G/TFA/W/58  
25 August  2021 
(21-6424) Page: 1/23 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original:  English/French  
 
 
TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT FOUR YEAR REVIEW  
ARTICLE  23.1.6 OF THE TFA  
TFA IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCES OF LEAST -DEVELOPED COUNTRIES  
Communication from Chad on behalf of the LDC Group  
The following communication, dated 9 August  2021, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Chad on behalf of the LDC Group.  
 
_______________  
 
 
This submission communicates preliminary information gathered by the LDC Group on challenges, 
difficulties, and ease of preparing notifications for Section II, and implementation of the 
Trade  Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to date.  In addition, the information includes feedback from 
exporters and importers on benefits and difficulties, and experiences on  support provided, and 
desired improvements . The LDC Group devised an internal questionnaire for LDC Group Members to 
collect information from capitals in order to prepare this communication and add value in the 
LDC Group engagement in this first review of  the TFA . Some delegations conveyed their experiences 
while implementing different provisions, and assistance for Category C measures . The information 
is not exhaustive, but intends to provide a snapshot of experiences reported so far.  
 
The LDC Group recei ved information from within the Group which is summarized in the following 
points for reflection by Members of the TF Committee.  
 
1. Implementation of notifications and provisions  
Challenges/difficulties  
a. A few delegations had difficulties to make notifications of designated provisions . There was 
the lack of mastery of the Agreement itself in the process of the exercise to categorise the 
Agreement's measures . There was no convergence on the understanding of the 
TFA provisions, including among the pr ivate sector.  
b. For such situations, the problem in this case was overcome with the help of basic training 
on TFA provisions.  After the training, some of the relevant stakeholders personnel were 
able to understand the legally binding obligations under the TF A, 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 . This also 
gave an impetus to expedite preparations needed fr om relevant institutions to comply with 
the commitments of the TFA.  Another delegation felt that revision of its domestic 
legislation to comply with the Agreement would help.  
c. A delegation referred to major difficulties in the collection of the information needed for 
notification from within its domestic structures, which has caused delays in the country's 
communications on the provisional dates for the implementation of category  B and 
C measures, and transparency measures, particularly information on the op eration of the 
single window.  G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  d. Others cited were : obtaining information on the use of customs brokers (paragraph  6.2) 
of Article 10 ; information on the contact point(s) for customs cooperation of Article  12 as 
well as information to prepare the final dates of implementation of category B measures . 
These difficulties were resolved through follow -up in the framework of the National Trade 
Facilitation Subcommittee.  
e. Difficulties to implement Article 8.2 was mainly in one case due to the need for mutual 
agreement s with border agencies, which in some cases required technical assistance and 
capacity building assistance to negotiate and reach agreement, especially on joint controls, 
establishment of one stop inspection and establishment of one stop border post contro l. 
f. Single window challenges included where some agencies and private sector are reluctant 
to change their practices.  
g. Difficulties with Article 10 were cited as most challenging for one delegation.  
h. For another delegation, the following provisions were more difficult to implement as they 
need infrastructure development and capacity building . Continual and package technical 
assistance is essential for infrastructure development and capacity building.  
i. Article 5.1 Notifications for enhanced controls and inspecti ons 
ii. Article 5.3 Test procedures  
iii. Article 8 : Border agency cooperation  
iv. Article 10.3 Use of International Standards  
v. Article 10.4 Single Window.  
 
i. A delegation found implementation of the provisions on Authorized Traders, post -clearance 
monitoring, and the disciplines on fees and penalties challenging.  However, a lot of support 
has been received and there was domestic interest in reform.  
j. Need to train staff and maintain staff to implement the Agreement on a sustained basis.  
Ease of implementation  
 
a. Benefits a lready seen from the TFA were noted in reduction in terms of time, costs, and 
more simplified procedures . Also, the authorized operator system provides more incentive 
to export and import.  
b. For one delegation, provisions easier to implement were Section III  Institutional 
Arrangements.  
c. For one LDC, it was implementation of pre -arrival clearance . ASYCUDA and Tradelens have 
been helpful for exchanging shipping information . However, more financial, technical, and 
capacity building in establishing legal and IT in frastructure is still needed.  
d. Article 1.1 : Publication and Article 2.2 Consultation were easier for an LDC to implement, 
as these provisions could be implemented leveraging existing and on -going efforts of the 
government.  
e. A delegation cited that Articles 2 .1; 2.2; 4; 5 .2; 6.1; 6.2; 7.3; 10.5; 10.8; 10.9 were 
easiest due to the modernization of the Customs Administration and consultations among 
stakeholders.  
f. Some delegations referred to their Category A measures to be the easiest to implement 
because of exis ting measures already in place . The existing laws and regulations were 
already aligned with the WTO provisions.  G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  g. Others cited by a delegation as easier to implement were:  
i. Perishable goods and the acceptance of copies.  
ii. The national customs code has made spec ial provisions to take into account the 
rapid clearance of such goods by posting a bond . These goods are cleared under 
an accelerated procedure.  
iii. With regard to the acceptance of copies, a decision of the Commissioner  General 
of the revenue office authorize s the acceptance of copies in the customs clearance 
formalities when the original copy has been incorporated in another file.  
iv. Due to a single window for foreign trade, documents deposited are assigned to 
different actors according to needs.  
 
h. Other reasons cited by another LDC included:  
i. Continuous reforms and modernization of the customs administration  
ii. The participation and cooperation from all stakeholders and technical assistance 
from the developed partners have also promoted the successful stories in 
implementing the TFA.  
iii. Increased transparency has been beneficial.  
 
2. Support received  
 
a. For one LDC, supp ort was received in the form of sequencing and prioritization of 
Category  C measures.  The consultation with relevant stakeholders for the assessment was 
helpful to prepare the notification of Category C indicative dates of implementation and 
technical assi stance that may be required . For another LDC, a similar exercise was 
reinforced by sensitization and training workshops for the various stakeholders on the 
perception of the substantive provisions of the Agreement.  The stakeholders were thus 
able to progre ssively conduct the process that resulted in 18 measures being classified as 
category  A, 12 measures as category B and 8 measures as category C.  
b. Another cited no receipt of any technical assistance for implementing Category  C 
provisions yet, but limited su pport is being provided in improving Phyto -sanitary 
laboratory capacities from the World Bank Group.  
c. As part of the preparation for the implementation of the Category C provisions for another 
delegation, a National Trade Facilitation Program (NTPF) was dev eloped with the support 
of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and validated in 2015.  
d. The program consists of projects as follows:  
i. National  Trade Facilitation Committee Capacity Building Project.  
ii. In 2017, USAID supported the Ministry of Commerce and the 
Customs  Administration in the implementation of six of the PNFE projects . These 
include:  
− Trade Information Portal (PIC) launched since June 2018: The PIC makes 
it possible to federate all information related to international trade 
procedures (Article 1  TFA).  
− Optimizing the Preferred Partner Program to make the transition to the 
Authorized Economic Operator Program (Article 7.7 of the TFA).  
− Organizational and Institutional Capacity Building Project for 
Post-Clearance Control (Article 7.5 of the TFA).  
− Research Project on Fees and Charges on Imports and Exports of Goods 
in country (Articles 6.1 and 6.2 of the TFA).  
 
e. In addition, the capacity building project for the Trade Facilitation Subcommittee 
(Article  23.2 of the TFA) received initial support in 2017 from UNCTAD which resulted in 
the development of:  
i. An implementation plan for the TFA that served as the basis for the notification 
of indicative implementation dates for Category B and C measures;  
ii. A new training plan focused on specific implementation issues;  
iii. A national committee communication plan which identified major activities that 
were integrated into the 2019 n ational committee work plan including the 
Trade  Facilitation Open Day held in 2019.  G/TFA/W/58  
 
