WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/MA/114
23 April 2002
(02-2367)
Committee on Market Access
PERIODIC REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO THE
COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS
The Committee met on 15 March 2002 and examined the following issues:
A. HS96 CHANGES
1. On 13 December 1995, several Members were granted individual waivers for the introduction
of HS96 changes (WT/L/124 + Corr.1) which for operational reasons were grouped into one single
decision.  These waivers were extended by successive decisions of the General Council until
30 April 2002 (WT/L/400).   The Committee agreed in 2001  that this would be the last HS96 waiver
to be granted on a collective basis but that this did not preclude any Member from requesting a waiver
on an individual basis.  In this connection, th e Committee took note of the individual requests for
waivers to carry out possible consultations/negotiations under Article XXVIII following the
introduction of HS96 changes in national tariffs. This  information is summarized in Annex I of this
report, and the Committee agreed to forward the waiver requests and draft decisions set out in thisAnnex to the Council for Trad e in Goods (CTG) for action.
2. The Committee took note of the factual in formation provided by Members under current
waivers regarding the transposition of their schedules  into the HS. This info rmation is summarized in
Annex II of this report.  The Committee agreed to fo rward the requests for waiver extensions and the
draft decisions granting the waiver extensions to the CTG for action.
3. The Committee examined the situation related to the submission of HS96 documentation set out
in document G/MA/TAR/2/Rev.27.  The submissions  of seventeen Members, whether they had
requested an extension of waivers or not, remain ed pending due to ongoing consultations and/or
negotiations. The Committee took note of the Chairpers on's report of the two informal meetings held on
the matter and agreed to her proposal to have another special session of the Committee dedicated to thereview of the situation of HS96 submissions based on a revision of the informal list prepared by the
Secretariat detailing the situation.
B. HS2002 C
HANGES
4. The Committee took note of document G/MA/T AR/4 containing information on documents
circulated in connection with the procedures to introduce HS2002 changes to schedules of
concessions. The Committee also noted that the first informal session of the Committee dedicated to
the multilateral review of HS2002 submissions and the verification sheets would take place in mid-
April 2002.
5. The Chairperson reported on the consultations she had conducted on the draft decision
entitled "Introduction of Harmonized System 2002 Changes into WTO Schedules of Tariff
Concessions" (G/MA/W/29). The Committee approved the draft decision as well as the Chairperson's
statement concerning the parity of treatment for Members requiring a waiver subsequently.G/MA/114
Page 2
C. DATABASES
6. With reference to the modalities and operation of the Integrated Data Base, the Committee
examined the status of IDB submissions on the basis of the document G/MA/IDB/2/Rev.13.  As of
15 March 2002, 91 Members and 4 acceding countries had provided IDB submissions. The Secretariat
presented an oral report on the status of IDB dissemination, use of IDB information, IDB technical
assistance, status of submissions, and the status of software development (IDB reporting tools and
internet analysis facility).  Some Members stressed the importance of the IDB as a valuable
negotiating tool and urged Members to comply with the notification requirements of the IDB.
7. The Secretariat reported on the status of the Consolidated Tariff Schedules Database Project
which included the status of CTS files for both the tariff and agricultural commitments for Members.
The software development status for dissemination and analytical facilities was also presented.
Following a proposal by a Member a preliminary discussion was held on the possibility of turning onthe CTS database in its present form , i.e. without full information from all Members .  No decision was
made on this particular proposal but  the Committee agreed to re-eva luate the situation after some
time. It was also agreed that the Secretariat coul d commence the technical work necessary to turn on
the database at short notice.
8. The Chairperson agreed to hold informal consultations on the dissemination policy of the
CTS database using as a basis document G/MA/IDB/3 relating to the dissemination policy of the IDB.
Additionally, it was agreed that these consulta tions would provide an opportunity to clean up
document G/MA/IDB/3 which contained elements not pertaining to the dissemination policy.  In this
respect the Committee agreed to suspend the meeting on the agenda item of the Consolidated Tariff
Schedules Database in order to reconvene at short notice at the appropriate time.
D. 
PARAGRAPH 1.2 OF THE MINISTERIAL DECISION ON IMPLEMENTATION -RELATED ISSUES 
AND CONCERNS
9. The Committee noted that prior to the Doha Ministerial Conference, and as requested by the
Chairman of the General Council, the Chairperson had undertaken consultations in her personal
capacity on the issue of "substantial interest" in Article XIII of GATT 1994.  The results of theconsultations were reported to the Chairman of the General Council and were contained in document
WT/GC/50.  A background paper by the Secretariat, a proposal by Korea, and a possible draft text of
the issue of "substantial interest" were also annexed to that document.  Ministers in paragraph 1.2 of
the Ministerial Decision on Implementation-Related Issues and Concerns directed the Market Access
Committee to "… give further consideration to th e issue and make recommendations to the General
Council as expeditiously as possible but in any event not later than the end of 2002."
