RESTRICTED  
  
G/IT/M/79  
 
19 December  2023 
(23-8699) Page: 1/10 
Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade in 
Information Technology Products    
 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 19  OCTOBER  2023  
CHAIRPERSON: MR  DON SPEDDING  
The Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade in Information Technology Products held 
its 79th formal meeting on 19  October  2023. The airgram of the meeting was circulated in 
document  WTO/AIR/IT/18 , and an annotated agenda for the meeting was circulated in 
document  JOB/IT/ 37. 
 
1   REVIEW OF THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MINISTERIAL DECLARATION 
ON TRADE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS: DEVELOPMENTS SINCE THE  
LAST COMMITTEE MEETING  ................................ ................................ .............................  2 
2   TRADE CONCERNS RAISED BY PARTICIPANTS  ................................ ............................  2 
2.1   Request by the European Union, Japan, and the United States Regarding Implementation 
Issues Concerning Indonesia  ................................ ................................ ..............................  2 
2.2   Request by the United States Regarding Implementation Issues Concerning Egypt  ..............  3 
3   REVIEW OF PRODUCT COVERAGE  ................................ ................................ ................  3 
4   NON-TARIFF MEASURES WORK PROG RAMME  ................................ ..............................  4 
5   EMC/EMI PILOT PROJECT: DRAFT LIST OF THE TYPES OF CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT 
PROCEDURES FO R EMC/EMI USED BY ITA  PARTICIPANTS (G/IT/W/17/REV.30)  ...........  4 
6   DIVERGENCES IN CLASSIFYING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS 
(G/IT/14/REV.1/ADD.1, G/IT/W/6/REV.3, G/IT/W/33, G/IT/W/34, G/IT/27, 
JOB/IT/12, G/IT/29, G/IT/W/40/ADD.1 -G/IT/W/40/ADD.21, G/IT/W/40/SUPPL.4, 
AND G/IT/W/51)  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  5 
6.1   Implementation of the Decision for the Classification of 18  Attachment  B Products (G/IT/27)  5 
6.2   Implementation of the 2016  Decision for the Classification of 15  Additional "Attachment  B" 
Products (G/IT/29)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  5 
6.3   Possible HS2007  Classification for the Remaining "Attachment  B" Items: Note by the 
Secretariat (G/IT/W/40 and its Supplements and  Addenda)  ................................ ....................  5 
7   NEW PARTICIPANTS – APPROVAL OF TIMOR -LESTE'S PARTICIPATION TO THE ITA 
(G/IT/32 AND G/IT/32/ADD.1)  ................................ ................................ ......................  6 
8   FUNCTIONING OF THE ITA  COMMITTEE – REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON TO THE 
COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GO ODS (G/IT/W/57)  ................................ ..............................  10 
9   DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT (2023) OF THE COMMITTEE TO THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE  
IN GOODS (G/IT/W/56)  ................................ ................................ ................................  10 
10   DATE OF THE NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING  ................................ ...............................  10 
 
 G/IT/M/79  
 
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  1  REVIEW OF THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MINISTERIAL DECLARATION ON 
TRADE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS: DEVE LOPMENTS SINCE THE LAST 
COMMITTEE MEETING  
1.1.  The Chairperson , following the Committee's practice, gave an overview of the Status of 
Implementation and reported on any update or new developments since the Committee's previous 
meeting.  
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the outstanding issue concerning Morocco and its pending submission 
under the 1980  Procedures for the Rectification and Modification of Schedules, and noted that this 
issue was not new to the Committee, since Morocco had become a participant to the ITA on 
14 November  2003. However, Morocco had not yet submitted its final ITA  Schedule of modification 
and rectification commitments. Despite the outreach to Morocco on several occasions by his 
predecessors, including communications in 2011, and 2014, as well as a letter sent to the Minister 
of Economy and Finance of Morocco in 2017, no formal response had yet been received from 
Morocco.  
1.3.  Therefore, the Chairperson regretfully informed the Committee that there had been no new 
development or progress to report on th is issue since the Committee's previous formal meeting.  
1.4.  The Committee took note  of the Chairperson's statement . 
2  TRADE CONCERNS RAISED BY PARTICIPANTS  
2.1  Request by the European Union, Japan, and the United States Regarding 
Implementation Issues Concerning Indonesia  
2.1.  The Chairperson  recalled that at the Committee's previous meeting, one trade concern had 
been raised regarding an implementation issue concerning Indonesia. In communications to the 
Secretariat dated 5  October, the European Union, Japa n, and the United States indicated that they 
would request a status update on this issue.  
