WT/CTE/EDB/13  
 
2 May 2016  
(16-2471)  Page: 1/35  
Committee on Trade and Environment   
 
 
   
  ENVIRONMENTAL DATABASE FOR 2013 
NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT
1 
1. The WTO Environmental Database (EDB) is prepared in response to a recommendation in the 
1996 Report of the Committee on Trade and Environment (WT/CTE/1) for the Secretariat to compile 
and update annually all environment-related notifications to the WTO.2  
2. The EDB for 2013 covers information on: (i) environment-related measures notified 
under WTO Agreements (Section 1); (ii) environment- related provisions of notified preferential or 
Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) (Section 2); and (iii) environment-related measures mentioned 
in Trade Policy Reviews (TPRs) (Section 3).3  
3. Information in the EDB is drawn from the 3,54 5 notifications submitted by WTO Members and 
the 15 TPRs circulated in 2013. The EDB is being circulated in two parts: this document, which 
contains a brief description and overall analysis of the environment-related notifications submitted by WTO Members and TPRs in 2013; and the database  exclusively circulated electronically under 
WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1, which provides the underlying data, charts, and tables used for the analysis. 
The EDB is available at the WTO website: https://www.wto.org/english/tr atop_e/envir_e/envdb_e.htm . 
4. The electronic data in WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1 enables users to search through all 
EDB environment-related information according to specific criteria, for instance by Member, 
Agreement, type of measure, product, or environmental objective.  The electronic file is divided into two main worksheets:  "Notifications", listing all the environment-related notifications; and "TPRs", 
providing the environment-related information mentioned in TPRs.  In addition, a third worksheet 
entitled "Summary" is included to allow users to retrieve pre-defined summary tables and graphs for the period 1997 - 2013.  A detailed user's guide is included in Annex VI to this document. 
   
_______________ 
 
                                               
1 This document has been prepared under the Secretar iat's own responsibility and is without prejudice to 
the positions of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO. 
2 Previous Environmental Databases have been circulated in the following documents: EDB 1996 in 
WT/CTE/W/46, EDB 1997 in WT/CTE/W/77, EDB 1998 in WT/CTE/W/118, EDB 1999 in WT/CTE/W/143, 
EDB 2000 in WT/CTE/W/195, EDB 2001 in WT/CTE/EDB/1, EDB 2002 in WT/CTE/EDB/2, EDB 2003 in WT/CTE/EDB/3, EDB 2004 in WT/CTE/EDB/4, EDB 2005 in WT/CTE/EDB/5, EDB 2006 in WT/CTE/EDB/6, 
EDB 2007 in WT/CTE/EDB/7, EDB 2008 in WT/CTE/EDB/8, EDB 2009 in WT/CTE/EDB/9 and Add.1, EDB 2010 
in WT/CTE/EDB/10 and Add.1, EDB 2011 in WT/CTE/EDB /11 and Add.1, and EDB 2012 in WT/CTE/EDB/12 and 
Add.1. 
3 The list of search words is contained in Annex I to this document. See also the following documents 
containing information on search words: WT/CTE/W/46, WT/CTE/W/78 and WT/CTE/W/102.     WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS 
1   WTO NOTI FICATIONS ................................................................................................. 4  
1.1   Regulatory Measures .................................................................................................. 8  
1.1.1   Quantitative Restrictions  (QR) .................................................................................. 8  
1.1.2   Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures (ILP) ........................................................ 9  
1.1.3   Agreement on Safeguards ....................................................................................... 10 
1.1.4   Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) ......................................................... 11 
1.1.5   Agreement on the Application of Sa nitary and Phytosanit ary Measures (SPS) ................. 12 
1.2   Support Measures ..................................................................................................... 14 
1.2.1   Agreement on Subsidies an d Countervailing Me asures (SCM) ....................................... 14 
1.2.2   Agreement on Agricu lture ....................................................................................... 16 
1.2.3   Government Proc urement Agreem ent (GPA) .............................................................. 18 
1.3   Other Measures ........................................................................................................ 19 
1.3.1   General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) ........................................................ 19 
1.3.2   Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) ................... 19 
1.3.3   Custom s Valuation ................................................................................................. 19 
2   NOTIFICATIONS OF TRADE AGREEMENTS ................................................................. 20  
2.1   Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) ............................................................................. 20 
2.2   Other Notifications .................................................................................................... 21 
3   INFORMATION CONTAINED IN  TRADE POLICY  REVIEWS .......................................... 21  
4   ANNEXES ................................................................................................................... 23  
Annex I - Environment-related Search Words ....................................................................... 23 
Annex II - Number of Environment-related Notifications (1997-2013) ...................................... 24 
Annex III - Number of Environment-related Notifications and Measures (2013) ......................... 25 
Annex IV - Search Word Frequency in Notifications in 2013 .................................................... 26 
Annex V - Trade Policy Review s of WTO Memb ers - 2013 ....................................................... 27 
Annex VI - Electronic  EDB User's Guide ............................................................................... 32 
 WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  TABLE OF CHARTS 
Chart 1.1 - Environment-related Notifications (1997 – 2013) ................................................... 4  
Chart 1.2 - Environment-related Noti fications by Memb ers (2013) ........................................... 5  
Chart 1.3 - Environment-related Noti fications by Agreement (2013) ......................................... 6  
Chart 1.4 - Types of Environmen t-related Object ives ( 2013) ................................................... 7  
Chart 1.5 - Environment-related QR Notifications (2004 – 2013) .............................................. 8  
Chart 1.6 - Types of Environment-related Measures in QR Noti fications (2013) .......................... 9  
Chart 1.7 - Environment-related ILP Notification s (2004 – 2013) ............................................ 10 
Chart 1.8 - Types of Environment-related Measures in ILP No tification s (2013 ) ......................... 10 
Chart 1.9 - Environment-related Safeguards Notifications (2004 - 2013) .................................. 11 
Chart 1.10 - Environment-related TB T Notifications (2004 - 2013) .......................................... 11 
Chart 1.11 - Types of Environment-related TBT Notifications (2013) ........................................ 12 
Chart 1.12 - Environment-related SP S Notifications (2004 - 2013) .......................................... 13 
Chart 1.13 - Types of Environment-re lated SPS Notifica tions (2013) ....................................... 14 
Chart 1.14 - Environment-related SCM Notification s (2004 - 2013) ......................................... 15 
Chart 1.15 - Types of Environment-related Measures in SCM Notifications (2013) ..................... 16 
Chart 1.16 - Environment-related Agri culture Notificati ons (2004 - 2013)  ................................ 17 
Chart 1.17 - Types of Environment-related Measures in Agriculture Notifications (2013) ............. 18 
Chart 1.18 - Environment-related GPA Notifications (2004 - 2013) .......................................... 18 
Chart 1.19 - Environment-related GA TS Notification s (2004 – 2013) ....................................... 19 
Chart 1.20 - Environment-related TRIPS Notifications (2004 – 2013) ....................................... 19 
Chart 1.21 - Environment-related Customs Valuation Notifications (2004 - 2013) ...................... 20 
Chart 2.1 - Environment-related RTA Notifications (2004 - 2013) ............................................ 20 
Chart 2.2 - Environment-related Other Notifications Provisions (2004 - 2013) ........................... 21 
Chart 3.1 - Type of Environment-related Measures Mentioned in TPRs (2013) ........................... 22 
Chart 3.2 - Sectors Covered by Environment-re lated Measures Mentioned in TPRs (2013) .......... 22 
Chart 4.1 - Sear ch function ............................................................................................... 34 
 
 WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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 1   WTO NOTIFICATIONS  
1.1.  In 2013, of the 3,545 notifications submitted by WTO Members4, 17.5% or 620 notifications 
were environment-related. Since 1997, there has been almost a four-fold increase in the number of environment-related notifications to the WTO (up from 165 notifications). The share of environment-
related notifications as a percentage of total notifications has also more than doubled over the same 
time period albeit with year-on-year fluctuations (see Chart 1.1).  
Chart 1.1 - Environment-related Notifications (1997 – 2013) 
 
