WT/TPR/OV/19  
 
21 November 2016  
(16-6373) Page: 1/209 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
  
OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPM ENTS  
IN THE INTERNATIONAL  TRADING ENVIRONMENT  
ANNUAL REPORT BY THE  DIRECTOR -GENERAL1 
 
(Mid-October 201 5 to mid -October  2016)  
Table of contents  
KEY FINDINGS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  3 
EXECUTIVE SUM MARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 7 
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  9 
2   RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENTS  ................................ ......................  10 
2.1   Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 10 
2.2   Economic Developments  ................................ ................................ .............................. 11 
2.3   Merchandise Trade  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....13 
2.4   Trade in Commercial Services  ................................ ................................ ...................... 17 
2.5   Trade Forecast and Economic Outlook  ................................ ................................ ........... 19 
3   TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED POLICY ISSUE S ................................ ...........................  22 
3.1   Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 22 
3.2   Trade -Remedy Trends  ................................ ................................ ................................ .26 
3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS)  ................................ ................................ ..37 
3.4   Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)  ................................ ................................ ................. 44 
3.5   Trade Concerns Raised in Other WTO Bodies  ................................ ................................ ..50 
3.6   Policy Developments in Agriculture  ................................ ................................ ............... 57 
3.7   General Economic Support  ................................ ................................ ........................... 62 
3.8   Overview of Trade Policy Reviews  ................................ ................................ ................. 64 
3.9   Other Selected Trade Policy Issues  ................................ ................................ ............... 78 
4   POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE IN SERVICES  ................................ ......................  91 
5   POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRA DE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  ..........................  97 
6   TRANSPARENCY OF TRADE POLICIES  ................................ ................................ ...... 100  
                                                
1 This report covers the period mid -October 2015 to mid -October 2016. It is presented p ursuant to 
Paragraph G of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism mandate and aims to assist the Trade Policy Review Body 
to undertake its annual overview of developments in the international trading environment that are having an 
impact on the multilateral trad ing system. The report is issued under the sole responsibility of the 
Director -General. It has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of Members, nor does it have any legal 
implications with respect to the conformity of any measure noted in the repo rt with any WTO Agreements or 
any provisions thereof.   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  ANNEX 1 : MEASURES FACILITATING TRADE  ................................ ................................  117  
ANNEX 2 : TRADE REMEDIES  ................................ ................................ .........................  135  
ANNEX 3 : OTHER TRADE -RELATED MEASURES  ................................ .............................  159  
ANNEX 4 : GENERAL ECONOMIC SUP PORT MEASURES  ................................ ..................  175  
ANNEX 5 : MEASURES AFFECTING TRADE IN SERVICES  ................................ ................  186  
APPENDIX 1 - PARTICIPA TION  ................................ ................................ ....................  208  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  KEY FINDINGS  
 This monitoring report for the reporting period b etween mid -October 2015 and 
mid-October  2016 outline s the persistent challenges faced by the international economy in 
2016 that continue to weigh on inte rnational trade flows. It shows that the continuing 
increase in the stock of trade -restrictive measures recorded since 2008 remains of concern .  
 
 The latest reporting period shows a fall in the number of new trade -restrictive measures 
introduced at just ov er 15 per month – a total of 182 for the reporting period – compared to 
20 measures per month in the last report for the period between mid -October 2014 and 
mid-October 2015. While this represents a reduction in the monthly figure compared to the 
recent peak in 2015, it is actually a return to the trend level for new trade restrictions since 
2009.  
 
 The number of new trade -restrictive measures being introduced remains worryingly high 
given continuing global economic uncertainty and the WTO's downward revisi on of its trade 
forecast s, predicting 1.7 % world merchandise trade volume growth in 2016, from its earlier 
forecast  of 2.8 %. If this revised forecast is realized, this would mark the slowest pace of 
trade and output growth since the financial crisis of 200 9. 
 
 Of the 2,978 trade -restrictive measures recorded for WTO Members since 2008, only 740 
had been removed by mid -October 2016. The overall stock of measures has increased by 
almost 17 % compared to the previous annual overview , with the total number of res trictive 
measures still in place now stand ing at 2,238.  The rollback of trade -restrictive measures 
recorded since 2008 remains too slow and continues to hover just below 25%.  
 
 During the review period, WTO Members also applied 216 measures aimed at facil itating 
trade. At 18 new trade -facilitating measures per month, this represents a slight decrease 
over the previous report but remains above the 2009 -2015 average.  Trade -facilitating 
measures recorded by this report include the very first measures impleme nted in the 
context of the expanded Information Technology Agreement.  
 
 The monthly average of trade -remedy investigations by WTO Members recorded for this 
exercise was found to be the highest since 2009. Moreove r, the monthly average of 
trade -remedy termin ations is the lowest since the beginning of the monitoring exercise.  
 
 The continued and persistent challenges faced by WTO Members in the international 
economy and their consequences for world trade stress the need for WTO Members to work 
together to resis t protectionist pressures. The WTO will continue to provide a predictable, 
transparent and inclusive framework to assist Members in this endeavour.  
 
 WTO Members must also work together to ensure that the benefits of trade are spread more 
widely and are bet ter understood. A failure to make the case for inclusive trade could pave 
the way to increased protectionism in the future.  
 
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Trade -restrictive measures , excluding trade remedies  
(average per month)  
13 14 23 
14 15 
14 20 
15 15 
0510152025
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 mid-Oct14 to
mid-Oct15mid-Oct15 to
mid-Oct16Chart KF1
Trade restrictive measures, excluding trade remedies
Source:   WTO Secretariat.(Average per month)
Values are rounded.
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
Trade-restrictive measures, mid -October 201 5 to mid -October 2016  
 
Import Tariff Import Customs procedures Export Other
Other Export QRs Import Taxes
Import QRs Export Duties Import Other182Chart 1.[w]
Restrictive measures, mid -October 2015 to mid -October 2016
 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Trade -facilitating measures, excluding tr ade remedies  
(average per month)  
 
111823
18
141722
19
18
0510152025
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 mid-Oct14 to
mid-Oct15mid-Oct15 to
mid-Oct16Chart KF2
Trade facilitating measures, excluding trade remedies
Source:   WTO Secretariat.(Average per month)
Values are rounded.
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Trade -facilitating measures, mid -October 201 5 to mid -October 2016  
Import Tariff Import Customs procedures Export Other
Export Duties Import Taxes Export QRs
Import QRs Other Import Other216Chart 1.[v]
Facilitating measures, mid -October 2015 to mid -October 2016
 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Stockpile of trade -restrictive measures  
 
Effectively eliminated measures Stockpile of restrictive measuresChart 3.1
Stockpile of r estrictive measures
By mid -October 2010 By mid -October 2016
82
Source:   WTO Secretariat.
464740
2,238
546 measures 2,978 measures15.0%
85.0%24.8%
75.2%
 
 
Note:  Totals include measures listed in Annex 3 and trade remedy actions.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  
This trade -monitoring report review s trade -related developments during the period from 
16 October 2015 to 15 October  2016.2 
The report again outline s the persistent challenges faced by the international economy and for 
global trade. The overall stock of trade -restrictive measure s continues to grow at roughly the same 
pace as identified in recent reports. Tangible evidence of WTO Members' progress in eliminating 
older measures remains elusive as the share of restrictions which have been rolled back remains 
stable at less than a quarter of the  total recorded.  
 
During the period under review, 182 new trade -restrictive measures were put in place – an 
average of just over 15 new measures per month.  This confirms a return to the trend after the 
recent peak seen in 2015. The reduction in the monthly  figure of new trade -restrictive measures 
should be placed in this broader context . 
Overall , the stockpile of trade -restrictions recorded by this exercise has continued to increase at 
roughly the same pace as identified in recent reports. Of the 2,97 8 restrictions (including trade 
remedies) recorded by the monitoring exercise since October 2008, only 740 have been removed. 
In other words, the total number of restrictive measures still in place currently stands at 2,23 8 – 
up by almost 17% compared to the las t annual overview. The addition of new restrictive 
measures, combined with a slow removal rate, remains a concern with 75% of all restricti ve 
measures implemented since 2008 still in place. The longer -term trend in the number of 
trade -restrictive measures is an area where continued vigilance  is needed .  
 
WTO Members continued to adopt measures , both temporary and permanent in nature , aimed at 
facilitating trade. Members implemented 216 new trade -facilitating measures during the period 
under review – an aver age of 18 measures per month, slightly above the average 2009 -2015 
trend .  These measures include a number of import -liberalizing measures implemented in the 
context of the ITA Expansion Agreement with very broad trade coverage implications. The 
numerical counting of the trade measures does not provide a complete picture of the extent of 
these measures nor their impact , but Secretariat estimates indicate that the ITA expansion 
measures which were implemented by certain Members during the review period cover  around 
US$416 billion . WTO Members have implemented more trade -facilitating than trade -restrictive 
measures over the review period , confirming the positive trend identified since October 2014.  
In the area of trade remedies3, the decelerating trend observe d in the previous reports was 
reversed , with the monthly average of new trade -remedy investigations recorded for this exercise 
being the highest since 2009. Moreove r, the monthly average of trade -remedy terminations 
recorded during the review period is the  lowest since the beginning of the monitoring exercise.  
 
The trends in the implement ation of new trade measures by WTO Members have to be considered 
against the uncertain global economic outlook . World trade and output grew more slowly than 
expected in th e first half of this year, prompting the WTO to revise downward its trade forecast for 
2016 and 2017. The Organization now expects world merchandise trade volume growth of 1.7% in 
2016, down from an earlier estimate of 2.8%, accompanied by world GDP growth  of 2.2% at 
market exchange rates.  If the forecast for  2016 is confirmed , this would mark the slowest pace of 
trade and output growth since the financial crisis of 2009  and the first time in 15 years that the 
ratio of world trade growth to world GDP growt h has fallen below 1:1.  For the first time, a range of 
estimates has been  provided for the coming year reflecting possible  changes in the relat ionship 
between trade and output .  World trade growth in 2017 is now expected to be between 1.8% and 
3.1%, down f rom 3.6% previously.  
 
Exports and imports of developing economies fell sharply in the first quarter of 2016 before 
staging a partial recovery in the second quarter , as concerns about slowing economic growth in 
China eased and as commodity prices began to rise from recent lows. Meanwhile, exports and 
imports of developed economies stalled as economic activity slowed in North America. For the 
year-to-date, world trade has been essentially flat, with the average of exports and imports in Q1 
                                                
2 Unless otherwise indicated in the relevant Section.  
3 The analysis of trade -remedy measures in this report is without prejudice to the right of Members to 
take trade -remedy actions.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  and Q2 declining b y 0.3% compared to the same period last year.  Europe had the fastest import 
growth of any region in the first half (up 3% year -on-year) while South America had the weakest 
(down 11.8%).  
 
Even with the downward revision, risks to the forecast remain mostly  on the downside.  These 
include  financial volatility stemming from changes in monetary policy  in developed countries , the 
possibility that growing anti -trade rhetoric will increasingly be reflected in trade policy and the 
uncertainty about future trading a rrangements in Europe following the Brexit referendum. In July, 
the WTO launched the World Trade Outlook Indicator (WTOI), which is designed to provide “real 
time” information on trends in global trade  and serve as an early -warning for global trade 
downtur ns. With a current reading of 100.9 for the month of August, the WTOI has risen above 
trend, signaling accelerating trade growth in November -December.   This is the first update of the 
WTOI since July, when the indicator stood at 99.0. The current WTOI read ing is broadly consistent 
with the latest WTO trade forecast issued on 27 September, which foresaw world merchandise 
trade volume growth of 1.7% for 2016.   The forecast noted flat trade growth in the first half of the 
year. The WTOI reading captures  this. 
 
Other observations of this report covered a range of subjects. WTO Members continued to show 
their commitment to notifying Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures . Developing M embers 
accounted for six out of every ten of these  notifications. In the area  of Technical Barriers to Trade 
(TBT), notifications by WTO Members significantly increased during the review period - the 
majority being submitted by developed Members. An increase in the number of notifications does 
not, however, automatically imply grea ter use of measures taken for protectionist purposes. 
During the review period, the online alert system ePing became publicly available allowing users to 
receive daily or weekly email alerts about SPS and TBT notifications covering products and 
markets of interest to them.  
 
A decrease in the number of new general economic support measures was recorded for WTO 
Members during the review period. The main beneficiaries of such supp ort included large -scale, 
multi-sector financial aid covering various sectors suc h as agriculture, forestry, construction, 
medical and pharmaceutical. Some programmes provided spec ific support to SMEs and 
export -related activities or enterprises.  
In the area of trade in services , important developments were observed for several  sectors  such as 
air transport, construction, distribution, finance, postal, maritime transport and 
telecommunications, as well as in the supply of services through the movement of natural persons. 
Albeit with exceptions, the trend has been towards further liberal ization and the strengthening and 
clarification of relevant regulatory requirements . 
This report draws attention to the changing technological landscape and to the increasing 
significance of intellectual property (IP) in economic development. Several WTO M embers adopted 
new national and regional policies related to IP and the digital economy.  
Several other important trade -related developments also took place during 2016. These include 
new initiatives in the area of Regional Trade Agreements  (RTAs) and developments in the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA), in Government Procurement and Electronic Commerce , the 
implementation of the ITA Expansion  Agreement and the new biennium Aid for Trade programme . 
This monitoring report has outlined the challenges faced by the international economy in 2016 and 
which continue to weigh on international trade flows. Despite some positive developments, it is 
clear that the financial crisis has had a long tail. The findings of this report underscore the 
importance of WTO Membe rs working together to resist protectionist pressures. The WTO will 
continue to provide a predictable, transparent and inclusive framework to assist Members in this 
endeavour.  
The repercussions of the uncertainty in the world economy have recently been amp lified by a 
growing anti -trade rhetoric. WTO Members need to work together to ensure that the benefits of 
trade are spread more widely and are better understood. A failure to make the case for inclusive 
trade could pave the way  for increased protectionism in the future.   
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  This report is submitted to the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) pursuant to Paragraph G of 
the Trade Policy Review Mechanism mandate in Annex 3 to the WTO Agreement . This provides for 
an annual report by the Director -General t o assist the TPRB in undertaking its annual overview of 
developments in the international trading environment that are having an impact on the 
multilateral trading system. It builds on the Director -General's report to the TPRB on trade -related 
developments  circulated to Members on 4 July 201 6.4  
1.2.  This report covers the period from 16 October 201 5 to 15 October 201 6, unless otherwise 
indicated . Measures implemented outside the reviewed period are not included in the Annexes . The 
report is intended to be purel y factual and is issued under the sole  responsibility of the 
Director -General. It has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of Members, nor does it have 
any legal implication with respect to the conformity of any measure noted in the report with an y 
WTO Agreement or any provision thereof. Specifically, this report does in no way question the 
explicit right of Members to resort to trade -remedy measures  and is without prejudice to Members' 
negotiating positions . 
1.3.  At the WTO Ministerial Conference in De cember 2011, Ministers recognized the regular work 
undertaken by the TPRB through  the monitoring exercise of trade and trade -related measures, 
took note of the work initially done in the context of the global financial and economic crisis and 
directed it t o be continued and strengthened. Ministers invited the Director -General to continue 
presenting his trade -monitoring reports on a regular basis, and asked the TPRB to consider these 
monitoring reports in addition to its meeting to undertake the Annual Overv iew of Developments in 
the International Trading Environment. Ministers committed to duly comply with the existing 
transparency obligations and reporting requirements needed for the preparation of these 
monitoring reports, and to continue to support and co operate with the WTO Secretariat in a 
constructive fashion.5  
1.4.  Section 2 of the report provides an overview of recent economic and trade trends. Section 3 
presents an account of a number of trade and trade -related policy developments during the review 
period. Policy developments in trade in services and trade in IP are included in Sections 4 and 5, 
respectively. Section 6 provides an account of transparency of trade policies across a wide range  
of WTO bodies. The report's annexes list specific trade policy m easures of individual Members 
implemented during the period under review in five categories: tra de-facilitating measures 
(Annex  1), trade -remedy actions (Annex 2) , other trade and trade -related measures (Annex 3) , 
general economic support measures (Annex  4) and services measures (Annex 5). The 
country -specific measures listed in the five annexes are new measures implemented by Members 
and Observers during the period under review  and recorded by the report .6 The compilation of all 
measures that have been rec orded in Annexes 1 -3 by the trade -monitoring reports since 
October  2008 is available in the Trade Monitoring Database.7 
1.5.  Specific developments related to SPS measures and TBT are covered separately in Section 3.  
1.6.  Information on the measures included in this  report has been collected from inputs submitted 
by Members and Observers, as well as from other official and public sources .8 Replies to the 
Director -General's initial request for information on measures taken during the period under 
review were received from 84 Members9 (Box 1.1 ), which represents 51% of the membership.  This 
is the first time that participation in the preparation of these reports rises above more than half of 
the WTO membership.  Four Observers also replied to the request for information. The WTO 
Secretariat has drawn on these replies, as well as on a variety of other sources, to prepare this 
                                                
4 WTO document W T/TPR/OV/W/10, 4 July 2016.  
5 WTO document, WT/L/848, 19 December 2011.  
6 The inclusion of any measure in this report or in  its annexes implies no judgement by the WTO 
Secretariat on whether or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. M oreover, nothing in this 
report implies any judgement, either direct or indirect, as to the consistency of any measure referred to in the 
report with the provisions of any WTO Agreement.  
7 Viewed at: http://tmdb.wto.org/ . The database does not include SPS and TBT measures, general 
economic support measures, services measures or TRIPS -related measures.  
8 Appendix 1 contains a full overview of the participation of Members and Observers in the preparation 
of this report.  
9 The European Union and its Member States counted separately.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  report.  Participation in the verification process was uneven, and in several instances the 
Secretariat received only partial responses and often after  the indicated deadline.10 Where it has 
not been possible to confirm the information, this is noted in the Annexes.  
1.7.  The OECD has contributed two topical boxes for this report both of which address issues 
related to global value chains. The first box takes a  closer look at the jobs that GVCs sustain 
domestically and globally. The second box focuses on the role of foreign value added in enhancing 
export performance.  
Box 1.1 Participat ion in the preparation of this r eport  
Argentina  
Australia  
Azerbaijan*  
Bosnia and Herzegovina*  
Botswana  
Brazil  
Canada  
Chile 
China  
Colombia  
Costa Rica  
Côte d'Ivoire  
Dominican Republic  
Ecuador  
Egypt  
El Salvador  
European Union  
Hong Kong, China  
India 
Indonesia  
Iraq* Jamaica  
Japan  
Kazakhstan  
Korea, Republic  of 
Kuwait, State of  
Macao, China  
Madagascar  
Malaysia  
Mali 
Mauritius  
Mexico  
Moldova, Republic  of 
Mongolia  
Montenegro  
New Zealand  
Norway  
Pakistan  
Panama  
Paraguay  
Peru 
Philippines  Qatar  
Russian Federation  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Senegal  
Serbia* 
Seychelles  
Singapore  
South Africa  
Switzerland  
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan , 
  Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
  (Chinese Taipei)  
Thailand  
Trinidad and Tobago  
Tunisia  
Turkey  
Ukraine  
United States of America  
Uruguay  
Zambia  
* Observer 
WTO Members and Obs ervers Participating in the WTO Monitoring Exercise  
 
 
 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
2  RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENTS  
2.1  Overview  
2.1.  World trade growth stagnated in the first half of 2016, with a sharper than expected decl ine 
in merchandise trade volume  in the first quarter ( -1.1% quarter -on-quarter, as measured by the 
                                                
10 The information contained in the annexes reflects the overall participation in the exercise and 
responses to the verification request and should therefore not be considered exhaustive.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  average of seasonally -adjusted exports and imports) , followed by  a smaller than anticipated 
rebound in the second quarter (+0.3 %). Year-on-year, merchandise trade growth was essentially 
flat com pared to the same period in 2015.  
2.2.  The weakness of trade in Q1 and Q2  was driven by falling imports in Asia, South America and 
Other Regions (comprising Africa, the Middle East and the Commonwealth of Independent States 
(CIS)),  but also by weak demand in North America, which recorded the strongest impo rt growth of 
any region in 2014 and 20 15, but which has slowed since then.  European imports made the 
largest contribution to global demand for traded goods in the first half of 2016, increasing by 3% 
year-on-year. Meanwhile, imports remained deeply depressed in South America, down 11.8% in 
the first half of 2016 compared to 2015.  Slowing global import demand translated into stagnant 
exports in developed and developing economies alike.  
2.3.  The slow pace of trade e xpansion in the first half of this year prompted the WTO to revise 
downward its trade projections for the whole of 2016, as well as for 2017.  According to the latest 
forecast update of 27 September 2016, w orld merchandise trade volume should grow  1.7% in 
2016, well below the previous  estimate  of 2.8 %. The forecast for 2017 has also been revised  
downward , with trade expected to grow between 1.8 % and 3.1 %, down from 3.6 % previously. If 
the current year’s forecast is realized, 2016  would mark the slowest pace  of trade growth since the 
financial crisis .  
2.4.  The trade forecast is premised on consensus estimates of world real GDP growth of 2.2% at 
market exchange rates in 2016 and 2.5% in 2017. These figures  underline the lower 
responsiveness of  trade growth to GDP growth  that has been observed in recent years .  Over the 
long term , world merchandise trade volume has typically grown  around 1.5 times faster than world 
real GDP at market exchange rates , although in the 1990s trade grew about twice as fast as 
output . However, since 2012 the ratio of trade growth to GDP growth has fallen to roughly  1:1.  If 
the latest WTO forecasts for trade and output in 2016 are realized, the ratio of trade growth to 
GDP growth will fall to 0.8, its lowest level in 15 years. T he shift ing ratio of trade growth to GDP 
growth and an increase of the number of systematically important trad ers have made it  more 
difficult to forecast future trade growth. It is for this reason that the WTO is now  providing a range 
of estimates  for trade in  2017 r ather than a single point estimate .   
2.5.  Despite the slowing pace of trade volume growth in 2016, trade growth in value (i.e. current 
U.S. dollar) terms is at least stabilizing, partly as a result of exchange rate and commodity price 
movements.  Year -on-year growth in the U.S. dollar value of  world merchandise exports was 
-3.8% in 2016 Q2, compared to -13.5% in 2015 Q2.  Meanwhile, year -on-year growth in world 
commercial services trade has risen to -1.6% in 2016Q2 from -7.4% in 2015Q2.    
2.2  Economic Developments  
2.6.  Slower trade growth has been accompanied by  weaker actual and forecast GDP growth for 
the world and for major traders . There is no single explanation for the slow er pace of economic  
growth, rather  a series of idiosyncratic shocks ( e.g. a political crisis in Brazil, forest fires in 
Canada, financial market volatility in China, etc.) on top of an already low baseline growth rate .  
2.7.  Some  important , but difficult -to-quantify,  downside risks have materialized, most notably the 
outcome of the Brexit referendum in th e United Kingdom. T he main short-run impact of the 
referendum result was a sharp drop in the exchange rate of the UK pound against currencies of 
trading partners, including the U.S. dollar  and the euro. Economic impacts  over the longer term 
remain to be se en.  
2.8.  During the review period , economic activity was weaker than predicted by earlier GDP 
forecasts, particularly in North America.  The consensus forecast  for world real GDP growth at 
market exchange rates in 2016 was 2.4% in April, whereas today it stand s at 2.2%, the lowest 
rate since the financial crisis.    
2.9.  In the United States, seasonally -adjusted GDP grew at an annualized rate of 0.8% quarter -
on-quarter in 2016Q1 and 1.4% 2016Q2, down from 2.6% in 2015Q2. Growth in the euro area 
was fairly robust in t he first quarter of 2016 at 2.1%, but this slowed to 1.2% in the second 
quarter.   In contrast, the pace of expansion in the United Kingdom accelerated to 2.7% in the WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  second quarter from 1.7% in the first, leaving Europe -wide growth only slightly below ear lier 
forecasts.  Japan’s GDP growth was stronger in the first quarter (2.1%) than in the second quarter 
(0.7%).  Meanwhile, China’s economy expanded at a relatively slow pace in Q1 (1.2% non -
annualized, or around 4.9% annualized) before rebounding in Q2 (1 .8% non -annualized, 
equivalent to annual growth of around 7.4%).  These trends left overall Asian GDP roughly in line 
with expectations. Growth was worse than expected in resource exporting countries and regions.  
2.10.   Unemployment has changed little in develope d countries since the last report.  The jobless 
rate currently stands at 5% in the United States, 8.6% in the European Union and 3.1% in Japan.  
Meanwhile, forward looking economic indicators including Composite Leading Indicators (CLIs) 
from the OECD poin t to stabilizing growth momentum in both developed and developing 
economies. 2016 remains on track to be the fifth consecutive year with world trade volume growth 
below 3% and with global trade growth slightly lower than world GDP growth.  
2.11.   Fluctuations in e xchange rates since 2014 have strongly influenced nominal trade statistics, 
most of which are measured in current U.S. dollars. These developments are illustrated by Chart 
2.1, which shows indices of nominal effective exchange rat es for selected economies from the 
Bank for International Settlements (BIS) through August 2016. Since January of this year, the 
U.S. dollar has fallen 3.5% in value on average against the currencies of its trading partners.  The 
UK pound has also deprecia ted by 12% over the same period.  The value of the pound fell sharply 
in July after the Brexit referendum, but the currency's slide actually started in November 2015. 
The average value of the euro in terms of other currencies has changed little since the s tart of 
2016, up 0.7%. Meanwhile, Japan’s yen has appreciated by more than 14% over the same period.  
The nominal effective exchange rate of China’s RMB rose by 8% since the start of the year, but it 
is still down around 10% since January 2015.  Brazil’s r eal has also strengthened substantially 
over the course of 2016, rising nearly 25% in value since January.  
Chart 2.1 Nominal effective exchange rate indices for selected economies, January  2014 
- August 2016a 
(index, January 2014 = 100)  
60708090100110120130
United States Japan Euro area United Kingdom Brazil ChinaChart 2.1[Coleman]
Exchange rate indices for selected economies, January 2014 -August 2016a
Index, January 2014=100
Source:  Bank for International Settlements (BIS).a   Nominal effective exchange rate indices against a broad basket of currencies.
 
a Nominal effective exchange rate indices against a broad basket of currencies.  
Source:   Bank for International Settlements (BIS).  
2.12.   Prices for oil and other primary commodities in U.S. dollar terms have risen since January 
but remain well below their levels of a few years ago. These trends are illustrated in Chart 2.2 
which shows International Monetary Fund (IMF) commodity price indices. In August, fuel prices 
were up 41% for the year to date, although they were still down 55% compared to January 2014.  
An inverse relationship tends to hold between the level of the U.S. dollar and the price of oil, with 
changes in the value of the dollar mirrored by changes in the opposite direction  in oil prices. The 
partial recovery of oil prices should boost export revenues in exporting countries, but resilient 
production suggests that the rebound will be fairly modest.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 13 - 
 
  Chart 2.2 Prices of primary commodities, January 2014  - August 2016  
(index, January 2014 = 100)  
20406080100120
Food and beverages Agricultural raw materials Metals FuelChart 2.2[Coleman]
Prices of primary commodities, January 2014 -August 2016
Indices, January 2014=100
Source:  IMF Primary Commodity Prices.
 
