WT/CTE/EDB/2 1 
 
23 February 2023  
(23-1311) Page: 1/24 
Committee on Trade and Environment    
 
ENVIRONMENTAL DATABASE FOR 2021 
NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT1 
1. The WTO Environmental Database (EDB)  is prepared in response to a recommendation in the 
1996 Report of the Committee on Trade and Environment (WT/CTE/1)  for the Secretariat to compile 
and update annually all environment -related notifications to the WTO.2 3  
2. In October 2018, a web -based EDB  application was developed. The web -based EDB is available 
through the WTO website: https://www.wto.org/edb  or through the URL address: 
https://edb.wto.org/ .4  
3. Information in the  EDB for 2021 is drawn from the 4,933 notifications submitted by 116 WTO 
Members. In 2021, there w ere a record 931 environment -related notifications with 2 ,250 distinct 
environment -related measures.  In addition, there were 1 ,516 environment -related entries  drawn 
from the 18 TPRs circulated in 2021. The full data set for 2021 can be accessed at:   
https://edb.wto.org/search?field _year%5B%5D=2021&search_api_fulltext=&field_ics_hs_code=  .   
4. This note is a summary report of the underlying data contained in the EDB. It  covers 
information on: (i) environment -related measures notified under  WTO Agreements and notification 
obligations (Section 1); (ii) environment -related measures mentioned in Trade Policy Reviews (TPRs)  
(Section  2); and (iii) EDB data for topic -specific analysis (Section 3) .  
_______________  
  
 
1 This document has been prepared under the Secretariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice to 
the positions of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO.  
2 Previous Environmental Databases have been circulated in the following documents: EDB 1996 in 
WT/CTE/W/46, EDB 1997 in  WT/CTE/W/77, EDB 1998 in WT/CTE/W/118, EDB  1999 in WT/CTE/W/143, EDB  2000 
in WT/CTE/W/195, EDB 2001 in WT/CTE/EDB/1, EDB 2002 in WT/CTE/EDB/2, EDB 2003 in WT/CTE/EDB/3, EDB 
2004 in WT/CTE/EDB/4, EDB 2005 in WT/CTE/EDB/5, EDB 2006 in WT/CTE/EDB/6, EDB  2007 in WT/CTE/EDB/7, 
EDB 2008 in WT/CTE/EDB/8, EDB 2009 in WT/CTE/EDB/9 and Add.1, EDB 2010 in  WT/CTE/EDB/10 and Add.1, 
EDB 2011 in  WT/CTE/EDB/11 and Add.1, EDB 2012 in  WT/CTE/EDB/12 and Add.1 , EDB 201 3 in WT/CTE/EDB/1 3 
and Add.1 , EDB 201 4 in WT/CTE/EDB/1 4 and Add.1 , EDB 201 5 in WT/CTE/EDB/1 5 and Add.1 , EDB 201 6 
in WT/CTE/EDB/1 6 and Add.1  EDB 201 7 in WT/CTE/EDB/1 7, EDB 2018 in WT/CTE/EDB/18 , EDB 2019 in 
WT/CTE/EDB/19 , and EDB 2020 in WT/CTE/EDB/20 and Corr.1.  
3 The list of key words is contained in Annex I to this document. See also the following documents 
containing information on search words: WT/CTE/W/46, W T/CTE/W/78 and WT/CTE/W/102.  The search strings 
and key words are for EDB data collection/entry purposes only. They do not constitute any legal interpr etation 
and are without prejudice to the positions of WTO Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO . 
4 Users are invited to access EDB directly from the web -based application which contains data from 2009 
to 2021. More data will be uploaded to the database as and when ready.  WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS  
1   WTO NOTIFICATIONS  ................................ ................................ ..............................  3 
2   INFORMATION CONTAINED IN TRADE POLICY REVIEWS (TPRS)  ..............................  9 
3   EDB DATA FOR TOPIC -SPECIFIC ANALYSIS  ................................ ............................. 14 
3.1   EDB environment -related objectives addressing biodiversity  ................................ ..........  15 
3.2   WTO Members with biodiversity -related measures  ................................ ........................  16 
3.3   WTO Agreements and types of biodiver sity-related measures  ................................ .........  17 
3.4   Biodiversity coverage in the TPR entries of the EDB  ................................ ......................  18 
4   ANNEXES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 20 
Annex I – EDB Keywords  ................................ ................................ ................................  20 
Annex II – Number of Environment -related Notifications (1997 – 2021)  ................................ .. 21 
Annex III – EDB Harmonized Categories  ................................ ................................ ............  23 
 
TABLE OF CHARTS  
Chart 1.1 – Environment -related Notifications (1997 –2021)  ................................ ....................  3 
Chart 1.2 – Environment -related Notifications by Members (2021)  ................................ ...........  4 
Chart 1.3 – Environment -related Notifications and Measures  (2009 -2021)  ................................ . 5 
Chart 1.4 - Environment -related Notifications and Measures by Agreement (2021)  .....................  6 
Chart 1.5 – Types of Environment -related Objectives identified in the EDB (2021)  ......................  7 
Chart 1.6 – Type of Measures identified in the EDB (2021)  ................................ .....................  8 
Chart 1.7 – Type o f Sectors identified in the EDB (2021)  ................................ ........................  9 
Chart 2.1 - Types of Environment -related Measures Mentioned in TPRs (2021)  .........................  14 
Chart 3.1 – EDB biodiversity -related notified measures  (2009 -2021)  ................................ ...... 15 
Chart 3.2 – Biodiversity -related measures by environmental objectives (2009 -2021)  ................  16 
Chart 3.3 – Top 10 WTO Members with biodiversity -related measures (2009 -2021)  ..................  17 
Chart 3.4 – Biodiversity -related measures by WTO Agreement (2009 -2021)  ............................  17 
Chart 3.5 – Number of biodiversity -related TPR entries by year (2009 –2021) ...........................  18 
Chart 3.6 – Top 10 WTO Members with biodiversity -related information in TPRs (2009 -2021)
  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  19 
 
TABLE OF TABLES  
Table 3.1 - Top 10 types  of biodiversity -related  measures  (2009 –2021)  ................................ .. 18 
Table 4.1 – Harmonized Categories of environment -related objectives (25)  .............................  23 
Table 4.2 - Harmonized Categories of type of measures (31)  ................................ ................  23 
Table 4.3 - Harmonized C ategories of sectors subject to the measure (11)  ..............................  24 
 
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  WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
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  1  WTO NOTIFICATIONS  
1.1.  In 2021, of the 4,933  notifications submitted by WTO Members,5 931 notifications were 
environment  related. Since 1997, there has been a marked  increase in the number of environment -
related notifications to the WTO. The share of environment -related notifications as a percentag e of 
total notifications has also more than doubled over the same time period albeit with year -on-year 
fluctuations (see Chart 1.1).6  
Chart 1.1 – Environment -related Notifications (1997 –2021)  
 
 
 
 
 
1.2.  Environme nt-related notifications have been submitted by WTO Members from all regions of 
the world and at all levels of development (Chart 1.2). One-hundred and sixteen  WTO Members 
submitted notifications of environment -related measures, with the European Union  (115 
notifications), the United States  (86), Brazil  (68), Rwanda  (58), and Ukraine  (36) notifying the 
highest number of environment -related notifications in 202 1.  
  
 
5 This number includes regular notifications, as well as addenda, corrigenda and revisions, except in the 
case of TBT and SPS notifications where addenda and corrigenda are not covered.  
6 In 1997, 8.1% or around one in 12  notifications were environment -related  whereas  in 2021 18.9% or 
nearly one in five WTO notifications were environment -related.  
         
