INF/TE/IDP/R/13  
 
13 July 2023 
(23-4750) Page: 1/7 
 Original: English  
 
  
DIALOGUE ON PLASTICS POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTALLY  
SUSTAINABLE PLASTICS TRADE  
PLENARY MEETING HELD ON 25 MAY  2023 
Informal Summary by the Coordinators1 
_______________  
 
 
1  OPENING SEGMENT  – INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE DIALOGUE COORDINATORS  
1.1.  The Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade comprising 
of 76 co -sponsors2 held their second plenary meeting for 2023 on 25 May.  It was chaired by the 
Ambassador of Morocco to the WTO H.E . Omar Zniber and the Ambassador of China to the WTO H.E. 
Li Chenggang. The meeting built off the first plenary meeting of 2023  in which, among other topics, 
the coordinators had orally presented their "vision" for a possible pathway to the WTO's 13th 
Ministerial Conference (MC13)  (INF/TE/IDP/R/12) . Prior to this plenary, t he coordinators had shared 
a written and more concrete "vision" for MC13 and presented it for discussion. A set of technical 
presentations by the coordinators and stakeholders also took place during the meeting.  
1.2.  In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Omar Zniber , Ambassador of Morocco, emphasized the need 
for a global effort to tackle the environme ntal crisis of plastic pollution. He pointed out statistics 
regarding the growing production and pollution of plastic s, drawing attention to the  environmental 
damage  caused by these products . He stressed the need to align the WTO's work with other 
internat ional efforts to control plastic pollution, including the development of an international legal ly 
binding  instrument to address the issue  and in which the WTO should advocate for a holistic approach 
that include d the plastic trade dimension as part of the solution . Noting the considerable amount of 
technical work developed by the Dialogue, h e underscored the importance of the trade community's 
contribution, stressing the necessity for openness, transparency, and inclusion in this process  and 
for concrete re sults by MC13 . He concluded by expressing Morocco's ongoing commitment to combat 
plastic pollution at both the domestic and global levels. 
1.3.  H.E. Mr. Li Chenggang, Ambassador of China, similarly highlighted the progress made through 
the efforts of the WTO Dialogue , pointing to the evolving compilation of suggestions made by 
delegations and stakeholders (INF/TE/IDP/RD/120/Rev.1) , workshop summaries, and a recent letter  
by coordinators  to the World Customs Orga nization (WCO) regarding the 2027 Harmonized System  
(HS) amendment cycle  (INF/TE/IDP/W/9) . With the support of the WTO Secretariat and based on  
data from databases and the two surveys , the Dialogue was preparing  documents that  could lead 
 
1 This summary, prepared and circulated under the Coordinators responsibility, is being shared with a 
view to providing delegations with a record of the discussions and assisting them in reporting back to their 
capitals. It provides a non -exhaustive, illustrative review of the issues addressed b y Members at the meeting. 
The voluntary Coordinators were Australia, Barbados, China, Ecuador, Fiji and Morocco .  
2 Albania; Angola; Australia; Austria; Barbados; Belgium; Bolivia, Plurinational State of; Bulgaria; Cabo 
Verde; Cambodia; Cameroon; Canada; C entral African Republic; Chad; Chile; China; Colombia; Costa Rica; 
Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Ecuador; Estonia; European Union; Fiji; Finland; France; Gambia; 
Germany; Greece; Honduras; Hong Kong, China; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Jam aica; Japan; 
Kazakhstan; Korea, Republic of; Latvia; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Macao, China; Maldives; Malta; Mauritius; 
Mexico; Morocco; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Philippines; Poland; Portugal; 
Romania; Russian Federation; Sam oa; Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; Singapore; Slovak Republic; Slovenia; Spain; 
Suriname; Sweden; Switzerland; Thailand; Tonga; United Kingdom; United States; Uruguay; and Vanuatu . INF/TE/IDP/R/13  
 
