G/TFA/W/39  
 
19 April 2021  
(21-3308) Page: 1/15 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
REPORT BY  THE ITC AND  THE ANNEX D PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS  
TO THE  TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE  
22-23 April 2021  
Contents  
FOREWORD  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  2 
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE  (ITC)  ................................ ................................ ............  3 
ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO -OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)  ................  6 
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND  DEVELOPMENT  (UNCTAD)  .....................  8 
WORLD BANK GROUP  (WBG)  ................................ ................................ .........................  10 
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION  (WCO)  ................................ ................................ ..... 12 
 
  G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 2 - 
 
  FOREWORD  
The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) was created to help WTO developing and least 
developed country Members find the support they need to implement the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA). One of the ways that the TFAF fulfils this role is b y providing information on the 
TFA implementation support programs offered by partner organizations, the so -called "Annex D" 
organizations. This document, coordinated by the TFAF, provides updates on the TFA implementation 
support activities that are being  carried out by partner organizations. It is also available on the TFAF 
website.  
  G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 3 - 
 
   
 
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE  (ITC)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The International Trade Centre (ITC) offers a comprehensive range of trade facilitation services 
to its beneficiaries towards implementation of the TFA, factoring in the business perspective and 
with continuous engagement and cooperation between stakeholde rs at its core.  
1.2.  ITC provides support to public and private trade actors, including National Trade Facilitation 
Committees (NTFCs), to implement a wide range of TFA transparency and efficiency obligations, 
strengthening WTO Members ' national preparedness t o operationalize the measures of the 
Agreement, and thus meet their WTO commitments. It does so by reviewing or supporting the 
establishment of the national legal framework enabling the implementation of the TFA measures, 
and by providing support to practi cally operationalize the measures with private sector 's involvement 
in the overall process.  
1.3.  ITC also assists beneficiary countries to request financial and technical assistance to achieve 
implementation of Category C commitments.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
2.1.  With technical assistance delivered in more than 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Oceania and the 
Middle East, ITC is keeping the momentum high for trade facilitation reforms, providing tailor ed 
advisory services and practical support for the implementation of TFA measures. Transparency, 
simplification and digitalization of border procedures are at the core of ITC assistance, advanced 
through an inclusive and consultative approach, and amplifie d as a response to COVID -19 
disruptions.  
Building national dialogue and capacity to understand, implement and monitor the 
implementation of the TFA  
2.2.  ITC is supporting public and private stakeholders worldwide to build their capacity to 
understand TFA requi rements and their ensuing benefits, prioritize and sequence successfully for 
their implementation, and establish or strengthen National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) 
to stir the design, operationalization and monitoring of trade facilitation reform s.  
2.3.  In Nepal, ITC has recently supported the review of Category C commitments, identify needs 
and requirements for technical assistance, and notify indicative dates for their implementation to 
the WTO. In Jordan, ITC is supporting stakeholders to review an d refine the implementation 
modalities of Category A commitments, whereas in Iraq and Uzbekistan, ITC is conducting a review 
of the national compliance with TFA requirements in preparation for accession to the WTO.  
2.4.  ITC is also supporting NTFCs – at all sta ges of maturity – to set up or strengthen their 
institutional set -up, operations and network (Article 23.2). ITC is notably assisting Uzbekistan and 
Iraq to establish their NTFC, Nepal to build consensus and initial capacity -building on NTFC 's 
organization al structure, mandate and tasks, Pakistan to revitalize its NTFC 's operations, and Sri 
Lanka, Afghanistan and Burkina Faso to strengthen their NTFC 's performance and practices.  
2.5.  With a view to deepen regional integration, ITC is also fostering dialogue and  capacity -building 
on regional approaches to TFA implementation in the East African Community (EAC), supporting 
policymakers and stakeholders to harmonize trade facilitation reforms and targets at the regional 
economic community (REC) level (Article 24.5).  
G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 4 - 
 
