G/L/1381  
 
4 December 2020  
(20-8738) Page: 1/18 
   
 
REPORT (20 20) OF THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS  
In accordance with the "Procedures for an Annual Overview of WTO  Activities and for Reporting 
under the WTO " (WT/L/105), the Council for Trade in Goods (CTG, or the Council) is to report each 
year to the General Council on the activities in the Council as well as those in its subsidiary bodies. 
The reports are to be "factual in nature, containing an indication o f actions and decisions taken, with 
cross-references to reports of subordinate bodies and could follow the model of the GATT  1947 
Council reports to the CONTRACTING PARTIES ". 
 
Since its 201 9 Annual Report (G/L/1 343 and G/L/1 343/Add.1 ) was issued, the CTG m et two times 
in formal session, via Interprefy, on the following dates: 1 0 and 1 1 June 2020 (G/C/M/13 7); and 25 
and 26  November  2020 (G/C/M/13 81). Furthermore, the CTG met two times in informal mode, on 
5 Februar y and on 27 July 2020, respectively, to discuss the issue of the Better Functioning of the 
CTG and its Subsidiary Bodies and  to consider  the slate of names  for the appointment of Chairpersons 
of the CTG 's subsidiary bodies.  
 
The subject matters raised and/or acted upon in the Co uncil were as follows:  
 
1   ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON OF THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS  .......................  4 
2   APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS FOR THE SUBSIDIARY BODIES OF THE COUNCIL  ..........  4 
3   MARKET ACCESS ISSUES  ................................ ................................ ............................  5 
3.1   Collective Waiver Requests on the Introduction of the Harmonized System  2002, 2007, 
2012, and 2017  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  5 
4   WAIVERS UNDER ARTICLE  IX OF THE WTO  AGREEMENT  ................................ ............  5 
4.1   Introduction of Harmonized System  2002 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions: Collective request for a waiver extension (G/C/W/782)  ................................ ........  5 
4.2   Introduction of Harmonized System  2007 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions: Collective request for a waiver extension (G/C/W/783)  ................................ ........  5 
4.3   Introduction of Harmonized System  2012 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions: Collective request for a waiver (G/C/W/784)  ................................ ......................  5 
4.4   Introduction of Harmonized System  2017 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions: Collective request for a waiver (G/ C/W/785)  ................................ ......................  5 
5   ACCESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC TO THE 
EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION (EAEU): PROCEDURES UNDE R ARTICLE  XXVIII:3 OF 
GATT  1994  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  5 
5.1   Accession of the Republic of Armenia and of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Eurasian Economic 
Union (EAEU): Procedures under Article  XXVIII:3 of GATT  1994 – Request from the European 
Union  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  5 
5.2   Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the Eurasian Economic Union: Procedures under 
Article  XXVIII:3 of GATT  1994 (G/L/1110/Add.6)  ................................ ................................ ... 6 
5.3   Accessio n of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Eurasian Economic Union: Procedures under 
Article  XXVIII:3 of GATT  1994 (G/L/1137/Add.5)  ................................ ................................ ... 6 
 
1 To be issued.  G/L/1381  
 
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  6   NOTIFI CATION OF REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS  ................................ ...................  6 
7   NOTIFICATIONS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  6 
7.1   Status of Notifications under the Provisions of the Agreements in Annex  1A of the 
WTO Agreement (G/L/223/Rev.27)  ................................ ................................ ......................  6 
8   MEASURES TO ALLOW GRADUATED LDCS, WITH GNP BELOW US$1,000, BENEFITS 
PURSUANT TO ANNEX  VII(B) OF THE AGREEMENT ON SUBSIDIES AND 
COUNTERVAILING MEASURES (WT/GC/W/742 -G/C/ W/752)  ................................ ........  7 
9   COVID -19: MEASURES RELATED TO TRADE IN GOODS (G/C/W/780; G/C/W/788)  ... 7 
10   PROPOSAL FOR AN AUTHORITATIVE INTERPRETATION OF THE ENABLING CLAUSE 
TO PROVIDE GREATER LEGAL CERTAINTY TO NON -RECIPROCAL PREFERENCES 
GRANTED BY DEVELOPING COUNTRY WTO  MEMBERS TOLEAST DEVELOPED  
COUNTRIES – REQUEST FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (G/C/W/775 ) .........................  7 
11   CHINA – IMPLEMENTATION OF TRADE DISRUPTIVE AND RESTRICTIVE  
MEASURES – REQUEST FROM AUSTRALIA  ................................ ................................ ....... 8 
12   EGYPT – IMPORT RESTRICTIONS FOR SUGAR – REQUEST FROM THE 
EUROPEAN  UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  8 
13   NIGERIA – FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING DAIRY IMPORTS – 
REQUEST FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ................................ ..........  8 
14   PANAMA – IMPORT RESTRICTING PRACTICES – REQUEST FROM COSTA RICA  .........  8 
15   KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA – TRADE RESTRICTIVE POLICIES AND PRACTICES 
CONCERNING TURKEY - REQUEST FROM TURKEY  ................................ ............................  8 
16   SRI LANKA – IMPORT BAN ON VARIOUS PRODUCTS – REQUEST FROM THE 
EUROPEAN  UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  8 
17   UNITED STATES – REVISED ORIGIN MARKING REQUIREMENT FOR GOODS 
PRODUCED IN HONG KONG – REQUEST FROM HONG KONG, CHINA  ................................  9 
18   EUROPEAN UNION – CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM  
(THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL OF DECEMBER  2019)  ................................ ........................  9 
19   UNITED STATES – IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON APPLES AND PEARS – REQUEST 
FROM THE EUROPEAN  UNION  ................................ ................................ .........................  9 
20   MEXICO – FRONT OF PACK NUTRITION LABELING (NOM -51) – REQUEST FROM  
THE UNITED  STATES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 9 
21   UNITED STATES - EXECUTIVE ORDER ON SECURI NG THE BULK -POWER SYSTEM – 
REQUEST FROM CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 10 
22   EUROPEAN UNION – SAFEGUARD MEASURES ON IMPORTS OF CERTAIN STEEL 
PRODUCTS – REQU EST FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  ................................ ............  10 
23   EUROPEAN UNION – PROPOSED MODIFICATION OF TRQ  COMMITMENTS:  
SYSTEMIC CONCERNS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 10 
24   UNITED KINGDOM – DRAFT GOODS SCHEDULE AND  PROPOSED 
UK TRQ COMMITMENTS: SYSTEMIC CONCERNS  ................................ .............................  10 
25   ENLARGEMENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO INCLUDE CROATIA: 
NEGOTIATIONS  UNDER ARTI CLE XXIV:6 OF THE GATT  1994 – REQUEST FROM THE 
RUSSIAN FEDERATION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 11 
26   EUROPEAN  UNION – IMPLEMENTATION OF NON -TARIFF BARRIERS ON 
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS (G/C/W/767/REV.1)  ................................ .........................  11 
27   KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN, THE UNITED ARAB 
EMIRATES, OMAN, AND QATAR – SELECTIVE TAX ON CERTAIN  
IMPORTED PRODUCTS ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 11 
28   INDONESIA – IMPORT AND EXPORT RESTRICTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES – 
REQUEST FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION, JAPAN, AND NEW ZEALAND  ...........................  11 G/L/1381  
 
