G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
24 November 2021  
(21-8902) Page: 1/75 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
 
 
FIRST REVIEW OF THE OPERATION AND IMPLEMENTATION  
OF THE TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT  
Revision1  
Contents  
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  3 
2   SECTION I OF THE TFA  ................................ ................................ ................................  4 
A  FACTUAL  INFORMATION  ................................ ................................ ..............................  4 
2.1   Notifications under Section I of the TFA  ................................ ................................ ..........  4 
2.2   Experience sharing exercise/thematic discussions  ................................ ............................  7 
2.3   Experience sharing by Members on trade facilitating measures taken to mitigate the 
COVID -19 Crisis  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  11 
2.4   Specific Trade Concerns  ................................ ................................ .............................  12 
Kazakhstan – Border Restrictions of Goods in Transit – Request from the Kyrgyz Republic 
(G/TFA/W/20; G/T FA/W/20/Corr.1; G/TFA/W/20/Add.1)  ................................ ........................  12 
2.5   Involvement of the private sector  ................................ ................................ ................  12 
B  MEMBERS' PROPOSALS UNDER SECTION I OF THE TFA UNDER CONSIDERATION 
BY THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE FACILITATION  ................................ ..............................  12 
3   SECTION II OF THE TFA  ................................ ................................ ............................  13 
A  FACTUAL INFORMATION  ................................ ................................ ............................  13 
3.1   Notifications under Section II of the TFA  ................................ ................................ ....... 13 
3.1.1    Notifications by Members under Articles 15 a nd 16  ................................ .....................  13 
3.1.2    Status of Notifications  under Articles 15 and 16  ................................ ..........................  14 
3.1.3    Rate of implementation commitments  ................................ ................................ ....... 18 
3.1.4    Requests for extension of the deadline for the notification of definitive dates for 
category  B measures by LDC Members  ................................ ................................ ................  23 
3.1.5    Notifications on technical assistance and capacity building support for category C 
designations  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  23 
3.1.6    Notifications under Article 17  ................................ ................................ ...................  24 
3.1.7    Notifications under Article 19 of the TFA  ................................ ................................ .... 26 
3.1.8    Notifications under Article 22 of the TFA  ................................ ................................ .... 26 
3.2   Experience sharing exercise/thematic discussions  ................................ ..........................  26 
3.3   Article 21:4: Dedicated Sessions on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building  ................  27 
 
1 G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8 reflects the Committee's discussions during the Committee on Trade Facilitation's 
meeting 23 November 2021.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  B  MEMBERS' PROPOSALS UNDER SECTION II OF THE TFA UNDER CONSIDERATION 
BY THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE FACILITATION  ................................ ..............................  29 
4   SECTION III OF THE TFA  ................................ ................................ ...........................  29 
A  FACTUAL INFORMATION  ................................ ................................ ............................  29 
4.1   Ratifications  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  29 
4.2   Article 23 Institutional Arrangements  ................................ ................................ ...........  30 
4.2.1    Article 23.1 Committee on Trade Facilitation  ................................ ..............................  30 
4.2.2    Rules of procedure of the Committee on Trade Facilitation  ................................ ...........  31 
4.2.3    Annual reports by the Comm ittee to the Council for Trade in Goods  ..............................  31 
4.2.4    Other business  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 31 
4.2.5    Article 23.2 National Committee on Trade Facilitation  ................................ ..................  32 
B  MEMBERS' PROPOSALS UNDER SECTION III OF THE TFA UNDER CONSIDERATION 
BY THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE FACILITATION  ................................ ..............................  34 
5   REPORTS TO THE COMMITTEE BY THE TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT 
FACILITY  AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS PLUS THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE ON TRADE 
FACILITATION ON  THEIR ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT MEMBERS IN THE 
IMPLEMENTATION  OF THE TFA  ................................ ................................ ......................  35 
5.1   TFAF Operation  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  35 
6   LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ .... 37 
6.1   TFA implementation achievements and constraints of LDCs  ................................ ............  37 
6.2   LDC notifications under Section II of the TFA  ................................ ................................  37 
6.2.1    Challenges  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  37 
6.2.2    Suppor t received  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 37 
6.3   Implementation of the provisions of the TFA  ................................ ................................ . 38 
6.4   Category C measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 41 
6.5   Perceptions of traders regarding implementation of the TFA  ................................ ............  41 
6.6   Desired improvements identified by traders  ................................ ................................ .. 41 
6.7   Some examples of lessons learned  ................................ ................................ ..............  42 
6.8   Summary  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  42 
6.9   LDC merchandise trade 2017 -2020 ................................ ................................ ..............  42 
7   DATABASE AND WEBSITE DEVELOPMENTS SUPPORTING THE WORK OF T HE 
TF COMMITTEE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  43 
8   MEMBERS' GENERAL PROPOSALS  ................................ ................................ ..............  43 
9   RECOMMENDATIONS AND DECISIONS RESULTING FROM THE REVIEW  .....................  43 
9.1   Section I of the TFA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 43 
9.2   Section II of the TFA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 43 
9.3   Section III of the TFA  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 44 
ANNEX 1  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  46 
Section I. COVID -19 responses reported by Members to the Committee on Trade Facilitation  ..... 47 
Section II. COVID -19 responses reported by land -locked developing country Members to the 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  ................................ ................................ ..........................  68 
Section III. COVID -19 presentations by international organizations to the Committee on Trade 
Facilitation  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  71 G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  ANNEX 2  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  75 
Table 1: Information -Sharing by Annex D+ partner organizations on their activities  ..................  75 
Table 2: Information -Sharing by Annex D+ partner organizations on their work to support 
Members to mitigate the COVID -19 crisis  ................................ ................................ .............  75 
 
1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  The First Review of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA, the Agreement, TF Agreement) is 
being carried out in 2 021 in accordance with the mandate under Article 23.1.6 of the Agreement. 
Article 23.1.6 provides that "[t]he Committee shall review the operation and implementation of this 
Agreement four years from its entry into force, and periodically thereafter".  
1.2.  While the mandate in Article 23.1.6 stipulates that the review period starts from the entry into 
force of the Agreement, in order to capture all notifications submitted by Members, the notification 
data contained in this factual report covers the period fr om 1 January 2014 to 31 October 2021.  
1.3.  Otherwise, this report covers the period from 22 February 2017 to 31 October  2021.  
1.4.  At its meeting of 3 March 2021, the Committee on Trade Facilitation (TF Committee, 
Committee, TFC, CTF) adopted a calendar and procedure to undertake the First Review.2 A first draft 
factual section of the review, which provided information regarding the implementation and 
operation issues of the Agreement, as determined by Members during the review period, was 
circulated in docu ment G/TFA/W/41 . A number of written textual edits on the draft factual report, 
as well as new proposals, were received from Members and were circulated in the G/TFA/W/ 
document series. These communications were incorporated in draft form into the draft Secretariat's 
factual report and this document formed the basis of the draft review and was circulated as document 
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.1 . The Committee reviewed the document at its meetings of 20 July 2021 a nd 
22 September 2021. Following the September meeting, a further revision was circulated in 
document G/TFA/W/41/Rev.2  which was reviewed at a Committee meeting that took place on 
13 October 2021. Following the Committee meeting of 19 –21 October, the Secretariat circulated 
document G/TFA/W/41/Rev.3 , which reflected the outcome of the discussions at the 13 October and 
19-21 October meetings.    
1.5.  The draft review document is structured according to Section s I, II and III of the Agreement. 
It also includes quantitative information on the submitted notifications, a description of the thematic 
and experience sharing sessions, written submissions by Members and other issues relevant to each 
Section of the Agree ment.  
1.6.  The TFA entered into force on 22 February 2017; developing Members and least -developed 
country  Members have used the  flexibilities that this Agreement provides  in the process of 
implementation . By and large, Members concerned (except a few that have not yet ratified the 
Agreement) notified their categorization of commitments in a timely manner. This is a remarkable 
achievement, given the very specific and new modalities of Section II of the Agreement. It is worth 
noting the specific challenges fa ced by LDC Members , as they are still struggling for fulfilling the 
notification obligations and therefore less concentrated on benefitting from the Agreement .3 
Developing Members also notified the definitive deadlines for their category B and C commitmen ts 
- while LDC Members have  notified definitive dates of category B and indicative dates of category C 
commitments. The LDCs have  until 22 August 2022 to notify their definitive dates for implementation 
of their category C commitments. Based on the timelin es notified by Members, at the time of the 
finalization of this report, about 70.5% of the provisions of the Agreement are implemented.  
1.7.  The next challenge that several Members stressed during the meetings is to find the 
appropriate means to review and moni tor the implementation of the commitments of category A, B 
and C that are already due for implementation (notably, but not only on transparency) and those 
that will be due in the years to come. The least developed country Members expressed their views 
that the next challenge now is to make sure that the measures notified under the category C by the 
 
2 G/TFA/1 . 
3 This is a placeholder for LDC Members to insert their input as suggested during the informal TFC 
meeting of 22 September 2021 and based on their contributions such as G/TFA/W/58 and G/TFA/W/59/Rev.1.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  LDCs are fully implemented in a timely manner with support from the donor country Members.  
To facilitate this monitoring of the commitments that are due this yea r (2021) and next year, the 
WTO Secretariat has produced a document ( G/TFA/INF/1 ) that lists all definitive implementation 
dates until the end of 2022. It is understood that the WTO Secretariat will keep updating this 
document .  
1.8.  The COVID -19 pandemic has represented an unprecedented challenge for all Members' 
Customs procedures that had to be adjusted to ensure in particular a smooth flow of the goods that 
are essential to address the pandemic  that is still ongoing at the time of the finalization of this report.  
Proposed textual edit to the factual report from the Least Developed Countries  
Presenting comparative trade (export and import) data based on the different groups of Members 
such as developed, developing, LDCs and LLDCs from the year 2017 to 2020 would be helpful in 
providing general understanding of the relationship of TFA implementation and global trade 
facilitated across different groups of Members.  
G/TFA/W/59/Rev.1 , para 2.6  
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
2  SECTION I OF THE TFA  
A  FACTUAL INFORMATION  
2.1  Notifications  under Section I of the TFA  
2.1.  The TFA requires Members to notify the Committee of the following: the publication of 
information for governments and traders on import, export and transit procedures (Article 1.4); the 
details  of operation of their single windo w (Article 10.4.3); the use of customs brokers 
(Article  10.6.2); and details of the contact point for the exchange of customs information 
(Article  12.2.2). The notifications are due in accordance with each Member's categorization of the 
transparency provis ions, therefore some notifications may have fallen due during the review period 
and other notifications may not be due until a future date, or after receipt of necessary technical 
assistance, if the provision is in category C.  
2.2.  The current status of transpa rency notifications is shown in Chart 1, below. The number of 
notifications that have been presented under each transparency provisions are shown in the green 
column, while the number of notifications that may be in category B or C and are not yet due to b e 
implemented are shown  in the grey columns. The number of transparency notifications that are 
over-due are shown in the red columns.  
Chart 1: Status of Transparency Notifications by Article  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database 
(https://tfadatabase.org/notifications/transparency/visual -analytics ). 
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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2.3.  Chart 2 provides further detailed information by separating th e notifications under each 
provision into category A, B and C. The data reflects that the greatest number of notifications not 
yet due are found in category  C. The majority of over -due notifications are in category A.  
Chart 2: Status of Transparency Notifi cations by Article and Category  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database 
(https://tfadatabase.org/notifications/transparency/visual -analytics ). 
 
2.4.  Chart 3 shows  the number of notifications received per calendar year over the period from 
1 January 2016, ( when  the first transparency  notification was made) to 31  October  2021.4 In total, 
257 transparency notifications were submitted  over this period.  
 
4 The data reflects the total number of transparency no tifications received, including notifications to 
update information previously submitted, and not the number of Members that submitted transparency 
notifications.  
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  Chart 3: Number of t ransparency notifications received per year  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
2.5.  The cumulative distribution of the transparency notifications submitted by Members is 
displayed in Table 1.  
Table 1: Cumulative break -down of transparency notifications submitted by percentage  
Article  Notification  Percentage  
Article 1.4  Publication of information for governments and traders on 
import, export and transit procedures  27% 
Article 10.4.3  Details of operation of the single window  22% 
Article 10.6.2  Use of customs brokers  26% 
Article 12.2.2  Contact point for the exchange of customs information  25% 
2.6.  Chart 4 shows  the percentage of transparency notifications submitted per Member grouping 
per year.  
Chart 4: Percentage of transparency notifications received per Member grouping per year  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
2.7.  The information in Chart  4 reflects the implementation of the TFA by developed Members upon 
entry into force of the Agreement, and the implementation of the Agreement by developing Membe rs 
and least developed country Members between 2017 and 2021 in accordance with their 1 12 56 
49 81 
58 
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
50%63%
4%46%57%
0%50%38%
86%49%31%
100%10%5%12%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Developed Country Developing Member Least Developed CountryG/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  self-determined categorization and deadlines. Consequently, the percentage of notifications received 
per Member per year reflects Members' self -determined dates for imple mentation of the 
transparency notifications.  
2.2  Experience  sharing  exercise/thematic discussions  
2.8.  The first experience -sharing exercise/thematic discussion took place during the fourth meeting 
of the Committee, held on 2 -3 May 2018. Thereafter, it remained as an agenda item for each 
subsequent Committee meeting. During the review period, a total of 14 experience -sharing exercises 
took place in relation to provisions under Section I of the TFA. The sharing of experiences by 
Members took various formats: thematic  discussions, cross -cutting issues, and presentations on 
specific TFA provisions.  
2.9.  The COVID -19 pandemic prompted Members to intensify their experience sharing on this 
particular challenge that customs  had to face during 2020 and most of 2021. The EU propos al 
(document G/TFA/W/31/Rev.4 ) that the WTO Secretariat prepare a compendium of the reported 
experiences was adopted. The compendium (document G/TFA/W/40/Rev.2 ) is attached as Annex 1. 
Proposed textual edit to the factual report from the Least  Developed Countries  
Section I should elaborate further about the impact of COVID -19 on implementation and measures 
taken to facilitate trade.  
G/TFA/W/59/Rev.1  
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
2.10.   The experience -sharing sessions included the participation of the following international 
organizations, which comprise some of the so-called "Annex D+ partner organizations": the World 
Bank Group (WBG), World Customs Organization (WCO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation 
and Development (OECD), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and 
the Internationa l Trade Centre (ITC). The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), a 
public -private partnership dedicated to international trade facilitation5, and the Standards Trade and 
Development Facility (STDF) a multi -partner initiative6, also participated i n the experience -sharing 
sessions. The list of presentations is contained in Annex 2, Table 1.  
2.11.   In total , 29 Members shared their implementation experience with regard to six TFA articles 
as follows: Article 1: Publication and Availability of Information ( 5 Members); Article 2: Opportunity 
to Comment, Information Before Entry Into Force, And Consultations ( 3 Members); Article 3: 
Advance Rulings ( 6 Members); Article 7: Release and Clearance Of Goods ( 13 Members); Article 10: 
Formalities Connected With Importa tion, Exportation And Transit (10 Members); Article  11, and 
Freedom of Transit ( 2 Members). See Table 2. A number of Members also made presentations on 
cross-cutting issues, which are listed in Table 3.  
2.12.   Article 23.2 of the TFA requires each Member to establish and/or maintain a National 
Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) or designate an existing mechanism to facilitate both 
domestic coordination and implementation of the provisions of the TFA. Seventeen Members took 
the opportunity to share with th e Committee their experiences in both the development and 
operation of their NCTFs, either through oral presentations or written submissions. Further details 
regarding experience -sharing on NCTFs are contained in section 4.2.5 of the report entitled 
"Artic le 23.2 National Committee on Trade Facilitation".  
  
 
5 The Global Alliance is led by the Center for International Private Enterprise, the Internat ional Chamber 
of Commerce and the World Economic Forum, in cooperation with Gesellschaft für Internationale 
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). It is currently funded by the governments of the United States, Canada, Germany, 
Denmark and Australia.  
6 The STDF grew out of  a joint communiqué issued by the Heads of FAO, OIE, WBG, WHO and WTO at 
the Doha Ministerial Conference in November 2001. It is hosted by the WTO Secretariat, supporting increased 
capacity of developing Members  to implement international SPS standards, gu idelines and recommendations.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  Table 2: Experience -sharing presentations and written communications  by Members on 
Section I provisions  
Member  Title Committee meeting  Document Symbol  
Article 1: Publication and Availability of Information  
Ecuador  Publication and availability of 
information  (in Spanish only)  11 February 2020   
Eswatini, Kingdom 
of Trade Facilitation Programme and 
Trade Facilitation Information Portal 
ETIP 20-22 October 2020   
Jamaica  Jamaica' s Trade Information Portal  
Jamaica's Trade Facilitation 
Programme  15-16 October 2019   
Tajikistan  Implementation of the TFA measures  
Tajikistan trade portal video  22 -23 June 2021   
United States  Developing the Article 1.4 
notification  25-26 June 2019  G/TFA/W/13  
Zambia  Launch of the Zambia Trade 
Information Portal   G/TFA/W/34  
Article 2: Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -discrimination and Transparency  
European Union  EU implementation of Article 2 of the 
TFA 26 June 2018   
Paraguay  Implementation of Article 2 of the 
TFA and update of progress on TFA 
implementation  19-21 October 2021   
United States  The Role of Notice and Comment and 
Related Administrative Procedures in 
Trade Facilitation Implementation  26 June 2018  G/TFA/W/6  
Article 3: Advance Rulings  
Australia  Australia Advance Rulings - 
Presentation  12-13 February 2019  G/TFA/W/11  
Bahrain, Kingdom 
of on behalf of 
Kingdom of 
Bahrain, State of 
Kuwait, Oman, 
Qatar, Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia and 
United Arab 
Emirates  Experience with Advance rulings   G/TFA/W/61  
Japan  Advance Rulings - Japan's experience  12-13 February 2019   
Madagascar  Madagascar's experience with 
implementation of Article 3 of the 
TFA and implementation of the e-
Phyto solution  19-20 July 2021   
Singapore  Singapore - Advance Rulings  9-11 October 2018   
Ukraine  Advanced rulings  
Advanced rulings - key points  11 February 2020   
United States  Speaking points - The role of 
advance rulings and administrative 
procedures in TFA implementation  9-11 October 2018  G/TFA/W/7  
Article 5:  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
United States  The role of second test procedures in 
trade facilitation   G/TFA/W/48  
Article 7: Release and Clearance of Goods  
Australia  Australia's Authorized Economic 
Operator (AEO) Program - Australian 
Trusted Trader  
Video: Australian Trusted Trader - an 
overview  9-11 October 2018  G/TFA/W/9  
Brazil Brazil's AEO programme  9-11 October  2018  
Time release study  22-23 March 2021  G/TFA/W/33  
Cambodia  Shifting Category C to B - Article 7.9 
Perishable goods  22-23 April 2021   
China  China's AEO programme  9-11 October  2018  
European Union  The EU Authorised Economic 
Operator AEO Programme  9-11 October 2018   G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  Member  Title Committee meeting  Document Symbol  
Guatemala  Guatemala's AEO programme - 
Presentación del programa de 
operador económico autorizado en 
Guatemala  9-11 October 2018   
Estudio de tiempos de despacho  20-22 October 2020   
Hong Kong, China  Implementation of the AEO 
Programme in  Hong Kong China  9-11 October 2018  G/TFA/W/8  
Korea, Republic of  Korea AEO programme  15-16 October 2019   
Sri Lanka  WCO Time Release Study – 
Sri Lanka's experience  11 February 2020   
Tonga  Implementation of TFA Article 7.8 
expedited shipments for the 
importation of Covid -19 vaccine  19-21 October 2021   
United States  US Cargo time release study phase 
two executive summary  11 February 2020  G/TFA/W/21  
Uruguay  Plazos medios de levante y programa 
de Operador Económico Autorizado 
en aplicación del AFC  25-26 June 2019  G/TFA/W/12  
Zambia  Authorised Economic Operators AEO 
- Customs Accredited Client 
Programme  9-11 October 2018   
Article 8: Border Agency Cooperation  
Chile, Ecuador, 
Costa Rica, 
Mexico, Paraguay, 
Uruguay  Border Agency Cooperation   G/TFA/W/22  
Article 10: Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Brazil  Single window implementation in 
Brazil  9-11 October 2018   
TFA implementation in Brazil through 
Public -Private Partnership   
China  Single Window in China  15-16 October 2019   
European Union  Special procedures processing and 
temporary admission  
Room document  12-13 February 2019   
Kazakhstan  Implementation of the TFA using the 
example of single window for import 
and export operations  19-21 October 2021   
Korea, Republic of  Single Window in Kore a 9-11 October 2018   
Malaysia  ASEAN statement - Discussions on 
single window  9-11 October 2018   
Rwanda/  
UNCTAD  UNCTAD Compendium of Good 
Practices UNCTAD and Rwanda  15-16 October 2019   
Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  Overview of Trade Facilitation 
Initiatives in Saudi Customs  9-11 October 2018   
The Separate 
Custom s Territory 
of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu  CPT Single Window  15-16 October 2019   
Vanuatu  Vanuatu Electronic Single Window  19-21 October 2021   G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  Member  Title Committee meeting  Document Symbol  
Article 11: Freedom of Transit  
European Union  EU Customs Transit Procedures 
Including Arrangements with a 
Number of Neighbouring Countries 
Under the Common Transit 
Convention  
EU Non Paper - European Union 
Customs Transit including 
arrangements with neighbouring 
countries under the Common Transit 
Convention  2-3 May 2018   
Kyrgyz Rep ublic Provision on the national transit 
coordinator   G/TFA/W/16  
Mongolia  Provision on the national transit 
coordinator   G/TFA/W/18  
Switzerland  Implementation of National and 
International Transit Procedures  9-11 October 2018   
 