2.2.  The delegate of the United States  indicated that the US would greatly appreciate an update 
from Indonesia regard ing the concerns that they had been raising for the pa st four  years over 
Indonesia's application of tariffs to select ICT  products that appear ed to exceed its WTO  bound tariff 
commitments. He urged Indonesia to constructively engage with the US and other Members on this 
issue, and to restore duty -free access for these select ICT  products, in accordance with its 
commitments. Again, the US would thank Indonesia in advance for any updates that it could  provide.  
2.3.  The delegate of Japan  echoed the statement from the United States,  and reiterated that Japan's 
concern over certain ICT  products that f ell under HS  8517.62 ha d not yet been resolved , even in 
Indonesia's 2022  tariff book. Having raised this issue many times in previous meetings, Japan 
request ed Indonesia to update and clarify the facts and its plan to addres s this issue.  
2.4.  The delegate of the European Union  echoed the concerns raised by the United States and 
Japan.  
2.5.  She noted that t he European Union ha d made many repetitive calls to Indonesia, most recently 
on 5 October  2023, requesting it to align its tariff treatment of certain ICT  products classified under 
subheading  8517.62 with its WTO  commitments. The EU was concerned about Indonesia's 
significant tariff (10%) on products classified under tariff line  8517.62.10 , 8517.62. 49, and 
8517.62. 69, on which the EU ha d recorded a significant drop in exports.  
2.6.  She continued that , during the meeting of the Committee on Market Access of 6  April 2022, 
Indonesia had informed Members that, according to the 2022  Indonesian Customs Tariff Book, the 
products concerned had been  listed as 0%  tariff. She recalled that the new customs tariff book 
entered into force on 1  April 2022. After verification, her delegation regret ted to see that, despite 
Indonesia's statement in the Committee on Market Access, the lines  8517.62.10, 8517.62.49, and 
8517.62.69, still carr ied a 10%  duty. The EU therefore invite d Indonesia to explain  why it was not 
ensuring duty -free treatment according  to its ITA commitments.  G/IT/M/79  
 
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  2.7.  The delegate of Canada  share d the concerns that ha d been raised by the United States, Japan, 
and the European Union about Indonesia's application of tariffs above its bound rates on 
ICT products, and call ed on Indonesia to eliminat e those tariffs in a way that was consistent with its 
WTO commitments.  
2.8.  The Committee took note  of the statements made.  
2.2  Request by the United States Regarding Implementation Issues Concerning Egypt  
2.9.  The Chairperson  recalled that in the same communication to the Secretariat dated 5  October, 
the United States had also requested a status update on Egypt. He also  recall ed that this trade 
concern, on implementation issues concerning Egypt, had been  included on the agenda  of the 
Committee's meeting in March of that year, at the request of the United States.  
2.10.  The delegate of the United States  requested an update from Egypt on the concerns that his 
delegation  had raised at the Comm ittee's previous meeting regarding Egypt's apparent application 
of tariffs on mobile phones that would appear to be inconsistent with its WTO bound tariff 
commitments.  Again, the US thank ed Egypt in advance for providing any status update s. 
2.11.  The delegate of the European Union  support ed the United States and welcome d an 
explanation from the Egyptian authorities on how they intend ed to resolve the issue.  
2.12.  The delegate of Japan  share d the concern raised by the United States , especially from a 
systemic viewpoint. Japan  would appreciate any update from Egypt.  
2.13.  The delegate of Canada  also echoe d the sentiments and share d the concerns raised by 
previous speakers  and looked forward to receiving an update from Egypt.  
2.14.  The delegate o f the United Kingdom  reiterate d its comments made at the  Committee 's 
previous meeting  and would welcome  Egypt's  further updates and clarification of this issue.  
2.15.  The delegate of Chinese Taipei  added his voice in expressing concerns regarding the 
systematic implications arising from Egypt's practice  and would  welcome an y update from Egypt.  
2.16.  The Committee took note  of the statements made.  
3  REVIEW OF PRODUCT COVERAGE  
3.1.  The Chairperson  recalled that, s ince the Committee's meeting of 15  May 2012, and as 
requested by some delegations, the "review of product coverage" had been included as a regular 
item on the Committee's agenda. This agenda item provided an opportunity for the Committee to 
receive reports and updates from those participants that were engag ed in bilateral and plurilateral 
consultations relating to the review of product coverage pursuant to paragraph  3 of the Annex to 
the ITA.  