         
         
                   
     
          
                    
     
               
     
               
      
      
      
   
         
         
            
   
                     
                             
                                                                                                                                    
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  Chart 1.2 – Environment -related Notifications by Members ( 2021 ) 
 
 
115
86
68
58
36
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1European Union
United States of America
Brazil
Rwanda
Ukraine
Uganda
India
Turkey
United Kingdom
China
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
Australia
Chile
Burundi
Côte d’Ivoire
Korea, Republic of
Bahrain, Kingdom of
Chinese Taipei
Tonga
Canada
New Zealand
Kenya
Tanzania
Japan
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
Switzerland
El Salvador
France
Mexico
Oman
Pakistan
Philippines
Colombia
Israel
Kuwait, the State of
Qatar
Yemen
Singapore
Costa Rica
Norway
Morocco
Viet Nam
Denmark
Hong Kong, China
Argentina
Macao, China
Ecuador
Egypt
Peru
Russian Federation
Kyrgyz Republic
Indonesia
South Africa
Liechtenstein
Sweden
Myanmar
Panama
Belize
Dominica
Guatemala
Nicaragua
Hungary
Seychelles
Kazakhstan
Netherlands
Lithuania
Montenegro
Poland
Cambodia
Albania
Dominican Republic
Iceland
Barbados
Botswana
Honduras
Malaysia
Mongolia
Tunisia
Ireland
Austria
Bulgaria
Cuba
Estonia
Finland
Spain
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Afghanistan
Mauritius
Portugal
Belgium
Romania
Georgia
Greece
Latvia
Antigua and Barbuda
Germany
Grenada
Guyana
Haiti
Italy
Jamaica
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Mali
Moldova, Republic of
Mozambique
Niger
Papua New Guinea
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Tajikistan
Trinidad and Tobago
UruguayWT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
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1.3.  In addition to the number of notifications, it is useful to see the trends in the environment -
related measures contained therein. Some notifications are made separately for each and every 
measure (su ch as notifications under the  Agreement on  Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) ) while 
others cover various or multiple measures in a single notification such as notifications pursuant to 
the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, the Agreement on Agricult ure, and the Agreement 
on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, among others. For these notifications, the various 
environment -related measures are broken down and each one is reported separately in the database.  
1.4.  Chart 1.3 therefore tracks the total numbe r of environment -related notifications and the total 
number of environment -related measures contained in them. There are year -on-year fluctuations in 
the numbers, but the overall trend suggests a steady increase in environment -related notifications 
and mea sures over the period 2009 to 2021.  In 2021, t here were a record -high 2,250  environment -
related measures drawn from 931 environment -related notifications. The sharp rise in environment -
related measures (62% increase from 2020) was driven by measures reported in WTO Members' 
subsidy notifications submitted on a biennial basis.    
Chart 1.3 – Environment -related Notifications and Measures  (2009 -2021)  
  
 
 
 
1.5.  Chart 1.4 illustrates the incidence of envi ronment -related notifications and measures across  
the WTO Agreements in 2021.7 As in previous years, the TBT Agreement has the highest number of 
environment -related notifications ( 556), accounting for nearly 60 % of all WTO environment -related 
notification s in 2021. A number of environment -related measures were also notified under the SPS 
 
7 In 2021, environment -related notifications were identified under the following WTO Agreements: 
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT); Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures (SPS); Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures ( ASCM); Agreement on Agriculture  (AG); 
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures (ILP);  Agreement on Safeg uards (SG) ; Understanding on the 
Interpretation of Article XVII of the GATT 1994 (State Trading Enterprises  (STR) ); Understanding on the 
Interpretation of Article XXIV of the GATT 1994  (Regional Trade Agreements  (RTAs) ); General Agreement on 
Trade in Servi ces (GATS); Decision on Notification Procedures for Quantitative Restrictions (QR s); Agreement on 
Trade -Related Investment Measures (TRIMS) ; Agreement on Pre -shipment Inspection  (PSI); Government 
Procurement Agreement (GPA);  and the Trade Facilitation Agre ement (TFA).  
480 450 468561620551499575 602663 672827931
829
6801143
945119612761349
11761492
13631764
13912250
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Environment related notifications Environment related measuresWT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
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  Agreement ( 142 notifications)8, the Agreement on Agriculture (75), the Agreement on Import 
Licensing Procedures ( 58), and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Me asures (50) .9  
1.6.  In terms of environment -related measures  in 2021, t he Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures reported the highest number of measures with 795 environment -related 
measures, followed by the TBT Agreement (556), the Agreement on Agriculture ( 346), the  
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures (191)  and Quantitative Restrictions with 1 64 
environment -related measures.10 
Chart 1.4 - Environment -related Notifications and Measures by Agreement (202 1) 
 
 
1.7.  The environment -related measures mentioned in the 202 1 notifications addressed a range of 
environmental objectives (see Chart 1.5) . Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management 
(17.2%), Energy conservation and efficiency  (14.3%), Sustainable agriculture management  
(11.3%), Alternative and renewable ene rgy (10.3%), and Biodiversity and ecosystem  (10.1%) were 
among the most common objectives covered in 2021 EDB notified measures . 
 
8 In 2020 and 2021, the number of environment -related notifications recorded under the SPS Agreement 
are significantly higher than in previous years. Food safety measures are usually not included in the database. 
However,  since 2020, some Memb ers, while notifying pesticides and household chemicals, noted that their own 
standards may differ from Codex standards due to varying environmental factors  and these notifications have 
been included in the EDB .  
9 In 2021, n o environment -related notificat ions were submitted under the following WTO Agreements:  
Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti -dumping (ADP)); Agreement on 
Implementation of Article VII of the GATT 1994 (Customs Valuation (VAL)); Agreement on Rules of Origin  (RO); 
Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS);  Informa tion Technology Agreement 
(ITA);  Understanding on the Balance -of-Payments (BOP) Provisions of GAT T 1994; and Other notification 
provisions such as preferential trade agr eements notified to the Committee on Trade and Development.  
10 Under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, WTO Members notify once every two 
years, which explains the year -on-year variation in environment -related ASCM notifications and mea sures. See 
G/SCM/M/30, para. 6 and G/SCM/M/46, para. 43. In 2021, the number of notifications and measures notified 
under the ASCM was significantly higher than in 2020.  
556
142
75
58
50
21
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1556
142
346
191
795
164
10
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4
1Technical Barriers to Trade
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
Agriculture
Import Licensing Procedures
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures
Quantitative Restrictions
Regional Trade Agreements
Trade Facilitation
State Trading
Government Procurement
Safeguards
General Agreement on Trade in Services
Trade-Related Investment Measures
Pre-shipment Inspection
Environment-related Notifications Environment-related MeasuresWT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
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  Chart 1.5 – Types of Environment -related Objectives11 identified in the EDB (2021 )12  
 
 
 
 
1.8.  In terms of types of measure (see Chart 1. 6), grants and direct payments  accounted for the 
largest share in the 2021 notifications (33.8%) , followed by technical regulation or specifications 
(30.9%), import licenses (11 .5%), non -monetary support (7.9%), and bans/prohibition (7.6% ).  
  