Table 3: Experience -sharing presentations and written communications by Members on 
cross -cutting issues  
Member  Presentation  Committee 
Meeting  Document 
Symbol  
China  Approaches to Planning for Future Experience 
Sharing among Members  26 June 2018   
Implementation of WTO TFA by China 
Customs  2-3 May 2018   
Accelerated Implementation of the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement Through China's Smart 
Governance in Customs Ad ministration  
 
Explanation of powerpoint presentation   22-23 June 2021  G/TFA/W/44  
Costa Rica  Costa Rica statement  11 February 2020   
Ecuador  Global Alliance cooperation to strengthen the 
implementation of the TFA with public -private 
participation  19-21 October 2021   
El Salvador  Central American Trade Facilitation and 
Competitiveness Strategy with Emphasis  on 
Coordinated Border Management (in Spanish 
only)   
Guatemala  Trade Facilitation Through a Regional Lens   26 June 2018   
Jordan  Elimination of the consularization requirement   G/TFA/W/23  
Moldova, 
Republic of  Moldova's National Action Plan on Trade 
Facilitation  2-3 May 2018   
Mongolia  Information on Articles 5.1, 5.3, 7.2, 9 and 
10.5  G/TFA/W/32  
Morocco  Implementation of the TFA through a public -
private partn ership  11 February 2020   
Multiple 
(United States 
and Norway)  Revisiting the need for global action to 
eliminate consularization requirements   G/TFA/W/38  
Nepal  Implementing the TFA – shifting 11 provisions 
from category C to category B  22-23 June 202 1  
North 
Macedonia  Trade Facilitation Agreement Implementation - 
Some Practical Aspects  2-3 May 2018   
United States  Communication from the United States - 
Sharing of experiences  11 February 2020  G/TFA/W/19  
Opportunities for MSMEs - Statement by The 
United States  
 
The Trade Facilitation Agreement: A World of 
Opportunities for MSMEs  22 April 2021 – 
23 April 2021   
 G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  2.3  Experience  sharing  by Members on trade facilitating measures taken to mitigate the 
COVID -19 Crisis  
2.13.   Following the outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic in 2020, the TF Committee held an informal 
Committee meeting on 30 September 2020 to provide an opportunity to Members to infor m the 
Committee of trade facilitating measures that they had adopted in response to COVID -19. 
The meeting started with updates from the ITC, the WBG, the WCO, UNCTAD and GATF on their 
work in this area. The organizations presented their work under the foll owing headings: ITC - 
"Continuing TACB during the times of pandemics - ITC experience "; WBG - "The World Bank Group 
response to trade facilitation during the COVID crisis "; WCO - "What Customs can do to mitigate the 
effects of the COVID -19 pandemic "; World  Economic Forum (GATF) " COVID impact on trade 
facilitation – observations, challenges and opportunities "; and UNCTAD " Easing global trade and 
transport during COVID -19". 
2.14.   The TF Committee instructed the Secretariat to compile a compendium document of the 
contributions  of COVID -19 responses that the TFC Members and Observers have provided to the TFC 
and is available in document G/TFA/W/40 /Rev.2 . The compend ium also includes presentations made 
to the Committee by a number of Annex D+ partner organizations. Links to the presentations made 
by Members and Annex D+ partner organizations are included in the compendium.  
2.15.   The following seven Members reported to the C ommittee on the trade facilitating measures 
that they had undertaken: the Dominican Republic; the European Union; Guatemala; Japan; Nepal 
(as a focal point of the Core Group on Trade Facilitation of the LDC Group); Switzerland; and the 
United States.  
2.16.   The O ttawa Group, which includes Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the European Union, Japan, 
Kenya, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore and Switzerland, introduced a 
communication circulated in document G/TFA/W/24  which compiled the COVID -19 measures taken 
by its members. Brazil, Colombia and the United States introduced a joint communication entitled 
"Supporting the Timely and Efficient  Release of Global Goods Through Accelerated Implementation 
of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement" which was circulated in document G/TFA/W/25 . 
2.17.   Member s continued to share information on the trade facilitating measures that they had 
taken to mitigate COVID -19 at the Committee meetings of 21 -22 October 2020, 
26-27 January  2021, 3 March 2021, 22 -23 April 2021, 22 -23 June 2021, and 19 -21 October 2021.  
2.18.   At the meeting of 21 -22 October 2020, the following Members informed the Committee of the 
trade facilitating measures that they had taken to mitigate COVID -19: the European Union 
"Paper -based proofs of Preferential Origin under Covid -19 crisis"; the US updated the Committee on 
the communication entitled "Supporting The Timely And Efficient Release Of Global Goods Through 
Accelerated Implementation Of The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement" ( G/TFA/W/25 ); Paraguay 
"Ventanilla única del exportador – medidas en época de pandemia "; Nepal "Trade and Transit 
Facilitation – Nepal's experience; Canada "e -Longroom: an Emerging Digital Customs Strategy"; 
Afghanistan "Status and challenges of Trade Facilitation Agreement Implementation in Afghanistan"; 
Mongolia "Implementation of the TFA by Mongolia"; Japan "Japan Customs' Response to COVID -19; 
the Dominican Republic " Medidas temporales adoptadas por la Rep ública Dominicana en respuesta 
al COVID -19", and India introduced its communication entitled "Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's COVID -19 Trade Facilitation Measures" circulated in document 
G/TFA/W/26 .  Saint Lucia, The Netherlands, and the EU provided additional information.  
2.19.   At the meeting of 22 -23 April 2021, the following Members informed the Committee of the 
trade facilita ting measures  that they had taken to mitigate COVID -19: Cambodia "Mitigating 
COVID -19 – Article 10.4 Single Window"; and Turkey "Outcomes of Turkey's electronic customs 
procedures in line with TFA on international supply chains during the COVID -19 pandemic ". 
2.20.   At the meeting  of 19 -21 October, Tonga informed the Committee of its experience in 
implementing A rticle 7.8 expedited shipments to facilitate the importation of COVID -19 Vaccine.  
2.21.   A number of Annex D+ partner organizations made presentations to the Comm ittee during 
these meetings regarding  the support that they were providing to Members during the COVID -19 
pandemic. The presentations are listed in Annex 2, Table 2.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  2.4  Specific Trade  Concerns  
Kazakhstan – Border Restrictions of Goods in Transit – Request from the Kyrgyz Republic 
(G/TFA/W/20; G/TFA/W/20/Corr.1; G/TFA/W/20/Add.1)  
2.22.   The Committee addressed one matter concerning a specific trade concern that was raised at 
its meeting of 11 February 2020.7 The Kyrgyz Republic raised a concern regarding K azakhstan's 
treatment of its goods transiting to the Russian Federation. Kazakhstan considered that the issue 
should be addressed within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, to which they both are 
members.  
2.5  Involvement of the private sector  
2.23.   If and how the private sector can be involved in the Trade facilitation Committee is still under 
discussion  by Members. However, on 22 April 2021, at the margins of the meeting of the TFC, the 
Global Express Association  (GEA), which represents DHL, FedEx and UPS,  organized a webinar to 
which the Committee was invited.  
B  MEMBERS' PROPOSALS UNDER SECTION I OF THE TFA  UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE 
COMMITTEE ON TRADE FACILITATION  
2.24.   The proposals under this section were submitted by Members during the first review of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement . At the time of concluding the review, consensus had not yet been 
reached by the Committee on the proposals included in this section. To allow for further consideration 
and possible adoption of these proposals by the Committee, Section 9 of this report includes a 
decision that an agenda item be added to the Trade Facilitation Committee agenda entitled "Follow -
up to the four -year review".  
Proposal from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, the European Union, 
Iceland, Japa n, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, North  Macedonia, 
Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen And Matsu, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and 
Uruguay.  
Supporting the timely and efficient release of global goods through accelerated implementation of 
the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
G/TFA/W/25/Rev.7  (Document series G/TFA/W/25 ) 
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
Proposal from Brazil, Costa Rica, European Union, Norway, Switzerland and the United 
States  
WTO Members should utilize the tools afforded to them in TFA Article 10.1 to review their trade 
requirements and minimize unnecessary and costly formalities, including consularization 
requirements. National Trade Facilitat ion Committees (NTFCs) can look to the private sector as a 
critical and important first step in identifying needless bottlenecks. The private sector and 
Members have identified consularization requirements as one such bottleneck because it fails to 
contrib ute to legitimate customs -related processes. Therefore, during this time of economic global 
crisis, we call on Members to eliminate consularization requirements to fulfil their TFA Article 10.1 
commitment to reduce and eliminated unnecessary and costly for malities.  
G/TFA/W/38/Rev.3  (Docume nt series G/TFA/W/38 ) 
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
 
7 G/L/1375  and G/TFA/M/10 . G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Proposal from Brazil  
With the intention of improving the implementation of the provisions related to risk management, 
pre-arrival processing and customs cooperation, provided for in Articles  7.1, 7.3 and 12 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation of the WTO, Brazil understands that a new approach is essential, 
one which encourages customs to implement the exchange, by electronic means, of information 
and data that are normally provided  to them by traders involved in foreign trade operations.  
Therefore, where permitted by the laws and regulations in force in each member, and within the 
available resources of their respective Customs administrations, and based on the bilateral 
agreements,  we encourage those members that already have international agreements with this 
type of provision to consider the implementation of bilateral mechanisms for the advance 
electronic transmission of data from their export declarations and the automatic and r egular 
exchange of data on their imports and exports, for risk management purposes. Likewise, while 
there are no multilateral agreements in that regard, we encourage the other members to pursue 
this kind of bilateral agreements.  
G/TFA/W/51/Rev.1  paras. 7-8 
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
3  SECTION II OF THE TFA 
A  FACTUAL INFORMATION  
3.1  Notifications under  Section  II of the TFA  
Proposed textual edit to the factual report from the Least  Developed Countries  
The addition of a brief analysis of tables would further add value.  
G/TFA/W/59 , para. 2.2  
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
Proposed textual edit to the factual report from the Least  Developed Countries  
Include a table in section 3 of the report on the number of LDC  Member  notifications under 
categories A, B, and C by article, with analysis of provisions most LDC  Members  have n otified in 
the same category. This could give Members an idea of those articles LDC  Members  share in 
common within the relevant categories.  
G/TFA/W/59/ Rev.1 , para. 2.3 
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
Proposed textual edit to the factual report from the Least  Developed Countries  
It could be useful to include in the factual report a separate section on LDC  Members  with a brief 
assessment of both challenges and achievements. The development of a section on LDC  Members  
might have lessons learnt on what worked and existing gaps. This could assist in easily identifying 
the situation of the LDC  Members  in TFA implementa tion and areas for collaboration.  
G/TFA/W/59/ Rev.1 , para. 2.8 
Proposal under consideration  by the CTF  
 
3.1.1   Notifications  by Members under Articles 15 and 16  
3.1.  Developing and least-developed  country Members invoking the special flexibilities contained in 
Section II of the TFA are required to notify the Committee in accordance with Articles 15 and 16 of 
the TFA. The timeline for notification obligations under Articles 15 and 16 is outlined in T able 4. 
Proposed textual edit to the factual report from the Least  Developed Countries  
Include a table in section 3 of the report on the number of LDC  Member s notifications under 
categories A, B, and C by article, with analysis of provisions most LDC  Membe rs have notified in 
the same category. This could give Members an idea of those articles LDC  Members  share in 
common within the relevant categories. This could provide a sense  of the provisions different LDC  
Members  see as the most difficult or requiring a ssistance under category C.  
G/TFA/W/59/ Rev.1 , para. 2.3 
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Table 4: Timeline of Notification Obligations under Articles 15 and 16 of the TFA  
2017  
22 February  Developing Members  • Notify designations of categories A, B 
and/or C  
• Provide indicative implementation dates for 
category B and category C designations  
• Provide TACB requirements for category C 
designations  
2018  
22 February  Developing Members  • Provide definitive dates for category B 
designations  
• Provide information on arrangements 
entered with Donors on TACB for category 
C designations  
22 February  Least -developed  country Members  • Notify designations of categories A, B 
and/or C  
• May notify indicative implementation dates 
for category B designations  
22 February  Donor Members  • Provide information on arrangements 
entered with developing Members on TACB 
for category C designations  
2019  
22 February  Least -developed  country Members  • Provide TACB requirement for category C 
designations  
22 August  Developing Members  • Provide definitive implementation dates for 
category C designations  
• Inform of progress in TACB provision for 
category C designations  
22 August  Donor Members  • Inform of progress in TACB provision for 
category C designations of developing 
Members  
2020  
22 February  Least -developed  country Members  • Provide definitive dates for category B 
designations  
2021  
22 February  Least -developed  country Members  • Provide indicative dates for category C 
designations  
• Provide information on arrangements 
entered with Donors on TACB for category 
C designations  
22 February  Donor Members  • Provide information on arrangements 
entered with LDC Members on TACB for 
category C designations  
2022  
22 August  Least -developed  country Members  • Provide definitive dates for category C 
designations  
• Inform of progress in TACB provision for 
category C designations  
22 August  Donor Members  • Inform of progress in TACB provision for 
category C designations of LDC  Member s 
   
3.1.2   Status of Notifications  under Articles 15 and 16  
3.2.  During the review period, a total of 125 Members - 90 developing Members and 35 least 
developed country Members  - notified their category A B C designations. Out of the 125 Members, 
approximately 95% presented all of their category designations, approximat ely 2% presented some 
category designations while approximately 4% have not presented any designations. Table  5 
provides a breakdown of the numbers between developing Members and least developed country 
Members.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Table 5: Category A B C Designations  
ABC Designations  Overall  Developing  Members  LDC Member s 
Notification Timeline  22/02/2017  22/02/2018  
Number of developing 
and LDC Members  125 90 35 
Members that have 
presented ALL 
designations  119 95% 878 97% 329 91% 
Members that have NOT 
presented ANY 
designations  4 4% 110 2% 311 9% 
Members that have 
presented SOME 
designations  2 2% 212 2% 0 0% 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
Note:  Information from the Secretariat report to the TFC during the meeting of 19-21 October 2021 . 
3.3.  Table  6 provides  detailed  information regarding the approximately 4% of Members that have 
not presented any category designations. The data reflects notifications of both indicative and 
definitive dates of implementation for categories B and C that remain outstanding as of 
31 October 2021.  
Table  6: Notifications and expired deadlines under Articles 15 and 16  
Notifications and 
expired deadlines  Developing Members  Least -developed  
country Members  Total Outstanding 
Notifications  
ABC Designations  22/02/2017  22/02/2018  6 
3 3 
Category B indicative 
dates   22/02/2018  1 
1 
Category B definitive 
dates  22/02/2018  22/02/2020  8 
1 2 
Extension agreed to 
21/02/2021   5 
Category C indicative 
dates  22/08/2019   2 
2  
Category C definitive 
dates  22/02/2021  N/A13 3 
3  
Category C TA 
requirements  22/02/2017  22/02/2019  10 
4 6 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
Note:  Information from the Secretariat report to the TFC during the meeting of  19-21 October 2021 . 
 
8 Albania; Antigua and Barbuda; Argentina; Armenia; Kingdom of Bahrain; Barbados; Belize; 
Plurinational State of Bolivia; Botswana; Brazil; Brunei Darussalam; Cabo Verde; Cameroon; Chile; China; 
Colombia; Congo; Costa Rica; Cote d'Ivoire; Cuba; Dom inica; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Egypt; El 
Salvador; Kingdom of Eswatini; Fiji; Gabon; Georgia; Ghana; Grenada; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; 
Hong Kong, China; India; Indonesia; Israel; Jamaica; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Republic of Korea; Kyrgyz 
Republ ic; Macao, China; Malaysia; Maldives; Mauritius; Mexico; Republic of Moldova; Mongolia; Montenegro; 
Morocco; Namibia; Nicaragua; Nigeria; North Macedonia; Oman; Pakistan; Panama; Papua New Guinea; 
Paraguay; Peru; Philippines; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint L ucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Seychelles; Singapore; South Africa; Sri Lanka; Suriname; The Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; Tajikistan; Thailand; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; Tunisia;  
Turkey; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; Uruguay; Vanuatu; Viet Nam; Zimbabwe.  
9 Afghanistan ; Angola ; Bangladesh ; Benin ; Burkina Faso ; Burundi ; Cambodia ; Central African Republic ; 
Chad; Democratic Republic of the Congo ; Djibouti ; The Gambia ; Guinea ; Lao Peo ple's Democratic Republic ; 
Lesotho ; Liberia ; Madagascar ; Malawi ; Mali; Mauritania ; Mozambique ; Myanmar ; Nepal ; Niger ; Rwanda ; 
Senegal ; Sierra Leone ; Solomon Islands ; Tanzania ; Togo; Uganda ; Zambia . 
10 Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela . 
11 Guinea -Bissau, Haiti, Yemen . 
12 The State of Kuwait, Qatar . 
13 Deadline for notification of category C definitive dates for Least -developed  country Members is 
22 August 2022.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Table  7: Forthcoming Notification Deadline under Article 16  
Notification  Deadline  Members  Notifications received 
by 31 Oct 2021  
Category C definitive 
dates  22/08/2022  Least -developed  country 
Members  814 
Source : Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
Note:  Information from the Secretariat report to the TFC during the meeting of 19-21 October 2021 . 
3.4.  During the period under review, much of the Committe e's work was focused on the receipt of 
notifications submitted by Members under those two Articles.  
Proposed textual edit to the factual report from the Least  Developed Countries  
Under the para 3.2, it would be appreciated if a summary of constraints and achievements of LDC  
Members  could be incorporated in the draft for a general understanding on the issues and 
challenges faced and lessons of what has worked to resolve challenges. The section could 
commence with the following drawn from our  submission for the review G/TFA/W/58.  
Insert the following text:  
"The LDC Group has reported challenges and achievements so far in G/TFA/W/58 based on an 
internal survey that it devised and conducted. Based on the information received so far and 
information from the WTO Secretariat, most LDC  Members  completed notification obligations. In 
many cases, LDC  Members  are doing better than what was expected in terms of notifications. 
However, there are a number of LDC  Members  that require extensions of t ime as indicated in 
paragraph 3.7 of the factual report. However, effective implementation of all the measures notified 
under the category C measures by the LDC  Members  is important but challenging. Therefore, 
additional support from donor Members is desir ed in the areas of implementation of the measures 
identified under category C. The gaps in technical and financial support still exist.  
Initial problems were found in understanding the Agreement, which impacted the categorization 
process, the establishment  of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, as well as involvement 
of various relevant departments responsible for the corresponding provisions. Assistance from 
various institutions and partners as well as the organization of the regular session on tech nical 
assistance and capacity building mechanism helped Members to overcome these challenges. 
Moreover, for some, the process of gradually adapting the laws and procedures also contributed 
to understanding of the agreement. Provisions most difficult or eas ier to implement so far varied 
among Members but some provisions were common to a number of Members. Staff training and 
capacity building remain imperative for sustained implementation. Continuous reform and 
modernization of customs administration, and coo peration among all stakeholders were also 
highlighted. For the support received by those who submitted responses, it is clear that different 
institutional and bilateral assistance were helpful. Methods used by some LDC Members to resolve 
difficulties inclu ded workshops, interactions, and regular monitoring.  
Turning to the perceptions of LDC  Member  traders on the impact of the TFA, indeed improvements 
were cited in transparency of measures, automation, streamlined procedures, and cooperation 
among actors in the supply chain; operationalization of single window; and 24/7 operation of port 
services were also commended. On the other hand, LDC  Member  traders also noted some 
difficulties while interacting with some relevant agencies in trade facilitation, which ha d not yet 
joined the single window. Similarly, SPS and TBT standards in markets abroad remained 
problematic; infrastructure problems such as condition of roads, ICT infrastructure, trade logistics, 
and transit problems, among others were also mentioned as constraints. Some desired 
improvements cited by LDC  Member s included:  
• The facilitation of LDC Member exports into other markets, transparency of rules in those 
markets, and the release of those goods in the destination markets are needed.  
• Problems are stil l faced in transit cases where Article 11.2 is yet to be observed and challenges 
remain on the release of LDC Member goods in other markets.  
• Reduction of non -tariff barriers including more transparent and supportive SPS and TBT 
measures of trading partners  are expected.  
• Capacity constraints, technology constraints, and limited awareness, among others are 
hindering implementation of TFA in most LDC  Members . 
• The gaps in assistance are now much concentrated to implementation of category C provisions.  
• Effective implementation of those category C measures has a strong connection with 
significant additional support from development partners in terms of resource, technological, 
institutional and human capacity building.  
 
14 Angola, Benin, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Zam bia. 
Central  African Republic has notified some category C definitive dates.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 17 - 
 
  • In this context, donor M embers are encouraged to extend additional support in implementation 
of category C provisions in the LDC  Member s mainly based on the technical assistance 
requirement notification and consultations in respective capitals.  
• Additionally, landlocked least-developed country Members  have further difficulties, especially 
within their territory, to develop and maintain sufficient trade infrastructure including ICT 
infrastructure.  
• Trade facilitation for LDC Members requires bridging a huge digital gap and the connec tion of 
the entire domestic business with an ICT system and e -commerce and then linked with the 
cross-border trade."  
G/TFA/W/59/ Rev.1 , para. 2.5 
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
3.5.  Chart 5 shows the number of notifications submitted by Members under Articles 15 and 16 
over the period from 2014 to 2021. The data indicates that the highest number of notifications 
containing this information was received  in 2018 and 2019. This would ref lect the notification 
timeline contained in Table 4 which shows that both 2018 and 2019 each contained three notification 
deadlines, which was more than in any other year of the notification timeline. During the period 
under review, all but two Members15 submitted their definitive dates for implementation of category 
B designations and C designations.  
Chart 5: Category A, B and C notifications per year  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tf adatabase.org ). 
 