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f. Under an EU -funded Tradecom II project, a study on the implementation of the TFA in 
relation to SPS controls and conformity assessment was carried out and training was 
provided to members of the Trade Facilitation Sub -Committee on these aspects.  
g. UNCTAD provided training of managers and officials on the preparation of the notification 
to the WTO on A, B, and C provisions ; setting up national contact points, and measures 
to be put in place . ITC developed categorization, setting up of national committees, and 
development of category C projects.  
h. It was observed that putting in place category C measures requires time and resources 
which has consequences.  It is not always easy to mobilize financial assistance and 
resources from partners necessary to finance implementing various measures such as 
Articles 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 3, 5.2, 6.3, 7.1 – 7.4, 7.7 – 7.9, 8.6, 10.1 -3, 12, and 
operationalization of the national committee.  
3. Efforts made to resolve difficulties where possible  
 
a. To resolve the difficulties related to the implementation of category B measures, one 
delegation organized a workshop to identify bottlenecks in the implementation of the 
measures . Corrective actions were assigned to the responsible structures . Monitoring is 
regularly organized by the committee's permanent secretariat.  
b. With regard to category C measures, the difficulties are linked to the transposition of the 
needs into coherent and relevant projects accord ing to the requirements of the Agreement.  
An ITC competitiveness project was helpful in hiring a national consultant to develop 
project technical sheets that will be subject to funding for their implementation . However, 
technical and financial support is s till required to implement the measures.  
c. It is evident from a few of the responses that workshops, including in capitals with 
stakeholders, organized by the WTO and other agencies facilitated the designation of 
categories for notification.  
4. Selected percept ions of the TFA identified by traders  
 
Benefits:  
− Significant improvements in the publication of measures, automation and streamlining of 
procedures, and cooperation between the various actors in the supply chain.  
− The study on the time required for the release of goods (ETNM) has also led to a reduction in 
physical inspections by customs, the elimination of unnecessary documents, the 
empowerment of manual processing operations and a consequent reduction in clearance 
times.  
− The 24/7 operationalization of port structures.  
− The adhesion of certain economic operators to the Framework of Privileged Partnerships  (CPP) 
which is an instrument instituted by the Revenue Office and whose objective is to establish a 
partnership between Customs and reliable economic op erators for the securing and facilitation 
of commercial exchanges . It is a step towards the implementation of the program of 
authorized economic operators (AEO) of the World Customs Organization  (WCO).  
− The operationalization of the single window.  
 
Difficul ties: 
− Integration of all actors in the single window for foreign trade.  
− Facilitating signatures.  
− Implementation of the single guarantee on transit corridors.  
− Some problems were faced in addressing SPS measures as there were not sufficient border 
check points for SPS measures in parallel to Customs points.  
− Multiple difficulties related to technical barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures (SPS).  
− High cost of exchanges which are due to multiple barriers.  
− Double customs taxation.  G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  − Bad state of roads.  
− Poor quality of transport infrastructure.  
− Recurrent political and security crises.  
− Cumbersome administrative procedures at the borders.  
− Arbitrary behaviour of officials.  
− Charges unduly applied.  
− To avoid spending more time at the risk of lo sing all of their goods, some economic players 
are then subject to bribes.  
 
5. Best practices and lessons  
 
a. Operation of the National Trade Facilitation Committee was key.  
b. The functioning of the country National Trade Facilitation Committee is based primarily on 
its composition, as most of the representatives are department heads, which facilitates 
decision -making within the committee.  
c. In order to create a dynamic within the National Trade Facilitation Committee, to facilitate 
the realization of its m ission and according to the needs, three working groups have been 
created . These are:  
i. Technical working group in charge of legislation.  
ii. Technical working group in charge of simplification, harmonization of procedures 
and cost reduction.  
iii. Technical Working G roup for the follow -up of the TFA commitments.  
 
d. Tools for managing operator complaints : The WAEMU (West African Economic and 
Monetary Union) platform (the Trade Barriers Alert Mechanism) allows the committee to 
identify obstacles raised by traders at the n ational level and to interact for the removal of 
these obstacles . The structures concerned by the operators' complaints are notified by 
mail in order to undertake actions to eradicate the reported obstacle . Once the obstacle is 
removed, it is automatically  reported on the platform.  
6. Desired improvements  
 
a. Would like to see some improvements in the facilitation of LDC  exports into other markets, 
transparency of rules in those markets, and the release of those goods in the other 
markets . Problems are still faced in transit cases where Article 11.2 is yet to be observed 
and challenges remain on the release of LDC goods i n other markets.  
b. One LDC faced some problems with trading partners in particular due to SPS related 
requirements and internationally accredited certifications.  
c. As an exporting LDC, would like to see more transparency in foreign markets to facilitate 
access  to operators, particularly for micro, small and medium -sized enterprises  (MSMEs).  
d. Reduction of non -tariff barriers including more transparent SPS measures and 
international standards of trading partners.  
e. More efforts should be made in the mobilization of aid for trade in the implementation of 
the category C provisions in terms of capacity building of LDC Members in formulating 
requests and seeking donors, similar to the self -assessment needs activity.  
f. The gaps in assistance are 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 remedy this, donor country members are encouraged to 
increase awareness at the global, regional, and national levels on mobilizing sufficient 
support for the implementation of the TFA Category C.  G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  g. In a reported case, the followin g were cited for resolution:  
i. The projects on smooth and expeditious procedures and trade in cross -border 
trade and the domiciliation of pre -shipment inspection by national services 
(Articles 8 and 10.5 of the TFA) have not been accomplished so far;  
ii. Limitat ions in project support;  
iii. The lack of involvement or insufficient involvement of beneficiaries in the 
development of the support proposal framework, which prevents the integration 
of all activities planned for a given project in the national technical assis tance 
program;  
iv. An imbalance in the distribution of resources . The resources actually allocated to 
capacity building activities are more than insufficient in relation to the overall 
budget allocated to the project;  
v. The slowness noted in the disbursement pro cedures, impacting on the level of 
execution of activities;  
vi. Lack of evaluation of projects carried out with partners.  
 
h. In another case, better coordination of interventions was cited.  
7. Conclusion  
 
The LDC  Group continues to collect information from LDC members on their experiences in the 
implementation of the TFA . Updated revisions of this communication will be submitted to reflect 
further information received from capitals toward LDC inputs into the first  review of the TFA, as 
appropriate . The responses received from individual members are attached as Annex  I to this 
submission.  
 
  G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  ANNEX I  
1  CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC  
1. Can you please share any success stories in the process of your preparation of and 
notification of indicative and definitive dates to avail yourself of the use of Section 
II Special and Differential Treatment ? Did you face any challenges or difficulties ? 
Were those difficulties resolved?  
RESPONSE 1: 
 
The difficulties faced  relate to the  absence, inaccessibility, inadequacy or lack of information on all 
aspects of the Tra de Facilitation Agreement . The private s ector is often under -informed , or not 
informed at all , about the regulations and legislat ion in force . Regulatory and legislative texts in 
some  sectors are mostly outdated and the information system is inefficient.  
 
The Central African Republic (CAR) is facing a challenge related to the capacity of the 
National  Trade  Facilitation Committee . 
 
