WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
13 July 2021  
(21-5489) Page: 1/169 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
REPORT OF THE TPRB FROM THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL ON  
TRADE -RELATED DEVELOPMENTS  
(MID-OCTOBER  2020 TO MID -MAY 2021) 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 2 
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  6 
2   RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENTS  ................................ ......................  10 
2.1   Overview of world trade  ................................ ................................ .............................. 10 
2.2   Details on economic and trade developments  ................................ ................................ .11 
2.3   Trade forecast and economic outlook  ................................ ................................ ............ 14 
3   TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED POLICY DEVELOPMENTS  ................................ ..............  17 
3.1   Overview of trends identified during the review period  ................................ .................... 17 
3.1.1    Regular trade measures  ................................ ................................ ............................ 17 
3.1.2    COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures  ................................ ............................... 24 
3.2   Trade remedies  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 26 
3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures  ................................ ................................ ..34 
3.4   Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)  ................................ ................................ ................. 40 
3.5   Trade concerns raised in other WTO bodies  ................................ ................................ ....45 
3.6   Policy developments in agriculture  ................................ ................................ ................ 54 
3.7   General economic support  ................................ ................................ ........................... 58 
3.8   Other selected trade policy developments  ................................ ................................ ......62 
4   POLICY DEVELOPMENT IN TRADE IN SERVICES  ................................ ........................  73 
4.1   Regular measures affecting trade in services  ................................ ................................ ..73 
4.2   COVID -19-related measures affecting trade in services  ................................ ................... 79 
5   POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  .............................  83 
ANNEX 1 - MEASURES FACILITATING TRADE  ................................ ................................ . 88 
ANNEX 2 - TRADE REMEDIES  ................................ ................................ ..........................  95 
ANNEX 3 - OTHER TRADE -RELATED MEASURES  ................................ ............................  107  
ANNEX 4 – MEASURES AFFECTING TRADE IN SERVICES  ................................ ..............  115  
ANNEX 5 - COVID -19 TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED MEASURES (GOODS)  .....................  157  
ANNEX 6 – COVID -19 TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED MEASURES (S ERVICES)  ................  164  
 WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  
1. This WTO Trade Monitoring Report on trade -related developments comes as the world 
continues to battle the COVID -19 pandemic.  The mid -October 2020 to mid -May 2021 review period 
covered in this Report provides important insight into a number of areas as countries begin 
addressing the challenges of a post -pandemic economic recovery. In particular, the past severa l 
months have seen international cooperation and coordination among nations and intergovernmental 
organizations increase and intensify . 
2. The Rome Declaration, made during the Global Health Summit in May, reaffirmed that the 
pandemic remains an unprecedented  global health and socio -economic crisis with disproportionate 
direct and indirect effects on the most vulnerable. It also emphasized that the pandemic would 
continue to be a threat until all countries are able to bring the disease under control through 
large-scale, global, safe, effective and equitable vaccination in combination with other appropriate 
public health measures.  
3. Recently, the Heads of the IMF, the World Bank, the WHO and the WTO called for a new 
commitment to vaccine equity and defeating the pandemic and suggested  a USD 50 billion health, 
trade and finance roadmap to end the pandemic and secure a global recovery. Coordination among 
manufacturers, suppliers and international organizations was a main theme at the Global COVID -19 
Vaccine Supply Chain & Manufacturing Summit in March. Without a broad and inclusive international 
effort  we will not be able to end this pan demic, nor will we be able to successfully fight the next one.   
4. Cooperation on trade is important as policymakers consider preparedness, response and 
resilience as an interconnected package. Trade has been a force for good during the pandemic by 
enabling a ccess to medical supplies. Despite the value of global merchandise trade shrinking by 
more than 8% in 2020, trade in medical supplies increased by 16%, and personal protective 
equipment (PPE) by 50%. As a platform for transparency, the WTO has a central ro le to play in 
ensuring that supply chains are kept open and restrictive trade policies are avoided. The multilateral 
trading system has kept trade flowing and provided Members with a well-established platform for 
providing  information on the policies they have taken in response to the pandemic. Throughout the 
pandemic , WTO committees have worked intensively to address COVID -19-related issues and their 
impact on international trade. As during the global financial crisis (GFC) more than a decade ago, 
the foun dation of the multilateral trading system has proved solid.  
5. Overall, this Report suggests  that trade policy restraint by WTO Members has prevented a 
destructive acceleration of protectionist trade measures that would have further harmed  the world 
economy. This Report documents how many trade restrictions  on goods imposed at the start of the 
pandemic have been rolled back and that new liberalizing measures have been introduced. The 
challenge ahead is to ensure that the trade -restrictive measures introduced i n response to the 
pandemic are transparent, proportionate, targeted and temporary.  WTO Members  must work 
together as the world seeks to return to strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth, including 
through strengthened supply chains and diversifi ed global vaccine -manufacturing capacity.  
Specific findings  
6. World trade and output grew faster than expected in the first half of 2021 , after falling 
sharply in the second half of 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic. The turnaround was aided 
by stro ng monetary and fiscal policy support from governments, and by the arrival of effective 
vaccines against COVID -19. According to the WTO's most recent trade forecast on 31 March 2021, 
the volume of world merchandise trade will increase by 8% in 2021 and 4% in 2022. Trade growth 
in the second half of 2020 was still not strong enough to return trade to its pre -pandemic trend, but 
such a turn -around could happen by the first quarter of 2022 if vaccine production and dissemination 
accelerate, thus allowing conta inment measures to be relaxed sooner. Leading indicators point to a 
sustained expansion of merchandise trade in the first half of 2021. By contrast, commercial services 
trade has recovered more slowly , as it is strongly influenced by lockdowns and travel r estrictions.  
7. Despite these relatively positive developments, COVID -19 continues to pose a serious threat 
to the global economy and to public health. Production of vaccines has been slow and distribution 
uneven, contributing to significant disparities in ac cess across countries. This is especially true for 
low-income developing economies, which are struggling to obtain enough doses to inoculate more 
than a small fraction of their populations. Failure of the international community to ensure wider 
access to v accines, including in the poorest countries, could lead to a resurgence of the pandemic, 
which would set back the global economic recovery significantly.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  8. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, 384 COVID -19-related trade measures in the area 
of goods have been implemented by WTO Members , of which 248 (65%) were of a 
trade -facilitating nature and 136 (35%) could be considered trade restrictive. Several of these 
measures, originally introduced in immediate response to the pa ndemic, have been extended during 
the review period. Export bans accounted for 84% of all restrictive measures recorded. The reduction 
or elimination of import tariffs and import taxes accounted for 60% of trade -facilitating measures 
taken , and several  Members reduced their tariffs on a variety of goods such as PPE, sanitizers, 
disinfectants, medical equipment and medicine s/drugs. Some WTO Members and Observers severely 
affected by successive waves of the pandemic have also eliminated import tariffs on cert ain goods 
necessary to fight COVID -19, such as oxygen, oxygen canisters, certain drugs, and active 
substances.  
9. WTO Members continued to repeal measures implemented in response to the 
pandemic  and, as at mid -May 2021, around 21% of COVID -19 trade -facilitat ing measures and 54% 
of the COVID -19 trade -restrictive measures have been terminated, suggesting a swifter roll back of 
trade -restrictive measures . Fifty-seven percent of the 114 export restrictive measures put in place 
since the beginning of the pandemic have been repealed.  The trade coverage of COVID -19-related 
trade -facilitating measures implemented since the beginning of the pandemic was estimated at 
USD 291.6 billion, while that of the COVID -19-related trade -restrictive measures stood at USD 205.8 
billion. According to preliminary estimates by the WTO Secretariat, the trade coverage of the 
trade -facilitating measures still in force (USD 107.6 billion) is slightly higher than that of the 
trade -restrictive measures (USD  106.0 billion) .  
10. WTO Members continued to implement COVID -19-related support measures to 
mitigate the social and economic impacts induced by the pandemic . Since the beginning of 
the pandemic, at least 1,521 COVID -19-related economic support measures have been put in place 
by 106 Members and 4 Observers. Of these, as at 27 May 2021, 930 (61%) were communicated 
directly to the WTO Secretariat.  The unprecedented number of COVID -19 support measures put in 
place since the beginning of the pandemic far exceeds the activity seen i n the wake of the GFC.  
These measures included grants, loans or stimulus packages targeting sectors of the economy 
heavily affected by the crisis, including agriculture, health, aviation, transport, tourism, education 
and culture, and also fiscal and finan cial measures to support businesses and  micro, small and 
medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs ), as well as broader stimulus packages. Most of these measures 
appeared to be temporary in nature  even if s ome implemented in the early stages of the pandemic 
have bee n extended in 2021 . Overall, the pace of introducing new support measures decreased  
during the review period .  
11. Support program mes by international intergovernmental organizations, regional 
development banks or bilateral assistance measures  complemented gov ernmental measures. 
These programmes came in the form of grants, loans, vaccination roll -out programmes or vaccine 
donations, and credit and funding arrangements to reduce debt vulnerabilities  in low-income 
countries where the pandemic has created urgent f inancing needs.  
12. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, WTO Members and Observers have put in place 14 7 
COVID -19-related measures affecting trade in services. M any of the services measures implemented  
in response to the pandemic have been  extended and several have been terminated during the 
review period. The downward trend in introducing new COVID -19-related measures 
affecting services by WTO Members , a trend that has been  observed since the third quarter of 
2020, was confirmed. Between m id-October 2020 and mid -May 2021, 2 3 COVID -19-related trade -
in-services measures were introduced by WTO Members  and Observers . Most of these measures 
appear to be trade -facilitating.   
13. During the review period, WTO Members implemented 61 new trade -facilitat ing 
measures on goods and 70 new trade -restrictive measures unrelated to the pandemic . The 
estimated trade coverage of the import -facilitating measures introduced during the review period 
was USD  445 billion (down from USD 731.3 billion in the previous per iod) and significantly exceeds 
the trade coverage of import -restrictive measures estimated at USD 127.1 billion (down from USD 
440.9 billion in the previous period). This suggests a return to the regular trend identified since the 
beginning of the trade mo nitoring exercise in 2009. Deviation from this trend was the result of an 
escalation of bilateral trade tensions or, as reported in November 2020, a significant  drop in the 
implementation of non -COVID -related trade policies observed  in the second half of 2 020.  
14. WTO Members  introduced 122 regular measures affecting trade in services  during 
the review period, targeting different modes of supply across various sectors. While most of these WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  were trade -facilitating, some new policies appeared to be trade -restrictive, including measures 
affecting communication and network -enabled services, and policies pertaining to the screening of 
foreign investment in areas considered as strategic.  
15. Initiations of trade remedy actions by WTO Members reached its lowe st level after 
marking its highest peak in 2020. The monthly average of trade remedy initiations (19) was the 
lowest observed since 2012 and that of trade remedy terminations (18) was the second highest 
recorded since 2012. Initiations of anti -dumping investigations account ed for 83% of all trade 
remedy initiations. The trade coverage of t rade remedy initiations recorded during the review period 
(134) was estimated at USD  17.6 billion (down from the USD 68.8 billion in the previous period) and 
that of terminations (129) at 15.1 USD  billion (up from USD  9.9 billion in the previous period). Trade 
remedy actions remain an important trade policy tool for WTO Members , accounting for 67% of all 
non-COVID -19 related trade measures on goods recorded in this Report.  As at 30 April 2021, two 
Members had notified anti -dumping actions referring to the C OVID -19 pandemic.  
16. WTO members continued to use the SPS and TBT Committees' transparency 
mechanisms to notify their sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT) 
measures and to discuss and often resolve specific trade concerns (STC s) non -litigiously. During the 
review period, 1,149 SPS and 1,372 TBT notifications were submitted by WTO Members, most of 
them by developing Members. As in previous Reports, the majority of regular SPS notifications 
related to food safety, whereas the bul k of emergency SPS measures related to animal health. Most 
TBT measures indicated the protection of human health or safety as their main objective. S ince 
February 2020, a total of 84 COVID -19 related notifications and communications were submitted to 
the S PS Committee. The nature of most of these measures has shifted, from initial  restrictions on 
animal imports and/or transit from affected areas, and increased certification requirements to, as of 
beginning of April 2020, facilitating measures allowing tempo rary flexibility for control authorities to 
use electronic certificates for checks. As at 27 May 2021, 153 TBT notifications were submitted to 
the WTO on standards and regulations in response to the pandemic, most of these under the 
emergency/urgent notifi cation provisions of the TBT Agreement. TBT notifications in relation to the 
COVID -19 pandemic cover a wide range of products, including medicines, PPE, food, medical 
equipment and medical supplies.  
17. Members continued to use WTO bodies to address their tra de concerns . Several of the 
concerns raised appeared to indicate persistent and unresolved issues. Some trade concerns were 
raised in more than one WTO body, suggesting that these concerns involve cross -cutting and 
technically complex issues and that WTO Members are continuing to use  multiple platforms to 
address various aspects of such concerns.  
18. In the Committee on Agriculture  (CoA) , most questions focused on Members 
domestic support policies . WTO Members posed 238 questions regarding individual notifications, 
overdue notifications and specific implementation matters ( SIMs) under Article 18.6. Most of these 
questions were related to domestic support.  The 96th and 97th CoA meetings which took place during 
the review period included a dedicated agenda item on COVID ‑19 which provided Me mbers with an 
opportunity to engage in a holistic discussion on the crisis and the disruptions it has caused to food 
and agriculture systems globally.  WTO Members also used the CoA's standard review process to 
request clarification on policies implemented in response to the pandemic .  
19. WTO Members continued to fine -tune their intellectual property (IP) domestic 
frameworks  during the review period.  Several Members implemented specific IP measures aimed 
at facilitating the development and dissemination of COVI D-19-related health technologies, as well 
as at relaxing procedural requirements for administrative IP matters. Since the outbreak of the 
pandemic, 71 IP -related measures, including administrative and substantive  measures, were 
implemented by WTO Members . During the review period, WTO Members discussed on several 
occasions the proposed waiver o f some TRIPS provisions in relation to the prevention, containment 
or treatment of COVID -19. 
20. The Report also covers several other important trade -related developments and 
discussions  that took place during the review period. Work continued in the first months of 2021 
to advance negotiations, particularly on fisheries subsidies, building on the decision taken by 
Members at MC11. Groups of Members also contin ued to pursue discussions on other issues, 
including electronic commerce, investment facilitation, women's economic empowerment, domestic 
regulation in services and MSMEs.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  21. Resolving the health crisis and the fundamental challenges it brings to the world i n terms of 
access to COVID -19 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics will be fundamental  to a sustainable 
economic recovery. A full recovery in trade cannot be attained without a rapid and more 
equitable vaccine roll -out. WTO Members must show collective l eadership in this respect, 
act to ensure that markets remain open  and work together to achieve a successful 
outcome at MC12 .  
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  1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  This Monitoring Report1 reviews trade and trade -related developments during the period from 
16 October 20 20 to 15 May 2021.2 It is a mid -year preparatory contribution to the annual report by 
the Director -General provided for in paragraph (g) of the Trade Polic y Review Mechanism (TPRM) 
mandate , which aims to assist the Trade Policy Review Body (TPR B) in undertaking an annual 
overview of developments in the international trading environment that are having an impact on the 
multilateral trading system.  
1.2.  This Report is issued under the sole responsibility of the Director -General of the WTO. It is a 
factual transparency exercise and has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of WTO  Members. 
It is without prejudice to the negotiating positions of Members and has no legal implication with 
respect to the conformity of any measure noted in the Report w ith any WTO agreement or any 
provision thereof. It does not seek to establish whether a trade measure is protectionist , and it does 
not question the right of Members to take certain trade measures  (see Box 1.2 below).  
1.3.  The Report aims to shed light on the latest trends in the implementation of a broad range of 
policy measures that restrict or facilitate the flow of trade. I t provides an update on the main 
indicators of the world economy and on the state of global trade. The Reports continue to evolve in 
terms of coverage and analysis of trade -related issues, reflecting discussions among , and inputs 
from, WTO Members .  
1.4.  The Re port is presented amidst the continuing COVID -19 pandemic , which has triggered 
significant  social and economic turmoil globally. The pandemic is covered extensively in this Report , 
including the specific work and discussions undertaken by WTO committees as  a result of COVID -19. 
In line with the approach adopted in the context of the H1N1 health emergency in 2009 -10, the 
WTO Secretariat has actively been seeking to provide a cross -cutting transparency platform so as 
to allow Members to gain a global understa nding of the trade -related responses to the crisis.  While 
this Report provides a snapshot of developments over a six -month period, the more comprehensive 
and updated overview of measures taken in response to the pandemic can be found on the dedicated 
COVID -19 page of the WTO website .3 The updated lists on the website  are provided for transparency 
purposes and do not question or pass judgement on Members' right to implement any of the 
measures . The lists presented on the website are not exhaustive . This Rep ort contains separate 
annexes on trade and trade -related measures taken by Members in the area of goods and services 
in response to the COVID -19 pandemic from 16 October 2020 to 15 May 2021.   
1.5.  From a practical and methodological point of view, and in accord ance with the long -standing 
practice of the WTO Trade Monitoring Exercise of verifying information and measures with Members, 
the WTO Secretariat implemented an ad hoc verification process of COVID -19-related measures with 
Members. In recognition of the fact that some measures did not initially have official government 
sources, the daily update of these measures was listed only on the WTO Members ' website, pending 
verification by the relevant delegation . For those trade and trade -related goods and services 
measures submitted by delegations, or where official sources were found, a separate list was made 
available on the WTO public website. The cooperation of WTO Members in confirming measures, 
providing o fficial sources and additional information to increase transparency, was efficient, 
especially considering the challenges caused by remote working conditions  in operation globally . 
This was particularly evident in the constant reduction  in the number of me asures that lacked official 
sources. WTO Members deserve credit for their active cooperation in assisting the Secretariat in this 
transparency exercise, including through the notification process to the relevant WTO committees. 
A consistent feature of the trade and trade -related measures taken in response to the COVID -19 
crisis has been the frequent changes, adjustments and occasional roll  back of such measures to 
reflect the evolving situation. The updated lists of measures implemented in the context of th e 
 
1 The previous WTO Trade Monitoring Report presented to the TPRB (WTO document WT/TPR/OV/2 3, 
30 November 20 20) covered measures taken over the period from mid -October 201 9 to mid -October 20 20. 
The WTO Trade Monitoring Reports have been prepared by the WTO Secretariat since 2 009. On 28 June 2021, 
the WTO Secretariat, together with the Secretariats of the OECD and UNCTAD, issued the G20 Reports  on 
trade and investment measures implemented by G20 economies during the period mid -October 2020 to 
mid-May 2021 (available on the WTO website).  
2 Unless otherwise indicated in the relevant section . In addition to the trade policy measures 
implemented during the period under review and captured by this Report, other actions that impact trade flows 
may have been taken by WTO Members.  
3 Viewed at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/covid19_e.htm . This dedicated webpage 
on the WTO website provides detailed information on COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures and is 
updated regularly.   WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  pandemic are available on the COVID -19 page of the WTO website . The full list of notifications 
received by the WTO Secretariat in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic is also available on the 
WTO website . 
1.6.  On 14 April 2021,  the Director -General  convened  a virtual  meeting  themed  "COVID -19 and 
Vaccine Equity: What Can the WTO Contribute".  The event brought together speakers from the 
private sector, international organizations, civil society, and Members, including trade ministers and 
senior officials. It bro ught clarity as to the reasons for the inequity in global vaccine distribution and 
the factors impeding manufacturing upscaling and diversification.  Issues touched upon during the 
event were also being discussed by delegations in several WTO bodies.  
1.7.  The structure  of this Report reflects the significance of the pandemic on  the work of the WTO.  
Each Section , except Section 2 , will first cover the regular monitoring of trade and trade -related 
measures implemented during the review period. Subsequently, each Se ction will address , where 
relevant,  specific developments in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
1.8.  Section 2 of the Report provides an overview of recent economic and trade developments and 
include s the most recent forecasts for world trade growth taking i nto account the global pandemic. 
Section 3 presents an overview of selected trade and trade -related policy trends , including s pecific 
developments related to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures , Technical Barriers to Trade 
(TBT) , and agriculture . Overviews of policy developments in trade in services and trade -related 
aspects of intellectual property rights  (TRIPS) are included in Sections 4 and 5, respectively.  
1.9.  Annexes 1 -4 to this Report include  new measures recorded for WTO Members and Observers  
during the review period. Measures implemented outside this period are not included in these 
Annexes . The compilation of all measures recorded by the trade  monitoring reports since 
October  2008 is availa ble in the Trade Monitoring Database  (TMDB) .4 Annexes 5 and 6 provide an 
overview of recorded trade and trade -related measures taken by Members in the area of goods and 
services in response to the COVID -19 pandemic between 16 October 2020 and  15 May 2021.  
1.10.   Information on the measures included in this Report was collected from inputs submitted by 
WTO Members and Observers, as well as from other official and public sources. Replies to the 
Director -General's initial request for information on measures taken du ring the period under review 
and replies to the requests for verification were received from 93 Members5 (Box 1.1), which 
represents 5 7% of the membership, and covers around 93.8% of world imports.6 Five Observers 
also replied to the request for informat ion. Overall, 106 Members and Observers were covered in 
the Secretariat's requests for verification of measures with a total of 255 files sent to delegations. 
Participation in the verification process was uneven, and in many cases the Secretariat received only  
partial responses and often after the indicated deadline. Where it has not been possible to confirm 
the information, this is n oted in the Annexes.  
1.11.   The Organi sation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Trade 
Centre (ITC) and the Global Trade Alert (GTA) have kindly contributed topical boxes to this Report.  
 
4 Measures listed in Annexe s 1, 2 and 3 to this Report will feature in the TMDB after the informal 
meeting of the TPRB on 2 9 July 20 21. Viewed at: http://tmdb.wto.org . 
5 The European Union and its member States counted separately.  
6 This figure in cludes intra -EU trade.   WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Box 1.1 Participation in the preparation of this Report  
1. Albania  
2. Angola  
3. Argentina  
4. Australia  
5. Azerbaijana 
6. Bahrain, Kingdom of  
7. Bangladesh  
8. Belarusa 
9. Belize  
10. Brazil  
11. Cambodia  
12. Canada  
13. Chile 
14. China  
15. Colombia  
16. Costa Rica  
17. Dominican Republic  
18. Ecuador  
19. Egypt  
20. El Salvador  
21. Equatorial Guineaa 
22. European Unionb 
23. The Gambia  
24. Honduras  
25. Hong Kong, China  
26. India 
27. Indonesia  
28. Iraqa 
29. Israel  
30. Japan  
31. Kazakhstan  
32. Korea, Republic of  
33. Lao People's Democratic Republic  
34. Lesotho  
35. Macao, China  
36. Madagascar  37. Malaysia  
38. Mali 
39. Mauritania  
40. Mexico  
41. Moldova, Rep ublic of 
42. Mongolia  
43. Montenegro  
44. Myanmar  
45. Nepal  
46. New Zealand  
47. North Macedonia  
48. Norway  
49. Oman  
50. Pakistan  
51. Paraguay  
52. Philippines  
53. Qatar  
54. Russian Federation  
55. Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
56. Serbiaa 
57. Seychelles  
58. Singapore  
59. Sri Lanka  
60. Switzerland  
61. Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Chinese 
Taipei)  
62. Tajikistan  
63. Thailand  
64. Tunisia  
65. Turkey  
66. Ukraine  
67. United Kingdomb 
68. United States  
69. Viet Nam  
70. Zambia  
71. Zimbabwe  
a Observer.  
b The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union as of 1 February 2020. During the transition 
period, which end ed on 31 December 2020, European Union law, with a few limited exceptions, 
continue d to be applicable to and in the United Kingdom. During the transition period, the 
information provided by the European  Union which is relevant to this document unless otherwise 
specified, continue d to cover the United Kingdom.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Box 1.2 About the WTO Trade Monitoring Report  
The Trade Monitoring Report is first and foremost a transparency exercise. It is intended to be purely factual 
and has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of WTO Members. It is without prejudice to Members' 
negotiating positions and has no legal implication with respect to the  conformity of any measure noted in the 
Report with any WTO Agreement or any provision thereof.  
The Report aims to shed light on the latest trends in the implementation of a broad range of policy measures 
that facilitate as well as restrict the flow of trade and provide an update on the state of global trade. The 
Report neither seeks to pronounce its elf on whether a trade measure is protectionist, nor does it question the 
right of Members to take certain trade measures. The Reports continue to evolve in terms of the coverage 
and analysis of trade -related issues and take into account discussions among WTO Members in the Trade 
Policy Review Body (TPRB).  
Regarding trade remedy actions, it has been highlighted in discussions among WTO Members that some of 
these measures are taken to address what is perceived by some as a market distortion resulting from tr ade 
practices of entities in another trading partner. The Anti -Dumping Agreement and the Agreement on Subsidies 
and Countervailing Measures permit WTO  Members to impose anti -dumping (AD) or countervailing (CVD) 
duties to offset what is perceived to be injurious dumping or subsidization of products exported from one 
Member to another. The Reports are not in a position to establish if, where or when such perceived distortive 
practices have taken place. The Reports have never categorized the use of trade remedies as protectionist, or 
WTO-inconsistent, or criticized governments for utilizing them. The main objective of monitoring these 
measures is to provide additional transparency and to identify emerging trends in the application of trade 
policy measures.  
With respect to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) measures covered in 
the Report, it is important to emphas ize that they are neither classified nor counted as trade -restrictive or 
trade -facilitating, and the increasing trend with respect to the number of notifications of such measures is 
carefully linked to the transparency provisions of the Agreements only. Th e Reports have consistently 
underlined the basic premise that an increased number of SPS and TBT notifications does not automatically 
imply greater use of protectionist or unnecessarily trade -restrictive measures, but rather enhanced 
transparency regarding  these measures. Finally, the Reports clearly emphasize that the SPS and 
TBT Agreements specifically allow Members to take measures in the pursuit of a number of legitimate policy 
objectives.  
The WTO Secretariat strives to ensure that the Trade Monitoring  Reports are factual and objective. Since 
2009, the Reports have sought to provide a nuanced perspective to developments in the area of international 
trade. For example,  the Reports  have consistently  emphasized  that although  the number  of specific  and often 
long-term restrictive  trade measures  remains  a source  of serious  concern,  other  key factors  may influence  
trade developments.  During discussions of the Trade Monitoring Reports at the TPRB, Members have also 
drawn attention to this point and to the fact that, with respect to both, vigilance remains imperative.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
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  2  RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENTS  
2.1  Overview of world trade  
2.1.  World trade and output grew faster than expected in the first half of 202 1, after falli ng sharply 
in the second half of 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic. The turnaround was aided by 
strong monetary and fiscal policy support from governments, and by the arrival of effective vaccines 
against COVID -19. Leading indicators point to a su stained expansion of merchandise trade in the 
first half of 2021, consistent with the WTO 's most recent trade forecast of 31  March  2021. In contrast 
to merchandise trade, commercial services trade has recovered more slowly, since it is strongly 
influenced by lockdowns and travel restrictions.  
2.2.  Despite these relatively positive developments, COVID -19 continues to pose a grave threat to 
the global economy and to public health. Production of vaccines has been slow and distribution 
uneven, contributing to signif icant disparities in access across countries. This is especially true for 
low-income developing economies, which are struggl ing to obtain enough doses to inoculate more 
than a small fraction of their populations. Failure of the international community to e nsure wider 
access to vaccines, including in the poorest countries, could lead to a resurgence of the pandemic, 
which would set back the global economic recovery significantly. WTO Members  need to show 
leadership and work together towards solutions that wi ll save lives  and prepare the ground for a 
sustainable recovery . 
2.3.  The volume of world merchandise trade jumped 11.4% (quarter -on-quarter) in Q3 2020 and 
4.4% in Q4, capping a stronger -than-expected rebound from the 12.1% measured drop in Q2 
(Chart  2.1). The  bounce was strong enough to lift merchandise trade in Q4 back above its level in 
Q4 2019, before the pandemic broke out. By comparison, merchandise trade took more than two 
years (nine quarters) to return to its previous level after the global financial c risis of 2008 -09. 
Chart 2.1 World merchandise trade volume, Q1 2005 -Q4 2022  
(Index, 2015 = 100)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD for trade volume data; WTO Secretariat for forecasts.  
2.4.  For the whole of 2020, the volume of merchandise trade was down a modest 5.3% , according 
to WTO trade statistics. There are several possible explanations for the smaller -than-expected 
contraction last year. First and foremost, fiscal and monetary policies in advanced econo mies were 
more expansive and open -ended than during the financial crisis. Fiscal policy in particular boosted 
household incomes and propped up demand for consumer goods, including imported ones.  
2.5.  Lockdowns and travel restrictions prevented the consumption o f many types of services, 
causing consumers to bias their spending towards goods. Innovation in information technology also 
allowed people to work and shop from home, which kept income and economic activity from falling 
further. Effective pandemic response s in many economies, particularly in Asia, kept manufacturing 
supply chains operating, allowing them to continue producing much needed goods , including medical 
supplies and equipment. Finally, restraint in the implementation of restrictive trade policies 
prevented a protectionist spiral that would have impacted global trade very negatively.  
2.6.  According to the WTO 's most recent trade forecast on 31  March  2021, the volume of world 
merchandise trade will increase by 8.0% in 2021 and 4.0% in 2022. The rebound in the second half 
60708090100110120130
Merchandise trade volume
Trend 2011-2019
Upside scenario
Downside scenario
Baseline forecastWT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 11 - 
 
  of 2020 was not strong enough to return trade to its pre -pandemic trend (represented by the dotted 
line in Chart 2.1), but such a reversion  could happen by Q1 2022 if the more optimistic of two 
alternative scenarios in the trade forecast ma terializes. In the upside scenario, vaccine production 
and dissemination would accelerate, allowing containment measures to be eased sooner rather than 
later. This would add 1 percentage point to world gross domestic product ( GDP) growth in 2021 and 
around  2.5 percentage points to world merchandise trade volume growth. In the downside scenario, 
trade recovery could stumble if vaccine production does not keep up with demand, or if vaccine -
resistant strains of the virus emerge and spread. This would lower GDP  growth by 1  percentage 
point and trade growth by around 2 percentage points in 2021.  
2.7.  Trade in nominal US dollar terms fell more sharply than trade in volume terms in 2020. The 
value of world merchandise exports was down 8% compared with the previous year,  while 
commercial services receipts tumbled 20%. Services trade, in particular, was weighed down by 
travel restrictions, which prevented the delivery of services requiring physical presence or face -to-
face interaction. The larger decline in merchandise tra de in value terms compared to volume terms 
was due in part to falling oil prices, down by around one third between 2019 and 2020.  
2.8.  Merchandise trade flows in nominal US dollar terms also rebounded in the second half of 2020, 
but the recovery in services tra de was weaker. The US dollar value of world merchandise trade was 
down 21% year -on-year in Q2 2020, but by Q4 it was up 2%. Commercial services trade declined 
by 28% year -on-year in Q2, and has remained down 19% year -on-year in Q4.  
2.9.  The policy response to t he pandemic will probably be the single most important determinant 
of trade and output over the next two years. If a large percentage of the world 's population gets 
vaccinated, then service industries will be able to resume, or approach the resumption of, normal 
activities , and people will be able to travel again. Unfortunately, progress to date has been 
discouraging, with huge discrepancies in vaccination rates between wealthier and poorer countries.  
2.10.   The European  Union  (32% with at least one dose as at 17 May 2020), the United  States  
(47%) and the United Kingdom (54%) are likely to achieve herd immunity before large emerging 
economies such as Brazil (17%) or India (10%). Meanwhile, only 1.3% of people in African countries 
are estimated to have been vaccinat ed.1 At this rate , it would take years and many lives lost for the 
region to catch up in the vaccination race.  
2.2  Details on economic and trade developments  
2.11.   There are no readily available quarterly statistics on world GDP, but the OECD estimates for 
G20 economies provide a close approximation. These data show that the real GDP of the collective 
G20 fell 6.6% quarter -on-quarter in Q2 2020, during the first wave  of the pandemic. Growth then 
turned positive in Q3, with a 7.8% increase , followed by a 2.1% rise in Q4. Figures for Q1 2021 are 
not yet available, but data for individual G20 economies suggest that growth may have slowed 
marginally.  
2.12.   GDP declines in advan ced economies early in the pandemic were larger than the G20 average. 
The United  States  recorded a 9.0% drop in real output in Q2, a 7.5% rebound in Q3, and a smaller 
1.1% increase in Q4. The European  Union  reported a 11.6% decline in Q2, followed by a 12. 5% 
rebound in Q3. Growth in the European  Union  turned negative again in Q4 (-0.7%), probably due to 
the resurgence of the pandemic in Europe at that time. Finally, the United Kingdom 's GDP plunged 
19.5% in Q2 , before rebounding 16.9% in Q3. Growth subseque ntly moderated to 1.3% in Q4. 
2.13.   Among emerging economies, China 's pattern of GDP growth in 2020 was unique in that it 
recorded its largest decline in output in Q1, when the COVID -19 virus was first detected. Chinese 
output dropped 9.7% in Q1, and then reboun ded 11.6% in Q2. Despite being hard hit by COVID -19 
early in the pandemic, Brazil recorded a relatively modest 9.2% drop in GDP in Q2, followed by a 
7.2% rise in Q3. By contrast, India 's GDP dropped precipitously , with output falling 25.9% in Q2 
before reb ounding 23.7% in Q3. The large size of the Indian decline may be attributed to the 
importance of services in India 's economy.  
2.14.   Chart 2.2 shows growth in the US dollar value of world merchandise trade (red line) together 
with contributions of income groups t o that growth (stacked bars). World export and import growth 
normally diverge slightly due to differences in the recording of transactions across countries. 
High-income countries accounted for nearly 70% of the decline in exports in Q2 2020 , and about 
 
1 Viewed at: https://ourworldindata.org/covid -vaccinations .  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 12 - 
 
  64% of the decline in imports. Nominal trade growth was negative throughout 2019 due to the 
elevated trade tensions outlined in previous Reports.  
2.15.   Chart 2.3 shows quarterly merchandise export and import volume indices for WTO regions 
from Q1 2015 to Q4 2020. In  Q2 2020, North America and Europe recorded sharp year -on-year 
declines in exports  – 25.8% and 20.4% , respectively. However, by Q4 they had regained most of 
the lost ground, with year -on-year declines of 3.0% and 2.4%, respectively. Middle Eastern exports 
also fell sharply in Q2, as oil consumption slumped worldwide due to reduced demand for gasoline 
and aviation fuel.  
2.16.   Asian exports recorded a smaller drop of 7.2% in Q2, but by Q4 shipments were already up 
7.7% compared with the same period in 2019. This ra pid recovery can be partly explained by the 
fact that , so far,  the pandemic  has been comparatively better controlled in most Asian economies. 
The region has also been supplying the world with a variety of consumer goods and medical supplies 
since the start of the pandemic , thus driving  up regional export totals.  
Chart 2.2 Contributions to year -on-year growth in world merchandise exports and 
imports, Q1 2018 -Q4 2020  
(% change in USD values and percentage point contributions)  
 
Note:  Due to limited data availability, Africa and the Midd le East are under -represented in world totals. 
Economies are categorized according to World Bank income classification.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.  
9.6
8.2
4.41.7
-2.1 -2.6 -2.3 -1.7-3.4
-14.9-3.31.25.0
5.0
4.7
2.2
-0.2-0.6 -0.8-0.6
-3.1
-6.5-1.01.314.6
13.3
9.1
3.9
-2.4
-3.2-3.1-2.2
-6.5
-21.4-4.32.5
-25-20-15-10-505101520
2018Q1
2018Q2
2018Q3
2018Q4
2019Q1
2019Q2
2019Q3
2019Q4
2020Q1
2020Q2
2020Q3
2020Q4
High-income economies Low-and-middle income economies World, year-on-year % changeContributions to year -on-year growth in world merchandise exports and imports, 2018Q1 -
2020Q4
Source:(% change in USD values and % point contributions)
Note Due to scarce data availability, Africa and the Middle East are under -represented in world totals.
WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.9.9
8.2
5.13.0
-1.6 -1.7 -1.4-2.8-4.0
-13.3-3.41.94.9
4.9
4.6
1…
-0.9 -0.8 -1.4
0.0
-1.1
-7.4-2.9-0.214.8
13.0
9.7
4.4
-2.6 -2.5 -2.9 -2.8
-5.1
-20.7-6.31.8
-25-20-15-10-505101520
2018Q1
2018Q2
2018Q3
2018Q4
2019Q1
2019Q2
2019Q3
2019Q4
2020Q1
2020Q2
2020Q3
2020Q4Exports
Imports
Econoies are categorized according to World Bank income classification.WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Chart 2.3 Volume of merchandise exports and imports by region, Q1 2015 -Q4 2020  
(Seasonally adjusted volume indices, Q1 2012 = 100)  
 
a Refers to South and Central America and the Caribbean.  
b Refers to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including certain ass ociate and former 
member States.  
Note:  Data for the United  States, Japan and the European  Union were obtained from national statistical 
sources, while figures for China and India are seasonally adjusted WTO Secretariat estimates.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat an d UNCTAD.  
2.17.   Chart 2.4 illustrates the evolution of merchandise trade in current US dollar terms over the  
course of 2020 by sector. The value of world trade in manufactured goods was 6% higher in Q4 
2020 compared with the same period in 2019 . Trade in agricul tural products was up by a similar 
amount over the same period. By contrast, the value of fuels and mining products trade was still 
down 19% in Q4. The value of merchandise trade overall was up slightly compared with the previous 
year (2%). Although not sh own in the chart, most types of manufactured goods saw significant gains 
in the second half of 2020, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, computers and telecommunications 
equipment.  
2.18.   Chart 2.5 shows year -on-year changes in world commercial services trade by  major category. 
Travel suffered the steepest decline of any services category during the pandemic, down 82% year -
on-year in Q2 2020. By Q4 it remained down 71%. Transport was also severely impacted, with a 
29% decline in Q2, but this was reduced to 13% by  Q4. Goods -related services, which cover 
manufacturing services on physical inputs owned by others, improved from a 22% year -on-year 
decline in Q2 to a 6% year -on-year decline in Q4. Finally, the Other Commercial Services category, 
which includes many types of business and financial services, held up well during the pandemic , with 
a 6% year -on-year decline in Q2 and a 2% year -on-year decline  in Q4.  
708090100110120130140
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2017Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2018Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2019Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2020Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
North America South America a Europe CIS b
Africa Middle East AsiaWTO_ECO.3 -Volume of merchandise exports and imports by rergion, 2015Q1 -2020Q4
708090100110120130
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2017Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2018Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2019Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2020Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4(Seasonally adjusted volume indices, 2012Q1 = 100)
Exports
Imports
Source: WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.Note: Data for the United States, Japan and the EU were obtained from national statistical sources, while figures 
for China and India are seasonally adjusted Secretariat estimates.a   Refers to South and Central AMerica and the CAribbean.
b   Refers to Commnwealth of Independant States (CIS), including certain associate and former member States.WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Chart 2.4 Year-on-year growth in world merchandise trade by  sector, Q1 2020 -Q4 2020  
(% change in USD values)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates.  
Chart 2.5 Year-on-year growth in world commercial services trade by category, 
Q1 2020 -Q4 2020  
(% change in current USD val ues) 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.  
2.3  Trade forecast and economic  outlook  
2.19.   Trade projections from the WTO 's most recent forecast of 31  March  2021 are presented in 
Table 2.1. The WTO expect s world merchandise trade volume growth of 8.0% in 2021, accompa nied 
by real GDP growth at market exchange rates of 5.1%. For 2022, trade growth of 4.0% and GDP 
growth of 3.8% are anticipated.  
2.20.   The Middle East should see the fastest export growth of any region this year at 12.4%, 
explained by increased shipments of fuels for use in transport once travel restrictions are relaxed. 
It will be followed by Asia (8.4%), Europe (8.3%), Africa (8.1%), North  America (7.7%), the 
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)  (4.4%) and South  America (3.2%). The fastest growing 
region on the import side will be North America (11.4%), w ith demand fuelled by increased 
government spending. It will be followed by Europe (8.4%), South America (8.1%), the Middle East 
(7.2%), Asia (5.7%), the CIS (5.7%) and Africa (5.5%) . 
2.21.   The implied ratios of trade volume growth to GDP growth in 2021 and 2022 would be 1.6 -to-1 
and 1.1 -to-1, respectively. These ratios  imply that trade will once again grow in lockstep with GDP  
once the shock of the pandemic has faded  as it did following  the 2008-2009 global financial crisis.  
-50
-7-6
-21-5
-43-18-62
-26-326
-196
-50-40-30-20-10010
Total merchandise Agricultural
productsFuels and mining
productsManufactures
2020 Q1 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4Year-on-year growth in world manufactured goods trade by product, 2020 Q1 -2020 Q4
WTO Secretariat estimates.(% change in USD values)
-7 -7
-25-80
-28-29
-82-22-6
-24 -24
-69-15-1
-19-13
-71-6-2
-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-10010
Commercial services Transport Travel Goods-related
servicesOther commercial
services
2020 Q1 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4Year-on-year growth in world commercial services trade by category, 2020Q1 -2020Q4
WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.(% change in USD values)WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 15 - 
 
  2.22.   Leading indicators for trade in 2021 can provide an indication as to whether the WTO's trade 
forecast is being realized. A closely watched index of container port throughput published by the 
Institute of Shipping Econom ics and Logistics (ISL) was up nearly 11% year -on-year in the first 
three months of 2021. This points to strong trade growth in Q1 2021, especially because the index 
did not decline much in 2020. International cargo -tonne kilometre (CTK) statistics from th e 
International Air Transport Association (IATA) show an even stronger increase, up 23% year -on-
year in March. These indicators and others are summarized in the WTO's Goods Barometer Index 
(Box 2.1).  
Table 2.1 Merchandise trade volume and real GDP, 2017 -22 
(Annual % change)   
2017  2018  2019  2020  2021a 2022a 
Volume of world merchandise tradeb 4.9 3.2 0.2 -5.3 8.0 4.0 
Exports        
North America  3.4 3.8 0.3 -8.5 7.7 5.1 
South Americac 2.3 0.0 -2.2 -4.5 3.2 2.7 
Europe  4.1 1.9 0.6 -8.0 8.3 3.9 
CISd 3.9 4.1 -0.3 -3.9 4.4 1.9 
Africa  4.7 2.7 -0.5 -8.1 8.1 3.0 
Middle East  -2.1 4.7 -2.5 -8.2 12.4 5.0 
Asia 6.7 3.8 0.8 0.3 8.4 3.5 
Imports        
North America  4.4 5.1 -0.6 -6.1 11.4 4.9 
South Americac 4.5 5.4 -2.6 -9.3 8.1 3.7 
Europe  3.9 1.9 0.3 -7.6 8.4 3.7 
CISd 14.0 4.1 8.5 -4.7 5.7 2.7 
Africa  -1.7 5.4 2.6 -8.8 5.5 4.0 
Middle East  1.1 -4.1 0.8 -11.3 7.2 4.5 
Asia 8.4 5.0 -0.5 -1.3 5.7 4.4 
World GDP at market exchange rates  3.3 3.0 2.4 -3.8 5.1 3.8 
North America  2.3 2.8 1.9 -4.1 5.9 3.8 
South Americac 0.8 0.2 -0.7 -7.8 3.8 3.0 
Europe  2.8 2.0 1.5 -7.1 3.7 3.6 
CISd 2.3 2.9 2.1 -0.5 1.0 1.2 
Africa  3.1 3.1 2.9 -2.9 2.6 3.8 
Middle East  0.7 0.5 0.1 -6.0 2.4 3.5 
Asia 5.1 4.6 4.1 -1.1 6.1 4.1 
a Figures for 2021 and 2022 are projections corresponding to the baseline scenario in Chart 2.1. 
b Average of exports and imports.  
c Refers to South and Central America and the Caribbean.  
d Refers to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including certai n associate and former 
member States.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat for trade; consensus estimates for GDP.  
Box 2.1 Goods Trade Barometer May 2021  
The WTO’s latest Goods Trade Barometer of 28 May 2021 shows signs of a strong ongoing recovery in world 
goods trade following a steep but brief drop in the second quarter of last year as the global economy locked 
down as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
The barometer is a composite leading indicator, providing real -time information on the trajectory of 
merchandise trade relative to recent trends ahead of conventional trade volume statistics. Information on 
several trade -related variables is combined into  an overall index, with values greater than 100 indicating 
above trend growth and values less than 100 signalling the opposite. The current index reading of 109.7 is 
nearly 10 points above the baseline value of 100 for the index and up 21.6 points year -on-year, reflecting 
both the strength of the current recovery and the depth of the COVID -19 shock last year.  
The barometer's component indices include the following:  
• New Export Orders derived from Purchasing Managers' Indices (PMIs);  
• Automobile production and sales in major economies;  
• Container port throughput in 20 food equivalent units (TEU);  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 16 - 
 
  • An air freight index from the International Air Transport Association (IATA); and  
• Customs data on trade in electronic components in physical u nits. 
The biggest gains were seen in export orders (114.8), air freight (111.1) and electronics (115.2), all of which 
are highly predictive of near -term trade developments. The strength of automobile production and sales 
(105.5) may reflect improving consu mer sentiment, since confidence is closely linked to sales of durable 
goods. The same is true for agricultural raw materials (105.4), which mostly consists of wood intended for 
construction. The strength of container shipping (106.7) is also impressive in light of the fact that sea shipment 
held up well during the pandemic and had less ground to make up as a result.  
The current barometer reading is broadly in line with the WTO's most recent trade forecast of 31 March 2021, 
which predicted an 8% rise in the volume of world merchandise trade in 2021 from last year’s 5.3% decline. 
Quarterly trade volume statistics for the first half of 2021 have not been released yet, but are expected to 
show strong year -on-year growth, partly due to the recent firming up of tr ade and partly as a result of the 
collapse last year. However, the COVID -19 pandemic continues to pose a severe threat to world trade, as new 
waves of infection could easily undermine the current recovery.  
 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat .  
Goods trade barometer 
Index value, March 2021 = 109.7 Index history, trend = 100
80859095100105110115
2011M01
2011M07
2012M01
2012M07
2013M01
2013M07
2014M01
2014M07
2015M01
2015M07
2016M01
2016M07
2017M01
2017M07
2018M01
2018M07
2019M01
2019M07
2020M01
2020M07
2021M01Goods trade barometer
World merchandise trade volume
80859095100105110115
2011M01
2011M07
2012M01
2012M07
2013M01
2013M07
2014M01
2014M07
2015M01
2015M07
2016M01
2016M07
2017M01
2017M07
2018M01
2018M07
2019M01
2019M07
2020M01
2020M07
2021M01Goods trade barometer
World merchandise trade volumeG20_Barometer.1 -Index history, trend=100WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 17 - 
 
  3  TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED POLICY DEVELOPMENTS  
3.1  Overview  of trends identified during the review  period  
3.1.  This Section provides analysis of selected trade and trade -related policy developments in the 
area of goods during the period from mid -October 2020 to mid -May 2021. It is divided into two 
parts. The first  part looks at regular1, i.e. non -COVID -related , measures implemented during the 
review period, and includ es calculations on trade coverage.2 The second  part (Section 3.1.2 ) covers 
measures taken in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic. Measures in the second part are not 
included in the trade coverage calculations and are not counted towards the aggregate numbers in 
Part 1. 
3.1.1   Regular  trade measures  
3.2.  A total of 394 trade measures were recorded for WTO Members and Observers during the 
review period (Chart 3.1).3 This figure includes measures facilitating  trade, trade remedy measures 
and other trade and trade -related measures, i.e. trade -restrictive measures. It excludes measures 
taken in response to the COVID -19 pandemic. Chart 3.2 illustrates the trade coverage  of the 
measures recorded for WTO Memb ers and Observers  during the review period.  
Chart 3.1 Overview of measures, mid -October  2020 to mid -May 2021  
(By number)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chart 3.2 Trade coverage of measures, mid -October 2020 to mid -May 2021  
(USD billion)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Measures  facilitating  trade  
3.3.  Annex 1 to this Report lists measures that are clearly trade -facilitating. During the review 
period, 61 new trade -facilitating measures were recorded for WTO Members and Observers 
(Table  3.1), of which approximately half of a temporary nature. This represent s 15% of the total 
number of measures recorded. The monthly average of 8.7 trade -facilitating m easures recorded for 
the period is the third lowest recorded since 2012. It is, however, higher than the monthly average 
of trade -facilitating measures throughout the whole of 2020.  
 
1 COVID -19 trade and trade related measures are not included. Those measures are covered in Section 
3.1.2 and  in Annex 5.  
2 The trade coverage of a measure is calculated to be the value of annual imports of the specific product 
concerned from countries affected by the measure. Highly traded goods may significantly influence the 
estimation of trade coverage .  
3 See Annexes 1 -3. These annexes do not include SPS and TBT measures, which are covered in 
Sections  3.3 and 3.4. Services measures are analysed in Section 4 and are listed in Annex 4.  
134 129 61 70 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Measures facilitating trade Measures restricting trade394Overview of measures, mid-October 2020 to mid-May 2021
(by number)
18 15 
445 127 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Import-facilitating measures Import-restrictive measures605Trade coverage of measures, mid -October 2020 to mid -May 2021
(USD billion)WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 18 - 
 
  Table 3.1 Measures facilitating trade (Annex 1)  
Type of measure  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
(WT/TPR/OV/23)  
Mid-Oct 20 to 
mid-May 21 (7 
months)  
Import  185 149 181 206 147 113 144 100 91 82 55 
- Tariff 156 116 150 154 111 93 119 85 79 72 50 
- Customs procedures  12 28 17 30 27 17 15 2 3 3 0 
- Tax 2 4 2 6 4 3 6 5 8 6 3 
- QRs 7 1 11 5 1 0 3 1 1 1 2 
- Other  8 0 1 11 4 0 1 7 0 0 0 
Export  20 8 9 40 32 24 18 14 7 5 5 
- Duties  8 3 3 18 5 1 6 10 5 4 3 
- QRs 9 4 3 3 1 2 0 1 1 0 2 
- Other  3 1 3 19 26 21 12 3 1 1 0 
Other  5 1 1 4 3 0 0 1 1 1 1 
Total  210 158 191 250 182 137 162 115 99 88 61 
Average per month  17.5 13.2 15.9 20.8 15.2 11.4 13.5 9.6 8.3 7.3 8.7 
Note:  Revisions of the data reflect changes undertaken in the TMDB to fine -tune and update the available 
information.  COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures are not included. Those measures are 
covered in Section 3.1.2 and Annex 5.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.4.  Table 3.1 above shows that, as for previous periods, the reduction or elimination of import 
tariffs ma de up the bulk of trade -facilitating measures, followed by the reduction of import taxes4 
and the elimination of bans .5 On the export side, measures included reductions  of export duties .6 
3.5.  The trade coverage of the import -facilitating measures introduced during the review period was 
estimated at USD 445 billion, i.e. 2.36% of the value of world merchandise imports  (Chart  3.3).7 
This share is the fourth -highest reported for these types of measures since October 2012 (Table  3.2). 
The HS Chapters within which most of the trade -facilitating measures were taken include machinery 
and mechanical appliances (HS 84) at 14.6%, electrical machinery and parts thereof (HS  85) 
at 10.1%, copper and articles thereof (HS 74) at 7.7%, and plastics and articles thereof (HS  39) 
at 6.9%.  
Table 3.2 Shares of trade covered by trade -facilitating measures   
Mid-Oct 13 to  
mid-Oct 14 
Mid-Oct 14  to 
mid-Oct 15 
Mid-Oct 15  to 
mid-Oct 16 
Mid-Oct 16  to 
mid-Oct 17 
Mid-Oct 17  to 
mid-Oct 18 
Mid-Oct 18  to 
mid-Oct 19 
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
Mid-Oct 20 to  
mid-May 21  
Share in total world imports  6.4%  0.91%  1.51%  1.07%  1.68%  2.80%  3.88%  2.36% 
Note:  Estimates are based on calendar year data. For example, data for mid -October 2018 to mid -May 2019 are 
based 2018 calendar year data. For the period mid -October 2020 to mid -May 2021, estimates are based on 
2019 imports (data for 2020 for Belarus, Chile, Col ombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, 
Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Seychelles, 
Tajikistan, Thailand and Viet Nam were not yet available at the finalization of the Report).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UN Comtrade database.  
 
4 For example, elimination of i mport excise duties on diamonds, precious and semi -precious stones  by 
Azerbaijan, and reduction of the Special Commodity Levy and CESS Levy by Sri Lanka.  
5 For example, amendments introduced to the import policy of odoriferous preparations  by India, and 
increase of import quota on bovine meat by Switzerland.  
6 For example , reduction of export duties on 5,114 tariff lines by Argentina, increased VAT rebate rates 
by China and elimination of prior export authorization requirement on onion and potatoes by Turkey . 
7 These figures include one me asure by China  (interim import tariffs resulting in the temporary 
reduction of import tariffs on certain products ), accounting  for 72.8% of the total , and three measures by 
Brazil (reduction of import tariffs on certain products ), accounting for 11.7% of t he total . WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Chart 3.3 Trade coverage of new import -facilitating measures in each reporting period 
(not cumulative)  
(USD billion)  
 
Note:  These figures are estimates and represent the trade coverage of the measures (i.e. annual imports of 
the products concerned from economies affected by the measures) and not the cumulative impact of 
the trade measures. Liberalization associated with the 2015 Expansion of the WTO's Informa tion 
Technology Agreement  (ITA) is not included in the figures. COVID -19 trade and trade -related 
measures are not included.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.6.  Contrary to previous Reports that reported on the very significant trade coverage of measures 
resulting fro m the implementation of the ITA Expansion Agreement, the present review period 
includes only one such measure, by the Philippines . The total trade coverage of the implementation 
of the ITA Expansion Agreement so far is estimated at USD 584.6 million (0.003 % of the value of 
world merchandise imports).  
Trade remedy actions  
3.7.  During the period under review, 263 trade remedy actions were recorded for WTO Members,  
accounting for 67 % of all non -COVID -19-related trade measures recorded in this Report.8 An 
overview of these measures can be found in Annex 2. After reaching its highest peak in 2020, the 
average number of trade remedy initiations during the review period was 19.1 per month , the lowest  
since 2012 . The monthly average of trade remedy terminations is the s econd highest  recorded since 
2012 (Table 3.3 and Chart 3.4) . 
Table 3.3 Trade remedy actions (Annex 2)  
Type of measure  
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019  
2020  
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
(WT/TPR/OV/23)  
Mid-Oct 20 to 
mid-May 2 1 
(7 months)  
Initiations  255 338 304 277 343 298 273 280 427 392 134 
- AD 208 287 236 229 298 249 202 214 349 310 111 
- CVD 23 33 45 31 34 41 55 36 55 57 19 
- SG 24 18 23 17 11 8 16 30 23 25 4 
Average per month  21.3 28.2 25.3 23.1 28.6 24.8 22.8 23.3 35.6 32.7 19.1 
Terminations  208 186 220 212 171 157 222 181 205 130 129 
- AD 177 160 185 167 141 128 198 164 174 111 120 
 
8 A single methodology for the counting of AD and CVD investigations is being applied across the 
Report, i.e. based on the number of exporting countries or customs territories affected by an investigation or 
by a termination. Thus, one AD or CVD investigation involving imports from n countries/customs territories is 
counted as n investigations. Similarly, the termination of an AD or CVD action is counted as n terminations.  
2581,183
170249
169296545731
445
02004006008001,0001,2001,400
mid-Oct 12 -
mid-Oct 13mid-Oct 13 -
mid-Oct 14mid-Oct 14 -
mid-Oct 15mid-Oct 15 -
mid-Oct 16mid-Oct 16 -
mid-Oct 17mid-Oct 17 -
mid-Oct 18mid-Oct 18 -
mid-Oct 19mid-Oct 19 -
mid-Oct 20mid-Oct 20 -
mid-May 21Trade coverage of new import -facilitating measures in each reporting period (not cumulative)
(USD billion)
Note:  [See original].WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Type of measure  
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019  
2020  
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
(WT/TPR/OV/23)  
Mid-Oct 20 to 
mid-May 2 1 
(7 months)  
- CVD 21 17 23 25 15 12 24 7 12 8 6 
- SGa 10 9 12 20 15 17 0 10 19 11 3 
Average per month  17.3 15.5 18.3 17.7  14.3 13.1 18.5 15.2 17.1 10.8 18.4 
a The figure for a specific year is the sum of the following: (i) all ongoing investigations terminated 
during the course of that specific year without any measure; and (ii) all imposed measures expired 
during the course of that specific year.  
Note:  The information on trade remedy actions for 2012 to 2020 is based on Members  semi-annual 
notifications. For the present review period, the information is also based on the responses an d the 
verifications received directly from Members.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chart 3.4 Trade remedies initiations and terminations  
(Average per month)  
 
Note:  Values are rounded . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.8.  In terms of products, trade remedy actions taken during the review period included initiations 
of investigations on electrical machinery and parts thereof ( HS 85) at 19.3%, plastics and articles 
thereof (HS 39) at 17%, articles of iron and ste el (HS  73) at 12.2%, and iron and steel (HS  72) at 
11.5%. 
3.9.  The trade coverage of trade remedy investigations initiated during the review period was  
estimated at  USD 17.6 billion, i.e. 0. 09% of the value of world merchandise imports (Table  3.4). 
This share i s the lowest recorded since 2014 . For terminations, the trade coverage was valued at 
USD 15.1 billion (0.0 8% of the value of world merchandise imports).  
21 28 
25 
23 29 
25 
23 23 36 
33 
19 
17 
16 18 18 
14 
13 19 
15 17 
11 18 
0510152025303540
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 mid-Oct 19 to 
mid-Oct 20mid-Oct 20 to 
mid-May 21Trade remedies intitiations and terminations 
Initiations avg per month Terminations avg per month
Source:   WTO Secretariat.Note:   Values are rounded.WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Table 3.4 Share of trade covered by trade remedy initiations   
Mid-Oct 13 to mid -
Oct 14 
Mid-Oct 14  to mid -
Oct 15 
Mid-Oct 15  to mid -
Oct 16 
Mid-Oct 16  to mid -
Oct 17 
Mid-Oct 17  to mid -
Oct 18 
Mid-Oct 18  to mid -
Oct 19 
Mid-Oct 19 to 
mid-Oct 20  
Mid-Oct 20 to  
mid-May 21  
Share in total world imports  0.20%  0.17%  0.55%  0.48%  0.53%  0.24%  0.36%  0.09%  
Note:  Estimates are based on calendar year data. For example, data for mid -October 2018 to mid -May 2019 
are based 2018 calendar year imports . For the period mid -October 2020 to mid -May 2021, estimates 
are based on 2019 imports (data for 2020 for Belarus, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, 
Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, the 
Russian Federation, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Thailand and Viet Nam were not available at the time of 
finalization of the Report).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UN Comtrade database.  
Other trade and trade -related  measures  
3.10.   Annex 3 to this Report lists measures that may be considered to have a trade -restrictive 
effect.  A total of 70 new trade -restrictive measures were recorded for WTO Memb ers and Observers, 
mostly tariff increases, followed by stricter customs procedures9 and bans.10 Restrictive measures 
on exports included quantitative restrictions  (QRs)11, followed by the imposition of duties12 and 
stricter administrative customs procedures (Table 3.5).  
3.11.   The measures recorded in Annex 3 cover a wide range of products. The main sectors affected 
(HS Chapters) were mineral fuel and oils ( HS 27) at 28.4%, copper and articles thereof ( HS 74) at 
10.1%, iron and steel ( HS 72) at 9.9%, and machinery and mechanical appliances (HS  84) at 6%. 
Table 3.5 Other trade and trade -related measures (Annex 3)  
Type of measure  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
(WT/TPR/OV/23)  
Mid-Oct 20 to 
mid-May 21  
(7 months)  
Import  134 146 133 166 99 84 114 77 72 71 43 
- Tariff 75 86 83 106 64 47 70 46 40 39 15 
- Customs procedures  31 27 19 32 16 19 6 6 10 8 12 
- Tax 5 5 8 10 6 9 13 6 6 6 5 
- QRs 16 17 8 12 12 7 16 14 10 13 8 
- Other  7 11 15 6 1 2 9 5 6 5 3 
Export  23 31 26 44 20 18 18 19 27 18 25 
- Duties  3 5 12 13 6 4 9 7 4 6 5 
- QRs 12 10 8 7 10 8 4 3 10 7 15 
- Other  8 16 6 24 4 6 5 9 13 5 5 
Other  12 7 12 13 11 14 0 2 0 0 2 
- Othera 7 1 1 0 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 
- Local content  5 6 11 13 7 12 0 1 0 0 2 
Total  169 184 171 223 130 116 132 98 99 89 70 
Average per month  14.1 15.3 14.3 18.6 10.8 9.7 11.0 8.2 8.3 7.4 10.0 
a Other th an local content measures.  
 
