WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
12 October 2017  
(17-5503) Page: 1/37 
Committee on Trade and Environment  
   
 
 
 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL DATABA SE FOR 2015  
NOTE BY THE SECRETAR IAT1 
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 2015 covers information on: (i) environment -related measures notified under  
WTO Agreements (Section 1); (ii) environment -related provisions of notified preferential or 
Region al 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 3,408  notifications  submitted by WTO Members 
and the 20 TPRs circulated  in 2015. 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 201 5; and the database exclusively circulated electronically under 
WT/CTE/EDB/15/ 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/tratop_e/ envir_e/envdb_e.htm . 
4. The electronic data in WT/CTE/EDB/1 5/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 objecti ve. 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 199 7 – 2015. A detailed user's guide is included in Annex V to this document.  
 
_______________  
  
                                                
1 This document has been prepared under the Secretariat'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, EDB 2012 in  WT/CTE/EDB/12 and 
Add.1 , EDB 201 3 in WT/CTE/EDB/1 3 and Add.1 , and EDB 201 4 in WT/CTE/EDB/1 4 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, W T/CTE/W/78 and WT/CTE/W/102.  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS  
1   WTO NOTIFICATIONS  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4 
1.1   Regulatory Measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 9 
1.1.1    Quantitative Restrictions (QR)  ................................ ................................ ....................  9 
1.1.2    Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures (ILP)  ................................ ......................... 10 
1.1.3    Agreement on Safeguards  ................................ ................................ ......................... 12 
1.1.4    Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)  ................................ .......................... 12 
1.1.5    Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)  .................. 13 
1.2   Support Measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......15 
1.2.1    Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM)  ................................ ........ 15 
1.2.2    Agreement on Agriculture  ................................ ................................ ......................... 16 
1.2.3    Government  Procurement Agreement (GPA)  ................................ ............................... 18 
1.3   Other Measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 18 
1.3.1    General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)  ................................ ......................... 18 
1.3.2    Agreement on Trade -related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)  ................... 19 
1.3.3    Customs Va luation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...20 
1.3.4    State Trading  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 20 
2   NOTIFICATIONS OF TRA DE AGREEMENTS  ................................ ................................ . 21 
2.1   Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs)  ................................ ................................ ............... 21 
3   INFORMATION CONTAINE D IN TRADE POLICY RE VIEWS  ................................ ..........  21 
3.1   TPRs of WTO Members in 2015  ................................ ................................ ..................... 23 
4   ANNEXES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  29 
Annex 1 - Enviro nment -related Search Words  ................................ ................................ .......29 
Annex 2 - Number of Environment -related Notifications (1997 – 2015)  ................................ .....30 
Annex 3 - Number of Environment -related Notifications and Measures (2015)  ............................ 31 
Annex 4 - Search Word Frequency in Notifications in 2015  ................................ ...................... 32 
Annex 5 - Electronic EDB User's Guide  ................................ ................................ .................. 33 
  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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  TABLE OF CHARTS  
Chart 1.1 - Environment -related Notifications (1997 – 2015)  ................................ ....................  4 
Chart 1.2 - Environment -related Notifications by Members (2015)  ................................ ............  5 
Chart 1.3 - Environment -related Notifications by Agreement (2015)  ................................ ..........  6 
Chart 1.4 - Types of Environment -related Objectives identified in the EDB (2015)  .......................  7 
Chart 1.5 - Type of Measures identified in the EDB (2015)  ................................ .......................  8 
Chart 1.6 - Type of Sectors identified  in the EDB (2015)  ................................ ..........................  9 
Chart 1.7 - Environment -related QR Notifications (2006 – 2015)  ................................ ..............  9 
Chart 1.8 - Types of Environment -related Measures in QR Notifications (2015)  .......................... 10 
Chart 1.9 - Environment -related ILP Notifications (2006 – 2015)  ................................ ............. 11 
Chart 1.10 - Types of Environment -related Measures in ILP Notifications (2015)  ........................ 11 
Chart 1.11 - Environment -related Safeguards Notifications (2006 – 2015)  ................................ 12 
Chart 1.12 - Environment -related TBT Notifications (2006 – 2015) ................................ ........... 12 
Chart 1.13 - Types of Environment -related TBT Notifications (2015)  ................................ ........ 13 
Chart 1.14 - Environment -related SPS Notifications (2006 – 2015)  ................................ .......... 14 
Chart 1.15 - Types of Environment -related SPS Notifications (2015)  ................................ ........ 14 
Chart 1.16 - Environment -related SCM Notifications (2006 – 2015)  ................................ .......... 15 
Chart 1.17 - Types of Environment -related Measures in SCM Notifications (201 5) ...................... 16 
Chart 1.18 - Environment -related Agriculture Notifications (2006 – 2015)  ................................ .17 
Chart 1.19 - Types of Environment -related Measures in Agriculture Notifications (2015)  ............. 17 
Chart 1.20 - Environment -related GPA Notifications (2006 – 2015) ................................ .......... 18 
Chart 1.21 - Environment -related GATS Notifications (2006 – 2015)  ................................ ........ 19 
Chart 1.22 - Types of Environment -related Objectives in GATS Notified Measures (2015)  ........... 19 
Chart 1.23 - Environment -related TRIPS Notifications (2006 – 2015)  ................................ .......20 
Chart 1.24 - Environment -related Customs Valuation Notifications (2006 – 2015)  ...................... 20 
Chart 1.25  - Environment -related State Trading Notifications (2006 – 2015)  ............................. 21 
Chart 2.1  - Environment -related RTA Notifications (2006 – 2015) ................................ ............ 21 
Chart 3.1 - Types of Environment -related Measures Mentioned in TPRs (2015)  .......................... 22 
Chart 3.2 - Sectors Covered by Environment -related Entries Mentioned in TPRs (2015)  .............. 23 
Chart 4.1 - Search function  ................................ ................................ ................................ .34 
 
 
  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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1  WTO NOTIFICATIONS  
1.1.  In 2015, of the 3,408 notifications submitted by WTO Members,4 14.6% or 498 notifications 
were environment -related. Since 1997, there has been a sustained increase in the number of 
environment -related notifications to the WTO. The share of environment -related notifications as a 
percentage of total notifications has a lso increased substantially over the same time period albeit 
with year -on-year fluctuations (see Chart 1.1).5  
Chart 1.1 - Environment -related Notifications (1997 – 2015)  
 
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. Seventy three Members  
submitted notifications of environment -related measures , with the United  States  (73 notifications), 
the European Union (67), China  (30), and Uganda  (22) notify ing the highest number of 
environment -related notifications  in 2015 . 
  
                                                
4 This number includes regular notifications, as well as addenda, corrigenda  and revisions, except in the 
case of TBT and SPS notifications where addenda  and corrigenda are not covered.  
5 The drop in total number and share of environment -related notifications from 2013 onwards, can be 
partially explained by a change in methodology  regarding environment -related SPS notifications. See section 
1.1.6 for more detailed information.  
8.1%11.2%9.2%10.7%7.8%11.3%9.8% 10.8% 10.8%14.7%
13.5%13.4% 14.3% 13.2%15.8% 16.9% 17.5%14.6% 14.6%165211
182245
186281
247 244311357 353395474453477569620
551
498
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Proportion of Environment-related Notifications Total Environment-related NotificationsWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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  Chart 1.2 - Environment -related Notifications by Members (2015)  
 
 
  
11
1
14
3
1
6
1
2
14
15
30
6
6
1
2
6
4
67
2
4
1
1
3
5
2
2
8
2
1
11
1
5
12
1
1
1
3
2
2
2
7
3
3
1
2
7
4
1
6
1
2
13
3
8
1
3
6
4
2
1
10
17
9
1
1
1
5
22
5
9
73
1
9Albania
Argentina
Australia
Bahrain
Bolivia, Plurinational State of
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Cabo Verde
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
European Union
France
Georgia
Germany
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong, China
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Israel
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Korea, Republic of
Lao, PDR
Liechtenstein
Macao, China
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Mauritius
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Myanmar
Nepal
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Russian Federation
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
Singapore
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Chinese Taipei
Thailand
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
Uruguay
Viet NamWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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  1.3.  Chart 1.3 illustrates the incidence of environment -related notifications across  
WTO Agreements.6 As in previous years, the TBT Agreement has the highest number of 
environment -related notifications (305 notifications), accounting for 61% of all WTO environment -
relate d notifications in 2015. A number of environment -related measures were also notified under 
the SCM Agreement (51), the SPS Agreement  (47), the Agreement on Import Licensing 
Procedures (33), and the Agreement on Agriculture (32 notifications).7 
Chart 1.3 - Environment -related Notifications by Agreement (2015)  
 