3.6.  In accordance with the flexibilities under Section II, each of the approximately 36 measures 
within the 12 articles of Section I of the Agreement can be categorized. Analyzing the notification 
data in more detail shows the percentage break down of TFA provisions by category. According to 
the notifications, just over 50% of the measures were designated in category A; 18 % of the TFA 
measures were designated in category B and over 27 % of measures were designated in category C.  
See Chart 6 belo w. 
3.7.  The notification data can also be  disaggregated by Member  groupings  which allows for a clearer 
picture to emerge as to how categorization breaks down within different groupings. For example,  
Chart 7 indicates  that developing Members  have a greater share of provisions in category A 
compared to LDC Members , while LDC Members  have assigned more provisions in category C  
compared to developing countries . Developing Members have a substantially greater number of 
provisions in category A compared t o categories B  and C, while LDC Members have a greater number 
of provisions in category C compared to categories A and B.  
 
15 Djibouti and Mauritania.  52
25 2676145160
74
39
020406080100120140160180
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Total Category A Category B Category CG/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 18 - 
 
  Chart 6: Share of Categories, A, B, C  
 
Based on % of all notifiable article items  Chart 7: Share of Categories, A, B, C by 
grouping  
Based on % of all notifiable article items  
  
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
3.1.3   Rate of implementation commitments  
3.8.  Based on the implementation commitment notifications, it is possible to see the rate of 
implementation commitments, as well as the varying rate of implementation commitments across 
provisions at the end of the four -year review  period.  
3.9.  Compiling all the notification information  regarding A, B and C categorization by Members, the 
data indicates that, across the WTO membership, the five measures with the highest rate of 
implementation commitments are: pre -shipment inspection (Article 10.5) ; movement of goods 
(Article 9); detention (Article 5.2); use of customs brokers (Article 10.6); and, and temporary 
admission of goods (article 10.9). See Chart 8. The data shows that for the most part, the measures 
with the current highest rate of impleme ntation commitments also have the greatest categorization 
of the provision in A.  
3.10.   On the other hand, the five measures  with the lowest rate of implementation commitments 
are: risk management (Article 7.4); border agency cooperation (Article 8); test proced ures 
(Article  5.3); authorized operators (Article 7.7); and the single window (Article 10.4) See Chart 9. 
According to the notified implementation data, the bottom five measures have the greatest 
categorization of the provision in C.  
Chart 8: Top five meas ures with highest 
rate of implementation commitments  Chart 9: Bottom five measures with 
lowest rate of implementation 
commitments  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
 
3.11.   In order to provide a picture of the rate of implementation commitments of the TFA at the 
end of the first four -year review of the Agreement, the following three charts provide a breakdown 
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 19 - 
 
  of the rate of implementation commitments by Members for all measures . is provided in the following 
charts.  
3.12.   Chart 10 shows the current rate of implementation commitments of developing and LDC 
Members according to categorization of each measure. This chart expands on charts 8 and 9 above.  
3.13.   Chart 11 focuses on the current ra te of implementation commitments by measures for 
developing Members only. The chart reflects a very slight variation in the five measures with the 
highest and lowest rates of implementation commitments.  
3.14.   Chart 12 shows the current rate of implementation com mitments by measure for LDC 
Members. Additional detailed information regarding the implementation of the TFA by LDC Members 
is contained in Section 6 of this report.  
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Chart 10: Current rate of implementation commitments by measure (Developing and LDC 
Memb ers) 
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
 
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Chart 11: Current rate of implementation commitments by measure (Developing 
Members)  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
 
 
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Chart 12. Current rate of implementation commitments by measure (LDC Members)  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
 
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 23 - 
 
  3.1.4   Requests for extension of the deadline for the notification of definitive dates for 
category B measures by LDC Members  
3.15.   In 2020, nine LDC Members notified requests for an extension of the deadline for the 
notification of definitive dates for category  B measures.16 Between 13 to 22 February 2020, seven 
LDC Members requested an extension. The Committee met on 20 February 2020 in order to make a 
decision before the 22 February 2020 deadline. Subsequently, the Committee rec eived two further 
notifications of requests for extension on 21 February 2020 and the Committee held a second 
meeting on 28  February.17 The Committee agreed to all nine requests for an extension of the 
deadline.18 As of 31 October 2021, two of the nine req uesting Members have not notified their 
definitive dates for category B measures .19 
3.16.   The notification data for 2020 includes the requests for an extension.  
3.1.5   Notifications on technical  assistance and capacity building support for category C 
designations  
3.17.   Article 16 requires that Members provide three notifications regarding technical assistance 
and capacity  building (TACB) for category C designations: notification by Members of TACB 
requirements for implementation of their category C designations; notification of information on 
arrangements entered into with Donors; and notification of progress in TACB provision.  
3.18.   Over the review period, a total of 85 Members notified the TACB support that  was required in 
order to implement their category C designations, while three Members made partial notifications of 
their TACB needs. The notified  TACB needs were broken down into seven broad headings: 
awareness -raising; diagnostic and needs assessment; h uman resources and training; information 
and communication technologies; infrastructure and equipment; institutional procedures, and 
legislative and regulatory framework. Explanations of the categories are provided on the  Technical 
assistance page  of TFA Database Website.  
3.19.   Of the 88 notifications received, 61 notifications were received from developing Members. 
A breakdown of those notifications indicated that the top three needs identified by developing 
Members were with respect to (1) human resources and training; (2) assistance in amending laws 
or regulations or implementing new ones; and (3) information and communication technologies 
(ICTs). See Chart  13. 
Chart 13:  Type of technical assistance required  by Developing Members  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
 
16 LDC Members may request the Committee to grant an extension of the deadline to submit its 
definitive dates for category B under Article 16:2 (b) of th e TFA.  
17 The meetings of 20 and 28 February were convened under Rule 2 of the Rules of Procedure for 
meetings of the General Council, which through its own rules of procedure, apply mutatis mutandis to the TFC.  
18 Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Lao PDR, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Solomon 
Islands.  
19 Djibouti and Mauritania . 
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 24 - 
 
  3.20.   Twenty -seven LDC Members notified their TACB needs. The breakdown of their needs closely 
resembles that of developing  Members with the major difference being the greater significance of 
"to be determined". Further details regarding the TACB needs of LDCs a re to be found in Section 6 
"Least developed country Members" of this report.  
Chart 14:  Type of technical assistance required  by least developed Members  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
 
Proposed textual edit to the factual report from the Least  Developed Countries  
Chart 8 represents the type of technical assistance required based on the notifications. It would 
be appre ciated if LDC  Member  specific information could also be presented in this Chart.  
G/TFA/W/59/ Rev.1 , para. 2.7 
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
3.21.   Over the review period, notifications of information on arrangements entered into with donors 
plus notifications  on progress made on TACB comprised six notifications from developing Members  
and 11 notifications from least-developed  country Members. See Table  8.  
3.22.   Not all members with category C commitments have notified aid received and/or identified 
gaps in capacity building needed to implement their category C commitments.  
3.23.   In accordance with Article 16, donors are also required to submit a notification on  
arrangements and progress made with regard to TACB . There have been no notifications received 
from donor Members  during the period under review . 
Table  8: Number of donor arrangements and progress notifications received per year, 
per grouping  
Years  Developing Members  Least  Developed Country  
Members  
2019 1 1 
2020 4 1 
2021 1 9 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
3.1.6   Notifications  under Article 17  
3.24.   In 2019, the Committee received four requests for the extension of definitive dates for 
implementation of category B and C commitments under Article 17 of the TFA ("Early Warning 
Mechanism"). One request20 did not exceed 18 months. In line with Article  17.2 of the TFA, the 
 
20 Belize (G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.1  and Corr.1 ).  
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 25 - 
 
  requested extension was therefore automatically granted without any further action by the 
Committee.  
3.25.   Three requests21 were for an extension of implementation dates exceeding 18  months. Th ese 
requests were considered by the Committee , as indicated in Article 17.4, and granted.  
3.26.   In 2020, the Committee received six requests for an extension of definitive dates for 
implementation of category B and C commitments . Requests submitted by four Members22 did not 
exceed 18 months. In line with Article  17.2 of the TFA, the requested extensions were therefore 
automatically granted without any further action by the Committee.  
3.27.   Requests from two Members23 for an extension to their implementation dates were submitted 
after the deadline set out in Article 17.1 of the TFA, which requires requests to be notified to the 
Committee no later than 120 days for developing Members  and 90 days for least-developed  countr y 
Members  before th e expiration of the previously notified implementation date. There was no 
consensus in the Committee to approve the requests . In order to avoid repetition of such situations, 
the Committee was of the view that a tool such as the document G/TFA/INF/1  provided by the WTO 
Secretariat was of added value.  
3.28.   In 2021 , the Committee received 13 requests for an extension of definitive dates for 
implementation of category B and C commitments. Eight24 did not exceed 18 months. In line with 
Article  17.2 of the TFA, the requested extensions were therefore automatically granted without any 
further action by the Committee. One request from a Member25 was for an extension of its 
implementation date exceeding 18 months. There were no objections fr om the Committee to this 
request.  
3.29.   In addition, the Committee reviewed four  requests from Members26 which did not adhere to 
the deadline set out in Article 17.1 . There was no consensus in the Committee to approve the 
requests.  
Table  9: Status of notifications under Article 17 – Extension of Implementation Dates  
Extension of Implementation Dates  Overall 
Membership  Developing 
Member s Least -Developed 
Country Member  
Number of Members that have 
requested extension of time of already 
notified definitive dates  21 21 - 
Number of Members that have shifted 
categories with extended definitive dates  5 5 - 
Number of extension requests received 
per measure  71 71 - 
Number of extension requests applied 
per measures  33 33 - 
Number of extension requests not 
applied per measure  21 21 - 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( https://tfadatabase.org/notifications/extension -of-
implementation -dates). 
Note:  Information from the Secretariat report to the TFC during the meeting of 19-21 October 2021 . 
  
 
21 Jamaica (G/TFA/N/JAM/1/Add.2 ), Kyrgyz Republic  (G/TFA/N/KGZ/2/Add.1  and Corr.1 ), Samoa  
(G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1 ). 
22 Nicaragua ( G/TFA/N/NIC/1/Add.2 ), Pakistan ( G/TFA/N/PAK/1/Add.3 ), the Philippines 
(G/TFA/N/PHL/1/Add.1 ) and St. Kitts and Nevis  (G/TFA/N/KNA/1/Add.1 ). 
23 Bahrain ( G/TFA/N/BHR/1/Add .1) and Samoa ( G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.2 ). 
24 Botswana ( G/TFA/N/BWA/1/Add.2 ), Dominican Republic ( G/TFA/N/DOM/1/Add.2 ), Ecuador 
(G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.3 ), Maldives ( G/TFA/N/MDV/3/Add.1 ), Namibia ( G/TFA/N/NAM/1/Add.1 ), Saint Lucia 
(G/TFA/N/LCA/1/Add.2 ), Sri Lanka  (G/TFA/N/LKA/1/Add.2 ), and the United Arab Emirates 
(G/TFA/N/ARE/1/Add.1 ).  
25 Mongolia ( G/TFA/N/MNG/1/Add.1 ). 
26 Belize ( G/TFA/N/BLZ/1/Add.2 ), Peru ( G/TFA/N/PER/1/Add.1 ), Tonga ( G/TFA/N/TON/1/Add.3 ) and 
Ukraine ( G/TFA/N/UKR/1/Add.3 ). G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  3.30.   A document tracking implementation dates from 1 May 2021 to 31 December 2022 was 
circulated in document G/TFA/INF/1  as a reminder to  Members  of upcoming implementation dates. 
This document will be updated on a n annual  basis until all notified implementation dates have 
passed.  
3.1.7   Notifications under  Article  19 of the TFA  
Table  10: Status of Notifications Under Article 19 - Shifting of categories  
Category Shifts  Overall Membership  Developing 
Member s Least -Developed 
Country Member  
Members  
Number of Members that have 
shifted categories from B to C  17 7 10 
Number of Members that have 
shifted categories from C to B 19 14 5 
Number of Members that have 
shifted categories with extended 
definitive dates  5 5 0 
Measures  
Number of measures shifted between 
categories  95 55 40 
Number of measures shifted from B 
to C 38 16 22 
Number of measures shifted from C 
to B 57 39 18 
Number of measures shifted with 
extended definitive dates  11 11 0 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( https://tfadatabase.org/category -shifts ). 
Note:  Information from the Secretariat report to the TFC during the meeting of 19-21 October 2021 . 
 
3.1.8   Notifications  under Article 22 of the TFA  
3.31.   Article 22.1 and 2 2.2 of the TFA require donor Members to notify information regarding their 
technical assistance  arrangements and the process and mechanisms to receive assistance. 
Article  22.3 requires beneficiary Members to notify contact details with regard to technical 
assistance.  
3.32.   Over the period of the review, 17 donor Members submitted 46 notifications under 
Articles  22.1 and 22.2. Fifty-one developing and LDC Members submitted  61 notifications under 
Article 22.3.  Further details can be found on the Trade Facilitation Agreement Database . 
Table 11: Status of Notifications on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building under 
Article 22  
Article 22.1  Article 22.2  Article 22.3  
Notification of support for capacity 
building disbursed by Donor 
Members  Notification of process and 
mechanisms to obtain assistance 
from Donor Members  Notification of Contact points by 
Developing and Least -developed 
country Members  
17 11 51 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
Note:  Information from the Secretariat report to the TFC during the meeting of 19-21 October 2021 . 
 
3.2  Experience  sharing  exercise/ thematic  discussions  
3.33.   Over the period  of the review, 31 Members have shared their experiences or made statements 
on matters under Section II relating to implementation  of the TFA and/or issues concerning capacity 
building. These Members are Afghanistan; Brazil; Cambodia; China; Colombia; Cost a Rica; Egypt; 
El Salvador; Eswatini; European Union; Finland; Germany; Guatemala; Jamaica; Japan; Lao  PDR; 
Moldova; Mongolia; Nepal; Netherlands; North Macedonia; Paraguay; Rwanda; Saint  Lucia; 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Spain; Sweden; United Kingd om; United States; Viet  Nam and 
Zambia.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  3.34.   Over the review period, a number of Annex D+ partner organizations regularly updated the 
Committee at its meetings of their work to support implementation  of the Agreement by Members. 
In 202027 and in 202128 they pro vided their updates in a written report.  
3.35.   In addition, the GATF also made a number of presentations on their initiatives relative to TFA 
implementation at the meetings of 12 -13 February 2019; 25 June 2019; 20 -22 October 2020 ; 
22-23 April 2021 ; and 19-21 October 202 1. The presentations made by Annex D+ partner 
organizations are listed in Annex 2, Table  2. 
3.3  Article  21:4: Dedicated Sessions  on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building  
3.36.   Article 21.4 of the TFA provides that the Committee shall hold at le ast one dedicated session 
per year to: (a) discuss any problems regarding implementation of provisions of the TFA; (b) review 
progress in the provision of assistance and support for capacity building to support the 
implementation of the TFA, including any developing or LDC Members not receiving adequate 
assistance and support for capacity  building; (c) share experiences and information on ongoing 
assistance and support for capacity building and implementation programs, including challenges and 
successes; (d ) review donor notifications as set forth in Article 22 of the TFA; and (e) review the 
operation of Article 21 of the TFA.  
3.37.   During the period under review four annual dedicated sessions have taken place. 
(See Table  12 for a list of presentations and stateme nts made during these sessions, where 
available.) The first dedicated session was held on 3 May 2018. The United States delivered 
presentations in connection with the subject matter under Article 21.4(a) and (b) of the TFA. With 
regard to Article  21.4(c) o f the TFA, presentations and other contributions were made by Colombia; 
the European Union (including interventions by Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom 
on their bilateral programmes); the United States; and Viet Nam. Finally, Australia pres ented a 
donor notification as referenced under Article 21.4(d), and the United States intervened with respect 
to support for LDC Members as referenced under Article 21.4(e) of the TFA.  
3.38.   A second dedicated session was held on 16 October 2019. Following the s tructure of 
Article  21.4 of the TFA, the Chair organized the session by first inviting exchanges on any 
implementation problems, a review of progress in the provisions of assistance and support for 
capacity building, and the sharing of experiences and info rmation on ongoing assistance and support 
for capacity building and implementation programs. With regard to these issues, the following 
Members made presentations or shared certain information: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cote d'Ivoire, 
Dominican Republic, El Sal vador, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Lao PDR, Mauritius, Nigeria, 
Paraguay, Peru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, 
Uruguay, and Zambia. In addition, Jamaica made a presentation on behalf of CARICOM, and  Nepal 
intervened on behalf of the LDC Group.  
3.39.   Presentations pertaining to the review of donor notifications as set forth in Article 22 of 
the TFA were made by the European Union (including interventions by  Finland, the Netherlands, 
Spain, Sweden, and the U nited Kingdom on their bilateral programmes). At the invitation of the 
European Union , the Committee also heard a contribution from the WCO.  
3.40.   Summaries of these presentations can be found in the minutes for the 16 October 2019 
meeting as set out at pages 27 -45 of G/TFA/M/9 .29 
3.41.   The third dedicated session was held on 22 October 2020. As during the second session, 
Committee Members were invited to exchange on several matters listed under Article 21.4 of 
the TFA, including any implementation problems, a review of progress in the provisions of assistance 
and support for capacity building, and the sharing of experiences and information on ongoing 
assistance and su pport for capacity building and implementation programs. With regard to these 
issues, the following Members made presentations or shared certain information: Canada; China; 
Ecuador; Eswatini; the European Union; (including interventions by Finland; France;  the 
 
27 G/TFA/W/29 . 
28 G/TFA/W/39  and G/TFA/W/67 . 
29 No presentations were made pertaining to the review and operation of Article 21:2 of the TFA.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  Netherlands; Sweden on their bilateral programmes); Japan; Paraguay; and the United Kingdom. 
A presentation was also made by Saint Lucia on behalf of the  OECS.  
3.42.   Summaries of these presentations and contributions are provided in greater detail in the 
minutes for the 22 October 2020 meeting as set out at pages 27 -39 of G/TFA/M/13 .  
3.43.   Donor notifications under Article 22 of the TFA from Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United 
States were covered in the regular meeting of the Committee.30 "Recent and upcoming activities ", 
usually a standing item on the agenda of the regular Committee meetings, was covered in the 
dedicated session. T he Committee heard statements from Brazil, Nepal (on behalf of the LDC Group), 
the United  States, as well as a presentation by GATF, as set out in pages 39 -42 of G/TFA/M/13 . 
3.44.   The fourth dedicated session was held on 21 October 2021. During this session, Cambodia, 
the EU Commission plus four Member States (Finland, France, Netherlands an d Sweden), Japan, and 
the UK, all took the floor. They were followed by the Annex D + partner organizations - Global Alliance 
for Trade Facilitation, ITC, OECD, World Bank Group, WCO, and UNTAD – who reported on their work 
to support Members in their implem entation of the TFA .31 
Table 1 2: Presentations by Members under the Dedicated Sessions  
Member  Title Committee 
meeting  Document 
Symbol  
Cambodia  Implementation of category C provisions and 
the technical assistance and financial 
assistance needed  19-21 October 2021   
European Union  Statement by the European Union  15-16 October 2019   
Statement by the European Union  20-22 October 2020   
Statement by the European Union  19-21 October 2021   
Eswatini, 
Kingdom of  Trade Facilitation Programme and Trade 
Facilitation Information Portal ETIP  20-22 October 2020   
Finland  Finland statement  20-22 October 2020   
Finland statement  19-21 October 2021   
France  France statement  20-22 October 2020   
France statement  19-21 October 2021   
Germany  Ongoing Assistance and Support - Germany  2-3 May 2018   
Jamaica  CARICOMs implementation experience 
Jamaica on behalf of CARICOM  15-16 October 2019   
Japan  Japan statement  19-21 October 2021   
Lao People's 
Democratic 
Republic  Trade Facilitation in Lao - key achievements 
and challenges  15-16 October 2019   
Netherlands, 
The The Netherlands statement  
The Netherlands statement  
Trade Facilitation, Digitalization and The 
Netherlands Trust Fund  20-22 October 2020  
19-21 October 2021  
19-21 October 2021   
Saint Lucia  OECS report  20-22 October 2020   
Saint Vincent 
and the 
Grenadines  Presentation by Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines on Trade Facilitation  15-16 Octob er 2019   
Spain  Technical assistance from Spain in the 
framework of the WCO MERCATOR 
Programme  15-16 October 2019   
Sweden  Ongoing Assistance and Support - Sweden  2-3 May 2018   
Sweden statement  20-22 October 2020   
Sweden statement  19-21 October 2021   
United Kingdom  Trade Facilitation UK Statement  15-16 October 2019   
UK Statement  19-21 October 2021   
United States  Trade Facilitation Agreement Notifications as 
Tools for Demand Driven Assistance 
Conversations  2-3 May 2018   
United States Approach to Trade Facilitation 
Assistance  
 
30 G/TFA/M/13 , pp. 15 -16. No presentations were made pertaining to the review and operation of 
Article  21:2 of the TFA.  
31 All presentations and statements are to be found on the WTO TFA database . G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  Member  Title Committee 
meeting  Document 
Symbol  
United States Department of Agriculture 
Trade Facilitation Agreement Related 
Technical Assistance  
Commercial Law Development Program – 
Contribution by The United States   
Article 16   G/TFA/W/15  
United States/  
Viet Nam Project Support for TFA implementation in 
Vietnam  2-3 May 2018   
Zambia  Support from cooperating partners and 
Zambia's achievements in the implementation 
of the TFA  15-16 October 2019   
 
B  MEMBERS' PROPOSALS UNDER SECTION II OF THE TFA  UNDER CONSIDERATION BY 
THE C OMMITTEE ON TRADE FACILITATION  
3.45.   The proposals under this section were submitted by Members during the first review of the 
Trade Facilitation  Agreement.  At the time of concluding the review, c onsensus had not yet been 
reached by the Committee  on the proposals included in this section. To allow for further consideration 
and possible adoption of these proposals by the Committee, Section 9 of this report includes a 
decision that an agenda item be added to the Trade Facilitation Committee agenda entitled "Follow -
up to the four -year review".  
4  SECTION III OF THE TFA  
A  FACTUAL INFORMATION  
4.1  Ratifications32 
4.1.  During the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 October 2021, 154 Members ratified the 
Amendment Protocol to modify the Marrakesh  Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization 
and deposited  their instruments of acceptance. As of 31 October 2021 , nine Members are yet to 
deposit their instruments of acceptance. See Chart 15. 
Chart 15: Number of ratifications per year  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
 
