TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5  
TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
14 November  2016 
(16-6252) Page: 1/144 
Committee on Agriculture  
Special Session  
Sub-Committee on Cotton    
 
COTTON  
BACKGROUND PAPER BY THE SECRETARIAT1 
Revision  
1. The Ministerial Decision on Cotton of 7  December  2013 (document WT/MIN(13)/41 
and WT/L/916) adopted by Ministers at the 9 th WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali state s, 
inter alia that: 
"5. In this context , we therefore undertake to enhance transparency and monitoring in 
relation to the trade -related aspects of cotton. To this end, we agree to hold a dedicated 
discussion on a bi -annual basis in the context of the Committee on Agriculture in Special 
Session to examine relevant trade -related developments across the three pillars of Market 
Access, Domestic Support and Export Competition in relation to cotton.  
 
6. The dedicated discussions shall be undertaken on the basis of factual information and 
data compiled  by the WTO Secretariat from Members' notifications, complemented, as 
appropriate, by relevant information provided by Members to the WTO Secretariat.  
 
7. The dedicated discussions shall in particular consider all forms of export subsidies for 
cotton and a ll export measures with equivalent effect, domestic support for cotton and tariff 
measures and non -tariff measures applied to cotton exports from LDCs in markets of 
interest to them. " 
2. As a result, four dedicated discussions on cotton were held  in 2014 and 20152. 
3. The Min isterial Decision on Cotton of 19 December 2015 (document WT/MIN(15)/46 
and WT/L/981) adopted by Ministers at the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi  states, 
inter alia  that: 
"14. We undertake to continue holding Dedicated Discussions on cotton on a bi -annual 
basis, as indicated in paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 of the Bali Ministerial Decision on Cotton 
(WT/MIN(13)/41 and WT/L/916), including in particular to examine relevant trade -related 
developments across the three pillars of Market Access,  Domestic Support, and Export 
Competition in relation to cotton.  
 
15. We undertake to regularly monitor the implementation by Members of paragraphs 2 to 
4 during these Dedicated Discussions on cotton,  based on relevant Members' notifications to 
the WTO, co mplemented as necessary by Members' replies to specific requests for 
information from the WTO Secretariat. " 
 
4. The Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Cotton also states that:  
                                                
1 This document has been prepar ed under the Secretariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice 
to the positions of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO. It has been prepared for 
information only and is not intended to provide any authoritative or official lega l interpretation of the provisions 
of the WTO Agreements in general on in relation to any measure listed in this document.  
2 June 2014, November 2014, July 2015 and November 2015.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 2 - 
 
  "6. The Dedicated Discussions on cotton referred to in paragraph 14  of this Decision s hall 
continue to address the following specific  elements, based on factual information and data 
compiled by the WTO Secretariat from Members' notifications, complemented, as 
appropriate, by relevant information provided by Members to the WTO Secretariat:  
 
(a) identification and examination of market access barriers, including tariff and non -tariff 
barriers for the entry of cotton produced and exported by cotton -producing LDCs;  
 
(b) reviews of market access improvements and of any market access measures 
undertaken by Members, including the identification of  access barriers to cotton 
produced and exported by cotton -producing LDCs in markets of  interest to them; and  
 
(c) examination of possible additional measures for progressive and predictable 
improvements in  market access, in particular the elimination of tariff and non -tariff 
barriers to cotton produced a nd exported by cotton -producing  LDCs."  
 
5. The fifth dedicated discussion  on cotton was held on 1st July 2016.  
6. As requested by the Nairobi  Ministerial Decision , and based on the approach resulting from  the 
Bali Ministerial Decision , the WTO Secretariat has  prepared , in advance of the sixt h dedicated 
discussion on cotton , a revised compil ation of factual  information and data available from 
Members' notifications and other submissions , on Market Access, Domestic Support and Export 
Competition in relation to cotton , received up to 18 October  2016. 
7. Further to Members' requests at the second dedicated discussion, this revised background 
paper also includes  (i) Members ' responses to the questionnaire on cotton policy developments 
circulated on 13 September 2016; and (ii)  relevant information on cotton markets and policies  
from T rade Policy Review  reports  circulated up to  18 October  2016, for the 32 Members 
identified i n paragraph s 12 and 13 of this paper.3 
8. The paper is organized in three parts, namely:  
 Export Subsidies4; 
 Domestic Support ; and  
 Market Access . 
9. The factual information and data contained in this paper have been compiled from : 
 Members ' schedules and notificati ons in the Market Access (MA), Domestic Support  (DS) 
and Export Subsidies (ES) series  under the Committee on Agriculture ; 
 Tariff data available in  the WTO Integrated Data base (IDB) and Consolidated Tariff 
Schedules Data base (CTS) ; as well as  
 Non-tariff measures available  in the WTO Integrated Trade Intelligence Portal  (I-TIP) 
Goods Database.  
10. The specific sources of information for  each of the areas covered are de scribed under the 
relevant  parts of the paper.  
11. With regards to Export Subsidies  and Domestic Sup port (Part one and two of the paper) , 
factual  information and data were collected for all WTO Members with relevant commitments 
or who have reported measures benefitting  cotton in their relevant notifications . 
12. With regards to  Market Access  (Part three of t he paper) , and based  on previous practice, the  
list of markets of interest to LDCs  was established by collecting market access data for 
WTO Members that  are either : (i) classified  as developed economies for the purpose of the 
                                                
3 This information is presented in Annexes 4 and 5.  
4 With regards to the di sciplines and commitments contained in the Ministerial Decision on Export 
Competition (WT/MIN(15)/45 -WT/L/980 adopted on 19 December 2015) , referred to in paragraph  9 of the 
Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Cotton, Members can also refer to the Secretariat background paper on export 
subsidies, export credits and export credit guarantees or insurance programmes, international food aid, and 
agricultural exporting  STEs (document  G/AG/W/125/Rev.5, G/AG/W/125/Rev.5/Add.1, 
G/AG/W/125/Rev.5/Add.2, G/AG/W/125/Rev.5/ Add.3 and G/AG/W/125/Rev.5/Add.4 dated 26 July  2016).  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 3 - 
 
  WTO Secretariat note on the " Participation of Developing Economies in the Global Trading 
System"5; (ii) amongst  the top 20 cotton  importing countries in quantity for the period 
2010-2012; or (iii) amongst  the top 20 cotton importing countries in quantity from LDCs for  
the period  2010-2012.6  
13. As a result, market access data are provided , in accordance with the Bali and Nairobi 
Ministerial Decisions on Cotton, for the following 32  Members :7 Australia;  Bahrain, Kingdom of ; 
Bangladesh ; Brazil ; Canada ; China ; Colombia ; Egypt ; the European Un ion; Hong Kong , China ; 
Iceland ; India; Indonesia ; Japan ; Kenya ; Korea, Republic of ; Malaysia ; Mauritius ; Mexico ; 
Morocco ; New Zealand ; Norway ; Pakistan ; Peru; Russian Federation ; South Africa ; 
Switzerland ; Chinese Taipei ; Thailand ; Turkey ; the United State s of America and Viet  Nam. 
14. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "cotton " in this paper  refers to the products covered by 
the Harmonized System nomenclature  (HS) h eadings 52.01, 52.02 and 52.03.  
                                                
5 Document WT/COMTD/W/2 12, Appendix 7 with the European Union counted as one and Switzerland 
and Liechtenstein also counted as one.  
6 The top 20 cotton importing countries were identified using COMTRADE  data processed by the 
WTO Secretariat, and supplemented by data from the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).  
7 In the absence of significant change in the list of Members when using the period 2013 -2014, the list 
used in document TN/AG/GEN/34 has been kept unchanged for the sake of comparability.   TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 4 - 
 
  TABLE OF CONTENT S 
1  EXPORT SUBSIDIES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 6 
1.1  EXPORT SUBSIDY COMMITMENTS  ................................ ................................ ..................  6 
1.1.1   Bound export subsidy commitments for cotton  ................................ ..............................  7 
1.2  NOTIFIED EXPORT SUBSIDIES  ................................ ................................ .......................  9 
1.2.1   Notified budgetary outlays and quantities for cotton (Table ES:1)  ................................ .. 10 
1.2.2   Notified budgetary outlays and quantities for cotton (Supporting Table ES:2)  ..................  12 
2  DOMESTIC SUPPORT  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 17 
2.1  PRODUCT SPECIFIC AGGREGATE MEASUREMENT OF SUPPORT  ................................ ........  17 
2.1.1   Product -specific AMS notified for cotton  ................................ ................................ ...... 18 
2.1.2   DIRECT PAYMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 6.5  ................................ ..............  28 
3  MARKET ACCESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  30 
3.1  TARIFFS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  36 
3.2  SPECIAL SAFEGUARD PROVISIONS  ................................ ................................ ...............  51 
3.2.1   Scheduled SSG provisions for cotton  ................................ ................................ ..........  51 
3.2.2   Notified trigger prices for cotton  ................................ ................................ ................  52 
3.2.3   Invoked price -based SSG for cotton  ................................ ................................ ...........  52 
3.3  TARIFF RATE QUOTAS  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 53 
3.3.1   Tariff rate quota commitments for cotton  ................................ ................................ .... 53 
3.3.2   Most recent Tariff Rate Quota administration method notified for cotton  .........................  54 
3.3.3   TRQ quantities and in -quota imports for cotton ................................ ............................  57 
3.4  OTHER NON TARIFF MEASURES  ................................ ................................ ...................  65 
ANNEX 1  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  78 
ANNEX 2  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  81 
ANNEX 3  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  84 
ANNEX 4  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  87 
ANNEX 5  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  108  
TABLE OF CHARTS  
Chart 1.1 : Brazil  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  13 
Chart 1.2: Colombia  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  14 
Chart 1.3: Israel  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  14 
Chart 1.4: South Africa  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 15 
Chart 1.5: United States of America  ................................ ................................ ....................  15 
Chart 1.6: India  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  16 
Chart 2.1: Brazil  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  22 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 5 - 
 
  Chart 2.2: China  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  23 
Chart 2.3: Colombia  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  23 
Chart 2.4: European Union  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 24 
Chart 2.5: India  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  24 
Chart 2.6: Israel  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  25 
Chart 2.7: Mexico  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  25 
Chart 2.8: Peru  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  26 
Chart 2.9: South Africa  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 26 
Chart 2.10: United States of America  ................................ ................................ ..................  27 
Chart 2.11: Viet Nam  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  27 
Chart 2.12: European Union  ................................ ................................ ...............................  29 
Chart 2.13: United State s of America  ................................ ................................ ..................  29 
Chart 3.1 Total imports of cotton1 from World and LDCs, 2005 -2015, value  .............................  30 
Chart 3.2: Total imports of cotton1 from World and LDCs, 2005 -2015, quantity  ........................  30 
Chart 3.3: Number of scheduled TRQs for cotton by Member  ................................ ..................  54 
Chart 3.4: China (CHNQ01 0) ................................ ................................ ..............................  60 
Chart 3.5: Colombia (COLQ067)  ................................ ................................ .........................  60 
Chart 3.6: South Africa (ZAFQ053)  ................................ ................................ .....................  61 
Chart 3.7: United States of America (USAQ049)  ................................ ................................ ... 61 
Chart 3.8: United States of America (USAQ050)  ................................ ................................ ... 62 
Chart 3.9: United States of America (USAQ051)  ................................ ................................ ... 62 
Chart 3.10: United States of America (USAQ052) ................................ ................................ .. 63 
Chart 3.11: United States of America (USAQ053) ................................ ................................ .. 63 
Chart 3.12: United States of America (USAQ054) ................................ ................................ .. 64 
Chart 3.13: Number of other non -tariff measures applicable to cotton, per t ype of measure 
(1 January 2012 to 18 October 2016)  ................................ ................................ ..................  66 
 
_______________  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 6 - 
 
  1  EXPORT SUBSIDIES  
1.1.  Part One provides information on the use of export subsidies for cotton by Members . It is 
divided into t wo sections:  
 Section 1.1  provid es information on export subsidy reduction commitments, both in 
terms of budgetary outlay and quantit y; and 
 Section  1.2 provides  information on notified export subsidy budgetary outlays and 
quantities . 
1.2.  As noted earlier, with regards to  the disciplines and commitments contained in the Nairobi 
Ministerial Decision on Export Competition (WT/MIN(15)/45 -WT/L/980 adopted on 
19 December  2015)  referred to in paragraph  9 of the Nairobi Ministerial Decision  on Cotton , 
Members can also refer to the Secretariat backgro und paper on export subsidies, export credits 
and export credit guarantees or insurance programmes, international food aid, and agricultural 
exporting STEs (document s G/AG/W/125 /Rev. 5, G/AG/W/125/Rev.5/Add.1, 
G/AG/W/125/Rev.5/Add.2, G/AG/W/125/Rev.5/Add.3,  G/AG/W/125/Rev.5/Add.4  dated 
26 July 2016). It can be noted in th at regard that : (i) China listed in its reply to the questionnaire 
on export competition circulated to WTO  Members on 26 November  2014, four agricultural 
exporting State Trading Enterprises for cotton ; and (ii) Australia, the United States, and Japan 
respectively identified in their replies cotton and HS5202 -5203 in the list of products covered by 
their export financing programmes.  
1.1  EXPORT SUBSIDY COMMITMENT S 
1.3.  This section lists export subsidy reduction commitments for cotton by Member and by 
implementation year8, as specified in Members' schedules. The tables show, for each Member 
concerned, the annual and final bound export subsidy budgetary outlay and quantity 
commitments. The following colum n headings are used:  
XSID The number identifying export subsidy commitment s for each Member in the 
CTS, in the same sequential order as scheduled. The seven -character code is 
comprised of the three -letter WTO Member code, followed by "X" for "export 
subsid y", followed by the three -digit sequential identifier;  
 
Product  The product or group of products as specified in the Member's schedule9; 
 
Tariff Line(s)  The tariff item number(s) as specified in the Member's schedule reproduced in 
the CTS using  the HS 2002  nomenclature; and  
 
1995…  Budgetary outlay  and quantity commitment s for each implementation year . 
 
1.4.  For each Member, the currency/quantity unit and the type of  year (i.e. calendar, financial, 
fiscal or marketing year) are indicated  as specified in that Memb er's schedule . 
 
 
                                                
8 Throughout this paper, the term "implementation year" refers to the relevant calendar, financial, fiscal 
or marketing year as specified by individual Members.  
9 In original language only.   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 7 - 1.1.1   Bound export subsidy commitments for cotton  
Brazil  
Budgetary outlays commitments in USD 
XSID Product  Tariff Line(s)  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  
BRAX013  Cotton  520100  208,534.1  203,406.2  198,278.3  193,150.4  188,022.6  182,894.7  177,766.8  172,638.9  167,511.0  162,383.1  
Quantity commitments in t onnes  
XSID Product  Tariff Line(s)  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  
BRAX013  Cotton  520100  3,670.9  3,618.8  3,566.6  3,514.5  3,462.4  3,410.3  3,358.1  3,306.0  3,253.9  3,201.8  
 
Colombia  
Budgetary outlays commitments in USD 
XSID Product  Tariff Line(s)  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  
COLX018  ALGODON  5201, 5202, 5203  71,394,099  71,394,099  69,438,096  67,482,094  65,526,091  63,570,088  61,614,085  59,658,083  57,702,080  55,746,077  
Quantity commitments in t onnes  
XSID Product  Tariff Line(s)  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  
COLX018  ALGODON  5201, 5202, 5203  38,588  38,588  37,978  37,368  36,759  36,149  35,539  34,929  34,320  33,710  
 
Israel  
Budgetary o utlays commitments in t housand USD 
XSID Product  Tariff Line(s)  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  
ISRX006  Cotton   9,410  9,179  8,948  8,716  8,485  8,253  8,022  7,791  7,559  7,328  
Quantity commitments in t housand tonnes  
XSID Product  Tariff Line( s) 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  
ISRX006  Cotton   47.1 46.4 45.8 45.1 44.4 43.8 43.1 42.4 41.8 41.1 
  
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 8 - South Africa   
Budgetary outlays commitments in rand  (calendar year) 
XSID  Product  Tariff Line(s)  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  
ZAFX062  Cotton  5201, 5202, 5203  4,157,081  3,891,736  3,626,390  3,361,045  3,095,699  2,830,353  
Quantity commitments in t onne equivalent ( calendar year ) 
XSID  Product  Tariff Line(s)  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  
ZAFX062  Cotton  5201, 5202, 5203  4,600  4,433  4,266  4,100 3,933  3,766  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 9 - 
 
  1.2  NOTIFIED EXPORT SUBSIDIES  
1.5.  This section lists export subsidies for cotton notified by Members  in Table  ES:1 as well as 
export subsidies for cotton notified  in Supporting Tables ES:2 by developing country Members who 
have taken recourse to A rticle 9.4 of the Agreement on Agriculture . This section includes 
notifications circulated  by the Secretariat  up to 18 October  2016. 
1.6.  The following column headings are used:  
XSID  The number identifying export subsidy commitments for each Member in the CTS, in the 
same sequential order as scheduled. The seven -character code is comprised of the 
three -letter WTO Member code, followed by "X" for "export subsidy", and by the 
three-digit sequential identifier . A blank indicates that no export subsidy reduction 
commitments are scheduled for the product in question ; 
 
Product  The product or group of products as specified in the Member's schedule10 or in the 
Member's notification; and  
 
1995…  The notified budgetary outlay or quantity for each implementation year from 1995 up to 
the latest implementation year as indicated in  the Member's most recent Table  ES:1 
notification. A blank indicates that no notification has been re ceived for the year in 
question or that , for Members without scheduled export subsidy commitment s for cotton , 
the notification does not mention cotton . 
 
1.7.  For each Member, the currency/quantity unit and the type of year (i.e. calendar, financial , 
fiscal or marketing year) are indicated as spec ified in that Member's schedule  or in the Member's 
notification . 
 
 
 
                                                
10 In origi nal language only.   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 10 - 1.2.1   Notified budgetary outlays and quantities for cotton (Table ES:1)  
Brazil  
Notified budgetary outlays in USD (calendar year ) 
XSID  Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
BRAX013  Cotton  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Notified quantities in tonnes  (calendar year)  
XSID  Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
BRAX013  Cotton  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
 
Colombia  
Notified budgetary outlays in thousand USD (calendar year)  
XSID  Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  
COLX018  ALGODON  0.211 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Notified quantities in tonnes (calendar year)  
XSID  Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  
COLX018  ALGODON  0.72 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
 
Israel  
Notified budgetary outlays in thousand USD (marketing year, 1 October -30 Septembe r) 
XSID  Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
ISRX006  Cotton  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8862 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Notified quantities in thousand tonnes (marketing year, 1 October -30 September)  
XSID  Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
ISRX006  Cotton  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
  
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 11 - South Africa  
Notified budgetary outlays in rand (calendar year ) 
XSID  Product  1995  1996 1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
ZAFX062  Cotton  5,6541 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Notified quantities in tonnes (calendar year ) 
XSID  Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003 2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
ZAFX062  Cotton  36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
 
United  States of America  
Notified budgetary outlays in thousand USD (fiscal year beginning 1 October -30 September)  
XSID  Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
 Upland Cotton3         203,595.41 276,500.01 266,943.51 9,353.01 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Notified quantiti es in thousand tonnes (1 July -30 June)  
XSID  Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
 Upland Cotton3         2,357.4  2,412.6  3,641.5  1,291.8  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
¹ Direct export subsidies (as indicated in Supporting Table ES:1).  
² Producer financed subsidies (as indicate d in Supporting Table ES:1).  
³ For U.S. notifications covering the implementation years 2003 -2005, the following footnote was included: "T he panel and Appellate Body reports in the dispute United States  – Subsidies on Upland 
Cotton  (DS267) found that certa in payments to exporters under the Upland Cotton Domestic Marketing Certificate Program constituted export subsidies within t he meaning of the Agreement on Agriculture. 
On 8 February  2006, the United States  enacted legislation to repeal the programme at th e end of  the 2005 marketing year (i.e.,  31 July 2006).  Quantity and budgetary data are based on when payments 
were made. " For U.S. notifications covering the implementation year s 2006-2013, the following footnote was included: " The panel and Appellate Body  reports in the dispute United States – Subsidies on 
Upland Cotton (DS267) found that certain payments to exporters under the Upland Cotton Domestic Marketing Certificate Program  constituted export subsidies within the meaning of  the Agreement on 
Agricultu re. On 8 February  2006, the United States enacted legislation to repeal the program at the end of the 2005 marketing year (i.e., 31 July 2006).  All cotton under the program was shipped by 
31 July 2006; quantity and budgetary data are based on when payments  were made."  
  
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 12 - 1.2.2   Notified budgetary outlays and quantities for cotton (Supporting Table ES:2)  
India  
Notified budgetary outlays in million USD (marketing year)  
XSID Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  
 Raw cotto n (Full pressed bales)           0.0891 1.211     
Notified quantities in tonnes  (marketing year)  
XSID Product  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  
 Raw cotton (Full pressed bales)           2,542  40,392      
1 Internat ional Air Freight Assistance in terms of Article 9.1 (d) (as indicated in the footnote in India's Supporting Table ES:2 for i mplementation years 2004 and 2005) . 
 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Charts on  scheduled and notified export subsidy budgetary outlays and quantities11 
1.8.   Based on the information presented in sections 1.1 and 1.2 above, the charts in this section 
show, by Member and by year, the export subsidy budgetary outlays and quantities notified in 
Table ES:1 and Supporting Tables  ES:2, and the corresponding commitment levels  where they 
exist.  
1.9.  In all charts, export subsidy budgetary outlays notified and budgetary outlay commitments 
are plotted on the left axis and export subsidy quantities notified and quantity commitments are 
plotted on the right axis.  
Chart 1.1: Brazil  
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 0 0 0 0 0 0
08001600240032004000
025,00050,00075,000100,000125,000150,000175,000200,000225,000250,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
TonnesUS$
Notified Budgetary outlay Notified quantity Budgetary outlay  commitment Quantity commitment
 
                                                
11 Chart 34 of the Secretariat background document G/AG/W/125/Rev. 5 shows the sum of the export 
subsidy budgetary outlays notified (Table ES:1) and scheduled by all Members for cotton, for the 
period  1995-2014. TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Chart 1.2: Colombia  
Insert the chart for Colombia in sheet "ES charts" in Excel file "Charts_notif"  
0.21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00.720 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
05,00010,00015,00020,00025,00030,00035,00040,000
010,00020,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
TonnesThousand US$
Notified Budgetary outlay Notified quantity Budgetary outlay  commitment Quantity commitment
 
Chart 1.3: Israel  
0 0 0 0 0 0 0886
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00.6 0 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
01020304050
02,0004,0006,0008,00010,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Thousand TonnesThousand US$
Notified Budgetary outlay Notified quantity Budgetary outlay  commitment Quantity commitment00 0
 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Chart 1.4: South Africa  
Insert the chart for South Africa in sheet "ES charts" in Excel file "Charts_notif"  
5,6540 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
06001,2001,8002,4003,0003,6004,2004,8005,400
0500,0001,000,0001,500,0002,000,0002,500,0003,000,0003,500,0004,000,0004,500,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Tonne equivalentRand 
Notified Budgetary outlay Notified quantity Budgetary outlay  commitment Quantity commitment
 
Chart 1.5: United States of America  
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0203,595276,500
266,944
9,353
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 02,3572,4133,642
1,292
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
07001,4002,1002,8003,5004,200
050,000100,000150,000200,000250,000300,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Thousand TonnesThousand US$
Notified Budgetary outlay Notified quantity
 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Chart 1.6: India  
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0891,210
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 02,54240,392
0 0 0 0
06,00012,00018,00024,00030,00036,00042,000
02004006008001,0001,2001,400
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
TonnesThousand US$
Notified Budgetary outlay Notified quantity
 
 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 17 - 
 
  2  DOMESTIC SUPPORT  
2.1.  Part Two provides information on the use of domestic support measures in favour of cotton  
based on Table DS:1 notifications circ ulated by the Secretariat up to 18 October  2016. It is divided 
into two sections : 
 Section 2.1 provides  information on  product -specific Aggregate Measurement of 
Support12 as notified in Supporting Tables DS:4 to DS:8 . The section also includes, 
further to Members' requests at the third dedicated discussion, a table which provides , 
for each Member listed in Section 2.1, the level of product -specific AMS for cotton, 
together with the current Total AMS and the value of production for cotton (if available) 
for the most recent available year of notification ; and   
 
 Section 2.2 provides  information on  direct paym ents in accordance with Article  6.5 as 
notified in Supporting Table  DS:3. 
2.1  PRODUCT SPECIFIC AGGREGATE MEASUREMENT OF SUPPORT  
2.2.  This section details the level of product -specific AMS for cotton by Member and by 
implementation year.  
2.3.  The levels  of the various domestic support categories that compose the product -specific 
support for cotton used in the AMS calculation  are also listed . The different categories  are the 
following:  
 market price support (Supporting Table D S:5);  
 non-exempt direct payments (Supporting Table DS:6);  
 other product -specific support (Supporting Table DS:7); and  
 product -specific support calculated using the Equivalent Measurement of Support  (EMS) 
methodology (Supporting Table DS:8).  
2.4.  For each Member , the implementation years  are those indicated in the Member's Table  DS:1 
notifications , and the notified currency unit is indicated in brackets . 
Symbols used  
 
Product -specific AMS  figures in italic and underlined  represent support notified  as de minimis . 
 
A blank indicates the absence of  a notification  for the year in question.  
 
"0" indicates that the Member notified zero support or th at the Member has not notified any 
support for the support category concerned.  
 
Figures in brackets represent negative supp ort. 
 
 
                                                
12 Also referred to as produ ct-specific AMS. Throughout this paper, this term also includes the 
product -specific Equivalent Measurement of Support calculated according to Annex 4 of the Agreement on 
Agriculture.   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 18 - 2.1.1   Product -specific AMS notified for cotton13 
Brazil  
(Thousand USD) 
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  
Market price support  33,860.69  40.9 6.1 9,893.1  (4,873.8)  (4,884.1)  (20,445.5)  (350.5)  0 
Non-exempt direct payments  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Other product -specific support  12,585.78  12,710.4  10,278.2  45,531.0  35,080.3  55,307.7  52,105.9  27,731.4  18,073.9  
Product -specific EMS  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  46,446.47  12,751.3  10,284.3  55,424.1  35,080.3  55,307.7  52,105.9  27,731.4  18,073.9  
 
(Thousand USD)  
 2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011 -2013  201414 
Market price support  0 0 315.8  186.0  259.8  0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  0 0 39,108.4  341,621.9  324,868.2  0 269,018.9  0 0 
Other product -specific support  27,427.5  44,324.6  43,287.5  0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific EMS  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  27,427.5  44,324.6  82,711.7  341,807.9  325,128.0  0 269,018.9  0 0 
 
China  
(Million RMB)  
 1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  
Market price support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Other product -specific support  2,854¹  3,503¹  1,790¹  1,205.6²  1,034²  973.91²  1,100.39³  880.35³  4,099.45³  2,766.73³  5,0073 2,9773 
Product -specific EMS  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS 2,854  3,503  1,790  1,205.6  1,034  973.91  1,100.39  880.35  4,099.45  2,766.73  5,007  2,977  
 
                                                
13 For implementation years 1995 -1999, Pakistan maintained a positive app lied administered price for "seed cotton", but Market Price Support was calculated as zero 
because there was no eligible production.  
14 In Brazil's notification for 2014, the following note was included in Supporting Table 7 - Other Product -Specific Support and Total Product -Specific AMS: "The following 
products may be supported by non -exempt support programmes, according to the available funds and the market price: barley, Brazilian wax, canola, cashew nut, cassava, 
cassava flour, cassava starch, castor bean s, coffee, cotton, cottonseed, edible beans, ethanol, garlic, grapes, guarana, jute, maize, malva, milk, oat, orange, peanuts , rice, silk 
cocoon, sisal, sorghum, soybeans, sugar cane, sunflower, triticale and wheat. If the product is not listed in this tab le, it means the product received no support during the crop -
year. Some products have the right to be supported only on specific States or Regions."  
  
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 19 - Colombia  
(Thousand USD) 
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011 2012 2013 
Market price support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  2,980  289.2  1,002.6  757 2,306.5  1,115  2,899  8,983.5  20.5 10,445.4  30,595  18,091  24,775  17,755  25,261  25,592  5,354  31,731  20,210  
Other product -specific support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specif ic EMS  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  2,980  289.2  1,002.6  757 2,306.5  1,115  2,899  8,983.5  20.5 10,445.4  30,595  18,091  24,775  17,755  25,261  25,592  5,354  31,731  20,210  
 
European Union  
(Million EUR) 
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  
Market price support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  22.7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Other product -specific support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific EMS  777.7  772.7  809.4  715.2  623.7  795 575.1  731.3  769.4  725.4  739.5  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  800.4  772.7  809.4  715.2  623.7  795 575.1  731.3  769.4  725.4  739.5  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
 
India  
(Million USD) 
  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  
Market price support  (2,106)  0 0 (64.79)  (72.45)  (91.46)  (147.3)  (94.01)  (140.62)  (150.28)4 (68.99)4 (49.39)4 (6.64)4 243.144 6.954 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Other product -specific support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific EMS  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  (2,106)  0 0 (64.79)  (72.45)  (91.46)  (147.3)  (94.01)  (140.62)  (150.28)  (68.99)  (49.39)  (6.64)  243.14  6.95 0 
 
Israel  
(Thousand USD) 
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
Market price support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  0 0 0 0 0 4,713  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47 
Other product -specific support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific EMS  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  0 0 0 0 0 4,713  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47 
  
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 20 - Mexico  
(Million 1991 MXN) 
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  
Market price support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  71.01  0 0 0 0 0 0 42.1 0.6 71.1 127.8  59.4 104.8  42.114  102.597  0.01 0 0 0 0 15.83  
Other product -specific support  0 2.2 3.4 9 5.8 2.1 1.4 23 23.5 7.9 7.4 0 31 0 24.608  34.95  50.13  25.31  19.6 20.87  14.33  
Product -specific EMS  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  71.01  2.2 3.4 9 5.8 2.1 1.4 65.2 24.1 79 135.2  59.4 135.8  42.114  127.205 34.96  50.13  25.31  19.6 20.87  30.16  
 
Peru  
(Million USD) 
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  
Market price support  0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  0 0 0  0 0 0 6.2 5.4 7 7.9 6.9 6.2 5.8 0 0 
Other product -specific support  0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific EMS  0 0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  0 0 0  0 0 0 6.2 5.4 7 7.9 6.9 6.2 5.8 0 0 
 
South Africa  
(Million ZAR) 
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002 2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
Market price support  0 46.66  33.74  (4.81)  (42.95)  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Other product -specific support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific EMS  4.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  4.2 46.66  33.74  (4.81)  (42.95)  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
  
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 21 - United States of America  
(Million USD) 
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002 2003  2004  
Market price support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  34.962  6.401  444.942  824.027  2,136.897  987.003  2,723.039  921.055  185.501  1,790.501  
Other product -specific support  (3) (3) 20.678  110.653  216.238  62.75  87.073  265.738  249.4 13 447.914  
Product -specific EMS  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  31.962  3.401  465.62  934.68  2,353.135  1,049.753  2,810.112  1,186.793  434.914  2,238.415  
 
(Million USD)  
 2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
Market price support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  1,283.707  1,080.050  0.831  953.161  33.119  0 0.001  0 65.937  
Other product -specific support  336.992  285.127  207.079  176.802  115.154  81.249  75.083  636.148  507.597  
Product -specific EMS  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  1,620.699  1,365.177  207.91  1,129.963  148.273  81.249  75.084  636.148  573.534  
 
 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Viet Nam 
(Billion VND)  
  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
Market price support  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Non-exempt direct payments  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Other product -specific support  0.074 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific EMS  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Product -specific AMS  0.074  0 0 0 0 0 0 
¹ The following footnote was included in China's notification covering implementation years 1999 -2001: "From 
the year 1999, cotton purchase in China became market or iented and the State Procurement Pricing for Cotton 
did not work any longer. Therefore, there was no price support in thi s reporting period. The product -specific 
de minimis  supports to cotton were primarily provided through interest subsidies for national cotton 
stockholdings."  
² The following footnote was included in China's notification cov ering implementation years 2002 -2004:  
"Support to cotton include interest subsidy for national stock cotton" . 
³ The following footnote was included in China's notificat ion cove ring implementation years 2005 -2010: 
"Support to cotton includes subsidy for improved crop strains and seeds, subsidy for reserve cost, cost subsidy 
for transporting cotton out of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region" . 
4 The following footnote was incl uded in India's notification covering implementation years 2004 -2009: "A pplied 
administered price is  procurement price for lint cotton. A co -efficient of 2.35 has been used for conversion from 
seed cotton ". 
 