1.4.  The environment -related  notifications can be broadly grouped into two categories. The first 
consists of notifications that mention  environmental consider ations  as the principal objective of the 
notified measure. The second category includes notifications that are not primarily aimed at 
environmental protection, but contain environment -related elements.  
1.5.  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 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 
1277 measures in 551  notifications in 2014  to 1349 measures in 498 notifications in 2015 . The 
SCM Agreement reported the highest number with 544 environment -related measures in 201 5, 
followed by the TBT Agreement (3 05), the Agriculture  Agreement ( 213), and the Import Licensing 
Procedures Agreement with 1 37 environment -related measures (see Annex III).  
                                                
6 In 2015, 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 A rticle VII  of the GATT 1994 ( Customs Valuation ); Understanding on the Interpretation of 
Article XVII of the GATT 1994 (State Trading Enterprises) ; the Understanding on the Interpretation of Article 
XXIV of the GATT 1994  (Regional Trade Agreements  (RTAs) ); Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of 
Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS);  the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS); Decision on 
Notification Procedures for Quantitative Restrictions (QR); and Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) . 
7 No envir onment -related notifications were submitted under the following WTO Agreements: 
Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti -dumping); Understanding on the Balance -
of-Payments Provisions of the GATT  1994;  Agreement on Pre -shipment Inspe ction; Agreement on Rules of 
Origin ; Agreement on Trade -Related Investment Measures ; the Informa tion Technology Agreement; and other 
notifications such as preferential trade arrangements notified to the Committee on Trade and Development 
(CTD). 
TBT, 305, 61%
Quantitative 
Restrictions, 8, 2%
SPS, 47, 10% RTAs, 3, 1%SCM, 51, 10%ILP, 33, 7%TRIPS, 1, 0%GPA, 4, 1%Agriculture, 32, 6%GATS, 7, 1%Safeguards, 4, 1%Customs Valuation, 2, 
0%State Trading, 1, 0%WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 7 - 
 
  1.7.  The environment -related measures mentioned in the 2015 notifications addressed a range of 
environmental objectives (see Chart 1.4), including alternative and renewable energy (16.3%), 
general environmental protection (15.4%), energy conservation and effic iency (13.0%), and 
chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management (11.5%).  
Chart 1.4 - Types of Environment -related Objectives8 identified in the EDB (2015)9  
 
1.8.  In terms of types of measure (see Chart 1.5 ), grants and direct payments accounted for the 
largest share of the total measures analysed in the 2015 notifications (26.9%), followed by 
technical regulation or specifications (23.8%), tax concessions (11.2%), and non -monetary 
support such as training o r research projects (10.2%). These numbers are not surprising since 
most of the environment -related measures identified in 2015 were notified under the SCM 
Agreement, the TBT Agreement, and the Agreement on Agriculture . 
                                                
8 See Annex V, Section III for a list of the harmonized categories by types of measures, objectives or 
sectors.  
9 Since more than one environmental objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 %. 
16.3%
15.4%
13.0%
11.5%
9.2%
8.9%
7.7%
7.7%
7.6%
7.0%
6.4%
6.1%
6.0%
5.4%
5.3%
5.1%
4.7%
3.2%
3.2%
3.1%
2.0%
1.3%
0.5%
0.2%
0.1%220
208
175
155
124
120
104
104
103
94
87
82
81
73
71
69
64
43
43
42
27
17
7
3
1Alternative and renewable energy
General environmental protection
Energy conservation and efficiency
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management
Other environmental risks mitigation
Waste management and recycling
Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Environmental goods and services promotion
MEAs implementation and compliance
Biodiversity and ecosystem
Water management and conservation
Sustainable agriculture management
Natural resources conservation
Soil management and conservation
Air pollution reduction
Sustainable fisheries management
Sustainable and environmentally friendly production
Animal protection
Environmental protection from pests and diseases
Ozone layer protection
Plant protection
Sustainable forestry management
Afforestation/reforestation
Environmentally friendly consumption
Sustainable mining managementType of ObjectiveWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 8 - 
 
  Chart 1.5 - Type of Measures10 identified in the EDB (2015)11 
 
1.9.  In the sectoral analysis, the sector that was most frequently associated with environment -
related measures was agriculture with 25.3% of all the identified measures. Followed by 
manufacturing (23.1%), energy (18.5%), chemicals (15.0%), services (13.3%), fi sheries (5.4%), 
and forestry (2.8%). About 1% of the measures did not specify any particular sector. Almost 9% 
of the measures were applied to all products or economic activities  (see Chart 1.6).  
                                                
10 The harmonized categori es "type of measures" and "type of sectors" were updated in EDB 2014. See 
Annex V, Section III for a list of the harmonized categories by types of measures, objectives or sectors.  
11 Since more than one environmental objective can be mentioned in a notified  measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 %. 
26.9%
23.8%
11.2%
10.2%
9.1%
6.6%
4.1%
3.8%
3.5%
3.4%
2.7%
1.4%
1.3%
0.7%
0.6%
0.6%
0.5%
0.4%
0.3%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%363
321
151
138
123
89
55
51
47
46
37
19
17
9
8
8
7
5
4
3
3
2
2
2
1Grants and direct payments
Technical regulation or specifications
Tax concessions
Non-monetary support
Import licences
Loans and financing
Conformity assessment procedures
Ban/Prohibition
Countervailing measure / investigation
Export licences
Other measures
Not specified
Other environmental requirements
Import quotas
Regulation affecting movement or transit
Risk assessment
Other support measures
Public procurement
Safeguard measure / investigation
Environmental provisions in trade agreements
Income or price support
Intellectual property measures
Investment measures
Quarantine requirements
Other price and market based measuresType of MeasureWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 9 - 
 
  Chart 1.6 - Type of Sectors12 identified in the EDB (2015)13 
 
1.10.   In 201 5, the search words most commonly found in the environment -related measures 
notified continued to be "environment" (found in 37.3% of all environment -related notifications), 
"energy" ( 27.5%), "bio" (16.7%), and "hazardous " (11.0%). Other frequently mentioned search 
words include ''waste'' (9.8%), "sustainable " (9.0%), and "organic" (8.8%) (see Annex IV for the 
search wo rd frequency in notifications).  
1.1  Regulatory Measures  
1.1.1   Quantitative Restrictions (QR)  
1.11.   In 201 5, of the 11 notifications  submitted by Members pursuant to the Council for Trade in 
Goods Decision on Notification Procedures for Quantitative Restrictions , eight (73% of all QR 
notifications) were  environment -related  (see Chart 1.7). These eight notifications referred to 
47 distinct environment -related measures . 
Chart 1.7 - Environment -related QR Notifications (200 6 – 2015)14 
 
 
1.12.   As illustrated in Chart 1.8, the sectors covered by the notified environment -related QR 
measures included: chemicals, such as ozone depleting or hazardous substances  (62%), fisheries  
(6%), and forestry ( 2%). Other sectors were covered in 3 8% of the measures , including waste 
and wildlife . 
                                                
12 The harmonized categories "type of measures" and "type of sectors" were updated in EDB 2014. See 
Annex V, Section III for a list of the harmonized categories by types of measures, objectives or sectors.  
13 Since  more than one environmental objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 %. 
14 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 199 7 to 201 5 see WT/CTE/EDB/1 5/Add. 1. 
341
311
249
203
179
129
117
73
38
15
625.3%
23.1%
18.5%
15.0%
13.3%
9.6%
8.7%
5.4%
2.8%
1.1%
0.4%Agriculture
Manufacturing
Energy
Chemicals
Services
Other
All products/economic activities
Fisheries
Forestry
Not specified
MiningType of Sector subject to Measure
25%50%
33% 25%
17%25%93%
50%68%73%
234
2
1213
515
8
Share of environment-related QR notifications Number of environment-related QR notificationsWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 10 - 
 
  Chart 1.8 - Types of Environment -related Measures in QR Notifications (2015)15 
 
1.13.   The most frequently mentioned environment -related QR measures were ban/prohibition 
(51%), followed by export licences (49%), and import licences (17%).  
1.14.   In terms of objectives, multilateral environmental agreements ( MEAs ) implementation and 
compliance were cited in 68% of all the notified environment -related QR measures. These MEAs 
include the Conference on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wil d Fauna and Flora 
(CITES ), the Montreal Protocol, the Basel Convention, the Stockholm Convention, and the 
Rotterdam Convention. Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management was mentioned in 
53% of all notified environment -related QR measures. Other  environmental objectives included 
animal protection (21%), ozone layer protection (21%), waste management and recycling (17%), 
plant protection (9%), and natural resources conservation (9%).  
1.15.   Members that submitted the most environment -related QR measures  were: China  
(19 m easures in three notifications),  Australia ( ten measures in one  notification)  and Singapore  
(ten measures in one notification).  
1.1.2   Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures (ILP)  
1.16.   In 2015, of the 74 notifications  submitted by Members under the  ILP Agreement, 33 (or 
45% of all ILP notifications ) were environment -related  (see Chart 1.9). These 33 notifications 
referred to 137 environment -related measures.  
                                                