9 For example, update of import criterion values by Argentina, amendments i ntroduced to import policy 
procedures for certain products by India, import approval requirement on sugar by Egypt, and import 
procedures on hydrofluorocarbons by the Eurasian Economic Union.  
10 For example, QRs on imports of certain food products by the P lurinational State of Bolivia, Nigeria, 
Nepal and Peru; on ceramic flags by Egypt; and changes in the management system for administration of 
import quotas by the European Union and Switzerland.  
11 For example, QRs on exports of certain food products by Arg entina, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, 
Egypt, India and the Eurasian Economic Union; on ferrous waste and scrap by Argentina; on oil, mineral 
fertilizers, waste of ferrous metals by the Kyrgyz  Republic; and on wood by Montenegro.  
12 For example, export  duties on 17 tariff lines by Argentina; on cereal by Egypt; on leather, wood and 
palm oil by Indonesia; on waste and scrap of cast iron by Malaysia; on soya beans by the Russian Federation; 
and on sunflower oil by the Eurasian Economic Union.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Note:  Revisions o f the data reflect changes undertaken in the TMDB to fine -tune and update the available 
information. COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures are not included. Those measures are 
covered in Section 3.1.2  and Ann ex 5. 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.12.   The trade coverage of the trade -restrictive measures affecting imports implemented during 
the review period was estimated at USD  127.1 billion, i.e. 0.67% of the value of world  merchandise 
imports (Table 3.6).13 This represen ts the third-lowest  value  recorded  since October  2012 
(Chart  3.5).  
Table 3.6 Share of trade covered by import -restrictive measures (Annex 3)   
Mid-Oct 13 to 
mid-Oct 14 
Mid-Oct 14  to 
mid-Oct 15 
Mid-Oct 15 to 
mid-Oct 16 
Mid-Oct 16  to 
mid-Oct 17 
Mid-Oct 17  to 
mid-Oct 18 
Mid-Oct 18  to 
mid-Oct 19 
Mid-Oct 19 to  
mid-Oct 20  
Mid-Oct 20 
to 
mid-May 21  
Share in total world imports  1.17%  1.23%  0.62%  0.50%  3.33%  3.84%  2.4%  0.67%  
Note:  Estimates are based on calendar year data. For example, data for mid -October 2018 to mid -May 
2019 are based 2018 calendar year imports . For the period mid -October 2020 to mid -May 2021, 
estimates are based on 2019 imports (data for 2020 for Belarus, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, 
Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, 
the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Thailand and Viet Nam were not yet 
available at the time of finalization of the Report ). 
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UN Comtrade database.  
Chart 3.5 Trade coverage of new import -restrictive measures in each reporting period 
(not cumulative)  
(USD billion)  
 
Note:  These figures are estimates and represent the trade coverage of the measures (i.e. annual imports 
of the products concerned from economies affected by the measures) introduced during each 
reporting period, and not the cumulative impact of the trade measures. COVID -19 trade and 
trade -related measures are not included.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
The stockpile of import -restrictive measures  
3.13.   Accurately estimating the roll  back of import -restrictive measures, and eventually the overall 
stockpile, is made complex by the fact that ma ny temporary measures remain in place beyond the 
envisaged termination date. Moreover, the Secretariat does not always receive  accurate information 
on changes to reported measures. As a result, the figures below are estimates based on the 
 
13 These figu res include one measure by Argentina (extension of the statistical fee), accounting for 
38.6% of the total; two measures by India (amendments on import policy of coal and steel monitoring 
system), accounting for 13.6% of the total; and one measure by the E uropean Union (surveillance on ethanol 
for fuel), accounting for 10.4% of the total.  
201214228
101
79588747
441
127
0100200300400500600700800
mid-Oct 12 -
mid-Oct 13mid-Oct 13 -
mid-Oct 14mid-Oct 14 -
mid-Oct 15mid-Oct 15 -
mid-Oct 16mid-Oct 16 -
mid-Oct 17mid-Oct 17 -
mid-Oct 18mid-Oct 18 -
mid-Oct 19mid-Oct 19 -
mid-Oct 20mid-Oct 20 -
mid-May 21Trade coverage of new import -restrictive measures in each reporting period (not 
cumulative)
(USD billion)
Note:  [See original].WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 23 - 
 
  information recor ded in the TMD B since 2009. These estimates are also conditioned by the 
availability of termination dates of the import -restrictive measures and of the HS  codes of products 
covered.14 
3.14.   Table 3.7 and Chart 3.6 show that the stockpile of import restrictions in force has grown 
steadily since 2009 – in value terms and as a percentage of world imports – and that a significant 
increase in both took place from 2017 to 2018. This specific jump is largely explained by measures 
introduced on steel and al uminium, and by tariff increases introduced as part of bilateral trade 
tensions. At the end of 20 20, some 8. 96% of world imports were affected by import restrictions 
implemented since 2009 and which are still in force. This comes ami dst a general deteriora tion in 
terms of the overall value of world  imports. For this Report , no information was received from WTO 
Members and Observers ab out the termination of any non-COVID -19 related import restrictions. 
This is not particularly unusual , as such information is  more often provided in the context of the 
end-of-year monitoring exercise.  
3.15.   Table 3.7 also shows that the trade coverage for terminations of import restrictions 
represent ed 0.07% of total world imports  in 2019 , suggesting that any roll  back of such measure s 
remains  negligible.  
Table 3.7 Cumulative trade coverage of import -restrictive measures , 2010-20 
(USD billion, unless otherwise indicated)   
2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020a 
Total imports 
(world)  15,163  18,109  18,193  18,483  18,654  16,360  15,812  17,587  19,402  18,883 17,263  
Total import 
restrictions in force  125.75  234.42  305.91  407.26  467.39  598.43  570.24  814.45  1,456.97  1,645. 31 1,547. 38 
Share in world 
imports (%)  0.83 1.29 1.68 2.20 2.51 3.66 3.61 4.63 7.51 8.71 8.96 
Total import 
restrictions  
terminated  1.68 15.43  59.41  37.15  34.05  1.51 38.09  3.88 5.45 13.12  n.a. 
Share in world 
imports (%)  0.01 0.09 0.33 0.20 0.18 0.01 0.24 0.02 0.03 0.07 n.a. 
n.a. Not applicable.  
a Provisional data for 2020.  
Note:  For some countries, 20 20 import data were not yet available. The data for the previous full calendar 
available year w ere used for those countries.  
Source:  WTO calculations, based on UN Comtrade database and data provided by the authorities.  
Chart 3.6 Cumulative trade coverage of import -restrictive measures on goods , 2009 -20 
 
Note:  The cumulative trade coverage  estimated by the Secretariat is based on information available in the 
TMDB on import measures recorded since 2009 and considered to have a trade -restrictive effect. 
The estimates include import measures for which HS codes were available. The figures do no t 
 
14 Only import measures where HS codes were available are included in the calculation.  
73126234306407467598 5708141,4571,645
1,547
0.60.81.31.72.22.53.7 3.64.77.58.79.0
012345678910
02004006008001,0001,2001,4001,6001,800
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Import restrictions in force (left axis) % of world imports (right axis)Cumulative trade coverage of import -restrictive measures in force since 2009
(USD billion)
Source:  WTO Secretariat.(%)
Note:  [See original].WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 24 - 
 
  include trade remedy measures.  COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures are not included. The 
import values were sourced from the UN Comtrade database.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.16.   This review period has not seen an escalation of tariff increases introduce d as part of bilateral 
trade tensions mainly between the United States and China that characterized some previous 
reports. On the contrary, the current review period has recorded the extension of a waiver on the 
additional tariffs imposed by China on certa in US products .  
3.1.2   COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures  
3.17.   Annex 5 to this Report list s the COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures implemented 
between mid -October 2020 and mid -May 2021.  
3.18.   During the period under review, 54 new COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures were 
recorded for WTO Members and Observers. Among these , 15 were extension s of existing measures 
originally implemented in the early stages of the pandemic. Of the measures implemented during 
the review period, 33 (61%) were of a trade -facilitating nature  and 21 measures (39%) could be 
considered trade restrictive.  
3.19.   Overall, sinc e the outbreak of the pandemic , 384 trade and trade -related measures in the 
area of goods have been implemented by WTO Members and Observers specifically  in response to 
the COVID -19 pandemic (Table 3.8).15 
Table 3.8 COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures since the outbreak  of the 
pandemic  
 Facilitating  Phased -out Restrictive  Phased -out Total  
Import  148 43 13 4 161 
Export  84 7 114 65 198 
Other  16 3 9 5 25 
Total  248 53 136 74 384 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.20.   Of the total 384 COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures recorded for WTO Members and 
Observers since the outbreak of the pandemic, 248 (65%) were of a trade -facilitating nature and 
136 (35%) could be considered trade restrictive. Export bans account for 84% of all restrictive 
measures recorded.  According to preliminary estimates by the WTO Secretariat, the trade coverage 
of the COVID -19 trade -facilitating measures implemented since the outbreak of the pandemic 
amounted  to USD  291.6 billion (including imports and exports).  The trade coverage of the COVID -19 
trade -restrictive measures implemented since the outbreak of the pandemic was estimated at  
USD 205.8 billion (including imports and exports).  
3.21.   Table 3.8 shows that the reduction or elimination of import tariffs and import taxes accounted 
for 60% of trade -facilitating measures taken. Certain Members and Observers reduced their tariffs 
on a variety of goods , such as PPE, sanitizers, disinfectants, medical equipment and 
medicines/drugs. In many cases, tariff reductions were also accompanied by exemptions from VAT 
and other taxes.  
3.22.   WTO Members and Observers continue d their gradual lifting of exports constraints targeting 
products such as surgical masks , gloves, medicine, disinfectant s, and food products. Other trade 
and trade -related measures taken in the early stages of the pandemic are also being rolled  back. As 
such, 54% of all COVID -19-specific restrictive measures implemented had been repealed by 
mid-May. According to preliminary estimates by the WTO Secretariat, the trade coverage of the 
trade -restrictive measures repealed amounted to USD 99.8 billion (including imports and exports).  
Fifty-seven percent  of the 114  export restrictive measures put in  place since the beginning of the 
pandemic have been repealed.  
3.23.   On the other hand, WTO Members and Observers have also been withdrawing  facilitating 
measures implemented in response of the pandemic. Around 21% of COVID -19-specific facilitating 
measures have  been terminated  (Chart 3.7) . According to preliminary estimates by the WTO 
 
15 Details of the measures implemented in the context of the pandemic can be viewed at : 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/covid19_e.htm . WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Secretariat, the trade coverage of the trade -facilitatin g measures repealed amounted to USD 112 
billion (including imports and exports).  Chart 3.8 shows the trade coverage of trade -facilitating and 
trade -restrictive measures in force and phased out since the beginning of the pandemic.  
Chart 3.7 COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures on goods, by mid -May 2021  
(By number)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chart 3.8 Trade coverage of COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures on goods, by 
mid-May 2021  
(USD billion)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.24.   Certain WTO Members and Observers severely  affected by successive waves of the pandemic 
have also been eliminating import tariffs on certain goods necessary to fight COVID -19, such as 
oxygen, oxygen canisters, certain drugs and active substances.  Some  Members  appear to have 
implemented – either in the current review period or slightly before  - policies that have the effect of 
restricting exports. Despite wide spread  coverage in the media it has either not been possible for the 
Secretariat to obtain official confirmation of these policies or specific requ ests to omit such measures 
have been received by the Secretariat.  
3.25.   The WTO Secretariat acknowledges the considerable challenges that delegations have 
encountered in responding to, and participating in, this Trade Monitoring Report. Their collaboration 
and e fforts to respect deadlines have contributed to the timely finalization of this Report.  
3.26.   On an overall note, it is worthwhile noting that several WTO Members and Observers have 
extended and continue to extend many trade -facilitating measures introduced in i mmediate 
response to the pandemic. At the same time, a host of other temporary facilitating measures have 
been rolled back to pre -pandemic tariffs  levels . Although more trade -restrictive measures were rolled 
back, according to preliminary estimates, the tr ade coverage of the trade -facilitating measures still 
in force (USD 107.6 billion) is slightly higher than that of the trade-restrictive measures (USD 106.0 
billion). This is significant and something that the WTO will continue to monitor closely.  WTO 
Members and Observers need to demonstrate commitment to  ensuring that trade restrictions 
implemented in response to the pandemic are targeted, transparent, proportionate and temporary. 
This will send a strong signal as the world embarks on a sustainabl e recovery from the pandemic.   
195 53 62 74 
Trade-facilitating measures in force Trade-facilitating measures phased out
Trade-restrictive measures in force Trade-restrictive measures phased out384COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures on goods, by mid-May 2021
(by number)
108 112 106 100 
Trade-facilitating measures in force Trade-facilitating measures phased out
Trade-restrictive measures in force Trade-restrictive measures phased out425Trade coverage of COVID -19 trade and trade -related measures on goods, by mid -May 2021
Source:  WTO Secretariat(USD billion)WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 26 - 
 
  3.2  Trade  remedies16 
3.27.   This Section provides an assessment of trends in trade -remedy actions over three periods: 
January -December 2018, January -December 2019, and January -December 2020.17 
Anti-dumping measures18 
3.28.   Between 2018 and 2019, global anti -dumping initiations increased by 5.9%, from 202 to 214. 
Between 2019 and 2020, initiations showed a further increase of 63.1%, to 349. Table  3.9 provides 
information on which Members initiated anti -dumping investigations during this three -year period.  
Table 3.9 Initiations of anti -dumping investigations, 2018 -20 
(Number)  
Member  2018  2019  2020  
Argentina  19 17 6 
Australia  12 7 18 
Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emiratesa 3 2 1 
Brazil  7 1 9 
Canada  14 6 24 
Chile 2 0 2 
China  16 14 4 
Colombia  3 0 4 
Dominican  Republic  1 0 0 
Egypt  1 6 10 
European  Union  8 11 12 
India 32 59 92 
Indonesia  0 6 2 
Japan  0 1 1 
Republic of Korea  5 5 3 
Madagascar  0 1 0 
Malaysia  2 7 9 
Mexico  3 6 7 
Morocco  0 0 3 
New Zealand  2 0 4 
Pakistan  8 6 3 
Peru 0 1 3 
Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz  Republic, and Russian  Federationb 6 4 4 
South  Africac 3 0 4 
Chinese  Taipei  2 0 5 
Thailand  1 2 13 
Turkey  6 2 3 
Ukraine  10 8 6 
United  States  34 33 89 
Viet Nam 2 9 8 
Total  202 214 349 
a Notified by all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member States collectively, as investigations are 
initiated by the GCC regional investigating authority on behalf of all GCC member States.  
b  Notified by Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz  Republic and the Russian Federation individually, but 
investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic Union  (EAEU) on behalf of all of its member 
States, i.e.  Armenia, Belarus (non -WTO Member), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz  Republic and the Russian 
Federation, collectively.  
c Notified by South  Africa, but investigations are initiated at the level of the Southern African Customs 
Union (SACU)  on behalf of its member States (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and 
South  Africa).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.29.   Chart 3. 9 shows that the number of initiations of anti -dumping investigations increased 
significantly in 2020 over previous periods. The 349 initiations in 2020 represent the peak since 
2002, but lower than the all -time high of 372 in 2001.  
 
16 This Section is without prejudice to the right of Members to take trade remedy actions.  
17 These periods coincide with Members ' semi-annual reporting periods.  
18 Anti-dumping and countervailing investigations are counted on the basis of the number (n) of 
exporting countries or customs territories affected by an investigation. Thus, one anti -dumping or 
counterv ailing investigation involving imports from n countries  or customs territories is counted as n 
investigations.   WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Chart 3.9 Initiations of anti -dumping investigations initiations, 2008 -20 
(Number)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.30.   Concerning the application of anti -dumping measures, while anti -dumping investigations do 
not necessarily lead to the impos ition of measures, a decrease or increase in the number of 
investigations initiated is an early indicator suggesting a likely decrease or increase in the number 
of measures applied.  
3.31.   Over the three periods, 463 anti -dumping measures were applied ( Table 3. 10). As it can take 
up to 18 months for an anti -dumping investigation to be concluded once initiated, the measures 
applied in a given period may not necessarily be the result of investigations that were initiated in 
the same period.  
Table 3.10 Anti-dumping measures applied, 2018 -20 
(Number)  
Member  2018  2019  2020  
Argentina  13 13 11 
Australia  5 12 0 
Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the 
United Arab Emirates  0 2 2 
Brazil  9 6 0 
Canada  7 8 5 
Chile 0 1 0 
China  23 12 9 
Colombia  8 0 0 
Dominican  Republic  0 0 1 
Egypt  0 1 2 
El Salvador  1 0 0 
European  Union  3 4 8 
India 37 13 12 
Indonesia  1 1 1 
Israel  0 3 0 
Japan  2 0 1 
Republic of Korea  7 2 1 
Malaysia  4 6 6 
Mexico  7 8 4 
Morocco  3 1 0 
Pakistan  19 4 4 
Peru 1 0 0 
Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz  Republic  and Russian Federation  0 2 5 
South  Africa  0 0 3 
Chinese  Taipei  0 2 0 
Thailand  0 0 1 
Turkey  10 0 2 
Ukraine  2 9 9 
United  States  41 33 21 
Viet Nam 0 3 6 
Total  203 146 114 
Note:  Footnotes as in Table 3.9.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
218 217
173165208287
236229298
249
202214349
050100150200250300350
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Total number of anti -dumping investigation initiations, 2008 -20a
Source:    WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 28 - 
 
  3.32.   Concerning the sectors affected by anti -dumping investigations, Chart 3. 10 shows that there 
was little variation among the three periods examined, with the majority of initiations focused on 
products in the metals, chemicals, and plastics and rubber sector s. 
3.33.   Metal products were subject to the most initiations in each period. Over the three periods, the 
United  States (84), India (36), Canada (29), Australia (19) and the European  Union (17) accounted 
for more than half of the 303 initiations on metal products . An increase in the number of initiations 
on metal products was seen in the last period, with the United States initiating the highest number 
of investigations (52), followed by  Australia (16); Canada (15); India (11);  Thailand (10); the 
European Union (8); Egypt (6); Malaysia (5); the Republic of Korea (3); Ukraine, Mexico, Colombia, 
Chile, Brazil and New Zealand (2 each); and Chinese Taipei, Turkey, Indonesia, Viet Nam, the 
Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (1 each). Initiations on metal products in each 
of the three periods mainly affected products from China (84 total, 60 involving steel); Viet  Nam (21 
total, 19 involving steel); Turkey (14 total, 10 involving steel); the Republic of Korea (13 total, 12 
involving steel); Indones ia (12 total, 10 involving steel); India (12 total, 10 involving steel); Malaysia 
(12 total, 8 involving steel) and the Russian Federation (9 total, 8 involving steel). In many 
instances, investigations were launched on the same product from several export ing Members. For 
instance, 9 steel products were the focus of 117 investigations.  
Chart 3.10 Initiations of anti -dumping investigations, by product, 2018 -20 
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretaria t. 
3.34.   Chemical products accounted for the second largest share of initiations over the three 
reporting periods. India accounted for 60 of the 136 new investigations on products in this sector 
over the three reporting periods, followed by the United  States (22 ) and China (16). These initiations 
involved mostly chemical products from China (33), the United  States (12), Japan (8), the Republic 
of Korea and the Russian Federation (7 each) and Thailand (6). Investigations into chemical products 
frequently involved the same product from different countries – 17 products accounted for 75 of the 
investigations in this area.  
Initiations of anti -dumping investigations, by product, 2018 -20
2018 2019
Chemicals
16%Paper 
6%Metals
40%Metals
36%
Chemicals
17%
Plastics
19%Other
8%Machinery
6%
Textiles
7%Stone / Plaster
5%
Textiles
6%Stone/ Plaster
4% Machinery
5%
Other
8%
Plastics
15%Paper
2%
Source: WTO Secretariat.2020
Plastics
9%Textiles
8%
Metals
41%Machinery
3%
Chemicals
19%Other
14%Paper
4%Stone/Plaster
3%
Note: Values are rounded.WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 29 - 
 
  3.35.   Plastics and rubber products ranked third over the three periods. India (41), the United  States 
(12) and China (9) accounted for more than half of the 103 plastics and rubber products 
investigations. China was the main subject of investigations in this sector (21), followed by Thailand 
(11), the United  States, (8) the Republic of Korea (8) and Malaysia (7).  
3.36.   In terms of countries or customs territorie s affected by new anti -dumping investigations, 46 
exporting Members were affected in 2018, 36 in 2019 and 64 in 2020. China remained the Member 
most affected by anti -dumping initiations during the three reporting periods: investigations into 
Chinese produc ts accounted for 27% of all investigations. The second most affected Members during 
the three reporting periods – Viet Nam and Malaysia – each accounted for 5% of the total initiations, 
followed by the United  States, Thailand, the Republic of Korea and Ind onesia, at 4% each.  
3.37.   As at 30  April 2021, only two Members had notified anti -dumping actions referring to the 
COVID -19 pandemic. In March 2020, Brazil suspended anti -dumping duties on syringes and vacuum 
plastic tubes for blood collection, and Argentina sus pended anti -dumping duties on syringes and 
parenteral solutions.  
Countervailing measures  
3.38.   As shown in Table 3. 11, following a significant decrease (35%) in 2019 compared with 2018, 
the number of global initiations of countervailing duty investigations incre ased by 53% in 2020, 
reaching the same level as in 2018.  
3.39.   Among the 13 Members using countervailing measures during the three periods examined, 
the United  States initiated the largest number of new investigations (71), accounting for 49% of all 
initiations . India accounted for 17% of all initiations, followed by Canada (8%). The remaining 
investigations were conducted by 10  different Members.   
Table 3.11 Initiations of countervailing duty investigations, 2018 -20 
(Number ) 
Member  2018  2019  2020  
Australia  3 0 7 
Canada  4 3 4 
China  3 1 4 
Colombia  0 1 0 
European  Union  2 5 3 
India 10 9 6 
New Zealand  1 0 0 
Peru 1 0 0 
Chinese  Taipei  5 0 0 
Turkey  1 0 0 
Ukraine  1 0 0 
United  States  24 17 30 
Viet Nam 0 0 1 
Total  55 36 55 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.40.   Chart 3. 11, reflecting annual figures, shows an upward trend in countervailing initiations from 
2010 to 2014, notwithstanding some fluctuation in 2012. Following a significant decrease in 2019, 
the number of counter vailing initiations increased to the peak level of initiations that was observed 
in 1999 and 2018.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 30 - 
 
  Chart 3.11 Initiations of countervailing investigations, 2008 -20 
(Number)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.41.   As with anti -dumping, countervailing duty investigations do not necessarily lead to measures 
being applied. However, an increase in the number of investigations init iated may be an early 
indicator of a likely increase in the number of measures applied. Over the three periods, 
87 countervailing measures were applied ( Table 3. 12). However, as it can take up to 18 months for 
an investigation to be concluded, these measur es may not necessarily be the result of initiations in 
the same period. This lag may account for the substantial increase in the number of measures 
applied in the second period compared with the first, despite the drop recorded in the number of 
investigati ons initiated between those periods.  
Table 3.12 Countervailing measures applied, 2018 -20 
(Number)  
Member  2018  2019  2020  
Australia  0 1 0 
Brazil  1 1 0 
Canada  6 0 1 
China  1 0 2 
Colombia  0 0 1 
European  Union  1 3 3 
India 0 5 4 
Peru 1 0 0 
Chinese  Taipei  0 5 0 
United  States  18 20 13 
Total  28 35 24 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.42.   Concerning the products affected by countervailing investigations, Chart 3. 12 shows that 
metal products accounted for most of the initiations reported over the three periods. For the three 
periods combined, 72 of the 146 total initiations recorded covered metal products, and 51 of these 
affected steel products. The United  States initiated 26 of its 71 investigations on steel products. Of 
the 51 steel -related initiations over the three periods, 20 involved products from China.   
1628
925
233345
31344155
3655
0102030405060
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Initiations of countervailing duty investigations, 2008 -20
Source:      WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Chart 3.12 Initiations of countervailing investigations, by product, 2018 -20 
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.43.   Over the three reporting periods, chemicals and plastics were the second and third most 
investigated sectors, with 14 and 11 initiations, respectively, followed by machinery and wood 
products, with 7 initiations each.  
3.44.   In terms of countries or customs terr itories affected by new countervailing investigations, 14 
exporters were affected in both 2018 and 2019, and the number increased to 18 in 2020. China was 
the most frequent subject of investigations, accounting for 40% of all investigations during the thre e 
periods. Viet  Nam, the second most frequent subject, accounted for 9% of initiations, followed by 
India, which accounted for 8%.  
3.45.   As at 30  April 2021, no countervailing duty action that referred to the COVID -19 pandemic 
had been notified by WTO Members.   
Safeguard measures  
3.46.   Safeguard measures are temporary measures imposed in response to increased imports of 
goods that are causing serious injury. They are applied on imports of the subject product from all 
sources, i.e. all exporting countries or customs territories.19 Safeguard measures also are subject to 
different rules and timelines than those of anti-dumping and countervailing measures. For these 
reasons , they are not directly comparable to these other types of trade remedies.  
3.47.   Chart 3. 13 shows  the number of initiations of safeguard investigations and of applications of 
measures since 2008. The number of initiations in 2020 was 23, and the number of measures applied 
was 12. The 30 initiations recorded for 2019 represented the second highest leve l since 1995 (the 
highest being in 2002 , with  34 initiations). The 2020 initiation figure remains one of the highest 
levels since 1995. As for the application of measures, the 2020 level was the same as that in 2019, 
 
19 With the exception of exporting Members covered by the special and differential treatment provided 
for developing countries in Article  9.1 of the Agreement on Safeguards.  
Initiations of countervailing investigations, by product, 2018 -20
2018 2019
Metals
44%Metals
44%Chemicals
3%
Others
14%
Plastics
13%Others
13%
Chemicals
13%Wood
14%Plastics
3%
Stone/plaster
17%Minerals
6%
Vehicles
7%Textiles
5%Minerals
5%
Source: WTO Secretariat.2020
Plastics
5%
Metals
58%Others
7%
Chemicals
11%
Note: Values are rounded.Misc. manuf.
products
7%Wood
4%
Machinery
7%WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 32 - 
 
  which is, as with initiation, one of th e highest levels since 1995. Until now, the largest number of 
measures applied in any year was in 2003, with 15 impositions.  
Chart 3.13 Initiations of investigations and application of measures, 2008 -20 
(Numbe r) 
 
Note:  Some notifications are ambiguous about timing. For those notifications, Members sometimes 
subsequently file an additional notification clarifying, ex post , the date that the measure takes effect. 
For this reason, the number of impositions indica ted in past reports can differ from the figures 
indicated in the most recent report.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.48.   Table 3. 13 shows the breakdown of Members that initiated investigations. While 11 Members 
initiated at least 1 investigation in 2020, the top 3 Members (Philippines, Ukraine and Indonesia) 
accounted for more than half of all initiations. Table 3. 14 shows the breakdo wn of Members that 
imposed safeguard measures. Indonesia accounted for 5 of the 12 impositions in 2020.  
Table 3.13 Initiations of safeguard investigations, 2018 -20 
(Number)  
Member  2018  2019  2020  
Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emiratesa 0 1 0 
Canada  1 0 0 
Chile 1 0 0 
Colombia  0 1 0 
Costa Rica  1 1 0 
Ecuador  0 1 0 
Egypt  0 1 1 
European  Union  1 0 0 
Guatemala  0 1 0 
India 0 3 0 
Indonesia  2 5 4 
Jordan  0 1 0 
Madagascar  3 4 0 
Malaysia  0 0 1 
Morocco  1 2 0 
Panama  0 1 0 
Peru 0 0 1 
Philippines  2 2 5 
Russian Federationb 1 2 0 
South  Africac 1 1 2 
Thailand  0 0 1 
Turkey  2 0 2 
Ukraine  0 3 4 
United Kingdomd 0 0 1 
United  States  0 0 1 
Total  16 30 23 
a Notified by all GCC member States collectively, as investigations are initiated by the GCC regional 
investigating authority on behalf of all GCC member States.  
1025
20
1224
1823
17
11
81630
23
610
411
6811 11
69
712 12
05101520253035
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Initiations ImpositionsSafeguards: initiations of investigations and imposition of measures, 2008 -20
Source:    WTO Secretariat.Note:    [see original]WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 33 - 
 
  b Notified by Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz  Republic and the Russian Federation individually, but 
investigations are initiated by the E AEU on behalf of all of its member States, i.e. Armenia, Belarus 
(non-WTO Member), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz  Republic and the Russian Federation, collectively.  
c Notified by South  Africa, but investigations are initiated at the level of SACU , i.e. also in respect of 
Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia.   
d On 8 October 2020, the United Kingdom submitted a notification explaining as follows: "The 
transition review w as initiated […]. The review will conclude whether the safeguard measure applied 
by the European Union, which is also applied by the United Kingdom, and which will be transitioned 
when the transition period under the Withdrawal Agreement pursuant to Articl e 50 of the Treaty on 
European Union ends at 23.00 GMT on 31 December 2020, should be varied, extended or revoked.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 3.14 Safeguard measures applied, by reporting Member, 2018 -20 
(Number)  
Member  2018  2019  2020  
Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emiratesa 1 1 0 
Canada  0 1 0 
Costa Rica  0 0 1 
Egypt  0 1 0 
European  Union  0 1 0 
India 1 0 0 
Indonesia  1 1 5 
Madagascar  0 2 1 
Morocco  0 1 2 
Philippines  0 1 0 
Russian Federationb 0 1 0 
South  Africac 0 1 1 
Turkey  0 1 1 
Ukraine  1 0 1 
United  States  2 0 0 
Viet Nam 1 0 0 
Total  7 12 12 
a Notified by all GCC member States collectively, as investigations are initiated by the GCC regional 
investigating authority on behalf of all GCC member States.  
b Notified by Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz  Republic and the Russian Federation individually, but 
investigations are initiated by the E AEU on behalf of all of its member States, i.e. Ar menia, Belarus 
(non-WTO Member), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz  Republic and the Russian Federation, collectively.  
c Notified by South  Africa, but investigations are initiated at the level of SACU, i.e. also in respect of 
Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia.  
Sourc e:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.49.   Chart 3. 14 shows the breakout by product sector of the initiated safeguard investigations. 
The share of investigations initiated in the metals sector (the vast majority of investigations involve 
steel products) increased from 23% (in 2 019) to 35%, although this was lower than the 44% share 
in 2018.  
Chart 3.14 Initiation of safeguard investigations, by product, 2018 -20 
 
Initiations of safeguard investigations, by product, 2018 -20
2018 2019
Chemicals
6%
Textiles
10%Metals
23%
Chemicals
17%Stone / plaster
7%
Foodstuff
13%Wood
6%Machinery
7%
Instruments
7%
Metals
44%Animal 
products
6%
Stone / plaster
19%Textiles
13%Foodstuff
6%
Others
17%WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 34 - 
 
   
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.50.   As at 30  April 2021, no safeguard action with reference to COVID -19 had been notified to the 
WTO.  
3.3  Sanitary and phytosanitary  (SPS)  measures20 
3.51.   Under the SPS  Agreement, WTO Members are obliged to provide an advance noti ce of 
intention to introduce new or mod ified SPS measures21, or to notify immediately when emergency 
measures are imposed. The main objective of complying with SPS notification obligations is to inform 
other Members about new or changed regulations that may significantly affect international tr ade. 
Therefore, an increased number of notifications does not automatically imply greater use of 
protectionist measures, but rather enhanced transparency regarding food safety and animal and 
plant health measures, many or most of which are presumably legit imate health -protection 
measures.  
3.52.   In the period from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021, 1,149 SPS notifications (regular and 
emergency, including addenda) were submitted22 to the WTO, resulting in a 22% increase in total 
notified measures compared with the p revious six -month period (938 notifications from 1  April 2020 
to 30  September  2020). The share of notifications from developing -country Members, accounting 
for 70%  (808 notifications) of the total number, remained stable compared with 72% (671 
notification s) for the previous six -month period ( Chart 3. 15). 
3.53.   During the review period, WTO Members submitted 929 regular SPS notifications (including 
addenda), 6 7% (618 notifications) of which were submitted by developing -country Members. 
Compared with the previous six-month period, the total number of regular notifications increased 
by 15%, while those submitted by developing -country Members increased by 9%.  
3.54.   Regarding  emergency measures (including addenda), the number of notifications submitted 
increased compared wi th the previous period . While the total number of emergency notifications 
(including addenda) increased by 67% in the current review period (220  compared with 132 during 
the previous six -month period), the proportion of all emergency notifications (includi ng addenda) 
submitted by developing -country Members  remained high, constituting 86% of the total (compared 
with 78% in the previous six -month period). These high percentage are consistent with the general 
trend of the majority of  emergency measures being notified by developing -country Members, 
perhaps because they have less extensive SPS  regulatory systems compared with those of 
developed -country Members. In other words , when facing emergency challenges, 
developing -country Members  are more likely than developed -country Members to introduce new 
regulations or change existing ones.   
 
20 Information presented in this Section was retrieved from the SPS Information Management System 
(SPS IMS: http://spsims.wto.org ). For more information, see also annual reports G/SPS/GEN/804/Rev.12  and 
G/SPS/GEN/204/Rev.20 . 
21 Transparency obligations are contained in Article  7 and Annex B of the SPS  Agreement.  
22 For this Report, "submission" refers to the date of circulation.  
Source: WTO Secretariat.2020
Textiles
17%Metals
35%
Vegetable 
prod.
9%Chemicals
4%Paper
4%
Plastics
17%
Note: Values are rounded.Vehicles
4%
Machinery
4%Stone / Plaster
4%WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 35 - 
 
  Chart 3.15 Number of SPS notifications, including regular, emergency and addenda  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.55.   Many Members follow the recommendation to notify SPS measures even when they are based 
on a relevant international standard23, as this substantially increases  transparency. Of the 
613 regular notifications (excluding addenda) submitted from 1 October 2020 to 31  March  2021, 
54% indicated that at least one international standard, guideline or recommendation was applicable 
to the notified measure ( Chart  3.16). Of these, about 61% indicated that the proposed measure was 
in conformity with the applicable international standard.  
Chart 3.16 Regular and emergency SPS notifications (excluding addenda) and 
international stand ards 
 
Note:  Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant 
Protection Convention (IPPC).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.56.   International standards often provide useful guidance regarding measures to address disease 
outbreaks and other emergency situations. Indeed, about 98% (171 of 174 ) emergency notifications 
(excluding addenda) submitted during the review period indicated that an international standard, 
guideline  or recommendation was applicable to the notified measure (Chart  3.16). They all indicated 
that the measure was in conformity with the applicable international standard.  
 
23 WTO document G/SPS/7/Rev.4, 4 June 2018, para.  2.3. 
806
568929
618132
103220
190
02004006008001,0001,200
All Members Developing-country
MembersAll Members Developing-country
MembersNumber of SPS notifications, including regular, emergency and addenda
Source: WTO Secretariat.Regular notifications Emergency notificationsApr. 2020 -Sep. 2020 Oct. 2020 -Mar. 2021
46%
2%36%6%91%12%7%
0102030405060708090100
None International standards None International standards
None Codex OIE IPPCRegular and emergency SPS notifications (excluding addenda) and international standards
Source: WTO Secretariat.Regular notifications Emergency notifications
Note: Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant Protection 
Convention (IPPC).WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 36 - 
 
  3.57.   Of the 613 regular notifications (excluding addenda) submitted during the review perio d, the 
majority (71%) were related to food safety.24 The remaining notifications related to plant protection 
and animal health and, to a lesser extent, the protection of humans from animal diseases or plant 
pests, and the protection of the Member's territo ry from other damage from pests. Regular 
notifications usually contain more than one objective.  
3.58.   Of the 174 emergency measures (excluding addenda) notified in the same period, the 
majority (90%) related to animal health, followed by those related to food s afety, the protection of 
humans from animal diseases or plant pests, plant protection, and the protection of the Member's 
territory from other damage from pests. Emergency notifications may also contain more than one 
objective.  
3.59.   The WTO Secretariat prepares  annual transparency reports containing detailed information 
on the implementation of the transparency provisions of the SPS  Agreement.25 While there is no 
formal provision for "counter notification", concerns regarding the failure to notify an SPS measure , 
or regarding a notified measure, can be raised as a specific trade concern (STC) at any of the regular 
meetings of the SPS Committee each year.  
3.60.   Despite meetings not being held in person due to the global sanitary situation , the virtual 
margins of the SPS  Committee meetings still provide important opportunities for delegations to 
discuss and resolve concerns bilaterall y. For example, during the review period, Mexico withdrew an 
STC regarding Honduras' import restrictions on animal feed , which had been incl uded in the proposed 
agenda for the November 2020 meeting26, because bilateral progress was made. Likewise, before 
the March 2021 meeting, bilateral consultations between Brazil and Viet  Nam were held. As a result, 
Viet Nam withdrew an STC regarding Brazil 's regulation on the use of phosphates for fishery 
products, product registration before export and a heat treatment regime for cooked shrimp, and 
Brazil withdrew two STCs regarding Viet  Nam's restrictions , one on Brazilian live cattle and  another 
on Brazilian melons. These three STCs had been included in the draft annotated agenda for the 
meeting.27 
3.61.   In the SPS Committee meetings of 5 -6 and 13 November 2020 and 25 -26 March 202128, 
30 STCs were raised for the first time, and 39 previously raised STCs were di scussed again 
(Table  3.15). Thirteen STCs were raised for the first time in November 2020 and raised again in 
March 2021.29 Sixteen previously raised STCs were raised in both meetings.30 Of these, five 
addressed persistent problems that have been discussed 10 times or more ( Table  3.16). 
3.62.   Fourteen Members and 23 Members raised and supported, respectively, at least one new STC 
during the review period. A total of 15 Members responded to at l east one new STC ( Table 3.1 5). 
 
24 The objective of an SPS measure falls under one or more of the following categories: (i)  food safety; 
(ii) animal health; (iii)  plant protection; (iv)  protection of humans from animal/plant pests or diseases; and 
(v) protection of territory from other damage from pests. Members are required to identify the purpose of the 
measure in their notifications. It is common for more than one obje ctive to be identified for a measure.  
25 Information available in the latest revision of WTO document G/SPS/GEN/804 /Rev.13, 19 March 
2021. 
26 WTO document JOB/SPS/11 , 19 October 2020 . 
27 WTO document JOB/SPS/13 , 5 March 2021 . 
28 The November 2020 meeting was h eld in person, and Members were also able to participate via a 
virtual platform ( WTO document JOB/SPS/11 , 19 October 2020 ). The March 2021 meeting was held via a 
virtual platform only ( WTO document JOB/SPS/13 , 5 March 2021 ). 
29 These were STCs 487, 489, 490, 491, 493, 496, 497, 498, 500, 501, 502, 503 and 504.  
30 The 16 STCs that were raised in both meetings are 193, 382, 392, 393, 406, 431, 439, 441, 448, 
456, 466, 470, 471, 479, 485 and 486. WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 37 - 
 
  Table 3.15 SPS STCs raised in the November 2020 or March 2021 meetings31 
Meeting  Total STCs raised  Members raising  Members supporting  Members responding  
 New Previously 
raised  New Previously 
raised  New Previously 
raised  New Previously 
raised  
November 2020  19 20 12 13 21 21 13 13 
March 2021  11 35 6 19 4 25 7 17 
Total (different 
STCs and 
Members)  30 39 14 19 23 25 15 18 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 3.16 Previously raised SPS STCs discussed in the November 2020 or March 2021 
meetings, raised 10 times or more32 
STC Document title  Member(s)  
responding  Member(s) raising the 
concern (total number of 
Members supporting)  First date 
raised (times 
subsequently 
raised)  Primary 
objective  
193 General import restrictions 
due to Bovine Spongiform 
Encephalopathy (BSE)  Several Members, 
including China, 
Colombia, 
Chinese  Taipei  and 
the United  States  European  Union, 
United  States (3 Members)  01/06/2004  
(40 times)  Animal health  
382 European  Union legislation 
on endocrine disruptors  European  Union  Argentina, China, 
Dominican  Republic , Ecuador, 
Guatemala, India, Panama, 
Paraguay, United  States 
(39 Members)  25/03/2014  
(18 times)  Food safety  
406 China's import restrictions 
due to highly pathogenic 
avian influenza  China  European  Union, 
United  States  16/03/2016  
(12 times)  Animal health  
392 China's import restrictions 
due to African swine fever  China  European  Union  15/07/2015  
(10 times)  Animal health  
393 Republic of Korea's import 
restrictions due to African 
swine fever  Korea, Republic of  European  Union (1 Member)  15/07/2015  
(10 times)  Animal health  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.63.   Of the 30  STCs raised for the first time in the two SPS Committee meetings, 9 (30%) 
concerned food safety, 4 (13%) covered animal health,  3 (10%) concerned measures covering plant 
health and 14 (47%) related to other types of concerns.33 Regarding the 39 previously raised STCs 
during the review period,  15 (39%) concerned measures covering food safety, 9 (23%) concerned 
animal health, 6 (15%) related to plant health and  9 (23%) covered other types  of concerns. Of the 
56 STCs raised or discussed during the review period, 19 (34%) concerned measures covering food 
safety, 12 (21%) covered animal health, 7  (13%) concerned plant health and 18 (32%) related to 
other types of concerns.  
3.64.   Discussions among M embers in the SPS Committee continue to be multifaceted and dynamic. 
While pesticide maximum residue limits (MRLs) continue to be a topic of concern for Members, 
several STCs related to approval procedures, were also raised in the current review period.  
 
31 Further information on the new STCs raised in the review period is available in the SPS IMS. Viewed 
at: 
http://spsims.wto.org/en/SpecificTradeConcerns/Search?ProductsCoveredHSCodes=&DoSearch=True&Number
OfSpecificTradeConcern=&FirstDateRaised=true&FirstDateRaised=false&DateSubsequentlyRaised=false&March
April=true&MarchApril=false&JuneJuly=false&October= true&October=false&YearFrom=2020&YearTo=2021&M
embers=&Title=&Keywords=&DateReportedAsResolvedFrom=&DateReportedAsResolvedTo=&DescriptionOfCon
tent= .  
32 Further information on the previously raised STCs discussed again during the review period is 
available i n the SPS IMS. Viewed at: 
http://spsims.wto.org/en/SpecificTradeConcerns/Sea rch?ProductsCoveredHSCodes=&DoSearch=True&Number
OfSpecificTradeConcern=&FirstDateRaised=false&DateSubsequentlyRaised=true&DateSubsequentlyRaised=fals
e&MarchApril=true&MarchApril=false&JuneJuly=false&October=true&October=false&YearFrom=2020&YearTo=
2021&Memb ers=&Title=&Keywords=&DateReportedAsResolvedFrom=&DateReportedAsResolvedTo=&Descripti
onOfContent=&NumberOfRows=20 .  
33 These concerns relate to  control, inspection and approval procedures, and administrative measures , 
among others . WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 38 - 
 
  3.65.   The WTO Secretariat prepares annual reports containing detailed information on STCs 
discussed in the SPS Committee. Since 1995,  53% of all STCs raised in the Committee have been 
reported as resolved or partially resolved.34 
COVID -19-related SPS measures  (1 February 202035-31 March 2021)  
3.66.   The SPS  Agreement requires Members to base SPS -related trade measures on international 
standards, guidelines and recommendations, specifically those developed by the FAO/WHO Codex 
Alimentarius Commission (Codex) for food safety, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) 
for animal health and zoonoses and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) for plant 
health. The three standard -setting bodies and the WHO are monitoring the COVID -19 situation and, 
so far, have not recommended any trade re strictions. In the absence of relevant international 
standards, SPS measures must be based on a risk assessment. However, it may take some time 
before sufficient scientific evidence becomes available. Following the outbreak of the pandemic, 
some Members believed  they had to act quickly to ensure appropriate health protection. Under the 
SPS Agreement, Members have the right to adopt provisional measures based on available 
information. As more scientific evidence emerges and risk assessments can be carried ou t, these 
measures must be reviewed within a reasonable period of time.  
3.67.   Between 1 February 2020 and 31 March 2021, 29 Members (counting the European  Union as 
one) submitted  84 SPS documents  related to the COVID -19 pandemic  (including 7 revisions to 
original  documents) . The last SPS COVID -19-related document was received on 3 March 2021. 
Sixteen measures were notified as regular notifications. Additionally, 14 addenda to regular 
notifications were submitted, mostly extending both implementation periods of tem porary measures 
and comment periods and dates of adoption of previously notified regulations. Seventeen measures 
were notified as emergency measures. Additionally, 10 emergency addenda were notified, 6 lifting 
(or partially lifting) temporary restrictions previously imposed and 3 extending the validity of 
temporary trade -facilitating measures. Twelve Members submitted their measures through an 
information communication (GEN document), and one additional GEN document36 was submitted by 
40 Members. Overall, 2 6% of notifications on COVID -19 were SPS measures.37 Submitted 
documents are displayed by Member in Chart 3. 17, and by month in Chart 3. 18. 
3.68.   Two COVID -19-related STCs were raised in the November 2020 SPS Committee meeting.38 
3.69.   Initially, these measures mainly related to restrictions on animal imports and/or transit from 
affected areas (some of these measures were subsequently lifted) and increased certification 
requirements. Since the beginning of April 2020, most notifications and communication s relate to 
measures taken to facilitate trade, by allowing temporary flexibility for control authorities to use 
electronic versions of veterinary and/or phytosanitary certificates, since the COVID -19 situation has 
made the transmission of original paper c ertificates problematic. Overall, about two thirds of the 55 
notifications (excluding addenda) and communications submitted were measures considered to be 
trade facilitating.   
 
34 Information is availabl e in the latest revision of the annual report on STCs (WTO documents 
G/SPS/GEN/204/Rev.21 , 19 March 2021;  and G/SPS/GEN/204/Corr.21, 23 March 2021).  
35 The first COVID -19-related notifications were received in February 2020.  
36 WTO document G/SPS/GEN/1778/Rev.5 , 14 January 2021  (also circulated as WTO document 
G/TBT/GEN/296/Rev.5, 14 January 2021 ). 
37 WTO, COVID -19 and World Trade . Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/engli sh/tratop_e/covid19_e/covid19_e.htm . 
38 STCs 487 and 488. WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Chart 3.17 Number of SPS notifica tions (regular, emergency and addenda) and GEN 
documents (without revisions) related to COVID -19, by Member  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chart 3.18 Number of SPS notifications (regular, emergency and addenda) an d GEN 
documents related to COVID -19, by month  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
012345678910111213
Regular Add Reg Emergency Add Emr GEN documentsNumber of SPS notifications (regular, emergency and addenda) and GEN documents 
(without revisions) related to COVID -19, by Member
Source:   WTO Secretariat.
0246810121416182022
Feb. 20 Mar. 20 Apr. 20 May 20 Jun. 20 Jul. 20 Aug. 20 Sep. 20 Oct. 20 Nov. 20 Dec. 20 Jan. 21 Feb. 21 Mar. 21
Regular (including Add) Emergency (including Add) GEN documentsNumber of SPS notifications (regular, emergency and addenda) and GEN documents related 
to COVID -19, by month
Source:   WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 40 - 
 
  Box 3.1 Enhancing monitoring and transparency in SPS and TBT measures  
Accessing relevant information on SPS or TBT product requirements in  export markets can represent a 
significant challenge, in particular for SMEs. WTO Members are required to notify SPS and TBT measures, still 
in draft form, that may have a significant effect on trade and that are not in accordance with existing 
internatio nal standards. Each year, the WTO receives around 5,000  SPS and TBT notifications.  
The WTO facilitates the fulfilment of the transparency provisions contained in the SPS and TBT Agreements 
and provides easy access to information. Timely access to notifica tions is crucial, given the 60 -day period that 
should normally be provided for submitting comments on the proposed regulations. The following publicly 
available online tools assist stakeholders in finding notifications of relevance to their trade and thus 
contributing to avoid and address potential trade barriers:  
 - SPS Information Management System (SPS IMS): www.spsims.wto.org   
 - TBT Information Management System (TBT IMS): www.tbtims.wto.org  and 
 - ePing alert system: http://www.epingalert.org .  
The SPS/TBT IMSs  are search platforms that, among other things, help identify SPS or TBT notifications (or 
any trade concerns raised by Members) using parameters such as product, notifying Member and objective. 
ePing  is an online alert system allowing users (governments, economic operators, and civil society) to receive 
daily or weekly email alerts about SPS and TBT notifications covering products and markets of interest to 
them. ePing also facilitates dialogue among the public and private sectors to discuss and share info rmation 
on notifications of concern, allowing stakeholders to address potential trade problems at an early stage of the 
regulatory lifecycle.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.4  Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)39 
Notifications submitted to the TBT Committee  during the review period  
3.70.   Under the TBT  Agreement , WTO Members are required to notify their intention to introduce 
new or modified TBT measures, or to notify adopted emergency measures immediately. The principal 
objective of complying with the TBT notification obl igations is to inform other Members about new 
or changed regulations that may  significantly affect trade.  
3.71.   During the review period, WTO  Members submitted 1 ,372 new regular notifications of TBT 
measures.40 Members that notified the most measures during the review period  – 56% of all new 
regular notifications  – were Tanzania (118), China (113), Uganda (93), Brazil (87), the United  States  
(76), Rwanda (71), Pakistan (61), Kenya (56), the European  Union  (48) and the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia (43).  
3.72.   Of the 1 ,372 new regular TBT notifications received during the review  period, the  majority 
indicated the protection of human health or safety as their main objective,  including, as further 
explained below, various measures related to the COVID -19 pandemic. The remainin g notifications 
related to quality requirements, consumer information, labelling, prevention of deceptive practices , 
consumer protection and protection of the environment.  
3.73.   A total of 871 follow -up notifications (i.e. addenda, corrigenda or supplements) wer e 
submitted during the review  period. The continuing and frequent use by Members of follow -up 
notification s is a positive development, as it increases transparency and predictability across the 
measures' regulatory lifecycle.  
Measures discussed in the TBT Committee (STCs)41 
3.74.   The TBT Committee is used as a  forum for discussing trade issues related to specific TBT 
measures (technical regulations, standards or conformity assessment procedures) maintained by 
other Members. These specific trade concerns (STCs) no rmally relate to proposed draft measures 
notified to the TBT  Committee or to the implementation of existing measures. Issues can range from 
 
39 For the TBT Section, the review period covers 1 October 20 20 to 15 May 202 1. 
40 WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Information Management System. Viewed at: http:/ /tbtims.wto.org . 
These numbers concern only regular notifications (in which the original  draft measure is submitted) and do not 
include follow -up notifications.  
41 With respect to specific trade concerns (STCs), this Section takes account of the STCs raised  in the 
TBT Committee meetings of 28 -29 October 2020 and 24 -26 February 2021.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 41 - 
 
  requests for additional information and clarification to questions on the consistency of measures with 
TBT Agreement  disciplines.  
3.75.   A total of 159 (44  new and 115  previously  raised) STCs were discussed during the two 
Committee meetings that fell within the review period: 78 (24 new and 54 previously raised)  at the 
October 2020 meeting, and 81 (20  new and 61 previously rai sed) at the February  2021 meeting.  
3.76.   As depicted in Table  3.17, the 44 new STCs concerned TBT measures by India (9), China (5), 
the European  Union  (5), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (3), Mexico (3), the United  States  (3), and 
Canada, Chile, France, the GCC, Yemen, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Panama, the Republic of Korea, 
the Russian  Federation, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Viet  Nam and Zimbabwe 
(1 each). The  measures  covered regulations on a range of products  (e.g. wheel rims, safety glass, 
helmets, textiles, electrical and electronic equipment, vegetables, wine, cheese, palm oil  and 
cosmetics), and dealt with a variety of issues  (e.g. labelling and packaging, conformity assessment 
procedures, technical regulation s or specifications, p roduct quality, halal certification, health and 
safety, and energy efficiency).  
Table 3.17 New STCs raised in the October 2020 and February 2021 TBT Committee 
meetings  
New STCs  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, United Arab Emirates: 
Halal Feedstuff (ID  643) (raised by United  States and European  Union)  
China: Commercial Cryptography Administrative Regulations (ID  644) (raised by Uni ted States and European  Union)  
India: Phase II of the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunications Equipment (MTCTE), implementing the 
Indian Telegraph Amendment (ID  646) (raised by United  States)  
Mexico:  Various State Measures Restricting Sale of Food and Drink Products to Minors (ID  648) (raised by United  States)  
India:  Indian standards and import restrictions in the automotive sector (Quality Control Orders): wheel rims, safety 
glass, helmets (ID  649) (raised by European  Union)  
Russian Federation:  Federal Law No.  468 on wine making and wine growing in the Russian Feder ation (ID  650) (raised 
by Australia, European  Union and United  States)  
India:  Order related to requirement of Non -GM-cum-GM-free certificate accompanied with imported food consignment 
(ID 651) (raised by Brazil, United  States and European  Union)  
Republic  of Korea: Revision of Safety Conformation Criteria for Textile Products for Infants (ID  652) (raised by 
European  Union)  
Chile: Technical specifications for the design of energy efficiency labels for washing machines (ID  654) (raised by Republic 
of Korea)  
France:  New legislative requirements about index of repairability of electrical and electronic equipment (ID  657) (raised 
by China)  
European  Union: Waste Framework Directive (ID  658) (raised by India)  
European  Union:  Wine labelling requirements – listing of importers for multiple destinations (ID  659) (raised by 
Australia)  
Panama: Onions and Potatoes Harvest Life and Sprouting Requirements (ID  662) (raised by United  States)  
United Kingdom:  Wine labelling and documentation requirements at the end of the Brexit transition period (ID  663) 
(raised by Australia)  
China: CSAR – Draft Specifications for Cosmetic Registration and Filings; Draft Specifications for Registration and Filing of 
New Cosm etics Ingredients; Draft Specifications for Cosmetic Efficacy Claim Evaluation, Provisions for the Supervision and 
Administration of Toothpaste (ID  665) (raised by Australia, Japan, Republic of Korea and United  States)  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Technical R egulation for limiting and restricting hazardous materials in electrical and 
electronic equipment (ID  666) (raised by China, Japan and United Kingdom)  
India: Draft Food Safety and Standards (Import) Amendment Regulation, 2020 (ID  667) (raised by Mexico an d 
United  States)  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:  Air Conditioners – Minimum Energy Performance, Labelling and Testing Requirements for Low 
Capacity Window Type and Single -Split (ID  668) (raised by Republic of Korea)  
India:  Flat Transparent Sheet Glass and Safety Glass (Quality Control) Order (ID  669) (raised by Republic of Korea)  
United  States:  Energy Conservation Program: Energy conservation standards for residential dishwashers (ID  670) (raised 
by China)  
India:  Refriger ating Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2020 (ID  671) (raised by Republic of Korea)  
Thailand: Ministerial Regulation Prescribing Description, Production, and Method of Displaying of Standard Marks on the 
Industrial Products (ID  672) (raised by United  States)  
Oman:  Water Heaters Energy Performance Requirements; Electrical Clothes Washing Machines Energy and Water 
Performance Requirements; and Refrigerators, Refrigerator -Freezers and Freezers Energy Performance, Testing and 
Labelling Requirements  (ID 673) (raised by Republic of Korea)  
India: Caustic Soda Quality Control Order, 2017 (ID  674) (raised by Chinese  Taipei)  
European  Union:  Non-recognition of test certificates (raised by Italy and the Netherlands) issued to electrical equipment 
by Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) (ID  675) (raised by India)  
Canada:  Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) (ID  676) (raised by China)  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 42 - 
 
  New STCs  
China: Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances Produced or Imported in China (IECSC) requiring mandatory 
registration of certain chemicals for import and not notified at WTO (ID  677) (raised by India)  
Mexico:  Conformity Assessment Procedure under Mexi can Official Standard NOM -223-SCFI/SAGARPA - 2018, "Cheese 
Names, Specifications, Commercial Information, and Test Methods", published on 31  January  2019 (ID  678) (raised by 
United  States)  
Nigeria:  Onerous testing and conformity requirements by S ociété gén érale de surveillance  (SGS) for machinery and their 
parts (ID  679) (raised by India)  
European  Union:  Testing methods for prohibited chemicals of regulation on cosmetic products (ID  680) (raised by China)  
India:  Plain Copier Paper (Quality Order) 2020 (ID  681) (raised by Indonesia)  
Morocco:  Automotive glass testing requirements (ID  682) (raised by China)  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:  Concerns on conformity assessment practices of Saudi Arabia against Turkish products 
(ID 683) (raised by Turkey)  
Turkey:  Eco-design regulation (ID  684) (raised by Republic of Korea)  
China:  Provisions for Cosmetics Registration (Draft for Comments) (ID  641) (raised by Japan, Republic of Korea and 
United  States)  
China:  Administrative Measures on Cosmetic Labelling (ID  642) (raised by Japan and Republic of Korea)  
Mexico:  Decree amending, supplementing  and repealing various provisions of the Regulations on Sanitary Control of 
Products and Services and the Implementing Regulations to the General Law on Health with Respect to Advertising 
(ID 645) (raised by United  States)  
Zimbabwe:  Electricity (Minimum E nergy Efficiency Performance of Domestic Electrical Appliances) Regulations, 2020 
(ID 647) (raised by Republic of Korea)  
United  States:  Appliance Efficiency for Sprinkler Bodies (ID  653) (raised by China)  
European  Union:  Information requirements in SCIP database (ID  655) (raised by China)  
Tajikistan:  Additional inspection control of imported food products for palm oil content (ID  656) ( raised by Russian 
Federation)  
India:  Phthalic Anhydride (Quality Control) Order, 2019 (ID  660) (raised by Chinese  Taipei)  
Viet Nam:  Decree No.  17/2020/ND -CP (ID  661) (raised by Thailand)  
United  States:  Revised Origin Marking Requirement for Goods Produc ed in Hong Kong, China (ID  664) (raised by Hong 
Kong, China)  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.77.   Overall, the number of new and previously raised STCs has been increasing every year. This 
trend suggests an increasing use of the TBT Committee as a forum for Members to raise and resolve 
trade concerns non -litigiously. In 2020, for example , Members revie wed 214 STCs, including 57 new 
concerns, which was the highest number on record since 1995.42 With two TBT Committee meetings 
scheduled to take place later this year, this trend will likely continue in 2021. Finally, during the two 
Committee meetings in the review period, seven persistent  STCs – i.e. those previously raised STCs 
more than 16 times in Committee meetings – were discussed (Table  3.18). All of these persistent 
STCs concerned measures by G20 economies.  
Table 3.18 Persistent STCs raised between 15 October 2020 and 15 May 2021  
Persistent STCs  
China:  Requirements for information security products, including, inter alia , the Office of State Commercial 
Cryptography Administration (OSCCA) 1 999 Regulation on commercial encryption products and its ongoing revision 
and the Multi -Level Protection Scheme (MLPS) (ID  294) raised 30 times  since 2011  
Russian Federation:  Draft Technical Regulation on Alcohol Drinks Safety (published on 24  October  2011) (ID  332) 
raised 27 times  since 2012  
European  Union:  Draft Implementing Regulations amending Regulation (EC) No.  607/2009 laying down detailed 
rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No.  479/2008 as regards protected designations of origin and 
geographical indications, traditional terms, labelling and presentation of certain wine sector products (ID  345) 
raised 25 times  since 2012  
India:  Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 
(ID 367) raised 24 times  since 2013  
European  Union: Hazard -based approach to plant protection products and setting of import tolerances (ID  393) 
raised 23 times  since 2013  
China:  Regulations for the Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices (Order No.  650 of the State Council) 
(ID 428) raised 20 times  since 2014  
China:  Registration Fees for Drugs and Medical Device Products (ID  466) raised 17 time s since 2015  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
 
42 For more details on TBT notifications, STCs and trends from 2020, see  Twenty -Sixth Annual Review of 
the Implementation and Operation of the TBT  Agreement  (WTO document G/TBT/45 , 18 February 2021); and 
WTO (2021), Technical Barriers to Trade: 10 Key Results from 2020 . Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/tbt10key s2021_e.pdf . WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 43 - 
 
  COVID -19-related TBT notifications during the review period  
3.78.   Since the beginning of the COVID -19 pandemic, WTO Members submitted 153 COVID -19 
related TBT notifications to the WTO.43 During the review period, WTO Member s submitted 48 TBT 
notifications/communications on standards and regulations  in response specifically to the COVID -19 
pandemic.44 All of these were submitted under the emergency/urgent notification provisions of the 
TBT Agreement .45 Under these provisions, WTO Members can adopt measures directly and 
immediately notify them to the WTO, without providing the usual 60 -day comment period (or 6-
month transition period prior to entry into force).  
3.79.   TBT notifications in relation to the COVID -19 pandemic were submitted by 17 WTO Members  
(Chart 3.19). 
Chart 3.19 COVID -19-related TBT notifications, by Member (as at 1 May 2021)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.80.   TBT notifications relati ng to the COVID -19 pandemic covered a wide range of products , 
including medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE), food, medical equipment, medical 
supplies and other products (Chart 3.20).46 
 
43 As at 27 May 2021 . 
44 TBT notifications are classified as COVID -19 related if they contain the terms "coronavirus", "COVID", 
"SARS -COV-2" or "nCoV". Th ese COVID -19-related notifications include not only regular notifications but also 
eight fo llow-up notifications (revisions or addenda to previous regular notifications).  
45 TBT Agreement , Articles 2.10, 2.12, 5.7 and 5.9.  
46 The "General" category includes notifications without a specific product scope. The "Other" category 
includes, for example , furniture, textiles, office machines and cosmetics.   
20
5
3 3 3
2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0510152025COVID -19-related TBT notifications, by Member (as at 1stMay 2021)Number of COVID -19 related TBT notificationsWT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 44 - 
 
  Chart 3.20 Product coverage of COVID -19-related TBT notifications (as at 1 May 2021)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
TBT Committee discussions on COVID -19-related measures  
3.81.   During the review period, WTO Members made a substantive reference s to the COVID -19 
pandemic in 39 STCs. In most cases, it was considered that COVID -19 was impeding implementation 
and compliance with new regulations, and extensions to transition periods were requested.  
3.82.   At the TBT Committee informal meeting47 held on 8  Decemb er 2020, Members shared 
experiences on TBT measures that they  have adopted,  or are planning to adopt,  in response to the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Members implemented measures, such as shifting from on -site inspections to 
remote office assessments; developing capacity-building programme s to address the lack of national 
alignment to international standards, to facilitate access to medical devices during the pandemic; 
facilitating trade through the extension of validity periods of certificates; postponing implementation 
of planned regulatory changes ; and simplifying surveillance and monitoring of notified bodies. The 
Secretariat also provided an overview of two relevant Secretariat documents relevant to TBT -related 
COVID -19 measures.48 
3.83.   Box 3.2 takes a close r look at aerospace products that are subject to various non -tariff 
measures.  
Box 3.2 TBT and aerospace products  
In 2019, w orld exports of aerospace productsa were worth around USD  337 billion and account ed for 2.0% of 
total world merchandise exports. The United  States  and the European  Union  are by far the world's largest 
exporters of these products : in 2019, they account ed for almost 80% of global exports (USD  136 billion and 
USD 123 billion, respectively). The  United States and the European Union were  also the world's largest 
importers in 2019, accounting for more than half of global imports (USD  35 billion and USD  85 million, 
respectively) .b 
Aerospace products are subject to various non -tariff measures, includi ng a wide variety of regulations falling 
under the TBT  Agreement . From January 1995 to October 2020, WTO Members notified 114 regulations 
related to these products. The largest share of these measures was notified by WTO Members from North 
America, followe d by those from Asia. Almost half of these aerospace -related TBT notifications were submitted 
by the United  States  (40%c) and China (9%d). 
Aerospace -related measures notified to the TBT  Committee covered and addressed a wide variety of products 
and issues.  In terms of coverage , products affected included: different types of aircraft  (e.g. civilian/military, 
unmanned aircraft systems, passenger -carrying category planes, transport category planes, supersonic 
planes, turbine -powered planes); aerospace components  (e.g. interior compartments, propellers, tyres, safe 
brake s, safety shear va lves); emissions  (e.g. ozone -depleting substances, halocarbon); space vehicles  
 