32 While the issue of ratification is not included in Section III of the TFA, this information has been 
included for the interest of Members.  
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  4.2  Article  23 Institutional Arrangements  
4.2.1   Article 23.1 Committee  on Trade Facilitation  
4.2.  Following the entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement on 22 February 2017, a 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  was established in line with Article 23.1 of the Agreement.  
4.3.  At a meeting  on 7 April 2017, the General Council ( GC) took note of a statement by the Chair 
of the General Council, informing delegations of the consensus on the appointment of Ambassador 
Daniel Blockert from Sweden as Chairperson of the TFC.  
4.4.  On 16 May 2017, the TFC held its inaugural session. The sole ag enda item was the confirmation 
of the Chairperson -designate. Members formally elected Ambassador Blockert (Sweden) as the first 
TFC Chair. Ambassador Blockert announced his intention to consult delegations on the Committee's 
rules of procedure and the orga nization of work. The TFC held two further meetings in 2017: on 
19 July and 3 November.  
4.5.  In 2018, the TFC held three formal meetings: on 2 to 3 May ( G/TFA /M/4); on 26 June 
(G/TFA/M/5 ); and on 9 to 11 October ( G/TFA/M/6 ). The meeting of 2 and 3 May was chaired by 
Ambassador Daniel Blockert (Sweden) and the remaining meetings were chaired by his successor, 
Ambassador Dalia Kadišiene (Lithuania), who was elected at the May meeting as Chair of the 
Committee fo r 2018.  
4.6.  In 2019, the TFC held three formal meetings: on 12 to 13 February ( G/TFA/M/7 ); on 25 to 
26 June ( G/TFA/M/8 ); and 15 to 16 October ( G/TFA/M/9 ). The meeting of 12 and 13 February was 
chaired by Amb assador Dalia Kadišiene and the remaining meetings were chaired by her successor 
Ambassador Mohammad Haqjo (Afghanistan) who was elected at the June meeting as Chair of the 
Committee for 2019.  
4.7.  In 2020, the TFC held four formal meetings: on 11 February ( G/TFA/M/10 ); on 20 February 
(G/TFA/M/11 ); on 28 Feb ruary ( G/TFA/M/12 ) and on 20 to 22 October ( G/TFA/M/13 ). The TFC held 
an informal meeting on 30 September. The meetings of 11, 20 and 28 of February were chaired by 
Ambassador Mohammad HAQJO. The remaining meetings were chaired by his successor Ambassador 
Katrina NAUT (Dominican Republic) who was electe d on 30 July as Chair of the Committee for 2020. 
Ambassador Naut resigned as Chairperson in December 2020.  
4.8.  In 2021, during the period under review, the TFC held six formal meetings: 29 January 2021 
(G/TFA/M/14 ); 22-23 March 2021 (G/TFA/M/1 5); 22-23 April 2021 (G/TFA/M/16 ); 22-23 June 2021 
(G/TFA/M/17 )33, 27 -28 July 2021 (G/TFA/M/18 )34, 19-21 October 2021 (G/TFA/M/19 )35. 
The Committee  held seven informal meetings during the year – 13 January, 26 February, 22 June, 
27 July, 22 September  and 13 October. The informal meetings from June to  October , inclusive,  were 
dedicated to the four -year review of the TFA. Following the departure of Amb assador Naut in 
December 2020, the TFC meeting of 29  January was chaired on an ad hoc  basis by the Chair of the 
Council for Trade in Goods (CTG), H .E. Mikael  Anzén (Sweden). Mr. Christopher O'Toole (Canada) 
was then selected on 5 February 2021 as Interim Chair of the TFC through silent procedure. 
Mr O'Toole was subsequently elected Chairperson of the Committee for the year 2021 -2022 on 30 
July 2021, through wri tten procedures.  
Table 1 3: Trade Facilitation Committee Meetings and Minutes 2017 to 2021  
TFC Meeting  Minutes  
16 May 2017  G/TFA/M/1  
19 July 2017  G/TFA/M/2  
3 November 2017  G/TFA/M/3  
2-3 May 2018  G/TFA/M/4  
26 June 2018  G/TFA/M/5  
9-11 October 2018  G/TFA/M/6  
12-13 February 2019  G/TFA/M/7  
 
33 To be issued.  
34 To be issued.  
35 To be issued.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  TFC Meeting  Minutes  
25-26 June 2019  G/TFA/M/8  
15-16 October 2019  G/TFA/M/9  
11 February 2020  G/TFA/M/10  
20 February 2020  G/TFA/M/11  
28 Februa ry 2020  G/TFA/M/12  
20-22 October 2020  G/TFA/M/1 3 
29 January 2021  G/TFA/M/14  
22-23 March 2021  G/TFA/M/15  
22-23 April 2021  G/TFA/M/16  
22-23 June 2021  G/TFA/M/17  
27-28 July 2021  G/TFA/M/18  
19-21 October 2021  G/TFA/M/19  
 
4.2.2   Rules of procedure of the Committee on Trade Facilitat ion 
4.9.  At its meeting of 25 and 26 June 2019, Members finalized work on the Committee's rules of 
procedure and agreed to forward them to the Council for Trade in Goods for approval. At its meeting 
of 14 and 15 November 2019, the Council  for Trade in Goods app roved the Rules of Procedure for 
meetings of the Committee on Trade Facilitation36, consisting of the General Council's Rules of 
Procedure37 applied mutatis mutandis  with agreed modifications.  
4.2.3   Annual reports  by the Committee to the Council for Trade in Goods  
4.10.   According to the "Procedures for an annual overview of WTO Activities and for reporting under 
the WTO" ( WT/L/105 ), which were adopted by the General Council on 15 November 1995, all bodies 
constituted under Agreements in Annex 1A of the WTO Agreement are required to submit an annual 
factual report to the Council for Trade in Goods, which is then to take n ote of these reports.  
4.11.   Accordingly, the Committee submitted  annual reports to the Council for Trade in Goods 
from 2017 to 2021.38 
4.2.4   Other  business  
4.12.   Over the review period, and in addition to administrative points raised by the Chair under this 
agenda item, six  Members requested the addition of an item under other business:  
i. During the Committee meeting of 2 -3 May 2018, Uganda to report on the World Customs 
Organization's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Conference that had taken place in 
March  2018;  
ii. During the  Committee meeting of 12 -13 February 2019, Ukraine concerning a new transit 
restriction by the Russian Federation;  
iii. During the Committee meeting of 11 February 2020, Mongolia concerning the importance of 
Article 11 - Freedom of Transit to it and to other la ndlocked developing Members of the WTO;  
iv. During the Committee meeting of 11 February 2020, China to thank all Members who had 
provided support in its fight against the Coronavirus pandemic;  
v. During the Committee meeting of 20 -22 October 2020, Hong Kong, Chin a concerning a revised 
origin marking requirement by the United States;  
vi. During the Committee meeting of 26 -27 January 2021, the United States, on behalf of the co -
sponsors of document G/TFA/W/25/Rev.2 to inform Members that Mexico and Thailand had 
joined t he communication as co -sponsors;  
vii. During the Committee meeting of 3 -4 March 2021, the United States to preview a paper it 
would circulate for the next Trade Facilitation Committee meeting entitled, "Revisiting the 
Need for Global Action to Eliminate Consul arization Requirements" (G/TFA/W/38/Rev.3); and  
viii. During the Committee meeting of 22 -23 June, the United States to invite all delegations and 
capitals to attend an upcoming webinar for a conversation with the U.S. private sector about 
its experiences with t he Trade Facilitation Agreement during the pandemic.  
 
36 G/C/M/1 36, item 4. The text of the Rules of Procedure can be found in G/L/1342. 
37 WT/L/161 . 
38 G/L/1201 ; G/L/1267 ; G/L/1329 ; G/L/1375 ; G/L/1416  and G/L/1416/Corr.1 . G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 32 - 
 
   
Proposed textual edit to the factual report from Ukraine  
Insert the following text:  
"At the Committee meeting of 12 -13 February 2019, Ukraine raised the concern regarding a new 
transit restriction imposed by the Russian Federation on 29 December 2018 by government 
resolution No. 1716 -83. In particular, Ukraine indicated that goods origina ting from Ukraine had 
been subjected by the Russian Federation to various import bans and transit restrictions for the 
last few years. The latest measures prohibited, inter alia , the importation into the 
Russian  Federation of certain agricultural and indus trial goods if such goods had been in transit 
through the territory of Ukraine. This meant that the measures also applied to products originating 
from other WTO Members. Ukraine considered such measure to be inconsistent with Article 11.4 
of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, as well as with Article V:6 of the GATT. Ukraine urged the 
Russian  Federation to adhere to its commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement. "  
G/TFA/W/6 0 
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
Proposed alternative approach by the Chair  
Over the review period, and in addition to administrative points raised by the Chair under this 
agenda item, five Members requested the addition of an item under other business:  
i. During the Committee meeting  of 2-3 May 2018, Uganda to report on the World Customs 
Organization's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Conference that had taken place in 
March 2018;  
ii. During the Committee meeting  of 12-13 February 2019, Ukraine concerning a new transit 
restriction by the Russian Federation;  
iii. During the Committee meetin g of 11 February 2020, Mongolia concerning the importance 
of Article 11 - Freedom of Transit to it and to other landlocked developing Members of 
the WTO;  
iv. During the Committee meeting  of 11 February 2020, China to thank all Members who 
had provided support in its fight against the Coronavirus pandemic;  
v. During the Committee meeting  of 20-22 October 2020, Hong Kong, China concerning a 
revised origin marking requirement by the United States;  
vi. During the Committee meeting  of 26 -27 January 2021, the United States, on behalf of 
the co -sponsors of document G/TFA/W/25/Rev.2  to inform Members that Mexico and 
Thailand had joined the communication  as co-sponsors;  
vii. During the Committee meeting  of 3-4 March 2021, the United States to preview a paper 
it would circulate for the next Trade Facilitation Committee meeting entitled, "R evisiting 
the Need for Global Action to Eliminate Consularization Requirements" 
(G/TFA/W/38/Rev.3 ); and  
viii. During the Committee meeting  of 22-23 June, the United States to invite all delegations 
and capitals to attend an upcoming webinar for a conversation with the U.S. private sector 
about its experiences with the Trade Facilitation Agreement during the pandemic.  
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
4.2.5   Article 23.2 National Committee on Trade  Facilitation  
4.13.   Article 23.2 of the TFA requires each Member to establish and/or maintain a National 
Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) or designate an existing mechanism to facilitate both 
domestic coordination and implementation of the provisions of the TFA. Twenty -two Members have 
taken the opportunity to share with the Committee their experiences in both the development and 
operation of their NCTFs, either through oral presentations or written submissions.  
4.14.    At its meeting of 2 -3 May 2018, three Members shared thei r experience regarding the 
functioning of their NCTFs as follows. Brazil; Turkey; and the United States. At the Committee 
meeting of 9 -11 October 2018, the Dominican Republic reported on the progress of its NCTF.  
4.15.   At its meeting of 12 -13 February 2019, five  Members shared their experience with the 
establishment and operation of their NCTFs: Costa Rica; Pakistan; Paraguay; Thailand and Tonga. 
Sri Lanka made a presentation on the functioning of its NCTF at the meeting of 25 June 2019. At the 
meeting 15 -16 Octo ber 2019, five more Members reported on their NCTFs: Egypt; El Salvador; 
Norway; Montenegro; and Paraguay.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  4.16.   At its meeting of 11 February  2020, seven Members shared experiences with their NCTFs: 
Chile; Costa Rica; Ecuador; India; Mexico; Paraguay and Urugua y.  
4.17.   At its meeting of 19-21 October 2 021, Ecuador  shared its experience regarding its cooperation 
with the Global Alliance  for Trade Facilitation to strengthen Ecuador's implementation of the TFA 
with joint public -private partnership. Honduras shared its experience with their use of the Trade 
Facilitation Reform Tracker developed by UNCTAD.  
Table 1 4: Experience -sharing presen tations and written submissions by Members 
regarding NCTFs  
Member/Presenter  Title Committee 
meeting  Document 
Symbol  
Brazil  National Committee on Trade Facilitation 
- CONFAC  2-3 May 2018   
Chile National Trade Facilitation Committee  (in 
Spanish)  11 February 2020    
Costa Rica  National Trade Facilitation Committee  (in 
Spanish)  12-13 February 2019   
Dominican Republic  Avances del Comité Nacional de 
Facilitación del Comercio  9-11 October 2018    
El Salvador  Advances in Trade Facilitation  (in 
Spanish)  15-16 October 2019   
Ecuador  National Trade Facilitation Committee - 
Video  11 February 2020    
Cooperation with the Global Alliance for 
Trade Facilitation to strengthen the 
implementation of the TFA with joint 
public -private partnership  19-21 October 2021   
Egypt Statement by Egypt  15-16 October 2019   
Honduras  The Trade Facilitation Reform Tracker - 
Presentation by Honduras  19-21 October 2021   
India National Committee on Trade Facilitation 
- India's Experience  
Summary of India's presentation  11 February 2020   
Montenegro  National Trade Facilitation Committee - 
Montenegro  15-16 October 2019   
Norway  The National Trade Facilitation 
Committee of Norway  15-16 October 2019   
Pakistan  Pakistan - National Trade Facilitation 
Committee NCTF  12-13 February 2019   
Paraguay  National Trade Facilitation Committee in 
Spanish  12-13 February 2019   
National Committee on Trade Facilitation 
in Paraguay  15-16 October 2019   
Sri Lanka  Functioning of Sri Lanka's National Trade 
Facilitation Committee  25 June 2019   
Thailand  Thailand - National Committee on Trade 
Facilitation  12-13 February 2019   
Togo Togo's experience in French  12-13 February 2019   
Turkey  National Committee on Trade Facili tation 
- Experience of Turkey  2-3 May 2018   
United States  Structure and Role of the US National 
Trade Facilitation Committee  2-3 May 2018  G/TFA/W/5  
Communication from the United States 
regarding National Trade Facilitation 
Committees   G/TFA/W/19  
Proposal to update the WTO's 
Committee's Trade Facilitation meeting 
agenda as part of the four -year review of 
the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation 
Article 23.1.1.6   G/TFA/W/35  
Role of the Trade Facilitation Committee 
in the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
Facility   G/TFA/W/36  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  Member/Presenter  Title Committee 
meeting  Document 
Symbol  
Chile, Ecuador, 
Costa Rica, Mexico , 
Paraguay, Uruguay  Informe sobre el primer encuentro 
latinoamericano de los comités 
nacionales de facilitación del comercio - 
Montevideo Uruguay - Noviembre 2019  11 February 2020   
 
B  MEMBERS' PROPOSALS UNDER SECTION III OF THE TFA  UNDER CONSIDERATION BY 
THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE FACILITATION  
4.18.   The proposals under this section were submitted by Members during the first review of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement.  At the time of concluding the review, consensus had not yet been 
reached by the Committee on the proposals included in this section. To allow for further consideration 
and possible adoption of these proposals by the Committee, Section 9 of this report includes a 
decision that an agenda item be added to the Trade Facilitation Committee agenda entitled 
"Follow -up to the four -year review".  
Proposal from Brazil and the United States  
 
Proposal to formalize engagement with the private sector:  
 
On the margins of the formal Committee meetings, the Committee should formalize engagement 
with the private sector by hosting discussions and presentations to facilitate direct feedback 
regarding the on -the-ground implementation of the TFA. The Committee m ay consider establishing 
a process addressing how Members should submit topics and potential private sector presenters 
for consideration. The Committee should consider operationalizing this proposal with the objective 
of facilitating participation from a w ide variety of businesses and encouraging diversity of 
organizations, geographic locations and perspectives.  
 
5. […] that the Committee convene informally, virtually or in hybrid format, on the margins of 
formal Committee meetings to host discussions with and presentations from the private sector to 
facilitate direct feedback regarding on -the-ground implementation of the TFA. The private sector 
organizations may present how implementation of specific provisions of the TFA has improved the 
private sector experience or identify areas of remaining challenges.  
5bis. In order to encourage participation from a wide variety of businesses and diversity of 
organizations, geographic locations, and perspectives, the Committee may consider in 
operationa lizing this proposal as follows:  
A. Rotate the geographical location of active participants shall rotate at each informal 
meeting, for example, Europe, Central Asia, and Russia; Africa and the Middle East; Asia; 
and the Americas. Thus ensuring a focus on each  region of the world;  
B. Allow for "silent -mode" participation of any interested private sector participant, outside 
the region in (A) in order to encourage new business connections;  
C. Encourage Members, as appropriate, to draw participants from its National T rade 
Facilitation Committee; to that end, Members will be responsible for inviting and 
maintaining contact information for those participants;  
D. Encourage Members to put an emphasis on the participation of Micro, Small, and Medium -
sized Enterprises (MSMEs),  including any organizations that represent their interests; and  
E. The Committee may choose to focus on a particular topic(s) of interest in a region in 
order to solicit direct comments and feedback, and repeat or vary topics, or include no 
particular focus on specific topics.  
6. The Committee may consider establishing a process to increase the efficiency of reviewing the 
many anticipated requests from the private sector to present at these informal sessions. We 
propose that any members of the private sector submit to the Secretariat requests to present on 
a topic of interest that relates to TFA implementation. Submissions would be accepted throughout 
the year, and Members should consider reviewing and accepting requests on a rolling basis. The 
Committee will then invite members of the private sector with an approved topic to present to 
Members on the margins of a formal Committee meeting.  
7. Further to the objective of encouraging participation from a wide variety of businesses and 
diversity of organizations, geographic locations, and perspectives, the Secretariat shall:  
A. Maintain a registration sheet for participants to register to participate;  
B. Provide convening notices that can be broadly distributed to a diverse range of potential 
participants;  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 35 - 
 
  C. Work with the IT staff to provide access to participants to those meetings for which they 
have been invited; and  
D. Provide, as possible, for meeting times that take into account maximum participation of 
the participants of the particular geographical location.  
G/TFA/W/42  and G/TFA/W/42/Rev.1 , paras. 5.7  
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
Proposal from the European Union  
The EU suggests that when the private sector comments on TFA implementation, that they are 
invited to inform, to the extent possible, whether the transparency notifications are sufficient, as 
these notifications aim primarily to help SMEs and traders to comply with their obligations.  
EU comment : The US Brazil proposal on business engagement is more comprehensive 
and would make this proposal less pertinent if  the US Brazil documen t 
G/TFA/W/42/Rev.1 were adopted.  
G/TFA/W/50 , para. 7  and G/TFA/W/65  
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
5  REPORTS TO THE COMMITTEE  BY THE TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT FACILITY AND 
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS  PLUS THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE ON TRADE FACILITATION ON 
THEIR ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT M EMBERS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
5.1.  The Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) provides regular reports on its activities to the 
Committee.39 These include updates on workshops and other events relating to trade facilitation 
matters organized with donors, partner organizations and representatives from the private sector. 
The Facility also reports on the grant program that offers project prepara tion and project 
implementation grants to assist Members in identifying and liaising with donors and with the 
implementation of category C measures as a contingency when no other assistance has been 
identified. The Facility further provides annual workplan s and reports on its activities. These 
documents and all other information relating to its grant work, coordination  efforts with the 
Annex  D+ partner organizations and all other activities can be found on the TFAF website.40 
5.2.  During the review period TFAF made seven presentations to the Committee. An information 
session  was organized in the margins of the Committee  meeting of 25 -26 June 2019 on the 
operational and administrative structure of the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). 
The session provided information on the origins, structure and membership of the STDF, its 
management, and its relationship with the WTO Secretariat. The STDF had been an important 
partner in developing the operational rules for the TFAF a nd the rules for the Facility grant program, 
which learned from the experience of the STDF. 41 
5.1  TFAF  Operation  
5.3.  Since 2017, the Committee engaged in discussions to clarify the operational structure of the 
TFAF and intended interaction  between the Committee, WTO Secretariat, and TFAF.42 At the 
Committee 's meeting of 9 -11 October 2018, the Committee considered an agenda item on the 
administrative separation between the Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility and the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation.43 At the Commi ttee's meeting of 25 -26 June 2019, the Committee requested TFAF 
address how it worked in line with the Paris and Busan principles.44 
5.4.  The 2021 TFAF Workplan was circulated in advance of the Committee 's meeting of 
20-22 October 2020. In response, Members rai sed concerns regarding TFAF grant program operation 
and representation  of the Committee at international events.45 The US requested the TFAF continue 
to focus only on its grant programme, and not pursue other activities provided for in its operational 
 
