G/L/1343  
 
27 November 2019  
(19-8143) Page: 1/23 
   
 
REPORT (201 9) 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 8 Annual Report (G/L/12 82 and G/L/1282/Add.1 ) was issued, the CTG m et three  times 
in formal session, on the following dates: 11 and 12  April 2019 (G/C/M/1341); 8 and 9  July 2019 
(G/C/M/135); and 14  and 15  November  2019 (G/C/M/1362). 
 
The subject matters raised and/or acted upon in the Council were as follows:  
 
1   ELECTION OF CHAI RPERSON OF THE COUNC IL FOR TRADE IN GOOD S .......................  4 
2   APPOINTMENT OF O FFICERS FOR THE SUBS IDIARY BODIES OF THE  COUNCIL  ..........  4 
3   MARKET ACCESS IS SUES  ................................ ................................ ............................  5 
3.1   Collective Waiver Requests on the Introduction of the Harmonized System  2002, 2007, 
2012, and 2017  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  5 
4   WAIVERS UNDER AR TICLE  IX OF THE WTO  AGREEMENT  ................................ ............  5 
4.1   Introduction of Harmonized System  2002 Changes into WTO  Schedules of  
Tariff Concessions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  5 
4.1.1    Collective request for a waiver extension (G/C/W/768)  ................................ .................  5 
4.2   Introduction of Harmonized System  2007 Changes into WTO  Schedules of  
Tariff Concessions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  5 
4.2.1    Collective request for a waiver extension (G/C/W/769)  ................................ .................  5 
4.3   Introduction of Harmonized System  2012 Changes into WTO  Schedules of  
Tariff Concessions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  5 
4.3.1    Collective request for a waiver (G/C/W/770)  ................................ ...............................  5 
4.4   Introduction of Harmonized System  2017 Changes into WTO  Schedules of  
Tariff Concessions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  6 
4.4.1    Collective request for a waiver (G/C/W/771)  ................................ ...............................  6 
4.5   Jordan – Request for a Waiver Relating to the Transitional Period for the Elimination of the 
Export Subsidy Programme for Jordan (G/C/W/705; G/C/W/705/Corr.1; G/C/W/705/Rev.1; and 
G/C/W/705/Rev.2)  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  6 
4.6   Chile, China, India, and Thailand – Request for the Extension of the Waiver for Preferential 
Tariff Treatment for Least Developed Countries (G/C/W/7 64) ................................ ..................  6 
                                                
1 A reconvened meeting took place on Wednesday, 4  June 2019, to deal with Agenda Item No.  3, 
"Appointment of Officers to the Subsidiary Bodies of the Council for Trade in Goods" ( see 
document  G/C/M/134/Add.1). An informal meeting took place before this reconvened meeting.  
2 To be iss ued. G/L/1343  
 
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  4.7   United States - Request for a Waiver – Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA as 
Amended) (G/C/W/765)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 6 
5   ENLARGEMENT OF T HE EUROPEAN UNION: P ROCEDURES UNDER ARTI CLE XXVIII:3 
OF GATT  1994  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  7 
5.1   Enlargement of the European Union to Include Croatia: Negotiations under Article  XXIV:6  
of the GATT  1994 – Request from the Russian Federation  ................................ .......................  7 
6   ACCESSION OF THE  REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA  AND OF THE KYRGYZ R EPUBLIC TO THE 
EURASIAN ECONOMIC UN ION (EAEU): PROCEDUR ES UNDER ARTICL E XXVIII:3 OF 
GATT  1994  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  7 
6.1   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  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  7 
6.2   Accession of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Eurasian Economic Union: Procedures under 
Article  XXVIII:3 of GATT  1994 (G/L/1137/Add.4)  ................................ ................................ ... 7 
6.3   Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the Eurasian Economic Union: Procedures under 
Article  XXVIII:3 of GATT  1994 (G/L/1110/Add.5)  ................................ ................................ ... 7 
7   SWITZERLAND – LIECHTENSTEIN – NEGOTI ATIONS UNDER ARTICLE  XXVIII:5 OF 
GATT  1994 (G/L/1262/ ADD.1)  ................................ ................................ .......................  8 
8   NOTIFICATION OF REGIONAL TRADE AGREE MENTS  ................................ ...................  8 
9   NOTIFI CATIONS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  9 
9.1   Status of Notifications under the Provisions of the Agreements in Annex  1A of the 
WTO Agreement (G/L/223/Rev.26)  ................................ ................................ ......................  9 
10   ADOPTION OF THE  RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE 
FACILITATION (G/TFA/ W/14)  ................................ ................................ .......................  9 
11   MEASURES TO ALL OW GRADUATED LDCS, W ITH GNP BELOW US$1,0 00, BENEFITS 
PURSUANT TO ANNEX  VII(B) OF THE AGREEMEN T ON SUBSIDIES AND 
COUNTERVAILING MEASU RES (WT/GC/W/742 AND  G/C/W/752)  ................................ . 9 
12   EUROPEAN UNION – SAFEGUARD MEASURES  ON INDICA RICE FROM  CAMBODIA – 
REQUEST FROM CAMBODI A ................................ ................................ .............................  9 
13   EUROPEAN UNION – PROPOSED EU  TARIFF  RATE QUOTA COMMITME NTS: 
SYSTEMIC CONCERNS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 10 
14   EUROPEAN UNION – REGULATION EC NO.  1272/2008 (CLP  REGUL ATION) – 
REQUEST FROM THE RUS SIAN FEDERATION  ................................ ................................ . 10 
15   JAMAICA – REGUL ATIONS NOS.  145 AND 146 BANNING SINGLE -USE PLASTIC 
PRODUCTS – REQUEST F ROM THE DOMINICAN RE PUBLIC  ................................ ............  10 
16   TRINIDAD AND TO BAGO – ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING THE BAN O N THE 
MARKETING AND IMPORT ATION OF POLYSTYRENE  PLASTICS – REQUEST FROM THE 
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 11 
17   EUROPEAN UNION – IMPLEMENTATION OF NON-TARIFF BARRIERS ON 
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT S – REQUEST FROM ARG ENTINA, AUSTRALIA, B RAZIL, 
CANADA, COLOMBIA, CO STA RICA, CÔTE D'IVO IRE, DOMINICAN REPUB LIC, ECUADOR, 
GUATEMALA, HONDURAS,  JAMAICA, MALAYSIA, NICARAGUA, PANAMA, P ARAGUAY, 
PERU, THE UNITED STA TES, AND URUGUAY  ................................ ................................ .. 11 
18   UNITED STATES - MEASURES REGARDING MARK ET ACCESS PROHIBITIO N FOR 
ICT PRODUCTS – REQUE ST FROM CHINA  ................................ ................................ ...... 11 
19   UNITED STATES – EXPORT CONTROL MEAS URES FOR I CT PRODUCTS – REQUES T 
FROM CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  12 
20   EUROPEAN UNION – MEDICAL DEVICE REG ULATION AND IN VITRO  DIAGNOSTIC 
MEDICAL DEVICES REGULATION – REQUEST  FROM THE UNITED STA TES ......................  12 G/L/1343  
 