  Supporting the implementation of transparency measures of the TFA  
2.6.  ITC is augmenting its support to establish or enhance Trade Facilitation Portals (TFPs) in 
beneficiary countries, in collaboration with UNCTAD, with a view to boost implementation of the 
transparency measures (Article 1.1 and 1.2) enshrined in the TFA. TFPs are a digital solution serving 
as a one -stop-shop providing up -to-date information on export, import and transit procedures and 
formalities in an easily accessible manner.  
2.7.  In particular,  ITC is supporting Burkina Faso, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, 
Afghanistan, Jordan, Burundi and Burkina Faso to establish their TFP; it is also supporting Kenya, 
Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka to update and enhance their TFP 's features. In 
Tajikistan, ITC is also introducing the publication of the commentary to the Customs code (Article 
1.1). 
Supporting the implementation of efficiency measures of the TFA  
2.8.  In an effort to  make customs procedures more efficient and predictable, ITC is providing 
technical assistance to establish or review the national legal and regulatory framework to implement 
selected TFA measures. In Niger and Jordan, ITC has been supporting policymakers to develop and 
operationalize the legal and regulatory framework to issue advance rulings (Article 3), and piloted 
its implementation with the private sector. ITC has also recently supported Tajikistan 's Customs 
administration to introduce provisions in th e Customs code allowing companies, which meet pre -
defined criteria, to apply for the authorized operator (AO) status and benefit from a number of 
facilitative measures, as stipulated in Article 7.7.  
2.9.  Complementarily, ITC is strengthening mechanisms for bord er agency cooperation (Article 8) 
to apply more efficient controls and streamlined procedures. In Pakistan, ITC is developing a 
framework methodology for border agency cooperation at Customs border stations. To make cross -
border procedures faster and simpl er, ITC is supporting the establishment of an integrated risk 
management system in line with Article 7.4, the implementation of a pre -arrival processing (Article 
7.1), the establishment and publication of average release times (Article 7.6) and the accepta nce of 
copies (Article 10.2), such as in Jordan and Pakistan.  
2.10.   ITC is also supporting the simplification and digitalization of border procedure and trade 
formalities. Using TFPs tools through national and regional partnerships, ITC is building capacity to 
harmonize and simplify trade formalities in the spirit of Article 10.1 of the TFA, such as in Sri Lanka, 
Tajikistan and Burkina Faso. ITC is also working in Sri Lanka to implement the automated processing 
and electronic issuance of certificates of origin, t o curb unnecessary delays and costs for micro, small 
and medium enterprises (MSMEs).  
Enhancing business capacity to benefit from TFA and strengthening compliance with 
international trade procedures  
2.11.   ITC directly assists businesses, in particular MSMEs, to e nhance their regulatory compliance 
with trade formalities and procedures, and ensure that they can benefit from a meaningful 
implementation of the TFA – including through e -learning courses on the TFA, on -site coaching and 
advocacy support.  
2.12.   ITC is deliver ing on -the-job coaching and advisory services to SMEs to improve their 
compliance level with cross -border management requirements, and cut the time and cost of doing 
business.  
2.13.   ITC is also strengthened private sector and trade -support institutions (TSIs) c apacity to 
advocate for effective policy and sectoral trade facilitation reforms at the national and regional level, 
as well as their representation in the NTFC to cater for businesses ' needs in the reform process.  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  ITC is deliveri ng its technical assistance on TFA implementation in the context of multi -annual 
trade -related projects that are being implemented in specific countries and regions. The portfolio of 
trade facilitation services provided to beneficiary clients is hence pre -determined under the G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 5 - 
 
  framework of these country -specific or region -specific trade -related technical assistance 
programmes . Nonetheless, with the support of additional funding, ITC can further assist clients to 
capitalize on the implementation of the TFA . 
Your contact point at ITC  
3.2.  Interested WTO members and development partners may contact Dr. Mohammad Saeed, 
Senior Trade Facilitation  Officer, at saeed@intracen.org , +41227300126, to receive further 
information on the ITC Trade Facilitation Programme'  portfolio of services and technical assistance.  
  G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 6 - 
 
   
 
ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO -OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPP ORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The Organisation for Economic Co -operation and Development (OECD) is an international 
organization working  to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well -being of 
people around the world. The OECD  provides a knowledge hub for data and analysis  and a unique 
forum in which governments can work together to share experiences , best practices  and seek 
solutions to common problems.  
1.2.  To help governments improve their border procedures, reduce trade costs, boost t rade flows 
and reap greater benefits from international  trade, the OECD has developed a set of Trade 
Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) that identify areas for action and enable the potential i mpact of reforms 
to be assessed: https://www.oecd.org/trade/topics/trade -facilitation/ . The OECD TFIs are strongly 
linked to the policy areas covered by the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The indicators thus 
cover the full spectrum of border procedures for more than 160 economies across different income 
levels, geographical regions, and levels of develo pment. Each TF indicator is composed of several 
specific, precise and fact -based variables on existing trade -related policies and regulations and their 
implementation in practice.  The OECD TFIs allow countries to identify their strengths and 
weaknesses in trade facilitation, prioritize areas for action, and mobilize technical assistance and 
capacity building in a more targeted way. The TFIs not only measure the actual extent to which 
countries have introduced and implemented trade facilitation measures in a bsolute terms, but also 
their performance relative to others, using a series of quantitative measures on key areas of the 
border process.  
1.3.  Donor support (i.e. ODA and OOF) for trade facilitation programmes  are recorded in the OECD 
Creditor Reporting System (CRS) under the heading 'trade facilitation': 
https://stats.oecd.org/qwids/ . 
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
OECD COVID -19 Policy Responses Hub  
2.1.  COVID -19 issues have continued to be mainstreamed under different  areas of the OECD 's work, 
including trade facilitation . Several policy-relevant and timely analyse s on trade facilitation issues 
were released on the OECD COVID -19 Policy Responses Hub: 
https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/en/ . 
OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) visualization tools  
2.2.  The OECD TFIs latest data can be accessed through the Compare your Country tool , which 
allows to explore  the performance of various countries or groups of countries as well as to visualize 
worldwide progress across specific trade facilitation areas.  The Policy Simulator tool allows to 
discover the key measures driving the performance of a selected country in a specific indicator and 
simulate the effects of potential policy reforms on the overall performance.  
OECD TFIs 2021 update cycle  
2.3.  The data underpinning the OECD TFIs are updated every two years, which allows countries to 
monitor their progress since 2013, when the project was first launched.  The data collection, factual 
check and processing of information for the 2021 update will be undertaken until the end of the 
year, with a view to release the update series in the first quarter of 2022.  
G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 7 - 
 
  3  HOW TO REQU EST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  Any enquiries regarding the OECD work on trade facilitation and the OECD Trade Facilitation 
Indicators can be directed to: Ms. Silvia Sorescu, Emerging Policy Issues Division, Trade and 
Agriculture Directorate (silvia.sorescu@oecd.org ). 
 
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
4.1.  OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators visualization tools: Compare your Country 
https://www.compareyourcountry.org/trade -facilitation  and Policy Simulator  
https://sim.oecd.org/default.ashx?ds=TFI . 
4.2.  Using trade to fight COVID -19: Manufacturing and distributing vaccines  
(https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy -responses/using -trade-to-fight-covid-19-manufacturing -
and-distributing -vaccines -dc0d37fc/ ) discusses trade and policy considerations underpinning access 
to the final and intermediate goods needed to effectively produce, deliver and administer COVID -19 
vaccines . 
4.3.  Getting goods across borders in times of COVID -19 (https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy -
responses/getting -goods -across -borders -in-times -of-covid-19-972ada7a/ ) provides insights int o 
the evolution of new border protocols and trade facilitation measures impacting trade, exploring 
what more can be done to prepare for the next stages of the pandemic as uncertainty persists . 
4.4.  Connecting businesses and consumers d uring COVID -19: Trade in parcels  
(https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy -responses/connecting -businesses -and-consumers -
during -covid-19-trade-in-parcels -d18de131/ ) discusses the  trade facilitation policies that can ensure 
parcel trade and e -commerce are able to  promote an inclusive economic recovery from COVID -19. 
4.5.  Leveraging digital trade to fight the consequences of COVID -19 
(https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy -responses/leveraging -digital -trade -to-fight-the-
consequences -of-covid-19-f712f404/ ) explor es how digital technologies can be leveraged to enable 
more efficient movement of goods across borders.  
4.6.  Digital opportunities  for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) systems and the trade facilitation 
effects of SPS electronic certification  (https://www.oecd -ilibrary.org/agriculture -and-food/digital -
opportunities -for-sanitary -and-phytosanitary -sps-systems -and-the-trade -facilitation -effects -of-
sps-electronic -certification_cbb7d0f6 -en ) explores the effects of the use of electronic SPS 
certificates on agro -food trade, as well as the challenges and policy implications for a more successful 
adoption of such digital technologies for facilitating trade.  
  G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 8 - 
 
