internal arrangements of CARICOM it will grant the Member State approval to 
proceed with the signing of this bilateral agreement.  
   
DOMINIC AN REPUBLIC  
WTO/TPR/S/437 
PAGE 29  In the course of this Review, the 
OECS Commission noted that 
OECS -WTO Members had 
identified areas in which the EPA 
could be improved, including 
operationalizing market access 
conditions, making full use of 
the development provisions of 
the EPA, and improv ing the Article 238 (2) supports and promotes deeper integration among the 
CARIFORUM States by providing that any more favourable treatment and 
advantage that may be granted under this Agreement by any Signatory 
CARIFORUM State to the EU Party shall also be enjoyed by each Signatory 
CARIFORUM State. In providing for the preferences that a CARIFORUM State 
grants to the EU to be extended to all CARIFORUM States, the treatment 
accorded to the EU Party thus becomes the minimum standard for what 
CARIFORUM States must enjo y from each other. OECS WTO Members are to  
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monitoring of the Agreement's 
implementation and 
performance.  
 
In respect to the Dominican 
Republic, which are the 
questions more relevant in 
this subject to improve the 
economic relations with the 
Dominican Republic, under 
the trade agreement?  work with the rest of CARIFORUM to implement Article 238 with respect to the 
Dominican Republic.  
PAGE 31.  Licenses are not required for 
investment in sectors considered 
a priority for the respective 
OECS country,  or where the 
purchase does not exceed a 
certain threshold. In general 
terms, foreign investment 
receives national treatment in all 
OECS -WTO Members, with the 
main exception of the 
requirements for obtaining alien 
landholding license, which are 
related to limitations in land 
availability for commercial 
purposes, as well as to the need 
to rationalize land use and 
enable nationals to afford 
property while avoiding 
speculation by foreigners. 
Licenses are granted subject to 
satisfactory applications to the 
national Cabinet of Ministers and 
payment of the required fees.  
 
Which are the sectors 
considered of priority by the 
OECS countries, different of 
tourism, research and 
development, and computer -
related services?  Other sectors include agriculture, light manufac turing, ICT, GLobal Business 
Outsourcing, Renewable Energy andTransport (air and sea).  
 
For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , the other areas are Agriculture and light 
manufacturing  
PAGE 36  All the OECS -WTO Members 
maintain import prohibitions and 
licensin g in place. The There is no OECS initiative to develop and implement a standardized regional 
policy for the import licenses for health and safety reasons.   
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prohibitions are for health, 
safety, and security concerns. 
Import licensing requirements 
for certain products are also in 
place for the same reasons. 
Some licences are in place for 
entirely economic reasons, such 
as the protection of infan t 
industries or for balance -of-
payments purposes. Import 
licensing schemes may be tied to 
regional integration (e.g. 
products covered by Article 164 
of the Revised CARICOM Treaty), 
such that some products are 
subject to licensing only when 
imported from ou tside the 
CARICOM region or, in some 
cases, from outside the OECS 
subregion.  
 
Is currently under discussion 
to develop and implement a 
standardized regional policy 
for the license for health and 
safety reasons? If so, would 
you please share some 
document about that?  
PAGE 57  The tourism sector recorded a 
17% increase in total visitor 
arrival from 2015 to 2019. The 
COVID -19 pandemic caused a 
plunge in tourist arrivals due to 
lockdowns and interruption of air 
travel. The number of tourist 
arrivals further declined in 2021, 
standing at 18% of the pre -
pandemic level. Usually, about a 
quarter of the arriving visitors 
stay at least one night in the 
region. The United States is the 
largest markets for tourism 
exports; tourists from the United 
Kingdom are the second largest The OECS is currently implementing a Tourism Competitiveness Enhancement 
project at the regional level. Activities under this project includes the 
development of a Joint Niche Tourism campaign and support for Community 
based tourism. With the support of th e World bank the OECS is working todards 
the preparation of a Sustainable Tourism Development policy   
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customers for Antigua and 
Barbuda, Grenada, and Saint 
Lucia, while the Caribbean 
countries are the second s ource 
of tourist arrivals for the other 
OECS -WTO Members (Table 
4.7). According to the latest data 
compiled by ECCB, tourist 
arrivals have showed signs of 
recovery since March 2022.  
 
Is there any tourism 
recuperation project to 
address this topic at a 
regional level?  
WT/TPR/S/437 • 
OECS -WTO 
Members, Page 12, 
Section 1.1.2, 
Paragraph 1.8  Although all OECS -WTO 
Members sought fiscal 
consolidation during the review 
period , the degree of fiscal policy 
harmonization remains low, 
especially given that policies 
respond many times to external 
shocks. Policy response to the 
same external shock may also 
differ across countries; this has 
been particularly the case with 
respect to the COVID -19 
pandemic (see national 
annexes), although it has 
invariably resulted in a 
deterioration of the fiscal 
accounts and an increase in 
debt.  
 
Given that the degree of 
harmonization of fiscal policy 
remains low, could you 
please specify which curre nt 
public policies are 
implemented by 
governments to face the 
COVID 19 pandemic, the 
eruptions (and possible The Monetary Council, through the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, meets 
regularly to discuss fiscal  policy coordination amongst OECS Member States. 
Also, the OECS Authority (Heads of State), meet regularly to discuss fiscal policy 
coordination. Some Member States have received support from international 
financial organisations to provide fiscal buffers to allow the Member States to 
provide income support and other efforts to deal with the fallout of the COVID -
19 pandemic and natural disasters.   
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ones) of volcanos and 
mitigate external shocks?  
WT/TPR/S/437 • 
OECS -WTO 
Members, Section 
2.3.1 WTO  "During the period under review, 
the OECS -WTO Members 
continued their efforts to amend 
legislation to allow them to fully 
implement the WTO 
Agreements; for instance, Saint 
Kitts and Nevis notified to the 
WTO legislation on anti -dumping 
and subsidies and cou ntervailing 
measures. However, there are 
several areas in which legislation 
and/or regulations are still 
needed to fully implement WTO 
Agreements. During the review 
process, the authorities of 
several of the OECS -WTO 
Members stated that the main 
problem st ems from a lack of 
resources, particularly with 
respect to the drafting of 
legislation and regulations . 
Another problem stems from the 
difficulty of implementing 
legislative changes that imply 
the creation of new 
administrative infrastructure , for 
which th ey often do not have the 
resources. (emphasis added)  
 
What international 
cooperation mechanisms or 
any other means have you 
considered managing to 
achieve an effective domestic 
implementation of the WTO 
agreements?  The Commission and Member States continu e to explore options for internatioanl 
cooperation. The issue raised is complex and Member States remain committed 
to their WTO obligations.  
 
In the event that the 
previous answer was 
negative and based on the 
current scenario, what other 
means have you considered OECS WTO Members within the relevant organs of the Organisation including the 
Council of Ministers and the Economic Affairs Council under the OECS Authority 
will continue to coordination of th e implementation of trade policy related to the 
WTO towards full implementation of the WTO Agreements. This will include the 
harmonisation of the policy, legislative, regulatory and institutional framework 
for trade and trade related issues. The OECS will work with developement  
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to comply with the provisions 
of the WTO agreements?  partners including mobilising resources to provide techical assistance and 
capacity building towards that effort.  
WT/TPR/S/437 • 
OECS -WTO 
Members, Page 24, 
Paragraph 2.14  There is a general lack of 
notifications on agriculture and 
regarding SPS measures;  only 
Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines has notified its 
agriculture export subsidies 
(none) and domestic support 
programmes (Table 2.4). No SPS 
measures were notified by the 
OECS -WTO Members during the 
period under review. (emphasis 
added)  
 
Given that notifications on 
agriculture and sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures 
established by the WTO have 
been low, what mechanisms 
to safeguard agriculture, 
health and phytosanitary are 
in force? Or, how are they 
guaranteeing that domestic 
produc ts comply with the 
requirements and measures 
established in the WTO 
agreements, especially the 
Agreement on the application 
of Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures?  Attention is drawn to paragraph 3.3.3 of the WT/TPR/S/437 and its annexes.  
UNITED KINGDOM  
Secretariat Report 
(S437 -01)  
3 TRADE POLICIES 
AND PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures 
Affecting Production 
and Trade  
3.3.7 Intellectual 
Property Rights  
 United Kingdom Question 1: 
Could Saint Lucia please 
outline when they expect to 
complete implementing 
regulations of their Patent 
Act?   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
- 42 - REFERENCE  QUESTION TEXT  RESPONSE  
Paragraph  3.69 
Paragraph 3.72  United Kingdom Question 2: 
Could OECS -WTO Members 
please indicate 
whether/when they expect 
the OECS Regional 
Directorate to be in place by 
their next Trade Policy 
Review?  Member States continue to discuss different scenarios with respect to a regional 
approach to IP. A single Regional Directorate is one option, and its feasibility 
remains under consideration.  
Paragraph 3.72  United Kingdom Question 3: 
Could OECS -WTO Members 
please provide more 
information regarding the 
work programme and 
convergence scenario which 
the OECS Regional 
Directorate are aiming to put 
in place?  See above response.  
Secretariat Report 
(S437 -01) 
3 TRADE 
POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY 
MEASURE  
3.3 Measures 
affecting production 
and trade  
3.3.3  Sanitary and 
phytosanitary 
measures  
 
Paragraph 3.55  United Kingdom Question 4: 
The UK notes coverage of 
animal welfare in the Antigua 
and Barbuda Animal Health 
Act 2017. Could Antigua and 
Barbuda please explain w hat 
are the animal welfare 
impacts which have been 
observed, or are anticipated, 
following implementation of 
this law – including in 
relation to imports and 
exports?   
Secretariat Report 
(S437 -01)  
2 TRADE AND 
INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.3 Trade 
agreements and 
arrangements  
2.3.2 Regional and 
preferential 
agreements  United Kingdom Question 5: 
Could those OECS Members 
who are not currently 
implementing their tariff 
schedule under the 
CARIFORUM -UK Economic 
Partnership Agreement 
please provide additional 
information regarding the 
following points:  Saint Lucia  is implementing its tariff schedule under the CARIFORUM -UK 
Economic Partnership Agreement, effective January 01. 2021   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
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2.3.2.3 CARICOM  
Paragraph 2.27   
A. What are the key 
reasons they are not 
implementing the 
tariff cuts?  Grenada  has met its commitments partially. The phased reduction is up to 
2013. Grenada has had delays in following the schedule because of the IMF 
structural adjustment program implemented  exacerbated by the onset of COVID 
thereafter. However, Grenada is currently consulting with the Ministry of Finance 
and legal affairs in order to meet the tariff reduction commitments.  
 
St. Vincent and the Grenadines  express gratitude for the assistance i n the 
transposition to HS 2017. However, implementation was further delayed due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic and the volcanic eruption. Therefore, work is currently 
being undertaken to seek assistance for the transposition to HS2022. Further 
cuts are to be con sidered with the full implementation of HS2022.   
B. What portion of 
Government revenue 
does tariff income 
represent?  Grenada  is working on analysing the data.  
 
C. What portion of 
Government revenue 
does tariff income 
from UK imports 
represent?  Grenada  is working on analysing the data.  
 
D. Under what 
conditions they 
expect to meet their 
tariff reduction 
commitments under 
the UK EPA?  Grenada  
Under the CET review of CARICOM, the bound rates will be reviewed, and the 
applied MFN rates will be adjusted.  
 
E. What are they doing 
to ensure they 
achieve those 
conditions?   
Secretariat Report 
(S437 -01)  
2 TRADE AND 
INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.3 Trade 
agreements and 
arrangements  
2.3.2 Regional and 
preferential 
agreements  
2.3.2.5 Unite d Kingdom Question 5: 
The UK is glad to have signed 
the CARIFORUM -UK EPA with 
OECS and other CARIFORUM 
States. The UK notes that 
OECS -WTO Members have 
outlined 'challenges faced in 
the export market' and 
'supply side constraints' as 
issues which need to be  
addressed to enhance trade 
performance under the   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
- 44 - REFERENCE  QUESTION TEXT  RESPONSE  
CARIFORUM -UK EPA  
Paragraph 2.48.  agreement. Could individual 
OECS Members please 
indicate:   
A. What are their main 
challenges in the 
export market?  Some of the main challenges reported to be faced in the export market are:  
• Packaging, labe lling and certification requirements in the UK market  
• Market Intelligence  
• Visa requirements and the regulatory framework of some services.  
 
Grenada  
Some of the main challenges in the export market includes:  
• Market Intelligence  
• Conformity with standards;  
• Meeting SPS requirements  
• Understanding customs procedures,  
• Understanding UK market access requirements  
 
Saint Lucia's Response : 
Saint Lucia wishes to restate its long standing relationship with the UK and looks 
forward to the strengthening and advancement of this relationship, particularly 
within the context of the CARIFORUM -UK EPA.  
 
(i) Historical challenges have been experienced by Saint Lucian exporters. Mainly 
the inability of exporters to maintain a consistent supply of go ods to their UK 
clients and compliance with the SPS requirements.  
(ii) Lack of awareness of the entry requirements and domestic regulations in 
place for the provision of services such as management consulting.   
B. What are their key 
supply side 
constraints?  Some of the key supply side constraints are:  
• Logistic and freight costs  
• Supply side constraints  
• Knowledge in the UK of the EPA and goods available from the Caribbean(i) 
Lack of technical capability and resources (human and financial) to comply with 
technical standards and requirements.  
 