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  21   TUNISIA – IMPOR T RESTRICTION MEASUR ES – REQUEST FROM TH E EUROPEAN 
UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  12 
22   ANGOLA – IMPORT  RESTRICTING PRACTIC ES ................................ ........................  12 
23   EUROPEAN UNION – REGULATION (EU)  2017/2321 AND REGULATI ON 
(EU)  2018/825  – REQU EST FROM THE RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  ................................ ..... 13 
24   INDONESIA'S IMP ORT AND EXPORT RESTR ICTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES – 
REQUEST FROM THE EUR OPEAN UNION, JAPAN, NORWAY,  
AND THE UNITED STATE S................................ ................................ ..............................  13 
25   INDIA – CUSTOMS  DUTIES ON ICT  PRODU CTS ................................ .......................  13 
26   EGYPT – MANUFAC TURER REGISTRATION S YSTEM – REQUEST FROM  THE 
EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  14 
27   CROATIA – REGUL ATION OF IMPORT AND SALE OF CERTAIN OIL PRODUCTS – 
REQUEST FROM THE RUS SIAN FEDERATION  ................................ ................................ . 14 
28   RUSSIAN FEDERAT ION – TRADE RESTRICT ING PRACTICES – 
REQUEST FROM THE EUR OPEAN UNION  ................................ ................................ ........  15 
29   KINGDOM OF SA UDI ARABIA, KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN, THE UNIT ED ARAB 
EMIRATES AND OMAN – SELECTIVE TAX ON CER TAIN IMPORTED PRODUC TS – 
REQUEST FROM THE EUR OPEAN UNION, SWITZER LAND, AND THE UNITED  STATES  ..... 15 
30   CHINA – NEW EXP ORT CONTROL LAW IN D RAFT– REQUEST FROM J APAN  .............  16 
31   VIET NAM – DECR EE ON THE REGULATION  ON CONDITIONS FOR A UTOMOBILES 
MANUFACTURING, ASSEM BLING, IMPORTING, AN D AUTOMOTIVE WARRANT Y AND 
MAINTENANCE SERVICES  ................................ ................................ ..............................  16 
32   MONGOLIA – QUAN TITATIVE RESTRICTION S AND PROHIBITIONS O N 
IMPORTATION OF CERTA IN AGRICULTURAL PROD UCTS – 
REQUEST FROM THE RUS SIAN FEDERATION  ................................ ................................ . 16 
33   INDIA – QUANTIT ATIVE RESTRICTION ON  IMPORTS OF CERTAIN PULSES – 
REQUEST FROM AUSTRAL IA, CANADA, THE EURO PEAN UN ION, THE RUSSIAN 
FEDERATION, AND THE UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ....... 17 
34   CHINA – CUSTOMS  DUTIES ON CERTAIN I NTEGRATED CIRCUITS – 
REQUEST FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION, JAPAN, AND CHINESE T AIPEI  ........................  17 
35   CHINA – MEASURE S RESTRICTING THE IM PORT OF SCRAP MATERI ALS – 
REQUEST FROM THE U NITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ............  18 
36   EUROPEAN UNION – AMENDMENTS TO THE DIRECTIVE  2009/28/EC , 
RENEWABLE ENERGY DIR ECTIVE (RED) – 
REQUEST FROM COLOMB IA AND MALAYSIA  ................................ ................................ .. 18 
37   UNITED STATES – PROHIBITIVE PROPOSA L ON COMMUNICATION E QUIPMENT OR 
SERVICES RELEASED BY  THE FCC – REQUEST F ROM CHINA  ................................ ..........  18 
38   UNITED STATES – MEASURES ON AVIATIO N SECURITY EQUIPMENT  – REQUEST 
FROM CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  19 
39   EUROPEAN UNION – QUALITY SCHEMES FO R AGRICULTURAL PRODU CTS AND 
FOODSTUFFS – THE REG ISTRATION OF CERTAIN  TERMS OF CHEESE  
AS GEOGRAPHICAL INDI CATIONS – REQUEST FR OM ARGENTINA,  
THE UNITED STATES, A ND URUG UAY ................................ ................................ ............  19 
40   EUROPEAN UNION – DRAFT IMPLEMENTING  REGULATIONS REGARDI NG 
PROTECTED DESIGNATIO N OF ORIGIN AND GEOG RAPHICAL INDICATIONS , 
TRADITIONAL TERMS, LA BELLING AND PRESENTA TION OF CERTAIN WINE  SECTOR 
PRODUCTS – REQUEST F ROM ARGENTINA AND TH E UNITED STATES  ............................  20 
41   AUSTRALIA – DISCRIMIN ATORY MARKET ACCESS PROHIBITION ON 
5G EQUIPMENT – REQUE ST FROM CHINA  ................................ ................................ ...... 20 
42   JAPAN – EXPORT CONTROL MEASURES ON MATERIAL S ESSENTIAL FOR 
SEMICONDUCTORS AND D ISPLAYS  ................................ ................................ ...............  20 G/L/1343  
 
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  43   TRANSPARENCY AN D NOTIFICATION REQUI REMENTS  
UNDER WTO  AGREEME NTS ................................ ................................ ............................  21 
43.1   Communication from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, the European Union, Japan, 
New Zealand, the Separate Custo ms Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, and the 
United States  
(JOB/GC/204/Rev.1 –JOB/CTG/14/Rev.1 – JOB/GC/204/Rev.2 –JOB/CTG/14/Rev.2)  .................  21 
43.2   An Inclusive Approach to Transparency and Notification Requirements in the WTO – 
Communication from Cuba, India, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe 
(JOB/GC/218, JOB/CTG/15, JOB/SERV/292, JOB/IP/33, JOB/DEV/58, JOB/AG/158)  .................  21 
44   WORK PROGRAMME ON ELECTRONIC COMMER CE ................................ ..................  22 
45   BETTER FUNCTION ING OF THE COUNCIL F OR TRADE IN GOODS AN D SUBSIDIARY 
COMMITTEES – STATEME NT BY HONG KONG, CHI NA ................................ ....................  22 
46   CONSIDERATION O F ANNUAL REPORTS OF SUBSIDIARY BODIES OF  THE  
COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN  GOODS  ................................ ................................ ...................  23 
47   ADOPTION OF THE  ANNUAL REPORT OF TH E COUNCIL FOR TRADE IN GOODS TO 
THE GENERAL COUNCIL ................................ ................................ ................................ . 23 
48   OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 23 
48.1   Optimiz ation of the CTG's Work in Line with the Practice of the General Council  ..............  23 
 
 
1  ELECTION OF CHAIRPER SON OF THE COUNCIL F OR TRADE IN GOODS  
1.1.  At its meeting of 11 April, the Council elected by acclamation HE  Mr José Luis Cancela  Gómez  
(Uruguay ) as its Chairperson for 201 9-2020. 
2  APPOINTMENT OF OFFIC ERS FOR THE SUBSIDIA RY BODIES OF THE COU NCIL  
2.1.  At its meeting of 11 April, the Council agreed to  suspend this agenda it em in order for the 
outgoing Chair to hold additional consultations on this issue; 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 name s. 
2.2.  On 4 June, the Council reverted to this agenda item and, following an informal meeting at 
which the Chairperson had submitted to the Council the slate of names that had emerged as a result 
of his predecessor 's consultations, agreed on the nominations of  the following persons for election 
as Chairpersons of its subsidiary bodies for 201 9: 
Chairpersons of CTG  Subsidiary Bodies  
Market Access  Mr Fernando Bruno ESCOBAR PACHECO  
(Plurinational State of Bolivia ) 
Agriculture  Mrs Christiane DALEIDEN DISTEFANO (Luxembourg)  
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Mr Daniel ARBOLEDA (Colombia)  
Technical Barriers to Trade  Mr Sung hwa JANG (Republic of Korea)  
TRIMs  Ms Tiziana ZUGLIANO (Italy)  
Anti-Dumping Practices  Ms Lenka ŠUSTROVÁ (Czech Republic)  
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  Ms Michèle LEGAULT DOOLEY (Canada)  
Safeguards  Ms Katherine DELLAR (Australia)  
Import Licensing  Ms Carol TSANG (Hong Kong, China)  G/L/1343  
 
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  Chairpersons of CTG  Subsidiary Bodies  
Rules of Origin  Ms Uma Shankari MUNIANDY (Singapore)  
Customs Valuation  Mr Baroma Winega BAMANA (Togo)  
State Trading Enterprises  Dr Kristian HENK (Austria)  
Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade 
in Information Technology Products (ITA Committee)  Mr Kazunori FUKUDA (Japan)  
Committee on Trade Facilitation (TFA Committee)  HE Mr Mohammad Qurban HAQJO (Afghanistan)  
 
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 consultations. In the absence 
of provisions in the rules of procedure of Working Parties to el ect Chairpersons, the Council also 
agreed to appoint the nominated Chairperson, Dr Kristian HENK (Austria ), for the Working Party on 
State Trading Enterprises.  
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 14 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 W TO AGREEMENT  
4.1  Introduction of Harmonized System  2002 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions  
4.1.1   Collective request for a waiver extension (G/C/W/ 768) 
4.1.  At its meeting of 14 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/ 768 be forwarded to the General Council for adoption.  
4.2  Introduction of Harmonized System  2007 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions  
4.2.1   Collective request for a waiver extension (G/C/W/ 769) 
4.2.  At its meeting of 14 November , the Council considered a collective request for an extension of 
the waiver in connection with the introduction 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/ 769 be forwarded to the General Council for adoption.  
4.3  Introduction of Harmonized System  2012 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions  
4.3.1   Collective request for a waiver (G/C/W/ 770) 
4.3.  At its meeting of 14 November , the Council considered a collective request for a waiver in 
connection with the introduction of HS2012  changes to the Schedules of Concessions. The Council 
approved the waiver request and recommended that the draft decision contained in 
document  G/C/W/ 770 be forwarded to the Gen eral Council for adoption.  G/L/1343  
 
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  4.4  Introduction of Harmonized System  2017 Changes into WTO  Schedules of Tariff 
Concessions  
4.4.1   Collective request for a waiver (G/C/W/ 771) 
4.4.  At its meeting of 14 November , the Council considered a collective request for a waiver in 
connec tion 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/7 71 be forwarded to the General Council for adoption.  
4.5  Jordan – Request  for a Waiver Relating to the Transitional Period for the Elimination 
of the Export Subsidy Programme for Jordan (G/C/W/705; G/C/W/705/Corr.1; 
G/C/W/705/Rev.1; and G/C/W/705/Rev.2)  
4.5.  At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement made by Jordan confirming 
that its export subsidy programme for exporting enterprises had been  terminated on 
21 December  2018 and replaced by a new income tax law, which was WTO -consistent.  The Council 
also took note of the statements made by Australia, New Zealan d, and the United States, 
appreciating the updates provided by Jordan on its transparency and reform efforts , and agreed 
that, since Jordan 's export subsidy programme had been teriminated, this item would not appear on 
the agenda of subsequent Council meet ings. 
4.6  Chile, China , India,  and Thailand – Request for the Extension of the Waiver for 
Preferential Tariff Treatment for Least Developed Countries (G/C/W/764)  
4.6.  At its meeting of 8 July, the Council considered the request for the extension and draft decision 
to extend the validity of the existing waiver  in document  WT/L/759 for the granting of preferential 
tariff treatment to Least Developed Countries. The Council took note of the statem ents made by 
Chile, China, India,  and Thailand, and of the statement made by Turkey supporting the request and 
indicating that Turkey should also be added to the list of co -sponsors. The Council also took note of  
the statements made by Chad on behalf of th e LDC  Group,  Argentina, Burkina Faso, Canada, Japan, 
the Republic of Korea, Mali, Nepal, and Uruguay, in support of the request, and of the statement 
made by the European Union indicating that it also supported the request but needed to complete 
its internal procedures before the draft waiver request for extension could be forwarded to the 
General Council for adoption. The Council therefore agreed to send the draft  decision to the General 
Council for adoption once the European Union had informed the Council, through the Secretariat, of 
the completion of its internal procedures.  
4.7.  In a communication dated 2 October  2019, the European  Union  informed the Secretariat that  
it had completed its internal procedures. Therefore, the draft waiver decision was forwarded to the 
General Council for adoption at its meeting on 15 October  2019.3 
4.7  United States - Request for a Waiver – Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act 
(CBERA as Amended) (G/C/W/765 ) 
4.8.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council considered the request made by the United States to 
extend the current waiver concerning the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA as 
amended). The Council took note of the statement made by  the United States and of the statements 
made by Trinidad and Tobago on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Group, Barbados, 
Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago on behalf of its own 
delegation. The Council also  took note of the statement made by the European Union indicating that 
it also supported the request but needed to complete its internal procedures before the draft waiver 
request for extension could be forwarded to the General Council for adoption. The Co uncil therefore 
agreed to send the draft decision to the General Council for adoption once the European Union had 
informed the Council, through the Secretariat, of the completion of its internal procedures.  
                                                
