WT/TPR/OV/17  
 
24 November 2014  
(14-6834)  Page: 1/178  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW BODY  Original: English  
 
  
OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS 
IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING ENVIRONMENT 
ANNUAL REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL1 
  
Table of Contents 
 
KEY FIND INGS ................................................................................................................. 3
 
EXECUTIVE SU MMARY ...................................................................................................... 5  
1   INTROD UCTION  .......................................................................................................... 6  
2   RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE TR ENDS .................................................................... 7  
2.1   GDP and employment ................................................................................................ 8  
2.2   Merchand ise trade ..................................................................................................... 9  
2.3   Trade in co mmercial se rvices ..................................................................................... 15 
2.4   Trade forecast and economic outlook ........................................................................... 17 
3   TRADE AND TRADE-RELATED POLICY DEVELOPMENTS .............................................. 18  
3.1   Overview ................................................................................................................. 18 
3.2   Trade-remedy trends ................................................................................................ 24 
3.3   Sanitary and phytos anitary measur es (SPS) ................................................................. 35 
3.4   Technical barriers to trade (TBT) ................................................................................. 41 
3.5   SPS and TBT issues raised in other bodies .................................................................... 49 
3.6   Developments in agricultural  policy ............................................................................. 50 
3.7   Policy developments  in trade in  services ...................................................................... 54 
3.7.1   Measures affecting various service sectors ................................................................. 54 
3.7.2   Audio-visual and telecommunicati ons services............................................................ 58 
3.7.3   Energy  services ..................................................................................................... 61 
3.7.4   Financial services ................................................................................................... 61 
3.7.5   Distribution, postal  and transpor t services ................................................................. 67 
3.7.6   Services supplied through the movement of natural pe rsons ........................................ 67 
                                               
1 This report covers the period mid-November 2013 to mid-October 2014.  It is presented pursuant to 
Paragraph G of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism mandat e and aims to assist the Trade Policy Review Body 
to undertake its annual overview of developments in th e international trading environment that are having an 
impact on the multilateral trading system.  The report is issued under the sole responsibility of the 
Director-General.  It has no legal effe ct on the rights and obligations of Members, nor does it have any legal 
implications with respect to the conformity of any me asure noted in the report with any WTO Agreements or 
any provisions thereof.   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 2 - 
 
  3.8   Government support measures ................................................................................... 69 
3.9   Trade policy reviews from mid- November 2013 to end-October 2014 ............................... 70 
3.10   Regional trade agreements....................................................................................... 79 
3.11   Government  procurement ........................................................................................ 84 
3.11.1   Entry into force of the revised Ag reement on Government  Procuremen t (GPA) .............. 84 
3.11.2   Continuing expansion of the Agreement's Membership ............................................... 85 
3.11.3   New automated GPA market access information tool (the  "e-GPA portal")..................... 86 
3.11.4   Capacity building and cooperation with other IGOs .................................................... 86 
4   TRANSPARENCY OF TRADE POLICIES ........................................................................ 86  
4.1   Notifications and surveillance in WTO Councils and Committees ....................................... 86 
4.1.1   Agriculture ............................................................................................................ 86 
4.1.2   Quantitative restrictions .......................................................................................... 91 
4.1.3   Import  licensing .................................................................................................... 91 
4.1.4   Rules of origin .......................................................................................................  92 
4.1.5   Custom s valuation ................................................................................................. 93 
4.1.6   Subsidies and co untervailing measures ..................................................................... 94 
4.1.7   Anti -dumpi ng ........................................................................................................ 95 
4.1.8   State-trad ing enterprises ........................................................................................ 95 
4.1.9   Regional trade agreements ...................................................................................... 96 
4.2   WTO databases ........................................................................................................ 96 
4.2.1   Integrated database ............................................................................................... 96 
5   OTHER TRADE-RELA TED DEVELOPM ENTS .................................................................. 99  
5.1   Trade financ ing ........................................................................................................ 99 
5.2   Dispute settlement ................................................................................................. 100  
5.3   Aid for trade .......................................................................................................... 100 
ANNEX 1 ...................................................................................................................... 102 
MEASURES FACILITA TING TR ADE ................................................................................ 102  
ANNEX 2 ...................................................................................................................... 120 
TRADE-REMEDY MEASURES .......................................................................................... 120  
ANNEX 3 ...................................................................................................................... 150 
OTHER TRADE AND TRADE- RELATED MEAS URES .......................................................... 150  
ANNEX 4 ...................................................................................................................... 167 
GENERAL ECONOMIC SU PPORT MEAS URES .................................................................. 167  
APPENDIX .................................................................................................................... 1 76 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 3 - 
 
  KEY FINDINGS 
 This report shows that the stock of trade restrictions introduced by WTO Members since 2008 
continues to rise. Remaining uncertainties in the global economy underline the need for Members to show restraint in the imposition of new measures and to effectively eliminate 
existing ones. 
 Of the 2,146 trade-restrictive measures introduced by Members since October 2008, only 508 
(24% of the total measures) have been removed. The total number of restrictive measures still 
in place now stands at 1,638 (76% of the total measures). 
 Members applied 168 new trade-restrictive measures during the period between 
mid-November 2013 and mid-October 2014. This equates to over 15 new measures per month, compared with 14.6 in the previous period. 
 
• Members introduced 177 trade-liberalizing measur es during the period under review. Measured 
per month this figure is 16, compared with 8.2 in the previous period. 
 
• Greater transparency is needed from Members in order to improve the understanding of the 
operation and effects of non-tariff barriers to trade. These behind-the-border measures include 
regulatory measures and subsidies. 
 
• While this report shows that the stock of new trade-restrictive measures has continued to rise, 
it also supports the conclusion that the over all trade policy response to the 2008 crisis has 
been significantly more muted than expected based on previous crises. The multilateral trading 
system has acted as an effective backstop against protectionism.  
Trade-facilitating and restrictive measures, including trade-remedies 
(average per month) 
0246810121416182022242628303234
Oct. 08-Oct. 09
(12 months)Nov. 09-Oct. 10
(11 months)Oct. 10-Oct. 11
(12 months)Oct. 11-Oct. 12
(12 months)Oct. 12-Nov. 13
(13 months)Nov. 13-Oct. 14
(11 months)Facilitating Restrictive
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
 
 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 4 - 
 
  Trade-facilitating and restrictive me asures, not including trade-remedies 
 (average per month) 
0246810121416182022242628303234
Oct. 08-Oct. 09
(12 months)Nov. 09-Oct. 10
(11 months)Oct. 10-Oct. 11
(12 months)Oct. 11-Oct. 12
(12 months)Oct. 12-Nov. 13
(13 months)Nov. 13-Oct. 14
(11 months)Facilitating Restrictive
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
Stockpile of trade-restrictive measures 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 5 - 
 
  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
Against the backdrop of continuing global econom ic uncertainty and sluggish trade growth, recent 
developments in trade policy actions of Members are a cause for concern.  
First, although the pace of introduction of ne w trade-restrictive measures during the current 
reporting period (mid-November 2013 to mid-October 2014) slightly decreased compared to the period between October 2012 and November 2013, the number of new trade-restrictive measures 
still remains high at 168.  If trade-remedy actions are added to this category of measures, WTO 
Members applied 339 trade-restrictive measures in the period under review, compared with 407 in the previous annual reporting period. These 339 measures taken in the current period account for 1.4% of world merchandise imports. This amounts to US$257.5 billion. 
 
Particularly, the average number of trade-restrictive measures taken per month in the current reporting period is higher than that taken duri ng the two years after the onset of the global 
economic and financial crisis in 2008. If trade-remedy actions are also included, the average 
number of trade-restrictive measures per month is higher than in any other period since October 2008. Thus, viewed in the context of developments since 2008, the level of trade 
restrictions imposed by Members in the period under review remains very significant. 
 Second, the stock of restrictive trade measures introduced by Members since 2008 has continued to increase during the period between mid-November 2013 and mid-October 2014.  Of the 2,146 
trade-restrictive measures introduced since October 2008, only 508 (24% of the total measures) 
have been removed. The total number of restrictive measures still in place now stands at 1,638 (76% of the total measures).  
 
On a positive note, the number of trade-liberalizing measures significantly increased from 107 in the previous annual reporting period to 177 in the current reporting period. These 
trade-liberalizing measures account for 6.4% of world merchandise imports. This amounts to 
US$1,183.4 billion.  Combined with trade-liberalizin g measures on trade-remedy actions, the total 
number of trade-liberalizing measures increased fr om 251 in the previous period to 350 in the 
current period. 
 
The relatively positive development in the area of  trade-liberalizing measures should not distract 
from the concerns about the accumulation of trade restrictions. Although the removal rate of 
trade-restrictive measures was significantly higher in 2014 compared to 2010, the stockpile of 
trade-restrictive measures had also grown almost four-fold. Members must take decisive action to reduce this stock of trade restrictions by showing restraint in the imposition of new measures and 
by effectively eliminating existing ones. 
 In addition, adequate information on behind-the -border measures, including regulatory measures 
and subsidies, is still lacking. In addition to discussions in the specialized Committees, various 
types of non-tariff measures have increasingly been  the subject of debate in general bodies such 
as the Council for Trade in Goods and the General Council. Some consider that these types of measures have become more prominent in recent years, compared to conventional border 
measures, and therefore the need to increase the quality of the information available is 
paramount. To deliver on this and enhance understanding of the operation and effects of non-tariff barriers to trade, Members should look to provide greater transparency in this area. 
 
In this context, it is important to recall that the WTO trade-monitoring exercise contains a unique verification process which provides Members with the opportunity to update and correct information in the report submitted to the Trade Po licy Review Body. The ability of these reports to 
provide information on overall trends in trade policy measures depends on the participation and 
cooperation of all Members. Although the increase in the number of Members that have participated in the preparation of this report is encouraging, there remains a very large number of 
Members that have not actively participated in this exercise and thus are encouraged to do so for 
future exercises.  
Overall, this report supports the conclusion that despite the continuing increase in the stock of new 
trade-restrictive measures recorded since 2008, the trade policy reaction to the 2008 global economic and financial crisis has been more muted than might have been expected based on the WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 6 - 
 
  experience with previous crises. This shows that the multilateral trading system has acted as an 
effective backstop against protectionism.  World trade has grown more slowly than expected since the June 2014 report, due largely to slow 
and uneven economic growth in both developed and developing economies. On current forecasts 
trade growth will remain below average in 2014 and 2015.  
The growth in the number of regional trade agre ements and their changing scope underline the 
need for continuing work by Members to understan d the systemic implications of regionalism and 
to ensure that regional trade agreements are co nsistent with and supportive of the multilateral 
trading system. 
 
It is clear that the multilateral trading system can do more to drive economic growth, sustainable recovery and development. To this end Members have been working to implement the Bali 
package this year. We reached an impasse in these efforts during the summer which has had a 
freezing effect on many areas of work. Members ha ve recently redoubled their efforts to resolve 
this situation and move forward. It is essential that we do so, both to ensure the swift 
implementation of all Bali Decisions and to complete a work programme on the remaining issues of 
the Doha Development Agenda which would set the stage for further multilateral trade liberalization. Expansion of the Information Technology Agreement would also have a positive economic effect. Thus those Members who are sign atories should seek to build on the recent 
positive news to conclude talks on an expanded agreement, the benefits of which would be open to 
all Members. The removal of remaining trade-restrictive measures combined with further multilateral trade liberalization would be a powerful policy response. 
 
1  INTRODUCTION 
1.1.  This report is submitted to the Trade Polic y Review Body (TPRB) pursuant to Paragraph G of 
the trade policy review mandate in Annex 3 to the WTO Agreement, which provides for an annual 
report by the Director-General to assist the TPRB in undertaking its annual overview of developments in the international trading environment that are having an impact on the multilateral trading system.  It builds on the Director-General's report to the TPRB on trade-related 
developments circulated to Members on 27 June 2014.
2  Unless otherwise indicated, the report 
covers the period mid-November 2013 to mid-October 2014.   
1.2.  At the WTO Ministerial Conference in Dece mber 2011 Ministers recognized the regular work 
undertaken by the TPRB on the monitoring exercise of trade and trade-related measures, took 
note of the work initially done in the context of the global financial and economic crisis, and directed it to be continued and strengthened. Ministers invited the Director-General to continue 
presenting his trade-monitoring reports on a regular basis, and asked the TPRB to consider these 
monitoring reports in addition to its meeting to undertake the Annual Overview of Developments in the International Trading Environment.  Minister s committed to duly comply with the existing 
transparency obligations and reporting requirements needed for the preparation of these 
monitoring reports, and to continue to support and cooperate with the WTO Secretariat in a 
constructive fashion.
3  
1.3.  Following a review, in chapter 2, of rece nt economic and trade trends, chapter 3 of this 
report provides information on developments regarding measures affecting trade in goods, 
measures affecting trade in services, government support measures, trade policy reviews conducted during the period under review, regional trade agreements and government 
procurement.  Chapter 4 reviews developments with regard to transparency of trade policy 
measures, notably in the context of notifications and surveillance in WTO councils and committees.  Finally, Chapter 5 discusses developments regarding trade-finance, dispute settlement and aid for trade.  Annexes to the report list specific trade policy measures of individual Members in the area 
of trade in goods taken during the period under review in four categories: trade-facilitating 
measures (Annex 1); trade-remedy actions (Annex 2); other trade and trade-related measures (Annex 3) and general economic support measures (Annex 4).  Specific measures of individual 
Members in the area of trade in services are described in chapter 3.7.   
                                               
2 WTO document, WT/TPR/OV/W/8, 27 June 2014. 
3 WTO document, WT/L/848, 19 December 2011. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 7 - 
 
  1.4.  Information on the measures included in the annexes to this report and, with respect to 
services, in chapter 3.7, has been collected from inputs submitted by Members and Observer Governments, as well as from other official and public sources.  Replies to the request of the Director-General for information on measures take n during the period under review were received 
from 59 Members (counting the European Union and its Member States separately) (Box 1), which 
represents 37% of the membership, compar ed with 35% for the 2013 annual report.
4  One 
Observer Government also replied to the request for information.  The WTO Secretariat has drawn 
on these replies, as well as on a variety of other public and official sources, to prepare this report.  
All country-specific information collected was sent for verification to the delegation concerned.  Requests for verification of information were sent to 70 delegations (counting the European Union and its Member States as one). Forty-two of these provided replies in time for the preparation of 
this report, which represents 60% of the membership compared with 47% for the 2013 annual 
report.  Where it has not been possible to confirm the information, this is noted in the annexes.  The country-specific measures listed in the annexes are new measures implemented by 
governments during the period under review. A positive development in the context of the 
preparation of this report saw a number of WTO Members participate actively in the monitoring exercise for the first time.  
Box 1 Members that replied to the Director-General's request for information 
Albania 
Argentina 
Australia  
Azerbaijan* 
Brazil 
Canada 
Chile 
China 
Colombia 
Costa Rica 
Dominican Republic European Union 
Hong Kong, China 
India 
Indonesia 
Japan 
Korea, Republic of 
Macao, China 
Malaysia 
Mexico 
New Zealand 
Norway Pakistan 
Peru 
Philippines 
Russian Federation 
Singapore 
South Africa 
Switzerland 
Chinese Taipei 
Thailand 
Tunisia 
United States   
* Observer 
1.5.  The inclusion of any measure in this report or in its annexes implies no judgement by the 
WTO Secretariat on whether or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature.  Moreover, nothing in this report implies any judgement, either direct or indirect, as to the 
consistency of any measure referred to in the repo rt with the provisions of any WTO Agreement. 
2  RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE TRENDS  2.1.  World trade grew more slowly than expected since the last monitoring report, as an uneven 
economic recovery proceeded in both develo ped and developing economies. GDP growth 
rebounded in the United States in the second quarter after an unexpected decline in the first quarter. Meanwhile, output stagnated in the euro -area and fell sharply in Japan in the latest 
period. Developing economies' economic perfor mances also diverged markedly, as economic 
activity strengthened in China while Brazil's re cession deepened in the second quarter. Third 
quarter GDP figures were only available for a handfu l of countries at the time of writing, but other 
economic data continue to point to a multi-speed recovery. Specifically, the weakness of recent 
data on industrial production in Germany has raised  the prospect of slower growth in the European 
Union, where a prolonged recession and lacklustre recovery have weighed on international trade for more than two years. With global output growth unsteady in the first half of 2014, trade 
growth has been equally tentative, particularly in developing economies.  
2.2.  Several factors have contributed to the uncertain outlook for trade and output. A cooling 
property market reduced first quarter GDP growth  in China, although policy measures succeeded 
in lifting output in the second quarter and, to a lesser extent, in the third quarter (quarter-on-
quarter growth in Q3 was less than in Q2 but stronger than Q1). Ongoing geopolitical tensions over the conflict in the Ukraine have hit investment and economic growth in the Russian Federation and have had a negative impact on EU exports at the margin. Falling primary 
                                               
4 WTO document WT/TPR/OV/16, 31 January 2014.  The Appendix to this report contains more detailed 
information on Members' resp onses to the Director-General's request for information and to the Secretariat's 
request for verificati on of information. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 8 - 
 
  commodity prices (down 9% year-on-year in September) have cut into export revenues in natural 
resource exporters in Africa, the Middle East and La tin America. Finally, the legacy of the financial 
crisis continues to weigh heavily on European economies. On a more positive note, growth in the United States and the United Kingdom remained firmly positive in the third quarter despite some 
moderation in the pace of expansion in both countries. 
2.3.  The recent instability has prompted downgrades in economic forecasts from international 
organisations, including the World Trade Organization. The WTO Secretariat now estimates that 
world merchandise trade volume will grow 3.1% in 2014 and 4.0% in 2015. In their latest World 
Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund  also reduced its forecast for real world GDP 
growth at purchasing power parity to 3.3% in 2014 (2.6% at market exchange rates) and to 3.8% in 2015 (3.2% at market rates). Despite the downward revisions, forecasters expect the global 
economic recovery to continue, while recognizing that downside risks have increased.  
2.4.  Some of these risks are extremely difficult to gauge, including the spread of the Ebola virus 
and unforeseen consequences from the changing st ance of monetary policy in developed countries. 
The former seems likely to have a negative impact on West African economies, including Nigeria, 
but costs could rise rapidly if the disease spreads beyond currently affected areas. The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to begin raising interest rates in 2015 after its programme of 
quantitative easing (i.e. bond purchases) is  wound down, but unexpectedly strong or weak 
economic data could change the timing of policy sh ifts and stoke financial instability. These steps, 
together with measures that the European Central Bank may or may not take to head off deflation, 
could also produce strong movements in exchange rates that could have real effects on global 
trade flows. The dollar has already appreciated ro ughly 8% against major currencies since 1 July 
according to the Federal Reserve's trade-weighted dollar index. 
2.5.  Despite the prominence of downside risks, some limited upside potential exists. Stronger GDP 
growth in North America could increase import demand and boost exports from trading partners in 
other regions, providing much needed support for trade. On the other hand, falling energy prices 
have ambiguous global effects, hurting some count ries (e.g. net oil exporters) while benefitting 
others (net oil importers). Overall, the global economic recovery looks set to continue, but with 
more turbulence than was expected earlier in the year. 
2.1  GDP and employment 2.6.  Quarterly data on world GDP growth are no t readily available, but given the 85% share of 
G-20 economies in world output, aggregate figures for these countries are reasonably 
representative of world totals. According to statistics from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), output of G- 20 economies as measured by GDP grew at an 
annualized rate of 3.2% in Q2, faster than the 2. 7% pace in Q1 but slower than the 3.5% rate 
from Q4 of last year. These results appear to have been driven by the fall and rise of output in the United States in the first and second quarters .  O E C D  c o u n t r i e s  g r e w  m o r e  s l o w l y  t h a n  G - 2 0  
countries overall - 1.0% in Q1 and 1.7% in Q2 - indicating slower average growth in developed 
economies than in developing ones 
2.7.  The United States recorded a 2.1% (annuali zed) drop in its GDP in Q1 followed by a 4.6% 
rise in Q2 and a 3.5% increase in Q3. The first quarter slump was attributed to a combination of 
harsh winter weather and inventory draw-downs, both of which were seen as transitory. This 
turned out to be the case, but it still managed to  hold down average growth in the first three 
quarters to just 2.0%. Relatively slow growth did not prevent the U.S. unemployment rate from 
falling to 5.8% in October, its lowest level since August 2009. Whether the unemployment rate 
provides an accurate measure of labour market slack in the United States at the moment is a much debated question, since the participation rate (i.e. the fraction of the population in the 
labour force) has fallen in the aftermath of the financial crisis to levels not seen since the early 
1980s. 
2.8.  The 0.6% annualized increase in the European Union's GDP in Q2 was less than the 1.3% rise 
in the previous quarter, and output for the eu ro-area was weaker still (0.9% in Q1 and 0.1% 
in Q2). EU-wide unemployment only registered a small improvement between July and August 
(from 10.2% to 10.1%) while there was no change in the euro-area rate (11.1% in both periods). The slow Q2 growth in the euro-area included declines of 0.1%, 0.6% and 0.7% in France, WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 9 - 
 
  Germany and Italy, respectively (all annualized rates). In contrast, the 3.7% growth that the 
United Kingdom recorded in Q2 was the largest such increase since the second quarter of 2010. Although UK growth moderated slightly to 2.8% in Q3, its recovery remained on track. 
2.9.  Japan's GDP plunged 7.1% (annualized) in Q2 after rising 6.0% in Q1. Both the rise and fall 
of output seem to have been related to changes in Japanese sales taxes. Such strong swings make 
it difficult to gauge underlying growth, but the av erage for the first two quarters was -1.5%. The 
country's jobless rate has remained more or less steady since the beginning of the year, falling 
just 0.2 percentage points (from 3.7% to 3.5%) between January and August. 
2.10.  Several large developing economies decelerated sharply in 2014, with some of the biggest 
declines occurring in Argentina (-3.2% annualized in Q1) and Brazil (-2.3% in Q2). Other natural resource exporters also saw economic activity reduced, including South Africa where growth in the 
first two quarters averaged 0%, down from 2% in 2013. Output continued to grow slowly in the 
Russian Federation in Q1 (0.3%) and Q2 (1.0%) as geopolitical tensions took a toll, although average growth in the first two quarters was only  slightly less than in 2013. By comparison, India 
has actually seen faster growth in the first half of 2014 than in 2013. 
2.11.  China's economy has continued to grow faster than other large economies, with quarter-on-
quarter increases of 1.5% (approximately 6.1% a nnualized) in Q1, 2.0% (8.2%) in Q2, and 1.9% 
(7.3%) in Q3. The country's first quarter performa nce was actually weaker than India's but growth 
for the first half was stronger in China. However, there are signs that Chinese domestic demand has moderated recently, including negative year-on-year growth in merchandise imports in five out of seven months between March and September.  Furthermore, cumulative growth for the first 
three quarters was up 7.4% over last year, ma king 2014 the weakest year for Chinese output 
since at least 1999, when growth for the year was 7.6%. Composite leading indicators from the OECD show China's growth slightly below trend but starting to turn around. 
2.2  Merchandise trade 
2.12.  A growth slowdown in developing economies and a simultaneous (uneven) recovery in 
developed countries have produced a notable change in global import demand. Since the fourth 
quarter of 2013, the contribution of developed ec onomies to nominal growth in world merchandise 
imports has been greater than that of developing countries for the first time since 2011. This is illustrated by Chart 2.1, which shows the cont ributions of both developed and developing 
economies to year-on-year growth in the dollar value of world merchandise exports and imports 
from 2012Q1 to 2014Q2.  
2.13.  Equally striking is the fact that developing economies have been subtracting from world 
import growth in the first two quarters of 2014 (- 0.2% in both periods), while developed countries 
have been adding to it (+2.2% in Q1 and +2.6% in Q2). This is partly due to the low level of 
developed countries' imports in the first half of 2013 and partly the result of faltering imports in 
developing countries this year. On the export side, the contribution of developing economies 
turned from negative (-0.4%) in Q1 to positive (+1.0%) in Q2, while that of developed countries 
shrank. This suggests that rising import demand in developed countries is increasingly being supplied by exports from developing countries. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 10 - 
 
  Chart 2.1 Contributions to year-on-year growth in world merchandise exports and 
imports, 2012 Q1-2014 Q2 
(% change in U.S. dollar values)  
 
a Includes significant re-exports. Also includes the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). 
Note: Due to scarce data availability, Africa and th e Middle East are under-represented in world totals. 
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates based on data compiled from IMF International Financial Statistics; 
Eurostat Comext Database; Global Tr ade Atlas; and national statistics. 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 11 - 
 
  2.14.  Trade statistics in volume terms frequently provide a more accurate picture of recent trends 
since they are adjusted to account for changes in prices and exchange rates. Chart 2.2 shows 
seasonally-adjusted quarterly merchandise trade volume indices for the United States, the European Union, Japan and developing Asia
5 (including China) from 2010Q1 to 2014Q2. 
2.15.  U.S. exports increased by 2.5% in the second quarter of 2014 after falling 3.2% in the 
previous quarter. Trade within the European Union (i.e EU-intra trade) rose 0.9% in Q2, but the European Union's exports to the rest of the world (i.e. EU-extra trade) continued to trend 
downward, falling 1.2% in the second quarter. Japanese exports also fell in two consecutive 
quarters, dropping 1.0% in Q1 and 1.1% in Q2. 
2.16.  The United States' imports were up roughly the same amount as its exports in the second 
quarter (+2.4%), and European Union imports from non-EU partners also increased (+1.8%). 
However, Japan's imports fell sharply (-7.1%) in Q2, erasing a 4.1% gain in Q1.  
2.17.  Developing Asia's exports continued to advance steadily, growing by 1.6% in Q1 and 1.2% 
in Q2. However, the region's imports have turned  negative, falling 1.4% in Q2 after a meagre 
0.6% increase in Q1. Figures for Brazil are not shown in Chart 2.2, but these were down around 
1% on the export side and almost 6% on the import side. 
2.18.  Merchandise trade statistics in current U.S. dollar terms are timelier than those in volume 
terms, and are available for a larger set of coun tries. These data are illustrated by Chart 2.3, 
which shows year-on-year growth in U.S. dollar-denominated trade values for selected economies through September (or October in the case of Brazil), depending on availability.  
2.19.  These data present a mixed picture of trade in the third quarter. Export and import growth 
in the United States has been consistently positive for several months, but equivalent figures for 
the European Union and Japan turned negative in August. Extra-EU (28) exports fell 8% year-on-
year in August after rising 1% in the previous month. Meanwhile, extra-EU imports dropped 3% in 
the latest month after increasing 7% in July.  September trade data for the European Union were 
not available at the time of writing, but improved German trade figures for the month suggests that the European Union may be set for a rebound.  Germany's export growth increased to 5% in 
September from -1% in August, while its import growth accelerated to 5% from -2%. Japan's 
exports and imports contracted by 1% and 2% in September, but these declines were less 
negative than the 6% drops in both exports and imports that were recorded in August. Whether these figures presage a further weakening of world trade is difficult to say, but they certainly cast 
doubt on the strength of the trade expansion in developed countries. 
2.20.  China recorded solid growth in its trade flows in September, as exports were 15% higher 
than in the same month of the previous year and imports were up 7% year-on-year. Imports of 
India and Brazil also rose sharply in Septembe r (26% and 9%, respectively), but their export 
growth was less impressive. On the other hand, the Russian Federation registered a sharp 12% decline in imports and a 4% drop in exports in August, the latest month for which Russian data are 
available.  Brazil is the only country in Chart 2. 3 that has already reported its trade statistics for 
October.  These show exports and imports droppi ng sharply (-20% and 16%, respectively) in the 
latest month. Such sharp declines are worrying,  but they may be partly explained by currency 
fluctuations, since nominal trade statistics in dollar terms can be strongly influenced by exchange 
rates. 
2.21.  There has been some speculation that trade friction with the Russian Federation has been a 
primary cause of the European Union's export sl owdown, but this seems unlikely. Exports to the 
Russian Federation only account for around 6.5%  of extra-EU goods exports and 3.6% of total 
goods exports in normal times, and these shipme nts are only down around 13% for the year-to-
date. This equates to a loss of 0.8% of extra-EU tr ade, or an even smaller share of total EU trade 
(less than half a percent). Political tensions could contribute to a European Union slowdown in 
several other ways (e.g. greater uncertainty could penalize FDI inflows), but it is less likely to occur only through the trade channel. 
 
                                               
5 Developing Asia excludes Japan, Australia and New Zealand.  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 12 - 
 
  Chart 2.2 Volume of exports and imports of selected economies, 2010 Q1-2014 Q2 
(Seasonally adjusted volume indices, 2010 Q1 = 100) 
 
 
Note: Data for the United States, Japan and the Euro pean Union were obtained from national statistical 
sources while figures for developing  Asia are seasonally adjusted Se cretariat estimates that should 
be interpreted with caution. 
Source: WTO and UNCTAD Secretariats. 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 13 - 
 
  Chart 2.3 Merchandise exports and imports of selected economies, 
January 2013-September 2014  
(Year-on-year percentage chan ge in current US$ values) 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 14 - 
 
   
a January and February averaged to mini mize distortions due to lunar new year. 
Source: IMF, International Financial Statistics; Global  Trade Information Services GTA database; national 
statistics. 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 15 - 
 
  2.3  Trade in commercial services 
2.22.  Statistics on commercial services trade are less widely available than statistics on 
merchandise trade. These are illustrated by Chart 2.4, which shows year-on-year growth in the dollar value of commercial services exports and imports for selected economies, from 2013Q2 to 
2014Q2. These quarterly statistics are jointly compiled by the WTO and UNCTAD and can be 
downloaded from the WTO's statistics gateway at www.wto.org/statistics . 
2.23.  Both merchandise and commercial services data tend to display similar trends, but there are 
some important differences between Chart 2.4 on  services and earlier charts on merchandise 
trade. For example, while the quarterly merchandise trade volume statistics in Chart 2.3 show Japanese and Chinese imports falling in Q2, the services data in Chart 2.4  record solid increases in 
imports in that period. Growth in services export s in 2014 is also stronger for the European Union 
than for the United States in Chart 2.4, but this is not the case for merchandise trade in Charts 2.2  
and 2.3. The services data do show a shar p slowdown in exports and imports of the 
Russian Federation, which is in line with prior expectations. Information is unavailable on India's 
services trade in the second quarter. 
2.24.  Fluctuations in services trade are generally no t as strong as fluctuations in goods trade. This 
may be due to the fact that services trade frequently involves long-term contractual arrangements 
between suppliers and customers in different countr ies, making this trade less pro-cyclical than 
merchandise trade. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 16 - 
 
  Chart 2.4 Commercial services exports and imports of selected economies, 
2013 Q2- 2014 Q2 
(Year-on-year percentage change in current US$ values)  
 
Source: WTO and UNCTAD Secretariats. 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 17 - 
 
  2.4  Trade forecast and economic outlook 
2.25.  In the WTO's annual spring press release in April, the Secretariat forecast world 
merchandise trade growth of 4.7% in volume terms for 2014, and 5.3% growth for 2015. These estimates were higher than the subdued rates seen in 2012 and 2013, but they were still below 
the 20-year average of 5.3%, and also well below the 6.0% average for the 20 years leading up to 
the financial crisis. 
2.26.  Disappointing trade growth in the first an d second quarters of 2014 made these projections 
difficult to attain. Imports of developed economies held up reasonably well in the first half of 2014, 
rising 2.6% over the same period in 2013, but those of developing economies stalled with an increase of just 0.5%. Weaker import demand also dampened exports, which rose 1.6% in developed countries and 2.1% in developing economies in the first half of the year. These figures 
implied global trade growth of 1.8% in the first half of the year. 
2.27.  In response to the weaker than expected trade results, the WTO Secretariat downgraded its 
forecast for 2014 in September to 3.1%, with most of the reduction coming in exports and imports 
of developing countries, particularly natural resource exporting regions such as South America but 
also developing Asia (see Table 2.1). The Secretariat's estimate for 2015 was also lowered to 4.0% in an effort to correct fo r past overestimation of medium-term trade trends. The WTO's trade 
forecast is predicated on GDP forecasts that are in line with the IMF projections at market 
exchange rates. 
2.28.  Even after the downgrade, risks to the fo recast are mostly on the downside. Unexpected 
changes in monetary policy in developed economies could produce strong fluctuations in exchange 
rates and stoke financial instability in some countries in the coming months. Ebola spreading to 
other countries and regions could produce panic that would damage national economies and burden health care systems. GDP growth in deve loping and emerging economies could slow even 
further, thereby reducing demand for exports of both developing and developed economies.  
Finally, weak data on trade and industrial production for August have raised concerns about the health of the German economy, and by extension the European Union economy as well. 
2.29.  On balance, the most likely outcome is a continued recovery in trade and output, but a 
slower and more volatile one than previously thought. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 18 - 
 
  Table 2.1 World merchandise trade and GDP, 2010-15 
(Annual percentage change) 
 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014a 2015a 
Volume of world merchandise trade 13.9 5.4 2.3 2.2 3.1 4.0  
Exports       
Developed economies 13.4  5.2 1.1 1.5 2.5 3.8  
Developing economies   15.0 5.5 4.1 3.9 4.0 4.5 
North America 15.0  6.6 4.4 2.8 3.7 3.9  
South and Central America 4.7 6.8 0.7 1.4 0.4 3.2 
Europe 11.6  5.6 0.8 1.5 2.3 3.5  
Asia 22.6 6.4 2.8 4.7 5.0 4.8 
Other regionsb 6.0  1.9 4.2 0.6 -0.1 4.2  
Imports       
Developed economies 10.9  3.4 0.0 -0.3 3.4 3.7  
Developing economies  18.2 7.7 5.4 5.3 2.6 4.5 
North America 15.7  4.4 3.1 1.2 3.9 4.2  
South and Central America 22.4 13.0 2.3 3.1 -0.7 4.8 
Europe 9.8 3.2 -1.8 -0.5 2.5 3.5  
Asia 18.1 6.6 3.7 4.5 4.0 4.3 
Other regionsb 11.4 8.3 10.1 3.3 1.3 3.5  
a Figures for 2014 and 2015 are projections. 
b Other regions comprise Africa, CIS and the Middle East. Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3  TRADE AND TRADE-RELATE D POLICY DEVELOPMENTS 
3.1  Overview 
3.1.  As indicated in the 2012 annual report for th e Overview of Developments in the International 
Trading Environment, the trade measures compiled for this report are presented in three 
categories: (i) measures that clearly facilitate trade (Annex 1); (ii) trade-remedy measures 
(Annex 2); and (iii) other trade and trade-related measures (Annex 3).6 The total number of 
measures in these three categories recorded over the period mid-November 2013 to mid-October 2014 is 689. This comprises 177 trade-facilitating measures, 337 trade-remedy 
measures and 168 other trade and trade-related measures.  
3.2.  During the period under review, mid-November 2013 to mid-October 2014, 177 
trade-facilitatin g measures were recorded (Annex 1) , compared to 107 in the period 
mid-October 2012 to mid-November 2013 and 162 in the period mid-October 2011 to 
mid-October 2012 (Table 3.1). These trade-facilitating measures cover 6.4% of world merchandise imports (US$1,183.4 billion). More than 80% of the trade-facilitating measures recorded for the 
current review period consist of measures that provide for tariff reductions, sometimes applied on 
a temporary basis.  
                                               
6 WTO document WT/TPR/OV/15, para. 42, 29 November 2012.  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 19 - 
 
  Table 3.1 Measures facilitating trade (Annex 1) 
Type of measure Mid-October 2011 to 
mid-October 2012 Mid-October 2012 to 
mid-November 2013 Mid-November 2013 
to mid-October 2014 
Import 136 101 168 
- Tariff 120 82 145 
- Customs procedures 13 15 18 
- Tax 2 3 1 
- Quantitative restrictions 1 1 4 
Export 18 6 9 
- Duties 7 3 4 
- Quantitative restrictions 11 3 3 
- Other   2 
Other 8 0 0 
Total 162 107 177 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.3.  The main sectors benefiting from facilitating measures over this period were machinery and 
mechanical appliances; organic chemicals; iron and steel; articles of iron and steel; plastics; and 
animal or vegetable fats and oils. The products that benefited most from facilitating measures 
differ from those noted in the previous monitoring report. 
3.4.  Trade-remedy measures taken between mid-November 2013 and mid-October 2014 are 
listed in Annex 2.7 During this period, 337 measures were recorded (Table 3.2), out of which the 
vast majority (267) were anti-dumping actions, fo llowed by countervail actions. As was the case 
last year, more initiations were recorded than terminations: out of the total number of trade-remedy measures, 171 were initiations of new trade-remedy investigations covering around 
0.2% of world merchandise imports (close to US$43.7 billion), and 166 measures were 
terminations of either investigations or of existing duties covering around 0.3% of world imports (US$46.1 billion). Anti-dumping actions accounted for 78% of all initiations of trade-remedy 
actions and for 80% of all terminations. 
Table 3.2 Trade-remedy actions (Annex 2)
8 
Type of measure  Mid-October 2012 
to mid-November 2013 Mid-November 2013 to mid-October 2014  
   Initiations  Terminations  Total  Initiations   Terminations    Total 
Trade‐remedy     
Anti‐dumping  156  112  268  134  133  267 
Countervailing   24  9  33  21  15  36 
Safeguard   37  17  54  16  18  34 
Total  217  138  355  171  166  337 
Source:  WTO Secretariat. 
3.5.  The number of other trade and trade-related measures taken during the period under review 
(Annex 3) was 168, compared to 190 in the previous period.  Out of this, 119 measures were applied to imports. (Table 3.3)
 
                                               
7 A trade-remedy measure for purposes  of Annex 2 is the initiation of an (anti-dumping, countervail or 
safeguard) investigation, the conclusion of such an investigation without imposition of a measure, or the 
termination of a final anti-dumping, countervail or safeguard measure.  
8 It should be noted that in this Table and in Annex 2 a single measure affecting several trading partners 
is counted only once. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 20 - 
 
  Table 3.3 Other trade and trade-related measures (Annex 3) 
Type of measure Mid-October 2011 
to mid-October 2012 Mid-October 2012  
to 
mid-November 2013 Mid-November 2013 
to mid-October 2014 
Import 118 153 119 
- Tariff 54 106 74 
- Customs procedures 38 25 26 
- Tax 6 6 7 
- Quantitative restrictions 20 15 11 
- Other 0 1 1 
Export 32 27 36 
- Duties 8 4 12 
- Quantitative restrictions 24 11 12 
- Other 0 12 12 
Other 14 10 13 
Total 164 190 168 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.6.  The import-restrictive measures applied by Members over the review period cover a wide 
range of products. In terms of numbers of specific measures, the main sectors targeted were: iron 
and steel; organic chemicals; electrical machinery and mechanical appliances; certain vehicles and 
parts; articles of apparel and clothing accessories; as well as ores, slag and ash. 
3.7.  A comparison of Tables 3.1 and 3.3 show  that whereas in the previous review period, 
mid-October 2012 to mid-November 2013, the number of other trade and trade-related measures 
(190) far exceeded the number of trade-facilitating measures (107), in the current period the number of trade-facilitating measures is slightly higher than the number of other trade and trade-related measures.    
3.8.  Until mid-May 2012, the reports by the Di rector-General to the TPRB on trade policy 
developments used a methodology that treated all recorded measures (including trade-remedy actions) as either restricting or facilitating trade.  If this approach is applied to the measures 
identified in Annexes 1-3 to this report, 339 or 49% of the 689 measures recorded for the period 
under review would be considered as trade-restrictive measures.  These 339 measures include 171 trade-remedy actions, 119 restrictive import measures, 36 restrictive export measures and 13 other types of restrictive measures.  The 171 trade-remedy actions and 119 other 
import-restrictive measures account for 1.4% of world merchandise imports (US$257.5 billion).  
3.9.  Table 3.4  and Charts 3.1 and 3.2  show the evolution since October 2008 of the number of 
measures that under the previous methodology would be considered trade-restrictive or 
trade-facilitating.  The number of trade-restrictive measures during the period reviewed in this 
report (339) is slightly higher than in the period October 2008-October 2009 (324) but has fluctuated significantly since October 2008.  Thus, from 324 in the period 
October 2008-October 2009, the number of trade-restrictive measures declined to 222 in the 
period November 2009-October 2010, increased to 339 in the period October 2010-October 2011, declined to 308 in October 2011-October 2012, increased to 407 in the period October 2012-November 2013 and declined to 339 in the period mid-November 2013-mid-October 2014.  
Interestingly, the average number of trade-restrictive measures per month in the two most recent 
review periods i.e. the periods covered by this report and the previous report, is 31.3 and 30.8, 
respectively, higher than in any of the other review periods since October 2008. 
3.10.  Table 3.4 and Charts 3.1 and 3.2 also demonstrate that not including trade-remedy actions 
in the category of trade-restrictive measures changes the numbers quite dramatically as trade-remedy measures typically account for more than 50% of the measures in question.  If 
trade-remedy measures are not included, the number of trade-restrictive measures was 140 in the 
period October 2008-October 2009, 100 in the period November 2009-October 2010, 210 in the period October 2010-October 2011, 150 in the period mid-October 2011 to mid-October 2012, 190 in the period mid-October 2012 to mid-November 2013 and 168 in  the period mid-November 2013 
to mid-October 2014.  The average number of trade-restrictive measures per month, if WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 21 - 
 
  trade-remedy measures are excluded, is 14.6 and 15.3, respectively, in the two most recent 
review periods.   
3.11.  Regarding the evolution of the number of trade-liberalizing or trade-facilitating measures 
since October 2008, Table 3.4 and Charts 3.1 and 3.2  show that the number of trade-liberalizing 
measures during the period under review (350) is  significantly higher than in the two previous 
review periods, October 2011-October 2012 and October 2012-November 2013 (312 and 251, respectively).  It is also noteworthy that the number of trade-facilitating measures in the current 
review period exceeds the number of trade-re strictive measures.  The average number of 
trade-liberalizing measures per month increased from 19.3 in the period October 2012-November 2013 to 31.8 in the period November 2013-October 2014.  If trade-remedy measures are not included, the average number of trade-facilitating measures per month increased from 8.7 
in the previous period to 16.7 in the current pe riod.  Overall, regardless of whether or not 
trade-remedy measures are included, the increase in the average monthly number of trade-facilitating measures since October 2008 has been far more pronounced than the increase in 
the average monthly number of trade-restrictive measures.   
Table 3.4 Trade-restrictive and trade-fac ilitating measures since October 2008 
 OV/12 
(Oct. 08 
– 
Oct. 09) 
(12 
months) OV/13 
(Nov. 09 -
Oct. 10) 
(11 
months) OV/14 
(Oct. 10 -
Oct. 11) 
(12 
months) OV/15 
(Oct. 11 -
Oct. 12) 
(12 
months) OV/16 
(Oct. 12 - 
Nov. 13) 
(13 
months) OV/17 
(Nov. 13 - 
Oct. 14) 
(11 
months) 
Restrictive 324 222  339 308 407 339  
Trade remedies 184 122 129 158 217 171 
Import 105 62 126 109 153 119 
Export 20 25 64 29 27 36 
Other 15 13 20 12 10 13 
Average per 
month  27.0 20.2 28.3 25.7 31.3 30.8 
Average per 
month (not including trade remedies) 11.7 9.1
 17.5 12.5 14.6 15.3  
Facilitating 169 250 346 312 251 350 
Trade remedies 84 94 140 136 138 166 
Import 75 131 170 145 103 172 
Export 7 17 25 21 9 11 
Other 3 8 11 10 1 1 
Average per 
month 14.1 22.7  28.8 26 19.3 31.8  
Average per 
month (not 
including 
trade 
remedies) 7.1 14.2 17.2 14.7 8.7 16.7 
Source: WTO trade-monitoring database. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 22 - 
 
  Chart 3.1 Trade-facilitating and restrict ive measures, including trade-remedies 
(average per month) 
0246810121416182022242628303234
Oct. 08-Oct. 09
(12 months)Nov. 09-Oct. 10
(11 months)Oct. 10-Oct. 11
(12 months)Oct. 11-Oct. 12
(12 months)Oct. 12-Nov. 13
(13 months)Nov. 13-Oct. 14
(11 months)Facilitating Restrictive
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 23 - 
 
  Chart 3.2 Trade-facilitating and restrictiv e measures, not including trade-remedies 
 (average per month) 
0246810121416182022242628303234
Oct. 08-Oct. 09
(12 months)Nov. 09-Oct. 10
(11 months)Oct. 10-Oct. 11
(12 months)Oct. 11-Oct. 12
(12 months)Oct. 12-Nov. 13
(13 months)Nov. 13-Oct. 14
(11 months)Facilitating Restrictive
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.12.  The total number of trade-restrictive measures introduced by WTO Members since 
October 2008, as recorded in the periodic reports to the TPRB, is 2,146.  As of mid-October 2014, 
nearly a quarter of these measures (508 or  24%) had been removed and somewhat over 
three-quarters (1,638 or 76%) remained in effect. As shown by Chart 3.3 the same calculation from mid-October 2010 shows that out of a total number trade-restrictive measures introduced by 
WTO Members since October 2008 (546) 15% had been effectively eliminated.  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 24 - 
 
  Chart 3.3 Stockpile of trade-restrictive measures 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.2  Trade-remedy trends 
3.13.  This analysis provides an assessment of trends in trade-remedy measures adopted during 
the period from mid-November 2011 to end-September 2012 ("first period") in comparison with mid-November 2012 to end-September 2013 ("second period") and mid-November 2013 to 
end-September 2014 ("current period").
9 Concerning anti-dumping, data for the current period 
indicate a slight decrease in the number of new investigations initiated.10 The number of safeguard 
investigations initiated also decreased. The number of countervail investigations initiated, in 
contrast, almost doubled between the second and current periods. The total number of initiations 
for the two latter types of trade-remedy investigations remained considerably lower than for anti-dumping. 
3.14.  Global anti-dumping initiations decreased by 6%, from 223 during the second period to 210 
during the current period. (Table 3.5) Initiations in the second period represented a 17% increase from the total number of initiations reported in the first period.   
                                               
9 Data for July – September 2014 are partly unverified and collected from various unofficial sources.  
10 In this section of the report, a measure that targ ets multiple countries is recorded according to the 
number of countries affected.  
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 25 - 
 
  Table 3.5  Initiations of anti-dumping investigations  
(Counted on the basis of exporting country affected) 
Reporting Member 15 November 2011 
- 30 September 2012 15 November 2012 
- 30 September 2013  15 November 2013  
 - 30 September 2014 
Argentina 10 17 7 
Australia 12 15 14 
Brazil 42 29 51 
Canada 11 17 12 
Chile 0 5 0 
China 11 11 7 
Colombia 2 11 5 
Dominican Republic 0 0 2 
Egypt 2 0 10 
European Union 15 3 10 
Guatemala 0 0 1 
India 12 30 16 
Indonesia 7 14 6 
Israel 1 2 0 
Japan 1 0 1 
Korea, Republic of 1 3 10 
Malaysia 11 8 8 
Mexico 2 7 8 
Morocco 1 4 1 
New Zealand 0 1 0 
Pakistan 4 5 2 
Peru 1 0 0 
Philippines 0 1 0 
Russian Federation 6 0 6 
South Africa 1 5 4 
Chinese Taipei 9 2 1 
Thailand 4 1 0 
Trinidad and Tobago 0 0 1 
Turkey 9 5 4 
Ukraine 2 1 2 
United States  14 22 22 
Viet Nam 0 4 0 
Total 191 223 211 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.15.  The trend in the three pe riods examined confirms the trend in annual figures, shown in 
Chart 3.4, of anti-dumping initiations remaining above the mark of 150. In fact, the number of 
initiations through 30 September 2014 rose to levels reported in the first trade-monitoring report 
circulated in 2009.11 However, the total number of new initiations in 2013 (288), the highest in 
any of the three periods examined, is still well short of the peak of 366 initiations observed 
in 2001. 
                                               
11 Report to the TPRB from the Director-General on the Financial and Economic Crisis and Trade-Related 
Developments, 26 March 2009. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 26 - 
 
  Chart 3.4 Total anti-dumping investigation initiations (2008-14a) 
 
a Data for 2014 only through September; data for July through September 2014 is partly 
 unverified and collected from various unofficial sources. 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.16.  While anti-dumping investigations do not necessarily lead to the imposition of measures, a 
rise in the number of investigations initiated is an early indicator suggesting a likely rise in the 
number of measures imposed. 
3.17.  Regarding the Members taking actions, Ta ble 3.5 shows that Brazil initiated the most 
investigations in all but one of the three periods examined, with a total of 122 initiations reported 
in these periods. Brazil's initiations, which account for almost 20% of all initiations reported over the three periods examined, nearly doubled betwee n the second and current periods, from 29 to 
51. India and the United States were the second most active Members during the three periods 
examined, each accounting for an aggregate of 58 new investigations over the course of these 
periods. That said, India's initiations fell by al most 50% between the second and current periods, 
from 30 to 16. Australia, which maintained initiations in the double digits throughout the three 
reporting periods, ranked third overall, with a total of 41 initiations. Argentina, with a total of 34 
new investigations launched over the three reporting periods, ranked fourth. Argentina more than halved its initiations between the second and curre nt periods, from 17 to seven. In addition, the 
slowdown in initiations reported by India and Arge ntina in the current period more than offset the 
increase in Brazil's initiations, and contributed to the overall decline in initiations observed between the second and current periods. 
3.18.  Chart 3.5 shows that there was little change in terms of the breakdown of products affected 
by anti-dumping investigations initiated during the three periods examined, with the majority of 
initiations focused on products in the metals, plastics and rubber, chemicals, and machinery sectors.  
3.19.  Metals products were subject to the most initiations in each period, accounting for 42% of 
all initiations in the first period, 31% in the second period and 36% in the current period. In each period, at least 71 initiations targeted metals, of which half on average focused on steel products. 
Over the three periods combined, the United States (41), Canada (36), and Brazil and 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 27 - 
 
  Australia (26 apiece) accounted for most of the aggregate of 226 initiations on metals. These 
initiations targeted mostly metal products from China (63 of which 36 involved steel products), the Republic of Korea (24 of which 16 involved steel), Chinese Taipei (22 of which 16 involved steel), and India (11).  
3.20.  Plastic and rubber products accounted for th e second largest share of initiations over the 
three reporting periods, with a 20% share of init iations in the first period, a 12% share in the 
second period and a 24% share in the current period. Brazil accounted for 58 of the 118 new 
investigations on products in this sector over the three reporting periods. These initiations targeted 
mostly plastic and rubber products from the European Union (11), the Republic of Korea (seven), China (six), and Chinese Taipei (five). 
3.21.  Chemical products ranked third over the three periods examined, accounting for 16% of all 
initiations in the first period, 11% in the second period, and 20% in the current period. India 
reported the largest number of new investigations of products in this sector, accounting for 32 of the 98 total initiations. Twelve of these initiations focused on chemical products from China. The 
latter, with 16 total initiations over the thre e periods examined, and Brazil, with 15 total 
initiations, were also active in respect of products in this sector. Machinery, which accounted for at least 7% of all initiations in each of the peri ods reviewed, ranked fourth. Ten of the 49 total 
initiations in this sector targeted renewable energy products, of which five related to solar panels 
and three related to photovoltaic products. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 28 - 
 
  Chart 3.5 Anti-dumping initiations by product 
mid-November 2011 - end-September 2012 mid-November 2012 - end-September 2013
Chemicals
16%
Plastics / rubber
20%Metals
42%Others
5%
Metals
31%
Chemicals
11%Plastics / 
rubber
12%Others
8%
Stone /plaster
4%
Machinery
7%
Stone /plaster
12%Machinery
9%Textiles
3%
Wood pulp
5%Food
3%Wood pulp
3%
Textiles
9%
 
 
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.22.  In terms of countries affected by new anti-dumping investigations, 34 exporting Members 
were affected during the first period while 45 were  affected during the second period and 43 in the 
current period. China remained, by far, the Member most affected by anti-dumping initiations 
during the three reporting periods – investigations into Chinese products accounted for 28% of all 
investigations during these periods. The second most affected Member during the three reporting periods - the Republic of Korea - accounted for 9% of the total initiations during these periods, 
followed by Chinese Taipei, at 7%.  
3.23.  Table 3.6 shows that global initiations of countervailing duty investigations increased 
considerably in the current period – with 42 new investigations reported, compared to 23 in the 
first period and 24 in the second period. 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 29 - 
 
  Table 3.6 Initiations of countervailing duty investigations 
(Counted on the basis of exporting country affected) 
Reporting Member 15 November 2011 
to 30 September 2012 15 November 2012 
to 30 September 2013 15 November 2013 to 
30 September 2014 
Australia 0 3 2 
Brazil 0 3 0 
Canada 6 4 11 
China 1 1 6 
European Union 4 1 6 
India 0 0 1 
Mexico 0 1 0 
Pakistan 2 0 0 
Peru 1 0 1 
United States 9 11 15 
Total 23 24 42 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.24.  Chart 3.6, reflecting annual figures, shows an upward trend in countervail initiations since 
2010, notwithstanding some fluctuation in 2012. In fact, the number of 37 initiations recorded in 
January - September 2014, is close to the peak of 41 initiations observed in 1999.12 
Chart 3.6 Countervailing investigation in itiations by WTO Members, (2008-2014a) 
0510152025303540
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 
a Data available only through September 2014; data for July through September 2014 is partly 
 unverified and collected from various unofficial sources. 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.25.  Among the ten Members using counterv ail during the three periods examined, the 
United States, which accounted for just under 40% of all initiations in these periods, initiated the 
most new investigations. Canada, the second largest user, accounted for 24% of all new 
                                               
12 Report to the TPRB from the Director-General on the Financial and Economic Crisis and Trade-Related 
Developments, 26 March 2009, p.18. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 30 - 
 
  investigations launched in the reporting periods. It also is worth noting that China and the 
European Union, with one initiation each in the second period, each launched six new investigations in the current period. Increased countervail activity by these four Members accounts for the notable increase in initiations reported in the current period.  
3.26.  Concerning the types of products affected  by countervail investigations, Chart 3.7 shows 
that metals accounted for most of the initiations reported over the three reporting periods, occupying a 57% share of all initiations in the firs t period, a 38% share in the second period and a 
51% share in the current period. In total, 43 of the 89 total initiations recorded over the three 
reporting periods covered metals, and 27 of these focused on steel products. The United States initiated 15 of the 27 investigations of steel products. Ten of the 27 steel-related initiations targeted products from China and five  targeted products from India.  
3.27.  Prepared foodstuffs, which did not feature at all in the first period, tied chemicals for the 
second most-targeted sector over the three periods combined, each accounting nine initiations. The United States, with eight initiations into food products and three initiations into chemical 
products, launched the most new investigations on products in these sectors.  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 31 - 
 
  Chart 3.7 Countervailing duty initiations by product  
 
 
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.28.  In terms of countries affected by new countervail investigations, ten exporting Members 
were affected during the first and second peri ods, while 16 were affected during the current 
period. Similarly to anti-dumping, China was the most affected Member throughout the periods reviewed. Investigations into Chinese products accounted for 36% of all investigations during 
these periods. India, the second most-affected Member during the three reporting periods, 
accounted for 13% of all initiations during these periods, followed by Viet Nam, which accounted 
for 7%.  
3.29.  Initiations of safeguard investigations declined from 27 initiations in the second period to 19 
initiations in the current period – bringing the level of activity in the current period close to the 14 initiations reported in the first period (Table 3.7). 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 32 - 
 
  Table 3.7 Initiations of safeguard investigations 
(number of new investigations) 
Reporting Member 15 November 2011 
to 30 September 2012 15 November 2012 
to 30 September 2013 15 November 2013 
 to 30 September 2014 
Australia 0 2 0 
Brazil 1 0 0 
Chile 1 2 0 
Colombia 0 4 0 
Costa Rica 1 0 1 
Ecuador 0 0 1 
Egypt 3 2 0 
India 1 3 6 
Indonesia 3 4 3 
Kyrgyz Republic 0 1 0 
Jordan 1 0 1 
Malaysia 0 0 1 
Morocco 1 0 1 
Philippines 0 2 0 
Russian Federation 2 0 0 
South Africa 0 2 0 
Thailand 0 2 1 
Tunisia 0 0 2 
Turkey  0 1 1 
Ukraine 0 1 0 
Viet Nam 0 1 0 
Total 14 27 19 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.30.  Chart 3.8 shows a downward trend in safeguard initiations since 2013. It is noteworthy that 
the figures for 2009 and 2012, of 25 and 24, respective ly, fall short of the peak of 34 initiations 
observed in 2002.13 
                                               
13 Report to the TPRB from the Director-General on the Financial and Economic Crisis and Trade-Related 
Developments, 26 March 2009, p. 18. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 33 - 
 
  Chart 3.8 Safeguard investigation initiations by WTO Members (2008-2014a) 
051015202530
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 
a Data available only through September 2014; data for July through September 2014 is partly 
unverified and collected from various unofficial sources. 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.31.  Table 3.7 shows that India and Indonesia were the most active Members throughout the 
reporting periods, accounting respectively for 11 and 10 of the aggregate 60 new investigations. 
Egypt, with a total of five investigations, and Co lombia, with a total of four investigations, were 
also active in the periods examined. With the exception of Chile and Thailand (each of which 
accounted for three investigations), no Member initiated more than two investigations throughout 
the periods examined. The overall decrease in initiations reported in the current period can be attributed to a decline in the initiation of new investigations by these other Members. 
3.32.  In terms of product coverage, Chart 3.9 shows that safeguard investigations focused on a 
diverse range of sectors. Metals, chemicals, text iles, and vegetables featured in each of the 
periods examined.  
3.33.  As with anti-dumping and countervail initiations, metals products were the most affected by 
safeguard initiations. Metals accounted for 22% of all initiations in the first period, 36% of 
initiations in the second period and 37% of initiations in the current period. Indonesia and Colombia, with four initiations apiece, accounted for just under half of the aggregate of 19 new 
investigations into metals.  
3.34.  Chemicals ranked as the second most-targeted sector overall, accounting for 14% of all 
initiations in the first period, 15% in the second period and 16% in the current period. India initiated six of the aggregate of nine new investigations into this sector.  
3.35.  Prepared foodstuffs ranked a distant third, accounting for 7% of all initiations in the first 
period and 14% in the second period. No Member initiated a safeguard investigation into food stuffs in the current period. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 34 - 
 
  Chart 3.9 Safeguard initiations by product 
 
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 35 - 
 
  3.3  Sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS)14 
3.36.  Under the SPS Agreement, WTO Members are obliged to provide an advance notice of 
intention to introduce new or modified SPS measures15, or to notify immediately when emergency 
measures are imposed. The main objective of complying with the SPS notification obligations is to 
inform other Members about new or changed regulations that may significantly affect trade. 
Therefore, an increased number of notification s does not automatically imply greater use of 
protectionist measures, but rather enhanced transparency regarding food safety, animal and plant 
health measures, many or most of which are pr esumable legitimate health-protection measures. 
3.37.  In the period from October 2013 through September 2014, 1,479 SPS notifications (regular 
and emergency, including addenda) were submitted16 to the WTO, resulting in an increase of 17% 
in total notified measures compared to the previous period (1 October 2012 to 
30 September 2013). Notifications from developing -country Members accounted for 61% of the 
total number. In the previous year, the total number of notifications was lower but with a similar proportion of measures notified by developing -country Members: from October 2012 through 
September 2013, a total of 1,260 notifications (regular and emergency, including addenda) were 
submitted, of which 63% were from developing-country Members. 
3.38.  From October 2013 through September 2014, WTO Members submitted 1,337 regular SPS 
notifications (including addenda), 58% of which were submitted by developing-country Members. 
Compared with the previous period (2012-2013), th ere was a 14% increase in the total number of 
regular notifications and a 9% increase in regula r notifications by developing-country Members. 
3.39.  The number of notifications of emergency measures (including addenda) considerably 
increased compared to the previous period (Chart 3.10), as did the share of emergency 
notifications submitted by developing-country Members. Compared to the previous period 
(2012-2013), there was a 58% increase in the tota l number of emergency notifications (including 
addenda) and a 61% increase in emergency notifications by developing-country Members.
17 The 
share of emergency notifications submitted by developing-country Members was similar to that of the previous period. From October 2013 through September 2014, 91% of the 142 notifications of 
emergency measures were submitted by developing-country Members. For the previous period 
(2012-2013), 89% of the 90 emergency notificati ons had been submitted by developing-country 
Members. This high proportion of emergency me asures notified by developing-country Members 
might stem from the fact that they do not have as extensive SPS regulatory systems as 
developed-country Members do and, consequently , when facing emergency challenges, they are 
more likely to have to introduce new regulations or change existing ones. 
 
