RESTRICTED  
  
WT/ACC/COM/23  
15 September  2017 
(17-4907) Page: 1/19 
Working Party on the Accession  
of the Union of the Comoros  Original: French  
 
  
ACCESSION OF THE UNION OF THE COMOROS  
ACTION PLANS TO ENSURE THE WTO CONSISTENCY  
OF NATIONAL LAWS  
The following communication, dated 1 5 September  2017, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of the Union of the Comoros.  
 
_______________  
  WT/ACC/COM/23  
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS  
1. SPS-RELATED MEASURES  ................................ ................................ ...........................  3 
2. TRIPS -RELATED MEASURES  ................................ ................................ .......................  7 
3. CUSTOMS FORMALITIES  ................................ ................................ ............................  9 
(a) MEASURES RELATED TO THE CUSTOMS VALUATION AGREEMENT  .............................  9 
(b) FEES AND CHARGES  ................................ ................................ ................................  11 
(c) OTHER (TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT)  ................................ ..........................  12 
4. TBT-RELATED MEASURES  ................................ ................................ .........................  17 
5. MEASURES RELATED TO IMPORT LICENSING  ................................ ...........................  19   
  WT/ACC/COM/23  
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1. SPS-RELATED MEASURES  
Description  Action to be taken  Status  Time -frame  Department(s) /Ministry (ies) 
concerned  Comments  
Law of 2017 on th e revision of 
plant protection i n the 
Comoros in compliance with 
IPPC requirements  1. Submission for comments 
to Members  
 
2. Adoption  
 
3. Entry into force  The revised  law of 2017 
on plant protection in 
the Comoros was 
adopted by the National 
Assembly on 
10 June 2017 1. April-May 2017 
 
2. 10 June 2017 
 
3. Enactment  pending  National Director ate of 
Agricultural Strategies (DNSAE)  
National Institute for R esearch 
in Agriculture , Fisheries and the 
Environment (INRAPE)   
Law on the revision of food 
legislation in the Union of the 
Comoros  1. Submission to Council of 
Ministers for approval  
 
2. Adoption by the National 
Assembly  
 
3. Entry into force   The revised food law of 
2017 was adopted by 
the National Assembly  
on 10 June 2017 1. Action completed  
 
 
2. Action completed in 
June 2017 
 
3. Enactment  pending  3. National Directorate  of 
Agricultural Strategies 
(DNSAE),  INRAPE, Foreign  
Trade Directorate   
Use of the  OIE PVS tool  1. Validation of 
recomme ndations  
 
2. Preparation of draft 
regulatory texts  
 
3. Submission of draft texts 
to the Council of Ministers  PVS evaluation and gap 
analysis effected  1. 4th quarter  2016 
 
 
2. Texts prepared  2017 
 
 
3. Action under  way 
4th quarter  2017 Livestock  service  
 
 
Livestock  service  
 
 
Livestock  service  
 Need for technical and 
financial assistance  
Amend existing veterinary 
regulations so as to establish 
a coherent , harmonized 
regulatory frame work at 
regional and international 
level, applicable in the specific 
circumstances of the Union of 
the Comoros  1. PVS evaluation  
 
2. Performance evaluation  
 
3. PVS report  
 
4. PVS gap analysis  
 
5. Amend ment of veterinary 
regulations  Planning of technical 
validation and 
implementation of 
national legislation  1. Action completed 
October  2011 
 
2. Action completed  
2012 
 
3. Action completed 
October 2016 
 
4. Completed 
October  2016 
 
5. Action under  way Livestock  service  
 
 
Livestock  service  
 
 
Livestock  service  
 
 
Livestock  service  
 
 
Livestock  service  Need for technical and 
financial assistance    
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Description  Action to be taken  Status  Time -frame  Department(s) /Ministry (ies) 
concerned  Comments  
Establish the authority of 
veterinary services (VS) over 
all sanitary inspection 
activities at the borders and 
throughout the distribution 
network  for foodstuffs of 
animal origin (DAOA)  1. Preparation of texts  
 
2. Validation and approval  
 
3. Signature of d ecrees  
 
4. Entry into force  - Draft law on 
veterinary sanitary 
control completed  
 Decree on regulation 
of special health 
control measures  
- Decree on the 
attribution and 
exercise of the 
sanitary mandate  
- Law regulating the 
veterinary profession 
and pharmacies  
- Law on veterinary 
public health  1. Completed  
 