3.2.  The delegate of the European Union  indicated that the EU appreciate d the industry initiative as 
regards an enlargemen t of the product scope. The EU encourage d further informal sessions with 
stakeholders with a  view to gaining an insight into how an enlargement could benefit Members, and 
including how the ITA contribute d to addressing global challenges.  However, she remin ded 
ITA Participants that they should not lose sight of other trade hurdles , such as regulatory barriers. 
The EU was a strong proponent of this in the ITA -2 negotiation , but had agreed at the time to focus 
on expanding the product scope to get the widest s upport.  The EU felt that it was now time for 
ITA Participants to start actively thinking about how they could  tackle regulatory barriers. The EU 
could  not again forsake this in a possible future expansion.  
3.3.  The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to this matter, as 
appropriate, at the ITA  Committee's next meeting.  G/IT/M/79  
 
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  4  NON-TARIFF MEASURES WORK PROGRAMME  
4.1.  The Chairperson  referred to paragraph  3 of the Annex to the 1996  Ministerial Declaration, 
which required that "Participants […] meet pe riodically … to consult on non -tariff barriers to trade in 
information technology products." He reiterated that the Committee had attached great importance 
to non -tariff barriers (NTBs) and that, since 2000, NTBs had become an essential part of the regular  
work of the Committee.  
4.2.  He recalled that on 7  May 2015 an industry -driven workshop dedicated to NTBs affecting trade 
in ICT  products had been organized. A factual report by the Chairperson had been circulated in 
document  G/IT/28 . At subsequent meetings of the Committee, the Chairperson had been tasked to 
continue consultations on the fol low-up to the ITA  NTB Workshop, although there had unfortunately 
been little progress to date. He also recalled that NTB  issues had been raised by certain guest 
speakers at the ITA  Symposium of 16 and 17  September  2021.  
4.3.  He noted that there had been no substantial discussion on this issue in recent Committee 
meetings . Nevertheless, he asked if any delegation had any subject  or issue that they wished to be 
discussed under this agenda item . 
4.4.  The delegate of the European Union  reiterated  that, as indicated under  the previous agenda 
item, the EU consider ed that the ITA and its expansion ha d brought considerable benefits in 
eliminating tariffs. The EU  felt that it was now crucial that this work was followed by progress on 
removing non-tariff barriers with a view to  further facilitating trade in IT  products.  
4.5.  She noted that t he European Union remain ed committed to that objective even if they were 
aware of the challenges involved in moving towards commitment in regulatory areas under the 
umbrella of the ITA.  Furthermor e, her delegation was ready to play its part in the context of the 
small group  discussions . The EU was indeed convinced that making progress in the work on non -tariff 
measures could bring tangible benefits to companies  and therefore look ed forward to any further 
work that m ighty be carried out in this area.  
4.6.  The delegate of the United Kingdom  express ed support for some of the European Union's earlier 
comments. For the UK , addressing non -tariff barriers was also crucial in facilitating the tr ade and 
exchange in these products as new technologies emerge d. The UK  also welcome d further discussions 
and exchanges with ITA Participants on how they could  structure such work and move forward in 
this area. Her delegation thought  that it was an importan t idea for this Committee.  
4.7.  The delegate of Switzerland  also support ed continuing the work on non -tariff barriers and 
looked forward to future events on these issues . 
4.8.  The Chairperson  indicated that, based on that day's  discussion, he saw an ongoing interest in 
this issue . Therefore, if ITA  Participants found the suggestion useful, he propose d to hold some 
informal consultation s with interested participants in the coming months to identify topics for the 
Committee's future discussion under this agenda  item. 
4.9.  The Committee took note  of the statements made.  
5  EMC/EMI PILOT PROJECT: DRAFT LIST OF THE TYPES OF CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT 
PROCEDURES FOR EMC/EMI USED BY ITA  PARTICIPANTS ( G/IT/W/17/REV.30 ) 
5.1.  The Chairperson  recalled that one of the outcomes of the NTM  Work Programme had been the 
completion of a pilot project that had led to the adoption of the "Guidelines for El ectromagnetic 
Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Conformity Assessment Procedures". 
Upon adoption of these "Guidelines", the Secretariat had prepared a note on the "Draft List of Types 
of Conformity Assessment Procedures for EMC/EMI  used by ITA  Participants", as contained in 
document  G/IT/W/17  and its revisions. The note contained the responses to the survey and other 
notifications received from Participants on the type of assessment procedures for EMC and EMI that 
they used. ITA  Participants had indicated on several occasions that they had found the information 
contained in this document very useful and wished to have it completed.  G/IT/M/79  
 
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  5.2.  The Chairperson was pleased to inform the Committee that, since its previous meeting, in a 
communication  to the Secretariat dated 24  May 2023, Viet  Nam had provided its response to the 
survey regarding its EMC/EMI  conformity assessment procedures, which had been circulated in 
document  G/IT/SPEC/Q4/37 , and the Secretariat Note on Draft List of Types of Conformity 
Assessment Procedures for EMC/EMI, which had been updated in document  G/IT/W/17/Rev.30 . 