1.2.  As shown in Chart 1.2 below, environment- related notifications have been submitted by WTO 
Members from all regions of the world and at all levels of development. Sixty nine Members submitted notifications of environment-related measures in 2013, with the European Union (86 
notifications), the United States (61), Ecuador (45), Australia (34), and China (32) notifying the 
highest number of environment-related notifications.  
1.3.  Environment-related notifications appear  under several WTO Agreements. In 2013, of the 
3,545 notifications analysed, environment-related notifications were identified under the following 
WTO Agreements: Agreement on Technical Barriers to  Trade (TBT); Agreement on the Application of 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS); Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM); Agreement on Agriculture; Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures (ILP); Agreement on 
Safeguards; Agreement on the Implementation of Ar ticle VII of the GATT 1994 (Customs Valuation); 
the Understanding on the Interpretation of Article XXIV of the GATT 1994 (Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs)); Agreement on Trade-Related As pects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS);  
the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GAT S); Decision on Notification Procedures for 
Quantitative Restrictions (QRs); Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA); and other notifications such as preferential trade arrangements notified to the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD).
5  
                                               
4 This number includes regular noti fications, as well as addenda, corri genda and revisions, except in the 
case of TBT and SPS notifications where addenda, corrigenda and revisions are not covered. 
5 In 2013, no environment-related notifications were submitted under the following WTO Agreements: 
Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-dumping), Understanding on the 
Interpretation of Article XVII of the GATT 1994 (State Trading Enterprises), Understanding on the Balance-of-
Payments Provisions of the GATT 1994, Agreement on Pre- shipment Inspection, Agreement on Rules of Origin, 
Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measur es and the Information Technology Agreement.  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  Chart 1.2 - Environment-related Notifications by Members (2013) 
 WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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1.4.  Chart 1.3 illustrates the incidence of environment-related notifications across WTO Agreements. As in previous years, the TBT and SPS Agreements have the highest number of environment-related notifications (384 and 107 notifications respectively), accounting for 62% and 
17% of all WTO environment-related notifications in 2013.  An important number of environment-
related measures were also notified under the SCM Agreement (48), the Agreement on Agriculture (34), and the Agreement on Import Li censing Procedures (23 notifications). The number 
of environment-related notifications pursuant to the SCM Agreement displayed the highest growth in 
2013, up from 17 environmental-related notifications in 2012 to 48 in 2013, representing a 182% year-on-year increase.  
Chart 1.3 - Environment-related Notifications by Agreement (2013) 
 
 
1.5.  The environment-related notifications can be  broadly grouped into two categories. The first 
consists of notifications that mention environmental considerations as the principal objective of the 
notified measure. The second category includes notifications that are not primarily aimed at 
environmental protection, but contain enviro nment-related elements. Furthermore, some 
notifications are made separately for each and every measure (such as most notifications under the 
TBT or SPS Agreements) while others cover various or multiple measures in a single notification 
(such as SCM or agriculture subsidy notifications). In the latter case, the various measures are broken down and reported separately in the database.  
1.6.  The number of separate environment-related measures included in the EDB increased  
from 963 environment-related measures in 569 notifications in 2012 to 1197 measures  
in 620 notifications in 2013.  The TBT Agreement reported the highest number with 384 environment-related measures in 2013, followe d by the SCM Agreement (321), the Agriculture 
Agreement (244), the SPS Agreement (107) and the Import Licensing Procedures Agreement with 
80 environment-related measures (see Annex III).  
1.7.  The environment-related measures mentio ned in the 2013 notifications addressed a broad 
range of environmental objectives, including ener gy conservation and efficiency (20% of all 
environment-related measures described in the notifications), chemical, toxic and hazardous WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  substances management (15%), sustainable agriculture management (11%), implementation and 
compliance with obligations under multilateral envi ronmental agreements (MEAs) (11%), such as 
the Convention on International Trade in Endanger ed Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the 
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol), the Stockholm 
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Stock holm Convention), the Rotterdam Convention on 
the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (Rotterdam Convention), the Ba sel Convention on the Control of Transboundary 
Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal  (Basel Convention), and the United Nations 
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  
1.8.  Other reported environmental objectives included climate change mitigation (10%), general 
environmental protection (10%), water management  (9%), alternative and renewable energy (9%), 
biodiversity and ecosystem (8%), environmental protection from pests and diseases (8%), air 
pollution reduction (8%), waste management and recycling (8%), sustainable fisheries management (7%), animal protection (6%), soil management (5%), natural resources conservation (5%), and 
sustainable forestry management (5%) (see Chart 1.4). 
Chart 1.4 - Types of Environment-related Objectives (2013)
6 
 
 
1.9.  In 2013, the search words most commonly found in the environment-related measures notified continued to be "environment" (found in 57% of all environment-related notifications), "energy" 
(32%), and "bio" (17%). Other frequently mentioned search words include "conserv(ation)"(15%) 
and "emissions" (14%) (see Annex IV for the search word frequency in notifications). 
                                               
6 Since more than one environmental objective can be me ntioned in a notified measure, the total number may 
exceed 100 per cent. For example, a TBT notification in 2013 establishing a National Standard for The Maximum 
Allowable Values of the Energy, Water Consumption and Grades for Household Electric Washing Machines, indicates both energy efficiency and water management as its objectives.
 
 
WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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 1.1  Regulatory Measures 
1.1.1  Quantitative Restrictions (QR)  1.10.  In 2013, of the 10 notifications submitted by Members pursuant to the Council for Trade in 
Goods Decision on Notification Procedures for Quantitative Restrictions, five (50% of all QR 
notifications) were environment-related (see Chart 1.5). These five notifications referred to 
27 distinct environment-related measures.  
Chart 1.5 - Environment-related QR Notifications (2004 – 2013)
7 
 
 
1.11.  As illustrated in Chart 1.6, the products covered by the notified environment-related QR 
measures included: chemicals, such as ozone depleting or hazardous substances (67%), waste 
products (59%), animal/animal products (26%), vegetable products (19%), wood and wood products (7%).  
1.12.  Bans and prohibitions were mentioned in 56% of all the 2013 notified environment-related 
QR measures. Other types of measures reported included import licenses (44%) and export licenses (33%).  
1.13.  In terms of objectives, management of chemicals, toxic and hazardous substances were cited 
in 63% of all the environment-related notified QR measures. Compliance with obligations under 
various MEAs, such as the UNFCCC, CITES, Montreal Protocol, Basel Convention, Stockholm Convention, and Rotterdam Convention, were mentio ned in 44% of all environment-related notified 
QR measures. Other environmental objectives included biodiversity and ecosystem conservation 
(15%), plant protection (7%), sustainable fisheries management (4%), ozone layer protection (4%) and general environmental protection (4%).  
1.14.  Developing and least developed country (LDC) Members notified 60% and 20% of the 
environment-related QR notifications respective ly, while the remaining 20% were by developed 
Members.  
 
