G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
26 September  2019 
(19-6227) Page: 1/11 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original:  Spanish  
 
  
NOTIFICATION OF CATEGORY COMMITMENTS UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRADE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM ECUADOR  
Addendum  
The following communication, dated 1 7 September 2 019, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Ecuador for Members' information.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up on the notification dated 1 4 February 2 019 (G/TFA/N/ECU/1), the Republic of Ecuador 
hereby makes the following notifications of its definitive dates for implementation of its category C 
commitments in accordance with  Article 16 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (WT/L/931).  
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Definitive date for 
implementation  
Article 2.2  Consultations  15 January 2 022 
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  15 January 2 024 
Article 7.4  Risk Management  15 January 2 022 
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  15 January 2 021 
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators  15 January 2 022 
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  15 January 2 024 
Article 10.4  Single Window  15 January 2 023 
Article 11.7 -11.15  Freedom of Transit  15 January 2 021 
 
For ease of reference, Ecuador's full list of category commitments is summarized in the table 
attached here to. 
 
   
  G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
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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  B 15 January 2 021 15 January 2 021 - 
Article 1.2  Information Available Through Internet  B 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  B 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
Article 1.4  Notification  B 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
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  C 15 January 2 022 15 January 2 022 Cooperation to establish an 
online consultation system 
allowing for interaction between 
government bodies and users . 
This system should collect and 
record comments made by 
natural and legal persons 
regarding regulations, 
legislation and other provisions 
issued by the various bodies.  
Articl e 3 Advance Rulings  
 B1 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  
 A - - - 
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
Article 5.1  Notifications for Enhanced Controls or Inspections  B 15 January 2 021 15 January 2 021 - 
Article 5.2  Detention  B 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  C 15 January 2 024 15 January 2 024 Cooperation to strengthen 
diagnostic laboratories in the 
areas of plant health, animal 
health and food safety . This 
contribution will focus on 
establishing  adequate 
infrastructure  
                                                
1 With regard to the origin of goods, advance rulings refer to documentary verification of compliance with rules of origin.    
  G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
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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)  
     in terms of appropriate control 
points for inspection and 
quarantine, laboratory 
equipment, and reagents, etc.  
Staff training is required on new 
analytical methodologies . 
Cooperation is also required to 
help organize workshops on the 
following subjects:  
• Establishing methods to 
ensure the quality of activities 
carried out in customs 
laboratories.  
• Optimizing the process for 
meeting the necessary 
requirements for compliance 
with ISO standards.  
• Evaluation, verification and 
control of laboratory 
conditions and the methods 
used.  
To this end, it is suggested 
that trainers have experience 
of the following:  
• Preparation of a laboratory 
managemen t model ; 
instructions and procedures ; 
equipment maintenance and 
calibration plans ; a nd 
analytical instruments.  
• Implementation of quality 
systems in customs 
laboratories.  
• Implementation and use of 
methodologies.  
• Physico -chemical analysis of 
samples of goods  for tariff 
classification purposes.  
Safety measures to protect 
facilities, equipment and 
instruments assigned to the 
division.    
  G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
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Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative  date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required 
for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 6  Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties  
Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or 
in Connection with Importation and Exportation  B 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
Article 6.2  Specific disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs 
Processing Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  B 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  B 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
Article 7  Release and Clearance of Goods  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  A - - - 
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  B 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final Determination of 
Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges  B 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 15 January 2 022 15 January 2 022 Cooperation for training and 
technical assistance with a view 
to implementing systems for 
the exchange of information 
between countries on levels of 
risk. Better practices and new 
procedures are needed to deal 
with high - and low -risk goods.  
A risk management assessment 
is required, which takes into 
account all the parameters of 
the bodies involved in trade in 
goods.  
Cooperation is also requested 
to ensure the exchange of 
information (creation of 
statistical models, forecasts 
and better  risk management 
practices) between other 
customs offices and control 
bodies.  
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 15 January 2 022 15 January 2 021 Cooperation for training and 
technical assistance with a view 
to creating statistical models 
and improving methodology for 
the assignment of post -control 
audits, non -participatory 
reviews and implementation.    
  G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
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Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative  date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required 
for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average Release 
Times  A - - - 
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators  C 15 January 2 022 15 January 2 022 1. Technical assistance to 
establish a road map before 
introducing new links into 
the programme.  
2. Technical assistance to 
devise strategies to 
establish mutual recognition 
agreements between 
SENAE and other customs 
administrations with regard 
to AEO  programmes.  
3. Technical assistance and 
funding to develop the 
connectivity of the SENAE  
customs computer s ystem 
and the systems of other 
customs administrations for 
the purposes of information 
exchange, risk 
management and the 
mutual recognition of AEO  
programmes.  
4. Funding to systematize the 
process for applying for, 
renewing and revalidating 
AEO status.  
 