10. In this connection, the Committee agreed to the Chairperson's proposal that the Secretariat
prepare an empirical paper illustrating how "substantial interest" would be taken into account if the
proposal by Korea (Annex II to WT/GC/50) were to be used.  The Chairperson stressed the point that
this paper was only meant to assist the Committee in its initial thinking of the subject and did not
prejudge the position of any delegation.
E. S
TATUS OF NOTIFICATIONS ON QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS AND REVERSE
NOTIFICATIONS OF NON-TARIFF MEASURES
11. The Committee reviewed the status of notifications under the "Decision on Notification
Procedures for Quantitative Restrictions"  and under the "Decision on Reverse Notification of Non-Tariff Measures", on the basis of Secret ariat documents G/MA/NTM/QR/1/Add.8 and
G/MA/NTM/W/3/Rev.1, respectively.G/MA/114
Page 3
F. OTHER BUSINESS
12. Concerns were voiced by one Member concerni ng the trading practices of two other Members
and a request was made to include these items on the agenda of the next Committee meeting.
13. The Committee took note of document G/MA/T AR/3/Rev.7 which reflected the latest tariff
information available in the Secretariat.  Delegations were encouraged to provide copies of their
national tariffs to the tariff library and were also requested to notify the Secretariat accordingly if they
wished to have the data submitted by them in the context of the IDB or the Trade Policy Review
Mechanism (TPRM) exercise also made available in the Tariff Library.
14. The Chairperson informed the Committee that she had received a letter from the Chairman of
the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD) requesting information on any discussions or otherdevelopments relating to special and differential treatment taking place in the Committee in the first-
half of 2002.  Her response to the Chairman of the CTD would indicate that the terms of reference of
the Committee on Market Access had no special and differential treatment provisions, but that a lot of
technical assistance work was being undertaken especially in the context of the IDB.
15. The Committee agreed to postpone the item on election of the Chairperson for 2002 to its
next meeting as the Chairman of the CTG was still consulting on the slate of Chairpersons for the
subsidiary bodies of the CTG.
16. The next formal meeting of the Committee was scheduled for 12 June 2002.G/MA/114
Page 4ANNEX I
FACTUAL INFORMATION RELATING TO WAIVERS REQUESTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF
INTRODUCING HS 96 CHANGES TO SCHEDULES OF CONCESSIONS
Member Date of
original
waiverDate of submission of HS
documentationN° of extensions and
datesN° of Members
with which
Article XXVIII
negotiations
have been
initiatedN° of Members with
which
Article XXVIII
negotiations have
been concludedStatus of outstanding
Article XXVIII
negotiationsOutlook for
concluding the
processRequest for a waiver
and draft decision
1. Argentina 13.12.1995 G/SECRET/HS96/30
(16.10.1996)
G/SECRET/HS96/30/Corr.1
(16.05.2000)Ten
18.07.199624.04.1997
22.10.1997
24.04.199814.10.1998
15.06.1999
04.11.199903.05.2000
08.12.2000
08.05.2001Four Two Still  need to conclude
negotiations andconsultations with the
two remaining Members- Requested 6 months.
G/L/528G/C/W/362
2. Brazil 13.12.1995 G/SECRET/HS96/36
(31.07.1997)
G/SECRET/HS96/36/Corr.1
(16.10.1997)
G/SECRET/HS96/36/Corr.2
(19.02.1999)
G/SECRET/HS96/36/Corr.3
(24.04.2001)Ten
18.07.1996
24.04.1997
22.10.1997
24.04.1998
14.10.199815.06.1999
04.11.1999
03.05.200008.12.2000
08.05.2001Five Four The consultations
regarding the
introduction of HS96
changes into Brazil's
schedule of tariff
concessions are ongoingonly with the European
Communities.  Brazil
has provided responsesto specific reservations.Brazil is
convinced that
the process can
be concluded
expeditiously as
evidenced by its
request for a
three-month
waiver.Requested 3 months.
