G/TFA/N/SWZ/1/Add. 2 
 
16 September 2019  
(19-5918) Page:  1/6 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION OF CATE GORY  COMMITMENTS  UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRA DE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM ESWATINI  
Addendum  
The follo wing communication, of which the first draft was received 22 August 2019 , is being 
circulated at the request of the delegation of  Eswatini for Members' information.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up on the notification dated 12 March  2018 (G/TFA/N/SWZ/1/Add.1/Rev.1 ), the Kingdom 
of Eswatini hereby notifies that the following prov isions have been shifted between categories.  
 
Provision  Heading/  
Description  Category previously 
notified as  Category shifted to  
Article 5.2  Detention  C B 
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  C B 
 
At the same time, the Kingdom of Eswatini hereby notifies its definitive dates for its additional 
category B commitments and its category C commitments in response to Article 16 of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (WT/L/931).  
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article 1. 1 Publication  22 February 202 2 
Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  22 February 2022  
Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  22 February 2022  
Article 5.2  Detention  22 February 2020  
Article 5 .3 Test Procedures  22 February 2025  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  22 February 2022  
Article  7.4 Risk Management  22 February 2022  
Article  7.5 Post-clearance Audit  22 February 2022  
Article  7.6 Establishment and Publication of Average Release 
Times  22 February 2022  
Article  7.7 Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators  22 February  2024 
Article 8 Border Agency Cooperation  22 February 2024  
Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation Requirements  22 February 2024  
Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  22 February 2028  
Article  10.4 Single Window  22 February 2025  
Article 12  Customs Cooperation  22 February 2027  
 
For ease of reference,  the Kingdom of Eswatini's  full list of category commitments are summarized 
in the table as attached herewith.  
 
  
  G/TFA/N/SWZ/1/Add. 2 
 
- 2 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
   Article 1.1  Publication  C 5 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  5 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  1. Development of operational manuals 
and standard operations procedures 
(SOPs) for other border agencies;  
2. Development of the Trade Information 
Portal (TIP).  
   Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  C 5 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  5 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  1. Development of the  Trade Information 
Portal (TIP);  
2. Establishment of a Trade Information 
Portal Secretariat for the operation of 
the Portal.  
   Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  C 5 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  5 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  1. Formulation of a coordination 
framework for various agencies;  
2. Capacity building through training for 
Enquiry Points;  
3. Establishment or design ation of a Trade 
Information Enquiry Point Unit.  
   Article 1.4  Notification  B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
Article 2  Opportunity  to Comment, Information before Entry into Force and Consultations   
   Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and Information 
Before Entry into Force  B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
   Article 2.2  Consultations  B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
Article 3       Advance Rulings  
 B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
Article 4       Procedures for Appeal or Review  
 B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non-Discrimination and Transparency  
   Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
   Article 5.2  Detention  B 5 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  3 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  -  
  G/TFA/N/SWZ/1/Add. 2 
 
- 3 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
   Article 5.3  Test Procedures  C 10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  8 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  1. Identify relevant goods and testing 
criteria for them 
2. Development of rules and procedures 
for testing;  
3. Provision of laboratory equipment for 
testing a t various national laboratories;  
4. Infrastructure development at v arious 
borders for laboratories;  
5. Capacity building  and training for  
developed procedures an d legislative 
reforms ; 
6. Develop MOUs with regional 
laboratories for testing and mutual 
recognition of results  
7. Capacity building through t raining and 
exchange programmes;  
8. Raise awareness among all 
stakeholders, including the private 
sector, on testing rules  
Article 6  Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties  
   Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
   Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for 
Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and 
Exportation  A - - - 
   Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  A - - - 
Article 7 Release and Clearance of Goods  
   Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  B 5 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  5 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
   Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  A - - - 
   Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and Charges  A - - - 
   Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 5 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  5 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  1. Conduct a gap analysis/diagnosis to 
identify existing risk management 
systems at all regulatory agencies  
2. Develop a Joint/Common Risk 
Management Strategy for all border 
regulatory agencies   
  G/TFA/N/SWZ/1/Add. 2 
 