Grenada  
Supply side constraints include:  
• Access to finance/capital  
• Production capacity  
• Transportation constraints  
 
Saint Lucia 's Response : 
(i) Lack of technical capability and resources (human and financia l) to comply 
with technical standards and requirements.   
C. What sectors or 
issues are most Grenada   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
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important to them for 
this Agreement's 
implementation?  Sectors or issues are most important to Grenada for this Agreement's 
implementation include:  
• Agriculture  
• Agro processing  
• Services  
 
Saint Lucia's Response : 
 
Sectors:  
(i) While trade in services is primarily tourism based, there are several other 
services sectors that remain a priority. Namely, cultural services, entertainment 
services (musicians), audio visual (animation film), management consultants 
(human resource, marketing), spa services.  
(ii) Additionally, with the decline in trade in bananas, Saint Lucia has had to 
diversify its economy in an effort to meet the increased demand for Caribbean 
foods over the past decade or so. Accordingly, the agro processing sector 
(condiments, sauces), seamoss, natural hair and skin products have seen a 
steady increase in demand and export to the UK market.  
Issues:  
(iii) Saint Lucia invites the UK to review t he use of economic criteria (in 
particular the use of Gross Domestic Product data) to determine "graduation " of 
countries from qualification for development assistance; and  
(iv) Prioritization of the commencement of negotiations for Mutual Recognition 
Agreements in the professional priority sectors with export potential, viz, 
Engineering and Architecture.  
(v) Saint Lucia invites the UK to engage in discussions on strategies for 
innovation and technological transfer as provided for in the EPA.  
Secretariat  Report 
(S437 -06)  
SAINT LUCIA  
2 TRADE AND 
INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  
2.4 Investment 
Regime  
Paragraph 2.56  United Kingdom Question 6: 
Could Saint Lucia please 
indicate whether they are 
intending to modernise their 
fiscal incentives Act to 
remove references to exp ort 
performance, in line with 
other OECS countries?  Fiscal Incentives review to be undertaken this financial year and will address 
export performance clause. We anticipate this can be ratified by Parliament in 
2024.  
Government Report 
(G437)  
DOMINICA  
4 GOVERNMENT'S 
MEDIUM TERM 
DEVELOPMENT 
STRATEGY  
Paragraph 4.5.  United Kingdom Question 7: 
Dominica refers to the 
'acceleration in the 
implementation' of its Public 
Sector Investment 
Programmes (PSIP). Could 
Dominica please outline what 
are the timeframes for this?    
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
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Government Report 
(G437)  
SAINT VINCENT 
AND THE 
GRENADINES  
3 TRADE AND 
INVESTMENT 
PATTERNS  
3.3 Foreign Direct 
Investment  
Paragraph 3.9.  United Kingdom Question 8: 
Could Saint Vincent and the 
Gren adines please indicate 
whether the expected 
recovery of FDI flows in 2022 
occurred?   
Government Report 
(G437)  
SAINT VINCENT 
AND THE 
GRENADINES  
3 TRADE AND 
INVESTMENT 
PATTERNS  
3.3 Foreign Direct 
Investment  
Paragraph 3.9  United Kingdom Question 8: 
Could Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines please indicate 
whether the expected 
recovery of FDI flows in 2022 
occurred?   
Paragraph 3.11.  United Kingdom Question 9: 
Is Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines planning on 
establishing a 
'comprehensive investment 
law' a s suggested – and if 
not, why?  The Government through, Invest SVG Agency is currently involved in discussions 
in establishing and passing an Investment Act which will help to streamline the 
investment process.  
EUROPEAN UNION  
OECS TPR 
Government Report  
 
WT/TPR/G/437 • 
OECS -WTO 
Members, (p. 23, 
para. 5.10)  OECS Member States and the 
Commission have recognised the 
need to engage in active 
monitoring and evaluation of 
implementation of the EPAs. This 
includes monitoring of trade 
performance and identificatio n of 
issues and challenges to 
investment, production and 
trade under the EPAs. OECS full 
participation in the organs and 
committees of CARIFORUM and 
the institutional bodies of the Dominica 's Response  
In accordance with Article 5 of the EPA, Dominica is monitoring the operations of 
the EPA annually. Dominica has participated in a Trial Run or Pilot of the 
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework and work is ongoing to finalize the 
framework to fulfil i ts obligation under the aforementioned Article. Effective 
monitoring requires accurate and timely data which continues to be a challenge, 
the lack thereof of disaggregated data, capacity constraints, unavailability of 
Non-Tourism Services and Foreign Direc t Investment (IDA) data, and 
unavailability of Services data needs to be addresses. In this regard the 
Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International 
Business, Trade and Energy, is in the process of formalising its National 
Monitoring & Evaluation Action Plan that will guide the collection of data. The 
Government, through the Ministry of Planning has also begun capacity building  
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
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EPA is critical.  
 
Q1. Are the OECS Member 
States (along with the other 
CARIFORUM signatories to 
the EPA) involved in actively 
monitoring the EPA? If so, 
how is this process carried 
out? understanding the importance of and in the collect of data to guide prudent 
policy decision making . 
 
Saint Lucia 's Response  
The direct and accurate answer is in the negative. However, the below details 
are worth noting:  
 
The purpose of monitoring the EPA is stated in Article 5 of the EPA:  
The Parties undertake to continuously monitor the operation of  the Agreement 
through their respective participative processes and institutions, as well as those 
set up under this Agreement, in order to ensure that the objectives of the 
Agreement are realised, the Agreement is properly implemented and the benefits 
for men, women, young people and children deriving from their Partnership are 
maximised. The Parties also undertake to consult each other promptly over any 
problem arising.  
 
A joint CARIFORUM -EU Task Force on monitoring the implementation of EPA was 
establis hed in November 2014, following the fourth Meeting of the CARIFORUM -
EU Trade and Development Committee. In an effort to implement the 
recommendations of the third Meeting of the Joint CARIFORUM -EU Council of 
Ministers efforts to develop a joint M&E system were intensified and as a result 
both the Joint Task Force and, OECS Member States within the CARIFORUM 
construct have been actively engaged over the past six years to finalize an M&E 
system.  
 
To date, the Joint Task Force has met seven times and a pilot phase of the joint 
M&E System was agreed to at its sixth Meeting. OECS Members States along 
with other CARIFORUM signatories to the EPA commenced the pilot phase in the 
second half of 2021.  
 
OECS Members States along with other CARIFORUM signatories to th e EPA 
agreed that CARIFORUM should inform the EU of its experiences with the pilot 
phase of the Joint Monitoring System particularly its challenges and 
observations.  
 
To be effective and efficient, the monitoring mechanism must be guided by the 
general pr inciple of flexibility, to allow for the review and modification of the 
elements of the Agreement that are inimical to the regions ' development 
(CARIFORUM as a whole and the OECS as micro -states), implicitly going beyond 
matters relating market access time lines and coverage.  
 
The benchmarking indicators must be based on the sustainable development 
objectives of the EPA, taking into account areas such as market access, policy 
space, development support and regional integration.   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
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We concur with the fact tha t this mechanism must be established and 
implemented jointly by the EU and the CARIFORUM with full commitment from 
both Parties in an effort to facilitate and or provide the opportunity for redress 
by private sector and civil society.  
 
There must be a cle ar and precise definition of development at the level of 
individual Member States, at the OECS level and at the level of CARIFORUM, and 
it must be absolutely understood by all Parties. The Member States and the 
regions (OECS and CARIFORUM) must be able to determine to what extent the 
principles and objectives of its respective development agenda or vision are 
reflected in the EPA.  
(p. 35, para. 3.41)  Under the amended provisions of 
this Act, Antigua and Barbuda 
offers a slate of incentives. 
These are base d on the size of 
capital investment and the 
number of employees that will 
be employed as a result of the 
specific investment; however, 
the capital thresholds were 
increased and a requirement of 
local residency for at least a 
director or owner was added.  
 
Q2: Could Antigua and 
Barbuda give more details on 
which incentives are offered 
and the underlying 
conditions that they are 
subject to?   
   
(p. 49, para. 10.1)  Dominica is one of the few 
Member States of CARICOM 
participating in the discussions 
on Investment Facilitation (IF).  
 
Q3a. Could Dominica detail 
their position with regards to 
Investment Facilitation for 
Development? What benefits 
does Dominica intend to 
achieve from participating in 
the Joint Initiative? Would Dominica visualizes benefits from participating in this Joint Initiative and the 
discussions which are prese ntly on -going to revolve around the promotion of 
greater transparency of regulations concerning investment; building constructive 
relationships between investors and relevant authorities; and the establishment 
of amicable consultation/mediation mechanisms to avert investment disputes 
from escalating.  
Dominica also visualizes potential benefit for advocacy towards other OECS 
Member States; this, we opine, would allow for a more harmonized approach to 
Investment Facilitation Regionally.  
Dominica recognises the importance of a Self/Needs Assessment to explore the 
readiness for the negotiation and implementation of an Investment Facilitation 
Agreement; Dominica is currently poised to benefit from a Self -Assessment with  
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
- 49 - REFERENCE  QUESTION TEXT  RESPONSE  
Dominica see po tential for 
advocacy towards other 
OECS Member States? In 
addition, would Dominica 
need additional support from 
the EU with their needs 
assessment?  the support of the OE CS Commission which has hired a Consultant to facilitate 
this activity. Dominica however would need additional support from the 
European Union for "corrective action" post the Self/Needs Assessment.  
(p. 59, para. 4.38)  Grenada has been part of the 
group co -sponsoring the Joint 
Statement on Investment 
Facilitation for Development.  
 
Q3b. Could Grenada detail 
their position with regards to 
Investment Facilitation for 
Development? What benefits 
does Grenada intend to 
achieve from participating in 
the Jo int Initiative? Would 
Grenada see potential for 
advocacy towards other 
OECS Member States? In 
addition, would Grenada 
need additional support from 
the EU with their needs 
assessment?  Grenada is on board with the Joint Statement on Investment Facilitation f or 
Development. In line with this we are in the process of conducting a needs 
assessment and are actively involved in the negotiations. From participating in 
the Joint Initiative, we can put forward our position as a small island state. 
Grenada intends to reap the benefits of the Joint Initiative such as increased 
inward investment, increased transparency, and increased usage of e -commerce 
in investment facilitation. Grenada sees potential for advocacy with other OECS 
Member States and would appreciate addi tional support from the EU with the 
needs assessment.  
 
 
(p. 50, para. 11.5)  The Three (3) phases of the 
Project have been completed 
and recommendations, on the 
way forward, have been made 
available to the relevant 
Government Authorities for 
required actio n. Presently, key 
stakeholders have met and have 
decided to employ the services 
of a manager whose primary 
responsibility will be the 
implementation of the 
recommendations stemming out 
of this Project, and to realize the 
SW platform in Dominica.  
 
Q4: What is the estimated 
date for full implementation Full implementation of the Single Window platform in Dominica is contingent on 
the successful recruitment of the Manager and the swift commencement of his 
task as per the Terms Of Reference (TORs). Dominica however has a base 
platform though ASYCUDA which will assist with the swift delivery of his target.   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
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of the Single Window 
platform in Dominica?  
(p. 55, para. 4.4)  The private sector, particularly 
through its umbrella 
organizations, also plays a 
pivotal role i n the formulation of 
trade policy. The Government 
sees its role as providing the 
enabling environment for the 
private sector to thrive.  
 
Q5: Are there any structured 
processes in which the said 
private sector organizations 
convey their stance on trade 
policy? If not, does Grenada 
plan to put in place such 
processes?  Yes, there is the Trade Facilitation Committee. In the Committee, the private 
sector is involved, including the customs brokers and the Chamber of Commerce 
and where they make contributions to trade policy. Additionally, the Division of 
Trade holds consultations with the private sector about trade policy and 
legislative changes and stakeholder concerns.  
(p. 90, para. 4.15)  Since the last Trade Policy 
Review in 2014, the Customs 
and Excise De partment 
established a website under the 
E-Government Programme, to 
ensure the ease of doing 
business. Its automated data 
system was upgraded to 
ASYCUDA World. Partial 
implementation of post 
clearance audit and risk 
management procedures is 
currently in pl ace. Further, a 
prepayment account system and 
the operationalisation of a point 
of sale system are available to 
the trade facilitation process.  
 
Q6: What are the next steps 
planned in regard to trade 
facilitation by Saint Vincent 
and the Grenadines? Notabl y, 
when would a Customs 
Single Window be 
implemented?  For. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the next steps relates to the:  
- Simplification of customs procedures  
- Procurement of a non -intrusive scanner  
- Improvement in the utilization of risk criteria to i dentify compliance and 
non-compliance.  
- Development of a trusted trader programme  
- Full implementation of the post clearance audit and risk management 
unit.  
With respect to the Single window, under the Caribbean Digital Transformation 
project, there is  a component for a customs single window to improve trade 
facilitation. Currently, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is negotiating a contract 
with UNCTAD for implementation. By the end of the 2nd quarter, 2023 the 
contract should be finalized.   
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(p. 92, para.  5.8) Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines is committed to a 
gradual reduction of its tariff 
lines with the EU in keeping with 
its regional integration and 
economic cooperation with its 
OECS and CARICOM partners as 
enshrined in the objectives of 
the EPA agreem ent. Some 
administrative and legislative 
measures are outstanding albeit 
that Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines has administratively 
implemented and legislatively 
completed phases of the tariff 
reductions.  
 
Q7: Could the authorities of 
St. Vincent and the 
Grenadines  specify what are 
the administrative and 
legislative measures that are 
outstanding to complete the 
EPA tariff reductions as per 
schedule?  St. Vincent and the Grenadines express gratitude for the assistance in the 
transposition to HS 2017. However, implementation was further delayed due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic and the volcanic eruption. Therefore, work is currently 
being undertaken to seek assistance for the transposition to HS2022. Further 
cuts a re to be considered with the full implementation of HS2022.  
OECS TPR 
Secretariat Report  
 
(p. 18, Chart 1.1. 
and Table 1.4; 
Country specific 
Annexes:  Antigua and Barbuda: p. 70, 
Chart 1.1, p. 106, Table A1.1;  
Grenada: p. 179, Chart 1.1, p. 
217, Table A1.2 ;  
Saint Lucia: p. 319, p. 398, 
Chart 1.1, Table A1.1  
Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines: p. 423, Chart 1.1)  
 
The displayed pie charts show 
the relative proportions of main 
SITC sections in the imports into 
OECS -WTO Members, both for 
2014 and for 2021. The c harts, 
as well as Table 1.4 indicate 
that, there was a large drop in 
the imports of mineral fuels. The 
country -specific annexes show 
that these drops were For St. Vincent and the Grenad ines, there is no actual drop in the importation of 
fuel. The data discrepancies are currently being rectified.  
 
Grenada  
With regards to the imports of mineral fuels, Grenada cannot attribute the large 
drop/ reduction to anything other than changes in the universal market 
fluctuations.   
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specifically large in St. Lucia, 
Antigua and Barbuda, St. 
Vincent and the Grenadines, 
Grenada.  
 
Q8: Could Antigua and 
Barbuda, Grenada, Saint 
Lucia, Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines explain whether 
there have been changes 
beyond the universal market 
fluctuations that may explain 
these reductions in imports 
of mineral fuels?  
   
(pp. 21 -22, para 
2.7) As pointed out in the previous 
Review, trade policy 
implementation within and 
among OECS members is still 
subject to severe human 
resource limitations. This is 
partly reflected in the lack of 
WTO notifications in certain 
areas (Section 2.3.1). In 
general, the limitation of human 
resources and the insufficient 
capacity of legal drafting 
contribute to the slow 
implementation of WTO 
commitments among OECS 
members and constitutes a 
challenge for the implementation 
of commitments under the EPA.  
 
Q9. Is there an y assistance 
given from the OECS 
Commission and/or the 
CARICOM 
Secretariat/CARIFORUM 
Directorate to abate the 
challenges faced by 
individual OECS member 
states with the There has not been any assistance from the OECS  Commission or the CARICOM 
Secretariat targeted at improving the compliance of OECS WTO Members in the 
fulfilment of their notification commitments under the WTO. The OECS 
Commission and Member States have in the past requested and/or benefitted 
from assis tance from the WTO ITTC to provide training in preparing notifications 
under the various WTO Agreements.   
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- 53 - REFERENCE  QUESTION TEXT  RESPONSE  
implementation of the said 
commitments?  
(p. 31, para. 2.56 
and p.37, para. 
3.36)  Saint Lucia amended its Fiscal 
Incentives Act to expend its 
scope to services, but further 
changes are needed to remove 
references to export 
performance; the authorities 
have stated that no subsidies 
contingent upon exportation are 
currently granted.  
 