                                               
7 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the ch art. For the full EDB time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  Chart 1.6 - Types of Environment-relate d Measures in QR Notifications (2013)8 
 
 
1.1.2  Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures (ILP) 
1.15.  In 2013, of the 96 notifications submitted by Members under the ILP Agreement, 23 (24% of 
all ILP notifications) were environment-related (see Chart 1.7). These 23 notifications referred to 80 
environment-related measures.  
1.16.  As indicated in Chart 1.8, the products covered by the notified environment-related ILP 
measures included: chemicals, such as ozone depleting substances, radioactive substances, 
explosives, pesticides and fertilizers (50%), waste (31%), animal and animal products (29%), 
vegetable products (23%), wood and wood products (21%). 
1.17.  On types of measures, import and export licenses accounted respectively for 98% and 8% of 
the 2013 environment-related ILP measures, while 20% of the notified measures referred to bans 
and prohibitions.  
1.18.  In terms of objectives, compliance with obligations under MEAs, such as CITES, the Basel 
Convention, Stockholm Convention, Rotterdam Convention and Montreal Protocol, was stated as the 
environmental objective of 35% of the notified environment-related ILP measures. Other environment-related objectives included chemical and hazardous substances management (33%), biodiversity and ecosystem conservation (28%), waste management and recycling (21%), animal 
protection (16%), plant protection (16%), pr otection of the ozone layer (15%), general 
environmental protection (9%), air pollution reduction (4%), environmental protection from pests and diseases (4%), energy conservation and efficiency (4%).  
                                               
8 Since more than one product/measure/objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 per cent. See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1 for the full breakdown by product, measure or objective. WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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 1.19.  Developing and least developed country Me mbers notified 63% and 16% of the environment-
related ILP notifications respectively, while the remaining 21% were by developed Members.  
Chart 1.7 - Environment-related ILP Notifications (2004 – 2013)9 
 
 
Chart 1.8 - Types of Environment-relate d Measures in ILP Notifications (2013)10 
 
 
 
1.1.3  Agreement on Safeguards 
1.20.  In 2013, of the 112 notifications submitte d by Members under the Agreement on Safeguards, 
only two were environment-related (see Chart 1.9). The environment-related objectives of these two notifications are energy efficiency and awaren ess of social and environmental standards. 
                                               
9 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.  
10 Since more than one product/measure/objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 per cent. See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1 for the full breakdown by product, measure or objective. WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  Chart 1.9 - Environment-related Safeguards Notifications (2004 - 2013)11 
 
 
1.1.4  Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) 
1.21.  In 2013, of the 1,605 regular TBT notifications submitted by Members, 384 (24%)12 were 
environment-related (see Chart 1.10). The TBT Ag reement continues to be the agreement under 
which most environment-related notifications are submitted (on average 176 environment-related TBT notifications have been submitted annually over the period 1997-2013).   
Chart 1.10 - Environment-related TBT Notifications (2004 - 2013)
13 
 
 
1.22.  Eighty per cent of the 2013 environment-rela ted TBT notifications were notified as technical 
regulations under Article 2 of the TBT Agreement, wh ile five per cent were notified as conformity 
assessment procedures under Article 5.  Thirteen per cent were simultaneously notified as both a 
technical regulation and a conformity assessment pr ocedure, while the remaining two per cent were 
notified as technical regulations under Article 3 of the TBT Agreement.  
1.23.  As indicated in Chart 1.11, the products most frequently associated with the 2013 
environment-related TBT notifications were mach inery and electrical appliances mentioned  
in 46% of the notifications. Other products covere d in the environment-related notifications included 
chemicals (23%), miscellaneous products (7%), mineral products (6%), vegetable products (5%), 
and foodstuffs (4%).    
1.24.  On types of measures, the 2013 environment-related TBT measures were: technical/quality 
specifications (61%), conformity assessment procedures (47%), performance/efficiency 
                                               
11 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.  
12 This number only includes regular notifications but excludes addenda, co rrigenda and revisions.   
13 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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 specifications (32%), labelling/packaging/marking specifications (29%), harmonization provisions 
(11%) and handling/distribution specifications (4%). 
1.25.  In terms of objectives, energy conservation and efficiency was the most frequent 
environmental objective mentioned in 41% of th e environment-related TBT notifications. Other 
environmental objectives included the management of chemical and hazardous substances (32%), 
climate change mitigation (16%), air pollution reduction (14%), water management (12%), biodiversity and ecosystem protection (11%), animal protection (7%), alternative and renewable 
energy (6%), plant protection (5%), waste management and recycling (4%).  
1.26.  Environment-related TBT notifications were  submitted by both developing and developed 
Members (58% and 42%, respectively). The United  States (US) and the European Union (EU) 
submitted 54 notifications each, followed by Chin a (29), Australia and Ecuador with 21 notifications 
each.  
Chart 1.11 - Types of Environment-related TBT Notifications (2013)
14 
 
 
1.1.5  Agreement on the Application of Sa nitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) 
1.27.  In 2013, of the 929 regular notifications15 submitted by Members under the SPS Agreement, 
107 (12%) were environment-related (see Chart 1.12). The share of environment-related SPS 
                                               
14 Since more than one product/measure/objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 per cent. See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1 for the full breakdown by product, measure or objective. WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  notifications has increased marginally from 11% in 2012 to 12% in 2013 (on average 65 
environment-related SPS notifications have been submitted annually over the period 1997-2013). 
Chart 1.12 - Environment-related SPS Notifications (2004 - 2013) 16 
 
 
1.28.  As illustrated in Chart 1.13, the products that were most frequently associated with the 2013 
environment-related SPS notifications were vegetabl e products covered in 70% of the notifications. 
Other products included animal and animal products found in 21% of the notifications and wood and 
wood products (7%).  
1.29.  On types of measures, technical/quality specifications accounted for 67% of the environment-
related SPS notifications.  Other SPS measures in cluded harmonization specifications (64%), risk 
analysis and toxicological evaluation (35%), co nformity assessment procedures (13%), bans and 
prohibitions (11%), controls on movement (10%), handling, transportation, storage and distribution 
specifications (6%).   
1.30.  In terms of objectives, plant protection was the most frequent environmental objective, 
mentioned in 80% of the environment-related SPS notifications, followed by implementation and 
compliance with MEAs (72%). Other environmental objectives included environmental protection 
from pests and diseases (64%), animal protection (21%), biodiversity and ecosystem (4%).  
1.31.  In 2013, environment-related SPS notifications were submitted by both developing and 
developed Members (78% and 22%, respectively). Members that submitted the most environment-related SPS notifications were Ecuador (23), Chile (13), Mexico (11), Australia (8) and the European Union (7).  
                                                                                                                                                  
15 This number only includes regular notifications but excludes addenda, corri genda and revisions.   
16 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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 Chart 1.13 - Types of Environment-related SPS Notifications (2013)17 
 
1.2  Support Measures 
1.2.1  Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) 
1.32.  In 2013, of the 158 notifications submitte d by Members under the SCM Agreement, 48 (30%) 
were environment-related (see Chart 1.14). These 48 notifications referred to a total of 321 environment-related measures. Over the period  1997-2013, the number of environment-related 
SCM notifications varied, ranging from five to 48 notifications, with an average of around 26 
notifications per year. 
                                               
17 Since more than one product/measure/objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 per cent. See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1 for the full breakdown by product, measure or objective.
 WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  Chart 1.14 - Environment-related SCM Notifications (2004 - 2013)18 
 
 1.33.  As illustrated in Chart 1.15, 35% of the measures referred in the 2013 environment-related 
SCM notifications specifically concerned the energy  sector, while 20% of the measures concerned all 
economic activities. Other specific activities identified included manufacturing (18%), fisheries (17%), forestry and logging (16%), agriculture (13%), recycling and waste (11%), research and 
development (R&D) (6%), and transportation (5%).   
1.34.  As in previous years, the notified measures  predominantly took the form of grants and direct 
payments (81% of all the environment-related SCM measures). Other forms of support included tax 
concessions (15%) and loans (4%).  
1.35.  In terms of objectives, the most freque ntly mentioned environmental objectives in the 
2013 environment-related SCM notifications were general environmental protection (25%), the promotion of alternative and renewable energy (24% ), energy conservation and efficiency (23%). 
Other environment-related objectives cited included, climate change mitigation (15%), sustainable 
fisheries management (15%), sustainable forest ry management (12%), waste management and 
recycling (11%), sustainable and environmentally friendly production (9%), air pollution reduction 
(7%), promotion of environmental goods and se rvices (6%), and water management (6%).   
1.36.  The environment-related SCM notifications we re submitted by both developed and developing 
Members (67% and 31%, respectively). The European Union submitted the most environment-related SCM notifications (22). 
                                               
18 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.   WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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 Chart 1.15 - Types of Environment-relate d Measures in SCM Notifications (2013)19 
 
