G/TFA/N/SEN/1  
 
3 June 2019 
(19-3758) Page: 1/10 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: French  
 
  
NOTIFICATION OF CATEGORY COMMITMENTS UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRADE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM SENEGAL  
The following communication, dated 28 May  2019, is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of Senegal  for Members' information . 
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up on the notification dated 27 October  2014 (WT/PCTF/N/ SEN/1), in which  it indicated 
its category A commitments, Senegal  hereby makes the following notifications in accordance with 
Articles 15 and 16 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (WT/L/931) . 
 
   
  G/TFA/N/SEN/1  
 
- 2 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Assistance and support for capacity 
building required for implementation 
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
Article 1.1  Publication  C 22 February  2020 To be determined  − Introduce standardized procedures for 
collecting , processing and disseminating 
trade -related information  
− Enhance  the human capacit ies of the 
administration with regard to developing 
procedures  
− Organi ze inter -agency coordination 
meetings  to veri fy the validity/ongoing 
use of the information available  
− Publish compendiums of all the decisions 
and interpretations of general scope that 
may be used as jurisprudence  
− Enhance  the human and material 
capacities of the Chamber of Commerce  
Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  C 22 February  2020 To be determined  − Set up a committee to manage the 
content of the trade information portal  
− Organi ze regular information meetings 
between agencies and with the private 
sector to assess the quality of the service 
provided and potential areas for 
improvement  
− Organi ze inter-agency coordination 
meetings to verify the validity/ updating  
of the information available  
− Update, on a regular basis , websites that 
are affiliated with the trade information 
portal  
− Acquire the equipment and software 
needed to ensure the portal functions 
properly  
− Recruit support staff for management 
purposes  
− Organi ze training for en quiry points  on 
the use of the trade information portal   
  G/TFA/N/SEN/1  
 
- 3 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Assistance and support for capacity 
building required for implementation 
(for category C)  
− Organi ze training for trade policy 
experts, IT experts and private -sector 
experts  on the use of the trade 
information portal  
− Enhance  the human capacit ies of the 
administration with regard to  developing 
procedures  
− Enhance  the human and material 
capacities of the Chamber of Commerce  
Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  C 22 February  2020 To be determined  − Identif y one or more regional enquiry 
points for respond ing to enquiries  
concerning common WAEMU and 
ECOWAS procedures  
− Set up a trade facilitation centre to 
ensure synergy : 
− between national enquiry points and 
the notification authority  
− between national enquiry points and 
regional enquiry points  
− Prepare  manuals outlining enquiry point 
operating procedures  
− Define indicators for measuring the 
quality of services provided  
− Equip the notification authority and 
enquiry points with material resources  
− Reserve a space on the portal for each 
enquiry point  
− Reinforce notific ation authority and 
enquiry point staff resources  
− Organi ze training on requests and 
response  flows 
Article 1.4  Notification  C 22 February  2020 To be determined  − Set up enquiry points  
Article 2  Opportunity to Comment, Information before Entry into Force and Consultations  
Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and 
Information Before Entry into Force  A - - - 
Article 2.2  Consultations  A - - -  
  G/TFA/N/SEN/1  
 
- 4 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Assistance and support for capacity 
building required for implementation 
(for category C)  
Article 3  Advance Rulings  
 C 22 February  2023 To be determined  − Set up a n advisory committee to study all 
requests  giving rise to a reasoned opinion 
from the Director -General of Customs  
− Introduce an electronic system for the 
submission and publication of advance 
rulings (within the framework of 
e-customs, where operators can apply for 
advance rulings ) 
− Organi ze training on request 
management and processing   
− Organi ze training for the private sector 
on the use of the electronic system  
− Launch an awareness -raising campaign 
to inform beneficiaries of the existence of 
this new service  
Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  
 A - - - 
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  C 22 February 2024 To be determined  − Introduce a system to manage health  
risks 
− Implement the administrative procedure 
for notifying the termination of enhanced 
control procedures  
− Implement the requirement to base 
enhanced controls on risk management 
outcomes  
− Equip the notification authority and 
enquiry points with material information 
resources  
− Strengthen risk assessment bodies  
− Assistance with regard to risk 
management, support for a project to 
develop quality standardization 
infrastructure ; conformity assessment 
and test procedure s 
− Establish guidance on collaboration 
between Customs, the veterinary 
services, the Plant Protection Directorate 
and the Consumption and Consumer 
Safety Division  at border points   
  G/TFA/N/SEN/1  
 