2. 2nd quarter  2018 
 
3. 2nd quarter  2019 
 
4. 4th quarter  2019 1. Livestock  service  
 
2. Livestock  service  
 
3. Livestock  service  
 
4. Livestock  service  Need for technical and 
financial assistance  
Harmonize national 
regulations with the standards 
of international normative 
bodies recognized by the WTO  1. Adoption of certain 
COMESA and CODEX 
standards as national 
standards  Adoption of COMESA 
standards and CODEX 
guidelines  as national 
standards completed  February  2017 National CODEX Alimentarius 
Committee (CNCA) and 
standardization service   
Adoption of the principl e of 
equivalence agreements and 
other types of sanitary 
agreements, as well as the 
principle s of transparency and 
of zoning and 
compartmentalization  Preparation of provisions  on 
equivalence in conformity 
with the WTO text  Not yet discussed  2019-2022 National Directorate of 
Agricultur al Strategies, Trade 
Directorate, standardization 
service and INRAPE  Need for technical 
assistance  
Establishment of a 
medium - and long -term 
training plan  Preparation of a training plan  Under discussion  2018-2024 National Dire ctorate of 
Agricultural Strategies and 
Foreign Trade Directorate  Need for technical 
assistance  
Institutional capacity building  Organization of food control 
institutions  Under way  2018-2019 National Directorate of 
Agricultural Strategies 
(DNSAE), INRAPE and Foreign 
Trade Directorate  Need for technical and 
financial assistance    
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Description  Action to be taken  Status  Time -frame  Department(s) /Ministry (ies) 
concerned  Comments  
Establishment of the National 
Plant Protection Organization 
(NPPC) and the National 
Notification Authority  1. Legal establishment of 
the enquiry point a nd the 
National Notification 
Authority  
 
2. Establishment of an office 
and appointment of 
responsible office rs WTO reference centr e 
available  
 
NPPC established under 
the 2017 Law on p lant 
protection  1. Completed  
 
 
 
 
2. Upon enactment of 
the law  Foreign Trade Directorate  
 
 
 
 
National Directorate of 
Agricultural Strategies and 
INRAPE  Need for financial 
assistance  
Establishment of technical 
libraries, for example a 
CODEX library  Establishment  of a CODEX 
library  Under way  2018 National Directorate of 
Agricultural Strategies  Need for financial 
assistance  
Availability of resources for 
the establishment of a 
reference laboratory  Resources to be mobilized  
 
Establishment of the 
laboratory  
 
Purchase  of necessary 
testing equipment  Project validated  August 2017  
 
2022 National Institute for Research 
in Agriculture, Fisheries and the 
Environment (INRAPE)  Need for technical and 
financial assistance  
Preparation and 
implementation of training and 
capacity building activities for 
key personnel in the field of 
plant and animal health and 
safety to apply SPS provisions  Training of key officials in 
line ministries for 
implementation of national 
legislation consistent with 
the WTO SPS Agreement and 
comple mentary  to all other 
relevant international 
conventions and treaties: 
Departments of the Ministry 
of Agriculture, Ministry of 
Health, s tandardization 
service/ office, Office for 
Certification of Fish Products, 
Director ate of the 
Environment, Customs 
Directorate, P ort Authority of 
the Comoros, Ministry of 
Finance, Foreign Trade 
Directorate, Domestic Trade 
Directorate, etc.  Under way  2018 and 2020  National Directorate of 
Agricultural Strategies and 
INRAPE  
 
Foreign Trade Directorate   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Need for technical and 
financial assistance    
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Description  Action to be taken  Status  Time -frame  Department(s) /Ministry (ies) 
concerned  Comments  
Organization of 
awareness -raising activities  Enhancement of public 
awareness of SPS measures 
(standards, law, etc.) and 
their repercussions and 
effects on the Comoros 
economy and environment  Under way  
 
 
 
 
 Since 2016  National Directorate of 
Agricultural Strategies, National 
Trade Directorate and INRAPE  Need for technical and 
financial assistance  
Establishment of an 
information system on 
SPS-related activities  Creation of a website in full 
conformity with the date of 
accession  Under way  Date of accession  National Directorate of 
Agricultural Strategies and 
Foreign Trade Directorate  Need for technical and 
financial assistance  
Full implementation and 
establishment in the Comoros 
of an SPS infr astructure and 
safe and WTO SPS -compliant 
trade Full implementation  
 