 
11 See Annex III for a list of the harmonized categories by types of measures, objectives or sectors.  
12 Since more than one environmental objective /measure/sector  can be mentioned in a notified measure, 
the total number may exceed 100 %. 
386, 17.2%
322, 14.3%
255, 11.3%
231, 10.3%
228, 10.1%
207, 9.2%
197, 8.8%
173, 7.7%
171, 7.6%
162, 7.2%
158, 7.0%
146, 6.5%
142, 6.3%
130, 5.8%
116, 5.2%
111, 4.9%
109, 4.8%
102, 4.5%
95, 4.2%
83, 3.7%
71, 3.2%
67, 3.0%
23, 1.0%
17, 0.8%
10, 0.4%Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management
Energy conservation and efficiency
Sustainable agriculture management
Alternative and renewable energy
Biodiversity and ecosystem
Climate change mitigation and adaptation
MEAs implementation and compliance
Waste management and recycling
Other environmental risks mitigation
Environmental protection from pests and diseases
Natural resources conservation
Animal protection
Sustainable fisheries management
Water management and conservation
General environmental protection
Sustainable and environmentally friendly production
Plant protection
Sustainable forestry management
Air pollution reduction
Soil management and conservation
Environmental goods and services promotion
Ozone layer protection
Environmentally friendly consumption
Afforestation/reforestation
Sustainable mining managementWT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
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Chart 1.6 – Type of Measures13 identified in the EDB (2021)14 
 
 
 
 
1.9.  In the sectoral analysis (Chart 1. 7), the sector that was most frequently associated with 
environment -related measures in 2021 was agriculture  with 31.2%  of all the identified measures, 
followed by manufacturing (26.3%), chemicals (15.2%) and energy (12.4%). Sectors such as wildlife 
or wast e are captured under the heading "Other" which  accounted for 13.7%  of the total measures.  
 
13 See Annex III for a  list of the harmonized categories by types of measures, objectives or sectors.  
14 Since more than one environmental objective /measure/sector  can be mentioned in a notified measure, 
the total number may exceed 100 %. 
760, 33.8%
696, 30.9%
259, 11.5%
179, 8.0%
171, 7.6%
151, 6.7%
123, 5.5%
117, 5.2%
102, 4.5%
43, 1.9%
32, 1.4%
31, 1.4%
28, 1.2%
15, 0.7%
12, 0.5%
10, 0.4%
9, 0.4%
7, 0.3%
7, 0.3%
5, 0.2%
4, 0.2%
3, 0.1%
3, 0.1%
2, 0.1%
2, 0.1%
1, 0.0%Grants and direct payments
Technical regulation or specifications
Import licences
Non-monetary support
Ban/Prohibition
Tax concessions
Loans and financing
Conformity assessment procedures
Export licences
Regulation affecting movement or transit
Import quotas
Other environmental requirements
Risk assessment
Other support measures
Other measures
Environmental provisions in trade agreements
Quarantine requirements
Export quotas
Income or price support
Public procurement
Investment measures
Import tariffs
Intellectual property measures
Not specified
Safeguard measure / investigation
Internal taxesWT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
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  Chart 1.7 – Type of Sectors15 identified in the EDB (2021)16 
  
 
 
1.10.  Further infographics, charts, and the full set of EDB notification data can be accessed from 
the EDB web -based interface available through the WTO website: https://www.wto.org/edb .  
2  INFORMATION CONTAINED IN TRADE POL ICY REVIEWS  (TPRS)  
2.1.  The EDB covers information on the environment -related policies, measures or programmes 
contained in the Secretariat and Government T PR reports . Eighteen TPRs were considered by the 
Trade Policy Review  Body in 2021, namely (in alphabetical order): Argentina, China, India, Kingdom 
of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyz Republic, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, 
Oman, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Singapore, Tajikistan, Tonga and Viet Nam.  
2.2.  There were 1516 entries with references to environment -related policies, measures or sectors 
in these TPRs.17 The environment -related TPR entries are reported under the headings: trade policy 
framework; trade policies and practices by measure ; and trade policies by sector. In general, trade 
policy framework entries include information on government environmental policies, plans, 
programmes and investment policies. Environment -related trade policies and practices by measure 
include environmenta l requirements and quantitative restrictions  (e.g. technical regulation or 
specifications, conformity assessment procedures, import/export licences, bans and prohibitions); 
price and market -based measures (e.g. import/export tariffs, import/export quotas,  and internal 
taxes); and support measures (e.g. grants and direct payments, loans and financing, tax 
concessions, non -monetary support measures, income or price support, and public procurement). 
The environment -related sectors mentioned in the 2021 TPRs i nclude agriculture, chemicals, energy, 
fisheries, forestry, manufacturing, mining, services, and others.  
 
15 See Annex III for a list of the harmoni zed categories by types of measures, objectives or sectors.  
16 Since more than one environmental objective /measure/sector  can be mentioned in a notified measure, 
the total number may exceed 100 %. 
17 The number of environment -related TPR entries corresponds t o the number of times particular 
environment -related policies, measures or programmes are mentioned in the Secretariat or Government TPR 
Reports.  
702, 31.2%
591, 26.3%
343, 15.2%
308, 13.7%
278, 12.4%
160, 7.1%
157, 7.0%
123, 5.5%
101, 4.5%
22, 1.0%
6, 0.3%Agriculture
Manufacturing
Chemicals
Other
Energy
Fisheries
Services
All products/economic activities
Forestry
Mining
Not specifiedWT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
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  2.3.  The TPR of Argentina18 includes 106 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include Argentina’s negotiat ions with Mexico and Peru to expand and 
strengthen their Economic Complementation Agreement, covering several issues, including 
provisions on trade and environment. On environment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter 
alia: import duties reduction  on vehicles using hydrogen fuelled hybrid engines, electric engines and 
fuel cells, to promote clean new technologies; a tax on carbon dioxide emissions in the fuel tax; and 
import duties exemptions for new components and inputs for renewable energy inves tment projects. 
In the sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR entries include the National Fund for the Enrichment 
and Conservation of Native Forests, with the aim of compensating jurisdictions that preserve native 
forests for the environmental services th ey provide; and the project for the promotion of biomass -
derived energy (PROBIOMASA).  
2.4.  The TPR of China19 includes 181 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include the implementation of a national strategy o n climate change 
through, inter alia , the establishment of a carbon emissions trading market, and expanding the forest 
carbon sink; and the Protocol to Upgrade the Free Trade Agreement between China and New Zealand, 
that added new chapters to the Agreement , including on environment and trade . On environment -
related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia :  the extension of support measures for electric 
and hybrid vehicles until end -2022; and policies to provide more favourable treatment to energy -
saving  and environmentally  friendly products in government procurement. In the sectoral analysis, 
examples of the TPR entries include  a new environmental tax policy aimed at promoting 
environmental protection and reducing pollution in the manufacturing sector; a nd the reduction of 
coal consumption, in line with objectives set for green and low -carbon energy development.  
2.5.  The TPR of India20 includes 76 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include investment incentives in the form of lending targets for all 
banks to priority sectors, including renewable energy. On environment -related measures, the TPR 
entries cover, inter alia :  incentive programmes to promote investment in specific industries/sectors, 
such as hybrid and electric vehicles; and the amendments to the General Financial Rules to include 
environmental considerations in procurement processes . In the sectoral analysis, examples of the 
TPR entries include a traceability system to prevent and discourage illegal, unreported and 
unregulated (IUU) fishing; and a Renewable Purchase Obligation established to promote the use of 
renewable energies, stipula ting that 21% of the total electricity supplied by 2021/22 must be from 
renewable sources.  
2.6.  The TPR of the  Kingdom of Bahrain21 includes 64 environment -related entries. Examples of the 
trade policy framework entries in the TPR include seeking direct investm ents towards technologies 
that reduce carbon emissions, minimize pollution, and promote the sourcing of more sustainable 
energy; and the Vision 2030 action plan, which aims to, inter alia , optimize the use of resources and 
ensure their sustainability. On e nvironment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia : 
import prohibitions on waste, parings, and scrap of plastic; and support measures for key industries, 
including recycling and energy saving. In the sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR entri es include 
efforts to build an environmentally  friendly manufacturing sector through the shifting to cleaner 
production activities; and the establishment of a legislative framework regulating the connection of 
renewable energy generators to the electricity  distribution system.  
2.7.  The TPR of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia22 includes 83 environment -related entries. Examples 
of the trade policy framework entries in the TPR include the goals of Vision 2030 on developing non -
oil activities, notably renewable energy; a nd increasing private investment, both foreign and local, 
to stimulate and diversify the Saudi economy, generate employment, and achieve sustainable 
development . On environment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia : import restrictions  
of rec ycled plastic waste under the Basel and Rotterdam  Conventions and import restrictions of 
ozone -depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol; and environmental laws replaced with a 
new law and executive regulations, standards, requirements and guideline s that aimed to protect, 
develop and sustain the environment . In the sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR entries include  
the national strategy for Agriculture to enhance food security, promote the sustainable use of natural 
resources , contribute effectively in achieving water security and preserv e the environment ; and the 
 