In order to address this, the Go vernment plans to : 
 
- Create a permanent technical secretariat to facilitate both the coordination and 
implementation of the TFA provisions and to make it more efficie nt by appointing certain 
people to the c ommittee ; 
- Revise existing legislation that is not in line with the Agreement;  
- Implement the TF strategy;  
- Strengthen staff capacity through technical training,  exploring  information transmission 
channels, design ing specific t raining programmes, and providing  communi cations materials 
and equipment  and appropriate equipment and vehicles.  
 
2. Did you receive support to prepare your notifications ? Was the support helpful?  
RESPONSE 2: 
 
The CAR received technical assistance from UNCTAD  in the training of managers and economic 
operators and, in particular, in the notification to the WTO of:  
- Category A, B and  C measures ; 
- Nationa l contact points ; 
- Implementation arrangements . 
 
This support  was very useful in enabling the Government to fulfil its transparency commitments.  
 
In addition,  ITC: 
 
- Trained members of the National Trade Facilitation Committee on implementation  of the 
Agreement ; 
- Review of categorization with a view to notification to the WTO in 2018;  
- Developed draft category C provisions . 
 
3. What provisions of the Agreement have been easier for you to implement so far ? 
Please explain why.  
RESPONSE 3: 
 
Category A measures are easy to implement as they already exist in the regional and n ational legal 
frameworks and were  therefore applicable before the entry into force of the WTO TFA.  
 
The mea sures are as follows : 
 
- Opportunity to comment  and information before entry into force  (Article 2.1); 
- Consultations (A rticle 2.2); 
- Notification of enhanced controls or inspections  (Article 5.1); 
- Post-clearance audit  (Article  7.5); 
- Movement of goods intended for import under customs control  (Article  9); 
- Single window (Article  10.4);  G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  - Pre-shipment inspection (Article  10.5); 
- Use of customs brokers  (Article  10.6);  
- Common border procedures and uniform documentation requirements (Article  10.7);  
- Rejected goods (Article  10.8);  
- Temporary admission of goods and inward and outward processing (Article  10.9).  
 
4. What provisions of the Agreement have been difficult to implement so far ? What 
solutions have been found to address this?  
RESPONSE 4: 
 
In accordance with the provisions of the TFA , the implementation of category C measures requires 
significant time and resources . The country is still unable to mobilize the resources needed from 
technical and financial partners to finance the implementation of the following measures:  
 
- Information av ailable through the internet , including creating the Trade Information Portal 
(Article  1.1); 
- Enquiry points (Article  1.3); 
- Notification (Article  1.4); 
- Advanced rulings (Article  3); 
- Detention (Article  5.2); 
- Penalty disciplines (Article  6.3); 
- Pre-arrival processing (Article  7.1); 
- Electronic payment (Article  7.2); 
- Separation of release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges 
(Article  7.3); 
- Risk assessment (Article  7.4); 
- Establishment and publication of average release tim es (Article 7 .6); 
- Trade facilitation measures for authorized operators (Article  7.7); 
- Expedited shipments (Article  7.8); 
- Perishable goods (Article  7.9); 
- Border agency cooperation  (Article  8); 
- Formalit ies and documentation requirements (Article  10.1);  
- Acceptance of copies (Article  10.2);  
- Use of international standards (Article  10.3);  
- Operational launch of the National Trade Facilitation Committee ; 
- Customs cooperation  (Article  12). 
 
The Government informed the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee about the d ifficulties in mobilizing 
resources and proposed that the WTO should also contact partners to ensure that they fulfil their 
commitment in this area. The Government has submitted a request for support  to the World Bank . 
The file is being processed.  
 
5. Have you notified longer time frames for the more difficult provisions to implement 
under categories B or C ? Which provisions are notified for longer time frames ? 
Which ones are under shorter time frames?  
RESPONSE 5: 
 
Shorter time frames notified to the WTO : Article 7.2 : Electronic p ayment (31  December  2024) ; 
pre-arrival processing ; separation of release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees 
and charges ; risk management  (31 December  2024); trade facilitation measures for authorized 
operators (31 December  2024); expedited shipments  (31 December  2024); Article 12: Customs 
cooperation (3 1 December  2024); information available through the internet ; penalty disciplines ; 
risk management ; perishable goods ; and border agency cooperation . 
 
Longer time frames notified to the WTO : Publication ; enquiry p oints; notification ; general 
disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with importation and exportation ; 
specific disciplines on fees and charges for customs processing imposed on or in connection with 
importation and exportation ; establishment and publication of average release times ; formalities 
and documentation requirements ; and accepta nce of copies . 
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  6. Overall, have your exporters and importers repo rted new ease of trading since the 
entry into force of the TFA in 2017 ? Any particular benefits ? Any difficulties 
remaining ? What are those benefits and difficulties reported?  
RESPONSE 6: 
 
In general, the obstacles faced by Central Afric an economic operators and stakeholders  in the 
logistics chain include : 
 
- High cost of trade due to multiple barriers;  
- Double customs taxation;  
- Poor state of roads ; 
- Poor quality of transport infrastructure;  
- Recurrent political and security crises;  
- Cumbersome administrative border -crossing procedures;  
- Arbitrary behaviour of officials ; 
- Unduly collected fees . 
 
To avoid wasting more time at the risk of losing all their goods, economic operators are forced to 
engage in corruption.  
 
It should be possible to: 
 
- Strengthen information systems and ensure that the applicable rules and regulations are 
clear, transparent and widely available at borders;  
- Move to paperless border procedures ; 
- Develop basic infrastructure (energy, roads and communications between Sta tes) 
- Address the various factors that hamper trade . 
 
7. Would you like to see some improvements in the facilitation of your trade, in terms 
of exports into other markets, transparency of rules in those markets, the release 
of your goods in those other markets ? Have there been problems with fees ? Any 
problems with knowing about new rules in place for the entry of your goods into 
other markets ? Any other issues?  
RESPONSE 7: 
 
The Government of the CAR would like to mention here that the implementation of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement enables trade costs and times to be reduced . However, the entry of Central 
African products into the intern ational market still faces the challenging  issues of:  
 
- Aid for Trade; 
- International standards ; 
- Sanitar y and phytosanita ry measures . 
 
These are very important issues that need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner if we are to 
improve the participation of the CAR and LDCs in the multilateral trading system.  
 
8. How have you experienced mobilization of A id for T rade in implement ing category 
C provision s? Are you getting technical assistance based on the notification of 
technical assistance requirement or as per the country's need ? What are the major 
gaps in mobilization of technical assistance and capacity b uilding and how can 
those be addressed?  
RESPONSE 8: 
 
The implementation of Aid for T rade could be assessed in various ways  depending on country 
context . In the Central African Republic, the country has been facing recurrent security and political 
crises for several years, which means that technical and financial partners are directing resources 
towards emergencies to the detriment of trade and development issues . The support recei ved under 
the TFA  comes from the ITC and UNCTAD . The Government of th e Central African Republic is making 
a heartfelt appea l to partners to help it to mobiliz e the reso urces needed to implement this 
Agreement.  
 
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  2  CAMBODIA  
1. Can you please share any success stories in the process of your preparation of 
and notification of indicative and definitive dates to avail yourself of the use of 
Section II Special and Differential Treatment ? Did you face any challenges or 
difficulties ? Were those difficulties resolved?  
 
Following the entry into force of WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), Cambodia notified TFA 
provisions in category A of 60.9%, category B of 19.3%, and category C of 19.7% in August  2017. 
The implementation rates were improved according to the notification in 2020 to Category  A of 
82.8%, Categor y B of 3.8% and Category C of 13.4% . Through later notifications, 7 provisions in 
category B were designated in category A, 2 provisions in category C were shifted to category  B and 
2 provisions in category C were designated in  category A.  
 