Submission to the WTO of a 
statement on 
implementation  Under way  2020 National Directorate of 
Agricultural Strategies and 
National Foreign Trade 
Directorate  Need for technical and 
financial assistance  
 
    
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2. TRIPS -RELATED MEASURES  
Description  Action to be taken  Status  Time -frame  Department(s)  
concerned  Comments  
- Law on Copyright and 
Related Rights  
 
 
 
 
- Transposition of the 
provisions of the 2015 
Bangui Agreement into 
national legislation in 
the areas of patents; 
trademarks, including 
service marks; 
geographical 
indications; and 
industrial designs  Request for assistance to WIPO/OAPI on 
the elaboration of a new national law on 
copyright, pending, and transposition of 
provisions i nto national legislation  Action completed  Since 
September  2016 
June and July 2017  Comorian Intellectual Property 
Office (OCPI)  Favourable reply 
from WIPO/1st draft 
submitted on 
7 August 2017  
Preparation of the law  Under way  Finalization of the law 
scheduled for the 
2nd half of 2018  WIPO  
OCPI  
National Technical Validation Workshop   End of the 1st half of 
2018 OCPI and National Trade 
Negotiations Committee 
(CNNC)   
Communication of draft law to 
WTO Members for comments   Upon validation, 
2nd week/half of 2018  OCPI and CNNC   
Finalization of the law following comments 
by WTO Members   3rd week of 
October  2018 OCPI and CNNC   
Submission of memorandum to the 
Council of Ministers   3rd week of 
October  2018 Ministry of Culture   
Validation by the Government   Approval 
October  2018 Council of Ministers   
Submission of the law to the National 
Assembly for adoption   On approval by the 
Government  OCPI  
Adoption in the National Assembly   1st session 2018  National Assembly  Submission to the 
Law Committee  
Enactment   July 2018  Government   
Implementing Decree   August 2018  OCPI, Government Secretariat   
Effective implementation   January 2019  Office of the President of the 
Republic   
Public awareness -raising   Upon implementation 
of the texts – 
January  2019 OCPI  
Draft law on ratification of 
the 2015 Bangui 
Agreement  Submission of memorandum to the 
Council of Ministers  Action completed  23 November 2016  OCPI  
Validation by the Government  Action completed  28 November 2016  Council of Ministers     
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Description  Action to be taken  Status  Time -frame  Department(s)  
concerned  Comments  
Submission of the law to the National 
Assembly for adoption  In progress  October  2017 session  OCPI  
Adoption in the National Assembly  Next session  October 2017 session  National Assembly  Submission to the 
Law Committee  
Enactment by the President  Under way  December 2017  Office of the President   
Implementing Decree  Under way  April 2018  OCPI, Government Secretariat   
Effective implementation  Under way  August 2018  Office of the President of the 
Republic   
Public awareness -raising  Under way  September 2018  OCPI  
Capacity building  Training of personnel, including customs 
officials and police officers responsible for 
protecting registered trademarks  Under way since 2016  At any time  OCPI Technical assistance 
required (WIPO, 
OAPI and WTO)  
Training of judges and lawyers  Under way since 
November 2016  At any time  OCPI Technical assistance 
required (WIPO)  
Creation of a registered trademarks 
database  Reference to OAPI  Upon ratification of 
the Bangui Agreement  OCPI Reference to OAPI  
Elaboration of rules/technical regulations  Under way  Once the texts have 
been drawn up  OCPI Technical assistance 
required (WIPO)  
Computerization of OC PI No implementation  1st quarter 2019  OCPI Technical assistance 
required (WIPO)  
 
    
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3. CUSTOMS FORMALITIES  
(a) Measures related to the Customs Valuation Agreement  
Description  Key stages  Action to be taken  State of progress  Time -frame  Comments  
Prepare a customs code for the 
Union of the Comoros which 
reflects the principles of the 
Customs Valuation Agreement  Adoption and enactment of Law 
No. 15-016/AU of 28  December  2015 
on the 2015 Customs Code, which 
provides for the application of 
transaction value and is in conformity 
with the COMESA Customs Code   Already 
implemented    
Adoption  of implementing texts for 
the new 2015 Customs Code  Adoption and enactment of the law 
on the Customs Code  
 
