RESTRICTEDWORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/LIC/W/17
4 September 2002
(02-4680)
Committee on Import Licensing
FOURTH BIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION
OF THE AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
Background Document by the Secretariat
This working document is circulated by the Secretariat in preparation for the fourth biennial
review of the implementation and operation of th e Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, to be
conducted at the meeting on 24 September 2002.  This document will have to be updated in light of the
discussion at that meeting in order to give a full pi cture of the developments in the Committee during the
period covered.  Members are invited to communicate to  the Secretariat any additional data they wish to
have included in this document.
______________
Article 7.1 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures provides that "the Committee
shall review as necessary, but at least once every two years, the implementation and operation of this
Agreement, taking into account the objectives thereof,  and the rights and obligations contained therein".
The main objectives of the Agreement are those listed in the preamble of the Agreement.
The information contained in this document covers the period from 12 October 2000 to
3 September 2002.This document has been prepared under the Secretariat's ownresponsibility and without prejudice to the positions of Members
and to their rights and obligations under the WTOG/LIC/W/17
Page 2
I. COMMITTEE ON IMPO RT LICENS ING...........................................................................3
A. OFFICERS , MEMBERS AND OBSERVERS ........................................................................................3
B. MAIN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE DURING THE PERIOD
COVERED ............................................................................................................................... ......4
II. NOTIFICATIONS............................................................................................................... .....5
C. INVOCATION OF DELAYED APPLICATION PROVISIONS BY DEVELOPING COUNTRY
MEMBERS (FOOTNOTE 5 TO ARTICLE 2.2) ...................................................................................5
D. N OTIFICATIONS OF PUBLICATIONS AND /OR LEGISLATION (ARTICLES 1.4( A) AND/OR
8.2( B)) ............................................................................................................................. ............6
E. N OTIFICATIONS OF IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (ARTICLES 7.3 AND 5).............................8
III. CONSULTATION AND DI SPUTE SETTLE MENT..........................................................11
ANNEX I........................................................................................................................ .......................12
ANNEX II ....................................................................................................................... ......................15
ANNEX III...................................................................................................................... ......................16
ANNEX IV....................................................................................................................... .....................17G/LIC/W/17
Page 3
I. COMMITTEE ON IMPORT LICENSING
A. OFFICERS , MEMBERS AND OBSERVERS
1. Officers:
Chairperson (2001):  Ms. Simone Rudder (Barbados)
Vice-Chairperson (2001):  Ms. Na ncy Johnston (United States)
Chairperson (2002): Mr. Hiromichi Matsushima (Japan)
Vice-Chairperson (2002): Ms. Philippa Davies (Jamaica)
2. Members (144)1:
                                                     
1 Members on 3 September 2002.Albania
Angola
Antigua & Barbuda
ArgentinaAustralia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
BarbadosBelgium
Belize
Benin
Bolivia
BotswanaBrazil
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
BurundiCameroon
Canada
Central African Rep.
Chad
ChileChina
Chinese Taipei
Colombia
Congo
Costa Rica
Côte d'Ivoire
CroatiaCuba
Cyprus
Czech Rep.
Dem. Rep. of Congo
DenmarkDjiboutiDominica
Dominican Rep.
EC
EcuadorEgypt
El Salvador
Estonia
Fiji
FinlandFrance
Gabon
Georgia
Gambia
GermanyGhana
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea BissauGuinea, Rep. of
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong, ChinaHungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
ItalyJamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
KoreaKuwaitKyrgyz Rep.
Latvia
Lesotho
LiechtensteinLithuania
Luxembourg
Macau, China
Madagascar
MalawiMalaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
MauritaniaMauritius
Mexico
Moldova
Mongolia
MoroccoMozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Netherlands
New ZealandNicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
PanamaPapua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
PolandPortugalQatar
Romania
Rwanda
St. Kitts & NevisSt. Lucia
St. Vincent &
Grenadines
Senegal
Sierra LeoneSingapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
Suriname
Swaziland
SwedenSwitzerland
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad & TobagoTunisia
Turkey
Uganda
United Arab
Emirates
United Kingdom
United StatesUruguay
Venezuela
Zambia
ZimbabweG/LIC/W/17
Page 4
3. Observers
Observer Governments (31)2
Algeria
Andorra
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Belarus
Bhutan
Bosnia & HerzegovinaCambodia
Cape Verde
Ethiopia
Former Yugoslav
Rep. of  MacedoniaHoly See
Kazakhstan
Lao Dem. Rep.Lebanon
Nepal
Russian Federation
Samoa
Sao Tome & Principe
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
SudanTajikistan
Tonga
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
VanuatuVietnam
Yemen
Yugoslavia, Fed. Rep. of
Observer organizations
IMF
UNCTAD
World Bank
B. MAIN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE DURING THE PERIOD COVERED
4. During the reporting period, the Committee held its thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth and
sixteenth meetings on 4 April and 9 October 2001, and 14 May and [24 September 2002].  The
minutes of these meetings are contained in documents G/LIC/M/ 13-[16], respectively.
5. During the period covered, the Committee received notifications of legislation and/or
publications submitted by 23 Members, replies to the Questionnaire on Import Licensing Proceduressubmitted by 50 Members
3 and notifications relating to the institution of import licensing procedures
or changes in these procedures submitted by 12 Members;  [carried out the fourth biennial review of
the implementation and operation of the Agreement under Article 7.1 on the basis of a factual report
prepared by the Secretariat (G/LIC/W/17 & G/LI C/--);]  adopted its annual reports for 2001 [and
2002] to the Council for Trade in Goods in accord ance with Article 7.4 of the Agreement (G/L/493
and G/L/---);  discussed the matter of the lack of compliance with notification obligations and how
this situation could be improved;  and agreed that  the transitional review of the implementation of
China's commitments in the import licensing area pursuant to Paragraph 18 of its Protocol of
Accession3 would be conducted at the 24 Septembe r 2002 meeting (G/LIC/M/15, paragraph 3). [To
be completed after the September meeting]
6. The Chair expressed continuing concern over the failure of many Members to submit the
required notifications.  The Committee was informed of the steps taken by the Chair and the
Secretariat with a view to improving the situation.  It was noted that, in spite of numerous reminders
and urging from the Committee, the situation had not improved.  As at 3 September 2002,
                                                     