5.3.  The Chairperson noted that there were still eight  (8) participants that had not yet provided an y 
information on their conformity assessment procedures, namely Afghanistan; Iceland; the State of 
Kuwait; the Kyrgyz Republic; Morocco; Nicaragua; Tajikistan; and the United Arab Emirates. The 
Chairperson encouraged these eight delegations to provide thei r information to the Secretariat as 
soon as possible so as to enable the Committee to complete this work.  
5.4.  In addition, the Chairperson recalled that at the Committee's previous formal meeting, held in 
October  2022, his predecessor had proposed to invite Se cretariat staff responsible for TBT  issues to 
share any relevant information with the ITA Committee concerning ongoing discussions of 
Conformity Assessment Procedures relating to ITA  products in the TBT  Committee. He considered 
that such an exchange could particularly enhance the synergy and cooperation between the 
ITA Committee and other WTO  bodies. By way of follow -up, the Secretariat had informed him that 
they had been in contact with the relevant staff with a view to organizing a presentation at a forma l 
meeting to be held in the following year. The Secretariat would  keep the Committee informed of 
developments in this regard.  
5.5.  The Committee took note  of the statement made.  
6  DIVERGENCES IN CLASSIFYING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS 
(G/IT/14/REV.1/ADD.1 , G/IT/W/6/REV.3 , G/IT/W/33 , G/IT/W/34 , G/IT/27 , 
JOB/I T/12 , G/IT/29 , G/IT/W/40/ADD.1 -G/IT/W/40/ADD.21 , G/IT/W/40/SUPPL.4 , 
AND G/IT/W/51 ) 
6.1  Implementation of the D ecision for the Classification of 18  Attachment  B Products 
(G/IT/27 ) 
6.1.  The Chairperson  recalled that, on 20 July 2013, the  Committee had adopted a Decision for the 
HS1996  classification of 18  Attachment  B items, which had been circulated in document  G/IT/27 . As 
required by that Decision, each participant must reflect the agreed classifications in its 
WTO Schedule of concessions, as appropriate, following the 1980  Decision on the Procedures for 
Modification and Rectification of Schedules of Tariff Concessions (BISD  27S/25).  
6.2.  The Committee took note  of the statement made.  
6.2  Implementation of the 2016  Decision for the Classification of 15  Additional 
"Attachment  B" Products ( G/IT/29 ) 
6.3.  The Chairperson  recalled that, on 18  April 2016, the Committee had adopted the "Decision for 
HS2007  Classification of 15  Additional 'Attachment  B' Products", which had been circulated in 
document  G/IT/29 . Most of the items covered by this Decision related to HS2007  heading  8486 
(Machines  and apparatus for the manufacture of semiconductor boules or wafers) and one  item 
related to heading  8471 (automatic data processing machines and units thereof).  
6.4.  The Committee took note  of the statement made.  
6.3  Possible HS2007  Classification for the Remaini ng "Attachment  B" Items: Note by the 
Secretariat ( G/IT/W/40  and its Supplements and Addenda)  
6.5.  The Chairperson  indicated that the Note by the Secretariat on "Divergence of Classification: 
Possible HS2007  Classification for the Remaining 37  'Attachment  B' Items" had been originally 
circulated as do cument  G/IT/W/40 , based on the Swiss proposal for a three -step procedure 
(document  JOB/IT/12 ). 
6.6.  He recalled that, at the Committee's meeting of 31  October  2014, it had been agreed that: 
"Participants are expected to submit a communication to the Secretariat no later than 30  June 2015, G/IT/M/79  
 
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  indicating: (a)  the items that, in the participant's opinion, should be classified d ifferently from the 
HS2007  codes listed in column  8 of the Annex to this document; and (b)  the HS2007  subheading(s) 
that, in the participant's opinion, are relevant for the classification of the item in question." It had 
also been agreed that "The Secretar iat will compile communications received in a separate 
document. On that basis, participants would then be expected to assess the next steps that could 
be taken to reduce any remaining divergence in classification."  