Q10: When does Saint Lucia 
intend to remove the said 
references to export 
performance in the Fiscal 
Incentives Act? (Regardless 
of the fact that no related 
subsidies have so far been 
granted)  Fiscal Incentives review to be undertaken this financial year and w ill address the 
export performance clause. We anticipate this can be ratified by Parliament in 
2024.  
(p. 31, para. 2.57)  Licences are not required for 
investment in sectors considered 
of priority for the respective 
OECS country, or where the 
purchase does not exceed a 
certain threshold. In general 
terms, foreign investment 
receives national treatment in all 
OECS -WTO Members, with the 
main exception of the 
requirements for obtaining alien 
landholding licences, which are 
related to limitations i n land 
availability for commercial 
purposes, as well as to the need 
to rationalize land use and 
enable nationals to afford 
property while avoiding 
speculation by foreigners. 
Licences are granted subject to 
satisfactory applications to the 
national Cabinet of Ministers and 
payment of the required fees.  
 For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , investors wishing to acquire lands, must first 
apply, through an Attorney -at-law for an Alien Land -Holding License to the Office 
of the Prime Minister, for which there is a non -refundable application fee of 
EC$2,500 an d a further annual fee based on property value. The granting of the 
license is approved by Cabinet.  
Information regarding the alien land holding licences is clearly defined and 
accessible from the Office of the Prime Minister and the Government website.  
 
Grenada  
With regards to licenses such as the Alien Land holding License the conditions 
are defined in Chapter 13 of Grenada 's Aliens Land holding regulation Act No.29 
of 1968 (last amended in 2009) available of the Laws of Grenada website. 
However, the Gren ada does not have the conditions for the said application 
clearly defined.   
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Q11: For each of the OECS -
WTO members, are the 
conditions for the said 
applications clearly defined 
and where? What are the 
fees per country? Are there 
procedures of appeal in place 
in each of the OECS States ? 
(p. 32, para. 3.7)  In 2022, the OECS -WTO 
Members applied tariff schedules 
based on different revisions of 
the HS nomenclature, from 
HS07 to HS17.  
 
Q12: Which of the OECS 
States hav e switched their 
tariff schedules to the HS17 
nomenclature? Which ones 
(if any) to the HS22 
nomenclature? When is it 
planned to finalize that 
process for each OECS State?  Information obtained by the Commission is as follows:  
 
• ATB - Still at HS2007 Prepar ing to undertake a comprehensive customs related 
work including the implementation of HS 2022. Timeframe unknown.  
• DMA - At 2017 hoping to implement 2022 within 3 months by June 2023.  
• GDA - Still at HS2012 and working to implement HS 2022 for July 2023.  
• SKN - Still at HS 2017 provisionally (without the legal backing). Planning to 
move to HS2022 in 2024.  
• SLU - Saint Lucia currently uses the HS 2012 nomenclature; however, we are 
at an advance stage in our national efforts to move from HS 2012 directly to HS 
2022 nomenclature. HS 2022 is expected to be fully implemented by 1st June 
2023.  
• SVG - Implemented HS2022 as of January 2023.  
(p. 36, para. 3.22)  All countries have goods and 
services that are VAT exempt, 
while others are charged at a 
lower rate. For example, for 
hotels the VAT rate is lower than 
the standard rates.  
 
Q13. Are there OECS States 
(if so, please name them) in 
which locally -produced goods 
attract a lower VAT rate than 
the same products that are 
imported? If so, what 
products are c oncerned?  The OECS does not maintain discriminatory VAT rates.  
 
Dominica  VAT rate is applied at 15% on both locally -produced goods and the 
same for products that are imported. However, for hotels the VAT rate is applied 
at 10%.  
 
Grenada  does not have vary ing rates.  
 
Saint Lucia  applies a standard VAT rate of 12.5% on both imported and locally 
produced goods. There is absolutely NO difference in the VAT rate applied on 
locally produced goods and the rate applied on imported goods. However, local 
exports are  exempted from VAT. There is also a 0% VAT rate on certain food 
items such as chicken, rice, flour, bread, milk, and water as well as other specific 
categories of commodities like fuel.  
(p. 37, para. 3.34)  In order to export restricted 
products from Grenada , exports 
must seek prior approval from 
relevant line ministries.  
 
Q14. Does the approval 
process for the concerned 
products entail payment of There are no fees on export restricted products from Grenada.   
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any fees by the exporter, and 
if so, what are their 
amounts?  
(p. 38, para. 3.38)  The OECS -WTO Members do not 
have national programmes for 
export credit, insurance, or 
guarantees.  
 
Q15. Are there plans by any 
of the OECS State to put in 
place in the forese eable 
future an export 
credit/insurance/guarantee 
system?  Dominica  
Dominica has no immediate or near -term plans to put in place export 
credit/insurance/guarantee system.  
 
Grenada  
No, Grenada does not have any plans at present.  
 
Saint Lucia  
No, there are no  such plans.  
 
 
On March 2, 2017, the Monetary Council (MC) of the ECCB approved and signed 
the Agreement for the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation 
(ECPCGC). The ECPCGC formally entered into force on May 7, 2018. It is a 
corporate body with full legal personality. The objective of the ECPCGC is to 
facilitate additional financial intermediation for Micro, Small and Medium 
Enterprises (MSMEs). The ECPCGC Was created to:  
>in response to the contraction of credit in the OECS banking system, and the 
need for MSMEs to have access to credit to grow their businesses.  
>To assist in promoting economic growth and development in member 
territories by administering the Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme to increase to 
access to finance for MSMEs.  
>To off er credit guarantees to participating lenders , thereby making it easier for 
qualifying enterprises to access loans with the intention of increasing their ability 
to grow, develop and contribute more meaningfully to their economies.  
(p. 38, para. 3.39)  There is no common OECS 
export promotion strategy. 
Exporters may receive export 
promotion support from the 
OECS Competitive Business 
Unit.  In addition, some OECS -
WTO Members have individual 
investment promotion agencies. 
For example, the Dominica 
Export an d Import Agency 
(DEXIA) provides support to 
exporters of agricultural, agri -
processed, and manufactured 
goods. In Saint Lucia, Export 
Saint Lucia provides information 
and support to local businesses The work of the OECS Competitive Business Un it towards Export development 
and promotion has been undertaken at two levels. At the enterprise level, the 
CBU has provided or facilitated the provision of technical assistance and capacity 
building including financial grants to MSMEs to enhance their cap acity to 
compete as follows:  
• The OECS Quality Assurance Project funded by the 11th EDF RIGHT 
Programme provides support to MSMEs on the path towards 
Certification THROUGH training and capacity building to increase their 
capacity to conform to standards and quality requirements and to 
demonstrate such compliance where necessary through certification.  
• The execution of a World Bank funded MSME matching Grant scheme 
targeted at enterprises in the blue economy including the provision of 
business dev elopment services (BDS) to foster recovery and resilience;  
• With financial support from the Caribbean Development Bank, training 
and capacity building has been provided to micro and small agro 
processors in the area of good manufacturing practices, quality   
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and international buyers; it also 
coordinates and evaluat es the 
national export development 
strategy. The Saint Kitts 
Investment Promotion Agency 
(SKIPA) and the Nevis 
Investment Promotion Agency 
(NIPA) are in charge of devising 
and implementing incentives 
schemes to attract investment, 
introduce new policies to  assist 
and facilitate business in specific 
sectors, encourage new 
employment opportunities, and 
promote diversification of the 
economy.  
 
Q16. What does the export 
promotion support from the 
OECS CBU consist of?  assurance, costing and pricing, packaging and labelling, and product 
development;  
• With financial and technical support from the Qatar Fund for 
Development and the GGGI The Eastern Caribbean Green 
Entrepreneurship Initiative aims to foster the development of green 
entrepreneurs and businesses in the Eastern Caribbean through 
training, coaching and mentoring and finance grants.  
• With financial and technical support from the IADB and the Compete 
Caribbean Partnership Facility, the OECS Technology Ecosystem 
Competitive Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TECHIE) is a 
Virtual Business Incubator and Accelerator Program targeting ICT or 
technology -based or enabled firms or ventures through training, 
coaching, mentorship and financial grants.  
• Technical assistan ce through market studies, participation at regional 
and international trade shows, market visits;  
• With financial support from various EU funded programmes including 
the EDF 1 RIGHT Programme, the ACP TradeCom II project and the 
Interreg Trade Enhancement for the Eastern Caribbean (TEECA) Project, 
the OECS CBU is planning and executing an OECS virtual trade 
exposition that will bring OECS MSMEs and buyers on a platform that 
showcases authentic OECS products and services.  
P. 38, para 3.40  The OECS -WTO Membe rs 
continue to apply a number of 
incentives schemes to encourage 
and promote both domestic and 
foreign investment. To achieve 
these objectives, the OECS 
countries operate similar 
incentive schemes under their 
fiscal incentives laws, which in 
most cases are  called Fiscal 
Incentives Acts, which provide 
for, inter alia, duty -free imports, 
tax exemptions, and preferential 
tax rates.  
 
Q17: Are the incentives 
under the current Fiscal 
Incentives Acts in OECS 
States open for use by OECS -
originating and foreign 
operators/investors alike?   Dominica  
Incentives under Dominica Fiscal Incentives Act is open for use by OECS -
originating and foreign operators/investors alike.  
 
Grenada  
Grenada 's Fiscal Incentives Act (FIA) provides for incentives for "approved 
enterprises ". An enterprise under the Act refers to "a company incorporated 
under the Laws of Grenada and engaged or about to engage in industry. " An 
"approved enterprise " means an enterprise declared by Order under section 6 of 
the FIA by The Minister on an application. This application should be made by or 
on behalf of an enterprise for the purpose of establishing an industry in Grenada 
to manufacture an approved product may, if he or she is satisfied that it is in the 
public interest to do so.  
 
An approved enterprise may be granted a benefit under this Act if it is classified 
as a Group I, Group II or Group III Enterprise or an Enclave Enterprise:  
 
1. Group I Enterprise - the local value added is at least fifty per cent of the 
amount realized from the sales of an approved product.  
2. Group II Enterprise - the local value added is at least twenty -five per cent 
but less than fifty per cent of the amount realized….  
3.  Group III Enterprise - the local value added is at least ten per cent but 
less than twenty -five per cent of the amount realized…   
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4. an enclave enterprise - enterprise producing goods exclusively for export 
to countries other than the Member States.  
 
 
Saint Lucia  - Yes, the principle of national treatment is observed in considering 
requests for fiscal incentives.  
 
For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , incentives are open for both local and 
foreign operators alike.  
(p. 40, para. 3.52)  The authorities indicate  that 
model Animal and Plant Health 
bills are currently being 
prepared (or have been recently 
passed, like in Antigua and 
Barbuda) to harmonize 
procedures and measures across 
the OECS, but as of now, there 
is still no common policy in this 
area. 
 
Q18: When  will such model 
bills be ready for 
implementation? Do all OECS 
Members intend to make use 
of them?  In order to fully operationalise the CU and FCG as provided for in the framework 
set out in the RTB, it will be necessary to amend national laws which conta in 
provisions that are in conflict with the objectives and provisions of the ECEU 
recalling that the RTB has also been enacted in the national laws of the Member 
States. Towards that end, 5 pieces of draft legislation have been prepared and 
are at various stages of consideration at the national and regional level. The 
Animal Health, Plant Protection and Food Safety Bills are in the final stages of 
national consideration for approval by the Authority and then enactment by 
Member States.  
 
Dominica  
Dominica mo del Animal and Plant health bills have been drafted and are being 
finalized.  
(p. 41, para. 3.64)  None of the OECS -WTO 
Members is a party to the WTO 
Agreement on Government 
Procurement (GPA). There are 
no immediate plans for any 
OECS -WTO Member to join the 
GPA or participate as an 
observer. Although no official 
statistics are available regarding 
its va lue, government 
procurement is relatively large in 
each of the countries, 
considering that the Government 
is a main source of employment 
and represents a relatively large 
share of GDP. Public sector 
current expenditure on goods 
and services represents up t o 
some 10% of GDP in some OECS Member States are not opposed to the GPA in principle. Member States 
prefer to first, implement their commitments at the CARICOM level with r espect 
for Government Procurement.  
 
Dominica  
The reasoning behind not joining the GPA is premised on increased competition 
i.e. this could allow global companies with greater capabilities than those in 
Dominica to dominate the tendering process. Threshold discussions therefore 
require being had.  
Further information is being waited from the Government Procurement Unit.  
 
While Grenada  is in support of the WTO Agreement on Government 
Procurement (GPA), Grenada will continue to discuss at the OECS lev el and will 
only agree when the OECS decides as a grouping to participate.   
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OECS -WTO Members, while 
capital expenditure accounts for 
about the same share of GDP.  
 
Q19. During the 2014 TPR, 
OECS Members explained 
that they had no immediate 
plans to become a Party to or 
an observer for the WTO 
Agreement on Government 
Procurement (GPA). The 
2023 Secretariat report 
outlines that none of the 
OECS Members plans to join 
the GPA as a party or 
observer. Nevertheless, the 
Secretariat report outlines 
several developments on 
procurement in OECS 
Member countries. Could  the 
governments of OECS -
Members please give a brief 
explanation on the reasoning 
behind not joining the GPA?  
(p.42, para. 3.67)  The CARICOM Protocol on Public 
Procurement, adopted in 2019, 
provides for the development of 
common guidelines. However, as 
of end -2022, these disciplines 
had no t yet been developed.  
 
Q20. Are there plans to 
discuss/issue such 
guidelines in the near future 
for OECS countries?  OECS Member States engage on the CARICOM Protocol on Public Procurement in 
the CARICOM COTED. The OECS Commission will provide support to OE CS 
Member States as needed in that engagement.  
 
CARICOM has commenced the process of developing Rules and Regulations for 
Administering Procurement in the region. These are based on the provisions of 
the Protocol on Public Procurement. These have yet to be  approved by the Heads 
of Government.  
(p. 44, para. 4.6)  "Tariff protection is higher than 
average for fruit and vegetables, 
animals and products thereof, 
coffee, alcoholic beverages, and 
tobacco (i.e. on List C of 
Exceptions to the CET). The 
OECS -WTO Mem bers apply lower 
than CET rates on food and food 
products (i.e. on List A of Dominica  
For Dominica non -automatic license are used for Agricultural purposes; the 
premise of a conditional or denial (non -approval) of the License is contingent 
upon SPS related concerns.  
 
Grenada  
As highlighted in the report in Grenada licensing is automatic except for whole 
chicken and eggs which requires an SPS certificate. Yes the the conditions and  
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Exceptions to the CET). During 
the review period, Dominica, 
Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint 
Vincent and the Grenadines 
invoked Article 164 of the 
Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, 
temporarily suspending the 
application of the CARICOM CET 
to certain agricultural products 
such as animal feed, durum 
wheat, curry powder, and 
beverages; the suspension 
resulted in a hike in the applied 
tariff rates. In addition, most 
OECS -WTO Members also u se 
non-automatic import 
licensing requirements for a 
number of agricultural 
products, when imported 
from non -CARICOM 
countries. The aim is to 
encourage that imports of 
certain agricultural products 
be first sourced from other 
OECS or CARICOM countries.  
The exceptions to this policy are 
Dominica and Grenada, where, 
due to tariffication, the use of 
licensing is limited. " 
 
Q21. For those OECS 
countries applying non -
automatic licenses, are the 
conditions and processes for 
obtaining a non -automatic 
license for t he import of 
agricultural products 
objective, transparent and 
accessible to economic 
operators? Are there 
procedures in place to 
contest or review licensing 
decisions?  processes for obtaining a non -automatic license for the import of agricultural 
products objective, transparent and accessible to economic operator.   
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(p. 56, para. 4.66)  Among the OECS -WTO 
Members, Dominica and Saint 
Vincent and the Grena dines 
maintain ship registries.  
 
