WT/CTE/30  
 
13 December 2023  
(23-8560) Page: 1/19 
    
 
 
REPORT (2023) OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT  
In 202 3, the Committee on Trade and Environment in Regular Session (CTE) held three 
meetings : a first formal meeting on 14 and 15  March1, under the Chairmanship of the Ambassador 
of the United Kingdom , Mr Simon  Manley ; a second formal meeting on 12  June2 and a third formal 
meeting on 13 -14 and 16  November3 under the Chairmanship of the Ambassador of Ecuador, 
Mr José Valencia . From 12 to 16  June 2023, the CTE held its f ourth Environmental Week. All 
meetings were hosted both in person and virtually.   
The work of the CTE was organized in accordance with the mandate established by the 
Doha Ministerial  Declaration, Paragraphs 32, 33 and 51 , inclusive of the 10 items of the C TE Work 
Programme .4 In this context, d iscussions took place on a wide range of issues outlined below.  
1  ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES AND MARKET ACCESS5 
1.1  Trade aspects of the European Green Deal  
1.1.  At the March  meeting, the European Union  (EU) provided an update on two  legislative 
proposals: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism  (CBAM)  and Deforestation. The EU also briefed 
delegations on key features of the European Commission's proposal for a regulation on packaging 
and packaging waste  which inc luded rules on prevention , reuse , recyclability, and compostability . 
Importer s had to ensure compliance with the necessary requirements.  Several Members shared their 
concerns on the implementation of the regulation s, requesting the EU to better consider economic , 
social, and environmental conditions and particular needs of developing countries and LDCs. Several 
Members suggested that there is a need to respect the United Nations Framework Convention  on 
Climate Change (UNFCCC) Principle of Common But Differe ntiated Responsibilities and Respective 
Capabilities (CBDR -RC), and to comply with WTO rules.   
1.2.  At the June meeting, the European Union  briefed delegations on  the key features of two 
European Green Deal proposals on empowering consumers for the green transi tion. The first 
proposal aim ed to protect consumers and companies from the misleading practice of unclear or 
poorly substantiated environmental claims ( "greenwashing "). Applying only to voluntary claims 
made by businesses to consumers, it introduced a requ irement for independent and accredited 
verifiers to conduct an ex-ante verification that the environmental claim or label complied with the 
requirements. The second proposal pursued  the objective of promoting the repair and sustainable 
consumption of goods . Several Members shared their concerns on the trade implications that the 
two proposals could  have on the EU's trading partners  and posed some technical questions. Some 
Members als o referred to the importance of addressing greenwashing. While supporting discussions 
of underlying policy objectives and choices with respect to environmental concerns, one Member 
noted that such discussions should not replace notification or deliberation  in other relevant WTO 
committees, which have the mandate to discuss specific trade concerns.  
 
1 Available through WT/CTE/M/77 , "Report of the Meeting held on 14 and 15  March 2023", Note by the 
Secretariat.  
2 Available through WT/CTE/M/78 , "Report of the Meeting held on 12  June 2023", Note by the Secretariat.  
3 To be circulated through WT/CTE/M/79 . 
4 The CTE Work Programm e and the parts of the Doha Development Agenda that are relevant to the work 
of the CTE Regular are included in Annexes 1 and 2 respectively.  
5 Paragraph 32(i) of the Doha Ministerial Declaration, Item 6 of the CTE Work Programme: "The effect of 
environmen tal measures on market access, especially in relation to developing countries, in particular the 
least-developed among them, and those situations in which the elimination or reduction of trade restrictions and 
distortions would benefit trade, the environme nt and development."  WT/CTE/30  
 
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 1.3.  At the November  meeting, the European Union  briefed delegations on key features of its 
proposal to revise the Waste Framework Directive. The revision aimed to del iver more circular and 
sustainable management of textile waste and clarified the definitions of waste and reusable textiles. 
This would ensure that textile waste was only exported in the presence of guarantees that the waste 
was managed in an environmental ly sound manner. In addition, the EU provided information on the 
environmental aspects of the proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. 
Amongst others, the Directive aimed to anchor environmental considerations in companies' 
operatio ns and corporate governance. Finally, the EU provided an overview of the Implementing 
Regulation on the reporting obligations during the transitional period of the CBAM in light of its 
recent entry into force. Several Members supported discussions, and wel comed the EU engagement 
both in the WTO and bilaterally on these matters. Several delegations expressed concerns about the 
adoption of unilateral measures , the impact that compliance with the measures would have on 
exporters, and their WTO compatibility.  
1.2  India's concerns on the use of environment measures as non -tariff measures  
1.4.  At the March  meeting, India presented its paper on India's concerns on the use of environment 
measures as non -tariff measures.6 It claimed there is an increasing use of unilateral measures 
impacting trade which were justified as environmental measures, with potential inconsistencies with 
the WTO rules and the undermining of the multilateral agreements.  India also underlined the 
importance to follow the f oundational UNFCCC principles of equity and CBDR -RC in the adoption of 
carbon border measures, minimum residual limits in agriculture trade, and tariff rate quotas based 
on the green content of commodities. Several delegations shared India's concerns about  the 
application of unilateral measures, reflecting increasing trade costs for exporters. A few delegations 
considered that there was a growing trend to use the climate agenda to promote purely economic 
interests through protectionist measures. Others note d that principles from outside the WTO could 
not be automatically applied to discussions within the WTO, and that Members were allowed to take 
WTO-consistent domestic actions to address climate change, provided they do not unjustifiably and 
arbitrarily dis criminate amongst Members or constitute disguised restrictions on trade.  
1.3  The effect of Environmental Measures on market access, especially in relation to 
developing countries  
1.5.  At the November  meeting, Argentina  shared its views on the effect of environmental measures 
on market access, especially in relation to developing countries, in particular the least developed 
among them, and those situations in which the elimination or reduction of trade restrictions and 
distortions would benefit trade, the environment and development. It referred to the procedural 
need for the CTE, in line with its original mandate, to actively debate the impact on market access 
of environmental measures and proposed to include this issue as a standing item on the CTE, for 
approval at MC13. Several delegations welcomed Argentina's proposal. One delegation sought 
clarification on the necessity to institutionalize the item on the agenda and preferred for the issue 
to be raised at Members' req uest.    
1.4  UK's updates on due diligence legislation and global carbon leakage risks and 
approaches  
1.6.  At the March  meeting, the United Kingdom  (UK) provided an update on its due diligence 
legislation which seeks to make supply chains more sustainable. The fort hcoming regulations would  
make it illegal for larger businesses operating in the U nited Kingdom to use key forest risk 
commodities produced on land used illegally in violation of respective national laws. This emphasized  
the United Kingdom' s aim to work wi th and in support of enforcement frameworks of respective 
countries, and not to impose UK standards on others.   
1.7.  The United Kingdom  also provided an update on global carbon leakage risks and policy 
approaches. It stood behind international solutions to carb on leakage and was preparing to launch 
a consultation open to international partners to explore a range of possible policy options to mitigate 
carbon leakage risk. This included voluntary and mandatory product standards, labelling and 
 
