WT/TPR/OV/23  
30 November 2020  
(20-8541) Page: 1/298 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS  IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING ENVIRONMENT  
ANNUAL REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL1 
(Mid-October  2019 to mid -October  2020) 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 3 
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  7 
2   RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENTS  ................................ ......................  10 
2.1   Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  10 
2.2   Economic Developments  ................................ ................................ ............................  11 
2.3   Merchandise Trade ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 12 
2.4   Trade in Commercial Services ................................ ................................ .....................  18 
2.5   Trade Forecast and Economic Outlook  ................................ ................................ .........  20 
3   TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED POLICY ISSUES  ................................ ...........................  25 
3.1   Overview of Trends Identified during the Review Period  ................................ .................  25 
3.1.1   Regular trade measures  ................................ ................................ ..........................  25 
3.1.2   COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures  ................................ .............................  32 
3.2   Trade remedy trends  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 34 
3.3   Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures  ................................ ................................ . 43 
3.4   Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs)  ................................ ................................ ..............  51 
3.5   Trade concerns raised in other WTO bodies  ................................ ................................ .. 59 
3.6   Policy Developments in Agriculture  ................................ ................................ ..............  68 
3.7   General Economic Support  ................................ ................................ .........................  81 
3.8   Overview of Trade Policy Reviews  ................................ ................................ ...............  86 
3.9   Other Selected Trade Policy Issues  ................................ ................................ ..............  89 
4   POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE IN SERVICES  ................................ ....................  103  
4.1   Regular measures affecting trade in serv ices ................................ ..............................  103 
4.2   COVID -19 related measures affecting trade in services  ................................ ................  109 
 
1 This Report covers the period mid -October 2019 to mid -October 2020. It is presented pursuant to 
Paragraph G of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism mandate and aims to assist the Trade Policy Review Body 
to undertake its annual overview of developments in th e international trading environment that are having an 
impact on the multilateral trading system. The Report is issued under the sole responsibility of the 
Director -General. It has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of Members, nor does it have any legal 
implications with respect to the conformity of any measure noted in the Report with any WTO Agreements or 
any provisions thereof.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  4.3   Effects of the COVID -19 pandemic on trade in services  ................................ ................  113 
5   POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  ........................  121  
6   TRANSPARENCY OF TRADE POLICIES  ................................ ................................ ...... 135  
ANNEX 1 - MEASURES FACILITATING TRADE  ................................ ...............................  153  
ANNEX 2 - TRADE REMEDIES  ................................ ................................ ........................  161  
ANNEX 3 - OTHER TRADE -RELATED MEASURES  ................................ ............................  180  
ANNEX 4 – MEASURES AFFECTING TRADE IN SERVICES  ................................ ..............  191  
ANNEX 5 – COVID -19 TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED MEASURES (GOODS)  ....................  232  
ANNEX 6 - COVID -19 TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED MEASURES (SERVICES)  ................  267  
APPENDIX 1 PARTICIPATION  ................................ ................................ ......................  297  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  
1. This WTO Trade Monitoring Report covers  new trade and trade-related  measures  implemented  
by WTO Members  between  16 October  2019 and 15 October  2020.  It was prepared against the 
dramatic backdrop of the COVID -19 pandemic and the human, social and economic problems  left in 
its wake. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, WTO Members  have implemen ted several new trade 
and trade -related policies specifically to cope with the crisis. This Report seeks to shed light on these 
policy developments in addition to the regular trade measures monitored for the review period.  
2. Overall, the findings of this Report present a very different picture compared to the 
last report. While the previous Report, issued in Ju ly 2020, captured only the very early 
effects of the COVID -19 pandemic, this Trade Monitoring Report reflects more fully the 
impact the global health crisis has had on trade and trade  policy . Although world trade had 
already been slowing before the pandemic, merchandise exports  in nominal USD terms were down 
21% in Q2 compared to the previous year while commercial services exports  were down 30%. WTO 
Members and Observers introduced the  lowest number of regular trade -restrictive and trade 
facilitating measures since 2012. The trade coverage of the regular import -facilitating  measures 
stood at  USD 731.3 billion (up from USD 544.7  billion  in the previous period) while that of 
import -restri ctions came in at USD 440.9 billion (down from USD 746.9  billion ). This was likely as a 
result of the sharp decline in overall global trade flows, the diversion of governments' attention 
towards fighting  the pandemic – through trade policy as well as other  areas, a relative stasis in 
major bilateral trade tensions that had elevated the trade coverage of import restrictions in earlier 
reporting periods, and a general commitment to keep trade flowing.  
3. At the same time , the trade coverage of COVID -19 related trade -facilitating measures on 
goods implemented since the beginning of the pandemic was estimated at USD 227 billion, some 
USD 47 billion more than that of the COVID -19 trade -restrictive measures.  Of the 335 COVID -19 
trade and trade -related goods measures recorded for WTO Members and Observers since the 
outbreak of the pandemic, 58% were of a trade -facilitating nature and 42% were trade restrictive. 
Around 39% of COVID -19 restrictive measures on goods had been repealed by mid -October. In the 
servic es sectors heavily impacted by the pandemic, most of the 124 COVID -19 related measures 
adopted by WTO Members appeared to be trade facilitating. Over 1,0 00 support measures in direct 
response to the pandemic , and collectively worth several trillion US dollars, were put in place  up 
until mid -October. These emergency support measures are central to governments’ strategies to 
address the pandemic -induced economic downturn, appear to be temporary in nature and are 
important to preparing the ground for a sustain able recovery in which trade can play an important 
role. 
Specific Findings  
4. World trade was already slowing before the pandemic and declined sharply in the 
first half of 2020  at a time when the human, social and economic toll from the COVID -19 pandemic 
rose. In volume terms, merchandise trade fell 14.3% quarter -on-quarter in Q2, the largest such 
decline on record. In nominal USD terms, merchandise exports  were down 21% in Q2 compared to 
the previous year while commercial services exports  were down 30%. The W TO's October forecast 
estimated that the volume of world merchandise trade would decline by 9.2% in 2020, then increase 
by 7.2% in 2021. Risks to the forecast are firmly on the downside as many countries are dealing 
with the effects of new  lockdowns.  
5. The drop in numbers of new regular trade -restrictive and trade -facilitating measures 
was significant and resulted in a decrease in the trade coverage of import -restrictive 
measures . WTO Members and Observers introduced 89 new trade -restrictive and 88 
trade-facilitating measures,  i.e. the lowest figures since 2012. The trade coverage for the new 
import -facilitating measures was estimated at USD  731.3 billion (up from USD 544.7 billion in the 
previous period). The main sectors covered  included electrical machinery  and parts thereof, 
machinery and mechanical appliances, plastics and articles thereof and optical, photographic , 
measuring  and medical or surgical  instruments. The trade coverage of the new import -restrictive 
measures was estimated at USD 440.9 billion (d own from USD 746.9 billion in the previous period). 
The main sectors affected included electrical machinery and parts thereof,  machinery and mechanical 
appliances and precious stones and metals. WTO Secretariat estimates of the stockpile of import 
restrict ions on goods implemented since 2009 and still in force  by the end of 2019 , suggest that 
8.7% of world imports, or USD 1.6 trillion out of a total USD 18.9 trillion , are affected by import WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  restrictions put in place by WTO Members and Observers over the last decade. As at mid -October 
2020 this figure was estimated at USD 1.7 trillion, suggesting that the stockpile of import restrictions 
in force continues to grow in value terms and as a perce ntage of imports.  
6. The significant drop in the number of new measures implemented by WTO Members and 
Observers may be explained by the on -going global health emergency which has almost inevitably 
resulted in governments focusing less on designing and imple menting regular trade policies and 
more on dealing with the immediate economic  issues in the context of the pandemic. The precipitous 
fall in global trade since Q2 of 2020 also means  that there has been less commerce to either facilitate 
or restrict.  Despite the early wave of trade restrictions on various essential medical goods, Members  
have generally expressed and followed a commitment to ensure that trade could flow freely during 
the pandemic. Finally, the current review period has not seen any major new  developments in 
relation to the sizable chunks of the trade coverage of restrictive measures which over the past 
couple of years have been associated with bilateral measures taken mainly between the United 
States and China.  
7. Most of the COVID -19 related m easures taken on goods since the outbreak of the 
pandemic were trade -facilitating . The majority of the 335 COVID -19 trade and trade -related 
measures were adopted on a temporary basis. Although in the early stages of the pandemic most 
measures restricted tr ade, as at mid -October 2020, 195 (58%) of all measures taken in response to 
the pandemic were of a trade -facilitating nature. A total of 140 measures (42%) could be considered 
trade restrictive. The gradual phase -out of export restrictions targeting produc ts such as surgical 
masks, gloves, medicine s, and disinfectant continued during the review period together with the roll 
back of other trade and trade -related measures taken in the early stages of the pandemic. Around 
39% of the COVID -19 restrictive measur es implemented by WTO Members and Observers had been 
repealed by mid -October. By then, around 18% of C OVID -19 trade facilitating measures had also 
been eliminated. The trade coverage of COVID -19 related trade -facilitating measures implemented 
since the beg inning of the pandemic was estimated at USD 227 billion, while that of the COVID -19 
trade-restrictive measures stood at USD  180 billion.  
8. WTO Members put in place a large number of COVID -19 related  support measures . 
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 638 COVID -19 support measures have been communicated 
by WTO Members and Observers to the Secretariat and another 405 measures were identified from 
public sources and governmental websites, i.e. a total of 1,043 COVID -19 support measures put in 
place by 94 WTO Members and 3 Observers . This amounts to  149 COVID -19 related support 
measures per month between March and mid -October 2020. The number and variety of support 
measures implemented in response to the economic and social turmoil caused by COVID -19 is 
greater  than that witnessed during the 2008 -09 global financial crisis. These measures target sectors 
of the economy heavily affected by the crisis, including health, aviation, tourism or catering, and 
also include monetary, fiscal and financial measures  as well as broader stimulus packages. 
Governmental measures were complemented with various support programs by international 
intergovernmental organization s. Most of these measures appeared to be temporary in nature. These 
emergency support measures are central to  governments’ strategies to address the pandemic -
induced economic downturn and to prepare the ground for a sustainable  recovery.  
9. Services sectors were heavily affected by the pandemic  although the extent of the 
impact varies by sector and mode of supply.  Members adopted 124 measures affecting trade in 
services in response to the pandemic. Most of these measures appear to be trade facilitating, 
including measures to ease the supply of, and access to, telecommunication services and measures 
to facili tate the supply of online health services. In a few cases, governments responded by removing 
existing trade restrictions, such as by relaxing limitations on the supply of Voice over Internet 
Protocol (VoIP) services. However, some of the measures adopted a lso appear to be trade restrictive, 
including measures tightening foreign investment regimes. Under the monitoring of regular  
measures affecting trade in services, the Report provides information on 143 measures affecting 
trade in services that were introd uced by WTO Members. While the majority are trade facilitating, a 
significant number of these new policies appear to be trade restrictive. Measures adopted relate to 
telecommunication services, services related to e -commerce, and services supplied online, including 
bans on certain communication apps, as well as different types of taxation measures. Various 
governments have also introduced new measures in relation to foreign investment in areas 
considered strategic or linked to national security.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  10. The signif icant increase of trade remedy initiations confirm that these measures remain 
an important trade policy tool for WTO Members. During the review period, 392 initiations of trade 
remedy investigations and 130 terminations of trade remedy actions were recorde d. Initiations of 
anti-dumping investigations accounted for almost 80% of all trade remedy initiations, which also 
includes safeguards and countervailing actions. The trade coverage of trade remedy initiations 
recorded in this Report was estimated at USD  68.8 billion (up from the USD 46.23 billion in the 
previous period) and that of terminations at USD  9.9 billion ( down  from the USD  24.8 billion ). The 
main products  targeted by initiations of trade remedy investigations included iron and steel , furniture 
and lighting/lamps, aluminium and articles thereof , and plastics. As at 15 October 2020, two WTO 
Members had notified anti -dumping actions referring to the COVID -19 pandemic.  
11. WTO Members continued to use the SPS and TBT Committees' transparency 
mechanisms  to notify their sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT) 
measures and to discuss and often resolve specific trade concerns (STCs) non -litigiously.  Between 
1 October 2019 and 30 September 2020, 1,911 SPS and 1,936 TBT notification s were submitted to 
the WTO, most of them by developing Members. As in previous Reports, the majority of regular SPS 
notifications related to food safety, whereas the bulk of emergency SPS measures related to animal 
health. Most TBT measures indicated the protection of human health or safety as their main 
objective. Since February 2020, a total of 59 COVID -19 related notifications and communications 
were submitted to the SPS Committee. The nature of most of these measures has shifted, from 
initial  restrictions on animal imports and/or transit from affected areas, and increased certification 
requirements to, as of beginning of April, facilitating measures allowing temporary flexibility for 
control authorities to use electronic certificates for check s. As at 1 October 2020, 23 WTO Members 
had submitted 91 TBT notifications/communications on standards and regulations in response to the 
pandemic, most of these were submitted under the emergency/urgent notification provisions of the 
TBT Agreement. Around  half of the se notifications were of a temporary nature and cover ed a wide 
range of products, including personal protection equipment (PPE), medical equipment, medical 
supplies, medicines and food. Notified measures broadly fell into three main categories,  i.e. 
streamlining certification procedures; ensuring the safety of medical goods; and making food 
available by relaxing technical regulations.  
12. WTO Members continued to use WTO bodies to address their trade concerns . Although 
fewer meetings took place dur ing the review period  as a result of the pandemic, several of the 
concerns raised appeared to indicate persistent and unresolved issues. Some trade concerns were 
raised in more than one WTO body, suggesting that these concerns involve cross -cutting and 
technically complex issues and that WTO Members are continuing to use multiple platforms to 
address various aspects of such concerns. Preliminary Secretariat research supports that very few 
trade concerns end up in disputes .  
13. In the Committee on Agriculture , most questions focused on Members ' domestic 
support policies . WTO  Members posed 607 questions regarding individual notifications, overdue 
notifications and specific implementation matters (SIMs) under Article 18.6. Most of  these questions 
were related to d omestic support . A total of 35 SI Ms targeted policies implemented in response to 
the COVID -19 pandemic. Seven notifications regarding export restrictions and prohibitions in 
connection with the pandemic were notified to the CoA during the review period.  
14. Many Intellectual Property (IP) measures introduced  during the review period 
aimed at promoting innovation or facilitating access to COVID -19-related health 
technologies . WTO Members continued to fine -tune their domestic intellectual property 
frameworks, i ncluding relaxing procedural requirements and extending deadlines for administrative 
IP matters in response to the pandemic. Overall, s ome 60 COVID -19 related IP measures were 
introduced during the review period.  
15. Compliance with regular notification requi rements of the various WTO Agreements 
remains very uneven . Although there have been significant efforts by some delegations to bring 
their notifications further up to date, progress is slow. The lack of compliance with notification 
obligations across WTO b odies is problematic, as it undermines individual agreements and, more 
generally, the operation of the multilateral trading system. Transparency in trade policy was 
pursued, as in previous years, through the Trade Policy Reviews and the RTA Transparency 
Mechanism.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  16. Other developments in selected trade -policy areas  in 2020 include work to advance 
negotiations, particularly on fisheries subsidies building on the decision taken by Members at MC11. 
Groups of Members also continued to pursue discussions on other issues, including electronic 
commerce, women's economic empowerment, domestic regulation in services and, micro, small and 
medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs).  
 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTION  
This Report is submitted to the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) pursuant to Paragraph  G of 
the Trade Policy Review Mechanism mandate in Annex 3 to the WTO Agreement. This provides for 
an annual Report by the Director -General to assist the TPRB in undertaking its annual overview of 
developments in the internation al trading environment that are having an impact on the multilateral 
trading system. It builds on the Director -General's Report to the TPRB on trade -related 
developments circulated to Members on  10 July 2020 .1  
This Report covers the period from 16 Octobe r 201 9 to 15 October 20 20, unless otherwise 
indicated.2 The Report is issued under the sole responsibility of the Director -General and is intended 
to be purely factual. It has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of Members, nor does it have 
any legal implication with respect to the conformity of any measure noted in the Report with any 
WTO Agreement. Specifically, the Report does not question the explicit right of Members to resort 
to trade -remedy measures and is without prejudice to Members' neg otiating positions.  
At the Eighth WTO Ministerial Conference in December 2011, Ministers recognized the regular 
work undertaken by the TPRB through the monitoring exercise of trade and trade -related measures, 
took note of the work initially done in the con text of the global financial and economic crisis and 
directed it to be continued and strengthened. They invited the Director -General to continue 
presenting the Trade Monitoring Reports on a regular basis and asked the TPRB to consider these 
Reports in addi tion to the meeting dedicated to undertaking the annual overview of developments 
in the international trading environment. Ministers committed to duly comply with the existing 
transparency obligations and reporting requirements needed for the preparation o f these Reports, 
and to continue to support and cooperate with the WTO Secretariat in a constructive fashion.3  
As with the July  mid-year Report, th e current  Report comes at a time when the world continues 
to deal with the COVID -19 pandemic . This global h ealth crisis continues to have major social and 
economic ramifications,  and this is covered extensively in this Report. Since the outbreak of the 
pandemic, the WTO Secretariat has continued to monitor and report, under the trade monitoring 
mandate, on the wide range of trade -related measures taken in response to the crisis . This Report 
again contains two separate ad-hoc annexes which provide information on recorded trade and trade -
related measures implemented in the area of goods and services in response to the COVID -19 
pandemic up to 15  October  2020. These annexes are provided for transparency purposes and do 
not question  or pass judgment on the right of Members  to implement any of the measures contained 
therein. Neither of the Annexes is exhaustive. A consistent feature of the trade and trade -related 
measures taken in response to the COVID -19 crisis has been the frequent changes, adjustments 
and occasional roll -back of such measures to reflect the evolving situation. The updated lists of 
measures implemented in the context of the current pandemic are available on the COVID -19 page 
of the WTO website .4 The full list of not ifications received by the WTO Secretariat in context of the 
COVID -19 pandemic is also available on the WTO website.5 
From a practical and methodological point of view, and in accordance with the long -standing 
practice of the WTO Trade Monitoring Exercise of verifying information and measures with Members, 
the WTO Secretariat implemented an ad -hoc verification process of COVID -19 related measures. In 
recognition of the fact that some measures did not initially have official government sources, the 
regular  up-date of these measures was listed only on the dedicated COVID -19 page on the WTO 
Members website, pending verificati on by the relevant delegation. For those trade and trade -related 
goods , services and intellectual property measures submitted by delegations, or where official 
sources were found, a separate list was made available on the WTO public website. WTO Members 
deserve credit for their active cooperation in assisting the Secretariat in this transparency exercise, 
including through the notification process to the relevant WTO committees. In addition, in early 
October 2020, the WTO Secretariat added a list of general  support measures taken in response to 
the pandemic on the COVID -19 dedicated web page of the WTO. The list only includes measures 
 
1 WTO document WT/TPR/OV/W/14, 10 July 20 20. 
2 In addition to the trade policy measures implemented during the perio d under review and recorded by 
this Report, other measures which impact trade flows may have been taken by WTO Members and Observers.  
3 WTO document WT/L/848, 19 December 2011.  
4 The full list of measures can also be viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/covid19_e.htm . 
5 Viewed at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/notif ications_e.htm . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  communicated by Members and Observers and features measures only in the original language of 
the submission. The list is an i nformal situation report and an attempt to provide transparency with 
respect to support measures taken in the context of the COVID -19 crisis.  
Section 2 of the Report provides a comprehensive overview of recent economic and trade 
developments. Section 3 pre sents an account of selected trade and trade -related policy trends. Policy 
developments in trade in services and trade -related aspects of intellectual property rights are 
included in Sections 4 and 5, respectively. Section 6 covers the transparency of trad e policies across 
a wide range of WTO bodies. The Report's Annexes list specific trade policy measures of individual 
WTO Members and Observers implemented during the period under review in four  categories: trade -
facilitating measures (Annex  1), trade -remed y actions (Annex 2), other trade and trade -related 
measures (Annex 3), and services measures (Annex 4). The country -specific measures listed in the 
four Annexes are new measures implemented by Members and Observers during the review period.6 
Measures implemented outside this period are not included in the Annexes. The compilation of all 
measures that have been recorded in Annexes  1-3 by the Trade Monitoring Reports since 
October  2008 is available in the Trade Monitoring Database.7 Specific d evelopments related to SPS 
measures and TBT are covered separately in Section  3. Annexes 5 and 6 provide information on 
recorded trade and trade -related measures taken by Members and Observers in the area of goods 
and services in response to the COVID -19 pandemic up to 15  October  2020.  
Information on the measures included in this Report has been collected from inputs submitted 
by Members and Observers, as well as from other official and public sources.8 Replies to the initial  
request for information on mea sures taken during the period under review and replies to the request s 
for verification were received from 101 Members9 (Box 1.1), which represents 62% of the 
Membership, and covers around 97% of world imports.10 Five Observers also replied to the request  
for information.  Overall, 92 Members were covered in the Secretariat's requests for verification of 
measures. Participation in the verification process was uneven, and in many cases the Secretariat 
received only partial responses and often after the indic ated deadline.11 Where it has not been 
possible to confirm the information, this is noted in the annexes.  
The OECD and the International Trade Centre have contributed topical boxes to this Report . 
 
 
6 The inclusion of any measure in this Report or in its annexes implies no judgement by the WTO 
Secretariat on whether a measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in this Report 
implies any judgement, either d irect or indirect, on the consistency of any measure with the provisions of any 
WTO Agreement.  
7 Viewed at: http://tmdb.wto.org . The database does not include SPS and TBT measures, general 
economic support measures, services measures or TRIPS -related measures.  
8 Appendix 1 contains a full overview of the participation of Members and Observers in the preparation 
of this Report.  
9 The European Union and its member States counted separately.  
10 This figure inclu des intra -EU trade.  
11 The information contained in the annexes reflects the overall participation in the exercise and 
responses to the verification request and should therefore not be considered exhaustive.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Box 1.1 Participation in the Preparation of this Report  
1. Albania  
2. Angola  
3. Argentina  
4. Australia  
5. Azerbaijana 
6. Bahrain, Kingdom of  
7. Bangladesh  
8. Barbados  
9. Belarusa 
10. Belize  
11. Brazil  
12. Cambodia  
13. Canada  
14. Chile 
15. China  
16. Colombia  
17. Costa Rica  
18. Côte d'Ivoire  
19. Dominican Republic  
20. Ecuador  
21. Egypt  
22. El Salvador  
23. European Union  
24. The Gambia  
25. Georgia  
26. Guatemala  
27. Guyana  
28. Honduras  
29. Hong Kong, China  
30. India 
31. Indonesia  
32. Iraqa 
33. Israel  
34. Japan  
35. Kazakhstan  
36. Korea, Republic of  
37. Kyrgyz Republic  
38. Lao People's Democratic  Republic  
39. Macao, China  40. Malaysia  
41. Maldives  
42. Mauritania  
43. Mauritius  
44. Mexico  
45. Moldova, Republic of  
46. Montenegro  
47. Morocco  
48. Myanmar  
49. Nepal  
50. New Zealand  
51. Nigeria  
52. Norway  
53. Pakistan  
54. Paraguay  
55. Peru 
56. Philippines  
57. Qatar  
58. Russian Federation  
59. Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
60. Senegal  
61. Serbiaa 
62. Seychelles  
63. Singapore  
64. South Africa  
65. Sri Lanka  
66. Switzerland  
67. Chinese Taipei  
68. Thailand  
69. Turkey  
70. Ukraine  
71. United Arab Emirates  
72. United Kingdomb 
73. United States  
74. Uruguay  
75. Uzbekistana 
76. Vanuatu  
77. Venezuela,  Bolivarian  Republic  of 
78. Viet Nam  
79. Zimbabwe  
a Observer.  
b The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union as of 1 February 2020. During the transition 
period, which ends on 31 December 2020, European Union law, with a few limited exceptions, 
continues to be applicable to and in the United Kingdom. During the transition period, the information 
provided by the European Union which is relevant to this document  unless otherwise specified , 
continues to cover  the United Kingdom.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
 
 
WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  2  RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENTS  
2.1  Overview  
World trade declined precipitously during the review period, as the human and economic toll 
from the COVID -19 pandemic continued to rise. Normal economic activities were disrupted by 
lockdowns and travel restrictions, which remained in place  in many countries th roughout  April and 
May 2020 before being scaled back in June. Preliminary data show signs of trade and output 
rebounding in the third quarter of 2020 following the relaxation of social  distancing measures. Trade 
growth is expected to slow in the fourth qua rter and beyond, as countries face renewed headwinds 
from the virus. The strength of the recovery is still uncertain, and trade will remain vulnerable to 
setbacks as long as the pandemic persists.  
The volume of world merchandise trade as measured by the a verage of exports and imports 
fell 3.4% year -on-year in the first quarter of 2020 and 17.2% in the second quarter. On average, 
trade was down 10.2% in the first half of the year compared to 2019. Despite signs of a turnaround  
in June , trade fell  14.3% in Q2 over the previous period , making it the largest one-quarter decline 
on record . By comparison, trade only fell 10.2% in the first quarter of 2009, at the height of the  
global financial crisis.  Peak-to-trough declines were similar in both cases, -17.6% dur ing the financial 
crisis and -17.5% during the COVID -19 outbreak.  Overall, the trade impact of the pandemic is 
comparable in size to the financial crisis, although the economic context is very different.  
In light of these developments, the WTO Secretariat  issued an updated trade forecast on 6 
October 2020. In it, the Organization projected a 9.2% drop in the volume of world merchandise 
trade in 2020, followed by a 7.2% increase in 2021. The decline for 2020 is smaller than the 12.9% 
foreseen in the more opt imistic of two scenarios explored in WTO's April 2020 trade forecast. T he 
expected recovery in 2021  is also smaller than the previous  estimate of 21.3% , which would have 
returned trade to its pre -pandemic trend.  In contrast, the current forecast would leav e merchandise 
trade well below its previous trajectory (Chart 2.1).  More negative outcomes are possible if there is 
a strong resurgence of COVID -19 in the coming months and strict confinement measures are re -
introduced. Many countries are already experienc ing second waves of infection, prompting 
governments to consider stricter rules that could eventually weigh on trade.  
While the decline in world merchandise trade in the first half of 2020 was smaller than 
expected, the fall in world GDP was larger,  requir ing forecasts for the year to be revised downward . 
The consensus estimate for world GDP growth in 2020 was lowered to -4.8% in October from -2.5% 
in April. GDP is now expected to increase by 4.9%  in 2021 . This represents a downgrade from the 
previous estim ate of 7.4%, which would have brought output back to its pre -pandemic trend. Like 
the trade forecast, GDP projections are subject to considerable uncertainty since they depend, to a 
large extent, on the evolution of the pandemic . 
Trade growth in nominal US  dollar terms  also fell sharply in  2020, with even larger declines 
recorded for commercial services trade than for merchandise trade . World merchandise exports were 
down 6% year -on-year in the first quarter and 21% in the second, or 14% for the year to date 
through Q2 . By comparison, commercial  services exports were down 6% in Q1 and 30% in Q2, or 
18% for the year to date. The magnitude of the decline in services trade contrasts with previous 
global recessions, when services trade tended to be less volat ile than merchandise trade.  
The unusually large drop in commercial services trade is likely related to social distancing 
measures and travel restrictions, which prevent the delivery of services that require physical 
proximity to consumers.  Reduced spending on services, particularly in travel -related sectors, may 
have also left consumers with unspent income that could be redirected toward the purchase of goods. 
This may partly  explain the relatively small  decline in merchandise trade in the first half of 2020.  
The trade slump hit countries in all regions and at all levels of development, although some 
were more affected than others.  Asia, in particular, recorded smaller trade declines than other 
regions. This may be partly explained by proact ive fiscal policies adopted in other regions, which 
have allowed consumers to maintain a relatively high level of consumption during the crisis. This 
would tend to stimulate exports from Asian economies, since these countries are major producers 
of goods f or which demand remained strong during the pandemic, including electronics and medical 
supplies.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Chart 2.1 World merchandise trade volume, 2000 ‑21 
 
Note:  Figures for 2020 and 2021 are projections.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
2.2  Economic Developments  
There are no readily available quarterly statistics on world GDP, but OECD estimates of G20 
economies provide a close approximation. These data show that the real GDP of G20 countries 
declined by 3.5% in the first quar ter of 2020 and 6.9% in the second. The decline in both periods 
may have been distorted by the Chinese economy, which was out of sync with other G20 economies 
in the early stages of the pandemic. Chinese output contracted most in Q1 ( -10.0%) when it became  
the first country to be hit by COVID -19. This was followed by a strong rebound in Q2 (+11.7%) 
when other economies were in steep decline. The COVID -19 outbreak  was the principal cause of the 
global slowdown, although other factors may have played a role a t the margin, including pre -existing 
trade tensions between major economies.  
Quarterly GDP growth in the United States fell to -1.3% in Q1 and -9.0% in Q2, largely as a 
result of the pandemic. The United Kingdom registered even bigger declines, -2.5% in Q1  
and -19.8% in Q2. The European Union (27) saw its growth fall to -3.4% in Q1 and -11.7% in Q2. 
Lastly, Japan’s GDP growth was -0.6% in Q1 and -7.9% in Q2.  
Commodity prices and exchange rates strongly influence nominal trade statistics, which are  
usually p resented  in US dollars. This is illustrated by Chart 2.2, which shows recent price trends for 
primary commodities, and Chart 2.3, which shows nominal  effective exchange rates for major 
currencies .  
Chart 2.2 Prices of primary commodities, January 2014 -August 2020  
 
Source:  IMF Primary Commodity Prices.  
405060708090100110120130140
Merchandise trade Trend 1990-2008 Trend 2011-2018World merchandise trade volume, 2000 -21
(Index, 2015=100)
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Note:  Figures for 2020 and 2021 are projections.
20406080100120
Food Agricultural raw materials Metals FuelsPrices of primary commodities, January 2014 -August 2020
Indices, January 2014=100
Source:  IMF Primary Commodity Prices.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 12 - 
 
  
Prices for primary commodities other than metals fell in the second quarter of 2020 
(April -June), with the price of fuels declining most, around  50% year-on-year ( Chart 2.2).  Food 
prices were down 3% over the same period, while prices for agricultural raw materials dropped 13%. 
In contrast, prices for metals rose 6% in Q2 . As countries began to  reopen  their economies  after 
lockdown s, the price of fuel started to rise , as travel restrictions were relaxed and demand for oil 
gradually picked up. Strong price increases  were recorded between May and August  2020 for food 
(5%), agricultural raw materials ( 5%), metals ( 19%) and fuels ( 40%). 
Nominal effective ex change rates fluctuat ed in the first half of 2020 , as the COVID -19 virus 
spread worldwide (Chart 2. 3). The US dollar  and the Japanese yen  appreciated by 4.4 % and 4.5%, 
respectively, against a broad basket of currencies, while the Chinese renminbi declined by 1. 1%. 
The British  pound maintained its value , with a rise of just 0.3% over the same period. The euro also 
recorded a modest 1 .0% appreciation from January to June 2020 .  
The US dollar appreciated in the beginning  of the COVID -19 pandemic, reflecting the 
currency’s traditional safe haven role , with a rise of  7.1% in nominal effective terms between January 
and April 2020 . However, as the global economy gradually reopened, it declined by 5% between 
April and August 2 020.  
Chart 2.3 Exchange rate indices for selected economies, January 2014 -August 2020a 
 
a Nominal effective exchange rate indices against a broad basket of currencies.  
Source:  Bank for International Settleme nts (BIS).  
2.3  Merchandise Trade  
Chart 2.4 shows  growth in the US dollar value of world merchandise trade (red line) together 
with contributions of income groups  (stacked bars). World export and import growth may diverge 
slightly due to differences in the recording of transactions. Year -on-year growth h as been negative 
since the start of 2019, but the declines became much more pronounced in 2020, reaching -21% in 
the second quarter. As with the contraction in global GDP, high -income countries contributed more 
to the slowdown than lower - and-middle -income  countries on both the export and import sides in  Q2.  
Chart 2.5  shows merchandise export and import volume indices for selected economies  
through 2020 Q2 . Exports stalled in most countries in the first quarter , as lockdowns were imposed  
toward s the end of  the period . Moderate quarter -on-quarter declines  were observed in Q1 for most 
countries , on both the export and import sides, except for India (imports up 1.7%) and China 
(imports flat , at -0.2%).  
Trade volumes fell sharply in Q2 , as the COVID -19 virus became more widespread  and 
lockdowns were imposed across many countries. M ost countries recorded large quarter -on-quarter 
declines in the  volume of their exports, including the United States ( -24.9%) , Japan  (-18.4%),  India 
8090100110120130140
United States Japan China Euro area United KingdomExchange rate indices for selected economies, January 2014 -August 2020a
Index, January 2014=100
Source:  Bank for International Settlements (BIS).a   Nominal effective exchange rate indices against a broad basket of currencies.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 13 - 
 
  (-21.4%) and the European U nion ( -20.2% for EU -extra, -19.0% for EU -intra). China was the main 
exception, with positive export growth of 3.6% in Q2. On the import side, some countries recorded 
double -digit declines, including the United States ( -11.1%), India ( -38.2%) and EU -intra ( -19.2%). 
However, some saw more moderate declines (China -0.8%, EU -extra -8.3%) or even increases 
(Japan +2.2%)  
Monthly merchandise trade statistics in nominal US dollar terms are more timely than 
quarterly statistics in volume terms. These are shown in Chart 2.6 for  selected economies through 
July or August,  depending on data availability. The bottoming -out of trade around May 2020 is visible 
in many countries, as is the recovery starting in June. However, the Chart also provides a note of 
caution, since countries with data for the month of August appear to have suffered some minor 
setbacks (Brazil, India). This suggests that the trade recovery may be less than secure.  
Chart 2.4 Contributions to year -on-year g rowth in world merchandise exports and 
imports, 2016Q1 -2020Q2  
 
Note:  Due to limited data availability, Africa and the Middle East are under -represented in world totals. 
Economies are categorized according to World Bank income classification (June 2020).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.  
-4.3-0.9 -0.4 1.86.6
3.76.98.09.68.2
4.5
1.7
-2.2 -2.6 -2.3 -1.7-3.4
-14.8-4.6-2.7-1.50.75.0
3.84.14.95.0
5.0
4.7
2.2
-0.2-0.6 -0.8-0.6
-3.0
-6.5-8.9-3.6-1.92.511.6
7.511.012.914.6
13.3
9.1
3.9
-2.4-3.2 -3.2-2.3
-6.4
-21.3
-25-20-15-10-505101520
2016Q1
2016Q2
2016Q3
2016Q4
2017Q1
2017Q2
2017Q3
2017Q4
2018Q1
2018Q2
2018Q3
2018Q4
2019Q1
2019Q2
2019Q3
2019Q4
2020Q1
2020Q2Contributions to year -on-year growth in world merchandise exports and imports, 2016Q1 -
2019Q4
Source:(% change in USD values and % point contributions)
Note Due to scarce data availability, Africa and Middle East are under -represented in world totals.
WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.High income economies Low and middle income economies
World, year -on-year percentage change-4.0-1.2-0.5
0.85.9
4.26.59.09.98.1
5.1
3.0
-1.6 -1.7 -1.5-2.9-4.1
-13.3-4.2-2.1-1.50.95.3
3.84.44.74.9
4.9
4.6
1.4
-1.0 -0.9 -1.4
0.0
-1.2
-7.5-8.1-3.3-2.01.711.2
7.910.913.714.8
13.0
9.7
4.4
-2.6 -2.6 -2.9 -2.9
-5.2
-20.8
-25-20-15-10-505101520
2016Q1
2016Q2
2016Q3
2016Q4
2017Q1
2017Q2
2017Q3
2017Q4
2018Q1
2018Q2
2018Q3
2018Q4
2019Q1
2019Q2
2019Q3
2019Q4
2020Q1
2020Q2Exports
Imports
Econoies are categorized according to World Bank income classification (June 2020).WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Chart 2.5 Volume of merchandise exports and imports of selected economies, 
2012Q1 -2020Q2  
 
Note:  Data for the United States, Japan and the E uropean Union were obtained from national statistical 
sources , while figures for China and India are seasonally adjusted Secretariat estimates.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.  
708090100110120130140150
2012Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2013Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2014Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2017Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2018Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2019Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2020Q1
Q2Volume of exports and imports of selected economies, 2012Q1 -2020Q2
8090100110120130140150
2012Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2013Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2014Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2017Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2018Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2019Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2020Q1
Q2(Seasonally adjusted volume indices, 2012Q1 = 100)
Exports
Imports
Source: WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.Note: Data for the United States, Japan and the EU were obtained from national statistical sources, while figures 
for China and India are seasonally adjusted Secretariat estimates.JapanEU-extra trade EU-intra trade United States
China IndiaWT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Chart 2.6 Merchandise exports and imports of selected economies,  
January 2014 -August 2020  
 
 
 
Merchandise exports and imports of selected economies, January 2014 -August 2020
United States Japan(USD billion)
European Union (extra -trade) China
Canada Turkey050100150200250300
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.200102030405060708090
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20
050100150200250
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20050100150200250300
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20
0102030405060
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20051015202530
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20Australia Republic of Korea
051015202530354045
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.200510152025
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20
05101520
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20Indonesia
0510152025
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20BrazilWT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 16 - 
 
   
Source:  IMF International Financial Statistics ; Global Trade Information Services ; the Global Trade Atlas 
database ; and national statistics.  
The pandemic devastated  trade in certain types of goods , while encouraging it in others. 
Agricultural product trade held up well because food is a necessity, while fuel demand in part fell 
due to travel restrictions. There is a wide variety of outcomes  among different classes of 
manufactured goods. These are illustr ated by Chart 2.7, which shows year -on-year growth in the 
US dollar value of world trade , by product . Trade in automotive products was down 53% in Q2 of 
2020 compared to the previous year, while that in computers, integrated circuits , and 
pharmaceuticals was up 3%, 8%, and 11%, respectively, compared to  the same period in 2019.  
Russian Federation India
MalaysiaViet Nam
Mexico Argentina
Source:  IMF International Financial Statistics; Global Trade Information Services; the Global Trade 
Atlas database; and national statistics.Imports ExportsWTO_ECO.6 (continued)
01020304050
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.2005101520253035404550
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20
024681012
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20South Africa
01020304050
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20Singapore
0510152025
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20051015202530
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20
01020304050
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20012345678
Jan.14 Jan.15 Jan.16 Jan.17 Jan.18 Jan.19 Jan.20WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Chart 2.7 Year -on-year growth in world manufactured goods trade, by product, 2020Q2  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates.  
The following box on global value chains in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic has been 
contributed by the OECD.  
Box 2.1 Efficiency and risks in global value chains in the context of COVID -19 pandemic  
The COVID -19 pandemic -related disruptions in supply chains have again highlighted the interconnectedness 
between countries through Global Value Chains  (GVCs). The sources of disruptions ranged from surges in 
demand, aggravated by export restrictions in some cases, to difficulties in sourcing of materials and inputs 
from suppliers located in countries under lockdowns, to delays and frictions caused by tra nsport and logistics 
disruptions or additional border procedures. Reflecting the growing evidence of the benefits of GVC 
participation, several countries reacted by pledging to keep markets open and ensuring a swift functioning of 
international supply chai ns (WTO, 2020). However, questions are also being asked whether more localised 
production can provide greater security against disruptions, shortages in supply and uncertainty for consumers 
and businesses, or whether the gains from deepening and expanding international specialisation in GVCs are 
worth what are argued to be the associated increased risks and instability.  
GVCs connect economic actors located in multiple countries and can transmit foreign shocks; but they are 
also means of diversification and adjustment to shocks, including domestic ones. Which of these two 
shock -related properties of GVCs prevails, and to what extent the gains from deepening and expanding 
international specialisation in GVCs are actually associated with risks and instability, is an empirical matter; 
the balance will typically depend on sector, country, region and type of shock faced. Yet, few studies to date 
quantify these purported trade -offs. Recent simulations with  the OECD METRO  model , a multi -country multi -
sector computable general equilibrium (CGE) trade model, compare the performance of two stylised versions 
of the global economy in the face of stylised trade cost shocks similar to those obse rved in the recent pandemic 
to assess both efficiency and resilience (OECD, 2020).  
The interconnected economies  regime captures production fragmentation in GVCs much as we see it today, 
taking account of changes from COVID -19a. In contrast, under the more localised regime, businesses and 
consumers rely less on foreign suppliers (modelled using tariffs and subsidies, with firms more constrained in 
switching between sources)b. The two baseline trade regimes are both exposed to the same series of shocks.  
The m odel analysis shows that the shift to the  localised  regime would see a significant reduction of GDP levels 
across all countries; global real GDP would decrease by more than 5% relative to the post -COVID -19 baseline 
and in some countries GDP reductions woul d reach double digits. This suggests that greater localisation of 
value chains would add further GDP losses to the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic.  
Furthermore, for most countries, and for all countries on average, the localised  regime is also fo und to be 
more - not less - vulnerable to shocks. This is because, in the localised regime, smaller and less diversified 
domestic markets need to shoulder most of the adjustment pressures from shocks. While a few countries gain 
marginally in terms of real GDP stability in the localised regime. But the trade -off is very steep; several 
-70-51-42 -42-26-21-18-14 -14-12-54613
-63-43-36 -36-30-24-18-14
-17-2015
06 7
-26-20-17-11
-19-72
-1
-4
-819
512 11
-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-100102030Year-on-year growth (%)
April May June Q2Year-on-year growth in world manufactured goods trade by product, 2020 Q2
WTO Secretariat estimates.(% change in USD values)WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 18 - 
 
  per cent of GDP have to be sacrificed in a shift to a localised regime in order to increase its stability by a 
fraction of a percentage point in the face of relatively signific ant trade cost shocks.  
The modelling results, while based on stylised assumptions, suggest that the economic case for a significantly 
reshoring of GVCs is weak. Rather, GVCs, on top of generating efficiency gains, play an important role in 
cushioning econo mic shocks.  
This points to risks associated with using government policy to significantly alter the geography of GVCs but 
it does not mean that governments have no role to play. There may thus be scope for governments and 
business to work together to incr ease the resilience of GVCs for essential goods, for example by: collecting 
and sharing information on potential bottlenecks in GVCs; or considering how best to assess risks and adjust 
stockpiles of essential goods. Critically, creating predictable regulat ory, trade, and investment policy 
environments are essential for strengthening resilience in GVCs.  
a These include reductions in supply and productivity of labour, reductions in demand for certain goods 
and services, and a rise in trade costs related to ne w customs procedures for goods and restrictions on 
temporary movement of people in services (for details see OECD, 2020).  
b The model imposes a global rise in import tariffs to 25% and national value -added subsidies equivalent 
to 1 % of GDP directed to dom estic non -services sectors to mimic subsidies that favour local production. 
Firms are also assumed to be more constrained in switching between different sources of products.  
Source:  OECD .  
2.4  Trade  in Commercial Services  
As damaging as COVID -19 was for merchandise trade, its impact on trade in services was 
even greater. This negative  influence is  illustrated by  Chart 2. 8, which shows commercial services 
trade by sector through Q2, and Chart 2.9, which  shows quarterly servi ces exports and imports of 
major traders.  
The US dollar value of world commercial services trade was down 30% year -on-year in the 
second quarter ( Chart  2.8), while the value of merchandise trade was only down 21%. Lockdowns  
and travel restrictions were pa rticularly devastating for the tourism industry, as travellers' 
expenditures dropped 81% and transport services fell 31% in Q2. Together, these two categories 
make up 43% of commercial services trade worldwide.  
The category of other commercial s ervices , which encompasses several sectors including 
financial services,  was relatively less affected by the pandemic , with a decline of 9%. Within this 
category , many activities that require physical proximity, including movie production and live 
performances , were either prohibited or severely restricted due to  health concerns. On the other 
hand, financial services were only marginally affected  since these are more easily provided remotely.  
The pandemic boosted demand for certain types of services, particularly ICT  services, which 
registered an uptick of 0.1% in exports in Q2. Within ICT services, exports of computer services 
recorded a 3.6% year -on-year increase. These services have been instrumental in enabling working 
from home, without which , the economic impact  of COVID -19 would have been considerably worse.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Chart 2.8 World commercial services trade by sector, 2020Q1 -2020Q2  
 
Source:  WTO-UNCTAD -ITC and Secretariat estimates . 
In Chart 2.9 , shows the huge impact that COVID -19 on the commercial services trade of 
major economies.  Most of these recorded double -digit declines in their exports in Q2 , except for 
China, which only saw a 5% drop. Meanwhile, declines on the import side ranged  between 16% fo r 
Japan and 52% for the Russian Federation.  
-30-20-1001020
Construction
Manufacturing & repair
Audiovisuals & recreational
R&D services
Architectural & business
Intellectual-property-related
Legal, accounting, etc.
Telecommunications
Insurance services
Financial services
Computer services
2020Q1 2020Q2World commercial services trade by sector, 2020Q1 -2020Q2
-100-80-60-40-20020
Total commercial
servicesTransport services Travel Goods-related
servicesOther commercial
servicesof which: ICT
services(Year -on-year % change in current USD values)
Source: WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Chart 2.9 Commercial services exports and imports of selected economies, 
2019Q2 -2020Q2  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.  
2.5  Trade Forecast and Economic Outlook  
Trade projections from the WTO’s most recent forecast of 6 October 2020 are presented in 
Table 2.1 and Chart 2.10.  The Organization now expects a 9.2% decline in the volume of world 
merchandise trade in 2020, accompanied by a 4.8% drop in world GDP at mark et exchange rates. 
Trade is expected to bounce back in 2021, with a 7.2% increase, while world GDP grows at a 4.9% 
annual rate ( Table 2.1).  
Both exports and imports are expected to contract in all regions in 2020. The smallest declines 
in exports should be  seen in Asia ( -4.5%), South and Central America ( -7.7%) and Other Regions 
(-9.5%), while larger declines are anticipated in Europe ( -11.7%) and North America ( -14.7%). On 
-60-50-40-30-20-1001020
United States European
UnionUnited
KingdomJapan China India Brazil Russian
FederationCommercial services exports and imports of selected economies, 2019Q2 -2020Q2
-40-35-30-25-20-15-10-5051015
United States European
UnionUnited
KingdomJapan China India Brazil Russian
Federation(Year -on-year % change in current USD values)
Exports
Imports
Source: WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.2020Q1 2019Q2 2019Q3 2019Q4 2020Q2WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 21 - 
 
  the import side, single -digit declines are expected  for Asia ( -4.4%) and North Ameri ca (-8.7%), 
while double -digit declines are anticipated for Europe ( -10.3%), South and Central America ( -13.5%) 
and Other Regions ( -16.0%).  
Trade expansion should return to all regions in 2021, with stronger growth in those that 
suffered larger declines i n 2020. Exports should increase  by 10.7% in North America, 8.2% in 
Europe, 6.1% in Other Regions, 5.7% in Asia and 5.4% in South and Central America. Imports 
should grow by 8.7% in Europe, 6.7% in North America, 6.5% in South and Central America, 6.2% 
in Asia and 5.6% in Other Regions.  
These estimates are subject to considerable uncertainty, since they depend, to a large extent, 
on the evolution of the pandemic and the effectiveness of policy  responses. Whether the recovery 
can be sustained over the medium term may depend on the resilience of investment, which could 
be undermined if confidence is damaged by further outbreaks of COVID -19. With second waves of 
infection hitting several countries, risks are firmly tilted to the downside, although there is some 
limited upside potential if effective medical treatments are made available in the coming months.  
The latest trade forecast attempted to quantify some of the risks to the trade outlook. 
According to recent estimates, a resurgence of COVID -19 requiring further lockdowns could reduce 
global GDP growth by 2 to 3 percentage points in 2021 . Other downside risks include an uncertain 
outlook for fiscal policy and a challenging job market. Together, these factors  could shave up to 4 
percentage points off merchandis e trade growth next year . However , rapid deployment of an 
effective vaccine could boost confidence and raise GDP growth by 1 to 2 percentage points in 2021 . 
This could add up to 3 percentage points to the pace of trade expansion  next year . 
These scenarios are illustrated by Chart 2.10. In the  optimistic case, further  waves of 
COVID -19 would be better managed due to experience with the disease, resulting in a smaller 
economic impact. In the pessimistic case,  trade would not return quickly  to its pre-pandemic  trend 
due to  increased debt burdens, high unemployment, and limited early availability of vaccines.  
Table 2.1 Merchandise trade volume and real GDP, 2015 -21a 
  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  
Volume of world merchandise tradeb 2.3 1.4 4.7 2.9 -0.1 -9.2 7.2 
Exports         
North America  2.6 0.7 3.4 3.8 1.0 -14.7 10.7 
South and Central America  0.6 1.3 2.9 0.1 -2.2 -7.7 5.4 
Europe  2.9 1.1 3.7 2.0 0.1 -11.7 8.2 
Asia 1.3 2.3 6.7 3.7 0.9 -4.5 5.7 
Other regionsc 1.8 3.5 0.7 0.7 -2.9 -9.5 6.1 
Imports         
North America  5.2 0.3 4.4 5.2 -0.4 -8.7 6.7 
South and Central America  -7.6 -9.0 4.3 5.3 -2.1 -13.5 6.5 
Europe  3.6 3.0 3.0 1.5 0.5 -10.3 8.7 
Asia 2.1 2.2 8.4 4.9 -0.6 -4.4 6.2 
Other regionsc -3.9 -4.5 3.4 0.3 1.5 -16.0 5.6 
Real GDP at market exchange rates  2.8 2.4 3.1 2.8 2.2 -4.8 4.9 
North America  2.8 1.7 2.4 2.8 2.1 -4.4 3.9 
South and Central America  -0.8 -2.0 0.8 0.6 -0.2 -7.5 3.8 
Europe  2.4 2.1 2.8 2.1 1.5 -7.3 5.2 
Asia 4.3 4.2 4.8 4.1 3.9 -2.4 5.9 
Other regionsc 1.5 2.4 1.9 2.1 1.4 -5.5 3.5 
a Figures for 2020 and 2021 are projections.  
b Average of exports and imports.  
c Other regions comprise Africa, the Middle East and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), 
including associate and former member States.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat for trade, consensus estimates for GDP.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Chart 2.10 Merchandise trade volume - optimistic and pessimistic scenarios  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates.  
Box 2.2. takes a closer look at the evolution of the pandemic and the role of trade as reported 
by a number of International Organizations.  
Box 2.2 COVID -19 Impact and Recovery: The Role of Trade  
COVID -19 is an unprecedented exogenous shock to the global economy and trade. The following looks at the 
evolution of the pandemic and the nascent recovery taking place, which appears to be demand driven with 
trade being central to it. Notwithstanding the multitude of publications and studies, the following draws on 
the forecasts and outlooks of a few IGOs. However, these are to be considered with a degree of caution  as 
the situation regarding the pandemic remains fluid with many countries experiencing seco nd waves.  
In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID -19 a world health emergency and 
subsequently classified it as a pandemic in March. The impact of the pandemic on the global economy has 
been immense. The initial impact was a su pply shock. The global economy has become increasingly 
interdependent and a large proportion of products are produced as part of global value chains. Plant closures 
in China and other parts of Asia in January 2020 led to supply chain disruptions and concer ns regarding 
depleted inventories. As the pandemic spread from Asia to Europe, the economic crisis morphed into a wider 
demand crisis as containment measures such as lockdowns, travel restrictions, quarantine requirements and 
social distancing resulted in significant disruptions in economic activity.  
In March 2020, the OECD estimated that the global economy would grow by 2.4% in 2020, a decline of 0.5% 
from its November 2019 projectiona. The estimate was based on the outbreak being limited in geographic 
scope and short -lived. Taking into account the extent of supply chain disruptions, tightening of global financial 
markets, changes in consumption patterns, volatile commodity prices and the wider impact and effectiveness 
of containment measures such as lockdo wns, the IMF predicted in April 2020 that the global economy would 
contract by 3% in 2020b. However, the IMF's prediction was subject to extreme uncertainty and did not fully 
take into consideration the impact of the pandemic on the Western Hemisphere as t his had not been fully 
manifested then.  
A March statement by G -7 Leaders reaffirmed support for global trade and investment and stated that they 
would mobilize "the full range of instruments, including monetary and fiscal measures, as well as targeted 
actions, to support immediately and as much as necessary the workers, companies and sectors most 
affectedc." The G -20 Trade and Investment Ministers also echoed the same sentiments in their Ministerial 
Statement of March 30 2020d. 
In response to the evolving crisis many countries put in place stimulus packages and relief measures. Central 
banks and monetary authorities have intervened in financial markets and national governments have put in 
place a series of fiscal policy measures focused on supporting the health sector, households and firms. Fiscal 
measures implemented include tax cuts and deferrals, wage and income supplements, expanding 
unemployment insurance and direct payments to households and businesses. Monetary policy measu res 
include interest rate cuts, preferential loans and loan guarantees, increased liquidity, new lending and 
financing programmes, asset purchases, foreign exchange swaps and the easing of prudential regulations and 
capital buffers. A non -exhaustive list o f such measures is included in the original language of the submission 
90100110120130140
Optimistic Pessimistic Baseline Trend 2011-18Merchandise trade volume -optimistic and pessimistic scenarios
(Index, 2011Q1=100)
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimate.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 23 - 
 
  on the WTO COVID -19 webpagee. According to the IMF the global fiscal response implemented through mid -
June 2020 amounted to over USD 11 trillionf. Consequently , borrowing by governments  rose from 3.9% of 
global GDP in 2019 to nearly 14% in 2020, with developed countries being responsible for the bulk of the 
increase. In this respect, the United States and the European Union and its member States implemented the 
largest stimulus packages.  
The US Congress passed the COVID -19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which is a USD  2.1 trillion 
fiscal stimulus package , inter alia , providing loans businesses, direct payments to lower and middle -income 
individual taxpayers , unemployment insuranc e, and tax deferrals. The Federal Reserve also cut the target 
range for the federal funds to a range of 0.00% to 0.25%, added nearly USD 2 trillion in liquidity to the 
banking system through increased reverse repo operations and began quantitative easing , which included the 
guaranteeing and purchase of corporate bonds and securities . The European Central Bank announced a 
750 billion euro (USD 818 billion) temporary asset purchase program me of private and public sector securities 
to mitigate the risks posed by the pandemic. Additionally, the European Commission put rules in place that 
allowed member States to use the full flexibility of state aid rules to support the economy. The rules allow for 
direct grants, selective tax advantages and advance payments; st ate guarantees for loans taken by companies 
from banks; subsidized public loans to companies; safeguards for banks that channel state aid to the real 
economy; and short -term export credit insurance.  
As an initial reaction to the crisis, many countries impo sed export restrictions on products deemed vital such 
as personal protective equipment and basi c food products, while others increased import tariffs on certain 
goods to generate revenueg. However, since then, countries have endeavored to keep markets open  and trade 
flowing and have not in general resorted to restrictive  measures. In this regard, an array of trade facilitating 
measures have been implemented. These included: relaxation of procedural formalities; risk management 
prioritizing clearance of impo rts and exports of low -risk critical supplies; border agency cooperation to 
facilitate the import of critical supplies; and information technology such as single windows and trade 
information portals to support tradeh. 
As the full impact of the pandemic was felt, global growth projections were readjusted downwards significantly. 
In June 2020, the OECD estimated that global economic growth would decline by 6.0% under a single wave 
scenario and by 7.6% under a second wave situation. The OECD also p rojected that global trade would 
contract by either 9.5% or 11.4% depending on the scenarioi. In June , the IMF estimated that the global 
economy would contract by 4.9% and global trade would decline by 11.9%j. At the same time, the World 
Bank's baseline es timate predicted a contraction in the global economy of 5.2%k. 
All three (OECD, IMF and World Bank), argue that the economic impact of the pandemic will be most acutely 
felt by developing and emerging economies, which are reliant on trade, tourism, remitta nces and commodity 
exports. Furthermore, the World Bank emphasizes that the contraction in global output will likely lead to 
declines in per capita incomes in most developing and emerging countries, resulting in many millions falling 
back into poverty.  
In April 2020, the WTO forecasted that global trade volumes could decline between 13% and 32% in 2020. A 
June 2020 forecast update estimated that trade volumes could decline by 18.5% in 2020. The revised forecast 
reflected progress  made in facilitating import s, including products related to COVID -19. 
In the first half of 2020, global trade declined by 15%, while global output declined  10% by 2019. However, 
according to the OECD, IMF and the WTO, the adverse impact of the pandemic would have been far greater 
in the absence of prompt and effective policy support introduced globally as well as the commitment and effort 
to keep trade flowing and not resorting to widespread protectionism. As confinement measures have eased 
and businesses have reopened, a tepid econo mic recovery seems to be taking shape. In its September 2020 
forecast, the OECD projects that the global economy would contract by 4.5%, significantly better than under 
the two scenarios projected in June. Similarly, in October 2020, the IMF also projected  that the global economy 
would contract by 4.5% in 2020, an improvement on its June estimate, while the WTO predicted a contraction 
of 4.8%l. In their October reports, the IMF forecasted that trade would decline by over 10% in 2020 while the 
WTO estimated that trade volumes would decline by 9.2%, both projections are an improvement on their June 
2020 forecasts. However, it should be stressed that these forecasts are highly uncertain keeping in mind the 
fluid nature of the pandemic.  
These forecasts come on t he back of a  sharper -than-expected recovery in China fuelled by strong 
infrastructure investment. Furthermore, according to the OECD , demand for consumer durables has picked 
up on account of confinement related pent -up demand and fiscal incentives. The inc reased demand is reflected 
in surge in global trade in June and July, which was driven to a large extent by Chinam. 
The above account has tried to shed light on the evolution of the crisis, its global impact, and how governments 
have responded and tried to  balance public health and economic considerations. Several initiatives to keeping 
markets open, increasing trade facilitation, timely and unprecedented policy interventions and stimulus 
packages and the effectiveness of containment measures have seen the light of day.  According to various 
estimates, global output is expected to expand by around 5% in 2021n and trade is expected to grow in the 
range of 7 -8%o. However, the outlook comes with a high degree of uncertainty. Growth will depend on the 
magnitude a nd duration of new COVID -19 outbreaks and the degree to which current containment measures 
are maintained or reinforced. Additionally, it has been stressed that trade is fundamental to the recovery. It 
is imperative that markets and borders remain open and  that existing trade and technology -related  tensions WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 24 - 
 
  between countries be resolved through multilateral cooperation so as  not to undermine economic -related  
recoveryp. 
a OECD Interim Economic Assessment Coronavirus: The world economy at risk  March 2020.  
b IMF World Economic Outlook April 2020.  
c Coronavirus COVID -19: G7 Leaders’ Statement (16 Mar. 2020).  
d G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Statement, March 30, 2020.  
e 67 out of 164 WTO members have made submissions to the WTO. Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_support_measures_e.htm . 
f IMF World Economic Outlook Update June 2020.  
g For details of these measures please see WTO documen t WT/TPR/OV/W/14, 8 July 2020.  
h For details please see:  http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/824081587487261551/pdf/Trade -
and-COVID -19-Guidance -Note-Trade -Facilitation -Best-Practices -Implemented -in-Response -to-the-
COVID -19-Pandemic.pdf .  
i OECD Econ omic Outlook June 2020.  
j IMF World Economic Outlook Update June 2020.  
k World Bank: Global Economic Prospects June 2020.  
l OECD Interim Economic Outlook September 2020, IMF World Economic Outlook October 2020 and WTO 
press release Trade shows signs of reb ound from COVID -19, recovery still uncertain October 2020.  
m WTO press release Trade shows signs of rebound from COVID -19, recovery still uncertain October 2020 
and World Bank COVID -19 Trade Watch various issues.  
n The IMF forecasts global economic growth to be 5.2% in 2021, the OECD 5.0% and the WTO 4.9%.  
o The WTO projection for trade growth is 7.2% while the IMF estimates 8%.  
p OECD Interim Economic Outlook September 2020 and IMF World Economic Outlook October 2020.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  3  TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED POLICY ISSUES  
3.1  Overview of Trends Identified during the Review  Period  
3.1.  This Section provides analysis of selected trade and trade -related policy developments in the 
area of goods during the period from mid -October 2019 to mid -October 2020. It is divided into two 
parts. The first part looks at regular , i.e. non COVID -related , measures implemented during the 
review period, including calculations on trade coverage. The second  part in Section 3.1.2  covers 
measures taken in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic. Measures in the second part are not 
included in the trade coverage calc ulations and are not counted towards the aggregate numbers in 
part one . 
3.1.1   Regular trade measures  
A total of 699 trade measures were recorded for WTO Members and Observers during the 
review period (Chart 3.1).1 This figure includes measures facilitating  trade, trade remedy measures 
and other trade and trade -related measures, i.e. trade restrictive measures. It excludes measures 
taken in response to the COVID -19 pandemic. Chart 3.2 below illustrates the trade coverage2 of the 
measures recorded for WTO Members  and Observers  during the review period.  
Chart 3.1 Overview of measures , mid-October  2019 to mid -October 2020  
(By number)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chart 3.2 Trade coverage of measures, mid -October 2019 to mid -October 2020  
(USD billion)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Measures facilitating trade  
3.3.  Annex 1 to this Report list s measures which are clearly trade -facilitating.  
3.4.  During the review period, 88 new trade facilitating measures were recorded for WTO Members 
and Observers, of which 32 were of a temporary nature. This represent 13% of the total number of 
 
1 See annexes 1 -3. These annexes do not include S PS and TBT measures which are covered in 
Sections  3.3 and 3.4. Services measures are analysed in Section 4 and are listed in annex 4.  
2 Trade coverage calculations in this Section are based on the available figures at the time of writing. 
The trade coverag es in this Report are generally based on 2019 figures which were not available for all 
countries, notably China, for the mid -year Report circulated in June 2020. As such, the trade coverages 
reported in the present Report are not directly comparable to the  trade coverages reported in the June Report.   
392 130 88 89 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Measures facilitating trade Measures restricting trade699Overview of measures taken by WTO Members and Observers, mid-October 2019 to mid-October 2020
(By number)
69 10 
731 441 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Import-facilitating measures Import-restrictive measures1,251Trade coverage of measures, mid -October 2019 to mid -October 2020
(USD billion)WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 26 - 
 
  measures recorded. Table 3.1 below  shows that, as for previous periods, the reduction or elimination 
of import tariffs make up the bulk of trade -facilitating measures, followed by the elimination of 
taxes3, and the simplification of customs procedures.4 On the export side, measures included 
reductions of export duties and elimination of prior export authorizations.5 
3.5.  The trade coverage of the import -facilitating measures introduced during the review period was 
estimated at USD 731.3 billion (excluding ITA -related measures), i.e. 3.88% of the value of world  
merchandise imports.6 This share is the second -highest reported for these types of measures since 
October 2012 (Table 3.2 and Chart 3.3).  The HS Chapters within which most of the trade facilitating 
measures were taken incl ude electrical machinery and parts thereof (HS 85) 2 7.5%, machinery and 
mechanical appliances (HS 84) 1 1.5%, plastics and articles thereof (HS 3 9) 6.4%, and optical, 
photographic , measuring , medical or surgical  instruments  (HS 90) 5.5%. 
Table 3.1 Measures facilitating trade ( Annex 1)  
Type of measure  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Mid-Oct 18 to  
mid-Oct 19  
(WT/TPR/OV/22)  
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
(WT/TPR/OV/23)  
Import  176 140 176 208 151 115 135 100 104 82 
- Tariff 154 109 147 165 116 94 111 85 93 72 
- Customs procedures  12 26 17 32 28 18 14 2 4 3 
- Tax 2 4 2 6 4 3 7 5 6 6 
- QRs 7 1 10 5 1 0 3 1 1 1 
- Other  1 0 0 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 
Export  17 8 9 40 32 24 18 14 16 5 
- Duties  7 3 3 18 5 1 6 10 10 4 
- QRs 8 4 3 3 1 2 0 1 1 0 
- Other  2 1 3 19 26 21 12 3 5 1 
Other  6 1 1 4 3 0 0 1 0 1 
Total  199 149 186 252 186 139 153 115 120 88 
Average per month  16.6 12.4 15.5 21.0 15.5 11.6 12.8 9.6 10.0 7.3 
Note:  Revisions of the data reflect changes undertaken in the TMDB to fine -tune and update the available 
information.  COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures are not included. Those measures are 
covered in Section 3.1.2 and in annex 5.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
3 For example, elimination of the special welfare surcharge on certain products, and exemption of the 
health cess by India; excise duty rebate on certain vehicles by Mauritius; and elimination of regulatory du ties 
on wheat by Pakistan.  
4 For example, elimination of non -automatic licensing requirements on certain products by Argentina 
and Brazil; and extension of time frames for payments of customs duties by El Salvador.  
5 For example , reduction of export duties  on 5,114 tariff lines by Argentina; VAT rebate rates increased 
by China and elimination of prior export authorization requirement on onion and potatoes by Turkey . 
6 These figures include one measure by China  (interim import tariffs resulting in the tempor ary 
reduction of import tariffs on certain products ), accounting  for 57.5% of the total ; and one measure by the 
United States (reduction of ad valorem  duties on products from China), accounting for 18.8% of the total . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Table 3.2 Shares of trade covered by trade -facilitating measures   
Mid-Oct 13 to mid -
Oct 14 
Mid-Oct 14  to mid -
Oct 15 
Mid-Oct 15  to mid -
Oct 16 
Mid-Oct 16  to mid -
Oct 17 
Mid-Oct 17  to mid -
Oct 18 
Mid-Oct 18  to mid-
Oct 19 
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
Share in total world imports  6.4%  0.91%  1.51%  1.07%  1.68%  2.80%  3.88%  
Note:  Estimates are based on calendar year data. For example, data for mid -October 2018 to mid -May 
2019 are based 2018 calendar year data. For some countries, 2019 import data were not yet 
available. The data for the previous full calendar year were used for those countries.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UNSD Comtrade database.  
Chart 3.3 Trade coverage  of new import -facilitating measures in each reporting period 
(not cumulative)  
(USD billion)  
 
Note:  These figures are estimates and represent the trade coverage of the measures (i.e. annual imports of 
the products concerned from economies affected by the measures) and not the cumulative impact of 
the trade measures. Liberalization associated with the 2015 Expansion of the WTO's Information 
Technology Agreement is not included in the figures. COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures are 
not included.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Trade Coverage of the ITA Expansion Agreement  
The implementation of the ITA Expansion  Agreement7 is entering its final phase. This Report 
includes measures resulting from the implementation  of the ITA Expansion Agreement by Albania; 
Australia, China, Colombia, European Union, Israel, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Montenegro, 
Philippines, Chinese Taipei and Thailand (Annex 1). According to preliminary estimates by the WTO 
Secretariat, the trad e coverage of the import -facilitating measures implemented during the review 
period in the context of the ITA Expansion Agreement amounted to USD 139 billion, or around 0.74% 
world merchandise imports.8 Given the significant trade coverage value of these measures, they 
 
7 Participants to the ITA : Albania; Australia; Canada (all duty free as of July 2019); China; Colombia; 
Costa Rica; the European  Union; Georgia; Guatemala; Hong Kong, China (all duty free as of July 201 6); 
Iceland (all duty free as of July 201 7); Israel; Japan (all duty free as of July 2016); Korea, Rep. of; Macao, 
China; Malaysia; Mauritius; Montenegro; New Zealand; Norway (all duty free as of July 201 6); Philippines; 
Singapore (all duty free as of July 201 6); Switzerland (all duty free as of July 201 7); Chinese Taipei; Thailand; 
and the United States (all duty free as of July 2019). WTO document G/MA/W/117, 26 January 2019 . 
8 Calculated at the HS six -digit level and using 2019 import figures.  
2581,183
170249
169296545731
02004006008001,0001,2001,400
mid-Oct 12 -
mid-Oct 13mid-Oct 13 -
mid-Oct 14mid-Oct 14 -
mid-Oct 15mid-Oct 15 -
mid-Oct 16mid-Oct 16 -
mid-Oct 17mid-Oct 17 -
mid-Oct 18mid-Oct 18 -
mid-Oct 19mid-Oct 19 -
mid-Oct 20Trade coverage of new import -facilitating measures in each reporting period (not cumulative)
(USD billion)
Note:  [See original].WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 28 - 
 
  have not been included in the figures estimating the trade coverage of import -facilitating  measures 
in section 3.1.1, as it would make any comparison with previous Reports misleading . 
Trade remedy actions  
3.7.  During the period under review, 522 trade remedy actions were recorded for WTO Members 
and Observer s, accounting for 75 % of all non -COVID -19 related trade measures recorded in this 
Report.9 An overview of these measures can be found in annex 2. The average number of trade 
remedy initiations  per month was the highest recorded since 2012 . The monthly average of trade 
remedy terminations recorded was the lowest  recorded since 2012  (Table 3.3 and Chart 3.4).  
Table 3.3 Trade remedy actions (Annex 2)  
Type of measure  
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019  
Mid-Oct 18 to  
mid-Oct 19  
(WT/TPR/OV/22)  
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
(WT/TPR/OV/23)  
Initiations  255 338 304 277 343 298 273 280 270 392 
- AD 208 287 236 229 298 249 202 214 212 310 
- CVD 23 33 45 31 34 41 55 36 32 57 
- SG 24 18 23 17 11 8 16 30 26 25 
Average per month  21.3 28.2 25.3 23.1 28.6 24.8 22.8 22.3 22.5 32.7 
Terminations  208 186 220 212 171 157 222 182 193 130 
- AD 177 160 185 167 141 128 198 164 172 111 
- CVD 21 17 23 25 15 12 24 8 12 8 
- SGa 10 9 12 20 15 17 0 10 9 11 
Average per month  17.3 15.5 18.3 17.7  14.3 13.1 18.5 15.2 16.1 10.8 
a The figure for a specific year is the sum of the following: (i) all ongoing investigations terminated 
during the course of that specific year without any measure; and (ii) all imposed measures expired 
during the course of that specific year. COVID -19 trade  and trade -related measures are not included. 
Those measures are covered in Section 3.1.2 and in annex 5.  
Note:  The information on trade remedy actions for 2012 to 2019 is based on the semi -annual notifications. 
For the present review period, the informati on is also based on the responses and the verifications 
received directly from Members.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.8.  In terms of products, trade remedy actions taken during the review period included initiations 
of investigations on iron and steel (HS  72) 1 4.7%, furniture and lighting/lamps (HS 94) 11.7%, 
aluminium and articles thereof (HS  76) 11%, and plastics and articles thereof (HS 39) 9.7%. 
3.9.  The trade coverage of all trade remedy investigations initiated during the review period was 
USD 68.8 billion, i.e. 0. 36% of the value of world merchandise imports (Table  3.4). For terminations, 
the trade coverage was valued at USD  9.9 billion (0.0 5% of the value of world merchandise imports).  
 
9 A single methodology for the counting of AD and CVD investigati ons is being applied across the 
Report, i.e. based on the number of exporting countries or customs territories affected by an investigation or 
by a termination. Thus, one AD or CVD investigation involving imports from n countries/customs territories is 
counted as n investigations. Similarly, the termination of an AD or CVD action is counted as n terminations.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 29 - 
 
  Chart 3.4 Trade remedies initiations and terminations  
(Average per month)  
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 3.4 Share of trade covered by trade remedy initiations   
Mid-Oct 13 to 
mid-Oct 14 
Mid-Oct 14  to 
mid-Oct 15 
Mid-Oct 15  to 
mid-Oct 16 
Mid-Oct 16  to 
mid-Oct 17 
Mid-Oct 17  to 
mid-Oct 18 
Mid-Oct 18  to 
mid-Oct 19 
Mid-Oct 19 to 
mid-Oct 20  
Share in total world imports  0.20%  0.17%  0.55%  0.48%  0.53%  0.24%  0.36%  
Note:  Estimates are based on calendar year data. For example, data for mid -October 2018 to mid -May 
2019 are based 2018 calendar year data. For some countries, 2019 import data were not yet 
available. The data for the previous full calendar year were used for those countries.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UNSD Comtrade database.  
Other trade and trade -related  measures  
3.10.  Annex 3 to this Report lists measures which may be considered to have a trade-restrictive 
effect.  A total of 89 new trade -restrictive measures were recorded for WTO Members and Observers, 
mostly tariff increases, followed by bans10, and stricter customs procedures .11 Restrictive measures 
on exports included quantitative restri ctions12, the imposition of duties13 and stricter administrative 
customs procedures (Table 3.5).14 
 
10 For example, QRs on tyres, power tilers and colour television by India.  
11 For example, non -automatic import licensing requirements on 1.447 tariff l ines by Argentina; 
elimination of automatic import licensing procedures on certain products by Brazil; and revised requirements 
for business registration number by Indonesia.   
12 For example, QRs on onions by India and Pakistan, QRs on waste and scrap of iron, steel and copper 
by Colombia and Mauritius, QRs on buckwheat by Ukraine, and QRs on bird eggs by Thailand.  
13 For example, export duties on certain products by Argentina, and  export taxes by Egypt.  
14 For example, reference values requirements for exports of certain products by Argentina, catalogue of 
goods subject to export licensing by China, export licensing requirement on undenatured ethyl alcohol by 
Paraguay; and prior exp ort authorization on onions by Turkey.  
21 28 
25 
23 29 
25 
23 
22 23 33 
17 
16 18 18 
14 
13 19 
15 16 
11 
05101520253035
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 mid-Oct 18 to 
mid-Oct 19mid-Oct 19 to 
mid-Oct 20WTO trade remedies intitiations and terminations 
Initiations avg per month Terminations avg per month
Source:   WTO Secretariat.Note:   Values are rounded.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 30 - 
 
  3.11.  The measures recorded in annex 3 cover a wide range of products. The main sectors affected 
(HS Chapters) were electrical machinery and parts thereof (HS  85) 21.6%, machinery and 
mechanical appliances (HS  84) 15.8%, and precious stones and metals (HS 71) 9% .  
Table 3.5 Other trade and trade -related measures (Annex 3)  
Type of measure  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Mid-Oct 18 to  
mid-Oct 19  
(WT/TPR/OV/22)  
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
(WT/TPR/OV/23)  
Import  135 146 133 167 99 84 114 78 81 71 
- Tariff 75 86 83 107 64 47 70 46 47 39 
- Customs procedures  31 27 19 32 16 19 6 6 7 8 
- Tax 6 5 8 10 6 9 13 7 6 6 
- QRs 16 17 8 12 12 7 16 14 12 13 
- Other  7 11 15 6 1 2 9 5 9 5 
Export  23 31 26 44 20 18 18 19 19 18 
- Duties  3 5 12 13 6 4 9 7 6 6 
- QRs 12 10 8 7 10 8 4 3 4 7 
- Other  8 16 6 24 4 6 5 9 9 5 
Other  12 7 12 15 12 14 0 2 2 0 
- Othera 7 1 1 0 4 2 0 1 1 0 
- Local content  5 6 11 15 8 12 0 1 1 0 
Total  170 184 171 226 131 116 132 99 102 89 
Average per month  14.2 15.3 14.3 18.8 10.9 9.7 11.0 8.3 8.5 7.4 
a Other than local content measures.  
Note:  Revisions o f the data reflect changes undertaken in the TMDB to fine -tune and update the available 
information. COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures are not included. Those measures are 
covered in Section 3.1.2 and in annex 5.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.12.  The trade coverage of the trade -restrictive measures affecting imports implemented during 
the review period was estimated at USD  440.9 billion, i.e. 2. 4% of the value of world  merchandise 
imports (Table 3.6).15 This represents  the third-highest  value  recorded  since October  2012 
(Chart  3.5).  
Table 3.6 Share of trade covered by import -restrictive measures (Annex 3)   
Mid-Oct 13 to 
mid-Oct 14 
Mid-Oct 14  to 
mid-Oct 15 
Mid-Oct 15  to 
mid-Oct 16 
Mid-Oct 16  to 
mid-Oct 17 
Mid-Oct 17  to 
mid-Oct 18 
Mid-Oct 18  to 
mid-Oct 19 
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
Share in total world imports  1.17%  1.23%  0.62%  0.50%  3.33%  3.84%  2.4%  
Note:  Estimates are based on calendar year data. For example, data for mid -October 2018 to mid -May 
2019 are based 2018 calendar year data. For some countries, 2019 import data were not yet 
available. The data for the previous full calendar year were used for those countries.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UNSD Comtrade database.  
 
15 These figures include one measure by the United States (imposition of an additional duty of 15% on 
certain products from China), accounting for 45% of the total; three measures by India (increase of import 
tariffs o n certain products), accounting for 18.1% of the total; and one measure by Argentina (further increase 
of the statistical fee), accounting for 11.1% of the total.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Chart 3.5 Trade coverage of new import -restrictive measures in each reporting period 
(not cumulative)  
(USD billion)  
 
Note:  These figures are estimates and represent the trade coverage of the measures (i.e. annual imports 
of the products con cerned from economies affected by the measures) introduced during each 
reporting period, and not the cumulative impact of the trade measures. COVID -19 trade and 
trade -related measures are not included.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
The stockpile of import -restr ictive measures  
3.13.  Accurately estimating the roll -back of import -restrictive measures, and eventually the overall 
stockpile, is made more complex by the fact that a large number of temporary measures remain in 
place beyond the envisaged termination date. More over, the Secretariat often does not receive 
information on changes to reported measures. As a result, the figures below are estimates based on 
the information recorded in the Trade Monitoring Database since 2009. These estimates are also 
conditioned by th e availability of termination dates of the import -restrictive measures and of the 
HS codes of products covered.16 
Table 3.7 and Chart 3.6 show that the stockpile of import restrictions in force has grown 
steadily since 2009 – in value terms and as a percentage of world imports – and that a significant 
increase in both took place from 2017 to 2018. This specific jump is largely explained by measures 
introduced on steel and aluminium, and by tariff increases introduced as part of bilateral trade 
tension s (but excluding those that have been terminated). At the end of 2019 , some 8.7% of world 
imports were affected by import restrictions implemented since 2009 and still in force. This is the 
equivalent of USD 1.6 trillion out of USD 18.9 trillion of total world imports. Preliminary estimates 
suggest that the stockpile for 2020 (based on 2019 import figures) would be close to USD 1.7 trillion 
by mid -October 2020 . Table 3.7 also shows that the trade coverage for terminations of import 
restrictions represents 0 .07% of total world imports, suggesting that any roll -back of such measures 
is negligible.  
 
16 Only import measures where HS codes were available are included in the calculation.  
201214228
101
79588747
441
0100200300400500600700800
mid-Oct 12 -
mid-Oct 13mid-Oct 13 -
mid-Oct 14mid-Oct 14 -
mid-Oct 15mid-Oct 15 -
mid-Oct 16mid-Oct 16 -
mid-Oct 17mid-Oct 17 -
mid-Oct 18mid-Oct 18 -
mid-Oct 19mid-Oct 19 -
mid-Oct 20Trade coverage of new import -restrictive measures in each reporting period (not 
cumulative)
(USD billion)
Note:  [See original].WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 32 - 
 
  Table 3.7 Cumulative trade coverage of import -restrictive measures since 2009  to 2019  
(USD billion, unless otherwise indicated)   
2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Total imports (world)  12,486  15,163  18,109  18,193  18,483  18,654  16,360  15,812  17,587  19,402  18,869  
Total import 
restrictions in force  73.07  125.75  234.42  305.91  407.26  467.39  598.43  570.24  814.45  1,456.97  1,645.91  
Share in world imports 
(%) 0.59 0.83 1.29 1.68 2.20 2.51 3.66 3.61 4.63 7.51 8.72 
Total import 
restrictions  
terminated   1.68 15.43  59.41  37.15  34.05  1.51 38.09  3.88 5.45 13.12  
Share in world imports 
(%)  0.01 0.09 0.33 0.20 0.18 0.01 0.24 0.02 0.03 0.07 
Note:  For some countries, 2019 import data was not yet available. The data for the previous full calendar 
year was used for those countries.  
Source:  WTO calculations, based on UNSD Comtrade database.  
Chart 3.6 Cumulative trade coverage of import -restrictive measures on goods since 2009  
to 2019  
(USD billion  and % of world merchandise imports ) 
 
Note:  The cumulative trade coverage estimated by the Secretariat is based on information available in the 
Trade Monitoring Database (TMDB) on import measures recorded since 2009 and considered to have 
a trade -restrictive effect. The estimates include import measures for which HS codes were a vailable. 
The figures do not include trade remedy measures. COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures are 
not included. The import values were sourced from the UNSD Comtrade database.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.1.2   COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures  
Annex 5 to this Report lists trade and trade -related measures in the area of goods which have 
been implemented by WTO Members and Observers in response to the COVID -19 pandemic. The se 
measures were implemented between mid -October 2019 and mid -October  2020.17 
As at mid -October 2020, 335 COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures had been recorded 
for 112 WTO Members and Observers18, most  of these were  adopted on a temporary basis. Although 
in the early stages of the pandemic a majority of measures restricted the free flow of trade19, the 
 
17 The full list of measures can also be viewed at:  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/covid19_e.htm .  
18 The European Union and its member States are counted as one.  
19 WTO doc ument WT/TPR/OV/W/14, 10 July 2020.  
73126234306407467598 5708141,4571,646
0.60.81.31.72.22.53.7 3.64.77.58.7
012345678910
02004006008001,0001,2001,4001,6001,800
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Import restrictions in force (left axis) % of world imports (right axis)Cumulative trade coverage of G20 import -restrictive measure in force since 2009
(USD billion and % of world merchandise imports )
Source:  WTO Secretariat.(%)
Note:  [See original].WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 33 - 
 
  overall picture as of mid -October  shows that 195 (58%) of all measures were of a trade facilitating 
nature.20 A total of 140 measures (42%) could be considered to have a trade -restrictive effect  
(Charts 3.7 and 3.8) .21 Export bans continue to account for more than 90% of all restrictive 
measures recorded.  
Chart 3.7 COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures on goods, by mid -October 2020  
(By number)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
The gradual phase -out of exports constraints targeting products such as surgical masks, 
gloves, medicine s, and disinfectant continues. The roll -back of other trade and trade -related 
measures taken in the early stages of the pandemi c is also taking place. For instance, around 39% 
of the COVID -19 specific restrictive measures implemented  by WTO Members and Observers had 
been repealed by mid -October.22 Around 18% of COVID -19 specific facilitating measures have been 
terminated.23  
Chart  3.8 Trade coverage of COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures on goods, by 
mid-October 2020  
(USD billion)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.18.  Trade and trade -related measures listed in annex 5 appear to have come in  two clearly 
identifiable waves. First, in the early stages of the trade response to the COVID -19 pandemic, 
WTO Members and Observers put in place stricter export regulations on personal protective 
equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks, drugs and medici ne utilized in the treatment of the 
virus, certain medical equipment such as ventilators  or other respiratory support equipment , and 
disinfectant such as hand sanitizers. Export regulations came in the shape of new requirements f or 
authorization to export,  specific quotas and , in export bans. Second, subsequent restrictive trade 
measures targeted mainly basic food products such as sugar, cereals, buckwheat, meslin, rice, 
vegetables, soya beans, sunflower seeds, prepared food and oils in order to guarantee l ocal food 
supplies.  
 
20 According to preliminary estimates by the WTO Secretariat, the trade coverage amounted to 
USD 227.2 billion (including exports and based on annual 2019 trade figures).  
21 According to preliminary estimates by the WTO Secretariat, the trade coverage amounted to 
USD 179.8 billion  (including exports and base d on annual 2019 trade figures).  
22 According to preliminary estimates by the WTO Secretariat, the trade coverage amounted  to 
USD 108.4 billion  (including exports and base d on annual 2019 trade figures).  
23 According to preliminary estimates by the WTO Secretariat, the trade coverage amounted to 
USD 51.7 billion  (including exports and base d on annual 2019 trade figures).  
195 140 
Measures facilitating trade Trade-restrictive measures335COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures on goods, by mid-October 2020
(Number)
227 180 
Measures facilitating trade Trade-restrictive measures407Trade coverage of COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures on goods, by mid-
October 2020
(USD billion)WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 34 - 
 
  3.19.  As for imports, some Members increased tariffs and taxes on for example petrol and oils 
primarily, it seems, to generate revenue to help finance a variety of emergency economic support 
measures and programmes. These programmes are cover ed in S ection 3.7.  
3.20.  As of mid -October , 124 COVID -19 measures  by 54 WTO Members affecting trade in services 
had been recorded with most of them be ing trade -facilitating in na ture. The se measures are covered 
separately in Section 4 and annex 6.24 
3.21.  Some 60 COVID -19 measures regarding trade -related intellectual property rights were 
recorded and verified  for WTO Members and Observers until mid -October 2020 . A number of these 
measures were aim ed at facilitating innovation or access with respect to COVID -19-related health 
technologies, while others eased certain procedural requirements or deadlines for administrative 
matters. These measures are covered in Section  5.25 
3.22.  By mid -October 2020, some 2 55 formal notifications and communications on COVID -19 
trade-related measures had been received by the Secretariat from WTO Members and Observers.26 
Some WTO Members notified multiple times under the same subject area. About two -thirds of the 
notifications  were related to SPS and TBT measures, such as trade in PPE, food, live animals and 
medical equipment. Many of these measures aimed at streamlining certification procedures, and 
moving towards more electronic/digital procedures, including electronic certif ication, to facilitate 
access to PPE and other medical equipment necessary to combat the pandemic, and to food. Some 
also focused on COVID -19 risks from international trade in live animals. In the case of the QR 
notifications, Members notified prohibitions  and restrictions on the export of PPE, sanitizers and 
disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals. Some Members also restricted the export of foodstuffs and 
notified them to the Committee on Agriculture. Around half of the export restrictive measures were 
notified  as temporary. These notifications are described in more detail in subsequent Sections of this 
Report.  
3.2  Trade  remedy trends27 
This Section provides an assessment of trends in global (WTO -wide) trade remedy actions in 
the periods July 2017 to June 2018 (first perio d), July 2018 to June 2019 (second period) and July 
2019 to June 2020 (current period).28 Concerning anti -dumping, data for the current period indicate 
a significant increase in the number of new investigations  initiated.29 The number of counte rvailing 
duty investigations also increased in the current  period, after a decline from the first period to the 
second. As for initiations of safeguard investigations, the declining trend since 2015 appears to have 
come to an end.  
Anti-dumping measures  
Global anti -dumping initiations  decreased by 24% to 178 in the second period , from 233 in 
the first period , then increased, by 70%,  to 303 in the current period (Table  3.8). 
Table 3.8 Number of initiations of an ti-dumping investigations  
Reporting Member  July 2017 –June 2018  July 2018 –June 2019  July 2019 –June 2020  
Argentina  18 15 11 
Australia  15 8 15 
Bahrain, Kingdom of; 
Kuwait, State of; Oman; 
Qatar; Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of; United Arab 
Emiratesa 3 5 1 
 
24 The full list of measures can also be viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_services_measure_e.htm . 
25 The full list of measur es can also be viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_ip_measure_e.htm . 
26 Viewed at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/notifications_e.htm . 
27 This Section is without prejudice to the right of Members to take trade remedy actions under 
the WTO.  
28 These periods coincide with the Member's se mi-annual reporting periods.  
29 Anti-dumping and countervailing investigations are counted on the basis of the number of exporting 
countries or customs territories affected by an investigation. Thus, one anti -dumping or countervailing 
investigation involvin g imports from n countries/customs territories is counted as n investigations.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 35 - 
 
  Reporting Member  July 2017 –June 2018  July 2018 –June 2019  July 2019 –June 2020  
Brazil  9 0 4 
Canada  11 9 12 
Chile 2 0 1 
China  23 18 4 
Colombia  8 1 1 
Dominican Republic  0 1 0 
Egypt  1 2 8 
El Salvador  1 0 0 
European Union  8 11 8 
India 44 21 98 
Indonesia  1 0 8 
Japan  0 0 2 
Korea, Republic of  6 7 1 
Madagascar  0 1 0 
Malaysia  0 8 4 
Mexico  8 5 7 
New Zealand  4 0 2 
Pakistan  1 10 7 
Peru 2 1 1 
Russian Federationb 5 3 4 
South Africac 0 3 0 
Chinese Taipei  2 0 0 
Thailand  3 1 10 
Turkey  8 0 4 
Ukraine  7 11 7 
United States  43 32 71 
Viet Nam  0 5 12 
Total  233 178 303 
a Notified by all G ulf Cooperation Council (GCC)  member States collectively , as investigations are 
initiated by the GCC regional investigating authority on behalf of all GCC member States . 
b Notified by the Russian Federation, but investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic Union 
on behalf of its members, i.e. also Armenia, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and Belarus (Observer) 
collectively.  
c Notified by South Africa, but investigations are initiated at the level of the Sout hern African Customs 
Union, i.e. also in respect of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Chart 3. 9, covering anti -dumping initiations from 2008 to the first half of 2020,  shows that 
the number of initiations  increased from 165 in 2011 to 287 in 2013, decreased to 236 and 229 
initiations in 2014 and 2015, respectively, then increased in 2016 to 298 . This was the highest 
number of initiations since the 311 of 2002, but still off the all -time high of 372 in 2001. A downward 
trend t hen was observed in 2017 -18 then, an increase in 2019 . The initial figure covering the first 
six months of 2020 (188) may indicate a  significant increase  in initiations for the full year  compared 
with 2019 . 
Chart 3.9 Total number of anti -dumping investigation initiations, 2008 -20a 
 
a Data for 2020 cover s January to June.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
218 217
173165208287
236229298
249
202214
188
050100150200250300350
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Total number of anti -dumping investigation initiations, 2008 -20a
Source:    WTO Secretariat.a    Data for 2020 covers January to June.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 36 - 
 
  
While ant i-dumping investigations do not necessarily lead to the imposition of measures, a n 
increase  in the number of investigations initiated is an early indicator of a likely increase  in the 
number of measures imposed.  
Over the three periods, a total of 482 anti-dumping measures were imposed ( Table 3. 9). 
However, as it can take up to 18 months for an a nti-dumping investigation to be concluded once 
initiated, these measures may not necessarily be the result of initiations in the same period.  Between 
the first and third periods, the number of measures imposed  decreased significantly, by 46%, from 
217 to 1 18.  
Table 3.9 Number of anti -dumping measures imposed  
Reporting Member  July 2017 –June 2018  July 2018 –June 2019  July 2019 –June 2020  
Argentina  13 6 12 
Australia  10 10 2 
Bahrain, Kingdom of; 
Kuwait, State of; Oman; 
Qatar; Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of; United Arab 
Emiratesa 0 2 2 
Brazil  10 3 6 
Canada  2 13 3 
Chile 1 1 0 
China  12 17 10 
Colombia  3 6 0 
Dominican Republic  0 0 1 
Egypt  5 1 2 
El Salvador  1 0 0 
European Union  6 2 6 
India 44 19 9 
Indonesia  2 0 1 
Israel  0 3 0 
Japan  3 0 0 
Korea, Republic of  7 6 0 
Malaysia  4 2 7 
Mexico  6 6 3 
Morocco  5 1 0 
Pakistan  26 5 2 
Peru 1 0 0 
Philippines  1 0 0 
Russian Federationb 1 1 4 
South Africac 0 0 3 
Chinese Taipei  0 0 2 
Thailand  2 0 1 
Turkey  16 2 0 
Ukraine  1 8 10 
United States  34 33 29 
Viet Nam  1 0 3 
Total  217 147 118 
a Notified by all GCC member States collectively , as investigations are initiated by the GCC regional 
investigating authority on behalf of all GCC member States . 
b Notified by the Russian Federation, but investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic Union 
on behalf of its members, i.e. also Armen ia, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and Belarus (Observer ) 
collectively.  
c Notified by South Africa, but investigations are initiated at the level of the Southern African Customs 
Union, i.e. also in respect of Botswana,  Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia.   
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Chart 3. 10 shows that there was little change in terms of the products affected by anti -
dumping investigatio ns initiated during the three periods examined, with the majority focused on 
products in the metals, chemicals, and plastics and rubber sectors.  
Metal products were subject to the most initiations in each period, accounting for 28% of all 
initiations in t he first, 46% in the second and 45% in the current period. In each period, at least 65 
initiations targeted metals, of which between 70% and 81 % focused on steel products ( Chapters 72 
and 73 of the HS classification ). Over the three periods combined, the United States ( 78), India WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 37 - 
 
  (36), Australia (21), Canada ( 20), Thailand  (13) and the European Union ( 13) accounted for more 
than half of the 281 initiations on metals. An increase  in the number of initiations against m etal 
products was seen in the last period , with 47 investigations initiated by the United States, 25 by 
India, 14 by Australia, 10 by Thailand, 8  by Canada, 6 by the European Union, 5 by Indonesia, 3 
each by Egypt, the Russian Federation and Malaysia, 2 ea ch by New Zealand and Ukraine, and 1 
each by Turkey, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Viet Nam, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Initiations on metal  
product s across the three periods affected mostly steel products , mainly  from China (8 2, of which 
61 involved steel produc ts), Viet Nam (18, of which 16 involved steel products), Republic of Korea 
(13, of which 12 involved steel  products ), Turkey (1 3, of which 10 involved steel  products ), Malaysia 
(11, of which 6 involved steel  products), India (1 0, of which 8 involved steel  products ) and 
Chinese  Taipei (9, of which 8 involved steel products) . In many instances, investigations were 
launched on the same product from several exporting countries. For instance, 19 steel products were 
the focus of 105 investigations.  
Chart 3.10 Initiations of anti -dumping investigations, by product  
 
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chemical products accounted for the second -largest share of initiations over the three 
report ing periods, with a n 18% share of initiations in the first, 13% in the second, and 1 7% in the 
current period. India accounted for 45 of the 11 8 new investigations on products in this sector, 
followed by China (24) and the United States (16). These  initiati ons involved mostly chemical 
products from China (2 3), the United States (10), Japan (7), the Russian Federation (7), Thailand 
(6) and the Republic of Korea (5). As with the metals sector investigations, investigations into 
Initiations of anti -dumping investigations, by product
July 2017 -June 2018 July 2018 -June 2019
Chemicals
18%Paper 
8%Metals
28%
Metals
46%
Chemicals
13%Plastics
10%Other
10%Machinery
7%Textiles
4%
Stone / Plaster
6%
Textiles
8%Stone/ Plaster
2%Machinery
4%
Other
10%
Plastics
21%Paper
4%
Source: WTO Secretariat.July 2019 -June 2020
Plastics
12%Textiles
8%
Metals
45%Machinery
4%
Chemicals
17%Other
10%Paper
3%Stone/Plaster
1%
Note: Values are rounded.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 38 - 
 
  chemicals frequently involved th e same product from several exporting countries , i.e. 14 products 
accounted for 6 7 of the investigations in this area.  
The p lastics and rubber sector ranked third in the second and current periods, accounting for 
10% of all initiations in the second perio d and 12% in the current period ; it ranked second in the 
first period, accounting for 21% of all initiations . India ( 35), the United States ( 19) and China ( 12) 
accounted for more than half of the 104 plastics and rubber investigations. China remained  the main 
subject of investigations in this sector ( 22), followed by the Republic of Korea ( 11), Thailand ( 10), 
the United States (6)  and Chinese Taipei , Malaysia and Japan (5 each ). 
In terms of countries or customs territories affected  by new anti -dumping investigations, 46 
were affected during the first, 44 during the second and 55 during  the current  period. China 
remained, by far, the most targeted Member during the three reporting periods , account ing for 27% 
of all investigations overall . The second most affected Member s during the three reporting periods 
– the Republic of Korea  and Malaysia  – accounted for 5% each of the total initiations, followed by 
Viet Nam, Thailand, India and the United States, wit h 4% each.  
As at 20 October 2020, only two Members ha d notified  anti-dumping actions referring to the 
COVID -19 pandemic. In March 2020 , Brazil suspended anti -dumping duties on syringes and vacuum 
plastic tubes for blood collection, and Argentina suspended  anti-dumping duties on syringes and 
parenteral solutions.  
Countervailing measures  
The number of initiations of countervailing duty investigations increased  to 48 in the current 
period , compared to 37 in the second , after having  decreased  from 52 in the first period ( Table  3.10). 
Among the 13 Members using countervailing measures, the United States initiated the largest 
number of new investigations (6 7), accounting for 49% of all initiations throughout  the review 
period. India, the second -largest user ( 21), accounted for 1 5%, followed by Canada ( 14), with 10%. 
The remaining investigations were initiated  by 10 different Members.   
Table 3.10 Number of initiations of countervailing duty investigations  
Reporting M ember  July 2017 –June 2018  July 2018 –June 2019  July 2019 –June 2020  
Australia  2 1 6 
Brazil  1 0 0 
Canada  10 0 4 
China  1 2 1 
Colombia  0 1 0 
European Union  3 4 3 
India 1 9 11 
New Zealand  2 0 0 
Peru 0 1 0 
Chinese Taipei  5 0 0 
Turkey  1 0 0 
Ukraine  0 1 0 
United States  26 18 23 
Total  52 37 48 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Chart 3. 11, reflecting annual figures, shows an upward trend in countervailing initiations from 
2010 to 2014, notwithstanding a small  fluctuation in 2012.  Following a decrease in 2015, the number 
of initiations increased through  2018, when the number ( 55) matched th e previous  peak observed 
in 1999. The number of new initiations then decreased significantly in 2019. The figure covering the 
first six months of 2020 (27) could suggest a significant increase in countervailing initiations for the 
full year relative to 201 9.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Chart 3.11 Total number of initiations of countervailing duty investigations, 2008 -20a 
 
a Data for 2020 cover s January to June.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
As with anti -dumping, countervailing duty investigations do not necessarily lead to the 
imposition of measures. However, a rise in the number of investigations initiated may be an early 
indicator of a likely rise in the number of measures imposed. Over the three periods, a total of 
84 countervaili ng measures were imposed (Table 3. 11). However, as it can take up to 18 months 
for an investigation to be concluded, these measures may not necessarily be the result of initiations 
in the same period. This lag may account for the substantial increase in th e number of measures 
applied in the second  period compared with the first, despite the drop recorded in the second period 
in the number of investigations initiated.  
Table 3.11 Number of countervailing measures  imposed  
Reporting Member  July 2017 -June 2018  July 2018 -June 2019  July 2019 -June 2020  
Australia  1 1 0 
Brazil  1 1 0 
Canada  1 5 0 
China  1 0 1 
Colombia  0 0 1 
European Union  0 3 4 
India 1 1 8 
Peru 0 1 0 
Chinese Taipei  0 0 5 
Ukraine  0 0 0 
United States  15 18 15 
Total  20 30 34 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Concerning the products affected by countervailing investigations, Chart 3. 12 shows that 
metals accounted for most of the initiations reported over the three periods, accounting for 46%, 
38% and 60%  of all initiation s, respectively . For the three periods combined, 67 of the 13 7 total 
initiations recorded covered metals and 51 (76%)  of these targeted steel products. The United States 
initiated 2 5 of the 51 investigations on steel products , of which  24 involved products from China.  
1628
925
233345
31344155
36
27
0102030405060
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Total number of initiations of countervailing duty investigations, 2008 -20a
Source:      WTO Secretariat.a        Data for 2020 covers January to June.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 40 - 
 
  Chart 3.12 Initiations of countervailing duty investigations, by product  
 
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Over the three reporting periods, chemicals and plastics were the second and third 
most-investigated sectors, with 15 and 10 initiations, respectively, followed by wood  and 
stone/plaster  product s with 7 each.   
Fourteen exporting countries or customs territories were affected  by new countervailing 
investigations in the first and second periods, and 16 in the third . China was the  most frequent 
target of investigations, accounting for 49% of all investigations during the three periods. India  and 
Viet Nam were the second and third most frequent targets, each accounting for 9% .  
As at 20 October 2020, no Member  had notified any count ervailing duty action referring to 
the COVID 19 -pandemic.   
Safeguard  measures  
Safeguard measures are temporary measures imposed in response to increased imports of 
goods that cause serious injury  to the importing  Member's domestic industry , and are imposed on 
products from all sources, i.e. all exporting countries /customs territorie s.30 These measures  are 
subject to different rules and timelines than anti -dumping and countervailing measures and are, 
therefore, not directly comparable to these other types of trade remedies.  
 
30 With the exception of special and differential treatment provided for developing countries in 
Article  9.1 of the Safeguards Agreement.  
Initiations of countervailing duty investigations, by product
July 2017 -June 2018 July 2018 -June 2019
Metals
46%Metals
38%
Chemicals
8%
Others
11%Misc. manuf. 
prod.
8%
Plastics
23%Others
23%Chemicals
8%
Vegetable prod.
8%Plastics
3%
Stone/plaster
11%Textiles
5%
Minerals
8%
Source: WTO Secretariat.July 2019 -June 2020
Plastics
4%
Metals
60%Others
8%Chemicals
6%
Note: Values are rounded.Stone/Plaster
6%
Wood
15%WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 41 - 
 
  
Chart 3. 13 shows the trend of initiations of safeguard invest igations side by side with the 
trend of impositions on a calendar -year basis  from 2008 to the first  half of 2020. The first  half of 
2020 recorded  13 initiations, and 7 impositions. If the trend in that period continues , the initiation 
and imposition figure s could suggest a continuation of the relatively high figures registered in 2019. 
Extrapolated to a full year, these figures would amount to 26 initiations and 14 impositions. For 
initiations, 26 would be the third -largest figure since 1995.  For imposition s, 14 would be the 
second -largest since 1995. Until now, the largest number of impositions was in 2003, with 15.  
Chart 3.13 Total number of safeguard investigation initiations, and imposition of 
measures, 2008 -20a 
 
a Data for 2020 cover s January to June . Some notifications are ambiguous about the timing  when 
measures took effect . For those, an additional notification clarifyi ng, ex post , the timing of the 
measure's taking effect  is sometimes filed . For this reason, the number of impositions in a given 
period indicated in past reports may differ from the figures indicated in the most recent Report.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 3.12, which shows the breakdown on a July -June basis of Members that initiated 
safeguard investigations, confirms the recent sharp increase. It also shows that , while 12 Members 
initiated at least one investigation during the latest period, the top 3 Members accounted for nearly 
half of all initiations recorded. Table 3. 13 shows the breakdown of Members that imposed measures. 
It is noteworthy that one Member accounted for 5 out of the total 13 impositions during the current  
period.   
Table 3.12 Number of initiations of safeguard investigations  
Reporting Member  July 2017 –June 2018  July 2018 –June 2019  July 2019 –June 
2020  
Bahrain, Kingdom of; Kuwait, State of; 
Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; 
United Arab Emiratesa 1 0 1 
Canada  0 1 0 
Chile 1 0 0 
Colombia  0 1 0 
Costa Rica  1 1 0 
Ecuador  0 0 1 
Egypt  0 1 1 
European Union  1 0 0 
Guatemala  0 0 1 
India 1 0 3 
Indonesia  1 2 5 
Jordan  0 0 1 
Madagascar  0 3 4 
Morocco  0 3 0 
Panama  0 1 0 
Philippines  0 3 5 
1025
20
1224
1823
17
11
81630
13
610
411
6811 11
69
712
7
05101520253035
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Initiations ImpositionsTotal number of safeguard investigation initiations and imposition of measures, 2008 -20
Source:    WTO Secretariat.Note:    [see original]WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 42 - 
 
  Reporting Member  July 2017 –June 2018  July 2018 –June 2019  July 2019 –June 
2020  
Russian Federationb 0 3 0 
South Africac 1 1 2 
Turkey  1 1 2 
Ukraine  1 0 6 
Total  9 21 32 
a Investigations are initiated at the level of the GCC. 
b Identified here as the Russian Federation for brevity, but all investigations are initiated by the 
Eurasian Economic Union on behalf of all its members, i.e. also Armenia, Kyrgyz Republic, 
Kazakhstan, and Belarus ( Observer ) collectively.  
c Notified by Sout h Africa, but investigations are initiated at the level of the Southern African Customs 
Union, i.e., also in respect of Botswana, Eswatini,  Lesotho, and Namibia.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 3.13 Number of safeguard measures imposed  
Reporting Member  July 2017 –June 
2018  July 2018 –June 
2019  July 2019 –June 
2020  
Bahrain, Kingdom of; Kuwait, State of; Oman; Qatar; 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; United Arab Emiratesa 1 1 0 
Canada  0 1 0 
Egypt  0 0 1 
European Union  0 1 0 
India 0 1 0 
Indonesia  0 1 5 
Madagascar  0 2 0 
Malaysia  0 0 1 
Morocco  0 0 2 
Philippines  0 0 1 
Russian Federationb 0 0 1 
South Africac 1 1 1 
Turkey  1 0 1 
Ukraine  0 1 0 
United States  2 0 0 
Viet Nam  1 0 0 
Total  6 9 13 
a Investigations are initiated at the level of the GCC. 
b Identified here as the Russian Federation for brevity, but all measures are imposed by the Eurasian 
Economic Union on behalf of all its members, i.e. Armenia, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and 
Belarus ( Observer ) collectively.  
c Notified by South Africa, but all measures are imposed at the level of the Southern African Customs 
Union, i.e. a lso in respect of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho  and Namibia.   
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chart 3.1 4 shows the products covered by the initiated safeguard investigations, on a 
July-June basis. The share of investigations initiated in the metals sector (the vast majority of which 
involve d steel products) continue d to decrease , from 44% in the July  2017-June 2018 period, down 
to 25% in the July  2019-June 2020 period.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 43 - 
 
  Chart 3.14 Initiations of safeguard investigations, by product  
 
 
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
As at 20 October 2020, no Member had notified a safeguard action referring to the COVID -19 
pandemic  to the WTO.  
3.3  Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) M easures31 
3.47.  Under the SPS Agreement, WTO Members are obliged to provide an advance notice of 
intention to introduce new or modified SPS measures32, or to notify immediately when emergency 
measures are imposed. The main objective of complying with the SPS notification obligations is to 
 
31 Information presented in this Section was retrieved from the SPS Information Management System 
(SPS IMS: http://spsims.wto.org ). This Section is based on notifications to the WTO for the period 
1 October  2019 to 30 Se ptember 2020. Specific trade concerns (STCs) are raised at SPS Committee meetings. 
The information in this Section summarizes the STCs raised at the 7 -8 November 2019 and 2 5-26 June 2020 
SPS Committee meetings. The March 2020 Committee meeting was cancelle d due to the COVID -19 pandemic. 
WTO document  JOB/SPS/5/Rev.1/Corr.1.  
32 Transparency obligations are contained in Article 7 and Annex B of the SPS Agreement.  
Initiations of safeguard investigations, by product
July 2017 -June 2018 July 2018 -June 2019
Chemicals
22%Textiles
10%Metals
38%Chemicals
5%Animal 
products
5%Paper
5%
Stone / plaster
14%Foodstuff
10%Machinery
11%
Machinery
10%Wood
5%
Metals
44%
Animal 
products
11%Stone / plaster
11%
Source: WTO Secretariat.July 2019 -June 2020
Foodstuff
13%
Textiles
16%Metals
25%Vegetable 
prod.
6%
Chemicals
19%Others
13%Plastics
6%
Note: Values are rounded.Instruments
6%WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 44 - 
 
  inform other Members about new or changed regulations that may significantly affect international 
trade. Therefore, an increased number of notifications does not automatically imply greater use of 
protectionist measures, but rather enhanced transparency regarding food safety, animal and plant 
health measures, many or most of which are presumably legitimate health -protec tion measures.  
3.48.  In the period from 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020, 1,911 SPS notifications (regular 
and emergency, including addenda) were submitted33 to the WTO, resulting in a 1 9% increase of 
total notified measures compared to the previous period (1 ,601 notifications from 1  October  2018 
to 30  September  2019). The share of n otifications from developing -country Members , 
69% (1,327  notifications) of the total number , remained stable as compared with the previous 
12-month period , 68% (1,081 notifications ) (Chart 3.1 5). 
3.49.  During the review period, WTO Members submitte d 1,607 regular SPS notifications (including 
addenda), 67% (1,075 notifications) of which were submitted by developing -country Members . 
Compared with the previous 12 -month period, the total numb er of regular notifications increased by 
10% while those submitted by developing -country Members increased by 1 1%. 
3.50.  As far as emergency measures (including addenda) are concerned , a sharp increase in the 
number of notifications submitted was observed as compared with the previous period. While the 
total number of emergency notifications (including addenda) increased by 224% in the current 
review period (304  compared to 136 during the previous period), the proportion of all emergency 
notifications (including addenda) submitted by developing -country Members  remained high, 
constituting 83% of the total (compared with 82% in the previous period). These high percentage 
figures are consi stent with the general trend of the majority of emergency measures being notified 
by developing -country Members. This may be because they have less extensive SPS  regulatory 
systems compared to  developed -country Members. Consequently, when facing emergency 
challenges, they are more likely to have to introduce new regulations or change existing ones.  
3.51.  Many Members are following the recommendation to notify SPS measures even when these 
are based on a relevant international standard34, as this substantially increases transparency. Of the 
1,152  regular notifications (excluding addenda) submitted from 1 October 2019 to 
30 September  2020, 53% indicated that at least one international standard, guideline or 
recommendation was applicable to the notif ied measure ( Chart  3.16). Of these, about 65% indicated 
that the proposed measure was in conformity with the applicable international standard.  
Chart 3.15 Number of SPS notifications, including regular, emerge ncy and addenda  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
33 For this Report, submission refers to the date of circulation.  
34 WTO document G/SPS/7/Rev.4, para graph 2.3.  
1,607
1,0751,465
969304
252136
112
02004006008001,0001,2001,4001,6001,8002,000
All Members Developing-country
MembersAll Members Developing-country
MembersNumber of SPS notifications, including regular, emergency and addenda
Source: WTO Secretariat.Regular notifications Emergency notificationsOct. 2019 -Sep. 2020 Oct. 2018 -Sep. 2019WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 45 - 
 
  Chart 3.16 Regular SPS notifications (excluding addenda) and international standards  
 
Note:  Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant 
Protection Convention (IPPC).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.52.  International standards often provide useful guidance regarding measures to address disease 
outbreaks and other emergency situations. Indeed, about 89% (206 in total) of t he 23 1 emergency 
notifications (excluding addenda) submitted during the review period indicated that an international 
standard, guideline or recommendation was applicable to the notified measure ( Chart  3.17). Of 
these, all but nine indicated that the measu re was in conformity with the applicable international 
standard.  
Chart 3.17 Emergency SPS notifications (excluding addenda) and international 
standards  
 
Note:  Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation fo r Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant 
Protection Convention (IPPC).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.53.  Of the 1,1 52 regular notifications (excluding addenda) submitted in the review period, the 
majority were related to food safety .35 The remainder related to plant protection  and animal health 
and, to a lesser extent, to the protection of humans from animal diseases or plant pests, and the 
protection of the Member's territory from other damage from pests. It is usual for regular 
notifications to contain more than one objective.  
3.54.  Of the 23 1 emergency measures (excluding addenda) notified in the same period, the 
majority r elated to animal health, followed by those  related to food safety, the protection of humans 
from animal diseases or plant pests, plant protection, and the protection of the Member's territory 
 
35 The objective of an SPS measure falls under one or more of the following categories: (i)  food safety ; 
(ii) animal health; (iii) plant protection; (iv) protection of humans from animal/plant pest s or disease s; and 
(v) protection of territory fr om other damages from pests. Members are required to identify the purpose of the 
measure in their notifications. It is common for more than one objective to be identified for a measure.  
Codex
56%
OIE
19%
IPPC
24%
Source: WTO Secretariat.Regular SPS notifications (excluding addenda) and international standards
None
47%Relevant 
international 
standard
53%
Note: Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant Protection 
Convention (IPPC).
OIE
88%
IPPC
11%
Source: WTO Secretariat.Emergency SPS notifications (exluding addenda) and international standards
None
11%Relevant 
international 
standard
89%
Note: Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant 
Protection Convention (IPPC).Codex
1%WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 46 - 
 
  from other damage from pests . Similarly, emergency notifications  may con tain more than one 
objective.  
3.55.  While there is no formal provision for "counter notification", concerns regarding the failure to 
notify an SPS measure, or regarding a notified measure, can be raised as a specific trade concern 
(STC) at any of the regular meetings of the SPS Committee each year. In the SPS Committee 
meetings of 7 -8 November 2019  and 25-26 June 202036, 22 STCs were raised for the first time 
(Table  3.14), and 16 previously  raised STCs were discussed again ( Table 3.1 5).  
3.56.  The margins of  the SPS Committee  meetings provide important opportunities for delegations, 
often including capital -based experts, to discuss and resolve STCs bilaterally. For example, d uring 
the review period, Peru withdrew a n STC regarding Colombia's restrictions on coffee imports. This 
item had been included in the proposed agenda for the November 2019 meeting, and was withdrawn 
because bilateral progress had been made.37 Before the June 2020 meeting , despite the fact that 
most d elegates were not present in Geneva, bilateral consultations were still held , and the European 
Union withdrew a n STC  regarding Malaysia's import restrictions due to African swine fever, and the 
Russian Federation withdrew its support to the STC raised by t he United States on China's 
administrative measures  for registration of overseas manufacturers of imported food.38 Furthermore, 
one STC was reported as resolved under the specific agenda item.39 Since 1995,  42% of all STCs 
raised at the Committee have been  reported as resolved or partially resolved.  
Table 3.14 New SPS STCs raised in the November 2019 or June 2020 meetings  
STC Document title  Members 
maintaining 
the measure  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
supporting 
the concern  First date 
raised  Primary 
objective  
465 Thailand's approval 
procedures for imports of 
pork and other animal 
products  Thailand  Brazil; 
European 
Union   07/11/2019  Other 
concerns  
466 The Philippines' trade 
restrictions on imports of 
meat Philippines  European  
Union   07/11/2019  Animal health  
467 EU sanitary requirement for 
importation of hoof and horn  European 
Union  Indonesia   07/11/2019  Other 
concerns  
468 Russian Federation's 
maximum limit of 3-
monochloropropanediol 
(3MCPD) and glycidyl ester 
(GE) in palm oil products  Russian 
Federation  Indonesia  Colombia; 
Malaysia  07/11/2019  Food safety  
469 EU regulation on high -risk 
plants (Regulation (EU) 
2016/2031)  European 
Union  Israel  Canada; 
Kenya; 
United  States  07/11/2019  Plant health  
470 Thailand's phytosanitary 
restrictions on imports of 
fresh citrus fruits due to 
sweet orange scab  Thailand  Japan  Chile 24/06/2020  Plant health  
471 US non -recognition of the 
pest-free status in the 
European Union for Asian 
longhorn beetle and citrus 
longhorn beetle  United States  European 
Union   24/06/2020  Plant health  
472 India's fumigation 
requirements for grain and 
other products  India Russian 
Federation  Canada  24/06/2020  Plant health  
473 Nepal's import ban on energy 
drinks  Nepal  Thailand   24/06/2020  Food safety  
474 Modification of EU MRLs for 
plant protection products: 
Chlorpyrifos and 
Chlorpyrifos -methyl  European 
Union  Colombia; 
Ecuador  Dominican  
Republic; 
Egypt; 
Guatemala; 
Honduras; 
Indonesia; 
Paraguay; 
Peru 24/06/2020  Food safety  
 
36 The 19 -20 March 2020 Committee meeting was cancelled due to the COVI D-19 pandemic 
(JOB/SPS/5/Rev.1/Corr.1 ). The June 2020 meeting was held in person, and Members were also able to 
participate via a virtual platform ( JOB/SPS/8/Add.1 ). 
37 WTO document G/SPS/R/97/Rev.1.  
38 WTO documents G/SPS/R/99 and G/SPS/R/99/Corr.1.  
39 This was STC 421. WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 47 - 
 
  STC Document title  Members 
maintaining 
the measure  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
supporting 
the concern  First date 
raised  Primary 
objective  
475 Modification of EU MRLs for 
plant protection products: 
Mancozeb  European 
Union  Colombia; 
Costa Rica; 
Côte d'Ivoire; 
Ecuador; 
Paraguay  Brazil; Chile; 
Guatemala; 
Honduras; 
Mexico; 
Nicaragua; 
Panama; 
Peru 24/06/2020  Food safety  
476 Thailand's draft notification 
of Ministry of Industry's List 
of Hazardous Substances and 
Ministry of Public Health Re: 
Food Containing Pesticide 
Residues (No. 3)  Thailand  United States  Canada; 
Colombia; 
Japan  24/06/2020  Food safety  
477 General import restrictions 
on chocolate and cocoa 
products due to maximum 
levels of cadmium   Peru Colombia; 
Ecuador  24/06/2020  Food safety  
478 Viet Nam's National Technical 
Regulation on Animal Feeds - 
Maximum Allowable Limits of 
Safety Indicators in Animal 
Feeds and Ingredients for 
Production of Aquatic Feeds 
(Circular No. 04/2020/TT -
BNNPTNT) and Decree 
13/2020 Detailing the Law on 
Animal Husbandry  Viet Nam  Argentina; 
United States  Brazil  24/06/2020  Food safety  
479 India's new requirements for 
animal feed in the Food 
Safety and Standards Act, 
2006 (dated 27 January 
2020)  India United States    24/06/2020  Food safety  
480 Guatemala's import 
restrictions on bovine and 
swine meat  Guatemala  Mexico   24/06/2020  Other 
concerns  
481 Costa Rica's import 
restrictions on swine meat 
products  Costa Rica  Mexico   24/06/2020  Other 
concerns  
482 Peru's import restrictions on 
pork Peru Brazil   24/06/2020  Food safety  
483 Costa Rica's import 
restriction on dairy and dairy 
products  Costa Rica  Mexico   24/06/2020  Other 
concerns  
484 India's approval procedures 
for animal products  India Russian 
Federation   24/06/2020  Other 
concerns  
485 China's administrative 
measures for registration of 
overseas manufacturers of 
imported food (26 November 
2019)  China  United States  European 
Union; 
Japan; 
Switzerland; 
Thailand  24/06/2020  Other 
concerns  
486 Saudi Arabia's temporary 
suspension of Brazilian 
poultry exporting 
establishments  Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  Brazil   24/06/2020  Food safety  
Source:  WTO Sec retariat . 
3.57.  Sixteen previously  raised STCs were discussed at the November 2019  or June  2020 SPS 
Committee meetings (eight were discussed in both meetings).40 Of these, three addressed persistent 
problems that have been discussed 10 times or more (Table  3.15). In addition, two STCs raised for 
the first time in November 2019 were discussed again in June 2020.41  
 
40 The eight STCs that were raised in both meetings are marked with an asterisk (*) beside their 
number in Table 3.15.  
41 These were STCs 466 and 469.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 48 - 
 
  Table 3.15 Previously raised SPS STCs discussed in the November 2019 or June  2020  
meetings  
STC Document title  Member(s)  
maintaining 
the 
measure  Member(s) 
raising the 
concern  Members supporting 
the concern  First date 
raised (times 
subsequently 
raised)  Primary 
objective  
193* General import 
restrictions due to 
BSE   European 
Union; 
United 
States  Canada; Switzerland; 
Uruguay  01/06/2004  
(38 times)  Animal 
health  
382* European Union 
legislation on 
endocrine 
disruptors  European 
Union  Argentina; 
China; 
Ecuador; 
Guatemala; 
India; 
Panama; 
Paraguay; 
United 
States  Australia; Benin; Brazil; 
Burkina Faso; Burundi; 
Canada; Central African 
Republic; Chile; 
Colombia; Costa Rica;  
Dominican Republic; 
Egypt; El Salvador; The 
Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; 
Honduras; Indonesia; 
Jamaica; Kenya; Korea, 
Republic of; Madagascar; 
Malaysia; Mexico; New 
Zealand; Nigeria; 
Pakistan; Peru; 
Philippines; Senegal; 
Sierra Leone; South 
Africa; Chinese Taipe i; 
Thailand; Togo; Uruguay; 
Viet Nam; Zambia  25/03/2014  
(16 times)  Food 
safety  
386 Measures on 
imports of hibiscus 
flowers  Mexico  Nigeria; 
Senegal  Burkina Faso  26/03/2015  
(2 times)  Plant 
health  
406 China's import 
restrictions due to 
highly pathogenic 
avian influenza  China  European 
Union; 
United 
States   
16/03/2016  
(10 times)  Animal 
health  
413 Guatemala's 
restrictions on egg 
products  Guatemala  Mexico   27/10/2016  
(4 times)  Food 
safety  
431 South Africa's 
import restrictions 
on poultry due to 
highly pathogenic 
avian influenza  South Africa  European 
Union   
02/11/2017  
(6 times)  Animal 
health  
439* US import 
restrictions on 
apples and pears  United States  European 
Union   
01/03/2018  
(6 times)  Plant 
health  
441* Indonesia's 
approval 
procedures for 
animal and plant 
products  Indonesia  European 
Union  Brazil  12/07/2018  
(5 times)  Other 
concerns  
446 EU review of 
legislation on 
veterinary 
medicinal products  European 
Union  Argentina; 
United 
States  Australia; Brazil; Canada; 
Chile; Colombia; Japan; 
Paraguay  12/07/2018  
(3 times)  Food 
safety  
447* New EU definition 
of the fungicide 
folpet  European 
Union  China   12/07/2018  
(5 times)  Food 
safety  
448* EU MRLs for 
buprofezin, 
chlorothalonil, 
diflubenzuron, 
ethoxysulfuron, 
glufosinate, 
imazalil, ioxynil, 
iprodione, 
molinate, 
picoxystrobin and 
tepraloxydim  European 
Union  Colombia; 
Costa Rica; 
Côte 
d'Ivoire; 
Dominican 
Republic; 
Ecuador; 
Guatemala; 
India; 
Panama; 
Paraguay; 
United 
States  Argentina; Brazil; 
Canada; Chile; El 
Salvador; Honduras; 
Nicaragua; Peru; Turkey; 
Uruguay  01/11/2018  
(4 times)  Food 
safety  
459* New EU MRLs for 
lambda -cyhalothrin  European 
Union  China  Paraguay  18/07/2019  
(2 times)  Food 
safety  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 49 - 
 
  STC Document title  Member(s)  
maintaining 
the 
measure  Member(s) 
raising the 
concern  Members supporting 
the concern  First date 
raised (times 
subsequently 
raised)  Primary 
objective  
461 Turkey's FMD -
related import 
restrictions on live 
cattle  Turkey  Argentina   
18/07/2019  
(1 time)  Animal 
health  
463* Ukraine's 
restrictions on 
swine products  Ukraine  Brazil   18/07/2019  
(2 times)  Animal 
health  
466**  The Philippines' 
trade restrictions 
on imports of meat  Philippines  European 
Union   07/11/2019  
(1 time)  Animal 
health  
469**  EU regulation on 
high-risk plants 
(Regulation (EU) 
2016/2031)  European 
Union  Israel  Canada; Kenya; United 
States  07/11/2019  
(1 time)  Plant 
health  
* STCs raised in both SPS Committee meetings.  
** STC raised for the first time in November 2019 and raised again in June 2020.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.58.  Of the 22  STCs raised for the first time in the two SPS Committee meetings, 10 (45%) 
concerned food safety, 1 ( 5%) concerned measures covering animal health, 4 (18%) covered plant 
health,  and 7 (32%) related to other types of concerns.42 Regarding previously  raised STCs in the 
review period,  6 (38%) concerned measures covering food safety, 6 (3 8%) concerned animal h ealth, 
3 (19%) related to plant health, and  1 (6%) covered other types of concerns. Of the total number 
(38) of STCs raised or discussed in the review period, 16 (42%) concerned measures covering food 
safety, 7 (18%) covered animal health, 7  (18%) concerne d plant health , and 8 (21%) related to 
other types of concerns.  
3.59.  Discussions among Members in the SPS Committee continue to be multifaceted and dynamic. 
While pesticide maximum residue limits (MRLs) continue to be a topic of concern for Members, 
several STC s related to approval procedures , as listed above,  were also raised  in the current review 
period . 
COVID -19-related SPS measures (1 February43 – 30 September 2020)  
3.60.  The SPS Agreement requires Members to base SPS -related trade measures on international 
standards, guidelines and recommendations, specifically those developed by the FAO/WHO Codex 
Alimentarius Commission (Codex) for food safety; the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) 
for animal health and zoonoses; and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) for plant 
health. The three standard -setting bodies and the WHO are monitoring the COVID -19 situation and, 
so far, have not recommended any trade r estrictions. In the absence of relevant international 
standards, SPS measures must be based on a risk assessment. However, it may take some time 
before sufficient scientific evidence becomes available. Following  the outbreak of the pandemic, 
some Members f elt they had to act quickly to ensure  appropriate  health protection  and u nder the 
SPS Agreement, Members have the right to adopt provisional measures based on available 
information. As more scientific evidence emerges and risk assessment s can be carried out, these 
measures must be reviewed within a reasonable period of time.  
3.61.  From 1 February to 30 September 2020, 26 Members (counting the European Union as one) 
notified 59 SPS measures taken in relation to the COVID -19 pandemic. Fourteen me asures were 
notified as regular notifications. Additionally, seven addenda to regular notifications were submitted, 
mostly extending both implementation periods of temporary measures and comment periods and 
dates of adoption of previously notified regulati ons. Fifteen measures were notified as emergency 
measures. Additionally, six emergency addenda were notified, three lifting temporary restrictions 
previously imposed and three extending the validity of temporary trade -facilitating measures. 
Twelve  Members submitted their measures through an information communication (GEN document); 
and one additional GEN document44 was submitted by 38 Members. Overall, 28% of the WTO 
 
42 Such as control, inspection and approval procedures, and administrative measures.  
43 The first COVID -19-related notifications were received in February 2020.  
44 WTO document G/SPS/GEN/1778/Rev.3 (al so circulated as G/TBT/GEN/296/Rev.3).  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 50 - 
 
  Members' notifications on COVID -19 are SPS measures.45 Submitted documents are displayed by  
Member in Chart 3.1 8, and by month in Chart 3.1 9. 
Chart 3.18 Number of SPS notifications (regular, emergency and addenda) and GEN 
documents related to COVID -19, by Member  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chart 3.19 Number of SPS notifications (regular, emergency and addenda) and GEN 
documents related to COVID -19, by month  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.62.  Initially, these measures mainly related to restr ictions on animal imports and/or transit from 
affected areas (some of these measures were subsequently lifted) and increased certification 
requirements. Since the beginning of April, most notifications and communications relate to 
measures taken to facilit ate trade , by allowing temporary flexibility for control authorities to use 
electronic versions of veterinary and/or phytosanitary certificates, since the COVID -19 situation has 
made the transmission of original paper certificates problematic. Overall, abo ut two  thirds of the 47 
notifications (excluding addenda) and communications submitted were measures considered 
trade-facilitating.  
 