15 Since more than one activity /measure/objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 %. See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 for the full breakdown by 
sector, measure  or objective . 
9%9%17%21%21%53%68%17%49%51%2%6%38%62%
4481010253282324131829
Natural resources conservationPlant protectionWaste management and recyclingAnimal protectionOzone layer protectionChemical, toxic and hazardous substances managementMEAs implementation and complianceImport licencesExport licencesBan/ProhibitionForestryFisheriesOtherChemicalsType of ObjectiveType of
Measure Type of SectorWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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  Chart 1.9 - Environment -related ILP Notifications (2006 – 2015)16 
 
1.17.   As indicated in Chart 1. 10, the sectors covered by the notified environment -related ILP 
measures included: chemicals  (46%), such as ozone depleting substances and radioactive 
substances ; agriculture ( 16%); manufacturing ( 12%); energy  (7%) and fisheries (4%) . Other 
sectors were covered in 33% of the measures, such as waste and water, while 7% of the 
measures did not specify any particular sector or product.  
Chart 1.10 - Types of En vironment -related Measures in ILP Notifications (201 5)17 
 
1.18.   On types of measures, import and export licenses accounted for 83% and 17% of the 201 5 
environment -related ILP measures respectively, while 14% of the notified measures referred to a 
ban or prohibition.  
1.19.   In terms of objectives, compliance with obligations under MEAs, such as CITES, the Basel 
Convention , the Rotterdam Convention  and the Montreal Protocol, was stated as the 
environmental objective of 43% of the notified environment -related ILP  measures. Other 
environment -related objectives included chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management  
                                                
16 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 . 
17 Since more than one activity /measure/objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100 %. See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 for the full breakdown by 
sector, measure  or objective . 
31%20%39%28% 29% 29%35%24%38%45%19
132023212330
2338
33
Share of environment-related ILP notifications Number of environment-related ILP notifications
5%12%14%18%20%20%34%43%14%17%83%4%7%7%12%16%33%46%
71619252727475919231145101017224563
Other environmental risks mitigationBiodiversity and ecosystemPlant protectionAnimal protectionWaste management and recyclingOzone layer protectionChemical, toxic and hazardous substances managementMEAs implementation and complianceBan/ProhibitionExport licencesImport licencesFisheriesEnergyNot specifiedManufacturingAgricultureOtherChemicalsType of ObjectiveType of
Measure Type of SectorWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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  (34%), ozone layer protection  (20%), waste management and recycling ( 20%), animal protection 
(18%), plant protection ( 14%), biodiversity and ecosyste m (12%), and other environmental risk 
mitigation (5%).  
1.20.   Members that submitted the most environment -related ILP measures  were: the Philippines 
(21 measures in two notifications), Australia (16 measures in three notifications), and the Republic 
of Korea  (15 measures in one notification).  
1.1.3   Agreement on Safeguards  
1.21.   In 201 5, of the 79 notifications submitted by Members under the Agreement on Safeguards, 
four were environment -related (see Chart 1. 11). The environment -related objectives of these four 
notifications include general environmental protection, sustainable and environmentally friendly 
production, sustainable forestry management, alternative and renewable energy, energy 
conservation and efficiency as well as environmental goods and services promotion.  
Chart  1.11 - Environment -related Safeguards Notifications (2006 – 2015)18 
 
1.1.4   Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)  
1.22.   In 2015, of the 1,305  regular TBT notifications submitted by Members, 305 (23%)19 were 
environment -related (see Chart 1.12). The TBT Agreement continues to be the agreement under 
which most environment -related notifications are submitted (on average 192 environment -related 
TBT notifications have been submitted annually over the period 1997-2015). 
Chart 1.12 - Environment -related TBT Notifications (200 6 – 2015)20 
 
1.23.   As indicated in Chart 1.13, t he sectors  most frequently associated with the 201 5 
environment -related TBT notifications were manufacturing mentioned in 52% of the notifications. 
                                                
18 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 . 
19 This number excludes adde nda and corrigenda.  
20 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 . 
3%2% 2% 2%5%
0 0 0 0 02 2 2 24
Share of environment-related Safeguards notifications Number of environment-related Safeguards notifications
18% 16% 19% 18% 19% 22% 23% 24% 23% 23%155168238274 270 268353384358
305
Share of environment-related TBT notifications Number of environment-related TBT notificationsWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Other sectors covered in the environment -related notifications  included chemicals ( 31%), 
agriculture (9%), other (5%), and energy (3%). One per cent of the mea sures did not specify any 
particular sector or product.  
Chart 1.13 - Types of Environment -related TBT Notifications (201 5)21 
 
1.24.   On types of measures, the 201 5 environment -related TBT measures  were either  technic al 
regulation or specifications (9 7%) or conformity assessment procedures ( 16%). Only one TBT 
notification  referred to other environmental requirements . 
1.25.   In terms of objectives, energy conservation and efficiency was the most frequent 
environmental objectiv e mentioned in 32% of the environment -related TBT notifications. Other 
environmental objectives included chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management  (24%), 
general environmental protection ( 22%), other environmental risk mitigation (10%), sustainable 
agriculture management (5%) , waste management and recycling (5%), air pollution reduction 
(5%), climate change mitigation  and adaptation (5%), sustainable and environmentally friendly 
production (4%), biodiversity and ecosystem (4%) , alternativ e and renewable energy (2%), and 
MEAs implementation and compliance (2%).  
1.26.   In 201 5, Members that submitted the most environment -related TBT notifications were the 
United States  (64), the European Union  (41), Uganda  (22), and China (20) . 
1.1.5   Agreement on the App lication of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)  
1.27.   In 2015, of the 1,283 regular SPS notifications22, 47 (4%) were environment -related (see 
Chart 1.14).23  
                                                
21 Since more than one activity /measure/objective can be mentione d in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100% . See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 for the full breakdown by 
sector, measure  or objective . 
22 This number excludes addenda and corrigenda.  
23 The share of environment -related SPS not ifications dropped  from 12% in 2013 to 4%  in 2014  and 
2015 due to a modified approach used for identifying environment -related SPS notifications.  From 2014 
onwards, only the environment -related content in the "description" of the SPS notification is consid ered for 
inclusion in the EDB.  
2%2%4%4%5%5%5%5%10%22%24%32%0.3%16%97%1.0%1.0%2.0%3%5%9%31%52%
56111314151616306774991492963368142696160
MEAs implementation and complianceAlternative and renewable energyBiodiversity and ecosystemSustainable and environmentally friendly productionClimate change mitigation and adaptationAir pollution reductionSustainable agriculture managementWaste management and recyclingOther environmental risks mitigationGeneral environmental protectionChemical, toxic and hazardous substances managementEnergy conservation and efficiencyOther environmental requirementsConformity assessment proceduresTechnical regulation or specificationsNot specifiedServicesAll products/economic activitiesEnergyOtherAgricultureChemicalsManufacturingType of ObjectiveType of
Measure Type of SectorWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Chart 1.14 - Environment -related SPS Notifications  (2006 – 2015) 24 
 
1.28.   As illustrated in Chart 1. 15, the sectors that were most frequently associated with the 201 5 
environment -related SPS  notifications were agriculture covered in 70% of the notifications, 
followed by other sectors , such as relating to waste and wildlife  (26%), chemicals  (17%), all 
products/economic activities  (6%), forestry (4%), and fisheries (2%) .  
Chart 1.15 - Types of Environment -related SPS Notifications (201 5)25 
 
 
1.29.   On types of measures, technical regulation or specifications accounted for 3 8% of the 
environment -related SPS notifications. Other SPS measures included ban/prohibition  (17%), 
conformity assessment procedures ( 13%), risk assessment  (13%), and quarantine requirements 
(4%). Around 19% of SPS measures reported contained other environmental requirements . 
1.30.   In terms of objectives, biodiversity and ecosystem (36%) as well as other environmental 
risks mitigation  (34%)  were the most f requent environmental objectives  mentioned in the 
environment -related SPS notifications, followed by environmental protection from pests and 
diseases ( 26%), sustainable agriculture management (1 3%), waste management and recycling 
(11%), MEAs implementation and com pliance (11%), and chemical, toxic and hazardous 
substances management (11%) . 
                                                
24 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 . 
25 Since more than one activity /measure/objective can be mentioned in a notified  measure, the total 
number may exceed 100% . See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 for the full breakdown by 
sector, measure  or objective . 
16%
12% 9% 11% 8% 8% 11% 12% 4% 4%140
98
84 81 837691107
44 47
Share of environment-related SPS notifications Number of environment-related SPS notifications
11%11%11%13%26%34%36%4%13%13%17%19%38%2%4%6%17%26%70%
5556121617266891812381233
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances managementMEAs implementation and complianceWaste management and recyclingSustainable agriculture managementEnvironmental protection from pests and diseasesOther environmental risks mitigationBiodiversity and ecosystemQuarantine requirementsConformity assessment proceduresRisk assessmentBan/ProhibitionOther environmental requirementsTechnical regulation or specificationsFisheriesForestryAll products/economic activitiesChemicalsOtherAgricultureType of Objective Type of Measure Type of SectorWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 15 - 
 