39 See G/L/1201 , G/L/1267 , G/L/1329 , and G/L/1375 . The most recent reports by the Facility to the 
Committee can be found at G/TFA/W/28  (20-21 October 2020 ), G/TFA/W/37  (22-23 April 2021)  ) and 
G/TFA/W/66  (19-21 October 2021).  
40 TFAF - Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility ( http://w ww.tfafacility.org ). 
41 G/TFA/M/8  
42 G/TFA/M/2  
43 G/TFA/M/6  
44 G/TFA/M/8  
45 G/TFA/M/13  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 36 - 
 
  guidelines including technical assistance, capacity -building and coordination with Annex D partner 
organizations.46 
5.5.  In 2021, the Committee began discussions regarding TFAF guidelines which sought to further 
clarify who directs the activities and functions of T FAF as well as ensure transparency concerning 
proposed activities and grants. At the Committee meeting of 22 –23 April 2021, the United States 
submitted a proposal calling for the Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) to fall under the 
purview and di rection of the TF Committee as a means to ensure that Committee oversight, direction, 
and responsibility will provide transparency to the TFAF activities being undertaken, the funding of 
TFAF, and transparency to Member's assistance by TFAF.47 The Committee agreed at its meeting of 
22-23 April that the Chair would hold consultations in an effort to resolve the current moratorium 
on technical assistance elements of TFAF's activities.48 
5.6.  The Chair held eight49 rounds of consultations, four of whic h were open -ended format, and the 
remainder were small -group meetings. The participating Members including the US, came to an 
agreement, endorsed by the Committee which will allow TFAF to continue technical assistance and 
capacity building activities for M embers. As a result, an on -line assistance activity request form for 
submission to the TFAF, and enhancements to transparency through a tracker dashboard were 
developed which offers Committee Members the ability to monitor the follow -up to these requests 
in real -time. In 2022, Committee Members will review the operation of this activity request system, 
consider possible improvements, and return to its discussion on a form of guidance from the 
Committee to set out its relationship with the TFAF.  
5.7.  Annex D org anizations (i.e., IMF, OECD, UNCTAD, WCO and WBG) are invited to and regularly 
attend Committee meetings. In addition, certain of these organizations have made presentations to 
the Committee  regarding their work in the area of trade facilitation . The ITC m ade presentations at 
the meetings of 22 -23 June 2021 and 19 -21 October 2021; OECD made presentations at the  
meetings of 26 June 2018 and 19 -21 October 2021.   
5.8.  UNCTAD made presentations  during the meetings of 15 -16 October 2019 (including a 
presentation wit h Rwanda); 3 March 2021, 22 -23 June 2021 (including a presentation with Vanuatu), 
and 19 -21 October (including a presentation with Honduras). T he WBG made a presentation during 
the meeting of 19 -21 October 2021 and the WCO has share d information  during the  meetings of 
11 February  2020, 26 -27 January 2021, 3 -4 March 2021 , 19-20 July  2021, and 19 -21 October 2021 .  
5.9.  In an informal session of the Committee held on 30 September 2020, UNCTAD, WCO and the 
WBG, along with the ITC, and GATF, each made presentations o n matters relating to measures 
adopted in response to the COVID -19 situation.50 
5.10.   In addition, the Annex D+ partner organizations provided report s that w ere circulated to the 
Committee in the context of the dedicated session s on technical assistance and capa city building 
that took place on 20 -22 October 202051 and 19 -21 October 202152. The Annex D partners and the 
ITC also provided a report to the Committee for the 22 -23 April 2021 meeting that , with respect to 
each organization , outlined their role in supporting implementation of the TFA, offered a brief 
description of upcoming assistance and activities, and described how Members could request 
assistance.53 
 
46 G/TFA/W/64  
47 G/TFA/W/36  
48 G/TFA/W/64  
49 20 May, 9 June, 7 July, 28 Jul y, 15 September, 1 October, 14 October.  
50 https://tfadatabase.org/trade -facilitation -committee/meeting/2020 -09-30. 
51 G/TFA/W/29 . 
52 G/TFA/W/67 . 
53 G/TFA/W/39 . G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  6  LEAST DEVELOPED  COUNTRY MEMBERS  
6.1  TFA implementation  achievements  and constraints of LDCs  
6.1.  As part of its engagement with the TFA review process, the LDC Group circulated two 
communications related to LDC Member experience with regard to implementation of the TFA in 
documents G/TFA/W/58  and G/TFA/W/59/Rev.1 .  
6.2.  The information provided in document G/TFA/W/58  is based on a survey devised and conducted 
by the LDC Group. The survey asked questions regarding the specific challeng es for capitals to 
prepare the required notifications under Section II of the TFA.  It also asked questions on the broader 
challenges for capitals and stakeholders, including importers and exporters, with regard to the 
benefits and difficulties of TFA impl ementation. It included questions on LDCs experiences with 
acquiring technical assistance and capacity -building support, as well as asking capitals and 
stakeholders to identify areas where they would desire improvements with regard to implementation 
of the  Agreement.   
6.3.  The LDC Group indicates that the results of the survey to date are not exhaustive but they do 
provide preliminary information on LDC implementation experiences to date. The LDC Group 
continues to collect information from LDC members on their experiences in the implementation of 
the TFA. The Committee welcomes the LDC Group 's intention to submit updated revisions of this 
communication to reflect further information received from capitals toward LDC inputs into the work 
of the Committee, as appr opriate.  
6.2  LDC notifications  under Section II  of the TFA  
6.4.  The LDC Group considers, based on the survey feedback from capitals as well factual 
information reported by the WTO Secretariat, that most LDCs have completed their notification 
obligations. It consid ers that in many cases, LDCs surpassed expectations in terms of notifications.  
6.2.1   Challenges  
6.5.  According  to the results of the survey, a number of  delegations had difficulties to notify their 
categorization designations. Some of the reasons cited were the lack of mastery of the Agreement 
itself.  It emerged during the exercise of categorizing the Agreement's measures that there was no 
convergence on the understanding of the TFA  provisions, including among the private sector.  
6.6.  Other challenges were cited by LDC Me mbers in regard to obtaining information on the use of 
customs brokers ( Article 10.6.2); contact point(s) for customs cooperation ( Article 12) plus 
necessary information to  prepare the definitive implementation dates of category B measures. In 
the case of at least one LDC, t he difficulties caused delays in the country's notification of their 
indicative implementation dates for category  B and C  measures, as well as transparency 
notifications, particularly information on the operation of its single window.  
6.2.2   Support received  
6.7.  The survey noted that assistance from various institutions and partners as well as the 
organization of the regular session on technical assistance and capacity building mechanism helped 
Members to overcome these challenges. Initial problems  were found in understanding the 
Agreement, which impacted the categorization process, the establishment of the National Trade 
Facilitation Committee, as well as involvement of various relevant departments responsible for the 
corresponding provisions. More over, for some LDC Members, the process of gradually adapting the 
laws and procedures also contributed to understanding of the Agreement.  
6.8.  Such challenges are reflected in the requests from nine LDC country Members for additional 
time to notify their defin itive implementation dates for category B measures (see Section 3.1.4 of 
the report ). 
6.9.  A number of LDCs required extensions of time as indicated in paragraph 3.7 of the factual 
report. In some cases, the challenges were overcome through the provision of bas ic training on the G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 38 - 
 
  TFA provisions. Workshops, including in capitals with stakeholders, organized by the WTO and other 
agencies facilitated the designation of categories for notification.  
6.10.   According to the survey, support was received in the categorization a nd implementation of 
category C measures through  sequencing and prioritization of category  C measures, consultation 
with relevant stakeholders, identifying required technical assistance, sensitization and training 
workshops for the various stakeholders on the perception of the substantive provisions of the 
agreement. The stakeholders were thus able to progressively conduct the process of categorization.  
6.11.   As a result of the training, some of the relevant stakeholders attained an understanding of 
the legally binding obligations under the TFA, including designation of category A, B and C measures, 
implementation timelines and technical assistance needed, particularly for Category C measures, 
and potential benefits of implementation. The training also gave an im petus to expedite preparations 
needed from relevant institutions to comply with the commitments of the TFA.  
6.12.   In addition , some of the difficulties were resolved through follow -up in the framework of the 
National Trade Facilitation  Committee, and in at least one case, the revision of domestic legislation 
to comply with the TFA was identified as being of potential assistance.  
6.3  Implementation  of the provisions of the TFA  
6.13.   Categorization of the TFA provisions is carried out individually  by LDCs based on their national 
needs assessments. At the same time, review of the notification data from LDCs shows that there is 
a level of commonality among Members of the group with regard to those provisions that are most 
difficult to implement and t hose that are easier to implement.  
6.14.   Chart 1 6 shows the categorization of all TFA provisions by LDC Members, in descending order 
of category A, B and C.  Results from the survey conducted by the LDC Group provide some context 
for the data. With regard to category  A measures, in the majority of cases,  these measures were 
already in place, and in other cases existing laws and regulations were already aligned with the TFA 
provisions. In other cases , category A provisions were easier to implement as a result of leveraging 
existing and on -going efforts by government. In the case of one LDC, the survey reported that their 
category A provisions were easiest to implement as a result of the continuous reforms and 
modernization of the Customs Administration, as well as having held consultations among 
stakeholder s. Provisions for which a lot of support had been received and for which there was 
domestic interest in reform were also easier to implement.  
6.15.    Looking in more detail at the provisions in category C, it can be seen that LDC Members 
require technical assist ance in a number of common provisions.  In particular, the top five provisions 
for which LDCs require the greatest level of technical assistance are border agency cooperation 
(Article 8); single window (Article 10.4); authorized operators (Article 7.7); te st procedures 
(Article  5.3), and risk management (Article 7.4). Details are provided in Chart 1 7. 
6.16.   The survey, even though it continues to be completed, provides some insight into some of 
the challenges being experienced by a number of LDC Members in trying  to implement these 
provisions.  
6.17.   Difficulties to implement Article 8.2 was mainly in the case of Member due to the need for 
mutual agreements with border agencies. In some cases, this required technical assistance and 
capacity building assistance to negoti ate and reach agreement, especially on joint controls, 
establishment of one stop inspection and establishment of one stop border post control.  
6.18.   For another Member, some of the single window implementation challenges included the 
reluctance of some agencies  and the private sector to change their practices.  
6.19.   One common general reason cited for difficulties behind the need for technical assistance in 
particular for these top five provisions is the requirement of infrastructure development which 
requires technic al assistance on a continuous and integrated manner.  
 G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Chart 1 6: LDC notifications by article and by category  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 40 - 
 
  Chart 1 7: LDC notifications by article and by category C  
 
Source:  Trade Facilitation Agreement Database ( http://www.tfadatabase.org ). 
 
G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 41 - 
 
  6.4  Category  C measures  
6.20.   The survey identifies that effective implementation of all the measure s notified under the 
category C measures by the LDCs is important but at the same time it is also challenging. 
Respondents to the survey indicated that gaps in technical and financial support still exist and are 
now much concentrated to implementation of c ategory C provisions. With regard to category C 
measures, the difficulties are linked to the transposition of the needs into coherent and relevant 
projects according to the requirements of the Agreement.  
6.21.   The survey  identified gaps in assistance as related to the lack of information on the funding 
mechanism for the implementation of the TFA, the lack of mobilization of funds to support the 
operation of the National  Trade Facilitation Committees, and the implementation of the TFA category 
C provisions. To rem edy this, the LDC Group encouraged donor country members to increase 
awareness at the global, regional, and national levels on mobilizing sufficient support for the 
implementation of the TFA Category C. Donor country Members are also encouraged to extend 
additional support in implementation of category C provisions in the LDCs mainly based on the 
technical assistance requirement notification and consultations in respective capitals  
6.5  Perceptions  of traders regarding implementation of the TFA  
6.22.   According to the survey, LDC traders were already seeing benefits resulting from 
implementation of the TFA via a reduction in time and costs. Improvements were cited in the areas 
of simplified procedures, publication of measures, automation and streamlining of procedures, 
cooperation among actors in the supply chain, operationalization of a single window, 24/7 operation 
of port structures and services. In addition, implementation of the authorized operator system was 
providing increased incentive to export and import.   
6.23.   On the other hand, LDC traders also noted some continuing difficulties with regard to some 
TFA measures not being implemented. The difficulties identified covered a broad range of issues that 
are addressed  in the TFA.  
6.24.   Traders experienced challenges resulting from cumbersome administrative procedures at the 
borders as well as from arbitrary behaviour of officials. They experienced high costs of exchanges 
as a result of multiple  barriers, as well as charges unduly applied. Another challenge identified was 
that o f double customs taxation. In addition, traders experienced challenges when interacting with 
relevant agencies that were not integrated into the single window for foreign trade.  
6.25.   Challenges were also identified resulting from multiple difficulties related t o technical barriers 
to trade (TBT) and sanitary  and phytosanitary measures (SPS). Some problems were faced in 
addressing SPS measures as there were not sufficient border check points for SPS measures in 
parallel to Customs points. One LDC faced some problems with trading partners in particular due to 
SPS related requirements and internationally accredited certifications.  
6.26.   Other constraints identified included infrastructure problems such as the poor condition of 
roads and transport  infrastructure,  ICT infrastructure, and trade logistics. Continued encountering 
of transit problems were cited, with one example being the i mplementation of a single guarantee on 
transit corridors. Problems were also still faced in transit cases where Article 11.2 was yet to be 
observed  
6.6  Desired  improvements identified by traders  
6.27.   According to the survey, LDC traders would like to see some improvements in a number of 
areas, including : the facilitation of LDC exports into other markets, transparency of rules in those 
markets, and the release of those goods in the other markets; more transparency in foreign markets 
to facilitate access to operators, particularly for micro, small and medium -sized 
enterprises  (MSMEs); reduction of non -tariff barriers including more transp arent SPS measures and 
international standards of trading partners.  
 G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 42 - 
 
  6.7  Some examples  of lessons  learned  
6.28.   According to the survey, staff training and capacity building remain imperative for sustained 
implementation of the TFA. Continuous reform and modernizati on of customs administration, and 
cooperation among all stakeholders are also important. Institutional and bilateral assistance were 
helpful to support implementation of the TFA. Methods used by some LDC Members to resolve 
difficulties included workshops, interactions, and regular monitoring. Other LDCs identified the 
operation of the National Trade Facilitation Committee as being key to implementation of the 
Agreement.  
6.8  Summary   
6.29.   The LDC Group summarized  its observations, experiences and the results of the s urvey as 
follows:  
• The facilitation of LDC exports into other markets, transparency of rules in those markets, and 
the release of those goods in the destination markets are needed.  
• Problems are still faced in transit cases where Article 11.2 is yet to be ob served and challenges 
remain on the release of LDC goods in other markets.  
• Reduction of non -tariff barriers including more transparent and supportive SPS and TBT 
measures of trading partners are expected.  
• Capacity constraints, technology constraints, and l imited awareness of the TFA, among others, 
are hindering implementation of TFA in most LDCs.  
• Effective implementation of those category C measures has a strong connection with 
significant additional support from development partners in terms of resource, t echnological, 
institutional and human capacity building.  
• The gaps in assistance are now much more concentrated to implementation of category c 
provisions.  
• In this context, donor country Members are encouraged to extend additional support in 
implementation of category C provisions in the LDCs mainly based on the technical assistance 
requirement notification and consultations in respective capitals.  
• Additionally, landlocked least developed countries have further difficulties, especially within 
their territory , to develop and maintain sufficient trade infrastructure including ICT 
infrastructure.  
• Trade facilitation for LDC Members requires bridging a huge digital gap and the connection of 
the entire domestic business with an ICT system and e -commerce and then li nked with the 
cross-border trade.  
 
6.9  LDC merchandise  trade 2017 -2020  
6.30.   The Secretariat, on an annual basis, provides an update on the trends in the least developed 
countries' (LDCs) trade and market access conditions in a document entitled "Market Access for 
Products and Services of Export Interest to Least Developed Countries"54. The updates are circulated 
in the document series "WT/COMTD/LDC/W/* ". 
6.31.   The reports circulated in 2019, 2020 and 2021 provides data regarding merchandise trade in 
imports and expor ts for LDCs over the period of this review. The follow table (Table 15) shows the 
data for the years 2017 to 2020 in value terms (US billion dollars). Further information on LDC -
related trade data can be found in the referenced WT/COMTD/LDC/W documents.  
Table 15: LDC merchandise trade 2017 – 2021 (Value)  
Value (US$bn)  
2017 2018 2019 2020 
Exports  Imports  Exports  Imports  Exports  Imports  Exports  Imports  
176 237 196 260 193 276 173 247 
 
Source:  WT/COMTD/LDC/W/67 , WT/COMTD/LDC/W/68  and WT/COMTD/LDC/6 9 
 
 
 
54 This document is prepared under the Secretariat's o wn responsibility and is without prejudice to t he 
positions of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO.  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  7  DATABASE AND WEBSITE DEVELOPMENTS  SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THE TF 
COMMITTEE  
7.1.  A database – tfadatabase.org  – was created in response to a request expressed by Members 
in the TFC.  
7.2.  The database is publicly available in the three WTO official languages. It is a fact -based 
reference source for information on TFA notifications which also provides analytical functionalities. 
It follows the evolution of the TFA and continually adapts to accommodate new notification data.  
7.3.  The Member profile pages pr ovide a platform to view the notification status of an individual 
Member in depth as well as any information notified by Members. All notification documents and 
other submissions made by Members can be accessed on these pages.  
7.4.  The TFA database hosts a dedi cated page of the TF Committee containing all the information 
provided under the experience -sharing and thematic discussions in the Committee.  
7.5.  Government officials and traders can access all URLs and contact points as Members are 
required to notify under t he TFA.  
7.6.  All technical assistance disbursements provided by Members can also be accessed on the TFA 
database.  
7.7.  The TFA Database automatically feeds data to three other websites, comprising the main WTO 
website, The Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF ) website and the Global Trade Helpdesk 
website.  
8  MEMBERS'  GENERAL PROPOSALS  
8.1.  Recalling the discussions during this first review of the operation and implementation of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement, the Committee notes that the recommendations contained i n 
communication G/TFA/W/53 remain under consideration by it.  
9  RECOMMENDATIONS  AND DECISIONS RESULTING FROM THE REVIEW  
9.1  Section  I of the TFA  
9.1.  Building on the discussions during this first review of the operation and implementation of the 
Trade Facilitation  Agreement, and with a view to furthering its work in regard to Section I of the 
TFA, the Committee:  
Recognizing that WTO Members are responsible for  the maintenance of their transparency 
notifications, including regarding the official places where information  under Article 1 of TFA 
is published,  decides that  the Secretariat shall annually check the operability of the related 
web links, namely, those related to the implementation of Article 1.4 of TFA, and request the 
relevant Members to update the links that are identified as broken.                       
9.2  Section  II of the TFA  
9.2.  Building  on the discussions during this first review of the operation and implementation of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement, and with a view to furthering its work in regard to Sect ion II of the 
TFA, the Committee:  
i. recommends that beneficiary Members with category C commitments organize meetings with 
donors in capital, to review the state of assistance and potential future needs. Beneficiary 
Members are invited to share the outcome o f these meetings with the Trade Facilitation 
Committee by [xxx].   
ii. decides that the Secretariat will lead a process with Members to agree regularised agenda 
topics for the dedicated session on assistance and capacity building, within the parameters of 
Article 21.4. As part of this process, the following items will be discussed at every dedicated 
session henceforth:  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 44 - 
 
  a. International and regional organisations and other agencies supporting the 
implementation of the TFA are invited to provide a report on the activ ities that they 
have delivered in the preceding twelve months. This should provide details on which 
Members they are supporting, the TFA articles they are helping to implement, and 
reflections on challenges and successes to enable improved future capacity building 
support.  
b. Members and organisations are invited to share experiences on where synergies 
between capacity building programmes have benefited implementation of the TFA and 
consider where further collaboration and cooperation (including on a regional level) 
might best support a future implementation of specific Articles.  
iii. decides to review the effectiveness of the list of definitive implementation dates prepared by 
the WTO Secretariat ( G/TFA/INF/1 ) on a regular basis and, as appropriate, improve the l ist 
and the methods for circulating it by reflecting feedback from Members in order to promote 
better self -management by Members of their own implementation status and allow adequate 
monitoring by the Committee.  
iv. recommends that Members whose implementation  dates have passed for their category B or 
C provisions, and on a voluntary basis and for informational purposes only: (i) confirm the 
passing of implementation dates in any form or reporting (orally or in writing); and/or (ii) 
share their implementation e xperiences with the Committee while explicitly mentioning the 
provision they have implemented. Category B and Category C provisions shall be implemented 
on the definitive dates as notified by Members as per Article 16.5 of the Agreement. The 
Committee coul d encourage those Members who have implemented category B provisions in 
particular to take the actions above. It should be noted that this proposal never intends to 
modify the Members ' obligations under the TFA.  
 
First, in order to provide support for Memb ers to better manage their implementation plans, we 
propose that the Committee decides to review the effectiveness of the list of definitive 
implementation dates prepared by the WTO secretariat (G/TFA/INF/1) on a regular basis and, as 
appropriate, . The li st aims to remind Members of their own definitive dates for category B and C 
so that those Members who face difficulties in implementing category B or C provisions can take 
appropriate actions as stipulated in Articles 17, 18 and 19 of the TFA. It is expec ted that the 
Committee could improve the list and the methods for circulating it the list by reflecting feedback 
from Members in order for the list to further contribute to this purpose. We believe this would to 
promote better self -management by Members of  their own implementation status and allow 
adequate monitoring by the Committee TFC.  
Second, we propose that the Committee recommend the following practice recommends that for 
Members whose implementation dates have passed for their category B or C provisi ons. That is, 
and on a voluntary basis and for informational purposes only, to: (i) confirm the passing of 
implementation dates in any form or reporting (orally or in writing); and/or (ii) share their 
implementation experiences with the Committee while exp licitly mentioning the provision they 
have implemented. Category B and Category C provisions shall be implemented on the definitive 
dates as notified by Members as per Article 16.5 of the Agreement. The Committee could 
encourage those Members who have impl emented category B provisions in particular to take the 
actions above. It should be noted that this proposal never intends to modify the Members ' 
obligations under the TFA.  
G/TFA/W/46/Rev.2  
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
 
9.3  Section  III of the TFA  
9.3.  Building  on the discussions during this first review of the operation and implementation of the 
Trade Facilitation  Agreement, and with a view to furthering its work in regard to Section III of the 
TFA, the Committee:  
i. decides to remove "Review of Notifications Unde r Article 15 of the TFA" as a standing agenda 
item for its meetings, recognizing that the Committee may review new Article 15 notifications 
on an ad hoc  basis;  
ii. decides to add a new standing agenda item for Members to provide updates on overdue 
Section I an d Section II notifications;  
iii. recommends that even when physical participation in meetings resumes, Interprefy (or an 
alternative IT platform) allowing remote connection should be enabled for all WTO Members;  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 45 - 
 
  iv. recommends that notifications be circulated as fa r in advance of Committee meetings as 
possible in order to promote meaningful review and comment from Members;  
v. decides to draft document  that contains good practices and building blocks of successful 
NTFCs, and identifies a minimum of three concrete elements that all Members agree are 
essential for implementing a successful NTFC: full government agency participation, clear 
leadership with political imperatives, and strong links to the private sector  
vi. decides to include a new standing agenda item "Status of Definitive Date Implementation" 
after the existing agenda item "Status of Notifications and Ratifications" for review of the 
effectiveness of the list of definitive dates in G/TFA/INF/1  and voluntary interv entions by 
Members, if any, highlighting implementation of provisions as per 8.2 (iii) and (iv) above.  
recommends In order to make these two proposals above effective and practical, we propose to 
set a new standing agenda item "Status of Definitive Date Im plementation" be included after the 
existing agenda item "Status of Notifications and Ratifications" for . Under the new standing 
agenda item, Members can review of the effectiveness of the list of definitive dates in G/TFA/INF/1 
based on the report by the  Secretariat and voluntary interventions by Members, if any, highlighting 
implementation of provisions as per 8.2 (iii) and (iv) above.  
G/TFA/W/46/Rev.2  
Proposal under consideration by the CTF  
vii. decides to amend the Committee 's spring meeting agenda, until next review of the TFA is 
completed, to include a Dedicated Session to discuss transit issues of landlocked country 
members.  
viii. decides to include an agenda item "Follow -up to the four -year review" for the purpose of 
continuing discussions, at the request of proponents, on the proposals that remain under 
consideration by the CTF from this review;  
ix. decides to conduct a second review of the operation and implementation of the Agreement in 
2026, and periodically thereafter.  
 