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  to, inter alia, compilations of effective practices of members' trade related plastic measures (TrPMs), 
of goods, services and technologies most often addressed by such measures, and of trade related 
technical assistance and capacity building needs . Noting how the D ialogue was considered one of 
the most open, transparent and inclusive initiatives in the WTO,  he called for  continued inclusivity 
and collaboration with delegations and stakeholders, in particular the Intergovernmental Negotiating 
Committee (INC) to which  the Dialogue could contribute by improving transparency of plastic trade 
flows, promoting trade related capacity building and approaches, promoting trade in substitutes, 
alternatives, services and technologies for environmentally sound waste management as  well as 
providing a good foundation for the future implementation of the INC instrument . Finally, he 
emphasized the Dialogue's support for WTO reforms and its member -driven approach and role in 
addressing modern challenges.  
1.4.  H.E. Mr. Matthew  Wilson , Ambas sador of Barbados,  acknowledged the magnitude  of the 
ongoing environmental challenges, particularly plastic pollution . Referring to a recent UN 
Environment  (UNEP)  Publication titled 'How the World Can End Plastic Pollution & Create a Circular 
Economy', he highlighted the importance of circular economies in combating plastic pollution , not 
least the increasing and concerning numbers of single use plastics in circulation , and the potential 
to reduce plastic pollution by 80 percent by 2040 . Ambassador Wilson a lso noted the increasing use 
of plastic packaging taxes globally, nodded to innovative solutions such as paper -based cady wraps 
and traditional and natural products (bamboo, hemp and seaweed), and discussed the negative 
impacts of single -use plastics on ma rine biology , citing a visit to the Barbados sea turtle project as 
anecdotal evidence for the impacts these types of plastic s had. In addition, Ambassador Wilson 
stressed how the  discussions in the Dialogue were yielding concrete results and had transformed the 
debate on plastics pollution and trade by giving space to partners to share, teach and learn; how it 
had helped bolster the sustainability credentials and civic mindedness o f the WTO ; and how it ha d 
demystified what moving away from harmful single use plastics could mean for economies  with 
possible whole -of-economy opportunities . He further stressed  how important it had been for the 
Dialogue to focus  on the particular vulnera bilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).  
1.5.  H.E. Mr. José Valencia, Ambassador of Ecuador,  reinforced the urgency of tackling plastics 
pollution , emphasizing the  large impact of plastic pollution on the economy, biodiversity and human 
health. He un derlined the complex global nature of the plastic production chain, highlighting the 
necessity of international cooperation in battling plastic pollution , in particular through trade 
cooperation . Such elements had defined the work of the Dialogue since its  inception and had proved 
beneficial not only within the WTO but also in the multilateral system at large. Ambassador Valencia  
also noted the re cent Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm (BRS) Conventions Conference of the Parties 
(CoPs) in Geneva  had adopted techni cal guidelines for the sustainable management of plastics, an 
important achievement,  and pointed out Ecuador 's active support for the development of a legally 
binding treaty on plastic pollution  which would include control measures.  Noting the upcoming 
chairmanship of Ecuador of the INC negotiations, he  expressed optimism for the role of trade in 
assisting these efforts . Finally, he recalled coordinators proposed initial draft for the MC13 outcome  
which was based on the MC12 Ministerial Statemen t and on the extensive technical work developed 
in the Dialogue,  and welcome d strong engagement by delegations and stakeholders going forward.  
1.6.  H.E. Mr. George  Mina, Ambassador of Australia,  outlined his main points of consideration  and 
echoed a similar sen timent to the other ambassadors . First, he highlighted the significance of the 
WTO's role in addressing "global commons " issues.  He noted how the WTO had already started to 
step up to its responsibility to face the challenges of the global commons in 2022 with the first phase 
of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and how the Dialogue was now doing the same with plastics 
pollution. He noted that part of the reason the WTO was doing so was the strong engagement from 
non-governmental stakeholders, stressing how the active involvement of 44 stakeholders in the  
Dialogue had presented a new way of working for the WTO that should be harnessed to its best 
effect. Second, he  mentioned the opportunities offered by the MC13 zero draft  shared by 
coordinators  to shape the norms  in addressing the global scourge of plastic pollution . It set the 
group's collective principles and priorities but represented just a start and an opportunity to signal 
leadership in Abu Dhabi. Third, he re called  the group they were still in the ideation stage and that 
every concrete idea would be valuable , including and potentially especially from stakeholders who 
were close to the issue, understood it well and had a wealth of expertise to share . 
1.7.  Finally, Mr. Aik Hoe Lim, Director of the Trade an d Environment Division at the WTO,  conveyed 
his admiration for the group's committed efforts to address the plastic pollution crisis in the lead -up 
to MC13 , breaking new ground and culminating in more than two years of substantive work . He INF/TE/IDP/R/13  
 
