G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
22 August  2019 
(19-5410) Page: 1/14 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original:  French  
 
  
NOTIFICATION OF CATEGORY COMMITMENTS UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRADE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM GABON  
The following communication, dated 2 1 August 2 019, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Gabon  for Members' information.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Further to the notification dated 1 7 December 2 014 (WT/PCTF/N/GAB/1), the delegation of 
the Republic of Gabon  hereby makes the following notific ations in accordance with Articles 15 and  16 
of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (WT/L/931).  
 
   
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
- 2 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
Article 1.1  Publication  C 31 December 2 024 31 December 2 027 Technical and financial 
assistance:  
Project (1) : Establishment of the 
information system relating to the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation 
(TFA)  
 
− Assign  responsibility for 
information management project 
to the Minister of Trade 
(measure  39); 
− Produc e information to be 
provided and check  that it is 
user-friendl y and readable;  
− Revis e legal framework to ensure 
legal validity and authenticity of 
information provided ; 
− Define and organ ize provision of 
information (different aspects of 
publication  media and outlets , 
information  technology , 
maintenance, storage and 
publication of informatio n); 
− Adopt organizational  framework  
to supervis e maintenance of 
information and establish 
institutional  responsibilities , 
together  with policies  or rules, 
including security rules;  
− Recruit additional human 
resources ; 
− Carry out t raining  and capacity 
building .   
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
- 3 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  C 31 December 2 024 31 December 2 027 Technical and financial 
assistance:  
Project (1) : Establishment of the 
information system relating to the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation 
(TFA)  
 
− Assign  to National Trade 
Facilitation Committee 
(measure  39) the task of drawing 
up an inventory of relevant 
projects  that might facilitate 
implementation  of this measure;  
− Revis e legal framework to ensur e 
legal validity and authenticity of 
information provided ; 
− Define and organiz e provision of 
information (different aspects of 
publication  media and outlets , 
information  technology , 
maintenance, storage and 
publication of information);  
− Adopt organizational fr amework 
to supervis e maintenance of 
information and establish 
institutional responsibilities;  
− Ensur e systematic use of 
information and communication 
technologies  (ICTs) ; 
− Carry out t raining and capacity 
building;  
− Provide adequate equipment.    
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
- 4 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  C 31 December 2 024 31 December 2 027 Technical and financial 
assistance:  
Project (1) : Establishment of the 
information system relating to the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation 
(TFA)  
 
Estimated cost of project:  
272.79  million  CFA francs  
 
− Establish mechanism for 
coordination with other agencies , 
with required cooperat ion and 
provision of  information (including 
changing the legal or regulatory 
framework);  
− Hold training for staff who will 
provide the servic e; 
− Establish guidelines covering all 
stages from receiving enquiry  to 
sending reply;  
− Develop use of standardized 
communications;  
− Establish quality control standards 
and procedures, including 
deadline for sending replies;  
− Ensure systematic use of ICTs; 
− Provide adequate equipment.  
Article 1.4  Notification  C 31 December 2 024 31 December 2 027 Establish enquiry points . 
Article 2  Opportunity to Comment, Information before Entry into Force and Consultations  
Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and Information 
Before Entry into Force  A - - - 
Article 2.2  Consultations  B 31 December 2 020 31 December 2 021 Establish regulatory framework for 
public/private consultation  platform 
for facilitation of trade at Port of 
Owendo.    
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
- 5 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 3  Advance Rulings  
 C 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 Technical and fi nancial 
assistance:  
Project (4) : Establishment of an 
operational unit responsible for 
issuing advance rulings at the 
Directorate -General of Customs  and 
Indirect Taxation  
 
Estimated cost of project:  
191.1  million  CFA francs  
 
− Create  specialist unit or section at 
Directorate -Genera l of Customs 
for processing of advance rulings;  
− Establish procedures for making 
and processing an application  
(legal and regulatory framework);  
− Carry out  training and capacity  
building  (processing of advance  
rulings, harmonize d system);  
− Establish database on advance  
rulings;  
− Create customs laboratory ; 
− Improve national structure  for 
classification work  
(see WCO  study);  
− Ensure systematic use of ICTs; 
− Provide adequate equipment.  
Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  
 C 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 − Revise legal framework to 
incorporate  provisions on appeal 
time limits and procedures;  
− Revise legal framework (C EMAC ) 
to incorporate  provisions on 
appeal time limits and 
procedures.    
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
- 6 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  C 31 December 2 024 31 December 2 031 Technical and financial 
assistance:  
Project (5) : Establishment of a 
secure system for the importation 
and exportation of goods in Gabon  
 