 
 1.2.2  Agreement on Agriculture 
1.37.  In 2013, of the 135 notifications submitte d by Members under the Agreement on Agriculture, 
34 (25%) were environment-related and covered 244 environment-related measures (see Chart 1.16). Compared to 2012, the number of environment-related agriculture notifications decreased 
from 45 to 34 in 2013, while the environment-related measures reported in these notifications 
increased from 221 to 244. 
1.38.  Ninety one per cent of the environment-related measures were notified as Green Box 
measures, while seven per cent were notified pu rsuant to Article 18.3 concerning new domestic 
support measures or modification of existing  measures.  The remaining environment-related 
agriculture measures were notified under Article 16 on Least Developed and Net Food-Importing Developing Countries (1%) and under Article 6 on Development Programmes (1%).    
                                               
19 Since more than one activity/measure/objective ca n be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 per cent. See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1 for the full breakdown by activity, measure or objective. 
WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  Chart 1.16 - Environment-related Agriculture Notifications (2004 - 2013)20 
 
 
1.39.  As indicated in Chart 1.17, most environment-related agriculture notifications pertained directly to the agriculture sector (90%). However, there were environment-related agriculture 
notifications, in which fisheries, forestry, logging, and construction activities were also mentioned.  
1.40.  On types of measures, the environment-rela ted agriculture notifications pertained mainly to 
non-monetary domestic support measures, such as tr aining, advisory services or research programs 
(63%), grants and direct payments (14%), and loans (3%). Unspecified measures accounted for 
19% of the environment-related agriculture measures notified in 2013.  
1.41.  In terms of objectives, sustainable agriculture management was mentioned in 45% of all 
environment-related measures notified under the Agreement on Agriculture in 2013.  Other 
objectives included soil management (18%),  water management (17%), natural resources 
conservation (16%), sustainable fisheries management (14%), sustainable forestry management (9%), environmental protection from pests and diseases (7%), general environmental protection 
(5%), climate change mitigation (5%), waste management (5%) and air pollution reduction (5%).  
1.42.  In 2013, developed Members submitted 38% of all environment-related notifications under 
the Agreement on Agriculture, while 56% and 6% of the notifications were submitted by developing and LDCs, respectively.  Indonesia, Switzerlan d and Liechtenstein with 3 notifications each 
submitted the most environment-related notifications under the Agreement on Agriculture. However, 
the notifications by Philippines and Australia en compassed the highest number of environment-
related programmes, with 76 and 25 measures, respectively.  
 
                                               
20 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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 Chart 1.17 - Types of Environment-related Me asures in Agriculture Notifications (2013)21 
 
 
1.2.3  Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) 
1.43.  In 2013, of the 15 notifications submitted under the plurilateral Agreement on Government 
Procurement, two, both notified by Japan were en vironment related (see Chart 1.18). The objectives 
of these notifications related to energy effi ciency, hazardous chemicals management, waste 
management and recycling, and water conservation, amongst other environment-related objectives.   
Chart 1.18 - Environment-related GPA Notifications (2004 - 2013) 22 
9%45% 40%38%57% 62%
9% 13% 8% 13%15
4 3818
3212
Share of environment-related GPA notifications Number of environment-related GPA notifications
 
                                               
21 Since more than one activity/measure/objective ca n be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 per cent. See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1 for the full 
breakdown by activity, measure or objective. 
22 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 19 - 
 
  1.3  Other Measures 
1.3.1  General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) 
1.44.  In 2013, of the 48 notifications submitte d by Members pursuant to the GATS, one was 
environment-related (see Chart 1.19). The objective of  this notification by South Africa related to 
maritime safety, health and environmental protection.  
Chart 1.19 - Environment-related GATS Notifications (2004 – 2013)23 
 
 
1.3.2  Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) 
1.45.  In 2013, of the 209 notifications submitted by Members under Article 63.2 of the  
TRIPS Agreement, nine (4% of TRIPS notifications) contained environment-related provisions referring to the non-patentability exception and protection of undisclosed information necessary to 
protect the environment (see Chart 1.20). These no tifications were submi tted by Viet Nam (five 
notifications), Montenegro (two), Cape Verde and Moldova (one each).  
Chart 1.20 - Environment-related TRIPS Notifications (2004 – 2013)
24 
 
 
1.3.3  Customs Valuation 
1.46.  In 2013, of the 13 customs valuation noti fications submitted by Members, two (15% of the 
customs valuation notifications) were environment- related (see Chart 1.21). The objectives of these 
                                               
23 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.  
24 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1. WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 20 - 
 
 notifications by Ecuador and Lao People's Democratic Republic related to environment protection, 
protection of animal and plant species and climate change adaptation, among others.  
Chart 1.21 - Environment-related Custom s Valuation Notifications (2004 - 2013)25 
 
 
2  NOTIFICATIONS OF TRADE AGREEMENTS 
2.1  Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) 
2.1.  In 2013, of the 40 RTA notifications submi tted by Members pursuant to the Understanding on 
the Interpretation of Article XXIV of the GATT 19 94, two (5% of the notifications) mentioned an 
environment-related topic (see Chart 2.1), in part icular specific chapters related to trade and 
sustainable development or trade and environment.26   
2.2.   The two notifications involve both developed and developing countries, and refer to the Trade 
Agreements between the European Union and Co lombia and, the European Union and Peru, 
respectively. These Agreements establish cooperation on trade and sustainable development, 
namely the improvement of policies and practices related to, inter alia, environmental protection in mutual areas of interest such as biological diversit y, forest, and fisheries sectors. Parties also agreed 
to consider actions to address climate change through their trade and investment policies. 
Chart 2.1 - Environment-related RTA Notifications (2004 - 2013)
27 
 
                                               
25 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.   
26 The statistics only reflects inform ation captured through keywords in the text of the notification.  
27 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1.  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 21 - 
 
  2.2  Other Notifications 
2.3.  In 2013, of the five notifications of prefer ential trade arrangements submitted by Members to 
the Committee on Trade and Development, one was environment-related (see Chart 2.2). The 
European Union notified its revised Generalized  System of Preferences (GSP) scheme under the 
GATT Enabling Clause.  The GSP notification included  sections referring to sustainable development 
and implementation of MEAs for the protection of the environment.  
Chart 2.2 - Environment-related Other Notifications Provisions (2004 - 2013)28 
 
 
3  INFORMATION CONTAINED IN TRADE POLICY REVIEWS 
3.1.  The EDB covers information on the environment-related policies, measures or programmes 
contained in the Secretariat and Government Trade Policy Review (TPR) reports.  Environment-related information is usually found in the following sections of the TPRs:  trade policy framework; trade policies and practices by measure; and trade po licies by selected sector.  In general, the trade 
policy framework includes information on government environmental policies, plans, programmes 
and investment policies. Environment-related trade policies and practices by measure include quantitative restrictions (e.g. bans and prohibitions, import and export restrictions, quotas, controls, 
licenses and permits); technical requirements (e.g. standards, technical regulations and conformity 
assessment procedures); taxes, levies, subsidies and other government support.  The environment-related sectors mentioned in the TPRs include agricu lture, manufacturing, services, energy, fisheries, 
forestry, transport, mining and tourism.   
3.2.  The TPRs of 15 Members were circulated in 2013.
29 There were 447 entries with references to 
environment-related policies, measures or sectors in these TPRs.30 The highest number of 
environment-related entries were found in the TP Rs of the EU (34), followed by Switzerland – 
Liechtenstein (32), Viet Nam (27), Brazil and Mexico (26 entries each).  Examples of the 
environment-related entries identified in the TPRs are presented in Annex V. 
3.3.  As illustrated in Chart 3.1, the most frequently reported environment-related measures in the 
TPRs of 2013 were import prohibitions, licensing and restrictions (22% of all environment-related 
measures identified), sanitary and phytosanitar y measures (14%), technical regulations (13%), 
export prohibitions, licensing and restrictions (11%), and tax systems (10%). Other environment-
related measures mentioned in the TPRs related to, inter alia,  customs procedures (7%), 
government support (7%), intellectual property ri ghts (5%), other measures (e.g. free trade zones 
and regimes) (5%), tariffs and other duties and charges affecting imports (3%), and government procurement measures (3%).  
                                               