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  noted the work o f the Dialogue in understanding the trade -related aspects of the plastics lifecycle, 
identifying the potential comparative advantage that developing members  could have in supplying 
plastic substitutes and alternatives, especially in the form of natural fibres, and  highlighted several 
potential initiatives the group could undertake. These include d improving transparency and 
understanding of plastic trade flows , cooperating with customs authorities, addressing capacity 
building needs of developing members, realign ing tariffs to promote environmentally sustainable 
and effective alternatives and promoting trade cooperation to implement necessary disciplines. He 
concluded his address by expressing the Secretariat's continued support for the Dialogue's efforts . 
2  COORDINATORS PRESENTATION O F THEIR UPDATED VISION FOR MC13 OUTCOMES  
2.1.  As introductory context  to the coordinators ' vision for MC13 outcomes , the WTO Secretariat  
recapped the work developed by the Dialogue in the ten meetings and two "deep -dive" workshops 
held since their Ministerial Statement in December 2021  (INF/TE/IDP/RD/126) . The group had 
produced many substantive documents , including a collective communicat ion 
(INF/TE/IDP/W/6/Rev.1) and an individual letter from coordinators ambassadors to the WCO 
(INF/TE/IDP/W/9) , a Coordinators' Ministerial Statement (WT/MIN(22)/12) and two surveys .3 They 
had heard from 44 stakeholders from academia, civil society, privat e sector and international 
organizations and generated more than 125 room documents, mostly presentations summarizing 
technical and scientific studies which, if transformed into a single presentation, would include more 
than 1600 substantive slides .4 
2.2.  Progress had been achieved across the three workstreams established by the Dialogue, 
namely: crosscutting issues (including technical assistance, capacity building, technology transfer, 
international cooperation and transparency); circularity and reduction; an d promotion to tackle 
plastic pollution. Among the most notable insights generated, the Secretariat noted : the 
identification of the significant values of global trade in plastics (USD 1.2 trillion annually) and in 
potential substitutes (almost USD 400 bil lion annually ); important gaps in transparency of trade 
data and "hidden flows" of plastics embedded in or associated with traded goods;  collaborative 
efforts with international organizations such the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the 
Interna tional Organization for Standardization (ISO)  to identify standardization needs;  focused 
discussions and data generated on reduction efforts targeting single -use plastics, packaging, eco -
design, waste management and recycling ; as well as on promotion and identification of potential 
environmentally sustainable and effective substitutes and alternatives. This substantive work had 
provided the basis for the coordinators ' vision.  
2.3.  Next, Ambassador Zniber presented the preliminary pl an for MC13 focused on the issue of 
global plastic pollution. The proposal had been  developed in dialogue with  the six coordinators and 
was based on principles of transparency, inclusivity, consensus, non -repetition, and 
contextualization. The coordinators  emphasized the importance of sending a strong political message 
and putting forth the Dialogue's work as a contribution towards ending plastic pollution. The 
proposed outcome document consist ed of three parts: 1) recognizing the global issue of plastic 
pollution ; 2) focusing on a shared vision ; and 3) highlighting cooperative priorities for future action. 
The first round of comments on the draft was expected by June 26th, with the goal of refining and 
further developing the vision. The ambassador encourage d active participation and shared insights 
from all members in the discussion.  
3  CO-SPONSORS AND STAKEHOLDERS' PRELIMINARY  REACTIONS TO  THE 
COORDINATORS' VISION  
3.1.  Co-sponsors generally welcomed the coordinator's vision , considering it a strong  basis for 
discus sions and shared their  preliminary views on specific changes that could be made. First, there 
was widespread agreement on the importance of enhanced transparency, international collaboration  
and coordination , cross -communication  and breaking silos , avoidance of duplication and aligning 
multiple international processes for more effective outcomes as it related to tackling plastic pollution. 
Some delegations stressed the need for an ambitious outcome in line with the urgency of the  
challenge, with one delegation calling for higher ambition than in the current draft while another 
stress es that greater political will than previously seen in trade -related discussions would be required 
 
3 Namely: the Survey on Trade -related measures on Plastics Pollution (INF/TE/IDP/W/7/Rev.1); and the 
AfT Global Review and Needs Assessment Survey (INF/TE/IDP/W/8/Rev.1).  
4 See document INF/TE/IDP/RD/136.  INF/TE/IDP/R/13  
 