                                               
14 Information presented in this section has been  retrieved from the SPS Information Management 
System (SPS IMS: http://spsims.wto.org ). This section is based on notifications to the WTO for the period 
1 October 2013 to 30 September 2014. Specific trade concerns (STCs) are only raised at SPS Committee 
meetings. The information in this section summarizes the STCs raised at the July 2014 and October 2014 SPS Committee meetings.  
15 Transparency obligations are contained in Article 7 and Annex B of the SPS Agreement. Annex B of 
the SPS Agreement requires that Members notify measures whose content is not substantially the same as that of an international standard, guid eline or recommendation, and when the measure may have a significant 
effect on trade.  However, the Reco mmended Procedures for Implementing the Transparency Provisions of the 
SPS Agreement, adopted by the SPS Committee in 2008 (WTO document G/SPS/7/Rev.3, 20 June 2008), 
recommend that Members also notify measures which are based on the relevant international standards, and 
provide a broad interpretation of effects on trade. 
16 For this report, submission refers to the date of circulation. 
17 This is mainly due to the increase in the numb er of emergency notifications from one Member, which 
is almost three times greater than the previous  period. For more information see WTO documents 
G/SPS/GEN/804/Rev.6, 7 October 2013 and Rev.7, 6 October 2014. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 36 - 
 
  Chart 3.10 Number of SPS notifications 
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.40.  Many Members are following the recommendation to notify SPS measures even when these 
are based on a relevant international standard as this substantially increases transparency 
regarding SPS measures. Of the 981 regular notifi cations (excluding addenda) submitted from 
October 2013 through September 2014, 514 (around 52% of the total) indicated that at least one international standard, guideline or recommendation was applicable to the notified measure (Chart 3.11). Of these, around 81% indicated that  the proposed measure was in conformity with 
the existing international standard. 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 37 - 
 
  Chart 3.11 Regular SPS notifications and international standards 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.41.  International standards often provide useful guidance regarding measures to address 
disease outbreaks and other emergency situations. Indeed, around 88% (87 in total) of the 99 emergency notifications (excluding addenda) submitted from October 2013 through September 2014 indicated that an international standard, guideline or recommendation was 
applicable to the notified measure (Chart 3.12). Of these, around 94% indicated that the measure 
was in conformity with the existing international standard. 
Chart 3.12 Emergency SPS notifications and international standards 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 38 - 
 
  3.42.  Of the 981 regular notifications (excluding addenda) submitted from October 2013 through 
September 2014, the majority were related to f ood safety and the protection of humans from 
animal diseases or plant pests.18 The remaining notifications related to plant protection, animal 
health and to the protection of the Member's terri tory from other damage from pests. Most of the 
regular notifications identified more than one objective per measure. 
3.43.  Of the 99 emergency measures (excluding addenda) notified in the same period, the 
majority related to animal health, followed by measures related to the protection of humans from 
animal diseases or plant pests, food safety, the protection of the Member's territory from other 
damage from pests and plant protection. Similarly, the majority of emergency notifications during this period identified more than one objective per measure. 
3.44.  While there is no formal provision for "counter notification", concerns regarding the failure 
to notify an SPS measure, or regarding a notifi ed measure, can be raised as a specific trade 
concern (STC) at any of the three regular meetings of the SPS Committee each year. In the two Committee meetings of July and October 2014, 11 new specific trade concerns were raised. Ten of 
these new STCs related to food safety and one to  animal health (Table 3.8). One new STC, which 
had been included on the proposed agenda for the July 2014 meeting, was withdrawn following bilateral consultations.
19 Furthermore, at the October 2014 meeting, two STCs were reported as 
resolved.20 
Table 3.8 SPS specific trade concerns raised between July and October 2014 
STC Document 
title Members 
maintaining 
the measure Members 
raising 
the 
concern Members 
supporting 
the concern Date raised Primary 
objective 
371 India's import 
requirement for blueberries and avocados India Chile  09/07/2014 Plant health 
372 Russian 
restriction on 
imports of certain 
types of plant 
products Russian 
Federation European 
Union  09/07/2014 Plant health 
373 United States' 
high cost of certification for mango exports United States  India  09/07/2014 Plant health 
374 European Union 
ban on mangoes 
and certain 
vegetables from 
India European Union India  09/07/2014 Plant health 
375 United States' 
non-acceptance of OIE categorization for BSE United States  India  09/07/2014 Animal health 
376 Australia's 
non-acceptance 
of OIE 
categorization for 
BSE Australia India  09/07/2014 Animal health 
                                               
18 The objective of an SPS measure falls under one or more of the following cate gories:  (i) food safety, 
(ii) animal health, (iii) plant protection, (iv) protect hu mans from animal/plant pest or disease, and (v) protect 
territory from other damages from pests.  Members are required to identify the purpose of the measure in their 
notifications. It is not uncommon for more than  one objective to be id entified for a measure. 
19 Chile's concerns regarding Viet Nam's impo rt restrictions on livestock products.  
20 These two STCs were: (i) India's concerns regarding U.S. default MR Ls, limits of determination or 
limits of quantification on basmati rice (STC 328); and (ii) India's concer ns regarding Japan's restrictions on 
shrimp due to anti-oxida nt residues (STC 342). WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 39 - 
 
  STC Document 
title Members 
maintaining 
the measure Members 
raising 
the 
concern Members 
supporting 
the concern Date raised Primary 
objective 
377 Brazil's regulation 
on international certificates for fish and fishery 
products Brazil China  09/07/2014 Food safety 
378 European Union 
withdrawal of 
equivalence for 
processed organic 
products European Union India  09/07/2014 Other concerns 
379 Russian 
Federation's market access requirements for bovine meat in compliance with OIE requirements Russian 
Federation India  15/10/2014 Animal health 
380 Russian 
Federation's 
restrictions on 
imports of fruits 
and vegetables 
from Poland Russian 
Federation European 
Union  15/10/2014 Plant health 
381 Russian 
Federation's unilateral introduction of new requirements for veterinary certificates Russian 
Federation Ukraine  15/10/2014 Animal health 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.45.  Seventeen previously raised STCs were discussed at the July or October 2014 SPS 
Committee meetings. Of those previously-raised ST Cs, four addressed persistent problems that 
have been discussed seven or more times. In particular, two STCs have been discussed on 17 or more occasions (Table 3.9). In addition, five STCs raised for the first time in July 2014 were 
discussed again in October 2014.
21  
                                               
21 These were STCs 373 to 376 and STC 378. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 40 - 
 
  Table 3.9 Previously-raised SPS specific trade concerns discussed in July and 
October 2014  
STC Document 
title Members 
maintaining 
the 
measure Members 
raising the 
concern Members 
supporting the 
concern First date 
raised Times 
raised 
193 General import 
restrictions due to BSE Certain 
Members, specifically China; Japan; Korea Rep. of; Australia European 
Union; United States  Canada, 
Switzerland, Uruguay 01/06/04 23 
238 Application and 
modification of the 
EU Regulation on 
Novel Foods European 
Union Colombia; 
Ecuador; 
Peru Argentina; Benin; 
Bolivia, 
Plurinational State 
of; 
Brazil; Chile; 
China; 
Costa Rica; Cuba; 
El Salvador; 
Guatemala; 
Honduras; 
India; Indonesia; 
Mexico; 
Paraguay; 
Philippines; 
Uruguay; 
Venezuela, 
Bolivarian Republic 
of 01/03/06 17 
330 Indonesia's port 
closures Indonesia China; 
European Union; New Zealand; United States  Argentina; 
Australia; Canada; Chile; Japan; Korea, Rep. of; South Africa; Chinese Taipei, Thailand; Uruguay 27/03/12 7 
340 
 Requirements for 
importation of sheep 
meat Turkey 
 Australia 
  18/10/12 
 7 
 
354 Import rest rictions in 
response to the Japanese nuclear power plant accident  China; 
Chinese Taipei; Hong Kong, China; Certain Members Japan 
  27/06/13 
 4 
 
358 Import conditions for 
pork and pork 
products India European 
Union Canada 16/10/13 4 
359 Strengthened import 
restrictions on food and feeds products with regard to radionuclides Korea, Rep. 
of  Japan 
  16/10/13 
 4 
 
289 Measures on catfish United States  China  28/10/09 3 
351 EU temperature 
treatment requirements for imports of processed meat products European 
Union Russian 
Federation  27/06/13 3 
356 Phytosanitary 
measures on citrus 
black spot European 
Union South Africa Argentina 27/06/2013 3 
Source: WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 41 - 
 
  3.46.  Analysing the July 2014 and October 2014 SPS Committee meetings, 45% of all STCs raised 
for the first time concerned plant health, 36% concerned measures covering animal health, 9% covered food safety, and one STC related to other types of concerns.
22 Regarding previously-raised 
STCs in the reviewed period, 40% concerned animal health, 30% concerned measures covering 
food safety, 20% covered plant health, and one ST C related to other types of concerns. Of the 
total raised or discussed STCs in the reviewed period, 38% concerned measures covering animal health, 33% covered plant health, 19% concerned f ood safety, and 10% of total STCs related to 
other types of concerns.  
3.47.  If WTO Members in a dispute cannot resolve their issues bilaterally or after raising it as an 
STC, the SPS Chair's good offices are available for parties to hold consultations. At its July meeting, the Committee adopted a procedure to facilitate the use of the Chair's good offices for 
ad hoc consultations, thus concluding more than five years of negotiations within the SPS 
Committee.
23 This procedure aims to help Members wishing to use the good offices of the 
Chairperson or another facilitator to resolve specific trade concerns.  
3.4  Technical barriers to trade (TBT) 
3.48.  During the period from 1 January to 7 November 2014 ("reviewed period") WTO Members 
submitted 1,400 regular notifications of TBT measures24, of which around 83% were submitted by 
developing-country Members.25 This overall number of 1,400 notifications is slightly lower than in 
the same period in 2013, although the proportion from developing countries has grown.26 Ecuador 
made the highest number of notifications during the reviewed period (154), followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (82), Israel (81), the Republic of Korea (76), and the 
European Union (73). The main objectives
27 indicated in the notifications submitted during the 
reviewed period were: "protection of human heal th or safety" (63%); "prevention of deceptive 
practices and consumer protection" (20%); and "protection of the environment" (17%). 
3.49.  Any Member may raise  specific trade concerns (STCs) with respect to TBT measures taken 
or proposed by other Members. These STCs are frequently discussed in the regular meetings of the TBT Committee.
28 Since 1995 and up to 7 November 2014, Members have raised 453 STCs, only 
taking into account the first time a given STC ha s been raised. STCs are, however, frequently 
discussed in subsequent meetings to the one in which they were first raised. An upward trend in STCs has been observed since 2005 (see Chart 3.13). 
                                               
22 For example: control, inspection or approval procedures.  
23 "Procedure to encourage and facilitate the resoluti on of specific sanitary or phytosanitary issues 
among Members in accordance with Article 12.2" (WTO document G/SPS/61, 8 September 2014). 
24 Under the TBT Agreement, WTO Members are required to notify any proposed measure 
(technical regulations or conformity  assessment procedures) that may have a significant effect on trade of 
other Members if it is not based on a relevant intern ational standard. Since 1995, almost 19,000 notifications 
of new or revised regulations have been submitted by 125 Members. 
25 This total number of developing country Members' notifications (1,166) includes those made by the 
Commonwealth of Independent States Members (28) and LDC Members (53). 
26 From 1 January to 7 November 2013 the overall number of notifications was 1,428. Of these, 1,138 
(or 80%) were from developing coun try Members, including LDCs.  
27 A TBT measure may pursue a variety of legitimate objectives, although historically the majority fall 
under one of the three top categories listed above. Members are required to identify the purpose of the 
measure in their notifications. It is not uncommon that more than one objective is identified for a measure. 
28 Members use the TBT Committee as a forum to disc uss trade issues related to specific measures 
(technical regulations, standards or conformity assess ment procedures) maintained by other Members. These 
are referred to as "specific trade concerns" (STCs) and no rmally relate to proposed draft measures notified to 
the TBT Committee or to the implementation of existing  measures. Issues raised ra nge from simple requests 
for additional information and clarific ations to questions on the consistency of measures with TBT Agreement 
disciplines. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 42 - 
 
  Chart 3.13 Number of TBT specific trade concerns raised per year 
4712 12 13 12 121926 2832 3259
3138
13152015 141224273246
294335
4247
0102030405060708090100110120
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014New concerns Previous concerns32
27 27
2436465874
617594
73
172285
 
Note: Data for the year 2014 covers January – end-October. 
Source:  WTO Secretariat. 
3.50.  47  new STCs were raised during the three Committ ee meetings that fell within the reviewed 
period.29 This is the highest number of new STCs to have been raised per year since 1995, thus 
confirming the upward trend since 2005. 2014 was also the second highest year in the overall 
number of STCs discussed (85). The list of all new concerns raised in 2014 is provided in Table 3.10. 
3.51.  During the review period, most new STCs centred on a variety of specific concerns, 
including the trade-restrictiveness of the measures at issue; their rationale; the fact that they 
were not based on relevant existing international standards; and the need to suspend their entry into effect so as to provide exporters more time to adapt to new requirements. Concerns in the 
form of a simple request for further clarification were also common. Further, transparency-related 
STCs, both of a specific and systemic nature, featured prominently on the Committee's agenda.
30 
Developing country Members in general, and Latin American country Members in particular, were very active participants in STC discussions during the reviewed period, both in raising concerns (36 
out of 47 new STCs) and in maintaining measures (35 out of 47). In total, developing country 
Members, including some LDCs
31, were involved (both as concerned or maintaining Members) in 
46 of the 47 new STCs raised in 2014. With respect to Members from Latin America, 2014 
confirmed a general upward trend, since 2006, in terms of STCs involving measures maintained by 
these countries, as shown in Chart 3.14.32 
                                               
 29 Three meetings took place during the reviewed period, in March, June and November 2014.  
 30 For instance, transparency was the main theme of a significant number of new STCs (11) with respect 
to various Ecuadorian measures . See also para. 3.53 below. 
 31 Historically, no STC has ever been raised with respect to an LDC measure. However, since 2011 there 
seems to be a trend of some LDCs (Burundi, Mala wi, Mozambique, Niger, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia) 
raising around two STCs per year (eight STCs in total, one in 2009 and the rest between 2011 and 2014; all 
with respect to tobacco-control measures). See also footnote 35, below.  
32 During the reviewed period, for instance, around 30% of all STCs targeted Lati n American countries.   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 43 - 
 
  Chart 3.14 Number of TBT specific trade conc erns raised per year, involving measures 
maintained by Latin American member countries 
116
4
1343413
510
3164
2
1346
5133
916
05101520253035
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014New concerns Previous concerns2710
6
14710
817
16
14
0326
 
Note: Data for the year 2014 covers January – end-October. 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.52.  The vast majority of all new STCs discussed during the reviewed period (45 out of 47) were 
either raised by, or involved measures from, G-20 Members. Among the most active in raising 
concerns are the European Union (16), the United States (12), Mexico (10) and Canada (9). 
Thirty out of 47 STCs raised (i.e. 64%) targeted measures maintained by G-20 Members, a significant decrease compared to the overall trend since 1995.
33  
3.53.  Tobacco and alcohol products continue to  figure prominently among the measures discussed 
in the reviewed period, making up around 20% of all STCs.34 On tobacco, for example, since 2011 
the Committee has been discussing concerns expressed by various Members with tobacco plain packaging measures from Australia, New Zealand,  Ireland, the United Kingdom and France (the 
last two were first raised in 2014).
35 On alcohol, one example is Thailand's draft measure on the 
labelling of alcoholic products which, for health re asons, prohibits the use of images of athletes or 
other public figures on the labels of these products. Beyond alcohol and tobacco, in recent years 
measures relating to nutrition labelling (food) have become more prominent. Six new nutrition 
labelling STCs were tabled during the reviewed  period, confirming the growing engagement of 
Members on this issue since 2007, when the first nutrition labelling concern was raised.36 Finally, 
also noteworthy in the reviewed period is a sign ificant number of new STCs (5) raised by Ukraine 
with respect to measures maintained by the Russian Federation, most of them concerning recent 
                                               
 33 Since 1995, 78% of all STCs tabled were directed at G-20 measures. 
 34 Overall, 17 STCs in the reviewed period concerned these products, eight of which were newly-raised.  
 35 Overall, since 2011, five separate STCs have been raised with respect to maintained (Australia) or 
proposed (France, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom) tobacco plain packaging measures. All five of 
these STCs had a significant number of concerned Members, including LDC Members which, until recently, have had a low level of participation in the review of TBT measures in the Committee (see also para. 3.51.  and 
footnote 31, above). 
 
36 A total of 12 STCs regarding nutrition labelling ha ve been raised in TBT Committee meetings since 
2007. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 44 - 
 
  import restrictions, as well as a high number of new STCs (11) with respect to various Ecuadorian 
measures37 (see Table 3.10, below). 
Table 3.10 New STCs raised between January and November 2014   
Member 
maintaining 
the measure 
(in 
alphabetical 
order)  STC title Stated objective Product 
coverage Members 
raising the 
concern 
Brazil Brazil - Higher Risk Medical 
Devices Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certification (ID415) Protection of human 
health or safety Higher risk 
medical devices India 
Brazil Brazil – draft Technical 
Resolution nº 69, 
9 September 14, Regarding 
the Requirement of 
Describing the Chemical 
Composition, in Portuguese, 
in the Label of Personal 
Hygiene Products, 
Cosmetics and Perfumes Protection of human 
health or safety Personal hygiene 
products, 
cosmetics and 
perfumes Mexico; 
European Union; 
Brazil 
China China – China Food and 
Drug Administration (CFDA) Notice 191 of 16 December 13 – Free Sales Certificate for Imported Cosmetics (ID 415)  Protection of human 
health or safety Cosmetics Canada; 
United States; European Union 
China China - Safety Requirement 
for Lithium Ion Cells and 
Batteries used in Portable 
Electronic Equipment 
(ID 425) Protection of human 
health or safety Lithium ion cells 
and batteries 
used in portable 
electronic 
equipment Japan; 
Korea, Rep. of 
China China – Regulations for the 
Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices (Order No. 650 of the State Council) (ID 428) Protection of human 
health or safety Medical devices Canada; 
European Union; United States  
China China - National Standard 
of the P.R.C., Safety 
Technical Specifications for 
Children's Footwear Protection of human 
health or safety; 
protection of the 
environment Children's 
footwear European Union 
Colombia Colombia – Steel (ID 422) Prevention of 
deceptive practices and consumer protection Plain and 
deformed steel wire and electrically welded mesh Turkey 
Colombia Colombia - draft Ministry of 
Commerce, Industry and 
Tourism Decree 
"Restructuring the National 
Quality Subsystem and 
amending Decree No. 2269 
of 1993" (ID 432) Protection of human 
health or safety; 
protection of animal 
or plant life or 
health; 
protection of the 
environment; 
national security 
requirements; 
prevention of 
deceptive practices 
and consumer 
protection n/a Japan; Mexico 
                                               
 37 A large majority of these 11 STCs involved transp arency-related concerns with Ecuadorian measures 
that, according to the concerned Members, had either not been notified at all, or at least not at an "early 
appropriate stage". For example, one STC was raised spec ifically to discuss the "systematic failure to publish 
notices at an early appropriate stage" (ID 414, listed in Table 3.10). See also para. 3.51.   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 45 - 
 
  Member 
maintaining 
the measure 
(in 
alphabetical 
order)  STC title Stated objective Product 
coverage Members 
raising the 
concern 
Ecuador Ecuador – Proposed Motor 
Vehicle Safety Regulatory Requirements (RTE INEN 034) (ID 409) Prevention of 
deceptive practices and consumer protection; protection of human health and safety Motor vehicles Brazil; Japan; 
Mexico 
Ecuador Ecuador – Resolution 
No. 116 of the Foreign 
Trade Committee of 
Ecuador of 19 November 13 
and Technical Regulation of 
the Ecuadorian 
Standardization Institute 
RTE INEN 022 on the 
labelling of processed and 
packaged food products 
(ID 411) Protection of human 
health or safety; 
prevention of 
deceptive practices 
and consumer 
protection Processed food 
products for 
human 
consumption Brazil; Canada; 
Chile;  
Costa Rica; 
Guatemala;  
Mexico; Peru; 
Switzerland; 
United States, 
European Union 
Ecuador Ecuador – systematic 
failure to publish notices at an early appropriate stage (ID 414) n/a n/a Brazil; Canada; 
Chile; Costa Rica; United States; European Union 
Ecuador Ecuador – Ministry of Public 
Health Executive Decree 
(Agreement) No. 00004522 
amending the Sanitary 
Regulations for the 
Labelling of Processed 
Foods for Human 
Consumption (ID 416) Protection of human 
health or safety; 
consumer 
information; labelling 
 Processed food 
products for 
human 
consumption Brazil; Canada; 
United States; 
European Union 
Ecuador Ecuador – cosmetic 
products (ID 417) Protection of human 
health or safety; prevention of 
deceptive practices 
and consumer protection; protection of the environment Cosmetic 
products Brazil; Chile; 
Korea, Rep. of; European Union 
Ecuador Ecuador – Certification of 
Ceramic Tiles II (ID 419) Protection of human 
health or safety; 
prevention of 
deceptive practices 
and consumer 
protection; 
protection of the 
environment Ceramic tiles Brazil; 
European Union 
Ecuador Ecuador – draft technical 
regulation of the Ecuadorian Standardization Institute (PRTE INEN) No. 103: "Sugar confectionery" (ID 423) Protection of human 
health or safety; prevention of deceptive practices and consumer protection Sugar 
confectionery Panama 
Ecuador Ecuador - draft technical 
regulation of the 
Ecuadorian Standardization 
Institute (PRTE INEN) 
No. 189: "Labelling of 
alcoholic beverages" 
(ID 433) Protection of human 
health or safety; 
prevention of 
deceptive practices 
and consumer 
protection Alcoholic 
beverages United States; 
Canada; Mexico WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 46 - 
 
  Member 
maintaining 
the measure 
(in 
alphabetical 
order)  STC title Stated objective Product 
coverage Members 
raising the 
concern 
Ecuador Ecuador - draft technical 
regulation of the Ecuadorian Standardization Institute (RTE INEN) No. 047:  "Metal cable tray, electrical conduit and trunking systems") Protection of human 
health or safety; protection of animal life and safety; protection of the environment Metal cable tray, 
electrical conduit and trunking systems Mexico 
Ecuador Ecuador - Equivalence 
Agreement N° 14 241 with 
the European Union 
regulations n/a n/a Mexico 
Ecuador Ecuador - (PRTE INEN) 
No. 111: energy efficiency, clothes dryers, labelling Protection of human 
health or safety; protection of the environment; prevention of deceptive practices and consumer protection Clothes dryers Mexico 
Egypt Egypt – Bottled water 
(ID 421) Food safety Bottled water Turkey 
European 
Union European Union - 
Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 11 on the provision of food information to consumers establishes the general principles, requirements and responsibilities 
governing food information, 
and in particular food labelling (ID 431) Consumer 
information; labelling All foods Indonesia; 
Malaysia 
European 
Union European Union – proposal 
for a Directive of the 
European Parliament and of 
the Council amending 
Directive 96/53/EC of 
25 July 96 laying down for 
certain road vehicles 
circulating within the 
Community the maximum 
authorised dimensions in 
national and international 
traffic and the maximum 
authorised weights in 
international traffic 
(COM(2013) 195 final) 
(ID 434) Protection of the 
environment Heavy goods 
vehicles, long 
distance coaches 
and urban buses United States  
European Union European Union – Common 
Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation (Common 
Criteria) certification in the 
European Union n/a n/a China 
European 
Union European Union – limits for 
hexavalent chromium in 
toys (2009/48/EC) n/a Toys China 
European 
Union European Union – Standard 
on safety of household and similar electrical appliances (EN60335-1:2012) n/a Household and 
similar electrical appliances China WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 47 - 
 
  Member 
maintaining 
the measure 
(in 
alphabetical 
order)  STC title Stated objective Product 
coverage Members 
raising the 
concern 
European 
Union European Union – 
Regulation (EU) 
No. 1169/2011 of the 
European Parliament and of 
the Council on the provision 
of food information to 
consumers, amending 
Regulations (EC) 
No. 1924/2006 and (EC) 
No. 1925/2006, and 
repealing Commission 
Directive 87/250/EEC, 
Council Directive 
90/496/EEC, Commission 
Directive 1999/10/EC. 
2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC 
and Commission Regulation 
(EC) No. 608/2004 Consumer 
information; labelling Foods containing 
spelt and 
khorasan; foods 
and food 
ingredients with 
added phytosterol, 
phytosterol esters, 
phytostanols 
and/or 
phytostanol esters Indonesia 
France France – Recycling Triman 
Mark: "Draft Decree on a common set of symbols informing the consumer about recyclable products subject to a system of extended producer responsibility associated with waste sorting instructions" (ID 420) Protection of the 
environment Recyclable 
products Canada; Mexico;  
New Zealand; United States  
France France – proposal to 
introduce plain packaging 
of tobacco products n/a Tobacco products Malawi; Ukraine; 
Indonesia; 
Dominican 
Republic; 
Honduras, 
Nigeria; Cuba; 
Nicaragua; 
Zimbabwe. 
India India – labelling regulations 
for canola oil (ID 413) Consumer 
information, labelling Canola oil Canada 
Indonesia Indonesia – Regulation of 
Minister of Trade 
No. 10/M-DAG/PER/1/2014 
concerning Amendment of 
Regulation of Minister of 
Trade 
No. 67/M-AG/PER/11/2013 
concerning Affixed 
Mandatory Label in 
Indonesian Language for 
Goods (ID 436) Consumer 
information; labelling n/a Japan; 
Korea, Rep. of; 
United States; 
European Union 
Israel Israel – resistance to 
ignition of mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed bases Protection of human 
health or safety Mattresses European Union 
Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - 
Certificate of Conformity 
(not notified) and GSO 
marking requirements for 
toys (ID 435) Protection of human 
health and safety  Toys United States; 
European Union 
Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 
Decree of the Saudi Arabian Ministerial Council on the sale and marketing of energy drinks of 4 March 14 Food safety Energy drinks Switzerland; 
European Union WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 48 - 
 
  Member 
maintaining 
the measure 
(in 
alphabetical 
order)  STC title Stated objective Product 
coverage Members 
raising the 
concern 
Mexico Mexico – Draft Mexican 
Official Standard PROY NOM 
142 SSA1/SCFI 2013: 
Alcoholic beverages. Health 
specifications. Health and 
commercial labelling Protection of human 
health or safety Alcoholic 
beverages European Union; 
Chile; 
United States 
Republic of 
Moldova  Republic of Moldova – 
Tobacco (IMS ID 437)  Protection of human 
health and safety; consumer information; labelling Tobacco products 
and boxes, cases, covers and any other device that 
is intended to 
fully or partially conceal or disguise the health warnings.  Ukraine  
Russian 
Federation Russian Federation – 
Federal Service for Market 
Regulation (FSR) - New 
Provisions for the 
Mandatory Notification of 
Liquor Products (ID 412) Simplified notification 
requirements Liquor products 
(alcohol) Canada 
Russian 
Federation Russian Federation – safety 
of products for children and adolescents (ID 418) Protection of human 
health and safety; prevention of deceptive practices and consumer protection Products for 
children and adolescents Norway; Ukraine; 
European Union 
Russian 
Federation Russian Federation – 
Measure affecting import of 
Ukrainian dairy products 
(ID 426) Prevention of 
deceptive practices 
and consumer 
protection Dairy products Ukraine 
Russian 
Federation Russian Federation – 
Measure affecting imports 
of Ukrainian juice products n/a Juice products Ukraine 
Russian 
Federation Russian Federation – 
Measure affecting imports 
of Ukrainian beer products n/a Beer products 
(alcohol) Ukraine 
Russian 
Federation Russian Federation – draft 
of the Eurasian Economic Commission Collegium decision on amendments to Common sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements for products, subjected to sanitary-epidemiological supervision (control) Food Safety Meat, palm oil, 
pesticides.  Indonesia; 
Ukraine 
South Africa South Africa – labelling and 
advertising of pre-packaged 
foodstuff Protection of human 
health or safety; 
consumer 
information; labelling Pre-packaged 
foodstuff European Union;  
New Zealand 
Thailand  Thailand – draft Notification 
of the Alcoholic Beverages Control, re: Rules, Procedure and condition for 
Labels of Alcoholic 
Beverages, issued under B.E. (ID 427)  Consumer 
information, labelling; protection of human 
health and safety  Alcoholic 
beverages  Canada; Mexico;  
New Zealand; European Union; United States  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 49 - 
 
  Member 
maintaining 
the measure 
(in 
alphabetical 
order)  STC title Stated objective Product 
coverage Members 
raising the 
concern 
United 
Kingdom United Kingdom – proposal 
to introduce plain 
packaging of tobacco 
products (ID 424) Protection of human 
health and safety Tobacco products Cuba; Dominican 
Republic; 
Guatemala; 
Honduras; 
Malawi; 
Nicaragua; 
Nigeria 
United States United States – Energy 
Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Commercial 
Refrigeration Equipment Protection of the 
environment Commercial 
refrigeration equipment China 
United States United States - 
Formaldehyde; Emissions 
Standards for Composite 
Wood Products; Third-Party 
Certification Framework for 
the Formaldehyde 
Standards for Composite 
Wood Products (ID 430) Protection of the 
environment; 
protection of human 
health or safety Composite wood 
products Indonesia 
United States United States – tire 
identification and record-keeping Prevention of 
deceptive practices and consumer protection Motor vehicle tires Thailand; 
Korea, Rep. of 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.5  SPS and TBT issues raised in other bodies  
3.54.  During the period covered by this report  a number of non-tariff measures, including SPS 
and TBT issues, were raised in WTO bodies other than those in which they are normally discussed. 
This section is a non-exhaustive attempt to reflect such issues as they have been brought to the 
attention of the WTO Secretariat.38 
3.55.  During the period under review a number of SPS issues were raised at the Committee level 
as well as at the meeting of the Council for Trade in Goods (CTG) which took place on 
19 June 2014. These included concerns with the co nsistency of certain SPS measures taken by the 
Customs Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus and Kazakhstan with international standards. Concerns were also raised about the Russian Federation's import ban on pork from all EU Member States (European Union) and the Ru ssian Federation's application of certain SPS 
measures for potatoes, meat, live animals, and dairy products (European Union).
39 A TBT concern 
was mentioned with respect to the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED), under which products were labelled free of palm oil (Indonesia). Some delegations made reference to the minutes of the 
9 April CTG meeting
40 in which concerns about the Russian Federation's compliance with the 
transparency obligations of the TBT Agreement were raised (European Union; United States). 
3.56.  Over the past few years, there have been instances in which proposed or adopted TBT 
measures discussed in the TBT Committee have also been raised at the Council for TRIPS. During 
the period under review this was the case for tobacco plain packaging measures adopted by Australia and proposed in a number of other countries, including New Zealand
, Ireland and the 
United Kingdom. 
3.57.  A number of other issues were raised by delegations at the June CTG meeting. These 
included concerns about the proliferation of im port and export measures applied by Indonesia 
(raised by the European Union, the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the 
Republic of Korea, Thailand and Chinese Taipei). Questions were similarly raised with respect to 
                                               
38 Members are encouraged to communicate to the WT O's Trade Policy Review Division the non-tariff 
measures which they have raised in other bodies and which they believe ar e relevant to the monitoring effort. 
39 WTO document G/C/M/119, 31 October 2014. 
40 WTO document G/C/M/118, 6 June 2014. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 50 - 
 
  Japan's Woods Points Programme (Canada, the Euro pean Union, Indonesia, New Zealand, Norway 
and the United States). Finally, as in the April CT G a concern over the sustainability criteria of the 
EU Renewable Energy Directive was raised (Indonesia).  
3.58.  In the July 2014 General Council meeting several delegations raised non-tariff measures in 
general as an increasing problem facing their exporters.41 
3.6  Developments in agricultural policy 3.59.  Article 17 of the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) established a Committee on Agriculture 
(CoA). The Committee provides a forum for Memb ers to discuss matters related to agriculture 
trade and to consult on matters relating to the Members' implementation of commitments under the AoA, including rules-based commitments. The revi ew work by the CoA is based on notifications 
Members make on their commitments. There is also a provision in Article 18.6 that allows 
Members to raise any matter relevant to the implementation of the commitments under the AoA.  
3.60.  In the framework of the CoA meetings in  January, March and June  2014, Members posed a 
total of 200 questions, including both questions on  individual notifications and under Art. 18.6, 
with more than half of those questions (110) directed at issues related to domestic support 
notifications or implementation of domestic support commitments.  
3.61.  In total, 11 Members raised 61 questions on 30 implementation-related issues (Article 18.6) 
in the above-mentioned meetings. As can be seen in Chart 3.15, 2014 has been the year with the 
largest number of questions raised under Article 18.6.  
                                               
41 WTO document WT/GC/M/152, 9 October 2014. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 51 - 
 
  Chart 3.15 Number of questions raised under Article 18.6 (1995-2014a) 
010203040506070
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 
a Until 15 October 2014. 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.62.  Out of the 61 implementation-related questions, 11 issues were discussed for the first time, 
whereas the remaining issues had been discussed one or more times in previous years under 
matters raised under Article 18.6. Table 3.11 indicates the specific measures relating to implementation commitments that were discussed for the first time in the CoA during these three 
CoA meetings. 
Table 3.11 New Article 18.6 issues 
 
CoA meeting 
number  
CoA meeting 
date  
Question 
raised by  
Answered by  
Question 
summary 
  
Products 
72 29/01/2014 United States  Egypt Export 
restriction on rice Rice 
72 29/01/2014 Canada European Union Levy on fruits 
and vegetables Fruit and 
vegetables,  
72 29/01/2014 Pakistan India Rice exports Rice 
72 29/01/2014 Canada Japan New agricultural 
policy   
73 21/03/2014 United States  Canada Proposed 
changes to tariff schedule   
73 21/03/2014 Pakistan India Market support 
price for rice Rice 
73 21/03/2014 Australia; 
Brazil; 
Colombia; 
European Union India Sugar export 
subsidies Sugar 
73 21/03/2014 European Union Turkey Domestic 
support and 
export subsidies Fruit 
73 21/03/2014 Indonesia United States Farm Bill   
74 05/06/2014 European Union Brazil Brazil's 2014-15 
Harvest Plan   
74 05/06/2014 United States  Honduras Honduras' tax 
exemptions   
Source: WTO Secretariat. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 52 - 
 
  3.63.  Some of these issues relate to the specific policy interventions by WTO Members such as 
Egypt's export restriction on rice42, the European Union's levy on sales of fresh fruit and 
vegetables43, Canada's proposed changes to their tariff schedule44, and India's sugar export 
subsidies.45 In other cases, Members queried what they saw as lack of transparency with respect 
to particular agricultural policies, as in the case of questions posed to Turkey on domestic support 
and export subsidies.46 Some questions highlighted concerns related to observed changes in 
trading patterns, as in the case of India's rice and wheat exports and market price support for 
rice.47 A number of the new questions highlighted sy stemic changes in national agricultural 
policies: Japan's new agricultural policy48 and the U.S. farm bill49, described briefly below. The two 
new issues raised at the June CoA meeting concerned Members' request for additional information regarding new agriculture-related policies in Brazil and Honduras. The European Union requested 
Brazil to elaborate on the operation of its 2014-15 harvest plan and an indication of the recipients 
eligible for support under this plan
50; and the United States requested Honduras to provide 
additional information on how its sales ta x exemption policy would be implemented.51 
3.64.  Other measures that were discussed related to follow-up questions on persistent areas of 
concern. Table 3.12 indicates the issues that were discussed in January, March and June 2014. 
Table 3.12 Questions previously  raised under Article 18.6 
CoA 
meeting 
number CoA 
meeting 
date Question 
raised by Answered 
by Question 
summary Products Times 
raised in 
the CoA 
 
72 29/01/2014 Canada European 
Union Sugar production 
levies Sugar 6 
73 21/03/2014 United 
States  China Cotton domestic 
support Cotton 3 
73 21/03/2014 United 
States  Ecuador Import licensing of 
certain agricultural products    6 
73 21/03/2014 United 
States  India National food 
security bill   2 
73 21/03/2014 United 
States  Turkey Destination of wheat 
flour sale Wheat 3 
74 05/06/14 Argentina; 
India; and 
Indonesia United 
States  U.S. Farm Bill   4 
74 05/06/14 Australia 
and Brazil India Sugar export 
subsidies Sugar, cane 
or beet sugar, other 7 
74 05/06/14 Canada and 
the United 
States  India Wheat stocks and 
exports Wheat 6 
74 05/06/14 European 
Union Turkey Domestic support 
and export subsidies   2 
74 05/06/14 Canada; 
India; 
Pakistan 
and the 
United 
States  Thailand Paddy pledging 
scheme Rice 14 
                                               
42 WTO document G/AG/W/118, pp. 9-10, 7 March 2014. 
43 WTO document G/AG/W/118, pp. 10-12, 7 March 2014. 
44 WTO document G/AG/W/118, pp. 6-8, 7 March 2014. 
45 WTO document G/AG/W/126, pp. 14-17, 16 May 2014. 
46 WTO document G/AG/W/126, p. 21, 16 May 2014. 
47 WTO document G/AG/W/118, p. 13 and G/AG/W/126, p. 14-15, 7 March 2014. 
48 WTO document G/AG/W/118, p. 15, 7 March 2014. 
49 WTO document G/AG/W/126, pp. 22-26, 16 May 2014. 
50 WTO document G/AG/W/135, p. 4, 30 September 2014. 
51 WTO document G/AG/W/135, p. 9-10, 30 September 2014. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 53 - 
 
  CoA 
meeting 
number CoA 
meeting 
date Question 
raised by Answered 
by Question 
summary Products Times 
raised in 
the CoA 
 
74 05/06/14 New 
Zealand and the United States  Canada Dairy policies Dairy, milk, 
milk powders, butter, cheese, other 8 
74 05/06/14 Pakistan India Subsidization policy Wheat, rice 1 
74 05/06/14 United 
States  India National agricultural 
insurance scheme   1 
74 05/06/14 United 
States  India Landholding laws   1 
74 05/06/14 United 
States  Ecuador Domestic purchase 
requirements   2 
74 05/06/14 United 
States  Canada Proposed changes 
to tariff schedule   3 
74 05/06/14 United 
States  Saint Lucia Domestic purchase 
requirements for poultry and pork Swine, 
poultry 4 
74 05/06/14 United 
States  Brazil Domestic support 
programmes   7 
74 05/06/14 Canada and 
the United States  Costa Rica Compliance with 
AMS commitments Rice 14 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.65.  During the period relevant to this repo rt several developed country Members - Japan, the 
United States and the European Union - introduced substantial changes to their agricultural 
support policies. On 5 December 2013, Japan enacted a bill to establish a farmland re-distribution scheme. The goal of the policy is to promote agri cultural structural reform and cost reduction 
through consolidation of farmland to motivated entities. In Japan's scheme, intermediary 
institutions will rent a considerable part of farmland in a region, including small plots of farmland, and lease the farmland to motivated entities, such as corporate farmers and large scale family 
farmers.  
3.66.  The United States enacted the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) introducing major 
changes to U.S. food and farm policy. The United States presented the details of this legislation to the Committee on Agriculture during the March 2014 meeting, giving other WTO Members the 
opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting. Questions were also posed in the formal 
meetings of the March and June CoA. The United States reported that the 2014 Farm Bill ends in particular the direct and countercyclical payment programmes and the Average Crop Revenue 
Election programme. The 2014 Farm Bill introduced two new risk-management programmes: the 
Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programme, a new counter-cyclical type programme, and the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) programme, a revenue-loss programme. Among other changes, 
the 2014 Farm Bill also eliminated the Dairy Product Price Support Program (a price support 
program), the Dairy Export Incentive Program and the Milk Income Loss Contract, and replaced them by the Dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP). 
3.67.  The European Union's new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will fully enter into force on 
1 January 2015. In the margins of the June 2014 CoA meeting, the European Union provided a 
presentation to the WTO Members on the new CAP to facilitate an exchange of views on this topic. 
The European Union specifically referred to the rationale and the process leading to the CAP 
reform, and provided detailed information on the key changes introduced in the fields of direct 
payments, market measures and rural development. The European Union noted that the pillar with 
the biggest changes in the new CAP was direct payments with a more targeted distribution of 
support and more flexibility granted to the EU Member States. The European Union also noted that 
changes in market measures were oriented towards the reinforcement of its safety-net function and the changes on the rural development pillar were oriented towards sustainability.  
3.68.  Two developing country Members, the Phil ippines and the Republic of Korea, faced the 
expiration of waivers allowing special treatment for rice imports under Annex 5 of the AoA. On WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 54 - 
 
  18 August 2014, the Philippines circulated a request to extend its waiver under Annex 5 of 
Agreement on Agriculture. If there are no objections by Members, the Philippines will continue to be exempted from the implementa tion of article 4.2 of the AoA for rice until 30 June 2017. The 
Philippines is allowed to implement non-ordinary custom duties under the condition that a 
minimum market access (MMA) is permitted in th e form of a tariff quota. The extension of the 
waiver will require the Philippines to further increase its MMA commitments to 805,200 MT. The 
Republic of Korea's waiver under Annex 5 of the AoA will expire at the end of 2014. Korea, unlike 
the Philippines, decided not to pursue an extension to the waiver and opted for the elimination of 
its rice quota regime and proposed instead the establishment of a tariff-based system for trade in rice commencing January 2015. The proposed scheduled tariff will be adopted in December 2014 should there be no objections by Members.  
3.69.  During the review process conducted under the CoA Members highlighted concerns 
regarding patterns of agricultural support in some developing countries. Thailand rice support programmes, including the "paddy pledging scheme", had been under scrutiny in the CoA since 
2006. Under the paddy pledging scheme Thailand se t intervention prices above market prices 
causing a significant increase in budgetary outlays for rice support during the period that this measure was in force. The paddy pledging scheme was officially terminated in February 2014 and 
a new rice policy announced in September 2014. Thailand has not notified the details of the new 
measure to the CoA. 
3.70.  Members in the CoA also drew attention to trends in India's agricultural support. During the 
past year Members expressed sustained interest in the implementation of India's support and 
trade policies related to wheat, sugar and rice. Public stockholding programmes for wheat and rice 
received particular attention given that these programmes include market price support for farmers producing these crops. India's recent notification on domestic support was circulated on 
10 September 2014 and includes six years of data up to 2011 on the allocation of support across 
the agricultural sector.
52 Over that six year period notified green box expenditures increased more 
than four times, driven in part by a sign ificant expenditure on public stockholding. 
3.7  Policy developments in trade in services53 
3.7.1  Measures affectin g various service sectors 
3.71.  Several measures adopted by China  in the period under review are noteworthy. First, 
amendments introduced to China's Company Law w ill affect foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs).54 
Effective 1 March 2014, China's law-making body and the State Council amended the People's 
Republic of China Company Law (the "Company Law" ), the Implementing Rules for the Laws of the 
People's Republic of China on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises (WFOEs), the Implementing Rules 
for the Laws of the People's Republic of China on Cooperative Sino-Foreign Joint Ventures (CJVs) 
and the Implementing Rules for the Laws of the Peop le's Republic of China on Equity Sino-Foreign 
Joint Ventures (EJVs). The main changes are the re placement of "paid-in registered capital" by 
"subscribed registered capital"; the removal of the minimum registered capital requirement; and 
the removal of the ratio requirement between cash and in-kind contribution. 
3.72.  The change from "paid-in registered capital" to "subscribed registered capital" is one of the 
most significant changes in the Amendments. Be fore the Amendments, FIEs were required to 
pay-in a fixed amount of registered capital within two years, 15% of which was required to be 
paid-in within 90 days after the issuance of th e business licence. The Amendments abolish the 
paid-in registered capital requirement and allow sh areholder(s) of an FIE to determine the amount 
of registered capital and the timing of the capita l contributions, which may be necessary to carry 
out the company's business plan. This change does  not apply however to 27 types of companies, 
namely companies limited by shares established by public offer; commercial banks; 
foreign-invested banks; financial asset management companies; trust companies; financial 
companies; financial leasing companies; auto finance companies; consumer finance companies; currency brokerage companies; village banks; loan  companies; rural credit cooperatives; rural 
mutual cooperatives; securities companies; futures companies; fund management companies; 
                                               
52 WTO document G/AG/N/IND/10, 10 September 2014. 
53 All information in this section has been verified by the Members concerned unless otherwise indicated.  
54 Foreign invested enterprises (FIE s) include Wholly Foreign-owned En terprises (WFOEs),  Equity Joint 
Ventures (EJVs), and Cooperative Joint Ventures (CJVs). WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 55 - 
 
  insurance companies; special insurance agencies and insurance brokers; foreign-invested 
insurance companies; direct selling enterprises; foreign labour service cooperation enterprises; financing guarantee companies; labour dispatch enterprises; pawnshops; insurance assets management companies; and small loan companies. The Amendments also abolish the minimum 
registered capital requirement for domestic comp anies, and eliminate the requirement that "the 
registered capital of a WFOE matches the scale of its business operation".  
3.73.  In addition, the Amendments remove the requirement that shareholders' cash contributions 
for a company be no less than 30% of the registered capital, as well as the requirement (contained 
in the Implementing Rules on WFOEs) that the capi talized value of industrial property rights or 
proprietary technology invested by foreign investors do not exceed 20% of a WFOE's registered capital. The abolishment of these provisions, in pr actice, means that the ratio requirement on cash 
and in-kind contribution is no longer applicable, and foreign investors may have industrial 
technology, equipment, or other types of in-kind ca pital constitute their entire capital contribution 
to the FIE.  
3.74.  In addition to the changes in its Company Law, as part of the implementation of the 12th 
five-year plan, China has embarked on important tax reforms that will affect various service sectors. One aspect of the reforms is to progressively replace the business tax with a value-added 
tax (VAT). In general, VAT reform is aimed at re ducing the tax burden for services enterprises and 
promoting the services industry. The VAT pilot programme applicable to the transport sector and other services started in Shanghai on 1 January  2012 and has been implemented nationwide since 
1 August 2013. It is expected that by the end of 2015, the VAT reform will be expanded to all 
sectors currently subject to the business tax. In this context, on 12 December 2013, the Ministry 
of Finance (MOF) and the State Administration of Taxation (SAT) jointly issued Circular [2013] No. 106 which incorporated the railway transportation and postal industries into the VAT pilot 
programme as of 1 January 2014. On 29 April 2014,  MOF and SAT jointly issued Circular [2014] 
No. 143 which incorporated the telecommunications sector into the VAT pilot programme as of 
1 June 2014. As a result of these successive measures, a wide range of services sectors are now 
covered by this programme, including transportation  (land, water, air and pipeline), postal, R&D, 
information technology, culture, logistics (cargo handling, freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, courier services, etc.), tangible movable property leasing, authentication and consulting, broadcasting, film and television services. Service providers in China can now claim 
input VAT credits for the purchase of goods, fixe d assets and services used in their business. 
Enterprises including those in sectors other than services would also be more willing to contract with services providers as they can now recover VAT incurred on costs, as business tax is not 
deductible.  
3.75.  Circular [2013] No. 106 provides various tax incentives. Postal and courier services provided 
for exporting merchandises, as well as international freight forwarding services, are exempted 
from VAT. In addition, exports of the following services are also exempted from VAT: offshore 
outsourced services, including ITO, BPO and KPO (from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018)
55; consulting services; computer and related services; intellectual 
property-rights-related services; broadcasting, film and TV programme services; and services of 
leasing tangible movable assets. Finally, the following services are subject to a zero-rate VAT: 
international transport services and R&D design  services rendered to overseas clients. 
3.76.  Since the establishment of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone (PFTZ) in September 2013, 
China has introduced a number of measures to adjust existing laws and regulations so as to 
ensure that the operation of the PFTZ would not entail a conflict of laws. In late 2013, China's State Council adopted two decisions introducing temporary adjustments to administrative approval 
provisions in relevant laws and administrative regulations, which shall be applied to the Shanghai 
PFTZ. In accordance with the two State Council Decisions, on 25 July 2014 the Shanghai Municipal 
Congress adopted the Regulations of PFTZ. In line with the so-called "negative-list" approach to foreign investment administration, the Shanghai PFTZ Regulations stipulate that the 
sectors/industries not on the list are subject to a filing system rather than administrative approval 
(Article 13). The Shanghai PFTZ Regulations also require further opening up in a number of services sectors including financial, shipping, professional, cultural, social and manufacturing 
services. Measures to be taken to this effect include the suspension, cancellation or relaxation of 
                                               
55 ITO stands for Information Techno logy Outsourcing, BPO stands fo r Business Proces s Outsourcing, 
and KPO stands for Knowle dge Process Outsourcing. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 56 - 
 
  qualification requirements for investors, of ceilings on foreign capital participation and of 
restrictions on the business scope of foreign investors (Article 12). The PFTZ Regulations also contain a chapter on financial services, which provides for specific measures to further facilitate financial liberalization. 
3.77.  On 28 September 2014, China's State Council issued another decision which sets out 
temporary adjustments to access measures in administrative regulations and department rules, which shall be applied to the Shanghai PFTZ. According to this Decision, foreign investors are 
allowed to hold up to 51% shares in a joint venture of public international shipping agency in 
Shanghai PFTZ. The current ceiling in the national regulation is 49%. Fully foreign-owned enterprises are allowed to undertake business in Shanghai PFTZ in a number of service activities where joint venture is currently the only legal form for foreign investment in China. These service 
activities include: international cargo-handling an d management of container yards; research and 
development in new technologies related to oil ex ploration and development; design of yachts and 
luxury liners; design, manufacturing and maintenance of parts of civil airplane engines; research, 
design and some manufacturing of rail transport eq uipment and facilities, rail freight transport, air 
transport agency, etc. Restrictions on foreign inve stment in a number of important services sectors 
have also been removed in the Shanghai PFTZ, such as sale through mail and the Internet, 
wholesale and retail of processed oil, sugar and fe rtilizer, and real estate services on a fee or 
contract basis, etc. The negative list of foreign investment has been reduced from 190 items to 139.  
3.78.  On May 14, 2014, the French Ministry of Economy extended the coverage of the existing 
review mechanism for inward foreign investment to include: (i) energy supply (electricity, gas, 
hydrocarbons or other sources of energy); (ii) water supply; (iii) transport networks and services; (iv) electronic communications, and networks and services; (v) operations of buildings and 
installations for defence reasons; and (vi) protection of public health. Under the new rules, foreign 
investments in these sectors would be subject to review and prior authorisation to safeguard national interests in the areas of public order,  public security and national defence. The new 
Decree, " Décret n° 2014-479 du 14 mai 2014 relatif aux investissements étrangers soumis à 
authorisation" , provides that the French Government may impose conditions on the proposed 
investment or, if no condition would be sufficient to safeguard the above-mentioned interests, veto 
the proposed investment.
56 
3.79.  In April 2014, the Indonesian  Government announced a significant revision of the 
country's Negative Investment List (Daftar Negatif Investasi).57 The revision, which is not fully 
published yet, is based on Presidential Decree No 39 - 2014 on the List of Open and Closed 
Sectors for Investments (Perpres 39 - 2014 tentang Daftar Bidang Usaha Tertutup dan Bidang 
Usaha Terbuka dengan Persyaratan di Bidang Penanaman Modal). The Negative Investment List of Indonesia stipulates which sectors within the Indonesian economy are open to foreign investment 
as well as the percentage shares of foreign ow nership that are permitted. As per the new List, 
foreign investment is further liberalized in some service sectors, but curbed in others. In several 
sectors, the Indonesian Government permits higher foreign ownership if investors engage in public-private partnerships (PPPs) with the Government. Table 3.13 summarizes the announced 
revisions for services:
58  
                                               