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  29   EUROPEAN UNION – QUALITY SCHEMES FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND 
FOODSTUFFS – THE REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN TERMS OF CHEESE AS  
GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS  ................................ ................................ .....................  12 
30   EGYPT – MANUFACTURER REGISTRATION SYSTEM – REQUEST FROM THE 
EUROPEAN UNION AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  ................................ .....................  12 
31   MONGOLIA – MEASURES APPLIED WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL 
PRODUCTS – REQUEST FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  ................................ ............  12 
32   CHINA – MEASURES RESTRICTING THE IMPORT OF SCRAP MATERIALS –  
REQUEST FROM THE UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ............  13 
33   INDIA – RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS OF CERTAIN PULSES – REQUEST FROM 
AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE EUROPEAN UNION, THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION,  
UKRAINE, AND THE UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ .............  13 
34   CHINA – CUSTOMS DUTIES ON CERTAIN INTEGRATED CIRCUITS  ..........................  13 
35   EUROPEAN UNION – DRAFT IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS REGARDING 
PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN AND GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS, 
TRADITIONAL TERMS, LABELLING AND PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN WINE SECTOR 
PRODUCTS – REQUEST FROM THE UNITED STATES  ................................ .......................  13 
36   CHINA – NEW EXPORT CONTROL LAW IN DRAFT – REQUEST FROM THE 
EUROPEAN  UNION AND JAPAN  ................................ ................................ .....................  14 
37   UNITED STATES – PROHIBITIVE MEASURES ON COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT  
OR SERVICES RELEASED BY THE FCC – REQUEST FROM CHINA  ................................ ..... 14 
38   AUSTRALIA – DISCRIMINATORY MARKET ACCESS PROHIBITION ON 
5G EQUIPMENT – REQUEST FROM CHINA  ................................ ................................ ...... 14 
39   UNITED STATES – MEASURES REGARDING MARKET ACCESS PROHIBITION FOR 
ICT PRODUCTS – REQUEST FROM CHINA  ................................ ................................ ...... 14 
40   UNITED STATES – EXPORT CONTROL MEASURES FOR ICT  PRODUCTS –  
REQUEST FROM CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 15 
41   EUROPEAN UNION – REGULATION EC NO.  1272/2008 (CLP  REGULATION) – 
REQUEST FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  ................................ ................................ . 15 
42   RUSSIAN FEDERATION – TRADE RESTRICTING PRACTICES – REQUEST FROM  
THE EUROPEAN  UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 15 
43   EUROPEAN UNION – REGULATION (EU) 2017/2321 AND REGULATION  
(EU) 2018/825  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  15 
44   EUROPEAN UNION – AMENDMENTS TO THE DIRECTIVE 20 09/28/EC,  
RENEWABLE ENERGY DIRECTIVE  ................................ ................................ ..................  16 
45   ANGOLA – IMPORT RESTRICTING PRACTICES  ................................ ........................  16 
46   PROCEDURES TO ENHANCE TRANSPARENCY AND STRENGTHEN NOTIFICATION 
REQUIREMENTS UNDER WTO  AGREEMENTS – COMMUNICATION FROM ARGENTINA, 
AUSTRALIA, CANADA, COSTA RICA, THE EUROPEAN UNION, ISRAEL, JAPAN, 
NEW  ZEALAND, THE SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINMEN 
AND MATSU, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND THE UNITED STATES (JOB/GC/204/REV.3 –
JOB/CTG/14/REV.3 AND JOB/GC/204/REV.4 –JOB/CTG/14/REV.4)  ............................  16 
47   WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE  ................................ ..................  17 
48   BETTER FUNCTIONING OF THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS AND  
SUBSIDIARY COMMITTEES – STATEMENT BY HONG KONG, CHINA  ...............................  17 
49   CONSIDERATION OF ANNUAL REPORTS OF SUBSIDIARY BODIES OF THE  
COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS  ................................ ................................ ...................  18 
50   ADOPTION OF THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS TO 
THE GENERAL COUNCIL ................................ ................................ ................................ . 18 
 G/L/1381  
 
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  1  ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON OF THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS  
1.1.  At its meeting of 10 June, the Council elected by acclamation HE  Mr Mikael Anzén (Sweden ) as 
its Chairperson for 20 20-2021. 
2  APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS FOR THE SUBSIDIARY BODIES OF THE COUNCIL  
2.1.  At its meeting of 10 June, the Council agreed to  suspend this agenda item in order for the 
outgoing CTG Chair to hold additional consultations on this issue  because of the formal objection by 
one delegation to the proposed slate of names ; it also agreed to reconvene a meeting to continue 
dealing with this agenda item once he, in his capacity as outgoing Chair, would be in a position to 
present a slate of names.  
2.2.  At its meeting of  27 July2 conducted by the former CTG  Chair  at the request of Ambassad or 
Anzén, the Council reverted to this agenda item  and, f ollowing an informal meeting at which the 
Chairperson submitted to the Council the revised slate of names  that had emerged as a result of his 
consultations , agreed on the nominations of the following  persons for election as Chairpersons of its 
subsidiary bodies for 2020: 
CTG Subsidiary Body  Chairperson  
Committee on Market Access  Mr Anatoly CHAPLIN (Russian Federation)  
Committee on Agriculture  Ms Maria ESCANDOR (Philippines)  
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Mr Gregory MACDONALD (Canada)  
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade  Mr Laurence SANDRAL (Australia)  
Committee on TRIMs  Mr Manuel CHACÓN (Colombia)  
Committee on Anti -dumping Practices  Ms Maarit  KEITANEN (Finland)  
Committee on Customs Valuation  Mr Carlos GUEVARA (Ecuador)  
Committee on Rules of Origin  Mr Han -Ming HUANG (Chinese Taipei)  
Committee on Import Licensing  Dr Muhammad IRFAN (Pakistan)  
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures  Ms Sungyo CHOI (Republic of Korea)  
Committee on Safeguards  Mr Mustafa TUZCU (Turkey)  
Working Party on State Trading Enterprises  Ms Johana MÉNDEZ (Panama)  
Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade 
in Information Technology Products  Ms Uma MUNIANDY (Singapore)  
Committee on Trade Facilitation  HE Ms Katrina NAUT (Dominican Republic)  
 
2.3.  At the same meeting, the Council agreed to proceed on the understanding that, as concerned 
the Vice -Chairpersons, it would be for the subsidiary bodies to decide if they needed a 
Vice-Chairperson in cases where the option existed under the respective Agreement and/or rules of 
procedure, and for the respective Chairperson to hold the necessary consultatio ns. In the absence 
of provisions in the rules of procedure of Working Parties to elect Chairpersons, the Council also 
agreed to appoint the nominated Chairperson, Ms Johana MÉNDEZ (Panama) , for the Working Party 
on State Trading Enterprises . The Working  Group would also proceed to appoint a Vice -Chair, as had 
been agreed by the Council in November  2019.  
 