Source:  IMF Primary Commodity Prices.  
2.3  Merchandise Trade  
2.13.   Chart 2.3 shows year -on-year growth in the dollar value of merchandise trade (red line), as 
well as relative contributions to nom inal trade growth from developed and developing economies 
(stacked bars). Developments on the export and import sides are similar, with year -on-year 
growth recovering through Q2 and with developing economies weighing more heavily on growth 
than developed c ountries.  Trade continues to recover in nominal terms despite continued slower 
real trade growth. Under current circumstances with large exchange rate and commodity price 
fluctuations, nominal trade statistics should be interpreted with caution.  
2.14.   Trade st atistics in volume terms often provide a more accurate picture of trade 
developments since they are adjusted to account for shifts in commodity prices and exchange 
rates. Chart 2.4 shows seasonally -adjusted quarterly merchandise t rade volume indices for 
selected economies through 2016Q2 based on data jointly prepared by the WTO and UNCTAD. The 
data show that imports and exports of Developing Asia (which includes China) slumped in Q1 but 
rebounded partially in Q2.  Meanwhile, the Un ited States and other developed economies 
registered modest declines in import demand in Q2.  European Union imports from the rest of the 
world have been fairly strong for the year to date, with growth particularly robust in Q1.  Finally, 
the slide in Braz il’s imports appears to have been arrested in the second quarter while the 
country's exports also plateaued in Q2.   
2.15.   Chart  2.5 shows monthly merchandise trade developments of selected economies in current 
U.S. dollar terms.  These statistics are more timel y than the WTO's quarterly trade volume indices, 
but since they are subject to distortion from commodity prices and exchange rates they should be 
interpreted with caution. Export and import values appear to be recovering gradually for most 
major economies.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 14 - 
 
  Chart 2.3 Contributions to year -on-year growth in world merchandise exports and 
imports, 2012Q1 - 2016Q2  
(% change in US$ values)  
1.7
-1.7-3.0-0.4 -0.51.62.1 2.41.80.8 0.6
-2.1
-6.7 -6.3 -6.0-5.3-2.5-0.34.0
1.0
-0.51.61.00.11.31.4
-0.41.2 1.6
-2.0
-5.7 -6.9-8.6-7.0-6.2-3.55.6
-0.7
-3.61.2
0.41.73.33.8
1.42.0 2.2
-4.1
-12.4
-13.2
-14.5-12.3-8.7-3.8
-20-15-10-50510
2012Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2013Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2014Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2Chart 2.3[Coleman]
Contributions to year -on-year growth in world merchandise exports and 
imports, 2012Q1 -2016Q2
Source:(Percentage change in US$ values)
Notea Includes significant re -exports. Also includes the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Due to scarce data availability, Africa and Middle East are under -represented in world totals.
WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data compiled from IMF International Financial Statistics; Eurostat 
Comext Database; Global Trade Atlas; and national statistics.Developed economies Developing economiesa
World, year -on-year percentage change2.4
-2.4 -2.9-0.3 -2.0 -0.41.0 1.32.1 2.31.1
-2.3
-6.7 -6.8 -6.7-5.1-2.7-0.73.7
1.6 0.11.71.9 1.61.91.2
-0.1 -0.30.5
-0.8
-5.4 -5.7-6.7-6.5-5.6-3.26.1
-0.7 -2.81.4
0.01.22.92.5 2.0 2.01.6
-3.2
-12.1-12.5
-13.3-11.7-8.3-3.9
-20-15-10-50510
2012Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2013Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2014Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2Exports
Imports
 
 
a Includes significant re -exports. Also includes the CIS.  
Note:  Due to scar ce data availability, Africa and Middle East are under -represented in world totals.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data compiled from IMF International Financial Statistics, 
Eurostat Comext Database, Global Trade Atlas and national statistics.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 15 - 
 
   
Chart 2.4 Volume of exports and imports of selected economies, 2012Q1 - 2016Q2  
(seasonally adjusted volume indices, 2012Q1 = 100)  
708090100110120130
2012Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2013Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2014Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2Chart 2.4[Coleman]
Volume of exports and imports of selected economies, 2012Q1 -2016Q2
708090100110120130
2012Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2013Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2014Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2(Seasonally adjusted volume indices, 2012Q1 = 100)
Exports
Imports
Source: WTO Secretariat/UNCTAD.JapanEU-extra trade EU-intra trade United States
Developing Asia
Note: Data for the United States, Japan and the EU were obtained from national statistical sources while figures 
for Brazil and Developing Asia are seasonally adjusted Secretariat estimates.Brazil
 
 
Note:  Data for the United States, Japan and the European Union were obtai ned from national statistical 
sources while figures for Brazil and Developing Asia are seasonally adjusted Secretariat estimates.  
Official seasonally -adjusted quarterly trade volume statistics are not available for China.  
Source:  WTO and UNCTAD Secretariat s. 
  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 16 - 
 
  Chart 2.5 Merchandise exports and imports of selected economies, January 2012 - 
September 2016  
(US$ billion)  
Chart 2.5[Coleman]
Merchandise exports and imports of selected economies, January 2011 -August 2016
United States Japan(US$ billion)
European Union (extra -trade) China
Canada Turkey050100150200250
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-160102030405060708090
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16
050100150200250
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16050100150200250
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16
0102030405060
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-1605101520
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16Australia Republic of Korea
051015202530354045
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-160510152025
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16
05101520
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16Indonesia
051015202530
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16Brazil
 
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 17 - 
 
   
Russian Federation India
Mexico Malaysia
Source :  IMF, International Financial Statistics;  Global Trade Information Services GTA database; national 
statistics.Imports ExportsChart 2.5 (continued)[Coleman]
0102030405060
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-1605101520253035404550
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16
024681012
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16South Africa
051015202530354045
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16Singapore
0510152025303540
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-160510152025
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16
0246810
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16Argentina
024681012141618
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16Viet Nam
 
 
Source:  IMF International Financial Statistics, Global Trade Information Services, Gl obal Trade Atlas 
database, national statistics.  
2.4  Trade in Commercial Services  
2.16.   Chart 2.6 shows year -on-year growth in the dollar value of commercial services trade for 
selected economies through 2016Q2. These data are also subject t o distortion from exchange rate 
fluctuations, but the volatility of services trade is generally inferior to that of merchandise trade. WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 18 - 
 
  Exports were down slightly ( -2% year -on-year) and imports were up moderately (+3% year -on-
year) in the United States in Q 2, although the pace of expansion has remained more or less steady 
over the last year. Meanwhile, the dollar value of the European Union's exports of commercial 
services to the rest of the world was down slightly ( -1%) in Q2 while the value of extra -EU imp orts 
was up (+3%).  
2.17.   Growth of commercial services exports and imports in other major economies has turned 
increasingly positive, or at least less negative.  China's imports of commercial services were down 
around 5% year -on-year in the fourth quarter of 201 5 before rebounding in the first half of 2016 
(up 15% in Q1 and 11% in Q2).  Despite a degree of improvement in the second quarter of 2016, 
services imports of Brazil and the Russian Federation remain deeply depressed.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 19 - 
 
  Chart 2.6 Commercial services exports and imports of selected economies, 2015Q2 - 
2016Q2  
(year -on-year percentage change in current US$ values)  
-35-30-25-20-15-10-50510152025
United States European Union
(extra)Japan China India Brazil Russian
Federation-30-25-20-15-10-5051015202530
United States European Union
(extra)Japan China India Brazil Russian
FederationExports
Imports
2016Q1 2015Q2 2015Q3 2015Q4 2016Q2
 
Source: WTO and UNCTAD Secretariats.  
2.5  Trade Forecast and Economic Outlook  
2.18.   Table 2.1 below summarizes the WTO’s most recent trade forecast, which was updated on 
27 September 2016.  According to these estimates, world merchandise trade volume as measured 
by the average of exports and imports will grow more slowly than world GDP at  market exchange 
rates in 2016, 1.7% compared to 2.2%. Exports of developed countries are expected to outpace WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 20 - 
 
  those of developing economies, with growth of 2.1% compared to 1.2%. Meanwhile, imports of 
developing economies are expected to see sluggish growt h of 0.4% compared to 2.6% for 
developed countries.  
2.19.   A range of estimates has been provided for 2017 to reflect the increasingly uncertain 
relationship between trade growth and income growth.  World trade growth could be as high as 
3.1% next year if it rega ins some dynamism.  However, it could also be as low as 1.8% if the ratio 
of trade growth to GDP growth continues to weaken.  
2.20.   A number of reasons have been advanced to explain the decline in the ratio of trade growth 
to GDP growth in recent years, including  the changes in the import content of demand, an absence 
of trade liberalization, emerging protectionism and the maturation of GVCs. All have likely played a 
role, but whatever the cause, the recent run of weak trade growth relative to GDP suggests the 
need for a better understanding of changing global economic relationships.   
Table 2.1 Merchandise trade volume and real GDP, 2012 -2017  
(annual  % change)  
 2012  2013  2014  2015  2016a 2017a 
Volume of world mercha ndise trade  2.2 2.4 2.8 2.7 1.7 1.8 - 3.1 
Exports        
Developed economies  1.1 1.7 2.4 2.8 2.1 1.7 - 2.9 
Developing economies  3.8 3.8 3.1 3.2 1.2 1.9 - 3.4 
North America  4.5 2.8 4.1 0.8 0.7 1.6 - 2.9 
South and Central America  0.9 1.2 -1.8 1.3 4.4 3.1 - 5.5 
Europe  0.8 1.7 2.0 3.7 2.8 1.8 - 3.1 
Asia 2.7 5.0 4.8 3.1 0.3 1.8 - 3.2 
Other Regionsb 3.9 0.6 -0.1 3.9 2.5 1.5 - 2.6 
Imports        
Developed economies  -0.1 -0.2 3.5 4.6 2.6 1.7 - 2.9 
Developing economies  4.8 5.6 2.9 1.1 0.4 1.8 - 3.1 
North A merica  3.2 1.2 4.7 6.5 1.9 1.9 - 3.1 
South and Central America  0.7 3.6 -2.2 -5.8 -8.3 2.2 - 3.7 
Europe  -1.8 -0.3 3.2 4.3 3.7 1.8 - 3.1 
Asia 3.7 4.8 3.3 1.8 1.6 2.0 - 3.3 
Other Regionsb 9.9 3.5 -0.5 -6.0 -2.8 0.6 - 1.0 
Real GDP at market exchange rates  (2005)  2.3 2.2 2.5 2.4 2.2 2.5 
Developed economies  1.1 1.0 1.7 1.9 1.5 1.7 
Developing economies  4.7 4.5 4.2 3.4 3.4 4.1 
North America  2.3 1.5 2.4 2.3 1.6 2.3 
South and Central America  2.9 3.4 1.0 -1.0 -1.6 1.4 
Europe  -0.2 0.5 1.5 1.9 1.7 1.5 
Asia 4.4 4.3 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.9 
Other Regionsb 3.9 2.6 2.6 0.9 1.4 2.6 
a Figures for 2016 and 2017 are projections.  
b Other Regions  comprise Africa, CIS and Middle East.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat for trade, consensus estimates for GDP.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 21 - 
 
  2.21.   Box 2.1 introduces the new WTO I release in July 2016 for the first time . 
Box 2.1 The WTO World Trade Outlook Indicator  
In 2016 the WTO launched a new World Trade Outlook Indicator (WTOI), which is designed to provide “real time” 
information on the current trajectory of world trade and clues about its direction in the near future. The WTOI 
combines 6 component indices of trade-related  data into an overall index that signals trade conditions 3 -4 months 
ahead of quarterly trade volume data. As s uch, the WTOI should contribute to better monitoring of global trade 
developments in the future.  
 
The component indices are either leading with respect to world trade or coincide with trade data but are available 
earlier. They include:  
 
- export orders rep orted by manufacturers in purchasing managers indices;  
- international air freight in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) from the International Air Transport   
    Association  (IATA);  
- container throughput of major ports, in twenty -foot equivalent (TEU) unit s;  
- automobile sales and/or production in selected economies;  
- customs data on electronic components trade in physical units; and  
- customs data on agricultural raw materials trade in physical units.  
 
World Trade Outlook Indicator 100.9 Drivers of trade
(Index, trend = 100) Level of Direction
Index of change
Merchandise trade volume (Q2) 97.0
Export orders 101.8
International air freight (IATA) 103.2
Container port throughput 99.3
Automobile production and sales 99.6
Electronic components 100.4
Agricultural raw materials 103.1
 
 
The main contribution of the WTOI is to identify  turning points and to gauge momentum in global trade. Although is 
not a forecast per se, it complements trade statistics and forecasts from the WTO and other organizations. The 
headline figure denotes performance relative to recent trends. For example, a reading of 100 suggests trade growth in 
line with recent trends, while readings greater or less than 100 indicate above or below trend growth.   
 
The first WTOI was released in July with data through April and had a below -trend score of 99.0 suggesting wea k 
trade growth in Q2 and into Q3. This turned out to be the case. The first update of the WTOI, issued in November with 
data through August, had the indicator rising slightly above trend to 100.9, signalling a modest acceleration of trade 
into Q4. This is broadly consistent with the WTO's most recent forecast of 1.7% merchandise trade volume growth for 
2016, which would require somewhat stronger growth in the second half of the year after a stagnant first half.  The 
WTO will continuously evaluate the indica tor going forward and make adjustment from time to time as necessary to 
enhance its performance.  Future releases are expected to be on a quarterly basis, with timing depending on data 
availability. The next update is anticipated in February  2017.   
Sourc e: WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 22 - 
 
  3  TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED POLICY ISSUES  
3.1.  The following Sections provide a more in -depth analysis of selected trade and trade -related 
policy developments, including several areas in which significant developments took place during 
the revi ew period.  
3.1  Overview  
3.2.  The trade measures compiled for this report are presented in three categories: (i) measures 
that clearly facilitate trade (Annex 1); (ii) trade -remedy measures (Annex  2); and (iii) other trade 
and trade -related measures (Annex 3).11 The total number of measures in these three categories 
recorded over the period mid -October 201 5 to mid -October 2016 was 745. This figure includes  
216 trade-facilitating measures, 347 trade -remedy measures and 182 other trade and 
trade -related measures.  
3.3.  During the twelve -month period covered by this report , 216 trade -facilitating measures 
(Table 3.1 ) were recorded . This figure corresponds to 18 trade-facilitating measures  applied per 
month , and remains above the average for the 2009 -2015 period . Around  60% of  these 
trade -facilitating measures consist of measures that provide for tariff reductions, sometimes 
applied on a temporary basis , and another 1 6% of these measures provide facilitation of customs 
procedures. M easures implemented in the context of the ITA Expansion Agreement are also 
included in these numbers (Box 3.1) . The trade -facilitating measures recorded by this monitoring 
report12 are valued at US$248.9  billion  (1.51% of world merchandise imports ) compared to 
US$170.3  billion ( 0.91% ) reported in the l ast annual overview.13 
Table 3.1 Measures facilitating trade (Annex 1)  
Type of measure  Mid-October 
2011 to  
mid-October 
2012  Mid-October 
2012 to  
mid-
November 
2013  Mid-
November 
2013 to 
mid-October 
2014  Mid-Octobe r 
2014 to 
mid-October 
2015  Mid-October 
2015 to 
mid-October 
2016  
Import  136 101 168 192 173 
- Tariff 120 82 145 160 128 
- Customs procedures  13 15 18 24 35 
- Tax 2 3 1 4 5 
- Quantitative restrictions  1 1 4 4 3 
- Other  0 0 0 0 2 
Export  18 6 9 26 40 
- Duties  7 3 4 13 6 
- Quantitative restrictions  11 3 3 1 4 
- Other  0 0 2 12 30 
Other  8 0 0 4 3 
Total  162 107 177 222 216 
Average per month  13.5 8.2 16.1 18.5 18.0 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
                                                
11 Annexe s 1 to 3 do not include SPS, TBT, services or IP measures. These are dealt with in separate 
Sections of this report and in Annex 5 (services).  Nor do they include subsidies and other forms of general 
economic support, which are listed in Annex 4.  
12 Howeve r, because of the very significant trade coverage value of the ITA expansion measures, they 
have not been included in the figures evaluating the trade coverage of the trade facilitating measures as it 
would distort any comparison with previous reports. For  more details on the ITA Expansion Agreement see 
Section 3.9.  
 13 The trade coverage of a measure is calculated to be the value of imports of the specific product 
concerned from countries affected by the measure as a share of the value of total world mercha ndise imports. 
Highly -traded goods may significantly influence the estimation of the trade coverage. The trade coverage 
calculation includes one measure by China  (import tariff reduction under the APEC Environmental Goods 
Initiative ) accounting for 38% of the total,  and one measure by Ukraine  (elimination of temporary tariff 
increase  under BOP provisions ) accounting for 15% of the total.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 23 - 
 
  3.4.  The principal product sectors (HS Chapters) benefiting from the  trade -facilitating measures 
were:  optical, measuring, precision and medical instruments , machinery and mechanical 
appliances , electrical machinery and parts thereof , and mineral fuels and oils.14  
Box 3.1 Trade coverage of the ITA Expansion Agreement  
The review period covered by this r eport saw the first instances of implementation of the ITA Expansion Agreement.  
According to very preliminary Secretariat estimates the trade coverage of the import -facilitating mea sures in the 
context of the ITA Expansion Agreement and recorded in this report amounted to over US$416 billion or around 2.5% 
of the value of total world merchandise imports .a These measures were implemented by Canada, China, the European 
Union, Iceland, Israel, Malaysia, Mauritius, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and the 
United States and are reflected in Annex 1.  
Given the very significant trade coverage value of these measures, they have not been included in the figures 
evaluat ing the trade coverage of the trade facilitating measures in Section 3.1 as it would distort  the value of any 
comparison with previous reports.  
For more details on the ITA Expansion Agreement see Section 3.9.  
a Calculated at HS six -digit level and using 2 015 import figures. Singapore and Hong Kong, China are 
not included in this figure as their tariffs on these products are already zero. 
Source : WTO Secretariat.  
3.5.  Trade -remedy measure s taken between mid -October 2015  and mid -October 2016  are listed 
in Annex 2 .15 As a share of all trade and trade -related measures recorded for the review period, 
trade remedies make up 4 7%, up from 43% in the previous annual report . Out of the 347 trade 
remedy measures recorded ( Table  3.2), 257, or almost three -quarters , were anti -dumping actions. 
In line with the trend identified in recent  monitoring reports, more initiations were recorded than 
terminations.  The monthly average of trade remedy initiations of investigations for this exercise 
equals  the highest recorded since 2009,  whereas the monthly average of trade remedy 
terminations is the lowest since the beginning of the monitoring exercise  (Chart  3.1).  Moreover, 
the gap between trade remedy initiations and terminations is the highest recorded since 2009.   
                                                
14 In the previous annual overview report the sectors were:  mineral fuels and oils; precious metals  
(gold); machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical machinery and equipment; and vehicles and parts 
thereof (mainly of motorcycles).  
15 The trade -remedy actions that are included in Annex 2 are initiations of investigations that may lead 
to the imposition of anti -dumping, c ountervail or safeguard measures. The imposition of a provisional or 
definitive measure following an investigation is not treated as a separate measure for the purpose of Annex 2 
(to avoid double counting). In this Section of the report the number of trade -remedy actions is counted based 
on a methodology that treats an investigation involving imports from more than one country as one trade 
remedy action, thus producing lower figures compared to those identified in Section 3. 2. The period covered in 
Section 3.2 is also slightly different due to its reliance on the semi -annual notifications of anti -dumping and 
countervailing measures.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 24 - 
 
  Chart 3.1 Initiations and terminations of trade remedie s  
(average per month)  
19
1215161718
15
1419
15
13
121316
15
13
11
10
0510152025
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 mid-Oct14 to
mid-Oct15mid-Oct15 to
mid-Oct16
Initiations TerminationsChart 3.[X]TRs
Trade remedies
Source:      WTO Secretariat.
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 3.2 Trade remedy measures (Annex 2)  
Type of  
measure  Mid-October 2012  
to mid -November 
2013  Mid-November 
2013 to mid -
October 2014  Mid-October 2014 
to mid -October 
2015  Mid-October 
2015 to mid -
October 2016   
Initiations  
Terminations  
Initiations  
Terminations  
Initiations  
Terminations  
Initiations  
Terminati ons 
Trade remedy          
Anti-dumping  156 112 134 133 130 111 160 97 
Countervailing  24 9 21 15 21 14 27 16 
Safeguard  37 17 16 18 14 7 35 12 
Total  217 138 171 166 165 132 222 125 
Average per month  16.7 10.6 15.5 15.1 13.8 11.0 18.5 10.4 
Source:  WTO S ecretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 25 - 
 
  3.6.  Out of the total number of trade -remedy measures, 2 22 were initiations of new trade -remedy 
investigations valued at US$89.6 billion ( 0.55% of world merchandise imports ), and 125 measures 
were terminations of either investigations or existing du ties valued at US$18.2 billion ( 0.11% ).16 
3.7.  The number of other trade and trade -related measures recorded during the review period 
(Annex 3) was 182, i.e. broadly comparable to the 178  recorded for last year's report . The 
monthly average of other trade and tr ade-related measures remains below the monthly average of 
trade -facilitating measures (Table 3.1)  - a consistent trend over the past couple of years . Out of 
the 182 measures listed in Annex 3, 133 measures were applied to imports. As has been the case 
in the past, the most prevalent import measure remains tariff  increases , accounting for almost 
61% of import measures in Annex 3 (Table  3.3) - a slight decrease compared to the previous 
annual overview.  
3.8.  In addition to imports, 34 measures affecting exports and  15 measures mainly relating to 
domestic -content requirements were recorded. Compared to the previous report, export measures 
increased slightly . 
Table 3.3 Other trade and trade -related measures (Annex 3)   
Type of measure  Mid-October 
2011 to 
mid-October 
2012  Mid-October 
2012 to 
mid-November   
2013  Mid-
November 
2013 to 
mid-October 
2014  Mid-October 
2014 to 
mid-October 
2015  Mid-October 
2015 to 
mid-October 
2016  
Import  118 153 119 136 133 
- Tariff 54 106 74 88 81 
-Customs 
procedures  38 25 26 20 26 
- Tax 6 6 7 11 11 
- Quantitative 
restrictions  20 15 11 11 11 
- Other  0 1 1 6 4 
Export  32 27 36 31 34 
- Duties  8 4 12 13 7 
- Quantitative 
restrictions  24 11 12 5 12 
- Other  0 12 12 13 15 
Other  14 10 13 11 15 
Total  164 190 168 178 182 
Average per month  13.7 14.6 15.3 14.8 15.2 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.9.  Other trade and trade -related measures recorded over the review period cover a wide range 
of products. The main product sectors (HS Chapters) targeted were:  iron and  steel, machinery and 
mechanical appliances, articles of iron and steel, and electrical machinery and parts thereof, 
accounting for US$101.2 billion ( 0.62% of world merchandise imports ).17  
3.10.   In the previous annual overview, the product sectors most heavily a ffected were:  mineral 
fuels and oils , iron and steel , vegetable fats and oils , electrical machinery and equipment , 
machinery and mechanical appliances , and vehicles and parts thereof , accounting for 
US$2 28.3 billion  (1.23% of world merchandise imports).   
3.11.   The total number of what can be considered as trade -restrictive measures introduced by 
WTO Members since October  2008, and captured  by the periodic monitoring reports is 2,978.18 
According to information record ed for this exercise, as of mid -October  2016, 740, or around one 
quarter of these measures had been removed leaving the stockpile of measures still in place 
                                                
16 In the pre vious annual overview report initiations represented US$32.2 billion (0.17% of world 
merchandise imports) and termi nations close to US$12 billion (less than 0.1% of world merchandise imports).  
17 The trade coverage of a measure is calculated to be the value of imports of the specific product 
concerned from countries affected by the measure as a share of the value of to tal world merchandise. The 
trade coverage calculation includes one measure by European Union (prior union surveillance on steel 
products) accounting for around 25% of the total, and one measure by Argentina (non -automatic import 
licensing requirements) acc ounting for 14% of the total.  
18 As indicated, this figure includes initiations of trade remedy investigations. The consideration of these 
measures is without prejudice to rights of Members to take trade remedy actions.   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 26 - 
 
  at 2,238 – an increase of 17% since October 2015. Chart  3.2 compares the stockpile of restrictive 
measures at mi d-October 2010 with that of mid -October 2016.  
Chart 3.2 Stockpile of trade -restrictive measures  
Effectively eliminated measures Stockpile of restrictive measuresChart 3.1
Stockpile of r estrictive measures
By mid -October 2010 By mid -October 2016
82
Source:   WTO Secretariat.
464740
2,238
546 measures 2,978 measures15.0%
85.0%24.8%
75.2%
 
 
Note:  Totals include measures listed in Annex 3 and trade remedy actions.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.12.   Overall, the stockpile of trade -restrictions recorded by this exercise has continued to 
increase by roughly the same rate as identified in recent reports. Similarly, tangible evidence of 
WTO Members eliminating older measures remains elusive as the share of restrictions which have 
been rolled back re mains stable at around a quarter of the total recorded. The addition of new 
restrictive measures, combined with a slow removal rate, remains a persistent concern with 75% 
of all restrictions measures implemented since 2008 still in place.  
3.2  Trade -Remedy Tre nds 
3.13.   The analysis in this Section of the report provides an assessment of trends in trade -remedy 
actions  during the periods July 2013 – June 2014 ("first period") , July 2014 – June 2015  
("second  period") and July 2015 – June 2016 ("current period").19 Concer ning anti -dumping, the 
current period indicate s an increase in the number of new investigations initiated  compared with 
the second period, but no change compared with the first period .20 The trend in  safeguard 
investigations showed a similar pattern.  The number of countervail ing investigations initiated  
showed little change across the three periods.  The total number s of initiations of safeguards and 
countervailing investigations  remained considerably lower than for anti -dumping.  
Anti-Dumping Measures  
3.14.   Global anti-dumping  initiations decreased by  12% in the second period , from 2 66 in the first 
period to 238, before increasing again to 267 in the current period  (Table 3.4). The Table also 
provides more information on which Members initi ated anti -dumping investigations .  
                                                