Charts on  product -specific AMS notified for cott on by category of support  
Based on the information presented in section 2.1.1 above, the charts in this section show, by 
Member and by year, (i) the various levels for the domestic support categories that were included 
in the calculation of  the product -specific AMS notified for cotton  and (ii) the overall cotton  
AMS figure (italic and underlined figures represent support notified as de minimis ; figures in 
brackets represent support notified as negative ). 
Chart 2.1: Brazil  
 
46,446.47
12,75110,28455,424
35,08055,308
52,106
27,731
18,07427,42844,32582,712341,808
325,128
0269,019
0 0 0 0
-50,000050,000100,000150,000200,000250,000300,000350,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014Thousand US$
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 
 TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Chart 2.2: China  
2,8543,503
1,790
1,205.6
1,034973.911,100.39
880.354,099.45
2,766.735,007
2,977
01,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,000
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010Million RMB
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 
Chart 2.3: Colombia  
2,980
289.21,002.6 7572,306.51,1152,8998,983.5
20.510,445.430,595
18,09124,775
17,75525,26125,592
5,35431,731
20,210
04,0008,00012,00016,00020,00024,00028,00032,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Thousand US$
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 24 - 
 
  Chart 2.4: European Union  
800.4
772.7809.4
715.2
623.7795
575.1731.3769.4
725.4739.5
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0100200300400500600700800900
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Million EUR
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 
Chart 2.5: India  
(2,106)0 0
(64.79)(72.45)
(91.46)(147.3)
(94.01)(140.62)
(150.28)(68.99)
(49.39) (6.64)243.14
6.95 0
-2,250-2,000-1,750-1,500-1,250-1,000-750-500-2500250
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010Million US$
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 
 
 TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Chart 2.6: Israel  
0 0 0 0 04,713
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5004,0004,5005,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014Thousand US$
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 
Chart 2.7: Mexico  
71.01
2.2 3.495.82.1 1.465.2
24.179135.2
59.4135.8
42.114127.205
34.9650.13
25.31
19.620.8730.16
020406080100120140160
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015Million 1991 Mex$
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 26 - 
 
  Chart 2.8: Peru  
0 0 0 0 0 06.2
5.477.9
6.9
6.2
5.8
0 0
0123456789
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010Million US$
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 
Chart 2.9: South Africa  
4.246.66
33.74
(4.81)
(42.95)0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
-50-40-30-20-100102030405060
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014Million Rand
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Chart 2.10: United States of America  
31.962 3.401465.62934.682,353.135
1,049.7532,810.112
1,186.793
434.9142,238.415
1,620.699
1,365.177
207.911,129.963
148.273
81.24975.084636.148
573.534
-30003006009001,2001,5001,8002,1002,4002,7003,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Million US$
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 
Chart 2.11: Viet Nam  
0.074
0 0 0 0 0 000.010.020.030.040.050.060.070.08
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Billion VND
Market price support Non-exempt direct payments Other product-specific support Product-specific EMS
 
 
Overview of cotton product -specific support, current total AMS and value of production 
for cotton  
2.5.  Further to Members' requests at the third dedicated discussion, the following table shows , for 
each Member listed in Section 2.1  and for the most recent year of notification , the level of product -
specifi c AMS for cotton, together with the current Total AMS and the value of production for cotton  
(if available) . For ease of comparison, p roduct -specific  AMS for cotton are further expressed in US 
dollars. The following column headings are used:  
Member  Name of  Member ha ving notified product -specific support for 
cotton, as shown  in Section 2.1.1;  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 28 - 
 
   
Latest year  notified  The most recent year for which a domestic support notification is 
available for  the Member concerned;  
 
Notified Currency  The currency used in the Member's notification;  
 
Cotton -specific AMS  Product -specific support notified for cotton. Italic and underlined 
figures  represent support notified  as de minimis ; 
 
Current Total AMS  Sum of all product -specific and non -product -specific AMS as 
notified in Table  DS:1 or Supporting Table DS:4. " De minimis" 
represents cases  where all product -specific and non -product 
specific support are notified  as de minimis . "0" indicates that the 
Member has not notified any product -specific or non-product 
specific support;  
 
VoP-cotton  Value of production data notified for cotton, if available;  
 
Cotton -specific AMS in US D Product -specific support notified for cotton expressed in US dollars. 
Where data were provided in a currency  other than US D, the 
conver sion to  USD was made using the exchange rates from the 
IMF's "International Financial Statistics". The IMF exchange rates 
are year averages for the relevant year  of notification  of each 
Member. Italic and underlined figures represent support notified  as 
de minimis . 
 
Member  Latest year  
notified  Notified  
currency  Cotton -specific  
AMS Current Total  
AMS VoP-
cotton  Cotton -specific 
AMS 
(Million US D) 
Brazil  2014 Thousand US D 0 de minimis    0 
China  2010 Million RMB  de minimis  2,977  de minimis  160,420  de minimis  446.55  
Colombia  2013 Thousand US D 20,210  20,210  65,814  20.210  
European Union  2012 Million EUR  0 5899.1    0 
India 2010 Million US D 0 de minimis    0 
Israel  2014 Thousand US D de minimis  47 661,363  50,037  de minimis  0.047  
Mexico  2015 Million 1991 M XN de minimis  30.16  1,810.3 0 736.88  de minimis  1.903  
Peru 2010 Million US D 0 de minimis    0 
South Africa  2014 Million rand  0 0   0 
United States of America  2013 Million US D 573.534  6891.782  6245.508  573.534  
Viet Nam  2013 Billion VND  0 de minimis  
 0 
 
2.1.2   DIRECT PAYMENTS IN ACCORDANC E WITH ARTICLE 6.5  
2.6.  This section details  the levels  of direct payments for cotton in  accordance with Article  6.5 as 
notified in Supporting Table  DS:3. Since 1995, two Members have notified this type of support for 
cotton:  the Eur opean Union  from implementat ion year 2006 onwards and the United States  for 
1995 only. 
2.7.  The notified currency unit is indicated i n brackets in the title for both Members . 
2.8.  The information presented in each table is also presented as a chart  showing  the level of the 
direct  payment notified by the  Member  concerned . 
European Union  
(Million EUR) 
Description of Measure  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  
Payments based on fixed area and yields: Cotton 
(Title IV, Chapter  10a of R 1782/2003)1 254.5  247.5  216.9  221.7  247.3  245.8  242.3  
¹ As of 2009, the reference for the payment also includes Title IV, Chapter 1 of Regulation 73/2009.  
 TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 29 - 
 
  United States of America  
(Million USD) 
Description of Measure  1995  
Payments based on 85% or less of base level of production: Deficiency payments for marketing y ear 
1995 were only made on 85 % of base acreage and program yields have been held constant . 901.022  
 
Charts on direct payments for cotton in accordance with Article 6.5  
Chart 2.12: European Union  
190200210220230240250260
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Million EUR
 
 
Chart 2.13: United States of America  
01002003004005006007008009001,000
1995Million US$
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 30 - 
 
  3  MARKET ACCESS  
3.1.  By way of an introduction to this Part on tariffs and  non-tariff measures relevant to market 
access for cotton , the following overview charts show the evolution of t otal imports and exports of 
cotton with a bre akdown between imports /exports  from/to LDCs and from /to the rest of the world , 
in value and quantity , over the period 200 5-2015. 
Charts on market access (overview)  
Chart 3.1 Total imports of cotton1 from World and LDCs, 2005 -2015 , value  
 
1 Sum of available reporters – Source UN Comtrade  – HS codes 5201, 5202 and 5203 . 
Chart 3.2: Total imports of cotton1 from World and L DCs, 2005 -2015 , quantity  
0.0%2.0%4.0%6.0%8.0%10.0%12.0%14.0%
02,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015Thousand Tonnes
From World minus LDCs (Left axis) From LDCs (Left axis) Imports from LDC as % of total imports (Right axis)
 
1 Sum of available reporters – Source UN Comtrade  – HS codes 5201, 5202 and 5203 . 
 
 TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Chart 3.3 Total exports of cotton1 to World and LDCs, 2005 -2015, value  
 
0.0%2.0%4.0%6.0%8.0%10.0%12.0%
05,00010,00015,00020,00025,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015USD Million
To LDCs (Left axis)
To World minus LDCs (Left axis)
Exports to LDC as % of total exports (Right axis)
 
1 Sum of available reporters – Source UN Comtrade – HS codes 5201, 5202 and 5203.  
Chart 3.4: Total exports of cotton1 to World and LDCs, 2005 -2015, quantity  
0.0%2.0%4.0%6.0%8.0%10.0%12.0%
02,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015Thousand Tonnes
To World minus LDCs (Left axis) To LDCs (Left axis)
Exports to LDC as % of total exports (Right axis)
 
1 Sum of available reporters – Source UN Comtrade – HS codes 5201, 5202 and 5203.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 32 - 
 
  3.2.  The following overview  tables show total imports  of cotton and imports from LDCs, in value 
and quantity , for the 32 Members identified in paragraphs 12 and 13  of this paper . The last 
column shows  the percentag e of imports originating from LDCs.   
Imports of cotton15 from  World and LDC s, 201516 in value  (USD Million)  
 World  LDC Percentage of  
imports from LDCs  
(%) 
Australia  0 0 0 
Bahrain, Kingdom of  20.7 3.5 16.9 
Bangladesh1 2,429 64.8 2.7 
Brazil  9.8 0.1 1.4 
Canada  8 0.0 0.0 
China  2,654.8  73.3 2.8 
Colombia  47 4.4 9.4 
Egypt  145.6  38.8 26.6 
European Un ion2 418.4  59.2 14.2 
Hong Kong, China  12.9 0.4 3.5 
Iceland  0 0 0 
India 390.5  117.1  30 
Indonesia3 1402 229.9  16.4 
Japan  131.7  1 0.8 
Kenya4 4.6 4.0 86.6 
Korea, Republic of  485.5  10.3 2.1 
Malaysia  161.2  1.6 1.0 
Mauritius  47.2 38 80.6 
Mexico  343.5  0 0 
Morocco 42.6 2.9 6.8 
New Zealand  0.1 0 0 
Norway  1.1 0.0 0.8 
Pakistan  546.2  106.6  19.5 
Peru 108.4  0 0 
Russian Federation 88.3 0 0 
South Africa  17.2 11.6 67.3 
Switzerland -Liechtenstein  27.6 0 0 
Chinese Taipei 307.1  11.1 3.6 
Thailand  551.1  102.3  18.6 
Turkey  1,243.3  55.4 4.5 
United States of America  19.8 0 0 
Viet Nam3 1,439.4  221.2  15.4 
¹ Imports in 2011.  
2 Sum of EU member S tates (as reported to Comtrade), extra -trade.  
3 Imports in 2014 . 
4 Imports in 2013.  
Source: UN Comtrade database.  
                                                
15 HS codes 5201, 5202, 5203.  
16 For those Members whose import statistics are not available for 2015, impor ts in previous years are 
listed. "0.0" represents a figure which is rounded to zero.   TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 33 - 
 
  Imports of cotton17 from  World an d LDCs,  201518 in quantity  (metric tonnes)  
 World  LDC Percentage of  
impo rts from LDCs  
(%) 
Australia  236 0 0 
Bahrain, Kingdom of  12,802  1,999  15.6 
Bangladesh1 709,593  17,372  2.4 
Brazil  5,280  273 5.2 
Canada  12,583 0 0.0 
China  1,560,967  48,848  3.1 
Colombia  30,934  3,045  9.8 
Egypt  73,044  19,434  26.6 
European Union2 293,311  41,017  14.0 
Hong Kong, China  17,547  627 3.6 
Iceland  7 0 0 
India 229,428  85,402  37.2 
Indonesia3 705,564  117,515  16.7 
Japan  75,219  604 0.8 
Kenya4 2,323  2,208 95 
Korea, Republic of  287,185  6,973  2.4 
Malaysia  90,709  1,229  1.4 
Mauritius  29,921  24,057  80.4 
Mexico  228,469  22 0.0 
Morocco  25,738  1,856  7.2 
New Zealand  23 0 0 
Norway  170 1 0.3 
Pakistan  280,557  50,909  18.1 
Peru 55,903  0 0 
Russian Federation  82,138  0 0 
South Africa  31,519  22,333  71 
Switzerland -Liechtenstein  13,146  0 0.0 
Chinese Taipei  215,732  7,813  3.6 
Thailand  526,654  66,019  12.5 
Turkey  815,909  37,677  4.6 
United States of America  14,998  0 0 
Viet Nam3 752,459  116,109  15.4 
¹ Imports in 2 011. 
2 Sum of EU member S tates (as reported to Comtrade), extra -trade.  
3 Imports in 2014 . 
4 Imports in 2013.  
Source: UN Comtrade database.  
 
                                                
17 HS codes 5201, 5202, 5203.  
18 For those Members whose import statistics are not available for 2015, imports in previous years are 
listed. "0.0" represents a figure which  is rounded to zero.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 34 - 
 
  3.3.  The following overview tables show total exports of cotton and exports to LDCs, in value and 
quantity, for the 32 Me mbers identified in paragraphs 12 and 13 of this paper. The last column 
shows the percentage of exports to  LDCs.  
Exports  of cotton19 to World and LDCs, 201520 in value  (USD  Million)  
 World  LDC Percentage of exports 
to LDCs  
(%) 
Australia  813.9  20.4 2.5 
Bahrain, Kingdom of  1.4 0 0 
Bangladesh1 20.3 0 0 
Brazil  1,290.7  26.5 2.1 
Canada  0.1 0 0 
China 49.3 1.5 3.1 
Colombia  1.8 0 0 
Egypt  89.8 3 3.4 
European Union2 397.1  11.2 2.8 
Hong Kong, China  12.7 0.3 2.5 
Iceland  0 0 0 
India 1,905.7  694.6  36.4 
Indones ia3 45.7  0 0 
Japan  3.1 0 0 
Kenya4 0.9 0   
Korea, Republic of  20.4 0 0 
Malaysia  19.6 4.0 20.6 
Mauritius  3.4 0.0 0.2 
Mexico  56.5 0 0 
Morocco  0.3 0 0 
New Zealand  0 0 0 
Norway  0 0 0 
Pakistan  151.2  26.4 17.5 
Peru 3.4 0 0 
Russian Federation  0.2 0 0 
South Africa  7.7 6.2 79.7 
Switzerland -Liechtenstein  2.4 0 0 
Chinese Taipei  4.3 0 0 
Thailand  5.8 0.6 11.1 
Turkey  139.1  4.2 3.0 
United States of America  3,991.1  67.3 1.7 
Viet Nam3 24.6 0.0 0.0 
¹Exports in 2011.  
2 Sum of EU member States (as reported to Comtrade), extra -trade.  
3 Exports  in 2014.  
4 Exports  in 2013.  
                                                
19 HS codes 5201, 5202, 5203.  
20 For those Members whose export statistics are not available for 2015, exports in previous years are 
listed. "0.0" represents a figure which is rounded to zero.  TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 35 - 
 
  Exports of cotton21 to World and LDCs, 201522 in quantity (metric tonnes)  
 World  LDC Percentage of exports 
to LDCs  
(%) 
Australia  448,877  10,676  2.4 
Bahrain, Kingdom of  3,576  0 0 
Bangladesh1 10,421  0 0 
Brazil  834,551  16,984  2.0 
Canada  142 0 0 
China  29,164  940 3.2 
Colombia  1,434  0 0 
Egypt  49,996  1,655  3.3 
European Union2 260,469  7,029  2.7 
Hong Kong, China  17,395  213 1.2 
Iceland  0 0 0 
India 1,297,580  452,650  34.9 
Indonesia3 36,540  19  0.1  
Japan  1,171  0 0 
Kenya4 675 1 0.1 
Korea, Republic of  19,877  0 0 
Malaysia  16,195  3,178  19.6 
Mauritius  4,310  3 0.1 
Mexico  42,727  0 0 
Morocco  529 0 0 
New Zealand  0 0 0 
Norway  0 0 0 
Pakistan  112,521  17,512  15.6 
Peru 1,531  0 0 
Russian Federation  152 0 0 
South Africa  5,188  4,413  85.1 
Switzerland -Liechtenstein  1,029  0 0 
Chinese Taipei  5,822  0 0 
Thailand  6,339  135 2.1 
Turkey  111,264  2,664  2.4 
United States of America  2,445,170  40,331  1.6 
Viet Nam3 1,500  13 0.9 
¹Exports in 2011.  
2 Sum of EU m ember States (as reported to Comtrade), extra -trade.  
3 Exports  in 2014.  
4 Exports  in 2013.  
 
3.4.  As explained at the beginning of this background paper, this Part on Market Access provides 
information on the cotton tariff levels and the use of various non -tariff measures for the 
32 Members identified as per  paragraphs 12 and 13. Part Three is divided into four sections:  
 Section 3.1 lists bound and applied tariffs for cotton based on (i) Members' schedules as 
reflected in the CTS database, and (ii) data on applie d tariffs conta ined in the 
IDB database;  
 Section 3. 2 provides information  on the special safeguard provisions for cotton  based on 
Members' schedules and Table MA:3, MA:4 and MA:5 notifications;  
 Section 3.3 provides information on cotton tariff rate quotas based on Members' 
schedules and Table MA:1 and MA:2 notifications; and  
 Section 3.4 lists various other non -tariff measures, based on data contained in the 
WTO I-TIP Goods database  and notifications under the Agreement on Import Licensing 
procedures . 
                                                
21 HS codes 5201, 5202, 5203 . 
22 For those Mem bers whose export statistics are not available for 2015, imports in previous years are 
listed. "0.0" represents a figure which is rounded to zero.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 36 - 
 
  3.5.  Market  access data for the relevant cotton -related products (other than cotton) included in 
the list annexed to the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Cotton are available in the Addendum to  this 
document  (TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 /Add.1) , using the same methodology and p resentation as in this 
Part.23 
3.1  TARIFFS  
3.6.  This section lists bound and applied duties for cotton for the 32 Members identified in 
paragraphs  12 and 13 of this paper . 
3.7.  The following first table shows the average and maximum bound and applied duties for the 
cotton product group24, as they appear in  the World Tariff Profile 201 5.25 The methodology used to 
calculate these average and maximum duties, in particular  the averaging and the ad valorem  
equivalent calculation, can be found in the World Tariff Profile  2015. 
Bound and Applied Tariff from World T ariff Profile 2016  for Cotton Product Group  
 Average Duty  
(%) Maximum Duty  
(%) 
Member  Bound  Applied (2015)  Bound  Applied (2015)  
Australia  1.2 0 2 0 
Bahrain, Kingdom of  35 5 35 5 
Bangladesh  200 3.5 200 5 
Brazil  55 6.4 55 8 
Canada  0.8 0 8 0 
China  22 22 40 40 
Colombia  75.8 5 99 5 
Egypt  5 4 5 5 
European Union  0 0 0 0 
Hong Kong, China  0 0 0 0 
Iceland  2.2 0 11 0 
India 110 6 150 30 
Indonesia*  37.4 4 40 5 
Japan  0 0 0 0 
Kenya  100 0 100 0 
Korea, Republic of  2 0 2 0 
Malaysia*  4 0 5 0 
Mauritius  122 0 122 0 
Mexico  39.4 0 45 0 
Morocco  22 2.5 34 2.5 
New Zealand  0 0 0 0 
Norway  0 0 0 0 
Pakistan  13 7.4 25 10 
Peru 30 2.4 30 6 
Russian Federation  0 0 0 0 
South Africa  60 4.5 60 15 
Switzerland  0 0 0 0 
Chinese Taipei  0 0 0 0 
Thailand  4.5 0 4.5 0 
Turkey  10.9 0 12.6 0 
United States of America  4.8 4.8 18.0 18.0 
Viet Nam  14 6 20 10 
*Data for 2014.  
Bound and Applied Cotton Tariff s (most recent year available)  
3.8.  The series of tables below show, f or each Member, scheduled bound cotton tariffs as  reflected  
in the CTS database and the  applied  cotton  tariffs as reported  in the IDB database . The following 
column headings  are used : 
BOUND DUTIES : Bound duties presente d according to the following column sub headings:  
 
                                                
23 Paragraph 4 of WT/MIN/(15)/46 and WT/L/981  
24 Corresponding to the Harmonized System nomenclature 2012 (HS 2 012) headings 52.01 to 52.03.  
25 http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/reser_e/tariff_profiles_e.htm . TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 37 - 
 
  Tariff line ( HS year)  The tariff item number(s) as specified in the Member's schedule 
reproduced in the CTS file, using  the HS nomenclature  indicated in 
brackets ; 
 
Designation : The product description for the corresponding tariff heading, 
subheading or line,  as specifi ed in  the Member's schedule 
reproduced in the CTS file  (in original language only) ; 
 
Bound Duty : The level of duty for the corresponding tariff line, as specified in 
the Member's schedule reproduced in the CTS file;  and  
 
Other Duty and Charges : The level of other duties and charges (and related information) for 
the corresponding tariff line, as and when specified in the 
Member's schedule reproduced in the CTS file.  
 
APPLIED DUTIES : Applied duties (for the most recent year available as indicated in bracket s), 
presented according to the following column sub headings:  
 
Tariff line (HS year)  The tariff item number(s) as specified in the Member's IDB file, using  the 
HS nomenclature indicated in brackets;  
 
MFN The level of applied MFN duty for the corresponding t ariff line, as specified 
in the Member's IDB file;  and 
 
LDC Preferential  The level of duty for the corresponding tariff line, as specified in the 
Member's IDB file, applied in the context of a preferential regime for 
LDC imports. The absence of data in th e column reflects either the absence 
of such a regime for that Member or the absence of information on such a 
regime within the IDB.  
Australia  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Cotton, not carded or combed  0%   52010000  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock):           
520210  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  2%   52021000  0% 0% 
52029  - Other:           
520291  -- Garnetted stock  2%   52029100  0% 0% 
520299  -- Other  2%   52029900  0% 0% 
520300  Cotton, carded or combed  0%   52030000  0% 0% 
Bahrain , Kingdom of  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2014 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
52010000  Cotton, not carded or combed  35%  52010000  5%  
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)       
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  35%  52021000  5%  
52029  - Other:       
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  35%  52029100  5%  
52029900  -- Other  35%  52029900  5%  
52030000  Cotton, carded or combed  35%  52030000  5%  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 38 - 
 
  Bangladesh  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2013 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 1996)  Designation  Bound 
Duty Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Cotton, not carded or combed  200%  2.5%  52010000  0%  
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)       
520210  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  200%  2.5%  52021000  5%  
52029  - Other:       
520291  -- Garnetted stock  200%  2.5%  52029100  5%  
520299  -- Other  200%  2.5%     
      52029910¹  0%  
      52029990²  5%  
520300  Cotton, carded or combed  200%  2.5%  52030000  5%  
¹ Cotton waste . 
² Cotton waste, nes . 
 
Brazil  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Algodón sin cardar ni peinar       
52010010  Sin desmotar  55%  52010010  6%  
52010020  Simpl emente desmotado  55%  52010020  6%  
52010090  Los demás  55%  52010090  6%  
5202 Desperdicios de algodón (incluidos los 
desperdicios de hilados y las hilachas)       
52021000  Desperdicios de hilados  55%  52021000  6%  
52029  - Los demás:       
52029100  Hilach as 55%  52029100  6%  
52029900  Los demás  55%  52029900  6%  
52030000  Algodón cardado o peinado  55%  52030000  8%  
 
Canada  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 201 6) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
52010000  Cotton, not carded or combed  0%   52010000  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)            
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  0%   52021000  0% 0% 
52029  - Other:            
5202910 0 -- Garnetted stock  0%   52029100  0% 0% 
52029900  -- Other  0%   52029900  0% 0% 
520300  Cotton, carded or combed      52030000  0% 0% 
52030010  --- Slivers  0%         
52030090  --- Other  8%         TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 39 - 
 
  China  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Li ne 
(HS 1996)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
5201 Cotton, not carded or combed            
52010000  - Cotton, not carded or combed  40%   52010000  40%  
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste a nd 
garnetted stock)            
52021000  -Yarn waste (including thread waste)  10%   52021000  10%  
52029  - Other :           
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  10%   52029100  10%  
52029900  -- Other  10%   52029900  10%  
5203 Cotton, carded or combed            
5203000 0 - Cotton, carded or combed  40%   52030000  40%  
 
Colombia  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
5201000000  Algodón sin cardar ni peina r 99%        
        5201001000 ¹ 5%   
        5201002000 ² 5%   
        5201003000 ³ 5%   
        5201009000 ⁴ 5%   
5202 Desperdicios de algodón (incluidos los 
desperdi cios de hilados y las hilachas)            
5202100000  - Desperdicios de hilados  70%   5202100000  5%   
52029  - Los demás:            
5202910000  -- Hilachas  70%   5202910000  5%   
5202990000  -- Los demás  70%   5202990000  5%   
5203000000  Algodón cardado o peinado  70%   5203000000  5%   
¹ De longitud de fibra superior a 34.92 mm (1 3/8 pulgada) . 
² De longitud de fibra superior a 28.57 mm (1 1/8 pulgada) pero inferior o igual a 34.92 mm (1 3/8 pulgada ). 
³ De longitud de fibra superior a 22.22 mm (7/8 pulgada) pero inferior o igual a 28.57 mm (1 1/8 pulgada) . 
⁴ De longitud de fibra inferior o igual a 22.22 mm (7/8 pulgada) . 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 40 - 
 
  Egypt  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
52010000  Cotton, not card ed or combed  5%  5201000010 ¹ 0% 
 
    5201000030 ² 0% 
 
    5201000033 ³ 0% 
 
    5201000034 ⁴ 0% 
 
    5201000035 ⁵ 0% 
 
    5201000036 ⁶ 0% 
 
    5201000037 ⁷ 0% 
 
    5201000038 ⁸ 0% 
 
    5201000039 ⁹ 0% 
 
    520100004110 0% 
 
    520100004211 0% 
 
    520100 004312 0% 
 
    520100004413 0% 
 
    520100004514 0% 
 
    520100004615 0% 
 
    520100004716 0% 
 
    520100004817 0% 
 
    520100005018 0% 
 
    520100009019 0% 
 5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)          
52021000  - Yarn wast e (including thread waste)  5%  5202100000  5%  
52029  - Other:          
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  5%  5202910000  5%  
52029900  -- Other  5%  5202990000  5%  
52030000  Cotton, carded or combed  5%  5203000000  5%  
1 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 45 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
2 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 31 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
3 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 66 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
4 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 67 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
5 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 68 not carded  or combed, not ginned.  
6 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 69 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
7 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 83 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
8 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 84 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
9 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 85 not ca rded or combed, not ginned.  
10 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 76 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
11 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 77 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
12 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 80 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
13 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 8 1 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
14 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 82 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
15 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 70 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
16 Raw cotton not mixed Giza 72 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
17 Raw cotton not mixe d Giza 75 not carded or combed, not ginned.  
18 Other cotton not carded or combed, not ginned.  
19 Other cotton not carded or combed, ginned.  
 TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 41 - 
 
  European Union  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 1996)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Dutie s and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
5201 Cotton, not carded or combed:        
52010010  - Rendered absorbent or bleached  0%  52010010  0% 0% 
52010090  - Other  0%  52010090  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted sto ck):      
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  0%  52021000  0% 0% 
52029  - Other:       
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  0%  52029100  0% 0% 
52029900  -- Other  0%  52029900  0% 0% 
52030000  Cotton, carded or combed  0%  52030000  0% 0% 
 
Hong Kong , China  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
52010000  Cotton, not carded or combed  0%   52010000  0%   
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste  and 
garnetted stock).           
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  0%   52021000  0%   
52029  - Other:           
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  0%   52029100  0%   
52029900  -- Other  0%   52029900  0%   
52030000  Cotton, carded or combed  0%   520300 00 0%   
 
Iceland  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2014 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
5201 Cotton, not carded or combed       
52010000  - Cotton, not carded or combed  0%  52010000  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)       
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  11%  52021000  0% 0% 
52029  - Other:       
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  0%  52029100  0% 0% 
52029900  -- Other  0%  52029900  0% 0% 
5203 Cotton, carded or combed       
52030000  - Cotton, carded or combed  0%  52030000  0% 0% 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 42 - 
 
  India  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Prefere ntial 
52010000  Cotton, not carded or combed  100%         
        52010011¹  0% 0% 
        52010012²  0% 0% 
        52010013 ³ 0% 0% 
        52010014⁴  0% 0% 
        52010015⁵  0% 0% 
        52010019 ⁶ 0% 0% 
        52010020⁷  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (incl uding yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)           
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  100%    52021000  0% 0% 
52029  - Other:           
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  100%    52029100  0% 0% 
52029900  -- Other  100%    52029900  0% 0% 
52030000  Cotton, card ed or combed  150%    52030000  30% 0% 
1 Bengal deshi . 
2 Indian cotton of staple lengths 20.5 mm (25/32") and below (e g. oomras, yellow picking, Assam Comillas) . 
3 Indian cotton of staple length exceeding 20.5mm (26/32") and but not exceeding 24.5mm (30/32" ). 
4 Indian cotton of staple length over 24.5 mm (31/32 ") to 28 mm . 
5 Indian cotton of staple length 28.5 mm (1 4/32 ") and above but below 34.5 mm . 
6 Indian  cotton of all staple length 34. 5 mm and above (1 12/32 "). 
7 Cotton, other than Indian, of all stapl e lengths . 
 
Indonesia  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 1996)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
5201 Cotton, not carded or combed            
520100000  - Cotton, not carded or combed  27%   5201000000  5%   
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)           
520210000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  40%   5202100000  5%   
52029  - Other :          
520291000  -- Garnetted stock  40%   5202910000  5%   
520299000  -- Other : 40%   5202990000  5%   
5203 Cotton, carded or combed           
520300000  - Cotton, carded or combed  40%   5203000000  5%   
 
Japan  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Char ges Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  - Cotton, not carded or combed  0%  520100000  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)       
520210  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  0%  520210000  0% 0% 
52029  - Other:       
520291  -- Garnetted stock  0%  520291000  0% 0% 
520299  -- Other  0%  520299000  0% 0% 
520300  - Cotton, carded or combed  0%  520300000  0% 0% 
 TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 43 - 
 
  Kenya  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Line  
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and  
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
52010000  Cotton, not carded or combed.  100%   52010000  0%  
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock).        
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  100%   52021000  0%  
52029  - Other:        
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  100%   52029100  0%   
52029900  -- Other  100%   52029900  0%   
52030000  Cotton, carded or combed  100%   52030000  0%   
 
Korea , Republic of  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Cotton, not carded or combed       
5201001000  --- Seed cotton  2%  5201001000  0% 0% 
52010090  --- Other          
5201009010  ----- Less than 232 mm (7/8 inch) of 
fibre-length 2%  5201009010  0% 0% 
5201009020  ----- Not less than 232 mm (7/8 inch), but 
less than 254 mm (1 inch) of fibre -length  2%  5201009020  0% 0% 
5201009030  ----- Not less than 254 mm (1 inch),but 
less than 285 mm (11/8 inch) of fibre -
length  2%  5201009030  0% 0% 
5201009050  ----- Not less than 285 mm (1 -1/8 inch), 
but less than 349 mm (1 -3/8 inch) of fiber 
length  2%  5201009050  0% 0% 
5201009060  ----- Not less than 349 mm (1 -3/8 inch) of 
fiber-length  2%  5201009060  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn wast e and 
garnetted stock)       
5202100000  --- 1. Yarn waste (including thread waste)  2%  5202100000  0% 0% 
52029  - 2. Other:       
5202910000  --- A. Garnetted stock  2%  5202910000  0% 0% 
5202990000  --- B. Other  2%  5202990000  0% 0% 
5203000000  --- Cotton, ca rded or combed  2%  5203000000  0% 0% 
 
Malaysia  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2013)  
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100000  Cotton, not carded or combed  0%  52010000 0 0%  
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)       
520210000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  5%  52021000 0 0%  
52029  - Other:        
520291000  -- Garnetted stock  5%  52029100 0 0%  
520299000  -- Other  5%  52029900 0 0%  
5203000 00 Cotton, carded or combed  5%  52030000 0 0%  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 44 - 
 
  Mauritius  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
52010000  Cotton, not carded or combed  122% 17% 52010000  0%  
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)       
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  122%  17% 52021000  0%  
52029  - Other:        
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  122%  17% 52029100  0%  
52029900  -- Other  122%  17% 52029900  0%  
52030000  Cotton, carded or combed  122%  17% 52030000  0%  
 
Mexico  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Algodón si n cardar ni peinar  45%     
    52010001¹  0%  
    52010002²  0%  
    52010099³  0%  
5202 Desperdicios de algodón (incluidos los 
desperdicios de hilados y las hilachas)        
520210  Desperdicios de hilados  37%  52021001  0%  
52029  - Los demás:        
520291 Hilachas  37%  52029101  0%  
520299  -- Los demás        
52029901  Borra  37%  52029901  0%  
52029999  Demás  45%  52029999  0%  
520300  Algodón cardado o peinado  37%  52030001  0%  
¹ Con pepita . 
² Sin pepita, de fibra con más de 29 mm de longitud.  
³ Los demás . 
 