2 Observers on 3 September 2002.
3 WT/L/432.G/LIC/W/17
Page 5
33 Members had not submitted any notifications under the Agreement;  only [80] Members4 had
submitted notifications of laws, regulations and administrative procedures relevant to import licensing
under Articles 1.4(a) and 8.2(b), only [25] Members4 had notified the institution of new licensing
procedures or changes in existing procedures under  paragraphs 1-4 of Article 5;  and a cumulative
total of [82] Members4 had submitted replies to the Questionnaire under Article 7.3 since the entry
into force of the WTO Agreement.  Though the Agr eement required all Members to provide replies to
the Questionnaire on an annual basis, the total notified each year was much less than the Membership
of the WTO, accounting for only 11 Members in 1995, 22 in 1996, 25 in 1997, 26 in 1998, 204 in
1999, 324 in 2000, 234 in 2001 and 244 up to now in 2002.  Members who had not yet submitted the
required notifications were urged to do so without any further delay.  Written questions and replies
concerning the notifications submitted to the Committee may be found in documents in the G/LIC/Q
series.5
II. NOTIFICATIONS
C. INVOCATION OF DELAYED APPLICATION PROVISIONS BY DEVELOPING COUNTRY MEMBERS
(FOOTNOTE 5 TO ARTICLE 2.2)
7. Pursuant to footnote 5 to Article 2.2 of th e Agreement, a developing country Member, other
than a developing country Member which was a party to the Agreement on Import Licensing
Procedures done on 12 April 1979, which  has specific difficulties complying with the requirements
of subparagraph (a)(ii) (which requires applications for automatic import licences to be accepted on
any working day prior to the customs clearance of the goods) and subparagraph (a)(iii) (whichrequires applications for automatic import licences when submitted in appropriate and complete form
to be approved within a maximum of ten working days) may, upon notification to the Committee,
delay the application of these provisions by not more than two years from the date of entry into force
of the WTO Agreement for such Member.
8. The Committee did not receive any notifications under the above provision during the
reporting period. Listed below are the 24 developing country Members which had invoked the
delayed application provisions since the entry into force of the WTO Agreement and (in brackets) the
date of entry into force of the WTO Agreement for the Member concerned (G/LIC/1 and Adds.1-3).
9. The two-year period of delay allowed under the Agreement has expired for all these Members,
and accordingly the obligations of Article 2.2(a)(ii) a nd (a)(iii) apply to all current WTO Members.  It is
recalled that the invocation of the above provisi ons does not exempt Members from the obligation to
notify under Articles 1.4(a), 8.2(b) , 5 and 7.3 of the Agreement.
Developing country
MemberFootnote 5 to Article 2.2
Two-year delayed application
(date of WTO Membership)Developing country
MemberFootnote 5 to Article 2.2
Two-year delayed application
(date of WTO Membership)
Bangladesh G/LIC/1 (1.1.95) Honduras G/LIC/1 (1.1.95)
Bolivia G/LIC/1/Add.2 (13.9.95) Indonesia G/LIC/1 (1.1.95)
Brazil G/LIC/1/ (1.1.95) Kenya G/LIC/1 (1.1.95)
Burkina Faso G/LIC/1/Add.1 (3.6.95) Malaysia G/LIC/1 (1.1.95)
Cameroon G/LIC/1/Add.3 (13.12.95) Myanmar G/LIC/1 (1.1.95)
Colombia G/LIC/1 (30.4.95) Sri Lanka G/LIC/1 (1.1.95)
Costa Rica G/LIC/1 (1.1.95) Thailand G/LIC/1 (1.1.95)
Côte d’Ivoire G/LIC/1 (1.1.95) Tunisia G/LIC/1 (29.3.95)
Dominican Rep. G/LIC/1/Add.2 (9.3.95) Turkey G/LIC/1 (26.3.95)
El Salvador G/LIC/1 (7.5.95) United Arab Emirates G/LIC/1/Add.3 (10.4.96)
                                                     
4 The European Communities and its member States counted as one Member.
5 See Annex IV.G/LIC/W/17
Page 6
Developing country
MemberFootnote 5 to Article 2.2
Two-year delayed application
(date of WTO Membership)Developing country
MemberFootnote 5 to Article 2.2
Two-year delayed application
(date of WTO Membership)
Gabon G/LIC/1 (1.1.95) Uruguay G/LIC/1 (1.1.95)
Guatemala G/LIC/1/Add.1 (21.7.95) Venezuela G/LIC/1 (1.1.95)
D. NOTIFICATIONS OF PUBLICATIONS AND /OR LEGISLATION (ARTICLES 1.4( A) AND/OR 8.2( B))
10. Paragraph 4(a) of Article 1 and paragraphs 3, 4, 5(b), 5(c) and 5(d) of Article 3 require
Members to publish certain information "for other Members and traders to know the basis for granting
and/or allocating licences", or "in such a manner as to enable governments and traders to becomeacquainted with them".  Article 1.4(a) requires Members to notify to the Committee the sources in
which the information concerning import licensing procedures are published, and to make copies of
these publications available to the Secretariat.
11. Paragraph 2(a) of Article 8 provides that "each Member shall ensure, not later than the date of
entry into force of the WTO Agreement for it, the conformity of its laws, regulations and
administrative procedures with the provisions of this Agreement";  paragraph 2(b) states that "each
Member shall inform the Committee of any changes in its laws and regulations relevant to this
Agreement and in the administration of such laws and regulations".