19 These periods coincide with the Me mber's semi -annual reporting periods . This Section does not in any 
way question Members' rights to take trade -remedy actions.  
20 In this Section of the report, an action that targets multiple countries or customs territories is 
recorded according to the num ber of countries or customs territories affected. Thus, one anti -dumping or 
countervailing investigation involving imports from n sources is counted as n investigations.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 27 - 
 
  Table 3.4 Initiations of anti -dumping investigations  
Reporting Member  July 2013 –  
June 2014  July 2014 –  
June 2015  July 2015 –  
June 2016  
Argentina  11 6 8 
Australia  26 14 18 
Bahrain, Kingdom of;  Kuwait, State of; Oman; Qatar; Saudi 
Arabia, Kingdom of; United Arab Emiratesa 0 0 1 
Brazil  66 18 15 
Canada  10 12 4 
Chile 0 1 1 
China  7 6 10 
Colombia  6 7 1 
Costa Rica  0 0 2 
Dominican Republic  2 0 1 
Egypt  2 10 4 
European U nion 4 15 13 
Guatemala  1 0 0 
India 25 37 66 
Indonesia  14 16 2 
Israel  0 0 1 
Japan  1 2 0 
Korea, Republic of  9 3 3 
Malaysia  7 13 3 
Mexico  5 17 5 
Morocco  1 2 4 
Pakistan  6 3 21 
Peru 1 1 0 
Russian Federation, Kazakhstanb 4 5 0 
South Africac 6 1 0 
Chinese Taipei  1 0 8 
Thailand  0 1 13 
Trinidad and Tobago  0 1 0 
Turkey  4 22 8 
Ukraine  2 3 2 
United States  45 21 51 
Uruguay  0 1 0 
Viet Nam  0 0 2 
Total  266 238 267 
a Notified individually by these Members, but investigations are initiated by the Coope ration Council 
for the Arab States of the Gulf on behalf of all of its members collectively.  
b Notified individually by these Members, but investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic 
Union on behalf of all of its members collectively.   
c Notifie d by South Africa, but investigations are initiated by the Southern African Customs Union on 
behalf of all of its members collectively.  
Note:  Counted on the basis of exporting countr ies or customs territories affected.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.15.   Chart 3.3 shows that the number of anti -dumping investigations initiated increased from 
2011 until it peaked in 2013 with 287 measures. The number of investigations has declined since 
then, to 236 and 230 initiations in 2014 and 2015 respecti vely. The i nitial figure covering the first 
six months of 2016 may indicate an acceleration of anti -dumping initiations for the full year .    
3.16.   While anti -dumping investigations do not necessarily  lead to the imposition of measures, a 
rise in the number of i nvestigations is an early indicator suggesting a likely rise in the number of 
measures imposed.  Over the three periods covered in this Section, a total of 507 anti -dumping 
measures were imposed (as shown in Table 3.5). However, as  it can take up to 18 months for an 
anti-dumping investigation to be concluded, these measures may not necessarily be the result of 
initiations in the same period.  
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 28 - 
 
  Chart 3.3 Total anti -dumping investigation initiationsa 
218 217
173
165208287
236230
145
050100150200250300
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Chart 3.1
Anti-dumping initiations by reporting Member, 2008 -16a
Source:    WTO Secretariat.a        Data for 2016 relate to the January to June period.
 
 
a Data for 2016 relate to the January to June period.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 3.5 Number of Anti -Dumping Measures Imposed  
 July 2013 - June 2014  July 2014 - June 2015  July 2015 - June 20 16 
Measures imposed  158 198 151 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.17.   Chart 3. 4 shows that there was little change in terms of the breakdown of products affected 
by anti -dumping investigations initiated during the three periods examined. Metal products were 
subject t o the most initiations in each period, accounting for 34% of all initiations in the first 
period, 37% in the second period and 47% in the current period. In each period, at least 85 
initiations targeted metals, of which 90% focused on steel products ( goods  classified under 
HS Chapters 72 and 73) . Over the three periods combined, the United States (83), Australia (36) 
and Canada (23) accounted for more than half of the 306 initiations on metals. An increase in the 
number of initiations against metal products  was seen in the current period with 39 investigations 
initiated by the United States, 15 by India, 13 by Thailand and 11 by Australia. Initiations against 
metals across the three periods targeted mostly products from China (81, of which 69 involved 
steel products), the Republic of Korea (36, of which 34 involved steel) and Chinese Taipei (19, of 
which 18 involved steel). In many instances, investigations were launched on the same product 
from several sources. For instance, three steel products were the foc us of 45 investigations.    
3.18.   Chemical pr oducts accounted for the second -largest share of initiations over the three 
reporting periods, with an 18% share of initiations in the first period, a 24% share in the second 
and a 14% share in the current period. The se initiations targeted mostly chemical products from 
China (41), the United States  (11) and the Republic of Korea (11). Similarly to the metals sector, 
investigations into chemicals frequently targeted the same product from different sources – 19 
products  accounted for 77 of the investigations in this area.  
3.19.   Plastics and rubber ranked third over the three periods examined, accounting for 19% of all 
initiations in the first period, 16% in the second, but dropping to 7 % in the current period.  China WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 29 - 
 
  was the m ain target of investigations in this sector (20), followed by India (9), the Republic 
of Korea (6) and Thailand (6).  
3.20.   In terms of countries  or customs territories  affected by ne w anti -dumping investigations, 50  
exporting Members were affected during the fi rst period, 42  during the second and 42 in the 
current period. China remained, by far, the Member most affected by anti -dumping initiations  – 
investigations into Chinese products accounted for 28% of all investigations d uring these periods. 
The second -most affected Member during the three reporting periods – the Republic of Korea – 
accounted for 8% of the total initiations, followed by  India and  Chinese Taipei, at 5% each .  
Chart 3.4 Anti-dumping initiations by  product  
Chart 3.3
Anti-dumping initiations by product
July 2013 -June 2014 July2014 -June 2015
Chemicals
18%Plastics 
19%Metals
34%Other
9%
Metals
37%
Chemicals
24%Plastics
16%Other
16%
Machinery
9%Textiles
8%Stone / Plaster
6%
Machinery
4%Paper
4%
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat.July 2015 -June 2016
Chemicals
14%Textiles
8%Metals
47%Machinery
5%
Paper
5%Stone / Plaster
5%
Plastics
7%Other
9%
 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Countervailing Measures  
3.21.   Table 3.6 shows that  global initiations of countervailing duty  investigations  have remained 
relatively constant over the three periods examined. The main users of cou ntervailing measures WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 30 - 
 
  were the United States, Canada and the European Union. Over the three periods examined, 90% 
of countervail ing investigations were cond ucted concurrently with an anti -dumping investigation.   
Table 3.6 Initiations of countervailing duty investigations  
Reporting Member  July 2013 –  
June 2014  July 2014 –  
June 2015  July 2015 –  
June 2016  
Australia  2 0 5 
Brazil  0 1 0 
Canada  3 11 2 
China  1 0 1 
Egypt  1 5 0 
European Union  5 2 2 
India 1 0 1 
Mexico  1 0 0 
Pakistan  0 0 1 
Peru 0 1 0 
Russian Federationa 0 1 0 
Turkey  0 1 0 
Ukraine  0 1 0 
United States  24 17 24 
Total  38 40 36 
a  Notified individually by these Members, but investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic 
Union on behalf of all of its members collectively.   
Note:  Counted on the basis of exporting countr ies or customs territories affected.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
3.22.   Chart 3.5, reflecting annual figures, shows an upward trend in countervail ing initiations 
since 2010, notwithstanding some fluctuation in 2012. In fact, the number of initiations recorded 
in 2014  (45) exceeds the previous peak of 41 initiations observed in 1999.21 
Chart 3.5 Countervailing inv estigation initiationsa 
1628
925
233345
31
20
05101520253035404550
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Chart 3.4
Countervailing investigation initiations by reporting Member, 2008 -16a
Source:      WTO Secretariat.a   Data for 2016 relates to the January to June period
 
a Data for 2016 relate to the January to June period.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
                                                
21 WTO document WT/TPR/OV/W/2, p. 18, 15 July 2009.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 31 - 
 
  3.23.   As with anti -dumping, countervailing  investigations do not necessarily  lead to the imposition 
of measures. However, a rise in the number of investigati ons initiated may be  an early indicator of 
a likely rise in the number of measures imposed.   Over the three periods, a total of 43 
countervail ing measures were imposed (as shown in  Table 3.7).  However, as it can take up to 18 
months for an investigation to be concluded once initiated, these measures may not necessarily be 
the result of initiations in the same period.  
Table 3.7 Number of Countervail Measures Imposed  
 July 2013 - June 2014  July 2014 - June 2015  July 2015 - June 2016  
Measures imposed  11 15 17 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.24.   Concerning the types of products affected by countervailing investigations, Chart 3.6 shows 
that metals accounted for most of th e initiations reported over the three reporting periods. For the 
three periods combined, 64 of the 114 total initiations recorded covered metals, all but four on 
steel. During the current period, eleven of the 23 steel -related initiations in the current pe riod 
targeted products from China.  Plastics were the second most -targeted sector with 15 initiations, 
followed closely by chemicals with 12.  
3.25.   In terms of countries  or customs territories  affected by new  countervailing investigations, 
12 exporting Members were affected during the first , 18 during the second and 10  during the 
current period. Similarly to anti -dumping, China was the most affected Member throughout the 
periods reviewed , accounting for 38 % of all investigations. India, the second -most affected 
Member during the three rep orting periods, accounted for 14 % of all initiations, followed by 
Turkey , which accounted for 9%.  
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 32 - 
 
  Chart 3.6 Countervailing duty initiations by product  
Chart 3.5
Countervailing duty initiations by product
July 2013 -June 2014 July 2014 -June 2015
Textiles
8% Metals
53%Metals
53%
Plastics
25%
Chemicals
18%Other
8%
Other
21%
Chemicals
8%Paper
8%
 
 
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat.July 2015 -June 2016
Other
11%
Plastics
14%Metals
64%Chemicals
6%Paper
6%
 
Source:  WTO Secretaria t. 
Sunset Reviews  
3.26.   This Section attempts to examine the effect which the global financial crisis may have had 
on anti -dumping  and countervailing  actions, by analysing the extent to which measures imposed 
following the financial crisis have been extended or  have expired (or otherwise terminated) - 
possibly suggesting that the financial crisis could have been a factor that contributed to the 
imposition of the measure. This Section, therefore, examines measures imposed as a result of 
investigations initiated i n 2008, before the financial crisis, as well as 2009 and 2010, when the full 
effects of the financial crisis were being felt.22   
3.27.   The relevant WTO Agreements stipulate that anti -dumping and countervailing measures can 
remain in force only for as long as nec essary to counteract injury caused by dumped or subsidised 
imports. In addition, they must expire no later than five years after their imposition unless it is 
determined, through a review, that removal of a measure would likely lead to a continuation or 
recurrence of dumping or subsidisation and injury. In such a case, the measure can be extended 
                                                
22 Given the application requirement s for anti -dumping and countervailing investigations, it is assumed 
that investigations in response to the financial crisis would not have been initiated before January 2009.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 33 - 
 
  for up to a further five years. This review process is often referred to as a sunset review. 
Investigating authorities generally invite applications for a sunset r eview before a measure 
expires, and in the absence of a review, they allow the measure to lapse.   
3.28.   As of 30 June 2016, measures imposed as a result of investigations initiated in 2008 -2010 
are in various stages of their lifecycle. Some measures are still w ithin the initial five -year 
imposition period, some are under review23, some have been extended and some have expired.   
3.29.   Chart 3.7 shows the status of anti -dumping and countervailing measures resulting from 
investigations initiated  in 2008, 2009 and 2010 by WTO Members.  
Chart 3.7 Status of measures resulting from AD and CVD investigations initiated in 2008, 
2009 and 2010  
020406080100120140160180
2008 2009 2010
Original measure Under review Extended No longer in effectChart 3.8
Status of measures resulting from AD and CVD investigations initiated in 
2008, 2009 and 2010 for G20 members as at 30 June 2016
Source:   WTO Secretariat.
 
Note:  As at 30 June 2016.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.30.   All of the 16 7 measures resulting from investigations initiated in 2008 by WTO Members 
have now been subject to expiry action (either a sunset review or termination), along with 163 of 
the 164 measures for 2009. However, the majority of measures resulting from investig ations 
initiated in 2010 (61 out of 111) have not yet been subject to any expiry action.  
                                                
23 A sunset review must be initiated prior to the expiration date of the measure,  but the measure may 
remain in force after this date pending the outcome of the review.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 34 - 
 
  Table 3.8 Proportion of expiring measures subject to sunset review  
Expiring measures  Investigation initiated in  
2008  2009  2010a 
Not reviewed  39% 28% 24% 
Reviewed  61% 72% 76% 
a Only 50  measures resulting from investigations initiated in 2010 have so far expired or been subject 
to review.  
Note:  Based on the year the investigation was initiated . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.31.   Table 3.8 shows the proportion of measures that were due to expire for which a sunset 
review has been conducted; noting that measures not reviewed will automatically expire. For 
measures resulting from investigations initiated i n 2009 ("the 2009 measures"), 72% were 
reviewed, higher than the 61% found for 2008 ("the 2008 measures"), although there is 
insufficient information at this time to determine whether this difference is significant. It is still too 
early to draw conclusion s in relation to the measures based on investigations initiated in 2010.   
3.32.   As at 30 June 2016, 101 sunset reviews had been completed for measures resulting from 
investigations initiated in 2008, 62 for 2009 and 15 for 2010, as shown in  Table 3.9. Available 
information shows that the expiry of the measure would lead to a continuation or recurrence of 
dumping/subsidisation and injury and extended the measures for 88% of the 2008 measures and 
87% of the 2009 measures - no significant c hange after the financial crisis began.  
Table 3.9 Results from completed reviews (based on the year the investigation was 
initiated)  
 Investigation initiated in  
2008  2009  2010  
Number of completed reviews  101 62 15 
Measure extended  88% 87% 80% 
Expiry of measure  12% 13% 20% 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.33.   Based on the data currently available, there is no discernible change in extension versus 
expiry of measures coinciding with the financial crisis. As further ti me passes and additional data 
become available, other trends may reveal themselves.  
Safeguards  
3.34.   Unlike anti -dumping and countervailing measures, safeguard measures are intended to be a 
temporary emergency measure in response to a surge in imports of partic ular goods and are 
imposed on products from all sources.24 Thus, safeguards are subject to different rules/durations 
than anti -dumping and countervailing measures and are, therefore, not directly comparable to 
these other types of trade remedies.  
3.35.   Initiation s of safeguard  investigations have risen by more than 50% between the  period 
July 2014-June 2015 and Ju ly 2015-June 2016. The largest driving force was the sharp increase in 
investigations in the steel sector . 
Table 3.10 Initiations of safeguard investigations  
(number of new investigations)  
Reporting Member  July 2013 - June 2014  July 2014 -June 2015  July 2015 -June 2016  
Chile 0 0 4 
Colombia  4 0 0 
Costa Rica  1 0 0 
                                                
24 With the exception of special and differential treatment for certain developing Members.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 35 - 
 
  Reporting Member  July 2013 - June 2014  July 2014 -June 2015  July 2015 -June 2016  
Ecuador  0 1 0 
Egypt  0 3 1 
India 6 1 3 
Indone sia 3 0 1 
Jordan  0 1 0 
Kyrgyz Rep.  1 0 0 
Malaysia  0 1 3 
Morocco  1 1 0 
Philippines  2 0 0 
Thailand  1 0 0 
Saudi Arabia,  Kingdom of  0 0 1 
South Africa  0 0 1 
Chinese Taipei  1 0 0 
Thailand  0 0 1 
Tunisia   0 2 1 
Turkey  1 3 0 
Ukraine  0 0 1 
Viet Nam  0 0 2 
Zambia  0 0 1 
Total  21 13   20 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.36.   Table 3.10 shows the breakdown of the Members that have initiated these investigations. 
Total initiations by calendar year since 2008 can be seen in  Chart 3.8.  
Chart 3.8 Safeguard investigation initiationsa 
1025
20
1224
1823
17
11
051015202530
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Chart 3.6
Safeguard initiations by reporting Member, 2008 -2015
Source:     WTO Secretariat.
 
 
a Data for 2016 relate to the January to June period as reported by Members.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.37.   Chart 3.9 shows the product covered by these investigations. Although safeguard 
investigations normally cover a diverse range of sectors , the latest period saw a high concentration 
in the steel sector, with "metal" covering 75% of all the investigations initiated.  Tables 3.11 and 
3.12 show the imposition of safeguard measures by calendar year and for the period under review.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 36 - 
 
  Table 3.11 Imposition of safeguard measures by calendar year  
Year Number  Year Number  Year Numbe r 
2000 7 2006 7 2012 6 
2001 8 2007 5 2013 8 
2002 13 2008 6 2014 12 
2003 15 2009 10 2015 12 
2004 6 2010 4 2016a 5 
2005 6 2011 11   
a Data for 2016 relate to the January to September period as reported by Members.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 3.12 Imposition of safeguard measures for the period under review  
 July 2013 - June 2014  July 2014 - June 2015  July 2015 - June 2016  
Measures imposed  12 16 8 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.38.   Recent discussions in the Comm ittee on Safeguards appear to be showing a growing 
concern among WTO Members regarding the use of safeguard measures, particularly in the steel 
sector.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 37 - 
 
  Chart 3.9 Safeguard initiations by product  
Chart 3.7
Safeguard initiations by product
July 2013 -June 2014 July2014 -June 2015
Paper
14%
Chemicals
14%Metals
48%Metals
23%
Wood
15%Machinery
15%Plastics
10%Foodstuffs
8%
Vegetables
10%
Paper
23%Stone / Plaster
15%Textiles
5%
 
 
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat.July 2015 -June 2016
Chemicals
1%
Metals
75%Stone / 
Plaster
5%
Foodstuffs
5%
Plastics
10%
 
 
Source : WTO Secretariat.  
3.3  Sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS)25 
3.39.   Under the SPS Agreement, WTO Members are obliged to provide an advance notice of 
intention to introduce new or modified SPS measures26, or to notify immediately when emergency 
                                                
25 Information presented in this Section has been retrieved from the SPS Info rmation Management 
System (SPS IMS: http://spsims.wto.org ). This Section is based on notificati ons to the WTO for the period 
1 October 2015 to 30 September 2016. Specific trade concerns (STCs) are only raised at SPS Co mmittee 
meetings. The information in this Section summarizes the STCs raised at the October 2015, March 2016 and 
June – July 2016 SPS Committee meetings.  
26 Transparency obligations are contained in Article 7 and Annex B of the SPS Agreement. Annex B 
requires that Members notify measures whose content is not substantially the same as that of an international 
standard, guideline or recommendation, and when the measure may have a significant effect on trade.  
However, the Recommended Procedures for Implementi ng the Transparency Provisions of the SPS Agreement, 
adopted by the SPS Committee in 2008 (G/SPS/7/Rev.3), recommend that Members also notify measures 
which are based on the relevant international standards, and provide a broad interpretation of effects on  trade.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 38 - 
 
  measures are impose d. The main objective of complying with the SPS notification obligations is to 
inform other Members about new or changed regulations that may significantly affect trade. 
Therefore, an increased number of notifications does not automatically imply greater u se of 
protectionist measures, but rather enhanced transparency regarding food safety, animal and plant 
health measures, many or most of which presumably are legitimate health -protection measures.  
3.40.   In the period from October 2015 through September 201627, 1,395 SPS notifications 
(regular and emergency, including addenda) were submitted28 to the WT O, resulting in a decrease 
of 21% in total notified measures compared to the previous period (1 October 2014 to 
30 September  2015). Notifications from developing -count ry Members accounted for 63%  of the 
total number. In the previous year, the total number of notifications and the proportion of 
measures notified by developing -country Members were higher: from October 2014 through 
September 2015, a total of 1,758 notifica tions (regular and emergency, including addenda) were 
submitted, of which 69% were notified by developing -country Members.  
3.41.   From October 2015 through September 2016, WTO Members submitted 1,308 regular SPS 
notifications (including addenda), 61% of which wer e submitted by developing -country Members. 
Compared with the previous period (2014 -15), there was an 18% decrease in the total number of 
regular notifications and a 26% decrease in regular notifications by developing -country Members.  
3.42.   The number of notifica tions of emergency measures (including addenda) decreased even 
more sharply compared with the previous period ( Chart 3.10). Compared to the previous period 
(2014 -25), there was a 46% decrease in the total number of emergency notif ications (including 
addenda). Similarly, the number of emergency notifications made by developing countries 
decreased by 44% compared to the previous period, but proportionally stayed roughly the same, 
constituting 87% of all emergency and addenda notifica tions (compared with 84% in the previous 
period). These high percentage figures are consistent with the general trend of the majority of 
emergency measures being notified by developing -country Members. This might stem from the 
fact that they do not have as  extensive SPS regulatory systems as developed -country Members 
do, and consequently, when facing emergency challenges, they are more likely to have to 
introduce new regulations or change existing ones.  
Chart 3.10 Number of SPS notifications  
1 596
1 0841 308
800162
13687
76
02004006008001 0001 2001 4001 6001 8002 000
All Members Developing-country
MembersAll Members Developing-country
MembersChart 3.9
Number of SPS notifications
Source: WTOSecretariat.Regular notifications Emergency notificationsOct. 2014 -Sep. 2015 Oct. 2015 -Sep. 2016
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.43.   Many Members are following the recommendation to notify SPS measures even when these 
are based on a relevant international standard, as this substantially increases transparency 
                                                
27 For the SPS Section, the review period covers 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2016.  
28 For this report, submission refers to the date of circulation.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 39 - 
 
  regarding SPS measu res. Of the 984 regular notifications (excluding addenda) submitted from 
October 2015 through September 2016, 449 (about 46 % of the total) indicated that at least one  
international standard, guideline or recommendation was applicable to the notified measur e 
(Chart  3.11). Of these, about 80% indicated that the proposed measure was in conformity with the 
existing international standard.  
Chart 3.11 Regular SPS notifications and international standards  (excluding addenda)  
Codex
52%
OIE
14%
IPPC
34%
Source : WTO Secretariat.Chart 3.10
Regular SPS notifications and international standards
None
54%Relevant 
international 
standard
46%
 
 
 
Note:  Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant 
Protection Convention (IPPC).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.44.   International standards often provide useful guidance regarding measures to address 
disease outbreaks and other emergency situations. Indeed, about 96% (64 in total) of the 67 
emergency notifications (excluding addenda) submitted from October 2015 through September 
2016 indicated that an international standard, guideline or recommendation w as applicable to the 
notified measure ( Chart 3.12). Of these, all but one indicated that the measure was in conformity 
with the existing international standard.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 40 - 
 
  Chart 3.12 Emergency S PS notifications and international standards  (excluding 
addenda)  
Codex
2%
OIE
75%
IPPC
23%
Source: WTO Secretariat.Chart 3.11
Emergency SPS notifications and international standards
None
4%Relevant 
international 
standard
96%
 
 
Note:  Codex, OIE and IPPC.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.45.   Of the 984 regular notifications (excluding addenda) submitted in the review period , the 
majority were related to food safety and plant  protection.29 The remaining notifications related to 
animal health, the protection of humans from animal diseases or plant pests, the protection of the 
Member's territory from other damage from pests. Most of the regular notifications identified more 
than one objective per measure.  
3.46.   Of the 67 emergency measures (excluding addenda) notified in the same period, the 
majority related to animal health, followed by measures related to food safety, the protection of 
humans from animal diseases or plant pests, and t he protection of the Member's territory from 
other damage from pests. Similarly, the majority of emergency notifications during this period 
identified more than one objective per measure.  
3.47.   While there is no formal provision for "counter notification", conce rns regarding the failure 
to notify an SPS measure, or regarding a notified measure, can be raised a s a specific trade 
concern (STC ) at any of the three regular meetings of the SPS Committee each year. In the 
Committee meetings of October 2015, March 2016 and June -July 2016, 15 new STCs were raised. 
Of these new STCs, five related to animal health, four to food safety, three to plant health and 
three were related to other concerns ( Table 3.13).  
3.48.   The margins of the SPS Committee mee tings provide important opportunities for 
delegations, which often include experts from capital, to discuss and resolve STCs bilaterally. Two 
STCs included on the proposed agenda were withdrawn following bilateral consultations. These 
STCs were respectivel y Indonesia's concerns regarding exports of Indonesian mangoes to the 
Republic of Korea (March 2016), and Brazil's concern regarding Mexico's non -recognition of 
regional conditions, including disease -free areas (June -July 2016). Furthermore, during the per iod 
under review, four STCs were reported as resolved under the specific agenda item. Since 
1995,  37% of all STCs raised at the Committee have been reported as resolved.30 
                                                
29 The objective of an SPS measure falls under one or more of the following categories: (i)  food sa fety, 
(ii) animal health, (iii) plant protection, (iv) protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease, and (v)  protect 
territory from other damages from pests. Members are required to identify the purpose of the measure in their 
notifications. It is not uncommon for more than one objective to be identified for a measure.  
30 These were STCs  345, 385, 386, and 397 . WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 41 - 
 
  Table 3.13 SPS new STCs raised in Octo ber 2015, March 2016 or June -July 2016  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.49.   29 previously raised STCs  were discussed at the October 2015, March 2016 and/or 
June-July 2016 SPS Committee meetings (almost half of which – 13 STCs – were discussed in all 
three meetings) .31 Of these previously raised STCs, four addressed persistent problems that have 
been discus sed seven times or more. In particular, two have been discussed on 20 or more 
occasions ( Table 3.14). In addition one STC raised for the first time in October 2015 was discussed 
again in March 201632, and two STCs raised for the fi rst time in March 2016 were discussed again 
in the June -July 2016 meeting .33  
                                                