 
 
 G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 46 - 
 
  ANNEX  1 
COMPENDIUM  
SHARING EXPERIENCES RELATED TO THE COVID -19 CRISIS AS OF 1 JULY 2021  
1.1. In accordance with the decision reac hed in the Trade Facilitation Committee, agreed to by 
Members through a silent procedure on 9 April 2021, and with the mandate received in document 
G/TFA/W/31/Rev.4, the Secretariat has compiled a compendium document of the contributions of 
COVID -19 respon ses that the Committee on Trade Facilitation (TFC, the Committee) Members and 
Observers have provided the TFC so far. The compendium includes the presentations made by 
Members and international organizations.  
 
1.2. The compendium report is structured similarly to the TFA. For each provision, the report 
presents the  COVID -19 related trade facilitation measures taken by the Members and reported by 
Members to the Committee, including the challenges and difficulties addressed, if mentioned in the 
contribution. The r eported measures under each article are identified strictly in accordance with the 
information provided by Members. In those cases where reported information was not identified as 
specifically related to any provision, the measures reported are included un der a section "Other TF -
related COVID -19 measures", as stipulated in document G/TFA/W/31/Rev.4, paragraph 7.  
 
1.3. The information was sourced from the presentations made and written statements submitted 
by Members and international organizations to the Committ ee. The presentations and written 
statements were considered at the following Committee meetings: 30 September 2020, 
21-22 October 2020, 26 -27 January 2021, and 3 March 2021. The information was also sourced 
from TFA notifications circulated to Members in the document series G/TFA/N/.55 All information 
sources are available in the Trade Facilitation Agreement Database Website.56 
 
1.4. The information contained in the compendium document is presented under four headings: 
Member; Reported Measure; Sourc e (of the information); and, date of the Committee meeting at 
which the measure was reported.  
 
1.5. The reported measures, in most cases, did not identify a specific challenge to which the 
measure was addressed, except in the case of the reported measures by land -locked developing 
country Members. Therefore, as indicated in paragraph 8 of document G/TFA/W/31/Rev.4, which 
references the identification of specific problems and solutions adopted by different categories of 
Members, the information repo rted by land -locked developing country Members indicating the 
challenges they faced during the pandemic is contained in a separate table which is located in 
Section  II of the compendium document.  
 
1.6. Reflecting the references to International Organizations as  found in document 
G/TFA/W/31/Rev.4, paragraphs 2, 7 and 9, a separate table has been created containing the 
information presented  by International Organizations. This table is located in Section III of the 
compendium document.  
  
 
55 At the request of Members at the Committee on Trade Facilitation meeting on 22 -23 June 2021 . 
56 https://tfadatabase.org/trade -facilitation -committee/experience -sharing/topic/13 .   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 47 -  Section I. COVID -19 responses reported by Members to the Committee on Trade Facilitation  
Article 1: Publication and Availability of Information  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Chile Agriculture and Livestock Service of Chile (SAG) – Measures related to phytosanitary 
certificates in order to facilitate trade in the context of the problems related to 
COVID -19. Sets -up a webpage available to all national plant protection organizations 
(NPPOs) to verify and obtain directly from th e SAG certification system an image of 
all original data from phytosanitary certificate. In the case of imports, SAG will 
accept the submission of a scanned image of the phytosanitary certificate, as an 
alternative for importers that do not have the origin al document.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
China  Notice on Effectively Conducting the Work Related to Further Facilitating Enterprises' 
Application for Import and Export Licenses during the Prevention and Control of the 
COVID -19 Pandemic issued by the General Office of the Ministry of Commerce.  
http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/article/ae/ai/202002/20200202934222.shtml  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  30 April 2020  
China  Circular of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Optimizing Approval Services 
during the COVID -19 Pandemic Circular No.1 [2020] of Ministry of Agriculture and 
Rural Affairs.  
http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020 -02/13/content_5478044.htm  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreeme nt on Trade Facilitation  30 April 2020  
Dominican 
Republic  The DGA has attempted to address the impact of the emergency situation due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic by adopting the following measures:  
(1)  Elimination of the surcharge for late declaration (Art. 52 of Law No. 3489), 
through an application submitted to the customs administration.  
(2)  The period from Friday, 20 March 2020, until three working days after the 
lifting of the state of emergency will not be included when calculating th e 
number of days goods were kept at the bonded warehouse for any purpose 
(fiscal, re export or cargo consolidation).  
(3)  From 24 March, customs administrations will not count the days under 
lockdown in calculating the period of time after which goods are declared 
abandoned.  
(4)  From 24 March, for procedures involving digital signatures, support will be 
provided via the email address firmasdigitales@aduanas.gob.do and by 
phone.  
(5)  From 24 March, the following applications can only be submitted by email 
(info.corresporidenciayarchivo@aduanas.gob.do ): applications for the 
payment of tax under Law No. 253.42, applications for exemption from the 
payment of tax under Provision No. 7204, and WT O quota authorizations 
(technical rectifications).  
(6)  From 23 March, the administrations will be open for payments until 3 p.m. 
Users are therefore invited to make payments electronically.  
(7)  The registration of importers/exporters, inclusion of administrators and 
access authorizations may be carried out digitally from 23 March, provided 
that the requirements established by the DGA have already been met. Details 
of these requirements can be fou nd at www.aduanas.gob.do. Applications 
must be sent to unidadregistro@aduanas.gob.do . Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  
 5 June 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 48 - Article 1: Publication and Availability of Information  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
(8)  From 26 March, the administrations will stop clearing containers at 5  p.m., 
due to the curfew imposed by the Gov ernment.  
(9)  From 2 April and for the duration of the emergency, the collection of all 
import taxes via the Integrated Customs Management System will be 
temporarily suspended on masks, clothing, medical protective equipment and 
devices, machines and appli ances required to combat the pandemic. This 
suspension of taxes specifically includes customs duty, where applicable, and 
tax on the transfer of goods and services (ITBIS).  
(10)  With regard to the clearance of vehicle imports during this emergency, the 
DGA, in order to minimize the risk of infection from the coronavirus and 
reduce the presence of persons and taxpayers at its facilities in the country's 
ports, has adopted a number of measures to facilitate the import of vehicles 
that will take effect from 2 0 March.  
Dominican 
Republic  Customs intelligence.  
The following measures have been implemented since 20 March 2020 to mitigate 
customs risks and maintain trade facilitation:  
(1)  The risk analysis has focused on items that are of key importance in the 
current circumstances, such as medicines and medical industry produc ts, with 
a view to mitigating the risks of, inter alia, counterfeits and expired products. 
The same applies to the analysis of imports of high -risk products, such as 
contraband cigarettes.  
(2)  An analysis of businesses with low -risk profiles is under way in order to speed 
up the clearance of these businesses' goods, so that efforts can be focused 
on cases of a more sensitive nature.  
(3) Through the World Customs Organization's Customs Enforcement Network 
Communication Platform, the task force is keeping ab reast of the various 
modus operandi used internationally in order to gather information on 
confiscations made by other customs administrations.  
(4)  According to information from administrators at each border crossing, the 
transit of goods is occurring twi ce a week at land border crossing points. The 
goods in custody are clothing, alcohol and juices.  
(5)  Vehicle related applications will be handled remotely. It is hoped that the 
following applications can be received by email:  
• applications for payment of tax and clearance of vehicles;  
• applications for the correction of vehicle related manifests or 
characteristics;  
• applications for the clearance of buses.  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  
 5 June 2020  
Dominican 
Republic  Customs administrators have been instructed to authorize, as of 2 April, the 
clearance, using tariff preferences, of imports on goods from the European 
Community, without the submission of the EUR.1 Movement Certificate. This is 
subject to prior evaluation of the risk profile of the taxpayer and the su bmission of a 
document in which the taxpayer commits to providing said certificate when it is 
subsequently issued.  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreeme nt on Trade Facilitation  
 5 June 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 49 - Article 1: Publication and Availability of Information  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
European Union  VAT and duty exemption applied to certain goods procured by certain entities 
designed by EU Member States.  
Commission Decision on relief from import duties and VAT exemption on importation 
granted fo r goods needed to combat the effects of the COVID -19 outbreak during 
2020 is extended until 30 April 2021. Member States can grant VAT relief to sales of 
coronavirus vaccines and testing kits to hospitals and medical practitioners. The 
European Commission has also proposed a Council directive amendment 
2006/112/EC. If adopted, the new rules would allow a temporary VAT exemption to 
be given to vaccines and testing kits being sold to hospitals and medical 
practitioners, as well as closely related goods and se rvices. member States would 
also be able to apply reduced rates to testing kits if they so choose. Once agreed by 
all Member States, the new rules would allow a temporary VAT exemption to be 
given to vaccines and testing kits being sold to hospitals and me dical practitioners, 
as well as closely related goods and services. Member States would also be able to 
apply reduced rates to testing kits if they so choose.  
COVID -19: Commission puts forward taxation and customs measures to support 
access to more afforda ble equipment, vaccines and testing kits, Taxation and 
Customs Union (europa.eu).  
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/news/covid -19-commission -puts-forward -
taxation -and-customs -measures -support -access -more-affordable -equipment -
vaccines -and-testing -kits_fr  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  
 5 November 2020  
European Union  Specific Trade facilitation measures have been adopted by the EU to facilitate trade in 
the specific circumstances under COVID -19. Guidance on Customs issues related to 
the COVID -19 emergency, 30 March 2020.  
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/covid -19-taxud -response/guidance -
customs -issues -related -covid-19-emergency_fr  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  5 November 2020  
European Union  Border management flexibilities in conformity with/consistent with the European 
Union Customs Code legal framework.  
Guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure the 
availability of goods and essential services, 16 March 2020  
https://ec.europa.eu/ home -affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what -we-
do/policies/european -agenda -migration/20200316_covid -19-guidelines -for-border -
management.pdf  
Communication from the Commission on the implementation of the Green Lanes 
under the Guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure 
the availability of goods and essential services, 23  March  2020.  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/FR/TXT/PDF/ ?uri=CELEX:52020XC0324(01)&from=FR  
Air cargo related customs procedures  
Communication from the Commission - European Commission Guidelines: 
Facilitating Air Cargo Operations during COVID -19 outbreak, 26 March 2020  
https://ec.europa.eu/transport/sites/transport/files/legislation/c20202010_en.pdf  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation me asures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  
 5 November 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 50 - Article 1: Publication and Availability of Information  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
European Union  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/466 of 31 March on temporary 
measures to contain risks to human, animal and plant health and animal welfare 
during certain serious disruptions of Member States' control systems due to 
Coronavirus disease (COVID -19) 
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2020/SPS/EEC/20_2299_00_e.pdf  
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2020/SPS/EEC/20_2299_00_f.pdf  
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2020/SPS/EEC/20_2299_00_s.pdf  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  5 November 2020  
Japan  Exemption of customs duty and (domestic) consumption tax for imported goods 
which are proved to be provided free of charge  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Mexico  Use institutional records to find out the tax situation of importers.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Separate Customs 
Territory of 
Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and 
Matsu  Simplification of customs procedures for safety products:  
Setting up contact points to speed up customs clearance  
https://eweb.customs.gov.tw/singlehtml/ 3448?cntId= e2294b53841a4f3f93f09eadd
59cf761  
Guidelines for clearance procedures  
https://eweb.customs.gov.tw/multiplehtml/3448  
Press release related to trade facilitation measures taken by customs  
https://eweb.customs.gov.tw/singlehtml/ 3448?cntId= 9c42256550d14b1e8c5a3a86
a19380bc  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 1 0.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation   31 March 2021  
Separate Customs 
Territory of 
Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and 
Matsu  Relaxation of the storage period of bonded goods in duty -free shops  
Article 20 of the Regulations Governing the Establishment and Management of Duty -
free Shops  
https://law.moj. gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=G0350036  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  31 March 2021  
Separate Customs 
Territory of 
Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and 
Matsu  Temporary reduction of customs duty on "masks" and "ingredients of pharmaceutical 
alcohol":  
ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol, 27 Feb to 26 Aug 2021  
https://eweb.customs.gov.tw/singlehtml/1868?cntId=6f152622532e4759932b6012
a01f9b7e  
ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol, 27 Nov 2020 to 26 Feb 2021  
https://eweb.customs.gov.tw/singlehtml/1868?cntId=613ff0178e164fb3b604f9cd52
cc2a65  
ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol, 27 Aug to 26 Nov 2020  
https://eweb.customs.gov.tw/singlehtml/1868?cntId=cus16_186132_1868  
ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol, 27 May to 26 Aug 2020  
https://eweb.customs.gov.tw/singlehtml/1868?cntId=cus16_185102_1868  
ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol and masks, 27 Feb to 26 May 2020  
https://eweb.customs.gov.tw/singlehtml/1868?cntId=cus16_184129_1868  Notification under articles 1. 4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation   31 March 2021   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 51 - Article 1: Publication and Availability of Information  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
United States  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), pursuant to the Defense 
Production Act (DPA) and other authorities, issued a temporary final rule banning 
the export of certain personal protective equipment (PPE), including certain 
respirators, certain surgical masks, and certain medical gloves, without explicit 
approval from FEMA. The rule included various exemptions, including exports of 
subject go ods that are destined for either Canada or Mexico.  
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR -2020-08-10/pdf/2020 -17467.pdf  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  26 October 2020  
United States  The Department of State's Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy announced that 
they are temporarily sus pending, modifying, and excepting certain International 
Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements in an effort to mitigate the impact 
of the COVID -19 pandemic. The temporary changes are set out in the following 
notification:  
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/05/01/2020 -08839/international -
traffic -inarms -regulations -notification -of-temporary -suspension -modification -or Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  26 October 2020  
United States  Treasury and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a temporary final rule to 
temporarily postpone the deadline for importers of record with a significant financial 
hardship to deposit certain estimated duties, taxes, and fees that they would 
ordinaril y be obligated to pay as of the date of entry, or withdrawal from warehouse, 
for consumption, for merchandise entered in March or April 2020, for a period of 90 
days from the date that the deposit would otherwise have been due but for this 
emergency action . 
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/04/22/2020 -
08618/temporarypostp onement -of-the-time-to-deposit -certain -estimated -duties -
taxes -and-fees-during -the  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  26 October 2020  
United States  The US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) has extended the interim guidance for the electronic submission of 
veterinary health certificates for shipment clearance due to COVI D-19 pandemic. 
The guidance is now effective for shipments arriving through 30 September 2020.  
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAPHIS/bulletins/2943fa9  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  26 October 2020  
United States  USDA extended the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certifica tion due to the 
COVID -19 crisis:  
https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/usda -temporarily -extends -expiration -dates -
some -goodagricultural -practices -domestic -origin  
 
This only applied to US and Canada producers. This is extension was for only 60 
days for those certifications scheduled to expire on or before 31 May.  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  26 October 2020  
United States  USDA's main Coronavirus response page:  
https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus#usda -actions   Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade F acilitation  26 October 2020  
United States  APHIS continues to regulate some animal -derived products:  
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/import/covid -19-info.pdf   Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  26 October 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 52 - Article 1: Publication and Availability of Information  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
United States  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly updates its COVID -19 information 
for Filing Personal Protective Equipment and Medical Devices During COVID -19 here:  
https://www.fda.gov/industry/importing -covid-19-supplies/information -filing-
personalprotective -equipment -and-medical -devices -during -covid-19  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  26 October 2020  
 
Article 1.1: Publication  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
New Zealand  When New Zealand went into lockdown as a result of COVID -19, The New Zealand 
Customs Service published on its website COVID -19 related updates for traders.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Article 1.1 (b): applied rates of duties and taxes of any kind imposed on or in connection with importation or exportation  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
New Zealand  In April 2020, New Zealand concluded a plurilateral declaration (initially between 
New Zealand and Singapore) which: removes tariffs on a range of medical supplies 
needed for the COVID -19 response; commits not to impose export restrictions; 
includes commitments on NTBs; and contains commitments  to expedite and 
facilitate the flow and transit of these products consistent with TFA obligations.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Article 5: Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -discrimination and Transparency  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Kenya  Protocol providing best practices on the importation and sale of used textiles and used 
shoes and how the supply chain operators conduct their operations while ensuring the 
health and safety of the sellers, importers, wholesalers and buyers from the risk of 
spread of COVID -19 virus.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
 
Article 6: Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Japan  Refund of, reduction of, or exemption from certain customs fees, due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 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.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
 
 
 
Article 7: Release and Clearance of Goods  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Brazil  Simplification and streamlining of customs procedures for certain products, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  
Note: also applicable under TFA Article 10  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19  30 September 2020    
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 53 - Article 7: Release and Clearance of Goods  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Brazil  Prioritized transit, release and clearance of goods according to HS Classification 
Reference from WCO.  
Note: also applicable under TFA Article 10  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19  30 September 2020   
Brazil  Temporary criteria for the import of products for in vitro diagnostics  
Note: also applicable under TFA Article 10  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19  30 September 2020  
Chile National Customs Service (SNA) - Resolution N° 1313, provides instructions for the 
importation (including donations) of essential inputs for the management, diagnosis 
and treatment of COVID -19. Measures include the preferential entry of such 
merchandises (a special code for priority in their assessment), as well as the use of 
simplified import declaration for expedited processing and clearance of such goods.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19  30 September 2020  
Japan  Japan Customs has been implementing TFA provisions, which facilitate customs 
procedures:  
Art.7.1: Pre -arrival Processing; Art. 7.3: Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties etc.  Japan Customs' Response to 
COVID -19  20-22 October 2020  
Japan  Prioritiz ation 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.  
Note: Also applicable under TFA Article 10  Japan Customs' Response to 
COVID -19  20-22 October 2020  
Japan  Prioritization of customs clearance for relief goods relating to countermeasures to the 
COVID -19 and ot her goods that require an urgent clearance to maintain the lifeline.  
Note: Also applicable under TFA Article 10  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response t o COVID -19  30 September 2020  
Japan  Simplified import and export declaration forms for relief goods relating to 
countermeasures to the COVID -19 etc.  
Note: Also applicable under TFA Article 10  Japan Customs' Response to 
COVID -19  20-22 October 2020  
Japan  Simplified import and export declaration forms for relief goods relating to 
countermeasures to the COVI D-19 etc.  
Note: Also applicable under TFA Article 10  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19  30 September 2020  
Mexico  There will be special protocols to expedite the clearance of the following goods:  
• Supplies donated to the Ministry of Health;  
• Goods (import) in accordance with the rule for simplified procedure for imports 
made by the Ministry of Health and decentralized agencies of the  Health Sector;  
• Perishable goods, medicines, and health products or other essential goods.  
Note: also applicable under TFA Article 10  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19  30 September 2020  
New Zealand  Notices of direction provided for New Zealand border clearance staff to clear 
consignments (based on an emailed copy of a health certificate where authenticity 
could be verified in other ways with the relevant competent authority – provided an 
original is subsequently sent)  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Norway  Norwegian Customs introduced a temporary regulation giving the opportunity to 
economic operators to postpone the compl etion of customs declarations. The 
regulation was repealed when the situation normalised.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19  30 September 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 54 - Article 7: Release and Clearance of Goods  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Singapore  Singapore and New Zealand launched the Declaration on Trade in Essential Goods for 
Combatting the COVID -19 Pandemic ("Declaration") on 15 Apr 2020. Under the 
Declaration, both economies agree to eliminate tariffs, refrain from imp osing export 
prohibitions or restrictions as well as expedite the movement through sea and airports 
for a list of essential goods including medical, hygiene, pharmaceutical and agriculture 
products. The purpose of the Declaration is to facilitate trade in these essential 
products and ensure that they continue to flow freely to their intended destinations 
during the COVID -19 global pandemic.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation me asures taken in 
response to COVID -19  30 September 2020  
Switzerland  Simplified procedures (imports)  
Customs declarants have the possibility of completing Swiss customs formalities 
before lorries arrive, so that consignments of goods are stopped at the border only in 
certain necessary cases.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19  30 September 2020  
 
Article 7.2: Electronic Payment  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
New Zealand  All payments to New Zealand Customs should be made online or on deferred 
accounts.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
New Zealand  Implementation of e -Invoicing in New Zealand. This initiative represents  a joint 
commitment by the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand to combine efforts 
through the Trans -Tasman e -Invoicing arrangement heads of agreement.  
 
