G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
30 August 2019  
(19-5600) Page: 1/11 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION OF CATE GORY COMMITMENTS  UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRA DE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM SAMOA  
Addendum  
The following communica tion, dated  20 August 2019 , is being circulated at th e request of the 
delegation of  Samoa for Members' informa tion. 
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up from the notification dated 28 August 2018  (G/TFA/N/WSM/1), Samoa hereby makes 
the following notifications:  
 
(1) Shifting of categories with extended definitive implementation date; and (2) definitive 
implementation dates for category C designations.  
 
1. Samoa wishes to notify that, based on Articles 17 and 19 of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, 
Article 8  (Border Agency Cooperation) , is requested to be shifted from category B to category C 
with extended definitive implementation dates as, further to an internal assessment and 
consultation with the implementing agencies, it was recogni sed that Article 8 covers areas that 
will require capa city building and the development of new processes and procedures to enhance 
the cooperation of border agencies. It was also recognised that external support will be required 
to fully implement this provision . (See table below)  
 
  
  G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
- 2 - Provision  Heading/  
Description  Previous 
category 
designation  New 
category 
designation  Previously 
notified definitive 
date for 
implementation  New definitive 
date for 
implementation  
requested  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
Assistance (TACB) that will be required  
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  B C 29 June 2019  31 December 2025  Legal/Policy  
• Review and identify gaps in the existing system 
of coordination and policies  
• Review/develop legal basis to enhance 
coordination and collaboration between border 
agencies  
Procedures  
• Develop Procedures and Memorandum of 
Understanding (MOU) to help enhance the 
cooperation of border agencies  
Human Resources/Training  
• Capacity building and training for Border 
agencies officials on a new coordinated 
approach  G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
- 3 - 
 
  2. At the same time, Samoa hereby makes the following notifications of its definitive dates for its 
category C commitments  in response to  Article  16 of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation 
(WT/L/931).  
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Definitive date for 
implementation  
   Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  31 December 2025  
   Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  31 December 2027  
   Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  31 December 2025  
   Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  31 December 2025  
   Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  31 December 2027  
   Article 7.4  Risk Management  31 December 2027  
   Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  31 December 2027  
   Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized 
Operators  31 December 2026  
   Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  31 December 2027  
   Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation Requirements  31 December 2027  
   Article 10.4  Single Window  31 December 2040  
 
For ease of reference, Samoa' s full list of category commitments are summarized in the table as 
attached herewith.  
 