2 See document  G/C/M/137/Add.1.  G/L/1381  
 
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  3  MARKET ACCESS ISSUES  
3.1  Collective Waiver Requests on the Introduction of the Harmonized System  2002, 
2007, 2012, and 2017  
3.1.  At its meeting of 25 November , the Council considered four  collective waiver requests on the 
introduction of Harmonized System  2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017  changes into WTO  Schedules of 
Concessions ( see Section  4 below ). 
4  WAIVERS UNDER ARTICLE  IX OF THE WTO  AGREEMENT  
4.1  Introduction  of Harmonized System  2002 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions : Collective request for a waiver extension (G/ C/W/782 ) 
4.1.  At its meeting of 25 November , the Council considered a collective request for an extension of 
the waiver in connection with the introduction of HS2002  changes to the Schedules of Concessions. 
The Council approved the waiver request and recommended that the draft decision contained in 
document  G/C/W/782  be forwarded to the General Council for adoption.  
4.2  Introduction of Harmonized  System  2007 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions : Collective request for a waiver extension (G/ C/W/783 ) 
4.2.  At its meeting of 25 November , the Council considered a collective request for an extension of 
the waiver in connection with the introducti on of HS2007  changes to the Schedules of Concessions. 
The Council approved the waiver request and recommended that the draft decision contained in 
document  G/C/W/783  be forwarded to the General Council for adoption.  
4.3  Introduction of Harmonized System  2012 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions : Collective request for a waiver (G /C/W/784 ) 
4.3.  At its meeting of 25 November , the Council considered a collective request for a waiver in 
connection with the introduction of HS2012  changes to the Schedules of C oncessions. The Council 
approved the waiver request and recommended that the draft decision contained in 
document  G/C/W/784  be forwarded to the General Council for adoption.  
4.4  Introduction of Harmonized System  2017 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions : Collective request for a waiver (G/ C/W/785 ) 
4.4.  At its meeting of 25 November , the Council considered a collective request for a waiver in 
connection with the introduction of HS2017  changes to the Schedules of Concessions. The Council 
approved the  waiver request and recommended that the draft decision contained in 
document  G/C/W/785  be forwarded to the General Council for adoption.  
5  ACCESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC TO THE 
EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION (EAEU): PROCEDURES UNDE R ARTICLE  XXVIII:3 OF 
GATT  1994  
5.1  Accession of the Republic of Armenia and of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Eurasian 
Economic Union ( EAEU ): Procedures under Article  XXVIII :3 of GATT  1994  – Request from 
the European Union  
5.1.  At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the European  Union 
on the progress that had been achieved in the tariff negotiations for non -agricultural products 
following Armenia and the Kyrgyz Republic's accession to the EAEU and expressing concerns ov er a 
lack of progress in the area of agriculture.3 The Council also took note of the statement s made by 
Brazil, China , and the Russian Federation, and of the responses provided by Armenia and the Kyrgyz 
Republic . 
 
3 This concern had already been raised at the meeting of 11  April 2019.  G/L/1381  
 
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  5.2  Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the Eurasian Economic Union: Procedures 
under Article  XXVIII:3 of GATT  1994 (G/L/1110/Add. 6) 
5.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the information provided by the 
Republic of Armenia relating to its renegotiations under Articl e XXVIII:3 of GATT  1994, following its 
accession to the EAEU, and considered the extension of the deadline set out in 
document  G/L/1110/Add.6. The Council took note of the statement made by the European Union 
and approved the requested extension until 2  January  2022.  
5.3  Accession of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Eurasian Economic Union: Procedures under 
Article  XXVIII:3 of GATT  1994 (G/L/1137/Add. 5) 
5.3.  At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the information provided by the Kyrgyz 
Republic relating to  its renegotiations under Article  XXVIII:3 of GATT  1994 following its accession to 
the EAEU and considered the extension of the deadline set out in document  G/L/1137/Add. 5. The 
Council took note of the statement made by the European Union and approved the requested 
extension until 12  February  2022. 
6  NOTIFICATION OF REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS  
6.1.  At its meetings of 10 June and 25 November , the Council was informed of the following  
notifications of regional trade agreements:  
• Free Trade Agreement between the Philippines and the EFTA States, Goods 
(WT/REG394/N/2)  
 
• Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong, China and Australia, Goods (WT/REG400/N/1)  
 
• Interim Agreement between the EAEU and Iran, Goods (WT/REG401/N/1)  
 
• Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Singapore, Goods 
(WT/REG402/N/1)  
 
• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Chile and Indonesia, Goods 
(WT/REG403/N/1)  
 
• Free Trade Agreement between Peru and Austr alia, Goods (WT/REG404/N/1)  
 
• Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Viet  Nam, Goods (WT/REG406/N/1)  
 
• United  States -Mexico -Canada  Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA/T -MEC), Goods 
(WT/REG407/N/1)  
 
• Accession of Samoa and Solomon Islands to the Interim Partnership Agreement between the 
European Union and the Pacific States, Goods (WT/REG408/N/1 - WT/REG409/N/1)  
 
6.2.  At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the 
Russian  Federation  regarding the entry into force of the  Interim A greement leading to the formation 
of a free trade area between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and its member States on the 
one hand, and Iran, on the other . 
7  NOTIFICATIONS  
7.1  Status of Notifications under the Provisions of the Agreements in Annex  1A of the  
WTO  Agreement (G/L/223/Rev.2 7) 
7.1.  At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of document  G/L/223/Rev.2 7, informing 
Members about the status of notifications under the provisions of the Agreements in Annex  IA of the 
WTO Agreement . G/L/1381  
 
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  8  MEASURES TO ALLOW GRADUATED LDCS , WITH GNP BELOW US$1,000, BENEFITS 
PURSUANT TO ANNEX  VII(B) OF THE AGREEMENT ON SUBSIDIES AND COUNTERVAILING 
MEASURES (WT/GC/W/742 -G/C/W/752)  
8.1.  At its meeting of 10 June, the Council again took note of the statement made by Burkina Faso, 
speaking on behalf of Chad, on behalf of the LDC  Group , asking Members to consider the proposal 
to allow  graduated LDC  Members to benefit from the exception provided under Article  27.2(a) of the 
SCM Agreement to devel oping countries listed in Annex  VII(b) .4 The Council also took note of the 
statements made by Bangladesh,  Brazil,  India, Nepal, Turkey, in sup port of this request, and of the 
statements made by the European Union and the United  States , requesting further clarification s of 
this issue.  
8.2.  At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the statement made by Bangladesh, 
speaking on behalf of t he LDC  Members, regarding the proposal to allow graduated LDC  Members 
to benefit from the exception provided under Article  27.2(a) of the SCM  Agreement to developing 
countries listed in Annex  VII(b). The Council also took note of the statements made by Bot swana, 
on behalf of the African Group, the European Union, India, Turkey, and the United States.  
9  COVID -19: MEASURES RELATED TO TRADE IN GOODS  (G/C/W/780 ; G/C/W/788 ) 
9.1.  At the meeting of 10 June, the Council considered document  G/C/W/78 0, containing a 
communication on measures related to trade in goods taken in the context of the 
COVID -19 pandemic , and took note of the proposal submitted  by Canada; Colombia; Costa Rica; 
Hong Kong, China; New Zealand; Norway; Singapore; Switzerland; and Uru guay, that, in order to 
strengthen transparency and provide a formal platform for Members to discuss the emergency 
measures and initiatives adopted by Members to face the COVID -19 pandemic crisis, a dedicated 
section be included in the CTG  agenda on this t opic in the following months, and as long as the 
pandemic would last, given the key role played by the Goods Council in monitoring the overall 
implementation of measures in a systemic manner, and in promoting good practices and initiatives. 
The Council als o took note of statements made by Australia; Botswana , on behalf of the African 
Group ; Burkina Faso, on behalf of Chad and the LDC  Group; Ecuador; the European  Union; India;  
Indonesia; Japan; Mexico; Namibia; Nigeria; the Republic of Korea; Paraguay; the R ussian 
Federation; South Africa; Sri Lanka; Chinese Taipei; the United Kingdom; and the United States;  
and of the responses to these statements provided by Canada and Hong Kong, China.  
9.2.  At its meeting of 25 November , the Council  considered document  G/C/W/788 , submitted by 
Canada; Colombia; Costa Rica; Hong Kong, China; New Zealand; Norway; Singapore;  and 
Switzerland  indicating that the CTG should be a platform for Members to discuss trade -related 
measures taken in the context of the COVID -19 crisis i n a systematic manner, and took note of the  
statements made by the above -mentioned co -sponsors. The Council also took note of a presentation 
made by the Secretariat at the request of the co -sponsors  and of the statements made by  Australia, 
Botswana, on beh alf of the African Group, Chile, China, Ecuador, the European Union, Indonesia,  
Nigeria, Paraguay, the United  Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay . 
10  PROPOSAL FOR AN AUTHORITATIVE INTERPRETATION OF THE ENABLING CLAUSE TO 
PROVIDE GREATER LEGAL CERTAINTY TO  NON-RECIPROCAL PREFERENCES GRANTED BY 
DEVELOPING COUNTRY WTO  MEMBERS TO LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES – REQUEST 
FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (G/C/W/775)  
10.1.   At the meeting of 10 June, the Council considered document  G/C/W/775 containing a proposal 
for an authoritat ive interpretation of the Enabling Clause  under Article  IX:3 of the 
Marrakesh  Agreement , and took note of the Republic of Korea's statement explaining the aim of the 
proposal to provide greater legal certainty to non -reciprocal preferences granted by developing 
country WTO  Members to LDCs. It also took note of the statements made by Bangladesh; Burkina 
Faso, on behalf of  Chad and  the LDC  Group ; China; India; South  Africa; and Turkey.  
10.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council  took note of the statement  made by the Republic 
of Korea thanking Members for the constructive discussions since  the last meeting and noting that 
 