3 Document  WT/L/1069.  G/L/1343  
 
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  4.9.  In a communication dated 2 October  2019, the Euro pean Union informed the Secretariat that 
it had completed its internal procedures. Therefore, the draft waiver decision was forwarded to the 
General Council for adoption at its meeting on 15 October  2019.4 
5  ENLARGEMENT OF THE E UROPEAN UNION : PROCEDURES UNDER ART ICLE  XXVIII:3  
OF GATT  1994  
5.1  Enlargement of the European Union to Include Croatia: Negotiations under 
Article  XXIV:6 of the GATT  1994 – Request from  the Russian Federation  
5.1.  At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement  made by the Russian 
Federation on its concerns over the E uropean Union's refusal to engage with it in the renegotiation 
process under GATT  Article  XXIV:6 following Croatia 's accession to the E U. It also took note of the 
statement made by the European Unio n in response to Russia 's concern.  
5.2.  At its meeting of 8 July, the Council again took note of the statement made by the Russian 
Federation reiterating its concerns regarding the E uropean Union's refusal to engage with it in the 
renegotiation process under GA TT Article  XXIV:6, following Croatia 's accession to the EU.  It also 
took note of the European Union 's statement in response to Russia 's concern.  
5.3.  At its meeting of 14 November , the Council again took note of the statement made by the 
Russian Federation reit erating its concerns regarding 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 Russia's conce rn. 
6  ACCESSION OF THE REP UBLIC OF ARMENIA AND  OF THE KYRGYZ REPUB LIC TO THE 
EURASIAN ECONOMIC UN ION (EAEU): PROCEDUR ES UNDER ARTICLE  XXVIII:3 OF 
GATT  1994  
6.1  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  
6.1.  At its meeting of 11 April, 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 over a 
lack of progress in the area of agriculture. The Council also took note of the statements made by 
China, the Russian Federation , Chinese Taipei, and Ukraine,  and of the responses provided by 
Armenia and the Kyrgyz Republic . 
6.2  Accession of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Eurasian Economic Union: Procedures under 
Article  XXVIII:3 of GATT  1994 (G/L/1137/Add.4)  
6.2.  At its meeting of 14 November , the Counc il 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.4. The 
Council took note of the statements made by  the European Union  and the Russian Federation , and 
approved the requested extension until  12 February  2021.  
6.3  Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the Eurasian Economic Union: Procedures 
under Article  XXVIII:3 of GA TT 1994 (G/L/1110/Add.5)  
6.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the information provided by the 
Republic of Armenia 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/1110/Add.5. The Council t ook note of the statements made by Brazil, the European 
Union, the Russian Federation,  and Chinese Taipei , and approved the requested extension  until 
2 January  2021. 
                                                
4 Document  WT/L/1070.  G/L/1343  
 
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  7  SWITZERLAND – LIECHT ENSTEIN – NEGOTIATIO NS UNDER ARTICLE  XXVIII:5 OF 
GATT  1994  (G/L/1262/ADD.1)  
7.1.  At its meeting of 11 April, under agenda item "Other Business ", Switzerland informed the 
Council that the date of 4 April 2019 was the date on which had expired  the first  extension of the 
period during which substantially equivalent concessions could be withdrawn by those Members 
having submitted a claim of interest following the modification of the tariff concessions for "meat 
not further prepared than seasoned " and that it had subsequently requested, in 
document  G/L/1262/Add.1, dated 1  April 2019, a further 12 -month extension of such period.  
7.2.  At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by Switzerland informing 
Members that negotiations and consultations pursuant to GATT  Article  XXVIII:5 were ongoing and 
of its request for the extension of the deadline for WTO  Members to withdraw equivalent co ncessions 
under Article  XXVIII:3 until 4  April 2020 contained in document  G/L/1262/Add.1 . The Council took 
note of the statement made by Switzerland and Liechtenstein and agree d to extend the deadline, as 
indicated in document  G/L/1262/Add.1, until 4  April 2020.  
8  NOTIFICATION OF REGI ONAL TRADE AGREEMENT S 
8.1.  At its meetings of 11 April, 8 July and 14 November , the Council was informed of the 
following notifications of regional trade agreements:  
– Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partners hip (CPTPP) 
(WT/REG395/N/1);  
 
– Economic Partnership Agreement Between the European Union and Japan 
(WT/REG396/N/1);  
 
– Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong, China and Georgia (WT/REG397/N/1);  
 
– Free Trade Agreement between the Southern Common Market (M ERCOSUR) and Israel 
(WT/REG398/N/1);  
– Revised Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 
(WT/REG399/N/1) ; 
– Free Trade Agreement Between Turkey and Jordan (WT/REG294/N /2) – Notification of 
Termination ; 
– Free Trade Agreement Between China and Chile (WT/REG230/N/1/ Add.1) – Notification 
of Changes ; 
– Free Trade Agreement Between Canada and Israel (WT/REG31/N/1/ Add.1) – 
Notification of Changes . 
8.2.  At its meeting of 8 July, the Council also took note of the updates provided by Nigeria on the 
ECOWAS  Customs Union and Common External Tariff (CET), which had entered into force on 
1 January  2015, and that had been notified to the CRTA under Article  XXIV of the GATT , indicating 
that, mindful of the provisions in GATT  Articles  XXIV:6 and XXVIII, ECOWAS  members had made 
arrangements to start GATT  Article  XXVIII  negotiations for the modification of WTO  schedules of 
those ECOWAS  members in violation of their tariff bound commitments.  Nigeria informed the Council 
that Article  XXVIII negotiations would be conducted by ECOWAS  members as a group to align their 
WTO schedules to the ECOWAS  CET. 
8.3.  At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement made by Jordan  
indicating t hat the RTA with Turkey had been terminated to offset its negative impact on trade, but 
that a new trade and cooperation agreement had been signed by Jordan and Turkey aimed at 
achieving mutual interests in trade and other areas.  G/L/1343  
 
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  9  NOTIFICATIONS  
9.1  Status of Notifications under the Provisions of the Agreements in Annex  1A of the 
WTO  Agreement (G/L/223/Rev.26)  
9.1.  At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the latest revision of the status of 
notifications contained in document  G/L/223/Rev.26, and of the in formation provided by the Chair 
that, following informal consultations , Members had agreed that the Annual Report on Notification s 
should only contain information relative to particular provisions of Section  I of the TFA (the so -called 
"transparency notifications ") as these were the notification requirements that applied to all Members, 
including Article  1.4 (Publication and Availability of Information), Article  10.4.3 (Single Window), 
Article  10.6.2 (Customs Brokers), and Article  12.2.2 (Customs Cooperation) .5 The Council also took 
note of the statements made by Australia, China , the European Union , and Japan.  
10  ADOPTION OF THE RULE S OF PROCEDURE OF TH E COMMITTEE ON TRADE  
FACILITATION (G/TFA/ W/14)  
10.1.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council approved  the Rules of Procedure of the Committee 
on Trade Facilitation in accordance with paragraph  6 of Article  IV of the Marrakesh Agreement.6 
11  MEASURES TO ALLOW GR ADUATED LDC S, WITH GNP BELOW US$ 1,000, BENEFITS 
PURSUANT TO ANNEX  VII(B) OF THE AGREEMEN T ON SUBSIDIES AND COUN TERVAILING 
MEASURES (WT/GC/W/74 2 AND G/C/W/752)  
11.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement made by 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) , and informing Members that there were ongoing consultations on this issue 
in order to reach consensus.7 The Council also took note of the statements made by Bangladesh, 
Côte d 'Ivoire,  India, Nepal, Senegal,  and Turkey, in support of this request, and of the statements 
made by Canada,  the European Union,  and the United States,  requesting further clarificatio n and 
discussion of this issue , and of the closing statement made by Chad on behalf of the LDC  Group . 
11.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by Chad , on behalf of 
the LDC  Group,  recalling the importance that the submission ha d for LDCs and for which the Group 
sought a decision by the General Council. The Council also took note of the statements made by 
Bangladesh, Canada, the European Union, India, Nepal, Turkey, and the United States, and of the 
closing statement made by Chad  on behalf of the LDC  Group.  
11.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council  took note of the statement made by Bangladesh 
on behalf of the LDC  Group . The Council also took note of the statements made by  Brazil, Canada, 
the European  Union, Senegal, Switzerland, Turkey , and the United States . 
12  EUROPEAN UNION – SAFEGUARD MEASURES ON I NDICA RICE FROM CAMB ODIA – 
REQUEST FROM CAMBODI A 
12.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of concerns raised by Cambodia over the 
introduction of EU  Regulation  2019/67 withdrawing the duty-free quota -free ( DFQF ) access to the 
European Union 's market under the EBA  scheme for Cambodia 's Indica rice through the imposition 
of a safeguard duty. The Council also took note of the statements made by China, Indonesia, Lao 
People's Democratic Republic , Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand , and of the statement made 
by the European Union in response to these concerns.  
                                                