47 For further information , see WTO document JOB/TBT/395 , 22 January 2021 . 
48 WTO (2020), Standards, Regulations and COVID -19 – What Actions Taken by WTO Members ? Viewed 
at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/standards_report_e.pdf ; and WTO (2020) , Developing & 
Delivering COVID -19 Vaccines Around the World: A Checklist of Issues wit h Trade Impact . Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/vaccine_infographic_e.pdf . 
22
11
5
3 3
2 2
0510152025
Medicines
(Pharmaceuticals)Other PPE Medical equipment Food General Medical supplies
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Product coverage of COVID -19-related TBT notifications (as at 1stMay 2021)Number of COVID -19-related TBT notificationsWT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 45 - 
 
  (e.g. drones, helicopters, gliders, rotorcraft, tiltrotors); satellites  (e.g. earth stations in motion, satellite 
technology and systems, non -geostationary satellites); aerospac e electric equipment and systems  (e.g. data 
transmission equipment, remote sensing space systems, automatic dependent surveillance -broadcast 
equipment, flight -guidance systems, optical signalling devices); air transport  (e.g. cargo); aerospace engines  
(e.g. aircraft engines, hydraulic fluid, turbine lubricating oils, aviation gasoline); and on-board equipment  
(e.g. telecommunication installations, radio equipment, mobile communication services, oxygen 
concentrators, water).  
Around 60%e of aerospace -related TBT measures were adopted with the objective of addressing the protection 
of human health or safety. Other frequently stated objectives included protection of the environment , 
prevention of deceptive practices , consumer protection and quality requirements.  Among these, the most 
prominent specific objective was the protection against risks of physical injuries, followed by the protection 
against risks arising from greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to air pollution.  
To date, WTO Members have discussed at least five STCs regarding TBT measures regulating aerospace 
products. These measures were maintained by the European  Union  (2), China (2) and the United States (1) , 
and covered the following: (i) unmanned aircraft sys tems; (ii) ICT products in civil aviation ; (iii) information 
security products ; (iv) transportation of lithium batteries ; and (v) hush-kitted and reengined aircraft. The 
policy objectives indicated in such measures were the protection of human health or sa fety, national security 
requirements and the protection of the environment. Additionally, the issues mentioned by WTO Members 
raising such aerospace -related concerns included the creation of unnecessary barriers to trade , transparency 
(e.g. measure not not ified to the Committee) and the use (or non -use) of international standards (Table 1).  
Table 1 TBT STCs: aerospace products  
European  Union: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on Unmanned Aircraft Systems and on 
Third-country Operators of Unmanned Aircraft Systems ( ID 585) (raised for the first time on 20  June 2019 by 
China).  
China: Civil Aviation Network Information Security Management Rules (ID  538) (raised for the first time on 
14 June 2017 by Canada, European  Union and United  States).  
China:  Requirements for information security products, including, inter alia , the Office of State Commercial 
Cryptography Administration (OSCCA) 1999 Regulation on commercial encryption products and its ongoing 
revision and the Multi -Level Protection Sche me (MLPS) (ID  294) (raised for the first time on 24  March  2011 by 
Australia, Brazil, Canada, European  Union, Japan, Republic of Korea and United  States).  
United  States: Hazardous Materials: Transportation of Lithium Batteries (ID  262) (raised for the first time on 
24 March  2010 by China, European  Union, Israel, Japan and Republic of Korea).  
European  Union: Regulation on Aircrafts  (ID 32) (raised for the first time on 20  November  1998 by 
United  States and Japan).  
a Aerospace products are listed in Chapter 88, and at the 6 -digit level (840710, 840910) of the Harmonized 
System.  
b WTO Secretariat, based on UN  Comtrade database (sum of available reporters, including intra  trade of the 
European  Union, excluding re -exports of Hong Kong, China).  
c 45 of 114 notifications.  
d 10 of 114 notifications.  
e 67 of 114 notifications.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.5  Trade concerns raised  in other WTO bodies49 
3.84.   During the review period, a number of trade issues and concerns were raised by Members in 
formal meetings of various WTO bodies. This Section provides a factual overview of such concerns 
raised between mid -October 2020 and mid -May 2021. 50The trade concern s covered in this Section 
have neither the status nor the procedural framework of the STCs raised in the SPS and TBT 
Committees. Nevertheless, they provide an up -to-date insight into which trade issues are being 
discussed by Members across the WTO and, as such, add important transparency. This Section does 
not reproduce the full substantive description of the trade concerns outlined by WTO Members, but 
provides a reference to the formal meeting(s) where a particular issue featured. A full account and 
contex t of the concerns can be found in the formal meeting records of the respective WTO bodies. 
The list of concerns and issues mentioned in this Section is not exhaustive.  
3.85.   At the March 2021 meeting of the General Council (GC)51 the delegations of Colombia, Cos ta 
Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Paraguay52 called on Members to exercise restraint in the adoption and 
implementation of export restrictions on COVID -19 vaccines. At the 5 -6 May 2021 GC meeting53, 
 
49 This Section does not include the SPS and TBT Committees (covere d separately) . Issues raised in this 
Section may subsequently have become the subject of a dispute.  
50 Members are encouraged to communicate to the Trade Monitoring Section of the WTO trade issues 
which they have raised in WTO bodies and which they believe are relevant to the monitoring exercise.  
51 WTO document WT/GC/M/190.  
52 WTO document WT/GC/W/818.  
53 WTO document WT/GC/M/191 (forthcoming).  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 46 - 
 
  the delegations of Paraguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Cos ta Rica called on Members to 
exercise restraint in the adoption and implementation of trade restrictions that block equal access 
to COVID -19 vaccines.  
3.86.   During the review period, the Council for Trade in Goods (CTG) held two meetings. At the 
CTG meeting Nove mber 202054 seven new trade concerns were raised as per Table  3.19. 
Table 3.19 New trade concerns raised at the 25 -26 November 2020 CTG meeting  
Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
China – Implementation of Trade Disruptive and Restrictive Measures  Australia  
Egypt – Import Restrictions for Sugar  European Union  
Nigeria – Foreign Exchange Restrictions Affecting Dairy Imports  European Union  
Panama – Import Restricting Practices  Costa Rica 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Trade Restrictive Policies and Practices 
Concerning Turkey  Turkey  
Sri Lanka – Import Ban on Various Products  European Union  
United States - Revised Origin Marking Requirement for Goods 
Produced in Hong  Kong Hong Kong, China  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.87.   At the same meeting, 26 previously raised concerns were revisited by the Council as per 
Table  3.20. 
Table 3.20 Previously raised concerns repeated at the 25 -26 November 2020 CT G 
meeting  
Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Angola – Import Restricting Practices  Russian Federation  
Australia – Discriminatory Market Access Prohibition on 5G Equipment  China  
China – Customs Duties on Certain Integrated Circuits  European Union, Japan  
China – Export Control Law  European Union, Japan  
China – Measures Restricting the Import of Scrap Materials  United States  
Egypt – Manufacturer Registration System  European Union, Russian Federation  
European Union – Amend ments to the Directive 2009/28/EC, 
Renewable Energy Directive  Colombia  
European Union – Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (the 
European Green Deal of December 2019)  Armenia, China, Kazakhstan, 
Kyrgyz  Republic, Russian Federation  
European Union – Draft Implementing Regulations regarding 
Protected Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications, 
Traditional Terms, Labelling and Presentation of Certain Wine Sector 
Products  United States  
European Union – Enlargement of the EU to include Croatia: 
Negotiations under Article  XXIV:6 of the GATT  1994 Russian  Federation  
European Union – Implementation of Non -Tariff Barriers on 
Agricultural Products  Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, 
Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, 
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, 
Paraguay, United States, Uruguay  
European Union – Proposed Modification of TRQ Commitments: 
Systemic Concerns  Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, 
New Zealand, Russian Federation, 
United States, Uruguay  
European Union – Quality Schemes for Agricultural Products  and 
Foodstuffs – the Registration of Certain Terms of Cheese as 
Geographical Indications  United States, Uruguay  
European Union – Regulation (EU) No. 2017/2321 and Regulation 
(EU) No. 2018/825  China, Russian Federation  
European Union – Regulation EC No. 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation)  Russian Federation  
India – Restrictions on Imports of Certain Pulses  Australia, Canada, European Union, 
Russian Federation, Ukraine, 
United  States  
Indonesia – Import and Export Restricting Policies and Practi ces European Union, Japan, New Zealand  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, 
Oman, and Qatar – Selective Tax on Certain Imported Products  European Union, Japan, Switzerland, 
United States  
Mexico – Front of Pack Nutrition Labe lling (Nom -51) United States  
Mongolia – Measures Applied with respect to Certain Agricultural 
Products  Russian Federation  
Russian Federation – Trade Restricting Practices  European Union  
 
54 WTO document G/C/M/138.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
United Kingdom – Draft Goods Schedule and Proposed 
UK TRQ Commitments: Systemic Concerns  Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, 
New Zealand, Russian Federation, 
United States, Uruguay  
United States – Executive Order on Securing the Bulk -Power System  China  
United States – Export Control Measures for ICT Produc ts China  
United States – Import Restrictions on Apples and Pears  European Union  
United States – Measures regarding Market Access Prohibition for ICT 
Products  China  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.88.   At the 25 -26 November 2020 CTG meeting, the delegations of Cana da; Colombia; Costa Rica; 
Hong Kong, China; New Zealand; Norway; Singapore; Switzerland; and Uruguay circulated a 
communication on "COVID -19: Measures related to trade in goods"55, calling on Members to continue 
providing to the WTO timely information and notifications on COVID -19 related measures and 
initiatives.  
3.89.   At the CTG meeting on 31 March and 1 April 202156 five new trade concerns were raised as 
per Table  3.21. 
Table 3.21 New trade concerns raised at the CTG 31 March and 1 April 2021 meetings  
Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
European Union - COVID -19 Vaccine Export Transparency and 
Authorization Measure  Australia  
India – Mandatory Certification for S teel Products  Japan  
India – Import Restrictions on Air Conditioners  Japan  
Mexico – Conformity Assessment Procedure for Cheese under Mexican 
Official Standard  NOM-223-SCFI/SAGARPA -2018 United States  
European Union – Sweden's Discriminatory Market Access Prohibition 
on 5G  Equipment  China  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.90.   At the same meeting, 27 previously raised concerns were revisited by the Council as per 
Table  3.22. 
Table 3.22 Previously raised trade concerns repeated at the CTG 31 March and 1 April 
2021 meetings  
Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Angola – Import Restricting Practices  Russian Federation  
Australia – Discriminatory Market Access Prohibition on 5G Equipment  China  
China – Customs Duties on Certain Integrated Circuits  European Union, Japan  
China – Export Control Law  European Union, Japan  
China – Implementation of Trade Disruptive and Restrictive Measures  Australia  
China – Measures Restricting the Import of Scrap Materials  United States  
Egypt – Import Restrictions for Sugar  European Union  
Egypt – Manufacturer Registration System  European Union, Russian Federation  
European Union – Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (the 
European Green Deal of December 2019)  Armenia, China, Kazakhstan, 
Kyrgyz  Republic, Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia, Qatar, Russian Federation  
European Union – Draft Implementing Regulations regarding 
Protected Designations of Origin and Geographica l Indications, 
Traditional Terms, Labelling and Presentation of Certain Wine Sector 
Products  United States  
European Union – Implementation of Non -Tariff Barriers on 
Agricultural Products  Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, 
Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecua dor, 
Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, 
Panama, Paraguay, Peru, 
United  States, Uruguay  
European Union – Proposed Modification of TRQ Commitments: 
Systemic Concerns  Australia, Brazil, China, 
New Zealand, Uruguay  
European Union – Quality Schemes for Agricultura l Products and 
Foodstuffs – the Registration of Certain Terms of Cheese as 
Geographical Indications  Uruguay  
 
55 WTO document G/C/W/780.  
56 WTO document G/C/M/139 (forthcoming).  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
European Union – Regulation (EU) No. 2017/2321 and Regulation 
(EU) No. 2018/825  China, Russian Federation  
European Union – Regulation EC No. 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation)  Russian Federation  
India – Restrictions on Imports of Certain Pulses  Australia, Canada, European Union, 
Russian Federation, Ukraine, 
United  States  
Indonesia – Import and Export Restricting Policies and Practices  Australia, Eur opean Union, Japan, 
New Zealand, United States  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Trade Restrictive Policies and Practices 
Concerning Turkey  Turkey  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, 
State of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar – Selective Tax  on Certain Imported 
Products  European Union, Japan, Switzerland, 
United States  
Mongolia – Measures Applied with respect to Certain Agricultural 
Products  Russian Federation  
Russian Federation – Trade Restricting Practices  European Union, United States  
Sri Lanka – Import Ban on Various Products  Australia, European Union  
United Kingdom – Draft Goods Schedule and Proposed 
UK TRQ Commitments: Systemic Concerns  Australia, Brazil, China, 
New Zealand, Russian Federation, 
Uruguay  
United States – Executive Ord er on Securing the Bulk -Power System  China  
United States – Export Control Measures for ICT Products  China  
United States – Import Restrictions on Apples and Pears  European Union  
United States – Measures regarding Market Access Prohibition for ICT 
Product s China  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.91.   At the 12 November 2020 meeting of the Committee on Market Access (CMA)57, five new 
trade concerns were raised on: (i) the Russian Federation's draft decree restricting imports by certain 
entities (raised by European Union); (ii) the Russian Federation's track and trace Regime (raised by 
United States); (iii) Sri Lanka's import ban on various products (raised by European Union); (iv) 
Panama's import restrictive measures (raised by Costa Rica); and (v) India's import policies on tyres, 
television sets, and air conditioners (raised by European Union and Thailand). Persistent trade 
concerns were also raised on: (i) Angola's import restriction practices (raised by Russian Federation 
and United  States); (ii) China's  custom duties on certain integrated circuits (raised by European 
Union, Japan, and Chinese Taipei); (iii) the European Union's carbon border adjustment mechanism 
(the European Green Deal of December 2019) (raised by Russian Federation); (iv) the EU 
enlarg ement negotiations under Article XXIV:6 of the GATT 1994 to include Croatia (raised by 
Russian Federation); (v) the EU renegotiations of tariff rate quotas under Article XXVIII of the GATT 
1994 (raised by Russian Federation); (vi) the rectifications and mo difications of the United Kingdom's 
Schedule XIX (raised by Russian Federation); (vii) India's customs duties on telecommunication and 
other products (raised by China); (viii) India's quantitative restrictions on imports of certain pulses 
(raised by Austra lia, Canada, European  Union, Russian Federation and United States); (ix) 
Indonesia's customs duties on telecommunication products (raised by United States); (x) Mongolia's 
quantitative restrictions and prohibitions on the importation of certain agricultura l products (raised 
by Russian Federation); (xi) Nepal's import ban on energy drinks (raised by Thailand) and (xii) the 
selective tax on certain imported products by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, 
United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar (rais ed by European Union, Switzerland and United States).  
3.92.   At the 29 -30 April 2021 meeting of the CMA58, 22 trade concerns were raised, of which eight 
were new ( Table  3.23).  
Table 3.23 Trade concerns raised at the  Committee on Market Access  
Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising/interested in the concern  
Angola – Import Restriction Practices  Russian Federation, United States  
China - Customs Duties on Certain Integrated Circuits  European Union, Japan, Chinese  Taipei  
China – Trade Disruptive and Restrictive Measures (new)  Australia  
European Union - Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism  
(The European Green Deal of December 2019)  Armenia, Kingdom of Bahrain, China, Kazakhstan, 
Kyrgyz Republic, Qatar, Russi an Federation, 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  
European Union – Vaccine Export Transparency 
Mechanism (new)  Australia  
 
57 WTO document G/MA/M/73.  
58 WTO document G/MA/M/74 to be issued.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising/interested in the concern  
Egypt – Manufacturer Registration System (Decree N° 
43/2016) (new)  Russian Federation  
India – Customs Duties on Telecommunication and Other 
Products  China  
India – Import Policies on Tyres  European Union  
India – Import Restriction on Air Conditioners  Japan  
India – Quantitative Restrictions on Imports of Certain 
Pulses  Australia, Canada, European Union, Russian 
Federation, United States  
Indonesia - Customs Duties on Certain 
Telecommunication Products  United States  
Indonesia - Import Restriction on Air Conditioners (new)  Japan  
Mexico – Import Quota on Glyphosate (new)  United States  
Mongolia – Quantitative Restrictions on the Importation 
of Certain Agricultural Products  Russian Federation  
Nepal - Import Ban on Energy Drinks  Thailand  
Russian Federation – Export Prohibition on Timber 
Products (new)  European Union  
Russian Federation – Track and Trace Regime  United States  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, United 
Arab Emirates, State of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar - 
Selective Tax on Certain Imported Products  European Union, Japan, Switzerland, United 
States  
Sri Lanka – Import Ban on Various Products  Australia, Europe an Union  
Sri Lanka – Import Ban on Palm Oil (new)  Indonesia  
United Kingdom - Rectifications and Modifications of 
Schedule XIX  Russian Federation  
United Kingdom - Renegotiation of Tariff Rate Quotas 
under Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994  Russian Federation  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.93.   At the same meeting, Members also raised concerns in the context of the review of 
notifications under the 2012 Decision on notification procedures for quantitative restrictions.59  
3.94.   At the 21 April 2021 meeting of the C ommittee on Import Licensing (CIL)60, new and 
persistent trade concerns were raised ( Table  3.24). 
Table 3.24 Trade concerns raised at the Committee on Import Licensing  
Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising  the concern  
Argentina – Import Licensing system  United States  
Angola - Import Licensing Requirements  European Union  
China - Changes to Import Licensing for Certain Recoverable 
Materials  United States  
Dominican Republic – Import Licensing System  United States  
Egypt – Import Licensing System  United States  
Egypt - Import Licensing Requirements for Certain Agricultural and 
Processed Products  European Union  
India - Import Licensing Requirements for Boric Acid  United States  
India - Quantitative Restrictions on Certain Pulses  Canada, Australia, European  Union  
India - Importation of Pneumatic Tyres  European Union  
Indonesia – Import Licensing System  European  Union  
Indonesia – Import Licensing Regime for Cell phones, Handheld 
Computers and Tablets  United States  
Indonesia - Import Licensing Restricting Policies and Practices  Australia  
Indonesia - Import Restrictions: Compulsory Registration by 
Importers of Steel Products  Japan  
Indonesia - Import Licensing Regime for Certain Textile Products  European Union, Japan  
Indonesia - Import Restrictions on Air Conditioners  European Union, Jap an 
Philippines – Import Licensing System  United States  
Thailand - Importation of Feed Wheat  European Union  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.95.   At the meeting of the Committee on Rules of Origin on 30 October 202061, trade concerns 
were raised on the United States' country of origin marking (raised by Hong Kong, China).  
 
59 WTO document G/L/59/Rev.1.  
60 WTO document G/LIC/M/52.  
61 WTO document G/RO/M/75.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  3.96.   At the 30 November -1 December 2020 and 29 -30 March  2021 meetings of the Committee on 
Agriculture (CoA)62, several questions and concerns were raised with respect to Members' individual 
notific ations, and on specific implementation matters (SIMs) under Article  18.6. During the review 
period, a total of 238 questions were discussed on individual notifications (96  questions), Article 
18.6 matters (131 questions on 77 SIMs), and overdue notificatio ns (11 questions). Additional 
details regarding these questions and concerns can be found in Section 3.6 of  this Report.  
3.97.   At the meetings of the Committee on Anti -Dumping Practices63 on 28 October 2020 and 
28 April 2021, concerns were raised as per Table 3.25. 
Table 3.25 Concerns raised on anti -dumping practices  
Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Australia - Sunset review – Ammonium Nitrate  Russian Federation  
Australia - Repetitive initiations on similar products:  
Aluminium micro -extrusions and Aluminium zinc coated steel 
(<600mm)  
- Hot dip galvanised steel angle and solid base angle  China  
Canada - Sunset review – refined sugar  European Union  
Canada - Invest igation - concrete reinforcing bars  Russian Federation  
China - Investigation and imposition of ADDs – barley Australia  
China - Investigation - wines  Australia  
China - Final determination and continued imposition of ADDs - 
stainless billets and hot -rolled plates and coils  Japan  
China - Final determination and continued imposition of ADDs – 
optical fibre preform  Japan  
Dominican Republic - Sunset review - steel reinforcing bars  Turkey  
Egypt - Initiation - pre-stressed concrete steel strands  Turkey  
Egypt - Initiation - machine -made carpet and other floor coverings  Turkey  
European Union - Investigation - steel wheels  China  
European Union - Investigation - glass fibre fabrics products  China  
European Union Final determination and continued imposition of 
ADDs – grain-oriented flat -rolled products of electrical steel (GOES)  Japan  
India - Final determination and continued imposition of ADDs –  
phthalic anhydride  Japan  
Indonesia - Final determination and continued imposition of ADDs - 
cold rolled stainless sheet  Japan  
Korea, Republic of - Final determination and continued impositio n of 
ADDs based on the 4th sunset review - stainless steel bar  Japan  
Mexico - Measures - bond paper  Brazil  
Mexico - Sunset review - hot-rolled sheet  Ukraine  
Mexico - Sunset review - alloy and non -alloy carbon steel plate in 
sheets and bars  Ukraine  
Mexico - Sunset review – bars and rods of iron or non -alloy steel  Ukraine  
Mexico - Continued application of an AD measure - cold-rolled sheet  Kazakhstan  
Mexico - Final determination and continued imposition of ADDs - 
seamless steel tubing  Japan  
Pakistan - Sunset review – cold-rolled coils/sheets  Ukraine  
Philippines - Sunset review and extension of measures – wheat flour  Turkey  
South Africa - Sunset review – frozen potato chips  European Union  
South Africa - Sunset review - frozen bone -in chicken portions  European Union  
South Africa - Initiation - Frozen bone -in portions of the species 
Gallus Domesticus  Brazil  
Thailand - Final determination and con tinued imposition of ADDs - 
flat cold rolled stainless steel and flat hot rolled steel in coils and not 
in coils  Japan  
Ukraine - Initiation - cement   Turkey  
Ukraine - Initiation - pivot-reclining devices (mechanisms) for 
window and balcony door blocks  Turkey 
United Kingdom - Transitional review - welded tubes and pipes of 
iron or non -alloy steel  Russian Federation  
United States - Administrative review - frozen warmwater shrimp  China  
United States -- Multiple actions on aluminium products/sheets  China  
United States -Provisional measure - common alloy aluminium sheet  Norway  
 
62 Questions raised under the review process in the CoA meetings on 30 November – 1 December 2020 
and 29 -30 March 2021 are available in WTO documents G/AG/W/208, issued on 19 November 2020, and 
G/AG/W/210, issued on 18 March 2021. The questions, responses and follow -up comments are available 
through the Q&A section of the Agriculture Information Management System. Viewed at: 
http://agims.wto.org/.  
63 WTO documents G/ADP/M/58 and G/ADP/M/59 (forthcoming).  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Measures implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
United States -Provisional measure - common alloy aluminium  sheet  European Union  
United States -Provisional determination - seamless carbon and 
alloy steel s tandard, line, and pressure pipe  Russian Federation  
United States - Provisional measures - prestressed concrete steel 
wire strand  Ukraine  
United States - Initiation - seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, 
line, and pressure pipe  Ukraine  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.98.   Other issues and concerns raised concerned: (i) the length of the United States anti -dumping 
measures – 19 prolonged measures (raised by Japan); (ii) the European Union's Regulation (EU) 
2017/2321 and Regulation (EU) 2018/825 (item  placed on the agenda by Russian Federation and 
supported by China); (iii) overall importance of prompt notifications for transparency purposes 
(raised by the United States) ; and (iv) transitional reviews of anti -dumping measures conducted by 
the United Ki ngdom (raised by China and the Russian Federation).  
3.99.   At the meetings of the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures on 27 October 
2020 and 27 April 2021 concerns were raised on subsidies as per Table 3.26. 
Table 3.26 Concerns raised at the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
Measures implemented by  Member(s)  raising the concern  
Canada - Sunset review – Refined sugar  European Union  
China - Countervailing duty investigation - n-Propanol (NPA)  United States  
China - Countervailing duty investigation – Barley  Australia  
China - Provisional measures - Wines in containers holding 2 litres or 
less Australia  
European Union - Countervailing duty investigation - certai n woven 
and/or stitched glass fibre fabrics  China, Egypt  
United States - Provisional measures - Phosphate fertilizers  Morocco, Russian Federation  
United States - Provisional measures – Seamless carbon and alloy 
steel standard, line, and pressure pipe  Russian Federation  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.100.   Additional concerns were raised on: (i) elimination of export subsidies by the Members that 
received extensions under Article 27.4 of the SCM Agreement; (ii) low and declining level of 
compliance with the notific ation and transparency obligations in the SCM Agreement; (iii) requests 
for information pursuant to Article 25.8 and 25.9 (proposal on procedures from the United States); 
(iv) subsidies and overcapacity (raised by Canada, European Union, Japan, Norway, and  United 
States); (v) request for information on certain alleged subsidy programmes in the steel sector in 
China (raised by European Union and United States); (vi) countervailing duty regulation of the United 
States regarding designation of developing count ry status in CVD cases (raised by Brazil); (vii) 
countervailing duty regulation of the United States regarding the assessment of currency 
undervaluation in CVD cases (raised by Brazil and China);  (viii) use of adverse facts available by the 
United States i n certain CVD investigations (raised by China); (ix) transitional reviews of 
countervailing measures conducted by the United Kingdom (raised by China and Russian 
Federation); (x) subsidy transparency and China's publication and inquiry point obligations un der 
China's protocol of accession (raised by European Union and United States).  
3.101.   At the meetings of the Committee on Safeguards held on 26 October 2020 and on 26 April 
202164, concerns were raised on specific safeguard actions as per Table 3.27. 
Table 3.27 Concerns raised at the Committee on Safeguards  
Measure implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Costa Rica   
Investigation on Refined White Sugar  Brazil  
European Union   
Investigation on certain steel products  Japan, Republic of Korea, 
Russian  Federation, Switzerland, 
China, India, Brazil, Turkey  
 
64 WTO documents G/SG/M/57 and WTO document G/SG/M/58 (forthcoming).  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Measure implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Kingdom of Bahrain; State of Kuwait; Oman; Qatar; Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia; and United Arab Emiratesa  
Investigation on certain steel products  Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, 
Ukraine, United States, India  
India   
Investigation on single mode optic al fibre  Japan  
Indonesia   
Investigation on carpets and other textile floor coverings  Japan  
Investigation on articles of apparel and clothing accessories  European Union, Japan  
Investigation on cigarette paper  European Union  
Madagascar   
Investigation on pasta  Mauritius  
Malaysia   
Investigation on ceramic floor and wall tiles  Japan  
Morocco   
Investigation on welded pipes and tubes of iron or steel  European Union  
Investigation on wire rods and reinforcing bars  Ukraine  
Investigation on cold rolled sheets in coils or cut, and plated or 
coated sheets  Ukraine  
Peru   
Investigation on clothing  Brazil  
Philippines   
Investigation on galvanized iron sheets, coils and strips  Japan  
Investigation on motor vehicles  Japan, Thailand, Republic of Korea, 
European Union, Indonesia  
South Africa   
Investigation on certain flat -rolled products of iron, non -alloy steel 
or other alloy steel  Japan, European Union  
Investigation on U, I, H, L and T sections of iron or non-alloy steel  Republic of Korea, Japan,  
Investigation on bolts with hexagon heads of iron or steel  Chinese Taipei  
Thailand   
Investigation on non -alloy hot rolled steel flat products in coils and 
not in coils  Japan  
Turkey   
Investigation on toothbrushes  European Union  
Investigation on wallpaper and similar wallcoverings  Ukraine, European Union  
Ukraine   
Investigation on fresh cut roses  Ecuador, European Union, Colombia  
Investigation on polymeric materials  European Union  
Investigation on wires  European Union  
United Kingdom   
Investigation on certain steel products  Japan, Russian Federation, Turkey, 
Switzerland, Republic of Korea, China, 
Brazil  
United States   
Investigation on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells  China  
Investigation on fresh, chilled, or frozen blueberries  Chile, Peru  
Investigation on large residential washers  Korea  
Measures taken following Section 232 investigations  India, Japan, European Union, Turkey, 
Russian Federation, China  
Viet Nam   
Investigation on certain semi -finished and finished products of alloy 
and non -alloy steel  Japan  
a Investigations are initiated at the level of the GCC.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.102.   At the meeting of the Trade -Related Investment Measures (TRIMs) Committee on 2 3 March 
202165 new or returning issues were raised, as per Table 3.28:  
Table 3.28 Concerns raised at the TRIMs Committee  
Measure implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Indonesia   
Comprehensive review of localization measuresa European Union, Japan, United  States  
Import restriction on carpets and other textiles  Japan  
Import restriction on air conditioners  Japan  
 
65 WTO document G/TRIMS/M/49 (forthcoming).  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Measure implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
India   
Import restriction on air conditioners  Japan  
Import restriction on tires  Japan  
Russian Federation   
Measures implementing Russia's import substitution policyb European Union, United States  
a G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/5, 14 May 2019; G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/6 of 13 March 2020; G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/7  of 7 June 
2020; and G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/8  of 17 July 2020.  
b G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/4, 26 May 2016; G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/5, 27 September 2016; G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/6, 27 
April 2017; G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/8, 24 January 2018; G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/7, 8 November 2017 
G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/9, 22 March 2018; and G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/10 of 2 September 202 0. 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.103.   At the meeting of the Working Party on State Trade Enterprises (STEs) of 2 November 
202066, trade concerns were raised on: (i) India' s decision not to identify certain entities as STEs in 
its 2018 and 2019 notifications (raised by United States and European Union); (ii) Brazil's notification 
of no STEs (raised by United States); (iii) the continued non -notification of STEs by the Russian 
Federation (raised by United States and European Union); and (iv) the l ow level of compliance with 
notification obligations relating to STEs (raised by United States).  
3.104.   At the meeting of the Working Party on STEs of 3 May 202167, trade concerns were raised 
on: (i) Brazil's decision not to identify certain entities as STEs; (ii ) the involvement of STEs in China's 
importation of key agricultural commodities and coal (raised by Australia); (iii) India' s decision not 
to identify certain entities as STEs in its 2018 and 2019 notifications (raised by United States and 
Australia); (iv ) the continued non -notification of STEs by the Russian Federation (raised by 
United  States and European Union); and (iv) the need to enhance transparency (raised by Canada, 
European Union, Japan, Republic of Korea, Philippines, Switzerland, and United Sta tes). 
3.105.   At the 16 and 20 November 2020 and 30 March 2021 meetings of the Committee on Trade 
and Environment  (CTE)68, the European Union briefed delegations on the trade aspects of the 
European Green Deal, which included, inter alia , its Farm -to-Fork policy, the objective of climate 
neutrality by 2050, and plans to adopt a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). While 
several delegations recognized the importance of the objectives pursued, Colombia and Paraguay 
raised concerns that increased costs could exc lude smaller agricultural producers from developing 
countries from international markets in favour of bigger producers. On the climate policy and CBAM, 
Canada, China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, the Republic of Korea, Norway, Paraguay, the Russian 
Federation , the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United States raised a 
series of specific concerns, including: the importance of respecting the principle of common but 
differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR -RC); the bottom -up approach to 
climate action under the Paris Agreement; the importance of respecting trade obligations, including 
under preferential trade agreements, and avoid discriminatory and unnecessary barriers to trade; 
the need to assist developing co untries in a just transition to low carbon economies.   
3.106.   At the meeting of the Council for Trade in Services (CTS) held on 4 December 2020, concerns 
were raised about certain tax measures of the Russian Federation (raised by United States).  At that 
same meet ing, concerns were reiterated about measures of the Russian Federation related to market 
access for foreign -licensed fixed satellite operators (raised by United States).69 At the CTS meetings 
held on 4 December 2020 and 5  March  2021, concerns were reiterat ed about: (i) cybersecurity 
measures of China and Viet Nam (raised by Japan and United States); (ii) 5G -related measures of 
Australia (raised by China); (iii) measures of the Russian Federation requiring software pre -
installation (raised by United States);  (iv) measures of the United States related to mobile 
applications (raised by China); (v) measures of India on prior approval for acquisitions of Indian 
companies and on the use of mobile applications (raised by China).70  
3.107.   At the meetings of the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD) on 20 November 202071 
and 29 March 202172, the LDC Group expressed concerns regarding the relatively low rate of 
utilization of the trade preferences granted to LDCs and highlighted the need to determine the 
 
66 WTO document G/STR/M/37.  
67 WTO document G/STR/M/38.  
68 WTO docume nts WT/CTE/M/70, 17 March 2021 and WT/CTE/M/71 (forthcoming).  
69 WTO document S/C/M/144.  
70 WTO documents S/C/M/144 and 145.  
71 WTO document WT/COMTD/M/113.  
72 WTO document WT/COMTD/M/114 (forthcoming).  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  barriers to prefe rence utilization, and how these barriers could be removed. Concerns were also 
raised at both meetings regarding the capacity constraints faced by developing countries and LDCs 
that prevented them from benefiting more fully from e -commerce. Calls were made  to reinvigorate 
discussions under the Work Programme on E -Commerce before proceeding with negotiations on 
rule-making. At the meeting of the CTD's 40th Dedicated Session on Small Economies held on 2 
November 202073, the Committee considered the opportunit ies and challenges for small economies 
in attracting investments. Concerns were also raised regarding the impact of the COVID -19 outbreak 
on the trade of small economies.  
3.108.   The above Section provides evidence of the numerous trade concerns raised in the vari ous 
WTO bodies between mid -October 2020 and mid -May 2021. During the review period, although the 
WTO committees and councils meetings were hosted virtually due to COVID -19 restrictions, 
Members continued to raise trade issues and concerns. Several new trad e concerns were raised 
during the review period and several had already been raised in previous periods, indicating 
persistent and unresolved issues. Also, some trade concerns were raised in more than one WTO 
body, suggesting that these concerns involve cr oss-cutting and technically complex issues. It may 
also suggest that WTO Members are continuing to use multiple platforms within the WTO committee 
structure to address various aspects of such concerns. Systemically, this is significant because of 
the incre ased transparency which it brings, but also because it demonstrates that Members are 
actively using the WTO committees to engage trading partners on real or potential areas of trade 
friction. At the same time, however, the repetition and non -resolution of the same trade concerns 
and issues in various WTO  bodies may also be a source of concern. The Secretariat will continue to 
closely monitor developments in this area.  
3.6  Policy developments in agriculture  
3.109.   The Committee on Agriculture  (CoA)  provides a forum to discuss matters related to 
agricultural trade, and to consult on matters related to the implementation of commitments under 
the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). The review work of the CoA is based on notifications that WTO 
Members make in relation to their commitments. There is also a provision in Article  18.6 of the AoA 
that allows Members to raise any matter relevant to the implementation of their commitments 
(i.e. Specific Implementation Matters (SIMs)). The CoA has also been tasked w ith monitoring the 
implementation of specific outcomes reached under the agriculture negotiations.  
3.110.   During the review period, the CoA held two regular meetings: 30  November -
1 December  2020 and 29 -30 March  2021 ( 96th and 97th CoA meetings ). Members posed 238  
questions regarding individual notifications, overdue notifications and SIMs under Article  18.6. Most 
questions concerning individual notifications were related to domestic support notifications ( 72%). 
For SIMs under Article  18.6, around 34% related to po licies affecting market access; questions 
concerning domestic support policies accounted for the same percentage. Similarly, 14% of SIMs 
concerned the export competition pillar, while the same percentage of SIMs targeted matters related 
to export prohibiti ons and restrictions on foodstuffs. The remaining SIMs related to transparency 
issues. In total, 13 Members raised 131 questions on 77 SIMs at the 96th and 97th CoA meetings.74 
3.111.   As can be seen in Chart 3.21, the average number of questions raised under Arti cle 18.6 per 
meeting has been on the rise since 2011, reaching an all -time high of an average of 74 questions 
per meeting in 2020. These numbers include questions that were repeated in more than one 
meeting.  
 
73 WTO document WT/COMTD/SE/M/40.  
74 Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European  Union, India, Japan, New  Zealand, Paraguay, 
the Russian Federation, Turkey, Ukraine and the United  States.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Chart 3.21 Average number of questions addressed under Article 18.6, per meeting, 
1995 -2021a 
 
a 2021 data cover questions raised until the 97th CoA meeting . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.112.   Of the 77 SIMs raised in the CoA during the review period, 43  were discussed for the first 
time. Of these, around 39% related to market access issues, 28% to domestic support programmes, 
19% to policies prohibiting or restricting exports of foodstuffs and the remaining 14% to export 
competition and other issues.  
3.113.   SIMs in the area of market access targeted measures that restricted, or had the potential to 
restrict, trade in agricultural products, including bovine meat (Indonesia's regulations on imports of 
bovine meat), cereals (China's maize import duties, Nigeria's border closures, the Philippines' market 
access volume utilization of corn and its Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) 
permits and Chinese  Taipei's ceiling price for imported rice  under the tariff rate quota ( TRQ)), cotton 
(India's increase on cotton tariffs), fruits and vegetables (Indonesia's imports of citrus, melons, 
strawberries and persimmons, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's imports of agricultural products 
from Turkey), po ultry (Tajikistan's poultry tariffs), seeds (India's oilseeds policies) and sugar 
(Egypt's sugar import ban). Certain SIMs related to broader import policies of Members covering 
several products (Angola's import policies, Canada's Bill C -216, EU member Sta tes' regulations on 
domestic food products, India's Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) and 
Sri Lanka's temporary suspensions and restrictions on imports of products).  
3.114.   In the domestic support pillar, Members sought clarification on suppo rt policies targeting 
specific products, including dairy products (Canada's farm gate milk prices and its dairy price 
increase in New Brunswick), cereals (China's minimum support prices and the Russian Federation's 
wheat subsidies), soybeans (France's soyb ean production and the European  Union's Blue Box 
support) and sugar (India's support of sugar and biofuels), as well as domestic support policies with 
a wider sectoral scope (Australia's package reforms for the agricultural sector, China's rural 
developmen t plans for 2021, the European  Union's trade policy, France's national strategy for 
vegetable proteins and the United  States' domestic support programmes and its COVID ‑19 relief 
package (H.R. 1319, American Rescue Plan Act of 2021).  
3.115.   Eight SIMs related to p olicies restricting or prohibiting exports, including of cereals (the 
Russian Federation's grain export duties and its formula -based grain export tax, and Ukraine's export 
cap on corn), fresh vegetables (India's export prohibition on onions), seeds (the Ru ssian Federation's 
sunflower seed export duty and its draft resolution on export duties) and soyabeans (the Russian 
Federation's soyabean export duty). One SIM concerned the Russian Federation's lack of notifications 
to the CoA regarding its recently imple mented export restrictions.  
3.116.   Three SIMs sought further information and clarification on policies that potentially subsidized 
exports of agricultural products (India's export subsidies for sugar, the Russian Federation's support 
on exports of high value -added agricultural products and its support on exported agricultural 
products). Other SIMs concerned China's outstanding responses to questions raised in the CoA, 
Côte d'Ivoire's tax on imported spirits and France's requirements concerning the origin of goods on 
supermarket shelves.  
051015202530354045505560657075WTO_Agri.1
Average number of questions addressed under Article 18.6, per meeting , 1995 -2021a
Source:  WTO Secretariat.a    2021 data cover questions raised until the 97thCoA meeting .WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 56 - 
 
  3.117.   A total of 34 SIMs that were discussed during the review period were follow -ups to matters 
raised in previous CoA meetings. Some have been raised multiple times. For example, SIMs 
regarding Canada's new milk ingredient class and Ind ia's pulses policies have been raised in 17 and 
13 CoA meetings, attracting 63 and 57 questions, respectively. Similarly, matters related to 
Mongolia's quota regime for importation, China's cotton policies, India's skim milk powder export 
subsidies and the  Russian Federation's railway subsidy for exports have been raised on more than 
six occasions. The agricultural policies of Australia, Canada, China, the European  Union, Honduras, 
India, Indonesia, New  Zealand, Nigeria, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkey, the United 
Kingdom and the United  States were the subject of repeated concerns under Article  18.6. All 77 
SIMs, including questions, answers and follow -up comments, can be accessed through the 
Agriculture Information Management System (AG IMS).75 
3.118.   WTO Members continued to implement the December 2015 Nairobi Ministerial Decision on 
Export Competition. Of the 16 Members with positive export subsidy commitment levels in their 
schedules at the time of adoption of the Decision, 12 have had their revised e xport subsidy schedules 
certified (Australia, Colombia, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Norway, South  Africa, Switzerland, 
Turkey, the United  States and Uruguay); two (Canada and the European  Union) circulated their draft 
revised schedules, which are p ending certification; and two (Brazil and the Bolivarian Republic of 
Venezuela) have yet to circulate their revised draft export subsidies (ES) schedules. At the  97th CoA 
meeting , Brazil reported the completion of the domestic process to approve the Decisi on, paving the 
way for the circulation of its draft schedule.  
3.119.   The CoA continued its review of the implementation of Members' commitments under the 
AoA, primarily on the basis of notifications submitted by Members. Twelve distinct notification 
requirements are applicable in the domain of agriculture, covering market access, domestic support, 
export subsidies, export prohibitions or restrictions, and the follow -up to the Marrakesh Net 
Food-Importing Developing Countries (NFIDC) Decision. The applicability of a notification 
requirement to a Member is largely dependent on its specific commitments under the AoA. Of the 
12 notification requirements, 5 are "regular" or "annual" notification requirements: (i)  imports under 
tariff and other quotas (MA:2); (ii)  specia l agricultural safeguards  (MA:5); (iii)  domestic support 
(DS:1); (iv)  export subsidies (ES:1) and (v)  total exports (ES:2). Annual notifications are required 
to be submitted no later than a certain number of days following the end of the year in question, in 
accordance with the deadlines set out in the Committee's Notification Requirements and Formats 
(WTO document G/AG/2, 30  June 1995).  
3.120.   More than 5,790 questions were raised in connection with individual notifications under the 
CoA review process in the per iod 1995 -2021 (until March 2021). Over the years, most of these 
questions focused on domestic support notifications (DS:1 and DS:2), followed by market access, 
especially TRQs (MA:1 and MA:2). Since 2010, the prevalence of questions concerning domestic 
support notifications has been high, representing between 70% and 80% of all the questions raised 
in the CoA concerning individual notifications (Chart 3.22). 
 
75 In the AG IMS ( http://agims.wto.org/ ), under the Review Proce ss Q&A tab, select "Search Q&A 
Submitted Since 1995" and select 96 and 97 in the "Meeting number" field.  
 WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 57 - 
 
  Chart 3.22 Questions raised on individual notifications, per topic, per year, 1995 -2021a 
 
a 2021 data cover up to the 97th CoA meeting . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.121.   From 15  October  2020 to 15  May 2021, Members submitted 243 notifications  (including 
addenda and corrigen da). A total of 96 questions were posed concerning individual notifications at 
the CoA meetings that took place during this period. As seen in Chart 3.23, and in line with the 
historical trend, most of the questions related to domestic support notification s (72%), with domestic 
support notifications from India, Viet  Nam and the European  Union being subject to an extensive 
review based on multiple questions from other Members. A  total of 11 questions addressed overdue 
notifications from Australia, Brazil, th e European  Union, India, Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia, South  Africa, Thailand and the United  States.  
Chart 3.23 Breakdown of the questions raised in the 96th and 97th CoA meetings  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Policy developments in agriculture related to the COVID ‑19 pandemic  
3.122.   The 96th and 97th CoA meetings  covered by the review period included a dedicated agenda 
item on COVID ‑19 and agriculture. While Members used the CoA's standard review process to 
request clarification on each other's policies implemented in response to the pandemic, this standing 
agenda item provided Members with an opportunity to engage in a holistic discussion on the crisis 
and the serious disruptions it has caused to food and  agriculture systems globally. The agenda item 
also offered Members a chance to review each other's ad hoc  reports on measures taken in response 
to the pandemic. In this regard, seven Members (counting the European  Union as one) submitted 
ad hoc reports to  the CoA (Table 3.29). In addition, at the request of Members, the WTO Secretariat 
produced a compilation of Members' COVID ‑19 agricultural measures (WTO document G/AG/W/209, 
9 December 2020)  based on Members' ad hoc  reports submitted to the CoA.  
050100150200250300
Domestic Support Market Access Export restrictions
Export competition NFIDC DecisionWTO_Agri.2
Questions raised on individual notifications, per topic, per year, 1995 -2021a
Source:  WTO Secretariat.a   2021 data cover up to the 97thCoA meeting.
Overdue 
notifications
11
Market access
21
Export competition
4
Specific 
implementation 
matters
131Individual 
notifications
96Domestic support
69WTO_Agri.3
Breakdown of the questions raised in the 96thand 97thCoA meetings
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Export restrictions
1
NFIDC
1WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Table 3.29 Ad hoc  reports on COVID ‑19 measures in the agricultural sector (mid -October 
2020 to mid -May 2021a) 
Member  Document symbol  Issue date  
Norway  G/AG/GEN/172  11/11/2020  
Switzerland  G/AG/GEN/164/Corr.1, G/AG/GEN/164/Add .1  19/11/2020, 25/11/2020  
European  Union  G/AG/GEN/159/Add .3, G/AG/GEN/159/Add.4  26/11/2020, 24/03/2021  
El Salvador  G/AG/GEN/163/Add.1  04/02/2021  
South  Africa  G/AG/GEN/180  12/03/2021  
Israel  G/AG/GEN/160/Add.1  17/03/2021  
Japan  G/AG/GEN/166/Rev.1  26/03/2021  
a WTO Docs Online. Viewed at: https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/FE_Search/FE_S_S005.aspx . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.123.   Observer international organizations also contributed to discussions under the agenda item 
on COVID ‑19 and agriculture. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United  Nations (FAO), 
the OECD, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Grains Council (IGC) submitted 
reports to the 96th and 97th CoA meetings, outlining their work in relation to the pandemic.76 
3.124.   Some measures put in place by Members in response t o the pandemic included restrictions 
or prohibitions on exports of certain goods, including agricultural products. The AoA establishes 
disciplines for cases where Members institute export prohibitions or restrictions to prevent or relieve 
critical shortage s of foodstuffs (Article  12). Transparency is at the heart of these disciplines. The 
AoA states that: (i)  Members are to give due consideration to the effects of such prohibition or 
restriction on importing Members' food security; and (ii)  before any Membe r institutes an export 
prohibition or restriction, it shall give notice in writing, as far in advance as practicable, to the CoA, 
comprising such information as the nature and the duration of such measure, and shall consult, upon 
request, with any other Me mber having a substantial interest as an importer with respect to any 
matter related to the measure in question. These written notices are referred to as Table ER:1  
notifications. The AoA includes a special and differential treatment provision, whereby the  above 
requirements do not apply to developing country Members unless the measure is taken by a 
developing country Member that is a net food exporter of the specific foodstuff concerned. During 
the review period, there were no notifications submitted to th e CoA on export restrictions or 
prohibitions on agricultural products attributed to the COVID ‑19 pandemic.  
3.7  General economic support  
3.125.   At the 11  December  2020 TPRB meeting dedicated to discussing the Director -General 's 
Overview of Developments in the International Trading Environment  report , WTO Members 
emphasized the importance of the trade monitoring exercise as a horizontal, factual and objective 
platform that reinforces transparency and predictability, especially in the difficult times of the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Members stressed the timeliness of the report in providing trends on the impact 
of the global health crisis on trade and commended the rapid reaction and responsiveness of the 
Secretariat in providing a n online  transparency platform for shari ng COVID -19-related measures, 
including on support programmes . Several delegations suggested that this  transparency platform 
may offer an opportunity to understand the nature of the policies and program mes implemented, 
their duration and the envisaged time tables for a phase -out. 
3.126.   Since July 2017, the Secretariat has been unable to justify the inclusion of a separate annex 
on general economic support measures in the Trade Monitoring Reports. This has been partly due 
to the low participation and response rate of WTO Members to the request for information, and partly 
because such an annex would have been biased against those Members that traditionally share and 
publish detailed information of such measures and programmes. Compounding the lack of 
information volu nteered by Members, some delegations have often insisted on excluding general 
economic support measures identified by the Secretariat from public sources and for which 
verification was sought. The December 2020 TPRB meeting generated an exchange of views o n how 
to address this issue, with several Members emphasizing the need to preserve and strengthen 
transparency through the trade monitoring exercise. Several Members welcomed the online 
COVID -19 support measures list77 compiled by the WTO Secretariat , which was put in place in the 
early stages of the pandemic. The list provides an informal situation report and is an attempt to 
 
76 WTO documents G/AG/GEN/175 (FAO), 26  November 2020; G/AG/GEN/176 (OECD), 27  November 
2020; and G/AG/GEN/181 (IGC), G/AG/GEN/182 (IGC), and G/AG/GEN/ 183 (WFP), 16  March 2021.  
77 WTO, COVID -19: Support Measures . Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_support_measures_e.htm . WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  provide transparency with respect to support measures taken in response to the COVID -19 crisis . It 
includes only information and mea sures communicated by delegations directly to the WTO Trade 
Monitoring Section in response to the Director -General's request s in March 2020, September 2020 
and March 2021. The COVID -19 list of support measures includes measures only in the original 
languag e of the submission and makes no attempt to categorize them. As it is difficult to ascertain 
the extent to which , if at all , these measures are trade related or impact competition.  
3.127.   During the review period, WTO Members continued to address the social and e conomic 
impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic in order to prepare for a sustainable and strong post -crisis 
economic recovery. In terms of general economic support, this translated to more resources being 
allocated to COVID -19-related support measures and to fewer regular support measures, 
implemented by  WTO Members.  
Regular economic support measures  
3.128.   In response to the Director -General's March 2021 request for information for this Trade 
Monitoring Report, 29 WTO Members78 communicated 12 general economic support measures 
unrelated to the pandemic to the Secretariat. Although most Members may not have introduced 
support measures during the review period, the participation rate remained low , with 18% of the 
membership having shared regular support measures. The Secretariat's own research suggests that 
many support measures with potentially important ramifications for trade were implemented by WTO 
Members during the review period.  
3.129.   During the r eview period, regular support measures ( not related to  COVID -19) 
communicated by WTO Members, as well as those identified by the Secretariat, included measures  
relating to environmental sustainability targets, such as:  investments to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions; subsidies for renewable energies; research and development programmes focusing on 
sustainability and energy efficiency or to achieve carbon neutrality; state aids to eliminate CO 2 
emissions and to promote renewable energy sources; fiscal policie s to support the supply of 
renewable energies; and loans for developing green and sustainability frameworks. Other measures 
included investments to promote the use or development of digital technologies , aid schemes to 
support high -capacity connectivity in frastructures , and support to research and innovation. Support 
to farmers and to the agricultural sector  – as well as funds to assist MSMEs  and businesses, loan 
guarantees for MSMEs and more general stimulus packages – were also put in place. Several of 
these measures were multi -year programmes, with financial disbursements staggered over the 
lifetime of a project. Other measures were one -off grants or aid schemes.  
COVID -19-related economic  support  measures  
3.130.   In response to the Director -General's March 2021 r equest for information, 62 Members79 
and 3 Observers80 volunteered 312 COVID -19-related support measures  to the Secretariat . 
3.131.   Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1,521 COVID -19-related economic support 
measures have been put in place by 106 Member s and 4 Observers.81 Of these, as at 27 May 2021, 
930 (61%) were communicated directly to the WTO Secretariat. This number includes 39 
COVID -19-related support measures for MSMEs that were communicated directly to the trade 
monitoring exercise by five Members following the recommendation adopted by the Informal 
 
78 Albania; the European  Union ; and Hong Kong, China.  Counting the EU  (27), its member  States  and 
the United Kingdom separately . The United Kingdom withdrew from the European  Union  as at 1 February 2020. 
During the transition period, which ended on 31 Dece mber 2020, European  Union  law, with a few limited 
exceptions, continued to be applicable to and in the United Kingdom. Information provided by the 
European  Union  during that transition period that is relevant to this document also covered  
the United Kingdom.  
79 Angola; Australia; B ahrain, Kingdom of; Belize; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; Costa Rica; Dominican 
Republic; El Salvador; the European Union; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Israel; Madagascar; Malaysia; Mali; 
Mauritania; Mexico; Moldova, Republic of; Montenegro; Myanmar; Nepal ; Norway; Paraguay; the Philippines; 
the Russian Federation; Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; Switzerland; Chinese Taipei; Tunisia; Turkey; the United 
Kingdom; and Zambia. The European Union, its member States and the United Kingdom are counted 
separately. The Un ited Kingdom withdrew from the European Union as at 1 February 2020. During the 
transition period, which ended on 31 December 2020, European Union law, with a few limited exceptions, 
continued to be applicable to and in the United Kingdom. Information prov ided by the European Union during 
that transition period that is relevant to this document also covered the United Kingdom.  
80 Belarus, Equatorial Guinea and Iraq.  
81 Azerbaijan, Belarus, Equatorial Guinea and Iraq.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Working Group on MSMEs to further increase transparency and provide, on a voluntary bas is, 
information on policies related to MSMEs.  
3.132.   The unprecedented number of COVID -19-related support measures put in place since the 
beginning of the pandemic far exceeds the activity seen in the wake of the global financial crisis of 
2008-09. Most of the recorded COVID -19-related support measures were put in place by G20 
economies (908, or 60% of the total), of which 618 (68%) were communicated to the Secretariat. 
So far in 2021, 294 such measures have been announced or implemented in the form of grants, 
loans or stimulus packages targeting sectors of the economy heavily affected by the pandemic, 
including agriculture, health, aviation, transport, tourism, education and culture, and also fiscal and 
financial measures to support businesses and SMEs as well as broader and very sizeable stimulus 
packages. Some of the  measures implemented in the early stages of the pandemic were extended 
in 2021, but overall, the flow of  new support measures has slowed during the review period. Several 
were one -off grants, and oth ers included disbursements staggered over a few months up to several 
years. Some of these measures form part of rescue plans and stimulus packages worth several 
trillion  US dollars.  
3.133.   Another set of support measures put in place by governments in response to  the COVID -19 
pandemic included measures implemented by central banks to ease monetary policies; reduce policy 
rates, statutory reserve ratios and repo rates; regulate the foreign exchange market; issue and 
purchase government bonds; and ease debt terms an d reschedule deferrals on credit instalments to 
lower funding costs across econom ies. Government responses have also included financial and fiscal 
measures to ensure economic stability, including strengthening the supply of credit to households 
and busines ses, providing the banking system with additional liquidity , easing of credit conditions 
and terms , backing business investment , granting moratoriums , providing credit guarantees and 
reducing taxes and fees. The responses of high -income economies have been  significantly more 
generous in terms of the number and variety of measures implemented and funds allocated than 
those offered by lower -income economies , whose responses have often relied on funding or other 
assistance obtained from international organizat ions and/or donors.  
3.134.   COVID -19-related support measures generally appear to be temporary in nature. Several of 
these measures have been adjusted and/or extended to reflect changing circumstances and 
challenges that have arisen in dealing with new surges of t he pandemic . Large injections of money 
in some countries  have generated discussions about finding the right balance between maintaining 
support  measures to address the negative impacts of the crisis and ensur ing a coordinated phasing -
out of such measures t o effectively support a broad  and sustainable recovery.  
3.135.   Some Members have needed  additional resources and assistances in dealing with the 
pandemic . The Secretariat identified 283 bilateral and multilateral assistance82 measures that were 
received during t he review period by 122 Members to address the COVID -19 crisis. Of the 283 
measures, 129 related to vaccination roll -out and bilateral vaccine donations. Others included 
additional financing for governments to address the pandemic in the forms of loans, gr ants and 
donations of medical devices. Several assistance measures were also provided to support the 
education sector and MSMEs in facing the challenges brought by the pandemic. Although the 
Secretariat's information on the bilateral and multilateral assistance  measures is not exhaustive83, 
the amount of such assistance appeared to be substantial in 2020, as p reliminary findings from the 
OECD84 seem to indicate . 
3.136.   Globally, g overnments have provided unprecedented support to help their own so cieties and 
economies recover from  the crisis. The United Nations March 2021 Policy Brief85 estimated t he global 
 
82 Multilateral assistance refers to assist ance from international organizations and regional development 
banks.  
83 Given the speed with which COVID -19-related policies and programmes were introduced and/or 
modified, the number and type of support measures covered in this Section are not exhaustive.  For example, it 
has been difficult to keep up with all actions undertaken by central banks and other monetary institutions to 
maintain flexibility in terms of tools, lending programmes and interest rate decisions required to deal with new 
challenges as th ey have emerged. Additionally, many WTO Members continued to provide aid or assistance 
bilaterally or through multilateral initiatives such as the COVAX Facilities.  
84 OECD, COVID -19 Spending Helped to Lift Foreign Aid to an All -Time High in 2020 but More E ffort 
Needed , 13 April 2021. Viewed at: https://www.oecd.org/newsroom/COVID -19-spending -helped -to-lift-
foreign -aid-to-an-all-time-high-in-2020-but-more-effort -needed.htm . 
85 United Nations, Policy Brief Liquidity and Debt Solutions to Invest in the SDGs: The Time to Act is 
Now, March 2021. Viewed at: 
https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/sg_policy_brief_on_liquidity_and_debt_solutions_march_2021.pdf.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  value of national fiscal support measures related to COVID -19 at USD  18 trillion . The large stimulus 
packages by some governments to boost cons umer spending provided some concerns about  the 
inflationary effect s of such programmes . The IMF projected86 that, although commodity prices are 
expected to increase in the coming months, the volatility of price s should be short -lived and inflation 
pressure s will remain contained in most countries .  
3.137.   While many  high-income economies  may enjoy sufficient fiscal space to accommodate large 
economic stimulus initiatives , other economies entered the pandemic  with already elevated debt 
risks or with elevated debt l evels. Public debt in emerging markets has surged to levels not seen in 
50 years, according to the World Bank87, and many developing countries have increasingly taken on 
debt on non -concessional terms. The IMF88 identified  as at 30 April 2021, 7 low-income countries in 
debt distress, 29 at high  risk, 23 at moderate  risk and 10 at low  risk. Debt -service repayments 
throughout 2020 and 2021 would amount , according to UNCTAD89, to between USD 2 trillion and 
USD 2.3 trillion in high -income developing countries, and between USD 700 billion to USD 1.1 trillion 
in middle -and low -income countries.  Multilateral organizations ha ve encouraged donors and 
creditors to take action in supporting emerging markets and low -income countries with financial 
liquidity problems. The IMF provide d financial assistance and debt -service relief of USD  250 billion 
to member countries to mitigate the impact s of the pandemic90, includ ing initiatives such as the 
Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (P RGT) and the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust 
(CCRT). The establishment of the G20 economies Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI)  in place 
since 1st May 2020  to December 2021 , provide d 73 eligible low -income countries with a temporary 
suspension of debt -service payments owed to their official bilateral creditors . The World Bank 
contributed some USD  160 billion between April 2020 and June 2021 to help developing countries 
strengthen their pandemic response and health -care systems , and committed USD 26.3 billion  in 
financing economies participating in the G20 DSSI.91 Stronger and coordinated global  responses 
would be needed to address the difficulties faced by low -and middle -income economies in the context 
of the pandemic . Trade could play an important role in alleviating the debt pressure felt by many of 
these economies and l owering trade barriers could provide countries with more opportunities to push 
down their debt -to-exports ratios. Addressing supply -side constraints and i mproving access to trade 
finance would help these countries take better advantage of market opportunities.  
3.138.   The above has captured activities in the area of regular and COVID -19-related economic 
support measures, including bilateral and multilateral assista nce, until mid -May 2021. Governments 
around the world have provided a n unprecedented number and variety of support measures to 
address the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. These emergency support measures are 
central to governments ' strategies to address the pandemic -induced economic downturn and to 
prepare for a sustainable recovery. Keeping international markets open will be an essential 
component of the recover y from this crisis , and a rapid, global and equitable vaccine roll -out is a 
prerequ isite in this respect . 
3.139.   The trade monitoring exercise does not make any judgement as to the WTO -compatibility of 
any of the measures referred to in this Section. While it is possible that such measures, whether 
taken as part of a Member's overall commercial  strategy or as part of a Member's emergency 
response to the COVID -19 crisis, may affect trade in some way, it is not always straightforward to 
conclude that they restrict or facilitate trade (and by how much), or that they distort competition. 
Nevertheles s, and fully recognizing that other international organizations are often better placed to 
report on and analyse many of these measures, providing a brief overview of such measures taken 
during the review period represents an important element of transpare ncy regarding developments 
in the international trading system. The Secretariat will continue to monitor and report on general 
economic support measures within the resources available to it.   
 
