G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
30 August 2019  
(19-5604) Page: 1/12 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION OF CATE GORY COMMITMENTS UND ER 
THE AGREEMENT ON TRA DE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM B ELIZE  
Addendum  
The following communication, dated 22 August 2019,  is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Belize for Members' information.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up from the notification dated 20 February 2018 (G/TFA/N/BLZ/1), Belize hereby makes 
the following notifications:  
 
(1) Shifting of catego ries; (2) shifting of categories with  exten sion of  definitive implementation 
dates; (3) extension of definitive implementation date s; and (4) definitive implementation dates for 
categories B and C designations . 
 
1. Belize hereby notifies that the following pr ovision ha s been shifted between categories.  
 
2. Belize wishes to notify that, based on Articles 17 and 19 of the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation, the following provisions are requested to be shifted from category B to category C with 
extended definitive implementation dates (See table below)  
 Provision  Heading/Description  Category 
previously 
notified as  Category 
shifted to  
Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed 
on or in Connection with Importation and 
Exportation  C B  
  G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 2 -  
 Provision  Heading/  
Description  Previous 
category 
designation  New 
category 
designation  Previously 
notified definitive 
date for 
implementation  New definitive 
date for 
implementation 
requested  Technical Assistance and Capacity 
Building Assistance (TACB) that will 
be required  
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  B C 22 February 2020  31 December 2026  The Customs and Excise Department 
allows electronic payments; it is currently 
engaged in an effort to include other 
agencies which require additional 
assistance and support from donors in 
implementing.  
 
Requires the following additional 
assistance and supp ort not earlier 
anticipated:  
1. Assistance and financial support for 
the development of a wide -area 
network for BAHA.  
2. Assistance for the development of a 
legal framework that is supportive of 
electronic payments.  
Article 
8.2(b) -
8.2(e)  Border Agency Cooperation  B C 22 February 2019  31 December 2030  Requires the following additional 
assistance and support not earlier 
anticipated:  
1. Assistance to conduct feasibility study.  
2. Technical assistance to learn best 
practices in countries that have 
introduced joint border controls and 
one-stop border post control.  
3. Financial assistance for equipment 
and software.  
4. Technical assistance for strengthening 
the human resources of border 
agencies.  
5. Technical assistance and cooperation 
for training and awarene ss building.  
Article 10.1  Formalities and 
Documentation Requirements  B C 22 February 2020  31 December 2023  Requires the following additional 
assistance and support not earlier 
anticipated:  
1. Financial assistance required to conduct 
a study to determine, on the basis of 
international best practices, the time -
frames and conditions of implementation 
of this meas ure. G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 3 - 
 
  3. Belize hereby notifies the extension of its definitive implementation dates for the following 
provision s based on Article 17 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
 
4. Belize hereby makes the following notifications of the definitive dates for its additional category 
B commitments and its category C commitments pursuant to Article 16 of the Agreement on 
Trade Facilitation (WT/L/931).  
Provisi on Heading/Description  Definitive Date for 
Implementation  
   Article 1.1  Publication  31 December 2023  
   Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  31 December 2023  
   Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  31 December 2024  
   Article 1.4  Notification  31 December 2023  
   Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and Information 
Before Entry into Force  31 December 2023  
   Article 2.2  Consultations  31 December 2024  
   Article 3  Advance Rulings  31 December 2023  
   Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  31 December 2024  
   Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  31 December 2024  
   Article 5.2  Detention  31 December 2030  
   Article 5.3  Test Procedures  31 December 2024  
   Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  31 December 2024  
   Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  31 December 2026  
   Article 7.4  Risk Management  31 December 2024  
   Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  31 December 2024  
   Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  31 December 2024  
   Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  31 December 2023  
   Article 7.9  Perishable Goods  31 December 2030  
   Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  31 December 2023  
   Article 10.4  Single Window  31 December 2026  Provision  Heading/  
Description  Previously notified 
definitive date for 
implementation  New defi nitive 
date for 
implementation 
requested  Reasons for 
extension  
Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines 
on Fees and Charges 
for Customs 
Processing Imposed 
on or in Connection 
with Importation and 
Exportation  22 February 2020  22 August 2021  The Customs and Excise 
Department is currently 
reviewing its draft 
Customs Harmonized 
Bill which will be enacted 
soon.  
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation 
Measures for 
Authorized Operators  22 February 2022  30 June 2024  
(new date 
requested)  Belize is currently 
implementing its 
Trusted Trader Program, 
but still requires 
additional time to 
sensitize 
exporters/importers on 
the requirements and 
benefits of moving to an 
Authorized Operators 
System.  
Article 10.7  Common Border 
Procedures and 
Uniform 
Documentation 
Requirements  22 February 2019  22 August 2021  
(new date 
requested)  Belize is partially 
compliant with the 
provisions of article 
10.7. Additionally, the 
Customs and Excise 
Department is currently 
reviewing its draft 
Customs Harmonized 
Bill which will soon be 
enacted.  G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 4 - 
 