5 See document  G/L/223/Rev.26, Section  15, Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) (explanatory 
notes), paragraphs  15.1–15.5, and Annex  18. 
6 The adopted Rules of Procedure of the Committee on Trade Facilitati on were circulated in 
document  G/L/1342.  
7 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.  G/L/1343  
 
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  13  EUROPEAN UNION – PROPOSED EU  TARIFF RATE QUOTA  COMMITMENTS : SYSTEMIC 
CONCERNS  
13.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statements made by Australia, Brazil, 
Canada, China, Mexico, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, the United States, and Uruguay,  
expressing their systemic, commercial , and technical concerns regardi ng the tariff rate quota 
(TRQ)  commitments of the European Union following the Brexit process.8 The Council also took note 
of the statements made by  Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, 
Japan , the Republic of Korea, Paraguay , Sri Lanka, Switzerland, and Chinese Taipei . The Council also 
took note of the statement made by the European Union in response to these concerns.  
13.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council again took note of the statements made by Australia, 
Canada, China, New Zealand,  and the United States,  reiterating their concerns about the impact of 
the modifications to the EU and UK 's WTO TRQs. The Council also took note of the statements made 
by Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, the Russian 
Federation, Switzerland, Chines e Taipei, and Uruguay, and of the statement made by the European 
Union in response to these concerns.  
13.3.   At its meeting of 14 Novembe r, the Council took note of the statement s made by Australia , 
Brazil, Canada, China, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, the United States, and Uruguay . The 
Council also took note of the statements made  by Argentina, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, 
Mexico, and Switzerland , and of the statement made by the European  Union in response to these 
concerns.  
14  EUROPEAN UNION – REGULATION EC NO.  1272/2008 (CLP  REGULATION) – REQUES T 
FROM THE RUSSIAN FED ERATION  
14.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement made by the Russian 
Federation expressing its concerns over the proposed update of the EU  notification to the 
TBT Committee in December  2018, contained in document  G/TBT/N/EU/629 , to include titanium 
dioxide as a category  2 carcinogen and cob alt as a category  1b carcinogen , and which could 
potentially disrupt trade in a wide variety of products . The Council also took note of the statements 
made by Australia, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines,  and the United States,  echoing these concerns ; 
and of the statement made by the European Union  in response to th ese concerns.  
14.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by the Russian 
Federation, supported by Canada, reiterating their concerns over the proposed update to th e 
European Union CLP, notified to the TBT  Committee in December  2018, to include titanium dioxide 
and cobalt, and the lack of transparency and scientific criteria for the classification of many chemicals 
as carcinogens. The Council also took note of the statement made by the European Union in response 
to these concerns.  
14.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement made by the Russian 
Federation and the United States , supported by Australia and Mexico , reiterating their concerns over 
the proposed update to the European Union CLP to include titanium dioxide and cobalt,  and the lack 
of transparency and scientific criteria for the classification of many chemicals as carcinogens. The 
Council also took note of the statement made by the European Union  in response to these concerns.  
15  JAMAICA – REGULATION S NOS.  145 AND 146 BANNING SINGLE -USE PLASTIC 
PRODUCTS – REQUEST F ROM THE DOMINICAN RE PUBLIC  
15.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement m ade by the Dominican 
Republic expressing its concerns over Jamaica 's ban on single -use plastic notified to the 
TBT Committee  given its trade restrictive impact , the discretion given to national authorities to 
regulate the domestic industry , and its compati bility with the TBT  Agreement and GATT  Articles  III 
and XX. The Council also took note of the statements made by Guatemala and the United States,  
echoing the Dominican Republic 's concerns ; and of the statement made by Jamaica in response to 
these concerns.  
                                                
8 This concern had already been raised at the Council's meeting of 12  November  2018.  G/L/1343  
 
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  16  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – ANNOUNCEMENT CONCE RNING THE BAN ON THE  
MARKETING AND IMPORT ATION OF POLYSTYRENE  PLASTICS – REQUEST FROM THE 
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  
16.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Counc il took note of the statement made by the Dominican 
Republic,  supported by Guatemala and Honduras, expressing concerns regarding Trinidad and 
Tobago 's import and marketing ban on polystyrene plastic , including glasses and food containers, 
dishes, cups, and  other utensils, and particularly as to whether or not the same treatment would be 
provided to domestic and imported like products. The Council also took note of the statement made 
by Trinidad and Tobago in response to these concerns.  
17  EUROPEAN UNION – IMPLEMENTATION OF NON -TARIFF BARRIERS ON 
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT S – REQUEST FROM ARGENTINA, AUSTRALIA, BRAZIL, C ANADA, 
COLOMBIA, COSTA RICA , CÔTE D'IVOIRE, DOMINICAN RE PUBLIC, ECUADOR, GUATEMALA, 
HONDURAS, JAMAICA, MALAYSIA, NICARAGUA, PANAMA, PARAGUAY, PE RU, THE UNITED 
STATES, AND URUGUAY  
17.1.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statements made by A rgentina, A ustralia, 
Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d 'Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, 
Honduras, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay,  raising 
their concerns regarding the European Union 's implementation of measures prohibiting the use of a 
number of agro -chemical substances required for safe and sustainable agriculture production, which  
disrupted trade in a number of products (e.g.  cereals, nuts, bananas, cranberries, grapes, sweet 
potatoes, mangoes, among others), and which affect ed farmers , particularly  in developing countries 
and LDCs. Members' concerns included  the diversion from evi dence and science -based standards by  
incorporating a hazard -based approach for the approval and renewal of plant production 
authorizations; the setting of import tolerances for active maximum residue levels (MRLs) below 
internationally recognized standards (by Codex, FAO, and other relevant bodies); and the lack of 
appropriate transitional periods for the implementation of the new MRLs in order for producers  to 
identify and register alternative substances that would comply with the same level of protection in 
the EU  market. The Council also took note of the statements made by the Plurinational State of 
Bolivia , Chile,  China,  El Salvador,  India,  Indonesia,  Jamaica, Mexico,  New Zealand,  the Philippines,  
Sri Lanka,  and Thailand,  and of the statement made by the European Union in response to these 
concerns.  
17.2.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council  again took note of the statements made by 
Argentina, Australia, B razil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, C ôte d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Guatemala, 
Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay . The 
Council also took note of the statement s made by Chile, El Salvador, India, Mexico, New Zealan d, 
Pakistan, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Senegal, and Sri Lanka; and of the statement 
made by the European Union in response to these concerns.  
18  UNITED STATES - MEAS URES REGARDING MARKE T ACCESS PROHIBITION  FOR 
ICT PRODUCTS – REQUEST F ROM CHINA  
18.1.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by China regarding the 
US Executive Order on Securing the Information and Telecommunication Technology and Services 
Supply Chain, of 15  May 2019, banning US companies from buying or usin g telecommunications 
equipment provided by enterprises that were considered to pose a potential national security threat. 
The Council also took note of the statement made by United States in response to these concerns.  
18.2.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement made by China 
reiterating its concern over the US  Executive Order on Securing the Information and 
Telecommunication Technology and Services Supply Chain, which prohibit ed US companies from 
buying or using telecommunications equipment and services provided by enterprises deemed to 
pose national security th reats. The Council also took note of the statement made by  the United 
States in response to th is concern.  G/L/1343  
 