  
  G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
- 4 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
Article 1.1  Publication  B 22 February 2019  31 December 2022  - 
Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  C 22 February 2021  31 December 2025  Legal/Policy  
• Undertake study to include stocktake of all 
trade information available online; identify 
gaps and assess Samoa's readiness to 
have a trade information portal/ website; 
cost and benefit analysis. Develop policy 
and legislate as necessary the mandate 
and process of publishing information; and 
having thi s information available online  
Procedures  
• Review of outdated S tandard Operating 
Procedures  
Human Resources/Traini ng 
• Training of IT Staff to design,  develop and 
maintain websites  
• Training of Customs officia ls on the 
implementation of S tandard Operating 
Procedures  
• Relevant training of officials and private 
sector  
Information and Communication 
Technology  
• Develop and mai ntain a Trade Information 
Portal system (TIP)  
Infrastructure  
• Appropriate equipment and software 
programs for border agencies  
Consultations/Public Awareness  
• Stakeholder con sultations on the potential 
TIP 
Article 1.3  Enquiry Points B 22 February 2019  31 December 2022  - 
Article 1.4  Notification  B 29 June 2021  29 June 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  A - - - 
Article 2.2  Consultations  B 22 February 2019  31 December 2022  - 
Article 3  Advance Rulings  
 A - - -  
  G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
- 5 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  
 C 22 February 2020  31 December 2027  Operation  
• Financial (and technical support where 
relevant) assistance required for the initial 
set-up and operation of the Customs 
Appeal Aut hority for the first five years  
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  B 22 February 2020  29 June 2020  - 
Article 5.2  Detention  B 22 February 2020  29 June 2020  - 
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  A - - - 
Article 6  Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties  
Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  A - - - 
Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
for Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and 
Exportation  A - - - 
Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  C 31 December 2019  31 December 2025  Human resources/Training  
• Capacity building and training for Customs 
officials on the implementation an d 
application of this provision  
Article 7  Release and Clearance of Goods  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  C 30 June 2019  31 December 2025  Human Resources/Training  
• Capacity building and training for C ustoms, 
Quarantine Biosecurity and Border 
agencies officials on the implementation 
and application of this provision  
Information and Communication 
Technology  
• Enhance the technological capacity of 
Customs officials in implementing this 
provisi on 
Infrastructure  
• Upgrade existing Customs and Border 
agencies systems and infrastructure to 
facilitate Pre -arrival processing  
• Upgrade and improvements to existing 
Quarantine Biosecurity infrastructure to 
facilitate pre -arrival processing   
  G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
- 6 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2027  Legal/Policy  
• Review existing systems and policies. And 
determine feasibility and resources 
required to set -up and operate an 
electronic pa yment system  
Human Resources/Training  
• Capacity building and tra ining for Customs, 
Quarantine Biosecurity and Border 
agencies officials on electronic payment  
Information and Communication 
Technology  
• Enhance technological capacity of border 
agencies and government agencies 
necessary to impleme nt an electronic 
payment sy stem 
Infrastructure  
• Development, set -up and installation of 
appropriate technology and equipment to 
put in place an electronic pa yment system  
Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and Charges  B 22 February 2019  29 June 2020  - 
Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 22 February 2023  31 December 2027  Legal  
• Review/develop legal basis to enhance 
coordination and collaboration between 
border agencies on risk identification and  
application of risk management  
Policy  
• Develop a risk management policy with 
target percentages of low/hig h risk cargo  
• Develop a training plan for Customs, 
Quarantine Biosecurity and Border 
agencies officials on risk management 
targeting the application of  risk 
management  
Procedures  
• Review and develop necessary procedures  
Human Resources/Training  
• Capacity building and training for Customs 
and Quarantine Biosecurity officials on risk 
management using trans action data from 
ASYCUDA system   
  G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
- 7 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
• Training and Developm ent for b order 
agencies staff on ri sk identification and 
profiling  
Information and Communication 
Technology  
• Enhance technological capacity of Border 
agencies necessary to implement a proper  
risk management process/system  
Infrastructure  
• Provision of Non -Intrusive Inspection 
equipment  
• Provision of appropriate technology and 
equipment to support the  implementation 
of a proper risk management system  
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 22 February 2023  31 December 2027  Legal  
• Develop/review relevant legislations and 
policies  for Post Clearance Audit (PCA)  
Policy  
• Develop a compliance assessment policy 
and procedure incorporating the 
connectivity with risk management  
• Develop a training plan/module to train 
Customs officials and agents on the 
concept of 'informed compliance' and train 