31 The 13 STCs that were raised at the three meetings are marked with an asterisk (*) beside their 
number in Table 3.14. 
32 This was STC 403.  
33 These were STCs 406 and 407.  STC Document title  Members 
maintaining 
the measure  Members 
raising 
the 
concern  Members 
supporting 
the 
concern  Date raised  Primary 
objective  
397 India's amendment to its 
import policy conditions for 
apples; Restricti on to Nhava 
Sheva port  India Chile, New 
Zealand  United 
States,  
European 
Union  14/10/2015  Other 
concerns  
398 Viet Nam's restrictions on fruit 
due to fruit flies  Viet Nam  Chile  14/10/2015  Plant 
health  
399 Viet Nam's restrictions on 
plant products  Viet Nam  Chile  14/10/2015  Plant 
health  
400 Undue delays in the start of 
Australia's risk analysis for 
avocados  Australia  Chile  14/10/2015  Plant 
health  
401 Undue delays in Viet Nam's 
approval process for dairy and 
meat products  Viet Nam  Chile  14/10/2015  Animal  
health  
402 Undue delays in Australia's 
approval process for chicken 
meat Australia  Chile  14/10/2015  Animal 
Health  
403 
 India's amended standards for 
food additives  India European 
Union  Chile,  
United 
States  14/10/2015  Food 
safety  
404 Revised veterinary  health 
certificates for the import of 
cattle, sheep and goats from 
Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia 
and Swaziland  South Africa  Namibia  Botswana, 
Swaziland  16/03/2016  Animal 
health  
405 Import restrictions due to 
Schmallenberg virus  China  European 
Union   16/03/ 2016 Animal 
health  
406 Import restrictions due to 
Highly Pathogenic Avian 
Influenza  China  European 
Union   16/03/2016  Animal 
health  
407 Restrictions on exports of 
pork from the State of Santa 
Catarina  European 
Union  Brazil   16/03/2016  Food 
safety  
408 Restrictions on exports of 
beef and poultry  Nigeria  Brazil   16/03/2016  Food 
safety  
409 Russian Federation import 
measures  Russian 
Federation  Ukraine   30/06/2016  Other 
concerns  
410 Costa Rica's regulation on 
registration, use and control 
of pesticides and r elated 
substances  Costa Rica  Israel  
 30/06/2016  Other 
concerns  
411 Russian Federation import 
restrictions on certain animal 
products from Germany  Russian 
Federation  European 
Union   30/06/2016  Food 
safety  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 42 - 
 
  Table 3.14 Previously -raised SPS STCs discussed in October 2015, March 2016 and/or 
June -July 2016  
STC Document title  Members 
maintai ning the 
measure  Members raising 
the concern  Members 
supporting the 
concern  First date 
raised  Times 
subsequently 
raised  
110 Agricultural 
biotechnology 
approval process  European Union  United States  Argentina, Australia,  
Canada, Philippines  01/10/2001  4 
184 Lack of 
transparency for 
certain SPS 
measures  China  United States   01/03/2004  1 
193* General import 
restrictions due to 
Bovine Spongiform 
Encephalopathy 
(BSE)  Certain members,  
specifically 
Australia;  Korea, 
Rep. of  and 
Ukraine  European Union, 
United St ates Canada, Switzerland, 
Uruguay  01/06/2004  27 
238 Application and 
modification of the 
EU Regulation on 
Novel Foods  European Union  Colombia, Ecuador, 
Peru Argentina, Benin, 
Bolivia, Plurinational 
State of,  
Brazil, Chile, China,  
Costa Rica, Cuba,  
El Salva dor, 
Guatemala,  
Honduras, India,  
Indonesia, Mexico,  
Nicaragua, Paraguay,  
Philippines, Uruguay,  
Venezuela, Bolivarian 
Republic of  01/03/2006  20 
289* Measures on catfish  United States  China   28/10/2009  7 
294 Import restrictions 
on plant and plant 
products  Malaysia  Brazil  Japan  17/03/2010  1 
354* Import restrictions 
in response to the 
nuclear power plant 
accident  Certain Members, 
specifically China;  
Chinese Taipei ; 
Hong Kong, China  Japan   27/06/2013  8 
356 EU phytosanitary 
measures on citrus 
black spot  European Union  South Africa  Argentina, Brazil, 
Zambia  27/06/2013  4 
358 Import conditions 
for pork and pork 
products  India European Union  Canada  16/10/2013  6 
373* U.S. high cost of 
certification for 
mango exports  United States  India Brazil, Dominican 
Republic  09/07/2014  6 
374* EU ban on mangoes 
and certain 
vegetables  European Union  India Dominican Republic, 
Nigeria  09/07/2014  6 
 
375 U.S. 
non-acceptance of 
OIE categorization 
for BSE  United States  India  09/07/2014  5 
378* EU withdrawal of 
equivalence for 
processed organic 
products  European Union  India  09/07/2014  6 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 43 - 
 
  STC Document title  Members 
maintai ning the 
measure  Members raising 
the concern  Members 
supporting the 
concern  First date 
raised  Times 
subsequently 
raised  
382* EU revised proposal 
for categorization of 
compounds as 
endocrine disruptors  European Union  Argentina, China, 
United States of 
America  Brazil, Canada, Chile, 
Colombia, Costa Rica, 
Dominican Re public, 
Guatemala, India, 
Jamaica, Kenya, 
Madagascar, 
Malaysia, Mexico, 
New Zealand, Nigeria,  
Pakistan, Paraguay, 
Peru, Senegal, Sierra 
Leone, Viet  Nam,  
South Africa, Egypt, 
Burkina Faso, 
Uruguay  25/03/2014  5 
383 China's measures 
on bovine meat  China  India  26/03/2015  2 
385 General import 
restrictions due to 
highly pathogenic 
avian influenza  Certain Members  European Union   26/03/2015  1 
386 Measures on 
imports of hibiscus 
flowers  Mexico  Nigeria  Senegal,  
Burkina Faso  26/03/2015  2 
387* Chinese Taipei's 
import restrictions 
in response to the 
nuclear plant 
accident  Chinese Taipei  Japan   26/03/2015  4 
388 U.S. proposed rule 
for user fees for 
agricultural 
quarantine and 
inspection services  United States  Mexico   26/03/2015  2 
389 Chinese import 
regime, includ ing 
quarantine and 
testing procedures 
for fish  China  Norway   15/07/2015  1 
390* The Russian 
Federation's import 
restrictions on 
processed fishery 
products from 
Estonia and Latvia  Russian 
Federation  European Union   15/07/2015  3 
392* China's import 
restrict ions due to 
African swine fever  China  European Union   15/07/2015  3 
393* Republic of Korea's 
import restrictions 
due to African swine 
fever Korea, Republic of  European Union   15/07/2015  3 
394* Costa Rica's 
suspension of the 
issuing of 
phytosanitary 
import  certificates 
for avocados  Costa Rica  Guatemala, Mexico  South Africa,  
United States  15/07/2015  3 
395* China's proposed 
amendments to the 
implementation 
regulations on 
safety assessment 
of agricultural GMOs  China  Paraguay,  
United States   15/07/2015  3 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 44 - 
 
  STC Document title  Members 
maintai ning the 
measure  Members raising 
the concern  Members 
supporting the 
concern  First date 
raised  Times 
subsequently 
raised  
396 EU proposal to 
amend regulation 
(EC) No. 1829/2003 
to allow EU member 
States to restrict or 
prohibit the use of 
genetically modified 
food and feed  European Union  Argentina, 
Paraguay,  
United States  Brazil, Canada, 
Uruguay  15/07/2015  2 
403 India's amended 
standards for food 
additives  India European Union  Chile,  
United States  14/10/2015  1 
406 China's import 
restrictions due to 
Highly Pathogenic 
Avian Influenza  China  European Union   16/03/2016  1 
407 EU restrictions on 
exports of pork 
from the State of 
Santa  Catarina  European Union  Brazil   16/03/2016  1 
Note:  The STCs marked with an asterisk (*) beside their number in this table are STCs that were raised in 
all three SPS Committee meetings.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.50.   Analysing the October 2015, March 2016 and June-July 2016 SPS Committee meetings, 
33% of all STCs raised for the first time concerned animal health, 27%  concerned measures 
covering food safety, 20%  covered plant health and 20% related to other types of concerns.34 
Regarding previously raised STCs i n the reviewed period,  34% concerned measures covering food 
safety, 28% concerned animal health, 21% covered plant health and 17% related to other types of 
concerns.35 Of the total raised or discussed STCs in the reviewed period, 29% concerned measures 
covering animal health, 29% covered food safety, 22% concerned plant health and 20% of total 
STCs related to other types of concerns.  
Box 3.2 Enhancing Monitoring and Transparency in SPS and TBT  
Accessing relevant i nformation on SPS or TBT product requirements in export markets can be a huge challenge, 
especially for SMEs. The WTO helps tackling this potential trade barrier through the combination of transparency 
requirements included in the SPS and TBT agreements an d two online tools that make information easily accessible, 
the SPS and TBT Information Management Systems (SPS/TBT IMSs). WTO Members are required to notify proposed 
SPS and TBT measures if they may affect international trade. Each year the WTO receives m ore than 3500 
notifications. Publicly available online tools help stakeholders find notifications of relevance to their trade: the SPS/ 
TBT IMSs (www.spsims.wto.org and www.tbtims.wto.org) and the new ePing ( www.epi ngalert.com ). The SPS/TBT 
IMSs are search -platforms that help among others find SPS or TBT notifications by using parameters such as products, 
notifying Member and objective. ePing is an online alert system allowing users to receive daily or weekly email alerts 
about SPS and TBT notifications covering products and markets of interest to them. ePing helps stakeholders track, 
discuss and adapt to new regulatory conditions, avoiding trade disruption by addressing potential frictions at an early 
stage.  
3.4  Techni cal Barriers to Trade (TBT)36 
3.51.   Under the TBT Agreement, WTO Members are required  to notify their intention to introduce 
new or modified TBT measures, or to notify adopted emergency measures immediately upon their 
adoption . The main objective of complying wit h the TBT notification obligations is to inform other 
Members about new or changed regulations that may  significantly affect trade.37 Therefore, an 
increased number of notifications does not necessarily imply greater use of protectionist or 
                                                
34 Specifically: control, inspection and approval procedures, and undue delays.  
35 Specifically: control, inspection and approval procedures, and technical barriers to trade.  
36 For the TBT Section, the rev iew period covers 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2016.  
37 Under the TBT Agreement, WTO Members are not required to notify all proposed TBT measure s 
(technical  regulations or conformity assessment procedures) . Rather, they are only required to notify those 
measures that may have a significant effect on trade  of other Members and are  not in accordance with  a 
relevant international standard . However, the TBT Committee in its Sixth Triennial Review encouraged 
Members, "for the purpose of enhancing predictability  and transparency in situations where it is difficult to 
establish or foresee whether a draft technical regulation or conformity assessment procedure may  have a 
'significant effect on trade of other Members', to notify such measures."  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 45 - 
 
  unnecessarily tr ade-restrictive measures. Rather, TBT notification obligations are meant to 
promote enhanced transparency regarding measures taken to address legitimate policy objectives, 
e.g. the protection of human, animal or plant life or health or the environment.  
Notifications – new regulations with possible trade impact  
3.52.   From 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2016  (the "review period") , WTO  Members 
submitted 1,775  new notifications of TBT measures38. This represents a 30% increase in the 
number of new regulations notifie d by Members compared to the previous 12 -month period .39 
Developing country Members (including CIS and LDC Members) notified 79% of new regulations 
during the current review period, i.e. no measureable change in this share as compared to the 
previous period . 
3.53.   The ten Members which notified the most new regulations  during the review period were : 
the United States (172), Israel (111), the European Union (91), Uganda (71), the Republic of 
Korea (67), Egypt (60); Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organizat ion Members (GSO)40 
(60); China (53); Chile (50); Kenya (48) and Brazil (48). Most Members notified more new 
regulations in  the current period as compared to the previous period. Of the top ten notifying 
Members, those with the greatest increase in notifica tion activity in the current as compared to 
previous review period were: Israel (825% increase ), Kenya  (85% increase ), and Egypt (67 % 
increase ). Conversely, the largest decreases in notification activity were seen by China (35% 
decrease), Uganda (20% decre ase), and the Republic of Korea (14% decrease). One important 
development during the review period was the 60 regionally harmonized G ulf Cooperation Council  
draft technical regulations notified by GSO Members in joint notifications (on behalf of all seven 
Members) to provide a common deadline for comments on these measures and facilitate the 
handling of comments received.  
3.54.   Of the 1,775 new notifications received during the review period the main indicated 
objectives41 were: protection of human health or safet y (71%) , prevention of deceptive practices 
and consumer protection (30%) , quality requirements (16%) and protection of the environment 
(13%).42 
3.55.   In terms of follow -up notifications43 a total of 605 were submitted during the review period, 
unchanged from the p revious year . However, as a share of new follow -up notifications submitted, 
there was a relative 10% decrease from the previous to current review period.44 These types of 
notifications are important because they help to increase transparency across the regu latory 
lifecycle.45 
                                                
38 Viewed at: http://tbtims.wto.org  
39 From 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015, the overall  number of regu lar notifications was 1,366 , 
the great majority of which (around 84 %) were  from developing -country Members, including LDCs.  
40 The sev en GSO Members are: United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 
Oman, Qatar, State of Kuwait and Yemen.  
41 A TBT measure may  pursue a variety of legitimate objectives, although historically the majority falls 
under one of the followin g categories: the protection of human, animal or plant life or health, or the 
environment. Members are required to identify the purpose of the measure in their notifications. It is not 
uncommon that more than one objective is identified for a measure.  
42 For the review period, the main indicated objectives for new notifications saw that the protection of 
human health or safety has remained the same from the previous period whereas prevention of deceptive 
practices and consumer protection has increased by 6% ; however quality requirements decreased by 5% and 
protection of the environment decreased by 3%.   
43 These notifications are called addenda, corrigenda, or supplements. They are linked to the original 
notification of a new regulation and include additional pertinent information, such as updated deadlines for 
entry into force, access to the final adopted text, withdrawal or cancellation, unofficial translations or other 
updates with respect to notified regulations.  See G/TBT/35 for further information on diff erent types of TBT 
notifications.  
44 In the previous review period, 44% of new notifications were followed up by addenda or corrigenda; 
in the current review period 34% were followed up by addenda or corrigenda. Comparing the number of new 
notifications to follow up notifications in a given period is one proxy for estimating the transparency of 
Members regulatory activity. However, this indicator does not account for the time -lag in the submission of 
follow up notifications, which may extend beyond the perio d under review.  
45 The importance of follow - up notifications may be even higher because sometimes the modifications 
are such that they may even require a new period for comments by other Members.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 46 - 
 
  STCs – Regulations discussed at the TBT Committee Meetings  
3.56.   Any Member may  raise STCs with respect to TBT measures proposed or adopted by other 
Members.46 These STCs are frequently discussed in the regular meetings of the TBT  Committee, 
with more than  50 STCs discussed per meeting in recent years ( Chart 3.13).  
Chart 3.13 STCs discussed per committee meeting, March 2006 - June  2016  
12
57813
613
8111917
10
67161515131314
813141516
1318
81217
11108
16151217
1821
25242430
31
292730
29364252
45
2828253635
3135
47383949
46
010203040506070
New concerns Previously raised concernsChart 3.13
STCs discussed per TBT committee meeting, March 2006 -March 2016
Source:  WTO Secretariat. 
 
 
Note:  This chart c ounts the number of STCs on the agenda of the TBT Committee per meeting. The same 
STC can be raised at a ll three meetings in a year and , in this chart, it is counted under all three 
meetings.  
Source:   WTO Secretariat . 
3.57.   Depending on the extent of the trade -restrictiveness  and importance of the issue to the 
Members raising the STC, the same measure may come up at one or more meetings of the TBT 
Committee. For example, a STC may be discussed at only one meeting (as a new STC), and 
subsequently a resolution to the trade concern may be found . Alternatively,  an STC may be 
discussed at subsequent meetings ( previously raised STC ), usually reserved for long -standing and 
more serious concerns.  
3.58.   A total of  38 new STCs were raised during the three Committee meetings tha t fell within the 
reviewed period : 17 new STCs were raised at the  4-5 November 2015 meeting , 11 new STCs at 
the 9 -10 March 2016 meeting and 10 new STCs at the 15-16 June  2016 meeting . This number is 
                                                
46 Members use the TBT Committee as a forum to discuss trade issues related to specific measures 
(technical regulations, standards or conformity assessment procedures) maintained by other Members. These 
are referred to as STCs and normally relate to proposed draft measures notified to the TBT Committee or to 
the imp lementation of existing measures. Issues raised range from simple requests for additional information 
and clarifications to questions on the consistency of measures with TBT Agreement disciplines.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 47 - 
 
  consistent with the number of new STCs during  the previou s 12-month period (37)47, as illustrated 
by Chart 3.14 
Chart 3.14 STCs raised with respect to Members' TBT measures  
4712 12 13 12 121926 2832 3259
313849 50
13152015 141224273246
294335
424737
21
172232
27 27
2436465874
617594
7385 86
71
0102030405060708090100110120
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Chart 3.12
Number of STCs raised with respect to Menbers' TBT measures per year
Source:   WTO Secretariat.New concerns Previous concerns
 
Note:  This chart counts the number of TBT measures  discussed as STCs per year. The data for 2016 
include the STCs raised at the March and June 2016 Committee meetings. Previously raised 
concerns are counted only once even if they are raised  in subsequent meetings  in the same year . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat .  
3.59.   The six Members wh ose measures attracted new STCs during the review period were : China 
(7), the European Union (5), India (4),  the Russian Federation (4) , Colombia (2) and the 
United  Arab Emirates (2) ( Table 3.15). For the prev ious 12 -month review period, China, the 
European Union and the Russian Federation topped th is list (5 each) , with Ecuador (4), and Brazil, 
France, Indonesia, Mexico and Chinese Taipei (2 each) making up the remainder of the  top five.  
3.60.   In terms of Members r aising most new STCs, the European Union (17 ), the United States 
(15), Canada (9 ), Indonesia and the Republic of Korea (5 each)  were most active during the 
review period.  The most active Members in the previous period were:  United States (12) , 
European  Union (11) , Canada (9) , Indonesia (6) , and Australia and Mexico (5  each).  
3.61.   As seen in  Table 3.15, new STCs discussed in the review period regulated a wide range of 
products, including cosmetics and personal hygiene products , ICT products, agricultural and food 
products  and tyres and toys.  
Table 3.15 New TBT STCs raised in the period 1 October 2015 -30 September 2016  
New STCs with respect to measures maintained by Members  
Bolivia, Plurinat ional  State of : concerning Food Labelling and Advertising Law (ID501)  (raised by  Canada, 
European Unio n, Guatemala and United States ) 
Brazil:  concerning Toy Certification; Ordinance No. 89, No. 310 and draft administrative rule No. 321(ID 478)  (raised 
by Canada, United States and European Union )  
                                                
47 Details on STCs raised in the TBT Committee are available  through the TBT IMS 
(http://tbtims.wto.org ).  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 48 - 
 
  New STCs with respect to measures maintained by Members  
China:  concerning Interim Measures for Quality Management of Commercial Coal (ID477) (G/TBT/N/CHN/1057)  
(raised by  Australia and Canada ) 
China: concerning Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) Information and Communication Technology Regulation  
(ID 489)  (raised by Canada, Japan, United States  and European Union ) 
China:   concerning Guidance for Notification and Registration for New Chemicals  (ID 146) (raised by the Kingdom of  
Saudi  Arabia, Kingdom of and Europe an Union ) 
China:  concerning Formula Registration Regulation for Infant and Follow -up Formula, G/TBT/N/CHN/1165  
(ID 493) (raised by Japan;  Korea, Republic of and European Union ) 
China:  concerning Draft Standardization Law (ID 507)  (raised by Republic of K orea)  
China:  concerning Chinese Standards of Exhaust Emissions (ID 508)  (China 6, BEIJING VI) (raised by  Republic of 
Korea)  
China:  concerning National Standards on Limits of Volatile Organic Compounds for furniture,  
(ID 509)  (G/TBT/N/CHN/1094; G/TBT/N/CH N/1095; G/TBT/N/CHN/1096) (raised by  European Union)  
Colombia:  concerning Testing Requirements to be met by Toys and their Components and Accessories  (ID 479) 
(raised by  Canada and  United States)  
Colombia: concerning Draft Resolution of the Ministry of H ealth and Social Welfare and the Ministry of the 
Environment and Sustainable Development "adopting the Technical Regulation establishing the maximum levels of 
phosphorus and the biodegradability of surfactants in detergents and soaps, and introducing other  provisions" 
G/TBT/N/COL/214 ; G/TBT/N/COL/214/Add.1  (ID 506)  (raised by  Mexico ) 
Egypt:  concerning Manufacturer Registration System (ID505) (Decree 43/2016 and Decree 992/2015) 
G/TBT/N/EGY/114 and G/TBT/N/EGY/115 (raised by Australia, Canada, Chile, China,   European Union, South Africa, 
Norway, Turkey, Ukraine and United States ) 
European Union : concerning a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Cloning 
of Animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine spec ies kept and reproduced for farming purposes (197) 
and Proposal for a Council Directive on the placing on the market of food from animal clones (198) (G/TBT/N/EU/197 
and G/TBT/N/EU/198)  (ID 492) (raised by  Brazil and United States)  
European Union: concern ing Restriction on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)  in Tyres as specified in 
Annex  XVII of REACH  (ID 33) (raised by  Indonesia)  
European Union: concerning the withdrawal of equivalence for processed organic products (ID 483) ( raised by India)  
Europ ean Union:  concerning Quality Schemes for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs, (G/TBT/ N/EU/139; 
G/TBT/ N/EU/139/Add.1) (ID 512) (raised by  United States and Uruguay) and 
European Union:  concerning Directive 2014/40/EU on the approximation of the laws, reg ulations and administrative 
provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products 
and repealing Directive 2001/37/EC (ID 513) (raised by  Indonesia and Guatemala) . 
France : concerning Amendment 367  on Biodiversity Law (ID 499) ( raised by  Brazil and Indonesia)  
Hungary : concerning Proposal for Government Decree on the amendment of G overnment Decree 39/2013 (of 
14 February 2013) on the Manufacture, Placement on the Market and Control of Tobacco Produc ts, Combined 
Warnings and the Detailed Rules for the Application of the Health -Protection Fine, (ID 498) G/TBT/N/HUN/31(raised by  
Australia, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, European Union, Guatemala,  Indonesia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway 
and Uruguay)  
India: concerning Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non -acid Electrolytes (ID 482)  
(G/TBT/N/IND/47/Add.1)(raised by  Republic of Korea and United States ) 
India : concerning The Stainless Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2015  (ID 486)  
(raised by  European Union)  
India: concerning Amendments in the import policy conditions applicable to apples  (ID 487)   
(raised by  Australia, Chile, New Zealand, United States  and European Union)   
India: concerning Draft Food Safety and Standard s (Alcoholic Beverages Standards) Regulations, 2015, 
G/TBT/N/IND/51 (ID 494) (raised by  Australia, Canada, Chile, Guatemala, Japan, European Union, United States and 
New Zealand)  
Indonesia: concerning Halal Product Assurance Law No. 33 of 2014  (ID 502)  (raised by  Brazil, European Union and 
United States)  
Kenya: concerning East African East African Community (EAC) alcoholic beverage standards  (ID510)  
(raised by  Chile, European Union, S outh Africa and United States)  
Korea, Republic of: concerning Standards  and Specifications for Wood Products (ID 491)  (G/TBT/N/KOR/599)  (raised 
by Canada and United States)  
Russian Federation: concerning Implementation plan related to excise tax on palm oil and soda products  (ID 500) 
(raised by  Indonesia ) 
Russian Federation : concerning Rules of cement certification  (ID 497)  (raised  by Mexico and European  Union)  
Russian Federation: concerning Measure affecting the import of Ukrainian wallpaper  (ID 476)   
(raised by  Ukraine ) 
Russian Federation: concerning Measures affecting i mport of Ukrainian products (ID 504)   
(raised by  Ukraine)  
Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar: concerning Motor Vehicles General 
Requirements "No. GSO 42:2003"  (ID 336)  (raised by  European Union)  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: concerning Draft for update of the Technical Regulation No. SASO 2857:2014 "Vehicle 
Tires Rolling Resistance and Wet Grip Requirements" (ID 488)  (raised by  European Union)  
Singapore: concerning Plain Packaging for Tobacco Products (ID 484)  (raised by  Australia, Canada, 
Dominican  Republic, Guatemala, Indon esia, New Zealand and Norway)  
South Africa: concerning an Amendment to Regulations Relating to Health Messages on Container Labels of Alcoholic 
Beverages, G/TBT/N/ZAF/48/Rev.1  (ID 495 ) (raised by  Canada , Guatemala and European Union)  
Chinese Taipei concerning Draft of the Organic Agriculture Act G/TBT/N/TPKM/225; G/TBT/N/TPKM/225/Add. 1 and 
Add. 2 ( ID 511) (raised by  European Union)  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 49 - 
 
  New STCs with respect to measures maintained by Members  
Thailand: concerning Milk Code – Draft Act on Controlling to the Marketin g Promotion on Food for Infant and Young 
Children and Other Related Products BE, G/TBT/N/THA/471 (ID 503)  (raised by  United States ) 
United Arab Emirates : concerning the Energy efficiency labelling for electrical appliances (ID 481)  
(raised by  Republic of Korea)  
United Arab Emirates : concerning the Control scheme to restrict the use of hazardous materials in electronic and 
electrical devices (ID 496) (raised by  European Union)  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.62.   In addition, 58 previously raised STCs were discussed during the current review period , as 
compared to 54 in the previous review period.  Overall, the new  and previously -raised STCs 
discussed during review period, were in keeping with the trend of a greater number of STCs being 
discussed per meeting as well as  per year. Chart 3.15 shows the total number of STCs discussed 
per Committee meeting per year since 2005.  
Chart 3.15 STCs discussed per TBT Committee meeting, 2005-30 September 2016  
1220 203443354465
41515560
1221303347
345159
39445056
922243547
465536
515356
020406080100120140160180
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
March Meeting June Meeting November MeetingChart 3.14
STCs discussed per committee meeting, 2005 -2016
Source:   WTO Secretariat. See in particulart the 20th Annual Review of the Implementation and Operation of the TBT Agreement
(G/TBT/36, 23 February 2015).150 148
63131
102160
74
33115116137
Note:   This chart counts the number of STCs on the agenda of the TBT Committee per meeting. Nota that the same STC can 
be raised at all three meetings in a year and , in this chart, is counted under all three meetings. Data for 2015 do not incl ude
STCs raised at the November 2015 TBT Committee meeting.161
 