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  19  UNITED STATES – EXPO RT CONTROL MEASURES FOR ICT PRODUCTS – REQUEST FROM 
CHINA  
19.1.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by  China regarding the 
Chinese companies that had been placed onto the United States export control "Entity List " and its 
consistency with Articles  I and XI of GATT  1994. The Council also took note of the statement made 
by the United States in response to th ese concerns.  
19.2.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement made by China 
reiterating its concern over the Chinese companies that had been place d on the United States'  export 
control "Entity List" . The Council also took note of the statement made by the Unite d States in 
response to these concerns.  
20  EUROPEAN UNION – MEDICAL DEVICE REGULATI ON AND IN VITRO DIAG NOSTIC 
MEDICAL DEVICES REGU LATION – REQUEST FRO M THE UNITED STATES  
20.1.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the stateme nts made by the United States, 
supported by Canada and the Republic of Korea, expressing their concern over two new 
EU regulations that restricted patients ' access to life saving and life improving medical technologies 
and devices, and which affect ed the market access conditions of those products on the EU  market . 
Concerns also related to the insufficient number of testing facilities (Notified Bodies) to perf orm 
certification. The Council also took note of the statement made by European Union in response to 
these concerns.  
20.2.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council  again took note of the statement made by the 
United States, supported by Canada,  the Republic of  Korea,  and Mexico, reiterating their concern 
over the implementation of the two new EU  regulations – Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and the 
In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR). The Council also took note of the statement 
made by the European Union in response to these concerns . 
21  TUNISIA – IMPORT RES TRICTION MEASURES – REQUEST FROM THE EUR OPEAN 
UNION  
21.1.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statements made by the  European Union  
and of the statement made by China, expressing t heir concern over Tunisia 's new import 
authorization regime, which affected various products, including agricultural and agri -food products, 
textiles, clothing, cosmetics, leather products, shoes, toys , and electrical goods , representing 
roughly 4% of tota l EU exports to Tunisia . These measures, which also included quantitative 
restrictions, could be a de facto non -automatic import licence, which  had not been announced prior 
to its entry into force, nor notified to the WTO. The Council also took note of the  statement made 
by Tunisia providing its response to these concerns.  
22  ANGOLA – IMPORT REST RICTING PRACTICES  
22.1.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by the United States 
concerning Angola 's Presidential Decree aimed at restricting imports of certain agricultural products 
in order to increase domestic economic development , which it had adopted in January  2019. 
Pursuant to this decree, Angola had introduced bans on the importation of pork, maize flour, and 
diapers. The Cou ncil also took note of the statement s made by Brazil, Canada, the European Union, 
and the Russian Federation  on this issue, and of the statement made by Angola providing its 
response to these concerns.  
22.2.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note o f the statement made by the Russian 
Federation reiterating its concern over Angola's  Presidential Degree No . 23/19 aimed at  restricting 
a wide range of products, including por k meat, wheat flour , and poultry meat. The Council also took 
note of the statemen ts made by Brazil, Canada, the European Union, and the United States . Angola 
was absent from the meeting.  G/L/1343  
 
- 13 - 
 
  23  EUROPEAN UNION – REGULATION (EU)  2017/2321 AND REGULA TION 
(EU)  2018/825  – REQUEST F ROM THE RUSSIAN FEDE RATION  
23.1.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement made by the Russian 
Federation over the EU  Regulations  2017/2321 and 2018/825  concerning the use by the EU of trade 
remedy instruments in relation  to the calculation of the " normal value " of products subject to 
AD investi gation s, and the right of the EU not to apply the "lesser duty rule" to remove the injury . 
The Council also took note of the statement made by the European Union in response to these 
concerns.  
24  INDONESIA 'S IMPORT AND EXPORT RESTRICTING POLICIES  AND PRACTICE S – 
REQUEST FROM THE EUR OPEAN UNION, JAPAN,  NORWAY,  AND THE UNITED STAT ES 
24.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statements made by  the European 
Union, Japan, Norway, and the United States, and of the statements made by Brazil, China, Japan, 
New Zealand , the Russian Federation, and Chinese Taipei , reiterating their concerns over Indonesia 's 
import and export restricting policies and practices which , in their view , were protectionist  in nature , 
legally uncertai n, and unclear in implementati on. Among the measures of particular concern were  
the following : the local content requirements in a number of sectors; complex and burdensome 
import requirements for a number of products, including for cosmetics,  which were subjected to  very 
high registration fees; burdensome and non -transparent SPS  measures, QRs for meat , seafood , 
steel, and tyres; export restrictions for certain raw  materials ; and burdensome and discriminatory 
CPAs and increased technical standards  as well as  the "Halal" Law and its implementing regulations 
and procedures .9 The Council also took note of the statement made by Indonesia in response to 
these concerns.  
24.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of  the statements made by the European Union, 
Japan, and the United States , reiterating their concerns over the protectionist nature of Indonesia 's 
trade policy , which include d the following : local content requirements for meat and dairy products, 
horticultural products, and cosmet ics (subject to high registration fees); QRs for meat, alcohol 
products, steel and tyres; export restrictions for raw materials; burdensome SPS  measures; 
increased technical regulations and burdensome  conformity assessment procedures (CAPs) on 
human and ve terinarian pharmaceutical products , and the Halal law , as well as the decrees on 
maritime transport and insurance . The Council also took note of the statements made by New 
Zealand, the Russian Federation, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand ; and of the statement made by 
Indonesia in response to these concerns.  
24.3.    At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statements made by the 
European Union, Japan,  and the United States , relating to their ongoing  concerns over various 
aspects of Indonesia 's trade and investment regime, including in relation to import licensing 
requirements, unique technical regulations, pre -shipment inspection requirements, export 
restrictions, local content requirements, domestic  manufacturing requirements, sales restrictions on 
4G mobile phones, and a general lack of transparency, among others. The Council also took note of 
the statements made by New Zealand, Chinese Taipei , and Thailand;  and of the statement made by 
Indonesia in  response to these concerns.  
25  INDIA – CUSTOMS DUTI ES ON ICT  PRODUCTS  
25.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the  statements made by Canada, China, 
the European Union, Japan, Norway, Chinese Taipei, and the United States, re iterating their conce rns 
expressed in this Council and the Market Access and ITA  Committees, re garding India's introduction 
of import duties on a wide range of ICT  products  in excess of its WTO  bound commitments  and the 
lack of transparency with regard to the scope of the prod ucts covered by these increases .10 The 
European Union also informed the Council that , in April  2019, it had requested consultations with 
India on this issue. The Council also took note of the statements made by Australia, the Republic of 
Korea, New Zealand,  Singapore, Switzerland, and Thailand; and of the statement made by India in 
response to these concerns.  
                                                
9 This issue has been on the CTG's agenda since its meeting of 22  June 2012.  
10 This issue had already been raised at the Council's meeting of 6  April 2017.  G/L/1343  
 
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  25.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statements made by Canada, China, 
Norway, Chinese  Taipei, and the United States , regarding the imposition of customs duties on 
additional ICT  products covered by ITA -1 in the context of India 's budget proposal for 2018 -2019. 
The Council also took note of the statements made by Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New 
Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland , and Thailand on this issue and of the information provided by 
Japan  indicating  that, on 10  May 2019, it had requested formal bilateral consultations with India 
under the DSB . The Council also took note of the statement made by India in response to these 
concerns.  
25.3.    At its meeting of 14 November , the Council again took note of the statements made by 
Australia, Canada, and the United States,  reiterating their concern over the impo sition of customs 
duties on a wide range of information and communication technology products. The Council also 
took note of the statement s made by China, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, 
Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand; and of the statement made by India in response to these 
concerns . 
26  EGYPT – MANUFACTURER  REGISTRATION SYSTEM  – REQUEST FROM THE E UROPEAN 
UNIO N 
26.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statements made by  the European 
Union, reiterating its concerns over Egypt 's procedure for compulsory registration of foreign 
companies as the Ministerial Decree s No. 991/2015 and No.  43/2016  continued to create obstacles 
to trade, and with regard to Egypt 's decision to ext end the mandatory registration requirements to 
new products via Decree No.  44/2019.11. The Council also took note of the statement s made by 
Brazil, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Switzerland, and Thailand; and of the 
statement made by Egypt in response to these concerns.  
26.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by the European Union , 
reiterating its concerns raised already at the CTG and the TBT  Committee, regarding  Egypt 's Decree s 
Nos. 991/2015, 43/2016, and 44/2 019, which  had introduced  procedures relating to the compulsory 
registration of foreign companies and pre -shipment inspections , and Egypt 's decision to extend the 
mandatory registration requirements to new product categories . The Council also took note of the 
statement s made by Brazil and the Russian Federation; and of the statement made by Egypt in 
response to these concerns.  
26.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement made by the European 
Union and the Russian Federation on Eg ypt's manufacturer registration system. The Council also 
took note of the statements made by  Brazil, the Republic of Korea, and Turkey; and of the statement 
made by India in response to these concerns . 
27  CROATIA – REGULATION  OF IMPORT AND SALE OF CERTAIN OIL  PRODUCTS – 
REQUEST FROM THE RUS SIAN FEDERATION  
27.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement made by the 
Russian  Federation reiterating its concerns in relation to Croatia 's discriminatory  policies against 
certain imported oil product s from the Russian Federation,  as well as its requirements for minimum  
volume of containers and some requirements for wholesale trade in certain oil products applicable 
to all imports except those from EU  member States or members of the European Economic A rea and 
Turkey. The Council also took note of the statement made by the European Union in response to this 
concern.  
27.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by the Russian 
Federation reiterating its concerns over Croatia 's regu lation on import and sale of certain oil products 
that had established a minimum volume of containers and some requirements for wholesale trade 
in certain oil products, applicable to all imports except those from EU  member States or members 
                                                
11 This issue had already raised by the European Union and the United States  at the Council's meeting of 
6 April 2017. G/L/1343  
 