56 http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000028933611 
57 Measures adopted by Indonesia have no t yet been verified by the Government. 
58 Indonesia Revises Negative Investment List to Boost Foreign Investments, 7 May 2014. 
http://www.indonesia-investments.com/news/todays-headlines/indonesia-revises-negative-investment-list-to-boost-foreign-investments/item1966 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 57 - 
 
   
Table 3.13 Indonesia – revised Negative Investment List 
Expanded foreign ownership 
 
 Previous New 
Energy and Mineral Resources  
 
Electricity Generation > 10MW Maximum 95% Maximum 100% through PPPs during 
concession period; wi thout PPP, maximum 
95% 
Transportation 
 i. Provision of Port Facilities  Maximum 49% Maximum 95% through PPPs; without PPP, 
49% 
ii. Organization of periodic testing 
of motor vehicles,  
Terminals Development Closed to FDI   Maximum 45% (recommendation 
from the Transportation Ministry  
required) 
Creative Economy  
Production of films Closed to FDI Maximum 51% for investors  
from ASEAN 
Finance  
Venture Capital Maximum 80% Maximum 85% 
Foreign ownership reduced 
 
 Previous New 
Energy and Mineral Resources  
i. Electricity generation 1-10MW Maximum 100%  
through PPP Maximum 49% 
ii. Drilling services on land Maximum 95% Closed to FDI 
iii. Drilling services in sea Maximum 95% Maximum 75% 
iv. Oil and gas su pport services Maximum 95% Closed to FDI 
v. Installation of electric power 
utilization Maximum 95% Closed to FDI 
Communication and 
Information  
i. Operation of Telecommunications 
Services 
 Maximum 100% Maximum 49% 
ii. Data Communications Systems 
Services Maximum 95% Maximum 49% 
iii. Internet Services Maximum 65% Maximum 49% 
Source: Indonesia-investments.com (Indonesia Revi ses Negative Investment List to Boost Foreign 
Investments, 7 May 2014. Available at http://www.indonesia-
investments.com/news/todays-headlines/indonesia-revises-negative-investment-list-to-
boost-foreign-investments/item1966  
3.80.  The Russian Federation amended the Federal Law of 9 July, 1999 Nr. 160-FZ "On Foreign 
Investments in the Russian Federation".59 These amendments, which are contained in the Federal 
Law of 5 May, 2014 Nr. 106-FZ "On Amendments to  Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian 
Federation", modify the rules on the creation of branches and opening of representative offices of 
foreign legal entities in Russia, and their accreditation. Commencing 1 January, 2015, new 
regulations regarding the accreditation of branch and representative offices of foreign companies will be applied to both newly-formed and previo usly-accredited offices. With the amendments, the 
legal status of representative offices will now be covered by the Federal Law Nr 160-FZ. 
Previously, the Federal Law regulated only the status of branches of foreign legal entities. The new law establishes new procedures for the formation and termination of branches and representative 
offices of foreign legal entities.  
3.81.  In June 2014, the Saudi Arabian  General Investment Authority established a foreign 
investment licence Fast Track Service.
60 Amongst the enterprises to be served through the Fast 
Track Service are: multinational companies; publicly-listed companies, in the capital market of 
their countries or in international stock exchanges; companies manufacturing products that are 
classified and approved by independent agencies  and which employ certified process technology; 
                                               
59 http://government.ru/activities/3260 and http://www.watersoag.com/oag-publications/accreditation-
of-branch-and-representative-offices-of-foreign-compani es-in-the-russian- federation-changes-to-be-aware-of/ 
60 http://www.sagia.gov.sa/en/Investor-tools/Press- releases/Attraction-of-promising-investments-into-
the-targeted-sectors-which-greatly-impact-the-Saudi-economy WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 58 - 
 
  small- and medium-size enterprises which will be op erating in the area of the IPRs registered in 
their names, or which are classified as innovative enterprises; international companies which have set up regional centres in Saudi Arabia; construction companies classified under the first class in their countries, or which have implemented a proj ect with a value of not less than SR 500,000,000 
and have a manpower of not less than 2,000 employees and total assets of not less than 
SR 50 million; and companies which have entered into partnership with other companies qualified by a government agency, or by a state-owned enti ty or an entity in which the Government has a 
shareholding, or with a company listed in the Saudi Capital Market. 
3.7.2  Audio-visual and telecommunications services 3.82.  On 1 September 2014, Argentina's Audiovisual Communications Services Federal Agency 
launched its advertising registry (Registro de Publicidad de AFSCA), in which domestic companies 
can register their advertisements. Argentina's Audiovisual and Media Services Law (26.522) 
requires that at least 60% of all advertising content be produced domestically. However, it allows for a foreign government to request an exemption to this quota if Argentine companies are not 
subject to a similar quota in that country. 
3.83.  Azerbaijan 's Ministry of Communications and High Technologies (MCHT) has announced 
that work is under way to set up a telecommunications regulatory body that is independent from 
the Ministry. Currently, MCHT is responsible for all telecoms regulation as well as for the state's 
shareholdings in the telecommunications sector, which is often considered a conflict of interest. The country's "e-Azerbaijan" programme signed by the President in 2010 had called for the establishment of an independent national telecommunications regulator.
61 
3.84.  The Bangladesh  Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) in February 2014 
ordered mobile service providers GrameenPhone and Airtel Bangladesh to cease providing 
BlackBerry services because the country's security/law agencies are unable to monitor 
communications on the encrypted system. As per licensing terms and conditions, the government 
reserves the right to gain access to telecom service providers' networks when deemed necessary.
62 
3.85.  On 23 April 2014, Brazil 's Government signed into law a bill previously passed by Congress 
and intended to guarantee equal access to the Internet and protect privacy of users. On equal 
access, the bill bars telecommunications companies from charging higher prices for different content. On privacy, the bill sets limits to the gathering and use of metadata about Internet users, 
while a provision was dropped that would have required Internet companies to store data on 
Brazilian servers inside the country. Instead, the bill makes Internet service suppliers subject to 
Brazilian laws and courts in cases involving information on Brazilians, even when the data is on 
servers outside Brazil.  
3.86.  The Canadian  Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), on 31 July 
2014, after concluding in its Telecom Decision CRTC 2014-398, "that there were clear instances of 
unjust discrimination and undue preference by Rogers Communications Partnership with respect to 
the imposition of exclusivity clauses in its wh olesale mobile wireless roaming agreements with 
certain new entrants, and the wholesale mobile wireless roaming rates it charged certain new entrants", announced the prohibition of exclusivity provisions in wholesale mobile wireless roaming 
agreements between Canadian carriers for service in Canada.
63 
                                               
61 Autonomous regulator in pipeline, Telegeography ,18 February 2014 
http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2014/02/18/autonomous-regulator-in-
pipeline-ict-revenue-nears-usd2bn/  
62 Regulator halts BlackBerry services , Telegeography, 21 Feb 2014 ,  
http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2014/02/21/regulator-halts-blackberry-
services/index.html . Measures adopted by Bangladesh have no t yet been verified by the Government. 
63 Telecom Decision CRTC 2014-398. Canadian Radio-te levision and Telecommunications Commission,  
31 July 2014, http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2014/2014-398.htm WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 59 - 
 
  3.87.  The Chilean  telecoms watchdog Subtel ordered that, by 1 June 2014, internet service 
providers offering free access to social networking  websites and apps such as Facebook, Twitter 
and WhatsApp, should stop providing these kinds of services as it violates net neutrality laws. According to Subtel, by providing free connection to internet only accessible to specific social 
networks, companies give an arbitrary advantage to the use of these services over the web to 
other services. Chile's Net Neutrality Act enables providers to employ network and traffic management on the condition that it is not discriminatory or a threat to competition. Likewise, 
traffic management cannot be used to block or interfere with the access to content and 
applications on the Internet.
64 
3.88.  China's  Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the National 
Development and Reform Commission (NDCR) on 9 May announced their decision to stop 
regulating the tariffs of telecoms services.65 The tariffs of all telecommunications companies will be 
regulated by the market, and companies may independently draw up specific tariff structures, standards and billing methods according to market conditions and customer needs.  
3.89.  On 13 March 2014, the European Parliament  approved a Network & Information Security 
(NIS) Directive which calls for greater preparedne ss, collaboration, and transparency by Member 
States to address cyber security matters. The sc ope of the measures was designed to ensure 
added protection in a new environment in which activities may take place by means of so-called 
cloud services. Member States will have to implement the Directive within 18 months of its adoption.
66 Apart from that Directive, on 27 March 2014, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled 
that an Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be ordered to block customers' access to a website 
where material that infringes copyright may be av ailable. The ECJ had been asked to interpret EU 
copyright law by Austria's Supreme Court.67 The ECJ ruled that a person who makes protected 
subject-matter available to the public on a websit e without the agreement of the rights holder is 
using the services of the business which provides internet access to those accessing that material. 
Thus, an ISP which allows such access is an intermediary whose services are used to infringe a copyright.
68 
3.90.  The Communications Minister of Israel  announced on 8 July 2014 a decision to allow 
companies not already active in the country as mobile network operators to take part in the forthcoming 4G tender. According to the Minister's communication it will permit a high level of competition, while also promoting broadband infrastructure.
69 
3.91.  As part of the Constitutional reforms aimed at modernizing Mexico 's telecommunication 
and broadcasting sectors, which became effective on 12 June 201370, the new Federal 
Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law, as well as the new Public Broadcasting System Law 
were published in the Mexican Official Gazette on 14 July 2014. The new Law establishes a new 
regulatory framework in the telecommunications and broadcasting sector in Mexico, with the objective of promoting competition, improving coverage and service quality, and lowering costs 
and prices. The reform paved the way for 100% foreign ownership of companies engaged in 
                                               
64 Ley de neutralidad y Redes Sociales Gratis. Subs ecretaría de Telecomunica ciones del Gobierno de 
Chile, 27 May 2014, http://www.subtel.gob.cl/noticias /138-neutralidad-red/5311-ley-de-neutralidad-y-redes-
sociales-gratis 
65 Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, 9 May 2014 
http://www.miit.gov.cn/n11293472/ n11293832/n11293907/n11368223/15992413.html 
66 The EP successfully votes through the Network & Information Security (NIS) directive,  European 
Commission - STATEMENT/14/68, 13/03/2014, http:/ /europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-
68_en.htm.  See also http ://europa.eu/rapid/press-r elease_MEMO-13-71_en.htm. 
67 In a case between ISP UPC Telekabel Wien and fi lm companies Constantin Film Verleih and Wega-
Filmproduktionsgesellschaft, the film companies wanted  the ISP to block access to the Kino.to site, but UPC 
Telekabel argued that it did not have  any business relationship with the operators of kino.to and it was never 
established that its own customers acted unlawfully. 
68ECJ rules that ISPs may be ordered to block websites , Telecompaper, 27 March 2014,  
http://www.telecompaper.com/news/ecj-rules-that-isps-may-be-ordered-to-block-websites--
1004599?utm_source=headlines_-_english&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=28-03-2014&utm_content=textlink 
69 The Fourth Generation Frequencies Tender is open  - Ministry of Communications Publishes Tender to 
operate Fourth Generation Cellular Networks. Mini stry of Communications of Israel, 8 July 2014, 
http://www.moc.gov.il/sip_storage/FILES/0/3720.pdf 
70 See paragraph 3.52 of Overview of Developments in the International Trading Environment, Annual 
Report by the Director-General, document WTO/TPR/OV/16, 31 January 2014.  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 60 - 
 
  telecommunications services, including satellite communications (compared to 49% previously), 
and up to 49% foreign ownership of radio and television broadcasters (compared to zero previously), albeit subject to reciprocity. 
3.92.  On 27 March 2014, the Republic of  Moldova  adopted Law No. 40, which amends the 
Electronic Communications Law No. 241-XVI of 15 November 2007. The amendments seek to 
make an efficient use of radio spectrum by prohibiting 'spectrum hoarding' in accordance with the provisions of article 9, paragraph (7), of the EU Directive 2009/140/EC.
71 
3.93.  The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman will introduce a consumption 
limit (in the form of a roaming cap) for mobile subscribers making calls and using data abroad. The limit of OMR100 (USD259) is being introduced due to a large number of complaints from customers of roaming 'bill shock'. The roaming cap is due to enter into force later this year.
72 
3.94.  On 21 July 21 2014, Federal Law No. 242-FZ, "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts 
of the Russian Federation  with regard to the Clarification of the Processing of Personal Data in 
Informational-Telecommunications Networks" was signed by the President of the Russian 
Federation. The Law requires Personal Data Processors which collect personal data, including via 
internet, to use databases located in the territory of the Russian Federation for recording, systematization, accumulation, storage and extraction  of the personal data of the citizens of the 
Russian Federation. The Law will apply from 1 September 2016.
73  
3.95.  Senegal 's telecoms regulator, the Agence de Regulation des Telecoms et Postes (ARTP), 
has implemented two new decisions to modify the scope of interconnection in the country, as it looks to promote competition in the local market. According to Agence Ecofin, the watchdog's first 
decision is designed to identify operators with si gnificant market power (SMP), and as such it has 
designated Sonatel, Tigo Senegal (Sentel) and Sudatel-owned Expresso as having SMP. The trio will now be required to approve a draft interconnect ion tariff plan within 30 days of the issuance of 
the decision. In the second amendment, ARTP has identified and ruled on a list of relevant markets 
in which the three operators are said to enjoy a dominant market position.
74 
3.96.  The Official Gazette of the Republic of South Africa published on 7 April 2014 the Electronic 
Communications Amendment Act (Act No. 1 of 2014) which amends the Electronic 
Communications Act of 2005.75 The Amendment76, amongst other things, modifies provisions of 
the Act to align them with broad-based black economic empowerment initiatives, to improve the governance provisions of the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa
77 and to 
enhance the provisions related to licensing procedure and frequencies allocation. 
3.97.  On 21 March 2014, the Turkish Information Technologies and Communications Authority 
(ICTA) restricted access to Twitter for failure to remove illegal content form certain accounts. The 
decision was taken in accordance with the decision s of judicial authorities and Article 8 of the 5661 
numbered Law on "Regulation of Publications on the Internet and Combating Crime Committed via 
                                               
71 "Spectrum hoarding" means acquirin g some spectrum and not using it with the purpose of preventing 
new entry into the market or reducing competition. 
72 Regulator to introduce cap on roaming charges , Telegraphy CommsUpdate, 27 Mar 2014,  
http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2014/03/27/regulator-to-introduce-cap-on-
roaming-charges/index.html . Measures adopted by Oman have not yet been verified by the Government. 
73 http://www.pravo.gov.ru/laws/acts/57/5052504510601047.html and 
http://www.whitecase.com/articles/092014/recent-amendments-to-the-procedure-of-personal-data-processing-in-russia/#.VC5QRksTslI 
74 ARTP Senegal amends interconnection rules to boost competition , Telegraphy CommsUpdate, 
15 Nov 2013,   
http://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2013/11/15/artp-senegal-amends-
interconnection-rules-to-boo st-competition/index.html . Measures adopted by Senegal have not yet been verified 
by the Government.  
75 Notification pursuant to Article III:3 of the WTO Agreement on Trade in Serv ices (S/C/N/768).  South 
Africa, 29 September 2014.  
76 Electronic Communications Act 2014. Independen t Communications Authority of South Africa, 
3 June 2014.  https://www.icasa.org.za/ LegislationRegulations/Acts/ ElectronicCommunicationsAct/ tabid/86/ctl/It emDetails/m
id/649/ItemID/3986/Default.aspx 
77 President Zuma signs into law the Electronic Communications Amendment Act. The Presidency 
Republic of South Africa, 11 April 2014,  http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?relid=17173 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 61 - 
 
  These Publications". ICTA later issued a statement that the site was blocked "in line with court 
decisions to avoid the possible future victimisatio n of citizens", and observing that the company 
had previously failed to remove content when it had been asked to do so. The blockage of access to Twitter was removed by decision of the Tu rkish Constitutional Court dated 2 April 2014.  
3.98.  The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has clarified its Policy for Foreign 
Investment in Broadcast Licensees regarding policies and procedures for reviewing transactions that would result in foreign ownership exceeding 25%. Section 310(b)(4) of the Communications 
Act of 1934 limits foreign ownership of U.S.-organized entities that control broadcast licensees to 
25% when the Commission finds the limitation to be in the public interest. The ruling clarifies the FCC's intent to review applications and petitions for declaratory rulings proposing such ownership on a case-by-case basis. It also specifies the filing procedures for applicants and petitioners 
seeking approval for foreign ownership above 25%. According to the FCC, the clarification does not 
alter its obligations to protect the public interest, including national security, localism and media diversity.
78 
3.99.  A new Vietnamese regulation on the management of pay television, which came into effect 
on 15 May 2013, requires that all content on film channels, reportage and documentary programmes on general channels, general entert ainment channels, sports channels and music 
channels be translated in Vietnamese in advance of airing.
79 Foreign channels are required to work 
with a government-sanctioned local partner who will subtitle and edit their content for a local audience.
80 
3.7.3  Energy services 
3.100.  In December 2013, a constitutional am endment to modernize the energy sector was 
approved by the Mexican  Congress. On 11 August 2014, nine secondary laws related to oil and 
gas as well as to electricity sectors were published in the Mexican Official Gazette and twelve other 
regulations were amended by the Mexican Government. The objective of all these new regulations 
is to strengthen the legal framework in order to implement the energy reform.  
3.101.  Ukrainian  Law No. 1645-VII " O n  B r i n g i n g  A m e n d m e n t s  t o  S o m e  L a w s  o f  U k r a i n e  w i t h  
Respect to Reforming the System of Management of the Unified Gas Transportation System of 
Ukraine"  dated August 14, 2014 entered into force on September 10, 2014 allowing access of 
foreign companies to the Ukrainian service market  of gas transportation and storage. Companies 
that are owned and controlled by residents of EU countries, the United States or the European 
Energy Community can establish and own entities to act as operators of the Ukrainian gas pipeline 
system and underground gas storage facilities.81 
3.7.4  Financial services  
3.102.  A number of positive developments have taken place during the period under review, as 
part of Members' efforts to further liberalize financial services or to reshape their regulatory frameworks.  
3.103.  The China  Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) has issued the new Insurance 
Company Mergers and Acquisitions Regulations, which will allow insurers with competing businesses in China to acquire and merge with each other, effective 1 June 2014.
82 Under current 
regulations, M&A in the insurance industry has b een restricted, as insurance firms controlled by 
the same controlling shareholder are banned from selling products which compete with each other. 
Subject to conditions, the new regulation will allow an acquirer to control two insurers which 
                                               
78 FCC Clarifies Policy for Foreign Investment in Broadcast Licensees , FCC Media Release, 14 Nov. 2013,  
http://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-clarifies-policy-foreig n-investment-broadcast-licensees.  Full text of a 
Commission order, See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). 
79  Talk Vietnam, 7 May 2013: http://www.talkvietnam.com/2013/05/all-foreign-films-on-pay-
television-to-be-translated/  ; Than Nien News, 27 May 2013:  http://thanhniennews.com/special-report/new-
rule-injects-more-confusion-into-vietnam-paytv-market-2401.html   
80 Measures adopted by Vietnam have not yet been verified by the Government.  
81 http://zakon2.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1645-18 and 
http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=d748292e-e886-4180-b939-27493a612f86 
82 This information has not yet been verified by the competent Chinese authorities. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 62 - 
 
  operate in the same field of business. While the new regulation presents opportunities for foreign 
investors, foreign investors who will hold more than 25% of the equity or shares in a target insurance company following an acquisition or merger will still need to comply with the existing qualification requirements under the Administrative Regulations of Foreign-Invested Insurance 
Companies, which requires that (1) the foreign investor has been operating in the insurance 
business for at least 30 years, (2) the foreign investor has established a representative office within China for at least 2 years, (3) the total assets of the foreign investor as at the end of the 
previous year are not less than US$5 billion, (4) the country or region from which the foreign 
investor originates has a sound insurance regulatory system and the investor is subject to effective regulation under relevant competent authorities, (5) the foreign investor meets the solvency standards of its country or region of origin, (6) the competent authorities of the country or region 
from where the foreign investor originates has consented to the filing of the M&A transaction in 
China, and (7) the foreign investor satisfies any other prudential requirements prescribed by CIRC. In addition, foreign investors will need to comply with all relevant foreign investment rules, 
including the current limitation against owning more than 50% of a domestic life insurer.  
3.104.  On 13 March 2014, the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) released the newly 
amended Administrative Measures for Financial Leasing Companies (Order of China Banking 
Regulatory Commission [2014] No. 3), which modifies provisions on market-entry requirements, 
business scope, operation rules, supervision and administration of financial leasing companies. The New Measures came into effect as of the date of promulgation while the old measures ceased to be 
effective on the same day. The New Measures lower the entry barriers for setting up a financial 
leasing company, by abolishing the distinction between "chief investor" and "ordinary investor" 
and providing that anyone that falls within five specific types of institutions (i.e. domestic and overseas commercial banks, domestic large manufacturers, overseas financial leasing companies, 
other domestic institutions and other overseas finance institutions) can apply to establish a 
financial leasing company as an initiator. Moreover, the New Measures require at least one eligible commercial bank, domestic large manufacturer or overseas financial leasing company among the 
initiators having an investment proportion of no less than 30%. The New Measures broaden the 
permissible business scope of financial leasing companies to include purchasing and transferring financial leasing assets (and not only to commercial banks as required under the previous measures), accepting deposits (term no less than three months) from non-bank shareholders, and 
investing in fixed income securities. The New Measures also allow financial leasing companies to 
establish branches and subsidiaries with CBRC's approval. 
3.105.  On 11 September 2014, the China Bankin g Regulatory Commission (CBRC) promulgated 
the Implementation Measures on Administrative Licensing Items for Foreign Funded Banks.  The 
new measures abolished the restriction that a foreign-funded bank may only apply for the 
establishment of one sub-branch in the same city at a time, and removed the minimum operating 
capital requirement for sub-branches of foreig n-funded banks. Relevant rules concerning 
conditions and procedures for the issuance of debt instruments and capital supplement instruments by foreign-funded banks are incorporated into the New Measures in order to help these banks boost their capital. 
3.106.  In May 2014, the European Union  approved the new regulatory framework for financial 
markets. The first rule is in the form of a new "Markets in Financial Instruments Directive" (MiFID II), while the second is in the form of a regulation (Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation or 
MiFIR), which amends the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR).
83 Together, these 
regulations represent the EU's new legal framework for trading and investment services in the European Union, whether such services relate to traditional financial instruments, derivatives, 
foreign exchange, certain structured investments or  other types of contracts. EU Member States 
have two years to transpose the new rules, which will be applicable as of January 2017. MiFID II introduces a harmonized regime for granting non-EU firms access to the EU market, on the basis of an equivalence assessment of third country ju risdictions by the Commission. Similarly, MiFIR 
establishes new rules for the access of non-EU central counterparties (CCPs) and trading venues to 
the EU market, provided the Commission considers the non-EU country framework as equivalent.  
                                               
83 Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament  and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in 
financial instruments and amending Directive 2002/92/E C and Directive 2011/61/EU (MiFID II); and Regulation 
(EU) No. 600/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in financial 
instruments and amending Regulation (EU) No. 648/2012. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 63 - 
 
  3.107.  In addition, the recently adopted Central Securities Depositories (CSD) Regulation aims to 
harmonize both the timing and conduct of securities settlement in Europe and the rules governing Central Securities Depositories (CSDs) which operate the infrastructures enabling the settlement of transactions.
84 The CSD Regulation creates, for the first time at European level, a common 
authorisation, supervision and regulatory framew ork for CSDs. Under the new rules, a CSD from a 
third country can provide its services in the Eu ropean Union. For certain core services and 
branches in the European Union, a third country  CSD will need to seek recognition from the 
European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). 
3.108.  On 27 December 2013, Hong Kong, China  published the Inland Revenue (Amendment) 
(No.3) Bill 2013 (the "Bill") to effect, inter alia, certain tax concession measure to attract offshore insurance companies to set up their captive insurance business in Hong Kong, China, and reinforce 
the status of Hong Kong, China as a regional insurance hub through the development of other 
related businesses, including reinsurance, legal an d actuarial services. The Bill was passed on 19 
March 2014 and the tax concession measures took effect from the year of assessment 2013-14 
onwards. Qualifying captive insurance companies will enjoy the same concessions as those of a 
qualifying reinsurance business. Thus, profits tax will be assessed at one-half of the standard rate of profits tax in respect of a corporation. In orde r to qualify for the profits tax break, the captive 
insurance company must be an authorized captive insurer as defined under the Insurance 
Companies Ordinance and authorized by the Insurance Authority." 
3.109.  On 6 November 2013, the Reserve Bank of India  (RBI) released the "Scheme for Setting 
up of Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries (WOS) by foreign banks in India".
85 The policy is guided by two 
principles: reciprocity and single mode of presence. As a locally incorporated bank, the WOSs will 
be given "near national treatment" which will en able them to open branches anywhere in the 
country at par with Indian banks (except in certain sensitive areas where the Reserve Bank's prior 
approval would be required). The policy provides in centives to the existing foreign bank branches 
which operate within the framework of India's commitment to the WTO to convert into WOS.  
3.110.  The key features of the framework are the following:  
a. Foreign banks with complex structures, banks which do not provide adequate disclosure 
in their home jurisdiction, banks which are not widely held, banks from jurisdictions having legislation giving a preferential claim to depositors of the home country in winding-up proceedings, etc., can only enter India through a WOS.  
b. Foreign banks in whose case the above conditions do not apply can opt for a branch or a 
WOS form of presence. 
c. A foreign bank opting for the branch form of presence shall convert into a WOS as and 
when the above conditions become applicable to it or it becomes systemically important 
on account of its balance sheet size in India. 
d. Foreign banks which commenced banking business in India before August 2010 shall 
have the option to continue their banking business through the branch mode. However, 
they will be incentivised to convert into a WOS because of the attractiveness of the "near national treatment" afforded to WOSs. 
e. To prevent domination by foreign banks, restrictions would be placed on further entry of 
new WOSs of foreign banks or further capital infusion of WOSs of foreign banks, when 
the capital and reserves of the WOSs and fore ign bank branches in India exceed 20% of 
the capital and reserves of the banking system. 
f. The initial minimum paid-up voting equity capital for a WOS shall be Rs 5 billion for new 
entrants. Existing branches of foreign banks desiring to convert into WOS shall have a minimum net worth of Rs 5 billion. 
                                               
84 Regulation (EU) No. 909/2014 of the European Parl iament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on 
improving securities settlement in the European Union and on central securities depositories and amending 
Directives 98/26/EC and 2014/65/EU and Regulation (EU) No. 236/2012. 
85 Consulted at http://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/bs_viewcontent.aspx?Id=2758 . This information has not 
yet been verified by India. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 64 - 
 
  g. The parent of the WOS would be required to issue a letter of comfort to the RBI for 
meeting the liabilities of the WOS. 
h. Corporate Governance – (i) not less than two-thirds of the directors should be 
non-executive directors; (ii) a minimum of one-third of the directors should be 
independent of the management of the subsid iary in India, its parent or associates; 
(iii) not less than fifty per cent of the directors should be Indian nationals, subject to the condition that not less than one-third of the directors are Indian nationals resident in 
India. 
i. The branch expansion guidelines as applicable to domestic scheduled commercial banks 
would generally be applicable to WOSs of foreign banks, except that they will require prior approval of RBI for opening branches at certain locations that are sensitive from 
the perspective of national security. 
j. The "priority sector lending requirement" would be 40% for WOS, like 
domestic-scheduled commercial banks, with an adequate transition period provided for 
existing foreign bank branches converting into WOS. 
k. On an arm's length basis, WOSs would be permitted to use parental guarantee/credit 
rating only for the purpose of providing custodial services and for their international 
operations. However, WOSs should not provide counter guarantee to its parent for such 
support. 
l. WOSs may, at their option, dilute their stake to 74% or less in accordance with the 
existing FDI policy. In the event of diluti on, they will have to list themselves.  
3.111.  The issue of permitting WOS to enter into M&A transactions with any private sector bank in 
India subject to the overall investment limit of 74% would be considered after a review is made with regard to the extent of penetration of foreign investment in Indian banks and functioning of 
foreign banks (branch mode and WOS). 
3.112.  In a circular issued on 3 September 2014
86, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed 
non-resident foreign banks to extend loans to local companies in Indian rupees. RBI said foreign 
banks can extend external commercial borrowings (ECBs) in the Indian currency but only if they 
mobilise rupees through swaps with a local bank. In order to execute those swaps, recognised ECB 
lenders may set up representative offices in India. 
3.113.  On 25 March 2014, the Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait  (CBK) announced that the 
CBK's Board of Directors has approved the princi ples, rules and regulation for the licensing and 
operations of foreign banks' branches, and the regulations for opening a foreign banks' representative offices in Kuwait, the State of ("Kuwait").
87 Foreign banks will be allowed to open 
multiple branches in the country. Previously, each foreign bank was limited to opening one branch 
in Kuwait; that restriction will now be removed,  though the Central Bank will still approve new 
branches on a case-by-case basis. The new rules also allow foreign lenders to open representative 
offices in Kuwait.88 
3.114.  Moldova 's new Capital Market Law (Law No. 171 of 11 July 2012) entered into force on 14 
September 2013. This law, which was further amended in April 2014, replaced the Securities Market Law of 1998, and seeks to adopt the acquis communautaire, by transposing  11 EU 
Directives related to capital markets, including MiFID, the Directive on Takeover Bids, the Investor 
Compensation Scheme Directive, the Market Abus e Directive, the Capital Adequacy Directive and 
the UCITS Directive. 
3.115.  To be authorized as an investment firm, the applicant must be a joint stock company, and 
have an operation plan as well as duly certified managers. Initial minimum capital requirements have been set in accordance with the business scope. Thus, a minimum initial capital of 8,000 EUR 
                                               
86 A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 25, dated 3 September 2014.  
87 http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/204755/reftab/96/t/CBK-
OKs-opening-of-multiple-branches -of-foreign-banks/Default.aspx. 
88 Measures adopted by Kuwait have not yet been verified by the Government. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 65 - 
 
  allows market operators to provide basic types of investment services and activities, e.g. orders 
reception, transmission and execution on behalf of  the clients, while an initial capital of 100,000 
EUR allows investment firms to provide all types of investment services and activities. These thresholds must increase, respectively, to 50,000 and 300,000 in 10 years. Investment firms 
authorised by an EU regulator may open branch es and provide services without the Moldovan 
regulator's authorisation. However, those investment firms are entitled to supply only the investment services and activities set out in the authorization issued by the competent EU 
regulator. 
3.116.  Effective 1 July 2014, the Central Bank of the Philippines  (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, 
BSP) lifted the bank branching restriction in eight areas in Metro Manila, including Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quez on, and San Juan. This is in line with a June 
2011 BSP circular that provided for the phased lifting of branching restrictions.
89 Putting up a 
branch would entail a P20million license fee. 
3.117.  On 15 July 2014, the Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act No. 10641 (R.A. 10641), 
amending Republic Act No. 7721 – An Act Liberali zing the Entry and Scope of Operations of 
Foreign Banks in the Philippines and for Other Purposes.90 In effect, R.A. 10641 allows up to 100 
percent foreign ownership in existing banks and new banking subsidiaries, as well as the 
establishment of branches with full banking authority. It also ceases the limitation on the number 
of foreign bank entrants in the Philippines. More over, foreign banks may open up to five (5) sub-
branches as may be approved by the Monetary Board (MB), and locally incorporated subsidiaries of foreign banks shall have the same banking privileges as domestic banks of the same category. It 
may be noted that the MB is authorized to 'adopt measures as may be necessary to ensure that 
the control of at least 60 percent of the resources or  assets of the entire banking system is held by 
domestic banks which are majority-owned by Filipinos.  
3.118.  On 5 September 2014, the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) 
finalized its revised policy approach to the superv ision of foreign banks operating branches in the 
UK.
91 Under the new policy, international banks operating in the UK without a subsidiary based 
either locally or in a member country of the European Economic Area will be allowed to branch 
directly in the UK provided (i) PRA is assured that home country supervision and resolution are sufficiently equivalent to PRA's, (ii) the deposit-taking foreign bank has less than £100 million of retail/small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in account balances and fewer than 5,000 
customers, and (iii) the foreign bank can show an adequate resolution plan for the UK branch.  
3.119.  The Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Public Sector Banking of Venezuela  published 
a measure in the Gaceta Oficial  No. 40,457 dated 18 July 2014 which authorized 34 
stockbrokerage firms to act as foreign exchange operators on a permanent basis in the Alternative 
Foreign Currency System (SICAD II).
92 Up until now, the National Securities Superintendency had 
only granted temporary permits to 24 stockbrokerage firms to act as foreign exchange operators. 
These temporary permits were annulled upon the publication of this resolution. 
3.120.  On 3 January 2014 the Vietnamese  Government issued Decree 01/2014/ND-CP (Decree 
01) regulating foreign investment in Vietnamese credit institutions, which took effect on 20 
February 2014.93 The new decree sets out the following foreign ownership caps in a Vietnamese 
credit institution (percentages in brackets are those previously in force): (i) any foreign individual, 
5% (same); (ii) any foreign organization, 15% (10%); (iii) any foreign strategic investor, 20% (15%, except that "in special cases" the Prime Minister was already authorized to raise it up to 
20%); (iv) any foreign organisation and its related parties, 20% (same as for items (ii) and (iii), 
as the case may be); (v) total foreign ownership in a Vietnamese bank, 30 % (same); and (vi) total foreign ownership in a Vietnamese non-bank credit institution, 49% (not covered in the 
                                               
89 Available at http://www.bsp.gov.ph/regulations/regulations.asp?type=1&id=2757. 
90 https://www.senate.gov.ph/ republic_acts/ra%2010641.pdf.  
91 Policy Statement PS8/14 and Supervisory Stat ement SS10/14, both entitled "Supervising 
international banks: the Prudential Regulation Authority’s approach to branch supervision", dated September 2014. 
92 http://www.tsj.gov.ve/gaceta/julio/1872014/1872014-4029.pdf#page=9 
93 The new decree replaces Decree 69/2007/ND-CP (Decree 69) dated 20 April 2007. New decree, 
available at: 
http://www.freshfields.com/uploadedFiles/SiteWide/Knowledge/Foreign%20investment%20in%20Vietnamese%20banks%20-%20January%202014.PDF. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 66 - 
 
  previous decree). Under the new regulation, there is no minimum total asset base requirement for 
foreign investors wishing to acquire less than 10% of the capital in a Vietnamese credit institution. However, foreign investors who wish to acquire 10% or more of a Vietnamese credit institution must have minimum total assets of US$10 billion (if they are foreign banks, foreign financial 
institutions or foreign financial leasing institutions) or US$1 billion (if they are other types of 
organisations). Those who wish to become a foreign strategic investor are required to have minimum total assets of at least US$20 billion. 
3.121.  On 18 February 2014, the Board of Governors of the United States  Federal Reserve 
System issued the "Final Rule" implementing the "Enhanced Prudential Standards for Bank Holding Companies and Foreign Banking Organizations."
94 The rule, which was required by section 165 of 
the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, establishes a number of 
enhanced prudential standards for large U.S. bank holding companies and foreign banking 
organizations, including on liquidity, risk manage ment, and capital. It also requires a FBO with a 
significant presence in the U.S. to establish an intermediate holding company over its US 
subsidiaries.95 The Final Rule contains requirements that are applicable primarily to two types of 
banking organizations: 1) U.S. top-tier ba nk holding companies (U.S. BHCs) with total 
consolidated assets of US$50 billion or more; an d 2) foreign banking organizations (FBOs) with 
total consolidated assets of US$50 billion or more. 
3.122.  For U.S. BHCs with total consolidated assets of US$50 billion or more, the final rule 
incorporates the previously issued capital planning and stress testing requirements as an enhanced prudential standard. It also requires such a U. S. BHC to comply with enhanced risk-management 
and liquidity risk-management standards, conduct liq uidity stress tests, and hold a buffer of highly 
liquid assets based on projected funding needs during a 30-day stress event. The Final Rules further require a U.S. BHC with total consolidated assets of US$50 billion or more to establish an 
enterprise wide risk committee chaired by an independent director and to have at least one 
member with experience in identifying, assessing , and managing risk exposures of large, complex 
financial firms. A BHC with total consolidated asse ts of US$50 billion or more must also appoint a 
chief risk officer. In addition, publicly traded BH Cs with total consolidated assets of US$10 billion 
or more but less than US$50 billion are also required to establish a risk committee chaired by an independent director that includes at least on e member having experience in identifying, 
assessing, and managing risk exposures of large, complex firms. 
3.123.  FBOs with U.S. non-branch  assets of US$50 billion  or more will be requ ired to establish a 
U.S. intermediate holding company (IHC) over their U.S. subsidiaries. The foreign-owned U.S. IHC generally will be subject to the same risk-based an d leverage capital standards applicable to U.S. 
BHCs. The IHCs also will be subject to the Federa l Reserve's rules requiring regular capital plans 
and stress tests. Like U.S. BHCs with assets of  US$50 billion or more, a FBO with combined U.S. 
assets of US$50 billion or more will be required to establish a U.S. risk committee and employ a 
U.S. chief risk officer to help ensure that the foreign bank understands and manages the risks of 
its combined U.S. operations. In addition, these FBOs will be required to meet enhanced liquidity risk-management standards, conduct liquidity stress te sts, and hold a buffer of highly liquid assets 
based on projected funding needs during a 30-day stress event. FBOs with total consolidated 
assets of US$50 billion or more, but combined US assets of less than US$50 billion, are subject to 
enhanced prudential standards. However, the ca pital, liquidity, risk-management, and stress 
testing requirements applicable to these FBOs are substantially less than those applicable to FBOs 
with a larger U.S. presence. In addition, the fina l rule implements stress testing requirements for 
foreign banking organizations with total consolidated assets of more than US$10 billion and risk committee requirements for foreign banking organizations that meet the asset threshold and are 
publicly traded. 
3.124.  Under section 165 of the Dodd-Frank Act, upon a determination by the Financial Stability 
Oversight Council that a company poses a grave th reat to U.S. financial stability and that the 
imposition of the requirement is necessary to mitigate that risk, the Federal Reserve must require 
a U.S. bank holding company and an FBO with US$50 billion or more in total consolidated assets, 
as well as a nonbank financial company supervised by the Federal Reserve, to maintain a 
                                               
94 Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 59 / Thursday, March 27, 2014 / Rules and Regulations. 
95 See the Federal Reserve's press release at 
http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/bcreg/20140218a.htm. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 67 - 
 
  debt-to-equity ratio of no more than 15-to-1. Consistent with the Dodd-Frank Act, the Final Rules 
define the 15-to-1 debt-to-equity limitation and adopt procedures for its implementation. 
3.125.  U.S. BHCs subject to the rule will need to comply by 1 January 2015, while the deadline for 
compliance by FBO is 1 July 2016. The final rule also generally defers application of the leverage 
ratio to foreign-owned U.S. IHCs until 2018. The Federal Reserve Board estimates that 24 U.S. 
BHCs and approximately 100 FBOs will be affected by the final rule, and as many as 20 FBOs will 
meet the IHC requirement.96 
3.7.5  Distribution, postal  and transport services 
3.126.  In January 2104, Argentina 's Federal Administration of Public Revenue (Administración 
Federal de Ingresos Públicos/AFIP, in Spanish) issued General Resolutions 3579 and 3582, establishing a procedure for the submission of affidavit in order to optimize the traceability of 
transactions. The new procedure requires individuals purchasing goods from overseas suppliers 
and delivered through the official postal service (including door-to-door delivery) or by courier 
companies to complete a specific form online (AFIP Form 4450 - Purchases from overseas 
suppliers), containing the details of the acquisition, and to present the affidavit when claiming the 
goods. Consumers are allowed to use the procedure twice a year, subject to the annual franchise of US$25 established by Article 80 of Decree 1001/ 82, as amended. Purchases above the franchise 
value are subject to a 50% ad valorem  tariff. When payment of the 50% ad valorem  tariff is due, 
the purchaser must present the affidavit at the appropriate Customs or Official Post Office, together with evidence of payment made. 
3.127.  In December 2013, Indonesia 's Ministry of Trade released Regulation No. 70/M-
DAG/PER/12/2013 ("Regulation 70") on Traditional Markets, Shopping Centres and Modern Stores, 
which is set to enter into force on 12 June 2014.  The regulation limits the total number of modern 
retail store outlets to 150. To increase the number of stores, a modern store operator must enter 
into cooperation with micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses. Those suppliers that already 
have more than 150 outlets must bring themselves into conformity with the new regulation within 
five years of entry into force. The Regulation al so requires that a minimum of 80% of the total 
amount and types of goods sold in modern stores be domestic products. Exemptions may be 
granted. It also limits to 15% the sale of privat e label products. As regards limits on private label 
products and foreign products, suppliers have two years to comply. Further, modern stores in the 
form of minimarkets are prohibited from selling fresh products in bulk. Modern stores include 
minimarkets, supermarkets, department stor es, hypermarkets or wholesale outlets. 
3.7.6  Services supplied through the movement of natural persons 
3.128.  Since 23 November 2013, employers seeking access to Australia's  subclass 457 visa 
programme to employ foreign workers in certain professions are required to conduct a Labour 
Market Test (LMT). LMT does not apply to nomina tions if the requirement would be inconsistent 
with an international treaty trade commitment.  
3.129.  Effective 1 June 2014, study permit holders in Canada who are enrolled in academic, 
vocational or professional training programmes of at least six months will be automatically authorised to work, up to 20 hours per week.
97  Previously, study permit holders had to obtain a 
relevant work permit to accept employment. 
3.130.  On 20 June 2014, Canada announced comprehensive reforms to its Temporary Foreign 
Worker Programme. The Programme has been reorganized into two streams: the Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP) and a new International Mobility Program (IMP).
98  
3.131.  The restructured TFWP refers only to streams under which foreign workers enter Canada at 
the request of employers to fill temporary labour  and skill shortages following approval through a 
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA replaces the previous Labour Market Opinion, 
and is a more rigorous and comprehensive labour market test. Employers are required to provide 
                                               
96 See http://www.federalreserve.gov/aboutthefed/boardmeetings/memo_20140218.pdf. 
97 Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, SOR/2014 of 29 January 2014, 
see http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2014/2014-02-12/html/sor-dors14-eng.php   
98 http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/new_measures_work.asp WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 68 - 
 
  additional information, including the number of Canadians that applied and interviewed for the 
available job, and explain why they were not hired.  The fee for the LMIA has been increased, from 
C$257 to C$1,000. Additionally, the TFWP will phase-in a cap on the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers that a business can employ per worksite, and reduces the duration of 
work permits for these workers to a maximum of on e year, rather than the 2 year duration that 
existed previously. 
3.132.  The newly created International Mobility Program (IMP) incorporates those streams in 
which foreign nationals are not subject to an LMIA, and whose primary objective is to advance 
Canada's broader economic and cultural national interests, rather than filling particular jobs. Intra-corporate transferees and persons authorized to work in Canada temporarily pursuant to Free Trade Agreements are amongst the categories of entry included under the IMP. The renamed 
International Mobility Program will include a new fee for work permits through IMP, a new 
employer compliance system on par with the system being put in place for the TFWP, and 
additional changes to specific IMP streams. 
3.133.  These changes come on top of an earlier development, whereby, from 1 June 2014, study 
permit holders in Canada who are enrolled in academic, vocational or professional training programmes of at least six months are automaticall y authorised to work, up to 20 hours per week. 
Previously, study permit holders had to obtain a relevant work permit to accept employment. 
3.134.  On 15 May 2014, the European Union  adopted a "Directive on the conditions of entry and 
residence of third-country nationals in the framework of an intra-company transfer".
99 The 
Directive entered into force on 28 May 2014, and it is now for individual EU Member States to 
transpose it into their national laws. The deadline for doing so is 29 November 2016. The new 
rules harmonize and simplify the conditions for admission, residence and intra-EU mobility of foreign intra-corporate transferees and their families. They concern managers, specialists and 
graduate trainees posted by a foreign enterprise in  an entity of the same group established in the 
European Union. The Directive brings about improvements in four main areas. First, in terms of intra-EU mobility, the new scheme offers non-EU na tionals the right to stay and work in another 
EU Member State without the need for a new visa or a new application. As such, it enables 
transferees to continue working without interruptions. Working conditions are similar to those applicable to EU-posted workers, but with slightly higher salary requirements. Member States are required to make information on the scheme easily available to increase transparency for users.  
3.135.  Second, with regard to family reunification, the Directive provides that family members 
may join the transferee, work in the initial Member State of posting and in any subsequent Member State where the transferee stays more than  three months and are not subject to labour 
market tests. Applications for permits for family members are processed in parallel with those of 
the transferee, thus avoiding any delay in family reunification. 
3.136.  Third, in terms of intra-corporate tran sferees' rights, the Directive stipulates equal 
treatment between transferees and EU nationals with regard to social security, freedom of 
association, recognition of qualifications and pensions. Some limited exceptions exist, such as instances where the right to family benefits could be constrained in the first Member State if the transferee's stay is short.  
3.137.  Fourth, in terms of procedures, facilitati on and fees, the Directive provides for the non-
application of labour market tests, the adoption of decisions on admission within a 90-day maximum limit, and the possible adoption of simplified procedures for trusted undertakings 
(including exemptions from documentary requirements, fast-track admission procedures, 
facilitated and/or accelerated visa procedures). Fees are required not to be disproportionate or excessive.  
3.138.  Amendments to the Russian Federation 's Federal Law "On the Legal Status of Foreign 
Citizens" (Law No. 115-FZ) came into force on 1 January 2014. Foreign citizens may obtain invitations for entry and work permits notwithstanding the annual quota, provided a number of conditions are met. Specifically, they must be assigned to representative offices, branches or 
subsidiaries of foreign business entities incorporated in a WTO Member which operate in the 
service sector; they must have been employed by the foreign entity for at least a year prior to 
                                               
99 Directive 2014/66/EU. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 69 - 
 
  their Russian assignment; they must not exceed a total number of five persons in each 
representative office, and only two if they are employed in representative offices of banking 
institutions; they must receive a prescribed minimu m salary if they are employed in a branch or 
subsidiary; they are permitted a du ration of stay of three years. 
3.139.  From 1 August 2014, firms in Singapore  are required to advertise their job vacancies on a 
new jobs bank administered by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency before submitting the relevant applications for Employment Passes (EP). This advertising requirement will, however, 
not apply to jobs to be filled by intra-corporate transferees (ICTs), if the EP applicant meets the 
definition of ICTs in Singapore's commitments und er the General Agreement on Trade in Services 
or any applicable free trade agreements to which Singapore is a party.  
3.140.  The quota limits on long-term work permit ('B' permits) for EU nationals that Switzerland  
had introduced in 2013 expired at the end of May 2014 for most EU nationals.
100 The quota 
restrictions had been put in place following the invocation of a safeguard clause contained in the Agreement on the free movement of persons between the Swiss Confederation, the 
European Union and its Member States.  
3.141.  Turkey 's new Law on Foreigners and Internationa l Protection (Law No. 6458) took effect 
on 12 April 2014. The Law gradually introduces several changes to residence permit eligibility and 
procedure, as well as in visa and immigration processing, as follows. First, business visitors will be 
limited to a maximum cumulative period of stay  of 90 days, during any 180-day period. Second, 
residence permits will no longer be required unless an individual remains in Turkey 90 days or more, whereas previously a permit was required  after 30 days. Both the work permit and the 
exemption certificate for work permit can be used  instead of a residence permit. In other words, 
there is no requirement to obtain a residence permit separately, if a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security already exis ts. Residence permits are still required if issued 
for other reasons. Third, "sticker visas" obtained upon arrival will be replaced by an electronic visa 
system for eligible visitors.
101 
3.142.  The United Arab Emirates  has introduced an immigration reform measure that 
restructures the country's short-term visa programmes by amending existing categories and visa 
duration periods. Once implemented, the measure w ill result in three types of short-term visas for 
business-related purposes. First, a multiple-entry visa, which will allow stays of up to 30 days within an overall visa validity period of 180 days. Such visas are granted for the purpose of 
conducting business relations with a public or private establishment licensed in accordance with 
the business law of the State.  Second, a short-term business visit visa for an urgent mission can be obtained at the port of entry, which will permit a non-renewable single-entry stay of maximum 
14 days, but prohibit the holder from working for third-parties with or without wages.  Third, a 
long term multiple-entry business visit visa, which will require prior approval from the Ministry of Labour and, unlike the existing corresponding visa, will not be renewable beyond the initial 90-day 
maximum period of stay. 
3.8  Government support measures 3.143.  The request for information on specific general economic support measures generated a 
disappointing rate of response broadly similar to that of previous reports. Only three WTO 
Members volunteered information relating to economic support measures, down from five at the 
occasion of the last annual overview and four at the mid-year report. According to normal practice, 
the WTO Secretariat requested confirmation of several such measures, including a large number 
obtained from other official sources, from a larger group WTO Members, but mostly without 
success and often generating a request not to include those measures in the Report.  
3.144.  Hence, according to information provided to the Secretariat or obtained through other 
sources 69 new general economic support measures were put in place by WTO Members during 
the review period. Slightly under one-third of th ese measures were not confirmed or verified by 
the Member concerned. Similarly, one-third of the confirmed information on general economic 
                                               
100 Work permit quotas are still in place for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals, and, on 1 June 2014, 
these were extended until 31 May 2016. Separate quotas were introduced in July 2014 for Croatian nationals 
as part of the framework for admi ssion of third-country nationals. 
101 See www.evisa.gov.tr . WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 70 - 
 
  support measures covers the European Union or its Member States and reflects the availability of 
information regarding subsidies of this WTO Member. Although such transparency is a prerequisite for providing a balanced account of the overall number of new general economic support measures introduced during the period under review, the fa ct remains that the current overview in Annex 4 
to a significant extent reflect measures taken by one Member despite the fact that many others 
apply such measures. 
3.145.  Annex 4 covers measures that provide economic assistance and financial support targeted 
at certain sectors, including miscellaneous financial aid schemes for specific industries. Consistent 
with previous reports, agricultural producers and selected industries in the manufacturing sector were indicated to be main beneficiary sectors of government subsidy programmes. Among the agriculture related measures listed in annex 4, several appear to offer specific tax exemptions, 
rebates on energy or seed inputs, minimum guaranteed price for some products and some 
temporary support for producers of perishable fr uits and vegetables. As for the manufacturing 
sector, measures include a number of tax rebates and exemptions, various hybrids of loan 
guarantees and aid for export promotion. In a new development, Annex 4 contains a significant 
number of support measures targeting the transport sector more broadly or manufacturing industries within that sector. Among the latter, various measures featuring assistance to the 
automotive sector are listed in Annex 4.  
3.146.  Despite the fact that a number of support measures specifically target SMEs, this category 
is not as prominent in this review compared to previous reports. While general regional aid programmes continue to feature in this report, Members have provided no information on general 
economic support related to infrastructure during th e period under review. Finally, it is noteworthy 
that a number of financial aid schemes targeting, inter alia , the energy sector, food products and 
export subsidies, although still operational, appear to have been reduced.  
3.147.  As highlighted in previous reports, moni toring and reporting of general economic support 
measures remain a big challenge. Making up for the lack of active participation of governments in providing relevant information would require significant additional Secretariat resources which, at 
present, are not available. In addition, given that  the verification process, more often than not, 
results in the request by Members to remove in formation, even when id entified in official 
government sources, any assessment of overall trends may not only be partial, but possibly 
inaccurate. 
3.148.  Finally, it is important to reiterate that Annex 4 of this report never was limited to general 
economic support measures linked to the financial crisis. Although the initial reports saw a significant number of measures which, in spirit as well as words, were directly related to the crisis, 
others were not. Yet, their trade-relate d effects were potentially important.  
3.9  Trade policy reviews from mid -November 2013 to end-October 2014 
3.149.  During the period under review 16 Trade Policy Reviews (TPRs) were undertaken.
102 All of 
these TPRs provided the WTO membership with a better understanding of trade and economic 
developments in each of the Members reviewed. Fo r China this was the fifth TPR while for Antigua 
and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines it was their third TPR as the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). For 
Djibouti and Mauritius this was their first joint Review. These TPRs were all characterized by a full 
and candid discussion among delegations at the TPRB  meetings and the constructive and insightful 
participation of discussants.  
3.150.  Although all of the TPRs during the revi ew period took place in a post-economic-crisis 
environment, persistent high levels of unemployment in several countries were a pertinent reminder that exiting the crisis was a prolonged process for some. As a result, Members' 
discussions of the TPRs often touched upon the manner each country or entity had weathered the 
crisis, including through the introduction of new policy measures. There was a general sense that most Members had dealt with the global economic crisis without resorting to outright protectionist measures. However, transparency issues surround ing a number of government support measures 
nevertheless received some scrutiny.  
                                               
102 The TPRs of Peru, Kyrgyz Republic and Former Yu goslav Republic of Macedonia were all covered in 
WTO document WT/TPR/OV/16, 31 January 2014. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 71 - 
 
  3.151.  Consistent with the last report, complian ce with WTO notification obligations drew many 
comments and several Members were urged to improve their compliance so as to ensure the transparency and predictability upon which the mult ilateral trading system relies. In most TPRs it 
was noted that SPS and TBT regimes remained overly restrictive or lacked transparency. The 
importance of introducing and maintaining predictable investment policies received considerable 
attention in several of the reviews. Finally, in a pattern reminiscent of the last report, a number of Reviews highlighted the continued importance of  reducing the gap between bound and applied 
tariffs as well as simplifying  complex tariff regimes.  
3.152.  Table 3.14 at the end of this section shows a few key summary tariff indicators from WTO 
Members reviewed over the period as well as a few select others.  
11 & 13 February 2014: Tonga 
 
3.153.  During the review of Tonga, Members acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the country as a small island developing country in the Pacific, including its occasional exposure to 
severe natural disasters. They underlined the need  to take such vulnerabilities properly into 
account in the various activities of the WTO. Despite a solid performance during the period under review, the very limited size of the domestic economy and the distance to overseas markets make 
Tonga an importer for much of its needs, and an exporter of a narrow range of goods and services. 
3.154.  Although remittances, earnings of seasonal workers abroad and donor support remain 
crucial to the Tongan economy, they are also re present sources of insecurity for the country's 
economic trajectory. Recognizing the capacity i ssues faced by Tonga, Members commended it for 
maintaining an open and liberal trade regime, implementing its ambitious accession package, 
respecting its WTO commitments and providing noti fications to this effect. Members welcomed the 
important strides made by the country to improve th e ease of doing business, including a review of 
foreign investment legislation as part of its four-year Strategic Development Framework. In this 
vein it was noted that the Ministry of Public En terprises had been created in 2002 to strengthen 
the management of state-owned businesses and facilitate privatizations. 
3.155.  A number of areas where improvements could be made were also raised by Members, 
including strengthening the regulatory and institutional framework, promulgating a formal bankruptcy law and ensuring the effective enfo rcement of intellectual property rights. More 
specifically, in the area of tariff and non-tariff measures, several Members urged Tonga to ensure 
that all applied tariff rates be kept within bound levels, and to treat all imported and domestic like 
goods equally under its excise tax regime, in line  with its WTO commitments. With respect to its 
SPS regime delegations took note of the ongoing consideration of a National Food Bill and the 
possible establishment of a National Food Auth ority and sought further details about changes 
made to Tonga's SPS processes and their conformi ty with the WTO SPS Agreement. In the context 
of trade agreements and arrangements, Members noted Tonga's commitment to the completion 
ACP-EU EEPA and PACER Plus negotiations, as well as its efforts to implement the Pacific Island 
Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA). A series of questions and comments were also made with respect to the importance of Tonga achieving greate r returns from its agricultural export trade and 
from fisheries licences sold to other nations as well as the importance of pursuing policies which 
contributed to Tonga's connectivity to the rest of the world.  
3 and 5 March 2014: Malaysia 
 