 
Note:  This chart counts the number of STCs on the agenda of the TBT Committee per meeting. The same 
STC can be raised at all three meetings in a year and, in this chart, is counted under all three 
meetings. Data for 2016 include the STCs  raised at the March and June 2016 Committee meetings.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.63.   This upward trend shows that the Committee has spent more time discussing STCs than any 
other item on the agenda . An average of around 20 STCs were discussed per meeting in 20 06 
whereas in 2015 that figure was 54. As illustrated by  Chart 3.16, there is a marked correlation 
between the number of new notifications and new STCs raised each year. Since 1995, an average 
of around 68% of STCs discussed in TBT Committee meetings relate to notified measures.  
Similarly, and also since 1995, M embers have raised 511  new STCs, in the TBT Committee, with 
an upward trend in ST Cs observed since 2005.48 
                                                
 48 In March 2016, the WTO TBT Committee discussed the 500th new STC . Viewed at :  
https://www.w to.org/english/news_e/news16_e/tbt_11mar16_e.htm  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 50 - 
 
  Chart 3.16 Number of TBT notifications and new STCsa 
05101520253035404550
020040060080010001200140016001800
Number of notifications New STCsNotifications
New STCsChart 3.13
Number of notifications and new STCs
Source: WTO Secretariat.
 
 
a Up to 30 September 2016 . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.   
3.5  Trade Concerns Raised in Other WTO Bodies49 
3.64.   During the period covered by this report a number of other trade concerns were raised by 
Members in formal m eetings of various WTO bodies. With a view to increasing transparency, this 
Section aims to provide a brief and factual overview of such concerns raised between 
mid-October  2015 and mid -October 2016.50 As this Section does not seek to reproduce the full 
substantive description of the trade concerns described by Members, a specific reference is made 
to the relevant formal meeting where a particular issue was raised. For the full account and 
context of the concerns, Members are invited to consult the records o f the respective WTO bodies. 
The list of concerns and issues mentioned in this Section is not exhaustiv e. 
3.65.   At the meeting of Council for Trade in Goods  (CTG) on 10 November 201551, new concerns 
were raised on (i) China's measures relating to trade in seafood , including quarantine and testing 
procedures, import licences for salmon and lack of indication about the list of Norwegian 
companies authorized to export seafood to China ( raised by Norway ); (ii) India's port closures for 
apple imports ( raised by Chile, China, European Union, New Zealand and United States )52; and 
(iii) Brazil's industrial nitrocellulose import ban/non automatic import licences, also raised at the 
Import Licensing Committee (raised by European Union ). 
3.66.   Trade concerns were also again raised o n: (i) Nigeria's restrictive measures intended to 
preserve foreign exchange reserves which affected imports of sea products as well as agricultural 
products, plastics, aircraft and aircraft parts, and metal and metal products; (ii)  Nigeria's local 
content requirements in the oil and gas industry ( raised by Chile, European Union, Iceland, 
                                                
49 This Section does not include SPS and TBT Committees (covered separately) or issues brought to the 
Dispute Settlement Body. Some of the trade concerns raised may  be the subject of a dispute.  
50 Members and  Observers are encouraged to communicate to the WTO's Trade Policy Review Division 
the non -tariff measures which they have raised in WTO bodies and which they believe are relevant to the 
monitoring exercise.  
51 Minutes G/C/M/124.  
52 The issue has already bee n raised at the Committees on Agriculture, Import Licensing, SPS Measures, 
and TBT. WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 51 - 
 
  Norway, Malaysia, Switzerland, Thailand, United States and Uruguay ); (iii) Indonesia's import and 
export restricting policies and practices ( raised by Australia, Brazil, Ca nada, Chinese Taipei, 
European Union, Japan, New  Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and United States ); (iv) Pakistan's 
Regulatory Order No.  1125 on domestic sales taxes imposing a sales tax of 17% on imported 
goods, while similar domestically produced goods are  taxed at 5%53 (raised by Canada, 
European  Union, Japan, Switzerland and United  States ); (v) Ecuador's import restricting measures 
on automobiles adopted since 2012 and extended to end December 2015 ( raised by Canada; 
Japan; Korea, Rep. of; Mexico and Unite d States ); (vi)  Ecuador's balance of payment (BOP) 
measures, also raised at the Committee on Balance -of-Payments Restrictions (raised by Chile, 
Colombia, European Union, Japan, Panama, Peru, Switzerland and United States ); and 
(vii) Ukraine's customs valua tion issues based on Resolution 724 providing indicative prices for 
customs valuation purposes ( raised by Iceland, Norway and Switzerland ). 
3.67.   At the 15 April 2016 meeting of the CTG54 new trade concerns were raised on (i) the 
Russian Federation's Presidential  Decree No. 1 and Government Resolution No. 1 of January 2016, 
banning all international transit of cargo by road and rail from Ukraine to Kazakhstan through the 
territory of the Russian Federation ( raised by Australia; Canada; European Union;  Jamaica; Jap an; 
Korea, Rep. of; Turkey; Ukraine and United States )55; (ii) the United States' seafood import 
monitoring programme to prevent the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing56 (raised 
by Norway and Russian Federation ); and (iii) India's trade restri ctions, including minimum import 
prices for steel products, the increase in customs duties for tariffs for 96 tariff lines, the safeguard 
measures applied to the steel sector and the conformity assessment procedures for ICT products 
(raised by Australia; C anada; Chile; China; European Union; Korea, Rep. of; New Zealand and 
United  States ). Trade concerns were raised on six additional issues that had already been brought 
to the CTG attention on previous occasions on (i) Indonesia's impor t and export restricti ons; 
(ii) China's measures applied to seafood; (iii) Nigeria's import restricting measures; (iv) Ecuador's 
BOP measures; (v) Ukraine's customs valuation legislation; and (vi) Pakistan's discriminatory 
taxes.  
3.68.   At the 14 July 2016 meeting of the CTG57, new tra de concerns were raised on (i) the 
European Union's anti -dumping investigation on imports of cold rolled flat steel products already 
raised at the Committee on Anti -Dumping Practices ( raised by China and Russian Federation ); 
(ii) Sri Lanka's dairy tariffs on skimmed milk and milk powder in excess of the bound rate also 
raised at the Committee on Agriculture ( raised by New Zealand ); (iii)  Canada's wine related 
policies and measures adopted by some provincial authorities also raised at the Committee on 
Agriculture ( raised by Australia, Chile, European Union, Mexico, New Zealand and United States ); 
and (iv) China's simplified tax system on personal effects and increased rate of import taxes on 
personal effects ( raised by Japan ). Seven additional trade concerns  were raised at the 14 July 
meeting that had already been discussed at the April 2016 meeting and also in previous CTG 
meetings. These concerns were: (i) Nigeria's import restricting measures; (ii) China's measures 
applied to seafood; (iii) Indonesia's imp ort and export restrictions; (iv) Ecuador's BOP measures; 
(v) Ukraine's determination of the transaction value; (vi) India's import restricting measures; and 
(vii) the U .S. measures applied to imports of fish and seafood products.  
3.69.   At the meeting of the Committee on Market Access  (CMA) on 19 April 201658 new concerns 
were raised on ( i) India's increased import duties on certain telecommunication equipment  (raised 
by European  Union, Japan and United States ); (ii) the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's increased import 
duties on cigarettes and its potential implications on the Gulf Cooperation Council common 
external tariff ( raised by Switzerland ); (iii) the Russian Federation's export ban on raw hides and 
skins ( raised by European Union ); and (vi) the United States' res trictions on trade in sturgeon, 
which include an import ban on five species for environmental reasons and labelling requirements 
for certain hybrid species ( raised by European  Union ). At the same meeting trade concerns were 
raised again on the Kingdom of B ahrain's apparent violation of bound duties on cigarettes ( raised 
by Switzerland ). 
                                                
53 The issue had also been raised during Pakistan's Trade Policy Review.  
54 Minutes G/C/M/125.  
55 The issue was also raised at the General Council meeting in February 2016.  
56 The IUU fishing issue has also been discussed at the Committee on Trade and Environment.  
57 Minutes G/C/M/12 6. 
58 Minutes G/MA/M/63.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 52 - 
 
  3.70.   At the 12 October 2016 meeting of the CMA59 trade concerns were raised again on 
(i) India's increased import duties on certain telecommunication equipment ( raised by 
European  Union; Japan; Korea, Rep. of; and United States ); (ii) the Russian Federation's export 
ban on raw hides and skins ( raised by European Union ) and (iii) United States' trade restrictions of 
sturgeon and sturgeon products ( raised by European Union ). At the s ame meeting new concerns 
were raised on (i) Argentina's newly adopted law in the auto -part sector, also raised at the 
Trade -Related Investment Measures Committee  (raised by Canada, European Union, Mexico, 
Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Turkey ); (ii) Croatia, t hrough the European Union, about new 
regulations concerning certain oil and biodiesel products ( raised by Russian Federation ); 
(iii) India's minimum import prices on iron and steel products in breach with the bound duties 
(raised by Japan ); (iv) Republic o f Korea's ongoing Schedule modification concerning rice products  
(raised by Thailand ); and (v) Oman's increased customs dutie s on tobacco products ( raised by 
European  Union, Switzerland and United States ). 
3.71.   At the meeting of the Committee of Participants o n the Expansion of Trade in Information 
Technology Products60 on 18 April 2016, trade concerns were raised regarding India's Customs 
Notification No. 11/2014 on the increased 10% import duties on certain telecommunication 
equipment with concessions that are  bound at duty -free levels ( raised by European  Union;  Japan; 
Korea, Rep. of; and United States ). 
3.72.   In the Committee on Agriculture61 a number of questions and concerns were raised with 
respect to Members' individual notifications and on implementation -related  issues und er 
Article  18.6. During the period concerned, a total of 283 questions were discussed on individual 
notifications (163 questions), Article 18.6 issues (108 questions on 57 implementation -related 
issues ) and on overdue notifications (12 questions ). Additional details regarding these questions 
and concerns can be found in Section 3.6 of this report.  
3.73.   At the meeting of the Committee on Customs Valuation on 25 April 201662 trade concerns 
were raised on  (i) the alleged use by Armenia of reference prices  (raised by United States ); 
(ii) Indonesia's lack of notifications on Pre -Shipment Inspection measures ( raised by 
United  States ); and (iii) Ukraine's creation of a database of pre -determined commodities which 
would act as benchmark values, contained in Res olution No. 724 ( raised by European Union , 
Norway, Switzerland and United States ). 
3.74.   A number of concerns were repeated at the meeting of the Committee on Import Licensing63  
on (i) Indonesia's import licensing regime for cell phones, handheld computers and t ablets ( raised 
by United States ); (ii)  Brazil's regulatory requirements for imports of nitrocellulose ( raised by 
European  Union ); (iii)  India's import licensing requirements on boric acid ( raised by 
United  States ); (iv) Bangladesh's import licensing proce dures and in particular with respect to the 
importation of medicines ( raised by United States ); (v) Mexico's steel import licensing programme 
(raised by Canada and United States ); and (vi) Viet Nam's importation of distilled spirits ( raised by 
United State s). New trade concerns were raised on (i) Malaysia's import licensing regime on 
passenger and commercial vehicles, rice, round cabbage, unroasted green beans, logs and wood, 
as well as its halal certificate administration ( raised by European  Union ); and (i i) Morocco's import 
licensing requirements on the importation of certain arms and gear wheels ( raised by 
European  Union ). 
3.75.   At the meetings of the  Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures64 on 
25 October 2015 and 26 -27 April 2016 , concerns were rais ed on countervailing duty actions as per 
Table 3.16 
                                                
59 Minutes G/MA/M/64 (forthcoming).  
60 Minutes G/IT/M/64 . 
61 Questions and responses to the issues raised under the review proce ss in the CoA meetings on 
9 March, 7 -8 June and 14 September 2016 are available in G/AG/W/151 issued on 13 May 2016, G/AG/W/154 
issued on 8 August 2016 and G/AG/W/156 (questions only) issued on 2 September 2016.  
62 Minutes G/VAL/M/62.  
63 Meeting of 21 Apri l 2016, Minutes G/LIC/M/4 3. 
64 Minutes G/SCM/M/9 5 and G/SCM/M/9 7. WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 53 - 
 
  Table 3.16 Concerns raised at the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the c oncern  
Canada  
Provisional measure on certain hot -rolled steel plate  Russian Federation  
China  
Investigation on distillers dried grains with or without solubles (DDGS)  United States  
European Union  
Investigation on aquaculture products  Turkey  
Measures on ductile cast iron tubes and pipes  India 
India  
Investigation on castings for wind operated electricity generators  China  
Peru  
Investigation on  biodiesel  Argentina  
Russian Federation  
Investigation on ferrosilicon manganese  Ukraine  
Ukraine  
Investig ation on light motor vehicles  Russian Federation  
United States  
Measures on iron and steel products  Turkey  
Investigation on  certain cold -rolled steel flat products  Russian Federation  
Investigation on new pneumatic off -the-road tires  India 
Investigati on on hot -rolled and cold -rolled steel products  Brazil  
Investigation on sugar  Mexico  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.76.   At the same meetings concerns were raised on subsidies as per Table 3.17. 
Table 3.17 Concerns raised at the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Canada  
Government support for the Canadian Aircraft Industry  United States  
China  
Non-notification of alleged su bsidies  United States  
Non-notification of alleged subsidies in the fisheries sector  United States  
Requests for information on certain alleged subsidy programmes  United States  
India  
Non-notification of alleged subsidies  United States  
Export subsidies  in the textile and apparel sector  United States  
Japan  
Government support for the development of regional aircraft  Brazil  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.77.   Additional concerns were raised on : (i) elimination of export subsidies by the Members that 
received exten sions under Article 27.4 of the SCM Agreement; (ii) low and declining level of 
compliance with the notification and transparency obligations in the SCM Agreement; (iii) requests 
for information pursuant to Article 25.8 and 25.9 (proposal from the United St ates); and (iv) 
enhancing fisheries subsidies transparency (United States).  
3.78.   At the meetings of the Trade -Related Investment Measures  (TRIMs) Committee on 13 June 
and 17 October 201665 new or continuing concerns were raised on (i) China's provisions on 
insurance system informatization ( raised by United States ); (ii) Indonesia's local content 
requirements for 4G LTE mobile devices ( raised by Canada, European Union, Japan, Chinese 
Taipei, United States ); (iii) Indonesia's local content provisions in the energy sector of mining, oil 
and gas ( raised by Canada, European Union, Japan, United States ); (iv) Indonesia's newly adopted 
industry law and trade law ( raised by European Union, Japan, United States ); (v) Indonesia's 
minimum local product requirement for modern  retail sector ( raised by European Union, Japan, 
United States ); (vi) Indonesia's measures addressing local content in investment in the 
telecommunications sector ( raised by Japan, United States ); (vii) measures implementing the 
                                                
65 Minutes G/TRIMS/M/40 and G/TRIMS/M/41 (forthcoming).  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 54 - 
 
  Russian Federation's import  substitution policy ( raised by European Union, United States ) and 
(viii) Argentina's Act 27,263 on the development and strengthening of the auto -part ( raised by 
Mexico ). 
3.79.   At the meetings of the Committee on Anti -Dumping Practices66 on 28 October 2015 and 
27 April 2016, concerns were raised  as per Table 3.18. 
Table 3.18 Concerns raised on anti -dumping practices  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Australia  
Sunset revie w on ammonium nitrate  Russian Federation  
Brazil  
Investigation on PET sheet  Peru 
Canada  
Duties imposed on oil country tubular goods  Korea, Rep. of  
Provisional duties imposed on certain hot -rolled carbon steel plates a and high - 
strength low -alloy steel  plate Russian Federation  
China  
Investigation on unbleached sack paper  European Union and Japan  
Investigation on optical fibre preforms  United States  
Investigation on acrylic fibres  Turkey  
Investigation on grain -oriented electrical steel  European Unio n and Japan  
Investigation on polyacrylonitrile fibre  Japan  
Dominican Republic  
Investigation on steel reinforcing bar  Turkey  
Egypt  
Investigation on wet wipes  Turkey  
European Union  
Measure on ammonium nitrate  Russian Federation  
Investigation on cold -rolled steel products  China and Russian Federation  
Measure on aluminium foils  Russian Federation  
India  
Procedures to complete the sunset review on cold -rolled stainless steel  United States  
Investigation on cold -rolled flat steel products, hot -rolled fl at products of alloy or 
non-alloy steel in coils and not in coils  Japan  
Investigation on seamless pipes  China  
Indonesia  
Sunset review on of hot -rolled plate  Ukraine  
Investigation on wheat flour  Turkey  
Sunset review on cold -rolled steel sheet  Japan  
Investigation on ammonium nitrate  Australia  
Israel  
Investigation on float glass  Turkey  
Japan  
Investigation on potassium hydroxide  Korea, Rep. of  
Malaysia  
Provisional measures on pre -printed or printed colour coated coils  Viet Nam  
Morocco  
Investigatio ns on hot -rolled steel sheets and refrigerators  Turkey  
Pakistan  
Investigation on cold -rolled coils and sheets  Ukraine  
Investigations on hydrogen peroxide  Turkey  
Russian Federation and Kazakhstan  
Investigations on bars and rods, ferrosilicon manganese and seamless pipes and 
tubes  Ukraine  
Thailand  
Investigation on hot -rolled non ally steel in coils and not in coils  Turkey  
                                                
66 Minutes G/ADP/M/ 49 and  G/ADP/M/ 50. WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 55 - 
 
  Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Turkey  
Investigation on hot -rolled coil  European Union  
Investigation and preliminary measure imposed on safety glass  Israel  
Investigation on biaxially oriented polypropylene films  Egypt  
Investigation on cotton  United States  
Investigation on hot -rolled coil  Japan  
Termination on 20 April 2016 of investigation on hot -rolled coil sheet  Russian Federation  
Ukraine  
Investigation on certain nitrogen fertilizers  Russian Federation  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.80.    Other additional issues and concerns were raised on : (i) recent European  Union 
investigations, including the use of the analogue country methodology ( raised by China ); 
(ii) China's upcoming expiration of Accession Protocol Section 15 (a); (iii) Colombia's and 
United  States country -wide duty practice on Chinese products ( raised by China ); (iv) the recent 
rapid increase in anti -dumping measures, especially in the steel sector ( raised b y Japan, China ); 
(v) the length of the United  States anti -dumping measures ( raised by Japan ); (vi) European  Union 
approaches in anti -dumping investigations, especially with respect to the metal and steel sector 
(raised by Russian  Federation ), (vii) United States' practice for determining the scope of the 
product under consideration ( raised by Russian  Federation ) and; (viii) India's procedures, 
transparency and due process in anti -dumping investigations ( raised by Chinese Taipei and United 
States ). 
3.81.   At the me etings of the Committee on Safeguards67, on 26 October 2015 and 25 April 2016, 
concerns were raised on specific safeguard actions as per Table 3.19. 
Table 3.19 Concerns raised at the C ommittee on Safeguards  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Chile  
Investigation on steel wire  Brazil, China,  European  Union, Mexico 
and Chinese Taipei  
Investigation on steel nails  Brazil, China, European Union, Mexico 
and Chinese Taipe i 
Investigation on steel mesh  Brazil, China, European Union, Mexico 
and Chinese Taipei  
Investigation on steel wire rod  United States  
Egypt  
Investigation on white sugar  European Union  
Investigation on PET  European Union  
Investigation on automotive ba tteries  European Union  
India  
Investigation on hot -rolled flat products of non -alloy and other alloy steel  China; European Union; Japan; Korea, 
Rep. of; Russian Federation; Chinese 
Taipei; Turkey; Ukraine, and Unites 
States  
Investigation on hot -rolled fl at sheets and plates  Brazil, European Union, Japan, Turkey 
and Ukraine  
Indonesia  
Investigation on bars and rods  European Union, Japan and Chinese 
Taipei  
Investigation on coated paper and paper board  Japan  
Jordan  
Investigation on writing and printing p aper European Union and United States  
Malaysia  
Investigation on hot -rolled coils  Japan  
Morocco  
Investigation on cold -rolled sheets and plated or coated sheets  United States  
Investigation on paper in rolls and paper in reams  European Union  
Investigati on on wire rods and reinforcing bars  European Union, Turkey and the 
United States  
Philippines  
Investigation on steel angle bars  United States  
                                                
67 Minutes G/SG/M/48 and G/SG/M/49 . WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 56 - 
 
  Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
South Africa  
Investigation on certain flat -rolled products of iron, non -alloy steel or other 
alloy steel  Brazil; European Union; Japan;  Korea, 
Rep. of; Turkey and the United Sates  
Thailand  
Investigation on hot -rolled steel flat products  India and Turkey  
Tunisia  
Investigation on ceramic tiles  European Union and Turkey  
Investigation on glass bottles  European U nion 
Investigation on MDF fibre boards  European Union  
Turkey  
Investigation on porcelain and ceramic tableware, kitchenware  European Union  
Investigation on cellular portable telephone  China; European Union; Korea, Rep. 
of; United States and Viet Nam  
Investigation on wallpaper and similar wallcoverings  European Union  
Ukraine  
Investigation on flexible porous plates, blocks and sheets of polyurethane 
foams  European Union  
Viet Nam  
Investigation on monosodium glutamate  Thailand  
Investigation on semi -finished and certain finished products of alloy and 
non-alloy steel  China, European Union and Japan  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.82.   Other issues and concerns were discussed: (i) the United States potential safeguard action 
on aluminium (Russian Federation); and (ii ) increasing number of safeguard actions taken around 
the world (Australia; Brazil; Canada; European Union; Israel; Japan; Korea,  Rep. of; Malaysia; 
Mexico; New Zealand; No rway; Pakistan; Chinese Taipei and the United States).  
3.83.   At the meeting of the Working  Party on State Trading Enterprises68 on 12 October 2015 
concerns were raised regarding (i) the operation of Canada's provincial and territorial liquor control 
authorities, differential tax treatment, variable mark -ups and selective criteria for the liberal ization 
of alcohol sales; (ii) the activities of two Indian enterprises, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing 
Corporation Limited and the Food Corporation of India; (iii) the functioning of Zespri Group 
Limited, a state trading enterprise for kiwi fruit exports maintained by New Zealand; and (iv) a 
counter -notification relating to the non -notification by China of its state trading enterprises69; 
(v) the non -notification by the Russian Federation of its state trading enterprises, including the 
non-notification of e nterprises considered by some delegations to be state trading enterprises, 
including Gazprom and the Russian United Grain Company and (vi) the overall poor level of 
compliance among Members with the notification obligations of Article XVII of GATT 1994 
regarding state trading enterprises.  
3.84.   At the Working Party meeting of 9 June 201670 new or continuing concerns were raised on 
(i)  China's notification of its state trading enterprises ( raised by Australia, European Union an d 
United  States ); (ii) Tunisia's Dire ction de la Pharmacie et du M édicament ( raised by 
European  Union ); (iii)  Canada's provincial and territorial liquor control boards ( raised by 
European  Union ); (iv) India's Food Corporation on India and Ta mil Nadu Marketing 
Corporation  Ltd. ( raised by Europ ean Union ); (v) the possible changes to New Zealand's Kiwifruit 
Export Regulations of 1999 ( raised by Chile and European Union ); (vi) the lack of notifications by 
the Russian Federation in general and the non -notification of the Russian United Grain Compan y 
(raised by European Union a nd United States ); (vi) the non -notification by the European Union of 
Alko Inc. of Finland ( raised by Russian Federation ); and (vii) the failure of the United Arab 
Emirates to submit a notification ( raised by United States ).                    
3.85.   At the meetings of the Committee on Balance -of-Payments (BOPs) Restrictions 
consultations were held with Ecuador71 and concerns were repeated by a number of Members on 
                                                
68 Minutes G/STR/M/28 . 
69 China subsequently submitted a notificat ion of its state trading enterprises on the date of the 
meeting : G/STR/N/15/CHN, G/STR/N/14/CHN, G/STR/N/13/CHN, G/STR/N/12/CHN, G/STR/N/11/CHN, and 
G/STR/N/10/CHN.  
70 Minutes G/STR/M/29.  
71 Meetings of 16 October 2015, 17 February 2016 and 23 June 2016. Con sultations in the BOP 
Committee on Ecuador's measures are scheduled to continue in November 2016.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 57 - 
 
  the introduction of an import surcharge for BOP purposes, although some Members expressed 
support for the measures.  
3.86.   At the meetings of the Council for Trade in Services  (CTS)72 on 18  March and 17  June 2016, 
concerns were raised about regulatory measures that impede Mode 4 access to the United States, 
Canada and the United Kingd om (raised by India). At those same meetings, and again at the CTS 
meeting held on 10  October  2016, concerns were repeated about certain measures related to 
Ukraine's reforms of its Unified Gas Transportation System ( raised by Russian Federation ).  These 
concerns were first mentioned in November 2014, and have been restated at all subsequent 
regular meetings of the Council for Trade in Services.73    
3.87.   In the Committee on Trade and Development  (CTD), LDCs raised concerns with regard to 
the implementation of th e duty -free and quota -free (DFQF) market access decision for LDCs. A 
proposal was submitted by Benin, on behalf of the LDC Group, on the draft terms of reference for 
a Secretariat study on DFQF implementation.74 In the CTD's Dedicated Session on Small 
Econo mies, trade concerns were expressed on how small and vulnerable economies could better 
integrate into global value chains in goods and services trade.75    
3.88.   At the meeting of the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE)  on 6 October 2015, 
discussions continu ed on the effect of environmental measures on market access, including in 
relation to measures aimed at fighting IUU fishing. In this context, several delegations76 
underscored the environmental and socio -economic impacts of IUU fishing, while urging Member s 
to take the interests of developing country exporters into consideration in their measures to 
combat IUU fishing. At the 30 June 2016 CTE meeting77 discussions continued on the effect of 
environmental measures on market access. In this context, some deleg ations expressed the 
concern that such measures, including certain certification schemes and other technical 
requirements could have a negative impact on developing countries, in particular for SMEs . 
3.89.   The above Section shows that WTO Members continue to use  a wide range of WTO bodies to 
raise trade concerns. A larger number of trade concerns on measures implemented by WTO 
Members were raised during the review period compared to the same period last year, in particular 
in the Council for Trade in Goods, the C ommittee on Market Access, the Committee on 
Anti-Dumping Practices , the Committee on Safeguards and the Committee on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures . Several measures were raised in more than one WTO body during the 
review period , perhaps suggest ing that the trade concerns raised involve increasingly complex and 
cross-cutting issues. This may also provide an indication that WTO Members are soliciting multiple 
platforms within the WTO committee structure to address various aspects of such trade concern s. 
From a systemic point of view this is significant because of the increased transparency which it 
brings, but also because it demonstrates that Members are actively utilizing the WTO Committees 
to constructively engage trading partners on potential areas  of trade friction.  
3.6  Policy Developments in Agriculture  
3.90.   The Committee on Agriculture (CoA) provides a forum for Members to discuss matters 
related to agriculture trade and to consult on matters relating to the Members' implementation of 
commitments under th e Agreement on Agriculture ( AoA), including rules -based commitments. The 
review work by the CoA is based on notifications Members make on their commitments. There is 
also a provision in Article 18.6 that allows Members to raise any matter relevant to the 
implementation of the commitments under the AoA.  
3.91.   In the framework of the CoA meeting s in March , June and September 2016 , Members posed 
a total of 283 questions, including both questions on individual notifications and under Art icle 18.6, 
                                                