45 Dedicated WTO webs ite, COVID -19 and world trade . Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/covid19_e.htm . 
0123456789
Regular Add Reg Emergency Add Emr GEN documentsNumber of SPS notifications (regular, emergency and addenda) and GEN documents related 
to COVID -19 by Member
Source:   WTO Secretariat.
051015202530
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Regular (including Add) Emergency (including Add) GEN documentsNumber of SPS notifications (regular, emergency and addenda) and GEN documents related 
to COVID -19 by month
Source:   WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 51 - 
 
  3.4  Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs)  
Notifications submitted to the TBT Committee  
Under the TBT Agreement, WTO Members are re quired to notify their intention to introduce 
new or modified TBT measures, or to notify adopted emergency measures immediately. The principal 
objective of complying with the TBT notification obligations is to inform other Members about new 
or changed regu lations that may  significantly affect trade.46 Therefore, an increased number of 
notifications does not necessarily imply greater use of trade -restrictive measures. Rather, TBT 
notification obligations are meant to promote enhanced transparency regarding m easures taken to 
address legitimate policy objectives, e.g. the protection of human, animal or plant life or health, or 
the environment.47 
From 1  October  2019 to 1 October  2020 (the "review period")48, WTO  Members submitted 
1,936 new regular notifications of TBT measures , a notable decrease (7%) compared to the 
2,077  notifications received during the preceding 12 -month period. The clear majority  of regular 
TBT notifications submitted during the review period (around 84%)  continue to come from 
developing countries.  
The Members which notified the most TBT measures during the review period  - covering 
almost 60% of all new regular notifications  – were Tanzania (161), Brazil (159), Kenya (122), 
Uganda (115), the United States  (115), China (104), Isr ael (100), Rwanda (97), the 
European  Union  (90)49 and the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, 
Oman, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Yemen (84) (collectively as Gulf Cooperation Council 
(GCC) Standardization Organization (GSO) members) .50 Of the 1,936 new regular TBT  notifications, 
the majority indicated the protection of human health or safety as their main objective51, including, 
as further  explained in below , various measures related to the COVID -19 pandemic. The remaining  
notifications related to consumer informat ion, labelling, the prevention of deceptive practices and 
consumer protection , and quality requirements . 
A total of 1,407  "follow -up notifications"52 were submitted during the review period, 
representing an increase of about 35 % as compared with those notified (1,043)  during the preceding 
12-month  period. The continuing and frequent use by Members of this type of notification is a 
 
46 Under the TBT Agreement, WTO Members are not required to notify all proposed TBT measures 
(technical regulations or conformity assessment procedures). Rather, as a minimum, they are only required to 
notify those measures that may have a significant effect on trade of other Members and are not in accordance 
with a relevant international standard (in the case of technical regulations), or relevant guidelines or 
recommendations issued by international standardizing bodies (in the case of conformity assessment 
procedures). However, the TBT Committee, in its Sixth Triennial Review, encouraged Members, "for the purpose 
of enhancing predictability and transparency in situations where it is difficult to establish or foresee whether a 
draft technical regulation or co nformity assessment procedure may have a 'significant effect on trade of other 
Members', to notify such measures" . This recommendation was reiterated by the TBT Committee in its Eighth, 
and last, Triennial Review (November 2018).  
47 TBT Agreement obligation s are subject to 25 separate special and differential treatment (S&D) 
provisions, conferring certain flexibilities. The Agreement contains more S&D provisions than any other WTO 
agreement apart from the GATT  1994.  
48 With respect to specific trade concerns (STCs), this Section takes account of the STCs raised in the TBT 
Committee meeting of 28 -29 October 2020.  
49 Sixty-eight EU -wide regular notifications plus 22 notifications from certain individual EU member States: 
the Czech Republic (6) , Denmark (5) , Finland (4), Sweden (3), Spain (2), France (1) and the United  Kingdom  (1). 
50 The GSO -GCC has ad hoc observer status in the TBT Committee.  
51  A TBT measure may  pursue a variety of legitimate objectives, although historically the majority fall 
under one of the fo llowing categories: the protection of human, animal or plant life or health, or the environment. 
Members are required to identify the purpose of the measure in their notifications. It is not uncommon that more 
than one objective is identified for a measure . 
52 Follow -up notifications are called "addenda", "corrigenda", or "supplements". They can also be in the 
form of "revisions" if the original measure is substantially re -drafted prior to adoption or entry into force. A 
revision replaces the original notification. All four  are linked to the original notification of a measure, and include 
additional pertinent information, such as the extension of a notifica tion comment period ( addenda ), the 
withdrawal or revocation of a measure ( addenda ), if the measure is substantially redrafted prior to adoption or 
entry into force ( revision ), or when the adopted final text of the measure becomes available ( addenda ). WTO 
document G/TBT/35 /Rev.1  for further information on the different types of TBT notifications.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 52 - 
 
  positive development, as it increases transparency and predictability across the measures' 
regulatory lifecycle.  
COVID -19-related TBT notifications53  
During the review period, WTO Members submitted 91 TBT notifications/communications on 
standards and reg ulations in response to the pandemic.54 Most of these were submitted under the 
emergency/urgent notification provisions of the TBT Agreement.55 Under these provisions, WTO 
Members can adopt measures directly and immediately notify them to the WTO, without providing 
the usual 60 -day comment period (or six -month transition period prior to entry into force).  
As indicated in Chart 3.20, TBT notifications in relation to the COVID -19 pandemic were 
submitted by 23 WTO Members. Around half of the notified measures were reported as temporary, 
often applying for a period of six months.   
Chart 3.20 COVID -19 related TBT notifications, by WTO Member  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
TBT notifications in relation to the COVID -19 pandemic cover a wide range of products, 
including personal protective equipment (PPE), medical equipment, other, medical supplies, 
medicines, food and general coverage  (Chart 3.21).56,57  
 
53 For further information on TBT and COVID -19, see " Standards, Regulations and  COVID -19 – what 
actions taken by WTO Members? " (WTO, 2020).  
54 TBT notifications are classified as COVID -19-related if they contain the terms "coronavirus", "COVID", 
"SARS -COV-2" or "nCoV". This includes not only regular notifications but also eight follo w-up notifications (in the 
form of revisions  or addenda  to previous regular notifications).  
55 TBT Agreement,  Articles 2.10, 2.12, 5.7, and 5.9.   
56 With respect to medical goods, this  Report  adopts the product categories developed in "Trade in Medical 
Goods in the Context of Tackling COV ID-19" (WTO, 2020), page 2 and Annex 1.  
57 The category of "General" includes notifications without a specific product scope. The "Other" category 
includes, for instance, clothing, textiles and tobacco products.  
24
15
8
7
5
3 3 3 3 3
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0510152025
Source:  WTO Secretariat.COVID -19-related TBT notifications, by WTO MemberNumber of COVID -19 related TBT notificationsWT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 53 - 
 
  Chart 3.21 Product coverage of COVID -19 related TBT notifications  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
The notified measures broadly fall into three main categories: streamlining certification 
procedures; ensuring the safety of medical goods; and making food available by relaxing technical 
regulations.  
Measures discussed in the TBT Committee (STCs)58 
WTO Members use the TBT Committee as a forum for discussing trade issues related to 
specific TBT measures (technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures) 
maintained by other Members. These STCs normally relate to proposed draft meas ures notified to 
the Committee (but they can also relate to  the implementation of existing  adopted  measures ). Issues 
raised can range from simple requests for additional information and clarification s to more 
substantive  questions about  the consistency of measures with TBT Agreement disciplines.  
A total of 27 5 (69 new and 20 6 previously raised ) STCs were discussed during the four 
Committee meetings that fell within the review period: 62  (12 new and 50 previously raised ) at the 
November  2019 meeting, 64 (12  new and 52 previously raised ) at the February 2020 meeting, 72 
(21 new and 51 previously raised ) at the May 2020 meeting  and 7 7 (24 new and 5 3 previously 
raised ) at the October 2020 meeting . At the October meeting, Me mbers submitted a record number 
of new STCs (2 4). The overall number of STCs raised also reached a record of 7 7. In addition, some 
Members were being challenged for the first time in the Committee.   
As depicted in Table 3.16, these 69 new STCs concerned TBT measures by India (12); 
the European Union (9); the United States (5); the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (4); China (4); 
the Russian Federation (3); Mexico (3); Colombia (3); France (2); the Republic of Korea (2); 
Viet Nam (2); and Brazil (2); and one each by: Mongolia; Peru; Ecuador; Ghana; Turkey; Qatar; 
Pakistan; Bangladesh; New Zealand; Australia; Myanmar; Zimbabwe; Chile; Tajikistan; Panama; 
and the United Kingdom. One new STC concerned a collective TBT measure by Armenia, 
Kyrgyz  Republic, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation and another one a collective measure by 
the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates and 
the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia.   
These new STCs cover ed regulations on a range of products  (cheese, grape and wine 
products, pre -packed food, cosmetic and hygiene products, motor vehicles, electrical and electronic 
equipment, medical devices, alcoholic beverages, etc.), dealing with a variety of issues  (labelling 
and packaging, conformity assessment procedures, harmonization, product quality, halal 
certification, health and safety, environmental protection, energy efficiency, etc.).  
 
58 With respect to STCs, this Section takes account of the STCs which Members raised in  the 28 -29 October 
2020 TBT Committee meeting.  
37
17
15
12
109
5
0510152025303540
PPE Medical Equipment Other Medical Supplies Medicines
(Pharmaceuticals)Food General
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Product coverage of COVID -19 related TBT notificationsNumber of COVID -19 related TBT notificationsWT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 54 - 
 
  Table 3.16 New STCs raised in the TBT Committee meetings of November 2019 and 
February, May and October 2020  
New STCs  
European Union : Revised Draft EU Regulation on Ecological Design Requirements for External Power Supply (ID 
596) (raised by China)  
Brazil: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply – MAPA Ordinance 79, 13 May 2019, establishing a public 
consultation to amend Technical Regulation 67, 5 November 2018, regarding the procedures and requirements for 
export and import certification of beve rages, fermented acetic acids, wines and wine - and grape -derived products 
(ID 597) (raised by United States, South Africa and New Zealand)  
India : Air Conditioners and related Parts (Quality Control) Order, 2018 (ID 598)  (raised by Republic of Korea and 
United States)  
Ecuador: Energy Efficiency Requirements for Clothes Dryers for Domestic Use (ID 599) (raised by Republic of Korea)  
Ghana:  Administrative Process for Homologation of Model of Motor Vehicle and its Variants (ID 600) ( raised by United 
States an d Canada ) 
United States: Modernization of the Labelling and Advertising Regulations for Wine, Distilled Spirits, and Malt 
Beverages (ID  601) (raised by European Union)  
Qatar: Ministry of Public Health Circular regarding shelf life for cheese (ID 602)  (raised by United States and European 
Union ) 
Turkey: Draft Amendment of the Regulation on Cosmetics (ID 603)  (raised by United States ) 
Brazil: Ordinance 259, 27 May 2019, which makes corrections and updates to the Conformity Assessment 
Requirements for Me dical Devices Subject to the Health Surveillance System in Ordinance 54, of 1 February 2016 (ID 
604) ( raised by United States)  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Electrical Clothes Dryers Energy Performance Requirements and Labelling (ID  605) 
(raised by Republic of  Korea)  
Republic of Korea:  Ballast Water Management Act (ID 606) ( raised by European Union ) 
Pakistan: Amendment to Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950: Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) 237 on 
labelling, shelf life, and halal certification (ID 607) ( raised by United States and European Union)  
Mexico: Draft Amendment to Mexican Official Standard NOM -051-SCFI/SSA1 -2010: General specifications for the 
labelling of pre -packed food and non -alcoholic beverages (ID 608) ( raised by  European Union, United  States, 
Switzerland, Costa Rica and Guatemala)   
Colombia: Food Prioritized for its Sodium Content, Certification Requirements (ID 609)  (raised by United  States and 
Guatemala)  
United States: Act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to regulation of toxic chemicals in 
children's products (State of New York - Senate Bill 501B/Assembly Bill 6296A) (ID 610)  (raised by European  Union)  
China: Draft Administrative Measures for Registration of Overseas Producer s of Imported Foods (ID 611)  (raised by  
Mexico, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, United States, Japan, European Union and Chinese Taipei)  
Russian Federation: Law No. 425 on Amending Article 4 of Russian Federation Law on Protecting Consumer Rights 
(ID 612)  (raised by United States, Japan and European Union)  
India: Draft Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations (ID 613)  (raised by United States and 
European Union)  
European Union: Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council, 30 May 2018, on organic 
production and labelling of organic products (ID 614)  (raised by Dominican Republic, Canada, Panama, Paraguay, 
Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Chile)  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Saber Conformity Assessment O nline Platform/Saleem Product Safety Program (ID 615)  
(raised by European Union)  
Mongolia: Mandatory Requirement for Enrichment of Agricultural Products with Vitamins (ID 616)  (raised by Russian 
Federation)  
France: Mandatory Labelling of SAR Radio Equipm ent (ID 617)  (raised by China)  
Peru: Supreme Decree No. 015 -2019-SA, which amends the Manual of Advertising Warnings approved by Supreme 
Decree No. 012 -2018-SA (ID 618)  (raised by Costa Rica, Chile, United States, Brazil, Colombia, European Union and 
Guatemala)  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Electrical Clothes Washing Machines – Energy and Water Performance Requirements and 
Labelling (ID 619)  (raised by Republic of Korea)  
Bangladesh: Hazardous Waste (E -waste) Management Rules, 2019 (ID 620)  (raised by Canada, United  States, 
Russian Federation and European Union)  
Viet Nam: Draft Circular replacing Circular No. 05/2019/TT -BTTTT dated 9 July 2019, specifying the list of products 
and goods with unsafe capability under management responsibility of Ministry of Information and Communications 
(ID 621)  (raised by  United States)  
India: Draft Chemicals (Management and Safety) Rules, 2020 (ID 622)  (raised by United States)  
Colombia: Issuing the Technical Regulation on rational energy -use labelling for certain types of electrical and gas 
end-use equipment, for marketing in Colombia (ID 623)  (raised by Republic of Korea and United States)  
Russian Federation; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Republic; Armenia: Requirements for energy efficiency of energy -
related devices (ID 62 4) (raised by Republic of Korea)  
United States: Guidance on Federal Conformity Assessment Activities (ID 625)  (raised by European Union)  
European Union: Revision of the Batteries Directive (ID 626)  (raised by Japan)  
European Union: Non-renewal of the ap proval of the active substance mancozeb (ID 627)  (raised by Colombia, 
Brazil, Costa Rica, United States, Ecuador, Paraguay, Guatemala, Indonesia, Nicaragua)  
European Union: Draft Commission Regulation amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No. 1925/2006 of  the 
European Parliament and of the Council as regards botanical species containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives (ID 
628) (raised by Mexico)  
New Zealand: Consumer Information Standards (Origin of Food) Regulations 2019 (ID 629)  (raised by Canada)  
India:  Quality Control Orders for Chemical and Petrochemical Substances (ID 630)  (raised by Canada, 
European  Union, Chinese Taipei)  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 55 - 
 
  New STCs  
India: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, dated 27 January 2020, regarding operationalization of Food Safety 
and Standards (Foo d Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2020 (ID 631)  (raised by  
United States)  
India: Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 (IND/131); Amendment in Policy Condition No. 2(iii) to Chapter 95 of ITC 
(HS), 2017 - Schedule -I (Import Policy) (IND/143) (ID 632)  (raised by United States, European Union and Canada)  
India: FSSAI 's Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 and the 
new implementing veterinary certificate for dairy products (ID 633)  (raised by European Union)  
European Union: EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/2013 for Energy Labelling of Electronic Displays (ID  634) 
(raised by China)  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: SASO 2663 Air Conditioner Minimum Energy Performance, lab elling and testing 
requirements for low -capacity window type and single -slit, and related certifications (ID 635)  (raised by China)  
Australia: Maturation requirements for imported alcohol (ID 636)  (raised by Brazil)  
Russian Federation: Regulation on safe ty of alcoholic beverages, Technical Regulation TR EAEU 047/2018 (ID 637)  
(raised by Mexico)  
Colombia: SIC External Circular 002 on Notices for Mobile Device Packaging (ID 638)  (raised by United  States)  
India: Expansion of BIS Certification to plugs, soc ket outlets and power cords (ID 639)  (raised by China)  
Myanmar: Regulation on importation of alcoholic beverages (ID 640)  (raised by Mexico)  
China: Provisions for Cosmetics Registration (draft for comments) (raised by Japan, United States and Republic of 
Korea) (*) 
China: Administrative Measures on Cosmetic Labelling (raised by Japan and Republic of Korea) (*) 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, United Arab 
Emirates: Halal Feedstuff (raised by United States and Russian Federation) (*) 
China: Commercial Cryptography Administrative Regulations (raised by United States ) (*) 
Mexico: Decree amending, supplementing and repealing various provisions of the Regulations on Sanitary Control 
of Products and Services and the Implementing Regulations to the General Law on Health with Respect to Advertising 
(raised by United State s) (*) 
European Union: Amendments of UN Regulation No. 22 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/60_Protective helmets) (raised 
by Republic of Korea) (*) 
India: Phase II of the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunications Equipment (MTCTE), implementing 
the Indian Telegraph Amendment (raised by United States) (*) 
Zimbabwe: Electricity (Minimum Energy Efficiency Performance of Domestic Electrical Appliances) Regulations, 2020 
(raised by Republic of Korea) (*) 
Mexico: Various State Measures Restricting Sale o f Food and Drink Products to Minors (raised by United  States) (*) 
India: Indian standards and import restrictions in the automotive sector (Quality Control Orders): wheel rims, safety 
glass, helmets  (raised by European Union) (*) 
Russian Federation: Federal Law No. 468 on wine making and wine growing in the Russian Federation  (raised by 
European Union and Australia) (*) 
India: Order related to requirement of non -GM cum GM -free certificate accompanied with imported food consignment  
(raised by United States and Brazil) (*) 
Republic of Korea: Revision of Safety Confirmation Criteria for Textile Products for Infants (raised by European 
Union) (*) 
United States: Appliance Efficiency for Sprinkler Bodies  (raised by China) (*) 
Chile: Technical specifications for the design of energy -efficiency labels for washing machines (raised by China) (*) 
European Union: Information requirements in SCIP (Substances of Concern In articles as such or in complex objects 
(Products)) database (raised by China and India ) (*) 
Tajikistan: Additional inspection control of imported food products for palm oil content (raised by 
Russian  Federation) (*) 
France: New legislative requirements about index of repairability of electrical and electronic equipment  (raised by 
China) (*) 
European Union: Wine-labelling requirements – listing of importers for multiple destinations (raised by Australia) 
(*) 
India: Phthalic Anhydride (Quality Control) Order, 2019  (raised by Chinese Taipei) (*) 
Viet Nam: Decree No. 17/2020/ND -CP (raised by Thailand) (*) 
Panama: Onions and Potatoes Harvest Life and Sprouting Requirements (raised by United States) (*) 
United Kingdom: Wine-labelling and documentation requirements at the  end of the Brexit transition period  (raised 
by Australia) (*) 
United States : Revised Origin Marking Requirement for Goods Produced in Hong Kong (raised by Hong Kong, China) 
(*) 
(*) No ID available – STC raised at 28 -29 October 2020 TBT Committee meeting.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
As indicated in Chart 3.22, STCs are frequently discussed in the regular meetings of the 
TBT Committee, with almost 60 discussed per  meeting in recent years. Depending on the extent of 
the trade-restrictiveness  and importance of the issue to the Member(s) raising the STC, the same 
measure may come  up at one or more meetings of the Committee. For example, an STC may be 
discussed at only one meeting as a new STC, and subsequently a resolution to the trade concern 
may be found. Alternatively, an STC may be discussed at subsequent meetings, as a previously 
raised  STC. Previously raised  STCs, in particular long -standing ("persisting") ones, generally involve 
more serious and/or complex concerns. Since 1995, Members have  raised 66 2 new STCs.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 56 - 
 
  Chart 3.22 STCs raised per Committee meeting , from 2009 to October 2020  
(Number)  
 
Note:  The methodology of counting previously raised STCs was revised. The new methodology counts an 
STC each time it is raised: if raised for the first time, it is counted as a new STC, and if it is raised 
again, it is counted as a previously raised STC.  
Source : WTO Secretariat.  
The number o f new and previously raised  STCs has been  increasing every year. During the 
three Committee meetings held in 20 20 for example, 213 STCs were discussed, which represents 
an 82% increase compared to 20 10, when only 117 STCs wer e raised. In addition, the number of 
new concerns raised in 2020 (5 7) significantly  increased (around 40%) as compared to the number 
raised in 2019 (35)  (Chart 3.23). This continues  the rising  trend in the number of new concerns 
raised in the Committee sin ce 201 8. Similarly , the number of times previously raised  STCs were 
discussed increased  to 15 6, 6 STCs more than in 2019.59 The overall trend suggests an increasing 
use of the TBT Committee as a forum for Members to raise and resolve trade concerns non -
litigiously.60 In particular, in 2020, a record was reached with both the largest number of total STCs 
raised (213) and the la rgest number of new STCs raised (57) in a single year – passing both the 
200 and 50 thresholds respectively for the first time.   
 
59 See Twenty -Fifth Annual Review of the Implementation and Operation of the TBT Agreement , WTO 
document G/TBT/44 , 19 February 2020 , para.  4.2.  
60 The use of STCs for addressing trade frictions non -litigiously was the topic of a recent WTO Secretariat 
virtual event (" WTO TBT Committee and regulatory measures: prevention, not litigatio n"), the video of which 
can be viewed at: https://w ww.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/tbt_t40_20920_e.htm . 
44354465
4051 5560 58 59 596447
365160
39465056 5962 647240
465535
515156576263 6279
131
117150160
130148161173179184 185215
050100150200250
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Feb/March Meeting May/June Meeting October/November MeetingSTCs raised per Committee meeting, 2009 to October 2020
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Note: [See document](Number)WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 57 - 
 
  Chart 3.23 STCs raised from 1995 to 2020  
(Number)  
 
Note:  The methodology of counting previously raised STCs was revised. The new methodology counts an 
STC each time it is raised: if raised for the first time, it is counted as a new STC, and if raised again, 
it is counted as a previously raised STC.  
Source:  WTO Secre tariat.  
The number of times that an STC is raised may be related to the importance Members attach 
to the concern or may provide insight into whether progress was made in addressing concerns. STCs 
which are raised at only one or two meetings may represent c oncerns for which some progress was 
made . However , longstanding STCs raised at five or more meetings may represent concerns for 
which less progress was made. As mentioned above, STCs frequently discussed at subsequent 
meetings as previously raised  STCs usu ally represent more serious concerns. From 1995 to 2020, 
for instance, the majority of STCs (57%) were raised at one or two Committee meetings, and 25% 
were raised three  to five times. Only 18% of STCs were raised more than five times (Chart 3.24). 
Chart 3.24 STCs raised in the TBT Committee, 1995 -2020 
(Number of times  raised ) 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
4
6
11
13
5
13
15
20
15
14
12
24
27
32
46
29
43
35
42
47
37
31
27
22
35
584
6
12
12
32
20
34
22
35
20
41
51
74
85
88
107
125
88
101
124
142
152
162
150
1574
10
17
25
17
45
35
54
37
49
32
65
78
106
131
117
150
160
130
148
161
173
179
184
185
215
050100150200250
New STCs Previously raised STCsSTCs raised per year, 1995 to May 2020
(Number)
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Note: [See text].
1-2 meetings
57%
3-5 meetings
25%>5 meetings
18%STCs raised in the TBT Committee, 1995 -2019
Source: WTO Secretariat.(Number of times raised)WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 58 - 
 
  
During the review period, whi ch includes STCs raised in the meeting of the TBT  Committee in 
November 2019 and the three TBT Committee meetings that took place in February, May and 
October 2020 , seven "persistent"  STCs – i.e. those previously raised STCs that were raised more 
than 16 t imes in TBT Committee meetings  - were discussed ( Table  3.17). All of these persistent 
STCs concerned measures by G20 members.  
Table 3.17 Persistent STCs raised between 1 October 2019 and 1 November 2020  
Persistent STCs  
India:  New Telecommunications -related Rules (Department of Telecommunications, No. 842 -725/2005 -
VAS/Vol.III (3 December 2009); No. 10 -15/2009 -AS-III/193 (18 March 2010); and No. 10 -15/2009 -
AS.III/Vol.II/(Pt.)/(25 -29) (28 July 2010); Department of Telecommunications, No. 10 -15/2009 -
AS.III/Vol.II/(Pt.)/(30) (28 July 2010) and accompanying template, "Security and Business Continuity 
Agreement") (ID 274) – raised 29 times  since 2010  
China: Requirements for information security products, including, inter alia , the Office of State Commercial 
Cryptography Administration (OSCCA) 1999 Regulation on commercial encryption products and its ongoing 
revision and the Multi -Level Protection Scheme (MLPS ) (ID 294) – raised 29 times  since 2011  
Russian Federation: Draft Technical Regulation on Alcohol Drinks Safety (published on 24 October 2011) 
(ID 332) – raised 25 times  since 2012  
European Union:  Draft Implementing Regulations amending Regulation (EC) No. 607/2009 laying down 
detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No . 479/2008 as regards protected designations 
of origin and geographical indications, traditional terms, labell ing and presentation of certain wine -sector 
products (ID 345) – raised 23 times  since 2012  
India:  Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 
(ID 367) – raised 22 times  since 2013  
European Union: Hazard -based approach to plant -protection products and setting of import tolerances 
(ID 393) – raised 21 times  since 2013  
China:  Regulations for the Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices (Order No. 650 of the State 
Council) (ID 428) – raised 19 times  since 2014  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.   
TBT Committee discussions during the COVID -19 pandemic  
The TBT Committee continued its regular work on STCs during the pandemic. It held, on an 
exceptional basis, its 13 -14 May 2020 meeting by a written procedure , made possible by the new 
online "eAgenda platform". Members exchanged statements on 72 STCs, 21 o f which were new. 
Using the platform facilitated broad participation with nearly 50 Members enga ging. 
Although none of the STCs discussed during the written procedure related to COVID -19 
measures (see above), Members made various points related to the pand emic in their statements. 
For instance, some mentioned the challenges faced by developing countries in addressing the 
pandemic due to the lack of financial and health resources - a challenge exacerbated by the 
implementation of measures on agricultural pro ducts . There were calls for  extended transition 
periods as well as flexibility in production and labelling requirements in order to allow Members to 
maintain critical resources needed during the crisis . WTO Members also cited the global health 
emergency wh en announcing logistical issues resulting in implementation delays of certain 
measures. Lastly , Members urged the need for international cooperation in all areas to face the 
pandemic, including by the promotion of measures that facilitate rather than obstruct trade. 
The COVID -19 pandemic was also mentioned in the context of the TBT Committee's Thematic 
Session on technical assistance , held on 27 October 2020. In her remarks summing up the 
presentations made by Members in that session, the moderator remarked  that: 
"[t]he presenters also shared experiences on how to deliver best outcomes of assistance 
programs, such as focusing on sectors with high economic importance. Furthermore, 
cooperation and coordination among donors and partner countries were emphasized. 
Many institutions introduced COVID -19 related response programs, such as revising 
standards for personal protective equipment, which is of key significance in combatting 
the COVID -19 pandemic. Speakers also shared their experience on how the pa ndemic WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 59 - 
 
  shifted priorities or engagement with partners. In this respect, the increased use of 
digital tools was highlighted."61 
In addition, at the regular meeting of the TBT Committee held on 28 -29 October 2020, 
Members confirmed their decision  to organize  a special informal meeting of the Committee on 8 
December 2020 to give delegations an opportunity share experiences on TBT measures that were 
adopted in response to COVID -19 in order to reflect on actions taken to facilitate trade (for instance, 
trade of essential goods) in the context of the continuing pandemic.  
3.5  Trade concerns raised in other WTO bodies62 
During the review period, several trade issues and concerns were raised by Members in formal 
meetings of various WTO bodies. This Section provides a fac tual overview of such concerns raised 
between mid -October 2019 and mid -October 2020.63 The trade concerns covered in this Section 
have nei ther the status nor the procedural framework of the STCs raised in the SPS and TBT 
Committees. Nevertheless, they provide insight  into which trade issues are discussed by Members 
across the WTO and, as such, add important transparency. This Section does no t reproduce the full 
substantive description of the trade concerns outlined by WTO Members, but provides a reference 
to the formal meeting(s) where a particular issue featured. A full account and context of the concerns 
is provided in the formal meeting re cords of the respective WTO bodies. The list of concerns and 
issues mentioned in this Section is not exhaustiv e. 
3.84.  At the 3 March 2020 meeting of the General Council  (GC)64, concerns were raised on 
Kazakhstan’s border restrictions of goods in transit65 (raised by Kyrgyz Republic). At the GC meeting 
on 13 October 202066, concerns were raised on the U nited States  Origin Marking Requirement , 
concerning a revised requirement for all goods produced in Hong Kong, China and destined for the 
United States to be marke d "China" (raised by Hong -Kong, China, under Other Business).  
3.85.  At the Council for Trade in Goods  (CTG) meeting on 14 -15 November 201967, a new concern 
was raised on the use by the European Union of trade remedy instruments and, in particular, the 
amendments introduced by EU Regulations  2017/2321 and 2018/825 as to the calculation of the 
"normal value" of products subject to anti -dumping investigations and the right of 
the European  Union not to apply the "lesser duty rule" in calculating the amount of anti -dumping 
duty (raised by Russian Federation). At the same meeting, 25 trade concerns were repeated 
(Table  3.18). 
Table 3.18 Trade concerns raised again at the 14 -15 November 2019 CTG meeting  
Measures im plemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Angola – import -restricting practices  Russian Federation  
Australia – discriminatory market access prohibition 
on 5G equipment  China  
China – customs duties on certain integrated circuits  European Union, Japan, Chinese Taipei  
China – measures restricting the import of scrap 
materials  United States  
China – new draft export control law  Japan  
Egypt – manufacturer registration system  European Union, Russian Federation  
European Union – amendments to Direct ive 
2009/28/EC, Renewable Energy Directive  Colombia, Malaysia  
European Union – draft implementing regulations 
regarding protected designations of origin and 
geographical indications, traditional terms, labelling 
and presentation of certain wine-sector products  United States  
 
61 WTO document JOB/TBT/381, para.  1.11.  
62 This Section does not include the SPS and TBT Committees (covered separately) . Issues raised in this 
Section may subsequently have become the subject of a disp ute. The numerous questions and concerns raised 
in the Committee on Agriculture are briefly presented in this Section and more in detail in Section 3.6 of this 
Report.  
63 Members and Observers are encouraged to communicate to the Trade Monitoring Section tr ade issues 
which they have raised in WTO bodies and which they believe are relevant to the monitoring exercise.  
64 WTO document WT/GC/M/182.  
65 WTO documents G/C/W/774 ; and G/TFA/W/20.  
66 WTO document WT/GC/M/187 (forthcoming) . 
67 WTO document G/C/M/136.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 60 - 
 
  Measures im plemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
European Union – enlargement to include Croatia  Russian  Federation  
European Union – implementation of non -tariff 
barriers on agricultural products  Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, 
Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, 
Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Malaysia, 
Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United States, 
Uruguay  
European Union – Medical Device Regulation and In 
Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation  United States  
European Union – proposed modification of EU tariff 
rate quota  commitments in response to Brexit  Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, New Zealand, 
Russian Federation, United States, Uruguay  
European Union – quality schemes for agricultural 
products and foodstu ffs – the registration of certain 
terms of cheese as geographical indications  Argentina, United States, Uruguay  
European Union – Regulation EC No. 1272/2008 
(Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) 
Regulation)  Russian Federation, United States  
India – customs duties on ICT products  Canada, United States  
India – quantitative restrictions on imports of certain 
pulses  Australia, Canada, European Union, Russian 
Federation, United States  
Indonesia – import - and export -restricting policies 
and pract ices European Union, Japan, Chinese Taipei, 
United  States  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, and 
United Arab Emirates – selective tax on certain 
imported products  European Union, Switzerland, United States  
Mongolia – quantitative restrictions a nd prohibitions 
on importations of certain agricultural products  Russian Federation  
Russian Federation – trade -restricting practices  European Union, United States  
United States – export control measures for ICT 
products  China  
United States – measures on aviation security 
equipment  China  
United States – measures regarding market access 
prohibition for ICT products  China  
United States – prohibitive proposal on 
communication equipment or services released by 
the Federal Communications Commissio n (FCC)  China  
Viet Nam – decree on the regulation on conditions 
for automobile manufacturing, assembling, and 
importing, and automotive warranty and 
maintenance services  Russian Federation, United States  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.86.  At the CTG meeting on 10 -11 June 202068, six new trade concerns were raised (Table  3.19). 
Table 3.19 New trade concerns raised at the 10 -11 June 2020 CTG meeting  
Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
European Union - proposed carbon border 
adjustment mechanism  Russian  Federation  
United Kingdom – draft goods schedule and 
proposed tariff rate quota commitments post -Brexit  Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, New Zealand, 
Russian Federation, Switzerland, United Stat es, 
Uruguay  
United States – import restrictions on apples and 
pears  European  Union  
Mexico – front-of-pack nutrition labelling (Nom -51) United  States  
United States – executive order on securing the 
bulk-power system  China  
European Union – safeguard meas ures on imports of 
certain steel products  Russian  Federation  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
At the same meeting, 23 trade concerns  were repeated  (Table  3.20). 
 
68 WTO document G/C/M/137.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 61 - 
 
  Table 3.20 Trade concerns raised again at the 10 -11 June 2020 CTG meeting  
Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Angola – import -restricting practices  Russian Federation,  United States  
Australia – discriminatory market access prohibition 
on 5G equipment  China  
China – customs duties on certain integrated circuits  European Union, Japan, Chinese Taipei  
China – measures restricting the import of scrap 
materials  United States  
China – new draft export control law  European Union,  Japan  
Egypt – Manufacturer registration system  European Union,  Russian Federation  
European Union – amendments to Directive 
2009/28/EC, Renewable Energy Directive  Colombia,  Malaysia  
European Union – draft implementing regulations 
regarding protected designations of origin  and 
geographical indications, traditional terms, labelling 
and presentation of certain wine -sector products  United States  
European Union – enlargement to include Croatia  Russian  Federation  
European Union – implementation of non -tariff 
barriers on agricultural products  Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, 
Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, 
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, 
Paraguay, Peru, United States, Uruguay  
European Union – Proposed modification of EU tariff 
rate quota  commitments in response to Brexit  Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, New Zealand, 
Russian Federation, Switzerland, United States, 
Uruguay  
European Union – quality schemes for agricultural 
products and foodstuffs – the registration of certain 
terms of cheese as geographical indications  Argentina, United States, Uruguay  
European Union – Regulation s (EU) No. 2017/2321 
and (EU) No. 2018/825  Russian Federation  
European Union – Regulation EC No. 1272/2008 
(Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) 
Regulation ) Russian Federation  
India – quantitative restrictions on imports of certain 
pulses  Australia, Canada, European Union, Russian 
Federation, Ukraine, United States  
Indonesia – import - and export -restricting policies 
and practices  European Union, Japan, New Zealand  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, and 
United Arab Emirates – selective tax on certain 
imported products  European Union, Switzerland, United States  
Mongolia – measures applied with respect to certain 
agricultural products  Russian Federation  
Republic of Armenia and Kyrgyz Republic – accession 
to the Eurasian Economic Union: procedures under 
Article  XXVIII:3 of the GATT  1994 European  Union  
Russian Federation – trade-restricting practices  European Union  
United States – export  control measures for ICT 
products  China  
United States – measures regarding market access 
prohibition for ICT products  China  
United States – prohibitive proposal on 
communication equipment or services released by 
the Federal Communications Commission  (FCC) China  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.88.  At the 11 November 2019 meeting of the Committee on Market Access  (CMA)69, new and  
persistent trade concerns were raised on: (i) Angola's import restriction practices (raised by 
United  States); (ii) China's custom duties on certain integrated circuits (raised by European Union, 
and Chinese Taipei); (iii) Croatia's regulation of import a nd sale of certain oil products (raised by 
Russian Federation); (iv) the EU enlargement negotiations under Article XXIV:6 of the GATT 1994 
to include Croatia (raised by Russian Federation); (v) the EU renegotiations of tariff rate quotas 
under Article XXVI II of the GATT 1994 (raised by Russian Federation); (vi) the rectifications and 
modifications of the United Kingdom's Schedule XIX (raised by Russian Federation); (vii) India's 
customs duties on telecommunication and other products (raised by China and Uni ted States); (viii) 
India's quantitative restrictions on imports of certain pulses (raised by Australia, Canada, 
European  Union, Russian Federation and United States); (ix) Indonesia's customs duties on 
 
69 WTO document G/MA/M/71.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  telecommunication products (raised by United States);  (x) the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Digital 
Stamp Tax (raised by Switzerland); (xi) Mongolia's quantitative restrictions and prohibitions on the 
importation of certain agricultural products (raised by Russian Federation); and (xii) the Russian 
Federation's quantitative restrictions on exports of scrap and waste of ferrous metals (raised by 
European Union).   
3.89.  At the 8 June 2020 meeting of the CMA70, new and persistent trade concerns were raised 
(Table  3.21).  
Table 3.21 Concerns raised at the Committee on Market Access  
Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Angola – Import Restriction Practices  Russian Federation  
China - Customs Duties on Certain Integrated Circuits  European Union, Japan, 
Chinese  Taipei  
Enlargement of the European Union to include Croatia - Negotiations 
under Article XXIV:6 of the GATT 1994  Russian Federation  
European Union - Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism  
(The European Green Deal of December 2019)  Russian Federation  
European Union – Renegotiation of Tariff Rate Quotas under 
Article  XXVIII of the GATT 1994  Russian Federation  
India – Customs Duties on Tel ecommunication and Other Products  China,  Chinese Taipei  
India – Quantitative Restrictions on Imports of Certain Pulses  Australia, Canada, European Union, 
Russian Federation, United States  
Indonesia - Customs Duties on Certain Telecommunication Products  United States  
Kingdom of Bahrain,  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab 
Emirates – Selective Tax on Certain Imported Products  European Union, Switzerland, United 
States  
Mongolia – Quantitative Restrictions on the Importation of Certain 
Agricultural Products  Russian Federation  
Nepal - Import Ban on Energy Drinks  Thailand  
Russia n Federation  – Import Restrictions on Refined Fuel Products  European Union  
Turkey – Increase of Applied Duty Rates Switzerland  
United Kingdom - Rectifications and Modifications of Schedule XIX  Russian Federation  
United Kingdom - Renegotiation of Tariff Rate Quotas under Article 
XXVIII of the GATT 1994  Russian Federation  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.90.  At the same meeting, Members also raised concerns in the context of the review of 
notifications under the 2012 Decision on notification procedures for quantitative restrictions.71 
3.91.  At the meeting of the Committee on Imp ort Licensing  (CIL) on 9 October 202072, new and 
persistent trade concerns were raised on: (i) Argentina's import licensing system (raised by United 
States);  (ii) Brazil's import licensing on industrial nitrocellulose (raised by European Union) ; (iii) 
Egypt's import licensing on certain agricultural and processed products (raised by European Union); 
(iv) Egypt's import licensing regime (raised by United States); (v) China's changes to import 
licensing for solid waste and certain recoverable materials (raise d by United States);  (vi) Dominican 
Republic's import licensing regime for agricultural products and livestock (raised by United States);  
(vii) India's import licensing regime for pneumatic tyres (raised by European Union); (viii) India's 
import licensing requirements on boric acid (raised by United States); (ix) India's import 
requirements on certain pulses (raised by Australia and Canada) ; (x) Indonesia's import licensing 
regime for cell phones, handheld computers and tablets (raised by United States);  (xi) Indonesia's 
import licensing regime for certain textile products (raised by European Union); (xii) Indonesia's 
import licensing regime  for rice (raised by Japan);  (xiii) Indonesia's import regime for alcoholic 
beverages (raised by European Union); ( xiv) Kenya's import licensing regime for agricultural 
products (raised by United States);  and (xv) Thailand's import procedures on feed wheat  (raised by 
European Union).  
 
70 WTO document G/MA/M/72.  
71 WTO document G/L/59/Rev.1.  
72 WTO document G/LIC/M/51.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  3.92.  At the meeting of the Committee on Customs Valuation on 25 October 20 1973, concerns were 
repeated on Pakistan's determination of the customs value of uncoated offset paper for writing, 
printing and photocopying imported from Th ailand (raised by Thailand).   
3.93.  At the meeting of the Trade Facilitation Committee  on 11 February 202074, concerns were 
raised on Kazakhstan’s border restrictions of goods in transit75 (raised by Kyrgyz Republic).  
3.94.  At the meetings of the Committee on Agricult ure (CoA)76 on 30 -31 October  2019, 18 June 
2020 (special meeting),77 28 July 2020 and 21 -23 September 2020 , several questions and concerns 
were raised with respect to Members' individual notifications, and on specific implementation matters 
(SIMs) under Article  18.6. During the review period, a total of 607 questions were discussed on 
individual notifications (2 88 questions), Article 18.6 matters (295 questions on 122 SIMs ), and 
overdue notifications (24 questions). Additional details regarding these questions and concerns can 
be found in Section 3.6 of this Report.  
3.95.  At the meetings of the Trade -Related Investmen t Measures  (TRIMs) Committee on 15 
September 202078, new or persistent issues were raised (Table 3.22). 
Table 3.22 Concerns raised at the TRIMs Committee  
Measure implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Indonesia   
Comprehensive review of localization measures79 European Union, Japan, United States  
Russian Federation   
Measures implementing Russia n Federation 's import 
substitution policy80 European Union, United States  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.96.  At the meetings of the Council for Trade in Services (CTS) , held on 30 October 2019, 1 July 
2020, and 2 October 2020, concerns were again raised about cybersecurity measures by China and 
Viet Nam (raised by Japan and United States, and echoed , in October 2019 , by Australia, Canada, 
European Union, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei;  in July 2020 , by Canada, European Union and 
Chinese Taipei; and , in October 2020 , by Australia, Canada, European Union and New Zealand) .81 
As part of its reply i n July 2020, China expressed its concerns about measures by the United States 
related to cybersecurity.82 
3.97.  At the July and October 2020 meetings, concerns were raised about: (i) 5G -related measures 
by Australia (raised by China); (ii) measures by the Russia n Federation related to market access for 
foreign -licenced fixed -satellite operators (raised by United States and echoed by Canada and 
European Union); and (iii) measures by the Russian Federation requiring software pre -installation 
(raised by United State s, and echoed by Canada, European Union and Japan).83 Additional concerns 
were raised a t the CTS meeting of 2 October 2020 on: (i) measures by the United States related to 
 
73 WTO document G/VAL/M/69.  
74 WTO document G/TFA/M/10.  
75 WTO document G/TFA/W/20 . 
76 Questions raised under the review process in the CoA meetings on 30 -31 October  2019, 18 June 
2020,  28 July 2020 and 2 1-23 September 2020  are available in WTO document G/AG/W/202, 17 October 
2019; G/AG/W/206, 8 June 2020; G/AG/W/205/Rev.1, 15 July 2020; an d G/AG/W/207, 9 September 2020. 
The questions, responses and follow -up comments are available through the Q&A section of the  Agriculture 
Information Management System . Viewed at: http://agims.wto.org/ . 
77 A special meet ing of the CoA was convened on 18 June 2020 to discuss  the impact of the pandemic 
on the agricultural sector.  
78 WTO document G/TRIMS/M/4 8 (forthcoming) . 
79 WTO document s G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/5, 14 May 2019; G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/6, 13 March 2020; 
G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/7, 7 June 2 020; and G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/8, 17 July 2020.  
80 WTO document s G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/4, 26 May 2016 ; G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/5, 27 September 2016 ; 
G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/6, 27 April 2017; G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/8, 24 January 2018 ; G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/7, 8 November 
2017;  G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/9, 22 March 2018; and G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/10, 2 September 2020.  
81 WTO d ocument s S/C/M/141, 142 and 143 (forthcoming) . 
82 WTO d ocument S/C/M/142.  
83 WTO d ocument s S/C/M/142  and 143 (forthcoming) . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 64 - 
 
  mobile applications (raised by China); and (ii) measures by India on prior approval for acquisitions 
of Indian companies and on the use of mobile applications (raised by China).84 
3.98.  At the meeting of the Committee on Trade and Development  (CTD) on 22 November 201985, 
the LDC Group expressed concerns regarding the under -utilization of LDCs' export potential , and 
highlighted the need to determine the barriers to preference  utilization, and how these barriers could 
be removed. Members were also informed that the LDC Group had  recently circulated a 
communication containing some of the LDCs’ concerns regarding e -commerce. At a special virtual 
session of the CTD , held on 26 May 202086, concerns were raised by several Members on the negative 
impact of the COVID -19 outbreak on the trade of developing countries. On 29 September 2020, at 
a CTD meeting focusing on technical assistance issues87, concerns were expressed with respect to 
the significant drop in participation in online courses that was observed in 2019, as well as the 
decline in LDCs’ participation in technical assistance activities.  Lastly , in the context of the  CTD's 
Dedicated Session on Small Economies, trade concerns were reiterated , at the meeting of 1 
November 201988, regarding the vulnerability of small economies  to natural disasters. Concerns 
regarding the challenges faced by small economies in attracting investments were also raised.  
3.99.  The above Section provides an overview  of the various trade concerns raised in several WTO 
bodies between mid -October 2019 and mid -October  2020. During the review period, many meetings 
of WTO committees and councils were postponed as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic. Although 
fewer meetings took place during the review period, several conclusions presented in previous 
Reports remain  valid.  For example, several  trade concerns raised during the review period had 
already been raised in previous periods, indicating persistent and unresolved issues. Also, during 
the review period, some trade concerns were raised in more than one WTO body,  suggesting that 
these concerns involve cross -cutting and technically complex issues. It suggests that WTO Members 
are continuing to use multiple platforms within the WTO committee structure to address various 
aspects of such concerns. Systemically, this i s significant because of the increased transparency 
which it brings, but also because it demonstrates that Members are actively using the WTO 
committees to engage trading partners on real or potential areas of trade friction.  However, the 
repetition and no n-resolution of the same trade concerns and issues in various WTO  bodies may also 
be a source of concern. The Secretariat will continue to closely monitor developments in this area.  
3.100.   The following Section takes a closer look on trends characterizing the tr ade concerns raised 
in WTO committees and councils since 2015.  
Trade Concerns raised in WTO B odies – recent trends  
Since October 2014, the Trade Monitoring reports have included overviews of trade concerns 
raised across WTO Committees and Councils. The mot ivation behind providing this information is an 
ambition to gain greater insight into the nature of the concerns and issues raised by Members in 
bodies which do not have the more established frameworks for doing so, such as the SPS, TBT89 and 
Agriculture C ommittees.  
The following overview  takes a closer look at the trends that have characterized the trade 
concerns and issues raised in WTO bodies over the last five years, i.e. between mid -October 2014 
and mid -October 2019.90 Trade concerns and issues raised in the SPS, TBT  and Agriculture 
Committees are not covered  in this section , as they are very well -documented in their respective 
Committees and are available through dedicated online databases.  
The trade concerns and issues raised across WTO Committees and Councils  incorporate 
different levels of complexity. Some simply seek to address technicalities within a specific area 
covered by a WTO agreement , including clarifications regarding implementation dates, scope  of the 
 
84 WTO d ocument S/C/M/14 3 (forthcoming).  
85 WTO document  WT/COMTD/M/110.  
86 WTO document WT/COMTD/M/111.  
87 WTO document WT/COMTD/W/112 (forthcoming).  
88 WTO document WT/COMTD/SE/M/39.  
89 Staff Working Paper ERSD -2020-09: The role of WTO Committees through the lens of specific trade 
concerns raised in the TBT Committee , 1 May 2020.  
90 These trade concerns and issues were covered by Section 3.5 of the Trade Monitoring reports 
WT/TPR/ OV/18 to WT/TPR/ OV/22. WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 65 - 
 
  meas ure or other technical elements of the targeted product (s). These concerns are  generally 
discussed in the Committee considered to have the appropriate technical oversight of the 
corresponding WTO agreement.  
More complex trade concerns generally touch, or a re argued to touch, upon multiple WTO 
agreements. These concerns are often raised in more than one Committe e meeting, and some are 
even raised at higher bodies, such as the Council for Trade in Goods  (CTG) and/or the General 
Council  (GC). If a trade concer n makes it onto the GC agenda, the Member(s) raising the matter 
feels that, for a variety of reasons, the issue needed to be moved up to a more political platform. 
The reviewed five -year period demonstrated that , if and when a trade concern persists, or is  not 
addressed appropriately or comprehensively in the view of the raising Member(s), it tend s to be 
reiterated  in the same Committee, and, more importantly, often elevate d to a higher body.  This 
elevation underscores the importance of the issue(s) for the Member concerned. I t could be argued  
that, i n some cases, WTO committees serve  the purpose of a temporary escape valve for Members , 
insofar as they can prove to the relevant domestic constituency that the concern  is being dealt with.  
During the reviewe d period , 1,158 issues and concerns were raised in 129 formal meetings 
of 17 WTO committees and councils. Of the se, 413 were raised only once, indicating that one third 
of trade concerns were of a simple nature, mostly geared towards clarifying technical e lements of 
the measure concerned. Some 161 trade concerns were raised twice, 41 were raised three times, 
and 20 were raised four times. The remaining 37 were raised five times or more (18 were raised 
five times, 9 were raised six times, 7 were raised seven  times and 3 were raised nine times91), 
indicating that very few (3%) trade concerns were persistently repeated within the WTO committee 
structure.  
Chart 3.25 Total number of trade concerns raised between mid -October 2014 to 
mid-October 2019 , by WTO body  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Most o f the 1,158 issues and concerns were raised in the Committee on Anti-dumping  
Practices  (272 concerns, or 24% of all concerns) , followed by the CTG (202, or 17%),  the Committee 
on Safeguards (175, or 15%) and the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  (SCM) 
(105, or 9%) . These four Committees handled 65% of all concerns  and issues  raised  over the 
reviewed period . The number of concerns handled by the Committee s on Anti-dumping  Practices , 
Safeguards , and Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  remained relatively stable over the years 
(Chart 3. 26). In contrast , the number of concerns raised at the CTG substantially and steadily 
increased, from 11 concerns i n 2014 -15 to 74 in 2018 -19. Concerns were only raised in the GC since 
2017, with five concerns raised in 2017 -18 and another five in 2018 -19. 
 
91 Indonesia's c ertain measures addres sing local content in investment in the telecommunications sector  
was raised nine times; Indonesia's i ndustry law and trade law  were raised nine times; and India's QRs on 
imports of certain pulses  was raised nine times.  
A nti-dumping , 272
ITA Expansion , 11
BO Ps Committee , 5
C ustoms Valuation , 25
Government Proc. , 3
Import Licensing , 87
Market A ccess , 63
Rules of O rigin , 1
Safeguards , 175SC M , 105Trade and Environment , 5C ouncil for Trade in 
Goods , 202C ouncil for Trade in 
Services , 38TRIPS , 2General C ouncil , 10TRIMS , 96STEs , 58
Source: WTO Secretariat.OV.1 -Total number of trade con cerns raised over the past five years, by WTO bodyWT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 66 - 
 
  Chart 3.26 Trade concerns, by WTO body and by period  
 
Note:  The year axis covers the 12 -months period from mid -October to mid -October. For example, 2014 -15 
covers mid -October 2014 to mid -October 2015.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
It could be argued that concerns and issues are raised in the GC when  they cannot be 
resolved in the subordinate committees . The limited number of concerns and issues which ended up 
on the agenda of the GC likely reflects the effectiveness and success of t he WTO committee structure 
in resolving issues in the appropriate technical forum. However, trade tensions over the past couple 
of years are reflected in an increased number of concerns raised in the GC since 2017.  
Some 142 trade concerns  (13% of all trad e concerns) raised over the reviewed period were 
linked to 61 dispute settlement (DS) proceeding s. The paucity of concerns and issues ending in 
formal dispute settlement proceedings  illustrates the success and usefulness of the WTO committee s 
as platforms for solving problems non -litigiously . Of course, not all disputes were preceded by trade 
concerns raised in a WTO committee or council .  
Most of the trade concerns linked to a formal dispute were raised at the CTG, where 
33 concerns were linked to 16 DS ca ses (Chart 3.27). The Committee on Safeguards ranked second 
(26 concerns linked to 15 DS cases), followed by the Committee on Anti -dumping (26 concerns 
linked to 13 DS cases) and the Committee on SCM (17 trade concerns linked to 17 DS cases). At 
the GC meetings, although  only 10  trade concerns were raised overall during the review period, 5 
of those were linked to 5 disputes. This seems to indicate a relatively positive correlation between 
the number of trade concerns raised in a higher and more political WTO body and the  number of 
formal disputes initiated. In other words, when Members raise trade concern s at a higher WTO body, 
there is a probability that the issue will result in a formal dispute.  
5158745237
1343
311
43486
21
20821830
813101913
1
4437352534
1827232215
41
1128365374
49979
255
2615172216
1621813
0 50 100 150 200 2502014-152015-162016-172017-182018-19
Anti-dumping ITA Expansion BOPs Committee Customs Valuation Government Proc.
Import Licensing Market Access Rules of Origin Safeguards SCM
Trade and Environment Council for Trade in Goods Council for Trade in Services TRIPS General Council
TRIMS STEsOV.2 -Trade concerns, by WTO body and by period
Source:  WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 67 - 
 
  Chart 3.27 Trade concerns li nked to disputes, by WTO body  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Measures implemented by a small number of Members  were targeted by the t rade concerns 
raised over the past five years. Approximately 46% of the trade concerns and issues raised targeted 
measures impl emented by five WTO Members: India, with 121 trade concerns and issues raised, 
followed by China and Indonesia (119 each), the United States (113) and the European Union (69) 
(Chart 3. 28). Big  trading partners are the target of the majority of trade concerns, because of the 
wide range of measures these Members put in place but also because of the trade interdependence 
of these economies with the rest of the world.  
Trade concerns related to Chi nese measures increased considerably during the review 
period, peaking at 31 concerns raised in 2018 -19. Concerns related to measures implemented by 
the United States also rose, with 39 recorded in 2017 -18. There was also a spike in concerns raised 
regardi ng EU measures (29) in 2018 -19. These concerns were, to a large extent, linked to measures 
put in place in the context of recent trade tensions among these three Members.  
Chart 3.28 Top 10 Members implementin g measures targeted by trade concerns between 
mid-October 2014 to mid-October 2019  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Over the five years, trade concerns were raised by a small number of Members . Eight 
Members (European Union, United States, Japan, Russian Federa tion, China, Republic of Korea, 
Australia and Canada) were the principal actors, raising about 74% of all concerns . Large trading 
economies are, again, those raising most trade concerns (Chart 3 .29). This is likely related to the 
size of these economies an d to their high exposure to trade measures of  many other partners, and 
ITA Expansion
Committee
6
Anti-Dumping
26
Import
Licensing
2
Market Access
8
Safeguards
26
SCM
17CTG
33Council for Trade
in Services
12General 
Council
5TRIMS
4STEs
3OV.3 -Trade concerns linked to disputes, by WTO body
Source:   WTO Secretariat.
25
729
131015
8 84 321
2222
13
1215
1015
3 329
3023
19
610
128
7 725
2922
39
128
9 8
5 521
3123
26
291
12
5
9 9
020406080100120140
India China Indonesia United
StatesEuropean
UnionUkraine Russian
FederationTurkey Brazil Viet Nam
Oct14-Oct15 Oct15-Oct16 Oct16-Oct17 Oct17-Oct18 Oct18-Oct19Top 10 Members implementing measures targeted by trade concerns over the five years
Source:   WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 68 - 
 
  also because large economies have the administrative and logistical infrastructure and resources to 
gather information, coordinate domestically and be present at the meetings. Small eco nomies, often 
as a result of capacity constraints, are not always in a position to participate in committee meetings 
and raise concerns. Instead, these Members often affiliate  themselves with concerns raised by bigger 
trading partners, to make their voices  heard.  
Chart 3.29 Trade concerns raised 2014 -19, by country  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
The above Section presented some of the trends that characterized the trade concerns and 
issues raised in WTO bodies between mid -October 2014 and mid -October 2019. The reviewed 
five-year period demonstrated that  few (3%) trade concerns were persistently repeated within the 
WTO committee structure, and that one third of them were of a simple nature, mostly focusing on 
clarifying technical elements of the measure concerned. About 13% of all trade concerns raised were 
linked to 61 formal dispute s, and most of them were discussed at the CTG, or the Committees on 
Safeguards, Anti -dumping or SCM. A positive correlation was observed between the number of trade 
concerns raised in a WTO body and the number of formal disputes initiated. C oncern s that were 
raised at a higher WTO body were also most likely to result in a formal dispute. H overer, t he scarcity 
of concerns and issues ending in formal dispute s illustrates the success and usefulness of the WTO 
committee s as platforms for solving problems non -litigiously .  
It is clear from the above that further research in this area could help shed additional light 
and add to transparency surrounding the issue of trade concerns across WTO committees. For 
example, it would be of interest to establish in greater detail which type of concerns are raised, the 
range of products targeted and the size of the trade associated , and issues raised that could 
potentially be relevant to negotiations. In addition, integrating the trade concerns raised in WTO 
bodies in a dedicated database  could facilitate the identification of other significant trends, including 
the rate and substance of concerns raised in more than one body, or to track whether an issue has 
not been raised again because it has been resolved. Although, preliminary analysis  shows that very 
few trade concerns are related to prospective  measures and to counter -notifications, a more granular 
analysis could bring further clarity on these aspects. The Secretariat will continue to monitor these 
issues in the interest of providing  greater transparency with respect to the role of trade concerns in 
the multilateral trading system.   
3.6  Policy Developments in Agriculture  
The Committee on Agriculture (CoA) provides a forum for Members to discuss matters 
related to agriculture trade , and to consult on matters relat ed to Members' implementation of 
commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture ( AoA). The review work of the CoA is based on 
notifications that Members make in relation to  their commitments. There is also a provision in Article 
18.6 of the AoA that allows Members to raise any matter relevant to the implementation of 
commitments under the A greement (i.e. Specific Implementation Matters (SIMs)) .  
Rest of the world , 296
European Union leading , 
288
United States leading , 
185Japan leading , 115Russian Fed. Leading , 
111C hina leading , 67Korea Rep. of, leading , 
35A ustralia leading , 34 C anada leading , 27
Source: WTO Secretariat.OV.5 -Members raising trade concerns over the five yearsWT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 69 - 
 
  
During the review period, the CoA held three regular meetings, on 30 -31 October  2019, 
28 July 2020 and 2 1-23 September 2020. A special meeting of the CoA was convened  on 
18 June 2020 to discuss  agricultural policies implemented by Members in response to th e COVID -19 
pandemic. In total, Members posed 607 questions  regarding  individual notifications , overdue 
notifications  and SIMs under Article 18.6 . Most questions concerning individual notifications were 
related to domestic support notifications (over 69%). More than h alf of the SIMs related to domestic 
support policies, 27% to policies affecting market access, and 15% to policies in the area of export 
competition and other types of policies. A total of 35 SIMs targeted policies implemented in response 
to the COVID -19 pandemic.  
In total, 18 Members raised 295 questions on 122 SIMs in the four meetings covered by this 
Report .92,93 As can be seen in  Chart 3.30, the average number of questions raised under Article 18.6 
per meeting has been on the rise since 2011 , reaching an average of 52 questions in 2019, with an 
all-time high of 62 questions in the three meetings that have taken place so far in 2020 . These 
numbers include questions that were repeated from one meeting to the next because responses 
were not provided within the relevant time -frames.  
Chart 3.30 Average number of questions addressed under Article 18.6, per meeting, 
1995 -2020a 
 
a 2020 data covers questions raised until the September 2020 CoA meeting.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Out of the 122 SIMs raised in the CoA during the period under review, 91 were discussed 
for the first time. The remaining matters had been discussed at least once in previous Committee 
meetings in the context of matters raised unde r Article 18.6.  
Of the new SIMs, 35 were raised in relation to policies implemented in response to the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Of these, 11 targeted  measures that potentially restricted or prohibited exports  
of cereals, processed vegetables, fruits, and agricu ltural products in general ( Cambodia's prohibition 
of rice exports , Egypt's export prohibitions on agricultural products , El Salvador's export prohibitions 
on dried leguminous vegetables , EU-Romania's export prohibition on agricultural products , 
Honduras' export prohibitions on dried leguminous vegetables , Kazakhstan's export prohibition 
measures on certain food products , Myanmar's export quota on rice , Russian Federation 's export 
quota , Tajikistan's export prohibitions on certain food products , Turkey's prior export 
authorization/registration  and Viet Nam's export restriction measures on rice ). An additional 16 SIMs 
were raised in relation to domestic support programmes targeting producers of dairy, wine, potatoes, 
beef and sugar ( Canada's dairy policies , EU-France and Italy's  support for the wine sector , EU aid to 
the potato sector , Japan's beef support  and Thailand' s sugar support ) and to the agricultural sector 
in general ( Canada's agriculture support package , Canad a's Farm Credit Canada , China's measures 
to ensure agricultural input supplies , EU national state aid programmes in response to C OVID -19, 
EU private storage aid , EU support measures in response to C OVID -19, India's COVID -19 stimulus 
 
92 92nd, 93rd, 94th and 95th CoA meetings.  
93 Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, European Union, Guatemala, India, Japan, 
Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine and United States . 
0510152025303540455055606570Average number of questions posed to G20 members under Article 18.6 , 1995 -2020a
Source:  WTO Secretariat.a    2020 data cover questions raised until the September 2020 CoA meeting .WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 70 - 
 
  package , Turkey's treasury -backed loans , United States'  Coronavirus Food Assistance Program , 
United States'  direct payments to farmers  and United States'  Paycheck Protection Program ). Five 
SIMs sought  clarification on policies that potentially subsidized exports of agricultural products  
(Australia's  International Freight Assistance Mechanism , EU-Czech 's guarantee scheme , Japan's 
support package , Japan's transportation support  and New Zealand's International Air freight Capacity 
Scheme ). Three SIMs were raised in relation to policies affecting market acc ess (China's measures 
adopted at the border  to avoid the transmission of COVID -19, Nepal's import ban  and Russian 
Federation 's import restrictions in response to COVID -19).  
3.120.   Half of the remaining 56 SIMs were raised in relation to domestic support programm es, 38% 
to market access issues and 12% to export competition and other issues.  
3.121.   Domestic support: Half of the new SIMs sought clarification on policies targeting specific 
products, including grains (Russian Federation 's grain subsidy programme , Japan's corn policies , 
Thailand's support to rice and palm oil , Turkey's Turkish Grain Board  and US biofuel policies ), coffee 
(Colombia's coffee price stabilization fund ), pork and other meats ( China's state reserves 
programmes ), and wine and champagne (Ru ssian Federation 's excise duties on wine and 
champagne ). Members also raised questions concerning domestic support policies with a wider scope 
(India's Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, India's Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, 
Brazil's subs idized loans, China's agricultural insurance, Angola's fuel subsidies, EU European Court 
of Auditors report, Russian Federation 's state programme for rural territories development, 
Switzerland's financing of security stocks in agricultural sectors and US f arm support ). Other SIMs 
related to policies put in place in response to the potential impact of new trade deals or increased 
tariffs implemented by other Members (China's exemptions to retaliatory tariffs, Japan's 
supplementary budget to address impact of  new trade deals, EU compensation to farmers to adjust 
to new trade deals and EU planned policy measures against US tariffs).  A number of SIMs sought to 
obtain additional information on policies targeting environmental or SPS -related objectives (EU 
environ mental policies, EU production subsidies resulting from the implementation of SPS measures 
and EU eco schemes payments), while others were raised in relation to domestic support notifications 
(India's DS:1 notification , Nigeria's DS notifications  and US DS  notifications ). Lastly, one SIM sought 
an update from the United Kingdom regarding its agricultural policy resulting from Brexit.  
3.122.   Market access: Around 3 8% of the SIMs related to measures that restricted, or had the 
potential to restrict, trade in agricul tural products, including eggs (Thailand's "licen ce" charge on 
eggs) , beef and pork (Japan 's beef special safeguard and pork safeguard) , and grains  (Chinese 
Taipei's rice TRQ tender system , EU variable import levies for cereals , Indonesia's import permissi on 
for rice ). SIMs relating to more than one specific commodity were also raised ( Angola's potential 
import restrictions , Canada's review of the TRQ system, Egypt's import licensing regime, EU 
deforestation and forest degradation strategy, Nigeria's foreign currency exchange restrictions for 
dairy imports , Norway's proposed changes to its Goods Schedule XIV , Saudi Arabia's new system 
for issuing import licen ses, Turkey's applied tariffs , United Kingdom's border control during the Brexit 
transition period  and Viet Nam's potential tariff reductions on certain agricultural products). Some 
matters were raised in relation to new trade agreements (China -US economic and trade agreement , 
EU-US tariff reduction agreement  and Japan -US trade agreement) . 
3.123.   Export  competition and other areas: A total of five SIMs sought  clarification on policies that 
potentially subsidized exports of agricultural products (China's state trading enterprises , China's 
agricultural exports by state -owned enterprises , India's exp ort subsidies/credits, India's scheme for 
remission of duties and taxes on exported products  and Russian Federation 's export subsidies ). Two 
additional SIMs were raised by Colombia , seeking to obtain general information on agricultural 
policies being imple mented by the European Union (EU "From Farm to Fork" strategy and EU border 
adjustment mechanism for carbon emissions).   
3.124.   Table 3.23 lists the SIMs that were discussed for the first time during the four CoA meetings 
covered by the Report. The complete list of questions and answers can be accessed through the 
Agriculture Information Management System (AG IMS) by using the ID numbers provided in 
Table 3.23.94 
 
94 In the AG IMS ( http://agims.wto.org/ ), select the function "Search Q&A Submitted Since 1995 " and 
input the ID number of the question concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 71 - 
 
  Table 3.23 New Specific Implementation Matters (SIMs) (Article 18.6)  
SIM Question raised by  Keywords  Products  N° of 
questions  ID number  
EU support measures in 
response to COVID -19 Australia, New 
Zealand, Canada, 
Brazil, United States  COVID -19   
8 95046, 95047, 
94011, 94012, 
94035, 94042, 
94055, 94056  
Australia's International 
Freight Assistance 
Mechanism  Canada, 
European  Union, India, 
Thailand, United 
States  COVID -19   
7 95008, 95041, 
95042, 94033, 
94034, 94048, 
94049  
US Coronavirus Food 
Assistance Program  Australia, New 
Zealand, Canada, 
Brazil, 
European  Union, India  COVID -19   
7 95014, 95074, 
94025, 94026, 
94039, 94045, 
94052  
Russian Federation's export 
quota  Japan, Switzerland, 
Brazil, India, 
European  Union  COVID -19 Cereals, 
wheat, corn, 
rice, malt, 
coarse 
grains  5 95012, 95067, 
94019, 94020, 
94043  
EU environmental policies  New Zealand, 
Paraguay, Colombia  Transparency 
issues 
(including 
Table DS:2)    
5 95097, 95098, 
95116, 93057, 
93059,  
Japan's support package  Canada, Brazil, 
United  States, 
Australia  COVID -19   
4 95059, 94037, 
94044, 94057  
New Zealand's International 
Airfreight Capacity Scheme  Canada, 
European  Union, 
United States  COVID -19   
4 95061, 94038, 
94050, 94051  
US DS notifications   China, India, 
New Zealand  Transparency 
issues 
(including 
Table DS:2)    
4 95075, 95015, 
93085, 92086  
Viet Nam's export restriction 
measures on rice  Japan, Switzerland, 
Canada, Brazil  COVID -19 Rice 4 94027, 94028, 
94040, 94046  
United States - China -US 
Economic and Trade 
Agreement  Australia, Canada, 
Ukraine      
4 95071, 93078, 
93080, 93082  
Canada's review of the TRQ 
system  Australia, 
New Zealand  Transparency 
issues, tariff 
quota fill  Poultry, 
dairy, milk, 
milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other, eggs  4 95043, 93045, 
93046, 92088  
China's agricultural exports 
by state -owned enterprises  United States    Corn, rice, 
tobacco, 
cotton  3 95023, 95024, 
95025  
India's DS:1 notification  United States      3 95030, 95031, 
95032  
China - China -US Economic 
and Trade Agreement  Australia, Canada      3 95044, 93049, 
93050  
Nigeria's foreign currency 
exchange restrictions for 
dairy and corn imports  European Union, 
New Zealand, United 
States  Import 
prohibitions 
and 
restrictions 
(including 
quantitative 
restrictions)  Dairy, milk, 
milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other, corn  3 95035, 93073, 
93016  
Russian Federation's export 
subsidies  European Union      3 95036, 95037, 
93017  
Turkey's Turkish Grain 
Board  United States    Cereals, 
wheat, corn, 
rice, malt, 
coarse 
grains  3 95038, 93019, 
93021  
Canada's dairy policies 
(COVID -19) Australia, 
New Zealand  COVID -19 Dairy, milk, 
milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other  2 94003, 94004,  
Canada's Farm Credit 
Canada  United States, India  COVID -19   2 95011, 94053  
EU-Romania's export 
prohibition on agricultural 
products  Switzerland, Japan  COVID -19   
2 94013, 94041  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 72 - 
 
  SIM Question raised by  Keywords  Products  N° of 
questions  ID number  
Japan's beef support  Australia, 
United  States  COVID -19 Bovine meat  2 94015, 94058  
Kazakhstan's export 
prohibition measures on 
certain food products  Japan, Switzerland  COVID -19   
2 94016, 94017  
Turkey's prior export 
authorization/registration  Japan, Switzerland  COVID -19 Fruit 2 94023, 94024  
Brazil's subsidized loans  India Transparency 
issues 
(including 
Table DS:2)    
2 95009, 93044  
Thailand's support to rice 
and palm oil  United States    Rice, 
vegetable 
oils and fats  2 92014, 92015  
US farm support  Canada, 
European  Union      2 92020, 92050  
China's measures adopted at 
the border to avoid the 
transmission of COVID -19 Australia  COVID -19   
1 95045  
Cambodia's prohibition of 
rice exports  Japan  COVID -19 Rice 1 94002  
Canada's agriculture support 
package  Australia  COVID -19   1 94001  
China's measures to ensure 
agricultural input supplies  United States  COVID -19   1 94054  
Egypt's export prohibitions 
on agricultural products  Japan  COVID -19   1 94005, 94006  
El Salvador's export 
prohibitions on dried 
leguminous vegetables  Japan  COVID -19 Processed 
vegetables  1 94007  
EU national state aid 
programmes in response to 
COVID -19  New Zealand  COVID -19   
1 95049  
EU-Czech's guarantee 
scheme  Australia  COVID -19   1 94010  
EU-France and 
Italy's  support for the wine 
sector  New Zealand  COVID -19 Alcoholic 
beverages  1 95050  
European Union - EU-
US tariff reduction 
agreement  China      
1 95048  
EU aid to the potato sector  Australia  COVID -19 Fresh 
vegetables , 
processed 
vegetables  1 94009  
EU private storage aid  Australia  COVID -19   1 94008  
EU variable import levies for 
cereals  Brazil  Transparency 
issues  Cereals, 
wheat, corn, 
rice, malt, 
coarse 
grains  1 95001  
Honduras' export 
prohibitions on dried 
leguminous vegetables  Japan  COVID -19 Processed 
vegetables  1 94014  
India's scheme for remission 
of duties and taxes on 
exported products   United States    Rice 
1 95033  
India's Agriculture 
Infrastructure Fund   Australia      1 95055  
India's Animal Husbandry 
Infrastructure Development 
Fund Australia      
1 95054  
India's COVID -19 stimulus 
package  Canada  COVID -19   1 94036  
Indonesia's import 
permission for rice  Japan    Rice 1 95058  
Japan's transportation 
support  United States  COVID -19   1 94059  
Myanmar's export quota on 
rice Japan  COVID -19   1 94018  
Nepal's import ban  United States  COVID -19 Processed 
fruits and 
nuts, alcohol  1 95034  
Nigeria's DS notifications  Australia      1 95062  
Norway's proposed changes 
to its Goods Schedule XIV  New Zealand      1 95065  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 73 - 
 
  SIM Question raised by  Keywords  Products  N° of 
questions  ID number  
Russian Federation's grain 
subsidy programme  United States    Cereals, 
wheat, corn, 
rice, malt, 
coarse 
grains  1 95040  
Russian Federation's import 
restrictions in response to 
COVID -19 Australia  COVID -19, 
import 
prohibitions 
and 
restrictions 
(including 
quantitative 
restrictions)    
1 95066  
Tajikistan's export 
prohibitions on certain food 
products  Japan  COVID -19   
1 94021  
Thailand's sugar support   Australia  COVID -19 Sugar, cane 
or beet 
sugar, other  1 95069  
Turkey's treasury -backed 
loans Australia  COVID -19   1 94022  
Turkey's applied tariffs  Japan      1 95070  
United Kingdom's border 
control during the Brexit 
transition period  Brazil      
1 95002  
US direct payments to 
farmers  Canada  COVID -19, 
transparency 
issues 
(including 
Table DS:2)    
1 95072  
United States  - EU-US tariff 
reduction agreement  China      1 95073  
US Paycheck Protection 
Program  European Union  COVID -19   1 94047  
China's  exemptions to 
retaliatory tariffs  Canada      1 93052  
China's agricultural 
insurance  Canada      1 93051  
Chinese Taipei's rice TRQ 
tender system   Australia  Allocation of 
licences to 
importing 
entities  Rice 
1 93053  
Colombia's coffee price 
stabilization fund  United States  Transparency 
issues 
(including 
Table DS:2)  Coffee  
1 93006  
Egypt's import licence 
regime  Brazil  Allocation of 
licences to 
importing 
entities  Live 
animals,  
bovine, 
swine, sheep 
and goat, 
poultry, 
horses, 
other  1 93054  
EU "From Farm to Fork" 
strategy  Colombia      1 93127  
EU border adjustment 
mechanism for carbon 
emissions  Colombia      
1 93143  
EU production subsidies 
resulting from the 
implementation of SPS 
measures  Paraguay      
1 93060  
India's export subsidies/ 
credits  United States      1 93007  
Japan - Japan -US trade 
agreement  Canada      1 93071  
Japan's supplementary 
budget to address the 
impact of a new trade deal  Australia      
1 93069  
Japan's beef special 
safeguard and pork 
safeguard  Canada    Bovine, 
swine  1 93070  
Saudi Arabia's new system 
for issuing import licences  Brazil  Allocation of 
licences to 
importing 
entities    
1 93074  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 74 - 
 
  SIM Question raised by  Keywords  Products  N° of 
questions  ID number  
Thailand's "licence" charge 
on eggs  New Zealand  Other  Eggs 1 93075  
EU deforestation and forest 
degradation strategy  Colombia      1 93128  
United Kingdom's policy 
update resulting from Brexit  Canada  Transparency 
issues 
(including 
Table DS:2)    
1 93077  
United States - Japan -US 
trade agreement  Canada      1 93081  
Viet Nam's potential tariff 
reductions on certain 
agricultural products  Ukraine    Swine, 
poultry, 
fresh 
vegetables, 
wheat  1 93083  
China's state trading 
enterprises  United States  State trading 
enterprises  Seeds  1 92004  
Angola's fuel subsidies  Ukraine      1 92087  
Angola's potential import 
restrictions  Canada  Import 
prohibitions 
and 
restrictions 
(including 
quantitative 
restrictions)    
1 92045  
China's state reserves 
programmes  Canada  Transparency 
issues 
(including 
Table DS:2)  Meat: 
bovine, 
swine, sheep 
and goat, 
poultry, 
horse, other  1 92047  
EU compensation to farmers 
to adjust to new trade deals  Australia      1 92089  
EU planned policy measures 
against US tariffs  Australia      1 92090  
EU European Court of 
Auditors report  Brazil      1 92093  
EU eco scheme payments  Brazil  Direct 
payments: 
payments 
under 
environmental 
programmes    
1 92092  
Japan's corn policies  Australia    Corn 1 92097  
Russian Federation's state 
programme for rural 
territory development  European Union      
1 92017  
Russian Federation's excise 
duties on wine and 
champagne  European Union    Alcoholic  
1 92121  
Switzerland's financing of 
security stocks in 
agricultural sectors  European Union      
1 92019  
US biofuel policies  Ukraine    Corn, seeds  1 92103  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.125.   Other SIMs that were discussed during the period under review related to follow -up 
questions on outstanding  areas of concern ( Table  3.24). A number of these matters  have been raised 
in the CoA multiple times. Two of them have been raised in  16 and 15 CoA meetings , respectively,  
attracting 59 and 27 questions each  (i.e. Canada's new milk ingredient class and Canada's  wine sale 
policy) . Questions related to India's pulse s policies  have been raised in 11 CoA meetings , and the 
Philippine's rice waiver and Mongolia's quota regime for importation were raised 8 times each. Other 
policies from Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, European Union, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nigeria, 
Philippines, Russian Federation , Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom  and United States were also 
the subject of repeated concerns under Article 18.6.95  
 
95 The complete set of questions and answers can be accessed through the AG IMS by using the ID 
numbers provided in Table 3.24.  In the AG IMS ( http://agims.wto.org/ ), select the function "Search Q&A 
Submitted Since 1995 " and input the ID number of the question concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 75 - 
 
  Table 3.24 Previously raised Specific Implementation Matters (SIMs) (Article 18.6)  
SIM Question raised by  Products  N° of 
questions  N° of 
meetings 
at which 
the issue 
was 
discussed  ID number  
Canada's new milk 
ingredient class  Australia, India, 
New Zealand, United 
States  Dairy, milk, 
milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other  59 16 95005, 95006, 95146, 93048, 
93002,93003, 92076, 92078, 
92002, 91132, 90018, 90120, 
90039, 89020, 89053, 89055, 
88120, 88121, 88065, 88064, 
88061, 87015, 87063, 87064, 
87065, 87159, 87160,  86002, 
86030, 86033, 85002, 85003, 
85004, 85005, 85006, 85008, 
85011, 85051, 85052, 85053, 
85054, 85055, 85056, 84012, 
84018, 84020, 84021, 84022, 
84023, 84025, 84027, 84029, 
84030, 84035, 84111, 84107, 
84031, 83054, 83039, 82012, 
82059, 82013, 82001, 810 01, 
81009, 81049, 81054, 81055, 
81056, 80003, 80005, 80006, 
80025, 79035  
Canada's wine sale 
policy  Australia, 
European  Union, 
New Zealand, 
United  States  Alcoholic 
beverages  27 15 93004, 93005, 92003, 91137, 
90040, 89021, 89054, 88096, 
87016, 87066, 86034, 85012, 
85057, 84017, 84106, 84033, 
84112, 84105, 83007, 83041, 
83104, 83135, 82057, 82002, 
81003, 81011, 81024, 81046, 
81047, 81097, 80008, 80009, 
80094, 80095, 79003  
India's pulses 
policies  Australia, Canada, 
Russian  Federation, 
Ukraine, 
United  States Processed 
vegetables  50 11 95052, 95056, 95057, 93058, 
93066, 93067, 92096, 92008, 
92094, 92049, 91005, 91008, 
91075, 91076, 91077, 91140, 
90032, 90088, 90029, 90004, 
90043, 89004, 89007, 89024, 
89057, 88060, 88066, 88092, 
88095, 88109, 87001, 87017, 
87073, 87074, 87087, 87088, 
87077, 87070, 87071, 87072, 
87075, 87076, 86061, 86062, 
86063, 86065, 86039, 86035, 
85064, 84044  
Philippines' rice 
waiver  Australia, Japan, 
Thailand, 
United  States  Rice 11 8 92100, 92099, 91012, 89063, 
88032, 87082, 8600 8, 85071, 
84057, 84015, 84079  
Mongolia's quota 
regime for 
importation  Russian Federation  Milk, cereal  8 8 95060, 93072, 92098, 91011, 
90027, 88104, 87094, 86001  
India's sugar policies  Australia, Brazil, 
Canada, 
European  Union, 
Russian  Federation  Sugar, cane 
or beet 
sugar, other  13 7 95053, 93001, 92007, 92048, 
90033, 89058, 89090, 88046, 
88130, 88129, 88128, 88127, 
88039, 88042, 88043, 87002, 
87079  
US proposed 
domestic support 
measures  Australia, Canada, 
China, Colombia, 
European Union, 
India, Japan, 
Mexico, 
New Zealand, 
Ukraine  Swine, milk, 
fresh 
vegetables, 
wheat, corn, 
coarse 
grains  25 6 93079, 93084, 93144, 93086, 
93087, 92082, 92072, 92102, 
91013, 91014, 91016, 91023, 
91024, 91027, 91063, 91080, 
90035, 89047, 89066, 8 8030, 
88048, 88028, 88047, 88029, 
88098  
Russian Federation's 
railway subsidy for 
exports  Australia, Canada, 
European Union, 
Ukraine, United 
States  Cereals, 
wheat, corn, 
rice, malt, 
coarse 
grains  12 6 95068, 91161, 91162, 88073, 
87022, 87098, 86010, 86068, 
86067, 86038, 86047, 85036  
India's skim milk 
powder export 
subsidies  Australia, 
European  Union, 
New Zealand, 
United  States  Dairy, milk, 
milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other  7 5 93008, 91151, 90002, 89026, 
88070, 88037, 88122, 88040  
Brazil's wheat quota  Ukraine, Canada, 
India Wheat  4 4 95010, 93043, 92046, 91001  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 76 - 
 
  SIM Question raised by  Products  N° of 
questions  N° of 
meetings 
at which 
the issue 
was 
discussed  ID number  
India's Transport 
and Marketing 
Assistance  Australia, 
United  States  Dairy, milk, 
milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other  6 4 95051, 93065, 93010, 92095, 
91006, 91154  
India's support to 
rice exports  Japan, Thailand, 
United States  Rice 4 4 93009, 92013, 91153, 90111, 
90130  
European Union - 
modification of 
agricultural schedule 
of commitments  Canada, 
New Zealand, 
Thailand, Australia    6 4 92101, 92091, 91015, 90087, 
90028, 90128, 90129, 89001  
India's dairy loans  United States  Dairy, milk, 
milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other  4 4 93011, 92011, 91149, 89027  
US support to the 
cotton sector  Brazil, 
European  Union, 
India  Cotton  4 4 92073, 90036, 87103, 86069  
Nigeria's import 
prohibitions on 
certain agricultural 
products and use of 
reference prices for 
customs valuation 
purposes  United States, 
Australia  Swine, 
poultry, 
fruit, 
cereals, 
wheat, corn, 
rice, malt, 
coarse 
grains, 
waters  5 4 95064, 93015 48012, 51004, 
51005  
Canada's 
compensation for 
farmers after trade 
concessions  Australia, 
European  Union, 
New Zealand, 
United  States  Dairy, milk, 
milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other, 
poultry, 
eggs 5 3 93047, 92075, 92077, 92001, 
91002, 91018  
India's short -term 
crop loans  United States  Dairy, milk, 
milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other  3 3 93012, 92010, 91147  
India's wheat public 
stockpiling  United States  Wheat  3 3 93014, 92009, 91141  
Indonesia's measure 
18 in DS477 and 
DS478  New Zealand    3 3 93068, 92081, 91010  
EU coupled 
payments  Brazil, India    3 3 93055, 92071, 91061  
EU intervention 
policy  New Zealand, 
United  States   Milk powders  6 3 95026, 95027, 95028, 95029, 
92080, 92006, 90026  
Turkey's IPR 
programme  Russian Federation, 
United States  Wheat  3 3 95039, 86029, 84113  
United Kingdom's 
modification of 
agricultural schedule 
of commitments  Indonesia, India    3 3 93076, 88011, 83069  
India's wheat 
policies  United States, 
Ukraine  Wheat  2 2 93013, 91009  
China's rice policies  United States  Rice 5 2 92005, 91133, 91134, 91135, 
91136  
Egypt's export 
subsidy and Arrears 
Program  United States    2 2 93042, 91138  
India's National 
Dairy Plan Phase I  United States  Dairy, milk, 
milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other  2 2 92012, 91152  
EU support package 
to Irish beef farmers  Australia  Bovine  2 2 92079, 91004  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  SIM Question raised by  Products  N° of 
questions  N° of 
meetings 
at which 
the issue 
was 
discussed  ID number  
Turkey's flour export 
and Turkish Grain 
Board  European Union, 
United States  Wheat  2 2 93018, 90009  
Switzerland's " Loi 
Chocolatière " and 
implementation of 
the Nairobi Decision 
on Export 
Competition  European Union  Cocoa 
(other)  2 2 92018, 90020  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.126.   Regarding steps taken by Members towards the implementation of the December 2015 
Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Export Competition , out of the 16 Members with positive export 
subsidy commitment levels in their schedules at the time of adoption of the Decision, 11 have had 
their revised export subsidy schedules certified (Australia, Colombia, Iceland, Israel, Mexico, 
Norway, South Africa , Switzerland, Turkey, United States and Uruguay); 2 (Canada and European 
Union) circulated their draft revised schedules , which are still pending certification; Indonesia just 
circulated its revised schedule; and 2 Members still have to circulate their re vised draft ES schedules 
(Brazil and Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela).  
3.127.   Members undertook the 2020 annual dedicated discussion on the implementation of the 
Nairobi  Ministerial Decision on Export Competition  at the September 2020 CoA meeting. In addition 
to the annual dedicated discussion, Members have the possibility to ask questions in connection with 
this Decision at any CoA meeting. A total of 32 questions were raised in the context of the follow -up 
to the Decision, including questions regarding policies in the area of export credits, export credit 
guarantees or insurance programmes , international food aid and state trading enterprises  
(Table  3.25).96 
Table 3.25 Questions raised in relation to the follow -up to the Nairobi Ministerial 
Decision on Export Competition (October 2019 to October 2020)  
ID 
number  CoA 
meeting  Question raised by  Quest ion 
answered by  Section  
95007  95 United States  Israel  State trading enterprises  
95063  95 European Union  Venezuela, 
Bolivarian 
Republic of  Export subsidies  
95118  95 United States  Argentina  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
95119  95 European Union  Australia  Export subsidies  
95120  95 United States  Australia  State trading enterprises  
95121  95 European Union  Brazil  Export subsidies  
95122  95 European Union  China  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes , and state 
trading enterprises  
95123  95 United States  China  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
95124  95 United States  China  International food aid  
95125  95 United States  China  State trading enterprises  
95126  95 European Union  Colombia  Export subsidies  
95127  95 United States  European Union  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
95128  95 United States  European Union  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
95129  95 United States  European Union  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
 
96 The complete set of questions and answers can be accesse d through the AG IMS  
(http://agims.wto.org ) by selecting the function "Search Q&A Submitted Since 1995 " and inputting the 
ID number of the question concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  ID 
number  CoA 
meeting  Question raised by  Quest ion 
answered by  Section  
95130  95 United States  European Union  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
95131  95 United States  European Union  International food aid  
95132  95 European Union  India Export subsidies  
95133  95 European Union  Indonesia  Export subsidies  
95134  95 European Union  New Zealand  Export subsidies  
95135  95 United States  Norway  International food aid  
95136  95 United States  Pakistan  State trading enterprises  
95137  95 European Union  Russian 
Federation  Export subsidies  
95138  95 United States  Russian 
Federation  Export subsidies  
95139  95 United States  Thailand  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
95140  95 United States  Thailand  State trading enterprises  
95141  95 China  United States  International food aid  
95142  95 European Union  United States  International food aid  
95143  95 Canada  China  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
95144  95 Canada  New Zealand  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
95145  95 Canada  Russian 
Federation  State trading enterprises  
93024  93 United States  China  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
93142  93 United States  Viet Nam  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
93173  93 United States  Japan  Export subsidies  
93174  93 Australia  Myanmar  Export subsidies  
93175  93 United States  Russian 
Federation  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
93176  93 United States  Thailand  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
92031  92 United States  China  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes , state trading 
enterprises , and international food aid  
92032  92 United States  Russian 
Federation  Export subsidies  
92044  92 European Union  Russian 
Federation  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Policy developments in agriculture related to the COVID -19 pandemic  
3.128.   In the context of the COVID -19 pandemic, t he CoA held a special meeting on 18 June 2020  
to discus s agriculture trade policies implemented in response to the pandemic within the framework 
of the AoA.  At that meeting, Members  emphasized the importance of transparency for 
COVID -19-related measures , and agreed to include " COVID -19 and Agriculture" as a st anding item 
on the agenda of future Co A meetings.   
3.129.   While Members used the standard review process of the CoA to request clarification on 
policies implemented in response to the COVID -19 pandemic, this new agenda item provide d 
Members with an opportunity  to engage in a holistic discussion o f the pandemic and the serious 
disruptions it has caused to the food and agriculture systems globally. The agenda item also offered 
Members an opportunity to engage in the review of each other's agricultural measures in re sponse 
to the pandemic . In this regard, nine Members (counting the European Union as one) submitted 
ad hoc reports to the CoA, listing measures adopted by their governments in the wake of the 
pandemic (Table 3.26).  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Table 3.26 Ad hoc  reports on COVID -19 measures in the agricultural sector 
(October  2019 -October 202 0) 
Member  Document symbola Issue date  
European Union  G/AG/GEN/159, G/AG/GEN/159/ADD.1, 
G/AG/GEN/159/ADD.1  6 June 2020, 23 July 2020, 
17 September 2020  
Israel  G/AG/GEN/160  22 June 2020  
United States  G/AG/GEN/161  27 July 2020  
Paraguay  G/AG/GEN/162  28 July 2020  
El Salvador  G/AG/GEN/163  31 August 2020  
Switzerland  G/AG/GEN/164  1 September 2020  
Brazil  G/AG/GEN/165  4 September 2020  
Japan  G/AG/GEN/166  15 September 2020  
Canada  G/AG/GEN/167/Rev.1  21 September 2020  
a Documents can be accessed via WTO docs online . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.130.   Observer International Organizations to the CoA also contributed to discussions under the 
agenda item on COVID -19 and agriculture. The OECD, the Food and Agriculture Organization  of the 
United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Inter -American Institute for 
Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) submitted reports to the September 2020 CoA meeting , outlining 
their work in relation to the pandemic .97 
3.131.   In the context of the challenges created by the pandemic and the measures put in place to 
alleviate them, three initiatives were communicated to the CoA by groups of Members committing 
to take steps to ensure well -functioning global agriculture and agri -food supply chains. In th ese 
initiatives , Members called for COVID -19 measures to be targeted, proportionate, transparent, and 
temporary, and to not create unnecessary barriers to trade or disruption to g lobal supply chains for 
agriculture and agri -food products , with a ny such measure  having to  be consistent with WTO rules  
(Table 3.27). 
Table 3.27 Joint submissions by WTO Members (mid -October 2019 - mid-Octobe r 2020)  
Submissions  Sponsors  WTO documenta 
Responding to the 
COVID -19 pandemic 
with open and 
predictable trade in 
agricultural and food 
products  Australia; Brazil; Canada; Chile; Colombia; Costa Rica; 
Ecuador; European Union; Georgia; Hong Kong, China; 
Japan; Republic of Korea; Malawi; Malaysia; Mexico; 
New Zealand; Nicaragua; Paraguay; Peru; Qatar; 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Singapore; Switzerland; 
Chinese Taipei; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; United 
Kingdom; United States; and Uruguay  G/AG/30/Rev .2, 
WT/GC/208/Rev.2  
COVID -19 initiative: 
protecting global food 
security through open 
trade  Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, 
Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru and 
Uruguay  G/AG/31/Rev.1, 
WT/GC/218/Rev.1, 
TN/AG/44/Rev.1  
June 2020 statement of 
the Ottawa Group: 
focusing action on 
COVID -19 Ottawa Group (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, 
European Union, Japan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, 
Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore and 
Switzerland)  WT/GC/217  
a Documents can be accessed via WTO docs online . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.132.   Some of the measures put in place by Members in response to the pandemic included the 
restrictio n or prohibition of exports for certain goods, including agricultural products. The AoA 
establishes disciplines for cases where  Member s institut e export prohibition s or restriction s in order 
to prevent or relieve critical shortages of foodstuffs (Article 12). Transparency is at the heart of 
these disciplines. The AoA states that (i) Members are to give due consideration to the effects of 
such prohibition or restriction on importing Me mbers ' food security;  and (ii) before any Member 
institutes an export prohibition or restriction, it shall give notice in writing, as far in advance as 
 
97 Reports by observer International Organizations to the Co A: G/AG/GEN/168  (OECD), G/AG/GEN/169  
(FAO), G/AG/GEN/170  (WFP), and G/AG/GEN/171  (IICA).  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  practicable, to the CoA, comprising such information as the nature and the duration of such measure, 
and shall consult, upon request, with any other Member having a substantial interest as an importer 
with respect to any matter related to the measure in question.  These written notices are referred to 
as Table ER:1 notifications. The AoA includes a special an d differential treatment provision, whereby 
the above requirements do not apply to developing country Members unless the measure is taken 
by a developing country Member which is a net -food exporter of the specific foodstuff concerned.  
3.133.   A total of seven notification s regarding export restrictions and prohibitions in connection with 
the COVID -19 pandemic  were notified to the CoA during the review period . The first was received 
on 30 March 2020. The products covered by the restrictions are eggs, feed, pasta, ri ce, sugar, wheat 
and wheat flour . The durations of the restrictions and the symbol of the notifications can be found 
in Table 3.28. All the concerned notifications can be accessed through the AG IMS 
(http://agims.wto.o rg/). 
Table 3.28 Notified export restrictions (Table ER:1) in connection with the COVID -19 
pandemic  
Issue date  Member  Notification number  Duration of 
restriction  Relevant products subject 
to measures  
30/03/2020  Thailand  G/AG/N/THA/107  One week  Eggs 
02/04/2020  Thailand  G/AG/N/THA/107/Add.1  Extension of the 
measure by 
1 month  Eggs  
31/03/2020  Kyrgyz 
Republic  G/AG/N/KGZ/8  6 months  Wheat, wheat flour, rice, 
pasta, sugar, eggs, feed  
02/04/2020  North 
Macedonia  G/AG/N/MKD/26  40 days  Wheat and wheat flour  
15/06/2020  Myanmar  G/AG/N/MYN/21  2 months  Rice 
15/06/2020  Myanmar  G/AG/N/MYN/21/Add.1  Extension of the 
measure by 
90 days Rice 
04/08/2020  Viet Nam  G/AG/N/VNM/13  21 days  Rice 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Box 3.1 on food systems and the COVID -19 pandemic has been contributed by the OECD.  
Box 3.1 Food systems and COVID -19 
The COVID -19 pandemic, and the necessary measures in place to contain it, have placed unprecedented 
stresses on food supply chains, with bottlenecks in farm labour, processing, transport and logistics, as well as 
significant shifts in demand. While to date food supply chains have demonstrated remarkable resilience, 
serious chall enges to food security in developing countries persista. For countries already struggling with 
climate change, conflict and the serious locust plague, the additional economic shocks from COVID -19 are 
particularly concerning for vulnerable populations.  
During COVID -19, open and predictable markets have been critical to ensure food can move to where it is 
needed. As the OECD 2020 Agricultural Monitoring and Evaluation  report shows, countries have introduced a 
range of policies in response to COVID -19, includi ng support to farmers and others along the food chain; 
initiatives to keep food supply chains moving; and support to consumers and vulnerable populations. Several 
countries have taken active steps to facilitate trade, although others introduced export rest rictions for key 
commoditiesb. 
Yet even before the outbreak of COVID -19, global food systems were faced with a formidable "triple challenge " 
of simultaneously providing food security and nutrition to a growing global population, ensuring the livelihoods 
of millions of people working all along the food chain, and ensuring the environmental sustainability of the 
sector and its contribution to climate change mitigation. Investments are needed to improve the resilience of 
food systems, not just to COVID -19, but  also to climate and the range of other shocks that can affect the food 
and agriculture sector. Recent work in the OECD on food systems shows that policies and approaches to both 
address the dramatic short -term shocks and enhance long -term resilience are e ssential, and those that 
encourage global food systems rather than domestic self -sufficiency will be more effective at meeting the 
triple challenge.  
Unfortunately, policy efforts have not been moving in the right direction. While there was a shift towards  
better targeted and less distorting agricultural support measures in recent years, this progress has now 
stalled. The OECD 's annual agricultural policy monitoring report (covering 54 countries and 75% of global 
agricultural value -added) shows that, in 201 7-19, these countries provided a total of USD 708 billion per year 
in support to their agricultural sectors. About three -quarters of this support, USD 536 billion per year, was 
transfers to individual producers. Much of this support is linked to production  of specific products, which not WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  only distorts international markets, but also reduces the flexibility of farms and food systems to adapt to 
unexpected economic or production shocks, climate change, or shifts in consumer preferencesc.  
Indeed, existing hig h levels of agricultural protection undermine global markets ' potential as a source of 
resilience by making it harder for supply shocks in one country to be compensated by production in others. 
With the fastest rates of population growth out to 2050 and as sociated growth in food demand in areas of 
relatively low agricultural productivity, increased global food trade will be essential to get food from where it 
can be produced to where it is needed. Furthermore, changing climatic conditions will also alter wh at can 
efficiently be grown where, causing shifts in trade – or potentially the need for more trade.  
COVID -19 is compelling policy makers to make urgent decisions to ensure food supply chains continue to 
function. Encouragingly, so far they have mostly avo ided the mistakes made during the food price crisis of 
2007-8, and have taken steps such as accepting electronic SPS certificates to facilitate trade. But many other 
policy responses (such as additional distorting support to farmers) can have negative long -term effects. There 
is a need to ensure that short -term measures which incentivise production do not become permanent and 
that policies designed to contribute to long -term goals of resilient, sustainable and productive global food 
systems are reinforced, not undermined, by policy action during the crisis. By adopting a policy package that 
includes investments in people, innovation, infrastructure and regulatory reform, governments can enhance 
the ability of food systems to withstand future shocks.  
a OECD ( 2020), "Food Supply Chains and COVID -19: Impacts and Policy Lessons", OECD Policy 
Responses to Coronavirus (COVID -19), 2 June 2020, http://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy -
responses/food -supply -chains -and-covid-19-impacts -and-policy -lessons -71b57aea/ . 
b For a detailed overview of countries' policy responses to COVID -19, see OECD (2020), Agricultural Policy 
Monitoring and Evalu ation 2020, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/928181a8 -en. 
c Ibid. 
Source:  OECD . 
3.7  General Economic Support  
3.135.   At the 24 July 2020 informal TPRB meeting dedicated to discuss ing the Director General’s 
mid-year Trade Monitoring Report on Trade -related Developments98, several WTO Members 
expressed their appreciation of , and full support to , the trade monitoring exercise as a factual and 
objective platform that reinforces transparen cy and predictability.  Introducing his Report to the 
meeting, the Director -General called on WTO Members to redouble their efforts to maintain the 
transparency and predictability of the international trading system and repeated his call to the WTO 
membersh ip to provide the Secretariat with guidance on how general economic support measures 
should be dealt with in future Trade Monitoring Reports. In this context, the European Union and 1 1 
other Members circulated a communication99 on enhancing transparency on  trade-related COVID -19 
measures  and, in particular , on general economic support measures, through the trade monitoring 
exercise.  
3.136.   Since July 2017, the Secretariat has been unable to justify the inclusion of a separate annex 
on general economic support mea sures in the Trade Monitoring Reports. This has been partly due 
to the low participation and response rate of WTO Members to the request for information , and partly 
because such an annex would be biased against those Members that traditionally share and pu blish 
detailed information o n such measures . Some  delegations have often insisted on excluding general 
economic support measures identified by the Secretariat from public sources. The July 2020 TPRB 
meeting generated an exchange of views on how to address this issue , considering the multiple 
support prog rammes put in place by governments in response  to the human, social and economic 
costs associated with the pandemic. S everal delegations emphasiz ed the importance of 
strengthen ing transparency in the context of the health  crisis and express ed their strong support for 
doing so through the trade monitoring exercise.  
3.137.   In response to Director -General 's 3 March 2020 and Deputy -Director  General  Agah's 3 
September  2020 requests for information for this Trade Monitoring Report , 38 WTO Members 
(European Union100; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Mauritius; Nepal; Peru; Russian Federation; 
Switzerland; Thailand; and Turkey ) volunteered information on 86 regular general economic support 
measures , i.e. not explicitly linked to the COVID -19 pandemic . Very few additional measures were 
 
98 WTO document WT/T PR/OV/ W/14, 10 July 2020. The mid -year Report covered the period  
from 16 October 2019 to 15 May 2020.  
99 Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore 
and Switzerland; WTO document WT/TPR/446 , 04 August 2020.  
100 Counting the EU  (27) and its members and the United Kingdom separately.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  identified by the Secretariat from public sources.  Although the number of regular support measures 
has increased during the review period compared to the previous one, most of general economic 
support measures put in place by WTO Members w ere related to the pandemic.  
3.138.   During the review period, regular support measures by WTO Members  showed that the 
sectors which received significant financial disbursements include d agriculture, food, transport and 
energy. Several support measures targeted investment in technology , industrial support, support to 
research and development and innovation programmes . Fiscal measures, s oft loans , export incentive  
measures, state guarantees, investment loans, temporary reduction of taxes,  loan guarantees for 
SMEs  were also put in place . Several of these measures were multi-year programmes, with financial 
disbursements staggered over the lifetime of a project, while other s were one -off grants or aid 
schemes.  
COVID -19 related economic support measures  
3.139.   Sixty-seven  WTO Members101 and one Observer (Azerbaijan) volunteered information on 
638 COVID -19-related general economic support measures.  In addition, 405 support measures were 
identified from public sources and governmental websites by the Secretariat, i.e. a total of 1,043 
COVID -19 support measures put in place by 94 WTO Members and 3 Observers. This represents 149 
measures such implemented per month between March and mid -October  2020. The overall , as well 
as the monthly , number of COVID -19-related  suppo rt measures are both much greater than that 
witnessed during the 2008 -09 global financial crisis (GFC) , and their scope is considerably more 
comprehensive . 
3.140.   Since the beginning of October 2020, the Secretariat has made available  the 
COVID -19-related support information communicated by delegations directly to the trade monitoring 
exercise. The list of these measures is available on the WTO website. The measures that feature in 
the list appear in the original language of the submission , and are updated regularly.102 
3.141.   Since March 2020, WTO Members and Observers  have implemented an unprecedented 
number of general economic support measures to address the social and economic disruption caused 
by the COVID -19 pandemic.  This was initially captured in the July Trade Monitoring Report , where 
the first wave of these support measures were reported. More than half (58%) of the first wave of 
COVID -19 support measures were put in place by G20 economies. As at mid -October 2020, this ha d 
declined to 39%, suggestin g that that a large number of measures were put in place by non -G20 
WTO Members in the later stages of the current crisis.  The COVID -19-related support measures have 
so far included support to sectors of the economy heavily affected by the crisis; funds to  increase 
the capacity of national healthcare systems and to provide incentives to research into vaccines, 
diagnostics and treatments of the virus ; aid schemes to support SMEs and larger companies; 
compensation schemes for the loss of revenue or additional  costs related to the financial impacts of 
the outbreak; financial support to households, self -employed workers and employees; and wage 
subsidies to help cover payrolls of companies affected by the crisis. Specific areas  targeted so far 
have included healt h, aviation, tourism, catering, cleaning and security, agriculture, fisheries, 
childcare, creative industries and sport.  
3.142.   Another set of support measures put in place by governments in response to the COVID -19 
pandemic included measures implemented by central banks to ease monetary policies ; reduce policy 
rates, statutory reserve ratios and repo rates; issu e and purch ase government bonds; and ease debt 
terms and reschedul e deferrals on credit instalments to lower funding costs across the economy. 
Governm ent responses have also included financial and fiscal measures to ensure economic stability, 
including strengthening the supply of credit to households and businesses; providing the banking 
system with additional liquidit y; easing of credit conditions terms; backing business investment; 
granting moratoriums; providing  credit guarantees; and reducing taxes and fees.  The responses of 
high-income economies have been significantly more generous in terms of the number and variety 
 