- 5 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Assistance and support for capacity 
building required for implementation 
(for category C)  
− Develop a computerized exchange 
platform  
− Conduct an integrated risk management 
feasibility study that  also takes into 
account the possibility of delegating 
controls, in particular documentary 
controls, to other targeted and 
specialized services  
− Raise border agencies' awareness of the 
technical, legal and operational aspects 
of digitalization and provide t hem with 
training  
− Ensure that private sector agents and 
representatives are brought up to date 
on the use of electronic tools  
− Assess the need to develop software 
applications and/or a computer system 
for border agencies, including those at 
land borders, with a view to upgrading 
the use of ICT by these services  
− Progressively computerize procedures by 
building on the existing infrastructure 
and electronic processes of the ORBUS 
single window. This will require a review 
of digital processes, so as t o ensure that 
such processes  are better adapted to the 
needs of agencies and actual procedures . 
Allow  exporting countries to submit 
certificates in electronic form via the 
ORBUS single window, thus permitting  
the integration of the eCert standard or 
the ap plication of ePHYTO  
− Introduce an integrated risk 
management information tool for the 
relevant bodies (Customs, veterinary 
services, Plant Protection Directorate, 
Consumption and Consumer Safety 
Division )  
  G/TFA/N/SEN/1  
 
- 6 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Assistance and support for capacity 
building required for implementation 
(for category C)  
− Carry out audits of import procedures 
and processes , in particular those 
involving food product  inspection , using  
tools developed by relevant international 
organizations  or on the basis of 
recommendations issued by such 
organizations,  with a view to updat ing 
the regulatory framework and existing 
procedures  
− Introduce a strategic and operational 
framework for collaboration between 
border agencies  
− Computerize formalities  relating to 
sanitary and phytosanitary control 
procedures and the control of foodstuffs  
Article 5.2  Detention  A - - - 
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  A - - - 
Article 6  Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties  
Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and 
Charges Imposed on or in Connection 
with Importation and Exportation  C 22 February  2024 To be determined  − Review and analyse texts, laws, 
regulations and memos  concerning fees 
and charges  
− Develop a framework for the periodic 
review of these fees and charges with a  
view to reducing them and scaling down  
complexities  
− Create a database for the administration 
of fees and charges  
− Provide technical training to the services 
responsible for establishing  or approving  
the cost structure used  
− Conduct a study of the situation 
regarding fees and charges and draft a 
proposal for the revision of rates with a 
view to applying the new approach 
resulting from the study  
− Assistance is needed to h armonize  
practices  
Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and 
Charges for Customs Processing 
Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  C 22 February  2024 To be determined  − Assistance is needed to harmonize 
practices   
  G/TFA/N/SEN/1  
 
- 7 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Assistance and support for capacity 
building required for implementation 
(for category C)  
Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  C 22 February 2028 To be determined  − Organize an awareness -raising workshop 
for customs officials on the 
implementation of Article 6.3  
− Recru it an expert to study the new 
system of incentives for enforcement 
officers  
− Organize study trips to two or three 
countries  that have a more neutral 
incentive system  
Article 7  Release and Clearance of Goods  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  A - - - 
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  A - - - 
Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, 
Taxes, Fees and Charges  A - - - 
Article 7.4  Risk Management  A - - - 
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 22 February  2023 To be determined  − Prepare an internal guide for auditors  
− Establish an internal procedure  for 
sharing information with operational 
units, and a risk management process, to 
prevent duplication and overlaps  
− Develop a training programme on risk 
management -based audit method s for 
officials from the post -clearance audit 
office  
− Build the capacity of audit offices 
(officials specialized in IT, accounting, 
special products, etc.)  
− Training on auditing methods relevant to 
customs auditing  
− Train trainers on auditing methods  
− Organi ze an awareness -raising workshop 
for other customs officials on auditing 
methods  
− Organize awareness -raising activities on 
cooperation with other agencies  
− Specific training on special products  
− Organize capacity -building workshops 
and establish the necessary 
administrative procedures   
  G/TFA/N/SEN/1  
 