- 15 - 
 
  of the European  Economic Area and Turkey. 12 The Council also took note of the statement made by 
the European Union in response to this concern.  
28  RUSSIAN FEDERATION – TRADE RESTRICTING P RACTICES  – REQUEST FROM THE 
EUROPEAN UNION  
28.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statements made by the European 
Union and the United States on the GOST  standard on cement certification; the "good manufacturing 
practice  (GMP) " certificates for pharmaceutical products; the ban on exports of skins and hides ; the 
updated list of goods that could be subject to export bans, including fishery products from Estonia 
and Latvia; and the wine taxation regime.13 The Council also took note of the statement s made by 
Sri Lanka, Ukraine , and the United States ; and of the statement made by the Russian Federation in 
response to these concerns.  
28.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by the European Union,  
supported by Ukraine and the United States,  reiterating their concerns  over the Russian Fed eration 's 
certification requirements, in particular with regard to the good manufacturing practices (GMP) for 
pharmaceutical products; cement certification; the SPS  ban on fishery products from Estonia; the 
wine taxation regime; "temporary " export bans on raw hides and skins and export o f birch logs; and 
restrictions on importing/foreign companies to Russian State -Owned Enterprise s' purchases . 
28.3.   At the same meeting, the Council also took note of the statement  of Ukraine expressing 
concerns over a new Regulati on adopted by the Russian Federation prohibiting the importation of a 
number of agricultural and industrial goods such as paper, cardboard, clothing, wire, pipe products, 
machinery, of Ukrainian  origin, or if such goods had transited through the territory of Ukraine. The 
Council also took note of the statement  made by the United States; and of the statement made by 
the Russian Federation in response to these concerns.  
28.4.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement s made by the European 
Union and the United States  with regard to the above -mentioned concerns. The Council also took 
note of the statement made by the Russian Federation in response to these concerns.  
29  KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARA BIA, KINGDOM OF BAHR AIN, THE UNITED ARAB  EMIRATE S 
AND OMAN – SELECTIVE TAX ON C ERTAIN IMPORTED PROD UCTS – REQUEST FROM THE 
EUROPEAN UNION, SWIT ZERLAND, AND THE UNI TED STATES  
29.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statements made by the European 
Union, Switzerland, and the United States  concerning the GCC  Council of Ministers ' "Treaty on Excise 
Tax", adopted in December  2016, relating to a 100%  ad valorem  excise duty on energy drinks and 
a 50%  ad valorem  duty on other carbonated drinks.14 The Council also took note of the statement 
made b y Japan; and of the Kingdom of Bahrain, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in response to these concerns . 
29.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statements made by the European Union , 
Switzerland,  and the United States,  reiterating their concern s over the discriminatory impact of the 
GCC selective tax providing for a 100%  ad valorem excise duty on energy drinks, and a 50%  ad 
valorem duty on other carbonated drinks , and of Oman 's implementation, as of 15  June 2019, of a 
selective tax on certain products without publishing the implementing legislation. Note was also 
taken of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 's selective tax reforms , which had been expanded to cover 
e-cigare tte and e -cigarette products, and fizzy drinks, as well as of the expected replacement of the 
ad valorem tax by a volume -based tax. The Council also took note of the statement made by the 
Kingdom of Bahrain, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Kingdom o f Saudi Arabia , the United 
Arab Emirates, and Oman,  in response to these concerns.  
29.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statements made by the European 
Union, Switzerland, and the United States , supported by Japan , reiterating their concerns over the 
                                                
12 This issue had already been raised by the Russian Federation at the Council's  meeting s 
of 17 November  2016, 6  April 2017, and 3  July 2018. 
13 This issue had already been raised by the European Union  at the Council's meeting s of 15 April 2016, 
6 April, 30 June, and 10  November  2017, and 23  March, 3  July, and 12  November  2018. 
14 This issue had already been raised at the meetings of 3  July and 12 November  2018. G/L/1343  
 
- 16 - 
 
  GCC Council of Ministers ' "Treaty on Excise Tax ", adopted in December  2016. The Council also took 
note of the statement made by  the Kingdom of Bahrain on its own behalf , and on behalf of  the 
Kingdom of  Saudi Arabia and  Oman,  in response to these concerns.  
30  CHINA – NEW EXPORT C ONTROL LAW  IN DRAFT – REQUEST FROM JAPAN  
30.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement made by Japan reiterating 
its concern s on the Chinese draft export control law intended to consol idate various existing export 
control provisions in a single draft.15 The Council also took note of the statements made by the 
European Union and the Republic of Korea ; and of the statement made by China in response to these 
concerns.  
30.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statements made by Japan  reiterating 
its concerns over the Chinese draft export control law  that was intended to consolidate various 
existing export control provisions into a single law , including overly stringent export re gulations , and 
their compatibility with GATT  Article  XI on quantitative restrictions. The Council also took note of the 
statement s made by the European Union and the Republic of Korea; and of the statement made by 
China in response to these concerns.  
30.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement made by Japan 
reiterating its concerns over China's export control law, regarding  the scope of products subject to 
export control regulations and requesting information on the National Develo pment and Reform 
Commission 's export control mechanism, which was currently being prepared . The Council also took 
note of the statement made by the European Union , and of the statement made  by China in response 
to these concerns . 
31  VIET NAM – DECREE ON  THE REGULATION ON CO NDITIONS FOR AUTOMOB ILES 
MANUFACTURING, ASSEM BLING, IMPORTING, AN D AUTOMOTIVE WARRANT Y AND 
MAINTENANCE SERVICES  
31.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement made by the United States  
reiterating its concern s over  Viet Nam 's Decree  No. 116 and Circular No.  3, which established testing 
procedures  and submission of a quality certificate issued by foreign authorities for the importation 
of automobiles into Viet Nam.16 The Council also took  note of the statement s made by the European 
Union , the Russian Federation,  and Thailand; and of the statement made by Viet Nam in response 
to these concerns.  
31.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement s made by the Russian 
Federation and the United States , over Viet Nam 's Decree  No. 116/2018  establishi ng the submission 
of a quality certificate issued by foreign authorities for the importation of automobiles into Viet Nam . 
The Council also took note of the statement s made by the European Union and Mexico; and of the 
statement made by Viet Nam in response to these concerns.  
31.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council again took note of the statements made by the 
Russian Federation and the United States concerning Viet Nam 's Decr ee No. 116/2018; and of the 
statement s made by the European Union and Thailand . The Council also took note of Viet Nam 's 
response to these concerns.  
32  MONGOLIA – QUANTITAT IVE RESTRICTIONS AND  PROHIBITIONS ON IMP ORTATION 
OF CERTAIN AGRICULTU RAL PRODUCTS – REQUEST FROM THE RUSSIA N FEDERATION  
32.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement made by the Russian 
Federation concerning Mongolia 's quantitative restrictions and prohibitions on the importation of 
certain agricultural products, includi ng flour and milk, and their subsequent import prohibition.17 The 
Council also took note of the statement made by Canada; and of the statement by Mongolia in 
response to these concerns.  
                                                
15 This issue had already b een raised at the meetings of 23  March, 3  July, and 12  November  2018.  
16 This issue had already b een raised at the meetings of 23  March, 3  July, and 12  November  2018.  
17 This issue h ad already been raised at the meetings of 23  March, 3  July, and 12  November  2018.  G/L/1343  
 
- 17 - 
 
  32.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council again took note of the statement made by the Russian 
Federation  reiterating its concerns  on the quantitative restrictions and prohibitions on the 
importation of certain agricultural products , including flour and milk, and their subsequent import 
prohibition . Russia also asked for a clarification of the rationale behind the use of a quantitative 
quotas regime to ensure that imported food products contained iron, zinc, and vitamins  B or D . The 
Council also took note of the statement made by Mongolia in response to these concerns.  
32.3.   At its meet ing of 14 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 o f the response 
provided by Mongolia.  
33  INDIA – QUANTITATIVE  RESTRICTION ON IMPO RTS OF CERTAIN PULSE S – REQUEST 
FROM AUSTRALIA, CANA DA, THE EUROPEAN UNI ON, THE RUSSIAN FEDE RATION, AND THE 
UNITED STATES  
33.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement s made by Australia, Canada, 
the European Union, the Russian Federation, and the United States,  reiterating their concerns over 
India's quantitative restrictions on imports of pulses and the new measures announced by India on 
29 March  2019 to impose these restrictions for an additional year , commencing 1  April 2019.18 The 
Council also took note of the statement  made by Ukraine; and of the statement made by India in 
response to these concerns.  
33.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statements made by Australia, Canada, 
the European Union, the Russian Federation, and the United States,  reiterat ing their  concerns over 
India's restrictions on imports of pulses which, in March  2019, had been extended for an additional 
year. The Council also took note of the statements made by New Zealand and Ukraine ; and of the 
statement made by India in response to these concerns.  
33.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statements made by Australia, 
Canada, the European Union, the Russian Federation, and the United States, on the  quantitative 
restrictions imposed by India on the import of beans, yellow peas, chickpeas, and othe r pulses. The 
Council also took note of the statements made by  New Zealand and Ukraine ; and of the statement 
made by India in response to these concerns.  
34  CHINA – CUSTOMS DUTI ES ON CERTAIN INTEGR ATED CIRCUITS  – REQUEST FROM THE 
EUROPEAN UNION, JAPA N, AND CH INESE TAIPEI  
34.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statements made by the European 
Union, Japan, and Chinese Taipei , reiterating their concerns over a change in China 's applied duty 
rates for semiconductor products and the calculation it had used for the HS  transposition of tariffs 
on multi -component semi -conductors (MCOs) and the use of two  different averages when 
implementing their reclassification under HS2017.19 The Council also took note of the statements 
made by the Rep ublic of Korea, Switzerland, and the United States; and of the statement made by 
China in response to these concerns.  
34.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council again took note of the statements made by the European 
Union,  Japan,  and Chinese Taipei , regarding C hina's application of tariffs which were higher than the 
bound levels contained in China 's Schedule of Concessions , particularly r egarding  its applied rate for  
the IGBT -IPM (semi -conductor products) . The Council also took note of the statement s made by 
Switzerland  and the United States; and of the statement made by China in response to these 
concerns.  
34.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council again took note of the statements made by the 
European Union, Japan,  and Chinese Taipei , relating to the customs  duties imposed by China on 
certain integrated circuits. The Council also took note of the statements made by the Republic of 
                                                