101 Albania; Angola; Argent ina; Australia; Bahrain, Kingdom of; Brazil; Canada; Chile; Colombia; Costa 
Rica; El Salvador; European Union ; Guatemala; Guyana; Hong Kong, China; India; Indonesia; Macao, China; 
Malaysia; Maldives; Mauritania; Mauritius; Moldova; Montenegro; Myanmar; Ne pal; Norway; Peru; Philippines; 
Qatar; Russian Federation; Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; Seychelles; Singapore; South Africa; Switzerland; 
Thailand; Turkey; and Vanuatu.  Counting the EU  (27) and its members and the United Kingdom separately.   
102 WTO, COVID -19: Support measures. Viewed at : 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_support_measures_e.htm .  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  of measures implemented and fund s allocated, compared to low er-income economies  whose  
responses have often relied  on funding or other assistance obtained from International Organizations 
and/or donors.  
3.143.   With a few exceptions, COVID -19-related general economic support measures are 
temporar y. Several of these measures have been adjusted and/or extended to reflect changing 
circumstances and the challenges which have arisen recently in dealing with a second wave of the 
pandemic  in some Members . The discussions surrounding the large injections  of public money 
generally focused on them as a necessary response to the crisis , and on the importance of 
maintaining such support measures to bring  it under control and to mitigate increasing harms. At 
the same time, and increasingly looking to the futur e, there appears to be recognition of the need 
to ensure that exit strategies in the phasing -out of state aid must be coordinated so as not to 
jeopardize a swift and sustainable recovery from the pandemic. The collective commitment to ensure 
that t he emerg ency trade and investment measures are transparent, temporary, proportionate and 
targeted is fundamental to ensuring that they do not become a source of distortion and unfair 
competition in the future .  
3.144.   The above has captured activities in the area of regu lar and COVID -19 related general 
economic support measures between mid -October 2019 and mid -October 2020 . Given the speed 
with which COVID -19-related policies and program mes are introduced and/or modified, the number 
and type of measures covered in this Re port are not exhaustive. For example, it has been difficult 
to keep up with all the specific actions undertaken by central banks and other monetary institutions , 
given their determination to maintain flexibility in terms of the tools, lending programmes an d 
interest rate decisions required to deal with new challenges as they emerge. In addition, funding or 
other assistance obtained from International Organizations, regional banks or donors ha ve not been 
covered by this overview.  
3.145.   The trade monitoring exercis e does not make any judgement as to the WTO -compatibility of 
any of the measures referred to in this Section. While it is possible that these measures, whether 
taken as part of a Member's overall commercial strategy or as part of a Member's emergency 
respo nse to the COVID -19 pandemic, may affect trade in some way, it is not always straightforward 
to conclude that they restrict or facilitate trade (and by how much), or that they distort competition. 
Nevertheless, and whole recogni zing that other International Organizations are often better placed 
to report on and analyse many of these measures, providing a brief overview of such measures 
taken during the review period represents an important element of transparency regarding  
develop ments in the international trading system. The Secretariat will continue to monitor and report 
on general economic support measures within the resources available to it.  
3.146.   Box 3.2  takes a wider look at the type of support measures put in place, so far in re sponse 
to the COVID 19 pandemic.  
Box 3.2 COVID -19 related general economic support measures – a wider look  
In response to the economic fallout from the COVID -19 pandemic, governments have taken steps to revive n ational 
economies, to safeguard jobs, and to support individuals during containment measures. In March 2020, the Director -
General requested WTO Members to provide information on such measures to increase transparency around the 
responses globally. This req uest for information mirrored the approach taken in the context of the global financial 
crisis (GFC). However, compared to the GFC, governments and central banks have ventured even further beyond 
traditional fiscal and monetary policy interventions, implem enting unprecedented packages of policies. Some 
economic support measures have been horizontal in nature while others have been sector -, firm -, or labor market 
specific. The following seeks to shed further light on the types of measures which governments h ave implemented 
over the past 9 -10 months and which have been reported and analyzed by several institutions.  
Since the outbreak of the pandemic International Organizations have gone to considerable lengths to document the 
frequency and form of the economic  support measures taken worldwide. The International Monetary Fund  and 
Organization for Co -operation and Development  have introduced and updated policy trackers. Meanwhile the 
International Labour Organization has maintained a webpage on Country policy responses . These three international 
organizations have developed their own approaches to tracking policy. Nevertheless, there is considerable overlap in 
the types of economic support measures covered.  
Table 1 reports the number of co untries said to have announced different types of economic support measures related 
to the pandemic as well as the total number of each type of economic support measure. As the number of countries 
covered by these three trackers differs, care is needed in interpreting the counts of policy interventions. The same 
goes for the methodology and reporting conventions which may not be aligned and may involve different ways of WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  counting. Nevertheless, and even if caution is required in seeking definitive conclusion s, interesting patterns still 
emerge.  
Two-thirds of the countries tracked by the IMF have implemented at least one economic support package. A total of 
138 economies tracked by the IMF have undertaken central bank policy interventions. Nearly 85% of the economies 
tracked by the OECD have implemented fiscal spending increases. The ILO reports that 60% of the countries tracked 
have introduced some type of government support scheme for employees or workers. Providing an exact estimate of 
the magnitude of  the total support measures implemented is complicated by the frequent adjustments to existing 
packages, but varying estimates have the total cost of these measures at USD 12 -17 trillion amounting to 13 -19% 
of global GDPa. 
The IMF has detected 30 changes i n exchange rate policy undertaken by 27 different economies. At least 70% of 
countries tracked by these three International Organizations have deferred or reduced taxes during 2020. The OECD 
has documented 38 measures to support exporters undertaken by 27 different governments. The ILO’s Country policy 
responses page reveals the extensive resort to other forms of state aid to companies this year. For example, a total 
of 148 countries have announced or implemented 673 subsidies or other forms of state suppor t to non -exporting 
firms.  
Table 1: Worldwide reporting on economic support measures by the ILO, IMF, and OECD  
Type of economic 
support measure  Number of  ILO Country 
policy 
responses  IMF Policy 
Tracker  OECD Policy 
Tracker  
Economic support 
packages  Countries implicated  47 118 43 
Policy interventions announced  57 222 73 
Central bank 
measures  Countries implicated  64 138 60 
Policy interventions announced  124 226 163 
Exchange rate 
Interventions  Countries implicated  5 27 6 
Policy interventions announced  6 30 6 
Fiscal spending 
increases  Countries implicated  77 97 83 
Policy interventions announced  102 119 136 
Tax 
reductions/deferrals  Countries implicated  135 136 86 
Policy interventions announced  378 195 277 
Support for 
employees or workers  Countries implicated  114 93 61 
Policy interventions announced  217 120 116 
Other state aid (not 
export related)  Countries implicated  148 133 87 
Policy interventions announced  673 251 438 
Support for exporters  Countries implicated  17 19 27 
Policy interventions announced  24 23 38 
 
Number jurisdictions covered  188 178 98 
Further information on resort to economic support measures can also be found in the Global Trade Alert databaseb. 
According to this database, since the beginning of this year, G20 economies have implemented a total of 636 support 
measures of different types. Table 2 provides granular information on those types of public policy interventions where 
five or more measures were implemented by G20 mem bers since 1 January 2020. For those interventions where the 
tradeable products and sector of economic activity could be identified, statistics are reported on the range of economic 
activity implicated by each type of G20 policy intervention.  
Through 21 Oc tober 2020, a total of 167 state loans had been provided by G20 governments according to the GTA 
database. That only 5.1% of all HS codes were implicated by these loans - while nearly 90% of sectors were - could 
suggest that many loans are being offered to  enterprises operating in the services sectors. According to the GTA, 
financial grants, tax and social insurance relief enacted by G20 economies this year affected more than 60% of all 
economic sectors.  
The product coverage implicated by changes in G20 me mbers' internal taxation of imports is nearly complete, 
although this does not imply that every G20 economy undertook such policy intervention. Resort to local sourcing 
requirements appears to target narrow segments of economic activity, measured by produc ts and by sectors 
implicated. More generally, according to the data in the GTA database, significant variation appears across policy 
intervention types in the range of tradable products implicated and the sectors of economic activity likely affected.  
Table 2 below lists the G20 economic support measures identified in the GTA database. As has often been argued by 
observers of such economic support measures, including in the context of the global financial crisis from 2009 
onwards, reporting on these measure s at any point in time will not be exhaustive. The principal reason for this is the 
time lag often seen in the context of reporting and providing transparency on such measures.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Table 2: G20 economic support measures by type of policy intervention  
Policy i ntervention type  Number 
implemented by 
G20 Products (% 6 
digit HS codes 
implicated)  Sectors (% 3 digit 
CPC codes 
implicated)  
State loan  167 5,1 89,7 
Financial grant  127 16,0 67,2 
Loan guarantee  63 1,3 35,0 
Tax or social insurance relief  53 1,9 60,5 
Local sourcing requirement  47 0,6 5,2 
Internal taxation of imports  36 94,5 17,3 
Capital injection and equity stakes 
(including bailouts)  27 3,2 11,9 
Public procurement localisation 
requirement  22 8,8 19,1 
Interest payment subsidy  19 8,2 42,2 
Price stabilisation measure  13 0,7 3,3 
Localisation incentive  12 1,9 5,2 
Production subsidy  11 0,9 5,2 
Public procurement market access  6 17,2 19,5 
State aid, nes.  5 4,4 8,2 
Source:  Global Trade Alert database.  
According to the information available in the GTA database, the four most frequently sectors affected by G20 economic 
support measures as a result of the pandemic are passenger transportation (including air transport), the motor 
vehicles sector, pharmaceut ical goods and medical and surgical equipment. These sectors were implicated 63, 43, 
41, and 39 times, respectively.  
The above seeks to provide a preliminary and tentative overview of some wider findings regarding the provision of 
general economic support  measures implemented in the response to the COVID -19 pandemic. It is not exhaustive 
and further changes should be envisaged as more measures are announced and/or adjusted. What remains clear in 
the overall narrative of general economic support measures im plemented in response to the pandemic is that without 
the timely, comprehensive and effective policy support that has been implemented by countries to cushion the impact 
of the this exogenous shock on household incomes, firms and societies more broadly, th e impact on global output 
and employment would have been significantly worse. The WTO Secretariat will continue to monitor developments in 
this area and provide a transparency platform for Members to engage on these issues.  
a COVID -19 recovery funds dwarf clean energy investment needs, 16 October 2020. Viewed at: 
https://climateanalytics.org/publications/2020/covid -19-recovery -funds -dwarf-clean-energy -investment -
needs/ ; Wigglesworth, Robin, Long Live Jay Powell, the New Monarch of the Bond Market, Financial Times , June 
23, 2020. Viewed at: https://www.ft.com/content/5db9d0f1 -3742-49f0-a6cd-16c471875b5e  and 
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2020/10/06/sp100620 -the-long-ascent -overcoming -the-crisis-and-
building -a-more-resilient -economy .  
b Viewed at: https://www.globaltradealert.org/.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.147.   Box 3.3 explores the issue of reshoring in the context of the global supply chain model . 
Box 3.3 Reshoring: reconsidering the global supply chain model  
The traditional global supply chain model most ly depends on cost -reduction strategies, based on just -in-time 
production, with minimum inventories. This model, however, is typically vulnerable to major disruptions in 
supply, such as natural disasters, geopolitical crises, pandemics, and similar events.  The COVID -19 pandemic 
exposed this core weakness of the global supply -chain model, triggering concerns about reliance on single 
suppliers, in particular when essential medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and personal protective equipment 
were in short suppl y. These concerns reignited discussions that had already started on "reshoring" 
manufacturing, and diversifying suppliers of critical inputs and components, in order to strengthen essential 
industries and to make them more resilient to global disruptions.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Reshoring is the practice of bringing the manufacturing of goods and services back home from overseas. The 
related term "near -shoring" refers to companies establishing manufacturing in or bringing it back to regions 
close to the home country.  
Even before t he disruptions caused by the COVID -19 pandemic, some analysts suggested manufacturing 
goods closer to where they are sold as a solution for companies seeking to reduce distribution costs and 
mitigate risk. In this regard, the following factors were identif ied as factors to justify reshoring decisions: 
mounting labour and logistics costs in offshore countries; increased automation; concerns regarding 
intellectual property theft; stricter quality and safety standards; new environmental regulations for higher 
sustainability; national security concerns regarding certain industries; and geopolitical and trade tensions.  
Under normal circumstances, firms reshore if it increases profits, or if there is a serious risk in keeping 
production offshore. Even in these cir cumstances, the operational cost of reshoring may mean that companies 
hesitate before making any reshoring decisions. For this reason, some analysts argue that governments should 
create incentives for reshoring, through a wide range of policy tools such as  tax incentives, cost -sharing 
programmes, local -content measures, and trade remedies.  
According to publicly available sources, some governments have already introduced measures to encourage 
reshoring or to build self -reliance and diversification of supplie rs in certain industries. These measures include 
incentives such as fiscal support programmes and local -content provisions. It also should be noted that the 
pandemic has affected consumer preferences, with increased demand for locally produced goods which,  in 
some parts of the world, has triggered "buy national" campaigns.  
Should reshoring become a large -scale phenomenon, it could have a major impact on global value chains and, 
consequently, on world trade flows. This could, in turn, affect economic growth in those economies, especially 
developing economies, in which global value chains have played a significant role in increasing employment 
levels and reducing poverty.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.8  Overview of Trade Policy Reviews  
Due to the restrictions imposed on account of the COVID -19 pandemic, just four Trade Policy 
Reviews (TPRs) were  undertaken  between mid -October 2019 and mid -October 2020. TPRs aim to 
provide the WTO membership with a deeper understanding of the trade and economic policies of the 
Member under review and lead to constructive and insightful discussions.103 
Lao People's Democratic Republic: 18 and 20 November 2019  
Members commended Lao PDR for its strong economic growth which is setting the ground 
for its graduation from LDC status in 2024, and for enacting several economic policies to address 
structural vulnerabilities and weakness es. Lao PDR's increased trade openness  as depicted by the 
ratio of trade in goods and services to GDP increasing since accession  was appreciated as were 
policies and initiatives to promote and improve the foreign investment and business environments 
despit e challenges in certain areas (e.g. FDI restrictions, border -clearance procedures and high 
ground transportation costs). Efforts to strengthen intellectual property protection and enforcement, 
including by joining the Madrid Protocol in 2016 and amending t he Law on Intellectual Property  were 
acknowledged . Members also welcome d the Lao PDR Government 's focus on developing its human 
capital through inclusive education.  
Lao PDR was praised  for its support and active participation in the Multilateral Trading 
System, particularly it's  ratification, and timely submission of category A, B and C notifications of 
the TFA ; its intention to join the Information Technology Agreements (ITA) 1 and 2 by the first half 
of 2020 ; its support for the Joint Statement Initiative s on Investment Facilitation for Development, 
on Micro, Small and Medium -sized Enterprises, and on e -Commerce, and the Declaration on Women 
and Trade . Members were also appreciative of Lao PDR's ratification commitment in its Trade 
Facilitation Road Map fo r 2017 -22, which aims to implemen t TFA measures in an accelerated time -
bound manner to  reduce trading costs, including significant steps already in place such as the 
implementation of the electronic National Single Window for customs clearance and duty pay ment, 
risk management, transparency and advance ruling. Additionally, Lao PDR was commended for its 
efforts in the passage and implementation of the Law on Standardization of 2014 and the alignment 
of most of its national standards with international stand ards. Members commended Lao PDR 's 
efforts in tariff reduction and elimination of tariff peaks. They also appreciated that the entire 
customs tariff was applied on an ad valorem  basis and was bound, making the import regime 
 
103 The summaries provided in this Section draw on the Chair's concluding remarks for each of the TPRs.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  predictable.  However, c oncerns we re raised regarding the MFN applied tariff exceeding the bound 
tariff for 26 lines . 
While noting steps taken to promote fiscal consolidation through modernization of tax 
systems and reducing state payroll and operating expenses, members expressed concerns about the 
level of fiscal deficits and public debt. Lao PDR was encouraged to continue its an ambitious economic 
reform agenda, which is focused on diversifying the economy and increasing resilience and 
productivity, through reform initiatives in areas suc h as access to information, e -government, anti -
corruption, investment promotion, and economic dispute resolution. Lao PDR's was also encouraged 
to expedite the promulgation of the law on anti -dumping and countervailing measures. Members 
invited Lao PDR to continue to take steps to improve IP protection and enforcement, including 
through developing judicial capacity to adjudicate IP cases and increasing public awareness. Other 
issues raised included: relatively higher protection of the agricultural sector an d the prospects for 
further liberalization in trade in services. Additionally, Lao PDR's was encouraged to consider joining 
the WTO Government Procurement Agreement,  Lao PDR's positive record of WTO notification s was 
also acknowledged.  
Australia: 11 and 13  March 2020  
Members complimented Australia for sustained economic expansion, approaching nearly 
three decades of uninterrupted growth. The resilient performance was anchored in a sound 
institutional framework built on trade openness and a generally positiv e attitude towards foreign 
investment.  Australia's leadership role in the WTO and its active participation in almost all fora was 
appreciated, as was Australia's pursuit of enhanced transparency within the WTO framework which 
was backed up by an excellent track record in the fulfilment of its own notification obligations. 
Australia's generous contributions to aid for trade activities, in combination with full duty -free quota -
free market access for LDCs and extensive trade preferences for developing countrie s, were also 
highlighted.  
Members praised Australia for ratifying the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement; accession to 
the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement and implementation of the expanded 
Information Technology Agreement. It was noted that  Australia had also accepted the Protocol 
amending the TRIPS Agreement and was committed to strengthening IP protection and enforcement . 
Australia's significant market liberalization under FTAs was also noted.  While appreciating Australia's 
low average applied MFN tariffs; concerns were raised regarding relatively high bound tariffs in 
certain areas as well as a substantial number of tariff lines being unbound.  Concerns were expressed 
about the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on cross -border trade i n digital products and services, 
advantages accorded to certain producers through the Wine Equalization Tax and certain issues 
concerning the Luxury Car Tax. Australia was also called upon to reform its fiscal regime for offshore 
banking units.  
Members wel comed the entry into force of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and related legislation, 
however in some Members view some products continued to be subject to barriers or measures that 
were more trade restrictive than necessary. Australia was also urged to ensure t hat its sanitary and 
phytosanitary regulations and requirements be consistent with the WTO Agreement on the 
Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. A new country of origin labelling system, 
affecting many types of imported food, was also a subj ect of wide interest.  
It was noted that Australia continued to be an active user of anti -dumping and countervailing 
measures, was encouraged to use trade remedies prudently going forward. Concerns were also 
raised regarding the new foreign investment regim e, with some members expressing that the 
Australian Government applied wide grounds for the screening of foreign investment that went 
beyond national security.  
Japan: 6 and 8 July 2020  
Japan, a key investment and trade partner for many Members, was commend ed for its key 
role in the global trading system, integration in the world economy and global value chains, the 
results of its macroeconomic policy (Abenomics), policies to promote women 's economic 
empowerment and its response to the COVID -19 pandemic. How ever, it was noted that economic 
support could be costly as Japan was still to address fiscal consolidation and high public debt. Japan's WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  contribution to various initiatives at the WTO as well as to advance WTO reform and engagement in 
the negotiations on fisheries subsidies and domestic regulation in services, were acknowledged. 
Japan 's strong track record with WTO notification obligations was also highlighted.  
While noting the high degree of predictability in Japan's tariff regime  and its trade facilitat ion 
efforts, Members encouraged a reduction of the complexity and peaks of its customs tariff. They 
encouraged Japan to improve efficiency in the handling of goods at the border and ensure that 
technical regulations do not impede trade. Japan was urged to remove certain export restrictions. 
Concerns were expressed that Agriculture remained highly protected by tariff and non -tariff (e.g., 
SPS) measures, and supported by subsidies, Tariff Rate Quota fill rates for certain products were 
low, some products face d market access barriers and the role of state trading in the sector. Many 
Members urged Japan to pursue a market -oriented reform, reduce subsidization and submit 
outstanding WTO notifications on domestic support on agriculture. Some Members encouraged 
alignment of domestic standards with international standards (e.g., Codex Alimentarius) in the agri -
food sector. Japan was also urged to reduce its fisheries subsidies and increase transparency; 
rationalization of the fossil fuel subsidies regime was also enc ouraged. Concerns were also raised 
about non -tariff barriers affecting market access of certain goods.  
Concern was expressed about recent measures to increase the scrutiny of foreign direct 
investment and to incentivize firms to re -shore production. Membe rs felt that reforms relating to 
digital privacy and medical care should not unduly disadvantage foreign firms. Furthermore, some 
Members inquired about the prospects for more foreign participation in certain activities; they also 
noted market access diffi culties in notably on Information Technology services, insurance, and 
telecommunications (5G spectrum allocation). Foreign participation in government procurement 
remained low and Japan was encouraged to revise its procedures and practices in this area.  
Zimbabwe: 30 September and 2 October  
Members welcomed Zimbabwe's commitment to undertake economic reforms aimed at 
macroeconomic stability and addressing structural issues and encouraged the authorities to continue 
to pursue its reform agenda. Members noted that the forex regime should not act as a disincentive 
for investors and exporters and welcomed efforts to stabilize its currency including through noting. 
the introduction of a weekly forex auction. Further clarification was sought regarding measures to 
ensure that the forex market operates in an open and transparent manner, which may reduce 
inflation and improve the business environment.  
Members appreciated Zimbabwe's repeal of its "indigenization" provisions, which ended the 
49% foreign ownership cap in  all sectors. Certain Members urged Zimbabwe to dismantle remaining 
investment restrictions, ensure investment protection and repatriation of dividends, and to eliminate 
remaining provisions prescribing the degree of export orientation of investment propos als. 
Furthermore, Zimbabwe was encouraged to reduce state -ownership, to improve the governance of 
state-owned enterprises, tackle corruption, and to address its outstanding land issue.  Concerns 
about the role of the state in agriculture were raised and fur ther information was sought regarding 
the functioning of the Grain Marketing Board, the "Command Agriculture" domestic support 
programme, and the new Climate Smart Agriculture programme.   
Efforts to modernize the government procurement regime and the estab lishment of the 
procurement regulatory authority , were praised . Members also noted the increase in trademark 
applications and expressed interest in Zimbabwe's National Intellectual Property Policy and 
Implementation Strategy 2018 -22. Zimbabwe was praised f or its ratification of the TFA , active 
participation in regional trade negotiations  as well as concluding an EPA with the European Union. 
Zimbabwe reiterated its commitment to the multilateral trading system and announced that the 
country was in the proces s of domesticating the WTO Agreement  and ratifying the Protocol Amending 
the TRIPS Agreement . Members also reminded Zimbabwe of its transparency obligations in the WTO 
and invited it to reduce the backlog of outstanding WTO notifications . 
Concerns were rai sed regarding MFN tariff rates exceed ing bound rates; the 25% surtax 
levied on many products despite  the binding of Other Duties and Charges at 15%; quantitative 
restrictions and complex non -automatic import licensing regime; some SPS requirements; and its 
new Consignment -Based Conformity Assessment system for a range of products.  Further clarification WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  was sought regarding Zimbabwe's import licensing procedures for agricultural products, and its 
regime for the sale and use of GMOs and G MO products.  
3.9  Other Selected Trade Policy Issues  
The following Section provides a brief overview of the other selected trade policy issues 
where important developments took place during the review period. It also includes follow up to a 
number of issues whi ch saw outcomes at MC11.  
COVID -19 related discussions at the General Council  
The General Council has seen WTO Members engage on COVID -19 related matters on several 
occasions since the outbreak of the pandemic.  
At the 15 May General Council meeting, which took place in virtual format, 65 delegations 
took the floor to exchange information and share views on COVID 19 trade -related measures .104 
Several delegations also touched upon the importance of transparency with  respect to measures 
taken in response to the pandemic, including with respect to the duration of such measures. In the 
course of the meeting, delegations referred to several relevant communications including:  
• Responding to the COVID -19 Pandemic with Open and Predictable Trade in Agricultural and 
Food Products ( WT/GC/208 , 22 April 2020;  WT/GC/208 /Rev.1 , 14 May 2020;  and 
WT/GC/208 /Rev.2 , 29 May 2020 ). 
• ASEAN Declaration and Statements on COVID -19 (WT/GC/210 , 01 May 2020 ). 
• Securing LDCs' Emergency Access to Es sential Medical and Food Products to combat the 
COVID -19 Pandemic (WT/GC/211 , 04 May 2020 ). 
• Statement on COVID -19 And the Multilateral Trading System by Ministers Responsible for the 
WTO from Co -Sponsors (WT/GC/212 , 05 May 2020;  WT/GC/212 /Rev.1 , 29 May 202 0; and 
WT/GC/212 /Rev.2 , 31 July 2020 ). 
• Statement on COVID -19 by APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (WT/GC/213 , 08 May 2020 ). 
• Joint Ministerial Statement on COVID -19 (WT/GC/214 , 13 May 2020 ). 
• Statement on Highlighting the Importance of MSMEs in the time o f COVID -19 (WT/GC/215 , 
14 May 2020 and WT/GC/215 /Rev.1 , 26 May 2020 ). 
• G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting Ministerial Statement (WT/GC/216 , 
20 May 2020). 
At the 29 May General Council meeting, the Republic of Korea presented the COVID -19 Joint 
Ministerial Statement  in WT/GC/214 , co-sponsored by Australia, Canada, New Zealand and 
Singapore. This included the commitment of these five Members to alleviate the pandemic and work 
to ensure the flow of goods in global supply chains, facilitate essential movement of people and 
minimise the negative impacts on trade and investment arising from the pandemic to facilitate an 
inclusive and sustainable economic recovery .105 
At the 22 -23 and 31 July General Council meeting, Australia  present ed the revised 
communication  in WT/GC/218/Rev.1 , on behalf of the co -sponsors, seeking  to limit the impacts of 
COVID -19 by reinforcing the importance of open markets, maintaining global supply chains and 
transparency. To achieve those objectives, the co -sponsors (i) called for such measures to be 
targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary and consistent with WTO Rules and made further 
calls for restraint, timely rollback and the avoi dance of market distortions; (ii) called for an 
agreement for Members to not impose export restrictions on food purchased for humanitarian 
 
104 WTO document WT/GC/M/183 , 16 June 2020  and WT/GC/M/183 /Corr.1. , 17 June 2020.  
105 WTO document WT/GC/M/184 , 24 June 2020.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  purposes; and, (iii) proposed greater scrutiny of COVID -19 agriculture support measures by 
Members and tracking by th e Secretaria t.106 
Finally, a t the 13 -14 October General Council meeting , Malaysia presented the 
communication in WT/GC/220 which: (i) reaffirmed their commitment to effectively mitigate the 
economic impact of the COVID -19 pandemic, and promptly navigate the  region towards a path of 
resilient, sustainable, inclusive and expedited economic recovery; (ii) acknowledged the importance 
of a free, open, fair, non -discriminatory, transparent and predictable trade and investment 
environment to drive economic recovery  at such challenging times; and (iii) committed to ensure 
that emergency measures designed to tackle COVID -19 were targeted, proportionate, transparent, 
temporary, did not create unnecessary barriers to trade or disruption to global supply chains, and 
were consistent with WTO rules .107 
The following Section provides a brief overview of the other selected trade policy issues 
where important  developments took place during the review period. It also includes follow -up to a 
number of issues which saw outcomes at  MC11 in Buenos Aires.  
Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs)  
3.170.   During the review period, WTO Members notified eight RTAs ( 13 notifications) as compared 
to 15 RTAs ( 20 notifications) during the previous period (Table  3.29).108 Of the new RTAs, three 
relate only to trade in goods, one of which was notified under the Enabling Clause and two under 
GATT Article  XXIV; five RTAs include trade liberalization in both goods and services and were notified 
under GATT Article XXIV and GATS Article V. The notific ations included three  significant RTAs in 
terms of the ir potential share of trade: the United States -Mexico -Canada Agreement  
(USMCA/CUSMA/T -MEC) whose parties account for 16% of global merchandise trade and 14% of 
trade in commercial services;  and the FTA s between the European Union and Viet Nam and 
Singapore, respectively . All three  agreements liberalize trade in goods and services, and include 
additional provisions.  
Table 3.29 Notifications of RTAs between 15  October 2019 and 15 October 2020  
RTA name (parties)  Coverage  Date of notification  
(date of entry into 
force)  Notification  
Indonesia - Pakistan  Goods  12/11/19  
(01/09/13) Enabling Clause  
Hong Kong, China - Australia  Goods & Services  17/01/20  
(17/01/20 ) GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) 
- Iran Goods  31/01/20  
(27/10/19 ) GATT Art. XXIV  
Chile - Indonesia  Goods  01/04/20  
(10/08 /19) GATT Art. XXIV  
European Union - Singapore  Goods & Services  01/04/20  
(21/11 /19) GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Peru – Australia  Goods & Services  24/06/20  
(11/02/20 ) GATT Art. XXIV  & GATS Art. V  
European Union – Viet Nam  Goods & Services  13/07/20  
(01/08/20 ) GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
United States -Mexico -Canada 
Agreement (US MCA/CUSMA/T -
MEC) Goods  & Services  16/09/20  
(01/07/20) GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Source:  RTA Database. Viewed at: http://rtais.wto.org . 
3.171.   As at 15  October  2020, the total number of RTAs notified to the WTO, and to the GATT 
before it , and currently in force, amounted to 306 (156 covering  goods and services, 148 goods 
only, and 2  services only). The WTO Secretariat has also identified and verified, through the 
 
106 WTO document WT/GC/M/186 , 28 September 2020.  
107 WTO document WT/GC/M/187 (forthcoming).  
108 In addition, the CRTA received a notification of entry into force for Iceland of the Free Trade 
Agreement between the EFTA States and the Philippines and a joint notification from Canada, Mexico and 
the United States informing Members that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) had been 
superseded by the United States -Mexico -Canada Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA/T -MEC) . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  respective parties, 54 RTAs that are in force, but have no t yet been notified to the WTO.109 The 
number of RTAs identified has  decreased considerably during this period , in particular following 
notification s of changes made by parties to the Latin American Integration Association – LAIA – 
notified under the Enabli ng Clause .  
3.172.   Judging from overall notifications, RTA activity remains  strongest in Europe (19% of RTAs in 
force), with successive EU enlargements and agreements with countries in Eastern Europe and 
around the Mediterranean basin, as well as RTAs notified by  EFTA; this is followed by East Asia 
(18%) and South  America (13%)  (Chart  3.31). 
Chart 3.31 RTAs in force, by region   
 
Note:  RTAs involving countries/territories in two (or more) regions are counted more than once.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
The WTO Members with the most RTAs in force remain the European Union, the EFTA States, 
and Chile, with over 25 RTAs in force each, followed by Singapore, Mexico and Turkey, which have 
over 20  RTAs in force each ( Chart 3.32). A number of other developing countries also have several 
RTAs in force, such as the Republic of Korea, Peru, India and Panama.  
Chart 3.32 WTO Members with the largest number of RTAs in force  
 
Source:  RTA Section, WTO Secretariat.  
 
109 WTO document WT/REG/W/ 151, 16 September 2020. 
102
93
66404948
3530
2723 10North America
Central America Caribbean
South AmericaEuropeCIS
Middle East
West AsiaAfricaEast Asia
Oceania
051015202530354045Total N °of physical RTAs
Goods Provisions only Includes Services ProvisionsWTO Members with the largest number of RTAs in force
Source:   RTA Section, WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Trade Facilitation  
3.174.   The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) entered into force on 22  February  2017, when 
two thirds of WTO Members presented their corresponding instruments of acceptance. At the 
conclusion of the review period, th e data accounted for 1 53 ratifications, which represents 93% of 
the WTO  membership. Seven  additional instruments of acceptance have been received by th e 
Secretariat since October  2019. 
3.175.   Members also remained active in the presentation of implementation noti fications. 
Forty-five Members submitted various notifications with their commitments under categories  A, B 
and C, of which 8 presented Category A commitments, 39 presented Category B commitments and 
28 presented Category C commitments.  
3.176.   Among the 45 Members, 7 made a category shift from B to C and 4 made a category  shift 
from C to B. Five Member s notified , and were granted, a request for additional time to implement a 
provision.  Under Article 16.2 (b) of the TFA, nine least -developed country Members requested, and 
were granted, an extension of the deadline of 22 February 2020 in order to submit the definitive 
dates for notifying their category B provisions.  
3.177.   Notifications were also made on the transparency  side. Forty-eight Members presented 
notifications under Articles 1.4, 10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 , of which four Members made 
transparency notifications in relation to COVID -19 measures . Furthermore, 5 Members notified their 
technical assistance and capacit y-building activities, in accordance with Article 22. Lastly, 
16 Members presented notifications under Article 22.3, relating to contact points for coordinating 
capacity -building support  (Chart 3. 33). Four Members notified their arrangements and progress i n 
the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building support.  
Chart 3.33 Number of WTO Members that presented TFA notifications, 14 October 2019 
to 14 October 2020  
 
Source:  https://www.tfadatabase.org .  
During the review period, the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (the Facility, or 
TFAF) organized or participated in nine demand -driven activities contributing to the full 
implementation of the WTO  Trade Facilitation Agreement (the Agreement, or TFA) by WTO Members. 
Training and presentations by WTO  officials were delivered to over 350  participants, representing 
around 90 Members, of which 33 were LDCs. These activities led t o 31 notifications being submitted 
to the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee by Members that had participated in the TFAF training, 
within a period of eight weeks. In addition, the TFAF also assisted  14 Members to submit an 
expression of interest as a first step to apply for a TFAF grant ; this is assistance available for 
Members who have been unable to identify support from "traditional" donors and development 
partners.  
Since the emergence of the COVID -19 pandemic  in March 2020 , the TFAF has been acting 
on its mandate to coordinate other International Organizations working to implement the TFA. The 
Facility immediately gathered relevant  resources and tools from partners at the World Customs 
Organization, the World Bank Group, U NCTAD , the Global Alliance/World Economic Forum, the 
8
39
28
7
4
5
48
4
5
16
4Category A
Category B
Category C
Category shift from B to C
Category shift from C to B
Extension of time to implement
Transparency notifications
COVID-19 related transparency
notifications
Arts. 22.1 and 22.2
Art. 22.3
TACB arrangementsTFA.1 -Number of WTO Members that presented TFA notifications
Source:  https://www.tfadatabase.orgWT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  International Air Transport Association, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations Economic 
Commission for Europe,  and the International Railway Union , among  others , to provid e links and a 
brief explanation of each . These were su bsequently published  on the Facility website .110  
In further cooperation with  the International Chamber of Commerce , the TFAF compiled a 
survey for government officials and private sector representatives to register any TFA -related 
restrictions they encountered. Th e survey , launched in March 2020 , invited government officials and 
private sector representatives to identify TFA -related border processes that had been impacted, 
positively or negatively, by the pandemic. Some 199 responses111 were received , provid ing insight 
into COVID -19-related TFA issues that could  inform the development of priorities for the TFAF's 2021 
work plan . The plan will focus on assisting Members to recover , and to respond to the TFA -related 
impacts of the pandemic.  The responses  indicate d that all border processes, including availability of 
information, are more burdensome as a result  of the pandemic and , therefore , strengthened the 
argument for full and effective implementation of the TFA.  
Trade Financing  
After a first semester during which flows of trade finance plummeted due to the fall in trade 
flows, operational difficulties in process ing trade finance documents and the retrenchment of 
international banks  from the most vulnerable economies , the situation eased somewhat during  the 
summer as a result  of payment deferral and guarantee schemes from national governments, export 
credit agencies  and multilateral development banks.112 The demand for trade  finance  picked up 
towards  the end of the second quarter of 2020, after most lockdowns had been terminated .113 
With the pandemic  continuing , banks had been expecting increased payment failures from 
counterparties, beyond sectors initially impacted by the lockdowns (airlines, aeronautics, tourism 
and, to some extent , the automotive sector ). It quickly appeared that one -off extensions of the 
terms of payment by creditors would be insufficient to alleviate th e crisis. In many developing 
countries, the sovereign risk had deteriorated along with the corporate risk s, resulting in increased 
caution by international banks to engag e in cross-border trade finance. Importers' banks in poor and 
middle -income countries were unable to  find counterparties for the financing of goods  ranging from 
energy commodities to consumer goods. Domestic ally, the high demand for lending also explain ed 
the reluctance to engage in cross -border trade operations.  In view of already -recorded losses and 
expected ones, several large banks decided to either limit lending for cross -border trade, or to 
withdraw alt ogether from certain market segments and regions, leaving an additional gap in 
financing.114 The economies  most affected by greater selectivity of lending are typically those not 
fully integrated into global supply chains or into the international financial  system. As in previous 
economic crises, trade finance shortages have been most severe in Africa, Latin America, Central 
Europe and developing Asia. Multilateral development banks (MDBs) have also been  reporting an 
increasing demand for support by middle -income countries for trade transactions that would 
normally  be supported by the private sector, such as the importation of grain and energy 
commodities .  
The WTO has teamed up with various MDBs, as in previous crises. The International Finance 
Corporation ( IFC) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) received explicit 
support from their Boards of Directors for their trade finance programmes, which had been integral 
to these institutions' crisis response. The EBRD increased its maximum int ervention limit for trade 
finance from EUR 1.5 billion to EUR 3 billion. The African Development Bank and the African Export 
Import Bank have implemented exceptional measures to support local banks by having their letters 
of credit endorsed internationally . In addition, the supply chain finance programmes of the Asian 
Development Bank, the EBRD, and the IFC have been in very high demand, reflecting the effort to 
preserve the export capacity of developing countries. The Islamic Trade Finance Corporation has 
worked through local financial institutions to support SMEs. Requests for the facilities operated by 
 
110 WTO, LAUNCH: COVID -19 Trade Facilitation Repository. Viewed  at: 
https://www.tfafacility.org/launch -covid-19-trade -facilitation -repository .  
111 WTO, The COVID -19 Crisis and Trade Facilitation. Viewed at: 
https://tfafacility.org/sites/default/files/tfacovidsurveyresults.pdf .  
112 WTO document WT/WGTDF/W/96, 25 June 2020.  
113 As an example, see Global Trade Review, Wragg , E., Asian trade finance stages a V -shaped recovery 
while supply chain finance demand surges , 9 September 2020 . Viewed  at: www.gtreview.com . 
114 Bank wit hdrawal is discussed in ABN-AMRO exit threatens commodity -trader liquidity squeeze . 
Viewed at: www.bloomberg.com . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  MDBs have come from over 80 countries, showing the global extent of the problem. Against this 
background, on 1 July 2020, the WTO and six MDBs  issued a joi nt statement pledging greater 
coordination in providing support to trade finance markets, particularly towards developing 
countries. In parallel, the WTO has pledged to work with the private sector towards the objective of 
pooling resources and support to trade finance markets. Looking ahead, the situation is expected to 
remain challenging for the months to come, as a combination of increased commercial risk s and 
deteriorated sovereign risk s deter many private sector banks from expand ing financing.  The situ ation 
will continue to be monitored by the WTO through the expert group on trade finance.  
Government Procurement  
The WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) continues to gain importance as 
an instrument for promoting trade and good governance in gov ernment procurement markets. 
Currently, the Agreement has 20 Parties, covering 48 WTO Members115,116. Thirty -six WTO 
Members/ Observers participate as Observers in the GPA Committee , with the United Kingdom and 
Côte d'Ivoire having been granted observer statu s in February and July 2020, respectively. 
Switzerland indicated that its domestic procedures to ratify the revised GPA have been concluded, 
which will allow it to deposit its instrument  of acceptance of the revised GPA in December 2020. 
Subsequently, the revised GPA is expected to be applicable to all its Parties in the beginning of 2021 . 
Important progress was made on several accessions to the Agreement. At its meeting held 
on 7 October 2020, the Committee on Government Procurement adopted a revised Decision117 on 
the accession of the United Kingdom in its own right, which invites the United Kingdom to deposit 
its instrument of accession in accordance with a renewed six -month time -period .118 Kazakhstan 
initiated its GPA accession process in Nove mber 2019 , in accordance  with the provisions included in 
its WTO accession protocol.119 It is currently  preparing its initial market access offer and replies to 
the Checklist of Issues. Brazil submitted its application120 for accession to the GPA in May 2020  and 
circulated its Replies to the Checklist of Issues and related information on its public procurement 
system in October 2020. It expects to circulate an ambitious market access offer by the end of 2020. 
Brazil's application for accession is the first fr om Latin America. As such, it is of systemic importance 
for the GPA. China has also actively pursued its efforts to accede to the GPA in the past months , by 
circulating a further revised market access offer in October 2019 and revised replies to the Checkl ist 
of Issues in June 2020, which updates the Committee on recent developments in relation to China's 
government procurement legislation and regime. Exchanges are taking place between China and 
other Parties based on th ese two documents. Tajikistan circula ted a further revised market access 
offer in February 2020. North Macedonia, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation also 
continued their processes of accession. The accessions of Albania, Georgia, Jordan and Oman are 
pending. Afghanistan, Mongolia,  the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Seychelles  have provisions 
regarding accession to the Agreement in their respective Protocols of Accession to the WTO.  
The GPA Committee continued to advance its Work Programmes, concerning notably : 
(i) sustainable procurem ent; (ii) the collection and reporting of statistical data; and (iii) SMEs. For 
information -sharing  purposes, the Committee plans to hold a workshop  on two topics of current 
interest in government procurement ( labour  rights and digitalization) in an approp riate format 
in 2021.  
In response to the COVID -19 pandemic, various WTO Members have adopted policies and/or 
guidance on government procurement to be used in emergency situations. These measures aim, for 
example, to achiev e enhanced efficiency of procurem ent activities , to ensure timely access to 
health -related goods and services. Such provisions allow procuring entities to deviate from standard 
 
115 Counting the European Union and its 27 member States and the United Kingdom, all of which are 
cover ed by the Agreement, as one Party. 
116 In line with  the decision of the GPA Committee of 27 February 2019 (GPA/CD/2) and the Withdrawal 
Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom  that provides for a transition period during 
which EU law would apply to , and in , the United Kingdom, the latter  is covered by the GPA until the date of 
expiry of that transition period.  During the transition period, the United Kingdom is treated as a mem ber State 
of the European Union.  
117 WTO document GPA/CD/2/Add.2, 09 October 2020.  
118 This enables the United Kingdom to become a Party to the GPA in its own right on 1 January 2021, 
after the expiry of the transition period agreed between the United Kingdom and the European Union.  
119 WTO document GPA/ACC/KAZ/1, 02 October 2020.  
120 WTO documents GPA/152, 19 May 2020; and GPA/ACC/BRA/1, 19 May 2020.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  procurement procedures to address difficulties and challenges arising in situations of extreme 
urgency , such as  the COVID -19 pandemic. Several GPA Parties have provided information on their 
measures to the WTO , for transparency purposes.121 At the Committee's meeting on 7 October 2020, 
Parties expressed a general interest in experience -sharing and peer learning in a Member -driven 
process in the Committee.  
Dispute Settlement  
Between the beginning of October 2019 and the beginning of October 2 020, the WTO dispute 
settlement system dealt with a large number of proceedings initiated in 2018 and 2019. As compared 
to the previous review period, Members filed fewer new complaints. This period was also marked by 
the suspension of the Appellate Body's  work in December 2019 and the outbreak of the COVID -19 
pandemic.  
During the review period, Members requested consultations in six new cases and panels 
were established in ten disputes, including one compliance proceeding. The subject matter of new 
dispute s brought to the WTO spanned a wide range of issues , under the GATT  1994, the SCM 
Agreement, the Anti -Dumping Agreement, the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade and the 
Safeguards Agreement. As in previous years, both developed and developing country Members have 
been involved in dispute settlement proceedings, as complainants, respondents or third parties.   
Chart 3.34 Number of disputes initiated per year 1995 -2020 
 
Note:  2020 covers January -September data. The figures reflect information about request for consultations 
filed in new disputes.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
During the period under consideration, panels and arbitrators circulated rulings in a total of 
ten disputes and the Appe llate Body issued five reports in four disputes. Members appealed six panel 
reports, including two concerning compliance with prior recommendations and rulings of the Dispute 
Settlement Body (DSB). This brings to 14 the total number of proceedings pending before the 
Appellate Body . As of December 2019, however, the Appellate Body has been reduced to one 
member and  cannot hear appeals , including those currently pending.  
During the review period, on average, 37 panel and arbitration proceedings were ongoing 
each month.122 As of the end of September 2020, panels and arbitrators were working, respectively, 
on 32 panel proceedings and four arbitrations on the determination of the level of suspension of 
concessions or other obligations under Article 22.6 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU). 
In addition, five panels were at the composition stage and four other panels suspended work at the 
request of the parties.  
 
121 WTO document GPA/S/2, 03 July 2020.  
122 Appellate proceedings have not been included in this calculation.  
253950
41
3034
2337
26
19
1220
1319
1417
827
20
1413171738
20
3
0510152025303540455055WTO -Number of disputes initiated per year, 1995 -20
Source:    WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 96 - 
 
  Chart 3.35 Average number of ongoing dispute proceedings per month , 1995 -2020 
 
Note:  2020 covers January -September data. Appellate proceedings exclud ed from the calculation in 2020.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
As with other activity areas of the WTO, the outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic has affected 
the functioning of the dispute settlement system. Lockdowns, travel restrictions and limited access 
to WTO  premises have prevented panellists, arbitrators and delegations of WTO Members alike from 
participating in meetings in Geneva, thus delaying certain proceedings. Nevertheless, work on most 
disputes has continued according to the schedules. Since 16 March 2020 when access to the WTO 
premises was restricted (totally  at first, and later partially), panels and arbitrators have issued 
rulings in five disputes  and the Appellate Body circulated one report  to Members. Over that period, 
Members requested consultati ons in two new cases and the DSB established panels in eight disputes. 
In cooperation with the parties, and with the Secretariat's assistance, panels and arbitrators have 
developed procedures addressing the difficulties in holding in -person meetings. These  procedures 
have included additional exchanges of written submissions in place of substantive in -person 
meetings and/or substantive meetings conducted at least partially through remote technology. As 
of the end of September 2020, panels in two disputes hav e held substantive meetings with parties 
using remote technology.  
Box 3.4 Arbitrations on the level of suspension of concessions or other obligations  
Recent years have seen an increase in the number of requests for arbitration to determine the level of 
suspensions of concessions or other obligations under Article 22.6 of the DS U. When a responding party in a 
panel proceeding fails to comply with DSB's rulings and recommendations, the DSB can authorize the 
complaining Member to suspend concessions or other obligations under WTO agreements concerning trade 
with that responding Mem ber. If the latter objects to the amount of suspension proposed by the complaining 
Member, it can refer the matter to arbitration.  
Over the past five years, arbitrators have issued six decisions on the level of suspension of concessions or 
other obligatio ns in five disputesa. In contrast, during the preceding 10 years, only one such award was issued. 
In addition, four arbitration proceedings under Article 22.6 were ongoing as of the end of September 2020 
and further two were at the composition stage (Figur e A). 
28141927
25
1820202327
2324
21
1521191821293232394454
37
051015202530354045505560WTO -Averagae number of ongoing proceedings per month, 1995 -20
Source:    WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Figure A Arbitration  awards on the level of suspension of concessions or other obligations , 
1995 -2020 
 
* 2020 data based on the number of arbitration awards issued from January to September 2020 . 
⁺ All arbitration awards issued in 2004 related to three disputes . 
a In disputes with multiple complainants, an arbitrator typically issues a separate award for each 
complainant that requested the authorization of the DSB to suspend concessions or other obligations, if 
such request has been cont ested by the respondent.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Trade and Environment  
Debates at  the November 2019 meeting of the Committee on Trade and Environment ( CTE) 
continued to raise important global issues at the intersection between trade and environmental 
policies. WTO Members held dedicated discussions at the CTE, and at side -events – in what was 
named  Environment Week – on trade 's potential role in facilitating the "circular economy ", and on 
plastics pollution . Delegations  shared their experience on measures adopted to promote circular 
economy and resource efficiency, and on addressing plastics, e -waste and marine pollution.  Relevant 
International Organizations a lso briefed delegations on their work on these issues.123 Several 
Member -driven workshops on the topic were held back -to-back with the CTE meeting124, providing 
Members with the opportunity to report on these events at the formal meeting of the CTE. Most 
Members used this setting to reiterate more strongly the importance of trade and environment 
matters, including in the lead -up to MC12.  
Delegations  were also briefed on the relevant outcomes of the latest Conference of the 
Parties of the Convention on Intern ational  Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 
(CITES)125, and Canada shared its recent trade measures adopted to combat the practice of shark 
finning.126 Delegations were further briefed on ongoing work related to, inter alia : areas of potentia l 
interest in relation to market access  for environmental services;  a symposium on the links between 
trade and natural disasters; an initiative launched by New Zealand,  Norway, Iceland, Costa Rica and 
Fiji to negotiate an  Agreement on Climate Change, Trade  and Sustainability ; and relevant work on 
trade and environment by observer organizations.127 
3.195.   Given the strong interest in plastics and circular economy, the July 2020 CTE meeting 
continued to focus on these topics. Substantive debate took place  on a proposal by China and Fiji to 
engage  in discussions on the role s of trade and the WTO to tackle plastic s pollution128; and on a 
proposal  by Costa Rica, on behalf of the Friends Advancing Sustainable Trade Group, for a joint 
 
123 WTO documents WT/CTE/2 6, 09 December 2019;  and WT/CTE/M/6 8, 17 March 2020.  
124 WTO document WT/CTE/M/6 8, 17 March 2020, paras. 2.40 -46. 
125 WTO document WT/CTE/26, 09 December 2019, para. 2.1.  
126 WTO document WT/CTE/M/6 8, 17 March 2020, paras. 3 .11-18. 
127 WTO document WT/CTE/M/6 8, 17 March 2020, paras. 1.17 -24, 2.24 and 4.2 -5. 
128 WTO document WT/CTE/M/69 , paras. 2.12-30. 
3
2
119
12
13
0246810Arbitration awards on the level of suspension of concessionsor other obligations, 1995 -20
Source:    WTO Secretariat.* [see original]
+ [see original]WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 98 - 
 
  statement on trade and environmental sustainability.129 New Zealand and other signatories of the 
Statement on F ossil Fuel Subsidy Reform at the eleventh WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11)  briefed 
delegates on their recent engag ement  with WTO Members to renew the MC11 statement  for delivery 
at MC12.130 
3.196.   Delegations  were also briefed by the Secretariat  of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm 
Conventions on the adoption of the plastic s waste amendments to the Basel Convention . The goal 
was to enhance the control of the transboundary movement of plastic s waste , and to clarify the 
scope of the Basel Convention as it applie s to such waste .131 At the request of the delegations of Fiji 
and China , UNCTAD  presented a paper on Trade in Plastics, Sustainability and Development.132 
Further briefings were provided by other international institutions, and by dele gations on their own 
initiatives.133  
3.197.   CITES briefed delegations on their role in addressing the risks of zoonotic disease outbreaks, 
such as COVID -19. The upcoming meeting of the CITES Standing Committee will offer an opportunity 
for further discussions on the importance of regulation, monitoring and control of trade in wild 
animals and animal products. The Secretariat also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with relevant 
organizations, such as World Organisation for Animal Health  and the Food and Agricul ture 
Organization. Lastly, it also noted that it was working with Parties and partners, such as the  
International Air Transport Association , to reflect upon ways whereby CITES might  contribute to 
mitigat ing zoonotic disease risks at various points of inter vention , from source, through transport 
and transit countries , to destination .134  
COVID -19 was specifically raised at the CTE in the context of a briefing by the CITES . Outside 
the Committee, under the initiative of the Chair of the CTE, and with the suppo rt of the Secretariat, 
a special webinar was held during World Environment Day, 4 June 2020, on the topic Sustainable 
Trade after COVID -19: Can we do Better? The webinar brought together a wide range of perspectives 
from the WTO Director -General and panell ists from government, the private sector and International 
Organizations regarding addressing the following key issues: (i) the role of sustainable trade after 
COVID -19; (ii) how global supply chains could be rendered both greener and more resilient to 
environmental and other shocks; and (iii) concrete action that WTO Members could consider, to 
support and facilitate efforts to rebuild economies in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.135 
In other forums, some stakeholders showed interest in discussin g how trade relates to past 
and future transmissions of diseases of animal origin. Such discussions usually revolved around the 
need for science -based, fit -for-purpose and coherent regulation to ensure safe and sustainable trade 
in animals, including wildl ife. It also touched on other important environmental aspects related to 
the emergence of diseases of animal origin, such as habitat degradation, biodiversity loss and climate 
change, and the potential role of trade.  
Fisheries Subsidies  
The negotiations o n fisheries subsidies in the Negotiating Group on Rules are continuing with 
the objective of reaching an agreement by the end of 2020. All Members are committed to an 
outcome that respects the mandate of Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 and the 11th WTO 
Ministerial Conference to prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to 
overcapacity and overfishing,  and eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and 
unregulated fishing with special and differential treatment in tegral to the negotiations. However, the 
negotiations are legally and politically complex and the technical and practical problems associated 
with international negotiations during the COVID -19 pandemic have complicated the process. 
Nevertheless, progress is being made and negotiators are now focused on drafts of obligations and 
supporting disciplines that could be applied to fisheries subsidies.  
 
129 WTO document WT/CTE/M/69 , paras. 3.2-5. 
130 WTO document WT/CTE/M/69 , paras. 1.1-8. 
131 WTO document WT/CTE/M/69 , paras. 2.6-11. 
132 WTO document WT/CTE/M/69 , paras. 2.40-51. 
133 WTO document WT/CTE/M/69 , paras. 2.31-39 and 3.16 -18, and Annexes 1 and 2.  
134 WTO document WT/CTE/M/6 9, paras. 3.13 -15. 
135 WTO document WT/CTE/M/69 , paras. 3.6-12. WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Electronic Commerce  
Discussions on electronic commerce in the WTO are continuing on two parallel tracks – 
multil aterally under the General Council and its relevant subsidiary bodies, and under the Joint 
Statement on Electronic Commerce initiative. In both settings, delegations noted how the  COVID -19 
pandemic highlighted the role of e -commerce in supporting economic recovery, and the urgent need 
to address current vulnerabilities and to bridge the digital divide. In that regard, delegations stressed 
the importance of deepening the discussions on e -commerce.   
In December 2019, the General Council adopted a decision to reinvigorate the Work 
Programme and to continue the practice of  not impos ing customs duties on electronic transmissions 
(the Moratorium)  until MC12. Members also agreed to conduct structured discussions based on all 
trade-related topics of interest brought  forward by Members, including on the scope, definition and 
impact of the Moratorium.  
In the General Council, discussions  mainly focused on the Moratorium . In March  2020, two 
submissions136 by Members on the impact of the Moratorium were circulated. The su bmissions were 
subsequently introduced and discussed at an informal open -ended meeting on the Work Programme, 
held on 14 July. In addition, on 13 July, the Secretariat organized a webinar which focused on two 
main issues: quantifying the Moratorium , and th e Moratorium's impact on economic development. 
Besides discussions on the Moratorium, Members raised other issues under the Work Programme in 
the relevant bodies, particularly in the Council for Trade in Services, the Council for Trade in Goods 
and the TRI PS Council. In the Council for Trade in Services, a group of Members submitted a 
communication calling for exploratory discussions on supporting the digital capability of business 
and consumers.137 Members also considered a submission in the TRIPS Council o n operationali zing 
technology transfer.138 
Under the Joint Statement on Electronic Commerce initiative, 76 WTO Members issued a 
Joint Statement in January 2019 , launching WTO negotiations on trade -related aspects of electronic 
commerce. Since then, nine add itional Members have joined, bringing the total number of 
participants to 85. With over 30 proposals, negotiations are ongoing under six focus groups: enabling 
e-commerce; openness and e -commerce; trust and e -commerce; cross -cutting issues, such as 
transpa rency, domestic regulation, and cooperation; telecommunications; and market access.  
Delegations are also encouraged to consider the unique opportunities and challenges faced by 
developing countries and LDCs, as well as by MSMEs, in relation to each issue u nder discussion.  
In 2020, more time has been allocated for small -group and informal meetings, to assist 
delegations in further streamlining the texts and reducing the number of different textual options. 
In August 2020, the co -conveners circulated a stockt ake text , which incorporate s inputs from small -
group discussions as well as consultations conducted by facilitators and Members.  The stocktake is 
the basis for further negotiations towards achieving a consolidated text by the end of 2020. While 
the meeting s are open to all Members, not all participate.  
Micro, Small and  Medium -sized  Enterprises (MSMEs)  
The Informal Working Group on MSMEs held five open -ended meetings during the reporting 
period to discuss group proposals for MC12, with another planned meeting at the end of October to 
fine-tune and complete the Group's MC12 package. The Group also held two workshops and five 
webinars on MSME -related topics. These workshops and webinars, held in collaboration with external 
stakeholders, included t he presentation of a checklist for MC12 submitted by the Association of 
German Chambers of Industry and Commerce; a presentation on Trade Enablement of MSMEs 
through the Use of Technology, by South -African -based Global Trade Solution; two webinars, co -
organized with the ICC, on cross -border payment services and on paperless trade and MSMEs; a 
webinar on supporting MSME resilience through digital tools, co -organized with the Global Innovation 
Forum; and two webinars to celebrate the 4th annual MSME day on 26 June, to look at the effects of 
the COVID -19 pandemic on MSMEs from the perspective of national governments and International 
Organizations. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joined the Group in November 2019, bringing the 
 
136 WTO d ocuments WT/GC/W/798, 11 March 2020; and W T/GC/W/799/Rev.1, 29 June 2020.  
137 WTO document JOB/SERV/296/Rev.3 , 29 September 2020.  
138 WTO document IP/C/W/665 , 17 July 2020.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 100 - 
 
  number of WTO Me mbers participating in the initiative to 91. An annual report, detailing the activities 
of the Group in 2019, was adopted at the end -of-year wrap -up session in December 2019.139  
Negotiations by the Group continued after the COVID -19 outbreak in a small -group virtual 
format, to move discussions forward. Issues under consideration by the Group include support for 
the ITC -UNCTAD -WTO Global Trade Helpdesk; support for initiatives in other formal WTO 
Committees, including a call to Members to fully implement the  TFA and the newly adopted Decision 
on the Modalities and Operation of the Integrated Database (IDB Decision)140, and a call to identify  
additional opportunities for trade facilitation, including the adoption of digital solutions; Members' 
voluntary inclusi on of MSME -related information in WTO TPRs; MSME inclusion in the development 
of trade regulations; and support for MSME access to finance and other financial solutions to support 
their participation in international trade. Funding for a web platform for M SMEs and policymakers 
was approved in June, which will link relevant trade information in one location, including that on 
how to trade, for MSMEs, and studies and best practices, for policymakers. Additionally, an online 
search tool of SME -related measures  in Members' RTAs was published on the WTO website in 
September.  
The importance of MSMEs to the global economy has become even more evident during the 
COVID -19 pandemic. The Group issued a joint declaration of support for MSMEs, noting the 
unprecedented im pact of the pandemic on them, and the need to build their resilience. The Group 
underscored the need to enhance MSME access to regulatory and market information, affordable 
trade finance, and streamlined customs procedures and requirements. Many government s have put 
in place urgent stimulus and backstop measures to support their MSMEs, and work is underway to 
aggregate information on Members' COVID -19-related MSME support measures.  
Women's Economic Empowerment  
On 23 September 2020, the 127 proponents of th e Buenos Aires Declaration on women and 
trade established a collaborative, informal, open and transparent working group at the WTO .141 They 
aim to continue to share best practices among Members on removing trade -related barriers and 
increasing the participa tion of women in trade; consider and clarify what a "gender lens" is in the 
context of international trade and review how a gender lens could usefully be applied to the work of 
the WTO; review and discuss gender -related analytical work produced by the WTO Secretariat; and 
explore how best to support the delivery of the WTO Aid for Trade work programme. The working 
group will convene its first meeting in the second half of 2020 and establish a notional schedule of 
activities and themes for the period until M C12. 
The Buenos Aires Declaration has been a catalyst for Members' increasing focus on trade 
and gender. The 127 proponents of the Declaration agreed to continue to implement its objectives 
agreed in 2017, which include sharing information and voluntary re porting during the WTO trade 
policy review process. In 2020, out of the four completed reviews142, two Members have extensively 
reported on their activities held in the WTO on trade and gender, gender related commitments 
included in their various trade agre ements, some regional initiatives and investment programmes 
under the WTO -led Aid for Trade initiative incorporating gender issues.  From January 2018 to 
September 2020, 18 WTO Members have voluntarily included as part of their TPRs, information on 
their ge nder responsive trade policies  (out of 34 reviews conducted ). Of these Members, five have 
dedicated specific chapters/sections on this issue and have mentioned the Buenos Aires Declaration.  
Research by the WTO indicates that women are particularly at risk  from the trade disruption 
caused by the COVID -19.143 One of the reasons for this is that a larger share of women works in 
sectors and types of firms that have been particularly hard -hit by the pandemic. The joint World 
Bank and WTO report on trade and gend er, "Women and Trade: the Role of Trade in Promoting 
Gender Equality", published in July 2020, also highlights ways in which trade can continue to benefit 
women in the post -COVID -19 recovery period.  
 
139 WTO document INF/MSME/R/13, 05 December 2019.  
140 WTO document G/MA/367, 03 June 2019.  
141 WTO document W T/L/1095/Rev.1, 25 September 2020.  
142 From February to September 2020 . 
143 Viewed at: https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news20_e/info_note_covid_05aug20_e.pdf .  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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Box 3.5 on the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on women -led firms has been contributed 
by the International Trade Centre.  
Box 3.5 Women -led firms harder hit by COVID -19 
The COVID -19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis, affecting human health and economic welfare 
across the globe. However, the economic earthquake unleashed by the pandemic has not affected everyone 
in the same way. The shock seems to have had a dispr oportionate effect on companies led by women.  
Firms led by women tend to be smaller in size, and so had little cash on hand to finance themselves during 
economic shutdownsa. Women -led firms are also concentrated in the sectors that were worst affected by the 
measures taken to contain the spread of the pandemic, including accommodation, food services, retail, and 
apparel manufacturingb. Furthermore, women -owned companies tend to have limited access to the 
information and networksc that evidence shows was cr itical to the ability to learn about and cope with the 
business disruption associated with COVID -19d. These factors led preliminary research to conclude that they 
might be particularly hurt by the economic ramifications of the diseasee.  
The evidence affir ms that women -led companies were indeed more severely affected by the pandemic. The 
International Trade Centre (ITC) COVID -19 Business Impact Survey gathered evidence on how the pandemic 
affected 2109 businesses in 120 countries between April and June 2020 . 
Analysis of that data shows that even when we take into account the fact that women -led firms tend to be in 
more exposed sectors, a significantly higher share of women -led firms say they were strongly affected by 
COVID -19 than men -led ones. 64% of women -led firms declared that their business operations were strongly 
affected by the pandemic in the first half of 2020, compared with 52% of men -led companies (see Figure).  
Higher share of women -led firms strongly affected by pandemicf 
 
Moreover, women often work in the informal sector without a safety net, and had to in many cases bear the 
burden of increased childcare and face domestic violence. This underscores the vulnerability of women, 
including the entrepreneurs among them, during the pandemicg.  
Build a gender lens into recovery agenda  
As attention shifts to post -COVID -19 recovery, renewed attention is warranted to how market trends will 
affect female entrepreneurs. In summer 2020, a survey of lead companies, high -level policy -makers, and 
experts identified changing consumer demand, digitalization, and supply chain diversification  as key drivers 
of global value chains in the post -pandemic era. These trajectories may have a different effect on women -led 
firms, for example because of their limited access to the resources necessary to respond to demand shifts, or 
because of lack of digital literacy skills. Indeed, these market trends could potentially have exclusionary effects 
for women -owned business, compounding barriers and bottlenecks already faced in international trade and 
logistics systemsh.  
The growing momentum to ‘build back better ' should harness gender equality as an engine to rebuild the 
global economy as part of an ambitious  sustainability and inclusiveness agenda. This calls for action from 
business, government and the international community. Concrete actions include leveraging corporate and 
public procurement, facilitating financing options that explicitly incorporate a ge nder lens, tailoring 
government support packages, and digital literacy and training to women -owned businesses.  
Lessons can be learned from efforts to equip female entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills to navigate 
the COVID -19 business environment. D uring the pandemic, SheTrades -- the ITC initiative for economic 
empowerment of women -- launched a crisis management toolkit as well as an emergency webinar series 
together with UPS, Maersk, VISA, Working Capital Associates and technical expertsi.  
At the  multilateral level, the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and Women 's Economic Empowerment 
provides an essential framework for trade policy makers. Through the Declaration, 127 member states, with 
support from WTO, ITC and UNCTAD, have shared knowledge an d good practices on women and trade, all 
2% 3%13%14%22%31%64%52%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Women-led firms Men-led firmsShare of respondents Strongly affected
 Moderately  affected
 Slightly  affected
 Not affectedITC.Box -Higher share of women -ledfirms strongly affected by pandemica
a   See textWT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 102 - 
 
  captured in a recent publication by the International Gender Champions ' Trade Impact Group. In 
September  2020, member states built on this work by establishing an informal working group on trade and 
gender. The grou p has specifically recognised the asymmetric effects of COVID -19-induced trade disruption 
on women and men.k  
a ITC. (2015). Unlocking Markets for Women to Trade . International Trade Centre. Viewed at: 
https://doi.org/10.18356/aa9eaa55 -en.  
b World Trade Organization. 2020. The economic impact of COVID -19 on women in vulnerable sectors and 
economies: Information note. Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english /news_e/news20_e/info_note_covid_05aug20_e.pdf . 
c ITC. (2015). Unlocking Markets for Women to Trade . International Trade Centre. 
https://doi.org/10.18356/aa9eaa55 -en; Brenton, P., Gamberoni, E., & Sear, C. (2013). Women and 
Trade in Africa: Realizing the P otential  (p. 188). The World Bank. Viewed at: 
http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2013/11/20/boosting -trade -in-africa -why-women -are-the-
key.  
d ITC. (2020). Promoting SME competitiveness in the Philippines . International Trade Centre; ITC. (2020). 
Promoting SME competitiveness in Benin . International Trade Centre.  
e World Bank and World Trade Organization. 2020. Women and Trade: The Role of Trade in Promoting 
Gender Equality. Washington, DC: World Bank.  Viewed at:  
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/women_trade_pub2807_e.pdf .  
f Respondents were ask ed ‘How have your business operations been affected by the coronavirus 
(COVID -19) pandemic? ' and ‘What is the gender of the top manager of the business? ' ITC calculations 
based on ITC COVID -19 Business Impact Survey. Data collected 21 April – 2 June 2020. Response rates 
vary across countries and regions. To control for sector composition, shares are calculated at the sector 
level and then aggregated using simple averages.  
g Viewed at: https://www.un.org/en/un -coronavirus -communications -team/make -prevention -and-
redress -violence -against -women -key-part; 
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news20_e/info_note_covid_05aug20_e.pdf .  
h ITC, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), UPS and Women 20. (2020). Women Entrepreneurs: 
An Action Plan to ‘Build Back Better '". ITC: Geneva.  
i Viewed at: https://www.shetrades.com/en/covid -19. 
j WTO. (2020). Interim report following the Buenos Aires joint declaration on trade and women 's 
economic empowerment. WTO document WT/L/1095/Rev.1. WTO:  Geneva.  
Source:  ITC. 
 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  4  POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE IN SERVICES  
4.1  Regular measures affecting trade in services  
Several new measures affecting trade in services were introduced by WTO Members and 
Observers between mid -October 2019 and mid-October 2020. While most of the new measures are 
trade facilitating, a significant number of new policies appear to be trade restrictive. A large 
proportion of the measures adopted during the period under review relate to telecommunication 
services, e -commerce, and services supplied online . Measures adopted in relation to these services 
include bans on certain communication apps, as well as different types of taxation measures.   
Further, l ike in last year's Report, various governments have introduced ne w measures in 
relation to foreign investment in areas considered strategic or linked to national security. Annex 4 
provides additional information on 143 entries for new measures, which concern 50 WTO Members 
and 2 Observers.1 
Measures Affecting Supply Th rough Commercial Presence Across Various Sectors  
WTO Members adopted several new measures in relation to their foreign investment regimes 
that affect supply through commercial presence (mode 3). A number of those new policies tighten 
foreign investment app roval and screening processes. Other similar types of measures have been 
adopted in response to the pandemic and are discussed in the Section below . 
For example, the Parliament of Austria  adopted, on 15 July 2020, the new Investment Control 
Act (ICA), which expands the scope of FDI requiring prior approval. This concerns transactions 
resulting in the acquisition of Austrian businesses with activities in certain sensitive sectors, including  
in relation to critical energy infrastructure, critical digital infrastructure, and systems that safeguard 
the data sovereignty of the country. Since May, changes to Japan 's Foreign Exchange  and Foreign 
Trade Act require overseas investors to seek prior n otification from the government  before obtaining 
a 1% or higher stake in a listed Japanese firm engaged in certain activities, including semiconductors 
and railroads. Prior to the amendments, the threshold was set at 10%.  
In April 2020, Spain  adopted new rules on foreign investment to prevent non -EU and non -EFTA 
investors from taking control  of strategic Spanish companies. The new measure requires prior 
authorization for certain foreign acquisitions in a number of sectors, including critical infrastructure  
(e.g., energy, transportation, water, health, communications, media, and data processing or 
storage), sectors with access to sensitive information, and other sectors if the government  considers 
the investment may affect public security, public order or pu blic health . 
The German  government  adopted, in April 2020, amendments to the Foreign Trade and 
Payments Act that tighten the screening of foreign investment by specifying that all proposed foreign 
investments will be examined for any "likely adverse impact " on public order, safety or security. 
Before the modifications, the criterion related to the "actual and serious threat" posed. In France , 
new measures have expanded and clarified authorizations for foreign investment in the country.  On 
1 April 2020, the thresholds for foreign investments by non -EU investors that are subject to prior 
authorization were lowered from 33.33% to 25% of voting rights in a French entity. The new 
measures also provide for additional sectors of activities that fall under the  foreign investment 
regulations, including print and digital media, and critical technologies.  
In the United States , new regulations effective since 13 February 2020 have broadened  the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) by exp anding its review 
powers over foreign investments in United States businesses. The new regulations implement the 
Foreign investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA), which aims to allow the CFIUS 
to better address national security concerns. Under the new regime, the CFIUS has express 
jurisdiction to review non -controlling investments in critical technology, critical infrastructure and 
sensitive personal data businesses. The Security Cabinet of Israel  established an advisory committee 
 
1 The inclusion of any measure in the annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on w hether a 
measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex implies any judgement, either 
direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure with the provisions of any WTO agreement.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  that wil l assess national security implications of foreign investment in finance, communications, 
infrastructures, transportation and the energy sector.  
A number of other measures adopted by governments appear to include steps towards greater 
openness in relation  to mode 3. For example, in Algeria , a WTO Observer, the 2020 Finance Law, 
enacted on 1 January 2020, abolished the rule that limited foreign capital ownership in companies 
to a maximum of 49% in non -strategic sectors.  Implementing regulations issued in Ju ne specified 
that the abolition does not apply to enterprises involved in retail activities or to enterprises engaged 
in 'strategic' sectors, which include mining activities; oil and gas activities, including pipeline network 
operations; power distribution  and transportation; and railways, ports and airports.   
In June 2020, the government of China  issued the 2020 Negative List for foreign investment, 
which identifies sectors where activities of foreign investors are either restricted or prohibited. The 
new List opens additional sectors to foreign investment, reducing the number of items in the list 
from 40 to 33 compared to the previous year. Among changes, the foreign ownership limits for 
securities companies, securities management investment companies, fut ures companies, and life 
insurance companies have been withdrawn. The government also issued a new Negative List for 
foreign investment in pilot free trade zones, which, among other things, allows wholly foreign -owned 
enterprises to establish vocational tr aining institutions.  
In Viet Nam , on 17 June 2020, the National Assembly adopted the amended Law on 
Investment and the Law on Enterprises. The amended Law on Investment abolishes or relaxes 
limitations in 22 'conditional' business activities, including fra nchising and logistics services, where 
market access is subject to the satisfaction of certain specific statutory conditions. At the same time, 
a number of sectors have been added to the list of activities subject to conditional market access, 
including ar chitectural services, elderly care, and electronic identification and authentication 
services. In Oman , the new Foreign Capital Investment Law (FCIL), which entered into force on 
1 January 2020, removed the requirement for companies to have at least 30% Om ani ownership.   
Measures related  to communication services, e -commerce, and digitally -enabled services  
A number of governments adopted digital services taxes, extended their domestic sales or 
value -added taxes to services supplied online, including from ab road, or adopted other types of tax 
measures in relation to communication services, e -commerce or digitally -enabled services.  
In the United Kingdom , the digital services tax, effective from 1 April 2020, consists of a new 
2% tax on the revenues of search engines, social media services and online marketplaces that derive 
value from UK users.  These businesses are subject to the tax when the group's worldwide revenues 
from these digital activities exceed GBP 500 million and when more than GBP 25 million of th ese 
revenues are derived from UK users. In Italy, the Budget Law for 2020 introduced a 3% digital 
service tax on revenues derived from certain digital services provided to users located in the country. 
The tax applies to entities that meet certain revenue thresholds, namely a total amount of worldwide 
revenues equal to or exceeding EUR  750 million  and an amount of revenues from qualified 
digital  services in Italy equal to or exceeding EUR  5.5 million.  
In October 2019, Austria  adopted a new law introducing a 5% tax on online advertising for 
companies with global annual revenues of over EUR 750 million and advertising revenues of over 
EUR 25 million in the country. In Turkey , the government  adopted, in December 2019, a digital 
services tax in the form of a 7.5% tax on revenue gained from digital advertising and the sale of 
any audio, visual or digital content services through digital platforms. Companies are subject to the 
tax if their revenues from the relevant services are at l east EUR 750 million globally and TRY 20 
million in Turkey.  
On 23 March 2020, the Parliament of India passed  an amended national budget, which 
expands the scope of India's equalization levy to include a new 2% tax on the sale of all goods and 
services by non-Indian companies over the Internet into India. The tax is levied on non -resident 
e-commerce operators.  
Ecuador  published new rules effective from 16 September 2020 on the imposition of the 12% 
value -added tax (VAT) to digital services, including those  offered by a platform located outside of 
Ecuador. Foreign -based companies were previously not subject to any tax for the provision of the WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  service in Ecuador.  On 9 June 2020, the Thai Cabinet approved the imposition of the value -added 
tax of 7% to supplier s of digital services and e -platform  operators without a presence in Thailand 
for payments received from users in Thailand. The tax applies to non -resident companies and 
platforms that earn more than 1.8 million baht per year from the supply of digital ser vices in 
Thailand.  
In Mexico , as of 1 June 2020, digital services supplied by foreign entities to users in Mexico 
are subject to the 16% value added tax.  On 2 March 2020, the President of Chile signed into law a 
bill that requires non -resident suppliers of  digital services to register and collect the value -added tax 
of 19%. In Singapore , since 1 January 2020, the goods and services tax (GST) applies to 
business -to-consumer (B2C) digital services imported into Singapore.  Foreign suppliers of digital 
services  and electronic marketplace operators must register with tax authorities if their annual global 
turnover and B2C digital services provided to customers in Singapore exceeds certain thresholds.   
In Malaysia , from 1 January 2020, foreign -based service suppli ers that provide digital services 
to consumers in Malaysia are required to charge the 6% service tax, like domestic suppliers. The 
law applies only to foreign suppliers with an annual turnover of at least MYR 500,000 in relation to 
the provision of digital  services to consumers in country.  
In Kenya , a new law signed by the President on 1 July 2020 introduced a 1.5% tax on all 
digital services transactions, which will be effective from 1 January 2021. Affected services include 
downloadable content, search e ngine services, subscription -based news, streamed videos and 
music, transport platforms, and web -hosting services. In Chad, the government  exempted fixed 
communications and Internet services from the 18% tax on monthly turnover imposed on mobile 
operators.   
In Argentina , the government  adopted new measures to tax certain transactions involving the 
acquisition of foreign currency . The tax applies since 23 December 2019 to a number of transactions, 
including purchases by Argentine residents abroad, purchases made online through portals or virtual 
websites in foreign currency, purchases of services rendered abroad through Argentine travel 
agencies, and purchases of certain ground, air and maritime passenger services for foreign 
destinations. The tax rate is 30% , except for digital services, which are subject to a rate of 8%.  
Aside from tax measures, various other policy changes took place in relation to the 
communication sector, e -commerce, or digitally -enabled services.  For example, o n 29 June 2020, 
the Indian  government announced a ban on 59 Chinese apps due to national security considerations.  
Subsequently, on 2 September 2020, an additional 118 mobile applications were prohibited. The 
ban covers such apps as TikTok, WeChat, Baidu Translate, and QQ Musi c. In the United States , in 
response to the President's Executive Orders signed on 6 August 2020, the Department of Commerce 
announced, on 19 September 2020, prohibitions on transactions relating to the mobile applications  
WeChat and TikTok due to national  security concerns .  
In Turkey , the Parliament adopted a law regulating social media. The new measure, effective 
from 1 October  2020, requires foreign social media platforms with more than one million daily users 
to appoint a local representative in Turkey , which would be tasked with addressing complaints 
relating to their platforms' content.  The law also requires user data from social media networks to 
be stored in Turkey. In Pakistan , the government  adopted a new law regulating social media 
platforms. It requires platforms to block or remove posts that are considered objectionable. The law 
also requires social media companies to set up a physical presence in the country.  On 7 April 2020, 
the President of the Russian Federation  signed a new law aimed at  improving the  system of  universal 
communication services in the  country. Under this law, at  least one Internet access point should be 
created in  areas with a  population of  100 to 500 people that do not have data transmission services 
and Internet access.  
In the United States , an Executive Order issued on 4 April 2020 formalized, through the 
establishment of a Committee, the  ad hoc  working group known as "Team Telecom", which will assist 
the Federal Communications Commission in the review of foreign participat ion in U.S. 
telecommunication services, with the objective of enhancing national security. In December 2019, 
the government of France  issued a decree to assist the implementation of a law that aims to preserve 
national security interests in the context of the launch of the 5G network. Operators will be required 
to obtain prior approval from the French Prime Minister to operate 5G technology. In Italy, a new  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  law adopted in November 2019 established a "National Cyber Security Perimeter" and modified the 
foreign direct investment (FDI) regime in relation to "special powers", which allow the government  
to impose conditions on, or veto, certain transactions in strategic sectors.  
In India, the government issued, in July 2020, new rules on e -commerce to complement the 
Consumer Protection Act 2020. The rules set out the duties and liabilities of e -commerce entities, 
marketplace e -commerce entities, sellers on marketplace, and inventory e -commerce entities.  In 
the European Union , the regulation on platform -to-business relations started applying from 12 July 
2020.  With the new rules, online platforms can no longer suspend or terminate a seller's account 
without clear reasons and possibilities to appeal. Also, all platforms must set up an internal 
complaint -handling system to assist business users.  
In Egypt , the government adopted the country's new data protection law, which is effective 
from 15 October  2020 and aims to regulate and protect citizens' data online. Foreign enterprises 
that process personal data from Egyptian subjects are required to appoint a representative in Egypt. 
A license needs to be obtained from the regulator to transfer personal data abroad; personal data 
can only be transferred to a country that provides the same level of protection to p ersonal data as 
Egypt does. In Uganda , the Communications Commission modified its licensing framework for the 
telecom sector, introducing various licence categories and requiring all national telecom operators 
to float at least 20% of their shares on the U ganda Securities Exchange within two years of acquiring 
the new licence.   
In Indonesia , the government issued a new regulation (GR 80) to regulate e -commerce 
activities in the country. Effective since 25 November 2019, the regulation requires all e -commerc e 
businesses to obtain a business licence to carry out these activities. The implementing regulations 
for this law, issued in May 2020, specify two thresholds that trigger the requirement for an offshore 
e-commerce operator to  establish a representative of fice in Indonesia: sales to more than 1,000 
customers in Indonesia or having shipped more than 1,000 packages to customers in Indonesia, 
within a period of one year. The regulation also requires e -commerce business actors to prioritize 
locally produced goo ds and services.  
Financial Services  
Several governments adopted new measures in relation to financial services during the period 
under review. These included instances where governments removed or relaxed foreign equity limits 
or introduced new discriminat ory measures.  
For example, in India, the 49% foreign equity limitation for insurance intermediaries (e.g. 
brokers or agents) was eliminated on 1 January 2020. In Indonesia , the government adopted a new 
regulation relaxing foreign equity limits in insuranc e services. Since 2018 , foreign equity ownership 
in insurance companies has been capped at 80%. Further capital increases had to respect the 80:20 
ratio between foreign and domestic shareholders . The new regulation, effective from 20 January 
2020, relaxed this rule and clarified the ability of insurers to conduct capital increases and manage 
their Sharia operations.  
In Uganda , the government  adopted a new measure requiring the purchase of marine 
insurance from local suppliers from 1 June 2020. All imports must have a valid marine insurance 
cover underwritten by a Ugandan -registered insurance company before clearance by the Uganda 
Revenue Authority. In Nigeria , the Central Bank issued new regulations on the operations of indirect 
participants in the payment system, thereby allowing mobile network operators, among others, to 
provide mobile money services for the first time.  
The Central Bank of Malaysia  issued new rules that, since 11 November 2019, require 
electronic trading platforms and networks to obtain prior approval from the Central Bank before 
offering services in the country.  In the Philippines , a new measure allows foreign banks to open 
Islamic  bank branches. The government  of Viet Nam  adopted new measures to regulate the cross -
border supply of auxiliary insurance services.  Foreign service providers are required to be from 
countries with which Viet Nam has contracted market access commitments on  the cross -border 
supply of such services.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Transport services  
In the European Union , as regards  maritime transport, the European Commission prolonged 
for another four years the regulation outlining the conditions under which liner shipping consortia 
can p rovide joint services without infringing EU antitrust rules that prohibit anti -competitive 
agreements between companies. The Consortia Block Exemption Regulation allows, under certain 
conditions, liner shipping operators with a combined market share of bel ow 30% to enter into 
cooperation agreements to provide joint liner shipping services.  The current Consortia Block 
Exemption Regulation was due to expire on 25 April 2020.  
In Costa Rica , a new measure removes limits on maximum foreign equity for internation al 
land transport services of passengers. Previously, companies providing these services were required 
to have at least 60% of their equity owned by investors that were citizens of Central America. On 
18 November 2019, the government  of Viet Nam  issued a d ecree that increases from 30% to 34%, 
the maximum foreign equity in airlines.  
Other services sectors  
In the distribution services sector, Indonesia  issued a new regulation on franchising. The 
measure removes the requirement to use 80% locally sourced raw m aterials, equipment or products 
and instead obliges the franchisor to prioritize the use of local goods and services so long as the 
goods and services meet the quality set by the franchisor. The government of Saudi Arabia  adopted 
the New Franchise Law, eff ective from 22 April 2020, that establishes a regulatory framework for 
relationships between franchisors and franchisees.  
With respect to health services, the Medical Council of India issued guidelines with respect to 
the practice of Registered Medical Pr actitioners (RMPs) through telemedicine. In Indonesia , the 
Ministry of Health published a new regulation on telemedicine services. In addition, the Minister of 
Health issued a new regulation on the classification and licensing of hospitals, which removed l imits 
on foreign investment in certain types of hospitals.  
In Costa Rica , the government  adopted a new law to regulate the supply of tourism services 
through the rental of homes, apartments, villas, chalets, cottages, and rooms. It seeks  to protect 
the ri ghts of services users and to regulate the services platforms or intermediary companies. The 
law also requires hosts to register with the Tourism Institute and to pay the 13% VAT.  
Measures affecting supply through the movement of natural persons  
Various me asures have been adopted in relation to mode 4, most of which are facilitative.  For 
example, on 22 May 2020, Japan 's Diet adopted a measure to ease certain limits on the activities of 
foreign lawyers in the country.  The new measure allows foreign lawyers to act as a legal 
representative in a broader scope of international arbitrations, including arbitrations between 
Japanese companies if there is an international connection . Viet Nam introduced in July a new visa 
for foreign natural persons that en ter the country to promote services and establish a commercial 
presence according to international agreements that it has signed.  The new visas will be issued with 
validity from 6 to 12 months.   
On 1 August 2020, Estonia  has introduced a "Digital Nomad Vis a" that allows remote workers 
to live in Estonia and legally work for their employer or their own company registered abroad , while 
Mauritius  adopted new rules that combine the Work Permit and the Residence Permit into one single 
permit and extend the valid ity of the Occupation Permit to 10 years, with the possibility of renewal.  
Air services agreements  
Table 4.1 presents information on air services agreements (ASAs) concluded or amended 
during the period under review.  These include both new ASAs and revisions of existing ones. As far 
as can be assessed from available sources, the vast majority of these ASAs provi des for more liberal 
access conditions than was previously the case. The air transport sector is currently under severe 
strain ( Box 4.1) as a result of the COVID -19 outbreak and this appears to have resulted in a marked 
fall in the number of ASAs concluded  since the start of the pandemic.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Table 4.1 Air Transport Agreements2 concluded or amended during the reporting period 
(October 2019 - October 2020)  
Parties  Date of 
signature  Source  
Belize  Chinese 
Taipei  08.10.2019  https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2019/10/08/deputy -
prime -minister -tourism -minister -and-nemo -minister -visit-
taiwan/  
Jamaica  South Africa  08.10.2019  https://jis.gov.jm/jamaica -and-south -africa -sign-air-service -
agreement/  
Solomon 
Islands  United Arab 
Emirates  11.10.2019  https://www.solomontimes.com/news/govt -signs-air-services -
agreement -with-turkey -and-uae/9406  
Solomon 
Islands  Turkey  11.10.2019  https:/ /www.solomontimes.com/news/govt -signs-air-services -
agreement -with-turkey -and-uae/9406  
United 
States  Kazakhstan  06.01.2020  Washington Trade Daily, 7 January 2020  
Gabon  Burkina 
Faso 01.10.2019  https://www.agenceecofin.com/transports/0110 -69674 -le-
burkina -faso-et-le-gabon -signent -un-accord -aerien -qui-ouvre -
l-afrique -centrale -a-air-burkina  
Turkey  Serbia  10.2019  https://www.exyuaviation.com/2019/10/serbia -turkey -
approve -rigid-air.html  
Morocco  Mexico 02.11.2019  https://aaco.org/media -center/news/aeropolitical/morocco -
and-mexico -sign-mou-to-establish -direct -air-service  
Barbados  Germany  11.2019  https://www.eturbonews.com/380104/european -expantion -
new-direct -flight-from-germany -to-barbados/  
Ukraine  Qatar  11.11.2019  https://112.international/finance/ukraine -and-qatar -liberalize -
air-transportations -45457.html  
Chinese 
Taipei  Nauru  13.12.2019  https: //www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3836462  
Saint Lucia  United Arab 
Emirates  12.2019  https://www.stlucianewsonline.com/saint -lucia-negotiates -and-
signs-new-bilateral -air-services -agreement/  
India Switzerland  12.2019  https://www.traveldailymedia.com/india -swiss -air-service -
pact-to-be-amended/  
Pakistan  Saudi 
Arabia  01.2020  https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/599048 -pakistan -saudi -
arabia -revise -air-service -agreement  
Bahamas  United 
States  27.01.2020  https://ewnews.com/baha mas-and-united -states -sign-into-
force-historic -air-service -agreement  
Bangladesh  Japan  03.02.2020  https://www.newagebd.net/article/98579/dhaka -tokyo -air-
service -deal-revised  
United 
States  Kenya  02.2020  https://www.the -star.co.ke/news/2020 -02-06-us-kenya -add-
all-cargo -rights -to-air-transport -agreement/  
Somalia  Rwanda  07.02.2020  https://allafrica.com/stories/202002080045.html  
Rwanda  Tunisia  08.02.2020  https://www.ktpress.rw/2020/02/rwanda -tunisia -sign-air-
service -agreement/  
Ghana  Trinidad and 
Tobago  08.03.2020  https://www.looptt.com/content/trinidad -and-tobago -ghana -
sign-air-service -agreement -mou 
Korea, Rep. 
of 22 
European 
Union 
member 
States  25.06.2020  https://www.econotimes.com/S -Korea -and-EU-expand -air-
routes -in-revised -aviation -pact-1586184  
Nigeria  United 
States  29.07.2020  https://www.this daylive.com/index.php/2020/07/30/fg -
ratifies -nigeria -us-air-transport -agreement/  
Bangladesh  United 
States  30.09.2020  https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/bangladesh -us-
sign-air-service -agreement -1601475158  
Nigeria  India 09.10.2020  https://guardian.ng/saturday -magazine/travel -a-tourism/local -
operators -okay-air-trade -agreement -with-u-s-india-others/  
Nigeria Morocco  09.10.2020  https://guardian.ng/saturday -magazine/travel -a-tourism/local -
operators -okay-air-trade -agreement -with-u-s-india-others/  
Nigeria  Rwanda  09.10.2020  https://guardian.ng/saturday -magazine/travel -a-tourism/local -
operators -okay-air-trade -agreement -with-u-s-india-others/  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
2 The term "Air Transport Agreements" is used here to refer to Air Services Agreements, Memoranda of 
Understanding, Exchange of Notes, and other such relevant instruments.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  4.2  COVID -19 related measures affecting trade in services3 
As part of its Trade Monitoring exercise, the Secretariat compiled information on 12 4 
measures affecting trade in services that were adopted by 54 WTO Members in response to the 
COVID -19 pandemic, from its onset and up to mid -October 2020.  
Most of these measures appear to be trade -facilitating. This includes measures to ensure that 
more t elecommunications capacity is made available to operators; measures to facilitate access by 
the population to Internet and mobile data and to online education and health services; measures 
to provide – and in certain instances reintroduce – flexibility for  suppliers of transport services and 
facilitate the continued supply of cross -border transport of freight; and lighter requirements imposed 
on banks (liquidity and capital requirements) to ensure that they are well -positioned to continue to 
provide credit.  In addition, two Members relaxed some limitations on the supply of Voice over 
Internet Protocol services.   
However, some measures adopted also appear to be trade restrictive. These are mostly 
measures that affect services supplied under a particular mode of supply across various sectors.  For 
instance, various governments took measures to tighten foreign investment regimes, thereby 
affecting supply under mode 3 (commercial presence).  
Annex 6 provides additional information on trade in services COVID -19-related measures, the 
bulk of which relate to financial services ( 41%), telecommunication services ( 17%), transport 
services ( 14%), and health services ( 8%) or apply across various sectors ( 16%). Seventy -six 
percent of measures listed in the annex were expres sly verified by Members. A number of the 
measures taken by governments in response to the crisis were announced as temporary, and seven 
have already been withdrawn, as indicated in the annex.  
Measures affecting supply through commercial presence  
Various WTO Members have introduced measures tightening foreign investment regimes to 
prevent foreign takeovers in sectors considered of strategic importance, thereby affecting supply 
under mode 3 in various services sectors.  
In Poland , a new Act introduce d, from 24 July 2020, a temporary screening mechanism to 
protect domestic assets against hostile acquisitions by foreign investors from non -EEA and 
non-OECD countries in the context of the COVID -19 outbreak. Acquisitions subject to approval 
include those t hat manage critical infrastructure and that provide cloud computing services. The 
government of Slovenia  adopted new measures to screen certain foreign investments in the context 
of the pandemic. Foreign investors are required to notify the Ministry of Eco nomic Development and 
Technology if they have acquired or intend to acquire at least a 10% share in the capital or voting 
rights in a Slovenian company that is active in certain specific areas, including critical infrastructure.  
The new rules, which are ef fective from 1 June 2020, apply until 30 June 2023.   
In the United Kingdom , a new measure, effective since 23 June, gives the government greater 
scope to intervene in takeovers that involve businesses with a role in combatting or mitigating the 
impacts of public health emergencies, such as the COVID -19 pandemic. On 20 May 2020, the 
German  government adopted amendments to the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance that, in 
response to the COVID -19 pandemic, expand the scope of investment review to the health s ector.  
The government will have the opportunity to review acquisitions by non -EEA investors of voting 
rights of 10% or more in German companies operating in specified areas of the health sector.  
In May, the government of New Zealand  amended the Overseas I nvestment Act to update 
investment screening rules . Temporary emergency provisions introduced in response to the 
 
3 The information in this Section, and in annex 6, was compiled by the WTO Secretariat and is an informal 
situation report  and an attempt to provide transparency with respect to measures affecting trade in services 
taken in the context of the COVID -19 crisis. It does not pass judgment on or question the right of WTO Members 
to take such actions. The Secretariat has not sought  to determine or indicate whether the measures listed in the 
table in annex 6  have trade -restrictive or trade -facilitating effects. The information is not exhaustive and does 
not include information on general support measures relating to services. Further, the objective is not to list all 
COVID -19 related measures taken by governments around the world to limit movement, nor all the measures 
taken to ease the impact of border restrictions or other limits on movement.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  pandemic require overseas persons to notify the government of certain investments even if they are 
below the ordinary screening threshold. In France , the Minister for the Economy and Finance 
announced, on 29 April 2020, an update to the screening procedure for FDI in the context of the 
current health and economic crisis.  The new measure includes biotechnologies in the list of critical 
technologie s that are likely to be subject to screening. Also, the threshold for triggering a screening 
procedure is lowered from 25% to 10% of voting rights in the acquired company.  
In India, the government amended its FDI policy in order to curb takeovers or acqui sitions of 
Indian companies as a result of the pandemic. The amendment provides that an entity of a country 
that shares a land border with India - or where the beneficial owner of an investment into India is 
situated in or is a citizen of any such country - can invest only with prior government permission . 
The government of Canada  issued, on 18 April, a Policy Statement indicating that it would 
subject certain foreign investments to enhanced scrutiny under the  Investment Canada Act. FDI of 
any value in Cana dian businesses that are related to public health or are involved in the supply of 
critical goods and services to Canadians or the Government are now to be scrutinized with particular 
attention. The government also subjected all foreign investments by stat e-owned investors, 
regardless of their value, or by private investors assessed as being closely tied to or subject to 
direction from foreign governments, to enhanced scrutiny under the Act .  
On 29 March, Australia  announced temporary changes to its foreign  investment review 
framework in order safeguard national interests during the crisis. During this period, all proposed 
foreign investments subject to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 require approval, 
regardless of value or of the nature of the foreign investor.  In Italy, on 9 April 2020, the Government 
widened its foreign investment screening powers to new sectors, such as food security, health, banks 
and insurance companies, financial infrastructure, and acquisitions of 10% or more of share s in local 
companies.  
On 25 March 2020, the European Commission issued new  guidelines for screening FDI in 
companies and critical assets located in the European Union . The measure aims to respond to the 
increased potential risk to strategic industries as a result of the economic shock resulting from 
COVID -19. Among other things, the new guidelines call on member States to make full use of 
existing FDI screening mechanisms and to take fully into account the risks to critical health 
infrastructures, the supp ly of critical inputs, and other critical sectors.  
China  adopted new policies aiming to facilitate and retain foreign investment. In February 
2020, the Government issued a circular requiring local departments of commerce to, among other 
things, help forei gn-invested enterprises to resume  normal production and operation and strengthen  
services for large foreign -invested projects.  
Measures affecting telecommunication services and e -commerce  
WTO Members have adopted various measures in relation to telecommunication services. In 
both developed and developing economies, operators  suspended data limits and boosted capacity in 
response to the pandemic at no additional cost, and many governments te mporarily issued additional 
spectrum to operators, or took other measures to facilitate the operation of telecommunication 
suppliers.  
For example, t he National Communications Authority of Ghana  temporarily granted additional 
spectrum at no cost for three months to the country's two largest mobile network operators in order 
to help cope with a significant increase in Internet traffic during the COVID -19 lockdown. To ensure 
that effective health -related information can be transmitted to and from rural areas,  Kenya  
fast-tracked the issuance of an operating licence to Alphabet's Loon services to extend the 
availability of wifi to remote locations.  In Oman , the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority 
allocated additional mobile spectrum to the licensed network o perators on a temporary basis and at 
no financial cost.  In Saudi Arabia , the Communications and Information Technology Commission 
extended the provision of additional  spectrum on the 700 and 800 MHz bands, to mobile service 
providers to enhance network per formance.  
Several governments also adopted different types of measures  to ensure access to 
telecommunication services. For instance, in Colombia , the Government required mobile telephony WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  operators to maintain minimum service levels despite not receiving ad equate remuneration from 
users. In the United States , the Federal Communication Commission launched the Keep Americans 
Connected Initiative to ensure that Americans did not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity 
in the context of COVID -19.  
However , the COVID -19 crisis also led to the postponement of a number of auctions of 5G  
spectrum. For instance, Austria's  Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications 
delayed its upcoming second 5G auction, which had been expected to take place in  April. Canada  
postponed its next 5G spectrum sale in an effort to help operators prioritize delivering connectivity 
during the COVID -19 pandemic. The 3500 MHz spectrum auction process is now scheduled to start 
on 15 June 2021.  
The crisis resulted in certain WTO Members  lifting restrictions on Voice -Over-Internet -Protocol 
(VoIP) services. In the United Arab Emirates , the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority decided, 
on 24 March 2020, to allow certain VoIP applications so as to facilitate work from home and help 
preven t the spread of COVID -19. While certain applications have been allowed, others remain 
banned. In a similar fashion, Oman 's telecom regulator unblocked access to certain VoIP apps to 
facilitate operations of organizations, educational institutions, and gove rnment bodies during the 
pandemic.  
Finally, in reaction to the crisis, Indonesia  adopted, in March, a law specifying that 
foreign -based suppliers providing e -commerce services into Indonesia would be considered as 
having a permanent establishment in Indon esia and would be subject to income tax and to an 
electronic transaction tax if certain criteria for 'significant economic presence' are met.  The threshold 
for significant economic presence is yet to be stipulated. Further, as part of the COVID -19 emergenc y 
bill signed by the President on 31 March 2020, a new regulation requires foreign suppliers of digital 
services to register and charge the VAT, as of 1 July 2020.  
Transport services measures  
Mobility -related measures and border restrictions imposed by WTO  Members for public health 
considerations have naturally affected transport services significantly, in particular cross -border 
transport services.  In a second -phase response to the crisis, several governments have revised some 
of their travel and border me asures, for example to ensure that the movement of "essential" foreign 
services workers, including transport workers, was not overly burdened.  
In air transport services, several Members are allowing alleviation in Safety Operational 
Measures, providing ai rlines with greater flexibility while safeguarding safety of passengers and 
crew. These include: personnel license validity, ratings, certificates, and attestations of air crew, 
instructors, examiners, aircraft maintenance license holders, and air traffic controllers. Airlines 
operating internationally need to have certainty that alleviations approved by their authority are 
acceptable by other Members.4 
With respect to maritime transport, governments adopted various port measures since the 
start of the COV ID-19 outbreak . From February 2020, all major ports adopted a 14 -day quarantine 
period for vessels arriving from, or transiting through, affected countries.  Many ports have ceased 
calls for passenger ships. While cargo vessels may still call and operate at  most ports, they are 
subject to enhanced maritime health declarations and screening requirements. In addition, strict 
restrictions have been imposed on crew disembarkation, shore leave, and substitution.5 
 
4 Viewed at: https://www.icao.int/safety/COVID -19OPS/Pages/ccrd.aspx  and 
https://www.iata.org/en/programs/ops -infra/covid -contingency -differences -ccrd/  
5 In view of increased port restrictions, on 21 February 2020, the International Maritime Organization 
(IMO) and the World Health Organization issued a Joint Statement on the Response to the COVID -19 outbreak. 
On 27  March  2020, the IMO circulated to its member States a preliminary list of recommendations for 
governments and relevant national authorities on the facilitation of maritime trade during the COVID -19 
pandemic, proposed by a broad cross -section of global ind ustry associations representing the maritime 
transportation sector. The purpose of this list is to assist governments in avoiding the introduction of obstacles 
to ship and port operations, including the movement of seafarers and marine personnel when imple menting 
policies and measures to address COVID -19. Recommendations cover measures to provide ship access to 
berths in ports, facilitate crew changes and port operation and ensure public health.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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As regards road transport, most countries have suspended or largely reduced cross -border 
passenger transport services. Borders have generally remained open for freight transportation, 
although drivers are subject to border controls for quarantine purposes. In order to mitigate 
disruption s and facilitate freight transport, a number of governments adopted different types of relief 
measures.  For instance, in the European Union , member States adopted such measures as the 
suspension of weekend traffic bans for heavy vehicles, and a temporary a nd limited relaxation of 
the enforcement of driving and rest times for the drivers of vehicles transporting goods.6 On 16 
March 2020, the European Commission issued guidelines for border measures to protect health and 
keep goods and essential services ava ilable. The guidelines set out principles for an integrated 
approach to an effective border management to protect health while preserving the integrity of the 
internal market.  
Health services measures  
In Brazil , the government adopted a new measure in March that permits, on an exceptional 
and temporary basis, the use of telemedicine for medical services, including for medical consultations 
and digital medicine prescriptions. On 8 May, the government of Romania  adopted a measure 
authorizing medical doctors to do telemedicine by any means of communication, limited to 8 
consultations per hour.  In Indonesia , the Medical Council issued, in April, a new regulation providing 
the legal basis for the supply of telemedicine servi ces. Suppliers are required to register and to have 
a permit to practice at their healthcare facility in Indonesia.  Also in April, t he Malaysian  Medical 
Council published an Advisory providing guidance in relation to medical services supplied remotely 
via information and communication technology during the pandemic.  
In France , the Government relaxed rules on the use of telemedicine services. Until 31 May 
2020, all persons affected by COVID -19 (and other patients under certain circumstances) could 
benefit fr om telemedicine services even in the absence of a pre -existing relationship between the 
healthcare provider and the patient. In South Africa , the Health Professions Council issued guidance 
on the application of telemedicine during the COVID -19 pandemic, ai ming to facilitate the use of 
video or phone calls by doctors and therapists to treat patients. Previously, such services were 
essentially limited to cases where there was an already -established practitioner -patient relationship.  
In the United States , the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to adopt a 
USD 200 million telehealth programme to support healthcare providers  responding to the COVID -19 
pandemic.  The programme aims to help healthcare providers purchase telecommunications, 
broadband connec tivity, and devices necessary for providing telehealth services. The FCC also 
launched a Connected Care Pilot Program. This three -year Program will provide up to USD 100 
million of support from the Universal Service Fund to help defray health care provider s' costs of 
providing connected care services .  
Financial services measures  
In view of the key role of the financial services sector in supporting all other economic 
activities by stabilizing markets and ensuring the flow of credits and payments, Central B anks and 
financial regulators around the world have proactively intervened. Interventions included 
coordinated actions by central banks to ensure availability of liquidity in US dollars for international 
transactions, and a range of monetary and regulatory  measures by governments to alleviate the 
economic and financial stability impact in their jurisdictions.  
Monetary authorities have been active and creative with different monetary instruments, 
including the lowering of key/base interest rates, quantitati ve easing, and reductions of reserve 
requirements. In addition to the reduction of counter -cyclical capital buffers, regulatory authorities 
in various jurisdictions have loosened requirements regarding liquidity and capital requirements, to 
ensure that ban ks are well -positioned to continue to provide credit to the economy. Bans on the 
short-selling of selected stocks have been imposed by certain jurisdictions with a view to stabilizing 
capital markets (e.g. Belgium, Indonesia). Some authorities have eased l oan-loss provisions to allow 
banks to extend loan maturities for firms and households or allowed for forbearance of 
non-performing loans, while others have relaxed the cap on foreign currency forward positions.  
 
6 As the European Union member States are gradually easing loc kdowns, the relaxations of driving and 
rest time rules ended on 31 May 2020 . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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Many central banks have lifted certain restri ctions and requirements applied to e -payment 
systems. This was seen particularly in Africa, where mobile payments are common. Ghana , for 
example, adopted new policies related to mobile money transactions for a period of three months, 
so that smaller withdr awals are not charged, and transaction limits and balance levels were 
increased. Rwanda  removed fees on all mobile money transactions with increased daily and monthly 
limits depending on the type of user.  
Temporary entry and stay of natural persons  
In Australia, the government issued on 31 August a new list of Priority Skilled Occupations 
(PMSOL), which identifies 17 occupations that fill critical skills needs that support Australia’s 
economic recovery from COVID -19. Employer sponsored nomination and visa applications with an 
occupation on the PMSOL will be given priority processing. Included among the 17 occupations are 
nurses, medical practitioners, software engineers, construction project managers, and mechanical 
engineers.  
In the United States , a regula tion published by the Department of Homeland Security in the 
Federal Register on 8 October will amend the criteria for H -1B visas by revising definitions such as 
"specialty occupation", "worksite" and "third -party worksite" and requiring corroborating evid ence 
of work in a specialty occupation, among other changes. The regulation cites the need to strengthen 
the integrity of the H -1B programme during the economic crisis caused by the COVID -19 pandemic 
and the need to more effectively ensure that the employm ent of H -1B workers does not have an 
adverse impact on the wages and working conditions of similarly employed  workers as among the 
rationales for the changes. On 24 June, a new measure (the "Proclamation Suspending Entry of 
Aliens Who Present a Risk to the Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak") suspended the 
entry of foreign nationals in certain non -immigrant visa categories until the end of 2020. The visa 
categories affected by the suspension are: H -1B, L -1, H-2B, and J -1, as well as related categories 
for dependents, with certain exemptions.  
4.3  Effects of the COVID -19 pandemic on trade in services  
The following  aims to provide information on the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on trade 
in services in different sectors and modes of supply.7 
Services sectors have been heavily affected by the COVID -19 outbreak , as underscored by 
most recent trade in services statistics presented in section 2.4  of this report. Given the sector's role 
in providing inputs for other economic activities, including facil itating supply cha ins and trade in 
goods, disruptions in services supply are having a broad economic and trade impact. Furthermore, 
since services account for most of women’s employment globally and a large share of micro, small 
and medium -sized enterprise  (MSME) activity, the disruption in services supply also impacts social 
and economic inclusiveness.  
Drops in demand and supply have strongly impacted services trade, though the type and 
extent of the impact varies by sector and mode of supply. Services th at rely on physical proximity 
between suppliers and consumers have been most severely impacted by mobility restrictions and 
social distancing measures imposed for public health reasons. While direct contact can sometimes 
be substituted by remote supply, th is is not necessarily the case in all services sectors or countries. 
Sectors such as distribution (especially retailing services), tourism and passenger transport have 
been profoundly  affected.  
Trade in certain modes of supply has experienced severe downt urns. Supply under 
mode  2 (consumption abroad) has been paralysed and remains constrained. Travel restrictions have 
similarly limited mode 4, which involves the temporary movement of natural persons across borders. 
The supply of services through mode 3 (co mmercial presence) has also been negatively affected, as 
the pandemic  impact ed on existing operations in foreign markets and on decisions concerning the 
set-up of new establishments.  
 