4 This issue had already been raised by the Central African Republic, on behalf of the LDC  Group, at the 
Council's meetings of 3  July and 12  November  2018, and by Chad, on behalf of the  LDC Group, at the Council's 
meetings of 11  April, 8  July, and 14  November  2019.  G/L/1381  
 
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  it would present its proposal to the General  Council . It also took note of the statements made by  
Afganistan , on behalf of the LDC  Group , Bangladesh, Botswana,  on behalf of the African Group , 
Brazil, China, India, and Turkey . 
11  CHINA – IMPLEMENTATION OF TRADE DISRUPTIVE AND RESTRICTIVE MEASURES – 
REQUEST FROM AUSTRALIA  
11.1.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the statement made by Australia 
expressing concerns over  a series of measures implemented by China on a range of goods imported 
from Australia , which ha d increased in recent months and includ ed, among others,  anti-dumping 
and countervailing duty investigations  on imports of barley and wine; delays  in obtaining approval 
of export establishments for Australian agricultural commodities , including those that had voluntarily 
suspended exports to China due to detection of SARS COV -2; increased inspection and testing rates 
on consignments with live rock lobster  and Australian wine ; suspension s on imports of timber logs  
and barley exporters; and limited purchases and imports of Australian cotton . The Council also took 
note of the statement made by China in response to t hese concerns.  
12  EGYPT – IMPORT RESTRICTIONS FOR SUGAR – REQUEST FROM THE EUROPEAN  UNION  
12.1.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the statement made by the 
European  Union expressing concerns over  Egypt's prohibition on imports of raw and white  sugar 
introduced as a temporary measure in June  2020 and its consistency with GATT  Article  XI:2(c).  It 
also took note of the statement made by Brazil and of the statement made by Egypt  in response to 
this concern.  
13  NIGERIA – FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING DAIRY IMPORTS – 
REQUEST FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION  
13.1.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the statement made by the 
European  Union expressing concerns over  Nigeria's restrictions on access to foreign currency for the 
importation of dairy products  and their derivatives  which  Nigeria justified under GATT  Articles  XII, 
XVIII, and XXI . Concerns were also raised regarding Nigeria's fulfilment of  its commitments under 
the Understanding o n the Balance -of-Payments Provisions of the GATT  1994. The Council also took 
note of the statement made by Nigeria  in response to these concerns.  
14  PANAMA – IMPORT RESTRICTING PRACTICES – REQUEST FROM COSTA RICA  
14.1.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the  statement made by Costa  Rica 
expressing concerns over  Panama's import restricting practices , which included a ban on the import 
of tomatoes  since 2011 , restrictions applied since 2019 to bananas, plantains, pineapples, and 
strawberries , and other restrictive measures imposed in 2020 on dairy products, pork and beef, 
poultry, and other agricultural food stuffs  from Costa Rica and other regional partners . It also took 
note of the statement made by Mexico and of the statement made by Panama i n response to these 
concerns.  
15  KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA – TRADE RESTRICTIVE POLICIES AND PRACTICES 
CONCERNING TURKEY - REQUEST FROM TURKEY  
15.1.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the statement made by Turkey 
expressing concerns over  the Kingd om of  Saudi Arabia's trade  policies which affected  Turkish 
products , including long delays in  customs clearance and increased safety inspections applied to 
containers with perishable goods , such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and which represented 
additio nal costs and declines in imports of those sectors . It also took note of the statement made by 
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  in response to these concerns.  
16  SRI LANKA – IMPORT BAN ON VARIOUS PRODUCTS – REQUEST FROM THE 
EUROPEAN  UNION  
16.1.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the statement made by the 
European  Union expressing concerns over  the Imports and Exports Control Regulations adopted by 
Sri Lanka in 2020 whose rationale was to ease pressure on the exchange rate and  overall balance G/L/1381  
 
- 9 - 
 
  of payment s but which result ed in quantitative restriction s that affect ed trade in goods  and created 
a de facto import ban . Those measures, of an initial temporary nature, had been revised and 
extended in scope and seemed to remain valid u ntil further notice. The Council also took note of the 
statements made by Argentina and Australia, and of the statement made by Sri  Lanka  in response 
to these concerns.  
17  UNITED STATES – REVISED ORIGIN MARKING REQUIREMENT FOR GOODS PRODUCED 
IN HONG KONG – REQUEST FROM HONG KONG, CHINA  
17.1.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the statement made by Hong Kong, 
China expressing concerns over  the revised origin marking requirement promulgated by the 
United  States'  Customs and Border Protection (USCBP)  in August  2020, according to which goods 
produced in Hong  Kong, China and imported into the US could no longer be marked to indicate 
"Hong  Kong" as their origin, but had to indicate "China" instead . The Council also t ook note of the 
statement made by the United States in response to these concerns.  
18  EUROPEAN UNION – CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (THE EUROPEAN 
GREEN DEAL OF DECEMBER  2019)  
18.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made  by the 
Russian  Federation expressing concerns  over the European Union's intention to introduce a "carbon 
border adjustment mechanism" by means of a new excise duty on carbon intensive products, border 
tax or customs duty, carbon added tax, and surrender of (notio nal) emission trading system 
allowances upon importation of such products.  It also took note of the statements made by  China, 
Paraguay, the United States, and Uruguay , and  of the statement made by  the European  Union  in 
response to these concerns.  
18.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council  took note of the statement s made by Armenia, 
China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and the Russian Federation  regarding their concerns over the 
EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism . It also took note of the state ments made by Argentina, 
Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Nigeria, Pakistan, 
Paraguay, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia , Chinese  Taipei, Turkey, the United States, and 
Uruguay , and of the statement made by the E uropean  Union  in response to these concerns.  
19  UNITED STATES – IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON APPLES AND PEARS  – REQUEST FROM 
THE EUROPEAN  UNION  
19.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the European  Union 
expressing its concerns that the United States  had not published a  Federal Notice related to the  
importation of apples and pears from EU  member States , even though  the US had finalized its 
scientific risk assessment on the application of exports of apples and pears from eight  EU member 
States  several years ago.  It also took note of the statement made by  the United  States  in response 
to these concerns.  
19.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council  again  took note of the statement made by the 
European Union regarding the United States not having published a Federal Notice related to the 
importation of apples and pears from EU member States . It also took note of the statement made 
by the United  States  in response to these concerns.  
20  MEXICO – FRONT OF PACK NUTRITION LABELING (NOM -51) – REQUEST FROM THE 
UNITED  STATES  
20.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the United States 
over Mexico's notification of "General Labeling Specifications for Pre -Packaged Foods and 
Non-Alcoholic Drinks – Commercial and Health I nformation  (NOM -051)", intended to address public 
health  but apparently  more trade restrictive than necessary to meet Mexico's legitimate health 
objectives  and lacking scientific evidence. It also took note of the statements made by  Canada, 
Costa Rica, the European  Union , and Guatemala,  and of the statement made by  Mexico  in response 
to these concerns.  G/L/1381  
 