   
 
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT  (UNCTAD)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  UNCTAD provides a broad range of technical assistance and capacity building activities in the 
field of trade facilitation, including: Elaboration of needs assessments and assistance with the 
ratification, categorization and notification of WTO TFA obligati ons; Support for development and 
implementation of national trade facilitation implementation plans and road maps; Development of 
project proposals and plans; Advisory services in all fields of trade and transport facilitation 
implementation; Targeted and specialized training and support to national trade facilitation 
committees through the UNCTAD Empowerment Program ; Monitoring and evaluation support 
of trade facilitation initiatives; General capacity -building and technical assistance on trade facilitation  
reforms; as well as assistance with the implementation of trade facilitation measures. In addition, 
UNCTAD provides extensive assistance world -wide in the field of Customs and trade automation 
through the ASYCUDA program; support for implementation of Sin gle Window solutions, including 
legal assessments and creating the necessary legal frameworks; and finally UNCTAD provides 
support in the field of transparency and simplification through the dedicated UNCTAD Trade 
Information Portal initiative. Please visi t the UNCTAD Trade Logistics, Trade Facilitation and 
ASYCUDA web sites as indicated below.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
2.1.  In February 2020, UNCTAD published the third volume of our recurrent study on National 
Trade Facilitation Committees : National Trade Facilitation Committees as coordinators of trade 
facilitation reform. See link below.  
2.2.  UNCTAD maintains the on-line database  on trade facilitation committees around the 
world . Please see the link below. The data base provides information about more than 100 NTFCs 
around the world. UNCTAD is continuously adding new information about NTFCs to the platform 
based on information rec eived from countries. Countries are encouraged to update information about 
their NTFCs or add information about their NTFCs in cases where this is missing.  
2.3.  UNCTAD has launched an on-line training platform to support trade facilitation 
implementation , in pa rticular for national trade facilitation committees. Please see link below. This 
initiative is based on a blended approach including a series of on -line training modules mixed with 
online  sessions with the participants, webinars on selected issues and meet ings with the national 
trade facilitation committees. Interested countries can approach UNCTAD for support to roll -out this 
program.  
2.4.  UNCTAD provides a specialized training module for implementation of WTO TFA Articles 
11.16 and 17 on transit collaboration and transit coordinators . The training is predominantly 
provided on regional or sub -regional basis to appointed or designated transit coordinators. 
Interested countries can approach UNCTAD for support to roll -out this program.  
2.5.  UNCTAD has launched a web -based project management and monitoring tool for 
implementation of trade facilitation reforms, the so -called Reform Tracker . The tool is 
presently being implemented with more than 10 countries. Please contact UNCTAD for additional 
information.  
2.6.  Countries that have adopted the UNCTAD trade information portals  have in connection with 
the COVID -19 pandemic all been offered include dedicated COVID -19 information on their portals. 
G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 9 - 
 
  This approach has been adopted widely amongst almost all users of the U NCTAD portals. Please 
refer to the link below.  
2.7.  In relation to the COVID -19 pandemic, UNCTAD is providing support  to interested 
countries , including through collaboration with UN Regional Commissions. See link below.  
2.8.  UNCTAD has launched a Rapid Scan methodo logy, assessing the preparedness of 
countries of crisis management in the field of trade facilitation . These assessments also 
provide local capacity building. Interested countries can approach UNCTAD for support to roll -out 
this program.  
2.9.  In general, the UNCTAD ASYCUDA program for Customs and Trade Automation  provides 
a host of automation options in relation to implementation of Customs and trade facilitation, also 
including Single Window solutions.  Please s ee link below.  UNCTAD 's ASYCUDA program has in 
connection with COVID -19 published a guide on: Adapting the use of ASYCUDA World to the COVID 
-19 Situation.  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  For Trade Facilitation, trade portals etc.  
Mr. Poul Hansen, Chief, Trade Facilitation Section  
Palais des Nations  
1211 Geneva , Switzerland  
Telephone: +41 22 917 32 58 or +41 79 4444 366  
E-Mail: poul.hansen@unctad.org  or tfs@unctad.org  
 
