G/TFA/N/B LZ/1 
 
20 February  2018 
(18-1101) Page: 1/9 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION OF CATE GORY COMMITMENTS  UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRA DE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM BELIZE  
The following communica tion, dated 19 February 2018 , is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Belize  for Members' informa tion. 
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up on the notification dated 4 September 2015 (WT/PCTF/N/BLZ/1), in which Belize 
indicated its category A commitments, Belize hereby mak es the following notifications in 
accordance with Articles 15 and 16 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (WT/L/931).  
  
  G/TFA/N/B LZ/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 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
   Article 1.1  Publication  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. External Financial assistance to 
implement electronic version of Belize’s 
Customs tariffs and nomenclature and 
the electr onic Customs Procedure 
Manual.  
2. Development of systems to safeguard 
and protect the authenticity of 
documents that are up loaded to avoid 
unauthorized use and manipulation.  
3. Diagnostic study on the relevance of 
the import licensing regime by product 
categories, so as to provide the scope 
for a modern policy/legal framework.  
Legal aid is required to proceed.  
4.  Develop a trade po rtal requiring a 
functioning website for the Directorate 
General for Foreign Trade.  
5. Technical assistance to assess current 
infrastructure and recommendations 
for the development and 
implementation of an electronic trade 
management information system. 
Assistance should be inclusive of 
equipment and re quisite training at all 
levels.  
6. External financial and technical 
assistance for a comprehensive 
information system for BAHA which will 
allow for electronic transactions and 
information sharing.  
7. External financia l and technical 
assistance for the review and drafting 
of Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
regulations and bills.  
8. Technical assistance to ensure that the 
policy for the provision of trade and 
trade related information is in line with 
Government policies and regu lations . 
9. Technical assistance needed to design 
a communications framework that 
meets the nee ds of BAHA and its 
stakeholders.   
  G/TFA/N/B LZ/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 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
10. Training  and IT 
development/advancement.  
11. Technical and financial assistance to 
develop and implement a wide -area 
network for BAHA.  
   Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Legal aid required to:  
- Develop policy (guided by internati onal 
standards) and guidelines.  
- Revise/Amend or Repeal the existing 
laws to take into considerations 
publication provisions as prescribed 
under the AILP.  
2. Training on NTBs/ WTO AILP . 
3. Technical assistance and financial 
support in area of IT for safeguarding 
and protecting the authenticity of 
documents that are uploaded to avoid 
unauthorized use and manipulat ion. 
Note: TACB identified in Art . 1.1 also 
applicable here.  
   Article 1.3  Enquiry Points C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Develop within the Directorate General 
for Foreign Trade a Trade Portal for the 
amalgamation of enquiries and 
responses.  
2. Legally  establish Trade information 
enquiry point designated as the Central 
authority within the Government . 
3. Legal drafter to amend/revise the 
existing legislation to identify the 
Supplies Control Unit as the official 
contact point with functions and 
responsibili ties clearly defined in all 
matters relevant to import licensing.  
   Article 1.4  Notification  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Training on WTO notification .  
  G/TFA/N/B LZ/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 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 2  Opportunity  to Comment, Information before Entry into Force and Consultations   
   Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and 
Information Before Entry into Force  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Provide more links through other trade 
related websites where all traders can 
have access to proposed changes to 
laws and regulations . 
2. Legal a id/advice required to:  
 Revise/Amend or Repeal the existing 
laws to take into considerations 
publication of 
procedures/administration etc. as 
prescribed under the AILP.  
 To proceed with compliance to the 
AILP. 
3. Training on NTBs/WTO AILP . 
   Article 2.2  Consultations  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Technical Assistance to develop a 
Consultation policy; specific areas 
should include developing skills in 
regulatory impact assessment.  
2. Technical Consultancy to develop the 
strategy/ policy for consultation s and 
designate unit for implementation.  
3. Legal Counsel to determine a 
standardized approach to 
consultations . 
Article 3       Advance Rulings  
 C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Draftsperson needed with expertise in 
British common law to establish 
binding rulings.  
2. Training in binding rulings.  
3. 'Train the trainer'  program . 
Article 4       Procedures for Appeal or Review  
 C 22 February 2022  To be determined  1. Consultancy to determine the legal 
framework for Appeal or Review 
process.  
2. Legal Counsel to determine the 
framework for the institutionalization of 
the review and appeals process.  
3. Legal assistance is necessary to 
develop structure of appeals tribunal.  
4. Technical Assistance/Guidance to 
determine the human resource needs.  
5. Financial and technical resources for 
equipment and software and expertise  
  G/TFA/N/B LZ/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 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
in developing an efficient electronic 
filing system.  
6. Assistance with developing an appeal 
policy and relevant procedures.  
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
   Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  C 22 February 2019  To be determined  1. Legal advice due to:  
 Lack of legal provision for import 
control purposes to be shared among 
border agencies.  
 Lack of established procedures to notify 
border authorities with respect to 
enhancing controls and inspections.  
 Lack of established procedures to 
ensure publication of a notice of 
termination of an import alert in a non -
discriminatory and easily accessible 
manner.  
2. Technical Assistance and financial 
support needed to set up an alert 
system of notification for BAHA.  
3. A Systems Administrator has been 
hired in the interim to assist with 
updating BAHA's website however we 
lack an information and alert system to 
notify ot her agencies and service users 
regarding enhanced controls and 
inspections.  
   Article 5.2  Detention  C 22 February 2022  To be determined  1. There is need for quarantine holding 