12. The Committee agreed that in cases where the publications or legislation were not in a WTO
official language, Members shall provide, together with such publications or legislation, a summary of
the notification in one of the WTO languages.  Other Members may ask for a full translation if they so
wish, or seek any additional information on a bilateral basis.  Any issues that cannot be solved on a
bilateral basis may be brought to the attention of the Committee.  It was also agreed that the first
notification under Article 8.2(b) shall contain the full text of relevant laws and regulations in effect on
the entry into force of the WTO Agreement for the Member concerned (G/LIC/M/2 and G/LIC/3).
13. Since the entry into force of the WTO Agreem ent, notifications pursuant to Articles 1.4(a)
and/or 8.2(b) have been received from 80
6 Members and have been circulated in the G/LIC/N/1/-
series.  Copies of publications and legislation submitted with these notifications are available for
consultation in the Secretariat.  The current status of notifications is contained in the table below.Written questions and replies concerning these notifications may be found in documents in the
G/LIC/Q series.
7
Member Art. 1.4(a) and/or 8.2(b)
publications and/or legislation
(date of latest communication)Member Art. 1.4(a) and/or 8.2(b)
publications and/or legislation
(date of latest communication)
Albania Not notified Kyrgyz Rep. G/LIC/N/1/KGZ/1 (6.1.00)
Angola Not notified Latvia G/LIC/N/1/LVA/1 (18.5.99)
Antigua & Barbuda G/LIC/N/1/ATG/1 (8.12.01) Lesotho Not notified
Argentina G/LIC/N/1/ARG/1/Rev.1-
ARG/2 (19.12.97)Liechtenstein G/LIC/N/1/LIE/1-2 (17.10.00)
Australia G/LIC/N/1/AUS/1 & Add.1
(28.4.97)Macau, China G/LIC/N/1/MAC/1 & Add.1
(7.2.02)
Bahrain G/LIC/N/1/BHR/1 (27.5.97) Madagascar G/LIC/N/1/MDG/1-2 (31.3.00)
Bangladesh G/LIC/N/1/BGD/1 (31.3.00) Malawi G/LIC/N/1/MWI/1 (10.5.99)
Barbados G/LIC/N/1/BRB/1 (4.10.96) Malaysia Not notified
Belize Not notified Maldives Not notified
Benin G/LIC/N/1/BEN/1 (18.12.96) Mali G/LIC/N/1/MLI/1 (23.7.01)
Bolivia G/LIC/N/1/BOL/1 (29.5.97) Malta G/LIC/N/1/MLT/1 (29.5.96)
Botswana Not notified Kuwait Not notified
                                                     
6 The European Communities and its member States counted as one Member.
7 See Annex IV.G/LIC/W/17
Page 7
Member Art. 1.4(a) and/or 8.2(b)
publications and/or legislation
(date of latest communication)Member Art. 1.4(a) and/or 8.2(b)
publications and/or legislation
(date of latest communication)
Brazil G/LIC/N/1/BRA/1 (24.4.98) Mauritania Not notified
Brunei Darussalam Not notified Mauritius G/LIC/N/1/MUS/1 & Adds.1-3
(4.5.98)
Mexico Not notified
Bulgaria G/LIC/N/1/BGR/1 (20.3.97) Moldova G/LIC/N/1/MDA/1 (9.1.02)
Burkina Faso G/LIC/N/1/BFA/1 (8.1.97) Mongolia Not notified
Burundi G/LIC/N/1/BUR/1 (3.4.01) Morocco G/LIC/N/1/MAR/1 (3.7.96)
Cameroon G/LIC/N/1/CMR/1 (13.7.01) Mozambique Not notified
Canada G/LIC/N/1/CAN/1 (29.1.96) Myanmar Not notified
Central African Rep. Not notified Namibia Not notified
Chad G/LIC/N/1/TCD/1-2 (18.7.00) New Zealand G/LIC/N/1/NZL/1 (2.8.96)
Chile G/LIC/N/1/CHL/1 (16.7.96) Nicaragua G/LIC/N/1/NIC/1 (18.7.96)
China Not notified Niger G/LIC/N/1/NER/1 (10.12.97)
Chinese Taipei G/LIC/N/1/TPKM/1-2 (5.6 .02) Nigeria G/LIC/N/1/NGA/1 (16.2.98)
Colombia G/LIC/N/1/COL/1 & Add.1
(4.12.00)Norway G/LIC/N/1/NOR/1-2 (3.11.97)
Congo Not notified Pakistan G/LIC/N/1/PAK/1 (6.5.96)
Congo, Dem. Rep. of Not notified Panama G/LIC/N/1/PAN/1-2 (19.10.98)
Costa Rica G/LIC/N/1/CRI/1 (21.11.95) Papua New Guinea Not notified
Côte d’Ivoire G/LIC/N/1/CIV/1 (10.1.02)
Croatia G/LIC/N/1/HRV/1 (7.1.02) Paraguay Not notified
Cuba G/LIC/N/1/CUB/1 (11.1.96) Peru G/LIC/N/1/PER/1 (13.2.96)
Cyprus G/LIC/N/1/CYP/1 (30.5.96) Philippines G/LIC/N/1/PHL/1 (6.4.98)
Czech Re public G/LIC/N/1/CZE/1+Add.1-
CZE/2 (14.3.01))Poland Not notified
Djibouti Not notified Qatar G/LIC/N/1/QAT/1 (24.3.98)
Dominica G/LIC/N/1/DMA/1 (8.2.01) Romania G/LIC/N/1/ROM/1-2 (1.3.99)
Dominican Republic Not notified Rwanda Not notified
Ecuador Not notified St. Kitts & Nevis G/LIC/N/1/KNA/1 (17.7.98)
Egypt Not notified St. Lucia Not notified
El Salvador Not notified St. Vincent &
GrenadinesNot notified
Estonia G/LIC/N/1 /EST/1+Adds.1-2
(14.12.01)Senegal Not notified
European Communities G/L IC/N/1/EEC/1/Rev.2 +
Adds.1-2 & EEC/2 + Adds.1-3
(18.3.02)Sierra Leone Not notified
Fiji G/LIC/N/1/FJI/1 (30.7.97) Singapore G/LIC/N/1/SGP/1-3 (23.2.00)
Gabon G/LIC/N/1/GAB/1-2 (5.3.02) Slovak Republic Not notified
Gambia Not notified Slovenia G/LIC/N/1/SVN/1 (27.11.96)
Georgia Not notified Solomon Islands Not notified
Ghana Not notified South Africa Not notified
Grenada G/LIC/N/1/GRD/1 (13.3.02) Sri Lanka Not notified
Guatemala G/LIC/N/1/GTM/1-2 (20.1.00) Suriname Not notified
Guinea, Republic of Not notified Swaziland G/LIC/N/1/SWZ/1 (19.8.96)
Guinea Bissau Not notified Switzerland G/LIC/N/1/CHE/1-2 (21.9.00)