28 The most recent 10 year period is covered in the chart. For the full ED B time series covering the period 
1997 to 2013 see WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1. 
29 The TPRs (in alphabetical order)  are: Argentina; Brazil; Centra l African Economic and Monetary 
Community (CEMAC); Costa Rica; the European Union (EU); the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 
(FYROM); Indonesia; Japan; Kyrgyz Republic; Switzerland and Liechtenstein; Macao, China; Mexico; Peru; 
Suriname; and Viet Nam.  
30 The number of environment-related TPR entries corresponds to the numbe r of times environment-
related policies, measures or prog rammes are mentioned in the Secret ariat or Government TPR Reports. WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 22 - 
 
 Chart 3.1 - Type of Environment-relate d Measures Mentioned in TPRs (2013) 
Aid for trade, 1, 0.7%Customs procedures, 
11, 7.5%
Export prohibitions, 
licensing and 
restrictions, 16, 10.9%
Government 
procurement, 4, 2.7%
Government support, 
11, 7.5%
Import prohibitions, 
licensing and 
restrictions, 32, 21.8%
IPR, 7, 4.8%Others, 7, 4.8%SPS measures, 20, 
13.6%Tariffs and other duties 
and charges affecting 
imports, 5, 3.4%Tax system, 14, 9.5%Technical regulations 
and standards, 19, 
12.9%
 
 
 
3.4.  Regarding environment-related trade policies by sector, the most frequently mentioned sectors 
were agriculture (21% of the sector entries), followed by fisheries and aquaculture (19%), energy (16%), forestry (12%), transport (8%), and mining (6%).  Other sectors subject to 
environment-related measures and programmes included, inter alia, services (5%), tourism (5%), 
manufacturing (3%), and oil, gas and biofuels (3%) (see Chart 3.2). 
Chart 3.2 - Sectors Covered by Environment- related Measures Mentioned in TPRs (2013) 
 
 
 Transport, 17, 8%
Tourism, 10, 5%
Services, 11, 5%
Mining, 12, 6%
Manufacturing, 7, 3%
Forestry, 26, 12%
Fisheries and 
aquaculture, 40, 19%Energy, 33, 16%Agriculture, 45, 21%Water, 4, 2%Oil, gas & biofuels, 6, 
3%WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 23 - 
 
   
4  ANNEXES 
Annex I - Environment-related Search Words31 
Basel Convention HCFCs  
Bio Indigenous  
Carbon Kyoto Protocol 
Cartagena  Modified organism  
CFCs  Marking 
CITES  Montreal Protocol 
Clean Natural resources 
Climate Novel  
Conserv(ation) Organic  
Desertification Ozone 
Diversity Package(ing) 
Eco-label  Pollution 
Ecology Preservation 
Emissions Preserve 
Endangered Recycle 
Energy Renewable 
Environment Saving  
Extinct   (Soil) erosion 
Fauna Species 
Fish  Sustainable 
Flora Toxic 
Forest Tree 
Genetic  Waste 
GHGs  Wildlife  
Green (house) Wood 
Hazardous  
 
  
                                               
31 See also the following documents containing information on search words: WT/CTE/W/46, WT/CTE/W/78 and 
WT/CTE/W/102.   
 WT/CTE/EDB/13  
 
- 24 - Annex II - Number of Environment-related Notifications32 (1997-2013) 
WTO 
Agreements 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
TBT  89(795) 98(648) 83(671) 97(610) 67(539) 114(582) 100(794) 107(638) 121(771) 155(874) 168 
(1032) 238 
(1265) 274 
(1490) 270 
(1413) 268 
(1216) 353 
(1551) 384 
(1605) 
SPS  8(286) 21(296) 12(402) 26(402) 25(621) 47(610) 50(687) 57(612) 105 
(1298) 140(901) 98(849) 84(889) 81(737) 83 
(1051) 76 
(1007) 91(856) 107 
(929) 
SCM  16(136) 32(133) 27(126) 38(160) 24(159) 31(177) 34(171) 13(122) 27(168) 8(97) 33(164) 5(99) 40(181) 8(117) 47(140) 17(108) 48(1 58) 
Agriculture 20(237) 22(216) 27(195) 40(228) 40(242) 32(197) 34(173) 29(157) 25(148) 24(126) 32(119) 24(137) 36(210) 49(195) 44(182) 45(203) 34(135) 
Anti-
Dumping 4(109) 1(133) 3(133) 0(127) 0(134) 1(166) 2(155) 3(134) 0(127) 0(112) 0(118) 0(134) 0(157) 0(164) 0(127) 0(133) 0(122) 
ILP 13(51) 20(63) 10(68) 21(77) 7(55) 13(96) 16(57) 12(40) 20(45) 19(62) 13(65) 20(51) 23(82) 21(72) 23(78) 30(85) 23(96) 
Safeguards 0(42) 1(47) 0(99) 1(110) 1(137) 1(170) 1(147) 3(75) 1(80) 0(86) 0(59) 0(73) 0(171) 0(106) 2(64) 2(89) 2(112) 
Customs 
Valuation 0(9) 1(14) 1(15) 3(36) 1(41) 1(41) 0(11) 0(17) 1(13) 0(1) 0(9) 0(12) 0(6) 0(4) 0(4) 3(13) 2(13) 
State Trading 0(37) 2(36) 0(50) 0(50) 1(56) 5(58) 3(38) 0(43) 1(12) 1(37) 0(20) 1(24) 0(29) 4(77) 0(8) 4(39) 0(17) 
RTAs  6(55) 8(74) 14(75) 8(56) 10(64) 0(41) 0(56) 0(70) 0(63) 0(30) 0(25) 4(37) 4(30) 4(26) 3(33) 2(37) 2(40) 
TRIPS 0(172) 1(106) 3(69) 5(333) 6(236) 16(225) 5(147) 7(251) 2(59) 2(38) 3(72) 7(139) 2(84) 8(97) 9(66) 5(139) 9(209) 
GATS 0(24) 1(25) 0(21) 0(25) 0(46) 7(43) 0(41) 4(52) 1(53) 1(29) 0(41) 0(49) 0(68) 2(45) 1(38) 3(66) 1(48) 
QRs 5(15) 3(11) 2(13) 5(18) 2(10) 4(14) 2(8) 7(10) 1(6) 2(8) 3(6) 4(12) 2(8) 1(6) 2(8) 13(14) 5(10) 
TRIMs  0(18) 0(22) 0(12) 0(10) 0(2) 0(29) 0(13) 0(12) 0(14) 0(14) 0(13) 0(9) 0(21) 0(18) 0(4) 0(4) 0(6) 
BoP 
Provisions  1(23) 0(11) 0(7) 0(9) 0(7) 0(4) 0(0) 0(1) 0(1) 0(0) 0(1) 0(0) 0(9) 0(6) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 
Preshipment  
Inspection 0(2) 0(1) 0(1) 0(0) 0(1) 0(0) 0(0) 0(1) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(1) 0(0) 0(2) 0(2) 0(4) 0(3) 
Rules of 
Origin 0(4) 0 (6) 0 (3) 0(4) 0(6) 0(4) 0(4) 0(3) 0(2) 0(1) 0(7) 0(4) 0(5) 0(4) 0(8) 0(14) 0(22) 
GPA 2(7) 0 (14) 0 (9) 0(19) 2(14) 9(21) 0(8) 1(11) 5(11) 4(10) 3(8) 8(14) 18(29) 3(32) 2(16) 1(13) 2(15) 
ITA  0(0) 0 (18) 0 (0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 
Other 
notifications 1(15) 0 (5) 0 (3) 1(8) 0(6) 0(4) 0(3) 1(7) 1(3) 1(2) 0(5) 0(8) 0(4) 0(6) 0(9) 0(6) 1(5) 
Total 
environment-
related 
notifications 165 
(2027) 211 
(1879) 182 
(1972) 245 
(2282) 186 
(2376) 281 
(2482) 247 
(2513) 244 
(2256) 311 
(2874) 357 
(2428) 353 
(2613) 395 
(2957) 481 
(3321) 453 
(3441) 477 
(3010) 569 
(3374) 620 
(3545) 
Share of 
environment-
related 
notifications  8.10% 11.20% 9.20% 10.70% 7.80% 11.30% 9.8% 10.8% 10.8% 14.7% 13.5% 13.4% 14.5% 13.2% 15.8% 16.9% 17.49% 
                                               