Currently, ther e are 6 provisions under category C including Art. 1.4 - Notification, Art. 
7.1 - Pre-arrival processing, 7.7 -Authorized operators, Art 8.2 -Border Agency Cooperation, 
10.4 - Single window, and Art 11.5 - Transit on physically separate infrastructure such  as lanes, 
berths and similar for traffic in transit . The indicative dates of implementation have been notified ; 
meanwhile, the definitive dates have not yet been assigned.  
 
Before, establishing the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) in 2020, the notifications 
were under the coordination of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) . In order to prepare notification of 
indicative and definitive dates, as well as to categorize the provisions, MOC invited relevant 
inter-ministries/agencies for meetings to co llect the information and comments before submitting 
to WTO.  
 
Currently, the notification is the responsibility of the newly established NCTF, of which the General 
Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia is the secretariat . NCTF is going to continue t he 
good experiences and practices of previous mechanism . Moreover, NCTF is willing to involve more 
stake holders such as the private sector and development partners.  
 
So far, the major challenges or difficulties in terms of the process of notification of t he indicative 
and definitive dates have not yet been identified.  
 
2. Did you receive support to prepare your notifications ? Was the support helpful?  
 
 
Cambodia has not received any support for preparing the notification . However, Cambodia received 
support on training courses related to WTO TFA . The General Department of Customs and Excise of 
Cambodia (GDCE) being the NCTF secretariat is eager to discuss notifications in the framework of 
NCTF and is exploring potential coope ration with ARISE Plus Cambodia and other DPs, who offered 
support in this regard.  
 
3. What provisions of the Agreement have been easier for you to implement so far ? 
Please explain why.  
 
Article 3 Advance Rulings  
Article 4 Procedures for Appeal or Review  
Article 5.1 and 5.2 on Notification for Enhanced Controls or Inspection and Detention  
Article 6 on Disciplines on Fee Charges Imposed on or in connection with Importation and 
Exportation and Penalties  
Article 7.3 Separation of Release from Final Det ermination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and 
Charges  
Article 7.5 Post -clearance Audit  
Article 7.6 Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times  
Article 8.1 Border Agency Cooperation  
Article 9 Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Co ntrol 
Article 10 Formalities connected with Importation Exportation and Transit, except  10.4 on 
Single  Window  
Article 11 Freedom of Transit : 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, 11.10  
Article 12 Customs Cooperation  
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  The provisions have been easier for implementat ion due to:  
 
-  The existing laws and regulations are aligned with the WTO provisions and those provisions 
have been implemented by competent authorities,  
-  Continuous reforms and modernizations of customs administration have been contributed to 
trade fac ilitation as well as the implementing WTO TFA,  
-  The participation and cooperation from all stakeholders and technical assistance from the 
developed partners have also promoted the successful stories in implementing the TFA . 
 
4. What provisions of the Agreement have been difficult to implement so far ? What 
solutions have been found to address this?  
 
Art. 7.1 - Pre-arrival processing  
GDCE has introduced the Pre -arrival Clearance Procedure since August  2019. Initially, as in testing 
stage, the procedure has been only applied on some imports such as those of  high compliant traders, 
Qualified Investment Project, postal/express consignments, perishable goods, and so on . However, 
the lack of automatic transfer of manifest information has hindered the smooth implementation of 
this procedure . In order to improve t he effectiveness of the Pre -Arrival Clearance Process to be in 
line with the international standard, the GDCE has now been working with ARISE Plus Cambodia on 
the linkage between ASYCUDA and Tradelens for exchanging shipping information . In this process, 
we acknowledge that more financial, technical, and Capacity building in establishing legal and 
IT infrastructures are still needed.  
 
Art. 7.7 - Authorized operators  
GDCE  has implemented the Best Trader Incentive Mechanism successfully which is a basic platform 
for the implementation of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) . The solutions are to provide GDCE 
with technical and capacity building to develop an Authorized Opera tors Program as well as AEO, 
including procedures and legislative supports and the facilities.  
 
Art. 8.2 - Border Agency Cooperation  
The provision cannot be realized unless the members shared the common border mutually agreed 
to implement the proposed mechanisms . Technical and capacities building assistance are needed to 
reach such agreements on development and sharing of common facilities, joint controls, 
establishment of one stop inspection and establishment of one stop border post control  
 
10.4 - Single window  
The National Single Window (NSW) has been implemented to allow traders to submit electronic 
license/permit/certificate/others (e -LPCO) for import/export since July 2019. The initial NSW 
implementation has covered five inter -ministerial agencies including General Department of 
Customs and Excise (GDCE), Ministry of Commerce (MOC), Council Development of Cambodia 
(CDC), Ministry of Health (MOH), and Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts (MIH) . Implementation 
of the NSW faces some challenges  including that most of the agencies do not have the own systems 
to integrate with the NSW ; existing legislations do not fully comply with international standards ; the 
Harmonize System Code (HS) is not fully implemented in NSW, and some agencies and privat e 
sectors are reluctant to change their practices for adopting NSW.  
 
However, NSW is looking forward to improve the existing system and expanding to Other Regulatory 
Government Agencies . Trainings and workshops are required for public awareness of 
NSW implementation  
 
Cambodia is expected to get the assistances from Developed Members or Development Partners to 
fully implement those provisions of category C.  
 
In addition, Cambodia faces challenges in implementing other provisions as follows:  
Art 11.5 Transit on physically separate infrastructures such as lanes, berths and similar for traffic in 
transit;  
Art 7.10 Perishable goods;  
Art 7.8 Expedited Shipment;  
Art. 7.2 . Electronic payment;  
Art.7.4 . Risk Management;  
Art.5.3 Test procedure.  
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  5. Have you notified long er timeframes for the more difficult provisions to 
implement under Categories B or C ? Which provisions are notified for longer 
timeframes ? Which ones are under shorter timeframes?  
So far, Cambodia has not notified any longer timeframes for the more difficult provisions to 
implement under Categories B or C.  
6. Overall, have your exporters and importers reported new ease of trading since 
the entry into force of the TFA in 2017 ? Any particular benefits ? Any difficulties 
remaining ? What are those benefits and difficulties reported?  
Ease of Trading  
After the entry into force of the TFA in 2017, Cambodia observed that more measures have been 
implemented leading to reductions in terms of times and costs and more simplified procedures . At 
the same tim e, Cambodia is implementing Best Trader Mechanism -a basic platform of AEO, which 
mechanism provides incentive to the traders for import and export . The number of Best Traders 
increased from 17 in 2017 to 43 in 2021.  
 
Difficulties remaining  
Meanwhile, traders have reported some difficulties in transit through third counties as the customs 
authorities of the transit countries impose routine physical inspections, fees, and non -tariff measures 
which lead to disruption of international supply cha in. 
7. Would you like to see some improvements in the facilitation of your trade, in 
terms of exports into other markets, transparency of rules in those markets, the 
release of your goods in those other markets ? Have there been problems with 
fees? Any proble ms with knowing about new rules in place for the entry of your 
goods into other markets ? Any other issues?  
Cambodia has learnt that the customs administration of Transit Countries are routinely conducting 
physical inspections of the goods in transit throu gh Transit Country's seaports to/from Cambodia . 
The issues of delay and cost associated with the physical inspection are raised by Shipping Lines, 
Cambodia Logistics Association and Japanese Business Association of Cambodia.  
 