6 Document JOB/TE/7 8. WT/CTE/30  
 
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 procurement measures,  and potential carbon border adjustment mechanisms. Several Members 
supported information sharing on the topic of carbon leakage.  
1.5  Recent developments on the Global Biofuels Alliance  
1.8.  At the November  meeting, Brazil , India and the United States  provided info rmation on the 
Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). Brazil  outlined three main courses of action to increase uptake in 
biofuels, including capacity building and technical support to developing markets; fostering 
collaboration in biofuels technology; and a share d understanding on performance -based 
sustainability assessment and other standards for more accurate reporting of greenhouse gas 
emissions. It noted that international trade was critical in enabling a level of scale that would make 
biofuels economically vi able, and the WTO has the critical mass to promote global cooperation. India 
added that the GBA was launched during the G20 Leaders' Summit under India's G20 presidency 
and intended to be a catalytic platform to foster knowledge sharing and widespread use of biofuels. 
India also mentioned that 19 countries and 12 international organizations were part of the initiative 
at the launch. The  United  States  highlighted that biofuels remained important in the deployment of 
cleaner, greener fuels which can be deployed at scale to meet climate goals while spurring domestic 
growth and sustainable development goals of Members. Biofuels also complemented domestic 
energy production and supported energy security through having diversified supply chains.  
2  SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN WTO DISCUSSIONS7 
2.1.  At the March  meeting, Paraguay  made a presentation on  environmental subsidies notified under 
paragraph  12 of Annex 2 of the A greement on agriculture. It highlighted concerns over potential 
"greenwashing" of government support  and suggested holding further discussions on improving the 
environmental effectiveness of these policies in the CTE  through questionnaires to gather m ore 
information on Members' environmental subsidies for agriculture. Paraguay aimed to identify good 
practices or guidelines on the elements these programmes should contain to be considered "double 
green", i.e. with positive effects on the environment as w ell as non -distorting or minimally trade -
distorting. Several Members welcomed the notion of agricultural reform as a must -have pathway to 
sustainability. Some  delegations noted the need to respect Members' varying circumstances and 
contexts.  
3  MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS (MEAS)8 
3.1  The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)  
3.1.1   Presentations by the UNFCCC  
3.1.  At the March , June and November  meetings , the UNFCCC  Secretariat  briefed delegations  on 
COP27 and COP28. COP27 had witnessed a fundamental shift from pledges to delivery and actions 
being implemented through the widest possible multistakeholder engagement. Landmark 
achievements included the creation of a loss and damage fund that was key for small island 
developing countries, and a call to reform international financial institutions. Some delegations 
raised a concern on the inadequate current flow of finance (in the form of loans) to meet the NDCs 
and obligations under the Paris Agreement.  
3.2.  On COP28, the UNFCCC Secretariat  underscored the need for comprehensive and impactful 
outcomes to meet the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. UNFCCC noted that a huge mitigation 
gap in global emissions still existed; there was a lag in current levels of a daptation to climate change;  
responses to loss and damage were delayed, with the need to urgently operationalise the recently 
established loss and damage fund; and there was a growing gap between the needs of developing 
countries and the support provided a nd mobilized for them. UNFCCC noted that  COP28 should focus 
 
7 Paragraph 51 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration: "The Committee on Trade and Development and the 
Committee on Trade and Environment shall, within their respective mandates, each act as a forum to identify 
and debate developmental and environmental aspect s of the negotiations, in order to help achieve the objective 
of having sustainable development appropriately reflected."  
8 Items 1 and 5 of the CTE work programme: "The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral 
trading system and trade measu res for environmental purposes, including those pursuant to multilateral 
environmental agreements." And "The relationship between the dispute settlement mechanisms in the 
multilateral trading system and those found in multilateral environmental agreements. " WT/CTE/30  
 
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 on issues of the global stocktake, loss and damage, adaptation, mitigation, and finance, along with 
the anticipated decision on the work programme on just transition as established at COP27. COP28  
was also an opportunity to innovate the UNFCCC process through engagement, inclusivity, 
accountability and transparency.  
3.1.2   Other u pdates on COP27 and COP2 8 
3.3.  At the March  meeting, Egypt  briefed delegations on the outcomes of COP27. Six high -level 
roundtables  had been  held to cover six main topics, which were: Just transition; Investing in the 
future of Energy: Green Hydrogen; Innovative finance; Food security; Water security; and Impacts 
of climate change on vulnerable communities. A Climate Implementation Su mmit Declaration had 
also been  adopted . The Sharm El -Sheikh Implementation Plan (SHIP) ensured the balance between 
ambition and implementation, as well as between mitigation and adaptation.  
3.4.  At the June meeting, the United Arab Emirates  briefed delegations  on COP28 preparations. It 
unveiled the inaugural "trade day" at COP28, noting the opportunity to advance climate action 
through technical assessments across all aspects spanning mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, 
and a just transition.  
3.5.  At the Novem ber meeting, the WTO Secretariat  provided a briefing on the preparations for its 
activities at COP28, including the WTO Secretariat's analytical work to be shared at the event. Many 
delegations intervened and encouraged the Secretariat to be more transparent and conduct timely 
discussions with Members on such issues, especially as it relates to the publication "Trade Policy 
Tools for Climate Action". Several Members recalled that the WTO was a member -driven 
organi zation. The WTO Director -General re sponded that reports for the COP were prepared under 
the WTO Secretariat's sole responsibility9 and that production of knowledge products, such as the  
annual World Trade Report, was part of the regular functions of the WTO Secretariat.   
3.1.3   Agreement on Clima te Change, Trade and Sustainability ( ACCTS ) 
3.6.  At the March , June and November  meetings, New Zealand  provided an update on the 
negotiations towards the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) .10 
Negotiators had considered practical notio ns of how economies could leverage trade rules for broader 
climate and sustainability objectives and establishing best practice guidelines of voluntary eco -
labelling  that were innovative in substance and form.  ACCTS participants had also been developing 
a list of environmentally related services to complement the existing environmental services 
category. Furthermore, the chapter covering environmental goods set out the rules ACCTS Parties 
would apply for goods imports from all WTO Members, including the eli mination of import duties, 
and more than 300 environmental goods had already been identified for liberalisation.  
3.1.4   Forest Agriculture and Commodities Trade ( FACT ) Dialogue  
3.7.  At the March meeting , the United Kingdom  updated WTO Members on the Forest Agriculture 
and Commodities Trade (FACT)  Dialogue . The aim was to build mutual understanding of the notion 
of sustainable production and to move towards a shared set of principles. The new Secretariat for 
the FACT Dialogue , the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry 
(ICRAF), was headquartered in Indonesia and Kenya. An independent report had also been 
circulated, considering how the FACT Dialogue could  support other processes and fora that address ed 
issues of sustainability in relation to trade and markets.  
3.1.5   Other briefings  
3.8.  At the March  meeting, the WTO Secretariat  provided a summary o f the event entitled " Trade 
Forum for Decarbonization Standards" held on 9  March in the WTO  which brought together Members 
with the private sector, industry associations, think tanks, and other international organizations to 
discuss the connections between trade and decarboniza tion standards in the steel sector . 
 
9 The publication does not necessarily reflect the positions or opinions of WTO Members and is without 
prejudice to their rights and obligations under the WTO agreements.  
10 Members of ACCTS are Costa Rica, Fiji, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.  WT/CTE/30  
 
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 3.9.  At the June meeting, the OECD  presented its work on the Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation 
Approaches (IFCMA). The IFCMA was designed to help countries identify  the efforts around the world 
to reduce greenhouse gas emi ssions.  It consisted of three parts: facilitating data and information 
sharing; enabling mutual learning to set up dialogues with countries and to help inform future policy 
decisions; and providing a platform for an inclusive multilateral dialogue.  
3.2  The Con vention on Biodiversity ( CBD) 
3.10.   At the March  meeting, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)  briefed delegations on 
the Kunming -Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework  (GBF)  which was adopted at the 15 th 
Conference  of the Parties (COP15) in December 2022 and included four goals and 23 targets to be 
achieved by 2030. The mission of the framework was to take urgent action to halt and reverse 
biodiversity loss and to put nature on the path to recovery. The United Kingdom  and t he 
European  Union  also provided statements recognizing the importance the GBF.  
3.11.   The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)  provided an update on the informal 
roundtable that the WTO and UNEP held on 14  March  2023, on "Nature -positive trade for sustaina ble 
development: How can trade -related policies and measures support the implementation of the 
Kunming -Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework? ".  
3.12.   The UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNDOALOS)  provided a briefing on 
the recently agreed  High Seas Treaty.  
4  ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS11 
4.1.  At the June meeting, Australia  and Singapore  updated delegations on their Green Economy 
Agreement (GEA). The agreement emphasized the eight areas of: (i) green economy principles; 
(ii) trade and investment; (iii)  standards and conformance; (iv) clean energy, decarbonization and 
technology; (v) green and transition finance; (vi) carbon markets; (vii) green skills and capabilities; 
(viii) engagements and partnerships. They highlighted a non -binding list of 372 envir onmental goods 
and 155 environmental services which can be adapted and enhanced over time and could also 
contribute to multilateral discussions on liberalising trade in environmental goods and services, 
including in the WTO. Some Members intervened and ask ed whether the parties had considered 
notifying the GEA to the Committee on Regional Trade Agreement (CRTA), Australia and Singapore 
answered that they will investigate this question.  
5  TRANSPARENCY OF ENVIRONMENT -RELATED TRADE MEASURES12 
5.1  WTO Environmental Database  
5.1.  At the March  meeting, the WTO Secretariat  informed delegates that the Environmental 
Database (EDB) 2021 Report had been published in February in document WT/CTE/EDB/21 . The 
Secretariat presented the EDB for 2021 with specific focus on biodiversity that had been researched 
via two main sources:  (i) Members' notifications (in total 114) and (ii) the TPR reports 
(1,160  entries). While Members recognized the amount of detailed work undertaken for the EDB, 
some suggested better functionality of the database, including a live possibility of time sens itive 
alert. Some Members expressed concerns with the classification of measures in the Environmental 
Database and the methodology adopted to count such measures.  
5.2.  At the November  meeting, the WTO Secretariat  presented on the EDB 2022, with a focus on 
the u pdated information on "Subsidy Amounts" and "Implementation Period" of the EDB. 
98 Members had submitted environment -related notifications containing 1,349 measures, which was 
a 40% decrease from 2021. There had been 15 Trade Policy Reviews submitted by Me mbers in 2022 
which contained a record high 1,364 environment -related entries. One Member requested more 
discussions on the objective of the EDB, its use and added value specifically for Members.  
 