  Provisi on Heading/Description  Definitive Date for 
Implementation  
   Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward 
and Outward Processing  31 December 2023  
   Article 11.1 -11.3 Freedom of Transit  31 December 2024  
   Article 11.16 -11.17   31 December 2024  
 
 
For ease of reference, Belize's full list of category commitments can be found in the table attached 
herewith.   
  G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 5 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date 
for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
   Article 1.1  Publication  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2023  1. External Financial assistance to implement 
electronic version of Belize’s Customs 
tariffs and nomenclature and the electronic 
Customs Procedure Manual.  
2. Development of systems to safeguard and 
protect the authenticity of documents that 
are uploaded to avoid unauthorized use 
and manipulation.  
3. Diagnostic study on the relevance of the 
import licensing regime by product 
categories, so as to provide the scope for 
a modern policy/legal framework. Legal  aid 
is required to proceed.  
4.  Develop a trade portal requiring a 
functioning website for the Directorate 
General for Foreign Trade.  
5. Technical assistance to assess current 
infrastructure and recommendations for 
the development and implementation of an 
electronic trade management information 
system. Assistance should be inclusive of 
equipment and requisite training at all 
levels.  
6. External financial and technical assistance 
for a comprehensive information system 
for BAHA which will allow for electronic 
transac tions and information sharing.  
7. External financial and technical assistance 
for the review and drafting of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary regulations and bills.  
8. Technical assistance to ensure that the 
policy for the provision of trade and trade 
related informat ion is in line with 
Government policies and regulations.  
9. Technical assistance needed to design a 
communications framework that meets the 
needs of BAHA and its stakeholders.  
10. Training and IT 
development/advancement.   
  G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 6 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date 
for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
11. Technical and financial assistance to 
develop and implement a wide -area 
network for BAHA.  
   Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2023  1. Legal aid required to:  
- Develop policy (guided by international 
standards) and guidelines.  
- Revise/Amend or Repeal the existing laws 
to take into considerations publication 
provisions as prescribed under the AILP.  
2. Training on NTBs/WTO AILP.  
3. Technical assistance and financial support 
in area of IT for safeguarding and 
protecting the authenticity o f documents 
that are uploaded to avoid unauthorized 
use and manipulation.  
Note: TACB identified in Art. 1.1 also 
applicable here.  
   Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2024  1. Develop within the Directorate General for 
Foreign Trade a Trade Portal for the 
amalgamation of enquiries and responses.  
2. Legally establish Trade information enquiry 
point designated as the Central authority 
within the Government.  
3. Legal drafter to amend/revise the existing 
legislation to identify the Suppli es Control 
Unit as the official contact point with 
functions and responsibilities clearly 
defined in all matters relevant to import 
licensing.  
   Article 1.4  Notification  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2023  1. Training on WTO notification.   
  G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 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)  
Article 2  Opportunity  to Comment, Information before Entry into Force and Consultations  
   Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and Information 
Before Entry into Force  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2023  1. Provide more links through other trade 
related websites where all traders can have 
access to proposed changes to laws and 
regulations.  
2. Legal aid/advice required to:  
− Revise/Amend or Repeal the existing laws 
to take into considerations publication of 
procedures/administration etc. as 
prescribed under the  AILP. 
− To proceed with compliance to the AILP.  
3. Training on NTBs/WTO AILP.  
   Article 2.2  Consultations  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2024  1. Technical Assistance to develop a 