This practice is against the s pirit of Article 11.2 of WTO TFA which states that traffic in transit shall 
not be conditioned upon collection of any fees or charges imposed in respect of transit, except the 
charges for transportation or those commensurate with administrative expenses en tailed by transit 
or with the cost of services rendered.  
8. How have you experienced on mobilization of aid for trade in implementation of 
Category C provision ? Are you getting technical assistance based on the 
notification of technical assistance requiremen t or as per the country's need ? 
What are the major gaps in mobilization of technical assistance and capacity 
building and how can those be addressed?  
Cambodia needs both technical assistance and time to implement of its Category C provisions . The 
country coordinator has organized consultations or meetings with all relevant agencies including the 
donors or development partners . In this regard, the coordinator is able to  mobilize the needed 
resources from development partners and other international donors  to implement Category  C 
provisions . In the meantime, some development partners have approached the coordinator to 
discuss the matter of technical assistances and capacity building.  
 
Cambodia has received technical assistance and capacity building based on both the notification of 
technical assistance requirement and as per the country's need.  
 
The major gaps in mobilizing technical assistance and capacity building are consultation, 
coordination, and openness of discussion on the strong and  weak points with development partners . 
The development partners have adopted different approaches of supporting by listening to the 
needs/gaps and then assisting the Country to fulfil the needs/gaps . This kind of assistance would 
go to the right needs of the current circumstances of the country, rather than just introduce 
something which is not suitable to the current situation with open discussion, consultation, and good 
coordination with all relevant agencies.  
 
The mobilization of the resources will cont ribute to the improvement of the implementation of 
Category C provisions successfully.  G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  3  GUINEA  
1. Can you please share any success stories in the process of your preparation of and 
notification of indicative and definitive dates to avail yourself of the use of Section 
II Special and Differential Treatment ? Did you face any challenges or difficulties ? 
Were those difficulties resolved?  
RESPONSE 1: 
 
The Republic of Guinea categorized the various measures into A, B and C at a national workshop 
held from 27 to 31 January  2020. 
 
These measures were notified to the WTO on 7 February  2020, in accordance with Articles 15 and 
16 of the TFA . They comprise 10 measures in category A, nine measures in category B and 21 
measures in category C.  
 
Yes. 
 
Yes, with technica l and financial support from the WTO, in collaboration with the WTO, UNCTAD and 
the ITC. 
 
2. Did you receive support to prepare your notifications ? Was the support helpful?  
RESPONSE 2: 
 
The Republic of Guinea has received technical and financial assistance from the WTO . This has 
facilitated the notification of category A, B and C measures.  
 
3. What provisions of the Agreement have been easier for you to implement so far ? 
Please explain why.  
RESPONSE 3: 
 
Articles 2.1 ; 2.2; 4; 5 .2; 6.1; 6.2; 7.3; 10.5; 10.8; and 10.9 – thanks to the modernization of the 
Customs Administration and consultations between stakeholders.  
 
4. What provisions of the Agreement have been difficult to implement so far ? What 
solutions have been found to address this?  
RESPONSE 4: 
 
Articles  1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 3; 5 .1. 5.3 ; 6.3; 7.1; 7.2; 7.4; 7.5; 7.6; 7.7; 7.8; 7.9; 10.1; 10.2; 10.3; 
10.4; 10.6; 10.7; 11.1; 11.4; 11.5–11.10 ; 11.11–11.15 ; 11.16–11.17 ; and 12. 
 
The Government's political commitment and public -private partnerships have made it possible to 
set up the  Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur de la Guinée , GUCEG ( Guinea Single Window for 
Foreign Trade) – in other words the implementation of Article 10.4 . 
 
For the implementation of the other measures  above , the Republic of Guinea is still waiting for 
technical and financial assistance from donors and trade support institutions.  
 
5. Have you notified longer time frames for the more difficult provisions to implement 
under categories B or C ? Which provisions are notified for longer time frames ? 
Which ones are under shorter time frames?  
RESPONSE 5: 
 
Longer time frames have been notified for category B and C measures . The indicative and definitive  
implementation dates for category B measures are in t he 2023 –2025 range.  
 
The indicative dates for category C measures are in the same range – that is 2023 –2025.  
 
The definitive  dates for category C will be determined once the required technical assistance has 
been obtained.  
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  These provisions are:  
 
Category  B: 1.3; 1.4; 6.3; 7.2; 10.1; 10.6; 10.7; and 12. 
Category  C: 1.1; 1.2; 3; 5 .1. 5.3 ; 7.1; 7.4; 7.5; 7.6; 7.7; 7.8; 7.9; 8; 1 0.2; 10.3; 10.4; 11.1; 
11.4; 11.5–11.10 ; 11.11–11.15 ; and 11.16–11.17 . 
 
6. Overall, have your exporters and importers reported new ease of trading since the 
entry into force of the TFA in 2017 ? Any particular benefits ? Any difficulties 
remaining ? What are those benefits and difficulties reported?  
RESPONSE 6: 
 
Yes, since the entry into force of the TFA in 2017, our exporters and importers have reported a new 
ease of trading through the establishment of the Guinea Single Window for Foreign Trade.  
 
7. Would you like to see some improvements in the facilitation of your trade, in terms 
of exports into other markets, transparency of rules in those markets, the release 
of your goods in those other markets ? Have there been problems with fees ? Any 
problems with knowing about new rules in place for the ent ry of your goods into 
other markets ? Any other issues?  
RESPONSE 7: 
 
- Yes, paperless documentary controls at border posts ; 
- No, no major problems reported by exporters regarding fees ; 
- Yes, especially the new phytosanitary regulations adopted through the:  
 - New EU regulation adopted on  14 December  2020; 
 - New non -transparent sanitary measures taken by some trading partners ; 
 - Elimination of non -tariff barriers  (NTB). 
 
8. How have you experienced mobilization of Aid for T rade in implem enting category 
C provision s? Are you getting technical assistance based on the notification of 
technical assistance requirement or as per the country's need ? What are the major 
gaps in mobilization of technical assistance and capacity building and how can 
those be addressed?  
RESPONSE 8: 
We believe that more effort s are still required  to help to  mobiliz e Aid for Trade in the implementation 
of the category C provision s in terms of building the capacities of Member States in formulating 
requests and seeking d onors, similar to the self -assessment needs activity.  
 
-  Yes. WTO technical assistance for the self -assessment of the Republic of Guinea's priorities  
 and needs.  
 
- Gaps are linked  to insufficient information on the funding mechanism for the implementatio n 
of the TFA, lack of mobilization of funds to  support the functioning of national trade f acilitation 
committees and the implementation of TFA categories B and C.  
 
- To address this, developed M embers should increase awareness -raising  at global, regiona l 
and national levels on mobiliz ing aid  for the implementation of the TFA c ategory C.  
 
 
4  MYANMAR  
1. Can you please share any success stories in the process of your preparation of 
and notification of indicative and definitive dates to avail yourself of the use of 
Section II Special and Differential Treatment ? Did you face any challenges or 
difficulties ? Were those difficulties resolved?  
In the process of our preparation of and notification of indicative and definitive dates to avail 
ourselve s of the use of Section II Special and Differential Treatment, we organized and conducted 
several meetings with concerned departments mainly with customs department.  
 
For the time being, although we do not have great challenges, we have some minor challenges to 
make notifications . We have notified three notifications to WTO concerning TFA agreement.  
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
- 15 - 
 
  2. Did you receive support to prepare your notifications ? Was the support helpful?  
 
We received some support from some development partners to prepare o ur notifications.  
 
3. What provisions of the Agreement have been easier for you to implement so far ? 
Please explain why.  
The provisions from Section III : Institutional Arrangements and Final Provisions have been easier 
for us to implement so far.  
 