72 Document S/C/M/126, S/C/M/127 and S/C/M/128 (forthcoming) . 
73 Documents S/C/M/122 to 124.  
74 Meetings of 16 March and 8 July 2016, Minutes WT/COMTD/M/98 and W T/COMTD/M/99 
(forthcoming). The submission by the LDC Group was considered at the meeting of 8 July 2016, but the terms 
of reference for the proposed Secretariat study have yet to be approved by the Committee.  
75 Meetings of 29 October 2015, 9 March and 12 July 2016, Minutes WT/COMTD/SE/M/30, 
WT/COMTD/SE/M/31 and WT/COMTD/SE/M/32.  
76 See Annual Report 2015, WT/CTE/22, paragraph 20.  
77 Minutes WT/CTE/M/61.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 58 - 
 
  with a large numbe r of the se questions directed at issues related to domestic support notifications 
or implementation of domestic support commitments.  
3.92.   In total, 13 Members raised 108 questions on 57 impleme ntation -related issues 
(Article  18.6) in the March, June and Septem ber 2016 CoA  meeting s. As can be seen in  
Chart  3.17, the average number of questions raised under Article 18.6  per meeting has been 
increasing since 2011 reaching an all -time high in 2016 with an average of 36 questions per 
meeting with a total of 108 ques tions this year so far . These numbers include questions that were 
repeated from one meeting to the next because responses were not provided in the relevant time -
frames.  
Chart 3.17 Average number of questions r aised under Article 18.6 per meeting 
(1995 -2016a)  
010203040Chart x.[2]Agri
Average number of questions raised under Article 18.6 per meeting (1995 -
2016a)
Source:  WTO Secretariat.a   Until 14 September 2016.
 
a Data for 201 6 relating to the CoA's March, June and September meeting s. 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.93.   Out of the 57 implementation -related issues raised in the CoA during  the review period, 
45 issues were d iscussed for the first time, whereas the remaining issues had been discussed one 
or more times in previous years under matters raised under Article 18.6. Table 3.20 indicates the 
specific issues relating to implementation commitme nts that were discussed for the first time in 
the CoA during the March , June and September 2016 meeting s. The complete questions, and 
answers, can be accessed through the Agriculture Information Management System  (AG IMS) by 
using the ID numbers provided i n the table .78  
3.94.   During the reported period, Canada's wine sale policy and its new milk ingredient class as 
well as the European Union's agriculture policy garnered considerable scrutiny from the 
membership. Close to half of the new issues  raised in the Marc h, September and June 2016 CoA 
meetings related to domestic support policies. Measures benefiting producers of cotton, dairy, rice, 
sugar, soybeans and the ornamental horticulture industry were questioned. Members also 
requested clarification on insurance schemes allegedly implemented by Australia and India. 
Similarly, questions were raised regarding agricultural policies of a general scope ( e.g. China's 
                                                
78 In the AG IMS ( http://agims.wto.org/ ) select the function "Search Q&A Submitted Since 1995 " and 
input the ID number of the question concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 59 - 
 
  agriculture policy, Turkey's domestic support policy and U .S. farm support programmes) . Market 
access wa s another area of interest to Members where they raised  questions on measures that 
restricted , or had the potential to restrict, the trade of agricultural  product s (e.g. Australia's 
Biosecurity Act, France's Amendment No. 367 to the proposed law on biodive rsity, Peru's price 
band system , Tanzania's restrictions on sugar imports and the Russian Federation's  trade 
measures affecting Ukrainian transit of agricultural products to Kazakhstan ). There were eight 
questions raised to seek clarification in the area o f export subsidies (e.g. European Union's export 
subsidies, Pakistan's export subsidies for sugar exports, Turkey's  fruit and vegetable export 
subsidies  and Zambia's public stocks and exports of maize). In the area of export restrictions and 
prohibitions, Members requested Argentina to provide additional information regarding its 
commodity and grain export policies.  
Table 3.20 Article 18.6 new issues  
Question Summary  Question raised 
by Products  Number of 
quest ions CoA 
Meetings  ID number  
Canada's new milk 
ingredient class  Australia, India, 
New Zealand, 
United States  Dairy, milk, milk 
powders, butter, cheese, 
other  8 79, 80, 81  81001, 81009, 
81049, 81054, 
81055, 81056, 
80003, 80005, 
80006, 80025, 
79035  
Canada's  wine sale 
policy  Australia, European 
Union, New 
Zealand, United 
States  Alcoholic  8 79, 80, 81  81003, 81011, 
81024, 81046, 
81097, 80008, 
80009, 80094, 
80095, 79003  
European Union's 
agriculture policies  Australia, India, 
New Zealand  Dairy, milk, milk 
powd ers, butter, cheese, 
other, bovine, swine,  5 80, 81  81005, 81058, 
81060, 81061, 
80010  
India's new crop 
insurance scheme  Canada, European 
Union    3 79, 80  80068, 79024, 
79051  
Japan's MARUKIN 
Stabilization Programme  European Union  Swine  2 79 79025, 79052  
Moldova's poultry tariffs  United States  Poultry  2 80, 81  81014, 80028  
Russian Federation's 
measures affecting 
Ukrainian transit of 
agricultural products to 
Kazakhstan  Ukraine    2 79, 80  80065, 79084  
Thailand's export of rice 
from government stocks  European Union  Rice 2 80, 81  81031, 80045  
Turkey's fruit and 
vegetable export 
subsidies  European Union  Fruit and vegetables, 
fresh vegetables, 
processed vegetables, 
roots and tubers, fruit, 
nuts, processed fruit or 
nuts, fruit and vegetable 
beverages  2 79, 80 80056, 79031  
Turkey's rice support  European Union  Rice 2 79, 80  80052, 79029  
Turkey's support scheme 
to certain agricultural 
sectors  European Union  Fruit 2 79, 80  80049, 79026  
U.S. New Cotton Ginning 
Cost Share programme  Brazil, India  Cotton  2 80, 81  81069, 80096  
U.S. soybean 
programmes  Brazil  Fresh vegetables, seeds  2 79, 81  81098, 79095  
Argentina's commodity 
and grain export policy  European Union  Coarse grains  1 80 80031  
Argentina's support for 
dairy producers  European Union  Dairy, milk, milk 
powd ers, butter, cheese, 
other  1 80 80032  
Argentina's tax policies  Ukraine    1 80 80059  
Australia's Biosecurity 
Act of 2015  India   1 81 81045  
Australia's Farm 
Insurance Advice 
Scheme  India   1 79 79085  
Brazil's soft loans to 
sugar cane growers for 
cane pl anting  European Union  Sugar, cane or beet 
sugar, other  1 80 80033  
Canada's Growing 
Forward policy 
framework  India   1 81 81047  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Question Summary  Question raised 
by Products  Number of 
quest ions CoA 
Meetings  ID number  
Canada's STE notification 
on dairy products  New Zealand, 
United States of 
America  Dairy, milk, milk 
powders, butter, cheese, 
other 1 81 81010, 81096  
Canada's support for the 
ornamental horticulture 
industry  India   1 81 81048  
China's Agriculture Policy  Canada  Cereals, wheat, corn, 
rice, malt, coarse grains  1 79 79030  
China's decision to end 
corn floor price  European Union  Corn 1 80 80036  
China's environmental 
programmes  Australia    1 81 81050  
China's regional 
assistance programmes  Australia    1 81 81053  
European Union's export 
subsidies  Japan    1 80 80013  
France's amendment No. 
367 to the proposed law 
on biodiversity  Indones ia   1 79 79066  
Japan's Act on price 
adjustment of sugar and 
starch  European Union  Sugar, cane or beet 
sugar, other  1 80 80042  
Malaysia's Table ES:2 
notification  European Union  Eggs 1 81 81027  
Pakistan's export subsidy 
for sugar exports  European Union  Sugar, cane or beet 
sugar, other 1 81 81028  
Pakistan's increase on 
import duties on milk 
powder including whey  European Union  Milk powders  1 81 81030  
Peru's price band system  Brazil    1 79 79094  
Statement by the 
European Union on 
consultations under 
Article 5.7  European Union  Butter  1 79 79034  
Tanzania’s restriction on 
sugar imports  Thailand  Sugar, cane or beet 
sugar, Other  1 81 81021  
Thailand's rice policies  United States  Rice 1 79 79005  
Turkey's domestic 
support policies  Canada    1 81 81064  
Turkey' s subsidies aimed 
at incentivising the use 
of domestic dairy  New Zealand  Dairy, milk, milk 
powders, butter, cheese, 
Other  1 81 81065  
U.S. Farm Support 
Programmes  India   1 79 79086  
U.S. Global Food 
Security Act  India   1 81 81067  
U.S. increase in sugar 
TRQ India Sugar, Cane or beet 
sugar, Other  1 81 81068  
U.S. Price Loss Coverage 
and Agriculture Risk 
Coverage programmes  India   1 81 81070  
U.S. purchase of cheese 
stock  Australia  Cheese  1 81 81066  
Viet Nam 's increase of 
excise duties for wine 
and spirit s European Union  Alcoholic  1 81 81032  
Zambia's public stocks 
and exports of maize  European Union  Corn 1 81 81033  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.95.   Other measures that were discussed related to follow -up questions on persistent areas of 
concern.  A number of these issues have been raised in the CoA more than 21 times with as many 
as 31 questions (e.g. Costa Rica's compliance with AMS commitments). In the September 2016 
CoA meeting, Costa Rica noted, in  response to the U .S. reiterated concern regarding its continued  
lack of compliance with its AMS commitments, that it had submitted its domestic support 
notification for 2015 where it showed domestic support values well below its AMS commitments. 
Brazil faced for the sixteenth time requests for data on domestic and int ernational shipments of 
particular products made as part of two of its domestic support programmes. Similarly, India's 
sugar export subsidies and Turkey's destination of wheat flour sales were the subject of 
questioning in the CoA for the twelfth and ninth  time, respectively. Other issues subject to 
considerable scrutiny were Canada's tariff -rate quota for cheese, Turkey's domestic support and 
export subsidies, and India's importation of apples ( Table 3.21). WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Table 3.21 Questions previously raised under Article 18.6   
Question 
Summary  Question 
raised by  Products  Number 
of 
questions  Number  of 
CoA 
meetings in 
which the 
issue was 
discussed  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
Costa Rica's 
compliance wit h 
AMS 
commitments  Canada, 
European 
Union, United 
States  Rice 31 21 61, 62, 
63, 64, 
65, 66, 
67, 68, 
69, 70, 
71, 72, 
73, 74, 
75, 76, 
77, 78, 
79, 80, 
81 81012, 80026, 79004, 
78005, 77002, 77070, 
76052, 75031, 75059, 
74023, 73002, 73037, 
72005, 72050, 71030, 
70008, 69028, 69029, 
68008, 68022, 67006, 
67007, 66003, 66004, 
65002, 65003, 64002, 
64003, 63008, 62007, 
61004  
India's sugar 
export 
subsidies  Australia, 
Brazil, 
Colombia, 
European 
Union, 
Thailand,  Sugar, cane or 
beet sugar, 
other 21 12 50, 51, 
52, 73, 
74, 75, 
76, 77, 
78, 79, 
80,  81  81025, 81062, 80011, 
80037, 79023, 79047, 
78016, 78017, 77035, 
77044, 76016, 76025, 
76050, 75028, 74007, 
74055, 73036, 73055, 
73067, 73068, 52005, 
51001, 50003  
Brazil's 
domestic 
support 
programmes  United States  Wheat, corn, 
rice, malt, 
coarse grains, 
cotton  16 16 65, 66, 
68, 69, 
70, 71, 
72, 73, 
74, 75, 
76, 77, 
78, 79, 
80, 81  81008, 80024, 79001, 
78002, 77066, 76039, 
75023, 74021, 73026, 
72051, 71028, 70007, 
69027, 68007, 66002, 
65011  
Turkey's 
destination of 
wheat flour sale  United States  Wheat  11 10 71, 72, 
73, 75, 
76, 77, 
78, 79, 
80, 81  81015, 80029, 79033, 
78008, 77071, 75001, 
75037, 73042, 72057, 
71034  
Turkey's 
domestic 
support and 
export 
subsidies  Japan, 
European 
Union, New 
Zealand  Fruit 9 7 73, 74, 
75, 77, 
78, 79, 
80 80012, 80017, 80048, 
79027, 78044, 77047, 
75069, 74020, 73056  
India's 
importation of 
apples  Chile, 
European 
Union, New 
Zealand, 
United States  Fruit 7 4 78, 79, 
80, 81  81006, 80014, 79067, 
78084, 78085, 78086, 
78088  
Canada's 
compositional 
standard for 
cheese Australia, New 
Zealand  Dairy, milk, 
milk powders, 
butter, cheese, 
other 6 6 48, 49, 
50, 51, 
80, 81  81002, 80004, 51003, 
50001, 49002, 48010  
Canada's tariff -
rate quota for 
cheese  New Zealand, 
Norway, 
Switzerland, 
United States  Cheese  6 5 75, 76, 
77, 80, 
81 81004, 81051, 81052, 
80001, 80002, 80007, 
77037, 77001, 76023, 
75026  
Sri Lanka's 
increase in milk 
powder tariffs  Australia,  
New Zealand  Dairy, milk, 
milk powders, 
butter, cheese, 
other 5 3 78, 80, 
81 81007, 81063, 80016, 
78001, 78022  
India's expor t 
assistance 
programmes  United States  Meat, bovine, 
swine, sheep 
and goat, 
poultry, horses, 
other, milk, 
sugar, cane or 
beet sugar, 
other 4 4 78, 79, 
80, 81  81013, 80027, 79002, 
78007  
China's maize 
subsidies  European 
Union  Corn 3 3 77, 78, 
79 79022, 7801 5, 77043  
European 
Union's dairy 
policies  Australia,  
New Zealand  Dairy, milk, 
milk powders, 
butter, cheese, 
other 2 2 78, 79  79032, 78078  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  3.7  General Economic Support79 
3.96.   According to information provided to the Secretariat or obtained through other sources, 112 
new general economic support measures were put in place by WTO Members  during the review 
period. This corresponds to  a monthly average of nine  measures , a slight decrease compared to 
the monthly average of 11 new measures recorde d in the previous annual  report  at the end of 
2015.80 Out of the 11 2 new measures, 25  were not confirmed by the Members concerned.  
3.97.   Annex 4 covers various economic support measures targeting specific sectors and 
industries, or multiple sectors. The main ben eficiaries of economic support measures recorded 
during the review period included large -scale, multi -sector financial aid covering various sectors 
such as agriculture, forestry, construction , medical /pharmaceutical . Several programmes provided 
support to agriculture  and food, and in particular the dairy sector, followed by aid schemes or 
measures supporting energy, transport and infrastructure programmes. A number of programmes 
provided specific support to SMEs and to export -related activities or enterpris es. Others included 
import -related support, domestic content programmes and consumer credit measures. A number 
of programmes recorded during the review period were of a temporary nature and some included  
the reduction of subsidies.  
3.98.   Gathering and verifying information on general economic support measures continues to 
represent a significant challenge . The number of WTO Members that provided information on new 
general economic support measures implemented during the review period remained low  and the 
lack of active participation by WTO Members in providing relevant information on s uch support 
remains a concern . For the verification exercise, the WTO Secretariat reverted to  a large number 
of WTO Members for their confirmation of such measures, including many ob tained from other 
official sources. Several WTO Members requested that some of the measures relating to  support 
programmes in their economies not be included in this monitorin g report.  
3.99.   Thus, it is important to emphasise that Annex 4 of this report seeks t o cover all general 
economic support measures which may have potentially important trade -related effects. However, 
it is imperative to recognize that it is far from straightforward to unambiguously determine 
whether some measures are in fact impacting trad e flows. This is an important difference between 
the current situation and the immediate aftermath of the onset of the financial crisis in 2008 where 
several subsidy programme s included features which had real potential to curb international trade.   
Gener al Economic Support Measures since 2008  
3.100.   The following Section takes a closer look at the trends that have characterized the general 
economic support measures captured by the monitoring reports since October 2008.  
3.101.   A total of 84 9 general economic support me asures have been recorded by the WTO 
Secretariat since the beginning of the monitoring exercise. A quarter of these measures were 
introduced in direct response to the financial crisis. As of November 2009, the implementation of 
new general economic support  measures decelerated substantially ( Chart 3.18). In the period 
under review, the monthly average of nine new measures resulted in a slight decrease compar ed 
to the monthly average quoted in the last annual report,  but still remained the third -highest since 
the beginning of the monitoring exercise.   
                                                
79 Measures in Annex 4 are not included in the overall number of trade measures reported in Section  3.1 
of the monitoring reports, nor in the trade monitoring database. T he numeri cal counting of general economic 
support measures and programmes does not provide any indication regarding the extent of these measures , 
nor their potential impact.  
80 WT/TPR/OV/18 of 17 November 2015.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 63 - 
 
  Chart 3.18 General economic support measures  
(average per month)  
18
8
7
6
5611
9
02468101214161820
Oct 08 - Oct 09 Nov 09 - mid-
Oct 10mid-Oct 10 -
mid-Oct 11mid-Oct 11 -
mid-Oct 12mid-Oct 12 -
mid-Nov13mid-Nov 13 -
mid-Oct 14mid-Oct 14 -
mid-Oct 15mid-Oct 15 -
mid-Oct 16Chart 3.19
General economic support measures (average per month)
Source:   WTO Secretariat.(Average per month)
Note:   Values have been rounded.
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.102.   According to information recorded by the WTO Secretariat, large -scale, multi -sector or 
economy -wide stimulus packages constitute the bulk of general economic support measures 
introduced by WTO Members since October 2008. These types of measures were extensive ly used 
during the first three years of the monitoring exercise. Multi -sector measures have been 
traditionally very broad and can cover, simultaneously and under one programme , a diverse range 
of sectors from agriculture and forestry to medical and shipbui lding.  Separately, the banking and 
financial sectors received a very significant share of the general economic support in 2008 -2009. 
These subsidies were all but eliminated in the following years.  
3.103.   The agriculture and food sectors have been the second  largest recipient of general 
economic support measures. A variety of objectives are covered by these measures, including 
long-term improvements in productivity, incentive packages through tax breaks and preferential 
credit lines.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 64 - 
 
  Chart 3.19 Sectors covered by economic support measures, October 2008 – 
mid-October  2016  
(% share of total number of measures ) 
Multi -sector
28%
Agriculture
& Food
16%
Banking
& finance
9%Automotive
8%SMEs
7%Energy
4%Transport
3%Other
25%
Source: WTO Secretariat.Chart 3.20
Share of economic support measures, Oct. 2008 -Oct. 2016
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.104.   WTO Members have provided regular support to the automotive sector  since the beginnin g 
of the monitoring exercise.  SMEs have also been the beneficiaries of economic support measures, 
with aid schemes, credit guarantee programmes, incentive packages and improved access to 
investment and capital, representing the more prevalent assistance p rovided.  Other sectors which 
have received general economic support include the energy and the transport sectors. The 
remaining areas of support cover, amongst others, manufacturing (other than SMEs), 
infrastructure, construction, export credits, telecommu nications and investment.  
3.105.   Typically, general economic support measures have been temporary in character. This is 
especially the case for those general economic support measures that were introduced in response 
to the financial crisis . Based on the availabl e information, the general economic support measures 
that have been reduced or eliminated, aside from the financial and credit sectors, are mostly found 
in the energy, food and agriculture sectors . A noteworthy example is the reduction in 2015 -2016 
by seve ral countries of  various fuel  price support schemes , likely in response to the fall in the price 
of oil.  
3.106.   There is little doubt that the universe of general economic support measures provided by 
WTO Members is much greater than what this exercise has been able to record. Similarly, it has 
been clear from the very beginning of the monitoring exercise that the number of such measures 
recorded is very much a function of the transparency which surrounds the granting of subsidies in 
individual Members. Transpare ncy is a prerequisite for providing a balanced account of the overall 
number of general economic support measures introduced and it remains that some Members 
have featured more frequently in Annex 4 because of such transparency, despite the fact that 
many other Members  have applied similar measures.  
3.107.   General economic support measures will likely remain attractive to governments, 
particularly for strategic sectors, despite the often significant financial cost of such programmes. 
Subsidy programmes do not per se impact on trade. However, because of their potential to be 
trade distorting, guidance from WTO Members on how the trade monitoring report might better 
capture such trade effects would be welcome.  
3.8  Overview of Trade Policy Reviews  
3.108.   Between mid -October 20 15 and mid -October 2016, 2 6 Trade Policy Reviews (TPRs) were 
undertaken. The TPRs provided the WTO membership with a better understanding of trade and WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 65 - 
 
  economic developments in each of the Members reviewed and constitute a fora for constructive 
and insightf ul discussions among participants.81 
Table 3.22 Trade Policy Reviews from mid -October 2015 to mid -October 2016 - summary 
tariff indicators  
 Simple applied average (%)  Duty 
freea Non- 
ad valorema Total  WTO 
agriculture  WTO non -
agriculture  
SACU (2015)  8.3 9.9 8.0 55.7 3.8 
Jordan (2015)  10.2 16.8 9.1 52.4 0.1 
Thailand (2015)  13.4 34.7 10.1 17.6 7.8 
Haiti (FY2014/15)  4.9 8.6 4.4 44.2 0.0 
Georgia (2015)  2.0 6.7 0.8 79.6 4.5 
Morocco (2015)  12.5 30.0 9.5 0.1 0.2 
Fiji (2015)  11.2 12.5 11.0 4.3 4.5 
Turkey (2015)  12.8 49.0 5.5 23.5 1.7 
Maldives (2015 )b 6.0 22.5 2.4 67.0 3.9 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of (2015)  5.2 5.9 5.1 11.0 1.5 
Ukraine (2015)  4.9 9.6 3.6 37.9 1.0 
Malawi (FY2015/16)  12.7 18.8 11.6 31.7 0.0 
Honduras (2015)  5.9 10.7 5.1 48.1 0.1 
Albania (2015)  4.2 8.7 3.0 48.6 0.0 
United Arab Emirates (2015)  4.7 5.5 4.5 11.2 0.3 
Zambia (2016)  12.9 18.9 11.9 29.9 2.2 
Tunisia (2016)  14.1 32.1 9.6 46.6 0.0 
China (2015)  9.5 13.8 8.6 9.7 0.5 
Singapore (2016)  0.0c 0.0c 0.0 99.9 0.1 
El Salvador (2015)  6.3 12.5 5.2 47.8 0.0 
Russian Federation (2016)  8.3 14.6 6.5 16.0 14.8 
Korea, Rep. of (2016)  14.1 60.0 6.6 15.9 0.8 
a    % of total tariff lines.  
b    As of end -October.  
c    ITA For six tariff lines a specific ra te is applied.  
Note:  Calculations are based on national tariff line levels; including AVEs as available, in case of 
unavailability  the ad valorem  part of alternate and compound rates is included; excluding in -quota 
rates.  Figure s in brackets refer to the y ear of the tariff schedule applied.  
Source:  WTO calculations, based on data received by the authorities.  
Southern African Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and 
Swaziland ): 4 and 6  November  2015  
3.109.   Members praised the SACU States for th eir commitment to the multilateral trading system 
and their active participation in the WTO. Botswana was particularly applauded by Members for 
having ratified the Amendment of the TRIPS Agreement on Public Health, as well as the TFA, and 
for its timely no tification of its Category A commitments. Lesotho82, Namibia, South  Africa and 
Swaziland were encouraged to follow suit. Members noted that SACU's common trade regime had 
remained broadly unchanged since 2009. The areas so far harmonized were mostly customs -
related, including tariffs, other border taxes and trade remedies. The SACU States were urged to 
pursue their trade liberalization reforms, to address the high level of inequalities within and 
between their economies and to improve the implementation of t heir multilateral commitments on 
goods and services. The five countries were also encouraged to ensure that their RTAs were 
consistent with WTO provisions, to comply with their notification obligations - particularly in the 
areas of SPS, TBT and import lic ensing - and to improve their business environments. South Africa 
was encouraged to expedite its technical evaluation process on imported electro -technical products 
so as to limit administrative delays.   
3.110.   Some delegations raised concerns regarding declinin g Government revenue in some SACU 
countries, particularly those for which the Common Revenue Pool was very important. The 
complexity of the SACU Common External Tariff (CET) and its high rates on selected products was 
                                                