3.156.  In its review, Malaysia re ceived praise for its solid econ omic performance and res ilience, 
including its growth rates, low levels of unemployment and low inflation rates, despite unfavourable global economic conditions during the period of review. The rebalancing of the 
Malaysian economy with domestic demand offsetti ng weak external demand, the envisaged fiscal 
consolidation and tax reform plans, the overall improvement of the business environment and the 
country's successful integration in global value-chains were mentioned by several delegations. Members acknowledged Malaysia's continued pursuit of trade liberalization in a multilateral as well 
as regional and bilateral context, noting that seven new agreements had entered into force over 
the review period. Reference was also made to Malaysia's participation in major ongoing RTA negotiations. Several delegations also acknowledged Malaysia's efforts in connection with the trade 
facilitation negotiations and the updating of the ITA. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 72 - 
 
  3.157.  A number of specific areas in which many delegations felt that possible improvements 
could take place were also highlighted. In terms of macroeconomic challenges, certain Members expressed concern over Malaysia's financial de pendence on oil revenues, and emphasized the 
importance of tax reform and subsidy rationalization. With respect to transparency of the 
regulatory and institutional framework, it was noted that Malaysia could improve the predictability 
of its administrative procedures and ensure timely WTO notification of its trade and related measures. Some Members encouraged further steps in the area of governance, including 
strengthening anti-corruption enforcement. In the area of tariffs, several Members expressed 
concern over the complexity of Malaysia's tariff structure, tariff escalation, the persistence of 
non-ad valorem  tariffs and tariff-rate quotas, especially in agriculture, the prevalence of export 
taxes, the relatively large number of unbound ta riff lines and the growing gap between bound and 
applied rates. With respect to non-tariff barriers and regulatory measures Malaysia's progress in 
anti-dumping, intellectual property rights, and co mpetition policy were noted. However, many 
Members also expressed concern over the continued extensive use of non-automatic import 
licences and posed questions in relation to, inter alia , customs valuation, export and import 
restrictions/prohibitions, export subsidies, excise duties, taxes and incentives, local content conditions and halal certification. Several Members additionally called on Malaysia to join the WTO 
Agreement on Government Procurement. On subsidies and state involvement, several delegations 
expressed concern that the country's economy continues to be heavily subsidized and that state involvement in the economy, including through government-linked companies, remains high. On sectoral matters, Members commended and encourag ed Malaysia's autonomous trade liberalization 
efforts in the area of services and encouraged further opening. With respect to goods, 
notwithstanding Malaysia's low average duties, concerns were expressed over the continued 
protection and support to the automotive sector and to some agricultural products, as well as high 
duties in mining. 
11 and 13 March 2014: Myanmar 
 
3.158.  In Myanmar's first review since joinin g the WTO, Members welcomed the political and 
economic re-orientation which had allowed the country to seriously begin the path of re-integrating into the global economy. Delegation s praised Myanmar for its macroeconomic reforms, 
including the exchange rate regime, the adoption and revision of a number of trade-related 
legislation, such as the 2012 foreign investment law and its steps towards trade liberalization such 
as the removal of various non-automatic import li censing requirements and export taxes. Members 
recognised that Myanmar still had a long way to go and welcomed reforms envisaged in areas such 
as competition policy and consumer protection laws, intellectual property legislation and a revision 
of the foreign investment law. Members urged My anmar to continue opening-up, streamlining and 
simplifying trade and related policies and procedur es thereby providing the kind of transparency 
and accountability which are central to a healthy business environment and for connecting to 
global supply chains. Members appreciated Myanma r's expressed commitment to the multilateral 
trading system and also noted that the country had actively participated in regional integration and cooperation initiatives, including ASEAN. 
3.159.  Attention was drawn to a number of substantive areas where Members felt progress could 
be made. With respect to customs procedures, customs valuation and trade facilitation, Members welcomed Myanmar's initiatives to improve trade facilitation, including efforts to adopt a national 
single window. A number of delegations urged it  to implement the Customs Valuation Agreement 
and others emphasized the need for further reforms to the import and export licensing regime. Concerning tariffs and other taxes, many Members, while recognizing the relatively low average 
applied MFN tariff, remained concerned about the significant difference between the average 
applied and the average bound rates, the low share of bound tariff lines and the large number of nuisance duties. Several delegations called for further transparency of the tax regime. In the context of state involvement in the economy, Members encouraged Myanmar to further proceed 
with privatizing state-owned enterprises and to submit notifications regarding its state trading 
activities to ensure transparency. In the ar ea of services, Members acknowledged Myanmar's 
move to open up a number of its services sectors, including the recent issuing of 
telecommunication licences to foreign companies, promoting public-private partnership in 
transport, allowing 100% foreign equity participation in hotel and related businesses, and the central bank's efforts to develop a master plan for the financial sector. In the context of foreign 
investment and the business environment, Members encouraged Myanmar to further open up its 
investment regime by reducing the number of prohib ited or restricted sectors, and to make further 
progress in areas such as investor protection, contract enforcement, and facilitation of business WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 73 - 
 
  start-ups. Members also stressed that proper dissemination of information regarding various new 
draft legislation and trade- and investment-related  laws and regulations on-line, and appropriate 
consultation with stakeholders before introducing new policies and measures, are essential for predictability for investors, as well as traders. Among other things, some Members sought more 
information about Myanmar's plans to establish Special Economic Zones and the details of any 
investment incentives and privileges for investors. Finally, Members acknowledged Myanmar's capacity constraints as a least developed country and expressed their readiness to provide 
capacity building, including in intellectual property, transparency and notifications, electricity 
(hydropower) etc.  22 and 24 April 2014: Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar 
 
3.160.  At the review of Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, Members commended the three countries for their high GDP growth rates, low inflation rates,  generally balanced fiscal positions and current 
account surpluses during the period under review. There was general appreciation for the 
programmes undertaken in education, healthcare and sustainable development as well as the initiatives to promote business-friendly environments. Despite their many similarities, including as 
members of the GCC, it was recognized that the three countries have unique characteristics that 
set them apart. Nevertheless, many delegations re called that common challenges also exist for the 
countries' longer term resilience, including divers ifying their economies away from hydrocarbons, 
broadening the economic, export and fiscal ba se of their economies and managing a large 
expatriate work force. Several delegations ex pressed interest in current and future policy 
instruments to address the latter. With respect to the countries' trade and investment policies, Members commended Qatar, Bahrain and Oman on their generally low tariffs, few non-tariff 
barriers to trade and relatively open investment regimes. It was noted that reforms in the area of 
customs procedures, including the introduction of single windows in Qatar and Bahrain, would see the three countries well ahead of their upcoming trade facilitation implementation requirements. 
The three Members were praised for never having resorted to using anti-dumping, countervailing 
or safeguard measures and it was noted that none had used the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism. As signatories to the ITA, the three co untries were to participate in the extended ITA, 
currently under negotiation. As members of th e GCC Customs Union, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman 
apply a common external tariff, and common legislation on customs procedures, valuation, as well 
as contingency measures. However, each maintains its internal customs posts, lists of restricted and prohibited goods, as well as some exceptions to the common external tariff. Similarly, it was 
acknowledged that the GCC Customs Union did not yet integrate its parties' trade and related 
policies in other areas, such as services, IPRs an d public procurement, and divergences remain on 
the application of certain standards or technical re gulations. In this respect, Members enquired as 
to how Qatar, Bahrain and Oman were planning to further harmonize their trade-related legislation 
within the GCC framework and the intentions of the GCC with respect to new or stalled bilateral free trade agreements. 
3.161.  Members also touched upon a number of substantive areas where possible improvements 
could be achieved. In the area of customs procedures and tariffs, delegations noted bound rates 
were significantly higher than applied rates in most cases, thereby significantly limiting the predictability of the tariff regimes. In addition, several delegations encouraged Bahrain to increase 
its level of bindings and Qatar to publish its tariff schedule. Members also requested more 
information about plans to reform or abolish consularization requirements by Bahrain and Oman. As to intellectual property rights, delegations encouraged Qatar, Bahrain and Oman to improve 
protection of IPRs by, inter alia , strengthening their institutional frameworks. In the areas of 
services and investment Members inquired about pl ans to reduce restrictions and barriers to FDI, 
which in the three countries exist at different degrees, for example on foreign ownership restrictions. Some raised the issue of the important role of state-owned enterprises in the three 
countries' economies and enquired as to plans for future privatization of these. Several Members 
noted that the three countries had varying levels  of GATS commitments, and encouraged them to 
further liberalize services as this particular sector, especially tourism, telecommunications, 
construction, finance and transportation, held potential for growth and economic diversification. 
Regarding notifications and transparency, it was noted that the three delegations had already committed to updating their notifications to the WTO thereby enhancing the transparency of their 
trade policy regimes. On government procurement, interest was expressed concerning the 
intentions of the three countries to join or become observers to the GPA. Several Members 
enquired about the import ban on bovine and ovine meat and the main food safety law in Qatar and Bahrain and how it aligned with food standards within the Codex Alimentarius, ISO, and other WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 74 - 
 
  bodies. Finally, Members expressed satisfaction with  the strategies that were under way in each 
country as outlined in Qatar Vision 2030, Bahrain Vision 2030, and Oman Vision 2040, as well as the manner open trade and investment regimes formed part of these strategies. 
26 and 28 May 2014: Ghana 
 
3.162.  At the review of Ghana, Members commended the country for its political stability, strong democratic foundations and the strengthening of legal protection, including through the recent 
creation of specialized commercial courts. All of these have improved the business environment 
and contributed to attracting foreign direct investment. It was noted that Ghana had experienced impressive economic growth and social development in recent years which had, in turn, halved the level of extreme poverty placing Ghana in the group of medium-income developing countries. 
However, Members expressed concern over recent serious macroeconomic imbalances and 
enquired about Ghana's plans for macroeconomic stabilisation. In particular, clarification was sought about recent foreign exchange restrictions, plans for the diversification of the economy and 
for better governance in the oil sector. Several Members urged Ghana to adopt a competition 
policy and also expressed concern about the increase  in the number of restricted services sectors 
and in the minimum capital amounts to levels th at exceed GATS commitments. Others enquired 
about the general increase in local participation provisions in Ghana's recent statutes in the 
shipping and energy sectors, including petrol eum. A number of delegations encouraged the 
country to improve the transparency of its legal system and to better meet its WTO notification 
obligations. Overall, Ghana's commitment to the multilateral trading system was welcomed and it 
was noted that Ghana had actively participated both in ECOWAS negotiations towards a common 
external tariff (CET), and in an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union 
3.163.  A number of specific subjects where Members saw room for improvement were also raised. 
In the area of trade facilitation, Members called for rapid and far-reaching reforms of border 
procedures, in particular inspection, scanning, and port clearance, urging Ghana to reduce the numerous entities which intervene at the border and collect fees. With respect to tariffs and other 
taxes, the very low level of tariff binding commitments by Ghana received attention as did the 
large gap between applied and bound rate. It was also noted that Ghana maintains several other duties and charges, despite their binding at zero under the GATT, and that numerous exemptions from border taxes further complicate the tax regi me. More information was sought about Ghana's 
incentive schemes, including under the Free Zone regime. A number of delegations made 
reference to the importance of new legislation that would clarify certain TBT issues and noted the 2012 modernization of Ghana's SPS framework. Concerns were raised about the enforcement of 
IPR legislation. Members generally applauded the good performance of Ghana's agriculture sector, 
but invited the authorities to notify the Cocoa Marketing Company to the WTO Committee on State Trading Enterprises. Finally, Members commended Gh ana's efforts to accelerate the modernisation 
of its services sectors, in particular information and communication technology, including the 
issuing of licences to foreign telecommunication companies. In financial services, Members acknowledged the steps taken through new laws to facilitate access to credit by small operators.   
17 and 19 June 2014: The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
103 
 
3.164.  In the review of the OECS, the third of its kind, Members recognized that OECS-WTO Members have a narrow economic base, are highly reliant on imports and are frequently affected 
by natural disasters, especially hurricanes. They commended the OECS-WTO Members on their 
prudent macroeconomic policies in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, including their fiscal consolidation and debt restructuring programmes, the streamlining of their taxation systems, and 
the introduction of Value Added Tax. Delegati ons commended the OECS-WTO Members' strong 
support for the multilateral trading system and their participation in the negotiations on trade facilitation in particular was highly apprecia ted. There was broad recognition of the ECS-WTO 
Members' open investment regime although more was needed in terms of ease of doing business 
to attract foreign investment. Members welcomed the signing of the revised Treaty of Basseterre 
and the subsequent establishment of the OECS  Economic Union, which allows for the free 
movement of people, goods and capital across the OECS region. This would serve as a model for 
economic and financial integration, which could result in sustained economic growth. Some 
delegations noted that full implementation of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement 
                                               
103 The WTO Members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS WTO Members) are:  
Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 75 - 
 
  would require legislative changes that could faci litate the implementation by OECS-WTO Members 
of WTO commitments in areas where they are lagging. 
3.165.  A number of specific substantive issues were raised where Members considered 
improvements could be undertaken. For exam ple, although the OECS-WTO Members were 
generally commended for the openness of their ec onomies, most of them still applied customs 
service charges and other taxes on imports. Another area of concern was the continued use of import licences as these can be trade-restrictive. OECS-WTO Members were also encouraged to 
harmonize their tariff schedules. Delegations were  appreciative of the fact that the OECS-WTO 
Members had started dismantling their export su bsidy schemes and expressed their hope that 
these would be abolished by end 2015, as required by WTO rules. Some Members noted that a number of issues which had been identified duri ng the previous review remained outstanding, 
including the adoption of legislation regarding competition policy and contingency measures, and 
compliance with notification requirements, particul arly those pertaining to SPS, and urged OECS-
WTO Members to address these. Given the cons traints faced by the OECS-WTO Members, the 
collaboration and technical assistance of other WTO Members in this matter would be most helpful.  
1 and 3 July 2014: China 
 
3.166.  In the fifth review of China, Memb ers commended its determination to carry out 
challenging reforms and emphasized that the current review came at a particularly opportune time following the announcement of an ambitious an d comprehensive reform agenda. They also 
remarked that as the major global merchandise trader China needed to recognize the increased 
responsibility that comes with becoming a lead player in the multilateral trading system. It was 
noted that China had already taken some steps to rebalance economic growth through policies to promote consumption and there was general recognitio n that further liberalization of the domestic 
market could play an important role in this endeavour. 
3.167.  A number of systemic and substantive ar eas in which improvements could be achieved 
were outlined at the meeting. With respect to transparency, several delegations stated that as the 
world's largest trader China bore great responsibility for supporting a predictable and transparent 
global trading system. This included ensuring notification obligations were fulfilled in a timely way. It was noted that although China had committed to publish regulations and other measures related to or affecting trade in goods, services, IPR or foreign exchange in a single official journal of all 
laws, including in a WTO language, this had yet to be accomplished. Although several Members 
expressed their appreciation for China's difficulties  in ensuring the consistent implementation of 
laws, regulations and policies across the country, they also highlighted issues which remained 
crucial for an improved business environment and to limit the risk of discretionary treatment. 
Concerning the role of the State, some Member s pointed out that China continued to pursue 
policies to support domestic industries, including those controlled by state-owned enterprises. 
Given China's size and importance, this had on occasion led to overcapacity and excessive credit 
expansion. On TBT, a number of Members expresse d concern with respect to the use of technical 
requirements that deviated from international standards and the insufficient involvement of interested stakeholders in the standardization process. Regarding SPS measures, Members 
questioned their scientific justification in certain instances, and requested China to make further 
efforts to increase transparency and predictability in this area. Other substantive concerns raised by Members included China's support policies, the use of export restraints and export taxes, 
restrictions on services market access, the retalia tory use of trade remedies, enforcement of IPRs, 
the protection of trade secrets and restrictions to foreign investors in certain areas.  Some 
Members requested further information on the functioning of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade 
Zone. China was commended for its leadership in submitting its notification of Category A 
provisions under the new Trade Facilitation Agreement and in opening its market to products from LDCs. Some Members urged China to make further efforts to conclude the negotiations to expand the Information Technology Agreement and to become a member of the GPA. 
23 and 25 July 2014: Panama 
 3.168.  In the review of Panama, Members praise d the country for achieving outstanding economic 
growth, greater integration in world trade and high levels of foreign direct investment. These owed 
much to open trade and investment policies which had enabled Panama to become a major exporter of international services. Panama was encouraged to strengthen the linkages between 
buoyant sectors and the rest of the economy, reduce  social disparities and allocate more resources WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 76 - 
 
  to social programmes, including education. Panama's overall sound and stable macroeconomic 
policies were recognized, but several delegations cautioned about the challenges of a rising fiscal deficit and encouraged Panama to consolidate its public finances. Panama's strong commitment to the multilateral trading system was welcomed and it was noted that the country's active use of 
regional and bilateral trade agreements had allowed it to deepen its integration into the global 
economy. Panama was commended for moving ahead with significant legislative and regulatory reforms, including strengthening the legal frameworks for competition and government 
procurement, overhauling the IPR regime to meet  international obligations, amending the Free 
Zones Regime and liberalizing mobile telephony. Members also welcomed Panama's measures to facilitate trade, including the modernization of customs procedures, the introduction of a Single Window for exports and an authorized economic operator scheme. In this context, Panama was 
encouraged to establish a Single Window for imports. 
3.169.  In a number of areas Members expressed the hope that further improvements could be 
made. With respect to tariffs, while acknowledging Panama's efforts to simplify its tariff structure, 
Members expressed concern that applied tariffs on a number of products exceed bound rates. 
Some delegations enquired about Panama's rationale for applying different taxes on national and imported fuels mixed with ethanol, and urged Pa nama to remove discriminatory taxes. In the 
areas of TBT and SPS measures, Members flagged a number of issues regarding the elaboration 
and implementation of technical regulations and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, in particular with respect to the importation of food products and live animals, and requested Panama to make 
further efforts to enhance transparency and notifications in these areas. A number of delegations 
welcomed Panama's amendments to its free trade zones legislation and the removal of export 
subsidies, to meet its obligations under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. Some requested more information on customs contro ls to monitor the entry, transit and exit of 
goods through the Colon Free Zone and about incentives granted in this area. Although Members 
generally acknowledged Panama's open trade and investment regime in the services sector, questions were raised regarding foreign investment restrictions on maritime auxiliary services. 
Finally, some delegations sought clarification on Panama's restrictions with regard to retail trade 
and encouraged it to further liberalize this sector. 
16 and 18 September: The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu (Chinese Taipei) 
 
3.170.  At the review of Chinese Taipei, Members praised it for the continued progress towards trade and investment liberalization, further integration into the global economy and economic 
diversification which had characterized its reco very after 2009. Delegations welcomed Chinese 
Taipei's unilateral liberalization efforts through th e setting up of Free Economic Pilot Zones, further 
reductions of foreign investment limitations and measures to facilitate trade, including 
implementation of a single window system to accelerate customs clearance. Chinese Taipei's 
efforts in implementing, important legal reforms to improve its IPR protection were also welcomed by several delegations. Some noted the need to continue identifying services sectors as key areas for further development and diversification. Members noted Chinese Taipei's commitment and 
constructive engagement in multilateral and plurilateral trade liberalization initiatives and 
acknowledged its active engagement in bilateral an d regional economic integration, e.g. signing 
RTAs with China, New Zealand and Singapore duri ng the period under review. Noting that the 
economy of Chinese Taipei has become increasingly  linked with China, through negotiations under 
the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), several Members requested further detailed information on the status of the follow -up agreements of the ECFA. Members expressed 
their appreciation of Chinese Taipei's work and support in the areas of aid for trade and trade 
related technical assistance.  
3.171.  Members also noted a number of issues  and areas where improvements could be made. 
With respect to Free Economic Pilot Zones some encouraged Chinese Taipei to expand the benefits 
of the FEPZs across the territory. Concerning the foreign investment regime Members welcomed 
Chinese Taipei's progressive reduction of limitations on foreign investors under the Negative List for Investment by Foreign Nationals. Some delegations called for continued progress by Chinese 
Taipei in improving the transparency and predictabi lity of the investment review process. In the 
area of tariffs, it was noted that the tariff structure continues to be complex, involving a multiplicity of rates. Members encouraged Chinese Taipei to simplify the tariff so as to enhance the 
predictability and greater transparency for traders. On TBT and SPS measures, Members urged 
Chinese Taipei to improve the alignment of it s standards and technical requirements with WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 77 - 
 
  international standards, to simplify certification and testing requirements and streamline 
conformity assessment procedures. Members urged Chinese Taipei to improve its notification 
procedures to ensure that TBT and SPS measures were notified to the WTO at the draft stage, thereby leaving sufficient time for other Members to comment and for these comments to be taken 
into consideration. Agriculture continues to be a major recipient of government assistance, 
including domestic support and border protection. Several delegations noted that the tariff schedule has barely changed since the last review and that the average tariff for agriculture is 
much higher than that for non-agricultural pr oducts. A number of Members requested information 
on fuel subsidies for agriculture and fishing. Members also commented on the fact that tariff quotas on some agricultural products have remained consistently under-filled, and encouraged Chinese Taipei to review the necessity of maintaining these restrictions. Chinese Taipei was 
encouraged to improve the scientific basis for measures governing its trade in agricultural products 
and the testing and inspection regime at the border. Finally on services, while recognizing the importance of the sector to Chinese Taipei, several delegations urged it to continue opening up its 
services sector and remove trade barriers, including market access conditions, which are still in 
place. 
24 & 26 September: Mongolia 
 
3.172.  At its review, Members noted that Mongolia faced a number of bottlenecks and barriers to trade and investment after several years of rapi d economic growth, rising incomes, and greater 
prosperity. The economic expansion over the past few years has been based on investments in 
mining and exports of minerals and it was genera lly noted that growth should continue in this 
sector given adequate new investment. Several delegations noted that while exploitation of minerals is an opportunity for Mongolia it also makes the economy vulnerable to sudden swings in 
prices and demand. In this context, the importance of economic diversification was emphasized by 
some. Several delegations noted recent programmes to improve productivity in agriculture. Although Mongolia does not have any regional trade agreements it does qualify under a number of 
Members' GSP schemes. It was negotiating with Ja pan on an Economic Partnership Agreement and 
intends to accede to the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement. Furthermore, several delegations insisted they have had high-level meetings and conclude d agreements related to trade and investment 
with Mongolia. Several delegations recognized the importance the country attaches to the 
multilateral trading system, which was highlighted by its notification of its Category A 
commitments on trade facilitation in July 2014. Members also noted the infrastructure challenges, and as a result the cost of transportation, faced by Mongolia as a large landlocked country. Several 
delegations acknowledged that Mongolia has demonstrated a commitment to make progress 
towards allowing more competition, reducing trade barriers, and introducing measures to encourage diversification of its economy.  
3.173.  Several areas in which Mongolia was encouraged to consider further improvement were 
a l s o  r a i s e d  b y  M e m b e r s .  I n  t h e  a r e a  o f  i n v e s t m e n t ,  i t  w a s  w i d e l y  r e c o g n i s e d  t h a t  t h e  n e w  Investment Law of 2013 and the simplified investment procedures have improved the investment climate. However, concerns remained about the new legislation and its implementation, including 
the differentiation between foreign and domestic investors through minimum paid-in capital 
requirements and narrowing of the range of stabilized fees and taxes. In the area of government, several delegations suggested that tendering proced ures and transparency in the selection process 
could be improved and that Mongolia would benefit from acceding to the GPA. Some concern was 
expressed that the development of a new minerals law had led to delays in issuing exploration and mining licences which had a knock-on effect on investment in the sector. It was noted that some 
bound tariffs of zero still had a pplied tariffs of 5%, excise duties on some domestically produced 
products were lower than on imports and import prohibitions remained in place on some products. Some delegations emphasized that many technical regulations, standards, and SPS measures in place in Mongolia are not aligned with international standards. On a more institutional note, it was 
highlighted by some delegations that, in many areas, including import licensing, investment 
approval, and even technical assistance, considerable time and cost was involved while waiting for approval and urged further improvements in this area. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 78 - 
 
  22 & 24 October: Djibouti and Mauritius 
 3.174.  At their joint Review, Members recognized that Djibouti and Mauritius are both small countries highly exposed to exogenous shocks, including fluctuating international market and 
climatic conditions. Both countries have recorded relatively good GDP growth in spite of the global 
economic crisis. Development strategies are being implemented to further stimulate long term growth and improve living standards. Members commended both Djibouti and Mauritius on their 
ongoing reform efforts to facilitate trade and further improve their business environments 
including through the dismantling of their remaining restrictions to investment and through investment in relevant infrastructure. They urged Mauritius to ensure that its import permit system is not used to protect domestic producers, and Djibouti to fully implement the WTO Customs 
Valuation Agreement. Some Members encouraged bo th countries to ensure the sustainability of 
their ongoing reforms with a view to further diversifying their economies, particularly in the case of Djibouti. 
3.175.  Members commended Djibouti and Mauritius for their support to the multilateral trading 
system and congratulated Mauritius for having already submitted its trade facilitation Category A commitments. Djibouti and Mauritius were encouraged to meet their notification obligations and to 
further align their procedures for developing and implementing standards and technical regulations 
with international norms. Several delegations indicated the importance of technical assistance in this context. Members also sought further information about progress made in the implementation of COMESA whilst others questioned the effectiveness and consistency of tax policies and practices 
in Djibouti and Mauritius. Attention was drawn to Mauritius' low level of tariff bindings and some 
delegations asked the country to comply with it s national treatment commitments when imposing 
excise taxes on spirits. There was general appreciation for the steps taken by Djibouti and 
Mauritius to improve their regulatory frameworks and it was recognized that both countries had 
undertaken initiatives towards strengthening thei r respective IP regimes. Some Members also 
raised the large-scale State intervention in both economies and sought further clarifications on 
state-owned enterprises in Mauritius and the halt to privatization processes in Djibouti. Some 
Members sought information about foreign participation in government procurement, in particular existing mechanisms to ensure internationally competitive bidding processes. Finally, agricultural reforms in Mauritius as well as energy and services reforms in both countries were widely 
welcomed as important steps towards attracting additional investment.  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 79 - 
 
  Table 3.14 Trade Policy Reviews from mid-November 2013 to end-October 2014 - 
summary tariff indicators 
 Simple applied average (%) 
 Duty freea Non- ad 
valorema 
Total WTO 
agriculture WTO 
non-
agriculture 
Tonga  11.5 10.7 11.7 15.0 0.0b 
Malaysia  5.6 2.9 6.0 64.6 0.9 
Myanmar   6.1 8.9 5.7 4.0c 0.0 
Bahrain, Kingdom of  5.1 7.5 4.6 11.1 0.4 
Oman  5.5 10.1 4.6 11.1 0.3 
Qatar  5.0 7.1 4.6 11.1 0.3 
Ghana  12.8 17.3 12.0 12.2 0.0 
Antigua and 
Barbuda  11.3 18.1 9.9 9.5 0.0 
Dominica  12.3 26.9 9.5 22.4 0.0 
Grenada  11.4 19.2 9.9 5.4 0.0b 
St. Kitts and Nevis  10.3 16.1 9.2 24.0 0.3 
St. Lucia  9.7 17.8 8.0 39.6 0.1 
St. Vincent and the 
Grenadines  10.9 17.6 9.6 8.8 0.2 
China  9.4 14.8 8.6 9.8 0.5 
Panama  7.6 13.7 6.4 34.5 0.3 
Chinese Taipei  7.8 23.0 5.2 30.2 1.8 
Djibouti  21.0 15.0 21.9 0.1 0.0 
Mauritius 2.3 1.8 2.3 88.8 4.8 
      
Selected others:       
European Union 6.5 14.8 4.4 24.7 10.7 
Japan 6.3 17.5 3.7 40.5 6.7 
United States 4.7 8.5 4.0 37.0 10.9 
a Per cent of total tariff lines. 
b Non-ad valorem  duty applies to one line. 
c 46.9% of all tariff lines show  a nuisance rate (>0%=<2%). 
Note: Calculations are based on national tariff line levels, including AVEs, as available. In case of 
unavailability, the ad valorem  part of alternate and compound rates is included; excluding in-quota 
rates. All calculations are based on 2013 figures, except Oman and Mauritius (2014), Japan (FY2012) and United States (FY2012). 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data received by the authorities.  
3.10  Regional trade agreements 
3.176.  During the period 15 November 2013 to 15 October 2014, WTO Members notified 9 RTAs 
to the WTO (16 notifications) as compared to 23 RTAs (36 notifications) during 15 October 2012 to 15 November 2013. As of 15 October 2014, the total number of RTAs notified to the WTO and to 
the GATT before it, amounted to 253 (117 covering goods and services, 135 goods only and one 
services only). The WTO Secretariat has also id entified and verified, through the respective 
parties, 63 RTA s that are in force but not yet notified to the WTO.
104 While the number of RTAs 
notified during the current period is lower than in the previous period, there are a number of 
negotiations that are ongoing or have been completed but where the agreements are not yet in force. Thus it is likely that the num ber of RTAs will continue to grow. 
                                               
104 WTO document WT/REG/W/85, 17 September 2014. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 80 - 
 
    
Chart 3.16 Number of physical RTAs that entered into force since 2004 
020406080100120140160
02468101214161820
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014Number of physical RTAs, by year of entry into force Cumulative physical RTAsNumber per year
Cumulative number
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.177.  Most WTO Members continue to negotiate new RTAs. Judging from overall notifications, 
RTA activity is strongest in Europe (22% of RTAs in force), with successive EU enlargements and 
agreements with countries in Eastern Europe and around the Mediterranean basin as well as RTAs n o t i f i e d  b y  t h e  E u r o p e a n  F r e e  T r a d e  A r e a  ( E F T A ) ;  t h i s  i s  f o l l o w e d  b y  E a s t  A s i a  ( 1 5 % )  a n d  
South America and the CIS region (11% each) (Chart 3.17).
105 These regions also continue to be 
active in RTA negotiations. 
                                               
105 As mentioned, however,  there are a number of RTAs that are in force that have not yet been 
notified. If these were to be included, the regional share of RTAs may change. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 81 - 
 
  Chart 3.17 Regional Trade Agreements in force by region 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
3.178.  Among current RTA negotiations, there is considerable interest especially in the 
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, currently between 12 partners, the Regional 
Comprehensive Economic Partners (RCEP) betwee n 16 partners and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and 
Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the European Union and the United States.106 Other key 
negotiations being watched with interest, include the Tripartite Agreement in Africa, the Pacific 
Alliance in Latin America, as well as the Customs Union between Belarus, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation, which is evolving into the Eurasian Economic Union and planning to enlarge 
further to other CIS members. Some of the negotiations involving a number of parties in particular 
have been ongoing for several years and it is not clear when they are likely to be completed or what additional liberalization they will achieve, gi ven especially that they intend to tackle complex 
behind the border issues. Negotiations between Canada and the European Union for instance 
appear to have been protracted and may be a precursor of difficulties in other ongoing 
negotiations. 
RTAs and the multilateral trading system 
 
3.179.  While the upward trend in RTAs has clearly been established, and negotiations for new RTAs continue, less is known about the scope and depth of coverage of the agreements 
themselves and their potential impact on international trade relations. In particular, do they only 
liberalize a few tariff lines or all of their tariffs? Do they make additional services commitments, or add new provisions for which there are no WTO rules, such as in investment, competition? And 
also if they do add new elements, how significant are they? 
3.180.  Of the agreements that have been noti fied to the WTO and for which information is 
contained in the WTO's RTA database, over 55% notified since 2000 contain provisions on both goods and services. The figure rises to almost 65% if notifications over the last five years (since 
2009) are taken into account, thus showing a tendency among newer RTAs to include both goods 
                                               
106 The parties to the TPP are: Australia, Brunei Da russalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia Mexico, 
New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Unit ed States and Vietnam; Brunei Darussalam, Chile, New Zealand and 
Singapore are the original signatories to the Trans-pacific special economic partnership (SEP or P4) Agreement, 
notified to the WTO in May 2007 and considered by the CRTA in September 2008. The parties to the RCEP are 
the 10 members of ASEAN (Brunei Darussalam, Camb odia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, 
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam), Australia , China, India, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand.  
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 82 - 
 
  and services and other provisions. Moreover, thes e are not just agreements involving developed 
Members of the WTO. The vast majority of thes e agreements involve at least one developing 
partner, while around 45% of the agreements notified since 2000 containing services provisions are RTAs between developing Members only. Similarl y, the number of RTAs containing investment 
provisions or chapters has been rising and sinc e 2000 around half of RTAs notified to the WTO 
contain provisions on investment. Other provisions  commonly included in RTAs today include trade 
defence measures (anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguards), SPS and TBT, intellectual 
property rights, and dispute settlement but also i ssues for which there are no WTO provisions such 
as competition policy, government procurement, electronic commerce, environment and labour  
3.181.  Thus, and as confirmed by the literature that has emerged on RTAs, RTAs are not only 
increasing rapidly but are also changing in terms of their scope and ability to tackle border, and 
behind the border, measures. However, one cannot ne cessarily conclude from this observation that 
they are moving significantly beyond the multilateral rules on all provisions. Ongoing research by the WTO Secretariat and others, including the OECD, appears to confirm that while on certain 
issues RTAs are breaking new ground, for othe rs, they tend to simply reaffirm the WTO 
commitments of the parties. 
3.182.  Almost all RTAs tend to increase preferences for the parties, whether in goods or services; 
by definition, this is what they are supposed to do. With regard to preferences in goods, a large 
number tend to liberalize between 80-90% of intr a-RTA trade at the end of the implementation 
period. Nevertheless, tariff peaks in sensitive prod ucts (such as agricultural products, textiles and 
clothing) tend largely to not be liberalized in  RTAs as well, showing perhaps the limits of 
preferential tariff liberalization.
107 
3.183.  In services, in some cases, the additional market access provided especially vis a vis 
commitments in the GATS, is limited. Even if  significant improvements are made in RTAs 
compared to GATS commitments, in many cases, th e applied regime is much more liberal, thus no 
additional market access gains are made. Nevertheless, there is a commitment to bind at a more liberal level than in the GATS. 
The use of templates and the creation of families of RTAs 
3.184.  While tariff and services market access liberalization reflects the sensitivities of countries 
vis a vis their RTA partners, for some other provisions, there is a remarkable similarity in the architecture and language used between certain RTAs. The "template" approach results in similar 
"families of RTA provisions". Thus, in services, the two most frequent approaches to schedule 
commitments are a GATS-based positive list approach or a NAFTA-based negative list approach. RTA negotiators tend to have a preference for one or the other bearing in mind historical and 
geographical considerations, with countries in the Americas tending to use the NAFTA-based 
approach, while Africa and Asia tend to use the po sitive list approach. The EU agreements, in part 
because of the nature of the European Union, ofte n use a hybrid approach. Recent research by the 
WTO Secretariat has shown that with regard to services rules, a similar negative or positive list 
approach is taken, with the EU agreements taking a hybrid approach.
108 
                                               
107 Crawford, J.-A. (2012), "Market Access Provisions in Trade in Goods in Regional Trade Agreements," 
WTO Staff Working Paper, ERSD-2012-20 
108 Latrille, P. and J. Lee (2012), "Services rules in regional trade agreements: How diverse and how 
creative as compared to the GATS multilateral rules?" WTO Staff Working Paper , ERSD-2012-19, October. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 83 - 
 
  3.185.  Such similarities are also found for other provisions. For instance, agreements that have 
provisions in competition policy tend to have a similar preference for rules based around agreements negotiated by the United States, or the European Union. Depending on which format 
is chosen, the architecture of the competition chapter can be considerably different. In dispute 
settlement as well, there appears to be a strong  preference for the ad hoc adjudicative model 
which provides right of access to third party adjudication through the establishment of an adjudicator, in agreements involving countries in the Americas and Western Europe (except 
Turkey). The political model which is based more on consultations and political settlement of 
disputes is preferred by the CIS agreements and in Asia, while African plurilateral RTAs tend to use 
a standing tribunal approach. Even for rules of or igin, where one would expect (and does in many 
cases find) the most divergent rules, almost half of the agreements notified to the WTO (71 out of 
192) use either the EU or NAFTA rules of origin.
109 
A preference for WTO rules for some issues 3.186.  There are some provisions for which dive rgence between RTA rules and MFN rules appears 
to be less marked and there is a preference fo r the multilateral standard even in RTAs. For 
instance, recent work by the WTO Secretariat shows a strong preference for reaffirming WTO 
rights and obligations of the RTA parties on anti-dumping.
110 Out of 192 RTAs examined, 68% 
reaffirm or substantially replicate the language of the WTO Agreements, while a further 21% do 
not explicitly refer to anti-dumping measures, thereby maintaining the parties' WTO rights and obligations. Most RTAs also tend not to move  beyond existing WTO rules on SPS and TBT 
measures. Rather, it is probably easier to concentrate on memoranda of understanding on 
conformity assessment. In intellectual property  rights (IPRs), out of 174 RTAs containing IPR 
commitments, 76% contained references to IPR protection and 61% of the 174 RTAs simply reaffirm the rights and obligations of the parties under the TRIPS Agreement.
111 
3.187.  Finally, some issues such as subsidies, wi th the exception of export subsidies, are notably 
absent from RTA texts. Thus, while a number of RTAs explicitly forbid the parties from using export subsidies, the same RTAs are silent on ta ckling the issue of subsidies or domestic support. 
But also for new issues for which there are no WTO rules 
3.188.  There are some provisions that are increasingly being included in RTAs, especially those 
that have been negotiated in more recent year s, for which there are no equivalent WTO rules. 
While some issues such as commitments with regard to the environment and labour standards are 
found in a smaller number of RTAs, others such as  investment provisions (going beyond services) 
and to a lesser extent, competition, are increasingly becoming a standard feature of modern RTAs. In competition, there are certain common features that are found across many RTAs such as 
recognition of anti-competitive behaviour and recognition that competition policy should be used to 
combat such behaviour. Most agreements with competition principles also tend to agree that State monopolies should not discriminate or behave in an anti-competitive manner. 
3.189.  Labour and environment provisions tend to be restricted to cooperation between the 
parties, agreement to abide by international treaties and to not use their laws to restrict trade. However, the use of these provisions has evolved ov er time, moving from ge neral policy objectives 
in the preamble, to more detailed sections, chapters or side letters on these issues. Provisions on 
electronic commerce are also increasingly finding th eir way into RTAs although at present they are 
largely limited to agreements involving the OECD countries.  
3.190.  While these new issues address new realities in international trade, with perhaps the 
exception of investment, commitments made in the RTAs on these issues are still relatively limited 
compared to issues for which WTO provisions exist. In addition, several of these issues tend to be carved out of dispute settlement mechanisms of RTAs and are thus not really enforceable. WTO 
work on dispute settlement in RTAs for instance showed that out of 147 agreements that use the 
                                               
109 Donner, M. (2013), "Preferential Rules of Origin in Regional Trade Agreements", WTO Staff Working 
Paper , ERSD-2013-05, March. 
110 Rey, J.-D. (2012), "Anti-dumping Regional Regimes and the Multilateral Trading System: Do regional 
anti-dumping regimes make a difference?" WTO Staff Working Paper, ERSD-2012-22, October. 
111 Valdes, R. and M. McCann (2014), "Intellectual Property Provisions in Regional Trade Agreements: 
Revision and Update", WTO Staff Working Paper , ERSD-2014-14, September. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 84 - 
 
  ad hoc tribunal model 19% and 12% excluded matters relating to the environment and labour, 
respectively from the dispute settlement provis ions of the agreement, while exclusions of 
competition provisions were found in around 46% of cases.112 
Implementation remains a significant gap 
3.191.  While the WTO's Transparency Mechanism for RTAs has allowed us to understand RTAs 
better, this understanding is based on the texts of agreements and the commitments made by the 
parties. Little information is available on how th e agreements are implemented and although there 
is a provision for such information to be provided by Members in the Transparency Mechanism, the 
Secretariat has yet to receive such end of impl ementation reports. Even where the commitments 
are clearly measurable such as the elimination of tariffs, there is only anecdotal information on the extent to which these provisions are utilized; in  some cases, low utilization of preferences may 
indicate that the rules of origin may be too stringent. If there are disputes between parties to 
RTAs, it is difficult to get this information and finally, although a number of mechanisms to implement, negotiate and monitor RTA provisions are included in the RTAs, little information exists 
on whether they function as envisaged by th e agreement or what their evaluation of the 
agreement is.  
3.11  Government procurement 
3.192.  Government procurement continues to be an  area of very significant ongoing activity and 
progress in the WTO. A revised and improved Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) entered into force during the review period. In addition, negotiations were concluded on two accessions to the Agreement – those of Montenegro and New Zealand - and good progress was 
made on other pending accessions. An integrated Government Procurement Information Resource 
(the "e-GPA portal") was created to serve as a market access information tool for businesses and governments, and a new cooperation arrangement has been established to facilitate capacity 
building related to GPA accessions in Central and Eastern Europe and neighbouring countries. 
3.11.1  Entry into force of the revised Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) 3.193.  The revised WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) entered into force on 6 
April 2014, after two-thirds of its Parties acce pted the Protocol Amending the Agreement. 
Subsequently, two additional Parties also provided their instruments of acceptance. The Parties for which the revised Agreement is now in force are: Canada; the European Union, including its twenty-eight member States; Hong Kong, China; Iceland; Israel; Japan; Liechtenstein; the 
Netherlands with respect to Aruba; Norway; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; and the United States.
113 
3.194.  As reported in the 2013 Annual Over view, the revised Agreement comprises: 
  a streamlined and modernized legal text, to facilitate the use of electronic procurement 
tools and provide additional flexibilities for a ll Parties.  Improved transitional measures 
(special and differential treatment) have been  provided for developing WTO Members that 
join the Agreement. The revised Agreement also reinforces the scope provided by the 
original Agreement to promote the conservation of natural resources and protect the 
environment; and incorporates new anti-corruption measures relating to procurements covered by the Agreement. 
 
  a significant expansion of the Parties' market access commitments under the Agreement, 
estimated as being worth in the range of $80-100 billion annually. This includes: 
(i) coverage of, at a minimum, 400-500 additional procuring entities by the participating governments; (ii) coverage by three major Pa rties of Build-Operate-Transfer arrangements 
(BOTs); (iii) additional coverage of services  procurement by the majority of Parties, 
particularly in the area of telecommunications services; and (iv) miscellaneous other additions to the Agreement's coverage. 
                                               
112 Chase, C. J.-A. Crawford, P. Ugaz and A. Yanovich  (2013), "Mapping of Dispute Settlement Provisions 
in Regional Trade Agreements: Innovations or Variations on a Theme?" WTO Staff Working Paper,  ERSD-2013-
07, June. 
113 See also WTO Committee on Government Procurement, Annual Report (2014) to the General 
Council, forthcoming. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 85 - 
 
   
3.195.  Concurrently with the revisions to the GPA itself, agreement was also reached on a set of work programmes to be conducted by the Committee in Government Procurement to promote transparency and improve the im plementation of the Agreement.
114 Work related to the 
programmes formally commenced in 2014 and is expected to gather momentum in 2015. 
3.11.2  Continuing expansion of  the Agreement's Membership 
3.196.  With the coming into force of the revised Agreement, the GPA Parties' attention has also 
shifted to ongoing work on accessions to the Ag reement by additional WTO Members, including a 
good number of developing and/or transition ec onomies. As reported in last year's Annual 
Overview, on 1 July 2013, Croatia became the 43rd WTO Member to be covered by the GPA, as a 
consequence of its having joined the European Union. 
3.197.  Subsequently, on 29 October 2014, negotiations were concluded with respect to 
Montenegro's and New Zealand's accessions to the Agreement. In Montenegro's case, this fulfilled a commitment made at the time of its WTO accession in April 2012.  For Montenegro, the 
negotiations were concluded essentially in one year; in New Zealand's case, it was a two-year 
process.  Much satisfaction was expressed with the overall result by Montenegro and New Zealand 
and by the existing Parties to the Agreement, wh o also shared hopes that the two WTO Members' 
successful experience would encourage other WTO Members to come forward to join. 
3.198.  The foregoing developments build on the call  issued by the GPA Parties' Ministers in their 
December 2013 meeting at Bali, in which the Ministers stated as follows:  "We invite and encourage all WTO Members that are not yet Parties to the Agreement to consider the possibility 
of accession, noting that developing and least developed Members can, subject to negotiations, 
benefit from the improved transitional measures incorporated in the revised Agreement…. Equally, 
we invite all interested WTO Members to beco me Observers to the Committee on Government 
Procurement ("the Committee"), in order to gain familiarity with the opportunities that accession 
to the Agreement can provide".
115 
3.199.  A total of eight other WTO Members — Albania, China, Georgia, Jordan, the Kyrgyz 
Republic, Moldova, Oman and Ukraine — have applied to join the GPA (see Box 2). A further five 
WTO Members have provisions regarding accession to the Agreement in their respective Protocols of Accession to the WTO: the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Mongolia, the Russian 
Federation, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan. 
Box 2 The expanding membership of the GPA (updated from last year's Annual Overview) 
The forty-three WTO Members currently covered by the Agreement:  
Armenia 
Canada 
the European Union and its 28 Member States 
Hong Kong, China 
Iceland 
Israel 
Japan 
Korea, Republic of 
Liechtenstein 
the Kingdom of the Netherlands with respect to Aruba 
Norway 
Singapore 
Switzerland 
Chinese Taipei 
United States 
                                               
114 See, for relevant details, Overview of Develo pments in the International Trading Environment 
(WT/TPR/OV/15 of 29 November 2012), pp. 72-73. 
115 See Ministerial-level Meeting of the Committee on Government Procurement: Declaration (GPA/122 
of 3 December 2013), paragraph 4. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 86 - 
 
  The two additional accessions approved by the Committee in 2014: 
Montenegro 
New Zealand 
The eight other WTO Members that have formally commenced their GPA accessions:  
Albania 
China 
Georgia 
Jordan 
Kyrgyz Republic 
Moldova 
Oman  
Ukraine 
The five additional WTO Members with provisions regarding GPA accessions in their respective WTO 
Accession Protocols: 
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 
Mongolia 
Russian Federation 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of 
Tajikistan 
 
3.200.  Other accessions to the Agreement that received focused attention during the review 
period included those of China, Moldova and Ukraine. Both Moldova and Ukraine have recently 
circulated new coverage offers and information concerning relevant national legislation.  Hopes have been expressed that the accessions of both  Members might be concluded in 2015.  China, for 
its part, has committed to provide a new and significantly improved coverage offer before the end 
of 2014. 
3.11.3  New automated GPA market access in formation tool (the "e-GPA portal") 
3.201.  With the encouragement and support of th e GPA Parties, the Secretariat has developed a 
new automated GPA market access information tool (the "e-GPA portal").  The database provides a 
convenient single point of access to the market access information under the revised GPA, together with related information that the GPA Parties are committed to provide. An initial version 
of the tool will be released in November 2014, offering significantly enhanced transparency of 
relevant information for users. 
3.11.4  Capacity building and cooperation with other IGOs 
3.202.  An intensive programme of technical assistance related to the GPA was carried out by the 
Secretariat during the year, reflecting not only growing interest in GPA accession but also the 
relationship between the Agreement and work on  government procurement in the context of 
regional and bilateral trade initiatives, and domestic policy reforms. In the course of the reporting 
period, the WTO Secretariat and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) 
have implemented a new informal arrangement, base d on an exchange of letters, for the purpose 
of facilitating the two organizations' cooperation in this area.  The new arrangement has already 
facilitated the organization/presentation of multiple joint national seminars on the Agreement for 
the countries serviced by EBRD, and provided assistance to Montenegro in the context of its successful application for accession to the Agreement. 
4  TRANSPARENCY OF TRADE POLICIES  
4.1  Notifications and surveillance in WTO Councils and Committees 
4.1.1  Agriculture 4.1.  The Committee on Agriculture  continued its review of the implementation of Members' 
commitments under the Agreement. Members' notifications remain the primary basis for the 
Committee to conduct the review process and the Committee provides detailed guidance for the WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 87 - 
 
  notifying Members including the common notification formats in various areas as well as the 
timelines to be respected in furnishing those notifications. There are twelve distinct notification requirements covering the following five areas: (i) market access, (ii) domestic support, (iii) export subsidies, (iv) export prohibitions or restrictions, and (v) follow-up to the Marrakesh 
Net Food-Importing Developing Countries Decision.  
4.2.  Timely and complete notifications are fundamental for effective monitoring of the 
implementation of commitments. Chart 4.1 presen ts an overview of Members' compliance with 
notification obligations for the period 2009-2013 in respect of five "regular" or "annual" notification 
requirements, i.e. Table MA:2 (imports under tariff quotas), Table MA:5 (special safeguard), Table DS:1 (domestic support), and Tables ES:1 and ES:2  (export subsidies). Annual notifications 
are required to be submitted soon af ter the end of the year in question.
116 The distribution of 
outstanding notifications by group of countries is presented in Chart 4.2. 
4.3.  Notifications remain outstanding for the reporting period with respect to all five notification 
requirements. The lack of compliance with notification obligations is especially visible for 
notification requirements related to agricultural subsidization (i.e. DS:1 and ES:1).117 For example, 
for nearly all the five years reported, compliance with notification obligations in the areas of domestic support and export subsidies generally remains below the 50% level. For the most recent 
reporting year, 2013, the percentage of outstanding DS:1 and ES:1 notifications is 83% and 77%, 
respectively, thus implying compliance rates for th ese categories of notifications of 17% and 23%. 
Chart 4.1 also indicates that the number of outstand ing notifications is typically higher for recent 
years because of the time lag between the end of  the reporting period and the submission of 
notifications for many Members. 
Chart 4.1 Current outstanding notifications in agriculture (%) 
 (%) 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
                                               
116 The applicability of a notification requirement to  a Member is largely dependent on the specific 
commitments it has assumed under the Agreement on Agriculture.  In many cases only a limited number of notification requirements will apply for a particular Member. Simultaneously, there are a few notification requirements, especially in the area of agricultural subs idization, (i.e. Tables DS:1 and ES:1) that apply to all 
WTO Members. The notifications circulated as of 8 October 2014 are used in the report. 
117 These two notification requirements are applicable to all WTO Members.   The figures reported in 
Chart 4.1 corresponding to outstanding Tables DS:1 and ES :1 notifications for a year, therefore, also represent 
the percentage of total WTO Members who did not yet comply with their notification obligations in these two areas. 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 88 - 
 
  Chart 4.2 Outstanding notifications by country group 
(%) 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.4.  The different deadlines of notifications in agriculture as well as the varying reporting years 
used by Members can make it difficult to compare the timeliness aspect of the notifications across 
the WTO membership. However, one indicator of timeliness of notifications is the "average reporting years per notification". For example, a notification which covers more than one reporting 
year implies that a Member has missed the prescribed timelines at least in respect of years other 
than the latest year covered in the notification . Table 4.1 presents information on the average 
reporting years per notification with respect to notifications circulated during 2009-2014. This 
average remains slightly greater than two for all years in that period. In other words, on average, 
Members did not respect the prescribed timelines in respect of at least half of the reporting years. 
Table 4.1 Number of ag riculture notifications 
Total 
(MA:2, MA:5, DS:1, ES:1, ES:2) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 
Number of notifications 
(excluding Add., Corr. and Rev.) 154 128 134 156 109 155 
Number of years reported 402 321 324 365 238 413 
Average reporting years per 
notification 2.61 2.51 2.42 2.34 2.18 2.66 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.5.  The 185 notifications issued in the period from mid-November 2013 to mid-October 2014, 
together reported information on 447 years, with some notifications reporting as high as 17 years 
in the same notification (Table 4.2). Nevertheless, the increase in the number of notifications issued per year and in the number of years repo rted demonstrate the increased effort Members 
have been making in recent years to bring their notifications up to date.  
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 89 - 
 
  Table 4.2 Notifications reporting more than one year (mid-November 2013 to 
mid-October 2014) 
Member Notification Format Issue date Number of years 
reported 
Bahrain, Kingdom of G/AG/N/BHR/8 ES:1 24-Apr-2014 17 
Congo G/AG/N/COG/1 DS:1 24-Apr-2014 17 
Congo G/AG/N/COG/2 ES:1 25-Apr-2014 17 
Sri Lanka G/AG/N/LKA/3 DS:1 11-Jul-2014 15 
Senegal G/AG/N/SEN/3 DS:1 07-Aug-2014 14 
Haiti G/AG/N/HTI/4 ES:1 15-Sep-2014 14 
Madagascar G/AG/N/MDG/4 DS:1 07-Jul-2014 13 
Guatemala G/AG/N/GTM/45 DS:1 15-Jan-2014 11 
Bahrain, Kingdom of G/AG/N/BHR/7 DS:1 24-Apr-2014 9 
Iceland G/AG/N/ISL/33 DS:1 10-Sep-2014 9 
The Gambia G/AG/N/GMB/5 DS:1 10-Apr-2014 8 
Philippines G/AG/N/PHL/43 MA:2 21-May-2014 8 
Peru G/AG/N/PER/12 DS:1 20-Feb-2014 7 
India G/AG/N/IND/10 DS:1 10-Sep-2014 7 
India G/AG/N/IND/10/ 
CORR.1 DS:1 01-Oct-2014 7 
Georgia G/AG/N/GEO/12 ES:1 05-Nov-2013 6 
Morocco G/AG/N/MAR/38 MA:5 05-May-2014 6 
Thailand G/AG/N/THA/76 ES:1, ES:2 14-Apr-2014 5 
Thailand G/AG/N/THA/77 MA:5 14-Apr-2014 5 
Jamaica G/AG/N/JAM/12 ES:1 16-Jun-2014 5 
Panama G/AG/N/PAN/30 MA:5 27-Jun-2014 5 
Mexico G/AG/N/MEX/27 ES:1, ES:2 21-Jul-2014 5 
Moldova, Republic of G/AG/N/MDA/2 MA:2 09-Sep-2014 5 
Iceland G/AG/N/ISL/34 MA:5 16-Sep-2014 5 
Iceland G/AG/N/ISL/35 ES:1, ES:2 16-Sep-2014 5 
South Africa G/AG/N/ZAF/82 NF:1 08-Oct-2014 5 
Dominican Republic G/AG/N/DOM/22 MA:2 04-Feb-2014 4 
Dominican Republic G/AG/N/DOM/23 DS:1 05-Feb-2014 4 
Morocco G/AG/N/MAR/39 MA:2 06-May-2014 4 
Morocco G/AG/N/MAR/40 ES:1 06-May-2014 4 
Honduras G/AG/N/HND/36 ES:1, ES:2 15-May-2014 4 
Malaysia G/AG/N/MYS/32 DS:1 23-Jul-2014 4 
Switzerland G/AG/N/CHE/64 NF:1 17-Dec-2013 3 
Argentina G/AG/N/ARG/32 ES:1, ES:2 18-Feb-2014 3 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom 
of G/AG/N/SAU/9 ES:1 26-Feb-2014 3 
Japan G/AG/N/JPN/191 DS:1 31-Mar-2014 3 
Qatar G/AG/N/QAT/11 DS:1 06-May-2014 3 
Thailand G/AG/N/THA/78 MA:2 19-May-2014 3 
Cameroon G/AG/N/CMR/4 ES:1 13-Aug-2014 3 
Cameroon G/AG/N/CMR/3 DS:1 13-Aug-2014 3 
Australia G/AG/N/AUS/93 NF:1 08-Oct-2014 3 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 90 - 
 