Consultation policy; specific areas should 
include developing skills in regulatory 
impact assessment.  
2. Technical Consultancy to develop the 
strategy/ policy for consultations and 
designate unit for implementation.  
3. Legal Counsel to determine a standardized 
approach to consultations.  
Article 3       Advance Rulings  
 C 22 February 2020  31 December 2023  1. Draftsperson needed with expertise in 
British common law to establish binding 
rulings.  
2. Training in binding rulings.  
3. 'Train the trainer' program.  
Article 4       Procedures for Appeal or Review  
 C 22 February 2022  31 December 2024  1. Consultancy to determine the legal 
framework for Appeal or Review process.  
2. Legal Counsel to determine the framework 
for the institutionalization of the review 
and appeals process.  
3. Legal assistance is necessary to develop 
structure of appeals tribunal.  
4. Technical Assistance/Guidance to 
determine the human resource needs.  
5. Financial and technical resources for 
equipment and software and expertise in  
  G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 8 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date 
for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
developing an efficient electronic filing 
system.  
6. Assistance with developing an appeal 
policy and r elevant procedures.  
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
   Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  C 22 February 2019  31 December 2024  1. Legal advice due to:  
− Lack of legal provision for import control 
purposes to be shared among border 
agencies.  
− Lack of established procedures to notify 
border authorities with respect to 
enhancing controls and inspections.  
− Lack of established procedures to ensure 
publication of a notice of te rmination of an 
import alert in a non -discriminatory and 
easily accessible manner.  
2. Technical Assistance and financial support 
needed to set up an alert system of 
notification for BAHA.  
3. A Systems Administrator has been hired in 
the interim to assist with updating BAHA's 
website however we lack an information 
and alert system to notify other agencies 
and service users regarding enhanced 
controls and inspections.  
   Article 5.2  Detention  C 22 February 2022  31 December 2030  1. There is need for quarantine holding 
facilities at all major points of entry 
inclusive of treatment facilities and 
refrigeration units.  
   Article 5.3  Test Procedures  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2024  1. Technical assistance in acquisition of 
equipment for the National Forensic 
Laboratory which performs testing for 
Customs.  
2. All BAHA diagnostic units require more 
human and material resources to improve 
testing capacity and to meet ISO 17025 
accreditation.  
3. Capacity Building of officers.   
  G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 9 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date 
for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
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  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2 023 1. Technical assistance needed for regulatory 
impact assessment for BAHA. Output 
would provide the necessary justifications 
to obtain support for enactment of 
amended regulations and draft bills.  
2. Undertake a feasibility study for BAHA.  
   Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for 
Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and Exportation  B 22 February 2020  22 August 2021  - 
   Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2024  1. There is a need for formal training.  
Article 7       Release and Clearance of Goods  
   Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2026  1. Upgrade agencies to full electronic systems 
for connectivity to ASYCUDA WORLD. 
Revision of current systems, updating 
existing systems and creation of new 
systems (Single -window approach).  
2. BAHA need financial and technical 
assistance to implement an information 
system for the entire organisation.  This 
would then address both import and export 
procedures and facilitate recall mechanism 
when necessary. Training of personnel 
required in this aspect.  
   Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2026  
(new date requested)  The Customs and Excise Department allows 
electronic payments; it is currently engaged in 
an effort to include other agencies which 
require additional assistance and support from 
donors in implementing.  
 