32 Figures in parenthesis represent the total number of notificati ons submitted by Members under each relevant WTO Agreement.  Th is number includes regular notifications as well as addenda, 
corrigenda and revisions, except in the case of TBT and SPS notifications, where addenda, corrigenda and revisions are not cove red.  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 25 - 
 
  Annex III - Number of Environment- related Notifications and Measures33 (2013) 
 
 
 
 
 
                                               
33 Notifications may contain more than one measure.  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 26 - 
 
   
Annex IV - Search Word Frequ ency in Notifications in 201334 
 
 
                                               
34 Figures in parenthesis indicate the share of total environment-related notifications that included a given search word.  
WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 27 - 
 
  Annex V - Trade Policy Reviews of WTO Members - 2013 
1. The TPRs of 15 Members were circulated in 2013, namely (in alphabetical order): Argentina; 
Brazil; Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC); Costa Rica; the European Union (EU); the Former Yugoslav Repu blic of Macedonia (FYROM); Indonesia; Japan; 
Kyrgyz Republic; Switzerland and Liechtenstein; Macao, China; Mexico; Peru; Suriname; and Viet 
Nam. The information provided below is illustrative with a complete listing of entries under the TPR section available in the electronic database.
35 The environment-related TPR entries are reported 
under: trade policy framework; trade policies and practices by measure; and trade policy by 
sector. 
2. The TPR of Argentina36 includes 21 environment-related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: the policy thrust given through incentives to promote 
production, investment and innovation in the bi ofuels and renewable energy sectors; and fiscal 
incentives at the provincial level for investment s in alternative energy sources. On environment-
related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter alia: Argentina's tax exemptions for biofuels under 
the "Promotion Scheme for the Sustainable Production and Use of Biofuels". In the sectoral 
analyses of the TPR, several entries pertain to Argentina's efforts on sustainable forestry management implemented through the Law on Investment in Cultivated Woodland with support 
from the World Bank. Other entries include: the promotion of biotech crops for reduced use of 
pesticides; administration of fishing permits and quotas; and information on the Sustainable Industrial Development Project.  
3. The TPR of Brazil
37 includes 26 environment-related entr ies. Examples of policy framework 
entries in the TPR include: ethical, environmenta l and sustainable development considerations in 
financing programs of the Brazilian Development Bank; and Brazil's cooperation strategy on issues related to climate change and green growth, with pr iority to biofuels and agriculture projects in 
Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Environment-related measures mentioned in the TPR 
include: the environmental requirements to avail benefits in the Free Trade Zones; government support for energy efficiency; and fast-track proc edures for "Green Patent" applications. In the 
sectoral analyses of the TPR, reference is made to Brazil's domestic support programs in the 
agriculture sector, including the Low Carbon Ag riculture Program ("Programa ABC") which aimed 
to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, support the recovery of forests and sustainable agricultural production. Other entries cover, inter alia: support for biodiesel, 
organic and agro-ecological production; support for environmentally sustainable growth in the 
manufacturing sector (e.g. environmental and energy-efficiency requirements in the auto 
industry); and reference to Brazil's clean energy mix. 
4. The Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) includes the following 
countries: Cameroon, Central African Repu blic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea38 and Gabon. The 
TPR of CEMAC39 has 19 environment-related entries.40 On the policy framework, 
the TPR elaborates on CEMAC's aim to become a "green power" by 2025 with policies in selected 
green economy subsectors (e.g. forestry, fisheries and agriculture). Other policy framework entries 
cover, inter alia: the sustainable management of CEMAC's forest resources, which are a major carbon sink and source of biodiversity; and the African Great Green Wall Initiative project to 
protect against the effects of climate change and desertification. Environment-related measures 
mentioned in the TPR include import and export restrictions and licensing requirements pursuant to MEAs (e.g. Montreal Protocol and Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and 
CITES). In the sectoral analyses, TPR entries include, inter alia: sustainable fisheries' measures 
under the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries; and the Voluntary Partnership Agreements in the forestry sector signed by some CEMAC countri es under the European Forest, Law Enforcement, 
Governance and Trade (FLEGT) initiative.  
                                               
35 https://www.wto.org/ english/tratop_e/env ir_e/envdb_e.htm. 
36 WT/TPR/G/277 and WT/TPR/S/277/Rev.1 
37 WT/TPR/G/283/Rev.1 and WT/TPR/S/283/Rev.1  
38 Equatorial Guinea is a party to CEMAC, but is not a WTO Member and thus not covered in the TPR. 
39 WT/TPR/G/285 and WT/TPR/S/285/Rev.1  
40 This number does not include the environment-re lated entries identified in the country-specific 
annexes to the TPR of CEMAC. Information from th e country-specific annexes can be accessed in 
WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1. WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 28 - 
 
  5. The TPR of Costa Rica41 includes 21 environment-related entries. Examples of policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: the government's policy to attract foreign direct investment 
(FDI) for clean technologies; provisions in the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement aimed at ensuring high levels of envi ronmental protection; and partial liberalization of 
environmental services in the Free Trade Agreement that Costa Rica signed with China. Some of 
the entries identified regarding environment-related measures cover, inter alia: import permits and customs procedures for environmental protec tion, including implementation of MEAs (e.g. 
Basel Convention); mutual recognition procedures with Canada for accrediting agencies 
certifying organic products; and price controls based on criteria that include environmental sustainability and resource conservation. Regarding environment-related sectoral policies, several paragraphs in the TPR describe measures in the agriculture sector aimed at, inter 
alia, promoting organic farming and agro-environmental management. Other entries include: a 
regime to incentivize privately generated energy production from non-conventional sources (e.g. hydraulic, geothermal or wind); and the promotio n of liquefied natural gas as a less emissions-
intensive alternative to oil. 
6. The TPR of the European Union
42 includes 34 environment-related entries. Regarding the 
trade policy framework, the TPR elaborates on th e Lisbon Treaty and the requirement therein for 
the European Union's trade policy to take account of environmental issues such as climate change 
and sustainable development, in its internal policie s and external action (e.g. through preferential 
trade agreements). Other policy framework entries include: the Commission's common framework of measures for the promotion of energy efficiency; the call for more investments for innovation in 
priority areas such as technologies for clean production, bio-based products, sustainable industrial 
and construction policies, clean vehicles and smart grids; and "sustainability impact assessments" (SIAs) covering both internal trade policies as well as trade agreements signed by the European 
Union to assess potential benefits and costs  
in economic, social and environmental terms. On environment-related measures, examples  
of the TPR entries cover, inter alia: the European Union's legislative framework regarding 
genetically modified organisms (GMOs); technical regulations and conformity assessment 
procedures adopted at EU level for environmental protection reasons; horizontal guidelines for the compatibility assessment of state aid provided for environmental objectives; and the inclusion of environmental considerations in the EU public proc urement policy. In the sectoral analyses of the 
TPR, several paragraphs describe the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which includes 
measures aimed at, inter alia, the promotion of sustainable farming and addressing climate change and environmental concerns. Other entries include: measures to address overfishing and non-
sustainable fishing practices; the regulatory framework for environmental services (e.g. solid 
waste management, noise and air pollution control); and measures to address GHG emissions in the maritime, road and air transport sectors. 
7. The TPR of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
43 (FYROM) includes 22 environment-
related entries. The policy framework entries in the TPR cover, inter alia: the policy objective to 
develop a dynamic set of sustainable industries, including, organic wines and foods, eco-steel, eco-friendly construction, renewable energy, and to urism. Regarding environment-related measures, 
entries include: information on the Technological Industrial Development Zones (TIDZs) which 
apply high environmental standards to encourage the development of modern technologies and the efficient utilization of resources; and environmental compensation fees for import permits on 
used products (e.g. tyres) and ozone-depleting substances. Regarding environment-related trade 
policies by sector, several paragraphs in the TPR describe efforts to develop the organic farming sector. Other entries cover, inter alia: the promot ion of renewable energy and energy efficiency; 
sustainable fisheries and forest management measures; and the promotion of ecological tourism. 
8. The TPR of Indonesia
44 includes 24 environment-related entries. Trade policy framework 
entries in the TPR include: economic and fiscal policy reforms to meet green economy objectives; 
aspects of Indonesia's Low Carbon Development Strategy; and activities closed to investment 
(domestic and foreign) for environmental reasons. Regarding environment-related measures, the 
TPR describes measures to safeguard the environment covering products such as non-renewable natural resources, wood and endangered species. Other environment-related TPR entries include, 
                                               