- 8 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Assistance and support for capacity 
building required for implementation 
(for category C)  
− Logistical materials  (laboratories , liaison 
vehicles , computer equipment,  etc.) 
− Recruit intern ational experts to examine 
requirements in terms of information and 
communication technologies  (ICT) to 
support post -clearance audit operations  
Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of 
Average Release Times  A - - - 
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for 
Authorized Operators  C 22 February  2022 To be determined  − Establish audit and management 
procedures under an Authorized 
Economic Operator (AEO) programme  
and ensure they are aligned  with good 
practices  
− Provide officials with training on AEO 
auditing  
− Organize study visits to learn more about 
technical services in countries 
implementing an AEO programme  
− Organi ze a campaign to inform all 
potential beneficiaries of the AEO 
programme of the programme's benefi ts 
and requirements  
− Organize  training on record -keeping  for 
enterprise managers  
− Organize training for private companies 
on the importance of record -keeping  
− Build capacity  
− Conduct  a study on the feasibility of 
harmonizing criteria for mutual 
recognition  with leading trading partners  
− Conduct  a study on the changes needed 
to integr ate SAFE standards into the PPP  
(Customs administration and private  
companies ) 
− Organize training activities abroad to 
study  good practices  
− Conduct a PPP satisfaction survey  for 
private companies  
Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  A - - - 
Article 7.9  Perishable Goods  A - - -  
  G/TFA/N/SEN/1  
 
- 9 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Assistance and support for capacity 
building required for implementation 
(for category C)  
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
 C 22 February  2024 To be determined  − Establish an inter -agency committee at 
border post level  
− List, analyse and approve existing 
procedures and formalities  
− Interconnec t information systems  
− Train officials on the use of new 
technologies  
− Organi ze workshops to raise awareness 
of texts and procedures  
− Organi ze a workshop on setting up an 
integrated single window  
− Recruit an international expert  
− Secure  the means to purchase materials  
− Secure  the means to organize workshops  
Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control  
 A - - - 
Article 10  Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation 
Requirements  B 22 February  2024 To be determined  - 
Article 10.2  Acceptance of Copies  A - - - 
Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  A - - - 
Article 10.4  Single Window  A - - - 
Article 10.5  Pre-shipment Inspection  C 22 February  2024 To be determined  − Strengthen internal customs valuation 
procedures  
− Establish standardized procedures  for the 
declaration, request for justification and 
appeal stages  
− Integrate customs posts into the TAME 
system (electronic system for addressing 
and analysing risks posed by goods)  
− Develop a database of dynamic values  
− Improve dispute management and 
foreign exchange control via the National 
Information and Documentation File  
(FNID)  
− Enhance the institutional capacities of the  
Customs Administration  
− Enhance the control capacities of 
customs officials (after the end of the 
pre-shipment inspection contract )  
  G/TFA/N/SEN/1  
 
- 10 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C ) Assistance and support for capacity 
building required for implementation 
(for category C)  
− Devise a training plan with a programme 
and materials on the established 
valuation  method and technique  
− Secure funding for training  
− Purchase new  scanners  
Article 10.6  Use of Customs Brokers  A - - - 
Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and 
Uniform Documentation Requirements  A - - - 
Article 10.8  Rejected Goods  A - - - 
Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and 
Inward and Outward Processing  A - - - 
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
 B 22 February  2020 To be determined  - 
Article 12  Customs Cooperation  
 A - - - 
 
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