4. What provisions of the Agreement have been difficult to implement so far ? What 
solutions have been found to address this?  
The provisions from Article 10 have been difficult to implement so far.  
 
5. Have you notified longer timeframes for the more difficult provisions to 
implement under Categories B or C ? Which provisions are notified for longer 
timeframes ? Which ones are under shorter timeframes?  
Not yet.  
 
6. Overall, have your exporters and importers reported new ease of trading since 
the entry int o force of the TFA in 2017 ? Any particular benefits ? Any difficulties 
remaining ? What are those benefits and difficulties reported?  
Overall, our exporter and importers have reported new ease of trading since the entry into force of 
the TFA in 2017 . The pa rticular benefits are reducing time, cost and documents.  
 
7. Would you like to see some improvements in the facilitation of your trade, in 
terms of exports into other markets, transparency of rules in those markets, the 
release of your goods in those other m arkets ? Have there been problems with 
fees? Any problems with knowing about new rules in place for the entry of your 
goods into other markets ? Any other issues?  
 
We would like to see some improvements in the facilitation of our trade in terms of exports into 
other markets, transparency of rules in those markets, and the release of our goods in those other 
markets.  
 
8. How have you experienced on mobilization of aid for trade in implementation of 
Category C provision ? Are you getting technical assist ance based on the 
notification of technical assistance requirement or as per the country's need ? 
What are the major gaps in mobilization of technical assistance and capacity 
building and how can those be addressed?  
No experience.  
 
 
5  SENEGAL  
1. Can you please share any success stories in the process of your preparation of and 
notification of indicative and definitive dates to avail yourself of the use of Section  II 
Special and Differential Treatment ? Did you face any challenges or difficulties ? Were thos e 
difficulties resolved?  
 
The major difficulties were in the collection of information n eeded for notification from bodies and 
institutions , which in particular caused the delay in Senegal's communications on the provisional 
dates of implementation of cate gory B and C measures ; transparency measures, including 
information on the operation of the single window (paragraph 4. 3) of Article 10 ; information on the 
use of customs brokers (paragraph 6.2) of Article 10 ; information on the contact point(s) for custo ms 
cooperation of Article 12, as well as the final dates of implementation of category B measures.  
 
Senegal was able to resolve these difficulties through follow -up in the Sous-Comité national de 
facilitation des échanges , SCNFE ( National Trade Facilitation Subcommittee ). 
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  2. Did you receive support to prepare your notifications ? If so, by whom ? Was the support 
helpful?  
 
Yes, in 2017 UNCTAD supported Senegal in drawing up an implementation plan for the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement , which served a s a basis for the notification of indicative dates for 
implementation of category B and C measures . However, it was thanks to coordination that the 
information was validated and transmitted.  
 
3. In your view, which provisions of the Agreement have been eas ier to implement ? 
Please  explain.  
 
The provisions on the single w indow and risk management , due to Senegal's long experience in 
computerizing  foreign trade procedures.  
 
In addition , the establishment of the  National Trade Facilitation Subcommittee in 2009, well before 
the Agreement, thanks to the existence of the National Committee for International Trade 
Negotiations,  which has been a consultation framework for  international trade issues since 2001.  
 
4. In your view, which provisions of the Agreement have been more difficult to implement 
so far ? What solutions proved useful in addressing the difficulties?  
 
The provisions on authorized operators, post -clearance audit, disciplines on fees and charges, which 
are receiving  a lot of support and reforms.  
 
5. Have you notified longer time frames for the more difficult provisions to implement 
under categories B or C ? Which provisions are notified for longer time frames ? Which ones 
are under shorter time frames?  
 
The most difficult provisions are notified in category C measures . The following provisions are under 
the shorter time frames:  
 
- On publication, February  2020; 
- On information available through the internet,  22 February  2020; 
- On enquiry points , 22 February  2020; 
- On notifications , 22 February  2020; 
- On trade facilitation measures for authorized operators , 22 February  2022; 
- On advanced rulings,  22 February  2023; 
- On post -clearance audit,  22 February  2023. 
 
The following provisions are under longer time frames : 
 
- On notifications of enhanced controls or inspections, 2 2 February  2024; 
- On general disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with importation and 
exportation, 2 2 February  2024; 
- On specific disciplines on f ees and charges for customs processing imposed on or in connection 
with importation and exportation, 2 2 February  2024; 
- On penalty disciplines, 2 2 February  2028; 
- On border agency cooperation, 2 2 February  2024; 
- On pre -shipment inspection, 2 2 February  2024. 
 
6. Overall, have your exporters and importers reported trade easing since the entry into 
force of the TFA in 2017 ? Have any benefits been particularly highlighted ? Or remaining 
difficulties been identified ? What are those benefits, and difficulties reported?  
 
There is currently no evaluation of the implementation of the TFA to determine this ; Senegal also 
needs support in this area.  
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
- 17 - 
 
  7. Would you like to see some improvements in the facilitation of your trade, in terms of 
exports into ot her markets, transparency of rules in those markets, the release of your 
goods in those other markets ? Have there been problems with fees ? Any problems with 
knowing about new rules in place for the entry of your goods into other markets ? Any 
other issues?  
 
Yes. 
 
8. What is, if any, your experience with mobilization of Aid for Trade for implementing 
category C provisions ? Have you/a re you due to obtain  technical assistance identified as 
a requirement for implementing category C provisions ? What are the major  gaps in 
mobilization of technical assistance and capacity building and how can those be addressed 
in your view?  
 
As part of the preparations for the implementation of the category C provisions, the Programme  
National  de Facilitation  des Échanges , PNFE (National Trade Facilitation Programme) to the total 
value of C FAF 2,835,420,763 was developed with the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC) 
and approved in 2015.  
 
The programme covers eight projects, as follows:  
 
- Capacity building project for the National Trade Facilitation Committee  
 
In 2017, USAID supported the Ministry of Trade and the Customs Administration in implementing 
six of the PNFE projects . These include:  
 
A. The Portail  d'Informations  Commerciales  du Sénégal , PIC (Senegal Trade Information Portal), 
launched in June 2018: The PIC enables all the information related to international trade 
procedures to be pooled together (Article 1, TFA);  
 
B. Optimization of the P rivileged  Partners hip Framework  to make the transition to the Authorized 
Economic Operators P rogramme (Article 7.7, TFA); 
 
C. Project  to strengthen  organizational  and institutional  capacities  for post-clearance  audit; 
(Article 7.5, TFA); 
 
D. Research project into fees and charges on imports and exports of goods in Senegal  (Articles 
6.1 and  6.2, TFA). 
 
In addition, the project to strengthen the capacities of the Trade Facilitation Subcommittee 
(Article  23.2 of the TFA) received initial support in 2017 from UNCTAD, which led to the development 
of: 
 
A. The implementation plan for the Trade Facilitation Agreement which served as the basis for 
the notification of indicative dates for implementation of category B and C measures;  
 
B. The new training plan focusing on specific implementation issues;  
 
C. The SCNFE communications plan, which identified major activities that had been integrated 
into the 2019 SNCFE work plan, including the open day on trade facilitation held on 
2 May 2019. 
 
Subsequ ently, under the first component of the EU -funded TradeCom II Programme, a study on the 
implementation of the TFA in relation to SPS controls and conformity assessment was carried out 
and training provided to members of the National Trade Facilitation Sub committee in those areas . 
 