Guyana G/LIC/N/1/GUY/1 (5.4.02) Tanzania Not notified
Haiti G/LIC/N/1/HTI/1 (8.10.99) Thailand Not notified
Honduras G/LIC/N/1/HND/1 (31.10.96) Togo Not notified
Hong Kong, China G/LIC/N/1/HKG/1-4 (20.4.98) Trinidad & Tobago G/LIC/N/1/TTO/1 (28.10.98)
Hungary G/LIC/N/1/HUN/1-5 (23.4.02) Tunisia G/LIC/N/1/TUN/1+Add.1
(21.1.99)
Iceland G/LIC/N/1/ISL/1 (8.1.99) Turkey G/LIC/N/1/TUR/1-
TUR/2/Rev.1, TUR/ 3 + Add.1
(3.7.01))
India G/LIC/N/1/IND/1/Rev.1 +
IND/2-5 (3.6.02)Uganda G/LIC/N/1/UGA/1 (16.8.96)
Indonesia G/LIC/N/1/IDN/1 (27.10.98) United Arab Emirates G/LIC/N/1/ARE/1 (19.3.97)G/LIC/W/17
Page 8
Member Art. 1.4(a) and/or 8.2(b)
publications and/or legislation
(date of latest communication)Member Art. 1.4(a) and/or 8.2(b)
publications and/or legislation
(date of latest communication)
Israel Not notified United States G/LIC/N/1/USA/1 & Rev.1
(1.10.96)
Jamaica G/LIC/N/1/JAM/1 (1.7.96) Ur uguay G/LIC/N/1/URY/1-3 (17.9.01)
Japan G/LIC/N/1/JPN/1-2/Rev.1
(7.1.97)Venezuela Not notified
Jordan G/LIC/N/1/JOR/1-2 (3.9.01) Zambia Not notified
Kenya Not notified Zimbabwe G/LIC/N/1/ZWE/1-2 (21.9.98)
Korea G/LIC/N/1/KOR/1-3 (3.4.98)
TOTAL NOTIFIED 80 Members8
E. NOTIFICATIONS OF IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (ARTICLES 7.3 AND 5)
14. Article 2.1 of the Agreement defines automatic import licensing as "import licensing where
approval of the application is granted in all cases, and in accordance with the requirements ofparagraph 2(a)".  Paragraph 2(a) of Article 2 states that "automatic import licensing procedures shall
not be administered in such a manner as to have restricting effects on imports subject to automatic
licensing ...".
9 Article 3 defines non-automatic import licensing as "import licensing not falling within
the definition contained in paragraph 1 of Article 2".10
15. Pursuant to Article 7.3 of the Agreement, Members undertake to complete the annual
Questionnaire on Import Licensing Procedures11 promptly and in full.  At its meeting in October
1995, the Committee established a time-limit of 30 September each year to submit these notifications
(G/LIC/M/2 and G/LIC/3).
16. Article 5.1 of the Agreement requires Members which institute licensing procedures or
changes in these procedures to notify the Committee of such within 60 days of publication.  Pursuantto Article 5.2, the notifications shall include: the list of products subject to licensing procedures;
contact point for information on eligibility;  administrative body(ies) for submission of applications;
date and name of publication where licensing procedures are published;  indication of whether the
licensing procedure is automatic or non-automatic according to definitions contained in Articles 2
and 3;  in the case of automatic licensing procedures, their administrative purpose;  in the case ofnon-automatic licensing procedures, indication of the measure being implemented through the
licensing procedure;  and expected duration of the licensing procedure if this can be estimated with
some probability, and if not, reason why this information cannot be provided.  Article 5.4 requires
Members to notify the Committee of the publications in which the information required in Article 1.4
will be published.
17. In addition, pursuant to Article 5.5 any interested Member which considers that another
Member has not notified the institution of a licensing procedure or changes therein in accordance with
the provisions of Articles 5.1-5.3 may bring the matter to the attention of such other Member.  If
notification is not made promptly thereafter, such  Member may itself notify the licensing procedure or
changes therein, including all relevant and available information.
18. During the period covered, 50 Members
8 have submitted replies to the Questionnaire pursuant
to Article 7.3 of the Agreement and 12 Members have notified the institution of import licensing
                                                     
8 The European Communities and its member States counted as one Member.
9 A concordance between the provisions of the Agreement relating to automatic licensing procedures and
the Questionnaire on Import Licensing Procedures is contained in Annex II.
10 A concordance between the provisions of the Agreement relating to non-automatic licensing procedures
and the Questionnaire on Import Licensing Procedures is contained in Annex III.
11 The Questionnaire is annexed to document G/LIC/3 and is reproduced in Annex I.G/LIC/W/17
Page 9
procedures or changes in these procedures pursuant to paragraphs 1-4 of Article 5 (circulated in the
G/LIC/N/3/- and G/LIC/N/2/- seri es, respectively).  So far, the Committee has not received any
notifications under Article 5.5.  The status of notifications under Articles 7.3 and 5.1-5.4 since the
entry into force of the Agreement is as follows.  Written questions and replies concerning these
notifications may be found in documents in the G/LIC/Q series12.