41 WT/TPR/G/286 and WT/TPR/S/286/Rev.1  
42 WT/TPR/G/284 and WT/TPR/S/284/Rev.2 
43 WT/TPR/G/290 and WT/TPR/S/290 
44 WT/TPR/G/278 and WT/TPR/S/278/Rev.1  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 29 - 
 
  inter alia: Indonesia's import duty exemptions for pollution control equipment and materials. 
Regarding environment-related sectoral policies, several paragraphs in the TPR relate to sustainable forest management, such as the Indonesian Timber Legality Verification System, a licensing scheme introduced to combat illegal lo gging; and reference to a program launched in 
2010 under the UN efforts on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation 
(REDD). Other entries include: policies relating to sustainable fisheries management and combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (I UU) fishing; support for renewable energy; and 
"pro-environment" tourism development. 
9. The TPR of Japan
45 includes 25 environment-related entries. Examples of trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: the policy thrust to promote green innovation, growth and 
jobs in the 2012 Comprehensive Strategy; Japan's bilateral initiatives with China and Korea to 
promote cooperation on issues such as energy  and the environment; and the green growth 
objectives pursued at APEC with a list of 54 en vironmental goods earmarked for tariff reduction. 
Regarding environment-related measures, the TPR describes efforts to encourage innovation and 
patenting activity in environmental technology, including, through the global comprehensive 
environmental technology information database aimed at facilitating the transfer of technology between prospective technology users and potential providers worldwide. Other entries include: 
measures to promote environmentally friendly procurement contracts by the national government; 
efforts to establish international standards in areas where assessment methods and standards play an important role in environmental protection; support for new environmentally friendly vehicles; and export and import restrictions in force for environmental protection, including under MEAs. In 
the sectoral analyses, entries cover, inter alia: measures for the conservation and restoration of 
the Japanese marine environment and of fisheries resources; membership to several Regional Fisheries Management Organizations regulating international tuna fishing; and plans for a feed-in-
tariff system for renewable energy.   
10. The TPR of Kyrgyz Republic
46 includes 14 environment-related entries. Trade policy 
framework entries include: environment-related legislation adopted by the country on, inter alia, 
GHG emissions and MEAs implementation; and a nati onal Strategy on Export Promotion developed 
in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) which includes conservation and sustainable development related considerations. Regarding environment-related measures, entries cover, inter alia: the adoption of the Kyrgyz Law "On Charges for Use of Flora and Fauna Items" in 
2008; and SPS measures to protect the environment from specific dangerous chemical substances 
and pesticides. Regarding environment-related trade policies by sector, entries include: environmental impact evaluations, environmental charges and monitoring of compliance with 
environmental regulations in the mining sector; and reference to the country's hydroelectric 
potential for a long term supply of renewable energy. 
11. The TPR of Switzerland and Lichtenstein
47 includes 32 environment-related entries.  
Trade policy framework entries in the TPR, cover, inter alia: Swiss-European Union and 
Liechtenstein-European Union economic cooperation on the environment; and the revision of the Swiss Law on carbon dioxide (CO
2) and related implementation measures to reduce the country's 
GHG emissions by at least 20% from their 1990 levels by 2020. Regarding environment-related 
measures, TPR entries include: aid for trade encompassing support for measures to protect the 
climate and the environment; support fo r development of standards to promote 
organic farming and fair trade products in Switzerl and; and incentive fees to reduce emissions of 
CO2 and volatile organic compounds. In the sectoral analyses, the TPR outlines measures adopted 
in the agriculture sector to promote ecology and protect biodiversity. Other TPR entries cover, inter alia: changes in the Swiss energy policy (Energy Strategy 2050) for phasing out 
nuclear energy in the medium term; introduction of a cost-reflective feed-in tariff scheme to 
support the generation of renewable energy; and the possibility, since 2005, for independent power producers (generally small-scale hydroelect ric and independent solar power producers) to 
sell electricity to any customer. 
12. The TPR of Macao, China
48  includes 23 environment-related entries. Examples of trade 
policy framework entries in the TPR cover, inter alia: reference to the Environmental Protection 
                                               
45 WT/TPR/G/276 and WT/TPR/S/276/Rev.1 
46 WT/TPR/G/288 and WT/TPR/S/288  
47 WT/TPR/G/280 and WT/TPR/S/280/Rev.1  
48 WT/TPR/G/281 and WT/TPR/S/281/Rev.1  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
- 30 - 
 
  Planning of Macao (2010-2020) with the view to building a low carbon Macao; and the 
Environmental Protection and Energy Conservation Fund to encourage local enterprises to purchase products and equipment that are environmentally friendly, energy and water efficient.  Regarding environment-related measures, TPR entries include: the import licensing scheme for 
CITES listed species; exemption from motor vehicle taxes for new purchases of environment-
friendly motor vehicles; and interest rate subsidies for locally registered enterprises seeking to purchase energy-efficient equipment, energy ma nagement systems or heating/cooling systems 
operating on renewable energy. Regarding enviro nment-related trade policies by sector, entries 
include, inter alia: the emergence of new green manufacturing industries (e.g. recycled plastics, electric motorcycles and solar technology); support under the Public Transport First strategy for more efficient and environmental-friendly modes of transport for residents and visitors; and the 
promotion of renewable energy, energy conservation  and emission reduction in the energy sector. 
13. The TPR of Mexico
49 includes 26 environment-related entries. Examples of trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: the aim, un der Mexico's trade policy, to link foreign trade 
activities with international instruments for the protection of the environment and the 
management and conservation of natural resources. Regarding environment-related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia: verification/validation bodies for the emission of GHGs; mutual 
recognition agreements covering environmental management and product certification systems; 
SPS measures to preserve animal, plant, forestry, aquaculture and wildlife health; and tax incentives for the acquisition of environmentally friendly machinery and for the generation of energy from renewable sources. Regarding environment-related trade policies by sector, several 
paragraphs describe measures in the agriculture sector covering, inter alia, bio-energy; the 
sustainable management of natural resources; and the impact assessment of GMOs on agricultural genetic resources. Other entries include: measures for the protection of forestry resources and to 
support sustainable forestry development; measures  to facilitate the competitive and sustainable 
development of the country's fishing and aquacultur e sector; and the reform of the energy sector 
with a focus on energy security and diversificat ion, energy-saving and en vironmental protection. 
14. The TPR of Peru
50 includes 22 environment-related entries. Examples of trade policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: measures to support environmental sustainability and the 
integrated management of Peru's natural resources; and provisions in the Peru - US Trade Promotion Agreement for institutional strengthen ing in the area of environmental management. 
Regarding environment-related trade policies by sector, several paragraphs in the TPR describe the 
regulation of and support for fisheries and aquacu lture, including the Multi-Annual Strategic Plan 
for the Production Sector 2012-2016 to promote sustainable development of fishing. Other entries 
cover, inter alia: environmental impact assessments in the mining sector; measures in the 
agriculture sector, including the Southern Sierra  Natural Resources Management Programme; and 
the Multi-Annual Strategic Plan for the Production Sector 2012-2016, which includes protection of 
the environment among other sectoral goals and objectives. 
15. The TPR of Suriname
51 includes 14 environment-related entries. Examples of policy 
framework TPR entries include: the goal under Suriname's Multi Annual Development Plan 2012-
2016 to address urban planning from an environmen tal perspective; recognition of environmental 
challenges for the mining sector; and investment incentives for projects that are in the interest of 
environmental protection. Regarding environment-related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia: a collaborative framework between FAO and Suriname institutions, including the Department 
of Environmental Inspection to address food sa fety issues; the ratification of the Cartagena 
Protocol and the development of a national biosafety framework for handling imports and exports of GMOs. In the sectoral analyses, the TPR in the agriculture sector refers to the Multi-Annual 
Development Plan 2012-2016, which calls for, inte r alia, improvements in productivity in 
environmentally sustainable ways. Other entries include sustainable and equitable management of fisheries; sustainable use of culture and nature in the tourism sector; and reduction of the damage to the environment caused by unregulated and sm all-scale exploitation in the mining sector. 
16. The TPR of Viet Nam
52 includes 27 environment-related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: reference to environment protection laws and institutions 
                                               
