G/TFA/N/AFG/1/Add.2  
 
18 May 2020  
(20-3638)  Page: 1/9 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION OF CATE GORY COMMITMENTS  UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRA DE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM AFGHANISTAN  
Addendum  
The following communica tion, of which the first draft was received  19 February 2 020, is being 
circulated at th e request of the delegation of  Afghanistan  for Members' informa tion. 
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up from the notification dated 2 March 2018 (G/TFA/N/AFG/1), Afghanistan  hereby makes 
the following notifications : 
 
(1) Shifting of categories; (2) definitive implementation dates for category B designations; and (3)  
assistance and support for capacity building needs for category C designations . 
 
1. Afghanistan hereby notifies that the following provisions have been shifted between categories.  
 
2. Afghanistan hereby notifies its definitive dates for its category B designations.  
Provision  Heading/description  Definitive date for 
implementation  
   Article 1.1  Publication  31 December 2020  
   Article 1.4  Notification  31 December 2021  
   Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  31 December 2027  
   Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on 
or in Connection with Importation and Exportation  31 December 2021  
   Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs 
Processing Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  31 December 2023  
   Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  31 December 2027  
   Article 7.9  Perishable Goods  31 December 2025  
   Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for Import under 
Customs Control  31 December 2024 
   Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation Requirements  31 December 2022  
   Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and Uniform 
Documentation Requirements  31 December 2027  
   Article 10.8  Rejected Goods  31 December 2021  
   Article 11.1 -11.2 Freedom of Transit  31 December 2027  
   Article 11.6  
   Article 11.12  
   Article 11.14 -11.15  
   Article 11.17  
   Article 12.1  Customs Cooperation  31 December 2027  Provision  Heading/Description  Category 
previously 
notified as  Category 
shifted to  
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  B C 
Article 7.4  Risk Management  B C 
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  B C G/TFA/N/AFG/1/Add.2  
 
- 2 - 
 
   
3. For ease of reference, Afghanistan's full list of category commitments are summarized in the 
table as attached herewith.  
 
_______________  
 
  
  G/TFA/N/AFG/1/Add.2  
 
- 3 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
Article 1.1  Publication  B 31 December 2020  31 December 2020  - 
Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  C 31 December 2020  To be determined  • Technical assistance and capacity building 
for establishment, operationalization and 
sustainability of Trade Facilitation Portal;  
• Training for HR;  
• Software and ICT infrastructure to maintain 
TFP and align with international best 
practices;  
• Awareness raising for the private sector on 
the use of the portal . 
Article 1.3  Enquiry Points C 31 December 2021  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP, etc.;  
• Staff capacity building on operating and 
maintaining enquiry points ; 
• Technical assistance, capacity building 
training for HR and for establishment of and 
maintenance of enquiry points ; 
• Support on building institutional mechanism 
for the functioning of the EP; mandate, 
procedures, fees; position for the services of 
the EP within the designated government 
entity;  
• ICT infrastructure and technology for 
maintaining enquiry points and creating 
database of requests and information 
provided, etc .; 
• Awareness raising for the private sector on 
communication with enquiry points . 
Article 1.4  Notification  B 31 December 2021  31 December 2021  - 
Article 2  Opportunity  to Comment, Information before Entry into Force and Consultations   
Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and Information 
Before Entry into Force  C 31 December 2019  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and n ecessary 
regulations, SoP, etc .; 
• Staff capacity building on developing 
procedures; managing notification and  public 
comment on proposed laws and regulations ; 
• Technical assistance and capacity building 
and training for HR on managing notification  
  G/TFA/N/AFG/1/Add.2  
 
- 4 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
and public comment on proposed laws and 
regulations ; 
• Institutional support for establishment of 
efficient standing body, engaging traders’ 
associations, creation of a s ingle mechanism 
for providing and receiving comments and 
effective publishing of information, etc .; 
• Awareness raising for the private sector on a 
new instrument and modalities for 
comments . 
Article 2.2  Consultations  C 31 December 2022  To be determined  • Technical assistance and capacity building 
and HR training for developing public 
consultation strategy, procedures and on 
carrying out consultations;  
• Legal support, including design, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP , etc.; 
• Awareness raising for the private sector on 
consultation mechanism . 
Article 3  Advance Rulings  
 C 31 December 2019  To be determined  • Technical assistance and capacity building 
for advance rulings implementation ; 
• Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP, etc .; 
• Equipment/technology for upgrading the 
laboratories ; 
• Awareness raising for the private sector on 
advance rulings mechanism . 
Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  
 B 31 December 2027  31 December 2027  - 
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  C 31 December 2023  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP, etc. ; 
• Technical assistance on the design and 
establishment of a notification system for 
enhanced controls or inspections ; 
• Capacity building and HR training on 
imple menting a notification system for 
enhanced controls or inspections ;  
  G/TFA/N/AFG/1/Add.2  
 