Member Article 7.3
Replies to Questionnaire – Annual
(date of latest communication)Article 5.1-5.4 – Ad hoc
(date of latest communication)
Albania G/LIC/N/3/ALB/1 (28.1.02) G/LIC/N/2/ALB/1 (20.2.02)
Angola Not notified
Antigua & Barbuda G/LIC/N/3/ATG/1-2 (18.12.01)
Argentina G/LIC/N/3/ARG/1-ARG/2 + Add.1
(8.2.02)G/LIC/N/2/ARG/1-6 (26.11.99)
Australia G/LIC/N/3/AUS/1 + Rev.1-AUS/2
(24.5.02)
Bahrain G/LIC/N/3/BHR/1 (5.9.00)
Bangladesh G/LIC/N/3/BGD/1 (31.3.00)
Barbados G/LIC/N/3/BRB/1-2 (8.5.02)
Belize Not notified
Benin Not notified
Bolivia G/LIC/N/3/BOL/1-3 (20.6.00)
Botswana Not notified
Brazil G/LIC/N/3/BRA/1-2 (29.1.02) G/LIC/N/2/BRA/1 (24.4.98)
Brunei Darussalam G/LIC/N/3/BRN/1 (4.3.97)
Bulgaria G/LIC/N/3/BGR/1-2 (8.5.02)
Burkina Faso G/LIC/N/3/BFA/1 + Add.1 (24.11.00)
Burundi G/LIC/N/3/BUR/1-2 (12.10.01)
Cameroon Not notified
Canada G/LIC/N/3/CAN/1-4 + Corr:1 (2.1.02)
Central African Rep. Not notified
Chad G/LIC/N/3/TCD/1-2 (13.6.01)
Chile G/LIC/N/3/CHL/1 & Adds.1-2 (3.2.99)
China Not notified
Chinese Taipei Not notified G /LIC/N/2/TPKM/1 (7.6.02)
Colombia G/LIC/N/3/COL/1 & Adds.1-2 (4.12.00)
Congo Not notified
Congo, Dem. Rep Not notified
Costa Rica G/LIC/N/3/CRI/1-3 (15.12.00)
Côte d'Ivoire G/LIC/N/3/CIV/1 (10.1.02)
Croatia G/LIC/N/3/HRV/1 (7.1.02)
Cuba G/LIC/N/3/CUB/1 (20.12.01)
Cyprus G/LIC/N/3/CYP/1+ Rev.1-CYP/3
(28.3.02)
Czech Republic G/LIC/N/3/CZE/1 (27.3.01) G/LIC/N/2/CZE/1 (27.6.02)
Djibouti Not notified
Dominica G/LIC/N/3/DMA/1 (8.2.01)
Dominican Rep. Not notified
Ecuador G/LIC/N/3/ECU/1 (1.8.95)
Egypt Not notified
El Salvador Not notified
Estonia G/LIC/N/1/EST/1-2 (19.12.01)
European Communities G/LIC/N /3/EEC/1 + Add.1-EEC/2 +
Adds.1-27-EEC/3 + Adds.1-26-EEC/4(7.10.01)G/LIC/N/2/EEC/1-2 (4.7.97)
Fiji G/LIC/N/3/FJI/1 (1.4.97)
Gabon Not notified
Gambia G/LIC/N/3/GMB/1 (31.10.97)
                                                     
12 See Annex IV.G/LIC/W/17
Page 10
Member Article 7.3
Replies to Questionnaire – Annual
(date of latest communication)Article 5.1-5.4 – Ad hoc
(date of latest communication)
Georgia G/LIC/N/3/GEO/1 (3.7.01)
Ghana G/LIC/N/3/GHA/1-2 (17.8.01)
Grenada Not notified
Guatemala G/LIC/N/3/GTM/1 (20.1.00)
Guinea, Rep. of Not notified
Guinea Bissau Not notified
Guyana G/LIC/N/3/GUY/1 (2.4.02)
Haiti G/LIC/N/3/HTI/1-2 (27.4.00)
Honduras Not notified
Hong Kong, China G/LIC/N/3/HKG/1 + Rev.1-2-HKG/2-3 +
Corr.1-HKG/4-5 (27.9.01)G/LIC/N/2/HKG/1-2 (27.1.98)
Hungary G/LIC/N/3/H UN/1-3 + Adds.1-2
(23.4.02)G/LIC/N/2/HUN/1-2 (23.4.02)
Iceland G/LIC/N/3/ISL/1-2 (5.6.00)
India G/LIC/N/3/IND/1-5 (15.3.02) G/LIC/N/2/IND/1-5 (3.6.02)
Indonesia G/LIC/N/3/IDN/1 (27.10.98)
Israel Not notified
Jamaica G/LIC/N/3/JAM/1+Add.1 (14.3.00)
Japan G/LIC/N/3/JPN/1 + Corr.1-JPN/2
(31.1.02)G/LIC/N/2/JPN/1-3 (12.4.01)
Jordan G/LIC/N/3/JOR/1 (2.10.00) G/LIC/N/2/JOR/1 (1.12.00)
Kenya G/LIC/N/3/KEN/1 (10.11.97)
Korea G/LIC/N/3/KOR/1-3 (16.5.02)
Kuwait Not notified
Kyrgyz Rep. G/LIC/N/3/KGZ/1 (11.4.00)
Latvia G/LIC/N/3/LVA/1-2 (7.1.02)
Lesotho Not notified
Liechtenstein G/LIC/N/3/LIE/1+Add.1-LIE/ 4 (15.8.02) G/LIC/N/2/LIE/1-2 (17.10.00)
Lithuania Not notified
Macau, China G/LIC/N/3/MAC/1-4 (29.10.01)
Madagascar G/LIC/N/3/MDG/1 (23.8.02)
Malawi G/LIC/N/3/MWI/1 (10.5.99)
Malaysia G/LIC/N/3/MYS/1 (4.12.97) G/LIC/N/2/MYS/1-2 (21.7.99)
Maldives G/LIC/N/3/MDV/1 (21.3.02)
Mali G/LIC/N/3/MLI/1-2 (27.3.01)
Malta G/LIC/N/3/MLT/1-3 (6.11.01)
Mauritania Not notified
Mauritius G/LIC/N/3/MUS/1-2 + Corr.1 (24.5.02)
Mexico Not notified G/LIC/N/2/MEX/1 (16.10.98)
Moldova G/LIC/N/3/MDA/1 (30.1.02)
Mongolia Not notified
Morocco G/LIC/N/3/MAR/1-2 +Add.1 (18.2.99)
Mozambique Not notified
Myanmar Not notified
Namibia G/LIC/N/3/NAM/1-3 (30.3.00)
New Zealand G/LIC/N/3/NZL/1 + Add.1 (24.3.98)
Nicaragua Not notified
Niger Not notified
Nigeria G/LIC/N/3/NGA/1-2 (16.2.98) G/LIC/N/2/NGA/1-2 (16.2.98)
Norway G/LIC/N/3/NOR/1 + Corr.1 & NOR/2 +
Adds.1-2 (7.4.00)