7 This section draws in part from the Secretariat's Information Note, "Trade in Services in the Context of 
COVID -19", available at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/services_report_e.pdf . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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At the same time, the crisis has boosted online supply in sectors such as  retail, health, 
education, telecommunication or audiovisual services. The crisis has accelerated companies' efforts 
to expand their online operations and is creating new consumer habits and behaviours that are likely 
to contribute to a profound and long -term shift towards online services and the digital economy. In 
the future, increased supply of services through digital networks can strongly impact trade, leading 
to increased supply through mode 1 (cross -border supply). The crisis is also underscoring the  
importance of transport, financial, distribution and logistics services in facilitating merchandise trade.  
Tourism and travel -related services  
As underscored in trade statistics for the second quarter of 2020, t he global tourism and travel 
sector has been  the hardest hit by the crisis so far, as mobility restrictions and border closures halted 
the movement of tourists abroad (mode 2). On 15 September, the World Tourism Organization 
(UNWTO) announced that international tourist arrivals had dropped by 65 % in the first half of 2020, 
and by 93% in June alone, when compared to 2019 levels. According to the UNWTO, this resulted 
in a loss of 440 million international arrivals, and about US D 460 billion in export revenues from 
international tourism.8 Asia-Pacific and Europe were the hardest -hit regions in the first half of 2020, 
with international tourist arrivals declining by 72% and 66%, respectively.9 
The sector's decline has had severe economic consequences, given its overall economic 
importance for many count ries and regions. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council 
(WTTC), direct, indirect and induced tourism impact in 2019 contributed USD 8.9 trillion to global 
GDP (10.3 %) and 330 million jobs (1 in 10).10 For some economies, in particular smaller one s, 
tourism accounts not only for the largest share of total exports, but also for a significant share of 
GDP (e.g. 67 % for Seychelles, 62 % for St  Kitts and Nevis, and 48 % for Vanuatu).11 According to 
balance -of-payments statistics , travel represented 24% of world  commercial services exports in 
2019, and  accounted for 48% of services exports of LDCs.  
Box 4.1 COVID -19 and tourism  
Tourism is one of the sectors most adversely impacted by th e COVID -19 pandemic. According to the latest 
data available from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals declined by around 
65% in the first half of 2020 compared with the same period in 2019, which translates into a loss of around 
USD 0.5 trillion in export revenues. This is more than five times the loss incurred in 2009 as a result of the 
Global Financial Crisis. The decline for 2020 is expected to be around 70%, with accumulated losses in the 
range of USD 910 billion to USD  1.2 trillion. It is also estimated that 100 -120 million tourism -related jobs are 
at risk.  
As per the data available, during the first half of 2020 the regions worst affected in terms of tourist arrivals 
were Asia and Pacific (72% decline year -on-year), Eu rope (66%), Africa (57%), Middle East (57%) and the 
Americas (55%). However, June saw an improvement in international tourist arrivals due to the easing of 
lockdowns combined with the beginning of the northern hemisphere summer holiday period. Additionally , 
demand for domestic tourism has started to rise pointing towards a strong recovery in 2021 on the assumption 
that restrictions are eased and there in no second wave of the pandemic. Nonetheless, the UNWTO estimates 
that the return to 2019 levels in terms  of international arrivals would take between two and a half to four 
years.  
Authorities around the world are cognizant of the dire consequences of the pandemic on the tourism sector 
and have taken measures to mitigate the economic impact and preserve live lihoods. A non -exhaustive list of 
support measures implemented by WTO members and submitted to the Trade Monitoring Section of the WTO 
Secretariat include many measures related to tourism, e.g. tax exemptions, state aid and support schemes, 
grants, unemplo yment benefits and assistance, loan guarantee schemes, debt relief, administrative cost 
assistance, concessional credit. In addition, measures addressing SMEs and MSMEs have also been 
implemented to assist the tourism sector. The above measures are include d in the original language of the 
submission on the COVID -19 webpagea. 
In addition to the non -exhaustive list of measures, stakeholders and multilateral organizations are also moving 
towards developing recovery measures and supporting the re -opening of the  tourism sector, often in a manner 
 
8 Viewed at: https://www.unwto. org/news/international -tourist -numbers -down -65-in-first-half-of-2020-
unwto -reports .  
9 Viewed at: https://www.unwto.org/news/international -tourist -numbers -down -65-in-first-half-of-2020-
unwto -reports .  
10 Viewed at:  https://wttc.org/Research/Economic -Impact .  
11 Viewed at: 
https://knoema.com/search?query=tourism+as+%25+of+GDP&pageIndex=&scope=&term=&correct=&source
=Heade r.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  which also addresses sustainability issues, for example in the context of climate change and loss of 
biodiversity. In this respect, the UN, the OECD and the World Bank, among others, have weighed in on 
recovery efforts be ing focused on sustainable and eco -friendly solutionsb. 
a Viewed at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_support_measures_e.htm . 
b Viewed at: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/sg_policy_brief_covid -
19_tourism_august_2020.pdf; https://www.unwto.org/news/g20 -tourism -leaders -commit -to-intensify -
efforts -towards -a-sustainable -recovery; https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy -responses/tourism -
policy -responses -to-the-coronavirus -covid-19-6466aa20/; 
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/34348 .  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Distribution services  
In the first months of the pandemic, the imposition of severe limits on the operation of stor es 
considered as non -essential had a strong negative impact on distribution services , including its 
supply under mode 3 (commercial presence), which is significant in the sector . For example, in 
January/February 2020, at the peak of the outbreak in China, data published by the National Bureau 
of Statistics found that retail trade in  the country had declined by 20.5 % compared to the previous 
year.12 In the United States, retail and food services sales declined by 7.7 % between February and 
April 2020, compare d to the same period in 2019.13 In the European Union, sales of non -food 
products had dropped by 23.8 % in April 2020 year -on-year.14 More recently, as limits on the 
operation of physical stores have been relaxed in a number of countries, total retail sales  have 
gradually increased.15 Globally, total retail sales in 2020 are currently expected to be down notably  
from 2019.16 Given the recent introduction of new lockdowns in a number of countries the outlook 
remains uncertain.  
At the same time, t he pandemic and social distancing measures have caused a strong 
expansion of online distribution services around the world. Online retail purchases  jumped , as 
consumers increased their e -commerce activities and the range of goods typically bought online  
expanded . The increase in online sales was particularly steep for healthcare and household products, 
including groceries. Facing reduced visitors, several brick -and-mortar outlets have moved to expand 
their online presence and their delivery and pickup services.  
In the United States, non -store sales increased by 31 % in June 2020 year -on-year17 and, in 
the second quarter, 16 % of total retail sales took place online, a 44.5% increase year -on-year.18 
E-commerce sales in the United States are projected to raise by over 30 % in 2020, after a 14.6 % 
increase in 2019.19 In China, in early 2020, online sales of certain goods that traditionally had limited 
online penetration, such as daily essentia l products, increased between 50  and 150 % compared to 
the previous year.20 Between January and August 2020 , online retail  accounted for 24.6% of total 
 
12 This is consistent with analysis fro m the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Viewed at: 
https://blogs.imf.org/2020/03/20/blunting -the-impact -and-hard-choices -early-lessons -from-china/. 
13 OECD (2020), "E -Commerce in the Times of COVID -19", 7 October 2020. Viewed at: 
https://read.oecd -ilibrary.org/view/?ref=137_13721 2-t0fjgnerdb&title=E -commerce -in-the-time-of-COVID -19.  
14 OECD (2020), "COVID -19 and the Retail Sector: Impact and Policy Responses", 16 June 2020, viewed 
at: https://read.oecd -ilibrary.org/view/?ref=134_134473 -kuqn636n26&title=COVID -19-and-the-retail-sector -
impact -and-policy -responses .  
15 In the United States, for example, retail sales had reached pre -pandemic leve ls in July and August 
2020: https://www.census.gov/retail/index.html . In China, official data showed that retail sales in August had 
increased by 0.5% year -on-year, the first such increase since the COVID -19 outbreak: 
http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/PressRelease/202009/t20200916_1789791.html .  
16 One study estimates 2020 worldwide retail sales to be 5.7% lower than in 2019. Viewed at: 
https://www.emarketer.com/content/covid -19-impact-on-worldwide -retail-will-worse -than-great -recession    
17 Viewed at: https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2020/09/16/us -nonstore -retail-sales-jump-21-in-
august/ .  
18 Viewed at: https://www.globalxetfs.com/e -commerce -entering -the-next-wave-of-
growth/#:~:text=E%2Dcommerce%20has%20become%20the,increase%20from%20Q2%20last%20year .  
19 This figure captures online sales of both goods and services . Viewed at: 
https://www.emarketer.com/content/us -ecommerce -growth -jumps -more-than-30-accelerating -online -
shopping -shift-by-nearly -2-years . 
20 Viewed at: https://www.bain.com/insights/chinas -consumer -industry -prepares -for-the-coronavirus -
legacy/ . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  retail sales in China, up from 17.4 % in August 2018.21 Similar trends were observed in various 
markets.  
While most online retail sales take place within borders, the pandemic also boosted cross -
border online sales  in some regions . A report analysing online retail sales of apparel, accessories, 
cosmetics and footwear items from 300 vendors selling to more tha n 185 countries showed a 21 % 
increase in cross -border online sales between 1 January to 14 June 2020, year -on-year. In May, 
such cross-border online sales increased by 42 % in the United States, year -on-year; in the Gulf 
region, they grew by 115% in March, 575% in April, and 236  %in May , year -on-year.22  
Telecommunication and ICT services  
With more people engaging in remote work and education and increased reliance on the 
internet for entertainment and social contact, the demand for information and communica tion 
technology (ICT) services and related infrastructure has been unprecedented and unanticipated. The 
ICT industry's networks and applications have enabled sustained demand not only for telework and 
education, but also for telemedicine, food delivery, lo gistics and contactless payments.  
Data traffic continues to witness the high levels observed early in the pandemic. In March 
2020, Facebook reported that in countries hard hit by the pandemic, use of its online messaging 
service was up more than 50 %, and voice and video traffic doubled.23 Initially, China’s Tencent also 
saw increased use of its social network, games, fintech and business services in the first quarter of 
2020.24 And V odacom Group  recorded a  40% rise in data traffic  in South Africa durin g the 
lockdown.25 As of August, average international Internet traffic was estimated to have increased by 
48% in 2020, with strong capacity growth observed across different regions .26  
Despite the increased demand for ICT services, the pandemic is also hav ing certain negative 
impacts, which affect trade in different modes of supply. In the first months of the pandemic, a 
significant number of auctions of 5G spectrum were postponed, although governments have now 
begun to reschedule them. Further, operations of suppliers may be impacted as struggling 
businesses reduce ICT expenditures to the essentials to reduce costs.27 Other negative consequences 
of the crisis in the short term may include significant declines in roaming revenues, as a consequence 
of limits on mobility.28 The crisis also poses difficulties for suppliers relying on advertising revenue, 
as companies reduc e spending as a result of the pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown.29 
Moreover, the pandemic presents challenges for the business service outsourcing sector. Some 
companies have flagged an intention to reduce their dependence on outsourcing, which cou ld have 
long-term trade implications.30 In Bangladesh, for example, the ICT industry is reported to have lost 
about USD 1.3 billion worth of trade due to the pandemic, with 70 -80% of global work orders were 
cancelled .31  
 
21 OECD (2020), "E -Commerce in the Times of COVID -19", 7 October 2020. Viewed at: 
https://read.oecd -ilibrary.org/view/?ref=137_137212 -t0fjgnerdb&title=E -commerce -in-the-time-of-COVID -19.  
22 Viewed at: https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2020/07/28/global -cross-border -ecommerce -
grows -
21/#:~:text=Cross%2Dborder %20online%20sales%20worldwide,web%20merchants%20sell%20online%20gl
obally .  
23 Viewed at: https://about.fb.com/news/2020/03/keeping -our-apps-stable -during -covid-19/. 
24 Viewed at: https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia -news/gaming -surge -drives -tencent -growth/ .  
25 Viewed at: https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured -content/top -three/vodacom -data-traffic -
surges -during -lockdown/ .  
26 Viewed at: https://blog.telegeography.com/internet -traffic -and-capacity -in-covid-adjusted -
terms?hss_channel=tw -285211941 .  
27 Viewed at: https://australiancybersecuritymagazine.com.au/australias -ict-spending -set-to-decline -by-
5-9-in-2020-due-to-covid-19/. 
28 Viewed a t: https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured -content/home -banner/operators -face-25b-
roaming -hit-report/ .  
29 Viewed at: https://www.omdia.com/resources/product -content/global -advertising -market -set-for-
tough -2020-as-covid-19-impac t-hits-global -economy  and 
https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2020/04/30/facebook -signals -online -advertising -to-take-a-big-hit/. 
30 For examp le, see "Virgin Media to Recruit 500 Call -Centre Staff in UK", Financial Times, 25 March 
2020.  
31 Viewed at: https://tbsnews.net/thoughts/bangladesh -ict-sector -covid-world -impacts -and-way-outs-
130945 .  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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In the longer term, increased onlin e transactions and other activities may translate into higher 
earnings in the sector. While the sector is not immune to reductions in corporate spending as 
businesses seek cost reductions, the pandemic may, if supportive policies are maintained, ultimately  
offer stimulus to the sector as a result of new habits and a more urgent need for innovation. 
Resumption of 5G spectrum auctions and new and reenergised broadband rollout programs confirm 
that governments see internet and broadband data transmission servi ces as critical to recovery from 
the COVID -induced economic slump.  
Transport services  
The pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the air transport service sector. In September, 
the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) estimated that  world air p assenger traffic could 
drop by 60 % in 2020, compared to 2019, leading airline revenues to potentially fall by as much as 
USD 370 to US D 390 billion. The ICAO expects the most substantial reduction in international 
passenger numbers to be in Europe, while t he sharpest drop in domestic passenger traffic is forecast 
for the Asia -Pacific region, followed by North America.32 Airports Council International (ACI), the 
airport industry body, forecast at the end of August that flight cancellations and airport closures 
would result in a decline of more than 5.6 billion passengers globally for 2020, and  that airport 
revenue losses for the year would exceed US D 104 billion.33  
In addition, as around 35 % of global trade (by value) travels by air, the collapse in passenger 
flights has had a significant impact on air cargo capacity. Data from the International Air Transport 
Association (IATA) reveal that belly capacity for international air cargo shrank by over 70 % in July 
2020 compared to the previous year.34 Although this was partially offset by a nearly 30 % increase 
in capacity through expanded use of freighter aircraft, including the use of idle passenger aircraft 
for all -cargo operations, capacity to meet demand for air freight transport currently remains 
constrained. Air cargo demand also declined compare d to the previous year, th ough that  trend is 
gradually reversing.35 As a result, air freight rates have increased significantly – by an estimated 
average of nearly 50 % worldwide, with Asia Pacific route s experiencing the largest increase.36 
With lockdown a nd quarantine measures implemented in most countries since the outbreak 
of COVID -19, the maritime transport sector came under significant pressure. Both container ship 
calls and their cumulative capacity plunged from January to March 2020. At the same time , the ratio 
of missed port calls (i.e. scheduled vessel calls that do not occur) rose sharply. Global container 
trade volumes declined by 8.6 % in February 2020 year-on-year.37 In February 2020, 46 % of 
scheduled departures on the major route from Asia to No rthern Europe were cancelled,38 and the 
port of Los Angeles, the largest US container port, announced that cargo volumes had fallen by 
approximately 25 % compared to the prior year.39 The slowdown in port calls occurr ed worldwide. 
The number of ship calls a t EU ports declined by 14.9 % in the first 36 weeks of 2020 compared to 
the same period in 2019.40  
Major shipping routes have been significantly affected by the pandemic. In the first 36 weeks 
of 2020, ship traffic decreased by 50.2% from Europe to China a nd by 30.2% from China to Europe, 
 
32 Viewed at: https://www.icao.int/sustainability/Documents/COVID -
19/ICAO_Coronavirus_Econ_Impact.pdf .  
33 Viewed at: https://store.aci.aero/wp -content/uploads/2020/08/COVID19 -4th-Economic -Impact -
Advisory -Bulletin.pdf . 
34 Viewed at: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2020 -08-31-01/. 
35 Ibid. Also see, for example : https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/scoot -converts -a320-into-
temporary -freighter/139873.article m; https://www.freightwaves.com/news/korean -air-jettisons -passenger -
seats -to-up-cargo -capacity .  
36 Viewed at: https://www.aircargonews.net/data/worldacd -airfreight -rates-pushed -up-by-capacity -
crunch -in-h1-2020/ .  
37 Viewed at: https:/ /www.itf -oecd.org/sites/default/files/global -container -shipping -covid-19.pdf   
Further, port operators in China reported that volume for container shipping decreased by between 20% and 
40% between 20 January and 10 February 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 : 
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/what -does-coronavirus -mean -for-container -shipping/ .  
38 "Coronavirus impact raises red flags at European po rts", Journal of Commerce, 19 February 2020.  
39 "Port of Los Angeles Sees Coronavirus Impact Sharply Reducing Imports", Wall Street Journal, 
25 February 2020.  
40 "COVID -19: Impact on Shipping", EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency), 11 September 2020. 
Viewe d at: http://www.emsa.europa.eu/news -a-press -centre/covid19 -impact/item/4002 -september -2020-
covid-19-impact -on-shipping -report.html . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  year-on-year.41 Over the same period, ship traffic from Europe to the United States declined by 
29.5% , while the decline in traffic from the United States to the European Union reached 38.3%.42 
This resulted  into higher costs for shipping and serious problems for supply  chains.   
Since May, container shipping has been on a gradual upward trend, although the  situation 
varies significantly across regions. UNCTAD estimated that, by early August, container port ship calls 
in China and Hong Kong, China had increased by 4.1 % compared to 2019, but calls in North America 
and Europe were still 16.3 % and 13.2 % below levels registered one year earlier.43 
The COVID -19 pandemic has also seriously disrupted land transport worldwide. Most countries 
have suspended or largely reduced cross -border passenger transport services. While borders 
remained open for freight transportation, drivers were subject to border controls for quarantine 
purposes, which has led to a slowdown of logistics flows. In order to mitigate disruption, several 
governme nts have adopted measures to facilitate freight transport. For example, most EU member 
states implemented temporary relief measures, including the suspension of weekend traffic bans for 
heavy vehicles, as well as a temporary and limited relaxation of the e nforcement of driving and rest 
times for the drivers of vehicles transporting goods.44  
While countries' political responses to C OVID -19 cover a wide range of measures , including 
those aimed at mitigating supply chain disruptions, a report published by the  International Road 
Transport Union (IRU) in late June 2020 underscores that restrictions outweigh facilitation measures , 
suggesting long -term impacts on the industry.  According to the IRU, the annual turnover  is expected 
to decline by 18% in the freight r oad transport sector globally. As regards passenger road transport, 
revenue is forecast to decline by 57% in 2020 .45  
Box 4.2 COVID -19 Government aid measures in air transport  
Air transport is also one of the sectors most affected by the COVID -19 outbreak and the social distancing and mobility 
restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the epidemic. Latest available data reveal that global passenger traffic declin ed 
91.3% year -over-year in May  2020a. Accordi ng to IATA's latest estimates, full -year 2020 traffic is expected to fall 66% in 
2020 compared to 2019b. 
The crisis has put airlines' finances under severe strain. Governments have intervened to support the industry to ensure that  
it remains viable, ready to restart connectivity and able to underpin the wider travel value chain. In addition to introducing 
facilitating regulatory measures thus far, governments have provided, so far, USD 160 billion in financial support. By far th e 
largest part of government support has taken the form of loans, followed by wage subsides, loan guarantees and equity 
financing. Additional support measures include specific industry tax relief, including on tickets or fuels, and cash injectio ns. 
This assistance is not evenly spread  geographically. As a share of airlines' regional revenuec, by May 2020 government support 
has varied between 25% in North America and 1% in Latin America and Africa and the Middle East. Even amongst the top -10 
passenger markets, levels of support have dif ferent markedly, accounting for over 36% of 2019 ticket revenues in France, 
nearly 33% in the United States and less than 2% in Australia, Canada and Indiad. According to IATA; there is virtually no 
correlation between the size of the aid extended and the airlines' pre -COVID return on invested capital.  
a Viewed at: https://aci.aero/news/2020/07/31/aci -world -data-reveals -catastrophic -impact-of-pandemic -on-
global -traffic/ . 
b Viewed at: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2020 -09-29-02/. 
c 2019 revenue to, from and within each region.  
d Viewed at: https://www.iata.org/en/iata -repository/publications/economic -reports/government -aid-and-
airlines -debt/ . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
41 "COVID -19: Impact on Shipping", EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency), 11 September 2020. 
Viewed at: http://www.emsa.europa.eu/news -a-press -centre/covid19 -impact/item/4002 -september -2020-
covid-19-impact -on-shipping -report.html . 
42 "COVID -19: Impact on Shipping", EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency), 11 September 2020. 
Viewed at: http://www.emsa.europa.eu/news -a-press -centre/covid19 -impact/item/4002 -september -2020-
covid-19-impact -on-shipping -report.html  
43 Viewed at: https://unctad.org/news/navigating -through -coronavirus -crisis-and-uncertainty -how-
maritime -transport -data-can-help.   
44 On 16 M arch 2020, the European Commission issued guidelines for border measures to protect health 
and keep goods and essential services available. The guidelines set out principles for an integrated approach to 
an effective border management to protect health whi le preserving the integrity of the internal market.  Viewed 
at: https://ec.europa. eu/home -affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what -we-do/policies/european -agenda -
migration/20200316_covid -19-guidelines -for-border -management.pdf . 
45 IRU Intelligence Report "Covid -19 Impacts on the Road Transport Industry", June 2020. Viewed at: 
https://www.iru.org/resources/iru -library/covid -19-impacts -road-transport -industry -executive -summary .  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Health Services  
The COVID -19 crisis stimulated a surge in the use of telemedicine services.46 In China, for 
example, the growth of online medical services has accelerated substantially, with some platforms 
experiencing three -digit growth rates between December 2019 and January 2020. The number of 
users of online medical platforms in Asian economie s (e.g. Australia, Indonesia, Singapore) has 
grown rapidly .47 For the first quarter of 2020, there was a 150 % year-on-year growth in the use of 
telemedicine  platform s in the region.48 Some providers are also expanding their activities to enable 
patients to  benefit from certain services  sourced abroad, e.g. second opinions. The use of 
telemedicine also increased in Europe and North America, where the COVID -19 outbreak prompted 
calls for making more extensive use of telemedicine. In the United States, healthc are providers have 
reported 50 to 175 times more telehealth visits compared to pre -COVID -19.49  
Education Services  
The closure of schools and higher education institutions in response to the pandemic carried 
significant social and economic consequences; UN ESCO estimated that during the peak of the crisis, 
school and university closures in 190 countries had impacted over 90 % of the world's student 
population.50 These closures have also affected the provision of education services worldwide, 
causing the deman d for online learning to skyrocket.  
The pandemic also had a significant economic impact on the higher education sector. In 
particular, the closure of universities and border measures has had a chilling effect on international 
student inflows, which consti tute an important source of revenue for tertiary institutions.51 In the 
United States, the American Council on Education estimated a 25 % decline of international student 
enrollment in the fall of 2020, resulting in a USD 25 billion revenue loss for educati onal institutions.52  
As systems massively move to e -learning, the digital divide in relation to connectivity, access 
to devices and skill levels is taking on even more significance. Looking forward, the current crisis is 
likely to have a significant and l asting impact on the provision of education and, thereby, on 
international trade in educational services, notably by increasing the demand and supply of online 
education.  
Box 4.3  on the impact on services trade costs as a result of travel restrictions imposed in 
response to the COVID -19 pandemic has been contributed by the OECD.  
Box 4.3 Impact of COVID -19 international travel restrictio ns on services trade costs  
Restrictions on the movement of people across international borders, implemented on health and safety 
grounds in response to the COVID -19 outbreak, have implications for services exporters. Services trade costs 
are estimated to increase by an average of 12% across sectors and countries. The full impact is expected to 
materialize in the medium term (3 -5 years) after an extended period of limited international travel. It is 
therefore important that emergency measures d esigned to tackle COVID -19 be targeted, proportionate, 
transparent and temporary.  
About 60% of the increase result from measures that restrict the movement of business travelers. Limitations 
on the entry of foreign services providers account for one third.  The remainder comes from sector -specific 
measures.  
 
46 A study expects the  global market to rise by 23% in 2020 as a consequence of the pandemic . Viewed 
at: https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/5358007 -telemedicine -services -global -market -report -2020-30-
covid. 
47 Viewed at: https://www.bain.com/insights/covid -19-accelerates -the-adoption -of-telemedicine -in-asia-
pacific -countries/ .  
48 Viewed at: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/27/business/economy -business/coronavirus -
telemedicine -asia/. 
49 Viewed at : https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare -systems -and-services/our -
insights/telehealth -a-quarter-trillion -dollar -post-covid-19-reality . 
50 Viewed at: https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse . 
51 OECD (2020), "The Impact of COVID -19 on Education; Insights from Education at a Glance 2020", 
available at: https://www.oecd.org/edu cation/the -impact -of-covid-19-on-education -insights -education -at-a-
glance -2020.pdf .  
52 Viewed at: https://www.axios.com/internati onal-student -enrollment -trump -covid19 -5caad69c -f6d4-
4b79-bfb4-7b6ed038bc5b.html .   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  There is large variability in the increase in services -trade costs across sectors. Variations reflect differences 
in the stringency of initial policy responses and the cross -sectoral differences in the im portance of business 
travel and labour mobility to services trade:  
• Trade costs for professional services are estimated to increase by around 5% to 21%. The magnitude 
varies across professions depending on the pre -existing degree of openness. Trade costs in  logistics 
services could jump by between 5% and 20%.  
• Trade costs could rise by 3% to 16% across transport modes, reflecting the fact that transport is more 
capital intensive than other service sectors.  
• The regulatory environment for commercial banking and  insurance is particularly uncertain.  
• Remote connection and teleworking could help to mitigate somewhat increases in trade costs, 
especially for professional services and insurance, but the extent of this is difficult to assess.  
Countries are also likely t o be differently affected, depending on their initial regulation stringency and sectoral 
structure. Countries whose regulations regarding movement of people were liberal before the crisis are 
expected to witness the largest increase in trade costs, should borders continue to be closed to passenger 
travels.  
Countries are necessarily focused on ensuring the health and economic security of their people. Looking 
beyond the immediate, steps to reduce services trade costs will promote a recovery that is robust, w idespread 
and sustainable. Easing of COVID -19-related international travel restrictions, when health and safety 
considerations permit, will ensure that trade in services, which is highly intertwined with manufacturing in 
global value chains, can support th e recovery.  
Source: OECD . 
 
 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  5  POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  
During the review period, WTO Members continued to fine -tune their intellectual property (IP) 
domestic frameworks, as shown by the submissions for the trade monitoring exercise and the 
notifications to the TRIPS Council. Starting in early 2020 and in response to the  COVID -19 pandem ic, 
several Members implemented specific IP measures aimed at facilitating the development and 
dissemination of COVID -19-related health technologies, as well as at relaxing procedural 
requirements and extending deadlines for administrative IP matters. Thes e government measures 
were complemented by voluntary action by IP right holders, for instance,  the sharing of intellectual 
property rights (IPRs) to support research and development (R&D) and to facilitate access to relevant 
health technologies.1  
Acceptance of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement  
Burundi, Niger and Barbados  deposited their instruments of acc eptance of the Protocol 
Amending the TRIPS Agreement in December 2019, March  and April 2020, respectively.2 The 
Protocol incorporates an additional flexibility into the TRIPS  Agreement to address public health 
needs of countries with limited or no domesti c capacity to produce pharmaceuticals  and which  rely 
on imports to satisfy their needs. The mechanism provides for a secure legal pathway that allows 
potential exporting Members to grant special compulsory licences expressly for the production and 
export o f generic medicines to meet the needs of importing countries . 
Chart 5.1 Acceptance of the Amendment to the TRIPS Agreement  
 
Note:  In blue, WTO Members which have accepted the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agree ment; in red, 
WTO Members yet to accept the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement; and in white, 
non-WTO Members.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
1 A number of these measures are listed in an information note on TRIPS and COVID -19. Viewed at 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trips_report_e.pdf . Also, examples can be viewed at: 
https://opencovidpledge.org/ ; https://www.medtronic.com/us -en/e/open -
files.html?cmpid=vanity_url_medtronic_com_openventilator_Corp_US_Covid19_FY20 ; 
https://wellcome.ac.uk/press -release/publishers -make -coronavirus -covid-19-content -freely -available -and-
reusable ; and https://www.sanofi.com/en/media -room/press -releases/2020/2020 -04-14-13-00-00. 
2 The Amended TRIPS Agreement entered into force in January 2017 and applies to all Members which 
have accepted the Protocol. A waiver, agreed in 2003 (WTO document s WT/L/540, 2 September 2003 and 
WT/L/540/Corr.1, 29 July 2005), continues to apply to those Members that are yet to accept the Protocol. An 
up-to-date list of the Members that have accepted the Protocol is available at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/trips_e/amendment_e.htm . 
WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Bilateral and regional trade a greements  (RTAs)  
On the bilateral and regional fronts, WTO Members continued to implement and negotiate a 
network of  reciprocal  trade agreements that contain substantive IP provisions. Currently, over 70% 
of the RTAs in force and notified to the WTO contain specific IP provisions. Increasingly, RTAS have 
further developed the intercon nection between IP and trade in goods and services, and the links of 
the IP system to other normative areas, such as investment, e -commerce, and competition policy.  
During the review period, the Trade and Investment Agreement between the European Union 
and Singapore entered into force on 8 November 2019;3 the United States and China concluded 
Phase 1 of the Economic and Trade Agreement  on 13 December 2019 ;4 the Agreement between the 
United  States , Mexico  and Canada (USMCA) entered into force on 1 July 20 20;5 and the Trade 
Agreement between the European Union and Viet Nam entered into force on 31 July 2020.6  
The European Union and Mexico announced the conclusion of the negotiations of their updated 
trade agreement  in April 2020 .7 Reportedly, substantiv e IP issues were under consideration during 
the negotiations in the framework of the Pacific Alliance ;8 and t he negotiations of Phase 2 of the 
African Continental Free Trade Area, scheduled to start in 2020, are also slated to cover substantive 
IP provisi ons.9 
Specific IP -related international instruments  
Members also joined specific IP -related international instruments: Canada acceded to the 
Patent Law Treaty;10 the European Union acceded to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on 
Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications;11 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia acceded to the 
Vienna Agreement Establishing  an International Classification of the Figurative Eleme nts of Marks, 
the Locarno Agreement Establishing an International  Classification for Industrial Designs12 and the 
Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification;13 and India acceded to 
the Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the 
Purposes of the Registration of Marks, the Vienna Agreement, and the Locarno Agreement.14 
The Russian Federation completed the ratification p rocedures regarding the Protocol on the 
Protection of Industrial Designs to the Eurasian Patent Convention  and the Treaty on Trademarks, 
Service Marks and Appellations of Origin of the Eurasian Economic Union .15  
The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Proper ty signed a patent prosecution highway agreement 
with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a Memorandum of Cooperation with the 
Japanese Patent Office, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Intellectual Property 
Organization (WIPO) to establish a national centre for training.16 The Indian Patent Office initiated 
a three -year patent prosecution highway pilot programme with the Japan Patent Office.17 
 
3 Viewed at: https://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in -focus/eu -singapore -agreement/ .  
4 Viewed at: https://ustr.gov/countries -regions/china -mongolia -taiwan/peoples -republic -china/phase -
one-trade -agreement  and https://ustr.gov/about -us/policy -offices/press -office/press -
releases/2019/december/united -states -and-china -reach .  
5 Viewed at: https://www. state.gov/entry -into-force-of-the-united -states -mexico -canada -agreement/ . 
6 Viewed at: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1412 .  
7 Viewed at: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_756 . 
8 Viewed at: https://alianzapacifico.net/inicio -en-chile-la-tercera -ronda -de-negociaciones -con-los-
candidatos -a-estado -asociado . 
9 Viewed at: https://www.wipo.int/about -wipo/en/dgo/news/2020/news_0008.html  and 
https://www.tralac.org/blog/article/14066 -the-proposed -afcfta -protocol -on-intellectual -property -rights.html . 
10 Submission by Canada to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
11 WTO document IP/N/1/EU/35 . 
12 Submission by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia t o the WTO Monitoring Report . 
13 Viewed at: https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2123181 .  
14 Submission by India to the WTO Monitoring Report . 
15 Submission by the Russ ian Federation to the WTO Monitoring Report.  
16 Submission by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
17 Submission by India to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)  and the European Patent Offi ce 
(EPO) agreed to continue indefinitely the existing Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Program.18 
Developments in domestic legislation and administration  of IPRs  
Domestically, WTO Members and Observers are working to streamline IP into their economies. 
The relationship between  IP and trade continued to develop and diversify, as Members continued to 
modernize and fine -tune their IP legislation and administration ( Box 5.1).  
Box 5.1 Domestic legislation and administrative developments  
Australiaa 
Between October and December 2019, public consultations were held on the amendments to the industrial 
design system. In February 2020, the Intellectual Property Laws Amend ment Act , 2020 entered into force, 
phasing out the innovation patent system and introducing an objects clause into the Patent Act , 1990.  
Consultations were also held regarding the industrial designs system from 23 July to 28 August 2020.  
Azerbaijanb 
In Nov ember 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers issued Resolution No. 437 on the Requirements for Patent 
Applications and Resolution No. 453 on the Rules for the Inclusion of Inventions, Utility Models and Industrial 
Designs in the State Register.  
Canadac 
In March 20 20, amendments to the Copyright Act and the Trademarks Act came into force.  
Chiled 
In October 2019, amendments to the procedures on how to appear before the National Institute of Intellectual 
Property entered into force.  
Chinae 
In June 2020, the "Jianwang 2020" special campaign was launched to combat online infringements and piracy.  
Hong Kong, Chinaf 
In June 2020, the amendments to the Trademarks Ordinance came into force; they provide for the 
implementation of an international registration system , as per the WIPO  Madrid Agreement . The Copyright 
Ordinance was amended to enhance exceptions relating to persons with disabilities, as per the WIPO 
Marrakesh Treaty.  
Indiag 
In April 2020, the Startups Intellectual Property Protection Scheme was extended f or a further period of 3 
years, to facilitate patent, design and trademark applications. Applications can also be made through the 
Innovation Support Centre network , established in association with WIPO.  
Indonesiah 
In December 2019, the Minister of Law and  Human Rights issued Regulation  No. 30, which contains detailed 
procedures for the granting of compulsory licences.  In July 2020,  Regulation No. 34 revoked Regulation No. 
27 of 2004 on Procedures on Government Use of Patents; Presidential Regulation N o. 77 of 2020 provided for 
Procedures for Government Use of Patent s; and Ministerial Regulation No. 20 provides the  
Requirements and Procedure s on Special Tariff s for Patent and Copyright Services . In August 2020, 
Government Regulation No. 46 provided for Requirements and Procedures for Patent Transfers.  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabiai 
Between October 2019 and April 2020, the national IP administration was revamped, as the authority on 
copyrights, trademarks patents, layout designs of integrated circuits, plant va rieties and industrial designs 
was transferred to the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property , and hearings on IP -related civil and criminal 
cases were transferred to commercial courts. In January 2020, the IP Respect Council was created , with 
representa tives from the public and private sectors.  
Mauritiusj 
In August 2020, the Mauritius Revenue Authority issued information on border measures regarding copyrights, 
patents, industrial designs, trademarks and collective marks.  
Philippine sk 
The I mplementing R ules and Regulations (IRR s), covering the sale or lease of original works  after the first 
disposition by the author , and the IRRs on works created or used by the Government of the Philippines came 
into force in July 2020.  
 
18 Submission by the Philippines to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 124 - 
 
  Russian Federationl 
Since June 2020, Decree No. 893 provides applicants the opportunity to extend the terms of some procedures 
for the protection of IPRs. In July 2020, Federal Law No. 217 -FZ implemented digital titles of protection 
(patents and certificates) and authorized a pplicants to submit images of inventions, utility models, industrial 
designs and trademarks as three -dimensional models; and Federal Law No. 262 -FZ provides for certified 
scientific and educational organizations to conduct preliminary search and assessment  of patentability for 
inventions and utility models . 
Seychellesm 
In September 2020 , the statutory functions for copyright  were transferred  from the Department of Culture to 
the Department of Trade . The Registrar General  was appointed  as Registrar of Copyri ght. 
Singaporen 
In November 2019, the Intellectual Property Enforcement Act came into force, implementing the EU -Singapore 
Free Trade Agreement. Under the Copyright Act and the Trademark Act  provisions for the seizure of suspected 
infringing goods that are to be exported  is provided , at the request of the  IPR holder.  
Chinese Taipeio 
Amendments to the Enforcement Rules of the Patent Act came into force  in November 2019  and June 2020 . 
The amendments to the Trade Secrets Act, which came into force in January 2020, are aimed a t strengthening 
confidentiality during investigation procedures.  The Regulations Governing the Implementation of Filing Patent 
and Trademark Applications and Services by Electronic Means were amended in July 2020. To conform to 
copyright norms and judicial  precedent, the Regulations Governing Application for Approval of Compulsory 
License of Musical Works and Royalties for Use Thereof  were amended in August 2020 . 
Ukrainep 
The amendments to the Customs Code entered into force in November 2019, expanding the use of border 
measures and introducing the possibility of early release of goods suspected of infringing IPRs. In 
January  2020, the amendments to improve the protection of geographical indications came into force.  
a Submission by Australia to  the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
b Submission by Azerbaijan to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
c Submission by Canada to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
d Submission by Chile to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
e Submission by China to the WTO Trade Mon itoring Report.  
f Submission by Hong Kong, China to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report and notification to the TRIPS Council.  
g Submission by India to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
h Submission by Indonesia to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
i Submissi on by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
j Submission by Mauritius to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
k Submission by the Philippines to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
l Submission by the Russian Federation to the WTO Trad e Monitoring Report.  
m Submission by Seychelles  to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report and notifications to the TRIPS Council.  
n Submission by Singapore to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report and notifications to the TRIPS Council.  
o Submission by Chinese Taipei for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report and notifications to the TRIPS Council.  
p Submission by Ukraine to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report and notifications to the TRIPS Council.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
COVID -19-related measures  
Since early 2020, Members have undertaken IP measures  that range from those aimed at 
promoting innovation or facilitating access with respect to COVID -19-related health technologies to 
measures  that ease certain procedural requirements or deadlines for adm inistrative matters. In 
March 2020, the legislatures of Chile and Ecuador issued  non-binding resolutions expressing their 
respective views on the need to take initiatives to facilitate access to COVID -19-related technologies, 
including the issuance of comp ulsory licen ces.  
Some Members endeavoured to make patent information or product standards related to 
combatting COVID -19 more easily available , and/or introduced measures which may facilitate the 
grant of government use or compulsory licences for patented  technology relevant to addressing the 
pandemic. These substantive measures are shown in Table 5.1.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 125 - 
 
  Table 5.1 IP COVID -19-related substantive measures  
Member  Measure  Source  Date  
Argentina  Argentina published a bulletin, 
developed in collaboration with 
PROSUR member countries, of certain 
health technologies related to COVID -
19. https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticia
s/boletin -prosur -covid-19  26/04/2020  
Australia  The Trade Mark COVID -19 Helpline 
supports and assists small to medium 
Australian businesses tha t are having 
to quickly adapt to changing 
circumstances due to COVID -19, in 
exploring use of their trademark/s on 
different goods and services to those 
currently covered under the respective 
trademark application or registration.   https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/trade
-marks/managing -your-trade -
mark/introducing -trade -mark-covid-
19-helpline  20/05/2020  
Brazil  The National Institute of Industrial 
Property (INPI, in Portuguese) 
published patent landscapes on 
patents or patent applications filed at 
the INPI on diagnostic methods for the 
new coronavirus and other respiratory 
viruses, ventilators and Remdesivir. 
This pr oject was part of PROSUR 
(Sistema de Cooperación sobre 
aspectos de información operacional y 
de Propiedad Industrial , in Spanish), 
which published a bulletin of certain 
health technologies related to COVID -
19. http://www.inpi.gov.br/menu -
servicos/patente/tecnologias -para-
covid-19/ESTUDIOS   06/04/2020  
Brazil  Under Ordinance ( Portaria , in 
Portuguese) No. 149/2020, the INPI 
will prioritize the examination of patent  
applications related to innovations that 
could be used to fight COVID -19, from 
7 April 2020 to 30  June 2021.  http://www.inpi.gov.br/noticias/inpi -
vai-acelerar -exame -de-patentes -
relativas -ao-combate -do-covid-
19/view   07/04/2020  
Canada  Bill C-13 (Act respecting certain 
measures in response to COVID -19) 
received Royal Assent. It amends 
Canada's Patent Act to empower the 
Commissioner of Patents, on the 
application of the Minister of Health, to 
authorize the Government or another 
specified person to supply a patented 
invention to the extent necessary to 
respond to a public health emergency 
that is a matter of national concern. 
These amendments include safeguards 
to protect the interests of patent 
holders; for example, ensuring that a 
patent holder rec eives adequate 
remuneration for the use of the patent, 
placing limitations on the duration of 
the authorization, providing the patent 
owner with notice of the authorization, 
and ensuring that the patent owner 
has recourse to the courts if any 
person author ized acts outside the 
scope of the authorization. This 
amendment remained in effect until 
30/09/2020.  https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewe
r/en/43 -1/bill/C -13/royal -assent    
 
Notified to the TRIPS Council in WTO 
document IP/N/1/CAN/30.  Entry into 
force 
25/03/2020  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 126 - 
 
  Member  Measure  Source  Date  
Chile As a way to collaborate in the effort to 
contain the spread of COVID -19, in 
March and April 2020, the INAPI 
(Instituto Nacional de Propiedad  
Industrial) prepare d special editions of 
its reports on public domain 
technologies focused on elements for 
personal protection designed to 
mitigate contagion:  
IDP No. 106 - Elementos de protección 
personal: Mascarillas  (Elements for 
personal protection: face masks)  
IDP No. 107 - Elementos de protección 
personal: Gafas de seguridad  
(Elements for personal protection: 
safety goggles)  
IDP No. 108 - Elementos de protección 
personal: Guantes  (Elements for 
personal protection: gloves).  https://www.inapi.cl/docs/default -
source/default -document -
library/informe_106.pdf?sfvrsn=1574
5302_0   
https://www.inapi.cl/docs/default -
source/default -document -
library/informe_107.pdf?sfvrsn=155a
26d1_0   
 
https://www.inapi.cl/docs/default -
source/default -document -
library/informe_dp_108.pdf?sfvrsn=b
bfdd1d5_0   01/03/2020  
Chile In the context of the PROSUR/PROSUL 
regional technical cooperation 
initiative, the INAPI contributed to the 
elaboration of the public domain patent 
report on technologies to combat 
COVID -19. https://www .inapi.cl/sala -de-
prensa/detalle -noticia/oficinas -de-
prosur -publican -informe -de-
tecnologias -de-dominio -publico -para-
enfrentar -efectos -de-crisis-sanitaria   26/04/2020  
China  The China Patent Information Center 
launched a freely accessible database 
for various coronavirus -related 
patents.  https://ncp.patentstar.cn/en   01/02/2020  
Colombia  Colombia published a bulletin with all 
the public domain patents on 
technologies to combat COVID -19. All 
PROSUR members col laborated in the 
report.  https://prosur.org/wp -
content/uploads/2020/04/Boletin -
PROSUR -COVID19 -1.pdf  28/04/2020  
Ecuador  The National Service for Intellectual 
Rights  (SENADI) prepared an Infosite 
on technologies used for the treatment 
and prevention of COVID -19. The 
Infosite contains government 
measures and official information 
issued by national institutions, within 
the scope of their respective 
authorities, as well as sanitary 
measures that have been adopted as a 
result of the emergency declaration, in 
addition to information generated 
internationally on COVID -19, contained 
in dissemination platforms and 
technological bulletins prepared by 
International Organizations  and other 
national intellectual property offices. 
The Infosite is constantly updated with 
information of interest to users.  https://www.propiedadintelectual.go
b.ec/covid_19/   29/04/2020  
Ecuador  The SENADI prepared an Information 
Bulletin on patents related to COVID -
19, which contains useful information 
related to technologies, e.g. 
pharmaceuticals for experimental 
treatment; equipment; devices and 
medical supplies; and biosecurity 
equipme nt and technologies. The 
objective is to provide the relevant 
information to public and private 
entities.  https://www.propiedadintelectual.go
b.ec/covid_19 /files/BoletinABR/index
.html#p=5   01/04/2020  
Ecuador  Ecuador joined the preparation of the 
PROSUR Bulletin of Patents in the 
Public Domain on Technologies to 
Combat COVID -19. https://prosur.org/blog/novedad/pro
sur-emite -publicacion -electronica -
con-patentes -de-dominio -publico -en-
la-region -dirigidas -a-enfrentar -covid-
19/  01/04/2020  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 127 - 
 
  Member  Measure  Source  Date  
European 
Union  The European Committee for 
Standardization and the European 
Committee for Electrotechnical 
Standardization, in collaboration with 
their members, agreed to make freely 
available certain copyrighted European 
standards for certain medical devices 
and personal  protective equipment.  https://ec.europa.eu/commission/pre
sscorner/detail/en/ip_20_502   20/03/2020  
Germany  An amendment to the German Act on 
the Prevention and Control of 
Infectious Diseases in Humans grants 
the Parliament the competence to 
determine the existence of an 
"epidemic situation of national 
significance". On grounds of public 
interest or national sec urity, the 
Federal Ministry for Health is 
authorized to order the competent 
authority to allow the use of patent -
protected inventions to ensure the 
supply of various health technologies, 
including medicines, diagnostics and 
personal protection equipment.  https://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/star
t.xav#__bgbl__%2F%2F*%5B%40at
tr_id%3D%27bgbl120s0587.pdf%27
%5D__1588850035945   27/03/20 20 
Greece  Two bulletins were made available to 
the public via OBI's (Hellenic Industrial 
Property Organisation) website. These 
contain published patented medical 
technology related to vaccines and 
diagnostic methods, and 3D printing 
patented technology fo r facial masques 
and respirators. The bulletins were 
uploaded onto OBI's site on 11 May 
2020.  http://www.obi.gr/el/news/%ce%b5
%ce%bd%ce%b7%ce%bc%ce%b5
%cf%81%cf%89%cf%84%ce%b9%c
e%ba%ce%ae -
%ce%bc%ce%b5%ce%bb%ce%ad%
cf%84%ce%b7 -
%cf%83%cf%87%ce%b5%cf%84%c
e%b9%ce%ba%ce%ac -
%ce% bc%ce%b5 -%cf%84%ce%b1 -
%ce%b5%ce%bd%ce%b4%ce%b5/   11/05/2020  
Hungary  In connection with the COVID -19 
pandemic, the Government declared a 
special legal order (State of Danger). 
During this period, the Government 
may adopt decrees by means of which 
it may, as provided for by a cardinal 
act, suspend the application of certain 
acts, derogate from the provisions of 
acts, and take other extraordinary 
measures.  
Government Decree 212/2020 (16 
May) on public health compulsory 
licences for exploitation within 
Hungary (hereinafter, Government 
Decree 212/2020), based on Art. 31 of 
the TRIPS Agreement, created a public 
health compulsory licence for 
exploitation within Hungary.  
The special legal order (State of 
Danger) was terminated on 18 June 
2020, and thus Gover nment Decree 
212/2020 ceased to have effect on 
that day. Termination on 18/06/2020.  http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?doci
d=219512.383062   
https://njt.hu/translated/doc/J2020R
0212K_20200517_FIN.pdf   17/05/2020  
Israel  On 18 March 2020, the Minister of 
Health issued a permit allowing the 
Government to import generic versions 
of lapinovir/ritonavir from India for the  
purpose of treating COVID -19 patients.  In Hebrew: 
http://freepdfhosting.com/645a6a5b
51.pdf    18/03/2020  
Korea, 
Republic of  The Korean Intellectual Property Office 
made available patent information on 
technology relating to the diagnosis 
and treatment of COVID -19, including 
patent analysis and trend reports.  https://www.kipo.go.kr/ncov/index_e
.html  24/04/2020  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 128 - 
 
  Member  Measure  Source  Date  
Mauritania  Developmen t of medicinal patents, 
available to all economic operators  Directorate of Industry  
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and 
Tourism  01/03/2020  
Russian 
Federation  Creation of a special news section in 
the official Internet site of the Russian 
Federal service for intellectual property 
"Patent of the week" to promote 
inventions which represent technical 
solutions related to the fight against 
COVID -19. https://rospaten t.gov.ru/ru/news?cat
egories%5B%5D=3#news -container  01/03/2020  
Russian 
Federation  Decision of the Russian Federal Service 
for Intellectual Property on accelerated 
consideration of applications for 
inventions and utility models in the 
field of technologies for combating 
viruses and associated diseases 
(pneumonia) without charging an 
additional fee.  https://rospatent.gov.ru/ru/news/ros
patent -budet -prioritetno -
rassmatrivat -zayavki -na-
izobreteniya -v-oblasti -borby -s-
virusami  
 
https://www1.fips.ru/doc -virus/  23/04/2020  
Russian 
Federation  Creation of a speci al information 
section on the official Internet site of 
the Russian Federal Service for 
Intellectual Property, which contains 
information on patents relevant to the 
context of a pandemic (patent 
documents submitted by both 
domestic and foreign right holder s). https://www1.fips.ru/doc -virus/   01/05/2020  
Singapore  Singapore made copyrighted software 
related to a contact -tracing solution for 
COVID -19 freely available under an 
open-source licence.  https://bluetrace.io/   25/03/2020  
Chinese 
Taipei  The IP office released drug approval 
status and patent information of 52 
potential medications for combating 
COVID -19. https://www.tipo.gov.tw/en/cp -282-
876373 -c026a -2.html   
 
https://www.tipo.gov.tw/tw/cp -85-
873260 -f17e4 -1.html   12/03/2020  
Chinese 
Taipei  In order to support companies to 
quickly apply for trademark 
registration while lowering marketing 
risks, the IP office produced a list of 
the names of pandemic -prevention 
products and services, and is offering a 
fee reduction with respect to 
trademark applications which 
designate goods or services identical to 
those on the list.  https://www.tipo.gov.tw/en/cp -282-
876373 -c026a -2.html   27/03/2020  
Chinese 
Taipei  The IP office set up a trademark 
consultation h otline in order to assist 
applicants with trademark searches 
(hotline until 31/05/2020, may be 
extended depending on the 
circumstances).  https://www.tipo.gov.tw/tw/cp -85-
874399 -4bac3 -1.html 27/03/2020  
Chinese 
Taipei  The IP office established a pandemic -
prevention section in its Global Patent 
Search System which enables users to 
find patent information relating to 
epidemic prevention.  https://www.tipo.gov.tw/en/cp -282-
876373 -c026a -2.html   
 
https://www.tipo.gov.tw/tw/cp -853-
875513 -38fe6 -1.html   22/04/2 020 
Chinese 
Taipei  The IP office released patent 
information relating to mask -producing 
facilities and technologies around the 
world in order to help prevent patent 
infringement by producers.  https://www.tipo.gov.tw/en/cp -282-
876373 -c026a -2.html   
 
https://www.tipo.gov.tw/tw/cp -85-
875531 -6ace8 -1.html   28/04/202 0 
United 
States  The United States Patent and 
Trademark Office (USPTO) launched a 
website called Patents 4 Partnerships, 
which lists patents and published 
applications relating to COVID -19 that 
the owners have indicated are 
available for licensing, along w ith 
contact information.  https://content.govdelivery.com/acc
ounts/USPTO/bulletins/28971ab   04/05/2020  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 129 - 
 
  Member  Measure  Source  Date  
United 
States  The USPTO launched the COVID -19 
Prioritized Patent Examination Pilot 
Program, under which it grants 
requests for prioritized patent 
examination for applicants which 
qualify for small and micro -entity 
status with respect to applications that 
cover a product or process that is 
subject to U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration approval for use in the 
prevention and/or treatment of 
COVID -19. https://www.uspto.gov/about -
us/news -updates/uspto -announces -
covid-19-prioritized -examination -
pilot-program -small -
and?utm_campaign=subscriptioncent
er&utm_content=&utm_medium=em
ail&utm_name=&utm_so urce=govdel
ivery&utm_term=   08/05/2020  
United 
States  The USPTO launched the Prioritized 
Examination Program for certain 
trademark and service mark 
applications, which allows COVID -19-
related trademark applications to be 
advanced out of turn and immediatel y 
assigned for examination.  https://www.uspto.gov/trademark/la
ws-regulations/covid -19-petition -
prioritize -applications  15/06/2020  
United 
States  The USPTO implemented a deferred -
fee provisional patent application pilot 
programme and collaboration database 
to promote the expedited exchange of 
information about inventions designed 
to combat COVID -19. Under this 
programme, the USPTO permits 
applicants to defer payment of the 
provisional application filing fee until 
the filing of a corresponding non -
provisional application. In turn, 
applicants must agree that the 
technical subject matter disclosed in 
their provisional applications will be 
made av ailable to the public via a 
searchable collaboration database 
maintained on the USPTO's website.  https://www.uspto.gov/in itiatives/def
erred -fee-provisional -patent -
application -pilot-program -and-
collaboration -database   
 
https://www.uspto.gov/   17/09/2020  
Source:  WTO Secretariat. Submissions to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
Several Mem bers took measures to ease procedural requirements, deadlines or fees with 
respect to administrative IP matters, as shown in Table 5.2.  Generally, such measures appear to 
have been taken to mitigate  any difficulties caused by COVID -19, which applicants, ri ght holders or 
other stakeholders may encounter.19 WIPO launched COVID -19 IP Policy Tracker" , an online platform 
which provides information on the measures adopted in IP offices, among others, in response to the 
pandemic.20 
Table 5.2 IP COVID -19-related administrative measures  
Member  Measure  Source  Date  
Argentina  The National Institute of Industrial 
Property (INPI) suspended all 
substantive procedures before it, 
including certain deadlines, from 13 
April to 30 August 2020. The 
suspension can be further extended, if 
necessary. Relevant resolutions 
include: Resolució n INPI No. 34/2020 
(B.O.13/4/2020); No. 37/2020 
(B.O.28/4/2020); No. 42/2020 
(B.O.12/5/2020); No. 47/2020 
(B.O.27/5/2020); No. 51/2020 
(B.O.9/6/2020); No. 69/2020 
(B.O.9/6/2020); No. 78/2020 
(B.O.21/7/2020); No. 109/2020 
(B.O.5/8/2020); and No. 116/2020 
(B.O.19/8/2020).  https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/  
 
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/inpi/institu
cional/legisl acion  
 
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/inpi  12/04/2020  
 
19 Viewed at : https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cipointernet -internetopic.nsf/eng/wr00050.html . 
20 Viewed at: https://www.wipo.int/covid19 -policy -tracker/#/covid19 -policy -tracker/ipo -operations . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 130 - 
 
  Member  Measure  Source  Date  
Australia  Streamlined extensions of time for 
COVID -19-related disruptions was to be 
continued until 30 September 2020 (to 
be reviewed).  
Its continuation is being regularly 
reviewed considering the severity of the 
COVID -19 pandemic disruptions. At 
least one week 's notice will be provided 
before it is ended.  https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/free -
streamlined -extensions -time-covid-19-
disruptions   
 
https://www.ipaustrali a.gov.au/  22/04/2020  
Chile The National Institute of Industrial 
Property (INAPI) issued Resolution No. 
314 of 17 March, which extended all 
deadlines of contentious and non -
contentious procedures expiring 
between 17 March and 30 April, for a 
period equivalent to half of the original 
term.  
The INAPI issued Resolution No. 3.643 
of 29 April, which extended all 
deadlines of contentious and non -
contentious procedures expiring 
between 1 May and 15 May that had 
not been extended before.  https://www.inapi.cl/docs/default -
source/default -document -library/rex -
314_20_ampliacion -
plazos_covida534e c653f4c43bfaf54fec78
81f639f.pdf?sfvrsn=e8614e39_2   
 
https://www.inapi.cl/docs/default -
source/default -document -
library/ampliacion_primera_quincena_de
_mayo.pdf?sfvrsn=49c1691f_2   17/03/2020  
Chile Under Law No. 21.226 on the 
suspension of hearings and other 
activities in judicial cases, in force since 
2 April 2020, the following measures 
are applied regarding contentious 
proceedings before the INAPI:  
a) all hearings held under these 
proceedings are suspended;  
b) judicial determinations and actions 
that may cause defencelessness to any 
of the parties are not decreed due to 
the restrictions imposed within the 
framework of th e state of constitutional 
exception;  
c) in the event of unfeasibility to meet 
any deadline due to the restrictions 
imposed within the framework of the 
state of constitutional exception or as 
consequence of the health emergency, 
judiciary obstruction may be  claimed 
within 10 days of impairment cessation; 
and 
d) the evidentiary terms are suspended 
until the expiration of 10 business days 
after the state of constitutional 
exception ends.  https://www.pjud.cl/documents/396588/
0/21226.pdf/c2bb01aa -c89b-423d-8a83-
6c28f19db4b2  02/04/2020  
China  The China National Intellectual Property 
Administration issued Notice No. 350, 
clarifying relief measures for parties 
exceeding the time -limits for handling 
affairs in relation to patents, 
trademarks and layout -designs of 
integrated circuits as a result of COVID -
19. http://english.sipo .gov.cn/news/officialinf
ormation/1147236.htm   
 
http://english.sipo.gov.cn/index.htm  28/01/2020  
Greece  All time -limits set by law or by the 
Hellenic Industrial Property 
Organisation (OBI) related to the filing 
of patent applications, industrial design 
applications, supplementary protection 
certificate applications and 
topographies of semiconductor 
products, as well as to grant 
proceedings, excluding time -limits 
related to the payment of fees, were 
suspend ed from 11 March 2020 until 12 
June 2020. The suspension of time -
limits was granted pursuant to i) Article 
38 par. 5 of Legislative Act of March 20, 
2020; ii) Decision 
DIDAD/F.64.340/oik.9911/11.05.2020 
of the Minister of Internal Affairs; and http://www.obi.gr/el/news/%ce%b1%ce
%bd%ce%b1%cf%83%cf%84%ce%bf%
ce%bb%ce%ae -
%cf%80%cf%81%ce%bf%ce%b8%ce%
b5%cf%83%ce%bc%ce%b9%cf%8e%ce
%bd-%cf%83%cf%84%ce%bf%ce%bd -
%ce%bf%ce%b2%ce%b9 -
%ce%ba%ce%b1%cf%84 -
%ce%b5%cf%86%ce%b1%cf%81/   
 
http://www.obi.gr/el/news/%cf%80%ce
%b1%cf%81%ce%ac%cf%84%ce%b1%
cf%83%ce%b7 -
%ce%b1%ce%bd%ce%b1%cf%83%cf%
84%ce%bf%ce%bb%ce%ae%cf%82 -
%cf%80%cf%81%ce%bf%ce%b8%ce%
b5%cf%83%ce%bc%ce%b9%cf%8e%ce11/03/2020  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Member  Measure  Source  Date  
iii) Decisio ns AC/7/A01/2020 and 
AC/10/A01/2020 of OBI 's 
Administrative Council.  %bd-%cf%83%cf%84%ce%bf%ce%bd -
%ce%bf/  
Greece  Physical presence of the public at the 
OBI was suspended from 23 March until 
10 June 2020. Communication via 
phone or electronic means was 
encouraged. The filing procedure was 
not interrupted, due to the fact that all 
applications are filed electron ically. 
Operations were not suspended by the 
OBI. Existing and new applications were 
processed by staff in rotating shifts.  http://www.obi.gr/el/news/%ce%b1%ce
%bd%ce%b1%cf%83%cf%84%ce%bf%
ce%bb%ce%ae -
%ce%b5%cf%80%ce%b9%cf%83%ce%
ba%ce%ad%cf%88%ce%b5%cf%89%ce
%bd-
%ce%ba%ce%bf %ce%b9%ce%bd%ce%
bf%cf%8d -%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b1 -
%ce%b3%cf%81%ce%b1%cf%86%ce%
b5/  
 
http://www.obi.gr/el/news/%ce%b1%ce
%bd%ce%b1%cf%83%cf%84%ce%bf%
ce%bb%ce%ae -
%ce%b5%cf%80%ce%b9%cf%83%ce%
ba%ce%ad%cf%88%ce%b5%cf%89%ce
%bd-
%ce%ba%ce%bf%ce%b9%ce%bd%ce%
bf%cf%8d -%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b1 -
%ce%b3%cf%81%ce%b1%cf%86%ce%
b5-2/ 23/03/2020  
European 
Union  The European Union Intellectual 
Property Office extended certain 
deadlines for trademark and design 
matters.  https://euipo.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/w
eb/guest/news/ -/action/view/5644669  
 
https://euipo.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/h
ome  16/03/2020  
India The India Controller General of Patents, 
Designs & Trade Marks extended 
certain deadlines for patent, design and 
trademark matters.  http://www.ipindia.nic.in/newsdetail.htm
?681/  
http://www.ipindia.nic.in/index.htm   19/03/2020  
Italy The Italian Patent and Trademark Office 
extended the deadlines for 
administrative proceedings for 
trademarks, patents, designs and 
models.  https://uibm.mise.gov.it/index.php/en/20
2-news-english/2036408 -covid-19-
extension -of-the-deadline -for-
administrative -proceedings -to-15-may 
https://uibm.mise.gov.it/index.php/en/   08/04/2020  
Philippines  The Intellectual Property Office of the 
Philippines (IPOPHL) took certain 
procedural measures, including the 
extension of deadlines, the suspension 
of hearings, the extension of fee 
payments, and the acceptance of online 
filings  https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/advisories/  
https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/   16/03/2020  
Philippines  The extension of deadlines provided by 
IPOPHL does not apply to the filing of 
Third-Party Observations for inventions 
or Adverse Information on utility model 
and industrial design applications for 
personal protective equipment, medical 
health care equipment/devices, and 
pharmaceutical products urgently 
needed to contain and address the 
COVID -19 health situation.  https://law.upd.edu.ph/wp -
content/uploads/2020/05/IPOPHL -MC-
2020-010.pdf  20/04/2020  
Russian 
Federation  From 15 April to 17 May, a syste m of 
full electronic interaction was applied 
between the Russian Federal Service for 
Intellectual Property and applicants.  https://rospatent.gov.ru/ru/news/o -
poryadke -vzaimodeystviya -zayaviteley -s-
rospatentom -s-062020   
https://www1.fips.ru/news/pravila -
priema -zayavok -v-usloviyakh -pandemii/  15/04/2020  
Russian 
Federation  Under Government Resolution No. 893 
of 20 June 2020, time -limits for the 
applicant to perform actions related to 
the legal protection of IP (including 
those related to the payment of patent 
and other fees) which expire between 
30 March 2020 and 30 November 2020 
may be extended at the request of the 
applicant until 31 December 2020.  https://rospatent.gov.ru/ru/news/informa
cionnoe -soobshchenie -23062020  22/06/2020  
Saudi 
Arabia, 
Kingdom of  The Saudi Authority for Intellectual 
Property extended certain statutory 
deadlines for all IPRs.  https://www.saip.gov.sa/en/ -الفكرية-الملكية
ال-المهل-تمديد-عن -علنت/ 
https://www.saip.gov.sa/en/   27/03/2020  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 132 - 
 
  Member  Measure  Source  Date  
Singapore  The Intellectual Property Office of 
Singapore (IPOS) extended certain 
deadlines for patent, trademark, 
design, plant variety protection and 
geographical indication matters.  https://www.ipos.gov.sg/docs/default -
source/resources -library/practice -
direction -no-2-of-2020.pdf   
https://www.ipos.gov.sg/  07/04/2020  
Singapore  The IPOS introduced amendments to 
subsidiary legislation in response to 
COVID -19, which took effect on 5 June 
2020. The key amendments enable the 
following: (i) extension of time for 
pending deadlines in special 
circumstances; and (ii) alternative filing 
modes and service of documents.  https://www.ipos.gov.sg/docs/default -
source/resources -
library /patents/circulars/2020 -circular -
no-3---introduction -of-amendments -to-
subsidiary -legislation -in-response -to-
covid-19.pdf   
 
https:/ /www.ipos.gov.sg/docs/default -
source/resources -library/registries -
practice -direction -no-03-of-2020.pdf  05/06/2020  
Singapore  The IPOS began implementing fully 
digital hearings for IP -related disputes 
(it recently concluded its first mediation 
held fully on  a digital platform).  https://www.ipos.gov.sg/  07/06/2020  
Switzerland  The Swiss Federal Institute of 
Intellectual Property (IPI) extended 
certain deadlines for IPRs. The IPI is 
fully functional. Its premises are op en 
to the public.  https://www.ige.ch/en/services/newsroo
m/coronavirus -news.html#c70226  27/07/2020  
Chinese 
Taipei  The IP office announced relief for delays 
in complying with certain statutory or 
specified time -periods regarding patent 
and trademark matters due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  https://www.tipo.gov.tw/en/cp -282-
877183 -91552 -2.html   
 
https://www.tipo.gov.tw/tw/cp -85-
863734 -8fbce -1.html  31/01/2020  
Thailand  The Department of Intellectual Property 
extended certain deadlines for IPR 
administrative proceedings.  https://www.ipthailand.go.th/images/353
4/2563/00018058.pdf  
https://www.ipthailand.go.th/en/home -
eng.html   24/03/2020  
Thailand  The Department of Intellectual Property 
introduced methods for e -certification 
and e -signature.  https://www.ipthailand.go.th/images/353
4/2563/Covid19/DIPCACOVID 19.pdf  
https://www.ipthailand.go.th/en/home -
eng.html   30/03/2020  
Thailand  The Department of Intellectual 
Property, Ministry of Commerce  issued 
Practical Guidelines for Applicants in 
relation to the Memo according to 
Article 8 of the Licensing Facilitation Act 
B.E. 2558 (2015) during the Situation 
of Coronavirus Disease (COVID -19), 
relating to requests for extensions of 
time-periods of proceedings.  http://www.ipthailand.go.th/images/3534
/2563/Covid19/dip_extend_application_c
ovid19.pdf  27/05/2020  
United 
Kingdom  The United Kingdom Intellectual 
Property Office extended certain 
deadlines for patent, SPC, trademark 
and design matters. The expiration date 
was 30/07/2020.  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/c
oronavirus -important -update -on-ipo-
services  
https://www.gov.uk/government/organis
ations/intellectual -property -office   24/03/2020  
United 
States  The USPTO considers the effects of 
COVID -19 to be an " extraordinary 
situation" within the meaning of 37 CFR 
1.183 and 37 CFR 2.146 for affected 
patent and trademark applicants, 
patentees, re -examination parties, and 
trademark owners. Therefore, it is 
waiving petition fees in certain 
situations for customers i mpacted by 
COVID -19. Details about eligible 
applications and re -examination 
proceedings are provided in the link.  https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files
/documents/coronavirus_relief_ognotice_
03162020.pdf   16/03/2020  
United 
States  The USPTO extended certain de adlines 
for patent and trademark matters.  https://www.uspto.gov/about -us/news -
updates/uspto -extends -certain -patent -
and-trademark -deadlin es-june-1 
https://www.uspto.gov/   27/03/2020  
United 
States  The USPTO is waiving the requirement 
of 37 CFR 1.4(e)(1) and (2) for original 
handwritten signature for certain 
correspondence with the Office of 
Enrollment and Discipline, and certain 
payments by credit card.  https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files
/documents/85%20FR%2017502.pdf   30/03/2020  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Member  Measure  Source  Date  
United 
States  Until further no tice, the USPTO accepts 
plant patent applications and follow -on 
documents through the USPTO patent 
electronic filing systems (EFS -Web or 
Patent Center).  https://www.uspto.gov/about -us/uspto -
allow-filing-plant-patent -applications -
and-correspondence -patent -electronic -
filing  06/05/2020  
Source:  WTO Secretariat. Submissions to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
TRIPS Council  
During the review  period, the TRIPS Council met on t hree occasions : 17-18 October 2019 ; 
6 February ; and 30 July 2020.  
At the October 2019 meeting, the Council discussed a proposal on transparency and 
notification requirements.21 It undertook the annual review of technical cooperation under Article  67, 
based on reports submitted by developed  country Members22, intergovernmental organizations23 
and the WTO  Secretariat;24 the annual review of the Special Compulsory Licensing System; and 
started the annual review of incentives for technology transfer to LDCs, as per Article  66.2, on the 
basis of reports by developed country Members.25 Delegations agreed to ex tend the period for 
acceptance of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement until end -2021; and a draft decision was 
submitted to the General Council for adoption at its meeting in December 2019.26 
The February  2020 meeting was preceded by the Workshop on the Implementation of 
Article  66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement: Incentives for Technology Transfer, during which capital -based 
LDC experts reviewed the reports by implementing Members. These experts enriched the discussions 
during the Council's conclusion of th e review under Article 66.2 , and presented a proposal to 
streamline reporting procedures.27 The Council had before it a submission regarding a draft Codex 
Alimentarius standard which prohibited "cross -promotion" in product labelling across product 
categori es (e.g. infant formula, follow -up formula, and formula for medical purposes) and could 
impact IPRs, specifically trademark rights under the TRIPS Agreement.28 
During the July 2020 meeting, delegations had a detailed exchange on COVID -19-related  
measures: under the agenda item "IP Measures in the context of COVID -19", Members focused on 
the compilation of IP -related measures maintained by the WTO Secretariat;29 digitization in the 
context of the pandemic and TRIPS -related  work in the  e-commerce  Work Program me;30 and TRIPS 
flexibilities outside the patent area in the context of access to medical technologies  under "IP and 
Public Interest" .31 In preparation for the Review on the Implementation of Article 66.2, the  LDC 
Group presented a proposal on reporting incentive s for technology transfer .32 
Members actively shared  their national experiences and engaged in policy discussions on 
two themes, namely IP and Innovation and IP and the Public Interest. Specific agenda items 
concerned "Public -Private Collaborations in Innovation - IP Commercialization";33 "R&D Costs and 
Pricing of Medicines and Health Technologies";34 "Making MSMEs more Competitive through 
Trademarks";35 "The WTO TRIPS Agreement and the Copyright Three -Step Test" ;36 and "  Beyond 
Access to Medicines and Medical Technologies Towards A More Holistic Approach To  Trips 
 
21 WTO document JOB/IP/33/Rev.2  
22 WTO document IP/C/W/655 and addenda . 
23 WTO document IP/C/W/645 and addenda.  
24 WTO document IP/C/W/658.  
25 WTO document  IP/C/W/656 and addenda.  
26 WTO document  WT/L/1081 . 
27 WTO document  RD/IP/37 . 
28 WTO document  IP/C/W/660  and IP/C/M/94/Add.1 . 
29 Viewed at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_ip_measure_e.htm .  
30 WTO document IP/C/W/665.  
31 WTO document IP/C/W/666 . 
32 WTO document IP/C/W/664 . 
33 WTO document IP/C/W/657 . 
34 WTO document IP/C/W/659.  
35 WTO document IP/C/W/661 and addenda.  
36 WTO document IP/C/W/663.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 134 - 
 
  Flexibilitie s".37 Discussions on non -violation and situation complaints under the TRIPS  Agreement 
continued. In general, delegations maintained their established positions.38  
During the review period, 21 Members39 notified legislative measures unde r Article  63.2. Most 
of them introduced their new or amended laws during the Council's meetings, providing insights into 
developments in different areas, for instance: copyright; trademarks; layout designs; industrial 
designs; patents; undisclosed informat ion; trade secrets; protection of traditional knowledge; 
enforcement of IPRs; and competition. Ten Members submitted information on their contact points 
for the exchange of information and cooperation on trade in infringing goods, under Article 69.40 
One M ember submitted its contact point for technical cooperation, as per Article  67.41 
TRIPS -related Discussions in Trade Policy Reviews  
During the review period, the Trade Policy Mechanism reviewed six Members42. These  reviews 
included discussions on a wide ra nge of IP  issues with a bearing on trade policy, including:43 
• composition of IP assets;  
• reform of the copyright regime;  
• protection of indigenous cultural intellectual property;  
• modernization of the trademark regime and the protection of olfactory or taste marks;  
• geographical indications and the GI regime for non -agricultural products;  
• patent regime, supplementary patent certificates and patent extension;  
• compulsory licen ces; 
• implementation of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement;  
• protection of test data;  
• regulation applicable to genetic resources accessed under the Nagoya Protocol;  
• protection of trade secrets;  
• enforcement, both online and at the border;  
• anti-competitive practices;  
• technical assistance and cooperation programmes imp lemented in the framework of 
Article  66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement;  
• programmes to support IP management by SMEs ; and  
• accession and implementation of WIPO instruments . 
 
 
 
 
37 WTO document IP/C/W/666.  
38 WTO documents IP/C/M/9 3/Add.1; IP/C/M/9 4/Add.1 ; and IP/C/M/9 5/Add.1 . 
39 Australia; Brazil; Canada; China; Czech Republic ; European Union ; Hong Kong , China;  Hungary; Japan; 
Korea , Republic of ; Kyrgyz Republic;  Mexico;  Myanmar; Russian Federation; Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; Slovenia; 
Chinese Taipei; Thailand; Ukraine ; United Kin gdom; and United States.  
40 Albania; Belize; India; Korea, Republic of; Kyrgyz Republic;  Qatar; Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; Slovenia; 
Tonga; and Vanuatu.  
41 Chile.  
42 Peru, Lao People's Democratic Republic, European Union , Australia , Japan and Zimbabwe . 
43 WTO d ocuments WT/TPR/ M/393/Add.1; WT/TPR/ M/394/Add.1; WT/TPR/ M/395/ Add.1; 
WT/TPR/M/396/Add.1 ; WT/TPR/M/397/Add.1 ; and RD/TPR/1174 . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 135 - 
 
  6  TRANSPARENCY OF TRADE POLICIES  
Notifications and Surveillance in WTO  Councils and Committees1 
6.1.  This Section provides a factual overview of the compliance and timeliness of Members' 
notifications to the WTO. Notifications are the primary instrument for ensuring transparency in the 
multilateral trading system. They are submi tted by each Member and reviewed by the relevant 
bodies of the WTO. The importance attached by WTO Members to this issue explains the very 
elaborate system of notifications and cross -notifications put in place under the terms of most 
agreements. Transparen cy in trade and in trade policy -making is fundamental for allowing trade 
policy makers and economic agents to make informed decisions, and markets to operate more 
efficiently.  
6.2.  The overview of the compliance and timeliness of Members' notifications to the WTO illustrates 
that, with a few exceptions, compliance with notification requirements of the various 
WTO Agreements remains very uneven. Although there have been significant efforts by some 
delegations to bring the overall record of their notifications further up to date, the general sense is 
that progress on this front remains too slow. The lack of compliance with notification obligations 
across WTO bodies is problematic because it undermines individual agreements and , more generally , 
the operation of the multilateral trading system. There are several reasons for low compliance with 
notification requirements , and an important one relates to the lack of capacity of many 
WTO Members , despite the continued efforts by the WTO Secretariat and th e Committees . This lack 
of capacity, and the  other reasons behind the poor compliance , must be addressed collectively by 
the WTO membership.  
Anti-Dumping  
6.3.  Pursuant to Article 16.4  of the Agreement on the Implementation of Article VI of GATT 1994 
("the Anti -Dumping Agreement"), all Members are required to submit to the Committee on 
Anti-Dumping Practices, on a semi -annual basis, reports of any anti -dumping actions taken within 
the preceding six months, using an agreed standard form.  Members that have not esta blished an 
authority competent to conduct anti -dumping investigations have the option to make a one -time 
"nil" notification, valid unless and until they establish an investigating authority, in lieu of submitting 
nil notifications every six months.  
6.4.  Sixty Members2 submitted semi -annual reports, either of anti -dumping actions taken, or of no 
actions having been taken, during the six -month period January -June 2020. Fifty-one Members 
submitted one -time nil notifications.  The remaining 26 Members failed to submit semi -annual 
reports in respect of anti -dumping actions during this period. However, few of these non -notifiers 
are likely to have taken anti -dumping actions.  
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
6.5.  The trends in the status of compliance with the o bligation to notify subsidies to the Committee 
on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures under Article 25.1 during the period 1995 -2019 are shown 
in Table 6.1. Subsidy notifications are required every two years , and the most recent notifications 
were due on  30 June 2019. The share of Members that notified subsidies remained between 39% 
and 50% between 1995 and 2019. The share of Members that made a "nil" notification fell 
significantly over the same period. Excluding 1995, the share of Members making the req uired 
notifications did not exceed 70%, and generally hovered around 60%. Conversely, the share of 
Members not making any notification registered a substantial increase since 1995, from 25% to 
50%, albeit with some intervening fluctuations.  
 
1 Notifications in the SPS and TBT Committees are dealt with in Sections 3.3 and 3.4 of this Report.  
2 The European Union is counted as one (28 member States until 31 January 2020). The United 
Kingdom withdrew from the European Union as of 1 February 2020. The European Union and the United 
Kingdom have communicated that during the transition period, which ends on 31 December 202 0, European 
Union law, with a few limited exceptions, continues to be applicable to and in the United Kingdom. See 
WT/LET/1462 and WT/GC/206. Since February 2020, the United Kingdom has separately submitted legislative 
notifications to the Committee. These  notifications were made under the sole responsibility of the United 
Kingdom and are counted in the number of Members that have submitted legislative notifications.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 136 - 
 
  Table 6.1 Status of subsidy notifications  
New and full subsidy 
notification  
(due on 30 June of the 
years shown)  
1995  
1998  
2001  
2003  
2005  
2007  
2009  
2011  
2013  
2015  
2017  
2019  
% share of total   
Members that notified 
subsidies  50 39 44 45 47 48 48 47 48 47 46 43 
Members that made a "nil" 
notification  25 16 15 14 13 11 17 20 19 18 13 7 
Sub-total of notifying 
Members  75 55 59 59 60 59 65 67 67 65 59 50 
Members that did not make 
any notification  25 45 41 41 40 41 35 33 33 35 41 50 
Note:  As at 23 October 2020. Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.6.  Pursuant to Article 25.11 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, all 
Members are required to submit to the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, on a 
semi-annual basis, reports of any countervailing actions taken within the preceding six  months , 
using an agreed standard form. Members that have not established an authority competent to 
conduct countervailing  investigations have the option to make a one -time "nil" notification, valid 
unless and until they establish an investigating authority, in li eu of submitting nil notifications every 
six months.  
6.7.  Fifty-nine Members3 submitted semi -annual reports, either of countervailing actions taken, or 
of no actions having been taken, during the six -month period January -June 2020. Forty-four 
Members submitted one -time nil notifications.  The remaining ( 34) Members failed to submit semi -
annual reports in respect of countervailing actions during this period. Few, if any, of these non -
notifiers are likely to have countervailing actions.  
Safeguar ds Notifications  
Unlike the Anti -Dumping Agreement or the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures, the Agreement on Safeguards (SG) does not oblige Members to submit semi -annual 
reports. On the other hand, the SG Agreement obliges Members to not ify individual SG actions, such 
as initiations of investigation or impositions of measure. The number of notifications regarding 
initiations and impositions are explained in Section 3.2 of this Report. In addition, pursuant to Article 
12.6 of the SG Agreem ent, all Members are obliged to notify to the Committee on Safeguards their 
laws, regulations and administrative procedures relating to safeguard measures. As of 26 October 
2020, 72 Members4 had notified their legislations, while 46 Members had notified t hat they had no 
such legislation. 19 Members had not made such a notification.  
State Trading Enterprises  
Notifications related to State Trading Enterprises are reviewed by the Working Party on 
State  Trading Enterprises on behalf of the CTG. In July 2012, t he Council agreed to extend 
indefinitely the new biannual frequency  of new and full notifications.  
 
3 The European Union is counted as one (28 member States until 31 January 2020). The United  
Kingdom withdrew from the European Union as of 1 February 2020. The European Union and the United 
Kingdom have communicated that during the transition period, which ends on 31 December 2020, European 
Union law, with a few limited exceptions, continues to be applicable to and in the United Kingdom. See 
WT/LET/1462 and WT/GC/206. Since February 2020, the United Kingdom has separately submitted legislative 
notifications to the Committee. These notifications were made under the sole responsibility of the Unite d 
Kingdom and are counted in the number of Members that have submitted legislative notifications.  
4 The European Union is counted as one (27 member States). The United Kingdom, which withdrew 
from the European Union as of 1 February 2020, has notified its laws and regulations, and is included in this 
figure separately.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 137 - 
 
  
Table 6.2 presents notifications received for the years in which a new and full notification  was 
due. It shows a declining trend in total notifications over the period examined, which has accentuated 
over the past few years.  
Table 6.2 Status of new and full STE notifications (due on 30 June of the ye ar shown)a 
Year  1995  1998  2001  2004  2006  2008  2010  2012  2014  2016  2018  2020  
Number of Members that 
have notifiedb 65 65 72 64 63 66 66 61 63 66 47 29 
a As at 27 October 2020.  
b The European Union and its member States provide a single notification and are counted as one in 
this Table.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Agriculture  
6.11.  The CoA continued its review of the implementation of Members' commitments under the 
Agreement.  This review is largely carried out on the basis of notifications submit ted by Members. 
Twelve distinct notification requirements are applicable in the domain of agriculture , covering the 
following areas: market access, domestic support, export subsidies, export prohibitions or 
restrictions , and the follow -up to the Marrakesh Net Food -Importing Developing Countries (NFIDC) 
Decision. The applicability of a notification requirement to a Member is largely dependent on its 
specific commitments under the AoA. Out of the 12 notification requirements, the following 5 are 
"regular" or "annual" notification requirements: (i) imports under tariff and other quotas (MA:2) ; 
(ii) special SGs (MA:5) ; (iii) domestic sup port (DS:1) ; (iv)  export subsidies (ES:1) ; and (v)  total 
exports (ES:2). Annual notifications are required to be submitted no later than a certain number of 
days following the end of the year in question, in accordance with the deadlines set out in WTO 
document G/AG/2.  
6.12.  More than 5,622 questions were raised in connection with individual notifications under the 
CoA's review process in the period 1995-2020. Throughout the years, most of  these questions 
focused on domestic support notifications (DS:1 and DS:2) , followed by questions concerning market 
access, in particular TRQs (MA:1 and MA:2). Specifically, since 2010, the prevalence of questions 
concerning domestic support notifications was considerably high, representing between 70% and 
80% of all the questio ns raised in the CoA concerning individual notifications ( Chart 6.1).  
Chart 6.1 Questions raised on individual notifications, per section per year, 1995 -2020a 
 
a 2020 data cover s up to the September 2020 CoA  meeting . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
050100150200250300
Domestic support Market access Export restrictions
Export competition NFIDC DecisionQuestions raised on individual notifications per topic per year, 1995 -2020a
Source:  WTO Secretariat.a   2020 data cover up to the September 2020 CoA meeting.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 138 - 
 
  6.13.  From 15 October 201 9 to 15 October  2020, Members submitted 370 notifications (including 
addenda and corrigenda). A total of 288 questions were posed concerning individual notifications 
during the CoA meetings that took place during th is period. As seen in  Chart 6.2, and in line with 
the historical trend, most of the questions related to domestic support notifications ( 69%), with 
domestic support notifications from India and the European Union being subject to the most scrutiny. 
A total of 24 questions addressed overdue  notifications from Australia, China, Egypt, 
European  Union, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Morocco, South Africa, Turkey, 
United  States and Viet Nam.  
Chart 6.2 Number of questions raised per section, mid -October 2019  - mid-October  
2020a 
 
a Questions raised in the CoA meetings of October 2019, and June, July and September 2020.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Quantitative Restrictions (QRs)  
6.14.  The notification of QRs to the Market Access Committee is an obligation established by the 
2012 Decision on Notification Procedures for Quantitative Restrictions (WTO document 
G/L/59/Rev.1 , 03 July 2012 ). The Decision requires Members, every two years, to notify the WTO 
Secretariat of the QRs they have in force, as well as any changes in the interim. As of 
16 October  2020, a total of 51 Members (or 78 Members counting t he EU member States and the 
United Kingdom separately) had submitted QR notifications and 85 Members had never submitted a 
notification since the requirement was established in 2012.  The number of notifications for each 
biennial period is provided in Table  6.3. 
6.15.  As of 16 October 2020, 23 Members (50 Members counting the EU member states and the 
United Kingdom separately), had submitted notifications under the QR Decision informing of the 
introduction of temporary export restrictions as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic.5 In terms of the 
continued application of these measures, while some Members have notified the extension of the 
temporary measures, and others have notified either the complete or partial elimination of the 
temporary export restrictions or ha ve confirmed the expiration of the measures, most Members have 
not notified additional information since their first QR notification. Finally, it should be noted 
approximately 19 additional Members confirmed to the Trade Monitoring Report the introduction of 
export restrictions as a result of the COVID -19 Pandemic at some point, but did not notify these 
measures under the QR Decision.  
 
5 See G/MA/W/157/Rev.1 (forthcoming).  
Overdue 
notifications
24
Market access
63
Export competition
16
Specific 
implementation 
matters
295Individual 
notifications
288Domestic support
200Number of questions raised per topic, mid -October 2019 -mid-May 2020a
Source:  WTO Secretariat.a   Questions raised in the CoA meetings of October 2019, and June, July and September 2020.Export restrictions
8
NFIDC
1WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Table 6.3 Notification procedures for QRs  
No. Notification requirement  Total number of notifications received as at 
12 October  2020, by biennial period  
1 QRs in force (regular 
notification)  2012-14: 24 notifications from 23 Members.  
2014-16: 35 notifications from 31 Members.  
2016-18: 34 notifications from 30 Members.  
2018-20: 45 notifications from 41 Members.  
2020-22: 13 notifications from 13 Members . 
2 Changes to the QRs maintained 
(ad hoc), or introduction of new 
QRs 2012-14: 2 Members notified changes to existing QRs.  
2014-16: 3 Members notified changes to existing QRs.  
2016-18: 1 Member notified changes to existing QRs.  
2018-20: 15 Members notified changes to existing QRs, most of 
which related to measures introduced as a result of the COVID -19 
pandemic.  
3 QRs maintained by other 
Members  
(reverse notification)  No Member  submitted this type of notification.  
4 Non-tariff measures maintained 
by other Members  
(reverse notification)  No Member submitted this type of notification.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Import Licensing  
Notification requirements in the area of import  licensing procedures result from the 
WTO Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures . They are complemented by the "Procedures for 
Notification and Review under the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures" adop ted by the 
Committee on Import Licensing in 1995 (G/LIC/3) and the "Understanding on Procedures for the 
Review of Notifications submitted under the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures" adopted on 
23 October  1996 (G/LIC/4). The notification requirement s are described in Table 6.4.  
Table 6.4 Notification procedures for import licensing  
No. Notification requirement  Established in  Type  Notification  
category  
1 Submission of full texts of 
relevant laws and regulations 
and any changes thereto  Article 8.2(b) of the Agreement; 
G/LIC/3  One-off and  
ad hoc  N/1 
N/2 
2 Sources in which information 
concerning import licensing 
procedures are published  Article 1.4(a) of the Agreement; 
G/LIC/3  One-off and  
ad hoc  N/1 
N/2 
3 New import licensing 
procedures and changes to 
existing procedures  Articles 5.1 -5.4 of the Agreement  Ad hoc  N/2 
4 Reply to the Questionnaire on 
Import Licensing Procedures  Article 7.3 of the Agreement; 
G/LIC/3  Annual, by 
30 September 
each year  N/3 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
The N/1 notification requires a WTO Member to notify all relevant laws and regulations with 
regard to import licensing procedures, as well as identify the source/publications containing such 
information. It contains both a one -off element (notification of existing laws and regulations and 
source/publications) and an ad hoc  element  (changes to laws and regulations thereafter). In theory, 
a WTO  Member should have at least one N/1 submission, providing its laws and regulations on 
import licensing or indicating that its government does not maintain any import licensing regime.  
The N/2 notification is an obligation for Members to notify new licensing laws/procedures or 
changes made to existing laws/procedures. It is ad hoc  in nature,  and only due when specific 
circumstances occur. A new notification form (for notification under Articles 5.1 -5.4) was agreed at WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  the Import Licensing Committee meeting held on 4  April 2019 for Members to use on a voluntary 
basis.6 The N/3 notification requires Members to reply to a Questionnaire describing all import 
licensing procedures in place by 30  September every year.  
As at 9  October  2020, 14  Members had not yet submitted any notification under any provision 
of the Agreement since joining the WTO. In  addition, another ten had not yet submitted notifications 
regarding domestic import licensing -related laws or regulations; and another nine are yet to submit 
their Replies to the Annual Questionnaire under Article  7.3. During the review period, as at 
9 October  2020, 261 new notifications under the Agreement on Import Licensing were received and 
circulated by the Secretariat. The Committee reviewed  222 N/2 notifications relating to the 
institution of new import licensing procedures or changes in these proce dures from 18 Members7 
and 39 N/3 notifications from 32 Members.8 No COVID -19 related notification was received by the 
Committee on Import Licensing during the review period.  
Rules of Origin  
6.20.  The Committee on Rule s of Origin reviews notification obligations with respect to three types 
of rules of origin as described in Table 6.5 . Recent notifications have improved the overall compliance 
with notification obligations in all three areas.  
Table 6.5 Notification procedures for rules of origin  
No. Legal reference  Notification requirement  Type  
1 Article 5 of the Agreement on 
Rules of Origin  
(no template or format agreed 
by the Committee)  Non-Preferential Rules of Origin: all Members must 
submit a notification indicating:  
- if they apply non -preferential rules of origin (informing 
what the rules are);  
- or if they do not apply any non -preferential rules of 
origin.  
 
Changes to legislation must be published promptly.  One-off 
2 Paragraph 4 of Annex II of the 
on Rules of Origin  
(no template or format agreed 
by the Committee)  Preferential Rules of Origin: Members only notify the 
preferential rules of origin of regional trade agreements 
any time a new agreement is concluded.  Ad hoc  
3 Paragraph 4.3 of the 2015 
Ministerial Decision on 
preferential rules of origin for 
LDCs (WT/L/917/Add.1)  
(Template agreed by the 
Committee: G/RO/84)  Preferential Rules of Origin for LDCs: Members granting 
non-reciprocal trade preferenc es to LDCs must notify the 
rules of origin which apply under those schemes. Any 
modifications must also be notified.  Ad hoc  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
As of mid -October 2020, a total of 111 WTO Members9 submitted a notification on non -
preferential rules of origin under Article 5 of the Agreement on Rules of Origin. 51 Members informed 
the Committee that they implement non -preferential origin requirements, while 60 other Members 
notified that they do not.  As noted in previous reports, however, the majority of these notifications 
were made in 1995-96 and some are known to contain outdated and inaccurate information. 
Moreover, since no template was used for their preparation, most also provide incomplete 
information concerning Members' practices related to non -preferential rules of origin. A group of 
Members have proposed to update and standardise the information available by adopting a new 
notification template. This proposal is currently being discussed in the Committee10.  
 
6 WTO document G/LIC/28, 01 May 2019.  
7 Argentina;  Costa Rica;  European Union;  Hong Kong, China;  Indonesia;  Republic of Korea;  Macao, 
China;  Morocco;  Myanmar;  Philippines;  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;  Seychelles;  Singapore;  Switzerland;  
Chinese  Taipei ; Thailand;  Ukraine;  Viet Nam. 
8 Argentina ; Kingdom of Bahrain ; Cameroon ; Canada ; China ; Colombia ; Costa Rica ; Cuba; El Salvador ; 
European Union; Hong Kong, China ; India; Indonesia ; Japan ; Kazakhstan ; Republic of Korea ; Macao, China ; 
Malaysia ; Mauritius ; Montenegro ; New Zealand ; Panama ; Philippines ; Russian Fed eration;  Seychelles ; 
Singapore ; South Africa ; Switzerland ; Chinese Taipei ; Turkey ; Ukraine ; United St ates; Uruguay.  
9 The European Union and its member States are counted as one.  
10 WTO document G/RO/W/182/Rev.3, 24 February 2020.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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In relation to non -reciprocal preferences for LDCs, all WTO Members except two have notified 
their LDC -specific origin requirements. In addition, the Ministerial Decision also requires 
preference -granting Members to notify their preferent ial tariffs and import statistics from LDCs. 
Compliance with these obligations has been slowly  improving but many gaps remain, in particular 
concerning preferential imports under LDC preferential schemes. Document G/RO/W/163/Rev.8 
provides a more detailed overview of the information gaps.  
In the context of the pandemic  although some Members adopted temporary or permanent 
(trade-facilitating ) measures covering certificates of origin , such measures have not yet been 
notified nor discussed in the Committee . 
Customs Valuation  
Notifications  in the area of customs valuation stem not only from the Agreement on Customs 
Valuation  itself, but also from a number of Decisions that have been adopted by the C ommittee on 
Customs Valuation. There are five main not ification requirements ( Table 6. 6). 
Table 6.6 Notification procedures for customs valuation  
No. Notification 
requirement  Established in  Type  
1 Submission of 
complete texts of 
national legislation 
(laws, regulations, 
etc.) Decision on the notification and circulation of 
national legislation in accordance with 
Article  22 of the Agreement  
(G/VAL/5, B.2, paragraph (i))  One-off 
2 Changes in laws 
and regulations on 
customs valuation  Article 22.2 of the Agreement on Customs 
Valuation  Ad hoc  
3 Responses to the 
checklist of issues  Decision on the Checklist of Issues  
(G/VAL/5, B.3)  One-off 
5 Decision on carrier 
media (software) - 
application of 
paragraph  2 Decision on the valuation of carrier media 
bearing software for data processing 
equipment (G/VAL/5, A.4, paragraph 2)  Ad hoc  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
The notification requirements in the area of customs valuation are either one -off or ad hoc, 
which means that different approaches are required to e stimate their level of compliance. In addition, 
any estimate must take into account that the European Union notifies on behalf a group of Members, 
and that this number has changed several times since the WTO entered into force. Taking all these 
elements in to account, the maximum number of one -off notifications as at 1 3 October 20 20 cover 
136 members (counting the EU as one).  This denominator has been used to es timate the degree of 
compliance for the following notifications  (i) submission of the complete texts of national legislation; 
(ii) responses to the checklist of issues; and (iii) date of implementation of the Decision on the 
treatment of interest charges in the customs  value of imported goods ( Table 6. 7).  
Because ad hoc  notifications are, by definition, only due when specific circumstances occur, 
no maximum number of notifications can be used to estimate the  overall degree of compliance. This 
is the case  regarding : (i) changes in laws and regulations on cus toms valuation; and (ii) the 
application of paragraph 2 of the Decision on Carrier Media (software).  
Table 6.7 Compliance regarding customs valuation notifications  
No. Notification requirement  Compliance  
as at 13 October 2020  
1 Submission of complete texts 
of national legislation (laws, 
regulations, etc.)  Currently, 104 Members have notified their legislation and 32 
Members have still to notify. This gives a compliance rate of 76%.  
2 Changes in laws and 
regulations on customs 
valuation  Since this is an ad hoc  type of notification (i.e. a Member is only 
required to notify if there is a change in its national legislation), it is 
not possible to assess the level of compliance. Thirty -one Members 
have notified changes to their national legislation on customs 
valuation since 1995.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  No. Notification requirement  Compliance  
as at 13 October 2020  
3 Responses to the checklist of 
issues  Currently, 72 Members have notified responses to the checklist of 
issues and 64 Members have not yet fulfilled this requirement, giving 
a compliance rate of 53%.  
4 Decision on interest charges - 
date of implementation  To date, 49 Members have notified t he date from which they will 
apply the Decision on Interest Charges and 87 Members have still to 
notify. This gives a compliance rate of 36%.  
5 Decision on c arrier media 
(software) - application of 
paragraph  2 Since this is an ad ho c notification (i.e. a Member is only required to 
notify if it s imports of carrier media bearing data and software are 
valued as provided for in paragraph 2 of the Decision), it is not 
possible to assess the level of compliance. To date, 44 Members 
(32%) have made this notification, but it is not possible to know 
whether Members are applying the paragraph without having 
submitted the notification.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Preshipment Inspection  
Article 5 of the Agreement on Preshipment Inspection (PSI) provides that Members shall 
submit to the Secretariat copies of the laws and regulations under which they put the Agreement 
into force, as well as copies of any other laws and regulations relating to PSI. Changes in such laws 
and regulations shall also be notified immediately after their publication. Four Members have 
submitted notifications relating to PSI to the Committee on Customs Valuation, which is the body 
responsible for administering the im plementation of the Agreement on PSI,  since the last report.  
Table 6.8 Compliance with PSI notifications  
No Notification requirement  Notifications received  mid-October 2019 
to mid -October 2020  
1 Submission of copies of laws and regulations 
putting the Agreement into force  China  
2 Other laws and regulations relating to PSI  Egypt  
3 Changes in laws and regulations relating to PSI  No Member  
4 Absence of laws and regulations on PSI  Seychelles, Tonga  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Integrated Database (IDB)  
Reliable tariff information and import statistics of all trading partners are essential to 
enhancing transparency and formulating sound trade policies. Recognizing the importance of the 
Integrated Database (IDB) in collecting and disseminating tariff and trade data, WTO Members 
decided to improve and modernize the operation of the IDB. The Committee on Market Access (CMA) 
adopted, on 28  May 2019, a new Decision on the Modalities and Operation of the IDB11, providing 
the WTO  Secretariat  with greater flexibility in enhancing the IDB data coverage, simplifying the data 
integration process, allowing the dissemination of previously restricted data to the public, and 
shortening the provisional period so users will have early access to updated data.  The IDB relie s on 
Members' notifications and on information  collected by the Secretariat from national and 
international databases, which are included in the  IDB following  the relevant Member's approval 
(framework -sourced data). In cases where only import statistics are notified by a Member, t he new 
Decision authorized the Secretariat to estimate the MFN applied tariffs  on the basis of notified applied 
tariffs  of adjacent years. This is important because tariffs are the basis for integrating and 
disseminating IDB information and without them, imports statistics even if notified, were not 
previously disseminated. The new IDB decision  also allowed the Secretariat  to explore options of 
automatic data exchanges between Members' databases and the IDB.  The Decision has also 
synchronized the deadline for submitting import statistics, now set for all Members on 31 October 
for the previous year's data.  Transparency was further strengthened as applied internal taxes and 
other duties and charges imposed by Members are now integrated and disseminated through the 
IDB.  
 
11 WTO document G/MA/367, 03 June 2019.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 143 - 
 
  
Charts 6.3 and 6.4 present  the completeness of t ariff and import notifications to the IDB, by 
number of notifications directly submitted by Members and information collected by the Secretariat.  
As at 5  October  2020, the coverage of IDB notifications was, on average, 82% for tariffs and 
76% for import st atistics, slightly higher than the coverage cited in the last annual Report. The 
highest percentage of IDB tariff data completeness was recorded in 2010 and 2012 at 98% 
(Chart  6.3). From 2001 to 2016, the IDB shows at least 86% data availability, with an a verage of 
92% for this consecutive sixteen -year period. The IDB coverage is lower for previous years, from 
1996 to 2000, and for the more recent years, from 2017 to 2020 as notifications for those years are 
still incoming. The availability of the 2019 tari ffs by the cut -off date was about 38% whereas for 
2020, 55% of tariff data are already available despite the disruption caused by the COVID -19 
pandemic. On import statistics, with the new notification deadline of 31  October, the latest reference 
year for t his Report is 2018 (Chart 6.4). The  highest IDB import statistics' coverage was recorded 
in 2009, at 89%. Completeness of import statistics collected through framework sources was highest 
in 2011 representing more than a third (34%) of expected data. Compl eteness of notified import 
statistics was highest in 2001 where 76% of import statistics were submitted by Members. The 
availability of import statistics has slightly improved from 44% for the 2017 imports to 46% for the 
2018 imports.   
Data availability va ries among Members. Table 6.9  below shows the distribution of the 
completeness of Members' IDB data since their accession to the WTO. 45 Members have complete 
tariff information in the IDB and 41 Members have complete import statistics  in the IDB.  The Tabl e 
also shows that 67% of Members have at least one outstanding tariff notification, and 70% have at 
least one outstanding import statistics notification.  
The timeliness of IDB notifications, defined as receiving the IDB information  within the year  
it is due, is illustrated in Table 6.10  since 2000. In cases where a valid submission was received on 
time but was later replaced or revised, the initial submission is included in the count of timely 
notifications. The same applies for data collected within the d eadline but later replaced by a revised 
notification or by data retrieved from other framework sources.12 Timely availability of tariffs was 
highest in 2013, but data punctuality has slowed down again , with some marked improvements in 
timeliness in 2019 an d 2020. The Table also shows that since 2009, about 35% of imports statistics 
were available on their due date.   
Chart 6.3 Completeness of IDB tariff notificationsa 
(%) 
 
a 2020 cover s data available from January to September.  
 
12 The percentage of timely notifications is also based on the number of schedules.  
0102030405060708090100
Submitted+Recomposed Collected MissingWTO IDB.1 -Completeness of IDB tariff notificationsa
Source:  WTO Secretariat.(%)WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 144 - 
 
  Note:  The completeness of notifications is calculated on the basis of the number of Members' schedules 
(i.e. European  Union  member States are included in the European Union  schedule, and Lichtenstein 
in Switzerlan d's). The information provided by the European Union covers its 28 member States 
from 1 July 2013 until 31 January 2020. The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union as 
of 1 February 2020  and during the transition period, which ends on 31 December 2 020, EU MFN 
applied and preferential tariffs continue to cover the United Kingdom. See WT/Let/1462 and 
WT/GC/206 .  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chart 6.4 Completeness of IDB import notificationsa 
(%) 
 
a Data for 2019 are due on 31October  2020. 
Note:  The completeness of notifications is calculated on the number of Members' schedules 
(i.e. European  Union  member States are included in the European Union  schedule, and Lichtenstein 
in Switzerland's).  The information provided by the European Union covers its 28 member States 
from 1 July 2013 until 31 January 2020. The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union as 
of 1 February 2020  and during the trans ition period, which ends on 31 December 2020, EU MFN 
applied and preferential tariffs continue to cover the United Kingdom. See WT/Let/1462 and 
WT/GC/206 .  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 6.9 Completeness of no tifications among Members  
Number of  Tariffs (up to 2020)  Imports (up to 2018)  
years with outstanding data  No. of Members  % No. of Members  % 
None (complete data)  45 33% 41 30% 
1-2 years  21 16% 22 16% 
3-5 years  27 20% 24 18% 
6 or more years  42 31% 48 36% 
Total number of Members' schedules  135 100%  135 100%  
Memo: With at least one year of 
outstanding data  90 67% 94 70% 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Notification s of non -MFN tariff schemes to the IDB, i.e. preferential tariffs resulting from PTAs 
and FTAs/RTAs, ha ve become more regular. This is partly due to the requirement under the 
PTA transparency mechanism  (PTA-TM) whereby Members are obliged to notify non -reciprocal 
preferences, notably the GSP and LDC preferential trading schemes, and the amount of trade that 
occurs under these schemes . While notification of non -MFN tariff schemes is still on a voluntary 
basis, at least 60% of IDB tariff submissions since 2015 include d additional duty schemes, aside 
from the MFN. In 2020, of the 74 tariff submissi ons received, 54 (73%) included preferential tariffs.  
Recently, the IDB has also included information on applied internal taxes and other duties and 
charges, as part of the applied tariff information. Although covering only eight Members presently, 
it is a n additional step towards increased transparency. The IDB Status of Submissions document 
0102030405060708090100
Submitted Collected MissingWTO IDB.2 -Completeness of IDB import notificationsa
Source:  WTO Secretariat.(%)WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  circulated during the CMA regular meetings indicates the availability of MFN and non -MFN import 
tariff information available in the IDB over the la st ten years  as well  as other import duties . The IDB 
is accessible through the Tariff Analysis Online ( https://tao.wto.org ), the Tariff Download Facility 
(http://tdf.wto.org ), and for tariff information an d trade statistics related to PTAs, through the 
PTA database ( http://ptadb.wto.org ). 
Table 6.10 Percentage of IDB data available within the year of the deadlinea 
(% of expe cted schedules)   
2000  
2001  
2002  
2003  
2004  
2005  
2006  
2007  
2008  
2009  
2010  
2011  
2012  
2013  
2014  
2015  
2016  
2017  
2018  
2019  
2020  
Tariff 26 33 41 30 30 26 23 21 25 38 52 67 60 74 52 50 50 48 50 58 55 
Importb 29 34 29 26 19 17 22 21 31 27 50 45 43 38 21 42 27 33 28 n.a.b n.a.b 
a The numbers might differ slightly from those reported in the past, as submissions recorded could be 
deemed unsuitable for inclusion in the IDB during processing.  
b The deadline for 201 9 imports is 31  October  2020, and for 20 20 imports is 31  October  2021. 
n.a. Not applicable.  
Source:  IDB, 5 October  2020. 
The IDB data, complemented by additional data from partner institutions such as the ITC and 
UNCTAD, are used to calculate the applied tariffs and trade indicators published in t he World Tariff 
Profiles (WTP), a yearly compendium of comprehensive market access indicators. A series of market 
access indicators generated from the IDB, including those published in the WTP, are also available 
from the WTO data portal (WTODATA viewed at  http://data.wto.org ), the online database for 
comprehensive trade -related indicators.  
Balance -of-Payments Restrictions  
6.35.  Notification obligations in relation to restrictions to safeguard a country's balance of payments 
stem from Articles XII and XVIII of the GATT  1994 and the Understanding on Balance -of-Payments 
(BOP) Provisions (described in Table 6.1 1). 
Table 6.11 Notification procedures for BOPs restrictions  
Lega l source  Notification requirement  Type 
GATT 
Article XII:4(a)  
 
GATT 
Article  XVIII:12(a)  Any Member applying new restrictions or raising the 
general level of restrictions by a substantial 
intensification of the measures applied under this 
Article shall immediately after instituting or intensifying 
such restrictions (or, in circumstances in which prior 
consultation is practicable, before doing so) consult 
with Members as to the nature of its BOP difficulties, 
alternative corrective measures which may be 
available, and the possible effect of the restrictions on 
the economies of other Members.  Ad hoc, followed by annual 
consultations  
 
Ad hoc, followed by biennial 
consultations  
Understanding on 
BOP Provisions, 
para. 9  A Member shall notify to the General Council the 
introduction of , or any changes in , the application of 
restrictive import measures taken for BOP purposes, as 
well as any modifications in time -schedules for the 
removal of such measures as announced under 
paragraph 1. Significant chang es shall be notified to 
the General Council prior to, or not later than, 30 days 
after their announcement.  Ad hoc, followed by a yearly 
consolidated notification  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.36.  The last BOP consultations were completed in July  2017 and no Member  has notified the 
Secretariat of the imposition of measures for BOP purposes since then.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Regional Trade Agreements  
Following an announcement by the Chair of the CRTA at the Committee meeting of 28 and 
29 June 2011, the Secretariat has continued to circulat e a list of agreements that have been verified 
by their parties as being in force through factual presentations prepared by the Secretariat, but not 
notified to the WTO. The list is circulated as a working document of the Committee before each 
meeting. The  most recent list was circulated on 16 September 2020 and contained 54  such 
agreements.13 The Secretariat is also aware of several other agreements that are in force, but these 
have not yet been verified with the parties. WTO Members have intervened in var ious meetings of 
the CRTA to urge those whose agreements are on the list to notify them to the WTO. The  Secretariat 
also continues to keep track of agreements under negotiation and reminds Members to notify these 
agreements when they come into force. The S ecretariat's technical assistance work has also been 
used to explain notification requirements and procedures to Members.  
Preferential Trade Arrangements  
Under the Transparency Mechanism for Preferential Trade Arrangements (PTAs), which was 
established in December  201014, newly notified PTAs are to be considered in dedicated sessions of 
the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD), on the basis of Secretariat -prepared factual 
presentations. Since the establishment of the Transparency Mechanism, eleven  PTAs have been 
notified to the WTO. Three have been considered by the CTD in dedicated sessions, while for several 
others the notifying Members have yet to provid e the Secretariat with the full set of data or 
information required for the preparation of the factual presentations. The CTD Chairman provides 
an update at each CTD meeting on the PTAs that are to be considered in dedicated sessions, and 
urges the notifyi ng Members to provide the data and information as soon as possible.  
The Transparency Mechanism for PTAs also stipulates that an electronic database on individual 
PTAs is to be maintained by the Secretariat. The Database on PTAs15 currently contains information 
on 34  PTAs. Table 6.12 provides an overview of the PTAs included in the database, which is updated 
primarily on the basis of information provided by the Members implementing PTAs. 
The CTD Chairman has urged Members to ensure  that they are up -to-date with their notification and 
information requirements, and has invited them to remain in touch with the Secretariat on this 
matter.  
Table 6.12 PTAs of WTO Members  
WTO Member  Number of PTAs  Name or description of PTA  
Armenia  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
Australia  2 Generalized System of Preferences  
South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreementa 
Canada  2 Generalized System of Preferences  
Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff  
Chile 1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
China  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
European Union  4 Generalized System of Preferences  
Trade preferences for countries of the Western Balkans  
Trade preferences for Pakistanb 
Trade preferences for the Republic of Moldovac 
Iceland  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
India 1 Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme for LDCs  
Japan  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
Kazakhstan  1 Generalized System of Preferences 
Korea, Republic of  1 Preferential Tariff for LDCs  
Kyrgyz Republic  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Montenegro  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Morocco  1 Duty-free treatment for African LDCs  
New Zealand  2 Generalized System of Preferences  
South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreementa 
Norway  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
Russian 
Federation  2 Generalized System of Preferences (1.1.2010 -10.10.2016)d 
Generalized System of Preferences (as of 10.10.2016)  
 
13 WTO document WT/REG/W/1 51, 16 September 2020.  
14 WTO d ocument WT/L/806 , 16 December 2010.  
15 Viewed at: http://ptadb.wto.org . WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  WTO Member  Number of PTAs  Name or description of PTA  
Switzerland  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
Chinese Taipei  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Tajikistan  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Thailand  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Turkey  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
United States  6 African Growth and Opportunity Act  
Andean Trade Preference Acte 
Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act  
Former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands  
Generalized System of Preferences  
Trade preferences for Nepal  
a Australia and New Zealand both provide preferences under this PTA.  
b The preferences granted under this PTA expired on 31  December  2013.  
c The preferences granted under this PTA expired on 31  December  2015.  
d The preferences granted under this PTA expired on 10  October  2016. 
e The preferences granted under this PTA expired on 31  July 2013.  
Source:  Database on PTAs.  
Government Procurement  
To ensure the transparency and predictability of its Parties' procurement regimes, the 
Agreement on Government Procurement sets out notific ation obligations for its Parties in five areas: 
(i) national implementing legislation on government procurement; (ii) procurement thresholds in 
national currencies; (iii) statistics on procurement activities; (iv) modifications to schedules of 
commitments ; and (v) media for the publication of procurement -related information. Various 
notifications were made during the reporting period under these requirements. The Committee also 
discussed issues related to the derestriction of the Committee's historical doc uments and is working 
towards adopting relevant decisions in 2021.  
Transparency of TRIPS  
The TRIPS Agreement requires WTO Members to notify to the Council for TRIPS their IP laws 
and regulations; to establish and notify contact points in their administrati ons for the purposes of 
cooperation with each other, aimed at the elimination of trade in infringing goods; and to notify 
the Council if they wish to use certain options under the Agreement relating to substantive 
obligations.  
The bulk of notifications ar e laws and regulations notified pursuant to Article 63.2. Chart  6.5 
shows the laws and regulations notified from 1995 to mid -October 2020. Notifications peaked in 
1996, when developed -country Members notified existing laws or amendments that implemented 
the TRIPS  Agreement. From 2000 onwards, notifications predominately came from 
developing -country Members  and recently acceded Members. The most recent rise in notifications 
reflects diverse approaches by Members in updating their IP legal and policy settings  in response to 
the changing economic, technological and social dimensions of IP. The cumulative total of laws and 
regulations notified as at mid -October 2020 was 5,419 legal texts, representing a wide array of 
distinct national means of adapting and apply ing TRIPS standards, according to national priorities 
and wider policy frameworks. However, there remain significant gaps in the coverage of more recent 
laws and legislative amendments, as several Members have not updated their initial notifications for 
well over a decade.  
Transparency obligations also refer to final judicial decisions and administrative rulings of a 
general application, pertaining to the subject matter of the TRIPS Agreement, as well as to 
agreements which are in force between the governme nt or a governmental agency of a Member and 
the government or a governmental  agency of another Member, as provided for by Article  63.1. 
So far, very few Members have shared such information with the TRIPS Council . 16 
Following the recommendation made by the TRIPS Council in March 201017, WTO  Members 
agreed to share information on, and notify bilateral agreements , related to the protection of 
 
16 See, for example: WTO documents IP/N/1/PHL/2; IP/N/1/GBR/1; and IP/N/1/HKG/3.  
17 Paras . 73 and 74 of WTO document IP/C/M/62.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 148 - 
 
  geographical indications to which they are a party. The records indicate that few Members ha ve 
shared or notified such agreements to the TRIPS Council, despite the conclusion of several such 
agreements.  
Chart 6.5 Notified laws and regulations under TRIPS Article 63.2 from 1995 to 
mid-October  2020  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat. e-TRIPS.  
TRIPS Checklists  
To enable transparency on Part III of the TRIPS Agreement, i.e. on enforcement of IP rights, 
the TRIPS Council  agreed that Members should provide responses to an illustrative list of questions 
on their domestic systems, termed the Checklist on Enforcement.18 Similarly, questionnaires were 
agreed to implement  the Agreement's built -in reviews under Articles 24.2 on geographical 
indications19 and 27.3(b) on biotech patenting and plant variety protection20. The Council also agreed 
that developed Members should provide reports on technical cooperation and on transfer of 
technology incentives for the benefit of LDCs. The resulting notifications and reports are circulated 
and reviewed by the TRIPS Council. They provide detailed information on measures taken to 
implement the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement at the national level. More specifically, the 
Checklists on enforcement, geographical indications, and biotech IP have direct bearing on trade 
policy considerations, and touch on many aspects of the global econom y: for instance, the Checklist 
on Enforcement reports in detail on border measures.  
Enforcement  
During the review period, there were no submissions of Checklists on Enforcement. Since 
1996, 112 Members have submitted their Checklists, and 16 of those  have submitted revisions. 
However, this means several Members never provided a Checklist, and many have not updated their 
reports for over 20 years. Chart  6.6 shows the Checklists  on Enforcement submitted up to 
mid-October  2020. Submissions peaked in 1997, 2000  and 2001, when developed and developing 
Members deposited their respective Checklists.  
 
18 WTO d ocument IP/C/5; and responses circulated in the IP/N/6/* series of documents.  
19 WTO document IP/C/13 and its Addendum; and responses circulated in the IP/C/W/117/* series of 
documents.  
20 See Checklist in WTO documents IP/C/W/122, and IP/C/W/273 and its Rev.1; and responses circulated 
in the IP/C/W/125/* series of documents.  
1,043
503
134135638
307393
136282
78
39142184
806869155238
112
67134
75135
92132
01,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,000
02004006008001,0001,200
Annual number of IP laws notified
Cumulative numberNotified laws and regulations under TRIPS Article 63.2, 1995 -mid-October 2020
Source:   WTO Secretariat. e -TRIPS, 2020 data cover until mid -October.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 149 - 
 
  Chart 6.6 Checklist on enforcement  from 1996 to mid -October 2020  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat. e-TRIPS.  
Geographical Indicat ions 
The Checklist on Geographical Indications – review under Article 24.2 – has been submitted 
by only 37  Members21, of which 6 notified updates. During the review period, there were no further 
submissions. Chart  6.7 shows the Checklists on Geographical I ndications submitted up to 
mid-October  2020. Submissions peaked in 1999 and 2001, when developed and developing 
Members deposited their respective Checklists.  
Chart 6.7 Checklist on Geographical Indications from 1998 to mid -October 2020  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat. e-TRIPS.  
Biotech Patenting and Plant Variety Protection  
The submission of Checklists on biotech patenting and plant variety protection – review under 
Article 27.3(b) – peaked with the start of the review of this provision in 1999. So far,  only 
 
21 Australia ; Bulgaria ; Canada ; Colombia ; Croatia ; Cuba; Czech Republic ; Ecuador ; El Salvador ; Estonia ; 
European Union ; Honduras ; Hong Kong, China ; Hungary ; Iceland ; Japan ; Republic  of Korea ; Liechtenstein ; 
Lithuania ; Mexico ; Republic of Moldova ; Montenegro; Morocco ; New Zealand; Norway; Peru; Poland; Romania; 
Slovak Republic; Slovenia; Switzerland; Chinese Taipei ; Turkey;  Ukraine; United States of America; Uruguay; 
and the Bolivarian  Republic of Venezuela.  
721
7
22126
7
01
002
00011112222
10
051015202530
First submission
UpdatesChecklist on enforcement, 1996 -mid-October 2020
Source:   WTO Secretariat. e -TRIPS, 2020 data covers until mid -October.
428
2
14
2 2
0 01 1
01
0 0 0 0 01
01 1
0
051015202530
First submission
UpdatesChecklist on geographical indications, 1998 -mid-October 2020
Source:   WTO Secretariat. e -TRIPS, 2020 data cover until mid -October.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 150 - 
 
  27 Members22 have notified their Checklists, and only one has provided an update. During the review 
period, there were no further submissions  of Checklists on biotech patenting and  plant variety 
protection. Chart  6.8 shows  the Checklists on Article  27.3(b) submitted up to mid-October  2020. 
Submissions peaked in 1999 and 2001, when developed and developing Members deposited their 
respective Checklists.  
Chart 6.8 Checklist on Biotech Patenting and Plant Variety Protection from 1999 to 
mid-October 2020  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat. e-TRIPS.  
e-TRIPS  
The e -TRIPS System , composed of two user -friendly online platforms, was launched in 
March  2019 to facilitate submitting and accessing TRIPS -related documentation. The Submission 
System enables Members to easily submit TRIPS notifications, review materials, and reports. During 
the reporting period, 31 Members and 3 Observers have made 211 submission s through e -TRIPS.23 
The companion Gateway is an online information  portal that allows users to search and extract the 
full range of TRIPS information managed by the Secretariat.24 The Secretariat provides regular 
training sessions and updates to Members.   
Services  
From mid -October 2019 to mid -October 2020, 62 new notifications were made under various 
GATS provisions , and a further seven concerned changes to previously submitted notifications.  
Out of the new notifications submitted, 44 were made u nder GATS Article  III:3, by 
38 WTO Members.25 This Article requires each Member to notify to the Council for Trade in Services, 
at least annually, of any regulatory changes that significantly affect trade in services  covered by its 
specific commitments. As Chart 6. 9 shows , during the reporting period 2019 -2020, the number of 
notifications pursuant to Article III:3 has increased substantially as compared to the preceding three 
years.  
 