Q22: Could the authorities of 
Antigua and Barbuda, Saint 
Kitts and Nevis and Saint 
Lucia clarify whether they 
also maintain ship registers?  St. Kitts and Nevis  has an International Ship Registry that maintains records of 
all ships registered with our federation. St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship 
Registry (SKANReg), with its operational headquarters in London, UK, is an ISO 
9001:2015 international open registe r and certified Flag State Administration 
approved by the American Bureau of Shipping. The registry was established in 
2005 and operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Maritime Affairs. 
Since its establishment, SKANReg has registered over 3000  vessels and over 
44000 seafarers of various nationalities.  
(p. 58, para. 4.76)  All OECS -WTO Members offer 
fiscal incentives for hotel 
development. These incentives 
include exemptions from 
customs duties and other taxes 
on imports, generally under the 
respective Hotels Aid Acts, as 
well as corporate income tax 
exemptions. The maximum 
period for corporate income tax 
exemptions varies from 10 to 25 
years depending on the country, 
and longer tax breaks are 
generally available for larger 
projects. In Grenada, reduction 
in property transfer tax was 
applicable, effective on 1 May 
2016, to investment projects of 
residential tourism development.  
 
Q23. Could OECS States 
provide examples of such 
exemptions from customs 
duties and other taxes for 
imports under their hotel 
development schemes?  Grenada  
Some examples of fiscal incentives for hotel development in Grenada include:  
 
1. 100% waiver on building materials, fixtures, furnishings, 
networking elements, and computer hardware and software (if not 
available locally and  regionally) for first installation, extension and 
expansion of buildings for projects in the priority sector.  
2. 50% -100% waiver on 4 -6 vehicles (exclusive of specialized 
vehicles) required for the production of the approved product or 
delivery of an approv ed service ((Available for tourist 
accommodation facilities, attraction sites, marinas)  
3. 100% waiver on one (1) high -end luxury vehicle for tourist 
accommodation facilities rated four -star and above.  
4. 100% waiver on building materials, fittings and furnishin g (if not 
available locally and regionally) to upgrade tourist accommodation 
facilities.  
5. 100% waiver on spare parts for tourist accommodation facilities  
6. 100% waiver on soft furnishings and linens for tourist 
accommodation facilities.  
 
More information can be found in, " Grenada 's Investment Incentives Guide " at 
https://gidc.gd/resources/   
 
Saint Lucia Response : 
Tourism Incentives Act:  
 
(a) Waiver of Customs Duties on imports for the construction of a new hotel; 
conversion of an existing building or buildings into an hotel by reconstruction, 
extension, alteration, renovation or remodeling; furnishing and equipping of a 
building to be util ized as an hotel; construction, furnishing and equipping of a 
new restaurant; refurbishing and re -equipping of an existing restaurant; 
establishment of visitors ' booths and interpretation centres; and the provision of 
yachting services.  
  
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(b) Waiver of Inco me Tax  
 
Tourism Stimulus and Investment Act:  
 
(a) Waiver of Customs Duties on imports for the construction of a new hotel, 
villa resort, condominium or luxury residential complex; renovation of an 
existing new hotel, villa resort, condominium or luxury res idential complex;  
 
(b) Corporate Tax Waiver  
(c) Property Tax and Aliens Landholding Licence Fees Exemptions  
(d) Stamp Duty and Vendors Tax exemptions on the acquisition of property  
 
St Vincent and the Grenadines  
Examples of exemptions from customs duties  and other taxes for imports 
include:  
• All construction materials including small machinery eg. Small cement mixers  
• Furnishing and fittings  
Antigua and 
Barbuda TPR 
Secretariat Report  
(p. 79, para. 2.32)  Under the Small Business 
Development Act, the 
Government provides loan 
guarantees to businesses; 
however, the authorities indicate 
that these loan guarantees were 
never implemented.  
 
Q24: Could Antigua and 
Barbuda expand on the exact 
meaning of and reasons for 
which the said guarantees 
were "never implemented "?  
(p.88, para. 3.42)  Between 2014 and 2018, the 
Tourism and Business (Special 
Incentives) Act 2013 prescribed 
an incentive regime for 
businesses in manufacturing; 
agriculture, fisheries and agri -
business; information and 
communication technol ogies; 
financial services; medical and 
wellness services; creative 
industry; and energy. For 
different categories of investors 
according to the capital invested, 
investors could benefit from   
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exemption of corporate income 
tax up to 25 years; the 
possibility  to carry forward 
losses up to 7 years; exemption 
or reduction of withholding taxes 
up to 25 years; exemption or 
reduction of property taxes; 
exemption or reductions of 
stamp duty for land transfers 
and non -citizen licences; and the 
relief of customs dutie s, sales 
taxes, and revenue recovery 
charges on capital goods.53 
These incentives were granted 
by the Cabinet.  
 
Q25: Are the categories of 
businesses outlined in the 
Tourism and Business 
(Special Incentives) Act 2013 
linked to an overall Trade 
and Export Policy for the 
country? If not, what is the 
genesis of the sectors 
outlined in the Act?  
(p. 89, para 3.45)  Regarding the Fiscal Incentives 
Act, not a single enterprise in 
2022 benefited from waivers on 
consumption and income taxes 
granted under th is scheme.  
 
Q26: Are there any plans to 
revisit the Revised Fiscal 
Incentive Act to ensure that 
it facilitates growth and 
increased competitiveness in 
the manufacturing sector, 
given the low impact it has 
had on enterprises recently?   
(p. 95, para. 3.98)  Certain violations of the 
trademark, copyright, and 
industrial property legislation are 
considered to be criminal acts, 
which are punishable by fines   
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and imprisonment of up to five 
years. The authorities indicate 
that an IP unit within the police 
services  will soon be established.  
 
Q27: What will be the exact 
competences of the IP unit 
soon to be established within 
the police services? Will it 
also be competent to 
investigate and to pursue 
online piracy?  
(p. 96, 4.5)  Employment and investment in 
the [agr icultural] sector are 
reserved for nationals.  
 
Q28: In view of the sector 's 
low contribution to GDP and 
the constant need to 
modernize agricultural 
production to meet Antigua 
and Barbuda 's and OECS 
countries ' needs for 
agricultural and processed -
agricultural products, is 
Antigua and Barbuda 
intending to open the sector 
to investments by non -
nationals any time soon?   
(p. 101, para. 4.39)  
 The main legislation governing 
the sector is the Merchant 
Shipping Act 2 006, as amended. 
During the review period, the 
Act was amended to (i) remove 
restrictions on the registration of 
passenger ships and high -speed 
craft; (ii) increase the choice of 
ports of registry for commercial 
and pleasure yachts; (iii) 
formalize the iss uance of 
temporary permissions; (iv) 
implement international 
conventions and agreements to 
which Antigua and Barbuda is a   
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party; (v) prescribe the removal 
of ships from the Registrar in 
given circumstances; (vi) enable 
the provisional registration of 
ships; and (vii) amend 
qualifications to own Antigua and 
Barbuda ships.  
 
Q29: Could Antigua and 
Barbuda explain the rules 
governing the provisional 
registration of ships and its 
effect?  
 Q30: Could Antigua and 
Barbuda clarify whether the 
amended qualification s to 
own Antigua and Barbuda 
ships allow for ownership by 
foreign nationals?   
Dominica TPR 
Secretariat Report    
(p. 118, Chart 1.1. 
and p. 165, Table 
A1.1)  Q31: Table A1.1. indicates 
that relative imports of 
mineral fuels and related 
materials had sunk steadily 
since 2014 and spiked again 
in 2021. Could the 
government of Dominica 
please briefly outline 
whether these changes could 
be explained by factors other 
than recent market 
fluctuations?  Information being waited from the relevant Authority.  
(p. 123, para. 2.8)  Within this general framework, 
recently Dominica adopted a 
new National Trade Policy (NTP) 
for the period 2022 -35, which 
deploys the vision, mission, 
goals, and objectives related to 
trade for the country. […]  
 
Q32: Are there any priority 
sectors earmarked for 
development within the Dominica new National Trade Policy has earmarked for development the 
following sectors:  
• The Creative (Orange) Sector;  
• The Green Economy;  
• The Blue Economy;  
• The Circular Economy; and  
• The Digital Economy.   
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framework of the new 
National Trade Policy?  
 
(p. 125, para. 2.17)  
 Jointly with other CARICOM 
members and the Dominican 
Republic, Dominica enjoys 
preferential access to the EU 
market under the CARIFORUM -
EC Economic Partnership 
Agreement (EPA) signed in 2008 
(Common Report). Dominica 
ratified the EPA in November 
2009 and the agreement has 
been provisionally implemented 
since December 2008. Slightly 
more than half of Dominica's 
tariff lines have a phase -out 
period ending in 2018, although 
Dominica reports some delays in 
the implementation of its 
commitments for 2013 and 
2018.  
 
Q33: Does this reflect that 
Dominica has only 
implemented its 
commitments for the 2011 
(first) tariff reductions under 
the CARIFORUM -EC Economic 
Partnership Agreement? If 
so, is Dominica planning to 
address these delays under 
the new National Trade 
Policy?  
 
 Dominica plans to address these delays outside the scope of the Trade Policy 
Implementation and is currently at an advanced stage of preparations to 
implement these commitment s. 
(p. 145, para. 3.86)  Subject to the Minister's 
approval, the procurement could 
be limited to domestic bidders if 
specified in the invitation to bid, 
or published in advance. The 
domestic or local preference 
margin to be granted must be 
mentioned in the  bidding Awaiting a response from the Government Procurement Unit.   
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documents. Some of these 
features have been retained in a 
modified way in the new Act.  
 
Q34: Could Dominica specify 
in detail how the new 
Government Procurement 
Law allows for giving 
preference to domestic 
suppliers or to the use of 
locally -produc ed goods? 
Notably: is there total 
discretion by authorities to 
grant such preference in 
each tender? What is the 
extent of possible margin of 
preference (i.e. the 
maximum margin)?  
(p. 161, para. 4. 50) Since 1979, Dominica has been 
a member of the International 
Maritime Organization (IMO) and 
is a party to a number of the 
IMO conventions, although some 
recent Protocols have not yet 
been ratified.  
 
Q35: Could Dominica clarify 
whether the process of 
ratification is in progress?  Dominica is in the process of reviewing the recent maritime protocols, 
amendments and other conventions in preparation for ratification.  
Grenada TPR 
Secretariat Report  
 
(p. 188, para. 3.2)  Grenada ratified the WTO 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation 
(TFA) on 8 December 2015, and 
has submitted to the WTO its 
notifications on the measures 
under Categories A, B, and C. 
About 73.5% of the TFA 
provisions have been 
implemented under Category A, 
while about 6.7% were 
designated under Category B. 
Eight measures were notified in 
Category C, and require 
technical assistance.  
 Yes, Grenada has requested technical assistance through the WTO 's Trade 
Facilitation Facility. Through this, Grenada was linked to a donor who started 
preliminary w ork, but thus far Grenada has not received any positive response. 
Grenada also received assistance from Compete Caribbean with the Customs 
Appeals Commission. Grenada is still in search of donor agencies to help with 
implementation of category C measures.   
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Q36: Has Grenada made any 
official requests for technical 
assistance for the eight 
measures notified in 
Category C of the WTO TFA? 
If so, to whom were these 
requests made and have 
there been any positive 
responses to date?  
(p.193, para. 3.27)  As shown in the previous TPR 
report, the applied MFN rates for 
18 tariff lines exceed their 
corresponding bound rates. All 
these lines are related to 
agricultural products, including 
beef, poultry offal, sweet 
peppers, as well as certa in juices 
and alcoholic beverages. Among 
these lines with broken bindings, 
seven lines relate to beef and 
poultry offal whose MFN rates 
are lower than the corresponding 
CET rates, while seven lines 
relate to alcoholic beverages and 
have higher MFN rates th an the 
CET rates (Table 3.3).  
 
Q37: What steps does 
Grenada foresee to bring all 
its applied rates into 
conformity with WTO bound 
rates?  Under the CET review of CARICOM, the bound rates will be reviewed, and the 
applied MFN rates will be adjusted.  
(p. 194 , para. 3.32)  Under CARIFORUM's Economic 
Partnership Agreements (EPAs) 
with the European Union and 
with the United Kingdom, 
Grenada grants preferential 
access to most products 
originated from the European 
Union. The United Kingdom's 
preferences are being 
implemented gradually – most 
products originating in the 
European Union and the United Grenada has met its commitments partially. The phased reduction is up to 2013. 
Grenada has had delays in following the schedule because of the IMF structural 
adjustment  program implemented exacerbated by the onset of COVID 
thereafter. However, Grenada is currently consulting with the Ministry of Finance 
and legal affairs in order to meet the tariff reduction commitments.   
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Kingdom are expected to be 
granted duty -free access to 
Grenada and other OECS 
countries by end -2033.  
 
Q38: Has Grenada met its 
tariff reduction commitments 
under the EPA  with the EU? 
If not, what is being done to 
ensure that the schedule is 
being followed?  
(p. 206, para. 
3.109)  There is no legislation providing 
specific protection for the layout 
designs of integrated circuits, 
plant varieties, and undisclosed 
information. The authorities 
indicate that legislation on plant 
varieties is in currently being 
drafted.  
 
Q39: Will the new legislatio n 
on plant variety protection be 
compatible with the 1991 Act 
of the Convention for the 
Protection of New Varieties 
of Plants?  
 Yes, the new legislation on plant variety protection be compatible with the 1991 
Act of the Convention for the Protection of Ne w Varieties of Plants.  
(p. 214, para. 4.58, 
para. 4.59)  4.58. Grenada does not have a 
merchant marine.  
4.59. The legislative framework 
for maritime transport remained 
unchanged during the review 
period. The main law on 
merchant shipping is the 
Shipping Ac t. Pursuant to the 
Act, to be registered as 
Grenadian, a vessel must be 
substantially owned by 
Grenadian/CARICOM member 
state nationals (natural or legal 
persons).  
 Yes, Grenada maintains a merchant shipping register however it is a closed 
registry.   
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Q40: Could Grenada clarify 
whether it maintains a 
merchant shipping register?  
Saint Kitts and 
Nevis TPR 
Secretariat Report  
 
(p. 235, para. 2.14)  Saint Kitts and Nevis accepted 
the 2005 Protocol Amending the 
TRIPS Agreement on 27 July 
2015, and the 2014 Protocol  
concerning the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement on 17 June 2016. On 
2 June 2015, Saint Kitts and 
Nevis submitted its Notification 
of Category A Commitments 
under the TFA. In August 2017, 
it submitted its category A, B, 
and C commitments. In October 
2020, Sain t Kitts and Nevis 
notified that, due the COVID -19 
pandemic, it was postponing the 
implementation of commitments 
in categories B and C (Table 
2.2). By June 2021, Saint Kitts 
and Nevis' rate of commitment 
implementation stood at 69.7%, 
with a time -frame span ning from 
February 2017 to December 
2024. Saint Kitts and Nevis has 
requested technical assistance 
with respect to eight measures.  
 