Oman G/LIC/N/3/OMN/1 (1.4.01)
Pakistan Not notified G/L IC/N/2/PAK/1 (6.5.96)
Panama G/LIC/N/3/PAN/1 (22.1.99) G/LIC/N/2/PAN/1 (21.7.98)
Papua New Guinea Not notifie d G/LIC/N/2/PNG/1 (6.2.98)
Paraguay Not notified
Peru G/LIC/N/3/PER/1-2 + Add.1 (4.10.99)
Philippines G/LIC/N/3/PHL/1-4 (10.10.01)
Poland G/LIC/N/3/POL/1 (7.10.97) G/LIC/N/2/POL/1-9 (9.8.02)G/LIC/W/17
Page 11
Member Article 7.3
Replies to Questionnaire – Annual
(date of latest communication)Article 5.1-5.4 – Ad hoc
(date of latest communication)
Qatar G/LIC/N/3/QAT/1 (24.3.98)
Romania G/LIC/N/3/ROM/1-2 + Add.1 (12.12.00) G/LIC/N/2/ROM/1-3 (4.2.02)
Rwanda Not notified
St. Kitts & Nevis Not notified
St. Lucia Not notified G/LIC/N/2/LCA/1 (17.1.02)
St. Vincent & Grenadines Not notified
Senegal G/LIC/N/3/SEN/1 (20.1.97)
Sierra Leone Not notified
Singapore G/LIC/N/3/SGP/1-3 (13.10.00) G/LIC/N/2/SGP/1-2 (23.2.00)
Slovak Republic Not notified
Slovenia G/LIC/N/3/SVN/1 (6.6.97)
Solomon Islands Not notified
South Africa G/LIC/N/3/ZAF/1-3/Rev. 1 (14.8.01) G/LIC/N/2/ZAF/1 (9.7.97)
Sri Lanka Not notified
Suriname Not notified
Swaziland Not notified
Switzerland G/LIC/N/3/CHE/1-4 (18.7.02) G/LIC/N/2/CHE/1-2 (21.9.00)
Tanzania Not notified
Thailand Not notified
Togo Not notified
Trinidad & Tobago G/LIC/N/3/TTO/1-3 (27.2.01)
Tunisia G/LIC/N/3/TUN/1-3 + Adds.1-2 (4.1.02)
Turkey G/LIC/N/3/TUR/1-2 + Corr.1-TUR/4 +
Corr.1 (3.7.01)
Uganda G/LIC/N/3/UGA/1 + Add.1 (8.11.00)
United Arab Emirates G/LIC/N/3/ARE/1 (11.4..00)
United States G/LIC/N/3/USA/1-3 (6.11.00)
Uruguay G/LIC/N/3/URY/1+Add.1 (27.1.99)
Venezuela G/LIC/N/3/VEN/1 (16.5. 02) G/LIC/N/2/VEN/1-4 (5.4.02)
Zambia Not notified
Zimbabwe G/LIC/N/3/ZWE/1/Adds.1-2 (15.2.01)
TOTAL NOTIFIED1382 Members1325 Members13 (58 notifications)
III. CONSULTATION AND DISPUTE SETTLEMENT
19. During the reporting period, Chile requested consultations with Mexico pursuant to
Articles 1, 2 and 5 of the TBT Agreement, Articl es 1, 3 and 5 of the Agreement on Import Licensing
Procedures, and Article III:4 of the GATT 1994, on a series of Mexican laws and regulations which
are alleged to constitute unnecessary barriers to the import of Chilean matches (WT/DS/232,
G/LIC/D/32).
20. Ecuador requested consultations with Turkey pursuant to Articles II, III, VIII, X and XI of the
GATT 1994;  Articles 2.3 and 8 and Annexes B and C of the Agreement on the Application ofSanitary and Phytosanitary Measure, Paragraphs 2, 3, 5 and 6 of Article 1 of the Agreement on Import
Licensing Procedures, Article 4 of the Agreement on Agriculture, and Articles VI and XVII of the
GATS, concerning certain import procedures applicab le to fresh fruits and, in particular, bananas
(WT/DS237, G/LIC/D/33).
                                                     
13 The European Communities and its member States counted as one Member.G/LIC/W/17
Page 12
ANNEX I
QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
The present questionnaire is designed to elicit information on import licensing and similar
administrative procedures1 maintained in and applied to the customs territories to which GATT 1994
applies.  If different procedures or methods of licen sing or similar administrative procedures are applied
to different categories of products, to different count ries of supply or to different modes of importation,
they should be separately described in respect of each question as relevant.
Outline of systems
1. Give a brief description of each licensing syst em as a whole and, with respect to each, reply to
the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with respect to a given system in sequence
together, and using cross references as appropriate when elements which have already been described
are also present in another system.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. Identify each licensing system maintained a nd state what products, appropriately grouped, are
covered.