  Member Notification Format Issue date Number of years 
reported 
South Africa G/AG/N/ZAF/81 MA:2 08-Oct-2014 3 
European Union G/AG/N/EU/16 MA:2 14-Nov-2013 2 
Viet Nam G/AG/N/VNM/4 DS:1 05-Nov-2013 2 
Brazil G/AG/N/BRA/32 DS:1 03-Feb-2014 2 
Brazil G/AG/N/BRA/33 ES:1, ES:2, 
ES:3 03-Feb-2014 2 
Malaysia G/AG/N/MYS/30 ES:1, ES:2 14-Feb-2014 2 
Russian Federation G/AG/N/RUS/3 ES:1 18-Mar-2014 2 
Croatia G/AG/N/HRV/19 DS:1 09-May-2014 2 
Jamaica G/AG/N/JAM/11 DS:1 09-May-2014 2 
Thailand G/AG/N/THA/79 MA:1 19-May-2014 2 
Brazil G/AG/N/BRA/32/CORR
.1 DS:1 22-May-2014 2 
Mali G/AG/N/MLI/5 DS:1 17-Jun-2014 2 
Australia G/AG/N/AUS/91 MA:2 01-Jul-2014 2 
Honduras G/AG/N/HND/37 DS:1 16-Jul-2014 2 
Malaysia G/AG/N/MYS/31 MA:5 16-Jul-2014 2 
Mexico G/AG/N/MEX/25 MA:2 21-Jul-2014 2 
Mexico G/AG/N/MEX/26 MA:5 21-Jul-2014 2 
Burkina Faso G/AG/N/BFA/12 ES:1 05-Aug-2014 2 
Chile G/AG/N/CHL/43 DS:1 06-Aug-2014 2 
Australia G/AG/N/AUS/92 ES:1, ES:2, 
ES:3 15-Aug-2014 2 
Canada G/AG/N/CAN/100 NF:1 22-Sep-2014 2 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.6.  The lack of timeliness in Member's notification is particularly evident in the area of 
agricultural subsidization. Chart 4.3 provides information on the average reporting years per notification in domestic support notifications circulated during the years 2009-2014. In some years, this average remains close to three (in 2014 it the average is higher than three), implying 
that less than one-third of total domestic notifica tions were submitted according to the prescribed 
submission deadlines. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 91 - 
 
  Chart 4.3 Number of agriculture notifications - domestic support 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.1.2  Quantitative restrictions 4.7.  The notification of quantitative restrictions  is an obligation established by the 2012 Decision 
on Notification Procedures for Quantitative Restrictions (G/L/59/Rev.1) of the Market Access 
Committee. The Decision requires Members to notify every two years the quantitative restrictions (QRs) they maintain and to notify any changes in the interim. The decision also gives Members the 
possibility of making reverse notification of QR s maintained by another Member. The Decision on 
Reverse Notification of Non-Tariff Measures (G/L/60) gives Members the possibility of making reverse notifications of non-tariff measures imposed by another Member subject to certain conditions. Only one notification has been made  since the adoption of the decision in 1995 
(Table 4.3 below).  
Table 4.3 Notification procedures for QRs 
No. Notification requirement Number of notifications as of 15 October 2014 
1 Quantitative restrictions 
maintained (regular notification) Notifications covering the biennial period 2012-2014 were received 
from nineteen Members. Notifications covering the biennial period 2014-2016 were received from fifteen Members.  
2 Changes to the quantitative 
restrictions maintained  
(ad hoc ) or introduction of 
new restrictions Only two Members notified modifications in relation to their 
2012-2014 notification. 
3 Restrictions maintained by 
other Members  (reverse notification) No Member has notified. 
4 Non-tariff measures, 
maintained by other 
Members  
(reverse notification) Only one Member has notified.  
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.1.3  Import licensing 
4.8.  Notification requirements in the area of import licensing procedures result from the WTO 
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures and are complemented by the "Procedures for 
Notification and Review under the Agreement on  Import Licensing Procedures" adopted by the 
WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 92 - 
 
  Committee on Import Licensing in 1995 (G/LIC/3) and the "Understanding on Procedures for the 
Review of Notifications submitted under the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures" adopted on 23 October 1996 (G/LIC/4). The notification requirements are described in Table 4.4. 
Table 4.4 Notification procedures for import licensing 
No. Notification 
requirement Established in: Type Notification 
Category 
1 Submission of full texts 
of relevant laws and regulations and any changes thereto Article 8.2(b) of the Agreement; G/LIC/3 One-off and 
ad hoc N/1 
2 Sources in which 
information concerning 
import licensing 
procedures are 
published Article 1.4(a) of the Agreement; G/LIC/3 One-off and 
ad hoc N/1 
3 New import licensing 
procedures and changes to existing procedures Article 5 of the Agreement Ad hoc N/2 
4 Reply to the 
Questionnaire on 
Import Licensing 
Procedures Article 7.3 of the Agreement; G/LIC/2 Annual, by 
30 September 
each year N/3 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.9.  The N/1 notification requires a WTO Member to notify all relevant laws and regulations with 
regard to import licensing procedures as well as identify the source/publications containing such 
information. It contains both a one-off element (notification of existing laws and regulations and 
source/publications) and an ad hoc  element (changes to laws and regulations thereafter). In 
theory, a WTO Member should have at least one N/1 submission, providing its laws and regulations on import licensing and indicating that its Government does not maintain any import 
licensing regime. 
4.10.  The N/2 notification is an obligation for Members to notify new licensing procedures or 
changes being made to existing procedures. It is ad hoc  in nature and only due when specific 
circumstances occur. The N/3 notification obliges each Member to reply to a Questionnaire 
describing all import licensing procedures in place by 30 September every year. 
4.11.  As of 20 October 2014, 101 new notifications under the Agreement on Import Licensing 
have been received and circulated by the Secretaria t. Of these, 25 were N/1 notifications from the 
following 18 Members: Cameroon; Ecuador; Israel; Kyrgyz Republic; Lao PDR; Madagascar; Mexico; Morocco; Paraguay; Peru; Philippines; Russian Federation; Samoa; Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu;  Sri Lanka; Trinidad and Tobago; Turkey and 
Ukraine. The Committee also reviewed 18 N/2 notifications, relating to the institution of new 
import licensing procedures or changes in these procedures, from nine Members: Indonesia, Israel; Lao PDR; Malaysia; Mexico; Paraguay; Russian Federation; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 
Ukraine. Finally, 58 N/3 notifications have been  received and reviewed from the following 46 
Members: Albania; Australia; Burkina Faso; Canada; Cameroon; China; Costa Rica; Côte d'Ivoire; Cuba; European Union; The Gambia; Georgia; Haiti; Honduras; Hong Kong, China; India; 
Indonesia; Israel; Jamaica; Japan; Kuwait, the State of; Lao PDR; Macao, China; the former 
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; Malaysia; Mali; Mauritius; Mexico; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Oman; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Philippines; Qatar; Russian Federation; Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; Sri Lanka; Switzerland; Tajikistan; Trinidad and 
Tobago; Turkey; Ukraine; United States and Viet Nam. 
4.1.4   Rules of origin 4.12.  The Agreement on Rules of Origin contains two notification obligations, described in 
Table 4.5. Recent notifications have improved th e overall compliance with notification obligations; 
about 70% of all Members have already submitted information about their preferential or non-preferential rules of origin (or the absence thereof). WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 93 - 
 
  Table 4.5 Notification procedures for rules of origin 
No. Legal source Notification requirement Type 
1 Article 5 of the 
Agreement Non-Preferential Rules of Origin: All Members must submit a 
notification indicating: 
if they apply non-preferential rule s of origin (informing what the 
rules are);  
or if they do not apply any non-preferential rules of origin Changes to the legislation must also be notified. One-off 
2 Paragraph 4 of 
Annex II of the 
Agreement Preferential Rules of Origin: Members only notify if they adopt new 
preferential rules of origin or if  they make changes to existing 
preferential rules (e.g. new Free Trade Agreements or other new 
trade preferences) Ad hoc 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.13.  To date, 42 Members have notified the Co mmittee that they do implement some type of 
non-preferential rules of origin; 49 Members have notified that they do not implement rules of 
origin for non-preferential purposes; whereas 37 Members have never submitted notifications to 
the Committee. 
4.14.  In the context of the Committee, there have not been any "trade concerns" raised recently. 4.15.  However, a new development in the area of rules of origin in the WTO is a recent Ministerial 
Decision on Preferential Rules of Origin for Le ast developed countries (WT/L/917). The Decision 
provides a number of best practices and guidelines  regarding preferential rules of origin with a 
view to facilitating market access for LDCs provided under non-reciprocal preferential trade arrangements. It requires the CRO to monitor new de velopments in this area and to report back to 
the General Council and to inform the Sub-Committee on LDCs. 
4.1.5  Customs valuation 4.16.  Notifications in the area of customs valuation stem not only from the Agreement on 
Customs Valuation  itself, but also from a number of Decisions that have been adopted by the 
Committee on Customs Valuation. There are five main notification requirements (Table 4.6). 
Table 4.6 Notification procedures for customs valuation 
No. Notification 
requirement Established in: Type 
1 Submission of 
complete texts of national legislation (laws, regulations, etc.) Decision on the Notification and circulation of 
national legislation in accordance with Article 22 of the Agreement  (G/VAL/5, B.2, paragraph (i)) One-off 
2 Changes in laws and 
regulations on 
customs valuation Article 22.2 of the Agreement on Customs 
Valuation Ad hoc  
3 Responses to the 
checklist of issues Decision on the Checklist of Issues  
(G/VAL/5, B.3) One-off 
4 Decision on interest 
charges - Date of 
implementation  Decision on the treatment of interest charges 
in the customs value of imported goods 
(G/VAL/5, A.3, last paragraph) One-off 
5 Decision on Carrier 
Media (software) - Application of paragraph 2 Decision on the valuation of carrier media 
bearing software for data processing equipment (G/VAL/5, A.4, paragraph 2). Ad hoc  
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.17.  The notification requirements in the ar ea of customs valuation are either one-off or ad hoc , 
which means that different approaches are required to estimate their level of compliance. In addition, any estimate must take into account that the European Union notifies on behalf a group of Members, and that this number has changed se veral times since the WTO entered into force. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 94 - 
 
  4.18.  Taking all these elements into account, the maximum number of one-off notifications as of 
10 October 2014 is 132 (counting the European Union as one). This is denominator has been used to estimate the degree of compliance for the followin g notifications: 1) submission of the complete 
texts of national legislation; 2) responses to the checklist of issues; and 3) date of implementation 
of the Decision on the treatment of interest charges in the customs value of imported goods 
(Table 4.7).  
4.19.  Because ad hoc  notifications are, by definition, only due when specific circumstances occur, 
there is no maximum number of notifications that can be used to estimate the overall degree of 
compliance. This is the case of the: 1) Changes in laws and regulations on customs valuation; and 2) application of paragraph 2 of the Decision on Carrier Media (software). 
Table 4.7 Compliance in customs valuation notifications 
No. Notification requirement Compliance as of 15 October 2014 
1 Submission of complete texts 
of national legislation (laws, regulations, etc.) The large bulk of these notifications were received before 2003 and 
not many notifications have been received since then. The current 
compliance rate is approximately 69.4%, as 40 Members still need to fulfil this notification requirement. 
2 Changes in laws and 
regulations on customs 
valuation Since this is an ad hoc  type of notification (i.e. a Member is only 
required to notify if there is a change in its national legislation), it is 
not possible to assess the level of compliance. Only 28 Members 
have notified changes to their national legislation on customs 
valuation since 1995. 
3 Responses to the checklist of 
issues The large bulk of these notifications were received before 2003 and 
progress has been very slow since then. The current compliance level stands at approximately 48.9%, as 67 Members still need to fulfil this requirement. 
4 Decision on interest charges - 
Date of implementation  The level of compliance of this noti fication is very low as 42 of the 
Members have submitted it. This means that 89 Members still need 
to notify the date in which they implemented the Decision on 
interest charges. 
5 Decision on Carrier Media 
(software) - Application of paragraph 2 Since this is an ad ho c notification (i.e. a Memb er is only required to 
notify if it imports of carrier media bearing data and software is valued as provided for in paragraph 2 of the Decision), it is not possible to assess the level of compliance. To date, 40Members have made this notification, but it is not possible to know whether there are Members applying the paragrap h without having submitted the 
notification. 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.1.6  Subsidies and countervailing measures 
4.20.  The trends in the status of compliance with the obligation to notify subsidies to the 
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures under Article 25.1 during the period 1995-2013 are shown in Table 4.8. The share of Members that have notified subsidies has 
remained between 39% and 50% since 1995. The share of Members that made a "nil" notification 
fell significantly, from 23% to 14%, over the same period. With the exception of 1995, the share of Members making the required notifications has not exceeded 70%, and generally has hovered 
around 57%. Conversely, the share of Members not making any notification registered a 
substantial increase since 1995, from 27% to 44%, albeit with some intervening fluctuations. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 95 - 
 
  Table 4.8 Status of subsidy notifications 
New and full subsidy notification Per cent share of total 
1995  1998  2001  2003  2005  2007 2009 2011 2013  
Members that notified subsidies 50 39 44 44 46 47 46 44 42 
Members that made a "nil" notification 23 15 15 12 11 10 15 16 14 
Sub-total notifying Members 73 54 59 56 57 57 61 60 56 
Members that did not make any 
notification 27 46 41 44 43 43 39 40 44 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.21.  Pursuant to Article 25.11 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, all 
Members are required to submit to the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, on a 
semi-annual basis, reports of any countervailing duty actions taken within the preceding six months. Approximately 45 Members (counting the European Union as a single Member) regularly 
submit semi-annual reports, either of countervailin g duty actions taken, or of no actions having 
been taken, during the preceding six months. Twenty-eight Members have submitted one-time nil notifications. The remaining (approximately 60) Members generally fail to submit semi-annual 
reports in respect of countervailing duty actions. 
4.1.7  Anti-dumping 4.22.  Pursuant to Article 16.4 of the Agreement on the Implementation of Article VI of GATT 1994 
("the Anti-Dumping Agreement"), all Members ar e required to submit to the Committee on 
Anti-Dumping Practices, on a semi-annual basis, reports of any anti-dumping actions taken within 
the preceding six months, using an agreed standard form. Members that have not established an authority competent to conduct anti-dumping investigations have the option to make a one-time 
"nil" notification, valid unless and until they establish an investigating authority, in lieu of 
submitting nil notifications each six months. 
4.23.  Approximately 45 Members (counting the European Union as a single Member) regularly 
submit semi-annual reports, either of anti-dumping actions taken, or of no actions having been 
taken, during the preceding six months. Thirty-seven Members have submitted one-time nil notifications. The remaining (approximately 50) Members generally fail to submit semi-annual reports in respect of anti-dumping actions. 
4.1.8  State-trading enterprises 
4.24.  Notifications related to state trading enterp rises are reviewed by the Working Party on State 
Trading Enterprises on behalf of the Council for Trade in Goods. In July 2012, the Council for Trade 
in Goods agreed to extend indefinitely the new biannual frequency of notifications. Thus, all WTO 
Members must notify their state trading enterprises every two years, with no notifications in the intervening years. 
4.25.  Table 4.9 presents notifications received for the years in which a new and full notification 
was due. A "nil" notification means that the Member reported that it did not have any state trading enterprises, while an "STE" notification means th at the Member reported information on one or 
more state trading enterprises. The Table shows a declining trend in total notifications over the 
period examined. Indeed, notifications fell by a little less than half - from 63% in 1995 to 34% in 
2012. The notifications data for 2014, showing a tota l notifications figure of only 22%, is current 
up to 29 September 2014. Accordingly, notifications data for 2014 may increase in the remainder 
of the year.  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 96 - 
 
  Table 4.9 Status of STE notifications 
New and full STE notification Per cent share of total 
1995 1998 2001 2003 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 
Members that notified STEs 40 27 21 14 15 19 18 15 11 
Members that made a "nil" 
Notification 23 23 29 24 24 25 24 19 11 
Subtotal notifying Members 63 50 50 38 39 44 42 34 22 
Members that did not make any 
notification 37 50 50 62 61 56 58 66 78 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
4.1.9  Regional trade agreements 
4.26.  The improvements made in the notifications of  RTAs noted in last year's Overview continued 
through 2014. The improvements are due largely to  a simplification of the various notification 
formats and active efforts by the Chairman of the CRTA and the WTO Secretariat in monitoring RTAs and reminding Members about their notification obligations. Following an announcement by 
the Chairman at the CRTA meeting of 28 and 29 June 2011, the Secretariat has continued to 
circulate a list of agreements that have been verified by their parties as being in force but not notified to the WTO as a working document in advance of all CRTA meetings. The most recent of these circulated on 17 September 2014 contained 63 such agreements (of which 31 are 
agreements under the Latin American Integration Association, LAIA).
118 The response by Members 
has been positive with some 43 new RTAs being notified as a result. The Secretariat continues to make efforts to remind Members of their notification obligations by keeping track of dates of 
signature and entry into force of agreements and verifying these with Members. The notification 
tables included in each factual presentation prep ared by the Secretariat and requests by Members 
to notify at each CRTA meeting have also been helpful in improving notifications. The Secretariat is 
aware of (but has not yet verified) some 50 other agreements that continue to be in force and are 
not yet notified to the WTO. 
4.2  WTO databases 4.2.1  Integrated database 
4.27.  The submission of tariff and trade info rmation to the Integrated Database (IDB) is a 
notification requirement provided for in the General Council Decision of 16 July 1997 (WT/L/225).
119 
To overcome gaps in Members' notifications and delays in providing the information to users the 
Committee on Market Access adopted in July 2009 a framework to enhance the IDB notifications 
compliance and gave the WTO Secretariat flexibility to collect missing data from other official sources subject to Member's approval (G/MA/239). The information included in the IDB is 
therefore either directly notified to the Secretar iat by Members or collected by the Secretariat and 
then subsequently approved by the Members concerned. 
4.28.  The IDB is the only case where proactive data collection by the Secretariat has been 
established by Members to assist them in comp lying with their WTO notification requirements. 
Since the adoption of the IDB framework decision in 2009 completeness and timeliness have 
significantly improved. The IDB approach can serve as a "good-practice" example for other 
databases based on notifications with respect to the data collection policy and the establishment of 
a network of data providers and of reliable data sources. Much of the information, including the 
information that Members have to notify to the WTO, can now be found through the Internet for free. 
4.29.  The IDB notifications currently cover on  average 77% of the membership with tariff 
notifications being generally more complete than th e import notifications. Overall, 28% of the IDB 
information is collected by the Secretariat mainly through governmental websites, regional 
                                               
118 WTO document WT/REG/W/85. 
119 The deadlines are 30 March for the tariff of the current year and 30 Septem ber for imports of the 
previous year (WTO document G/MA/IDB/1/Rev.1/Add.1). WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 97 - 
 
  secretariats and international organizations. As concerns timeliness, on average only 30% of the 
notification requirements are receiv ed within the prescribed deadlines. 
4.30.  Charts 4.4 and 4.5 present the number of ta riff and import notifications received by the 
IDB, the number of notifications directly submi tted by Members and the number of notifications 
collected by the Secretariat. The completeness of notifications is calculated on the number of 
Members' schedules and not on the number of WT O Members (i.e. European Union Member States 
all fall under the European Union schedule and Lichtenstein reports with Switzerland). 
4.31.  The IDB coverage has improved significantly in recent years as, in addition to the regular 
submissions by Members, a good number of data gaps have been filled in with relevant information collected by the Secretariat. Overall on  average, the completeness of IDB notifications 
amounts to 80% for the tariff information and 75% for the import statistics, with a maximum 
completeness of 98% and of 94% attained for tariff notifications in 2011 and for import 
notifications in 2006. For now, about 17 Members have complete submissions, 12 of which are developing-country Members. 
Chart 4.4 Completeness of IDB tariff notifications
 
(%) 
 
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
 
4.32.  As shown in Chart 4.4, the IDB tariff coverage has been fairly good in recent years with 
more than 90% coverage of the Membership since 2006. About 40% of the 2006-2014 tariff information has been collected by the Secretariat mainly through the Internet as most of the 
countries make available their customs duties to the public. For 2012 more than half of the 
notifications were collected by the Secretariat. 
4.33.  The completeness of import statistics' notifications is slightly lower compared to the tariff 
notifications (Chart 4.5) mainly because few countries publish detailed import statistics on the 
Internet and it is difficult for the Secretariat to find reliable sources to collect the missing information. However, for 2010 and 2011 more than 40% of the imports statistics were collected by the Secretariat. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 98 - 
 
  Chart 4.5 Completeness of IDB import notifications  
(%) 
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
 
4.34.  Tables 4.10 and 4.11 show the number of submissions received by the Secretariat within 
the years of the deadlines. The timeliness of notifications is calculated, as in the previous section, 
on the number of schedules. Since the establishment of the IDB notification requirement, relatively 
few Members have complied with the specific de adlines. On average, for the period 1996-2012, 
about 37 Members have reported within the year of the deadlines representing roughly 30% of the 
membership. 
4.35.  For both tariff information and import statistics, the timeliness of IDB notifications is 
respected by 30% of Members. The timeliness has peaked in most recent years - especially for the 
tariff information - and this since the adoption of the IDB framework decision in 2009. 
Table 4.10 Timeliness of IDB notifications - tariff information  
  1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Number of notifications w ithin the 
year of the deadline 1 4 19 22 29 36 44 33 34 31 27 28 33 49 65 84 78 96
   submitted by Members 1 4 19 22 29 36 44 33 34 31 27 28 33 49 40 54 54 53
   c ollec ted -------------- 25 30 24 43
Total number of notifications 62 59 61 68 81 106 110 107 99 105 116 116 115 112 121 123 119 101
Number of schedules 112 116 117 119 124 127 128 130 122 123 123 123 125 125 125 125 129 130
Notifications within the deadline (%) 1    3     16   18   23   28   34   25   28   25   22   23   26   39   52   67   60   74    
Source: IDB, 22 May 2014. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 99 - 
 
  Table 4.11 Timeliness of IDB noti fications - import information   
  1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Number of notifications w ithin the 
year of the deadline 12 33 29 30 37 40 33 36 24 24 29 31 43 35 64 57 56
   submitted by Members 12 33 29 30 37 40 33 37 25 24 30 31 43 28 45 40 33
   c ollec ted ------------- 71 91 72 3
Total number of notifications 57 61 62 72 98 103 97 100 103 110 116 111 109 104 106 93 66
Number of schedules 112 116 117 119 124 127 128 130 122 123 123 123 125 125 125 125 129
Notifications within the deadline (%) 11  28   25   25   30   31   26   28   20   20   24   25   34   28   51   46   43    
Source: IDB, 22 May 2014. 
 
4.36.  I-TIP Services120, i.e. integrated database for trade in services, was launched in 2013 under 
the umbrella of the Integrated Trade Intelligence Portal (I-TIP). This database, which is a joint 
initiative with the World Bank, consists of linked databases that provide information on (i) specific commitments and MFN exemptions under the GATS; (ii) services commitments in RTAs; (iii) applied measures in services; (iv) and services trade statistics. Its main objective is to make it 
easier for WTO Members and other stakeholders to access the various types of information 
relevant for services trade policy making. Easy access to these data is valuable to Members, the private sector and other stakeholders in terms of monitoring and analysis of trade policies, as well 
as to facilitate trade negotiations. 
4.37.  In the four modules (GATS, RTA Commi tments, Applied Regimes, and Statistics), the 
integrated database permits searches according to such criteria as Member, sector, agreement, or 
source of information. Over the course of the last year, the coverage of the database was 
expanded (e.g., commitments from additional RTAs were added) and a number of new features h a v e  b e e n  p u t  i n  p l a c e ,  s u c h  a s  a c c e s s  t o  s u m m a r y  r e p o r t s  o n  G A T S  c o m m i t m e n t s  a n d  M F N  exemptions, and services statistics.  By centralizing and organizing information coming from 
various WTO sources, I-TIP Services allows, for example, to obtain all relevant information on 
policy changes mentioned in the Director-General's  trade monitoring reports and therefore also 
serves as a trade monitoring database for trade in services. A new reporting function also now 
allows summary information on changes in applied policies, by sector, by Member, as well as over 
time, to be generated.   
5  OTHER TRADE-RELATED DEVELOPMENTS 
5.1  Trade financing 
5.1.  At the meeting of the Director-General's Ex pert Group on Trade Finance on 25 April, it was 
noted that although trade finance market conditions had eased somewhat in North America and Asia, the situation in dynamic markets for trade, such as Africa, remained difficult. The demand for 
trade finance programmes through multilateral institutions which was an indicator of a trade 
finance gap for the poorest countries had never been higher. This situation could be explained partly by the deleveraging of international financial institutions and the increased concentration of 
the banking sector which had led to a renewed bias towards lending to larger customers at the 
expense of SMEs and to a reduction of the expo sure to cross-border lending to low-income 
countries. 
5.2.  Following the request by WTO Members at the June 13 meeting of the Working Group on 
Trade, Debt and Finance, a study on the trade-financing gap entitled "Improving the availability of trade finance in developing countries: an assessment of remaining gaps" was prepared.
121 This 
report confirms that structural difficulties of poor countries in accessing trade finance have not 
disappeared – and might have further deteriorated during and after the financial crisis. There is 
consistent evidence to suggest that trade-finance markets remain characterized by a greater selectivity in risk-taking and flight to so-calle d "quality" customers. According to the Bank for 
                                               
120 Viewed at: http://i-tip.wto.org/services  
121 WTO document WT/WGTDF/W/74, 4 September 2014.  The Secretariat note, which also outlines the 
efforts of the WTO and other multilateral institutions to improve trade-finance in developing countries, will be discussed by WTO Members at the Working Group on Trade, Debt and Finance in November 2014. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 100 - 
 
  International Settlements, the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Economic 
Forum, the trade-finance gap is particularly large in Africa.  
5.3.  According to one estimate by the EU/ACP Secretariat, the trade-finance gap may be as high 
as US$225 billion.122 With interest rates for a one-year private trade loan ranging from 13% above 
inflation in Zambia, 25% in Tanzania and 74% in Ghana there is considerable evidence that lack of 
trade-finance is a key obstacle to trade and participation in international supply chains. Although Africa appears to be the region most severely affected by this situation, Latin American and Asian 
countries also face significant challenges. The integration of many of these countries into global 
production networks and value chains remained problematic as production networks were moving faster than the ability of the local financial sectors to support new trade and production.  
5.2  Dispute settlement 
5.4.  2014 was one of the most active years for dispute settlement activity since the inception of 
the WTO. Over the period January to mid-November 2014, there were 12 requests for consultations, 12 panels established by the DSB, 3 panel requests pending before the DSB, 24 
active ongoing panels, 6 appeals, 5 compliance panel proceedings under Article 21.5 (including the 
on-going aircraft disputes), and 1 arbitration pursuant to Article 22.6. As in previous years, the subject-matter of WTO dispute settlement continue s to touch on many of the covered agreements: 
the 9 panel reports and 3 Appellate Body Reports ci rculated over this period address a range of 
provisions in the Marrakesh Agreement, the GATT 1994, the SCM Agreement, the Anti-Dumping Agreement, the TBT Agreement, the SPS Agreement, the TRIMs Agreement, China's Accession Protocol, the Import Licensing Agreement, and the DSU. Ongoing dispute settlement proceedings 
involve claims under other covered agreements, including but not limited to the GATS, the TRIPS 
Agreement, and the Safeguards Agreement. Another trend that continued in 2014 was the participation of both developed and developing countries in the WTO dispute settlement system: 
each of the 9 panel reports circulated over this period involved at least one developing country 
party, either as a complainant (five cases) or the respondent (four cases). 
5.3  Aid for trade 
5.5.  A new biennium Aid-for-Trade Work Programme covering the period 2014-2015, which the 
General Council took note of at its meeting in  May 2014, provided the framework for WTO's Aid-
for-Trade related work and activities in 2014. With its theme "Reducing Trade Costs for Inclusive, Sustainable Growth", the Work Programme reflects the Decision on Aid for Trade adopted by 
Ministers at MC9, speaks to implementation of  the Bali Package (together with existing WTO 
agreements), on-going work on connecting developing countries – and in particular least developed countries – to regional and global value chains, and is framed by the emerging post-
2015 development agenda and associated goals. The Work Programme lays the groundwork for 
the Fifth Global Review of Aid for Trade that  will take place from 30 June-2 July 2015.  
5.6.  The WTO, the OECD, and other partners continue to collaborate on all aspects of the 
monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of Aid for Trade. As  part of the M&E exercise that will inform the 
Fifth Global Review, a series of self-assessment questionnaires – addressed to partner countries, donors, regional economic communities and transport corridors, and South-South partners – and a call for case stories has been launched. A call for case stories has also been addressed to the 
private sector, academia and non-governmental organizations. An analysis of the responses will 
feature in a joint WTO-OECD "Aid for Trade at a Glance" publication to be prepared for the Fifth Global Review. In line with the 2014-2015 Aid-for-Trade Work Programme, the theme of the 
Global Review is "Reducing Trade Costs for In clusive, Sustainable Growth". Discussions will 
examine how trade costs affect developing countries' competitiveness and ability to connect to regional and global value chains, what is being done to address this issue, and how Aid for Trade 
can help reduce trade costs and associated impacts to deliver inclusive, sustainable growth.  
5.7.  Despite on-going fiscal and economic diffic ulties, the mobilization of Aid-for-Trade funding 
has continued. Overall Aid-for-Trade commitments in 2012 amounted to US$54 billion, an increase of US$9 billion or 21% since 2011. Significant progress has been made in respect to regional 
approaches to Aid for Trade. In 2012 approximately US$7 billion was spent on multi-country and 
regional programmes, a more than triple increase from the 2002-2005 average of US$2.3 billion. 
                                               
122 The WTO Expert Group estimates this gap to be around US$70 billion. WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 101 - 
 
  While commitments and disbursements have increased, and are likely to continue to do so, 
middle-income countries are the recipients of most  of the Aid-for-Trade flows and concern over the 
allocation of Aid for Trade to least developed countries has been highlighted. As part of their Multiyear Action Plan on Development, G-20 Leaders committed to at least maintain, beyond 
2011, levels of Aid-for-Trade expenditure that re flect the average of the 2006-2008 expenditure, 
and agreed, at their Brisbane Summit on 15-16 November 2014, to continue to provide Aid for Trade to developing countries in need of assistance. 
 
  
 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 102 - 
 
  ANNEX 1 
MEASURES FACILITATING TRADE1 
(MID-NOVEMBER 2013 TO MID-OCTOBER 2014) 
Confirmed information2 
Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Algeria Temporary elimination of  import tariffs on certain 
products, i.e. maize; residues of starch manufacture and similar residues; brewing or 
distilling dregs and wast e; oil-cake and other 
solid residues, whether or not ground or in the 
form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soyabean oil; sunflower seeds; low erucic acid rape or colza seeds; zinc  ores and concentrates; 
and flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot rolled, not clad, plated or coated (HS Chapter 10; 23; 72) Loi No. 13-08 du 27 
Safar 1435 portant loi de Finance pour 2014 
(30 December 13)  
Argentina Measures to facilitate trade through the 
implementation of a ne w informatic customs 
system  ( Sistema Informático Malvina "SIM" ) Administración 
Federal de Ingresos 
Públicos -  Resolución 
General No. 
3560/2013 
(5 December 13) Effective 
9 December 13 
Azerbaijan Temporary elimination of import tariffs and 
reduction of import exci se duties on petroleum 
oils (HS 2710.12.41; 2710.12.45; 2710.12.49; 2710.12.51; 2710.12.59) Permanent 
Delegation of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (16 October 14) Effective 
1 February 14 
Azerbaijan Exemption of import tariffs and VATfor certain 
goods, i.e. live sheep, goats and poultry; soya 
beans; sugar beet seeds; seed of forage plants; 
machinery and mechanical appliances used in 
foreign economic activities  in the non-oil sector 
(HS 0104.10.10; 0104.20.10; 0105.11; 
1201.00.10; 1206.00.10; 1209.10.00; 
1209.22.10; 1209.29.60; 8419.31.00; 8421; 
8421.20.90; 8422.20.00; 8422.90.90; 8424.81; 
8428.20.30; 8428.90.71; 8432; 8433.20; 
8433.30; 8433.40; 8433.51.00; 8433.52.00; 
8433.53; 8433.59; 8433.60.00; 8433.90.00; 
8434; 8436; 8437; 8438) Permanent 
Delegation of 
Azerbaijan to the 
United Nations 
(16 October 14) Exemption 
extended until 
1 March 14 
Bolivia, 
Plurinational State of Temporary elimination of im port tariffs on diesel  
(HS 2710.19.21) Decreto Supremo 
No. 1873 (23 January 14) Effective for 1 
year 
                                               
1 The inclusion of any measure in this table implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether or 
not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in  nature. Moreover, nothing in the table implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure refe rred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement. 
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/17 
 
- 103 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Bolivia, 
Plurinational 
State of Extension of the temporary elimination of import 
tariffs on wheat and meslin (HS 1001.11.00; 
1001.19.00), wheat and meslin flour (HS 
1101.00.00) (originally effective until 
December 13), under a new Food Security Policy Decreto Supremo 
No. 1902 
(25 February 14) Extended for 180 
days 
Bolivia, 
Plurinational State of Increase of the volume (300,000 metric tonnes) 
of export quota of soya beans (HS 1201.10.00; 1201.90.00) (originally implemented on 
6 March 13) Decreto Supremo 
No. 1925 (13 March 14)  
Brazil Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
4-cloro-alfa, alfa, alfa-trifluor-3,5-dinitrotolueno 
(NCM 2904.90.14), under an import quota of 
3,600 tonnes; monomethylamine 
(NCM 2921.11.11), under an import quota of 
60 tonnes; monoethylamine and its salts 
(NCM 2921.19.11), under an import quota of 
738 tonnes; di-n-propilamine and its salts 
(NCM 2921.19.22), under an import quota of 
1,205 tonnes; and titanium oxides 
(NCM 2823.00.10), under an import quota of 
8,000 tonnes Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(28 May 14), Camex 
Resolution 
No. 96/2013 
(25 November 13) 
and Secex Portaria 
No. 50/2013 
(12 December 13) Effective 
26 November 13 
to 
25 November 14 
Brazil Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
476 capital goods tariff lines (in NCM Chapters 73; 84; 85; 86; 87; 89; 90) and 11 informatic and telecommunication equipment tariff lines (NCM 8517.62.32; 8517.62.49; 8517.62.59; 8528.51.20; 8530.10.10), through the "ex-out" regime (mechanism desi gned to temporarily 
reduce import tariffs on capital goods and informatics and telecommunication equipment not locally produced) Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (28 May 2014); Camex Resolutions Nos. 103/2013 (6 December 13), 119/2013, 120/2013 (26 December 13), and 23/2014 
(9 April 14) Effective until 
31 December 14 
Brazil Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
sardines (NCM 0303.53.00), under an import 
quota of 113,000 tonnes Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(28 May 14), Camex 
Resolutions 
Nos. 125/2013 
(26 December 13), 
36/2014 
(28 April 14), 
62/2014 
(5 August 14) and 
Secex Portaria 
No. 1/2014 
(3 January 14) Effective 
26 December 13 
to 
30 September 15 
Brazil Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
1 capital goods tariff line (portal or pedestal jib cranes) (NCM 8426.30.00), through the "ex-out" regime Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (28 May 2014), and Camex Resolution No. 120/2013 (26 December 2013) Effective until 30 
June 2014 
Brazil Elimination of import tariffs (from 2%) on certain 
antisera and other blood fractions and modified 
immunological products, whether or not obtained 
by means of biotec hnological processes 
(i.e. concentrado de fator VIII da coagulação 
recombinante, concentrado de fator IX, 
concentrado de fator de von Willebrand de alta 
pureza ) (NCM 3002.10.39); and reduction of 
import tariffs (from 14% to 8%) on certain 
medicines (NCM 3004.90.99) Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(28 May 14), and 
Camex Resolution 
No. 102/2013 
(3 December 13) Effective 
1 January 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 104 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Brazil Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 
o-Xylene (NCM 2902.41.00), under an import quota of 10,200 tonnes Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (28 May 2014), Camex Resolution No. 4/2014 (30 January 14) and Secex Portaria 
No. 3/2014 
(31 January 14) Effective 
31 January 14 to 29 July 14 
Brazil Temporary elimination of im port tariffs on certain 
medicines consisting of mixed or unmixed 
products for therapeutic or  prophylactic uses, put 
up in measured doses or in forms or packings for 
retail sale (NCM 3004.90.78); and temporary 
reduction of import tari ffs (to 2%) on unwrought 
aluminium not alloyed (NCM 7601.10.00), under 
an import quota of 39,000 tonnes Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(28 May 14), Camex 
Resolutions 
Nos. 6/2014 and 
7/2014 
(18 February 14) and 
Secex Portaria 
No. 5/2014 
(19 February 14) Effective 
19 February 14 
to 17 August 14 
Brazil Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
754 capital goods tariff lines (in NCM Chapters 73; 82; 84; 85; 86; 87; 90) and 24 informatic and telecommunication equipment tariff lines (NCM 8443.32.99; 8528.51.10; 8528.51.20; 8530.10.10; 8537.10.20; 8543.70.99; 9030.40.90; 9030.89.90). Elimination of import tariffs on 2 informatic and telecommunication equipment tariff lines and 9 capital goods tariff lines (NCM 8528.49.21; 9030.89.90), through 
the "ex-out" regime Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (28 May 14), Camex Resolutions Nos. 19/2014,   20/2014 (13 March 14), and 35/2014 (28 April 14) Effective until 
31 December 15 
Brazil Extension of the temporary elimination of import 
tariffs on methanol (methyl alcohol) 
(NCM 2905.11.00), under an import quota of 
282,500 tonnes (effective 5 April 14 to 
2 October 14); and fire  fighting vehicles 
(NCM 8705.30.00), under an import quota of 
80 units (effective 17 March 14 to 
16 March 15) Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(28 May 2014), 
Camex Resolution 
No. 21/2014 
(13 March 14), Secex 
Portarias Nos. 7/2014 
and 8/2014 
(19 March 14)  
Brazil Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
aluminium foil (NCM 7607.19.90), under an import quota of 3,000,000 m
2 (effective until 
13 April 15); adiponitrila (1,4-dicianobutano) (NCM 2926.90.91), under an import quota of 30,700 tonnes (effective until 30 May 15); silicones in primary forms (NCM 3910.00.90), under an import quota of 132 tonnes (effective until 13 April 15); barium carbonate (NCM 2836.60.00), under an import quota of 4,125 tonnes (effective until 13 October 14); and palm kerner or babassu oil ( palmiste ) 
(NCM 1513.29.10), under an import quota of 99,332 tonnes (effective until 17 October 14). Temporary elimination of import tariffs on p-Xylene (NCM 2902.43.00), under an import 
quota of 160,000 tonnes (effective until 30 May 15) Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (28 May 14), Camex Resolution No. 31/2014 (11 April 14), Secex Portarias Nos. 10/2014 and 11/2014 (14 April 14)  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 105 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Brazil Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam)  
(NCM 2933.71.00), under an import quota of 
16,000 tonnes Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(28 May 14), Camex 
Resolution 
No. 33/2014 
(28 April 14) and 
Secex Portaria 
No. 14/2014 
(29 April 14) Effective 
29 April 14 to 
25 October 14 
Brazil Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
1,775 capital goods tariff lines (in NCM Chapters 82; 84; 85; 86; 87; 89; 90) and 43 informatic and telecommunication equipment tariff lines (NCM 8443.32.99; 8471.30.19; 8471.50.20; 8471.80.00; 8517.62.13; 8517.62.41: 8517.62.51; 8525.60.90; 8530.10.10; 8541.30.29; 8543.70.99; 8541.60.10; 8541.60.90; 8542.39.19; 8543.70.99; 9030.40.90; 9030.89.90; 9032.89.30; 9032.89.89). Elimination of import tariffs on 3 capital goods tariff lines (NCM 8602.10.00; 9018.90.40), through the "ex-out" regime Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (15 October 14) and Camex Resolutions Nos. 37/2014, 38/2014 (22 May 14), 43/2014, 44/2014 (20 June 14), 58/2014, 59/2014 (24 July 14), 79/2014, 80/2014 (11 September 14), 90/2014 and 91/2014 (7 October 14) Effective until 
31 December 15 
Brazil Temporary elimination of import tariffs on wheat 
and meslin (NCM 1001.99.00), under an import 
quota of 1 million tonnes Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(15 October 14) and 
Camex Resolution 
No. 42/2014 
(20 June 14) and 
Secex Portaria 
No. 20/2014 
(25 June 14) Effective 
23 June 14 to 
15 August 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 106 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Brazil Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on 
dimethylamine (NCM 2921.11.21), under an import quota of 12,226 tonnes; monoamines and its salts ( monoisopropilamina e seus sais ) 
(NCM 2921.19.23), under an import quota of 28,282 tonnes; isocyanates (NCM 2929.10.30), under an import quota of 6,500 tonnes; 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam) 
(NCM 2933.71.00), under an import quota of 
32,000 tonnes; vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers (NCM 3904.30.00), under an import quota of 2,500 tonnes; polycarbonates (NCM 3907.40.90), under an import quota of 35,040 tonnes; flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled (NCM 7208.51.00), under an import quota of 18,500 tonnes (effective 28 July 14 to 28 April 15); aluminium plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm (NCM 7606.12.90), under an import quota of 563 tonnes (effective 31 July 14 to 30 January 15); aluminium foil of a thickness not exceeding 0.2 mm (NCM 7607.11.90), under an import quota of 563 tonnes (effective 31 July 14 to 30 January 15); and parts suitable for use solely or principally with certain apparatus (NCM 8538.90.90), under an import quota of 72 tonnes. Temporary elimination of import tariffs on antisera and other blood fractions and 
modified immunological products (NCM 3002.10.37), under an import quota of 
600,000 doses Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (15 October 14) and Camex Resolutions Nos. 56/2014 (22 July 14), 57/2014 (24 July 14) 
and Secex Portarias 
Nos. 22/2014, 23/2014 (28 July 14), 28/2014 (15 August 14)  
Brazil Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on 
pigments and preparations based on titanium 
dioxide (NCM 3206.11.19), under an import 
quota of 120,000 tonnes (effective 12 August 14 
to 11 August 15); poly(ethylene terephthalate)  
(NCM 3907.60.00), under an import quota of 
20,000 tonnes (effective 12 August 14 to 
11 August 15); artificial staple fibres, not carded, 
combed or otherwise processed for spinning of 
viscose rayon (NCM 5504.10.00), under an 
import quota of 4,800 tonnes (effective 
12 August 14 to 11 August 15); crane lorries 
(NCM 8705.10.90), under an import quota of 
2 units (effective 12 August 14 to 
11 February 15); esters of acrylic acid  
(NCM 2916.12.20), under an import quota of 
7,000 tonnes (effective 28 August 14 to 
23 February 15); poly(vinyl butyral) 
(NCM 3920.91.00), under an import quota of 
5,818,500 kg (effective for 180 days); 
adiponitrila (NCM 2926.90.91), under an import 
quota of 34,000 tonnes (effective 31 May 14 to 
30 May 15). Temporary elimination of import 
tariffs on unwrought aluminium not alloyed 
(NCM 7601.10.00), under an import quota of 
300,000 tonnes (effective 18 August 14 to 
17 August 15) and methanol (methyl alcohol) 
(NCM 2905.11.00), under an import quota of 
282,500 tonnes (effective 3 October 14 to 
3 April 15) Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(15 October 14) and 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 61/2014 
(5 August 14),  
63/2014, 64/2014 
(11 August 14), 
76/2014 
(27 August 14), 
77/2014 
(29 August 14); and 
Secex Portarias 
Nos. 25/2014, 
26/2014, 27/2014 
(8 August 14), 
28/2014 
(15 August 14), 
29/2014 
(21 August 14), 
30/2014 
(28 August 14), 
34/2014 
(12 September 14)  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 107 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Brazil Reduction of import tariffs (from 10% to 2%) on 
fluorides of aluminium (NCM 2826.12.00); and (from 55% to 10%) desiccated coconuts (NCM 0801.11.00) Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (15 October 14) and Camex Resolutions Nos. 60/2014 (31 July 14) and 71/2014 
(14 August 14) Effective 
1 August 14 
Brazil Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 
18%) on certain switching apparatus ( disjuntor ) 
(NCM 8537.20.90) Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(15 October 14) and 
Camex Resolution 
No. 78/2014 
(4 September 14) Effective for 180 
days 
Brazil Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on 
palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions  (NCM 1513.29.10), under an import quota of 99,332 tonnes (effective 18 October 14 to 16 April 15); and casein (NCM 3501.10.00), under an import quota of  1,900 tonnes (effective 
30 September 14 to 29 September 15) Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (15 October 14) and Camex Resolution No. 88/2014 (26 September 14) and Secex Portarias Nos. 35/2014 and  36/2014 (30 September 14)  
Brazil Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
certain synthetic filament yarn 
(NCM 5402.46.00), under an import quota of 
161,600 tonnes Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(15 October 14) and 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 31/2014 
(11 April 14) 
92/2014 
(7 October 14) and 
Secex Portaria No. 
 39/2014 
(9 October 14) Effective 
14 April 14 to 
13 April 15 
Brazil Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
disodium sulphate (NCM 2833.11.10), under an import quota of 425,500 tonnes; and flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated of a thickness exceeding 10 mm (NCM 7208.51.00), under an import quota of 122,000 tonnes Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (15 October 14) and Camex Resolutions Nos. 93/2014 and 94/2014 (14 October 14) Effective 
15 October 14 to 15 April 15 
Canada Elimination of import tariffs (from 20%) on 
mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) 
(HS 8905.20.11; 8905.90.11)  used in oil and 
gas exploration and development Permanent 
Delegation of Canada 
to the WTO 
(23 May 14) Effective 
5 May 14 
Canada Elimination of import tariffs on certain products 
used in manufacturing  (10 tariff lines), i.e. palm oil and its fractions; flours, meals and pellets of fish or crustaceans; paints and varnishes; 
gaskets, washers and other seals; mountings, fittings and similar arti cles suitable for motor 
vehicles; lead-acid accumulators; railway or tramway equipment; and motor radiators (HS Chapters 15; 23; 32; 40; 83; 85; 86; 87) Permanent 
Delegation of Canada to the WTO (17 October 14) Effective 
13 June 14 
Chile Measures to facilitate trade through the 
implementation of new online customs 
procedures Permanent 
Delegation of Chile to 
the WTO 
(13 May 14) Effective 
December 13 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 108 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
China Release in December 13 of the catalogue of 
items subject to automatic import licensing, i.e. meat and edible me at offal, products of 
animal origin, milk and cream, soya beans, rape or colza seeds, animal or  vegetable fats and oils, 
tobacco and manufactured tobacco, wadding, artificial filament tow, ores, mineral fuels, inorganic chemicals, fertilisers, flat-rolled 
products, machinery and mechanical appliances, 
electrical machinery and equipment, vehicles and parts, aircraft, and ships (HS Chapters 02; 04; 05; 12; 15; 19; 23; 24; 26; 27; 28; 31; 48; 55; 56; 72; 84; 85; 86; 87; 88; 89; 90; 95) Permanent 
Delegation of China to the WTO (21 May 14)  and MOFCOM Announcement No. 98/2013 Effective 
1 January 14 
China Tariff Implementation Plan for 2014 resulting in 
the decrease of import tariffs and export duties 
on selected products Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO 
(30 April 14) Effective 
1 January 14 
China Measures to facilitate trade through the 
implementation of the paperless customs clearance reform nation-wide Permanent 
Delegation of China to the WTO (21 May 14) Effective  
1 April 14 
China Release by the General Office of China's State 
Council of the Notice on strengthening 
commercial policy compliance covering certain 
areas, i.e. customs procedures, tariffs, trade 
remedies, export taxes, tax rebates, price 
controls, tax incentives, government support, 
and intellectual property.  The Circular requires 
the State Council departments, and governments 
at provincial level to en sure that regulations, 
regulatory documents and other policy measures 
are consistent with the WTO rules and China's 
accession commitments Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO 
(16 October 14)  
China "Three One" joint Notice from the General 
Administration of Customs (GAC) and General Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) expanding the coverage of implementation of: "one declaration, one inspection, and one release" to all regionals customs, as well as the inspection and quarantine departments directly under GAC and 
AQSIQ. One Declaration refers to one document for customs and inspection and quarantine departments respec tively; One Inspection refers 
to one inspection jointly carried out by customs and  inspection and quar antine authorities; One 
Release refers to a facilitated verification procedure for accelerated release of goods Permanent 
Delegation of China to the WTO (16 October 14) Effective 
1 August 14 
China Expansion of the export tax rebate pilot scheme 
to 8 more ports (Nanjung, Suzhou, Lianyungang, 
Wuhu, Jiujiang, Qingdao, Wuhan, and Yueyang). 
Exporters may apply VAT and consumption 
export tax rebate for their eligible goods when 
shipped from these 8 ports and via the Yangshan 
Free Trade Port in Shanghai Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO 
(16 October 14) Effective  
1 September 14 
Colombia Reduction of import tariffs (from 10% to 5%) on 
poly(vinyl chloride) (HS 3904.10.20) Permanent 
Delegation of Colombia to the WTO (17 October 14) and Decreto No. 2459 Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo (7 November 13)  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 109 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Colombia "Programa de Fomento de la Industria 
Automotriz ", scheme granting import tariffs 
reduction and/or elimination on certain materials 
and auto-parts (538 tariff lines in HS Chapters 
25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 32; 34; 35; 38; 39; 40; 45; 
48; 49; 56; 57; 59; 68; 70; 72; 73; 74; 76; 78; 
80; 82; 83; 84; 85; 86; 87; 90; 91; 94) for the 
automotive industry Permanent 
Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(17 October 14),  
Decreto No. 2910 
Ministerio de 
Comercio, Industria y 
Turismo 
(17 December 13), 
and Resolución 
No. 000150 Dirección 
de Impuestos y 
Aduanas Nacionales 
(17 July 14) To be 
implemented on 
1 November 14 
Colombia Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 
electrical motor vehicles for the transport of 10 or more persons (HS 8702.90.91; 8702.90.99; 8703.90.00; 8704.90.00), under an import quota of 750 units; and static converters (HS 8504.40.90), under an import quota of 1,600 units. Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 5%) on hybrid motor vehicles for the transport of 10 or more persons (HS 8702.90.91; 8703.90.00; 8704.90.00), under an import quota of 750 units; and certain chassis fitted with engines (HS 8702.90.99; 8704.31.90; 8704.32.10; 8704.32.20; 8704.32.90; 8704.90.00) Permanent 
Delegation of Colombia to the WTO (17 October 14) and Decreto No. 2909 Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo (17 December 13) Effective for 3 
years 
Costa Rica Creation of a new tariff line "certain reception 
apparatus for television ( convertidor de se ňales 
digitales de televisión ) (HS 8528.71.20)" , 
resulting in the elimination of import tariffs Permanent 
Delegation of Costa 
Rica to the WTO 
(14 October 14) and 
Resolución 
No. 342-2014 
(COMIECO-LXVII) Effective 
25 June 14 
East African 
Community (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda) Decrease of import tariffs (from 25% to 10%) on 
35 paper and paperboard tariff lines (HS Chapter 48) EAC Gazette 
Vol. AT 1 - No. 8 - Legal Notice No. EAC/21/2014 (20 June 14) Effective 
1 July 14 
East African 
Community 
(Burundi, 
Kenya, 
Rwanda, 
Tanzania, 
Uganda) Extension of the temporary elimination of import 
tariffs on completely knocked down kits (CKD) 
for motorcycles (HS 8711.10.00; 8711.20.00; 
8711.30.00; 8711.40.00; 8711.90.00). Only 
applicable to manufacturers of motorcycles that 
manufacture the specified parts or are 
manufactured in the EAC (originally implemented 
on 30 June 13) EAC Gazette 
Vol. AT 1 - No. 8 - 
Legal Notice 
No. EAC/25/2014 
(20 June 14) Extended on 
20 June 14 
Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 
10%) on road tractors for semi-trailers; and 
(from 25%) motor vehicles for transport of 
goods with gross vehicle weight exceeding 
20 tonnes. Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 25% to 10%) motor vehicles for transport of goods with gross vehicle weight exceeding 5 tonnes but not exceeding 20 tonnes; and buses for transportation of  more than 25 persons 
(HS 8701.20.90; 8702.10.99; 8704.22.90; 8704.23.90) EAC Gazette 
Vol. AT 1 - No. 8 - Legal Notice 
No. EAC/21/2014 
(20 June 14) Effective 
1 July 14 for 1 year WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 110 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Kenya Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 75% 
to 35%) on rice, (from 35% to 10%) wheat 
grain, and temporary elimin ation of import tariffs 
(from 10%) on glucose and glucose syrup  
(HS 1001.90.10; 1001.90.90; 1006.10.00; 
1006.20.00; 1006.30.00; 1006.40.00; 
1702.30.00) EAC Gazette 
Vol. AT 1 - No. 8 - 
Legal Notices 
Nos. EAC/21/2014 
and EAC/24/2014 
(20 June 14) Effective 
1 July 14 for 
1 year 
Rwanda Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 
35%) on wheat (wheat grain). Temporary 
reduction of import tariffs (from 75% to 45%) on rice (HS 1001.99.10; 1001.99.90; 1006.10.00; 1006.20.00; 1006.30.00; 1006.40.00). Temporary reduction of import tariffs on sugar (HS 1701.99.90), under an import quota of 50,000 metric tonnes EAC Gazette 
Vol. AT 1 - No. 8 - 
Legal Notices Nos. EAC/21/2014 and EAC/27/2014 (20 June 14) Effective 
1 July 14 for 
1 year 
Rwanda Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 178 
HS tariff lines, i.e. milk, products of the milling 
industry, sugar, fruit juices, tobacco, chemicals, 
glues, photographic goods, miscellaneous 
chemicals products, plastics and plastic products, 
articles of wood, paper, man-made staple fibres, 
glass and glassware, iron and steel, aluminium 
and articles thereof, mattress supports, and 
miscellaneous manufactured articles  
(HS Chapters 04; 11; 12; 15; 17; 20; 21; 22; 
23; 24; 25; 27; 28; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 
39; 40; 44; 48; 49; 54; 55; 56; 58; 59; 60; 62; 
63; 70; 72; 73; 74; 76; 79; 83; 94; 96) EAC Gazette 
Vol. AT 1 - No. 8 - 
Legal Notice 
No. EAC/26/2014 
(20 June 14) Effective 
1 July 14 for 
1 year 
Tanzania Temporary eliminat ion of import tariffs on 
organic surface active agents and cash registers (electronic fiscal devices). Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 35% to 10%) on wheat 
(wheat grain) (HS 1001.99.10; 1001.99.90; 
3402.11.00; 3402.12.00; 3402.19.00; 8470.50.00) EAC Gazette 
Vol. AT 1 - No. 8 - Legal Notice No. EAC/21/2014 
(20 June 14) Effective 
1 July 14 for 1 year 
Uganda Temporary elimination of import tariffs on acrylic 
polymers in primary fo rms, organic surface 
active agents, odoriferous mixtures of a kind 
used as raw materials in the food or drink 
industries, and maternity kit and (from 10%) on 
13 HS tariff lines, i.e.  cement, alkyd resins, 
paper, man-made filaments, and man-made 
staple fibres  (HS Chapters 25; 39; 48; 54; 55; 
56). Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 
35% to 10%) on wheat (wheat grain); (from 
25% to 10%) on barley; and (from 25% to 10%) 
on 15 HS tariff lines, i.e. fruit juices, 
miscellaneous edible preparations, petroleum 
jelly, plastics and articl es, paper, cotton, and 
man-made staple fibres (HS Chapters 20; 21; 
27; 39; 48; 52; 55) (HS 1001.99.10; 
1001.99.90; 1003.90.00; 3302.10.00; 
3402.11.00; 3402.12.00; 3402.19.00; 
3906.90.00; 8212.10.00) EAC Gazette 
Vol. AT 1 - No. 8 - 
Legal Notices 
Nos. EAC/21/2014 
and EAC/28/2014 
(20 June 14) Effective 
1 July 14 for 
1 year 
Egypt Withdrawal of sealed beam lamps with a capacity 
exceeding 40 watts (HS 8539.22.90; 8539.29)  
from import/export control procedure requirements Permanent 
Delegation of Egypt 
to the WTO (28 May 14) Effective 
5 January 14 
European 
Union Amendments introduced in the list of agricultural 
and industrial products for which a temporary 
"suspension" of the autonomous common 
customs tariff duties is in force (HS in Chapters 
15; 19; 21; 22; 27; 28; 29; 32; 37; 38; 39; 44; 
56; 69; 70; 76; 83; 84; 85; 87; 90; 94) Council Regulation 
No. 722/2014 
(24 June 14) Effective 
1 July 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 111 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
European 
Union Termination on 19 August 14 of the temporary 
import ban on Atlanto-Scandian herring or mackerel (HS 0302; 0303; 0304; 0305; 1604) caught under the control of the Faeroe Islands, 
based on sustainability grounds (originally implemented on 28 August 13) Commission 
Implementing Regulations Nos. 793/2013 (20 August 13) and 896/2014 (18 August 14)  
India Temporary elimination of import tariffs and 
"additional duty" on anti-tuberculosis drugs and 
certain medical diagnostics and equipment, 
under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control 
Programme Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO (25 May 14) 
and  Notification 
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance - Department 
of Revenue 
No. 49/2013 
(29 November 13) Effective until 
1 October 15 
India Elimination of import tariffs on human embryo 
(HS 0511.99.99), subject to a "No Objection Certificate" from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Permanent 
Delegation of India to the WTO (25 May 14) and Notification, Ministry of Commerce & Industry No. 52/RE-2013 (2 December 13) Effective 
2 December 13 
India Authorization to export certain narcotics drugs 
and psychotropic substances (HS Chapter 29) 
(subject to "No Objection Certificate" from 
Narcotic Commissioner of India (Gwalior)) Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO (25 May 14) 
and Notification, 
Ministry of Commerce 
& Industry 
No. 55/RE-2013 
(3 December 13) Effective 
3 December 13 
India Elimination of the existing quantity ceiling for 
export of organic sugar (10,000 metric tonnes/year) (originally implemented on 14 May 13) (HS1701) Notification No. 88 
(RE – 2013)/ 2009-2014 Ministry of Commerce & Industry (4 July 14) Effective 
4 July 14 
India Reduction of import tari ffs (to 5%) on certain 
machinery and componen ts, required for the 
initial setting up of a solar power  or solar energy 
production generation facility and biogas plant 
"Bio-CNG" Notifications 
Nos. 13/2014 and 
14/2014 - Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of 
Revenue (11 July 14) Effective 
11 July 14 
India Reduction of import tariffs (from 5% to 2.5%) on 
steel grade dolomite an d steel grade limestone 
(HS 2518; 2521); (from 10% to 5%) naphthelene (HS 2707.40.00); (from 10% to 2.5%) other aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures of which 65% or more by volume (including losses) distils at 250°C by the ASTM D 86 method (HS 2707.50.00); and (from 10% to 5%) coal tar pitch (HS 2708) Permanent 
Delegation of India to the WTO (2 October 14) and Notification No. 12/2014 -Customs, Ministry of Finance - Department of Revenue (11 July 14) Effective 
11 July 14 
India Elimination of import tariffs on pre-forms of 
precious and semi-precious stones (HS 71) Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO 
(2 October 14) and 
Notification 
No. 12/2014 -
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance - Department 
of Revenue 
(11 July 14) Effective 
11 July 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 112 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
India Elimination of import tariffs (from 
20%/12.5%/10%) on certain animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products (i.e. crude palm, soya-bean, olive, sunflower, coconut, palm kernel, rape, colza) (HS 1507; 1508; 1509; 1510; 1511; 1512; 1513; 1514; 1515); (from 5%) liquefied natural gas "LNG" (HS 2711.11.00; 2711.21.00), 
diphenylmethane 4, 4-diisocyanate "MDI" for use 
in the manufacture of spandex yarn (HS 2933.71.00), and polytetrametylene ether glycol "PT MEG" for use in the manufacture of spandex yarn (HS 3907.20.10); (from 15%/20%) all goods for use in the manufacture of soaps and oleochemicals (HS 2915.70; 3823.11.11; 3823.11.12; 3823.11.19; 3823.11.90; 3823.12.00; 3823.13.00; 3823.19.00); (from 7.5%) flat copper wire used for manufacture of photovoltaic ribbon (tinned copper interconnect) for manufacture of solar photovoltaic cells or modules (HS 7408); certain electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof (HS 85) Notification 
No. 12/2014 -Customs, Ministry of Finance - Department of Revenue (11 July 14) Effective 
11 July 14 
India Reduction of import tariffs (from 12.5% to 7.5%) 
on crude glycerin (HS 1520.00.00); (from 7.5% 
to 5%) ethyl alcohol and other spirits, 
denatured, of any strength (HS 2207.20.00); 
(from 5% to 2.5%) on anthracite coal 
(HS 2701.11.00; 2701.19.90), propane 
(HS 2711.12.00), ethylene, propylene, 
butadiene, o-Xylene (HS 2901.10.00; 
2901.21.00; 2901.22.00; 2901.24.00; 
2902.41.00), vessels and other floating 
structures for breaking up (HS 8908.00.00); 
(from 7.5% to 5%) forged steel rings for 
manufacture of special bearings for use in wind 
operated electricity generators (HS 7326.90.99), 
and (from 10% to 5%) battery waste and 
battery scrap (HS 85) Notification 
No. 12/2014 -
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance - Department 
of Revenue 
(11 July 14) Effective 
11 July 14 
India Creation of a new tariff line "crude glycerin for 
use in the manufacture of soaps" (HS 1520.00.00) resulting in the elimination of import tariffs Notification 
No. 12/2014 -Customs, Ministry of Finance - Department of Revenue (11 July 14) Effective 
11 July 2014 
India Temporary elimination of im port tariffs on certain 
anti-retroviral drugs "ARV" and medical 
equipment and diagnostics Notification 
No. 23/2014 -
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance - Department 
of Revenue 
(11 July 14) Effective 
11 July 14 to 
31 March 15 
India Elimination of import tariffs on chickpeas 
(garbanzos) (HS 0713.20.00) Notification 
No. 29/2014 -
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance - Department of Revenue (25 September 14)  
Iraq Temporary elimination of import licensing 
requirements for food products Permanent 
Delegation of Iraq  
(27 October 14) Effective 
17 June 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 113 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Korea, Rep. of Extension of tari ff reductions on goods (21 tariff 
lines) for prevention of environmental pollution (HS Chapters 69; 84; 85; 90) (originally implemented in 1993) Permanent 
Delegation of Korea to the WTO (27 May 14) and WTO document WT/TPR/OV/16, 31 January 14 On 1 January 14 
extended for 2 years only for SMEs 
Korea, Rep. of Temporary reduction or elimination of import 
tariffs on 50 items, i.e. wheat for milling 
(HS 1001.99), under an import quota of  
0.8 million tonnes; soya bean for soya bean oil 
and oil cake (HS 1201.90), under an import 
quota of 1 million tonnes; maize for feeding and 
mushroom growing (HS 1005.90), under an 
import quota of 9 million tonnes for feeding, and 
10,000 tonnes for mushroom growing Permanent 
Delegation of Korea 
to the WTO 
(27 May 14) Effective 
1 January 14 to 
31 December 14 
(the reduction on 
7 items is  
applicable only 
until 30 June 14, 
while it is applied 
to 43 items 
throughout the 
year) 
Mauritius Withdrawal of ce rtain products, i.e. sugar 
confectioneries and produc ts with sugar content, 
fruit juice, and non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks) (HS 1704; 2009; 2202) from the export control list Permanent 
Delegation of Mauritius to the WTO (16 May 14) and Government Notice No. 297/2013 Effective 
10 December 13 
Mexico Implementation of automatic import licensing 
requirements (aviso automático de importación ) 
on 113 tariff lines of stell, and products of steel; 
and certain slot machines Permanent 
Delegation of Mexico 
to the WTO 
(22 May 14) Effective 
December 13 
Mexico Elimination of import tariffs on 21 medicaments 
tariff lines (HS Chapter 30), and reduction of import tariffs (to 7%) on certain metal furniture 
(HS 9403.20.01; 9403.20.02; 9403.20.04) Permanent 
Delegation of Mexico to the WTO 
(22 May 14) Effective 
13 December 13 
Mexico Elimination of import tariffs on poultry meat and 
edible offal, chilled or frozen ( productos 
utilizados en la elaboración de carnes frías y 
embutidos ) (HS 0207) Permanent 
Delegation of Mexico 
to the WTO 
(15 October 14) Effective 
30 July 14 
Mexico Extension of the redu ction of import tariffs (to 
20%) on footwear (HS Chapter 64) Permanent 
Delegation of Mexico to the WTO (15 October 14) Effective 
29 August 14 to 31 January 19 
Moldova, 
Rep. of Reduction of VAT (from 20% to 8%) on imports 
of sugar beet; waste and scrap of primary cells, 
primary batteries and elec tric accumulators; and 
long-term material assets used in the 
manufacturing of products. Temporary VAT 
exemption on imports of certain agricultural 
machinery (effective until March 14) Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Republic of Moldova 
(21 October 14) and 
Law No. 324 Effective 
31 December 13 
New Zealand Temporary import tariff concessions on certain 
products, i.e. animal feed supplement; electrically powered, remotely controlled, hydraulic auger dredge; kn itted fabrics; building 
material of a kind used in the construction of a residential dwelling (HS Chapters 23; 32; 35; 
39; 40; 44; 56; 65; 68; 69; 70; 72; 73; 74; 76; 
78; 80; 83; 84; 85; 89; 94) Permanent 
Delegation of New Zealand to the WTO (21 October 14) and Tariff Concession Notices Nos. 19/2014 
and 20/2014 - 
Gazette No. 67 (24 June 14) Effective 
24 June 14 
Nigeria Tariff readjustment for the Automotive Industry 
resulting in the elimination of import tariffs on 
"fully built units agricu ltural tractors" (FBU) 
(HS 8701.90.00) and on all machinery and 
equipment imported for the purpose of vehicle 
assembly Nigerian Automotive 
Council Measures to 
transform the Nigeria 
Automotive Industry 
and Attract 
Investment into 
Sector - Government 
Notice No. 33 
(29 January 14)  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 114 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Pakistan Temporary elimination/ reduction of import tariffs 
on certain raw materials,  equipment, parts and 
components for local industries Permanent 
Delegation of Pakistan to the WTO (30 May 14) referring to SRO No. 221(I)/2014 Federal Board of Revenue Effective 
31 March 14 
Pakistan Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 
potatoes (HS 0701), under an import quota of 
200,000 metric tonnes. Imports also exempted 
of sale  and withholding taxes Permanent 
Delegation of 
Pakistan to the WTO 
(22 October 14) and 
Federal Board of 
Revenue 
SRO No. 341(I)2014 Effective 
5 May 2014 
Pakistan Modification of the list of "import of commodities 
not permissible". The import of CNG cylinders/kits/parts thereof by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMS) for conversion of vehicles at thei r manufacturing and 
assembling facilities is now permitted Permanent 
Delegation of Pakistan to the WTO (22 October 14) and Ministry of Commerce SRO No. 762(I)2014 Effective 
26 August 14 
Paraguay Elimination of prior-import licensing 
requirements on soya beans (NCM 1201) 
(originally implemented in August 06) Permanent 
Delegation of 
Paraguay to the WTO 
(22 May 14) and 
Resolución No. 1358 
Ministry of 
Agriculture 
(21 November 13) Effective 
22 November 13 
Peru Incorporation of new administrative procedures 
to be processed through the single window. 
These procedures have been incorporated on a 
regular basis as from 30 November 13 Permanent 
Delegation of Peru to 
the WTO 
(20 May 14)  
Russian 
Federation Elimination of export du ties on nickel (from 
3.75%) and copper (from 10%) (HS 7403.11.00; 
7502.10.00) Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Russian Federation to 
the WTO 
(15 October 14) Effective 
22 August 14 
Customs 
Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain 
condensers (HS 8418.99.10) Permanent 
Delegation of the Russian Federation  (23 May 14) and Decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 83 Effective until 
31 December 14 
Customs 
Union between 
the Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 
concentrated apple juice, ground natural calcium 
phosphates, natural aluminium calcium 
phosphates and ph osphatic chalk 
(HS 2009.79.19; 2009.79.30; 2510.20) Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Russian Federation  
(23 May 14) Effective from 
1 December 13 
to 
30 November 14 
Customs 
Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Reduction of import tariffs on certain type of 
motor vehicles and semi-trailers (HS 8702; 8704; 8705; 8716) Permanent 
Delegation of the Russian Federation  (23 May 14) and Decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 92 Effective 
23 December 13 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 115 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Customs 
Union between 
the Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Temporary elimination of im port tariffs on certain 
vehicles with electrical engines (HS 8703.90.10) Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Russian Federation  
(23 May 14) and 
Decision No. 98 
Eurasian Economic 
Commission  Council 
(23 December 13)  
Customs 
Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 
aeroplanes and other aircraft of an unladen weight exceeding 120,000 kg (HS 8802.40.09) Permanent 
Delegation of the Russian Federation  (23 May 14) and Decisions of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission Nos. 101 and 28 Effective 
23 December 13 to 31 December 17 
Customs 
Union between 
the Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Temporary reduction of import tariffs on wood 
pulp (HS 4703.29.00) Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Russian Federation  
(23 May 14) and 
Decision of the 
Council of the 
Eurasian Economic 
Commission No. 266 Effective 
January 14 to 
December 15 
Customs Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 
railway coach (HS 8603.90.00) Permanent 
Delegation of the Russian Federation  (23 May 14) and Decision of the Council of the 
Eurasian Economic 
Commission No. 14 Effective 
5 February 14 to 31 July 14 
Customs 
Union between 
the Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain 
paper and paper board (HS 4810.13.80; 
4810.19.90) Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Russian Federation  
(23 May 14) and 
Decision of the 
Council of the 
Eurasian Economic 
Commission No. 9 Effective 
1 March 14 to 
31 August 14 
Customs Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Temporary elimination of import tariffs on ores 
and lead concentrates (HS 2607.00) Permanent 
Delegation of the Russian Federation  (23 May 14) and Decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 25 Effective 
1 April 14 to 31 March 15 
Customs 
Union between 
the Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Temporary elimination of import tariffs on rare 
earth minerals (HS 2805.30) Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Russian Federation  
(23 May 14) and 
Decision of the 
Council of the 
Eurasian Economic 
Commission No. 24 Effective 
1 May 14 to 
30 April 15 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 116 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Customs 
Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Reduction of import tariffs (4,803 tariffs lines) 
under implementation of Russia's WTO accessions commitments Permanent 
Delegation of the Russian Federation to the WTO (15 October 14);  Decisions of the Board of the Eurasian Economic 
Commission Nos. 77, 
103; and  Decisions of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission Nos. 47, 52 Effective as from 
June 14 
Customs 
Union between 
the Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Reduction of import tariffs (from 3.5% to 2%) on 
drilling machines (HS 8430.41.00; 8430.49.00) 
(originally implemented on 2 September 13) Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Russian Federation to 
the WTO 
(15 October 14) Effective 
26 July 14 
Customs Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Temporary elimination of im port tariffs on certain 
parts of turbo-jets, turbo-propeller and other gas turbines (HS 8411.99.00); terephthalic acid and its salts (HS 2917.36); aniline and its salts  (HS 2921.41), and gas turbines (HS 8411) Permanent 
Delegation of the Russian Federation to the WTO (15 October 14);  Decisions of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission Nos. 48, 53; and  Decisions of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Nos. 110, 219 Effective 
2 September 14 to 1 September 16 
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs 
Union 
(Botswana, 
Lesotho, 
Namibia, 
South Africa, 
and 
Swaziland) Elimination of import tariffs (from 10%) on 
poly(vinyl butyral) (HS 3920.91) Permanent 
Delegation of South 
Africa to the WTO 
(20 May 14) Effective 
20 December 13 
SACU - Southern African Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland) Elimination of import tariffs  on other pile fabrics, 
knitted or crocheted, of man-made fibres for use in the manufacture of footwear with uppers of textile materials (HS 6001.92) Permanent 
Delegation of South Africa to the WTO (13 October 14) and Notice No. 377 of 2014 - International Trade Administration Commission - Government Gazette No. 37654 (23 May 14) Effective 
23 May 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 117 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs 
Union 
(Botswana, 
Lesotho, 
Namibia, 
South Africa, 
and 
Swaziland) Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 132 
c/kg to 92.6 c/kg) on cane and beet sugar 
(effective 27 June 2014 to 26 September 2014). 
On 26 September 2014, the import tariff was 
increased (from 92.6 c/kg to 142.5 c/kg)  
(HS 1701.12; 1701.13; 1701.14; 1701.91; 
1701.99) Permanent 
Delegation of South 
Africa to the WTO 
(13 October 14), 
Notice No. 501 of 
2014 - International 
Trade Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette 
No. 37780 
(27 June 14), and 
Notice No. R. 743 
Government Gazette 
No. 38027 
(26 September 14)  
SACU - 
Southern African Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland) Creation of a new tariff line "stranded wire, of 
wire which is plated, coated or clad with copper-zinc base alloys (brasses)" (HS 7312.10.10) resulting in the elimination of import tariffs (from 5%) Permanent 
Delegation of South Africa to the WTO (13 October 14) and Notice No. 555 of 2014 - International Trade Administration Commission - Government Gazette No. 37831 (18 July 14) Effective 
18 July 14 
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs 
Union 
(Botswana, 
Lesotho, 
Namibia, 
South Africa, 
and 
Swaziland) Elimination of import tariffs (from 10%) on 
graphite electrodes for furnaces (HS 8545.11) Permanent 
Delegation of South 
Africa to the WTO 
(13 October 14) and 
Notice No. 659 of 
2014 - International 
Trade Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette 
No. 37959 
(5 September 14) Effective 
5 September 14 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Extension of the temporary reduction of import 
tariffs (from 10%-25% to 5%-zero) on 193 consumer goods (originally implemented in February 11, for three years) Permanent 
Delegation of Saudi Arabia to the WTO (15 October 14) Effective 
January 14, for 3 years 
Trinidad and 
Tobago Temporary elimination of im port tariffs on certain 
products, i.e. meat, dried fish, cheese, tea, oils, 
prepared or preserved fish, fruit juices, active 
yeasts, certain food preparations, salt, fertilisers, 
articles of plastic, appa rel and clothing, footwear, 
iron and steel, and aluminium reservoirs 
(HS Chapter 02; 03; 04; 09; 15; 16; 20; 21; 25; 
31; 39; 62; 64; 72; 73; 76; 87; 95) Permanent 
Delegation of 
Trinidad and Tobago 
to the WTO 
(13 May 14) Effective until 
31 December 14 
Trinidad and 
Tobago Temporary elimination of import tariffs on dried, 
salted pollock fillets; co mpact fluorescent lamps; 
and certain cane or beet sugar (HS 0305.30.00; 1701.99.90; 8539.31.00) Permanent 
Delegation of Trinidad and Tobago to the WTO 
(13 May 14) Effective until 
31 December 15 
Tunisia Temporary reduction/elimin ation of import tariffs 
on certain agriculture products and food 
products. VAT on some products also reduced or 
exempted Permanent 
Delegation of Tunisia  
to the WTO 
(24 October 14) and 
Décret No. 2 
(7 January 14) Effective until 
31 December 14 
Turkey Elimination of import tariffs (from 19.3%) on 
dried beans (HS 0713) Permanent 
Delegation of Turkey to the WTO (13 May 14) Effective 
21 January 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 118 - 
 