3.2.  For ASYCUDA  
Mr. Fabrice Millet  
Palais des Nations  
1211 Geneva , Switzerland  
Telephone : +41 22 917 20 59  
E-Mail: fabrice.millet@unctad.org  
 
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
4.1.  UNCTAD web site on Trade Logistics https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade-logistics  and 
Trade Facilitation https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade-logistics/trade -facilitation  
4.2.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA Program https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade -logistics/customs -
automation -ASYCUDA  
4.3.  UNCTAD Online -database of Trade Facilitation Committees around the world 
https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade -logistics/trade -facilitation/national -trade -facilitation -
bodies/map  
4.4.  UNCTAD Trade Facili tation E -learning platform (the details of the platform is password 
protected for participating NTFCs) https://tfelearning.unctad.org/  
4.5.  UNCTAD Trade Information Portal Website http://tradeportal.eregulations.org/?l=en  
4.6.  National Trade Facilitation Committees as coordinators of trade facilitation reform 
https://unctad.org/ system/files/official -document/dtltlb2020d1_en.pdf  
4.7.  UNCTAD COVID -19 response  https://unctad.org/programme/covid -19-response  
4.8.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA C OVID -19 response  https://unctad.org/webflyer/adapting -use-asycuda -
world -covid-19-situation  
4.9.  UNCTAD Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter  https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-
trade -logistics/transport -newsletter   G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 10 - 
 
   
 
WORLD BANK GROUP  (WBG)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The WBG is the one of the largest multilateral providers of financial and technical assistance 
support for trade facilitation, and the TFA provides the framework for the WBG 's trade facilitation 
support to more than 70 countries. The  WBG works closely with the WTO, and other partners 
(including Annex D) and donors, in supporting developing and least developed countries in TFA 
implementation. WBG support on trade facilitation is implemented through a mix of technical 
assistance, invest ment lending and policy development operations.  
1.2.  The WBG provides global TFA implementation support through two flagship trust fund 
programs; (i) the Trade Facilitation Support Program (47+ countries & supported by Australia, 
Canada, the European Union, the  Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the U nited Kingdom  
and the U nited States ); and (ii) the Trade Facilitation Programme in Middle Income Countries (5 
countries & supported by the UK).  
1.3.  The WBG assists countries to identify existing constraints and b ottlenecks to cross -border 
trade; design and plan for the implementation of reforms; and increase the predictability, 
transparency, and harmonization of systems and procedures in line with international standards 
covering import, export, and transit activi ties. Focused on supporting the full and effective 
implementation of the WTO TFA and related trade facilitation reforms, these programs are designed 
to provide practical and demand -driven assistance.  
1.4.  Recognizing the important roles of both the public and private sectors in trade facilitation, the 
World Bank Group implements support by drawing on the unique expertise of both the World Bank 
and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND  
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
2.1.  The COVID -19 pandemic continues to highlight the urgent need for trade facilitation reforms 
to ensure critical goods flow through borders. The WBG is focusing support to countries on 
implementing paperless and automated systems, strea mlining of customs and border agency 
procedures, harmonization of procedures to limit the impact of the pandemic and implementation of 
special regimes for the import, export and transit of the COVID -19 Vaccine and ancillary medical 
products and access to i nformation in a transparent and predictable manner.  
2.2.  With the spread of COVID -19, the WBG has maintained flexibility and pivoted its activities to 
virtual modalities to support business continuity in ongoing and planned projects, as well as to 
provide guida nce to countries on best trade facilitation practices to respond to COVID -19. 
2.3.  The WBG continues excellent cooperation and coordination with TFAF to ensure 
complementarity of activities. The WBG and TFAF jointly hosted a session with the LDC Group at the 
Aid for Trade Stock -take focused on the TFA and COVID -19 recovery. As COVID -19 recovery 
continues, the WBG will looks forward to leveraging the critical focus on TFA implementation in 
coordination with TFAF, TFSP donors and WTO Members.  
2.4.  Examples of WBG knowledge products providing guidance in addressing key challenges related 
to the pandemic include:  
G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Video:  
• Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade During COVID -19 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2020/06/22/managing -risk-and-facilitating -
trade -during -covid-19 
Guidance Notes:  
• Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade During COVID -19 
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/ en/751981585606039541/pdf/Trade -and-
COVID -19-Guidance -Note-Managing -Risk-and-Facilitating -Trade -in-the-COVID -19-
Pandemic.pdf  
• Best Practices of Border Processes and Procedures  
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/824081587487261551/pdf/Trade -and-
COVID -19-Guidance -Note-Trade -Facilitation -Best-Practices -Implemented -in-Response -to-
the-COVID -19-Pandemic.pdf  
 