22 Australia ; Bulgaria; Canada; Czech Republic; Estonia; European Union ; Hong Kong, China; Hungary ; 
Iceland; Japan ; Republic of Korea ; Lithuania;  Mexico; Republic of  Moldova; Morocco; New Zealand ; Norway;  
Poland ; Romania ; Slovak Republic; Slovenia ; South Africa; Switzerland; Thailand; Ukraine; United  States of 
America; and Zambia.  
23 Data covers 15 October 2019 to 15 October 2020.  
24 Viewed  at: e-trips.wto.org . 
25 The 28 and, as of 1 February 202 0, 27 member states of the European Union are counted 
individually .  
19
13
1
01
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 02
0
02468101214161820
First submission
UpdatesChecklist on the biotech patenting and plant variety protection , 1999 -mid-October 2020
Source:   WTO Secretariat. e -TRIPS, 2020 data cover until mid -October.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 151 - 
 
  Chart 6.9 Notifications rece ived pursuant to GATS Article III:3, 1995 -2020 
 
Note:  2020 data cover s up to 30 September 20 20. Changes to previously submitted notifications are not 
counted.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
During the same reporting period, five agreements concerning economic integration in 
services were notified under GATS Article V:7, involving 34 WTO Members.26 These agreements were 
referred to the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements for consideration. After several years, 
during which the number of Ec onomic Integration  Agreements notified pursuant to Article  V:7 was 
on an upward trend, the last few years witnessed a relative slowdown ( Chart  6.10). 
Chart 6.10 Economic Integration Agreements notified pursuant to GATS Article V:7, 
1995 -2020 
 
Note:  2020 data cover s up to 30 September 20 20. The figures include agreements of the EC/EU with its 
future member States and EU enlargement agreements .27 Notifications of  changes to previously 
notified agreements are not counted.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
26 The 28 and, as of 1 February 202 0, 27 member states of the European Union are counted 
individually . 
27 On 1 December 2009, the Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty 
establishing the European Community (done at Lisbon, 13 Decemb er 2007) entered into force. On 
29 November 2009, the WTO received a Verbal Note ( WTO document WT/L/779 , 30 November 2009 ) from the 
Council of the European Union and the Commission of the European Communities stating that, by virtue of the 
Treaty of Lisbon , as of 1  December  2009, the European Union replace d and succeed ed the European 
Community.  
0121223
162236
32313645
10303547
30
2642
2859
37
619
1050
20
010203040506070WTO -Notifications received pursuant to GATS Aticle III:3, 1995 -20
Source:    WTO Secretariat.
36
2
039
7
5614
7818
91014
1012
610
7
6
45
05101520WTO -Economic integration agreements notified pursuant to GATS Aticle V:7, 
1995 -20
Source:    WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 152 - 
 
  
13 notifications were made under GATS Article  VII:4 by seven WTO Members. This Article 
requires Members to notify to the Council for Trade in Services any new or existing  mutual 
recognition agreements or arrangements. As illustrated in Chart 6.1 1, the number of notifications 
submitted pursuant to Article VII:4 increased markedly over the past three  years when compared 
to the previous two decades.  
Chart 6.11 Notifications received pursuant to GATS Arti cle VII:4, 1995 -2020 
 
Note:  2020 data cover s up to 30 September 2020. Changes to previously submitted notifications are not 
counted.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
No notifications were received under other  GATS provisions during this period.  
During the review period, the Council for Trade in Services has been notified of one measure 
under GATS Article III:3 in response to the COVID -19 pandemic.28 
 
 
 
28 Measures related to the COVID -19 pandemic affecting trade in services can be found in Section 4 and 
annex 6 of  this Report . 
111
9
45
16
2
04
03
1
02
022
02
0071111
024681012WTO -Notifications received pursuant to GATS Aticle VII:4, 1995 -20
Source:    WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 153 - 
 
  ANNEX 1  - MEASURES FACILITATING TRADE1 
(MID-OCTOBER  2019 TO MID -OCTOBER  2020) 
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Albania  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the Information 
Technology Agreement (ITA) (HS 8528.71.19)  WTO document G/MA/W/117/Add.1, 
28 January 2016  Effective June 
2020 
Argentina  
Elimination of the requirement of certificate of origin for statistical 
purposes  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to 
the WTO (22 May 2020) and 
Resolución No.  1288/2019, Ministerio 
de Producción y Trabajo (22 
November 2019)  Effective 26 
November  2019 
Temporary elimination of export duties ( derechos de exportación ) 
for raw hides and skins, leather (NCM 4101; 4102; 4103; 4104), 
under an export quota  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to 
the WTO (22 May 2020) and Decreto 
No. 847/2019 (DCTO -2019-847-APN-
PTE-Desgravación) (6  December 
2019)  Effective 10 
December 2019 to 
31 December 
2021 
Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous mineral eliminated 
from the list requiring non -automatic import licensing (4 tariff lines 
at 8-digit level NCM 2709.00.10; 2709.00.90; 2710.12.59; 
2710.19.21)  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to 
the WTO (22 May 2020) and 
Disposición No. 3/2020 Subsecretaría 
de Política y Gestión Comercial - 
Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo (11 
March 2020)  Effective 11 March 
2020 
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on polyamide -6 or 
polyamide -6,6 (NCM 3908.10.24), under an import quota of 4,000 
tonnes (effective 28 August, for 12 months); on silicones in primary 
forms ( cuacho de silicona l íquida ) (NCM  3910.00.90), under an 
import quota of 55 tonnes (effective 28 August, for 12 months); on 
mixtures of odoriferous substances and mixtures (including alcoholic 
solutions) with a basis of one or more of these substances, of a kind 
used as raw materials in in dustry (NCM 3302.20.90), under an 
import quota of 288,000 kg (effective 28 August, for 24 months); on 
epoxide resins (NCM 3907.30.11), under an import quota of 52,800 
kg (effective 28 August, for 12 months); on carbon electrodes (NCM 
8545.19.90), under an import quota of 10,500 tonnes (effective 28 
August, for 12 months); on hop cornes, ground, powdered or in the 
form of pellets; lupulin (NCM 1210.20.10), under an import quota of 
150 tonnes (effective 28 August, for 12 months); on certain 
pharmaceutical pro ducts (NCM 3004.90.29), under an import quota 
of 840 units (effective 28 August, for 12 months); on certain 
medical instruments (NCM 9018.39.29), under an import quota of 6 
million units (effective 28 August, for 12 months); on certain 
artificial waxes and  prepare waxes (NCM 3404.90.19), under an 
import quota of 600 tonnes (effective 28 August, for 6 months); and 
on disperse dyes and preparations based thereon (NCM 
3204.11.00), under an import quota of 600 tonnes (effective 28 
August, for 6 months)  Permane nt Delegation of Argentina to 
the WTO (23 October 2020) and 
MERCOSUR/CCM/DIR Nos. 24/20, 
25/20, 26/20, 27/20, 28/20, 29/20, 
30/20, 31/20, 32/20 and 33/20 (3 
July 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on gluten -free infant 
formula (NCM 2106.90.90), under an import quota of 100 tonnes; 
on certain food preparations (gluten -free) (NCM 1901.10.10), under 
an import quota of 115 tonnes; and on certain dairy products ( leche 
modificada ) (NCM 1901.10.10), un der an import quota of 68 tonnes  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to 
the WTO (23 October 2020) and 
MERCOSUR/CCM/DIR Nos. 38/20, 
39/20 and 40/20 (9 July 2020)  Effective 27 
September 2020, 
for 12 months  
Extension of the temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 6 -
hexanelactam (epsilon -caprolactam) (NCM 2933.71.00), under an 
import quota of 1,000 tonnes; and on disodium sulphate ( anhidro ) 
(NCM 2833.11.10), under an import quota of 120,000 tonnes  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to 
the WTO (23 O ctober 2020) and 
MERCOSUR/CCM/DIR Nos. 21/20 (4 
June 2020) and 35/20 (3 July 2020)  Effective 27 
September 2020, 
for 12 months  
Amendment introduced in the list of products with export duties 
(derechos de exportación ), resulting in the reduction of export 
duties on certain products (5,114 tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in NCM 
Chapters 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 
44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54; 55; 56; 57; 58; 59; 
60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 65; 66; 67; 68; 69; 70; 71; 73; 74; 75; 76; Permanent Delegation of Argentina to 
the WTO (23 October 2020) and 
Decreto Nos. 785/2020 and 789/2020 
- Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur - 
Derechos de Exportación (5 October 
2020)  Effective 5 
October 2020  
 
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat, either direct 
or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any WTO agreement.  
2 This Section includes information which has either been provided by the Member concerned or has been 
confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 154 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
80; 82; 83; 84; 85; 86; 87; 88; 89; 90; 91; 92; 93; 94; 95; 96; 
97) 
Australia  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (8 tariff lines at 8 -digit 
level, in HS Chapter 85)  WTO document G/MA/W/117/Add.2, 
26 January 2016  Effective 1 July 
2020 
Azerbaijan  
Extension of the temporary decrease (from 15% to 5%) of import 
tariffs on butter and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy 
spreads (HS 0405)  Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan to 
the WTO (12 May 2020)  Effective 31 
December 2019 to 
31 December 
2021 
Azerbaijan  
Temporary elimination (from 15%) of import tariffs on pigments and 
preparations based on titanium dioxide; anionic; polyethylene 
having a specific gravity of less than 0.94; film of polymers of vinyl 
chloride;  certain unbleached Kraft paper and paperboard; single 
yarn of jute; synthetic filament yarn (effective 18 January 2020 to 
18 January 2022) (HS 3206.11.00; 3402.11.90; 3901.10.10; 
3920.43.10; 4804.51.00; 5307.10.00; 5402.53.00; 5402.62.00). 
Decrease of imp ort tariffs on certain products, e.g. certain 
petroleum oils and undenatured ethyl alcohol (HS 2710.19.21; 
2710.19.25; 2208.20; 2208.90.69; 2208.90.78)  Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan to 
the WTO (5 June 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on spare parts for bicycles 
for industrial assembly (effective 9 January 2020 to 9 January 
2021), and on spare parts for passenger vehicles (full production 
type) for industrial assembly (effective 6 March 2020 to 6  March 
2027) (HS Chapters 39; 40; 42; 70; 73; 76; 82; 83; 84; 85; 87; 
90; 95; 96)  Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan to 
the WTO (12 May 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Brazil  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain vaccines for 
humans ( hepatite B ), under an import quota of 30 million doses 
(effective 16 October 2019); on certain vaccines for humans 
(difteria, tétano e pertussis ), under an import quota of 10 million 
doses (effective 1 December 2019); on certain vaccin es for humans 
(virus do papiloma humano recombinante ), under an import quota 
of 18 million doses (effective 1 December 2019); on certain vaccines 
for humans ( hepatite A ), under an import quota of 10 million doses 
(effective 24 October 2019); and on certain  vaccines for humans 
(raiva), under an import quota of 4 million doses (effective 16 
October 2019)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (20 May 2020), Secint Portaria 
No. 468/2019 (27 June 2019)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Reduction of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. inorganic 
chemicals, organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of 
rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes; organic 
chemicals; plastics and articles thereof; paper and paperboa rd; 
machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical machinery and 
equipment; tubular metal needles; skis; and travelling circuses and 
travelling menageries (96 tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in NCM 
Chapters 28; 29; 39; 48; 84; 85; 90; 95). Elimination of i mport 
tariff (from 10%) on light -emitting diodes (NCM 8541.40.16)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2020), Camex 
Resolution Nos. 4/2019 (24 October 
2019) and 25/2019 (30 December 
2019)  Effective 1 January 
2020 
Reduction of import tariffs ( to 2%) on  parts and accessories of 
motor vehicles (not produced in Mercosur) (NCM Chapters 39; 40; 
68; 69; 70; 73; 74; 76; 83; 84; 85; 87; 90; 94), through the "ex -
out" regime (mechanism designed to temporarily reduce import 
tariffs on capital goods and in formatics and telecommunication 
equipment not locally produced)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (20 May 2020), Camex 
Resolution Nos. 23/2019 (30 
December 2019), 8/2020 (30 January 
2020), 27/2020 (1 April 2020), and 
42/2020 (4 May 2020)  Effective  2 January 
2020  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on p -
phenylenediamine, diaminotoluenes, and their derivatives; salts 
thereof (NCM 2921.51.33), under an import quota of 10,440 tonnes 
(effective 29 October 2019 to 28 October 2020); on self -adhesive 
plates, she ets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastic, 
whether or not in rolls (NCM 3919.90.90), under an import quota of 
200 tonnes (effective 29 October 2019 to 28 October 2020); on 6 -
hexanelactam (epsilon -caprolactam) (NCM 2933.71.00), under an  
import quota of 667 tonnes (effective 29 October 2019 to 13 
January 2020); on ethylene dichloride (ISO) (1,2 -dichloroethane) 
(NCM 2903.15.00), under an import quota of 400,000 tonnes 
(effective 26 November 2019 to 25 November 2020); on high 
tenacity yarn of polyester, whether or not textured (NCM 
5402.20.00), under an import quota of 688 tonnes (effective 26 
November 2019 to 25 November 2020); on certain acrylic polymers 
in primary forms (NCM 3906.90.49), under an import quota of 800 
tonnes (effective 7 De cember 2019 to 6 December 2020); on jute 
(NCM 5303.10.10), under an import quota of 7,000 tonnes (effective 
28 December 2019 to 27 December 2020). Temporary elimination of 
import tariffs on wheat and meslin (NCM 1001.19.00; 1001.99.00), 
under an import quo ta of 750,000 tonnes (effective 18 November Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (20 May 2020), Camex 
Resolution Nos. 5/2019 and 6/2019 
(23 October 2019), 10/2019 (12 
November 2019), 11/2019 (19 
November 2019), and 17/2019 (28 
November 2019) and Secex Portaria 
Nos. 42/2019 (25 October 2019), 
44/2019 (18 November 2019), 
46/2019, 47/201 9 (25 November 
2019) and 50/2019 (4 December 
2019)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 155 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
2019 to 17 November 2020); and on certain vaccines for humans 
(NCM 3002.20.21), under an import quota of 20 million doses 
(effective 26 November 2019 to 25 November 2020)  
Reduction of import tariffs on certain vessels for the transport of 
goods (NCM 8901.90.00)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (20 May 2020), Camex 
Resolution No. 10/2019 (12 November 
2019)  Effective 18 
November 2019  
Temporary elimination of import  tariffs on capital goods tariff lines, 
and informatics and telecommunications goods tariff lines (NCM 
Chapters 82; 84; 85; 86; 87; 90), through the "ex -out" regime 
(mechanism designed to temporarily reduce import tariffs on capital 
goods and informatics a nd telecommunications equipment not 
locally produced)  Camex Resolution Nos. 2/2019 and 
3/2019 (22 October 2019), 14/2019 
and 15/2019 (19 November 2019), 
29/2019 and 30/2019 (30 December 
2019), 10/2020 and 11/2020 (30 
January 2020), 14/2020 and 15/2020 
(19 February 2020); 29/2020 30/2020 
(1 April 2020), 39/2020, 40/2020 (4 
May 2020), 48/2020, 49/2020 (19 
May 2020), 55/2020, 56/2020 (22 
June 2020), 69/2020, 70/2020 (16 
July 2020), 78/2020 79/2020 (25 
August 2020), and 99/2020 100/2020 
(24 September 2020)  Effective until 31 
December 2021  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on soda lye or liquid 
soda (NCM 2815.12.00), under an import quota of 88,000 tonnes 
(effective 28 December 2019 to 27 December 2020); on disodium 
sulphate (NCM 2833.11.10), under an import quota of 910,000 
tonnes (effective 31 January 2020 to 30 January 2021); on 
"generator circuit breaker systems" and "plug and switch systems" 
(NCM 8537.20.90), under an import quota of 340 units (effective 16 
January 2020 to 15 January 2021); on poly(ethylene terephthalate) 
with a viscosity number of 78 ml/g or higher (NCM 3907.61.00), 
under an import quota of 10,000 tonnes (effective 30 December 
2019 to 29 December 2020); and on certain yarn of polyester (NCM 
5402.47.10), under an import quota of 2,200 tonnes (effective 2 
January 2020 to 1 January 2021)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (20 May 2020), Camex 
Resolution Nos. 27/2019 and 28/2019 
(30 December 2019; and Secex 
Portaria Nos. 1/2020, 4/2020 and 
5/2020 (16 January  2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Extension of the temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
certain sulphates (NCM 2833.29.60), under an import quota of 
25,000 tonnes (effective 17 January 2020 to 30 June 2020); on 
certain pigments (containing 82% or more by weight of titanium 
dioxide) (NCM 3206.11.10), under an import quota of 4,836 tonnes 
(effective 17 January 2020 to 30 June 2020); on polyamide -6 and 6 -
6 (NCM 3908.10.24), under an import quota of 7,100 tonnes 
(effective 1 7 January 2020 to 30 June 2020); and on certain 
uncoated paper and paperboard (NCM 4805.92.90), under an import 
quota of 15,993 tonnes (effective 17 January 2020 to 30 June 
2020). Extension of the temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 
6%) on pigments a nd preparations based on titanium dioxide (NCM 
3206.11.10), under an import quota of 50,000 tonnes (effective 17 
January 2020 to 30 June 2020). Extension of the temporary 
elimination of import tariffs on unwrought aluminium, not alloyed 
(NCM 7601.10.00), u nder an import quota of 150,000 tonnes 
(effective 17 January 2020 to 30 June 2020); on p -Xylene (NCM 
2902.43.00), under an import quota of 145,000 tonnes (effective 17 
January 2020 to 30 June 2020); and on sardines (NCM 0303.53.00), 
under an import quota o f 110,000 tonnes (effective 9 February 2020 
to 31 December 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (20 May 2020), Camex 
Resolution No. 32/2019 (30 December 
2019; and Secex Portaria Nos. 2/2020 
and 3/2020 (16 January 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 35% to 2%) on certain 
tanker semi -trailers (NCM 8716.39.00), under an import quota of 35 
units (effective 16 January 2020 to 15 January 2021); (from 26% to 
2%) on certain pile fabrics of man -made fibres (NCM 6001.92.00), 
under an import quota of 55,000 tonnes (effective 16 January 2020 
to 15 January 2021); (from 14% to 2%) on printing ink (NCM 
3215.19.00), under an import quota of 860 tonnes (effective 16 
January 2020 to 15 January 2021); on poly carbonates (NCM 
3907.40.90), under an import quota of 35,040 tonnes (effective 16 
January 2020 to 15 January 2021); and on black printing ink (NCM 
3215.11.00), under an import quota of 545 tonnes (effective 23 
January 2020 to 22 January 2021); and (from 12 % to 2%) on not 
backed aluminium foil rolled but not further worked (NCM 
7607.11.90), under an import quota of 2,137 tonnes (effective 1 
February 2020 to 31 January 2021). Temporary elimination (from 
8%) on certain pharmaceutical products (NCM 3004.90.69) 
(effective 16 January 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (20 May 2020), Camex 
Resolution No. 26/2019 (30 December 
2019); and Secex Portaria Nos. 
6/2020, 7/2020 and 8/2020 (16 
January 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on sodium sulphites 
(NCM 2832.10.10), under an import quota of 24,650 tonnes 
(effective 18 September 2020); on plates, sheets and strip, of a 
thickness exceeding 0.2 mm of aluminium alloys (NCM 7606.12.90), 
under an import quota of 5,100 tonnes (effective 1 August 2020); 
on aluminium foil rolled but not further worked (NCM 7607.11.90), Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the  
WTO (26 October 2020); Camex 
Resolution Nos. 36/2020 and 37/2020 
(4 May 2020), 46/2020 and 47/2020 
(19 May 2020), 72/2020 (22 July 
2020); and Secex Portaria Nos. Effective: s ee 
individual dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 156 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
under an import quota of 2,137 tonnes (effective 1 August 2020); 
on contact lenses (NCM 9001.30.00), under an import quota of 6. 5 
million units (effective 18 September 2020); on metal permanent 
magnets (NCM 8505.11.00), under an import quota of 360,000 units 
(effective 27 May 2020 to 26 May 2021); on certain electrical 
apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits (NCM 
8535.90.00), under an import quota of 500 units (effective 27 May 
2020 to 26 May 2021); on titanium oxides (NCM 2823.00.10), under 
an import quota of 12,000 tonnes (effective 27 May 2020 to 26 May 
2021); on poly(methylene phenyl isocyanate) (crude MDI, pol ymeric 
MDI) (NCM 3909.31.00), under an import quota of 105,000 tonnes 
(effective 27 May 2020 to 26 May 2021); on palm kernel or babassu 
oil (NCM 1513.29.10), under an import quota of 224,785 tonnes 
(effective 27 May 2020 to 26 May 2021); on mixtures of odo riferous 
substances (NCM 3302.90.90), under an import quota of 1,250 
tonnes (effective 27 May 2020 to 26 May 2021); on partially 
oriented polyesters (NCM 5402.46.00), under an import quota of 
127,575 tonnes (effective 4 July 2020 to 3 July 2021); on 
polyca rbonates (NCM 3907.40.90), under an import quota of 35,040 
tonnes (effective 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021); on insecticides 
(NCM 3808.91.95), under an import quota of 1,500 tonnes (effective 
4 July 2020 to 3 July 2021); on high tenacity yarn of polyesters, 
whether or not textured (NCM 5402.20.00), under an import quota 
of 8,000 tonnes (effective 24 July 2020 to 23 July 2021); on not 
alloyed nickel ( catodos ) (NCM 7502.10.10), under an import quota 
of 7,200 tonnes (effective 4 July 2020 to 3 July 2021); on blac k 
printing ink (NCM 3215.11.00), under an import quota of 545 tonnes 
(effective 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021); on printing inks (NCM 
3215.19.00), under an import quota of 860 tonnes (effective 1 June 
2020 to 31 May 2021)  28/2020 (15 May 2020), 30/2020 (22 
May 2020), 32/2020 and 33/2020 (3 
June 2020)  
Extension of the temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain 
pigments and preparations based on titanium dioxide (NCM 
3206.11.10), under an import quota of 54,836 tonnes (effective 1 
July 2020 to 31 December 2020); on certain uncoated paper and 
paper board (NCM 4805.92.90), under an import quota of 15,993 
tonnes (effective 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020); on certain 
sulphates (NCM 2833.29.60), under an import quota of 50,000 
tonnes (effective 1 July 2020 to 3 0 June 2021); on p -xylene (NCM 
2902.43.00), under an import quota of 300,000 tonnes (effective 1 
July 2020 to 30 June 2021); on polyamides in primary forms (NCM 
3908.10.24), under an import quota of 14,200 tonnes (effective 1 
July 2020 to 30 June 202 1); on not allowed aluminium (NCM 
7601.10.00), under an import quota of 150,000 tonnes (effective 17 
January 2020 to 31 December 2020); and on certain pharmaceutical 
products (NCM 3004.90.69; 3004.90.99)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (26 October 2020 ); Camex 
Resolution No. 54/2020 (22 June 
2020); and Secex Portaria No. 
41/2020 (30 June 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain electrical 
transformers, static converters (for example, rectifier s) and 
inductors (NCM 8504.50.00) (effective 13 July 2020); on certain 
vaccines (NCM 3002.90.92); on medicaments consisting of mixed or 
unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in 
measured doses (including those in the form of transder mal 
administration systems) or in forms or packing (NCM 3004.90.39) 
(effective 13 July 2020); and on certain motor vehicles (NCM ) 
(effective 1 October 2020). Temporary reduction of import tariffs 
(from 18% to 2%) on carboys, bottles, flasks and similar ar ticles 
(NCM 3923.30.10) (effective 22 September 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (26 October 2020); Camex 
Resolution No. 66/2020 (10 July 2020) 
and Gecex Resolution Nos. 92/2020 
and 93/2020 (21 September 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates  in 
measure  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on acrylic or 
modacrylic (NCM 5501.30.00), under an import quota of 6,240 
tonnes (effective 10 September 2020); on lignin sulphonates (NCM 
3804.00.20), under an import quota of 72,000 tonnes (effective 10 
September 2020); on nickel alloys sheets (NCM 7506.20.00), under 
an import quota of 2,500 tonnes (effective 10 September 2020); on 
certain instruments and appliances used in medical sciences (NCM 
9018.90.92), under an import quota of 2.5 mill ion units (effective 18 
September 2020); and on poly(vinyl chloride) (NCM 3904.10.20), 
under an import quota of 12,000 tonnes (effective 26 July 2020). 
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain vaccines for 
human medicine (NCM 3002), under an impo rt quota of 112 million 
doses (effective 10 September 2020); on rice (NCM 1006.10.92; 
1006.30.21), under an import quota of 400,000 tonnes (effective 10 
September 2020); and on undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic 
strength by volume of 80% vol. or hig her; ethyl alcohol and other 
spirits, denatured, of any strength (NCM 2207.10.10; 2207.20.11), 
under an import quota of 187.5 million L (effective 10 September 
2020)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (26 October 2020); Camex 
Resolution No. 65/2020 (23 June 
2020); Gecex Resolution Nos. 
86/2020, 87/2020, 88/2020 (9 
September 2020) and 97/2020 (21 
September 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Reduction of import tariffs (to 2% and zero) on certain auto parts 
not produced in Mercosur (NCM Chapters 39; 40; 69; 70; 73; 76; 
83; 84; 85; 87; 90)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (26 October 2020)    WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 157 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Elimination of non -automatic import licensing procedures on certain 
products (NCM Chapters 3; 40; 44; 54; 55; 56; 60; 61; 62; 65; 72; 
73; 84; 87)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (26 October 2020)    
China  
On 15 December 2019, extension of the suspension of the 
imposition of additional tariffs on imports of certain vehicles, and 
parts and accessories thereof (211 tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS 
Chapter 87), from the United States (originally effective from 1 
January 2019 to 31 March 2019, and extended on 1 April 2019)  Permanent Delegation of China to the 
WTO (25 May 2020) and State Council 
Tariff Commissi on Announcement on 
suspending the imposition of tariffs on 
automobiles and parts and 
components thereof originated from 
the United States (Tariff Commission 
Announcement 2019/7) . Viewed at: 
http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2019 -
12/15/content_5461332.htm  Effective 15 
December 2019  
Imposition of interim tariffs resulting in temporary reduction of 
import tariffs on certain products (HS Chapters 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 8; 12; 
13; 14; 15; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 
32; 33; 34; 35; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45; 48; 49; 52; 53; 
56; 61; 62; 63; 68; 69; 70; 71; 72; 74; 75; 76; 79; 81; 82; 84; 
85; 87; 90; 91; 92; 96)  Permanent Delegation of China to the 
WTO (25 May 2020) and Customs 
Tariff Commission of the State Council, 
Circular on adjustments to tariff s 
including import interim tariff rates in 
2020 (SCTC [2019] No. 50). Viewed 
at: 
http://gss.mof.gov.cn/gzdt/zhengcefa
bu/201912/P02019122762310920430
9.pdf  Effective 1 January 
2020 to 31 
December 2020  
VAT rebate rates increased (to 13%) on exports of 1,084  products 
(HS Chapters 15; 28; 29; 32; 33; 34; 38; 39; 40; 42; 43; 44; 48; 
67; 68; 69; 70; 71; 72; 73; 74; 75; 78; 80; 81; 82; 83; 96); and 
(to 9%) on 380 products (HS Chapters 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 12; 
13; 15; 16; 18; 19; 20; 21; 23; 38; 51; 53; 71)  Permanent Delegation of China to the 
WTO (25 May 2020) and Ministry of 
Finance General Administration of 
Taxation - Announcement No. 
15/2020. Viewed at: 
http://www.chinatax.gov.cn/chinatax/
n810341/n810755/c5146338/content.
html Effective 20 March 
2020 
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (176 tariff lines at 8 -digit 
level, in HS Chapters 32; 37; 39; 49; 59; 84; 85; 90)  WTO document G/MA/W/117/Add.4, 
28 January 2016; and Permanent 
Delegatio n of China to the WTO (26 
October 2020)  Effective 1 July 
2020 
Colombia  
Reduction (to 5%) of import tariffs on certain motor vehicles with 
gas engine (effective 28 November 2019). Elimination of import 
tariffs on certain motor vehicles with electrical engine (effective 28 
November 2019); and on certain home appliances equipment 
(effective 5 December 2019) (HS 8701.20.00; 8702.90.20; 
8703.22.10; 8703.22.90; 8703.23.10; 8703.23.90; 8703.24.10; 
8703.24.90; 8704.31.10; 8702.40.10; 8702.40.90; 870 3.80.10; 
8703.80.90; 8704.90.51; 8704.90.59; 8509.90.00; 8516.90.00; 
8536.90.10)  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to 
the WTO (30 April 2020) and 
Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y 
Turismo Decreto Nos 2051 (13 
November 2019) and 2074 (18 
November 2019)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the Information 
Technology Agreement (ITA) (213 tariff lines at 10 -digit level, in HS 
Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 49; 84; 85; 88; 90; 95)  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to 
the WTO (30 April 2020) and Decreto 
No. 2367, Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo (27 December 
2019)  Effective 11 
January 2020  
Extension of the temporary elimination of import tariffs on 
nitrogenous mineral or chemical fe rtilizers; and on insecticides, 
fungicides and herbicides (HS 3102; 3105; 3808)  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to 
the WTO (21 October 2020) and 
Decreto No. 894 Ministerio de 
Comercio, Industria y Turismo (26 
June 2020)  Effective 26 June 
2020 to 25 June 
2022 
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on wheat and meslin; and on 
shelled ground -nuts, whether or not broken (HS 1001.11.00; 
1001.19.00; 1001.91.00; 1001.99.10; 1001.99.20; 1202.42.00)  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to 
the WTO (21 October 2020) and 
Decreto No. 882 Ministerio de 
Comercio, Industria y Turismo (25 
June 2020)  Effective 12 July 
2020 to 11 July 
2022 
Costa Rica  
On 13 February 2020, the duty free import quota for rice in the husk 
(paddy or rough) (HS 1006.10.90) increased from 19,520 metric 
tonnes to 39,662 metric tonnes  Permanent Delegation of Costa Rica to 
the WTO (25 May 2020)  Effective August 
2019 to June 2020  
El Salvador  
Extension of time frames for payment of customs duties  Permanent Delegation of El Salvador 
to the WTO (25 May 2020)  Effective 27 
January 2020  
European Union  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (17 tariff lines at 8 -digit 
level, in HS Chapters 85 and 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.7/Rev.1, 20 
February 2017  Effective from 1 
July 2020  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 158 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
India  
Elimination of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. pure bred 
breeding horses; (from 10%) very low sulphur fuel oil, and specified 
parts of microphones; and (from 7.5%) on polyester liquid crystal 
polymers (LCPs) for use in the manufacture of connectors; and 
micro fuse bases. Reduction of import tariffs (from 10% to 7.5%) on 
calcined  pet coke; (from 10% to 5%) on calendared plastic sheet for 
use in manufacturing of smart cards, newsprint, uncoated paper 
used in the manufacture of newspapers, and light -weight coated 
paper; (from 12.5% to 7.5%) on platinum and palladium for the 
manufact ure of precious metal chemicals and precious metal 
catalyst; and (from 12.5% to 11.85%) on spent catalyst or ash 
containing precious metals for recovery of precious metal (HS 
0101.21.00; 27; 3907.99.00; 8518.90.00; 8538; 2712.12.10; 
2713.12.90; 3920.10.99;  4801; 48; 4810; 7110)  Permanent Delegation of India to the 
WTO (26 May 2020)  Effective 2 
February 2020  
Amendments introduced to Notification No. 11/2018 -Customs, 
Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), resulting in the 
elimination (from 10%) of the Special Welfare Surcharge on 
almonds shelled; walnuts in shell; walnuts shelled; frozen orange 
juice; not frozen orange juices; marble, travertine, ecaussine and 
other calcareous building stone slabs (HS 0802.12.00; 0802.31.00; 
0802.32.00; 2009.11.00; 2009 .12.00; 2009.19.00; 2515.12.20; 
6802.10.00; 6802.21.10; 6802.21.20; 6802.21.90; 6802.91.00; 
6802.92.00)  Permanent Delegation of India to the 
WTO (26 May 2020)  Effective 2 
February 2020  
New goods included in the list of products exempted from the 
Special Welfare Surcharge (HS Chapters 84; 85; 90)  Permanent Delegation of India to the 
WTO (26 May 2020)  Effective 2 
February 2020  
Imports of certain medical and surgical instruments and apparatus 
(HS 9018; 9019; 9020; 9021; 9022) exempted from the "health 
cess"  Permanent Delegation of India to the 
WTO (26 May 2020) and Ministry of 
Finance - Department of Revenue - 
Notification No. 8 /2020 -Customs (2 
February 2020)  Effective 1 April 
2020 
Temporary reduction of import tariffs on lentils ( mosur ) (HS 
0713.40.00)  Permanent Delegation of India to the 
WTO (27 October 2020)  Effective 2 June to 
31 August 2020  
Israel  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) ( HS 8543.70.00; 
8528.71.00)  WTO document G/MA/W/117/Add.11, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 
2020 
Japan  
Elimination of import tariffs on 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (HS 
2906.19); on 1,1,3,5 -tetramethylpiperidine -1-iumhydroxide (HS 
2933.39); on igniters, used in manufacturing parts of motor vehicles 
(HS 3603.00); on mixed alkylbenzenes (HS  3817.00); and on leaver 
lace (HS 5804.21)  Permanent De legation of Japan to the 
WTO (22 May 2020)  Effective 1 April 
2020 
Korea, Rep. of  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (84 tariff lines at 10 -digit 
level, in HS Chapters 84; 85; 90)  WTO document G/MA/W/117/Add.13, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 
2020 
Malaysia  
Elimination of export duties on crude palm oil "CPO" 
(HS 1511.10.00)  Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to 
the WTO (28 September 2020)  Effective 1 January 
2020 
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (19 tariff lines at 9 -digit 
level, in HS Chapters 35; 37; 39; 84; 85; 90; 95)  WTO document G/MA/W/117/Add.14, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 
2020 
Mauritania  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on wheat and meslin, 
vegetables, fruits, soya -bean oil and its fractions, and preparations 
suitable for infants (HS 1001.11.00; 1001.19.00; 07; 08; 
1507.90.00; 1901.10.00; 1901.20.00; 1901.90.10; 1901.90. 20; 
1901.90.30; 1901.90.40; 1901.90.91; 1901.90.99)  Permanent Delegation of Mauritania to 
the WTO (1 October 2020)  Effective 25 March 
2020 to 31 
December 2020  
Mauritius  
Customs duty rebate (30% or MUR 125,000, whichever is the 
lesser) on buses, provided they were in a bonded warehouse before 
5 June 2020 and cleared from Customs before 30 June 2021  Permanent Delegation of Mauritius to 
the WTO (27 October 2020)  Effective 5 June 
2020 
Excises duty rebate on certain vehicles, provided they were in a 
bonded warehouse before 5 June 2020 and cleared from Customs 
before 30 June 2021  Permanent Delegation of Mauritius to 
the WTO (27 October 2020)  Effective 5 June 
2020 
Mexico  
Extension of the temporary elimination of import tariffs on rice in the 
husk (paddy) (HS 1006.10.01), under import quotas (from 1 
September 2020 to 31 December 2020: 30,000 tonnes; and from 1 
January 2021 to 31 December 2021: 75,000 tonnes)  Diario Oficial de la Federación (Official 
Journal), 7 September 2020  Effective 1 
September 2 020 
to 31 December 
2021 
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain electric motor 
vehicles (HS 8702.90.07; 8703.90.01; 8704.90.01)  Diario Oficial de la Federación (Official 
Journal), 3 September 2020  Effective 3 
September 2020 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 159 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
to 30 September 
2024 
Montenegro  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (13 tariff lines at 8 -digit 
level, in HS Chapters 85 and 90)  WTO document G/MA/W/117/Add.16, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 
2020 
Morocco  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 35%) on soft wheat 
(HS 1001)  Ministère de l'Économie, des Finances 
et de la Réforme de l'Administration - 
Projet de Loi de Finances Rectificative 
pour l'année budgétaire 2020. Viewed 
at: 
https://www.finances.gov.ma/Publicati
on/db/2020/np -plfr2020 -fr.pdf  Effective 2 January 
2020 to 30 April 
2020. Measure 
extended until 15 
June 2020. 
Further extension 
until 31 December 
2020 
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on hard wheat, chickpeas, 
beans, and lentils  Ministère de l'Économie, des Finances 
et de la Réforme de l'Administration - 
Projet de Loi de Finances Rectificative 
pour l'année budgétaire 2020. Viewed 
at: 
https://www.finances.gov.ma/Publicati
on/db/2020/np -plfr2020 -fr.pdf  Effective 1 April 
2020  
Nepal  
Temporary reduction (by 50%) of import tariffs on fertilized eggs for 
incubation (HS 0407.11.00; 0407.19.00)  Permanent Delegation of Nepal to the 
WTO (31 March 2020)  Effective 4 
November 2019  
Decrease of import tariffs on certain products, (from 40% to 30%) 
on chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, sweet 
biscuits, waffles and wafers; (from 20% to 15%) on soap in other 
forms; (from 30% to 5%) on certain articles of plastic; (from 20% 
to 5%) on gowns; certain garments used for medical purp ose; (from 
15% to 5%) on disposable hairnets; induction stove; certain electro -
thermic appliances parts; (from 5% to 1%) on agricultural or 
horticultural sprayers; (from 15% to 10%) on certain parts of 
electric accumulators (HS Chapters 18; 19; 21; 34; 39;  62; 65; 84; 
85) Permanent Delegation of Nepal to the 
WTO (25 September 2020)  Effective 28 May 
2020 
New Zealand  
Elimination of import tariffs on mattress of foam, of a kind used in 
profiling beds, designed for patient pressure reduction and support 
by maximizing the distribution of the patients weight; and spare 
parts: mattress cover of polyurethane coated knitted fabric, and air 
bladders of polyurethane coated nylon; whether imported together 
or separately (HS 3926.90.69; 6302.39.01; 9404.29 .00) Permanent Delegation of New Zealand 
to the WTO (27 October 2020), New 
Zealand Customs Service - Tariff 
Concession Approvals, Withdrawals 
and Declines Notice (No. 31) 2020 (30 
July 2020)  Effective 1 May 
2020 
Pakistan  
Temporary elimination of import Regulatory Duties on wheat 
(HS1001). Imports also exempted of income tax  Permanent Delegation of Pakistan to 
the WTO (26 October 2020) and 
Ministry of Finance and Revenue, 
Customs - Notification No. S.R.O. 
633(I)/2020 (21 July 2020)  Effective 21 Jul y 
2020 
Philippines  
Reduction of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. plastic articles 
for the conveyance or packing of goods; and electrical machinery 
and equipment (HS 3923; 8518; 8519; 8527; 8528; 8536; 9025; 
9030)  Permanent Delegation of the 
Philippines to the WTO (27 May 2020)  Effective 1 January 
2020 
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (50 tariff lines at 8 -digit 
level in HS Chapters 32; 39; 84; 85; 90)  WTO document G/MA/W/11 7/Add.19, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 January 
2020 
Russian Federation (for the Eurasian Economic Union)  
Extension of the temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain 
cocoa and cocoa preparations (HS 1803.10.00; 1804.00.00)  Permanent Delegation of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO (27 May 2020)  Effective 1 January 
2020 to 31 
December 2022  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 10%) on vanadium 
(effective 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021); (from 5%) on 
surimi (effective 26 March 2020 to 30 April 2023); on stamping foils 
(effective 6 March 2020 to 31 August 2022); and on vanadium 
oxides and hydroxides (effective 22 February 2020 to 31 December 
2020); (from 14%) on rods of optical glass (effective 23 January 
2020 to 31 December 2020); on terephthalic acids (14 April 2020 to 
31 December 2021); on accessories for the production of handhe ld 
power tools (effective 8 May 2020 to 30 June 2022); on electric cars 
(effective 4 May 2020 to 31 December 2021); on polyurethane and 
epoxy coatings for the production of optical fibre (effective 14 April 
2020 to 31 December 2020); and on certain kinds o f shellfish and 
krill meat (effective 26 March 2020 to 1 April 2023) 
(HS 0304.99.11; 3212.10.00; 2825.30.00; 7002.20.10; Permanent Delegation of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO (27 May 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure (HS 
8483.40.23.09; 
8536.50.80.00; 
8545.20.00.00 
excluded)  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 160 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
2917.36.00; 8536.50.80; 8545.20.00; 8483.40.23; 8703.80.00; 
3907.30.00; 3909.50.90; 8112.92.92; 0307.43.38; 0307.43.90; 
0307.52.90; 160 5.40.00; 1605.53.90)  
Creation of a new tariff line, "certain LED lamps" (HS 
8539.50.00.01; 8539.50.00.02; 8539.50.00.09) resulting in the 
temporary elimination of import tariffs  Permanent Delegation of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO (27 May 2020)  Effective 2 
February 2020 to 
1 January 2021  
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan,  Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (10 tariff lines at 8 -digit 
level, in HS Chapters 85 and 90)  WTO document G/MA/W/117/Add.22, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 
2020 
Thailand  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) ( 108 tariff lines at 8 -digit 
level, in HS Chapters 84; 85; 90)  WTO document G/MA/W/117/Add.23, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 
2020 
Turkey  
Elimination of import tariffs (from 2%) on certain products of pig 
iron; and (from 2.7%) on certain products of ferro -alloys 
(HS 7201.10.11; 7201.10.30; 7202.11)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the 
WTO (24 April 2020)  Effective 1 January 
2020 
Elimination of import tariffs (from 29%) on inulin used for the 
production of medical and nutritional products (effective 1 January 
2020); (from 135%) on oligofructose used for the production of 
medical and nutritional products (effective 1 J anuary 2020); (from 
46.8%) on certain fats used in the production of infant formula 
(effective 1 January 2020); and (from 31.5%) on molasses used for 
the production of yeast (effective 3 April 2020) (HS 1108.20; 
1702.90.95; 1517.90.99; 1703.10; 1703.90),wi thin the scope of 
end use regulation  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the 
WTO (3 June 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
 
 
 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 161 - 
 
  ANNEX 2 - TRADE REMEDIES1 
(MID-OCTOBER  2019 TO MID -OCTOBER  2020) 
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Termination on 30 October 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material 
(other than compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, whether or not 
lined or heat -insulated, but not fitted with mechanical or thermal 
equipment, of a capacity of 200 to 230 litres (NCM 7310.10.90) from Chile 
(investigation initiated on 1 June 2012 and definitive duty imposed on 29 
November 2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/ARG, 1 
May 2020    
Termination on 19 November 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
conveyor or transmission belts or belting, of vulcanized rubber reinforced 
only with textile materials (NCM 4010.12.00) from China (investigation 
initiated on 1 June 2012 and definitive duty imposed on 29 November 
2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/ARG, 1 
May 2020    
Initiation on 4 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
mowers for lawns, parks or sports -grounds (NCM  8467.29.99; 
8433.11.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/ARG, 21 
August 2020    
Initiation on 4 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
tape measures (NCM 9017.80.10) from India  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/ARG, 21 
August 2020    
Termination on 6 March 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of paper 
and paperboard, coated on one or both sides with kaolin (China clay) or 
other inorganic substances, with or without a blinder, and with no other 
coating, whether or not surface -coloured , surface -decorated or printed, in 
rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size (NCM 
4810.13.89; 4810.13.90; 4810.19.89; 4810.19.90) from Austria, China, 
Finland and the United States (investigation initiated on 15 December 
2010. Provisional  and definitive duties imposed on 20 March 2012 and 14 
June 2012, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/ARG, 21 
August 2020    
Termination on 6 March 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of coated 
paper and paperboard (NCM 4810.29.90) from China (investigation 
initiated on 7 December 2016 and definitive duty imposed on 20 July 
2017)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/ARG, 21 
August 2020    
Initiation on 27 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
polystyrene, expandable, in granules (NCM 3903.11 .10; 3903.11.20) from 
China and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/ARG, 21 
August 2020    
Australia  
Termination on 10 December 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
power transformers (HS 8504.22.00; 8504.23.00) from Thailand 
(investigation initiated on 29 July 2013 and definitive duty imposed on 10 
December 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/AUS, 
20 February 2020    
Initiation on 17 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
aluminium micro -extrusions (HS 7604.10.00; 7604.21.00; 7604.29.00; 
7608.10.00; 7608.20.00; 7610.10.00; 7610.90.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
Initiation on 24 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
mill finish aluminium extrusions (HS 7604.10.00; 7604.21.00; 
7604.29.00; 7608.10.00; 7608.20.00; 7610.10.00; 7610.90.00) from 
Malaysia  WTO documen t 
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
Initiation on 24 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
surface finish aluminium extrusions (HS 7604.10.00; 7604.21.00; 
7604.29.00; 7608.10.00; 7608.20.00; 7610.10.00; 7610.90.00) from 
Malaysia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
Termination on 28 February 2020 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of high -density polyethylene "HDPE" (HS 
3901.20.00; 3901.90.00) from Korea, Rep. of; Singapore; Thailand and 
the United States (initiated on 24 June 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
Initiation on 30 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
kraft paperboard (HS 4810.39.00; 4810.1; 4810.2) from the United States  WTO d ocument 
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
 
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat, either direct 
or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any  WTO agreement.  
2 This Section includes information which has either been provided by the Member concerned or has been 
confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 162 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 31 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
precision pipe and tube steel (HS 7306.30.00; 7306.50.00; 7306.61.00) 
from China; Korea, Rep. of; Chinese  Taipei and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
Initiation on 31 March 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
precision pipe and tube steel (HS 7306.30.00; 7306.50.00; 7306.61.00) 
from China and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/AUS, 
8 September  2020   
On 22 May 2020, anti -dumping investigation on imports of power 
transformers (HS 8504.22.00; 8504.23.00) from China resumed 
(investigation originally initiated on 18 March 2019 and terminated on 31 
January 2020)  Permanen t Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (23 
October 2020) and Anti -
Dumping Notice No. 
2020/66 (17 July 2020)    
Initiation on 27 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
painted steel strapping (HS 7212.40.00) from China and Viet  Nam WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
Initiation on 27 May 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
painted steel strapping (HS 7212.40.00) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/AUS, 
8 September  2020   
Termination on 17 June 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of rod in 
coils (HS 7213.91.00; 7227.90.90) from Chinese Taipei (investigation 
initiated on 10 April 2014. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 2 
March and 17 June 2015, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
Termination on 25 June 2020 of anti-dumping duties on imports of steel 
reinforcing bar (HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7227.90.10; 7227.90.90; 
7228.30.10; 7228.30.90; 7228.60.10) from Turkey (investigation initiated 
on 16 November 2018 and provisional duty imposed on 15 January 2019. 
Invest igation terminated on 20 June 2019. An appeal was made to the 
Anti-Dumping Review Panel (ADRP) and was subsequently revoked on 
27 September 2019. Investigation resumed following publication of a new 
Statement of Essential Facts on 11 May 2020)  WTO document  
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
Termination on 25 June 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
steel reinforcing bar (HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7227.90.10; 
7227.90.90; 7228.30.10; 7228.30.90; 7228.60.10) from Turkey 
(investigation initiated on 16 November 2018 and terminated on 20 June 
2019. An appeal was made to the Anti -Dumping Review Panel (ADRP) and 
was subsequently revoked on 27  September 2019. Investigation resumed 
following publication of a new Statement of Ess ential Facts on 11 May 
2020)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/AUS, 
8 September  2020   
Initiation on 30 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
aluminium zinc coated steel of a width equal to or greater than 600 mm 
(HS 7210.61.00; 7225.99.00) from Ko rea, Rep. of; Chinese Taipei and 
Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
Initiation on 30 June 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
aluminium zinc coated steel of a width equal to or greater than 600 mm 
(HS 7210.61.00; 7225.99.00) from Viet  Nam WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/AUS, 
8 September  2020   
Initiation on 30 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
aluminium zinc coated steel of a width less than 600 mm (HS 7212.50.00; 
7226.99.00) from China and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/AUS, 
31 August 2020    
Initiation on 30 June 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
aluminium zinc coated steel of a width less than 600 mm (HS 7212.50.00; 
7226.99.00) from China and Viet Nam  WTO docu ment 
G/SCM/N/363/AUS, 
8 September  2020   
Initiation on 13 July 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain copper tube (HS 7411.10.00) from China and Korea, Rep. of  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (23 
October 2020) and Anti-
Dumping Notice No. 
2020/71 (13 July 2020)    
Initiation on 13 July 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
certain copper tube (HS 7411.10.00) from China and Korea, Rep. of  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (23 
October 2020) and Anti -
Dumping Notice No. 
2020/71 (13 July 2020)    
Initiation on 15 July 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain concrete underlay film (HS 3920.10.00) from Malaysia  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (23 
October 2020) and Ant i-
Dumping Notice No. 
2020/73 (10 July 2020)    
Termination on 20 August 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
certain hollow structural sections "HSS" (HS 7306.30.00; 7306.50.00; 
7306.61.00; 7306.69.00) from Thailand (investigation initiated on 21 July 
2014. Provisional and definitive duties impose d on 16 March and 20 
August 2015, respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (23 
October 2020) and Anti -
Dumping Notice No. 
2020/70 (27 July 2020)    
Termination on 18 September 2020 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of hot dip galvanized steel angle (HS 7216.61.00; 
7228.70.00; 7308.30.00; 7308.90.00) from China (initiated on 24 June 
2019)  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (23 
October 2020) and Anti -
Dumping Notice No. 
2020/108 (18 Se ptember 
2020)    WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 163 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Brazil  
Termination on 30 October 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
seamless steel chrome alloyed tubes (NCM 7304.51.19; 7304.59.11; 
7304.59.19) from China (investigation initiated on 18 November 2013. 
Provisional and definitive du ties imposed on 14 April and 30 October 2014, 
respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/BRA, 
7 April 2020   
On 1 November 2019, temporary suspension of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of ethanolamines, grades MEA (monoethanolamine) and TEA 
(triethanolamine) (NCM 2922.11.00; 2922.13.10; 3824.90.89) from 
Germany (investigation initiated on 10  May 2012 and definitive duty 
imposed on 4 November 2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/BRA, 
7 April 2020   
On 8 November 2019, temporary suspension of anti-dumping duties on 
imports of iron pipes (NCM 7303.00.00) from China, India and the United 
Arab Emirates (investigation initiated on 8 May 2018 and definitive duty 
imposed on 7 November 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/BRA, 
7 April 2020   
On 13 November 2019, temporary suspension of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of padlocks (NCM 8301.10.00) from China (imposed on 29 
December 1995)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/BRA, 
7 April 2020   
Termination on 16 January 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (NCM 4011.10.00) from Ukraine 
(investigation initiated on 20 July 2012 and definitive duty imposed on 16 
January 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/BRA, 
18 August 2020    
Termination on 17 January 2020 of anti-dumping duties on imports of hot -
rolled steel (NCM 7208.10.00; 7208.25.00; 7208.26.10; 7208.26.90; 
7208.27.10; 7208.27.90; 7208.36.10; 7208.36.90; 7208.37.00; 
7208.38.10; 7208.38.90; 7208.39.10; 7208.39.90; 7208.40.00; 
7208.53.00; 7208.54.00; 7208.90. 00; 7225.30.00; 7225.40.90) from 
China and the Russian Federation (investigation initiated on 20 July 2016 
and definitive duty imposed on 19 January 2018. Duty suspended on 19 
January 2018)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/BRA, 
18 August 2020    
Initiation on 31 January 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
CNG cylinder (NCM 7311.00.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/BRA, 
18 August 2020    
Termination on 31 January 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of wire 
of steel coated with  zinc (NCM 7217.20.10; 7217.20.90) from Sweden 
(investigation initiated on 14 October 2013 and definitive duty imposed on 
30 January 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/BRA, 
18 August 2020    
Initiation on 20 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
phthalic anhydride (NCM 2917.35.00) from Israel and the Russian 
Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/BRA, 
18 August 2020  Terminated on 
27 April 2020 
(without 
measure)  
Termination on 5 March 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
presensitized offset aluminium printing plates (NCM  3701.30.21; 
3701.30.31) from Hong Kong, China (investigation initiated on 25 
February 2014 and definitive duty imposed on 5 March 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/BRA, 
18 August 2020    
Terminat ion on 5 March 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of inner 
grooved copper tubes (NCM 7411.10.90) from China and Mexico 
(investigation initiated on 23 December 2013 and definitive duty imposed 
on 5 March 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/BRA, 
18 August 202 0   
Termination on 4 May 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of ferrite 
segment (arc) magnet (NCM 8505.19.10) from China and Korea, Rep. of 
(investigation initiated on 16 June 2014. Provisional and definitive duties 
imposed on 30 October 2014 and 4 May 2015, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/BRA, 
18 August 2020    
Termination on 22 June 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
elastomeric rubber pipes (NCM 4009.11.00) from Israel and Malaysia 
(investigation initiated on 20 June 2014 and definitive duty imposed on 22 
June 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/BRA, 
18 August 2020    
Termination on 25 June 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of sea salt 
(NCM  2501.00.19) from Chile (investigation initiated on 12 March 2010 
and definitive duty imp osed on 8 September 2011. On 13 July 2018 duty 
temporary suspended. On 12 July 2019 duty temporary suspended)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
Camex Resolution No. 
62/2020 (23 June 2020)    
Initiation on 23 July 2020 of anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
phthalic anhydride (NCM 2917.35.00) from Israel and the Russian 
Federation  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and Secex 
Circular No. 45/2020 (21 
July 2020)    
Initiation on 29 July 2020 of anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
aluminium plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.2  mm (NCM 
7606.11.90; 7606.12.90; 7606.91.00; 7606.92.00; 7607.11.90; 
7607.19.90) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (26 
October 2020)  and Secex 
Circular No. 46/2020 (28 
July 2020)    
Termination on 14 August 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
polyvinyl chloride resins (HS 3904.10.10) from Korea, Rep. of (imposed on 
29 August 2008)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and Secex 
Circular No. 50/2020 (14 
August 2020)    WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 164 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
On 15 August 2020, temporary suspension of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of polyvinyl chloride resins (NCM 3904.10.10) from China 
(imposed on 29 August 2008)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and Gecex 
Resolution No. 73/2020 
(14 August 2020)    
Initiation on 18 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
babies' garments and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted (NCM 
6111.20.00) from China; Hong Kong, China and Paraguay  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (26 
October 2020)    
On 17 September 2020, temporary suspension of anti -dumping duties on 
phenol (NCM 2907.11.00) from the European Union and the United States 
(imposed on 16 O ctober 2002)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and Gecex 
Resolution No. 91/2020 
(16 September 2020)    
Termination on 25 September 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
butyl acrylate (NCM 2916.12.30) from Germany (investigation initiated on 
1 December 2014. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 1 April and 
25 September 2015, respectively)  Perma nent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (26 
October 2020)    
Canada  
Initiation on 8 November 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain corrosion -resistant steel sheet 2 (HS  7210.30.00; 7210.49.00; 
7210.61.00; 7210.69.00; 7212.20.00; 7212.30.00; 7212.50.00; 
7225.91.00; 7225.92.00; 7226.99.00) from Turkey, the United Arab 
Emirates and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/CAN, 7 
October 2020  Provisional duty 
imposed on 20 
March 2020  
Initiation on 8 November 2019 of countervaili ng investigation on imports 
of certain corrosion -resistant steel sheet 2 (HS  7210.30.00; 7210.49.00; 
7210.61.00; 7210.69.00; 7212.20.00; 7212.30.00; 7212.50.00; 
7225.91.00; 7225.92.00; 7226.99.00) from Turkey, the United Arab 
Emirates and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/CAN, 7 
October 2020  Provisional duty 
imposed on 20 
March 2020  
Initiation on 27 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
heavy plate (HS 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00) from Germany; Korea, Rep. of; 
Malaysia; Chinese Taipei and Tur key WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/CAN, 7 
October 2020; Permanent 
Delegation of Canada to 
the WTO (26 October 
2020); and Canada 
Border Services Agency - 
Notice of Preliminary 
Decision HP 2020 IN (9 
October 2020)  Terminated on 9 
October 2020 on 
imports from 
Korea , Rep. of 
and Malaysia. 
Provisional duty 
imposed on 9 
October 2020  
Initiation on 11 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
decorative and other non -structural plywood (HS  4412.10.00; 
4412.33.00; 4412.34.00; 4412.39.00; 4412.94.00; 4412.99.30; 
4412.31.00; 4412.99.10; 4412.99.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/CAN, 7 
October 2020    
Initiation on 11 June 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
decorative and other non -structural plywood (HS  4412.10.00; 
4412.33.00; 4412.34.00; 4412.39.00; 4412.94.00; 4412.99.30; 
4412.31.00; 4412.99.10; 4412.99.90) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/CAN, 7 
October 2020    
Initiation on 14 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain wheat gl uten (HS 1109.00.10; 1109.00.20) from Australia, Austria, 
Belgium, France, Germany and Lithuania  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
Canada Border Services 
Agency - Notice of 
Initiation of Investigation 
WG 2020 IN (14 August 
2020)   
Initiation on 22 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of certain concrete reinforcing bar (HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 
7215.90.00; 7227.90.00) from Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Italia, Malaysia, 
Singapore and Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
Canada Border Services 
Agency - Notice of 
Initiation of Investigation 
RB3 2020 IN (22 
September 2020)    
Chile  
Initiation on 27 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
steel grinding balls forged for mills of less than 4 inches in diameter (HS 
7326.11.10) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/CHL, 9 July 
2020   
Termination on 23 May 2020 of anti -dump ing duties on imports of steel 
grinding balls forged for mills of less than 4 inches in diameter (HS 
7326.11.10) from China (investigation initiated on 8 June 2018. 
Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 19 January and 23 May 2019, 
respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/CHL, 9 July 
2020   
Initiation on 11 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of steel grinding balls forged for mills of less than 4 inches in diameter (HS 
7228.30.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Chile to th e WTO (20 
October 2020)    WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 165 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
China  
Termination on 20 November 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
pyridine (HS 2933.31.00) from India and Japan (investigation initiated on 
21 September 2012. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 27 May 
and 21 November 2013, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/CHN, 21 
April 2020    
Termination on 20 November 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
methyl ethyl ketone (HS 2914.12.00) from Japan and Chinese Taipei 
(imposed on 22  November 2007)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/CHN, 21 
April 2020    
Termination on 13 April 2020 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of vertical machining centre (HS  8457.10.10) 
from Japan and Chinese Taipei (initiated on 16 October 2018)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/CHN, 16 
October 2020    
Termination on 25 May 2020 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of 7 -phenylacetamido -3-chloromethyl -3-cephem -
4-carboxylic acidpmethoxybenzyl ester (HS 2934.99.60) from India 
(initiated on 26 November 2018)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/CHN, 16 
October 2020    
Termination on 25 May 2020 (without measure) of countervailing 
investigation on imports of 7-phenylacetamido -3-chloromethyl -3-cephem -
4-carboxylic acidpmethoxybenzyl ester (HS 2934.99.60) from India 
(initiated on 26 November 2018)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/CHN, 
1 October  2020   
Initiation on 3 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
polyphenylene ether (PPE or PPO) (HS 3907.20.90) from the United Sates  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 31 (3 August 2020)    
Initiation on 14 August 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
polyphenylene ether (PPE or PPO) (HS 3907.20.90) from the United Sates  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 32 (14 August 2020)    
Initiation on 18 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
wine in containers holding 2 liters or less (HS  2204.21.00) from Australia  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 34 (18 August 2020)    
Initiation on 31 August 2020 of countervail ing investigation on imports of 
wine in containers holding 2 liters or less (HS  2204.21.00) from Australia  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 35 (31 August 2020)    
Initiation on 31 August 2020 of anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
certain monoalkylether of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol o r certain 
glycol ether (HS 2909.44.00; 2909.49.90) from the United States  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
MOFCOM Announ cement 
No. 36 (31 August 2020)    
Initiation on 14 September 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports 
of monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol (HS 
2909.44.00; 2909.49.90) from the United States  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
MOFC OM Announcement 
No. 37 (14 September 
2020)    
Initiation on 25 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of poly (vinyl chloride) "PVC" (HS 3904.10.90) from the United States  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 40 (25 September 
2020)    
Termination on 10 October 2020 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of methionine (HS  2930.40.00) from Japan, 
Malaysia and Singapore (initiated on 10 April 2019)  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (26 
October 2020)    
Initiation on 14 October 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
poly(vinyl chloride) "PVC" (HS 3904.10.90) from the  United States  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 41 (14 October 2020)    
Colombia  
Termination on 20 December 2019 of safeguard investigation on imports 
of sheets of paperboard and polyethylene, with an intermediate layer of 
aluminium foil as an oxygen barrier, used for the aseptic packaging of UHT 
treated foodstuffs (HS 4811.59.20) (initiated on 11 April 2019)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/COL/6, 9 
March 2020   
Initiation on 11 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of oil 
country tubular goods (HS 7304.19.00; 7 306.19.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/COL, 
28 August 2020; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO (21 
October 2020)  Provisional duty 
imposed on 6 
August 2020  
Initiation on 1 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of profiles of iron or non -alloy steel obtained from flat -rolled products (HS Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO (21   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 166 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
7216.61.00; 7216.69.00; 7216.91.00; 7216.99.00; 7228.70.00) from 
China  October 2020) and 
Resolución No. 1 58, 
Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo (1 
September 2020)  
Ecuador  
Initiation on 26 November 2019 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
smooth ceramics (HS 6907.21.00; 6907.22.00; 6907.23.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/ECU/3, 6 
August 2020  Terminated on 
31 July 2020 
(without 
measure)  
Egypt  
Initiation on 16 April 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of raw 
aluminium (ingots, billets and wire rod) (HS 7601.10; 7601.20; 7605.11)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/EGY/15, 23 
April 2020    
Initiation on 16 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
pre-stressed concrete steel strands (pc strands) (HS  7308.90.10) from 
China, Tunisia and Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/EGY, 10 
August 2020    
Initiation on 29 June 2020 of anti -dumpi ng investigation on imports of 
machine made carpet and floor coverings of man -made textile materials, 
whether or not made up (machine made carpet) (HS 5702.42.00; 
5703.20.00; 5703.30.00; 5703.90.00; 5705.00.00) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/EGY, 10 
August 2020    
European Union  
Initiation on 18 December 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of pins and staples (HS 7317.00.20; 7317.00.60; 7317.00.80; 
7326.20.00; 7616.10.00; 8305.20.00; 8308.10.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/EU, 17 
April 2020; and 
Commission 
Implementing Decision 
2020/1202 (14 August 
2020)  Terminated on 
17 August 2020 
(without 
measure)  
Initiation on 14 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
aluminium extrusions (HS 7604.10.10; 7604.10.90; 7604.21.00; 
7604.29.10; 7604.29.90; 7608.10.00; 7608.20.81; 7608.20.89; 
7610.90.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/EU, 6 
August 2020; and 
Commission 
Implementing Regulation 
2020/1428 (12 October 
2020)  Provisional duty 
imposed o n 13 
October 2020  
Initiation on 14 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain hot -rolled flat products of iron, non -alloy or other alloy steel (HS 
7208.10.00; 7208.25.00; 7208.26.00; 7208.27.00; 7208.36.00; 
7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 7208.39.00; 7208.40.00; 7208.52.10; 
7208.52.99; 7208.53.10; 7208.53.90; 7208.54.00; 7211.13.00; 
7211.14.00; 7211.19.00; 7225.19.10; 7225.30.90; 7225.40.60; 
7225.40.90; 7226.19.10; 7226.91.91; 7226.91.99) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/EU,  6 
August 2020    
Termination on 2 June 2020 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of continuous filament glass fibre products - glass 
fibre reinforcements (GFR) (HS 7019.11.00; 7019.12.00; 7019.31.00) 
from Bahrain and Egypt (initiated  on 3 May 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/EU, 6 
August 2020    
Initiation on 12 June 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
certain hot -rolled flat products of iron, non -alloy or other alloy steel (HS 
7208.10.00; 7208.25.00; 7208.26.00; 7208.27.00; 7208.36.00; 
7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 7208.39.00; 7208.40.00; 7208.52.10; 
7208.52.99; 7208.53.10; 7208.53.90; 7208.54.00; 7211.13.00; 
7211.14.00; 7211.19.00; 7225.19.10; 7225.30.90; 7225.40.60; 
7225.40.90; 7226.19.10; 7226.91.91; 7226 .91.99) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/EU, 6 
August 2020    
Initiation on 14 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
aluminium flat -rolled products (HS 7606.11.10; 7606.11.91; 7606.11.93; 
7606.11.99; 7606.12.20; 7606.12.92; 7606.12.93; 7606.12.99; 
7606.91.00; 7606.92.00; 7607.11.90) from China  Commission Notice 
2020/C 268/05 (14 
August 2020)    
Initiation on 24 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of optical fibre cables (HS 8544.70.00) from China  Commissio n Notice 
2020/C 316/09 (24 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 30 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of stainless steel cold -rolled flat products (HS 7219.31.00; 7219.32.10; 
7219.32.90; 7219.33.10; 7219.33.90; 7219.34.10; 7219.34.90; 
7219.35.10; 7219.35.90; 7219.90.20; 7219.90.80; 7220.20.21; 
7220.20.29; 7220.20.41; 7220.20.49; 7220.20.81; 7220.20.89; 
7220.90.20; 7220.90.80) from India and Indonesia  Commission Notice 
2020/C 322/06 (30 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 14 October 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
birch plywood (HS 4412.33.00) from the Russian  Federation  Commission Notice 
2020/C 342/02 (14 
October 2020)    
Initiation on 14 October 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
mono ethylene glycol (HS 2905.31.00) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
and the United States  Commission Notice 
2020/C 342/03 (14 
October 2020)    WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 167 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Guatemala  
Termination on 9 January 2020 (without measure) of safeguard 
investigation on imports of flat -rolled products of other alloy steel, of a 
width of 600 mm or more (HS 7225.91.00; 7225.92.00; 7225.99.00) 
(investigation initiated on 27 August 2019)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/GTM/1, 
28 January  2020    
India  
Initiation on 18 October 2019 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
flat products of stainless steel (HS 7219; 7220) from Indonesia  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/356/IND, 6 
May 2020    
Termination on 27 October 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
paracetamol (HS 2922.29.33) from China (imposed on 6 September 2001)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/IND, 
18 May 2020   
Initiation on 29 October 2019 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
styrene butadiene rubber (HS 4002.19) from Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/356/IND, 6 
May 2020    
Initiation on 4 November 2019 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
isopropyl alcohol (HS 2905.12.20)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IND/47, 15 
November 2019    
Initiation on 5 November 2019 of countervailing investigation on imports 
of fibreboards (HS 4411.12; 4411.13; 4411.93; 4411.14; 4411.92) from 
Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet  Nam  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/356/IND, 6 
May 2020    
Termination on 20 November 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
digital versatile disc -recordable (DVD -R's) (HS 8523) from China; Hong 
Kong, China; and Chinese Taipei (imposed on 23 July 2008)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/I ND, 
18 May 2020   
Initiation on 3 December 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
new pneumatic tyres of rubber for buses and lorries, with or without tubes 
and/or flaps (HS 4011.20.10) from Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Termination on 8 December 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
cable ties (HS 3926.90) from China and Chinese Taipei (imposed on 31 
October 2008)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/IND, 
18 May 2020   
Initiation on 9 December 2019 of anti -dumping investigation  on imports of 
mono ethylene glycol (MEG or ethylene glycol) (HS  2905.31.00) from 
Kuwait; Oman; Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; Singapore and the United Arab 
Emirates  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020 Terminated on 6 
April 2020 on 
imports from 
Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  
Initiation on 23 December 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of 1-phenyl -3-methyl -5-pyrazolone (HS 2933.19.20) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020 Provisional duty 
on 9 June 2020  
Termination on 30 December 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
pentaerythritol -I (HS 2905.42) from Chinese Taipei (imposed on 27 March 
2002)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/IND, 
18 May 2020   
Initiation on 10 January 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride "PUC" (HS 2941.90.30) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020)  Provisional duty 
on 2 September 
2020 
Initiation on 14 January 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
dimethyl formamide "DMF" (HS 2921.11.10) from China and Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 14 January 2020 of anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
viscose spun yarn "VSY" (HS 5510.11.10; 5510.12.10; 5510.11.90; 
5510.12.90; 5510.90.10; 5510.90.90) from China, Indonesia and Viet 
Nam WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 20 January 2020 o f anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
newsprint in rolls or sheets, excluding glazed newsprint (HS 4801.00.90; 
4801.00.10) from Australia; Canada; the European Union; Hong Kong, 
China; the Russian Federation; Singapore and the United Arab Emirates  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 22 January 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
soda ash (HS 2836.20) from Turkey and the United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 22 January 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
aniline (HS 2921.41.10) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 31 January 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
toluene di -isocyanate "TDI" (HS 2929.10.20) from the European Union; 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; Chinese Taipei and the United Arab Emirates  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Termination on 2 February 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
purified terephthalic acid "PTA" (HS 2917.36.00) from Korea, Rep. of and 
Thailand (investigation initiated on 8 October 2013. Provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 25 July 2014 and on 27 May 2015, 
respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Termination on 2 February 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
purified terephthalic acid "PTA" (HS 2917.36.00) from China; Indonesia; 
Iran, Islamic Rep. of; Malaysia and Chinese Taipei (investigation initiated WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 168 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
on 18 June 2015. Provisional and definit ive duties imposed on 10 
December 2015 and 5 July 2016, respectively)  
Initiation on 7 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
self-adhesive polyvinyl chloride film "SAV" (HS  3919.90.90; 391 9.10.00; 
3919.90.10; 3919.90.20; 3920.99.19; 3920.99.59; 3920.99.99; 
3921.90.99; 3926.90.99) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 10 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
black toner in powder form (HS 3707.90.10; 3707.90.90) from China, 
Malaysia and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020)  Provisional duty 
on 10 August 
2020 
Initiation on 25 February 2020 of anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
phenol (HS 2907.11) from Thailand and the United  States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 2 March 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
soda ash (HS 2836.20) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/IND, 15 
October 2020    
Termination on 6 April 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of flexible 
slabstock polyol (HS 3907.20) from Australia and the European Union 
(investigation initiated on 12 July 2013 and definitive duty imposed on 7 
April 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Termination on 13 April 2020 (without measure) of safeguard investigation 
on imports of phenol (HS 2907.11.10) (investigation initiated on 23 
August 2019)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/IND/17, 21 
April 2020    
Initiation on 20 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
copper and copper alloy flat rolled products (HS  7409.11.00; 7409.19.00; 
7409.21.00; 7409.29.00; 7409.31.00; 7409.39.00; 7409.40.00; 
7409.90.00; 7410. 11.00; 7410.12.00) from China; Korea, Rep. of; 
Malaysia; Nepal; Sri Lanka and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 22 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
plain medium density fibre board having thickness less than 6 mm (HS 
4411.12.00; 4411.13.00; 4411.92.19; 4411.92.29; 4411.93.19; 
4411.94.19) from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 9 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
natural mica based pearl industrial pigments excluding cosmetic grade (HS 
3206.11) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 11 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
plain medium de nsity fibre board having a thickness of 6 mm and above 
(HS 4411.12.00; 4411.13.00) from Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 21 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
polyester yarn (polyester spun yarn) (HS 5509.21.00) from China, 
Indonesia, Nepal and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 21 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
phthalic anhydride "PAN" (HS 2917.35.00) from China; Indonesia; Korea, 
Rep. of; and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Termination on 21 May 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of USB 
flash drives (HS 8523.51.00) from China and Chinese Taipei (investigation 
initiated on 21 June 2013 and defini tive duty imposed on 22 May 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Termination on 21 May 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
pentaerythritol (HS 2905.42.00) from the Russian Federation 
(investigation initiated on 21 June 2013 and definitive duty imposed on 22 
May 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 26 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (HS 4002.59.00) from China, the European 
Union, Japan and the Russian Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 27 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
rubber chemical PX -13 (HS 3812) from China; Korea, Rep. of; and the 
United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October 2020   
Termination on 30 May 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of acrylic 
fibre (HS 5501.30; 5503.30; 5506.30) from Korea, Rep. of (imposed on 
25 April 1997)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Termination on 6 June 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of vitamin -
E (HS 2936.28.00) from China (imposed on 17 March 2003)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 20 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
alumini um foil 80 micron and below (HS 7607.11.10; 7607.11.90; 
7607.19.10; 7607.19.91; 7607.19.92; 7607.19.93; 7607.19.94; 
7607.19.95; 7607.19.99; 7607.20.10) from China, Indonesia, Malaysia 
and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IND, 
15 October  2020   
Initiation on 30 June 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
aluminium wire/wire rods above 7 mm dia (HS  7601.10.40; 7601.20.40; 
7604.10.10; 7604.29.20; 7605.11.00; 7605.21.00) from Malaysia  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/IND, 15 
October 2020    
Initiation on 20 July 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
viscose rayon filament yarn above 60 deniers (HS  5401.20.00; 
5403.31.00; 5403.32.00; 5403.41.10; 5403.41.20; 5403.41.30; Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No.   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 169 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
5403.41.50; 5403.41.70; 5403.41.90; 5403.42.90; 5403.49.90) fr om 
China  6/26/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. CVD -OI- 5/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (20 July 
2020)  
Initiati on on 4 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
glass fibre and articles thereof (HS 7019) from Bahrain, Kingdom of and 
Egypt  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/24/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. ADD -OI- 20/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (4 
August 2020)    
Initiation on 21 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
aceto acetyl derivatives (arylides) (HS 2924.29.20; 2924.29.90) from 
China  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/28/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. ADD -(OI) 23/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedie s (21 
August 2020)    
Initiation on 4 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of vitamin C (HS 2936.27.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/32/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. AD -(OI) 27/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (4 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 8 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of certain flat rolled products of aluminium (HS 7606 ; 7607) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/27/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 22/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (8 
September 2 020)   
Initiation on 16 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of sodium hydrosulphite "SHS" (HS 2831.10.10; 2832.10.20) from China 
and Korea, Rep. of  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/35/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 29/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (16 
September 2020)    WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 170 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 22 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of untreated fumed silica (HS 2811.22.00; 2811.21.90; 2839.19.00; 
3404.90.90) from China and Korea, Rep. of  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/40/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 35/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and In dustry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (22 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 24 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of ceftriaxone sodium sterile (HS 2941.10.90; 2941.90.90; 2942.00.90) 
from China  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/46/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 39/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (24 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 25 September 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports 
of copper tubes and pipes (HS 7411.21.00; 7411.22.00; 7411.29.00) from 
Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. N o. 
4/10/2020 -DGTR (Case 
CVD-8/2020), Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (25 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 28 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of silicone sealants (HS Chapters 32 and 35) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/31/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 26/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (28 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 28 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of persulphates (HS 2833.40.00) from China and the United State s Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/25/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 21/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (28 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 28 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) component R -32 (HS  2903.39) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/33/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 28/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (28 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 29 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of calcined gypsum powder (HS 2520.20.10) from Iran, Islamic Rep. of; 
Oman; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the  United Arab Emirates  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/45/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 38/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 171 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
and Industry - 
Department  of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (29 
September 2020)  
Initiation on 30 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of elastomeric filament yarn (HS 5402.44.00; 5404.11.00) from Singapore  Permanent Delegation of 
India to th e WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/44/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 37/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (30 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 30 September 2020 of anti-dumping investigation on imports 
of hydrofluorocarbon "HFC" blends (HS 3824.78.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/34/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 29/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry  - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (30 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 30 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of "decor paper" (HS 4805.91.00; 4802.20.90) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/38/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 33/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (30 
September 2020)    
Initiation on 30 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of caprolactam (HS 2933.71.00) from the European Union; Korea, Rep. of; 
the Russian Federation and Thailand  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (27 
October 2020), 
Notification F. No. 
6/39/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. (AD -OI - 34/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies (30 
September 2020)    
Indonesia  
Initiation on 23 October 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
cold-rolled stainless steel "CRS" (HS 7219.32.00; 7219.33.00; 
7219.34.00; 7219.35.00; 7219.90.00; 7220.20.10; 7220.20.90; 
7220.90.10; 7220.90.90) from China and Malaysia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/IDN, 
20 May 2020  
Initiation on 13 November 2019 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
fructose syrup (HS 1702.60.20)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/34, 
15 November  2019; and 
G/SG/N/11/IDN/23, 
22 September  2020 Definitive duty 
imposed on 17 
September 2020  
Initiation on 9 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
hot-rolled coil of other alloy steel (HS 7225.30.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IDN, 
22 October  2020  
Initiation on 23 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
lysine (HS 2922.41.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/IDN, 
22 October  2020  
Initiation on 10 June 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of carpets 
and other textile floor coverings (HS 5701; 5702; 5703; 5704; 5705)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/35, 
12 June 2020   
Initiation on 1 October 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
articles of apparel and clothing accessories (HS 6101; 6102; 6103; 6104; 
6105; 6106; 6109; 6110; 6111; 6117; 6201; 6202; 6203; 6204; 6205; 
6206; 6209; 6214)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/36, 
2 October  2020   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 172 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Israel  
Termination on 19 May 2020 of anti -dumping duties on float glass (HS 
7005.29.90) from Turkey (investigation initiated on 27 October 2015. 
Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 18 April and 23 November 
2016, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/ISR , 
16 September  2020   
Japan  
Termination on 24 April 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
toluenediisocyanate (HS 2929.10) from China (investigation initiated on 
14 February 2014. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 25 
December 2014 and 25 April 2015, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/JPN, 
7 September  2020   
Initiation on 29 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
dipotassium carbonate (HS 2836.40) from Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/JPN, 
7 September  2020   
Jordan  
Termination on 14 May 2020 (without measure) of safeguard investigation 
on imports of potato chips and potatoes prepared or preserved otherwise 
than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen (HS  2005.20.90; 2106.90.99) 
(investigation initiated on 1 September 2019)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/JOR/10, 18 
May 2020    
Korea, R ep. of  
Initiation on 3 December 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
plywood (HS 4412.31; 4412.33; 4412.34; 4412.39; 4412.99) from Viet 
Nam WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/KOR, 6 
October 2020  Provisional duty-
imposed  29 May 
2020 
Initiation on 25 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of flat -rolled products of stainless steel (HS 7219.12.10; 7219.12.90; 
7219.13.10; 7219.13.90; 7219.14.10; 7219.14.90; 7219.22.10; 
7219.22.90; 7219.23.10; 7219.23.90; 7219.24.10; 7219.24.90; 
7219.31.1 0; 7219.31.90; 7219.32.10; 7219.32.90; 7219.33.10; 
7219.33.90; 7219.34.10; 7219.34.90; 7219.35.10; 7219.35.90; 
7219.90.10; 7219.90.90; 7220.11.10; 7220.11.90; 7220.12.10; 
7220.12.90; 7220.20.10; 7220.20.90; 7220.90.10; 7220.90.90) from 
China, Indonesia and  Chinese Taipei  Permanent Delegation of 
the Republic of Korea to 
the WTO (26 October 
2020)    
Malaysia  
Termination on 13 March 2020 of anti -dumping duties on polyethylene 
terephthalate (HS 3907.60.00) from China; Indonesia; and Korea, Rep. of 
(investigation initiated on 17 June 2014. Provisional and definitive duties 
imposed on 13 November 2014 and 14 March 2015, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/MYS, 
28 September  2020   
Initiation on 17 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
flat-rolled products of non -alloy steel plated or coated with aluminium and 
zinc (HS 7210.61.11; 7210.61.12; 7210.61.19; 7210.61.91; 7210.61.92; 
7120.61.99; 7212.50.23; 7212.50.24; 721 2.50.29) from China; Korea, 
Rep. of and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/MYS, 
28 September  2020   
Initiation on 13 September 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
ceramic floor and wall tiles (HS 6907)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/MYS/6, 
23 September  2020   
Mexico  
Initiation on 1 November 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
hydraulic bottle jacks (HS 8425.42.02) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/MEX, 18 
September 2020  Provisional duty 
imposed on 4 
June 2020  
Initiation on 19 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
dioctyl phthalates (HS 2917.32.01) from Korea, Rep of and the United 
States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/MEX, 18 
September 2020    
Initiation on 31 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigatio n on imports of 
polyester -textured textile filament (HS 5402.33.01) from China and India  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/MEX, 18 
September 2020    
Termination on 23 July 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of partially 
hydrogenated fatty acid (HS 3823.19.99) from the United States (imposed 
on 7 April 2005)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO (29 
September 2020) and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 23 July 2020    
Termination on 23 July 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of sodium 
hexametaphosphate (HS 2835.39.02) from China (imposed on 3 August 
2004)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO (29 
September 2020) and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 23 July 2020    
Termination on 30 July 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of stearic 
acid (HS 3823.11.01; 3823.19.99) from the United States (imposed on 8 
April 2005)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO (29 
September 2020) and 
Diario Ofic ial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 30 July 2020    WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 173 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 31 July 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
triethanolamine (HS 2922.15.01) from the United States  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO (29 
September 2020) and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 31 July 202 0   
Initiation on 21 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of carbon and alloy steel slab (HS 7207.12.99; 7207.20.99; 7224.90.02; 
7224.90.99) from Brazil and the Russian Federation  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO (29 
September 2020) and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 21 September 
2020   
Morocco  
Termination on 20 October 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of A4 
size paper (70 -90 gr/m²) (HS 4802.56.90) from Portugal (investigation 
initiated on 18 March 2013. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 
25 April and 21 October 2014, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/MAR, 16 
October 2020    
New Zealand  
Initiation on 24 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
galvanized wire (HS 7217.20.10; 7217.20.90) from China and Indonesia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/NZL, 28 
September 2020; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
New Zealand to the WTO 
(27 October 2020)  Provisional duty 
imposed on 25 
August 2020  
Pakistan  
Initiation on 7 December 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
phthalic anhydride (HS 2917.35.00) from China; Korea, Rep. of; Russian 
Federation and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/PAK, 
13 August 2020    
Initiation on 23 January 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain electrical capacitors (HS 8532.10.00; 8532.22.00; 8532.25.00; 
8532.29.00; 8532.30.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/PAK, 
13 August 2020    
Termination on 21 February 2 020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
aluminium beverage cans (HS 7612.90.10; 7612.90.30) from Jordan, Sri 
Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (investigation initiated on 1 
November 2018 and provisional duty imposed on 3 May 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/34 2/PAK, 
13 August 2020    
Initiation on 29 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
inorganic yellow chrome pigment (HS 3206.20.10) from India and Korea, 
Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/PAK, 
13 August 2020    
Peru  
Termination on 22 January 2020 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of poplin blend fabrics (HS  5407.81.00; 
5407.82.00; 5512.11.00; 5512.19.00; 5513.11.00; 5513.21.00; 
5514.11.00; 5514.21.00) from China (initiated on 15 February 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/PER, 2 
Septemb er 2020    
Termination on 22 January 2020 (without measure) of countervailing 
investigation on imports of maize (HS 1005.90.11) from the United States 
(initiated on 24 July 2018)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/PER, 5 
October 2020    
Initiation on 6 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight 
of synthetic staple fibres (HS 5512.11.00; 5512.19.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/PER, 2 
Septembe r 2020   
Philippines  
Termination on 17 October 2019 (without measure) of safeguard 
investigation on imports of rice (HS  1006.30.30; 1006.30.40; 1006.30.91; 
1006.30.99) (initiated on 11 September 2019)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/PHL/14, 13 
September 2019 and 
G/SG/N/9/PHL/3, 18 
October 2019   
Termination on 8 January 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
wheat flour (HS 1101.00.10) from Turkey (investigation initiated on 7 
June 2013. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 2 June 2014 and 9 
January 2015, respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Philippines (27 May 
2020)    
Termination on 28 January 2020 of safeguard duties on imports of ceramic 
floor and wall tiles (HS 6907.21.23; 6907.21.24; 6907.21.93; 
6907.21.94; 6907.22.13; 6907.22.14; 6 907.22.93; 6907.22.94; 
6907.23.13; 6907.23.14; 6907.23.93; 6907.23.94; 6907.40.92) 
(investigation initiated on 20 December 2018 and provisional duty 
imposed on 8 August 2019)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/PHL/4, 
28 January  2020   
Initiation on 6 February 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
motor vehicles (HS 8703; 8704)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/PHL/15, 
18 February  2020   
Initiation on 17 June 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
aluminium zinc, sheets, coils and strips "GL" (HS 7210.61.11; 7210.61.19; 
7210.61.91; 7210.61.92; 7210.61.99; 7210.69.11; 7210.69.19; 
7210.69.91; 7210.69.99; 7212.50.19; 7212.50.23; 7212.50.24; 
7212.50.29; 7212.50.93; 7212.50.94; 7212.50.99)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/PHL/16, 
22 June 2020   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 174 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 17 J une 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
prepainted galvanized iron "PPGI" and prepainted aluminium zinc "PPGL" 
(HS 7210.70.11; 7210.70.19; 7210.70.90; 7210.70.91; 7210.70.99; 
7210.90.10; 7210.90.90; 7212.40.11; 7212.40.12; 7212.40.19; 
7212.40.91;  7212.40.92; 7212.40.99)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/PHL/17, 
22 June 2020   
Initiation on 17 June 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
galvanized iron sheets, coils and strips "GI" (HS 7210.41.11; 7210.41.19; 
7210.41.91; 7210.41.99; 7210.49.91; 7210.49.99; 7212.30.12; 
7212.30.13; 7212.30.19; 7212.30.99)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/PHL/18, 
22 June 2020   
Termination on 25 August 2020 of safeguard duties on imports of float 
glass (HS 7005.29.90; 7005.21.90; 7005.10.90) (investigation initiated on 
19 February 2019 and provisional duty imposed on 22 October 2019)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/7/PHL/11/Suppl.
1, 26 August 2020    
Initiation on 14 September 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
high-density polyethylene and li near low -density polyethylene pellets and 
granules (HS 3901.20.00; 3901.10.12; 3901.10.92; 3901.40.00; 
3901.90.90)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/PHL/19, 
7 September  2020   
Russian Federation (for Eurasian Economic Union)  
Initiation on 24 December 2019 of anti-dumping investigation on imports 
of welded tubes of stainless steel (HS 7306.40.20; 7306.40.80; 
7306.61.10; 7306.69.10) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/RUS, 6 
May 2020   
Termination on 27 December 2019 (without measure) of safeguard 
investigation on imports of welded tubes of stainless steel (HS 
7306.40.20; 7306.40.80; 7306.61.10; 7306.69.10) (initiated on 4 March 
2019)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/RUS/2, 17 
January 2020    
Initiation on 9 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
graphite electrodes with a diameter of 520 mm or less (HS 8545.11.00) 
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/RUS, 15 
October 2020   
Termination on 9 April 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of citric 
acid (HS 2918.14) from China (investigation initiated on 21 February 2014 
and definitive duty imposed on 10 April 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/RUS, 15 
October 2020    
Initiation on 29 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
aluminium cookware (HS 7615.10; 7616.99 ) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/RUS, 15 
October 2020   
Initiation on 27 July 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
virgin high -density polyethylene (HS 3901.20.90) from Uzbekistan  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (26 October 
2020)    
Initiation on 17 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of melamine (HS 2933.61.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (26 October 
2020)    
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (for Gulf Cooperation Council)  
Initiation on 23 October 2019 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
certain steel products (HS 7208; 7209; 7210; 7211; 7212; 7213; 7214; 
7215; 7216; 7222; 7225; 7227; 7228; 7301; 7304; 7305; 7306; 7308)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/SAU/3, 24 
October 2019    
Termination on 28 November 2019 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of super -absorbent polymers (HS 3906.90) from 
Japan and Chinese Taipei (investigation initiated on 14 February 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/SAU, 
18 May 2020    
Initiation on 29 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
plates, sheets, and strip, of aluminium alloys, of a thickness not exceeding 
8 mm but greater than 0.2 mm, except those polished, coated, heat 
treatable, and aluminium can stock used for beverage cans and its lids 
(HS 7606.12.00; 7606.92.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/SAU, 
5 October 2020    
Termination on 6 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
ceramic flags and paving, hearth, floor or wall tiles, whether or not on a 
backing; and finishing ceramics (ceramic tiles) (HS 6907.30.00) from 
Spain (initiated on 5 November 2018)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/SAU, 
5 October 2020    
Serbia  
Initiation on 29 June 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of ribbed 
concrete steel in bars - rebars (HS 7214.20.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
Serbia (23 September 
2020)   
South Africa (for SACU - Southern African Customs Union)  
Initiation on 15 May 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of bolts 
with hexagon heads of iron or steel (HS 7318.15.43)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/ZAF/8, 
25 May 2020; and 
G/SG/N/7/ZAF/5, 
16 September  2020 Provisional duty 
imposed on 2 
October 2020  
Initiation on 19 June 2020 of safeguard inves tigation on imports of U, I, H, 
L and T sections of iron or non -alloy steel (HS 7216.31; 7216.32; 
7216.33; 7216.40; 7216.50; 7228.70)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/ZAF/9, 
23 June 2020   
Initiation on 18 September 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of pasta (HS 1902.11; 1902.19) from Egypt, Latvia, Lithuania and Turkey  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(16 October 2020)   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 175 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
Initiation on 4 August 2020 of anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
certain aluminium foil (HS 7607.11.20; 7607.11.90) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu to the WTO (24 
September 2020)    
Thailand  
Initiation on 17 October 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
painted hot dip plated or coated with aluminium -zinc alloys of cold -rolled 
steel (HS 7210.70.11; 7210.70.91; 7212.40.11; 7212.40.12; 7212.40.19; 
7212.40.91; 7212.40.92; 7212.40.99; 7 225.99.90; 7226.99.19; 
7226.99.99) from China and Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/THA, 
11 February  2020   
Initiation on 21 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
flat hot dip galvanized of cold rolled steel in coil and not in coil (HS 
7210.49.12; 7210.49.13; 7210.49.19; 7210.49.91; 7210.49.99; 
7212.30.11; 7212.30.12; 7212.30.13; 7212.30.19; 7225.9290) from 
China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/THA, 
22 July 2020   
Initiation on 7 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
tinplate (HS 7210.12.90) from China; the European Union; Korea, Rep. of; 
and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342 /THA, 
22 July 2020   
Initiation on 15 May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of tin 
free steel (HS 7210.50.00) from China; the European Union and Korea, 
Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/THA, 
22 July 2020   
Termination on 7 June 2020 of safeguard duties on imports of non alloy 
hot rolled steel flat products in coils and not in coils (HS 7208.36.00; 
7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 7208.39.90; 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00; 
7208.53.00; 7208.54.90) (investigation initiated on 30 January 2014. 
Provisional a nd definitive duties imposed on 7 June and 24 December 
2014, respectively)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/THA/4/Suppl.3
, 8 May 2020   
Initiation on 21 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
biaxially oriented polypropylene "BOPP" film in common grade (HS 
3920.20.10) from China, Indonesia and Malaysia  Permanent Delegation of 
Thailand to the WTO (5 
October 2020)    
Initiation on 18 September 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
aluminium foil (HS 7607.11.00; 7607.19.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/THA/6, 
24 September  2020   
Turkey  
Termination on 13 November 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
oriented strand board "OSB" (HS 4410.12) from Canada and the United 
States (imposed on 18 December 2008)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/TUR, 20 
February 2020    
Termination on 13 November 2019 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
hook and loop (HS 5806.32.90) from China and Chinese Taipei (imposed 
on 13 December 2002)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/335/TUR, 20 
February 2020    
Initiation on 14 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
baby food with cereals (HS 1901.10.00) from Croatia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/TUR, 23 
September 2020    
Termination on 10 May 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of stud-
link and welded link chain of iron or steel (HS 7315.81; 7315.82) from 
China (imposed on 20 December 2003)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/TUR, 23 
September 2020    
Initiation on 30 May 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of staple 
fibres of polyesters, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for 
spinning (HS 5503.20.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/TUR/26, 
8 June 2020   
Initiation on 11 June 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
polyethylene terephthalate chips (HS 3907.69.00)  WTO documen t 
G/SG/N/6/TUR/27, 
17 June 2020   
Initiation on 24 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
welded stainless steel tubes, pipes and profiles (HS 7306.40.20; 
7306.40.80; 7306.61.10) from Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/TUR, 23 
September 2020    
Ukraine  
Initiation on 7 December 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
steel fastenings (HS 7318.15.69; 7318.15.81; 7318.15.89; 7318.15.90; 
7318.16.91; 7318.16.99) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/UKR, 
2 October  2020; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the WTO (19 
October 2020)  Provisional and 
definitive duties 
imposed on 28 
May and 21 
September 
2020, 
respectively  
Initiation on 7 December 2019 of safeguard investigatio n on imports of 
syringes (HS 9018.31.10)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/UKR/7, 
14 September  2020 Terminated on 2 
September 2020 
(without 
measure)  
Initiation on 11 February 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
caustic soda (HS 2815.12.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/UKR/8, 
16 September  2020 Terminated on 2 
September 2020 
(without 
measure)  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 176 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 25 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
pivot-reclining devices (mechanisms) for window and balcony door blocks 
(HS 8302.41.50) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/UKR, 
2 October  2020   
Initiation on 25 February 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
polymeric materials (HS 3901.20.90; 3904.10.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/UKR/17, 
28 February  2020   
Initiation on 28 May 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of fresh 
cut roses (HS 0603.11.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/UKR/18, 
12 June 2020   
Initiation on 25 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
plywood (HS 4412.32.10; 4412.32.90; 4412.39.00; 4412.99.40; 
4412.99.50; 4412.99.85) from Belarus  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/UKR, 
2 October  2020  
Initiation on 28 July 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of wires 
(HS 8544.49.20; 8544.49.91; 8544.60.10; 8544.60.90; 8544.70.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/UKR/19/Corr.1
, 21 September  2020  
United States  
Initiation on 21 November 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports 
of forged steel fittings (HS 7307.92.30; 7307.92.90; 7307.93.30; 
7307.93.60; 7307.93.90; 7307.99.10; 7307.99.30; 7307.99.50) from 
India and Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020 Provisional duty 
imposed on 28 
May 2020  
Initiation on 21 November 2019 of countervailing investigation on imports 
of forged steel fittings (HS 7 307.92.30; 7307.92.90; 7307.93.30; 
7307.93.60; 7307.93.90; 7307.99.10; 7307.99.30; 7307.99.50) from 
India  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020  Provisional duty 
imposed on 30 
March 2020  
Initiation on 15 January 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
4th tier cigarettes (HS 2402.20.80) from Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 15 January 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
forged steel fluid end blocks (HS 7218.91.00; 7218.99.00; 7224.90.00; 
7326.19.00; 7326.90.86; 8413.91.90) from Germany, India and Italy  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 15 January 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
forged steel fluid end blocks (HS 7218.91.00; 7218.99.00; 7224.90.00; 
7326.19.00; 7326.90.86; 8413.91.90) from China, Germany, India and 
Italy WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020  Provisional duty 
imposed on 26 
May 2020  
Termination on 17 January 2020 of anti-dumping duties on imports of 
magnesium (HS 8104.11.00; 8104.19.00; 8104.30.00) from Israel 
(investigation initiated on 20 November 2018 and provisional duty 
imposed on 9 July 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Termination on 17 January 2020 of countervailing duties on imports of 
magnesium (HS 8104.11.00; 8104.19.00; 8104.30.00) from Israel 
(investigation initiated on 20 November 2018 and provisional duty 
imposed on 8 May 2019)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Termination on 30 January 2020 of countervailing duties on imports of 
certain fabricated structural steel (HS 7308.90.30; 7308.90.60; 
7308.90.95; 7216.91.00; 7216.99.00; 7222.40.60; 7228.70.60; 
7301.10.00; 7301.20.10; 7301.20.50; 7308.40.00; 7308.90.95; 
9406.9 0.00) from Canada (investigation initiated on 4 March 2019 and 
provisional duty imposed on 12 July 2019)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Termination on 31 January 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
dried tart cherries (HS 0813.40.30; 0813.40.90; 0813.50.00; 2006.00.20; 
2006.00.50; 2008.60.00) from Turkey (investigation initiated on 20 May 
2019 and provisional duty imposed on 27 September 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Termination on 31 January 2020 of countervailing duties on imports of 
dried tart cherries (HS 0813.40.30; 0813.40.90; 0813.50.00; 2006.00.20; 
2006.00.50; 2008.60.00) from Turkey (investigation initiated on 20 May 
2019 and provisional duty imposed on 27 September 2019)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Initiation on 5 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
wood mouldings and millwork products (HS  4409.10.40; 4409.10.45; 
4409.10.50; 4409.10.60; 4409.10.65; 4409.22.40; 4409.22.50; 
4409.22.60; 4409.22.6 5; 4409.29.41; 4409.29.51; 4409.29.61; 
4409.29.66; 4418.99.95; 4421.99.97) from Brazil and China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 5 February 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
wood mouldings and millwork products (HS  4409.10.40; 4409.10.45; 
4409.10.50; 4409.10.60; 4409.10.65; 4409.22.40; 4409.22.50; 
4409.22.60; 4409.22.65; 4409.29.41; 4409.29.51; 4409.29.61; 
4409.29.66; 4418.99.95; 4421.99.97) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020  Provisional duty 
imposed on 12 
June 2020  
Initiation on 18 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain vertical shaft engines between 225 cc and 999 cc, and parts 
thereof (HS 8407.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 18 February 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports 
of certain vertical shaft engines between 225 cc and 999 cc, and parts 
thereof (HS 8407.90.10; 8407.90.90; 8409.91.99) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020  Provisional duty 
imposed on 19 
June 2020  
Initiation on 24 February 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
difluoromethane "R -32" (HS 2903.39.20; 3824.78.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 3 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain corrosion inhibitors (HS 2933.99.82) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 3 March 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
certain corrosion inhibitors (HS 2933.99.82) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Termination on 20 March 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
certain fabricated structural steel (HS 7308.90.30; 7308.90.60; 
7308.90.95; 7216.91.00; 7216.99.00; 7222.40.60; 7228.70.60; 
7301.10.00; 7301.20.10; 7301.20.50; 7308.40.00; 7308.90.95; 
9406.90.00) from Canada, China and Mexico (investigation initiated on 4 
March 2019 and provisional duty imposed on 10 September 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Termination on 20 March 2020 of countervailing duties on imports of 
certain fabricated structural steel (HS 7308.90.30; 7308.90.60; 
7308.90.95; 7216.91.00; 7216.99.00; 7222.40.60; 7228.70.60; 
7301.10.00; 7301.20.10; 7301.20.50; 7308.40.00; 7308.90.95; 
9406.90.00) from China and Mexico (investigation initiated on 4 March 
2019 and provisional duty imposed on 12 July 2019)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Initiation on 31 March 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (HS 3901.10.10; 3901.20.10) 
from Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 7 April 2020 of anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
common alloy aluminium sheet (HS 7606.11.30; 7606.11.60; 7606.12.30; 
7606.12.60; 7606.91.30; 7606.91.60; 7606.92.30; 7606.92.60) from 
Bahrain; Brazil; Croatia; Egypt; Germany; Greece; India; Indonesia; Italy; 
Korea,  Rep. of; Oman; Romania; Serbia; Slovenia; South Africa; Spain; 
Chinese Taipei and Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 7 April 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
common alloy aluminium sheet (HS 7606.11.30; 7606.11.60; 7606.12.30; 
7606.12.60; 7606.91.30; 7606.91.60; 7606.92.30; 7606.92.60) from 
Bahrain, Brazil, India and Turkey  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Initiation on 14 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain vertical shaft engines between 99 cc and up to 225 cc, and parts 
thereof (HS 8407.90.10; 8407.90.90; 8409.91.99; 8433.11; 8424.30) 
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 22 April 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
certain non -refillable steel cylinders (HS 7310.29.00; 7311.00.00) from 
China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Initiation on 22 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain non-refillable steel cylinders (HS 7310.29.00; 7311.00.00) from 
China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 24 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
mattresses (HS 9404.21.00; 9404.29.10; 9404.29.90; 9401.40.00; 
9401.90.50) from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, 
Turkey and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 24 April 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
mattresses (HS 9404.21.00; 9404.29.10; 9404.29.90; 9401.40.00; 
9401.90.50) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Initiation on 13  May 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
prestressed concrete steel wire strand (HS  7312.10) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Initiation on 13  May 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
prestressed concrete steel wire strand (HS  7312.10) from Argentina, 
Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Kingdom 
of Saudi  Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Chinese Taipei, Tunisia, Turkey, 
Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Termination on 19 May 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of sodium 
sulfate anhydrous (HS 2833.11.50; 2833.11.10; 2833.19.00) from Canada 
(investigation initiated on 24 April 2019 and provisional duty imposed on 8 
November 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Termination on 9 June 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of refillable 
stainless steel kegs (HS 7310.10.00; 7310.29.00) from Germany 
(investigation initiated on 16 October 2018. Provisional duty imposed on 4 
June 2019 and definitive duty imposed on 16 December 2019, 
respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 22 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain walk -behind lawn mowers and parts thereof (HS 8433.11) from 
China and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 22 June 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
certain walk -behind lawn mowers and parts thereof (HS 8433.11) from 
China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Termination on 23 June 2020 of anti -dumping duties on imports of citric 
acid and certain citrate salts (HS 3824.90; 2918.14; 2918.15) from 
Canada (imposed on 29 May 2009)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 26 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
phosphate fertilizers (HS 3103.11.00; 3103.19.00; 3105.20.00; 
3105.30.00; 3105.40.00; 3105.51.00; 3105.59.00) from Morocco and the 
Russian Federation  International Trade 
Commission, 
Investigation 701 -TA-
650-651 (prelimina ry) 
(26 June 2020)    
Initiation on 26 June 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
phosphate fertilizers (HS 3103.11.00; 3103.19.00; 3105.20.00; 
3105.30.00; 3105.40.00; 3105.51.00; 3105.59.00) from Morocco and the 
Russian Federation  International Trade 
Commission, 
Investigation 701 -TA-
650-651 (preliminary) 
(26 June 2020)    
Initiation on 29 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
passenger vehicle and light truck tyres (HS 4011.10; 4011.20) from 
Korea, Rep. of; Chinese Taipei; Thailand and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/USA, 
9 October  2020   
Initiation on 29 June 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
passenger vehicle and light truck tyres (HS 4011.10; 4011.20) from 
Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/SCM/N /363/USA, 16 
October 2020    
Initiation on 9 July 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
certain metal lockers and parts thereof (HS 9403.20.00; 9403.90.80) from 
China  International Trade 
Commission, 
Investigation Nos. 701 -
TA-656 and 731 -TA-1533 
(preliminary) - Federal 
Register/Vol 85, No. 136 
FR 42917 (15 July 2020)    
Initiation on 9 July 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
certain metal lockers and parts thereof (HS 9403.20.00; 9403.90.80) from 
China  International Trade 
Commission, 
Investigation Nos. 701 -
TA-656 and 731 -TA-1533 
(preliminary) - Federal 
Register/Vol 85, No. 136 
FR 42917 (15 July 2020)    
Initiation on 16 July 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
twist ties (HS 8309.90.00; 5609.00.30; 3920.51.00; 3923.90.00; 
3926.90.99; 4811.59.60; 4821.10.20; 4821.10.40; 4821.90.00; 
4821.90.40; 4823.90.86) from China  International Trade 
Commission, 
Investigation 701 -TA-649 
and 731 -TA-1523 
(preliminary) - Federal 
Register/Vol 85, No. 158 
FR 49681 (14 August 
2020)    
Initiation on 16 July 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
twist ties (HS 8309.90.00; 5609.00.30; 3920.51.00; 3923.90.00; 
3926.90.99; 4811.59.60; 4821.10.20; 4821.10.40; 4821.90.00; 
4821.90.40; 4823.90.86) from China  International Trade 
Commission, 
Investigation 701 -TA-649 
and 731 -TA-1523 
(preliminary) - Federal 
Register/Vol 85, No. 158 
FR 49681 (14 August 
2020)    
Initiation on 20 July 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
standard steel welded wire mesh (HS 7314.20.00; 7314.39.00) from 
Mexico  Department of 
Commerce, International 
Trade Administration A -
201-853 - Federal 
Register/Vol 85, No. 144 
FR 45167 (27 July 2020)    
Initiation on 20 July 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
standard steel welded wire mesh (HS 7314.20.00; 7314.39.00) from 
Mexico  Department of 
Commerce, International 
Trade Administration C -
201-854 - Federal 
Register/Vol 85, No. 144 
FR 45181 (27 July 2020)    
Initiation on 27 July 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
silicon metal (HS 2804.69.10; 2804.69.50) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, 
Iceland and Malaysia  Department of 
Commerce, International 
Trade Administration A -
893-001, A -400-001, A -
557-820 - Federal 
Register/Vol 85, No. 144 
FR 45177 (27 July 2020)    
Initiation on 27 July 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
silicon metal (HS 2804.69.10; 2804.69.50) from Kazakhstan  Department of 
Commerce, International 
Trade Administration C -
834-811 - Federal 
Register/Vol 85, No. 144 
FR 45173 (27 July 20 20)   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 179 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 4 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, and pressure pipe (HS 
7304.19.10; 7304.19.50; 7304.31.60; 7304.39.00; 7304.51.50; 
7304.59.60; 7304.59.80) from Czech Republic; Ko rea, Rep. of; the 
Russian Federation and Ukraine  Department of 
Commerce, International 
Trade Administration - A-
851-804, A -821-826, A -
580-909 and A -823-819 - 
Federal Register/Vol 85, 
No. 150 FR 47176 (4 
August 2020)    
Initiation on 4 August 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, and pressure pipe (HS 
7304.19.10; 7304.19.50; 7304.31.60; 7304.39.00; 7304.51.50; 
7304.59.60; 7304.59.80) from Korea, Rep. of; and the Russian Federation  Department of 
Commerce, International 
Trade Administration - C-
821-827 and C -580-910 - 
Federal Register/Vol 85, 
No. 150 FR 47170 (4 
August 2020)    
Initiation on 4 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
seamless refined copper pipe and tube (HS 7411.10.10; 7407.10.15; 
7419.99.50; 8415.90.80) from Viet Nam  Department of 
Commerce, International 
Trade Administration A -
522-831 - Federal 
Register/Vol 85, No. 150 
FR 47181 (20 July 2020)    
Initiation on 5 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on im ports of 
chassis (HS 8716.39.00; 8716.90.50) from China  International Trade 
Commission, 
Investigation Nos. 701 -
TA-657 and 731 -TA-1357 
- Federal Register/Vol 85, 
No. 151 FR 47400 (5 
August 2020)    
Initiation on 5 August 2020 of countervailing investigation on imports of 
chassis (HS 8716.39.00; 8716.90.50) from China  International Trade 
Commission, 
Investigation Nos. 701 -
TA-657 and 731 -TA-1357 
- Federal Register/Vol 85, 
No. 151 FR 47400 (5 
August 20 20)   
Initiation on 25 August 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
methionine (HS 2930.40.00; 2930.90.46) from France, Japan and Spain  Department of 
Commerce, International 
Trade Administration 
Nos. A -427-831, A - 588-
878 and A -469-822 - 
Federal Regi ster/Vol 85, 
No. 165 FR 52324 (25 
August 2020)    
Initiation on 29 September 2020 of safeguard investigation on imports of 
fresh, chilled, or frozen blueberries (HS 0810.40.00; 0811.90.20)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/USA/13, 
8 October  2020   
Viet Nam  
Initiation on 31 October 2019 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
monosodium glutamate (HS 2922.42) from China and Indonesia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/VNM, 
12 October 2020  Provisional duty 
imposed on 25 
March 2020  
Termination on 14 January 2020 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of fireboard of wood (HS  4411.12; 4411.13; 
4411.14; 4411.92; 4411.93; 4411.94) from Malaysia and Thailand 
(initiated on 16 April 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/VNM, 
12 October 2020    
Initiation on 6 April 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
polyester filament yarn (HS 5402.33; 5402.46; 5402.47) from China, 
India, Indonesia and Malaysia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/VNM, 
12 October 2020    
Initiation on 29 June 2020 of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
high fructose corn syrup (HS 1702.60) from China and Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/VNM, 
12 October 2020    
Note:  The Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate in the United K ingdom is currently only conducting 
reviews of certain existing EU trade defence measures under Part 12 of the Trade Remedies 
(Dumping and Subsidisation) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (as amended) until Members are notified 
otherwise.  
 