6.7.  He reported that, to date, the Secretari at had received comments from 21  participants. These 
had been circulated as addenda to document  G/IT/W/40 . Comments had been received from the 
following participants: Norway ( G/IT/W/40/Add.1 ); Chinese Taipei ( G/IT/W/40/Add.2 ); Switzerland 
(G/IT/W/40/Add.3 ); the European Uni on ( G/IT/W/40/Add.4 ); Hong Kong, China 
(G/IT/W/40/Add.5 ); China ( G/IT/W/40/Add.6 ); Japan ( G/IT/W/40/Add.7 ); Canada 
(G/IT/W/40/Add.8 ); the United States ( G/IT/W/40/Add.9 ); India ( G/IT/W/40/Add.10 ); Macao, 
China ( G/IT/W/40/Add.11 ); El Salvador ( G/IT/W/40/Add.12 ); the Republic of Korea 
(G/IT/W/40/Add.13 ); Pa nama ( G/IT/W/40/Add.14 ); Thailand ( G/IT/W/40/Add.15 ); Guatemala 
(G/IT/W/40/Add.16 ); Mauritius (G/IT/W/40/Add.17 ); Montenegro ( G/IT/W/40/Add.18 ); 
the Russian  Federation ( G/IT/W/40/Add.19 ); Seychelles ( G/IT/W/40/Add.20 ); and New Zealand 
(G/IT/W/40/Add.21 ). 
6.8.  All these comments had been consolidated into document  G/IT/W/40/Suppl.4 , which also took 
into account the 2016  Decision on the classification of the additional 15  items. Therefore, there 
remained 22  Attachment  B items for which Participants should provide their comments in order to 
arrive at a common HS  classification.  
6.9.  In this regard, the Chairperson invited delegations that had not yet provided their comments 
on the possible HS2007  classification of these remaini ng 22  items to do so as soon as possible in 
order to arrive at a common classification for these products within existing HS  nomenclature and 
thereby also to fulfil the mandate of paragraph  5 of the Annex to the Ministerial Declaration on Trade 
in Informat ion Technology Products.  
6.10.  The delegate of Switzerland  indicated that, as reflected in document  G/IT/W/40  and its 
supplements and addenda, the Committee ha d managed to reduce the divergences of classifications 
over the years. However, there were still 22  remaining Attachment  B items for which the 
classification divergences were unresolved. Until participants had submit ted their comments or 
indicate d that they had none, the work was  stuck and could not  make progress. The reality was that 
the more time went by, the more one question ed the relevance of this exercise, as the nomenclatures 
contained in the model lists prepared by the Secretariat were not in use anymore. In order to keep 
the model list up to date, Switzerland ask ed whether the Secretariat could upda te the list and add 
a correlation table that include d the HS2022  changes. He also asked whether it was possible to 
prepare a separate indicative list of those 22  items that might not be in use anymore . He pointed 
out that t his would allow ITA  Participants to have up -to-date information on the magnitude of the 
remaining work. He also asked whether the Secretariat could also indicate for which items in Annex  A 
the divergences would have been resolved if ITA Participants had used the HS2022?  
6.11.  The Chairperson  suggested that the Secretariat follow up with the Swiss delegation in this 
regard.  
6.12.  The Committee took note  of the statement made.  
7  NEW PARTICIPANTS – APPROVAL OF TIMOR -LESTE'S PARTICIPATION TO THE ITA 
(G/IT/32  AND G/IT/32/ADD.1 ) 
7.1.  The Chairperson  indicated that  he would reiterate the history of Timor -Leste's negotiation to 
join the ITA  Agreement  for the record of that day's formal meeting . 
7.2.  He recalled that, o n 27 February  2023, the Mission of Timor -Leste had sent a Note Verbale to 
WTO Director -General Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala expressing its intention to join the ITA and 
ITA Expansion Agreements. Following a request from Timor -Leste for technical assistance from the 
Secretariat, the Secretariat had organized a technica l assistance workshop in Dili, from 
12-16 June 2023, with a view to enhancing officials' understanding of the two  Agreements, and to 
facilitate Timor -Leste's preparation process.  G/IT/M/79  
 
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  7.3.  In the following months, the Secretariat and Timor -Leste's negotiating team had worked closely 
and intensively on Timor -Leste' s ITA and ITA  Expansion Schedules. On 22  August, the authority had 
officially submitted its ITA and ITA  Expansion Schedules to the Secretariat for circulation. On 
24 August, the ITA  Schedule had been circula ted by the Secretariat in document  G/IT/32 . The 
verification sheet prepared by the Secretariat had been circulated on the same day, in 
document  G/IT/32/Add.1 . 
