G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
22 February  2019 
(19-1075) Page: 1/12 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original:  French  
 
  
NOTIFICATION OF CATEGORY COMMITMENTS UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRADE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM MADAGASCAR  
Addendum  
The following communication , dated  20 February 2 019, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Madagascar for Members' information.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up on the notification dated 22 February 2 018 (G/TFA/N/MDG/1),  the Republic of 
Madagascar hereby makes the following notifications in accordance with Articles 15 and 16 of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement  (WT/L/931).  
   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 2 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1   Publication and availability of i nformation  
Article 1.1 Publication  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Legal framework for the 
publication of information on 
import/export procedures  
- Training for technicians on online 
publication procedures  
- Provision of ultra-fast broadband 
for all ministries and control  
agencies, and the Permanent 
Secretariat of the National 
Committee on Trade Facilitatio n 
(CNFE ) 
- Supply of networking material for 
ministries and control  and 
inspection agencies  
Article 1. 2 Information Available Through  
Internet  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Legal framework  for the creation 
and operation of the  portal and 
the establishment of a database  
- Establishment of a 
comprehensive tariff database 
and a trade information portal  
- Recru itment of a consultancy firm 
to conduct a feasibility study and 
establish a comprehensive tariff 
database and a trade information 
portal  
- Purchase of the new ICT 
equipment  and software 
needed to establish a 
comprehensive tariff 
database and a trade 
information portal  
- Establishment of a technical team 
of qualified resource persons  to 
manage the portal and a technical 
team to manage the 
comprehensive tariff database  
- Provision of IT equipment, office 
space  and furniture for the 
specific  teams  
- Subsidy for the provision of ultra-
fast broadband  for all ministries   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 3 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
and control  agencies, and the 
Permanent Secretariat of the 
CNFE  
- Supply of networking material for 
ministries and control  and 
inspection agencies that will 
communicate relevant 
information for publication  
- Maintenance of the  new ICT 
material  obtained  
Article 1. 3 Enquiry P oints  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Legal framework for the 
establishment of trade enquiry  
points  
- Provision of ultra -fast broadband 
for all ministries and control  
agencies, and the Permanent 
Secretariat of the CNFE 
- Supply of networking material for 
ministries and control  and 
inspection agencies  
- Establishment of a technical team 
of qualified resource persons to 
manage the enquiry points  
- Provision of IT equipment, office 
space  and fu rniture for the 
dedicated team.  
- Subsidy for the provision of ultra -
fast broadband for all ministries 
and control  agencies  
- Supply of networking material for 
ministries and control  and 
inspection agencies that will 
communicate relevant 
information for publication  
- Maintenance of the new ICT 
material  obtained    
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 4 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1. 4 Notification  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Capacity buil ding for the 
Permanent Secretariat  of the 
CNFE with regard to notifications  
- Provision of new ICT material  for 
the Permanent Secretar iat of the 
CNFE that will make it possible to 
collect, centralize and send  
notifications and  raise awareness  
in the departments concerned  
Article 2   Opportunity to C omment  and Information before Entry into Force and C onsultations  
Article 2. 1 Opportunity to Comment and 
Information before Entry into Force C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Implementation of an effective 
prior consultation service 
provided online and by telephone 
to address  comments on draft 
legislation  or regulations on 
exports and imports before  their 
entry into force  
- Legal framework for the 
implementation of the service  
- Awareness -raising for operators  
on the use of the service  
- Establishment of a qualified and 
equipped call centre team to 
collect, proc ess, and respond to 
comments  for requests  
Article 2. 2 Consultations  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Support for the creation of a 
regulatory framework to 
implement a consultation 
mechanism  
- Logistical and technical support 
for CNFE  consultations    
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 5 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 3   Advance R ulings  
  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Benchmarking for the 
assessment of  best practices with 
respect to advance rulings  
- Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices  
- Revision of the legal framework  
- Implementation of effective 
infrastructure for the application 
in Madagascar of the advance 
ruling on origin and tariff 
classification  
- Implementation of a regulatory 
framework on advance rulings  
- Training and awareness -raising 
for the operators and authorities 
concerned on the application of 
advance rulings  
Article 4   Procedures for Appeal or Review  