Note: this measure also relates to article 10 of the TFA.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
  
Article 8: Border Agency Cooperation  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Mexico  Communication channels with CBP (USA), as well as with other authorities that act at 
the border.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
New Zealand  Agreement with the EU to allow the long running meat and seafood trial to go fully 
paperless.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
 
Article 10: Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Australia  Australia's Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) extended 
temporary alternative arrangements to the use of original paper import certificate 
requirements for a range of imported plant -based, animal, biological and animal -
based goods.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Brazil  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain personal protective equipment due 
to the COVID -19 pandemic.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 55 - Article 10: Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Brazil  Implementation of a Customs Operational Center for Crisis Management to supervise, 
monitor and guide the customs procedures . OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Brazil  Temporary elimination of import licensing requirements on certain products (e.g., 
vacuum plastic tubes for blood collection and syringes) . OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 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 OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Brazil  Extraordinary and temporary criteria and procedures for the certification of good 
manufacturing practices for the purpo ses of registration and postregistration changes 
to active pharmaceutical ingredients, medicines and health products due to the 
COVID -19 international public health emergency  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Brazil  Extraordinary and temporary criteria and procedures for handling requests for 
regularization of personal protective equipment, medical equipment of the ventilator 
type and other medical devices identified as strategic  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Brazil  Extraordinary and temporary criteria and procedures for handling requests for 
registration of medicines, biological products and products for in vitro diagnosis and 
postregistration change of medicines and biological products due to the COVID -19 
internatio nal public health emergency  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Brazil  Temporary exemption from the requirement of ine xistence 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  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Canada  The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has recently implemented an e -Longroom 
initiative which created a new process for providing electronic copies of release 
documents to the CBSA, thereby further reducing the paper burden. CITES and 
Kimberley permits must still be presented in hard copy. The e -Longroom process will 
remain in place following the pandemic.  
https://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/e -services -e/longroom -sal-comp -eng.html  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation  12 April 2021  
 
e-Longroom  
Part of an Emerging Digital Customs Strategy for CBSA  e-Longroom: an Emerging 
Digital customs Strategy  20 - 22 October 2020  
Chile National Customs Service (SNA) - Resolution Nº 1179 establishes new modalities for 
the handling of a number of procedures related to verification overseen by the 
Customs Service, with the view to facilitate trade, meet social distancing instructions 
and sanitary recommendations. These include the implementation of electronic 
procedures (resp onses to requests from customs brokers, exchanges or modifications 
of B&L by email and remote working of customs brokers), as well as the suspension of 
some deadlines deemed unmeetable due to COVID -19 outbreak.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 56 - Article 10: Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Chile National Customs Service (SNA) –Resolution No. 1377/2020, amends Exempt 
Resolution No. 1179. Authorizes individuals and s tate administration bodies to make 
their submissions to the National Customs Directorate, by email.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Dominican 
Republic  Trade facilitation measures taken due to the COVID -19 pandemic  
Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE)  
The Single Window for Foreign Trade continues to operate as usual. However, due to 
COVID -19 measures, assistance is being offered remotely as of 26 March. 
G/TFA/N/DOM/3/Rev.1 - 7 - Institutions are accepting copies of plant and animal 
health certificates, which are being reviewed electronically. A number of resources 
have been created to coordinate the gra nting of authorizations in the Single Window 
for Foreign Trade, which enables importers and exporters to schedule inspections (if 
necessary) and monitor the authorization process at the port. Users in need of 
assistance can call (+1) 809 -547-7070, ext. 266 2 and 2663,  
email gestiónyprocesosvuce@aduanas.gob.do  or visit the website: 
www.vucerd.gob.do  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation  
 05 June 2020  
Japan  Measures reducing Person -to-Person Interactions:  
Single Window in Japan enables traders to submit declarations and data electron ically.  
Since 2013, Japan customs has allowed traders to submit electronic copies of 
supporting documents in PDF format through NACCS and the coverage of documents 
has been expanded as of October 2020.  Japan Customs' Response to 
COVID -19 
 20-22 October 2020  
Japan  Accept scanned or hard copies of export certificates.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Korea, Republic of  Accept a copy instead of the original document of the certificat e of origin to impose 
preferential tariffs.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Korea, Republic of  Omit document scre ening and visit inspection in the process of issuing certificates of 
origin in case companies recognized by the Korea Customs Service as excellent 
companies in export safety management.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Korea, Republic of  Include surgical and protective masks, hand sanitizers and thermometers in the list of 
tariff exemptions for self -use of small quant ities of goods.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Korea, Republic of  Minimize customs clearance procedures for protective masks imported for the 
purposes of relief, donation and free distribution to employees by companies.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures take n in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Mexico  Staff (Except priority workers) is currently working in staggered periods from 25 
March 2020, with 2 officials per area in each shift, in order to provide services to 
customers as necessary.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Mexico  Assistance is provided to adults over 60, pregnant, lactating or staff with a chronic 
illness to carry out their work activities from their home.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
  
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 57 - Article 10: Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Mexico  Attention and processing of matters related to the clearance of goods, through digital 
means.  
Presentation of documents through electronic means.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilit ation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Mexico  Transport services measures. Extended the validity of permits, licences and 
certificates for technical personnel.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Mexico  Suspension of legal terms, deadlines, the receipt of documents and reports, 
procedures, actions, proceedings, initiation, substantiation and resolution of 
administrative procedures, notifications, requests for reports or documents and means 
of challenge, as well as any administrative act that is requested from its attached 
public servants.  
All administrative procedures before  the Ministry of Economy will be conducted by 
electronic means of communication, so the receipt of documentation is suspended 
physically.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation me asures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Mexico  There will be special protocols to expedite the import of:  
- Products and by -products of plant origin that require the presentation of an 
original Phytosanitary Certificate;  
- Merchandise subject to compliance with Official Mexican Standards.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Mexico  Certif icates of origin, certificates of eligibility for textile goods and clothing (TPL) and 
certificates of quota, which by their nature require to be printed, stamped and signed, 
the form of delivery will be through the website designed by the Ministry of Econ omy. OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Mexico  Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) has 
published a list of 219 priority procedures related to the disease caused by the SARS -
CoV2 virus (COVID -19), including import health certificates, notices or sanitary 
authorizations for medicines or medical products, among others.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
New Zealand  The New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) and its Trade Single Window enables a 
goods clearance process before goods arrive to New Zealand. This ensures that critical 
supplies i.e., PPE and test kits continue to be cleared before arrival in New Zealand.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Norway  Norwegian Customs introduced a temporary regulation giving the opportunity to 
economic operators to postpone the completion of customs declaration s. The 
regulation was repealed when the situation normalised.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Norway  The Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food introduced a temporary regulation 
giving an exception from the plant health regulation section 19 on import certificates.  OTTAWA G ROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Norway  The Norwegian Ministry of Finance has allowed the import of donated aid with 
personal protective equipment without collecting customs duty and VAT.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Norway  Norwegian Customs introduced an electronic version of the preferential Movement 
Certificate  EUR.1. The launch was expedited as a corona measure, but the solution is 
a permanent trade facilitating measure.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response  to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
  
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 58 - Article 10: Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Norway  Norwegian Customs introduced a temporary regulation giving the carriers who have a 
permit for goods transport outside opening hours on roads where there is a customs 
office, may as a result of the outbreak of COVID -19 viruses also pass during opening 
hours on the terms otherwise provided by the permit granted.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Singapore  Since 31 January 2020, importers of surgical masks, particulate respirators (such as 
N95 masks), thermometers for measuring human body temperature, and any 
protective gear for medical professionals (such as isolation gown an d gloves), do not 
require an importer's licence from Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Instead, importers 
only need to notify HSA of their intention to import, as well as provide information on 
the brand and quantity of the devices to be imported into Singa pore. They must also 
maintain proper sales and distribution records, which might be required for 
submission when necessary (such as for a recall of products).  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Singapore  Singapore has already put in place a National Single Window (NSW) since 1989 that 
has put us in good stead during the COVID -19 situation. Singapore's NSW provides a 
single platform for Singapore's trade and logistics community to fulfil all import, 
export and transhipment related regulatory requirements. All customs declarations 
can be submitted electronically via the NSW prior to the arrival of the goods, and 
traders ar e notified when the permit application is approved or rejected. This 
minimises face -to-face interactions without delaying processing times and allows fees 
and taxes to be processed electronically.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
  
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 59 - Article 10: Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Switzerland  Accelerated border crossing for goods: green lanes  
Use of priority lanes ("green lanes") in road traffic for certain categories of goods. The 
"green lanes" set up at certain border crossings for important goods are maintained.  
DATE:29.4.2020  
Regulation 10 -27 
The "green lanes" established at certain border crossings for important goods (such as 
medical products, foodstuff s, mail, fuels, and packaging material and machine parts 
for the medical and food industries) remain in place.  
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/dam/ezv/fr/dokumente/verfahren -
betrieb/Aufgabenvollzug/Dokumentation/R -10%20Zollverfahren/r -10-
27_vorrangige_fahrspuren.pdf.download.pdf/R -10-27_Vorrangige_Fahrsp uren_f.pdf  
HS codes  
Medical devices  
Respiration apparatus  
Systems for assessing the condition and functions of the body  
In vitro diagnostics ("COVID -19 tests")  
Surgical masks/OP masks  
Surgical gloves/examination gloves  
Medical oxygen  
Infusion solutions  
Personal protective equipment  
Surgical masks  
Protective masks  
Single -use gloves  
Gowns  
Protective clothing  
Protective goggles  
Hand sanitizer  
Surface disinfectant  
Hygiene items for intensive care medicine (such as medical absorbent mats,  
diapers, faecal management systems, and oral and throat hygiene items)  
Medicines  
Chapter 30  
Foodstuffs  
Chapters 1 to 23, excluding goods containing alcohol and manufactured tobacco  
Fuel of all kinds  
Chapter 27  
Machinery and spare parts  
Only if they are to be used i n the medical and food industries  
Packaging material  
Only if it is to be used in the medical and food industries  
Letter and parcel post  
In accordance with the Universal Postal Convention  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation  8 October 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 60 - Article 10: Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date  
Switzerland  Simplified procedures (imports)  
Customs declarants have the possibility of completing Swiss customs formalities before 
lorries arrive, so that consignments of goods are stopped at the border only in certain 
necessary cases.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 
Regulation 10 -00 Customs declarants may carry out Swiss clearance formalities prior 
to the arrival of the mode of transport. To do so, customs declarants send a pre -
declaration. This is equivalent to a final customs declaration, the only difference being 
that it is sent prior to the arrival of t he consignment, so that it is easier for goods to 
cross the border at off -peak times.  
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/dam/ezv/fr/dokumente/verfahren -
betrieb/Aufgabenvollzug/Dokumentation/R -10%20Zollverfahren/R -10-
00%20Einfuhrzollveranlagungsverfahren.pdf.download.pdf/R -10-00.pdf  Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation  8 October 2020  
 
Switzerland  Simplified procedures (exports)  
The "Libero Export" procedure provides a fully electronic export process, so that over 
95% of consignments can be handled by the transporter without additional Swiss 
customs formalities.  
Regulation R -10-26 
The "Libero Export" procedure, which simplifies export procedures at border customs 
offices, has recently been introduced across Switzerland (as far as is logistically 
possible). The customs declarant selects the export customs declaration and may 
export consignments selected as "free" without carrying out additional Swiss customs 
formalities. The sub mission of customs documents to Swiss windows, as well as the 
resulting waiting times, will thus gradually be eliminated.  
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/dam/ezv/fr/dokumente/verfahren -
betrieb/Aufgabenvollzug/Dokumentation/R -10%20Zollverfahren/r -10-
26_libero_export.pdf.download.pdf/R -10-26_Libero_Export_f.pdf  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation  8 October 2020  
Switzerland  Digitalisation: Electronic communication  
From July 2020, th e possibility, via the E -Begleitdokument and E -com applications, to 
send documents, applications and requests directly to the customs system using an 
instant messaging function. Customs clearance, as well as the processing of 
applications and requests, wil l thus be considerably accelerated and simplified.  
https://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/fr/home/declaration -en-douane/declaration -pour-
entreprises/e -begleitdokument.html  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Notification under articles  1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation  8 October 2020  
  
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 61 - Other TF -related COVID -19 measures  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date 
Canada  The timeframe for all payments due to the CBSA (customs duties and GST on regular 
imports, re -assessments, penalties, etc.) was extended to 30 June 2020. This included 
charges on the statement of account of March due on 1 April 2020. The measure 
served to alleviate burden on businesses experiencing financial hardship and provide 
additio nal flexibility to traders. Information on deferral of payments is set out in 
Customs Notice 20 -11 - Extension of Timeframes for Payment of Customs Duties and 
GST (COVID -19). Measure expired 30 June 2020.  
https://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn -ad/cn20 -11-eng.html  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitatio n measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation  12 April 2021  
Canada  The CBSA is provided a 45 -day grace period for late accounting penalties. Clients did 
not have to submit an application to have late accounting penalties waived. This 
applied to transactions released from 11 March to 26 May 2020, inclusively.  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation  12 April 2021  
Canada  Canada has extended by 30 days the period of 90 days for submitting corrections 
following a CBSA trade compliance verification where errors were found. The measure, 
which expired on November 11, 2020, served to alleviate administrative burden on 
businesses and provide additional flexibility to traders. Information on the extension 
of the 90 -day correction period is set out in the following notice. Measure expired 11 
November 2020.  
https://www.cbsa -asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn -ad/cn20 -32-eng.html  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation  12 April 2021  
Canada  Canada is temporarily waiving customs duties and sales taxes on all goods used in 
response to COVID -19 imported by or on behalf of public health agencies, hospitals, 
testing sites, and first response organizations, as well as public or private care 
residences such as seniors' residences, retirement homes, nursing homes and 
shelters. Canada is also waiving customs duties on certain goods for all importers, 
including personal protective equipment, in order to support e fforts to combat the 
spread of COVID -19. 
G/MA/W/145  
 
G/MA/W/153  OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures take n in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
Notification under articles 1.4, 
10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of 
the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation  12 April 2021  
Dominican 
Republic  Temporary suspension of import duties and internal taxes in the acquisition of 
denatured ethyl alcohol for antibacterial gel and similar products.  Medidas temporales adoptadas 
por la República Dominicana en 
respuesta al COVID -19 20-22 October 2020  
Dominican 
Republic  Temporary suspension of import duties on face masks, outfits, personal protective 
equipment and medical instruments and devices.  Medidas temporales adoptadas 
por la República Dominicana en 
respuesta al COVID -19 20-22 October 2020  
Dominican 
Republic  Simplified procedures thr ough the single window to release high priority goods 
(medicines, medical instruments and devices and food)  Medidas temporales adoptadas 
por la República D ominicana en 
respuesta al COVID -19 20-22 October 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 62 - Other TF -related COVID -19 measures  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date 
Dominican 
Republic  Suspension of VAT tax on the importation of companies and goods classified by the 
PROINDUSTRIA law.  Medidas temporales adoptadas 
por la República Dominicana en 
respuesta al COVID -19 20-22 October 2020  
European Union  Temporary measures to contain risks to human, animal, plant welfare during 
COVID -19 OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 30 September 2020  
European Union 
(with respect to 
partner countries 
– Sri Lanka)  EU-Sri Lanka Trade -Related Assistance Project:  
• Technical support to implement specific Trade Facilitation Agreement measures;  
• Strengthening the institutional capacity of NTFC  European Union statement  20-22 October 2020  
European Union 
(with respect to 
partner countries 
- the Caribbean)  11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme for the Caribbean:  
• Support the TFA obligations in terms of availability of information on rules and 
procedures, automation and e -service  European Union statement  
 20-22 October 2020  
European Union  Challenges:  
• Impossibility for declarants to come to the customs office;  
• Closure of customs offices.  
Measures:  
• Issuance of confirmation letters digitally signed to prove the authenticity of 
unstamped certificates;  
• Exchange of scanned certificates via e -mail between the economic operator and 
the customs office;  
• Exchange by post of certificates;  
• Legal analysis: Draft of an information note for economic operators;  
• Coordination with EU Member States authorities and partner countries: Digital 
platform CIRCA -BC interest group «PEM»;  
• Communication to economic operators:  Websites of European Commission  Paper -based proofs of 
Preferential Origin under Covid -
19 crisis  20-22 October 2020  
 
European Union 
(with respect to 
partner countries 
- Mozambique)  EPA - Supporting Trade and Development in Mozambique – "PROMOVE Comércio":  
Implementation of TFA reforms  European Union statement  
 20-22 October 2020  
European Union 
(with respect to 
partner countries 
- Uzbekistan)  Facilitating the Process of Uzbekistan's Accession to the WTO:  
• Establishment/strengthening of NTFC  
• Review/develop the Trade Facilitation -related legislative/regulatory framework  European Union statement  
 20-22 October 2020  
  
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 63 - Other TF -related COVID -19 measures  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date 
European Union 
(with respect to 
partner countries 
– Egypt)  I. The Trade and Domestic Market Enhancement Programme (TDMEP):  
 1. Foreign trade and trade agreements  
• Support to improving rules and procedures related to foreign trade and 
reinforcing Ministry of Trade and Industry's capacity to build positions, 
negotiate trade agreements, and analyse implications of international 
agreements;  
• Technical Assistance project on Trade Policy and Trade Facilitation.  
 2. Industrial policy and quality infrastructure.  
II. Twinning Pr ogram with the Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA):  
• simplify customs compliance requirements for businesses,  
• reduce customs bureaucracy for better trade facilitation;  
• make the movement of goods across borders more efficient and 
predictable;  
• strengthen admini strative and operational capacities of the Egyptian 
Customs Authority (ECA).  European Union statement  
 20-22 October 202 0 
 
Japan  Deferment of Submission of C/O Due to Disaster  Japan Customs' Response to 
COVID -19 20-22 October 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  Japan Customs' Response to 
COVID -19 
OTTAWA GROUP: Trade 
Facilitation measures taken in 
response to COVID -19 20-22 October 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  30 September 2020  
 