  1.31.   In 2015, Members that submitted the most environment -related SPS no tifications were: 
Australia, Albania, Costa Rica, Madagascar, and the United States . 
1.2  Support Measures  
1.2.1   Agreement  on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM)  
1.32.   In 201 5, of the 130 notifications submitted by Members under the SCM Agreement, 51 
(39%) were environment -related  (see Chart 1.16). Compared to 2014, the number of 
environment -related SCM  notifications increa sed from 29 to 51 in 2015,26 while the environment -
related measures reported in these notifications increased from 334 to 544.   
Chart 1.16 - Environment -related SCM Notifications (200 6 – 2015)27 
 
1.33.   As illustrated in Chart 1. 17, 42% of the measures referred in  the 2015 environment -related 
SCM notifications specifically concerned the energy sector . Other specific activities identified 
include d manufacturing (24%), all products/economic activities (18%) , and fisheries  (12%). 
1.34.   As in previous years, the notified measures predominantly took the form of grants and 
direct payments ( 54% of all the envi ronment -related SCM measures). Other forms of support 
included tax concessions  (28%), and loans and financing  (15%). 
1.35.   In terms of objectives, t he most frequently mentioned environmental objectives in the 201 5 
environment -related SCM notifications  were the promotion of alternative and renewable energy 
(39%) , general environmental protection (16%), energy conservation  and efficiency  (13%), 
climate change mitigation and adaptation (12%), sustainable fisheries management (11%), as 
well as environmental goods and services promotion (11%).  
1.36.   Members that submitted the most environment -related SCM measures  were: the United 
States (195 m easures in three notifications),  the European Union (17 9 measures in 21 
notifications),  Canada (45 m easures in three notifications)  and China  (40 measures in one 
notification).  
                                                
26 Over the period 1997 -2015, the number of environment -related SCM notifications ranged from five to 
51 notifications, with an average of around 28 notifications per year. Since 2001, WTO Members notify SCM 
measures once every two years, which explains the year-on-year variation in environment -related SCM 
notifications. See G/SCM/M/30, para. 6 and G/SCM/M/46, para. 43.  
27 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Ad d.1. 
8%20%5%22%7%34%
16%30%26%39%833
540
847
1748
2951
Share of environment-related SCM notifications Number of environment-related SCM notificationsWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Chart 1.17 - Types of Environment -related Measures in SCM Notifications (201 5)28 
 
1.2.2   Agreement on Agriculture  
1.37.   In 201 5, of the 148 notifications submitted by Members under the Agreement on 
Agriculture, 32 (22%) were environment -related and covered 213 environment -related m easures  
(see Chart 1.18). Over the period 1997-2015, the number of environment -related agriculture  
notifications varied, ranging from 20 to 49 notifications, with an average of around 33  notifications 
per year.  
                                                
28 Since more than one activity /measure/objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100% . See also the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 for the full breakdown by 
activity, measure  or objective . 
9%9%11%11%12%13%16%39%3%9%15%28%54%7%8%12%18%24%42%
4850616165728821018478115129240466397131229
Air pollution reductionWaste management and recyclingEnvironmental goods and services promotionSustainable fisheries managementClimate change mitigation and adaptationEnergy conservation and efficiencyGeneral environmental protectionAlternative and renewable energyNon-monetary supportCountervailing measure / investigationLoans and financingTax concessionsGrants and direct paymentsOtherAgricultureFisheriesAll products/economic activitiesManufacturingEnergyType of Objective Type of Measure Type of SectorWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Chart 1.18 - Environment -related Agriculture Notifications (200 6 – 2015)29 
 
1.38.   As indicated in Chart 1.19, all environment -related agriculture measures pertained directly 
to the agriculture sector  (100%). However, there were environment -related agriculture measures  
in which services, forestry, and energy activities were also mentioned.  
Chart 1.19 - Types of Environment -related Measures in Agriculture Notifications 
(2015 )30 
 
1.39.   On types of measures, the environment -related agriculture measures included  mainly non -
monetary domestic support  measures , such as training , advisory services or research programs 
(56%), grants and direct payments ( 33%), as well as  loans and financing  (4%). Unspecified 
measures accounted for 6% of the environment -related agriculture measures notified.  
                                                
29 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 . 
30 Since more than one activity /measure/objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the tota l 
number may exceed 100% . See a lso the Summary section in WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 for the full breakdown by 
activity, measure  or objective . 
19%29%18% 17%25% 24% 22% 25%20% 22%2434
243649
44 45
3442
32
Share of environment-related Agriculture notifications Number of environment-related Agriculture notifications
5%7%8%11%12%13%14%18%22%24%1%2%4%6%33%56%0.5%4%57%100%
10151624252829394651248127111918122213
Sustainable and environmentally friendly productionOther environmental risks mitigationClimate change mitigation and adaptationBiodiversity and ecosystemGeneral environmental protectionEnvironmental protection from pests and diseasesNatural resources conservationSustainable agriculture managementSoil management and conservationWater management and conservationIncome or price supportImport quotasLoans and financingNot specifiedGrants and direct paymentsNon-monetary supportEnergyForestryServicesAgricultureType of Objective Type of Measure Type of SectorWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 18 - 
 
  1.40.   In terms of objectives, water management and conservation was  mentioned in 24% of all 
environment -related measures notified under the Agreement on Agriculture  in 201 5. Other 
objectives included soil management and conservation (22%), sustainable agriculture 
management (18%), natural resources conservation (14%), environmental protection from pests 
and diseases (13%), general environmental protection (12%), and biodiversity and ecosystem 
(11%).  
1.41.    Members that submitted the most environment -related agricultural measures  were: 
Australia (87  measures in two notifications),  Costa Rica (18 measures in two notifications) , the 
Republic of Korea (15 measures in  one notif ication),  South Africa (1 2 measures in one notification)  
and Mexico (11 measures in one notification).  
1.2.3   Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)  
1.42.   In 201 5, of the 40 notifications submitted under the plurilateral Agreement on Government 
Procurement, four notifications  (by Japan, Norway, Canada, and Montenegro) were environment -
related (see Chart 1. 20). The objectives of these notifications related to  environmental goods and 
services promotion as well as general environmental protection.  
Chart 1.20 - Environment -related GPA Notifications (2006 – 2015)31 
 
 
1.3  Other Measures  
1.3.1   General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)  
1.43.   In 201 5, of the 64 notifications submitted by Members pursuant to the GATS, seven  were 
environment -related  and covered 40 environment -related measures  (see Chart 1.21). The number 
of environment -related GATS notifications more than doubled in 2015 compared to 2014. All such 
notifications referred to environmental services covered by prefere ntial treatment to services and 
service suppliers from LDCs.32 Five were notified by developed country members, while two were 
notified by developing country members.  
                                                
31 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 . 
32 The preferential treatment was granted in accordance with the D ecision by Ministers at the WTO’s 
Eighth Ministerial Conference on Preferential Treatment to Services and Service Suppliers of Least -Developed 
Countries (WT/L/847 ). 
40%38%57% 62%
9%13%8%13%19% 10%43818
321254
Share of environment-related GPA notifications Number of environment-related GPA notificationsWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Chart 1.21 - Environment -related GATS Noti fications (2006 – 2015)33 
 
 
1.44.   As illustrated in Chart 1.23, i n terms of objectives, environmental goods and services 
promotion  was the most frequent environmental objective mentioned in 85% of the environment -
related GATS  measures . Other environmental objectives included other environmental risk 
mitigation ( 40%), waste management and recycling ( 28%), general environmental protection 
(28%), water management and conservation (20%), biodiversity and ecosystem (15%), natural 
resources conservation (13%), an d chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management 
(10%).  
Chart 1.22 - Types of Environment -related Objectives in GATS Notified Measures 
(2015)34 
 
1.3.2   Agreement on Trade -related Aspects of Intellectual Propert y Rights (TRIPS)  
1.45.   In 201 5, of the 67 notifications submitted by Members under Article 63.2 of the  
TRIPS Agreement, only one  contained environment -related provisions  (see Chart 1.23). The 
environment -related provisions in this notification referred to the non-patentability exception as 
well as patentability procedures for inventions pertaining to genetic resources or traditional 
knowledge of indigenous people.   
                                                
33 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 . 
34 Since more than one activity /measure/objective can be mentioned in a notified measure, the total 
number may exceed 100% . See also the S ummary section in WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 for the full breakdown by 
activity, measure  or objective . 
3%4%3%5%
2%4%11%1
0 0 02
13
137
Share of environment-related GATS notifications Number of environment-related GATS notifications
8%8%8%8%10%13%15%20%28%28%40%85%
3333456811111634
Sustainable and environmentally friendly productionAir pollution reductionClimate change mitigation and adaptationSoil management and conservationChemical, toxic and hazardous substances managementNatural resources conservationBiodiversity and ecosystemWater management and conservationGeneral environmental protectionWaste management and recyclingOther environmental risks mitigationEnvironmental goods and services promotionType of ObjectiveWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Chart 1.23 - Environment -related TRIPS Notification s (2006 – 2015)35 
 