Q41: To whom has Saint Kitts 
and Nevis made official 
requests for technical 
assistance for the measures 
notified in Categor y C of the 
WTO TFA? Has there been 
any positive responses to 
date?   
(pp. 237 -238., para. 
2.23)  According to information by the 
European Union, Saint Kitts and 
Nevis had provisionally 
implemented (there was no 
statutory provision) all the tariff 
reductions it had committed to 
by 2019: tariff liberalization   
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planned for 1 January 2011, 
implemented in 2 013; 
liberalization planned for 1 
January 2013 in 2014; and the 
liberalizations for 1 January 
2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 in 
the corresponding year.  
 
Q42: Can the authorities in 
Saint Kitts and Nevis confirm 
this information? If so, has 
this been notified officially to 
the European Union?  
(pp. 240 -241, para. 
2.41)  In 2018, a limit was set for any 
corporation wishing to carry on 
business as an IBC or LLC: they 
could do so only if incorporated 
in Nevis on or before 31 
December 2018. However, trusts 
continue  to be exempt from 
taxes, and their beneficiaries are 
exempt from property taxes. The 
legislation introduced in 2019 
put an end to the tax 
exemptions for IBCs and LLCs as 
of 30 June 2021. Trusts, 
however, continue to benefit 
from tax exemptions.  
 
Q43: Can the authorities in 
St. Kitts and Nevis please 
explain why the exemption 
for trusts was not repealed?   
(p. 264, para. 3.92)  The Small Business Development 
Act of 2009, Cap 20.61 provides 
a regulatory framework and 
incentives to facilitate the 
growth and de velopment of 
small businesses.  
 
Q44: How have the 
incentives under the Small 
Business Development Act 
been successful in supporting   
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small businesses, notably in 
terms of number of 
companies benefiting from 
those incentives?  
Saint Lucia TPR 
Secretariat Report  
 
(p. 325, para. 2.17)  During the review period, Saint 
Lucia has developed the National 
Export Strategy (NES) 2020 -
2024, with the support of the 
International Trade Center 
(ITC).44 The NES has developed 
a Strategic Trade Development 
Roadm ap (STDR), which seeks 
to orient Saint Lucia's trade 
development, to deal with 
constraints and to promote 
export opportunities.  
 
Q45: Since the 
implementation of the 
National Export Strategy, has 
Saint Lucia seen an increase 
in exports or an increase in 
the export -readiness of the 
economic operators in the 
priority sectors outlined in 
the Strategy?   
(p. 331, para. 2.36)  The EPA encourages deeper 
integration among CARIFORUM 
States and introduces a regional 
preference principle by which 
any more favourable treatment 
or advantage offered by any 
CARIFORUM State to the 
Economic Community must be 
granted to each CARIFORUM 
State.  
 
Q46: Is Saint Lucia 
implementing the regional 
preference clause as 
foreseen under the EPA?  No. 
 
Article 238 (2) provides:  
Any more fa vourable treatment and advantage that may be granted under this 
Agreement by any Signatory CARIFORUM State to the EU Party shall also be 
enjoyed by each Signatory CARIFORUM State.  
 
Paragraph 2 requires that any more favourable treatment and advantage 
grant ed by a Signatory CARIFORUM State to the EU Party under the 
CARIFORUM -EU EPA shall also be enjoyed by the other Signatory CARIFORUM 
States.  
 
Accordingly, Saint Lucia has not completed the required technical analysis of its 
national tariff to determine whether or not the EU is being afforded more 
favourable treatment or advantage under the CARIFORUM -EU EPA, vis a vis the 
treatment afforded to ot her CARIFORUM States.  
 
Article 238 (3) provides:   
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Any more favourable treatment and advantage shall apply immediately upon the 
signature of this Agreement with respect to all products attracting a zero rate of 
duty as specified in Annex III.  
 
Saint Lucia i mmediately liberalised items attracting 0 -5 percent in its tariff 
schedule (Appendix I to Annex III) prior to signature of the EPA. An estimated 
total of about 2800 tariff lines were immediately committed to zero.  
 
Saint Lucia is actively engaging in the t echnical work necessary to apply the 
provisions of Article 238(3) in respect of the zero -rated items. Specifically, the 
administrative framework for implementation of this obligation is being 
considered.  
Moreover, Saint Lucia maintains that full implementa tion of Article 238 
obligations must be done within a framework that addresses critical areas such 
as Rules of Origin and Non -tariff measures  
(p. 342, para. 3.9)  As noted above, Saint Lucia 
accepted the Protocol concerning 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation on 8 December 2015. 
On 30 June 2015, Saint Lucia 
submitted its Notification of 
Category A Commitments under 
the TFA.87 By February 2021, 
Saint Lucia had accept ed all 12 
Category A measures, 
accounting for 49.2% of all 
measures. In September 2018, 
Saint Lucia submitted its 
Category B and C 
commitments.88 Saint Lucia has 
requested technical assistance 
with respect to 10 measures, 
coinciding to a large extent with 
those identified in the National 
Export Strategy (NES) 2020 -
2024 (see below).  
  
Q47: To whom has Saint 
Lucia requested technical 
assistance from for the ten 
measures notified in 
Category C of the WTO TFA? 
Has there been any positive 
responses to date?  Article 1.3 - Enquiry Points  
Saint Lucia made a request to the World Bank Group in 2022 for some 
assistance to implement Article 1.3 and Article 3 of the TFA, where priority was 
given to assisting Saint Lucia with implementation of its Advance Rulings regime . 
 
Given the impending definitive date for implementation of Article 1.3 and having 
been unsuccessful in its request for technical assistance and capacity building, 
Saint Lucia has attempted to utilize its existing internal resources towards 
implementation of this measure, including updating of its Customs and Excise 
Department 's website with information in keeping with Article 1.1 of the TFA and 
adding a helpdesk feature for receiving and responding to enquiries from the 
public and trading co mmunity, to ensure it meets its obligation by the definitive 
implementation date of June 30th, 2023.  
 
Article 3 – Advance Rulings  
Saint Lucia was recently successful in securing assistance from the World Bank 
Group towards implementation of Article 3 - Advance Rulings of the TFA. The 
WBG conducted a mission in Saint Lucia during the period March 7th – 10th, 
2023 to meet with key public and private sector stakeholders as part of a needs 
assessment process towards developing the Advance Rulings regime for Sai nt 
Lucia. Work is ongoing in this area to develop the legal and administrative 
framework on Advance Rulings with the anticipated implementation of the 
regime by the definitive implementation date of June 30th, 2024. Training and 
capacity building of Custom s Officials in HS Classification and Rules of Origin is 
also a component of this project.  
 
Article 5.1 Notification for Enhanced Controls or Inspections  
At the CARICOM and OECS levels, model legislation [Draft Food Safety Bill; Draft 
Animal Health Bill; Dr aft Plant Protection Bill] have been drafted to guide and  
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 assist Member States with the development of their Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Regime, which Saint Lucia is presently reviewing and consulting on using internal 
resources. Once Saint Lucia completes its review of the draft model bills, it will 
endeavour to engage donors for the necessary technical assistance and capacity 
building support to develop and implement its Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Regime.  
 
Article 6.1 General Disciplines on Fees and Charg es Imposed on or in Connection 
with Importation and Exportation  
Saint Lucia has not engaged donors but intends to do so in short order as the 
technical assistance notified are still required and critical to the full 
implementation of this provision.  
 
Article 6.2 Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs Processing 
Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation  
Saint Lucia has not engaged donors but intends to do so in short order as the 
technical assistance and support notified are  still required and critical to the full 
implementation of this provision.  
 
Article 7.4 Risk Management  
CARICOM Initiative  
Consistent with Article 24.5 of the TFA, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) 
proposed to adopt a coordinated, regional approach to imp lement Article 7.4 
'Risk Management. ' 
 
In November 2020, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) 
awarded a project preparation grant for a Consultant to develop a regional 
Project Proposal in order to engage donors. The Consultancy ran from Ju ne to 
December 2021. The Project Proposal was completed in December 2021 and 
donor support was subsequently sought. No donors have since come forward to 
support the project.  
 
In December 2021, the TFAF Consultant circulated donor engagements letters to 
the following donors, seeking support to implement the CARICOM regional 
project on Risk Management:  
 
• Inter-American Development Bank  
• World Bank Group  
• UK Government  
• International Trade Centre (ITC)  
 
To date, there has been no take up from any donor.  
  
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In follow -up discussions with TFAF on the prospect for a TFAF Project 
Implementation Grant to undertake the project, it was acknowledged that the 
funding was capped at US$200K, which was inadequate to im plement a regional 
project involving 14 Member States.  
 
OECS Initiative  
At the OECS sub -regional level, there is an ongoing consultancy which was 
commissioned by the OECS Commission through resources which were secured 
under the Regional Integration through Growth, Harmonisation and Technology 
(RIGHT) Programme funded by the 1 1th EDF, to build institutional and 
regulatory capacity for a regional risk management system for the OECS 
Economic Union. It is anticipated that once the regional system is implemented, 
Saint Lucia as a member of the OECS Economic Union would meet this 
obligation.  
 
Article 7.6 Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times  
Saint Lucia received assistance under Investment Climate Reform Facility and 
completed a Time Release Study in 2022 which was published on January 26th, 
2023. A copy of the stud y can be access via the link - https://www.icr -
facility.eu/fileadmin/files/images/interventions/saint -lucia---time-release -
study_final.pdf.  
 
Article 7.9 Perishable Goods  
Saint Lucia currently has an updated regime for the management of Perishable 
Goods wh ich is in keeping with international standards. As Saint Lucia continues 
to review its structure for Perishable Goods, we will engage donors for any 
technical assistance and capacity building as we deem necessary.  
 
 Article 10.2 Acceptance of Copies  
The te chnical assistance and support notified as requirements for implementing 
Article 10.2 'Acceptance of Copies ' has not been secured as the Government is 
faced with challenges with the progress of identifying appropriate donors to 
assist with implementation o f this measure.  
 
Article 10.4 Single Window  
The Cabinet of Ministers in 2022 endorsed a task force for the implementation of 
the Electronic Single Window. The Task force is receiving technical assistance 
from the CANADA -CARICOM Expert Deployment Initiative  (CCEDM) to develop 
the specifications, and assist with the procurement of an Electronic Single 
Window (ESW) for trade for Saint Lucia.  
 
Saint Lucia has, however, engaged donor partners during meetings and 
dialogues for assistance to implement Article 10. 4 of the TFA but has been 
unsuccessful. Preliminary discussions with the donor community have not gone  
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well as these donors have either shown a reluctance to commit to the funding of 
such an undertaking because of the anticipated high cost; or have signall ed the 
unavailability of dedicated resources to assist.  
Saint Vincent and 
the Grenadines TPR 
Secretariat Report  
 
(p. 430, para. 2.21)  Invest Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines was established in 
August 2009 as the official 
investment agency. The 
agency's mandate is to attract 
FDI to Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines directed mainly to 
seven specific sectors (tourism 
development, agro -proces sing, 
renewable energy, light 
manufacturing, international 
financial services, information 
and telecommunications 
technology, and creative 
industries (film, music, and 
fashion)). Its main mission is to: 
(i) achieve sustainable economic 
development through 
investment promotion and 
export development; and (ii) be 
the nation's driver of economic 
growth through investment 
promotion and export 
development.  
 
Q48: During the review 
period, has Saint Vincent and 
the Grenadines seen 
increases in investment in 
the p riority sectors due to 
the incentives from Invest 
Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines? Are there 
specific plans to update 
investment strategies for the 
country?  St. Vincent and the Grenadines have seen significant increases in investments in 
Tourism related s ervices and hotel developments in the sector under the 
incentives offered under the Hotels ' Aids Act and in the ICT sub -sector, and 
Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO).  
The Government through, Invest SVG Agency is currently involved in discussions 
in establishing an Investment Act which will help to streamline the investment 
process.  
(p. 431, para 3.2)  Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines ratified the WTO 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation 
(TFA) on 9 January 2017, and 
has submitted to the WTO its Saint Vi ncent and the Grenadines has made official requests to the EU Mission to 
Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the World Bank Group, CARTAC, UNCTAD 
and ITC for Assistance. So far, UNCTAD, ITC, World Bank Group and CARTAC 
has provided assistance.   
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notifications  on the measures 
under Categories A, B, and C. 
About 54.6% of the TFA 
provisions have been 
implemented under Category A, 
while about 8.4% were 
designated under Category B. 
Sixteen measures were notified 
in Category C and require 
technical assistance.  
 
Q49: Has Saint Vincent and 
the Grenadines made any 
official requests for technical 
assistance for the sixteen 
measures notified in 
Category C of the WTO TFA? 
If so, to whom were these 
requests made and have 
there been any positive 
responses to date?  
 UNCTAD - Support for Trade Facilitation Committees through the Empowerment 
Programme  
ITC- Trade Information and Facilitation Portal through the OECS Commission 
(Publication)  
CARTAC - support for Risk Management  
World Bank - Digitization Project that will cover Single Win dow and Electronic 
Payment  
(p. 443, para. 3.77)  Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines is not a party to, nor 
an observer of, the WTO 
plurilateral Agreement on 
Government Procurement.   
  
Q50: During the 2014 Trade 
Policy Review, St. Vincent 
and the Grenadines 
explained that it still had to 
decide on whether the 
country had plans to accede 
the WTO GPA. Has an active 
decision been taken not to 
accede the WTO GPA for the 
time being? If so, what were 
the reasons for this decision?  There is no active deci sion not to accede. Work is being done at the regional 
level (CARICOM) with respect to Government procurement.  
   
BRAZIL   
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OECS Report 
(WT/TPR/GT/437), 
page 25: "7.10.  With respect to WTO reform, the 
OECS assigns a high level of 
priority to this work. The OECS 
recognises that in terms of the 
regular work of the WTO across 
its various functions, reform is 
likely to be incremental. 
Nonetheless, the OECS 
maintains that the work on WTO 
reform must remain member -
driven, open, transparent and 
inclusive.  This is of necessity, 
both because these are 
foundational principles of the 
WTO, and because of the small 
size of many delegations which 
ought not to be left out of these 
conversations. The OECS is 
concerned at the ongoing 
impasse in the dispute 
settlemen t system, particularly 
as it relates to the Appellate 
Body (AB) which has collapsed. 
The OECS is committed to 
engaging meaningfully in 
discussions to resolve challenges 
in the dispute settlement 
system, including a resolution on 
the AB impasse by 2024 as 
pronounced on by Ministers at 
MC12. The OECS also remains 
committed to having a two -
tiered dispute settlement 
system. All discussions on 
reform of the dispute settlement 
system must take into account 
the special needs and 
circumstances of developing 
countri es and LDCs, with a view 
to ensuring that the system is 
equitable, accessible and cost 
effective for these Members."   
 
Question 1  OECS countries are particularly interested in improving accessibility, inc luding 
through the establishment of a dispute settlement fund and the strengthening of  
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Please indicate what 
measures, in OECS's view, 
could be implemented in 
order to ensure that the WTO 
dispute settlement 
mechan ism operate in an 
effective manner. In your 
response, could you please 
indicate what measures does 
the OECS envisions to take 
into account the special 
needs of developing 
countries?  capacity building support. These could help to address the enormous costs 
involved in dispute settlement proceedings. The timeliness of implementing 
decisions made (comp liance) also needs to be addressed.  
 