No support has so far been provided to t he projects on the flow  and acceleration of cross -border 
trade and procedures and domiciliation of pre -shipment inspection by national services (Articles  8 
and 10.5 of the TFA).  G/TFA/W/58  
 
- 18 - 
 
  ❖ Limitations  in project  support  
 
✓ Non-involvement or insufficient involvement of beneficiaries in the development of the 
framework for support proposals, preventing the integration of all planned activities for a 
given project into the national technical assi stance programme;  
✓ An imbalance noted in the distribution of resources . Actual resources allocated to capacity 
building activities are significantly  insufficient compared to the overall budget  allocated to 
the project;  
✓ Slow disbursement procedures noted, which has an impact on project delivery;  
✓ Lack of project  evaluation  conducted  with partners ; 
✓ Insufficient coordination of interventions.  
 
9. Do you have any other matter that you would like to share as lessons learn ed? Please 
explain.  
 
6  NEPAL  
1. While preparing notifications relating to Special and Differential Treatment provisions 
in the TFA, what challenges or difficulties were you confronted with ? If any, were those 
difficulties resolved ? If so, how were the challenges overcome ? If relevant, str ucture a 
success story along the questions above would be appreciated.  
 
Response : First and foremost, understanding the provisions of TFA was a challenge . There was no 
convergence on the understanding of the TFA provisions . It was overcome with the help of  basic 
training on TFA provisions by ITC.  After the training some of the relevant stakeholders personnel 
were able to understand what the legally binding obligations for Nepal are as per the WTO  TFA, 
including Category A, B and C measures, implementation t imelines and technical assistance needed, 
particularly for Category C measures, and potential benefits of implementation . This also gave an 
impetus to expedite necessary preparations from respective institutions to comply with the 
commitments of TFA.  
 
2. Did you receive support to prepare your notifications ? If so, by whom ? Was the support 
helpful?  
 
Response : We received support in the form of assessment of sequencing and prioritization of 
Category C measures from ITC . The consultation with relevant stakeholder for the assessment was 
helpful to prepare notification of indicates dates of Category C implementation and technical 
assistance that may require.  
 
3. In your view, which provisions of the Agreement have been easier to implement ? Please 
explain.  
 
Response : The provisions under Article 1.1 : Publication and Article 2.2 Consultation are easier to 
implement, as these provisions can be implemented leveraging from existing and on -going efforts 
of the Government of Nepal.  
 
4. In your view, which provisions of the Agreement have been more difficult to implement 
so far ? What solutions proved useful in addressing the difficulties?  
 
Response : The provisions under the following Articles of the Agreement are more difficult to 
implement as they need infr astructure development and capacity building . Continual and package 
technical assistance is essential for infrastructure development and capacity building.  
 
Article 5.1 Notifications for enhanced controls and inspections  
Article 5.3 Test procedures  
Article  8: border agency cooperation  
Article 10.3 Use of International Standards  
Article 10.4 Single Window  G/TFA/W/58  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Have you notified longer timeframes for the more difficult provisions to implement under 
Categories B or C ? Which provisions are notified for longer timeframes ? Which ones are 
under shorter timeframes?  
 
Response : 
 
Longer Period:  
Article  Category  Deadline  
10.3 Use of International Standards  C 31 December  2029 
10.4 Single Window  C 31 December  2032 
12. Customs Cooperation  C 31 December  2029 
7.1 Pre-arrival processin g  B 31 December  2027 
10.7 Common border procedures and uniform 
documentary requirements  B 31 December  2027 
11. Freedom of Transit  B 31 December  2032 
 
Shorter Period:  
 
Article  Category  Deadline  
1.2 Information available through internet  C 31 December  2025 
1.3 Enquiry points  C 31 December  2025 
2.1 Opportunity to comment and information 
before entry into force  C 31 December  2023 
4. Procedures for appeal or review  C  30 June 2025 
5.1 Notification for enhanced controls or 
inspections  C 31 December  2025 
3. Advance rulings  B 31 December  2022 
7.3 Separation of release from final 
determination of Customs duties, taxes, fees 
and charges.  B 31 December  2023 
7.5 Post -clearance audit  B 31 December  2023 
 
5. Overall, have your exporters and importers reported trade easing since the entry into 
force of the TFA in 2017 ? Have any benefits been particularly highlighted ? Or remaining 
difficulties been identified ? What are those benefits, and difficulties reported?  
 
Response : Yes, indeed . The Government of Nepal has been undertaking a series of trade facilitation 
policy reforms . These measures have had positive impact on reducing regulatory hurdles for doing 
business for pri vate sector . For some of the measures which have been notified under Category  C 
measures, the Government is joining hands with development partners to provide technical 
assistance.  
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
- 20 - 
 
  6. Would you like to see some improvements in the facilitation of your tra de, in terms of 
exports into other markets, transparency of rules in those markets, the release of your 
goods in those other markets ? Have there been problems with fees ? Any problems with 
knowing about new rules in place for the entry of your goods into ot her markets ? 
Any other issues?  
 
Response : We have faced some problems with our trading partners, in particular due to SPS related 
requirements and internationally accredited certifications.  
 
7. What is, if any, your experience with mobilization of aid for trade for implementing 
Category C provisions ? Have you/Are you due to getting technical assistance identified as 
a requirement for implementing Category C provisions ? What are the major gaps in 
mobilization of technical assistance and capacity building and  how can those be addressed 
in your view?  
 
Response : Not receiving any technical assistance for implementing Category C provisions yet, but 
there are limited support being provided in improving Phyto -sanitary laboratory capacities from the 
World Bank Group.  
 
8. Do you have any other matter that you would like to share as lessons learnt ? Please 
explain.  
 
Response : With regards to the TFA, we are still in the preliminary stages of implementation and 
there will be more learning as we progress ahead in ful l implementation phase . However we had 
faced some problems in addressing SPS measures as there were not sufficient border check points 
for SPS measures in parallel to Customs points.  
 
7  TOGO  
1. While preparing notifications relating to Special and Differential Treatment provisions 
in the TFA, what challenges or difficulties were you confronted with ? If any, were those 
difficulties resolved ? If so, how were the challenges overcome ? It would be appr eciated 
if the answers to the questions above could be structured in a success story.  
 
The major challenge s lay in the lack of control  over the Agreement itself, as well as the relevance of 
the exercise involving classifying measures under the Agreement  according to categories.  
 
To overcome these difficulties, Togo had to carry out the exercise to categoriz e the substantive 
provisions of the TFA gradually in 2012, 2014 and then in 2017 . This exercise was enhanced by 
awareness -raising and training workshops for the various stakeholders on understanding  the 
substantive provisions of the Agreement . These workshops were organized with the support of the 
International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Bank . The stakeholders  were thus able to gradually 
carry out  the process that led to the classification of 18 measures in category A,  12 measures in 
category B and eight  measures in category C.  
 
With the support of the World Bank and the national consultant, the com mittee members 
progressively mastered and took ownership of the TFA.  
 
2. Did you receive support to prepare your notifications ? If so, by whom ? Was the support 
helpful?  
 
Yes, Togo received technical and financial assistance from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and 
the World Bank Group . This assistance has enabled Togo to comply with the requirements of the 
Agreement.  
 