1.3.3   Customs Valuation  
1.46.   In 20 15, of the nine customs valuation notifications submitted by Members, two were 
environment -related (see Chart 1. 24). The objectives of the two  notifications related to  general 
environmental protection and other environmental risks mitigation . 
Chart 1.24 - Environment -related Customs Valuation Notifications (2006 – 2015)36 
 
1.3.4   State Trading  
1.47.   In 201 5, of the 14 notifications subm itted under the  Understanding on the  Interpretation of 
Article XVII of the GATT 1994 (State Trading Enterprises) , one was environment -related  (see 
Chart 1.25) . This notification referr ed to exclusive or special rights or privileges related to, inter 
alia, agriculture products, chemical fertilizer, crude oil and processed oil, and tobacco, with the 
stated purpose of protecting exhaustible and non -recyclable resources as well as achieving 
sustainable development goals.  
                                                
35 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 . 
36 The most recent ten  year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 . 
5%4% 5%2%8%14%3% 4% 5%1%237
289
49
5
1
Share of environment-related TRIPS notifications Number of environment-related TRIPS notifications
23%
15%9%22%
0 0 0 0 0 03
2 2 2
Share of environment-related Customs Valuation notifications Number of environment-related Customs Valuation notificationsWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Chart 1.25 - Environment -related State Trading Notifications (2006 – 2015)37 
 
2  NOTIFICATIONS OF TRA DE AGREEMENTS  
2.1  Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs)  
2.1. In 2015, of the 12 RTA notifications submitted by Members pursuant to the Understanding 
on the Interpretation of Article  XXIV of the GATT 1994, three  (25%) were environment -related 
(see Chart 2.1) . In particular, these notifications alluded to  specific chapters or provision s in the 
RTAs related to trade and sustainable development or trade and environment.38 
2.2. The three  notifications involve d both de veloped and developing country Members , and 
referred to the Trade Agreement among Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland,  the Trade 
Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Korea, and the Trade Agreement between Canada 
and Honduras . These Agreements establish ed cooperation on trade and sustainable development, 
through  improvement of policies and practices related to all products/economic activities . 
Chart 2.1 - Environment -related RTA Notifications (200 6 – 2015)39 
 
3  INFORMATION CONTAINE D IN TRADE POLICY RE VIEWS  
3.1. The EDB covers information on the environment -related policies, me asures or programmes 
contained in the Secretariat and Government Trade Policy Review (TPR) reports. Environment -
                                                
37 The most recent ten year period is covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2014 see WT/CTE/EDB/14/Add.1 . 
38 The statistics only reflect information captured through keywords  in the text of the notification.  For a 
deeper analysis capturing the texts of the RTAs notified to the GATT/WTO since 1957, see “Typology of 
Environment -Related Pr ovisions in Regional Trade Agreements”, WTO ERSD working paper, 2016  (available at 
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/reser_e/ersd201613_e.htm ).  
39 The most recent ten  year period is  covered in the chart. For the full EDB time series covering the 
period 1997 to 2015 see WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1 . 
3% 4% 5%10%
4% 7%1
01
04
04
02
1
Share of environment-related State Trading notifications Number of environment-related State Trading notifications
11% 13% 15%9%5% 5%21%25%
0 04 4 4
3
2 24
3
Share of environment-related RTA notifications Number of environment-related RTA notificationsWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 22 - 
 
  related information is usually found in the following sections of the TPRs: trade policy framework; 
trade policies and practices by measure; and  trade policies by selected sector.  
3.2. Twenty  TPRs were circulated in 2015. There were 951 entries with references to 
environment -related policies, measures or sectors in these TPRs.40 The highest number of 
environment -related entries were found in the TPRs  of Thailand  (69), followed by Australia  (67), 
Madagascar  (66), Canada  (65), Chile (58), and Georgia (52) . Examples of environment -related 
entries identified in the TPRs are presented in Section 3.1 below.  
3.3. Chart 3.1 provides a detailed breakdown of the types of environment -related measures 
reported in the TPRs.  Environment -related measures most frequently mentioned in the TPRs of 
2015 were bans and prohibition ( 13.2%), technical regulation or specifications (10. 5%), import 
licences ( 8.3%), and grants and direc t payments  (7.8%). 
Chart 3.1 - Type s of Environment -related Measures Mentioned in TPRs (2015 ) 
 
3.4. Regarding environment -related trade policies by sector, the most frequently mentioned 
sectors were energy ( 29%), followed by fisheries  (23%), agriculture  (17%), and services (1 4%) 
(see Chart 3.2).  
                                                
40 The number of environment -related TPR entries corresponds to the number of times particular 
environment -related policies, measures or programmes  are mentioned in the Secretariat or Government TPR 
Reports.  
Anti-dumping measure / 
investigation, 5, 1.3%
Ban/Prohibition, 49, 
13.2%
Conformity assessment 
procedures, 16, 4.3%
Countervailing measure / 
investigation, 4, 1.1%
Environmental provisions 
in trade agreements, 1, 
0.3%
Export licences, 19, 5.1%
Export quotas, 4, 1.1%
Export tariffs, 4, 1.1%
Grants and direct 
payments, 29, 7.8%
Import licences, 31, 8.3%
Import quotas, 9, 2.4%
Import tariffs, 2, 0.5%Income or price support, 
5, 1.3%Intellectual property 
measures, 9, 2.4%Internal taxes, 21, 5.6%Investment measures, 18, 
4.8%Loans and financing, 3, 
0.8%Non-monetary support, 4, 
1.1%Not specified, 10, 2.7%Other environmental 
requirements, 28, 7.5%Other measures, 4, 1.1%Other price and market 
based measures, 8, 2.2%Other support measures, 
2, 0.5%Public procurement, 5, 
1.3%Risk assessment, 19, 
5.1%Tax concessions, 24, 6.5%Technical regulation or 
specifications, 39, 10.5%WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Chart 3.2 - Sectors Covered by Environment -related Entrie s Mentioned in TPRs ( 2015 ) 
 
 
3.1  TPRs of WTO Members in 2015  
3.5. Twenty  TPRs were circulated in 2015, namely (in alphabetical order): Angola,  Australia,  
Cabo Verde , Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic,  European Union,  Georgia,  Guyana,  Haiti,  India, 
Japan,  Jordan,  Madagascar,  Moldova,  Morocco,  New Zealand, Pakistan,  the Southe rn African 
Customs Union (SACU)  and Thailand.  
3.6. The environment -related TPR entries are reported under  the headings : trade policy 
framework; trade policies and practices by measure; and trade polic ies by sector.  In general, trade 
policy framework entries include information on government environmental policies, plans, 
programmes and investment policies. Environment -related trade policies and practices by measure 
include environmental requirements and QRs  (e.g. bans and prohibition, import /export licences, 
confo rmity assessment procedures , and technical regulation or specifications ); price and market 
based measures  (e.g. import/export tariffs, import/export quotas, and internal taxes ); and support 
measures (e.g. grants and direct payments, loans and financing, tax concessions, non -monetary 
support measures, income or price support, and public procurement) . The environment -related 
sectors mentioned in the 2015 TPRs include agriculture,  energy,  fisheries, forestry, manufacturing, 
mining, and services . 
3.7. The TPR of Angola41 includes 29 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: Angola's National Development Strategy ("Angola 2025"), 
whose key objectives cover the sustainability of natural resources management and long term  
development; and the country's efforts to conserve fish populations (e.g. tuna and other species of 
the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas ). On environment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, 
inter alia : the implementation of fishing quotas; and the re quirement for mining companies to  
prove their ability to satisfy the environmental conditions  stipulated in laws and international 
conventions , and to set aside provision s to cover environmental restoration costs . In the sectoral 
analysis, the TPR entries include Angola's renewable energy potential and the promotion of wind 
and photovoltaic energy  (e.g. "Solar Village" Program ); a satellite system  to monitor  fishing 
activities; and the Manufacturing Program of Angola ("Programa de Industrialização de Angola "- 
PIANG) 2013 -2017 featuring recycling as a priority sector.  
3.8. The TPR of Australia42 includes 67 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: Australia's contribution to the 2012 Asia-Pacific Economic 
Cooperation  (APEC)  List of Environmental Goods ; its efforts to pursue environmental objectives 
and enhance international cooperation in environmental matters through FTA negotiations  and the 
Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA)  negotiations; several programmes to promote clean 
technologies; and the country's biosecurity reform process . On environment -related measures, the 
TPR entries cover, inter alia : import risk analysis processes to minimise the risk of exotic pests and 
disease incursions in Australia; motor vehicle emission standards ; mandatory energy consumption 
labelling requirements ; and environmental assessments on port developments . In the sectoral 
                                                