Estimated cost of project:  
218.4  million  CFA francs  
Article 5.2  Detention  A - - - 
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  C 31 December 2 023 31 December 2 028 Technical and financial 
assistance:  
Project (5) : Establishment of a 
secure system for the importation 
and exportation of goods in Gabon  
 
− Set up  an accredited  
multi-sectoral national laboratory ; 
− Obtain ISO certification for other 
existing laboratories  (livestock , 
consumption, …);  
− Provide s upport for veteri nary 
diagnos tic laboratory  in 
establishing  quality assurance 
system for purposes of 
accreditation;  
− Help with collection of samples 
needed for tests;  
− Provide  laboratory  with aid fund to 
cover cost of  taking samples  from 
livestock ; 
− Change legal or regulatory  
framework;  
− Ensure systematic use of ICTs; 
− Recruit additional  human 
resources;  
− Carry out training and capacity  
building for specialist  staff 
(training of employees in 
specialist schools for biology, 
chemistry , physics, etc.);    
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
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Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
− Provide adequate equipment;  
− Conduct  audits of import 
procedures and processes, 
particularly inspection of food 
products , with the assistance  of 
tools or recommendations of 
relevant international  
organizations  for upgrading the 
regulatory  framework  and 
procedures;  
− Establish  a strategic and 
operational framework  for border 
agency collaboration;  
− Computerize formalities relating 
to sanitary and phytosanitary 
control procedures and food 
control s.  
Article 6  Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Import ation and Exportation and Penalties  
Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  C 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 − Conduct  analysis of importation 
and exportation fees and charges 
to determine those that are 
ad valorem  or the amount of 
which does not correspond to the 
cost of services rendered;  
− Establish system  for calculating 
real cost of procedures and 
documents supplied;  
− Train staff in implementation of 
change s in  procedures  for 
collection of fees and charges.  
Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
for Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and 
Exportation  C 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 Revision of CEMAC Customs Code. 
Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  C 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 Revamp  Customs Code to 
incorporat e new provisions.  
Article 7  Release and Clearance of Goods  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  A - -  
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  B 31 December 2 020 31 December 2 021 Establishment of a regulatory 
framework  for the electronic 
payment  system .   
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
- 8 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and Charges  C 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 Formalize current procedure (amend 
CEMAC Customs Code). 
Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 Technical and financial 
assistance:  
Project  (2): Feasibility study for 
establishing a multi -sectoral national 
laboratory in Gabon  
 
Estimated  cost of project:  
99.75  million  CFA francs  
 
− Provide specialist  training  for staff 
directly involved in the 
implementation and operation  of 
new procedures, for examp le with 
the help of the WCO e -learning 
module;  
− Develop  risk management 
strategy  and strategic 
management plan;  
− Establish  a specialist  unit within 
the customs  authority (risk 
management unit) to monitor  the 
implementation and operation of 
the system for collecting , 
classifying and analysing data on 
importers and transporters using 
relevant databases (CEN at the 
WCO, national confiscation 
reports , data provided b y other 
administrations  in the context of 
the WCO Nairobi Convention or 
bilateral agreements);  
− Review the legislation and 
customs regulations to reflect  the 
use of risk management 
techniques within legal limits;  
− Introduce  the use of an electronic  
manifest aligned to international    
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
- 9 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
standards  to enable the 
identification  of high -risk cargos;  
− Implement data in the 
computerized  system;  
− Provide  adequate  equipment.  
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 31 December 2 020 31 December 2 023 Technical and financial  
assistance:  
Project (7) : Establish  an 
operational unit responsible  for 
post-clearance audits at the 
Directorate -General of Customs and 
Indirect Taxation  
 
Estimated  costs of project:  
223.650  million  CFA francs  
 
− Strategic planning (development 
of an auditing strategy and a 
clear, gradual  process);  
− Capacity building ( train customs 
staff to maximize  efficiency of 
post-clearance audits , raise public 
awareness of analytical work 
needed to benefit from the 
system,  provide training in 
accounting and auditing  
methods); 
− Establish system of 
records/reports to provide 
customs management with 
sufficient  evidence  of 
achievements  of audit team;  
− Institute  cooperation with traders 
(establish positive atmosphere of 
trust between traders and 
customs staff, since 
post-clearance  audits are  often 
conducted  on traders'  premises ); 
− Ensure  systematic  use of ICTs;  
− Recruit additional human 
resources and draw up a plan of   
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
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Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
training on auditing methods  
based on risk management  for 
post-clearance audit ing staff ; 
− Establish and  implement an 
internal  procedure for sharing of 
information with operational units 
and risk management  to avoid 
duplication and conflicts regarding 
areas of  competenc e.  
Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  C 31 December 2 021 31 December 2 023 Technical and financial  
assistance:  
Project (8) : Implementation of a 
study to determine average  release 
times  
 