Question 2  
Due to the OECS concern 
with the ongoing impasse in 
the dispute settlement 
system, in particular in the 
Appellate Body, please 
confirm whether the OECS 
considers favoring any 
alternative means to dispute 
settlement in order to 
prevent "appeals into the 
void", such as joining the 
Multiparty Interim Appeal 
Arbitration Arrangement 
(MPIA). If not, please explain 
why.  The OECS is not opposed to the MPIA. However, the focus has been on resolving 
the current challe nges in the dispute settlement system.  
 
Question 3  
Please explain the reasons 
why the OECS favours a two -
tiered dispute settlement 
system.  A two -tiered system is required to preserve the right of appeal, to correct 
decisions made at the panel stage and t o guarantee the right of WTO Members 
to full due process.  
COLOMBIA  
REPORT OF THE 
SECRETARIAT - 
DOCUMENT 
WT/TPR/S/437  
 
Page 5, Paragraph 3  Page 5, Para. 3: "All OECS -WTO 
Members sought fiscal 
consolidation during the review 
period, with a goal to achieve 
primary surpluses in their 
Central Government accounts. 
Reform measures included 
replacing some taxes, increasing Dominica  
The Customs Service Charge was increased by 1% and the VAT upon 
importation was removed for the imports of Cement effective March 7th, 2023.  
 
As it relates to Import Taxes, St. Kitts and Nevis  has not made any 
modifications to its taxes since 2010 with the introduction of the Value Added 
Tax and the movement from Excise Duty to Excise Tax. Please see copies of 
Excise Tax Act and Value Add ed Tax.   
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the rates and coverage of 
others, trimming expenditure, in 
particular current expenditure, 
rationalizing fuel prices, and 
debt restructuring. Although 
progress was achieved in the 
period until 2019, goals had to 
be revised due to the COVID -19 
pandemic. As a result of the 
increase i n spending implied by 
the COVID -19 stimulus packages 
and the economic contraction 
caused by the collapse of 
tourism, the debt -to-GDP ratio 
reversed its declining trend and 
increased by several percentage 
points, to some 85.3% of GDP in 
2021, well above the  60% of 
GDP debt ceiling set in the 
consolidation programmes. 
Although all the OECS -WTO 
Members registered a fiscal 
deficit in 2020 (5.7% of GDP 
overall) and 2021 (3.5% of 
GDP), the impact varied across 
countries."  
 
Colombia would be grateful if 
the OECS -WTO Members 
could please inform which 
import taxes have been 
modified and if they are still 
applicable?   
https://skncustoms.com/pdfs/Excise%20Tax%20Act%20No4%20of%202010.pdf   
https://skncustoms .com/pdfs/value -added -tax-act-2010.pdf   
 
For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , under the new HS system, import duty 
on hybrid and electric vehicles is reduced to 20%. Additionally, the Income Tax 
threshold and percentages for individual and corporate was adj usted: corporate 
tax was reduced from 30% to 28%.  
Page 7, Para. 10:  Through their participation in 
CARICOM, the OECS -WTO 
Members have bilateral trade 
agreements with five Latin 
American countries: the 
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 
Colombia, the Domini can 
Republic, and Costa Rica, and a 
trade and economic cooperation 
agreement with Cuba.  
 The COTED provides direction as to which Partners that the Caribbean 
Community CARICOM should engage. In this regard, The COTED has mandated 
the Community to give priority to updating and consolidating its existing bilateral 
trade agreements with hemispheric partners such as Columbia.  
 
The selection process is based on the priorities of the region as well as on 
partners ' expression of interest in engaging in negotiations for trade agreements 
or deepening of exiting trade arrangements.  
 
The Directorate of the CARICOM Single Market and Trade (CSMT) is responsible 
for the coordination of regional negotiations with e xternal partners. Member  
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Question: Colombia would be 
grateful if the OECS -WTO 
Members could provide 
information on which 
selection process they follow 
in order to choose the 
Members with whom they 
wish to have a trade 
agreement with. Please also 
describe the negotiating 
process as well as the entry 
into force of these 
Agreements.  
 States engage in internal discussions and negotiations to develop and coordinate 
negotiating positions ahead of formal engagement with negotiating partners.  
 
Agreements comes into force when individual members complete their domes tic 
processes and formally ratify the Agreement.  
 
Dominica  
Dominica is guided in this process by the contents of Article 78(3)(a)(ii) of the 
Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) which promotes Regional trade policy 
coordination. Negotiation Mandates are th en formulated to guide the negotiation 
process. Entry into force of the finalized and scrubbed Agreement is guided by 
the contents of the Final Provisions of the outcome Agreement.  
2. TRADE AND 
INVESTMENT 
REGIMES  Trade policy objectives  
 
Based on the inf ormation 
presented in the Secretariat 
Report in paragraphs 7 of the 
summary, and 1.4, 2.20, 2.22 
and 3.50, we find that there is a 
constant mention of 
environmental issues as an 
integral part of the policies of 
the OECS members. 
Additionally, we find speci fic 
mentions of policies in this 
matter, as indicated in numeral 
3.24: "Four countries apply an 
environmental tax, mainly to 
used cars and other 
merchandise that the authorities 
consider harmful to the 
environment. The scope of the 
tax in terms of product coverage 
and rate applied differs from 
country to country. St. Vincent 
and the Grenadines applies a 
vehicle surcharge and charges a 
deposit on bottles, and St. 
Lucia."  
 
Therefore, and taking into 
account the relevant role that  
St Lucia 's Response  
 
The following are some of the measures trade and environment related policies 
implemented during the period under review:  
 
1. Styrofoam and Plastic Food Service Containers (Prohibition) Act No. 22 of 
2019 and the amendment No. 8 of 2020.  
The Act provides a dated phased sche dule/approach to the reduction in the 
importation of single -use Styrofoam and selected single -use plastic food service 
containers (PET, HDPE, PS and EPS). The prohibitions include the bans on 
importation, use, manufacturing, sale and distribution of the fo od service 
containers appearing in Schedules A and B of the Act.  
 
2. Another policy measure relates to the Importation of Electric and Hybrid 
Vehicles. Importers pay a lower rate of import duty for vehicles falling under a 
specific HS code. This initiative  helps to support the advancement of E -mobility 
and is consistent with the targets of the Nationally Determined Contribution 
2021, which articulates the reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions by 7% by 
2030 with a focus on electricity generation and transpor t sectors.  
 
St Vincent and the Grenadines  
The environmental policy measures for St. Vincent and the Grenadines during 
the review period relates to:  
- a ban on plastic bags and Styrofoam; and  
- a ban on vehicles over 12 years.  
- Biodegradable food packages were also vat zero -rated.   
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trade -related policies can pl ay in 
addressing the triple 
environmental crisis (climate 
change, pollution and 
biodiversity loss), OECS 
members could provide the 
following information:  
 
Question: Have the OECS -
WTO Members adopted 
during the period under 
review any additional special 
environmental policy or 
measure related to additional 
trade, or are they 
contemplating any additional 
measure apart from the 
measures mentioned above? 
(refers to the environmental 
tax adopted by 4 OECS 
countries).  
REPORT OF THE 
SECRETARIAT - 
DOCUMENT 
WT/TPR/S/437, 
Page 24, para 2.5  2.2 Trade policy formulation  
 
Page 24, numeral 2.5 says: "The 
formulation and application of 
the trade policy of each of the 
OECS Members of the WTO is 
carried out at three main levels: 
the national, the sub -regional 
(OECS) and the regional ( 
CARICOM) At the CARICOM 
level, the Revised Treaty of 
Basseterre contains the main 
institutional provisions r elating 
to common trade policies —such 
as the Common External Tariff 
(CET) —and establishes 
guidelines regarding other 
policies that, however, must be 
incorporated into the different 
national legislations.  
 
Question: Colombia would be 
grateful if the OECS -WTO The provisions of the Revised OECS Treaty (Treaty of Basseterre) as well as that 
of the Revised Treaty Chaguaramas overrides the na tional provisions. However, 
some of the provisions of the treaty have not been fully entered into the 
domestic legislation of individual OECS States.   
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Members could indicate 
which rules prevail when 
there are differences 
between national rules, and 
OECS and Caricom rules.  
 
2.3 Commercial 
agreements and 
arrangements  
2.3.2 Regional and 
preferential 
agreements  
2.3.2.2 CARICOM  
 
Page 27/31?, Para. 
2.32 COTED, composed of the trade 
ministers from all members, is 
responsible for the promotion of 
trade and economic 
development. COTED must 
approve any change in tariffs by 
a CARICOM member. COFCOR is 
responsible for the relati onship 
between CARICOM, international 
organizations, and third 
countries. COFAP is responsible 
for economic policy coordination, 
and monetary and fiscal 
integration of members.  
 
Question: Colombia would be 
grateful if the OECS -WTO 
Members could provide 
information about the 
process put in place in the 
COTED to study and approve 
or dismiss customs changes, 
in the Common External 
Tariff (CET) or in the National 
Tariffs.  The Common External Tariff is decided by the COTED. Any CARICOM/OECS 
Member State desirous  of making any alterations to or temporary suspensions of 
the Caribbean Community 's (CARICOM) CET rate for any commodity, must make 
a formal request to the COTED.  
 
This request would have to be made in accordance with Article 83 of the Revised 
Treaty of C haguaramas and must detail full justification for making such a 
request as well as the time period for which this alteration would be required. 
The COTED will upon receipt of the request deliberate over the matter and make 
its decision known to the applyin g/requesting member.  
2.3.2.3.1 CARICOM -
Colombia  
Page 32, Para. 2.38  The CARICOM -Colombia 
Agreement on Trade, Economic 
and Technical Cooperation was 
signed in 1994 and re -
negotiated in 1997. A CARICOM -
Colombia Joint Council on Trade, 
Economic and Business 
Cooperation administers the 
Agreement, which is reciprocal 
only for CARICOM MDCs. OECS 
countries, as LDCs within 
CARICOM, are not obliged to 
grant any concessions under the 
Agreement.  It remains the position up to this point, that the OECS Member States of 
CARICOM w hich are designated as Less Developed Countries, do not grant 
reciprocal preferential market access under CARICOM Bilateral Trade 
Agreements. A change in this policy would be outcome of consultations, 
deliberations and decision making within the relevant O ECS organ (including the 
Council of Ministers for Trade) and at the CARICOM Council for Trade and 
Development (COTED).  
 
This question has and can be further addressed in the context of the current 
negotiations taking place between CARICOM and Colombia.   
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Question: Colombia would be 
grateful if the OECS -WTO 
Members could indicate if in 
light of a process to deepen 
the Agreement, the OECS -
WTO Members would be 
permitted to grant customs 
duties preferences and on 
which conditions.  
3.1.2 Tariffs  
3.1.5 Other charges 
affecting imports  
 
Page 35/41?, Para. 
3.21  In addition to the customs tariff, 
the OECS WTO Members impose 
several taxes and levies. Five of 
the countries apply a Customs 
Service Charge (CSC), which 
varies from 3% (Dominica)  to 
6% (Grenada, Saint Kitts and 
Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint 
Vincent and the Grenadines). 
The CSC is charged on all 
imports including those from 
other CARICOM countries. 
However, all countries have 
exempted certain goods from 
the CSC. In 2010, Antigua an d 
Barbuda replaced the CSC with 
the revenue recovery charge 
(RRC). The RRC is charged at a 
rate of 10% on all imports as 
well as on domestically produced 
goods.  
 
Colombia would like the 
OECS -WTO Members to 
please indicate on which 
value base this tax is ap plied 
and to indicate also how this 
tax is collected.  For Grenada  the Customs Service Charge is 6% of the CIF value of all goods 
imported into the State under any customs law whether or not the goods are 
subject to Customs Duties. This tax is applied on an  ad valorem basis collected 
at the border.  
 
In St. Kitts and Nevis , the Customs Service Charge is applied on an Ad 
Valorem basis on the Cost, Insurance, Freight, and any other charges incurred 
up to point of importation (CIF). It is charged at a rate of 6% .  
 
Please see link for legislation. 
https://skncustoms.com/pdfs/Customs_Tariff_Amendment_Act_2005_No6.pdf   
 
Saint Lucia  applies a 6% service charge on the CIF (Cost Insu rance & Freight) 
value of the imported commodity. This ad valorem tax is collected at the border 
by the Saint Lucia Customs and Excise Department.  
 
For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , the tax is 6% of the CIF value and is 
collected for each import transac tion.  
4 TRADE POLICIES, 
BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, 
forestry and 
fisheries  Based on the information 
presented, could OECS members 
provide detailed information on:  
 
Question: Could the OECS 
members indicate if they St Kitts and Nevis  
There is a National Plan of Action (NPOA 2015) to combat Illegal, Unreported 
and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The purpose of the NPOA is to incorporate the 
principles of the International Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU 
fishing (IPOA -IUU) into the NPOA and subsequently guide and inform the 
national strategies including legislative framework to combat IUU fishing. As the  
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have a national policy or 
legal instruments to Prevent, 
Deter and Eliminate Illegal, 
Unreported and Unregulated 
Fishing, and if so, share 
details on its structure and 
operation?  plan is over 7 years in its adoption, the NPOA is under review as time -bound 
implementation plans are required. Our 2016 n ational legislation includes the 
prohibition of such illegal activities (see attachments).  
 
St Vincent and the Grenadines  
Answer: In an effort to eliminate IUU fishing globally, nations must take 
responsibility by adopting relevant measures relating to fla g state control, port 
state and control state measures, access agreements, and deterrent 
enforcement procedures. The Fisheries Division is guided by the Fisheries and 
Aquaculture Policy for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (2018).  
 
St. Vincent and the Gre nadines ' primary fisheries legislation includes the 
Fisheries Act (1986) and Regulations (1987) (part of the OECS harmonized 
legislation), which promotes the management and development of fisheries to 
ensure optimum utilization of fisheries resources in fi sheries waters. 
Management of the sector falls under the Fisheries Division in the Ministry of 
Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour.  
 
Regional institutions such as the Inter -American Institute for Cooperation on 
Agriculture (IICA), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development 
Institute, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), the Environment and 
Sustainable Development Unit of the OECS Secretariat also have some influence 
on the activities of the fish eries sector.  
References found under Appendix 1.   
Question: Could the members 
of the OECS indicate which 
Organizations and/or 
Regional Fisheries 
Management Arrangements 
they participate in?  St. Kitts and Nevis  (SKN) is a member of the Caribbean Regional  Fisheries 
Mechanism (CRFM) and the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission 
(WECAFC). Both fisheries bodies aim to promote the effective conservation, 
management and development of living marine resources in their respective area 
of competence; this is  often done through data sharing/reporting and capacity 
building. SKN has duties under each agency which has a few policies (see 
attached link to sites).  
https://www.crfm.int/  
https://www.fao.org/wecafc/ar/  
 
St. Vincent and the Grenadines  is a member of se veral international and 
regional fisheries organizations/bodies such as the International Whaling 
Commission (IWC), the Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission 
(WECAFC), International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas 
(ICCAT), and Car ibbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM).  
The country is party to the following fisheries -related multi -lateral agreements:  
• United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea  
• United Nations Fish Stocks Agreements  
• Convention on the International Tr ade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and  
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Fauna,  
• Convention on Biological Diversity  
 
Question: What is the status 
of the internal process for 
the ratification of the WTO 
Agreement on Fisheries 
Subsidies?  St Kitts and Nevis  
Although there are currentl y no fisheries subsidies in place, ratification of the 
WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement will easily fall in line with current legislation 
and our already required reporting mechanism and duty to prevent, deter and 
eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregul ated (IUU) Fishing; as well as our 
requirements being a party to the Port State Measures Agreement and the newly 
signed Blue Justice Initiative.  
 