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  to deliver on it.  Several delegations appreciated t he approach of the zero draft which was reflective 
of the work done in the Dialogue.  One delegation supported focusing on trade -friendly approaches 
rather than punitive ones , while another stressed the critical role of plastics in the global economy 
and su pported a multifaceted approach to addressing plastic -related challenges, including its 
economic, social, infrastructure and information perspectives . A few  delegations welcomed continued 
open and inclusive engagement with relevant stakeholder s.  
3.2.  Several d elegations welcomed the emphasis on cooperation with international processes and 
institutions, in particular the INC and the WCO. One delegation called for express reference to 
support of the efforts under the Basel Convention , while another commended  the recently adopted 
Plastic Technical Guidelines for the Identification and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM)  of 
Plastic  Wastes under that agreement . One delegation called for a post -MC13 work plan to be agreed 
with the WCO outlining the objectives, key topics, and meeting schedules as one of the annexes to 
the Statement.  One delegation called for the addition of promoting trade and effective waste 
management to the cooperation with international organization and processes, the inclusion of 
"individual ac tions" among options  Members could take to foster  international cooperation and 
suggested any complementary action in this area should be voluntary. Another  noted it had co -
sponsored a draft resolution on chemicals, pollution and waste, which was currently  being addressed 
by the World Health Assembly (WHA).  One delegation noted they had initiated global plastic pollution 
countermeasures including through the 'Osaka Blue Ocean Vision', an initiative launched at the G20 
Osaka Summit in 2019, with the goal of eliminating additional marine plastic litter by 2050, which 
had been reinforced at the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit, with a commitment to end plastic pollution 
by 2040. They believed t his should provide further momentum to the Dialogue.  
3.3.  Several delegations sug gested the Dialogue could contribute to the INC process by sharing the 
concrete trade -related measures and approaches discussed, as potentially reflected in the annexes. 
One delegation suggested best practices could be collected through a new structured qu estionnaire, 
restating their readiness to contribute to that endeavour, while another called for further exploring 
options on the topic to advocate for a holistic approach at the INC that included the trade dimension.  
3.4.  With regards to the preamble , one del egation noted that given the complex and multifaceted 
drivers of the current plastic pollution crisis, the focus on any particular source  should be avoided 
and suggested deleting the text pointing to "unsustainable patterns of consumption and production ". 
It further suggested  the use of words such as "Recognizing ", "Acknowledging " or "Noting " instead 
of the current "Calling for " when referring to the international legally binding instrument being 
developed by the INC.  One delegation suggested rather refer encing to, if any, the verbatim text of 
the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution ( 'Resolution 5/14 "End plastic pollution: Towards 
an international legally binding instrument "'). One delegation strongly agreed with including a 
reference to the Marrake sh Agreement establishing the WTO which recognized the role of trade in 
achieving the objective of sustainable development and the need to protect and preserve the 
environment and the deep concern about the challenges of climate change and its related natu ral 
disasters, biodiversity loss and pollution in the preamble. They also stressed the importance of 
recognizing the difficulty for individual Members to address this global problem and its transboundary 
nature, but opposed to the use of the term "legally binding" instrument to end plastic pollution by 
2040, suggesting instead the use of "voluntary international instrument" and approaches as the aim 
of the Dialogue.  Such approach acknowledged the diverse national circumstances, capabilities, and 
priorities of each WTO member, particularly the difficulties faced by developing and least developed 
members with respect to the lack of capacity, access to data and technologies to implement binding 
measures and instruments.  
3.5.  With regards to principles underpinning c ooperation,  one delegation, noting the draft's focus 
on developing and least developed  members  and SIDS in several areas, stressed that these areas 
were important for all Members.  They further supported emphasizing the role of the WTO in 
promoting transpar ency through timely and complete notifications, providing opportunities for 
Members to exchange information and share good practices, and continued open and inclusive multi -
stakeholder engagement.  
3.6.  With regards to priorities, a some  delegations called for t he inclusion of trade facilitation 
elements, including on trade flows of environmentally sustainable and effective non -plastic 
substitutes, promoting recycling technologies and methods which were available to address plastic 
pollution, including among othe rs mechanical and chemical recycling, and promoting trade in goods 
and services for reuse and refill systems, as well as refurbishment, to support environmental INF/TE/IDP/R/13  
 