11 Item 2  of the CTE work programme: " The relationship between environmental policies relevant to trade 
and environmental measures with significant trade effects and the provisions of the multilateral trading system."  
12 Item 4 of the CTE work programme: "The provi sions of the multilateral trading system with respect to 
the transparency of trade measures used for environmental purposes and environmental measures and 
requirements which have significant trade effects."  WT/CTE/30  
 
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 6  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING13 
6.1.  At the November  meeting, Argentina  presented on the importance of technical assistance and 
capacity building in the field of trade and the environment to developing countries, in particular the 
least developed among them.  Argentina considered that this item  should become  a standing item  
on the CTE agenda . Some Members agreed on the importance of technical assistance and capacity 
building with some providing concrete examples of their technical assistance.   
6.2.  The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions  Secretariat  and the WTO Secretariat  
presented on the WTO -BRS e -learning course on "The BRS Conventions and the WTO: enhancing 
international cooperation for sustainable development". The WTO Secretariat introduced the joint 
course, which took a thorough look at the work  of the BRS Conventions and the WTO; their 
respective areas of coverage; the relationship between these two regimes; and specific areas of 
collaboration between them. The BRS Secretariat briefed on two in -depth case studies in the course, 
one on e -waste an d one on plastic pollution.  
7  RELATIONS WITH INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND NON -GOVERNMENTAL 
ORGANIZATIONS14 
7.1  Briefings from Observer Organizations on relevant activities  
7.1.  At the March meeting, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 
Fauna and Flora (CITES)  provided an update on COP19 held in November 2022 with the adoption of 
367 Decisions, 45 proposals to amend the appendices and five new resolutions. The COP had also 
adopted a wide range of decisions, which directed the work of the Convention bodies, the Secretariat 
and the Parties in the intersessional period until COP20 in 2025.  
7.2.  The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)  briefed the Committee on its 
recent activities on trade and environment, in particular its upcomi ng 70th session on "Digital and 
green transformations for sustainable development in the UNECE region". Additionally, their work 
on integrating green and circular economy dimensions into their Studies on Regulatory and 
Procedural barriers to trade was high lighted.  
7.3.  UNEP  provided an update on its work on trade and the environment. UNEP briefed on its project 
spanning from 2023 to 2027 working with Brazil, Costa Rica and Colombia or Argentina, on 
repurposing agricultural subsidies to finance nature -based solu tions for sustainable recovery. UNEP 
also updated its partnership in the Trade, Development and Environment Hub project, which aimed 
to promote policy solutions that promote the trade of agricultural commodities supportive of 
biodiversity and sustainable s ocio-economic development.  
7.4.  The BRS Conventions Secretariat  briefed the Committee on the impacts of the 2019 
amendments on plastic waste and the 2022 amendments on electronic and electrical waste which 
will enter into force in 2025. The Conventions also hig hlighted the ongoing work related to electronic 
approaches to the notification and movement documents going to the heart of the Prior Informed 
Consent Procedure. In addition, the Convention provided updates on its work related to plastic waste 
and chemical s. 
7.5.  At the June meeting, UNCTAD  presented its publications on "Trade and Environment Review 
2023", and "Plastic Pollution: the Pressing Case for Natural and Environmentally Friendly Substitutes 
to Plastics", with a focus on the ocean economy and plastic substitutes.  
7.6.  The World Bank  prese nted its resent work on trade and climate change, including: 
"Country  Climate Development Reports" and "Action on Climate and Trade" in collaboration with the 
 
13 Paragraph 33 of the Doha Ministerial Declaratio n: "We recognize the importance of technical assistance 
and capacity building in the field of trade and environment to developing countries, in particular the least -
developed among them. We also encourage that expertise and experience be shared with Member s wishing to 
perform environmental reviews at the national level."  
14 Item 10 of the CTE Work Programme: "Input to the relevant bodies in respect of appropriate 
arrangements for relations with intergovernmental and non -governmental organizations referred to  in Article V 
of the WTO".  WT/CTE/30  
 
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 WTO Secretariat and WEF. The World Bank provided the policy considerations that developing 
countr ies need to consider as they design their NDCs and their National Adaptation Plans.  
7.7.  At the November  meeting, UNEP  briefed delegations on outcomes of the fifth meeting of the 
Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the third sess ion of the 
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC -3), as well as a highlight on the upcoming 
Sixth Session of UNEA with the theme "Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to 
tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution". U NEP also updated on its initiatives on climate 
change, sustainable agriculture, nature loss, pollution and waste.  
7.8.  UNCTAD  updated Members on its work related to trade and environment, including the sessions 
on critical minerals, energy transition and the r ole of trade, focusing on how to secure energy 
transition -related value chains while increasing mineral -rich countries' benefits by fostering "on -site" 
value addition. UNCTAD also emphasized the importance of climate finance and a better 
understanding of t he co -benefits and trade -offs between climate, trade and development to ensure 
coherence in policy design across national policies, MEAs and trade rules.  
7.2  UNEP  Draft Agreement on Plastic Pollution  
7.9.  At the November  meeting, the Russian Federation  provided th eir perspective from the 
multilateral trading system regarding the content on the draft Agreement on Plastic Pollution or zero 
draft of legally binding instrument on combating plastic pollution. The Russian Federation expressed 
its concerns on the negative  consequences for the plastic and related industries if the instrument 
was adopted in the current version or even slightly modified. In Russia's view, the consequences 
would aggravate the food security issue and undermine health care systems especially in developing 
countries because basic medical devices were made of or contain plastics. According to Russia, the 
result of this Agreement would be the creation of a new set of rules that appear to exempt the entire 
plastic sector from WTO law. The delegation underscored that the focus of negotiations must be 
shifted towards combating pollution rather than regulating and prohibiting of manufacturing or 
consumption of plastics; as well as that the designing of trade rules was an exclusive competence 
of the WTO. Some delegations noted that multilateral rules on environment and trade must be 
mutually supportive. One delegation voiced its support for the I ntergovernmental Negotiating 
Committee (INC)  process in the context of WTO discussions. Another stated that any 
UNEP  agreement should not impinge on the rights and obligations of the WTO Members as enshrined 
in the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO.  
7.3  Requests for Observer status  
7.10.   At the March, June and November  meetings, India supported a request for granting observer 
status to the CTE to the International Solar Alliance (ISA). India provided the overview of the purpose 
and activities of the ISA, including its focus on the energy transition.  
8  MEMBERS' PROPOSALS  
8.1  Members' proposa ls and discussions on the improved functioning of the CTE  
8.1.1   African Group  
8.1.  At the November  meeting, the African Group15 presented its proposal on the Role of Transfer 
of Technology in Resilience Building: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. The proposal  
identified technology as a key element to facilitate growth and sustainable development which could 
only be achieved through fair access to and transfer of green technologies with financial assistance. 
It outlined key issues to be addressed by the CTE, in cluding with a view to making recommendations 
for MC13. Several Members shared the concerns in the proposal and most delegations expressed an 
interest to look more in detail into technology transfer and development. Some referred to the value 
of discussing  different approaches and policy goals to identify opportunities and address specific 
development needs. One Member highlighted the importance of incentivizing private industry to 
 