86 IMF, World Economic Outlook: Managing Divergent Recoveries, April 2021 . Viewed at: 
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2021/03/23/world -economic -outlook -april-2021. 
87 World Bank , Debt Service Suspension and COVID -19, 19 May 2021.  Viewed at: 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/factsheet/2020/05/11/debt -relief-and-covid-19-coronavirus .  
88 IMF, List of LIC DSAs for PRGT -Eligible Countries, as of 30 April 2021 . Viewed at : 
https://www.imf.org/external/Pubs/ft/dsa/DSAlist.pdf . 
89 UNCTAD , Trade and Development Report 2020 Update , April 2020. Viewed at: 
https://unctad.org/webflyer/great -lockdown -great-meltdown -developing -country -debt-time-COVID -19. 
https://unctad.org/webflyer/great -lockdown -great-meltdown -developing -country -debt-time-covid-19.  
90 IMF, COVID -19 Financial Assistance and Debt Service Relief , last viewed 20  May 2021. Viewed at : 
https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf -and-covid19/COVID -Lending -Tracker . 
91 World Bank, Debt Service Suspension and COVID -19, 19 May 2021. Viewed at : 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/factsheet/2020/05/11/debt -relief-and-COVID -19-coronavirus . WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  3.8  Other selected trade policy developments  
3.140.   The following Section provides a brief overview of the other selected trade policy issues 
where important developments took place during the review period.  It also includes follow -up to a 
number of issues which saw outcomes at MC11.  
COVID -19 related discussions at the G eneral Council  
3.141.   At various General Council (GC) meetings  during the review period , the TRIPS Council Chair 
reported on the discussions on the proposed waiver on some TRIPS provisions by India, South Africa 
and other co-sponsors in relation to the prevention , containment or treatment of COVID -19.92  
3.142.   At these meetings, the European Union , Canada  and other co -sponsors drew the General 
Council's attention to the  Trade and Health Initiative  in document WT/GC/223 which was established 
in an effort to enable trade policy to contribute to the fight against COVID -19 and to create conditions 
for a more stable and predictable trade environment which would help mitigate the impact of the 
pandemic . And, at the 5 -6 May 2021 GC meeting, Canada and other co -sponsors referred  to the 
relevant proposed General Council Declaration in JOB/GC/251/Rev1.93  
3.143.   At the March 2021 GC meeting, the delegations of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama 
and Paraguay presented their joint communication in document WT/GC/W/818 and called on 
Membe rs to exercise restraint in the adoption and implementation of export restrictions on COVID -19 
vaccines .94  
3.144.   Finally, at  the May 2021 GC meeting, the delegations of Paraguay, Colombia, Ecuador, 
Panama and Costa Rica called on Members to exercise restraint i n the adoption and implementation 
of trade restrictions that block equal access to COVID -19 vaccines .95  
Box 3.3 COVID -19 and Vaccine Equity: What can the WTO contribute?  
On 14 April 2021,  the Director -General  convened  a virtual  meeting  titled:  "COVID -19 and Vaccine  Equity:  
What can the WTO contribute".  The event  brought  together  speakers  from the private  sector,  international  
organizations,  civil society,  and Members,  including  trade ministers  and senior  officials.  It brought  clarity  as 
to the reasons  for the inequity  in global  vaccine  distribution  and the factors  impeding  manufacturing  upscaling  
and diversification . 
One theme  that emerged  strongly  was that achieving  speed  and scale in COVID -19 vaccine  manufacturing  
depends  on open markets.  Among  the factors  cited as constraining  manufacturing  scale-up were shortages  in 
key input supplies,  the effect  of export  prohib itions  and restrictions,  limited  technology  transfer,  technically  
intricate  production  methods  and complex  regulatory  compliance  and shortage  of skilled  staff. The need for 
regulatory  convergence  on how to handle  various  variants  of approved  vaccines  and medicines  was another  
point highlighted.  
Recognizing  the complexity  of vaccine  manufacturing  and hence  the vital role of collaboration  and the sharing  
of intellectual  property  (IP), know -how and data, the meeting  explored  several  options  regarding  possible  
contributions  by the IP system.  Those  included  voluntary  licensing  and technology  pooling,  the full use of 
TRIPS  flexibilities,  and a waiver  of Members'  obligations  to protect  certain  IP rights  during  the pandemic.  
Different  views  persisted  as to how best to foster  the transfer  of technology  and know -how to unlock  existing,  
underutilized  capacity  and to build up new manufacturing  capacities.  However,  there was broad  agreement  
that pragmatic  measures  were needed  to immediately  accelerate  vaccine.  
In her closing remarks,  the Director -General  called  on WTO Members,  vaccine  manufacturers  and international  
organizations  to act together  to solve a problem  of the global  commons.  She called  on them to address  trade-
related  obstacles  to the scale-up of COVID -19 vaccine production  to save lives, hasten  the end of the pandemic  
and accelerate  the global  economic  recovery.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat .  
Trade and environment  
3.145.   Debates at the November 2020 and March 2021 meetings of the Committee on Trade and 
Environment (CTE) have continued to raise important global issues at the intersection between trade 
and environmental policies. WTO Members held dedicated discussions at the  CTE, and at side -events 
 
92 WTO documents WT/GC/M/188, WT/GC/M/190 and WT/GC/M/191 (forthcoming).  
93 WTO documents WT/GC/M/188, WT/GC /M/190 and WT/GC/M/191 (forthcoming).  
94 WTO document WT/GC/M/190 . 
95 WTO document WT/GC/M/19 1 (forthcoming).  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  during the second WTO Trade and Environment Week (November 2020) on several topics including: 
plastics pollution and circular economy; trade and climate change; sustainable paper production; 
and the new draft multilateral framework  for biodiversity conservation. Relevant international 
organizations also briefed delegations on their work on these issues.96 Several Member -driven 
workshops were held back -to-back with the CTE meetings, in particular in November97, providing 
delegations  with the opportunity to report on these events at the formal meetings of the CTE.  
3.146.   During the WTO Trade and Environment Week, two new initiatives were launched by groups 
of like -minded Members. The Structured Discussions on Trade and Environmental Sustaina bility 
(TESSD) will aim to identify areas for future work to help the WTO address sustainable development 
challenges more effectively and would work on possible environmental sustainability "actions and 
deliverables".98 The Informal Dialogue on Plastics Po llution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics 
Trade (IDP) will seek to identify opportunities for enhanced trade cooperation within the rules and 
mechanisms of the WTO to support efforts in other fora.99 Sponsors of both  initiatives announced at 
the March 2021 meeting of the CTE that they would work towards potential outcomes by MC12 and 
beyond.  
3.147.   COVID -19 has been raised in both the November 2020 and March 2021 meetings as well as 
in side -events during the Environment Wee k. For instance, some Members noted the link between 
environmental degradation and pandemics; the importance of ensuring a green recovery from 
COVID -19; the role trade policy could play, including by seizing the opportunity provided by low 
global oil price s to reform fossil fuel subsidies. Observer institutions noted how COVID -19 had 
impacted their work, including ongoing processes under multilateral environmental agreements, and 
they presented their plans to contribute to a green recovery from COVID -19. Fi nally, the WTO 
Secretariat, jointly with UNEP, held a High -Level Event on Environment and Trade for a Sustainable 
and Inclusive Recovery from COVID -19 during the WTO Trade and Environment Week. At the event, 
panellists, including ministers and representati ves from civil society and the private sector, called 
for trade policies to play a bigger role in a whole -of-society approach needed to tackle environmental 
challenges and build back better from the COVID -19 crisis.  
3.148.   The following box has been contributed b y the OECD.  
Box 3.4 Trade as a channel for environmental technology diffusion: the wind turbine 
manufacturing industry  
Wind turbines embody an accumulation of sophisticated knowledge and know -how. Only a few com panies, 
located in a few countries, have developed expertise in wind technologies, with their technological advantage 
growing over time. Such concentration also appears to characteri ze trade in wind turbines: the countries that 
dominate the field of wind t echnology are also the largest exporters of wind turbines.  
Given the importance of cumulative and tacit knowledge in the sector, expertise in wind technologies seems 
to be difficult to transfer and to duplicate across borders. Thus, trade in wind turbines  can be seen as 
tantamount to trading (wind) technologies that deliver a level of efficiency that cannot be replicated in 
importing countries. This explains why, while installed wind power capacity has been increasing globally, most 
of the added installati ons have been wind turbines made by foreign manufacturers ( Figure 1).  
 
96 Annual Report 20 20, WTO document WT/CTE/2 7 and minutes of the November  2020 CTE meeting, 
WTO document WT/CTE/M/ 70, 17  March  2021. 
97 WTO document WT/CTE/M/ 70, 17  March  2021.  
98 WTO document WT/CTE/W/249/Rev.1 . TESSD currently counts with 53 co -sponsors.  
99 WTO document WT/CTE/W/24 5. IDP currently counts with 16 co -sponsors.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Figure 1: Installed capacity of wind turbines increasingly relies on imports  
 
Recent OECD work shows that wind projects are more effective if they diversify their sourcing through 
international trade. Relying on a high share of imported turbines – as opposed to locally manufactured wind 
turbines only – contributes to the competitiveness of wind power generation and, critically from an 
environmental perspective, contributes to the displa cement of old, environmentally harmful technologies.  
These results shed light on the debate about the role of "green protectionism " to achieve dual environmental 
and economic goals by simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and creating a local manufactur ing industry 
to supply renewable equipment. The continued deployment of wind energy and the job creation associated 
with it are possible only if wind farms can compete with older power generation technologies. As the 
competitiveness of wind energy depends on access to the higher quality wind turbines available in international 
markets, government support to renewable energy should not discriminate against foreign suppliers.  
Rather, firms should engage with the wind power industry by building on their exist ing industrial capabilities 
and their application in these sectors rather than trying to vertically -integrate the full range of skills required 
to commercialize complex wind technologies. Countries with the industrial capacity to produce components 
for air crafts, automobiles, or other such products may have a competitive edge to manufacture components 
for wind turbines. Thus, the challenge may not be to design industrial policies for the creation of national 
champions but rather to ensure that domestic firm s can apply their specific capabilities to new opportunities 
in global industries.  
a Garsous, G.  and S. Worack (2021), "Trade as a channel for environmental technologies diffusion:  The 
case of the wind turbine manufacturing industry",  OECD Trade and Environment Working Papers , 
No. 2021/01, OECD Publishing, Paris . Viewed at: https://doi.org/10.1787/ce70f9c6 -en. 
Source:  OECD .  
Trade facilitation  
3.149.   The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) entered into forc e on 22  February  2017, when two -
thirds of WTO Members presented their corresponding instruments of acceptance. At the conclusion 
of the review period, 154 Members had domestically ratified the TFA and deposited their instruments 
of acceptance to the WTO, w hich represents 9 4% of the WTO  membership.  
3.150.   During the review period, 16 Members submitted notifications with their commitments under 
categories  A, B and C, of which 1 presented Category A commitments, 9 presented Category B 
commitments and 11  presented Ca tegory C commitments. Three Members notified a category shift 
from C to B. Four Members submitted notifications under Article 17 of the TFA . Fifty-two Members 
presented transparency notifications under Articles 1.4, 10.4.3, 10.6.2 and 12.2.2, which include d 
transparency notifications by three Members in relation to COVID -19 measures. Nine Members 
notified arrangements and progress in the provision of technical assistance and capacity -building 
support  (Chart 3.24) .  
050100150200250300350
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016Local
ImportedG20_OECD.Box1 -Installed capacity of wind turbines increasingly relies on imports
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Installed capacity (GW)WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Chart 3.24 Number of WTO Members that presented TFA notifications, 14 October 2020 
to 1 May 2021  
 
Source:  https://www.tfadatabase.org .  
3.151.   During the review period, the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (the Facility, or 
TFAF) organized or participated in 21  demand -driven activities contributing to the full 
implementation of the WTO  Trade Facilitation Agreement (the Agreement, or TFA) by WTO  Members.  
3.152.   Since the emergence of the COVID -19 pandemic in March 2020, the TFAF has been acting 
on its mandate to coordinate other International Organizations working to implement the TFA. The 
Facility immediately gathered relevant resources and tools from partners at the World Customs 
Organization, t he World Bank Group, UNCTAD, the Global Alliance/World Economic Forum, the 
International Air Transport Association, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations Economic 
Commission for Europe, and the International Railway Union, among others, to provi de links and a 
brief explanation of each. These were subsequently published on the Facility website.  
3.153.   In further cooperation with the International Chamber of Commerce, the TFAF compiled a 
survey for government officials and private sector representatives to register any TFA -related 
restrictions they encountered. The survey, launched in March 2020, invited government officials and 
private sector representatives to identify TFA -related border processes that had been impacted, 
positively or negatively, by the  pandemic. Some 199 responses were received, providing insight into 
COVID -19-related TFA issues that could inform the development of priorities for the TFAF's 2021 
work plan.  
Regional trade agreements  (RTAs)  
3.154.   Between October 20 20 and May 20 21, there was a sharp increase in the number of RTA 
notifications, with 43  new RTAs  being notified to the WTO. Of these, 20 were notified under GATT 
Article XXIV and GATS V and one was notified under the Enabling Clause and GATS V (covering trade 
in goods and services), w hile 22 were notified under GATT Article XXIV (covering only trade in 
goods). These bring the total to 348 RTAs notified and in force (corresponding to 563 notifications 
in goods, services, and accessions)100 (Chart 3.25). 
 
100 Information on these agreements in the WTO database on RTAs . Viewed at: http://rtais.wto.org .  
1
9
11
0
3
4
52
3
0
9Category A
Category B
Category C
Category shift from B to C
Category shift from C to B
Extension of time to implement
Transparency notifications
COVID-19 related transparency
notifications
Arts. 22.1 and 22.2
TACB arrangementsWTO_TFA.1 -Number of WTO Members that presented TFA notifications, 14 October 2020 -
1 May 2021
Source:  https://www.tfadatabase.orgWT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Chart 3.25 RTAs notified to the GATT/WTO (1948 to 2021) by year of entry into force  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.155.   Among the RTAs notified during this period , around 80% involved the United Kingdom, which 
left the European Union at the end of 2020. Most of these RTAs therefore aim to replicate the 
preferential conditions under which the United Kingdom was trading with its RTA partners as a 
member of the Europea n Union. The European Union and the United Kingdom also notified the EU -
UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to replace their previous trading relationship.  
3.156.   In addition to the UK notifications, eight RTAs notified involved WTO Members in the Asia 
Pacific re gion (six), Africa (three), the Americas, the Middle East and Europe (one each). Four RTAs 
covered members from two different regions. The Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (CRTA) 
will be considering the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Tra ns-Pacific Partnership 
(CPTPP) at its 100th Session in June 2021. The Agreement, which is one of the largest plurilateral 
RTAs to date, includes 11 parties, of which 7 have ratified the Agreement. Other plurilateral 
agreements include the United States -Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which was notified on 16 
September 2020 and will be considered by the CRTA shortly, the Regional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership Agreement, RCEP, between 1 5 parties which has thus far been ratified by four parties, 
the Afric an Continental Free Trade Area between 54 African economies which has been implemented 
since 1 January 2021, as well as the EU -MERCOSUR Agreement which has not yet been signed by 
the parties.  
Government procurement  
3.157.   The WTO Agreement on Government Procureme nt 2012 (GPA 2012) continues to gain 
importance as an instrument for promoting trade and good governance in  WTO Members'  
government procurement markets. Currently, the Agreement has 2 1 Parties, covering 48 WTO 
Members.101 Thirty -five WTO Members/Observers p articipate as Observers in the WTO Committee  
on Government Procurement .  
3.158.   The GPA 2012 entered into force for Switzerland on 1 January 2021. With the entry into 
force of the GPA 2012 for Switzerland, all GPA Parties have accepted the amended GPA. Accordingl y, 
on 1 January 2021 the GPA 2012 replaced the GPA 1994 in relation to all GPA Parties. Moreover, 
the United Kingdom joined the GPA 2012 , in its own right , also on 1 January 2021 .102 
 
101 The European Union and its 27 member States are covered by the Agreement as one Party . 
102 The United Kingdom had previously been covered by the GPA 1994 and subsequently by the GPA 
2012 as a member State of the European Union and later in accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement 
concluded between the European Union and the United Kingdom  and relevant decisions of the WTO Committee 
on Government Procurement. From 2018 to 2020, the United  Kingdom negotiated with GPA Parties on GPA 
membership in its own right. On 2 December 2020, the United Kingdom deposited its instrument of accession 
to the GPA 2012.  
563780
348
0100200300400500600700800900
05101520253035404550556065707580859095100105110
1948
1950
1952
1954
1956
1958
1960
1962
1964
1966
1968
1970
1972
1974
1976
1978
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
Cumulative NumberNumber per year
Notifications of RTAs in force
Notifications of Inactive RTAs
Note: [See document] .
Source: RTA Section, WTO Secretariat, May 2021.Cumulative Notifications of RTAs in force and inactive RTAs 
Cumulative Number of RTAs in forceCumulative Notifications of RTAs in force WTO_RTA.1 -Evolution of Regional Trade Agreements in the world, 1948 -2021WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 67 - 
 
  3.159.   Significant  progress was made on several ongoing accessions to the Agreeme nt. At present, 
11 WTO Members are in the process of acceding to the GPA.103 The Committee on Government 
Procurement continued to advance its Work Programmes, concerning notably: (i ) sustainable 
procurement; (ii) the collection and reporting of statistical data; and (iii) SMEs. To enhance  
information -sharing in the Committee , the GPA Parties have agreed to hold workshops on two topics: 
(1) how can government procurement processes be conducted in a manner that protects and 
advances labour standards while still respecting international trade commitments?; and (2) how can 
digital advances support trade and competition in government procurement? These two workshops 
are tentatively planned  for late 2021  and early 2022, respectively .  
3.160.   With regard to the COVID -19-related government procurement measures, GPA Parties 
expressed a general interest in experience -sharing and peer learning in a Member -driven process in 
the Committee.  
Aid for trade 
3.161.   Aid-for-Trade (AfT) disbursements totalled 45.8 billion in 2019, up 1% from the previous 
year. Economic infrastructure accounted for 55% of total aid -for-trade support with 43% going to 
building productive capacity and 2% to trade policy and regulations. In  terms of geographic 
distribution, Africa received 39% of disbursements and Asia some 37%, followed by the Americas 
(7%), Europe (5%) and Oceania (2%). Ten percent of disbursements supported projects 
implemented at a global level.  
3.162.   LDCs, a particular focus group of the AfT Initiative, received USD 13.5 billion in AfT funding 
(27% of the total) in 2019. The 2019 total represents an increase of USD 377.8 million on the 2018 
funding figure. Lower -middle income countries received 39% of the total; upper -middle i ncome 
countries, 18%.  
3.163.   The top 10 AfT donors in 2019 were Japan (USD 8.9 billion), the World Bank Group (USD 
7.7 billion), EU Institutions (USD 5.7 billion), Germany (USD 4.9 billion), France (USD 2.7 billion), 
the United Kingdom (USD 2.7 billion), the Asi an Development Bank (USD 2.1 billion), the United 
States (USD 2.0 billion),  the African Development Bank (USD 2.1 billion) and the Republic of Korea 
(USD 0.7 billion). The top 10 recipients of AfT support in 2019 were India (USD 4.6 billion), 
Bangladesh (U SD 1.9 billion), Egypt (USD 1.9 billion), Pakistan (1.5 billion), Kenya (USD 1.4 billion), 
Ethiopia (USD 1.3 billion), Viet Nam (USD 1.1 billion), the Philippines (USD 1.0 billion), Myanmar 
(USD 0.8 billion) and Senegal (USD 0.8 billion). USD 4.6 billion w ere disbursed for projects at a 
global level, USD 1.4 billion for African -wide projects and USD 1.1 billion for Sub -Saharan -wide 
projects.  
3.164.   Work on the WTO -led AfT Initiative is guided by the 2020 -22 Work Programme, themed 
"Empowering Connected, Sustainabl e Trade".104 The focus of the programme is on the opportunities 
that digital connectivity and sustainability offer for economic and export diversification - and how 
AfT can help empower different economic actors to realize these opportunities. The centrep iece of 
the Work Programme is the 2022 Global Review of Aid for Trade.  
3.165.   The COVID -19 pandemic has impacted least -developed countries and many s mall, tourism -
dependent developing countries hard.  The trade and development impacts of the on -going pandemic 
were the focus of an  Aid-for-Trade Stocktaking event  (Box 3.5) . 
Box 3.5 Aid for Trade Stocktaking event – 23-25 March 2021  
The Aid -for-Trade Stocktaking event on 23 -25 March 2021 provided an opportunity to survey the on -going 
economic impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic on trade and development prospects . A total of 35 sessions were 
held, with more than 200 speakers of whom some 46% were women. The online event generated analysis on 
how Aid for Trade is contributing to pandemic response, recovery and resilience measures.  The divergent 
outlooks of different parts of the world in terms of economic growth, indebtedness and access to finance was 
a theme evoked in the high -level plenary event at which the Director -General was joined by the Heads of the 
IMF, OECD, UNCTAD, WHO and World Bank.  
Equitable global COVID -19 vaccine roll -out was also identified as the best value global economic stimulus 
package available. There was recognition too of the need to redouble efforts to promote global value chain 
 
103  Albania, Brazil, China, Georgia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, North Macedonia , Oman, 
Russian Federation and Tajikistan.  
104 WTO document WT/COMTD/AFT/W/81 /Rev.1. WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  integration and to address supply -side capa city constraints if hard -won development gains were not to be 
permanently reversed by the pandemic.  
Keeping markets open was described as essential for vaccine delivery and to bring forth a strong and sustained 
recovery. Several sessions looked at adaptin g trade formalities to take account of the pandemic, both at a 
practical level in terms of using electronic tools to speed clearance and also how implementation of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement provisions might help in this regard.  
Regional approaches to COVID -19 recovery were also discussed, including leveraging the African Continental 
Free Trade Area and the PACER Plus agreement in the Pacific. There was also a focus on promoting recovery 
among MSMEs and in the tourism sector. One bright spot in terms  of resilience was the rapid growth of digital 
trade, but again there was concern that opportunities for recovery were limited by the digital divide.  
Promoting an inclusive and green recovery was also a theme discussed and one that will be taken forward 
through further work in the 2020 -22 biennial AfT Work Programme.  This work will culminate in the summer 
of 2022 during the Global Review of Aid for Trade that will examine the theme of "Empowering connected, 
sustainable trade."  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Trade finance  
3.166.   In view of the deterioration of trade finance markets in 2020, governments of large traders 
deployed specific measures for importers/exporters such as guaranteed loans and payment deferral 
schemes through banks and export credit agencies, in add ition to maintaining sufficient liquidity 
through monetary policy. Recent developments suggest  that for these countries the trade recovery 
is boosting demand for import and export finance.  Generally, trade finance measures put in place 
last year are suppor ting this recovery despite increasing losses of trade loans and rising financing 
costs for SMEs. According to a January 2021 survey by one of the world's largest working capital 
fintech (C2FO) of over 6,700 SMEs in Europe, Asia and North America, the avera ge interest rate for 
working capital increased by a third in the last year,  including on short -term trade finance facilities, 
over concerns about late or extended (re)payments. The increase in working capital costs is found 
to be the highest in emerging ec onomies (over 50% in some cases).  
3.167.   Low-to-middle income countries received much less support from public sources, apart from 
that deployed by multilateral development banks (some USD 30 to 40 billion overall). Since the 
beginning of 2020, sovereign and cou nterparty risks have deteriorated sharply – with an obvious 
knock -on effect on private sector trade finance availability. Available information point to continued 
high demand for multilateral trade finance facilities, as an  indicator of rising gaps: year-on-year, the 
increase is +50% for the African Development Bank  and the International Finance Corporation (IFC, 
World Bank Group) , and +100% for the Asian Development Bank . The March 2021 Bank Survey of 
the IFC signals that 40% of local banks in client count ries continue to experience "stress" with 
respect to the lack of confirming lines or credit lines from international banks, and that 90% of them 
would continue to need MDB support (guarantees). A March 2021 joint study by the Afreximbank 
and African Develo pment Bank on the "Impact of COVID -19 on Trade Finance in Africa"  pointed to 
a 30% increase in the rejection rate of letters of credit relative to pre -COVID, a reduced dollar 
availability and a reduced participation of local banks in trade finance in Afric a.  
Fisheries subsidies  
3.168.   The negotiations on fisheries subsidies in the Negotiating Group on Rules have continued in 
2021 as Members could not reach an agreement by the end of 2020. This was mainly due to a 
confluence factors, including the COVID -19 pandemic, restrictions on movements and gatherings, 
and the postponement of  MC12 . However, all Members have reiterated their commitment to deliver 
as soon as possible an outcome that respects the mandate of Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 
and the MC11  to prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and 
overfishing, and eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing 
with special and differential treatment integral to the negotiations. To  this end, Members have been 
engaged continuously and intensively in the text -based negotiations since the fall of 2020, holding 
a Ministerial -level meeting in mid-July 2021.  
Electronic commerce  
3.169.   Discussions on electronic commerce in the WTO are continuing under two parallel tracks – 
multilaterally under the GC and its relevant subsidiary bodies, and under the Joint Statement 
Initiative on Electronic Commerce (JSI). In both settings, delegations are reiterating the important WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  role of e -commerce in supporting the economic recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic and the need 
to address development -related challenges.  
3.170.   At the multilateral level, discussions on the reinvigoration of the 1998 Work Programme and 
on the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmis sions are intensifying. The Work 
Programme was discussed extensively at the GC meetings in December  2020 and March 2021. Work 
continues in the relevant bodies entrusted with the implementation of the Work Programme. At the 
December 2020 General Council mee ting, the Chairs of the Councils for Trade in Services, Trade in 
Goods and TRIPS reported on the work undertaken in their respective bodies. The December 2019 
GC Decision calls for the reinvigoration of the Work Programme and for structured discussions on 
any trade -related topic brought forward by Members, including issues related to the moratorium. It 
also extends the moratorium until MC12 and instructs the GC to report to that meeting.  
3.171.   With over 35 proposals, JSI negotiations on e-commerce are ongoing un der six broad 
themes: enabling e -commerce; openness and e -commerce; trust and e -commerce; cross -cutting 
issues, such as transparency, domestic regulation, and cooperation; telecommunications; and 
market access. Delegations are encouraged to consider the un ique opportunities and challenges 
faced by developing countries and LDCs, as well as by MSMEs, in relation to each issue under 
discussion. In December 2020, the co -convenors (Australia, Japan and Singapore) circulated a 
consolidated negotiating text which provides the basis for further negotiations in 2021. Work in 
virtual small group format is intensifying to streamline the text as much as possible by MC12. Clean 
text was reached under the groups on unsolicited commercial electronic messages (spam) and on 
e-authentication and e -signatures.  
Micro, small and medium -sized  enterprises (MSMEs)  
3.172.   The MSME Informal Working Group (MSME Group) was established at MC11 in December 
2017, and currently comprises 91 WTO Members. Some Members oppose, or do not support, 
discussions on this issue, noting that it is not part of the original Doha Round discussions and that 
focusing on DDA  issues should be the priority. The MSME Group in its 11 December 2020 meeting, 
endorsed the MSMEs final package which contains six recommenda tions and declarations and counts 
96 signatories.105 The package includes a recommendation on the collection and maintenance of 
MSME -related information from TPRs; a declaration to support the operationalization of the Global 
Trade Helpdesk, a joint ITC -UNCTAD -WTO initiative to aggregate international trade  and market 
information  in a single online portal; a recommendation on trade facilitation and MSMEs calling for 
full implementation of the TFA; a recommendation on promoting MSME inclusion in regulatory 
development in the area of trade; a recommendation to  support the WTO integrated database (IDB), 
a time series database of Member tariffs and import statistics, through voluntary submission of 
information to the IDB; and a declaration on addressing the trade -related aspects of MSMEs' access 
to finance and cr oss-border payments.106 
3.173.   At the MSME Group's first meeting of 2021, held on 18 February, presentations by external 
presenters on various topics were made, including low value shipments; Integrated Services for 
MSMEs (ISMIT); MSME access to finance; and MSME cybersecurity education. The Group was also 
briefed on MSME -related work and discussions in other WTO committees including the working group 
on trade, debt and finance; government procurement; and the standards and trade development 
facility. Members also discussed the organization of the Group's work for 2021, which was focused 
around three topics, namely implementation of the package; the Group's objective for MC12; and 
new issues for the Group to consider. Finally, work has started on the IT development of the 
Trade4MSMEs platform.  
3.174.   The following  box on company resilience in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic has been 
contributed by the ITC. 
Box 3.6 Enterprises' resilience during the pandemic  
The COVID -19 pandemic and related containment measures led to a devastating economic fallout. Nearly all 
companies were affected, with micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs) particularly hard hit. a The 
latest International Trade Centre (ITC) data s how that nearly two out of three small businesses were strongly 
affected, compared with less than half of large companies.b Despite this bleak finding, many companies have 
also been remarkably resilient.  
 
105 WTO document INF/MSME/4/Rev.1 . 
106 WTO document INF/MSME/R/21 . WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  The ITC interviewed the same group of 770 firms in Benin, Cambodia and the Philippines before and after 
COVID -19 hit. It found that companies displaying certain competitiveness characteristics before the shock 
fared better during the crisis; that is, they were more resilient.c 
Resilience is based on pre -crisis characteristics, such as the strength of a company’s business processes, its 
external connections and access to resources that underpin innovative responses. These elements make 
companies competitive in good times and resilient in bad times.d Being resilient matters. It not only helps 
firms withstand crises, but also reduces the disastrous social and economic consequences of their decline. The 
ITC found that companies with higher resilience were almost five times less likely to lay off employee s during 
the pandemic and 17 percentage points more likely to report stable sales, compared with companies with 
lower resilience.e 
Resilient companies had stable sales and employment during pandemicf 
 
Building resilience into small business recovery  
Small  firms make up 90% of all businesses and 70% of jobs across the world. They also  employ a 
disproportionate share of young people and women, and account for around half of economic activity around 
the world.g 
The bad news is that small businesses tend to be  less resilient.  The ITC calculated the average resilience score 
of micro and small firms to be 20% lower than that of medium and large firms at the onset of the pandemic.h 
The good news is that resilience can be built. Having experienced the disruption of  COVID -19, MSMEs and 
those that support them are primed to act. In this context, policymakers and business support organizations 
(BSOs) are building MSME resilience into COVID -19 recovery programmes. Given scarce resources, an efficient 
strategy is to focus on the areas that make MSMEs competitive in good times, and resilient in bad times. For 
example, investments in innovation through research and development (R&D) proved essential to adapt 
successfully. Firms that invested more in R&D before the pandemic were more likely to adopt resourceful 
strategies to cope with the crisis. They were twice as likely to create new or customized products.  
Skill matching was also important in dealing with COVID -19. Workers that possess the right set of skills and 
know the  product and production process well are more likely to implement creative solutions to problems.i 
For example, when confinement rules forced SMEs to shut their doors, many put their full offering online, 
which required digital skills.j  
Small firms cannot  succeed on their own. B SOs, policymakers, lead firms and international organizations have 
roles to play. For example, trade-related technical assistance can encourage robust company management 
practices. These include efficient inventory management, compl ete recordkeeping  and diversification of input 
sources and export markets. Access to trade -related information through engagement with BSOs, and use of 
tools such as the ITC -UNCTAD -WTO Global Trade Helpdesk is critical prior to, during and after a crisis.k 
As underlined by the WTO Informal Working Group on MSMEs, there is need for a coordinated and holistic 
approach to help small businesses recover from the pandemic and prepare for future shocks. The ITC stands 
ready to support the efforts required to make t rade inclusive and resilient.  
a ITC, "SME Competitiveness Outlook 2020: COVID -19: The Great Lockdown and Its Impact on Small Business" 
(Geneva: International Trade Centre, 2020) . Viewed at:  https://www. intracen.org/SMEOutlook/ . 
b ITC, "SME Competitiveness Outlook 2021: A Greener Future: Building Competitive, Resilient and Sustainable 
SMEs" (Geneva: International Trade Centre, 2021).  
c In 2019, ITC collaborated with institutions in three countries – Benin, Cambodia and the Philippines – to 
conduct an in -depth assessment of the competitiveness of small and medium -sized enterprises, using its SME 
Competitiveness Survey. In mid -2020, a follow -up survey was carried out in the three countries, allowing for an 
assessment of whether and to what extent certain pre -crisis competitiveness factors influenced business 
outcomes during the crisis. The result is a dataset of 770 responses to both the ITC SME Competitiveness and 
the COVID -19 Business Impact Survey in the three countries. Data were collected between July 2019 and 
August 2020.  
d ITC, "SME Competitiveness Outlook 2021: A Greener Future: Building Competitive, Resilient and Sustainable 
SMEs."  
e ITC. 
5176
68
16
01020304050607080
Maintained stable sales Laid off employeesShare of respondents (%)
Low resilience High resilienceStable sales employment
Source: WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  f ITC, based on ITC SME Competitiveness and COVID -19 Business Impact Survey in Benin, Cambodia and the 
Philippines with 770 firms. Data collected between July 2019 and August 2020.  
g ITC, "SME Competitiveness Outlook 2020: COVID -19: The Great Lockdow n and Its Impact on Small Business"; 
Matthew Wilson, "Guest Article: Five Trends for Trade and Development as We Emerge from Global Pandemic | 
SDG Knowledge Hub | IISD," IISD SDG Knowledge Hub (blog), April 19, 2021 . Viewed at:  
https://sdg.iisd.org:443/commentary/guest -articles/five -trends -for-trade -and-development -as-we-emerge -
from-global -pandemic/ . 
h Justine Falciola,  Sarah Mohan, and Valentina Rollo, "Identifying the Drivers of SME Resilience: A Framework and 
Index Based on Evidence from the COVID -19 Pandemic " (ITC Working Paper WP -03-2020.E, Geneva, March 
2021). Company size is defined using the number of full -time e mployees: Micro: 0 to 4 employees; Small: 5 to 
19 employees; Medium: 20 to 99 employees; Large: 100 or more employees.  
i Sapana Agrawal et al., "To Emerge Stronger from the COVID -19 Crisis, Companies Should Start Reskilling Their 
Workforces Now," McKinsey & Company, May 7, 2020 . Viewed at: https://www.mckinsey.com/business -
functions/organization/our -insights/to -emerge -stronger -from-the-covid-19-crisis-companies -should -start-
reskilling -their-workforces -now; ITC, "Promoting SME Competitiveness in Benin: COVID -19: An Inclusive Path 
towards Resilience" (Geneva: International Trade  Centre, 2020) . Viewed at: 
https://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Publications/Benin_SME_EN_WEB_v1.3.pdf . 
j Christoph Unge rer and Alberto Portugal, "Leveraging E -Commerce in the Fight against COVID -19," Brookings 
(blog), April 27, 2020 . Viewed at: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future -
development/2020/04/27/leveraging -e-commerce -in-the-fight-against -covid-19/. 
k Viewed at: https://globaltradehelpdesk.org/en .  
Source:  International Trade Centre  (ITC).  
Women's economic empowerment  
3.175.   On 23 September 2020, the 127 proponents of the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and 
Women 's Economic Empowerment established the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender 
(IWG). Its work is based on the objectives of the 2017 Buenos Aires Declaration and of the Interim 
Report establishing it.107 
3.176.   Members and Observers of the IWG work on the basis of four pillars: experience -sharing; 
considering the concept and scope for a "gender lens "; reviewing analytical  work undertaken; 
contributing to the Aid for Trade work programme. At its first 2021 meeting, on 26 February, the 
IWG adopted a Work Plan108 to help its members advance on technical work and to inform an 
outcome at MC12. The technical work focuses on acqui ring a better understanding of the trade and 
gender nexus and how gender is integrated into members ' trade and trade policies.  
3.177.   The IWG has already taken up two pillars, namely (i) review of analytical work; and (ii) 
sharing of national experiences. On rev iew of analytical work, in addition to the presentation of the 
WTO/World Bank joint report on their data and research efforts on trade and gender – entitled 
"Women and Trade: The Role of Trade in Promoting Gender Equality" - members have shared 
information  on data and gathering statistics; on the correlation between higher per capita income 
and better gender equality at the national level; on women's participation on the services sector; on 
the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement between Canada, Chile and N ew Zealand; on gender 
equality and standards development; on gender chapters in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs); and on 
current research on how trade and export sector support women's jobs, the impact of trade on 
women and the under -representation of women an d women entrepreneurs in trade. On experience -
sharing, members discussed trading experience of the Association of Waorani Women of the 
Ecuadorian Amazon, who make cacao and palm fibre products in order to shift away from the 
unsustainable hunting of wildli fe; export training and networking programmes for women and young 
entrepreneurs; applying gender -based analysis to trade agreements to help negotiators and 
policymakers assess how diverse groups of women and men would be impacted; experience securing 
the w elfare of women avocado farmers in agricultural negotiations in Mauritius as well as efforts by 
the government and development partners to assist women entrepreneurs.  
3.178.   In addition, it  is also noteworthy that since 2018, more than half of the WTO Members who se 
Trade Policy Review was carried out during this period, provided information on their gender -
responsive trade policies . In 2021, so far, most Members reported on the work legal ecosystem they 
have put into place to promote women 's participation in the e conomy.  
 
107 WTO document WT/L/1095/Rev.1 , 25 September 2020 . 
108 WTO document INF/TGE/W/1/Rev.2 , 29 March 2021 . WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  3.179.   The following box has been contributed by the GTA.  
Box 3.7 The COVID -19 vaccine shortage  
Currently there is a shortage of COVID -19 vaccines. The 1.73 billion doses of vaccine produced by 20 May 2021 is a 
fraction of the 10.82 billion doses needed to inoculate 75% of the world 's population aged 5 or over.a COVID -19 
vaccine production is ramping up. This box reports the latest estimates of how much vaccine production this year will 
alleviate the current shortage. These estimates take account of (a) what was known in May 2020 about existing 
vaccine production  capacity, (b) announced capacity expansions to come on stream later this year, and (c) lessons 
learned from attempts to boost production during the first five months of this year. The projections reported here do 
not include any extra production that migh t result from the adoption of a TRIPS waiver at the World Trade 
Organization.  
Any forward -looking exercise like this involves making model -based forecasts. Data were collected on the production 
capacity for each vaccine -manufacturing facility globally. The  three main inputs for each facility are company stated 
production, real observed production, and assumptions on scale -up time. A leading consultancy in this area, Airfinity, 
tracks the production by each site where vaccine manufacture is underway. Start d ates for the bulk production at 
sites yet to come online are estimated based on when the relevant vaccine is expected to (a) publish phase III 
efficacy data and (b) be approved for production. The model is adjusted in light of prior forecast errors. This a pproach 
generates forecast over time of the total number of doses produced for each vaccine.b 
How good are previous forecasts using this approach? It is possible to compare total production levels forecasted in 
February 2021 with the observed outcomes and with the projections made by the vaccine manufacturers themselves. 
The latter exceeded actual production outcomes by a factor of three. However, Airfinity 's forecasts closely track the 
substantial vaccine production increases observed in March and April 20 21. The average percentage forecast error 
fell from 20.1% in March to 9.8% in April.  
Using the same method, and taking account of the fact that 18 vaccines are in phase III trials, it is possible to project 
out COVID -19 vaccine production through to the en d of 2021 (see Figure 1). By the end of December 2021, the total 
number of doses produced is projected to be 11.14 billion, exceeding the 10.82 billion doses needed. This forecasted 
production total is less than the comparable projection of 12 billion dose s made by the Global Health Innovation 
Centre of Duke University, another independent tracker of COVID -19 vaccine developments.c 
Figure 2: By the end of 2021 total COVID -19 vaccine production is forecast to exceed 11 billion doses  
 
In interpreting these f orecasts three considerations should be borne in mind. First, vaccine hoarding would reduce 
the total number of vaccine doses available for inoculation in other countries. Second, policies that disrupt relevant 
international supply chains and even the risk  of such policies may have a chilling effect on the production of vaccines, 
their ingredients, and distribution items.  
Third, concerns have been raised about possible shortages of certain COVID -19 vaccine ingredients and medical 
items needed to distribute  vaccines. Examples of bottlenecks have been mentioned in recent press reports. However, 
to date no evidence has come to light of a broad -based threat to the projected ramp up in vaccine production.  
a In the assessment of many experts inoculating 75% of t he population is need ed to reach herd immunity.  
b For more details see Simon Evenett and Matt Linley "How much vaccine will be produced this year? " 20 May 
2021, available at https://www.globaltradealert.org/reports/72 . 
c For a summary of that forecast see https://launchandscalefaster.org/covid -19/vaccinemanufacturing.  
Source:  Global Trade Alert  (GTA).  
 
1,280,336,4052,248,404,0003,072,845,0004,003,520,0005,053,651,0006,238,399,0007,690,359,0009,326,370,00011,144,881,000
30/04/2021 31/05/2021 30/06/2021 31/07/2021 31/08/2021 30/09/2021 31/10/2021 30/11/2021 31/12/2021
Sputnik V Sinovac Sinopharm
CVnCoV (Curevac) Pfizer NVX-CoV2373 (Novavax)
J&J Moderna CanSino
Bharat AstraZeneca OtherCOVIran Barekat (Shifa Pharmed)
CoviVac (Chumakov Federal Scientific Center)
FINLAY -FR-2 (Finlay Vaccine Institute)
GRAd -COV2 (Reithera/LeukoCare/Univercells)
INO-4800 (Inovío Pharma)
LUNAR -COV19 (Arcturus)
MVC-COV1901 (Medigen/Dynavax)
NasoVAX (Altimmune)
QazCovid -in (RI for Biological Safety Problems)
S-268019 (Shionogi)
SCB-2019 (Clover/Dynavax)
UB-612 (Covaxx)
Vaccine (Anhui Zhifei)
Vaccine (Medicago/GSK)
Vaccine (Sanofi/GSK)
VECTOR
VLA2001 (Dynavax/Valneva)
ZyCoV -D (Zydus Cadila)Other vaccines 'Other' vaccines are those in earlier stages of 
clinical trials and have been added to the 
forecast, based on their current stated annual 
production. Here, we have had to estimate when 
they will start producing at scale, assuming that 
they make it through clinical trials, and we 
assume the scale up time each, however this 
may differ.
Currently: 1.73 billionWT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  4  POLICY DEVELOPMENT IN TRADE IN SERVICES  
4.1  Regular measures affecting trade in services  
4.1.  Several new trade in services measures , in particular horizontal ones , were introduced by WTO 
Members between mid-October 2020 and mid-April 2021, affecting  different modes of supply across 
various sectors. While m ost of the new measures are trade -facilitating (for instance, in the area of 
commercial presence and presence o f natural persons), many new policies appear to be trade 
restrictive, including measures affecting communication and network -enabled services and policies 
pertaining to the screening of foreign investment. Annex 4 provides additional information on 122 
new measures  implemented by 47 WTO Members.1 
Measures affecting supply through multiple modes of supply across various sectors  
4.2.  On 2 November, Indonesia  enacted a new Law regarding Job Creation (Omnibus Law), which 
simplifies licen ce processes and harmonizes various laws and regulations in various sectors (postal 
services, telecommunication services, health services, maritime transport, energy and related 
services). Business activities are divided into three risk categories : i.e. low, medium (certification 
needed) and high (business licence required). It provides that investment is permitted except for 
investment in business lines that are closed or those that can be carried out only by the Central 
Government. It also removes relevant requirements and restricti ons for foreign investment that are 
currently stipulated in various laws governing several business sectors that are amended by the 
Omnibus Law. Indonesia liberalized foreign ownership limits in numerous sectors as from 
4 March  2021, such as in the ICT, e -commerce, distribution, transportation, energy, construction 
and health services  sectors . The minimum foreign investment threshold is IDR 10 billion. The 
Omnibus Law also introduces several changes to the Immigration Law, aiming to simplify the hiring 
of foreign workers.  
4.3.  In Angola , the government introduced a new legal framework for the promotion of local content 
in the oil and gas industry, where all companies of the sector must source services provided by 
companies established in Angola (100% Angolan -owne d or firms incorporated in the country) , 
effective since 20  October  2020.  
Measures affecting supply through commercial presence across various sectors  
4.4.  Several Members introduced changes to their policies that affect the supply of services through 
commercial presence ( Mode 3) across various sectors, mainly trade -facilitating measures. In the 
United Arab Emirates  (UAE), significant amendments were made to the law on commercial 
companies, effective since 2  January  2021. Unless specific restrictions ar e created, the amendments 
stipulate that 100% foreign ownership is allowed in companies in the UAE , and the nationality 
requirement for the majority of the board of directors has been lifted. It is no longer required to 
have a UAE national or local company  as a registered agent in case of onshore branching in an 
Emirate.  
4.5.  Viet Nam released the list of activities for which foreign investment is permitted from 
26 March  2021, but under certain conditions. The conditions  cover 58 specific items such as finance, 
communication services, advertising, education, various professional services, health, logistics and 
one item allowing authorities to issue pilot mechanisms on business lines considered as new (i.e.  not 
existing at the date of issuance of the decree). The list of activities where foreign investment is 
prohibited notably includes press, opinion polling, waste collection from households, security and 
investigation services, public postal services  and tourism services  (except tourism services for 
international  tourists ). India released a new consolidated Foreign Direct Investment policy 
document , which incorporates restrictions notified earlier in the year on foreign direct investment 
and supersedes all previous press notes, press releases, clarifications and/o r circulars issued by the 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.  
4.6.  China  released the new catalogue of industries where foreign investment is encouraged, 
effective 27  January  2021, covering new activities such as in the ICT, e -commerce , retail services 
and onlin e services (education, health or office services)  sectors . China also issued the 2020 version 
of its market access negative list, effective since 10  December  2020, which includes the list of 
 
1 The inclusion of any measure in the Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether or 
not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex implies any judgement, 
either direct or indirect, on the consist ency of any measure with the provisions of any WTO agreement.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  prohibited or restricted activities. Notably, restrictions on the  establishment of financial holding 
companies were added to the list.  
4.7.  In Oman , the Government issued the list of activities prohibited for foreign investors, covering, 
inter alia , wholesale and retail sale of certain products; employment, insurance agents and real 
estate agents; cargo handling services and customs clearance services. The aim is to promote local 
products and entrepreneurship. Pakistan  removed the prior approval requirement by the State Bank 
to remit disinvestment to foreign shareholders. Thi s has been delegated to banks designated by 
companies.  
4.8.  Revised or new procedures pertaining to investment screening were adopted in a number of 
Members. In China , new measures , effective since 18  January  2021, authorize the review by the 
Foreign Investment  Security Review Working Mechanism of foreign investments in certain sectors 
linked to security issues, and in important sectors such as transportation services, energy, financial 
services or in the area of digital trade. Also, a new law , effective since 1  December  2020, establishes 
the country's export supervision regime, which applies to "controlled items" that may cover services 
related to the maintenance of national security and also affects third parties that provide services to 
export operators concer ned by the new law. Another new measure authorizes competent authorities 
to issue an injunction allowing Chinese citizens, legal entities and organizations not to recognize, 
implement or comply with foreign measures or laws that are designed to bar economi c, trade and 
related activities between China and other countries.  
4.9.  In Canada , the Government published on 24  March  2021 updated guidelines on the National 
Security Review of Investments. The guidelines increase the examination of foreign investments to 
sectors involving sensitive personal data, investment by foreign state -owned investors or private 
investors closely ti ed to enterprises influenced by foreign governments. In the United Kingdom , a 
new law was adopted on 29  April 2021, reforming the screening of investments. It introduced 
mandatory notification obligations for transactions in data -related infrastructure, ar tificial 
intelligence, communications and transport. The Government may review investments in other 
sectors if a transaction is considered as giving rise to national security risks. Australia  reformed the 
act and regulations pertaining to the review of for eign investment to protect national security. All 
proposed investments by foreign persons into Australia that raise national security concerns will 
require Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval, regardless of the value of the transaction 
or the n ature of the foreign investor. The threshold for screening acquisitions was 10% of the position 
of control or influence in a national security business or starting a national security business.  
4.10.   A number of European  Union  member  State s revised their FDI pol icies (Czech  Republic , 
Finland, Germany, Italy, Malta and Slovak  Republic ) to introduce more scrutiny for certain 
acquisition projects. The Czech  Republic  adopted a new law for screening foreign investment in key 
sectors, effective since 1  May 2021. It ide ntifies two types of foreign investment for screening: 
(i) those requiring prior authorization in risk areas ; and (ii)  those that do not need prior approval 
but are assessed as risk -prone and could be subject to ex officio  screening up to five years after 
their completion. Finland  amended its Act on screening of investment, effective since 
11 October  2020 and based on the EU regulation. The Act identifies the key national interests for 
which the exercise would be conducted. Since 1  May 2021, Germany  added n ew activities subject 
to screening , such as those relating to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or ICT services. For critical 
technologies , a 20% threshold would apply.  
4.11.   Italy clarified and expanded the scope of application of the review of acquisition s that require 
prior government approval , effective since 14  January  2021. The process covers assets and sectors 
of strategic importance to national interest. Measures introduced by some EU member States 
(e.g. Germany  and Malta ) also include the review of investments in connection to activities affecting 
security or public order in other EU member States.  
4.12.   In the United  States , a new rule , effective since 15  October  2020, modifies the criteria for 
mandatory declarations for certa in foreign investment transactions involving a US business that 
produces, designs, tests, manufactures, fabricates or develops one or more "critical technologies ". 
The measure removes the previous analysis and nexus to the North American Industry Classific ation 
System (NAICS) codes and replaces it with an analysis of export control authorization requirements. 
Also, a new act requires that issuers of securities declare that they are not owned or controlled by 
any foreign government. Specifically, an issuer m ust make this certification if the Public Company 
Accounting Oversight Board is unable to audit specified reports because the issuer has retained a 
foreign public accounting firm not subject to inspection by the board.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Measures related to communication ser vices, e -commerce and digitally enabled services  
4.13.   Several Members adopted new measures in relation to communications services, e -commerce 
and Internet - and other network -enabled services. In particular, a number of governments adopted 
new measures relating to digital services taxes during the review period.  
4.14.   In Mexico , a new decree, effective on 1  January  2021, addressed income tax and VAT 
treatment of digital services and transactions performed on online platforms. The withholding tax 
should be levied on the  total amount of income without VAT that individuals receive or cash -in: 2.1 % 
for ground/land passenger transport services and the delivery of goods , 4% for 
lodging/accommodation services , and 1 % for the transfer of goods and the provision of services. In 
case of noncompliance, non -resident legal entities without a permanent establishment in Mexico can 
have their digital service in Mexico temporary blocked.  
4.15.   In Spain , from 16  January  2021, certain digital services are subject to a 3% indirect tax 
applicable to revenues (excluding VAT) in which there is participation of users in the country. 
Companies are subject to the tax if their global yearly net revenues are above EUR 750 million and 
Spanish yearly taxable income subject to the tax is above EUR 3 million.  The tax applies regardless 
of the tax residence of the digital service provider. In India, the Finance Act 2021, enacted on 
28 March  2021, amended certain provisions related to the 2% equalization levy for e -commerce 
operators introduced in April 2020. Ac cording to the 2021 Act, it will apply to foreign e -commerce 
operators for the sales of goods or the provision of services in India (whether on own -account or as 
intermediary in the transaction), except for those sales  or provision by a person resident in India or 
by the Indian permanent establishment of a non -resident  in India . Foreign e -commerce companies 
will need to segregate the inventory of resident and non -resident sellers on their platforms to make 
clear where the levy will be applicable.  
4.16.   Various Me mbers adopted measures in relation to the platform economy. Japan  introduced 
new measures, effective from 1  February  2021, to improve the transparency and fairness of digital 
platforms. It sets out principles for certain digital platform providers identifi ed according to the size 
of their sales in Japan (JPY 300 billion for B -to-C shopping malls and JPY 200 billion for B -to-C 
application stores). In China , the State Administration for Market Regulation issued Measures for the 
Supervision and Administration of Online Transactions. Since 1  May 2021, the measures have 
provide d specific rules for operators of e -commerce platforms, including sales via livestreaming and 
social media, and set out the responsibilities of platform operators, including with respect to  
protection of consumers' rights and protection of personal information.  
4.17.   Various other changes took place in relation to Internet - and other network -enabled services, 
communication services, and more particularly data issues. In India, the Government adopt ed the 
Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code , which establish a new regulatory category. 
Significant social media intermediaries will be identified based on the number of registered users 
and will have to retain user information for six months and disclose user information to law 
enforcement agencies. Chief compliance officers and related positions of these intermediaries , as 
well as of over-the-top service providers and of news media content providers , must be employees 
who are resident  in India. Also, new guidelines seek to eliminate prior approvals, licen ces and other 
restrictions on the collection, generation, preparation, dissemination, storage, publication, updating 
and/or digitization of geospatial data and maps in India. The guide lines also restrict cross -border 
transfer of geospatial data. Such data must be stored and processed only in India, even if such data 
are licensed to a foreign company by an authorized Indian entity. Finally, the Government published 
an amendment under its  Allocation of Business Rules that expands the authority of the Ministry of 
Information and Broadcasting to regulate and censor social media, digital news and streaming 
services.  
4.18.   On 18  November  2020, Pakistan  issued rules allowing the Pakistan Telecommunic ations 
Authority (PTA) to censor content that is considered objectionable. The rules also allow the 
Government to ban online platforms if they do not comply with takedown requests. Panama  adopted 
a new law, effective on 29  March  2021, that restricts the tr ansfer of personal data abroad unless the 
recipient country or company complies with data protection standards defined in the law.  
4.19.   In the United  States , the President issued an Executive Order on 5  January  2021 that 
prohibits, on national security grounds,  transactions with certain connected mobile and desktop 
applications and other software developed or controlled by Chinese companies (Alipay, CamScanner, 
QQ Wallet, SHAREit, Tencent QQ, VMate, WeChat Pay and WPS Office). The Order entered into force 
45 day s after the issue date.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  4.20.   In Kenya , the minimum Kenyan equity participation requirement was increased from 20 % to 
30% in all licensed companies in the sector, with a requirement to comply within three years for 
existing licensed operators (ICT Policy Guideli nes published on 9 April 2021). In the Republic of  
Korea , the Government enacted and implemented amendments to the Telecommunications Business 
Act, including a requirement on foreign telecom services  suppliers to , inter alia , appoint a local 
representative . 
Financial services  
4.21.   Some policy changes took place during the review period in the financial services sector , 
includ ing measures relating to forms of entry permitted  and relaxation of foreign equity limits, as 
well as some new restrictive measures. For ex ample, the relevant laws of Kazakhstan  have been 
amended to allow foreign banks, insurance (and reinsurance) organizations and insurance brokers 
to open direct branches under certain conditions. This is a consequence of the expiration of the five -
year tran sition period pursuant to the commitments set forth in its GATS Schedule of Specific 
Commitments , effective since 16  December  2020.  
4.22.   In February 2021, t he United Kingdom  Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued new 
measures  that set out the Authority's approach to the authori zation and supervision of international 
firms and the circumstances in which they may need to establish a UK subsidiary rather than a 
branch. The FCA indicates that relevant banks (and insurers), as dual -regulated firms, should 
consider the document , as the Authority will provide consent to any authori zation applications that 
they submit to the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).  
4.23.   The People's Bank of China  released guidelines on the collection and processing of personal 
financial i nformation that apply to the financial services sector. Personal financial information can be 
transferred abroad for business purposes and under certain conditions (e.g. consent, privacy and 
security assessment), but it is required, inter alia , that certai n sensitive information is not shared 
with third -party service providers. On 12  November  2021, the China Banking and Insurance 
Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) issued a Notice on Matters Related to Insurance Fund Financial 
Equity Investment , which removes res trictions on financial equity investment of insurance funds. 
Since 1  February  2021, only licensed insurance institutions are allowed to engage in Internet 
insurance business. Therefore, such activities can no longer be conducted via a third -party platform.  
4.24.   In Hong Kong, China , new measures provide for a new regulatory environment for insurance -
linked securities, effective since 16 December  2020. Insurance -linked securities are a risk -
management tool that enables insurers or reinsurers to offload risks that they have underwritten to 
the capital market by way of securitization and is often treated as an alternative form of reinsurance.  
4.25.   Since 17  March  2021, the Netherlands  prohibits provision of cross -border direct insurance 
services by third -country insurers, as per the European Commission 's policy to disallow this form of 
service provision. As a result of these measures, life and non -life insurers from non -EU/EEA countries 
can no longer provide direct cross -border insurance services in the Netherlands. Reinsur ance 
through the provision of services by third -country insurers remains permitted.  
4.26.   On 26  January  2021, the Central Bank of Myanmar  issued new rules for Non -Banking Financial 
Institutions (NBFI) operations in Myanmar, such as conducting finance company bus iness, leasing 
business or factoring business, which are defined in the Financial Institutions Law. The  rules cover 
NBFI registration  and the prohibition of deposit acceptance by these entities , and they open the 
possibility for 100% foreign ownership.  
4.27.   Since 1 January  2021, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has limited to a 
maximum of 30% the market share of foreign electronic payment service suppliers processing online 
payments made through India's United Payment Interface (owned and operat ed by NPCI).  
4.28.   The Philippines  Central Bank adopted a series of measures affecting banking and other 
financial services, relating, inter alia , to digital banks. The Guidelines on the Establishment of Digital 
Banks, published on 8  December and effective on 23  December, call for a maximum 40% foreign 
ownership allowed by foreign individuals or foreign non -bank corporations. Within three  months of 
approval of the Central Bank, existing banks converting to digital banks should meet the minimum 
capital requirement  in the Circular and implement the transition plan, including divestment or closure 
of branches or similar entities.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Other services sectors  
4.29.   Several Members adopted new policies in the transportation services sector. In Brazil , a new 
decree was published on  12 April, which provides for public calls regarding the use of port facilities 
in organized ports and introduces temporary use contracts. The procedures for public calls for the 
lease of port facilities within the polygonal of the organized port were amen ded, and it is possible to 
dismiss bids if it is verified that an interested party is a user of the facilities. The term of port 
concessions and leasing of port facilities is a maximum of 70 years. A temporary use contract was 
also provided for interested parties in cargo handling, with an unconsolidated market for the 
temporary use of port areas and facilities located in the polygonal of the organized port, with 
dismissal of prior bidding. Turkey  established a legal framework for shared electric scooter 
businesses. Each authorized entity can obtain one fifth of the maximum permissible shared e -scooter 
permits in a given district (up to 1/200 of the population, subject to certain exceptions). At le ast 
30% of fleet must be manufactured domestically.  
4.30.   Members also adopted measures in other sectors. Costa Rica  has authorize d since 
23 April 2021 foreign -flagged vessels and their crew to engage in transport, diving, recreation and 
other touristic activiti es within Costa Rican waters. It also allows the hiring of national crew members 
to carry out these practices. The Philippines  allows up to 100% foreign ownership in large -scale 
geothermal exploration, development and utilization activities, under certain conditions such as a 
minimum investment of USD 50 million. Since 1  January  2021, in Oman , foreign lawyers are no 
longer permitted to plead or appear in courts. They are still allowed to work in other positions, such 
as clerks or counsellors in law firms.  
Measures affecting supply through the movement of natural persons  
4.31.   Various Members introduced new measures affecting the supply of services through the 
movement of natural persons, some of which are introducing more restrictive policies. For example, 
in Angola, a new law obliges investors in free trade zones to give preference to the employment of 
Angolans. Investors may employ foreign qualified employees, provided the number of Angolan 
employees is higher, in addition to the Local Content regulations already  in force. Seychelles  
authorities modified in February 2021 the provisions of the Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP), a 
permit available to foreign workers with skills not locally available to work temporarily in the country, 
calling for stricter enforcement of labour market testing. Additionally, employers must submit a 
Certificate of Eligibility, which allows them to recruit foreign workers if no qualified local workers are 
available. In Viet Nam, effective  15 February  2021, a longer experience is required f or some foreign 
workers (foreign experts/specialists or technicians).  But with the decree, foreign nationals are not 
required to obtain a work permit if their visits last less than 30 days, limited to 3 entries per year. 
Finally, work permits may be extend ed only once, for a maximum of two years (previously, work 
permits could be extended an unlimited number of times).  
4.32.   Members introduced a number  of measures facilitating the supply of services through the 
presence of natural persons. In Singapore , a new wor k pass was introduced for qualified foreign 
nationals in technology roles. Five hundred  such passes are available, and they are valid for an initial 
period of two years with the possibility of an extension for another two years, subject to the 
applicant's eligibility. In Chile, the Congress approved a law for a new immigration framework. It 
institutes, inter alia , a new short -term work authori zation process, which requires foreign nationals 
to apply for a Special Work Authorization. Foreign nationals in cer tain subcategories will be able to 
work in Chile without requiring sponsorship from an employer.  
4.33.   Ecuador 's National Assembly adopted on 28  January  2021 a new law that institutes a visa for 
foreign nationals entering the country to conduct  acts of commerce  or business ; establish contacts 
with companies and individuals; carry out administrative or judicial procedures; participate in sports 
activities, volunteer work, stu dy, academic purposes or in the field of science, technology, 
innovation, art and culture. The visa allows foreign nationals to stay in Ecuador for up to 180 days 
within a 1-year period. Starting in April 2021, the Government of the Kingdom of  Saudi Arabia  has 
introduced a new short -term work visa, called the Temporary Work Visit Visa (TWVV). It provides 
foreign nationals with a multiple -entry visa valid for one year and allows them to work in the Kingdom 
for up to six months in that one -year period . Employers must comply with a number of conditions 
to qualify for the new visa quota.   WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Air services agreements  
4.34.   Table 4.1  presents information on air services agreements (ASAs) concluded or amended 
during the period under rev iew. These include new ASAs and revisions of existing ones. As far as 
can be assessed from available sources, the majority of these ASAs provides for improved access 
conditions. The air transport sector is under continued severe strain because of the COVID -19 
pandemic and this appears to have generally resulted in a fall in the number of ASAs concluded 
during the reporting period.  
4.35.   As part of the strategies for COVID -19 response and aviation recovery, at the end of 2020 
the Latin American Civil Aviation Comm ission (LACAC) concluded a new multilateral agreement to 
liberalize air cargo services in the region. The agreement came into effect immediately among its 10 
signatories, and establishes expanded traffic rights, namely "seventh freedom" traffic rights, 
permitting airlines from one LACAC member State to provide all -cargo services between two other 
signatory States without restrictions on routes and capacity. The agreement will remain in effect for 
one year, until 31 December 2021, and may be extended for a f urther year, at the discretion of 
LACAC States.  
Table 4.1 Air Transport Agreements2 concluded or amended between October 2020 and 
May 2021  
Parties  Date of 
signature  Source  
Israel  United Arab 
Emirates  20.10.2020  https://www.businesstravelnews.com/Global/UAE -Israel -Sign-
Agreements -for-Direct -Air-Service -Visa-Exemptions  
Ukraine  Thailand  22.10.2020  https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric -polytics/3121605 -cabinet -of-
ministers -endors es-amendments -to-air-service -agreement -
with-thailand.html  
Bangladesh  Austria  19.10.2020  https://thepolicytimes.com/flight -operation -between -dhaka -
and-vienna/  
Cambodia  Hungary  3.11.2020  http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020 -
11/04/c_139490188.htm  
United Kingdom  United States  17.11.2020  https://www.cityam.com/uk -and-us-sign-aviation -agreement -
to-protect -vital-travel -links/  
Rwanda  Brazil  18.11.2020  https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/rwanda -ratifies -5-bilateral -
deals-expand -aerospace -network  
Rwanda  Democratic 
Republic of 
Congo  18.11.2020  https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/rwanda -ratifies -5-bilateral -
deals-expand -aerospace -network  
Rwanda  Namibia  18.11.2020  https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/rwanda -ratifies -5-bilateral -
deals-expand -aerospace -network  
Rwanda  Somalia  18.11.2020  https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/rwanda -ratifies -5-bilateral -
deals-expand -aerospace -network  
Rwanda  Tunisia  18.11.2020  https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/rwanda -ratifies -5-bilateral -
deals-expand -aerospace -network  
Rwanda  Republic of 
Korea  27.11.2020  https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/rwanda -korea -sign-deal-
open-airspace  
Guyana  Suriname  7.12.2020  https://menafn.com/1101258838/Guyana -Suriname -open-air-
agreement -to-expand -connectivity  
India Philippines  23.12.2020  https://www.cnbctv18.com/aviation/cabinet -approves -signing -
of-revised -bilateral -air-service -agreem ents-with-afghanistan -
philippines -7811431.htm  
India Afghanistan  23.12.2020  https://www.cnbctv18.com/aviation/cabinet -approves -signing -
of-revised -bilateral -air-service -agreem ents-with-afghanistan -
philippines -7811431.htm  
Brazil, Chile, 
Dominican 
Republic, 
Ecuador, 
Guatemala, 
Panama, 
Paraguay, Peru, 
Uruguay and 
Venezuela  Latin-
American Civil 
Aviation 
Commission 
(LACAC) air 
cargo 
liberalization 
agreement  24.12.2020  
(until  31.12.21)  https://www.atn.aero/#/article.html?id=78616  
Republic of 
Korea  Georgia  4.02.2021  http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210205000273  
Kuwait  Luxembourg  26.03.2021  https://www.kuna.net.k w/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2967911&lang
uage=en  
Source  WTO Secretariat.  
 