Examples of country -level technical assistance scaled up during this crisis include:  
• Virtual and in -country support to National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFC).  
• Virtual support to enhance border agency cooperation and operations to facilitate import of 
critical supplies (including food and medical items).  
• Virtual and in -country guidance on increasing the availability of trade -related information on 
websites and t hrough enquiry points.  
• Virtual and in -country support to increase the application of risk management.  
• Virtual advice to specific countries on business continuity and protection of front -line officers.  
 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  To receive support, countries are expected to have demonstrated a strong commitment to 
implementing trade facilitation reforms. The trust funds prioritize assistance to countries with limited 
access to other donor support. Requests for assistance can be made directly to Mr. B ill Gain, Global 
Lead for Trade Facilitation ( wgain@ifc.org ), World Bank Group offices or donor partners.  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
• World Bank Group TFSP webpage  
https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/trade -facilitation -support -program  
 
• WBG Trade and COVID -19 Resources Webpage  
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/trade/brief/trade -and-covid-19 
 
  G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 12 - 
 
   
 
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION  (WCO)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The World Customs Organization (WCO) is the only intergovernmental organization dealing 
with Customs matters. It provides TFA support to its Members through its Mercator Programme 
launched in June 2014. The Mercator Programme follows a dual -track approach that comprises of 
overall and tailor -made tracks,  allowing the WCO to respond to important cross -cutting, as well as 
country specific challenges to TFA implementation. The Mercator Programme is a unique initiative 
that allows for uniform implementation by applying WCO instruments and tools and is support ed by 
the practical experiences of the global Customs community. It has been evolving to address the 
needs and requirements of the Membership, including those arising from the most recent challenges 
faced by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
2.1.  In November 2020, the WCO launched the second edition of the Mercator Programme Report, 
which  highlights some common TFA implementation challenges.  The Report also outlines how the 
Program me is assisting Members in providing tailor -made solutions to overcome these challenges.  
More information can be found at:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2020/november/the -wco-launches -the-second -
edition -of-the-mercator -programm e-report.aspx . 
Overall track of t he Mercator Programme  
2.2.  In the period since October 2020, the WCO working body structure has approved the following 
tools:  
• Compendium of Best Practices in the Area of Transit;  
• E-Commerce Package (to support implementation of the WCO Framework of Standards for 
Cross -Border E -Commerce);  
• Compendium of Case Studies on E -Commerce;  
• AEO Compendium 2020;  
• Guidance for Customs administrations in Small Island Economies;  
• Updated Compendium on Coordinated Border Management;  
• Joint WCO -ICAO Guiding Principles on Pre -loading Advance Cargo Information;  
• Joint WCO -ICAO Guidelines on Alignment of Customs AEO and Aviation Regulated Agent/Known 
Consignor (RA/KC) Programmes;  
• Practical Guidance on Free Zones; and  
• WCO Data Model version 3.10.0.  
 