G/L/511
G/C/W/348G/MA/114
Page 5Member Date of
original
waiverDate of submission of HS
documentationN° of extensions and
datesN° of Members
with which
Article XXVIII
negotiations
have been
initiatedN° of Members with
which
Article XXVIII
negotiations have
been concludedStatus of outstanding
Article XXVIII
negotiationsOutlook for
concluding the
processRequest for a waiver
and draft decision
3. El Salvador 18.07.1996 G/SECRET/HS96/44
(01.05.2000)
G/SECRET/HS96/44/Corr.1
(12.02.2002)Nine
24.04.1997
22.10.199724.04.1998
14.10.1998
15.06.199904.11.1999
03.05.2000
08.12.200008.05.2001Three Two El Salvador should
respond to the United
States in respect ofcertain tariff lines.Hopes to
conclude before
the expiry of the
time-limit of the
requested
waiver.Requested 6 months.
G/L/514
G/C/W/350
4. Israel 13.12.1995 G/SECRET/HS96/26
(08.10.1996)
G/SECRET/HS96/26/Add.1
(05.03.1999)
G/SECRET/HS96/26/Add.1/Corr.1
(06.07.2000)Ten
18.07.1996
24.04.1997
22.10.199724.04.1998
14.10.1998
15.06.199904.11.1999
03.05.2000
08.12.200008.05.2001Four Three Israel has just responded
to questions from the
EC and is awaiting their
remarks.Israel will do its
best to complete
the whole
process before
30 April 2002.
However, if this
is not possible, it
will most
certainly finish
the procedure by
31 October
2002.Requested 6 months.
G/L/513
G/C/W/349
5. Malaysia 13.12.1995 G/SECRET/HS/96/31
(16.10.1996)
G/SECRET/HS96/31/Rev.1
(31.07.1997)Ten
18.07.199624.04.1997
22.10.1997
24.04.199814.10.1998
15.06.1999
04.11.1999
03.05.2000
08.12.200008.05.2001Five Five All consultations
regarding theintroduction of HS96
changes into Malaysia’s
schedule of tariffconcessions have been
completed.Malaysia is
convinced thatthe process can
be concluded
quiteexpeditiously.
All that remains
to be completed
now is to notify
the correctionsto Malaysia’s
proposed HS96
tariff schedule
.Requested one year.
G/L/535G/C/W/364G/MA/114
Page 6Member Date of
original
waiverDate of submission of HS
documentationN° of extensions and
datesN° of Members
with which
Article XXVIII
negotiations
have been
initiatedN° of Members with
which
Article XXVIII
negotiations have
been concludedStatus of outstanding
Article XXVIII
negotiationsOutlook for
concluding the
processRequest for a waiver
and draft decision
6. Morocco 24.04.1998 G/SECRET/HS96/47
(04.12.2000)
G/SECRET/HS96/47/Add.1
(28.03.2001)
G/SECRET/HS96/47/Add.2
(28.05.2001)Six
14.10.1998
15.06.199904.11.1999
03.05.2000
08.12.200008.05.2001Four Two Morocco is in the
process of negotiating
with the EC. The USreservation was based
on the lack of
concordance tableswhich have now been
submitted.- Requested 6 months.
G/L/512/Rev.1
G/C/W/358
7. Norway 13.12.1995 G/SECRET/HS96/11
(24.01.1996)
G/SECRET/HS96/11/Corr.1
(22.03.2001)Ten
18.07.1996
24.04.1997
22.10.199724.04.1998
14.10.1998
15.06.199904.11.1999
03.05.2000
08.12.200008.05.2001Six Five Consultations are
ongoing with one
Member.It is Norway's
view that the
consultations are
likely to be
concluded within
the next six
months.Requested 6 months.
G/L/519
G/C/W/355
8. Pakistan 24.04.1997 G/SECRET/HS96/40
(10.12.1998)Eight
22.10.1997
24.04.199814.10.1998
15.06.1999
04.11.199903.05.2000
08.12.2000
08.05.2001Three Two One outstanding Article
XXVIII negotiations
with the US is still
being examined in
capital.  The reservation
made by the US dates
back to 1995 and the
specific concern was
notified on 1 February
2001.Pakistan is
hopeful that the
matter will be
resolved
bilaterally at the
earliest.Requested one year
G/L/526
G/C/W/365
9. Paraguay 13.12.1995 G/SECRET/HS96/29
(23.10.1996)Ten
18.07.1996
24.04.1997
22.10.199724.04.1998
14.10.1998
15.06.199904.11.1999
03.05.2000
08.12.200008.05.2001Four Two The US have specified
their concerns.   The EC
is awaiting the
notification ofcorrections of some
tariff lines.Paraguay hopes
to conclude
soon.Requested one year.