18 WT/TPR/G/412  and WT/TPR/S/412/Rev.1 . 
19 WT/TPR/G/415  and WT/TPR/S/415/Rev.1 . 
20 WT/TPR/G/403  and WT/TPR/S/403/R ev.1. 
21 WT/TPR/G/419  and WT/TPR/S/419/Rev.1 . 
22 WT/TPR/G/407  and WT/T PR/S/407/Rev.1 . WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
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  National Renewable Energy Programme launched in 2017 to substantially increase the share of 
renewable energy in the national power energy mix . 
2.8.  The TPR of Kyrgyz Repub lic23 includes 68 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade 
policy framework entries in the TPR include Kyrgyz Republic's  participation in the United Nations 
Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), to provide a platform for cr oss-border 
cooperation for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals; and the Law on State 
Regulation of Foreign Trade Activity, which identifies responsibilities of the Government with respect 
to environmental standards and requirements. On env ironment -related measures, the TPR entries 
cover, inter alia : fiscal incentives to produce energy from renewable sources; and an environmental 
pollution fee on foreign freight carriers applied at the border during the period 2015 -19. In the 
sectoral analys is, examples of the TPR entries include sustainable tourism as a priority area of 
development in the National Development Strategy for 2018 -2040, and in mining, the need for the 
introduction of modern technologies with minimal environmental impact.  
2.9.  The TPR  of Mauritius24 includes 88 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include the Vision 2030 Strategy, to transform Mauritius into an Ocean 
State by promoting the blue economy as one of its main pillars of deve lopment, to tap into the 
economic potential of the ocean while protecting this resource; and the Government Programme 
2020-2024 (Inclusiveness at the Heart of the Nation) that sets out a road map for socio -economic 
policy, including policy priorities, such  as environmental enhancement. On environment -related 
measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia : excise duty reduction for hybrid or electric vehicles to 
promote sales of vehicles emitting less CO 2; and an import ban on certain types of plastic bags. In 
the sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR entries include a new Fisheries Bill  that contributes to the 
development of the fisheries sector in a sustainable manner based on conservation and management 
principles; tourism services that rely on environmental policy to market Mauritius as a  zero-
carbon footprint destination;  and the establishment of the Agricultural Risk -Management 
Framework to increase the resilience of farmers to address their vulnerability to climate change.  
2.10.  The TPR of Mongolia25 includes 121 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include the Roadmap for Trade and Investment of Mongolia for 
diversification of export s, including with renewable energy; and national programmes that ad dress 
trade policy  such as  the Mongolia Sustainable Development Vision 2030.  On environment -related 
measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia : the import prohibition of equipment which are harmful 
to the ozone layer and contribute to global warming; and implementing green procurement, for the 
efficient use of energy and natural resources, the sustainability of ecosystem services and climate 
change adaptation. In the sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR entries include the adoption of the 
Green Developme nt Policy  to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to ensure that the share of 
renewables used in total energy production reaches  30% by 2030; and amendments to the Mineral 
Law, to implement tax and royalties on natural resources, mineral reserves, air, soi l and water 
pollution.  
2.11.  The TPR of Myanmar26 includes 113 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include  the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan, with a strategy 
to strengthen the monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations, act against 
environmental crimes, and to support skills development in preparation for Myanmar's transition to 
a green economy.  On environment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia :  grants for 
small and medium -sized enterprises  (SMEs ) working on energy efficiency, water use efficiency, waste 
treatment and recycling; the import prohibition on wildlife and endangered species; and tax 
exemptions for certain domestically produced solar goods and services. In the sectoral analysis, 
examples of the TPR entries include the implementation of  Myanmar reforestation and rehabilitation 
programme to increase forest cover and to r educe greenhouse gas emission in the context of 
sustainable forest management; and a tourism policy to benefit from a growing global demand for 
ecotourism  and sustainable travel . 
2.12.  The TPR of Nicaragua27 includes 58 environment -related entries. Examples of t he trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include Nicaragua viewing trade as a key tool in sustainable 
development; and the main sectoral objectives of the National Human Development Plan 2018 -2021 
 
23 WT/TPR/G/411  and WT/TPR/S/411/Rev.1 . 
24 WT/TPR/G/417  and WT/TPR/S/417/Rev.1 . 
25 WT/TPR/G/406/Rev.1  and WT/TPR/S/406/Rev.1 . 
26 WT/TPR/G/405  and WT/TPR/S/405/R ev.1. 
27 WT/TP R/G/404/Rev.1  and WT/TPR/S/404/Rev.1 . WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 12 - 
 
  include to sustainably increase production and added va lue in the agricultural sector . On 
environment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia : imported goods subject to physical 
or documentary inspections, depending on the level of risk and criteria related to health, public safety 
and the environm ent; and tax concessions for specific sectors with export potential, such as tourism, 
renewable energy, and forestry plantations . In the sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR entries 
include incentives for renewable energy  projects  for the public electric ity service ; and the Mine 
Monitoring and Surveillance Fund established to finance monitoring and control of the mining sector, 
including environmental protection.  
2.13.  The TPR of Oman28 includes 25 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include a common environment programme for 2020 within the Gulf 
Cooperation Council (GCC) . On environment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia : 
measures taken by Oman as a participant of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, the 
Montreal Protocol, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 
and Flora  (CITES ), among others;  and export restrictions on specific spec ies of fish during breeding 
and reproduction season, for environmental reasons. In the sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR 
entries include a solar rooftop initiative, allowing private customers to sell extra electricity generated 
to the Oman Power and W ater Procurement Company; and research activities to improve the 
agricultural sector, inter alia , genetic resources, toxic residuals, soil and water management, and 
biological control . 
2.14.  The TPR of Qatar29 includes 41 environment -related entries. Examples of  the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include  Qatar’s trade policy formulated within the framework of Qatar 
National Vision 2030  which is a roadmap towards becoming an advanced society with sustainable 
development by 2030; and Qatar Investment Aut hority as a founding member of the One Planet 
Sovereign Wealth Fund Initiative, which integrates climate change considerations into financial 
decision -making . On environment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia :  the Technical 
Regulation GSO  42:2015 with general requirements for motor vehicles, ensuring high levels of 
safety, environmental protection, energy efficiency, as well as fuel consumption labelling; and the 
support measures for the development of  sectors that are environment friendly  and use renewable 
energy sources. In the sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR entries include  Qatar's agricultural 
strategy, to increase agricultural production in areas where production does not deplete the country's 
groundwater  sources; and  Qatar ‘s National Tourism Sector Strategy to promot e a sustainable and 
diverse tourism industry . 
2.15.  The TPR of the Republic of Korea30 includes 146  environment -related entries. Examples of the 
trade policy framework entries in the TPR include the Green New Deal to ac hieve carbon neutrality 
by 2050; and the bilateral Korea –United Kingdom Trade Agreement that establishes commitments 
on, inter alia , trade and sustainable development. On environment -related measures, the TPR entries 
cover, inter alia : support measures to assist research and development on environmental technology 
and environmental protection activities; and environmental waste charges on certain items that 
contain harmful substances and are difficult to recycle . In the sectoral analysis, examples of the TP R 
entries include the target of gradually phasing out coal and nuclear power generation, and increasing 
the share of renewable energy in electricity generation to reach 20% of power generation by 2030; 
and the tax incentives in the manufacturing sector, to  facilitate the development of eco -friendly cars.  
2.16.  The TPR of the  Russian Federation31 includes 49 environment -related entries. Examples of the 
trade policy framework entries in the TPR include the  BRICS32 Economic Partnership Strategy which 
sets out key areas of interaction, including sustainable development; and  the Russia n Federation  
developing its climate legislation in full compliance with international environmental agreements and 
WTO rules . On enviro nment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia : export duties on 
waste and scrap imposed to address environmental protection problems;  and in public procurement 
the consideration given to criteria such as, ecological characteristics of the procu red products. In the 
sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR entries include  the fisheries policy that aims to ensur e national 
food security, sustainable use of marine living resources, human resources development and 
minimization of negative environmental impact; and  the improvement of production and exports of 
a broad range of forestry products in the context of a sustainable management of forests . 
 