Requires the following additional assistance 
and support not earlier anticipated:  
1. Assistance and financial support for the 
development of a wide -area network for 
BAHA.  
2. Assistance for the development of a legal 
framework that is supportive of electronic 
payments.   
  G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 10 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date 
for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
   Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees 
and Charges  A - - - 
   Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2024  1. Acquire a legal draftsman.  
2. Acquire the necessary external technical 
assistance to develop a risk management 
strategy.  
3. Acquire the necessary external technical 
assistance to establish operating 
procedures due to lack of standardized 
criteria.  
4. Acquire the necessary external technical 
assistance in areas of risk man agement 
analysis in data gathering and criteria 
building.  
   Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2024  1. Provide specialized training to Post -Audit 
Unit. Secure specialized training from 
external sources. (WCO, EU and CCLEC).  
2. Request technical assistance to develop 
and implement the necessary systems. 
Secure technical assistance from EU.  
3. Restructuring of the Post -Audit Unit and 
acquiring the proper audit software and 
other analytical tools. Secure technical 
assistance f or training, software and 
analytical tools funding.  
   Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2024  1. Technical assistance to develop TRS policy 
and procedures.  
2. Technical assistance for training in the 
use of TRS software.  
3. Assistance in conducting a study on the 
aspects that contribute to average release 
times for commodities regulated by BAHA.  
   Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized 
Operators  B 22 February 2020  30 June 2024  
(new date requested)  - 
   Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2023  1. Capacity building to develop and 
administer single document processing for 
expedited shipment (based on 2014 Needs 
Assessment).   
  G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 11 - 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)  
2. Funding for IT equipment for administering 
expedited shipments (based on 2014 
Needs Assessment).  
3. TA for the standardization of procedures in 
expedited shipment.  
   Article 7.9  Perishable Goods  C 22 February 2021  31 December 2030  1. Technical and financial assistance required 
to ensure that proper inspection facilities 
are in place for agricultural and food 
product at each official point of entry. In 
addition, for trade in live animals 
appropriate holding and inspection 
facilities need to be in place (facili tate 
quarantine period and treatment where 
necessary prior to import and export and 
where applicable even for in -transit 
consignments).  
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
   Article 8.1   A - - - 
   Article 8.2 (a)  B 22 February 2019  22 February 2019  - 
   Article 8.2 
(b)-(e) C 31 December 2030  31 December 2030  
(new date  requested ) 1. Assistance to conduct feasibility study.  
2. Technical assistance to learn best practices 
in countries that have introduced joint 
border controls and one-stop border post 
control.  
3. Financial assistance for equipment and 
software.  
4. Technical assistance for strengthening the 
human resources of border agencies.  
5. Technical assistance and cooperation for 
training and awareness building.  
Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control  
 A - - - 
Article 10     Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
   Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation Requirements  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2023  
(new date requested)  - 
   Article 10.2  Acceptance of Copies  A - - - 
   Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2023  1. Financial support to participate in meetings 
of the International Standard Setting 
Bodies and the WTO/SPS Committee 
Meetings.   
  G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  
 
- 12 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date 
for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
   Article 10.4  Single Window  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2026  1. Technical Assistance and training for 
establishing a Single Window facility 
required.  
2. Technical Assistance: equipment for the 
operation of the single window.  
3. Capacity Building: Training for users 
(authorities, customs brokers, etc.) of the 
single window.  
4. Public awareness campaign on the need 
and benefits of the single window.  
A regional approach is being taken towards 
a regional single window; which wil l be 
compatible with international standard; 
Belize taking a national approach in being 
fully compliant. (Key issue: compatibility).  
   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 22 February 2019  22 August 2021  
(new date  requested ) - 
   Article 10.8  Rejected Goods  A - - - 
   Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward 
and Outward Processing  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2023  1. Technical assistance to provide specialized 
training. Lack of trained officers in 
supervision and audit of manufacturing 
operations.  
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
   Article 11.1 -
11.3  C 22 February 2022  31 December 2024  1. Comprehensive study and review of other 
fees and charges. Technical assistance 
needed for comprehensive study and 
review.  
   Article 11.4 -
11.15   A - - - 
   Article 11.16 -
11.17   C 22 February 2020  31 December 2024  1. Technical assistance to facilitate 
comprehensive review/study and draft a 
Legal text. Comprehensive review and 
analysis of viability and benefits of 
membership into SIECA (Include a clause 
to address cross border transit issues).  
Article 12  Customs Cooperation  
 A - - - 
                                                                                        __________