Work is on the way for Saint Lucia  to fulfil the domestic process for the 
ratification of the WTO Agreement o n Fisheries Subsidies. More specifically, Saint 
Lucia is currently conducting an assessment of the existing national legal, 
regulatory and policy framework in respect of the provision of subsidies to the 
fisheries sector. This is to ensure that Saint Lucia  is effectively compliant with 
the provisions of the agreement and that the agreement would have the force of 
law at the domestic level.  
 
For St. Vincent and the Grenadines , CRFM & CARICOM will work on a concept 
note to request support from the WTO to hos t a regional capacity -building 
workshop tentatively scheduled for June 2023 regarding the implementation of 
the Agreement and how to develop policy briefs/cabinet papers for presentation 
at the national level.  
The draft Resolution on WTO Negotiations on F isheries Subsidies which will be 
approved by the 17th meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council on April 27, 2023 
agrees that Member States should consult all key stakeholders during the 
process of developing policy briefs and cabinet papers to ensure all re levant 
issues are taken into account and the full implications of the WTO Fisheries 
Subsidies Agreement are understood by all parties including decision -makers 
prior to accepting the Agreement; and urges Member States to continue to work 
with CARICOM and t he CRFM to prepare for implementation of the Agreement.  
 
Through CARICOM, OECS and the ACP group in Geneva, St. Vincent and the 
Grenadines interests are represented and remain engaged in small group 
consultations with a focus on the Overfishing/Overcapacity Discipline and Special 
and Differential Treatment with the Chair of the Negotiating Group on Rules. This 
is in preparation for the second wave of negotiations and in order to make 
recommendations for additional provisions that woul d achieve a comprehensive 
Agreement during the 13th WTO Ministerial Council meeting in February 2024.  
 
St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be guided by these processes in order to 
ratify the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.   
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2. TRADE AND 
INVESTMENT 
REGIM ES  
 
Trade policy 
objectives  Based on the information 
presented in the Secretariat 
Report in paragraphs 7 of the 
summary, and 1.4, 2.20, 2.22 
and 3.50, we find that there is a 
constant mention of 
environmental issues as an 
integral part of the policies of 
the OECS members. 
Additionally, we find specific 
mentions of policies in this 
matter, as indicated in numeral 
3.24: "Four countries apply an 
environmental tax, mainly to 
used cars and other 
merchandise that the authorities 
consider harmful to the 
environme nt. The scope of the 
tax in terms of product coverage 
and rate applied differs from 
country to country. St. Vincent 
and the Grenadines applies a 
vehicle surcharge and charges a 
deposit on bottles, and St. 
Lucia."  
 
Therefore, and taking into 
account the rel evant role that 
trade -related policies can play in 
addressing the triple 
environmental crisis (climate 
change, pollution and 
biodiversity loss), OECS 
members could provide the 
following information:  
 
Have the OECS -WTO 
Members adopted during the 
period unde r review any 
additional special 
environmental policy or 
measure related to additional 
trade, or are they 
contemplating any additional The enviro nmental policy measures for St. Vincent and the Grenadines  during 
the review period relates to:  
- a ban on plastic bags and Styrofoam; and  
- a ban on vehicles over 12 years.  
- Biodegradable food packages were also vat zero -rated.   
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measure apart from the 
measures mentioned above? 
(refers to the environmental 
tax adopted by 4 OECS 
countries).  
Page 5, Para. 3:  Colombia would be grateful if 
the OECS -WTO Members 
could please inform which 
import taxes have been 
modified and if they are still 
applicable?  St Kitts and Nevis  
In St. Kitts and Nevis, the Customs Service Charge is applied on an Ad Valorem 
basis on the Cost, Insurance, Freight, and any other charges incurred up to point 
of importation (CIF). It is charged at a rate of 6%. Please see link for legislation.  
 
https://skncust oms.com/pdfs/Excise%20Tax%20Act%20No4%20of%202010.pdf   
https://skncustoms.com/pdfs/value -added -tax-act-2010.pdf   
 
Saint Lucia  
The following are some of the measures trade and environm ent related policies 
implemented during the period under review:  
 
1. Styrofoam and Plastic Food Service Containers (Prohibition) Act No. 22 of 
2019 and the amendment No. 8 of 2020.  
The Act provides a dated phased schedule/approach to the reduction in the 
importation of single -use Styrofoam and selected single -use plastic food service 
containers (PET, HDPE, PS and EPS). The prohibitions include the bans on 
importation, use, manufacturing, sale and distribution of the food service 
containers appearing in Sche dules A and B of the Act.  
 
2. Another policy measure relates to the Importation of Electric and Hybrid 
Vehicles. Importers pay a lower rate of import duty for vehicles falling under a 
specific HS code. This initiative helps to support the advancement of E -mobility 
and is consistent with the targets of the Nationally Determined Contribution 
2021, which articulates the reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions by 7% by 
2030 with a focus on electricity generation and transport sectors.  
 
 
For St. Vincent and the G renadines , under the new HS system, Import duty 
on hybrid and electric vehicles is reduced to 20%. Additionally, the Income Tax 
threshold and percentages for individual and corporate was adjusted: corporate 
tax was reduced from 30% to 28%.  
ARGENTINA  
paragraph 3.2.  Question 1  
In paragraph 3.2. It is reported 
that all OECS Members now use 
the ASYCUDA World system to ASYCUDA is a computerized customs management system and covers most 
foreign trade procedures. The system handles manifests and customs 
declarations, accounting procedures, transit, and suspense procedures.  
 
It utilizes a Selectivity Engine containing rule s for risk profiling. The Risk  
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process customs declarations 
and clear goods.  
 
Could you explain how the 
ASYCUDA World system 
works?   Management Unit sets the Criteria in ASYCUDA. These maybe set by 
Company/Importer, Declarant/Broker, Country of Origin and Commodities/HS 
Code. After payment, Selectivity hits are run against each Single Administrative 
Docume nt (SAD). The results of such hits (if any) are displayed in a Criteria 
report and provides a guide to the Customs Examiner in conducting a 
documentary check or a targeted examination of the goods. The content of the 
report is restricted and is only access ible by Customs Examiners. At the time of 
examination, the assigned examiner is required to record their finding in an 
Inspect Act report. The design of the Inspect Act allows the reporting of all data 
elements, which may have influenced the criteria hit(s ). The examination results 
if found non -compliant are referenced as infractions. The infractions are matched 
against the particular SAD segment where they occurred. These segments 
include:  
 
a) SAD General Segment containing Importer/Exporter data and othe r trader 
and vessel/ aircraft information.  
b) Item Segment containing the commodity/HS Codes, goods description, 
Customs Procedure Codes, goods weight, supplementary quantity.  
c) Valuation Segment (General and Items) containing the goods value, freight 
and other costs and their currency.  
d) The Attached Documents Segment containing scanned copies of all supporting 
documentation, including but not limited to (Invoices, freight documents, and 
licenses/permits).  
 
Periodic reviews of the Inspection Act repor ts are performed by the Risk 
Management Unit to determine the frequency of infractions and the effectiveness 
of the Selectivity Criteria rules after which, recommendations are submitted the 
Risk Management Unit (RMU) Committee for their adjustment where ne cessary.  
 
ASYCUDA also generates trade data used for statistical economic analysis. 
Customs Management and other Government Agencies utilize the invaluable 
data obtained from the ASYCUDA World Reports module in making critical 
decisions.  
paragraph 3.6.  Question 2  
 
In paragraph 3.6. it is indicated 
that all the OECS Members apply 
the CARICOM preferential rules 
of origin and that none of them 
have any non -preferential rules 
of origin in force. Under a 
"safeguard" mechanism, a 
manufacturer can use materials 
from outsid e the region if they According to Article 15 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, The Council for 
Trade and Economic Development consists of Ministers designated by the 
Member States.  
 
COTED is responsible for the promotion of trade and economic development of 
the Community. Its particular functions are to:  
· promote the development and oversee the operation of the CARICOM Single 
Market and Economy (CSME);  
· evaluate, promote and establish measures to enhance production, quality 
control and marketing of industrial  and agricultural commodities so as to ensure 
their international competitiveness;   
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are not available in any of the 
CARICOM member states. 
However, it is necessary for 
COTED to approve an exemption 
that authorizes these imports. In 
addition, a certificate of origin 
from the exporting country is 
required, which will be  verified 
by the importing country. The 
CARICOM rules of origin were 
revised during the review period 
to take into account the 
transposition from the CET to HS 
2017, although there are 
currently several OECS -WTO 
Members that do not use this 
nomenclature.  
 
Could you explain what 
COTED is, what are its 
objectives and specific 
functions, and what are the 
requirements to qualify for 
import exemptions? Could 
you also indicate which are 
the OECS -WTO  members that 
do not use the nomenclature 
and what are the reason s for 
this?  · establish and promote measures to accelerate structural diversification of 
industrial and agricultural production on a sustainable and regionally - integrated 
basis;  
· determine and promote measures for the accelerated development and 
marketing of services;  
· promote and develop policies and programmes to facilitate the transportation 
of people and goods;  
· promote measures for the development of energy and natural resour ces on a 
sustainable basis;  
· establish and promote measures for the accelerated development of science 
and technology;  
· promote and develop policies for the protection of and preservation of the 
environment and for sustainable development;  
· promote an d develop, in collaboration with the Council for Foreign and 
Community Relations, co -ordinated policies for the enhancement of external 
economic and trade relations of the Community, and  
· undertake any additional functions remitted to it by the Conferenc e, arising 
under this Treaty.  
 
Article 83 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas confers upon the COTED the 
authority to alter or to suspend rates of duty established under the CARICOM 
Common External Tariff (CET). It was recognised in the setting of tariff rates 
that unforeseen circumstances could arise where the regional supply of any item 
becomes insufficient to meet the demand within the Community. The COTED 
therefore receives and can approve applications for requests and for suspension 
of the CET in such  instances of temporary shortage of regional supply.  
 
Saint Lucia currently uses the HS 2012 nomenclature but intends to implement 
the HS 2022 nomenclature before the third quarter of 2023, which would 
automatically take into account all HS 2017 revisions.  
Paragraph 3.40  Question 3  
 
Paragraph 3.40 indicates that 
OECS Members continue to 
apply various incentive programs 
to encourage and promote 
domestic and foreign 
investment. To achieve these 
objectives, the OECS countries 
maintain similar incentive 
progra ms under tax incentive 
laws, called the Fiscal Incentives 
Law in most cases, which offer, 
among other things, duty -free St Lucia 's Response  
 
Part 1 (requirements) - The pr inciple of national treatment is observed in 
considering requests for fiscal incentives. The main areas of focus is:  
 
1. Eligibility under prioritized sectors in accordance with the guiding 
legislations  
 
• Agricultural Incentives Act - Targeted towards Agriculture and agro -
processing investments  
• Tourism Incentives Act – Targeted towards Hotels, Tour operators and 
other tourism related companies   
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importation. tariffs, tax 
exemptions and preferential 
rates on taxes. Benefits are 
granted in the form of income 
forgiveness and are lim ited in 
time. However, these laws have 
been amended in four OECS -
WTO Members, as noted above, 
to remove subsidy components 
related to export performance. 
The incentives offered are 
intended to promote the 
development of sectors, job 
creation, poverty reduc tion and 
economic diversification.  
 
What requirements must a 
company meet to benefit 
from incentive programs for 
foreign investment and what 
specifically are the 
advantages in terms of 
income forgiveness?  • Fiscal Incentives Act - targeted towards manufacturers and select 
service sub -sectors targeted for development including Professional 
services, ICT, Creative Industries and Spa & wellness  
 
2. Potential economic and socio -economic benefits of the investment 
undertaken  
 
Part 2 (specific advantages)   
 
Specific to Fiscal Incentives Act –  
 
Currently, only manufacturing companies benefit from Corporate Income tax 
waivers. Beneficiaries can receive up to 100% corporate income tax waiver for a 
maximum of fifteen years (normally processed within 5 -year in tervals to allow 
for periodic analysis and review)  
 
Beneficiaries who have reached the maximum 15 -year allowance for corporate 
income tax waiver may however qualify for additional waivers of up to 75% 
based on level of new investment in excess of EC$1 mill ion.  
 
Item 3.55  Question 4  
 
Item 3.55 indicates that the 
OECS Members declared that 
Antigua and Barbuda has 
enacted the Animal Health Act of 
2017 and that a Food Safety Bill 
is being discussed in Parliament. 
Also, in the year 2020, Dominica 
published the Pesticide Control 
Regulations.  
 
Could you describe the main 
aspects of the new standards 
mentioned?   
Item 3.59  Question 5  
 
Item 3.59 indicates that the 
OECS Members declare that 
consumer protection laws have 
been enacted in Grenada, Saint   
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Lucia and Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines. In Antigua and 
Barbuda, Dominica, and Saint 
Kitts and Nevis; And that there 
are also laws on the distribution 
of merchandise and prices 
(Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, 
Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint 
Lucia).  
 
Could you  describe the main 
aspects of the new standards 
indicated?  
chapter 2.3.2  Question 6  
 
In relation to chapter 2.3.2 
Agriculture: Point 2.23 states 
that the OECS Strategy for the 
Transformation of Food and 
Agricultural Systems (FAST) is a 
response to the ca ll to increase 
food security, food self -
sufficiency and agricultural 
development in the OECS 
Member States. And that it takes 
into account the commitments in 
the framework of the Food 
Security Initiative for 2025 of 
CARICOM 25.  
 
In this sense, what measures 
would you consider 
implementing to strengthen 
the region's food security 
strategies?  The OECS has recently completed a regional Food and Agricultural Systems 
Strategy. Consul tations are ongoings with member States to prioritize actions for 
impleme ntation of the Strategy.  
ECUADOR  
REPORT BY THE 
OECS MEMBERS OF 
THE WTO 
(WT/TPR/G/437)  
 
Page 10, OECS 
Development OECS DEVELOPMENT POLICY 
FRAMEWORK:  
 
"In 2018 the OECS adopted the 
new Development Strategy 
2019-2018, published under the 
title Development Strategy OECS islands have been  identified as being among the most vulnerable in the 
world, and they are considered disaster hotspots due to geographic location, 
natural features, topography, size and capacity. Key natural hazards include 
hurricanes, floods, landslides, earthquakes, vol canoes and tsunamis. Ongoing 
climate change has increased the frequency and severity of some of these 
hazards. OECS economies are highly reliant on tourism and agriculture – sectors 
that are based upon, and can put substantial pressure on, natural resource s and  
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Strategy, paragraph 
2.3: 2019-2028: Shaping our Shared 
Prosperity, which succeeds the 
Strategy for Growth and 
Development and represents a 
new systematic approach aimed  
at responding holistically to 
current and future threats to the 
social and economic 
development of the OECS and its 
peoples".  
 