81 The summaries provided in this Section draw on the Ch air's concluding remarks for each of the Trade 
Policy Reviews.  
82 Lesotho ratified the TFA on 4 January 2016.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 66 - 
 
  also a source of concern for delegatio ns. Members enquired about the WTO compliance of the 
SACU CET non -ad valorem  rates, while SACU States have individually bound their tariffs at ad 
valorem  rates only. Delegations expressed interest in current regional initiatives in the SACU non -
harmonized areas, the implementation and benefits accrued from SACU states' RTAs, especially in 
the framework of SADC and the EPA with the E uropean Union, the implementation of the 2002 
SACU Agreement, including the operationalization of SACU institutions, SACU's pla n to review its 
revenue sharing mechanism, and the relatively large number of anti -dumping measures taken by 
SACU during the review period. In the area of mining, information was sought on the mining 
policies implemented by each of the countries - in parti cular, the administration of mining permits, 
assessment of their environmental dimensions and foreign participation. Members sought 
clarification on the consistency with the WTO SPS Agreement of some import requirements 
imposed by South Africa on animal pr oducts and about the administration of tariff quotas on a list 
of agricultural products.  
Jordan: 17  and 19  November  2015  
3.111.   Delegations praised Jordan's commitment to the WTO and the multilateral trading system, 
acknowledging in particular Jordan's construct ive role in the DDA negotiations, i.e. its leadership 
role as former coordinator of the Arab Group and as current coordinator of the Asian Group of 
Developing Countries.  They welcomed the notification of Jordan's Category A commitments under 
the TFA a nd th e adoption of measures such as the Golden List, single window, single point of 
contact to license investment activities in Jordan and the implementation of ASYCUDA World.  Many 
saluted the negotiations Jordan had undertaken towards accession to the GPA and encouraged 
Jordan to ratify the TFA. Delegations further commended Jordan for the resilience of its economy 
despite adverse circumstances  relating, inter alia,  to the global economic crisis, regional conflict, 
influx of refugees, decline in tourism, fall i n remittances receipts and disruption of gas flows. They 
applauded the Government for its macroeconomic policies and its planning for future growth as set 
out in the Jordan 2025 National Vision and Strategy, which would help to stimulate economic 
growth an d social inclusiveness, including gender equality. Several delegations additionally took 
positive note of the recent enactments of the Investment Law, Customs Law, Income Tax Law, 
Competition Law, Public Private Partnership Law and the simplification of pu blic procurement rules 
that would improve the competiveness and transparency of the economy and trade environment. 
Members supported Jordan's request for a three -year extension in order to phase out an export 
subsidy programme  that is currently under discu ssion in the CTG.  
3.112.   Notwithstanding the positive trends recorded in these areas, Members urged Jordan to 
further remove restrictions on foreign investment, promote protection and enforcement of IP rights 
and reduce tariff and non -tariff measures. While Jorda n's performance in the agriculture sector 
was praised, Members underscored the insufficient water supply and encouraged the Government 
to develop a more sustainable agriculture strategy. Participants also sought additional information 
on land ownership res trictions, minimum capital requirements, equity ownership restrictions, 
restrictions on foreign investment in certain service sectors, such as wholesale and retail trade, 
safeguard measures on A4 writing and printing paper, the import processing fee, some SPS 
measures and the acceptance of test certificates for certain go ods from the country of export.  
Thailand: 24  and 26  November  2015  
3.113.   Members commended Thailand's commitment to the multilateral trading system and its 
active participation in the DDA negotia tions, including in the expansion of the ITA. Its recent 
ratification of the TFA, observer status to the Committee on GPA and the granting of Duty Free 
Quota Free treatment to LDCs, as well as the intention to accept the Protocol of Amendment to the 
TRIPS Agreement by MC10, were widely appreciated. Members took positive note of Thailand's 
trade facilitation initiatives, including the signature of the Revised Kyoto Convention. Several 
Members raised Thailand's increased involvement in RTAs and expressed the hope that these 
schemes would contribute to further enhancing trade under the multilateral trading system. 
Members congratulated Thailand for its macro -economic policy mix that served to ensure the 
resilience of its outward -oriented economy and to maintain  financial stability despite continued 
endogenous and exogenous challenges relating to, inter alia, lower domestic spending, an ageing 
population, rising labour costs, limited production capacity in high technology and political issues. 
Several delegations  commended Thailand's unilateral lowering of tariffs on certain products.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  3.114.   Notwithstanding these positive trends, Members also pointed towards areas where 
Thailand could improve its trade policies and practices. They made recommendations for Thailand 
to avo id the "middle income trap" and promote growth. These involved, inter alia , considering 
options for reducing state involvement in the economy, removing existing FDI restrictions, 
developing transport infrastructure, focusing on a digital economy, moving ma nufacturing capacity 
up the value chain and pursuing structural reforms in areas such as taxation, competition policy, 
state-owned enterprises and transparency. Some Members urged Thailand to make amendments 
to improve its complex tariff structure. Others pressed for Thailand to improve the enforcement of 
its competition legislation and address issues relating to price controls. Some delegations 
welcomed action to strengthen Thailand's IP rights regime, but expressed concern about its 
enforcement. They enco uraged the Government to address and prioritize longstanding challenges 
including the patent applications backlog. A few delegations encouraged Thailand to review and 
simplify its allegedly discretionary excise taxes on alcoholic beverages and automobiles.  A few 
Members encouraged Thailand to review some of its SPS and TBT measures, to make greater use 
of international standards and recognize disease - and pest -free areas. They noted that TBT and 
SPS measures on, for example, ceramic tiles, ractopamine maxim um residue limits, beef and 
poultry requirements, food inspection fees and alcoholic beverage labelling, as well as import 
licensing requirements for automotive tyres, remained more restrictive than necessary. Some 
delegations also urged Thailand to move t owards a more liberal trade regime for agricultural 
products as, despite its global competitiveness, Thailand's agriculture remained protected with 
particularly high tariffs, TRQs, special safeguards, significant domestic support spending and other 
behind the border barriers. In the area of services, Thailand was encouraged to promote 
sustainable growth by furthering multilateral liberalization in banking, insurance, 
telecommunications, real estate and professional services. Thailand's intensified recourse to 
safeguard measures  was noted by several  Members. Some delegations also encouraged Thailand 
to improve its WTO notification record.  
Haiti: 2  and 4  December  2015  
3.115.   Delegations congratulated Haiti on its success in maintaining macroeconomic stability and 
welcomed the country's objective to achieve the status of an emerging economy by 2030. They 
praised Haiti's efforts to improve the business climate, taking particular note of the "Haiti is open 
for business" campaign. Members also observed that overall tarif f protection remained relatively 
low although some tariffs had been increased since the last review. Concerns were expressed 
about the impact of natural disasters, such as the devastating earthquake in 2010, droughts and 
hurricanes, on economic growth. In this context, Members recalled various bilateral initiatives that 
had been taken over the past years to assist the people of Haiti. They also took note of structural 
obstacles which prevented achieving more dynamic growth, including a weak infrastructure, 
electricity shortages, limited access to credit and a downturn in external funding.  
3.116.   Members encouraged the Government to improve the country's business environment by 
modernizing business -related legislation i.e. the Commercial Code, reinforcing governanc e and 
ensuring long -term food security. To promote economic stability and growth, Haiti was also 
encouraged to diversify its exports with respect to destination markets as well as products, to 
engage in the necessary reforms to enhance competitiveness, to ratify the TFA and to adopt WTO 
customs valuation rules. Areas of particular concern to Members were Haiti's import licensing 
procedures and various fees and charges applied on imports that resulted in higher import costs. 
Enquires were made about Haiti's plans to align its tariff lines with the CARICOM common external 
tariff and to join CARICOM's single market. Similarly, several delegations requested further 
clarification on clearance times at customs, discriminatory taxation of imported and domestic 
products, high port fees, energy subsidies, legislation in the mining sector, fishing rights, WTO 
notifications, the delay in implementation of certain trade -related legislation, in particular IP rights 
and plans to formalize trade with the Dominican Republic.  
Georgia: 19  and 21  January  2016  
3.117.   Georgia's trade openness and its commitment to the multilateral system were highlighted 
during the Review. Members commended Georgia for the ratification of the TFA, which would 
strengthen Georgia's role as a trade transit  corridor in the region, and its notification of Category 
A, B and C commitments. Members noted Georgia's observer status to the GPA and its current 
efforts towards joining this Agreement. Members also welcomed the announcement that Georgia WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  was considering  becoming party to the expanded ITA, which would constitute a significant step 
forward for attracting further investment. Georgia's efforts to integrate into the world economy, as 
evidenced by the progressive liberalization of its trade regime and its acti ve participation in 
numerous multilateral, regional and bilateral trade agreements, were applauded. Members noted 
that Georgia's economy had performed well in recent years, as it continued to meet the challenges 
posed by the slowing economies of its main t rading partners and the depreciation of their 
currencies. Georgia's resilience was demonstrated by a relatively healthy GDP growth rate, a good 
and improving international ranking in terms of ease of doing business and prudent 
macroeconomic policies. In th is context, Members commended Georgia for its open, transparent 
and predictable trade and investment regimes. They underscored that Georgia's customs 
procedures had been simplified and that the Georgian MFN tariff rate of 2% was one of the lowest 
in the wo rld, with almost 80% of imports were duty free. Georgia had also undertaken reform 
initiatives aimed at streamlining, liberalizing and simplifying trade regulations and their 
implementation, as part of the commitment of the Georgian government towards alig ning its 
legislative and regulatory framework to that of the European Union. Some Members expressed the 
view that WTO -consistent implementation of the commitments in the Association Agreement with 
the European Union , including provisions of the Deep and Co mprehensive Free Trade Agreement, 
would serve to improve Georgia's trade and investment environment.  
3.118.   While there were many positive trade and economic developments during the review 
period, Members in their statements and written questions had concerns th at reduced exports and 
remittances have led to increasing external vulnerability, and that further structural reforms were 
required in order to strengthen Georgia's resilience to shocks, attract additional foreign direct 
investment, diversify its industria l production, improve productivity and increase exports. In the 
area of tourism Members highlighted that, while the tourism sector had performed well in recent 
years, there was further potential for growth. On SPS, Members were interested in discussing how  
Georgia would bring its regulatory system on food safety into compliance with the SPS Agreement. 
Georgia was encouraged to advance the regulatory framework and infrastructure for animal health 
control and to improve efficiency, hygiene and quality standar ds in agro -processing. Enquires to 
Georgia from Members included the issue of auctions for spectrum allocation in 
telecommunications, aspects of the new Tax Code affecting investors in Georgia, and technical 
issues regarding the launch of an e -visa portal for tourists wishing to visit Georgia.  
Morocco: 2  and 4  February  2016  
3.119.   Members praised Morocco's strong support of the WTO and congratulated Morocco for its 
social and economic development since 2009, high investment to GDP ratio and the contribution of 
foreign direct investment to economic growth in recent years. It was noted that Morocco currently 
ranks among the world’s leading exporters of, inter alia , automotive products, tourism services 
and horticultural products. Recent economic and structural refor ms to improve its business 
environment were raised. In the area of trade facilitation, Morocco had introduced the PortNet 
electronic platform and improved the computer system for Customs administration. In the services 
sector, liberalization of several tra nsport services had spurred massive infrastructure investment 
and diversification of the economy through the development of other sectors.  Relating to 
agriculture, Morocco was commended for the adoption of a consistent long term policy under the 
Plan Maroc  Vert. Other recent legislative and institutional reforms concerned standards and 
technical regulations, the establishment of the new Food Products Health Agency and electronic 
access to Government procurement. Members also noted Morocco's numerous trade a greements 
with over 50 countries and its negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement 
with the European Union .  
3.120.   At the same time, delegations raised a number of issues. On tariffs, several inquired about 
Morocco's high and variable tariffs  and the Government's plan to reduce the applied rates of its 
792 tariff lines that still exceed their bound levels. The new draft law on foreign trade was source 
of some concern, as delegations enquired about its impact on the openness of the domestic 
market. Information was additionally sought about Morocco’s industrial acceleration plan and its 
potential effect on employment. Prospects regarding Morocco's investment policy reform and 
Morocco’s new renewable energy policy were of interest to some delegati ons as was market access 
for foreign suppliers. In the mining sector, participants asked about facilitation of foreign 
investment, and noted that the phosphate industry remained largely organized around a State -
trading monopoly. In the area of IP, Members expressed interest in Morocco's protection against WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  counterfeiting and against piracy of audio -visual materials, new laws on trademarks and 
geographical indications, planned changes to the functioning of the Copyright Office and 
consistency of the national compulsory patent licensing system with the TRIPS Agreement. On 
SPS, Members sought more information on SPS regulations, samples collection by the Food 
Products Health Agency and the recent export restrictions on the food product agar agar. 
Delegations als o expressed concern a bout the increased use of trade -remedy measures. Other 
questions raised concerned the functioning of the Competition Council, national preferences 
provisions in public purchases and under the New Public -Private Partnership Law, new lab elling 
requirements and customs valuation procedures, market access conditions for foreign shipping 
companies and foreign banks, the Government’s new strategy on postal services, pending 
notifications on, inter alia , state aid and state -trading enterprises  and the sustainability and 
transparency of Morocco’s fishing policy. Participants encouraged Morocco to eliminate various 
other duties and charges levied on imports as well as capital and exchange controls. Several 
delegations encouraged Morocco to finali ze its ratification of the TFA. Some sought clarification of 
Morocco's subsidy programme s, tax exemptions and insurance schemes. Several Members 
encouraged the Government to pursue further reforms aimed at extending the liberal regime of 
the offshore expor t sector to companies producing for the local market as this dismantle the 
duality of the VAT system thereby ensuring full compliance with the national treatment principle.  
Fiji: 23  and 25  February  2016  
3.121.   Members commended Fiji for becoming the first count ry to ratify the UN climate treaty 
agreed in Paris in December 2015 and for its strong commitment to the multilateral trading 
system. Specifically, they noted that Fiji had opened a Permanent Mission in Geneva in June 2014 
to more actively participate in t he WTO. Fiji was encouraged to submit its outstanding WTO 
notifications, in particular its Category A commitments under the TFA and to ratify this Agreement. 
Members saluted the initiative of Fiji to effectively implement its first ever Trade Policy Framew ork 
for 2015 -25 and National Export Strategy aimed at promoting sustainable growth by encouraging 
exports, competitiveness, value adding and export diversificat ion in six priority areas: 
agro-business, forestry, marine products, mineral water, information and communication 
technologies, and audiovisual services. Members welcomed the entry into force of Fiji’s new 
Constitution in September 2013 and the measures taken to bring its legislative framework in line 
with international best practices in areas such a s competition, government procurement, foreign 
investment, SPS measures, standards, agriculture and shipping. They noted the steps taken by Fiji 
to boost FDI inflows and improve its business environment, notably by eliminating the minimum 
investment requir ed for foreign investors. Members also took note of Fiji’s engagement in regional 
trade agreements. Fiji was praised for its good economic performance, declining overall poverty 
levels and sound macroeconomic policies that underpinned one of the best GDP g rowth cycles 
since its independence. It was, nonetheless, cautioned that progress in rural areas was lagging 
and that as a small economy it remained highly dependent on exports of certain commodities and 
vulnerable to external shocks. High transportation c osts and the frequency of natural disasters 
were also constraining factors in its economic outlook. Therefore, delegations encouraged Fiji to 
persevere with the implementation of structural reforms, especially in the areas of physical 
infrastructure and hu man resources development, to strengthen its resilience to shocks, reduce 
bottlenecks in the economy, foster productivity, improve the investment climate, diversify its 
exports and raise potential GDP growth. Several Members underlined their commitment to 
continue providing trade -related assistance to Fiji and help in overcoming the effects of cyclone 
Winston.  
3.122.   While recognizing Fiji’s various economic and trade policy reforms adopted over the last 
few years, some Members voiced concerns with respect to the  difference that exists between the 
overall bound average of 40.2% and Fiji’s applied MFN tariff of 11.2% in 2015 and the fact that 
only half of all tariff lines are bound. They urged Fiji to make improvements in this area and render 
its trade regime more transparent and predictable. Fiji was also urged to eliminate remaining 
foreign exchange restrictions, and to continue streamlining procedures for doing business. 
Questions were raised about the application of different excise duty rates on domestic and 
imported goods, the requirements for obtaining quarantine import permits for animal products and 
of other SPS measures, the rationale for the use of price controls and the enforcement of IPRs, in 
particular copyrights. Regarding sectoral policies, Members so ught clarification about the 
restructuring of the sugar industry and the situation of land tenure, the sustainable management 
of fisheries, the use of local content requirements in cigarette manufacturing, the restructuring of WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  the Fiji Electricity Authorit y and the granting of domestic subsidies to fossil fuels. On services, 
some Members expressed concerns about recent increases in airport and port fees and charges 
and their impact on Fiji’s international competitiveness. Further clarification was also soug ht on 
licensing requirements for telecommunication operators and on the direction of Fiji’s new 
development plan for the tourism sector.  
Turkey: 15  and 17  March  2016  
3.123.   Members welcomed Turkey’s commitment to the multilateral trading system and to trade 
liberalization. The prominent role it played in a number of economic fora, including its recent G20 
presidency was particularly commendable. Turkey's dedication to the system was demonstrated by 
its participation in the Doha negotiations, and in TiSA, E nviron mental Goods Agreement , and the 
expanded ITA. LDCs and other vulnerable economies particularly appreciated Turkey’s 
development assistance and implementation of duty -free-quota -free for LDCs and other 
preferential arrangements. Several delegates noted that  Turkey was an important bridge between 
developed and developing countries. Turkey's position as the 17th largest economy in the world, a 
leading trading partner for many WTO Members and as the 7th biggest agricultural producer in the 
world all testified t o its importance in the world economy and the WTO. Members welcomed 
Turkey's ratification of the TFA and recent initiatives in facilitating trade at the border, including 
the single window application, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program me, and the 
“one-stop-shop” pilot project. Turkey’s “Vision 2023” was noted as an important policy initiative in 
which Turkey was working towards a number of ambitious goals regarding the economy and trade 
to mark the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. The se included increasing GDP to over 
US$2 trillion, becoming one of the top ten countries in terms of nominal GDP, achieving an export 
volume of US$500 billion and shifting production to higher valued added goods.  Turkey was 
commended for its trade and GDP g rowth during the period despite structural vulnerabilities and 
the geo -political instability in the region.  The services sector continued to be an important sector 
in terms of economic growth, employment and trade accounting for over half the economy and 
23% of gross exports in 2014. Turkey had continued to liberalize the sector by including services 
in new and revised FTA agreements and by participating in the TiSA negotiations. Travel and 
tourism were highlighted as important service sectors for trade and  the growth of the tourism 
sector, including health tourism, was particularly impressive. In their interventions, nevertheless, 
delegations also cautioned that GDP growth had fluctuated in recent years, reflecting changes to 
capital inflows and contraction  in agricultural output. Delegations also underscored that, though 
trade had intensified during the review period as exports and imports grew to the equivalent of 
60% of GDP in 2014, it remained below its potential for many of its trading partners, especia lly 
FTA partners and neighboring countries. This was partly due to the recent turmoil in the region. 
Turkey was encouraged to continue addressing its significant current account deficit.   
3.124.   Among the specific issues raised, Members noted Turkey's mixed recor d of compliance with 
WTO notification obligations, in particular on agriculture. Turkey was urged to address all pending 
notifications. Tariffs were another area of significant interest by Members and with a low level of 
tariff bindings (50%), and a relati vely large gap between applied and bound rates Turkey was 
encouraged to bind more tariffs. Some Members noted that applied rates exceeded the bound 
rates on 47 tariff lines, that tariff rates were particularly high on many goods and the use of non -
ad valor em tariffs on some products were also a burden to exporters. Law No. 474 on the customs 
tariff schedule had created an unpredictable situation for traders as it allowed the Government to 
increase tariff levels to provide adequate protection to domestic ind ustries. On investment, it was 
recognized that FDI was an important contributor to Turkey’s economic development and while it 
maintained a relatively open investment regime for most sectors, the continuation of restrictions in 
a number of important sectors  prompted Members to enquire about further liberalization 
initiatives. While acknowledging the importance of agriculture to Turkey's economy and trade, 
several delegations also noted the high number of restrictive measures in the sector, including 
high tar iffs and high domestic support levels. Several delegations encouraged reforms in the sector 
and called for an increase in transparency. On SPS, questions were raised regarding barriers to 
trade in certain subsectors, including live animals and adherence to  international standards. 
Several delegations enquired about the role of marketing boards, in particular the Turkish Grain 
Board and its operations. Members called upon Turkey to join to the GPA. With respect to IP, 
several requests were made for improveme nts in Turkey’s IPR system in terms of the data 
exclusivity period, granting of compulsory licence s, enforcement and protection of undisclosed 
information. Members noted with some concern the frequent use of trade remedies.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Maldives: 21  and 23  March  2016  
3.125.   Members praised the commitment of the Maldives to the multilateral trading system and 
commended it for its foreign investment regime which was very liberal, except for the fisheries and 
retail sectors. Members took positive note of the Maldives' robust an d sustained economic growth, 
especially in light of various exogenous and endogenous challenges. These challenges were 
especially related to global climate change, worldwide economic trends such as fluctuations in 
energy prices and the country's small size , topography, limited natural resources, political 
transition, heavy reliance on tourism and fisheries, dependence on import, and loss of preferential 
treatment and assistance following its upgrade from LDC status to upper -middle income country. 
Members ac knowledged Maldives' efforts in undertaking various structural reforms, which had 
resulted in the introduction of more broad -based taxes to reduce reliance on import duties as the 
main source of revenue and also in the enactment of legislation which would allow special 
economic zones to provide greater fiscal incentives for traders and investors.  
3.126.   Members encouraged Maldives to press ahead with reforms which could help strengthen 
the rule of law, improve its economic resilience, diversify its export markets  and sectors, attract 
more business and investment and enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of its economy. 
Several Members reiterated their call for Maldives to fully comply with WTO notification 
requirements. Some encouraged Maldives to join the IT A and the GPA and others suggested that 
Maldives participate in the EGA.  Several Members commended Maldives for its unilateral tariff 
liberalization, but at the same time expressed concern about the increase in certain import duties 
and the persistent app lication of MFN tariffs in excess of bound rates. Members welcomed the 
introduction of a fast import clearance channel and legislation implementing the WTO Agreement 
on Customs Valuation. Some urged the authorities to do more, by promptly ratifying the TFA , 
acceding to the Revised Kyoto Convention and improving import licensing procedures. Some 
Members also welcomed Maldives' action to strengthen its IP rights regime, and encouraged it to 
accept the Protocol of Amendment to the TRIPS Agreement.  
Saudi Arabia , Kingdom of: 4  and 6  April  2016  
3.127.   Delegations noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue to play an increasingly active 
role in regular committees, in negotiations as well as in dispute settlement as a third party, 
demonstrating its confidence in, and  commitment to, the multilateral trading system. For several 
years, before and after the last review, high oil prices had allowed the economy and Government 
revenues to grow strongly and public debt to fall. Since 2014, however, the sharp decline in oil 
prices has reversed this trend. The fiscal deficit stood at 15% of GDP in 2015.  
3.128.   Several delegations noted that economic diversification was a prominent challenge facing 
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was a matter of priority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabi a’s 9th 
and 10th Development Plans and while some progress could be detected the oil industry still 
dominated the economy and related export earnings and still made up the bulk of Government 
revenue. Several Members encouraged the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia t o step up its diversification 
efforts, not only to mitigate the immediate impact of lowering oil prices, but also to prepare for a 
less oil -dependent future. Some argued that one way to promote diversification was to improve 
the trade and investment enviro nment. In this connection, a number of delegations noted that the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had a relatively simple trading regime with low tariffs on most products. 
They welcomed in particular the simplified import/export procedures and the notification of 
Category A commitments under the TFA, and noted with satisfaction that the ratification of the 
Agreement was at an advanced stage. Some delegations called on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  to 
accede to the GPA and the expanded ITA and took note that relevant legislation was being 
reviewed, and that an impact assessment on joining the GPA was under way. Several Members 
emphasized the importance of a strong system for the registration and protection of IP rights and 
noted the progress made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this regard to bring current laws into 
line with the TRIPS Agreement. A number of delegations raised concerns about development and 
application of SPS measures, technical requirements and standards. On investment, Members 
acknowledged that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had a generally open regime with more sectors 
open to foreign investment since the last review. It was noted, nevertheless, that various 
restrictions still existed, including the complex licensing regime, minimum Saudi investment 
requirements and requirements to employ Saudi nationals. Some delegations also expressed an WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  interest in receiving further clarification regarding the privatization programme  for state -owned 
enterprises.  
Ukraine: 19  and 21  April  2016  
3.129.   Many Members acknowledge d that Ukraine’s accession to the WTO in 2008 provided the 
foundations for an open, liberal, predictable, and transparent trade regime. In particular, Ukraine 
was commended for its low, fully bound tariffs and for its extensive commitments under the GATS. 
Some Members also complimented Ukraine for its active participation in the WTO and its 
acceptance of new obligations under the WTO  framework, as seen in its recent ratifications of the 
TFA, the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement, and the GPA. Members al so observed that 
Ukraine had complemented its WTO commitments with free trade agreements that it had 
negotiated with key trading partners. Many Members saw this as a potential catalyst for Ukraine to 
strengthen its protection of IP rights, align its TBT an d SPS standards and adopt simplified, non -
discriminatory and more transparent administrative practices. Many Members acknowledged 
Ukraine’s achievements in improving its legal and administrative framework affecting business, 
and its willingness to make fur ther improvements. Some also encouraged Ukraine to continue its 
fight against corruption and build a fully independent and efficient legal system.  
3.130.   At the same time, several Members were of the view that Ukraine could be more 
transparent as regards its agr icultural support measures, the progress of its privatization and 
ongoing economic reforms and the operation of its state trading enterprises. Members noted that 
the predictability of Ukraine’s trade regime, while generally stable, had at times been underm ined 
by certain actions such as its attempt to renegotiate a multitude of tariff concessions, the 
imposition of temporary import surcharges and the resort to temporary restrictions on exports and 
imports. Other areas of concern raised by Members included T BT and SPS measures, IP protection 
and Ukraine’s use of contingency measures. While the adoption of new Tax Codes and Customs 
Codes were important reform outcomes, it was also noted that legislation was not applied 
uniformly across all customs offices and that documentation requirements could still be 
cumbersome and excessive despite the move towards streamlined electronic procedures. Customs 
valuation and delays in VAT reimbursement were topics of widespread concern. Several 
delegations noted, however, tha t it had taken steps to address these issues. Separately, some 
Members enquired about the rationale for measures such as a ten -year export ban on timber, local 
content requirements and price controls on alcoholic beverages.  
Malawi: 27  and 29  April  2016  
3.131.   Members acknowledged Malawi’s active participation in the DDA negotiations and 
welcomed the recent establishment of a Malawi WTO Mission in Geneva. Malawi was also 
commended for its economic performance and for progress made with respect to the diversificat ion 
of exports and ensuring food security. Delegations congratulated Malawi on its efforts to establish 
a National Trade Facilitation Committee and its recent notification of Category A commitments 
under the TFA and encouraged it to promptly ratify the Agr eement.  
3.132.   Members also noted, however, that Malawi as one of the poorest countries in the world 
faced several important challenges. The challenges posed by its landlocked situation were 
exacerbated by inadequate transport infrastructure as well as insufficie nt and unreliable power and 
water supplies. Similarly, the economy remained highly dependent on a few agricultural 
commodities, which made it vulnerable to external shocks such as severe weather conditions. 
Members therefore urged Malawi to focus on addres sing these infrastructural deficiencies and to 
step up its diversification efforts while striving to enhance productivity. Some pointed out that 
continued support from development partners would be important to success in this regard. 
Members also proposed  additional steps to increase investor and donor confidence, including 
putting in place effective fiscal controls and anti -corruption strategies, improving transparency and 
accountability and further streamlining regulatory and investment procedures. Deleg ations 
expressed the hope of Malawi adhering more closely to WTO notification requirements.  While 
Malawi’s trade facilitation efforts were acknowledged, several delegations saw scope for 
simplification of its import procedures relating to standards and tec hnical regulations. Further, 
noting that Malawi’s IP regime had not been substantially updated during the period under review, 
Members encouraged the authorities to accept the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement and to 
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  to participate more actively in the WTO.  Others sought details about the Government’s priorities 
regarding, inter alia , Malawi’s involvement in bilateral and regional trade liberalization initia tives, 
competition policy, SPS and TBT regimes.  
Honduras: 2  and 4  May 2016  
3.133.   Members welcomed Honduras' commitment to the multilateral trading system and 
congratulated its active participation in the WTO. Several delegations also referred to Honduras' 
network of preferential trade agreements and urged it to ensure that these agreements 
complement multilateral efforts. As Honduras became more closely integrated into the global 
economy, Members encouraged it to diversify its production and export base, includ ing by taking 
further advantage of unilateral trade preferences and of those negotiated through the preferential 
trade arrangements. Members acknowledged Honduras' ongoing economic, trade and institutional 
reform efforts, including trade and investment lib eralization and noted that it had shown prudence 
in the conduct of monetary and fiscal policies. Noting that Honduras had a relatively open trade 
regime, Members commended it for not using anti -dumping and countervailing measures, for its 
low applied avera ge MFN tariff and for having bound its full tariff schedule. On investment, several 
delegations welcomed Honduras' reforms, in particular through the 2011 Investment Promotion 
and Protection Law which introduced new guarantees and investment incentives, in cluding fiscal 
incentives, and aimed at promoting private sector cooperation in the execution, development, and 
management of major infrastructure and services projects. A number of Members noted with 
interest a new legislation in 2013 which allowed the es tablishment of Employment and Economic 
Development Zones (ZEDE) with their own internal policies and regulations, including fiscal and 
monetary policies. Members praised Honduras' efforts to modernize and streamline customs 
procedures through the implement ation of a Single Window and the submission of customs 
declarations for exports in electronic format and for engaging in a trade facilitation initiative at the 
regional level. Honduras' efforts to enhance transparency in government procurement were 
acknowl edged as was continued efforts to improve compliance with IP rights both at the border 
and within the country.  
3.134.   At the same time, Members raised a number of pending issues, including compliance with 
notification requirements, in particular with regard to i mport licensing, safeguard measures, SPS, 
and preferential trade agreements. Several delegations drew attention to the applied tariff rates 
for a few products that remained above bound rates and the price -band system applicable to 
certain agricultural prod ucts. Honduras was urged to ratify the TFA.83 To promote faster growth, 
several Members advised Honduras to redress the fiscal imbalance, improve regulatory 
transparency and persevere in its efforts to restructure the economy. In this regard, Members took 
note of the 2013 introduction of a tax reform and other measures to improve governance and 
increase transparency. A number of other issues generated interest, including Honduras' 
application of other trade measures such as TBT and SPS measures which were us ually in line with 
international standards, the safeguard measure imposed on certain iron and steel products and a 
new import licensing regime for onions. Members sought more information on the Customs Union 
with Guatemala and clarification on the protecti on of GIs and on Honduras' accession to the 
International Conventions for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).  
Albania: 11 and 13 May 2016  
3.135.   Members expressed appreciation for Albania’s commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and congratu lated it on having deposited its instruments of acceptance for the TFA. 
Several delegations acknowledged Albania's participation in the expanded ITA and enquired about 
its plans, if any, to join the GPA. Members noted that Albania had obtained in June 2014  the status 
of candidate country for accession to the European Union , which provided strong incentives for 
Albania to harmonize its legislation with that of the European Union in various areas based on the 
2009 Stabilization and Association Agreement. A nu mber of delegations commended Albania for its 
continued economic growth and its institutional and economic reforms, including the reduction of 
trade barriers, privatization of state -owned enterprises and fiscal consolidation. On investment, 
Albania receive d recognition for the establishment of three new relevant bodies, i.e. the National 
Committee for Trade Policy Coordination and Facilitation, the National Economic Council and the 
Investment Council. Several Members looked forward to learning more about th ese entities. They 
                                                