  Country/ 
Member 
State Measure Source/date Status 
Uruguay Measures to facilitate trade through the 
implementation of the "Authorized Economic 
Operator" scheme of the World Customs 
Organization SAFE Framework of Standards to 
Secure and Facilitate Global Trade Permanent 
Delegation of 
Uruguay to the WTO 
(7 May 14) and 
Resolución No. 1470 
Ministerio de 
Economía y Finanzas 
(28 February 14) Effective 
28 February 14 
Venezuela, 
Bolivarian Rep. of Measures to facilitate trade through the 
implementation of enhanced customs clearance procedures Permanent 
Delegation of Venezuela to the WTO (22 May 14) and Government Announcement Official Gazette No. 40349 (5 February 14)  
Venezuela, 
Bolivarian 
Rep. of Extension of the temporar y reductions of import 
tariffs on 27 food tariff lines, i.e. live bovine 
animals (HS 0102.10.00); meat of bovine 
animals, fresh, chilled or frozen (HS 0201.10.00; 
0201.30.00; 0202.10.00; 0202.30.00); milk and 
cream (HS 0402.21.19); dried leguminous 
vegetables (HS  0713.10.90; 0713.33.91; 
0713.40.90); wheat and meslin (HS 1001.10.90; 
1001.90.20); maize (corn) (HS 1005.10.00); 
soya beans (HS 1201.00.10); sunflower seeds 
(HS 1206.00.10); oil seeds and oleaginous fruits 
(HS 1207.10.10; 1207.20.10); vegetable seeds 
(HS 1209.91.10; 1209.91.20; 1209.91.30; 
1209.91.40; 1209.91.50; 1209.91.90); 
preparations for infant use (HS 1901.10.10); and 
food preparations (HS 2106.10.10; 2106.10.20; 
2106.90.90) Resolución Conjunta 
Gaceta Oficial 
No. 411.175 
(5 May 14) Effective 
14 March 14 to 
14 March 15 
 
 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 119 - 
 
  Recorded, but non-confirmed information3 
 
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Bangladesh Elimination of import tariffs on fire-safety 
equipment  BDnews24.com 
(28 April 14)   
Brazil Reduction of import ta riffs from (55 %  to 
35%) on peaches (NCM 2008.70.90); (from 
35%  to 16%) bicycle tyres 
(NCM 4011.50.00); (from 12% to 6%) 
banknote paper (HS 4802.57.91); and (from 
35% to 12%) porcelain (HS 6907.90.00)  Global tax news 
(10 July 14) Effective 4 July 14   
China 
 Elimination of export tariffs and export quotas 
for certain rare earth minerals (HS Chapters 25; 26; 28; 72; 80; 81). Press reports indicated that export quotas for tungsten will be maintained  Reuters 
(4 June 14) and Bloomberg News  19 June 14)   
Egypt Temporary import ban (originally 
implemented on 16 February 2014) on 
motorcycles, three-whee lers "tuk-tuks" and 
certain engines and chassis parts, lifted on 
26 May 14 on imports only for private or 
personal use (HS 85; 8703; 8704; 8706; 
8707; 8708; 8711; 8714)   Press reports 
referring to Decree 
471 (May 14)   
India Reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 153 
hi-tech products under the "focus product scheme"  Business Monitor 
International Ltd. No. 121 (16 July 14)    
Ghana Termination of the temporary import ban on 
rice (HS 1006) (originally implemented on 
1 November 13) Press reports 
(3 January 14) Effective 
3 January 14 
Morocco Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 
45% to 17.5%) on soft wheat (HS 1001)  Agra Europe 
(30 July 14)   
Nicaragua Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 
corn (HS 1005), under an import quota of 
73,000 metric tonnes; and on red beans 
(HS 0713), under an import quota of 
20,000 tonnes  El Espectador 
(17 June 14)   
Norway Measures to facilitate trade through the 
implementation of customs clearance formalities for preferential tariffs goods from developing countries  Press release by 
the Ministry of Finance (19 December 13)   
United States  Temporary authorization to export processed 
oil (HS 2710) granted to two companies 
under certain conditions  Wall Steet Journal 
(24 June 14) 
referring to the 
Export 
Administration 
Regulations "15 
CFR Chapter VII, 
subchapter C"   
Uruguay Temporary elimination of export taxes on live 
animals (NCM Chapter 01)  El Observador 
(19 June 14)   
Viet Nam Measures to facilitate trade through the 
implementation of an electronic customs 
clearance system The Japan News 
(7 April 14)   
 
                                               
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/17 
 
- 120 - 
 
  ANNEX 2 
TRADE-REMEDY MEASURES1 
(MID-NOVEMBER 2013 TO MID-OCTOBER 2014) 
Confirmed information2 
 
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Argentina Termination on 3 December 13 (without measure) 
of anti-dumping investigation on imports of electric accumulators, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square) (NCM 8507.90.20) from Brazil (initiated on 1 June 12) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/ARG, 20 February 14   
Argentina Initiation on 5 December 2013 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of ceramic electrical 
insulators (NCM 8546.20.00) from Brazil, China, 
and Colombia WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ARG, 
2 October 14   
Argentina Termination on 27 December 13 (without 
measure) of anti-dumping investigation on imports of conveyor or transmission belts or belting, of vulcanised rubber reinfo rced only with textile 
materials (NCM 4010.12.00) from Brazil (initiated on 1 June 12) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ARG, 2 October 14   
Argentina Termination on 13 February 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of steel chains 
(NCM 7315.82.00) from China (imposed on 
13 February 09)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ARG, 
2 October 14   
Argentina Termination on 7 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of synthetic organic colouring matter 
(NCM 3204.12.10; 3204.14.00; 3204.17.00) from 
China and India (imposed on 29 January 10) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ARG, 
2 October 14   
Argentina Initiation on 17 May 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of ironing machines and 
presses (NCM 8451.30) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ARG, 
2 October 14   
Argentina Termination on 6 June 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of disposable electrocardiograph electrodes (NCM 9018.11) from Austria and Canada (imposed on 7 December 07)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ARG, 2 October 14 
  
Argentina Initiation on 9 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of non-adjustable 
hand-operated spanners and wrenches 
(NCM 8204.11.00) from China, India, and 
Chinese Taipei WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ARG, 
2 October 2014   
                                               
1 The inclusion of any measure in this table implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether or 
not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in  nature. Moreover, nothing in the table implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure refe rred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement. 
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/17 
 
- 121 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Argentina Termination on 7 July 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of plywood, veneered panels and si milar laminated wood 
(NCM 4412.32.00) from Brazil, China, and 
Uruguay (initiated on 2 January 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/244/ARG, 12 September 13; and Ministerio de 
Economía y 
Finanzas Públicas 
Resoluci ón 
No. 97/2014 
(3 July 14)   
Argentina Termination on 10 September 2014 of 
anti-dumping duties on imports of cold-rolled flat 
products of iron or steel (NCM 7209.15.00; 
7209.16.00; 7209.17.00; 7209.18.00; 209.25.00; 
7209.26.00; 7209.27.00; 7209.28.00; 209.90.00; 
7211.23.00; 7225.50.90; 7226.92.00) from 
Kazakhstan; Korea, Rep. of; South Africa; and 
Ukraine (imposed on 11 January 03)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Argentina to the 
WTO 
(1 October 14) and 
Resolución 
Ministerio de 
Economía y 
Finanzas Publicas 
No. 581/14 
(4 September 14)   
Australia Termination on 4 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of  linear low density 
polyethylene "LLDP" (HS 3901.10.00; 3901.90.00) from Thailand (imposed on 4 December 03)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/AUS, 17 March 14   
Australia Termination on 12 December 13 (without 
measure) of anti-dumping investigation on imports 
of prepared or preserved peach products 
(HS 2008.70.00) from South Africa (initiated on 
10 July 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/AUS, 
17 March 14   
Australia Termination on 20 December 13 (without 
measure) of safeguard inve stigation on imports of 
certain processed fruit prod ucts (i.e. citrus fruits; 
pears; apricots; peaches, including nectarines) (HS 2008.30.00; 2008.40.00; 2008.50.00; 2008.70.00; 2008.97.00; 2008.99.00) (initiated on 21 June 13) WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/AUS/4, 
6 January 14   
Australia Termination on 20 December 13 (without 
measure) of safeguard inve stigation on imports of 
canned tomatoes (HS 2002.10.00) (initiated on 21 
June 2013)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/AUS/3, 
6 January 2014   
Australia Termination on 1 January 2014 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of tu beless steel demountable 
rims (HS 8708.70.99) from China (imposed on 31 December 08) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/AUS, 17 March 14   
Australia Initiation on 8 January 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of quenched and 
tempered steel plate "Q&T" (HS 7225.40.00) from 
Finland, Japan, and Sweden WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/AUS, 
1 September 14 Provisional duty 
imposed on 
19 May 14 
Australia Termination on 14 January 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of pine apple fruit prepared or 
preserved in containers not exceeding one litre "consumer pineapple"  (HS 2008.20.00) from Thailand (Thai Pineapple Canning Industry Corp Ltd) (investigation initiated on 15 April 11 
and definitive duty im posed on 17 October 11) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/AUS, 1 September 14   
Australia Initiation on 6 February 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of silicon metal 
(HS 2804.61.00; 2804.69.00) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/AUS, 
1 September 14   
Australia Initiation on 6 February 2014 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of silicon metal (HS 2804.61.00; 2804.69.00) from China WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/AUS, 1 September 14   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 122 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Australia Initiation on 18 March 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of deep drawn stainless 
steel sinks (HS 7324.10.00) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/AUS, 
1 September 14; 
and Australia 
Customs Dumping 
Notice No. 2014/70 
(13 August 14) Provisional duty 
imposed on 
13 August 14 
Australia Initiation on 18 March 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of deep drawn stainless steel sinks (HS 7324.10.00) from China WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/AUS, 1 September 14  
Australia Initiation on 10 April 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of rod in coils 
(HS 7213.91.00; 7227.90.90) from Indonesia, 
Chinese Taipei and Turkey WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/AUS, 
1 September 14   
Australia Initiation on 14 April 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of aluminium extrusions (HS 7604.10.00; 7604.21.00; 7604.29.00; 7608.10.00; 7608.20.00; 7610.10.00; 7610.90.00) from China (possible circumvention of anti-dumping measures imposed on 29 October 10) Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice No. 2014/31 (14 April 14) and WTO document G/ADP/N/259/AUS, 1 September 14   
Australia Initiation on 22 April 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of newsprint 
(HS 4801.00.20; 4801.00.31; 4801.00.39) from 
France and Korea, Rep. of WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/AUS, 
1 September 14   
Australia Initiation on 14 May 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of certain crystalline 
silicon photovoltaic modules or panels 
(HS 8501.61.00; 8501.62.00; 8501.63.00; 8501.64.00; 8541.40.00) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/AUS, 
1 September 14   
Australia Initiation on 11 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of zinc coated 
(galvanised)  steel (HS 7210.49.00; 7212.30.00; 
7225.92.00; 7226.99.00) from India and Viet Nam Permanent 
Delegation of 
Australia to the 
WTO 
(16 October 14) 
and Australia 
Customs Dumping 
Notice No. 2014/55 
(11 July 14)   
Australia Initiation on 21 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of certain hollow structural sections "HSS" (HS 7306.30.00; 7306.50.00; 7306.61.00; 7306.69.00) from Thailand Permanent 
Delegation of Australia to the WTO (16 October 14) and Australia Customs Dumping Notice No. 2014/59 (21 July 14)   
Australia Termination on 7 August 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of white 
uncoated A4 and A3 cut sheet paper "copy paper" 
(HS 4802.56.10; 4802.56.90) from China 
(initiated on 10 October 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/AUS, 
17 March 14; 
Permanent 
Delegation of 
Australia to the 
WTO 
(16 October 14) 
and Australia 
Customs Dumping 
Notice No. 2014/69 
(7 August 14)   
Brazil Initiation on 18 November 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of seamless steel chrome alloyed tubes (NCM 7304.51.19; 7304.59.11; 7304.59.19) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 23 September 14 Provisional duty 
imposed on 14 April 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 123 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Brazil Initiation on 18 November 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of acrylic sheets 
(NCM 3920.51.00) from China; Hong Kong, China; 
Malaysia; and the United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/BRA, 
28 March 14 
  
Brazil Initiation on 18 November 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of sodium acid pyrophosphate "SAPP" (NCM 2835.39.20) from Canada, China, and the United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/BRA, 28 March 14; Camex Resolutions Nos. 22/201 (17 March 14) and 67/2014 (14 August 14); and Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (28 May 14) Provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 19 March and 15 August 14, respectively 
Brazil Initiation on 16 December 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of adipic acid 
(NCM 2917.12.10) from China, France, Germany, 
Italy, and the United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/BRA, 
28 March 14   
Brazil Initiation on 16 December 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of biaxially oriented polpropylene "BOPP", without graphics (NCM 3920.20.19) from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, India, Peru, and Chinese Taipei WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/BRA, 28 March 14  
Brazil Termination on 19 December 13 (without 
measure) of anti-dumping investigation on imports 
of new pneumatic tyres of  rubber for motorcycles 
(NCM 4011.40.00) from Chinese Taipei (initiated 
on 25 June 12) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/BRA, 
28 March 14   
Brazil Termination on 19 December 13 (request from 
petitioner) of anti-dumping investigation on imports of resin pencils (NCM 9609.10.00) from China (initiated on  16 September 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/BRA, 28 March 14   
Brazil Temporary suspension on 20 December 13 of 
anti-dumping duties on im ports of viscose fibres 
(NCM 5504.10.00) from Austria, China, Indonesia, 
Chinese Taipei, and Thailand (imposed on 
9 April 09) Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(28 May 14) and 
Camex Resolution 
No. 116/2013 
(18 December 13)  Effective for 1 year 
Brazil Initiation on 23 December 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of inner grooved copper tubes (NCM 7411.10.90) from China and Mexico WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/BRA, 28 March 14  
Brazil Termination on 31 Dece mber 13 (request from 
petitioner) of anti-dumping investigation on 
imports of liquid epoxy resin (NCM 3907.30.11; 
3907.30.19; 3907.30.21; 3907.30.22; 
3907.30.29) from China; India; Korea, Rep. of; 
Mexico; Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; and Chinese 
Taipei (initiated on 3 January 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/BRA, 
28 March 14  
Brazil Termination on 5 February 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of glyphosate (NCM 2931.00.32; 2931.00.39; 3808.93.24) from China  (imposed on 12 February 03)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 23 September 14   
Brazil Initiation on 17 February 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of seamless carbon steel 
line pipes for oil and gas pipelines 
(NCM 7304.19.00) from Ukraine WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 
23 September 14 Provisional duty 
imposed on 
20 June 14 
Brazil Initiation on 24 February 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of cold polymerised emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber "SBR" (NCM 4002.19.11; 4002.19.19) from Argentina and the European Union WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 23 September 14 Terminated on 
7 April 14 (without measure) WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 124 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Brazil Initiation on 25 February 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of presensitized offset 
aluminium printing plates (NCM 3701.30.21; 
3701.30.31) from China; European Union; 
Hong Kong, China; Chinese Taipei; and the 
United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 
23 September 14; 
and Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(29 September 14)  Provisional duty 
imposed on 
25 July 14 
Brazil Termination on 9 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of viscose fibres (NCM 5504.10.00) from Austria, China, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand (imposed on 9 April 09)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 23 September 14   
Brazil Termination on 10 April 14 (request from 
petitioner) of anti-dumping investigation on 
imports of tableware, kitchenware, other 
household articles and toilets articles of plastics 
(NCM 3922.10.00; 3924.90.00) from China  
(initiated on 22 July 13)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 
23 September 14   
Brazil Initiation on 22 April 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more (NCM 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00) from China and Ukraine (possible circumvention of anti-dumping measures imposed in 2013) Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (28 May 14) and Secex Circular No. 19/2014 (17 April 14)  
Brazil Termination on 24 April 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
precipitated silicon dioxide (NCM 2811.22.10) from 
India (initiated on 26 October 12) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 
23 September 14  
Brazil Termination on 16 May 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of inner tubes of rubber for bicycles (NCM 4013.20.00) from China (initiated on 7 October 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 23 September 14  
Brazil Initiation on 26 May 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of cold polymerised 
emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (E-SBR) 
(NCM 4002.19.11; 4002.19.19) from the 
European Union WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 
23 September 14  
Brazil Initiation on 9 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of diphenylmethane diisocyanate "polymeric MDI" (NCM 3909.30.20) from Belgium, Germany, Hu ngary; Korea, Rep. of; 
Netherlands; Portugal; and Spain WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 23 September 14  
Brazil Termination on 13 June 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of blenders 
of power equal to or less than 800 W 
(NCM 8509.40.10) from China (initiated on 
13 December 12) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 
23 September 14  
Brazil Initiation on 16 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of ferrite segment (arc) 
magnet (NCM 8505.19.10) from China and Korea, Rep. of WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 
23 September 14   
Brazil Initiation on 16 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of cuticle nipper 
(NCM 8214.20.00) from China and Pakistan WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 
23 September 14; 
and Secex Circular 
No. 47/2014 
(14 August 14) Terminated on 
15 August 14 
(without measure) 
Brazil Initiation on 20 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of elastomeric rubber pipes (NCM 4009.11.00) from Germany; Israel; Italy; Korea, Rep. of; Malaysia; and United Arab Emirates WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 23 September 14  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 125 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Brazil Termination on 20 June 14 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigat ion on imports of yarns 
predominantly made of acrylic fibres 
(NCM 5509.31.00; 5509.32.00; 5509.61.00; 
5509.62.00; 5509.69.00) from Indonesia (initiated 
on 27 December 12) WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/BRA, 
23 September 14  
Brazil Initiation on 30 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of PET films (NCM 3920.62.19; 3920.62.91; 3920.62.99) from China, Egypt, and India  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/BRA, 23 September 14   
Brazil Initiation on 7 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of lift and skip hoists 
(NCM 8428.10.00) from the European Union Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO 
(15 October 14) 
and Secex Circulars 
Nos. 42/2014 
(4 July 14) and 
48/2014 
(20 August 14) Terminated on 
21 August 14 
(without measure) 
Brazil Termination on 24 September 14 (without 
measure) of countervailing investigation on imports of polypropylene resin (NCM 3902.10.20; 3902.30.00) from India and South Africa (initiated on 26 March 13) WTO document 
G/SCM/N/259/BRA, 8 October 13; Permanent Delegation of Brazil to the WTO (15 October 14) and Secex Circular 
No. 56/2014 
(23 September 14)    
Canada Termination on 20 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of holl ow structural sections 
(HS 7306.30; 7306.50; 7306.61) from South 
Africa (imposed on 23 December 03)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/CAN, 
3 March 14   
Canada Termination on 17 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of certain steel plate (HS 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00) from Chinese Taipei (investigation initiated on 5 September 13 and provisional duty imposed on 17 January 14)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/CAN, 22 August 14; and Permanent Delegation of Canada to the WTO (17 October 14)   
Canada Initiation on 13 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of certain concrete 
reinforcing bar (HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00) from 
China; Korea, Rep. of; and Turkey WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/CAN, 
22 August 14; and 
Permanent 
Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO 
(17 October 14) Provisional duty 
imposed on 
11 September 14 
Canada Initiation on 13 June 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain concrete 
reinforcing bar (HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00) from 
China; Korea, Rep. of; and Turkey WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/CAN, 
29 August 14; and 
Permanent Delegation of Canada to the WTO (17 October 14) Provisional duty 
imposed on 
11 September 14 
Canada Initiation on 21 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of oil country tubular 
goods (HS 7304.29.00; 7304.39.00; 7304.59.00; 
7306.29.00; 7306.30.00; 7306.50.00; 
7306.90.00) from India; Indonesia; Philippines;  
Korea, Rep. of; Chinese Taipiei; Thailand; Turkey; 
Ukraine; and Viet Nam Permanent 
Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO 
(17 October 14) 
and Canada Border 
Services Agency 
Notice 4214-43/AD 
1404 
(21 July 14)   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 126 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Canada Initiation on 21 July 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of oil country tubular goods (HS 7304.29.00; 7304.39.00; 7304.59.00; 7306.29.00; 7306.30.00; 7306.50.00; 
7306.90.00) from India; Indonesia; Philippines;  
Korea, Rep. of; Thailand; Turkey; Ukraine; and Viet Nam Permanent 
Delegation of Canada to the WTO (17 October 14) 
and Canada Border 
Services Agency Notice 4218-40/CV 139 (21 July 14)  
Chile Termination on 8 April 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
self-adhesive materials (HS 3919.10; 3919.90; 
4811.41) from Argentina (initiated on 
25 June 13)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/CHL, 
13 October 14 
  
China Termination on 15 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of saloon cars and cross-country cars of a cylinder capacity of no less than 2,000 cc from the United States (HS 8703.23; 8703.24; 8703.32; 8703.33; 8703.90) (investigation initiated on 6 November 09. Preliminary ruling released on 2 April 11, without provisional duty imposed. Final ruling released on 5 May 11 with authorities deciding not to implement AD measure temporarily. Definitive duty imposed on 15 December 11)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/CHN, 5 February 14 
  
China Termination on 15 December 13 of countervailing 
duties on imports of saloon cars and cross-country 
cars of a cylinder capacity of no less than 2,000 cc 
from the United States (HS 8703.23; 8703.24; 
8703.32; 8703.33; 8703.90) (investigation 
initiated on 6 November 09. Preliminary ruling 
released on 2 April 11, without provisional duty 
imposed. Final ruling released on 5 May 11 with 
authorities deciding not to implement CVD 
measure temporarily. Defini tive duty imposed on 
15 December 11) WTO document 
G/SCM/N/267/CHN, 
5 February 14 
  
China Termination on 19 February 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of X-ray security inspection equipment from the European Union (HS 9022.19.10) (investigation initiated on 23 October 09; provisional and definitive duties 
imposed on 9 June 10 and 23 January 11, respectively) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/CHN, 18 September 14 
  
China Initiation on 19 March 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of optical fibre preform 
(HS 7002.20.10) from Japan and the 
United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/CHN, 
18 September 14    
China Termination on 24 March 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of wine from the European Union (HS 2204.10.00; 
2204.21.00; 2204.29.00) (initiated on 
1 July 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/CHN, 18 September 14  
  
China Termination on 24 March 14 (without measure) 
of countervailing investigation on imports of wine 
from the European Union (HS 2204.10.00; 
2204.21.00; 2204.29.00) (initiated on 
1 July 13) WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/CHN, 
15 September 14 
  
China Termination on 8 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of acrylate esters (HS 2916.12)  from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore (imposed on 10 April 03)   WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/CHN, 18 September 14    WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 127 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
China Termination on 9 May 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of certain alloy-steel seamless tubes 
and pipes for high temperature and pressure 
service from Japan (HS 7304.51.10; 7304.51.90; 
7304.59.10; 7304.59.90) (investigation initiated 
on 10 May 13 and provisional duty imposed on 
13 December 13 WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/CHN, 
18 September 14  
  
China Termination on 28 May 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of dimethyl cyclosiloxane (HS 2931.00; 3824.90)  from Korea, Rep. of and Thailand  (imposed on 27 May 09)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/CHN, 18 September 14    
China Initiation on 13 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of hemodialysis 
equipment (HS 9018.90.40) from European Union 
and Japan WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/CHN, 
18 September 14    
China Termination on 5 August 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of coated art paper (HS 4810.13.00; 4810.14.00; 4810.19.00)  from Japan and Korea, Rep. of (impos ed on 6 August 03)   Permanent 
Delegation of China to the WTO (16 October 14) and MOFCOM Announcement No. 48/2014 (4 August 14)   
China Initiation on 8 August 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of methyl methacrylate 
(HS 2916.14.00) from Japan, Singapore, and 
Thailand Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO 
(16 October 14) 
and MOFCOM 
Announcement 
No. 53/2014 
(8 August 14)   
China Termination on 26 August 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of catechol (HS 2907.29) from the EU (imposed on 27 August 03)   Permanent 
Delegation of China to the WTO (16 October 14) and MOFCOM Announcement No. 55/2014 (25 August 14)   
China Termination on 31 August 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of phthalic anhydride 
(HS 2917.35)  from India; Japan; and 
Korea, Rep. of (imposed on 31 August 03)   Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO 
(16 October 14) 
and MOFCOM 
Announcement 
No. 59/2014 
(21 August 14)   
China Termination on 8 Sept ember 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of styrene butadiene rubber 
(HS 4002.19.11; 4002.19.12; 4002.19.19)  from 
Japan; Korea, Rep. of; and the Russian Federation (imposed on 9 September 03)   Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO 
(16 October 14) and MOFCOM Announcement No. 15/2014 (7 March 14)   
Colombia Initiation on 20 February 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of dioctyl orthophthalates 
(HS 2917.32.00) from Korea, Rep. of and Mexico WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/COL, 
18 September 14; 
and Permanent 
Delegation of 
Colombia to the 
WTO 
(17 October 14) Definitive duty 
imposed on 
20 August 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 128 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Colombia Termination on 26 February 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of screws (HS 7318.15.90) from China (imposed on 26 February 09) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/COL, 18 September 14   
Colombia Termination on 11 April 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of wire of 
iron or non-alloy steel not plated or coated, 
whether or not polished ( alambre recocido negro ) 
(HS 7217.10.00) from China (initiated on 
19 June 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/COL, 
18 September 14   
Colombia Termination on 11 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of barbed wire of iron or steel ( alambre 
de púas ) (HS 7217.10.00; 7217.20.00; 
7313.00.10) from China (investigation initiated on 19 June 13 and provisional duty imposed on 26 August 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/COL, 18 September 14   
Colombia Termination on 7 May 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of staples in strips (HS 8305.20.00) 
from China (imposed on 7 May 09) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/COL, 
18 September 14   
Colombia Initiation on 4 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of citric acid (HS 2918.14.00) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/COL, 18 September 14   
Colombia Initiation on 4 June 2014 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of salts and esters of citric 
acid (HS 2918.15.30) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/COL, 
18 September 2014   
Colombia Initiation on 13 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of stranded wire, ropes and cables (HS 7312.10.90) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/COL, 18 September 14   
Costa Rica Initiation on 11 February 14 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of pounded rice 
(HS 1006.30.90) WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/CRI/3, 
28 February 14   
Dominican 
Republic Initiation on 18 November 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of steel rods and bars for concrete reinforcement (HS 7214.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7214.30.00; 7214.99.00) from Portugal and Spain WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/DOM, 30 September 14 Provisional duty 
imposed on 19 March 14 on imports from Spain 
Dominican 
Republic Termination on 9 December 13 of safeguard duties 
on imports of  sports and other socks for women, 
men, children and babies, of cotton or synthetic 
fibres, excluding woollen socks, panties, support 
socks for varicose veins and other socks used in 
the health sector (HS 6115.95.00; 6115.96.20) 
(investigation initiated on 2 March 10, provisional 
and definitive duties imposed on 20 May and 
6 December 10, respectively) WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/DOM/5, 
10 March 10; 
G/SG/N/7/DOM/2, 
20 May 10; 
G/SG/N/10/DOM/2, 
3 November 10; 
and 
G/SG/N/10/DOM/2/
Suppl.3, 
12 December 13   
Dominican 
Republic Termination on 31 December 13 of safeguard 
duties (China specific) on imports of  ceramic sinks, wash basins, wash basin pedestals, baths, 
bidets, water closet pans, flushing cisterns, urinals 
and similar sanitary fixtures of porcelain or china (HS 6910.10.10; 6910.10.30) (investigation initiated on 5 April 10, provisional and definitive duties imposed on 15 June 10 and 1 January 11, respectively)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/16/DOM/1, 8 April 10; 
G/SG/N/16/DOM/1/
Suppl.2, 16 June 10; and G/SG/N/16/DOM/1/Suppl.8, 13 December 13   
Ecuador Initiation on 28 August 14 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of wood and bamboo 
flooring and accessories thereof (HS 4409.10.10; 
4409.10.20; 4409.10.90; 4409.21.00; 
4409.29.10; 4409.29.20; 4409.29.90) G/SG/N/6/ECU/9, 
2 September 14   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 129 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Egypt Termination on 21 November 13 of 
safeguard duties on imports of steel rebar (HS 7213; 7214) (investigation initiated on 30 November 12 and provisional duty imposed on 
2 December 12) WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/EGY/9, 5 December 12; and 
G/SG/N/7/EGY/8/ 
Suppl.1, 4 December 13  
Egypt Initiation on 24 December 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of synthetic staple fibres, 
not carded, combed or ot herwise, processed for 
spinning of polyesters (HS 5503.20.00) from China 
and India WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/EGY, 
17 January 14   
Egypt Initiation on 16 June 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of Edam semi-hard cheese (40% fats in dry matter) (HS 0406.90.90) from the Netherlands WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/EGY, 22 July 14   
Egypt Termination on 23 June 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on slide fasteners (HS 9607.11; 9607.19) from 
China (imposed on 3 August 08) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/EGY, 
30 July 14   
Egypt Initiation on 2 July 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of polyethylene terephthalate "PET" (HS 3907.60) from China, India, Malaysia, Oman, and Pakistan Notice No. 7 of the 
year 2014 (2 July 14)   
Egypt Initiation on 25 August 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of polyethylene 
terephthalate "PET" (HS 3907.60) from China, 
India, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, 
Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates  Notice No. 8 of the 
year 2014 
(25 August 14)   
European 
Union Termination on 26 November 13 (without 
measure) of countervailing investigation on imports of biodiesel (fatty-acid mono-alkyl esters and/or paraffinic gasoils obtained from synthesis and/or hydro-treatment, of non-fossil origin, in pure form or as included in a blend) (HS 1516.20.98; 1518.00.91; 1518.00.95; 1518.00.99; 2710.19.43; 2710.19.46; 2710.19.47; 2710.20.11; 2710.20.15; 2710.20.17; 3824.90.97; 3826.00.10; 3826.00.90) from Argentina and Indonesia (initiated on 10 November 12) WTO document 
G/SCM/N/267/EU, 11 March 14 
  
European 
Union Initiation on 29 November 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of monosodium glutamate 
(HS 2922.42.00) from Indonesia WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/EU, 
14 March 14; and 
Commission 
Implementing 
Regulation 
No. 904/2014 
(20 August 14)  Provisional duty 
imposed on 
21 August 14 
European 
Union Initiation on 12 December 13 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of chopped glass fibre 
strands, of a length of not more than 50 mm; glass fibre rovings, excl uding glass fibre rovings 
which are impregnated and coated and have a loss on ignition of more than 3% (as determined by the ISO Standard 1887); and mats made of glass fibre filaments excluding mats of glass wool (HS 7019.11.00; 7019.12.00; 7019.31.10) from China WTO document 
G/SCM/N/267/EU, 
11 March 14   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 130 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
European 
Union Termination on 17 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of steel ropes and cables 
including locked coil ropes, excluding ropes and 
cables of stainless steel, with a maximum cross-
sectional dimension exceeding 3 mm, with fittings 
attached or not (HS 7312.10.81; 7312.10.83; 
7312.10.85; 7312.10.89; 7312.10.98)  from the 
Russian Federation (imposed on 4 August 2001)   WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/EU, 
14 March 14    
European 
Union Initiation on 18 December 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of  certain slightly modified open mesh fabrics of glass fibres, of a cell size of more than 1.8 mm both in length and in width and weighing more than 35 g/m
2, excluding 
fibreglass discs (HS 7019.40.00) from China (possible circumvention of anti-dumping measures of imports from China imposed in 11) Commission 
Regulation No. 1356/2013 (17 December 13) and Commission Implementing Regulation No. 976/2014 (15 September 14) Definitive duty 
extended on 16 September 14 
European 
Union Initiation on 19 December 13 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of synthetic polyester 
staple fibres "PSF" (HS 5503.20.00) from China, 
India, and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/267/EU, 
11 March 14   
European Union Termination on 20 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of we lded tubes and pipes of 
iron or non-alloy steel (HS 7306.30.41; 7306.30.49; 7306.30.72; 7306.30.77)  from Thailand (imposed on 19 December 08)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/EU, 14 March 14    
European 
Union Termination on 23 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of synthetic fibre ropes 
(HS 5607.49.11; 5607.49.19; 5607.50.11; 
5607.50.19)  from India  (imposed on 26 June 98)   WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/EU, 
14 March 14    
European 
Union Termination on 13 February 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of dicyandiamide "DCD" (HS 2926.20.00)  from China  (imposed on 15 November 07)   WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/EU, 5 September 14   
European 
Union Initiation on 15 February 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of rainbow trout 
(HS 0301.91.90; 0302.11.80; 0303.14.90; 
0304.42.90; 0304.82.90; 0305.43.00) from 
Turkey WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/EU, 
5 September 14   
European 
Union Initiation on 15 February 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of rainbow trout (HS 0301.91.90; 0302.11.80; 0303.14.90; 0304.42.90; 0304.82.90; 0305.43.00) from Turkey WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/EU, 5 September 14   
European 
Union Termination on 13 May 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
agglomerated stone (HS 6810.11.90; 6810.19.00; 
6810.91.00; 6810.99.00; 7016.10.00; 
7016.90.40; 7016.90.70; 7020.00.80) from China 
(initiated on 28 June 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/244/EU, 
20 September 13; 
and Commission 
Implementing 
Decision 2014/272 
(12 May 14)   
European 
Union Initiation on 26 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of stainless steel cold-rolled flat products (HS 7219.31.00; 7219.32.10; 7219.32.90; 7219.33.10; 7219.33.90; 7219.34.10; 7219.34.90; 7219.35.10; 7219.35.90; 7220.20.21; 7220.20.29; 7220.20.41; 7220.20.49; 7220.20.81; 7220.20.89) from China and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/EU, 5 September 14 
  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 131 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
European 
Union Initiation on 14 August 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of grain-oriented 
flat-rolled products of sili con-electrical steel, of a 
thickness of more than 0.16 mm (HS 7225.11.00; 
7226.11.00) from China; Japan; Korea, Rep. of; 
Russian Federation; and the United States Commission Notice 
2014/C 267/05 
(14 August 14) 
  
European 
Union Initiation on 14 August 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of flat-rolled products of stainless steel, not furthe r worked than cold-rolled 
(cold-reduced) (HS 7219.31.00; 7219.32.10; 7219.32.90; 7219.33.10; 7219.33.90; 7219.34.10; 7219.34.90; 7219.35.10; 7219.35.90; 7220.20.21; 7220.20.29; 7220.20.41; 7220.20.49; 7220.20.81; 7220.20.89) from China Commission Notice 
2014/C 267/06 (14 August 14) 
  
European 
Union Termination on 19 August 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of po wdered activated carbon 
"PAC" (HS 3802.10.00) from China (imposed on 
5 June 96) Commission 
Implementing 
Regulation 
No. 898/2014 
(18 August 14)   
European 
Union Initiation on 3 September 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles but excluding unicycles) (HS 8712.00.30; 8712.00.70) from Cambodia, Pakistan and the Philippines (possible circumvention of anti-dumping measures of imports from China imposed in 2011) Commission 
Implementing Regulation No. 938/2014 (2 September 14)   
European 
Union Initiation on 4 September 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of acesulfame potassium 
and acesulfame potassiu m contained in certain 
preparations and/or mixtures (HS 2106.90.92; 
2106.90.98; 2934.99.90; 3824.90.97) from China  Commission Notice 
2014/C 297/02 
(4 September 14)   
European 
Union Termination on 5 September 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of tube and pipe fittings of iron 
or steel (HS 7307.93.11; 7307.93.19; 7307.99.30; 7307.99.90)  from Thailand (imposed on 3 April 1996) Commission Notice 
2014/C 297/03 (4 September 14)   
European 
Union Termination on 7 October 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of aluminium foil  
(HS 7607.11.19)  from Armenia (imposed on 
6 October 09)  Commission Notice 
2014/C 350/10 
(4 October 14)   
European 
Union Initiation on 8 October 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of aluminium foils (HS 7607.11.19) from the Russian Federation Commission Notice 
2014/C 354/13 (8 October 14)   
Guatemala Initiation in March 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of certain steel products 
and zinc coated steel (HS 7210.41; 7210.49; 
7212.30) from China   
 Permanent 
Delegation of 
Guatemala to the 
WTO 
(30 October 14)   
   
India Termination on 21 November 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of co mpact fluorescent lamps 
"CFL" (HS 8539.31; 8539.90) from Viet Nam (duties imposed on 21 November 08) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/IND, 15 April 14    
India Termination on 2 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of polypropylene from Oman 
(HS 3902.10.00; 3902.23.00) (investigation 
initiated on 24 February 2009 and provisional and 
definitive duties impo sed on 30 July 09 and 
19 November 10) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/IND, 
15 April 14    
India Initiation on 20 December 13 of  anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of sheet glass (HS 7004.20) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/IND, 15 April 14    WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 132 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
India Termination on 31 December 13  of safeguard 
duties (China Specific) on imports of carbon black 
(HS 2803.00.10) (investigation initiated on 
2 December 11 and defini tive duty imposed on 
5 October 12) WTO documents 
G/SG/N/16/IND/8, 
9 January 12; 
Notification 
No. 4/2012-
Customs (SG) 
Ministry of Finance 
- Department of 
Revenue 
(5 October 12); and 
Permanent 
Delegation of India 
to the WTO 
(25 May 14)   
India Termination on 31 December 13 of safeguard 
duties (China specific) on imports of electrical insulators made of porcelain/ceramic or glass, whether assembled or unassembled (HS 8546.10; 8546.20) (investigation initiated on 30 May 12 and definitive duty impose d on 20 December 12) WTO document 
G/SG/N/16/IND/9, 19 June 12; Notification No. 5/2012-Customs (SG) Ministry of Finance - Department of Revenue (20 December 12); and Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO 
(25 May 14) 
  