Question: Considering that 
the region usually faces the 
impact of severe 
meteorological phenomena 
such as hurricanes, volcanic 
eruptions and torrential 
rains, for example, could you 
tell us what measures or 
programs of the 
Development Strategy are 
applicable to prevent and 
face the effects of these 
threats? in internal trade and 
foreign trade of OECS 
members?  ecological systems. Despite concerted efforts at the national and regional levels 
at improving natural resource management, there is growing evidence of 
degradation of critical and vulnerable ecosystems.  
 
A central challenge for environmental management in the OECS States is to 
ensure levels of environmental quality that maximise opportunities for economic 
development without compromising the integrity of the environment and its 
resources for current and future generations.  
 
Over the years several policies and programme interventions directed at 
responding to the issues affecting the environment have been initiated.  
 
These include:  
i. The establishment of enabling policies to strengthen governance 
structures for environmental manageme nt; 
ii. Promoting new governance regimes and reinforcing institutional 
arrangements especially in ocean;  
iii. Developing and implementing education and awareness programmes;  
iv. Facilitating sustainable and alternative livelihoods options;  
v. Promoting the conservation of  biodiversity through the establishment of 
protected area systems and marine managed areas; and  
vi. Facilitating community -based adaptation measures.  
 
Pillar 3 of the OECS ODS speaks to Sustainable Use of Natural Endowments 
which is developed around seven (7) objectives, namely:  
 
1. Support the enabling environment and means of implementation  
2. Advance ocean governance  
3. Improve biodiversity and ecosystem management  
4. Foster increased use of sustainable energy  
5. Promote further climate change and disaster risk management  
6. Support greater sustainable use of land and water resources  
7. Promote and facilitate proper chemical, waste and pollution 
management  
Page 21, 
Subheading 4.1.2  REGIONAL INTEGRATION:  
 
Establishment of the OECS 
Customs Union and the free 
movement of goods  
 
General question on the subject 
of the title: How was or how is 
the procedure through which 
they managed to harmonize a The operationalisation of the OECS Customs Union with a free circulation of 
goods regime remai ns a work in progress. The adoption of an OECS Common 
Customs Tariff (CCT) as provided for in the Revised Treaty of Basseterre is also 
to be fulfilled. In the meantime, the CARICOM Common External Tariff functions 
as the OECS CCT. The CARICOM CET is howeve r not currently fit for a Customs 
Union with free circulation of goods due to the variances in the application of 
duties arising from inbuilt flexibilities, derogations and suspensions. CARICOM 
Member States are currently undertaking a review of the CET. W hile the review 
is likely to result in some improvement in the "commonality " of the CET, the 
OECS will need to advance harmonisation among its Protocol Members to arrive  
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common external tariff and what 
is the internal procedure in each 
country to make a change in a 
tariff (increase or reduction). 
This cha nge in tariffs can or can 
be done supranationally, that is, 
by the bloc directly or should the 
decision be made within each 
country and then applied to the 
bloc? at a CCT needed for the customs union. This harmonisation (through 
consultation, discu ssion and negotiation) of the OECS border tax structure will 
take place within the institutional framework for the implementation of the 
Customs Union and the relevant organs of the OECS.  
Page 21. Paragraph 
"4.8.  The Council and the Authority 
have approved a roadmap to 
complete the implementation. 
However, after a break that 
slowed momentum between 
2016 and 2021, the Commission 
is now revitalizing work with the 
reconstitution and reactivation of 
the institutional structure and 
updating of the roadma p and 
application deadlines."  
 
Question: Is there an 
estimate of when there could 
be a schedule to reconstitute 
and reactivate the 
institutional structure and 
update the roadmap and 
deadlines mentioned in the 
question?  The intention is to have the institut ional framework reactivated and reconstituted 
before the end of 2023.  
Page 26, 
Subheading 7 
Multilateral Trading 
System, paragraph 
7.9: "(…) The threat of food 
insecurity continues to loom 
over OECS members due to 
geopolitical forces, inflation, 
clogged supply chains and the 
effects of climate change. As 
NFIDCs, OECS member states 
are exposed to threats of grave 
proportions."  
 
Questions: Is there or is it 
expected to prepare a 
commercial strategy, 
independent or part of a The recently completed (May 2022) OECS Food and Agriculture Systems 
Transformation (FAST) strategy is a response to the call for increased food 
security, food self -reliance and agricultural develop ment across the OECS. It 
should also be noted that the FAST Strategy takes into consideration the OECS's 
commitments within the wider CARICOM 25 by 2025 Food Security Initiative.  
 
The FAST Strategy is a regional -level strategy that promotes linkages across  the 
OECS countries to create synergies that increase the capacity to address specific 
priority national and regional challenges. This regional strategy will guide and 
therefore the interventions championed by the OECS Commission for the next 
decade and wi ll focus the actions proposed across 7 pillars including governance, 
implementation and institutional support (pillar 1). In this regard the 
Commission will develop and institute a projectized approach to the FAST 
strategy with the first phase being four y ears in duration.   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
- 94 - REFERENCE  QUESTION TEXT  RESPONSE  
broader economic and soci al 
strategy, to address the food 
security of OECS members?  
 Do the members individually 
or as a whole within the 
framework of the OECS 
consider a policy in the 
medium or long term to 
develop or strengthen 
production chains that 
address the threat of food 
insecurity?  Pillar 1 of the OECS Developm ent Strategy is titled Generating Economic Growth 
with strategic objectives aimed at creating a supporting environment conducive 
to the attainment of growth and employment targets; promoting more socially 
optimal outturns in key growth enabling sectors; ad dressing issues of destination 
competitiveness in tourism; increasing real output in agriculture; and increasing 
growth in the manufacturing sector.  
 
The FAST Strategy mentioned above is a key part of efforts to develop and 
strengthen production chains alo ng with national and regional efforts to enhance 
the competitiveness of production and trade at the enterprise, business 
ecosystem and the policy, legislative and regulatory levels.  
 
The OECS is also part of efforts at the wider CARICOM level where there i s a 25 
by 2025 Food Security Initiative an work towards updating the CARICOM 
Industrial Policy.  
  
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
- 95 - SAIN T VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES  – APPENDIX TO RESPONSES  
Appendix 1:  
Information related to questions from China on Page 8, Para 17  
1. Under the Import and Export (Control) Regulations – A licence is required:  
a) To import goods listed in the First Schedule if the goods originate from any country outs ide of the OECS and Belize;  
b) To import goods listed in the Second Schedule if the goods originate from any country outside the Community (CSME); or  
c) To export goods listed in the Third Schedule.  
2. A licence may be obtained –  
a) From the Ministry resp onsible for trade in respect of goods referred to in sub regulation (1)(a) and (b);  
b) From the Comptroller of Supplies in respect to goods referred to in sub regulation (1)(c).  
A licence fee of five XCD5.00 by way of stamps affixed to the application for  a licence shall be paid to the Ministry responsible for 
trade in respect of the issue of every licence to import goods referred to in sub regulations (1)(a) and (b).  
A fee of XCD1.00 per pound is payable to the Ministry for export of lobsters and XCD0.50 per pound for the export of Conchs. 
(Conchs & Lobsters are the only goods listed in Schedule 3). Application to import or export any agricultural produce listed in 
either of the schedules must be first approved by the relevant Department within the Ministry of Agriculture.  
The Consumer Affairs Department requires two working days for the processing of import licences; however, licences are genera lly 
processed and appro ved immediately after applications are received; and are valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Applicants 
must provide the following information on the application form:  
1. Name of the importer/applicant  
2. Address of the importer/applicant  
3. The item to be imported, quantity and value  
4. Country of origin  
5. Name and address of exporting firm.  
 
Applications for export licences are processed and returned the same day as when received; and valid for 3 months. Applicants  
must provide the following inf ormation on the application form:  
1. Name and address of the exporting party.  
2. Country of Destination  
3. Name and address of Consignee  
4. Name and address of ultimate Consignee  
5. Date of export  
6. Name of Vessel  
7. Weight of exporting goods  
8. Value  
The Ministry also processes applications for the export of Scrap Metals. Approval to export must first be given by the Central  Water 
and Sewage Authority. The applicable fee per export payable to the Ministry is XCD300.00  
The "single window" initiative shou ld increase the speed in which licences are received, processed and returned to the 
applicant/importer. Please see the Ministry of Planning for details.  
Prohibitions  
Under the Import and Export (Control) Regulations, no person may import –   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
- 96 - a) Fireworks e xcept where permission is granted by the Minister responsible for trade;  
b) Jet skis;  
c) Military style camouflage material or uniform except were imported for use by police or military personnel; and  
d) Toy guns.  
 
12. Is there a specific list of goods su bject to import prohibitions and licensing requirements imposed by the OECS?  
Please see list of the first, second, and third schedule of goods below that are subject to licencing requirements.  
 
SCHEDULE 1  
ITEMS  PRODUCT DESCRIPTION  
0910.99.30  Curry Powder  
1101.00  Wheat Flour  
1517.10.00  Margarine  
1517.90.10  Shortening  
19.02  Pasta Products, whether or not cooked or stuffed or otherwise prepared  
2202.10.10  Aerated beverages  
2202.99  Malta  
2203.00.10  Beer 
2203.00.20  Stout  
2804.40.00  Oxygen  
2811.21.00  Carbon dioxide  
2901.29.20  Acetylene  
3406.00  Candles  
4818.10.00  Toilet paper  
Ex4819.30.00 -
Ex4819.40.00  Paperbags  
EX8419.1900  Solar water heaters  
9401.61.00  Chairs and other seats of wood and upholstered fabric  
EX94.03  Other furniture of wood and upholstered fabric  
 
SCHEDULE 2  
ITEMS NO.  PRODUCT DESCRIPTION  
01.05  Live poultry, that is to say fowls of the species gallus domesticus, ducks, geese, turkey and guinea fowls.  
02.01 -02.04  Meat of bovine animals, sheep, goat and swine fresh, chilled or frozen.  
2.06 Edible offals of bovine animals, sheep, goat and swine fresh, chilled or frozen.  
2.07 Meat and edible offals(except liver) that is to say fowls, ducks, geese, turkey and guinea fowls fresh, chilled or frozen.  
2.08 Other meat and edible offals, fresh chilled or frozen.  
3.03 Fish Frozen.   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
- 97 - ITEMS NO.  PRODUCT DESCRIPTION  
EX03.05  Salmon, trout and other fish except codfish, mackerel, herring, hake, sithe, haddock and pollock dried, salted or in brine.  
04.01  Milk or cream not concentrated nor containin g added sugar or other sweetening matter.  
0409.00.00  Natural honey.  
Ex06.04  Part of trees and other plants suitable for use as Christmas trees.  
07.02.00.00  Tomatoes.  
0703.10.10  Onions.  
0704.90.10  Cabbage.  
0706.10.10  Carrots.  
0709.60.10  Sweet pepper.  
0709.90.20  Ochroes (Okra).  
0709.90.30  Pumpkin.  
0709.90.90  Other vegetables  
07.12  Dried vegetables, whole, cut, sliced, broken or in powder, but not further prepared.  
08.01  Coconut, brazil nuts and cashew nuts, fresh or dried whether or not she lled or peeled.  
08.03  Bananas, including plantains fresh or dried.  
Ex08.04  Pineapples, avacados, guavas, mangoes and mangosteens, fresh or dried.  
09.04  Peppers, dried, crushed or ground  
Ex09.06.11.00  Cinnamon  
0907.00.00  Cloves  
10.06  Rice 
11.08  Starches  
Ex12.02  Groundnuts, shelled or unshelled.  
15.07 -15.15  Fixed vegetables oils -edible  
1601.01.00  Sausages and similar products of meat, meat offals or blood;food preparation bases on these products.  
17.01  Beet and cane sugar and chemically pure sucrose in solid form.  
Ex19.05.90.90  Cheezees and corn curls.  
19.05  Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, ice creams cones, and other bakers wares, whether or not containing cocoa in any 
proportion.  
20.07  Jams, fruit jellies, marmalade, fruit or nut puree and fruit or nut pastes, obtained by cooking whether or not containing 
added sugar or other sweetening matter.  
20.09  Fruit juices (including grape must) and vegetable juices, unfermented and not containing added sugar and other 
sweetening matter.  
2105.00.10  Icecream  
22.02  Water including mineral waters and aerated waters containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured and 
other non -alcoholic beverages not including fruit or vegetables juice or heading No: 2 0.09 
2208.40.90  Overproof rum  
32.08 -32.10  Paints and varnishes  
Ex3305.90.00  Hair conditioners  
3307.20.00  Deodorant   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
- 98 - ITEMS NO.  PRODUCT DESCRIPTION  
3401.19.10  Household soaps (cakes, tablets or bars)  
3401.11.20  Toilet soaps (cakes, tablets or bars)  
3401.11.10  Medicated soaps.  
Ex CH:39  Plastic tubing for the bananas industry.  
Ex 
CH:39.17.23.00  Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) pipes  
EX39.20 & Ex 
39.21  Polyfoam.  
EX39.23.20.00  Plastic bags.  
Ex 40.12  Rethreaded and remolded tyres.  
4418.20.00  Wooden doors including paneled doors.  
Ex46.01  Grass mats.  
Ex 4819.10.00  Corrugated cartons.  
48.20.20.00  Exercise books.  
Ex57.02  Carpets, Carpeting, rugs and mats or vegetables plaiting materials.  
Ex61.09  T-shirts  
Ex63.02  Bed linens  
Ex94.04  Mattresses and Mattress supports  
 
SCHEDULE 3  
ITEMS NO.  PRODUCT DESCRIPTION  
Ex 306.3210  Lobster (live)  
0306.12.90  Lobster (frozen)  
Ex 0306.32  Lobster fresh or chilled  
Ex 0307.91  Conch fresh or chilled  
Ex 1605 30.00  Lobster prepared r preserved  
 
Appendix 2:  
References  
• Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy. 
https://crfm.int/images/Caribbean_Community_Common_Fisheries_Policy_Jan2020_FINAL.pdf   
• Castries (St. Lucia) Declaration on Illegal, Unreported and Unregul ated Fishing 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zyqhgXMu34woRAV1Q5GrWcLOAUL9xux6/view   
• Regional Strategy on Monitoring, Control and Surveillance to Combat IUU Fishing in  the in the CARICOM/CARIFORUM Region. 
https://crfm.int/images/Regional_Strategy_on_MCS_to_Combat_IUU_Fishig_in_the_CARICOM -CARIFORUM_R egion.pdf   
• Regional Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in WECAFC Member 
Countries (2019 -2029).https://www.fao.org/iuu -fishing/resources/detail/en/c/1320370/   
• Copenhagen Declaration on Transnational Organized Crime in the Global Fishing Industry 
https://bluejustice.org/copenhagen -declaration/   
  WT/TPR/M/437/Add.1  
 
- 99 -   
Appendix 3:  
References  
• Western Central  Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) - https://www.fao.org/wecafc/ar/   
• Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat - 
https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=101   
• International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunes (ICCAT) - https://www.iccat.int/en/inde x.asp   
 
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