2.3.  A number of tools and guidance materials are under development and have been submitted 
for endorsement or further enhancement by the WCO working body structure during autumn 2020 
and spring 2021:  
• WCO Guidelines on Disaster Management and Supply Chain Continuit y; 
• 2nd Edition of the Compendium of Case Studies on E -Commerce;  
• Secretariat note on expanding the concept of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)  
to cross -border e -commerce;  
• Secretariat note on effective and efficient revenue collection in cross -border e -commerce;  
• Comprehensive Capacity Building Framework for Data Analytics in Customs;  
• Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) Implementation and Validation Guidance;  
• 2021 SAFE Framework of Standards;  
• Online AEO Compendium;  
G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 13 - 
 
  • Regional Customs union AEO programmes and plurilateral MRAs;  
• Risk Management Maturity Model;  
• Risk Management Diagnostic Tool;  
• Review of the Risk Management Compendium (Volume 1); and  
• Railway Guidance.  
 
2.4.  Furthermore, the comprehensive review of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) continued 
through the RKC Management Committee (RKC/MC) under a Four -Step Framework, whereas the 
RKC/MC took this role over from the Working Group on the Comprehensive review of the RKC after 
October  2020.  
2.5.  During the current financial year, national and regional wor kshops in the areas of TFA, e -
commerce, performance measurement, risk management, data analytics, advance rulings, COVID -
19, disruptive technologies, free zones, and many other areas have been held and are continuing to 
be organized.  
Tailor -made track of the Mercator Programme  
2.6.  During the pandemic, the WCO Secretariat has remained agile and focused on exploring 
alternative Member support arrangements that have included using various on -line tools and remote 
delivery activities.  
2.7.  Under the tailor -made track o f the Mercator Programme, the WCO adopted a proactive 
approach and carried out over 100 Mercator Programme online technical assistance and capacity 
building missions.  
2.8.  In consultation with WCO regional coordinators, a comprehensive mapping exercise of all 
50 multiyear (MY) Mercator beneficiary countries has been carried out to determine future (on -line) 
priority WCO activities that will assist administrations implement the TFA in a coordinated and 
harmonized manner and enhance collaboration with stakeholders . An analysis of the over 500 
recommendations stemming from the diagnostic missions carried out in these Members revealed a 
continuing high requirement for support in the areas of publication and transparency, customs 
procedures, risk management and cooper ation and collaboration with other government and private 
sector stakeholders.  
2.9.  Comprehensive review/update of the TFA (Mercator) Maturity Model that provides an 
assessment of implementation maturity used to measure overall implementation progress and 
impro ve activities, has been initiated. The WCO is working closely with its Members in implementing 
this tool for monitoring implementation at national level. Work has also been initiated on the review 
and update of the Mercator Programme Advisor (MPA) Handbook . 
COVID -19 related work  
2.10.   Work related to the COVID -19 pandemic remained a priority in the period since October 2020. 
The WCO continued its work on developing the Guidelines on Disaster Management and Supply Chain 
Continuity, under the COVID -19 project funde d by the Government of Japan. Since October 2020, 
the WCO organized four regional workshops on disaster management and supply chain continuity.  
2.11.   Bearing in mind the challenges associated with the handling of time - and temperature -
sensitive vaccines in larg e quantities, during its 137th Session in December 2020, the WCO Council 
unanimously adopted a Resolution on the Role of Customs in facilitating the cross -border movement 
of situationally critical medicines and vaccines  http://www.wcoomd.org/ -
/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about -us/legal -instruments/r esolutions/resolution -facilitating -cross-
border -movement -of-situationally -critical -medicines -and-vaccines.pdf?la=en  (hereafter referred to 
as the Resolution).  The Resolution contains recommended measures to be implemented by Member 
Customs administrations and by the Secretariat. The Resolution is available on the WCO web -site in 
English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish languages. The WCO Secretariat 
developed a COVID -19 Action Plan to support implementation of the Resolution and is reporting on 
its implementation in the relevant WCO working bodies.  G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 14 - 
 