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?
4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity  or value of imports, and if not, what are its
purposes?  Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered and if so which?
Why have they not been adopted?
5. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is maintained.  Is
the licensing statutorily required?  Does the legisla tion leave designation of products to be subjected to
licensing to administrative discretion?  Is it po ssible for the government (or the executive branch) to
abolish the system without legislative approval?
Procedures
6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether applicable globally
or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally):
I. Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and formalities of filing
applications for licences?  If not, how is it broug ht to the attention of possible importers?  Of
governments and export promotion bodies of  exporting countries and their trade
representatives?  Is the overall amount published?  The amount allocated to goods from each
country?  The maximum amount allocated to each importer?  How to request any exceptions or
derogations from the licensing requirement?
II. How is the size of the quotas determined:  on a yearly, six-monthly or quarterly basis?  Are
there cases where the size of quota is determined  on a yearly basis but licences are issued for
                                                     
1 Similar procedures are understood to include tech nical visas, surveillance systems, minimum price
arrangements, and other administrative reviews effected as a prior condition for entry of imports.G/LIC/W/17
Page 13
imports on a six-monthly or quarterly basis?  In the latter case, is it necessary for importers to
apply for fresh licence on a six- monthly or quarterly basis?
III. Are licences allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers of like goods?  What
steps are taken to ensure that licences allocat ed are actually used for imports?  Are unused
allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period?  Are the names of importers to whom
licences have been allocated made known to  governments and export promotion bodies of
exporting countries upon request?  If not, for what  reason?  (Indicate products to which replies
relate.)
IV. From the time of announcing the opening of quotas , as indicated in I above, what is the period
of time allowed for the submission of applications for licences?
V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing applications?VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and the date of
opening of the period of importation?
VII. Is consideration of licence applications effected  by a single administrative organ?  Or must the
application be passed on to other organs for visa , note or approval?  If so, which?  Does the
importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?
VIII. If the demand for licences cannot  be fully satisfied, on what basis is the allocation to applicants
made?  First come, first served?  Past performance?  Is there a maximum amount to be allocated
per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it determined?  What provision is made for new
importers?  Are applications examined simultaneously or on receipt?
IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export permits are issued
by exporting countries, are import licences al so required?  If so, are licences issued
automatically?
X. In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is the importing
country informed of the effect given by th e exporting countries to the understanding between
the two countries?
XI. Are there products for which licences are issu ed on condition that goods should be exported and
not sold in the domestic market?
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular
country:
(a) How far in advance of importation must  application for a licence be made?  Can
licences be obtained within a shorter time-lim it or for goods arriving at the port without
a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)?
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request?© Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for
licence and/or importation may be made?  If so, explain.
(d) Is consideration of licence applications eff ected by a single administrative organ?  Or
must the application be passed on to other or gans for visa, note or approval?  If so,
which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?G/LIC/W/17
Page 14
8. Under what circumstances may an application fo r a licence be refused other than failure to meet
the ordinary criteria?  Are the reasons for any refusal given to the applicant?  Have applicants a right of
appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence a nd, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
9. Are all persons, firms and institu tions eligible to apply for licences:
(a) under restrictive licensing systems?(b) under non-restrictive systems?
If not, is there a system of registration of persons  or firms permitted to engage in importation?  What
persons or firms are eligible?  Is there a registration fee?  Is there a published list of authorized
importers?
Documentational and other requirem ents for application for licence
10. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What documents is the
importer required to supply with the application?
11. What documents are required upon actual importation?
12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative ch arge?  If so, what is the amount of the fee or
charge?
13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requireme nt associated with the issue of licences?  If
so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refunda ble, the period of retention and the purpose of the
requirement.
Conditions of licensing
14. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be extended?  How?
15. Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?16. Are licences transferable between importers?  If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to
such transfer?
17. Are any other conditions attached to the issu e of a licence:  (a)  for products subject to