7.4.  An informal Committee meeting had been held on 18 September to review the draft 
ITA Schedule of the Democratic Republic of Timor -Leste. At that meeting, the  delegation of 
Timor -Leste had highlighted its strong commitment to the ITA, while expressing its con cern about 
losing tariff revenue as a result of joining the ITA. In this connection, they had hoped that additional 
consideration could be given in light of Timor -Leste's  special situation as an LDC, and specifically 
that longer implementation periods on s ome ICT  products could be accepted, as proposed.  
7.5.  At that same informal meeting, ten  delegations had expressed their strong support for 
Timor -Leste's early participation in the ITA, and had looked forward to the approval of Timor -Leste's 
ITA Schedule at that day's formal meeting. Most of the delegations that had taken the floor at the 
meeting had not expressed any concern or objection regarding Timor -Leste's draft Schedule. 
However, two  delegations had raised a few technical issues for further clarification , and it was the 
Chairperson's understanding that the authority of Timor -Leste had enjoyed positive bilateral 
discussions with the delegations concerned, and that all of the pending issues  had been clarified . 
7.6.  He then  invite d the two delegations  in question , Japan and the European Union,  to update the 
Committee on the results of their bilateral meetings with the authority of Timor -Leste.  
7.7.  The delegate of the European Union  indicated that the EU had sought some minor technical 
clarifications on a very small number of products. She informed the Committee that the EU had 
engaged with Timor -Leste in this regard, and that Timor -Leste ha d responded swiftly to their 
questions , and in a very satisfactory manner. For the EU, therefore, there were no pending issues.  
7.8.  The European Union  once again commend ed Timor -Leste for its efforts and work , and looked 
forward to Timor -Leste's accession to the ITA and to the WTO.  
7.9.  The delegate of Japan  appreciate d Timor -Leste's efforts in the ITA , as well as those of the Chair 
and the Secretariat's support for that.  He noted that Japan had raised a few technical questions at 
the informal meeting on 18  September. Japan had highly appreciate d Timor -Leste' s prompt  
respon se, within only a few days,  to their written questions. Japan had  confirmed in writing that all 
its technical questions had been resolved , and that it did not have any more queries or requests. 
Japan fully welcome d Timor -Leste' s participatio n in the ITA , as well as its accession to the WTO.  
7.10.  The Chairperson  then opened the floor for any additional comments or questions regarding 
Timor -Leste's ITA  Schedule.  
7.11.  The delegate of the United States  express ed his appreciation for the steps Timor -Leste ha d 
taken to prepare its ITA  Schedule and become a participant to the ITA.  The US had reviewed 
Timor -Leste's ITA  Schedule and did not have any questions or concerns.  His delegation support ed 
Timor -Leste's accession a nd could  join the consensus in approving its ITA  Schedule.  
7.12.  The delegate of the United Kingdom  indicated that the UK  had no comments with regard to 
Timor -Leste's submitted Schedules of Concessions , and warmly welcome d their future participation 
in this Comm ittee, both in the ITA and the ITA  Expansion.  Her delegation  looked forward to working 
with Timor -Leste in the future . The UK  hoped to see  other Members make  similar endeavours in 
joining the ITA  community  and looked forward to hearing about Timor -Leste's  experience once the 
process had been finalized.  
7.13.  The Chairperson  proposed that the Committee approve the ITA  Schedule of the Democratic 
Republic of Timor -Leste, circulated in document  G/IT/32 . 
7.14.  The Committee so agreed . G/IT/M/79  
 
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  7.15.  The Chairperson  on behalf of the ITA  Committee, express ed his warmest congratulations to 
the delegat ion of Timor -Leste on their ITA participation. He noted that Timor -Leste was the third  LDC 
to join the ITA , which show ed Timor -Leste's great determination to liberalize its trade. He said that 
he looked forward to working closely with Timor -Leste on ITA -related activities in the near future. 
On next steps,  he informed the Committee that  the approved ITA Schedule would be incorporated 
into Timor -Leste's WTO  goods schedule, which would then form part of it s final WTO  accession 
package.  
7.16.  WTO Deputy Director -General Mr Xiangchen Zhang , on behalf of the WTO  Secretariat, 
express ed his warmest congratulations to the delegation of Timor -Leste, and to Timor -Leste's 
government and people on their ITA  participation.  
7.17.  He noted that t he market opening commitments undertaken by Timor -Leste for its 
ITA participation were substantial.  For instance, o f 381 ITA-related eight -digit tariff lines, duties on 
242 products would be fully eliminated upon its WTO  accession, thus prov iding immediate market 
access for foreign exporters. Duties on another 114  ITA products would  be eliminated on 
1 January  2027.  
7.18.  As for ITA  Expansion, of a total of 588  tariff lines, import duties on 240 , representing 41% , 
should  likewise be fully eliminated  upon Timor -Leste's WTO accession, while those on a further 
333 products should  be eliminated after a three -year implementation period.  