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  sustainability and circularity. One delegation further suggested the addition of the priority o f 
reducing the discharge of mismanaged plastic litter by improved waste management infrastructure 
and innovative solutions while recognizing the critical role of plastics for society. Several delegations 
queried about the refence to the "implementation" of  the disciplines of the legal instrument 
"adopted" by the INC noting the still ongoing negotiations, its different timeline to the WTO process 
and suggesting alternative texts. A couple of delegations questioned the reference to specific 
products such as " primary plastics" or "additives, plastic products, items and wastes " under the 
assumption they would be covered by the Treaty and suggested avoiding it . One delegation further 
noted that terms such as "harmful", "unnecessary" or "avoidable" were subjective , context -
dependent and had not been agreed upon or defined anywhere and should be avoided.  
3.7.  Regarding the proposed cooperation with the WCO, one delegation pointed out the limitations 
of the WTO's competency to "monitor or regulate, " or "improve information on the chemical 
composition of products " and suggested focusing on "robust collection and reporting on plastics 
trade."  One delegation  stressed that non-plastic substitutes, alternatives and re -use systems should 
be subjected to a life cycle an alysis to confirm their environmental, social, and economic preferability 
on the whole value chain and suggested deleting the priority of promoting trade in these materials, 
including trade in environmentally sustainable and effective waste management. One delegation 
suggested the priorities could be rearranged to reflect the areas of the Dialogue's work, such as 
transparency and data, capacity strengthening, and trade promotion and facilitation.  
3.8.  With regards to the potential annexes  to the draft,  some  delegations expressly welcomed and 
stressed the importance of the annexes  reflecting the Dialogue's collective efforts , where concrete 
recommendations  and compilations  could assist other processes. A few delegations underscored the 
importance of ensuring compl ementarity and alignment with the INC process and the views of the 
environmental expert community, and called for a clear framing of the compilations of practices, 
goods, services or technologies  as open, illustrative, non -exhaustive and evolving. One dele gation 
sought clarity on the timeline for further developing the draft, acknowledging the possible 
lengthiness of the process given the need to mobilise specific expertise, in particular with regards to 
the annexes . One delegation suggested the annexes  should reflect the Dialogue's collective and 
individual efforts, while encouraging efforts without any commitments . 
3.9.  Several delegations welcomed the letter coordinators had sent to the WCO,  with one delegation 
noting  changes in HS codes required feasible, con crete and realistic proposals and thus the WTO 
and WCO cooperation would considerably improve the chances of success of HS improvements to 
tackle plastic pollution . One delegation asked future communications by coordinators to be reviewed 
and approved by co-sponsors before being issued or to include a specific disclaimer that the letter 
did not represent the views of the co -sponsors.  
3.10.   The Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL) emphasized the importance of the 
Dialogue' s work in ending plastic poll ution and welcomed its continued engagement with different 
stakeholders, particularly civil society organizations . They emphasized the  role the Dialogue  had to 
ensure the UN  legally binding instrument was ambitious and effectively implemented and called for  
an ambitious Ministerial Statement at  MC13. Noting it could help inform the Dialogue discussions , 
CIEL called the  attention to  the recent publication of the UNEP Options Paper which provide d a list 
of twelve relevant core obligations . CIEL considered that moratoriums  or restrictions on 
manufacture, export and import of virgin plastic polymers , chemicals and polymers of concern, 
microplastics , and problematic and avoidable plastic products, as well as control of  transboundary 
movement of plastic waste  were the most useful options for the  Dialogue workstream on reduction . 
On promo tion, CIEL believed the INC would  establish criteria, definitions, and promote replacements 
for plastics  and thus  hoped the Dialogue  would coordinate with the INC process to avoid duplications 
and ensure that alternatives and substitutes to plastics under both processes  were aligned .  
3.11.   The Forum on Trade, Environment, and the SDGs ( TESS) emphasized the need to transition 
from merely cooperating to actively setting priorities, reaffirming  ambitions,  balancing 
commitments, and acknowledging the disproportionate impacts of plastic pollution . TESS urged the 
Dialogue to support the INC process  but also stressed that governments should act without waiting 
for the treaty. Two key priorities were mentioned: to continue focusing on reduction elements 
through trade, while integrating elements of p romoting reuse and refill systems using trade policy 
tools; and to emphasize the WTO's role in plastics trade data reporting in collaboration with UNCTAD. 
TESS also noted it would be important to  propos e concrete ideas through the annexes, one of which 
should provide a clear and conceptual overview  of trade -related plastic measures , a move they INF/TE/IDP/R/13  
 