Morocco  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 201 2) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
5201 Coton, non cardé ni peigné       
5201000010  ––– non égrené  19% 15% 5201000010  2.5%  2.5%  
5201000091  ––– égrené :      
5201000091  –––– écru 19% 15% 5201000091  2.5%  0% 
5201000099  –––– autres  19% 15% 5201000099  2.5%  0% 
5202 Déchets de coton (y compris les déchets 
de fils et les effilochés).       
520210  – Déchets de fils       
5202100010  ––– déchets de fils pour essuyages 
industriels  19% 15% 5202100010  2.5%  2.5%  
5202100090  ––– autres  19% 15% 5202100090  2.5%  2.5%  
52029  – Autres:         
5202910000  –– Effilochés  19% 15% 5202910000  2.5%  2.5%  
5202990000  –– Autres  19% 15% 5202990000  2.5%  2.5% 
5203 Coton, cardé ou peigné       
52030010  ––– écru, décrué ou blanchi:       
5203001010  –––– écru 34% 15% 5203001010  2.5%  2.5%  TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 45 - 
 
  Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 201 2) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
5203001020  –––– décrué  34% 15% 5203001020  2.5%  2.5%  
5203001090  –––– blanchi  34% 15% 5203001090  2.5%  2.5%  
5203009000  ––– autres 34% 15% 5203009000  2.5%  2.5%  
New Zealand  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
52010000  Cotton, not carded or combed  0%  52010000  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock):       
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  0%  52021000  0% 0% 
52029  - Other:        
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  0%  52029100  0% 0% 
52029900  -- Other  0%  52029900  0% 0% 
52030 000 Cotton, carded or combed  0%  52030000  0% 0% 
Norway  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
5201000  Cotton, not carded or combed  0%   52010000  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock).           
5202100  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  0%   52021000  0% 0% 
52029  - Other:           
5202910  -- Garnetted stock  0%   52029100  0% 0% 
5202990  -- Other  0%   520299 00 0% 0% 
5203000  Cotton, carded or combed  0%   52030000  0% 0% 
Pakistan  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2014 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Cotton, not carded  or combed           
52010010  --- American  5%       
52010020  --- Egyptian  5%       
    520100301 1%  
    520100402 1%  
    520100503 1%  
    520100604 1%  
    520100705 1%  
    520100806 1%  
52010090  --- Other  5%   52010090  1%   
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock).           
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  25%   52021000  10%   
52029  - Other:           
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  15%   52029100  10%   
52029900  -- Other  15%   52029900  10%   
52030000  Cotton, c arded or combed  5%   52030000  5%   TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 46 - 
 
  1 Length not exceeding 20.5 mm . 
2 Length exceeding 20.5 mm but not exceeding 24.5 mm . 
3 Length exceeding 24.5 mm but not exceeding 28.5 mm . 
4 Length exceeding 28.5 mm but not exceeding 31 mm . 
5 Length exceeding 31 mm but  not exceeding 34.5 mm . 
6 Length exceeding  34.5 mm . 
 
Peru  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
5201000000  ---Algodón sin cardar ni pein ar. 30%     
    5201001000¹  6%  
    5201002000²  6%  
    5201003000³  6%  
    5201009000⁴  6%  
5202 Desperdicios de algodón (incluidos los 
desperdi cios de hilados y las hilachas)        
5202100000  - Desperdicios de hilados  30%  5202100000  0%  
52029  - Los demás:         
5202910000  -- Hilachas  30%  5202910000  0%  
5202990000  -- Los demás  30%  5202990000  0%  
5203000000  --- Algodón cardado o peinado  30%   5203000000  6%   
1 De longitud de fibra superior a 34.92 mm (1 3/8 pulgada) . 
2 De longitud de fibra sup erior a 28.57 mm (1 1/8 pulgada) pero inferior o igual a 34.92 mm (1 3/8 pulgada) . 
3 De longitud de fibra superior a 22.22 mm (7/8 pulgada) pero inferior o igual a 28.57 mm (1 1/8 pulgada) . 
4 De longitud de fibra inferior o igual a 22.22 mm (7/8 pulgada) . 
 
Russian  Federation  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Cotton, not carded or combed:            
5201001000  - rendered absorben t or bleached  0%   5201001000  0% 0% 
5201009000  - other  0%   5201009000  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste and 
garnetted stock):            
5202100000  - yarn waste (including thread waste)  0%   5202100000  0% 0% 
52029  - other:            
520291 0000 -- garnetted stock  0%   5202910000  0% 0% 
5202990000  -- other  0%   5202990000  0% 0% 
5203000000  Cotton, carded or combed  0%   5203000000  0% 0% 
 
South  Africa  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Othe r Duties 
and Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Cotton, not carded or combed            
52010010  --- Not ginned  60% 4.4c/kg cotton 
fibre (Normal 
levy)+3.3c/kg 
cotton fibre 
(Special levy)  52010010  0%   
52010020  --- Ginned but not fu rther processed  60% 4.4c/kg cotton 
fibre (Normal 
levy)+3.3c/kg 
cotton fibre 
(Special levy)  52010020  160c/
kg1  
52010090  --- Other  60% 4.4c/kg cotton 
fibre (Normal 
levy)+3.3c/kg 52010090  15%  TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 47 - 
 
  Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Othe r Duties 
and Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
cotton fibre 
(Special levy)  
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn wa ste and 
garnetted stock):           
520210  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)      52021000  0%   
52021010  -- Unprocessed  60%        
52021090  -- Other  60%        
52029  - Other:           
520291  -- Garnetted stock          
52029110  --- Unprocessed  60%   52029100  0%   
52029190  --- Other  60%        
520299  -- Other      52029900  0%   
52029910  --- Unprocessed  60%        
52029990  --- Other  60%        
52030000  Cotton, carded or combed  60%   52030000  15%  
1 "c/kg" stands for rand cent per kilo.  
 
Switzerlan d 
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other Duties 
and Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Coton, non cardé ni peigné           
52010010  --- blanchi et dégraissé (hydrophile)  0%   52010010  0% 0% 
52010090  --- autres  0%   52010090  0% 0% 
5202 Déchets de coton (y compris les 
déchets de fils et les effilochés)           
52021000  - déchets de fils  0%   52021000  0% 0% 
52029  - Autres:           
52029100  -- effilochés  0%   52029100  0% 0% 
52029900  -- autres  0%   52029900  0% 0% 
52030000  - Coton, cardé ou peigné  0%   52030000  0% 0% 
 
Chinese  Taipei  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other Duties 
and Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
52010000  Cotton, not carded or combed  0%   52010000  0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste 
and garnetted stock)           
52021000  Yarn waste (including thread waste)  0%   52021000  0% 0% 
52029  Other:           
52029100  Garnetted cott on stock  0%   52029100  0% 0% 
52029900  Other cotton waste  0%   52029900  0% 0% 
52030000  Cotton, carded or combed  0%   52030000  0% 0% 
 
Thailand  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2014 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other Duties 
and Charge s Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Cotton, not carded or combed  4.5%    52010000  0%   
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste 
and garnetted stock)           
520210  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  4.5%    52021000  0%   
52029  - Other:           
520291  -- Garnetted stock  4.5%    52029100  0%   TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 48 - 
 
  Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2014 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other Duties 
and Charge s Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520299  -- Other  4.5%    52029900  0%   
520300  Cotton, carded or combed  4.5%    52030000  0%   
 
Turkey  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other Du ties and Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Cotton, not carded or 
combed          
5201001000  - Rendered absorbent 
or bleached  6% - Municipality share: 15% of 
customs duty, - 
Transportation infrastructure 
fee: 3% (in case of road, ra il 
or air Transport) or 4% (in 
case of maritime transport) 
of the sum of CIF value, 
customs duty and other 
charges mentioned above.  5201001000 00 0% 0% 
5201009000  - Other  6% - Municipality share: 15% of 
customs duty, - 
Transportation infrastructure 
fee: 3%  (in case of road, rail 
or air Transport) or 4% (in 
case of maritime transport) 
of the sum of CIF value, 
customs duty and other 
charges mentioned above.  5201009000 00 0% 0% 
5202 Cotton waste (including 
yarn waste and 
garnetted stock)            
5202100000  - Yarn waste (including 
thread waste)  12% - Municipality share: 15% of 
customs duty, - 
Transportation infrastructure 
fee: 3% (in case of road, rail 
or air Transport) or 4% (in 
case of maritime transport) 
of the sum of CIF value, 
customs duty and other 
charges mentioned above.  520210000011  0% 0% 
    520210000019  0% 0% 
52029  - Other:            
5202910000  -- Garnetted stock  12% - Municipality share: 15% of 
customs duty, - 
Transportation infrastructure 
fee: 3% (in case of road, rail 
or air Transport) or 4% ( in 
case of maritime transport) 
of the sum of CIF value, 
customs duty and other 
charges mentioned above.     
    520291000011  0% 0% 
    520291000012  0% 0% 
    520291000013  0% 0% 
    520291000019  0% 0% 
5202990000  -- Other  12% - Municipality share: 15% of  
customs duty, - 
Transportation infrastructure 
fee: 3% (in case of road, rail 
or air Transport) or 4% (in 
case of maritime transport) 
of the sum of CIF value, 
customs duty and other 
charges mentioned above.  520299000011  0% 0% 
    520299000012  0% 0% 
    520299000013  0% 0% 
    520299000018  0% 0% 
5203000000  Cotton, carded or 
combed  12.6%  - Municipality share: 15% of 
customs duty, - 5203000000  0% 0% TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 49 - 
 
  Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other Du ties and Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012 ) MFN LDC 
Preferential  
Transportation infrastructure 
fee: 3% (in case of road, rail 
or air Transport) or 4% (in 
case of maritime transport) 
of the su m of CIF value, 
customs duty and other 
charges mentioned above.  
 
United  States of America  
Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
520100  Cotton, not carded or combed:       
 - Having a staple length under 
28.575 mm (1 -1/8 inches):       
52010005  -- Harsh or rough, having a staple 
length under 19.05 mm (3/4 inch)  0%  52010005  0% 0% 
 -- Other:          
52010012  --- Described  in general note 4 of 
the tariff schedule and entered 
pursuant to its provisions  0%  52010012  0% 0% 
52010014¹  --- Described in U.S. Tariff -Rate 
Quota Notifications, TRQID USA035  0%  52010014  0% 0% 
52010018  --- Other  31.4¢/kg   52010018  31.4¢/kg  0% 
 - Having a staple length of 28.575 
mm (1 -1/8 inches) or more but 
under 34.925 mm (1 -3/8 inches):           
52010022  -- Described in general note 4 of the 
tariff schedule and entered pursuant 
to its provisions  4.4¢/kg   52010022  4.4¢/kg  0% 
 -- Other, harsh or ro ugh, having a 
staple length of 29.36875 mm (1 -
5/32 inches) or more and white in 
colour (except cotton of perished 
staple, grabbots and cotton 
pickings):           
52010024¹  --- Described in U.S. Tariff -Rate 
Quota Notifications, TRQID USA036  4.4¢/kg    52010 024 4.4¢/kg  0% 
52010028  --- Other  31.4¢/kg    52010028  31.4¢/kg  0% 
  -- Other:            
52010034¹  --- Described in U.S. Tariff -Rate 
Quota Notifications, TRQID USA037  4.4¢/kg    52010034  4.4¢/kg  0% 
52010038  --- Other  31.4¢/kg    52010038  31.4¢/kg  0% 
  - Having a staple length of 34.925 
mm (1 -3/8 inches) or more:            
52010055  -- Described in general note 4 of the 
tariff schedule and entered pursuant 
to its provisions  1.5¢/kg    52010055  1.5¢/kg  1.5¢/kg  
52010060¹  -- Described in U.S. Tariff -Rate 
Quota Notifications, TRQID USA038  1.5¢/kg    52010060  1.5¢/kg  1.5¢/kg  
52010080  -- Other  31.4¢/kg    52010080  31.4¢/kg  31.4¢/kg  
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste 
and garnetted stock):            
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread 
waste)  0%   52021000  0% 0% 
  - Other:            
52029100  -- Garnetted stock      52029100  4.3%  0% 
5202910001  --- Having a staple length under 
28.575 mm (1 -1/8 inches)  4.3%          
5202910002  --- Having a staple length 28.575 
mm (1 -1/8 inches) or more  4.3%          
520299  -- Other:            
  --- Card strips made from cotton 
having a staple length under 
30.1625 mm (1 -3/16 inches) and 
lap waste, sliver waste and roving 
waste:            TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 50 - 
 
  Bound Duties  Applied Duties  
(Year 2016 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2007 ) Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
52029905  ---- Described in general note 4 of 
the tariff schedule and entered 
pursuant to  its provisions  0%   52029905  0% 0% 
52029910¹  ---- Described in U.S. Tariff -Rate 
Quota Notifications, TRQID USA039  0%   52029910  0% 0% 
52029930  ---- Other  7.8¢/kg    52029930  7.8¢/kg  0% 
52029950  --- Other  0%   52029950  0% 0% 
520300  Cotton, carded or com bed:           
  - Fibers of cotton processed but not 
spun:            
52030005  -- Described in general note 4 of the 
tariff schedule and entered pursuant 
to its provisions  5%   52030005  5% 0% 
52030010¹  -- Described in U.S. Tariff -Rate 
Quota Notification s, TRQID USA040  5%   52030010  5% 0% 
52030030  -- Other  31.4¢/kg    52030030  31.4¢/kg  0% 
52030050  - Other  4.3%    52030050  4.3%  0% 
1 Tariff rate quotas were reserved for these tariff lines.  
2 "¢/kg" stands for USD cent per kilo.  
 
Viet Nam 
Bound Duties  Appli ed Duties  
(Year 2015 ) 
Tariff Line 
(HS 2002)  Designation  Bound 
Duty  Other 
Duties and 
Charges  Tariff Line 
(HS 2012)  MFN LDC 
Preferential  
52010000  Cotton, not carded or combed  0%   52010000 00 0%   
5202 Cotton waste (including yarn waste 
and garnetted st ock)         
52021000  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  20%   52021000 00 10%  
52029  - Other:         
52029100  -- Garnetted stock  20%   52029100 00 10%  
52029900  -- Other  20%   52029900 00 10%  
52030000  Cotton, carded or combed  10%   52030000 00 0%   
 TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 51 - 
 
  3.2  SPECIAL SAFEGUARD PROVISIONS  
3.9.  This section pr ovides information on  scheduled special safeguard (SSG) pr ovisions for cotton 
and on the use of th ose provisions by Member.  
3.10.   Of the 32  Members  covered by th is Market Access Part , three have scheduled SSG 
provisi ons for cotton, namely, Colombia, South Africa, and the United States . 
3.11.   The following  table lists the cotton tariff lines  for which SSG provisions are specified in each 
of those three  Member s' schedule s. The following column headings are used:  
Member  The n ame of the Member who has reserved SSG provisions for cotton; and  
 
Tariff Line  The tariff item number for which the SSG provision was reserved (through the 
inclusion of the symbol "SSG") as specified in the Member's schedule reproduced in 
the CTS file  using  the HS 2002 nomenclature.  
 
3.2.1   Scheduled SSG provisions for cotton  
Member  Tariff Line  
Colombia  5201000000  
South Africa  52010010  
  52010020  
  52010090  
  52021010  
  52021090  
  52029110  
  52029190  
  52029910  
  52029990  
  52030000  
United States of Ame rica  52010018  
  52010028  
  52010038  
  52010080  
  52029930  
  52030030  
 
3.12.   Based on  Table MA:3 notifications circulated by the Secretariat up to 18 October  2016, none 
of those three Members ha s notified trigger levels for the volume -based SSG concerning cotton . 
3.13.   Regarding the  price-based SSG, based on Table MA:4 notifications  circulated by the 
Secretariat up to 18 October  2016, the United States  have notified trigger price s for all  the tariff 
lines for which  SSG provisions  were reserved . These trigger pric es are presented by tariff item 
number  in the table  below . The following column headings are used:  
Tariff Line  The tariff item number for which the SSG provision was reserved (through the 
inclusion of the symbol "SSG") as specified in the Member's schedule  reproduced 
in the CTS using  the HS 2002 nomenclature;  
 
Trigger Price  The trigger price for the tariff item number  as notified in the Table MA:4 
notific ation.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 52 - 
 
  3.2.2   Notified trigger prices for cotton  
United States of America  (G/AG/N/USA/1)  
Tariff Line  Trigger p rice 
52010018  USD 1.60/kg  
52010028  USD 1.12/kg  
52010038  USD 1.20/kg  
52010080  USD 2.75/kg  
52029930  USD 8.15/kg  
52030030  USD 0.64/kg  
 
3.14.   The table below provides , based on MA:5 notifications circulated by the Secretariat up  to 
18 October  2016, informatio n regarding  price-based SSG actions invoked on cotton by the United 
States . The following column headings are used:  
Product  Product  description  as specified in the Table MA:5 notification;  
 
Tariff Line  The tariff item number for  which  the SSG provision was  reserved 
(through the inclusion of the symbol "SSG") as specified in the 
Member's schedule reproduced in the CTS using  the HS 2002 
nomenclature;  
 
Implementation year  The implementation year during which SSG action was invoked ;  
 
Affected quantity (kg.)  The quantity in kilograms of the tariff item number  affected by the SSG 
action as notified in the Table MA:5 notification ; and  
 
Notification reference  The reference of the relevant notification . 
 
3.2.3   Invoked price -based SSG for cotton  
United States of America (T able MA:5)  
Product  Tariff Line  Implementation 
year Affected 
quantity 
(kg.)  Notification 
Reference  
Short staple cotton, over -quota  52010018  Calendar year, 1996  150 G/AG/N/USA/24  
Short staple cotton, over -quota  52010018  Calendar year , 2006 54 G/AG/N/USA/61  
Extra long staple cotton, over -quota  52010080  Calendar year, 2003  118,807  G/AG/N/USA/61  
Extra long staple cotton, over -quota  52010080  Calendar year, 2007  539 G/AG/N/USA/67  
Note:  The following paragraph is quoted in  all of the above -mentioned U.S. notifications: " United States price-based 
safeguards are invoked automatically on a shipment -by-shipment basis. Importers who enter goods in an over -quota tariff line 
are required to declare which pre -established price range is applicable to their product. If t here is a safeguard duty associated 
with that price range, the additional charge is assessed. Entries where the safeguard duties were assessed during the reporti ng 
period are summarized in this notification. Information on affected quantities, while not re quired by the format, is provided for 
illustrative purposes. Multiple transactions involving the same product have been aggregated for the purposes of this 
notification. " TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 53 - 
 
  3.3  TARIFF RATE QUOTAS  
3.15.   Of the 32  Members  covered by the Market Access Part  of this backg round paper , only China, 
Colombia, South Africa and the United States  have scheduled tariff rate quotas26 for cotton.  
3.16.   This section is organized as follows: Sub-section 3.3.1  provides  information regarding the  
tariff rate quota commitments for cotton as spec ified in those four  Members' schedules; Sub-
section 3.3.2  presents the most recent  TRQ administration methods notified by those four  
Members in Table MA:1 notifications; and Sub-section 3.3.3 provides, for each of those four 
Members,  the TRQ quantities and  the notified in-quota imports  from Table MA:2 notifications and 
the corresponding  fill rates  further to the request made at  the third dedicated discussion . 
3.3.1   Tariff rate quota commitments  for cotton  
3.17.   This sub -section lists , by Member , the initial and final b ound tariff rate quota quantities and 
in-quota tariff rates for cotton as specified in the Member's schedule. The following column 
headings are used:  
TQID  The number identifying the bound tariff quota for eac h Member  in the CTS , 
in the same sequential order as scheduled . The seven -character code is 
comprised of the three -letter WTO Member code, followed by "Q" for 
"TRQ", and by the three -digit sequential identifier . 
 
Product  The product or group of products as specified in the Member's schedule27; 
 
Tariff Li ne(s)  The tariff item number(s) as specified in the Member's schedule reproduced 
in the CTS using  the HS 2002 nomenclature;  
 
Unit The unit for initial and final bound tariff rate quota quantities;  
 
Initial quota  The initial bound tariff rate quota quantity  as specified in the Member's 
schedule;  
 
Final quota  The final bound tariff rate quota quantity as specified in the Member's 
schedule; and  
 
In-quota tariff rate  The in-quota tariff rate  as specified in the Member's schedule.  
 
China1 
TQID  Product  Tariff lin e(s) Unit Initial quota  Final quota  In-quota tariff rate  
CHNQ010  Cotton2 52010000, 52030000  Metric tonnes  780,750  894,000  1% 
1 Annex 1 contains the notes from China's schedule concerning tariff rate quota commitments.  
2 The following information is taken  from the column "other terms and conditions" in China's schedule for its cotton TRQ 
commitment (Refer to Annex 1 , "Note 1")  
1) STE share = 33% (See Note 1) . 
2) Staging for cotton  
Year TRQ quantity  
2002 818,500 mt . 
2003 856,250 mt . 
2004 894,000 mt . 
 
Colomb ia 
TQID  Product  Tariff line(s)  Unit Initial quota  Final quota  In-quota tariff rate  
COLQ057  Algodon sin cardar ni 
peinar  5201 Metric tonnes  222 222 99% 
COLQ067  Algodon  5201 Metric tonnes  1510 2664 80% 
 
South Africa1 
TQID  Product  Tariff line(s)  Unit Initial quota  Final quota  In-quota tariff rate  
ZAFQ053  Cotton  5201 Metric tonnes  17,101  17,101  12% 
1 The following note is included in South Africa's schedule for its TRQ commitments: "South Africa commits itself to fill the 
quotas as indicated at tariff rate s at a maximum of 20% of the bound rates for both the initial and final quantities."  
                                                
26 Also referred to as TRQ or tariff quota.  
27 In original language only.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 54 - 
 
   
United States of America1 
TQID  Product  Tariff line(s)  Unit Initial quota  Final quota  In-quota tariff rate  
USAQ048   52010014  
Metric tonnes  10,000  10,000  0% 
52010024  USD 0.044 per kilogram  
52010034  USD 0.044 per kilogram  
52010060  USD 0.015 per kilogram  
52029910  0% 
52030010  5% 
USAQ049   52010014  Metric tonnes  8,495  20,207  0% 
USAQ050   52010024  Metric tonnes  900 1,400  USD 0.044 per kilogram  
USAQ 051  52010034  Metric tonnes  5,200  11,500  USD 0.044 per kilogram  
USAQ052   52010060  Metric tonnes  25,500  40,100  USD 0.015 per kilogram  
USAQ053   52029910  Kilograms  1,835,427  3,335,427  0% 
USAQ054   52030010  Kilograms  1,000  2,500  5% 
1 Annex 2 contains the ch apter notes from the U.S. schedule concerning TRQ commitments for cotton.  
 
3.18.   The following chart summarizes the total number of scheduled TRQs for cotton , by Member , 
based on  the number of TQIDs  identified in the CTS . 
Chart 3.3: Number of scheduled TRQs for cotton  by Member  
12
17
China Colombia South Africa United States
 
3.3.2   Most recent Tariff Rate Quota administration method  notified for cotton  
3.19.   This sub -section describes, for each  Member  and for each cotton TRQ, the most recent  
import arrangements notified in  Table MA:1 notifications up to 18 October  2016. 
3.20.   The reference number of the relevant notification  is indicated in the title  for each Member, 
with the reporting period  covered by the notification specified  in brackets.  TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 55 - 
 
  China  
G/AG/N/CHN/2  (calendar year 2003)  
CHNQ010  
Description of import arrangement applicable  
(a) (i) Import tariff quota of agricultural products shall be applicable to global trade.  
 (ii) The tariff quota for the year 2003 is open from the date of issuance to 31 December.  
(b) (i) The former S tate Development Planning Commission was responsible for tariff quota 
allocation of agricultural products. National Development Reform Commission and Ministry of 
Commerce are responsible for reallocations.  
 (ii) Requirements and conditions for applicants a pplying for import tariff quota are: having 
registered with Administration of Industry and Commerce (presenting the duplicate of 
business licences) prior to 1 October 2002; being under sound financial conditions and 
having good tax payment records (present ing relevant data for 2001 and 2002); having no 
records of unlawful acts at the Customs, Administration of Industry and Commerce, 
Inspection and Quarantine authorities and Taxation Administration within the period of 
2000-2002; having passed the annual ent erprise review of the year 2001 conducted by 
Administration of Industry and Commerce and Inspection and Quarantine authorities.  
 (iii) Import tariff quota for general trade shall be allocated with reference to the volumes for 
which applicants have applied,  previous import performance and production capacity or 
other applicable commercial standards, or under the principle of "first -come, first -served".  
 (iv) Licence shall remain valid from the date of issuance to 31 December of the same year.  
 
Colombia  
G/AG /N/COL/35  (calendar year 2005)  
COLQ067  
Description of import arrangement applicable  
(a) Allocation of quotas to supplying countries: none.  
(b) Allocation of licences or of access to quotas to importers: the import quota is allocated on a 
competitive basis  amongst participants registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural 
Development. Quota allocation is by means of public auctions in which importers take part 
through the bid registration system.  
(c) Details of other arrangements: not applicable.  
(d) Any other information: Decree No. 430 of 2004 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural 
Development  
 
South Africa  
G/AG/N/ZAF/35  (calendar year 2001)  
ZAFQ053  
Description of import arrangement applicable  
(a) Country Allocations: Global  
(b) Import Allocati ons: 
 (i) Department of Agriculture will allocate and issue permits annually;  
 (ii) historical and new importers who are processors of cotton will be eligible for permits;  
 (iii) permits will be issued pro rata;  
 (iv) permits will be valid for twelve month s. 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 56 - 
 
  United States of America28 
G/AG/N/USA/2/Add.3 and G/AG/N/USA/34/Add.1  (calendar year)  
USAQ049  
Description of import arrangement applicable  
(a) COUNTRY ALLOCATIONS: See Additional U.S. Note 5 to Chapter 52 of the HTSUS (Annex 1, 
36/). 
(b) IMPORTER ALLO CATIONS: First -come, first -served, implemented by U.S. Customs Service  
 (http://www.customs.gov/impoexpo.htm ). 
(c) OTHER ARRANGEMENTS: None.  
(d) OTHER INFORMATION: This provision is included in Additional U.S. Note 5 to chapter 52 of 
the HTSUS  (Annex 1, no te 36/) and in Additional U.S. Note 6 to Chapter 52 of Schedule XX.  
USAQ050  
Description of import arrangement applicable  
(a) COUNTRY ALLOCATIONS: None.  
(b) IMPORTER ALLOCATIONS: First -come, first -served, implemented by U.S. Customs Service 
(http://www.cu stoms.gov/impoexpo/impoexpo.htm).  
(c) OTHER ARRANGEMENTS: None.  
(d) OTHER INFORMATION: This provision is included in Additional U.S. Note 6 to chapter  52 of 
the HTSUS (Annex 1, note 37/) and in Additional U.S. Note 7 to Chapter 52 of Schedule XX.  
USAQ051  
Description of import arrangement applicable  
(a) COUNTRY ALLOCATIONS: None.  
(b) IMPORTER ALLOCATIONS: First -come, first -served, implemented by U.S. Customs Service 
(http://www.customs.gov/impoexpo/impoexpo.htm).  
(c) OTHER ARRANGEMENTS: None.  
(d) OTHER INF ORMATION: This provision is included in Additional U.S. Note 7 to chapter  52 of 
the HTSUS (Annex 1, note 38/) and in Additional U.S. Note 8 to Chapter 52 of Schedule XX.  
USAQ052  
Description of import arrangement applicable  
(a) COUNTRY ALLOCATIONS: None.  
(b) IMPORTER ALLOCATIONS: First -come, first -served, implemented by U.S. Customs Service 
(http://www.customs.gov/impoexpo/impoexpo.htm).  
(c) OTHER ARRANGEMENTS: None.  
(d) OTHER INFORMATION: This provision is included in Additional U.S. Note 8 to chapter 52 of 
the HTSUS (Annex 1, note 39/) and in Additional U.S. Note 9 to Chapter 52 of Schedule XX.  
USAQ053  
Description of import arrangement applicable  
(a) COUNTRY ALLOCATIONS: See Additional U.S. Note 9 to Chapter 52 of the HTSUS 
(Annex  1, 40/). 
(b) IMPORTER ALLOCATIONS: First -come, first -served, implemented by U.S. Customs Service 
(http://www.customs.gov/impoexpo/impoexpo.htm).  
(c) OTHER ARRANGEMENTS: None.  
(d) OTHER INFORMATION: This provision is included in Additional U.S. Note 9 to chapter  52 of 
the HTSUS (Annex 1, note 40/) and in Additional U.S. Note 10 to Chapter 52 of 
Schedule  XX. 
                                                
28 Annex 3  contains the excerpt of notes from the harmonized tariff system of the United States of 
America that concern cotton (from Annex 1 in G/AG/N/USA/2/Add.3 and G/AG/N/USA/34/Add.1).  TN/AG/GE N/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 57 - 
 
  USAQ054  
Description of import arrangement applicable  
(a) COUNTRY ALLOCATIONS: See Additional U.S. Note 10 to Chapter 52 of the HTSUS 
(Annex  1, 41/). 
(b) IMPORTER ALLOCATIONS : First -come, first -served, implemented by U.S. Customs Service 
(http://www.customs.gov/impoexpo/impoexpo.htm).  
(c) OTHER ARRANGEMENTS: None.  
(d) OTHER INFORMATION: This provision is included in Additional U.S. Note 10 to chapter 52 of 
the HTSUS (Annex 1, note 41/) and in Additional U.S. Note 11 to Chapter  52 of 
Schedule  XX. 
 
3.3.3   TRQ quantities and in -quota imports  for cotton  
3.21.   This sub -section provides  yearly TRQ quantities , notified in-quota imports for cotton , and 
the corresponding  fill rates  based on Members ' Table MA:2 notifications circulated by the 
Secretariat up to 18 October  2016. 
3.22.   Fill rates are calculated based on the  data provided in Table MA:2 notifications as the ratio 
of in-quota imports to notified TRQ quantit ies. In cases where notified in-quota imports are greater 
than TRQ quantities, the fill rates are adjusted by setting a maximum of 100% fill  rate. The 
implementation years covered in the tables below are those indicated in the Member's Table MA:2 
notifications . The title of the individual table s indicates the TQID of the TRQ , while  the quantity 
unit used in the notification is indicated in  brackets . 
 