15 Document WT/GC/W/886 , WT/CTE/W/254 , WT/COMTD/W/280 . WT/CTE/30  
 
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 engage in technology transfer and a few suggested that further discussions t ake the form of 
experience sharing.  
8.2.  At the November  meeting, the African Group16 also presented its proposal on the Principles  
Guiding the Development and Implementation of Trade -Related Environmental Measures. The 
proposal suggested that the  approach to t he trade and environment discussions in line with the 
CTE mandate and work programme required  a holistic, development -oriented and inclusive approach 
that comprehend ed the complex relationship between trade, environment and sustainable 
development, taking into account the developing country interests and challenges . It further 
proposed principles to guide the discussions towards the development and implementation of trade-
related environmental measures while ensuring the achievement of trade -related SDGs. M any 
Members expressed their support for the African Group's proposal and with the need to discuss such 
principles. Other Members expressed their concerns with some of the suggested principles, the 
discussion of which in their view belonged to other fora. One Member noted that it did not recognize 
the concept of CBDR in the WTO. Some questioned the placing o f further conditions on Members' 
right to regulate for the environment as they had the sovereignty to take measures in the pursuit of 
environmental goals. Other delegations highlighted the need for CTE discussions to adopt a holistic, 
development -oriented and inclusive approach taking fully into account the relationship between 
trade, environment and sustainable development.  
8.1.2   China  
8.3.  At the March  meeting, China  introduced its proposal17 to use the CTE as a platform for 
multilateral dedicated discussions on the  trade aspects and implications of certain environmental 
measures. The idea was to go deeper than the current simple information sharing or general 
exchange of positions. China noted that the WTO should play a greater role in promoting 
environmental sustai nability through trade policies, fostering multilateral deliberations and 
preventing trade frictions. China proposed to use as a pilot case for such dedicated discussions the 
EU CBAM. A number of Members thanked China for its paper and looked forward to fu rther 
discussions. In reaction, the EU noted that it had been continuously outlining the CBAM in detail at 
the CTE responding to Members' questions in recent years, and that it further intended to hold a 
dedicated information session in the coming months. One Member cautioned against turning the CTE 
into an informal dispute settlement body.  
8.4.  At the June meeting, China18 submitted a communication titled "Further Elaboration on 
Dedicated Multilateral Discussions on the Trade Aspects and Implications of Certai n Environmental 
Measures" which proposed five key elements for dedicated multilateral discussions on the trade 
aspects on certain environmental measures with significant impact on trade, including in the context 
of the CBAM: i)  basic operating mechanism fo cusing on the underlying methodologies; ii) policy 
design and the elements of implementation; iii) environmental effects, focusing on the contribution 
of the measure to the intended environmental objective; iv) trade impacts, including potential 
impacts on  developing countries; and v) inclusiveness, focusing on how the measures could be 
implemented in a more open, non -discriminatory and non -arbitrary manner. Several delegations 
considered helpful the proposal in better understanding climate -related measures  and associated 
risks and highlighted the need for dialogue on the topic. Some noted that the transparency elements 
in the proposal could provide an opportunity to address the nexus between environment and trade 
in the CTE. One Member considered that the p roposal may be targeting polices of individual 
Members.  
8.5.  At the November  meeting, China19 introduced its submission on Policy Issues for Dedicated 
Multilateral Discussions on Border Carbon Adjustment. The communication focused on one specific 
policy instrum ent, i.e. the border carbon adjustment (BCA), and proposed several topics for 
dedicated multilateral discussions, to be held under the respective committees, as mandated, or 
under the multilateral deliberative mechanism on environmental sustainability, as proposed by 
several Members. These topics included BCA's basic operating mechanism, policy design, trade 
impacts, environmental effects and inclusiveness. China noted that it welcome d contribution s from 
other Members , especially written submissions that the Secretariat could circulate with a view to 
 
16 Document WT/GC/W/894 , WT/CTE/W/255 , G/C/W/830 , IP/C/W/703 , G/AG/W/239 . 
17 Document WT/CTE/W/251 . 
18 Document WT/CTE/W/251  and JOB/TE/81 . 
19 Document WT/CTE/W/258 , G/C/W/839 , G/MA/W/184 , G/TBT/W/777 . WT/CTE/30  
 
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 informing further multilateral discussions.  Several Members welcomed structured discussions on the 
main concepts of BCA mechanisms, some noting that those should be supported by empirical 
evidence and align with  internationally recognized environmental goals.  One delegation expressed 
concerns that such measures may lead to further fragmentation of the global trading system . A few 
delegations suggested to focus on discussions on methodologies for calculating carbo n emissions. 
Some Members noted that they could not adequately comment on the paper as it had been circulated 
just prior to the meeting.  
8.1.3   Colombia  
8.6.  At the March  meeting, Colombia  presented a document on the "principles and parameters that 
should guide and su pport policies and measures on trade and environment."20 Colombia proposed  
that the CTE engage in a key initial discussion on the principles and parameters that should guide 
trade and environment discussions in the WTO. Later on, based on these understandi ngs, specific 
discussions on policies and measures of interest to the entire membership, and particularly to 
developing countries, in addition to those currently in place, would be addressed. Colombia said that 
such principles could be (i) international cooperation; (ii)  CBDR; (iii) non -discrimination; and 
(iv) prevention in policy formulation, ensuring the adequate use of scientific evidence . Colombia 
highlighted the need for increased participation of developing countries in the work of th e CTE and 
proposed to hold a special and informal session of the CTE to discuss these principles and identify 
key topics for future discussions. A number of Members welcomed the proposal while one Member 
expressed their reservations about it. Some delegati ons noted that it was important to agree on 
such principles and parameters which should orient discussions at the CTE. A few also referred to 
the need for coherence between international trade and international environment law; others 
underscored the impor tance to include interested parties and stakeholders in the debate.  
8.7.  At the June meeting, Colombia21 recalled its proposal on the principles and parameters to guide 
deliberations on policies and measures on trade and environment. It suggested the following  ideas: 
i) holding an informal session of the CTE to discuss the principles and identify topics for future 
discussions; ii)  inviting experts and stakeholders to contribute to the discussion; iii)  establishing a 
concrete and realistic action plan after the discussions in the CTE. Many Members welcomed 
Colombia's proposal and found the ideas promising for supporting revitalization of the CTE. Some 
delegations considered it useful to engage in discussions on principles to guide CTE deliberations. 
Several Membe rs expressed caution on addressing the CBDR principle in the WTO, as it belongs to  
other forums.  Other Members also expressed commitment to work towards ensuring that concrete 
actions can see support for developing countries. One delegation suggested to se t aside Members' 
differences and seek common ground for progress.  
8.1.4   European Union  
8.8.  At the March  meeting, the European Union  drew Members' attention to its February proposal 
to the General Council entitled "Reinforcing the deliberative function of the WTO to respond to global 
trade policy challenges," which included a suggestion to deepen discussions in the CTE on 
environmental  trade measures. The EU highlighted three areas as priorities: (i) trade policy and 
state intervention in support of industrial sectors; (ii) global environmental challenges; and (iii) trade 
and inclusiveness. The EU intended to reach out to Members on the  best way forward to continue 
the discussions and enhance deliberations in the CTE. Several Members expressed their support for 
the suggestions in the paper and in particular the ambition for increasing transparency, dialogue 
and enhanced cooperation, as w ell as the need to increase awareness about how domestic measures 
are used to respond to climate and other global environmental challenges, how they are designed 
and their impact on trade. Some believed that a greater level of understanding was necessary a mong 
Members in order to identify good practices and reach convergence.  
8.9.  At the June meeting, the European Union22 stressed the importance of ensuring greater 
transparency, dialogue and engagement at early stages of policy development. It also recognized 
the importance of having more thematic discussions and welcomed greater interaction between 
different committees. Ensuring greater engagement of developing countries and LDCs in those 
discussions was also recognized. A number of delegations welcomed the sugg estions made by 
 