- 10 - 
 
  20.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statement made by the 
United States regarding Mexico's "General Labelling Specifications for Pre -Packaged Foods and 
Non-Alcoholic  Drinks – Commercial and Health Information  (NOM -051)". It also took note of the 
statements made by Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Paraguay , and of the state ment made by Mexico  
in response to these concerns.  
21  UNITED STATES - EXECUTIVE ORDER ON SECURING THE BULK -POWER SYSTEM  – 
REQUEST FROM CHINA  
21.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by China raising 
concerns over  the definition of "foreign adversary" contained in the US  Executive Order on Securing 
the US  Bulk-Power System, which prohibited the acquisition, importation, transfer, or installation of 
certain "bulk -power system electric equipment" where the transaction inv olved property in which a 
"foreign adversary" had any interest and posed risks to US  national security. It also took note of the 
statement made by  the United  States  in response to these concerns.  
21.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council  again  took note o f the statement made by  China  
regarding the US  definition of "foreign adversary " contained in the US  Executive Order on Securing 
the US  Bulk-Power System . It also took note of the statement made by the United  States  in response 
to these concerns.  
22  EUROPEAN UNION – SAFEGUARD MEASURES ON IMPORTS OF CERTAIN STEEL 
PRODUCTS  – REQUEST FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
22.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the 
Russian  Federation raising concerns over the European Union's  safeguard measures on certain steel 
products  and issues regarding their administration and progressive liberalization  in accordance with 
Article  7.4 of the Safeguards  Agreement . It also took note of the statement made by  Korea and of 
the statement made by  the European  Union  in response to these concerns.  
23  EUROPEAN UNION – PROPOSED MODIFICATION OF TRQ  COMMITMENTS: SYSTEMIC 
CONCERNS  
23.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement s made by Australia, Brazil, 
Canada, China, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, Switzerland, the United States, and Uruguay 
expressing their systemic, commercial, and technical concerns regarding the  tariff rate quota 
(TRQ)  commitments of the European Union followi ng the Brexit process .5 It also took note of the 
statement s made by  Chile, Costa Rica, Indonesia, India, the Republic of Korea, Paraguay, and  
Chinese Taipei,  and of the response provided by the European  Union . 
23.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the concerns raised  by 
Australia, Brazil,  Canada, China, New  Zealand, the Russian Federation, the United States, and 
Uruguay  over the TRQ commitments of the EU following the Brexit process . It also took note of the 
statemen ts made by India, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Paraguay, Switzerland , and Chinese  Taipei , 
and of the statement made by the European  Union  in response to these concerns.  
24  UNITED KINGDOM – DRAFT GOODS SCHEDULE AND PROPOSED 
UK TRQ COMMITMENTS: SYSTEMIC CONCERNS  
24.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the concerns raised  by Australia; Brazil; 
Canada;  China; New Zealand; the Russian Federation Switzerland; the United States;  and Uruguay , 
on the apportionment of the tariff rate quotas (TRQs) and the potential loss in market access 
resulting from the UK's new and independent draft WTO  schedule, a consequence of the UK leaving 
the European Union. It also took note of the statement made by the United  Kingdom in response to 
these concerns.  
24.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the concerns raised by 
Australia, Brazil, Canada , China , New Zealand, the Russian Federation , the United States, and 
 
5 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 12 November  2018 and 11 April, 8 July, and 
14 November  2019.  G/L/1381  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Uruguay regarding the UK's p roposed schedule of concessions and TRQ commitments following 
Brexit . It also took note of the statements made by India, Mexico, Paraguay, Switzerland , and 
Chinese Taipei , and of the statement made by the United  Kingdom in response to these concerns.  
25  ENLAR GEMENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO INCLUDE CROATIA: NEGOTIATIONS 
UNDER ARTICLE  XXIV:6 OF THE GATT  1994 – REQUEST FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
25.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the 
Russian  Federation reiterating  its conce rns over the European Union's refusal to engage in the 
renegotiation process under GATT  Article  XXIV:6 following Croatia's accession to the EU.6 It also 
took note of the statement made by the European Union in response to these concerns.  
25.2.   At its meeting of  25 November , the Council again took note of the statement made by  the 
Russian  Federation  reiterating its concerns over the European Union's refusal to engage with it in 
the renegotiation process under GATT  Article  XXIV:6, following Croatia's accession to the EU. It also 
took note of the European Union's statement in response to these  concern s. 
26  EUROPEAN  UNION – IMPLEMENTAT ION OF NON -TARIFF BARRIERS ON 
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS  (G/C/W/767/R EV.1) 
26.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the concerns expressed  by Argentina, 
Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, 
Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay over the EU's 
measures prohibiting the use of a number of agro -chemical substances required for safe and 
sustainable agriculture production, which were authorized for use by many WTO  Members based on 
existing international standards .7 The Council al so took note of the statement s made by Chile, Côte 
d'Ivoire, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Africa, and of the response provided by 
the European Union.  
26.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the concerns raised  by 
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, 
Indonesia, Nicaragua, Paraguay, the United  States, and Uruguay  regarding  the EU's measures 
prohibit ing the use of a number of agro -chemical substances.  The Council also took note of the 
statement s made by El Salvador, India, and the Philippines ; and of the statement made by the 
European  Union in response to these concerns.  
27  KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, KINGD OM OF BAHRAIN, THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 
OMAN, AND QATAR  – SELECTIVE TAX ON CERTAIN IMPORTED PRODUCTS  
27.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement s made by the 
European  Union, Switzerland,  and the United  States  reiterat ing their concer ns over the 
GCC selective tax on energy drinks and other carbonated drinks.8 The Council also took note of the 
statement made by  Japan , and of the response provided by  the Kingdom of Bahrain , on behalf of 
the GCC  countries . 
27.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statements made by the 
European  Union, Japan, Switzerland, and the United  States , reiterating their concern s over the 
discriminatory impact of the GCC selective ta x. The Council also took not e of the statement made 
by the United Arab Emirates, on behalf of the GCC  countries, in response to these concerns.  
28  INDONESIA – IMPORT AND EXPORT RESTRICTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES  – 
REQUEST FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION, JAPAN, AND NEW ZEALAND  
28.1.   At its meeting of  10 June, the Council again took note of the statement s made by the 
European  Union, Japan, and New Zealand  raising again their  concerns over Indonesia's trade and 
 