41 WT/TPR/G/321/Rev.1 and WT/TPR/S/321/Rev.1.  
42 WT/TPR/G/312 and WT/TPR/S/312/Rev.1.  
Agriculture, 69, 17%
Energy, 120, 29%
Fisheries, 93, 23%Forestry, 31, 8%Manufacturing, 9, 2%Mining, 22, 5%Other, 6, 1%Services, 59, 14%WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 24 - 
 
  analysis, TPR entries include Australia's focus on the development of a s ustainable agriculture 
sector with measures on drought relief and water and land management ; initiati ves and measures 
to improve fisheries' management and thus the sustainability of fish stocks ; and the promotion of 
ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel used in transport . 
3.9. The TPR of Cabo Verde43 includes 28 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: the 2011 -2016 Government Program with the aim of 
promoting sustainable development; the country's exposure to cl imate change as a small island 
developing state; and the allocation of the Ecological Tax revenue to specific projects aimed at 
reducing waste, the promotion of eco -efficient consumer goods, improved waste management, and 
other environmental purposes. On environment -related measures, the TPR entries cover, inter 
alia: the Ecological Tax on goods sold in non -biodegradable packaging or packaging generating 
waste ; and corporate income tax  reduction for investments in renewable energy. In the sectoral 
analysis,  TPR entries include: public investments in environmental measures in the agriculture 
sector; the sustainable fish catch level estimation; the promotion of renewable energy; and the 
inclusion of environmental services in Cabo Verde's commitments under the GATS . 
3.10.  The TPR of Canada44 includes 65 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: environmental protection being covered in F ree Trade 
Agreement s (FTAs) between Canada and its tradi ng partners (e.g. Colombia, European Union, 
Honduras, Israel, Japan,  Jordan,  Korea, and Panama); Canada's 2014 Economic Action Plan  
focusing on, inter alia , the conservation of Canada's natural heritage and tax support for clean 
energy; the expenditures of businesses operating in Cana da for environmental protection; and 
sustainable technologies being a priority sector in Canada's Global Markets Action Plan . On 
environment -related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia: the environmental tax on new tyres; 
Canada's green procurement pol icy to reduce environmental impacts by integrating environmental 
performance considerations in the procurement process ; and the Strategic Environmental 
Assessments of trade negotiations and agreements  to ensure the environmental sustainability of 
Canada's  trade negotiations . In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: Canada's support for 
further liberalization of environmental services; and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans  
having the lead role in the management and protection of fisheries resource s including addressing 
concerns related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing . 
3.11.  The TPR of Chile45 includes 58 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: the establishment of the Environmental Ass essment Service , 
the Environmental Regulatory Authority , the Council of Ministers for Sustainability and Climate 
Change , the Social Responsibility Council for Sustainable Development (CNRS) , and the 
Environmental Courts ; and Chile's compliance with interna tional environmental agreements signed 
by Chile (e.g. the Montreal Protocol and  CITES ). On environment -related measures, TPR entries 
cover, inter alia : environmental taxes imposed on fixed source carbon dioxide emissions, on 
particulate material, nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide emissions ; the exclusion from protection 
of inventions contrary to the environment; and income tax deduction offered to construction 
companies investing in solar heating systems. In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: Chil e's 
abundant potential of wind, solar, biomass , and tidal resources ; the development of legislation to 
promote energy efficiency; and agricultural programmes (e.g. System of Incentives for the  
Agri-Environmental Sustainability of Agricultural Land - SIRSD  S - and Native Woodland 
Management ) that support reforestation, soil reclamation, and conservation activities.  
3.12.  The TPR of  the Dominican Republic46 includes 27 environment -related entries. Examples of 
the policy framework entries in the TPR include: the Nat ional Development Strategy 2030 's 
objective to consolidate an articulated, innovative and environmentally sustainable economy ; and 
the important role of the Customs Laboratory  in environmental protection (with respect to ozone, 
chemical weapons, heavy meta ls, persistent organic pollutants and pesticides) . On environment -
related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : import permit requirement for o zone depleting 
gases and substances ; export permit requirement for plants, wild animals and their products 
subject to  CITES; and a 50% deduction in the tax on vehicles running on non -conventional energy 
(e.g. electric or hydrogen engines) . In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: a law on 
                                                
43 WT/TPR/G/322 and WT/TPR/S/322/Rev.1.  
44 WT/TPR/G/314/Rev.1 and WT/TPR/S/314/Rev.1.  
45 WT/TPR/G/315/Rev.1 and WT/TPR/S/315/Rev.1.  
46 WT/TPR/G/319 and WT/TPR/S/319/Rev.1.  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Incentives for the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Specia l Regimes  for the 
production of clean electricity and biofuels ; and the support for eco -tourism.  
3.13.  The TPR of the European Union  (EU)47 includes 46 environment -related entries. Examples of 
the policy framework entries in the TPR include: the EU's trade policy aiming at ensuring 
sustainable development; its Investment Plan  that supports "strategic investments"  in renewable 
energy; the EU's active role in removing tariff and non -tariff barriers to trade in environmental 
goods and services ; and its efforts in addressing illegal shipment of waste . On environment -related 
measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : the adoption of new EU rules on public procure ment to 
better serve public  policies such as  environmental protection ; taxes linked to CO2 emissions  of 
cars, promotio n of alternative energy fuels and of environmentally -friendly vehicles ; and greening 
payments granted to eligible farmers to encourage org anic production. In the sectoral analysis, 
TPR entries include: the adoption of the "Energy Union Package"  for secure, affordable and 
climate -friendly energy for  EU citizens and businesses ; and the new Common Agricultural Policy 
(CAP) aiming at making  European agriculture more sustainable.  
3.14.  The TPR of Georgia48 includes 52 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: environmental issues being addressed in the Association 
Agreement between Georgia and the European Union, and the Trade and Investment Framework 
Agreement (TIFA) signed by Georgia and the United States.  On environment -related measures, 
TPR entries cover, inter alia : import permit requirements for certain products such as endangered 
wild flora and  fauna specimens , nuclear materials, and radioactive wastes ; and mandatory 
labelling requirement of genetically modified products . In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries 
include: the 2015-2020's Agriculture Development Strategy targets including dealing with clima te 
change, protecting the environment, and maintaining biodiversity; the government's preparation 
of a new Forestry Code to ensure the protection and sustainable use of forests; the Electricity 
Market Rules   that give new hydropower and renewable energy pr ojects priority access to the 
transmission grid ; and the Georgian National Tourism Administration 's promotion of sustainable 
tourism.  
3.15.  The TPR of Guyana49 includes 26 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: the priority attached by the government to improve  trade 
and environment relation s through promotion of a "green economy", sustainable harvesting of 
Guyana's forest products and rigorous enforceme nt of environmental legislation; and the Economic 
Partnershi p Agreement (EPA) between CARIFORUM and the EU  that contains environmental 
provisions. On environment -related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : environmental taxes 
imposed on non -returnable metal, plastic, glass and  cardboard containers of beverages ; licensing 
requirements for i mports of endangered species of fauna and flora protected under the CITES; tax 
concessions for machinery, equipment, and  components used in the generation of renewable 
energy using agricultural by -products ; and l abelling  requirement for  equipment, items , and parts 
containing ozone depleting substances . In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: certain 
grading and preservation requirements  with which all timber exporters need to comply; and the 
potential for hydroelectric p ower generation.  
3.16.  The TPR of Haiti50 includes 34 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: the deterioration in Haiti's environment , which  accelerated 
in the early 1960s and has been critical since 1985 ; and  the government's objective to pursue  
sustainable development . On environment -related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : the 
exemption from customs duty of materials for environmental protection; authorization requirement 
for exports of fauna and flora products  and certain endangered species  (e.g. green anoles, 
mabuya, snails ); and the environmental protection tax applied  to imports of used vehicles, tyres, 
batteries , and second hand  clothing . In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: the 
establishment of Haiti's first agricultural free zone  in 2013 to produce organic bananas and other 
organic farming products; a provision concerning forest protection  being  introduced into the 
Constitutio n in 2012 ; and the promotion of renewable energies, in particular, hydro, wind , and 
solar energy . 
                                                
47 WT/TPR/G/317 and WT/TPR/S/317/Rev.1.  
48 WT/TPR/G/328 and WT/TPR/S/328.  
49 WT/TPR/G/320 and WT/TPR/S/320.  
50 WT/TPR/G/327 and WT/TPR/S/327.  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 26 - 
 