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  believe d would contribute significantly to global discussions. TESS suggested  the potential of 
voluntary pledges for MC13 or the compilation of member proposals for further concrete action. They 
further suggested that a consensus should be reached on products not to be included in the 
compilations in the annexes, that focus should be put on plastic substitutes instead of alternatives 
and that the Dialogue should follow Basel Convention guidelines  on waste management . Lastly, TESS 
called participants to not underestimate the innovation taking place in the Dialogue . 
3.12.   The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) revealed findings from their 
recent research showing that many members ha d already implemented  trade measures to curb 
plastic pollution, particularly through the discontinuation of single -use plastic products. I ISD 
emphasized the need for exploring collective action opportunities , highlighted the significant role of 
the Dialogue  in influencing trade -related plastic policies  and stressed the importance of considering 
best practices when implementing such policies.  The Institute pointed out the unique position of the 
Dialogue  to assist  members in engaging in more detailed discussions. In such effort, constructing a 
concrete, goal -oriented  new work  program would be indispensable . IISD announced a shift in their 
focus  towards addressing specific challenges associated with plastics and confirmed they would  
increase engagement with WTO members to support their initiatives.  
3.13.   PEW Charitable Trusts highlighted the commitment expressed in the 2021 Ministerial 
Statement to col lective action against plastic pollution, suggesting it should be the central aim for 
the Dialogue  at MC13. PEW outlined three key points to guide the Dialogue's upcoming  discussions  
towards MC13 outcomes : i) the potential of upstream solutions such as red uction and substitution 
strategies and substitution to decrease plastic pollution by almost 50  percent  by 2040 ; ii) the crucial 
role of addressing five product types (mono -material films, carrier bags, bottles, sachets and 
multilayers, and household goods)  that constitute d 85 percent of all plastics leaking into the ocean ; 
and iii) the necessity for members to expand their efforts both geographically and thematically  since 
experience -sharing could help foster coherence around best approaches that could in t urn be 
deployed in other regions and applied to other products . PEW emphasized learning from existing 
policy measures to inform future decisions and highlighted the need for a wide spectrum of measures 
to address different types of highly polluting product s. PEW asserted that despite the absence of a 
single "silver bullet" solution, governments and businesses currently possess ed the tools to reduce 
plastic pollution by 80  percent by 2040 through a system -wide approach. Finally, PEW expressed 
hope that MC13 would result in commitments to address the most polluting and often unnecessary 
single -use plastics, along with a concrete work plan for tackling these plastics.  
4  TECHNICAL BRIEFINGS  
4.1.  Technical briefings were made by  FAO, the International Bamboo and Ratan Organization  
(INBAR ), the International Pollutants Elimination Network ( IPEN) and the BRS Secretariat . Mr. Lev 
Neretin from FAO addressed the harms generated by plastics used in and associated with agriculture, 
including their increased use in fertil izers, their pervasive integration  into food systems  (from 
packaging to fishing gear) , and their contribution to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. He 
highlighted FAO's work to the tackle the use of plastic in agriculture and their three -pillared 
approach: sc ientific assessments, development of a voluntary code of conduct, and observer -
supported deliberations. The FAO also planned  to support members in discussions at the INC process  
on plastic pollution  to ensure the benefits, trade -offs, and sustainability of  plastics use in the food 
and agriculture sectors were fully appreciated as part of a wider transformation towards more 
efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems .5 
4.2.  Mr. Lu Wenming , Deputy Director General of INBAR briefed participan ts on the Bamboo as a 
Substitute for Plastic initiative. He stressed the need for renewable and biodegradable materials like 
bamboo and timber to replace plastics , noting the advantages of bamboo as a fast growing, resistant, 
fashionable and light material . He also presented INBAR's global campaign for promoting bamboo 
as a substitute for plastic  following a few priorities: formulating supportive policies; promoting 
technological innovation; encouraging scientific research; and enhancing publicity . Mr. Wenm ing 
further  underlined  the economic advantages and market attractiveness of bamboo products  when 
compared to other substitutes , while acknowledging that it could still not compete with extremely 
low cost plastics  but also noting the increasing restrictions imposed on plastics . The goal of the 
initiative was to reduce plastic pollution and address climate change .6 
 