 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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  ANNEX 3  - OTHER TRADE -RELATED MEASURES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 201 9 TO MID -OCTOBER  2020) 
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Amendments introduced in the export duties 
legislation ( derechos de exportación ). For certain 
exported products (in NCM Chapters 01; 02; 03; 04; 
05; 07; 10; 11; 15; 20; 44; 47; 51; 52) with duty 
set at 9%  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2020) and Decreto No. 37/2019 
(DCTO -2019-37-APN-Decreto No. 793/2018. 
Modificación) (14 December 2019 )  Effective 14 
December 2019  
Temporary increase (up to 33%) of export duties 
(derechos de exportación ) on certain products, e.g. 
live animals; meat and edible meat offal; fish and 
crustaceans; products of animal origin; dried 
leguminous vegetables; cerea ls; wheat or meslin 
flour; cereal flours; cereal groats, meat and pellets; 
oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous 
grains; animal or vegetable fats and oils and their 
cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or 
vegetable waxes; preserved grou nd-nuts; residues 
and waste from food industries; prepared animal 
fodder; biodiesel and mixtures thereof; wood and 
wood charcoal; wool, not carded or combed; and 
cotton, not carded or combed  (539 tariff lines at 8 -
digit level, in Chapters NCM 01; 02; 03; 0 5; 07; 10; 
11; 12; 15; 20; 23; 38; 44; 51)  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2020) and Decreto No. 230/2020 
(DCTO -2020-230-APN-PTE- Fíjase alícuota del 
derecho de exportaci ón) - Nomenclatura 
Común del Mercosur (4 March 2020)  Effective 6  March 
2020 
Further increase in the statistical fee ( tasa de 
estadística ) (from 2.5% to 3%) (originally 
implemented from May 2019 to 31 December 2019) 
for all imports. Certain exemptions in force  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2020) and Ley 27541 - de Solidaridad 
Social y Reactivación Productiva en el Marco 
de la Emergencia Pública (21 December 2019)  Effective 21 
December 2019 
to 31 December 
2020 
Reference values for exports on certain products, 
e.g. on onions and shallots (NCM 0703.10.19) 
(effective 22 July 2020); on milk and cream, 
concentrated or containing added sugar or other 
sweetening matter (NCM 0402.10.10; 0402.10.90; 
0402.21.10; 1901.90.90) (effective 24 July 2020); 
on dried grapes (NCM 0806.20.00) (effect ive 3 
August 2020); on certain fish ( corvinas ) (NCM 
0303.89.10) (effective 23 September 2020); and on 
potatoes (NCM 0701.90.00) (effective 11 September 
2020), for certain specified destinations  Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos - 
Dirección General de Aduanas, Resolución 
Generales Nos. 4764/2020 (16 July 2020), 
4765/2020 (20 July 2020), 4785/2020 (31 
July 2020), 4819/2020 (21 September 2020), 
4812/2020 (9 September 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Amendments introdu ced to the list of products 
requiring non -automatic import licensing 
requirements (1,447 tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in 
NCM Chapters 2; 4; 9; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 
23; 27; 28; 29; 31; 32; 33; 34; 36; 38; 39; 40; 44; 
48; 49; 51; 52; 54; 55; 56; 57;  58; 59; 60; 61; 62; 
63; 65; 68; 69; 70; 72; 73; 74; 76; 79; 82; 83; 84; 
85; 86; 87; 89; 90; 92; 93; 94; 95; 96)  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(23 October 2020) and Disposición Nos. 9/2020 
(19 May 2020) and 10/2020 (21 May 2020) - 
Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo, 
Subsecretaría de Política y Gestión Comercial  Effective 20 May 
2020 
Gradual readjustment scheme on export duties 
(derechos de exportación ) on soya products (up to 
33%) (NCM 1201.90.00; 1208.10.00; 1507.10.00; 
1507.90.11; 1507.90.19; 1507.90.90; 1517.90.10; 
1517.90.90; 1518.00.90; 2302.50.00; 2304.00.10; 
2304.00.90; 2308.00.00; 2309.90.10; 2309.90.60; 
2309.90.90; 3826.00.00)  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(23 October 2020) and Decreto No. 790/2020 
- Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur - 
Derechos de Exportación (5 October 2020)  Effective 5 
October 2020  
 
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex  implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether a  
measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex  implies any judgement, either 
direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure with the provisions of any WTO agreement.  
2 This Section  includes information w hich has either been provid ed by the Member concerned or has been 
confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 181 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Azerbaijan  
Extension of the temporary increase of import tariffs 
on certain products, e.g. meat and edible meat offal 
of the poultry; eggs; edible fruits and nuts; fruit and 
vegetable juices; waters; certain klays; mineral 
products; articles of cement; articles of plaster; and 
ceramic products (HS Chapters 2; 4; 7; 8; 20; 22; 
25; 68; 69)  Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan to the 
WTO (12 May 2020)  Effective 15 
December 2019 
to 31 December 
2021 
Increase of import excise rates on certain products, 
e.g. undenatured ethyl alcohol; cigars, cheroots, 
cigarillos and cigarettes, of tobacco or of tobacco 
substitutes (HS 2207.10.00; 2208.90.91; 
2208.90.99; 2208.30; 2208.40; 2208.50; 2208.60; 
2208.70; 2208.90.11; 2208.90.78; 2402.10.00; 
2402.90.00; 2402.20)  Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan to the 
WTO (5 June 2020)    
Belize  
Implementation of import licensing requirements on 
certain products; e. g. fish; meslin flour; dairy 
produce; eggs; vegetables; fruits; maize; rice; 
cereal flours; prepared foodstuffs; sugar and sugar 
confectionery;: miscellaneous edible preparations; 
toilet paper; live poultry; meta and edible meat 
offal; water; beer; prepara tion of a kind used in 
animal feeding; petroleum oils; petroleum gases; 
ephedrine and its salts; certain medicaments; wood 
and articles of wood; and miscellaneous 
manufactured articles (HS Chapters 1; 2; 3; 4; 7; 8; 
10; 11; 16; 17; 20; 21; 48; 3; 4; 21; 22 ; 23; 27; 
29; 30; 44; 94)  Permanent Delegation of Belize to the WTO  
(2 October 2020)  Effective 1 June 
2020 
Brazil  
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 20%) on 
certain fairground amusements ( carrosséis ) (NCM 
9508.90.19; 9508.90.22); and (from 6% to 12%) 
on smart cards (NCM 8523.52.10)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO 
(20 May 2020), Camex Resolution Nos. 
4/2019 (24 October 2019) and 13/2019 (19 
November 2019)  Effective 1 
January 2020  
Elimination of automatic import licensing procedures 
on certain products (NCM Chapters 27; 32; 39; 40; 
54; 55; 56; 60; 61; 62; 63; 68; 69; 70; 72; 73; 76; 
82; 83; 84; 85; 87; 90; 96)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO 
(26 October 2020)    
China  
On 15 December 2019, imposition of additiona l 10% 
and 5% ad valorem rates of duty on certain 
products from the United States (third batch) 
suspended  Permanent Delegation of China to the WTO 
(25 May 2020) and State Council Tariff 
Commission Announcement on Applying 
Additional Tariffs to Certain Imported Goods 
Originated from the United States (Batch No. 
3), and the Customs Tariff Commission of the 
State Council, Announcement on suspending 
additional tariffs on certain imports from the 
United  States [2019] No. 7. Viewed at: 
http://www.gov. cn/xinwen/2019 -
12/15/content_5461332.htm  Effective 15 
December 2019 
(12:01 pm)  
Imposition of additional tariffs on certain products 
(HS 2710.19.99; 2712.90.10; 3901.20.00; 
3901.40.10; 3910.40.20; 3902.10.00) imported 
from the United States suspended from  26 
December 2019 to 25 December 2020  Permanent Delegation of China to the WTO 
(25 May 2020) and Customs Tariff Commission 
of the State Council (SCTC), Announcement on 
the Second Exclusion List of the First Batch of 
Imports from the U.S. Subject to Additi onal 
Tariffs (SCTC Announcement [2019] No. 8). 
Viewed at: 
http://www.mof.gov.cn/zhengwuxinxi/zhengce
fabu/201912/P020191219362467972158.pdf  Effective 26 
December 2019 
to 25 December 
2020 
Release of the 2020 catalogue of goods subject to 
import licensing (HS Chapters 29; 38; 84; 89; 90)  Permanent Delegation of China to the WTO 
(25 May 2020) and MOFCOM, GACC 
Announcement No. 65 [2019]. Viewed at: 
http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/article/b/c/20191
2/20191202927133.shtml  Effective 1 
January 2020  
Release of the 2020 catalogue of goods subject to 
export licensing (HS Chapters 1; 2; 10; 11; 12; 13; 
14; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 32; 38; 44; 46; 52; 71; 72; 
75; 80; 81; 84; 87; 94)  Permanent Delegation of China to the WTO 
(25 May 2020) and MOFCOM, GACC 
Annou ncement No. 66 [2019]. Viewed at: 
http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/article/b/e/20191
2/20191202927141.shtml  Effective 1 
January 2020  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 182 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary decrease of import tariffs (from 10% to 
5% and from 5% to 2.5%) on certain products 
(1,717 goods in HS Chapters 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 
9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 
22; 23; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 
36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 48; 49; 50; 51; 
52; 53; 54; 55; 57; 58; 61; 62; 63; 64; 65; 67; 69; 
70; 71; 72; 73; 74; 80; 81; 82; 83 ; 84; 85), 
imported from the United States  Permanent Delegation of China to the WTO 
(25 May 2020) and Announcement of the 
Customs Tariff Commission of the State 
Council on Adjusting the Additional Tariffs on 
Certain Imports Originating in the United 
State s (Announcement No. 1 [2020] of the 
Customs Tariff Commission of the State 
Council. Viewed at: 
http://gss.mof.gov.cn/gzdt/zhengcefabu/2019
08/P020190823604938915640.pdf  Effective 14 
February 2020  
Imposition of additional tariffs on 65 products (HS 
Chapters 44; 47; 49; 84; 85; 90) from the United 
States suspended from 28 February 2020 to 27 
February 2021. For certain products, the additional 
tariff levied to be refunded  Permanent Delegation of China to the WTO 
(25 May 2020) and Announcement of the 
State Council Tariff Commission on the second 
exemption list of tariffs on the United States 
tax commission announcement [2020] No. 3. 
Viewed at: 
http://gss.mof.gov.cn/gzdt/zhengcefabu/2020
02/t20200221_3472600.htm (21 February 
2020)  Effective 28 
February 202 0 to 
27 February 2021  
Colombia  
Imposition of import tariffs on footwear (HS 64). Ad 
valorem tariff (35%) on: (i) waterproof footwear 
(HS 6401), other footwear with outer soles and 
uppers of rubber or plastics (HS 6402), and 
footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather 
or composition leather and uppers of textile material 
(HS 6404) for F OB value declared of USD 6/kg or 
less; (ii) other footwear (HS 6405) for FOB value 
declared of USD 7/kg or less; (iii) footwear with 
outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or 
composition leather and uppers of leather (HS 6403) 
for FOB value declared of U SD 10/kg or less; and 
(iv) uppers and parts thereof, other than stiffeners 
(HS 6406.10.00) for FOB value declared of USD 
5/kg or less (free -trade agreement partners 
exempted)  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to the WTO 
(30 April 2020) and Decreto No. 2279 , 
Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo 
(16 December 2019)  Effective 17 
December 2019 
to 17 December 
2020 
Temporary increase (from zero to 10%) of import 
tariffs on certain ceramic products (HS 6910.90.00)  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to the WTO 
(30 April 2020) and Decreto No. 199 Ministerio 
de Comercio, Industria y Turismo (10 February 
2020)  Effective 26 
February 2020  
Temporary export quota on waste and scraps of iron 
and steel (28.404 tonnes) and on waste and scraps 
of copper and aluminium (38.675 tonnes) (HS 
7204.10.00; 7204.21.00; 7204.29.00; 7204.30.00; 
7204.41.00; 7204.49.00; 7404.00.00; 7503.00.00; 
7602.00.00; 7802.00.00; 7902.00.00)  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to the WTO 
(21 October 2020) and Decreto No. 1120, 
Ministerio de Comerc io, Industria y Turismo 
(12 August 2020)  Effective 27 
August 2020 to 
26 February 2021  
Egypt  
Further extension and increase of the temporary 
export taxes (from EGY 6,000/tonne to EGY 
7,000/tonne) on certain lead and articles thereof 
(HS 7801.10; 7801.91; 7801.99; 7804.19; 
7806.00)  Permanent Delegation of Egypt to the WTO 
(22 May 2020) and Ministerial Decree No. 
1156 (20 December 2019)  Effective until 31 
December 2020  
Imposition of temporary export taxes (EGY 
3,000/tonne) on used or new rags, scrap twine, 
cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of 
twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials 
(HS 6310)  Permanent Delegation of Egypt to the WTO 
(22 May 2020) and Ministerial Decree 
No. 195/2020  Effective 30 
March 2020, for 1 
year 
Further extension of the temporary export taxes 
(EGY 600/tonne) on cereal straw and husks, 
unprepared, whether or not chopped, ground, 
pressed or in the form of pellets excluding rice straw 
and husks; (EGY 700/tonne) on hay, clover and 
other forage products ; (EGY 900/tonne) on bran, 
sharps and other residues, whether or not in the 
form of pellets, derived from the sifting, milling or 
other working of cereals or of leguminous plants 
excluding rice residues; vegetable materials and 
vegetable waste, vegetable r esidues and by -
products; whether or not in the form of pellets, of a 
kind used in animal feeding excluding corn cobs; 
(EGY 300/tonne) on corn silage (effective 16 
December 2019 to 31 December 2020); (EGY 
2,000/tonne) on copper matte, precipitated copper, 
unrefined copper; copper anodes for electrolytic 
refining, refined copper and copper alloys in raw 
forms, copper waste and scrap, bars, rods, angles 
and special forms of copper, articles of copper, cast, Permanent  Delegation of Egypt to the WTO 
(22 May 2020  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 183 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
moulded, stamped or forged, but not further 
worked; ( EGY 7,000/tonne) on lead in raw forms, 
lead waste and scrap, lead plates, sheets, strip and 
foil over 0.2 mm thick, other articles of lead, 
aluminium waste and scrap; (EGY 1,300/tonne) on 
cast iron waste and scrap, stainless steel waste and 
scrap, alloy st eel waste and scrap, other than 
stainless, tinned iron or steel waste and scrap, 
ferrous waste and scrap, turnings, shavings, chips, 
milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and 
stampings, whether or not in bundles, ferrous waste 
and scrap, remelted scra p ingots of iron or steel; 
(EGY 2,600/tonne) on slag, ash and residues; (not 
from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing 
mainly zinc, hard zinc spelter and other than hard 
zinc spelter, zinc in raw forms, zinc waste and scrap, 
zinc dust, powders and  flakes; (EGY 3,600/tonne) 
on waste and scrap of paper and paperboard 
(effective 23 December 2019 to 31 December 
2020); (EGY 1,200/tonne) on talc blocks and 
crushed; (EGY 500/tonne) on talc powder; (EGY 
300/tonne) on talc ultra -soft powder; (EGY 
150/tonne)  on raw quartz; (EGY 200/tonne) on 
feldspar blocks; (EGY 100/tonne) on raw feldspar 
crushed or powder; (EGY 400/tonne) on marble, 
crude or roughly trimmed; granite, crude or roughly 
trimmed; and (EGY 100/tonne) on sand (effective 9 
February 2020)  
Temporary import ban on white and raw sugar (HS 
1701)  Ministry of Trade and Industry - News (4 June 
2020)  Effective 4 June 
2020, for 3 
months  
India  
Amendments introduced to import condition No. 2 of 
Chapter 39 of the ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule - I 
(Import Policy), resulting in an import prohibition on 
PET flakes made from used PET bottles  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(1 May 2020)  Effective 24  
October 2019  
Initiation on 7 November 2019 of bilateral safeguard 
investigation on imports of polybutadiene rubber 
"PBR" (HS 4002.20.00) from Korea, Rep. of  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (26 
May 2020) and Notification F. No. 22/7/2019 -
DGTR - (Case No. (SG) 7/2019) - Bilateral 
Safeguard Investigation, Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - Department of Commerce - 
Directorate General of Trade Remedies 
(7 November 2019)    
Import policy of gold (in any form, other than 
monetary gol d and silver in any form) amended 
from "Free" to "Restricted". Import allowed only 
through nominated agencies as notified by the 
Reserve Bank of India (in case of banks) and 
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (for other 
agencies). Import under Advance Au thorization and 
supply of gold directly by the foreign buyers to 
exporters under Para 4.45 of FTP against export 
orders are exempted  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(1 May 2020)  Effective 18 
December 2019  
Amendments introduced to the import policy of peas 
(HS 0713.10.00). Import of peas ( Pisum sativum,  
including yellow peas, green peas, dun peas and 
kaspa peas) restricted. Imports subjected to MIP 
c.i.f. (INR 200/kg) and allowed only through Kolkata 
sea port  Permanent Delegation of India to t he WTO 
(1 May 2020)  Effective 18 
December 2019  
Amendments introduced to the import policy of 
refined palm oil and its fractions (HS 1511.90), 
resulting in an import restriction  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(26 May 2020) and Notification No. 39/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce (8 January 2020)  Effective 8 
January 2020  
Amendments introduced to the import policy of 
coconuts (HS 0801.11.00). Imports of desiccated 
coconut with c.i.f. value of INR 150/kg - and above 
is "Free". Imports below c.i.f. value of INR 150/kg 
"Prohibited"  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(1 May 2020)  Effective 8 
January 2020  
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 30%) on 
tuna bait, and fin fish feed; (from 30% to 40%) on 
whey and cheese; (from 5% to 30%) on pancreas; 
(from 5% to 10%) on bulbs and tubers; colour 
positive/negative unexposed cinematographic film in 
rolls; insta nt print film; and lead bars, rods, profiles 
and wires; (from zero to 100%) on meslin, durum 
wheat seeds and seeds of wheat (other than durum 
seeds); (from 5% to 10%) on MP3 or MP4 or MPEG Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (26 
May 2020) a nd Notification F. No. 22/7/2019 -
DGTR - (Case No. (SG) 7/2019) - Bilateral 
Safeguard Investigation, Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry - Department of Commerce - 
Directorate General of Trade Remedies 
(7 November 2019)    WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 184 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
4 players with or without radio or video reception; 
tin plates, she ets and strip of thickness exceeding 
0.2 mm; tin foil (whether or not printed or backed 
with paper, paper -board, plastics or similar backing 
material) of a thickness not exceeding 0.2 mm; and 
tin powders and flakes; (from 5% to 30%) on sugar 
beets; (from 5 % to 150%) on angostura bitter; 
(from 80% to 100%) on margarine, animal and 
vegetable fats and oils under HS 1517 and 1518; 
(from 20% to 30%) on crude glycerol, glycerol 
waters and glycerol lyes (other than crude 
glycerine), and extrose monohydrate; (from 10% to 
30%) on molasses resulting from refining of sugar; 
(from 30% to 45%) on chewing gum; (from 17.5% 
to 30%) on certain food preparations for infant use 
and put up for retail sale; (from 30% to 50%) on 
certain food preparations for infant use and put up  
for retail sale; (from 30% to 35%) on preserved 
potatoes; (from 7.5% to 30%) on peanut butter; 
(from 7.5% to 10%) on colloidal precious metals; 
compounds of precious metal; amalgams of precious 
metals, certain motors; and zinc tubes, pipes and 
tube or pip e fittings; (from 5% to 7.5%) on butyl 
acrylate, kainine salts, polished cubic zirconia, 
platinum and palladium used in the manufacture of 
catalytic convertors, raw substrate (ceramic); wash 
coated substrate (ceramic); raw substrate (metal); 
wash coated su bstrate (metal); stainless steel wire 
cloth stripe (falling under HS 7314.14.10); wash 
coat used in manufacture of catalytic convertors and 
their parts; sprinklers and drip irrigation; and 
poultry incubators and brooders; (from 10% to 
20%) on isolated soya  protein; (from zero to 10%) 
on cinematographic films, exposed but not 
developed; tanned furskin; specified vibrator 
motors/ringers; and display assemblies; (from zero 
to 7.5%) on compostable polymer or bio -plastic; 
(from 7.5% to 25%) on water blocking tap e; (from 
zero to 10%/15%) on raw furskin; (from zero to 
0.5%) on certain synthetic or reconstructed precious 
or semi -precious stones; (from zero to 12.5%) on 
gold wire with phosphorus or antimony doping, gold 
in the form of wire, ribbon, pre -form of purity  of 
99.9%; (from 10% to 15%) on headphones and 
earphones; on copper and articles thereof, when 
used in the manufacture of specified electronic 
goods; and (from 2.5% to 7.5%) on rotary 
tillers/weeders  
Increase of import tariffs (from 30% to 40%) on 
completely built units (CBUs) of commercial vehicles 
(other than electric vehicles); (from 25% to 40%) 
on CBUs of commercial electrical vehicles; (from 
15% to 30%) on semi knocked down (SKD) electric 
passenger vehicles; (from 15% to 25 %) on SKD 
electric vehicles -buses, trucks and two wheelers; 
and (from 10% to 15%) on completely knocked 
down (CKD) forms of electric vehicles - passenger 
vehicles, three wheelers, two wheelers, buses and 
trucks (HS 8702; 8703; 8704; 8711)  Permanent Delega tion of India to the WTO (1 
May 2020)  Effective 2 
February 2020  
Increase of the road and infrastructure cess (to INR 
10/L) on imports of petrol and high -speed diesel oil 
(HS 2710). On 6 May 2020, a further increased to 
INR 18/L  Permanent Delegation of Ind ia to the WTO 
(26 May 2020) and Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue Notification Nos. 
15/2020 -Customs (13 March 2020) and 
21/2020 -Customs (5 May 2020)  Effective 14 
March 2020  
Amendments introduced to the export policy of 
onions (HS 0703.10.10; 0712.20.00), resulting in an 
export liberalization  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(26 May 2020) and Notification No. 49/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, Directorate General 
of Foreign Trade (2 Mar ch 2020)  Effective 15 
March 2020  
Withdrawal of the basic customs duty exemption on 
certain products, e.g. on gold used in the 
manufacture of semi -conductor devices or light 
emitting diodes; on copper and articles thereof used 
for the manufacturing of ITA goods (HS 7108.12.00; 
7108.13.00)  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(26 May 2020) and Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue - Notification Nos. 
5/2020 -Customs, 6/2020 -Customs, 7/2020 -
Customs (2 February 2020)  Effective 1 A pril 
2020 
Increase of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. 
(from 30% to 100%) on shelled walnuts (HS 
0802.32.00); (from 10% to 17.5%) on certain Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(26 May 2020) and the Finance Bill, 2020 (Bill 
No. 26 of 2020) (1 February 2020). Viewed at: Effective 1 April 
2020 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 185 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
miscellaneous chemical products (HS 3824.99.00); 
(from 25% to 35%) on footwear (HS 64); (from 
10% to 20%) on artificial flowers, foliage and fruit 
and parts thereof, articles made of artificial flowers, 
foliage or fruits (HS 6702); tableware, kitchenware, 
other household articles and toilet articles, of 
porcelain or china (HS 6911); ceramic tableware, 
kitchenw are, other household articles and toilet 
articles, other than of porcelain or china (HS 6912); 
glassware (HS 7013); glass beads, imitation pearls, 
imitation precious or semi -precious stones and 
similar glassware (HS 7018.10.20); table, kitchen or 
other hou sehold articles and parts thereof, of 
copper; pot scouters and scouring or polishing pads, 
gloves and the like, of copper (HS 7418.10); table, 
kitchen or other household articles and parts 
thereof, of aluminium; pot scourers and scouring or 
polishing pads,  gloves and the like, of aluminium 
(HS 7615.10); and certain miscellaneous articles of 
base metal (HS 8301; 8304; 8305; 8306; 8310); 
certain fans (HS 8414.51); certain electrical 
machinery and equipment (HS 8504; 8509; 8510); 
electric instantaneous or stor age water heaters (HS 
8516); certain miscellaneous manufactured articles 
(HS 9603; 9604; 9615; 9617); (from 10% to 
12.5%) on coin (HS 7118); compressors of a kind 
used in refrigerating equipment (HS 8414.30.00); 
and certain hoods (HS 8414.80.11); (from 15%  to 
20%) certain parts of footwear (HS 6406); table, 
kitchen or other household articles and parts 
thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; and pot 
scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and 
the like, of iron or steel (HS 7323); (from 7.5% t o 
10%) on certain fans (HS 8414.51.40; 8414.59); 
refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or 
freezing equipment (HS 8418); certain machinery 
(HS 8419.89.10); and brazing or soldering machines 
and apparatus (HS 8515); (from 7.5% to 20%) on 
certain fa ns (HS 8414.51.90; 8414.59.20); (from 
10% to 15%) on certain filtering or purifying 
machinery and apparatus for gases (HS 8421.39); 
and (from 20% to 25%) on miscellaneous 
manufactured articles (HS 9401; 9403; 9404; 
9405); (from 20% to 60%) on tricycles, sc ooters, 
pedal cars and similar wheeled toys, dolls, puzzles, 
and recreational models (HS 9503)  https://www.indiabudget.gov .in/doc/Finance_
Bill.pdf  
Amendments introduced in the Import Policy 
Conditions of Silver under Chapter 71 of the ITC 
(HS), 2017, Schedule - I (Import Policy). Imports 
restricted. Imports allowed only through nominated 
agencies as notified by the Reserve Bank of India (in 
the case of banks) and the Directorate General of 
Foreign Trade (for other agencies). However, 
imports of silver (powder; unwrought; sheets, 
plates, strips, tubes and pipes) under advance 
authorization and the supply of silver directly by 
foreign buyers to exporters under Para 4.45 of the 
FTP against export orders are exempted (HS 7106)  Notification No. 05/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Forei gn 
Trade (13 May 2020)  Effective 13 May 
2020 
Withdrawal of concessional rate of import duty of 
10% available to the import of bamboo for the 
manufacture of agarbattis, resulting in a uniform 
rate of 25% on import of bamboos (HS 1401.10.00)  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(27 October 2020)  Effective 9 June 
2020 
Amendments introduced to the import policy of tyres 
(HS 4011), changing from "free" to "restricted"  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(27 October 2020), Notification N o. 12/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, Directorate General 
of Foreign Trade (12 June 2020)  Effective 12 June 
2020 
Amendments introduced to the import policy of cut 
flowers (HS 0603). Imports of cut flowers continue 
to remain "Free" but only allowed through Chennai 
airport  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(27 October 2020), Notification No. 17/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, Directorate General 
of Foreign Trade ( 9 July 2020)  Effective 9 July 
2020 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 186 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Amendments introduced to the import policy and 
policy conditions of items under Chapter 84 ITC 
(HS), 2017, Schedule - I (Import Policy) - "Import 
Policy for Power Tillers and its Components", 
resulting in an import restriction for (i) power tillers 
and; (ii) engine, transmissions, chassis and 
rotavator forming parts of power tillers 
(HS 8432.80.20; 8432.90.90). Imports for all other 
items "Free"  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(27 October 2020), Notification  No. 19/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, Directorate General 
of Foreign Trade (15 July 2020)  Effective 15 July 
2020 
Amendments introduced to the import policy of 
items under Exim Code 8528.72 of Chapter 85 of 
ITC (HS) , 2017, Schedule - I (Import Policy). 
Imports of colour televisions amended from "Free" 
to "Restricted"  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(27 October 2020), Notification No. 22/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, D irectorate General 
of Foreign Trade (30 July 2020)  Effective 30 July 
2020 
Advanced Authorization shall not be issued where 
item of export is "gold medallions and coin's" or 
"gold jewellery/articles manufactured by fully 
mechanized process"  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(27 October 2020), Notification No. 25/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, Directorate General 
of Foreign Trade (10 August 2020)  Effective 10 
August 2020  
Initiation on 8 September 2020 of bilateral 
safeguard investigation on imports of PVC 
suspension grade resin (HS 3904) from Japan  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(27 October 2020), Notification F. No. 
20/6/2020 -DGTR - (Case No. (SG) 6/2020) - 
Bilateral Safeguard Investigation, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce - Directorate General of Trade 
Remedies (8 September 2020)    
Amendments introduced to the export policy of 
onions (HS 0703.10.10; 0712.20.00), resulting in an 
export prohibition  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(27 October 2020), Notification No. 31/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, Directorate General 
of Foreign Trade (14 September 2020)  Effective 14 
September 2020  
Insertion of policy condition in Chapter 85 and 94 of 
ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule - I (Import Policy), 
enabling random sampling of LED products and 
control gear for LED products notified under 
"electronics and information technology goods 
(requirement of compulsory regist ration) Order, 
2012"  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(27 October 2020), Notification No. 32/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, Directorate General 
of Foreign Trade (17 September 2020)  Effective 17 
September 2020  
Amendments introduced to the export policy of 
onions (HS 0703.10.10; 0712.20.00). Export of 
Bangalore Rose onions and Krishnapuram onions 
(serial number 52, chapter 7), up to quantity of 
10,000 MT each, allowed for the period up to 31 
March 2021 under certain conditions: (i) export 
shipment only through Chennai port; (ii) certificate 
from the Horticulture Commissioner, Government of 
Karnataka certyfying the item and quantity; and (iii) 
certificate to be registered at the Office of Additional 
DGFT  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(27 October 2020), Notification No. 39/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, Directorate General 
of Foreign Trade (9 October 2020)  Effective 9 
October 2020  
Indonesia  
Revised import  licensing regulations on iron and 
steel, steel alloys and their derivative products (HS 
Chapter 72; 73)  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia to the 
WTO (3 June 2020) and Regulation of Minister 
of Trade No. 3/2020  Effective 31 
January 2020  
Revised requirements for business registration 
number (NIB) through the Online Single Submission 
(OSS) System. Imports of footwear, electronics, 
two-wheeled bicycles and tricycles, can only be 
carried out by the owners of NIB that applies as API -
U after obtaining import approval (IP) through 
INATRADE. Imports also require the surveyor report 
(ILS) (HS 6404.11.10; 6404.11.20; 6404.11.90; 
6404.19.00; 6404.20.00; 8415.10.10; 8415.10.90; 
8712.00.10; 8712.00.20; 8712.00.30; 8712.00.90)  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia to the 
WTO (28 September 2020)  Effective 28 
August 2020  
Malaysia  
Temporary import ban on carboxamide -function and 
heterocyclic compounds (effective 2 June 2020); 
and on particle board, oriented strand board of 
wood, and fibreboard of wood (effective 17 October 
2020) (HS 2932.99.90; 2924.29.90; 4410.11.00; 
4410.12.00; 44 10.19.00; 4410.90.00; 4411.12.00; 
4411.13.00; 4411.14.00; 4411.92.00; 4411.93.00; 
4411.94.00)  Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to the WTO 
(28 September 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 187 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Mauritius  
Increase of import tariffs (from 80% to 100%) on 
sugar (HS 1701)  Permanent Delegation of Mauritius to the WTO 
(27 October 2020)  Effective 5 June 
2020 
Temporary export ban on copper waste and scrap 
(HS 7404.00.00) (except for any person who is 
engaged in a manufacturing or recycling business 
which generates scrap metal including copper waste 
and scrap as a by -product to export the by -
products)  Permanent Delegation of Mauritius to the WTO 
(27 October 2020)  Effective 1 August 
2020 
Mexico  
Extension of the temporary increase of import tariffs 
(from 20% to 25% - 30%) on certain footwear (32 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level in Chapter 64); and (from 
20% to 25%) on certain articles of apparel and 
clothing accessories (285 tariff lines at 8 -digit level 
in Chapters 61; 62; 63) (originally effec tive 6 May 
2019, for 180 days)  Permanent Delegation of Mexico to the WTO 
(22 May 2020) and Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official Journal), 28 October 2019  Effective 29 
October 2019  
Import prohibition on e -cigarettes (HS 3824.90.83; 
8543.70.18; 8543.90.03)  Permanent Delegation of Mexico to the WTO 
(22 May 2020) and Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official Journal), 19 February 
2020 Effective 20 
February 2020  
Updated list of "criterion values" ( precios 
estimados ) for imports of yarn of synthetic staple 
fibres, felt, non -wovens, pile fabrics, articles of 
apparel and clothing accessories, rags and footwear 
(HS 5509; 5602; 5603; 6001; 6107; 6108; 6110; 
6210; 6310; 6402; 6403; 6404)  Permanent Delegation of Mexico to the WTO 
(22 May 2 020) and Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official Journal), 3 March 2020  Effective March 
2020 
Morocco  
Temporary increase of import tariffs (from 30% to 
40%) on certain consumer goods  Ministère de l'Économie, des Finances et de la 
Réforme de l'Administration - Projet de Loi de 
Finances Rectificative pour l'année budgétaire 
2020. Viewed at: 
https://www.finances.gov.ma/Publication/db/2
020/np -plfr2020 -fr.pdf    
Nepal  
Increase of import tariffs (to Rs 6,500/10 g) on gold 
and (Rs 75/10 g) on silver (HS 7106; 7108)  Permanent Delegation of Nepal to the WTO 
(31 March 2020)  Effective 4 
November 2019  
Increase of import tariffs on certain products, (from 
10% to 15%) on potatoes; certain spices; twine, 
cordage , ropes and cables of sisal or other textile 
fibres of the genus Agave; statuettes and other 
ornamental ceramic articles; (from 10% to 30%) on 
extracts, essences and concentrates of tea or maté; 
certain vehicles, with only electric m otor for 
propulsion; (from zero to 5%) on mineral or 
chemical fertilizers, nitrogenous; certain monitors; 
(from 5% to 10%) on certain synthetic organic 
colouring matter and preparations; (from 15% to 
20%) on other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of 
plastics, non -cellular and not reinforced, laminated, 
supported or similarly combined with other 
materials; other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of 
cellular plastics; paper and paperboard cellulose; 
cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper and 
paperboard; articles of stationery; building blocks 
and bricks; refrigerators, freezers; certain motor 
vehicle parts and accessories; certain parts and 
accessories of motorcycles (from zero to 20%) 
certain monitors; (from 10% to 80%) on certain 
vehicles with only electric motor for propulsion; and 
on alcoholic beverages and spirits; light oils and 
preparations; silver; non -monetary gold; kerosene 
(HS Chapters 7; 9; 21; 22; 27; 31; 32; 39; 48; 56; 
68; 69; 70; 71; 84; 85; 87)  Permanent Delegation of Nepal to the  WTO 
(25 September 2020)  Effective 28 May 
2020 
New Zealand  
Increase of the Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Levy rate 
for the year 2020, due to increases in emission unit 
prices (HS Chapters 39; 84; 86; 87; 88; 89)  Permanent Delegation of New Zealand to the 
WTO (21 May 2020), Ministry for the 
Environment. Viewed at: 
https://www.mfe.govt.nz/climate -
change/new -zealand -emissions -trading -
scheme/participating -nz-ets/synthetic -
greenhouse -gases  Effective 1 
January 2020  
Pakistan  
Temporary export ban on onions  Permanent Delegation of Pakistan to the WTO 
(30 April 2020)   WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 188 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Paraguay  
Temporary implementation of import licensing 
requirements ( licencia previa de importación ) on 
poultry meat and edible offal; bars of iron or non -
alloy s teel; certain articles of iron and steel; and 
Portland cement (NCM 0207.11.00; 0207.12.00; 
0207.13.00; 0207.14.00; 7214.20.00; 7306.30.00; 
7306.61.00; 2523.10.00; 2523.21.00; 2523.29.10; 
2523.29.90; 2523.30.00; 2523.90.00)  Permanent Delegation of Paraguay  to the WTO 
(28 October 2020)    
Temporary implementation of export licensing 
requirements ( licencia previa de exportación ) on 
undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength 
by volume of 80% vol. or higher; ethyl alcohol and 
other spirits, denatured, of any strength (NCM 
2207.10.10; 2207.10.90)  Permanent Delegation of Paraguay to the WTO 
(28 October 2020)  Effective 21 Ma y 
2020 
Russian Federation (for Eurasian Economic Union)  
Temporary increase of import tariffs (from zero to 
5%) on light -emitting diode (LED) lamps (HS 
8539.50.00)  Permanent Delegation of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO (27 May 2020)  Effective 2 
February 2020 to 
31 December 
2020 
Temporary increase of import tariffs (from zero to 
6.5%) on low density polymers of ethylene (HS 
3901.10)  Permanent Delegation of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO (26 October 2020)  Effective 
September 2020, 
for 1 year 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Increase of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. 
dairy products, juices, vegetable and olive oils, 
certain chemicals, building materials, and vehicles  Permanent Delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia to the WTO (28  October  2020)  Effective 10 June 
2020 
South Africa (for SACU - Southern African Customs Union)  
Increase of import tariffs (from 12%/37% to 
42%/62%) on frozen meat and edible offal of fowls 
of the species gallus domesticus  (HS 0207) 
(effective 13 March 2020); (from zero to 30%) on 
fully-automatic top -loading washing machines (HS 
8450.11.10) (effectiv e 30 March 2020); and (to 
15%) on polyethylene terephthalate "PET" (HS 
3907) (effective 30 March 2020). Imports from the 
European Union and the Southern African 
Development Community (SADC) members 
exempted  Permanent Delegation of South Africa to the 
WTO ( 25 May 2020) and International Trade 
Administration Commission Notice Nos. R. 309 
- Government Gazette No. 43091 (13 March 
2020), R. 425 and 426 - Government Gazette 
No. 43179 (30 March 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Sri Lanka  
Temporary imposition of a special commodity levy 
on imports of sprats, onions, dried fish, mango and 
kiwis (HS 0305.54.10; 0305.52.00; 0305.53.00; 
0305.54.90; 0305.59.30; 0305.59.90; 0703.10.20; 
0713.31.19; 0804.50.50; 0804.50.60; 0810.50; 
0810.90.90)  Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to the WTO 
(26 October 2020)  Effective 1 August 
2020, for 3 
months. Levy for 
onions has been 
revised downward 
subsequently  
Thailand  
Temporary export ban on bird Eggs of fowls of the 
species Gallus Domesticus (HS 0407.21.00; 
0407.29.90)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/THA/2/Add.2, 
30 March 2020  Effective 26 
March 2020 to 1 
April 2020  
Import prohibition on used motor vehicles  Permanent Delegation of Thailand to the WTO 
(27 May 2020)  Effective 10 
December 2019  
Turkey  
Increase of import tariffs (by 10%/15%) on certain 
textile products (effective 18 October 2019); (by 
17%) on certain products of stainless steel (effective 
1 January 2020); and (by 6.5%/15%) on fork -lift 
trucks (effective 25 January 2020) (HS 5803; 5804; 
5806; 5807; 5808; 5809; 5810; 5811; 8427.10; 
8427.20; 8427.90; 7219.31; 7219.32; 7219.33; 
7219.34; 7219.35; 7220.20.21; 7220.20.29; 
7220.20.41; 7220.20.49; 7220.20.81; 7220.20.89)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey t o the WTO 
(3 June 2020)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Implementation of temporary prior export 
authorization on onions and potatoes (HS 0701.90; 
0703.10.19) (implemented on 7 January 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the WTO 
(8 October 2020)  Terminated on 19 
July 2020  
Regulation of import tariffs on s unflower seed oil 
(18% until 31 May 2020 and 30% until 30 June 
2020); and on sunflower seeds (9% until 31 May 
2020 and 13% until 30 June 2020) (HS 1512.11.91; 
1206.00.91; 1206.00.99)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the WTO 
(3 June 2020)  Effective 18 Apri l 
2020 
Temporary increase of import tariffs (to 5%) on 
certain iron and steel products (HS Chapter 72)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the WTO 
(8 October 2020)  Effective 18 April 
to 31 December 
2020 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 189 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary increase of import tariffs (to 35%) on 
certain textile, garment and leather products (HS 
Chapters 30; 42; 43; 51; 52; 53; 54; 55; 56; 57; 
58; 59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 65; 66; 67)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the WTO 
(8 October 2020)  Effective 21 April 
to 31 December 
2020 
Temporary increase  of import tariffs (to 45%) on 
mining, metal, chemicals, plastic, pepper, iron and 
steel, metals, electrical and electronic goods, 
machinery, vehicles, furniture, lightning products 
(HS Chapters 29; 32; 33; 34; 35; 37; 39; 40; 44; 
48; 49; 68; 69; 70; 71; 7 2; 73; 74; 76; 82; 83; 84; 
85; 87; 90; 91; 94; 95; 96; 97)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the WTO 
(8 October 2020)  Effective 21 April 
to 31 December 
2020 
Increase of import tariffs (from 3.9% to 19.5%) on 
certain outdoor trees (effective 19 June 2020); 
(from 1% to 15%) on natural cork (effective 19 June 
2020); (to 20%) on citric acid, self -adhesive plates, 
strips of unvulcanized rubber, hygienic or 
pharmaceutical articles (incl. teats, of vulcanized 
rubber), conveyor belts of vulcanized rubber, se lf-
adhesive paper and paperboard (surface decorated), 
tyre cord fabric of high, tenacity yarn of nylon, wigs, 
tubes or pipe fittings of iron or steel, wire of alloy 
steel other than stainless, ovens, cables, articles of 
iron and steel, precious stones, pum ps, 
compressors, harvesting machinery, measuring 
devices, textile machinery (effective 28 June 2020); 
and on maté, chewing gum, sugar confectionery, 
cocoa powder, chocolate, uncooked pasta, pasta, 
couscous, prepared foods obtained by swelling or 
roasting c ereals or cereal products, bulgur wheat in 
the form of worked grains, cereals (excluding maize 
(corn) in grain), crispbread, gingerbread, sweet 
biscuits, waffles and wafers, rusks, bread, pastry, 
cakes, biscuits, active yeasts, inactive yeasts, 
prepared ba king powders, beer made from malt 
(effective 20 August 2020) (HS Chapters 6; 29; 39; 
40; 45; 48; 59; 63; 65; 67; 69; 70; 71; 72; 73; 76; 
84; 85; 87; 90)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the WTO 
(8 October 2020)  Effective 19 June 
2020 
Ukraine  
Temporary export restriction on buckwheat and 
buckwheat grain (uncoated) (HS 1008.10.00; 
1104.29.17)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/UKR/4/Add.3, 
15 April 2020  Effective 9 April 
2020 to 1 July 
2020 
United States  
Imposition of an additional duty of 15% on certain 
products from China (555 tariff lines at 8 -digit level, 
in HS Chapters 03; 05; 06; 08; 12; 14; 15; 16; 22; 
28; 29; 32; 33; 36; 38; 39; 40; 41; 43; 44; 49; 52; 
54; 55; 58; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 66; 67; 69; 70; 71; 
72; 73; 76; 79; 82; 83; 84; 85; 87; 8 9; 90; 91; 92; 
93; 94; 95; 96)  USTR Press Releases (13 and 23 August 
2019). Viewed at: https://ustr.gov/about -
us/policy -offices/press -office/press -
releases/2019/august/ustr -announces -next-
steps -proposed; and https://ustr.gov/about -
us/policy -offices/press -office/press -
releases/2019/august/ustr -statement -section -
301-tariff Effective 15 
December 2019  
An additional 25% ad valorem  rate imposed on top 
of the applicable MFN or FTA rate of duty on certain 
derivative steel articles (HS  7317.00.30; 
7317.00.55; 7317.00.65; 8708.10.30: 8708.29.21) 
for national security reasons (originally imposed on 
23 March 2018). Imports from Argentina;  Australia; 
Brazil; Canada; Mexico and Korea, Rep. of exempted  Permanent Delegation of the United States to 
the WTO (24 October 2020) and Presidential 
Proclamation on adjusting imports of 
derivative aluminium articles and derivative 
steel articles into the  United States (24 
January 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential -
actions/proclamation -adjusting -imports -
derivative -aluminum -articles -derivative -steel-
articles -united -states/  Effective 8 
February 2020  
An additional 10% ad valorem  rate imposed on top 
of the applicable MFN or FTA rate of duty on certain 
derivative aluminium articles (HS  7614.10.50; 
7614.90.20; 7614.90.40; 7614.90.50; 8708.10.30; 
8708.29.21) for national security reasons (originally 
imposed on 23 March 2018). Imports from 
Argentina, Australia, Canada and Mexico exempted  Permanent Delegation of the United States to 
the WTO (24 October 2020) and Presidential 
Proclamation on adjusting imports of 
derivative aluminium articles and derivative 
steel articles into the  United States (24 
January 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential -
actions/proclamation -adjusting -imports -
derivative -aluminum -articles -derivative -steel-
articles -united -states/  Effective 8 
February 2020  
Reduction from 15% to 7.5% of ad valorem  
additional duty (originally implemented in August 
2019 - Annex A) on products from China 
(HS Chapters 01; 02; 04; 05; 06; 07; 08; 09; 10; 
12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 
26; 27; 28; 29; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 38; 39; 40; 41; 
43; 44; 48; 49; 52; 53; 54; 55; 58; 59; 60; 61; 62; Office of the United Sta tes Trade 
Representative - Notice of Modification of 
Section 301 Action: China's Acts, Policies, and 
Practices Related to Technology Transfer, 
Intellectual Property, and Innovation [ Billing 
Code 3290 -F0] (January 2020). Viewed at: 
https://ustr.gov/issue -Effective 14 
February 2020  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 190 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
63; 64; 65; 66; 67; 69; 70; 71; 72; 73; 74; 76; 82; 
83; 84; 85; 87; 88; 90; 91; 92; 93; 94; 95; 96; 97)  areas/enforcement/section -301-
investigations/section -301-china/300 -billion -
trade -action (Notice of Modification - January 
15, 2020)  
On 16 August 2020, re imposition of an additional 
10% ad valorem  rate of duty on non -alloyed 
unwrought aluminium (HS  7601.10) from Canada, 
for national security reasons  Presidential Proclamation on adjusting imports 
of steel into the United States (24 Octo ber 
2020) and Proclamation on Adjusting Imports 
of Aluminium Into the United States (6 August 
2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential -
actions/proclamation -adjusting -imports -
aluminum -united -states -080620/. USTR 
Statement on Canadian Alumin ium (15 
September 2020), viewed at: 
https://ustr.gov/about -us/policy -offices/press -
office/press -releases/2020/september/ustr -
statement -canadian -aluminum  To be terminated 
effective 1 
September 2020  
Recorded, but non -confirmed information3 
Measure  Source/D ate Status  
Kazakhstan  
Transit goods for the Kyrgyz Republic delayed in 
customs  Akipress.com (13 February 2020)   
Tanzania  
Imposition of an excise duty (80%) on cigarettes 
imported from Kenya  Tobacco Journal International (27 February 
2020)   
 
 
3 This Section includes information which has been obtained from public sources but has not yet been 
confirmed by the delegation concerned.   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 191 - ANNEX 4 – MEASURES AFFECTING TRADE IN SERVICES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 2019 TO MID -OCTOBER 2020)  
Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
MEASURES AFFECTING VARIOUS SECTORS  
Algeria (Observer)  
A new Act adopted by the Algerian Parliament 
implements key changes to the legal framework for 
foreign investment.  In particular, it abolishes the rule 
limiting foreign shareholdings to a maximum of 49% 
of the capital of an Algerian enterprises and specifies 
that the abolition does not apply to enterprises 
involved in retail activities or to enterprises engaged 
in 'strategic' sectors.  Strategic sectors include: 
mining activities; oil and gas activities, including 
pipeline network operations; power distribution an d 
transportation; and railways, ports and airports.  
 
The law also repeals the State's pre -emption right on 
foreign mergers and acquisitions relating to Algerian 
enterprises, and abolishes restrictions on obtaining 
foreign financing.  Mode 3  All sectors  Law No. 20 -07 of 4 June 2020, Supplementary 
Finance Law  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.leconomistemaghrebin.com/2020
/06/10/algerie -investissement -revision -de-la-
regle-51-49/  Gazetted on 4 June 2020   
The 2020 Finance Law, enacted on 1 January, 
abolished the rule that limited foreign capital 
ownership in companies to a maximum of 49% in 
non-strategic sectors. Sectors concerned will be 
defined in separate legislation.  
 
The new law also permits the use of external  
financing for "strategic, flagships, and targeted" 
projects. Previously, only local financing was allowed.  Mode 3  All sectors  2020 Finance Law  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?
g=5a5ea290 -25ad-47c8-907c-fec4bd940849  28 November 2019   
Argentina  
The government adopted new measures to tax certain 
transactions involving the acquisition of foreign 
currency. Set to apply for five years from 23 
December 2019, the tax applies to a number of 
transactions, including:  
- purchases of foreign currency witho ut a specific 
purpose by Argentine residents, under the limitations 
imposed by the Central Bank;  Modes 1 -2 Various sectors  General Resolution 4659/2020;  
 
Decree 99/2019 - Ley de Solidaridad Social y 
Reactivación Productiva en el Marco de la 
Emergencia Pública;  
 
Viewed at:  Published in Official Gazette  on 
7 January 2020  
 
Effective 23 December 2019   
 
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat, either direct or indirect, on the con sistency of any measure referred 
to with the provisions of any WTO agreement.   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 192 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
- purchases of goods or services from abroad or 
purchases by Argentine residents abroad through 
credit, debit or purchase, including cash withdrawals 
made out side Argentina;  
- purchases made online through portals or virtual 
websites in foreign currency;  
- purchases of services rendered abroad through 
Argentine travel agencies;  
- purchases of ground, air and maritime passenger 
services with destinations outside  Argentina (except 
ground passenger services to neighbouring 
countries).  
 
The tax rate is 30%, except for the purchase of digital 
services, which are subject to a 8% rate. Both 
Argentine individuals and entities are subject to the 
tax. Argentine financial institutions, credit card 
issuers, travel agencies and transport companies 
must collect the tax.  https://taxinsights.ey.com/archive/archive -
news/argentina -implements -new-tax-on-
purchase -of-foreign-currency.aspx  
 
https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/
primer  
Austria  
The Austrian Parliament adopted on 15 July 2020 the 
new Investment Control Act (ICA), which replaces the 
previously applicable framework for foreign direct 
investment (FDI) in Austria under the Foreign Trade 
Act. 
 
The ICA expands the scope of FDI requiring prior 
approval.  This concerns transactions resulting in the 
direct or indirect acquisition of an Austrian business 
with activities in certain sensitive sectors.  Businesses 
in "highly sensitive sectors" that are subject to the 
new FDI approval  requirement include those: 
providing/operating critical energy infrastructure; 
providing/operating critical digital infrastructure, in 
particular 5G infrastructure; and providing/operating 
systems that safeguard the data sovereignty of the 
country.   Mode 3 Various sectors  Investment Control Act (Federal Law enacting 
and Investment Control Act and amending the 
Foreign Trade Act 2011)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://iclg.com/briefing/13995 -austrian -
parliament -adopts -new-fdi-screening -act-
austria   
 
https://www.ehlaw.at/en/new -austrian -law-on-
foreign -direct -investments -fdi/ Effective 25 July 2020  
  YES 
The government adopted a new law introducing a 5% 
tax on online advertising revenue for companies with 
global annual revenues of over EUR 750 million (from 
all sources) and advertising revenues of over EUR 25 
million in Austria.  
 
The Act applies to domestic online advertising 
services, which are defined as services received by a 
user with a domestic IP address and whose content 
and design are targeted at domestic users. The 
Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) is not 
subject to the advertisement t ax. Multiple 
modes  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Digital Tax Act 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bdo.global/en -
gb/microsites/digital -services -
taxation/countries -cit-map/austria -digital -
services -tax Published in the Austrian 
Federal Law Gazette on  
22 October 2019;  
 
Effective from  
1 January 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 193 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Belize  
Belize adopted a new law to combat cybercrime, 
which creates offences of cybercrime and provides for 
penalties, investigation and prosecution of the 
offences.  Multiple 
modes  All sectors  Cybercrime Act 2020  October 2020   
Benin  
Benin's Agency for the Promotion of Investments and 
Exports launched a new online platform 
(monentreprise.bj) allowing all regulatory processes 
required to open a business to be conducted digitally, 
at lower costs and more promptly.  Mode 3  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://cio -mag.com/le -benin -lance-sa-
plateforme -de-creation -dentreprise -en-ligne/  17 February 2020   
Chile  
The Tax Reform (Law No. 21210, published on 24 
February 2020), introduced amendments to the VAT 
Law in order to create a new simplified registration 
and compliance VAT regime for non -resident suppliers 
to facilitate compliance on business -to-consumer  
(B2C)  transactions, according to OECD International 
VAT/GST Guidelines. For these purposes, the Tax 
Reform grouped together into a new special provision 
(Article 8, letter n, of the VAT Law) the following VAT 
taxable events, all of which consist of remunerated 
services supplied by non -resident:  
 
- (i) The intermediation of (a) any services rendered 
in Chile, or (b) sales made in Chile or abroad provided 
that the latter give rise to an import to Chile;  
- (ii) The supply or delivery of digital entertainment 
content, such as videos, music, games or other 
analogues, through downloading, streaming or other 
technology, including for these purposes, texts, 
magazines, newspapers and books;  
- (iii) The supply of software, storage, platforms or IT 
infrastructure; and  
- (iv) Advertising, regardless of the support or means 
through which it is delivered, completed or executed.  
All these services are subject to the general VAT rate 
of 19%.  Mode 1  Selected sectors  Law No. 21210  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.leychile.cl/Navegar?idNorma=114
2667 Effective 1 June 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 194 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
China  
The government issued the 2020 Negative List for 
foreign investment, which opens up additional 
sectors.  The measure reduces the number of items in 
the list from 40 to 33 compared to the previous year.  
 
The negative list identifies sectors where activities of 
foreign investors are either restricted or prohibited. 
Among changes, the foreign ownership limits for 
securities companies, securities  management 
investment companies, futures companies, and life 
insurance companies have been withdrawn.   Mode 3  Selected sectors  Special Administrative Measures (Negative 
List) for the Access of Foreign Investment 
(2020) ( Order No. 32 [2020] of the National  
Development and Reform Commission and the 
Ministry of Commerce )  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.china -briefing.com/news/chinas -
2020-new-negative -lists-signals -further -
opening -up/  Issued on 23 June 2020  YES 
The government issued a new Negative List for 
foreign investment in pilot free trade zones.  Among 
changes, it the 2020 list allows wholly foreign -owned 
enterprises to establish vocational training 
institutions.   Mode 3  Selected sectors  Special Administrative Measures (Negative 
List) for the Access of Foreign Investment in 
the Pilot Free Trade Zones (2020) ( Order No. 
33 [2020] of the National Development and 
Reform Commission and the Ministry of 
Commerce )  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.china -briefing.com/news/chinas -
2020-new-negative -lists-signals -further -
opening -up/  Issued on 23 June 2020  YES  
A new Notice was issued to clarify the 
implementation of the foreign investment information 
reporting system by local commerce departments 
and market regulatory departments.  Mode 3  All Sectors  Notice by the General Office of the Ministry of 
Commerce and the General Office of the State 
Administration for Market Regulation on 
Further Improving the Foreign Investment 
Information Reporting System and 
Strengthening and  Improving the Compliance 
Oversight (ShangBanZiHan No. 240 [2020])  Issued on 8 July 2020  YES 
New rules have been issued with the objective of 
optimizing the complaint mechanism and methods, 
coordinating to handle complaints of foreign investors  
in a timelier manner, and  better protecting the 
legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors . Mode 3  All Sectors  Rules on Handling Complaints of Foreign -
Invested Enterprises (Order No. 3 [2020] of 
the Ministry of Commerce)  Issued on 31 August 2020  YES 
On 26 December 2019, the Regulations for the 
Implementation of the Foreign Investment Law of the 
People's Republic of China were issued by the State 
Council. The regulation came into force on 1 January 
2020.2 Mode 3  All Sectors  P.R.C. State Council Decree No. 723  Effective 1 January 2020  YES 
New measures were adopted in relation to the 
reporting of information on foreign investment.  Mode 3  All Sectors  MOFCOM and State Administration for Market 
Regulation Decree [2019] No. 2  Issued on 30 December 2019; 
effective from 1 January 2020  YES 
 
2 The new Foreign Investment Law is addressed in WT/T PR/OV/22, Annex 4.   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 195 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Colombia  
The government issued a new decree regulating the 
circulation of electronic sales invoices as a security.  Multiple 
modes  All sectors  Decree 1154 of 20 August 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://dapre.presidencia.gov.co/normativa/no
rmativa/DECRETO%201154%20DEL%2020%2
0DE%20AGOSTO%20DE%202020.pdf  20 August 2020  YES 
A new measure  established the procedure for a 
voluntary alternate tax payment through withholding 
system for the VAT on digital services provided from 
abroad by foreign service providers to Colombian 
residents.  Mode 1  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Resolution 000017 of 28 February 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.dian.gov.co/normatividad/Normat
ividad/Resolución%20000017%20d e%2028 -
02-2020.pdf  11 March 2020  YES 
Ecuador  
Ecuador's tax authorities published new rules on the 
imposition of the 12% value -added tax (VAT) to 
digital services. The new VAT regulation applies to 
such services as online courses, internet gambling, 
hotel bookings, the purchase of audiovisual content, 
and food orders.  Mode 1  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.sri.gob.ec/web/guest/registro -
declaracion -y-pago-del-iva-prestadores -de-
servicios -digitales -no-residentes   Effective 16 September 2020  YES 
Egypt  
The government adopted the country's new data 
protection law, which aims to regulate and protect 
citizens' data online.  
 
Foreign enterprises that process personal data from 
Egyptian subjects are required to appoint a 
representative in Egypt. The Law also imposes a 
licensing, permit and security accreditation 
framework for data processing, data control, dealing 
in sensitive data, electronic marketing, and cross -
border transfer of data. A license needs to be 
obtained from the regulator to transfer personal d ata 
abroad; personal data can only be transferred to a 
country that provides the same level of protection to 
personal data as Egypt does.  
 
Further details are to be published in the 
implementing regulations, which will be issued within 
six months from the law's entry into force.  Multiple 
modes  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Resolution No. 151 of 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://dailynew segypt.com/2020/09/23/egyp
ts-new-data-protection -law-and-what-it-
means -for-business/   Effective 15 October 2020   
The government amended the regulations governing 
the investment regime to require all companies with 
foreign investment that are incorporated or to be 
incorporated in Egypt to provide authorities with 
certain information and data in order to calculate the 
direct and indirect foreign investment capital. In case 
of breach of or non -compliance, fines of up to 
L.E.50.000 can be imposed.  Mode 3  All sectors  Decree 2731 of 2019 amending the Executive 
Regulations of the Investment  Law no. 72 of 
2017 
 
Viewed at:  
https://wwww.dailynewssegypt.com/2019/11/
13/egypts -pm-approves -new-amendments -to-
investment -laws-executive -regulations/  Effective 7 November 2019  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 196 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
European Union  
On 1 January 2020, the European Union Directive on 
cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions 
entered into force.  
 
The Directive seeks to create a European Union -wide 
legal framework to enhance the fundamental principle 
of freedom of establishment. The new rules introduce 
procedures for cross -border conversions and divisions 
and provide for additional rules on cross -border 
mergers of limited liability companies established in 
an EU member state.  
 Mode 3 All sectors  Directive (EU) 2019/2121 of 27 November 2019  
 
Viewed at:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019L2121  Effective 1 January 2020  YES 
France  
The government adopted new measures that expand 
and clarify authorizations for foreign investment in 
France.  
 
The measures lower the thresholds for foreign 
investments by non -EU investors subject to prior 
authorisation, from 33.33% to 25% of voting rights in 
an entity governed by French law. They also provide 
for additional sectors of activities that fall under 
the foreign investment regulations, including print 
and digital media, and critical technologies (e.g. 
cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, additive 
manufacturing, semiconductors, quantum 
technologies, and energy storage). Further, the 
screening wil l focus on ascertaining whether a foreign 
investor has links to a foreign government or a 
foreign public body. Thus, investors are obligated to 
provide information in their applications on any 
potential significant capital ties or financial support 
receive d from a State or public body outside the 
European Union over the last five years. Moreover, 
the new measures aim to provide greater legal 
certainty to investors (first reply within 30 days, 
possibility to request an opinion on the sensitivity of 
activitie s). Mode 3  All sectors  Decree No. 2019 -1590 of 31 December 2019 
and Ministerial Order of 31 December 2019  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.legif rance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?
cidTexte=JORFTEXT000039727443&categorieLi
en=id  
 
https://investmentpolicy.unctad.o rg/investmen
t-policy -monitor/measures/3468/france -
expands -and-clarifies -its-fdi-screening -regime  
 
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?
g=7ffc3378 -9939-4291-bfe2-092a45934b1f  Effective 1 April 2020  YES 
Germany  
The government adopted modifications to its foreign 
investment regime that aim to prevent the outflow of 
information or technologies that could have serious 
consequences for public order, safety and security in 
Germany.   
 
Among other things, the amendments tighten the 
screening of foreign investment. All proposed foreign 
investments will be examined for any "likely adverse Mode 3  All sectors  Amendments to the Foreign Trade and 
Payments Act  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg -
en/news/aussenwirtschaftsgesetz -1742278  8 April 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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by 
Member  
impact"  on public order, safety or security – in line 
with the EU FD I Screening Regulation. The Foreign 
Trade and Payments Act had hitherto used as its 
criterion only the "actual and serious threat" posed.  
 
National investment screening can in future also take 
into account any possible impact on the public order, 
safety or  security of another member state of the 
European Union, or on any projects or programmes 
that affect the interests of the Union.  
India  
New rules on e -commerce have been issued to 
complement the Consumer Protection Act.   
 
The rules set out the duties and liabilities of e -
commerce entities, marketplace e -commerce entities, 
sellers on marketplace, and inventory e -commerce 
entities.  
 
Duties of e -commerce entities include, for example, 
the mandatory provision, in a clear and accessible 
manner, of information regarding return, refund, 
exchange, warranty and guarantee, delivery and 
shipment, modes of payment, and grievance 
redressal mechanism.   
 
The rules require foreign -based e -commerce 
enterprises tha t systematically offer goods or services 
to consumers in India to have a place of business in 
India.  Modes 1 and 
3 Various sectors  Consumer Protection (E -Commerce) Rules 
2020 
 
Viewed at:  
https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/theconsumerprot
ection/consumer -protection -e-commerce -rules-
2020  Notified on 20 July 2020   
On 23 March, the Indian Parliament passed an 
amended national budget, which expanded the scope 
of India's equalization levy to include a new 2% tax 
on the sale of all goods and services by non -Indian 
companies over the Internet into India. The tax is 
levied on e -commerce operators, which are defined as 
non-residents who own, operate or manage a digital 
or electronic facility or platform for online sale of 
goods, online provision of services, or both.  Mode 1   All sectors  Amendments to the Finance Act 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://mnetax.com/indias -new-2-percent -
equalisation -levy-on-the-digital -economy -
enters -into-force-38297  Effective 1 April 2 020  
Indonesia  
Indonesia issued the implementing regulations for its 
Law on E -Commerce, which was adopted in 2019 
(Government Regulation No. 80 of 2019 on Trading 
Through Electronic Systems (GR 80)) and Ministry of 
Trade Regulation No. 50 of 2020 (MR 50). 
 Multiple 
modes  Various sectors  Ministry of Trade Regulation 50 of 2020 
regarding Provisions on Business Licensing, 
Advertising, Guidance and Supervision of 
Businesses Trading Trade through Electronic 
Systems (MOT Reg. 50/2020)  
 
Viewed at:  Published on 19 May 2020; 
effective 19 November 2020.  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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Member  
GR 80 and MR 80 categorized three types of e -
commerce entities subject to comply with the general 
requirements in accordance with provisions of laws 
and regulations: merchants (sellers), e -commerce 
providers, and intermediary service providers.  
 
Two thresholds trigger the requirement to appoint a 
representative office in Indonesia for consumer 
protection, business development, and dispute 
settlement purposes: having conducted transactions 
with more than 1,000 Indonesian consumers in a year 
and/or hav ing delivered more than 1,000 products to 
Indonesian consumers in a year.  
 
Business actors are required to assist with 
government programs in prioritizing the trade, 
increasing the competitiveness, and/or providing 
promotional space facilities for domestic  goods and/or 
services.  http://jdih.kemendag.go.id/peraturan/detail/19
49/2  
 
http://jdih.kemendag.go.id/peraturan/detail/20
00/2 
The government issued Regulation No. 80 of 2019 on 
Trading Through Electronic Systems (GR 80), which 
aims to regulate e -commerce activities in Indonesia. 
Among other things, the regulation requires all e -
commerce businesses to obtain a business licence to 
carry out these activities.  
 
The regulation also applies to entitie s incorporated 
and located outside of Indonesia that conduct e -
commerce business activities in Indonesia. A foreign 
supplier that meets certain thresholds relating to their 
business activities in Indonesia will have to appoint an 
Indonesian representative to act on its behalf. 
Threshold are to be further specified in separate 
regulations.  
 
GR 80 stipulates that personal  data collected by e -
commerce companies cannot be transferred offshore, 
unless the receiving jurisdiction is deemed by the 
Ministry of Trade  as having the same level of 
protection of personal data as Indonesia.  Multiple 
modes  Various sectors  Government Regulation No. 80/2019 on 
Trading Through Electronic Systems (GR 80)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/pu
blications/2019/12/indonesia -specific -e-
commerce -regulation  
 
https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/indonesi
as-law-on-e-commerce -clear-guidelines -and-
compliance -by-november -2021/  Effective 25 November 2019   
Further, e-commerce operators must prioritize the 
use of an Indonesian domain name, and assist 
compliance with government policies, such as policies 
on local content. Operators are also required to 
protect consumer rights in accordance with 
Indonesian law, and to p rovide a mechanism for 
responding to and resolving consumer complaints.  
The regulation, while effective since 25 November 
2019, has a 2 -year transitional period.        
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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by 
Member  
The government issued a new regulation on electronic 
systems and transactions, revoking its earlier 
regulation of 2012 on the same subject. The new 
regulation allows private sector electronic system 
operators to transfer, process, and store data outside 
of Indonesia. Public electronic system operators must 
still keep th eir electronic systems and  data in 
Indonesia, unless otherwise provided.  
 
Private electronic system operators must allow 
supervision by government agencies, including 
granting access to the electronic systems and  data for 
monitoring and  law enforcement pur poses.  
 
The regulation provides that institutions that have 
'strategic' electronic data must connect their 
electronic documents and electronic backup records 
to certain data  centres in the event of an incident that 
must be reported to the cybersecurity aut hority. 
Strategic electronic  data that must be protected 
include those in sectors such as transport, finance, 
health care, information technology and 
communication, and energy.  Modes 1 -2 Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Government Regulation No . 71 of 2019 on the 
Implementation of Electronic Systems and 
Transactions (GR 71), which revokes 
Government Regulation No. 82 of 2012 on the 
same subject (GR 82).  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/pu
blications/2019/10/new -regulation -electronic -
system -and-transactions  21 October 2019   
Israel  
The Security Cabinet of Israel established an advisory 
committee that will assess national security 
implications of foreign investment in finance, 
communications, infrastructures, transportation and 
the energy sector. Where a transaction raises 
potential national security concerns, regulators may 
consult with the committee on a voluntary basis.  Mode 3  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/spok
e_national_security301019  
 
https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investmen
t-policy -monitor/measures/3426/israel -
governme nt-establishes -a-committee -to-
evaluate -national -security -implications -of-
foreign -investment  30 October 2019  YES 
Italy  
A new law in Italy establishes a 'National Cyber 
Security Perimeter', aiming to ensure a high level of 
security of networks, information systems and IT 
services. The government is to issue a list of entities 
and companies subject to security -related obligations.  
 
The new law also modifies the FDI regime in relation 
to 'special powers', which allow the government to 
impose conditions on, or veto, certain transactions in 
strategic sectors. Among other things, the new law 
extends the term for the government to exercis e 
special powers from 15 to 45 days, broadens the 
content of the information to be provided to the 
government, and specifies the criteria used to assess 
if a foreign investment is likely to affect national Mode 3  Various sectors  Law No. 133/2019  
 
Viewed at:  
https://bakerxchange.com/rv/ff00572f12700e2
71e452d323a4d8e8d81e03882  
 
https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investmen
t-policy -monitor/measures/3493/italy -
cybernetic -national -security -perimeter -law-
tightens -the-fdi-screening -regime  Effective 21 November 2019    
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
security or public order. The law provides that th e 
assessment should now also consider whether foreign 
contracts and acquisitions could compromise integrity 
and security of networks and data passing through 
these networks.  
The Italian Budget Law for 2020 introduced a 3% 
digital service tax (DST) on revenues derived from 
certain digital services provided to users located in 
Italy.  
 
The tax applies to entities that meet certain revenue 
thresholds: - total amount of worldwide revenues 
(wherever arising) equal to or exceeding EUR 750 
million  and an amount of revenues from qualified 
digital  services in Italy equal to or exceeding 
EUR 5.5 million.  
 
The tax is to be paid by Italian taxpayers as well as 
by non -Italian -resident compa nies, and covers both 
B2C and B2B transactions. The DST provisions 
contain a sunset clause providing that it will be 
automatically repealed once an agreement on the 
scope of a DST is reached at OECD level.  
Digital  services  subject to the DST fall in three 
categories:  
- digital  targeted  advertising, which concerns 
advertising on a digital platform targeted at users of 
that interface;  
- intermediation services, which concerns online 
platforms and multi -sided digital interfaces that allow 
users interaction an d facilitate the supply of goods or 
services; and  
- data transmission services, which involve the 
transmission of data collected and generated by users 
from their activities on digital interfaces.  Multiple 
modes  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Law No. 160 of 27 December 2019  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?
g=a45c9cc5 -3b43-407d-9b4d-74e7ab3859cc  
 
https://www.ey.com/en_gl/tax -alerts/ey -
italys -digital -services -tax-enters -into-force-as-
of-1%C2%A0january -2020 Effective 1 January 2020   
Japan  
Japan's Diet adopted amendments to the Foreign 
Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. Among other things, 
the amendments require overseas investors to seek 
prior notification from the government before 
obtaining a 1% or higher stake in a listed Japanese 
firm enga ged in business related to weapons, nuclear 
energy, semiconductors, railroads and other areas. 
Prior to the amendments, the threshold was set at 
10%. This is accompanied by a system where foreign 
investors can be exempted from prior -notification 
requiremen t if they meet certain conditions.  
 Mode 3  All sectors  Amended Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade 
Act 
Viewed at:  
https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investmen
t-policy -monitor/measures/3457/japan -
revises -rules-on-foreign -investment  
 
https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Japan -
tightens -entry -of-foreign -investors -in-12-
strategic -sectors  Effective May 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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Certain foreign investors' actions after stock 
purchases will also be subject to prior -notification, 
namely: (i) when foreign investors or closely related 
persons become board members of the investee 
company; and (ii) w hen foreign investors propose 
transfer or disposition of critical business domain of 
the investee company at shareholders' meetings.  
Kenya  
A new law signed by the President on 1 July 2020 will 
impose a 1.5% tax on all digital services transactions.  
Affected services include downloadable content, 
search engine services, subscription -based news, 
streamed videos and music, transport platforms, and 
web-hosting services.   Mode 1  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  2020 Finance Bill  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.itnewsafrica.com/2020/07/kenya -
introduces -digital -tax-for-online -sales/  Effective 1 January 2021   
The government adopted the Data Protection Act, 
which sets out requirements on how personally 
identifiable data obtained by firms and government 
entities can be handled, stored and shared. An 
independent office will investigate data infringements.  
 
The Act requires proof that personal data will be 
secure as a condition for transferring the data outside 
Kenya. The Act also requires consent of the data 
subject as a condition for the cross -border transfer of 
sensitive personal data.  Multiple 
modes  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Data Protection Act, 2019  
 
Viewed at:  
http://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads
/Acts/2019/TheDataProtectionAct__No24of201
9.pdf 
 
https://qz.com/africa/1746202/kenya -has-
passed -new-data-protection -laws-in-
compliance -with-gdpr/  8 November 2019   
The Finance Act 2019 broadens the coverage of the 
Income Tax Act to include income accruing from a 
digital marketplace. In addition, a similar change has 
been made to the VAT Act to make digital market 
services subject to value -added tax. The law defines a 
digital marketplace as a platform that enables direct 
interactions between buyers and sellers of goods and 
services through electronic means.  All modes  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Finance Act 2019  
 
Viewed at:  
https://theconversation.com/kenyas -tax-on-
digital -trade-and-services -whats -known -and-
not-known -127366  
 
https://www.bowmanslaw.com/insights/tax/wh
at-new-digital -taxes -contemplated -in-the-
finance -act-mean -for-digital -trade-and-
services -in-kenya/ Effective 7 November 2019   
A new measure signed into law by the President on 
19 March 2020 expands the use of electronic 
signatures and electronic authentication. The new Bill, 
which amends the Information and Communication 
Act, also allows, among other things, for the transfer 
of properties and securities to be conducted digitally.  All modes  All sectors  Business Law (Amendment) Bill, 2019   
 
Viewed at:  
https://techweez.com/2020/03/19/business -
law-bill-electronic -signatures  Signed into law on 19 March 
2020   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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by 
Member  
Korea, Rep. of  
The Personal Information Protection Commission 
implemented and enforced the revised Personal 
Information Protection Act, which includes the special 
cases concerning Pseudonymous data. According to 
the revised Act, a personal information controller may 
process pseudonymized information without the 
consent of data subject for statistical purposes, 
scientific research purposes and archiving purposes in 
the public interes t, and shall take safety measures as 
may be necessary to ensure safety when processing 
the pseudonymized information, as prescribed by the 
Act and Presidential Decree.   Modes 1 
and 3  Internet and other 
network -related 
services  Personal Information Processing Guidelines  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.law.go.kr/LSW/eng/engLsSc.do?m
enuId=2&query=PERSONAL%20INFORMATION
%20PROTECTION%20ACT#liBgcolor17  5 August 2020  YES 
Malaysia  
From 1 January 2020, foreign service providers 
outside Malaysia that provide any digital services to 
consumers in Malaysia are required to charge 6% 
service tax to consumers, which includes individuals 
and businesses.  
 
Under the law, digital services are any service that is 
delivered or subscribed over the Internet or other 
electronic network and which cannot be obtained 
without the use of information technology and where 
the delivery of the service is essentially automated. 
This includes:  
 
- supply of di gital content/products, e.g. e -books, 
games, apps, movies, TV shows and music;  
- online licencing of software, including computer 
games;  
- databases, including updates and add -ons; 
- advertising services on the Internet (online 
advertising platforms);  
- subscription to membership or news website;  
- webinars or distance learning courses;  
- supply and hosting of websites, remote maintenance 
of software and hardware;  
- storage and processing of information in the 
Internet, e.g. cloud services;  
- provision of a ccess to the Internet search systems;  
- provision of domain name services;  
- electronic Distribution Platform (EDP).  
 
The law applies only to foreign service providers with 
an annual turnover of at least MYR 500,000 in 
relation to the provision of digital services to Mode 1  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Service Tax (Amendment) Act 2019  
 
Service Tax Regulations (Amendment) 2020  
 
Service Tax (Digital Services) (Amendment) 
Regulations 2019  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.federalgazette.agc.gov.my/outputa
ktap/20190709_A1597_BI_Act%20A1597%20
BI.pdf  
 
https://www.mysst.customs.gov.my/assets/do
cument/SST%20Regulations/regula/Service%2
0Tax%20Regulations%20(Amendment)%2020
20.pd f  
 
https://www.mysst.customs.gov.my/assets/do
cument/SST%20Regulations/regula/Service%2
0Tax% 20(Digital%20Services)%20Amendment
%20Regulations%202019.pdf  Effective 1 January 2020  
 
Effective 14 May 2020  
 
Effective 1 January 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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consumers in Malaysia. Those suppliers must register 
with authorities in Malaysia.  
Mexico  
As of 1 June 2020, digital services supplied by foreign 
entities to users in Mexico are subject to the 16% 
value added tax (VAT). Relevant digital services 
under the rules include the downloading or accessing 
of images, movies, text, videos, music and games 
(excluding electronic books, magazines and 
newspapers), and intermediary services between 
third-party sel lers of goods or services and buyers.   Mode 1  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Omnibus Tax Bill  
 
Viewed at:  
https://home.kpmg/us/en/home/insights/2020
/05/tnf -mexico -vat-digital -services -provided -
foreign -resident -without -pe.html  Effective 1 June 2020   
North Macedonia  
The government a new law to encourage 'strategic 
investments'. The law grants preferential treatment to 
such investments, which have to be above a certain 
threshold value and to be in a defined list of sectors, 
including energy, transport, tourism, health, 
telecommunication, wastewater and waste 
management.  Mode 3  Various sectors  Law on Strategic Investments  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.karanovicpartners.com/news/law -
on-strategic -investments -adopted -in-north -
macedonia/  Publishe d in the Official 
Gazette on 20 January 2020   
Oman  
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Oman 
issued, on 14 June 2020, the Executive Regulations of 
the new Foreign Capital Investment Law (FCIL).  The 
new FCIL had entered into force on 1 January 2020 
and had removed the requirement for companies to 
have at least 30% Omani ownership.   
 
The Executive Regulations set up a process for the 
granting of investment licences, which are required 
for foreign investors to launch investment projects.  
Applications for investment licences must include an 
economic feasibility study. Competent authorities 
have to reach a decision on applications within 14 
working days.  A 'negative list' sets out the activities 
that are prohibited to foreign investors, incl uding 
small -scale activities.   Mode 3  All sectors  Executive Regulations of the new Foreign 
Capital Investment Law (New FCIL)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.omanobserver.om/oman -
announces -executive -regulations -of-foreign -
capital -investment -law/  14 June 2020    
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
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Singapore  
The Personal Data Protection Commission revised its 
advisory guidelines on the Personal Data Protection 
Act, including by adding a new chapter on cloud 
services. The new Chapter 8 offers more clarity on 
the responsibilities of cloud service providers and 
organisations using cloud services to process personal 
data.  
 
Further, Chapter 6 has been revised to provide 
greater clarity on the obligations of organisations and 
data intermediaries where personal data is 
transferred overseas. Chapter 15 has been revise d to 
provide clarity on situations where organisations need 
not accede to an access request, the charging of fees, 
access requests relating to legal proceedings, and 
good practice of preserving personal data after 
rejecting an access request.  Modes 1 -3 Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Update to the Advisory Guidelines on Key 
Concepts in the Personal Data Protection Act  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.pdpc.gov.sg/guidelines -and-
consultation/2020/03/advisory -guidelines -on-
key-concepts -in-the-personal -data-protection -
act 9 October 2019  YES 
Since 1 January 2020, the Goods and Services Tax 
(GST) has been extended to business -to-consumer 
(B2C) imported digital services in Singapore by way 
of an Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) regime. 
This is a consumption tax on the cross -border 
consumption of digital services by consumers who do 
not reside in the same j urisdiction as the service 
provider. Foreign suppliers of digital services and 
electronic marketplace operators must register under 
the OVR regime and account for GST on their B2C 
digital services if their annual global turnover and B2C 
digital services pr ovided to customers in Singapore 
exceeds certain thresholds. Previously, only services 
procured from local GST -registered businesses were 
subject to GST.  
 
For authorities, the imposition of GST on imported 
digital services is in line with internationally a greed 
standards formulated by the OECD Global Forum on 
VAT to harmonise the application of VAT/GST in the 
context of international trade.  Mode 1  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.iras.gov.sg/irashome/GST/GST -
registered -businesses/GST -and-Digital -
Economy/GST -on-Imported -Services/   Effective 1 Jan uary 2020  YES 
Spain  
The Spanish government changed its rules on foreign 
investment to prevent investors from non -EU and 
non-EFTA countries from taking control of strategic 
Spanish companies.  
 
A new Royal Decree has developed Law 19/2003 
concerning the criteria and circumstan ces under 
which the Government could suspend the FDI regime 
and where, therefore, the investment at stake would Mode 3  All sectors  Spanish Royal Decree -Law 8/2020, of 17 
March, on Urgent Extraordinary Measures to 
Address the Economic and Social Impact of 
COVID -19. 
 
Spanish Royal Decree -Law 11/2020, of March 
31, adopting urgent additional measures in the 
social and economic sph ere to confront COVID -
19. Approved by the government 
on 18 March 2020; approved 
by the Parliament on 9 April 
2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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need a prior authorisation. The aim of the 
government is to avoid prospective investors to take 
advantage of market volatility and decline in eq uity 
valuations to acquire Spanish companies. The new 
requirement concerns situations where foreign 
investors come to hold a stake of 10% or more of the 
share capital of a Spanish company or where, as a 
result of the transaction, they participate effective ly in 
the management or controls the Spanish company.  
 
Prior authorizations would be required for 
investments in the following sectors:  
- critical infrastructure, including energy, 
transportation, water, health, communications, 
media, data processing or st orage, aerospace, 
defence, electoral or financial infrastructures, and 
sensitive facilities, as well as land and real estate that 
are key to the use of such infrastructures;  
- critical technologies and dual -use items, including 
artificial intelligence, rob otics, semiconductors, cyber 
security, aerospace, defence, energy storage, 
quantum and nuclear technologies, as well as 
nanotechnologies and biotechnologies;  
- supply of fundamental inputs, in particular energy, 
commodities and food safety;  
- sectors with access to sensitive information, in 
particular personal data, or with the capacity to 
control such information;  
- media;  
- other sectors if the government considers the 
investment may affect public security, public order 
and public health.  
 
In addition, pr ior authorisation will also be required, 
irrespective of the sector, if the foreign investor: is 
directly or indirectly controlled by a foreign 
government; has made investments affecting 
security, public order and public health in another EU 
Member State; or has open administrative or judicial 
proceedings for criminal or illegal activities.  
 
The Royal Decree -Law 11/2020, of March 31, clarified 
the following elements contained in the Royal Decree -
Law 8/2020:  
 
(i) The definition of FDI (EU investor whose ulti mate 
owner is a non -resident is considered as an FDI; 
ultimate owner would hold more than 25% equity  
Viewed at:  
https://www.reuters.com/article/health -
coronavirus -spain -bme/update -1-spains -move -
to-stop-foreign -companies -swooping -spooks -
bme-investors -idUSL8N2BA7FD   
 
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?
g=6e34f 7ee-7fe9-4155-98c7-aa37aef764d0    
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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participation, as well as the effective control over the 
vehicle);  
(ii) The transitional period for the ongoing 
transactions. The previous legal framework would 
apply to agreements that have already been signed 
between both parties and where the price has been 
fixed prior to the stock market crash at the beginning 
of March. The new measure also introduced a de 
minimis rule – i.e. investments in the  sectors listed in 
RDL 8/2020 which are lower than EUR 1 million are 
exempted from prior authorisation and for 
investments higher than EUR 1 million and lower than 
EUR 5 million, a fast -track procedure of a maximum 
of 30 days is in place.  
Thailand  
On 9 June 2020, the Thai Cabinet approved an 
amendment to the Revenue Code to impose the 
value -added tax of 7% to suppliers of digital services 
and e -platform operators without a presence in 
Thailand for payments received from users in 
Thailand.  The requirement applies to non -resident 
companies or platforms that earn more than 1.8 
million baht per year from the supply  of digital 
services in Thailand.  Mode 1  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.reuters.com/article/us -thailand -
tax-digital -idUSKBN23G1K0   9 June 2020   
Turkey  
The government adopted a digital services tax (DST). 
The new measure introduces a 7.5% tax on the 
revenue gained from the supply of such services as 
digital advertising, sale of any audio, visual or digital 
content through digital platforms and services 
provided in digital media for listening, recording, 
playing, viewing or using any of these contents.  
 
Any services that provide for or operate in a way in 
which users can interact with each other, such as 
social media platforms and digital intermediary 
services relating to the above services will also be 
subject to DST. The tax applies to services deemed to 
have been provided in Turkey. Companies are subject 
to the tax if their revenues from the relevant services 
are at least EUR 750 million globally and TL 20 million 
in Turkey.  Multiple 
modes  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Law no.7194 on Digital Services Tax  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.mondaq.com/turkey/Tax/873488/
A-Summary -Of-The-New-Legislation -
Regarding -Digital -Services -Tax 
 
https://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/T
urkeys_7.5_Digital_Services_Tax_to_be_effecti
ve_1_March_2020/$FILE/2020G_000230 -
20Gbl_Indirect_Turkey%20 -
%20Digital%20Services%20Ta x%20to%20be
%20effective%201%20March%202020.pdf  Published in the Official 
Gazette on 7 December 2019  
 
Effective 1 March 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 207 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Ukraine  
The government adopted new measures simplifying 
registration procedures for representative offices of 
foreign companies in Ukraine. Registration fees have 
been reduced, and the timelines have been shorted 
from 60 to 20 business days.  Mode 3  All sectors  Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of 
Ukraine of 23 October 2019 No . 893 "On Some 
Issues for Registration of Representative 
Offices of Foreign Business Entities in Ukraine"  
 
Viewed at:  
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/893 -
2019-%D0%BF  Effective 2 November 2019  YES 
United Kingdom  
The government introduced the digital services tax 
(DST), a new 2% tax on the revenues of search 
engines, social media services and online 
marketplaces which derive value from UK users. 
These businesses will be liable to the DST when the 
group’s worldwide revenues from these digital 
activities are more than £500 million and more than 
GBP 25 million of these revenues are derived from UK 
users.  If the group’s revenues exceed these 
thresholds, its revenues derived from UK users will be 
taxed at a rate of 2%. There is an allowance of £25 
million, meaning that a group’s first £25 million of 
revenues derived from UK users will not be subject to 
the DST. 
 
The government indicated it is committed to dis -
applying the DST once an appropriate international 
solution is in place.  Multiple 
modes  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/i
ntroduction -of-the-digital -services -tax/digital -
services -tax 
 
https://ww w.gov.uk/hmrc -internal -
manuals/digital -services -tax Effective 1 April 2020  YES 
United States  
New regulations have broadened the jurisdiction of 
the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United 
States (CFIUS) by expanding its review powers over 
foreign investments in United States businesses.  
 
The new regulations implement the Foreign 
Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 
(“FIRRMA”), which aimed to allow CFIUS to better 
address national security concerns. The new rules 
clarify and revi se proposed regulations issued by the 
Treasury Department in September 2019.  
 
Under the new regime, the CFIUS has express 
jurisdiction to review non -controlling investments in 
critical technology, critical infrastructure and sensitive 
personal data businesses. This is limited to situations 
where a foreign investor gains: access to m aterial 
non-public technical information related to critical 
technology or covered investment critical 
infrastructure; membership or observer rights on, or Mode 3  All sectors  Provisions Pertaining to Certain Transactions by 
Foreign Persons Involving Real Estate in th e 
United States (31 C.F.R. part 802)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press -
releases/sm872  Effective 13 February 2020    
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 208 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
the right to nominate an individual to the board of 
directors; or an involvement in decision -making of the 
U.S. business. Transactions involving government -
controlled entities from certain foreign countries are 
exempted from these requirements.  
Uzbekistan (Observer)  
The government adopted, on 25 December 2019, a 
new Investment Law. The law establishes a 
framework for the protection and promotion of both 
domestic and foreign investment.  
 
Among other things, the law guarantees foreign 
investors the freedom to transfer funds and 
protection against expropriation. It also provides that 
foreign invested companies shall be treated equally to 
domestic companies.  
 
The law also provides for the creation of a one -stop-
shop service by the Ministry of Investment and 
Foreign Trade . Mode 3  All sectors  Law No. 598 on Investment and Investment 
Activities  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?
g=372e53d5 -7a4f-45bf-9eb7-8b56dcc8f365  Effective 27 January 2020   
Viet Nam  
On 17 June 2020, the National Assembly adopted the 
amended Law on Investment and Law on Enterprises, 
which aim to improve the business environment in 
Viet Nam.   
 
The amended Law on Enterprises aims to simplify the 
business registration process. The amended Law on 
Investment abolishes or relaxes limitations in 22 
'conditional' business activities, including franchising 
and logistics services, where market access is subject 
to the satisfaction of certain specific statutory 
conditions.  At the same time, a number of sectors 
have been added to the list of activities subject to 
conditional market access, including architectural 
services, elderly care, and electronic identification and 
authentication services.  Mode 3  All sectors  Amended Law on Investment and Law on 
Enterprises  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.vietnam -
briefing.com/news/vietnams -adopts -amended -
law-on-enterprises -and-
investment.html/#:~:text=Vietnam's%20Natio
nal%20Assembly%20passed%20the,the%20E
VFTA%20and%20the%20CPTPP .  Effective 1 January 2021   
CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED ENGINEERING SERVICES  
China  
Annulment of the Administrative Measures on Foreign 
Investment in Construction Companies (MOHURD 
MOFTEC Decree No. 113) and the Supplementary 
Provisions to the Administrative Measures on Foreign 
Investment in Construction Companies (MOHURD 
MOFCOM Decree No. 121). Foreign -invested 
companies are treated the same as domestic 
companies and are allowed to carry out a variety of 
construction activities according to the law.  Mode 3  Construction and 
Related Engineering 
Services  Ministry of Housing and Urban -Rural 
Development and  Ministry of Commerce 
Provisions on Annulling Certain Rules Including 
the Administrative Measures on Foreign 
Investment in Construction Companies 
(MOHURD MOFCOM Decree No.49)  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.mohurd.gov.cn   Effective 17 January 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 209 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES  
Indonesia  
The Minister of Trade issued a new regulation on 
franchising. Among other things, the measure 
removes the requirement to use 80% locally -sourced 
raw materials, equipment or products and instead 
obliges the franchisor to prioritise the use of local 
goods and services so long as the goods and services 
meet the quality set by the franchisor.  
 
The new regulation also removes the restriction on 
the maximum number of outlets. Under the previous 
framework, a franchisor's maximum number of 
outlets was 150 for 'modern shop businesses' and 
250 for food and beverage businesses.  Mode 3  Franchising serv ices Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 71 of 2019 on 
Franchises  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.fieldfisher.com/en/insights/indone
sia-key-changes -to-franchisi ng-law-as-minist  September 2019   
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The government adopted the New Franchise Law, 
which establishes a regulatory framework for 
relationships between franchisors and franchisees. 
The law will apply to  all franchising arrangements 
implemented in Saudi Arabia. Previously, franchising 
arrangements were treated as a commercial agency 
and were governed by the Commercial Agencies Law.  Modes 1 
and 3  Distribution services  Commercial Franchise Law 122/1441  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.twobirds.com/en/news/articles/20
20/uae/saudi -franchise -law-and-the-
implications -on-existing -franchise -agreement s Published in the Official 
Gazette on 22 October 2019.  
 
Effective 22 April 2020.  YES 
EDUCATION SERVICES  
China  
Foreign education institutions, other organizations or 
individuals are allowed to separately set up non -
compulsory vocational training institutions in pilot 
free trade zones, to further deepen the reform and 
opening up process in the field of education.  Mode 3  Education services  Special Administrative Measures on Access of 
Foreign Investment to the Pilot Free Trade 
Zones (Negative List) ( 2019 edition)  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2019 -
06/30/content_5404702.htm?from=singlemess
age&isappinstalled=0  Effective as of 30 June 2019 
until the issuance of the 
Special Administrative 
Measures on Access of Foreign 
Investment to the Pilot Free 
Trade Zones (Negative List) 
(2020 edition)  YES 
Costa Rica  
The government adopted a new law on education and 
dual training, which allows students to participate in 
vocational training in addition to their classroom 
studies.  Mode 3  Education services  Law No. 9728  (Law of on Dual 
Education  and Training )  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Norm
ativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?para
m1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=89820&nValor
3=118020&strTipM=TC  
 Effective 15 October 2019  YES 
Ukraine  
A new measure was adopted in order to clarify the 
terminology and simplify the procedure for obtaining 
a license to supply higher education services.  Mode 3  Education services  Law No. 392 of 18 December 2019 'On 
Amending Some Legislative Acts of Ukraine on 
Improvements of Education Activity in Higher 
Education Sector'  Effective 16 January 2020  
 YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 210 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
 
Viewed at:  
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/392 -20 
HEALTH SERVICES  
Germany  
Digital health applications that meet certain 
requirements will be covered by the German state 
health insurance schemes from 2020. Patients will 
need to obtain a prescription by a physician or 
psychotherapist or their health scheme's prior 
approval. To qualify for coverage, an app must be a 
digital low -risk medical device. In addition, the 
manufacturer must apply for registration with a new 
registry which will be kept by the Federal Institute for 
Drugs and Medical Devices. The  detailed requirements 
for registration are being provided for in a regulation 
that entered into force on 21 April 2020. The 
regulation contains provisions pertaining to aspects 
such as security, data protection, data security and 
quality. In addition, dig ital health applications need to 
provide evidence concerning a positive impact on care 
(i.e. medical benefit or procedural or structural 
improvements to care).  Multiple 
modes  Health services  Viewed at:  
https://www.bundesrat.de/DE/plenum/bundesr
at-
kompakt/19/983/12.html;jsessionid=C5D4768
B55129D47A44 E9774F4D75CB9.1_cid382?nn=
4352768#top -12 19 December 2019  YES 
India  
Telemedicine in India is now regulated by the 
'Telemedicine Practice Guidelines' released by the 
Board of Governors (in supersession of the the 
Medical Council of India). These guidelines enable 
practice of Registered Medical Practitioners (RMP) 
through te lemedicine. The Guidelines are added as 
Appendix 5 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional 
Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics Regulation 2002).  
 
Freedom is given to medical practitioners to use any 
suitable technology for consultations with patients. 
The g uidelines cover the following types of 
interactions: patient to RMP, caregiver to RMP, health 
worker to RMP, RMP to RMP and emergency 
situations. The guidelines do not cover consultations 
involving doctors or patients outside India. Finally, 
the guidelines  cover technology platforms enabling 
telemedicine.  Mode 3  Health services  Viewed at:  
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Telemedicine.p
df 25 March 2020  YES 
Indonesia  
The Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a new regulation 
on telemedicine services that provides official 
directions on the scope of telemedicine, requirements, 
rights and obligations, cost, funding and supervision.  Mode 3  Health services  Ministry of Health Regulation No. 20 of 2019 on 
the Implementation of Telemedicine Services 
between Health Services Facilities ("MOH 
Regulation 20"), implementing MOH Regulation 
No. 90 of 2015 on Provision of Healthcare 
Services in Remote and Very Remote Areas  November 2019    
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 211 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
 
Viewed at: 
https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/pu
blications/2019/09/updates -on-telemedicine -
services -in-indonesia  
 
The Minister of Health issued a new regulation on the 
classification and licensing of hospitals, which repeals 
a regulation adopted in 2019, thereby removing 
certain limits on foreign investment in certain types of 
hospitals classified as Class C and D. Fo reign 
investment (up to a maximum of 67% for non -ASEAN 
investors) is no longer linked to the classification of 
the hospitals, but according to the number of beds 
provided (i.e. 200 beds or another required number 
of beds in accordance with the relevant int ernational 
agreements or cooperation).  Mode 3  Hospital services  MOH Regulation No. 3 of 2020 on the 
Classification and Licensing of Hospitals ("MOH 
Regulation 3")  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bakermckenzie.com/ -
/media/files/insight/publications/2020/02/clien
t-alert-on-the-minis ter-of-health -finally -
revokes -the-controversial -regulation -no30-of-
2019-on-the-classification -and-licensing -of-
hospitals.pdf  
 February 2020   
Singapore  
The Parliament of Singapore approved the Healthcare 
Services Bill, which replaces the Private Hospitals and 
Medical Clinics Act. The new regulatory regime 
introduces a services -based licensing regime where 
healthcare service providers need to obtain a licence 
based on the type of service they provide, rather than 
the previous premises -based licensi ng regime. This 
aims to provide greater clarity and flexibility in the 
licensing of healthcare services. Certain non -premise -
based services such as telemedicine, mobile medical 
and ambulance services will be subject to the new 
licensing scheme. The Bill is  expected to be 
implemented in three phases, targeting the first half 
of 2021 and ending by end 2022.  Mode 3  Health services  Healthcare Services Act  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider
8/default -document -
library/healthcare_services_(draft)_bill_20171
22241b0a3bc9c8c4d65b2ac0bbfa0aa81bf.pdf  6 January 2020  YES 
United Arab Emirates  
The Dubai Health Authority issued standards for 
telehealth services. These standards set out the 
minimum requirements for the provision of telehealth 
services, focused on ensuring high quality care 
delivery and ensuring protection of patient data and 
confidentiality. Telehealth services include, but are  
not limited to, scheduling appointments, assessment, 
providing medical advice, treatment, therapy, 
laboratory testing,  diagnostics, surgery, monitoring 
chronic conditions, counselling, and prescribing and 
dispensing of medication.   Multiple 
modes  Health s ervices  Standards for Telehealth Services  
 
Viewed at:  
https://services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan/wps/porta
l/home/ circular -details?circularRefNo=CIR -
2019-
00000368&isPublicCircular=1&fromHome=true  
 
https://www.dha.gov.ae/Documents/H RD/Reg
ulationsandStandards/standards/Standards%2
0for%20Telehealth%20Services%20Final.pdf  October 2019   
POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES  
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
The government amended the Post Act, which aims to 
ensure that postal services develop comprehensively All modes  Postal Services  Amendment to Postal Act of 5 December 2018  
 1 November 2019  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 212 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
and are carried out in an accessible, fair and 
reasonable fashion.  Viewed at:  
https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.a
spx?pcode=K0050001  
https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/News/NewsDetail .
aspx?msgid=11793  
TELECOMMUNICATIONS/ICT/AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES  
Chad  
The government has exempted fixed communications 
and internet services from a 18% tax on monthly 
turnover imposed on mobile operators.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Finance Act 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2020/
01/13/chad -exempts -intern et-services -from-
cellco -
tax/?utm_source=CommsUpdate&utm_campai
gn=22ce2102c8 -
CommsUpdate+13+January+2020&utm_mediu
m=email&utm_term=0_0688983330 -
22ce2102c8 -11663509  December 2019   
Colombia  
The government has adopted a number of new 
measures in relation to audiovisual services and 
creative industries, including as regards productions 
qualifying for the Colombia Film Fund and tax benefits 
for enterprises in creative industries.  Multiple 
modes  Audiovisual services  Decree 474 of 25 March 2020  
 
Law 2010 (article 91) of 27 December 2019 
and Regulatory Decree 286 of 26 February 
2020 
 
Viewed at:  
https://dapre.presidencia.gov.co/normativa/no
rmativa/DECRETO%20474%20DEL%2025%20
DE%20MARZO%20DE%202020.pdf  
 
https: //dapre.presidencia.gov.co/normativa/no
rmativa/LEY%202010%20DEL%2027%20DE%
20DICIEMBRE%20DE%202019.pdf  Published 25 March 2020  
 
Published on 27 December 
2019 YES 
Ecuador  
A new tax legislation introduces a special 
consumption tax of: 15% for paid television services; 
15% for fixed telephony services and voice, data and 
SMS plans of mobile services provided to companies; 
and 10% for mobile phone services and plans that 
market only voice, data and SMS of mobile services 
provided to natural persons, excluding prepaid 
services.  Multiple 
modes  Telecommunication 
and audiovisual 
services  Article 35, Organic Law of Tax Simplification 
and Progressivity, published in Official Re gistry 
No. 111 of 31 December 2020  
 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.sri.gob.ec/web/guest/ley -
organica -de-simplificacion -y-progresividad -
tributaria  Effective 1 January 2020  YES 
European Union  
The EU Regulation on platform -to-business relations, 
which applies since 12 July 2020, aims to improve 
fairness of online platforms' commercial trading 
practices.   
 Modes 1, 2 
and 3  Online 
intermediation 
services and online 
search engines  Regul ation (EU) 2019/1150 of the European 
Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 
on promoting fairness and transparency for 
business users of online intermediation 
services  Effective 12 July 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 213 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
With the new rules, online platforms can no longer 
suspend or terminate a seller's account without clear 
reasons and possibilities to appeal.  The rules also 
require, for example, that terms and conditions be 
easily available and provided in plain and intelligible 
language.  
 
All platforms must set u p an internal complaint -
handling system to assist business users. Only the 
smallest platforms in terms of head count or turnover 
are exempt from this obligation.  
 
Some provisions apply to online search engines, such 
as the requirement that marketplaces and  search 
engines disclose the main parameters they use to 
rank goods and services on their site.  
 
The regulation covers online platform intermediaries 
and general online search engines that provide their 
services to businesses established in the EU and 
businesses, which offer goods or services to 
consumers located in the EU - regardless of the place 
of establishment of the online platform intermediaries 
and online search engines.  Viewed at:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019R1150  
France  
In December, the government issued a Decree to 
assist the implementation of a law (No. 2019 -810) 
that aims to preserve the interests of French defence 
and national security within the context of the launch 
of the 5G network.  
 
Operators will be required to obtain prior approval 
from the French Prime Minister in order to operate 
5G technology in French territory. The prior appro val 
requirement applies to all operators which plan to 
operate, in French territory, certain devices which, by 
virtue of their functions, present a risk to the 
continuity, integrity, security or availability of the 
network, or to the confidentiality of com munications. 
The provisions apply to operators of all nationalities.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Decree No. 2019 -1300 of 6 December 2019  
Viewed at:  
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?
cidTexte=JORFTEXT000039455649&categorieL
ien=id  6 December 2019  YES 
Guyana  
The Telecommunications Act of 2016 was recently 
enacted, thereby liberalizing the telecommunications 
sector and breaking up the previous monopoly.  New 
licences were granted to three service providers: E -
Networks, Digicel and the Guyana Telephone and 
Telegraph Company (GTT), the incumbent.  All modes  Telecommunication 
services  Commencement Orders of 5 October 2020, 
enacting the Telecommunications Act of 2016  
 
Viewed at:  
https://newsroom.gy/2020/10/06/service -
providers -granted -new-licenses -to-operate -in-
liberalised -sector/   5 October 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 214 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
India  
On 29 June 2020, the Indian government announced 
a ban on 59 Chinese apps due to national security 
considerations. The ban covers such apps as TikTok, 
WeChat, Baidu Translate, and QQ Music.  On 2 
September 2020, the government banned, in 
addition, 118 mobile applications.  Modes 1 
and 3  Communication 
services  Viewed at:  
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRI
D=1635206   
 
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRI
D=1650669   29 June 2020 and 2 
September 2020   
Nepal  
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) 
reduced interconnection fees. From mid -March 2020, 
fees will be capped at NPR 0.20 per minute for calls 
between two landlines, NPR 0.10 for calls from a 
landline to a mobile, NPR 0.20 for calls from a mobile 
to a landline and NPR 0.10 for calls between two 
mobile networks.  Multiple 
modes  Telecommunication 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.commsupd ate.com/articles/2020/
01/27/regulator -slashes -interconnection -
fees/?utm_source=CommsUpdate&utm_camp
aign=596bcbc413 -
CommsUpdate+27+January+2020&utm_medi
um=email&utm_term=0_0688983330 -
596bcbc413 -11663509  March 2020  YES 
Pakistan  
The government adopted a new law regulating social 
media platforms. The new measure requires platforms 
to block or remove posts that are considered 
objectionable.  
 
The regulator can also obtain, on demand, user data 
and information from the companies. The  regulations 
aim to monitor and mitigate online content relating to 
terrorism, extremism, hate speech, fake news, 
incitement to violence and national security. Unlawful 
content must be removed within 24 hours. In case of 
non-compliance, a company's service s can be blocked 
and fine of up to 500 million rupees can be imposed.  
 
The law also requires social media companies to set 
up a physical presence in the country and to appoint 
a contact person who will report to a national 
coordinator at Pakistan's Ministr y of Information and 
Telecommunications.  Multiple 
modes  Social media 
platforms  Citizens Protection (Against Online Harm) 
Rules, 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.dw.com/en/pakistans -new-
internet -laws-tighten -control -over-social -
media/a -52375508  
 
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/paki
stan-rethinks -social -media -laws-1.70073974  28 January 2020   
Peru  
A new measure  modifies  various  provisions  of the 
Telecommunications  Law, including  as regards  
marketing  or reselling,  the registry  of marketers,  and 
the registry  for value  added  services.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Supreme  Decree  No. 033-2019-MTC 
 
Viewed at:  
https://cdn.www.gob.pe/uploads/document/fil
e/419370/DS_033 -2019-MTC.pdf  9 November  2019 YES 
Russian Federation  
The State Commission for Radio Frequencies (SCRF) 
has allocated a block of 5G spectrum to an indefinite 
number of users, including industrial enterprises and 
telecom operators. The decision to do so was taken 
by the State Committee for Emergencies on 17 March 
2020.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2020/
03/20/24ghz -mmwave -5g-spectrum -available -
without -auction -megafonrostelecom -receive -
test-mmwave -band/  20 March 2020  
 YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 215 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The President signed, on 7 April, a new law aimed 
at improving the  system of  universal communication 
services in  the Russian Federation. Under this law, 
at least one internet access point should be created 
in areas with a  population of  one hundred to  five 
hundred people that do not have data transmission 
services and  Internet access.  
 
In addition, if mobile radiotelephone communication 
services are not provided in  the indicated areas, then 
at least one access po int must be equipped with 
communication means for  their provision.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Federal Law  on Amendments to  the Federal 
Law on  Communications  
 
Viewed at:  
http://en.kremlin.ru/acts/news/63161  7 April 2020  YES 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Saudi Arabia's Communications and Information 
Technology Commission announced updates to the 
Regulations of the Communications Law, which aim to 
enhance transparency in the ICT sector and raise the 
level of protection for users, investors and service 
providers.  Multiple 
modes  Telecommunication 
services  Updated Regulations of the 
Telecommunications Law (Decision No. 4 of the 
Minister of Communications and Information 
Technology of 29/1/1442 H)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.citc.gov.sa/ar/mediacenter/pressr
eleases/Pages/20201005.aspx  October 2020  YES 
The Communications and Information Technology 
Commission published a new regulatory framework on 
cybersecurity for telecommunication, information 
technology and mail suppliers.  The framework sets 
out requirements to improve cybersecurity risk 
management.  Mode 3  Communication 
services  Cyber Security Regulatory Framework for 
Telecommunications, Information Technology 
and Mail Providers  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.citc.gov.sa/ar/mediacenter/pressr
eleases/Pages/20200813.aspx  13 August 2020  YES 
Thailand  
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications 
Commission issued a notification to stipulate the 
criteria, procedures, conditions, and fees in relation to 
the granting of licences for foreign satellites providing 
services in Thailand. The new measure allows Thai 
entrepreneurs to use foreign satellite channels to 
provide services and to comply with the government's 
policy on allowing foreign sa tellites to provide 
services in Thailand.  Multiple 
modes  Telecommunication 
Services  NBTC Notification - Criteria and procedures to 
grant a licence to foreign satellite to provide 
services in Thailand (The Royal Gazette 
Vol.137 Special Section 37, dated 18 February 
2020)  Effective 19 February 2020  YES 
Turkey  
The Parliament adopted, on 29 July 2020, a law 
regulating social media.  The new measure requires 
foreign social media platforms with more than one 
million daily users to appoint a local representative in 
Turkey, which would be tasked with addressing 
complaints relating to their platforms' content.  Failure 
to comply can result in advertising bans, fines, and 
reduction of bandwidth by up to 90%.   
The law also requires user data from social media 
networks to be stored in Turkey.  Mode 1  Social media 
platforms  Social Media Law  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.mondaq.com/turkey/social -
media/983466/tur key-introduces -new-social -
media -law Effective 1 October 2020    
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Uganda  
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) 
modified its licensing framework for the telecom 
sector, introducing various licence categories and 
requiring all national telecom operators to float at 
least 20% of their shares on the Uganda Securities 
Exchange within two years of acquiring the new 
license.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Viewed at:  
http://www.connectingafrica.com/author.asp?d
oc_id=757077&itc=newsletter_connectingafric
ainsights&utm_source=newsletter_connectinga
frica_connectingafricainsights&utm_medium=e
mail&utm_campaign=01312020  October 2019  
 
Effective 30 June 2020   
Ukraine  
The government adopted new measures to encourage 
foreign investment in film productions. The scope of 
the cash rebate system for foreign filmmakers' 
production costs on Ukrainian territory was raised 
from 16.6% to 25%.  Mode 3  Audiovisual services  Law of Ukrain e of 20 September 2019 No. 130 
'On amending Law of Ukraine On State Support 
for Cinematography in Ukraine'  
 
Viewed at:  
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/130 -20 Effective 19 October 2019  YES 
United States  
In response to the President's Executive Orders 
signed on 6 August 2020, the Department of 
Commerce announced, on 19 September 2020, 
prohibitions on transactions relating to the mobile 
applications WeChat and TikTok due to national 
security concerns.  
 
The identified prohibitions encompass business -to-
business transactions within the land and maritime 
borders of the United States and its territories, and 
include specific exceptions.  The prohibitions 
applicable  to WeChat became effective as of 20 
September.  The prohibition of the provision of TikTok 
through an online mobile application store in the 
Unites States was scheduled to go into effect on 27 
September, but is currently being reviewed by U.S. 
courts. The remainder of prohibitions applicable to 
TikTok become effective on 12 November, unless the 
national security concerns related to TikTok are 
resolved before that date.  Modes 1 
and 3  Communication 
services  Executive Orders 13942 and 13943,  
Addressing the Th reat Posed by WeChat, and 
Taking Additional Steps to Address the National 
Emergency with Respect to the Information 
and Communications Technology and Services 
Supply Chain  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/20
20/08/11/2020 -17700/addressing -the-threat -
posed -by-wechat -and-taking -additional -steps -
to-address -the-national-emergency  
 
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/20
20/08/11/2020 -17699/addressing -the-threat -
posed -by-tiktok -and-taking -additional -steps -
to-address -the-national -emergency  19 September 2020  YES 
An Executive Order issued on 4 April 2020 formalizes, 
through the establishment of a Committee, the  ad 
hoc working group known as 'Team Telecom' which 
will assist the Federal Communications Commission 
(FCC) in the review of foreign participation in U.S. 
telecommunication services, with the objective of 
enhancing national security.  
 
Team Telecom will now have 120 days to conduct 
national security reviews of license applications.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Executive Order on Establishing the Committee 
for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in 
the United States Telecommunications Services 
Sector  
 
Viewed at:  
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC -
363550A1.pdf  4 April 2020    
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classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
FINANCIAL SERVICES  
Albania  
The Albanian Parliament approved three new laws in 
relation to capital markets and the investment funds 
sector.  The measures aim to contribute to the  
development of the domestic capital market and its 
integrity.  These laws are drafted in alignment with 
European Directives and regulations in the field of 
capital marke ts. Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Law no. 62/2020 "On Capital Markets";  
 
Law no. 56/2020 "On Collective Investment 
Undertakings";  
 
Law no. 66/2020 "On Financial Markets based 
on Distributed Ledger Technology".  Effective 1 September 2020  
 
Effective 20 June 2020  
 
 
1 September 2020   
Australia  
On 1 July 2020, the government officially launched 
the Consumer Data Right (CDR), which gives 
consumers the right to securely share data between 
providers and aims to allow consumers to use 
services that make it easier to compare products and 
services and access new and improved services.  The 
CDR initially applies to the banking sector and then to 
the energy sector; additional sectors are to be 
introduced in the future.   
 
The Consumer Data Ri ght in the banking sector gives 
consumers the ability to securely share their banking 
data (e.g. transaction history) with other providers 
offering the consumer a service or product. The 
Consumer Data Right also requires businesses to 
provide public access  to information on specified 
products that they offer.  
 
The regime imposes mandatory obligations on certain 
Authorised Deposit -taking Institutions to share 
information and data relating to products and 
individual consumers.   
 
Any entity that wishes to rece ive consumer data to 
provide products or services to consumers under the 
Consumer Data Right regime must be accredited. 
Foreign entities are able to be accredited provided 
that they have a local agent.  
 Modes 1 
and 3  Financial services 
(Provision and 
transfer of financial 
information, and 
financial data 
processing and 
related software by 
providers of other 
financial services)  Treasury Laws Amendment (Consumer Data 
Right) Act 2019  
C2019A00063  
 
Consumer Data Right (Authorised Deposit -
Taking Institutions) Designation 2019  
F2019L01153  
 
Consumer D ata Right (Energy) Designation 
2020 
F2020L00833  
 
Competition and Consumer (Consumer Data 
Right) Rules 2020 F2020C00554  Effective 14 August 2019  
 
 
 
Dated 4 September 2019; 
came into effect the day after 
it was registered  
  
Dated 2 6 June 2020; came 
into effect the day after it was 
registered  
 
Effective 6 February 2020  
  YES  
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classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission (ASIC) introduced a new regulatory relief 
framework for foreign financial services providers 
(FFSPs) that wish to provide financial services to 
wholesale clients or professional investors in 
Australia. T his replaced an old FFSP relief framework.  
 
The new framework has two key elements: a new 
foreign Australian Financial Service (AFS) licensing 
regime for FFSPs; and Licensing relief for FFSPs of 
funds management financial services seeking to 
induce some t ypes of professional investors.  Modes 1 
and 3  Banking and other 
financial services  New FFSP regulatory framework:  
- Foreign AFS licensing regime: ASIC 
Corporations (Foreign Financial Services 
Providers —Foreign AFS licensees) Instrument 
2020/198  
- Funds management licensing relief: ASIC 
Corporations (Foreign Financial Services 
Providers —Funds Management Financial 
Services) Instrument 2020/199  
 
Old FFSP relief framework:  
- Sufficient equivalence relief: ASIC 
Corporations (Repeal and Transitional) 
Instrument 2016/196  
- Sufficient equivalence relief for Luxembourg 
entities: ASIC Corporations (CSSF –Regulated 
Financial Services Providers) Instrument 
2016/1109  
- Limited connection relief: ASIC Corporations 
(Foreign Financial Services Provides —Limited 
Conne ction) Instrument 2017/182  Foreign AFS licensing regime: 
start date of 1 April 2020 for 
new FFSPs, and 1 April 2022 
for existing FFSPs relying on 
old sufficient equivalence 
relief.  
 
Old sufficient equivalence 
relief (previously contained in 
7 separate instruments): end 
date of 31 March 2020 for new 
FFSPs, 31 March 2022 for 
existing FFSPs relying on 
transition period for old 
sufficient equivalence relief.  
 
Funds management licensing 
relief: start date of 1 April 
2022.  
 
Limited connection relief  
(originally CO 03/824): 
gazetted on 1 October 2003, 
end date of 31 March 2022.  YES 
China  
The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory 
Commission  (CBIRC) revised and released the 
Implementation Rules of Administrative Licensing of 
Foreign -funded Banks.  
 
The Implementation Rules are in line with the 
Regulations on the Administration of Foreign -funded 
Banks, allowing foreign banks to set up branches and 
subsidiaries with legal person status in China. It 
removes the total asset require ment for foreign 
banks to set up business entities in China, and 
expands the scope of major Chinese shareholders in 
Sino-foreign joint venture banks.  Mode 3  Banking services  Implementation Rules of Administrative 
Licensing of Foreign -funded Banks  
 
Viewed at: 
https://www.cbirc.gov.cn/en/view/pages/Item
Detail.html?docId=882439&itemId=980  3 January 2020  YES 
The restriction on foreign ownership in joint -venture 
life insurance companies has been removed on 1 
January 2020. Foreign ownership in joint -venture life 
insurance companies can reach 100%. Relevant 
parties may submit applications to the CBIRC in 
accordan ce with the Regulations on Foreign -funded 
Insurance Companies, the Implementation Rules of 
the Regulations on Foreign -funded Insurance 
Companies, and this Notice. The CBIRC will start the 
revision of the provision of "foreign ownership shall 
not exceed 51%  of the company's total equity Mode 3  Life insurance 
services  Notice of the CBIRC General Office on 
Clarifying Ti ming of Removing Foreign 
Ownership Restrictions on Joint Venture Life 
Insurance Companies  
(CBIRC General Office [2019] No.230)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.cbirc.gov. cn/en/view/pages/Item
Detail.html?docId=858743&itemId=980  Effective 1 January 2020  YES  
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by 
Member  
capital" in the existing Implementation Rules of the 
Regulations on Foreign -funded Insurance Companies, 
which will be reissued after revision.  
Removal of 51% foreign ownership limit in fund 
management companies.  Mode 3  Financial services  Viewed at:  
http://www.csrc.gov.cn/pub/csrc_en/newsfact
s/release/201910/t20191015_364441.html  Effective 1 April 2020  YES 
Removal of 51% foreign ownership limit in securiti es 
companies. The removal of the foreign equity cap 
was originally due as of 1 December 2020, but the 
timetable was brought forward on 16 March.  Mode 3  Financial services  Viewed at:  
http://www.csrc.gov.cn/pub/csrc_en/newsfact
s/release/202003/t20200318_372197.html  Effective 1 April 2020  YES 
Removal of 51% foreign ownership limit in foreign -
invested futures companies.  Mode 3  Financial services  Viewed at:  
http://www.csrc.gov.cn/pub/csrc_en/newsfact
s/release/201910/t20191015_364440.html  Effective 1 January 2020  YES 
Since 1  January  2020, the accumulated equity rat ios 
(including direct holding and indirect control) of 
foreign shareholders in foreign -invested futures 
companies are up to 100%.  Mode 3  Financial Services  Article 7 of the  Administrative Measures on 
Foreign Investment in Futures Companies 
(China Securities Regulatory Commission 
No.149)  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.csrc.gov.cn/zjhpublic/zjh/201808/
t20180824_343039.htm  Effective 1 January 2020  YES 
Costa Rica  
New regulations were issued to promote inclusion 
and access in the insurance market with an adequate 
level of protection for the insurance consumer, by 
defining principles, requirements and other 
regulatory conditions applicable to self -issuing 
insurance.  Modes 1 
and 3  Insurance services  Regulation on inclusion and access to 
insurance  
 
Viewed at:  
http:/ /www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Norm
ativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?para
m1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=92320&nValor
3=122187&strTipM=TC  
 Effective 1 September 2020  YES 
A new law that reforms the current law regulating 
competition and the protection of consumers entered 
into force on 20 June 2020.  Among other things, it 
limits the maximum interest rate that can be charged 
by natural or legal persons that grant financing to a 
third party for financial, commercial and microcredit 
operations.  Mode 3  Other credit granting 
services  Reform of the Law for the Promotion of 
Competition and Effective Protection of the 
Consumers   
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Norm
ativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?para
m1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=91663&nValor
3=121084&strTipM=TC   Effective 20 June 2020  YES 
A new regulation on operations and services supplied 
through non -bank correspondents was published.  It 
establishes a general framework of sound practices 
for the performance of operations and the provision 
of services through non -bank correspondents.  Mode 3  Financial services  Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Norm
ativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?para
m1=NRTC&nValor1=1& nValor2=92075&nValor
3=121780&strTipM=TC   Adopted on 20 July 2020; 
effective 3 February 2021.  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The government adopted a new law regulating new 
financial instruments, including derivatives.  Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Law No. 9746  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Norm
ativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?para
m1=NRTC&nValor1=1 &nValor2=89892&nValor
3=118131&strTipM=TC  Effective 22 October 2019  YES 
A new measure regulates the maximum fees that 
services providers charge to process the transactions 
that use payment devices. It also regulates the credit 
card system to promote its safety and efficiency. The 
maximum fees will be determined by the Central 
Bank based on technical studies and will be subject 
to a public consultation.  Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Law No. 9831 – Maximum Fees of the Credit 
Card System  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Norm
ativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?para
m1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor 2=90791&nValor
3=0&strTipM=TC  Effective 26 March 2020  YES 
Ghana  
The Bank of Ghana has decided to extend by six 
months, until 31 December 2020, the deadline for 
meeting new minimum capital requirements 
applicable to all existing payment service providers, 
electronic money issuers, banks, and specialized 
deposit -taking institutions. The Bank of Ghana 
increased the minimum capital requirements for 
payment service providers from GHC5 million to 
GHC20 million.  
 
The new minimum capital requirements se rve to 
operationalize the Payment Systems and Services 
Act, adopted in 2019. Among other things, the Act 
requires payment service companies to have at least 
30% domestic equity participation, to maintain 
minimum capital in Ghana, and to process all retail 
electronic payment transactions within Ghana.  Multiple 
modes  Payment services  Notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2020/02  
 
Payment Systems and Services Act  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bog.gov.gh/wp -
content/uploads/2020/03/NOTICE -EXTENSION -
OF-DEADLINE -FOR-MEETING -THE-MINIMUM -
CAPITAL -REQUIREMENTS.pdf  
 
https://www.bog.gov.gh/wp -
content/uploads/2019/08/Payment -Systems -
and-Services -Act-2019-Act-987-.pdf 
 
https://thebftonline.com/2019/editors -
pick/bog -to-announce -new-capital -for-momo -
players/  Issued on 30 March 2020   
India  
As of this year, the 49% foreign equity limitation for 
insurance intermediaries (e.g. brokers, agents) has 
been eliminated. The clarification of the FDI policy 
follows the announcement made by the Finance 
minister in the Union Budget in 2019.  Mode 3  Insurance services  Viewed at:  
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID
=1601507  
 
https://dipp.gov.in/sites/default/files/pn1_202
0.pdf Effectiv e 27 April 2020  YES 
Indonesia  
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority issued a new 
regulation on the merger, consolidation, acquisition, 
integration and conversion of commercial banks. 
Among other things, the measure introduces 
mechanisms to facilitate the transformation of foreign 
bank branches into subsidiaries.  Mode 3  Banking services  Regulation No. 41/POJK.03/2019 of the 
Indonesian Financial Services Authority  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.allenovery.com/en -
gb/global/news -and-
insights/publications/indonesia -introduces -
new-bank-m-and-a-rules Effective 26  December 2019    
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The government adopted a new regulation relaxing 
foreign equity limits in insurance services. Foreign 
equity ownership in insurance companies has been 
capped to 80% since April 2018. Further capital 
increases had to respect the 80:20 ratio between 
foreign and domestic shareholders. The new 
regulation relaxed this rule and added clarity 
regarding the ability of insurers to conduct capital 
increases and manage their Sharia operations.  
 
The new regulation provides the following two key 
changes: 1) no obligati on for capital increases to be 
made in a ratio of 80:20 - the obligation for an 
Indonesian shareholder to make a corresponding 20% 
capital injection in the event of a capital increase is 
now deleted; and 2) sharia spin -offs may be subject 
to the existing f oreign ownership cap that is 
applicable to the parent insurance company, rather 
than the ratio of 80:20.  Mode 3  Banking services  Government Regulation No. 3/2020 of 20 
January 2020 (GR 3/2020), which amends 
Government Regulation No. 14 of 2018 on 
Foreign O wnership of Insurance Companies 
(GR 14/2018).  
 
Viewed at:  
https://theinsiderstories.com/indonesia -raises -
foreign -ownership -in-insurance -companies -
above -80/ Effective 20 January 2020   
Malaysia  
The Central Bank of Malaysia issued new rules 
requiring electronic trading platforms and networks to 
obtain prior approval from the central bank before 
offering services in Malaysia.  Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Policy  Document on the Framework for 
Electronic Trading Platforms  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=57&p
g=150&ac=859&bb=file  Effective 11 November 2019  YES 
Nigeria  
The Central Bank of Nigeria issued new regulations 
on the operations of indirect participants in the 
payment system, thereby allowing mobile network 
operators, among others, to provide mobile money 
services for the first time.  
 
Mobile network operators, retailers, mobile money 
operat ors and banking agents with sufficient capital 
(minimum of USD 14 million) can apply to become a 
payment service bank, which can provide payment 
services and collect deposits that can be invested in 
government securities or placed on deposit with a 
bank. T hey are excluded from providing credit or 
insurance products.  Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Circular on the Regulation for the Operations 
of Indirect Participants in the Payment System  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.cbn.gov.ng/Out/2019/PSMD/Circ
ular%20and%20Regulation%20for%20the%20
Operation%20of%20Indirect%20Participants%
20in%20the%20 Payment%20System%20(002
).pdf 
 
https://www.mondaq.com/Nigeria/Finance -
and-Banking/854160/New -Payment -
Regulations -Open-The-Door-To-MNOs -In-
Nigeria  Effective 11 November 2019   
Philippines  
The Central Bank of the Philippines adopted a series 
of new measures affecting banking and other financial 
services. These relate, for example, to the adoption of 
the Payment System Oversight Framework, changes 
to the rules on the real estate loan limit of banks, and 
a reduction in reserve requirements of banks.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Circulars Nos. 1087, 1089, 1091 to 1093;  
 
Memorandum No. M -2020-057 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/  July-September 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
A new measure allows foreign banks to open Islamic 
bank branches. On 1 March 2020, the Monetary Board 
approved the preliminary policy initiatives of the 
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to implement the 
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11439 (Act Providing for the  
Regulation and Organization of Islamic Banks and the 
relevant provisions on Islamic banking), which 
became effective on 15 September 2019.  
 
Subject to the approval of the Monetary Board, 
conventional banks, whether domestic or foreign, will 
be allowed to  open Islamic banking unit or to 
establish a subsidiary Islamic bank. Foreign banks can 
operate in the Philippines under any of the modes of 
entry provided under R.A. No. 7721, as amended, or 
An Act Liberalizing the Entry and Scope of Operations 
of Foreign  Banks in the Philippines and for Other 
Purposes.  
 Modes 1 
and 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Viewed at:  
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/publications/media.asp
?id=5255  Effective 1 March 202 0 YES 
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the 
Philippines) adopted a series of new measures 
affecting banking and other financial services. These 
relate, for example, to a mendments to the 
Framework for Dealing with Domestic Systemically 
Important Banks, modifications of reserve 
requirements, and the adoption of a national quick 
response code standard to ensure the safety, 
efficiency, and reliability of payment systems.  Mode  3 Banking and other 
financial services  Circulars Nos. 1050 -1082 
 
Viewed at:  http://www.bsp.gov.ph/  October 2019 – May 2020  YES 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The Board of the Capital Market Authority has issued 
a resolution to approve the amendments to the 
Instructions for Book Building Process and Allocation 
Method in IPOs (The Instructions).  Mode 3  Financial services  Resolution of the Board of the Capital Market 
Authority, dated 17 September 2019  
 
Viewed at:  
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regul
ations/Documents/Instructions_BookBuilding_A
llocation.pdf   Effective on 6 October 2019  YES 
The Board of the Capital Market Authority issued a 
resolution to approve the amendments to the Rules 
on the Offer of Securities and Continuing Obligations 
(The Rules).  Mode 3  Financial services  Resolution of the Board of the Capital Market 
Authority, date d 30 September 2019  
  
Viewed at:  
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regul
ations/Documents/OSRCI_en.pdf  Effective on 6 October 2019, 
except for paragraphs 1 and 3 
of Article 90 of the Rules, 
which entered into force on 1 
January 2020  YES 
The Board of the Capital Market Authority issue d a 
resolution to approve the amendments to the 
Instructions for Companies Announcement (The 
Instructions).  Mode 3  Financial services  Resolution of the Board of the Capital Market 
Authority, dated 30 September 2019  
 
Viewed at:  
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regul
ations/Documents/Instructions -FSI-Ownership -
Listed -Companies -en.pdf  Effective on 6 Oct ober 2019  YES  
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The Board of the Capital Market Authority issued a 
resolution to approve the amendments to the 
Glossary of Defined Terms Used in the Regulations 
and Rules of the Capital Market Authority (The 
Glossary).  Mode 3  Financial services  Resolution of the Board of the Capital Market 
Authority, dated 30 September 2019  
 
Viewed at:  
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regul
ations/Documents/CMA_Glossary_en.pdf  Effective on 6 October 2019  YES 
The Board of the Capital Market Authority issu ed a 
resolution to adopt the Securities Central 
Counterparties Regulations (The Regulations).  Mode 3  Financial services  Resolution of the Board of the Capital Market 
Authority, dated 18 November 2019  
 
Viewed at:  
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regul
ations/Documents/Securities -Central -
Counterparties -Regulations -en.pdf  Effective on 8  January 2020  YES 
Switzerland  
The Law and its implementing Ordinance contain the 
code of conduct that financial service providers must 
observe with regard to their clients. They distinguish 
between two main categories of clients: retail clients 
and professional clients.  
 
They establis h requirements for prospectuses for 
securities offers and provide that retail clients must 
be provided with a user -friendly document containing 
basic information on financial instruments.  
 
The Law and its implementing Ordinance provide for a 
register of a dvisers, with mandatory registration for 
certain advisers. Lastly, the Law and its implementing 
Ordinance also require all financial service providers 
to be affiliated with an ombudsman's office.  Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Federal Law of 15 June 2 018 on financial 
services (SR 950.1);  
Ordinance of 6 November 2019 on financial 
services (SR 950.11)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/2015 2661/index.html  
 
https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/20192374/index.html  
 
S/C/N/987  Effective 1 January 2020  YES 
The Law and its implementing Ordinance standardize 
the regulation of authorizations for financial service 
providers. They define the differing supervisory 
standards for portfolio managers, managers of 
collective assets, fund management companies and 
securi ties firms.  
 
The trustees and portfolio managers who administer 
assets on behalf of individual clients or occupational 
pension schemes are also subject to prudential 
supervision.  Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Federal Law of 15 June 2018 on financial 
establishments (SR 954.1);  
Ordinance of 6 November 2019 on financial 
establishments (SR 954.11)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified -
compilation/20152662/index.html  
 
https://www. admin.ch/opc/fr/classified -
compilation/19960659/index.html  
 
S/C/N/988  Effective 1 January 2020  YES 
Thailand  
The Bank of Thailand adopted a series of measures 
affecting financial services.  These include:  
- the creation of a new licensing regime allowing non -
bank operators to issue e -money in foreign currencies 
for customers' payments of cross -border goods and Mode 3  Financial services  Notification of the Ministry of Finance and 
Directions of the Minister to Authorized  
e-Money Service Operators; Notice of the 
Competent Officer - Rules and Practices Effective June -September 
2020 YES  
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classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
services when travelling abroad and for e -commerce 
platforms.  No limits on foreign shareholding ar e 
applied;  
- new regulations on procedures and conditions for 
providing peer -to-peer lending platform services; 
foreign shareholding is limited to 25%;  
- new regulations concerning the Good Corporate 
Governance qualifications of board of directors, major 
shareholders and persons with power of management 
in credit card services providers, personal loan 
services providers and retail loans businesses;  
- new measure on the number of, and quantification 
criteria for, service locations of branches and 
subsidiari es of foreign commercial banks.  regarding the Undertaking of Au thorized e -
Money Service Operators;  
 
Notification of the Ministry of Finance on 
Business Subject to Approval to clause 5 of the 
Revolutionary Council Decree 58 (Peer -to-Peer 
Lending Platform), dated 30 July 2020;  
 
Notification of the Bank of Thailand No. F PG. 
14/2563 on Regulations, Procedures and 
Conditions for Undertaking Business of Peer -to-
Peer Lending Platform, dated 31 July 2020;  
 
Notification of Ministry of Finance on Business 
Subject to Approval to clause 5 of the 
Revolutionary Council Decree 58 (Cr edit Card 
Business), dated 30 July 2020;  
 
Notification of the Bank of Thailand No. FPG. 
11/2563 on Regulations, Procedures and 
Conditions for Undertaking Credit Card 
Business, dated 31 July 2020;  
 
Notification of Ministry of Finance on Business 
Subject t o Approval to clause 5 of the 
Revolutionary Council Decree 58 (Personal 
Loans), dated 30 July 2020;  
 
Notification of the Bank of Thailand  
No. FPG. 12/2563 on Regulations, Procedures 
and Conditions for Undertaking Business of 
Personal Loans, dated 31 July 2020;  
 
Notification of Ministry of Finance on Business 
Subject to Approval to clause 5 of the 
Revolutionary Council Decree 58 (Retail Loans 
Business), dated 30 July 2020;  
 
Notification of the Bank of Thailand No. FPG. 
13/2563 on Regulations, Procedur es and 
Conditions for Undertaking Business of Retail 
Loans Business, dated 31 July 2020;  
 
Notification of the Bank of Thailand No. FPG. 
17/2563 on Number and quantifying criteria of 
service locations of foreign commercial bank’s 
subsidiary and branch of a foreign commercial 
bank.   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 225 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
A new measure modifies the licensing regime for loss 
adjusters. A new applicant for a loss adjuster licence 
must register as a juridical person and have a head 
office or branch in Thailand.  Mode 3  Loss Adjustment 
Services  Article 35/3 (b) of Non -Life Insurance Act 
(No.4)  
 
Clause 6 of Notification of the Insurance  
Commission Re: Specification of Rules, 
Procedures, Conditions, Application for 
Permission, and Renewal of Loss Adjusters, 
Inspection and adjustment of loss. B.E. 2562 
(2019)  21 November 2019  YES 
Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 
adopted a series of measures affecting financial 
services. These relate, for example, to the repealing 
of certain regul ations on accounting reports for 
securities companies, and to amendments to capital 
requirements for digital assets businesses.  Mode 3  Financial services  SEC adoption of the Circular of the Association 
of Thai Securities Companies' guidelines on 
portfolio advisory and program trading; SEC 
notification No. GorThor 6/2562, 63/2562, 
8/2562, 34/2562; Notification of Capital Market 
Advisory Board TorJor 14/2563  Effective November 2019 – 
March 2020  YES 
Uganda  
A new measure requires the purchase of marine 
insurance from local suppliers.  
 