6 This concern had already been raised at the meetings o f 12 November  2018 and 11  April and 
8 July 2019.  
7 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 8 July and 14  November  2019.  
8 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 3 July and 12  November  2018 and 11  April, 
8 July, and 14  Novem ber 2019.  G/L/1381  
 
- 12 - 
 
  investment regime regarding a number of sectors.9 The Council also took note of the statement s 
made by Australia, the Russian Federation, Chinese  Taipei, and the United States,  and of the 
response provided by Indonesia.  
28.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statements made by the 
European  Union, Japan, and New Zealand  relating to their ongoing  concerns over various aspects of 
Indonesia 's trade and investment regime. The Council also took note of the statements made by  
Australia and the United States,  and of the statement made b y Indonesia in response to these 
concerns.  
29  EUROPEAN UNION – QUALITY SCHEMES FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND 
FOODSTUFFS – THE REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN TERMS OF CHEESE AS GEOGRAPHICAL 
INDICATIONS  
29.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement s made by Argentina, the 
United States, and Uruguay  expressing again their concerns over the registration by the EU and 
Denmark of the terms DANBO and HAVARTI as GIs for cheese, disregarding the fact that these were 
generic terms according to the Codex Alimentarius .10 The Council also took note of the statement s 
made by Australia and  New Zealand , and of the response provided by the European  Union . 
29.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statements made by the 
United States and Uruguay reiterating their concerns over the registration by the European Union of 
the term "Danbo " as a GI. The Council also took note of the statements made by Argentina and 
New Zealand,  and of the statement made by the European Union in response to these concerns.  
30  EGYPT – MANUFACTURER REGISTRATION SYSTEM – REQUEST FROM THE EUROPEAN 
UNION AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
30.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement s made by the 
European  Union and the Russian  Federation  maintain ing their concerns regarding Egypt's procedures 
related to the compulsory registration of foreign companies and pre -shipment inspections .11 The 
Council also took note of the statement s made by  the Republic of Korea and Turkey , and of the 
response provided by Egypt.  
30.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council  again  took note of the statement s made by the 
European  Union and the Russian  Federatio n on Egypt 's manufacturer registration system. The 
Council also took note of the statements made by Korea and Turkey , and of the statement made by 
Egypt in response to these concerns . 
31  MONGOLIA – MEASURES APPLIED WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL 
PRODUCT S – REQUEST FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
31.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the 
Russian  Federation  reiterat ing its concern over the quota regime system in Mongolia for the 
importation of certain agricultural products, specifically wheat flour and liquid milk.12 The Council 
also took note of the response provided by Mongolia . 
31.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statement made by the 
Russian Federation concerning the quantitative restrictions and prohibitions on the importation of 
certain agricultural products applied by Mongolia. The Council also took note of the response 
provided by Mongolia.  
 
9 This concern has been on the CTG's agenda since its meeting of 22  June 2012.  
10 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 3  July and 12  November  2018 and 11  April, 
8 July, and 14  November  2019.  
11 This concern had already been raise d at the meetings of 6  April and 8  November  2017, 23  March, 
3 July, and 12  November  2018, and 11  April, 8  July, and 14  November  2019.  
12 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 23  March, 3  July, and 12  November  2018 
and 11  April, 8  July, and  14 November  2019.  G/L/1381  
 
- 13 - 
 
  32  CHINA – MEASURES RESTRICTING THE IMPORT OF SCRAP MATERIALS – REQUEST 
FROM THE UNITED STA TES 
32.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the United  States  
reiterat ing its  concerns over China's measures banning or limiting the import of scrap materials.13 
The Council also took note of the statement s made by Canada,  the European Union, and 
New Zealand , and of the response provided by China . 
32.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statement made by the 
United States , supported by Canada and New Zealand,  reiterating its concerns over China 's ban on 
imports of scrap materials. The Council also took note of the statement made by China in response 
to these concerns.  
33  INDIA – RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS OF CERTAIN PULSES – REQUEST FROM 
AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE EUROPEAN UNION, THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, UKRAI NE, AND 
THE UNITED STATES  
33.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement s made by Australia, Canada, 
the European Union, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and the United States reiterat ing their 
concerns over India's quantitative restrictions on imports of pulses and, in particular, their 
administration in a trade -distorting manner. 14 The Council also took note of the response provided 
by India. 
33.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statements made by 
Australia, Canada, the European Union, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and the United States , 
supported by Ar gentina,  on the  quantitative restrictions imposed by India on the import of beans, 
yellow peas, chickpeas, and other pulses. The Council also took note of the statement made by India 
in response to these concerns.  
34  CHINA – CUSTOMS DUTIES ON CERTAIN INTEGRAT ED CIRCUITS  
34.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement s made by the 
European  Union, Japan, and  Chinese Taipei, renew ing their concerns over China's applied duties for 
semi-conductor products, which had been scheduled as duty-free under the ITA  Expansion.15 The 
Council also took note of the statement s made by the Republic of Korea and the United  States , and 
of the response provided by China . 
34.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statements made by the 
European  Union and Japan , supported by Chinese Taipei and the United States,  expressing concerns 
over the customs duties imposed by China on certain integrated circuits. The Council also took note 
of the statement made by China in response to these concerns.  
35  EUROPEAN UNION – DRAFT IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS REGARDING PROTECTED 
DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN AND GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS, TRADITIONAL TERMS, 
LABELLING AND PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN WINE SECTOR PRODUCTS – REQUEST FROM 
THE UNITED STATES  
35.1.   At its meeting  of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the United  States  
express ing again its concern over the EU's regulations on Protected Designations of Origin and 
Geographical Indications (GIs) and traditional terms for wine .16 The Council also took note of the 
statement made by New Zealan d, and of the response provided by the European  Union . 
 
13 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 23  March, 3  July, and 12  November  2018, 
and 11  April, 8  July, and 14  November  2019.  
14 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 10  November  2017, 23  March, 3  July, and 
12 November  2018,  and 11  April, 8  July, and 14  November  2019.  
15 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 10 November  2017, 23 March, 3  July and 
12 November  2018, and 11 April, 8 July, and 14  November  2019.  
16 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 12 November  2018, and 11  April, 8  July, and 
14 November  2019.  G/L/1381  
 