20 Document RD/CTE/2 21. 
21 Document RD/CTE/221 . 
22 Document WT/GC/W/864 . WT/CTE/30  
 
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 the EU, especially to promote transparency through deliberations on trade -related climate measures 
within the CTE. Some Members also highlighted the importance to discuss the impact that these 
type of polices may have  on developing countrie s. 
8.1.5   India  
8.10.   At the November  meeting, India23 presented its proposal on Reinvigorating Discussions on 
the Relationship Between Trade and the Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies to 
Developing Countries to Address Climate Change. The proposal undersco red the need to promote 
environmentally sound technology (EST) and expand the reach of these ESTs, such that they become 
scalable and not remain mere pilots and contribute to addressing climate mitigation and adaptation 
challenges. It also provided a roadm ap towards future work on trade and technology transfer for 
developing countries. Many delegations supported the proposal and noted  the points of convergence 
with the proposal by the African Group. Several delegations considered that the relationship betwe en 
trade and the transfer of EST was important and should form part of CTE discussions. Some Members 
highlighted the need to assess various factors for successful technology transfer, including the need 
for a deeper conversation on the goods, services and technologies vital to achieving common 
environmental objectives.  
8.1.6   India and South Africa  
8.11.   At the June meeting, India and South Africa24 suggested for the CTE to address the following 
issues: i) facilitate and promote development and transfer of EST; ii) create trade and environment 
fund; and iii) special and differential treatment for developing and LDCs, including through technical 
and financial assistance programmes. The proponents expressed concerns regarding unilateral 
environmental measures impacting tra de which could restrict market access of developing countries 
and LDCs. It was argued that adoption of unilateral environmental measures could lead to trade 
fragmentation with disproportionate impact on SMEs. The proponents recalled that any measure to 
combat climate change, including unilateral ones, should not constitute a means of arbitrary 
discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade. The proponents also recalled the 
foundational principles of UNFCCC, including equity and CBDR. Some Members acknowledged the 
importance of a multilateral dialogue, including in the CTE. A number of delegations shared the 
concerns raised by India and South Africa and highlighted the importance of strengthening linkages 
between trade and technology transfe r. Several Members stressed that bringing the CBDR concept 
would not be helpful for advancing discussions in the WTO.  
8.12.   At the November  meeting, India and South Africa25 reiterated their concerns on Emerging 
Trend of Using Environmental Measures as Protectio nist Non -Tariff Measures. A number of Members 
shared the concerns of the proposal, with several pointing out that trade -related environmental 
measures should be in line with WTO rules and principles and should avoid creating unnecessary or 
disguised barrie rs to trade and market access, especially for developing countries and LDCs. Some 
delegations considered that principles such as equity and CBDR were crucial and should be taken 
into account in designing such measures. Others noted they did not support eff orts to bring the 
CBDR principle into a trade context, including  WTO law. One delegation noted that some measures 
may lead to friend -shoring and worsen the economic situation around the globe. Several Members 
highlighted that addressing climate change is a global challenge which required everyone to act, 
including by cr eating national  regulations, provided they did not unjustifiably and arbitrarily 
discriminate among Members or constitute disguised restrictions on trade. A few also referred to the 
importance of assistance for developing countries.  
8.1.7   Paraguay  
8.13.   At the June meeting, Paraguay  announced its intention to present a proposal26 that aimed to 
enhance participation of developing and least developed countries in the CTE's work, particularly 
those with limited human resources, reducing the burden of making submissions o n its measures 
and limiting consultations to those submissions made by other Members. The proposal sought to 
 
23 Document JOB/IP/70 , JOB/TE/82 , JOB/WGTTT/2 , and JOB/I P/70/Corr.1 , JOB/TE/82/Corr.1 , 
JOB/WGTTT/2/Corr.1 . 
24 Document JOB/TE/78/Rev.1 . 
25 Document JOB/TE/78/Rev.1 . 
26 The proposal was further circulated in Document WT/CTE/W/256  on 30  October  2023.  WT/CTE/30  
 
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 create a similar mechanism to the Q&A mechanism that existed, for example, in the Committee on 
Agriculture, which is aimed at facilitating experien ce sharing.  
8.14.   At the November  meeting, Paraguay27 presented its proposal on the Functioning of the 
Committee on Trade and Environment. The proposal recognized that the increasing number of formal 
and informal meetings at the WTO, together with the amount of information they generated on a 
wide variety of topics, represented a challenge for all delegations, but in particular for small 
delegations with limited human resources. It suggested that consideration be given to a number of 
areas of action, including pl anning meetings, convening notice, follow -up note by the Chair, minutes, 
and digital tools. For instance, Paraguay suggested that where possible, meeting dates should be 
coordinated with the joint environmental initiatives. Paraguay also highlighted the im portance of 
circulating the convening notice and the annotated agenda well in advance to give enough time for 
Members to submit items to the agenda and make it possible for them to effectively participate. 
With respect to digital tools, Paraguay referred t o implementing e -registration, e -delegate and 
e-agenda in the CTE. Paraguay also specifically highlighted the constraints of small delegations.  
8.15.   A number of Members supported the proposal and encouraged the CTE the follow a similar 
reform approach as the CT G. Several delegations referred to the use of digital tools and the role of 
technology -based improvements which would be useful for small delegations , in particular. Some 
noted the importance to have a discussion on these elements, including on implication s for 
developing countries, and the need to circulate documents, including the Airgram and annotated 
agenda as well as Members' proposals, ahead of time so that capitals have sufficient time to react 
and prepare for the meeting.  
8.16.   At the November  meeting, Paraguay28 also presented its proposal on Transparency and 
Experience Sharing. With a view to increasing the participation of delegations, Paraguay proposed 
using the CTE and its existing terms of reference to pose questions that enhanced transparency and 
encouraged the sharing of experiences regarding environmental measures and policies with trade 
effects. Members broadly welcomed the suggestion of enhancing transparency and sharing 
experiences in the CTE. Some also referred to the need to notify environmen t and climate -related 
trade measures to respective WTO committees and expressed preference for starting with proposals 
that can be implemented promptly. One Member suggested that an approach on questions and 
answers was not necessary and was a resource -intensive exercise.  
8.1.8   United Kingdom  
8.17.   At the June meeting, the United Kingdom29 suggested practical steps to revitalizing the CTE 
and improving its efficiency and inclusivity, including through more detailed annotated agendas and 
e-agendas. It was also suggested  using guiding questions for more discussion -based agenda items 
and identifying topics for thematic or informal sessions. Some suggestions for thematic sessions 
included sustainable supply chains and biodiversity, use of environmental subsidies, approaches  to 
carbon leakage, circular economy and building climate resilient economies. It was also noted that 
those thematic sessions could be modelled on TBT thematic sessions. Suggestions were also made 
of holding joint sessions with other committees on relevant  cross-cutting issues. Several delegations 
welcomed the suggestions made by the United Kingdom regarding forward -looking planning process 
of meetings, advanced circulation of documents and organization of informal thematic sessions. 
While Members broadly s upported thematic discussions, some were of the view that they could go 
beyond the competences of the WTO.  
8.2  Trade and Environment Initiatives  
8.2.1   Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD)  
8.18.   At the March  meeting, Costa Rica  provided an  update on the work done in 2022 as well as 
the perspectives for 2023, towards MC13. A high -level stocktaking event was organized in 
December  2022 to review the progress made during the past year in the four informal working 
groups (WGs). For 2023, a secto ral approach based on Members' priorities in each of the WGs was 
planned in addition to a deeper focus on developing  country perspectives. The co -conveners 
 