  
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 58 - China  
CHNQ010 ( metric tonnes)  
 2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
TRQ Quantity  818,500  856,250  894,000  894,000  894,000 894,000  894,000  894,000  894,000  894,000  894,000  894,000  894,000  
In-quota Imports  177,000  870,000  1,910,000  2,570,000  894,000  1,165,000  2,111,000  894,000  894,000  894,000  894,000  894,000  894,000  
Fill rates (%)  22 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 
 
Colombia  
COLQ067 ( metric tonnes)  
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
TRQ 
Quantity  1,510  1,847  1,963  2,117  2,245  2,373  2,501  2,630  2,758  2,886  2,886  2,886  2,886  2,886  2,886  2,886  2,886  2,886  2,886  2,886  
In-quota 
Imports  37,747  25,676  47,284  42,661  37,846  58,636  53,583  64,345  64,556  33,490  39,525  61,904  53,307  50,563  60,328  50,315  43,957  26,265  33,040  30,615  
Fill rates 
(%) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 
 
South Africa  
ZAFQ053 ( metric tonnes)  
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
TRQ 
Quantity  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101 17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  
In-quota 
Imports  44,114  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  17,101  
Fill rates 
(%) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 
 
United States of America1 
USAQ049 ( metric tonnes)  
  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
TRQ Quantity    8,495  10,837  13,180  15,522  17,865  20,207  20,207  20,207  20,207  20,207  20,207  20,207  20,207  20,207  20,207  20,207  20,207  20,207  
In-quota Imports    198 1 45 12,098  452 229 351 0 45 2 259 1,346  73 0 0 0 3,969  1,172  
Fill rates (%)   2 0.009 0.3 78 3 1 2 0 0.2 0.01 1 7 0.4 0 0 0 20 6  
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 59 - USAQ050 ( metric tonnes)  
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
TRQ Quantity    900 1,000  1,100  1,200  1,300  1,400  1,400  1,400  1,400  1,400  1,400  1,400  1,400  1,400  1,400  1,400  1,400  1,400  
In-quota Imports    0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Fill rates (%)   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
USAQ051 ( metric tonnes)  
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
TRQ Quantity    5,200  6,460  7,720  8,980  10,240  11,500 11,500  11,500  11,500  11,500  11,500  11,500  11,500  11,500  11,500  11,500  11,500  11,500  
In-quota Imports    0 0 23 1,471  190 116 855 195 1,525  2,608  1,294  235 123 0 0 545 117 0 
Fill rates (%)   0 0 0.3 16 2 1 7 2 13 23 11 2 1 0 0 5 1 0 
USAQ052 ( metric tonnes)  
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
TRQ Quantity    25,500  28,420  31,340  34,260  37,180  40,100  40,100  40,100  40,100  40,100  40,100  40,100  40,100  40,100  40,100  40,100  40,100  40,100  
In-quota Im ports   0 13 62 3,483  9,611  2,657  5,089  13,813  9,270  4,244  3,934  2,423  2,418  0 0 1,518  1,214  1,548  
Fill rates (%)   0 0.05 0.2 10 26 7 13 34 23 11 10 6 6 0 0 4 3 4 
USAQ053 ( kilograms ) 
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
TRQ 
Quantity    1,835,427  2,135,427  2,435,427  2,735,427  3,035,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  3,335,427  
In-quota 
Imports    15,000  17,584  0 0 0 0 0 0 128,198  0 0 169,844  791,441  87,332  561,492  729,436  558,590  1,224,637  
Fill rates 
(%)  1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 5 24 3 17 22 17 37 
USAQ054 ( kilograms ) 
 1995  1996  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
TRQ Quantity    1,000  1,300  1,600  1,900  2,200  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,500  
In-quota Imports    800 120 0 1,796  1,307  2,500  2,500  2,500  2,300  157 0 0 0 2,500  0 20 0 70 
Fill rates (%)   80 9 0 95 59 100 100 100 92 6 0 0 0 100 0 1 0 3 
1 According to the U.S. notification for implementation year 1995, Uruguay Round commitments for cotton products in headings 52 01, 5202 and 5203 became eff ective only in the fall of 1995 , and imports 
under these commitments were re ported along with calendar year  1996 imports in early  1997.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 60 - 
 
  3.23.   Based on the information presented in section 3.3.3 above, the following charts  show, by 
Member and by year, notified in -quota imports compared to the scheduled quantity, as well as the 
correspo nding fill rates, under each TRQ.   
Charts on notified in -quota imports compared to the scheduled quantity  
Chart 3.4: China (CHNQ0 10) 
Insert the chart for CHNQ010 in sheet "TQ charts" in Excel file "Charts_noti f" 
22%100%100%100%
100%100%100%
100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
0500,0001,000,0001,500,0002,000,0002,500,0003,000,000
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014metric tonnes
In-quota Imports TRQ Quantity %: Fill rate
 
Chart 3.5: Colombia ( COLQ067 ) 
Insert the chart for COLQ067 in sheet "TQ charts" in Excel file "Charts_notif"  
100%
100%100%
100%
100%100%
100%100% 100%
100%100%100%
100%
100%100%
100%
100%
100%100%
100%
010,00020,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014metric tonnes
In-quota Imports TRQ Quantity %: Fill rate
 TN/AG/GEN/34 /Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 61 - 
 
  Chart 3.6: South Africa ( ZAFQ053 ) 
Insert the chart for ZAFQ053 in sheet "TQ charts" in Excel file "Charts_notif"  
100%
100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
05,00010,00015,00020,00025,00030,00035,00040,00045,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014metric tonnes
In-quota Imports TRQ Quantity %: Fill rate
 
Chart 3.7: United States of America ( USAQ049 ) 
Insert the chart for USAQ049 in sheet "TQ charts" in Excel file "Charts_notif"  
2% 0.009% 0.3%78%
3% 1% 2% 0% 0.2% 0.01% 1%7%
0.4% 0% 0% 0%20%
6%
03,0006,0009,00012,00015,00018,00021,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013metric tonnes
In-quota Imports TRQ Quantity %: Fill rate
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 62 - 
 
  Chart 3.8: United States of America (USAQ050 ) 
Insert the chart for USAQ050 in sheet "TQ charts" in Excel file "Charts_notif"  
0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
02004006008001,0001,2001,400
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013metric tonnes
In-quota Imports TRQ Quantity %: Fill rate
 
Chart 3.9: United Stat es of America (USAQ051 ) 
Insert the chart for USAQ051 in sheet "TQ charts" in Excel file "Charts_notif"  
0% 0% 0.3%16%
2% 1%7%
2%13%23%
11%
2% 1% 0% 0%5%1% 0%
02,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013metric tonnes
In-quota Imports TRQ Quantity %: Fill rates
 TN/AG/GEN/34 /Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 63 - 
 
  Chart 3.10: United States of America (USAQ052 ) 
Insert the chart for USAQ052 in sheet "TQ charts" in Excel file "Charts_notif"  
0% 0.05% 0.2%10%26%
7%13%34%
23%
11% 10%
6% 6%
0% 0%4% 3% 4%
06,00012,00018,00024,00030,00036,00042,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013metric tonnes
In-quota Imports TRQ Quantity %: Fill rate
 
Chart 3.11: United States of America (USAQ053 ) 
Insert the chart for USAQ053 in sheet "TQ charts" in Excel file "Charts_notif"  
1% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%4%0% 0%5%24%
3%17%22%
17%37%
0500,0001,000,0001,500,0002,000,0002,500,0003,000,0003,500,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013kilograms
In-quota Imports TRQ Quantity %: Fill rate
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 64 - 
 
  Chart 3.12: United States of Ame rica (USAQ054 ) 
Insert the chart for USAQ054 in sheet "TQ charts" in Excel file "Charts_notif"  
 
80%
9%0%95%
59%100% 100% 100%
92%
6%
0% 0% 0%100%
0% 1% 0% 3%
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013kilograms
In-quota Imports TRQ Quantity %: Fill rate
 
 
 TN/AG/GEN/34 /Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 65 - 
 
  3.4  OTHER NON TARIFF MEASURES  
3.24.   This section contains  information on other non-tariff measures applicable to cotton.  The 
information presented is sourced from  the WTO I-TIP Goods database29, which  compiles  data 
about non-tariff measures notified by Members  as well as information on "specific trade concerns" 
raised by Members during WTO Committee meetings .  
3.25.   The non-tariff measures  listed below result from a query in the I-TIP Goods database , using  
the following criteria:  
a. Member imposing the measure: The 32 Members selected for this Market Access p art; 
b. Type of measure covered: Sanitary and Phytosanitary  measures (as notified under the 
Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosan itary measures ); measures notified under the 
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade ; Anti-Dumping  measures (as notified under 
the Anti -Dumping agreement ); Countervailing duties (as notified under the Agreement 
on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures ); Safeguard measures (as notified under the 
Agreement on Safeguards ); State Trading Enterprises (as notified to the Working Party 
on State Trading Enterprises, pursuant to Article XVII:4(a) of the GATT 1994 and 
Paragraph 1 of the Understanding on the interpre tation of Article XVII ); Quantitative 
restrictions  notified to the Committee on Market Access as per the CTG  Decision 
contained in G/L/59/Rev.1;  and import licensing procedures (as notified under the 
Agreement on Import Licensing procedures).  
c. Measures initiated or notified from 1 January 2012  to 18 October  2016 and which have 
not been withdrawn to date ; and 
d. Measures with a reference to "cotton" and with a product description encompassing  
explicitly or poten tially HS headings 52.01, 52.02  or 52.03 .30 
3.26.   It shoul d be noted that , to date, no specific trade concern has been rais ed in the relevant 
WTO Committees with respect to  the non-tariff measures identified in this Section  and listed in the 
table below.  
3.27.   The following column headings are used  for the table s below : 
Member  Member notif ying the measure . 
Partner affected   Member(s) affected by the measure if  identified in the  relevant 
notification, or otherwise  "All Members" . 
Notif. req.  Type of measure  notified , using the following coding: "SPS" for Sanitary 
and Phyt osanitary measures ; "TBT" for measures notified under the 
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade ; "AD" for Anti -Dumping 
measures ; "CV" for countervailing duties ; "SG" for Safeguard measures ; 
"STE" for State Trading Enterprises ; "QR" for Quantitative Rest rictions ; 
and "LIC" for import licensing procedures.  
Initiation / 
notification   Date of initiation  or notification of the measure.  
In force   Date of entry into force  of the measure (if any) as it appears in the  
relevant notificat ion. 
Measure description  Summarized  description of the measure  based on the information in  the 
relevant  notification . 
Product description  Summarized description of the product covered by the measure based on 
the information in the relevant notification . 
Source   Document  number of th e relevant  notification (s). 
                                                
29 http://i -tip.wto.org/goods/default.aspx?language=en . 
30 It should be noted that, in the absence of specific or further indication by Members, listed measures 
making reference to "cotton", may in fact not apply to the trade of "cotton" as defined in this paper, i.e . 
products covered by the Harmonized System nomenclature headings 52.01, 52.02 and 52.03.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 66 - 
 
  Chart 3.13: Number of other non -tariff measures applicable to cotton, per type of 
measure (1 January 2012 to 18 October  2016)  
Find the chart in the Excel file named as "Cotton NTM c hart_October_2016"  
 
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 67 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
Honduras  All 
countries  LIC 12-Aug-16   Import permits are required to ensure that plants, plant 
products and by -produ cts, and products and inputs for 
agricultural use have been inspected via the proper 
procedures and do not constitute a potential risk as carriers of 
pests or diseases.  Cotton and cotton products  G/LIC/N/3/HND/10  
Brazil  All 
countries  TBT 27-Jul-16 01-Mar-17 Technical regulation establishing the quality requirements, 
sampling presentation, marking, labelling aspects relating to 
the cotton classification.  HS: Chapter 52 - Cotton  G/TBT/N/BRA/683  
Kazakhstan  All 
countries 
that are 
parties to 
the Basel 
Conventi o
n LIC 29-Jun-16   The Republic of Kazakhstan manages its obligations for 
hazardous waste controlled by the Basel Convention for the 
Control of Trans -boundary Movements of Hazardous Waste 
and their Disposal (Basel Convention) through the Common 
List of Goo ds that are Subject to Non -tariff Measures in Trade 
with Third Countries (Decision of the Collegium of the 
Eurasian Economic Commission No. 30 "On Measures of Non -
tariff Regulation" of 21 April 2015, Annex 2.3).  Ex 5202 10 000 0 - Wastes in the form of spi nning 
down.  G/LIC/N/3/KAZ/1  
Malaysia  All 
countries, 
with the 
exception 
of 
countries 
in the 
American 
Tropics 
and 
countries 
endemic 
to disease 
of plants 
of the 
palmae 
family.  LIC 18-Feb-16   The Plant Quarantine Act 1976 amends and consolidates the 
laws rel ating to the control, prevention and eradication of 
agricultural pests, noxious plants and plant disease and to 
extend co -operation in the control of the movement of pests 
in international trade for matters connected therewith. The 
Plant Quarantine Regulat ions 1981 were made pursuant to 
Section 23 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976. It stipulates the 
requirement which must be met for the entry of plants, 
growing media, organic fertilizers, soil, living or dead 
organisms including micro -organism and any hosts of plant 
pest and/or carrier of plant pests into Malaysia, and at the 
same time for the prevention of entry of pests of quarantine 
importance into the country.  Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)  G/LIC/N/3/MYS/11  
China  All 
Members  TBT 28-Oct-15   National Standa rd of the P.R.C., Conventional Moisture 
Regains of Textiles  
 Textile materials (HS: 50010010 -50079090, 
51011100 -51130000, 52010000 -52122500, 
53011000 -53110090, 54011010 -54083400, 
55011000 -55169400, 56011000 -56090000, 
58011000 -58110090, 59011010 -59119000, 
60011000 -60069000, 61012000 -61179000, 
62011100 -62179000)  G/TBT/N/CHN/1151  
G/TBT/N/CHN/1151/Sup
pl.1 
Russian 
Federation  All 
Members  LIC 21-Oct-15   The Russian Federation manages its obligations for hazardous 
waste controlled by the Basel Convention for the Control of 
Trans -boundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their 
Disposal (Basel Convention) through the Common List of 
Goods that are subject of import/export prohibitions or 
restrictions in trade with third countries (Decision of the Board 
of the Eurasia n Economic Commission No. 30 "About 
measures of non -tariff regulation" of 21.04.2015) 
(Annex  2.3). Hazardous waste (Ex 5202 10 000 0)  G/LIC/N/3/RUS/2/Rev.1   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 68 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
Pakistan  India AD 20-Aug-15   Anti-dumping  Cotton yarn 55.5 and above  G/ADP/N/280/PAK  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 23-Jun-15   Draft resolution regarding the active ingredient Q05.2 
QUIZALOFOP -P-TEFURYL of the monograph list of active 
ingredients for pesticides, household cleaning products and 
wood preservers, published by Resolution - RE n° 165 of 29 
August  2003, Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial da 
União) of 2 September 2003  Post-emergency application in cultures of cotton 
(0.1mg/kg safety security period of 30 days)  (…) G/SPS/N/BRA/1048  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 23-Jun-15   Draft resolution reg arding the active ingredient I18 
ISOXAFLUTOLE of the monograph list of active ingredients for 
pesticides, household cleaning products and wood preservers, 
published by Resolution - RE n° 165 of 29 August 2003, 
Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial  da União) of 2 
September 2003  Post-emergency application in cultures of cotton 
(0.01mg/kg safety security period of 97 days)  (…)  G/SPS/N/BRA/1049  
Peru United 
States of 
America  SPS 22-Jun-15   The draft phytosanitary requirements governing the 
importati on into Peru of cotton gin waste (linters) originating 
in and coming from the United States of America are being 
submitted for public consultation following the completion of 
the relevant technical report.  HS tariff subheading 5202.99.00.00: Cotton 
(Gossyp ium spp.) gin waste (linters)  G/SPS/N/PER/613  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 22-May-15   Draft resolution regarding the active ingredient G05 
GLUFOSINATE of the monograph list of active ingredients for 
pesticides, household cleaning products and wood preservers, 
published by Resolution - RE n° 165 of 29 August 2003, 
Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial da União) of 2 
September 2003  Post-emergency application in cultures of (…) cotton 
(0.5mg/kg safety security period of 28 days), 
cotton (0.5mg/kg safety security period to the 
culture of genetically modified cotton, which 
express resistance to glufosinate, is of 116 days, 
when the pesticide is applied in post -emergency of  
the culture and of the weeds), (…)  Desiccant 
application in cultures of cotton (0.5mg /kg safety 
security period of 28 days), (…) G/SPS/N/BRA/1044  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 12-May-15   Draft resolution regarding the active ingredient C32 
CLETHODIM of the monograph list of active ingredients for 
pesticides, household cleaning products and wood  preservers, 
published by Resolution - RE n° 165 of 29 August 2003, 
Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial da União) of 2 
September 2003  
Inclusion of cultures of sunflower (0.05mg/kg safety security 
period of 53 days), apple and grape (0.05mg/kg sa fety 
security period of 23 days), inclusion of cultures of sweet 
potato, yacon potato, beet, yams, ginger, cocoyam, 
arracacha, turnip and radish (0.5mg/kg safety security period 
of 180 days); and inclusion of cultures of eggplant, scarlet 
eggplant, pepper,  green pepper and okra (0.5mg/kg safety 
security period of 20 days), all in post -emergency application.  Post-emergency application in cultures of cotton 
(0.5mg/kg safety security period of 50 days),  (…) G/SPS/N/BRA/1031  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Membe rs SPS 13-March -15 20-Feb-15 This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of 
dimethenamid in or on cottonseed subgroup 20C and cotton, 
gin byproducts.  Cotton, gin byproducts; Cottonseed subgroup 20C  G/SPS/N/USA/2740  
Brazil  All 
Members  TBT 5-Feb-15  Draft technical regulation setting up official standard 
classification, quality, marking and labelling requirements, 
sampling procedures, method of presentation etc. related to 
the product (cotton) classification. It revises the Ordinance 
Nº 63, 5  Decembe r 2002 (Instrução Normativa SDA/MAPA/Nº HS: Chapter 52 – Cotton  G/TBT/N/BRA/78/Rev.1   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 69 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
63 de 5 de Dezembro de 2002), notified under the document 
G/TBT/N/BRA/78, 21 January 2003.  
China  All 
Members  LIC 22-Jan-15  Import tariff -rate quotas  (…) Cotton (…)  G/LIC /N/3/CHN/13  
 
Brazil  Sudan  SPS 07-Jan-15 18-Dec-14 The notified document approves the phytosanitary 
requirements for the importation of threshed cotton fibre 
(Gossypium hirsutum ) (Category 2, Class 10) produced in 
Sudan, in accordance with the results of a  pest risk analysis.  Threshed cotton fibre ( Gossypium hirsutum ) 
(Category 2, Class 10)  G/SPS/N/BRA/1011  
Malaysia  All 
Members  LIC 6-Nov-14 1-Jan-15 The Plant Quarantine Regulations 1981 were made pursuant 
to Section 23 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976. It stipulates 
the requirement which must be met for the entry of plants, 
growing media, organic fertilizers, soil, living or dead 
organisms including micro -organism and any hosts of plant 
pest and/or carrier of plant pests into Malaysia, and at the 
same time for the prevention of entry of pests of quarantine 
importance into the country.  
Under the Plant Quarantine Regulations 1981, an import 
permit is imposed for the importation of the following (…)  
- Importation of all commodities as listed below for processin g 
or consumption from All Countries except from countries 
endemic to South American  Leaf Blight, countries endemic to 
disease of plants of Palmae and countries endemic from 
Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium) commencing 
1 January 2015, (…) Cotton (Gossypi um hirsutum) ( …) (…) Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) (…)  
 G/LIC/N/3/MYS/10  
Turkey  United 
States of 
America  AD 18-Oct-14   Original investigation   Cotton; 5201  G/ADP/N/265/TUR  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 13-Oct-14  Draft resolution regarding the active ingredient F23 
FLUAZIFOP -P of the monograph list of active ingredients for 
pesticides, household cleaning products and wood preservers, 
published by Resolution - RE N° 165 of  29 August 2003, 
Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial da União) of 
2 September  2003 (…) Post-emergency application in cultures of lettuce 
(0.05mg/kg, safety security period of 28 days), 
cotton (0.04mg/kg, safety security period of 60 
days) (…)  G/SPS/N/BRA/989  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 13-Oct-14  Draft resolution regarding the active ingred ient G05 - 
GLUFOSINATE of the monograph list of active ingredients for 
pesticides, household cleaning products and wood preservers, 
published by Resolution - RE N° 165 of 29  August 2003, 
Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial da União) of 
2 Septemb er 2003 (…)  Post-emergency application in cultures of (…) cotton 
(0.5mg/kg, safety security period of 28 days), 
cotton (0.5mg/kg, the safety security period to the 
culture of the genetically modified cotton, which 
manifests resistance to the glufosinate, i s of 116 
days, when the pesticide is applied in post -
emergency of culture and weeds) (…) Desiccant 
application in cultures of cotton (0.5mg/kg, safety 
security period of 28 days) (…)  G/SPS/N/BRA/986  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 13-Oct-14  Draft resolution regar ding the active ingredient G01 - 
GLYPHOSATE of the monograph list of active ingredients for 
pesticides, household cleaning products and wood preservers, 
published by Resolution - RE N° 165 of 29  August 2003, 
Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial d a União) of 
2 September  2003 (…)  Post-emergency application in cultures of cotton 
(3.0mg/kg, safety security period to the culture of 
cotton is not determined when the pesticide is 
applied in post -emergency of the weeds and pre -
emergency of the culture. Th e safety security period 
to the cultures of genetically modified cotton, which 
express resistance to the glyphosate, is of 130 
days, when the pesticide is applied in post -G/SPS/N/BRA/981   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 70 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
emergency of the weeds and of the culture) (…) 
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 10-Oct-14  Draft resolution regarding the active ingredient P01 - 
PARAQUAT of the monograph list of active ingredients for 
pesticides, household cleaning products and wood preservers, 
published by Resolution - RE N° 165 of 29 August 2003, 
Brazilian Offic ial Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial da União) of 
2 September 2003 (…)  Post-emergency application in cultures of (…) cotton 
(0.2mg/kg, safety security period of 7 days) (…) 
Desiccant application in cultures of cotton 
(0.2mg/kg, safety security period of 7 days)  (…) G/SPS/N/BRA/980  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 8-Oct-14  Draft resolution regarding the active ingredient F42 - 
FLUROXYPYR of the monograph list of active ingredients for 
pesticides, household cleaning products and wood preservers, 
published by Resolution - RE n° 165 of 29  August 2003, 
Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial da União) of 
2 September  2003 (…)  Post-emergency application in cultures of cotton 
(0.01mg/kg safety security period not determined 
due to the mode of use) (…)  G/SPS/N/BRA/973  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  LIC 3-Oct-14  Import permits are required for the importation of most plants 
and some plant products, to protect against the introduction 
of pests and diseases.  Permits are also required for the 
import, export or re -export  of terrestrial plants that are on 
the endangered species list.  Cotton and cotton covers  G/LIC/N/3/USA/11  
 
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  SPS 07-Aug-14  Amitraz, Carfentrazone -ethyl, Ethephon, Malathion, 
Mancozeb, et al.; Proposed Tolerance Actions  EPA is proposing 
to revoke certain tolerances for the fungicides spiroxamine 
and triflumizole, the herbicides carfentrazone -ethyl and 
quizalofop ethyl; the insecticides amitraz, oxamyl, 
propetamphos, and spinosad; and the plant growth regulators 
ethephon and mepiquat. In addition, EPA is proposing to 
revoke the tolerance on rice straw for multiple active 
ingredients. Also, EPA is proposing to modify certain 
tolerances for the fungicides mancozeb, thiram, and 
triflumizole; and the insecticide malathion. In addition, EPA is 
proposing to establish new tolerances for the fungicide 
mancozeb. Also, in accordance with current Agency practice, 
EPA is proposing to make minor revisions to the tolerance 
expression for malathion, mepiquat, and thiram.  (…); Cotton, gin by-products; Cotton, undelinted 
seed; (…)  G/SPS/N/USA/2688  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 04-Aug-14  Draft resolution regarding the active ingredient S -
METOLACHLOR of the monograph list of active ingredients for 
pesticides, household cleaning products and wood pr eservers, 
published by Resolution - RE n° 165 of 29 August 2003, 
Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial da União) of 
2 September 2003 (…)  Pre-emergency application in cultures of cotton 
(0.2mg/kg safety security period not determined 
due to the mod e of use) (…)  G/SPS/N/BRA/966  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 04-Aug-14  Draft resolution regarding the active ingredient 
CARFENTRAZONE -ETHYL of the monograph list of active 
ingredients for pesticides, household cleaning products and 
wood preservers, published by Resolution - RE n° 165 of 
29 August 2003, Brazilian Official Gazette (DOU Diário Oficial 
da União) of 2 September 2003 (…)  Post-emergency application in cultures of cotton 
(0.1mg/kg safety security period of 8 days) (…)  G/SPS/N/BRA/965  
Mexico  All 
Members  SPS 12-Jun-14  Proyecto de Modificación a la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM -
026-FITO-1995, Por la que se establece el control de plagas 
del algodonero (Draft Amendment to Mexican Official 
Standard NOM -026-FITO-1995: Establishing cotton plant pest Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders) 
and cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis 
Boheman), which affect cotton, okra and kenaf 
crops.  G/SPS/N/MEX/260   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 71 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
controls) The  notified Standard establishes the mandatory 
regulations to control and prevent the spread of pest 
populations: pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella 
Saunders) and cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis 
Boheman), which affect cotton, okra and kenaf crops ; in 
addition to phytosanitary measures in order to prevent the 
spread of such pests to pest -free areas. (…)  
Malaysia  All 
Members  SPS 10-Mar-14 01-Jul-14 New Import Requirements for Importation of Plants, Plant 
Products and Regulated Articles into Malaysia 2014 Malaysia 
proposes to revise and implement new import requirements of 
plants, plant prod ucts and regulated articles into Malaysia 
following the gazette of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection 
Services Act 2011. This Act requires that the importation of 
any plant into Malaysia shall require an import license. The 
commodities would also have to be accompanied by a 
phytosanitary certificate with additional declarations stating 
that appropriate treatment/measures have been applied prior 
to importation.  Processed and dried for consumption soy bean 
(Glycine  max), corn/maize grain ( Zea mays ), dried 
for consumption cocoa bean ( Theobroma  cacao ), 
processed and dried for consumption coffee beans 
(Coffea  Arabica , Robusta  coffee , Coffea  liberica ), 
fresh/dried leaves tobacco ( Nicotiana  tabacum ), 
fresh/raw dried cotton ( Gossypium  hirsutum ) (…) G/SPS/N/MYS/27  
Canada  All 
Members  SPS 21-Nov-13  Proposed Maximum Residue Limit: Chlorantraniliprole 
(PMRL2013 -106). The objective of the notified document 
PMRL2013 -106 is to consult on the listed domestic and import 
maximum residue limits (MRLs) for chlorantraniliprole that 
have been proposed by the Health Canada's Pest Management 
Regulatory Agency (PMRA).  
MRL (ppm)  Raw Agricultural Commodity (RAC) and/or 
Processed  Commodity  
(…) 
0.3 Root and tuber vegetables (Crop Group 1)b, Cotton 
 (Crop Subgroup 20C)c 
(…) 
c The cur rently established MRL of 0.3 ppm for undelinted 
cottonseed will be extended to Crop Subgroup 20C.  
ppm = parts per million MRLs are proposed for each 
commodity included in the listed crop groupings in accordance 
with the Residue Chemistry Crop Groups webpage 
http://www.hc -sc.gc.ca/cps -spc/pest/part/protect -
proteger/food -nourriture/rccg -gcpcr -eng.php  in the Pesticides 
and Pest Management section  of Health Canada's website.  Pesticide chlorantraniliprole in or on various food 
commodities (ICS Codes: 65.020, 65.100, 67.040, 
67.080, 67.100, 67.120, 67.200)  G/SPS/N/CAN/769, 
G/SPS/N/CAN/769/Add.1   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 72 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
Mexico  Peru SPS 21-Oct-13  Pursuant to the Decision est ablishing the module 
of phytosanitary requirements for the importation of goods 
regulated by the Ministry  of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural 
Development, Fisheries and Food, in relation to  plant health 
(Acuerdo por el que se establece el módulo de requisitos  
fitosanitarios para la importación de mercancías reguladas por 
la Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, 
Pesca y Alimentación, en materia de sanidad vegetal ), 
published in the Mexican Official Journal on 7  February  2012, 
the phytosanitary  requirements for the importation into 
Mexico of uncarded or uncombed cotton fibre ( Gossypium 
barbadense ) for processing, originating in and coming from 
Peru, established following the pest risk analysis or risk 
assessment, have been submitted for public c omment.  Cotton fibre ( Gossypium barbadense ), not carded or 
combed, for  processing.  G/SPS/N/MEX/241, 
G/SPS/N/MEX/241/Add.1  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 12-Jul-13  Draft Resolution n o. 25 of 2 July 2013 Draft Resolution 
regarding the active ingredient Diflubenzur on to be included 
in the monograph list of active ingredients of pesticides, 
household cleaning products and wood preservers, including 
the use in the cultures of cotton (0.2mg/kg; safety period of 
28 days), rice (0.1mg/kg; safety period of 70 days), citru s 
(0.2mg/kg; safety period of 30  days), corn (0.2mg/kg; safety 
period of 60  days), soybean (0.2mg/kg; safety period of 
21 days), tomato (0.5mg/kg; safety period of 4  days) and 
wheat (0.5mg/kg; safety period of 30  days).  Active ingredient Diflubenzuron on c otton, rice, 
citrus, corn, soybean, tomato and wheat  G/SPS/N/BRA/883  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  SPS 11-Apr-13 27-Mar-13 Abamectin; Pesticide Tolerances This regulation raises 
tolerances for residues of abamectin (also known as 
avermectin B1 a mi xture of avermectins containing greater 
than or equal to 80% avermectin B1a (5 -O-demethyl 
avermectin A1) and less than or equal to 20% avermectin 
delta-8,9-isomer) in or on cotton and strawberries.  Cotton and strawberries  G/SPS/N/USA/2530  
United 
States of  
America  All 
Members  SPS 05-Mar-13 27-Feb-13 Pyraflufen -ethyl; Pesticide Tolerances This regulation 
establishes tolerances for residues of pyraflufen -ethyl in or on 
multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later 
in this document. Nichino Ame rica, Inc. requested these 
tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
(FFDCA).  Almond, hulls; Cattle, fat; Cattle, meat; Cattle, 
meat by -products; Corn, field, forage; Corn, field, 
grain; Corn, field, stover; Cotton, gin by -products; 
Cotton,  undelinted seed; (…)  G/SPS/N/USA/2523   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 73 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 29-Oct-12  Draft Resolution n° 58 of 4 October 2012 Draft Resolution for 
the active ingredient Pymetrozine to be included in the 
monograph list of active ingredients of pesticides, household 
sanitizing products and wood preservers, including the use in 
the cultures of lettuce (MRL of 0.1 mg/kg and safety period of 
7 days), cotton (MRL of 0.1 mg/kg and safety period of 
7 days) (…)  Active ingredient P52 - Pymetrozine  G/SPS/N/BRA/837  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 29-Oct-12  Draft Resolution n° 59 of 4 October 2012 Draft Resolution for 
the active ingredient Zeta -Cypermethrin to be included in the 
monograph list of active ingredients of pesticides, household 
sanitizing products and wood preservers, includin g the use in 
the cultures of cotton (MRL of 0.05  mg/kg and safety period 
of 15 days) (…)  Active ingredient Z60 - Zeta-Cypermethrin  G/SPS/N/BRA/841  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 29-Oct-12  Draft Resolution n° 60 of 4 October 2012 Draft Resolution for 
the active i ngredient Flumioxazin to be included in the 
monograph list of active ingredients of pesticides, household 
sanitizing products and wood preservers, including the use in 
the cultures of cotton (MRL of 0.05 mg/kg and safety period 
of 100 days)(…)  Active ingre dient F46 - Flumioxazin  G/SPS/N/BRA/845  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  SPS 08-Oct-12 28-Sep-12 Sulfoxaflor; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions 
This regulation establishes time -limited tolerances for 
residues of sulfoxaflor, N -methyloxido [1-[6-(trifluoromethyl) -
3-pyridinyl]ethyl] [lambda] \4\-sulfanylidene] cyanamide, 
including its metabolites and degradates in or on cotton, 
undelinted seed; cotton, gin by -products; and cotton, hulls.  Cotton  G/SPS/N/USA/2476  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  SPS 10-Sep-12 15-Aug-12 Flutriafol; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions 
This regulation establishes time -limited tolerances for 
residues of flutriafol in or on cotton, undelinted seed; cotton, 
meal; cotton, refined oil; and cotton gin by -products. This 
action is in response to EPA's granting of an emergency 
exemption under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of the 
pesticide on cotton. This regulation establishes a maximum 
permissible  level for residues of flutriafol in or on cotton 
commodities. The time -limited tolerances expire on 
31 December 2014.  Cotton  G/SPS/N/USA/2451  
China  All 
Members  TBT 23-Jul-12  Administrative Measures on Inspection and Supervision of 
Imported Cotton  (9 pag es, in Chinese) These Measures 
specify the administrative measures of inspection and 
supervision on the quality of imported cotton.  Imported cotton HS F5201000010 A5201000090  G/TBT/N/CHN/925   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 74 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
Peru India SPS 19-Jul-12 19-Oct-11 Resolución Directoral Nº 34 -2011-AG-SENASA -DSV 
(Directorial Resolution No.  34-2011-AG-SENASA -DSV) The 
notified Directorial Resolution lifts the phytosanitary measures 
suspending the issue of phytosanitary import permits for 
cotton (Gossypium spp.) fibre, not carded or combed, 
originat ing in and coming from India.  HS tariff subheadings 5201.00.90.00, 
5201.00.30.00, 5201.00.20.00 and 5201.00.10.00: 
Cotton fibre, not carded or combed.  G/SPS/N/PER/422  
Peru India SPS 19-Jul-12 17-May-12 Resolución Directoral Nº 0012 -2012-AG-SENASA -DSV 
(Directorial Resolution No.  0012-2012-AG-SENASA -DSV) The 
notified Directorial Resolution establishes the mandatory 
phytosanitary requirements governing the importation into 
Peru of cotton comber waste from India.  HS tariff subheading 5202.99.00.00: Cotton comb er 
waste.  G/SPS/N/PER/428  
China  All 
Members  TBT 18-Jul-12  National Standard of the P.R.C., Cotton Part1: Saw Ginned 
Upland Cotton i23 pages Cin Chinese j This standard 
specif ies the quality requirements, classif ication criterions, 
test methods, inspectio n rules, inspection certificates, 
packages and marks, storage and transportation requirements 
etc. for saw ginned upland cotton.  
This standard applies to saw ginned upland cotton produced, 
purchased, processed, traded,  stored and used in China.  Cotton -upland cotton ICS: 59.060.10  G/TBT/N/CHN/921  
China  All 
Members  TBT 18-Jul-12  National Standard of the P.R.C., Cotton Part 2: Roller Ginned 
Upland Cotton i18 pages Cin Chinese j This standard 
specifies the quality requirements, classification criterions, 
test methods, inspection rules, inspection certificates, 
packages and marks, storage and transportation requirements 
etc. for roller ginned upland cotton. This standard applies to 
roller ginned upland cotton produced, purchased, processed, 
traded,  stored and used in China.  Cotton -upland cotton ICS: 59.060.10  G/TBT/N/CHN/922  
Brazil  All 
Members  SPS 15-Jun-12 06-Aug-12 Draft Resolution on Azadirachtin This draft sanitary regulation 
modifies Resolution RE nº  165, 29 August 2003, by including 
in it the use of azad irachtin in the cultures of cotton, corn, soy 
and grape (Leaf application, LMR and safety period without 
restrictions).  Azadirachtin  G/SPS/N/BRA/814   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 75 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  SPS 11-Jun-12  Aldicarb; Cancellation Order for Amendments To Termina te 
Uses This notice announces EPA's order for the amendment to 
terminate uses, voluntarily requested by the registrant and 
accepted by the Agency, of products containing aldicarb, 
pursuant to section 6(f)(1) of the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, and Roden ticide Act (FIFRA), as amended. This 
cancellation order follows an 7 October 2010 Federal Register 
Notice of Receipt of Request from the registrant, Bayer 
CropScience to voluntarily amend to terminate uses of the 
product, TEMIK[supreg] Brand 15G, containin g aldicarb on 
citrus and potatoes effective immediately. The registrant also 
requested that EPA amend to terminate the remaining 
pesticide uses of this product on cotton, dry beans, peanuts, 
soybeans, sugar beets, and sweet potatoes, effective as of 
31 December 2014. These are not the last products 
containing aldicarb registered for use in the United States of 
America. (…)  Multiple products  G/SPS/N/USA/2386  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  SPS 08-Jun-12 14-May-12 Penflufen; Pesticide Tolerances  Tolerances are established for 
residues of the fungicide penflufen, including its metabolites 
and degradates, in or on the following commodities listed in 
the table. Compliance with the tolerance levels specified in 
the table is to be determined by measuring only penflufen N -
[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)phenyl] -5-fluoro -1,3-dimethyl -1H-
pyrazole -4-carboxamide, in or on the following commodities.  
Commodity  Parts per  
 million  
Alfalfa, forage  0.01 
Alfalfa, hay  0.01 
Cotton, gin by -products  0.01 
(…) Multiple  commodities  G/SPS/N/USA/2382   
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 76 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  SPS 08-Jun-12 14-May-12 Fluxapyroxad; Pesticide Tolerances  Tolerances are established 
for residues of the fungicide fluxapyroxad, including its 
metabolites and degradates, in or on the c ommodities listed 
in the table below. Compliance with the tolerance levels 
specified below is to be determined by measuring only 
fluxapyroxad, 3 -(difluoromethyl) -1-methyl -N-(3',4',5' -
trifluoro[1,1' -biphenyl] -2-yl)-1H-pyrazole -4-carboxamide in or 
on the c ommodity.  
Commodity  Parts per  million  
Apple, wet pomace  2.0 
Beet, sugar  0.1 
Beet, sugar, dried pulp  0.1 
Beet, sugar, tops  7.0 
Cattle, fat  0.05 
Cattle, meat  0.01 
Cattle, meat by -products  0.03 
Corn, field, grain  0.01 
Corn, oil  0.03 
Corn, pop, grain  0.01 
Corn, sweet, kernels plus cobs with husks removed  0.15 
Cotton, gin by -products  0.01 
Cotton, undelinted seed  0.01 
(…) Multiple commodities  G/SPS/N/USA/2383  
Peru United 
States of 
America  CV 02-Jun-12  Countervailing  Cotton  G/SCM/N/242/PER, 
G/SCM/N/250/PER  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  SPS 10-May-12 02-Mar-12 Thiamethoxam; Pesticide Tolerances This regulation 
establishes tolerances for residues of thiamethoxam in or on 
multiple commodities. (a) General. Tolerances are e stablished 
for residues of the insecticide thiamethoxam, including its 
metabolites and degradates, in or on the following 
commodities. Compliance with the tolerance levels specified 
below is to be determined by measuring only thiamethoxam 
3-[(2-chloro -5-thiazolyl)methyl]tetrahydro -5-methyl -N-nitro-
4H-1,3,5 -oxadiazin -4-imine and its metabolite CGA -322704 
N-[(2-chloro -thiazol -5-yl)methyl] -N'-methyl -N''-nitro-
guanidine, calculated as the stoichiometric equivalent of 
thiamethoxam, in or on the following commodi ties: 
 
Commodity  Parts per  
 million  
(…)  
Cotton, gin by -products  1.5 
Cotton, undelinted seed  0.10 
(…) Multiple  G/SPS/N/USA/2362  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  SPS 02-May-12 06-Aug-12 Notice of Receipt of Requests for Amendments To Delete  Uses 
in Certain Pesticide Registrations EPA is issuing a notice of 
receipt of request for amendments by registrants to delete 
uses in certain pesticide registrations for Buctril Herbicide 
(active ingredient Bromoxynil) on BTX cotton.  Cotton  G/SPS/N/USA/23 59, 
G/SPS/N/USA/2359/Corr.
1  
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 77 - Membe r Partner 
affected  Notif. 
req. Initiation / 
Notification  In force  Measure description  Product description  Source  
United 
States of 
America  All 
Members  SPS 18-April-12 9-March -12 This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of 
penthiopyrad in or on multiple commodities. (a) General. (1) 
Tolerances are established for residues of pent hiopyrad, 
including its etabolites and degradates, in or on the 
commodities in the table below. Compliance with the 
tolerance levels specified below is to be determined by 
measuring only penthiopyrad (N -[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl) -3-
thienyl] -1-methyl -3-(trifluo romethyl) -1H-pyrazole -4-
carboxamide).  
 