The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) is 
implementing a local marine cargo insurance policy. 
Effective 1 March 2020, there shall be voluntary 
marine insurance provided local ly by insurance 
companies licensed by IRA and compulsory local 
purchase shall take effect on 1 June 2020. The 
importers using the system will benefit from a more 
favorable tax compensation.  
 
Under the compulsory marine insurance scheme, all 
imports must h ave a valid marine insurance cover 
underwritten by a Ugandan registered insurance 
company before clearance by Uganda Revenue 
Authority.  Modes 1 
and 3  Non-life insurance 
services  Viewed at:  
https://ira.go.ug/news_details.php?det=96  Effective 1 June 2020   
Ukraine  
The government adopted a new law that aims to 
enhance the ability of legal instruments to detect and 
prevent financial crimes and to provide greater 
transparency in the Ukrainian financial sector in the 
context of the ongoing process of financial 
cooperation with Europe.  Mode 3  Financial Services  Law of Ukraine No. 361 "On Prevention and 
Counteraction to Legaliza tion (Laundering) of 
Proceeds from Crime, Terrorism Financing and 
Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass 
Destruction"  Effective 28 April 2020  YES 
Viet Nam  
The government adopted new measures to regulate 
the cross -border supply of auxiliary insurance 
services.  
 
Offshore service providers are required to be from 
countries with which Viet Nam has contracted market 
access commitments on the cross -border supply of 
such services. An offshore service supplier may be Mode 1  Auxiliary insurance 
services  Decree No. 80 on the implementation of Law 
No. 42 on amendments to the Insurance 
Business Law  
 
Ministry of Finance Circular No. 65  
 
Viewed at:  Effective 1 November 2019    
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 226 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
subject to additional conditions. In the case of cross -
border supply to insurance companies or insurance 
brokerage companies, the supplier must, for 
example: have been lawfully operating for at least 10  
years up until the point of service provision; have 
been operating with profit for 3 consecutive financial 
years up until the point of service provision. For 
cross-border supply to individuals and to 
organizations other than entities mentioned above, 
the foreign supplier must cooperate with a supplier of 
auxiliary insurance services that is legally established 
in Viet Nam.  https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/pu
blications/2019/12/new -regulations -insurance -
vietnam  
TOURISM AND TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES  
Colombia  
A new measure was adopted to facilitate the 
development of high -impact tourism projects, which 
are designated as 'special tourism projects'.  
 Mode 3  Tourism services  Decree 1155 of 20 August 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://dapre.presidencia.gov.co/normativa/no
rmativa/DECRETO%201155%20DEL%2020%2
0DE%20AGOSTO%20DE%202020.pdf   20 August 2020  YES 
Costa Rica  
The government adopted a new law that aims to 
regulate the supply of tourism services in the form of 
home rentals, apartments, villas, chalets, cottages, 
and rooms. It seeks to protect the rights of users of 
such services, and to regulate the services platforms 
or intermediary companies, which mediate between 
the users and suppliers of non -traditional lodging.  
 
In addition, the law requires hosts to register with the 
Tourism Institute and to pay the 13% value -added 
tax. Multiple 
modes  Tourism services  Law No. 9742 - Framework Law for the 
Regularization of non -traditional hosting and 
intermediation through digital platforms  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Norm
ativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?para
m1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=90073&nValor
3=118473&strTipM=TC  Published in No vember 2019; 
effective 1 June 2020  YES 
TRANSPORT SERVICES  
Costa Rica  
A new measure removes limits on maximum foreign 
equity in companies that provide international land 
transport services of passengers. Previously, 
companies providing these services were required to 
have at least 60% of their equity owned by investors 
that were citizens of Central America.  Mode 3  Road transport 
services  Executive Decree No. 42072  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Norm
ativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?para
m1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=90232&nValor
3=1187 37&strTipM=TC  Effective  
13 December 2019  YES 
The government issued new regulations on air traffic 
services that aim to guarantee that flights over Costa 
Rican airspace are carried out in conditions that allow 
increasing the safety and efficiency of air operations.  Modes 1 
and 3  Air transport service s Executive Decree No 42397 -MOPT of 30 June 
2020 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/ Norm
ativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?para
m1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=91732&nValor
3=121243&strTipM=TC  Effective 1 July 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 227 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
European Union  
The European Commission has prolonged for another 
four years the regulation outlining the conditions 
under which liner shipping consortia can provide joint 
services without infringing EU antitrust rules that 
prohibit anticompetitive agreements between 
companies.  
 
The Consortia Block Exemption Regulation  allows, 
under certain conditions, liner shipping ope rators with 
a combined market share of below 30% to enter into 
cooperation agreements to provide joint liner shipping 
services (known as "consortia"). These agreements, 
however, cannot include price -fixing or market -
sharing. The current Consortia Block Exe mption 
Regulation was due to expire on 25 April 2020.  Modes 1 
and 3  Maritime transport 
services  Consortia Block Exemption Regulation  
 
Viewed at:  
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/
detail/en/ip_20_518  24 March 2020  YES 
Philippines  
The Maritime Industry Authority adopted new 
measures relating to, for example, the licensing of 
ship repair entities, and mandatory insurance to c over 
liability for damage to ships used in domestic shipping 
services.  
 Multiple 
modes  Maritime transport 
services  Memorandum Circulars No. SR -2019-01, SR -
2019-02, and SR-2019-03 
 
Viewed at:  
https://marina.gov.ph  October -December 2019  YES 
The Maritime Industry Authority adopted an 
amendment to MC No. 2013 -04 providing for the 
"Omnibus Rules on the Issuance of Special Permit for 
the Temporary Utilization of Philippine -Registered 
Domestic Ships to Operate in International Voyages".  Multiple 
modes  Maritime transport 
services  Memorandum Circular No. OS -2020-01 
 
Viewed at: https://marina.gov.ph  Published on 23 April 2020  YES 
Viet Nam  
On 18 November 2019, the government issued a 
decree that increases from 30% to 34% the 
maximum foreign equity in airlines.  Mode 3  Air transport services  Decree 89/2019/ND -CP 
 
Viewed at:  
https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/548582/fore
ign-investors -allowed -34-per-cent-holding -at-
vietnamese -airlines.html  Effective  
1 Janua ry 2020   
SERVICES SUPPLIED THROUGH THE MOVEMENT OF NATURAL PERSONS  
Belize  
The Immigration Act was amended in relation to the 
movement of nationals of Caribbean Community 
States. The amendment expands coverage to 
spouses and dependants, sets out new definitions, 
and clarifies the periods of automatic and indefinite 
stay for nationals of Caribbean Community States.  Mode 4  All sectors  Immigration (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2020  September 2020   
China  
Foreign high -level management and technical 
personnel engaged in technical cooperation and 
economic and trade activities in China may now apply 
for a visa or residence permit valid for 2 to 5 years.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741577/c1
076430/content.html   Effective 1 August 2019  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 228 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Estonia  
On 1 August 2020, Estonia has introduced a "Digital 
Nomad Visa" that allows remote workers to live in 
Estonia and legally work for their employer or their 
own company registered abroad.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://e -resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/   Adopted on 7 August 2020  YES 
France  
The French Ministry of Home Affairs has implemented 
changes to its Talent Passport programme, including 
expedited and streamlined application processing.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.mondaq.com/france/Immigration
/882460/Talent -Passport -Improvements -
Implemented  Effective January 2020   
Germany  
A new immigration law expands the framework under 
which qualified professionals from non -EU Members 
can work in Germany. It allows vocationally trained 
foreign nationals to be employed in Germany also in 
occupations that are not experiencing a skills 
shortage. The measure abolishes the requirement to 
check the unavailability of German or EU natio nals 
before non -EU citizens are allowed to take up a skilled 
occupation. Moreover, employers can launch an 
expedited procedure for qualified professionals at the 
relevant foreigners' registration office in Germany, 
thereby significantly shortening the dura tion of the 
administrative procedure for the issuing of the visa.  
 Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.make -it-in-
germany.com/en/visa/skilled -immigration -act/ Effective 1 March 2020  YES 
Hong Kong, China  
A new pilot scheme allows nationals of countries that 
are visiting Hong Kong, China visa -free and that are 
in possession of a "Letter of proof" issued by qualified 
arbitral institutions to participate in arbitral 
proceedings in Hong Kong, China as visitors, without 
having to obtain employment visas.  The pilot scheme 
will be reviewed after two years.  
 Mode 4  Business services  Pilot Scheme o n Facilitation for Persons 
Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong 
Kong 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/2
9/P2020062900772.htm  
 Effective 29 June 2 020  
Japan  
On 22 May 2020, the Diet adopted a measure to ease 
certain limits on the activities of foreign lawyers in 
the country.  
 
The new measure allows foreign lawyers to act as a 
legal representative in a broader scope of 
international arbitrations, including arbitrations 
between Japanese companies if there is an 
international connection, e.g., if one of the companies 
is more than 50% owned by foreigners. Moreover, it 
also establishes the provisions of international Mode 4  All sectors  Act on Special Measures concerni ng the 
Handling of Legal Services by Foreign Lawyers  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/com
mon/data/outline/200522151124_200522.pdf  
 
http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/law/d
etail/?id=3584&vm=04&re=01&new=1  Effective 29 August 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 229 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
mediation, allowing the preceding scope of 
representation.  
 
The measure also relaxes the requirements for 
approval by the Minister of Justice. To obtain 
approval, foreig n lawyers are currently required to 
have three years of related job experience. The new 
law recognizes up to two years of subordinate work in 
Japan as job experience, instead of up to one year at 
present.  
The Immigration Service Agency of Japan (ISA) has 
expanded the online residence application system for 
companies to apply for various certificates for, inter 
alia, Status of Residence of "Business Managers", 
"Intra -Company Transferees" and "Highly Skilled 
Professional".  
 Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://www.immi -
moj.go.jp/tetuduki/zairyukanri/onlineshinsei.ht
ml Effective 24 March 2020  YES 
Mauritius  
On 7 August, Mauritius adopted new rules that, inter 
alia, combine the Work Permit and Residence Permit 
into one single permit, and lengthen the validity of 
the Occupation Permit (OP) to 10 years, with the 
possibility of renewal.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at: 
https://www.platformafrica. com/2020/08/13/n
ew-streamlined -permits -regime -introduced -in-
mauritius/  
WTO document: S/C/N/1022  Effective 2 September 2020   
Nigeria  
A new visa policy has been implemented which 
provides, inter alia , a new visa avenue for highly 
skilled foreign nationals and a 90 -day visa -on-arrival 
for all African Union nationals, frequently travelling 
executives and emergency relief workers.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/ng/pd
f/tax/fg -launches -nigeria -visa-policy -2020.pdf  Effective January 2020   
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Foreign nationals travelling for business must now 
obtain a visa pre -approval before submitting a 
Business Visit Visa application.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://www.tradearabia.com/n ews/MISC_3641
67.html  Effective February 2020    
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 230 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Singapore  
Beginning 1 October 2020, the Fair Consideration 
Framework job advertisement requirement was 
extended to employers of S Pass applicants. 
Employers of EP and S Pass applicants must first 
advertise those vacancies for a period of 28 days, up 
from the previou s 14-day period, on a designated 
jobs portal that is accessible by the public. This is 
intended to maximise access to opportunities for all 
job seekers. Positions for ICTs, positions paying a 
fixed salary of S$20,000 or more a month, and 
positions in compa nies with fewer than 10 employees 
are exempted from the job advertising requirement.  
In Singapore, employers are required to adopt fair 
hiring practices that do not discriminate based on 
non-job related characteristics such as age, gender, 
nationality or race. Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press -
releases/2020/0827 -tightening -of-work-pass-
requirements  Effective 1 Octo ber 2020  YES 
Thailand  
The Department of Employment has introduced 
changes that streamline the work permit process by 
allowing filing at the One -Stop Service Centre and 
faster in -country processing.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://blog.newlandchase.com/thailand -
faster -processing -of-certain -pre-work-permit -
approval -applications  Effective October 2019  YES 
The government issued on 1 April 2020 a Ministerial 
Notification on prohibited works by foreigners.  
 
This Ministerial Notification sets forth four categories 
of prohibited works:  
1- works entirely reserved for Thai workers: 27 
works;  
2 - works that forei gn workers are permitted to 
perform under agreements between Thailand and 
other Parties;  
3- works that semi -skilled or skilled foreign workers 
shall perform under the condition that they must have 
employers;  
4- works that foreign workers are permitted to  
perform under the condition of having employers and 
being permitted to enter Thailand by Immigration Law 
under MOUs or Agreements between Thai 
Government and Foreign Governments.  Mode 4  All sectors  Ministry of Labour Ministerial Notification on 
prohibited works which foreign workers are not 
permitted to work, dated 1 April 2020, enacted 
under the Foreigners' Working Management 
Emergency Decree (No.2) B.E. 2561(2018).   Gazetted on 21 April 2020; 
effective after 60 days after 
publication in the Royal 
Gazette.  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 231 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
United Kingdom  
The Home Office issued new guidance on a Health 
and Care visa available from 4 August 2020 and 
falling under the Tier 2 (General) category. To qualify 
for this visa, they applicants have to fill a job that 
falls within a specified list of occupations and be 
employed by the National Health Service (NHS), an 
NHS-commissioned service provider or a social care 
provider listed in the Home Office's Tier 2 guidance.  
Applicants and  their dependent family members will 
be exempt from paying the immigration health 
surcharge (IHS), and will also benefit from a reduced 
application fee.  Mode 4  Health services  Viewed at:  
https://ww w.gov.uk/tier -2-health -care-visa 4 August 2020  
  YES 
Viet Nam  
Viet Nam introduced a new visa for foreign natural 
persons that enter the country to promote services 
and establish a commercial presence according to 
international agreements that it has signed.  The new 
visas will be issued with validity from 6 to 12 months.  Mode 4  All sectors  Amendment to the Law on entry, exit, transit 
and residence of foreigners in Viet Nam  
 
Viewed at:  
https://vietnaminsider.vn/vietnam -new-
immigration -law-things -every -foreigner -
should -
know/#:~:text=Vietnam%20will%20issue%20
visas%20w ith,came%20into%20force%20this
%20month .  Effective July 2020   
 
 
  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 232 - ANNEX 5  – COVID -19 TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED MEASURES ( GOODS)1 
(MID-OCTOBER  2019 TO MID -OCTOBER  2020) 
Confirmed information2 
Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Albania  Temporary export prohibition on certain drugs and medical devices (HS  3002; 3003; 
3004; 3005; 3006; 4818; 6307; 9018; 9019; 9020; 9021; 9022), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/ALB/1/Add.1, 27 
March 2020  Effective 17 March 2020  
Algeria  Temporary export ban on certain products (1,219 tariff lines at 10 -digit level, in HS 
Chapters 2; 4; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 15; 16; 17; 19; 20; 21; 22; 28; 30; 33; 34; 38; 39; 
40; 48; 61; 62; 63; 65; 84; 90; 94), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Direction Générale des Douanes - Instruction No. 
111/PM (22 March 2020). Viewed at: 
http://www.douane.gov.dz/spip.php?article429&la
ng=fr  Effective 22 March 2020  
Anguilla  Temporary e limination of import tariffs on hand sanitizers; hand sanitizer dispensers; 
bleach; disinfectant wipes; isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol); disinfectant sprays; 
toilet paper; diapers; hand soap/antibacterial soap; baby wipes/Kleenex/paper towels; 
liquid d isinfectants; garbage bags; dishwashing liquid; cleaning cloths laundry 
detergent; gloves (disposable); masks; nebulizers; medications (flu, fever and cold); 
personal protective clothing, headgear, shoe -covers; and on certain food products 
(e.g. rice; brow n sugar; white sugar; flour; chicken; milk; fresh or chilled vegetables; 
canned vegetables, fresh or chilled fruits, canned fruits; and water), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from interim goods taxes and 
administrative fees  EX/MEM No. 20/90 - COVID -19 Response - 
Customs Duty and Tax Relief Package (2 April 
2020). Viewed at: 
https://macmap.org/OfflineDocument/Covid19/CO
VID_AIA_1.pdf  Effective 13 April 2020, 
for 3 months  
Argentina  Certain products (e.g. medical equipment and personal pro tective equipment) 
eliminated from the list requiring non -automatic import licensing requirements (15 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in NCM Chapters 22; 38; 62; 63; 65; 90), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(14 April 2020); Disposición No.5/2020 
Subsecretaría de Política y Gestión Comercial - 
Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo (18 March 
2020); and WTO document 
G/LIC/N/2/ARG/28/Add.6, 14  April 2020. Viewed 
at: 
http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/ane
xos/335000 -339999/335690/norma.htm  Effective 19 March 2020  
 
1 This table has been compiled by the WTO Secretariat and is an informal situation report and an attempt to provide transparenc y with respect to measures 
affecting trade in goods taken in the context of the COVID -19 crisis. It does not p ass judgment on or questions the right of WTO members to take such actions. The 
Secretariat has not sought to determine and indicate whether the measures listed in the table have trade -restrictive or trade -facilitating effects. The information in this 
table is not exhaustive and does not include information on general support measures. The measures listed in this table provide a  situation report up to 15 October  
2020. A consistent feature of the trade and trade -related measures taken in response to the COVI D-19 crisis has been the frequent changes, adjustments and occasional 
roll-back of such measures to reflect the evolving situation. The updated lists of measures implemented in the context of the curr ent pandemic are available on the 
COVID -19 page of the W TO website: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_goods_measure_e.htm .  
2 This Section includes information which has either been provid ed by the Member concerned or has been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 233 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Argentina  Temporary implementation of export licensing requirement on medical ventilators 
(artificial respiration apparatus) (NCM 9019.20.10) issued by the Ministry of 
Production Development with th e intervention of the Ministry of Health, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(14 April 2020) and Decreto Nos.  301/2020 (19 
March 2020) 625/2020 (29 July 2020); and 
Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo Resolución 
Nos. 1 40/2020 (6  April 2020) and 367/2020 (24 
July 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/pri
mera/227045/20200320?busqueda=1; 
https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/pri
mera/232573/20200727?busqueda=1; and 
https://www.boletinofic ial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/pri
mera/232758/20200730?busqueda=1  Effective 20 March 2020. 
Terminated on 30 July 
2020 
Argentina  On 21 March 2020, temporary suspension of the anti -dumping duties on imports of 
hypodermic syringes of plastic, disposable, sterile, w ith or without needles (NCM 
9018.31.11; 9018.31.19) from China (investigation initiated on 15  September  2009 
and definitive duty imposed on 15 March 2011)  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(14 April 2020) and WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/ARG, 21 Aug ust 2020  Effective 21 March 2020, 
and in force throughout 
the COVID -19 
emergency period  
Argentina  On 24 March 2020, temporary suspension of the anti -dumping duties on imports of 
parenteral solutions (NCM 3004.90.99) from Brazil and Mexico (investigation initiated 
on 29 June 2018 and definitive duty imposed on 2 December 2019)  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(14 April 2020) and WTO document 
G/ADP/N/342/ARG, 21 August 2020  Effective 24 March 2020, 
and in force throughout 
the COVI D-19 
emergency period  
Argentina  Temporary implementation of export licensing requirement on certain products (NCM 
Chapters 22; 30; 38; 40; 62; 63; 84; 90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. On 27 July 
2020, export licensing requirements eliminated for certain  products (NCM 2827.49.21; 
2905.12.10; 2905.12.20; 3923.30.00; 9018.12.90; 9018.12.10; 3004.20.29; 
3004.49.90; 3004.60.00; 3004.90.59; 3004.90.69)  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(14 April 2020) and Decreto Nomenclatura Común 
del Mercosur Nos.  317/2020 - (28 March 2020), 
405/2020 and 617/2020 (24 July 2020), and 
Resolución No. 140/2020 Ministerio de Desarrollo 
Productivo (6 April 2020. Viewed at: 
https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/pri
mera/232553/20200727?busqueda=1  Effective 28 Marc h 2020, 
and in force throughout 
the COVID -19 
emergency period  
Argentina  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain products (NCM Chapters 22; 29; 38; 
39; 40; 63; 65; 84; 90; 94), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted 
from the statist ical fee ( tasa de estadística ) Decreto Nos. 333/2020 - Derechos de Importación 
Extrazona (1 April 2020), 455/2020 (10 May 
2020), and 745/2020 Derechos de Importación 
Extrazona (13  September 2020)  Effective 3 April 2020, 
and in force throughout 
the COVID -19 
emergency period  
Argentina  Import of certain products temporary exempted from VAT (NCM Chapters 22; 29; 38; 
39; 40; 63; 65; 84; 90; 94), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Decreto Nos. 333/2020 - Derechos de Importación 
Extrazona (1 April 2020) and 455 /2020 (10 May 
2020), and Resolución General No. 4696/2020 - 
Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (14 
April 2020)  Effective 15 April 2020, 
for 60 days  
Argentina  Temporary authorization to exceptionally accept documents of origin in electronic form 
for accreditation and to determine the origin of imported goods, and to access tariff 
preferences that are part of preferential agreements signed by Argentina (LAIA, Israel, 
Egypt and SACU). Presentation of original format to Customs not required, due to th e 
COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
and Circular No. 2/2020 Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos (6 April 2020)  Effective 8 April, and in 
force throughout the 
COVID -19 emergency 
period   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 234 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Argentina  Temporary suspension until 1 October 2020 of the requirement to submit the Sworn 
Declaration of Product Composition ( Declaración Jurada de Composición de Productos  
"DJCP"), pursuant to Secretariat of Trade (SC) Resolution No. 404/2016 and the 
amendments thereto, for  the products falling under the following MERCOSUR Common 
Nomenclature (NCM/SA) tariff headings: 6210.10.00; 6307.90.10; 6307.90.90; 
6505.00.22, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/TBT/N/ARG/309/Add.6, 19 June 
2020; and Resolución No. 420/2020 - Ministerio 
de Desarollo Productivo, Secretaría de Comercio 
Interior (19 September 2020)  Effective 3 April 2020 to 
2 June 2020. On 2 June 
2020, elimination 
extended for 120 days 
(renewable if 
necessary). On 30 
September 2020, 
extended and in force 
throughout  the COVID -
19 emergency period  
Argentina  Temporary suspension of certain customs processing deadlines ( plazos operativos ) and 
procedures, due to the COVID -19 pandemic   Resolución General No. 4726/2020 - 
Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (27 
May 2020)  Effective 30 May 2020, 
and in force throughout 
the COVID -19 
emergency period  
Argentina  Temporary elimination of export duties ( derechos de exportación ) on raw hides and 
skins, leather and furskins, due to the COVID -19 pandemic (4101.20.00; 4101.50.1 0; 
4101.50.20; 4101.50.30; 4101.90.10; 4101.90.20; 4101.90.30; 4102.10.00; 
4103.90.00)  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(22 September 2020); and Decreto No. 549/2020 
(DCTO -2020-549-APN-PTE- Derecho de 
exportación) - Nomenclatura Común del Merco sur 
(22 June 2020)  Effective 23 June 2020 
to 23 August 2020  
Argentina  Temporary waiving of export duties (60 days) through the sworn export declaration, 
for micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSME) registered in the MSME 
National Register  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO 
(22 September 2020); and. Resoluc ión General 
Nos. 4728/2020 (29 May 2020), 4787/2020 and 
4826/2020 (28 September 2020) - Administración 
Federal de Ingresos Públicos (4 August 2020). 
Viewed at: 
http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/ane
xos/340000 -344999/340757/norma.htm  Effective 8 June 2020 to 
7 August 2020. 
Extended until 30 
September 2020. On 30 
September 2020 
extended until 31 
Octobre 2020  
Argentina  Temporary elimination of export duties ( derechos de exportación ) on raw hides and 
skins, leather and furskins, due to the COVID -19 pandemic (4101.20.00; 4101.50.10; 
4101.50.20; 4101.50.30; 4101.90.10; 4101.90.20; 4101.90.30; 4102.10.00; 
4103.90.00)  Decreto No. 812/2020 (DCTO -2020-812-APN-PTE- 
Derecho de exportación) - Nomenclatura Común 
del Mercosur (19 October 2020)  Effective 21 October 
2020, to 31 December 
2020  
Australia  Temporary restrictions on the non -commercial export of personal protective equipment 
and sanitizer products, essential to combatting the COVID -19 pandemic. The measure 
seeks to prevent individuals and criminal syndicates from hoarding, price -gouging and 
profiteering on non -commercial exports from Australia. Legitimate commercial and 
humanitarian exports are exempt, as are care packages to family overseas, although 
products cannot be sent through the  mail. The measures apply only to a specific list of 
products: personal protective equipment that can be worn by individuals to limit 
transmission of organisms: disposable face masks, disposable gloves, disposable 
gowns, protective eye wear in the form of goggles, glasses or visors; and alcohol 
wipes and hand sanitizer (HS 3401.11; 3401.19; 3401.20; 3808.94; 3926.20; 
4015.11; 4015.19; 6116.10; 6210.10; 6210.20; 6210.30; 6210.40; 6210.50; 
6216.00; 6307.90; 6505.00; 9004.90; 9020.00)  WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/A US/3/Add.1/Corr.1, 
29 April 2020; G/MA/QR/N/AUS/4/Add.1, 18 June 
2020; G/MA/QR/N/AUS/4/Add.2, 8 September 
2020; and G/MA/QR/N/AUS/5, 5  October 2020  Effective from 30 March 
2020 and during the 
human biosecurity 
emergency period; that 
is, while the Biosecurity 
(Human Biosecurity 
Emergency) 
(Coronavirus with 
Pandemic Potential) 
Declaration 2020 is in 
force (three months 
from 18 March 2020). 
The Declaration 2020 is 
now due to end on 17 
December 2020   
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Australia  Temporary tariff concession measure to fac ilitate the importation of certain goods 
(face masks, gloves, gowns/clothes, disinfectant preparations (excluding hand 
sanitizers), soaps, COVID -19 test kits and reagents, and viral transport media) 
required to manage the crisis created by the COVID -19 pan demic. The measure was 
first published on 1 May 2020 in Australian Customs Notice Number 2020/20 and 
initially in place until 31 July 2020, with refunds available for customs duty paid on 
prescribed goods imported from 1 February 2020. The measure was exte nded until 31 
December 2020, published in Australian Customs Notice Number 2020/30 (HS 
3002.15.10; 3401.11.00; 3401.19.00; 3401.20.00; 3808.94.00; 3821.00.10; 
3822.00.19; 3822.00.20; 3822.00.39; 3822.00.40; 3926.20.21; 3926.20.29; 
3926.90.90; 4015.11.00; 4 015.19.90; 4015.90.21; 4015.90.29; 4818.50.00; 
6210.10.10; 6210.10.90; 6210.50.10; 6210.50.90; 6307.90.10; 6307.90.29; 
6307.90.40; 6307.90.99; 9004.90.00)  WTO document G/MA/W/152/Add.1, 31 July 2020  Effective 1 February 
2020 to 31 July 2020. 
Measure extend ed until 
31 December 2020  
Azerbaijan  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. medical gloves, sterile 
shoe covers, mittens, sterile masks, respirators (effective 5 March 2020 to 1 June 
2020); on raw materials for the production of  medical masks (effective 5 March 2020 
to 31 December 2022) (HS 3926.20.00; 4015.19.00; 6307.90.98; 5603.12.10; 
5603.13.10), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from VAT  Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan to the WTO 
(16 October 2020), Reso lution Nos. 84, 114, 188 
and 233 - Cabinet of Ministers  Effective until 1 
September 2020  
Azerbaijan  Temporary export ban on certain medical supplies and preparations (e.g. sterile 
gloves, splints, medical masks and goggles, disinfectants, special clothing and other 
necessary medical supplies and preparations) (HS 2207.10.00; 2207.20.00; 
2208.90.10; 2208.90.90; 3808.94; 3822.00.00; 3926.20; 4015.19; 5603; 6307.90; 
9004.90; 9019.20.00; 9025.19; 3005.90.10), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Dele gation of Azerbaijan to the WTO 
(16 October 2020), Resolution Nos. 42 and 152 - 
Cabinet of Ministers  Effective 14 February 
2020 to 1 May 2020. 
Extended until 
1November 2020  
Azerbaijan  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on nonwovens, whether or not im pregnated, 
coated, covered or laminated; and other made up articles, including dress patterns 
(5603.11.90; 5603.12.90; 5603.13.90; 6307.90.98)  Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan to the WTO 
(16 October 2020)  Effective 2 September 
2020 to 31 December 
2022 
Bahrain, 
Kingdom of  Temporary export ban on face masks (effective 8 April 2020), certain PPE, hand 
sanitizers and disinfectants (effective 26 March 2020), due to the COVID -19 (HS 
3401.11.50; 2208.90.11; 6307.90.97)  Permanent Delegation of Bahrain to the WTO  (7 
October 2020)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Bangladesh  Temporary export prohibition on surgical masks, face masks, and disinfectants (hand 
sanitizers) (effective 12 March 2020) (HS 6307.90.40; 6307.90.90; 3808.94.91), due 
to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/BGD/1, 16 April 2020  Effective 2 March 2020 
to 2 April 2020  
Bangladesh  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on protective garment, disinfectant, and 
COVID -19 test kits (HS 2905.12.90; 3002.15.00; 3822.00.00; 902 7.80.00; 
3808.94.91; 9018.90.90; 9020.00.00; 3926.20.20; 3926.20.90; 6210.10.00; 
6210.40.00; 6210.50.00; 6211.33.00; 6211.39.00; 6211.43.00; 6211.49.00; 
9004.90.00), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from VAT and 
other taxes  WTO document G/MA/W/156, 29 May 2020  Effective 22 March 2020 
to 30 June 2020  
Bangladesh  Temporary elimination of applied tariffs (CD), regulatory duty (RD), supplementary 
duty (SD), value added tax (VAT), advanced tax (AT) and advanced income tax (AIT) 
for the importa tion of certain products (HS 2905.12.90; 3002.15.00; 3808.94.91; 
3822.00.00; 3926.20.90; 5602.90.00; 5603.11.90; 5603.12.90; 5603.13.90; 
5603.14.00; 5603.92.90; 5603.93.00; 5603.94.00; 5903 -10-90; 6307.90.00; 
7312.90.00; 9004.90.00; 9020.00.00; 9027.80.00) , due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/W/159, 18 August 2020  Effective 1 July 2020 to 
30 September 2020  
Belarus  Temporary export restrictions on certain personal protective equipment (e.g. 
respirators, face masks, medical gloves, chemical protection suits, surgical boots and 
boot covers, breathing equipment) (HS Chapters 30; 39; 40; 56; 59; 62; 63; 84; 90), 
due to t he COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Belarus (15 April 2020) 
and Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 149 
(17 March 2020)  Effective 16 March 2020 
to 1 June 2020   
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Observer  
Belarus  Temporary export restriction on certain basic food items (e.g. buckwhea t, onions, 
garlic) (HS codes 1008.10.00; 1103.19.90; 1104.29.30; 1904.90.80; 0703.10.11; 
0703.10.19; 0703.20.00), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Belarus (15 April 2020) 
and Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 185 
(31 March 2020)   Effective 3 April 2020 to 
3 July 2020  
Bolivia, 
Plurinational 
State of  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on wheat and meslin (HS 1001), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Bolivia to the WTO (11 
August 2020)  Effective 8 April 2020  to 
8 April 2022  
Bolivia, 
Plurinational 
State of  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain pharmaceutical products, protective 
equipment and medical supplies (HS Chapters 17; 22; 25; 28; 29; 30; 35; 38; 40; 
48; 61; 62; 65; 73; 90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Decreto Supremo No. 4227 y Circular No. 
102/2020 - Aduana Nacional (29 April 2020). 
Viewed at: 
https://www.aduana.gob.bo/aduana7/sites/default
/files/kcfinder/files/circulares/circular1022020.pdf  Effective 29 April 2020  
Brazil  Temporary e limination of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment (NCM 
Chapters 17; 22; 25; 28; 29; 30; 33; 34; 37; 38; 39; 40; 48; 55; 56; 59; 61; 62; 63; 
65; 70; 72; 73; 76; 84; 85; 87; 90; 94), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Br azil to the WTO (1 May 
2020) and Resolução Ministério da 
Economia/Secretaria -Executiva da Câmara de 
Comércio Exterior Nos. 17/2020 (17 March 2020), 
22/2020 (25 March 2020), 28/2020 (1 April 
2020), 31/2020 (7 April 2020), 32/2020 (16 April 
2020), 33/2020, 3 4/2020 (29 April 2020), 
44/2020 (14 May 2020), 51/2020 and 52/2020 
(17 June 2020), 67/2020 (10 July 2020), 75/2020 
(25 August 2020), 89/2020, 90/2020 (16 
September 2020) and 103/2020 (20 October 
2020)  Effective 18 March 2020 
to 30 September 2020. 
Extended until 30 
October 2020. Extended 
on 1 November 2020  
Brazil  Implementation of special export licensing scheme for goods to fight the COVID -19 
pandemic (NCM Chapters 22; 29; 38; 39; 40; 56; 62; 63; 73; 90)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/BRA/2/Add.1, 3  June 
2020 Effective 18 March 2020  
Brazil  Temporary elimination of import licensing requirements on certain products (e.g. 
vacuum plastic tubes for blood collection and syringes) (NCM 3822.00.90; 
3926.90.40; 9018.39.99; 9018.31.11; 9018.31.19), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (1 May 
2020) and WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 
September 2020  Effective 23 March 2020  
Brazil  On 26 March 2020 temporary suspension of the anti -dumping duties on vacuum 
plastic tubes for blood coll ection imported from Germany, the United Kingdom and the 
United States; and on and syringes imported from China (NCM 3822.00.90; 
3926.90.40; 9018.39.99; 9018.31.11; 9018.31.19), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and Resolução No. 23/2020, 
Ministério da Economia/Secretaria -Executiva da 
Câmara de Comércio Exterior (25 March 2020)  Effective 26 March 2020 
to 30 September 2020  
Brazil  Temporary implementation of prior export authorization on chloroquine, 
hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, fentanyl, midazolam, ethosuximide, propofol, 
alcuronium, vecuronium, rocuronium, succinylcholine, ivermectin, and nitazoxanide 
(NCM 2941; 3003; 3004; 3005; 3006; 2907; 2923; 2932; 2933; 2934; 3001), due to 
the COVID -19 pandem ic WTO document G/MA/QR/N/BRA/2/Add.1, 3  June 
2020; Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO 
(1 May 2020) and Resolution Ministério da 
Saúde/Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária 
Nos. 352, 370 and 371  Effective March 2020  
Brazil  Temporary elimination of import licensing requirements on certain products ( dispensa 
de licenciamento de anuência da Subsecretaria de Opera çðes de Comércio Exterior 
"SUEXT" ) used in the treatment of COVID -19 (NCM 3921.13.90; 5503.20.10; 
6210.10.00; 9018.90.10)  Perma nent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (1 May 
2020); Notícia Siscomex Nos. 23/2020 and 
12/2020; and Gecex/Camex Resolution Nos. 
17/2020 and 31/2020  Effective 20 March 2020  
Brazil  Temporary elimination of the IPI ( Imposto sobre Produtos Industrializados ) internal 
industrial tax on certain products (NCM 2207.20.19; 3808.94.11; 3808.94.19; 
3808.94.29; 3926.20.00; 3926.90.40; 3926.90.90; 3926.90.90; 4015.19.00; 
7326.20.00; 9004.90.20; 9004.90.90; 9018.19.80; 9018.39.23; 9018.39.99; 
9019.20; 9020.00.90; 9025.11. 10), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (1 May 
2020) and Decree Nos. 10.285 (20 March 2020) 
and 10.302 (1 April 2020)  Effective March 2020 to 
30 September 2020   
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Observer  
Brazil  Temporary export prohibition of individual protectio n equipment, mechanical 
ventilators and monitors (NCM 3926; 6116; 6216; 6307; 9018; 9004; 8473), due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic (the prohibition is subject to exceptions provided that the 
needs of the Brazilian population are met)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/BRA /2/Add.1, 3  June 
2020 Effective 24 April 2020  
Brazil  Temporary exemption from the requirement of inexistence of national production for 
the import of used pulmonary ventilators, vital signs monitors, infusion pumps, 
oximeters and capnographs and stretchers for the transport of patients, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020; 
and Secex Portaria No. 25/2020 (8 May 2020)  Effective 11 May 2020  
Brazil  Temporary simplification of requirements on the manufacture, import  and purchase of 
certain products identified as essential for use in healthcare services on the fight 
against the COVID -19 WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020  Effective 23 March 2020 
to 18 September 2020  
Cambodia  Temporary export ban on COVID -19 test kits (HS 3822.00.30; 3822.00.90; 
9027.80.10; 9027.80.30; 9027.80.40), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Cambodia to the WTO 
(14 September 2020)  Effective 30 March 2020  
Cambodia  Temporary export ban on rice, paddy rice and fish, due to the COVID -19 pandemic 
(originally implemented on 5 April 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Cambodia to the WTO 
(23 October 2020)  Terminated on 20 May 
2020 
Canada  Canada is waiving tariffs and sales taxes on all goods imported by or on behalf of 
public health agencies, hospitals and testing sites, and first response organizations 
(e.g. police, fire and local civil defence groups, including medical response teams) . As 
of 6 April 2020, Canada is also waiving tariffs and sales taxes on goods imported by or 
on behalf of public or private care residences, such as seniors’ residences, retirement 
homes, nursing homes and shelters  WTO document G/MA/W/145, 1 April 2020; 
Permanent Delegation of Canada to the WTO (24 
September 2020). CBSA Customs Notice 20 -08: 
Imported Goods for Emergency Use in Response to 
COVID -19. Viewed at: https://www.cbsa -
asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn -ad/cn20 -08-eng.html  Announced 16 March 
2020 until further notice  
Canada  Goods imported into Canada are generally subject to the Goods and Se rvices Tax 
(GST), at a rate of 5%, as well as applicable customs duties, which vary by product 
and country of origin. Typically, payments owing for customs duties and the GST on 
imports are due on a monthly basis. In order to provide cash flow and liquidit y support 
for importers, Canada announced on 27 March 2020 that it will defer payment 
deadlines for March, April, and May to 30 June 2020  WTO documents G/MA/W/145, 1 April 2020 and 
G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020; Permanent 
Delegation of Canada to the WTO (2 4 September 
2020) and Canada Border Service Agency, 
Customs Notice 20 -11 (27 March 2020). Viewed 
at: https://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn -
ad/cn20 -11-eng.html  Announced 27 March 
2020 until 30 June 2020  
Canada  Temporary waiving otherwise applicable customs duties on imports of specified 
medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), in order to support 
efforts to combat the spread of COVID -19. Relief is available to all importers of 
specified goods including businesses, d istributors, and individual Canadians. Key 
categories of products covered by the measure include diagnostic test kits, face and 
eye protection, gloves, protective garments, disinfectants/sterilization products, 
medical devices, thermometers, wipes, and med ical consumables, and other goods 
(e.g. soap). The scope of relief is based on the indicative list of medical supplies and 
PPE identified jointly by the WHO and the WCO as critical for combatting COVID -19, as 
well as related classification guidance by the Canada Border Services Agency  WTO documents G/MA/W/153, 14 May 2020 and 
G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020. Customs Notice 
viewed at: https://www.cbsa -
asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn -ad/cn20 -19-eng.html  Effective 5 May 2020 
until further notice  
Chad  Temporary elim ination of import tariffs on certain products (HS Chapters 10; 11; 15; 
19; 22; 25; 28; 30; 34; 38; 39; 40; 48; 61; 62; 63; 73; 84; 90), due to the COVID -
19 pandemic  Arrêté No. 76/PR/MFB/DGSDDI/2020 - Ministère 
des Finances et du Budget (24 April 2020). Viewed 
at: 
https://macmap.org/OfflineDocument/Covid19/CO
VID_TCD_1.pdf  Effective 24 April 2020 
to 31 December 2020   
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Observer  
Chile  Temporary deferral of VAT payment on imports for smes, under certain conditions, due 
to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Chile to the WTO (20 
October 2020), Resolución Nos. 1559 and 2308 - 
Servicio Nacional de Aduanas. Viewed at: 
http://www.aduana.cl/aduana/site/docs/20200420
/20200420125554/res__1559_2020.pdf; and 
http://www.aduana.cl/aduana/site/docs/20200420
/20200420125554/res__1559_2020.pdf  Effective 17 April 2020  
China  MOFCOM notice actively guiding and encouraging enterprises to apply for import and 
export licenses in a paperless way; further simplifying the materials required for the 
paperless application  for import and export licenses; optimizing the application and 
updating processes of electronic keys, and encouraging enterprises to apply for and 
update electronic keys online  Permanent Delegation of China to the WTO (26 
October 2020). Viewed at: 
http:// www.mofcom.gov.cn/article/ae/ai/202002/
20200202934222.shtml  Effective 6 February 
2020 
China  Circular of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs implementing nine facilitation 
measures regarding three categories of agricultural administrative approva l (license 
renewal, simplification of approval procedure, and optimization of approval process)  Permanent Delegation of China to the WTO (26 
October 2020). Viewed at: 
http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020 -
02/13/content_5478044.htm  Effective 12 February 
2020 
China  Trade facilitation measures through the holding of the 127th Canton International Fair 
online, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of China to the WTO (26 
October 2020). Viewed at: 
http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/article/ae/ai/202004/
20200402956113.shtml  Effective 15 June 2020 
to 24 June 2020  
Colombia  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment, raw 
materials and capital goods not locally produced, due to the COVID -19 pandemic (HS 
Chapters 21; 25; 28; 30; 32; 34; 35; 38; 39; 40; 42; 48; 56; 58; 62; 63; 70; 73; 74; 
76; 82; 83; 84; 85; 87; 90; 94; 96)  WTO document G/MA/W/146/Corr.1, 8 April 2020; 
and Decreto - Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y 
Turismo N os. 410/2020 (16 March 2020), 
463/2020 (22 March 2020) and 1085/2020 (3 
August 2020)  Effective 22 March 2020, 
for 6 months. On 3 
August 2020, temporary 
elimination of import 
tariffs on certain face 
masks (HS 6307.90.30) 
terminated (applied 
tariff 15%)  
Colombia  Temporary export ban on certain personal protective equipment (HS Chapters 22; 30; 
34; 38; 39; 40; 48; 63; 90; 94), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/COL/1, 2 April 2020; 
and Decreto No. 462/2020 - Ministerio de 
Comercio, Industria  y Turismo (22 March 2020)  Effective 22 March 2020, 
for 6 months  
Colombia  Temporary elimination of imports tariffs on maize; grain sorghum; soya beans; and 
oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, 
resulting from the extraction of soyabean oil ( sorgo y torta de soya ) (HS 1005.90.11; 
1007.90.00; 1201.90.00; 2304.00.00), under certain import quotas, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Decreto No. 523/2020 - Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo (7 April  2020). Viewed at: 
https://dapre.presidencia.gov.co/normativa/norma
tiva/DECRETO%20523%20DEL%207%20DE%20A
BRIL%20DE%202020.pdf  Effective 7 April 2020 to 
30 June 2020  
Colombia  In response to the C OVID -19 pandemic, the Colombian Government has adopted 
economic, social and ecological emergency measures to prevent and address a 
situation of serious public concern, which include placing the entire population under 
lockdown. This situation has led to a significant decrease in domestic demand for fuels 
and the fuel alcohol (ethanol) (HS 2207.20.00) required for their oxygenation. Due to 
the resulting increase in ethanol reserves, the limited storage capacity for ethanol, and 
the effects of this situation on overall sugar production, limits have been placed on  
imports of fuel alcohol, subject to certain conditions and exemptions, for a two -month 
period, which may be extended by one month, as provided for in Decree No 527 of 7 
April 2020  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/COL/1/Add.1, 9 June 
2020; and Permanent Delegation o f Colombia to 
the WTO (1 October 2020)  Effective 7 April 2020. 
On 8 June 2020, 
measure extended until 
8 August 2020   
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Observer  
Colombia  Temporary elimination of import tariffs oncertain accumulators ( separadores 
acumuladores eléctricos ) (HS 8507.90.20), due to the C OVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to the WTO (21 
October 2020) and Decreto No. 1086/2020 - 
Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo (3 
August 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.mincit.gov.co/getattachment/535102
c5-0c2f-449a-b1bf-7f54cdab6e98/ Decreto -1086-
del-03-de-agosto -de-2020-por-el-cual.aspx  Effective 3 August 2020, 
for 6 months  
Costa Rica  Temporary export control requirements for statistical purposes on certain personal 
protective equipment (e.g. face masks, disinfectant) and medical equipment (HS 
6505.00; 9004.90; 6402.99; 9020.00; 6307.90; 6211.49; 4015.11; 4015.19; 
9018.90; 3822.00; 3005 .10; 3005.90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/W/155, 29 May 2020  Effective 18 March 2020  
Costa Rica  Moratorium on import tariffs during April - June 2020, for all products included in HS 
Chapters 25 to 97, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Th e fees subject to this 
moratorium must be cancelled before 31 December 2020  WTO document G/MA/W/155, 29 May 2020  Effective 19 March 2020  
Costa Rica  Temporary export licensing requirements on certain personal protective equipment 
(e.g. face masks, gloves) (HS 9004.90.10; 6307.90.20; 4015.19.00; 6210.10.90), 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/CRI/3/Add.1, 17 April 
2020; Permanent Deleg ation of Costa Rica to the 
WTO (14 April 2020); and Decreto Ejecutivo No. 
42291 -MEIC-S-COMEX (8 April 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.imprentanacional.go.cr/pub/2020/04
/10/ALCA82_10_04_2020.pdf  Effective 10 April 2020  
Costa Rica  Implementation of stringent maximum periods of stay in Costa Rica for road carriers, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua: 10 days; El 
Salvador and the Dominican Republic: 72 hours (reciprocity); Panama: 4 days 
(reciprocity); other Nationalities: 10 days). Tru ck drivers required to have successfully 
passed COVID -19 test in order to operate in Costa Rica territory  Permanent Delegation of Costa Rica to the WTO 
(26 May 2020). Viewed at:  
https://www.imprentanacional.go.cr/pub/2020/05
/09/ALCA109_09_05_2020.pdf  Effective 7 May 2020  
Costa Rica  Addendum to notification G/MA/QR/N/CRI/3/Add.1. The notified measure has modified 
the previous measure by defining the amounts exempt from export licensing and by 
adding new products that are subject to such licensing. It shoul d also be noted that as 
long as no shortage alert is issued by the authorities, no export is subject to licensing. 
However, where an alert is issued, licences are required for exports exceeding the 
established threshold (thresholds: spectacles (up to 50 un its); face masks (up to 500 
units); gloves (up to 100 pairs); certain reusable PPE " batas " (up to 100 units); 
certain alcohol " alcohol fricción " (up to 1,000 L); disinfectant " alcohol multiuso " (up to 
1,000 L); certain alcohol " solución antiséptica para hi giene " (up to 600 L); disinfectant 
"alcohol en gel " (up to 600 L); and undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength 
by volume of 80% vol. or higher (up to 1,000 L)). Exports up to the maximum amount 
indicated are allowed twice per month  WTO documents  G/MA/QR/N/CRI/3/Add.2, 6 July 
2020 and G/MA/QR/N/CRI/4, 6 October 2020  Effective 22 June 2020, 
and in force throughout 
the COVID -19 
emergency period  
Costa Rica  Due to COVID -19 pandemic, Costa Rica temporally limited the entrance of foreign 
citizens, but continued to allow the influx of road carries, updating the maximum 
periods of stay authorized for this sector, following sanitary recommendations by the 
Ministry of Health. Currently, for border -to-border transit, truck drivers can stay in t he 
country for a maximum of 72 hours, and, to perform the operations of load and/or 
unload of merchandise truck drivers can stay in the country for a maximum of 10 
days. If truck drivers present symptoms related to COVID -19 they will not be allowed 
no ente r the country. These periods of stay will be effective until 6 November, when 
they will be revised again  Permanent Delegation of Costa Rica to the WTO 
(26 October 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.imprentanacional.go.cr/pub/2020/10
/14/ALCA271_14_10_2020.pdf  Effective 14 October 
2020  
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Observer  
Côte d'Ivoire  Temporary export ban on disinfectant alcohol based gel, due to the COVID -19 
pandemic (originally implemented on 25 March 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Côte d'Ivoire to the WTO 
(27 October 2020)  Terminated on 24 June 
2020 
Côte d'Ivoire  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on pharmaceutical products and medical 
equipment, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from VAT and 
other import duties  Permanent Delegation of Côte d'Ivoire to the WTO 
(27 October 2020)  Effective 4 M ay 2020  
Dominican 
Republic  Temporary exemption of VAT on imports of ethyl alcohol (HS 2207.20), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/W/149, 15 April 2020; and 
Permanent Delegation of the Dominican Republic 
to the WTO (14 April 2020)  Effective 19 March 2020  
Dominican 
Republic  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment (e.g. 
gloves, face masks) (HS 6210.10.00; 4015.11.00; 4015.19.11; 6307.90.30; 
9019.20.00), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO docume nt G/MA/W/149, 15 April 2020; and 
Permanent Delegation of the Dominican Republic 
to the WTO (14 April 2020) and Aviso Aduanas (2 
April 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.aduanas.gob.do/media/14050/aviso -
eliminacio -n-temporal -impuestos -arti-culos-me-
dicos.pdf  Effective 2 April 2020  
Dominican 
Republic  Temporary elimination of imports tariffs on certain medical equipment, thermometers 
and hydrogen peroxide (HS 8419.20.00; 2847.00.00; 9022.12.00; 9018.90.19; 
9025.11.10), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also e xempted from VAT 
(ITBIS) and other duties and charges  WTO document G/MA/W/149/Add.1, 12 May 2020; 
and Permanent Delegation of the Dominican 
Republic to the WTO (1 May 2020)  Effective 16 April 2020  
Ecuador  Temporary export ban on certain personal protective equipment and pharmaceutical 
ingredients (HS Chapters 28; 30; 34; 38; 39; 40; 42; 56; 62; 63; 65; 90), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic (originally implemented on 2 March 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Ecuador to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and Acuerdo  del Ministerio de Salud 
Pública No. 00126 (11 March 2020)  Terminated on 25 June 
2020 (except for face 
masks (HS 6307.90.30))  
Ecuador  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment and 
pharmaceutical ingredients (HS Chap ters 28; 30; 39; 40; 62; 65; 90), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic (originally implemented on 22 March 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Ecuador to the WTO (9 
April 2020) and Resolución 004 -2020 - Comité de 
Comercio Exterior (22 March 2020) and Acuerdo 
del Ministe rio de Salud Pública No. 00026 (2 July 
2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.produccion.gob.ec/dispositivos -
medicos -con-arancel -cero-para-enfrentar -
emergencia -sanitaria/  Terminated on 3 July 
2020 
Egypt  Temporary export ban on certain personal protective equipmen t and medical supplies 
(e.g. all types of alcohol and its derivatives except for methyl alcohol; protective 
spectacles and goggles; plastic face shields (covering more than the eye area); gloves, 
facemasks, protective garments and suits, hair nets, footwea r; disinfectants; 
sterilization products; chlorine (for disinfection) except for liquid chlorine with a 
concentration of 99% (gas stored in tubes under a pressure of 10 Pa) ;soap except for 
soap bars; thermometers; wooden tongue depressors; medical waste p lastic bags 
(red); and corpse bags) (HS Chapters 22; 28; 30; 34; 38; 39; 40; 44; 48; 61; 62; 
63; 64; 65; 84; 90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. As from 17 June 2020, exports 
of supply in excess of national demand authorized, upon approval by the Ministry o f 
Trade and Industry  WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/EGY/1/Rev.1, 28 
April 2020; and G/MA/QR/N/EGY/1/Rev.1/Add.1, 
24 June 2020  Effective 17 March 2020, 
for 3 months. On 17 
June 2020, export ban 
extended for 3 months. 
On 18 June 2020, export 
ban on all types of 
alcohol and its 
derivatives (except 
methyl alcohol) and face 
masks extended for 3 
months  
Egypt  Temporary export ban on leguminous vegetables and products thereof, with the 
exception of: peanuts; fresh or chilled peas; fresh or chilled beans; frozen leguminous 
vegetables; white beans; and canned chickpeas (HS 0708; 0713; 1106; 2004; 2005), 
due to the  COVID -19 pandemic  WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/EGY/1/Rev.1, 28 
April 2020; and G/MA/QR/N/EGY/1/Rev.1/Add.1, 
24 June 2020  Effective 28 March, for 3 
months. On 15 June 
2020, export ban 
extended for 3 months 
on beans and lentils   
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
El Salvador  Temporary eliminatio n of the Central American Common Tariff on imports of certain 
food products, pharmaceutical products and personal protective equipment (HS 
Chapters 04; 07; 10; 11; 19; 20; 21; 28; 30; 34; 38; 40; 96), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic. Certain products also exe mpted from VAT  Permanent Delegation of El Salvador to the WTO 
(13 October 2020) and Decretos 604 (20 March 
2020), 616 (2 April 2020); and Dirección General 
de Aduanas - Boletín Informativo No. DGA -009-
2020. Viewed at: 
https://www.diariooficial.gob.sv/diari os/do -
2020/03 -marzo/20 -03-2020.pdf  Effective 20 March 2020  
El Salvador  Temporary export ban on certain dried leguminous vegetables ( frijol rojo en grano ) 
(HS 0713.33.40), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of El Salvador to the WTO 
(13 October 2020) and Acuerdo Ejecutivo 512, 
Ministerio de Economía, Agricultura y Ganadería, 
and Dirección General de Aduanas - Boletín 
Informativo No. DGA-009-2020 Effective 26 March 2020 
to 31 December 2020  
European 
Union  Exports of personal protective equipment (HS 39; 40; 61; 62; 63; 90) subject to the 
temporary production of an export authorization, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. As 
from 19 March 2020, exports to EFTA members, the Faroe Islands, Andorra, San 
Marino and the Vatican City, as well as the overseas countries and territories listed in 
Annex II of the Treaty exempted  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/EU/4/Add.1, 8 April 
2020; and Commission Implementing Regulation 
2020/402 (14 March 2020), as amend ed by 
Regulations 2020/426 (19 March 2020)  Effective 15 March 2020, 
for a period of 6 weeks. 
No longer in force, 
repealed by Regulation 
2020/568 (23 April 
2020)  
European 
Union  Exports of personal protective equipment subject to an export authorization. E FTA 
members, Western Balkans, the Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino and the Vatican 
City, as well as the overseas countries and territories listed in Annex II of the Treaty 
are exempted from the scope of the measures. The new regulation is more targeted, 
coverings three product categories, instead of the five in the original export 
authorization scheme mentioned above (only protective masks, spectacles and 
garment exports will require an export authorization) (HS 9004.90.10; 9004.90.90; 
6307.90.98; 9020.00 .00; 3926.20.00; 4015.90.00; 6113.00; 6114; 6210.10.10; 
6210.10.92; 6210.10.98; 6210.20.00; 6210.30.00; 6210.40.00; 6210.50.00; 
6211.32.10; 6211.32.90; 6211.33.10; 6211.33.90; 6211.39.00; 6211.42.10; 
6211.42.90; 6211.43.10; 6211.43.90; 6211.49.00). The new  scheme now explicitly 
requires member States to authorize exports of emergency supplies in the context of 
humanitarian aid and to process the relevant applications in an expedite manner. It 
asks the member States to positively assess exports to state agen cies in charge of 
distributing personal protective equipment or involved in combating the COVID -19 
outbreak  WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/EU/4/Add.2, 7 May 
2020; and G/MA/QR/N/EU/4/Add.3, 16 June 2020; 
and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 
2020/568 (23 Apr il 2020). Viewed at: https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32020R0568&fro
m=EN and 
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm
?id=2147  Effective 26 April 2020, 
for 30 days. Terminated 
on 25 May 2020  
European 
Union  Relief from import duties and VAT exemption on importation granted for goods needed 
to combat the effects of the COVID -19 outbreak during 2020. The goods are intended 
for one of the following uses: (i) distribution free of charge by bodies and 
organizations to persons  affected by or at risk from COVID -19 or involved in 
combating the COVID -19 outbreak; (ii) being made available free of charge to the 
persons affected by or at risk from COVID -19 or involved in combating the COVID -19 
outbreak while remaining the property o f the bodies and organizations; and (iii) the 
goods are imported for release for free circulation by or on behalf of state 
organizations, including state bodies, public bodies and other bodies governed by 
public law or by or on behalf of organizations appr oved by the competent authorities in 
the member States  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020; 
and European Commission Decisions 2020/491 (3 
April 2020) and 2020/1101 (23 July 2020)  Effective 30 January 
2020 to 31 July 2020. 
On 27 July 2020, 
Decision a mended 
extending the period of 
application by 3 months 
(effective 30 January 
2020 to 31 October 
2020)   
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Observer  
European 
Union  Implementation of Green Lanes under the Guidelines for border management 
measures to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services. 
In order to preserve the EU -wide operation of supply chains and ensure the 
functioning of the Single Market for goods, wherever internal border controls exist or 
have been introduced, member States are requeste d to designate immediately all the 
relevant internal border -crossing points of the trans -European transport network (TEN -
T) and additional ones, as "green lane" border crossings, for land (road and rail), sea 
and air transport  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 S eptember 2020; 
and European Commission Notice 2020/C 96 I/01 
(24 March 2020)    
European 
Union  Guidance from the EU Commission on using the public procurement framework in the 
emergency situation related to the COVID -19 crisis. The document recalls the opt ions 
and flexibilities provided by the existing EU public procurement framework in 
emergency situations such as that caused by the COVID -19 outbreak. It provides an 
overview of the choice of tendering procedures available to public buyers and 
applicable de adlines  European Commission Communication 2020/C 108 
I/01 (1 April 2020)    
European 
Union  Guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure the 
availability of goods and essential services. These guidelines set out principles for an 
integrated approach to an effective border management to protect health while 
preserving the integrity of the EU Single Market  C(2020) 1753 final (16 March)    
European 
Union  Communication from the Commission - European Commission Guideli nes: Facilitating 
Air Cargo Operations during COVID -19 outbreak. The Guidelines aim to ensure 
essential transport flows. Member States are requested to facilitate air cargo 
operations during the COVID -19 outbreak  European Commission Guidelines: Facilitatin g Air 
Cargo Operations during COVID -19 outbreak 
(C(2020) 2010 final (26 March 2020)). Viewed at: 
https://ec.europa.eu/transport/sites/transport/file
s/legislation/c20202010_en.pdf    
European 
Union  Guidance on customs issues related to the COVID -19 emergenc y. As a result of the 
crisis created by the COVID -19 pandemic, questions have emerged concerning the 
application of customs provisions relating to the customs decision -making process, 
customs procedures and customs formalities. The objective of this page i s to offer 
guidance to the concerned stakeholders on practical solutions given by the current EU 
legal framework  European Commission. Viewed at: 
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/covid -19-
taxud -response/guidance -customs -issues -related -
covid-19-emergenc y_en   
European 
Union  Guidelines on the optimal and rational supply of medicines to avoid shortages during 
the COVID -19 outbreak. These guidelines aim to protect public health and preserve 
the integrity of the Single Market, while ensuring that Europe has the supply of 
affordab le medicines it needs during the COVID -19 outbreak. The guidelines outlined 
that: (i) "lifting export bans and restrictions": member States are expected to protect 
public health in a spirit of European solidarity. In order to achieve this objective, it is 
critically important that member States lift export bans on medicines within the 
internal market. While it is understandable that countries wish to ensure the 
availability of essential medicines nationally, export bans are detrimental to the 
availability o f medicines for European patients even when they are legally justifiable. 
Measures leading to the requisitioning of medicines, intermediates or APIs, or their 
production, should not be considered as an option. These measures, especially as far 
as they are applied to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or intermediates, 
endanger supply since they lead to a slowdown in industry output; and (ii) "avoiding 
national stockpiling": the COVID -19 pandemic affects all member States. They must 
ensure that essenti al medicines are available in the hospitals and pharmacies that 
need them most, regardless of their location. Preventive stockpiling by member States 
puts supply at risk for all countries. A fortiori , more localized stockpiling can be even 
more harmful - member States should therefore ensure that stockpiling by wholesalers 
and pharmacies (including by hospital pharmacies) is prevented  European Commission Communication 2020/C 116 
I/01 (8 April 2020)    
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Belgium  Restriction on the sale of medical products and p ersonal protective equipment  Public information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation. Ministerial Decree "Arrêté ministériel 
portant des mesures particulières dans le cadre la 
pandémie de SRAS -CoV-2 basées sur le livre XVIII 
du Code de droit économique". Viewe d at: 
http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg
.pl?language=fr&la=F&cn=2020050201&table_na
me=loi  Effective 23 March 2020. 
Modified on 27 March, 7 
April and 2 May. Expired 
on 23 June 2020  
Bulgaria  Temporary export ban on certain quinine -based drugs, due to the COVID -19 pandemic 
(effective 20 March 2020)  Public information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation. Viewed at: 
http://www.mh.government.bg/bg/novini/aktualn
o/zabranyava -se-iznost -na-lekarstva -na-hininova -
osno/  On 14 May 2020 
measure terminated  
Cyprus  Temporary export prohibition of medicinal products, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. 
Exports of all pharmaceutical products for human use are prohibited, unless the 
Minister of Health authorizes such exports in writing  WTO document G/ MA/QR/N/EU/4/Add.3, 16 June 
2020  
Czech Republic  Prohibition of export of hand sanitizers of Main group 1, Product type 1 listed in Annex 
V of EU Regulation No. 528/2012 (with exemption of small amounts for personal use) 
by all entities except manufacture rs of these products from the territory of the Czech 
Republic (effective 5 March 2020)  Public information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation and Ministry of Health Extraordinary 
Measure Nos. MZDR 5503/2020 -9/PRO and MZDR 
16771/2020 -2/MIN/KAN  Measure repealed  on 20 
April 2020  
Czech Republic  Prohibition of export of selected COVID -19 related medicines (976 items) from the 
territory of the Czech Republic. Applies only to re -exports of medicines destined for 
the Czech market. Medicines manufactured directly to foreign order may be exported 
(effective 2 April 2020)  Public information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation and Government Regulation No. 
146/2020 amending Government Regulation No. 
104/2020. Viewed at: 
http://www.sbirka.cz/POSL4TYD/NOVE/20 -
104.htm Measure expired on 18 
May 2020  
Denmark  Order on: (i) measures concerning the supply of personal protective equipment; (ii) 
medicinal product emergency response; and (iii) measures on supply of disinfectants, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Public inform ation transmitted by the EU 
Delegation and Order BEK Nos. 252, 253 (22 
March 2020) and 277 (25 March 2020)  Effective until 31 August 
2020 
Estonia  Temporary export restriction of medicinal products, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/EU/4/ Add.3, 16 June 
2020 Last amendment as of 
26 March 2020  
France  Temporary export prohibition of medicinal products (certain medicinal products 
containing hydroxychloroquine or the combination lopinavir/ritonavir); and requisition 
measure on face masks, due to the COVID -19 pandemic (effective 23 March 2020)  WTO documen t G/MA/QR/N/EU/4/Add.3, 16 June 
2020; and Public information transmitted by the 
EU Delegation, Décret No. 2020 -293 (Articles 12 
and 12 -2) (23 March 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidT
exte=JORFTEXT000041746694&categorieLien= cid On 11 May 2020 
measure repealed  
Germany  Declaration of supply shortage for pneumococcal vaccines, due to the COVID -19 
pandemic. The declaration facilitates reallocation and import of vaccines  Public information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation  Effect ive 17 March 2020  
Greece  Temporary export prohibition of medicinal products (vaccines and medicines that are 
or might be in shortage due to the COVID -19 pandemic)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/EU/4/Add.3, 16 June 
2020 Effective 13 April 2020  
Hungary  Temporary export ban on certain drugs, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Public information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation. Decision OGYÉI No. 22268 -2/2020  On 14 May 2020 
measure terminated  
Italy  Strengthening measures of the National Health Service and ec onomic support for 
families, workers and businesses  Public information transmitted by the EU. Decreto -
Legge No. 18 (17 March 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2020/03/17/
20G00034/sge  Measure repealed   
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Observer  
Italy  Further urgent civil pro tection interventions related to the emergency health risk 
related to the occurrence of COVID -19 pandemic  Public information transmitted by the EU. Decree 
Nos. 639 (16 June 2020), 641 (28 February 2020) 
and 667 (22 April 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/atto/serie_general
e/caricaDettaglioAtto/originario?atto.dataPubblicaz
ioneGazzetta=2020 -02-
28&atto.codiceRedazionale=20A01349&elenco30gi
orni=false  Measure repealed on 22 
April 2020  
Latvia  Temporary export ban on medical pro ducts, due to the COVID -19 pandemic (originally 
effective until 9 June 2020)  Public information transmitted by the EU. Order 
No. 68 Ministry of Health (2 April 2020)  Measure repealed in May 
2020 
Netherlands  Temporary export ban of personal protective equi pment to third countries, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Public information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation  Effective 23 March 2020  
Poland  Announcement of the Minister of Health, regarding the list of medicinal products, 
foodstuffs for particular nutritional uses and medical devices threatened by lack of 
availability on the territory of Poland  Public information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation. Viewed at: 
http://dziennikmz.mz.gov.pl/compatible/Keywords
Search/55  Effective 17 April 2020. 
List updated on 7 
September 2020  
Romania  Temporary export ban on certain food products, e.g. grain and meslin; barley; oat; 
corn; rice; wheat flour and meslin; soy beans; sunflower seeds; cane or bean sugar; 
bakery, pastry and biscuit products, unposted b read, empty capsules from starch leaf 
used for medicines, waffles with lid, dried pasta from flour, from starch, starch 
extracted from potatoes and similar products; and cakes and other solid residues, 
whether or not ground or agglomerated in pellet form, resulting from the extraction of 
soybean oil (HS 1001; 1003; 1004; 1005; 1006; 1101; 1201; 1206; 1512; 1701; 
1905; 2304; 2306), due to the COVID -19 pandemic (originally effective from 1 April 
2020 to 16 April 2020)  Military Ordinance No. 8 on measures for 
preventing the spread of COVID -19 (9 April 2020). 
Viewed at: https://www.mai.gov.ro/wp -
content/uploads/2020/04/Military -Ordinance -no-
8.pdf On 16 April 2020 
measure terminated  
Romania  Export ban on certain medical supplies and equipment partially lifted (e xports allowed 
only to other EU Members and with previous authorization from the National Agency 
for Medicines and Medical Devices). Export ban remains in force for drugs used in the 
treatment of COVID -19  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/EU/4/Add.3, 16 June 
2020; P ublic information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation. Ministry of Health Order No. 672/2020 
amending Order No. 428/2020  Effective 23 April 2020, 
for 6 months  
Slovak 
Republic  Temporary restriction of parallel exports of medicinal products (registered medicinal 
products for human use and in vitro diagnostic medical devices intended for the 
market of the Slovak Republic), due to the COPVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/EU/4/Add.3, 16 June 
2020 Effective 16 March 2020  
Spain  Extension of timeframes for payment of certain customs debts and related taxes 
(during the period 2 March 2020 to 30 May 2020), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Public information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation. Royal Decree -Law No. 11/2020  Effective 2 March 2020. 
Measure no longer in 
force since 30 May 2020  
Spain  Royal decree No. 463/2020  allowing requisition  of all goods necessary for protecting 
human health, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Public information transmitted by the EU 
Delegation. Royal decree No. 463/20 20 Effective 14 March 2020. 
Measure no longer in 
force since 21 June 2020  
Fiji Temporary elimination of import excise duty (from 15%) on ethanol for the production 
of hand sanitizers. Temporary elimination of import fiscal duties on certain products, 
e.g. hand sanitizers and antibacterial hand wash; gloves, masks; disposable hair nets; 
disinfectant wipes; tissue papers; face shields (medical use); medical goggles and 
spectacles; protective garments; long -sleeved medical gowns; ethanol for com panies 
involved in hand sanitizer production; disinfectants/sterilization products; hospital 
beds; hydrogen peroxide; paper bed sheets; thermometers; air purifiers; and boots 
(specifically used in the medical environment), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Ministry of Economy: Economic and Fiscal Update 
Supplement to the COVID -19 Response Budget 
Address (26 March 2020). Viewed at: 
https://macmap.org/OfflineDocument/Covid19/CO
VID_FJI_1.pdf  Effective March 2020   
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Observer  
Fiji Temporary elimination of VAT on imports of cert ain products, e.g. vaccines and 
pharmaceutical products (HS Chapter 30); medical equipment (HS  Chapter 90); 
scanners and cameras used in medical examinations; hand sanitizers and antibacterial 
hand wash; gloves, masks; disposable hair nets; disinfectant wi pes; tissue papers; 
face shields (medical use); medical goggles and spectacles; protective garments of 
rubberized materials; long -sleeved medical gowns; ethanol for companies involved in 
hand sanitizer production; disinfectants/sterilization products; hosp ital beds; hydrogen 
peroxide; paper bed -sheets; thermometers; air purifiers; and boots (specifically used 
in the medical environment), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Ministry of Economy: Economic and Fiscal Update 
Supplement to the COVID -19 Response Budget 
Address (26 March 2020).  Viewed at: 
https://macmap.org/OfflineDocument/Covid19/CO
VID_FJI_1.pdf  Effective March 2020  
Fiji Temporary increase of the import fiscal duties (by FJD 0.2/L on fuel (diesel and 
petrol), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Ministry of Eco nomy: Economic and Fiscal Update 
Supplement to the COVID -19 Response Budget 
Address (26 March 2020). Viewed at: 
https://macmap.org/OfflineDocument/Covid19/CO
VID_FJI_1.pdf  Effective March 2020  
The Gambia  Termination of the temporary prohibition on exports and re -exports on essential 
commodities and petroleum products, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of The Gambia to the WTO 
(28 October 2020)  Terminated on 16 July 
2020 
Georgia  Temporary export ban on diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared 
diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, other than those of 
heading HS 3002 or 3006; certified reference materials; other articles of plastics and 
articles of oth er materials of headings HS 3901 to 3914; articles of apparel and 
clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts); for all purposes, of 
vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber; gloves, mittens and mitts; garments, made 
up of fabrics of headings  HS 5602, 5603, 5903, 5906 or 5907; facemasks, masks; 
medical hats; thermometers; mechano -therapy appliances; and disinfectants (HS 
3808.94; 3926.20.00; 3822.00.00; 4015.11.00; 4015.19.90; 6210.10.90; 
6307.90.99; 6506.99.90; 9025.19.20; 9019.20.00; 3808.94 ), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/GEO/2/Add.1, 15 
April 2020; and G/MA/QR/N/GEO/2/Add.2, 28 July 
2020 Effective 3 April 2020 to 
10 May 2020. Extended 
for certain products (HS 
3822.00.00; 
9025.19.00; 
9019.20.00; 3808.94)  
Georgia  Elimination of the temporary export ban on certain pharmaceutical products and 
medical devices (HS 3926.20.00; 4015.11.00; 4015.19.90; 6210.10.90; 6307.90.99; 
6506.99.90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic (originally effective 3 April 2020 to 10 
May 2020)  WTO doc ument G/MA/QR/N/GEO/2/Add.2, 28 July 
2020 Effective 9 July 2020  
Guyana  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain PPE, medical equipment, disinfectant 
(HS Chapters 21; 22; 28; 30; 34; 38; 39; 40; 48; 61; 62; 63; 65; 84; 90), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from VAT and excise taxes  Permanent Delegation of Guyana to the WTO (16 
October 2020)  Effective 26 March 2020  
Honduras  Temporary export ban on certain dried leguminous vegetables ( frijol rojo en grano ) 
(HS 0713.33. 40), due to the COVID -19 pandemic (to guarantee local food supplies) 
(originally implemented on 30 March 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Honduras to the WTO (24 
April 2020) and Acuerdo Ministerial No. 028 -2020 
(30 March 2020)  Terminated on 26 
August 2020  
India Amendments introduced to the export policy of Personal Protective Equipment/Masks -
reg (HS 3926.90; 6217.90; 6307.90; 9018.50; 9018.90; 9020), resulting in an export 
restriction due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (1 M ay 
2020) and Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, Directorate General of 
Foreign Trade Notification Nos. 44/2015 -2020 (31 
January 2020) and 48/2015 -2020 (25 February 
2020)  Effective 31 January 
2020  
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
India  Certain products (e.g. surgical masks/disposable masks (2/3 ply); all gloves except 
NBR gloves; all ophthalmic instruments and appliances under HS 9018.50 except 
medical goggles; surgical blades; non -woven shoes (disposable); breathing appliances 
used by a irmen, divers, mountaineers and firemen; gas masks with chemical 
absorbent for filtration against poisonous vapour, smoke, gases; HPDE 
tarpaulin/plastic tarpaulin; PVD conveyor belts; and biopsy punches) exempted from 
the export ban implemented due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (27 
October 2020) and Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Department of Commerce, Directorate 
General of Foreign Trade, Notification Nos. 
47/2015 -2020 (8 February 2020)  Effective February 2020. 
DGFT has allowed export 
of Surgical/Disposable 
Masks (2/3 Ply) and All 
Gloves (except NBR 
Gloves) vide Notification 
No. 47/2015 -20 (8 
February 2020). Export 
policy of Nitrile/NBR 
gloves under HS 
3926.90 and ex 4015 or 
any other HS code is 
revised from 
"proh ibited" to 
"restricted" category 
vide notification 
42/2015 -2020 (22 
October 2020)  
India  Amendments introduced to the export policy of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients 
(APIs) and formulations made from these APIs (HS 2922.29.33; 2933.29.10; 
2933.29.20; 29 33.59.90; 2936.22.10; 2936.25.00; 2936.26.10; 2937.23.00; 
2941.40.00; 2941.50.00; 2941.90.50; 2941.90.90; 2942.00.90; 3004.20.50; 
3004.20.61; 3004.20.95; 3004.39.19; 3004.50.32; 3004.50.34; 3004.50.39; 
3004.90.15; 3004.90.21; 3004.90.22; 3004.90.23; 3004.9 0.99), resulting in an 
export restriction due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (27 
October 2020) and Notification No. 50/2015 -2020, 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry - Department 
of Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign  
Trade (3 March 2020)  Effective 3 March 2020. 
Export of 13 APIs and 13 
formulations, made from 
these APIs, where India 
is dependent on China 
for KSM/APIs were 
placed under "restricted" 
category (export to be 
allowed under license 
from DGFT) to ensure 
domes tic availability of 
these medicines  
India  Amendments introduced to the export policy of Masks, Ventilators, and Textile Raw 
Materials for Masks and Coveralls (HS 3926.90; 6217.90; 6307.90; 9018; 9020; 
5603.11; 5603.12; 5603.13; 5603.14; 5603.91; 5603.92;  5603.93; 5603.94), 
resulting in an export restriction due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (1 May 
2020) and Notification No. 52/2015 -2020, Ministry 
of Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of  Foreign Trade 
(19 March 2020)  Effective 19 March 2020  
India  Amendments introduced to the export policy of Ventilators, including any Artificial 
Respiratory Apparatus or Oxygen Therapy or any other Breathing Appliances/Devices 
and Sanitizers (HS 3004.90.87; 3401; 3402; 3808.94; 9018; 9019; 9020), resulting 
in an exp ort restriction due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (1 May 
2020) and Notification No. 53/2015 -2020, Ministry 
of Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(24 March 2020)  Effectiv e 24 March 2020  
India  Amendments introduced to the export policy of Hydroxychloroquine (HS 2933.39.90; 
2933.49.00; 2933.99.00; 3004.90.59; 3004.90.99), resulting in an export restriction 
(subject to some exceptions), due to the COVID -19 pandemic (original ly effective 25 
March 2020). On 4 April 2020, exceptions eliminated resulting in an export prohibition 
of hydroxychloroquine  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (1 May 
2020) and Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, Directorate General of 
Foreign Trade, Notification Nos. 54/2015 -2020 (25 
March 2020), 01/2015 -2020 (4 April 2020) and 
13/2015 -2020 (18 June 2020)  Effective 25 March 2020. 
On 18 June 2020, export 
policy changed from 
"prohibited" to "free"   
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Observer  
India  Amendments introduced to the import policy of Iron and Steel and incorporation of 
policy condition in HS Chapters 72; 73; 86, Schedule -I (import policy), resulting in an 
extension of validity to 135 days to automatic registration number generated under 
the Steel Import Monitoring System "SIMS" until 31 March 2020, due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (1 May 
2020) and Notification No. 58/2015 -2020, Ministry 
of Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate Gener al of Foreign Trade 
(31 March 2020)  Effective 31 March 2020  
India  Imports of certain medical and surgical instruments and apparatus (HS 9018; 9019; 
9020; 9021; 9022) exempted from the "health cess"  Ministry of Finance - Department of Revenue - 
Notificati on No. 8/2020 -Customs (2 February 
2020)  Effective 1 April 2020  
India  Amendments introduced to the export policy of diagnostic kits (diagnostic or 
laboratory reagents on a backing, preparation diagnostic or laboratory reagents 
whether or not on a backing, other than those of heading HS 3006 or 3008; certified 
reference materials) (HS 3822), resulting in an export restriction due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (1 May 
2020) and Notification No. 59/2015 -2020, Ministry 
of Com merce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(4 April 2020)  Effective 4 April 2020  
India  Further amendments introduced to the export policy of Active Pharmaceutical 
Ingredients (APIs) and formulations made from these APIs (HS 2933.29.10; 
2933.29.20; 2933.59.90; 2936.22.10; 2936.25.00; 2936.26.10; 2937.23.00; 
2941.40.00; 2941.50.00; 2941.90.90;  2942.00.90; 3004.20.50; 3004.20.61; 
3004.20.95; 3004.39.19; 3004.50.32; 3004.50.34; 3004.50.39; 3004.90.15; 
3004.90.21; 3004.90.22; 3004.90.23; 3004.90.99), changing from restricted to free, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of India to t he WTO (1 May 
2020) and Notification No. 02/2015 -2020, Ministry 
of Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(6 April 2020)  Effective 6 April 2020  
India  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on: (i) artificial respiration or other therapeutic 
respiration apparatus (ventilators) (HS 9018; 9019); (ii) face masks and surgical 
masks (HS Chapter 63); (iii) personal protection equipment (HS Chapter 62); (iv) 
COVID -19 testing kits (HS Chapters 30 and 38); and (v) input s for the manufacture of 
items (i) to (iv) subject to the condition that the importer follows the procedure set 
out in the Customs (Import of Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty) Rules, 2012, due 
to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from the Heal th Cess  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (1 May 
2020) and Notification No. 20/2020 -Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - Department of Revenue (9 
April 2020)  Effective 9 April 2020 to 
30 September 2020  
India  Further amendments introduced to the export po licy of formulation made from 
paracetamol (including FDCs) (HS 3004.90.99), changing from restricted to free, due 
to the COVID -19 pandemic. Paracetamol APIs will remain restricted for export  Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (1 May 
2020) and Notifi cation No. 03/2015 -2020, Ministry 
of Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(17 April 2020)  Effective 17 April 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of Sanitizers. Only "alcohol based hand 
sanitizers" are prohibited for export (HS 3004; 3401; 3402; 3808.94), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic. All other items falling under the HS Codes mentioned are freely 
exportable  Notification No. 04/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(6 May 2020)  Effective 6 May 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of Masks, allowing the export of non -
medical/non -surgical masks of all types (cotton, silk, wool, knitted) (HS 3926.90; 
6217. 90; 6307.90; 9018.90; 90209. All other types of masks falling under any HS 
Codes continued to remain prohibited for exports  Notification No. 06/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(16 May 2020)  Effective 16 May 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of Paracetamol API (HS 2922.29.33), 
making its exports "free" with immediate effect, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Notification No. 07/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Indu stry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(28 May 2020)  Effective 28 May 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the export policy of Personal Protective Equipment/Masks 
(HS 3926.90; 6217.90; 6307.90; 9018.50; 9018.90; 9020), resulting in an export 
prohibition due to the COVID -19 pandemic. All other items are freely exportable  Notification N o. 14/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(22 June 2020)  Effective 22 June 2020   
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
India  Amendments introduced to Foreign Trade Policy 2015 -2020 (amendment in Para 4.44 
- "export of cut and polished diamonds with re -import facility at zero duty") resulting 
in enhancement of the time limit for re -import facility with zero duty from 3 months to 
6 months for case where re -import period is expiring between 1 February 2020 to 31 
July 2020, due  to the COVID -19 pandemic  Notification No. 15/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(25 June 2020)  Effective 25 June 2020  
India  Further amendments introduced in the export policy of Per sonal Protective 
Equipment/Masks (HS 3926.90; 6217.90; 6307.90; 9018.90), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic. PPE medical coveralls for COVID -19 are now "restricted" for exports. A 
monthly quota of 50 Lakh PPE medical coverall for COVID -19 has been fixed for 
issuance of export licenses to the eligibly applicants to export, as per the criteria to be 
separately issued in a Trade Notice  Notification No. 16/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(29 June 2020)  Effective 29 June 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of Alcohol based Hand Sanitizers. Only 
"alcohol based hand sanitizers" exported in containers with the dispenser pump are 
prohibited for export (HS 3004; 3401; 3402; 3808.94), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic. Exports of alcohol based hand sanitizers in any other form/packaging are 
"free"  Notification No. 08/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(1 June 2020)  Effective 1 June 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of Diagnostic Kits/Laboratory 
Reagents/Diagnostic Apparatus. VTM kits and reagents, RNA extraction kits and 
reagents, and RT -PCR kits and reagents are "restricted" for exports, w hether as an 
individual item or as part of any diagnostic kits/reagent, due to the COVID -19 
pandemic. All other diagnostic kits/reagents/instruments/apparatus are freely 
exportable subject to submission of an undertaking by the exporter to the Customs 
Authorities at the time of export (HS 3822; 3926.90.99; 7017.90; 8419.90.90; 
9018.90.99; 3005.90; 9027.90.90; 3822.00.90; 3822.00.19; 9027; 3507; 2934)  Notification No. 09/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate Gener al of Foreign Trade 
(10 June 2020)  Effective 10 June 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of Personal Protective Equipment/Masks, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Certain PPEs exported either as part of kits or as 
individuals items (e.g. (i)  medical coveralls of all classes/categories; (ii) medical 
goggles; (iii) all masks other than non -medical/non -surgical masks (cotton, silk, wool, 
polyester, nylon, rayon, viscose -knitted, woven or blended); (iv) nitrile/NBR gloves; 
and (v) face shields) ( HS 3926.90; 6217.90; 6307.90; 9018.50; 9018.90; 9020), are 
prohibited for export. All other items are freely exportable  Notification No. 14/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(22 June  2020)  Effective 22 June 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of Textile Raw Material for Masks and 
Coveralls, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Only non -woven fabric of 25 to 70 GSM and 
melt blown fabric of any GSM exported is prohibited for export. All other non -woven 
fabrics with GSM other than 25 -70 GSM are freely allowed for exports  Notification No. 18/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(13 July 2020)  Effective 13 July 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of PPE/Masks. Only surgical drapes, 
isolation aprons, surgical wraps and X -Ray gowns are removed from prohibition under 
the medical coveralls of all classes and categories. All other items continue to remain 
prohibited for exports, as part of prohibition on PPE, due to the COVID -19 pandemic 
(HS 9018.50; 9018.90; 9020; 3926.90; 6217.90; 6307.90)  Notification No. 20/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Comme rce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(21 July 2020)  Effective 21 July 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of PPE/Masks. Export policy of 2/3 ply 
surgical masks, medical googles is amended from "prohibited" to "restricted", due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic (HS 9018.50; 9018.90; 9020; 3926.90; 6217.90; 6307.90). 
Exports of face shields has been made "free". A monthly export quota of 4 crore units 
per months has been fixed for 2/3 ply surgical masks and 20 lakh units per month for 
medical g oogles for issuing export licences to eligible applicants as per the criteria to 
be separately issued in a Trade Notice  Notification No. 21/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(28 July  2020)  Effective 28 July 2020   
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Observer  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of Ventilators (HS 9018; 9019; 9020). 
Export of all ventilators including any artificial respiratory apparatus or oxygen therapy 
apparatus or any other breathing appliance/device are made "Free" for export, due to  
the COVID -19 pandemic  Notification No. 23/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(4 August 2020)  Effective 4 August 2020  
India  Amendments introduced in the Export Policy of Textile Raw  Material for Masks and 
Coveralls (HS 5603.11; 5603.12; 5603.13; 5603.14; 5603.91; 5603.92; 5603.93; 
5603.94), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Only melt blown fabric of any GSM is 
prohibited for export. All other non -woven fabrics of any GSM (including GSM 2 5-70, 
which were earlier prohibited) are freely allowed for exports  Notification No. 28/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(18 August 2020)  Effective 18 August 
2020 
India  Amendments in Export Policy of PPE/Masks (HS 9018.50; 9018.90; 9020; 3926.90; 
6217.90; 6307.90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. The Export policy of 2/3 ply 
surgical masks, medical coveralls of all classes and categories (including medical 
coveralls for COVID -19) is a mended from "Restricted" to "Free" category and these 
coveralls (including gowns and aprons of all types) are now freely exportable. Medical 
goggles continue to remain in restricted category with monthly quota of 20 lakh units 
and nitrile/NBR gloves contin ue to remain prohibited. The export policy of N -95/FFP2 
masks or its equivalent masks is revised from "Prohibited" to "Restricted" category. A 
monthly export quota of 50 lakh units has been fixed for N -95/FFP2 masks or its 
equivalent, for issuing export li cences to eligible applicants as per the criteria to be 
separately issued in a Trade Notice  Notification No. 29/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(25 August 2020)  Effective 25 August 
2020 
India  Amendments in Export Policy of PPE/Masks (HS 9020; 3926.90; 6217.90; 6307.90), 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic. The export policy of N -95/FFP2 masks or its 
equivalent masks is amended from "Restricted" to "Free" category, making all types o f 
masks freely exportable  Notification No. 36/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(6 October 2020)  Effective 6 October 2020  
India  Procedure and criteria for submission and approval o f application for exports of 
diagnostic kits. Export quota fixed for the for diagnostic for the period September 
2020 to November 2020: VTM kits (150 Lakh); RNA extraction kits (400 Lakh); and 
RT-PCR kits (100 Lakh)  Trade Notice No. 29/2020 -21, Ministry of  
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(13 October 2020)  Effective September 
2020 to November 2020  
India  Amendments in Export Policy of Alcohol based Hand Sanitizers (HS 3004; 3401; 3402; 
3808.94), due to th e COVID -19 pandemic. The export of alcohol based hand sanitizers 
in container with dispenser pumps is free for export, making exports of alcohol based 
hand sanitizers in any form/packaging freely exportable, with immediate effect  Notification No. 40/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(15 October 2020)  Effective 15 October 
2020 
India  Amendments in Export Policy of Nitrile/NBR Gloves (HS 3926.90; 4015), due to the 
COVID -19 pand emic. The export policy of Nitrile/NBR Gloves is revised from 
"Prohibited" to "Restricted"  Notification No. 42/2015 -2020, Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - Department of 
Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(22 October 2020)  Effective 22 Octob er 
2020 
Indonesia  Temporary elimination of import certification requirements on imports of onions and 
garlic (HS 0703), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia to the WTO (1 
April 2020) and Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 
27 Effective 18 March 2020 
to 31 May 2020  
Indonesia  Temporary export ban on antiseptic, raw materials to fabricate masks, personal 
protective equipment (PPE), ethyl alcohol and masks (HS Chapters 22; 30; 38; 56; 
62; 63), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia to the WTO (1 
April 2020) and Ministry of Trade Regulation Nos. 
23 and 31. Viewed at: 
http://jdih.kemendag.go.id/peraturan/detail/1983/
2. Effective 18 March 2020 
to 30 June 2020  
Indonesia  Temporary elimination of import c ertification requirements on imports of certain 
products, e.g. masks and personal protective equipment, due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia to the WTO (1 
April 2020) and Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 
28 Effective 23 March 202 0 
to 30 June 2020   
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Observer  
Indonesia  Postponing the payment of excise duties on imports of certain goods, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia to the WTO 
(13 May 2020) and Regulation No. 30/PMK 
04/2020 - Ministry of Finance  Effective 9 Ap ril 2020  
Indonesia  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain medical and pharmaceutical 
products used in the treatment of COVID -19 (HS Chapters 29; 30; 38; 40; 62; 63; 
90). Imports also exempted from VAT and income taxes  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia to the WTO 
(28 September 2020); Regulation No. 34/PMK 
03/2020 - Ministry of Finance amended by 83/PMK 
04/2020 - Ministry of Finance  Effective 17 April 2020  
Israel  Temporary export licensing requirements on medical equipment (e.g. a lcohol, face 
masks, medical oxygen, swabs, personal cleaning products containing ethyl/isopropyl 
alcohol, disinfection products, artificial respiration devices) (HS 2207; 2208; 2804.40; 
3005; 3402.20; 3808.90; 6210; 6307.90; 8413; 8414; 8481.80; 9018; 9019 .20; 
9020), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/ISR/1, 6 May 2020  Effective until 30 May 
2020 
Israel  Temporary export licensing requirements on medical equipment (e.g. alcohol, swabs, 
personal cleaning products containing ethyl/isopropyl alcohol, disinfection products, 
face masks, artificial respiration devices, and respirators) (HS 2207; 2208; 3005; 
3402.20; 3808.90; 6307.90; 9019.20; 9020), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/ISR/1/Add.1, 16 June 
2020 Effective until 30 June 
2020 
Jamaica  Temporary reduction of export fees and charges, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and 
Fisheries - Communication (18 April 2020). Viewed 
at: https://www.micaf.gov.jm/content/cut -export -
fees-boost -manufacturers -–-floyd-green  Effective 1 April 2020  
Japan  Prioritization of customs clearance for relief goods relating to countermeasures to the 
COVID -19 and other goods that require an urgent clearance to maintain the lifeline  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020  Effective 3 March 2020  
Japan  Simplified import and export declaration forms for r elief goods relating to 
countermeasures to the COVID -19 etc  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020  Effective 3 March 2020  
Japan  Exemption of customs duty and (domestic) consumption tax for imported goods which 
are proved to be provided free of charge  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020    
Japan  Extension of time limits for customs procedures, including those for payment of 
customs duties in certain cases, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020  Effective 11 May 20 20 
Japan  Refund of, reduction of, or exemption from certain customs fees, due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020  Effective 11 May 2020  
Kazakhstan  Temporary export ban on certain personal protective equipment, due to the C OVID -19 
pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/KAZ/3, 8 October 
2020 Effective 20 February 
2020 
Kazakhstan  Temporary export ban on certain products (e.g. buckwheat; white sugar; potatoes 
(except for seeds of heading HS 0701.10.00); sunflower seeds, whether or not 
broken; refined sunflower -seed oil (10 litre packages or less); refined sunflower -seed 
oil (more than 10 liter packages); and cereal groats) (HS 1008.10.00; 1701.99; 0701; 
1206; 1512.11.91; 1103.19.90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic (original ly effective 2 
April 2020 to 1 September 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to the WTO 
(4 June 2020), Ministry of Agriculture Order  
No. 111 (2 April 2020), amended by Order No. 
123  Terminated in May 2020  
Kazakhstan  Temporary QRs (export quota) on c ertain products, e.g. wheat or meslin flour; soft 
wheat and meslin; seed potatoes; unrefined sunflower -seed oil (10 liter packages or 
less); and unrefined sunflower -seed oil (more than 10 liter packages) (HS 1101.00; 
1001.99.00; 0701.100.00; 1512.11.91; 15 12.11.91), due to the COVID -19 pandemic 
(originally effective 2 April 2020 to 1 September 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to the WTO 
(4 June 2020), Ministry of Agriculture Order  
No. 111 (2 April 2020), amended by Order No. 
123  Terminated in May 2 020 
Kazakhstan  Temporary import ban on cement clinkers; Portland cement; other Portland cement; 
aluminous cement; and other hydraulic cements (HS 2523), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to the WTO 
(6 May 2020), Ministry of Industry and 
Infrastructural Development Order No. 191 (9 
April 2020)  Effective 27 April 2020 
to 27 October 2020   
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Observer  
Kazakhstan  Temporary import ban on certain petroleum products (gasoline; other distillates - gas 
oils of petroleum or bituminous mi nerals) (HS 2710) from the Russian Federation 
delivered by railway, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to the WTO 
(6 May 2020), Ministry of Energy Order Nos. 112 
and 163  Effective 1 May 2020 to 
1 August 2020  
Kazakhstan  Tempor ary export ban on certain types of timber (HS 4401; 4403; 4404; 4406; 4407), 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to the WTO 
(6 May 2020), Ministry of Industry and 
Infrastructural Development Order No. 238 (27 
April 2020)  Effecti ve 15 May 2020 to 
15 November 2020  
Korea, Rep. of  Temporary export ban on surgical and sanitary masks, filtering respirators, and melt 
blown filters (HS 6307.90.90; 5603.12.90; 5603.92.00), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/KOR/2/Add.1/Corr.1, 
22 June 2020; and G/MA/QR/N/KOR/2/Add.3, 20 
July 2020  Effective 6 March 2020 
to 30 June 2020. Ban on 
melt blown filters 
extended until 5 August 
2020 
Korea, Rep. of  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on surgical and sanit ary masks and melt blown 
filters (HS 6307.90.90; 5603.12.10; 5603.12.90; 5603.92.00), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  WTO document G/MA/W/147, 14 April 2020  Effective 18 March 2020 
to 30 June 2020  
Korea, Rep. of  Temporary export restriction on filtering resp irators. Due to the global outbreak of 
COVID -19, the relevant measure has been adopted with a view to preventing a critical 
shortage of surgical masks and filtering respirators in Korea, Rep. of. Filtering 
respirator producers and those who have concluded contracts with the producers for 
the purpose of exportation are allowed to export up to 30% of the total daily 
production volume of filtering respirators. Overseas shipments for humanitarian 
purposes may be exported with approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/KOR/2/Add.2, 22 June 
2020 This measure will remain 
in effect from 18 June 
2020 to 11 July 2020  
Korea, Rep. of  Temporary export restriction on filtering respirators. Due to the global outbreak of 
COVID -19, the relevant measure has been adopted with a view to preventing a critical 
shortage of surgical masks and filtering respirators in Korea, Rep. of. Filtering 
respirator producers and those who have concluded contracts with the producers for 
the purpose of expor tation are allowed to export filtering respirators on the condition 
that their monthly export volume does not exceed 50% of the monthly average 
production volume of the domestic filtering respirators in the last two months. This 
measure will remain in effe ct from 12 July 2020 to 11 December 2020. Overseas 
shipments for humanitarian purposes may be exported after consulting with the 
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and obtaining approval from the Ministry of 
Food and Drug Safety  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/KOR/2/Add.3, 20 July 
2020 Effective 12 July 2020 to 
11 December 2020  
Korea, Rep. of  Temporary export prohibition on melt blown filters and SMS filters (spunbond 
meltblown spunbond filters). Due to the global outbreak of COVID -19, the relevant 
measure has been adopted with a view to preventing a critical shortage of masks in 
Korea, Rep. of. Producers and those who have concluded contracts with the producers 
for the purpose of exportation are allowed to export only melt blown filters for filtering 
respirators on the condition that their monthly export volume does not exceed 15% of 
the monthly average production volume of the melt blown filters in the last two 
months. A producer who wants to export melt blown filters for filtering respirators in 
excess of the allowable amount must obtain prior approval from the Minister of Trade, 
Industry and Energy according to the relevant regulation. Melt blown filters for surgical 
masks and SMS filters are prohibited from being exported  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/KOR/ 2/Add.4, 31 
August 2020  Effective 6 August 2020 
to 5 January 2021  
Korea, Rep. of  Include surgical and protective masks, hand sanitizers and thermometers in the list of 
tariff exemptions for self -use of small quantities of goods  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29  September 2020  Effective March 2020 to 
July 2020   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Korea, Rep. of  Temporary quantitative restriction has been imposed on the exportation of surgical 
and anti -droplet masks (HS 6307.90.90). The restriction is necessary to protect 
human health and prevent any critical shortage of essential products in response to 
COVID19. Items subject to the restriction are described in Section 1. The restriction, 
however, allows exception concerning humanitarian purposes under MFDS approval  WTO documents G/MA/QR/N /KOR/2/Add.5, 6 
October 2020 and G/MA/QR/N/KOR/3, 13 October 
2020   
Kyrgyz 
Republic  Temporary export ban on wipes and other antibacterial products; and disinfectants, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic (HS 3401; 3408)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/KGZ/1/Add.1, 24 
March 2020  Effective 22 March 2020, 
for 6 months  
Kyrgyz 
Republic  Temporary export ban on certain food products (e.g. wheat and meslin, wheat flour, 
cooking oil, rice, pasta, chicken eggs, sugar, iodized table salt, feed (hay, straw, 
mixed feed, bran and grain  feed)), due to the COVID -19 pandemic (HS 0407.11.00; 
0407.21.00; 1001; 1006; 1101.00; 1214.90.90; 1512; 1902; 2302; 2309; 
2501.00.91)  WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/KGZ/1/Add.1, 24 
March 2020 and G/AG//N/KGZ/8, 31 March 2020  Effective 22 March 2020, 
for 6 months  
Lao People's 
Democratic 
Republic  Temporary elimination of import tariffs and other duties on medical devices and other 
products for prevention, control (e.g. masks, sanitizers, medical equipment), due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Laos to the WTO (23 
October 2020)   
Malaysia  Temporary export ban on face masks (HS 6307.90.40; 6307.90.90), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to the WTO (17 
April 2020) and Customs (Prohibition of Exports) 
(Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2020, Government 
Gazette Jil 64 - No. 6 (19 March 2020). Viewed at: 
http://www.customs.gov.my/ms/cp/Documents/P.
U%20%28A%29%2092%20 -
%20Perintah%20Kastam%20%28Larangan%20Me
ngenai%20Eksport%29%20%28Pindaan%29%20
%28No.%202%29%20 -%202 020.pdf  Effective 20 March 2020  
Malaysia  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on face masks (effective 23 March 2020); on 
PPE, medical equipment and COVID -19 consumables (effective 23 March 2020); and 
on raw materials, undenatured ethyl alcohol and denatured ethyl alcohol used for the 
production of hand sanitizers (effective 30 March 2020) (HS 3808.94.90; 6307.90.40; 
6307.90.90; 9025.19.19; 9025.90.10; 8419.20.00; 9027.30.10; 9402.90.10; 
9011.80.00; 8418.50.91; 9027.50.10; 6307.90.40; 9004.90.50; 392 6.20.90; 
3926.90.39; 4015.11.00; 4015.19.00; 6116.10.90; 6216.00.10; 6505.00.20; 
6210.10.19; 6210.20.40; 6210.30.40; 6210.40.90; 6210.50.90; 4818.90.00; 
3917.33.91), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from sales taxes 
and excise duties  Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to the WTO (28 
September 2020). Viewed at: 
http://www.mysst.customs.gov.my/assets/docum
ent/Annoucement/PENGECUALIAN%20DI_DE_CJ%
20KEPADA%20PENGILANG%20HAND%20SANITIZ
ER.pdf and 
http://mysst.customs.gov.my/assets/document/A
nnouce ment/PENGECUALIAN%20DUTI%20IMPORT
%20DAN%20CUKAI%20JUALAN%20MULAI%2023
%20MAC%202020.pdf  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Maldives  Temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment (e.g. 
hand sanitizers, disinfectants,  protective masks, hand wash, gloves used for medical 
purposes, and face shields), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted 
from processing fee's  Permanent Delegation of the Maldives to the WTO 
(27 April 2020)  Effective 17 March 2020  
Mauritius  Temporary elimination of VAT on imports of protective masks, gloves, test kits, 
breathing appliances, hand sanitizers and certain medical equipment (HS 6307.90.30; 
9020.00.00; 3808.94.10), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Mauritius to the WTO (27 
October 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.mra.mu/download/Notice240320.pdf  Effective 24 March 2020  
Mauritius  Temporary elimination of export charges imposed by the Port Authority and cargo 
handling corporation, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Mauritius to the WTO (24 
September 2020)  Effective until 31 
December 2020   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Moldova, 
Republic of  Temporary export restriction on certain medical equipment (e.g. medical masks, 
medical gloves, biocide products (medical disinfectants))  (HS 6307.90; 4818.90; 
4015.11; 4015.19; 3808), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/MDA/1/Add.2, 19 
October 2020; and Permanent Delegation of 
Moldova to the WTO (19 October 2020)  Effective 11 March 2020 
to 15 May 2020. 
Extended for some 
products until 31 August 
2020. Ceased to be 
applicable after 31 
August 2020  
Moldova, 
Republic of  Temporary elimination of excise duties on imports of undistorted ethyl alcohol for use 
in antiseptic products (disinfectants, biocides and antibacterial cosmetics) (HS 
2207.10.00), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Moldova to the WTO (19 
October 2020). Viewed at: 
https://gov.md/sites/default/files/dispozitia_cse_n
r.6.pdf  Effective 26 March 2020, 
extended but ceased to 
be ap plicable after 15 
September 2020  
Morocco  Temporary export ban on face masks, protective masks, and antiseptic preparations 
(HS 6307.90.50; 3808.94, 3401.11; 3402.20.00; 3926.90.92; 4818.90; 4823.90; 
6307.90.40; 6307.90.90; 9020.00.00), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Morocco  to the WTO (8 
April 2020), and Arrêté du Ministre de l’Industrie, 
du Commerce et de  
l’Economie Verte et Numérique Nos. 859 -20 (2 
March 2020) and 926 -20 (10  March 2020)  Effective March 2020  
Myanmar  Due to the COVID -19 pandemic, the Government of the Repu blic of the Union of 
Myanmar through Ministry of Commerce Bulletin Nos. 3/2020 (7 April 2020) and 
5/2020 (24 April 2020) adopted a temporary measure on the restrictions of export of 
rice, with the aim of preventing critical shortage of rice which is an ess ential foodstuff 
in the national diet  Permanent Delegation of Myanmar to the WTO (19 
June 2020). Viewed at: 
https://myanmartradeportal.gov.mm/uploads/doc
uments/2020/4/Rice%20Exporting%20during%20
COVID -19.pdf   
Myanmar  Temporary elimination of import licens e fees on medicines and raw materials used in 
medicines, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Myanmar to the WTO 
(19 June 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.commerce.gov.mm/sites/default/files
/order%2027 -2020.pdf  Effective 11 April 2020  
Myanmar  Temporary reduction of demurrage charges for all imports and exports, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Myanmar to the WTO 
(5 October 2020). Viewed at: 
http://www.mpa.gov.mm/announcement/%E1%8
0%B1%E1%80%94%E1%80%BD%E1%80%AC%
E1%80 %84%E1%80%B9%E1%80%B7%E1%80
%B1%E1%80%94%E1%80%BD%E1%80%B8%E
1%80%B1%E1%81%BE%E1%80%80%E1%80%
B8%E1%80%99%E1%80%BA%E1%80%AC%E1
%80%B8 -
%E1%80%BB%E1%80%95%E1%80%84%E1%8
0%B9%E1%80%86%E1%80%84%E1%80%B9%
E1%80%9E%E1%80%90%E1%80%B9%E1%80
%99%E1%80%BD%E1%80%90%E1%80%B9 %E
1%80%BB%E1%80%81%E1%80%84%E1%80%
B9%E1%80%B8 -amendment -demurrage -charges  Effective 9 April 2020   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Nepal  Temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment, 
machinery for production of face masks, non -woven fabrics, elastic ropes , medical 
equipment and pharmaceutical products, due to the COVID -19 pandemic (HS 
8449.00.10; 5603.11.00; 5603.91.00; 5604.10.00; 7226; 3926.20.11; 3926.20.21; 
3926.20.31; 3926.20.41;6207.91.10; 6207.99.10; 6208.91.10; 
6208.92.10;6208.99.10; 6210.10.10; 62 10.20.10; 6210.30.10; 6210.40.10; 
6210.50.10; 6211.32.10; 6211.33.10; 6211.39.10; 6211.42.10; 6211.42.10; 
6211.43.10; 6211.49.10; 6505.00.11; 30; 3821.00.00; 3822.00.00; 4015.11.00; 
6307.90.20; 8419.20.10; 9025.11.00; 9025.19.10; 9019.20.00; 9018.90.00; 
9004.90.00 )  Permanent Delegation of Nepal to the WTO (25 
September 2020)  Effective 29 May 2020  
New Zealand  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain soap, testing kits, diagnostic 
reagents (HS 3401; 3822), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent De legation of New Zealand to the WTO 
(16 April 2020) and Tariff Concession Approvals, 
Withdrawals and Declines Notice (No. 11) 2020 
(25 March 2020)  Effective 25 March 2020 
to June 2020  
New Zealand  Temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain medical and hygiene products (HS 
Chapters 19; 21; 30; 34; 38; 39; 61; 62; 63; 65; 84; 85; 90; 96, due to the COVID -
19 pandemic. Immediate suspension of these tariffs has occurred through the 
application of tariff concessions, under Part 2 of the Working Ta riff Document of New 
Zealand. Once New Zealand has entered into the post COVID -19 recovery phase, the 
tariff suspensions will be incorporated into Part 1 of the Working Tariff Document of 
New Zealand and this will complete the MFN applied tariff eliminatio n process. These 
actions do not affect New Zealand's bound tariff commitments  Permanent Delegation of New Zealand to the WTO 
(16 April 2020); WTO documents G/C/W/777, 
G/C/W/778 and G/MA/W/150, 16 April 2020; 
G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020; and Tariff 
Conces sion Approvals, Withdrawals and Declines 
Notice (No. 14) 2020 (15 April 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/tariffs/wor
king-tariff-document/working -tariff-document/  Effective 16 April 2020  
New Zealand  12-month deferral of the scheduled fees and charges for Customs’ clearance of 
imported and exported goods across New Zealand’s border, due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020  Effective April 2020  
Nigeria  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on essential m edical supplies (HS Chapters 30; 
38; 39; 40; 48; 61; 62; 65; 84; 90) used in the treatment of COVID -19. Imports also 
exempted from VAT  Permanent Delegation of Nigeria to the WTO (27 
October 2020)  Effective 1 May 2020, 
for 6 months  
North 
Macedonia  Temporary export ban on wheat and meslin (HS 1001.19.00; 1001.91.00; 
1001.99.00) , due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/MKD/1, 1 April 2020  Effective until 30 April 
2020 
Norway  Temporary implementation of export licensing requirements on pe rsonal protective 
equipment (HS Chapters 39; 40; 61; 62; 63; 90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic (list 
updated on 28 April 2020) (originally effective 6 March 2020 to 1 January 2021)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/NOR/1/Add.1, 5 June 
2020 Ceased to apply from 27 
May 2020 
Oman  Temporary export ban on face masks, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Oman to the WTO (5 
June 2020)   
Pakistan  Temporary export ban on certain personal protective equipment (e.g. face masks, 
gloves, sanitizers, goggles, "tyvek suits"), due to the COVID -19 pandemic (originally 
implemented on 24 March 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Pakistan to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and Ministry of Commerce - Order 
SRO 239(I)/2020 (24 March 2020). Viewed at: 
http://www.commerce.g ov.pk/wp -
content/uploads/2020/03/S.R.O -239I2020.pdf  Lifted on 9 June 2020  
Pakistan  Temporary export ban on anti -malarial drugs, due to the COVID -19 pandemic 
(originally implemented on 9 April 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Pakistan to the WTO (26 
October 2020) and Ministry of Commerce - Orders 
SRO 297(I)/2020 (9 April 2020) and 889(I)/2020 
(24 September 2020). Viewed at: 
http://www.commerce.gov.pk/wp -
content/uploads/2020/04/SRO -297-Anti-Malarial -
fldrugs.pdf and www.commerce.gov.pk/wp -
content/upload s/2020/09/SRO -899.pdf  Lifted on 24 September 
2020  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Pakistan  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on oxygen gas and its cylinders, and cryogenic 
tanks (HS 2804.40.00; 7311.00.90; 7311.), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Pakistan to th e WTO (26 
October 2020) and Ministry of Finance and 
Revenue (Revenue Division), Notification 
(Customs) S.R.O 593 (I) 2020 (1 July 2020). 
Viewed at: 
http://download1.fbr.gov.pk/SROs/202071187363
8670SRO593(I)2020.pdf  Effective 23 June 2020, 
for 3 months  
Panama Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain products (HS Chapters 28; 34; 38; 
40; 48; 62; 63; 94), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Consejo de Gabinete, Decreto de Gabinete No. 7 
(18 March 2020)  Effective 19 March 2020, 
for 6 months  
Paraguay  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment, 
pharmaceutical products, machinery and mechanical appliances, vehicles, transport 
equipment, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus due to the COVID -19 
pandem ic (in NCM Chapters 28; 38; 40; 62; 63; 84; 85; 86; 87; 89; 90; 94)  Permanent Delegation of Paraguay to the WTO (27 
October 2020) and Ministerio de Hacienda Decreto 
Nos 3471 and 3478  Effective until 31 
December 2020  
Paraguay  Temporary implementation of ex port licensing requirements ( licencia previa de 
exportación ) on face masks and desinfectants (NCM 3808.94.19; 3808.94.29; 
5603.11.30; 5603.12.40; 5603.13.40: 6307.90.10; 6307.90.90; 9020.00.90), due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/PRY/1/Add .1, 29 May 
2020 Effective 17 March 2020, 
for 1 year  
Paraguay  Extension of the temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain products included in 
Paraguay's exception list to the Mercosur Common Tariff ( lista de excepciones ) (NCM 
Chapters 18; 20; 22; 29 ; 34; 37; 39; 40; 42; 66; 67; 69; 70; 71; 73; 76; 82; 83; 84; 
85; 90; 91; 92; 94; 95; 96), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Paraguay to the WTO (27 
October 2020) and Decreto 3474 - Ministerio de 
Hacienda (19 March 2020)  Effective 12 Mar ch 2020 
to 30 June 2020  
Paraguay  Temporary reduction of VAT (to 5%) on imports of certain personal protective 
equipment and pharmaceutical products (NCM 2207.2019; 2828.90.11; 29252923; 
30039057; 30049047; 34022000; 3808.94.19; 3808.94.29; 38220090; 39069049; 
39262000; 4015.11.00; 40151900; 56031130; 56031240; 56031340; 6210.10.00; 
6307.90.10; 6307.90.90; 65050090; 90049020; 90183119; 90183924; 90183929; 
90183999; 90189099; 9020.00.90 ), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Paraguay to the WTO (27 
October 2020) and Ministerio de Hacienda - 
Decreto No. 3477 (20 March 2020), amended by 
Decreto No. 3529 (13 April 2020)  Effective 20 March 2020 
to 30 September 2020  
Paraguay  Adjustment of fees related to the importat ion of goods, resulting in a 30 -40% 
reduction in import costs, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/AG/GEN/162, 28 July 2020  Effective second half of 
2020 
Peru  Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 11% and 6%) on pharmaceutical 
products and  personal protective equipment (77 tariff lines at 10 -digit level, in HS 
Chapters 22; 28; 29; 30; 39; 40; 62; 63; 65; 90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Peru to the WTO (14 
April 2020) and Decreto Supremo Nos. 051 -2020-
EF (13 March 2 020) and 59 -2020-EF (28 March 
2020)  Effective March 2020  
Peru  Temporary implementation of export authorization requirements on face masks, 
gloves and personal protective equipment (HS 2804.40.00; 6307.90.30; 4015.11.00; 
4015.19.90; 5603.11.00; 5603.12.90; 6210.10.00; 9019.20.00), due to the COVID -
19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/PER/2, 23 Junio 2020  Effective April 2020  
Philippines  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on qualified manufacturers and suppliers of 
medicines, medical equipment  and devices, personal protective equipment (PPEs), 
surgical equipment and supplies, laboratory equipment and re -agents and their 
packaging, medical supplies, tools and consumables (alcohol, sanitizers, 
thermometers),raw materials, COVID -19 testing kits, o r any other articles needed in 
the supply chain such as capital equipment, spare parts, and accessories (HS Chapters 
22; 28; 29; 30; 33; 34; 35; 37; 38; 39; 40; 44; 48; 52; 54; 55; 59; 62; 63; 65 70; 
84; 90; 94; 96), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports a lso exempted from other 
taxes and fees (originally effective from 24 March 2020 to 23 May 2020)  Permanent Delegation of the Philippines to the 
WTO (23 October 2020) and Finance – 
Department of        Trade and Industry Joint 
Memorandum        Circular No. 2 020-02. Viewed 
at: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eYAL2qIOVk8pg6
k-yyrWRI3vu55DIt1f/view and 
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/202
0/09sep/20200911 -RA-11494 -RRD.pdf  Amended on 11 
September 2020 
(Republic Act No. 
11469).  The Department 
of Trade a nd Industry 
through the Board of 
Investments shall certify 
that the equipment and 
supplies being imported 
are not locally available 
or insufficient in quality 
and preference   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 256 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Philippines  Temporary increase of import tariffs (from zero to 10%) on crude petroleum oil and 
refined petroleum products (HS 2709; 2710; 2711), due to the COVID -19 pandemic 
(originally implemented on 2 May 2020)  Permanent Delegation of the Philippines to the 
WTO (23 October 2020), President Executive 
Order No. 113 (2 May 2020) and  Memorandum 
No. 128 -2020 (23 June 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/202
0/05may/20200502 -EO-113-RRD.pdf  Terminated on 25 June 
2020 
Qatar  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain medical supplies and food products, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Qatar to the WTO (21 
September 2020)  Effective 9 months  
Russian 
Federation  Temporary export ban on certain personal protective equipment (e.g. face masks) (HS 
Chapters 30; 38; 39; 40; 56; 59; 62; 63; 84; 90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (20 April 2020), and Decree No. 223 (2 
March 2020)  Effective 2 March 2020 
to 1 June 2020  
Russian 
Federation  Temporary (1 month) exemption from weight control of vehicles transporting food and 
non-food necessities in trailers and semi -trailers of the platform type with a tented 
top, as well as in vans, trailers, semi -trailers of the refrigerated and isothermal type, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent  Delegation of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (23 April 2020), and Orders of the 
Federal Service for supervision of transport Nos. 
ВБ-101-р(фс) (19 March 2020) and ВБ -107-р(фс) 
(24 March 2020)  Effective 21 March 2020 
to 25 April 2020  
Russian 
Federation  Temporary export quota (7 million tonnes) on wheat and meslin, rye, barley and 
maize (HS 1001; 1002; 1003; 1005)  Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (20 April and 21 July 2020) and Decree 
No. 385 (31 March 2020)  Effective 1 April. 
Terminated on 30 June 
2020 
Russian 
Federation  Extension of the list of imported medical products exempted from VAT (HS 29; 30; 38; 
39; 40; 62; 63; 65; 84; 85; 90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (20 Ap ril 2020) and Decree No. 419 (2 
April 2020)  Effective 6 April 2020  
Eurasian 
Economic 
Union  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. organic chemicals; 
amine -function compounds; ationic organic surface -active agents; non -ionic organic 
surface -active agents; antisera; wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles; 
surgical  gloves; personal protective equipment; and instruments and appliances used 
in medical, surgical sciences (HS Chapters 17; 21; 25; 28; 29; 30; 34; 35; 38; 39; 
40; 42; 55; 56; 59; 62; 70; 76; 84; 94; 96), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation o f the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (9 October 2020) and Decision of the 
Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 
21 (16 March 2020)  Effective 3 April 2020. 
Measure extended until 
31 March 2021  
Eurasian 
Economic 
Union  Temporary export ban on certa in personal protective equipment (e.g. face masks) (HS 
Chapters 29; 30; 38; 39; 40; 56; 59; 62; 63; 84; 90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (20 April 2020) and Decision of the 
Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 
41 (24 March 2020)  Effective 5 April 2020 to 
30 September 2020  
Eurasian 
Economic 
Union  Temporary export ban on certain food products (e.g. bulb onions; garlic; turnips; rye; 
rice; buckwheat; millet; cereal groats; meal and pellets;  buckwheat grains pearled; 
soya beans, whether or not broken; sunflower seeds, whether or not broken; prepared 
foods from buckwheat) (HS Chapters 07; 10; 11; 12; 19), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO ( 20 April and 21 July 2020) and Decision 
of the Council of the Eurasian Economic 
Commission No. 43 (31 March 2020)  Effective 12 April 2020. 
Terminated on 30 June 
2020 
Eurasian 
Economic 
Union  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain food products (e.g. potatoes, onions, 
garlic, cabbage, carrots, peppers, rye, rice, buckwheat, buckwheat groats, baby food 
and raw materials for its production, juices), and medicines, pipettes, disinfecti on 
systems, endoscopes and contactless thermometers, medical substances, refrigerators 
and containers for medical purposes (HS Chapters 7; 10; 11; 17; 19; 20; 21; 28; 29; 
30; 35; 38; 39; 42; 48; 76; 84; 87; 90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Dele gation of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (9 October 2020) and Decision of the 
Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission Nos. 
33 and 34 (3 April 2020)  Effective 18 April 2020 
to 30 June 2020. 
Terminated on 1 August 
2020 
Eurasian 
Economic 
Union  Tempora ry elimination of import tariffs on lactose and lactose syrup; certain food 
preparations; inorganic chemicals; organic chemicals; gelatine; miscellaneous 
chemical products; plastics and articles thereof; folding carton, boxes and cases; 
aluminium container s for compressed or liquified gas; and freezers of the upright type 
(HS Chapters 17; 21; 28; 29; 35; 38; 39; 42; 48; 76; 84), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (9 October 2020) and Decision of the 
Counc il of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 
34 (3 April 2020)  Effective 18 April 2020 
until 31 March 2021   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 257 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Eurasian 
Economic 
Union  Temporary simplification of the country of origin confirmation procedure applied to 
goods imported from developing and LDCs co untries, including through a possibility to 
provide electronic or paper copy of the certificate of origin  Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (23 April 2020) and Decision of the 
Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 
36 (3 Ap ril 2020)  Effective 18 April 2020 
to 30 September 2020  
Eurasian 
Economic 
Union  Extension of the list of imported goods exempted from customs tariffs (HS 
2809.20.00; 2847.00.00; 2902.19.00; 2905.39.20; 2905.39.25; 2909.43.00; 
2912.19.00; 2917.34.00; 2918.19.98; 3302.90.90; 3402.19.00; 3906.90.90; 
3911.90.99; 3912.31.00; 3912.39.85; 3920.43.10; 4016.99.97; 6505.00.90; 
6506.10.10), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (9 October 2020) and Dec ision of the 
Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 
53 (27 May 2020)  Effective 3 July 2020  
Saint Kitts and 
Nevis  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. vegetables, fruits, 
fruit juices, cold preparations, vitamins, hand  sanitizers, hands sanitizer dispensing 
machines, rubbing alcohol, gloves, masks, and cleansing or sanitizing wipes (HS 
Chapters 07; 08; 20; 21; 29; 30; 34; 39; 40; 48; 63; 90), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic. Imports also exempted from VAT  Saint Kitts and N evis - Customs & Excise 
Department - Memorandum (26 March 2020)  Effective 26 March 2020, 
for 6 months  
Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  Postponing the collection of customs duties on imports for a period of 30 days against 
the submission of a bank guarantee, for t he next three months and setting the 
necessary criteria for extending the postponement period for the most affected 
activities as needed, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Saudi Arabia to the WTO 
(3 May  2020)    
Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  Temporary export ban on COVID -19 detection and prevention products (e.g. personal 
protective equipment, face masks, diagnostic tests) medical equipment and 
pharmaceutical products (268 tariff lines at 10 -digit level in HS Chapters 22; 25; 30; 
33; 34; 38; 3 9; 40; 44; 48; 62; 63; 65; 84; 90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Saudi Arabia to the WTO 
(3 May  2020), and WTO document 
G/MA/QR/N/SAU/1, 18 June 2020  Effective 4 February 
2020 
Serbia  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on ethyl  alcohol (undenatured, of an alcoholic 
strength by volume of 80 % vol. or higher) (HS 2207.10.00), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Serbia to the WTO (19 
May 2020) and Decisions on requirements for 
exemption from custom duties for certa in products 
- Official Gazette No. 48/20 (31 March 2020). 
Viewed at: http://www.pravno -informacioni -
sistem.rs/SlGlasnikPortal/eli/rep/sgrs/vlada/odluka
/2020/48/2/reg  Effective 1 April 2020. 
Terminated on 1 May 
2020 
Serbia  Temporary export ban on medicines  (for use in humans) (effective 15 April 2020, for 
30 days) (HS 2844; 3002; 3003; 3004), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Serbia to the WTO (19 
May 2020); Decisions on export ban on medicines 
- Official Gazette No. 55/20 (13 April 2020 ) and 
60/2020 (24 April 2020)  Lifted on 24 April 2020  
Serbia  Temporary export ban on certain products (e.g. soaps, certain sanitary products, 
disinfectants, personal protective products) (HS Chapters 22; 28; 34; 38; 39; 40; 48; 
62; 63; 90; 96), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. On 1 May 2020, exports to the 
European Uni on of medical protective equipment (HS 3926.00.00; 4015.90.00; 
6210.10.92; 6307.90.98; 9004.90.10) exempted  Permanent Delegation of Serbia to the WTO (19 
May 2020); Decision on the temporary ban on 
exports of essential products to the general public 
- Official Gazette No. 54/20 (10 April  2020), 
amended by Decision Nos. 59/20 (22 April 2020) 
and 63/20 (30 April 2020)  Effective 13 April 2020, 
for 30 days. Certain 
products excluded from 
the ban: baby wipes (HS 
3401. 11.00.00); toilet 
bowl cleaners, tabs for 
automatic dish washing 
and windscreen cleaners 
(HS 3402.90.90.00); 
masks wholly made of 
woven textile fabrics (HS 
6307.90.98.00). Export 
ban lifted on 7 May 2020   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Serbia  Temporary export ban on certain products (e.g. sunflower oil, seed and crude oil, 
sugar  beet molasses), due to the COVID -19 pandemic (maize export quota of 400,000 
tonnes) (HS 1206.00.99; 1512.11.91; 1703.90.00; 1005.90.00)  Permanent Delegation of Serbia to the WTO (19 
May 2020); Decision on the temporary ban on 
exports of essential products  to the general public 
- Official Gazette No. 54/20 (10 April 2020), 
amended by Decision No.  59/20 (22 April 2020) 
and Regulation RS No. 66/20 (7 May 2020)  Effective 13 April 2020, 
for 30 days. Export ban 
lifted on 7 May 2020  
Singapore  Temporary relaxatio n of import licensing requirements for hand sanitizers, masks, 
thermometers, and protective gear (HS 3926.20; 4015.11; 4015.19; 4818.50; 
6116.10; 6210.10; 6210.20; 6210.30; 6210.40; 6210.50; 6216.00; 6307.90; 
6505.00; 9004.90; 9020.00; 9025.19), due to the  COVID -19 pandemic. Importers do 
not require an importer’s licence from the Health Science Authority of Singapore 
(HSA). Instead, importers only need to notify the HSA of their intention to import, as 
well as provide information on the brand and quantity o f the devices to be imported 
into Singapore. They must also maintain proper sales and distribution records, which 
might be required for submission wh en necessary (such as for a recall of products)  WTO document G/TFA/W/24, 29 September 2020  Effective 31 Jan uary 
2020 
Singapore  Elimination of import tariffs and all other duties and charges on essential goods 
including medical, hygiene and pharmaceutical products (HS Chapters 19; 21; 22; 28; 
29; 30; 34; 38; 39; 40; 48; 61; 62; 63; 65; 70; 84; 85; 90; 96) and agricultural 
products, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Singapore to: (i) refrain from imposing 
export prohibitions or restrictions on essential goods including medical, hygiene, 
pharmaceutical products and agricultural products; and (ii) expedite the mov ement of 
such essential goods through sea and airports  WTO documents G/C/W/777, G/C/W/779; 
G/MA/W/151, 16 April 2020; and G/TFA/W/24, 29 
September 2020  Effective 15 April 2020  
Singapore  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on medicated samsu and other samsu 
(HS 2208), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Singapore to the WTO 
(25 September 2020)  Effective 15 April 2020  
South Africa  "COVID -19 export control regulation" on certain personal protective equipment (e.g. 
face masks, disinfectan t) (HS 3808.94; 6307.90; 9020.00; 2933.39; 2933.49; 
2933.99; 3002.12; 3002.20; 3004), due to the COVID  19 pandemic. Goods shall not 
be exported except by virtue of an export permit  Permanent Delegation of South Africa to the WTO 
(6 April 2020) and Departm ent of Trade and 
Industry, Notice No. R.424 - Government Gazette 
No. 43177 (27 March 2020)  Effective 27 March 2020  
Sri Lanka  Temporary export ban on face masks - N95 type, and disposable surgical face masks 
(implemented on 20 March 2020), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to the WTO (25 
April 2020) and Medical Devices (availability within 
Sri Lanka)  Regulations 2/2020, Gazette - 
Extraordinary 2167/17 (20 March 2020) and 
2170/9 (11 April 2020). Viewed at: 
https://nmra.gov.lk/images/PDF/gazzet/2167 -
17_EPUBLISH.pdf and 
https://nmra.gov.lk/images/PDF/gazzet/nmraGazz
ete/2170 -09_E.pdf  Terminated on 11 Apri l 
2020 
Switzerland  Exports of personal protective equipment and essential medical goods (HS Chapters 
30; 39; 40; 48; 61; 62; 63; 90) subject to export authorization by the State 
Secretariat for Economic Affairs, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Exports to EU  
members, EFTA members, the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Andorra, San 
Marino and the Vatican City, as well as the overseas countries and territories listed in 
Annex II of the European Treaty exempted, under certain conditions (as long as 
reciprocity is guaranteed, i.e. similar exports from the aforementioned States and 
territories to Switzerland do not require a licence or indeed are not prohibited)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/CHE/3, 22 July 2020  Effective 26 March 2020, 
revised 4 April 2020. 
Terminated on  22 June 
2020 
Switzerland  Temporary increase of the 2020 import quotas Nos. 7 and 9 for birds' eggs, milk and 
cream, and butter (HS 0402.21.11; 0402.29.11; 0405.10.11; 0405.10.91; 
0405.90.10; 0407.21.10; 0407.90.10), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanen t Delegation of Switzerland to the WTO 
(26 October 2020)  Effective 2 April 2020   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
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Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Switzerland  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment and 
medical goods (HS Chapters 28; 38; 39; 40; 48; 61; 62; 63; 65; 90), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/W/154, 27 May 2020; and 
Permanent Delegation of Switzerland to the WTO 
(25 September 2020)  Effective 10 April 2020. 
Terminated on 9 October 
2020 
Separate  
Customs  
Territory of  
Taiwan,  
Penghu,  
Kinmen and  
Matsu  Tempora ry export ban on masks with filtering efficiency of 94% or more, of textile 
materials and other masks, of textile materials (HS 6307.90.50), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic (originally effective 24 January 2020 to 30 June 2020)  Permanent Delegation of the Sep arate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to 
the WTO (17 June 2020)  Terminated on 1 June 
2020 
Separate  
Customs  
Territory of  
Taiwan,  
Penghu,  
Kinmen and  
Matsu  Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 20% to 10%) on other undenatured ethyl 
alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume exceeding 90% volume (HS 2207.10.90), 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to 
the WTO (24 September 2020)  Effect ive 27 February 
2020 to 26 August 2020. 
Extended until 26 
November 2020  
Separate  
Customs  
Territory of  
Taiwan,  
Penghu,  
Kinmen and  
Matsu  Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 7.5%) on masks, filtering efficiency of 
94% or more, of textile materials (HS 6307.90.50), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to 
the WTO (17 June 2020)  Effective 27 February 
2020. Terminated on 26 
May 2020  
Separate  
Customs  
Territory o f 
Taiwan,  
Penghu,  
Kinmen and  
Matsu  Temporary export restriction on medicinal alcohol products (HS 2208.90.10; 
3808.94.20), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to 
the WTO (2 4 September 2020)  Effective 16 April 2020  
Separate  
Customs  
Territory of  
Taiwan,  
Penghu,  
Kinmen and  
Matsu  Temporary export restriction on undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by 
volume of less than 80% vol (HS 2208.90.10) and disinfectant pro ducts (HS 
3808.94.20), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. For exports of commodities under these 
items of medicines for human use, a photocopy of medicine permit issued by the 
Ministry of Health and Welfare is required  Permanent Delegation of the Separate Custo ms 
Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to 
the WTO (17 June 2020)  Effective 1 May 2020  
Separate  
Customs  
Territory of  
Taiwan,  
Penghu,  
Kinmen and  
Matsu  Requirement by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in consultation with the Ministry of 
Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Finance, for importers of medical masks (HS 
6307.90.50) to apply in advance for an import approval from the Bureau of Foreign 
Trade (BOF), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Importers can apply for the advance 
approval on the BOF's Mask Import Approval Application System. Requirement to 
declare product flow on the system every Monday following the customs clearance 
date. Permanent Delegation of the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to 
the WTO (2 4 September 2020)  Effective 16 September 
2020 
Thailand  Temporary export ban on surgical masks; face -masks for protection against dust, 
smoke or toxic substances used for safety apparatus and others (HS 6307.90.40; 
6307.90.90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic   WTO document G/MA/QR/N/THA/2/Add.3, 2 April 
2020 Effective 5 February 
2020, for 1 year   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 260 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Thailand  Temporary export ban on bird eggs of fowls of the species Gallus Domesticus  (HS 
0407.21.00; 0407.29.90)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/THA/2/Add.3, 2 April 
2020 Originally effective 26 
March 2020 to 1 April 
2020. Extended from 2 
April 2020 to 30 April 
2020 
Turkey  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on ethyl alcohol. Temporary elimination of 
additional customs duties (13% and 20%) on breathing machines and medical masks, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic (HS 2207.20.00; 6307.90.98; 9019.20.00)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the WTO (24 
April and 21 September 2020)  Effective 25 March 2020. 
On 15 September 2020 
termination of the 
elimination of import 
tariffs on  ethyl alcohol  
Turkey  Implementation of temporary prior export authorization/registration on gas, dust and 
radioactive dust filter masks, protective clothing, liquid -proof aprons (protective gowns 
used against chemicals), protective glasses, medical and s urgical masks, medical 
sterile/non -sterile gloves (effective 4 March 2020); ethyl alcohol, eau de cologne, 
disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide and non -woven fabrics (effective 18 March 2020); on 
ventilators, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, oxygen concentr ator, ventilator 
apparatus, anaesthesia and ventilator circuits, cannula, intubation apparatus and 
intensive care monitors (effective 26 March 2020); and on fresh lemons (effective 7 
April 2020) (HS 2207; 2208.90.91; 2208.90.99; 3303.00.90; 3402.90.10; 
3808.94.10; 3808.94.20; 3808.94.90; 2905.12.00; 2847; 5603; 8481; 9019.20.00; 
9018.90.84; 9026; 9027.10; 9018; 9018.90.60; 9018.39; 9019; 
9019.20;  9018.19.10; 0805.50), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the WTO (24 
April 2020)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Turkey  Termination of prior export authorization/registration on  certain products, e.g. ethyl 
alcohol, eau de cologne, disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide, ventilator, extracorporeal 
membrane oxygenation, oxygen concen trator, ventilator apparatus, anaesthesia and 
ventilator circuit, cannula, intubation apparatus and intensive care monitors, and fresh 
lemons (HS 2207; 2208.90.91; 2208.90.99; 3303.00.90; 3402.90.10; 3808.94.10; 
3808.94.20; 3808.94.90; 2905.12.00; 2847;  8481; 9019.20.00; 9018.90.84; 9026; 
9027.10; 9018; 9018.90.60; 9018.39; 9019; 9019.20;  9018.19.10; 0805.50), due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the WTO (8 
May and 3 September 2020)  Effective 2 May 2020. 
On 7 August 2020 
terminated  on fresh 
lemons  
Ukraine  Temporary export restriction on insulated waterproof laboratory suits; disposable 
(single use) medical insulative overalls, gloves of other polymer material; nitrile 
medical gloves, non -sterile, non -starch; nitrile non -powdered gloves; medical and 
surgical  face masks; safety glasses; full face visors; respirators with a protection rate 
of not less than FFP2; undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 
80% volume or higher; ethyl alcohol and other spirits, except for bioethanol, distilled  
beverages, denatured, of any strength, and similar (HS 3926.20.00; 6210.10.92; 
6210.10.98; 4015.11.00; 4015.19.00; 6307.90.98; 9004.90.10; 9004.90.90; 
9020.00.00; 2207), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/UKR/4/Add.5, 9 June 
2020; and G /MA/QR/N/UKR/4/Add.6, 10 July 
2020; and Permanent Delegation of Ukraine to the 
WTO (19 October 2020)  Effective 14 March 2020 
to 1 June 2020 (for ethyl 
alcohol - originally 
effective 25 March 2020 
to 1 June 2020). 
Extended until 1 July 
2020. In July 2020 
further extended until 1 
August 2020. 
Terminated on 1 August 
2020  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 261 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Ukraine  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on medicine, medical goods and medical 
equipment (HS Chapters 22; 28; 29; 30; 34; 38; 39; 40;42; 48; 61; 62; 63; 65; 70; 
84; 85; 90; 94), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from VAT  Permanent Delegation of Ukraine to the WTO (19 
October 2020) and Resolution of the Cabinet of 
Ministers of Ukraine No. 224 (20 March 2020), 
amended by Resolution No. 620 (22 July 2020). 
Viewed at: 
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/224 -2020-
п?fbclid=IwAR2E5 -
us7p3rAan_KeyY7pDbCfLAZByYu7eYmEhuwzvwI8
0BBWOFxjAdSuE#n9%E2%80%8B and 
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/620 -2020-
%D0%BF#n9  Effective 21 March 2020 
(elimination of import 
tariffs effective: 21 
March 2020 to 22 July 
2020)  
Ukraine  Termination of the temporary export restriction on ethyl alcohol and other spirits, 
except for bioethanol, distilled beverages, denatured, of any strength, and similar (HS 
2207), imposed due to the COVID -19 pandemic (ori ginally effective 25 March 2020 to 
1 June 2020)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/UKR/4/Add.4, 19 May 
2020 Terminated on 15 May 
2020 
United 
Kingdom  Temporary export ban (including parallel exportation from the United Kingdom) of 
certain medicaments (HS Chapters 25; 28; 29; 30; 31; 39), needed to treat COVID -19 
patients in ICU and other settings for the protection of UK public health. The 
restrictions do not apply to drugs manufactured or intended for other countries and, as 
such, apply only to the export  of drugs put in the supply chain for UK patients. The 
legal basis of the restrictions is Regulations 43(2) and 78 of the Human Medicines 
Regulations 2012 requiring wholesale dealers and marketing authorization holders to 
ensure continued supply for UK pat ients. These are temporary measures, in place to 
relieve critical shortages of medicines necessary for the protection of human health. 
The Department for Health and Social Care will prohibit the export of a medicine if it 
considers that the following condi tions are met: (i) medicine is required to meet the 
needs of UK patients; (ii) medicine is either being exported or is a threat of being 
exported; and (iii) export of that medicine is either contributing to, or may contribute 
to, a shortage of that medicin e in the UK. Once a medicine is deemed to meet these 
criteria, it is added to a list on gov.uk. This list is reviewed regularly. There are a 
number of exceptions that permit export of medicines on this list, including where the 
medicine will be used by int ernational humanitarian organisations, where it will be 
used in clinical trials and research, or where it will be used by British Citizens abroad  United Kingdom Mission to Geneva (27 October 
2020). Viewed at: 
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/govern me
nt/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/
876961/Medicines_that_cannot_be_parallel_expor
ted_from_the_UK_MASTER__4_.csv/preview and 
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/parallel -export -and-
hoarding -of-restricted -medicines; and 
https://www.gov.uk/government/pu blications/med
icines -that-cannot -be-parallel -exported -from-the-
uk  
United 
Kingdom  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain medical supplies, equipment and 
protective garments (HS Chapters 22; 28; 30; 34; 38; 39; 40; 48; 56; 61; 62; 63; 
65; 84; 9 0), due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from VAT  United Kingdom Mission to Geneva (25 September 
2020); GOV.UK: business and industry, trade and 
investment, customs declarations, duties and 
tariffs (import and export). Viewed at: 
https://ass ets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governme
nt/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/
877754/COVID_19_commodity_codes_list.csv/pre
view; and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pay -no-
import -duty-and-vat-on-medical -supplies -
equipment -and-protective -garments -covid-19  Effective 27 March 2020 
to 31 July 2020 (can 
apply retrospectively to 
eligible goods imported 
after 30 January). 
Extended until 31 
October 2020   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 262 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
United 
Kingdom  The United Kingdom applied EU export restrictions on Personal Protective Equipment in 
response to shortages (or potential shortages) in these goods during the COVID -19 
pandemic. Under these restrictions, anyone wishing to export the goods in scope to a 
destination not exempted under the regulations needed to apply for a licence. In the 
UK, licence applications were reviewed by the Department for Health and Social Care. 
Full information on this process was provided through gov.uk.  United Kingdom Mission to Geneva (25 September 
2020). Viewed at: 
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cf m
?id=2122; 
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm
?id=2147; and 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pers
onal-protective -equipment -ppe-export -control -
process/personal -protective -equipment -ppe-
export -control -process  Effective 15 March 2020 
to 26 May 2020. A full 
list of goods in scope 
from 24 April 2020 is 
available within the 
amending legislation at: 
https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?ur
i=CELEX:32020R0568&f
rom=EN  
United States  Temporary exclusion of certain products from t he additional duty of 25% on a list of 
19 products from China (imposed on 1 September 2019). Published on 20 March 2020 
but effective retroactively from 1 September 2019  Office of the United States Trade Representative, 
Notice of product exclusions: China' s acts, policies, 
and practices related to technology transfer, 
intellectual property, and innovation. Federal 
Register/Vol. 85, No. 47 FR No. 13970 (10 March 
2020)  Effective 1 September 
2019 to 1 September 
2020 
United States  Temporary exclusion of certa in products from the additional duty of 25% on a list of 
products from China (imposed on 1 September 2019). Published on 20 March 2020 
but effective retroactively from 1 September 2019  Office of the United States Trade Representative, 
Notice of product exclusions: China's acts, policies, 
and practices related to technology transfer, 
intellectual property, and innovation. Federal 
Register/Vol. 85, No. 50 FR No. 15247 (15 March 
2020)  Effective 1 September 
2019 to 1 September 
2020 
United States  Presidential Memoranda allocating to domestic use certain personal protective 
equipment (e.g. N -95 filtering facepiece respirators; other filtering facepiece 
respirators; elastomeric, air -purifying respirators and appropriate particulate 
filters/cartridges; P PE surgical masks; and PPE gloves or surgical gloves) (HS 
3926.20.10; 4015.11.01; 4015.19.00; 6116.10.00; 6216.00.09; 6307.90.99; 
9020.00.80), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/USA/4/Add.1, 14 May 
2020 Effective 7 April 2020 to 
10 August 2020 
United States  Initiation of an investigation by the United States International Trade Commission 
aiming at identifying imported goods related to the response to the COVID -19 
pandemic, their source countries, tariff classifications, and applicable rat es of duty. 
The Commission will seek to provide: (i) the 10 -digit HS code for the article; (ii) its 
legal description; (iii) general duty rate; (iv) any special or additional rates of duty 
imposed; (v) the dates on which the rates were imposed; (vi) the au thorities under 
which they were imposed; (vii) whether any such duties have been suspended and, if 
so, the date of suspension as well as how long the suspension is scheduled to last; 
(viii) the total rate of duty imposed on such article, including any spec ial or additional 
rate of duty; and (ix) the major countries of origin for each such article, and the 
import value of each such article from each country for the years 2017 -19  United States International Trade Commission - 
Investigation No. 332 -576 - COVID-19, Related 
Goods: U.S. Imports and Tariffs (13 April 2020). 
Viewed at: 
https://usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2020/
er0504ll1540.htm  Report to be delivered 
as soon as possible, but 
not lather than 30 April 
2020. Report released 
on 4 May 2020   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 263 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
United States  Temporary rule by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocating 
certain scarce or threatened materials for domestic use, so that these materials may 
not be exported from the United States without explicit approval by the FEMA, due  to 
the COVID -19 pandemic. The rule covers five types of personal protective equipment 
(PPE): N -95 filtering facepiece respirators; other filtering facepiece respirators; 
elastomeric, air -purifying respirators and appropriate particulate filters/cartridges ; PPE 
surgical masks; and PPE gloves or surgical gloves  Department of Homeland Security - Federal 
Emergency Management Agency (44 CFR Part 328 
- RIN 1660 -AB01): Prioritization and Allocation of 
Certain Scarce or Threatened Health and  Medical 
Resources to D omestic Use, Federal Register/Vol. 
85, No. 70 FR No. 20195 (10 April 2020). Viewed 
at: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR -
2020-04-10/pdf/2020 -07659.pdf ; and 
Department of Homeland Security - Federal 
Emergency  
Management Agency, "Temporary  
Final Rule o n the 
Prioritization and  
Allocation of Certain  
Scarce and Critical  
Health and Medical  
Resources for  
Domestic Use", Federal Register/Vol. 85, No. 154 
FR No. 48113 (10 August 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.govinfo.g  
ov/content/pkg/FR2020 -08-10/pdf/2020 - 
17467 .pdf Effective 7 April 2020 to 
10 August 2020. 
Modified on 10 August 
2020 and extended 
through 31 December 
2020 
United States  Temporary postponement of the time to deposit certain estimated duties, taxes, and 
fees during the national emergency concerning the COVID -19 outbreak. 90 calendar -
day deferment period on formal entry payments for importers with significant financial 
hardship (applicably to payments for goods imported in March and April 2020). 
Imports subject to AD/CVD duties, and Section 201, 232 a nd 301 trade remedies are 
not included in this relief effort. No interest will acrrue for postponed payments of 
estimted duty, taxes, and fees during the 90 -day postponement period.  Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection Departm ent of The Treasury 
(19 CFR Part 24 USCBP -2020-0017 CBP Dec. 20 -
05 RIN 1515 -AE54) (19 April 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/doc
uments/2020 -Apr/Temporary -Postponement -of-
Payment -Period%20for -DTF-20-4-2020-1.pdf   
United Sta tes Executive Order on Ensuring Essential Medicines, Medical Countermeasures, and 
Critical Inputs are made in the United States  Executive Order (6 August 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential -
actions/executive -order -ensuring -essential -
medicines -medical -countermeasures -critical -
inputs -made -united -states/  Effective 6 August 2020  
United States  Temporary export authorization for certain personal protective equipment (PPE) (HS 
6307.90.99; 4015.11.01; 4015.19.00; 6210.10; 6210.40; 6210.50). Extension of 
temporary measures in relation to the COVID -19 pandemic and modifications to the 
scope of products affected by the temporary measures  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/USA/4/Add.2, 1 
September 2020  Revised measures 
effective 10 August 2020 
through 31 December 
2020 
Uruguay  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment and 
pharmaceutical products, due to the COVID -19 pandemic (NCM Chapters 28; 30; 34; 
35; 38; 39; 40; 56; 62; 63; 65; 90; 94). Imports also exempte d from other duties 
and taxes.  Permanent Delegation of Uruguay to the WTO (30 
April 2020) and Resoluciones Ministerio de 
Economía y Finanzas - (24 March and 14 April 
2020)  Effective 24 March 2020   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 264 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Uzbekistan  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. poultry meat and 
edible offal; fish; milk and cream; butter; eggs; vegetables; dried leguminous 
vegetables; wheat or meslin flour; cereal grains otherwise worked (for example, 
hulled, rolled , flaked, pearled, sliced or kibbled), except rice (HS 1006); germ of 
cereals, whole, rolled, flaked or ground; Sunflower -seed, safflower or cotton -seed oil 
and fractions thereof, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified; white 
sugar; pasta; bak er's yeast; wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles (dressings, 
adhesive plasters, poultices), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances 
or put up in forms or packings for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary 
purposes; p reparations for oral or dental hygiene; soaps; organic surface -active 
agents (other than soap); surface -active preparations, washing preparations (including 
auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations; candles; tapers; matches; 
gloves, mitten s and mitts of vulcanized rubber; toilet or facial tissue stock, towel or 
napkin stock; toilet paper and similar paper; nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, 
coated, covered or laminated; ozone therapy, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, 
artificial respirat ion or other therapeutic respiration apparatus; and napkins and 
napkin liners for babies, and similar articles, of any material (HS Chapters 2; 3; 4; 7; 
11; 15; 17; 19; 21; 30; 33; 34; 36; 40; 48; 56; 90; 96), due to the COVID -19 
pandemic. Imports also exe mpted from excise taxes  Permanent Delegation of Uzbekistan to the WTO 
(4 May 2020)  Effective April 2020 to 
31 December 2020  
Viet Nam  Temporary elimination of import taxes on medical and certain personal protective 
equipment used in the fight of COVID -19 pandemic (HS Chapters 38; 39; 56; 60; 63; 
72; 73; 76)  Permanent Delegation of Viet Nam to the WTO (6 
May 2020), Decision No. 155/QD -BCT - Ministry of 
Finance (7 February 2020). Viewed at: 
https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van -ban/xuat -nhap-
khau/Quyet -dinh-155-QD-BTC-2020-mat-hang-
mien-thue-nhap-khau-chong -dich-viem-duong -ho-
hap-cap-434146.aspx  Effective 7 February 
2020 
Viet Nam  Temporary export licensing requirements on face masks (HS 6307.90.40; 
6307.90.90), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Viet Nam to the WTO (6 
May 2020)  Effective 11 March 2020. 
Terminated on 29 April 
2020 
Viet Nam  Viet Nam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade on 10 April 2020 issued Decision 1106/QD -
BCT prescribing a global quota of 400,000 tons for rice export in April 2020. The global 
quota restriction then ceased to be in force from 1 May 2020 as provided in 
Announcement 172/TB -VPCP dated 29 April 2020 by the Prime Minister  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/VNM/1, 19  August 
2020 Effective 10 April 2020 
to 1 May 2020  
Viet Nam  Temporary export ban on certain drugs (37 items in HS 3004) used in the COVID -19 
treatment  Permanent Delegation of Viet Nam to the WTO (17 
June 2020) and Drug Administration Notice Nos. 
4162/QLD -KD and 5595/QLD -KD. Viewed at: 
https://dav.gov.vn/cong -van-so-4162qld -kd-ve-
viec-tam-dung-xuat-khau-thuoc -phong -chong -
covid-19-n2826.html  Effective 15 April 2020. 
Terminated on 5 May 
2020 
Viet Nam  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on non -woven fabrics for the production of 
protection clothing used in the fight of COVID -19 pandemic (HS 5603)  Permanent Delegation of Viet Nam to the WTO (17 
June 2020) and Ministry of Finance Decision Nos. 
436/QD -BTC and 155/QD -BTC. Viewed at: 
https://www.customs.gov.vn/Lists/VanBanPhapLu
at/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=12752 and 
https://www .customs.gov.vn/Lists/VanBanPhapLu
at/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=13002  Effective 27 March 2020   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 265 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Zimbabwe  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on undenatured ethyl alcohol; hydrogen 
peroxide; immunological products, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings 
for retail sales; thermometers and pyrometers; and medical equipment (HS 
2207.10.90; 2208.90.9 9; 2847.00.00; 3002.15.00; 9025.11.00; 9025.19.00; 
9027.80.00), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Zimbabwe to the WTO 
(16 April 2020) and Customs and Excise (General) 
(Amendment) Regulations, 2020 (No. 101)  Effective 30 March 2020  
Zimbabwe  Temporary export ban on medical supplies used in the treatment of COVID -19 Statutory Instrument 93 of 2020 - Public Health 
(COVID -19 Prevention, Containment and 
Treatment) (National Lockdown) (Amendment) 
Order, 2020 (No. 3). Viewed at: 
https://www.ve ritaszim.net/sites/veritas_d/files/S
I%202020 -
093%20Public%20Health%20%28COVID -
19%20Prevention%2C%20Containment%20and%
20Treatment%29%20%28National%20Lockdown
%29%20%28Amendment%29%20Order%2C%20
2020%20%28No.%203%29.pdf  Effective 30 March 2020  
Note:  The Unit ed Kingdom withdrew from the European Union as of 1 February 2020. During the transition period, which ends on 31 December 20 20, European 
Union law, with a few limited exceptions, continues to be applicable to and in the United Kingdom. During the transiti on period, the information provided by 
the European Union which is relevant to this document continues to cover the United Kingdom.  
Recorded, but not confirmed information3 
Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Armenia  Temporary export ban on certain personal protective equipment, pharmaceutical 
products and medical equipment  (HS Chapters 29; 30; 35; 38; 39; 40; 56; 59; 62; 
63; 84; 85; 87; 90; 94), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Press reports referring to Decision No. 31 (3  April 
2020). Viewed at : 
https://www.arlis.am/DocumentView.aspx?DocID=1
41432  Effective 3 April 2020  
Bangladesh  Temporary export ban on certain drugs (e.g. hydroxychloroquine) used in the 
treatment of COVID -19  Bangladesh Sangbad Sanstha (19 April 2020)    
Cameroon  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on  pharmaceutical products and medical 
equipment, due to the C OVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from VAT and 
other import duties  Radio Okapi (28 March 2020)    
Democratic 
Republic of the 
Congo  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain pharmaceutical products and 
medical equipment, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from 
VAT Financial Afrik (30 March 2020)  Effective 3 months  
Democratic 
Republic of the 
Congo  Temporary elimination of VAT and other imports charges on certain basic food 
products, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Financial Afrik (30 March 2020)  Effective 3 months  
Guatemala  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on maize ( maíz blanco y amarillo ), under 
certain import quotas, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  República (22 March 2020)   
Hong Kong, 
China  Temporary import ban of certain poultry meat from Brazil, due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  ANSA - Spanish Service (BASP) (18 August 2020)   
 