  3.17.  The TPR of India51 includes 40  environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include:  the International Maritime Organizatio n (IMO) conventions 
and protocols ratified by India (e.g. the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution 
From Ships (MARPOL) 1973, 1978 , and the International Convention on the Establishment of an 
International Fund for Compensation for Oil P ollution Damage (Fund Convention) 1971 ); and the 
regulation of imports of genetically modified food, feed, and organisms, and Living Modified 
Organisms (LMOs). On environment -related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : the Bureau of 
Indian Standards ' special licensing scheme and ECO mark  award for environment friendly 
products ; preferential tariff for r enewable -based electricity; and the  mandatory renewable 
purchase obligation for State utilities . In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: the laun ch of 
the Soil Health Card Scheme in order to  improve soil fertility on a sustainable basis ; India's  12th 
Five-Year Plan (2012 -17) aiming at the promotion and extension of modern technologies and 
resource -use efficiency for sustainable agriculture ; and the  support schemes for tourism involving 
the improvement in solid -waste and sewerage management . 
3.18.  The TPR of Japan52 includ es 41 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: Japan's engagement in the EGA negotiations; and the Act on 
Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora  providing legal basis to draft 
guidelines on the conservation of endangered species  and related trade measures . On 
environment -related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : mandatory labelling standards for 
genetically modified foods , organic plants , and organic processed foods of plant origin ; the 
implementation of fishing rights and permits for the management of fisheries resources; and the 
direct payment programme to help farmers address environmental concerns such as flooding, 
erosion, and stability of hillsides . In the sectoral analysis, TPR entr ies include: Japan's primary 
energy supply mix (including energy generated from geothermal, solar, biofuels, waste, and 
nuclear sources) following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant in 2011 and the subsequent 
shut-down of other nuclear power plant s; and measures taken to prevent and deter IUU  fishing . 
3.19.  The TPR of Jordan53 includes 26 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: Jordan seeking technical support to achieve full compliance 
with WTO agreements  while enhancing the use of renewable energy by industries; and protecting 
the environment being one of the targets of the country's public procurement regime. On 
environment -related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : the feed -in tariffs scheme appli ed to 
solar power and wind energy; and sales tax and customs duties exemptions for renewable energy 
and energy efficient systems . In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: the Agriculture Law of 
2015, which sets out the sector's main  objectives that i nclude  conserving the environment and 
natural resources ; and the promotion of nuclear and renewable energy (e.g. bio -gas generated 
from organic waste, wind and solar power).  
3.20.  The TPR of Madagascar54 includes 66 environment -related entries. Examples of the po licy 
framework entries in the TPR include: the government's priority to focus on sustainable 
development in the context of  the Sustainable Development Goals ( Post 2015 Development 
Agenda ); and UNCTAD's support to develop trade in organic products. On environment -related 
measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : charges ( certificate  of origin  and permits ) on exports of 
crocodile skins and other wildlife products ; and the requirement for inv estment projects to be 
subject to an in -depth environmental impact study and management plan . In the sectoral analysis, 
TPR entries include: Madagascar's exceptional fauna and flora being one of the main pillars of its 
eco-tourism ; the World Bank's support  to help the country develop sustainable and transparent 
management of its mining sector; and the cultivation of Vetiver (bush grass) in Madagascar for a 
sustainable environment, especially in the effort to combat soil erosion . 
3.21.  The TPR of the Republic of Moldova55 includes 25 environment -related entries. Examples of 
the policy framework entries in the TPR include: the long term strategic objectives set under the 
National Development Strategy "Moldova 2020" including reducing energy consumption by 
increasing energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources ; and the RTA between the EU 
and Moldova covering trade and sustainable development. On environment -related measures, TPR 
                                                
51 WT/TPR/G/313 and WT/TPR/S/313/Rev.1.  
52 WT/TPR/G/310 and W T/TPR/S/310/Rev.1.  
53 WT/TPR/G/325 and WT/TPR/S/325.  
54 WT/TPR/G/318 and WT/TPR/S/318/Rev.1.  
55 WT/TPR/G/323 and WT/TPR/S/323.  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 27 - 
 
  entries cover, inter alia : import licensing requirement for toxic chemical substan ces and materials, 
and halogenated hydrocarbons that deplete the ozone layer; and feed -in tariffs regime for the 
promotion of renewable energy. In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: Moldova's 
vulnerability to adverse climatic conditions and soil e rosion; and the country's commitment to 
adopt and implement legal acts to harmonize its legislation with EU aviation rules, including with 
regard to environment protection . 
3.22.  The TPR of Morocco56 includes 38 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy  
framework entries in the TPR include: Article 31 of  the new Constitution guaranteeing sustainable 
development and every citizen 's access to water and a healthy environment ; and Morocco's 
negotiations with the EU on a Deep and Comprehensive FTA, which covers trade and sustainable 
development  issues.  On environment -related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : import 
licensing requirements for c ertain halogenated hydrocarbon by -products (CFCs ), endangered 
species and their products  (CITES),  and waste ( Basel Convention ); and value -added tax (VAT) 
reduction for solar water heating equipment. In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: the 
Morocco Green Plan (PMV)  launched in April 2008, which aims to develop and modernize the 
agricultural s ector while taking into account the sustainability of natural resources and 
environmental protection; sustainable management and exploitation of fishery resources; and 
Morocco's efforts to promote renewable energy (e.g. wind and  solar power ). 
3.23.  The TPR of New Zealand57 includes 48 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include: New Zealand's active engagement in EGA  negotiations  and 
its leading role in the implementation of APEC commitments to reduce tariffs on a list of  
54 environmental goods by the end of 2015; and domestic support in the agriculture sector being 
limited to biosecurity border control for pest and disease and relief against climate disasters . On 
environment -related measures, TPR entries cover, inter a lia: biosecurity requirements for import 
of plant and animal products ; the synthetic greenhouse gas levy on goods containing 
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) under the Climate Change Response Act 
2002 and the Climate Change (SGG Levies ) Regulations 2013 ; and the grants for irrigation 
projects provided under the existing Sustainable Farming Fund  to improve sustainable 
management of resources, in particular water and land . In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries 
include: the overall contribution of renewable sources to the total energy supply ; and New 
Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme (NZETS)  aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the 
agriculture sector.  
3.24.  The TPR of Pakistan58 includes 31 environment -related entries. Exa mples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include:  Pakistan being a signatory to the Basel  and Rotterdam 
Convention s, the Montreal Protocol , and CITES ; and the conclusion of eleven mutual recognition 
agreements for Environmental Management Systems ( EMS), i.e. ISO -14000. On environment -
related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : the requir ement to comply  with Euro -II emission 
standards for some imported second -hand vehicles; and import of ozone depleting substances 
being  subject to the  policy/quo ta allocations laid down by the Ministry of Climate Change . In the 
sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: global climate change, through rising temperatures and 
increasingly unpredictable rain patterns, becoming a major concern for Pakistan's  agriculture 
sector ; the country's support for  the prohibition of harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing 
and overcapacity ; and the co ntribution of nuclear, solar,  wind power and energy from bagasse to 
Pakistan's energy mix.  
3.25.  The Southern African Customs Union (SACU)  consists of the following WTO Members : 
Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland . The TPR of the SACU59 has one 
environment -related entry, on the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) projects in 
climate change and natural resource management .60 Regarding the environment -related entries 
identified in the country -specific annexes to the TPR of the SACU, examples of the policy 
framework entries include: the  Continental Free Trade Area  (CFTA ), expected to boost intra -
African Tra de through promotion of social and economic transformation for sustainable 
                                                
56 WT/TPR/G/329 and WT/TPR/S/329.  
57 WT/TPR/G/316 and WT/TPR/S/316/Rev.1.  
58 WT/TPR/G/311 and WT/TPR/S/311/Rev.1.  
59 WT/TPR/G/324 and WT/TPR/S/324.  
60 This number does not include the environment -related entries identified in the country -specific 
annexes to the TPR of the SACU. Information from the country -specific annexes can be accessed in 
WT/CTE/EDB/15 /Add.1 . WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 28 - 
 
  development in line with the African Union Agenda 2063  (Namibia); and South Africa's New 
Growth Plan , which prioritizes the promotion of a green economy . On environment -related 
meas ures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : Botswana's import licensing requirement for s econd -hand 
goods , motor vehicles and clothing ; and Lesotho's requirement for investors who apply for mining 
lease to obtain an environmental impact assessment licence. In the  sectoral analysis, TPR entries 
include: Swazi authorities considering the introduction of a requirement that 10% of total fuel be 
mixed with ethanol  in the 2009 National Bio -Fuels Development Strategy and Action Plan ; the 
policy framework for exploration,  mining and m ineral processing in Botswana being  reviewed 
continuously to  safeguard the environment ; and campaigns in South Africa aimed at supporting 
sustainable agriculture, addressing land degradation problems , and encouraging  sustainable use of 
natural  resources . 
3.26.  The TPR of Thailand61 includes 69 environment -related entries. Examples of the policy 
framework entries in the TPR include:  the Ayeyawady -Chao Phraya -Mekong Economic Cooperation 
Strategy  (ACMECS ) on environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources ; and 
Thailand's priorities including tackling waste management problem, turning garbage into energy, 
regulating and imposing measures to manage, monitor, and prevent any illegal dumps of industrial 
waste . On environment -related measures, TPR entries cover, inter alia : import licensing 
requirements for imports of endangered species, including fish, mollu scs, amphibians, and corals; 
and genetically modified plant varieties being excluded from IP protection if  they are not officially 
appraised as safe for the environ ment.  In the sectoral analysis, TPR entries include: the 
establishment of the Roadmap for Eliminating IUU Fishing  and the Command Centre for Combating 
Illegal Fishing ; the Natio nal Tourism Development Plan 2012 -16 strategy to provide for the 
rehabilitation and sustainable development of tourism sites ; various incentives being offered to 
support renewable energy products; and Thailand's aim to consolidate its position as a global 
green automotive production base . 
3.27.  The information provided above is only illustrative to highlight the wide range and depth of 
data available in the EDB. A complete listi ng can be accessed in the TPR section  of the electronic 
database (see also Annex V for  the EDB User Guide).62 
 