Commodity  Parts per  
 million  
(…)  
Cotton, seed   1.5 
Cotton, gin by -products   15 
(…) Multiple  G/SPS/N/USA/2347  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 78 - 
 
  ANNEX 1  
NOTES ON TARIFF RATE QUOTA  COMMITMENTS FROM CHINA'S SCHEDUL E 
1. Tariff quotas indicated in the third column are volumes for calendar year 2001. Tariff quota 
concessions will be implemented according to the date specified in the "implementation" column. 
The implementation column indicates the date (referring to 1 January of the year indicated)  when 
the final quota quantity will be achieved. The tariff quota concessions are subject to equal annual 
adjustments (occurring on 1 January of each year), unless otherwise specified in the last column 
("Other terms and conditions").  
2. The People's Repub lic of China (hereinafter referred to as "China")shall maintain its in -quota 
applied and bound rates (and, upon removal of the tariff -quota, its applied and bound rates) for 
HS 1514 (rape or colza (canola) oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but  not chemically 
modified) at a level equal to that for HS 1507 (soya -bean oil and its fractions, whether or not 
refined, but not chemically modified) and for HS 1205 (rape or colza (canola) seeds, whether or 
not broken).  
3. The growth rate for the TRQ volu me for canola (rapeseed) oil shall be no less than the 
growth rate for the TRQ volume for soybean oil.  
4. An entity granted a tariff quota allocation (quota -holder) may engage in importation through 
state-trading enterprises and/or through entities possess ing the right to trade other than 
state-trading enterprises, including direct importation by the quota holder, as indicated on 
documentation issued with the allocation or reallocation of the tariff quota quantities.  
5. Application: All applications for an allocation of the tariff -quota will be submitted to the State 
Development and Planning Commission (SDPC). Specific conditions for applying for a tariff -quota 
allocation will be published in the official journal one month in advance of the application perio d, 
which will be from 15 October to 30 October.  
6. Allocation:  
a. The entire tariff -quota quantity established in Section I -B shall be allocated to end users by 
1 January each year. Inquiries regarding tariff -quota allocations can be made to the SDPC, 
with re sponses provided within 10 working days. Any additional requirement for 
importation will be automatic under the terms of the Agreement on Import Licensing 
Procedures. China shall equitably distribute allocations within each portion of the tariff -
quota to e nsure complete tariff -quota utilization and to establish a tariff -quota system that 
is open, transparent, fair, responsive to market conditions, timely, minimally burdensome 
to trade and reflects end user preferences.  
b. In the first year, allocations to end users by the SDPC of the tariff -quota reserved for 
importation through state -trading enterprises shall be based on a first -come, first -served 
system or the requests of the applicants and their historical import performance, 
production capacity, or other re levant commercial criteria, subject to specific conditions to 
be published one month in advance of the opening of the application period so as to ensure 
an equitable distribution and complete tariff -quota utilization. In the first year, no less than 
10 % o f the tariff -quota reserved for importation through state -trading enterprises will be 
allocated to new quota -holders.  
c. In the first year, allocations to end users by the SDPC of the tariff -quota reserved for 
importation through entities other than state -trading enterprises shall be based on a first -
come, first -served system or the requests of the applicants and their historical import 
performance, production capacity, or other relevant commercial criteria. No less than 10% 
of the tariff -quota reserved for im portation through entities other than state -trading 
enterprises will be allocated to new quota -holders. This tariff -quota will be limited to 
entities that do not receive any special or exclusive rights or privileges, and will include 
allocations to joint v entures, wholly foreign -funded enterprises, and private enterprises.  
d. Except in cases where tariff -quota is allocated on a first -come, first -served basis, and in 
accordance with China's Schedule of Concessions and Commitments on Goods, a TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 79 - 
 
  quota -holder that h as imported under a tariff -quota shall, upon application, receive an 
allocation of the tariff -quota in the following year for a quantity no less than the quantity 
imported the previous year. For all methods of allocation, a quota -holder that does not 
impor t its full allocation under a tariff -quota will receive a proportional reduction in the 
tariff-quota allocation in the subsequent year unless the quantity is returned to the 
SDPC  prior to 15  September. A quota holder that has failed to import its full allo cation in 
two consecutive years and has returned that unused portion by 15 September shall have 
its quota allocated in the following year on the basis of its fill rate in the most recent year, 
and will not benefit from any additional reallocations until an d unless there are no other 
applications. The means of calculating the penalty will be included in the TRQ regulation in 
force and publicly available, and will be applied in a consistent and equitable manner.  
e. Allocations will be established for commerciall y viable shipping quantities and provisions 
will be made for partial shipments against a single tariff -quota allocation. All commercial 
terms of trade, including product specification, pricing, packaging, etc., will be at the sole 
determination of the impo rter and the exporter taking into full account the demands of the 
end user. Tariff -quota allocations will be valid for any item or mixture of items subject to 
the same tariff -quota.  
f. Inquiries on the entities which received the allocation can be made to the  SDPC which shall 
provide the information within 10 days.  
7. Term: The tariff -quota for each product will be opened on 1 January each year, unless 
otherwise specified in the Schedule. Tariff -quota allocations will be valid for the calendar year.  
8. Realloc ation:  
a. In any year, if a quota -holder has not contracted for the total quantity by 15 September, it 
shall return the unused portion of the tariff -quota quantity to the SDPC for reallocation.  
b. Applications for reallocation of the tariff -quota will be accepte d by the SDPC from 
1 September to 15 September and new allocations shall be assigned by 1  October. Specific 
conditions for applying for reallocation of tariff quotas will be published in the official 
journal one month in advance of the application period. Such allocations, which shall be to 
new applicants and to entities other than those returning quotas under sub -paragraph 8.A. 
above, will be assigned on a first -come, first -served basis. Quota -holders allocated a share 
of the tariff -quota reserved for impo rtation through entities other than state -trading 
enterprises may import through any entity that has a right to trade in any product as 
specified in Section 5 of China's Protocol of Accession.  
c. Inquiries on the entities which received the reallocations can be made to the SDPC which 
will provide the information within 10 days.  
d. In situations where goods have been shipped from their port of origin before 31 December 
of any year, but are entered after 31 December of that year, China shall extend the 
validity of the tariff quota documents and shall count such shipments against the tariff 
quota allocation for the year in which the tariff quota was initially allocated.  
Consultations:  
 
9. With a view to maintaining a transparent and open tariff quota system, upon req uest from 
any WTO Member, China shall consult with the Member on the administration of the tariff quota to 
ensure that the tariff quota will be allocated in a transparent, equitable and non -discriminatory 
manner and that the tariff quota will be fully util ized. 
Notes:  
 
1. The share of the tariff -quota reserved for importation through state -trading enterprises is 
specified in column 7 of Section I -B. The remainder of the tariff -quota quantity is reserved 
for importation through any non -state trading enterprise possessing the right to trade in any 
product as set forth in Section 5 of China's Protocol of Accession.  
 
In any year, if the quantity of the tariff -quota reserved for importation through state -trading 
enterprises has not been contracted for by 15 August, quota -holders will have the right to TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 80 - 
 
  trade or to import through any entity with the right to trade any product under Section 5 of 
China's Protocol of Accession.  
 
2. China shall ensure that the applied duty for soybean oil, rapeseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, 
cottonseed oil, sunflower seed oil, and corn oil is no greater than the applied duty for any 
one of these oils or for any other vegetable oil. Of the vegetable oils subject to tariff quota 
(i.e., soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and palm oil), if the tariff -quota for any one oil is 
autonomously increased, the tariff -quotas for the other two will be increased 
commensurately. Beginning 1 January 2006, China will remove soybean oil, rapeseed oil 
and palm oil from Annex 2A of the Protocol of Accession and will grant the right to trade 
such oils to all individuals and enterprises.  
 
3. All quota holders, that have already fully used or contracted their tariff -quota allocations in 
any year by 15 September shall also be eligible for reallocation of tariff -quota from other 
quota holders that have returned their allocations.  
 
_______________  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 81 - 
 
  ANNEX 2  
CHAPTER NOTES CONCERNING TRQ COMMI TMENTS FOR COTTON FROM THE U.S. SCHEDU LE 
"CHAPTER 52  
 
COTTON  
 
Additional U.S. Notes 1/  
 
1. Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the T reasury, the staple length of cotton 
shall be determined for all customs purposes by application of the Official Cotton Standards of the 
United States of America  for length of staple, as established by the Secretary of Agriculture and in 
effect when the de termination is to be made.  
 
5. There shall be permitted entry an aggregate quantity of cotton, entered under the provisions 
of additional U.S. notes 6 through 11, inclusive, to this chapter, of not less than the total quantity 
specified below.  
 
 Quantity ( metric tons)  
1995 41,926.8  
1996 48,850.4  
1997 55,773.9  
1998 62,697.5  
1999 69,621.0  
2000 and thereafter  76,544.6  
 
An additional aggregate quantity of 10,000 metric tons is reserved for Mexico under this note.  
 
The quantitative limitations established  by this note may be administered through regulations 
(including licenses) issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.  
 
1/ Note 1 and additional U.S. notes 2, 3 and 4 to this chapter are omitted from this section and 
are in section II of this schedule. Additio nal U.S. notes 5 through 11, inclusive, to this chapter are 
not in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States . 
 
6. There shall be permitted entry an aggregate quantity of cotton, not carded or combed, 
having a staple length under 28.575 mm (1 -1/8 inches) (except harsh or rough cotton, having a 
staple length under 19.05 mm (3/4 inch)), entered under subh eading 5201.00.14 during the 
12-month period beginning September 20 in any year, of not less than the total quantity specified 
below.  
 
 Quantity (me tric tons)  
1995 8,495.05 * 
1996 10,837.45*  
1997 13,179.85*  
1998 15,522.25*  
1999 17,864.65*  
2000 and thereafter  20,207.05*  
* Of the quantitative limitation provided for in this note, access levels are reserved as follows for entry under 
the provisions  of this note:  
 
 Quantity 
(kg)  Quantity 
(kg) 
Egypt & Sudan (aggregate)  355,532  Honduras  341 
Peru 112,469  Paraguay  395 
India & Pakistan (aggregate)  908,764  Colombia  56 
China  621,780  Iraq 88 
Brazil  280,648  British East Africa  1,016  
Union of Soviet Soc ialist Republics  215,512  Indonesia & Netherlands New Guinea 
(aggregate)  32,381  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 82 - 
 
   Quantity 
(kg)  Quantity 
(kg) 
Argentina  2,360  British West Indies (except Barbados, 
Bermuda, Jamaica, or Trinidad and 
Tobago)  9,671  
Haiti 107 Nigeria  2,438  
Ecuador  4,233  British West Africa (except Nigeri a and 
Ghana)  7,259  
 
The quantitative limitations established by this note may be administered through regulations 
(including licenses and reallocation of unfilled quotas) issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.  
 
7. There shall be permitted entry an aggreg ate quantity of harsh or rough cotton, not carded or 
combed, having a staple length of 29.36875 mm (1 -5/32 inches) or more but under 34.925 mm 
(1-3/8 inches) and white in colo ur (except cotton of perished staple, grabbots and cotton 
pickings), entered unde r subheading 5201.00.24 during the 12 -month period beginning 1 August 
in any year, of not less than the total quantity specified below.   
 
 Quantity (metric tons)  
1995 900.0  
1996 1,000.0  
1997 1,100.0  
1998 1,200.0  
1999 1,300.0  
2000 and thereafter  1,400 .0 
The quantitative limitations established by this note may be administered through regulations 
(including licenses) issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.  
 
8. There shall be permitted entry an aggregate quantity of cotton, not carded or combed, 
having a staple length of 28.575 mm (1 -1/8 inches) or more but under 34.925 mm (1 -3/8 inches) 
(except harsh or rough cotton, not carded or combed, having a staple length of 29.36875 mm (1 -
5/32 inches) or more and white in color) but including cotton of perished s taple, grabbots and 
cotton pickings, entered under subheading 5201.00.34 during the 12 -month period beginning 
1 August in any year, of not less than the total quantity specified below.  
 
 Quantity (metric tons)  
1995 5,200.0  
1996 6,460.0  
1997 7,720.0  
1998 8,980.0  
1999 10,240.0  
2000 and thereafter  11,500.0  
The quantitative limitations established by this note may be administered through regulations 
(including licenses) issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.  
 
9. There shall be permitted entry an aggrega te quantity of cotton, not carded or combed, 
having a staple length of 34.925 mm (1 -3/8 inches) or more, entered under subheading 
5201.00.60 during the 12 -month period beginning August 1 in any year, of not less than the total 
quantity specified below.  
 
 Quantity (metric tons)  
1995 25,500.0  
1996 28,420.0  
1997 31,340.0  
1998 34,260.0  
1999 37,180.0  
2000 and thereafter  40,100.0  
The quantitative limitations established by this note may be administered through regulations 
(including licenses) issued by the  Secretary of Agriculture.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 83 - 
 
  10. There shall be permitted entry an aggregate quantity of card strips made from cotton having 
a staple length under 30.1625 mm (1 -3/16 inches), and lap waste, sliver waste and roving waste 
of cotton, all the foregoing the prod uct of any country or are including the United States of 
America , entered under subheading 5202.99.10 during the 12 -month period beginning 
20 September in any year, of not less than the total quantity specified below.  
 
 Quantity (kg)  
1995 1,835,427*  
1996 2,135,427*  
1997 2,435,427*  
1998 2,735,427*  
1999 3,035,427*  
2000 and thereafter  3,335,427*  
* Of the quantitative limitation provided for in this note, access levels are reserved as follows for entry under 
the provisions of this note:  
 
 Quantity 
(kg)  Quantity 
(kg) 
United Kingdom  653,695  Japan  154,917  
Canada  108,721  China  7,857  
France  34,385  Egypt  3,689  
India & Pakistan (aggregate)  31,582  Cuba 2,968  
Netherlands  10,317  Germany  11,540  
Switzerland  6,711  Italy 3,215  
Belgium  5,830    
The quantitative limitations established by this note may be administered through regulations 
(including licenses and reallocation of unfilled quotas) issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.  
 
11. There shall be permitted entry an aggregate quantity of fibers of cotton proc essed but not 
spun, entered under subheading 5203.00.10 during the 12 -month period beginning 11 September 
in any year, of not less than the total quantity specified below.  
 
 Quantity (kg)  
1995 1,000  
1996 1,300  
1997 1,600  
1998 1,900  
1999 2,200  
2000 an d thereafter  2,500  
The quantitative limitations established by this note may be administered through regulations 
(including licenses) issued by the Secretary of Agriculture. " 
 
_______________  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  ANNEX 3  
EXCERPT FROM  ANNEX 1 TO G/AG/N/US A/2/ADD.3 AND G/AG/N/ USA/34/ADD.1  
NOTES FROM THE HARMO NIZED TARIFF SYSTEM OF THE UNITED STATES  
"36/ Short staple cotton  
 from Additional U.S. Note 5 to Chapter 52 of the HTSUS:  
 
5. The aggregate quantity of cotton, not carded or combed, the product of any country or area 
including the United States of America , having a staple length under 28.575 mm (1 -1/8 inches) 
(except harsh or rough cotton, having a staple length under 19.05 mm (3/4 inch)), entered under 
subheading 5201.00.14 during the 12 -month periods from 20 September 199 9, through 
19 September 2000, inclusive, shall not exceed 17,864.65 metric tons or from 
20 September  2000, through 19 September 2001, inclusive, shall not exceed 20,207.05 metric 
tons (articles the product of Mexico shall not be permitted or included in th e aforementioned 
quantitative limitation and no such articles shall be classifiable therein).  
 
 Of the quantitative limitations provided for in this note, the countries listed below shall have 
access to not less than the quantities specified below:  
 
 Quant ity (kg)  
Argentina  2,360  
Brazil  280,648  
British East Africa  1,016  
British West Africa (except Nigeria and Ghana)  7,259  
British West Indies (except Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago)  9,671  
Chine  621,780  
Colombia  56 
Ecuador  4,233  
Egypt & Sudan (aggregate)  355,532  
Haiti 107 
Honduras  341 
India & Pakistan (aggregate)  908,764  
Indonesia & Netherlands New Guinea (aggregate)  32,381  
Iraq 88 
Nigeria  2,438  
Paraguay  395 
Peru 112,469  
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan,  Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, 
Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan (aggregate)  215,512  
 Other than as provided for in the country allocations above, articles the product of countries 
or areas who are not members of the World  Trade Organization shall not be permitted or included 
in the quantitative limitations set forth in this note.  
37/ Harsh or rough cotton  
 from Additional U.S. Note 6 to Chapter 52 of the HTSUS:  
 
6. The aggregate quantity of harsh or rough cotton, not carde d or combed, the product of any 
country or area including the United States of America , having a staple length of 29.36875 mm (1 -
5/32 inches) or more but under 34.925 mm (1 -3/8 inches) and white in color (except cotton of 
perished staple, grabbots and cott on pickings), entered under subheading 5201.00.24 during the 
12-month periods from 1 August 1999, through 31 July 2000, inclusive, shall not exceed 1,300.0 
metric tons or from 1 August 2000, through 31 July 2001, inclusive, shall not exceed 1,400.0 
metric tons (articles the product of Mexico shall not be permitted or included in the 
aforementioned quantitative limitation and no such articles shall be classifiable therein).  
 
 Articles the product of countries or areas who are not members of the World Trade 
Organization shall not be permitted or included in the quantitative limitations set forth in this note.  
 
38/ Medium staple cotton  
 from Additional U.S. Note 7 to Chapter 52 of the HTSUS:  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 85 - 
 
  7. The aggregate quantity of cotton, not carded or combed, the produc t of any country or area 
including the United States of America , having a staple length of 28.575 mm (1 -1/8 inches) or 
more but under 34.925 mm (1 -3/8 inches) (except harsh or rough cotton, not carded or combed, 
having a staple length of 29.36875 mm (1 -5/32 inches) or more and white in colo ur) but including 
cotton of perished staple, grabbots and cotton pickings, entered under subheading 5201.00.34 
during the 12 -month periods from 1 August 1999, through 31 July 2000, inclusive, shall not 
exceed 10,240.0 met ric tons or from 1 August 2000, through 31 July 2001, inclusive, shall not 
exceed 11,500.0 metric tons (articles the product of Mexico shall not be permitted or included in 
the aforementioned quantitative limitation and no such articles shall be classifiab le therein).  
 
 Articles the product of countries or areas who are not members of the World Trade 
Organization shall not be permitted or included in the quantitative limitations set forth in this note.  
 
39/ Long staple cotton  
 from Additional U.S. Note 8 to  Chapter 52:  
 
8. The aggregate quantity of cotton, not carded or combed, the product of any country or area 
including the United States of America , having a staple length of 34.925 mm (1 -3/8 inches) or 
more, entered under subheading 5201.00.60 during the 1 2-month periods from 1 August 1999, 
through 31 July 2000, inclusive, shall not exceed 37,180.0 metric tons or from 1 August 2000, 
through 31 July 2001, inclusive, shall not exceed 40,100.0 metric tons (articles the product of 
Mexico shall not be permitted or included in the aforementioned quantitative limitation and no 
such articles shall be classifiable therein).  
 
 Articles the product of countries or areas who are not members of the World Trade 
Organization shall not be permitted or included in the quanti tative limitations set forth in this note.  
 
40/ Cotton waste  
 from Additional U.S. Note 9 to Chapter 52 of the HTSUS:  
 
9. The aggregate quantity of card strips made from cotton having a staple length under 
30.1625 mm (1 -3/16 inches), and lap waste, sliver waste and roving waste of cotton, all the 
foregoing the product of any country or area including the United States of America , entered under 
subheading 5202.99.10 during the 12 -month periods from 20 September 1999, through 
19 September 2000, inclusive, sha ll not exceed 3,035,427 kilograms or from 20 September  2000, 
through 19 September 2001, inclusive, shall not exceed 3,335,427 kilograms (articles the product 
of Mexico shall not be permitted or included in the aforementioned quantitative limitation and no 
such articles shall be classifiable therein).  
 
 Of the quantitative limitations provided for in this note, the countries listed below shall have 
access to not less than the quantities specified below:  
 
 Quantity (kg)  
Belgium  5,830  
Canada  108,721  
China  7,857 
Cuba 2,968  
Egypt  3,689  
France  34,385  
Germany  11,540  
Italy 3,215  
India & Pakistan (aggregate)  31,582  
Japan  154,917  
Netherlands  10,317  
Switzerland  6,711  
United Kingdom  653,695  
 Other than as provided for in the country allocations above, arti cles the product of countries 
or areas who are not members of the World Trade Organization shall not be permitted or included 
in the quantitative limitations set forth in this note.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 86 - 
 
  41/ Cotton processed but not spun  
 from Additional U.S. Note 10 to Chapte r 52 of the HTSUS:  
  
10. The aggregate quantity of fibers of cotton processed but not spun, entered under 
subheading 5203.00.10 during the 12 -month periods from 11 September 1999, through 
10 September 2000, inclusive, shall not exceed 2,200 kilograms or fr om 11 September 2000, 
through 10 September 2001, inclusive, shall not exceed 2,500 kilograms (articles the product of 
Mexico shall not be permitted or included in the aforementioned quantitative limitation and no 
such articles shall be classifiable therein ). 
 
 Articles the product of countries or areas who are not members of the World Trade 
Organization shall not be permitted or included in the quantitative limitations set forth in this 
note." 
 
_______________  
 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  ANNEX 4  
MEMBERS' REPLIES TO THE QUESTIONNAIR E ON NEW OR UPDATED  
COTTON -RELATED POLICY DEVEL OPMENTS  
1. Since the second dedicated discussion of the relevant trade -related developments for cotton 
of 28  November 2014, Members agreed that, in order to complement the revised background 
paper to be prepared by the WTO Secretariat  and in advance of each dedicated discussion , a 
questionnaire would be sent to Members to seek updates, on a voluntary basis, on their recent 
cotton -related policy developments  across the three pillars of Market Access, Domestic Suppo rt 
and Export Competition .1 Members were also invited to provide an assessment of the impact (or 
anticipated impact), if available, of those new or updated policy developments.  
 
2. Four questionnaires were circulated, on 4  February 2015, 17 September 2015, 2 2 February 
20162 and 13 September 2016, respectively. The following table lists Members who have replied  to 
those questionnaires. The replying Members  who are among the 32 Members identified in 
paragraph s 12 and 13  of this paper  as markets of interest to L DCs are identified in bold : 
 
Members who replied to the previous questionnaire s 
circulated on 4 February 2015 , 17 September 2015  
and 22 February 2016  Members who replied to the questionnaire circulated 
on 13 September 2016 
Argentina ; Australia; Benin ; Bra zil; Chad; China ; 
Colombia; Costa Rica; Egypt; Ecuador; European 
Union; Hong Kong, China; Israel ; Macao, China; 
Mali; Mauritius; New Zealand ; Pakistan; Peru; 
Russian Federation; South Africa;  Chinese 
Taipei; United States of America and Uruguay . Benin; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Costa Rica ; Ecuador ; 
European Union ; Hong Kong, China ; Mali; 
Mauritius ; New Zealand ; Peru; and Russian 
Federation .  
 
 
3. Some  Members p rovided a "n il" reply, i.e. they did not report any new  or update d policy 
development  across the three p illars of Market Access, Domestic  Support and Export Competition . 
These Members are listed in the  table below.   
 
Members with a nil reply to the previous 
questionnaire s 
circulated on 4 February 2015 , 17 September  and 22 
February 2016  Members with a nil rep ly to the questionnaire  
circulated on 13 September 2016  
Australia;  Ecuador;  European Union;  Costa Rica; Hong 
Kong, China; Macao, China; Mauritius; New Zealand; 
Pakistan;  Peru3; Chinese Taipei , Uganda4 and 
Uruguay.  Costa Rica; Ecuador; European Union5; Hon g Kong, 
China; Mauritius; New Zealand; and Russian 
Federation6.  
 
4. Non-nil replies are reproduced below  In cases where a Member has replied to more than one 
questionnaire, only the response to the latest questionnaire is listed. Responses to earlier 
questi onnaires can be found in previous versions of the Secretariat's background paper.  
 
_______________  
 
                                                
1 Paragraph 12 of the Chairperson report on the second dedicated discussion of the relevant trade -
related developments for cotton (TN/AG/29  and TN/AG/SCC/3 ). 
2 The Fr ench and Spanish versions of the questionnaire were circulated on 8 March 2016.  
3 Peru informed that there have been no changes to the information presented in its reply to the 
questionnaire circulated on 17 September 2015.  
4 This reply was provided afte r the circulation of the fourth revision of this background paper and is 
included in document TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.4/Add.2 - TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.4/Add.2.  
5 The European Union informed that no new policy developments can be reported since its reply to the 
questionnaire circulated on 22 February 2016.  
6 The Russian Federation informed that no new policy developments can be reported since its reply to 
the questionnaire circulated on 22 February 2016.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 88 - 
 
  Reply from Benin to the questionnaire circulated on 13  September 2016 (original reply 
in French)  
 
Eager to bring about a significant expansion of the cotto n sector in the framework of a 
public -private partnership, the Council of Ministers decided to revive the Framework Agreement 
between the State and the Cotton Trade Association (AIC). Accordingly, the agreement, which had 
been suspended on 23  September  2013, was renewed on 28  April 2016. A number of reforms 
undertaken by the Beninese Government have had a direct or indirect impact on the cotton sector 
through the three pillars of agriculture, i.e. market access, domestic support and export 
competition.  
 
1) Market Access  
One of the aims of the amending finance law adopted in July  2016 and the preliminary draft 
finance law of 2017 is to promote measures to stimulate private investment. Accordingly, since 
July 2016, the registration formalities for the following d ocuments are taxed at 0% : 
 
 deeds for transfer of movable and immovable property, in connection with the 
improvement of the business climate;  
 
 credit agreements, in order to reduce the cost of credit transactions.  
Measures were also taken to reduce harassme nt along the trunk roads.  
 
Similarly, in connection with the transport of seed cotton from the self -managed markets to the 
processing plants, the Government decided to remove the rehabilitation of rural roads from the 
responsibilities relating to critical functions. The rehabilitation of dirt roads used for cotton is now 
the responsibility of the State.  
 
2) Domestic Support  
In connection with domestic support, the following new measures have been taken:  
 
 Revival of the Framework Agreement between the State and  the AIC. The introduction of 
domestic price support mechanisms for producers  is now the responsibility of the 
sectoral trade associations in cooperation with the Ministry.  
 Production and agricultural research capacity -building through the introduction, in  July 2016, 
of an agricultural research contribution charged on exports of cotton seed and fibre and raw 
cashew nuts, at a rate of 10 CFAF per kilogram exported.  
 Suspension by the Government of cotton subsidies (particularly in relation to inputs) as from 
the 2016 -2017 season.  
3) Export Competition  
The introduction of a framework conducive to agro -industry is at the centre of the interim budget 
for 2016. A public/private partnership law will help to promote the processing industry and in 
particular the cotton spinning mills.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  Reply from Brazil to the questionnaire circulated on 13  September 2016  
 
With regard to the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session invitation of 
13 September 2016 to provide updates on Members cotton -related policy dev elopments in view of 
the forthcoming sixth dedicated discussion, Brazil submits the following information:  
 
1) Market Access  
 
Of the three tariff lines in heading 5201 (cotton, not carded or combed), tariff line 5201.00.10 (not 
ginned) had its applied duty ra te kept at 6%, but tariff line 5201.00.20 (merely ginned) had its 
applied duty rate reduced from 10% to 6% in 22nd April 2016 and tariff line 5201.00.90 (others) 
had its applied duty rate reduced from 10% to 6% in 24th June 2016;  
 
2) Domestic Support  
 
In the crop year 2015/2016, which begins in July 2015 and ends in June 2016, there has been no 
domestic support provided to Brazilian cotton producers.  
 