28 WT/TPR/G/418  and WT/TPR/S/418/Rev.1 . 
29 WT/TPR/G/408/Rev.1  and WT/TPR/S/408/Rev.1 . 
30 WT/TPR/G/414/Rev.1  and WT/TPR/S/4 14/Rev.1 . 
31 WT/TPR/G/416  and WT/TPR/S/416/Rev.1 . 
32 Brazil, Russia n Federation , India, China, and South Africa . WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 13 - 
 
  2.17.  The TPR of Singapore33 includes 73 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entrie s in the TPR include Singapore being  committed to work with other Asia Pacific 
Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies, to advance the work on environmental goods and services ; 
and that Singapore has participated in the Trade and Environmental Sustainability  Structured 
Discussions (TESSD)  since December 2020 . On environment -related measures, the TPR entries 
cover, inter alia : the Resource Efficiency Grant for Energy, a non -tax incentive scheme that provides 
co-funding of up to 50% of costs to manufacturing co mpanies, to help them become more energy 
efficient and reduce carbon emissions; and import prohibitions and import licensing requirements for 
health, safety, security, and environmental purposes. In the sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR 
entries includ e a carbon tax on greenhouse gas emissions that applies to all sectors, as part of 
Singapore's comprehensive suite of mitigation measures to reduce emissions; and the Maritime 
Singapore Green Initiative, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of sh ipping and related 
activities and to promote decarbonization of shipping . 
2.18.  The TPR of Tajikistan34 includes 53 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include reforms to the business environment through incentives for 
investors in priority sectors, such as the construction of hydroelectric power plants. On environment -
related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia : imports of ozone -depleting substances being  
controlled; and customs fees not being charged for the movement of goods directly related to the 
prevention of natural disasters and other emergency situations . In the sectoral analysis, examples 
of the TPR entries include the Agriculture Reform Programme, to ensure domestic food security and 
to foster high -yield, export -oriented production based on the rational use and sustainable 
management of natural resource s; and the construction of the largest hydropower project, scheduled 
for completion in 2032.  
2.19.  The TPR of Tonga35 includes 65 environment -related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include that Tonga continues to face signific ant sustainability risks, 
given its economy's vulnerability to natural disasters and global shocks;  and that Tonga would like  
issues, such as vulnerability to climate change, to be reflected into the WTO Work Programme on 
Small Economies . On environment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia : non-
automatic licensing requirements on ozone -depleting substances and endangered species; import 
prohibition of hazardous waste; and prior approval needed for the import of living and genetically 
modified organisms . In the sectoral analysis, examples of the TPR entries include a strong focus on 
sustainability and building resilience against climate change and natural disasters within the Tonga 
Agriculture Sector Plan 2016 -2020; and the Ministry of Fisheries supporting the creation of special 
management areas, which give the coastal community the authority to lead in the protection of the 
area, prevent illegal fishing and improve sustainability.   
2.20.  The TPR of Viet Nam36 includes 106 environ ment-related entries. Examples of the trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include a legal framework that allows for the granting of investment 
incentives  to produce clean and renewable energy, forest planting and protection , and for waste 
management activities . On environment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia :   
programmes and projects  including afforestation activities  financed by the Viet Nam Development 
Bank; and the environmental protection tax appl ied on petroleum products, coal , ozone -depleting 
substances, plastic bags, and various pesticides and herbicides . In the sectoral analysis, examples 
of the TPR entries include  the establishment of a national committee to coordinate efforts by central 
agencies and local authorities to co mbat IUU fishing; and the National Action Plan for Green Growth 
to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of clean and renewable sources 
of energy in a wide range of activities in agriculture and industry . 
2.21.  To illustrate the range of TPR entries, Chart 2.1  below provides a detailed breakdown of the 
types of environment -related measures reported in the TPRs. Apart from general environmental 
references, the environment -related measures most frequently mentioned in the TPRs of 20 21 
includ e investment measures (9.7%), technical regulations and specifications (8.3%), 
ban/prohibition (7.9%), other measures (6.5%), other support measures (6.4%), other 
environmental requirements (6.1%), loans and financing (5.4%) tax concessions (5.3%) and impo rt 
licences (4.9%).  
 
33 WT/TPR/G/413  and WT/TPR/S/413/Rev.1 . 
34 WT/TPR/G/399/Rev.1  and WT/TPR/S/339/Rev.1 . 
35 WT/TPR/G/409  and WT/TPR/S/409/Rev.1 . 
36 WT/TPR/G/410/Rev.1  and WT/TPR/ S/410/Rev.1 . WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Chart 2.1 - Types of Environment -related Measures Mentioned in TPRs (202 1) 
 
 
 
 
3  EDB DATA FOR TOPIC -SPECIFIC ANALYSIS  
3.1.  Building on previous EDB presentations and the feedback received from Members at the CTE,37 
Section 3 in the 2021 EDB report focuses on biodiversity  and provide s an illustration of the 
notifications and TPR data available in the EDB for thematic or topic -specific analysis.  
 