27 Document WT/CTE/W/257 . 
28 Document WT/CTE/W/2 56. 
29 Document WT/CTE/W/252 . WT/CTE/30  
 
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 envisioned delivering targeted and concrete elements for the Ministerial Conference in 2024. Several  
Members welcomed the progress being made in the TESSD and expressed interest in working 
towards concrete contributions for MC13. A few Members shared their priorities for discussions in 
each Working Group as well as advancing the sector -specific approach in the Work Plan.   
8.19.   At the June meeting, Canada  delivered an update on the TESSD discussions in the last two 
WG meetings held on 16 -17 March and 10 -11 May. The WG on Trade -related climate measures 
(TrCMs) had considered presentations and discussions on carbon measurement standards and 
decarbonization p athways in the iron and steel sector and fertilizer production. The WG on 
Environmental Goods and Services (EGS) had focused on solar energy and wind and hydro energy 
in the context of the goods and services relevant to these sectors, barriers, and bottlen ecks to their 
dissemination as well as opportunities to facilitate greater access. The WG on Circular Economy – 
Circularity had addressed the role of trade and trade policy in promoting circularity of batteries and 
had covered trade -related circular econom y aspects of wind and solar energy. Finally, in the WG on 
Subsidies Members had discussed the environmental effects of agricultural subsidies and shared 
their experiences in the design of agricultural subsidies as well as of subsidies related to transition  
to low carbon economies. A number of delegations expressed appreciation for the technical 
discussions being held within the TESSD WGs and highlighted their substantive contributions to 
these discussions. One delegation shared a concern regarding the lack of inclusiveness, transparency 
of TESSD towards certain co -sponsors for political reasons.  
8.20.   At the November  meeting, Costa Rica  briefed the CTE on the plenary meeting held on 11  July 
and the WG meetings held on 19 -20 September. At the plenary, Members discu ssed the expected 
package of deliverables for MC13 including: (i) a statement by the co -conveners of the initiative; 
(ii) an updated Work Plan; (iii) draft outcome documents of the four WGs. The draft outcome 
documents included: (i) For the WG on EGS, an A nalytical Summary of the work done so far including 
indicative lists of environmental goods and services and opportunities to promote their trade; (ii) for 
the WG on Subsidies, a Compilation of Members' experiences and considerations regarding subsidy 
design and transparency; (iii) for the WG on TrCMs, a Compilation of Member practices in the 
development of TrCMs; and finally (iv) for the WG on Circular Economy, a Mapping Exercise of the 
trade and trade policy aspects along the lifecycle of products. Member s also considered a proposal 
by the Co -convenors to develop for a digital tool aimed at fostering transparency and cooperation.  
8.21.   The WG meetings in September focused on (i) environmental effects, transparency and 
experiences with agricultural subsidies in the WG on Subsidies; (ii) trade facilitation and waste 
management in the electronics sector in the WG on Circular Economy – Circularity; (iii) opportunities 
and approaches to promote trade and developing country perspectives on renewable energ y in the 
WG on EGS; and (iv) decarbonization standards in the aluminium sector and principles for the design 
of TrCMs in the WG on TrCMs. The next WG meetings were scheduled for 20 and 21  November and 
allocate a significant amount of time to discuss the dr aft outcome documents of each group as well 
as priorities for the update of the Work Plan. One delegation reiterated its previously raised concern 
about the lack of transparency and inclusiveness of this plurilateral initiative.  Another Member 
welcomed the  work that had been achieved and suggested that it should be presented to the CTE, 
to benefit the whole WTO membership.  
8.2.2   Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade  
8.22.   At the March  meeting, Australia  provided an update on the most salient elements of the recent 
meetings of the Dialogue: (i) membership had grown to 76 Members following the United States 
announcement to join as a co -sponsor; (ii) the conclusion of a workshop in cooperation with UNCTAD 
on trade -related aspects of "sustainable and effective alternatives and substitutes" to plastics; 
(iii) an update from the I NC Secretariat on the ongoing negotiations towards a legally binding 
instrument to tackle plastic pollution; (iv) a number of technical presentations from relev ant 
stakeholders on different trade -related aspects of the issue. Additionally, coordinators offered their 
preliminary views on a path towards MC13. Several delegations reiterated that the dialogue is open, 
inclusive and called upon all WTO Members to join . One delegation highlighted that the top priority 
of this year's discussion is to achieve concrete, pragmatic and effective outcomes by MC13 and that 
concrete achievement needs concrete actions.  On the relationship with the INC process for a global 
legally binding treaty, one delegation highlighted that the outcomes achieved within the Dialogue 
should not prejudge a high level of environmental ambition for the outcome of the negotiations on 
such a global plastics agreement, but rather support a high level  of ambition; another delegation 
highlighted that they will pursue the aim of setting common global targets and developing national WT/CTE/30  
 
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 action plans based on a lifecycle approach, while recognizing the usefulness of plastics, in both the 
Dialogue and the INC p rocess, with the aim to promote circular economy of plastics and controlling 
their releases into the environment.  
8.23.   At the June meeting, Morocco  and China  briefed the Committee on the progress made in the 
last plenary meeting as well as in the second worksho p held by the Dialogue since the last CTE 
meeting. At the plenary, coordinators had presented a zero draft of the MC13 outcomes which 
focused on: (i) the importance of collective action in tackling plastics pollution; (ii) the shared vision 
of trade -relate d aspects in these efforts; (iii) the remaining information needs related to these 
shared priorities; as well as annexes containing technical and scientific information explored by the 
initiative. The plenary meeting had taken stock of the progress made so  far and included some 
technical briefings on substitutes to plastic, use of plastics in agriculture, and hidden flows of plastic 
trade. Additionally, the Dialogue had hosted its second workshop, focused on reduction and 
circularity to tackle plastic pollu tion in cooperation with UNEP. The technical information summarized 
through the two workshops, along with those captured in the ongoing surveys would feed into the 
potential MC13 outcomes. A number of delegations commended the progress of the DPP, over the  
last year and expressed confidence in further progress towards the outline of a MC13 outcome. One 
delegation highlighted three  avenues of the work in DPP: understand better the flows of plastics 
trade; trade measures that can promote substitution; and tra de measures that can be adopted to 
reduce trade in plastic itself. Another delegation supported further work related to how to tackle the 
plastic pollution, as well as their economic and environmental cost -effectiveness. One delegation 
mentioned that 59 co untries had signed the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, a far -
reaching Ministerial Statement, published ahead of INC2, calling for ambitious provisions to be 
included in the future global plastics pollution treaty at the UN.  Several delega tions highlighted the 
importance of cooperation, with one delegation valuing the Dialogue's inclusive nature and its 
contribution to treatment of trade and sustainability issues.  
8.24.   At the November  meeting, Morocco  updated the CTE on relevant developments sin ce the last 
meeting. The results of the two surveys, on trade -related plastic measures (TrPMs) and Aid for trade 
(AfT) respectively had been compiled into factual reports and issued in the previous month. The 
TrPMs report captured 223 TrPMs from 85 differe nt WTO Members and the data had revealed 
significant increase in the use of trade -related measures to tackle plastic pollution in recent years. 
The AfT report captured data from a cross -section of recipient partners, donor members and south -
south partners and regional/international institutions working on plastic pollution. It indicated 
responding developing Members priorities and needs in the area. Additionally, following the letter 
sent by coordinators of the Dialogue to the WCO, work had been progressing  well on possible HS 
amendments including the set of proposals on potential HS amendments that had been tabled in the 
context of the HS2027 reform process. Lastly, the second draft of a proposed MC13 Statement along 
with the attached open, illustrative, no n-exhaustive and evolving compilations of suggestions, 
practices, options, and opportunities, had been circulated. Coordinators hoped to achieve an 
ambitious and balanced outcome by MC13. One delegation noted that MC13 will represent a key 
opportunity to a ddress plastic pollution, while recalling its support to an ambitious globally binding 
instrument. Another delegation indicated that the first draft for MC13 summari zes the work done 
and actions under DPP and called for efforts to reach consensus.  
8.2.3   Fossil F uel Subsidy Reform  
8.25.   At the March  meeting, New Zealand  briefed delegations on the progress made in the second 
Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFSR) meeting in February. The FFSR initiative welcomed Colombia as 
its 48th co-sponsor. Some of the main themes emergin g from the presentations and discussions with 
respect to the social and developmental dimensions included (i) the need to assist the differing 
impacts of subsidies over time, (ii) the complex interplay between the objective, the design and the 
implementati on not always being mirrored in the social impact, (iii) the importance of a phased 
approach to reform, and (iv) the value of complementary policies to mitigate adverse short term 
effects of subsidy reform, including various support tools to assist develop ing countries in particular. 
Further work was planned in terms of information to understand the extent of temporary measures 
and to ensure they are targeted, temporary and timebound; preparation of an overview paper 
highlighting the current landscape of ex isting fossil fuel subsidies; promoting further transparency 
through the use of existing WTO mechanisms. A number of Members noted their appreciation for 
the work of the initiative and its importance for achieving Members' climate goals. Several 
delegation s considered that the issue of fossil fuel subsidies should not be addressed by the WTO 
but by other international fora.  WT/CTE/30  
 