3) Export Competition  
 
No export subsidies have been granted to cotton in crop year  2015/2016.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  Reply from Burki na Faso to the questionnaire circulated on 13  September 2016 (original 
reply in French)  
 
There have been no particular changes across the three pillars of market access, domestic support 
and export competition since the 25th round of the WTO Director -Gener al's Consultative 
Framework Mechanism on Cotton. Burkina Faso's cotton -related policy developments are 
summarized in the following table:  
 
Pillars  Cotton -related policy 
developments  Comments  
Market access  Nothing to report  Nothing to report  
Domestic supp ort Nothing to report  Nothing to report  
Export competition  Nothing to report  Nothing to report  
 
By way of general comment on Burkina Faso's cotton sector, it is important to point out that for 
this 2016/2017 cotton season, the cotton is grown from 100% c onventional cotton seed.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  Reply from Mali to the questionnaire circulated on 13  September 2016 (original reply in 
French)  
 
The following noteworthy developments have occurred since July  2016:  
 
1) Market Access  
 
 Awareness -raising missions along major roads to reduce the number of checkpoints;  
 
 Fact-finding mission to assess the opportunities offered by Mauritania's Autonomous Port . 
2) Domestic Support  
 
 Signing of a performance contract with the Compagnie Malienne des Textiles (COMATEX  SA) 
for the sourcing of raw m aterials on preferential terms;  
 
 Payment of VAT abolished (exemption) on the purchase price of cotton seed for the 
crushing  plants;  
 
 "1,000 tractors" programme: facilitated access to tractors in order to boost domestic 
production;  
 
 Signing of a protocol be tween the National Oil  Mill and Cattle Feed Federation  of Mali 
(FENAPHAB) and stakeholders in the livestock meat subsector in order to provide better 
access to oil cake and other cattle feed.  
3) Export competition  
 
 Mali does not grant any cotton export subsid ies. TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  Reply from Peru to the questionnaire circulated on 13  September 2016 (original reply in 
Spanish)  
NEW OR UPDATED COTTO N-RELATED POLICY DEVEL OPMENTS  
OCTOBER  2015 – SEPTEMBER  2016 
1) Market Access  
During the analysis period, Peru made no changes to its cot ton-related policies concerning market 
access.  
2) Domestic Support  
Cotton Financing Programme (2015 -2016 season)  
Description of the programme  
Funding programme consisting of the provision of repayable loans to eligible cotton producers 
in the coastal region f or support activities (seasonal), including the purchase of inputs, machinery, 
labour, administrative costs and technical assistance.  
Objective  
Provision of loans to finance cotton farming. The financing is intended for the purchase 
of inputs  (seed, fertil izers and agrochemicals), machinery, labour, administrative costs and 
technical  assistance.  
Beneficiaries  
Cotton producers, through producer organizations (formally established cooperatives 
and/or  associations), which, in addition, are involved in business  management and technical 
assistance work.  
Duration  
The 2015 -2016 cotton season began in May  2015, and the payments ended in March  2016.  
Form of benefit  
For the 2015 -2016 cotton season, AGROBANCO continued its funding programme at a preferential 
rate for c otton producers (Annual Effective Rate:  16%), covering 3,500  ha and  1,200  producers. 
The areas concerned were located between the Santa valley in the north and the Ica valley in the 
south, i.e. the areas producing mainly the Tanguis (long staple) cotton va riety, and to a lesser 
extent the IPA -59 and Hazera (extra -long staple) varieties.  
The 2015 -2016 season took place under conditions of climate risk marked by the El  Niño 
phenomenon (high temperatures and possible rains). AGROBANCO did not implement its fun ding 
programme in the departments of Piura and Lambayeque, following the recommendations of the 
Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MINAGRI). There was also a significant decline in the areas 
sown to cotton between the Santa and Ica valleys, many produ cers preferring to avoid any risks in 
view of the negative experiences in terms of production during the El Niño event of 1997 -1998.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 93 - 
 
  Funding is expected to amount to S/4,900  per ha37, with a maximum of 4  ha per producer and a 
credit line totalling  S/17,150, 000, distributed as follows:  
Category  Amount (in soles)  
Inputs and services: seed, fertilizers, agrochemicals  2,300.00  
Machinery and labour  2,330.00  
Technical assistance  160.00  
Administrative costs  50.00  
Technical management  60.00  
Total  4,900.00  
Source: Cotton Programme –AGROBANCO.  
Preparation: MINCETUR.  
It should be pointed out that the financing programme goes hand in hand with a marketing 
programme which aims to bring the producer and buyer together in order to improve the price 
of the quintal of r aw cotton in the different production areas. MINAGRI provides guarantee cover 
through the Agroperú fund.  
3) Export Competition  
 
Peru does not provide export subsidies for agricultural products, including cotton.  
The latest notification, submitted pursuant to Article  18.2 of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture 
and document  G/AG/2 (Notification Requirements and Fo rmats), concerns export subsidy 
commitments (Table  ES:1) for the year 2014 and was circulated as 
WTO document  G/AG/N/PER/14 of 6  July 2015. It notifies th at Peru provided no export subsidies 
in respect of agricultural products in 2014.  
                                                
37 This amount is lower when the producer can do without a certa in category either because it can fund 
the resources itself or because it already has them.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 94 - 
 
  Reply from Argentina to the questionnaire circulated on 22  February 2016 (original reply 
in Spanish)  
 
Policies adopted  
 
The Ministry of Agro -Industry, through the National A gricultural Technology Institute (INTA), 
implements a Cotton Fibre Quality Improvement Assistance Programme, created pursuant to 
Resolution No.  537/2008 of the former Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food.  
 
The aims of this programme ar e, inter alia , to improve the quality of cotton fibre and its production 
and technological processing; to increase the value of cotton fibre on the basis of its quality, 
thereby boosting its competitiveness; and to establish protocols for monitoring and co ntrol during 
the production process, such as Good Agricultural Practices (production protocol), harvesting and 
post-harvesting (harvester survey), separation and storage (cotton gin survey), and sampling and 
assessment (seed and grain quality parameters). It also seeks to publicize, disseminate and foster 
the implementation of these protocols, as well as define the characteristics that determine the 
quality of Argentine cotton.  
 
The National Agriculture and Food Quality and Health Service (SENASA), a decent ralized body of 
the Ministry of Agro -Industry, runs the National Programme for the Prevention and Eradication of 
Cotton Boll Weevil (PNPEPA). This focus of this programme is twofold, namely monitoring and 
control. It seeks to provide assistance to producer s through phytosanitary measures that help to 
minimize the damage caused by the pest with a view to ensuring the sustainability of 
cotton  production.  
 
Pursuant to Decree No.  133 of 17  December  2015 and as a support measure for regional 
economies, an export  duty rate of 0% was established for goods classified under MERCOSUR 
Common Nomenclature (NCM) Chapters 50 to 53, which include cotton fibre.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 95 - 
 
  Reply from Australia to the questionnaire circulated on 22  February 2016  
 
Cotton Research 
and Development  Resear ch into 
improvements in cotton 
production  AUD 7.729 million 
for 2014 -15 Australian Government 
Department of 
Agriculture,  
Water Resources (DAWR)  
 
  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 96 - 
 
  Reply from Colombia to the questionnaire circulated on 22  February 2016  (original reply 
in Spanish)  
 
 
The WTO questionnaire requests information on any new or updated cotton -related policy 
developments.  
 
1) Market access  
 
In addition to the duty -free treatment granted to Colombia's main cotton -supplying trading 
partners, the Colombian Government considered it via ble to grant a 15,000 tonne import quota for 
2016, at a zero tariff rate, for uncarded and uncombed cotton under tariff subheading 
5201.00.30.00 originating in countries with which Colombia does not currently have any trade 
agreements. The quota was opened  to help supply domestic industry. This measure is currently 
being formalized. The country remains at a deficit in terms of the supply of cotton for use in 
domestic industry, which is why it has had to resort to this type of unilateral initiative.  
 
2) Domesti c support  
 
The Minimum Guaranteed Price is maintained as an instrument to protect the income of domestic 
cotton producers from unfavourable international price fluctuations. In 2015, farmers were paid 
39,920  million Colombian pesos, through the Minimum Gua ranteed Price, as compensation for the 
fall in international fibre prices.38 The Colombian Government has 9,500  million Colombian pesos 
set aside for the payment of compensation in 2016. The country's crop areas have diminished in 
size by 41.7% in the cours e of a year, from 30,000 hectares in 2015 to 17,500 hectares in 2016, 
while the Minimum Guaranteed Price has remained constant in the last four years at 
5,045,000  Colombian pesos per tonne. Colombia does not have any new or updated instruments 
for cotton.  
 
3) Export competition  
 
Colombia did not apply any export competition measures.  
                                                
38 The competitiveness of Colombian cotton has improved, with significant progress made in terms of 
yield, fibre characteristics and production costs, thanks to bett er growing conditions resulting from the use of 
new technologies and improved agricultural practices.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 97 - 
 
  Reply from the European Union to the questionnaire circulated on 22  February 2016  
 
In reply to the request of the WTO Secretariat to Members to submit information on any new or 
updated cotton -related policy developments that occurred since the last update in September last 
year, the EU would like to provide data on direct payment expenditures for cotton granted in 
accordance with Article 6.5 of the Agreement on Agriculture.  
 
For that purpose, the EU updates the table on page 26 of document TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.3 -
TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.3 of 9 November 2015 as follows.  
European Union  
(Million EUR in a calendar year)  
Description of Measure  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
Payments based on fixed area and 
yields: Cotton (Title IV, Chapter 1, 
Section 6 of Regulation (EC) 
No 73/2009; from 2015, Title IV, 
Chapter 2 of Regulation (EU) No 
1307/2013)  254.5  247.5  216.9  221.7  247.3  245.8  242.3  231.8  244.0  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 98 - 
 
  Reply from Israel to the que stionnaire circulated on 22  February 2016  
 
With regard to the Chairman’s requests on cotton Israel would like to inform the Members of the 
following:  
 
No new or updated cotton -related policy developments occurred in Israel in 2015  
 
1) Market Access  
 
No change s in tariffs related to cotton were made during 2015.  
 
2) Domestic Support  
 
Israel's budgetary outlay for cotton in both thousand  USD and thousand tonnes (marketing year, 
1 October -30 September) for 2015 was zero.  
 
Market price support, non -exempt direct paym ents, other product -specific support, product -
specific EMS and product -specific AMS for cotton during 2015 were also zero.  
 
3) Export Competition  
 
Export subsidies for cotton were zero in 2015.TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 99 - 
 
  Reply from the Russian Federation to the questionnaire circulated  on 22  February 2016  
 
1) Market Access  
 
Cotton fiber exports and imports of Russian Federation (thousand US dollars)  
 
 2015  
Export  
 Republic of Belarus  139.2  
Total 139.2  
Import  
 Azerbaijan  760.2  
Kazakhstan  18,556.1 
Kyrgyz Republic   12,039.7 
Latvia  50.3 
Tajikistan  28,703.2 
Turkey  70.2 
Turkmenistan  5,947.3 
Republic of Uzbekistan  3,623.2  
Total 69,750.2 
 
2) Domestic Support  
 
The Russian Federation does not provide domestic support for cotton.  
 
3) Export Competition  
 
There are no specific measures in the c ontext of export competition for cotton in the 
Russian  Federation.   
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  Reply from South Africa to the questionnaire circulated on 22  February 2016  
 
1) Market access  
 
No changes were made to market access related policies in recent years.  
 
All tariffs for co tton at the applied level are zero, with the exception of the following lines:  
 
Product code  Product  Tariff  
5201 0020  Ginned, but not further processed  ZAR 1.60/kg  
5201 0090  Other  15% 
5203 00  Cotton, carded or combed  15% 
 
On the above tariff lines, a pref erence tariff of zero is applied for cotton origination in SADC 
countries and the EU in accordance with relevant Free Trade Agreements.  
 
In recent years, an average in access of 90% of South Africa's cotton imports originates from 
SADC countries. The suppl iers of cotton in this regard are, in the main, LDCs.  
 
2) Domestic support  
 
No changes were made to Domestic Support policies.  
 
No AMS has been used on cotton for more than 15 years. Cotton production might indirectly 
benefit from Green Box expenditure.  
 
3) Expo rt Competition  
 
No changes were made to EC policies.  
 
South Africa did not make use of export subsidies since  the year  2000.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  Reply from the United States of America to the questionnaire circulated on 
22 February  201639 
 
On 6 June 2016, USDA announced the C otton Ginning Cost -Share programme, which provides 
cost-share assistance payments to cotton producers. Cotton ginning is a necessary requirement for 
producers to market the lint for fibre or the seed for oil or feed. Through the Cotton Ginning 
Cost-Share p rogramme, eligible producers can receive a one -time cost share payment in 2016, 
which is based on a producer's past plantings (i.e., 2015 cotton planted acres) and 40% of the 
average ginning cost in each of the four production regions. The programme is lim ited in scope by 
payment caps and eligibility requirements for producers.  
 
Any payments under the programme will be based on the 2015 cotton plantings and are not 
connected to either current or future production. Sign -up for U.S. producers began on 20 Jun e and 
will run through 5 August 2016.   
                                                
39 This reply was provided after the circulati on of the fourth  revision of this background paper and is 
include d in document TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.4/Add.2 - TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.4/Add.2 . TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 102 - 
 
  Reply from Chad to the questionnaire circulated on 4  February 2015 (original reply in 
French)   
 
The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Chad to the World Trade Organization (WTO) presents 
its compliments to the WTO Secretariat and, further to the Secretariat's correspondence of 
4 February  2015 on relevant trade -related developments for cotton, has the honour to transmit 
herewith details of new cotton -related policy developments that have occurred in Chad since 
Januar y 2014 in relation to the following three pillars:  
 
1) Market acce ss 
 
Chad has adopted an action plan with a view to substantially increasing production in its cotton 
sector. This will enable the country to boost exports to the main consumer countries, most n otably 
Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Portugal and Germany.  
 
2) Domestic support  
 
Despite a difficult budgetary situation, due to the fall in oil prices which has spread to other raw 
materials and which has played a significant role in slowing down the country 's economic growth, 
the Chadian State has fought to maintain its cotton sector, which is of considerable economic and 
social importance for millions of Chadians. This support, which has a significant impact on priority 
sectors such as education and health,  clearly demonstrates the Government's determination to do 
everything possible to ensure that this important sector does not disappear - something that would 
have disastrous consequences for Chad and its population. This support is consistent with Article 
6.2 of the Agreement on Agriculture.  
 
3) Export competition  
 
Chad continues to suffer the severe financial consequences of falling cotton prices due to the unfair 
competition that we are continuously denouncing at the WTO. If all cotton -producing countries 
were on an equal footing in the international market, Chadian cotton would be more competitive 
and the cotton sector would be making a profit instead of the successive losses recorded in recent 
years.  
 
This is a moral issue within the WTO, and as WTO Members  we are all responsible for finding a 
solution to this situation, which is unacceptable to countries like ours.  
 
The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Chad to the World Trade Organization takes this 
opportunity to renew the assurances of its highest con sideration to the WTO Secretariat.  
 
Access to international markets  
 
The Société Cotonnière du Tchad (COTONTCHAD) exported 31,700 tonnes of fibre in 2014 and 
envisages export production of 52,000 tonnes of fibre in 2015, i.e. an increase of almost 50%. 
This significant increase is linked to the creation of a business plan that envisages a gradual 
increase in production to 120,000 tonnes of fibre by 2018.  
 
This business plan was adopted by the Board of Directors, which includes representatives of the 
various  Ministers responsible for agricultural policy in general and the development of the cotton 
sector in particular.  
 
The increase in production has been possible thanks to the support the State has provided by 
selling inputs (fertilizer, insecticides and va rious other materials) to farmers to increase crop 
yields, and the increase in the purchase price paid to cotton farmers, which is set at 240 CFAF/kg 
for high -grade cotton.  
 
Cotton is of considerable economic and social importance to Chad. The Chadian gove rnment has 
spared no effort to provide financial support to increase cotton production, since this sector 
provides a livelihood, both directly and indirectly, for almost 3 million people. The cotton sector is 
the only sector that brings large quantities of  fresh capital into producing regions. It helps to settle 
the population, and COTONTCHAD SN, which is in charge of purchasing, ginning and marketing, 
funds village associations with a view to the construction of classrooms and family health clinics.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 103 - 
 
   
CFAF 20 billion in cash was distributed to farmers in 2014 for the purchase of seed cotton, 
and the company plans to provide CFAF 31 billion in 2015. In anticipation of the increase 
in production in the next two to three years, the Chadian State has committed i tself, 
via the Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC), to a long -term loan of approximately 
CFAF 30 billion for  COTONTCHAD SN, so as to ensure the renewal and strengthening of logistics 
and industrial infrastructure.  
 
Due to the lack of cotton processing infrastructure at national and regional level, COTONTCHAD SN 
exports 98% of its production abroad. The main consumer markets are Asian and European 
countries. Although there are no particular restrictions affecting Chad directly, certain domesti c 
policies implemented by wealthier countries distort competitiveness. This means that certain mills, 
while appreciating the intrinsic qualities of Chadian cotton, refrain from buying our cotton when 
they compare its price with the local prices of their ow n production, which are driven down 
artificially. However, given the much appreciated quality of Chadian cotton, our sales remain 
steady, despite the fall in prices.  
 
Listed below are the main consumers of Chadian cotton in 2014 and 2015:  
Exports o f Chadi an Cotton By Country  
COUNTRY  QUANTITY (TONNES)  
2014  Projection for 2015  
Germany  1,500  3,500  
Portugal  2,550  5,200  
Spain  700 1,300  
Italy 200 900 
India 8,300  9,500  
Indonesia  3,380  5,800  
Bangladesh  11,415  18,220  
China  1,850  3,800  
Malaysia  180 680 
Thailand  500 600 
Viet Nam  1,125  2,500  
Total  31,700  52,000  
 
State Domestic Support  
 
In 2014, the Chadian State budgeted 6.9 billion to support farmers by subsidizing fertilizer. 
For 2015, it budgeted 6.69 billion. Of the amount for 2014, COTONTCHAD SN rec eived 3.5 billion, 
although nothing has yet been paid out under the 2015 budget due to the country's current 
economic and financial situation, which is particularly difficult.  
 
This support is consistent with the provisions of Article 6.2 on special and di fferential treatment for 
the promotion of agriculture and rural areas in low -income countries and the fight against poverty.  
 
Despite a difficult budgetary situation, due to the drop in oil prices which has spread to other raw 
materials and which has playe d a significant role in slowing down the country's economic growth, 
the Chadian State has fought to maintain its cotton sector, which is of considerable economic and 
social importance for millions of Chadians. The State's actions, which have had an importa nt 
impact on priority sectors such as education and health, clearly demonstrate the Government's 
determination to do everything possible to ensure that this important sector does not disappear - 
something that would have disastrous consequences for Chad an d its population.  
 
Cotton plays a pivotal role in our country's development. It is competitive. And yet it suffers from 
the effects of the massive cotton subsidies provided by certain countries, which have the effect of 
driving down prices on the internati onal market.  
 
For Chad, the time has come to move on from general statements and engage constructively in 
substantive discussions on the cotton issue. This belief forms the basis of its commitment and 
determination to continue negotiating with other C4 mem bers at the WTO. Chad remains open to 
any initiatives that might help to find an acceptable solution to the cotton issue.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 104 - 
 
   
Export Competition  
 
The massive support provided to farmers in the form of both production and operating subsidies 
by countries such as the United States and China and by the European Union constitute unfair 
competition and have been denounced for several years now by the C4 countries within the WTO 
framework. The least developed countries (LDCs) continue to suffer the severe financial 
consequences of falling cotton prices. If all cotton -producing countries were on an equal footing in 
the international market, African cotton would be more competitive and the cotton sector would be 
making a profit instead of the successive losses recorded  in recent years.  
 
Countries such as the United States and China have introduced mechanisms to help 
the C4 countries with a view to repairing the harm they have suffered, but these interventions 
amount  to very little when compared with the hundreds of mill ions of dollars paid to their 
respective  producers.  
 
What is being demanded by the C4 countries in general, and by Chad in particular, is compliance 
with the WTO rules that condemn unfair competition and the artificial driving down of prices, 
rather than t he rules on subsidies, which are already well defined and should be limited in terms 
of volume.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 105 - 
 
  Reply from China to the questionnaire circulated on 4  February 201540 
 
First, China supports C -4's position and their request to solve their problem according to the 
Ministerial Decision on Cotton of December 2013 adopted at MC9. We also support the approach to 
solve the problem of cotton on the basis of the Agriculture Modalities of 2008  (TN/AG/W/4/Rev.4 ). 
We would continue to work together with all Members to find the solution to this issue.  
 
Second, China's cotton sector is subsistence farming.  
 
China is among the largest cotton producers in the world. However, China's production is based on 
small -scale and subsistence farming, and the average acreage of cott on is 0.3 hectare per 
household. Moreover, China's cotton production is located remotely in the resource -poor and 
underdeveloped ethnic minority areas, serving as the only instrument for local livelihood security 
and poverty reduction.  
 
After joining the WTO, China's cotton production has shown a declining trend; the cotton acreage 
has diminished from 4.8 million hectares in 2001 to 4.3 million hectares in 2013. The main reason 
for such a decline is the high production cost compared to the lower price of c otton caused by 
subsidies of the developed Members.  
 
Third, China's cotton subsidies are at minimal low level.  
 
China's agriculture support toolbox is short supplied compared to other WTO Members. It has no 
AMS including on cotton, no development box. Chin a is only entitled to de minimis , for which the 
level is also lower than for other developing Members (8.5% versus 10%).  
 
China's cotton support remains lower both in absolute terms and per capita terms. In absolute 
terms, China's cotton support is US D 480 million. In per capita terms per cotton farmer, China's 
cotton support is only just US D 16. 
 
Fourth, China's cotton subsidy policy is a passive response.  
 
China has been the victim to the cotton subsidies by the developed Members. Since its accession 
into the WTO, China's cotton imports surged from 113,000 tonnes to 4.2 million tonnes, while the 
cotton acreage actually diminished.  
 
China's poor subsistence cotton farmers are over 30 million in household, and they will be forced 
out of jobs if the Governme nt does not take the necessary actions. Therefore, the Chinese 
Government has no choice but to subsidize its poor cotton famers to offset the subsidies and 
safeguard the livelihood of those poor famers.  
 
Fifth, China's cotton subsidy policy does not distor t international trade.  
 
China's temporary cotton reserve policy is designed to offset the turbulence of the volatile 
international market caused by the subsidies of developed Members. This policy does not create 
production distortion or trade distortion. O n the production side, China's cotton production does 
not increase in a significant manner. On the import side, China's cotton import continues to 
increase from 2.8 million tonnes in 2010 to 4.2 million tonnes in 2013. If the import on cotton yarn 
is inclu ded, the cotton import will be increased from 4.1 million tonnes to 6.5 million tonnes, which 
provides strong incentives for all cotton producers and the developing ones in particular in the 
context of depressed global cotton prices. In addition, the cotto n in stock is intended for domestic 
textile industry rather than for export, thus producing no distortion on international cotton market.  
 
In the meantime, exports of Chinese textiles are still subject to tariff peaks, tariff escalations and 
other protecti onist measures of developed Members, which the developed Members intend to 
ignore through the so -called recalibration exercise.  
 
                                                
40 This reply was provided after the circulation of the second revision of this background paper and is 
included in document TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.2/Add.1 - TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.2/Add.1.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 106 - 
 
  Sixth, China has made significant contribution to resolving the cotton issue.  
 
China has been the largest cotton importer, and its share in the global cotton import has been 
consistently more than 50%, which creates a lot of market access for the export developing 
Members.  
 
China has been extensively importing a large amount of cotton from African cotton -producing 
Members, includi ng the C -4. During the period 2001 to 2013, China's cotton imports from Africa 
increased from 3,700 tonnes to 442,000 tonnes.  
 
On the development assistance side, China has been committed to providing technical and 
financial assistance to the C -4 to enhanc e their production and export capacity. China signed 
cooperation Communiqués with the C -4 members in 2011 and 2013, respectively, which cover the 
supplies of agriculture inputs, training courses, technology transfer, etc. In addition, China has 
also been p roviding various cotton -related assistance to the C -4 through bilateral channels.  
 
On the allocation of the cotton TRQ  
 
Regarding the allocation of TRQ of cotton, it is consistent with China's WTO commitment. Another 
related question is about the import e xceeding the import quota. In addition to the 894,000 
tonnes, we import more than the TRQ subject to the sliding duties.  
 
On China's domestic support notification  
 
Regarding the notification, China has just updated its domestic support notification up to 2 010, 
and preparation for new notifications is underway.  
 
On China's cotton stock  
 
Regarding China's cotton stock, the stock is real, as we have imported more cotton than our 
obligation. We import cotton for textile processing, but we are facing a lot of di fficulties in the 
textile sector as just mentioned. The other reason for the huge stock is that the price for cotton is 
distorted by the subsidies from developed Members.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 107 - 
 
  Reply from Egypt  to the questionnaire circulated on 4  February 2015  
 
1. Applied tariffs  on cotton versus bound tariffs (2015)  
HS Description  Applied tariff 2015 
% Bound 
Tariff %  
5201.00  Cotton, not carded or combed  Free 5 
5202.00  Cotton waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock)    
5202.10  - Yarn waste (including thread waste)  5 5 
 - Other:    
5202.91  -- Garnetted stock  5 5 
5202.99  -- Other  5 5 
5203.00  Cotton, carded or combed  5 5 
 
2. Egyptian cotton trade  
 2012  2013  2014  
Quantity  
(tonnes)  Value  
(USD 
million)  Quantity  
(tonnes)  Value  
(USD 
million)  Quantity  
(tonnes)  Value  
(USD 
millio n) 
Exports  86,775.62  197.07  67,097.50  136.69  37,313.53  89.90  
Imports  16,412.16  44.47  4,833,833.36  170.41  76,436.45  175.94  
 
3. Egyptian cotton production (in metric cantars, 1 metric cantar = 50 kg)  
 
Year 2011 -2012  2012 -2013  2013 -2014  2014 -2015  
production  3,685,927  2,164,949  1,880,564  2,482,198  
 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 108 - 
 
  ANNEX 5  
INFORMATION ON COTTO N MARKETS AND POLICI ES FROM  
THE TRADE POLICY REVIEW MECHANISM41 
1.1.  At the second dedicated discussion of the relevant trade -related developments for cotton, 
Members agreed that, in order t o complement the revised background paper to be prepared by the 
WTO Secretariat , the Secretariat would compile information related to cotton markets and policies 
contained in the most recent T rade Policy Review (TPR)  reports.42 
1.2.  The Secretariat searched  the most recent  TPR reports available by Governments  and by  the 
WTO Secretariat for the 32 Members identified in paragraphs 12 and 13 of this paper . Information 
that met the following  two criteria has been  included in this Annex:  (1) information relevant to 
cotton markets and policies ; and (2) information not presented elsewhere in th is background 
paper . 
1.3.  No relevant information was found  for the following thirteen Members :43 Bahrain, Kingdom of 
(April  2014); Canada (June 2015);  Hong Kong, China (November 2014) ; Iceland 
(November  2012);  Japan (March 2015); Kenya (November 2012)44; Kore a, Republic of 
(October  2016); Malaysia (March 2014); New Zealand (Ju ly 2015 ); Russian Federation 
(September 2016) ; Norway (October 2012); Switzerland (September 2013) and Chinese Tai pei 
(September 2014) .45 
1.4.  For the remaining  19 Members, the relevant i nformation found is presented below by 
Member. The date of the most recent TPR report available, as well as the type of report and the 
document symbol for the report , are indicated next to  each Member. Except for Bangladesh, no 
relevant information was found in  the most recent Government reports available for these 
19 Members .  
1.5.  Information is listed along with the headings of the chapters from which it is extracted , and 
"…" represents inform ation left out from a table, a paragraph or a chapter.  
1.6.  Information not directly linked to cotton markets and policies but which provides context for 
understanding the above -mentioned information may have also been included  based on the 
Secretariat's own ju dgement and is without prejudice to information excluded from this Annex.  
                                                
41 The purpose of the Trade Policy Review Mechan ism ("TPRM") is to contribute to improved adherence 
by all Members to rules, disciplines and commitments made under the Multilateral Trade Agreements and, 
where applicable, the Plurilateral Trade Agreements, and hence to the smoother functioning of the mul tilateral 
trading system, by achieving greater transparency in, and understanding of, the trade policies and practices of 
Members. Accordingly, the review mechanism enables the regular collective appreciation and evaluation of the 
full range of individual Members' trade policies and practices and their impact on the functioning of the 
multilateral trading system. It is not, however, intended to serve as a basis for the enforcement of specific 
obligations under the Agreements or for dispute settlement proced ures, or to impose new policy commitments 
on Members  ( Annex 3 (A)(i) of the Marrakesh Agreement) . 
42 Paragraph 13 of the Chairperson's report of the second dedicated discussion of the relevant trade -
related developments for cotton (TN/AG/29  and TN/AG/SCC/3 ). 
43 The date in brackets is that of the most recent TPR report available.  
44 Joint Trade Policy Review of the East African Community (EAC).  
45 The Secretariat report for the 2014 TPR (WT/TPR/S/302) is being revised therefore the report from 
the previous TPR  (July 2010) was used and no relevant information was found.   TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 109 - 
 
  AUSTRALIA (MARCH 201 5) - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/312 /REV.1 ) 
"4. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries  
4.2.2 Main policy developments  
4.2.2.2 Dome stic support measures  
 
Under its Carbon Farming Futures Program (2011 -2017), Australia has implemented a Filling the 
Research Gap, Action on the Ground, Extension and Outreach Program, and related offset 
incentives.46 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 1 Merchandise exports, by product groups, 2010 -13 
  2010  2011  2012  2013  
Total exports (US D billion)  212.5  270.1  256.6  253.7  
Total exports (AUD  billion)  231.1  261.7  247.8  262.0  
 (% of total)  
Total primary products  77.3 79.8 79.0 80.4 
Agriculture  13.9 14.3 15.5 15.8 
… … … … … 
Agricultural raw material  2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 
2631  Cotton (other than linters), not carded or combed  0.5 1.0 1.1 1.0 
… … … …  … 
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the Australian authori ties in SITC four -digit 
classification.  
                                                
46 … Under the Action on the Ground funding programme, farmers and land managers undertake 
on-farm trials of abatement technologies, practices and management strategies to measure and demonstrate  
how they can reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions of methane and nitrous oxide or increase the 
sequestration of carbon in soil while maintaining or improving farm productivity. By March 2014, 89 multi -year 
grants worth up to AUD 44.29 million had received funding; these projects were trialling a diverse range of 
on-farm practices and management strategies, on more than 530 properties across the country . By April 2013, 
24 projects valued at AUD 21.3 million were funded under the Extension and Outrea ch program supporting 
sector -specific projects, including the livestock, dairy, horticulture, cotton  and grains industries (Department of 
Agriculture online information. Viewed at: http://www.daff.g ov.au/about/current -grants ; and Productivity 
Commission, 2013d).  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 110 - 
 
  BANGLADESH (OCTOBER 2012)  - GOVERNMENT REPORT (W T/TPR/G/270)  
"II. RECENT ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE  
Table 6. - Composition of Bangladesh' s import  
Commodity  2005 -06 2006 -07 2007 -08 2008 -09 2009 -10 2010 -11 
Total import (c. i.f.) 14,746  17,157  21,629  22,507  23,738  33,657  
Of which:         
… … … … … … … 
16. Raw cotton  5.0%  5.0%  5.6%  5.7%  6.1%  8.0%  
… … … … … … … 
Source: Bangladesh Economic Review, 2012  
 
III. TRADE POLICY DEVELOPMENT  
 
Since 2011 the Government has imposed ex port tax on bricks, tobacco and cotton waste in order 
to discourage production of tobacco and bricks on health and environmental reasons and 
discourage export of cotton waste to safeguard interests of growing local industry. " 
 
Secretariat Report (WT/TPR/S/ 270/Rev.1)  
"III. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
 
(1)  Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
 
(iv)  Tariffs and other charges  
Table III.2  - Tariff structure, 2005/06 and 2011/12  
  MFN applied  SAFTA  
2005/06  2011/12  2011/12  
… … … … 
Memo:     
WTO agri culture  18.0 17.8 13.1 
… … … … 
Cotton  4.0 3.3 1.9 
… … … … 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data received by the Bangladeshi authorities.  
 