3 This section includes information which has been obtained from public sources but has not yet been confirmed by the delegatio n concerned.   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 266 - Member/  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Observer  
Iran, Islamic 
Rep. of  Temporary export ban on  certain personal protective equipment  (e.g. face masks), 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  The Tehran Times (10 March 2020)   
Iran, Islamic 
Rep. of  Elimination of the import ban on ethanol, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Azer press (18 March 2020)   
Jordan  Temporary export ban on certain personal protective equipment  (e.g. face masks, 
disinfectants, sanitizers), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  The Jordan Times (25 March 2020)   
Kenya  Temporary export ban on face masks, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  The East African (3 March 2020)   
Lebanon  Temporary export ban on medical  supplies and protective equipment, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Naharnet (22 February 2020)   
Libya  Temporary export ban on face masks and sterilization materials, due to the COVID -
19 pandemic  The Libya Observer (16 March 2020)   
Mali Temporary export ban on certain food products (e.g. sugar, meat, wheat, rice), face 
masks, disinfectants, gas and cattle, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  L'Essor (21 April 2020)   
Morocco  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on wheat  Le Temps (25 March 2020)   
Norway  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment 
and pharmaceutical products, due to the COVID -19 pandemic (HS Chapters 39; 40; 
61; 62; 63; 90)  Press reports referring to Regulation Ministry of 
Health and Care (6 Mar ch 2020)  Effective 20 March 2020 
to 1 January 2021  
South Africa  Elimination of the temporary export ban on wine and fresh products, imposed due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic  Business Day (South Africa) (9 April 2020)    
Sudan  Temporary export ban on maize  Middle East Monitor (UK) (3 April 2020)  Effective 15 April 2020  
Syrian Arab 
Republic  Temporary export ban on vegetables eggs, milk, cheese and sterilization items, due 
to the COVID -19 pandemic  OCHA Services - Reliefweb (10 A pril 2020). Viewed 
at: https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian -arab-
republic/syrian -arab-republic -covid-19-update -no-
05-10-april-2020   
Tajikistan  Temporary export ban on food products (e.g. vegetables, cereals, meat, flour, eggs, 
wheat), due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Asia-Plus (5 May 2020)  Effective 25 April 2020  
United Arab 
Emirates  Temporary elimination of customs fees on imported goods  KPMG - jurisdictional tax measures and government 
reliefs in response to COVID -19 Effective 12 March 2020  
Zambia  Temporary elimination of excise duties on imports of ethanol for use in sanitizers, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Zambia Reports (27 March 2020)   
 
 
  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 267 - ANNEX 6 - COVID -19 TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED MEASURES (SERVICES)1 
(MID-OCTOBER  2019 TO MID -OCTOBER  2020) 
Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Albania  Financial Services  In response to COVID -19, the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority 
(AFSA) issued guidelines for supervised entities with respect to the 
adoption of preventive measures in the context of the pandemic.  
These concerned, for example, reporting requirements, liquidity 
requirements, and the revie w of insurance contracts in view of current 
risk exposures.  AFSA Board Decision no. 94 of 29 
July 2020  29 July 2020    
Australia  Various sectors 
(mode 4)  The government issued a new list of Priority Migration Skilled 
Occupations (PMSOL), which identifies 17 occupations that fill critical 
skills needs that support Australia’s economic recovery from COVID -
19. Employer sponsored nomination and visa applications with an 
occupation on the PMSOL will be given priority processing.   Included 
among the 1 7 occupations are nurses, medical practitioners, software 
engineers, construction project managers, and mechanical engineers.  Direction no. 88 Migration Act 1958  
Direction under section 499 – Order 
of Priority Allocation within the 
Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill 
Shortage) visa program and 
Subclass 457 (Temporary Work 
(Skilled)) visa program  
 
Viewed at:  
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/vis
as/employin g-and-sponsoring -
someone/sponsoring -workers/pmsol  Initiated on 31 August 
2020 Yes 
Australia  Postal services  The Australian Government has temporarily adjusted Australia Post's 
regulated letter delivery speed and frequency requirements to reflect 
COVID -19 induced operating constraints.  Australian Postal Corporation 
(Performance Standards) 
Amendment (2020 Measures No. 1) 
Regulations 2020. F2020L00579  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.legislati on.gov.au/Detai
ls/F2020L00579   The changes apply 
from 16 May 2020 to 
30 June 2021, subject 
to review in late 2020.  Yes 
 
1 This table has been compiled by the WTO Secretariat and is an informal situation report and an attempt to provide transparency with respect to measures af fecting 
trade in services taken in the context of the COVID -19 crisis. It does not pass judgment on or questions the right of WTO m embers to take such actions.  The Secretariat 
has not sought to determine and indicate whether the measures listed in the table have trade -restrictive or trade -facilitating effects. The information in this  table is not 
exhaustive and  does not include  inform ation on general support measures relating to services.   Further, the objective of this table is not to list all COVID -related measures 
taken by governments around the world to limit movement, nor all the measures taken to ease the impact of border restric tions or other limits on movement.  The measures 
listed in this table p rovide a situation report up to 15 May  2020. A consistent feature of the trade and trade -related measures taken in response to the COVID -19 crisis 
has been the frequent changes, adjustments and occasional roll -back of such measures to reflect the evolving situation. The updated lists of measures implemented in the 
context of the current pandemic are available on the COVID -19 page of the WTO website : https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/covid19_e.htm#measures .   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 268 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Australia  All sectors  On 29 March 2020, the Australian Government announced temporary 
changes to the foreign investment review framework that are designed 
to safeguard Australia’s national interest during the COVID -19 
pandemic crisis. During this period the monetary threshold a mounts 
under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 will be $0 for 
proposed foreign investments made on or after 10:30pm (AEDT) 29 
March 2020.  Viewed at:  
 https://firb.gov.au/qa -temporary -
changes -foreign -investment -
framework  Effective from 
10:30pm (AEDT) 29 
March 2020  Yes 
Australia  Financial services  On 19 March, the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) 
announced support for use of capital buffers to promote ongoing 
lending to the economy.  Viewed at:  
https://www.apra.gov.au/news -and-
publications/apra -adjusts -bank-
capital -expectations  19 Marc h 2020  Yes 
Australia  Selected sectors  The government has introduced new measures in response to COVID -
19 to allow some temporary work visa holders employed in critical 
sectors including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and 
disability care and childcare to remain in Australia and continue 
working until it is safe and practicable for them to return to their 
countries. Visas may be granted for stays of up to 12 months.   Viewed at: 
https://covid19.govcms.gov.au/stayi
ng-australia#15   Initiated 1 April 2020  Yes 
Austria  Telecommunication 
services  Austria’s Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and 
Telecommunications (RTR) delayed its upcoming second 5G auction 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic. The spectrum auction had been 
expected to take place in April.   Viewed at: 
https://www.rtr.at/en/pr/pinfo31032
020TK   
 
https://www.commsupdate.com/arti
cles/2020/03/27/austria -postpones -
multiband -5g-spectrum -auction/   17 March 2020  Yes 
Belgium  Financial services  On 11 March, the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) announced that it 
would release the CCyB buffer by lowering the CCYB rate from 0.5% 
RWA to 0% RWA. This measure was enacted by Royal Decree and 
became applicable from 1 April 2020. By releasing the CCyB, the NBB 
aims at supporting the provision of credit and at avoiding potential 
procyclical effects that may arise from the COVID -19 crisis.  Viewed at: 
https://www.nbb.be/en/articles/nati
onal-bank-belgium -releases -full-
countercyclical -buffer  11 March 2020  Yes 
Belgium  Financial services  On March 17, the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) 
prohibited short selling of securities and similar transactions on the 
regulated market of Euronext Brussels for one month. On 15 April 
2020, the FSMA renewed this measure for another month.  
 
This measure expired on 18 May 2020.  Viewed at: 
https://www.fsma.be/en/news/prohi
bition -short-selling -update -
19032020  
 
https://www.fsma.be/fr/news/renew
al-prohibition -short-selling  17 March and 15 Ap ril 
2020 
 
The measure expired 
on 18 May 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 269 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Brazil  Road transport 
services  Extension of the terms of Resolution 5876  for compliance with 
contractual and regulatory obligations and inclusion of the 
Complementary License for International Road Freight Transport 
among the documents close to expiry date whose validity will be 
extended.  Resolution No. 5,900 of the National 
Agency for Road Transport (ANTT)  21 July 2020  Yes 
Brazil  Financial services  On 16 March, the Central Bank of Brazil reduced the Conservation 
Capital Buffer from 2.5% to 1.25% for one year.  Viewed at: 
https://www.bcb.gov.br/en/pressdet
ail/2322/nota  16 March 2020  Yes 
Brazil  Health services  To deal with the health emergency, the use of telemedicine for medical 
services, including medical consultation and digital medicine 
prescription, is permitted on an exceptional and temporary basis 
through ordinance 467/20.  Ordinance 46/20  
Viewed at:  
http://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/ -
/portaria -n-467-de-20-de-marco -de-
2020-249312996  20 March 2020  Yes 
Bulgaria  Financial services  The government adopted a package of measures aimed at preserving 
the stability of the banking system and strengthening its flexibility to 
reduce the adverse effects on households and companies from the 
restrictions caused by the pandemic. Key measures include: full 
capitalization of the banking system's profit; cancellation of increases 
of the countercyclical capital buffer scheduled for 2020 and 2021; 
increase of the banking sector's liquidity by reducing commercial 
banks' foreign exposure.  Viewed at:  
http://bnb.bg/PressOffice/POPressRe
leases/POPRDate/PR_20200319_EN  19 March 2020  Yes 
Bulgaria  Financial services  The Governing Board of the Bulgarian National Bank approved the 
deferral and settlement of repayments to banks and other financial 
institutions; this will constitute private moratorium in accordance with 
European Banking Authority (EBA) Guidelines on legislative and non -
legislative moratoria on loan repaym ents applied in the light of the 
COVID -19 crisis.  Viewed at: 
http://bnb.bg/PressOffice/POPressRe
leases/POPRDate/PR_20200410_BG  10 March 2020  Yes 
Canada  Telecommunication 
services  Canada has postponed its next 5G spectrum sale by six months to 
allow the telecommunications industry to maintain its focus on 
providing essential services to Canadians during the COVID -19 
pandemic. The auction is now scheduled t o start on 15 June 2021.  Viewed at:  
https://www.canada.ca/en/innovati o
n-science -economic -
development/news/2020/06/ministe
r-bains -updates -plans -to-improve -
quality -coverage -and-price-of-
telecom -services.html  5 June 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 270 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Canada  Financial services  The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) has 
taken a number of prudential measures in respect of capital, liquidity 
and reporting requirements to support the financial and operational 
resilience of financial institutions and provide flexibility in addressing 
conditions precipitated by the COVID -19 pa ndemic.  OSFI Capital, Liquidity and reporting 
Requirements  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.osfi -bsif.gc.ca/Eng/fi -
if/in-ai/Pages/DTI20200327_let.aspx   
 
https://www.osfi -
bsif.gc.ca/Eng/osfi -
bsif/med/Pages/20200828_nr.aspx  Initiation: 27 March 
2020. Phased 
withdrawal of certain 
measures starting 31 
August 2020  Yes 
Canada  Financial services  Under the Standing Term Liquidity Facility (STLF), the Bank of Canada 
can provide loans to eligible financial institutions in need of temporary 
liquidity support and where the Bank has no concerns about their 
financial soundness.  Standing Term Liq uidity Facility 
(STFL)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bankofcanada.ca/mark
ets/market -operations -liquidity -
provisi on/framework -market -
operations -liquidity -provision/?#stlf  Initiation: 30 March 
2020 Yes 
Canada  Financial services  The Bank of Canada has activated the Contingent Term Repo Facility 
(CTRF), which is its standing repo facility to counter any severe 
market -wide liquidity stresses and support the stability of the 
Canadian financial system. The CTRF offers Canadian dollar term 
funding to eligible counterparties on a standing, bilateral basis against 
securities issued or guaranteed by the Government of Canada or a 
provincial government. This facility provides funding liquidity to a 
broad range of financial institutions that can demonstrate significant 
activity in the Canadian money and/or bond markets, are subject to 
federal or provincial regulation, and meet any other conditions the 
Bank may require.  Contingent Term Repo Facility  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bankofcanada.ca/mark
ets/market -operations -liquidity -
provision/market -operations -
programs -and-facilities/contingen t-
term-repo-facility/   
https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2020/
04/bank -of-canada -announces -
activation -of-the-contingent -term-
repo-facilit y/ Initiation: 6 April 2020  Yes 
Canada  Financial services  Under the Insured Mortgage Purchase program (IMPP), the 
Government of Canada will purchase up to $150 billion of insured 
mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing 
Corporation. This action will provide long -term stable funding to banks 
and mortgage lenders, help facilitate continued lending to Canadian 
consumers and businesses, and add liquidity to Canada’s mortgage 
market.  Insured Mortgage Purchase Program  
 
Viewed a t: 
https://www.cmhc -
schl.gc.ca/en/media -
newsroom/news -
releases/2020/cmhc -expands -
insured -mortgage -purchase -
program  
 
https://www.cmhc -
schl.gc.ca/en/finance -and-
investing/insured -mortgage -
purchase -program   Initiation: 18 March 
2020 Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 271 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Canada  All sectors  On 18 April 2020, the government issued a Policy Statement indicating 
that, in the context of the pandemic, it would subject certain foreign 
investments into Canada to enhanced scrutiny under the Investment 
Canada Act.  
 
The government will scrutinize with particular attention foreign direct 
investments of any value, controlling or non -controlling, in Canadian 
businesses that are related to publ ic health or involved in the supply of 
critical goods and services to Canadians or to the government. The 
government will also subject all foreign investments by state -owned 
investors, regardless of their value, or private investors assessed as 
being close ly tied to or subject to direction from foreign governments, 
to enhanced scrutiny under the Act. This may involve the Minister 
requesting additional information or extensions of timelines for review 
as authorized by the ICA, in order to ensure that the gov ernment can 
fully assess these investments.  
 
This enhanced scrutiny of certain foreign investments is to apply until 
the economy recovers from the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic.  Viewed at:  
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ica -
lic.nsf/eng/lk81224.html  18 April 2020  Yes 
China  Air transport 
services  The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has provided 
flexibility in the delivery of classroom training and for the completion 
of recurrent training requirements.  It has also granted the ability to 
extend the validity periods to some elements of training applicable to 
pilots, engineers, cabin crew and dispatchers.  Viewed at: 
https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/
pr/2020 -03-21-01/ 21 March 2020  Yes 
China  All sectors  On 10 February 2020, the MOFCOM General Office issued the Circular 
on Strengthening the Services for Foreign -Invested Enterprises and 
Investment Attraction Work While Actively Fighting Against COVID -19 
Pandemic, requiring local departments of commerce to p rovide 
necessary services for foreign -invested enterprises and attract 
investment on the condition of effectively preventing and controlling 
the COVID -19 pandemic. Specifically, the Circular requires local 
departments of commerce to: 1) actively help for eign-invested 
enterprises to resume normal production and operation; 2) strengthen 
services for large foreign -invested projects; 3) innovate and improve 
the work of investment promotion; 4) offer targeted assistance based 
on local conditions; and 5) contin ue to improve the business 
environment.  Circular on Strengthening the 
Services for Foreign -Invested 
Enterprises and Investment 
Attraction Work While Actively 
Fighting Against COVID -19 
Pandemic  
 
Viewed at:  
http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/   10 February 2020  Yes 
China  Financial services  On 3 April 2020, the People's Bank of China decided to cut the 
Required Reserve Ratio by 1 percentage point, with a cut of 0.5 
percentage points on April 15 and May 15 each time, for rural credit 
cooperatives, rural commercial banks, rural cooperative banks, village 
banks, as well as city commercial banks operating solely within 
provincial -level administrative regions.  Viewed at: 
http://www.pbc.gov.cn/en/3688110
/3688172/4002931/index.html  03 April 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 272 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Colombia  Telecommunication 
services  A new measure requires mobile telephony operators (voice and data) 
to maintain minimum service levels despite not receiving adequate 
remuneration from the user.  Decree 464 of 23 March 2020  
 
Viewed at: 
https://dapre.presidencia.gov.co/n or
mativa/normativa/DECRETO%20464
%20DEL%2023%20DE%20MARZO
%20DE%202020.pdf   23 March 2020  Yes 
Costa Rica  Tourism services  The Costa Rica Tourism Board adopted a number of measures in 
response to COVID -19, including agreeing to a moratorium on the 
payment of the tourism tax on airfare from April to June 2020 for 
companies experiencing liquidity problems.  Viewed at: 
https://www.ict.go.cr/es/noticias -
destacadas -2/1684 -ict-acuerda -
moratoria -a-empresas -en-pago-de-
impuestos -turisticos.html  31 Mar ch 2020  Yes 
Costa Rica  Distribution of fuel  The government has granted automatic extensions of 3 months to 
concessions, authorizations and operating permits for suppliers of fuel, 
including service stations.  Viewed at: 
http://direcciondecombustiblesmina
ecr.blogspot.com/2020/03/prorroga -
de-3-meses -las-concesiones.html  31 March 2020  Yes 
Costa Rica  Financial services  The government issued a directive urging banks, at the request of 
debtors affected by COVID -19, to undertake measures to readjust loan 
conditions and reduce interest rates.  Directive No. 075 -H 
 
Viewed at: 
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqu
eda/Normativa/Normas/nrm_texto_c
ompleto.aspx?param1 =NRTC&param
2=1&nValor1=1&nValor2=90784&n
Valor3=119725&strTipM=TC&lResult
ado=4&nValor4=1&strSelect=sel  18 March 2020  Yes 
Costa Rica  Financial services  Authorities have taken temporary monetary and financial policy 
measures to mitigate the economic impact of COVID -19, including 
lowering the countercyclical buffer level to 0% to support banks in 
extending credit facilities to customers.  Resolution SGF -0902-2020;  
Agreement No. SGV -A-239 of the 
General Securities Superintendence   
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.sugef.fi.cr/normativa/a
cuerdos_superintendente.aspx  
 
https://www.sugeval.fi.cr/noticiasye
ventos/Noticias/Modificación%20tem
poral%20en%20el%20plazo%20de
%20entrega%20de%20reportes%20
regulatorios%20en%20el%20contex
to%20del%20COVID -19.pdf 
 
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqu
eda/Normativa/N ormas/nrm_texto_c
ompleto.aspx?param1=NRTC&param
2=1&nValor1=1&nValor2=91074&nMarch -May 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 273 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Valor3=120164&strTipM=TC&lResult
ado=1&nValor4=1&strSelect=sel  
 
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqu
eda/Normativa/Normas/nrm_texto_c
ompleto.aspx?param1=NRTC&param
2=1&nValor1=1&nValor2=91082&n
Valor3=120171&strTipM=TC&lResult
ado=2&nValor4 =1&strSelect=sel  
Czech 
Republic  Financial services  On 16 March 2020, the Czech National Bank (CNB) Bank Board revised 
its earlier decision adopted in May 2019 to increase the countercyclical 
capital buffer rate for exposures located in the Czech Republic to 2% 
with effect from 1  July 2020. This decision meant that banks continued 
to maintain the currently applicable rate of this buffer at 1.75%. On 26 
March 2020 the rate of this buffer was lowered to 1 % as of 1 April 
2020.  Viewed at:  
 https://www.cnb.cz/en/  March -April 2020  Yes 
Estonia  Financial services  In March, the central bank of Estonia (Eesti Pank) lowered commercial 
bank capital requirements from 1% to 0% by removing the systemic 
risk buffer.  Viewed at:  
https://www.eestipank.ee/en/press/
eesti-pank-cutting -capita l-buffer -
requirements -banks -110-million -
euros -25032020?fbclid=IwAR1b5 -
x3sXNd7arBeaHqjJBqm33vMSKDufT
Wf54eTTgw1BCkmG0E4JFUA74   March 2020  Yes 
European 
Union  All sectors  The European Commission issued new  guidelines for screening foreign 
direct investment i n companies and critical assets located in the 
European Union, including those operating in the fields of health, 
medical research, biotechnology and infrastructures deemed essential 
for security and public order.  This aims to respond to the increased 
potential risk to strategic industries, as a result of the economic shock 
posed by COVID -19. 
 
The guidelines offer guidance to be applied within the context of the 
recently adopted framework for EU screening and review of FDI.  
Among other things, the new guide lines:  
- Call on Member States to make full use of existing FDI screening 
mechanisms and take fully into account the risks to critical health 
infrastructures, supply of critical inputs, and other critical sectors;  
- Call on those Member States without scr eening mechanisms to set 
up a full -fledged screening mechanism and in the meantime to use 
other available options to address cases where the acquisition or 
control of a particular business, infrastructure or technology would 
create a risk to security or pu blic order in the EU, including a risk to 
critical health infrastructures and supply of critical inputs.  Viewed at: 
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/do
cs/2020/march/tradoc _158676.pdf  25 March 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 274 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
European 
Union  Air transport 
services  On 30 March, the European Union suspended its rule that require air 
carriers to operate slots for at least 80 percent of the time to keep the 
entitlement in the next equivalent season for the whole summer 
season, until 24 October 2020.  Regulation of the European 
Parliament and the Council 
Amending Council Regulation (EEC) 
NO 95/93 on Common Rules for the 
Allocation of Slots at Community 
Airports.  
  
Viewed at: 
http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc
/document/PE -4-2020-REV-1/en/pdf  Effective 1 March 
2020, and 
retroactively from 23 
January for flights 
between the EU and 
China or Hong Kong, 
China.  Yes 
European 
Union  Air transport 
services  The European Commission has published guidelines setting out 
operational measures to facilitate the operation of air cargo during the 
COVID -19 outbreak  Viewed at: 
https://ec.europa.eu/transport/sites
/transport/files/legislation/c2020201
0_en.pdf  26 March 2020  Yes 
European 
Union  Air transport 
services  The European Aviation Safety Agency allowed the extension of the 
validity periods for licences, ratings, endorsements, certificates and 
attestations of aircrew, instructors, examiners, aircraft maintenance 
licence holders and air traffic controllers as well as extension of 
airworthiness review certificates.  Viewed at:  
https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/
pr/2020 -03-21-01/ 21 March 2020  Yes 
European 
Union  Financial services  On 12 March, the European Central Bank said banks directly 
supervised by the ECB can fully use capital buffers and that banks will 
benefit from relief in the composition of capital for Pillar 2 
Requirements. Banks are also expected not to increase capital 
distributions in response to these measures. Banks will also be allowed 
to operat e temporarily below the liquidity coverage ratio.  Viewed at: 
https://www.bankingsupervision.eur
opa.eu/press/pr/date/2020/html/ss
m.pr200312~4335 1ac3ac.en.html  12 March 2020  Yes 
European 
Union  Road transport 
services  On 16 March 2020, the European Commission issued guidelines for 
border measures to protect health and keep goods and essential 
services available. The guidelines set out principles for an integrated 
approach to an effective border management to protect health while 
preserving the integrity of the internal market.  Viewed at: 
https://ec.europa.eu/home -
affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what -
we-do/policies/european -agenda -
migration/20200316_covid -19-
guidelines -for-border -
management.pdf  16 March 2020  Yes 
European 
Union  Road transport 
services and 
environmental 
services  On 30 March 2020, the European Commission issued some specific 
guidelines in order to ensure the continuation of national and cross -
border waste shipments in the EU. The guidelines indicate that the 
Green Lanes apply mutatis mutandis to the shipments of waste, and 
invite Member States to implement this principle.   Viewed at:  
https://ec.europa.eu/environment/w
aste/shipments/pdf/waste_shipment
_and_COVID19.pdf?utm_source=PO
LITICO.EU&utm_campaign=7ef90fb
d23-
EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_31_02
_49&utm_medium=email&utm_term
=0_10959edeb5 -7ef90fbd23 -
190580935  30 March 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 275 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
European 
Union  Road transport 
services  On 25 May 2020, the European Parliament and the Council adopted 
Regulation (EU) 2020/698 which lays down specific and temporary 
measures in view of the COVID ‑19 outbreak concerning the renewal or 
extension of certain certificates, licences and authorisations and the 
postponement of certain periodic checks and periodic training in 
certain areas of transport le gislation.  Regulation (EU) 2020/698  
 
Viewed at:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:202
0:165:FULL&from=IT  25 May 2020  Yes 
European 
Union  Maritime transport 
services  On 25 May 2020, the European Parliament and the Council adopted 
Regulation (EU) 2020/697 which amends Regulation (EU) 2017/352, 
so as to allow the managing body of a port or the competent authority 
to provide flex ibility in respect of the levying of port infrastructure 
charges in the context of the COVID -19 outbreak.  Regulation (EU) 2020/697  
 
Viewed at:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:202
0:165:FULL&from=IT   25 May 2020  Yes 
European 
Union  Air transport 
services  The European Commission has extended the airport slot waiver for the 
2020-2021 winter season, until 27 March 2021.  Viewed at:  
https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/r
egdoc/rep/1/2020/EN/COM -2020-
558-F1-EN-MAIN -PART-1.PDF  Effective 14 October 
2020 Yes 
Finland  Financial services  On 16 March, the Financial  Supervisory Authority (FIN -FSA) exempted 
temporarily banks from fulfilling certain additional capital and liquidity 
requirements.  Viewed at: 
https://www.finanssivalvonta.fi/en/p
ublications -and-press -
releases/Press -
release/2020/financial -supervisory -
authority -enhances -monitoring -of-
financial -sector/   16 March 2020  Yes 
Finland  Financial services  On 17 March, the Financial  Supervisory Authority (FIN -FSA) lowered 
bank capital requirements by 1% by removing the systemic risk 
buffer.  Viewed at: 
https://www.finanssivalvonta.fi/en/p
ublications -and-press -
releases/P ress-
release/2020/macroprudential -
decision -fin-fsa-board -lowers -credit -
institutions -capital -requirements/  17 March 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 276 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
France  All sectors  The Minister for the Economy and Finance announced on 29 April 2020 
an update to the screening procedure for foreign direct investment 
(FDI) in the context of the current health and economic crisis.  
 
The new measure includes biotechnologies in the list of  critical 
technologies that are likely to be subject to FDI screening. It also 
lowers, from 25% to 10%, the threshold of voting rights in the 
acquired company that triggers the screening procedure. This change 
in the threshold will apply for a limited peri od of time, only for listed 
companies, and for investors from third countries (European Union 
and European Economic Area investors are exempted).  Text no. 22 of the French Official 
Journal no. 0105 dated 30 April 
2020.  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.f
r/Articles/2020/04/30/covid -19-
update -of-the-foreign -direct -
investment -screening -procedure -in-
france  Effective 30 April 2020  Yes 
France  Health services  The government has relaxed the rules on the use of telemedicine 
services. Until 31 May 2020, all persons affected by Covid -19 (and 
other patients under certain circumstances) can benefit from 
telemedicine services even if there is no prior relation between the 
healthcare provider and the patient. This can be done using video 
transmission tools (equipped location for the health service provider, 
dedicated platform or Internet website or app). If  the patient is not 
duly equipped, the service can be provided by phone.  Decree No. 2020 -227 of 9 March 
2020;  
Decree No. 2020 -277 of 19 March 
2020;  
Order (Arrêté) of 23 March 2020  
 
Viewed at: 
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affic
hTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT0000
41704122&categorieLien=id   
 
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affic
hTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT0000
41737421&dateTexte=20200410   
 
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affic
hTexte.do?cidTexte= JORFTEXT0000
41746744&categorieLien=id   9, 19 and 23 March 
2020 Yes 
France  Financial services  On 18 March, the Haut Conseil de Stabilité Financière (the French 
macroprudential authority) reduced the countercyclical capital buffer 
from 0.25% of risk-weighted assets (RWA) to 0% RWA.  Viewed at: 
https://www.economie.gouv.fr/files/
files/directions_services/hcsf/HCSF_
20200 318_Communique_de_presse
_de_seance.pdf   18 March 2020  Yes 
France  Financial services  On 17 March, the Autorité des marchés financiers (the French financial 
markets authority) announced the prohibition of short selling for one 
month.  Viewed at:  
https://www.amf -
france.org/en/news -
publications/news -releases/amf -
news-releases/amf -announces -
short-selling -ban-one-month  17 March 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 277 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Germany  Selected sectors  On 20 May 2020, the government adopted amendments to the Foreign 
Trade and Payments Ordinance that, in response to the COVID -19 
pandemic, expand the scope of investment review to the health 
sector.  
 
The government will have the opportunity to review acqui sitions by 
non-EEA investors of voting rights of 10% or more in German 
companies operating in specified areas of the health sector, including 
the marketing of essential medicinal products.  
 
In addition, the amendments provide that the 10% notification 
threshold will also apply to companies providing services necessary to 
ensure the functioning of government communication infrastructures 
of the Federal Agency for Public Safety Digital Radio.  
 
Further, in line with the EU Screening Regulation, the Ordinance 
clarifies that the review can consider whether the foreign investor is 
directly or indirectly controlled by the government of a third country, 
either through the ownership structure or funding.  Amendments to the Foreign Trade 
and Payments Ordinance  
 
Viewed at: 
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews
/germany -tightens -foreign -direct -
85114/    20 May 2020  Yes 
Germany  Financial services  On 18 March, Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) lowered 
the countercyclical capital buffer from 0.25% to 0% as of 1 April.  Viewed at: 
https://www.bundesbank.de/en/task
s/topics/statement -on-the-
countercyclical -capital -buffer -by-
the-german -financial -stability -
committee -828822   01 April 2020  Yes 
Ghana  Financial services  The Bank of Ghana modified policies in relation to mobile money 
transactions for a period of three months. Since 20 March 2020, 
smaller withdrawals and transactions (below GHS100) do not carry a 
charge. This is alongside an increase in maximum transaction limits 
and balance levels for all customers.  Viewed at:  
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/fe
atured -content/money -home -
banner/african -nations -back-mobile -
money -in-virus-battle/   20 Ma rch 2020   -  
Ghana  Telecommunication 
services  The National Communications Authority of Ghana has temporarily 
granted additional spectrum at no cost for three months to the 
country's two largest mobile network operators (Vodafone and MTN 
Ghana) to help cope with a significant increase in internet traffic 
during the COVID -19 lockdown.  Viewed at:  
http://www.a fricanwirelesscomms.c
om/news -
details?itemid=3149&post=two -
ghanaian -operators -receive -
additional -temporary -spectrum -
293333   15 April 2020   -  
Hong Kong, 
China  Financial services  On 16 March, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority lowered the counter -
cyclical buffer level from 2.0% to 1.0% to support banks in extending 
credit.  Viewed at: 
https: //www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news
-and-media/press -
releases/2020/03/20200316 -5/ 16 March 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 278 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Hong Kong, 
China  Financial services  On 3 April, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority wrote to the industry to 
encourage banks to consider utilising liquidity buffers built up under 
the regulatory liquidity framework to meet their liquidity demand and 
support business activities. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is 
prepared to accept banks operating temporarily with a lower level of 
liquidity ratios as a result.  Viewed at: 
https://www.hkma.gov.hk/media/en
g/doc/key -information/guidelines -
and-circular/2020/20200403e1.pdf   3 April 2020  Yes 
Hong Kong, 
China  Financial services  On 8 April, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority lowered the regulatory 
reserve requirement on locally incorporated authorized institutions 
(“AIs”) by 50%.  Viewed at:  
https://www.hkma.gov.hk/media/en
g/doc/key -information/guidelines -
and-circular/2020/20200408e1.pdf   8 April 2020  Yes 
Hungary  Various sectors  On 26 May, the government established a temporary foreign 
investment screening mechanism, with the objective of protecting 
public security, order and health during the COVID -19 pandemic.  It 
requires prior governmental approval in 21 "strategic" sectors, 
including health care, telecommunications, power distribution, 
transport and storage, construction, and tourism.  
 
Under the Decree, investments by foreign investors will require the 
approval of the Minister if they involve the acquisition of an interest 
exceeding (i) 10 % and a value of HUF 350 million, (ii) 15 %, 20 % or 
50% irrespective of its value, or (iii) 25 % if acquired by more than 
one foreign investor.   
 
A "foreign investor" is from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland.  
However, certain acquisitions of a majority int erest require the 
Minister's approval if the foreign investor is a company or other 
organisation domiciled in the EU, the EEA or Switzerland.  Government Decree no. 227/2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/d
etail.aspx?g=6a5278c7 -7cb9-4a7d-
a1e3-0f08dcb19f68   26 May 2020.  
 
The measure is no 
longer in effect.   -  
Hungary  Health services  New temporary rules were issued on telemedicine on 30 April 2020 
during the period of state emergency. The provision of health services 
and their financial settlement are not conditional on the physical 
presence of the patient, if the specifics of care and the professional 
judgement of the doctor permit this.  A new law also extended the right 
to conduct telemedicine consultations by 90 days after the end of the 
state of emergency (18 June 2020).  Government Decree no. 157/2020 
(IV. 29.)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools -
databases/tris/en/search/?trisaction
=search.detail&year=2020&num=27
1  29 April 2020  
 
The measure is no 
longer in effect.   -  
India  All sectors  The government amended its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy in 
order to curb takeovers or acquisitions of Indian companies as a result 
of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
 
The amendment provides that an entity of a country that shares a land 
border with India - or where the beneficial owner of an investment into 
India is situated in or is a citizen of any such country - can invest only 
with prior government permission.  Viewed at:  
https://pib.gov. in/PressReleasePage.
aspx?PRID=1615711   18 April 2020   -   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 279 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
India  Telecommunication 
services  The Department of Telecommunications relaxed the guidelines for 
Other Service Providers [OSP] (companies providing 'Applications 
Services' like tele-banking, tele -medicine, tele -education, tele -trading, 
e-commerce, call centre, network operation centre and other IT 
Enabled Services).  Viewed at:  
https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/
Relaxation%20inT%26C%20of%20O
SP%2013.3.20.PDF?download=1   13 March 2020  Yes 
India  Telecommunication 
services  To ensure uninterrupted service for prepaid phone users amid the 
lockdown, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has asked 
telecom operators to extend the validity of pre -paid services.  Further, 
India's Congress asked telecom operators to waive call charges for 
migrant workers for a month as hundreds of thousands attempt to 
leave cities and return home.  Viewed at: 
https://www.commsupdate.com/arti
cles/2020/03/30/india -industry -
adapts -to-pandemic -challenges/   30 March 2020   -  
India  Financial services  The Reserve Bank of India has allowed banks to temporarily maintain 
lower levels of liquidity and has introduced additional flexibility in the 
implementation of banks' capital requirements, in particular the 
countercyclical capital buffer and the capital conservation buffer, 
among various measures to assist banks in the context of the 
shutdown in India following the Covid -19 outbreak.  Viewed at:  
https://www.rbi.org.in/home.aspx   March -April 2020  Yes 
India  Financial services  The Reserve Bank of India has authorized banks to deal in offshore 
non-deliverable rupee derivative markets (Offshore NDF Rupee 
Market). Banks in India that operate International Financial Services 
Centre (IFSC) Banking Units (IBUs) will be able to participate in the 
NDF market with effect from 1 June 202 0. Banks may participate 
through their branches in India, their foreign branches or through their 
IBUs.  Previously, Indian banks were not permitted to participate in 
Indian rupee derivative market or the off -shore Non -Deliverable 
Forward market.  Viewed at : 
https://www.rbi.org.in/home.aspx   March 2020; Effective 
1 June 2020  Yes 
Indonesia  Health services  The Indonesian Medical Council (Konsil Kedokteran Indonesia) ("KKI") 
issued a new regulation on telemedic ine in the context of the 
pandemic.  It provides a legal basis, and permission for doctors and 
dentists, to provide telemedicine services.  Suppliers are required to 
have a registration certificate and a permit to practice at their 
healthcare facility in Ind onesia.  Doctors and dentist are allowed to 
examine and diagnose through laboratory checks, radio images, and 
therapy in medical records (manual or electronic), as well as to 
prescribe drugs and providing a sick leave letter.  KKI Regulation No. 74 of 2020 on 
Clinical Authorities and Medical 
Treatment Through Telemedicine 
During the COVID -19 Pandemic  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.kki.go.id/index.php/sub
Menu/informasi/berit a/detailberita/2
80   
 
https://www.dentons.com/en/insight
s/articles/2020/july/20/the -rise-of-
telemedicine -in-indonesia  30 April 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 280 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Indones ia Financial services  On 23 March, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) prohibited short 
selling transactions until a date to be determined.  Viewed at: 
https://www.ojk.go.id/en/berita -
dan-kegiatan/siaran -
pers/Pages/Joint -Press -Release -OJK-
and-SRO-Maintain -Continuous -
Stock -Exchange%e2%80%99s -
Orderly, -Fair.aspx  23 March 2020   -  
Indonesia  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  A new measure requires foreign suppliers of intangibles and services 
to register and charge the value added tax of 10%, the same rate as 
for domestic sales.  Ministry of Finance Regulation No. 
48/PMK.0 3/2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://jdih.kemenkeu.go.id/in/page
/dokumen -peraturan/d433363c -
14d8-472d-9bc0-3edf04822f16  Adopted on 31 March 
2020; Effective 1 July 
2020  YES 
Indonesia  Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Income Tax: Foreign suppliers/platforms that satisfy the significant 
economic presence criteria will be regarded as having a permanent 
establishment in Indonesia and subjecte d to income tax, unless the 
permanent establishment could not be deemed to exist due to the 
implementation of tax treaty. The threshold for significant economic 
presence criteria is not stipulated in the current regulation (Law 
Number 2 Year 2020);  
 
Electr onic Transaction Tax: Foreign suppliers/platforms that satisfy the 
significant economic presence criteria and reside in a jurisdiction 
having an effective tax treaty with Indonesia, will be subjected to 
Electronic Transaction Tax. The threshold for signifi cant economic 
presence criteria, the tax rate, and calculation of tax are not stipulated 
in the current regulation (Law Number 2 Year 2020);  
 
Both Income Tax and Electronic Transaction Tax have not been 
effectively implemented as the implementation of both  needs 
implementing regulations.  
 Law Number 2 Year 2020  Adopted on 31 March 
2020; not yet in force.  YES 
Italy  Selected sectors  On 9 April 2020, the government widened, during the emergency 
period, its foreign investment screening powers to new sectors, such 
as food security, health, banks and insurance companies, financial 
infrastructure, as well as to acquisitions within the European Union not 
only for control but also for the acquisition of shares of 10% or more.  
The new measure also makes it possible for the government to start 
exerting special powers ex officio for non -notified operations. The new 
measure is valid until 31 December 2020.  Law Decree No. 23 of 2020  
 
Viewed at: 
https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/gazz
etta/serie_generale/caricaDettaglio?
dataPubblicazioneGazzetta=2020 -
04-
08&numeroGazzetta=94&elenco30gi
orni=tru   09 April 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 281 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Italy  Financial services  On 20 March, Banca d’Italia allowed all banks and non -bank 
intermediaries to operate temporarily below the level of the Pillar 2 
Guidance and the capital conservation buffer, as well as below the 
liquidity coverage ratio.  Viewed at: 
https://www.bancaditalia.it/media/c
omunicati/documenti/2020 -
01/Deadlines -extension -COVID -
19.pdf?language_id=1   20 March 2020  Yes 
Italy  Financial services  On 17 March, Consob, the public authority responsible for regulating 
the Italian securities markets, prohibited the taking or increasing of 
net short positions (short -selling and other bearish transactions) on all 
stocks traded on the Italian regulated market for a duration of 3 
months.  
 
This measure ceased to have effect as from 23h59 on 18 May 2020, 
pursuant to Consob Resolution no. 21367 of 15 May 2020.  Viewed at: 
http://www.consob.it/documents/46
180/46181/press_release_20200317
.pdf/0f50bec8 -8dda-439a-a2fd-
f63bbd39f2e3   17 March 2020.   
Withdrawn as of 
23h59 on 18 May 
2020 Yes 
Japan  Financial services  In response to the recent spread of COVID -19, the relevant authorities 
have taken measures, including:  
(i) Minister for Financial Services issued a statement on maintaining 
the function of the financial system and financial markets under the 
Declaration of a State of Emergency Responding to the Spread of 
COVID -19 on April 16 as well as the other issues including amendment 
to the “Act on Special Measures for Strengthening Financial Functions” 
on May 27;  
(ii) The Fin ancial Services Agency (FSA) made available a leaflet for 
those facing difficulties with cash flow as impact of the ongoing 
COVID -19 epidemic spreads on April 8 ;  
(iii) The FSA established the Consultation Hotline Related to COVID -19 
for financial service s users on February 28;  
(iv) The FSA made requests to financial institutions to take prompt 
and flexible measures related to cash flow support for companies and 
individuals in consideration of COVID -19 spreads by publishing notices 
on February 7, March 6,  March13, March 24, April 7, April 10, April 16, 
April 21, April 27, May 8, May 11, May 19, May 27,and June 10;  
(v) The FSA published an update for reference casebook on a 
collection of financial institutions' favorable response -practices to deal 
with COV ID-19 affected parties on May 22;  
(vi) The FSA put forth the conditions for the extension of deadline for 
submitting annual securities and other reports in connection with the 
COVID -19 infection due to unavoidable reasons on February 10; and  
(vii) The FS A established the Networking Group on the corporate 
disclosure, financial reporting and audit of listed companies in 
consideration of the impact of the COVID -19 Infection on April 3 and 
published related documents on April 15 and July 2.  Viewed at: 
https://www.fsa.go.jp/en/ordinary/c
oronavirus202001/press.html   Updated 26 August 
2020 Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 282 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Kenya  Telecommunication 
services  To ensure that effective health -related information can be transmitted 
to and from rural areas, Kenya has fast -tracked the issuance of an 
operating license to Alphabet’s Loon services to extend availability of 
Wifi to remote locations.  Viewed at: 
https://www.president.go.ke/2020/0
3/23/kenya -approves -roll-out-of-
google -loon-4g-to-mitigate -
coronavirus -work-disruptions/   
 
https://www.developingtelecoms.co
m/telecom -technology/wireless -
networks/9362 -internet -
connectivity -comes -to-rural-kenya -
by-balloon.html   24 March 2020   -  
Korea (Rep. 
of) Financial services  On 16 March, FSC announced that the government will tighten 
regulations on stock short -selling for six months beginning on March 
16. Viewed at: 
http://www.fsc.go.kr/eng/new_pres
s/releases.jsp   16 March 2020  Yes 
Korea (Rep. 
of) Financial services  On 19 March, Korean regulator raised the cap of foreign exchange 
(FX) derivatives positions for local banks from 40% to 50%, and from 
200% to 250% for foreign banks.  Viewed at: 
http://www.moef.go.kr/nw/nes/deta
ilNesDtaView.do?menuNo=4010100
&searchNttId1=MOSF_00000000003
2705&searchBbsId1=MOSFBBS_000
000000028   19 March 2020  Yes 
Lithuania  Financial services  On 31 March, the National Bank of Lithuania lowered the 
countercyclical buffer level from 1 % to 0% as of 1 April.  Viewed at:  
https://www.lb.lt/en/   Effective 1 April 2020  Yes 
Malta  Health Services  Live-in carers and healthcare professionals whose single permit is 
about to expire can send an email to medical.ima@gov.mt to have 
their permit extended by a return email for a period of three months.  Viewed at: 
https://lovinmalta.com/news/foreign
-healthcare -workers -living -on-work-
permit -in-malta -get-automatic -
three -month -extension -amid-covid-
19-concerns/   19 March 2020  Yes 
Malaysia  Health services  The Malaysian Medical Council published an Advisory on Virtual 
Consultations, which provides guidance in relation to medical services 
supplied remotely via information and communication technology 
during the COVID -19 pandemic.  Viewed at: mmc.gov.my  April 2020    
Mexico  Air transport 
services  In Mexico, the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) is extending 
the validity of permits, licenses and/or certificates for technical 
personnel for three months.  Viewed at:  
https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/
pr/2020 -03-21-01/ 21 March 2020   -   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 283 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Moldova, 
Republic of  Financial services  The government undertook a number of measures in the financial 
services sector, such as allowing commercial banks to reschedule 
mortgage loans for physical persons, giving banks the possibility to 
defer credit rates to individuals for 3 months (until 30 June 2020), and 
encouraging lending by non -banking entities (micr ofinance 
organizations) at lower interest rates.    Decision No. 69 of 17 March 2020 of 
the National Bank of Moldova;  
Decision No. 81 of 27 March 2020 of 
the Executive Committee Board of 
the National Bank of Moldova;  
Decision the National Commission 
for Financial Markets (NCFM) no. 
13/5 of 24 March 2020.  Adopted in March 
2020 Yes 
Moldova, 
Republic of  Tourism services  The government reduced the VAT rate from 20% to 15% for the sector 
of hotels, restaurants, and cafes.  Law No. 60 of 23 April 2020  Effective 1 May 2020  Yes 
Moldova, 
Republic of  Transport services  The government introduced various measures affecting transport 
services in the context of the crisis.  For example, cargo drivers and 
transport service personnel that carry out transport of goods, as well 
as the aircraft/ships/train crews, have been exempted from the 
requirement of self -isolation and 14 day of quarantine (if they do not 
present any clinical signs of respiratory infection).  Provisions No. 2 of 20 March 2020 
and No. 6 of 26 March 2020 of the 
Commission on Exceptional 
Situations of the Republic of Moldova  
 
Viewed at:  
https://gov.md/s ites/default/files/di
spozitia_2_din_20.03.2020_a_cse_a
_rm_cu_modificari_0.pdf   
 
https://gov.md/sites/default/files/di
spozitia_cse_nr.6.pdf  20 and 26 March 2020  Yes 
Moldova, 
Republic of  Various sectors  The government adopted a series of measures to respond to the crisis, 
including with respect to public digital signatures, the movement of 
natural persons, the activities of lawyers, notaries and bailiffs, and 
medical/healthcare  workers.   Provisions No. 6 of 26 March 2020, 
No. 8 of 28 March 2020, No. 10 of 
31 March 2020, and No. 16 of 10 
April 2020 of the Commission on 
Exceptional Situations of the 
Republic of Moldova;  
 
Decision no. 9 of 15 March 2020 of 
the Extraordinary Nation al 
Commission on public health of the 
Republic of Moldova  
 
Viewed at:  
https://gov.md/sites/default/files/di
spozitia_nr_8.pdf   
 
https://gov.md/sites/default/files/di
spozitia_cse_nr.6.pdf   
 
https://gov.md/sites/default/files/di
spozitia_cse_nr.10.pdf   
 
https://gov.md/sites/default/files/di
spozitia_cse_nr.3_anexa.pdf  March -April 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 284 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Myanmar  Various sectors  In response to the crisis, authorities have adopted several measures 
affecting trade in services. This includes:  
- temporarily lowering the minimum reserve requirement for banks to 
3.5% of deposits;  
- gradually reducing the Central Bank's rate from 10% to  7% between 
March and April 2020;  
- taking measures to encourage mobile financial services, including 
mobile payments;  
- exempting tour operator businesses from licence fees for one year, 
from 1 April 2020;  
- reducing charges for demurrage, which are impo sed when a ship is 
not loaded or unloaded within an agreed period of time, as well as 
storage fees.  Central Bank of Myanmar's 
Directives Nos.  1/2020, 4/2020, 
6/2020, and 8/2020;  Announcement 
of the Ministry of Hotels and 
Tourism, Directive no. 6/2020 of 15 
April 2020;  Myanmar Port Authority, 
Announcement of 9 April 2020.  
Viewed at:  
https://www.cbm.gov.mm  
 
https://tourism.gov.mm/news/anno
uncements/  
 
http://www.mpa.gov.mm/announce
ment  March -April 2020  Yes 
Myanmar  Financial services  The Central Bank of Myanmar adopted a number of measures in the 
context of COVID -19, including:  
- The CBM's bank rate was reduced by 1.5 percentage points, from 
8.5% to 7.0%;  
- The Minimum Reserve Requirement (Local Currency -MMK) for banks 
was lowered to 3.5% of customers' deposits (from 5%);  
- The maximum permitted transaction amount for mobile financial 
services was increas ed. Central Bank of Myanmar’s Directive 
No. 8/2020, released on 27 April 
2020;  Central Bank of Myanmar’s 
Directive No.  6/2020 released on 
9 April 2020;  Central Bank of 
Myanmar’s Directive No.  11/2020 
released on 23  September 2 020; 
Central Bank of Myanmar's  release 
of 25 September 2020 . 
 
Viewed at: 
https://www.cbm.gov.mm/sites/def
ault/files/currency policy/8 -2020.pdf  
 
https://www.cbm.gov.mm/sites/def
ault/files/admin_it/rrinstruction.pdf  
 
https://www.cbm.g ov.mm/sites/def
ault/files/directive_no.11 -2020.pdf  April-September 2020    
Nepal  Road transport 
services  All border crossing points are closed. These restrictions also apply to 
international freight movements.   Viewed at: 
https://www.iru.org/apps/flash -
getfile -action?id=889&file=global -
coronavirus -covid-19-outbreak.pdf   24 March 2020   -  
Netherlands  Financial services  On 17 March, the Central Bank lowered systemic buffers from 3% of 
global risk -weighted exposures to 2.5% for ING, 2% for Rabobank and 
1.5% for ABN Amro.  Viewed at: 
https://www.dnb.nl/en/news/news -
and-archive/persberichten -
2020/dnb387870.jsp  17 March 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 285 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
New Zealand  All sectors  Amendments to the Overseas Investment Act update investment 
screening rules.  Temporary emergency notification requirements are in 
response to the COVID -19 pandemic, and require overseas persons to 
notify the government of certain investments even if they are below 
the ordinary screening threshold.   These amendments are designed to 
safeguard New Zealan d’s national interest during the COVID -19 crisis.  Overseas Investment (Urgent 
Measures) Amendment Act  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/re leas
e/better -protection -new-zealand -
assets -during -covid-19-crisis  
 
http://www.l egislation.govt.nz/bill/g
overnment/2020/0261/latest/LMS34
2288.html?search=ts_act%40bill%4
0regulation%40deemedreg_oversea
s+investment_resel_25_a&p=1   28 May 2020  Yes 
Oman  Telecommunication 
services  Oman's Telecom regulator has unblocked access to VoIP apps, 
including Skype, Google Meet and Zoom, to facilitate continuity for 
organisations, private and educational institutions, and government 
bodies during the pandemic.  Viewed at: 
https://www.tra.gov.om/media -
center/media -center/1848 -notice -
issued -by-tra-oman -on-the-
measures -taken -by-the-sultanate -
of-oman -to-guarantee -the-
provision -of-telecommunication -
services -limit-the-spread -of-the-
coronavirus -covid-19-pandemic -and-
mitigate -its-effects  18 March 2020   -  
Oman  Telecommunication 
services  The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has allocated 
additional mobile spectrum to the licensed network operators on a 
temporary basis and at no financial cost.  Viewed at: 
https://www.tra.gov.om/media -
center/media -center/1848 -notice -
issued -by-tra-oman -on-the-
measures -taken -by-the-sultanate -
of-oman -to-guarantee -the-
provision -of-telecommunication -
services -limit-the-spread -of-the-
coronavirus -covid-19-pandem ic-and-
mitigate -its-effects  26 March 2020   -  
Peru  Telecommunication 
services  A new decree requires telecommunication operators to prioritise 
telecommunications traffic from public entities, in particularly those in 
the health sector, to prevent vital communications from being slowed 
by the increasing use of networks for tele -work, tele -education and 
leisure activities. The decree also requires operators to provide better 
access to telecommunications services for government ministries 
involved in combating the pandemic, including those for the interior, 
defence and education.  Emergency Decree No. 035 -2020 
 
Viewed at:  
https://busquedas.elperuano.pe/nor
maslegales/decreto -de-urgencia -
que-establece -medidas -
complementarias -pa-decreto -de-
urgencia -n-035-2020-1865377 -1/ Published: 3 April 
2020 
 
Entry into force: 4 
April 2020  
 
Expiration: 31 
Decem ber 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 286 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Philippines  Health services  A new measure allows medical consultation via phone call, chat, short 
messaging service (SMS), or audio - or video - conferencing, among 
others.  It also permits the issuance by physicians of electronic clinical 
abstracts, referrals and prescriptions within a telemedicine 
consultation.  Telemedicine consultations have to be based on a prior 
patient -physician relationship.  The issuance of Department of 
Health (DOH) and National Privacy 
Commission (NPC) Joi nt 
Memorandum Circular (JMC) 2020 -
0001 (Guidelines on the Use of 
Telemedicine in COVID -19 
Response)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.covid19.gov.ph/inform
ation/issuances/5ee38 9645f0ff7001
737a0e7  28 March 2020  Yes 
Philippines  Financial services  The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP - Central Bank of the Philippines) 
adopted a series of new measures affecting banking and other 
financial services. These relate, for example, to regulatory relief for 
BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) affected by COVID -19 
situation, and to the facilitation of access to foreign exchanges 
resources for financial transactions.  
 
In addition, the Monetary Board adopted a series o f measures, 
including increases in single borrower limits, relaxing maximum 
penalties for reserve deficiencies, relaxation of certain notification 
requirements, extension of the period of compliance with BSP 
supervisory requirements, measures to facilitate  loans to MSMEs.  Memoranda Nos. M -2020-008, 011 –
013, 015, 017, 039;  
Circulars No. 1079, 1080, 1083;  
Monetary Board Resolution No. 
403.A  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/  March -May 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 287 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Poland  All sectors  A new Act establishes a screening mechanism for foreign investments 
in Poland in order to protect domestic assets against hostile 
acquisitions by foreign investors from non -EU, non -EEA and non -OECD 
countries in the context of the COVID -19 outbreak.  The scree ning 
mechanism is to remain in force for 24 months, until 24 July 2022.  
 
Transactions falling under the screening process include acquisitions of 
control as well as acquisitions of significant participation in certain 
Polish entities, defined as holding a t least 20% of votes in company 
bodies or profit sharing or value of all capital shares contributed to the 
company, in the case of a partnership.  Covered transactions require 
prior clearance from the President of the Office for Competition and 
Consumer Pro tection.   
 
The targeted entity must have an annual turnover exceeding 10 
million EUR in Poland and either: - be a public company, including 
listed companies; - manage assets classified as critical infrastructure; 
develop software crucial for certain indust ries (e.g., energy, water and 
sewage disposal, Internet and telecommunications, transport and 
logistics, financial services, health care); - provide cloud computing 
services; or, - operate in certain strategic sectors.   
 
The procedure consists of two stage s: - initial control procedure lasting 
up to 30 days; - proper control procedure lasting up to 120 days, 
initiated when the initial control procedure is not sufficient.  Act on subsidies to interest rates on 
bank loans granted to entrepreneurs 
affected by t he effects of COVID -19 
and on simplified proceedings for 
approval of the arrangements in 
connection with the COVID -19 
 
Publication in the Journal of Laws is 
available at (in Polish):  
http://dzienniku staw.gov.pl/DU/202
0/1086  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/d
etail.aspx?g=9a67e4ff -6ef7-4933-
9577-df92850b9462e4ff -6ef7-4933-
9577-df92850b9462  Effective 24 July 2020  Yes 
Romania  Financial services  An emergency ordinance delays the instalment payments for loans, for 
a period between 1 and 9 months. The initiative is aimed at both 
citizens and legal persons affected economically by the COVID -19 
pandemic.  Emergency Ordinance No 37/2020  30 March 2020  Yes 
Romania  Health services  The government adopted a measure authorizing medical doctors to do 
telemedicine by any means of communication, limited to 8 
consultations per hour.  Decision no. 369/2020 (GD 
369/2020) for the amendment of 
Government Decision no. 252/2020 
on measures in the healthcare field 
during the state of emergency in 
Romania  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www .cms-
lawnow.com/ealerts/2020/05/roman
ia-adopts -measure -advancing -
telemedicine -longdistance -
care?cc_lang=en   8 May 2020   Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 288 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Rwanda  Financial services  Rwanda temporarily removed fees on transfers between bank accounts 
and mobile wallets, and on mobile money transfers.  Merchant fees on 
payments for all contactless transactions were also removed to reduce 
risk of COVID -19 transmission.  Viewed at:  
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/
mobile -money -transfers -made -free-
boost -cashless -payments   18 March 2020  - 
Russian 
Federation  Air transport 
services  The Russian Federation has exempted flight crews from the 14 -day 
quarantine.  Viewed at: 
https://tiaca.org/news/covid -19-
tiacas -weekly -update -governments -
are-urged -to-facilitate -the-flow-of-
air-cargo -to-fight-covid-19-and-its-
effects/   26 March 2020  Yes 
Saudi Arabia  Communication 
services  The ICT regulator has launched the second phase of a pilot regulatory 
environment project for delivery applications, with the aim of 
supporting and enabling delivery applications. The aim is to strengthen 
the organization of the delivery applications sector.  The pilot 
programme was initiated during the early stage of COVID -19 lockdown 
to ensure the continuity of businesses and to meet t he public's needs.  Viewed at:  
https://www.citc.gov.sa/ar/mediace
nter/pressreleases/Pages/20200410.
aspx October 2020  Yes 
Saudi Arabia  Telecommunication 
services  The Communications and Information Technology Commission 
extended the provision of additional spectrum on the 700 and 800 MHz 
bands, to mobile service providers to enhance network performance, 
increasing the usage of frequency ba nds by more than 50%.  The 
measure aims to enhance the current 4G networks to accommodate 
the increase in data consumption due to remote educational process, 
as part of efforts to respond to COVID -19. Viewed at:  
https://www.citc.gov.sa/en/mediace
nter/pressreleases/Pages/20200330.
aspx#   25 August 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 289 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Slovenia  Various sectors  The government of Slovenia has adopted new measures to screen 
certain foreign investments in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
The new rules are set to apply from 1 June 2020 until 30 June 2023.  
  
It requires foreign investors to notify the Ministry of Economic 
Development and Technology if they have acquired or intend to 
acquir e at least a 10% share in the capital or voting rights in a 
Slovenian company that is active in certain specific areas, including:  
- critical infrastructure, including in the fields of energy, transport, 
water, health, communications, media, data processi ng or storage;  
- critical technologies and dual -use items, including artificial 
intelligence, robotics, semiconductors, cybersecurity, aerospace and 
defence technology, energy storage technology, quantum and nuclear 
technology, nano - and biotechnology, as well as health, medical and 
pharmaceutical technology;  
- the supply of critical resources, including energy or raw materials, 
food security, medical and protective equipment;  
- access to or control of sensitive information, including personal data;  
- the freedom and pluralism of the media; and  
- projects or programmes in the interest of the European Union as 
defined in Annex I to Regulation 2019/452/EU.  Act on the intervention measures to 
mitigate and eliminate the 
consequences of the COVID -19 
epidemic  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.cms -
lawnow.com/ealerts/2020/06/sloven
ia-legislates -for-government -
screening -of-foreign -investment   Effective 1  June 2020  Yes 
South Africa  Telecommunication 
services  The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is 
extending the validity of existing frequency spectrum licences by three 
months, due to South Africa's Covid -19 lockdown. The due date for the 
renewal of radio frequency spectrum licences a nd payment of the 
renewal fees is normally 31 March of each year.  Viewed at: 
https://www.icasa.org.za/news/202
0/due -date-for-the-renewal-of-
radio-frequency -spectrum -licences -
extended   31 March 2020   -  
South Africa  Health services  The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) issued a 
guidance note on the application of telemedicine during the COVID -19 
pandemic, and which facilitates the use of video or phone calls by 
doctors and therapists to treat patients.  Previously, such services were 
essentially for cases where there was an already established 
practitioner -patient relationship.  Viewed at:  
https://ahpcsa.co.za/wp -
content/uploads/2020/03/GUIDELIN
ES_TELEHEALTH -
TELEMEDICINE_1_24Mar2020.pdf   25 March 2020   -  
Spain  Telecommunication 
services  The Spanish government temporarily delayed plans to auction 
spectrum for 5G services due to the extraordinary situation created by 
the COVID -19 pandemic.    Viewed at:  
https://www.mineco.gob.es/stfls/mi
neco/prensa/noticias/2020/200623_
np_dividendo.pdf   20 March 2020.   
This temporary 
measure is no longer 
applicable.  On 23 June 
2020, the Council of 
Ministers approved the 
new date for the 
auction.  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 290 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Spain  Telecommunication 
services  The Spanish government temporarily suspended portability for fixed 
and mobile operators for the duration of the pandemic.  This temporary 
measure has subsequently been withdrawn on 26 May 2020.  Royal Decree -Law 8/2020  
 
Spanish Royal Decree -Law 11/2020, 
of March 31, adopting urgent 
additional measures in the social 
and economic sphere to confront 
COVID -19 
 
Royal Decree -Law 19/2020 of 26 
May 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php
?id=BOE -A-2020-5315  Approved by 
Government on 18 
March 2020 and by 
Parliament on 9 April 
2020; withdrawn on 
26 May 2020  Yes 
Spain  Financial services  On 31 March, the Central Bank announced that the counter -cyclical 
capital buffer will be kept to 0%.  Viewed at:  
https://www.bde.es/f/webbde/GAP/
Secciones/SalaPrensa/NotasInformat
ivas/20/presbe2020_29en.pdf   31 March 2020  Yes 
Spain  Financial services  On 16 March, the government banned temporarily short -selling.  This 
temporary measure was subsequently withdrawn on 18 May 2020.  Viewed at:  
http://cnmv.es/portal/verDoc.axd?t
=%7b5baf609e -ed4e-4dad-a697-
80c55548e181%7d   
 
http://www.cnmv.es/Portal/verDoc.
axd?t=%7bfcdd0a76 -57cb-4603-
b0fa-191527c9cf86%7d   Introduced on 16 
March 2020; no longer 
in force from 23h59 on 
18 May 2020  Yes 
Sweden  Financial services  On 16 March, the Financial Supervisory Authority lowered the 
countercyclical capital buffer rate from 2.5% to 0% to support banks 
in extending credit.  Viewed at: 
https://www.fi.se/en/published/pres
s-releases/2020/fi -lowers -the-
countercyclical -capital -buffer -to-
zero/  16 March 2020  Yes 
Sweden  Financial services  On 16 March, the Financial Supervisory Authority allowed banks to 
temporarily operate below the liquidity coverage ratio.  Viewed at:  
https://www.fi.se/en/publish ed/pres
s-releases/2020/fi -on-liquidity -
coverage -ratios -lcr-for-swedish -
banks/   16 March 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 291 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Sweden  Financial services  On 14 April, the Financial Supervisory Authority decided that banks 
will have the possibility of offering all new and existing mortgagors an 
exemption from the amortisation requirements due to the spread of 
the coronavirus and its effects on the Swedish economy. The 
exemption will be in force until the end of august 2021.  Viewed at: 
https://www.fi.se/en/published/new
s/2020/banks -may-now-grant -
amortisation -exemption/   14 April 2020  Yes 
Switzerland  Financial services  On 25 March, after consulting with the Swiss Financial Market 
Supervisory Authority (FINMA), the SNB submitted a proposal to the 
Federal Council requesting that the countercyclical capital buffer be 
reduced to 0% with immediate effect. The measure is designed to 
further support the banks in their key  role as lender.  
 
The Federal Council approved the proposal on 27 March 2020.  Viewed at:  
https://www.snb.ch/en/mmr/referen
ce/pre_20200325/source/pre_20200
325.en.pdf   
 
https://www.efd.admin.ch/efd/en/ho
me/dokumentation/nsb -
news_list.msg -id-78604.h tml 25 and 27 March 2020  Yes 
Switzerland  Financial services  On 19 May, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA 
published further guidance in the context of the COVID -19 crisis 
containing adjustments to the periods for various exemptions already 
granted and specifying in more detail how the net stable funding ratio 
(NSFR) is calculated.  
 
The measure was initially planned to be applicable until 1 July 2020.  
On 19 May 2020, it has been extended until 1 January 2021.  Viewed at:  
https://finma.ch/en/news/2020/05/
20200519 -news-aufsichtsmitteilung -
062020/   
 
https://finma.ch/en/docum entation/f
inma-guidance/   19 May 2020  Yes 
Switzerland  Financial services  On 26 March, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) introduced the new SNB 
COVID -19 refinancing facility (CRF). The measure is aimed at 
strengthening the supply of credit to the Swiss economy by providing 
the banking system with additional liquidity.  
 
On 11 May, the SNB announced the expansion of the CRF to include 
cantonal loan guarantees as well as joint and several loan guarantees 
for start -ups. Viewed at:  
https://www.snb.ch/en/mmr/referen
ce/pre_20200325/source/pre_20200
325.en.pdf   
 
https://www.snb.ch/en /mmr/referen
ce/pre_20200511/source/pre_20200
511.en.pdf   26 and 27 March 2020  Yes 
Chinese 
Taipei  Postal services  Temporary restrictions and suspensions on the acceptance of 
outbound mail have been put in place due to limited airline 
transportation capacity.  Ministry of Transportation and 
Communications  March 2020  Yes 
Tajikistan  Road transport 
services  Registration and other customs operations with goods and products 
imported into the country are carried out at border terminals, and 
their further transportation to the destination must be carried out by 
national operators.  Viewed at: 
https://www.iru.org/apps/flash -
getfile -action?id=889&file=global -
coronavirus -covid-19-outbreak.pdf   16 March 2020   -   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 292 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Turkey  Financial services  On 26 March, Turkish authorities introduced flexibility in the 
compliance of liquidity ratios until the end of 2020.  Viewed at:  
https://www.reuters.com/article/hea
lth-coronavirus -turkey -
banks/turkish -banking -watchdog -
eases -banks -liquidity -ratio-due-to-
coronavirus -idUSL8N2BJ8BU   
 
https://www.bddk.org.tr/ContentBd
dk/dokuman/mevzuat_0954.pdf  26 March 2020  Yes 
Ukraine  Distribution services  Licensees who have a license to carry out business activities in the 
retail trade of medicines are allowed to trade in medicines and related 
products remotely, to organize and carry out delivery of medicines and 
related products directly to consumers in accordance with the 
conditions of storage of medicines defined by the manufacturer during 
their transportation, in partic ular, with the involvement of postal 
operators on a contractual basis.  Resolution of the Cabinet of 
Ministers of Ukraine No. 220 of 23 
March 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.kmu.gov.ua/npas/pro -
vnesennya -zmin-do-licenzijnih -
umov -provadzhennya -
gospodarskoyi -diyalnosti -z-
virobnictva -likarskih -zasobiv -
optov oyi-ta-rozdribnoyi -torgivli -
likarskimi -i230320 -220  Effective 10 April 2020  Yes 
United Arab 
Emirates  Air transport 
services  The United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) 
published a Decision allowing for flexibility to the validity periods for 
licenses, ratings, certificates applicable to Flight Crew and Cabin Crew.  Viewed at:  
https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/
pr/2020 -03-21-01/  21 March 2020   -  
United Arab 
Emirates  Telecommunication 
services  The United Arab Emirates lifted certain restrictions on Voice over 
Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.  The Telecommunications Regulatory 
Authority decided to allow certain VoIP applications so as to facilitate  
work from home and help prevent spread of COVID -19. Permitted 
applications include Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, Google 
Hangouts Meet, Cisco Webex, and Zoom.  VoIP applications like Skype, 
WhatsApp and FaceTime remain banned.  Viewed at: 
https://www.tra.gov.ae/en/media -
hub/dgspeech/2020/3/30/additional -
apps-for-distance -learning.aspx   
 
https://www.gsmarena.com/uae_ha
s_unbanned_google_hangouts_meet
_cisco_webex_and_a_few_other_ser
vices-news-42364.php   
 
https://www.tahawultech.com/regio
n/uae/uae -tra-authorises -voip-tools-
amid-the-coronavirus -pandemic/   24 March 2020  Yes  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 293 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
United 
Kingdom  Various sectors  Amendments to the Enterprise Act 2002 introduced a new public 
interest consideration for government intervention in mergers and 
acquisitions. This new public interest consideration allows the 
government to intervene in mergers involving businesses with a role in 
combatting or mitigating the im pacts of public health emergencies, 
such as the current COVID -19 pandemic.  
 
The economic disruption caused by the pandemic may mean that 
some businesses with critical capabilities are more susceptible to 
takeovers – either from outwardly hostile approaches , or financially 
distressed companies being sold to malicious parties.  
 
These new powers will enable the Government to intervene if a 
business that is directly involved in a pandemic response, for example, 
a vaccine research company or personal protective equipment 
manufacturer, finds itself the target of a takeover.  The Enterprise Act 2002 
(Specification of Additional Section 
58 Consideration) Order 2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.legisla tion.gov.uk/uksi/
2020/627/note/made   
 
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/
2020/748/contents/made   
 
https:/ /www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/
2020/763/contents/made    Effective 21 July 2020  Yes 
United 
Kingdom  Telecommunication 
services  The Government has agreed measures with telecoms companies to 
support vulnerable consumers through COVID -19.  
 
The UK’s major internet service and mobile providers, namely BT/EE, 
Openreach, Virgin Media, Sky, TalkTalk, O2, Vodafone, Three, 
Hyperoptic, Giga clear, and KCOM have all agreed the following 
commitments, effective immediately:  
·     All providers have committed to working with customers who find 
it difficult to pay their bill as a result of Covid -19 to ensure that they 
are treated fairly and approp riately supported.  
·     All providers will remove all data allowance caps on all current 
fixed broadband services.  
·     All providers have agreed to offer some new, generous mobile and 
landline packages to ensure people are connected and the most 
vulnera ble continue to be supported. For example, some of these 
packages include data boosts at low prices and free calls from their 
landline or mobile.  
·     All providers will ensure that vulnerable customers or those self -
isolating receive alternative methods of communication wherever 
possible if priority repairs to fixed broadband and landlines cannot be 
carried out.  Viewed at: 
https://www.gov.uk/government/ne
ws/government -agrees -measures -
with-telecoms -companies -to-
support -vulnerable -consumers -
through -covid-19  29 March 2020   -  
United 
Kingdom  Health services  Since 31 March 2020, visas for doctors, nurses and paramedical 
personnel with visas due to expire before 1 October 2020 are 
automatically extended for one year, free of charge. This also concerns 
the personnel's family members.  Viewed at: 
https://www.gov.uk/government/ne
ws/nhs -frontline -workers -visas-
extended -so-they-can-focus-on-
fighting -coronavirus   31 March 2020   -   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 294 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
United 
Kingdom  Air transport 
services  The UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued a number of regulatory 
exemptions to support the sector, including extending the validity 
periods of licences, certificates and ratings, as well as exemptions to 
allow appropriate and safe regulatory alleviations for operators  from 
the Upset Prevention and Recovery Tanning requirements.  In addition, 
an exemption allows General Aviation Pilots to operate without an 
approved medical certificate issued by a medical examiner in order to 
ease pressures on the health care system.  Viewed at:  
https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modala
pplication.aspx?catid=1&pagetype=
65&appid=11&mode=list&type=serc
at&id=17    March -October 2020  Yes 
United 
Kingdom  Financial services  On 11 March, the Bank of England lowered the countercyclical capital 
buffer rate from 1% to 0%, and introduced flexibility in the compliance 
of liquidity requirements, so as to support banks in extending credit.  Viewed at: 
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/n
ews/2020/march/boe -measures -to-
respond -to-the-economic -shock -
from-covid-19  11 March 2020  Yes 
United 
States  Air transport 
services  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken a number of 
regulatory actions to help address the widespread economic and 
health effects that the COVID -19 pandemic is having on the aviation 
industry. These include extending the temporary waiver of minimum 
slot-use requirements through 24 October 2020, giving air carrier 
personnel grace periods for completing certain training and 
qualification requirements, authorizing airlines to tra nsport cargo that 
is secured to the seat tracks of certain passenger aircrafts, allowing 
flight attendants to relocate from the seats they would normally 
occupy so they can observe social distancing.  Viewed at:  
https://www.faa.gov/coronavirus/   Various dates  Yes 
United 
States  Temporary entry 
and stay of natural 
persons  A regulation published by the Department of Homeland Security in the 
Federal Register on 8 October will amend the criteria for H -1B visas by 
revising definitions such as "specialty occupation", "worksite" and 
"third -party worksite" and requiring corroborating evidence of work in 
a specialty occupation, among other changes.  
 
The regulation cites the need to strengthen the integrity of t he H-1B 
programme during the economic crisis caused by the COVID -19 
pandemic and the need to more effectively ensure that the 
employment of H -1B workers does not have an adverse impact on the 
wages and working conditions of similarly employed US workers as  
among the rationales for the changes.  Viewed at:  
https://www.federalregister.gov/doc
uments/2020/10/08/2020 -
22347/strengthening -the-h-1b-
nonimmigrant -visa-classification -
program   8 October 2020; 
effective 7 December 
2020.  Yes 
United 
States  All sectors  The "Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to 
the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak” suspends 
the entry of foreign nationals in certain non -immigrant visa categories 
starting from 24 June until the end of 2020.  The visa categories 
affected by the suspension are: H -1B, L-1, H-2B, and J -1, as well as 
related categories for dependents, with certain exemptions.  Viewed at:  
https://www.whitehou se.gov/presid
ential -actions/proclamation -
suspending -entry-immigrants -
present -risk-u-s-labor-market -
economic -recovery -following -covid-
19-outbreak/   Effective 24 June 2020  -  
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 295 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
United 
States  Telecommunication 
services  The Federal Communication Commission launched the "Keep 
Americans Connected Initiative" to ensure that Americans do not lose 
their broadband or telephone connectivity in the context of COVID -19. 
As of mid -March, more than 550 companies and associations have 
pledged to keep American s connected.  Viewed at: 
https://www.fcc.gov/keep -
americans -connected   13 March 2020   -  
United 
States  Telecommunication 
services  The FCC has temporarily altered regulations for its Rural Health Care 
and E -rate programmes to make it easier for broadband providers to 
offer participants improved connections or additional equipment for 
telemedicine and remote learning during the pandemic. The changes 
will remain in effect through 30 September.  Viewed at:  
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachm
ents/DOC -363137A1.pdf   16 March 2020   -  
United 
States  Telecommunication 
and health services  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to adopt a $200 
million telehealth program to support healthcare providers responding 
to the coronavirus pandemic.  Funds were appropriated by Congress as 
part of the CARES Act. The program aims to help healthcare providers 
purchase t elecommunications, broadband connectivity, and devices 
necessary for providing telehealth services  
 
The FCC also launched a Connected Care Pilot Program. This three -
year Pilot Program will provide up to $100 million of support from the 
Universal Service Fu nd (USF) to help defray health care providers' 
costs of providing connected care services and to help assess how the 
USF can be used in the long -term to support telehealth.  Viewed at: 
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachm
ents/DOC -363498A1.pdf   02 April 200   -  
United 
States  Telecommunication 
services  The Federal Communications Commission granted special temporary 
authority (STA) to T -Mobile U.S.A. to use additional spectrum in the 
600 MHz Band to help it meet increased customer demand for 
broadband during the coronavirus pandemic. The company requested  
this authority to make it easier for Americans to participate in 
telehealth, distance learning, and telework, and remain connected 
while practicing recommended 'social distancing'.  
 
On 18 March, the FCC announced that US Cellular was granted a 
similar ST A to use additional spectrum to help meet increased 
customer demand for mobile broadband during the coronavirus 
pandemic.  Viewed at: 
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachm
ents/DOC -36305 1A1.pdf   
 
https://www.commsupdate.com/arti
cles/2020/03/18/fcc -grants -us-
cellular -access -to-extra-aws-3-
spectrum/   15 and 18 March 2020   -   
  WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 296 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
United 
States  Telecommunication 
services  Verizon has received a temporary (60 -day) spectrum boost from the 
FCC to help meet increased customer demand for mobile broadband 
access during the pandemic.  FCC had already issued temporary, 60 -
day spectrum to t wo companies, T -Mobile and US Cellular.  Viewed at: 
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc -
grants -verizon -temporary -spectrum -
access -during -covid-19-pandemic   
 
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc -
grants -t-mobile -temporary -
spectrum -access -during -coronavirus   
 
https://www.commsupdate.com/arti
cles/2020/03/20/verizon -is-the-
latest -us-cellco -to-receive -
temporary -spectrum -boost/   20 March 2020   -  
 
 WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 297 - 
 
  APPENDIX 1 PARTICIPATION  
Member/  
Observer  Replies to DG 
email  
(OV/W/14)  
(√ = replies 
received)  Replies to DG 
email 
(OV/23)  
(√ = replies 
received)  Annual 
overview  
(OV/23)  
Replies to 
request for 
verification  
(√ = replies 
received)  New 
measures  
(√ = 
information 
sent)  Services  
(√ = 
information 
sent)  Summary  
and 
status  
(√ = 
information 
sent)  
1. Albania   √ √ √ √  
2. Algeriaa     √  
3. Angola   √     
4. Argentina  √ √ √ √  √ 
5. Armenia 
(EAEU)     √   
6. Australia  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
7. Azerbaijana √ √ √ √   
8. Bahrain, 
Kingdom of 
(GCC)   √  √   
9. Bangladesh  √      
10. Barbados    √  √  
11. Belarusa 
(EAEU)  √   √   
12. Belize   √  √ √  
13. Botswana 
(SACU)     √   
14. Brazil  √ √ √ √  √ 
15. Cambodia   √ √    
16. Canada  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
17. Chile √ √ √ √  √ 
18. China  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
19. Colombia  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
20. Costa Rica  √ √ √  √  
21. Côte d'Ivoire    √ √   
22. Dominican 
Republic  √ √     
23. Ecuador  √ √ √  √  
24. Egypt  √   √ √  
25. El Salvador  √ √ √    
26. Eswatini 
(SACU)     √   
27. European 
Union  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
28. The Gambia  √  √ √   
29. Georgia    √    
30. Guatemala  √ √     
31. Guyana   √ √    
32. Honduras  √      
33. Hong Kong, 
China  √ √   √  
34. India √  √ √ √ √ 
35. Indonesia  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
36. Iraqa  √     
37. Israel  √   √  √ 
38. Japan  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
39. Jordan        
40. Kazakhstan 
(EAEU)  √   √   
41. Kenya      √  
42. Korea, 
Republic  of √ √ √ √ √ √ 
43. Kuwait, the 
State of (GCC)     √   
44. Kyrgyz 
Republic 
(EAEU)  √   √   
45. Lao People's 
Democratic 
Republic    √ √   
46. Lesotho 
(SACU)     √   
47. Macao, China  √ √     WT/TPR/OV/23  
 
- 298 - 
 
  Member/  
Observer  Replies to DG 
email  
(OV/W/14)  
(√ = replies 
received)  Replies to DG 
email 
(OV/23)  
(√ = replies 
received)  Annual 
overview  
(OV/23)  
Replies to 
request for 
verification  
(√ = replies 
received)  New 
measures  
(√ = 
information 
sent)  Services  
(√ = 
information 
sent)  Summary  
and 
status  
(√ = 
information 
sent)  
48. Malaysia  √ √  √ √ √ 
49. Maldives  √      
50. Mauritania   √  √   
51. Mauritius  √ √ √ √ √  
52. Mexico  √ √  √ √ √ 
53. Moldova, 
Republic of    √    
54. Montenegro  √ √ √ √   
55. Morocco  √   √   
56. Myanmar  √ √  √ √  
57. Namibia 
(SACU)     √   
58. Nepal  √ √  √   
59. New Zealand  √  √ √   
60. Nigeria  √  √ √   
61. Norway  √  √    
62. Oman (GCC)     √ √  
63. Pakistan  √  √ √  √ 
64. Panama     √   
65. Paraguay  √ √ √ √   
66. Peru √     √ 
67. Philippines  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
68. Qatar (GCC)  √ √  √   
69. Russian 
Federation 
(EAEU)  √ √ √ √  √ 
70. Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of 
(GCC)  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
71. Senegal    √ √   
72. Serbiaa √ √ √ √   
73. Seychelles   √ √ √   
74. Singapore  √ √ √  √  
75. South Africa 
(SACU)  √ √ √ √  √ 
76. Sri Lanka  √  √ √   
77. Switzerland  √ √ √  √  
78. Chinese Taipei  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
79. Tanzania     √   
80. Thailand  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
81. Tunisia        
82. Turkey  √ √  √ √ √ 
83. Ukraine  √ √ √ √  √ 
84. United Arab 
Emirates 
(GCC)  √   √   
85. United 
Kingdom  √ √ √ √ √  
86. United States  √   √ √ √ 
87. Uruguay  √      
88. Uzbekistana √      
89. Vanuatu   √     
90. Venezuela, 
Bolivarian 
Republic of  √      
91. Viet Nam  √   √ √ √ 
92. Zimbabwe  √      
a Observer.  
Source : WTO Secretariat.  
__________