India Termination on 5 January 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of mulberry raw silk 
(HS 5002.00.10) from China (imposed on 
2 January 03) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 
10 September 14   
India Initiation on 22 January 14 of  anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of poly vinyl chloride paste/emulsion resin (HS 3904.22.10) from Mexico and Norway WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 10 September 14   
India Termination on 4 February 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of flexib le slab stock polyol – I 
(HS 3907.20) from Japan and the United States 
(imposed on 11 February 02)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 
10 September 14   
India Initiation on 13 February 2014 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of saturated fatty alcohols with carbon chain length of C8, C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18 (HS 2905.17.00; 3823.70.10; 3823.70.20; 3823.70.40; 3823.70.90)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IND/34, 20 February 14; and Notification No. 3/2014-Customs (SG) Ministry of Finance (28 August 14) Provisional duty 
imposed on 28 August 14 
India Initiation on 24 February 14 of  anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of acrylic fibre (HS 55) 
from Egypt WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 
10 September 14   
India Initiation on 28 February 24 of  anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of sodium citrate (HS 2918.15.20) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 10 September 14   
India Initiation on 28 February 14 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of bare elastomeric 
filament yarn (HS 5402.44.00; 5404.11.00)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/IND/35, 
5 March 14 and 
G/SG/N/9/IND/11, 
13 October 14 Terminated on 
29 September 14 
(without measure) 
India Initiation on 4 March 14 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of sodium citrate (HS 2918.15.20)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IND/36, 11 March 14   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 133 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
India Initiation on 11 March 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of hot-rolled flat products 
of stainless steel of 304 series (HS 7219; 7220) 
from China; Korea, Rep.  of and Malaysia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 
10 September 14   
India Initiation on 25 March 14 of  anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of hexa methylene tetramine "hexamine" (HS 2921.29.10) from China and the United Arab Emirates WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 10 September 14   
India Termination on 26 March 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of cathode ray television picture 
tube-II (HS 8540.11) from Indonesia (imposed on 
9 December 09)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 
10 September 14   
India Termination on 26 March 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of hexamine-II (HS 2921.29.10) from Iran (imposed on 17 March 03)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 10 September 14   
India Initiation on 7 April 14 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of not-alloyed ingots of unwrought 
aluminium (HS 7601.10.10)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IND/37, 
29 April 14   
India Termination on 12 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of sodium  hydrosulphite–II from 
Germany and Korea, Rep. of (imposed on 1 April 03) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 10 September 14   
India Termination on 24 April 14 of safeguard duties on 
imports of PX-13 or 6-PDD (HS 2921; 2925; 2934; 
2942; 3810; 3812) (duties imposed on 
30 August 11)  Permanent 
Delegation of India 
to the WTO 
(25 May 14)   
India Termination on 28 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of nylon tyre cord fabrics 
(HS 5902.10.00) from Belarus (imposed on 30 October 09) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 
10 September 14   
India Initiation on 9 May 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of phthalic anhydride 
(HS 2917.35.00) from Japan and 
Russian Federation WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 
10 September 14   
India Termination on 12 May 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of caustic soda-IV (HS 2815.11.01; 2815.11.02; 2815.12.00) from EU (except France) and Indonesia (imposed on 27 March 03)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 10 September 14   
India Termination on 16 May 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
peroxosulphates (also known as persulphates) 
(HS 2833.40.00) from Turkey (initiated on 
28 September 12) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 
10 September 14   
India Initiation on 22 May 14 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of flexible slabstock polyol of molecular weight 3000 to 4000 (HS 3907.20.10) WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IND/38, 27 May 14   
India Termination on 22 May 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
solar-cells whether or not assembled partially or 
fully in modules or panels or on glass or some 
other suitable substrates (HS 8541.40.11) from 
China, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, and the United 
States (initiated on 23 November 12)  Permanent 
Delegation of India 
to the WTO 
(2 October 14) and 
WTO document 
G/ADP/N/237/IND, 
27 March 13   
India Initiation on 26 May 14 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of so dium di-chromate 
(HS 2841.30.00) WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IND/39, 2 June 14   
India Initiation on 29 May 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of castings for wind 
operated electricity generators, whether or not 
machined, in raw, finished  or sub-assembled form, 
or as a part of a sub-asse mbly, or as a part of an 
equipment/component meant for wind-operated 
electricity generators (HS 8503) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/IND, 
10 September 14   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 134 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
India Termination on 13 June 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) suspension grade resin (HS 3904) from Korea, Rep. of (imposed on 23 January 08) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 10 September 14   
India Termination on 14 June 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of ceramic tiles (HS 6908.90.90) from 
China (investigation init iated on 17 October 08, 
provisional and definiti ve duties imposed on 
15 June and 2 December 09) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 
10 September 14   
India Initiation on 20 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of diketopyrrolo pyrrole pigment red 254 (DPP red 254) (HS 3204) from China and Switzerland WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 10 September 14   
India Termination on 21 June 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of diethyl th io phosphoryl chloride 
(HS 2812.10.90; 2812.90.00; 2827.39.90; 
2905.11.00; 2909.19.00; 2909.50.90; 
2919.00.90; 2919.90.10; 2919.90.90; 
2920.10.00; 2920.10.10; 2920.10.20; 
2920.11.00; 2920.19.10; 2920.19.20; 
2920.19.90; 2920.90.10; 2920.90.20; 
2920.90.30; 2920.90.90; 2920.90.99; 
2924.19.00; 2931.00.90; 2942.00.11; 
2942.00.90; 3808.90.10) from China 
(investigation initiated on 17 November 08,  
provisional and definiti ve duties imposed on 
22 June 09 and 7 July 10) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IND, 
10 September 14   
India Termination on 4 August  14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of titanium dioxide (HS 2823.00.10) from China (imposed on 11 July 03)  Permanent 
Delegation of India to the WTO (2 October 14)    
India Initiation on 28 August 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of gliclazide 
(HS 2911.00.90; 2912.19.90; 2921.59.90; 
2924.19.00; 2927.00.90; 2930.90.99; 
2932.99.00; 2933.19.90; 2933.59.90; 
2933.99.00; 2934.99.00; 2935.00.90; 
2937.19.00; 2941.90.11; 2941.90.90; 
2942.00.11; 2942.00.90; 3822.00.11; 
3822.00.19) from China  Permanent 
Delegation of India 
to the WTO 
(2 October 14)  
  
India Initiation on 11 Sept ember 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of albendazole (HS 2933.29.50; 2309.90.90; 2933.11.00; 2933.29.90; 2933.59.90; 2933.90.90; 2941.90.90) from China  Permanent 
Delegation of India to the WTO (2 October 14)    
Indonesia Termination on 20 November 13 (without 
measure)  of safeguard in vestigation on imports of 
sheath contraceptive (HS 4014.10.00) (initiated on 
28 November 12) WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/IDN/8, 
20 December 13 
  
Indonesia Termination on 25 November 13 (without 
measure) of safeguard inve stigation on imports of 
kilowatt hour meters including relevant parts and accessories (HS 9028.30.10; 9028.90.90) (initiated on 28 December 12) WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/IDN/9, 10 January 14 
  
Indonesia Termination on 2 December 13 (without measure) 
of safeguard investigation on imports of 
"Mackerel", excluding fillet s, livers and roes, fresh 
or chilled, or frozen (HS 0302.64.00; 0303.74.00) 
(initiated  on 27 January 12) WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/IDN/7, 
20 December 13 
  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 135 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Indonesia Initiation on 17 January 14 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularity wound coils, of iron or non-alloy steel or of other alloy steel 
(HS 7213.91.10; 7213.91.20; 7213.91.90; 
7213.99.10; 7213.99.20; 7213.99.90; 7227.90.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/24, 24 January 14    
Indonesia Initiation on 12 February 14 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of I and H sections of 
other alloy steel  (HS 7228.70.10; 7228.70.90)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/25, 
13 February 14    
Indonesia Termination on 26 February 14 (without measure) 
of anti-dumping investigation on imports of polyethylene terephthal ate "PET" from China; 
Korea, Rep. of; Singapor e; and Chinese Taipei 
(HS 3907.60.10; 3907.60.20; 3907.60.90) (initiated on 29 June 12) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/IDN, 15 October 14   
Indonesia Termination on 23 March 14 of safeguard duties on 
imports of wire of iron/non-alloy steel, not 
plated/coated, containing carbon less than 0.25% 
by weight (HS 7217.10.10) (investigation initiated 
on 19 January 10 and defini tive duty imposed on 
23 March 11) WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/7, 
5 February 10 and 
G/SG/N/8/IDN/8, 
12 April 11 and 
Permanent 
Delegation of 
Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 14)   
Indonesia Termination on 23 Marc h 14 of safeguard duties on 
imports of  wire of iron/non-alloy steel, plated with 
zinc (HS 7217.20.10) (investigation initiated on 
21 January 10 and definitive duty imposed on 23 March 11) WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/8, 
5 February 10 and 
G/SG/N/8/IDN/7, 12 April 11; and Permanent Delegation of Indonesia to the WTO (30 May 14)   
Indonesia Termination on 23 March 14 of safeguard duties on 
imports of  stranded wire, ropes and cables for 
locked coil, flattened strands and non-rotating wire 
ropes (HS 7312.10.10) (investigation initiated on 
5 February 10 and defini tive duty imposed on 
23 March 11) WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/9, 
18 February 10 and 
G/SG/N/8/IDN/6, 
12 April 11; and 
Permanent 
Delegation of 
Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 14)   
Indonesia Termination on 23 Marc h 14 of safeguard duties on 
imports of  stranded wire, ropes and cables, excluding locked coil, flattened strands and non-rotating wire ropes; platted or coated with brass, and of a nominal diameter not exceeding 3 mm;  and stranded wire of diameter of less than 
3 mm (HS 7312.10.90) (investigation initiated on 
30 April 2010 and definitive duty imposed on 23 March 11) WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/10, 21 May 10 and G/SG/N/8/IDN/5, 12 April 11; and Permanent 
Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO (30 May 14)   
Indonesia Termination on 23 March 14 of safeguard duties on 
imports of bleached and unbleached woven fabrics 
of cotton (HS 5208.11.00; 5208.12.00; 
5208.13.00; 5208.19.00; 5208.23.00; 
5208.29.00; 5209.29.00; 5210.11.00; 
5211.11.00; 5211.12.00; 5212.11.00) 
(investigation initiated on 25 June 10 and 
definitive duty imposed on 23 March 11) WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/12, 
16 July 10; 
G/SG/N/8/IDN/9, 
12 April 11; and 
Permanent 
Delegation of 
Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 14)   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 136 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Indonesia Initiation on 20 June  14 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of paper and paperboard, not including banknotes paper (HS 4810.13.11; 4810.13.19; 4810.13.91; 4810.13.99; 4810.14.11; 
4810.14.19; 4810.14.91; 4810.14.99; 
4810.19.11; 4810.19.19; 4810.19.91; 4810.19.99) WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IDN/26, 24 June 14 
  
Indonesia Initiation on 25 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of biaxially oriented 
polyethylene terephthalate "BOPET" 
(HS 3920.62.00) from China, India, and Thailand Permanent 
Delegation of 
Indonesia to the 
WTO 
(15 October 14)    
Indonesia Initiation on 27 August 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on wheat flour (HS 1101.00.10) from India, Sri Lanka, and Turkey  Permanent 
Delegation of Indonesia to the WTO (15 October 14)  
  
Israel Termination on 31 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on cutting and grinding wheels 
(HS 6804.22) from China (imposed on 
26 November 07 and originally terminated on 
18 November 12)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/ISR, 
2 April 14 Due to legal 
proceedings, the 
anti–dumping 
procedure was 
reinstituted on 
10 June 13 
Israel Termination on 5 Febr uary 14 (without measure) 
of anti-dumping investigation on machine made rugs from Turkey (HS 5701; 5702; 5703; 5704; 5705) (initiated on 5 May 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ISR, 29 August 14 
  
Israel Termination on 23 February 14 (without measure) 
of anti-dumping investigation on bituminous 
membranes from Italy (HS 6807.10) (initiated on 
16 December 12) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ISR, 
29 August 14 
  
Japan Initiation on 14 February 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of toluenediisocyanate (HS 2929.10) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/JPN, 22 July 14   
Jordan Initiation on 28 August 14 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of writing and printing 
papers size A4 (HS 4802.56) WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/JOR/17, 
1 September 14   
Korea, 
Rep. of  Initiation on 2 December 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of PET film (HS 3920.62) from Japan WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/KOR, 10 September 14   
Korea, 
Rep. of  Initiation on 23 December 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of ethanolamine 
(HS 2922.11.10; 2922.12.10; 2922.13.10) from 
Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and the United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/KOR, 
4 March 14   
Korea, 
Rep. of Initiation on 21 February 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of valves for pneumatic 
transmissions (HS 8481.20.20; 8481.90.90) from Japan WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/KOR, 10 September 14   
Korea, 
Rep. of  Initiation on 30 May 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on polyester filament partially 
oriented yarn (HS 5402.46) from India, Malaysia, 
and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/KOR, 
10 September 14 
  
Korea, 
Rep. of  Initiation on 31 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on H-structural steel sections (HS 7216.33.30; 7216.33.40; 7216.33.50; 7228.70.10) from China Permanent 
Delegation of Korea to the WTO (15 October 14) 
  
Malaysia Initiation on 17 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on polyethylene terephthalate 
(HS 3907.60.00) from China; Indonesia; and 
Korea, Rep. of   WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/MYS, 
10 October 14 
  
Malaysia Initiation on 18 June 24 of anti-dumping 
investigation on hot rolled coils (HS 7208; 7225) from China; Indonesia; an d Korea, Rep. of   WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/MYS, 10 October 14 
  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 137 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Malaysia Initiation on 18 August 14 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of hot-rolled steel plate 
(HS 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00; 7225.40.00) WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/MYS/2, 
18 August 14   
Malaysia Initiation on 2 September 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on steel co ncrete reinforcing bar 
"rebar" (HS 7214; 7228) from China and Korea, Rep. of  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Malaysia to the WTO (20 October 14)  
  
Mexico Initiation on 14 March 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of stainless steel sinks 
(HS 7324.10.01) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/MEX, 
9 September 14    
Mexico Initiation on 24 April 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of cold-rolled sheet (HS 7209.16.01; 7209.17.01) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/MEX, 9 September 14    
Mexico Termination on 23 June 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of USP-grade liquid sorbitol 
(HS 2905.44.01) from France (imposed on 
28 September 90)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/MEX, 
9 September 14  
  
Mexico Initiation on 12 August 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of steel and zamak handles (HS 8302.42.99; 8302.49.99) from China  Permanent 
Delegation of Mexico to the WTO (15 October 14) and Diario Oficial de la Federación (Official Journal), 12 August 14 
  
Mexico Initiation on 12 August 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of ammonium sulphate 
(HS 3102.21.01) from China and the United States  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO 
(15 October 14) 
and Diario Oficial 
de la Federación 
(Official Journal), 
12 August 14   
Mexico Initiation on 26 Sept ember 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of hot-rolled steel coils (HS 7208.36.01; 7208.37.01; 7208.38.01; 7208.39.01; 7225.30.02; 7225.30.03; 7225.30.99) from China, France, and Germany Permanent 
Delegation of Mexico to the WTO (15 October 14) and Diario Oficial de la Federación (Official Journal), 26 September 14 
  
Morocco Initiation on 2 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of plywood consisting 
solely of sheets of wood, each ply not exceeding 6 
mm thickness (HS 4412) from Egypt Avis Public No. 
11/14 Direction de 
la Politique des 
Echanges 
Commerciaux 
(28 May 14)   
Morocco Initiation on 11 June 14 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of cold-rolled sheets and plated or 
coated sheets (HS 7209; 7210; 7211; 7212; 7225; 7226) WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/MAR/8, 
17 June 14 Certain codes 
exempted 
(HS 7210.11; 7210.12; 7210.90.21; 7210.90.22; 7210.90.23; 7211.13; 7211.14; 7211.19; 7212.10) 
New Zealand Termination on 5 December 13 (without measure) 
of anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
diaries, with or without covers, containing a 
written record of daily /weekly/yearly events, 
appointments, reference ma terial and observations 
from Korea, Rep. of (HS 4820.10.00) (initiated on 
11 June 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/NZL, 
7 February 14   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 138 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
New Zealand Termination on 16 March 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of hog bristle paint brushes (HS 9603.40) from China (imposed on 31 May 88)   WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/NZL, 1 August 14   
New Zealand Temporary suspension on 1 June 14 of 
anti-dumping duties on plasterboard 
(HS 6809.11.00) (imposed on 21 December 89) 
and reinforcing steel bar (HS 7213.10; 7213.91; 
7213.99; 7214.20; 7214.99; 7227.90; 7228.30; 
7228.50; 7228.60) (imposed on 5 March 04) from 
Thailand WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/NZL, 
1 August 14 Effective 3 years 
New Zealand Temporary susp ension on 1 June 14 of 
anti-dumping duties on imports of wire nails, bright (plain) and galvanised (coated), of various lengths and diameter (other than collated or for collation) (HS 7317.00.09) from China (investigation initiated on 15 November 10 and definitive duty impo sed on 3 June 11) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/NZL, 1 August 14 Effective 3 years 
Pakistan Initiation on 18 November 13 of  anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of  polyvinyl chloride 
(HS 3904.10.90) from Korea, Rep. of  and 
Chinese Taipei WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/PAK, 
29 August 14 Terminated on 
15 May 14 
(without measure) 
Pakistan Termination on 3 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of po lyester filament yarn 
(HS 5402.33.00; 5402.47.00) from Indonesia; Korea, Rep. of; Malaysia; and Thailand (imposed on 12 November 05)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/PAK/Corr.1, 11 March 14   
Pakistan Termination on 3 June 14 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of uncoated 
writing/printing paper ranges from 50 gr/m2 to 
130 gr/m2 and coated writing/printing paper 
ranges from 73 gr/m2 to 170gr/m2 (excluding 
impregnated paper), produced from 100% wood 
pulp (HS 4802.55.10; 4802.56.00; 4802.57.00; 
4802.61.00; 4802.62.00; 4810.13.10; 
4810.13.20; 4810.14.00; 4810.19.10; 
4810.19.90) from Indonesia and Thailand 
(initiated on 23 November 11) WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/PAK, 
29 August 14 Investigation 
suspended for 
almost a year on 
Peshawar Court's 
direction  
Pakistan Termination on 15 July 14  of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of tin plate (HS 7210.12.10)  from Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States (investigation initiated on 16 January 2009, provisional and definitive duties imposed on 16 July and 14 November 09 respectively) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/195/PAK/Rev.1, 23 April 10; and Permanent Delegation of Pakistan to the WTO (22 October 14)    
Pakistan Termination on 9 Septembe r 14  of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of PVC resins (HS 3904.10.90) 
from Iran and Korea, Rep. of (imposed on 
26 October 04)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Pakistan to the 
WTO 
(22 October 14)    
Peru Termination on 24 November 13 (without 
measure) of countervailing investigation on imports of cotton fibre not carded or combed from the United States (HS 5201.00.10; 5201.00.20; 5201.00.30; 5201.00.90) (initiated on 2 June 12) WTO document 
G/SCM/N/267/PER, 2 April 14 
  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 139 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Peru Termination on 5 June 14  of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of woven fabrics of cotton and 
polyester/cotton mixes (drill) (HS 5208; 5209; 
5514) from China (imposed on 11 November 05)  Permanent 
Delegation of Peru 
to the WTO 
(20 October 14), 
Resolución No.  
58-2014/CFD-
INDECOPI and 
Informe No. 
24-2011/CFD-
INDECOPI   
Peru Initiation on 28 July 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of biodiesel (B100) (HS 3826.00.00) from Argentina Permanent 
Delegation of Peru to the WTO (20 October 2014)    
Peru Termination on 1 October 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of flip -flops/thongs, sandals, 
slippers and mules, espa drilles and clog-style 
shoes with uppers of textile materials 
(HS 6404.11.10; 6404.11.20; 6404.19.00; 
6405.20.00) from Viet Nam  (imposed on 
7 November 09) Permanent 
Delegation of Peru 
to the WTO 
(20 October 2014), 
Resolución No. 115-
2014/CFD-
INDECOPI 
(1 October 14) and 
No. 30-2014/CFD-
INDECOPI   
Customs 
Union between the 
Russian 
Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Initiation on 20 November 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of bars and rods (HS 7213.10; 7213.91; 7213.99; 7214.20; 
7214.99; 7227.20; 7227.90; 7228.20; 7228.30; 
7228.60) from Ukraine WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/RUS, 12 March 14   
Customs 
Union 
between the 
Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Termination on 25 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of nick el-containing flat-rolled 
steel products from Brazil; China; Hong Kong, 
China; Korea, Rep. of; Macao, China; Chinese 
Taipei; and South Africa (imposed on 
26 December 10) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/RUS, 
12 March 14   
Customs 
Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Initiation on 31 January 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of stainless steel flatware (HS 8211.91.00; 8215.99.10; 8215.20.10) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/RUS, 30 July 14   
Customs 
Union 
between the 
Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Initiation on 21 February 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of citric acid (HS 2918.14) 
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/RUS, 
30 July 14   
Customs 
Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Initiation on 31 March 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of seamless steel oil country tubular goods (HS 7304.22; 7304.23; 7304.24; 7304.29) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/RUS, 30 July 14   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 140 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Customs 
Union 
between the 
Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Initiation on 2 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of crawler dozers with 
angle and non-angle blade with engine power up 
to 250 hp (HS 8429.11.00) from China Eurasian Economic 
Commission 
Investigation 
Number AD-17-CN 
(2 July 14)   
Customs 
Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Initiation on 10 Septembe r 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of commercial vehicle tyres (HS 4011.20.10; 4011.20.90) from China Eurasian Economic 
Commission Investigation Number AD-18-CN (10 September 14)   
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs 
Union 
(Botswana, 
Lesotho, 
Namibia, 
South Africa, 
and 
Swaziland) Initiation on 22 November 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of graphite electrodes 
(HS 8545.11) from China and India WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ZAF, 
27 August 14 Terminated on 
28 March 14 
(without measure) 
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland) Termination on 11 February 14 of countervailing 
duties on imports of ropes and cables, of iron or 
steel, not electrically insulated of a diameter 
exceeding 8 mm (HS 7312.10) from India (imposed on 28 August 02)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/ZAF, 
27 August 14   
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs 
Union 
(Botswana, 
Lesotho, 
Namibia, 
South Africa, 
and 
Swaziland) Termination on 21 February 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of coat ed paper and paperboard 
(HS 4810.19.90) from China and Korea, Rep. of 
(investigation initiated on 25 January 13 and 
provisional duty impose d on 27 September 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ZAF, 
27 August 14   
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland) Termination on 11 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of ropes and cables (HS 7312.10.20) 
from Germany and the United Kingdom (imposed 
on 28 August 02)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ZAF, 
27 August 14 This measure was 
terminated with 
respect to tariff 
heading HS 7312.10.20 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 141 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs 
Union 
(Botswana, 
Lesotho, 
Namibia, 
South Africa, 
and 
Swaziland) Termination on 11 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of rope and cables (HS 7312.10.40) 
from Korea, Rep. of (imp osed on 28 August 02)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ZAF, 
27 August 14   
SACU - 
Southern African Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland) Termination on 11 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of ropes and cables (HS 7312.10.25; 7312.10.40; 7312.10.90) from China (imposed on 28 August 02)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ZAF, 27 August 14 This measure was 
terminated with respect to tariff headings HS 7312.10.25; 7312.10.40; 7312.10.90 
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs 
Union 
(Botswana, 
Lesotho, 
Namibia, 
South Africa, 
and 
Swaziland) Termination on 9 May 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of welded link steel chain (HS 7315.82) 
from China (imposed on 9 May 08) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ZAF, 
27 August 14   
SACU - Southern African Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland) Initiation on 20 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of wheelbarrows (HS 8716.80.10) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/ZAF, 27 August 14 
  
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs 
Union 
(Botswana, 
Lesotho, 
Namibia, 
South Africa, 
and 
Swaziland) Initiation on 1 August 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of Portland cement 
(HS 2523.29) from Pakistan Permanent 
Delegation of South 
Africa to the WTO 
(13 October 14) 
and International 
Trade 
Administration 
Commission Notice 
No. 675/201 
(22 August 2014) 
  
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Initiation on 25 November 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of  computer to plate (HS 3701.30; 3701.91) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/TPK, 27 January 14   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 142 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Separate 
Customs 
Territory of 
Taiwan, 
Penghu, 
Kinmen and 
Matsu Termination on 30 April 14 (without measure) of 
safeguard investigation on imports of high density 
polyethylene "HDPE" and linear low density 
polyethylene "LLDPE" (HS 3901.10.00; 
3901.20.00) (initiated on 18 October 13) WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/TPKM/1, 
14 May 14 
  
Thailand Initiation on 30 January 14 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of non alloy hot rolled steel flat products in coils and not in coils (HS 7208.36.00; 7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 7208.39.00; 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00; 7208.53.00; 7208.54.00)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/THA/4, 3 February 14 and G/SG/N/7/THA/3/ Suppl.1, 25 September 14 Provisional duty 
imposed on 7 June 14 
Turkey Initiation on 18 December 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of laminated flooring 
(HS 4411.13.90; 4411.14.90; 4411.92.90; 
4411.93.90) from Germany WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/TUR, 
24 January 14   
Turkey Initiation on 21 December 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of  aluminium foil of a thickness not exceeding 0.2 mm, not backed, (HS 7607.11; 7607.19) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/TUR, 24 January 214; and Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the WTO (17 October 14)  Definitive duty 
imposed on 26 July 14 
Turkey Termination on 31 December 13 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of po lyester textured yarn 
(HS 5402.33) from Thailand (imposed on 
31 December 08) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/TUR, 
24 January 14    
Turkey Initiation on 10 January 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of uncoloured float glass (HS 7005.29) from Israel WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/TUR, 14 October 14    
Turkey Initiation on 26 March 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of motor hoe 
(HS 8432.29.90) from China WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/TUR, 
14 October 14    
Turkey Termination on 1 April 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of mono ethylene glycol (MEG) (HS 2905.31) from Kuwait (investigation initiated on 26 December 08 and definitive duty imposed on 2 May 10) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/TUR, 14 October 14    
Turkey Termination on 8 April 14 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of yarn of 
man-made or synthetic or artificial  staple 
fibres from Egypt (HS 5508; 5509; 5510; 5511) 
(initiated on 18 October 12)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/TUR, 
14 October 14  HS Codes excluded 
5509.52; 5509.61; 
5509.91; 5510.20 
Turkey Initiation on 21 June 14 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of printing, wr iting and copying papers 
(HS 4802.55.15; 4802.55.25; 4802.55.30; 4802.55.90; 4802.56.20; 4802.56.80; 4802.57.00; 4802.58.10; 4802.58.90) WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/TUR/18, 15 July 14   
Turkey Termination on 25 June 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of polyvinyl chloride (HS 3904.10) from 
Italy and Romania (imposed on 6 February 03) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/TUR, 
14 October 14    
Turkey Initiation on 22 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of unbleached kraftliner paper (HS 4804.11.11; 4804.11.15; 4804.11.90) from China Permanent 
Delegation of Turkey to the WTO (17 October 14)   
Turkey Initiation on 11 August 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of woven fabrics of 
synthetic filament yarn (HS 5407) from Bulgaria 
(possible circumvention of anti-dumping measures 
of imports from China; Ko rea, Rep. of; Malaysia; 
and Chinese Taipei impose d on 13 February 02)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO 
(17 October 14)   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 143 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Turkey Initiation on 11 August 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of woven fabrics of synthetic and artificial stable fibres (HS 5513; 5514; 5515; 5516) from Bulgaria and Poland 
(possible circumvention of anti-dumping measures 
of imports from China imposed on 15 February 01)  Permanent 
Delegation of Turkey to the WTO (17 October 14)   
Ukraine Initiation on 28 November 13 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of rubber conveyor belts 
(HS 4010.12.00) from the Russian Federation WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/UKR, 
15 April 14   
Ukraine Initiation on 2 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of electric incandescent lamps (HS 8539.22.90) from Kyrgyz Republic  Decision of the 
Interdepartmental Commission of Foreign Trade No. AD-311/2014/4421-06 (24 June 14)   
United States  Initiation on 18 November 13 of  anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of non-oriented electrical 
steel "NOES" (HS 7225.19.00; 7225.50; 7225.99; 
7226.19.10; 7226.19.90; 7226.92; 7226.99) from 
China; Germany; Japan; Korea, Rep. of; Sweden; 
and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 
5 September 14 Provisional duty 
imposed on 
22 May 14 
United States  Initiation on 9 December 13 of  anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HS 2903.39.20) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 5 September 14 Provisional duty 
imposed on 29 May 14 
United States  Initiation on 9 December 13 of countervailing  
investigation on imports of 1,1,1,2-
Tetrafluoroethane (HS 2903.39.20) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/USA, 
5 September 14 Provisional duty 
imposed on 
18 April 14 
United States  Termination on 12 December 13 of provisional  
anti-dumping duties on impo rts of silica bricks and 
shapes (HS 6901.00.00; 6902.20.10; 6902.20.50) from China (investigation initiated on 12 December 12 and provisional duty imposed on 20 June 13) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/252/USA, 6 March 14   
United States  Initiation on 14 January 14 of  anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of calcium hypochlorite 
(HS 2828.10.00; 3808.94; 3808.99) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 
5 September 14   
United States  Initiation on 14 January 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of calcium hypochlorite (HS 2828.10.00) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/USA, 5 September 14 Provisional duty 
imposed on 27 May 14 
United States  Termination on 28 January 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of  polyvinyl alcohol 
(HS 3905.30) from Chinese Taipei (investigation 
initiated on 4 October 04 and duties imposed on 
15 March 11) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 
5 September 14   
United States  Initiation on  29 January 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic products (HS 8501.31.80; 
8501.61.00; 8507.20.80; 8541.40.60) from China 
and Chinese Taipei WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 5 September 14   
United States  Initiation on 29 January 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain crystalline 
silicon photovoltaic products (HS 8501.31.80; 
8501.61.00; 8507.20.80; 8541.40.60) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/USA, 
5 September 14 Provisional duty 
imposed on 
10 June 14 
United States  Initiation on 27 February 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod (HS 7213.91.30; 7213.91.45; 7213.91.60; 7213.99.00; 7227.20.00; 7227.90.60) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 5 September 14 
  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 144 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
United States  Initiation on 27 February 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of carbon and certain 
alloy steel wire rod (HS 7213.91.30; 7213.91.45; 
7213.91.60; 7213.99.00; 7227.20.00; 
7227.90.60) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/USA, 
5 September 14 
  
United States  Termination on 26 March 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of ba ll bearings and parts 
thereof (HS 3926.90; 4016.93; 6909.19; 8431.20; 8431.39; 8482.10; 8482.80; 8482.91; 8482.99; 8483.20; 8483.30; 8483.50; 8483.90; 8708.30; 8708.40; 8708.50; 8708.60; 8708.70; 8708.80; 8708.93; 8708.94; 8708.95; 8708.99; 8803.10; 8803.20; 8803.30; 8803.90) from Japan and the United Kingdom  WTO documents 
G/ADP/N/252/USA, 6 March 14 and G/ADP/N/259/USA, 5 September 14 Duties originally 
imposed on 15 May 89 and terminated on 15 July 11. On 16 December 13 duties reinstated 
United States  Termination on 7 April 14 of  countervailing duties 
on imports of monosodium glutamate 
"MSG" (HS 2103.90; 2922.42.10) from China and 
Indonesia (initiated on 31 October 13 and 
provisional duties imposed on 11 March 14) WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/USA, 
5 September 14   
United States  Initiation on 24 April 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of sugar (HS 1701) from Mexico  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 5 September 14 
  
United States  Initiation on 24 April 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of sugar (HS 1701) from 
Mexico  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/USA, 
5 September 14   
United States  Termination on 5 May 14 of provisional 
anti-dumping duties on imports of prestressed 
concrete steel rail tie wire from Thailand 
(HS 7217.10.80; 7217.10.90; 7229.90.10; 7229.90.50; 7229.90.90; 7312.10.30) (investigation initiated on 20 May 13 and provisional duty imposed on 12 December 13) Permanent 
Delegation of the 
United States to the 
WTO (24 May 14) and International Trade Administration [A-549-829]  5 May 14) 
  
United States  Termination on 14 May 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of frontseating service valves 
(HS 8415.90; 8481.80; 8481.90) from China 
(imposed on 28 April 09) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 
5 September 14   
United States  Initiation on 19 May 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of 53-foot domestic dry containers (HS 8609.00.00; 9803.50.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 5 September 14 
  
United States  Initiation on 19 May 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of 53-foot domestic dry 
containers (HS 8609.00.00; 9803.50.00) from 
China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/USA, 
5 September 14 
  
United States  Termination on 2 June 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) (HS 2811.19.60; 
2931.00.90) from China and India (imposed on 
28 April 09) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 5 September 14   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 145 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
United States  Initiation on 25 June 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of certain steel nails 
(HS 7317.00.55; 7317.00.65; 7317.00.75; 
8206.00.00) from India; Korea, Rep. of; Malaysia; 
Oman; Chinese Taipei; Turkey; and Viet Nam WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 
5 September 14; 
Permanent 
Delegation of the 
United States to 
the WTO 
(15 October 14) 
and Department of 
Commerce 
International Trade 
Administration 
A-533-859, A-489-
820 Federal 
Register/Vol 79 FR 
No. 42049 
(18 July 14) Terminated on 
18 July 14 on 
imports from India 
and Turkey 
United States  Initiation on 25 June 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain steel nails (HS 7317.00.55; 7317.00.65; 7317.00.75; 8206.00.00) from India; Korea, Rep. of; Malaysia; Oman; Chinese Taipei; Turkey; and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/274/USA, 5 September 14; Permanent Delegation of the United States to the WTO (15 October 14) and Department of Commerce 
International Trade 
Administration C-533-860, C-489-821 Federal Register/Vol 79 FR No. 42049 (18 July 14) Terminated on 
18 July 14 on imports from India and Turkey 
United States  Termination on 3 July 14 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of carbon and certain alloy steel wire 
rod (HS 7213.91.30; 7213.91.45; 7213.91.60; 
7213.99.00; 7227.20.00; 7227.90.60) from 
Ukraine (imposed on 29 October 02)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
United States t 
 the WTO 
(15 October 14) 
and Department of 
Commerce 
International Trade 
Administration 
A-823-812 Federal 
Register/Vol 79 FR 
No. 38009 
(3 July 14)   
United States  Suspension on  18 July 2014 of  anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of oil country tubular 
goods "OCTG" (HS 7304.29.10; 7304.29.20; 
7304.29.31; 7304.29.41; 7304.29.50; 7304.29.61; 7304.39.00; 7304.59.60; 7304.59.80; 7305.20.20; 7305.20.40; 7305.20.60; 7305.20.80; 7305.31.40; 7305.31.60; 7306.29.10; 7306.29.20; 7306.29.31; 7306.29.41; 7306.29.60; 7306.29.81; 7306.30.50; 7306.50.50) from Ukraine (investigation initiated on 29 July 13 and provisional duty imposed on 25 February 14) Permanent 
Delegation of the 
United States to 
the WTO (15 October 14) and Department of Commerce International Trade Administration A-823-815 Federal Register/Vol 79 FR No. 41969 (18 July 14)   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 146 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
United States  Initiation on 21 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of passenger vehicle and 
light truck tires (HS 4011.10.10; 4011.10.50; 
4011.20.10; 4011.20.50; 4011.99.45; 
4011.99.85; 8708.70.45; 8708.70.60) from China  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
United States to 
the WTO 
(15 October 14) 
and Department of 
Commerce 
International Trade 
Administration 
A-570-016 Federal 
Register/Vol 79 FR 
No. 42292 
(21 July 14)   
United States  Initiation on 21 July 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of passenger vehicle and light truck tires (HS 4011.10.10; 4011.10.50; 4011.20.10; 4011.20.50; 4011.99.45; 4011.99.85; 8708.70.45; 8708.70.60) from China  Permanent 
Delegation of the United States to the WTO (15 October 14) and Department of Commerce International Trade Administration A-570-017 Federal Register/Vol 79 FR No. 42285 (21 July 14)   
United States  Initiation on 29 July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of polyethylene 
terephthalate film, sheet and strip 
(HS 3920.62.00) from the United Arab Emirates 
(possible circumvention of anti-dumping measures 
imposed on 10 November 08) Department of 
Commerce 
International Trade 
Administration 
A-520-803 
(18 July 14)   
United States  Termination on 22 August 14 of  anti-dumping 
duties on imports of steel threaded rod  (HS 7318.15.20; 7318.15.50) from India and Thailand  (investigation initiated on 24 July 13, provisional duties imposed on 31 December 13 on imports from Thailand and on 18 February 14 on imports from India) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 5 September 14; Permanent Delegation of the United States to the WTO (15 October 14) and Department of Commerce International Trade Administration A-533-855 Federal Register/Vol 79 FR No. 49810 (22 August 14) Terminated on 
17 April 14 on imports from Thailand  
United States  Termination on 22 August 14 of  countervailing 
duties on imports of steel threaded rod  
(HS 7318.15.20; 7318.15.50) from India 
(investigation initiated on 24 July 13 and 
provisional duty imposed on 19 December 13)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/267/USA, 
10 March 14; 
Permanent 
Delegation of the 
United States to 
the WTO 
(15 October 14) 
and Department of 
Commerce 
International Trade 
Administration 
C-533-856 Federal 
Register/Vol 79 FR 
No. 49810 
(22 August 14)   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 147 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
United States  Termination on 5 September 14 (without measure) 
of  anti-dumping duties on imports of oil country 
tubular goods "OCTG" (HS 7304.29.10; 7304.29.20; 7304.29.31; 7304.29.41; 
7304.29.50; 7304.29.61; 7304.39.00; 
7304.59.60; 7304.59.80; 7305.20.20; 7305.20.40; 7305.20.60; 7305.20.80; 7305.31.40; 7305.31.60; 7306.29.10; 7306.29.20; 7306.29.31; 7306.29.41; 7306.29.60; 7306.29.81; 7306.30.50; 7306.50.50) from Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand (investigation initiated on 29 July 13 and provisional duty imposed on 25 February 14)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 5 September 14; Permanent 
Delegation of the 
United States to the WTO (15 October 14) and Department of Commerce International Trade Administration A-517-804 Federal Register/Vol 79 FR No. 49051 (20 August 14) and A-565-802, A-549-832 Federal Register/Vol 79 FR No. 53080 (5 September 14) Terminated on 
20 August 14 on imports from the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia 
United States  Termination on 12 September 14 of anti-dumping 
duties on imports of ferrosilicon (HS 7202.21.10; 
7202.21.50; 7202.21.75; 7202.21.90; 
7202.29.00) from the Russian Federation and 
Venezuela (investigation initiated on 
14 August 13 and provisio nal duty imposed on 
11 March 14) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 
5 September 14; 
Permanent 
Delegation of the 
United States to 
the WTO 
(15 October 14) 
and Department of 
Commerce 
International Trade 
Administration 
A-821-820 Federal 
Register/Vol 79 FR 
No. 44393 
(31 July 14) and 
A-307-824 Federal 
Register/Vol 79 FR 
No. 54744 
(12 September 24) Terminated on 
31 July 14 on 
imports from the 
Russian Federation 
United States  Termination on 12 September 14 of  anti-dumping 
duties on imports of grain- oriented electrical steel 
"GOES"  (HS 7225.11.00; 7226.11.10; 7226.11.90) from Germany, Japan, and Poland (investigation initiated on 31 October 13 and provisional duty imposed on 12 May 14)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 5 September 14; Permanent Delegation of the United States to the WTO (15 October 14) 
and Federal 
Register/Vol 79 No. 54744   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 148 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
United States  Termination on 15 September 14 of  anti-dumping 
duties on imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar  
(HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7215.90; 7221.00; 
7221.11; 7222.30; 7227.20; 7227.90; 7228.20; 
7228.30.80; 7228.60) from Turkey (investigation 
initiated on 2 October 13 and provisional duty 
imposed on 24 April 14) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/259/USA, 
5 September 14; 
Permanent 
Delegation of 
the United States to 
the WTO 
(15 October 14) 
and Department of 
Commerce 
International Trade 
Administration 
A-489-818 Federal 
Register/Vol 79 FR 
No. 54965 
(15 September 14)   
United States  Initiation on 22 September 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of boltess steel shelving units pre-packaged for sale  (HS 9403.10.00; 9403.20.00) from China  Permanent 
Delegation of the United States to the WTO (15 October 14) and USITC 701-TA-523 and 731-TA-1259 (preliminary), Federal Register/Vol. 79 No. 56562 
(22 September 14)   
United States  Initiation on 22 Septembe r 14 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of boltess steel shelving 
units pre-packaged for sale  (HS 9403.10.00; 
9403.20.00) from China Permanent 
Delegation of the 
United States to 
the WTO 
(15 October 14) 
and USITC 701-TA-
523 and 731-TA-
1259 (preliminary), 
Federal 
Register/Vol. 79 
No. 56567 
(22 September 14)   
United States  Termination on 23 September 14 of countervailing 
duties on imports of ce rtain tow-behind lawn 
groomers and certain parts thereof (HS 8432.40.00; 8432.80.00; 8432.90.00; 8479.89.98; 8479.90.94; 9603.50.00) from China (imposed on 3 August 2009)  Permanent 
Delegation of the United States t  the WTO (15 October 14) and Department of Commerce International Trade Administration 
C-570-940, Federal 
Register/Vol. 79 No. 56769 (23 September 14)   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 149 - 
 
   
Recorded, but non-confirmed information3 
 
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/Date Status 
Egypt Initiation in July 14 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of steel rebar (HS 7213; 7214) from China, Turkey, and Ukraine   Reuters (22 July 14) Egypt 
                                               
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/17 
 
- 150 - 
 
   
ANNEX 3 
OTHER TRADE AND TRADE-RELATED MEASURES1 
(MID-NOVEMBER 2013 TO MID-OCTOBER 2014) 
Confirmed information2 
 
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Algeria Authorization of imports on 
second-hand equipment (if less than 2 years old) granted only in the absence of local production   Loi No. 13-08 du 27 
Safar 1435 portant loi de Finance pour 2014 (30 December 13)   
Argentina Updated list of "reference values" for 
exports of cranberries ( arándanos ) 
(NCM 0810.40.00), for certain specified 
destinations  Administración Federal 
de Ingresos Públicos - 
Resolución General No. 
3542/2013 
(14 November 13) Effective 
20 November 13 
Argentina Updated list of "criterion values" 
(valores criterio de carácter 
preventivo ) for imports of certain 
products, i.e. microphones and stands; knitted or crocheted jerseys, pullovers, 
cardigans, and waist-coats; and swimming pools (NCM 6110.11.00; 
6110.12.00; 6110.19.00; 6110.20.00; 
6110.30.00; 6110.90.00; 8518.10.10; 8518.10.90; 9506.99.00), from specific origins Administración Federal 
de Ingresos Públicos -  Resoluciones Generales Nos. 3544/2013, 3546/2013, and 3547/2013 (14 November 13) Effective 
20 November 13 
Argentina Increase of export duties (to 32%) on 
soy residues and soy by-products 
(NCM 2302.50.00; 2308.00.00; 
2309.90.90) Decreto 2014/2013 
(2 December 13)   
Argentina Updated list of "criterion values" 
(valores criterio de carácter preventivo ) 
for imports of certain products, i.e. shawls, scarves, mufflers, mantillas, veils and the like; men's or boy's overcoats, raincoats, car-coats, capes, cloaks and similar articles; and toys; articles for Christmas festivities (NCM 6201.11.00; 6201.12.00; 6201.13.00; 6201.91.00; 6201.92.00; 6201.93.00; 6117.10.00; 9503.00.10; 9503.00.21; 9503.00.22; 9503.00.31; 9503.00.39; 9503.00.60; 9503.00.80; 9503.00.91; 9503.00.97; 9503.00.98; 
9503.00.99; 9504.90.90; 9505.10.00), 
from specific origins  Administración Federal 
de Ingresos Públicos -  Resoluciones Generales Nos. 3554/2013, 3555/2013, and 3556/2013 (2 December 13) Effective 
5 December 13 
                                               
1 The inclusion of any measure in this table implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether or 
not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in  nature. Moreover, nothing in the table implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure refe rred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement. 
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/17 
 