Internal memorandum adopted  
 
Implementation by the Committee on 
the basis of the memorandum 
adopted  Establishment by internal 
memorandum of the 
Customs Committee 
responsible for supervising 
the implementation and 
application of the new 
2015 Customs Code  Already 
implemented    
Preparation of laws  
Sharing of information on draft laws 
with the Working Party  Working Party review of 
draft legislation necessary 
for ensuring conformity 
with the Agreement  Review prior to 
accession   The Union of the Comoros 
will need technical and 
financial assistance  
Submission of draft implementing 
provisions for the new Customs Code 
providing for the use of transaction 
value  Advocacy is needed for the 
draft texts to be signed  Already 
implemented   Technical assistance from 
IMF/AFRETAC -SOUTH for the 
submission of draft 
implementing texts for the 
new Customs Code 
establishing the use of 
transaction value  
Reproduction of the Code  
Organization of dissemination 
seminars  Seminars and workshops 
devoted to fa miliarizing 
users with the 
2015 Customs Code  Not yet started  2018 The Union of the Comoros 
will need technical a nd 
financial assistance  
Preparation of a concept paper and 
terms of reference for the planned 
evaluation  Evaluation of 
implementation of the new 
Customs Code  Not yet started  2019 The Union of the Comoros 
will need technical and 
financial assistance    
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Description  Key stages  Action to be taken  State of progress  Time -frame  Comments  
Adjustment to the WTO evaluation 
system  Adoption of a capacity -building 
programme  
Identification of profiles and targets  
Mobilization of technical assistance  
Adequate training  
Provision of tools necessary for 
implementation  Workshops, seminars, 
study and training visits 
for staff/targeted training 
for the actors concerned: 
customs, freight 
forwarders  Not yet started  2017/2023  The Union of the Comoros 
needs technical and financial 
assistance  
Implementation of a 
valuation system in full 
conformity with WT O rules  
- Preparation of manuals 
and operating procedures;  
Preparation and printing of 
forms, brochures, etc.  Not yet started    
Creation of a technological 
information base including a 
database on risk assessment  Continued analysis of 
mirror data for statistical 
needs  Not yet created  2017-2019  
Implementation of the 
recommendations of the 
diagnosis on value  Not yet 
implemented  2017-2018  
Risk assessment training  Not yet started  2018  
Workshops/seminars 
presented by "risk 
assessment" specialists  Not yet started  2018  
Training courses on the Customs 
Valuation Agreement   Seminar/workshop 
devoted to the principles 
of the Customs Valuation 
Agreement  Not yet started  2018  
Technical training on the 
determination of customs value 
under Articles 1 to 17 of the 
Customs Valuation Agreement   Training of trainers for 
selected customs officials 
on the basis of their 
teaching skills  Not yet started  2017-2020 The Union of the Comoros 
will need technical and 
financial assistance  
Establishment of  a reference 
database on the value of identical 
or similar goods   Study and exchange 
mission on the 
development of a database 
for the evaluation of 
identical or similar goods 
(methods 2 and 3 applied 
in sequence)  Not yet started  2017-2020 The Union of the Comoros 
will need technical and 
financial assistance  
Ensure the safety of imported 
goods   Equip the main customs 
centres of the country with 
scanners  Not yet started  2019-2020 The Union of the Comoros 
will need technical and 
financial assistance  
Targeted training for 
dedicated staff  Not yet started  2018-2019   
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(b) Fees and charges  
Description  State of progress  Key stages  Action to be taken  Time -frame  Comments  
Application of transaction value  Adoption of transaction value 
– 2012 Finance Law  Targeted training for the actors 
concerned: customs agents, 
freight forwarders  See "key stage"  2019 and 
beyond  Implementation requiring 
technical assistance for 
training  
Elimination of other duties and 
charges (ODCs) – AI (advance tax 
payment), PI (import  trade tax), 
TCR (regional cooperation tax) and 
CCIA (Chamber of Commerce, 
Industry and Agriculture) tax – at 
the customs cordon  Preparation of the explanatory 
memorandum for elimination 
of ODCs in the 2018 Finance 
Law Presentatio n of the 
memorandum on the  
2018 Finance Law at the 
parliamentary session in 
October 2017  Commitment made by 
the Government  January 
2018 Dismantling of the ODCs will 
become effective upon 
enactment of the 
2018 Finance Law  
Single Administrative Charge 
(RAU)  Transition from ad valore m 
taxation to a fixed rate levy 
based on volume  Introduction for adoption in the 
2018 Finance Law at the 
parliamentary session of 
October 2017  Commitment made by 
the Government  January 
2018  
Establishment of the VAT regime   Conduct of a study on 
modalities for implementing 
VAT Concept paper and terms 
of reference  
Recruitment of 
consultants (1 national 
and 1 international)  
Conduct of the study  
Sharing and validation 
(stakeholders)  2019 Assistance required from the 
EIF and assistance obtained  
 Preparation  of a draft law on 
the subject, and validation in a 
national workshop  Preparation of the draft 
by international experts  
Sharing and validation 
(stakeholders)   Assistance required from the 
IMF and assistance obtained  
 Adoption of the draft law by 
Parliament and enactment  Adoption by the 
Government and 
transmission to the 
Parliament  
Adoption by the 
Parliament and 
enactment  
Adoption of 
implementing texts  
Implementation of the 
law   
   