the target groups  
• Develop a methodology/approach to 
conduct a national complianc e assessment 
on an annual basis  
Procedures  
Develop and update processes and 
procedures that incorporate these aspects of 
PCA: 
• Draft a compliance  assessment policy and 
procedure incorporating the connectivity 
with risk management  
• Draft a training module to train Customs 
and the Agents on the concept of 'informed 
compliance ' and train the target groups  
• Draft a methodology/approach to conduct 
a compl iance assessment on an annual 
basis f or the whole of Samoa  
• Conduct annual compliance assessments   
  G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
- 8 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
• Train Customs staff to conduct PCA as a 
compliance assessment tool  
Human Resources/Training  
• Capacity building and training for Customs 
officials to conduct Pos t Clearance Audit as 
a compliance assessment tool  
• Develop data analysis skills and knowledge 
for Customs and border agencies officials  
• Capacity building and training for Customs 
PCA officials on audi ting techniques and 
methodology  
Information and Communica tion 
Technology  
• Enhance technological capacity of Border 
agencies necessary to implement PCA  
Infrastructure  
• Provision of appropriate technology and 
equipment to help implement PCA  
Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  B 22 February 2019  29 June 2019  - 
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized 
Operators  C 22 February 2023  31 December 2026  Legal  
• Develop relevant legislation and policies to 
allow the setup of an Authorised  Operators 
(AO) program  
Policy  
• Develop  an Authorised Operators policy  
Procedures  
• Develop proper procedures and criteria for 
the assessment of authorised operators 
that meet specified criteria in the AO 
program  
Human Resources/Training  
• Capacity building and  training for Customs 
and Quarantine officials on the 
implementation of the AO program   
  G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
- 9 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2027  Legal/Policy  
• Develop rel evant legislation and policies  
Procedures  
• Review of outdated Standard Operating 
Procedures  
Human Resources/Training  
• Training of Customs and Border agencies 
officials on clearance of co mmercial cargos 
at the airports  
• Training of Customs officia ls on the 
implementation of Standard Operating 
Procedur es 
Infrastructure  
• Appropria te equipment required such as 
x-rays, scanners an d computers for border 
agencies  
Article 7.9  Perishable G oods B 31 December 2019  31 December 2019  - 
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
 C 22 February 2019  31 December 2025  
(new date  requested ) Legal/Policy  
• Review and identify gaps in the existing 
system of coordination and policies  
• Review/develop legal basis to enhance 
coordination and collaboration between 
border agencies  
Procedures  
• Develop Procedures and Memorandum of 
Understanding (MOU) to help enhance the 
cooperation of border agencies  
Human Resources/Training  
• Capacity building and training for Border 
agencies officials on a new coordinated 
approach  
Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for I mport  under Customs Control  
 B 22 February 2020  29 June 2021  -  
  G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
- 10 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 10  Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation 
Requirements  C 22 February 2020  31 December 2027  Policy  
• Support to customs to expedite publication 
and activation of the new draft procedures 
under the modernization program  
Information and Communication 
Technology  
• Enhance the technological capacity of 
Customs and border agencies officials to 
ensure full utilisation of the ASYCUDA 
World system  
Infrastructure  
• Upgrade existing Customs system and 
infrastructure to implement this provision  
Article 10.2  Acceptance of C opies B 22 February 2019  29 June 2019  - 
Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  A - - - 
Article 10.4  Single Window  C 22 February 2022  31 December 2040  Legal  
• Review/develop relevant laws to facilitate 
the development of a compr ehensive 
national single window  
• Compliance review  
• Develop Memorandum of Understanding 
(MOUs) with other agencies to enhance 
coopera tion 
Policy  
• Conduct a feasibility study to explore the 
viability of a national single window system  
• Develop a strategy for the implementation  
of single window  
Procedures  
• Develop appropriate procedures and 
processes to facilitate the implementation 
of singl e window  
Human Resources/Training  
• Capacity building and training for Customs 
officials and border agencies on the 
implementat ion of single window system  
• Capacit y building for other government 
agencies and private sector on the 
impleme ntation of single window system   
  G/TFA/N/WSM/1/Add.1  
 
- 11 - 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)  
Information and Communication 
Technology  
• Review of national ICT policies to facilitate 
the implementation  of single window  
• Enhance and upgrade technological 
capabilities of border agencies and 
government agencies necessary  to 
implement  the single window  
Infrastructure  
• Provision of appropriate technology and 
equipment to help implement single 
window  
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  A - - - 
Article 10.8  Rejected G oods A - - - 
Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward 
and Outward Processing  B 22 February 2019  29 June 2019  - 
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
 B 29 June 2019  29 June 2019  - 
Article 12  Customs C ooperation  
 A - - - 
 
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