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 8.26.   At the November  meeting, New Zealand  updated the CTE on the third meeting of the FFSR in 
July and the identified areas further work. Members had discussed in more dept three areas: (i) use 
of WTO mechanisms to enhance transparency; (ii) approaches to limit and phase -out temporary 
fossil fuel  support measures; and (iii) ways to identify and categorise the most harmful types of 
fossil fuel subsidies, as a basis for further action. Co-sponsors had agreed to undertake further work 
under these three pillars, including to collate information on Mem ber experience in adopting and 
rolling back temporary measures, as well as to try to distil some "best practice guidelines" to 
facilitate effective and appropriate design of such measures; to deepen work aimed at identifying 
which types of subsidies are mo st harmful from a trade and environment perspective; to undertake 
further analysis and consideration of questions concerning how to support development and to assist 
vulnerable groups in the process of FFSR; and ways to make best use of processes such as T rade 
Policy Reviews to promote further transparency on fossil fuel measures.  Co-sponsors were now 
considering a set of "concrete options" to advance work under the initiative in the lead -up to and 
beyond MC13 based around the three pillars. Some Members ex pressed their support for the 
initiative while others were concerned about such discussions happening at the WTO. One delegation 
commented on the presentation on temporary support measures and phase -out best practices made 
by the Secretariat during the thi rd meeting of the FFSR, highlighting its views on the reasons for the 
sharp rise in energy prices.  
9  REPORT ON THE FIRST THEMATIC SESSION BY THE MODERATORS  
9.1.  At the June meeting, in the context of his consultations on the revitalization of the CTE held 
since A pril 2023, the Chairperson  reported on Members' interest in the organization of thematic 
discussions, to further the CTE's role as a unique forum to exchange information on trade -related 
environmental measures. Given the willingness of Members to explore t hematic discussions, 
delegations agreed to further consult to reach an understanding on the procedure, topics, and work 
programme of a potential series of thematic sessions at the CTE. At an open -ended informal meeting 
held in July, a thematic session was scheduled, on an experimental basis, back -to-back with the 
meeting in November 2023.  
9.2.  At the November  meeting, the Chairperson  noted that this inaugural thematic session marked 
a novel approach by the CTE to foster open, transparent, and interactive exchan ges on critical trade 
and environmental issues. This method reflected a practical shift in CTE procedures and 
demonstrated Members' dedication to exploring new avenues for progressing mutual interests. 
Incorporating these discussions into the CTE's agenda remained at Members' discretion, aligning 
with the WTO member -driven ethos. As Chairperson, he reiterated commitment to facilitating this 
progression.  
9.3.  Following the first thematic session held on 13  November  2023, the Moderator  of the session 
provided a r eport.30 The CTE thematic session on "Trade contributions to energy transition efforts 
concerning climate adaptation and mitigation" marked an important step in broader efforts of 
"reform by doing". Members benefitted from the expertise of five distinguish ed speakers from the 
International Energy Agency (IEA), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the 
Caribbean  (ECLAC), the Renewable Energy Development Research Center of the Chinese Academy 
of Macroeconomic Research, Scatec, and Africa Climate Ventu res. Overall, the presentations by 
speakers, their follow -up comments as well as the discussion with Members had been very rich and 
recognized that ensuring energy transition was a shared priority of the international community and 
that the multilateral tr ading system had a role to play in supporting the international community in 
this endeavour. On the role of trade and trade policies in energy transition, a number of points were 
highlighted during the discussions, including the role of trade in promoting clean technology supply 
chains; the need for finding effective ways for financing renewable energy projects, while redoubling 
efforts in reducing fossil fuels subsidies; the importance of biofuels as inputs for decarbonization in 
certain sectors and their potential positive contribution to finding energy transition solutions; the 
need to have more dynamic discussions on EGS; and the importance of promoting common 
standards and definitions, including in the steel sector. As far as the WTO is concerned, the f ollowing 
was highlighted: the role of the CTE as a forum for transparency and dialogue, particularly in 
pursuing a discussion on energy transition and related topics from the trade perspective; the CTE's 
potential for having more evidence -based discussions ; the organization of a dialogue on trade and 
 
30 The following lines include a summary of the report provided by the moderator at the November meeting 
of the CTE.  WT/CTE/30  
 
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 environment at MC13; and the recognition of the contribution of the joint initiatives on trade and 
environment.  
9.4.  A number of Members welcomed the first thematic session and appreciated the efforts that 
went into  its preparation. Some also expressed willingness to engage in improving the format for 
the future to make thematic sessions more engaging and productive for Members. Some highlighted 
the importance of forward planning, particularly with respect to selecti ng facilitators and inviting 
speakers. The Chair of the CTE announced his intention to convene an open -ended informal meeting 
in the coming weeks to discuss lessons learned from the first thematic session and to identify topics 
for future sessions.  
10  THIRTEE NTH WTO MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE (MC1 3) 
10.1.   At the March  meeting, the Chairperson of the CTE  invited delegations to express views on 
possible follow -up actions to paragraph 14 of the MC12 outcome document and specifically asked 
them to share ideas on ways to improve the current output of the CTE in light of global challenges. 
All intervening Memb ers registered their wish to make progress in the CTE and expressed support 
for enhancing transparency and deepening dialogue on domestic measures taken for climate and 
other environmental objectives.  
10.2.   Several Members called for closer coordination on envi ronmental matters among other 
WTO bodies, such as Committees on Agriculture, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures, Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and Development. Some 
highlighted the importance to reinforce the capacity of developing countries and identify means to 
support them in the challenges they face in complying with trade -related environmental measures. 
Reference was also made to early and voluntary exchange of information on national measures 
which could help prev ent trade frictions. Members exchanged views on whether the principle of 
CBDR -RC has relevance or applicability with respect to the WTO . While some expressed their 
readiness to prepare CTE's outputs for MC13, one cautioned against identifying concrete outc omes 
for MC13 already now, finding it "premature". The majority supported thematic discussions, referring 
to the examples of agriculture, technical barriers, and industrial subsidies. A few Members expressed 
their preference for having a Q&A type of discus sion during the CTE that would modify the current 
reporting nature of the CTE. Some noted the need for more transparency to enable a fuller and more 
effective discussions amongst Members. Others emphasi zed the need for a robust workplan post -
MC13, based on  sharing evidence and building common understanding of trade policy solutions.  
10.3.   At the June meeting, the Chairperson of the CTE again invited delegations to express views 
on possible follow -up actions to paragraph 14 of the MC12 outcome document ahead of M C13. Many 
delegations expressed an interest in including language on environment in the MC13 outcome 
document. Several recalled the nexus between trade, development and environment and referenced 
the need for strengthening technology transfer, capacity bui lding and technical assistance for 
developing countries and LDCs. Some Members suggested including a standalone paragraph on food 
and energy security and how to reduce impact of trade -related environmental measures on 
developing countries and LDCs. It was also noted that finding a common language on environment 
would require discussion on the areas of convergence. Suggestions included improving transparency 
in trade -related environmental measures, converging around best practices and methodologies, and 
using trade policy to advance environmental objectives – all while addressing developing  country 
needs. Ensuring better synergies between discussions in the WTO and in international environmental 
fora was also mentioned. Many delegations also recognized the ro le of MC13 for strengthening the 
work of the CTE. While some noted that MC13 was an opportune moment to review and revitalize 
the CTE work programme; others encouraged exploring "reform by doing" and adhering to the 
current CTE work programme. It was sugge sted to proceed with the ongoing work in the CTE which 
could help develop a vision on reinvigorating CTE in the run -up to MC13. A few referred to the need 
to enhance the MC13 outcome document and ensure that trade role to support the response to 
environmen tal challenges is appropriately reflected therein.  
10.4.   At the November  meeting, the Chairperson of the CTE provided a report on his consultations 
on ideas on the follow -up to paragraph 14 of the MC12 outcome document and preparation for MC13. 
It had been widel y acknowledged that the preparation for MC13 should build upon paragraph 14 of 
the MC12 outcome document. Many delegations had noted that MC13 offered an opportunity to 
revitalize the work of the CTE, including the ongoing efforts of increasing transparenc y on 
environmental policies and improving the procedural functioning of the CTE, as well as deliberation WT/CTE/30  
 