37 See WT/CTE/M/67 (pages 16 -17), WT/CTE/M/68 (pages 28 -30), WT/CTE/M/71 (pages  32-33), and 
WT/CTE/M/7 4 (pages  17-19). 
General environmental protection, 382, 
25.2%
Investment measures, 147, 9.7%
Technical regulation or specifications, 
126, 8.3%
Ban/ prohibition, 120, 7.9%
Other measures, 98, 6.5%
Other support measures, 97, 6.4%Other environmental requirements, 92, 
6.1%Loans, and financing, 82, 5.4%Tax concessions, 80, 5.3%Import licences, 74, 4.9%Grants and direct payments, 68, 4.5%Internal taxes, 61, 4.0%Export licences, 55, 3.6%Non -monetary support, 46, 3.0%Conformity assessment procedures, 41, 
2.7%Other price and market based 
measures, 38, 2.5%Public procurement, 28, 1.8%Intellectual property measures, 25, 
1.6%Export tariffs, 25, 1.6%Risk assessment, 22, 1.5%Environmental provisions in trade 
agreements, 19, 1.3%Regulation affecting movement or transit, 16, 1.1%Import tariffs, 16, 1.1%Income or price support, 10, 0.7%Import quotas, 8, 0.5% Quarantine requirements, 5, 0.3% Export quotas, 4, 0.3%
Not specified,1, 0.1%Anti -dumping/ investigation, 1, 0.1%
Safeguard measure/ investigation, 1, 
0.1%WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 15 - 
 
  3.2.  For biodiversity , the database search function alities38 can be used to filter data by environment -
related objectives39 or by the updated free -text search .40 Biodiversity -related  data in the EDB 
notifications have been analysed by using the environment -related objectives search filter, while the 
EDB biodiversity -related  data in the TPRs has been analysed using the free-text search filter.41  
3.3.  As shown in Chart 3.1, a number of environment -related trade measures notified are 
addressing biodiversity .42 In total, WTO Members have notified 3,693  measures since 2009  (21.9% 
of all EDB measures) , with a record -high 422 measures notified in 2021.   
Char t 3.1 – EDB biodiversity -related notified measures  (2009 -2021)  
 
 
 
 
3.1  EDB environment -related objectives addressing biodiversity  
3.4.  To facilitate  thematic or topic -specific analysis, the notified trade measures inc luded in the EDB 
are tagged to harmonized environment -related objectives  listed in Annex III. Harmonized objectives  
which may be either directly or indirectly linked to biodiversity , include  animal protection ; 
biodiversity and ecosystem ; natural resources conservation ; and plant protection. A single measure 
entered in the database may be assigned multiple or more than one harmonized objective.43  
 
38 See Annex I for the full list of Keywords and Annex III for the full list of  harmonized categories used to 
tag EDB data by types of measures, objectives, or sectors.  
39  The harmonized environment -related objectives that have been used to filter  biodiversity -
related  information for this section of the EDB  report are: animal protection, biodiversity and ecosystem, natural 
resources conservation, plant protection.  
40 The free text search  words  that have been used to filter  biodiversity -related  information for this section 
of the EDB  report are: "biodiversity" "ecosystem"  "wildlife" " endangered" "CITES" "CBD" "Convention on 
Biological Diversity" . 
41 Other topics or themes may be examined in subsequent EDB reports based on the keywords or the 
harmonized categories used to categorize data in the EDB.  
42 The year -on-year fluctu ations may partly be attributable to the variations in the number of notified 
measures pursuant to the ASCM (see also Chart 1.4 and footnote 9).  
43 For example, the 2021 quantitative restriction measure notified by Afghanistan ( G/MA/QR/N/AFG/3 ) on 
endangered species listed in Appendix I of the Con vention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 
Fauna and Flora (CITES) has been tagged to multiple EDB harmonized environment -related objectives, namely: 
animal protection, biodiversity and ecosystem, MEAs implementation and compliance, and p lant protection.  
236
210301368
306332
200252286 284272
224422
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 16 - 
 
   
Chart 3.2 – Biodiversity -related measures by environme ntal objectives (2009 -2021)  
 
 
3.5.  Chart 3.2 provides the year -wise break -up of different biodiversity -related  measures notified 
to the WTO. Since 2009 , the objective " biodiversity and ecosystem " was specifically identified  
in 1,704  or over 46 % of the biodiversity measures  in the EDB . These included, for instance, grants 
provided to farmers and landowners to enhance and aid biodiversity by creating optimum habitats 
and increasing stock management by Ireland,44 or the non-monetary support provid ed by the 
Republic of Korea for promoting research on managing biodiversity loss,45 or the technical regulation 
notified pursuant to the TBT Agreement by C hile, regarding a draft national strategy to reduce marine 
litter which has an adverse impact on biod iversity and the marine environment .46 
3.6.  In addition, " animal protection " and " plant protection " are two harmonized objectives, together 
accounting for 1861 or 50.4%  of all biodiversity -related measures  recorded in the EDB . Examples 
include, f or instance, licensing regulations established by Seychelles regulating the import of fur 
skins and hides,47 the customs valuation procedures of Burundi for endangered species of wild flora 
and fauna covered by CITES,48  and the  research services carried out on production of seeds and 
planting material, as well as on genetic and sustainable crop production systems by Tonga.49 
3.7.  "Natural resources conservation ", constituted 1,028 or 27.8% of the biodiversity -related EDB 
measures. This included, for ex ample, instituting of a program to develop new technologies to 
effectively recover oil products spilled in the marine environment by Canada,50 programs by India to 
support the conservation of natural resources,51 and the research services notified by the D ominican 
Republic to restore forest cover .52 
3.2  WTO Members with biodiversity -related measures  
3.8.  Since 2009 , 114 WTO Members have notified one or more  measures linked to biodiversity . 
These measures have been notified by Members from all regions of the world a nd at all levels of 
development.  Over 40% of the measures covered in this analysis have been notified by developing 
(1,520 measures) and least developed country Members (113 measures). The top ten Members 
alone account for nearly 56 % of all notified biodiversity -related measures recorded in the EDB  (Chart 
3.3). This includes  the European Union and its member  States  (579), the United States  (419), 
Australia  (274), Canada  (151), and New Zea land (127). 
 
44 G/SCM/N/372/EU/ADD.14 . 
45 G/AG/N/KOR/82 . 
46 G/TBT/N/CHL/550 . 
47 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/4 . 
48 G/VAL/N/1/BDI/1 . 
49 G/AG/N/TON/6 . 
50 G/SCM/N/372/CAN . 
51 G/AG/N/IND/19 . 
52 G/AG/N/DOM/46 . 
236
210301368
306332
200252286 284272
224422
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Animal protection Biodiversity and ecosystem Natural resources conservation Plant protectionWT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Chart 3.3 – Top 10 WTO Members with biodiversity -related measures (2009 -2021)  
  
 
 
 
3.3  WTO Agreements and types of biodiversity -related measures  
3.9.  Biodiversity  has been addressed using a wide variety of trade policy measures or instruments.  
Most of these measures were notified under the Agreement on Agriculture  (24.5%) (Chart 3.4).  
Chart 3.4 – Biodiversity -related  measures by WTO Agreement (2009 -2021)  
 
 
 
 
579
419
274
151
127
118
114
106
99
82European Union*
United States of America
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
Costa Rica
China
Switzerland
Peru
Korea, Republic of
905
593
538
515
511
498
45
25
23
17
13
10Agriculture
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures
Quantitative Restrictions
Import Licensing Procedures
Technical Barriers to Trade
Trade Facilitation
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
State Trading
Customs Valuation
General Agreement on Trade in Services
Trade-Related Investment MeasuresWT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 18 - 
 
  3.10.  Table 3.1, drawn from EDB data since 2009 shows that technical regulation or specifications 
(23.9%), followed by grants and direct payments (19.9%) and import licenses (19.1%) were the 
most common types of trade policy measures or instruments to address biodiversity considerations .53 
For example, the technical regulation notified by  the United Kingdom  banning single -use plastics to 
reduce negative impacts on oceans, rivers and land ecosystems54 or among support measures, the 
supply of supporting materials and equipment by Thailand to restore local coastal ecosystems and 
manage fishery resources.55    
Table 3.1 - Top 10 types  of biodiversity -related  measures  (2009–2021)  
Harmonized type of Measures  Number of Measures  Share  
Technical regulation or specifications  884 23.9%  
Grants and direct payments  735 19.9%  
Import licences  704 19.1%  
Ban/Prohibition  562 15.2%  
Conformity assessment procedures  392 10.6%  
Non-monetary support  364 9.9%  
Export licences  330 8.9%  
Risk assessment  217 5.9%  
Regulation affecting movement or transit  136 3.7%  
Loans and financing  60 1.6%  
 