- 14 - 
 
  35.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statement made  by the 
United States , supported by Argentina and New Zealand,  expressing concerns over the EU 's 
regulations regarding protected designation of origin and GIs and traditional terms for wine. The 
Council also took note of the statement made by the European Union in response to these concerns . 
36  CHINA – NEW EXPORT CONTROL LAW IN DRAFT – REQUEST FROM THE 
EUROPEAN  UNION AND JAPAN  
36.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement s made by the 
European  Union and Japan  raising again concerns over the Chinese draft export control law 
consolidating various existing export control provisions into a single law.17 The Council also took 
note of the statement made by the Republic of Korea , and of the response provided by China . 
36.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , under the title "China – Export Control Law" the Council took 
note of the statement s made by the European  Union  and Japan  expressing  their concerns over the 
Chinese export control law  which would  take effect on 1  December  2020. The Council also took note 
of the statement made  by China in response to these concerns . 
37  UNITED STATES – PROHIBITIVE MEASURES ON COMMUNICAT ION EQUIPMENT OR 
SERVICES RELEASED BY THE FCC – REQUEST FROM CHINA  
37.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by China  reiterat ing 
its concerns  over the ban of  the US  Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on 
US telecommunications operators from using the Universal Service Fund (USF) to purchase 
equipment from Chinese companies, such as Huawei and ZTE.18 The Council also took note of the 
response provided by the United  States . 
38  AUSTRALIA – DISCRIMINATORY MARKET ACCESS PROHIBITION ON 5G EQUIPMENT – 
REQUEST FROM CHINA  
38.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by China  reiterat ing 
its concerns over Australia's prohibition of Chinese equi pment from Australian 5G  projects, extended 
to also include its 4G  network .19 The Council also took note of the response provided by Australia . 
38.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council  again  took note of the statement made by  China 
concerning the prohibition to participate in 5G  projects imposed by Australia on two  Chinese 
companies. The Council also took note of the statement made by Australia in response to this 
concern.  
39  UNITED STATES – MEASURES REGARDING MARKET ACCESS PROHIBITION FOR 
ICT PRODUCT S – REQUEST FROM CHINA  
39.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by China  raising again 
its concern regarding the US  Executive Order on Securing the Information and Telecommunication 
Technology and Services Supply Chain  banning  US companies from buying or using 
telecommunications equipment and services provided by enterprises that were considered to pose 
a potential national security threat.20 The Council also took note of the response provided by the 
United  States . 
39.2.   At its meeti ng of 25 November , the Council  again  took note of the statement made by  China 
concerning the ban on US companies from buying or using  certain  telecommunications equipment 
and services . The Council also took note of the statement made by the United  States  in response to 
this concern.  
 
17 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 8  July and 14  November  2019.  
18 This concern had already been raised at the meet ings of 3  July and 12  November  2018 and 11  April, 
8 July, and 14  November  2019.  
19 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 12  November  2018, 11  April, 8  July, and 
14 November  2019.  
20 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 8  July and 14  November  2019.  G/L/1381  
 
- 15 - 
 
  40  UNITED STATES – EXPORT CONTROL MEASURES FOR ICT PRODUCTS – REQUEST FROM 
CHINA  
40.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by China  express ing 
its concerns with the United States' determination of its national security interests and its  export 
control measures, which  interfer ed with international cooperation between enterprises .21 The Council 
also took note of the response provided by the United  States . 
40.2.   At its mee ting of 25 November , the Council  again  took note of the statement made by  China 
concerning the US  export control measures . The Council also took note of the statement made by 
the United  States  in response to this concern.  
41  EUROPEAN UNION – REGULATION EC NO. 1272/2008 ( CLP REGULATION) – REQUEST 
FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
41.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the 
Russian  Federation  express ing again its concern over the proposed classification, labelling and 
packaging (CLP) requirements for titanium dioxide and cobalt, as well as to the EU's failure to 
approve bio -elution .22 The Council also took note of the statement s made by Australia and Brazil in 
support of these concerns , and of the response provided by  the European Union.  
41.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statement made by the 
Russian Federation reiterating its concerns over the scientific justification for  classifyin g cobalt  as 
carcinogenic and the labelling and packaging requirement s in the European Union CL P Regulation . 
The Council also took note of the statement made by the European Union in response to these 
concerns.  
42  RUSSIAN FEDERATION – TRADE RESTRICTING PRACTIC ES – REQUEST FROM THE 
EUROPEAN  UNION  
42.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the European  Union  
reiterat ing its concern s over the Russian Federation's  policy of import substitution and forced 
localization of production , including the revision of the scheme of cement certification; the recent 
amendment to the Federal Law "on protecting consumer rights", making the pre -installation of 
Russian software mandatory in a number of consumer electronic devices; and the  level of excise 
duties applicable for domestic and imported wines .23 The Council also took note of the statement s 
made by Australia and the United  States , and of the response provided by the Russian  Federation . 
42.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council t ook note of the statement made by the 
European  Union with regard to the amendment  in Russia's  law on the procurement of goods and 
services , the standards for imports of cement, the law to protect consumers' rights, the notification 
of the Law on Viticultur e and Winemaking, and the export ban on timber. The Council also took note 
of the statement made by Australia, Ukraine, and the United States,  and of the statement made by 
the Russian Federation in response to these concerns.  
43  EUROPEAN UNION – REGULATION ( EU) 2017/2321 AND REGULATION ( EU) 2018/825  
43.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement made by the 
Russian  Federation  express ing again its systemic concern over the use by the EU of trade remedy 
instruments , including the methodology for calculating normal value in Regulation  2017/2321.24 The 
Council also took note of the response provided by the European  Union . 
43.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the statement s made by China and 
the Russian Federation over the EU  Regulations  2017/2321 and 2018/825. The Council also took 
note of the statement made by the European Union in response to these concerns.  
 
21 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 8  July and 14  November  2019.  
22 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 11  April, 8  July, and 14  November  2019.  
23 This concern had already been raised at th e meetings of 6 April, 30 June, and 10  November  2017, 
23 March, 3  July, and 12  November  2018, and 11  April, 8  July, and 14  November  2019.  
24 This concern had already been raised at the meeting of 14  November  2019.  G/L/1381  
 
- 16 - 
 
  44  EUROPEAN UNION – AMENDMENTS TO THE DIRECTIVE 2009/28/E C, RENEWABLE 
ENERGY  DIRECTIVE  
44.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the statement s made by Colombia and 
Malaysia  reiterat ing their concerns over EU  Regulation  EU 2019/807  (Renewable Energy Directive, 
or RED) , which singled out palm oil as a high indirect land u se change (ILUC) risk feedstock while 
other major oil crops (rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil) were not.25 The Council also took 
note of the statement s made by Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Indonesia , and of the response 
provided by the European  Union . 
44.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statement s made by 
Colombia, supported by Costa Rica and Guatemala , regarding  the discriminatory treatment provided 
to biofuels and bio -liquids from palm oil in the amendment proposed to RED . The Council also took 
note of the statement made by the European Union in response to these concerns.  
45  ANGOLA – IMPORT RESTRICTING PRACTICES  
45.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council took note of the state ments made by the 
Russian  Federation and the United  States  reiterat ing their concerns over Angola's Presidential 
Decree of January  2019 aimed at restricting imports of 54  agricultural products in order to increase 
domestic economic development.26 The Counc il also took note of the statement s made by Brazil, 
Canada, and the European  Union , and of the response provided by Angola . 
45.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council again took note of the statement made by the 
Russian Federation over Angola' s Presidential Decree N o. 23/19 aimed at restricting a wide range of 
products . The Council also took note of the statements made by  Brazil, the European Union, and th e 
United States,  and of the statement made by Angola  in response to these concerns.  
46  PROCEDURES TO ENHANCE TRANSPARENCY AND STRENGTHEN NOTIFICATION 
REQUIREMENTS UNDER WTO  AGREEMENTS – COMMUNICATION FROM ARGENTINA, 
AUSTRALIA, CANADA, COSTA RICA, THE EUROPEAN  UNION, ISRAEL, JAPAN, 
NEW  ZEALAND, THE SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINMEN AND 
MATSU, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND THE UNITED STATES  (JOB/GC/204/REV.3 –
JOB/CTG/14/REV.3  AND JOB/GC/204/REV. 4–JOB/CTG/14/REV. 4) 
46.1.   At its meeting of 10 June, the Council considered document  JOB/GC/204/Rev.3 –
JOB/CTG/14/Rev.3 , containing a revised draft decision for the General Council's consideration on 
procedures to enhance transparency and strengthen notification requirements under the 
WTO Agreements27, and took n ote of the statement made by  the U nited States on its own behalf, 
and on behalf of the co -sponsors, introducing the revised text which contained additional flexibilities 
and clarifications on several aspects of the previous draft. Israel was announced as a  new co -sponsor 
of the proposal and the UK indicated its intention to co -sponsor the proposal.  The Council also took 
note of the statements made by  Australia , the European Union , Israel , Japan, and Chinese Taipei  in 
support of the proposal , as well as the statements provided by Bangladesh; Brazil;  Burkina Faso (on 
behalf of Chad and the LDC  Group) ; Chile;  China;  Côte d'Ivoire;  Hong Kong, China;  India;  Indonesia;  
the Republic of Korea;  Mexico;  Paraguay;  the Russian Federation;  Senegal;  Singapore;  South Africa;  
Switzerland;  Thailand;  Ukraine;  the United Kingdom;  and Uruguay.  Delegations that intervened 
highlighted the importance of transparency for the well -being and proper functioning of the WTO.  
46.2.   At its meeting of 25 November , under agenda item "Other Bu siness", the Council took note 
of the information provided by the United States, that the United Kingdom had joined the list of 
co-sponsors as indicated in document  JOB/GC/204/Rev.4 –JOB/CTG/14/Rev.4, and that the 
 