7.19.  He stressed that Timor -Leste was an LDC  in the final process of joining the WTO, for which 
reason its additional strategic vision and political courage must be especially acknowledged and 
applauded.  
7.20.  He was very pleased to see that Timor -Leste ha d very clearly chosen to embrace trade 
opening. An d the government ha d done so because it believe d that the multilateral trading system 
worked. 
7.21.  To this end, he encourage d all ITA  Participants, including their business communities involved 
in the ICT  sector, to visit Timor -Leste and explore the many busine ss and investment opportunities 
it offer ed, and to do so with a view to swiftly integrating Timor -Leste into global ICT  value chains. 
He foresaw that  Timor -Leste's future success in this regard could tell the most persuasive and 
convincing tale of the many  benefits and success es of trade opening in general, and of participating 
in the ITA and ITA  Expansion in particular.  
7.22.  H.E. Mr Francisco Kalbuadi Lay , Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic 
Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environme nt, and Chief Negotiator for the WTO accession of the 
Democratic Republic of Timor -Leste, on behalf of himself , and of his Government, extended his  
sincere thanks to all the ITA Participants, and especially to Dr Xiaodong Wang, and also 
Mr Eric Ng Shing of  the WTO Secretariat , who had provided such support to Timor -Leste's  technical 
team on the ITA and ITA  Expansion. He said that the  training that they had received had afforded 
them a comprehensive understanding of the Agreement's principal and reasonable evolution  
regarding tariff eliminations.  He also thank ed the Chairpersons for all their efforts and exceptional 
support in finalizing Timor -Leste's  ITA and ITA  Expansion Schedule s; indeed, Timor -Leste deeply 
appreci ated the outstanding support provided by the ITA Committee in organizing such successful 
ITA and ITA  Expansion meeting s. 
7.23.  He inform ed the Committee that he had reported on these  meeting s and their results to 
Timor -Leste's  Council of Ministers , and also to its National Parliament, including His Excellency Prime 
Minister Mr  Xanana Gusmão, and President José Manuel Ramos -Horta, indicating all that the 
Secretariat and Chairpersons  had done, and all that we ha d achieved.  He extended his sincerest 
thanks on behalf also of the people of Timor -Leste. 
7.24.  Mr Miguel Manetelu , Minister of Transport and Communications  of the Democratic Republic of 
Timor -Leste, in the following official remarks , indicated that he was  particular ly honoured to be 
present at the meeting to represent the Government of Timor -Leste to deliver its statement at this 
important point along its path towards full participation to the ITA.  G/IT/M/79  
 
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  7.25.  First and foremost, he wished  to express his sincere gratitude to the ITA Committee and 
ITA Secretariat , Dr Xiaodong Wang and Mr  Eric Ng Shing , for their unwavering support throughout 
Timor -Leste's  journey in preparing its schedules for the Information Technology Agreement. He also 
express ed his utmost appreciation to the Ch airperson of the ITA  Committee, Mr  Don Spedding, for 
the support extended to his delegation. This process had been both challenging and enlightening, 
and Timor -Leste had greatly benefited from the guidance and assistance provided by the esteemed 
ITA Committee.  
7.26.  From the very beginning of Timor -Leste's preparations, the ITA  Committee ha d been 
instrumental in facilitating their progress. Indeed, they were deeply appreciative of the workshops 
and training sessions that had been organized, which had equipp ed them with the knowledge and 
tools necessary effectively to navigate the complexities of this plurilateral agreement.  
7.27.  Furthermore, he acknowledge d and extend ed his heartfelt gratitude to all the ITA  participants 
that had actively participated in the rece nt informal meeting to review and provide invaluable 
feedback on Timor -Leste's schedules. Their input had been invaluable, and their dedication to 
ensuring the clarity and fairness of Timor -Leste's commitments had been commendable.  
7.28.  In particular, he wished to express his sincere thanks to the representatives from the 
European Union and Japan for their very positive and significant feedback. Their constructive insights 
and encouragement had been pivotal in bringing Timor -Leste to the final stages of its journey to join 
the esteemed ITA Agreement.  
7.29.  Following the approval of Timor -Leste's participation to the ITA, it was with a profound sense 
of accomplishment and gratitude  that they wished  to reiterate their heartfelt appreciation to the 
ITA Committee, all ITA  Participants, and to their  esteemed colleagues for their collective effort. They 
had been  humbled by the support and cooperation that they had received from all the parties 
involved.  