 
3.4  Biodiversity coverage in the  TPR entries of the EDB  
3.11.  Since 2009, information from a total of 215 Trade Policy Reports have been included in the 
EDB.  Based on a free -text search analysis, nearly 95% of these TPRs included biodiversity -related 
trade policies, measures, or sectoral references.56 
3.12.  Overall, there were 1,159 TPR entries that were biodiversity -related entries recorded in the 
EDB. This works out to an average of more than 89 TPR entries per year (Chart 3. 5).  
Chart 3.5 – Number of biodiversity -related TPR entries by year (2009 –2021)   
 
  
 
53 See Annex III for the full list of harmonized categories used to tag EDB data by types of measures.  
54 G/TBT/N/GBR/41.  
55 G/SCM/N/372/THA . 
56 The free text search words used to filter biodiversity -related TPR entries are: "biodiversity" "ecosystem" 
"wildlife" "endangered" "CITES" "CBD" "Convention on Biological Diversity" . 
59
185374114
95128123131
72100
71121
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 19 - 
 
  3.13.  A breakdown of the data shows that nearly 84% of TPR entries are from developing Members 
and least  developed Members. The top 5 WTO Members with biodiversity -related information in the 
TPRs are: the European Union (39), followed by Japan (32), United States (28), Peru (24), and 
Canada (22).  
Chart 3.6 – Top 10 WTO Members with biodiversity -related information in TPRs (2009 -
2021)   
 
 
 
3.14.  The TPRs in 2021 alone, included 121 biodiversity -related TPR entries. In addition to the 
information provided in Section 2 of this document, examples of TPR entries include: Ni caragua’s 
Law on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity which attempts to ensure equitable 
participation in sharing benefits of biodiversity; Republic of Korea's export laws and regulations 
including its Plant Protection Act and Wildlife Prot ection and Management Act; Myanmar’s policies to 
create a more sustainable fisheries sector; Argentina's signing of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to 
Genetic Resources and International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources; India, Tajikistan and Tonga 
focusing  their policies on incentivising ecotourism, wildlife tourism and marine parks respectively; 
the  Kingdom of Bahrain, Mongolia, Qatar, Russian Federation, Singapore and the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia's  licensing requirements to implement obligations undertake n under international conventions 
such as CITES; China's sharing of experiences on the conservation of forests and wildlife protection; 
Oman's licensing requirements to conserve the marine ecosystem ; Vietnam and Mauritius's laws 
relating to combating IUU f ishing, and the management, conservation and protection of fisheries and 
marine resources respectively; and Kyrgyz Republic's industrial policy focusing on conservation on 
biodiversity.   
3.15.  To conclude, the EDB data extracted from the TPRs illustrate the wid e array of trade policy 
instruments being increasingly used by WTO Members to support biodiversity. The WTO’s EDB, as a 
transparency tool, remains available for further thematic or topic -specific research.  
 
 
 
_______________
  
39
32
28
24
22
22
22
22
20
20European Union
Japan
United States of America
Peru
Canada
China
Korea, Republic of
Norway
Macao, China
MyanmarWT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 20 - 
 
  4  ANNEXES  
Annex I – EDB Keywords1  
Keywords  
Bio Fish Organic  
Clean  Forest  Ozone  
Climate  Genetic  Plastic 
Conservation  Green  Pollution  
Desertification  Hazardous  Recycle 
Eco Indigenous  Renewable  
Emissions  Labelling  Soil 
Endangered  MEAs Sustainable  
Energy  Natural disaster  Waste 
Environment  Natural resources  Wildlife  
 
 
1 See also the following documents containing information on search word s: WT/CTE/W/46, WT/CTE/W/78 
and WT/CTE/W/102.   
  WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 21 - Annex II – Number of Environment -related Notifications1 (1997 – 2021) 
WTO Agreements  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  
TBT 89 (795)  98 (648)  83 (671)  97 (610)  67 (539)  114 (582)  100 (794)  107 (638)  121 (771)  155 (874)  168 (1032)  238 (1265)  
SPS 8 (286)  21 (296)  12 (402)  26 (402)  25 (621)  47 (610)  50 (687)  57 (612)  105 (1298)  140 (901)  98 (849)  84 (889)  
SCM 16 (136)  32 (133)  27 (126)  38 (160)  24 (159)  31 (177)  34 (171)  13 (122)  27 (168)  8 (97)  33 (164)  5 (99)  
Agriculture  20 (237)  22 (216)  27 (195)  40 (228)  40 (242)  32 (197)  34 (173)  29 (157)  25 (148)  24 (126)  32 (119)  24 (137)  
Anti-Dumping  4 (109)  1 (133)  3 (133)  0 (127)  0 (134)  1 (166)  2 (155)  3 (134)  0 (127)  0 (112)  0 (118)  0 (134)  
ILP 13 (51)  20 (63)  10 (68)  21 (77)  7 (55)  13 (96)  16 (57)  12 (40)  20 (45)  19 (62)  13 (65)  20 (51)  
Safeguards  0 (42)  1 (47)  0 (99)  1 (110)  1 (137)  1 (170)  1 (147)  3 (75)  1 (80)  0 (86)  0 (59)  0 (73)  
Customs Valuation  0 (9) 1 (14)  1 (15)  3 (36)  1 (41)  1 (41)  0 (11)  0 (17)  1 (13)  0 (1) 0 (9) 0 (12)  
State Trading  0 (37)  2 (36)  0 (50)  0 (50)  1 (56)  5 (58)  3 (38)  0 (43)  1 (12)  1 (37)  0 (20)  1 (24) 
RTAs 6 (55)  8 (74)  14 (75)  8 (56)  10 (64)  0 (41)  0 (56)  0 (70)  0 (63)  0 (30)  0 (25)  4 (37)  
TRIPS  0 (172)  1 (106)  3 (69)  5 (333)  6 (236)  16 (225)  5 (147)  7 (251)  2 (59)  2 (38)  3 (72)  7 (139)  
GATS  0 (24)  1 (25)  0 (21)  0 (25)  0 (46)  7 (43)  0 (41)  4 (52) 1 (53)  1 (29)  0 (41)  0 (49)  
QRs 5 (15)  3 (11)  2 (13)  5 (18)  2 (10)  4 (14)  2 (8) 7 (10)  1 (6) 2 (8) 3 (6) 4 (12)  
TRIMs  0 (18)  0 (22)  0 (12)  0 (10)  0 (2) 0 (29)  0 (13)  0 (12)  0 (14)  0 (14)  0 (13)  0 (9) 
BoP Provisions  1 (23)  0 (11)  0 (7) 0 (9) 0 (7) 0 (4) 0 (0) 0 (1) 0 (1) 0 (0) 0 (1) 0 (0) 
Preshipment 
Inspection  0 (2) 0 (1) 0 (1) 0 (0) 0 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (1) 
Rules of Origin  0 (4) 0 (6) 0 (3) 0 (4) 0 (6) 0 (4) 0 (4) 0 (3) 0 (2) 0 (1) 0 (7) 0 (4) 
GPA 2 (7) 0 (14)  0 (9) 0 (19)  2 (14)  9 (21)  0 (8) 1 (11)  5 (11)  4 (10)  3 (8) 8 (14)  
ITA 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 
Trade Facilitation  0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 
Other notifications  1 (5) 0 (5) 0 (3) 1 (8) 0 (6) 0 (4) 0 (3) 1 (7) 1 (3) 1 (2) 0 (5) 0 (8) 
Total environment -
related notifications  165 (2027)  211 (1861)  182 (1972)  245 (2282)  186 (2376)  281 (2482)  247 (2513)  244 (2256)  311 (2874)  357 (2428)  353 (2613)  395 (2957)  
Share of 
environment -related 
notifications  8.14%  11.3%  9.2%  10.7%  7.8%  11.3%  9.8%  10.8%  10.8%  14.7%  13.5%  13.4%  
  