- 4 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
3. Document, streamline and 
automate     risk management 
processes, rules & procedures for all 
Cross Border Regulatory Agencies 
(including risk profiling)  
4. Establishment of a risk manageme nt 
unit with representatives from all 
relevant border agencies  
5. Capacity building, through training and 
exchange programmes for customs 
officers and partner agencies;  
6. Implementation of recommended Risk 
Management System . 
   Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 5 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  5 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA   
1. Develop ment of  a platform for sharing 
related information between SRA and 
partner regulatory agencies on 
compliance  
2. Capacity building through training for 
customs office rs and other relevant 
agencies;  
3. Establishment of a post -clearance audit 
unit with representatives fro m all 
relevant border agencies.  
   Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  C 5 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  5 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  1. Technical assistance in conducting 
regular time release studies.  
2. Capacity building and technical 
assistance for officers at all border 
agencies to conduct own periodical 
Time Release Studies  
3. Establish Performance Measurement 
System to assist in extracting accurate 
data. 
   Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized 
Operators  C 10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  7 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  1. Review and simplify the qualification 
criteria  
2. Capacity building and t raining on 
Authorized Operators for customs 
office rs and relevant agencies;  
3. Development and implementation of a 
programme for Authorized Operators;  
Development and implementation of  
  G/TFA/N/SWZ/1/Add. 2 
 
- 5 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
an operational/user friendly 
programme for Authorized Operator  
4. Developing a manual for training 
Authorized operators by identi fied 
resource persons.  
5. Creating awareness and training 
Authorized Operators for customs 
officers and rel evant agencies.  
   Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
   Article 7.9  Perishable G oods B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
 C 10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  7 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  1. Provision of technical assistance in the 
formulation of the Business Process 
Review including t he profiling of border 
agencies;  
2. Development of an implementation 
programme for the Business Process 
Review;  
3. Alignment of the business processes of 
all the border agencies in to a central 
digitalized system  
4. Joint Capacity Building Efforts  
5. Establish an information sharing 
platform for border agencies  
Article 9       Movement of Goods Intended for Import Under Customs Control  
 B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
Article 10   Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation 
Requirements  C 5 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  7 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1. Review current formalities and 
documentation requirem ents and 
populate problem areas;  
2. Formulation of a legislative or 
administrative framework on business 
practices, and also the involvement of 
the pr ivate sector in decision -making;  
 
3. Designation of an office for monitoring 
and evaluatio n of the proposed 
interventions and  establishment or 
designation, within the Customs  
  G/TFA/N/SWZ/1/Add. 2 
 
- 6 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Administration and other relevant 
border agencies, or a central 
government authority responsible for 
assessing trade impact of proposed 
formalities and documentation.  
Article 10.2  Acceptance of C opies B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  C 5 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  11 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  
 1. Development of a framework aligning 
national legislation to the WCO Revised 
Kyoto Convention and other 
international standards relating to 
import, export and transit formalities 
and procedures. Implementation by 
SRA.  
2. Identification, mapping and 
prioritizat ion of the relevant st andards 
in the implementation of  the TFA.  
3. Adoption/domestication of the required 
standards.  
4. Capacity building (expertise and 
financial support) and awareness 
creation on adopted standards.  
5. Development of an implementation 
plan for t he adopted standards.  
6. Monitoring and evaluation framework 
for implementation of the adopted  
standards.  
(with adoption of a phased approach)  
Article 10.4  Single Window  C 15 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  8 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  1. Development of the following:  
a. ICT or E -Government Strategy;  
b. Digital National Plan/E -Commerce;  
c. ICT infrastructure;  
d. Single Window Policy/Strategy;  
e. Feasibility study/master plan for the 
implementat ion of a national single 
window;  
f. Assessment of national legislation 
for readiness for  a single window 
implementation;  
g. Analysis and harmonization of 
business processes and data 
requirements in the trade of goods;   
  G/TFA/N/SWZ/1/Add. 2 
 
- 7 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
h. Governance framework with agreed 
procedures and clear  roles.  
(with adoption of a phased 
approach)  
Article 10.5  Pre-shipment Inspection  A - - - 
Article 10.6  Use of Customs Brokers  A - - - 
Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and Uniform 
Documentation Requirements  B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
Article 10.8  Rejected G oods B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
 Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward 
and Outward Processing  B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
 B 2 years as of entry into 
force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  - 
Article 12  Customs C ooperation  
 C 15 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  10 years as of entry 
into force of the TFA  1. Capacity building on customs -to 
customs exchange of information for 
purposes of verifying goods 
declarations, in the following areas:  
a. Measures promo ting compliance 
and cooperation;  
b. Exchange of information;  
c. Verification;  
d. Request;  
e. Protection and confidentia lity; 
f. Provision of information;  
g. Postp onement or refusal of a 
request;  
h. Reciprocity ; 
i. Administrative burden;  
j. Limitations;  
k. Unauthorized use or disclosure;  
l. Bilateral and regional 
agreements.  
 
__________