2 The term "Air Transport Agreements" is used here to refer to Air Services Agreements, Memoranda of 
Understanding, Exchange of Notes, and other such relevant instruments.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  4.2  COVID -19-related measures affecting trade in services3 
4.36.   Since the outbreak of the pandemic, WTO Members and Observers put in place 14 7 
COVID -19-related measures affecting trade in services.  Several new COVID -19-related measures 
affecting trade in services were introduced by WTO Members and Observers between mid -October 
2020 and mid -May 2021. The number of reported new measures is far fewer than the number 
recorded in the first half of 2020 when governments wanted to ensure a fast and efficient response 
to mitigate the economic, social and health consequences of the COVID -19 pandemic. The decrease 
in the number of new measures introduced since mid -October 2020 confirms the downwa rd trend 
witnessed from the third quarter of 2020. Annex 6 lists the 2 3 new COVID -19-related measures 
affecting trade in services, implemented by 16 WTO Members and one Observer (Iraq).  
4.37.   Most of these measures appear to be trade -facilitating, including meas ures to provide (or 
reintroduce) flexibility for transport services suppliers to ensure that supply chains are not disrupted 
(and at the same time the spread of the virus contained), facilitate entry processes for business 
travellers or essential personnel  in the transport sector, or provide flexibilities for the financial 
services sector. However, a number of measures are trade -restrictive, for instance  those  increasing 
the scope of foreign investment screening.  
4.38.   Some measures that were taken in response to  the outbreak of the pandemic and the 
subsequent waves have been extended and were still in force at the time writing of this Report (e.g. 
some EU measures extended the special measures introduced for the screening of foreign direct 
investment until 30  June 2021; in the United Kingdom , the airport slot allocation waiver was 
extended on 26  March  2021, ensuring that airlines do not have to operate flights at least 80% of 
the time to retain their slots; and Paraguay  extended until 31  December  2021 the exceptio nal 
support measures in the financial services sector).  
4.39.   However, there were also several measures that terminated in certain economies. For 
example, Canada  confirmed the termination on 6  April 2021 of a number of the financial support 
measures it had initi ated in March 2020 (support of the financial and operational resilience of 
financial institutions, and a repo facility to counter severe market -wide liquidity stress and support 
the stability of the financial system). Australia  removed on 1  January  2021 th e temporary changes 
to the foreign investment review framework (introduced on 29  March  2020) that were designed to 
safeguard its national interest during the COVID -19 pandemic crisis. During this period the monetary 
threshold amounts under the Foreign Acqu isitions and Takeovers Act 1975 were AUD 0 for proposed 
foreign investments.  
 
3 The information in this Section, and in Annex 6, was compiled by the WTO Secretariat and is an informal 
situation report and an attempt to provide transparency with respect to measures affecting trade in services 
taken in the context of the COVID -19 crisis . It does not pass judg ement on or question the right of WTO Members 
to take such actions. The Secretariat has not sought to determine or indicate whether the measures listed in the 
table in Annex 6 have trade -restrictive or trade -facilitating effects. The  information is not exhaustive and does 
not include information on general support measures relating to services. Further, the objective is not to list all 
COVID -19-related measures taken by governments around the world to limit movement or all the measure s 
taken to ease the impact of border restrictions or other limits on movement.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  4.40.   Finally, as a consequence of the COVID -19 pandemic, some Members introduced innovative 
visa categories for workers willing to relocate and work remotely, as explained in Box 4.1.  
Box 4.1 Remote working visas  
In response to the COVID pandemic, a growing number of Members are implementing "remote working visas". Also 
known as "digital nomad visas" or "virtual working permits", they provide  foreigners with a temporary stay permit 
that allows them to work remotely for a company located abroad.  
The unprecedented flexibility in work location that has emerged as a result of the pandemic has prompted several 
governments to institute formalized, l egal paths for remote work, with the aim of attracting long -term visitors so as 
to increase local economic activity and promote recovery.  
Eligibility for remote working visas is usually limited to full -time, skilled and highly paid employees of foreign 
companies, as well as independent professionals meeting similar requirements. These individuals' family members 
are generally also granted resident permits. The permit holders and their dependants are not permitted to be 
employed, or to provide services, in t he destination country.  
Members having instituted such visas include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, 
Georgia, Iceland, Seychelles and the United Arab Emirates.  
See, for instance, https://www.fragomen.com/insights/alerts/ remote -working -visa-be-
introduced#:~:text=A%20new%20Remote%20Working%20Visa,by%20their%20home%20country%20employer.&
text=The%20visa%20will%20not%20require,in%20the%20United%20Arab%20Emirates . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Measures affecting supply through commercial presence  
4.41.   During the review period, a number of EU member States prolonged until 30  June 2021 the 
special measures introduced for the screening of foreign direct investment ( France , Hungary , Italy 
and Spain ). On 19  November  2020, Spain  also broadened the regime it introduced in March 2020. 
Until 30  June 2021, investments made by EU and EFTA residents are considered to be foreign direct 
investments if they are EU or EFTA residents and invest in listed companies in Spain or in unlist ed 
companies if the value of the investment exceeds EUR 500 million. In Hungary , the temporary Act 
on foreign investment control no longer applies to acquisitions among affiliated companies.  
Financial services  
4.42.   In the United Kingdom , during the review perio d, the Bank of England and the P RA announced 
a range of measures to give firms more operational flexibility to respond to the COVID -19 pandemic 
(e.g. guidance on submitting 2021's annual submissions and other types of regulatory reporting, the 
benchmarking  exercise relating to capital internal models, or reporting and disclosure of exposures 
subject to measures applied in response to the COVID -19 pandemic).  
4.43.   In Indonesia , the Financial Services Authority (OJK) issued on 29  December  2020 an 
amendment to a pre viously introduced policy under OJK Regulation No.  14/POJK.05/2020 on 
Countercyclical Policy in relation to the Impact of COVID -19 for Non -Bank Financial Institutions, 
which came into force on 17  April 2020 and is valid until 31  December  2020. On 10  Decemb er 2020, 
the OJK issued an amendment to the above regulation (OJK Regulation No.  58/POJK.05/2020) that 
came into force on 16  December  2020. The amendment extends the period of the stimulus for non -
bank financial institutions and adjusts several provisions,  including the addition of regulatory 
subjects in the regulation, namely microfinance institutions and fintech peer -to-peer lending 
companies.  
4.44.   In Japan , the Minister of State for Financial Services issued a statement on maintaining the 
functions of the financial system and financial markets under the Declaration of a State of Emergency 
Responding to the Spread of the COVID -19 Infection on 7 January 2021. The Financial Services 
Agency (FSA) made requests to financial institutions to take prompt and flexible measures related 
to cash flow support for companies and individuals by publishing notices on 19  January  2021. 
Myanmar  adopted over the review period a n umber of measures in the financial services sector, 
such as temporarily lowering minimum reserve requirements for banks.  
Transportation services  
4.45.   During the reporting period, as the COVID -19 contagion continue d to disrupt transport 
globally, governments aro und the world introduced new measures or updated temporary measures 
to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and contain the spread of virus. For example, the Maritime WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 81 - 
 
  and Coastguard Agency of the United Kingdom  revised the medical certificate policy for sea farers to 
allow them to continue working on merchant ships in support of the supply chain. The UK 
Government also relaxed the requirements on drivers' hours and rest periods between 
22 January  2021 and 31  March  2021. In Costa Rica , the traceability require ment was abolished for 
persons involved in international land transport of goods, in order to facilitate the supply of these 
services. During the review period, Paraguay  introduced measures to guarantee the supply of 
services in the logistics chain of port s, maritime and inland waterway transport, as well as to ensure 
the development of the international commercial land passenger transport.  
4.46.   In order to slow the spread of the second wave of the COVID -19 pandemic in India and 
mitigate its impact on shipping, India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued several 
orders in May 2021 extending the validity of recruitment and placement of seafarers ' licences and 
the validity of ship sanitation certification, restricting ships to shore interaction and pri oritizing 
vaccination for seafarers.  
4.47.   Reaction to the second wave of  the COVID -19 pandemic in South East Asia has also led to 
tightened requirements on crew change at ports in several countries. For example, since May 2021, 
Singapore  has prohibited crew exc hange for seafarers with recent travel history to Bangladesh, 
India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka within the last 21 days preceding arrival to Singapore. In the 
United Arab Emirates , the authority of Fujairah announced on 27  April 2021 with immediate effe ct 
that if a vessel 's last port of call was India, crews were not allowed to disembark. Given that India 
is a major supplier of seafarers to global shipping, the new restrictions on crews have worsened the 
global seafarer crisis and further disrupted world wide shipping.  
4.48.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  introduced on 31  March  2021 a measure in the air transport 
services sector, allowing the extension of the validity of licen ces, attestations and certificates for 
aircrew, trainers, examiners and flight dispatchers , in accordance with terms and conditions that 
ensure safety levels. The New Zealand  Ministry of Transport established from 1 May to 
31 October  2021 a scheme to secure regional connectivity and ensure that critical air services can 
continue while disruptio ns from COVID -19 persist.  
Measures affecting the temporary entry and stay of natural persons  
4.49.   The Government of Indonesia  launched in October 2020 an e -visa to streamline the visa 
application process and remove the need to wait in queues at the border to ob tain a visa on arrival. 
The e -visa is first being made available to business travellers from selected countries that have a 
Travel Corridor agreement with Indonesia, as well as investors, skilled workers and civil servants.  
4.50.   In Costa Rica , the General Immig ration Directorate launched an online platform on 
22 March  2021 on which foreign nationals can submit certain immigration applications and related 
documents without the need to apply in person.  
4.51.   While the measures listed in this Report refer to those introd uced since mid -October 2020, 
the full list of trade -in-services -related measures compiled since the beginning of the COVID -19 
pandemic is available at : WTO | COVID -19: Measures affecting trade in services .  
4.52.   The following box has been contributed by the OECD.   
Box 4.2 Barriers to services trade – trends up to 2021  
Annual monitoring by the OECD finds that the global regulatory environment for services trade became more 
restrictive in 2020, with new barriers compounding the shock of the COVID -19 pandemic on exporters.  
New barriers to trade were most prevalent in comp uter, commercial banking and broadcasting services sectors 
(Figure 1). Tightened measures affected primarily services traded through commercial establishments 
(Mode  3), and to a lesser degree the other modes of supply. This was due to new restrictions in s ome countries 
on measures affecting the ability of foreign firms to set up affiliates in new markets as a result of increased 
FDI screening conditions and processes, among others.  Liberali zing measures occurred most frequently in 
courier services and insur ance services.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 82 - 
 
  Figure 1 Changes in the STRIs per sector, 2019 -2020  
 
Note:  The figure shows the sum of all the positive changes (trade restrictions) and negatives changes 
(trade liberalisation) across all the measures in a given sector over the period considered. Within 
sectors and for each country, the STRIs range between 0 and 1, where 1 indicates a completely 
closed regulatory environment for services trade.  
Source:  OECD , Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI) database ( http://oe.cd/stri -db). 
At the same time, governments lowered barriers to cross -border digital trade in 2020 as part of the 
overarching policy response to the COVID -19 pandemic. More facilitation measures were introduced than in 
previous years, helping remote working and online b usiness operations. Nonetheless, the considerable build -
up of restrictions applied to digital trade over the last few years, and the restrictions that continue to apply in 
certain sectors, such as computer and telecommunications services, risk slowing down  the pace of digital 
transformation in a post -pandemic era.  
National and collective action to ease barriers to services trade can reduce trade costs for firms that provide 
services across borders. On average, across sectors and countries, services trade c osts could decline by more 
than 15% after 3 -5 years if countries could converge towards best performers by reducing regulatory gaps 
by half. An ambitious reform agenda to address restrictive measures in services and enhance market access 
opportunities glob ally is key to revitalising trade and growth. Lifting restrictions to trade in services will be 
critical as governments seek to put the global economy on the road to a sustainable recovery and enhance 
resilience of their economies.  
Source:  OECD , STRI: Pol icy Trends up to 2021 . 
 
-0.2-0.100.10.2
Broadcasting
Computer services
Motion pictures
Sound recording
Telecommunication
Air transport
Courier services
Distribution services
Logistics cargo-handling
Logistics customs brokerage
Logistics freight forwarding
Logistics storage and warehouse
Maritime transport
Rail freight transport
Road freight transport
Accounting services
Commercial banking
Insurance
Legal services
Architecture services
Construction
Engineering services
Digital network Transport and distribution supply chain Market bridging and
supporting servicesPhysical
infrastructure
servicesTrade liberalisations, 2019 to 2020 Trade restrictions, 2019 to 2020G20_OECD.Box2 -Changes in the STRIs per sector, 2019 -20
Source : OECD STRI database ( http://oe.cd/stri -db).Note: [see original]WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 83 - 
 
  5  POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  
5.1.  During the review period, WTO Members continued to fine -tune their intellectual property (IP) 
domestic frameworks, as shown in the submissions for the trade monitoring exercise , and the 
discussions in and notifications to the TRIPS Council. Several  Members  implemen ted specific IP 
measures aimed at facilitating the development and dissemination of COVID -19-related health 
technologies, as well as at relaxing pro cedural requirements for administrative IP matters.  
Acceptance of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement  
5.2.  The Gambia deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS 
Agreement1, on 20 October 2020; and Antigua and Barbuda depos ited its instrument of acceptance 
on 12 May 2021. The United Kingdom confirmed its continued acceptance of the Protocol, on 1 
January 2021. To date, 133 Members are bound by the amended TRIPS Agreement. The additional 
flexibility incorporated in the Agreem ent addresses public health needs of countries with limited or 
no domestic capacity to produce pharmaceuticals and that rely on imports in order to satisfy their 
needs. The mechanism provides for a secure legal pathway that allows potential exporting Membe rs 
to grant special compulsory licences exclusively for the production and export of generic medicines 
to the importing country or countries.  
IP-related international, r egional and bilateral instruments  
5.3.  During the review period, the following international instruments entered into force in the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of 
Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure and to the Stras bourg Agreement Concerning 
the International Patent Classification, on 16 October 2020; as well as the Vienna Agreement 
Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks and the  Locarno 
Agreement Establishing an International  Classification for Industrial Designs, on 3 December 2020.  
Furthermore, the IP offices of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (SAPI) and China (CNIPA) signed a 
Cooperation Agreement  on Patent Prosecution Highway, on 30 October 2020.2 
5.4.  The Russian Federation completed  the ratification procedures of the Treaty on Trademarks, 
Service Marks and Appellations of Origin of the Eurasian Economic Union  (EAEU), with the entry into 
force of Federal Law No. 360 -FZ, on 20  November 2020. The Treaty w ill enter into force upon final 
notification from the EAEU member States. The ratification procedures of the Protocol to the Eurasian 
Patent Convention on the Protection of Industrial Designs of September  1994 were also completed 
and the Protocol entered i nto force on 11 April 2021  for the  Russian Federation.3  
5.5.  Mexico and the United Kingdom signe d an Agreement on the Mutual Recognition and Protection 
of Designations for Spirit Drinks, on 3 November 2020.4 
Bilateral and regional trade agreements  
5.6.  Regional trade agreements ( RTAs) have further developed the interconnection between IP and 
trade in goods and services, and the links of the IP system to other normative areas, such as 
investment, e -commerce, and competition policy. Currently, over 70% of the RTAs in force and 
notified to the WTO contain specific IP provisions. The Regional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership (RCEP) Agreement was signed in November 2020.5 It contains a comprehensive IP 
chapter , building  on the TRIPS Agreement, the Comprehen sive and Progressive Agreement for 
Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Republic of  Korea -United  States FTA (KORUS), and the 
ASEAN+1 FTA.  
 
1 WTO document WT/L/641, 8 December 2005.  
2 Submission by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
3 Submission by the Russian Federation to the WTO Trade  Monitoring Report.  
4 Submission by Mexico for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
5 The 15 parties to the RCEP  include the 10 member States of the Association of Southeast Asian 
Nations (ASEAN) , as well as five of their free trade agreement (FTA) partners – Australia, China, Japan, 
New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  National IP-related s trategies  
5.7.  In December 2020, Albania launched its Cross -cutting Strategy Against Organized Crime  and 
Serious Crimes 2021 -2025 and the Action Plan 2021 -2022.  It is also implementing its National 
Strategy for Integrated Border Management and Action Plan 2021 -2027.6 
Domestic legislation and administrative developments  
5.8.  Domestically, WTO Members are  continuously  working to streamline IP into their economies  
and moderniz ing their IP legislation and administration . Table 5.1  shows the measures submitted 
for the trade monitoring exercise.   
Table 5.1 Domestic legislation and administrative developments  
Member/Observer  Measure  
Albania  The Council of Ministers issued Decision No. 199 "On determining the special 
conditions of licensing, accompanying documents, procedures for reviewing or 
revoking the license, application fees and annual quotas of licenses for 
commercial activities of cultural assets", on 31 March 2021.  
Australia  Public consultations on geographical indications in the framework of the 
negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union took place in 
October -November 2020.  
China  The National Intellectual Property Administration issued the Decision on Amending 
the Guidelines for Patent Examination (Announcement No. 391), which entered 
into forc e on 15 January 2021.  
Indonesia  The Regulations on the Procedures for Trade Mark Application, Patent Application 
and Compulsory Licenses were amended, on 3 February 2021. Viewed at: 
https://peraturan.go.id/common/dokumen/bn/2021/bn105 -2021.pdf , 
https://peraturan.go.id/common/dokumen/bn/2021/bn106 -2021.pdf  and 
https://peraturan.go.id/common/dokumen/bn/2021/bn107 -2021.pdf   
Mexico  The Federal Law of Industrial Property Pr otection entered into force on 5 
November 2020.a The law amended, consolidated and supplemented prior legal 
instruments.  
Philippines  The Revised Rules of Procedure on Administrative Enforcement of Intellectual (IP) 
Rights” entered into force on 3 March 2 021; and brought electronic, digital or 
online channels under the authority of the IP Office.  
Russian Federation  Certified scientific and educational organizations are authorized to undertake 
preliminary search and assessment of patentability for inventions and utility 
models, as per Federal Law No.  262-FZ, which entered partially into force on 30 
October 2020 and will fully enter into force on 1 August 2021.  
Applicants to submit 3D -models with their applications for inventions, utility 
models, ind ustrial designs, and trademarks and electronic titles of protections can 
now be issued, as per Federal Law No. 217 -FZ, which entered into force on 17 
January 2021.  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom 
of The Saudi Authority for IP (SAPI) expanded the scope of the optio nal Copyright 
Registration to architectural works, on 28 December 2020; and issued the Rules 
for Licensing IP Agents, on 19 November 2020.  
The Council of Ministers approved the cancellation of the bylaw of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council (GCC) patent office, on 30 March 2021. As a result, patent 
applicants need to file Paris Convention or Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) 
applications; and Article 1 of the GCC Trademark Law was amended on 1 April 
2021.  
Thailand  The IP Department of the Ministry of Commerce iss ued the notices on Accelerated 
Issuance of Trademark First Action; Accelerated Consideration on the Request of 
Trademark Renewal; and the New Version of Patent and Petty Patent Certificates, 
in April 2021.  
Ukraine  The Resolution of the Cabinet of Minister s No 1315 "On amending certain 
Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on intellectual property” 
authorized the National IP Institute to register copyrights and agreements relating 
to authors' rights over their works. It came into force on 23 De cember 2020.  
a See also notification to the TRIPS Council IP/N/1/MEX/21.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat. Submissions to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
 
6 Submission by Albania for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  COVID -19 related measures  
5.9.  Since the outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic, 71 IP -related measures, including 
administrative and substantive measures, were implemented by WTO Members.  Members have 
implemented substantive IP-related  measures to facilitat e innovation or access with respect to 
COVID -19-related health technologies ; as well administrative mea sures to ease procedural 
requirements , fees,  or deadlines. Legislatures of some Members have also acted , for example on 30 
April 2021, the Brazilian Senate approved a proposal  to suspend patent protection for COVID -19 
vaccines, tests, and medications during the pandemi c. The resolution was sent  to the Lower House 
of Congress for consideration and possible amendments.7 
5.10.   Some Members have endeavoured to make patent information or  product standards related 
to combatting COVID -19 more easily available and/or introduced measures, which may facilitate the 
grant of government use or compulsory licences for patented technology relevant to addressing the 
pandemic. Substantive measures no rmally require the enactment of government decrees or 
amendments to existing legislation. These substantive measures are shown in Table 5.2.  
Table 5.2 IP COVID -19-related substantive measures  
Member  Measure  Source Date  
Australia  IP Australia' s Trademark COVID -19 Helpline 
ceased to operate on 1 April 2021.  https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/
about -us/news -and-
community/news/business -
continuity -and-coronavirus -
disease-covid-19-outbreak   1/04/2021  
Canada  ExploreIP is a searchable database that 
showcases an inventory of public sector 
patents held by government, academia or 
other public sector institutions. ExploreIP’s 
new "COVID -19 related " technology category 
allows  IP owners to promote technologies that 
could help in the fight against COVID -19, as 
well as help interested businesses find and 
obtain licen ces for those technologies.  https://ised -
isde.canada.ca/ipm -
mcpi/?lang=en  12/02/2021  
Hungary  Based on the ground of the Hungarian Patent 
Act (Act No. XXXIII of 1995 on the Protection 
of Inventions by Patents) and Art. 31 of the 
TRIPS Agreement, the Hungarian Intellectual 
Property Office issued three compulsory 
licenses for domestic use of Remdesivir.  https://www.sztn h.gov.hu/en  01/12/2020  
Russian 
Federation  Based on the ground of national security 
pursuant to Art. 1360 of the Civil Code, an 
Order granting a compulsory licen ce with 
regards to a number of patents related to 
Remdesivir until the end of 2021 with the aim 
of supplying the population of the Russian 
Federation.a http://publication.pravo.g ov.ru/
Document/View/000120210105
0003  31/12/2020  
United 
States  The USPTO is expanding the Patents for 
Humanity Awards Program to include a new 
category for those who are responding rapidly 
to the challenges of the COVID -19 pandemic 
by using or developing game -changing 
technologies. This new award category will 
provide business incentives for patent 
applicants, holders, and licensees whose 
inventions track, prevent, diagnose, or treat 
COVID -19. https://www.uspto.gov/ip -
policy/patent -policy/patents -
humanity -covid-19  05/04/2021  
a The information on the compulsory licence was reported by the Russian Federation to the TRIPS 
Council in March 2021. Viewed at: 
http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/000120 2101050003 .  
Source:  WTO Secretariat. Submissions to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
 
7 Viewe d at: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare -pharmaceuticals/brazil -senate -votes -
suspend -patent -protection -covid-19-vaccines -2021-04-30/.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  5.11.   Several Members took measures to ease procedural requirements, deadlines  or fees with 
respect to administrative IP matters, as shown in Table 5.3.  Administrative measures continue to 
evolve, as IP offices from various Members8 extend ed temporarily  IP-related deadlines or ceased to 
provide such extensions and  adapted their ser vices and required fees.  
Table 5.3 Intellectual Property COVID -19-related administrative measures  
Member  Measure  Source  Date  
Australia  IP Australia ceased offering streamlined 
extensions of time for COVID -19 related 
disruptions on 1 April 2021. From 1 April 
2021 extensions of time will still be 
available for customers who continue to 
be impacted by the COVID -19 pandemic 
on a case -by-case basis. The 
Commissioner of Patents and Registrars of 
Trade Marks, Designs and Plant Breeder 's 
Rights will consider the impacts of 
COVID -19 when assessing extension 
requests. A declaration explaining why 
customers cannot comply with a due date 
will be required, and a sample declaration 
will be available to assist them.  https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/a
bout-us/news -and-
community/news/business -
continuity -and-coronavirus -
disease -covid-19-outbreak  1 April 2021  
Lithuania  The State Patent Bureau has extended 
certain deadlines for trademark, design 
and patent matters. Suspension of 
payment of the fees and time limits means 
extension of these terms for the period 
equal to the period of suspension. Actions, 
for which time limi ts have been 
suspended, may be performed after 
renewal of these time limits within the 
number of days for which the time limits 
have been suspended.  https://vpb.lrv.lt/en/news/import
ant-additional -suspension -of-
time-limits -related -to-the-
payment -of-fees-and-performing -
of-actions  From 16 
December 
2020 until 
15 March 
2021.  
 
From 27 
March 2021 
until 6 April 
2021.  
New 
Zealand  The Intellectual Property Office of New 
Zealand (IPONZ) online case management 
system remains fully operational during 
lockdown, the con ditions may hinder or 
prevent some applicants, owners, third 
parties and/or their agents from meeting 
time sensitive deadlines. IPONZ will give 
favourable consideration to any request to 
extend a time critical deadline for 
completing any action.  https://www.iponz.govt.nz/about -
iponz/  and 
https://www.iponz.govt.nz/news/i
ponz-services -during -covid-19/  16/07/2020  
Russian 
Federation  Under Government Resolution of 20 June 
2020 No. 893, time limits for the 
applicant's opportunity to perform actions 
related to the legal protection of 
intellectual property (including those 
related to the payment of patent and 
other fees ) which expire from 30 March 
2020 to 30 November 2020 may be 
extended at the request of the applicant 
until 31 December 2020.  https://rospatent.gov.ru/ru/news
/informacionnoe -soobshchenie -
23062020  22/06/2020   
Thailand  The IP Department of The Ministry of 
Commerce issued a Notification on the 
Extension of Time Periods for Submission 
of Documents and Request for 
Amendment of Patent and Petty Patent 
Applications during the New Wave of the 
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19) 
Outbreak (applicable to the deadlines that 
fall between 16 April – 31 May 202 1). https://www.ipthailand.go.th/en/  19/04/2021  
 
8 For example: Japan, Brazil, India, Chile, the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Finland, Georgia, Australia and 
Mongolia. Viewed at: https://www.worldtr ademarkreview.com/brand -management/ip -offices -implement -
measures -in-wake-of-coronavirus -crisis.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Member  Measure  Source  Date  
United 
States  As a companion to the COVID -19 
prioritized examination, the USPTO has 
implemented the Fast -Track Pilot Program 
for Appeals Related to COVID -19, under 
which an appellant may have certain 
COVID -19-related ex parte  appeals before 
the Patent Trial and Appeal B oard (PTAB 
or Board) accorded fast -track status. The 
Fast-Track Pilot Program for Appeals 
Related to COVID -19 is effective on 15 
April 2021.   https://www.uspto.gov/patents/p
atent-trial-and-appeal -
board/covid -fast-track-appeals -
pilot-
program?MURL=PTABCOVIDFastT
rack  15/04/2021  
Source:  WTO Secretariat. Submissions to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
TRIPS Council  
5.12.   During the review period, the TRIPS Council met  formally  on four occasions, ( 14-15 October , 
10 December  2020; and on 10 -11 March and 30 April 2021 ); and held several informal meetings 
and consultations . At the October 2020 and March 2021 meetings, the Coun cil discussed the 
proposal by India and South Africa to waive parts of the TRIPS Agreement during the pandemic9 and 
the proposal by the LDC Group to extend the transition period beyond 1 July 2021 .10 It also reviewed 
Members' annual reports on incentives for technology transfer and technical cooperation activities. 
At both meetings, Members continued to share information and best practices on domestic policies 
to boost MSMEs' intellectual property and competitiveness in green technologies .11 The Council 
reconvened on 10 December 2020 and on 30 April 2021 specifically to agree on the Chair's oral 
status report on the discussions of the waiver proposal to the General Council.  
5.13.   Since mid -October 2020, 11 Members12 have notified legislative measures under Artic le 63.2. 
The United Kingdom submitted  75 notifications that charted the evolution over two decades in 
relation to trademarks and designs . The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia submitted its responses to the 
illustrative list of questions on Article 27.3(b).13 
5.14.   The Pl urinational State of Bolivia notified its intention to exercise the flexibilities under the 
Amended TRIPS Agreement, amendment, on 19 February 2021; and formally notified its need to 
import 15 million doses of a vaccine against COVID -19, on 11 May 2021.14 Antigua and Barbuda 
notified its intention to use the flexibilities, on 17 May 2021.15 
TRIPS -related  discussions in Trade Policy Reviews  
5.15.   During the review period, the Trade Policy Reviews of Thailand; Indonesia; Macao, China; 
India; Nicaragua; Myanmar; th e Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Mongolia; Qatar; Tonga; and Viet Nam 
took place. They included discussions and information exchanges on a wide range of IP  issues with 
a bearing on trade policy.  
 
9 WTO document IP/C/W/669  and addenda.  
10 WTO document IP/C/W/668 . 
11 WTO documents IP/C/W/667 and IP/C/W/675 . 
12 Albania, Croatia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, 
United  Kingdom and Viet Nam.  
13 WTO document IP/C/R/BT/SAU/1 . 
14 WTO documents IP/N/8/BOL/1 and IP/N/9/BOL/1, respectively.  
15 WTO document IP/N/8/ATG/1.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  ANNEX 1 - MEASURES FACILITATING TRADE1 
(MID-OCTOBER 2020 TO MID -MAY 2021)  
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Albania  
Reduction of import tariffs (from 15% to 2%) on 
inflatable yachts and other vessels for pleasure or 
sports; rowing boats and canoes  Permanent Delegation of Albania to 
the WTO (17  May 2021)  Effective 6 
March 2021  
Argentina  
Extension of the temporary reduction of import tariffs 
on certain hybrid motor vehicles, under an import 
quota of 1,000 vehicles  Permanent Delegation of Argentina 
to the WTO (18 May 2021) and 
Decreto No. 846/2020, 
Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur 
(4 November 2020)  Effective  7 
November 
2020, for 6 
months  
Amendment introduced in the list of products with 
export duties ( derechos de exportación ), resulting in 
the reduction and elimination of export duties on 
certain products (4,606 tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in 
NCM Chapters 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 
13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 
26; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 38; 39; 40; 
41; 43; 44; 45; 47; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54; 55; 56; 67; 
69; 70; 71; 72; 73; 74; 75; 76; 78; 79; 80; 81; 84; 
85; 87; 90; 94)  Permanent Delegation of Argentina 
to the WTO (18 May 2021) and 
Decreto No. 1060/2020 - 
Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur - 
Derechos de Exportación (30 
December 2020)  Effective 1 
January 
2021 
Amendments introduced to the national list of 
exemptions to the Mercosur Common Tariff (103 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level in NCM  Chapters 15; 22; 
28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 37; 38; 39; 40; 45; 54; 55; 59; 
64; 70; 72; 73; 76; 84; 85; 87)  Permanent Delegation of A rgentina 
to the WTO (18 May 2021) and 
Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur - 
Decreto No. 297/2021 (5 May 2021)  Effective 7 
May 2021  
Reduction of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. 
(from 14% to 2%) on vinyl chloride -vinyl acetate -
copolymers, corrugated pa per and paperboard, 
heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero -atom(s) 
only; (from 16% to 2%) on certain primary batteries, 
tubular metal needles and needles for sutures; (from 
18% to 2%) on lead -acid, of a kind used for starting 
piston -engines; (from 14%  to zero) on machines for 
electroplating and electrolysis; (from 10% to 2%) on 
sodium dichromate; and (from 12% to 2%) on formic 
acid Permanent Delegation of Argentina 
to the WTO (18 May 2021) and 
Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur - 
Decreto No. 297/2021 (5 M ay 2021)  Effective 7 
May 2021  
Azerbaijan  
Temporary elimination of import excise duties on 
diamonds, precious and semi -precious stones, silver, 
gold, platinum, articles of jewellery, articles of 
goldsmiths, and coins  Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan 
to the WTO (20 May 2021)  Effective 1 
January 
2021, for 3 
years  
Elimination of import tariffs on diamonds, precious 
and semi -precious stones, silver, gold, platinum, 
articles of jewellery, articles of goldsmiths, and coins  Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan 
to the WTO (20 May 2021)  Effective 6 
May 2021  
Brazil  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on soya 
beans; soya beans crude oil, whether or not 
degummed; oil -cake and other solid residues 
resulting from the extraction of soyabean oil 
(effective 21 October 2020 to 15 January 2021); and 
on maize (corn) (effec tive 21 October 2020 to 31 
March 2021); on certain immunological products for 
retail sales; inductors; LED lamps (effective 1 
November 2020); trailers and semi -trailers for the Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Gecex 
Resolution Nos. 101/2020 and 
102/2020 (20 October 2020), 
105/2020 (22 October 2020), 
129/2020 (24 December 2020)  Effective: 
see 
individual 
dates in 
measu re 
 
1 The inclusi on of any measure in this Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat, either direct 
or indirect, on the consistency of any measure with the provisions of any WTO agreement.  
2 This Section includes information that either has been provided by the Mem ber concerned or has been 
confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
transport of goods (effective 16 January 2021 to 31 
December 2021); looped pile  fabrics (effective 16 
January 2021)  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs on disodium 
sulphate; pharmaceutical products; orthopaedic or 
fracture appliances; bicycles and other cycles not 
motorized; poly(vinyl chloride), not mixed with any 
other substance; immunological products for retai l 
sale; vaccines; apparatus based on the use of X -rays Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Gecex  
Resolution Nos. 158 (11 February 
2021), 159 (17 February 2021), 174 
and 175 (22 March 2021)    
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on non -
electrical articles of graphite or other carbon, under 
an import quota of 2,530 tonnes; on ethylene 
diochloride ( ISO) (1,2 -dichloroethane), under an 
import quota of 400,000 tonnes; on alcohol 
peroxides, under an import quota of 300 tonnes; on 
aromatic polyamides and their derivatives, salt 
thereof, under an import quota of 10,440 tonnes; on 
printing ink, under an imp ort quota of 800 tonnes; on 
activated carbon, under an import quota of 1,500 
tonnes; on petroleum resins, under an import quota 
of 30,000 tonnes; on self -adhesive plates of plastic, 
under an import quota of 330 tonnes; on high 
tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not textured, 
under an import quota of 2,688 tonnes; on 
polycarbonates, under an import quota of 10,000 
tonnes; on coffee extracts, essences and 
concentrates, under an import quota of 200 tonnes; 
on food preparations, under an import quota of 
1,371.43 tonnes; on acrylic polymers in primary 
forms, under an import quota of 840 tonnes; on 
poly(ethylene terephthalate), having a viscosity 
number of 78ml/g or higher, under an import quota 
of 10,000 tonnes; on synthetic filament yarn, under 
an import qu ota of 2,200 tonnes; on synthetic staple 
fibres of polypropylene , under an import quota of 795 
tonnes; on spherical roller bearings, under an import 
quota of 1,000 units; on polymers of propylene, 
under an import quota of 77,000 tonnes  Permanent Delegatio n of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Gecex 
Resolution Nos. 161/2021 (22 
February 2021), 177 (23 March 
2021), 184 (30 March 2021)    
Reduction of import tariffs on certain capital goods, 
informatics and telecommunications equipment: from 
up to 2% to zero; from 4% to 3.6%; from 6% to 
5.4%; from 8% to 7 .2%; from 10% to 9%; from 
12% to 10.8%; from 14% to 12.6%; and from 16% 
to 14.4%  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021); Gecex 
Resolution Nos. 173/2021 (18 March 
2021) and 183/2021 (30 M arch 
2021)  Effective 26 
March 2021  
Reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on  certain 
products, e.g. mucilages  and thickeners, 
trichloroethylene, aromatic ethers, salts of formic 
acid, gluconic acid, rock drilling or earth boring tools, 
and certain motorcycle/bicycle parts and accessories  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Gecex 
Resolutio n No. 136 (24 December 
2020)  Effective 31 
December 
2020 
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on wheat and 
meslin, under an import quota of 750,000 tonnes 
(effective 18 November 2020 to 17 November 2021); 
on certain vaccines for human medicine, under an  
import quota of 20 million doses (effective 26 
November 2020 to 25 November 2021); on certain 
vaccines for human medicine, under an import quota 
of 28 million doses (effective 1 December 2020 to 30 
November 2021); on acrylic or modacrylic, under an 
import  quota of 9,000 tonnes (effective 1 December 
2020 to 30 November 2021); on other polyethers, 
under an import quota of 2,000 tonnes (effective 1 
December 2020 to 30 November 2021); on cellulose 
ethers, under an import quota of 1,200 tonnes 
(effective 2 Dece mber 2020 to 1 December 2021); on 
not roasted malt, under an import quota of 300,000 
tonnes (effective 30 December 2020 to 31 December 
2021); on sardines, under an import quota of 
120,000 tonnes (effective 1 January 2021 to 31 
December 2021); on wheat and meslin, under an 
import quota of 750,000 tonnes (effective 1 January 
2021 to 31 December 2021); on sewing machines of Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27  May 2021) and Secex 
Portaria Nos. 60/2020, 61/2020, 
62/2020 (17 November 2020), 
66/2020 (1 December 2020), 
67/2020 (3 December 2020), 
73/2020, 74/2020, 75/2020 (31 
December 2020), 1/2021 (8 January 
2021)  Effective: 
see 
individual 
dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 90 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
the household type, under an import quota of 
500,000 units (effective 14 January 2021 to 13 
January 2022); on not alloyed unwrought alumin ium, 
under an import quota of 262,000 tonnes (effective 1 
January 2021 to 31 December 2021); on colouring 
matter, containing 80% or more by weight of 
titanium dioxide calculated on the dry matter, under 
an import quota of 9,672 tonnes (effective 1 January 
2021 to 31 December 2021), on disodium sulphate, 
under an import quota of 910,000 tonnes (effective 
19 February 2021 to 31 December 2021); and on 
certain cellulose ethers, under an import quota of 
1,200 tonnes  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on film 
of polymers of ethylene, under an import quota of 
600 tonnes (effective 1 December 2020 to 30 
November 2021); on chemical preparations for 
photographic uses, under an import quota of 1,700 
tonnes (effec tive 1 December 2020 to 30 November 
2021); on other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding 
and webs of cellulose fibres, under an import quota of 
6,000 tonnes (effective 1 December 2020 to 30 
November 2021); on miscellaneous edible 
preparations for infant us e, under an import quota of 
2,705 tonnes (effective 2 December 2020 to 1 
December 2021); on polycarbonates, under an 
import quota of 10,000 tonnes (effective 14 January 
2021 to 13 July 2021); on uncoated paper and 
paperboard, weighing more than 150 g/m2 but less 
than 225 g/m2, under an import quota of 31,985 
tonnes (effective 1 January 2021 to 31 December 
2021); (to 4%) on poly(vinyl chloride), not mixed 
with any other substances, under an import quota of 
160,000 tonnes (effective 12 December 2020 to 11 
March 2021)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Secex 
Portaria Nos. 66/2020 (1 December 
2020), 67/2020 (3 December 2020), 
70/2020 (15 December 2020), 
1/2021 (8 January 2021)  Effective: 
see 
individual 
dates in 
measure  
Elimination of import tariffs on certain machine -tools 
for working any material by removal of material, 
operated by laser (effective 1 November 2020); and 
on revolvers and pistols, other than those of heading 
HS 9303 and HS 9304 (effective 1 January 2021);  
and on new pneumatic tyres of rubber  (effective 21 
January 2021)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Gecex 
Resolution No. 111 (23 October 
2020), 126 (8 December 2020) and 
148 (20 January 2021)  Effective: 
see 
individual 
dates in 
measure 
Reduction of import tariffs (from 35% to 30%) on 
tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled 
toys; dolls' carriages; dolls; other toys; reduced -size 
("scale") models and similar recreational models, 
working or not; puzzles of all kinds  Perman ent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Gecex 
Resolution No. 121 (17 November 
2020)  Effective 1 
December 
2020 
Reduction of import tariffs (from 35% to 20%) on 
vehicles specially designed for travelling on snow; 
golf cars and similar vehicles  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Gecex 
Resolution No. 137 (24 December 
2020)  Effective 1 
January 
2021 
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on capital 
goods tariff lines, and informatics and 
telecommunications goods tariff lines (NCM Chapters 
73; 84; 85; 86; 87; 90; 94), through the "ex -out" 
regime (mechanism designed to temporarily reduce 
import tariffs on capital goods and informatics and 
telecommunications equipment not locally produced)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Gecex 
Resolution Nos. 116 and 117 (11 
November 2020) 131 and 132 (24 
December 2020)  Effective 
until 31 
December 
2021 
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on disodium 
sulphate, under an import qu ota of 455,000 tonnes; 
on non -electrical articles of graphite or other carbon, 
under an import quota of 2,530 tonnes; and on 
certain caseinates, under an import quota of 1,224 
tonnes  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Gecex 
Resolu tion No.  192 (3 May 2021)  Effective 4 
May 2021  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain 
vaccines and pharmaceutical products  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (27 May 2021) and Gecex 
Resolution No.  202 (4 May 2021)  Effective 5 
May 2021 
Reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on certain auto 
parts not produced in Mercosur (NCM Chapters 39; 
40; 69; 70; 73; 76; 83; 84; 85; 87; 90)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the 
WTO (26 April 2021), Gecex 
Resolution Nos. 108/2020 (22 
October 2020),  114/2020 (11   WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
November 2020), 138/2020 (31 
December 2020), 150/2021 (1 
February 2021), 169/2021 (24 
February 2021),  178/2021 (23 March 
2021),  196/20 21 (29 April 2021), 
209/2021  
Canada  
Elimination of import tariffs on certain products of 
stainless steel, and on parts of railways or tramways 
locomotives or rolling -stock  Permanent Delegation of Canada to 
the WTO (21 May 2021)  Effective 23 
April 2021  
China  
Imposition of interim tariffs resulting in temporary 
reduction of import tariffs on certain products (in HS 
Chapters 1: 2; 3; 4; 5; 8; 12; 13; 14; 15; 17; 18; 
19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 25; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 
35; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45; 48; 49; 5 2; 53; 
56; 61; 62; 63; 68; 70; 71; 72; 74; 75;76; 79; 81; 
82; 84; 85; 87; 90; 91; 92; 96)  Customs Tariff of Import and Export 
of the People's Republic of China 
(2021)  Effective 1 
January 
2021 to 31 
December 
2021 
Elimination of import tariffs on anti -HIV drugs. 
Imports also exempted from VAT  Permanent Delegation of China to 
the WTO (26 April 2021)  Effective 1 
January 
2021 to 31 
December 
2030 
Colombia  
Elimination of the temporary export quota on waste 
and scraps of copper and aluminium (38.675 tonnes) 
(originally implemented from 27 August 2020 to 26 
February 2021)  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to 
the WTO (12 May 2021) and Decreto 
No. 1541, Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo (24 November 
2020)  Effective 24 
November 
2020 
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain 
electrical motorcycles  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to 
the WTO (12 May 2021) and Decreto 
No. 1796, Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo (30 December 
2020)  Effective 14 
January 
2021 to 13 
Januar y 
2023 
Ecuador  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on cotton not 
carded or combed, under an import quota of 6,700 
metric tonnes (for the year 2021) (import quota of 
7,035 metric tonnes for the year 2022; and import 
quota of 8,330 metric tonnes for the year 2023) for 
affiliate of the Ecuador Textile Industry Association 
(AITE) (non-affiliate members of the AITE are 
granted a quota of 648 metric tonne s for each year)  Permanent Delegation of Ecuador to 
the WTO (26 May 2021), Resolución 
COMEX No. 001 -2021 (22 January 
2021)  Effective 3 
February 
2021 to 31 
December 
2023 
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on new 
pneumatic tyres of rubber for buses or lorries, under 
an import quota of 60,000 units  Permanent Delegation of Ecuador to 
the WTO (26 May 2021), Resolución 
COMEX Nos. 001 -2021 (22 January 
2021) and 003 -2021 (1 March 2021)  Effective 15 
March 
2021, for 1 
year 
Indonesia  
Reduction of export duties (from 15% to 5%) on 
sheets for veneering (including those obtained by 
slicing laminated wood), for plywood or for similar 
laminated wood and other wood, sawn lengthwise, 
sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded, 
spliced or end -jointed, of a thickness not exceeding 
6 mm Permanent Delegation of Indonesia 
to the WTO (11 June 2021)  Effective 23 
October 
2020  
Japan  
Elimination of import tariffs on dimethyl 2,6 -
naphthalenedicarboxylate; and on m-
phenylenediamine  Permanent Delegation of Japan to 
the WTO (25 May 2021)  Effective 1 
April 2021  
Korea, Rep. of  
Temporary elimination of import tariff on eggs, under 
import quota  Permanent Delegation of the 
Republic of Korea to the WTO (26 
May 2021)  Effective 27 
January to 
30 June 
2021 WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 92 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Mauritania  
Extension of the temporary elimination of import 
tariffs on wheat and meslin, vegetables, fruits, soya -
bean oil and its fractions, and preparations suitable 
for infants (originally implemented on 25 March 2020 
until 31 December 2020)  Permanent Delegation o f Mauritania 
to the WTO (8 April 2021)    
Mexico  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain 
trolley buses  Permanent Delegation of Mexico to 
the WTO (28 May 2021) and Diario 
Oficial de la Federación  (Official 
Journal), 22 October 2020  Effective 22 
October 
2020 to 30 
September 
2024 
Mongolia  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on new 
agricultural tractors, machinery and equipment, 
irrigation systems, greenhouse equipment, forestry 
and poultry mac hinery, fertilizers and pesticides  Permanent Delegation of Mongolia to 
the WTO (18 May 2021)  Effective 23 
April 2021 
to 1 
January 
2022 
Montenegro  
Implementation of the Customs Tariff Regulation for 
2021 resulting in the decrease of import tariffs for 
certain products, e.g. poultry meat and edible offal, 
electrical machinery and equipment, and certain 
optical element s  Permanent Delegation of Montenegro 
(20 May 2021)  Effective 12 
April 2021  
Nepal  
Elimination of import tariffs on printed books, 
newspa pers and other products of the printing 
industry  Permanent Delegation of Nepal to 
the WTO (24 May 2021)  Effective 9 
November 
2020 
Paraguay  
Extension of the temporary elimination of import 
tariffs on capital goods (222 tariff lines at 8 -digit level 
in NCM Chapters 84; 85; 86; 87; 89; 90; 94)  Permanent Delegation of Paraguay to 
the WTO (28 April 2021) and Decreto 
4662 - Ministerio de Hacienda (31 
December 2020)  Effective 1 
January 
2021 to 30 
June 2021  
Philippines  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the 
Expansion of the Information Technology Agreement 
(ITA) (63 tariff lines at 8 -digit level in HS Chapters 
32; 39; 84; 85; 90; 95)  Permanent Delegation of the 
Philippines to the WTO (26 May 
2021)  Effective 1 
January 
2021 
Extension of the t emporary reduction of import tariffs 
(to 5%) on mechanically deboned meat of chicken 
and turkey  Permanent Delegation of the 
Philippines to the WTO (26 May 
2021)  Effective 25 
February 
2021 to 31 
December 
2022 
Temporary decrease of import tariffs on meat of 
swine, fresh, chilled or frozen  Permanent Delegation of the 
Philippines to the WTO (26 May 
2021)  Effective 9 
April 2021. 
Rates 
amended 
on 18 May 
2021 
Russian Federation (for Eurasian Economic Union)  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain 
products, e.g. on certain organic chemicals (effective 
19 December 2020 to 31 December 2023); on certain 
tanning or dyeing extracts (effective 19 December 
2020 to 31 December 2023); on viscose rayon fibres  
(effective 30 January 2021 to 31 December 2021); 
on desiccated coconuts (effective 22 November 2020 
to 31 December 2023); on photographic plates 
(effective 30 December 2020 to 31 December 2023); 
on fluorspar (effective 26 February 2021 to 28 
February 2022 ); on natural calcium phosphates 
(effective 5 January 2021 to 4 January 2024); on 
aluminium fluorides (effective 1 January 2021 to 31 
December 2023); on precious and semi -precious 
stones (effective until 31 December 2022); on 
carbon -graphite electrodes (ef fective 21 March 2021 
to 31 March 2022); on fishing cages (effective 31 
March 2021 to 31 March 2022); on certain raw Permanent Delegation of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO (28 May 
2021) Effective: 
see 
individual 
dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 93 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
materials of mineral origin containing precious metals 
(effective 29 April 2021 to 31 December 2024); on 
titanium waste and scrap (effectiv e 1 March 2021 to 
31 March 2024); on graphite electrodes (effective 3 
April 2021 to 31 December 2022); on acrylic 
polymers in primary forms (effective 1 January 2021 
to 31 December 2023)  
Sri Lanka  
Amendments introduced in the Export Development 
Act, No. 40 of 1979, resulting in the decrease of 
CESS levy on certain imported articles of apparel and 
clothing accessories  Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to 
the WTO (11 June 2021)  Effective 
January 
2021 
Amendments introduced in the Special Commodity 
Levy Act, No. 48 of 2007 (Order under Section 2), 
resulting in the elimination of the special commodity 
levy (SCL) on certain imported fish and prepared and 
preserved fish products  Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to 
the WTO (11 June 2021)  Effective 
January 
2021 
Amendments introduced in the Export Development 
Act, No. 40 of 1979 (Order under Section 14), 
resulting in the decrease of the export development 
board levy "CESS" on natural rubber, balata, gutta -
percha, guayule, chicle and similar natural gums, in 
primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. 
Elimination of the export "CE SS" on certain natural 
sands  Permanent Dele gation of Sri Lanka to 
the WTO (11 June 2021)  Effective 13 
January 
2021 
Switzerland  
Increase of the import quota (by 600 tonnes) on 
bovine meat not further prepared than seasoned  Permanent Delegation of Switzerland 
to the WTO (19 May 2021)  Effective 1 
January 
2021 
Turkey  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on wheat and 
meslin, barley and maize (corn) (effective 21 October 
2020 to 30 April 2021); on rape, colza and safflower 
seeds, sunflower crude oil, sunflower seed oil and 
rape, colza , safflower oil (effective 20 March 2021 to 
30 June 2021). Temporary reduction of import tariffs 
(from 19.3% to 9%) on sunflower seeds (effective 5 
November 2020 to 30 June 2021), red lentils 
(effective 5 November 2020 to 30 April 2021); (from 
36% to 10%) on sunflower seed oil (effective 25 
October 2020 to 31 December 2020); (to 5%) on rice 
in the husk (paddy or rough), husked (brown); (from 
36% to 10%) rice, and (from 45% to 15%) on other 
rice Permanent Delegation of Turkey to 
the WTO (26 May 2021)  Effective: 
see 
individual 
dates in 
measure  
Elimination of the temporary increase of import tariffs 
(to 5%) on certain iron and steel products 
(HS Chapter 72) (originally implemented on 18 April 
to 31 December 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to 
the WT O (26 May 2021)  Effective 1 
January 
2021 
United Kingdom  
Implementation of the UK's Integrated Schedule. The 
UK Global Tariff (UKGT) applies to all trading partners 
with whom the United Kingdom has no alternative 
agreements, such as FTAs, other regional trade 
arrangements, or preferential access scheme. The 
tariff rate applied under the UKGT is lower than that 
previously applied (under the European Union's CET) 
for over 5,600 tariff lines at 8 -digit level  United Kingdom Mission to Geneva 
(27 May 2021). Viewed at: 
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tariffs -
on-goods -imported -into-the-uk Effective 31 
December 
2020 (11 
pm) 
 WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 94 - 
 
  Recorded , but no t confirmed information  
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Bangladesh  
Reduction of import tariffs on rice  Daily Bangladesh (7 January 2021)  Effective 
January 2021  
Nigeria  
Reduction of import tariffs on certain products, 
e.g. (from 35% to 5%) on tractors; (from 35% 
to 10%) on motor vehicles for the transport of 
more than 10 persons, and motor vehicles for 
the trans port of goods; (from 30% to 5%) on 
motor vehicles  Finance A ct 2020. Viewed at: 
https://firs.gov.ng/wp -
content/uploads/2021/01/finance -act-
2020_signed.pdf  Effective 1 
January 2021  
Note:  For detailed information about HS codes, refer to the TMDB 
(https://tmdb.wto.org/en/explore#page=1&members=C032&g20=0&measure_type=5&after_dt=20
18-10-16&befo re_dt=2019 -09-01&affected_members=&product_chapters= ).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 95 - 
 
  ANNEX 2 - TRADE REMEDIES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 2020 TO MID -MAY 2021)  
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Termination on 20 October 2020 (without measure) of anti -
dumping investigation on imports of mechanical appliances 
(whether or not hand -operated) for projecting, dispersing or 
spraying liquids or powders; fire extinguishers, whether or 
not charged; spray guns and similar ap pliances; and steam 
or sand blasting machines and similar jet projecting 
machines from China (initiated on 18 April 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/ARG, 19 
March 2021    
Initiation on 10 November 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain moto rcycle parts and 
accessories ( cadenas ) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/ARG, 19 
March 2021   
Initiation on 10 November 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of isocyanates 80:20 from the 
United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/ARG/Corr.1, 
23 March 2021   
Termination on 9 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of non -adjustable hand -operated spanners and 
wrenches from China, India, and Chinese Taipei 
(investigation initiated on 9 June 2014 and definitive duty 
imposed on 10 December 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/ARG, 19 
March 2021    
Termination on 16 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of zip fastener chains and slides from China and Peru 
(imposed on 8 October 2009)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/ARG, 19 
March 2021   
Initiation on 12 January 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of electric water heaters with steel tanks, of a 
kind used for domestic purposes, with a capacity of 150 litres 
or less from China  Permanent De legation of 
Argentina to the WTO (18 
May 2021) and Resolución 
No. 5/2021 - Ministerio de 
Desarrollo Productivo, 
Secretaría de Industria, 
Economía del 
Conocimiento y Gestión 
Comercial Externa (11 
January 2021)   
Termination on 19 January 2021 (without measure) of anti -
dumping investigation on imports of winches and capstans 
powered by electric motors from Turkey (initiated on 30 July 
2019)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO (18 
May 2021) and Resolución 
No. 15/2021 Ministerio de 
Desarr ollo Productivo, 
Secretaría de Industria, 
Economía del 
Conocimiento y Gestión 
Comercial Externa (15 
January 2021)    
Termination on 21 January 2021 (without measure) of anti -
dumping investigation on imports of mowers for lawns, parks 
or sports -grounds from China (initiated on 4 February 2020)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO (18 
May 2021) and Resolución 
No. 1 6/2021 - Ministerio 
de Desarrollo Productivo, 
Secretaría de Industria, 
Economía del 
Conocimiento y Gestión 
Comercial Externa (19 
January 2021)    
 