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(c) Other (Trade Facilitation Agreement)  
Description  State of progress  Category  Key stages  Action to be taken  Time -frame  Comments  
(Assistance)  
Ratification and 
implementation of the 
Trade Facilitation 
Agreement  
 No C Publication  Publication, as expeditiously as 
possible, of trade -related information in 
a manner that  is non -discriminatory 
and easily accessible to the public  2021 Yes 
Yes A Information available 
on the Internet  Making information available on ITC 
media, particularly the Internet, in 
order to improve access 24 hours a day 
and 365 days a year at a low o perating 
cost 2021 No 
No C Focal point  Establishment of enquiry points to 
answer  reasonable requests and supply 
forms and required documents 
(Article  1.3.1)  2018 Yes 
No B Comments before 
entry into force  Possibility for stakeholders to make 
comments on the planned introduction 
or amendment of trade regulations 
concerning the movement, release and 
clearance of goods  2020 No 
No B Consultations  Provide for regular consultations 
between border agencies and traders or 
other stakeholders located within its 
territory (Art icle 2.2) 2020 No 
No B National Committee on 
Trade Facilitation  Establish and/or maintain a national 
committee or similar mechanism on 
trade facilitation. Or designate an 
existing mechanism (Article 23).  2018 No   
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Description  State of progress  Category  Key stages  Action to be taken  Time -frame  Comments  
(Assistance)  
 No B Formalities and 
documentation 
requirements  In consultation with the stakeholders, 
examine the formalities connected with 
importation, exportation and transit, 
and the documentation requirements, 
with a view to minimizing the effects/ 
complexity of operations and reducing 
and simplifying requirements  
(Article 10.1)  2020 No 
 No C Appeal or review  Establish a legal system of 
administrative or judicial appeal or 
review so that any person subject to an 
administrative decision is entitled to a 
revision and correction, on an impartial 
and independent basis, with regard to 
decisions handed down by the customs 
authority (Article 4)  2020 Yes 
 No B Disciplines concerning 
fees and charges  Implement disciplines covering fees 
and charges imposed on or in 
connection with importation or 
exportation, and limit them to the 
approximate cost of the services 
provided. This also includes a 
requirement for compulsory periodic 
publication and review of such fees and 
charges with a view to reducing their 
number and diversity.  2020 No 
 Yes A Penalties  Ensure that penalty measures are 
applied to persons responsible for 
infringing a law, a regulation or a 
customs procedure. Such penalties 
shall be proportional to the degree and 
gravity of the offence, and conflicts of 
interest shall be avoided i n establishing 
them Commencing 
immediately  No   
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Description  State of progress  Category  Key stages  Action to be taken  Time -frame  Comments  
(Assistance)  
 No C Processing before 
arrival  Adopt or maintain a mechanism 
enabling the trader to submit important 
documentation prior to the arrival of 
goods  2022  Yes 
 No C Electronic payment  Establishment of a mechanism allowing 
traders the option of electronic 
payment for duties, taxes, fees and 
charges (Article 7.2)  2021  Yes 
 No B Risk management  Adopt or maintain a non -discriminatory 