   
  G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
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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)  
     5. Funding to participate in the 
validation or revalidation 
(in situ) of applicant 
companies in other 
countries, with a view to 
incorporating new 
international practices into 
the Ecuador AEO  
programme.  
6. Funding for internships 
relating to the 
implementation  of the AEO 
programme, and training on 
issues linked to 
international logistics chain 
security.  
7. Funding to allow for 
participation in conferences, 
seminars and/or national 
and international fairs 
relating to the AEO 
programme.  
Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  B 15 January 2 022 15 January 2 022 - 
Article 7.9  Perishable Goods  B 15 January 2 024 15 January 2 024 - 
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation    
  G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
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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)  
  C 15 January 2 024 15 January 2 024 Cooperation for the creation of 
a single digital platform that 
provides border agencies with 
access to information on trade 
operation requirements and 
audits . Equipment is needed for 
buildings housing Bi -National 
Border Service Centres (CEBAF) 
on trunk road No. 3 from 
Macará to La  Tina (Ecuador - 
Peru) . These centres are 
expected to provide around 120 
jobs for the two countries and 
will facilitate trade . Cooperation 
for the hiring of professional 
chemists to work 24 hours a 
day, seven days a week in 
substance -control activities at 
the border crossings of 
Rumichaca, San  Miguel, 
Huaquillas and Macará, and at 
ports and airports (Guayaquil 
and Quito) . Standards are 
required for these substances 
for quantitative and qualitative 
analysis purposes (approved 
preliminary identification tests - 
PIPH) . T echnology and  
infrastructure are also required 
for diagnosis with a view to 
quarantine treatments ; 
incinerator facilities are 
required, as well as quarantine 
areas  and border point 
transport facilities.    
  G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
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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)  
    Cooperation to provide 
laboratories with Raman 
technology, infrared, and mass 
gas chromatography 
equipment, digital 
potentiometers, refractometers 
and dosimeters, etc. O ngoing 
training is also needed for 
border control staff, with an 
emphasis on the sharin g of 
experiences with other 
countries in the region ; issues 
covered should include 
container control, new 
psychoactive substances, 
synthetic drugs, new 
camouflage techniques, and 
new chemical analysis 
techniques, amongst others . In 
order to ensure and prot ect the 
integrity of the country, 
electronic security systems are 
required, such as perimeter 
fences, cameras, sensors, 
scanners for persons and 
vehicles, etc. I n addition, 
personal protective equipment 
is required for the handling of 
controlled drugs.  
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 15 January 2 022 15 January 2 022 - 
Article 10.2  Acceptance of Copies  B 15 January 2 022 15 January 2 022 - 
Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  A - - -   
  G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
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Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative  date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Building Required 
for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 10.4  Single Window  C 15 January 2 023 15 January 2 023 Cooperation for an electronic 
automated registration system 
that covers all entities 
responsible for issuing 
resolutions, permits, 
certificates, automatic and non -
automatic licences, and 
accompanying documents 
(preshipment) and supporting 
documents that are required for 
importing and exporting.  
Cooperation for streamlin ing 
the incorporation into the 
Single Window of new control 
measures involving certificates 
and other documents that are 
required for the shipment of 
imports and exports.  
Acquisition of technological 
components and restructuring 
of the internal systems of 
entities issuing control 
documents that are not linked 
to Ecuador's single window.  
Article 10.5  Preshipment Inspection  A - - - 
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  
 Article 11.1 -
11.6  A - - - 
 Article 11.7 -
11.15   C 15 January 2 021 15 January 2 021 Cooperation to ensure that all 
customs institutions in 
neighbouring countries are able 
to implement the    
  G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
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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)  
     International Goods Transit 
(TIM) system, which entails the 
sharing of advance, timely and 
quality information between 
customs institutions . In the 
case of Ecuador, which is a 
member of the Andean 
Community (CAN), cooperation 
needs to extend towards other 
CAN countries, so as to ensure 
the proper implementation of 
the TIM and support for its 
maintenance.  
Resources are needed to 
implement the system, with a 
view to integrating controls for 
goods in transit at borders in 
order to ensure the traceability 
of goods at community level.  
A computer -based alert system 
(software) needs to be set up to 
record complaints, customs 
violations or  related offences 
concerning foreign trade 
operators using the TIM ; such a 
system would make it possible 
to foresee possible customs 
violations and take appropriate 
bi-national action in response.    
  G/TFA/N/ECU/1/Add.1  
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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)  
     Virtual kiosks are requested to 
ensure that checks on 
individuals are carried out 
swiftly and appropriately . The 
use of RFID technology is 
requested in respect of tourist 
vehicles, containers and loading 
platforms, so as to ensure 
enhanced traceability 
https://vimeo.com/123770264  
Cooperation for the setting up 
of mirrored rooms at border 
facilities that allow for the on -
line control of customs 
operations ; cooperation to 
ensure that control officials are 
properly equipped.  
 Article 11.16 - 
11.17   A - - - 
Article 12  Customs Cooperation  
 B 15 January 2 020 15 January 2 020 - 
 
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