facilities at all major points of entry 
inclusive of treatment facilities and 
refrigeration units.  
   Article 5.3  Test Procedures  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Technical assistance in acquisition of 
equipment for the National Forensic 
Laboratory which performs testing for 
Customs . 
2. All BAHA diagnostic units require more 
human and material resources to 
improve testing capacity and to meet 
ISO 17025 accreditation.  
3. Capacity Building of officers . 
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 C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Technical assistance needed for 
regulatory impact assessment for  
  G/TFA/N/B LZ/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 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Importation and Exportation  BAHA. Output would provide the 
necessary justification s to obtain 
support for enactment of amended 
regulations and draft bills.  
2. Undertake a feasibility study for BAHA . 
   Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
for Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and 
Exportation  B 22 February 2020  22 February 2020  - 
   Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. There is a need for formal training . 
Article 7       Release and Clearance of Goods  
   Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Upgrade agencies to full electronic 
systems for connectivity to ASYCUDA 
WORLD. Revision of current systems, 
updating existing systems and creation 
of new systems (Single -window 
approach).  
2. BAHA need financial and technical 
assistance to implem ent an information 
system for the entire organisation.  
This would then address both import 
and export procedures and facilitate 
recall mechanism when necessary. 
Training of personnel required in this 
aspect.  
   Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  B 22 February 2020  22 February 2020  - 
   Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and Charges  A - - - 
   Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Acquire a legal draftsman.  
2. Acquire the necessary external 
technical assistance to deve lop a risk 
management strategy.  
3. Acquire the necessary external 
technical assistance to establish 
operating procedures due to lack of 
standardized criteria.  
4. Acquire the necessary external 
technical assistance i n areas of risk 
management analysis in data gathering 
and criteria building.  
   Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Provide specialized training to Post -
Audit Unit. Secure specialized training  
  G/TFA/N/B LZ/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 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
from extern al sources. (WCO, EU and 
CCLEC).  
2. Request technical assistance to develop 
and implement the necessary systems. 
Secur e technical assistance from EU.  
3. Restructuring of the Post -Audit Unit 
and acquiring the proper audit software 
and other analytical tools. Secure 
technical assis tance for training, 
software and analytical tools funding.  
   Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Technical assistance to develop TRS 
policy and procedures.  
2. Technical assistance for training in the 
use of TRS software . 
3. Assistance in conducting a study on the 
aspects that contribute to average 
release times for commodities 
regulated by BAHA.  
   Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for 
Authorized Operators  B 22 February 2020  22 February 2022  - 
   Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Capacity building to develop and 
administer single document processing 
for expedited shipment (based on 2014 
Needs Assessment) . 
2. Funding for IT equipment for 
administering expedited shipments 
(based on 2014 Needs Assessment) . 
3. TA for the standardization of 
procedures in expedited shipment . 
   Article 7.9  Perishable G oods C 22 February 2021  To be determined  1. Technical and financial assistance 
required to ensure that proper 
inspection facilities are in place for 
agricultural and food product a t each 
official point of entry.  In addition, for 
trade in live animals appropriate 
holding and inspection facilities need to 
be in place (facilitate quarantine period 
and treatment where necessary prior 
to import and export and where 
applicable even for in -transit 
consignments).  
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
 B 22 February 2019  22 February 2019  -  
  G/TFA/N/B LZ/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 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for I mport  under Customs Control  
 A - - - 
Article 10     Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
   Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation 
Requirements  B 22 February 2020  22 February 2020  - 
   Article 10.2  Acceptance of C opies A - - - 
   Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Financial support to participate in 
meetings of the International Standard 
Setting Bodies and the WTO/SPS 
Committee Meetings.  
   Article 10.4  Single Window  C 22 February 2020 To be determined  1. Technical Assistance and training for 
establishing a Single Window facility 
required . 
2. Technical Assistance: equipment for 
the operation of the single window.  
3. Capacity Building: Training for users 
(authorities, customs brokers, etc .) of 
the single window.  
4. Public awareness campaign on the 
need and benefits of the single 
window.  
A regional approach is being taken 
towards a regional single window; 
which will be compatible with 
international standard; Belize taking a 
national approach in b eing fully 
compliant. ( Key issue: compatibility) . 
   Article 10.5  Pre-shipment Inspection  A - - - 
   Article 10.6  Use of Customs Brokers  A - - - 
   Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and Uniform 
Documentation Requirements  B 22 February 2019  22 February 2019  - 
   Article 10.8  Rejected G oods A - - - 
   Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and 
Inward and Outward Processing  C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Technical assistance to provide 
specialized training. Lack of trained 
officers in supervision and audit of 
manufacturing operations . 
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
   Article 11.1 -
11.3  C 22 February 2022  To be determined  1. Comprehensive study and review of 
other fees and charges. Technical 
assistance needed for comprehensive 
study and review.   
  G/TFA/N/B LZ/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 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
   Article 11.4 -
11.15   A - - - 
   Article 11.16 -
11.17   C 22 February 2020  To be determined  1. Technical assistance to facilitate 
comprehensive review/study and draft 
a Legal text. Comprehensive review 
and analysis of viability and benefits of 
membership into SIECA (Include a 
clause to address cross border transit 
issues).  
Article 12  Customs C ooperation  
 A - - - 
 
__________