and non -arbitrary system of risk 
management for the customs control of 
imports, exports and goods in transit. 
Concentrate customs controls on 
high-risk consignments and rapidly 
release low -risk consignments 
(Article  7.4) 2019 No 
 No C Control after customs 
clearance  Adopt or maintain a mechanism to 
certify the conformity of the 
consignment after customs clearance 
(Article 7.5)  2018 Yes 
 No C Authorized operator  Create a fair system which rewards 
respect for the rules and establish 
additional trade facilitation measures 
for selected operators (Article 7.7)  2019 Yes 
 No C International standards  Use international standards, fully or 
partially, as a basis for national 
formalities and procedures in respect of 
importation, exportation or transit, and 
information/documentation 
requirements  2019 Yes 
 No C Single window  Establish or maintain a single window 
enabling traders to submit once only 
the documentation and/or data 
required by border control agencies 
(Article 10.4)  2018 Yes 
 No C Cooperation between 
border agencies  Establishment of cooperation between 
border agencies (Arti cle 8)  2018 Yes   
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Description  State of progress  Category  Key stages  Action to be taken  Time -frame  Comments  
(Assistance)  
 No C Movement of goods 
under customs control  Allow goods intended for import to be 
moved under customs control within 
their territory provided that all 
regulatory requirements are satisfied 
(Article 9)  2018 Yes 
 No C Common procedures 
and documentation  At border -crossing points throughout 
its territory, apply the same procedures 
for the release and clearance of goods 
(Article 10.7)  2018 Yes 
 Yes A Decision expected  On request, issue a reasoned decision 
within a specific time -limit, providing 
reliable and binding information on 
several customs issues prior to 
import/export (Article  4)  No 
 No B Separation of release 
from final 
determination  Adopt or maintain procedures allowing 
the release of goods prior to the final 
determination of  customs duties, taxes, 
fees and charges (Article 7.3)  2019 No 
  C Control after customs 
clearance  Adopt or maintain a mechanism serving 
to ensure conformity of the 
consignment after customs clearance 
(Article  7.5)  No 
  C Average time 
necessary for release  Measure and publish, on a periodic 
basis and in a consistent manner, the 
average time it takes to release goods 
(Article 7.6)   No 
  C Expedited shipments  Implement special procedures, for 
those who so request, to permit 
expedited release of air freight 
consignments (Article 7.8)   No 
  C Perishable goods  Grant release of perishable goods 
within the shortest possible time, even 
outside working hours if the 
circumstances so require (Article  7.9)  No   
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Description  State of progress  Category  Key stages  Action to be taken  Time -frame  Comments  
(Assistance)  
  B Movement of goods 
under customs control  Allow goods intended for import to be 
moved under customs control within 
their territory (Article 9)   No 
  B Acceptance of copies  Accept paper or electronic copies of 
supporting documents required 
(Article  10.2)   No 
  B Rejected goods  Allow the importer the possibility of 
returning the goods to the exporter or 
forwarding them if they are rejected on 
the ground of failure to comply with the 
SPS regulations or technical standards 
(Article  10.8)   No 
 