25 This concern had already been raised at t he meetings of 23  March (under agenda item "Other 
Business"), 3  July, and 12  November  2018, and 11 April, 8 July, and 14 November 2019.  
26 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 8 July and 14 November 2019.  
27 This issue had already been rai sed by the United States at previous  Council's meeting s since 
10 November  2017. At the Council's  meeting of 23  March  2018, the United States had submitted a revised 
version of the proposal (JOB/GC/148/Rev.1 –JOB/CTG/10/Rev.1). At the Council's 12 November  2018 meeting, 
various delegations co -sponsored a joint proposal to enhance transparency (JOB/GC/204 –JOB/CTG/14 and 
JOB/GC/204/Add.1 –JOB/CTG/14/Add.1).  At its meeting of 8 July  2019, the co -sponsors had submitted a 
second revised version of the proposal  (JOB/GC/204/Rev.2 –JOB/CTG/14/Rev.2 ). G/L/1381  
 
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  co-sponsors will continue outreach to Membe rs to build support for the proposal and intend to return 
with a full update at the Council's spring meeting.  
47  WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE  
47.1.   At the CTG  meeting of 10 June, the Chairperson recalled that Ministers in Buenos Aires had 
adopted the decision contained in document  WT/MIN(17)/6528 on the "Work Programme on 
Electronic Commerce" (Work Programme, or WPEC). In that Decision, Ministers had agreed to 
continue the work under the existing Work Programme since their last session, based on the ex isting 
mandate as set out in document  WT/L/274, adopted on 25  September  1998, and endeavour to 
reinvigorate the work of the WTO on electronic commerce (E -Commerce). To this end, the Decision 
had also instructed the General Council to hold periodic reviews in its sessions of July and 
December  2018, and July  2019, based on the reports submitted by the relevant bodies, among them 
the Goods Council; and to maintain the current practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic 
transmissions. To fulfil the re newed mandate, the E -Commerce issue had been included as a 
stand -alone agenda item and, in this vein, the Chairperson invited delegations to continue to express 
their opinions and to make suggestions as to how to work on the preparation of the periodic rev iew 
to be held in the General Council at its session of July  2019.  
47.2.   At the same meeting , the Council took note of t he statement s made by Burkina Faso, on 
behalf of Chad and the LDC  Group ; Nepal; and South Africa , urging the Council to engage in a 
meaningful  discussion to reinvigorate the Work Programme on E -Commerce , particularly in light of 
its increasing importance during the COVID -19 pandemic.  
47.3.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Chairperson recalled the mandate in the Ministerial 
Decision at Buenos Aires a nd took note of the statement s made by  Botswana , on behalf of the African 
Group,  and India calling for reinvirogation of multilateral work under the Work Programme and 
constructive engagement in discussions on E-Commerce in the CTG . The Council also took note of 
the request of the United  States that the CTG  Chair's factual report to the Ge neral Council be 
adopted by  a written procedure.  
48  BETTER FUNCTIONING  OF THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS AND SUBSIDIARY 
COMMITTEES – STATEMENT BY HONG KONG, CHINA  
48.1.   At the CTG  meeting of 10 June, the Chairperson reported on the informal meeting of 
5 February  2020 convened with the aim of continuing discussions on the better functioning of the 
Council for Trade in Goods and its subsidiary committees , and explained the issues that had been 
addressed by Members, namely : (i) Year Plan of Meetings; (ii)  Annotated Age nda for CTG  Meetings; 
(iii) Reminder of Meetings; (iv)  Circulation of Meeting Statements; (v)  CTG/Committee Contact 
Lists; (vi)  General Email Box for the CTG/Committees; and (vii)  Annual Briefing Session for New 
Delegates . He observed that the COVID -19 pandemic had prevented the Secretariat from advancing 
with some of the issues, but that he would request his successor to continue, with the support of 
Members and the Secretariat, the work on those topics that had received the acceptance of Membe rs. 
The Council also took note of the statements made by Canada; Chile; the European Union; Hong 
Kong, China; Senegal; and South Africa.  
48.2.   At its meeting o f 25 November , under agenda item "Other Business ", the Council took note 
of the information provided by  the Chair recalling some of the issues discussed during the informal 
meeting of the Council that took place on 5  February, and noting that, if Members were in 
agreement, it was his intention to organize an informal meeting of the Goods Council early in 2021, 
in order to discuss Members' proposals and ideas on how to conduct the Council and make its work 
and meetings more efficient . The Council also took note of the statements made by  Argentina; 
Canada; Colombia; Costa Rica; the European Union; Guatemala; Hong King, China; Mexico; 
Paraguay; and the United  Kingdom  on several issues , such as the e -year plan of meetings, the e -
registration, and the conduct of the meetings . The Council also took note earlier on in the meeting 
of the US  intervention about certain elements relating to the conduct of the meeting.  
 
28 See document  WT/L/1032.  G/L/1381  
 
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  49  CONSIDERATION OF ANNUAL REPORTS OF SUBSIDIARY BODIES OF THE COUNCIL FOR 
TRADE IN GOODS  
49.1.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Council took note of the annual reports of its subsidiary 
bodies.29 The Annual Report of the Committee on Agriculture  would be submitted directly to the 
General Council at its December  2020 meeting.  
50  ADOPTION OF THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS TO THE 
GENERAL COUNCIL  
50.1.   At its meeting of 25 November , the Co uncil decided to adopt  its Annual Report (20 20) to the 
General  Council  following a written procedure  once it would be completed by the Secretariat in light 
of the developments at the November meeting . 
 __________  
 
 
 
29 Anti-Dumping Practices (G/L/1366 and G/ADP/27); Customs Valuation (G/L/1372); Import Licensing 
(G/L/1369); ITA  (G/L/1371); Market Access ( G/L/1377); Pre-shipment Inspection and Independent Entity 
(G/L/1373); Rules of Origin ( G/L/1378 ); Safeguards (G/L/1367 and G/SG/251); Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures (G/L/1376); Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (G/L/1368 and G/SCM/157); Technical Barriers  
to Trade (G/L/1379); Trade Facilitation ( G/L/1375 ); TRIMs (G/L/ 1363 and G/L/1363/Corr.1, and G/TRIMS/ 10 
and G/TRIMS/10/Corr.1 ); and Working Party on State Trading Enterprises (G/L/ 1370 and G/STR/ 26).