18 This concern had already b een raised at the meetings of 23  March, 3  July, and 12  November  2018.  
19 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 10  November  2017, and 23  March, 3  July 
and 12  November  2018.  G/L/1343  
 
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  Korea, Switzerland , and the United States ; and of the statement made by China in response to these 
concerns.  
35  CHINA – MEASURES RES TRICTING THE IMPORT O F SCRAP MATERIALS – REQUEST 
FROM THE UNITED STAT ES 
35.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement made by the United States 
concerning China 's measures, notified to the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT),  
banning or limiting the import of scrap materials, including paper, plastics, and ferrous and 
non-ferrous scrap and wires.20 The Council also took note of the statements made by Australia, 
Canada, the Dominican Republic, the European Union, the Republic of  Korea, and New Zealand ; and 
of the statement made by China in response to this concern.  
35.2.   At its meeting on 8 July, the Council again took note of the statement made by the United 
States reiterating its concerns over China 's measures notified to the TBT  Committee, banning or 
limiting the import of scrap material  since July  2018. The Council also took note of the statements 
made by Australia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, the European Union, and New Zealand; and of 
the statement made by China in response to this concern.  
35.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement made by the United 
States reiterating its concerns over China 's ban on imports of scrap materials and the revision of the 
draft law on the Prevention and Contro l of Environmental Pollution by Solid Wastes of 5  July 2019.  
The Council also took note of the statements made by  Canada, the European Union , and  New 
Zealand ; and of the statement made by China in response to these concerns.  
36  EUROPEAN UNION – AMENDMENTS TO THE DIRECTIVE  2009/2 8/EC, RENEWABLE 
ENERGY DIRECTIVE (RE D) – REQUEST FROM COLOMBIA AND MALAYSIA  
36.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement s made by Colombia and 
Malaysia about the discriminatory treatment provided to biofuels and bi o-liquids from palm oil in the 
amendments proposed to the RED, which would not be counted towards the EU 's renewable energy 
targets from 20 30.21 The Council also took note of the statements made by Costa Rica, Guatemala,  
Honduras, Indonesia,  and Thailand; a nd of the statement made by the European Union in response 
to these concerns.  
36.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council again took note of the statement s made by Colombia and 
Malaysia reiterating their concerns over the discriminatory treatment provided to biofuels and 
bio-liquids from palm oil in the amendments proposed to the RED being discussed in Brussels. The 
Council also took note of the statements made by Ecuador, Guatemala, and Honduras; and of the 
statement made by the European Union in response to these concerns.  
36.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council again took note of the statements made by 
Colombia and Malaysia over the development of the Directive (EU)  2018/2001 of the European 
Parliament and the EU Council Directive of 11 Decemb er 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy 
from renewable sources and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)  2019/807 of 
13 March  2019. The Council also took note of the statements made by Ecuador, Guatemala , 
Honduras,  and Indonesia ; and  of the statem ent made by the European Union in response to these 
concerns.  
37  UNITED STATES – PROH IBITIVE PROPOSAL ON COMMUNICATION EQUIPM ENT OR 
SERVICES RELEASED BY  THE FCC – REQUEST F ROM CHINA  
37.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council again  took note of the statement made by China on an 
announcement made by the US  Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibiting the use of 
the Universal Service Fund to purchase equipment or services from any communications equipment 
or service providers id entified as posing a national security risk to the United States communications 
                                                
20 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 23  March, 3  July, and 12  November  2018.  
21 This concern had already  been raised at the meetings of 23  March (under agenda item "Other 
Business"), 3  July, and 12  November  2018.  G/L/1343  
 
- 19 - 
 
  networks or the US  communications supply chain.22 The Council also took note of the statement 
made by the United States in response to this concern.  
37.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council again took note of the statement made by China on the 
above -mentioned announcement made by the US  Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 
prohibiting the use of the Universal Service Fund to purchase equipment or servi ces from any 
communications equipment or service providers identified as posing a national security risk to the 
United States communications networks or the US  communications supply chain.  The Council also 
took note of the sta tement made by the United Stat es in response to this concern.  
37.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council again took note of the statement made by China 
on this issue; and of the statement made by the United States in response to this concern.  
38  UNITED STATES – MEAS URES ON AVIATION SEC URITY EQUIPMENT – REQUE ST FROM 
CHINA  
38.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council again  took note of the statement made by China about 
the conformity assessment procedures (CAPs) conducted by the Transportation Security 
Administration of the United States (TAS), w hich were not in compliance with the national treatment 
principle as CAPs to aviation security equipment of Chinese origin were not accepted or delayed.23 
The Council also took note of the statement made by the United States in response to this concern.  
38.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council again took note of the statement made by China regarding 
the refusal by the US  Transportation Security Administration 's (TSA) of applications by Chinese 
enterprises for TSA  certification , and the US  failure to notify any WTO body, including the 
TBT Committee , on the TSA  Certification requirements . The Council also took note of the statement 
made by the United States in response to this concern.  
38.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council again took note of the statement made by China 
on this issue ; and of the statement made by the United States in response to this concern.  
39  EUROPEAN UNION – QUALITY SCHEMES FOR AGR ICULTURAL PRODUCTS A ND 
FOODSTUFFS – THE REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN TERMS OF CHEESE AS G EOGRAPHICAL 
INDICATIONS – REQUES T FROM ARGENTINA, TH E UNITED STATES,  AND URUGUAY  
39.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council again  took note of the statements made by Argentina, 
the United States,  and Uruguay,  reiterating their concerns ove r the registration by the European 
Union, without notification, of the term "Danbo " as a G eographical Indicati on (GI) , without 
considering the existence of Codex Stan dard 264 of 1996; and of the use of the term "Havarti ", on 
which there also existed a Code x Stan dard.24 The Council also took note of the statements made by 
Australia and New Zealand; and of the statement made by the European Union in response to these 
concerns.  
39.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council again took note of the statements made by Argentina, 
the United States , and Uruguay,  reiterating their concerns over the registration by the European 
Union  of the term s "Danbo" and "Havarti" as GIs, disregarding the fact that these are generi c terms 
according to the Codex Alimentarius  and by the lack of transparency in the EU  registration process . 
The Council also took note of the statement made by Australia; and of the statement made by the 
European Union in response to these concerns.  
39.3.   At its  meeting of 14 November , the Council again took note of the statements made by 
Argentina, 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 statement made by  
New Zealand ; and of the statement made by the European Union in response to these concerns.  
                                                
22 This con cern had already been raised at the meetings of 3  July and 12  November  2018.  
23 This concern had already b een raised at the meetings of 23  March (under Agenda item "Other 
Business"), 3  July, and 12  November  2018.  
24 This concer n had already been raised at th e meetings of 3  July and 12  November  2018.  G/L/1343  
 
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  40  EUROPEAN UNION – DRAFT IMPLEMENTING REGU LATIONS REGARDING PR OTECTED 
DESIGNATION OF ORIGI N AND GEOGRAPHICAL I NDICATIONS, TRADITIO NAL TERMS, 
LABELLI NG AND PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN WINE SECT OR PRODUCTS – REQUES T FROM 
ARGENTINA AND THE UN ITED STATES  
40.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statements made by Argentina and the 
United States in relation to concerns already expressed at the TBT Committee over the EU 's revision 
to the draft implementing regulations regarding protected designation of origin and geographical 
indications, traditional terms, labelling and presentation of certain wine sector products and concerns 
regarding Regulati on Nos.  607/2009 (which had been repealed by EU  Regulation  No. 2019/33), and 
479/2008 , which have been raised for more than ten  years. The Council also took note of the 
response provided by the European Union.  
40.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statements made by  the United States,  
reiterating its concerns over the EU 's regulations regarding protected designation of origin and  
geographical indications (GIs) and traditional terms for wine, and specifically, the United States'  
pending applications for traditional terms.25 The Council also took note of the statement s made by 
Argentina,  Brazil, and New Zealand ; and of the statement made by the European Union in response 
to these concerns . 
40.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statements made  by the United 
States , supported by Argentina and New Zealand,  in relation to their concerns over the EU 's 
regulations regarding protected designation of origin and geographical indications (GIs) and 
traditional te rms for wine. The Council also took note of the statement made by the European Union 
in response to these concerns . 
41  AUSTRALIA – DISCRIMI NATORY MARKET ACCESS  PROHIBITION ON 5G  EQUIPMENT – 
REQUEST FROM CHINA  
41.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council 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.  
41.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by China reiterating its 
concerns over Australia 's prohibition of Chinese equipment from Australian 5G  projects and the lack 
of clarity regarding the information provided by Australia on its Telecommunication Se ctor Security 
Reform (TCSSR) . The Council also took note of the statement made by Australia in response to this 
concern.  
41.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council 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.  
42  JAPAN – EXPORT CONTROL MEAS URES ON MATERIALS ES SENTIAL FOR 
SEMICONDUCTORS AND D ISPLAYS  
42.1.   At its meeting of 9 July, under agenda item "Other Business ", the Council took note of the 
statement made by the Republic of Korea expressing concerns over Japan's recent export control 
measures on materials essential to the production of semiconductors and displays towards Korea.  
The Council also took note of the statement made by Japan in response to these concerns.  
                                                