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat, either direct 
or indirect, on the consistency of any measure with the provisions of any WTO agr eement.  
2 This Section includes information that either has been provided by the Member concerned or has been 
confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 96 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 26 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of ball bearings from India  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO (18 
May 2021) and Resolución 
No. 46/2021 - Ministerio 
de Desarrollo Productivo, 
Secretaría de Industria, 
Economía del 
Conocimiento y Gestión 
Comercial Externa (25 
February 2021)   
Initiation on 26 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of glass cubes and other glass smallware, 
whether or not on a backing, for mosaics or similar 
decorative purposes from Thailand and Turkey  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO (18 
May 2021) and Resolución 
No. 47/2021 - Ministerio 
de Desarrollo Productivo, 
Secretaría de Industria, 
Economía del 
Conocimiento y Gestión 
Comercial Externa (25 
February 2021)   
Initiation on 14 May 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of monofilament of which any cross -sectional 
dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, 
whether or not surface -worked but not otherwise worked, of 
plastics ( perfiles de polímeros de cloruro de vinilo ) from 
Turkey  Resolución No. 238/2021 
- Minist erio de Desarrollo 
Productivo, Secretaría de 
Industria, Economía del 
Conocimiento y Gestión 
Comercial Externa (13 
May 2021)    
Australia  
Termination on 19 November 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of steel reinforcing bar from Singapore and Chinese 
Taipei (investigation initiated on 17 October 2014. 
Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 13 March and 19 
November 2015, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/AUS, 
19 April 2021    
Initiation on 15 March 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of quenched and tempered steel plate from the 
United States  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (26 
May 2021) and Anti -
Dumping Notice No. 
2021/31 (15 March 2021)    
Termination on 17 March 2021 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of aluminium 
micro -extrusions from China (initiated on 17 February 2020)  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (26 
May 2021) and Anti -
Dumping Notice No. 
2021/38 (17 March 2021)    
Initiation on 22 March 2021 of anti-dumping investigation on 
imports of certain copper tube from Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (26 
May 2021) and Anti -
Dumping Notice No. 
2021/41 (22 March 2021)    
Initiation on 27 April 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of clear float glass from Malaysia and the United 
Arab Emirates  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (26 
May 2021) and Anti -
Dumping Notice No. 
2021/54 (27 April 2021)    
Initiation on 27 April 2021 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of clear float glass from Malaysia  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO (26 
May 2021) and Anti -
Dumping Notice No. 
2021/54 (27 April 2021)    
Brazil  
Temporary suspension on 6 November 2020, of anti -
dumping duties on imports of iron pipes from China, India 
and the United Arab Emirates (investigation initiated on 8 
May 2018 and definitive duty imposed on 8 November 2019)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to  the WTO (27 May 
2021) and Gecex 
Resolution No. 113 (5 
November 2020)    
Termination on 28 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of polypropylene resin from the Republic of Korea 
(investigation initiated on 19 March 2013. Provisional and 
definiti ve duties imposed on 17 January and 28 August 2014, 
respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/BRA, 
19 April 2021    WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 97 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 18 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) from the 
United States  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (27 May 
2021) and Circular No. 7 - 
Ministério de Economia, 
Secretaria Especial de 
Comércio Exterior e 
Assuntos Internacionais 
(17 February 2021)    
Termination on 19 February 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of synthetic fibre blankets from China (investigation 
initiated on 5 May 2009 and definitive duty imposed on 
29 April 2010)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (27 May 
2021)    
Termination on 19 February 2021 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of clear float flat glass from the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States (investigation 
initiated on 15 July 2013. Provisional and definitive duties 
imposed on 14 July and 19 December 2014, respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to th e WTO (27 May 
2021) and Circular No. 10 
- Ministério de Economia, 
Secretaria Especial de 
Comércio Exterior e 
Assuntos Internacionais 
(18 February 2021)    
Temporary suspension on 19 February 2021 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of clear float flat glass from Mexico 
(investigation initiated on 15 July 2013. Provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 14 July and 19 December 2014, 
respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (27 May 
2021)    
Initiation on 22 February 2021 of anti-dumping investigation 
on imports of citric acid, and salt and esters of citric acid from 
Colombia and Thailand  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (27 May 
2021) and Circular No. 12 
- Ministério de Economia, 
Secretaria Especial de 
Comércio Exteri or e 
Assuntos Internacionais 
(19 February 2021)    
Initiation on 25 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of flat -rolled products of stainless steel, of a width 
of 600 mm or more (304) from Indonesia and South Africa  Permanent Delegation o f 
Brazil to the WTO (27 May 
2021) and Circular No. 15 
- Ministério de Economia, 
Secretaria Especial de 
Comércio Exterior e 
Assuntos Internacionais 
(24 February 2021)    
Initiation on 5 March 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of high tenacity yarn of polyesters, whether or not 
textured from China and India  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (27 May 
2021) and Circular No. 18 
- Ministério de Economia, 
Secretaria Especial de 
Comércio Exterior e 
Assuntos Internacionais 
(4 March 2021)    
Termination on 22 March 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of radial tyres of rubber for buses and lorries from 
South Africa and Chinese Taipei (investigation initiated on 10 
June 2013 and definitive duty imposed on 24 November 
2014)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (27 May 
2021) and Circular No. 20 
- Ministério de Economia, 
Secretaria Especial de 
Comércio Exterior e 
Assuntos Internaciona is 
(19 March 2021)    
Temporary suspension on 22 March 2021 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of radial tyres of rubber for buses and lorries 
from Japan (investigation initiated on 10 June 2013 and 
definitive duty imposed on 24 November 2014)  Permanent Del egation of 
Brazil to the WTO (27 May 
2021)    
Termination on 29 April 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of vacuum plastic tubes for blood collection from 
Germany (investigation initiated on 4 November 2013. 
Definitive duty imposed on 30 April 2015. Duty temporarily 
suspended on 31 March 2020, due  to the COVID -19 pandemic)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (27 May 
2021) and Gecex 
Resolution No.  193 and 
Secex Circular No. 29 (29 
April 2021)    WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 98 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Canada  
Termination on 16 October 2020 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of corrosion -resistant steel sheet 2 
from the United Arab Emirates and Viet Nam (investigation 
initiated on 8 November 2019 and provisional duty imposed 
on 20 March 2020)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/371/CAN, 17 
March 2021    
Termination on 16 November 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of corrosion -resistant steel sheet 2 
from the United Arab Emirates (investigation initiated on 8 
November 2019 and provisional duty imposed on 20 March 
2020)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/CAN, 15 
March 2021; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO (21 
May 2021)    
Initiation on 4 December 2020 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of concrete reinforcing bar 4 from Oman and the 
Russian Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/CAN, 15 
March 2021; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO (26 
April 2021)  Provisional 
duty imposed 
on 23 March 
2021 
Initiation on 17 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of grinding media from India  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/CAN, 15 
March 2021; and Canada 
Border Services Agency - 
Notice of preliminary 
determinations GM 2020 
IN (30 April 2021)  Provisional 
duty imposed 
on 30 April 
2021 
Initiation on 17 December 2020 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain grinding media from India  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/371/CAN, 17 
March 2021; and Canada 
Border Services Agency - 
Notice of preliminary 
determinations GM 2020 
IN (30 April 2021)  Provisional 
duty imposed 
on 30 April 
2021 
Initiation on 21 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of upholstered domestic seating 
from China and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/CAN, 15 
March 2021; and Canada 
Border Services Agency - 
Notice of preliminary 
determinations UDS 2020 
IN (5 May 2021)  Provisional 
duty imposed 
on 5 May 2021  
Initiation on 21 December 2020 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of upholstered domestic seating 
from China and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/371/CAN, 17 
March 2021; and Canada 
Border Services Agency - 
Notice of preliminary 
determinations UDS 2020  
IN (5 May 2021)  Provisional 
duty imposed 
on 5 May 2021  
Termination on 30 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of certain oil country tubular goods from the 
Philippines (investigation initiated on 21 July 2014. 
Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 3 December 
2014 and 2 April 2015, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/CAN, 15 
March 2021    
Termination on 5 February 2021 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of heavy plate from Turkey 
(investigation initiated on 27 Ma y 2020 and provisional duty 
imposed on 9 October 2020)  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO (21 
May 2021)    
Termination on 19 February 2021 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of decorative and other non -
structural plywood from China (investigation initiated on 11 
June 2020 and provisional duty imposed on 23 October 
2020)  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO (21 
May 2021)    
Termination on 19 February 2021 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of decorative and other non-
structural plywood from China (investigation initiated on 11 
June 2020 and provisional duty imposed on 23 October 
2020)  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO (21 
May 2021)    WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 99 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 15 April 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of c ertain small power transformers from Austria,  the 
Republic of Korea and Chinese Taipei  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO (21 
May 2021) and Canada 
Border Services Agency - 
Notice of Initiation of 
Investigation SPT 2021 IN 
(15 April 2021)    
Chile  
Termination on 25 November 2020 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of steel grinding balls 
forged for mills of less than 4 inches in diameter from China 
(initiated on 27 April 2020)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/CHL, 31 
March 2021    
China  
Termination on 2 November 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of adipic acid from the European Union, the Republic 
of Korea, and the United States (investigation initiated on 10 
November 2008. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 
26 June and 2  November  2009, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/CHN, 9 
March 2021    
Egypt  
Initiation on 29 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of Edam and Gouda cheese from the 
Netherlands  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/EGY, 25 
February 2021    
Initiation on 29 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of monofilament of polymers of vinyl 
chloride (UPVC ) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/EGY, 25 
February 2021    
Initiation on 29 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on impor ts of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) from 
the United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/EGY, 25 
February 2021    
European Union  
Initiation on 21 October 2020 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of steel wind towers from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/EU, 16 April 
2021   
Initiation on 22 October 2020 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of aluminium converter foil from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/EU, 16 April 
2021   
Termination on 9 November 2020 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of certain hot -rolled 
stainless steel sheets and coils "SSHR" from China and 
Indonesia (initiated on 10 October 2019)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/371/EU, 10 
March 2021    
Initiation on 4 December 2020 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of converter foil from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/371/EU, 10 
March 2021   
Termination on 8 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of seamless pipes and tubes  fittings of iron or 
steel from China (imposed on 24 September 2009)   WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/EU, 16 April 
2021  
Termination on 19 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of certain aluminium foils from the Russian 
Federation (investigation initiated on 8 October 2014. 
Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 4 July and 18 
December 2015, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/EU, 16 April 
2021   
Initiation on 21 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain iron or steel fasteners 
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/EU, 16 April 
2021   
Initiation on 21 December 2020 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of optical fibre cables from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/371/EU, 10 
March 2021   
Initiation on 17 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of certain graphite electrode systems from China  Commission Notice 
2021/C 57/03 (17 
February 2021)    
Initiation on 17 February 2021 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of stai nless steel cold -rolled flat products from 
India and Indonesia  Commission Notice 
2021/C 57/04 (17 
February 2021)    
Initiation on 18 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of calcium silicon from China  Commission Notice 
2021/C 58/15 (18 
February 2021)    
Initiation on 18 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of superabsorbent polymers from the Republic of 
Korea  Commission Notice 
2021/C 58/16 (18 
February 2021)    WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 100 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
India  
Termination on 20 October 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of hexa methylene tetramine 
"hexamine" from China and the United Arab Emi rates 
(investigation on 25 March 2014 and definitive duty imposed 
on 21 October 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Initiation on 23 October 2020 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of low density polyethylene "LDPE" from Qatar, 
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, United 
Arab Emirates and the United Sates  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 16 November 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of diketopyrrolo pyrrole pigment red 254 (DPP red 
254) from China and Switzerland (investigation initiated on 
20 June 2014 and definitive duty imposed on 17 August 
2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/ N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 17 November 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of caustic soda -III from China and the Republic of 
Korea (imposed on 26 December 2002)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 20 November 2020 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of coated/plated tin 
mill flat -rolled steel products from the European Union, 
Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States (initiated 
on 28 June 2019)  WTO do cument 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 20 November 2020 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of mono ethylene 
glycol (MEG or ethylene glycol) from Kuwait, Oman, 
Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (initiated on 9 
December 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IN D, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 30 November 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
acrylic fibre from Thailand (imposed on 25 April 1997)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 1 December 2020 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of acrylic fibre from 
Belarus, the European Union, Peru and Ukraine (initiated on 
24 September 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND/Rev.1, 
26 April 2021   
Termination on 3 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
melamine tableware and kitchenware products from China, 
Thailand, and Viet Nam (investigation initiated on 28 October 
2014 and definitive duty imposed on 4 December 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 3 December 2020 of anti-dumping duties on 
plastic processing machinery from China (imposed on 12 May 
2009)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 3 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
acrylonitrile butadiene rubber from the Republic of Korea 
(impos ed on 31 January 1997)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 3 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of nylon tyre cord fabric -II from China (imposed on 
26 July 2004)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 4 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of hot -rolled flat products of stainless steel of 304 
series from China, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia 
(investigation initiated on 11 March 2014 and definitive duty 
imposed on 5 June 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 7 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of gliclazide from China (investigation initiated on 28 
August 2014 and definitive duty imposed on 8 December 
2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 13 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of albendazole from China (investigation initiated on 
11 September 2014 and definitive duty imposed on 14 
December 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 14 December 2020 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of choline chloride in 
all forms from China, Malaysia and Viet Nam (initiated on 1 
October 2019)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND/Rev.1, 
26 April 2021   
Initiation on 1 7 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of caustic soda from the Islamic 
Republic of Iran, Japan, Oman and Qatar  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 101 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 24 December 2020 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of aluminium primary foundry alloy 
ingot from Malaysia  Notification F. No. 
6/43/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. OI (CVD) 7/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Department of 
Commerce - Directorate 
General of Trade 
Remedies (24 December 
2020)    
Termination on 30  December  2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of all fully drawn yarn from China and Thailand 
(imposed on 26  March  2009)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 31  December  2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports o f carbon black from China and the Russian 
Federation (investigation initiated on 26 December 2008. 
Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 30  July 2009 
and 28  January  2010)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/IND, 
19 April 2021   
Termination on 9 January 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of Phenol -I from South Africa (imposed on 13 August 
2002)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 18 January 2021 of countervailing duties on 
imports of castings of wind operated electricity generators 
from China (investigation initiated on 29 May 2014 and 
definitive duty imposed on 19 January 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 20 January 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of  plain medium density fibre board from China, 
Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand (imposed on 8 October 
2009)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 27 January 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
mulberry raw silk from China (investigation initiated on 9 
December 2014 and definitive duty imposed on 28 January 
2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 31 January 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of cold rolled flat products of stainless steel (cold 
rolled flat products of stainless steel of width greater than 
1250 mm) from China, the European Union, the Republic of 
Korea, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and the United 
States (imposed on 22 April 2009)  Permanent Delegation  of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 31 January 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
methylene chloride from China and the Russian Federation 
(investigation initiated on 7 April 2015. Provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 8 December 2015 a nd 31 May 
2016, respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 31 January 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of phthalic anhydride from Japan and Russian 
Federation (investigation initiated on 9 May 2014 and 
definitive duty imposed on 4 December 2015)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 7 February 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of float glass from China (imposed on 7 January 
2003)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Initiation on 17 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of plastic processing machines "PPM" from China  Notification F. No. 
6/45/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. AD - OI - 46/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Department  of 
Commerce - Directorate 
General of Trade 
Remedies (17 February 
2021)    
Initiation on 24 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of polyurethane leather which includes any kind 
of textile coated one sided or both sided with polyurethane 
from China  Notification F. No. 
6/55/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. AD - OI - 46/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Trade 
Remedies (24 February 
2021)    WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 102 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 25 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of n, n' -dicyclohexyl carbodiimide "DCC" from 
China  Notification F. No. 
6/53/2020 -DGTR (Case 
No. AD - OI - 45/2020), 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Department of 
Commerce - Directorate 
General of Trade 
Remedies (25 February 
2021)   
Initiation on 26 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of melamine from the European Union, Japan, 
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates  Notification F. No. 
6/1/2021 -DGTR (Case No. 
AD - OI - 1/2021), 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Department of 
Commerce - Directorate 
General of Trade 
Remedies (26 February 
2021)    
Termination on 7 March 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of polypropylene from Singapore (investigation 
initiated on 24 February 2009. Provisional and definitive 
duties imposed on 30  July 2009 and 19 November 2010, 
respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 14 March 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of ofloxacin from China (investigation initiated on 4 
October 2016 and definitive duty imposed on 15 March 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 14 March 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
plastic processing machines or injection moulding machines 
from Malay sia, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, and Viet Nam 
(investigation initiated on 14 October 2014 and definitive 
duty imposed on 15 March 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 20 March 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of resorcinol from China and Japan (investigation 
initiated on 13 October 2016 and definitive duty imposed on 
21 March 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Initiation on 30 March 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of fluoro backsheet from China  Notification F. No. 
6/3/2021 -DGTR (Case No. 
OI - 3/2021), Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce 
- Directorate General of 
Trade Remedies  (30 
March 2021)    
Initiation on 31 March 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain rubber chemicals viz., TDQ, PVI and CBS 
from China, the European Union and the Russian Federation  Notification F. No. 
6/4/2021 -DGTR (Case No. 
AD (OI) - 4/2021), 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Department of 
Commerce - Directorate 
General of Trade 
Remedies (31 March 
2021)    
Termination on 23 April 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of methyl ethyl ketone "MEK" from China, Japan, 
South Africa and Chinese Taipei (investigation initiated on 9 
February 2017 and definitive duty imposed on 24 April 2018)  Permanent Delegation of  
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 25 April 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) transmission 
equipment from China and Israel (investigation initiated on 
21 April 2009. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 
8 December  2009 and 16 December 2010, respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 1 May 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of measuring tapes from Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, 
Thailan d and Viet Nam (investigation initiated on 27 July 
2015 and definitive duty imposed on 2 May 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Termination on 12 May 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of recordable digital versatile disc DVDs of all kinds 
from Thailand and Viet Nam (investigation initiated on 5 May 
2009. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 
12 April and 28 September 2010, respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 103 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 15 May 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of solar cells from China, Thailand and Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (8 June 
2021)    
Indonesia  
Initiation on 26 October 2020 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of cigarette paper  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/37, 28 
October 2020    
Initiation on 18 November 2020 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of expansible polystyrene "EPS"  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/38, 18 
November 2020    
Malaysia  
Termination on 11 January 2021 (without measure) of 
safeguard investigation on imports of ceramic floor and wall 
tiles (initiated on 13 September 2020)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/MYS/3, 
15 January  2021  
Mexico  
Termination on 3 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of concrete steel nails from China (provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 29 March and 29 November 
2004, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/MEX, 11 
March 2021    
Termination on 4 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of steel plate in sheets from China (investigation 
initiated on 26 July 2013. Provisional and definitive duties 
imposed on 31 January and 14 October 2014, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/3 50/MEX, 11 
March 2021    
Termination on 4 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of carbon steel tubing with straight longitudinal 
seams from the United Kingdom (provisional and definitive 
duties imposed on 26 May 2009 and 5 January 2010, 
respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP /N/350/MEX, 11 
March 2021   
Termination on 6 April 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of blenders for domestic and commercial use from 
China (investigation initiated on 9 August 2013. Provisional 
and definitive duties imposed on 14 April and 9 December  
2014, respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO (28 
May 2021) and Diario 
Oficial de la Federación 
(Official Journal), 6 April 
2021    
Morocco  
Initiation on 24 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of machine -made carpets from 
China, Egypt and Jordan  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/MAR, 18 
February 2021   
Initiation on 23 April 2021 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of lighting columns  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/MAR/13, 27 
April 2021    
New Zealand  
Initiation on 30 October 2020 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of frozen potato fries and wedges from Belgium 
and the Netherlands  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/NZL, 16 
April 2021   
Terminat ion on 21 November 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of galvanized wire from Indonesia 
(initiated on 25 May 2020)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/NZL, 16 
April 2021    
Peru  
Initiation on 1 November 2020 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of clothing (HS Chapters 61; 62; 63)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/PER/3, 17 
November 2020    
Initiation on 9 December 2020 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of slide fasteners and parts thereof from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/PER, 22 
April 2021   
Russian Federation (for Eurasian Economic Union)  
Termination on 22 January 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of steel railway wheels from Ukraine (investigation 
initiated on 17 October 2014. Definitive duty imposed on 22 
January 2016 and temporarily suspended from 25 August 
2019 to 1 June 2020)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (28 May 2021)    
Termination on 30 November 2020 of safeguard duties on 
imports of certain flat -rolled steel products (investigation 
initiated on 7 August 2018 and duty imposed on 1 December 
2019)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (28 May 2021)    WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 104 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Chinese Taipei)  
Initiation on 28 October 2020 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of ceramic tiles from India, Indonesia, Malaysia 
and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/TPKM, 
2 February  2021   
Thailand  
Initiation on 18 November 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of flat hot -rolled steel in coils and 
not in coils from Egypt and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/THA, 
5 February  2021   
Turkey  
Initiation on 17 October 2020 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of low density polyethylene from the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/TUR, 12 
March 2021    
Initiation on 9 January 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of hot -rolled flat steel from the European Union and 
the Republic of Korea  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO (26 
May 2021)    
Termination on 14 January 2021 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of polystyrene from Egypt (investigation initiated on 
30 November 2014 and definitive duty imposed on 14 
January 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO (26 
May 2021)    
Initiation on 27 March 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of cocoa butter from Malaysia  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO (26 
May 2021)    
Initiation on 1 April 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of diesel or semi -diesel engines not exceeding 15 kW 
from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO (26 
May 2021)    
Initiation on 12 May 2021 of anti-dumping investigation on 
imports of dental implants from the Republic of Korea  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO (26 
May 2021)    
Ukraine  
Initiation on 25 November 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of thermal insulation materials from 
Belarus and the Russian Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/UKR, 
21 April 2021  
Initiation on 19 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of coated rolled carbon steel 
products from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/UKR, 
21 April 2021  
Termination on 16 January 2021 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of aluminium car 
wheels from China and the Russian Federation (initiated on 
19 July 2019)  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the WTO (13 
May 2021)    
Initiation on 16 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of particle board from Belarus and the Russian 
Federation  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the WTO (13 
May 2021)    
Initiation on 21 April 2021 of anti-dumping investigation on 
imports of potato starch from Belarus  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the WTO (13 
May 2021)    
Initiation on 21 April 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain articles of asphalt or of similar material 
from Belarus and the Russian Federation  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the WTO (13 
May 2021)    
Initiation on 28 April 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of wires from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the WTO (13 
May 2021)    
United States  
Initiation on 26 October 2020 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of certain aluminium foil from Armenia, Brazil, 
Oman, Turkey, and the Russian Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/USA, 
15 April 2021   
Initiation on 28 October 2020 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of certain aluminium foil from Oman and Turkey  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/371/USA, 7 
April 2021    
Initiation on 3 November 2020 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of thermal paper from Germany, Japan, the 
Republic of Korea and Spain  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/USA, 
15 April 2021   
Initiation on 16 November 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on impo rts of utility scale wind towers from 
India, Malaysia and Spain  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/USA, 
15 April 2021   
Initiation on 16 November 2020 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of utility scale wind towers from 
India and Malaysia  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/371/USA, 7 
April 2021    WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 105 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 23 November 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of polyester textured yarn from 
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/USA, 
15 April 2021   
Termination on 5 November 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation o n imports of certain glass containers from 
China (investigation initiated on 21 October 2019 and 
provisional duty imposed on 29 April 2020)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/USA, 
15 April 2021   
Termination on 9 December 2020 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of chloropicrin from China (imposed on 22 March 
1984)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/USA, 
15 April 2021   
Termination on 11 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of forged steel fluid end blocks from 
India (investigation initiated on 15 January 2020 and 
provisional duty imposed on 23 July 2020)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/350/USA, 
15 April 2021   
Initiation on 8 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of pentafluoroethane (R -125) from China  International Trade 
Commission, Investigation 
Nos. 701 -TA-662 and 
731-TA-1554 
(preliminary), Federal 
Register 5247, Vol. 86, 
No. 11 (19 January 2021)    
Initiation on 8 February 2021 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of pentafluoroethane (R -125) from China  International Trade 
Commission, Investigation 
Nos. 701 -TA-662 and 
731-TA-1554 
(preliminary), Federal 
Register 5247, Vol. 86, 
No. 11 (19 January  2021)    
Initiation on 23 February 2021 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of granular polytetrafluoroethylene "PTFE" resin 
from India and the Russian Federation  International Trade 
Commission, Investigation 
Nos. 701 -TA-663-664 and 
731-TA-1555-1556 
(preliminary), Federal 
Register 7876, Vol. 86, 
No. 20 (2 February 2021)    
Initiation on 23 February 2021 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of granular polytetrafluoroethylene "PTFE" resin 
from India and the Russian Federation  International Trade 
Commission, Investigation 
Nos. 701 -TA-663-664 and 
731-TA-1555-1556 
(preliminary), Federal 
Register 7876, Vol. 86, 
No. 20 (2 February 2021)    
Initiation on 25 March 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain mobile access equipment and 
subassemblies thereof from China  International Trade 
Administration, 
Investigation No. A -570-
139, Federal Register 
15922, Vol. 86, No. 56 
(25 March 2021)    
Initiation on 25 March 2021 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of certain mobile access equipment and 
subassemblies thereof from China  International Trade 
Administration, 
Investigation No. C -570-
140, Federal Register 
15905, Vol. 86, No. 56 
(25 March 2021)    
Initiation on 26 April 2021 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of walk -behind snow throwers from China  International Trade 
Commission, Investigation 
Nos. 701 -TA-666 and 
731-TA-1558 
(preliminary), Federal 
Register 17852, Vol. 86, 
No. 64 (6 April 2021)    
Initiation on 26 April 2021 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of walk -behind snow throwers from China  International Trade 
Commission, Investigation 
Nos. 701 -TA-666 and 
731-TA-1558 
(preliminary), Federal 
Register 17852, Vol. 86, 
No. 64 (6 April 2021)    WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 106 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 27 April 2021 of anti-dumping investigation on 
imports of organic soybean meal from India  International Trade 
Commission, Investigation 
Nos. 701 -TA-667 and 
731-TA-1559 
(preliminary), Federal 
Register 18296, Vol. 86, 
No. 66 (8 April 2021)    
Initiation on 27 April 2021 of c ountervailing investigation on 
imports of organic soybean meal from India  International Trade 
Commission, Investigation 
Nos. 701 -TA-667 and 
731-TA-1559 
(preliminary), Federal 
Register 18296, Vol. 86, 
No. 66 (8 April 2021)    
Termination on 2 April 2021 (without measure) of safeguard 
investigation on imports of fresh, chilled, or frozen 
blueberries (initiated on 29 September 2020)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/USA/5, 
6 April 2021   
Viet Nam  
Initiation on 11 December 2020 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of sorbitol from China, India and 
Indonesia  Permanent Delegation of 
Viet Nam to the WTO 
(1 June 2021)    
Note 1:  Until the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, the European Union 's trade defence 
regulations and measures continued to apply to and in the United Kingdom, and the full list of 
measures in force can be found in the European Union 's semi-annual report for anti-dumping 
measures covering the period of July -December 2020.  
Note 2:  For detail ed information about HS codes , refer to the TMDB 
(https://tmdb.wto.org/en/explore#page=1&members=C032&g20=0&measure_type=5&after_dt=20
18-10-16&before_dt=2019 -09-01&affected_members=&product_chapters= ).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 107 - 
 
  ANNEX 3 - OTHER TRADE -RELATED MEASURES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 2020 T O MID -MAY 2021)  
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Extension of the temporary export ban on ferrous 
waste and scrap, remelting scrap ingots of iron or 
steel; copper waste and scrap; and aluminium 
waste and scrap  Permanent Delegation of Argentina 
to the WTO (18 May 2021) and 
Decreto No. 1040/2020, 
Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur 
(23 December 2020)  Effective 25 
December 
2020, for 360 
days 
Extension of the statistical fee ( tasa de estadística ) 
for all imports until 31 December 2021. Certain 
exemptions in force  Permanent Delegation of Argentina 
to the WTO (18 May 2021) and 
Decreto No. 1057/2020, Ley de 
Solidaridad Social y Reactivación 
Productiva en el Marco de la 
Emergencia Pública (23 December 
2020)  Effective 31 
December 
2020 to 31 
December 
2021 
Amendment introduced in the list of products with 
export duties ( derechos de exportación ), resulting 
in the increase of export duties on certain products 
(17 tariff lines at 8 -digit level)  Permanent Delegatio n of Argentina 
to the WTO (18 May 2021) and 
Decreto No. 1060/2020 - 
Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur - 
Derechos de Exportación (30 
December 2020)  Effective 1 
January 2021  
Temporary suspension of the register of sworn 
declarations of foreign sales of agricultural 
products for maize exports with shipping permit 
dated before 1 March 2021, in order to guarantee 
domestic supply requirements  Permanent Delegation of Argentina 
to the WTO (18 May 2021) and 
Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería 
y Pesca - Dirección de Prensa y 
Comunicación - Noticias (30 
December 2020). Viewed at: 
https://www.magyp.gob.ar/sitio/area
s/prensa/index.php?accion=noticia&i
d_info=201230140611    
Exportable surplus of maize for the remainder of 
the 2019/20 season set at 30,000 tonnes/day  Permanent Delegation of Argentina 
to the WTO (18 May 2021) and 
Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería 
y Pesca - Dirección de Prensa y 
Comunicación - Noticias (11 Jan uary 
2021). Viewed at: 
https://www.magyp.gob.ar/sitio/area
s/prensa/index.php?accion=noticia&i
d_info=210110234753  Effective 
January 2021 
to 1 March 
2021 
Updated list of "criterion values" ( valores criterio 
de carácter preventivo ) for imports of certain 
products, e.g. on radiators for central heating 
(effective 30 March 2021), parts and accessories 
for certain musical instruments (effective 14 April 
2021), on artificial teeth (effective 14 April 2021), 
on headphones (effective 14 April 2021), and on 
certain woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, 
containing 85% or more by weight of polyester 
staple fibres (effective 14 April 2021), from specific 
origins  Administración Federal de Ingresos 
Públicos - Dirección General de 
Aduanas, Resolución General  Nos. 
4952/2021 (26 March 2021), 
4961/2021, 4963/2021, 4964/2021, 
and 4965/2021 (12 April 2021)  Effective: see 
individual 
dates in 
measure  
 
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat, either direct 
or indirect, on the consistency of any measure with the provisions of any WTO agreement.  
2 This Section includes information that either has been provided by the Member concerned or has been 
confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 108 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Reference values for exports on certain products, 
e.g. cranberries (effective 15 December 2020), 
tomatoes (effective 18 March 2021), meat of 
bovine animals (effective 29 January and 19 March 
2021), swine meat (effective 19 March 2021), 
garlic (21 April 2021), apples and pears (effective 
26 April 2021), and frozen bovine meat (effective 
10 May 2021), for certai n specified destinations  Administración Federal de Ingresos 
Públicos - Dirección General de 
Aduanas, Resolución General Nos. 
4880/2020 (11 December 2020), 
4914/2021 (26 January 2021), 
4943/2021 (12 March 2021), 
4946/2021 (15 March 2021), 
4948/2021 (16 Marc h 2021), 
4969/2021 (19 April 2021); 
4974/2021 (22 April 2021) and 
4985/2021 (6 May 2021)  Effective: see 
individual 
dates in 
measure  
Bolivia, Plurinational State of  
Implementation of a domestic supply certificate 
and fair price ( Certificado de Abastecimiento 
Interno y Precio Justo (CAIPJ )) requirement on 
exports of bovine meat, to avoid local shortage, 
resulting in a temporary export ban  Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo y 
Economía Plurar - Resolución Bi -
Ministerial No. 006/2021 (22 April 
2021). Viewed at: 
https://dgaj.produccion.gob.bo/docs/
MDPyEP -RBM-006.2021.pdf  Effective 3 
May 2021  
Chile  
Implementation of a sworn declaration requirement 
(Declaración Jurada del Exportador ) for the export 
of certain precious metals and metals clad with 
precious metal  Permanent Delegation of Chile to the 
WTO (27  May 2021) and Resolución 
Exenta No. 156 - Servicio Nacional 
de Aduanas (15 January 2021)  Effective 
February 
2021 
China  
Recycling materials for brass, recycling materials 
for copper and recycling materials for cast 
aluminium alloys that meet the following Standards 
(Recycling Materials for Brass (GB/T38470 -2019), 
Recycling Materials for Copper (GB/T38471 -2019) 
and Recycling Materials for Cast Aluminium Alloys 
(GB/T38472 -2019)) do not belo ng to solid waste 
and can be imported freely. Imports not 
conforming to the Standards mentioned above are 
prohibited  Permanent Delegation of China to the 
WTO (26 April 2021) and 
Announcement on Matters Related to 
Standardizing the Management on 
the Importa tion of Recycling 
Materials for Brass, Recycling 
Materials for Copper and Recycling 
Materials for Cast Aluminium Alloys 
(Announcement of Ministry of 
Ecology and Environment, General 
Administration of Customs, Ministry 
of Commerce, Ministry of Industry 
and Information Technology 2020 
No. 43)  Effective 1 
November 
2020 
Certain goods (199 tariff lines at 10 -digit level) 
removed from the catalogue of goods prohibited in 
processing trade  Permanent Delegation of China to the 
WTO (26 April 2021) and 
Announcement on Adjusting the 
Catalogue of Goods Prohibited in 
Processing Trade, Announcement of 
Ministry of Commerce, General 
Administration of Customs (2020 
No. 54) Effective 1 
December 
2020 
On 26 December 2020, the exclusion period of the 
second exclus ion list of the first batch of goods 
subject to additional tariff from the United States, 
extended until 25 December 2021  Permanent Delegation of China to the 
WTO (26 April 2021) and 
Announcement of Customs Tariff 
Commission of the State Council on 
the Sec ond Extension of the 
Exclusion List of Goods Subject to 
Additional Tariff on the United States 
(Announcement No. 10 [2020] of the 
Customs Tariff Commission of the 
State Council)    
Recycling iron -steel materials meeting the 
Standards of Recycling Iron-steel Materials 
(GB/T39733 -2020) do not belong to solid waste 
and can be imported freely. Imports not 
conforming to the Standard mentioned above are 
prohibited  Permanent Delegation of China to the 
WTO (26 April 2021) and 
Announcement on Matters Relate d to 
Standardizing the Management on 
the Importation of Recycling Iron -
Steel Materials (Announcement of 
Ministry of Ecology and Environment, 
National Development and Reform 
Commission, General Administration 
of Customs, Ministry of Commerce, 
Ministry of In dustry and Information 
Technology 2020 No. 78)  Effective 1 
January 2021  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 109 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
On 28 February 2021, the exclusion period of the 
first exclusion list of the second batch of goods 
subject to additional tariff from the United States 
extended until 16 September 2021  Permanent Delegation of China to the 
WTO (26 April 2021) and 
Announceme nt of Customs Tariff 
Commission of the State Council on 
the Third Extension of the Exclusion 
List of Goods Subject to Additional 
Tariff on the United States 
(Announcement No. 2 [2021] of the 
Customs Tariff Commission of the 
State Council)    
Colombia  
Extension of the imposition of import tariffs on 
footwear. Ad valorem tariff (35%) on: (i) 
waterproof footwear, other footwear with outer 
soles and uppers of rubber or plastics, and 
footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics, 
leather or composition leat her and uppers of textile 
material for FOB value declared of USD 6/kg or 
less; (ii) other footwear for FOB value declared of 
USD 7/kg or less; (iii) footwear with outer soles of 
rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and 
uppers of leather for FOB  value declared of USD 
10/kg or less; and (iv) uppers and parts thereof, 
other than stiffeners for FOB value declared of USD 
5/kg or less (free  trade agreement partners 
exempted) (originally implemented from 17 
December 2019 to 17 December 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to 
the WTO (12 May 2021) and Decreto 
No. 1633, Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo (14 December 
2020)  Extended 
until 31 
December 
2022 
Temporary imposition of import tariffs on articles of 
apparel and clothing accessories (HS  Chapters 61 
and 62). Ad valorem tariff (40%) for FOB value 
declared of USD 10/kg or less; a d valorem  tariff 
(15%) plus USD 1.5/kg for FOB value declared of 
USD 10/kg  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to 
the WTO (12 May 2021) and Decreto 
No. 414, Ministerio  de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo (16 April 2021)  Effective 29 
April 2021 to 
28 April 2023  
Egypt  
Implementation of import approval requirement 
issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and 
the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade for white 
and raw sugar  Permanent Delegation of Egypt to 
the WTO (25 May 2021)  Effective 3 
December 
2020. On 4 
March 2 021, 
renewed for 3 
months  
Temporary import ban on ceramic flags and 
paving, hearth  or wall tiles; ceramic mosaic cubes 
and the like, whether or not on a backing; finishing 
ceramics  Permanent Delegation of Egypt to 
the WTO (25 May 2021)  Effective 24 
December 
2020, for 3 
months  
Extension of the temporary export ban on beans 
(originally implemented on 5 October 2020, for 3 
months)  Permanent Delegation of Egypt to 
the WTO (25 May 2021)  Effective 5 
January 
2021, for 3 
months  
Temporary export ban on dried beans (quantities in 
excess of  the needs of the domestic market may 
be exported based on the estimates of the Ministry 
of Supply and Internal Trade and the approval of 
the Ministry of Trade and Industry)  Permanent Delegation of Egypt to 
the WTO (25 May 2021)  Effective 4 
April 2021, 
for 3 months  
Further extension of the temporary export taxes 
(EGP 600/tonne) on cereal straw and husks, 
unprepared, whether or not chopped, ground, 
pressed or in the form of pellets excluding rice 
straw and husks; (EG P 700/tonne) on hay, clover 
and other forage products; (EG P 900/tonne) on 
bran, sharps and other residue s, whether or not in 
the form of pellets, derived from the sifting, milling 
or other working of cereals or of leguminous plants 
excluding rice residues; vegetable materials and 
vegetable waste, vegetable residues and by -
products; whether or not in the form  of pellets, of 
a kind used in animal feeding excluding corn cobs; 
(EGP 300/tonne) on corn silage; (EG P 
2,000/tonne) on copper matte, precipitated 
copper, unrefined copper; copper anodes for 
electrolytic refining, refined copper and copper Permanent Delegation of Egypt to 
the WTO (25 May 2021)  Effective until 
31 December 
2021 WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 110 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
alloys in raw fo rms, copper waste and scrap, bars, 
rods, angles and special forms of copper, articles of 
copper, cast, moulded, stamped or forged, but not 
further worked; (EG P 7,000/tonne) on lead in raw 
forms, lead waste and scrap, lead plates, sheets, 
strip and foil ove r 0.2 mm thick, other articles of 
lead, aluminium waste and scrap; (EG P 
1,300/tonne) on cast iron waste and scrap, 
stainless steel waste and scrap, alloy steel waste 
and scrap, other than stainless, tinned iron or steel 
waste and scrap, ferrous waste and s crap, 
turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, 
filings, trimmings and stampings, whether or not in 
bundles, ferrous waste and scrap, remelted scrap 
ingots of iron or steel; (EG P 2,600/tonne) on slag, 
ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of  
iron or steel), containing mainly zinc, hard zinc 
spelter and other than hard zinc spelter, zinc in 
raw forms, zinc waste and scrap, zinc dust, 
powders and flakes; (EG P 3,600/tonne) on waste 
and scrap of paper and paperboard; (EG P 
1,200/tonne) on talc blo cks and crushed; (EG P 
500/tonne) on talc powder; (EG P 300/tonne) on 
talc ultra -soft powder; (EG P 150/tonne) on raw 
quartz; (EG P 150/tonne) on raw feldspar blocks; 
(EGP 75/tonne) on raw feldspar crushed or 
powder; (EG P 400/tonne) on marble and granite, 
crude or roughly trimmed; (EG P 100/tonne) on 
sand; on azotic fertilizers (excluding pure 
ammonium nitrate with a concentration higher 
than 34.2% nitrogen); and (EG P 3,000/ tonne) on 
used or new rags, scrap twine, cordage, rope and 
cables and worn -out articles of twine, cordage, 
rope or cables, of textile materials  
European Union  
Introd uction of retrospective Union surveillance of 
imports of renewable ethanol for fuel  Commission Implementing 
Regulation 2020/1628 (3 November 
2020)  Effective 4 
November 
2020 
Change of management system from simultaneous 
examination to the "first come first served" 
principle for the administration of import tariff 
quotas on barley; turkey; broken rice for use in the 
production of food preparations of HS Code 
1901.10.00; and broken rice  Public information transmitted by the 
EU Delegation Commission (27 A pril 
2021) and Commission Implementing 
Regulation 2020/1988 (11 November 
2020)  Effective 1 
January 2021  
India  
Insertion of Policy Condition regarding import 
under all HS Codes in Chapters 72; 73; 86 of ITC 
(HS), 2017 to require compulsory registration 
under the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS). 
SIMS requires importers to submit advance 
information in an online system and obtain an 
automatic registration number by paying a 
registration fee. The importer can apply for 
registration not ea rlier than 60 days and not later 
than 15 days before the expected date of arrival of 
import consignment. The automatic registration 
number remain valid for 75 days  Notification No. 33/2015 -2020 and 
Public Notice No. 19/2015 -2020, 
Ministry of Commerce and I ndustry - 
Department of Commerce, 
Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(28 September 2020)  Effective 16 
October 2020  
Amendments introduced to the export policy of 
onions seeds, resulting in an export prohibition  Notification No. 43/2015 -2020, 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, 
Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(29 October 2020)  Effective 29 
October 2020  
Amendments introduced to the import policy of 
odoriferous preparations. Imports of odoriferous 
preparations such as room, fresheners, car 
freshener that do not operate by burning is "Free"  Notification No. 54/2015 -2020, 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, 
Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(1 January 2021)  Effective 1 
January 2021  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 111 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Amendments introduced to the export policy of 
onions. The export of all varieties of onions has 
been made "Free"  Notification No. 50/2015 -2020, 
Ministr y of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, 
Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(28 December 2020)  Effective 1 
January 2021  
Amendments introduced to the import policy of 
coal (anthracite, bituminous, coking and steam). 
The import policy of coal is subject to "Coal Import 
Monitoring System (CIMS)"  Notification No. 49/2015 -2020, 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, 
Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(22 December 2020)  Effective 1 
February 
2021 
Increase of the basic customs duty on certain 
products, e.g. (from zero to 5%) on cotton, not 
carded or combed; (from zero to 10%) on cotton 
waste; and (from 10% to 15%) on raw silk and silk 
yarn. Imposition of an Agriculture Infrastructure 
and Development  Cess (5%) on imports of raw 
cotton  Permanent Delegation of India to the 
WTO (8 June 2021)  Effective 1 
February 
2021 
Amendments introduced to the import policy of 
copper and aluminium under Chapters 74 and 76 
of ITC (HS), 2017, Schedule -I (Import Policy) -reg. 
The import policy of copper and aluminium is 
subject to compulsory registration under the Non 
Ferrous Metals Import Monitoring System 
(NFMIMS)  Notification No. 61/2015 -2020, 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, 
Directorate Gene ral of Foreign Trade 
(31 March 2021)  Effective 1 
April 2021  
The import policy of mosquito killer racket is 
revised from "Free" to "Prohibited" if c.i.f. value is 
below INR 121/per racket  Notification No. 2/2015 -2020, 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, 
Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(26 April 2021)  Effective 26 
April 2021  
Amendments introduced to the import policy of 
melon seeds. The import policy of melon seeds is 
revised from "Free" to "Restricted"  Notification No. 3/2015 -2020, 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry - 
Department of Commerce, 
Directorate General of Foreign Trade 
(26 April 2021)  Effective 26 
April 2021  
Indonesia  
Amendments introduced to the list of goods subject 
to export duties (leather;  wood;  cocoa beans, palm 
oil, crude palm oil, and derivative products; 
combination of crude palm oil and its derivative 
products; result of the processing of metal 
minerals; and certain mineral products)  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia 
to the WTO (3 May  2021)  Effective 23 
October 2020  
Government procurement regulations requiring the 
use of domestic products and services  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia 
to the WTO (3 May 2021)  Effective 2 
February 
2021 
Kyrgyz Republic  
Temporary export ban on oil and petroleum oil 
products with the exception of mazout. The ban 
will be valid until the saturation of the domestic 
market or the formation of common markets for oil 
and petroleum oil products of the Eurasian 
Economic Union  WTO document 
G/MA/QR/N/KGZ/1/Add.4, 10 March 
2021  Effective 1 
March 2021  
Temporary export ban on mineral fertilizers  WTO document 
G/MA/QR/N/KGZ/1/Add.5, 30 March 
2021  Effective 22 
March 2021  
Temporary export ban on scrap and waste of 
ferrous metals  WTO document 
G/MA/QR/N/KGZ/1/Add.6, 7 April 
2021  Effective 16 
April 2021, 
for 6 months  
Malaysia  
Increase of export duties (from zero to 15%) on 
waste and scrap of cast iron, waste and scrap of 
tinned iron or steel, turnings, shavings, chips, 
milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and 
stampings, whether or not in bundles  Permanent Delegation of M alaysia to 
the WTO (29 April 2021)  Effective 25 
March 2021  
Moldova, Republic of  
Imposition of excise duties on imports of used 
motor vehicles  Permanent Delegation of Moldova to 
the WTO (12 May 2021)  Effective 1 
January 2021  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 112 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Montenegro  
Export licences on raw materials or wood (HS 
Chapter 44) of a lower level of processing in order 
to: (i) preserve the stability of the supply of raw 
materials to the processing sector; (ii) ensure the 
stability of the population of the northern part of 
Montenegro  who use wood for heating; (iii) 
preserve the stability of the prices of fuel; and (iv) 
control the preservation of the forest fund, combat 
illegal harvesting, and control the implementation 
of the cutting in line with the cutting plan  Permanent Delegatio n of Montenegro 
(20 May 2021) and WTO document 
G/MA/QR/N/MNE/2, 10 December 
2020  Effective 15 
April 2021 to 
1 May 2023  
Myanmar  
As per MOC Notification No. 51/2020, issued on 8 
July 2020, 1,224 HS lines based on the 2017 
customs tariff of Myanmar (10 -digit level) are on 
the negative list. As per MOC Notification No. 
68/2020, the negative list for export licensing was 
reduced from 4 ,613 to 3,931 HS lines (10 -digit HS 
Codes)  Permanent Delegation of Myanmar to 
the WTO (1 June 2021); and WTO 
document WT/TPR/S/405/Rev.1, 8 
April 2021  Effective 22 
October 2020  
Nepal  
Introduction of import quotas on peas (80,000 
metric tonnes), nuts (25,000 metric tonnes), dry 
dates (5,000 metric tonnes) and uncrushed black 
pepper (15,000 metric tonnes)  Permanent Delegation of Nepal to the 
WTO (24 May 2021)  Effective 22 
March 2021  
Peru 
Temporary import ban on certain vegetable 
products and meat (e.g. soya, nuts), from the 
Plurinational State of Bolivia  Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria 
del Peru, Nota de Prensa (20 January 
2021). Viewed at: 
https://www.gob.pe/institucion/sena
sa/noticias/298487 -peru-suspende -
importacion -de-productos -
agropecuarios -procedentes -de-bolivia   
Russian Federation  
Imposition of temporary export duties on soya 
beans (30% but not less than EUR 165/tonne)  Permanent Delegation of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO (28 May 
2021)  Effective 1 
February to 
30 June 2021  
Russian Federation (for Eurasian Economic Union)  
Tempo rary increase of import tariffs (from 10% to 
12%) on rectangular (including square) aluminium 
plates, sheet and strip, of a thickness exceeding 
0.2 mm of aluminium alloys  Permanent Delegation of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO (28 May 
2021)  Effective 3 
April 2021 to 
28 February 
2023 
Imposition of import procedures on 
hydrofluorocarbons  Permanent Delegation of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO (28 May 
2021)  Effective 16 
April 2021  
Imposition of a temporary export tariff quota  
(17.5  million tonnes) for grains (wheat and meslin, 
rye, barley and corn)  Permanent Delegation of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO (28 May 
2021)  Effective 15 
February to 
30 June 2021  
Seychelles  
Amendments introduced in the Customs 
Management (Prohibited and Restricted Goods) 
(Amendment) (No.  3) Regulations, 2020 resulting 
in the inclusion of certain plastic products (balloons 
and toys containing balloons) in the list of import 
prohibited goods  Permanent Delegation of Seychelles 
to the WTO (28  May 2021)  Effective 1 
January 2021  
South Africa (for Southern African Customs Union)  
Increase of import tariffs (from 10% to 15%) on 
acrylic resins (effective 24 December 2020); (to 
15%) on certain aluminium plates, sheets and 
strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm; and on 
aluminium foil (whether or not printed or backed 
with paper, paperb oard, plastics or similar backing 
materials) of a thickness (excluding any backing) 
not exceeding 0.2 mm (effective 31 December 
2020). Imports from the European Union, EFTA 
and Southern African Development Community 
(SADC) members exempted  International T rade Administration 
Commission Notice Nos. R 1406 -
Government Gazette No. 44029 (24 
December 2020), and R.1428 - 
Government Gazette No. 44049 (31 
December 2020)  Effective: see 
individual 
dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 113 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Sri Lanka  
Amendments introduced in the Export 
Development Act, No. 40 of 1979, resulting in the 
increase of CESS levy on certain imported products 
(in HS Chapters 03; 04; 06; 07; 08; 09; 10; 11; 
12; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 24; 27; 
29; 30; 32; 33; 34; 35; 38; 39; 40; 42; 43; 44; 
46; 48; 49; 59; 64; 68; 69; 70; 72; 73; 74; 76; 
82; 83; 85; 87; 94; 96)  Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to 
the WTO (11 June 2021)  Effective 
January 2021  
Switzerland  
Increase of import tariffs (from CHF 850/100 kg to 
2,304/100 kg) on prepared or preserved m eat of 
swine; and (from CHF 638/100 kg to 2,212/100 
kg) on bovine prepared or preserved meat  Permanent Delegation of Switzerland 
to the WTO (19 May 2021)  Effective 1 
January 2021  
Change of management system from simultaneous 
examination to the "first come , first served" 
principle for the administration of import tariff 
quota No. 20 on cider fruits (apples and pears); 
and quota No. 21 on products originating from 
pome fruits  Permanent Delegation of Switzerland 
to the WTO (19 May 2021)  Effective 1  
January 2021  
Tajikistan  
Increase of import tariffs (from 10% to 15%) on 
poultry and (up to 30%) on tobacco products (HS 
Chapter 24)  WTO document G/MA/W/167, 
25 February  2021   
Turkey  
On 1 January 2021 reduction (up to 5%) of the 
previously increased import tariffs (35%) on 
certain textile, garment and leather products (HS 
Chapters 30; 42; 43; 51; 52; 53; 54; 55; 56; 57; 
58; 59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 65; 66; 67) (originally 
implemented on 21 April to 31 December 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Tu rkey to 
the WTO (26 May 2021)  Effective 1 
January 2021  
On 1 January 2021 reduction of the previously 
increased import tariffs (45%) on mining, 
chemicals, plastic, pepper, iron and steel, metals, 
electrical and electronic goods, machinery, 
vehicles, furnit ure, and lighting products (HS 
Chapters 29; 32; 33; 34; 35; 37; 39; 40; 44; 48; 
49; 68; 69; 70; 71; 72; 73; 74; 76; 82; 83; 84; 
85; 87; 90; 91; 94; 95; 96; 97) (originally 
implemented on 21 April 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Turkey to 
the WTO (26 May 2021 ) Effective 1 
January 2021  
United States  
Executive Order entitled Strengthening Buy 
American Provisions, Ensuring Future of America is 
Made in America by all of America's Workers  Permanent Delegation of the United 
States to the WTO (26 May 2021) 
and Executive Order. Viewed at: 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing
-room/statements -
releases/2021/01/25/president -
biden -to-sign-executive -order -
strengthening -buy-american -
provisions -ensuring -future -of-
america -is-made -in-america -by-all-
of-americas -workers/ (25 January 
2021)    
 
Recorded , but no t confirmed information3 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Bangladesh  
Imposition of import regulatory duties 
(10%) on onions  Daily Bangladesh (7 January 2021)  Effective 
January 
2021 
Bolivia, Plurinational State of  
Temporary import ban on certain 
vegetable products (e.g. potatoes, 
onions, tomatoes) from Peru  El Comercio (20 January 2021)    
 
3 This Section includes information which has been obtained from public sources but has not yet been 
confirmed by the delegation concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 114 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Nigeria  
The Central Bank of Nigeria included 
milk and dairy products in the list of 
items not eligible for foreign exchange, 
resulting in a temporary import ban  New Telegraph (Nigeria) (17 March 2021)    
Termination of the exemption of excise 
duties on imports for certain goods not 
manufactured in Nigeria  Finance A ct 2020. Viewed at: 
https://firs.gov.ng/wp -
content/uploads/2021/01/finance -act-
2020_signed.pdf  Effective 1 
January 
2021 
Tunisia  
Export licensing requirements on iron 
waste and scrap  Press reports referring to Decree No. 94 - 
Customs (9 December 2020)  Effective 
December 
2020 
Note:  For detailed information about HS codes, refer to the TMDB 
(https://tmdb.wto.org/en/explore#page=1&members=C032&g20=0&measure_type=5&after_dt=20
18-10-16&before_dt=2019 -09-01&affected_members=&product_chapters= ).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 115 - ANNEX 4 – MEASURES AFFECTING TRADE IN SERVICES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 20 20 TO MID -MAY 2021 ) 
Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
MEASURES AFFECTING VARIOUS SECTORS  
Angola  
On 20 October 2020, the Presidential Decree  No. 
271/20 approved the new legal framework for the 
promotion of local content in the oil and gas 
industry, expressly repealing Ministry of Petroleum 
Order No. 127/03, of 25 November 2003.  
 
All companies active in the Oil Industry (including 
services provide rs), must source raw materials, 
goods and equipment manufactured in Angola and 
services provided by companies established in 
Angola (100% Angolan -owned or firms 
incorporated in Angola). The contracts for foreign 
technical assistance and management services  are 
subject to Concessionaire's supervision and must 
contain a detailed programmes for training, 
knowledge and technology transfer, and 
development and improvement of skills of the 
national workforce.  
 Modes 1, 3 
and 4  All sectors  Presidential Decree No. 271/20 on Local Content 
Regulations . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://centurionlg.com/2020/11/03/angola -
new-regulations -on-local-content/   Effective 20 October 2020   
A new law, amending the Private Investment Law, 
introduces a contractual regime of investment, 
where terms and conditions for the 
implementation of the projects and the incentives 
and benefits to be granted under the private 
investment contracts may be subject t o 
negotiation between the sponsor of the 
investment project and the Angolan State. This 
new investment regime is available to private 
investments in any sector of activity.  There is no 
longer the need to prove the complete 
implementation of private investm ent projects as 
a condition for the repatriation of dividends. 
Internal credit is accessible to external investors 
and is no longer subject to the condition of 
implementation of the investment project.  Mode 3  All sectors  Law No. 10/21 amending the Private Investment 
Law. 
 
Viewed at:  
https://cms.law/en/prt/publication/meet -the-
law-angola2   22 April 2021   
 
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat, either direct or indirect, on th e consistency of any measure referred to with the 
provisions of any WTO agreement.   
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 116 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Australia  
A package of reforms was passed to ensure 
Australia's foreign investment screening 
framework keeps pace with emerging risks and 
global developments while remaining a welcoming 
destination for foreign investment.  
 
The Act improves and updates the operation of the 
framework across national security, compliance 
monitori ng and enforcement, and integrity as well 
as streamlining requirements and making 
technical changes to improve the operation of the 
law. 
 Mode 3  Certain sectors  Foreign Investment Reform (Protecting 
Australia's National Security) Act 2020 (Act)  
 
Foreign Investment Reform (Protecting 
Australia's National Security) Regulations 2020 
(Regulations) . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://firb.gov.au/  
  1 January 2021  YES 
Canada  
Thresholds above which foreign investors from 
WTO Members in Canadian businesses have to 
obtain federal government approval have been 
lowered for the year 2021. The review threshold 
for 2021 is CAD 1.043 billion in enterprise value 
for investments to direc tly acquire control of a 
Canadian business ( CAD 415 million for state -
owned enterprises of WTO Members).  Mode 3  Various sectors  Thresholds for Review pursuant subsections 
14.1(1) and (2) of the Investment Canada Act, 
Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 155, Num ber 7: 
GOVERNMENT NOTICES . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://gazette.gc.ca/rp -pr/p1/2021/2021 -02-
13/html/notice -avis-eng.html#n15   
 
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ica -
lic.nsf/eng/h_lk00050.html  
 Published 13 February 2021   
An update of the Guidelines on the National 
Security Review of Investments was issued under 
section 38 of the Investment Canada Act. The 
government will notably increase the examination 
of foreign investments where, amongst other 
things sensitive personal data are involved (e.g.  
persona lly identifiable health or genetic; 
biometric; financial; communications; 
geolocation), or investment by foreign state -
owned investors, or private investors closely tied 
to enterprises influenced by foreign governments.  
 Mode 3  Various sectors  Guidelines o n the National Security Review of 
Investments . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ica -
lic.nsf/eng/lk81190.html   Published 24 March 2021   
China  
The Market Access Negative List (2020) jointly 
issued by China's National Development and 
Reform Commission (NDRC) and Ministry of 
Commerce (MOFCOM) includes items referring to 
prohibited or licensed activities. Requirements 
were relaxed or removed for ins pection services Mode 3  All sectors  Market Access Negative List (2020) . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfb/ghxwj/2020
12/t20201216_1252897_ext.html  Effective 10 December 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 117 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
for exported and imported goods, services 
assessing forest and mineral resources and carbon 
emissions, and appointing new executives in 
securities companies. Restrictions on the 
establishment of financial holding companies were 
added to th e list.  
 
The National Development and Reform 
Commission and Ministry of Commerce issued the 
new catalogue of industries where foreign 
investment is encouraged. The scope in which 
foreign investment is encouraged was increased. 
This covers research and development of fifth -
generation mobile communication technologies, 
development of blockchain technologies, design of 
sewage treatment facilities, mainte nance of high -
end equipment, transformation and integration of 
digital production lines,  cross-border e -commerce 
retail, distribution centres for import and export of 
bulk commodities, community chain distribution, 
and online education, health and office s ervices.  
 Mode 3  All sectors  Decree No. 38 of National Development and 
Reform Commission, Ministry of Commerce: 
Catalogue of Industries that Encourage Foreign 
Investment (Version 2020) . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfb/fzggwl/2020
12/t20201228_1260594.html   Effective 27 January 2021  YES 
The Measures on Security Review of Foreign 
Investment jointly issued by  the National 
Development and Reform Commission  and the 
Ministry of Commerce, authorize the "Foreign 
Investment Security Review Working Mechanism" 
to review foreign investments in certain sectors 
linked to security issues (military support and 
defence, and  related activities), as well as 
investments in certain sectors resulting in foreign 
control over important domestic enterprises, such 
as for infrastructure, transportation, energy, 
cultural products, Internet/online products and 
services; information tech nology, financial 
services, critical technologies; and other important 
sectors/areas.  
 Mode 3  All sectors  Measures on Security Review of Foreign 
Investment . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfb/fzggwl/2020
12/t20201219_1255025.html   Effective 18 January 2021  YES 
China issued the Export Control Law to safeguard 
national security and national interest, fulfil its 
obligation of non -proliferation, as well as 
strengthen and regulate export control.  
 Mode 3  All sectors  Export Control Law . 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/c30834/202010/cf4e
0455f6424a38b5aecf8001712c43.shtml   
 Effective 1 December  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 118 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The Ministry of Commerce released Rules on 
Counteracting Unjustified Extra -territorial 
Application of Foreign Legislation and Other 
Measures requirin g Chinese citizens, legal entities, 
or other organizations to report to the competent 
authority that he/it is prohibited or restricted by 
foreign legislation and other measures from 
engaging in normal economic, trade and related 
activities with entities in  a third State. The 
competent authority has the power to allow the 
reporter not to recognize, implement, or comply 
with the said foreign norms.  
 Multiple 
modes  All sectors  Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extra -
Territorial Application of Foreign Legislation and 
Other Measures . 
 
Viewed at:  
http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/article/policyrelea
se/announcement/202101/20210103029708.sht
ml  9 January 2021  YES 
The People's Bank of China, China Banking and 
Insurance Regulatory Commission, China 
Securities Regulatory Commission, and the State 
Administration of Foreign Exchange issued a plan 
to support Hainan's development by allowing 
qualified non -residents to purchase properties in 
Hainan  Free Trade Port on the principle of actual 
needs, authorizing qualified non -bank financial 
institutions to  participate in the interbank foreign 
exchange market when meeting certain 
conditions, and enhancing foreign participation in 
Hainan's financial sector.  Multiple 
modes  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://www.pbc.gov.cn/goutongjiaoliu/113456/1
13469/4227077/index.html  
 
 Effective 2 April 2021  YES 
The National Development and Reform 
Commission published a list of reforms for 
Shenzhen, including the gradual lifting of 
restrictions on foreign ownership in 
telecommunications or promoting the streamlining 
of visa rules to attract talent.  
 Multiple 
modes  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/jd/jd/202010/t20
201020_1248448.html   18 October 2020  YES 
In the Hainan Free Trade Port, market access to 
foreign investment will be expanded in various 
sectors, such as telecommunication, education or 
business services. In the area of 
telecommunications services, Hainan will remove 
restrictions on foreign invest ment in online 
transaction processing and processing companies. 
For legal services, foreign investors will be allowed 
to engage in some commercial non -litigation 
affairs in Hainan. Hainan also lifted the prohibition 
of foreign investment in market surveys,  except 
that the survey of radio and television ratings 
should still be controlled by the Chinese party. 
Foreign investors can also conduct social surveys Mode 3  Selected sectors  Special Administrative Measures for the Access 
of Foreign Investment in Hainan Free Trade Port 
(Negative List, 2020 Edition) . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfb/fzggwl/2020
12/t20201231_1261607.html   Effective 1 February 2021  
 YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 119 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
in the form of equity joint ventures. The minimum 
percentage of ownership by Chinese party 
shareholde rs should be 67% and the legal 
representative should be a Chinese citizen.  
 
On 7 February 2021, the Anti Monopoly  
Commission of the State Council of China issued 
the Antitrust Guidelines in the Field of Platform 
Economy. The Guidelines provide better guidance 
for enforcement of Chinese antitrust laws and 
compliance of companies in the platform sector.  
 Mode 3  Internet - and other 
network -enabled 
services  Viewed  at:  
http://gkml.samr.gov.cn/nsjg/fldj/202102/t2021
0207_325967.html  Effective 7 February 2021  YES 
The State Administration for Market Regulation 
issued Measures for the Supervision and 
Administration of Online Transactions. The 
measures provide specific rules for operators of e -
commerce platforms, including sales via 
livestreaming and social media, set s out the 
responsibilities of platform operators, including 
with respect to protection of consumers' rights and 
protection of personal information.  
 Modes 1 and 
3 Internet - and other 
network -enabled 
services  Measures for the Supervision and Administration  
of Online Transactions  
Government Statement  
 
Viewed at:  
http://gkml.samr.gov.cn/nsjg/fgs/202103/t2021
0315_326936.html  Effective 1 May 2021  YES 
Czech Republic  
A new act will allow the Ministry of Industry and 
Trade to oversee foreign investment into key 
sectors. The law identifies two types of foreign 
investments and two types of screening:  
- foreign investment requiring prior approval in 
risk areas, e.g. (i) operating critical infrastructure 
such as communications, financial, health, 
transport services; (ii) administrating an ICT 
system for critical in formation infrastructure of an 
essential service, or operation of an essential 
service;  or (iii) manufacturing or development of 
military material or selected dual -use items; and  
- foreign investments that do not need prior 
approval but are assessed as ris k-prone can be 
subject to ex officio screening up to 5 years after 
their completion.  
 
The law foresees the possibility to ask for a 
consultation prior to the investment (i.e. a 
preliminary assessment). Consultations are 
mandatory if the target holds a nati onal radio or 
television broadcasting license or is the publisher 
of a periodical with an average aggregate Mode 3  Various sectors  Foreign Direct Investments Screening Act (Act 
No. 34/2021 Coll.) . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://foreigninvestment.bakermckenzie.com/2
021/03/03/czech -republic -introduces -new-
foreign -investment -screeni ng-regime/  
 
https://www.whitecase.com/publications/alert/n
ew-regulation -cross-border -transactions -act-
screening -foreign -investments   Effective 1 May 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 120 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
minimum circulation of 100,000 print copies per 
day. 
 
Finland  
The Act has been amended based on the EU 
Regulation. Key national interests for which 
investment will be screened cover: military 
national defence, functions vital to society, 
national security and foreign and security policy 
objectives, and safeguarding p ublic order and 
security in accordance with Articles 52 and 65 of 
the Treaty on the Functioning of the European 
Union, if there is a genuine and sufficiently serious 
threat to a fundamental interest of society.  
 
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employ ment 
was designated as a national focal point for 
cooperation and exchange of information between 
EU Member States and the European Union.  
 Mode 3  All sectors  Law No.682/2020 Amending the Act on the 
Screening of Foreign Corporate Acquisitions . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2020/2020068
2 
 
https://tem.fi/en/ -/amendments -to-the-act-on-
the-screening -of-foreign -corporate -acquisitions -
ministry -of-economic -affairs -and-employment -
to-become -a-national -contact -point  Effective 11 October 2020  YES 
Germany  
The government expanded the coverage of 
investment projects subject to screening, which 
now includes those touching upon public order or 
security of another EU member state as well as 
those with effects on projects or programmes of 
EU interest.  Also, the standard under which an FDI 
may be prohibited or restrictive measures may be 
imposed has been tightened from "endangering" 
to "likely to affect".  
 Mode 3  Various sectors  16th Amendment to the German Foreign Trade 
and Payments Ordinance . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.gibsondunn.com/update -on-
german -foreign -investment -control -new-eu-
coopera tion-mechanism -and-overview -of-recent -
changes/  Effective 28 October 2020  YES 
New activities were added to the investment 
projects subject to screening, in particular those 
relating to high -technology industries such as 
artificial intelligence, IT products for cybersecurity, 
3D printing for industrial applications based on 
metal or ceramic materials, or information and 
communication technology services important to 
Germany. For critical technologies, a 20% 
threshold will apply. In a ddition to the acquisition 
of voting rights, the acquisition of control and 
management rights can also trigger a notification 
or an ex officio review.  
 Mode 3  Various sectors  17th Amendment to the Foreign Trade and 
Payments Ordinance . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.engage.hoganlovells.com/knowledg
eservices/news/new -rules-german -government -
passes -far-reaching -expansion -of-foreign -
investment -control_1   Effective 1 May 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 121 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The government implemented a new law that 
extends the competence of the competition 
authority to deal with restraints on competition by 
digital companies and new antitrust rules that 
cover abuse of power and other restraints on 
competition by digital platforms.  Multiple 
modes  Internet - and other 
network -enabled 
services  Law amending the law against Restraints of 
competition for a focused, proactive and digital 
competition la w 4.0 and other provisions . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/fi
leadmin/Dateien/3_Downloads/Gesetze_und_Ver
ordnungen/G uV/K/GWB -Art_8 -
Kinderkrankengeld_BGBl.pdf  
 19 January 2021  YES 
India  
The government further liberalised FDI policy in 
several sectors, including, inter alia , contract 
manufacturing, digital media, single brand 
retailing, insurance intermediaries and civil 
aviation and defence. The government has 
released the 'Consolidated FDI Policy Circular 
2020' which supersedes all previous press notes, 
press releases, clarifications and/or circulars 
issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industr y. 
 Mode 3  All Sectors  Consolidated FDI Policy Circular of 2020 . 
 
