G/TFA/W/50  
 
8 July 2021  
(21-5387) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
 
TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT  FOUR YEAR REVIEW  
ARTICLE 23.1.6 OF THE TFA  
 
PROPOSAL S ON REMOTE PARTICIPATION OF MEMBERS TO TRADE FACILITATION 
COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND AGENDA SETTING  
COMMUNICATION FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION  
The following communication, dated 7 July 2021 , is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of the European Union.  
 
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PROPOSAL THAT REMOTE CONNECTIONS ARE MAINTAINED FOR PARTICIPATION IN 
(TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE)  TFC MEETINGS  
1. The remote participation of Members, including experts from capitals, has been a unique way 
to ensure the continuity of work during the pandemic. There have been constraints and difficulties, 
but one positive element is that more experts from capitals, inc luding from developing countries and 
LDCs, have been able to participate in the Committee. The benefit of having various technical experts 
participating should be maintained. Even when physical participation in meetings resumes, 
Interprefy (or an alternati ve IT platform) allowing remote connection should be enabled for all WTO 
Members. This would benefit the meetings by enabling technical discussions on custom procedures 
and on technical assistance.  
PROPOSALS REGARDING THE AGENDA FOR TFC MEETINGS  
2. The EU supports the proposals that Article 15 is no longer an "automatic agenda item" given 
that the deadlines for categorization have passed (while it might be on the agenda on a case -by-
case basis, if justified).  
3. The EU would like to make the following proposal s to further structure the TFC agenda.  
NOTIFICATIONS: CRITERIA TO BE MET FOR NOTIFICATIONS TO BE ON THE AGENDA  
4. The EU recalls the Rules of procedure of the TFC and that a list of the items proposed for the 
agenda of the meeting shall be communicated to M embers not less than ten calendar days prior to 
the date set for the meeting. Otherwise, no meaningful review can take place. We understand that 
in some cases, it is difficult to meet those deadlines, but for substantial notifications Members cannot 
provid e meaningful comments if the notification has not been circulated sufficiently in advance . 
SCOPE OF NOTIFICATIONS TO BE REVIEWED  
Due notifications  
5. The EU supports the US proposal (G/TFA/W/35) that all due notifications are systematically 
on the agenda. The  EU supports Japan' s proposal (G/TFA/W/46) and additionally proposes that the 
notifications listed in the document "Trade Facilitation Agreement's definitive implementation dates " 
(G/TFA/INF/1) are automatically on the agenda when the deadline for implementation has passed. G/TFA/W/50  
 
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  Such systematic agenda setting would provide the TFC with a more complete overview. It would 
allow a fair and accurate assessment of the TFA implementation. Such information is summari zed 
by the WTO S ecretariat under the agenda item 1.2 "Update by the WTO Secretariat on notifications 
and ratifications ", but there is currently no discussion with the Members concerned. This proposal 
aims at filling the gap.  
Transparency notifications  
6. There should be a cl ear distinction between amendments and updates of notifications (due to 
changes in web -links and updated legislation), and first-time notifications by Members . In addition, 
the reporting by the TFC to the Council on Trade in Goods on transparency measures could contain 
a column indicating for each Members if notified links are no longer working. This would complete 
the reporting and would draw the attention of the concerned Members on the need to update the 
links.  
7. The EU also suggests that when the private sector comments on TFA implementation, that 
they are invited to inform, to the extent possible, whether the transparency notifications are 
sufficient, as these notifications aim primarily to help SMEs and traders to comply with their 
obligations.  
Notificat ions under Article  17 
8. Given their specificity, the EU would recommend that the respective Member seeking an 
extension presents information supporting its’ request and provides additional feedback if requested 
by the Committee. This is particularly importan t for notifications under Article 17 (3) with the 
duration of the extension requested of more than 18 months.  
Notifications under Article 19  
9. Any notification of shifts in category should be in a separate agenda item.  
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