49 WT/TPR/G/279/Rev.1 and WT/TPR/S/279/Rev.1  
50 WT/TPR/G/289 and WT/TPR/S/289/Rev.1  
51 WT/TPR/G/282 and WT/TPR/S/282/Rev.1  
52 WT/TPR/G/287 and WT/TPR/S/287/Rev.1 WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  created since the promulgation of the 1992 Consti tution; the possibility to prohibit investments 
considered detrimental to the environment; and pr iority given to high-technology, energy-efficient, 
and environmentally friendly investment projects in industrial zones. On environment-related measures, the TPR covers, inter alia: the Environmental Protection Tax applied on several products 
such as petroleum, ozone depleting substances and plastic bags; differential consumption taxes 
applied for some goods and services (e.g. biofue l, bio energy and electrical automobiles); tax 
incentives to promote environmental protection activities; environmental standards and 
regulations; and risk-assessment analysis on biosafety for GMOs. In the sectoral analyses of the 
TPR, there is reference to Viet Nam's efforts to promote renewable energy sources, energy saving and efficiency as part of its National Energy Development Strategy; the potential of geothermal, 
solar, wind and waste energy sources; investment credits from the Clean Development 
Mechanism; certificates for energy administrati on and energy auditing; and energy efficiency 
labelling. Other TPR entries include: assistance for coffee producers to obtain third party sustainability certificates; the effects of pollution and overfishing on the fisheries sector; and the 
use of environmentally friendly technologies in the mining sector. 
 
 WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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Annex VI - Electronic EDB User's Guide 
I. What information is available in the Electronic EDB? 
1. The electronic EDB compiles all environment-related notifications made under the various 
WTO Agreements and environment-related measures/activities reported in the TPRs in an Excel 
Workbook.53  It allows users to search through the EDB environment-related information according 
to specific criteria, for instance by Member, Agre ement, type of measure, product, activity, or 
environmental objective.   
2. The Excel Workbook is divided into two main worksheets:  "Notifications", listing all the 
environment-related notifications; and "TPRs", providing the environment-related information mentioned in TPRs.  In addition, a third worksheet entitled "Summary" is included to allow users to 
retrieve pre-defined summary tables and graphs for the period 1997 - 2013. 
A. "Notifications" worksheet 
3. The "Notifications" worksheet displays the following information: 
 Agreement:  the WTO Agreement being notified; 
 Document symbol:  the symbol of the notification document; 
 Document link:  the Web link to WTO Documents Online  
 Notifying Member:  the Member notifying the environment-related measure; 
 Region group:  the region of the notifying Member; 
 Development status:  the development status of the notifying Member; 
 Year:  the year of notification; 
 Notification pursuant to:  the provisions of the relevant Agreement under which the 
notification is made; 
 Measure description:  a description of the measure as indicated in the notification; 
 Type of measure:  the type of me asure stated in the notification; 
 Coverage of the measure:  products/activities subject to the notified measure; 
 ICS - HS code:  ICS or HS classification of the relevant products (when available); 
 Implementation period:  the implementation peri od or date of the entry into force of the 
notified measure; 
 Environment-related objective:  the environment-related objective of the measure;  and  
 Keywords:  the environment-related keyword search included in the notification (see 
Annex I). 
4. Three harmonized categories have also been created to facilitate research: 
 Category of environment-related objectives;  
 Category of measures; and 
 Category of products/activities. 
B. "TPRs" worksheet 
5. The "TPRs" worksheet displays the following information: 
 Type of TPR:  TPR reports prepared by either the Secretariat (S) or the Member (M); 
 Document symbol:  the symbol of the TPR document; 
                                               
53 WT/CTE/EDB/13/Add.1 WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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   Document link:  the web link to the TPR document through WTO Documents Online;   
 Document reference:  the reference made  to the paragraph number "§" in the TPR 
document; 
 Member:  the Member covered in the TPR; 
 Region group:  the region of the Member; 
 Development status:  the development status of the Member; 
 Year: the year of publication of the TPR; 
 Type of information:  the type of enviro nment-related information found in the TPR; 
 Type of measures or sectors:  the measure or sector associated with the environment-
related information; 
 Relevant information:  the excerpt from the TPR in which the environment-related 
measure, provision or programme was identified; and 
 Keywords:  the keyword search included in the TPR reports. 
 
C. "Summary" worksheet 
6. The "Summary" worksheet provides pre-defined information and graphs on environment-
related notifications to each WTO Agreement and measures mentioned in TPRs.   
II. How to use the electronic EDB? 
7. The Excel Workbook allows searches through all the variables mentioned above by using the 
filter function.  Users can, by clicking on the right-bottom arrow icon of the heading of the selected variable, either select the information on a drop-down list (see left image of Chart 4.1) or type in 
the relevant information (see right image of Chart 4.1). WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  Chart 4.1 - Search function 
   
      
  
8. Multiple criteria search is also possible, for instance, to search all notifications made by a 
given country or region/development status group with a specific environment-related objective or 
a specific type of measure.  
9. As an example, retrieving all TBT notifications that contain performance/efficiency 
specification measures to promote energy conserva tion and efficiency, can be done as follows:  
a. select the "Notifications" spreadsheet; 
b. select the TBT Agreement in the column "A greement" by clicking on the bottom-right 
arrow icon and typing "TBT" in the search box; 
c. select the type of measure in the column "Category of type of measure" by clicking on 
the bottom-right arrow icon of the head ing and typing "performance/efficiency 
specification" in the search box; 
d. select the type of measure in the column "Category of environment-related objective" by 
clicking on the bottom-right arrow icon of the heading and typing "energy conservation 
and efficiency" in the search box. 
10. After the search, to go back to the full database, it is important to follow the reverse order 
of the selection:   
a. click on the bottom-right arrow icon of the heading of the variable "Category of 
environment-related objective" and select the "Select All" box; 
b. click on the bottom-right arrow icon of the heading of the variable "Category of type of 
measure " and select the "Select All" box;  and  WT/CTE/EDB/13 
 
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  c. click on the bottom-right arrow icon  of th e heading of the variable "Agreement" and 
select the "Select All" tick box. 
11. Once the data is selected through the filter, the user can print the records by hiding the 
variables of no interest (select the column, right-click and select "hide" option).  In addition, 
the user can apply the scaling option available, through their printer driver, to fit all the 
selected columns on one page.  
 
 
 
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