Viewed at: 
https://dipp.gov.in/sites/default/files/FDI -
PolicyCircular -2020-29October2020_1.pdf  
 Effective 15 October 2020  
 
 YES 
New guidelines seek to eliminate the prior 
approvals, licenses and other restrictions on the 
collection, generation, preparation, dissemination, 
storage, publication, updating and/or digitization 
of geospatial data and maps in India. Foreign 
companies can license the digital maps and 
geospatial data of spatial accuracy/value finer than 
the threshold value from Indian entities only for 
the purpose of serving their customers in India. 
There are restrictions on cross -border transfer of 
geospatial data. Such da ta must be stored and 
processed only in India, even if the same is 
licensed to a foreign company by an authorized 
Indian entity.  
 Modes 1 and 
3 Internet - and other 
network -enabled 
services  Guidelines on Liberalisation of Acquisition and 
Production of Geosp atial Data . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://dst.gov.in/sites/default/files/Final%20Ap
proved%20Guidelines%20on%20Geospatial%20
Data.pdf  Issued 15 February 2021  YES 
 
The Finance Act 2021 amended certain provisions 
related to the 2% equalization levy for 
e-commerce operators introduced in April 2020. 
According to the new act, it will apply to 
e-commerce operators for:  
- the sale of goods irrespective of whether the 
e-commerce operator owns the goods or not, 
however it shall not include the sale of goods 
owned by a person resident in India or by the Mode 1 All sectors  Finance Act 2021 . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.india -briefing.com/news/indias -
digital -tax-2-percent-not-applicable -foreign -e-
commerce -companies -indian -arm-21956.html/  
 
https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/ca
binet-approves -amendments -to-the-finance -bill-
2021/   Enacted 28 March 2021    
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 122 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Indian permanent establishment of a non -resident; 
and  
- the provision of services irrespective of whether 
the service is provided or facilitated by the e -
commerce operator, however it shall not include 
the provision of services by a person resident in 
India or by the Indian permanent establishment 
owned of a non -resident.  
 
The new act also clarified that:  
- transactions that  are taxable as royalty or fees for 
technical services in India under the Income -tax 
Act, 1961 (Income -tax Act) read with the Double 
Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) are not 
covered; and  
- e-commerce supply or service, "online sale of 
goods " and "online provision of services " includes 
the following online activities:  
(a) acceptance of sale offer;  
(b) placement of the purchase order;  
(c) acceptance of the purchase order;  
(d) payment; or  
(e) supply of goods or provision of services, partly 
or wholly.  
 
Indonesia  
The "Omnibus law" on job creation simplified the 
license process and harmonizes various laws and 
regulations, aiming to streamline decision -making 
and attract investment.  Business activities are 
divided into three categories based on business’s 
risks, i.e. low, medium (certification needed) and 
high risk (business licence required). It provides 
that investment is permitted except for 
investment in business lines that are closed or 
those that can only be carried out by the central 
government. It also removes relevant 
requirements and restrictions for foreign 
investment that are currently stipulated in various 
laws governing several business sectors that are 
amended by the Omnibus Law that will be further 
regulated in one implementing regulation. It also 
introduces several changes to the Immigration 
Law. Multiple 
modes  All sectors  Law No.  11 of 2020 regarding Job Creation (the 
"Omnibus Law") . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g
=c6626343 -89fa-442d-9ffb-98e16f3f99a5   
 
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g
=325667ec -4f80-4cba-af93-a540842edaa1   Enacted 2 November 2020  YES 
A new Presidential Regulation liberalized foreign 
ownership limits in a number of services sectors Mode 3  All sector s Presidential Regulation No. 10 of 2021 regarding 
Investment Business Fields . Effective 4 March 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 123 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
using a positive list, e.g. telecommunications, e -
commerce, media services, transportation, 
energy, distribution, construction or health 
services. It is part of Indonesia’s ongoing 
economic reforms through the Omnibus Law. It 
replaces the prior negative list system.   
 
In principle, a  business sector is open to 100% 
foreign investment unless it is stipulated with 
specific requirements.  
 
The minimum foreign investment threshold 
prescribed is 10 billion Indonesian rupiahs 
excluding the value of any land and buildings.  
  
Viewed at:  
https://www.bi.go.id/id/publikasi/peraturan/Pag
es/PBI_222320.aspx   
Italy  
The government adopted new measures that 
clarify and expand the scope of application of the 
review of acquisitions that require prior 
government approval. The process covers assets 
and sectors of strategic importance to the national 
interest, and include sectors such as energy, 
water, health, data and sensitive information, 
financial services, artificial intelligence and media, 
as well as transport (ports, airports etc.), and 
broadband and ultra -broadband se rvices.  Mode 3  All sectors  Decrees of the President of the Council of 
Ministers, Nos. 179 of 18 December 2020 and 
180 of 23 December 2020:  
- Regulation for the identification of assets and 
relationships of national interest in the areas 
referred to in Arti cle 4, paragraph 1 of 
Regulation (EU) No . 2019/452 of the European 
Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019, 
pursuant to Article 2(1)(b) of Decree -Law No . 21 
of 15 March 2012, converted, with amendments, 
by Law No . 56 of 11 May 2012  
- Regulation for the identification of assets of 
strategic importance in the energy, transport 
and communications sectors, in accordance with 
Article 2, paragraph 1, of Decree -Law No. 21 of 
15 March 2012, converted, with amendments, by 
Law No.  56 of 11 May 2012 . 
 
Viewed at :  
https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2020/12/3
0/20G00200/sg  
 
https://www.gazzettaufficiale.i t/eli/id/2020/12/3
0/20G00199/sg   
 
https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment -
policy -monitor/measures/3665/italy -expands -
the-list-of-sectors -and-assets -subject -to-
investment -screening   
 Effective 14 January 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 124 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Japan  
New measures came into force to improve 
transparency and fairness of digital platforms. The 
Act defines "digital platforms " and calls for the 
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ( "METI") 
to designate any digital platform provider which is 
required to e ndeavour to improve the transparency 
and fairness of platforms in particular, amongst 
other digital platforms, "Specified Digital Platform 
Providers" (SDPPs). The act will apply to SDPPs, 
which covers business -to-consumer ( "B-to-C") 
online shopping malls w ith annual sales in Japan 
measured from April 1 to March 31 of at least JPY 
300 billion and B -to-C application stores with 
annual sales in Japan of at least JPY 200 billion. 
The act requires SDPPs to (i) disclose certain 
terms and conditions to sellers and  consumers 
(e.g. factors used for ranking in user search 
responses, conditions to refuse the use of the 
specified digital platform by a supplier), (ii) 
develop fair procedures and systems, and (iii) 
submit an annual report on their business 
operations to t he METI.  
 
In April 2021, in accordance with the Act on 
Improvement of Transparency and Fairness in 
Trading on Specified Digital Platforms, METI 
designated the following digital platform providers 
as SDPPs subject to regulation under the Act: 
Amazon Japan G.K., Rakuten Group Inc., Yahoo 
Japan Corporation, Apple Inc/iTunes K.K. and 
Google LLC.  
 Modes 1 and 
3 Internet - and other 
network -enabled 
services  
 Act on Improving Transparency and Fairness of 
Digital Platforms . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.meti.go.jp/eng lish/policy/mono_info
_service/information_economy/digital_platforms/
index.html  
 Effective 1 February 2021  YES 
Malta  
Malta adopted new measures for the authorization 
of foreign investment. The act defines the power 
of the National FDI Screening Office to authorize 
or refuse FDI projects on the grounds of security 
or public order as well as implement screening 
decisions, report annually to the European 
Commission, and liaise with the authorities of 
third countries on FDI screening -related issues.  
 
All foreign investment activities listed in a 
schedule in the act (covering energy, transport, 
water, health, communications, media, data Mode 3  All sectors  National Foreign Direct Investment Screening 
Office Act . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.nfdismalta.com/wp -
content/uploads/2020/12/NFDIS -Act-
Publication.pdf   Published 18 December 2020  
 
Effective 11 October 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 125 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
processing or storage or financial activities) should 
be notified to the National Foreign Direct 
Investment Screening  Office, when foreign 
investment is 10% or above. Within 5 days the 
Office should inform the applicant whether the 
investment will be subject to screening. Factors to 
be considered are  whether the foreign investor is 
directly or indirectly controlled by th e 
government, including state bodies or armed 
forces, of a third country, including through 
ownership structure or significant funding; 
whether the foreign investor has already been 
involved in activities affecting security or public 
order in an EU member;  or whether there is a 
serious risk that the foreign investor engages in 
illegal or criminal activities.  
 
Mexico  
Mexico adopted new measures that address the 
income tax and VAT treatment of digital services 
and transactions performed on online platforms. 
Notably, the withholding tax, that is applicable to 
resident and non -resident entities, should be 
levied on the total amount of income without VAT 
that individuals receive or cas h-in. The tax rates 
are 2.1% for ground/land passenger transport 
services and the delivery of goods; 4% for 
lodging/accommodation services; and 1% for the 
transfer of goods and the provision of services.  
 
In case of noncompliance, non -resident legal 
entities without a permanent establishment in 
Mexico can have their digital service in Mexico 
temporary blocked, until such time that it complies 
with the obligations. Prior to blocking, the entity 
will be informed of the non -compliance.  
 
Since the blocking wil l be carried out through the 
operators of public networks in Mexico, 
telecommunication operators may also be subject 
to fines for noncompliance or delays in orders for 
blocking and unblocking.  
 Modes 1 and 
3 Internet - and other 
network -enabled 
services  Decree amending the Income Tax Law, the Value 
Added Tax Law, and the Federal Tax Code . 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_to_imagen_fs.php?
codno ta=5606951&fecha=08/12/2020&cod_diari
o=289781   
 
https://mnetax.com/mexico -amends -tax-rules-
applying -to-digital -service -providers -online -
platforms -42363   Effective 1 January 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 126 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
New Zealand  
Update to the Privacy Act to strengthen privacy 
protections by promoting early intervention and 
risk management by agencies.  All modes  All sectors  The Privacy Act 2020 . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2020/
0031/latest/LMS23223.html   
 Effective 1 December 2020  YES 
Oman  
A new measure prohibits the acceptance of 
applications for the ownership of non -fully owned 
Omani companies of lands and real estate located 
in the places of prohibition stipulated in the 
aforementioned Royal Decree No. 29/2018. 
Company owners holding Oman i nationality, and 
companies wholly owned by citizens from any of 
the GCC countries may own the lands and real 
estate necessary to carry out the activity licensed 
for purchase. Decision No. 41/2017 and 
everything that contradicts this decision or 
contraven es its provisions shall be repealed.  
 Mode 3  All sectors  Ministerial Decree No. 45/2021  Regarding the 
Controls of the Ownership of Land and Real 
Estate by Companies for Carrying Out Their 
Activity . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://mjla.gov.om/eng/legislation/decisions/   
 
https://timesofoman.com/article/100358 -
ministry -of-housing -and-urban -planning -issues -
new-decision  
 
 Effective 13 April 2021  YES 
A new measure lists the activities prohibited for 
foreign investors, in order to promote local 
products and entrepreneurship, in particular 
SMEs. The list includes wholesale and retail sale of 
certain products, transport and sale of drinking 
water, repair services of motor vehicles, cargo 
handling services, customs clearance services, 
employment agencies, insurance agents, real 
estate agents. This decision is based on the 
Foreign Capital Investment Law issued by Royal 
Decree No 50/ 2019. The list of prohibi ted 
activities for foreign investment will be updated to 
keep pace with the economic developments in the 
sultanate.  
 Mode 3  Selected sectors  Ministerial Decision No. 209/2020 Determining 
the List of Activities that Are Prohibited to be 
Undertaken by Foreig n Investment . 
Viewed at:  
https://mjla.gov.om/eng/legislation/decisions/de
tails.aspx?Id=1576&type=D   
 
https://muscatdaily.com/Oman/388993/Ministry
-issues -list-of-activities --prohibited -for-foreign -
investment   Effective 14 December 2020  YES 
Pakistan  
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) introduced a 
new mechanism to enable companies in Pakistan 
to remit out disinvestment proceeds to their 
foreign shareholders. The authority to remit the 
disinvestment proceeds has been completely 
delegated to the bank desig nated by the 
company. Now, the banks can remit the 
disinvestment proceeds without seeking any 
approval from SBP.  Mode 3  All sectors  FE Circular No. 05 of 2020 Mechanism for 
Valuation and Repatriation of Disinvestment 
Proceeds . 
 
Viewed at: 
https://www.sbp.org.pk/press/2020/Pr -27-Oct-
20.pdf   
 
https://www.sbp.org.pk/epd/2020/FEC5.htm   Effective 26 October 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 127 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
 
The Ministry of Information and Technology issued 
rules on the "Removal and Blocking of Unlawful 
Online Content".  
 
The rules allow the Pakistan Telecommunications 
Authority (PTA), the country’s internet regulator, 
to censor content that is considered obje ctionable.  
 
The rules allow the government to ban online 
platforms if they do not comply with takedown 
requests, and require all platforms to provide the 
investigation agency with users' data in decrypted, 
readable and comprehensible format. Subject to 
justifiable technical limitations, the information to 
be provided may include subscriber information, 
traffic data, content data and any other 
information or data.  
 Multiple 
modes  Internet - and other 
network -enabled 
services  Rules on the "Removal and Blocking of Unlawful 
Online Content" . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.reuters.com/article/pakistan -
socialmedia -censorship -idINKBN27Z2KF  
 
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/26/pak
istani -gover nment -says-will-review -internet -
censorship -rules 
 
 Notified on 18 November 
2020 YES 
Panama  
A new law restricts the transfer of personal data 
abroad unless the recipient country or company 
complies with data protection standards defined in 
the law. The law also provides for consent 
procedures for the processing of personal data and 
establishes a data regulator with authority to 
impose fines for violations.  
 Multiple 
modes  Internet - and other 
network -enabled 
services  Law No. 81 on the Protection of Personal Data, 
26 March 2019 . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/2874
3_A/GacetaNo_28743a_20190329.pdf  
 
https://www.dataguidance.com/notes/panama -
data-protection -overview  
 Effective 29 March 2021   
Philippines  
A new measure removes the restriction for 
providing incentives to foreign companies. Also, 
from July 2020 to 2022, foreign companies will be 
eligible for a reduction in the corporate income tax 
(CIT) rate to 25% compared to the regular rate of 
30%. From 2022 to 2027, the 25% CIT will 
steadily decline by one percent per year, to finally 
reach 20% in 2027 for foreign companies.  The 
Board of Investments is expected to finalize the 
Implementing Rules and R egulations of the Act by 
end-May 2021.  Mode 3  All sectors  Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for 
Enterprises (CREATE) Act . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://taxreform.dof.gov.ph/tax -reform -
packages/p2 -corporate -recovery -and-tax-
incentives -for-enterprises -act/  
 
https://www.dti.gov.ph/news/signing -of-create -
act/ 
 
https://taxreform.dof.gov.ph/bills/republic -act-
no-11534 -create -law/ 
 Effective 11 April 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 128 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/24/boi -sees-create -
irr-completion -this-month -sipp-in-january -2022/  
 
 
Slovak Republic  
The government amended the Critical 
Infrastructure Act, establishing an investment 
screening process. Acquisitions of more than 10% 
of shares or voting rights in critical infrastructure 
will be reviewed. This covers investment in 
transportation, informatio n and communication 
technology, postal, health, water or financial 
services.  
 
If the transaction compromises public order or 
national security, authorities can propose that the 
Government either (i) prohibits the transaction, or 
(ii) approves the transacti on conditionally. The 
Government may then grant an unconditional or 
conditional approval in cases where the benefits of 
the transaction outweigh the risks or propose 
remedies to ensure that the benefits outweigh the 
risks.  
 Mode 3  All sectors  Act of 8 Febr uary 2011 on Critical Infrastructure . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2021/ma
rch/tradoc_159517.pdf  
 
https://foreigninvestment.bakermckenzie.com/2
021/04/13/slovakia -introduces -new-foreign -
investment -screening -regime /#page=1   Effective 1 March 2021  YES 
Spain  
A new law introduces an indirect tax of 3% 
applicable to revenues (excluding VAT) derived 
from the provision of certain digital services in 
which there is a participation of users situated in 
Spain.  
 
Digital services fall in three categories: (a) on -line 
advertising services, (b) on -line intermediation 
services and (c) data transmission services when 
data have been generated in Spain. The tax 
applies to entities that meet certain revenue 
thresholds at the group level: (i) global yearly net 
revenues above 750 million euros and (ii) Spanish 
yearly taxable income subject to the tax above 3 
million euros. The tax applies regardless of the tax 
residence of the digital service provider.  
 Multiple 
modes  Intern et- and other 
network -enabled 
services  Law No. 4/2020, on Taxes on Certain Digital 
Services  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE -
A-2020-
12355#:~:text=El%20Impuesto%20sobre%20D
eterminados%20Servicios%20Digitales%20es%2
0un%20tributo%20de,territorio%20de%20aplica
ci%C3%B 3n%20del%20impuesto .  
 
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/spain -s-
new-digital -services -tax-comes -9578590/   Effective 16 January 2021  YES 
United Arab Emirates  
A new decree makes significant amendments to 
the Federal law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial 
companies. The decree allows up to 100% foreign Mode 3  All sectors  Decree Law No. 26 of 2020 . 
 
Viewed at:  Effective 2 January 2021    
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 129 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
ownership in companies in UAE unless a specific 
restriction is created. No amendments may be 
made to existing memorandu m of association of 
an existing company having a strategic impact 
activity. A Cabinet Decision is expected to define 
the scope of strategic impact activities.  
 
The requirement that the chairman and the 
majority of the board of directors be nationals has 
been lifted (to come into effect 6 months after the 
publication of the Decree Law in the official 
gazette). This is pending specific restrictions to be 
specified in future regulations. There is no longer 
a requirement to have a UAE national or local 
company  as registered agent in the case of an 
onshore branch in an Emirate.   
 
The decree supersedes the current Foreign Direct 
Investment Law (Federal Law No.  19/2018) and 
Cabinet Resolution No.16 of 2020 that established 
a positive list where foreign investment was 
possible subject to minimum capital requirements, 
and a negative list of sectors where foreign 
ownership was prohibited.  
 https://wam.ae/ en/details/1395302889305   
United Kingdom  
The United Kingdom adopted the National Security 
& Investment Law, which reforms the screening of 
investments in the country.  
 
The new Act will introduce mandatory notification 
obligations for certain transactions in 17 core 
sectors, including data infras tructure, artificial 
intelligence, communications, and transport. The 
government can review investments, including 
beyond the 17 sectors, if a transaction is believed 
to give rise to national security risks.  
 Mode 3  All sectors  National Security & Investment Law . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/nati
onal-security -and-investment -bill 
 
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/national -
security -bolstered -as-bill-to-protect -against -
malicious -investment -granted -royal-assent   
 Given Royal Assent on 29 
April 2021  YES 
United States  
A new Act requires certain issuers of securities to 
declare that they are not owned or controlled by 
any foreign government. Specifically, an issuer 
must make this certification if the Public Company 
Accounting Oversight Board is unable to audit 
specified reports because the issuer has retained a Mode 3  All sectors  Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th -
congress/senate -bill/945   18 December 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 130 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
foreign pu blic accounting firm not subject to 
inspection by the board. Furthermore, if the board 
is unable to inspect the issuer's public accounting 
firm for three consecutive years, the issuer's 
securities are banned from trade on a national 
exchange or through oth er methods.  
 
The U.S. Department of the Treasury modified the 
criteria for mandatory declarations for certain 
foreign investment transactions involving a U.S. 
business that produces, designs, tests, 
manufactures, fabricates, or develops one or more 
"critical technologi es".  
 
The measure removes the previous analysis and 
nexus to the North American Industry 
Classification System (NAICS) codes and replaces 
it with an analysis of export control authorization 
requirements. Additionally, it makes amendments 
to the definition  of the term "substantial interest " 
and a related provision.  
 Mode 3  All sectors  Final Rule on Provisions Pertaining to Certain 
Investments in the United States by Foreign 
Persons  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR -2020-
09-15/pdf/2020 -18454.pdf   Effective 15 October 2020  YES 
The President issued an Executive Order that 
prohibits, on national security grounds, 
transactions with certain connected mobile and 
desktop applications and other software developed 
or controlled by Chinese companies. Companies 
concerned are Alipay, CamSc anner, QQ Wallet, 
SHAREit, Tencent QQ, VMate, WeChat Pay, and 
WPS Office.  Modes 1 
and 3  Mobile, desktop 
applications and 
other software  Executive Order No. 13971, Addressing the 
Threat Posed by Applications and Other Software 
Developed or Controlled by Chi nese Companies . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/202
1/01/08/2021 -00305/addressing -the-threat -
posed -by-applications -and-other-software -
developed -or-controlled -by-chinese   
 Issued on 5 January 2021, 
and effective 45 days after  YES 
Viet Nam  
A new decree provides the list of business lines for 
which foreign investors (including foreign -invested 
companies which are deemed as foreign investors 
under Article 23 -1 of the Investment Law 2020) 
are not allowed ("Prohibition List"). It also 
includes t he list of business lines where foreign 
investors are permitted but have to satisfy market 
entry conditions ("Market Entry Condition List").  
 
The prohibition list covers 25 business lines (e.g. 
press, public opinion polling, waste collection from 
househol ds, security and investigation services, 
public postal services, tourism services, except Mode 3  Various sectors  Decree No. 31/2021/ND -CP guiding the 
implementation of Investment Law . 
 
Viewe d at:  
https://vietnam -business -
law.info/blog/2021/4/6/new -decree -312021 -
guiding -the-implementation -of-the-investment -
law-2020-on-the-market -entry-of-foreign -
investors   Effective 26 March 2021    
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 131 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
international tourism services for international 
tourists to Viet  Nam).  
 
The Market entry list includes 58 specific items 
(e.g. finance, communication services, 
advertising, education, various professional 
services, health, logistics) and one item allowing 
authorities to issue pilot mechanisms on business 
lines considered as new (i.e. not existing at the 
date of issuance of the decree). The Ministry of 
Planning and In vestment (MPI) coordinated with 
other authorities to review and collect all market 
entry conditions and publish them on the National 
Portal on Investment.  
 
HEALTH SERVICES  
Indonesia  
Under the Omnibus Law, foreign ownership of 
hospitals is authorized up to 100%. The 
government regulation, which is an implementing 
regulation for the Omnibus law, requires that any 
hospital with foreign ownership has at least 200 
beds. Other requirements continue to apply.  
 Mode 3  Health -related 
services  Government Regulation No. 47 of 2021 on 
Hospital Administration . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=
a956a169 -bd73-4acd-bcf4-79ab57c47bcd   
 19 March 2021  YES 
POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES  
Indonesia  
The Omnibus Law amends the relevant provision 
of the Post Law that sets out the requirements for 
foreign postal operators to do business in 
Indonesia. The Law stipulates that the 
requirements for foreign postal operators will be 
further regulate d in a Government Regulation. The 
Omnibus Law also removes the requirement that 
foreign postal operators cooperate with domestic 
postal operators, as well as the requirement for 
postal operators to obtain a license from the 
Minister of Communication and In formatics to be a 
public company.  
 Mode 3  Postal services  Law No.  11 of 2020 regarding Job Creation (the 
"Omnibus Law") . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=
94b928d3 -4f9a-412a-9e50-
3ff8923f73d4&utm_source=L exology+Daily+New
sfeed&utm_medium=HTML+email+ -+Body+ -
+General+section&utm_campaign=Lexology+su
bscriber+daily+feed&utm_content=Lexology+Dai
ly+Newsfeed+2021 -04-14&utm_term=   
 Enacted: 2 November 2020   
TELECOMMUNICATIONS/ICT/AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES  
Brazil  
The Ministry of Science, Technology and 
Innovations has adopted an ordinance containing 
the government’s artificial intelligence (AI) 
strategy. The ordinance strengthens research, Multiple 
modes  Computer and related 
services  Ordinance No. 4.617 Establishing the Brazilian 
Artificial Intelligence Strategy and its thematic 
axes. 
 6 April 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 132 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
development and innovation in AI and includes 
guidelines in government initi atives in topics such 
as privacy, security, ethics and human rights by 
design and calls for transparency, equity and non -
discrimination.  
 Viewed at:  
https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/ -/portaria -
gm-n-4.617 -de-6-de-abril-de-2021-*-313212172   
Cambodia  
The Cambodian government issued a sub -decree 
establishing a National Internet Gateway (NIG), 
which is tasked with managing domestic and 
international internet connections in the country.  Modes 1 and 
3 Telecommunication 
services  Sub-decree No. 23 on the Establishment of 
National Internet Gateway (NIG)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://data.opendevelopmentcambodia.net/en/d
ataset/7d273604 -61a9-456e-b631-
8f73dff13e9b/resource/bfc522d6 -9e02-4f5e-
a63c-5daaf3181088/download/20210216_no_23 -
sub_degree.pdf   
 
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=
37ce4930 -c39f-46ab-aa38-4bbf36881ff0   
 Signed by Prime Minister 16 
February 2021   
India  
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) 
issued notices ordering mobile operators to 
resume blocking SMS by use of “content 
scrubbing” filters. The measures, based on a 2018 
regulation to reduce unsolicited commercial 
communications (spam) and fraud, require 
telecom companies to verify SMS  content with a 
template pre -registered by the sender before 
delivering the message.  Modes 1 and 
3 Telecommunication 
services  Press release No. 24/2021: Implementation of 
the 'Telecom Commercial Communications 
Customer Preference Regulations  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No
.24of2021.pdf   1 April 2021  YES 
The government adopted a set of guidelines for 
digital intermediaries and a code of ethics for 
digital media. The rules establish a new regulatory 
category referred to as "significant social media 
intermediaries" (SSMIs). Inclusion in this category 
is base d on the number of registered users, a 
threshold that will be determined by the 
government. Entities falling within this category 
must retain user information for 6 months and 
disclose user information to law enforcement 
agencies.  
 
They must establish a 3 -tiered mechanism 
(grievance officer, self -regulating body, inter -
departmental committee) to oversee the 
operations of "news and online curated content Modes 1 and 
3 Digital media services  Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics 
Code. 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=
f4c5cf68 -5014-467d-94c8-21885824b9bb   
 
https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Int
ermediary_Guidelines_and_Digital_Media_Ethics_
Code_Rules -2021.pdf   25 February 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 133 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
publishers". Chief compliance officers and related 
positions of the SSMIs, Over -the-Top service 
providers  and news media content providers must 
be employees who are resident in India.  
 
The rules give the Ministry of Information and 
Broadcasting authority to block content in 
emergencies where "no delay is acceptable."  
 
The government published an amendment under 
its Allocation of Business Rules that expands the 
authority of the Ministry of Information and 
Broadcasting to regulate and censor social media, 
digital news and streaming services.  
 Modes 1 and 
3 Audiovisual ser vices Allocation of Business Three Hundred and Fifty 
Seventh Amendment Rules, 2020, CG -DL-E-
10112020 -223032 .  
 
Viewed at:  
http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/2230
32.pdf  
 9 November 2020  YES 
Indonesia  
Indonesia promulgated a Regulation to complete a 
regulatory framework on management and 
supervision of electronic system providers by 
private entities (private ESPs). The Regulation 
clarifies registration requirements (and removes 
data localization requirements previously included 
in the draft measure). ESPs are required to provide 
guidelines for the use of their electronic system in 
Indonesia and ensure that the system (i) does not 
contain prohibited infor mation and/or documents, 
and (ii) does not facilitate the dissemination of 
prohibited information and/or documents.  
 Modes 1 and 
3 Telecommunication 
services  Regulation No. 5 of 2020 regarding Private 
Electronic System Provider  
 
Viewed at:  
https://jdih.kominfo.go.id/produk_hukum/view/i
d/759/t/peraturan+menteri+komunikasi+dan+in
formatika+nomor+5+tahun+2020  
 
https://www.hoganlovells.com/~/media/hogan -
lovells/pdf/2021 -
pdfs/2021_01_26_corporate_an d_finance_alert_i
ndonesian_regulator_set_clearer_terms_for_inter
net_platforms.pdf   Effective 24 November 2020   
Under the "Omnibus Law", implementing 
regulations on Postal, Telecommunication and 
Broadcasting on Capital Investment Business 
Fields (known as the "Priority List"), proposes 
easing of foreign investment and associated 
foreign equity restrictions for the technology and 
telecommunication sectors. Government 
Regulation 46 also provides that for spectrum 
leasing and spectrum pooling with an other 
telecommunication network operator, or a special 
telecommunication operator (without the need to 
obtain a specific spectrum licence).  
 Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Government Regulation No. 46 of 2021 on Postal, 
Telecommunication and Broadcasting . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://globalcompliancenews.com/indonesia -
building -up-regulations -to-support -digital -
econo my-18032021/   18 March 2021    
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 134 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Japan  
In order to  strengthen the effectiveness of law 
enforcement for entities including foreign 
corporations, the amendment of the 
Telecommunications Business Act introduced 
regulations related to the obligation to designate 
the domestic representative or the domestic age nt 
at the time of registration or notification. It also 
introduces a publication system that also target 
domestic corporations in the case of violations of 
the Act.  Multiple 
modes  Telecommunication 
services  Telecommunications Business Act . 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/law/det
ail/?id=3648&vm=04&re=2  
 Effective 1 April 2021  YES 
Kenya  
An amendment to the ICT policy guidelines 
increased the minimum Kenyan equity 
participation requirement from 20% to 30 % in all 
licensed companies in the sector. All companies 
licensed to provide broadcasting services must 
continue to comply with the 30% lo cal equity 
requirements. The Policy requires licensees to 
comply with the new local equity participation 
requirements within three years.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Gazette Notice N o. 3192 amending the National 
ICT Policy Guidelines, 2020 . 
 
Viewed a t:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=
88c77c37 -90e2-41ed-b0e1-
68591829e8fb&utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Ne
wsfeed&utm_medium=HTML+email+ -+Body+ -
+General+section&utm_campaign=Lexology+su
bscriber+daily+feed&utm_content=Lex ology+Dai
ly+Newsfeed+2021 -04-14&utm_term=   
 Published on 9 April 2021   
Korea, Rep. of  
The government enacted and implemented 
amendments to the Telecommunications Business 
Act, including a requirement on foreign telecom 
services suppliers to appoint a local 
representative.  Mode 1  Telecommunication 
services  Amended Telecommunications Business Act . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.kimchang.com/en/insights/detail.kc
?sch_section=4&idx=22016#:~:text=An%20 am
endment%20to%20the%20Korean,10%2C%202
020%20(the%20%E2%80%9CAmended   
 Effective 10 December 2020  YES 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The Communication and Information Technology 
Commission released an updated version of the 
cloud computing regulatory framework. It 
facilitates requirements for the provision of cloud 
computing services, by rearranging registration 
categories, clarifying requirements for the 
registration process, explaining the mechanisms 
for dealing with data and its classifications, and  
outlines the subscribers' responsibilities of cloud 
computing services and service providers.  
 Modes 1 and 
3 Computer and related 
services  Cloud Computing Regulatory Framework . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.citc.gov.sa/ar/mediacenter/pressrel
eases/Pages/2020122201.aspx#   
 
https://www.citc.gov.sa/en/RulesandSystems/Re
gulatoryDocum ents/Pages/CCRF.aspx   Effective 3 December 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 135 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Seychelles  
New regulations were introduced on the "per -
second" billing by operators of public land mobile 
network and records of customers of prepaid 
mobile services.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Broadcasting and Telecommunications (Records 
of Customers of Prepaid Mobile Services by 
Operators of Public Land Mobile Network) 
(Amendment) Regulations  
 
S.I. 24 of 2021 Broadcasting and 
Telecommunication (Per -second Billing by 
Operators of Public Land Mobile Network) 
Regulations; S.I. 2 of 2021 . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.nationalassembly.sc/legi slation/stat
utory-instrument -sis/si-2-2021-broadcasting -
and-telecommunications -records  
 
https://www.nationalas sembly.sc/legislation/stat
utory-instrument -sis/si-24-2021-broadcasting -
and-telecommunication -second -billing   
 Enacted 22 January and 3 
March 2021  YES 
Tanzania  
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory 
Authority (TCRA) suspended new data tariffs 
offered by the country’s mobile operators. 
Telecommunications companies revised their 
prices for voice calls, SMS and data services to 
comply with the new regulations. Howev er, the 
TCRA is temporarily suspending the new data 
bundles and their pricing to give service providers 
time to conduct detailed analysis that would better 
serve the interests of consumers.  
 Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.commsupdate.com/article s/2021/04
/07/tcra -suspends -cellcos -revised -data-
tariffs/?utm_source=CommsUpdate&utm_campai
gn=db64166f38 -
CommsUpdate+07+April+2021&utm_medium=e
mail&utm_term=0_0688983330 -db64166f38 -
11673382   2 April 2021   
Ukraine  
The new law established equal rights for all 
providers of electronic communications networks 
and services to access the infrastructure and 
introduces a dispute settlement procedure.  Modes 1 and 
3 Telecommunication 
services  The Law of Ukraine No 1089 -IX On electronic 
communications . 
 
Viewed at : 
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1089 -
20#Text   Adopted 16 December 2020  
 
Effective 1 January 2022  YES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES  
Albania  
The Board of the Capital market Authority approved 
five regulations (By -laws in the Capital Market) 
covering:  Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Regulation No. 187, dated 16.12.2020 "On the 
form and procedure of registration of the offering 
memorandum for bonds issuance" . 
 16 and 29 December 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 136 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
- licensing of investment firms, their branches and 
recognition of foreign investment firms,  
- activities of tied agents of investment firms,  
- requirements for key personnel in investment 
firms or offering investment services,  
- assessing client suitability,  
- procedure for registering the offering 
memorandum for the issuance of bonds.  Regulation No. 188, dated 16.12.2020 "On the 
registration and activity of the tied agent of the 
investment firm" . 
 
Regulation No. 195, dated 29.12.2020 "On the 
licensing of th e investment firm, the registration 
of the branch of the foreign investment firm and 
the recognition of the foreign investment firm" . 
 
Regulation No. 196, dated 29.12.2020 "On the 
certification procedure and qualifications of the 
employees with key functio ns of the investment 
firm". 
 
Regulation No. 197, dated 29.12.2020 "On the 
assessment of client’s suitability" . 
 
Regulation No.112 dated 31.08.2020 on 
"Licensing of Collective Investment 
Undertakings ". 
 
Regulation No. 132 dated 30.09.2020 "The form, 
calculation and amount of its own funds that the 
fund management company must have" . 
 
Regulation No. 133, dated 30.09.2020 “On 
Investor communications” . 
 
Regulation No. 156, dated 23.10.2020 “Risk 
management of the manage ment company of 
collective investment undertakings" . 
 
Regulation No. 189, dated 16.12.2020 "On 
Suspension of issue and redemption of units in 
CIU". 
 
Regulation No. 2, dated 27.01.2021 "On the 
Operation of Licensed Collective Investment 
Undertakings established in Albania by Fund 
Management Companies and Depositaries ". 
 
The Albanian Parliament approved on 16 March 
2021 a new law fulfilling the recommendations of 
the European Commission, through progress 
reports and through the annual meetings of the Multiple 
modes Insurance services  Law on compulsory motor insurance in the 
transport sector  Effective 1 July 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 137 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Sub-Committee EU -Albania "Internal Market and 
Competition".  
 
China  
The People's Bank of China has released new 
guidelines on the collection and processing of 
personal financial information which apply to 
regulated banks, financial institutions and 
insurance companies. Personal financial 
information includes  information which is 
collected, processed, generated and secured 
through  the provision of financial products or 
services in China. Personal financial information 
can be transferred abroad if necessary for 
business purposes and under certain conditions 
(e.g. consent, privacy and security assessment). 
It is required, amongst oth er things, that certain 
sensitive information is not shared with third party 
service providers.  
 Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Personal Financial Information Guidelines  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.mondaq.com/china/security/10186
64/stricter -data-localisation -and-security -rules-
for-financial -and-insurance -data-in-china   20 December 2020   
The People's Bank of China (PBOC) introduced a 
data lifecycle security code. It represents the key 
guideline for handling personal and other financial 
information by financial institutions. They are 
classified into five levels and different compliance 
obligations are specified for each. This will require 
financial institutions to assess and classify/tag 
financial data against the five levels and apply the 
relevant compliance obligations to each level 
accordingly.  
 
Financial institutions must comply with th ese extra 
steps as well as compliance obligations under the 
Cybersecurity Law, Personal Information Security 
Specification, etc. Apps and web terminals 
operated by financial institutions must not retain 
any information at level 3 or above once the 
transact ion in question is concluded. Level 5 data 
(i.e. important data, not defined) must only be 
stored in Mainland China and cannot be 
transferred or accessed abroad. For all other 
financial data (i.e. levels 1 to 4), the general 
principal is that such data sho uld be stored in 
Mainland China. Financial data at level 3 or above 
– which includes all customer personal information 
– can only be transferred to, or accessed by, third Mode 3  Financial services  Financial Data Security Data Lifecycle Security 
Code (JR/T 0223 -2021) . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://blogs.dlapiper.com/privacymatters/china
-navigating -china -episode -16-new-data-lifecycle -
guidelines -for-financial -institutions -in-china-
detailed -assessments -additional -security -
measures -and-some -data-localisation -
introduced/   
 
http://www.360doc.com/content/21/0416/10/70
074794_972578115.shtml   Effective 8 April 2021    
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 138 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
parties (onshore or offshore) if: (i) necessary for 
business purposes; and (ii) prior  approvals are 
obtained. Transfers to group companies are also 
regulated, and different requirements apply to 
each level.  
 
The code details extensive data security measures 
that must be applied throughout the data lifecycle 
for each level of data. Financia l institutions must 
undertake an additional data security impact 
assessment if they acquire any data from an 
external (third party) supplier.  
 
The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory 
Commission (CBIRC) issued a Notice on Matters 
Related to Insurance Fund Financial Equity 
Investment. The core of the Notice is to remove 
industry restrictions on financial equity investment 
of insurance funds.  Mode 3  Insurance services  Notice on Matters Related to Insurance Fund 
Financial Equity Inves tment . 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.cbirc.gov.cn/cn/view/pages/goverm
entDetail.html?docId=942106&itemId=861&gen
eraltype=1  
 Effective 12 November 202 0 YES 
The CBIRC introduced new rules regarding 
Internet Insurance Business Measures according 
to which only licensed insurance institutions 
(qualified operators) are allowed to  engage in 
internet insurance business.  Modes 1 
and 3  Insurance services  Internet Insurance Business Measures  
(New Internet Insurance Measures) . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.cbirc.gov.cn/cn/view/pages/goverm
entDetail.html?docId=949137&itemId=861  
 Effective 1 February 2021  YES 
The CBIRC issued the Decision on Amending the 
Implementation Rules of the Regulations of the 
People's Republic of China on Foreign -funded 
Insurance Companies. Restrictive provisions on 
the ratio of foreign shares are removed. A foreign 
insurance company or a foreign -funded  insurance 
group company, as shareholder of a foreign 
insurance company, can hold 100% of the shares. 
The decree also clarifies access conditions for 
foreign insurance group companies and foreign 
financial institutions to invest in foreign -funded 
insurance companies.   
 Mode 3  Insurance services  Decree of China Banking and Insurance 
Regulatory Commission (2021 No. 2) . 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.cbirc.gov.cn/cn/view/pages/ItemDet
ail.html?docId=971698&itemId=928   
 Effective 10 March 2021  YES 
China's State Council promulgated new 
regulations providing that no entity or individual 
may publish an advertisement containing 
fundraising conten t or otherwise distribute 
publicity material for fundraising to the public.  Mode 3  Banking services  
Advertising services  Regulations on the Prevention and Handling of 
Illegal Fundraising  
 
Viewed at:  Effective 1 May 2021    
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 139 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
 
For Internet information service providers failing 
to fulfil their obligations to prevent and dispose of 
suspected illegal fundraising information, the 
competent authorities shall order rectification, 
issue a warning or confiscate the illegal proceeds. 
For online instances such as websites or mobile 
applications that were established or developed 
for illegal fundraising, the competent 
telecommunications authority shall shut them 
down in accordance with law.  
 https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g
=fa0e88b2 -a27f-4d7a-981d-
2ff27b002042&utm_source=Lexology+Daily+Ne
wsfeed&utm_medium=HTML+email+ -+Body+ -
+General+section&utm_campaign=Lex ology+su
bscriber+daily+feed&utm_content=Lexology+Da
ily+Newsfeed+2021 -04-16&utm_term=  
 
Costa Rica  
The National Council for the Supervision of the 
Financial System introduced several reforms to 
regulations related to public offering securities to 
promote environmental, social and sustainable 
objectives in the securities market.  
 Modes 1 
and 3  Banking an d other 
financial services  Reform Securities Public Offering Regulations, 
Infrastructure Project Financing Regulations, 
Securitization Process Regulation and General 
Regulations on Management Companies and 
Investment Funds . 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normati
va/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=
NRTC&nValor1=1& nValor2=93220&nValor3=123
657&strTipM=TC  
 Effective 16 December 2020  YES 
A regulation was published establishing the 
minimum responsibilities and obligations that 
apply to branches of foreign banks established in 
Costa Rica.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Regulation on Minimum Responsibilities and 
Obligations of Foreign Bank Branches in 
Costa  Rica. 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normati
va/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=
NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=93233&nValor3=123
675&strTipM=TC  
 Effective 16 December 2020  YES 
A new version of the regulation concerning 
exchange derivatives operations establishes the 
procedure before the General Superintendency of 
Financial Entities (SUGEF) to negotiate exchange 
derivatives contracts with clients, which 
complements the authorization of the entity by 
the Central Bank of Co sta Rica (BCCR). It also 
establishes prudential provisions on limits for 
operations with exchange derivatives.  
  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Regulation on Transactions with Exchange 
Derivatives (SUGEF AGREEMENT 9 -20) and 
Reform Regulation o n the Patrimonial Adequacy 
of Financial Institutions  
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normati
va/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=
NRTC&nValor1=1& nValor2=93230&nValor3=123
660&strTipM=TC  
 Effective 16 December 2020  YES 
A new version of the regulation on foreign Mode 3  Banking and other Foreign Currency Derivatives Regulation  Effective 16 December 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 140 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
currency derivatives was approved. It establishes 
the terms of use and negotiation of derivative 
contracts in foreign currency carried out b y 
entities supervised by the General 
Superintendence of Financial Institutions and the 
General Superintendence of Securities that have 
exchange intermediary status. The measure also 
regulates the obligations and responsibilities of 
these entities to supply  information to the Central 
Bank of Costa Rica and to the corresponding 
supervisory bodies.  
 financial services   
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normati
va/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=
NRTC&nValor1=1& nValor2=93227&nValor3=123
653&strTipM=TC  
 
An amendment to the Law for the Regulation of 
Financial Intermediation of Cooperative 
Organizations allows savings and credit 
cooperatives to grant loans to micro, small and 
medium -sized enterprises to promote economic 
reactivation. In addition, the reform  eliminates a 
series of restrictions previously imposed on 
cooperatives for lending to enterprises and 
expands the scope of financial services that they 
may offer to their members.  
 Mode 3  Credit granting 
services  Reform Regulation of Financial Intermedia tion of 
Cooperative Organizations .  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normati
va/No rmas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=
NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=93089&nValor3=123
423&strTipM=TC  Effective 2 December 2020 
(except for the amendment 
referring to the possibility of 
making investments in 
securities issued by different 
financial institutions, 
effective six months after 
publication)  YES 
A new regulation was approved, which regulates 
the management of the deposit guarantee fund 
(FGD) and other guarantee funds (OFG) created 
by Law No. 9816 ("Law of Creation of the 
Guarantee Fund Deposit and Resolution 
Mechanisms"). The purpose of the measure is to 
guarantee, up to a certain limit, the deposits and 
savings that natural and legal persons keep in 
entities contributing to the Fund, as well as 
establish  the resolution mechanisms of financial 
intermediaries supervised by the General 
Superintendency of Financial Entities (SUGEF).  
 Mode 3  Credit granting 
services  Regulation on the management of the deposit 
guarantee fund (FGD) and other guarantee 
funds . 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normati
va/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=
NRTC&nValor1=1& nValor2=93574&nValor3=124
296&strTipM=TC  
 
https://www.sugef.fi.cr/ver/normativa/normativ
a_vigente/Sugef%2040 -
21%20%20( v01%2028%20enero%202021).pdf
#.YH9e6ehKjcs  
 Effective 3 May 2021  YES 
Revisions were introduced to the Law for the 
Promotion of Competition and Effective Defence of 
the Consumer regulating financial, commercial 
and microcredit operations, including limits on the 
maximum annual interest rate that individuals or 
legal entities may charge when granting financing 
to a third party.  
 Mode 3  Credit granting 
services  Reform of the Law for the Promotion of 
Competition and Effective Protection of the 
Consumers  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normati
va/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1 =
NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=92971&nValor3=123Effective 18 November 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 141 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
240&strTipM=TC  
 
Hong Kong, China  
The Insurance (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 and 
relevant subsidiary legislation provide for, inter 
alia, a new regulatory regime for insurance -linked 
securities ( "ILS"). ILS is a risk management tool 
that enables insurers or reinsurers to offload risks 
that they have underwritten to the capital market 
by way of securitization and is often treated as an 
alternative form of reinsurance.  Multiple 
modes  Insurance services  Insurance (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 and the 
Insurance (Special Purpose Business) Rules . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr19 -
20/english/ord/2020ord017 -e.pdf  
 
https://ww w.legco.gov.hk/yr20 -
21/english/subleg/negative/2021ln007 -e.pdf 
 
https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr20 -
21/english/subleg/negative/2021ln008 -e.pdf 
 
https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr20 -
21/english/subleg/negative/2021ln002 -e.pdf 
 
https://www.lexology.c om/library/detail.aspx?g
=70e6237a -844b-4a3a-a457-ca96c83a5fa0   
 Effective 29 March 2021  YES 
India  
The National Payments Corporation of India 
(NPCI), limited to a maximum of 30% the market 
share of foreign electronic payment service 
suppliers processing online payments made 
through India's United Payment Interface (owned 
and operated by NPCI).  Multiple 
modes  Electronic payment 
services  Press release No 216: NPCI Press Release - UPI 
balances consumer experience with growth 
outlook with a 30% vol ume cap for Third Party 
App Providers (TPAPs) . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.npci.org.in/PDF/npci/press -
releases/2020/UPI -balances -consumer -
experience -with-growth -for-TPAPs.pdf  
 Effective 1 January 2021  YES 
Indonesia  
Bank Indonesia (BI) implemented structural 
changes to the payment licensing framework in 
Indonesia which includes the reclassification of the 
activities of payment service operators (from 
previously an institutional -based approach to now 
an activity and risk -based approach). This 
regulation will enable BI to better mitigate 
potential risks in Indonesia’s financial system 
while keeping up with the rapid development of  
digitalization and innovation in the payment 
systems industry. Worth noting regarding share 
ownerships are:  Mode 3  Payment services  Regulation No. 22/23/PBI/2020 on Payment 
System . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bi.go.id/id/publikasi/peraturan/Pag
es/PBI_222320.aspx#  
  
 Published 29 December 2020  
Effective 1 July 2021.  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 142 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
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classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
a) a maximum of 85% foreign equity participation 
(FEP) or 49% FEP with voting rights for non -bank 
payment service providers  
b) a maximum of 20% FEP  for non -bank payment 
infrastructure providers with or without voting 
rights.  
 
Kazakhstan  
Due to the expiration of the five-year transition 
period pursuant to the commitments set forth in 
the GATS Schedule of Specific Commitments of 
the Republic of Kazakhstan in relation to the 
financial services sector, the relevant laws of 
Kazakhstan have been amended to allow foreign 
banks, insurance (and reinsurance) organizations 
and insurance brokers to open direct branches in 
the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan:  
 
In order to open branches, foreign banks and 
insurance and reinsurance organizations are 
required to meet the requ irements and conditions 
established by the Laws of the RK "On Banks and 
Banking Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan"  
and "On Insurance Activities":  
1) in the banking sector:  
- the minimum amount of total assets of a non -
resident bank, which has submi tted an application 
for the opening of a branch, must be not less than 
USD 20 billion;  
- the minimum amount of deposit which can be 
accepted from a natural person by non -resident 
bank branches must be not less than USD 
120,000.  
2) in the insurance and rei nsurance sectors:  
- the minimum amount of total assets of a non -
resident insurance organization/non -resident 
reinsurance organization, which has submitted an 
application for the opening of a branch, must be 
not less than USD 5 billion;  
- branches of non -resident insurance 
companies/non -resident reinsurance organizations 
are allowed to provide insurance services in 
certain sectors only if the parent non -resident 
companies have at least 10 years of experience in 
those sectors and classes.  
 Mode 3  Financial s ervices  Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No.  2444 "On 
Banks and Banking Activities in the Republic of 
Kazakhstan"  of 31 August 1995;  
 
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 126 "On 
Insurance Activities " of 
18 December 2000;  
 
Entrepreneur Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan 
No. 375-V ZRK of 29 October 2015.  
 
Law of the RK No. 399 -VI ZRK "On Amending 
Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of 
Kazakhstan Concerning the Restoration of 
Economic Growth " of 2 January 2021 . 
 
Law of the RK No. 168 -VI ZRK "On Amen ding 
Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of 
Kazakhstan Concerning Currency Regulation and 
Currency Control, Risk -Oriented Supervision of 
Activity of the Financial Organizations, Protection 
of the Rights of Consumers of Financial Services 
and Improvement of Activity of the National 
Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan" of 2 July 
2018. 
 
Law of the RK No. 422 -V ZRK "On Amending 
Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of 
Kazakhstan Concerning Non -Performing Loans 
and Assets of Second -Tier Banks, the Provision 
of Financial Services and the Activities of 
Financial Organizations and the National Bank of 
the Republic of Kazakhstan"  of 24 November 
2015 
 Effective 16 December 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Mexico  
The Executive Branch adopted a new measure 
imposing certain requirements on the operations of 
electronic payment fund institutions, in order to 
ensure the security of operations with their clients 
and safeguard their principal activities, internal 
operations and processes in the event of 
unforeseen acts, situations  or events that may 
block, damage or limit, such activities.  
 
The regulation requires, inter alia , that electronic 
payment fund institutions notify their clients of a 
series of transactions within a period of no more 
than 5 seconds, including money transfe rs. The 
regulation also contains provisions on the use of 
Cloud services by electronic payment fund 
institutions.  
 Multiple 
modes  Electronic payment 
services  Provisions Applicable to Electronic Payment Fund 
Institutions referred to in Articles 48, Second 
Paragraph, 54, First Paragraph, and 56, First and 
Second Paragraphs of the Law to Regulate 
Financial Technology Institutions . 
 
Viewed at:  
http://dof.gob.mx/nota_deta lle.php?codigo=561
0487&fecha=28/01/2021  
 
https://www.banxi co.org.mx/marco -
normativo/normativa -emitida -por-el-banco -de-
mexico/reglas -conjuntas -instituciones -de-fondos -
de-pago-e/%7BADF42F57 -E748-2DBE -AAA2 -
1988AA7A29FE%7D.pdf  
 Effective 28 April 2021  YES 
Moldova, Republic of  
A new regulation was approved to ensure the 
proper enforcement of the Law amending certain 
legislative acts, especially the Capital Market Law 
(No. 97/2020), partially transposing the provisions 
of Regulation (EU) No. 1060/2009 regarding the 
activity of credit rating agencies. This sets u p the 
principles and requirements regarding the 
registration, supervision and activity of credit 
rating agencies.  
 Multiple 
modes  Financial services  National Commission for Financial Markets 
Decision No. 56/3 from 23.11.2020 . 
 
Source:  
Permanent Delegation  of Moldova to the WTO 
(12 May 2021)  Effective 1 January 2021  YES 
The Regulation on approving the establishment 
and operation of the collective placements 
(No. 49/14/2014) and the Regulation on licensing 
and authorization on the capital market ( No. 
56/11/2014) were amended.  
 Multiple 
modes  Financial services  National Commission for Financial Markets 
Decision No. 52/8 from 03.11.2020 . 
 
Source:  
Permanent Delegation of Moldova to the WTO 
(12 May 2021)  
 Effective 20 November 2020  YES 
The Parliament approved a new law to transpose 
into national legislation the European supervisory 
framework, specifically the provisions of EU 
Directive No.2009/138 as of 25.11.2009 regarding 
the access to the activity and the conduct of the 
insurance and reinsurance activity (Solvency II).  
 All modes  Financial services  Law on insurance and reinsurance activity ( No. 
438 of 05.11.2020) . 
 
Source:  
Permanent Delegation of Moldova to the WTO 
(12 May 2021)  
 
https://www.xprimm.com/MOLDOVA -the-draft-
law-on-insurance -and-reinsurance -activities -Adopted 4 December 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 144 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
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by 
Member  
passed -its-first-reading -in-parliament -articol -
2,12,31 -16393.htm   
 
Myanmar  
The Central Bank of Myanmar issued new rules for  
Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFI) 
operations in Myanmar, such as conducting 
finance company business, leasing business, or 
factoring business, which are defined in the 
Financial Institutions Law. These cover NBFI 
registration, the prohibition of deposit acceptance 
by these entities and opens the possibility for 
100% foreign ownership.  
 Mode 3  Financial services  Notification 1/2021 in relation to non -banking 
financial institutions . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.cbm.gov.mm/sites/ default/ 
files/directive_nbfi_myanfor_website_27 -1-
2021-1-9 
 
https://www.tilleke.com/insights/myanmar -
issues -new-guidelines -for-non-banking -financial -
institutions/   26 January 2021  YES 
Netherlands  
A new Act introduces a prohibition on the 
provision of cross -border direct insurance services 
by third -country insurers, as per the European 
Commission’s policy to disallow this form of 
service provision. As a result of these measures, 
life and non -life in surers from non -EU/EEA 
countries can no longer provide direct cross -
border insurance services in the Netherlands. 
Reinsurance through the provision of services by 
third-country insurers remains permitted.  
 Mode 1  Insurance services  Act amending the Dutch Financial Supervision 
Act. 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.dnb.nl/en/sector -
information/supervision -laws-and-
regulat ions/laws -and-eu-regulations/financial -
supervision -act/ 
 
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g
=6de198ad -1714-4a6b-90f0-9af243d82fb6   
 Effective 17 March 2021  YES 
New Zealand  
Introduction of licencing regime for financial 
benchmark administrators operating in 
New Zealand. The measure is designed on an opt -
in basis so that it only captures the financial 
benchmarks that are intended to be regulated.  
 All modes  Financial services  Financial Markets (Derivatives Margin and 
Benchmarking) Reform Amendment Act 2019 . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2019/
0046/latest/whole.html  
 Effective 15 March 2021  YES 
Introduction of new requirements on all those that 
give financial advice to a retail client.  All modes  Financial services  Financial Services Legislation Amendment Act 
2019. 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/pub lic/2019/
0008/latest/whole.html   
 Effective 15 March 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 145 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Philippines  
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas  (BSP, Philippines 
central bank) adopted a series of new measures 
affecting banking and other financial services. 
These relate, for example, to:  
- defining "digital bank" (maximum 40% 
ownership allowed by foreign individuals or foreign 
non-bank corporation s, head office in Philippines),  
- prudential requirements (minimum capital, 
foreign currency deposit unit asset cover),  
- rules and regulations governing operations of 
virtual asset service providers,  
- reducing the minimum size of an account and 
expand t he securities eligible as investment outlet 
for commingled funds under investment 
management,  
- reporting requirements of banks and quasi -
banks as part of the report rationalization initiative 
of the BSP, and  
- amendments to the Implementing Rules and 
Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 
10000 ( "The Agri -Agra Reform Credit Act of 
2009", to improve financing to the agrarian 
reform, fisheries, and agricultural sector).  
 Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Circulars Nos. 1102, 1104, 1105, 1107 to 1111;  
Memorandum No s. M-2020-083, 084; M -2021-
001 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/   
 October 2020 – March 2021  YES 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The Board of the Capital Market Authority issued a 
resolution to approve the amendments to the 
Investment Funds Regulations and Real Estate 
Investment Funds Regulations and the Glossary of 
Defined Terms Used in the Regulations and Rules 
of the Capital Market Authority.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial se rvices  Amended by the resolution of the Board of 
Capital Market Authority dated 24 February 
2021.  
 
Viewed at:  
https://cma.org.sa/en/Market/NEWS/Pages/CMA
_N_2865.aspx   
 
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regulati
ons/Documents/IFRs%20Regulations -
%20Final%20English.pdf  
 
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regulati
ons/Documents/REAL%20ESTATE%20INVE%20F
UND%20REG__.pdf   
 Effective 1 May 2021 (except 
for amendments to the 
provisions specified in the 
annou ncement).  YES 
The Board of the Capital Market Authority issued a 
resolution to approve the amendments to the 
Rules on the Offer of Securities and Continuing 
Obligations.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Amended by the resolution of the Board of the 
Capital Market Authority dated 14 January 2021.  
 
Viewed at:  Effective 28 January 2021 
(except sub -paragraphs (2) 
and, (8/b -c) of paragraph (a) 
of article 6, and articles 8, 9 YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regulati
ons/Documents/OSRCI_en.pdf   
 and 14 which will be effective 
1 January 2022)  
 
The Board of the Capital Market Authority issued a 
resolution to approve the amendments to the 
Rules for Special Purposes Entities.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Amended by the resolution of the Board of the 
Capital Market Authority dated 14 January 2021 .   
 
Viewed  at: 
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regulati
ons/Documents/Market_Conduct_Regulations_En
.pdf  
 Effective 28 January 2021  YES 
The Board of the Ca pital Market Authority issued a 
resolution to approve the amended Market 
Conduct Regulations.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Amended by the resolution of the Board of the 
Capital Market Authority dated 25 January 2021.  
 
Viewed  at: 
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations /Regulati
ons/Documents/Market_Conduct_Regulations_En
.pdf  
 Effective 26 January 2021  YES 
The Board of the Capital Market Authority issued a 
resolution to approve the amendment to Annex 1 
(Proxy Form) of the Regulatory Rules and 
Procedures issued pursuant to the Companies Law 
relating to Listed Joint Stock Companies by 
deleting the official seal requirement, if the 
shareholder is a legal person.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Amended by the resolution of the Board of the 
Capital Market  Authority dated 18 November 
2020.  
 
Viewed  at: 
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regulati
ons/Documen ts/Regulatory -Rules -and-
Procedures -issued -pursuant -to-the-Companies -
Law.pdf   
 Effective 24 November 2020  YES 
Switzerland  
The Act seeks to increase legal certainty, remove 
hurdles for Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) - 
and blockchain -based applications and limit new 
risks. The new Act is not designed as a specific 
law, but rather amends a number of other federal 
laws in a t argeted manner.  
 
The Act adapts, inter alia , securities law in order 
to provide a legal basis for the trading of rights 
through electronic registers and makes targeted 
changes to intermediated securities law so as to 
clarify the relationship with the new c ategory of 
securities. This part of the DLT bill entered into 
effect on 1 February 2021.  
 Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Federal Act on the Adaptation of Federal Law to 
Developments in Distributed Ledger Technology 
(DLT) (RO 2021 33) . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/oc/2021/33/fr   Effective 1 February and 1 
August 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The remaining major provisions of the DLT bill, 
such as the harmonization of banking law 
provisions on bank insolvency and the 
establishment of a new authorization ca tegory in 
financial market infrastructure law for DLT trading 
systems, should enter into effect on 1 August 
2021.  
 
Turkey  
A new regulation made it possible to perform 
identity verification transactions by an online 
video call without the need for the customer 
representative and the customer to be physically 
present in the same location. In addition, after 
identity verification was made remotely or through 
branches, it becomes po ssible to establish remote 
banking contracts.  
 Modes 1 
and 3  Banking services  Regulation on Remote Identification Methods to 
be Used by Banks and Establishment of 
Contractual Relations in Electronic Environment . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/04
/20210401 -7.htm   
 Effective: 1 May 2021  YES 
Ukraine  
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) adopted a 
resolution establishing the licensing regime for the 
supply of financial leasing services (e.g. consumer 
credits) by non -bank financial institutions. The 
resolution establishes the list of requirements and 
documents to be submitted and details the 
procedure for informing applicants about the 
decision (or can cellation) of the issuance of the 
license to provide such financial services.  Mode 3  Financial services  Resolution of Board of the National Bank of 
Ukraine No. 27 "On approval of the Regulations 
on determination of conditions of implementation 
of activities for provision of financial services 
which implementation requires the 
corresponding license (license conditions)" of 
March 30, 2021 . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g
=65191d73 -e5dc-4d2b-9b9e-52f55db1400b   
 Effective 31 March 2021  YES 
United Kingdom  
The Prudential Regulation Authority of the Bank of 
England published a policy statement and final 
supervisory statement (SS) on outsourcing and 
third-party risk management. The statement 
includes details on the obligations to be met to 
comply with banking supervisory rules on the 
outsourcing to payment providers including 
related data. Firms will be ex pected to comply by 
Thursday 31 March 2022.  
 Mode 3  Financial services  Outsourcing and Third Party Risk Management, 
Policy Statement PS7/21, which includes the 
final Supervisory Statement SS2/21 of the same 
title. 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/ -
/media/boe/files/prudential -
regulation/consultation -
paper/2021/march/ps72 1.pdf?la=en&hash=6C7
0BEE48B89D7965D43894DB848FC41CD5EC6C0   Published 29 March 2021  YES 
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published 
new measures, which set out the authority's Mode 3  Financi al services  Financial Conduct Authority Handbook . 
 Issued February 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
approach to the authorisation and supervision of 
international firms and the circumstances in which 
they may need to establish a UK subsidiary rather 
than a branch. The  FCA indicates that relevant 
banks (and insurers), as dual -regulated firms, 
should consider the document as the authority will 
provide consent to any authorisation applications 
that they submit to the Prudential Regulation 
Authority (PRA).  
 Viewed at:  
https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/corporate/ap
proach -to-international -firms.pdf   
 
The Cross -Border Payments Regulation (EC) 
No. 924/2009 (CBPR, as amended by the 
Amending Regulation) was "on-shored " into UK 
law following the end of the Brexit transition 
period, with amendments. Only the new 
transparency requirements on currency conversion 
charges under Article 3a and Article 3b (as  
inserted by the Amending Regulation) are 
retained. This means that the equality of charges 
requirements are not part of the UK CBPR regime.  
 Modes 1 
and 3  Financial services  UK Cross -Border Payments Regulation . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g
=ba2105fb -c321-4101-bd45-b1535ac4dd21   1 January 2021  YES 
United States  
A new Commodity Futures Trading Commission 
(CFTC) rule will determine the cross -border 
application of certain of the CFTC's swaps 
regulations for swap dealers and major swap 
participants, including applicable registration 
thresholds. The rule extends the cross -border 
approach of the CFTC 's 2016 cross -border rule 
relating to the application of margin requirements 
for uncleared swaps and harmonizes to a 
significant degree the CFTC's cross -border 
approach to swap dealer regulation with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission's cross -
border ap proach to security -based swap dealer 
regulation.  
 Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Cross -Border Application of the Registration 
Thresholds and Certain Requirements Applicable 
to Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.cftc.gov/sites/default/files/2020/09
/2020 -16489a.pdf?utm_source=govdelivery  Effective 13 November 2020  YES 
Viet Nam  
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) issued a 
measure guiding the implementation of foreign 
currency (FX) transactions on the FX market of 
credit institutions authorized to engage in such 
activities ("authorised credit institutions").  Modes 1 
and 3  Banking services  Circular No. 02/2021/TT -NHNN on Guiding Forex 
Transactions of Licensed Credit Institutions in 
Forex Market . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.sbv.gov.vn/webcenter/portal/m_en
/home/sbv/prerel/otherpre?_afrLoop=21720229
457605297#%40%3F_afrL oop%3D2172022945Effective 17 May 2021    
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 149 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
7605297%26centerWidth%3D100%2525%26left
Width%3D0%2525%26rightWidth%3D0%2525
%26showFooter%3Dfalse%26showHeader%3Dfa
lse%26_adf.ctrl -state%3D160yuqw30n_4  
 
TOURISM AND TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES  
Albania  
The government adopted a number of measures in 
the area of tourism and travel services These 
relate for example to the establishment of criteria 
to operate as a certified maritime tourism 
operators, or improved and simplified procedures 
for the submission of a pplications for various 
activities (tourist guide services, beach stations, 
hotels)  Multiple 
modes  Tourism and travel 
related services  DCM No. 845/2020 on the approval of detailed 
rules for the development of maritime tourism 
activities carried out through  vessels for tourist 
and entertainment purposes . 
 