3. In your view, which provisions of the Agreement have been easier to implement ? Please 
explain.  
 
The measures t hat Togo classified as category A were successfully implemented before the entry 
into force of the TFA, which facilitated and enabled Togo to classify them as category A . This did not 
require much support  or time to implement.  
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Some 16 me asures were classified as category A. They are as follows : 
 
- Notification ( Article 1.4) 
- Notifications for enhanced controls or inspections ( Article 5.1) 
- Detention  (Article 5.2) 
- Test procedures  (Article 5.3) 
- General disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with importation and 
exportation (Article 6.1) 
- Specific disciplines on fees and charges for customs processing imposed on or in connection 
with importation and exportation (Article 6.2) 
- Penalty disciplines  (Article 6.3) 
- Pre-arrival processing  (Article 7.1) 
- Post-clearance audit  (Article 7.5) 
- Perishable goods  (Article 7.9) 
- Acceptance of  copies ( Article 10.2)  
- Use of international standards  (Article 10.3)  
- Common border procedures and uniform documentation requirements (Article 10.7)  
- Rejected goods  (Article 10.8)  
- Temporary admission of goods and inward and outward processing (Article 10.9)  
- Customs coope ration  (Article 12) 
 
It should be noted that among  the measures classified in category A, the most easily implemented 
were:  
 
Perishable goods and acceptance of copies  
 
The national Customs Code laid down specific provisions to provide for the expeditious clearance of 
such goods through the posting of a bo nd. These goods are cleared under an accelerated procedure.  
 
As for acceptance of copies, a decision of the Commissioner General of the Togolese Revenue 
Authority authorizes the acceptance of copies in customs clearance formalities when the original 
copy h as been included in another file . Thanks to the single window for foreign trade, the documents 
deposited there ar e assigned to the various stakeholders  as required . 
 
4. In your view, which provisions of the Agreement have been more difficult to implement 
so far ? What solutions proved useful in addressing the difficulties?  
In the Trade Facilitation Agreement, some of the measures classified by Togo in category B appear 
to be more difficult to implement . These include the movement of goods intended for import under 
customs control (Article 9) and the operation of the single window set up to facilitate trade 
procedures (Article  10.4).  
Moreover, all the measures classified under  category C are difficult to implement and require 
technical and financial support.  
In order to resolve the difficulties related to the implementation of category B measures, 
Togo organized a workshop to identify any  bottlenecks in  the implementation of these measures . 
The taking of corrective actions was assigned to the bodies responsibl e. Follow-up is regularly 
organized by the committee's permanent secretariat.  
With regard to category C measures, the difficulties were linked to the transposition of needs into 
coherent and relevant projects according to the requirements of the Agreement . In this regard, 
Togo, through the ITC's competitiveness project, has engaged a national consultant to develop 
project data sheets that will be submitted for implementation funding . Togo needs technical and 
financial support for the implementation of these  measures.  
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
- 22 - 
 
  5. Have you notified longer time  frames for the more difficult  provisions to implement 
under c ategories B or C ? Which provisions are notified for longer time  frames ? Which ones 
are under shorter time  frames?  
 
Following its  notification dated 1 3 December  2017 (document G/TFA/N/TGO/1), on 
17 February  2020, Togo notified the WTO of the definitive  dates  for the implementation of its 
category B commitments (document G/TFA /N/TGO/1/Add.1) . Thus, the definitive  dates for the 
12 measures that Togo has classified in category B  are set at  31 December  2022. 
 
Furthermore, as Togo is a least developed country (LDC), the remaining notifications to be drawn 
up are those relating to the definitive  dates of the category C measures , for which the time frame 
set under the Agreement is 2 2 August  2022. 
 
To date, the shortest time frame is for category B measures, which has been set at 
31 December  2022. 
 
The longest time frame has not yet been notified . This will include  the definitive  dates for category 
C measures, w hich have yet to be decided.  
 
6. Overall, have your exporters and importers reported trade easing since the entry into 
force of the TFA in 2017 ? Have any benefits been particularly highlighted ? Or remaining 
difficulties been identified ? What are those benefits, and difficulties reported?  
 
The following benefits were highlighted by importers and exporters:  
 
- Significant improvements in the publication of measures, automation and streamlining of 
procedures, and cooperation between the different stakehold ers in the supply chain;  
- The time release study (TRS) has also led to a reduction in physical inspections by Togolese 
customs services, the elimination of unnecessary documents, the empowerment of manual 
processing operations and a consequent reduction i n customs clearance delays;  
- Port facilities operating 24/7;  
- The commitment of some economic operators to the Privileged Partnership Framework  (PPC), 
which is an instrument instituted by the Togolese Revenue Authority with the aim of 
establish ing a part nership between the Customs Administration and reliable economic 
operators for trade securi ty and facilitation . It is a step towards th e implementation of the 
Authoriz ed Economic Operator (AEO) P rogra mme of the World Customs Organiz ation (WCO);  
- The opera tional launch of the s ingle window for foreign trade (GUCE).  
 
The few remaining difficulties identified are as follows:  
 
- Integrating all stakeholders into the single window for foreign trade (GUCE);  
- The introduction of electronic  signatures;  
- The implementation of the single bond along transit corridors.  
 
7. Would you like to see some improvements in the facilitation of your trade, in terms of 
exports into other markets, transparency of rules in those markets, the release of your  
goods in those other markets ? Have there been problems with fees ? Any problems with 
knowing about new rules in place for the entry of your goods into other markets ? 
Any other issues?  
 
Yes, but we note here that the majority of Togolese products for export  benefit from the 
Generalized  System of Preference (GSP), duty -free and quota -free access to China and India, and 
other benefits from trade agreements . Togolese exporters face difficulties in foreign markets and 
these are multi -faceted challenges related t o technical barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures (SPS).  
 
As an exporting LDC, we would like to see more transparency on foreign markets in order to facilitate 
access for  operators, especially our micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs).  
 G/TFA/W/58  
 
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  8. What is, if any, your e xperience with mobilization of Aid for Trade for implementing 
category C provisi ons? Have you/are you due to obtain  technical assistance identified as 
a requirement for implementing c ategory C provisions ? What are the major gaps in 
mobilization of technical assistance and capacity building and how can those be addressed 
in your view?  
 
Togo has received technical and financial assistance from the World Ba nk and the WCO to carry out 
the average release time study . In preparation for full implementation of the programme to obtain 
authoriz ed economic operator status, Togo has put in plac e an intermediary  framework called the 
Privileged Partnership F ramework , with the support of the WCO . Togo is also in the early stages of 
implementing risk management projects with technical support from the WCO.  
 
As part of efforts to m obilize Aid for T rade for implement ing category C measures, T ogo has approved 
the project data sheets drawn up by a consultant . These projects will be submitted to tech nical and 
financial partners in  a request for technical assistance and capacity building.  
 
The major challenge is in obtaining access to the funding in question.  
 
In order to resolve these problems, training sessions for national resource mobilization committees 
and round tables with donors  should be organized . 
 
9. Are there other TFA -related matters, elemen ts, practices, or lessons learned that  you 
would like to share ? If so, kindly provide an explanation.  
 
Yes 
➢ Functioning of the National Trade Facilitation Committee  
 
The functioning of the National Trade Facilitation Committee in Togo is mainly dependent on its 
composition, as most of the representatives are heads of department, which facilitates 
decision -making within the committee.  
 
In order to create momentum within  the committee, to facilitate the achievement of its mission and 
depending on require ments , three working groups have been established . These are as follows:  
 
− Technical working group on legislation;  
− Technical working group on the simplification and harmonization of procedures and cost 
reduc tion; 
− Technical working group on monitoring of TFA commitments;  
 
➢ Tools for handling complaints from operators . 
 
The West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)  platform ( the T rade Obstacle 
Alert Mechanism) enables  the committee to identify obstacles raised by operators at th e national 
level and to take joint action to r emov e such obstacles . The bodies and institutions  concerned  in 
complaints from operators are informed by letter  so that action can be taken to eliminate the obstacle  
reported . Once the obstacle has been  removed, it is flagged up automatically on the platform.  
 
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