(2)  Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
 
(ii)  Export taxes, charges, and levies  
In 2010/11, export d uties were applied to tobacco and tobacco products (10%), cotton waste 
(25%), and ceramic building bricks (25%) in order to discourage production of these products.  
According to the authorities, brick production is not environmentally friendly and tobacco 
production occupies land needed for essential crops.  Duty on the export of cotton waste is 
intended to encourage the use of cotton waste in Bangladesh.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 111 - 
 
  IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
 
(2)  Agriculture  
 
(b) Food security  
Table IV.4  - Developments in domestic support to agriculture, 2002 -07 
(USD million)  
 2002/03  2004/05  2006/07  
Total domestic support (I+II+III)     
… … … … 
II. Measures exempt from the reduction commitment - "Green Box"  
General services  52.4 95.5 75.1 
(i) Research and development of non -rice crops, (fruit, 
vegetables, spices) except sugar cane, jute, cotton, and tea  9.32 10.9 23.6 
… … … … 
(iv) Research and development of cotton  0.35 0.36 0.2 
… … … … 
Source:  Notification from Bangladesh, G/AG/N/BGD/3, 4 May 2011 covering FY2002/03, 20 04/05 
and 2006/07.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 112 - 
 
  BRAZIL (JUNE 2013) - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/283/REV.1)  
"3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.2.3 Tariffs  
3.2.3.3 Preferences  
 
Table 3.4 Summary analysis of tariffs according to preferent ial agreements, 2012  
 
No. of 
lines  MFN GUY CHI BOL Mexico  PER COL ECU VEN CUB IND ISR 
Total  10,031  11.7 11.6 7.1 6.9 11.4 11.5 6.8 7.6 6.9 7.3 9.6 11.6 8.1 
HS 01 -24 1,252  10.3 10.0 6.3 6.1 9.8 10.3 6.2 6.4 6.4 6.3 8.6 10.3 7.0 
HS 25 -97 8,779  11.9 11.9 7.2 7.0 11.6 11.7 6.9 7.8 7.0 7.4 9.7 11.8 8.3 
By WTO category               
WTO 
Agriculture  1,030  10.2 9.8 5.3 5.2 9.6 10.2 5.2 5.4 5.4 5.3 8.4 10.1 6.0 
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 
- Cotton  7 7.4 7.4 4.3 3.7 7.4 7.4 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 7.4 7.4 2.4 
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the Brazilian authorities.  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.2.3 Domestic support measures  
4.2.3.3 Minimum price guarantees  
Brazil ope rates several programmes based on minimum price guarantees, which support the 
production of a wide range of commodities, including corn, rice, cotton, and wheat. According to 
OECD estimates, price support schemes accounted for more than half of transfers g ranted to 
farmers during 2008 -10. Their overall effect, however, appears to be modest, as annual budgets 
are limited and partly targeted at less developed regions and low -income farmers.47 
Table 4.5 Price support programmes, 2012  
Price Support Programme/Des cription  Use/Cost  
… 
Premium for Product Outflow (PEP)  
The CONAB grants an equalization premium to wholesalers who agree to 
pay farmers a reference price. The premium is determined in public 
auctions and generally reflects the difference between the ref erence 
price and the market price. In addition to guaranteeing minimum prices 
for producers, the PEP is used to shift the supply of agricultural products 
across regions, so as to avoid shortages and prevent the accumulation of 
stocks. In theory, all produc ts included in the PGPM can participate in 
the PEP; however, the programme has been used for only a few 
products so far, mainly  cotton, corn, wheat, sisal, beans, rice, and wine.   Premium s paid under PEP totalled 
was BRL  279.5 million in 2011, of 
which BRL  190.6  million for rice, 
BRL 58.3 million for wheat, and 
BRL 30.6 million for sisal.  
… … 
Source: Law No. 11,775 of 17 September 2008; CONAB online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.conab.go v.br/conteudos.php?a=1255&t= ; and CONAB (2012), Relátorio De Gestão 2011 . Viewed 
at: http://www.conab.gov.br/conteudos.php?a=23&t=1 .  
                                                
47 OECD (2011).  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 113 - 
 
  4.2.3.4 Measures to promote family farming  
Table 4.6 Budget  allocated to family farming progra mmes and measures, harvest 
year 2012/13  
Programme  Description  Budget  
… … … 
Price Guarantee 
Programme for Family 
Farming (PGPAF)  An indexation of the credit taken out by family farmers under the 
PRONAF, through which th e price is fixed when the credit is 
granted. Upon repayment of the PRONAF's credit, if the price of 
the product financed has decreased, the farmer benefits from a 
discount from the amount due, equivalent to the difference 
between the product's market price  and the price set in the 
programme's index. The limit for the PGPAF bonus per farmer is 
BRL 7,000 each year. The programme covers 49 products, 
including corn, cotton, rice, milk, and oranges.  BRL 90 million 
… … … 
Source: MDS online information. Viewed a t: http://www.mds.gov.br/segurancaalimentar/fomento -a-producao -
e-a-estruturacao -produtiva -1/fomento -as-atividades -produtivas -rurais ; CAIXA online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.caixa.gov.br/voce/Social/Transferencia/fomento/ index.asp ; MDA online information. Viewed at: 
http://comunidades.mda.gov.br/portal/saf/programas/ , and MDA (2010), Plano Safra da Agricultura Familiar 
2010-2011. Viewed at: http://www.agricultura.pr. gov.br/arquivos/File/deral/psafra_ag_familiar_2010_11.pdf .  
APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 2 Merchandise exports by groups of products, 2007 -12 
(USD million and %)  
Descriptio n 2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  
Total  160,649  197,942  152,995  197,356  256,039  242,580  
 (% of total exports)  
Total primary products  50.1 53.3 59.0 63.2 64.2 62.7 
 Agriculture  30.1 31.0 37.7 34.8 33.8 35.6 
 Food 26.2 27.4 33.9 30.8 30.2 31.8 
 … … … … … … … 
 Agricultural raw material  3.8 3.6 3.8 4.0 3.5 3.8 
 … … … … … … … 
 2631 Cotton (other than linters), not carded or combed  0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.9 
 … … … … … … … 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3).  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  CHINA (JULY 2016 ) - SECRETARIAT REPOR T (WT/TPR/S/342 /REV.1) 
Summary  
… 
Government -set prices are currently applied to refined oil products, natural gas, certain medicines, 
and some services. Products classified as important central reserve materials (grain, cotton, sugar, 
filature silk, crude oil, processed oil, and chemical fertilizers) are no longer subject to government -
set prices….  
… 
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.3 Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
Table 3.11 Products subject to export quotas and licensing, 2015 -16 
Products  Type of management  Comment  
Goods subject to quota and 
licensing    
Rice, maize, wheat, cotton, coal  Export quota (licensing)  The quota is allocated by the NDRC and MOF COM 
The licence is issued by MOFC OM 
… … … 
Source:  MOFCOM GACC Joint Announcement No. 76 of 2015. Viewed at: 
http://wms.mofcom.gov.cn/article/zcfb/g/201512/20151201225345.s html (in Chinese only); and information 
provided by the Chinese authorities.  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.5 State trading and state -owned enterprises  
3.3.5.1 State trading  
 
In 2015 China submitted a new and full notification regarding  state trading enterprises to the 
WTO.48 The legislation regulating state trading has not changed since 2014, nor have the reasons 
for maintaining this practice or the products subject to it. State trading remains in place to: ensure 
a stable supply and pri ce of the products concerned; safeguard food security; and protect 
exhaustible and non -recyclable natural resources, and the environment.  
Imports subject to state trading administration comprise: grain (including wheat, maize, and rice), 
sugar, cotton, ch emical fertilizers, tobacco, crude oil, and processed oil (Table  3.17). They can be 
imported (and  exported) only by authorized enterprises, in accordance with Article 11 of the 
Foreign Trade Law. ... Non -state trading enterprises that have obtained trading  rights through 
registration may engage in the importation of part of the quota of products subject to tariff -rate 
quotas (grain, cotton, sugar, and certain chemical fertilizers), and of crude and processed oil. 
The NDRC (in the case of grains and cotton) and MOFCOM (for the other products) issue on a 
yearly basis the criteria for an enterprise to acquire trading rights for these products, the volumes 
they can import and the allocation method. No information was provided on the quantities 
imported under sta te trading.49 
Table 3.17 Imports under state trading, 2013 -15 
Product  HS Code  Percentage of TRQ 
allocated to state -trading 
enterprises  
2013  2014  2015a 
… … … … … 
Cotton  5201.00.00; 5203.00.00  33 33 33 
… … … … … 
a. Provisional.  
Source: WTO documents G/ STR/N/10/CHN -G/STR/N/15/CHN, 19 October 2015; and data provided by the 
authorities.  
                                                
48 WTO document s G/STR/N/10/CHN -G/STR/N/15/CHN, 19 October 2015 . 
49 WTO document s G/STR/N/10/CHN -G/STR/N/15/CHN, 19 October 2015 . TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 115 - 
 
  Exports subject to state trading and the enterprises in charge of trading these products also 
remain unchanged since the last Review. In 2015, exports subject to state  trading were rice, 
maize, cotton, coal, crude and processed oil, tungsten ore and products, antimony ore and 
products, silver and tobacco (Table 3.18) . According to the authorities, the volume of exports 
subject to state trading is determined taking into accou nt market signals and so are export prices; 
there is no government intervention.50 According to the authorities, export allocation amongst 
state-trading enterprises is also based on market principles.  
Table 3.18 Export products subject to state -trading arra ngements, 2014 -15 
Product  (HS code)  Enterprises  
… … 
Cotton   
5201.00.00; 5203.00.00  Chinatex Cotton Import & Export Corporation; Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Cotton and Jute 
Import & Export Co; Xinjiang Yin Long International Agricultural Co. Ltd (sin ce 2012); and China 
National Cotton Reserve Corporation.  
… … 
a MOFCOM online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/b/c/200404/20040400210082.html .  
b State Council online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2004/content_62767.htm . 
c China reserves the right to use state trading.  
d MOFCOM online information. Viewe d at: 
http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/article/b/e/200411/20041100306546.shtml . 
Source: Information provided by the Chinese authorities and WTO  documents 
WT/STR/N/10/CHN -WT/S TR/N/15/C HN, 19 October 2015.  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture  
4.1.3 Policy instruments  
4.1.3.1 Border measures  
4.1.3.1.1 Measures affecting imports  
 
… 
 
… In-quota and out -of-quota rates have not changed; they are both ad valorem , with the 
exception  of the out -of-quota rate for a type of cotton (HS 52.01.00.00). Out -of-quota imports of 
this type of cotton may be subject to a sliding duty that depends upon the price of cotton, but that 
cannot exceed 40% (i.e. the bound rate for cotton). Under this sys tem, China fixes a threshold 
price (RMB 15/kg in 2015). If the price of imports is equal to or higher than the threshold price a 
specific duty of RMB 0.57/kg is levied; if the import price is lower than the threshold price, an 
ad valorem  rate based on the formula applies.51 Out-of-quota rates for other products are in most 
cases equal to bound rates.  
The NDRC is responsible for allocating TRQs for grains and cotton, and MOFCOM allocates the rest. 
Some products subject to TRQs (i.e. grains, cotton, sugar, and  chemical fertilizers) are also 
subject to state trading. In these cases, part of the quota is allocated to state -trading enterprises 
and another part to other enterprises. Historically, the fill rate of TRQs has been low; however, this 
changed in 2013 and  2014 for products such as sugar, wool and cotton (Table 4.2).  
Table 4.2 Tariff rate quotas and their utilization, 2013 -14 
(Tonnes, unless otherwise indicated)  
Products  Out-of-quota 
rates (%)  In-quota rates 
(%) Tariff quota 
quantity  In-quota 
imports (2013)  In-quota 
imports (2014)  
… … … … … … 
Cotton (2 lines)  40 1 894,000  894,000  894,000  
Note: Number of tariff lines in brackets refers to the 2015 tariff schedule.  
Source: WTO document G/AG/N/CHN/30, 2 February 2016; and Ministry of Finance (2015), Customs Tariff of 
Imports and Export of the People's Republic of China , 2015.  
                                                
50 WTO documents G/STR/N/10/CHN -G/STR/N/15/CHN, 19 October 2015.  
51 The variable rate is calculated a ccording to  a formula, which may be viewed in: Ministry of 
Finance  (2015), Customs Tariff of Import and Export of the People's Republic of China 2015  (The Legal Texts), 
Beijing, p. 442.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 116 - 
 
  4.1.3.2 Internal measures  
4.1.3.2.1 Support measures  
 
… 
 
…The Subsidy for Promoting Superior Strains and Seeds scheme introduced in  2002 to improve 
the quality of seeds and livestock c overs: cotton, maize, rice and wheat throughout China, and 
soya beans, rapeseed, cotton, potatoes, highland barley and peanuts, in specific areas of the 
country….  
… 
 
4.1.3.2.2 Price controls and marketing   
 
… 
 
In 2014, China stopped its stockholding progra mme for cotton. This programme resulted in an 
increase in the domestic price of cotton paid to farmers to above international prices, and led 
farmers to sell most of their production to the State.52 As a result, state reserves increased to 
levels beyond ann ual domestic demand, which triggered a reform of the policy. The former system 
was replaced, on a pilot basis in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, by a mechanism that sets a 
target price for cotton; this price was RMB 19,800 per tonne in 2014 (RMB 19,100 per  tonne 
in 2015).53 Through the new mechanism, if the market price falls below the target price, the 
central government provides a subsidy to cotton farmers, the amount of which depends on the 
land farmed (which is given a weight of 60% in the calculation of  the subsidy) and the amount of 
cotton sold for processing in the domestic market (a weight of 40%).54 In 2015, the cotton subsidy 
was extended to nine other provinces.55 However, it is not clear what form of subsidy applies in 
these provinces, it seems that  a target price has also been established.56  
 
… 
                                                
52 Imports and expo rts of c otton are subject to state trad ing. 
53 Cotton Target Price Reform Pilot in Progress . Viewed at : 
http://www.sdpc.gov.cn/zcfb/zcfbtz/201404/t20140415_607179.html . 
54 The In terim Measures on Administration of Fund for Xinjiang Cotton Target Price Reform Pilot 
Subsidy. Viewed at:  
http://www.xjjh.gov.cn/zwgk/xzfxxgkml/czxx/cdxm/f59e4d28_2d31_4af8_8efd_36930fff8166.htm . 
55 These are: Shandong, Henan, Hebei, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu,  Jiangxi, Gansu, Anhui and Tianjin. 
Viewed at : http://www.cncotton.com/sy_59/gnmh_1388/rdxw/201511/t20151120_554754.html . 
56 Henan online information.  Viewed at: http://www.1633.com/policy/zhuanti/view -10680508 -1.html ; 
Hebei online information.  Viewed at:  http://www.tuliu.com/read -11746.html ; Hubei online information. Viewed 
at: http://www.texindex.com.cn/Articles/2015 -3-24/330704.html ; Hunan  online information. Viewed at : 
http://www.hn315.gov.cn/business/htmlfiles/hnzjj/s42/201510/32546.html ; Jiangsu online information. 
Viewed at: http://www.jscz.gov.cn/pub /jscz/xxgk/gkml/201505/t20150528_75680.html ; and Jiangxi  online 
information. Viewed at: 
http://www.jxdpc.gov.cn/departmentsite/jmc/tztg/gztz/201502/t20150205_1 15865.htm . TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 117 - 
 
  COLOMBIA (JUNE 2012)  - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/265/REV.2)  
"III. TRADE POLICIES BY MEASURE  
(2) Measures Affecting Imports  
(v) Other charges on imports  
(a) Value added tax (VAT)  
 
Table III.8  - Other VAT r ates 
HS Code  Description  Rate 
Imports  National production  
.. … … … 
5201 Cotton fibre  10% 10% 
… … … … 
Source:  Tax Statute, Articles 468 -1, 471, 473 and 475.  
(4) Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
(iv) Incentives  
(d) Other support schemes  
 
Given the importance of the agricultural sector in Colombia, in addition to the credit programmes 
implemented by FINAGRO and the backing provided by the FAG, there are other programmes for 
supporting the sector in general, as well as specific programmes.  Under t he Agricultural Debt 
Relief Programme, small and medium -sized producers are offered assistance, for up to two years, 
with their interest payments, and the debt can also be restructured.57 The aid is granted by MADR 
and provided by FINAGRO for each debt to b e restructured, through the financial intermediary with 
which the producer contracted the debt.  Likewise, to protect the income of producers in the export 
sector from exchange rate fluctuations, the Government offers assistance with foreign exchange 
hedgin g that covers between 60 and 80 % of the cost of the premium.  To protect crops against 
adverse weather conditions, the Government provides support for agricultural insurance that 
covers between 30 and 60 % of the value of the policy.  At present, only one ins urer offers this type 
of product.  
Among the specific programmes two stand out, namely, those for cotton and rice.  The aim of the 
cotton price compensation programme or Guaranteed Minimum Price for Cotton (PMG) is to protect 
the incomes of domestic farmers from international price fluctuations by making up the difference 
between the market price (New York Stock Exchange) and a guaranteed minimum price per tonne 
of fibre.  The PMG of the Interinstitutional Committee for Cotton Crop Competitiveness  (CICA) is 
established by taking into account the production costs per hectare for the previous five years and 
updating them using the producer price index.  The MADR announces the PMG before planting 
begins, and this support is paid during the marketing period.  The sup port granted through the 
PMG increased from US D 18,091,000 in 2006 toUS D 25,592,000 in 2010.58 To prevent the fall in 
producer prices due to the surpluses that normally occur in the second half of each year, the 
Government offers an incentive to store rice.  
… 
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES B Y SECTOR  
(2) Agriculture  
(ii) Domestic support and subsidies  
                                                
57 At present, for small producers in the first year the support corresponds to 100 % of the interest 
payment and in the second year to 60 %. For medium -sized producers the support corresponds to 100 % of the 
interest payment in the first year and 40% in the second (information provided by the authorities).  
58 Information provided by the authorities.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 118 - 
 
  …. 
Colombia makes use of price stabilization mechanisms in order to deal with fluctuations in world 
prices for certain agricultural products.  The Price Stabilization Funds  (FEPs), created by 
Law No. 101 of 1993, are intended to guarantee producers' incomes, regulate domestic 
production, and prevent price speculation, in addition to promoting agricultural exports.  Currently, 
there are FEPs for five products:  cotton;  sugar;  cocoa;  meat, milk and their by -products;  and palm 
kernel oil.59 The Funds operate by estimating a price for each product based, inter alia, on 
international prices in the relevant markets.  Depending on the estimated price, producers or 
exporters make "transf ers" to the Fund or are compensated by the Fund, according to the price 
difference.  The Funds act as a savings and insurance scheme.  
… 
 
In addition to the foregoing, there are three specific price stabilization programmes:  support for 
cotton, rice and milk . The equalization programme for cotton prices, or the minimum guaranteed 
price for cotton, is a policy introduced in 2001 and implemented during the period 2003/2004 to 
protect Colombian farmers' incomes from fluctuations in international prices by offeri ng 
compensation for the price differential between market prices (New York Exchange) and a 
minimum guaranteed price per tonne of lint. …  
 
… 
 
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) also implements other support 
programmes to enable the agr icultural and fisheries sector to contend with climate problems or to 
renew plantations, inter alia, so as to encourage investment in higher value crops and exports, as 
well as other programmes specifically for small and medium -sized producers (Table IV.3) . 
The Agriculture, Secure Income (AIS) Programme was implemented by MADR until 2010, when it 
was replaced by the Rural Development with Equity Programme (DRE).  Its objective was to make 
the national agricultural sector more competitive, protect the incomes  of producers affected by the 
distortions caused by foreign markets, and lessen rural inequalities.  The Programme made use of a 
number of tools such as the Special Line of Credit (LEC)60, the Rural Capitalization Incentive  (ICR), 
the Technical Assistance In centive (IAT) and the Public Irrigation and Drainage Assembly.  
… 
The LEC can be used to finance the sowing of crops with a short life cycle, for example:  rice, white 
and yellow maize, sorghum, barley, oats, beans, vetch, vegetables, fruit (except those ben efiting 
from the ICR), soya beans, plantains, yucca, potatoes, sesame, cotton, tobacco, groundnuts and 
achira.  These lines of credit are at subsidized rates of interest:  the subsidy given by the Fund for 
Financing the Agricultural Sector (FINAGRO) varies d epending on the producer's volume and 
ranges from 5 to 7.5 %.61 FINAGRO states that at present there are no resources for this line.  
… 
 
                                                
59 The FEP for cotton , which is managed by the Colombian Cotton  Confederation (CONALGODON); the 
FEP for centrifugal sugars, molasses obtained by extracti ng or refining sugar, and sugar syrups, managed by 
the Colombian Sugar Cane Growers' Association (ASOCAÑA); the FEP for cocoa, managed by the National 
Federation of Cocoa Growers (FEDECACAO); the FEP for promoting the export of meat, milk and their 
by-products, managed by the Colombian Cattle Breeders' Federation (FEDEGAN); and the FEP for palm kernel 
oil, palm oil and fractions thereof, managed by the National Federation of Palm Oil Producers (FEDEPALMA).  
60 The terms for the LEC in the AIS   include a subsi dized interest rate  (Fixed Term Deposit (DTF) 
rate – 2 percentage points), and a term of up to 15 years, including grace periods of up to three y ears. The 
DTF rate represents the average interest rate on 90 -day deposit certificates owned by Colombian banks . The 
term and the grace period are determined by the income and expenditure flows in the production activity that 
is the subject of the investment financed.  
61 Small -scale individual producers: DTF rate + 1 %; small associate producer: DTF rate; medium -sized 
individual producer: DTF rate + 2 %; medium -sized associate producer: DTF rate + 1 %; medium -sized or large 
producer incorporating small producers: DTF rate + 1 %. The DTF rate represents the average interest rate on 
90-day deposit certificates owned b y Colombian banks. See FINAGRO  (2012), Chapter V: Líneas especiales de 
crédito . TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 119 - 
 
  APPENDIX TABLES  
I. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
AI.2 Merchandise imports (c.i.f.) by product, 2005 -2011  
 
Table AI.2  Merchandise im ports (c.i.f.) by product, 2005 -2011  
(USD million and %) 
Description  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  
Total (US D million ) 21,204  26,162  32,897  39,669  32,898  40,683  54,675  
 (% of imports)  
Total primary products  15.6 16.3 16.5 18.6 17.0 18.2 19.3 
Agriculture  10.4 10.3 10.5 11.5 11.5 11.0 10.5 
… … … … … … … … 
Agricultural raw materials  1.6 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.4 1.2 
2631 Cotton (other than linters), 
not carded or combed  0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 
… … … … … … … … 
Source : WTO Secretariat estimates based  on data from the Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3) and the 
authorities.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 120 - 
 
  EGYPT (JULY 2005)  - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/150/REV.1)  
III. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
 
(3) MEASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING EXPORTS  
 
(vii) Export promotion and marketing assistance  
 
… 
In October 2002, Egypt mandated a LE 200 million subsidy programme to encourage the use of 
local cotton by textiles mills and to compensate farmers for low world market prices.  The 
programme ended in 2003 and has not been reinstituted.  
… 
 
(4) MEASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE  
(i) Incentives  
(ii) Competition policy and price controls  
(iii) Government procurement  
(iv) State -owned enterprises and privatization  
 
State -owned enterprises play an important role in the import of petroleum pr oducts and some 
agricultural commodities, and cotton exports.  … Cotton and cotton products, such as yarn, fabrics, 
and garments, are largely exported by public companies.  
… 
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
(2) AGRICULTURE  
(i) Main features  
 
… 
… In terms of  employment and export value, cotton is the most important crop in Egypt.  It is 
estimated that cotton production employs up to one million farm workers.  
Table IV.3  - Agricultural output, 1997 -03 
(Thousand tonnes)  
 1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  
… … … … … … … … 
Cotton lint  342 230 233 225 330 285 280 
… … … … … … … … 
Source:  FAO statistical database.  
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
Table AI.1  - Structure of exports, 1995 -03 
(USD million and %) 
  1995  2000  2001  2002  2003  
Total (US D million)  3,444.1  4,713.0  4,164.9  4,691.6  6,159.2  
 (%) 
Total primary products  59.7 58.8 60.3 55.1 61.5 
 Agriculture  16.0 13.0 15.2 17.0 15.3 
… … … … … …  
 2631 Cotton (other than linters), not carded 
or  combed  4.4 4.1 4.5 7.1 5.9 
… … … … … …  
Source : WTO Secretariat estimates, bas ed on UNSD, Comtrade database SITC Rev.3 data.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 121 - 
 
  EUROPEAN UNION (JULY  2015 ) - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/317/REV.1 ) 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Agriculture  
4.2.3 Agricultural policies  
4.2.3.1 Domestic support  
4.2.3.1.1 Direct payments  
 
… Direct pay ments linked to production applied only to suckler cows, sheep and goats, and (for 
four member States) cotton. Member States had some flexibility to direct some of the money 
available under direct payments to specific objectives and, for those member State s that applied 
the SAPS, to provide complementary national direct payments ( Table ). 
Table  4.4 Direct payments to agricultural producers in the EU, 2007/08 -2011/12  
(EUR million)  
 2007/08  2008/09  2009/10  2010/11  2011 /12 
Decoupled payments       
… … … … … … 
Other direct aids       
… … … … … … 
Cotton  248 217 222 247 246 
… … … … … … 
Source:  WTO notifications.  
 
… 
 
Coupled payments  
 
Under CAP Reform 2014 -2020, crop -specific payments for cotton remain as set out in Table . 
 
Table  4.6 Crop -specific payments for cotton  
 Area  
ha Fixed yield  
tonne/ha  Payment  
EUR/ha 
Bulgaria  3,342  1.2 2015: 584.88  
2016 and onward: 649.45  
Greece  250,000  3.2 234.18  
Spain  48,000  3.5 362.15  
Portugal  360 2.2 228.00  
Source: Regulation (EU) No. 1307/2013, Article 58.  
… TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 122 - 
 
  INDIA (JUNE 2015)  - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/313 /REV.1 ) 
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME  
2.2 Trade Policy Formulation and Objectives  
2.2.2 Trade policy goals  
 
… 
 
… During the period 3 J uly 2009 and 31 March 2013 export restrictions were placed on wheat flour 
and exports of cotton were subject to prior registration of contracts with DGFT. …  
… 
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.5 Other c harges affecting imports  
 
Table  3.5 Summary analysis of India's import charges, 2014 -15 
   Effective applied rates 
(MFN)  Total duty rate, incl. 
extra chargesa 
No. of lines  Average 
(%) Range  
(%) Average 
(%) Range  
(%) 
Total  11,481  13.0 0-150 28.3 0-537.5 
HS 01 -24 1,609  37.7 0-150 46.2 0-537.5  
HS 25 -97 9,872  9.0 0-100 25.3 0-186.1  
By WTO definition       
Agricultural products  1,496  36.4 0-150 46.1 0-537.5  
… … … … … … 
Cotton  11 2.7 0-30 3.3 0-36.1 
… … … … … … 
Note: Calculations exclude specific rat es and include the ad valorem  part of alternate rates.  
Source:  WTO calculations, based on data provided by the Indian authorities; and Big's Easy Reference Customs 
Tariff, 2014 (35th edition).  
 
3.1.9 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.1.9 .3 Import surveillance  
 
India does not maintain any mechanism to monitor imports of items that are considered to be 
sensitive; such a mechanism  was discontinued  by April 2012.62  
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.4 Export prohibitions, restricti ons, and licensing  
3.2.4.2 Export licensing and quotas  
… 
 
On 8 December 2014, the previous requirement that exports of cotton and cotton yarn required an 
export authorization registration certificate (EARCs) issued by the DGFT was abolished.63  
… 
 
                                                
62 At the end of March 2012, there were 415 sensitive items (based on HS eight -digit classifications). 
These included milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables, pulses, poultry, tea and coffee, spices, food 
grains, edible oils, cotton  and silk, marble and granite, automobiles, parts and accessories of motor vehicles, 
products produced by small -scale industries, and other products (bamboos, cocoa, copra, and sugar).  
63 DGFT N otifica tions Nos.  102 and 103, 8 December 2014.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 123 - 
 
  4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture  
4.1.1 General policy framework  
4.1.1.3 Internal measures  
 
Table  4.3 Minimum support prices, 2010 -15 
 
(Rs per quintal)  
Minimum support prices (MSPs)  2010 -11 2014 -15 
… … … 
Cotton (medium staple)  2,500  3,750  
… … … 
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics online information. Viewed at: 
http://eands.dacnet.nic.in/msp/MSPStatement(2014.29.10).pdf ; and information provided by the Indian 
author ities. 
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 124 - 
 
  INDONESIA (APRIL 201 3) - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/278/REV.1)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures directly affecting imports  
3.1.6 Contingency measures  
3.1.6.2 Safeguard measures  
 
Table 3.10 Safeguard activity, 2007 -12  
Product  Investigation 
initiation  Investigation outcome  
… … … 
Cotton yarn (other than sewing 
thread)  25.06.2010  Imposition on 06.06.2011 of safeguard measures for 
three years:  Rp 40,687 per kg (06.06.2011 to 
05.06.2012);  Rp 38,144 per kg (06.06.2012 to 
05.06.2013);  and Rp 35,601 per kg (06.06.2013 to 
05.06.2014).  Certain tariff lines as well as 105 
developing countries are excluded from the safeguard 
measure  
Woven fabrics of cotton  25.06.2010  Imposition on 23.03.2011 of safeguard measures for 
three years:  Rp 116,800 per kg (23.03.2011 to 
22.03.2012); Rp 109,500 per kg (23.03.2012 to 
22.03.2013); and Rp 102,200 per kg (23.03.2013 to 
22.03.2014)  
… … … 
Source: Notifications to the WTO Committee on Safeguards; and additional information provided by the 
author ities. 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 3 Merchandise imports by product group, 2007 -11 
(USD million and %)  
  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  
Total imports (US D million)  74,473.4  129,244.1  96,829.2  135,663.3  177,435.6  
 (% of total)  
Total primary products  47.4 38.1 34.6 35.3 39.2 
 Agriculture  14.1 10.3 11.7 11.5 12.6 
 … … … … … … 
 Agricultural raw material  3.5 3.0 2.8 3.1 3.2 
 2631 Cotton (other than  
  linters), not carded or  
  combed  1.1 0.9 0.8 0.8 1.0 
 … … … … … … 
Source: UNSD Comt rade database, SITC Rev.3.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 125 - 
 
  MAURITIUS (OCTOBER 2 014)  - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/304/REV.1)  
APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 3 Merchandise imports by product group, 2007 -13 
(USD million and %)  
 2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
Total (US D million)  3,901  4,670 3,725  4,402  5,159  5,772  5,398  
(%) 
Total primary products  40.7 45.9 40.7 43.4 46.9 45.5 47.0 
Agriculture  21.3 23.5 23.9 23.1 24.2 23.5 24.2 
… … … … … … … … 
Agricultural raw material  2.5 2.6 2.4 2.2 3.0 2.0 2.2 
2631 Cotton (other than linters), not carded 
or combed  0.9 1.2 0.9 0.8 1.5 0.8 0.8 
… … … … … … … … 
Source: UNSD Comtrade database, SITC Rev.3.  
Table A3. 1 VAT-exempt supplies, 2013  
Item  
… 
Cotton of headings 52.01, 52.02 and 52.03  
… 
Source: Value Added Tax Act 1998 (Consolidated Version with amendments to 1 September 2013), First 
Schedule. Viewed at: 
http://mra.gov.mu/download/VATAct_Proclamation_38_2013.pdfhtt p://mra.gov.mu/download/VATAct_Procla
mation_38_2013.pdf .  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 126 - 
 
  MEXICO (APRIL 2013)  - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/279/REV.1)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Agriculture  
4.2.4 Policy instruments  
4.2.4.2 Domestic support measures  
4.2.4.2.4 Risk prevention an d management  
 
… 
 
The Supplementary Support for Target Income and Marketing subprogramme guarantees the 
producers of certain crops a minimum income by means of a transfer per tonne marketed. Its 
specific objectives are to incentivize cereal and oilseed pro duction and strengthen the agrifood 
production and marketing chain by giving the producer income certainty and/or the buyer cost 
certainty. The "supplementary support" granted is equal to the difference between the market 
price and the target income, provi ded that the former is below a minimum target income 
threshold. This programme is of national scope, and the eligible crops are currently maize, wheat, 
sorghum, rice, soya, safflower, canola, sunflower and cotton.64 Agriculture, Livestock, Rural 
Development , Fisheries and Food ( SAGARPA) determines a "maximum marketable production 
volume" for the eligible products. Supplementary income support is granted per tonne produced 
and marketed and is the same for all of the producers of the corresponding state or reg ion, 
regardless of the producer's individual selling price. The produce cannot be for the grower's own 
consumption. Marketing support is up to 85% of the costs inherent in the marketing process for 
the eligible product. Between 2007 and 2011, ASERCA's (Agr icultural Marketing Support and 
Services, which is part of SAGARPA) total annual expenditure under its Supplementary Support for 
Target Income and Marketing  subprogramme averaged  MXN 9,851  million, reaching a maximum of 
MXN 11,748 million (some USD  840 million) in 2011.65 
Price Hedging Support  is also available. This mechanism is intended to protect the anticipated 
income of the producers and/or the cost of purchasing agricultural products. The products eligible 
for agricultural price hedging support are: ma ize, wheat, rice, sorghum, cotton, oats, coffee, 
orange juice, sugar cane, cocoa, barley, oilseeds and their derivatives, beef, pork and milk. 
Depending on the product, the hedge may be based on another product representative of price 
movements. ASERCA det ermines the hedge, which may be basic, i.e. authorized to deal with a 
specific marketing problem or to protect the income of the producers, or special, i.e. designed by 
ASERCA to deal with recurring marketing problems. The support is for up to 85% of the t otal cost 
of the premium for the futures options contract (put and/or call) for the producer and up to 50% 
for the consumer and marketer (or if an equivalent direct support hedge is not purchased, up 
to 50% of the cost of the call/put hedge purchased by th e producer). Support worth up to the 
equivalent of US D 8.00 is also offered to pay the commission for the hedge purchasing and 
administration service, together with up to 80% of the related costs of participating as a market 
maker, including the operating costs for joining an electronic market. Out of any profits generated 
by liquidation, ASERCA recovers up to 50% of its contribution. Any additional hedging profits go to 
the participant.  
… 
 
                                                
64 In 2012, the target income (per tonne) was : maize (MXN  2,200) ; bread wheat (MXN  3,040) ; durum 
wheat (MXN  2,860) ; sorghum (MXN  2,000) ; safflower (MXN  4,690) ; canola (MXN  4,690) ; 
raw cotton  (MXN  19,800), rice (MXN  3,300), soya (MXN  4,690), and sunflower (MXN  4,690).  
65 The 2011 data are estimates at 31  July of the same year . Viewed at : Office of the President of the 
Republic (2011), Anexo Estadístico . TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 127 - 
 
  APPENDIX TABLES  
 
Table A1. 1 Merchandise  imports by product category (SITC Rev.3), 2006 -2011  
(USD million and %)  
Description  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  
Total (US D million)  256,086  281,927  308,583  234,385  301,482  350,842  
 (% of imports)  
Total primary products  16.0 17.7 20.8 17.6 18.5 21.3 
Agriculture  7.2 7.8 8.4 8.6 7.8 8.3 
… … … … … … … 
2631 Cotton (other than 
linters), not carded or combed  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
… … … … … … … 
Source : WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data from the Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3).  
 