- 5 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
• ICT Infrastructure for establishing an 
automated notification system.  
Article 5.2  Detention  A - - - 
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  C 31 December 2022  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP, etc .; 
• Testing kits and other relevant laboratory 
equipment/materials ; 
• Technical support to develop testing 
parameters and accreditation for veterinary 
laboratories ; 
• ICT infrastructure, soft infrastructure 
(networking, automation, high -speed 
internet).  
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 31 December 2021  31 December 2021  - 
Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
for Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and 
Exportation  B 31 December 2023  31 December 2023  - 
Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  B 31 December 2027  31 December 2027  - 
Article 7  Release and Clearance of Goods  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  C 31 December 2024  To be determined  • Technical assistance, capacity building and 
Hr training on pre –arrival processing, 
including required changes in the clearance 
procedure, changes in ASYCUDA and in risk 
management ; 
• Awareness raising for the private sector on 
pre-arrival processing mechanism ; 
• Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP, etc . 
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  C 31 December 2024  To be determined  • Technical assistance on the design and 
establishment of an electronic payment 
system ; 
• ICT Infrastructure and equipment for 
enabling the system .  
  G/TFA/N/AFG/1/Add.2  
 
- 6 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and Charges  A - - - 
Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 31 December  2024 To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP, etc .; 
• Technical assistance on the design and 
establishment of a risk management system ; 
• ICT Infrastructure and equipment for an 
automated risk management system ; 
• Capacity building and HR training on 
implementing the risk management system.  
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 31 December 2024  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP, etc .; 
• Technical assistance for mainstreaming of 
Post Clearance Audit into daily operations ; 
• Capacity building and HR training . 
Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  C 31 December 2024  To be determined  • Technical assistance and capacity building 
and HR training on designing, planning and 
implementing TRS, including on building 
methodology, testing it and making it 
sustainable . 
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized 
Operators  C 31 December 2024  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP, etc .; 
• Technical assistance and capacity building, 
HR training on design,  implementation and 
review of authorized trader scheme, audit 
abilities  
• Awareness raising fo r the private sector on 
application of the scheme  
Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  C 31 December 2022  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP, etc .; 
• Equipment and facilities for express cargo 
inspection . 
Article 7.9  Perishable G oods B 31 December 2025  31 December 2025  -  
  G/TFA/N/AFG/1/Add.2  
 
- 7 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
 C 31 December 2027  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, agreements, SoP, etc .; 
• Technical assistance for putting in place 
technical arrangements for sharing of data 
and information, developing a 
strategy/framework for border agency 
cooperation ; 
• Capacity building and HR training on border 
agency cooperation and share of best 
practices ; 
• Equipment and facilities for border crossing 
points . 
Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for I mport  under Customs Control  
 B 31 December 2024  31 December 2024  - 
Article 10  Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation 
Requirements  B 31 December 2022  31 December 2022  - 
Article 10.2  Acceptance of C opies C 31 December 2022  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, agreements, SoP, etc .; 
• Technical assistance on developing a system 
for periodic review of formalities and 
documentation requirements ; 
• ICT infrastructure, technology and 
equipment for border agencies and 
government agencies ; 
• Capacity building of HR on the benefits of 
electronic documentation and processes and 
treatment of copies ; 
• Awareness raising for the private sector . 
Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  C 31 December 2027  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, agreements, SoP, etc.;  
• Technical assistance, capacity building, HR 
training on the relevant international 
standards, testin g procedures and 
international best practices.   
  G/TFA/N/AFG/1/Add.2  
 
- 8 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 10.4  Single Window  C 31 December 2027  To be determined  • Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, agreements, SoP, etc .; 
• Technical assistance in developing a 
comprehensive and operational SW system  
• ICT Infrastructure and equipment for 
automation at each agency ; 
• ICT infrastructure and equipment for SW ; 
• Capacity building and training of HR on the 
use and implementation of SW ; 
• Awareness raising and capacity building for 
the private sector on the effective use of SW . 
Article 10.5  Pre-shipment Inspection  A - - - 
Article 10.6  Use of Customs Brokers  A - - - 
Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and Uniform 
Documentation Requirements  B 31 December 2027  31 December 2027  - 
Article 10.8  Rejected G oods B 31 December 2021  31 December 2021  - 
Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward 
and Outward Processing  A - - - 
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
   Article 11.1 -
11.2  B 31 December 2027  31 December 2027  - 
   Article  11.3-
11.4  A - - - 
   Article 11.5  C 31 December 2027  To be determined  • Physical infrastructure  
   Article 11.6  B 31 December 2027  31 December 2027  - 
   Article  11.7-
11.8  A - - - 
   Article 11.9  C 31 December 2027  To be determined  • Technical assistance, capacity building and 
Hr training on pre –arrival processing, 
including required changes in the clearance 
procedure, changes in ASYCUDA and in risk 
management ; 
• Awareness raising for the private sector on 
pre-arrival processing mechanism ; 
• Legal support on designing, drafting of 
legislative changes and necessary 
regulations, SoP, etc . 
   Article  11.10 -
11.11  A - - -  
  G/TFA/N/AFG/1/Add.2  
 
- 9 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
   Article  11.12  B 31 December 2027  31 December 2027  - 
   Article 11.13  A - - - 
   Article 11.14 -
11.15  B 31 December 2027  31 December 2027  - 
   Article 11.16  A - - - 
   Article 11.17   B 31 December 2027  31 December 2027  - 
Article 12  Customs C ooperation  
   Article 12.1   B 31 December 2027  31 December 2027  - 
   Article 12.2 -
12.12   C 31 December 2027  To be determined  • Legal support on drafting agreements ; 
• Technical assistance and capacity building on 
best practices in customs cooperation and 
drafting the agreements . 
 
__________