    
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4. TBT-RELATED MEASURES  
Description  Action to be taken  Status  Time -frame  Department(s)/  
Ministry(ies) 
concerned  Comments  
Ensure  that the 
Comorian legal 
framework is in full 
compliance with the 
provisions of the 
TBT Agreement  1. Law on legal 
metrology adopted 
by the National 
Assembly on 20 
December 2012  
 1. Establishment of the 
National Metrology 
Office (ONAM)  
 
2. Submission of a 
memorandum to the 
Council of Ministers  
 
 
3. Preparation of other 
implementing texts 
relating to the Law on 
Metrology  
 1. A decree 
establishing 
ONAM has been 
signed  
2. The Council of 
Ministers has 
approved the 
establishment of 
ONAM  
3. Terms of 
reference have 
been prepared 
for the 
recruitment of a 
consultant  1. Second quarter 2017  
 
 
 
2. First quarter 2017  
 
 
 
3. First quarter 2018 -
third quarter 2019  VP in charge of the 
Ministry of Industry  
 
VP in charge of the 
Ministry of Industry  
 
 
 
Industry Directorate  1.  Need for 
technical and 
financial 
assistance  
 
 
 
3.  Need for 
technical and 
financial 
assistance  
 2. Law on food 
legislation adopted 
by the National 
Assembly in 
June 2017 1. Enactment by 
Presidential Decree  
 
 
2. Elaboration of 
implementing texts  
 
3. Entry into force  1. The Law is in 
the process of 
being enacted  
 
2. Some texts 
have been 
prepared  
 1. Under way  
 
 
 
2. Under way  
 
 
3. Second quarter 2018  National Directorate of 
Agricultural and 
Livestock Strategies 
(DNSAE)  Need for technical 
and financial 
assistance  
 3. National Quality 
Policy  1. Validation of National 
Quality Policy  
 
2. Submission of a 
memorandum to the 
Council of Ministers for 
approval  
 
3. Submission to the 
National Assembly for 
adoption  
 
4. Preparation of 
implementing decree  
 
5. Entry into force  1. The draft 
National Quality 
Policy (PNQ) has 
been prepared  
 
2. Under way  
 
 
3. Under way  
 
 
 
4. Under way  
 
 
5. Under way  1. October 2017  
 
 
 
 
2. December 2017  
 
 
3. April 2018 session  
 
 
 
4. Second quarter 2018  
 
 
5. 2019 Industry Directorate  Need for financial 
assistance  
   
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Description  Action to be taken  Status  Time -frame  Department(s)/  
Ministry(ies) 
concerned  Comments  
 4. Establishment and 
upgrading of 
quality control 
laboratories  1. Construction of the 
building  
2. Purchase of necessary 
equipment for the 
laboratory  A technical project 
for establishment of 
a multidisciplinary 
laboratory is 
available  2017-2022 INRAPE  Need for technical 
assistance  
5. Capacity building 
for quality 
infrastructure  Training in:  
 Metrology  
 Standardization  
 English language  
 Control laboratories  Some training 
programmes were 
conducted in 2015  First quarter 2018 -
fourth quarter 2022  VP in charge of the 
Ministry of Industry  
 Need for technical 
and financial 
assistance  
6. Law on 
standardization  
 
 
 
 1. Preparation of terms 
of reference  
 
2. Recruitment of a 
consultant to prepare 
the draft text of the 
law Under way  
 
 
Under way  
 First quarter 2019  
 
 
First quarter 2019  Ministry of Industry  
 
 
Ministry of Industry  Need for technical 
and financial 
assistance  
 
 
Transparency  Establishment of the 
enquiry point and the 
national notification 
authority  Appointment of the enquiry 
point and the national 
notification authority  The enquiry point 
and national 
notification authority 
have been identified  April 2018  Foreign Trade 
Directorate  Political will  
Establishment of a 
National TBT Committee  Order on the nomination of 
members  Under way  Fourth quarter 2017  Foreign Trade 
Directorate  Political will  
Establishment of the 
Comorian Standards 
Office (BCN)  Submission of a 
memorandum to the Council 
of Ministers for approval  
 
Preparation of the draft 
decree on establishment  Memorandum under 
preparation  
 
Preparation of the 
decree under way  Second quarter 2018  VP in charge of the 
Ministry of Industry  Need for technical 
and financial 
assistance  
 
    
  WT/ACC/COM/23  
- 19 - 
 
5. MEASURES RELATED TO IMPORT LICENSING  
Description  State of progress  Key stages  Action to be taken  Time -frame  Comments  
Establish a 
legal 
framework in 
accordance 
with the 
provisions of 
the Import 
Licensing 
Agreement   Existence of 
non-conforming 
texts and practices  
 
 No compliant draft 
law has been 
elaborated   Prepare and adopt a national law on 
the licensing system compatible with 
the WTO Agreement   Prepare the law  
 Technical validation in a national 
workshop  
 Examination and adoption by the 
Parliament  
 Enactment of the law  
 Adoption of compliant implementing 
provisions  
 Applic ation of the law by the competent 
services by means of compliant 
administrative procedures  2018-2019 Technical assistance from legal 
experts required to be made 
available  
No notification 
made  WTO notification after 
adoption/ enactment  of the law  Notification of the law and implementing 
provisions to the WTO  2018-2019 No assistance  
Not yet started  Training in implementation of the 
licensing regime in accordance with the 
WTO Agreement  Organization of specifically dedicated 
seminars/workshops  2018-2019 Technical assistance required to 
be made available through 
trainers, South-South exchange 
missions.  
 
__________