7.30.  He stated that Timor -Leste was committed to upholding the principles and commitments of 
the Information Technology Agreement and to contributing positively to its objectives.  
7.31.  To conclude, Timor -Leste hoped  to count on all ITA Participants' support for a smooth and 
prompt conclusion of its accession to the WTO, which include d the consolidation and verification of 
Timor -Leste's tariff commitments based on its draft Goods Schedule , which should also incorporate 
its ITA commitments.  Timor -Leste count ed on their support , and thanked them again.  
7.32.  The delegate of China  congratulate d Timor -Leste on its participation to the ITA, and thank ed 
Timor -Leste's team, the Secretariat, and Chairperson, for the great efforts made in this regard.  
7.33.  He noted that , as an LDC  participant, Timor -Leste's participation in the ITA reflect ed its strong 
willingness to fully participate in the multilateral trading system.  It would also help Timor -Leste to 
achieve its economy's  potential to integrate into global value chains and create more opportunities 
for cross -border business , while at the sam e time improving the well -being of its people.  
Timor -Leste's participation to the ITA ha d set a good example. And China hoped that other 
WTO Members would  follow Timor -Leste's example and join the ITA.  With the approval of 
Timor -Leste's Schedule today, Tim or-Leste ha d completed an important step in its WTO  accession 
process.  
7.34.  Turning to Timor -Leste's  implementation of its ITA  commitments, China looked forward to 
Timor -Leste's early accession to the WTO.  He noted that , in September  of this year , China and 
Timor -Leste had decided to elevate their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership 
and further enhance their cooperation across various fields.  
7.35.  His delegation  looked forward to working closely with Timor -Leste as a participant to this 
Committee and a Member of the WTO in the near future.  
7.36.  The delegate of Australia  warmly congratulate d Timor -Leste on the approval today of its 
ITA Schedules in this Committee. This highlight ed the value of the ITA and the importance in driving 
economic develo pment. To this end, her delegation saw  the importance of ITA  participation in how 
it makes IT  products more affordable, accessible to businesses and consumers, and open ed up G/IT/M/79  
 
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  opportunities for increased investment and integration into global value chains.  Australia again 
sincerely congratulate d Timor -Leste on this important achievement,  and we look forward to 
welcoming Timor -Leste as a WTO  Member at MC13.  
7.37.  The Committee took note  of the statements made.  
8  FUNCTIONING OF THE ITA  COMMITTEE – REPORT OF THE CHAIRPE RSON TO THE 
COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS ( G/IT/W/57 ) 
8.1.  The Chairperson  recalled that, at the request of the Chairperson of the CTG, and with a view 
to reporting on the discussions that had taken place in the ITA  Committee on improving its 
functioning, a report ha d been prepared and circulated, on 29  September, in document  G/IT/W/57 . 
This was a factual report that reflected the relevant discussions that had taken place in the 
Committee since 2022.  
8.2.  For the C ommittee's information, he noted that one delegation (China) had suggested to 
include the name of the Committee's former Chairperson (Mr  Hazrul Imran AZAHAR) in 
paragraph  2.1, and the name of the interim Chair (Mr  LOH Jia Jie), who chaired the Committee's 
spring meeting of that year, in paragraph  2.2, to ensure the consistency of the text.  He asked if the 
Committee could agree to this suggestion.  
8.3.  The Committee so agreed . 
8.4.  Based on the Chairperson's proposal, t he Committee adopted  the draft report as a Report  of 
the Committee on the understanding that it would be modified to reflect the discussions at that day's 
meeting.1 
8.5.  The Committee so agreed . 
9  DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT (2023) OF THE COMMITTEE TO THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN 
GOODS ( G/IT/W/56 ) 
9.1.  The Chairperson  informed the Committee that the Committee's draft annual report (2023) to 
the Council for Trade in Goods had been circulate d in document  G/IT/W/56 , dated 26  September, 
which would be updated to take account of the discussions at that day's meeting.  
9.2.  The Committee adopted  the draft report on the understanding that it would be modified to 
reflect the discussions at that day's meeting.2 
10  DATE OF THE NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING  
10.1.  The Chairperson  informed the Committee that the Secretariat had tentatively reserved 
Thursday, 11  April 2024 as the date of the Committee's next formal meeting, on the understanding 
that this date would be confirmed in an email well before the meeting; additional meetings might 
also be convened, as required.  
10.2.  The Committee took note  of this information.  
_____ _____  
 
1 The Committee's final report was circulated in document  G/L/1498. 
2 The Committee's final report was circulated in document  G/L/1510.