quantitative restriction?  (b)  for products  not subject to quantitative restriction?
Other procedural requirements
18. Are there any other administrative proce dures, apart from import licensing and similar
administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
19. Is foreign exchange automatically provided  by the banking authorities for goods to be
imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  Is foreign exchange
always available to cover licences issued?  What form alities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign
exchange?G/LIC/W/17
Page 15
ANNEX II
Generally, information concerning the administ ration of automatic import licensing procedures
can be found under the following headings of th e replies to the Questionnaire on Import Licensing
Procedures:
Relevant Article Relevant Question
in Agreement in Questionnaire
1. Purposes of maintaining automatic
import licensing procedures Article 2.2(b) No. 4
2. Product coverage Article 1.4(a) No. 2
3. Eligibility of importers to apply
for automatic licences Articles 2.2(a)(i) No. 9(b)
and 1.4(a)
4. Period of submission and processing
of applications Articles 2.2(a)(ii) Nos. 7(a), 7(b)
and 2.2(a)(iii) and 7(c)
5. Administrative body to be approached Article 1.6 No. 7(d)
6. Refusal of applications Article 1.7 No. 87. Application forms and other documents
required on application Article 1.5 No. 10
8. Availability of foreign exchange for
imports Article 1.9 No. 19G/LIC/W/17
Page 16
ANNEX III
Generally, information concerning the admi nistration of non-automatic import licensing
procedures can be found under the following headin gs of the replies to the Questionnaire on Import
Licensing Procedures:
Relevant Article Relevant Question
in Agreement in Questionnaire
1. Purpose Articles 3.1 No. 4
and 3.3
2. Product coverage under each
non-automatic licensing system Article 1.4(a) No. 2
3. Distribution of licences among
supplying countries Articles 3.5(a)(iii) No.3
and 3.5©
4. Size of quotas Articles 3.5(h), 3.5(i) Nos. 6(I), 6(II)
and 3.5(l) and 6(III)
5. Eligibility of importers to apply
for non-automatic licences Article 3.5(e) No. 9(a)
6. Allocation of licences to applicants Article 3.5(j) Nos. 6(III) and
6(VIII)
7. Period of processing of applic ations Article 3.5(f) Nos. 6(V) and
6(VIII)
8. Period of licence validity Article 3.5(g) Nos. 6(VI) and 149. Application forms and other documents
required on application Article 1.5 No. 10
10. Administrative body to be approached Article 1.6 No. 6(VII)
11. Refusal of applications Article 1.7 No. 812. Availability of foreign exchange for
imports Article 1.9 No. 19G/LIC/W/17
Page 17
ANNEX IV
Questions and replies received under the review procedures agreed by the Committee14
G/LIC/Q/ATG/1(26.10.01) Questions from US to Antigua and
BarbudaG/LIC/Q/IND/7 (30.6.02) Replies from India to US
G/LIC/Q/ARE/1 (1.11.00) Questions from US to the United Arab
EmiratesG/LIC/Q/ISL/1 (1.11.00) Questions from US to Iceland
G/LIC/Q/BGD/1 (1.11.00) Questions from US to Bangladesh G/LIC/Q/ISL/2 (26.6.01) Replies from Iceland to US
G/LIC/Q/BHR/1 (1.11.00) Questions from US to Bahrain G/LIC/Q/JPN/1 (2.5.97) Questions from New Zealand to
Japan
G/LIC/Q/BOL/1 (1.11.00) Question from US to Bolivia G/LIC/Q/JOR/1(20.6.01) Questions from US to Jordan
G/LIC/Q/BOL/2 (13.3.02) Replies from Bolivia to US G/LIC/Q/JOR/2 (14.5.02) Replies from Jordan to US
G/LIC/Q/BRB/1 (28.1.97) Questions from Australia to Barbados G/LIC/Q/KOR/1 (8.4.97) Questions from Japan to Korea
G/LIC/Q/BRB/2 (3.2.97) Questions from US to Barbados G/LIC/Q/KOR/2 (2.5.97) Questions from New Zealand to
Korea
G/LIC/Q/BGR/1 (2.5.97) Questions from New Zealand to Bulgaria G/LIC/Q/KOR/3 (13.10.97) Replies from Korea to Japan
G/LIC/Q/CAN/1 (29.1.97) Questions from Australia to Canada G/LIC/Q/KOR/4 (10.10.97) Replies from Korea to New Zealand
G/LIC/Q/CAN/2 (31.1.97) Questions from EC to Canada G/LIC/Q/MDG/1 (1.11.00) Questions from US to Madagascar
G/LIC/Q/CAN/3 (3.2.97) Questions from US to Canada G/LIC/Q/MLT/1 (28.1.97) Replies from Malta to Australia
G/LIC/Q/CHN/1 (6.8.02) Comments & questions from EC to China G/LIC/Q/MLT/2 (1.11.00) Questions from US to Malta
G/LIC/Q/CHN/2 (26.8.02) Questions from US to China G/LIC/Q/MLT/3 (9.11.00) Reply from Malta to US
G/LIC/Q/CHN/3 (27.8.02) Questions from Japan to China G/LIC/Q/MUS/1 (21.1.97) Replies from Mauritius to Australia
G/LIC/Q/CRI/1 (29.1.97) Question from EC to Costa Rica G/LIC/Q/MUS/2 (20.1.97) Replies from Mauritius to US
G/LIC/Q/CRI/2 (28.1.97) Question from Australia to Costa Rica G/LIC/Q/MYS/1(23.10.98) Questions from US to Malaysia
G/LIC/Q/CRI/3 (29.1.97) Comments and questions from US to
Costa RicaG/LIC/Q/MYS/2(5.1.00) Replies from Malaysia to US
G/LIC/Q/CRI/4 (15.5.02) Comments and questions from US to
Costa RicaG/LIC/Q/NOR/1 (20.1.97) Reply from Norway to EC
G/LIC/Q/DMA/1(20.6.01) Questions from US to Dominica G/LIC/Q/NOR/2 (20.1.97) Replies from Norway to US
G/LIC/Q/DMA/2 (3.6.02) Replies from Dominica to US G/LIC/Q/OMN/1 (20.6.01) Questions from US to Oman
G/LIC/Q/ECU/1 (3.2.97) Questions from US to Ecuador G/LIC/Q/PHL/1 (25.4.00) Questions from Canada to
Philippines
G/LIC/Q/EEC/1 (15.5.02) Question from US to EC G/LIC/Q/POL/1 (20.6.01) Questions from US to Poland
G/LIC/Q/GHA/1(26.10.01) Questions from US to Ghana G/LIC/Q/ROM/1(15.5.02) Questions from US to Romania
G/LIC/Q/HTI/1 (1.11.00) Questions from US to Haiti G/LIC/Q/ROM/2 (29.5.02) Replies from Romania to US
G/LIC/Q/IND/1 (20.1.97) Replies from India to Australia G/LIC/Q/TCD/1 (1.11.00) Questions from US to Chad
G/LIC/Q/IND/2 (21.1.97) Replies from India to EC G/LIC/Q/TUR/1(15.5.02) Comments and requests from US to
Turkey
G/LIC/Q/IND/3 (20.1.97) Replies from India to US G/LIC/Q/URY/1(26.10.01) Questions from US to Uruguay
G/LIC/Q/IND/4 (8.5.98) Questions from Japan to India G/LIC/Q/VEN/1 (10.11.00) Replies from Venezuela to Uruguay
G/LIC/Q/IND/5 (11.4.01) Replies from India to Canada G/LIC/Q/VEN/2 (19.6.01) Questions from US to Venezuela
G/LIC/Q/IND/6 (19.6.01) Questions from US to India G/LIC/Q/VEN/3(15.5.02) Comments and requests from US to
Venezuela
__________
                                                     
14 See G/LIC/4 for the Understanding reached by the Committee on Procedures for the Review of
Notifications.