India Implementation of 24x7 custom clearance facility at all custom formations to avoid 
any supply chain disruption. Instruction No.02/2020 -Customs dated 20.02.2020 and 
Instruction No.  08/2020 dated 01.06.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -instructions/c s-
instructions -2020/cs -ins-02-2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India All customs formations to show greater sensitivity in dealing with cargo from affected 
areas, condone the delay in filing import declarations and waive late filing fees in 
genuine cases. CBIC Chairman letter No.03/CH(IC)/2020 dated 24.02.2020.  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Creation of a dedicated single window COVID -19 helpdesk for EXIM trade to facilitate 
quick resolution of issue(s) faced by importer/exporter.  
https://icegate.gov.in/coronaviru s-tradehelp  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Designation of a nodal officer in each Customs Zone who can be approached for any 
issue pertaining to clearance of cargo.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources// htdocs -cbec/CBIC -Customs -Nodal -Officer -Covid -
19.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures  (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 64 - Other TF -related COVID -19 measures  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date 
India With effect from 5 March 2020, extension of automated clearance of Bills of Entry to 
all Customs formations Where the Customs Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system 
is operational to minimize human interface and maintain social distancing. So far, this 
function was performed by a Customs Officer, Circular No. 15/2020 -Customs Dated 
28.02.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -circulars/cs -circulars -
2020/Circular -No-15-2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Fa cilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Shipping Lines have been asked not to levy detention charges on containers held up 
for reasons attributable to lockdown measures. DG Shipping Order no. 07/2020  dated 
29.03.2020.  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India All major ports have been asked not to levy penalties, demurrage, charges, fee, rental 
on any port user (traders, Shipping Lines, concessionaries, licensees etc.) for any 
delay in berthing, loading/unloading operations or evacuation/arrival of cargo for  
reasons attributable to lockdown measures Ministry of Shipping letter No. PD -
14300/4/2020 -PD VII dated 31.03.2020.  
Likewise, customs airports have been asked for waiving of demurrage charges at 50% 
by airport operator/cargo terminal operator for the lockd own period. Order date 
01.04.2020 of Ministry of Civil Aviation issued under F. No. AV -29012/41/2020 -ER. Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitati on about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India The time limit for filing of appeal, furnishing of return, or any other compliance under 
the Customs Act or Customs Tariff Act, which was expiring from 20 March 2020 t o 
29 June 2020, has been extended up to 30 September 2020 The Taxation and Other 
laws (relaxation of Certain Provisions) Ordinance, 2020 (No. 2 of 2020) read with 
relevant notification.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -
cbec/customs/NN_English_Ordinance_date%20extension.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India To address the dif ficulties faced by importers/exporters and their authorized Customs 
Brokers, during the lockdown period, the requirement of submitting different types of 
customs bond was dispensed with. Importers/exporters and their authorized Customs 
Brokers can submit u ndertaking on plain paper in lieu of such bonds Circular no. 
17/2020 -Customs dated 03.04.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources// htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -circulars/cs -circulars -
2020/Circular -No-17-2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trad e facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India With the subsequent extension of lockdown period, and resultant difficulties in 
obtaining stamp papers for the submission of customs bonds, the facility of submitting 
undertaking on plain paper in lieu of such bond provided vide Circular 17/2020 was 
further extended to 30.06.2020 Circular 21/2020 dated 21.04.2020, Circular 23/2020 
dated 11.05.2020 and Circular  26/2020 -Customs.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -circulars/cs -circulars -
2020/Circular -No-26-2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 65 - Other TF -related COVID -19 measures  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date 
India Import clearance of Edible oils and Food Grains against Provisional No -Objection 
Certificate P -NOC based on visual examination without waiting for the analysis report. 
On receipt of analysis report, final No Objection Certificate shall be issued FSSAI's 
direction dated 03.04.2020 and 16.04.2020 issued under F. No. 1 -
1771/FSSAI/Imports/2018.  
https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2020/04/5e98366960e97Direction_PNOC_
Imported_Food_16_04_2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Prioritized clearance of critical goods us ed for fighting COVID -19, such as medical 
equipment, drugs and pharmaceuticals, testing kits, PPEs and exemption from basic 
customs duty and health cess has been granted to such goods - ventilators, masks, 
personal protection equipment, testing kits and inp uts used in manufacturing these 
items Notification No. 20/2020 -Cus dated 09.04.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -act/notifications/notfns -
2020/cs -tarr2020/cs20 -2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Allowing provisional clearance of goods imported under free trade agreements without 
production of original certificate of origin. Customs Circular No. 18/2020 -Cus dated 
11.04.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -circulars/cs -circulars -
2020/Circular -No-18-2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India DGFT Trade Notice No. 59/2019 -20 dated  28 March 2020  
https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/Trade%20Notice%2059.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Issuance of electr onic certificates of origin for exports under India 's trade agreements 
with ASEAN, Japan, South Asia, Sri Lanka and Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) on 
a digital platform. Trade Notice 1/2020 -21 dated 7 April 2020.  
https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/Trade%20Notice%201%20eCoO%20go -
live%207Apr2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Exemption from Integrated Goods and services Tax (IGST)/Compensation Cess on 
goods i mported against Adv. Authorization/EPCG extended up to 30.03.2021 
(Notification No. 18/2020 - Customs dated 30.03.2020).  
https:/ /www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -act/notifications/notfns -
2020/cs -tarr2020/cs18 -2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilita tion about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Electronic communication of PDF based final electronic Out of Charge eOoC (electronic 
Out of Charge) copy of BoE and eGatepass to the importers/Customs Brokers reduce 
interface between the Customs Authorities and Importers/Exports/Customs Brokers, 
with effect from 15.04.2020 Circular No. 19/2020 -Customs dated 13.04.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -circulars/cs -circulars -
2020/Circular -No-19-2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 66 - Other TF -related COVID -19 measures  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date 
India Personal hearing with respect to any proceeding under Customs Act, 1962 by video 
conferencing mechanism and., online submission of all documents for personal 
hearings through official emails. F. No. 390/Misc/3/2019 -JC dated 27.04.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -instructions/cs -
instructions -2020/cs -ins-04-2020.pdf  Intimation to t he Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India To ease the burden of compliance on the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO)'s, the 
AEO certificates that were expiring between 01.03.20 20 and 31.05.2020 have been 
extended to 30.06.2020 vide Circular 27/2020 -Customs dated 02.06.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resourc es//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -circulars/cs -circulars -
2020/Circular -No-27-2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India All the AEO entities have been sent individual intimations over email. Extension 
communications have been made from 24 April 2020 onwards.  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Validity of Letters of Intent (LOIs) issued to various promoters for setting up of Inland 
Customs Depots (ICDs)/Container Freight Stations (CFSs) due to expire during 
lockdown period extended up to  31 August 2020.  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India 8 June 2020 (Notification No 50/2020) (N.T.) and Notification 51/2020 dated 
05.06.2020, Circular No. 28/2020 dated 05.06.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -circulars/cs -circulars -
2020/Circular -No-28-2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Instruction No .09/2020 dated 05.06.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -instruct ions/cs -
instructions -2020/cs -ins-09-2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Contactless customs - To reduce non -essential physical interactions in the Customs 
work environment, allowing Registration of Authorized Dealer Code, Bank Accounts 
through Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE), Automated debit of bond after 
Assessmen t; Simplified Registration of Importers /Exporters in ICEGATE and 
Extension of Turant Suvidha Kendra in All Customs Formations. Circular No.32/2020 -
Customs dated 06.07.2020.  
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -circulars/cs -circulars -
2020/Circular -No-32-2020.pdf  Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Online issuance of health certificates by the Export Inspection Council EIC, over e -
mail. Intimation to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020  
India Online issuance of  Certificates for exports by Marine Products Export Development 
Authority (MPEDA) for the USA market w.e.f. 1 April 2020 DS 2301 certificates.  Intimatio n to the Committee on 
Trade Facilitation about India's 
COVID -19 trade facilitation 
measures (G/TFA/W/26)  8 October 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 67 - Other TF -related COVID -19 measures  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Date 
Netherlands 
support to 
developing 
countries  An immediate support package in the short run (USD 100 million)  The Netherlands statement  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Saint Lucia on 
behalf of OECS  New Protection of front -line workers, including customs workers – through improved 
systems and automation.  OECS report  20 – 22 October 2020  
Saint Lucia on 
behalf of OECS  Streamlining of procedural formalities between and across border agencies [customs , 
bureau of standards, port authorities, SPS authorities etc.]  OECS report  20 – 22 October 2020  
Saint Lucia on 
behalf of OECS  Strengthened Risk  management to prioritize clearance of imports and exports of low -
risk critical supplies  OECS report  20 – 22 October 2020  
Saint Lucia on 
behalf of OECS  Border agency cooperation to facilitate the import of critical suppliers (including 
medical supplies)  OECS report  20 – 22 October  2020 
Saint Lucia on 
behalf of OECS  ICT to support trade (e.g., single windows and trade information portals  OECS report  20 – 22 October 2020  
Saint Lucia on 
behalf of OECS  Extending border agency working hours  OECS report  20 – 22 October 2020  
Saint Lucia on 
behalf of OECS  Increased dialogue between industry and governments  OECS report  20 – 22 October 2020  
Saint Lucia on 
behalf of OECS  Increasing the availability of trade -related information on websites and through 
inquiry points  OECS report  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 68 - Section II. COVID -19 responses reported by land -locked developing country Members to the Comm ittee on Trade Facilitation  
Other TF -related COVID -19 measures by land -locked developing country Members  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Challenge  Date 
Afghanistan   Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Amendment of legislation: new legislation or 
amendment of the existing legislati on is a 
lengthy process.  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  
 Institutional changes: establishment of new 
unit or bringing the current units in one 
umbrella, for example single window, 
enquiry points, risk management team and 
recruitment of new staff  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Lack of border coordination and 
harmonization  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Lack of equipment and infrastructures (ICT 
and Laboratory equipment for the 
implementation of TFA)  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Large number of documentary requirements  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Lack of cooperation between customs and 
other border agencies and traders  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Lack of standardization and harmonization  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Continued manual processing  of 
documentation – hard copies still have to be 
submitted  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Time at ports is very high (consignment 
take more time to release)  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Lack of automated processes and scarce use 
of IT 20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Lack of human and financial resources  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Afghanistan  
  Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Deficiencies in infrastructure  20 – 22 October 2020  
  
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 69 - Other TF -related COVID -19 measures by land -locked developing country Members  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Challenge  Date 
Afghanistan   Status and challenges of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement 
Implementation in Afghanistan  Lack of capacity or shortage of skilled and 
professional staff (for new or existing staff) 
to promote better understanding of the 
agreement (exacerbated due to COVID -19) 20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Mongolia   Implementation of the TFA by 
Mongolia  Decrease in global freight transport  20 – 22 October 2020  
Mongolia  
  Implementation of the TFA by 
Mongolia  Restrictive measures at border  20 – 22 October 2020  
Mongolia  
  Implementation of the TFA by 
Mongolia  Losses in export  20 – 22 October 2020  
Nepal  Necessary safety measures 
adopted in customs procedures & 
always remained open  
 
Trade facilitation through virtual 
meeting at regional (SAARC) and 
bilateral levels  
 
Border processing based on soft 
copies of documents and quick 
response team (24 H)  Trade & Transit Facilitation: Nepal's 
experience  International trade reduced from 5 billion 
daily to 1 billion at initial stage  
 
Lockdown & other restriction in economic 
activity impacted reduction  
 
Supply chain disruption both at the 
domestic an d international level  
 
Delay in receiving cargo at customs resulted 
in congestion at border  
 
Problem in a smooth flow of goods, 
information and documentation  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Nepal   Trade & Transit Facilitation: Nepal's 
experience  Insufficient trade related infrastructures 
including ICT (at border and inside)  20 – 22 October 2020  
Nepal  
  Trade & Transit Facilitation: Nepal's 
experience  
 Coordination in development/maintenance 
of transit transport infrastructure and 
harmonisation of policy, regulatory and 
administrative instruments  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Nepal  
  Trade & Transit Facilitation: Nepal's 
experience  Slow process of customs cooperation at  the 
regional or sub -regional level  20 – 22 October 2020  
Nepal  
  Trade & Transit Facilitation: Nepal's 
experience  
 High trade cost linked to trade (export) 
reducing effect causing negative impact on 
economic growth and unable to fully 
harness its potential  20 – 22 October 2020  
 
Nepal  
  Trade & Transit Facilitation: Nepal's 
experience  Low product diversification, low value 
addition, & limited trade partners  20 – 22 October 2020  
Nepal  
  Trade & Transit Facilitation: Nepal's 
experience  Condition further sever as landlocked least 
developed country  20 – 22 October 2020   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 70 - Other TF -related COVID -19 measures by land -locked developing country Members  
Member  Reported Measure  Source  Challenge  Date 
Nepal   Statement by Nepal  Huge digital divide among and within the 
countries  
 
A huge portion of business run ning without 
automation and not connected to ITC  
 
Only few domestic online business operators 
concentrated in major cities have been able 
to run their business smoothly due to 
insufficient health protective measures and 
disruption in domestic transportatio n and 
supply system  
 
Major businesses are compelled to remain 
fully disconnected from the regular supply 
system and are mostly closed  30 September 2020  
Paraguay  Almost 100% of trade procedures, 
including payments, could be 
completed online, with face-to-face 
procedures remaining optional.  Ventanilla única del exportador - 
medidas en época de pandemia   20 – 22 October 2020  
Paraguay  Teleworking was made possible due 
to digitalized procedures.  Ventanilla única del exportador - 
medidas en época de pandemia   20 – 22 October 2020  
Paraguay  Acceleration of implementation of 
electronic rules of origin certificates 
with ALADI and MERCOSUR 
countries. In other circumstances, 
the use of scanned documents was 
allowed.  Ventanilla única del exportador - 
medidas en época de pandemia   20 – 22 October 2020  
Paraguay  Decrease in the time to process 
customs declarations using digital 
procedures.  Ventanilla única del exportador - 
medidas en época de pandemia   20 – 22 October 2020  
Paraguay  Logistic centers that would allow 
cross-border trade, through orders 
made online with electronic 
payments.  Ventanilla única del exportador - 
medidas en época de pandemia   20 – 22 October 2020  
Paraguay  Automatization of transit and 
cabotage procedures  Ventanilla única del exportador - 
medidas en época de pandemia   20 – 22 October 2020  
 
   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 71 - Section III. COVID -19 presentations by international organizations to the Committee on Trade Facilitation  
International organization  Reported measure  Date  Source  
International Trade Centre  (1)  Analysis and insights from businesses;  
(2)  Advice for business competitiveness;  
(3)  Adapt TRTA delivery modalities:  
• Invest more in national resources and capacity;  
• Boost investment in e -learning facilities;  
• Adapt implementation modalities;  
• Leverage bilateral and regional online consultations  
(4)  Implement digitally enabled TF reforms:  30 September 2020  ITC - Coping with COVID -19 
through trade facilitation  
United Nations Conference on 
Trade and Development  (1)  Ensure unin terrupted shipping.  
(2)  Maintain ports open.  
(3)  Protect international trade of critical goods and speed up 
customs clearance and trade facilitation.  
(4)  Facilitate cross -border transport.  
(5)  Ensure the right transit.  
(6)  Safeguard transparency and up -to-date information.  
(7)  Go paperless.  
(8)  Address legal implications for commercial parties.  
(9)  Protect shippers and transport services providers alike.  
(10)  Ensure coordination.  30 September 2020  UNCTAD - Easing global trade 
and transport during COVID -19 
United Nations Conference on 
Trade and Development 
(UNCTAD)regarding LLDCs and 
SIDS'  (1)  Governments to refra in from any unjustified restraints on 
traffic.  
(2) LLDCs and transit partners as well as SIDS' and 
transshipment ports to make use of trade facilitation 
standards and digital technologies to limit physical checks 
and contact at borders to protect health of  workers.  
(3)  View the crisis as an opportunity to reorient international 
transport operations on a sustainable path.  
(4)  LLDCs, SIDS and partners to strengthen global and regional 
cooperation on transport connectivity and coordination.  30 September 2020  
 UNCTAD - Easing global trade 
and transport during COVID -19 
United Nations Conference on 
Trade and Development  Actions by NTFCs  
• Emergency Task Forces:  Some NTFCs have been setting up 
ad-hoc crisis committees or have been integrated parts of the 
national emergency task forces.  
• Dissemination of information during cr isis: Some 
countries have used trade information portals to ease trade by 
simplifying and explaining procedures and processes as well as 
COVID -19 emergency measures.  
• Coordinating border actions : NTFCs have worked with local 
authorities to expedite customs clearance and release of goods 
essential to combatting the spread of the pandemic, such as 
masks, gels and disinfectants, setting up clearance, organizing 
convoys etc.  30 September 2020  
 UNCTAD - Easing global trade 
and transport during COVID -19  
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 72 - International organization  Reported measure  Date  Source  
United Nations Conference on 
Trade and Development  Asycuda COVID -19 Measures:  
• Guidelines for Customs Administration;  
• Survey on tailoring Asycuda systems against COVID -19 
• UN Development account project on Transport and Logistics in 
times of COVID -19 30 September 2020  
 UNCTAD - Easing global trade 
and transport during COVID -19 
World Bank  Activated 14 Billion in emergency financing to support COVID -19 
country responses including health, PPE, and Trade Facilitation  30 September 2020  World Bank - WB response to 
Covid -19 crisis  
World B ank The Trade Facilitation Support Program (TFSP) increased the use of 
virtual modalities and local staffing.  30 September 2020  
 World Bank - WB response to 
Covid -19 crisis  
World Bank  The team produced two guidance notes and a video to assist 
recipient countries with responses to the crisis:  
"Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade in the COVID -19 Pandemic": 
provides initial guidance on measures to support business 
continuity and protecti on of front -line officers, as well as to 
facilitate safe cross -border trade.  
"Trade Facilitation Best Practices Implemented in Response to the 
COVID -19 Pandemic": provides examples of good practices 
implemented by countries in response to COVID -19 in order to 
support governments in dealing with the crisis and improve trade 
in critical commodities.  
"Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade during COVID -19": trade 
facilitation experts discuss how countries can mitigate pandemic -
related trade risks in a time of crisis  30 September 2020  
 World Bank - WB response to 
Covid -19 crisis  
World Bank assistance in Vanuatu  A remote video conferen cing assistance schedule was developed 
with Vanuatu officials.  30 September 2020  
 World Bank - WB response to 
Covid -19 crisis  
World Bank assistance in Malawi  The TFSP supported the government to procure WiFi Routers, 
especially for the NTFC.  
The TFSP supported the Malawi Revenue Authority with 
implementation of a risk management program on the expedited 
release and clearance of crit ical imports.  30 September 2020  
 World Bank - WB response to 
Covid -19 crisis  
World Bank assistance in Fiji  The TFSP supported the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service i n 
releasing the "COVID -19 Response Budget and Revenue Policies" 
paper to provide details of arrangements to assist with the border 
clearance process during the pandemic.  30 September 2020  
 World Bank - WB response to 
Covid -19 crisis  
World Bank assistance in Sierra 
Leone  The TFSP supported continued engagement with the government 
on project activities and positioned the project to ac celerate 
delivery to respond to postCOVID -19 recovery challenges. The 
team will focus on streamlining customs procedures and 
harmonization with other border agencies procedures; 
strengthening existing automation systems.  30 September 2020  
 World Bank - WB response to 
Covid -19 crisis   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 73 - International organization  Reported measure  Date  Source  
World Bank assistance in Central 
America  At the request of the Central American Secreta riat of Economic 
Integration and the Regional Customs Committee, the TFSP -
supported WBG team prepared and delivered an inventory of 
constraints being faced by the private sector and best practice 
solutions seen globally  30 September 2020  
 World Bank - WB response to 
Covid -19 crisis  
World Bank assistance in Europe 
and Central Asia  TFSP-supported SPS experts have commen ced developing a guide 
and a set of virtual training sessions on risk management in SPS 
agencies in the Western Balkans and beyond  30 September 2020  
 World Bank - WB response to 
Covid -19 crisis  
World Bank assistance in Africa  In Southern Africa, recovery action plans are being developed at 
national and regional levels with NTFCs.  30 September 2020  
 World Bank - WB response to 
Covid -19 crisis  
World Customs Organization  (1)  Dedicated IPR CENComm group on the CENComm Platform 
for the exchange of enforcement sensitive information.  
(2)  Global enforcement operation "STOP".  
(3)  Use of the Global Travel Assessment System (GTAS)  
(4)  Use of the nCEN for the collection and sharing of COVID -19 
related intelligence.  
(5)  Use of the Global Rapid Alert Network (GRAN).  
(6) Newly established section, COVID -19 - WCO updates , on 
WCO website:  
• Repository of 115 Members' practices an d measures in 
response to the COVID -19 pandemic aimed at: (i) facilitating 
the cross -border movement of relief and essential supplies; 
(ii) supporting the economy and sustaining supply chain 
continuity; (iii) protecting staff; and (iv) protecting the 
society. 
• HS Classification reference for COVID -19 medical supplies , 
available in 6 languages.  
• List of priority medicines during the COVID -19 pandemic , 
available in 6 languages.  
• Secretariat Note on how to establish and utilize essential 
goods lists during a disaster.  30 September 2020  WCO - What Customs can do to 
mitigate the effects of the 
COVID -19 pandemic   
  G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
- 74 - International organization  Reported measure  Date  Source  
World Customs Organization  
 Secretaria t Note  on What Customs can do to mitigate the effects of 
the COVID -19 pandemic. The Secretariat Note highlights measures 
in four categories:(i) facilitating the cross -border movement of 
relief and essential supplies;(ii) supporting the economy and 
sustaini ng supply chain continuity; (iii) protecting staff and 
(iv) protecting the society.  
Guidelines on disaster management and supply chain continuity. 
The guidelines are grouped in three sections linked to different 
phases of the disaster management cycle Prep aredness, Response 
and Recovery. The Guidelines provide a combination of 
recommendations and best practices and are illustrated by specific 
Members' practices.  
Resolution on the role of Customs in facilitating the cross -border 
movement of situationally critical medicines and vaccines . As a 
follow -up to the Resolution, the WCO Secretariat started collecting 
Members' practices i n facilitating the cross -border movement of 
the COVID -19 vaccines.  26-27 January 2021  Statement by the WCO - Vyara 
Filipova  
World Customs Organization  
 (1)  A new section  on the WCO website to share information 
related to the cross -border movement of the COVID -19 
vaccines.  
(2) Published a Secretariat note  on practical steps to facilitate 
and secure the cr oss-border movement of COVID -19 
vaccines by Customs.  
(3)  Issued an HS Classification reference for vaccines and 
related supplies and equipment . 
(4)  Secretaries General of ICAO and the WCO signed a Joint 
Statement  on the global transportation and distribution of 
COVID -19 vaccines and associated medical supplies.  
(5)  Developed a tool for Customs Risk Management during a 
pandemic, and announced the organization of operation 
STOP II.  3 March 202 1 WCO presentation on Covid -19 
related measures  
 
 G/TFA/W/41/Rev.8  
 
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  ANNEX  2 
Table 1: Information -Sharing by Annex D+ partner organizations on their activities  
Member/Presenter  Title Committee Meeting  
Annex D+ Partner 
Organizations  Report by the Annex D+ partner 
organizations to the Trade Facilitation 
Committee  
G/TFA/W/29  20-22 October 2020  
Report by the ITC and the Annex D 
partner organizations to the Trade 
Facilitation Committee   
(G/TFA/W/39)  22-23 April 2021  
GATF  Update on activities of the Global Alliance 
for Trade Facilitation  12-13 February 2019  
Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation  25 June 2019  
Update from the Global Alliance for Trade 
Facilitation  15 October 2019  
Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation 
update  11 February 2020  
Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation 
presentation  20-22 October 2020  
Building trust through public -private 
partnerships for trade facilitation  22-23 April 2021  
Capacity building support  19-21 October 2021  
OECD  Summary of Events on Trade Facilitation 
and Future Trade Cooperation  26 June 2018  
Trade facilitation analysis at the OECD: 
Mapping opportunities and challenges in 
the implementation of the WTO TFA  19-21 October 2021  
STDF Driving safe trade solutions worldwide 
STDFs role  25 June 2019  
UNCTAD  UNCTAD tools for NTFCs  3 March 2021  
UNCTAD's Reform Tracker  19-21 October 2021  
UNCTAD and Rwanda  UNCTAD Compendium of Good Practices 
UNCTAD and Rwanda  15 October 2019  
UNCTAD and Vanuatu  Vanuatu's experience with implementation 
of customs automation and single window 
– ASYCUDA programme  22-23 June 2021  
UNCTAD and Honduras  Reform tracker for NCTFs  19-21 October 2021  
WCO WCO statement  11 February 2020  
Tracking progress on implementation of 
WCO's standards, instruments and trade 
facilitation measures  19-20 July 2021  
2021 WCO survey results on the state of 
play in the area of NCTFs  19-21 October 2021  
 
Table 2: Information -Sharing by Annex D+ partner organizations on their work to support 
Members to mitigate the COVID -19 crisis  
Member/Presenter  Title Committee Meeting  
GATF  Global Alliance – COVID -19 impact on 
Trade Facilitation  30 September 2020  
ITC ITC - Coping with COVID -19 through 
trade facilitation  30 September 2020  
UNCTAD  UNCTAD - Easing global trade and 
transport during COVID -19 30 September 2020  
World Bank Group  World Bank - WB response to COVID -19 
crisis 30 September 2020  
19-21 October 2021  
WCO WCO - What Customs can do to mitigate 
the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic  30 September 2020  
GATF  Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation  26-27 January 2021  
WCO Statement by the WCO  26-27 January 2021  
WCO WCO presentation on COVID -19 related 
measures  3 March 2021  
 
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