  2.12.   Following the adoption of the Resolution, the Secretariat created a new section on the WCO 
web-site to share information related to the cross -border movement of the COVID -19 vaccines 
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/covid19 -vaccines -distribution.aspx . The web page, among others, includes guidance 
materials issued by partner organizations such as IATA and the WTO, to which the Secretariat had 
contributed with input in the drafting process as well as links to information, guidance and policy 
papers issu ed by the WHO, the GEA and the FIATA. Members ' good practices are also being published 
on this WCO web -section as they come in, with currently 26 Members ' practices published. In order 
to support the implementation of the Resolution by Members, the Secreta riat developed a Secretariat 
Note on the Role of Customs in facilitating and securing the cross -border movement of situationally 
critical medicines and vaccines http://www.wcoomd.org/ -
/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/covid_19_vaccine/secretariat -note-vaccines_en.pdf ?la=en . The objective of the Secretariat 
Note is to provide guidance with regard to the implementation by Members of the first twelve 
measures outlined in the Resolution, as well as provide information on WCO instruments and tools 
that can support the impl ementation of the Resolution. The Secretariat Note also contains Members ' 
good practices.  
2.13.   In line with measure 15 of the Resolution, on 29 January 2021 the WCO issued HS 
Classification reference for vaccines and the associated supplies and equipment  
http://www.wcoomd.org/ -/media/wco/public/global/p df/topics/facilitation/activities -and-
programmes/natural -disaster/covid -19-list-for-vaccines/hs -classification -reference -vaccines -
english.pdf?la=en  that was developed in cooperation with the WHO. The document aims to support 
Member Customs administrations and supply chain stakeholders in classifying vaccines and related 
supplies and equipment at the international level, i.e. 6 digits as per the HS. The related supplies 
and equipment include vials, syringes, needles, dry ice, freezers, etc.  
2.14.   On 2 February, the Secretaries General of ICAO and the WCO signed an  ICAO/WCO Joint 
Statement on the global transportation and distribution of COVID -19 vaccines and associated 
medical supplies  http://www.wcoomd.org/ -
/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics /facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/covid_19_vaccine/t -on-the-global -transportation -and-distribution -of-covid_19 -vaccines -
and-associated -medical -supplies_en.pdf?la=en . The Joint Statement calls for open collaboration 
between the aviati on and Customs communities, as well as those responsible for other transport 
modes and other relevant stakeholders, in order to ensure safe, secure and efficient transport of 
vaccines and associated equipment across borders.  
2.15.   The WCO has also developed a d ocument on Risk Management during a pandemic and 
organized five series of webinars to provide customs with knowledge of the essential characteristics 
and specifications of the COVID -19 vaccines of different manufacturers. This will enable Customs to 
be bet ter equipped to identify and limit the traffic of counterfeit COVID -19 vaccines. The WCO will 
soon launch Operation STOP II, which will benefit from the participation of 141 Members and will 
target counterfeit, substandard and/or illicit medicines, medical  supplies/equipment and vaccines 
related to COVID -19 and will give special attention to small consignments and electronic commerce.  
Upcoming events  
2.16.   The WCO is in the process of organizing the following events:  
• 5th WCO Global AEO Conference, 25 -27 May 2021   
• WCO Second Global Conference on Cross -Border E -Commerce, 28 -29 June 2021  
• 2021 WCO TECH -CON, November 2021  
• 16th Annual PICARD Conference, 9 -10 December 2021  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  The WCO Capacity Building delivery is based on the multi -year project planning as well as on 
the annual Capacity Building needs assessment carried out by the Secretariat together with Member 
Customs administrations and supported by the Regional Offices for  Capacity Building (ROCBs).   G/TFA/W/39  
 
- 15 - 
 
  3.2.  However, in addition to this needs assessment process, developing countries and LDCs may 
submit their requests for assistance to the WCO Capacity Building Directorate 
(capaci ty.building@wcoomd.org ) at any time.  
3.3.  Interested development partners and donor institutions may contact the WCO Office of External 
Relations ( external.relations@wcoomd.org ) with regard to further cooper ation, including financial 
support for technical assistance and capacity building projects.  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
WCO web site: www.wcoomd.org  
 
Mercator Programme:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/capacity -building/activities -and-programmes/mercator -
programme.aspx  
 
WCO Implementing the TFA:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/wco -implementin g-the-wto-atf.aspx  
 
COVID -19 web page:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/coronavi rus.aspx  
 
COVID -19 vaccines distribution  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natur al-
disaster/covid19 -vaccines -distribution.aspx  
 
What Customs can do to mitigate the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/ -/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/facilitation/activities -and-
programmes/natural -disaster/covid_19/covid_19 -categorization -of-member -input_may -29-
2020_edi tion-4_en.pdf?la=en  
 
__________