 
_______________  
 
 
                                                
61 WT/TPR/G/326 and WT/TPR/ S/326.  
62 See WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1.  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 29 - 
 
   
4  ANNEXES  
Annex 1 - Environment -related Search Words1 
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   
 
  
                                                
1 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/15  
 
- 30 - Annex 2 - Number of Environment -related Notifications1 (1997 – 2015) 
WTO 
Agreements  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  
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)  358 
(1558)  305 
(1305)  
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) 44 
(1169)  47 
(1283)  
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(158)  29(110)  51(130)  
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)  42(210)  32(148)  
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)  2(120)  0(114)  
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)  38(99)  33(74)  
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)  2(110)  4(79)  
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)  2(23)  2(9) 
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)  2(51)  1(14)  
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)  4(19)  3(12)  
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)  5(96)  1(67)  
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)  3(75)  7(64)  
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)  15(22)  8(11)  
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) 0(6) 0(5) 
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) 0(0) 0(5) 
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) 0(2) 0(2) 
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)  0(17)  0(13)  
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)  5(27)  4(40)  
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) 0(0) 0(0) 
Trade 
Facilitation                   0(55)  0(26)  
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) 0(4) 0(7) 
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)  551 
(3773)  498 
(3408)  
Share of 
environment -
related 
notifications  8.10%  11.20%  9.20%  10.70%  7.80%  11.30%  9.80%  10.80%  10.80%  14.70%  13.50%  13.40%  14.50%  13.20%  15.80%  16.90%  17.49%  14.60%  14.61%  
                                                
1 Figures in parenthesis represent the total number of notifications submitted by Members under each relevant WTO Agreement. This number includes regu lar notifications 
as well as addenda, corrigenda and revisions, except in the case of TBT and SPS notifications, where addenda and corrigenda are not covered.  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Annex 3- Number of Environment -related Notifications and Measures1 (201 5) 
 
 
  
                                                
1 Notifications may contain more than one measure.  
305
847
351
33
1 432
7 4 2 1305
47 47
3544
137
2 4213
40
4 2 1
Total Environment-related Notifications Total Environment-related MeasuresWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 32 - 
 
  Annex 4 - Search Word Frequency in Notifications in 201 51 
 
  
                                                
1 Figures in parenthesis indicate the share of total environment -related notifications that included a 
given search word.  
14 (2.8%)
83 (16.7%)
13 (2.6%)
1 (0.2%)
17 (3.4%)
14 (2.8%)
14 (2.8%)
36 (7.2%)
1 (0.2%)
10 (2.0%)
36 (7.2%)
19 (3.8%)
34 (6.8%)
18 (3.6%)
137 (27.5%)
186 (37.3%)
5 (1.0%)
29 (5.8%)
7 (1.4%)
18 (3.6%)
15 (3.0%)
2 (0.4%)
18 (3.6%)
55 (11.0%)
5 (1.0%)
2 (0.4%)
3 (0.6%)
21 (4.2%)
32 (6.4%)
44 (8.8%)
29 (5.8%)
2 (0.4%)
33 (6.6%)
5 (1.0%)
6 (1.2%)
14 (2.8%)
19 (3.8%)
14 (2.8%)
30 (6.0%)
10 (2.0%)
45 (9.0%)
25 (5.0%)
6 (1.2%)
49 (9.8%)
13 (2.6%)
6 (1.2%)Basel Convention
Bio
Carbon
CFCs
CITES
Clean
Climate
Conserv(ation)
Desertification
Diversity
Eco-label
Ecology
Emissions
Endangered
Energy
Environment
Fauna
Fish
Flora
Forest
Genetic
GHGs
Green (house)
Hazardous
HCFCs
Indigenous
Modified organism
Montreal Protocol
Natural resources
Organic
Ozone
Package(ing)
Pollution
Preservation
Preserve
Recycle
Renewable
Saving
Species
(Soil) erosion
Sustainable
Toxic
Tree
Waste
Wildlife
WoodWT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
- 33 - 
 
  Annex 5 - 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.1 It allows users to search through the EDB environment -related information 
according to specific criteria, for instance by Member, agreement, type of measure, sector 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 – 2015.  
A. "Notifications" worksheet  
3. The "Notifications" worksheet displays the following information:  
 Agreement : the WTO Agreement being notified;  
 Document symbol : the symbo l of the notification document ; 
 Document link : the W eb 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 stat us of the notifying Member;  
 Year: the year of notification;  
 Notification pursuant to : the provisions of the relevant Agreement;  
 Measure description : a description of the measure as indicated in the notification;  
 Type of measure : the type of measure 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 period 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 cr eated to facilitate research:  
 Type of environment -related objectives ;  
 Type of measures ; and  
 Type of sectors subject to the measure . 
B. "TPRs" worksheet  
5. The "TPRs" worksheet displays the following information:  
 Entries :  Each environment -related entry is numbered for each TPR (some entries are 
found repeatedly in different parts of the TPR);  
 Type of TPR : TPR reports prepared by either the Secretariat or the Member;  
                                                
1 WT/CTE/EDB/15/Add.1  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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   Document symbol : the symbol of the TPR document;  
 Document link : the Web link to WTO Document s Online ;  
 Document reference : reference made to the chapter (e.g. "I") and paragraph number 
"§" in the TPR document ("G" or "S" for government or secretariat TPR);  
 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 environment -related information found in the TPR 
(whether trade policy framework; trade policy by measure; or trade policy by sector);  
 Type of measures or sectors : the measure or sector associated with the environment -
related information;  
 Relevant information : an excerpt of the environment -related information  found in the 
TPR; 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 a ll 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). 
Chart 4.1 - Search function  
    
WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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  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. For example, retrieving all TBT notifications that contain "technical regulation or specifications" 
to promote "energy conservation and efficiency", can be done as follows:  
a. select the "Notificat ions" spreadsheet;  
b. select the TBT Agreement in the column "Agreement" by clicking on the bottom -right 
arrow icon and typing "Technical barriers to trade" in the search box;  
c. select the type of measure in the column "Harmonized types of measures" by clicking  on 
the bottom -right arrow icon of the heading and typing "technical regulation or 
specifications" in the search box;  
d. select the type of objective in the column "Harmonized types of environment -related 
objectives" 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  
c. click on the bottom -right arrow i con  of the 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" opti on).  In addition, 
the user can apply the scaling option available with the printer to fit all the selected columns 
on one page.  
III. Harmonized Categories  
Table  4.1 - Category of environment -related objective s (25)  
Afforestation/reforestation  
Air pollution reduction  
Alternative and renewable energy  
Animal protection  
Biodiversity and ecosystem  
Chemical, toxic and hazardous substances management  
Climate change mitigation and adaptation  
Energy conservation and efficiency  
Environmental goods and services promotion  
Environmental protection from pests and diseases  
Environmentally friendly consumption  
General environmental protection  
MEAs implementation and compliance  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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  Natural resources conservation  
Other environmental risks mitigation  
Ozone layer protection  
Plant protection  
Soil management and conservation  
Sustainable agriculture management  
Sustainable and environmentally friendly production  
Sustainable fisheries management  
Sustainable forestry management  
Sustainable mining management  
Waste management and recycling  
Water management and conservation  
 
Table 4.2 - Category of type of measure s (30)  
Anti-dumping measure / investigation  
Ban/Prohibition  
Conformity assessment procedures  
Countervailing measure / investigation  
Environmental provisions in trade agreements  
Export licences  
Export quotas  
Export tariffs  
Grants and direct payments  
Import licences  
Import quotas  
Import tariffs  
Income or price support  
Intellectual property measures  
Internal taxes  
Investment measures  
Loans and financing  
Non-monetary support  
Not specified  
Other environmental requirements  
Other measures  
Other price and market based measures  
Other support measures  
Public procurement  
Quarantine requirements  
Regulation affecting movement or transit  
Risk assessment  
Safeguard measure / investigation  WT/CTE/EDB/15  
 
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  Tax concessions  
Technical regulation or specifications  
 
Table  4.3 - Category of sectors subject to the measure  (11) 
Agriculture  
All products/economic activities  
Chemicals  
Energy  
Fisheries  
Forestry  
Manufacturing  
Mining  
Not specified  
Other  
Services  
 
 
 
 
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