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 through further thematic sessions. In this regard, a suggestion was made to provide a report by the 
CTE Chair to the General Council. MC13 Members coul d take stock of the progress made and pave 
the way for post -MC13 work. Some other suggestions included: furthering the role of the CTE in 
coordinating the work of different WTO bodies related to environment and climate change; 
referencing the outcomes of C OP28 and the link to trade in an outcome document; discussing the 
impact of TrCMs on market access; developing guidelines to better understand linkages between 
trade, environment and development, including how to better support developing countries and 
LDCs, including, the role of technology transfer. The Chair encouraged the CTE to make a concrete 
while significant contribution to MC13 and announced that he will hold further consultations and 
convene an open -ended informal meeting in the coming weeks to de liberate on a text that brings 
together the ideas and objectives of Members. Several Members supported developing MC13 
outcome document that would reinvigorate the CTE and highlighted the importance of continuing to 
advance work on the role that trade poli cy must play in supporting action to address climate change. 
Several delegations referred to topics of coherence such as the need to address environmental 
measures that may have unintended consequences for trading partners; the importance of 
facilitating t echnology transfer to support the green transition; and the need for a discussion on 
methodologies for calculating embedded emissions. Some Members cautioned against attempting to 
go into too much detail in the outcome document, given the need to reach con sensus among 
Members. The need for a concrete guidance on post -MC13 work was also highlighted.  
11  OTHER BUSINESS  
11.1.   At the March  meeting, Kenya  briefed the Committee on the Coalition of Trade Ministers for 
Climate , launched  on the margins of the Annual Davos Mee ting in January 2023. Led by Ecuador, 
EU, Kenya, and New  Zealand, the Coalition brings 56 Ministers from diverse regions and levels of 
development to provide leadership and guidance on the nexus of climate, trade, and sustainable 
development. At its inaugu ral meeting, Ministers highlighted the importance of the Coalition to 
explore new and innovative approaches for cooperation and collective action by providing a space, 
at the political level, to discuss and coordinate efforts to tackle climate challenges t hrough trade 
policy. Highlighting the Coalition's key principles of inclusivity and diversity, other WTO Members 
were invited to join the Coalition.  
11.2.   At the June meeting, the United Kingdom  provided an update on its exploratory consultation  
considering a range of potential policy measures to mitigate carbon leakage risk in the future and 
ensure UK industry has the optimal policy environment to decarboni ze. The consultation had been  
formally launched on 30  March and the closing date for responses was 22 June 2023.  
11.3.   Colombia  highlighted the importance to  consider, in a simultaneous and coherent way, the 
agreements achieved at the UNFCCC COP, and the commitments established under the Convention 
on Biodiversity , the principle of CBDR and  the fundamental princ iples of trade, such as  
non-discrimination. Members had to pool their  efforts and work in close cooperation to address these 
challenges in order to promote a transition to a green economy that guarantee d that the developing 
world could  constructively integ rate into that process and for the benefit of current and future 
generations . 
11.4.   At the November  meeting, Paraguay  on behalf of  Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, 
Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Peru introduced a new communication on the European  Union 
Regulation on Deforestation and Forest Degradation -Free Supply Chains.31 A number of Members 
shared the concerns of the communication. One Member encouraged delegations to circulate 
documents for discussion well in advance and not have substantive discussion under "any other 
business".  
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31 WT/CTE/GEN/33 . WT/CTE/30  
 
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ANNEX 1: ITEMS OF THE CTE WORK PROGRAMME (1994)  
Item 1:  The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral trading system and trade 
measures for environmental purposes, including those pursuant to multilateral environmental 
agreements.  
Item 2:  The relationship between environmental policies relevant to trade and environmental 
measures with significant trade effects and the provisions of the multilateral trading system.  
Item 3(a):  The rel ationship between the provisions of the multilateral trading system and charges 
and taxes for environmental purposes.  
Item 3(b):  The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral trading system and 
requirements for environmental purposes relating  to products, including standards and technical 
regulations, packaging, labelling and recycling.  
Item 4:  The provisions of the multilateral trading system with respect to the transparency of 
trade measures used for environmental purposes and environmental measures and requirements 
which have significant trade effects.  
Item 5:  The relationship between the dispute settlement mechanisms in the multilateral trading 
system and those found in multilateral environmental agreements.  
Item 6:  The effect of environmen tal measures on market access, especially in relation to 
developing countries, in particular to the least -developed among them, and environmental benefits 
of removing trade restrictions and distortions.  
Item 7:  The issue of exports of domestically prohibit ed goods.  
Item 8:  The relevant provisions of the Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual 
Property Rights.  
Item 9:  The work programme envisaged in the Decision on Trade in Services and the 
Environment.  
Item 10:  Input to the relevant bodies in res pect of appropriate arrangements for relations with 
intergovernmental and non -governmental organizations referred to in Article  V of the WTO.  
 
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 ANNEX 2: DOHA MINISTERIAL DECLARATION PARAGRAPHS  
32.  We instruct the Committee on Trade and Environment, in pursuing work on all items on its 
agenda within its current terms of reference, to give particular attention to:  
 
(i) the effect of environmental measures on market access, especially in relation to developing 
countries, in particular the l east developed among them, and those situations in which the 
elimination or reduction of trade restrictions and distortions would benefit trade, the environment 
and development;  
 
(ii) the relevant provisions of the Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property 
Rights; and  
 
(iii) labelling requirements for environmental purposes.  
 
Work on these issues should include the identification of any need to clarify relevant WTO rules. The 
Committee shall report to the [Fifth Session of the] Minister ial Conference, and make 
recommendations, where appropriate, with respect to future action, including the desirability of 
negotiations.  […]  
 
33.  We recognize the importance of technical assistance and capacity building in the field of trade 
and environme nt to developing countries, in particular the least developed among them. We also 
encourage that expertise and experience be shared with Members wishing to perform environmental 
reviews at the national level. [A report shall be prepared on these activities  for the Fifth Session.]  
 
51.  The Committee on Trade and Development and the Committee on Trade and Environment shall, 
within their respective mandates, each act as a forum to identify and debate developmental and 
environmental aspects of the negotiations , in order to help achieve the objective of having 
sustainable development appropriately reflected.  
 
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 ANNEX 3: PARAGRAPH 14 OF THE MC12 OUTCOME DOCUMENT ( WT/MIN(22)/24 ) 
14. We recognize global environmental challenges including climat e change and related natural 
disasters, loss of biodiversity and pollution. We note the importance of the contribution of the 
multilateral trading system to promote the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals 
in its economic, social, and envir onmental dimensions, in so far as they relate to WTO mandates and 
in a manner consistent with the respective needs and concerns of Members at different levels of 
economic development. In this regard, we reaffirm the importance of providing relevant support  to 
developing country Members, especially LDCs, to achieve sustainable development, including 
through technological innovations. We note the role of the Committee on Trade and Environment as 
a standing forum dedicated to dialogue among Members on the rela tionship between trade measures 
and environmental measures.  
 
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