- 151 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Argentina Updated list of "reference values" for 
exports of raw hides and skins (other 
than furskins) and leather  
(NCM 4101.20.00; 4101.50.10; 
4101.50.20; 4101.50.30; 4101.90.10; 
4101.90.20; 4101.90.30; 4104.11.11; 
4104.11.13; 4104.11.14; 4104.11.21; 
4104.11.23; 4104.11.24; 4104.19.10; 
4104.19.30; 4104.19.40), for certain 
specified de stinations Administración Federal 
de Ingresos Públicos -  
Resoluciones Generales 
Nos. 3557/2013 
(2 December 13) and 
3578/2013 
(7 January 14) Effective 
5 December 13. 
Reference values 
updated on 
9 January 14 
Argentina Updated list of "criterion values" 
(valores criterio de carácter preventivo ) 
for imports of certain products, i.e. gloves, mittens and mitts knitted or crocheted impregnated coated or covered with plastics or rubber (NCM 6116.10.00); shawls, scarves, mufflers, mantillas, veils and the like; and clutches and parts thereof (NCM 6117.10.00; 8708.93.00), from specific origins  Administración Federal 
de Ingresos Públicos -  Resoluciones Generales Nos. 3644/2014 (10 July 14), 3650/2014 and 3651/2014 (16 July 14)   
Argentina Updated list of "c riterion values" 
(valores criterio de carácter preventivo ) 
for imports of certain products, i.e. 
woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres 
(NCM 5514); overcoats, raincoats, 
car-coats, capes, cloaks and similar 
articles (NCM 6202); and shawls, 
scarves, mufflers, mantillas, veils and 
the like (NCM 6214), from specific 
origins  Administración Federal 
de Ingresos Públicos -  
Resoluciones Generales 
Nos. 3657/2014, 
3658/2014 and 
3659/2014 
(7 August 14) Effective 
7 August 14 
Argentina Updated list of "criterion values" 
(valores criterio de carácter preventivo ) 
for imports of certain products, i.e. trunks, suit-cases, vanity-cases, executive-cases, brief-cases, school satchels and similar containers (NCM 4202.12.10; 4202.12.20; 4202.19.00; 4202.32.00); and fruit juice extractors (NCM 8509.40.40), from specific origins  Administración Federal 
de Ingresos Públicos -  Resoluciones Generales Nos. 3670/2014 and 3672/2014 (9 September 14) Effective 
9 September 14 
Argentina Increase of import tariffs on certain 
products, i.e. (from 14% to 20%) 
fireworks (NCM 3604.10.00); (from 
14% to 35%) herbicides and moulds 
(NCM 3808.93.23; 8480.41.00); and 
boats (from 20% to 35%) 
(NCM 8903.99.00) Ministerio de Econom ía 
y Finanzas Públicas 
Decreto No. 1676/2014 
(25 September 14) Effective 
25 September 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 152 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Argentina Extension of the temporary increase of 
import tariffs (from 20% to 35%) on certain products, i. e. fruits, coffee, 
prepared foodstuffs, beverages, 
tobacco, organic chemicals, chemical 
products, rubber, wood, articles of wood, cork, footwear, ceramic products, articles of iron or st eel, articles of base 
metal, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, motorcycles, musical instruments, and miscellaneous manufactured articles  (100 tariff lines at 8 digits) (NCM Chapters 08; 09; 15; 21; 22; 23; 24; 29; 33; 36; 38; 40; 44; 45; 64; 68; 69; 71; 73; 82; 83; 84; 85; 87; 89; 90; 92; 94; 95; 96), following MERCOSUR Decision No. 39/11 (special authorization to increase the Mercosur Common Tariff applied rates on 100 tariff lines) (originally implemented on 23 January 2013) Ministerio de Econom ía 
y Finanzas Públicas 
Decreto No. 1676/2014 (25 September 14) Effective 
25 September 14 
Argentina Updated list of "reference values" for 
exports of fresh grapes 
(NCM 0806.10.00), for certain specified 
destinations Administración Federal 
de Ingresos Públicos -  
Resolución General 
No. 3679/2014 
(29 September 14) Effective 
29 September 14 
Brazil Prolongation of temporary authorization 
to increase the Mercosur Common External Tariff (to 55%), but not above their bound levels, for imports of canned peaches (NCM 2008.70.90) Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO (28 May 14) and Camex Resolution No. 47/2013 (24 June 13) Effective 
1 December 13 to 31 December 14 
Brazil New Decrees temporary granting up 
preference in government procurement 
(up to 25% preference margin) on 
certain locally produced informatics and 
telecommunication equipment, software 
and related services and executive 
aircraft  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(28 May 14) and 
Decrees Nos. 8.184,  
8.185, 8.186 
(17 January 14) 
and 8.194 
(12 February 14) Effective until 
31 December 15 
Brazil Temporary increase of import tariffs on 
certain products, i.e. (to 20%) vegetable fats and oils and their fractions (NCM 1516.20.00); light oils and preparations ( óleos de vaselina ou 
de parafina ) (NCM 2710.19.91); sodium 
hydrogencarbonate (sodium bicarbonate) (NCM 2836.30.00); 
machining centres (NCM 8457.10.00); 
and gears and gearing, other than toothed wheels, chain sprockets and other transmission elements presented separately, ball or roller screws, gear boxes and other speed changers, including torque converters (NCM 8483.40.10); and other industrials monocarboxylic fatty acids; acid oils from refining (NCM 3823.19.00)   Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO (15 October 14) and Camex Resolution No. 54/2014 (4 July 14) Effective 8 July 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 153 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
China Tariff Implementation Plan for 2014 
resulting in the adjustment of import 
tariffs and export duties on selected 
products, restoring the MFN import 
tariffs or reducing import tariffs on some 
products Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO 
(30 April and 
15 October 14) Effective 
1 January 14 
China Release in December 2013 of the 
catalogue of items, i.e. live animals, meat, cereals, cereal flours, liquorice roots, vegetable saps and extracts, bamboos, organic chemicals, mattresses, ores, miscellaneous chemical products, iron and steel, tin and articles, mineral fuels and oils, wood and articles of wood, cotton, precious metals, machinery and mechanical appliances , and vehicles and 
parts, subject to export licensing administration (HS Chapters 01; 02; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 32; 38; 44; 46; 52; 71; 72; 75; 80; 81; 84; 87; 94)  Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO (21 May 14) and MOFCOM Announcement No. 96/2013 Effective 
1 January 14 
China Release in December 2013 of the 
catalogue of items subject to 
non-automatic import licensing, 
i.e. halogenated derivatives of 
hydrocarbons, miscellaneous chemical 
products, instantaneous gas water 
heaters, converters, pulley tackle and 
hoists other than skip hoists, ship's 
derricks, fork-lift trucks, machinery for 
making pulp or paper, electric motors 
and generators, centrifuges, dish 
washing machines, dairy machinery, 
harvesting or threshing machinery, 
printing machinery, weaving machines, 
knitting machines, dry-cleaning 
machines, and ship and boats 
(HS 2903; 3824; 8419; 8425; 8454; 
8426; 8427; 8428; 8439; 8501; 8502; 
8515; 8421; 8422; 8434; 8438; 8433; 
8443; 8446; 8447; 8451; 8453; 8901; 
8903)  Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO 
(30 April 14) and 
MOFCOM 
Announcement 
No. 97/2013 Effective 
1 January 14 
China First batch of 2014 export quotas for 
rare earth minerals (15,110 metal metric tonnes) and for non-ferrous metals (i.e. tungsten and its products (13,583 metal metric tonnes), antimony and its products (47,774 metal metric 
tonnes), silver (3,405 metal metric 
tonnes), tin and its products (11,900 metal metric tonnes), indium (162 metal metric tonnes), and molybdenum and its products (25,146 metal metric tonnes)) (HS Chapters 25; 26; 28; 72; 80; 81) Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO (21 May 14)   
China Amendments introduced in June 14 to 
the catalogue of items subject to 
automatic import licensing resulting on 
the removal of 81 products, i.e. CD 
production equipment, automotive 
products, engineering machinery, 
textiles machinery, and metal 
processing machine tools  Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO 
(16 October 14) and 
MOFCOM 
Announcement 
No. 47/2014 Effective June 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 154 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
China Cotton import quota for 2015 limited at 
894,000 tonnes (HS 5201.00.00; 5203.00.00). Out of the quota imports subject to import tariffs of 40%  Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO (16 October 14)   
Colombia Temporary export quota on raw hides 
and skins (12,682 tonnes) 
(HS 4101.20.00; 4101.50.00; 
4101.90.00); and tanned or crust hides 
and skins in the wet state (including 
wet-blue) (27,244 tonnes) 
(HS 4104.11.00; 4104.19.00) 
(previously no export restriction in 
place) Permanent Delegation 
of Colombia to the WTO 
(17 October 14) and 
Decreto No. 2469 
Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo 
(7 November 13) Effective for 2 years 
Colombia Amendments to the temporary increase 
of import tariffs (through a specific duty (US$3/kg for FOB declared value above US$10/kg; and US$5/kg for FOB declared value of US$10/kg or less), combined with an ad valorem  tariff 
(10%)) on articles of apparel and clothing accessories (HS 61; 62; 63). For footwear (HS 64) specific duty set at US$5/pair for FOB declared value of US$7/pair or less, and at US$1.75/pair for FOB declared value above US$7/pair, and an ad valorem  tariff 
(10%). Imports from free-trade 
agreement partners exempted 
(originally implemented on 1 March 13 for 1 year) Permanent Delegation 
of Colombia to the WTO (17 October 14) and Decreto No. 456 Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo (28 February 14) Products included in 
tariff lines HS 6406 exempted from ad valorem  tariff 
(except HS 6404.10.00). Increase of import tariffs valid for 2 years 
Colombia Import ban on certain products, 
i.e. meat; oils; margarine; rice; tyres; 
waste and scrap of ferrous, copper, 
aluminium, zinc, tin, and other metals 
(HS 0207.13.00; 0207.14.00; 
0207.26.00; 0207.27.00; 0207.54.00; 
0207.55.00; 1006; 1507.90.90; 
1512.19.10; 1512.19.20; 1517.90.00; 
4011; 4012; 4013; 7204; 7404; 7503; 
7602; 7802; 7902; 8002; 8101.97.00; 
8102.97.00; 8103.30.00; 8104.20.00; 
8105.30.00; 8106.00.20; 8107.30.00; 
8108.30.00; 8109.30.00; 8110.20.00; 
8111.00.12; 8112.13.00; 8112.22.00; 
8112.52.00; 8112.92.20) on certain 
entry points from Venezuela Permanent Delegation 
of Colombia to the WTO 
(17 October 14) and 
Resolución No. 70 
Dirección de Impuestos 
y Aduanas Nacionales 
(28 February 14) Effective 
28 February 14 
Colombia Measures to regulate, register and 
control the import of certain machinery and parts, i.e. bu lldozers and angle 
dozers, mechanical shovels, excavators 
and shovel loaders (HS 8429; 8431; 8905) Permanent Delegation 
of Colombia to the WTO (17 October 14) and 
Decreto No. 723 
Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo  Effective 25 April 14 
East African 
Community 
(Burundi, 
Kenya, Rwanda, 
Tanzania, 
Uganda) Increase of import tariffs (from 10% to 
25%) on other aerosol spray 
(HS 3808.91.39), coated electrodes of 
base metal for electric arc-welding 
(HS 8311.10.00); (from zero to 10%) 
towers and lattice masts 
(HS 7308.20.00); and (from zero to 
25%) virgin olive oil (HS 1509.10.00) EAC Gazette Vol. AT 1 - 
No. 8 - Legal Notice 
No. EAC/21/2014 
(20 June 14) Effective 1 July 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 155 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
East African 
Community (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, 
Tanzania, 
Uganda) Imposition of an "infrastructure levy" 
(15%) on imports. Tanzania given a one year waiver on this measure EAC Gazette Vol. AT 1 - 
No. 8 - Legal Notice No. EAC/22/2014 (20 June 14) Effective 1 July 14 for 
1 year 
Kenya Temporary increase of import tariffs 
(from zero to 10%) on flat-rolled 
products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a 
width of 600 mm or more; (from zero to 
25%) bridges and br idges sections, 
equipment for scaffo lding shuttering, 
propping or pit propping; (from 10% to 
25%) oil or petrol filters for internal 
combustion engines, in take air filters for 
internal combustion engines, and other 
prefabricated buildi ngs; flat-rolled 
products of iron or non-alloy steel; bars 
and rods hot-rolled of iron or non-alloy 
steel; angles, shapes and sections of 
iron or non-alloy steel (HS 7208.51.00; 
7208.52.00; 7208.53.00; 7208.54.00; 
7208.90.00; 7212.40.00; 7213.10.00; 
7214.20.00; 7214.91.00; 7214.99.00; 
7216.10.00; 7216.21.00; 7216.22.00; 
7216.31.00; 7216.32.00; 7216.33.00; 
7216.50.00; 7216.51.00; 7216.61.00; 
7216.69.00; 7216.91.00; 7216.99.00; 
7308.10.00; 7308.40.00; 8421.23.00; 
8421.31.00; 9406.00.90) EAC Gazette Vol. AT 1 - 
No. 8 - Legal Notice 
No. EAC/21/2014 
(20 June 14) Effective 1 July 14 for 
1 year 
Uganda Temporary increase of import tariffs 
(from 10% to 25%) on wire of iron or non-alloy steel, plated or coated with zinc; and (from zero to 10%) on flat rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more (HS 7208.52.00; 7208.53.00; 7208.54.00; 7217.20.00) EAC Gazette Vol. AT 1 - 
No. 8 - Legal Notice No. EAC/21/2014 (20 June 14) Effective 1 July 14 for 
1 year 
Ecuador Amendments introduced in the list of 
products (293) subject to prior import 
controls ( certificado de reconocimiento ) 
(HS Chapters 02; 04; 09; 11; 12; 15; 
16; 19; 20; 21; 22; 25; 27; 32; 33; 34; 
38; 39; 40; 72; 73; 76; 84; 85; 95; 96) Resolución  No. 116 
Comité de Comercio 
Exterior 
(19 November 13)   
Ecuador Establishment of an Operators Registry 
where all importers (compulsory) have to register their impo rts in the Ministry 
of Industry and Productivity Acuerdo No. 14114 - 
Ministry of Industry and Productivity (24 January 14)   
Egypt Temporary import ban on motorcycles, 
three-wheelers "tuk-tuks" (valid for 1 
year), and certain engines and chassis 
parts (valid for 3 months) (HS 85; 
8703; 8704; 8706; 8707; 8708; 8711; 
8714) Permanent Delegation 
of Egypt to the WTO 
(28 May 14) and 
Decree No. 105 Ministry 
of Trade and Industry  Effective 
16 February 14 
Egypt Increase of specific tax on imports of 
cigarettes (from LE 1 to LE 1.5). For locally produced cigarette tax increased from LE 0.5 to LE 0.75 (HS Chapter 24)  Permanent Delegation 
of Egypt to the WTO (21 October 14) Effective 2 July 14 
Egypt Export duty (LE 50/tonne) on natural 
sands of all kinds (HS 2505)  Permanent Delegation 
of Egypt to the WTO 
(21 October 14) Effective 17 July 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 156 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
European Union Guidelines concerning the 
reimbursement of an ti-dumping duties 
aiming at clarifying the different parties involved in a refund procedure the 
conditions to be fulfilled by an 
application and to give a comprehensive step-by-step explanation of the procedure which may lead to a reimbursement Commission 
Notice 2014/C 164/09 (29 May 14)   
European Union Elimination of the temporary suspension 
of import tariffs (to €5.32/tonne) on 
certain cereals, i.e. rye seed; rye, other 
than for sowing; maize seed, other than 
hybrid; maize, other than for sowing; 
grain sorghum, other than hybrids for 
sowing; and grain sorghum, other than 
for sowing (HS 1002.10.00; 
1002.90.00; 1005.10.90; 1005.90.00; 
1007.10.90; 1007.90.00) Commission 
Implementing 
Regulation 
No. 774/2014 
(15 July 14)  Effective 16 July 14 
European Union Temporary susp ension of import tariffs 
for an exceptional tariff quota of sugar (HS 1701) (400,000 tonnes) in the 2014-17 marketing year Commission 
Implementing Regulation No. 635/2014 (13 June 14)  Effective 
1 October 14 to 30 September 17 
Hong Kong, 
China Revised tender limits and admission 
requirements for the List of Approved 
Contractors for Public Works, 
establishing (i) an increase in tender 
limits for the 3 groups of contractors, 
(ii) minimum 24-months probationary 
period waived for probationary 
contractors, and (iii) acceptance of 
relevant experience on both government 
and non-government contracts executed 
in Hong Kong for probationary 
contractors seeking confirmation status Permanent Delegation 
of Hong Kong, China to 
the WTO 
(10 October 14) Effective 
1 December 13 
India Exports of dimeth ylamine hydrochloride, 
sodium cyanide and sodium fluoride restricted (HS 2826.19.90; 2837.19.90; 2921.11.90) and only permitted under licence  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO (25 May 14) and Notification, Ministry of Commerce & Industry No. 56/RE-2013 (12 December 13)  Effective 
12 December 13 
India Increase of import tariffs (from 20% or 
Rs 20/kg to 20% or Rs 30/kg) on 
natural rubber in other forms 
(HS 4001.21; 4001.22; 4001.29) Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(25 May 14) and 
Notification 
No. 51/2013-Customs 
Ministry of Finance 
(20 December 13)  Effective 
20 December 13 
India Increase of import tariffs (from 7.5% to 
10%) on certain animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products, and prepared edible fats  (HS 1507; 1508; 1509; 1510; 1512; 1513; 1514; 1515; 1517; 1518) Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO (25 May 14) and Notification No. 2/2014-Customs Ministry of Finance (20 January 14)  Effective 
20 January 14 
India Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 
5%) on iron ore pellets (HS 2601.12.10) Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(25 May 14) and 
Notification 
No. 3/2014-Customs 
Ministry of Finance 
(27 January 14)  Effective 
27 January 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 157 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
India Further extension of export ban on 
pulses (HS 0713) (originally implemented on 27 June 06 and effective until 31 March 12, and 
extended until 31 March 14). Exports of 
"Kabuli Chana" and 10,000 metric tonnes/annum of organic pulses and lentils exempted Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO (25 May 14) and Notifications, Ministry of 
Commerce & Industry 
Nos. 78/RE-2013 (31 March 14) , and 35 (RE-2010)/2009-2014-Customs, Ministry of Finance - Department of Revenue (23 March 11) Extended until 
31 March 14 (vide Notification No.38 dated 25 March 13) 
India Minimum export price "MEP" on export 
of potatoes (US$450/metric tonne FOB) 
(HS 0701.90.00)  Notification No. 85  
(RE-2013)/2009-2014, 
Ministry of Commerce & 
Industry 
(26 June 14) Effective 
26 June 14 
India Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 
2.5%) on coking coal (HS 2701.19.10),  metallurgical coke (HS 2704.00), and certain diamonds (HS 71); (from zero to 20%) manganese ore (HS 2602); (from 2.5% to 5%) methyl alcohol (HS 2905.11.00); (from 2% to 2.5%) cut and polished co loured gemstones, 
non-industrial diamonds and steam coal and bituminous coal (HS 71); (from 5% 
to 7.5%) stainless steel flat products 
(HS 7219; 7220) Notifications 
Nos. 12/2014-Customs and 15/2014-Customs, Ministry of Finance - Department of Revenue (11 July 14) Effective 11 July 14  
India Imposition of an a dditional duty rate 
(2%) on anthracite coal 
(HS 2701.11.00; 2701.19.90) and 
coking coal (HS 2701.19.10) Notification 
No. 12/2014-Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue 
(11 July 14) Effective 11 July 14 
India Increase of export duties (from 10% to 
20%) on bauxite (HS 2602) Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO (2 October 14)  and Notification No. 15/2014-Customs, Ministry of Finance - Department of Revenue (11 July 14) Effective 11 July 14 
India Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 
10%) on telecommunication and 
information and technology products not 
covered under the Information 
Technology Agreement (HS Chapter 85)  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(2 October 14)  Effective 11 July 14 
India Further increase of  import tariffs 
"standard rate" (from 15% to 25%) on 
raw sugar, and refined or white sugar 
(HS 1701) (originally increased from 10% to 15% on 8 July 13) WTO document 
WT/TPR/OV/16, 
31 January 14;  
Notification No. 26/2014-Customs, Ministry of Finance - Department of Revenue (21 August 14); and Permanent Delegation of India to the WTO (2 October 14) Effective 
21 August 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 158 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
India Re-imposition of minimum export price 
"MEP" on export of onions 
(US$300/metric tonne FOB) (HS 0703) 
(originally reintroduced on 
1 November 13 and eliminated on 
4 March 14) Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(25 May 14); 
Notifications, Ministry of 
Commerce & Industry 
Nos. 72/RE-2013 
(4 March 14); and  49 
(RE-2013)/2009-2014 - 
Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry Effective 
21 August 14 
Indonesia Export provisio ns on processing and 
refining of non-subsidize urea fertilizers   
(HS 3102.10.00; 3102.90.00) Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the WTO (15 October 14) and Regulation Ministry of Trade No. 73/2013 Effective 
12 December 13  
Indonesia New requirement (techn ical verification) 
for exports of palm oil, crude palm oil 
(CPO) and derivative products Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 14) and 
Ministry of Trade, 
Regulation No. 29/ 
M-DAG/PER/6/2013 
(24 December 13), 
amended 4 July 14, 
Regulation No. 35/M-
DAG/PER/7/2014 Effective 
24 December 13 
Indonesia New excise tax on beverages containing 
ethyl alcohol, imposing higher excise tax 
on imported than on  domestic products 
for 2 categories (category B: more than 5% up to 20%, and category C: more than 20%)  Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May & 
October 14) and Regulation No. 207/2013 Minister of Finance Effective 
31 October 13  
Indonesia Extension on 1 January 14 of the 
revised import requirements on used 
capital goods (but not scrap). Used 
capital goods can only be imported by a 
direct user, reconditioning, 
manufacturing, and health equipment 
supplier companies (originally 
implemented on 13 February 12 until 
31 December 13). The goods are 
subjected to a technical inspection by a 
surveyor in the country of origin. A 
recommendation from the Ministry of 
Industry is required  before importing 
used capital goods Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 14) and 
Minister of Trade 
Regulation No. 75/ 
M-DAG/PER/12/2013 Extended until 
31 December 16 
Indonesia Increase of  import income tax on 
certain products (502 tariff lines at 10 digits), i. e. perfumes; articles of 
plastic; articles of  leather; wood and 
articles of wood; carpets; apparel and clothing; footwear; glass and glassware; articles of iron, steel and aluminium; tools; machinery and equipment; vehicles; boats; apparatus; and miscellaneous manufactures articles (HS Chapters 33; 39; 42; 44; 57; 61; 62; 64; 66; 70; 71; 73; 76; 82; 84; 85; 87; 89; 90; 91; 94; 95; 96) for importers using import identification number "API" Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the WTO (30 May 14) and 
Ministry of Finance, 
Regulation No. 175/PMK.011/2013   Effective 
6 January 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 159 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Indonesia  Imposition of export  duties on copper 
(25%) and (20%) for other raw 
materials (HS 2601.11.00; 2601.12.00; 
2602.00.00; 2603.00.00; 2607.00.00; 
2608.00.00). Duties to further increase 
up to 60% in 2016  Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 14) and 
Minister of Finance 
Regulation 
No. 6/PMK.011/2014 Effective 
11 January 14  
Indonesia Revised export procedures for 
processing and refining of mining products. Export prohibition for minerals not attaining locally minimum processing/refining threshold. Restrictions in place for other mineral exports Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the WTO (30 May 14) and Minister of Trade Regulation No. 4/ M-DAG/PER/1/2014 Effective 
13 January 14 
Indonesia Export ban on raw minerals, mineral 
ores and unprocessed metals, linked 
with an obligation for mining operators 
to process the minerals locally. Certain 
metallic minerals, including copper 
concentrate, exempted until January 17. 
In January 14, the minimum processing 
degree of exportable cooper was 
reduced from 99% to 15%  Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 April 14) 
Ministry of Energy and 
Mineral Resources, 
Regulation No. 1 and 
Ministry of Trade, 
Regulation of Minister 
of Trade No. 04/ 
M-DAG/PER/1/2014   Effective 
13 January 14  
Indonesia  Industry Law adopted in December 13 
increasing state ownership in strategic industries and the use of domestically produced goods and services. Law also 
includes export ban requirements on 
certain raw materials  Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the WTO (30 May 14) and Law No. 3  Effective 
15 January 14  
Indonesia New Trade Law adopted by the 
Parliament on 11 February 14 
containing provisions  establishing the 
framework to further regulate domestic 
and international trade, including 
protecting domestic supply and 
production, restrictin g exports (including 
raw materials), and requiring various 
import/export licenses (i.e. registration, 
approval, determination, and/or 
recognition). In addition the Law also 
includes clauses on standardization, 
safeguards, and e-commerce (i.e. to 
protect and safeguard national interests 
from the negative impacts of 
international trade, through 
import/export restrictions) Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 14) and 
Law No. 7  Effective 
11 March 14 
Indonesia Temporary revise d export requirements 
on rice introducing non-automatic licensing procedures (HS 1006.30.30; 
1006.30.99) Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the WTO (30 May 14); 
Minister of Trade 
Regulation No. 19/ M-DAG/PER/3/2014; and WTO document G/LIC/N/2/IDN/25, 26 September 14 Effective 
28 March 14 
Indonesia Guidelines for Structuring and 
Development of Traditional Markets, 
Shopping Centres and Modern Stores 
imposing limitation on the number of 
outlets stores (maximum 150), and 
local content requirements (minimum 
80% of products sold)   Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (15 October 14) 
and Regulation Ministry 
of Trade No. 70/ 
M-DAG/PER/12/2013 Effective 
12 June 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 160 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Indonesia Temporary new requirements on 
imports of alloy steel (HS Chapter 72) establishing automatic licensing procedures. In order to obtain the 
designation as Importir Terdaftar (IT), 
i.e. "Registered Importer", every company must apply to the Ministry of Trade and to obtain the Persetujuan Import (PI), i.e. "Import Approval"; every company must submit a written application  and recommendation  Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the WTO (15 October 14); Regulation Ministry of 
Trade No. 28/ 
M-DAG/PER/6/2014; and WTO document G/LIC/N/2/IDN/24, 24 September 14 Effective 2 July 14 to  
31 December 16 
Indonesia Non-automatic import licensing 
requirements on pearls (HS Chapter 71)  WTO document 
G/LIC/N/2/IDN/24, 24 
September 2014 Effective 3 July 2014 
Indonesia Updated list of  "reference values" for 
exports of certain agriculture, forestry products, and mining products (HS Chapters 12; 15; 23; 25; 26; 38; 68; 71), resulting in the imposition of export duties Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the WTO (15 October 14) and Regulations Ministry of Trade Nos. 60/M-DAG-PER/9/2014 and 61/ M-DAG-PER/9/2014 Effective 
26 September 14 
Malaysia Temporary export ban on certain fish 
products (mackerels and scads) 
(HS Chapter 03) implemented on 
29 June 14, due to shortage of supply Permanent Delegation 
of Malaysia to the WTO 
(20 October 14)  Terminated on 
26 August 14 
Mauritius Amendments to the Customs Tariff Act, 
in some cases resulting in a decrease or 
an increase of import tariffs Permanent Delegation 
of Mauritius to the WTO 
(20 October 14)  Effective 
1 January 14 
Mexico Increase of import tariffs (to 7%) on 
certain metal furniture (HS 9403.20.03; 
9403.20.99) Permanent Delegation 
of Mexico to the WTO 
(22 May 14) Effective 
13 December 13 
Mexico Re-imposition of import tariffs (20%) on 
white maize (HS 1005) (eliminated in 2008), lemon (HS 0805) (eliminated in May 2013); (15%) on sorghum (HS 1007) (eliminated in 2012); and (10%) tomato (HS 0702) (eliminated in May 13)  Permanent Delegation 
of Mexico to the WTO (22 May 14) Effective 
13 December 13 
Mexico Temporary extension of the export 
requirement permission on iron ore 
(HS 2601.11.01; 2601.12.01)  
(originally implemented on 
22 March 11) Permanent Delegation 
of Mexico to the WTO 
(22 May 14) Extended on 
1 January 14 until 
31 December 14 
Mexico Imposition of reference prices for 
imports of 57 footwear tariff lines (HS Chapter 64)  Permanent Delegation 
of Mexico to the WTO (15 October 14) Effective 
5 September 14 
Nigeria Tariff readjustment for the Automotive 
Industry resulting in: (i) import tariffs 
and "customs levy" on "fully built units 
cars" (FBU) (to 35%); and (ii) import 
tariffs (35%) on "fully built units 
commercial vehicles", used vehicles, 
and  green cars (elect ric and hybrid with 
electric motor drive and petrol or diesel 
engine) (HS Chapter 87)  Nigerian Automotive 
Council Measures to 
transform the Nigeria 
Automotive Industry 
and Attract Investment 
into Sector - 
Government Notice 
No. 33 (29 January 14)   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 161 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Nigeria Tariff readjustment for the Automotive 
Industry allowing locally assembly plants to import: (i) (duty free) completely knocked down (CKD); 
(ii) (5% tariff) semi knocked down 
(SKD I); (10% tariff) semi knocked down (SKD II); (iii) (35% tariff) fully built units commercial cars; and (iv) and (20% tariff) fully built units commercial vehicles  Nigerian Automotive 
Council Measures to transform the Nigeria Automotive Industry 
and Attract Investment 
into Sector - Government Notice No. 33 (29 January 14)   
Nigeria Nigerian Automotive Industry 
Development Plan granting assurance 
and guarantee that all Government's 
vehicles and vehicle components to be 
from locally assembled plants (except 
such vehicles of a specialised nature and 
hence cannot be produced in Nigeria)  Nigerian Automotive 
Council Measures to 
transform the Nigeria 
Automotive Industry 
and Attract Investment 
into Sector - 
Government Notice 
No. 33 (29 January 14)   
Pakistan Temporary export ban on livestock 
(HS 0102.00.00; 0104.00.00; 01036.19.00) Permanent Delegation 
of Pakistan to the WTO (22 October 14) and Ministry of Commerce SRO No. 969(I)2013 Effective 
November 13 
Pakistan Imposition of export  duties (25%) on 
potatoes (HS 0701) Permanent Delegation 
of Pakistan to the WTO 
(22 October 14) and 
Federal Board of 
Revenue SRO 
No. 341(I)2014 Effective 2 May 14 
Pakistan Imposition of re gulatory duty (5%) on 
284 HS tariff lines (8 digits), i.e. dairy products; fruits; chewing gum; chocolate preparations; preparation of cereals, flour, starch or milk, pastry cook's products; vegetables prepared or preserved by vinegar; miscellaneous edible preparations; mineral waters; dog or cat food; perfumes; beauty and make-up preparations; soaps; articles of iron and steel;  marble; granite; fans; air conditioning machines; refrigerators, freezers, washing machines; electro-mechanical domestic appliance; hair dryers; microwave ovens; reception apparatus for television; furniture; vacuum flasks  (HS Chapters 04; 08; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 33; 34; 68; 73; 84; 85; 94; 96) Permanent Delegation 
of Pakistan to the WTO (22 October 14) and Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, Revenue and Statistics Notification (Customs) S.R.O. 568/(I)/2014 (26 June 14)   
Philippines Amendments to the importer re-
accreditation process introducing 
issuance of an "Import/broker clearance 
certificate" (ICC) requirement by the 
Bureau of Internal Revenue, before 
being able to be accredited by the 
Bureau of Customs Permanent Delegation 
of the Philippines to the 
WTO (20 October 14)  Effective 
6 February 14 
Philippines Extension of special treatment for rice 
(HS 1006) granting minimum market access for rice imports and establishing country-specific quotas Council for Trade in 
Goods (19 June 14) Extended until 
30 June 17 
Russian 
Federation Development of the Pharmaceutical and 
Medical Industry scheme favouring  
locally manufactured medicines 
(HS 3004) (up to 50% by 2020) Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation  
(23 May 14) Effective 1 April 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 162 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Russian 
Federation Modification of import tariffs on certain 
metals and products used in the machine building and transportation industry  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian Federation to the WTO (15 October 14)   
Russian 
Federation Temporary export ban on tanned 
leather (HS 4104.11; 4104.19)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(15 October 14) Effective 1 October 14 
to 1 April 15 
Customs Union 
between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Increase of import tariffs (from 5% to 
11.7%) on compressors (HS 8414.30)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian Federation  (23 May 14) Effective 
1 January 14 
Customs Union 
between the 
Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Increase of export duties on tungsten 
ores and concentrates (HS 2611.00.00)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation  (23 May 
2014) and Decision of 
the Council of the 
Eurasian Economic 
Commission No. 1202 Effective 25 January 
2014 
Customs Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Inclusion of raw hides and skins of 
swine, bovine (including buffalos) and equine animals (HS 4103.30.00;  4104; 4106.31.00; 4106.32.00) in the list of essential goods for the internal market of the Customs Union, authorizing in 
exceptional cases export bans  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian Federation to the WTO (15 October 14) and Council of the Eurasian Commission Decision 
No. 307 
(25 December 13) Effective 
26 January 14 
Customs Union 
between the 
Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Temporary increase of import tariffs 
(from zero to 5%) on alternating 
current motors (HS 8501.52.30) Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation  
(23 May 14) and 
Decision of the Council 
of the Eurasian 
Economic Commission 
No. 3 Effective until 
31 December 15 
Customs Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Imposition of import  tariffs (25%) on 
certain poultry frozen cuts and offal (HS 0207.14.10) Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian Federation  (23 May 14) and  Decision No. 46 Eurasian Economic Commission  Council (25 March 14) Effective 
26 April 14 
Customs Union 
between the 
Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Increase of import tariffs on metal-
rolling mills and rolls (HS 8455.30.31; 
8455.30.39) Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation (23 May 14) 
and Decisions of the 
Council of the Eurasian 
Economic Commission 
Nos. 16 and 32 Effective 
28 April 14 
Customs Union between the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 
5%) on certain machinery parts, not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts, or other electrical features (HS 8487.90.51)   Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian Federation to the WTO (15 October 14); and  Decision of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 129 Effective 
19 September 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 163 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs Union 
(Botswana, 
Lesotho, 
Namibia, South 
Africa, and 
Swaziland) Increase of import tariffs (to 10-20%) 
on certain screws (HS 7318.15.39; 
7318.15.43; 7318.16.20; 7318.16.30) 
and (to 15%) heat exchange units 
(HS 8419.50). Imports from the EU, 
EFTA, and the Southern African 
Development Community (SADC) 
members exempted   Permanent Delegation 
of South Africa to the 
WTO (13 October 14) 
and Government 
Gazettes Nos. 37393 
and 37564 - Notices 
Nos. R. 153 and R.306  
(7 March 14 and 
25 April 14) Effective March 14 
SACU - 
Southern African Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland) Increase of import tariff (from zero to 
5%) on vitrifiable enamels and similar preparations (HS 3207.20.10) and (from zero to 10%) on wire of iron or non-alloy steel, plated or coated with other base metals (HS 7217.30). Imports from the EU, EFTA, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) members exempted 
 Permanent Delegation of South Africa to the WTO (13 October 14) and Government Gazette No. 37916 - Notices Nos. R. 632 and R. 633 (22 August 14) Effective 
22 August 14 
SACU - 
Southern 
African 
Customs Union 
(Botswana, 
Lesotho, 
Namibia, 
South Africa, 
and Swaziland) Increase of import tariffs (to 5%) on 
paper and paper board in rectangular 
(including square) sheets with one side 
exceeding 360 mm and the other side 
exceeding 150 mm in the unfolded state 
(HS 4802.56.20), on coated fine paper; 
and paper and paperboard coated, 
impregnated or covered with plastic and 
other paper, paperboard cellulose 
wadding and webs of cellulose fibers 
(HS 4810.13.20; 4810.13.90; 
4810.14.10; 4810.14.90; 4810.19.90; 
4810.29.90); (to 10%) certain paper 
and paperboard (HS 4802.56.90); and 
(from 5.5 c/kg to 25%) on certain 
prepared or preserved crustaceans and 
molluscs (HS 1605.53.20; 1605.53.90). 
Imports from the EU, EFTA, and the 
Southern African Development 
Community (SADC) members exempted   Permanent Delegation 
of South Africa to the 
WTO (13 October 14) 
and Government 
Gazettes Nos. 38033 
and 38052 - Notices 
Nos. R. 751 and R.771  
(3 October 14) Effective 
3 October 14 
SACU - Southern African Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland) Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 
5%) on certain paper products of paperboard coated, impregnated or covered with plastic or metal foil  (HS 4811.59.05; 4811.90.05). Imports from the EU, EFTA, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) members exempted. Increase of import tariffs (to 15.7 c/kg) on wheat (HS 1001.91; 1001.99), and (to 23.5 c/kg) on wheat flour (HS 1101.00.10; 
1101.00.90) Permanent Delegation 
of South Africa to the WTO (13 October 14) and Government Gazettes Nos. 38060 and 38082 - Notices Nos. R. 774 and R.781  (10 October 14) Effective 
10 October 14 
Sri Lanka Further increase of import tariffs (from 
5% to 7.5%) on gold (originally 
implemented on 21 June 13). Imports 
from India and Pakistan exempted. The 
temporary additional "surcharge" (5%) 
on gold imports was eliminated   Permanent Delegation 
of Sri Lanka to the WTO 
(24 October 24) Effective 
21 November 13 
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Special safeguard (volume-based) 
measure on imports of dried shiitake (HS 0712.39.20) WTO document 
G/AG/N/TPKM/110, 31 January 14 Effective 
31 December 13 to 31 December 13 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 164 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Separate 
Customs 
Territory of 
Taiwan, 
Penghu, 
Kinmen and 
Matsu Special safeguard (volume-based) 
measure on imports of peanuts 
(HS 1202.30.10; 1202.30.20; 
1202.41.00; 1202.42.00; 1208.90.11; 
1208.90.21; 1508.10.00; 1508.90.00; 
2008.11.11; 2008.11.12; 2008.11.91; 
2008.11.92; 2008.19.42) WTO document 
G/AG/N/TPKM/113, 
9 May 14 Effective 11 April 14 
to 31 December 14 
Separate 
Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Special safeguard (volume-based) 
measure on imports of betel nuts (HS 0802.80.00) WTO document 
G/AG/N/TPKM/114, 20 May 14 Effective 29 April 14 
to 31 December 14 
Separate 
Customs 
Territory of 
Taiwan, 
Penghu, 
Kinmen and 
Matsu Special safeguard (volume-based) 
measure on imports of fresh milk 
(HS 0401) WTO document 
G/AG/N/TPKM/116, 
25 September 14 Effective 
3 September 14 to 
31 December 14 
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu Special safeguard (volume-based) 
measure on imports of chicken legs and wings (HS 0207.13.11; 0207.14.11; 0210.99.12; 1602.32.10) WTO document 
G/AG/N/TPKM/117, 9 October 14 Effective 
5 September 14 to 31 December 14 
Turkey Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 
6%) on certain flat rolled products of 
alloyed steel (HS 7225.30.90) and flat 
products of other alloyed steel  with a 
width less than 600 mm 
(HS 7226.99.71), and (from zero to 
10%) flat rolled products of a width less 
than 600 mm (HS 7211.14.00; 
7211.23.30; 7211.23.80.90) Permanent Delegation 
of Turkey to the WTO 
(13 May 14) Effective 
1 January 14 
Turkey Increase of import tariff (up to 50%) on 
footwear (HS 6401; 6402; 6403; 6405; 6404) Permanent Delegation 
of Turkey to the WTO (17 October 14) Effective 10 August 14 
United States  "Buy America" under the Public-Private 
Partnership Water Infrastructure 
Projects requirement to use locally 
produced iron and steel The Water Resources 
Reform and 
Development Act 2014 
– H.R. 3080, 113th 
Cong. (10 June 14)   
United States  "Buy America"  for recreational vehicles 
and boats used for pu blic purposes in 
the State of Minnesota granting preferences to engi ne models locally 
produced  The State of Minnesota 
Bill S.F. No. 2454 - Section 2.2.2-2.4. (1 August 2014)   
Venezuela, 
Bolivarian 
Rep. of Establishment of the National Centre of 
Foreign Trade, and the Foreign Trade 
Corporation with the aim of controlling 
trade related matters and foreign 
currency issues, and coordinating the 
export of non-petroleum goods   Permanent Delegation 
of Venezuela to the 
WTO (22 May 14) and 
Government 
Announcement 
extraordinary official 
gazette No. 6116   WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 165 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Venezuela, 
Bolivarian Rep. of Revised import requirements on motor 
vehicles Permanent Delegation 
of Venezuela to the WTO (22 May 14) and Government 
Announcement 
Extraordinary Official Gazette No. 6117 (4 December 13)   
Venezuela, 
Bolivarian 
Rep. of Temporary export ban on certain 
products, i.e. vegeta ble oils, prepared 
foodstuffs; rice; suga r; coffee; meats; 
flour; milk; corn; vegetables; shampoo; 
soap; toothpaste; washing 
preparations; pharma ceutical products; 
products of aluminiu m, iron, or steel; 
textiles and apparel; and paper and 
paper board Decreto No. 1.190 - 
Official Gazette 
No. 40.481 
(22 August 14) Effective 
22 August 14 
 
Recorded, but non-confirmed information3 
 
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/ate Status 
Belarus Introduction of recycle tax on  vehicles Press re ports referring to 
President Executive order No. 64 (1 March 14)   
Ecuador Import restrictions on 355 tariff lines 
(i.e. plastics, food products, cosmetics, 
chemicals, jewellery)  Gestión (10 March 14)   
Egypt Temporary export ban on rice (HS 1006) 
and solvents Oryza 
(25 September 14) and Daily News Egypt (24 June 14)   
Ghana Petroleum Local Content and Local 
Participation Regulation endorsed by 
Parliament in November 13, providing that 
entities in the petroleum industry must 
submit their local content plans regarding 
the use of local goods and services, and the 
transfer of advanced technology and skills 
to the Ghana National Petroleum 
Corporation (GNPC) Press reports referring to 
Petroleum Local Content 
and Local Participation 
Regulation (November 
13)   
India Imposition of export duties (up to 60%) on 
raw hides and skins, and certain semi-finished leather  Press reports (April 14)   
India Temporary export ban on wheat (HS 1001)  Business-standard.com 
(6 April 14)   
India Temporary export ban on certain food 
commodities (HS 0703)  Financial Times 
(18 June 14)   
                                               
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/17 
 
- 166 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member 
State 
 Measure Source/ate Status 
Indonesia Temporary import restriction on alcoholic 
beverages, under an  import quota of 
553,000 cartons Press reports referring to 
Regulation No. 19/2013 
Ministry of Trade Effective until 
31 March 14 
Russian 
Federation New Decree granting up preference in 
government procurement favouring  locally 
manufactured vehicles  Reuters 
(24 March 14)   
Russian 
Federation Export ban on grains for the harvest 
2014/15  Agra Europe 
(5 September 14)   
Russian 
Federation Amendments introduced to the Federal 
Public Procurement Law granting increase preferential treatment to domestic suppliers of goods and services. Foreign producers of foreign-made products and services (as opposed to foreign brands made domestically) not allowe d to bid for public 
contracts if there are at least two domestic producers also bidding. "Russian software" scheme granting preferential treatment to domestically produced software also being implemented  Press reports referring to 
Ministry of Economic Development press release (12 August 14)   
Russian 
Federation Import ban on certain type of engineered 
goods (i.e. vehicles and machinery), light 
industry goods, and textiles and apparel for 
the purpose of procurement for State and 
municipal needs  Press reports referring to 
Resolutions Nos. 656 (14 
July 14) and 791 
(11 August 14)   
Customs 
Union 
between the 
Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan Import ban on synthetic lace lingerie 
containing less than 6% cotton International Business 
Times referring to 
Regulation TR CU 
017/2011 (24 February 14) 
  
Customs 
Union 
between the 
Russian 
Federation, 
Belarus, and 
Kazakhstan Increase of import tariffs (from zero) on 
certain chemicals (HS Chapter 29)  Press reports 
(August 14)   
Tajikistan Imposition of ex port duties on more than 
300 items of raw materials  Central Asia News 
(18 March 14)   
Turkey Amendment to the Public Procurement Law 
requiring procuring entities to grant 15% 
domestic price advantage to domestic or 
international bidders in supply tenders if 
they offer domestically produced goods Press reports 
(August 14)   
Viet Nam Increase of import tariffs on products locally 
produced (3,425 tariff lines)  Library.PressDisplay.com 
(13 November 2013)   
Viet Nam Revised Law on Public tendering granting  
preferences for domestic supplier of good 
and services and to locally produced goods  Press reports referring to 
Law No. 43/2013/QH13 
on Tendering (July 14) Effective 1 July 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 167 - 
 
  ANNEX 4 
GENERAL ECONOMIC SUPPORT MEASURES1 
(MID-NOVEMBER 2013 TO MID-OCTOBER 2014) 
Confirmed information2 
 
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Azerbaijan Prolongation of tax exemption for 
processing and producing agricultural products Permanent Delegation of 
Azerbaijan (2 May 14) Effective until 
1 January 19 
Azerbaijan Aid scheme for agricultural producers 
for the purchase at discounted price 
of fertilizers Permanent Delegation of 
Azerbaijan to the 
United Nations 
(16 October 14) Effective 
1 August 14 
Burundi Temporary reduction of import tariffs 
on certain raw materials and inputs for manufacturers from all sectors, under certain conditions  EAC Gazette Vol. AT 1 - 
No. 8 - Legal Notice No. EAC/29/2014 (20 June 14) Effective 1 July 14 
for 1 year 
Brazil Informatics Lax extending the IPI 
(Imposto sobre Produtos 
Industrializados ) internal industrial 
tax rates rebates for companies 
investing in technology and 
performing certain manufacturing 
process in Brazil Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(15 October 14) Effective 
8 August 14 and 
extended until 29 
Brazil Agricultural Product's Sale Option 
Private Premium "PEPRO" ( Prêmio 
Equalizador Pago ao Produtor ) 
scheme granting financial aid (R$300 million) for corn farmers  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO (15 October 14) Effective 
16 September 14 
China 
 Joint Statement issued by 
9 Government Departments 
establishing an ai d scheme for SMEs 
in labour intensive industries, 
through the development of financial 
products and services for SMEs  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(21 May 14)  
China 
 Financial aid (Y 107.1 billion) for 
agricultural inputs for grain-growing producers Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (21 May 14)  
China Aid scheme, through tax rebates for 
imports of aircraft by leasing 
enterprises for Chinese carriers  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(30 September 14) Effective 
1 January 14 
China 
 Measures for the administration of 
the Special Funds for Foreign Trade and Economic Developments  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO (16 October 14) Effective 
15 April 14 
                                               
1 The inclusion of any measure in this table implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether or 
not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in  nature. Moreover, nothing in the table implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure refe rred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement. 
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/17 
 
- 168 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
China 
 Exemption of the vehicle purchase 
tax on three categories of new 
energy vehicles (pure electric, 
plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell). 
Vehicle models covered by the 
exemption will be included in the 
Catalogue published by Ministry of 
Industry and Information Technology 
(MIIT) and STA. Revision of the 
Catalogue will be done by Ministry of 
Finance, STA and MIIT in accordance 
with the development of China’s new 
energy vehicles standards, technical 
improvement and ch anges of vehicle 
models Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(15 October 14) Effective 
1 September 14 to 
31 December 17 
Costa Rica Extension of the transitional scheme 
established for the elimination of a rice price support mechanism (esquema de fijación de precios ) 
(original elimination date 1 March 2014)  WTO documents 
G/AG/GEN/116, 24 January 14 and WT/TPR/OV/16, 31 January 14 Extended on 
17 January 14 until 1 March 15 
European Union Support programmes for the olive-oil 
and table-olives sector Public information 
available on the European 
Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation 
(15 October 14) and 
Commission Delegated 
Regulation No. 611/2014 
(11 March 14) Effective June 14 
European Union New measures under the national 
support programmes in the wine sector Public information 
available on the European Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation 
(15 October 14), Commission Delegated Regulation No. 612/2014 (11 March 14) and Commission Im plementing 
Regulation No. 614/2014 (6 June 14) Effective June 14 
European Union Temporary exceptional support 
measures for producers of peaches 
and nectarines  Public information 
available on the European 
Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation 
(15 October 14) and 
Commission Delegated 
Regulation No. 913/2014 
(21 August 14) Effective 
11 August 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 169 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
European Union Temporary exceptional support 
measures (€125 million) for producers of perishable fruits and vegetables (i.e. tomatoes, carrots, white cabbage, peppers, cauliflowers, cucumbers, gherkins, mushrooms, apples, pear, red fruits, table grapes, and kiwis) through market withdrawals especially for free distribution, compensation for non-harvesting and green harvesting Public information 
available on the European Commission's  website 
transmitted by the European Union Delegation (15 October 14) and Commission Delegated Regulation No. 93/2014 (29 August 14) and European Commission Press Release IP/14/932 
(18 August 14) Effective 
18 August 14 to end November 14 
France State aid (€24.2 million) for 
industrial research and development 
to car component manufacturer 
Valeo  Public information 
available on the European 
Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation 
(22 May 2014). 
EU State Aid SA. 34666  Effective 
25 February 14 to 
31 December 16 
Greece Aid scheme (overall budget €52.2 
million) through direct grant for sea and costal passenge r water transport Public information 
available on the European Commission's  website 
transmitted by the European Union Delegation (15 October 14) and EU State Aid SA. 38048 (2014/NN) (25 June 14) Effective 
4 May 12 to 31 December 15 
Italy Individual aid (overall budget €50.93 
(in millions)) through guarantee for 
Impresa S.p.A (construction) Public information 
available on the European 
Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation 
(15 October 14) and EU 
State Aid SA. 38579 
(2014/N) (11 June 14) Effective 
10 June 14 to 
10 December 14 
Italy Individual aid (overall budget 
€12 million) through guarantee  for Blue Panorama airlines' S. p. A.  Public information 
available on the European Commission's  website 
transmitted by the European Union Delegation (15 October 14) and EU State Aid SA. 38634 (2014/N) (11 June 14) Effective 15 June 14 
to 15 December 14 
Italy Aid scheme (overall budget 
€2.7 million) through direct grant for 
freight rail transport sector  Public information 
available on the European 
Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation 
(15 October 14) and EU 
State Aid SA. 38152 
(2014/N) (13 June 14) Effective 1 June 14 
to 31 December 17 
    
Netherlands Aid scheme (annual budget 
€5.2 million) through direct grant for building of ships and boats Public information 
available on the European Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation 
(15 October 14) and EU State Aid SA. 38742 (2014/N) (25 June 14) Effective 1 July 14 
to 31 December 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 170 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Poland Aid scheme (overall budget 
Zl 1.2 million) through tax reduction 
for aquaculture Public information 
available on the European 
Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation 
(15 October 2014) and EU 
State Aid SA. 38169 
(2013/N) (26 May 2014) Effective 1 May 14 
to 31 October 19 
Poland Individual aid scheme (overall budget 
Zl 4.8 million) through direct grant for Alumast S.A. manufacturing of 
structural metal products Public information 
available on the European Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation (15 October 14) and EU State Aid SA. 38024 (2013/N) (23 July 14)  
Romania Short-term export credit scheme Public information 
available on the European 
Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation 
(15 October 14) and EU 
State Aid SA. 38347 
(5 August 14) Effective until 
31 December 16 
Slovenia Individual aid (overall budget 
€1 million) through guarantee and soft loan for Polzela d.d. manufacturing of textiles Public information 
available on the European Commission's  website 
transmitted by the European Union Delegation (15 October 14) and EU State Aid SA. 38631 (2014/N) (23 June 14)  
Spain Extension of the aid scheme (overall 
budget €10 million) for building of 
ships and floating structures  Public information 
available on the European 
Commission's  website 
transmitted by the 
European Union Delegation 
(15 October 14) and EU 
State Aid SA. 38889 
(2014/N) (30 June 14) Effective 1 July 14 
to 31 December 14 
Hong Kong, 
China Further extension of the time-limited 
special concessionary measures providing 80% loan guarantee coverage on eligible loans approved by participating lending institutions (up to the total guarantee commitment of HK$100 billion), through the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) (originally effective from 31 May 12 to end-February 13) Permanent Delegation of 
Hong Kong, China to the WTO (10 October 14) and WTO document WT/TPR/OV/16, 31 January 14 Extended until 
February 15  
Iceland Prolongation of the Icelandic regional 
aid map 2007-13 until 30 June 14 EFTA Decision 495/13/COL 
– Case No. 74723 
(11 December 13)  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 171 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
India Amendments introduced in the long-
term export advances regulation, authorizing AD Category-I banks to allow exporters having a minimum of three years' satisfac tory track record 
to receive long-term export advance up to a maximum tenor of ten years to be utilized for execution of long term supply contracts for export of goods  Reserve Bank of India – 
RBI/2013-14/597 A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 132 (21 May 14)  
Japan Increase of the Nippon Export and 
Investment Insurance available 
credit line for companies (all sectors) 
in the area of short-term export 
credit Permanent Delegation of 
Japan to the WTO 
(15 October 14) Effective April 14 
Korea, Rep. of New stimulus package (U$40 billion) 
for SMEs  Permanent Delegation of 
Korea to the WTO (15 October 2014)  
Malaysia New Automotive Policy 2014 - 
scheme granting financial aid (overall 
budget RM 2 billion) (i.e. tax 
incentives and soft loans) for 
automotive industry. The main 
objectives are to: (i) promote a 
competitive and sustainable domestic 
automotive industry; (ii) make 
Malaysia the regional automotive hub 
in energy efficient vehicles; 
(iii) promote increase in value-added 
activities in a sustainable manner; 
(iv) promote increase in exports of 
vehicle and automotive components; 
(v) promote participation of 
Bumiputera companies in the 
domestic automotive industry; and 
(vi) safeguard consumer interests Permanent Delegation of 
Malaysia to the WTO 
(20 October 14) and 
document 
WT/TPR/S/292/Rev.1, 
31 March 14 Effective 
20 January 14 
Nigeria National Automotive Industry 
Development Plan 2014 aiming at developing a sustainable and competitive automotive industry in Nigeria. The Plan institute incentives through the Income Tax Relief Act for the development of a Nigerian automotive component industry and revive the tyre industry  Nigerian Automotive 
Council Measures to transform the Nigeria Automotive Industry and Attract Investment into Sector - Government Notice No. 33 (29 January 14)   
Norway Prolongation of the Norwegian 
regional aid map 2007-13 until 
30 June 14 EFTA Decision 495/13/COL  
- Case No. 74662 
(11 December 13)  
Russian 
Federation "Development of Industry and 
Enhancement of its Competitiveness" scheme granting financial aid to chemical producers for payment of interest rates on bank loans for investment projects  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to the WTO (15 October 14) and Government Resolution No. 5 (3 January 14) Effective 
3 January 14 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 172 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Russian 
Federation "Development of Industry and 
Enhancing its Competitiveness" 
scheme granting financial aid to 
Russian vehicles manufacturers. Aid 
is granted for the compensation of: 
(i)  expenses for the maintenance of 
jobs; (ii) expenses related to the 
production and support of warranty 
in respect of vehicles meeting certain 
standards (euro 4 and 5); (iii) cost of 
the use of energy resources of 
energy-intensive enterprises of 
automobile industry; and 
(iv) expenses for research and 
development works and testing of 
vehicles  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (15 October 14) 
and Government 
Resolutions Nos. 29, 30, 
31, and 32 (15 January 
and 2 April 14) Effective 
15 January 14 
Russian 
Federation "Development of Foreign Economic 
Activities" scheme which comprised of a sub-programme "Establishment of National System of Support of Foreign Economic Activities" (overall budget Rub 17.8 billion). The 
sub-programme aimed at enhancing effectiveness of the financial support to exporters, an d improving access 
to foreign markets Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to the WTO (15 October 14) and Government Resolution No. 330 (15 April 14) Effective 2 May 14 
Russian 
Federation Financial aid (Rub 3 billion) through 
guarantees to su pport industrial 
products exports for the year 2014  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO 
(15 October 2014) and 
Federal Law No. 349-FZ (2 
April 2014)  
Customs Union 
between the 
Russian 
Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan "'Development of Pharmaceutical and 
Medical Industries 2013–20" scheme 
(overall budget Rub 100 billion), 
containing four sub-programmes including the federal target programmes: (i) "development of medicines production"; (ii) "development of medical goods production"; (iii) "improvement of state regulation in the area of circulation of medicines and medical goods"; and (iv) "development of the pharmaceutical and medical industry of the Russian Federation for the period of up to 2020 and further". The scheme foresees that legal acts are further enacted to organize support to domestic manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and to guarantee preferences in publ ic procurement for 
those domestic producers Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (15 October 14) 
and Government Resolution No. 305 (15 April 14)  
Rwanda Temporary reduction of import tariffs 
for 46 types of equipment used by 
Telecommunication firms, subject to 
certain conditions EAC Gazette Vol. AT 1 - 
No. 8 - Legal Notice 
No. EAC/21/2014 
(20 June 14) Effective 1 July 14 
for 1 year 
Switzerland Agricultural policy for 2014-17: core 
of the new policy is a further developed direct payment system (overall budget Sw F 13.83 billion) Permanent Delegation of 
Switzerland to the WTO (14 October 2014) Effective 1 January 
2014 WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 173 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Thailand Termination in February 14 of the 
rice mortgage scheme (originally 
implemented on 1 October 13)  Permanent Delegation of 
Thailand to the WTO 
(28 May 14) and WTO 
document WT/TPR/OV/16, 
31 January 2014 Terminated on 
28 February 14 
except for the 
Southern region, for 
which the scheme is 
expected to be 
terminated on 
31 July 2014 
United States  Paper and Paper-Based Packaging 
Promotion, Research and Information Order aiming at expanding markets 
for paper-based packaging. 
Programme financed by an assessment (US$0.35/short tonne (equivalent of 2,000 pounds)) on importers and local manufacturers. Entities that domestically manufacture or import less than 100,000 short tonnes per marketing year exempted Department of Agriculture 
- Agriculture Marketing Service - Document 
Number AMS-FV-11-0069 
FR - Federal Register, Volume 79 issue 14 (22 January 14) Effective 
23 January 14 
United States  Availability of preferential loans, 
under the "waste water project 
scheme" limited to those using 
locally produced iron and steel  The Water Resources 
Reform and Development 
Act 2014 – H.R. 3080, 
113th Cong. 
(10 June 2014)  
United States  Aid scheme through certain tax 
exemptions and preferential tariff on electricity for car manufacturer Tesla in the State of Nevada  Nevada Assembly Bill - 
Chapter 2 – BDR 43-10 and 3-BDR 58-9, and Senate Bill Chapter 4 – BDR 32-1 (11 September 14) Effective 
11 September 14 
 
 
Recorded, but non-confirmed information3 
 
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Albania Financial aid (€22 million) for 
agricultural sector  Xinhua (19 November 13 
and 11 February 14)  
                                               
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/17 
 
- 174 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
Argentina "Pro.Cre.Auto" scheme granting 
preferential credit line (17% or 19%) 
through Banco Nación  for the 
purchase of certain locally produced 
vehicles (26 models from car 
manufacturers GM, Volkswagen, 
Peugeot-Citroën, Renault, Toyota, 
Ford, Honda, and Fiat). Loans may 
not exceed Arg$120,000 and payable 
in 5 years Ministerio de Industria 
press reports, viewed at:  
http://www.bna.com.ar/bb
/bp_credito_pro.cre.auta.a
sp (23 June 14) Effective 24 June 14 
to 24 September 14. 
Scheme extended 
until January 15 
Brazil Reintroduction on 12 September 14 
of the Special Tax Refund Regime for 
Exporting Companies ( Reintegra ) 
reimbursing residual taxes levied throughout the productive chain on certain export goods (originally implemented from 14 December 11 to the end of 2013  Press reports 
(4 September 14)  
China 
 Financial aid for SMEs in certain 
sectors, i.e. st eel, non-ferrous 
metals, machinery, and textiles, 
facing overcapacity and stringent 
anti-pollution rules  Dow Jones Institutional 
News (7 May 14)  
China 
 Outline for Promoting The 
Development of National Integrated Circuit Industry comprising of certain tax rebates (i.e. corporate income tax "cit", VAT, and business tax). Reduction of import taxes for key technological equipment and machinery and certain parts and material not locally produced  China Tax Center Issue 
No. 2014026 (4 July 14) Announced 
24 June 14 
China 
 Implementation of a trial economic 
support programme (establishment 
of a minimum guaranteed price of Y 
19,800/tonne) for cotton farmers in 
Xinjiang  Reuters (17 and 
22 September 14)  
Egypt Financial aid for energy sector. 
Reduction of aid from LE 144 billion) for the 2014/15 fiscal year  Reuters (30 June 14)  
Egypt Financial aid for certain sectors and 
basic food products (bread). 
Reduction of previous aid Reuters (6 August 14)  
Egypt Financial aid allocated for export 
subsidies. Reduct ion for the budget 
fiscal year 2014-15 (LE 2.6 billion)  Press reports (various 
dates)  
India Increase of the funds allocated to the 
National Food Security Law 
(additional US$4 billion) aiming at 
distributing grains at a preferential 
price for farmers  The Wall Street Journal 
(4 July 13)  
India Increase of the financial aid for 
rubber farmers  The Hindu (1 February 14)  
India Reduction of the financial aid 
(Rs 11,300/tonne to Rs 9,300/tonne) 
for potash  Reuters (27 February 14) Effective 1 April 14 
India Increase of the financial aid (from 
Rs 2,277/tonne to Rs 3,300/tonne) for raw sugar producers  Reuters (12 June 14)  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 175 - 
 
   
Country/ 
Member State 
 Measure Source/date Status 
India Ministry of New and Renewable 
Energy scheme granting 30% 
subsidy to locally solar water heater 
manufacturers for each unit sold  PTI (12 June 14)  
India Reduction of "levy rice" (from up to 
75% to 25%) on non-basmati rice  The Financial Express 
(26 August 14)  
India Increase in the financial aid for 
fertilizer producers  Reuters (22 May 14)  
India Financial aid through the "electronic 
manufacturing clusters" (EMC) to support building of  industrial parks 
for the manufacturing of electronic 
products PTI (8 July 14)  
India New measures to promote exports 
including: (i) 2% interest subvention 
scheme already available for certain 
sectors (i.e. handicraft, carpet, 
handlooms, readymade garments, 
processed agriculture products, and 
toys), widened to include 134 tariffs 
of the engineering sector; 
(ii) enhancement the rate of interest 
subvention (from 2% to 3%); and 
(iii) 47 new items added to the 
"market linked focus product 
scheme" (MLFPS) and 122 new items 
to the "focus product scheme" (FPS)  Business Monitor 
International Ltd. No. 121 
(16 July 14)   
Morocco Import subsidy scheme for wheat 
importers, reimbursing any cost over DH 2,600/tonne  Press reports 
(19 December 13) Effective 
1 January 14 to 30 April 14 
Russian 
Federation State aid (Rub 271 billion) for car 
industry  Reuters (20 January 14) Effective until 2016 
Thailand Financial aid (B 4.7 billion) approved 
by the National Council for Peace and 
Order for rice farmers for the 
2014-15 crop Thai News Service 
(26 June 14)  
Thailand Financial aid through the bank of 
agriculture and agricultural 
cooperatives for low-income farmers  Reuters 
(18 September 14)  
Turkey Financial aid (TL 1 billion), through 
tax rebates on carbon fibre and carbon composites manufacturers under the "Priority investment" scheme Press reports 
(6 August 14)  
Ukraine Support scheme for dairy sector  AgraEurope  
(17 April 14)  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 176 - 
 
  APPENDIX 
MEMBERS' RESPONSES TO THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL'S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND TO THE 
SECRETARIAT'S REQUEST FOR VERIFICATION OF INFORMATION 
Member/ 
Observer Replies to 
DG fax 
(OV/W/8) Replies to 
DG fax  
(OV/17) Annual 
overview 
(OV/17) New 
Measures Economic 
Support Services Summary 
and 
status 
   Replies to 
request for 
verification 
(√ = 
replies 
received) Information sent for verification 
1. Albania  √ √  √   
2. Algeria    √    
3. Argentina √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
4. Australia √ √ √ √  √ √ 
5. Azerbaijan √ √ √ √ √   
6. Bangladesh    √    
7. Belarus    √ √  √ 
8. Bolivia, 
Plurinational State of    √    
9. Botswana 
(SACU)    √    
10. Brazil √ √ √ √ √  √ 
11. Burundi    √ √   
12. Canada √ √ √ √  √ √ 
13. Chile √ √  √  √  
14. China √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
15. Colombia √ √ √ √   √ 
16. Costa Rica √ √ √ √ √   
17. Dominican 
Rep. √ √ √ √   √ 
18. Ecuador    √    
19. Egypt   √ √ √   
20. European 
Union √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
21. Ghana     √    
22. Guatemala   √ √    
23. Hong Kong, 
China √ √ √ √ √ √  
24. Iceland     √   
25. India √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
26. Indonesia √ √ √ √   √ 
27. Iraq   √ √    
28. Israel    √  √  
29. Japan √ √ √ √ √  √ 
30. Jordan   √ √    WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 177 - 
 
  Member/ 
Observer Replies to 
DG fax 
(OV/W/8) Replies to 
DG fax  
(OV/17) Annual 
overview 
(OV/17) New 
Measures Economic 
Support Services Summary 
and 
status 
31. Kazakhstan    √ √  √ 
32. Kenya    √    
33. Korea, 
Rep. of √ √ √ √ √  √ 
34. Lesotho 
(SACU)    √    
35. Macao, 
China √ √      
36. Malaysia  √ √ √ √   
37. Mauritius √  √ √    
38. Mexico √ √ √ √  √ √ 
39. Moldova, 
Rep. of √  √ √    
40. Morocco    √ √   
41. Namibia 
(SACU)    √    
42. New 
Zealand √ √ √ √   √ 
43. Nicaragua     √    
44. Nigeria     √ √   
45. Norway  √   √ √   
46. Pakistan √ √ √ √   √ 
47. Paraguay   √ √    
48. Peru √ √ √ √    
49. Philippines  √ √ √  √ √ 
50. Rwanda    √ √   
51. Russian 
Federation √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
52. Saudi 
Arabia, Kingdom of   √  √ √  
53. Singapore √ √ √   √  
54. South Africa  √ √ √  √ √ 
55. Sri Lanka   √ √    
56. Swaziland 
(SACU)   √ √    
57. Switzerland √ √ √   √  
58. Chinese  
Taipei √ √ √ √    
59. Tajikistan    √    
60. Tanzania    √    
61. Thailand √ √ √ √ √  √ 
62. Trinidad 
and Tobago √   √    
63. Tunisia  √ √ √    
64. Turkey √  √ √ √  √ 
65. Uganda    √    
66. Ukraine    √ √ √  
67. United Arab 
Emirates   √   √  WT/TPR/OV/17 
 
- 178 - 
 
  Member/ 
Observer Replies to 
DG fax 
(OV/W/8) Replies to 
DG fax  
(OV/17) Annual 
overview 
(OV/17) New 
Measures Economic 
Support Services Summary 
and 
status 
68. United 
States √ √ √ √ √  √ 
69. Uruguay √   √    
70. Venezuela, 
Bolivaria Rep. of    √  √  
71. Viet Nam    √  √  
 
__________