  A - - - 
Article 5   Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, N on-discrimination and Transparency  
Article 5. 1 Notification s for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Establishment of a  system for 
issuing  notifications on enhanced  
control s and inspection s of goods 
based on risk  
- Training  on the SAFE f ramework 
of standards and other relevant 
international standards for 
technicians carrying out controls 
and inspections of goods  
Article 5. 2 Detention  A - -  
Article 5. 3 Test P rocedures  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices  
- Development of national quality 
standards and implementation of 
national accreditation and quality 
certification processes  
- Review of the Standards Law   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 6 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
- Upgrading  of the ICT 
infrastructure of the Madagascar 
Bureau of Standards  (BNM)  
- Specialized software services for 
the new laboratory  
- Establishment  of a computerized 
system for enhanced export 
controls  
- Establishment of a rapid alert 
system for imports  
- Support for the accreditation of 
test laboratories  
- Food technology l aborat ory at  the 
Ministry of Agro -Industry and 
Food Security  
- Modernization of animal health 
laboratories , including  
infrastructure and equipment,  at 
the Ministry of Agro -Industry  
- Provision of rapid food -testing 
equipm ent and usable  elements  
for on -the-spot decision -making  
concerning t he release of food 
consignments  at the Ministry of 
Health and Quality of Life  
- Strengthening of pest and 
disease diagnosis facilities at the 
Ministry of Agro -Industry and 
Food Security  
- Provision of certified mobile 
laboratories  
- Capacity b uilding for the n ational 
chemical and biological residues 
laboratory through  the purchase 
of equipment, material and 
reagents, the enhanced 
implementation of diagnostic 
methods,  increased staff training 
and strengthened laboratory 
infrastructure  
- Specialized software services for 
disease surveillance at the   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 7 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Ministry of Agro -Industry and 
Food Security  
- Training and capacity building for 
officials at the Madagascar 
Bureau of Standards (BNM) with 
regard to test procedures and for 
technicians/laboratory  
researchers  
- Benchmarking for the 
assessment of  best practices  
- Awareness -raising for all 
stakeholders on procedures and 
regulation s relating to test 
procedures  
Article 6   Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with  Importation and Exportation and Penalties  
Article 6. 1 General Disciplines on Fees and 
Charges Imposed on or in Connection 
with Importation and Exportation  B 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - 
Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and 
Charges for Customs Processing 
Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  B 31 December  2021 To be determined  - 
Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  C 31 December  2021 To be determined  - Performance of a regulatory audit  
on penalties  
- Revision of regulations on 
penalties  
- Coordination  of action  taken  by 
the authorities concerned  
Article 7  Release and Clearance of Goods  
Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  C 31 December  2023 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices  
- Revision of the legal framework  
- Training and awareness -raising 
for strategic stakeholders in 
respect of  pre-arrival processing  
- Support for the development of 
customs information system 
software  to automatically process 
declarations and documents prior 
to the arrival of goods    
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 8 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
- Provision of the new I CT 
equipment needed for the 
inspections carried out by all  
competent  border authorities  
- Establishment of a network for 
border authorities through the 
customs information system  
Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  C 31 December  2023 To be determined  - Implementation of a legal 
framework for electronic 
payment  
- Implementation of an electronic 
payment mechanism  
- Awareness -raising  for banks, 
operators and the competent 
authorities in respect of  the 
electronic payment mechanism  
Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, 
Taxes, Fees and Charges   C 31 December  2023 To be determined  - Revision  of release -related  
regulations to facilitate the 
customs clearance of goods  
- Provision of ultra -fast broadband  
- Training for technicians  and 
customs officials  
Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices  
- Revision of the legal framework  
- Benchmarking for the 
assessment of best practices on 
risk management  
- Establishment  of an appropriate 
infrastructure  for border risk 
management  
- Provision of the tools needed for 
risk management  (drug detection 
scanners , explosives detectors, 
cameras, x -ray machines, drug 
testing kits, security equipment, 
sniffer dogs adapted to a tropical 
climate, utility vehicles , maritime 
patrol boats and other modern 
scanning and detection 
equipment )   
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 9 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
- Capacity building  for resource  
persons with regard to risk 
management  
- Establishment of a cross -border 
risk management team  
- Awareness -raising in respect of  
risk management for all the 
national stakeholders concerned  
Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices  
- Revision of the legal framework  
- Establishment of an appropriate 
infrastructure for the  
implementatio n of post -clearance 
controls in accordance with the 
recommendations of the World 
Customs Organization  
Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of 
Average Release Time s A - - - 
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for 
Authorized Operators  C 31 December  2023 To be determined  - Training on the SAFE Framework  
- Development of the National 
Authorized Economic Operators 
Programme  
- Training and awareness -raising 
for border officials and traders  
- Benchmarking for the 
assessment of best practices 
regarding the National Authorized 
Economic Operators Programme 
and the Programme on Mutual 
Recognition Agreements  
Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices  
- Review of legal framework  
- Support for the implementation 
of a cold chain  at border s 
- Training and awareness -raising 
for border officials and operators 
on expedited  shipments    
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 10 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 7.9 Perishable Goods  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Strengthening of the border 
infrastructure necessary for the 
conservation of perishable 
foodstuffs  
- Improvement of th e legal 
framework governing the 
treatment of perishable goods  
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Benchmarking for the 
assessment of best practices  for 
coordinated border management  
- Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices  
- Implementation of the necessary 
technical infrastructure  
- Awareness -raising for the 
strategic stakeholders concerned  
Article 9   Movement of Goods Intended for Import  under Customs Control  
  A - - - 
Article 10  Forma lities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation 
Requirements  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Establishment of a national trade 
observatory  
- Benchmarking for the 
assessment of best practices 
regarding the trade observatory  
- Preparation of a pocket guide or 
manual for impo rters and 
exporters  
- Harmoniz ation of formalities and 
documentation requirements  
- Alignment of formalities  and 
documentation requirements 
with international standards and 
best practices  
- Training and awareness -raising 
for border officials and authorities 
in respect of  formalities  and 
documentation requirements    
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 11 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 10.2  Acceptance of Copies  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices  
- Review of the legal framework  
- Training for border officials and 
awareness -raising for operators  
Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Technical and financial support 
for the  Madagascar Bureau of 
Standards (BNM)  to develop 
national standards based on the 
relevant international standards  
- Revitalization of the  National 
Standardization Council (CNN)  
- Standardization of control and 
inspection laboratories  
- Awareness -raising for members 
of the  CNFE and operators in 
respect of  technical barriers to 
trade 
- Support for the participation of 
the BNM in the development and 
periodic review of standards by 
the relevant  international 
organizations  
Article 10.4  Single Window  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Benchmarking for countries with 
an operational and effective 
national electronic single window  
- Institutional anchorin g of the 
National Electronic Single 
Window  
- Technical and financial support 
for the establishment and 
operationalization of the National 
Electronic Singl e Window  
- Capacity building for the 
administrators  of the National 
Electronic Single Window  
- Awareness -raising for operators 
on the use of the National 
Electronic Single Window    
  G/TFA/N/MDG/1/Add.1  
- 12 - 
 
Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation (for 
categories B and C)  Assistance and Support for 
Capacity Build ing Required for 
Implementation  
(for category C)  
- Maintenance and monitoring of 
the National Electronic Single 
Window  
- Support for t he activities of the 
CNFE working group on the 
National Electronic Single 
Window  
Article 10.5  Preshipment Inspection  A - - - 
Article 10.6  Use of Customs Brokers  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Alignment of national regulations 
with international standards and 
best practices  
- Review of the legal framework  
Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and 
Uniform Documentation 
Requirements  C 31 December 2 023 To be determined  - Benchmarking for countries with 
best practices on coordinated 
border management  
- Review of the legal framework 
regarding  procedures and 
documentation requirements at 
the border and the harmonization 
of border authority regulations  
- Training for border officials on 
standards to be applied with 
regard to coordinated border 
management  
- Aware ness-raising for 
stakeholders on border 
regulations and procedures  
Article 10.8  Rejected Goods  A - - - 
Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and 
Inward and Outward Processing  A - - - 
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  To be determined  
Article 12  Customs cooperation  
  C 31 December 2 021 To be determined  - Technical assistance for the 
implementation of the National 
Customs Enforcement Network 
(nCEN) and the necessary 
infrastructure  
 
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