Table A1. 2 Exports by product, 2007 -2012  
(USD million)  
Heading  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  
(Jan-Sept)  
Total exports  271,875  291,343  229,704  298,473  349,375  275,380  
… … … … … … … 
Exports of agricultural 
productsc 7,415  7,895  7,726  8,610  10,30 9 8,385  
… … … … … … … 
Cotton  65 79 47 53 119 96 
… … … … … … … 
C Includes fishery products.  
Source:  Foreign Trade Statistics Working Group, composed of the Bank of Mexico, INEGI, the Tax 
Administration Service and the Ministry of the Economy.  
Table A1. 3 Imports by product, 2007 -2012  
(USD million)  
Heading  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  
(Jan-Sept)  
Total  281,949  308,603  234,385  301,482  350,843  273,263  
… … … … … … … 
Imports of agricultural 
products  8,994  11,838  8,610  9,845  13,14 1 9,897  
… … … … … … … 
Cotton  462 539 412 631 835 354 
… … … … … … … 
Source:  Foreign Trade Statistics Working Group, composed of the Bank of Mexico, INEGI, the Tax 
Administration Service and the Ministry of the Economy.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 128 - 
 
  MOROCCO ( FEBRUARY 2016 ) - SECRET ARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/329 ) 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture and agro -industry  
4.1.1 Overview  
Table 0.2 Main imports of agricultural products, 2008 -2014  
(USD million)  
Products  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012 2013  2014  
Total imports  42,322  32,882  35,379  44,263  44,790  45,186  46,035  
Agriculture  5,191  3,809  4,197  5,797  5,773  5,042  5,811  
 % of total  12.3 11.6 11.9 13.1 12.9 11.2 12.6 
Main products         
… … … … … … … … 
HS 5201 Cotton, not carded or combed  76 49 71 123 79 71 73 
… … … … … … … … 
Note: Agriculture by WTO definition.  
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations based on data from the UNSD Comtrade database; statistics from the 
Moroccan Foreign Exchange Board for 2014.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 129 - 
 
  PAKISTAN (MARCH 2015 ) - SECRETA RIAT REPORT (WT/TPR/ S/311 /REV.1 ) 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.3.1 Registration, documentation, clearance, inspection, and minimum prices  
 
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) under the Ministry of Commerce succeeded 
the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in 2006 and has pursued a more holistic strategy with respect 
to global trade development compared to its predecessor. …  
… 
 
Export contract registration with TDAP remains a requirement for ex port of cotton. …  
 
3.3.3 Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.3.3.2 Export licensing and restrictions  
 
Table 3.8 Exports subject to certain conditions  
 HS Code  Item/goods  Condition/procedure/formalities  
… … … … 
10 5201.0000  Cotton  
 (i) Ex port contract registration with TDAP and classification 
certificate issued by the Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute  
… … … … 
Source : Export Policy Order 2013, Ministry of Commerce.  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Agriculture  
4.2.3 Key sub -sectors  
4.2.3. 1 Crops  
Table 4.2 Area and production of important crops, 2009 -14  
(Area "000" hectares and production "000" tonnes)  
Crops  2009/10  2010/11  2011/12  2012/13  2013/14   
Area  
 
Production  
 
 
Area  
 
Production  
 
 
Area  
 
Production  
 
 
Area  
 
Production  
 
Area  
 
Producti on 
… … … … … … … … … … … 
Cottona 3,106  12,913  2,689  11,460  2,834.5  13,595.0  2,878.8  13,030.7  2,805.7  12,769.0  
… … … … … … … … … … … 
a Cotton production is in thousand bales (375 lbs per bale).  
Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.  
4.2.3.1.4 Cotton  
Pakistan is the fourth largest cotton producer in the world. Cotton is cultivated by around 
1.6 million farmers, mostly with smallholdings of less than five hectares. Yields have been largely 
stagnant for the last several years. Cotton is exported as a raw m aterial, but also provides an 
essential input to the domestic textiles industry.  
The Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), a semi -autonomous body in the Ministry of Textile 
Industry has as an objective to improve the sector's productivity. Its annual budget of PRs  500 to 
600 million is funded by a cess payable by the mills. Support pric es for cotton were abandoned 
in 2008. Export contracts on cotton must be registered, with exports being subject to mandatory 
quality inspection and certification.  
Expor ts of raw cotton  amounted to USD  217 million in 2013, whereas exports of cotton  yarn 
amounted to USD  2.2 billion. Pakistan also imports high -quality cotton, to blend with domestic 
cotton and to produce quality fabrics; imports amounted t o USD  757 million o f raw cotton and TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 130 - 
 
  USD 151 million of cotton yarn in 2013. The average MFN tariff on cotton imports is 3.8%, with 
tariffs ranging from 1% to 10%.  
APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 4 Pakistan's merchandise imports by group of products, 20 07-13  
(USD billion and %)  
  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
Total imports (US D billion)  32.59  42.33  31.58  37.54  43.58  43.81  43.78  
 (% of total)  
Total primary products  43.2 53.1 47.2 51.2 53.7 53.9 52.2 
Agriculture  13.9 16.8 15.6 17.9 16.9 14.9 14.5 
… … … … … … … … 
2631 Cotton (other than linters), not carded or 
 combed  2.7 2.8 1.5 2.0 1.9 1.3 1.7 
… … … … … … … … 
Source:  UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3).  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 131 - 
 
  PERU (NOVEMBER 2013)  - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/289/REV.1)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRAC TICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures affecting imports  
3.1.7 Anti -dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures  
3.1.7.2 Safeguards  
 
… 
During the review period, Peru initiated only one investigation, in 2009, with a view to the 
application of a general safegu ard measure to imports of cotton yarn (HS  5205 and 5206)66, 
although this ended without any measure being applied.67 
… 
APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 5 Merchandise imports by product, 2007 -2012  
(USD million and %)  
Description  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  
 (USD million)  
Total  20,368  29,953  21,814  30,030  37,747  42,157  
 (% of imports)  
Total primary products  31.7 30.8 27.6 27.4 28.7 26.8 
Agriculture  12.0 11.4 12.4 12.0 11.9 11.4 
… … … … … … … 
Agricultural raw materials  1.6 1.4 1.4 1.7 1.7 1.4 
2631 Cotton (other than linters), not carded 
or combed  0.4 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.3 
… … … … … … … 
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates based on data obtained from the Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3)  
and the Peruvian authorities for 2012.  
 
                                                
66 WTO document  G/SG/N/6/PER/2 of 25  March  2009.  
67 WTO document  G/SG /N/9/PER/2 of 2  November  2009.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  SOUTH AFRIC A (NOVEMBER 2015 ) - SECRETARIAT REPORT  (WT/TPR/S/324 /REV.1 )68 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures affecting production and trade  
3.3.2 Competition policy and price controls  
3.3.2.2 Price control  
 
In general, prices in South Africa are ma rket-determined. Guideline prices, for agricultural 
products subject to levies, continue to be determined under the Marketing of Agricultural Products 
Act (Act No. 47 of 1996), to ensure that the levy does not exceed 5% of the actual price. Guideline 
prices are determined for the wine industries, milk and dairy products, as well as cotton lint.  
… 
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture  
4.1.2 Policy  
 
… 
 
Levies continue to apply to the export and/or production of the following products: …, cotton, …  
 
                                                
68 Trade Policy Review of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) . TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 133 - 
 
  THAILAND (NOVE MBER 2015 ) - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S /326 /REV.1 ) 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.4 Other Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.4.4 Competition policy and consumer protection  
3.4.4.2 Price controls  
 
… Its Central Commissio n on Prices of Goods and Services (CCP) in the DIT has the authority to 
set out: the goods and services subject to price controls; controls for their sale or purchase prices; 
and, procedures and conditions relating to the display of prices. …  
… The CCP Mon itoring List remains divided into three categories (Table  3.7): the Sensitive goods 
and services whose prices are monitored daily because they are expected to increase in the near 
future; the Priority Watch goods and services that are monitored twice a wee k; and the Watch 
goods and services that are monitored twice a month. …  
Table 3.7 - Products and services subject to monitoring, April 2015  
List Products  
 Goods  
Sensitive  …  
Priority Watch  … 
Watch  … 82.  Absorbent cotton …161.  Cotton wool …  
 Services  
… … 
Source: Department of Internal Trade online information. Viewed at: 
http://www.dit.go.th/en/backoffice/uploadfile/255610011351485115749.pdf  and 
http://www.dit.go.th/en/backoffice/uploadfile/255610011147057425749.pdf .  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Agriculture and Food Processing  
4.2.2 Trade  
 
… 
 
In value terms, major imports are soya bean oil cakes, soya beans, food preparations and cotton 
(Table 4.4). The main sources of soya bean oil cakes and soya beans are Brazil, Argentina and the 
United States; of food preparations, the United States, Singapore and China; and of cotton, the 
United States, Australia, Brazil, and Mali. …  
Table 4.4 - Imports of selected agricultural products, 2008 -14 
HS code    2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
… … … … … … … … … 
5201 - Cotton, not 
carded/combed  USD million  715.3  484.6  729.6  1,120.0  748.9  734.2  676.3  
'000 tonnes  435.9  349.7  383.7  319.2  305.8  344.9  322.3  
… … … … … … … … … 
Note:  WTO definition of agriculture used.  
Source: UNSD Comtrade database.  
 TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 134 - 
 
  TURKEY ( MARCH 2016 ) - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/ 331) 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE   
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.8 Contingency measures  
3.1.8.1 Anti -dumping and countervailing measures  
 
… 
…One anti -dumping investigation has been initiated ex officio with respect to the United States on 
cotton.  … 
… 
Over the review period,  there has been considerable anti -dumping activity. Since the beginning of 
2012, 25 new investigations have been initiated and 14 new measures have been imposed; many 
of these have affected more than one WTO Member (Table A3.2). Additionally, various exist ing 
anti-dumping measures have been extended (Table A3.3). Since 2012, a concern has been raised 
by the United States in a meeting of the Committee on Anti -Dumping Practices about Turkey's 
investigation on cotton.69 
Table A3. 1 - New anti -dumping investigations initiated and measures imposed or 
terminated, 2012 -15 
Products concerned  Exporter(s) affected  Status  
… … … 
Cotton (HS 5201)  United States  Initiation of investigation on 18  October 2014  
… … … 
Source: WTO document WT/TPR/O V/W/9, 3 July 2015 and information provided by the authorities.  
3.1.8.2 Safeguard measures  
… 
Since the beginning of 2012, Turkey has launched five safeguard investigations. At mid -October 
2015, two of these were still ongoing, definitive safeguard measures  had been imposed on another 
two, and one investigation was completed with no definitive measure imposed. Existing safeguard 
measures were extended in eight cases; and of these, one expired in 2014 (footwear) and two 
expired in 2015 (matches and motorcycle s) (Table A3.4). On 31  December 2012, ahead of 
schedule, Turkey terminated the safeguard measure on cotton yarn. …  
Over the review period, Turkey has responded to questions posed by India in the WTO  Committee 
on Safeguards regarding certain aspects of dete rmination of serious injury in the context of 
Turkey's notifications on polyethylene terephthalate and certain types of cotton yarn.70 … 
… 
                                                
69 WTO document G/ADP/M/48, 6 August 2015.  
70 WTO documents G/SG/Q2/TUR/6/Rev.1, 11 May 2012 and G/SG/Q2/TUR/6, 4 May 2012.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 135 - 
 
  Table A3. 2 - Safeguard investigations initiated and measures imposed or extended, 
2012 -15 
Date original investigation 
published in the Official 
Gazette  Product(s) subject to 
investigation  Imposition of safeguard 
measure  Extension of safeguard 
measure  
… … … … 
21.10.2008  Cotton yarn  
Turkey terminated this 
measure as of 31 December 
2012.  15/7/2 008-14/7/2011  
Application of variable duty 
with liberalization annually:  
1st period: 20% max. 
USD 1/kg-min. 
USD 0.35/kg;  
2nd period: 19% max. 
USD 0.95/kg -min. 
USD 0.33/kg;  
3rd period: 18% max. 
USD 0.90/kg -min 
USD 0.31/kg.  
Various developing 
countries exclu ded. 15/7/2011 -14/7/2014  
Application of variable duty 
with liberalization annually:  
1st period: 10% max. 
USD 0.85/kg -min 
USD 0,29/kg;  
2nd period: 9% max. 
USD 0.80/kg -min 
USD 0.26/kg;  
3rd period: 8% max. 
USD 0.75/kg -min 
USD 0.23/kg.  
Various developing 
count ries excluded.  
… … … … 
Source: Turkey's notifications to the WTO Committee on Safeguards.  
3.1.9 Standards and other technical requirements  
3.1.9.4 Controls at the border  
… 
In 2011, Turkey started pilot implementation of a risk -based trade control system,  TAREKS, to 
carry out safety checks on imported and exported goods on the basis of risk. Consequently, since 
January 2012, conformity assessment of certain imported goods (toys, medical devices, 
telecommunication products, personal protective equipment, ba tteries and accumulators, 
construction products, and shoes) and as of August 2012, transactions related to cotton controls 
have been taken under the scope of TAREKS. …  
TAREKS introduces a new risk assessment understanding and emphasizes the control of "ris ky" 
products while leaving behind the era of checking each product at each arrival at customs. TAREKS 
reduces bureaucratic procedures as well as the number of documents to be submitted during the 
control process and replaces the paper documentation. It als o contributes to effective traceability 
and market surveillance schemes.  
Quality checks for agricultural products are also part of the control process pursuant to 
Communique No. 2015/21 on Commercial Quality Controls on Certain Agricultural Produce at 
Export and Import Stage. In accordance with the Communiqué No. 2012/25, cotton is also subject 
to commercial quality controls at export and import stages and in the domestic market as well. 
See Section 3.2.4.2 for details on the export quality control of agri cultural products.  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture  
4.1.2 Production   
 
Hazelnuts are the largest earner for the fruit and nut category (Table 4.1).  
Table 0.3 Major crop production, 2010 -14 
 Produc tion value (TL million)  (% of total)  
2010  2011  2012  2013  2014 a 2010  2014a 
Crop production (total)  80,038  88,979  87,947  92,453  97,988  100.0  100.0  
          
…  …  …  …  …  …  …  …  
Raw materials used in textiles, of 
which:  2,642  4,883  2,758  2,941  3,467 3.3 3.5 
Cotton (raw)  2,642  4,883  2,758  2,941  3,467  3.3 3.5 
…  …  …  …  …  …  …  …  
a 2014 data is provisional.  
Sources: Turkstat, Agricultural Structure (production, price, value) Publication; Turkstat, The Summary of Agricultural 
Statistics Publicat ion. 
4.1.3 Trade  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 136 - 
 
  4.1.3.1 Overview   
 
… 
 
Over the past five years, imports of raw materials and exports of processed goods have increased 
in parallel: as imports of cotton, wheat, and tobacco increased, exports of textiles, flour and 
confectionary, and toba cco products also increased. …  
… 
Table 0.4 Exports of agricultural products, 2010 -14 
(USD million)  
  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
 Total exports  113,979  134,915  152,537  151,803  157,715  
 Total agriculture exports  11,899  14,350  15,105  16,707  17,635  
 of which       
… … … … … … … 
1512 Sunflower -seed, safflower or cotton -seed oil  103 341 418 496 790 
… … … … … … … 
Source: UNSD Comtrade.  
… 
Table 0.5 Imports of agricultu ral products, 2010 -14 
(USD million)  
  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  
 Total imports  185,541  240,839  236,544  251,661  242,224  
 Total agricultural imports  9,865  13,477  12,599  13,398  14,554  
 of which       
5201 Cotton, not carded or combed  1,720  1,850  1,275  1,681  1,750  
… … … … … … … 
1512 Sunflower, safflower or cotton -seed oil  274 629 988 919 1,201  
… … … … … … … 
Source: UNSD Comtrade.  
The main source of imports also depends on the product: in 2014, the United States was the main 
supplier of cotton (HS 5201); … 
4.1.4 Support programmes   
Table 0.6 Main measures of agricultural support, 2011 -14 
(TL million)  
 2011  2012  2013  2014  
Producer support estimate (PSE)  27,022.51  26,041.07  31,385.15  33,888.92  
… … … … … 
Defici ency payments:  2,434.49  2,736.55  2,639.91  2,689.09  
Cotton premium  792.27  1,123.69  1,037.21  1,075.23  
… … … … … 
Source: OECD, PSE.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  5 APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A2. 1 Turkey's Involvement in Dispute Settlement Cases, 1 January 
2012 -1 December 2015  
Subject  Respondent/  
complainant/  
appellant  Request for 
consultation 
received  Status  
(as at 30  October 
2014)  WTO 
document 
series  
Panels  
Turkey as a respondent:  
Turkey – Safeguard Measures on 
Imports of Cotton Yarn (other than 
Sewing Thread)  Turkey/India  13-Feb-12 Consultations requested  WT/DS428  
… … … … … 
Source: WTO Secretariat.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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  UNITED STATES OF AME RICA (DECEMBER 2014)  - SECRETARIAT REPORT 
(WT/TPR/S/307/REV.1)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Impo rts 
3.1.5 Other charges affecting imports  
3.1.5.1.4 Agriculture fees  
Pursuant to a number of laws or regulations, CBP collects a number of agricultural fees on behalf 
of the Department of Agriculture (Table 3.4). …  
… 
Table 3.4 Agricultural fees  
Fee Legal  reference  Reason  Amount of fee  
… … … … 
Cotton Imports 
Assessment  Cotton Research and Promotion 
Act of  1989 7 CFR 1205  Cotton research, 
promotion, consumer 
information  Varies according to the 
HTS number  
… … … … 
Source: CPB online information. Viewed at : 
http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/userfee0407_3.pdf . 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture  
4.1.1 Agricultural Act of 2014  
4.1.1.1 Overview  
 
Crop se ctor 
 
One of the most significant changes affecting the structure of the U.S. farm safety net is the 
elimination of the Direct Payments (DP) programme. The DP programme has been a cornerstone 
of U.S. agricultural policy reforms since the end of the Uruguay  Round negotiations, and provided 
about US D 5 billion annually in decoupled income support to farmers and landlords. The 
Counter -Cyclical Payments (CCP) programme and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) 
programme have also been eliminated. These three  measures (DP, CCP, and ACRE)  have been 
replaced by two new measures, the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage 
(ARC).  
In the PLC programme, deficiency payments are provided when commodity prices fall below the 
statutory "reference price s". The PLC payments are coupled to current prices, but decoupled from 
actual production, to the extent that payments are based on historical yields and a percentage of 
historical planted acres (base acres). Farmers have a one -time opportunity under the ne w Farm 
Bill to update their historical payment yield s and re -allocate base acreage, which may more closely 
align base acres with recent  planting, thereby linking payments to a more recent base period.  
As an alternative to the PLC, farmers may participate i n the new ARC programme, 
a revenue -based deficiency payments scheme, which is coupled to current prices and also tied to a 
percentage of base acres, amongst other parameters. The PLC and ARC have the same commodity 
coverage as the repealed programmes (grai ns, rice, oilseeds, pulses, peanuts), excluding upland 
cotton.  
The marketing loan programme, which provides income support via loan deficiency 
payments/marketing loan gains in a low -price environment, remains unchanged (with the 
exception of a potentially  lower loan rate for upland cotton). Thus, the key commodity 
programmes may be considered as variants of deficiency payment schemes in the trade -distorting 
category.  
Federal crop insurance with subsidized insurance premiums is available for over 100  commod ities 
and livestock. Crop insurance traditionally provides coverage for about 70 -75% of expected TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 139 - 
 
  revenues or yields. The 2014 Farm Bill introduces a new subsidized insurance programme 
(Supplemental Coverage Option) that allows eligible farmers to top up th eir crop insurance, in 
order to cover a portion of the deductible of the insurance.71 For producers of upland cotton, a new 
subsidized insurance plan, Stacked Income Protection (STAX), will be available starting in the 2015 
marketing year. The Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) is not available for ARC and STAX 
participants. These are examples of how the new Farm Bill attempts to address the issue of 
overlap of the price - and revenue -based income supports and crop insurances, and the potential 
for overcompen sation of farmers' actual losses.72 The sugar regime with its key instruments (price 
support; a domestic marketing allotment fixed at 85% of domestic consumption; feedstock 
flexibility programme and other measures to divert surplus sugar to ethanol producti on and other 
uses; tariff rate quotas) remains unchanged.  
… 
Table 4.1 Overview of main programme changes in the 2014 Farm Bill  
 2008 Farm Bill  2014 Farm Bill  Commodity 
programmes  Marketing loan programme  Maintained  
 Coupled to current prices and producti on  
 Loan rates unchanged, except for potential 
downward adjustment of upland cotton loan 
rate 
Direct payments  Eliminated  
 DP-style programme for upland cotton until 
Stacked Income Protection (STAX) is 
implemented  
… … 
 Crop 
insurance  Federal Crop Insur ance Programme (permanently 
authorized)  Maintained  
Amendments include new subsidized insurance 
programmes:  
 Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO)  
 Stacked Income Protection Plan for 
producers of upland cotton (STAX)   … … 
 Export credit  
guarantees  Export credi t guarantee programme (GSM -102) 
 Maintained  
Amendments include:  
 Maximum tenor reduced to 24 months  
 Flexibility given to the U.S. Secretary of 
Agriculture to adapt the programme 
pursuant to such terms as may be agreed 
between the United States and Brazil in  the 
cotton dispute WTO/DS267   … 
  … 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
4.1.1.2 Title I (Commodities)  
4.1.1.2.1 Elimination of direct payments  
 
Direct payments (DPs) were eliminated at the end the 2013 crop year (P.L. 113 -79, Sec.  1101).73 
DPs have been controvers ial in the United States in a climate of fiscal restraint because  they were 
paid out to farmers and some landlords irrespective of record commodity prices and healthy farm 
incomes in recent years and even if no crops were grown on eligible land.74… 
                                                
71 The deductible is the amount of e xpenses that must be paid out of pocket before an insurer will pay 
any expenses.  
72 Given the complexity of the U .S. farm programmes, the USDA has previously drawn attention to this 
issue. USDA online information, "Identifying Overlap  in the Farm Safety Net ". Viewed at: 
http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/eib -economic -information -bulletin/eib87.aspx . 
73 Transitional DPs for upland cotton  apply in the crop year 20 14 and possibly also in crop year 2015  in 
some areas , due to the delayed implementation of the STAX programme ( P.L. 113 -79, Sec. 1119).  
74 The DPs are fixed payments for producers and some landowners based on historical acreage and 
yields of covered  commodi ties (wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, rice, upland cotton , rice, soybeans 
and other oilseeds, and peanuts). The programme has planting flexibility provisions , but production is not 
required t o receive the DPs.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
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4.1.1.2 .2 Price Loss Coverage  
 
The Counter -Cyclical Payments (CCP) programme has been repealed (P.L. 113 -79, Sec.  1102) and 
a similar price -based programme, Price Loss Coverage (PLC), introduced. The main purpose of 
both the CCP and the PLC is to help stabilize f arm incomes by providing deficiency payments when 
commodity prices fall below certain levels (target prices under CCP, reference prices under PLC).  
The PLC is open for enrolment by farmers with eligible historical acreage (base acres) of "covered" 
commodi ties.75 Eligible commodities are the same as under the CCP programme (wheat, feed 
grains, rice, oilseeds, peanuts, and pulses), with the exception of upland cotton, for which a new 
insurance programme was established (Stacked Income Protection Plan). …  
Like the expired CCP programme, PLC payments are based on a percentage (85%) of base acres 
and historical yields, i.e. they are decoupled from current production. However, farmers have the 
one-time option of updating yields, and of allocating base acres among covered commodities  
based on the average planted acres in 2009 -12. Acreage shifts among commodities in recent 
years, include an increase in corn and soybeans, and a decline in wheat, feed grains, and upland 
cotton (Table 4.3). A reallocation of base acres and yield updating could increase the link or 
correlation  between base acres, and actual crop production and farmers' risks. Base acres for 
upland cotton ("generic" base acres) are excluded from reallocation. The payments on generic 
base acres are tied to the covered commodities planted on those acres (i.e. payments are coupled 
to current planting decisions), which increases the link between current production and payment 
on those acres. However, rules governing the allocation of payments from generic and 
commodity -specific base acres aim to minimize some of those effects. The maximum total base 
acreage remains the same as in previous Farm Bills, i.e. the number of acres that may receive 
payments is unchanged. Producers are free to produce most crops on base  acres (with some 
limits, though less restrictive than before, on fruits and vegetables, and wild rice), but production 
is not required in order to receive the PLC payments. Conservation compliance provisions apply 
(section  4.1.1.3).  
Table 4.3 Reallocatio n of base acreage  
 Base acres 
(million),  
2008 Farm Bill  Planted acres 
(million),  
2009 -12 average  
… … … 
Upland cotton  17.9 11.6 
… … … 
Source:  Information provided by the U.S. authorities.  
The United States has notified the CCP programme in terms of n on-product -specific AMS 
(de minimis ), arguing that payments cannot be ascribed to a specific product. Counter -cyclical 
payments declined to US D 16.9 million in FY2010 and zero in FY2011, as market prices of most 
covered commodities have been above target p rices in recent years (Table 4.2). Since the 2006 
marketing year, payments have been made only for upland cotton and peanuts base acres. 
CCP payments were terminated at the end of the 2013 crop year.  
4.1.1.2.4 Marketing loan programme  
 
The marketing loan p rogramme remains unchanged, with the exception of a potential downward 
adjustment of the loan rate for upland cotton. …  
With the exception of upland cotton, the 2014  Farm Bill holds the loan rates at the same level as 
for crop years 20 10-13 and the statut ory rates are fixed for the crop years 2014 -18. … Unlike the 
PLC or ARC, marketing loan programme payments are not tied to, or capped by, base acres. Thus, 
marketing loan support is fully coupled to current prices and production. To be eligible, farmers 
must comply with environmental cross -compliance provisions and report all crop acreage planted 
on the farm.  
                                                
75 To acquire base acres, a new farme r would have to buy or rent a farm with existing base acres.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 141 - 
 
  The marketing loan programme figures as trade -distorting domestic support (AMS) in 
U.S. domestic support notifications, with loan deficiency payments , marketing loan gains, and 
forfeitures classified as non -exempt direct payments. …  
4.1.1.10 Title XI (Crop Insurance)  
4.1.1.10.1 Overview  
 
The Federal crop insurance programme is permanently authorized under the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act of 1980, as am ended, inter alia , by subsequent Farm Bills. The new Farm Bill retains 
the federal crop insurance programme, albeit with a number of amendments and increased 
spending for subsidized crop insurance. Most of the increase is due to two new insurance plans: fo r 
cotton (Stacked Income Protection Plan for producers of upland cotton), and for other crops 
(Supplemental Coverage Option). …  
… 
… Four crops (corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton) accounted for most of the premium subsidies 
(84% of the total in crop year 20 09).76 Insurance policies are sold by 18 approved private 
insurance companies, whose operating and administrative costs are partially reimbursed and 
losses underwritten by the Federal Government (as notified by the United States in the General 
Services cate gory of the Green Box).  
4.1.1.10.3 Stacked Income Protection Plan for Producers of Upland Cotton  
 
The Stacked Income Protection Plan for Producers of Upland Cotton (STAX) is a new statutory 
revenue insurance that covers losses of up to 20% of expected cou nty revenues (P.L.  113-79, Sec. 
11017). Historical acreage planted with upland cotton is not eligible for payments under the PLC or 
ARC programmes. The STAX is generally meant to supplement producers' other insurance policies. 
The policy includes a multipl ier factor of 80% -120%, allowing producers to adjust the amount of 
protection per acre. The premium subsidy rate is set at 80%. STAX will not be operational until the 
2015 marketing year.  
APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 6 Merchandise exports and re -exports by groups of products, 2008 -13 
(USD million and %)  
Description  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  
Total 1,299,90
0 1,056,71
0 1,277,11
0 1,479,73
0 1,545,57
0 1,578,000  
 (% of total exports and re -exports)  
Total primary products  20.5 19.7 21.2 23.9 23.3 23.5 
 Agriculture  10.8 11.3 11.2 11.4 11.1 11.1 
 …  …  …  …  …  …  … 
 2631 Cotton (other 
than linters), not carded 
or combed  0.4 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.4 
… … … … … … … 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3).  
                                                
76 Congressional Research Service (2013a).  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 142 - 
 
  Table A4. 1 Commodity loan rates and Price Loss Coverage reference prices, Agricultural 
Act of 2014  
Covered commodities  Marketing loan programme  
Commodity loan rates  Price Loss Coverage  
Reference prices  
  converted into 
USD/tonne   converted into 
USD/tonn e 
… … … … … 
Extra -long staple cotton (lb.)  0.7977  1758.6  n.a. n.a. 
Upland cotton  Simple average of the adjusted 
prevailing world price for the two 
immediately preceding MYs, but not 
less than US D 0.45/lb. or more than 
USD 0.52/lb  n.a. n.a. 
n.a.: Not ap plicable (i.e. not a covered commodity).  
 
Note: For the conversion factors, see US TPR (2010), Table AIV.1.  
 
Source: Agricultural Act of 2014.  TN/AG/GEN/34/Re v.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 143 - 
 
  VIET NAM (SEPTEMBER 2013)  - SECRETARIAT REPORT ( WT/TPR/S/287/REV.1)  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Agriculture  
4.2.2 Trade  
Table 4.2 Exports  [???]  and imports of agricultural, 2005 -11 
HS 
2002    2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  
… … … … … … … … … 
Imports  
 TOTAL (not including rubber)  2,404  2,850  4,066  5,819  5,757  7,849  10,052  
… … … … … … … … … … 
5201 Cotton, not carded or 
combed  '000 tonnes  106 176 202 291 295 349 320 
USD million  163 214 259 456 385 661 1,037  
… … … … … … … … … … 
Source: UNSD Comtrade.  
4.2.3 Policies  
4.2.3.2 Domestic policies  
 
… 
Product -specific plans set out objectives and general polic ies for some crops and other agricultural 
products….77 Similarly, the Cotton Development Master Plan for 2015 -20 sets targets for areas (in 
this case, an increase in area planted) and states that assistance will be provided through low -
interest loans and im proved infrastructure.78 
… 
APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 7 Merchandise imports by product group, 2007 -11 
(USD million and %)  
  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  
Total imports (US D million)  62,764.7  80,713.8  69,948.8  84,838.6  106,749.9  
 % of total 
Total primary products  27.5 29.0 25.5 26.5 28.3 
 Agriculture  9.4 9.8 10.8 12.1 12.4 
… … … … … … 
 2631 Cotton (other than linters), not 
carded or combed  0.4 0.6 0.5 0.8 1.0 
… … … … … … 
Source: UNSD Comtrade database, SITC Rev.3.  
                                                
77 USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (2012a).  
78 USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (2012b).  TN/AG/GEN/34/Rev.5 • TN/AG/SCC/GEN/13/Rev.5  
 
- 144 - 
 
  Table A3. 3 Preferential tariff averages for selected product groups, 2013  
 No. of 
lines  MFN 
applied  ATIGAa AK 
FTAb AC 
FTAc AANZ 
FTAd AI 
FTAe AJ 
CEPAf VJ 
EPAg 
Description   (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 
Total  9,558  10.4 2.0 7.5 4.2 8.2 9.1 7.8 7.6 
HS 01 -24 1,594  17.4 2.8 10.5 4.7 13.5 15.5 14.3 14.5 
HS 25 -97 7,964  9.0 1.8 6.9 4.1 7.2 7.8 6.5 6.2 
By WTO category           
WTO Agriculture  1,298  17.4 3.4 10.4 5.4 12.6 15.1 13.8 14.0 
 …  …  …  …  …  …  …  …  …  … 
 Cotton  5 6.0 0.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 6.0 3.0 3.3 
 …  …  …  …  …  …  …  …  …  … 
a  ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (Circular No. 161/2011/TT -BTC).  
b  ASEAN -Korea Free Trade Agreement (Circular No. 163/2011/TT -BTC).  
c  ASEAN -China Free Trade Agreement (Circular No. 162/2011/TT -BTC).  
d  ASEA N-Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (Circular No. 44/2012/TT -BTC).  
e  ASEAN -India Free Trade Agreement (Circular No. 45/2012/TT -BTC).  
f  ASEAN -Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Circular No. 20/2012/TT -BTC).  
g  Viet Nam-Japan Econ omic Partnership Agreement (Circular No. 21/2012/TT -BTC).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data from the Ministry of Fi nance, Circular 
No. 193/2012/TT -BTC and Circular Nos. as in footnotes a ) to g). 
 
__________