G/L/525
G/C/W/357G/MA/114
Page 7Member Date of
original
waiverDate of submission of HS
documentationN° of extensions and
datesN° of Members
with which
Article XXVIII
negotiations
have been
initiatedN° of Members with
which
Article XXVIII
negotiations have
been concludedStatus of outstanding
Article XXVIII
negotiationsOutlook for
concluding the
processRequest for a waiver
and draft decision
10. Switzerland 13.12.1995 G/SECRET/HS96/10
(16.01.1996)
G/SECRET/HS96/10/Corr.1
(08.12.2000)Ten
18.07.1996
24.04.199722.10.1997
24.04.1998
14.10.199815.06.1999
04.11.1999
03.05.200008.12.2000
08.05.2001Four Three Switzerland will meet
on 28.02.2002 at the
expert-level with theMember which has a
reservation on the Swiss
Schedule-LIX.Depends on the
outcome of the
expert-level
meeting.Requested 6 months.
G/L/523
G/C/W/356
11. Thailand 13.12.1995 G/SECRET/HS96/17
(14.03.1996)
G/SECRET/HS96/17/Rev.1
(18.10.1996)
G/SECRET/HS96/17/Rev.2
(27.11.2001)Ten
18.07.1996
24.04.1997
22.10.199724.04.1998
14.10.1998
15.06.199904.11.1999
03.05.2000
08.12.200008.05.2001Four Negotiations had
concluded with all
four Members.
However,negotiations have
been re-initiated
with two of thoseMembers recently.Thailand is still
considering the
questions from the two
Members.- Requested 6 months.
G/L/524
G/C/W/359
12. Venezuela,Bolivarian
Republic of13.12.1995 G/SECRET/HS96/12
(16.01.1996)
G/SECRET/HS96/12/Rev.1
(07.11.1996)Ten
18.07.1996
24.04.199722.10.1997
24.04.1998
14.10.199815.06.1999
04.11.1999
03.05.200008.12.2000
08.05.2001Three Two One question remains to
be resolved with the
remaining Member.Hopes to
conclude before
the time-limit  of
the requested
waiver expires.Requested 6 months.
G/L/517
G/C/W/353G/MA/114
Page 8ANNEX II
FACTUAL INFORMATION RELATED TO THE EXTENSION OF WAIVERS
RELATED TO THE TRANSPOSITION OF SCHEDULES INTO THE HARMONIZED SYSTEM
Member Date of original
waiverDate of submission
of HS
documentationN° of extensions
and datesN° of Members
with which
Article XXVIII
negotiations have
been initiatedN° of Members
with which
Article XXVIII
negotiations have
been concludedStatus of
outstanding
Article XXVIII
negotiationsOutlook for
concluding the
processRequest for an
extension and draft
decision
1. Nicaragua 26.01.1998 28.06.1995
G/SECRET/HS/3Thirteen:
09.12.1994
13.12.1995
18.07.1996
24.04.1997
22.10.199724.04.1998
14.10.1998
15.06.199904.11.1999
03.05.2000
08.12.200008.05.2001
31.10.2001Two One Nicaragua is keen
to complete these
negotiations as
rapidly as possible
and requests a
further extension of
the waiver to do so.- Extension of 6
months requested
G/L/515
G/C/W/351G/MA/114
Page 9Member Date of original
waiverDate of submission
of HS
documentationN° of extensions
and datesN° of Members
with which
Article XXVIII
negotiations have
been initiatedN° of Members
with which
Article XXVIII
negotiations have
been concludedStatus of
outstanding
Article XXVIII
negotiationsOutlook for
concluding the
processRequest for an
extension and draft
decision
2. Sri Lanka 08.11.1988 12.01.1990
SECRET/HS/26Twenty-four:
24.07.1989
16.07.1990
07.12.199001.07.1991
04.12.1991
20.07.199203.12.1992
19.07.1993
17.01.199421.07.1994
09.12.1994
31.08.199513.12.1995
18.07.1996
16.07.199722.10.1997
24.04.1998
14.10.199815.06.1999
04.11.1999
03.05.200008.12.2000
08.05.2001
31.10.2001Five Four Sri Lanka continues
to make every
effort to conclude
negotiations underArticle XXVIII.
The negotiations
with the UnitedStates are still
continuing.Sri Lanka has had
bilateral
negotiations with
the United States.These negotiations
are still continuing.
Hence to concludethese negotiations,
Sri Lanka requires
at least one moreextension. Sri
Lanka assures its
trading partners thatevery effort will be
made to conclude
the negotiationssatisfactorily, and
in the mutual
interest of allconcerned, as soon
as possible.Extension of 6
months requested
G/L/516
G/C/W/352
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