Estimated cost of project:  
110.145  million  CFA francs  
 
− Carry out study on release of 
goods (WCO study);  
− Awareness -raising  for other 
persons working at borders 
(shipping agents , stevedores , 
carriers , clearing agents, … ); 
− Establish a focus group involving 
the customs authority and the 
different a ctors involved in the 
platform  (in particular within the  
National  Trade Facilitation 
Committee (measure 39)).  
   
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
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Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for 
Authorized Operators  C 31 December 2 024 31 December 2 028 Technical and financial 
assistance:  
Project (9) : Adoption of a 
facilitation programme for 
authorized economic operators  
 
Estimated cost of project:  
173.250  million  CFA francs  
 
− Provide  enterprise -level training 
and capacity  building  on keeping 
records  and archives;  
− Draw up a training  programme for 
private companies  on the 
requirements  of keeping records  
and archives . 
Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  A - - - 
Article 7.9  Perishable Goods  A - - - 
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
 C 31 December 2 024 31 December 2 031 − Set up an inter -agency 
committee for relevant border 
administrations;  
− Map procedures, mandates and 
functioning of all existing  entities;  
− Establish system for monitoring  
traffic and time periods  to 
measur e impact  of change with 
real-time i dentif ication  of possible 
bottlenecks at border posts ; 
− Modernize legal framework  for 
border agency cooperation;  
− Define governance model for 
adjacent border control posts , 
including financing modalities for 
construction, maintenance and 
operation  of facilities.    
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
- 12 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control  
 A - - - 
Article 10  Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation 
Requirements  C 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 − Assign role to National Trade 
Facilitation  Committee 
(measure  39) of analysing trade 
procedures in force, required 
formalities and documentation , 
and trade and documentation  
practices ; 
− Computerize data exchange 
procedures;  
− Carry out  training and capacity  
building.  
Article 10.2  Acceptance of Copies  C 31 December 2 024 31 December 2 031 Awaiting publication  of the new 
CEMAC Code to ensure application of 
this Article.  
Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  C 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 − Establish baseline for measuring 
progress achieved on 
implementation of each measure;  
− Introduce a common standard for 
the transmission of data between 
the different computer  systems of 
public and private operators;  
− Reinforce  and expand 
partic ipation in international 
meetings  and sessions on the 
preparation  and revision of 
standards;  
− Apply relevant conventions  on this 
subject  (Nairobi) .   
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
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Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 10.4  Single Window  C 31 December 2 026 31 December 2 035 Technical and financial 
assistance:  
Project (10) : Study concerning  the 
establishment  of a Single Window  for 
foreign  trade 
 
Cost of project : 
175.245  million  CFA francs  
 
− Analyse  the trade process;  
− Take the decision to share data 
between agencies and 
departments;  
− Raise a wareness  of all 
stakeholders regarding  the 
project (see WCO compendium on 
the Single Window ); 
− Reinforce ICTs and establish a 
computerized network  system;  
− Modify  the legal or regulatory 
framework;  
− Change the institutional and/or 
administrative structure ; 
− Study the establishment of the 
Single Window ; 
− Standardize import and export 
procedures;  
− Harmonize procedures with other 
border agencies;  
− Carry out training and capacity  
building;  
− Provide adequate equipment.  
Article 10.5  Pre-shipment Inspection  A - - - 
Article 10.6  Use of Customs Brokers  C 31 December 2 025 31 December 2 030 − Revamp  and regulate  the 
profession of clearing agent ; 
− Return to application of the 
CEMAC Customs Code; 
− Remove Article 112 (2) of the 
Customs Code. 
Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and Uniform 
Documentation Requirements  C 31 December 2 026 31 December 2 031 -   
  G/TFA/N/GAB/1  
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Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 10.8  Rejected Goods  A - - - 
Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and 
Inward and Outward Processing  A - - - 
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
 C 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 Amend the Customs Code. 
Article 12  Customs Cooperation  
 B 31 December 2 022 31 December 2 027 - 
 
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