25 This concern had already been raised at the meetings of 23  March, 3  July, and 12  November  2018.  G/L/1343  
 
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  43  TRANSPARENCY AND NOT IFICATION REQUIREMEN TS UNDER WTO  AGREEMENTS  
43.1  Communication from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, the European Union, 
Japan, New Zealand, the Separate Customs Territory  of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu, and the United States (JOB/GC/204/R ev.1–JOB/CTG/14/R ev.1 – 
JOB/GC/204/R ev.2–JOB/CTG/14/R ev.2) 
43.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council considered document  JOB/GC/204/Rev.1 –
JOB/CTG/1 4/Rev.1 , containing a revised draft decision for the General Council's consideration on 
procedures to enhance transparency and strengthen notification requirements under the 
WTO Agreements26, and took note of the statements made by Argentina, Australia, Can ada, Costa 
Rica, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and the United States,  introducing 
the revised version and explaining the main aspects of their submission, the changes that had been 
introduced following comments and suggestions mad e by other delegations at the previous 
CTG meeting , and in consultations that had taken place following that meeting. The Council also 
took note of the statements made by the Plurinational State of Bolivia;  Brazil;  Chad; Chile; Colombia;  
Cuba;  Djibouti;  Ecuador;  Egypt;  El Salvador;  Guatemala;  Hong Kong, China;  India;  Indonesia;  
Jamaica;  the Republic of Korea;  Mexico;  Nigeria;  Norway;  Pakistan;  Panama;  Paraguay;  the Russian 
Federation;  Senegal;  Singapore;  South Africa;  Sri Lanka ; Switzerland;  Thailand;  Turkey;  Ukraine;  
and Uruguay ; and of the responses to these statements provided by Argentina, Australia, the 
European Union, Chinese Taipei , and the United States . All Members that intervened continued to 
highlight the importance of transparency as a fundamental pillar of the WTO. Although some 
considered the proposal to be a good basis for discussion, others remained concerned about various 
of its aspect s. 
43.2.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council considered document  JOB/GC/204/Rev.2 –
JOB/CTG/14/Rev.2 , containing a revised draft decision for the General Council's consideration on 
procedures to enhance transparency and strengthen notification requirements under the 
WTO Agreements, and took note of the statements made by Argentina, Australia, Canada, Cost a 
Rica, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and the United States,  introducing 
the second  revision  and explaining the main aspects of their submission, the changes that had been 
introduced following comments and suggestions made by othe r delegations at the previous 
CTG meeting , and in consultations that had taken place following that meeting.  The Council also 
took note of the statements made by Bangladesh; Brazil; Chad; Chile; China; Egypt; Hong Kong, 
China; India; Indonesia; Israel; the  Republic of Korea; Mexico; Nigeria; Norway; Panama; Paraguay; 
the Russian Federation; Saint Lucia; Singapore; South Africa; Switzerland; Thailand; Turkey; 
Ukraine; and Uruguay; and of the responses to these statements provided by Australia and the 
Europea n Union.  
43.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement made by the United 
States, on behalf of the co -sponsors of the transparency proposal , updating delegations  on their 
efforts to have one -on-one Member consultations in order to c raft a proposal balancing incentives 
with administrative measures while acknowledging that some Members faced specific challenges.  
The Council also took note of the statements made by Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, China, 
Ecuador, India, the Republi c of Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Paraguay, Singapore, Switzerland, Ukraine,  
and Uruguay . 
43.2  An Inclusive Approach to Transparency and Notification Requirements in the WTO – 
Communication from Cuba, India, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe 
(JOB/GC/218, JOB/CTG/15, JOB/SERV/292, JOB/IP/33, JOB/DEV/58, JOB/AG/158)  
43.4.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council considered document  JOB/CTG/15, and took note of the 
statements made by India, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe,  introducing the 
document and indicating that their submission recognized that developing countries faced challenges 
                                                
26 This issue had already been raised by the United States at the Council's meeting of 
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).  G/L/1343  
 
- 22 - 
 
  in meeting their transparency obligations due to limited capacities and resources.27 The Council also 
took note of the statements made by Australia, Canada, Chad, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, the 
European Union, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, 
Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, the United States, and Urugu ay. The Council also took note of the 
statements made by India and South Africa in response to some of the comments made on their 
proposal.  
44  WORK PROGRAMME ON EL ECTRONIC COMMERCE  
44.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, 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 ses sion, based on the existing 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 h old 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 
transmissi ons. To fulfil the renewed 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 preparatio n of the periodic review 
to be held in the General Council at its session of July  2019.  
44.2.   At the same meeting, the Council took note of the statement made by Chad,  on behalf of the 
LDC Group , expressing their interest in exploring and benefitting from the op portunities presented 
by E-Commerce, identifying some issues that they considered should be part of the Work Programme 
on E-Commerce , and indicating that the Group intended to hold a dedicated internal workshop on 
these issues.  
44.3.   At its meeting of 8 July, the Council took note of the statement made by China sharing several 
case examples on E -Commerce that illustrated how E -Commerce could help to promote industrial 
development and international trade in goods. The Council also took note of the statement made b y 
Mali on the potential advantages and benefits of E-Commerce and requesting the implementation of 
the Doha and Hong Kong Ministerial Declarations before engaging in E -Commerce negotiations.  
44.4.   Considering that MC12 would now take place in June  2020, and not in December  2019, the 
Council agreed that the Chairperson also submit to the General Council 's meeting in December  2019 
a factual report of the discussion s that had taken place at the CTG  level.  
44.5.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Chairperson recalled the mandate contained in 
document  WT/L/1032, adopted by Ministers at the Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, in 
December  2017, and reminded delegations that, as agreed at the July  meeting, he would submit, 
under  his own responsibility, a factu al report to the General Council meeting of December  2019 
based on the discussions held in th e Goods Council in November  2019. The re were no interventions 
on this issue.  
45  BETTER FUNCTIONING O F THE COUNCIL FO R TRADE IN GOODS AND SUBSIDIARY 
COMMITTEES – STATE MENT BY HONG KONG, C HINA  
45.1.   At its meeting of 11 April, the Council took note of the statement made by Hong Kong, China 
encouraging Members to work together to develop ideas relating  to the better functioning of the CTG 
and its subsidiary bodies in a fast -evolving trading environment. The Council also took note of the 
statements made by Argentina, Australia,  Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, the European Union, 
Guatemala, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay,  Singapore, Switzerland, 
and the United States.  
45.2.    At its meeting of 9 July, the Council took note of the statement made by Hong Kong, China 
recalling that it had requested the inclusion of this agenda item at the previous and at this meeting, 
                                                
27 After the airgram had been  issued , the African Group, Mauritius, and Oman, had  requested to be 
included as co -sponsors of this communication (see documents  JOB/CTG/15/Rev.1 and JOB/CTG/ 15/Rev.2). 
28 See document  WT/L/1032.  G/L/1343  
 
- 23 - 
 
  as a platform to focus attention on smal l steps to improve the functioning of the CTG and its 
subsidiary bodies, such as an annotated agenda and a year plan for meetings. The Council also took 
note of the statements made by Argentina, Australia, Canada, the European Union, India, Japan, 
New Zeal and, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United 
States.  
45.3.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the statement made by Hong Kong, 
China introducing a mock annotated agenda and a mock of a tentative annual plan of meetings of 
the CTG and its subsidiary bodies . The Council also took note of the statements made by Argentina, 
Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, the European Union, Honduras, Japan, 
the Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand , Paraguay,  the Russian Federation, Singapore, 
Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay , and the United States . 
46  CONSIDERATION OF ANN UAL REPORTS OF SUBSI DIARY BODIES OF THE COUNCIL FOR 
TRADE IN GOODS  
46.1.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council took note of the annual reports of its subsidiary 
bodies.29 The Annual Reports of the Committees on  Subsidies and Countervailing Duties , Anti-
Dumping Practices , Safeguards  and Technical Barriers to Trade  would be submitted directly to the 
General Council at its December  2019 meeting.  
47  ADOPTION OF THE ANNU AL REPORT OF THE COU NCIL FOR TRADE IN GO ODS TO THE 
GENERAL COUNCIL  
47.1.   At its meeting of 14 November , the Council adopted its Annual Report (201 9) to the 
General  Council.  
48  OTHER BUSINESS  
48.1  Optimization of the CTG 's Work in Line with the Practice of the General Council  
48.1.   At its meeting of 9 July, the Council took note of the question posed to delegations by the 
Chairperson about the appropriateness of optimizing the Council 's meetings and use of its time to 
put it in line with the practice by the General Council to limit speakers' interventions to a maximum 
of five minutes per delegation. The Council also took note of the statements made by India, South 
Africa,  and the United  States.  
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29 Agriculture (G/L/1332); TRIMs (G/L/1 337 and G/TRIMS/ 9); Market Access (G/L/1 338); Import 
Licensing (G/L/1328); Customs Valuation (G/L/1333); Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (G/L/1 336); 
ITA (G/L/1334); Pre -shipment Inspe ction and Independent Entity (G/L/1330); Rules of Origin (G/L/1331); 
Trade Facilitation (G/L/1329); and Working Party on State Trading Enterprises (G/L/1 335 and G/STR/ 23).