DCM No. 521, of 01.07.2020 on some 
amendments and addenda on DCM 
No. 692/2016, on the approval of the regulation 
"criteria for equipment with certificate for 
exercising the activity of the tourist guide, ta sks, 
responsibilities and code of ethics ". 
 
DCM No. 1172, of 24.12.2020 on some 
amendments and addenda on DCM No.171, of 
27.03.2019, on the approval of the regulation 
"on the conditions and criteria of exercising the 
activity of the beach station ". 
 
Minist er Order No. 321, of 11.12.2020, for an 
addendum on Minister Order No. 243, of 
09.07.2019 "On the approval of classification 
procedure of accommodation structure of 4 -5 
stars, holder of a registered trademark, 
internationally recognized as "Brand name ". 
 Approved July -December 
2020 YES 
Costa Rica  
A new law authorized foreign -flagged vessels and 
their crew to engage in lucrative activities related 
to water transport, diving, recreation and tourism 
within Costa Rican waters, and allows the hiring of 
national crew members to carry out these 
practices.  Also, the new law increases the 
maximum term of concessions for marines from 35 
to 40 years, and extensions from 10 to 20 years. 
Initial terms of the concession for berths  may be 
35 years and extensions of 10 years may be 
granted.  
 Modes 1 and 
3 Tourism and travel 
related services  
Maritime transport  Law on Boosting to Tourist Marines and Coastal 
Development .  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normati
va/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=N
RTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=94128&nValor3=1251
76&strTipM=TC  Effective 23 April 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 150 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Russian Federation  
Guides and guide -interpreters must be citizens of 
the Russian Federation unless stipulated otherwise 
under international agreements.  Modes 3 and 
4 Tourism and travel 
related services  Federal Law No. 93 -FZ "On Amending the Federal 
Law “On the Fundamentals of Tourist Activities in 
the Russian Federation” as Part of Legal 
Regulation of Activities of Guides, Guide -
interpreters and Instructors -guides ". 
 
Source:  
Permanent Delegation of the R ussian Federation 
to the WTO (3 May 2021)  
 Adopted 20 April 2021  
 
Effective 1 July 2022  YES 
RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTING SERVICES  
Albania  
New measures were adopted covering the 
establishment of quotas for licences for 
commercial activities of cultural assets.  Mode 3  Personal, cultural and 
recreational services  Decision No. 199 dated 31.3.2021 "On 
determining the special conditions of licensing, 
accompanying documents, procedures for 
reviewing or revoking the license, application 
fees and annual quotas of licenses for 
commercial activities of cultural assets"  
 31 March 2021  YES 
TRANSPORT SERVICES  
Brazil  
The new Decree provides for the public calls 
regarding the use of port facilities in organized 
ports and introduces temporary use contracts.  
 
The procedures for public calls related to the lease 
of port facilities within the polygonal of the 
organized por t were amended and it is possible to 
dismiss bids if the existence of a single interested 
party in the area’s use is verified. Port concession 
now have a term of up to 70 years, including the 
original concession and its extensions. Leasing of 
port faciliti es is possible up to 35 years, 
extendable up to a limit of 70.  
 
The temporary use contract was also provided for 
interested parties in cargo handling, with an 
unconsolidated market for the temporary use of 
port areas and facilities located in the polygonal  of 
the organized port, with dismissal of prior bidding.  
 Mode 3  Maritime transport 
services  Decree 10,672 amending Decree 8,033/2013, 
regulating Law 12,815/2013 (Ports Law) . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/perspectives -
events/publications/2021/04/regulatory -decree -
of-brazils -ports-law-changed   Published 12 April 2021  YES 
Hungary  
The government introduced measures to monitor 
the legal use of bilateral and multilateral Multiple 
modes  Road transport 
services  Regulation on the Advance Electronic Licence 
Registration System . Effective 1 January 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
authorizations for the international carriage of 
goods by road and to verify the regularity of 
cabotage operations.  
 
Registration is mandatory for all international 
shipments of goods subject to a license in 
Hungary. The shipment is subject to authorization 
if the carrier is required to use a bilateral or CEMT 
permit. Registration is mandatory for all cabotage 
operations, including the transport task before and 
after the cabotage operation. Registration is two -
tiered, first the company registers (company 
registration) and has the option to register its 
vehicles in the system, followed by the registration 
of the given transport task (transport registration). 
A user of a n undertaking with administrator rights 
must register the transport operation whenever 
the activity is a cabotage operation or subject to 
bilateral or multilateral authorization.  
 
The system applies to both foreign and Hungarian 
road transportation compan ies with: lorries over 
3.5 tonnes, involved in international road transport 
for a fee in Hungary; lorries with a maximum 
permissible gross laden weight of more than 7.5 
tonnes for international road freight transport; 
lorries carrying out cabotage operatio ns in 
Hungary. Failing to register a transport can result 
in a fine.  
  
Viewed at:  
https:/ /bireg.gov.hu/info/en/orientation.html   
Indonesia  
The Omnibus Law revises 68 articles in Law No. 17 
of 2008 regarding Shipping. The main changes 
concern easing the licensing process in the 
shipping sector and allowing the use of foreign 
vessels for certain activities in Indonesian waters. 
The Omnibus Law adds a provision to the Shipping 
Law, stating that if Indonesian -flagged vessels are 
unavailable, foreign -flagged vessels may be used 
to conduct special activities in Indon esian waters 
other than carrying passengers and/or goods. A 
significant portion of the changes to the Shipping 
Law involve centralizing licensing and certification 
authority with the Central Government.  
 Modes 1 and 
3 Maritime transport  Law No.  11 of 2020 regarding Job Creation (the 
"Omnibus Law")  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=
94b928d3 -4f9a-412a-9e50-
3ff8923f73d4&utm_source=Lexology+Daily+New
sfeed&utm_medium=HTML+email+ -+Body+ -
+General+section&utm_campaign=Lexology+su
bscriber+daily+feed&utm_content=Lexology+ Dai
ly+Newsfeed+2021 -04-14&utm_term=   Enacted: 2 November 2020  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Turkey  
A new regulation laid out the legal framework for 
the shared electric scooter ("e -scooters") business. 
Operations are subject to a two -tiered licensing 
procedure: (1) businesses authorization certificate 
from the Ministry of Transportation and 
Infrastructu re; (2) shared e -scooter permit for e -
scooters that will be used to be issued by the 
Transportation Coordination Center in metropolitan 
municipalities and Provincial traffic commissions in 
municipalities.  
 
Each authorization certificate holder will be able  to 
obtain shared e -scooter permits amounting up to 
one fifth of the maximum permissible shared e -
scooter permits (up to 1/200 of the population, 
subject to certain exceptions) in a given district. 
The administration may impose conditions on 
prices. At lea st 30% of the e -scooter fleet must be 
manufactured domestically to comply with 
domestic content principles.  
 Mode 3  Transport services  Electric Scooters Regulation . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://herguner.av.tr/wp -
content/uploads/2021/04/64.pdf   
 
https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/04
/20210414 -3.htm  Published and effective 14 
April 2021  YES 
ENERGY SERVICES  
Indonesia  
The Law No. 22 of 2001 on Oil and Gas was 
amended by the Omnibus Law. Companies 
involved in upstream oil and gas business activities 
are now required to obtain a business license 
through an online system managed by the Central 
Government. The Omnibus Law s implifies the 
multiple business licensing requirement for 
downstream oil and gas business activities 
(processing, transportation, storage and/or 
trading) under the Oil and Gas Law. Rather, it 
designates a single integrated Business License 
that is applicab le for all of the foregoing business 
activities.  
 Mode 3  Energy -related 
services  Law No.  11 of 2020 regarding Job Creation (the 
"Omnibus Law") . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=
94b928d3 -4f9a-412a-9e50-
3ff8923f73d4&utm_source=Lexology+Daily+New
sfeed&utm_medium=HTML+email+ -+Body+ -
+General+section&utm_campaign=Lexology+su
bscriber+daily+feed&utm_content=Lexology+Dai
ly+Newsfeed+2021 -04-14&utm_term=   Enacted 2 November 2020   
As a follow -up to the Omnibus Law, the 
Government of Indonesia issued Government 
Regulation No. 25 of 2021 regarding the 
Administration of the Energy and Mineral 
Resources Sector, which regulates not only the 
power sector, but also the mineral resources an d 
geothermal sectors. The regulation stipulates the 
following business licenses: (a) power supply for Mode 3  Consultancy, 
construction and 
maintenance of 
power installation  Government Regulation No. 25 of 2021 
regarding the Administration of the Energy and 
Mineral Resources Sector . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g
=ca91f194 -6924-4458-bfe1-
89057e3c94a7&utm_source=Lexology+Daily+NeEffective 2 February 2021    
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 153 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
the public interest business license; (b) power 
supply for own interest business license; (c) 
business license for power supporting services.  
 
Foreign re presentative offices (FROs) may only 
engage in the following power supporting 
services: (i) consultancy installation; (ii) 
construction and installation; and (iii) 
maintenance. FROs can only perform high -cost 
supporting services work (equal or exceeding th e 
required minimum values). They are subject to 
certain requirements and obligations:  
- joint operation with local power supporting 
services entity that 100% locally owned, and in 
the form of a limited liability company;  
- employ at least 50% of Indonesia ns;  
- appoint Indonesian as head;  
- prioritize local products; and  
- qualification equivalent to Indonesian standards.  
 wsfeed&utm_medium=HTML+email+ -+Body+ -
+General+ section&utm_campaign=Lexology+su
bscriber+daily+feed&utm_content=Lexology+Da
ily+Newsfeed+2021 -04-16&utm_term=   
Philippines  
Foreign investment up to 100% is now possible in 
large scale geothermal exploration, development 
and utilization activities, under the third Open and 
Competitive Selection Process (OCSP3) in the 
awarding of Renewable Energy Service Contracts. 
This is done in the context of the Renewable 
Energy Act of 2008 (Republic Act 9513) and the 
Guidelines Governing a Transparent and 
Competitive System of Awarding Renewable 
Energy Service/Operating Contracts and Providing 
for the Registration Process of Renewable Energy  
Developers (Department Circular 2009 -07-0011, 
last modified on the Department of Energy website 
in August 2019). Foreign investors need to meet 
conditions, such as large -scale projects with a 
minimum investment of 50 million USD and should 
be under the Fi nancial and Technical Assistance 
Agreement (FTAA) as provided under the 
Constitution.  
 Mode 3  Energy services  Department of Energy Statement . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.doe.gov.ph/press -releases/doe -
statement -allowing -foreign -investors -100-
ownership -large-scale-geothermal -
0?ckattempt=1  
 
https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/philippines -
allows -100-foreign -ownership -in-large-scale-
geothermal -
projects/#:~:text=Philippines%20allows%20100
%25%20foreign%20ownership%20in%20large%
2Dscale%20geothermal%20projects, -
Makban%20ge othermal%20power&text=The%20
Philippines%20are%20now%20allowing,investme
nt%2  1 January 2021  YES 
Ukraine  
A new law provides for the option of unbundling 
the Ukrainian electricity Transmission System 
Operator (TSO) under the independent system 
operator unbundling model and for its certification Modes 1 and 
3 Services incidental to 
electricity 
transmission  Law No. 3364 -1-d On Amending Certain 
Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding Certification 
of the Electricity Transmission System Operator . 
 Adopted 15 April 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
in accordance with the EU Third Energy Package by 
the Regulator (a fter obtaining a positive conclusion 
of the Energy Community Secretariat on 
unbundling the TSO).  
 Viewed at:  
https://iportal.rada.gov.ua/en/news/News/20690
8.html  
 
SERVICES SUPPLIED THROUGH THE MOVEMENT OF NATURAL PERSONS  
Angola  
The new Free Trade Zones Law (Law No. 35/20) 
aims at attracting foreign investment in Angola, 
including in commercial and services sectors. In 
addition to the Local Content regulations in force 
in Angola, the law obliges investors to give 
preference to the employment of Angolans. 
Investors may  employ foreign qualified 
employees, provided the number of Angolan 
employees is higher.  Mode 4  All sectors  Free Trade Zones Law No. 35/20 . 
 
Viewed at:  
http://legalmca.com/en_GB/2020/10/30/angola -
approves -free-trade-zones -law/  12 October 2020   
Chile  
Chile's Congress has approved a law for a new 
immigration framework. The new law institutes, 
amongst other things, a new short -term work 
authorisation process, which requires foreign 
nationals to apply for a Special Work 
Authorization.  
 
The category of temporary residence has been 
expanded. All foreign nationals who want to live 
and work in Chile will need a Temporary 
Residence Visa (TRV), which will now include 13 
sub-categories. Foreign nationals in certain 
subcategories will be able to work in Chile without 
requiring sponsorship from an employer. Finally, 
dependent family members of foreign nationals 
with TRVs will automatically receive work 
authorisations, whereas until now they were not 
permitted to work in Chile.  
 Mode 4  All sectors  Migration Law . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.mondaq.com/work -
visas/1016868/congress -approves -law-for-new-
immigration -
framework#:~:text=Chile%27s%20new%20im
migration%20rule%20will,status%20under%20t
he%20new%20rule  Effective 20 April 2021  YES 
Ecuador  
Ecuador's National Assembly adopted on 28 
January 2021 a new law which institutes a visa for 
foreign nationals entering the country for acts of 
commerce, business and to establish contacts with 
companies and individuals; to carry out 
administrative or judi cial procedures; for sports 
activities, volunteer work, study, academic 
purposes, or in the field of science, technology, Mode 4  All sectors  Organic Law Reforming the Organic Law on 
Human Mobility . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.asambleanacional.gob.ec/es/leyes -
aprobadas?leyes -
aprobadas=All&title=Ley+Org%C3%A1nica+de+
Movilidad+Humana&fecha=  Effective 5 February 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 155 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
innovation, art and culture. The visa allows foreign 
nationals to stay in Ecuador for up to 180 days 
within a one -year period.  
 
Indonesia  
A new regulation following the enactment of Law 
No. 11 of 2020 regarding Job Creation, introduces 
several changes that aim to simplify the process 
for hiring expatriate workers in Indonesia.  Mode 4  All sectors  Government Regulation No. 34/2021 . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/indonesias
-omnibus -law-new-regulation -to-ease-the-
hiring -of-foreign -workers/  Effective 2 Februa ry 2021  YES 
Oman  
Foreign lawyers are no longer allowed to plead or 
appear in courts. They are still allowed to work in 
other positions, such as clerks or counsellors in 
law firms.  Mode 4  Legal services  Viewed at:  
https://www.omanobserver.om/no -expatriate -
lawyers -in-courts -from-2021/  
  
https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/legal/story/No
_expatriate_lawyers_in_Oman_from_January_20
21-SNG_196216747/   
 Effective 1 January 2021  YES 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The Saudi Arabian government has introduced a 
new short -term work visa, called the Temporary 
Work Visit Visa (TWVV). It provides foreign 
nationals with a multiple -entry visa valid for one 
year and allows them to work in the kingdom for 
up to 6 months in th at one -year period. Employers 
must comply with a number of conditions to 
qualify for the new visa quota.  
 Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.qiwa.sa/en/visit -visa 
 
https://www.balglobal.com/bal -news/ saudi-
arabia -duration -of-stay-extended -for-short-
term-work-visas/  Effective April 2021  YES 
Seychelles  
Seychelles authorities have modified the 
provisions of the Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP), 
a permit available for foreign workers with skills 
not locally available to work temporarily in the 
country. Labour market testing is now more 
strictly enforced. Em ployers must provide proof of 
advertising the position when the GOP application 
is submitted to the Department of Employment. 
They must also provide the Department of 
Employment with a list of job vacancies for which 
they plan to recruit foreign workers; t he list will 
be checked against a jobseeker database. 
Additionally, employers must submit a Certificate Mode 4  All sectors  Gainful Occupation Permit . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://resources.envoyglobal.com/blog/seychell
es-gainful -occupation -permit -modified -to-
benefit -local-workers   Effect ive February 2021  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 156 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
of Eligibility, which allows them to recruit foreign 
workers if no qualified local workers are available.  
 
Singapore  
A new work pass has been introduced for qualified 
foreign nationals in technology roles. 500 such 
passes are available, and they are valid for an 
initial period of two years with the possibility of an 
extension for another two years, subject to the 
applicant's eligibility.  
 Mode 4  All sectors  Tech.Pass . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/about -edb/media -
releases -publications/tech -pass-to-attract -
entrepreneurs -and-leaders -to-develop -
singapores -status -as-a-tech-hub.html   
 Effective 1 January 2021   
Viet Nam  
A new decree introduced longer experience 
requirements for some foreign workers:  
- experts/specialists: bachelor’s degree or higher 
and 3 years' experience related to the position in 
Viet Nam, as well as at least 5 years’ work 
experience and a practicing certificate related to 
the position;  
- technicians: training certificate in their technical 
or related specialty for at least one year and must 
have worked for at least 3 years in their trained 
area of specialty; alternatively, 5 years of 
experience related to the position in Viet Nam.  
 
A work permit is not required if the visit is for less 
than 30 days; limited to no more than three 
entries per year (visits of less than 30 days were 
possible with unlimited entries, provided the 
cumulative stay did not exceed 90 days). Work 
permits may be extended once, for a maximum of 
two years (previously, work permits could be 
extended an unlimited number of times).  
 Mode 4  All sectors  Decree No. 152/2020/ND -CP Foreign Workers 
Working in Viet Nam.  
 
Viewe d at: 
https://resources.envoyglobal.com/blog/vietnam
-new-decree -to-be-published -impacting -foreign -
nationals -working -in-vietnam   Effective 15 February 2021   
 
 
  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
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ANNEX 5 - COVID -19 TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED MEASURES  (GOODS)1 
Confirmed information2 
Member/  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Observer  
Argentina  On 29 November 2020, termination of the temporary suspension of certain customs 
processing deadlines ( plazos operativos ) and procedures, during the validity of the provisions 
of Decree No. 298/2020 and its amending regulations (suspension of administrative deadlines) 
(originally implemented on 30 May 2020)  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO (18 May 2021)   
Argentina  Temporary elimination of export duties ( derechos de exportación ) on raw hides and skins, 
leather and furskins, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO (26 April 2021) 
and Decreto No. 812/2020 (DCTO -2020-812-APN-PTE- Derecho 
de exportación) - Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur (19 
October  2020)  Effective 21 
October 2020, 
to 31 December 
2020  
Argentina  Temporary elimination of export licensing requirement on certain pharmaceutical products, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the WTO (26 April 2021) 
and Decret o 243/2021 - Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur (18 
April 2021). Viewed at: 
https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/243125/2
0210419  Effective 19 
April 2021, and 
in force 
throughout the 
COVID -19 
emergency 
period  
Argentina  Temporary elimination of export licensing requirement on oxygen and containers for 
compressed or liquified gas, of iron or steel, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Decreto 286/2021 - Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur (29 April 
2021). Viewed at: 
https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/243780/2
0210430  Effective 29 
April 2021, and 
in force 
throughout the 
COVID -19 
emergency 
period  
Australia  On 11 December 2 020 termination of the temporary restrictions on the non -commercial export 
of personal protective equipment and sanitizer products, essential to combatting the COVID -19 
pandemic (originally implemented on 30 March 2020)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/AUS/4/Add.3, 18 December 2020    
Australia  Further extension of the temporary tariff concession measure to facilitate the importation of 
certain goods (face masks, gloves, gowns/clothes, disinfectant preparations (excluding hand 
sanitizers), soaps, COVID -19 test kits and reagents, and viral transport media) required to 
manage the crisis created by the COVID -19 pandemic (originally implemented on 1 February 
2020)  Permanent Delegation of Australia to the WTO (26 May 2021); 
and WTO document G/MA/W/165, 18 December 2020  On 31 
December 2020 
extended 
through to 30 
June 2021  
Bahrain, Kingdom 
of On 6 April 2021, termination of the temporary export ban on face masks (originally 
implemented on 8 April 2020 and extended several times)  WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/BHR/1/Rev.1/Add.1, 30 March 
2021; and G/MA/QR/N/BHR/1/Rev.1/Add.2, 20 April 2021    
 
1 This table has been compiled by the WTO Secretariat and is an informal situation report and an attempt to provide transparenc y with respect to measures affecting trade 
in goods taken in the context of the COVID -19 crisis. It does not pass judg ement on or questions the right of WTO members to take such actions. The Secretariat has not sought to 
determine and indicate whether the measures listed in the table have trade -restrictive or trade -facilitating effects. The information in this table is not exhaustive and does not 
include information on general support measures.  The measures listed in this table provide a situation report up to 15 May 2 020. A consistent feature of the trade and trade -
related measures taken in response to the COVID -19 crisis has been the frequent changes, adjustments and occasional roll  back of such measures to reflect the evolving situation. 
The updated lists of measures implemented in the context of th e current pandemic are available on the COVID -19 page of the WTO website:  
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_goods_measure_e.htm . 
2 This Section includes information which has either been provided by the Member concerned or has been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.   
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 158 - Member/  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Observer  
Bolivia, 
Plurinational State 
of Temporary elimination of import tariffs on vaccines essential in combatting COVID -19  Decreto Supremo 4438 (30 December 2020)  Effective 1 
January 2021 to 
31 December 
2021 
Brazil  Further extension of the temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain personal protective 
equipment, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Resolução Ministério da Economia/Secretaria -Executiva da 
Câmara de Comércio Exterior Nos 144 (6 January 2021), 146 
(15 January 2021), 162 (22 February 2021), 182 (29 March 
2021)  Extended in 
December until 
30 June 2021  
Brazil  Further extension of the temporary suspension of the anti -dumping duties on vacuum plastic 
tubes for blood collection imported from Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States; 
and on and syringes imported from China, due to the COVID -19 pandemic (or iginally 
implemented on 26 March 2020)  Resolução No. 23/2020, Ministério da Economia/Secretaria -
Executiva da Câmara de Comércio Exterior (25 March 2020); 
Gecex Resolution Nos. 145 (6 January 2021) and 147 (15 
January 2021)  On 7 January 
2021, extension 
of the 
suspension on 
syringes until 30 
June 2021. On 
16 January 
2021, extension 
of the 
suspension on 
vacuum plastic 
tubes until 30 
June 2021  
Brazil  Special export licence for products essential in combatting COVID -19 (e.g. syringes and 
syringe needles)  WTO d ocument G/MA/QR/N/BRA/2/Add.2, 1 February 2021  Effective 1 
January 2021  
Brazil  Elimination of prohibitions and certain licensing procedure requirements on imports of used 
goods related to actions under a Public Health Emergency of National Concern, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (26 April 2021 ) and 
Secex Portaria No. 79 (11 February 2021)  Effective 12 
February 2021  
Brazil  Export license requirement for certain products used to prevent and fight COVID -19 (e.g. 
oxygen and vaccines for human medicines)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (2 6 April 2021) and 
Notícia Siscomex Exportação No. 09/2021 (5 February 2021)  Effective 6 
February 2021  
Cambodia  Temporary import ban on frozen meat of bovine animals, from specific origins, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Cambodia to the WTO (2 June 2021)  Effective 1 May 
2021 
Canada  Conditional prohibition of the export of certain pharmaceuticals. Interim Order Respecting 
Drug Shortages (Safeguarding the Drug Supply). The Interim Order does not prohibit exports 
but provide s the Minister of Health the authority to do so if a sale could cause or exacerbate a 
critical drug shortage  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/CAN/4/Add.1, 17 December 2020  Effective 26 
November 2020  
Colombia  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on oxygen and cer tain artificial respiration or other 
therapeutic respiration apparatus, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of Colombia to the WTO (12 May 2021)  Effective 23 
April 2021, and 
in force 
throughout the 
COVID -19 
emergency 
period  
Costa Rica  Due to COVID -19 pandemic, Costa Rica temporally limited the entrance of foreign citizens, but 
continued to allow the influx of road carries, updating the maximum periods of stay authorized 
for this sector, following sanitary recommendations by the Ministry  of Health. Currently, for 
border -to-border transit, truck drivers can stay in the country for a maximum of 72 hours, 
and, to perform the operations of load and/or unload of merchandise truck drivers can stay in 
the country for a maximum of 10 days. This p eriods are harmonized within Central America. If 
truck drivers present symptoms related to COVID -19 they will not be allowed no enter the 
country  Permanent Delegation of Costa Rica to the WTO (25 May 2021), 
Decreto No. 42690, and RES -D.JUR -67-04-2021-ABM. Viewed 
at: 
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normativa/Normas/nrm
_texto_completo.aspx?nValor1=1&nValor2=92834, RES -D.JUR -
66-04-2021-ABM and 
https://www.imprentanacional.go.cr/pub/2021/04/28/ALCA83_2
8_04_2021.pdf  Effective 7 April 
2021  
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Dominican 
Republ ic Stricter import requirements on ethyl alcohol, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Permanent Delegation of the Dominican Republic to the WTO (7 
May 2021)  Effective 28 
April 2021  
European Uniona Amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards temporary measures in relation to value added 
tax applicable to COVID -19 vaccines and in vitro diagnostic medical devices in response to the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Members States may take one of the following measures: (i) apply a 
reduced rate to the supply of COVID -19 in vitro diagnostic medical devices and services closely 
linked to those devices; (ii) grant an exemption with deductibility of VAT paid at the preceding 
stage in respect of the supply of COVID -19 in vitro diagnostic medical devices and services 
closely li nked to those devices. Member States may grant an exemption with deductibility of 
VAT paid at the preceding stage in respect of the supply of COVID -19 vaccines and services 
closely linked to those vaccines. Only COVID -19 vaccines authorized by the Commissi on or by 
Member States shall be eligible for the exemption  European Commission Council Directive 2020/2020 (7 December 
2020)  Effective 11 
December 2020 
to 31 December 
2022 
European Union  Export authorization of vaccines against SARS -related coronaviruses (SARS -CoV species) 
irrespective of their packaging. Authorisations are granted to the extent that the volume of 
exports is such that it does not pose a threat to the execution of Advanced Purchase 
Agreements that the Union has concluded with vaccines manuf acturers.  
Exemptions from measures are listed in Article 1.5 of the regulation and include exports to 
Republic of Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Faeroe Islands, the Republic of 
Iceland, Kosovob, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Montenegro,  the Kingdom of Norway, the 
Republic of North Macedonia, the Republic of San Marino, Serbia, the Swiss confederation, 
Vatican City State, the overseas countries, territories listed in Annex II of the Treaty of the 
Functioning of the European Union, and exp orts to Büsingen, Helgoland, Livigno, Ceuta and 
Melilla, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinec, Syria, Tunisia, Armenia, 
Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Israel, Moldova and Ukraine, exports in the context of 
humanitarian aid, exports to  low and middle income countries in the COVAX AMC listd, as well 
as exports of goods purchased and/or delivered through COVAX, UNICEF and PAHO with 
destination to any other COVAX participating country  Public information transmitted by the EU Delegation. Co mmission 
Implementing Regulation 2021/111 (29 January 2021). Viewed 
at: https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0111&from=EN. WTO 
document G/MA/QR/N/EU/5/Add.1, 5 February 2021  Effective 30 
January 2021 to 
12 March 2021. 
Measure  expired  
European Union  Export authorization shall be required for the export of vaccines against SARS -related 
coronaviruses (SARS -CoV species), irrespective of their packaging as well as for export of 
active substances, including master and working cell banks used for the manufacture of such 
vaccines  
 
Authorizations are granted to the extent that the volume of exports is such that it d oes not 
pose a threat to the execution of Advance Purchase Agreements that the European Union has 
concluded with vaccine manufacturers.  
 
Exemptions from measures are listed in Article 1.9 of the regulation and include exports to the 
Republic of Albania, An dorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Faeroe Islands, the Republic of 
Iceland, Kosovob, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Montenegro, the Kingdom of Norway, the 
Republic of North Macedonia, the Republic of San Marino, Serbia, the Swiss confederation, 
Vatican  City State, the overseas countries, territories listed in Annex II of the Treaty of the 
Functioning of the European Union, and exports to Büsingen, Helgoland, Livigno, Ceuta and 
Melilla, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinec, Syria, Tunisia, Armenia, 
Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Israel, Moldova and Ukraine, exports in the context of 
humanitarian aid, exports to low and middle income countries in the COVAX AMC listd, as well 
as exports of goods purchased and/or delivered through COVAX , UNICEF and PAHO with 
destination to any other COVAX participating country.  Public information transmitted by the EU Delegation. Commission 
Implementing Regulation 2021/442 (12 March 2021). Viewed at: 
http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2021/442/oj. WTO do cument 
G/MA/QR/N/EU/5/Add.2, 18 March 2021  Effective 13 
March 2021 to 
30 June 2021  
European Union  The measure introduces changes to the existing mechanism imposed by Regulation 2021/442 
(12 March 2021). Export authorisation shall be required for the expo rt of vaccines against 
SARS -related coronaviruses (SARS -CoV species) currently falling under CN codes 3002.20.10; Public information transmitted by the EU Delegation. Commission 
Implementing Regulation 2021/521 (24 March 2021). Extended 
by Commissio n Implementing Regulation 2021/734 (5 May Effective 26 
March 2021 for 
a period of 6  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 160 - Member/  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Observer  
ex 2933.99.80; ex 2934.99.90; ex 3002. 90.90;  ex 3504.00.90e, irrespective of their 
packaging as well as for export of active substances, incl uding master and working cell banks 
used for the manufacture of such vaccines, currently falling under CN codes ex 2933.99.80; ex 
2934.99.90; ex 3002.90.90; ex 3504.00.90e. Authorisations are granted to the extent that the 
volume of exports is such that it  does not pose a threat to the execution of Advance Purchase 
Agreements that the European Union has concluded with vaccines manufacturers. 
Authorisations are granted where exports do not pose a threat to the security of supply within 
the European Union. In  order to determine whether the condition above is fulfilled, the 
competent authorities shall assess the following factors: 1) does the destination country 
restrict its own exports of vaccines or their raw materials, either by law or other means?; and 
2) are the conditions prevailing in the destination country better or worse than the EU's, in 
particular its epidemiological situation, its vaccination rate and its access to vaccines. 
Exemptions from measures are listed in Article 1.9 (b), 1.9 (c), 1.9 (d), 1 .9 (e), and 1.9 (f) of 
the Regulation (EU) 2021/442 as well as in Article 1 of the Regulation (EU) 2021/521. They 
include exports in the context of humanitarian aid, exports to low and middle income countries 
in the COVAX AMC listd, as well as exports of g oods purchased and/or delivered through 
COVAX, UNICEF and PAHO with destination to any other COVAX participating country  2021). Viewed at: https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0521&from=EN and 
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0734&from=EN. WTO 
documents G/MA/QR/N/EU/5/ Add.3, 31 March 2021; and 
G/MA/QR/N/EU/5/Add.4, 11 May 2021  weeks, until 6 
May 2021. 
Extended from 7 
May 2021 until 
30 June 2021 
(Exemptions 
reintroduced for 
Iceland, 
Lichtenstein and 
Norway)  
Bulgaria  Temporary ex port prohibition of certain medicinal products, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Public information transmitted by the EU Delegation  Effective 10 
March 2021 to 
30 April 2021  
Hungary  Temporary export ban on Gelofusine  solution for infusion and Gelaspan 4 % solution for 
infusion in the distribution activities, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Public information transmitted by the EU Delegation  Effective 11 
December 2020 
until 11 June 
2021 
India Amendments in Export Policy of Nitrile/NBR Gloves, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. The 
export policy of Nitrile/NBR Gloves is revised from "Prohibited" to "Restricted"  Notification No. 42/2015 -2020, Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Department of Commerce, Directorate General of 
Foreign Trade (22 October 2020)  Effective 22 
October 2020  
India Amendments in Export Policy of Medical Googles, and Nitrile/NBR Gloves, due to the COVID -19 
pandemic. The export policy of Medical Googles and Nitrile/NBR Gloves is revised from 
"Restricted" to "Free"  Notification No. 47/2015 -2020, Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Department of Commerce, Directorate General of 
Foreign Trade (22 December 2020)  Effective 22 
December 2020  
India Procedure and criteria for submission and approval o f application for exports of diagnostic kits 
and their components/laboratory reagents. Export quota for the following types of diagnostic 
kits fixed for the period December 2020 to February 2021: VTM kits or its component 
elements (660 Lakh); RNA extractio n kits or its component elements (400 Lakh); and RT -PCR 
kit (COVID/Non COVID) or its component elements (280 Lakh)  Ministry of Commerce and Industry - Directorate General of 
Foreign Trade, Export Cell - Trade Notice Nos. 39/2020 -21 (19 
January 2021) and 45 /2020 -21 (2 March 2021)    
India The export of Injection Remdesivir and Remdesivir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) 
falling under the ITCHS Codes 2934.99 and 3004.90, or falling under any other HS Codes has 
been prohibited  Notification No. 1/2015 -2020, Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Department of Commerce, Directorate General of 
Foreign Trade (11 April 2021)  Effective 11 
April 2021  
India Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 10%) on: (i) Remdesivir  Active Pharmaceutical 
Ingredients (API); (ii) on Beta Cyclodextrin (SBEBCD) used in manufacture of Remdesivir, 
subject to the condition that the importer follows the procedure set out in the Customs 
(Import of Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty) Rules, 20 17; and (iii) on injection Remdesivir, 
due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Notification No. 27/2021 -Custosm, Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue (20 April 2021). Viewed at: 
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -
act/notifications/notfn s-2021/cs -tarr2021/cs27 -2021.pdf  Effective until 
31 October 
2021 
India Operationalization of DGFT "COVID -19 Helpdesk" for International Trade -related Issues. The 
Department of Commerce have undertaken to monitor the status of export and imports and 
difficulties being faced by trade  
stakeholders in view of the surge of COVID -19 cases. DGFT has accordingly operationalized a 
"COVID -19 Helpdesk" to support and seek suitable resolutions to  
issues arising in respect of International Trade. It would look into i ssues relating to 
Department of Commerce/DGFT, Import and Export Licensing Issues, Customs clearance Trade Notice No. 02/2021 -22, Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Department of Co mmerce, Directorate General of 
Foreign Trade (26 April 2021)     
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delays and complexities arising thereon, Import/Export documentation issues, Banking 
matters. The Helpdesk would also collect and collate trade -related iss ues concerning other 
Ministries/Departments/Agencies of Central Government and State Governments and will co -
ordinate to seek their support and provide possible resolution(s)  
India Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain goods to fight COVID -19, e.g. COVID -19 
vaccines, oxygen concentrator, medical oxygen, oxygen canisters, oxygen filling systems, 
oxygen storage tanks, oxygen generator, ISO containers for shipping oxygen, oxygen 
cylinders including cryogenic cylinders and tanks, ventilators  Notification No. 28/2021 -Custosm, Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue (24 April 2021). Viewed  at: 
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -
act/notifications/notfns -2021/cs -tarr2021/cs28 -2021.pdf  Effective 24 
April 2021  
India Temporary elimination of import tariffs on inflammatory diagnostic (marker) kits, namely - IL6, 
D-Dimer, CR P (C-Reactive Protein), LDH (Lactate De -Hydrogenase), ferritin, Pro Calcitonin 
(PCT) and blood gas reagents, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Notification No. 29/2021 -Customs, Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue (30 April 2021). Viewed at: 
https://www. cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -
act/notifications/notfns -2021/cs -tarr2021/cs29 -2021.pdf  Effective 30 
April 2021  
India Temporary reduction of the Integrated Good and Services Taxes "IGST" on oxygen 
concentrator, imported for personal use, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  Notification No. 30/2021 -Customs, Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue (1 May 2021). Viewed at: 
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -
act/notifications/notfns -2021/cs -tarr2021/cs30 -2021.pdf  Effective 1 May 
2021 to 30 June 
2021 
India Temporary exemption of goods specified in notification Nos. 27/2021 -Customs and 28/2021 -
Customs, from Integrated Good and Services Taxes "IGST" levied thereon at the time of 
import subject to conditions as follows: (i) whe n such goods are imported into India free of 
cost for the purpose of COVID Relief by a state government, or any entity, relief agency, or 
statutory body empowered in this regard by any state government; (ii) said goods are 
received from abroad for free dis tribution in India for the purpose of COVID relief; and (iii) 
follows the procedure prescribed in the notification  Ad hoc  Exemption Order No. 4/2021 -Customs, Ministry of 
Finance - Department of Revenue (3 May 2021). Viewed at: 
https://www.cbic.gov.in/resou rces//htdocs -cbec/customs/cs -
act/notifications/notfns -2021/cs -tarr2021/AdHoccs04 -2021.pdf  Effective 3 May 
2021 to 30 June 
2021 
Indonesia  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on vaccines essential in combatting COVID -19, raw 
materials used in the produc tion of the vaccine, and equipment necessary for its production 
and handling. Imports also exempted from other taxes  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia to the WTO (3 May 2021) 
and Regulation No. 188/PMK 04/2020 - Ministry of Finance  Effective 26 
November 2020  
Indonesia  Extension of the exemption from VAT and income taxes on imports of certain medical and 
pharmaceutical products  Permanent Delegation of Indonesia to the WTO (3 May 2021) 
and Regulation No. 239/2020 - Ministry of Finance  Effective 1  
January 2021 to 
31 December 
2021 
Iraq, Rep. of  Extension of the temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain personal protective 
equipment, pharmaceutical products, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic  Permane nt Delegation of Iraq (3 May 2021)  Effective 14 
February 2021  
Japan  Elimination of import tariffs on gloves, of polymers of vinyl chloride, of a thickness of less than 
0.2 mm  Permanent Delegation of Japan to the WTO (25 May 2021)  Effective 1 April 
2021 
Republic of Korea  On 23 October 2020 termination of the temporary qua ntitative restriction on the exportation of 
surgical and anti -droplet masks, filtering respirators, and melt blown filters  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/KOR/3/Add.1, 6 November 2020    
Kyrgyz Republic  Termination of the temporary export ban on maize, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/KGZ/1/Add.3, 18 January 2021  Effective 30 
December 2020  
Kyrgyz Republic  Temporary export ban on certain food products (e.g. horses, live bovine animals, live sheep 
and goats, live poultry, wheat and meslin, barley, maize, rice, wheat flour, vegetable oils 
(except safflower), granulated sugar, chicken eggs, iodized table salt, feed), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/KGZ/1/Add.3, 18 January 2021  Effective 8 
January 2021  
Kyrgyz Republic  Temporary export prohibition of medicines and medical products (HS Chapters 28; 29; 30; 39; 
48; 62: 63; 84; 85; 90; 94), due  to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/KGZ/1/Add.7, 21 April 2021  Effective 12 
April 2021  
Madagascar  Elimination of import tariffs on certain pharmaceutical products, PPE  and gloves. Imports also 
exempted from VAT  Permanent Delegation of Madagascar to the WTO (3 May 2021)  Effective 25 
January 2021   
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Mexico  Creation of 3 new tariff lines, resulting in the elimination of import tariffs on vaccines essential 
in combatting COV ID-19 and aluminium containers for oxygen  Permanent Delegation of Mexico to the WTO (28 May 2021) and 
Diario Oficial de la Federación (Official Journal), 22 February 
2021 Effective 23 
February 2021, 
and in force 
throughout the 
COVID -19 
emergency 
period  
Mongolia  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on rice (buckwheat, millet), vegetable oil, animal 
feeds, grass, fodder seeds, edible wheat, wheat germ, oilseeds, vegetable crude oil due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from VAT  Permanent Delegation of Mongolia to the WTO (18 May 2021)  Effective 
December 2020 
to 1 July 2021  
Nepal  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on medical grade oxygen (liquid and gaseous oxygen); 
helmets for non -invasive ventilators; oxygen cylinder, liqu id oxygen container, liquid oxygen 
tank, oxygen cannister, ISO containers for shipping oxygen and cryogenic road transport tank 
for oxygen; vacuum pressure swing absorption "VPSA", pressure swing absorption "PSA", 
oxygen plants and cryogenic oxygenic air s eparation units "ASU"; oxygen cylinder valve; 
syringe pump, infusion pump, high flow nasal cannula; ICU monitor; oxygen concentrator, 
venturi mask, reservoir mask, ventilator mask, non -Invasive ventilator mask, ventilator 
circuit, oxygen connectors and tub bing, oxygen filling system, oxygen generators, 
compressors, tubbing, humidifiers and viral filters for ventilators, oro -nasal masks and nasal 
masks for non -invasive ventilators; oxygen flowmeter and oxygen regulator; blood gas 
analyser; and ICU bed, due t o the COVID -19 pandemic. Imports also exempted from other 
taxes and fees  Permanent Delegation of Nepal to the WTO (24 May 2021)  Effective 26 
April 2021  
North Macedonia  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain products, due to the COVID -19 pandem ic Permanent Delegation of North Macedonia to the WTO (22 April 
2021)  Effective 1 
February 2021 
to 31 December 
2021 
Paraguay  Temporary VAT reduction (to 0.5%) on imports of vaccines essential in combatting COVID -19  Permanent Delegation of Paraguay to the WTO (28 April 2021)  Effective 6 April 
2021 to 31 
December 2021  
South Africa  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on vacci nes essential in combatting COVID -19. Imports 
also exempted from VAT  International Trade Administration Commission, Notice No. 88, 
Government Gazette No. 44152 (12 February 2021), and, 
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Notice No. 
34/2021 (28 January 2021)  Effective 12 
February 2021 
and in force 
throughout the 
COVID -19 
emergency 
period  
Thailand  On 5 February 2021 extension of the temporary export restriction on surgical masks; face -
masks for protection against dust, smoke or toxic substances used for safety apparatus and 
others, due to the COVID -19 pandemic (the export of such products is subject to an approval 
from the authorized committee)  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/THA/2/Add.4, 21 May 2021  Effective until 5 
February 2022  
Turkey  Temp orary export authorization for certain personal protective equipment (PPE), due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/TUR/2/Add.1, 9 April 2021  Effective 4 
March 2021  
Turkey  Temporary export registration for meltblown fabric, due to the COVID -19 pandemic  WTO document G/MA/QR/N/TUR/2/Add.1, 9 April 2021  Effective 18 
March 2021  
Ukraine  Amendments introduced in the list of imported products to fight COVID -19 exempted from VAT 
(HS Chapters 28; 30; 38; 39; 48; 62; 63; 73; 90)  Permanent Delegation of Ukraine to the WTO (13 May 2021)  Effective April 
2021 
United Kingdom  On 31 December 2020 expiration of the temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain 
medical supplies, equipment and protective garments, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. 
Imports also exempted from VAT (originally implemented on 27 March 2020)  United Kingdom Mission to Geneva (27 April 2021); GOV.UK: 
business and industry, trade and investment, customs 
declarations, duties and tariffs (import and export)     
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 163 - Member/  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Observer  
United Kingdom  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain medical items which are critical in the 
response to COVID -19. All products listed by the World Health Organization in June 2020 as 
COVID -19 critical are able to enter the UK tariff free  United King dom Mission to Geneva (27 April 2021)  Effective 1 
January 2021, 
for 12 months  
United States  Further Extension and Modification of FEMA temporary rule allocating certain scarce or 
threatened materials for domestic use (originally implemented from 7 April 2 020 to 30 June 
2021 - unless sooner modified or terminated)  Permanent Delegation of the United States to the WTO (26 May 
2021) and WTO document G/MA/QR/N/USA/5/Add.1, 1  
February 2021  Modifications 31 
December 2020  
Viet Nam  Suspension of temporary import for re -export of medical masks, medical gloves and anti -
epidemic isolation suits  Permanent Delegation of Viet Nam to the WTO (1 June 2021)  Effective 22 
January 2021 to 
31 December 
2021 
a The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union as of 1 February 2020. During the transition period, which ends on 31 December 2020, European Union law, 
with a few limited exceptions, continues to be applicable to and in the United Kingdom. During the transition period, the inf ormation pr ovided by the European Union 
which is relevant to this document continues to cover the United Kingdom.  
b This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of inde pendence.  
c This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual pos itions of the EU member States on this issue.  
d Please refer to https://www.gavi.org/news/media -room/92 -low-middle -income -economies -eligible -access -covid-19-vaccines -gavi-covax -amc.  
e The scope of products covered by this measure is exactly the same as for the regulation 2021/111. For more clarity, regulation 20 21/442 provides the relevant CN codes 
for active substances, which was not the case in the regulation 2021/111.  
Note:  For detaile d information about HS codes, refer to the WTO, COVID -19 and World Trade : 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/trade_related_goods_measure_e.htm . 
Source: WTO Secretariat.  
 
  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 164 - ANNEX 6 – COVID -19 TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED MEASURES (SERVICES )1 
Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date Verified by 
Member  
Colombia  All sectors  New measures eased requirements under the Special Import -Export 
Systems (SEIEX) in order to facilitate the export of goods and services. The 
new provisions apply for a period of 18 months.  Resolution No. 1213 and Decree No. 1371 on 
transitory provi sions with respect to the 
Special Import - Export Systems (SEIEX)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://dapre.presidencia.gov.co/normativa/n
ormativa /DECRETO%201371%20DEL%2019
%20DE%20OCTUBRE%20DE%202020.pdf  
 
https://www.mincit.gov.co/getattachment/58
5a4976 -6915-495c-8fd4-
91e195ca5b54/Resolucion -1213-del-30-de-
noviembre -de-2020-por-me.aspx   20 October 
2020 – 19 
April 2022  YES 
Costa Rica  All sectors  The Ministry of the Interior and Police and the General Directorate of 
Migration and Foreigners introduced new temporary migratory measures 
within the framework of the State of National Health Emergency due to 
COVID -19. Executive Decree Nos. 42690 -MGP-S, 42703 -
MGP-S and 42916 -MGP-S. 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www .pgrweb.go.cr/scij/   
 October 
2020 -April 
2021 YES 
Costa Rica  All sectors  Costa Rica's General Immigration Directorate has launched an on -line 
platform called "TramiteYa!" on which foreign nationals can submit certain 
immigration applications and related documents without the need to apply 
in person.  
 Viewed at:  
https://www.migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Migraci
%C3%B3n -Digital.aspx  22 March 
2021 YES 
 
1 This table has been compiled by the WTO Secretariat and is an informal situation report and an attempt to provide transparency with respect to measures affecting trade 
in services taken in the context of the COVID -19 crisis. It does not pass judg ement on or questions the right of WTO members to take such actions.  The Secretariat has not sought 
to determine and  indicate whether the measures listed in the table have trade -restrictive or trade -facilitating effects. The information in this  table is not exhaustive and  does not 
include  information on general support measures relating to services.   Further, the object ive of this table is not to list all COVID -related measures taken by governments around 
the world to limit movement, nor all the measures taken to ease the impact of border restrictions or other limits on movement . The measures listed in this table p rovide  a situation 
report up to 15 May  2020. A consistent feature of the trade and trade -related measures taken in response to the COVID -19 crisis has been the frequent changes, adjustments and 
occasional roll  back of such measures to reflect the evolving situat ion. The updated lists of measures implemented in the context of the current pandemic are available on the 
COVID -19 page of the WTO website : https://www.wto.org/engl ish/tratop_e/covid19_e/covid19_e.htm#measures .  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 165 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date Verified by 
Member  
Costa Rica  Road transport 
services  The Ministry of the Interior and Police and the Ministry of Health modified 
sanitary measures in immigration matters to prevent the effects of 
COVID -19. 
 
The traceability requirement was abolished for persons involved in 
international la nd transport of goods, in order to facilitate the current 
conditions, while authorities analyze alternative traceability measures.  Executive Decree No. 42651 -MGP-S Reform 
to Executive Decree No. 42238 -MGP-S of 17 
March 2 020 related to Sanitary measures in 
immigration matters to prevent the effects of 
COVID -19 
 
Viewed at: 
http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Nor
mativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?pa
ram1=NRTC&nValor1=1& nValor2=92654&nV
alor3=122740&strTipM=TC   
 9 October 
2020 YES 
Hungary  All sectors  The temporary Act on foreign investment control has been modified and no 
longer applies to acquisitions among affiliated companies.  In addition, it now 
applies until 30 June 2021.  Viewed at:  
https://www.cms -
lawnow.com/ealerts/2020/11/hungary -an-
extension -to-foreign -investment -
control#:~:text=The%20Hungarian%20parlia
ment%20has%20introduced,pandemics%20(
%E2%80%9CTemporary%20Act%E2%80%9
D)  
 10 
November 
2020 YES 
Indonesia  All sectors  The Indonesian government has launched an e -visa to streamline the visa 
application process and remove the need to wait in border queues to obtain 
a visa on arrival. The e -visa is first being made available to business travelers 
from selected countries who have a Travel Corridor agreement with the 
Indonesian government, as well as investors, skilled workers, and civil 
servants.  
 
The Minister temporarily suspends the granting of visit Visa exemptions and 
visit visa on arrival until the COVID -19 pandemic is declared to have ended 
by the ministry or institution in charge of the handling of COVID -19.During 
the pandemic COVID -19, eVisa also prioritized for business essentials 
players who can encourage economic growth and related to the 
human itarian activity.  
 Indonesian e -Visa 
 
Minister of Law and Human Rights (MOLHR) 
Regulation No. 26/2020 on Visa and Stay 
Permit during New Normal Adaptation Period  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.onlinevisa.com/indonesia -visa/  Effective 
October 
2020 YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 166 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date Verified by 
Member  
Indonesia  Financial 
services  The Indonesian Financial Services Authority had previously introduced a 
countercyclical policy under OJK regulation No. 14/POJK.05/2020 on 
Countercyclical Policy in relation to the Impact of COVID -19 for Non -Bank 
Financial Institutions that came into force on 17 April 2020. That policy was 
previously valid until 31 December 2020. On 10 December 2020, the OJK 
issued an amendment to the above r egulation (OJK Regulation No. 
58/POJK.05/2020) that came into force on 16 December 2020. The 
amendment extends the period of the stimulus for non -bank financial 
institutions and adjusts several provisions, among others the addition of 
regulatory subjects i n the regulation, namely microfinance institutions and 
fintech peer -to-peer lending companies.  Financial Services Authority (OJK) Regulation 
No. 58/POJK.05/2020 on Amendment to OJK 
regulation No. 14/POJK.05/2020 on 
Countercyclical Policy in relation to the  Impact 
of COVID -19 for Non -Bank Financial 
Institutions (POJK 58/2020)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.ojk.go.id/id/regulasi/Pages/Peru
bahan -Atas-Peraturan -Otoritas -Jasa-
Keuangan -Nomor -14-tentang -Kebijakan -
Countercyclical -Dampak -Penyebaran -.aspx  
 
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Delo
itte/id/Documents/audit/id -aud-ojk-banking -
regulations -jan2021.pdf  
 Effective 16 
December 
2020 YES 
Iraq 
(observer)  Financial 
services  The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) announced the launch of the "Digital 
Onboarding service", i.e. an integrated digital financial system that is 
expected to reduce the country's dependency on cash, thereby enabling the 
State to fight corruption, evasion and bureaucracy in financial dealings within 
banks operating in Iraq.  
 Viewed at:  
https://www.iraq -
businessnews.com/2021/02/10/new -
electronic -banking -service -launched -in-iraq/  Issued 7 
February 
2021 YES 
Japan  Financial 
services  In response to the spread of COVID -19, the relevant authorities have taken 
measures, including:  
(i) Minister of State for Financial Services issued a statement on maintaining 
the functions of the financial system and financial markets under the 
Declaration of a State of Emergency Responding to the Spread of the COVID -
19 Infection on January 7, 2021 ; 
(ii) The Financial Services Agency (FSA) made requests to financial 
institutions to take prompt and flexible measures related to cash flow 
support for companies and individuals in consideration of COVID -19 spreads 
by publishing notices on January 19, 2021;  
(iii) The FSA put forth the conditions for the extension of deadline for 
submitting annual securities and other reports in connection with the COVID -
19 infection due to unavoidable reasons on January 8, 2021; and  
(iv) The FSA established the Networking Grou p on the corporate disclosure, 
financial reporting and audit of listed companies in consideration of the 
impact of the COVID -19 Infection on April 3, 2020, under which some 
meetings have been held since then.  
 Viewed at:  
https://www.fsa.go.jp/en/ordinary/coronaviru
s202001/press.html   October 
2020 – April 
2021 YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 167 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date Verified by 
Member  
Myanmar  Various sectors  Authorities adopted a number of  measures in the context of COVID -19, 
including:  
- temporarily lowering from 1 -10-2020 to 31 -3-2021 the minimum reserve 
requirement (Local Currency -MMK) for banks to 3.5% of customers’ deposits 
(from 5%);  
- exemption of 2% Advance Income Tax (AIT) on expo rts until 30 April 2021 
(extended from 28 February and 31 March 2021);  
- provide loan with a maximum interest rate of 2% per annum (up to fifty 
lakh kyats per store), low interest rate loan (1 year loan term) to small 
grocery stores in Nay Pyi Taw Council and other regions and states which 
were affected by the COVID -19 pandemic.  Central Bank of Myanmar’s Directive No.  
10/2020  
 
Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry's 
Notifications 2/2021, 4/2021 and 5/2021 
released on 19 March 2021)  
 
Ministry of Plannin g, Finance and Industry's 
Announcement  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.cbm.gov.mm/sites/default/files/
currency_policy/rr_3.5.pdf  
https://www.mopfi.gov.mm/en  
 September 
2020 – April 
2021 YES 
New 
Zealand  Air transport 
services  The New Zealand Ministry of Transport has established a scheme to secure 
regional connectivity and ensure that critical air services can continue while 
disruptions from COVID -19 persist.  Maintaining International Air Connectivity 
Scheme (MIAC), Ministry of Transport  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.transport.govt.nz/ assets/Upload
s/Paper/MIAC -additional -information.pdf  
  1 May 2021 
– 31 
October 
2021 YES 
Paraguay  Maritime 
transport  The Executive Power issued decrees in order to  guarantee the provision of 
services in the logistics chain of ports, river vessels and maritime cargo lines.  Decrees Nos. 4115, 4220, 4331, 4455, 
4525/2020 – 4705, 4798, 4880, 4990, 5025, 
5053, 5071/2021, article 2, number 18. 
Decrees Nos. 5100 and 5118/2 021, Article 1 . 
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.mspbs.gov.py/decretos -
covid19.html  
  October 
2020 - April 
2021 YES 
Paraguay  Land transport  The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare established requirements 
and guidelines in relation to land terminals, passenger and passenger 
transport companies, to mitigate the risk of contagion from COVID -19 and 
ensure the development of international  commercial passenger transport 
operations.  
 Terminal Health Protocol, International Land 
Passenger Transport (Bus, Personal and 
Private Vehicles)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.mspbs.gov.py/dependencias/por
tal/adjunto/8da5ca -
20203112Ingresoterrestre.pdf  
 23 
December 
2020 YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 168 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date Verified by 
Member  
Philippines  Financial 
services  The Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas  or BSP -) 
adopted a series of new measures affecting banking and other financial 
services. These relate, for example, to regulatory relief for BSP -supervised 
financial institutions (BSFIs) affected by COVID -19 situation, regulatory 
relief for foreign bank s established prior to the enactment of Republic Act 
10641 (allowing the full entry of foreign banks in the Philippines) that 
breached the single borrower limit, or relaxation of certain reporting 
requirements.  
 Memoranda Nos. M -2020-079, 081, 085 to 
088, 095; M -2021-002, 011, 012  
Circulars No. 1098, 1100, 1101, 1103  
Circular Letter CL -2020-051 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/   October 
2020 – 
February 
2021 
 YES 
Romania  Financial 
services  An emergency ordinance (No . 37/2020) delays the instalment payments for 
loans, for a period between 1 and 9 months. The initiative is aimed at both 
citizens and legal persons affected economically by the COVID -19 pandemic. 
This was amended by the emergency order and Law No 1 of the Annex to 
Regulation (EEC) 141 of 21 July 2020.  
 Emergency Order No. 227, Law No . 1 of the 
Annex to Regulation (EEC) 141 of 21 July 2020 
for the approval of the Government Emergency 
Ordinance No. 67/2020  30 
December 
2020  
Saudi 
Arabia, 
Kingd om of  Air transport 
services  In the context of the COVID -19 pandemic, a measure was introduced to 
allow the extension of the validity of licenses, attestations, and certificates 
for aircrew, trainers, examiners and flight dispatchers, in accordance with 
terms and conditions that ensure safety levels.  Viewed at:  
https://gaca.gov.sa/scs/Satellite?blobcol=urld
ata&blobheader=application%2Fpdf&blobhead
ername1=Content -
Disposition&blobheadervalue1=inline&blobkey
=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1442
854983908&ssbinary=true  
 31 March 
2021 
 
Valid until 
30 June 
2021 YES 
Saudi 
Arabia, 
Kingdom of  Air transport 
services  Airlines are exempted from the compensation obligations in the Customer 
Protection Rights Regulation based on Force Majeure (as per Article 16). 
Airlines must continue to provide the appropriate care and assistance 
services.  Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia to the WTO  20 
December 
2020  
 
Valid for 2 
weeks  
 YES 
Singapore  Maritime 
transport 
services  The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore issued a new circular that 
tightens requirements for crew change to combat COVID -19. Viewed at:  
https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/p
ort-of-singapore/circulars -and-notices/port -
marine -circulars/detail/afbeaccd -7cb8-43f5-
93fa-6b7afd2e08f6   
 6 May 2021   
Singapore  Maritime 
transport 
services  Crew exchanges for seafarers are banned for those that had traveled to 
Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka within the last 21 days 
preceding arrival to Singapore  Viewed at:  
https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/p
ort-of-singapore/circulars -and-
notices/detail/e689cae8 -46ab-4f22-8fe8-
b30fab33beef  
 8 May 2021    
  WT/TPR/OV/W/15  
 
- 169 - Member  Sector  Measure  Source  Date Verified by 
Member  
Spain  All sectors  Royal Decree -Law 34/2020 introduces a transitional rule, until 30 June 2021, 
to the Spanish FDI regime by which it requires authorisation to be obtained 
for certain investments by residents of other EU and EFTA countries.  
 
RDL 34/2020 introduces changes i n article 7 bis "Suspension of the 
liberalization regime for certain foreign direct investments in Spain " 
 
RDL 34/2020 broadens the suspension regime introduced by Royal Decree -
Law 8/2020 of 17 March 2020 on urgent and extraordinary measures to 
confront the economic and social impact of COVID -19, later amended by 
Royal Decree -Law 11/2020 of 31 March 2020 on adopting additional urgent 
social and economic measures to confront COVID -19. 
 
During the period between 19 November 2020 and 30 June 2021, 
investments made by EU and EFTA residents are considered to be foreign 
direct investments if they meet the conditions set by the Decree, namely: if 
residents in the EU or EFTA carry out FDI in listed companies in Spain or in 
unlisted companies if the value of the investment exceeds EUR  500,000,000.  
 Royal Decree -Law No. 34/2020  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.boe.es/eli/es/rdl/2020/11/17/34
/con  Effective 19 
November 
2020 YES 
United Arab 
Emirates  Maritime 
transport 
services  The authority of Fujairah announced with immediate effect that if a vessel’s 
last port of call is India, crews are not allowed to disembark  Viewed at:  
https://www.seatrade -maritime.com/ship -
operations/fujairah -bans-crew-change -ships-
arriving -india 
 27 April 
2021  
United 
Kingdom  Financial 
services  The Bank of England and the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) have 
announced a range of measures to give firms more operational flexibility to 
respond to the COVID -19 pandemic (e.g. guidance on submitting the 2021's 
annual submission s and other types of regulatory reporting, the 
benchmarking exercise relating to capital internal models, or reporting and 
disclosure of exposures subject to measures applied in response to the 
COVID-19 outbreak).  
 Viewed at:  
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/coronaviru
s/information -for-firms  October 
2020 - April 
2021 YES 
United 
Kingdom  Transport 
services  A number of measures relating to drivers and seafarers were published, in 
particular to avoid disruptions in the supply chain (driver hours relaxation 
reintroduced from 23 December 2020 until 31 March 2021; drivers hours 
and tachographs temporary exemptions effective on 22 January 2021; 
temporary relaxation of medi cal fitness certificates for merchant seafarers 
and ML5 medical certificate holders).  Viewed at:  
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications
/covid -19-guidance -on-drivers -hours -
relaxations/cor onavirus -covid-19-guidance -
on-drivers -hours -relaxations  
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/58/
made/data.xht?view=snippet&wrap=true  
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/gove
rnment/uploads/system/uploads/a ttachment_
data/file/967565/Medical_policy_during_COVI
D19_pandemic_for_Merchant_Seafarers_and_
Fishermen_V3.pdf   
 December 
2020 – 
March 2021  
 YES 
__________