 
1 Figures in parenthesis represent the total number of notifications  submitted by Members  under each relevant WTO Agreement.  This number includ es regular notifications as well as addenda, 
corrigenda and revisio ns, except in the case of  TBT and SPS notifications, where addenda, corrigenda and revisions  are not covered.   
  WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 22 -  
WTO 
Agreements  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018 2019  2020  2021  
TBT  274 
(1490)  270 
(1413)  268 
(1216)  353 
(1551)  384 
(1605)  358 
(1558)  305 
(1305)  377 
(1686)  390 
(1827)  483 (1881)  439 (2110)  430 (1987)  556 (2231)  
SPS  81 (737)  83 (1051)  76 (1007)  91 (856)  107 (929)  44 (1169)  47 (1283)  62 (1037)  51 (1110)  40 (1255)  29 (1175)  205 (1462)  142 (1262)  
SCM  40 (181)  8 (117)  42 (140)  15 (108)  48 (158)  29 (110)  52 (130)  31 (127)  61 (132)  18 (107)  66 (152)  12 (110)  50 (129)  
Agriculture  36 (210)  49 (195)  44 (182)  42 (203)  34 (135)  42 (210)  32 (148)  43 (208)  44 (202)  49 (280)  49 (439)  60 (351)  75 (320)  
Anti-Dumping  0 (157)  0 (164)  0 (127)  0 (133)  0 (122)  2 (120)  0 (114)  0 (143)  0 (107)  2 (125)  0 (125)  0 (132)  0 (126)  
ILP 23 (82)  20 (72) 23 (78)  30 (85)  23 (96)  38 (99)  33 (74)  39 (96)  24 (54)  30 (79)  48 (99)  64 (236)  58 (134)  
Safeguards  0 (171)  0 (106)  1 (64) 1 (89) 2 (112)  2 (110)  4 (79)  0 (89)  0 (61)  2 (80)  0 (150)  1 (149)  2 (100)  
Customs 
Valuation  0 (6) 0 (4) 0 (4) 3 (13)  2 (13)  2 (23)  2 (9) 0 (4) 0 (6) 0 (3) 3 (23)  0 (9) 0 (27)  
State Trading  0 (29)  3 (77) 0 (8) 3 (39) 0 (17)  2 (51)  1 (14)  2 (41) 8 (30)  4 (42)  1 (12)  4 (37)  3 (11)  
RTAs  4 (30)  4 (26)  3 (33)  2 (37)  2 (40)  4 (19)  3 (12)  3 (18)  3 (16)  5 (10)  6 (12)  3 (9) 10 (59)  
TRIPS  2 (84)  7 (97) 9 (66)  4 (139)  9 (209)  5 (96)  1 (67)  1 (142)  0 (80)  0 (144)  0 (109)  0 (146)  0 (241)  
GATS  0 (68) 2 (45)  1 (38)  3 (66)  1 (48)  3 (75)  7 (64)  1 (21)  1 (25)  1 (17)  4 (71)  2 (45)  1 (52)  
QRs 1 (8) 1 (6) 1 (8) 13 (14)  5 (10)  15 (22)  8 (11)  12 (16)  7 (10)  18 (24)  17 (20)  29 (78)  21 (58)  
TRIMs  0 (21)  0 (18)  0 (4) 0 (4) 0 (6) 0 (6) 0 (5) 1 (4) 0 (2) 2 (4) 0 (4) 1(3) 1 (3) 
BoP Provisions  0 (9) 0 (6) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (5) 1 (4) 0 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 
Preshipment 
Inspection  0 (0) 0 (2) 0 (2) 0 (4) 0 (3) 0 (2) 0 (2) 0 (1) 0 (2) 0 (2) 0 (4) 0 (4) 1 (3) 
Rules of Origin  0 (5) 0 (4) 0 (8) 0 (14) 0 (22)  0 (17)  0 (13)  0 (17)  0 (13)  0 (16)  0 (11)  0 (18)  0 (23)  
GPA 18 (29)  3 (32)  2 (16)  1 (13)  2 (15)  5 (27)  4 (40)  2 (66)  3 (46)  3 (46)  2 (25)  1 (50)  2 (54)  
ITA  0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 
Trade Facilitation  0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (55)  0 (26)  0 (17)  9 (57)  6 (108)  7 (162)  15 (126)  9 (99)  
Other 
notifications  1 (4) 0 (6) 0 (9) 0 (6) 1 (5) 0 (4) 0 (7) 0 (7) 1 (5) 0 (2) 1 (3) 0 (3) 0 (1) 
Total 
environment -
related 
notifications  480 
(3321)  450 
(3441)  470 
(3010)  561 
(3374)  620 
(3545)  551 
(3773)  499 
(3408)  575 
(3744)  602 
(3786)  663 (4225)  672 (4706)  827 (4955)  931 (4,933)  
Share of 
environment -
related 
notifications  14.5%  13.1% 15.5% 16.6% 17.5%  14.6%  14.6%  15.4%  15.9%  15.7% 14.3% 16.7% 18.9%  
 WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Annex III – EDB Harmonized Categories   
Table 4.1 – Harmonized Categor ies of environment -related objectives (25)  
Afforestation/reforestation  
Air pollution reduction  
Alternative and renewable energy  
Animal protection  
Biodiversity and ecosystem  
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management  
Climate change mitigation and adaptation  
Energy conservation and efficiency  
Environmental goods and services promotion  
Environmental protection from pests and diseases  
Environmentally  friendly consumption  
General environmental protection  
MEAs implementation and compliance  
Natural resources conservation  
Other environmental risks mitigation  
Ozone layer protection  
Plant protection  
Soil management and conservation  
Sustainable agriculture management  
Sustainable and environmentally  friendly pr oduction  
Sustainable fisheries management  
Sustainable forestry management  
Sustainable mining management  
Waste management and recycling  
Water management and conservation  
 
Table 4.2 - Harmonized C ategor ies of type of measures (3 1) 
Anti-dumping measure / investigation  
Ban/Prohibition  
Conformity assessment procedures  
Countervailing measure / investigation  
Environmental provisions in trade agreements  
Export licences  
Export quotas  
Export tariffs  WT/CTE/EDB/21  
 
- 24 - 
 
  General environmental reference 1  
Grants and direct payments  
Import licences  
Import quotas  
Import tariffs  
Income or price support  
Intellectual property measures  
Internal taxes  
Investment measures  
Loans and financing  
Non-monetary support  
Not specified  
Other environmental requirements  
Other measures  
Other price and market -based measures  
Other support measures  
Public procurement  
Quarantine requirements  
Regulation affecting movement or transit  
Risk assessment  
Safeguard measure / investigation  
Tax concessions  
Technical regulation or specifications  
 
Table 4.3 - Harmonized C ategor ies of sectors subject to the measure (11)  
Agriculture  
All products/economic activities  
Chemicals  
Energy  
Fisheries  
Forestry  
Manufacturing  
Mining  
Not specified  
Other  
Services  
 
 
__________  
 
 
 1 "General environmental reference" is a harmonized category that was introduced for EDB TPR entries 
from 2016 onwards.