5 See document INF/TE/IDP/RD/135.  
6 See document INF /TE/IDP/RD/134.  INF/TE/IDP/R/13  
 
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  4.3.  Mr. Vito A. Buonsan from IPEN  presented their recent study on "hidden flows" of plastic waste 
trade d ue to current shortcomings in the HS . He noted that standard tracking systems fail ed to 
capture the full extent of plastic waste trade, which often included textiles and other materials.  In 
particular he noted that  while export of plastic wastes to non -OECD economies  under the specific 
HS code for plastic waste (HS 3915) represented a relatively small amount of traded textiles, 
literature consistently reported that around 40  percent of worn clothes and accessories exported 
(HS 6309)  to non -OECD economies were actually waste. Given that 60 -70 percent of all clothes were 
made of synthetic materials, they estimated that between 24 -28 percent of such trade volumes 
constituted plastic waste trade.  This would translate to more than half a million tonnes of plastic  
wastes exported from just four developed economies analysed to non -OECD economies under HS 
6309 in 2021.  Furthermore, plastic contamination in exports of mixed paper bales to non -OECD 
economies could range from 5  to 30  percent resulting in underreported p lastic waste trade. This 
underreporting could  be between 0.2 million tons to 1.3 million tonnes of plastic being traded  from 
the same four economies to non -OECD economies . If only these two "hidden flows" of plastic wastes 
were added to the official number s of plastic waste trade d under HS 3915, actual volumes would be 
1.6-2.4 times higher per year. Additionally, he pointed out the lack of toxicity data for many 
chemicals used in plastics, which pose d potential harm to ecosystems and human health. He also 
mentioned the outcomes of BRS CoPs related to plastics, and the need for a new international legally 
binding agreement to end plastic pollution .7 
4.4.  The BRS Secretariat briefed participants on  the main trade -related outcomes of the recently 
concluded BRS CoPs held in Geneva in May 2023. The CoPs had been  attended by over 2000 
delegates from 180 countries who adopted  crucial decisions, including the Technical Guidelines for 
the Identification and ESM  of Plastic  Wastes under the Basel Convention . It represen ted the first 
global consensus on minimizing the generation of plastic waste while ensuring safe collection, 
transport, and disposal. The conference had also adopted on an interim basis technical guidelines 
concerning the transboundary movements of electro nic and electrical waste  and used equipment . 
The work programme of the Plastic Waste Partnership had approved.  Furthermore, the Stockholm 
Convention decided to eliminate three persistent organic pollutants (methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus, 
and UV -328) by lis ting them in Annex A to the Convention. The convention also tasked the POPs 
Review Committee with making recommendations regarding the identification of persistent organic 
pollutants in stockpiles, products, articles in use, and wastes.   
5  CONCLUDING REMARKS  AND NEXT STEPS  
5.1.  Ambassador Li (China) noted the high expectations shared in the meeting by delegations and 
stakeholders for the Dialogue and stressed that coordinators had been meeting regularly to advance 
concrete outcomes for MC13 under each of the thre e workstreams.  On behalf of the coordinators, 
he outlined the next steps that members could take in preparation for MC13.  First, the coordinators 
invited delegations to send their first round of comments and suggestions on the coordinators vision 
by June 2 6th. Coordinators would then work closely with the Secretariat, co -sponsors , and 
stakeholders to further improve the MC13 outcome framework and elements and aimed to circulate 
a revised version and annex for review and discussion before summer break. The n ext pre -plenary 
meetings were scheduled for 21 -22 September and 16 -17 November respectively. Coordinators 
hoped that following these two meetings, the Dialogue would be  able to jointly draft a high -quality 
MC13 Ministerial Statement and reach consensus at the final plenary of the year on 11 December . 
5.2.  Second, he called on all WTO members, especially Dialogue co -sponsors , to continue to 
voluntarily share information on domestic experiences and approaches to tackling plastic pollution , 
in particular by replyin g to the Surveys, whose deadline had been extended to July 28th . Third, he 
urged delegations to  outreach more vigorously and encourage more co -sponsors to  join the 
Dialogue . Fourth, he called for enhanced discussions on  how to respond to the needs of developing 
members, in particular least developed countries ( LDCs) and SIDS.  He reemphasized  the Dialogue's 
commitment to formulating concrete and effective outcomes for MC13. It was the group's  common 
desire to end plastic pollution  and if such  international process succeed ed, it would be a  celebration 
to all. If it fail ed, it would their collective  failure. The WTO and its members ha d the responsibility to 
make it a success.  
__________  
 
7 See document INF/TE/IDP/RD/137.