83 Honduras ratified the TFA on 14 July 2016.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  also welcomed Albania’s reduction of tariffs while maintaining a simple tariff structure, adoption of 
a new Customs Code and amendments to its government procurement legislation. They 
commended Albania for not having taken any anti -dumpi ng, countervailing, or safeguard measures 
since its accession to the WTO in 2000. Some delegations mentioned Albania’s efforts to fight 
corruption and streamline administrative procedures.    
3.136.   Confronted with high unemployment and non -performing loans, Alban ia was urged by 
several delegations to undertake further structural reforms, diversify its economy, strengthen the 
judicial system and improve the transparency and predictability of the investment regime. Some 
Members asked about Albania’s plan to formaliz e economic activities. Members also raised 
concerns about the time required for customs clearance, a number of applied MFN tariff rates 
exceeding the bound rates, the use of SPS measures and food standards and the application 
process for work visas. Member s were additionally interested in learning more about Albania’s 
revised customs procedures, reforms in its IP regime, including the new copyright law, the law on 
state aid, agricultural policies, including domestic support, and its intentions to liberalize  certain 
economic sectors such as energy and health.  
United Arab Emirates (UAE) : 1 and 3  June  2016  
3.137.   Delegations appreciated UAE's active participation in the WTO and the steps it had taken to 
bring its notifications up -to-date. They were pleased to note th at UAE had deposited its instrument 
of acceptance for the TFA on 18 April 2016. Members encouraged the UAE to increase its 
involvement in the WTO's plurilateral agreements by becoming an observer, and in due course, a 
party to the GPA, joining the expanded  ITA and entering into negotiations on environmental goods. 
Members welcomed several aspects of trade policy in the UAE, including the binding of all tariff 
lines and the application of the GCC common external tariff which sets nearly all applied tariffs a t 
either zero or 5%. They took note of the diversification of the economy that had helped the UAE 
weather the 2008 financial crises and the fall in oil prices since 2014. Although the hydrocarbon 
sector and related industries were still important, recent g rowth had been driven by non -oil 
sectors, particularly construction, retail and wholesale trade, tourism and manufacturing. The 
development strategy set out in Vision 2021, focusing on innovation and the transformation to a 
knowledge -based economy, was wel comed as further contributing to sustainable growth and 
reduced reliance on oil and gas. The importance of free zones and specialized economic zones was 
noted by some delegations as was the absence of investment restrictions in these areas. The 
zones had g reatly helped the development of the economy, including the successful development 
of widespread air and maritime links.  
3.138.   Several delegations expressed concerns related to import procedures and requirements, 
border inspection procedures and clearance system s, SPS and TBT requirements and 
consularization of import documents. Others referred to requirements in the context of investment 
outside the free zones, such as majority Emirati ownership requirements which apply to all 
commercial activities, including tr ading and agency licences, the continued prevalence of state 
involvement in the economy, including state -owned enterprises and the enforcement of IP rights, 
particularly on counterfeit goods. Members urged the UAE to further liberalize its investment 
regim e and expressed hope that new legislation would be promulgated to relax ownership 
restrictions for investments and further promote competition in the economy.  
Zambia: 21  and 23  June  2016  
3.139.   Members commended Zambia for its commitment to the multilateral trad ing system. They 
were pleased to note that Zambia had ratified the TFA and notified its categories A, B and C 
commitments. Several delegations enquired about the establishment of a National Committee for 
implementation of the Agreement and raised concerns about specific trade facilitation measures, 
including border procedures and taxation issues. Some delegations were also interested in 
transparency issues related to Zambia's public procurement framework and enquired whether the 
country was considering beco ming party or an observer to the GPA. They encouraged Zambia to 
fully meet the WTO notification requirements and other commitments such as those in relation to 
customs procedures, standards and other technical regulations, SPS measures and protection of IP 
rights. Some highlighted the relevance of assistance programme s, including training, in this 
context. Some delegations cautioned that Zambia's membership of overlapping trade agreements, 
including the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)  and the Southern African WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Development Community (SADC) involved conflicting obligations. On the back of buoyant global 
demand for copper, several delegations congratulated Zambia on its graduation from the low -
income to the lower -middle -income category in the World Bank analytical classification in 2014.  
3.140.   A number of Members, however, also noted that structural weaknesses, including supply -
side constraints, significant State intervention and high costs of doing business still impeded full 
exploitation of Za mbia's potential and dampened its economic diversification efforts. Members 
raised questions about specific actions undertaken by the Zambian authorities to address these 
constraints and to diversify the economy and encouraged the Government to further imp rove its 
business environment to attract investment for such diversification. Some indicated readiness to 
assist Zambia in exploring its growth potential in sectors such as agriculture and services and 
recalled that, as an LDC, Zambia was eligible for the Everything -But-Arms (EBA) initiative of the 
European Union and has duty -free and quota -free access to the U.S. market under AGOA. Zambia 
was encouraged to better utilize these preferential trade schemes for the benefit of its economy. 
Several Members propo sed that Zambia assess the impact of its export taxes on the promotion of 
local value addition and encouraged it to improve its tariff binding commitments by enlarging their 
coverage and reducing the gap between bound and applied rates. Several Members exp ressed 
interest in private sector participation in Zambia's trade policy formulation, including tariff setting 
and revision, and sought information about the effectiveness of the newly promulgated Public -
Private Partnership Act in boosting related projects . Some Members enquired about Zambia's 
priorities regarding, inter alia , effective protection of IP rights, business licensing, and plan to 
develop its agriculture and promote rural development.  
Tunisia: 13 -15 July 2016  
3.141.   Members congratulated Tunisia for maintaining positive economic growth and 
macroeconomic stability throughout the last decade. They welcomed the strategic reforms in 
political and social areas that were carried out in the country following the revolution in 2010 and 
the adoption of a new C onstitution in 2014. They also encouraged Tunisia to move forward in 
liberalizing its trade and investment regimes, including reforms to streamline regulatory practices 
in the area of off -shore and on -shore taxation and recent foreign exchange liberalizati on 
measures. Members welcomed new trade policy initiatives in Tunisia, in particular the Investment 
Code and the implementation of a new competition law. Several delegations welcomed the drastic 
reduction of its average MFN tariff rate from 45% to 14%, and  encouraged Tunisia to narrow the 
gap between applied and bound tariff rates. Tunisian plans for the simplification of compulsory 
technical control of imported products were considered important. Some Members expressed 
interest in several IP issues, includ ing the prospect of suspending import clearance for infringing 
goods, building a national registry of geographical indications and the strategy to combat 
counterfeiting and piracy. They applauded Tunisia's commitment to the multilateral system and 
encourag ed it to further improve its notifications. Some also encourage Tunisia to ratify the TFA as 
a matter of priority.   
3.142.   However, Members also requested clarification on a variety of issues. In terms of tariffs 
and taxes, enquiries were made regarding the 10% income tax instalment on imports, import duty 
and VAT exemption and suspension schemes as well as fiscal privileges applied to manage 
imports, in particular of motor vehicles. On IP, members enquired about the compulsory licensing 
scheme for medical produc ts and the responsibilities and activities of the Tunisian copyrights 
organization. Some delegations raised issues relating to the non -automatic import licensing 
procedures, pre -importation surveillance measures and the purpose of export prohibitions, licences 
and control.  
China: 20 and 22 July  2016  
 
3.143.   Members noted that although China's real GDP growth had slowed down since 2013, it had 
remained at a relatively healthy level of 6.5% to 7% a year. The Chinese economy was undergoing 
a structural shift where e conomic growth would rely more on the services sector and on 
knowledge -based industries. Members welcomed China's effort in pursuing structural reforms to 
allow a market -oriented approach to investment and resource allocation and, noted China's 
initiatives  in establishing more Pilot Free Trade Zones and streamlining customs procedures. Some 
delegations, however, sought further information on specific measures. China was encouraged to 
continue improving its protection of IP rights and to continue its move to wards a more open, 
predictable and transparent foreign direct investment regime. Members congratulated China for WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  opening its market to products from LDCs and for its leading role in South -South cooperation. In 
the area of multilateral trade, Members welcom ed China's participation in the negotiations on ITA 
expansion, the EGA and the TFA. Delegations also welcomed China's latest offer for its accession 
to the GPA and encouraged it to make further efforts to conclude negotiations. On transparency, 
several Mem bers acknowledged China's progress in fulfilling its notification obligations with the 
recent notification of several sub -central level government subsidies and other updates. Some 
delegations encouraged China to publish all trade -related  laws, measures an d regulations in a WTO 
official language. As the biggest merchandise trader in the world, the top trading partner for over 
120 countries and regions and one of the largest recipients of FDI, several Members called upon 
China to assume its increasing respon sibility as a major player in the multilateral trading system.  
3.144.   At the same time, Members expressed concerns and raised questions on various issues. 
Regarding China's reforms, some delegations noted a limited coverage of the reforms and a slow -
down undermi ning the market forces in various sectors. Barriers to foreign investment still 
persisted in areas considered of strategic importance or related to national security. Members also 
expressed concerns regarding the prohibition of foreign investment in film p roduction, restrictions 
in distribution and exhibition, circulation of foreign audio -visual contents, standards for banking 
and insurance, market access in telecommunication and financial services. Enquires were issued 
about China's application of distorti ve measures, including support and subsidy policies, the use of 
export restrictions, import tariffs and tariff quota administration. Furthermore, some delegations 
raised a number of issues, including on the global overcapacity on steel and in the use of so me 
technical requirements, including TBT and SPS measures.  
Singapore:  26 and 28 July 2016  
3.145.   Members congratulated Singapore for its strong economic fundamentals and its successful 
development model, as well as its openness to trade and investment. Members welcomed 
Singapore's ongoing efforts in restructuring the economy from labor –intensive activities towards 
innovation -led growth and higher productivity, as a response to the slow -down of economic growth 
and an ageing population . They also praised Singapore 's active role in the WTO and its support for 
the multilateral trading system as well as its compliance with transparency and notification 
requirements. Members commended Singapore's prompt ratification of the TFA, its participation in 
the expanded ITA and  in the negotiations on the EGA. Singapore's provision of technical assistance 
to other Members was recognized by several delegations as was its efforts in promoting a broad -
based fossil fuel subsidy reform.  
3.146.   At the same time, Members encouraged Singapore to increase the binding coverage and 
reduce the gap between bound and applied rates, in order to enhance predictability. They also 
urged Singapore to liberalize its remaining restrictions on investment and trade in services. 
Delegations also expressed conc erns and sought clarification on several areas and existing policies , 
such as the role played in the economy by the state, the import licensing mechanism, the array of 
fiscal privileges, the rice stockpile scheme and vehicle quota regime. Several delegatio ns noted 
Singapore's involvement in regional trade agreements and its institutional framework, in particular 
the work of the Non -Tariff Measures Unit and the Committee on the Future Economy. Enquiries 
were raised on Singapore's regulatory adjustments in th e area of IP, i.e. introduction of a positive 
patent grant system, modification of copyright legislation and new legislation on the protection of 
geographical indication. Other issues were raised relating to certain SPS and TBT measures and 
the difficultie s of foreign participation in the government procurement market.   
El Salvador:  14 and 16 September 2016  
 
3.147.   Members congratulated El Salvador on having managed to achieve positive growth rates 
during the review period in spite of the negative effects of the  2008 financial crisis and its 
significant progress in poverty reduction and improvement of social indicators. Several delegations 
commended El Salvador for the continued liberalization of its trade and investment regimes and 
noted its efforts to deepen ec onomic integration with Central American countries and to search for 
closer economic ties with other trading partners. They praised El Salvador's TFA ratification, the 
modernization and streamlining of its customs procedures, as well as its open trade regi me with a 
relatively low applied average MFN tariff. They also recognized El Salvador's reforms in the areas 
of investment, IP, quality control, trade facilitation, export promotion and the free zone legislation 
to remove export subsidies and local content  requirements. Members also welcomed WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  improvements to the protection of trademarks and geographic indications as well as, the provision 
of greater legal certainty for investment. Some delegations sought more information regarding the 
implementation of these  measures.  
3.148.   At the same time Members raised concerns regarding the large number of El Salvador's 
tariff lines still subject to import permit or approval procedures and urged it to streamline these 
import requirements. Some highlighted the importance of ser vices and enquired about the 
limitations of market access in some services sectors such as, insurance, telecommunications, 
transport and tourism. Several Members commended the country for establishing a Salvadorian 
Quality System and called on the authorit ies to notify any mutual recognition agreement on 
technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures. Delegations encouraged El Salvador 
to take actions to reduce the fiscal deficit and external debt, diversify the economic structure and 
to further  improve its investment climate so as to boost productivity and promote sustainable 
growth.  
Russian Federation: 28 and 30 September 2016  
3.149.   In its first Trade Policy Review since its accession to the WTO in 2012, the Russian 
Federation was praised for the co nsiderable progress made in liberalizing its trade regime. 
Members welcomed its ratification of the TFA, tariff reductions, simplification of customs 
procedures, participation in the ITA agreement and improvements to its IP legislation . Although 
notificati on on state -trading enterprises and some others were still outstanding, delegations 
acknowledged that Russian Federation was one of only four developed Members that had updated 
its notifications on domestic support and export subsidies. Members also expres sed interest in 
learning more about the implementation of trade policies at the regional level  because of the 
expanding roles of the Eurasian Economic Union and Eurasian Economic Commission. Members 
took note of the Russian Federation's challenging economi c environment with a slow and modest 
recovery,  mainly due to the fall in oil prices, sanctions imposed by some countries and counter 
measures taken by the Russian Federation. Although structural reforms were ongoing to diversify 
the economy and reduce reli ance on hydrocarbons, some Members encouraged the Russian 
Federation to take advantage of the country's high level of education, excellence in technology and 
the wide range of available resource s.  
3.150.   At the same time, several Members raised concerns over the  Russian Federation's import 
substitution  policy. Some expressed doubts about its compliance with the basic WTO principles and 
noted its potential to undermine trade liberalization efforts and discourage competition. Members 
voiced concerns over local cont ent requirements applied in government procurement and by state -
owned enterprises. Several delegations noted that these companies represented half of the 
country's GDP and dominated key economic sectors such as banking, transport and energy and 
urged the R ussian Federation to restart the stalled privatization programme and join the GPA. 
Concerns were also raised about the Russian Federation's use of SPS and TBT measures not based 
on international standards, restrictions on import to the Russian Federation a nd on the transit of 
goods through the territory of the Russian Federation.  Other issues raised included fossil fuel 
subsidies, fisheries subsidies, use of contingency measures, efforts in fighting corruption, use of 
non-ad valorem tariff and various incen tives conditional on strict localization requirements.  
Korea, Republic of: 11 and 13 October 2016  
 
3.151.   Members appreciated the Republic of Korea for its economic fundamentals and its 
increasing important role in international trade. Remarkable resilience of the Korean economy was 
acknowledged as it recovered from the 2008 financial crisis and managed to grow. Members noted 
the three -year Plan for Economic Innovation and the Creative Economic initiative, the Republic of 
Korea 's key strategies to maintain growth , although at a slower speed. They also praised the 
Republic of Korea for remaining fully committed to the multilateral trading system during its rapid 
expansion of joining various preferential agreements. Many Members commended its constructive 
participat ion in various WTO trade negotiations, its ratification of TFA, the technical assistance it 
provided to other Members and its contribution to the DDA Global Trust Funds. Members also 
recognized the Republic of Korea's involvement in plurilateral initiative s, such as its participation in 
the revised GPA and in the ongoing negotiations on the EGA. They also encouraged the Republic of 
Korea to swiftly implement the expanded ITA. In the energ y sector, even though the state -owned 
enterprises (SOEs) still play th e main role and the prices were often regulated, Members praised WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  the Republic of Korea's decision to end support for coal production by eliminating fossil fuel 
subsidies by 2020.  
3.152.   Notwithstanding the Republic of Korea's efforts to attract foreign investmen t and to 
implement reforms, some further improvements were suggested regarding registration, 
notification, licensing and approval requirements for foreign investment. Members noticed that 
inward foreign direct investment to the Republic of Korea remained m uch lower than the outflow 
and encouraged it to further reduce its various limitation and restrictions to enhance effective 
enforcement of the legislation on IP rights so as to attract more inward investment. Members 
expressed concerns over the productivit y gaps between manufacturing and services sectors. 
Although trade in services was considered as key driver for future development, Korean services 
continued to be under -developed and its major services activities were lack of competition.   Thus 
some Member s encouraged the Republic of Korea to implement productivity -enhancing reforms 
and to open up its market, in particular for activities with restrictions on foreign ownership. 
Similarly, a productivity gap was identified between large business conglomerates  and SMEs. 
Some Members highlighted the need for the Republic of Korea to provide adequate support to its 
SMEs so they could take advantage of new business opportunities resulting from bilateral and 
regional trade agreements. Concerns were also raised on the Republic of Korea's tariff regime. 
Many Members required the Republic of Korea to simplify its customs tariff structure, reduce the 
rates and phase out the less predictable flexible tariffs. Furthermore, they demanded more timely 
action from the country  in the notification of export subsidies and domestic support in agriculture 
as well as, in the certification and modification of its schedule of tariff commitments. Some 
Members noticed the substantial rise in anti -dumping initiations and encouraged the R epublic of 
Korea to restrain such trend.   Concerns was expressed over continued discrepancies between the 
SPS legislation, multilateral provisions and international standards and several Members 
encouraged the Republic of Korea to continue harmonizing its industrial standards with 
international ones. Other issues included the highly protective trade measures of agricultural 
sector, the Republic of Korea's support on fisheries, the supply of green energy, the overcapacity 
in the shipbuilding market, the Repu blic of Korea's incentives available to other manufacturing 
activities. Members encouraged the Republic of Korea to liberalize and reform its agricultural 
sector, to make constructive contribution in the negotiations in fisheries subsides and to 
restructur e its shipbuilding industry.  
3.9  Other Selected Trade Policy Issues  
3.153.   The following Section provides a brief overview of selected developments on trade policy 
issues in the WTO context. In addition, the Section includes two topical boxes by the OECD.  
Regional Trade Agreements  
3.154.   During the period 15 October 2015 to 15 October 2016, WTO Members notified nine RTAs 
to the WTO ( 19 notifications) as compared to 11 RTAs (24 notifications) during the previous period 
(15 October 2014 - 15 October 2015). As of 15 October 2 016, the total number of RTAs notified to 
the WTO and to the GATT before it, amounted to 268 (135 covering goods and services, 132  goods 
only and one services only). The WTO Secretariat has also identified and verified, through  the 
respective parties, 83 RTAs that are in force, but not yet notified to the WTO.84  
3.155.   Judging from overall notifications, RTA activity is strongest in Europe (21% of RTAs in 
force), with successive European Union  enlargements and agreements with countries in Eastern 
Europe and around  the Mediterranean basin as well as RTAs notified by the European Free Trade 
Area (EFTA); this is followed by East Asia (17%) and South America region (11%) ( Chart 3.21).85 
These regions also continue to be active in RTA negotiatio ns. 
                                                
84 WTO document WT/REG/W/107, 22 September 2016.  
85 As mentioned, however, there are a number of RTAs th at are in force that have not yet been notified. 
If these were to be included, the regional share of RTAs may change.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Chart 3.20 Number of physical RTAs that have entered into force since 2006  
020406080100120140160
02468101214161820
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Number of physical RTAs, by year of entry into force Cumulative physical RTAsNumber per year
Cumulative numberChart 3.16
Number of physical RTAs that entered into force since 2006
Source: WTO Secretariat.
 
Note:  As of 15 October 2016.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Chart 3.21 RTAs in force by  region  
Europe
21%
East Asia
17%
South America
11%CIS
9%North America
9%Central America
8%Africa
7%Middle East
6%West Asia
5%Oceania
5%Caribbean
2%
Source: WTO Secretariat.Chart 3.17
Regional Trade Agreements in force by region
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.156.   In addition to their existing RTAs, most WTO Members are actively negotiating new RTAs. 
While most negotiations are bilateral, a few have elicited recent interest because they are between 
a number  of Members. One of these , the Trans -Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, was signed 
on 4 February 2016 and is currently going through ratification by its 12 members. According to the 
text of the TPP Agreement, it will enter into force 60 days after internal ratification procedure s are 
complete in all 12 parties. If these are not completed within two years, the Agreement  will enter WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  into force 60 days following the end of the two years provided at least six of the 12  signatories, 
and who account for 85% of the combined GDP of the or iginal signatories, has ratified the 
Agreement.  Others, such as the Regional Closer Economic Partnership ( RCEP) Agreement between 
10 ASEAN members and six others in the Asia -Pacific,  the Trans -Atlantic Trade and Investment 
Partnership ( TTIP) Agreement  across the Atlantic and the Tripartite Agreement on the African 
Continent , are still being negotiated . 
3.157.   The primary objective of RTAs has been to further reduce barriers to trade between the 
parties, by both removing tariffs and other restrictions at the border . However, as tariffs come 
down generally, RTAs are increasingly concentrating on reducing non -tariff measures which are not 
necessarily only imposed at the border. Accordingly, RTAs have become more complex and the ir 
texts more detailed over the years. In  addition to traditional market access issues in goods and 
services, and related rules such as those for origin and trade  remedies , more recent RTAs tackle 
other regulations and procedures  such as standards, SPS measures, trade facilitation, IP rights, 
investment, competition and electronic commerce. Of all RTAs notified to the WTO since 2000  
(Chart 3.22), 58.9% % have provisions in services , and 56.7% in investment, while 48.2%  have 
provisions in IP rights and 32.1%  in environment  and 22.8% in labour.  
Chart 3.22 Provisions included in RTAs noti fied since 2000 to October 2016  
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%InvestmentServicesLabourIntellectual propertyGovernment procurementEnvironmentCompetitionElectronic commerceChart 3.18
Percentage of RTAs total RTAs notified since 2000, as of October 2016
Source:   WTO Secretariat.
 
Source: WTO Secretariat . 
3.158.   While a larger number of provisions are being included in RTAs, not all of them go m uch 
beyond the WTO texts where these exist. Recent research by the WTO Secretariat based on all 
RTAs notified to the WTO finds a mixed picture. For some provisions, notably market access in 
goods, RTAs have been successful in eliminating tariffs between th e parties. However, for a 
number of WTO Members, MFN applied tariffs are already quite low so the impact of the additional 
liberalization may not be that significant. Moreover, in some cases RTAs are not able to remove or 
even reduce tariffs on sensitive p roducts, which therefore remain protected both in MFN and 
preferential trade. For other provisions, for instance anti -dumping measures, most RTAs do not 
seem to go beyond affirming the parties' RTA rights. For provisions such as standards, and 
safeguards, while some procedural changes have been introduced by RTAs, by and large they do 
not make substantive changes vis-a-vis existing WTO rules.  
3.159.   In contrast, RTAs are clearly creating new rules with respect to provisions for which there 
are as yet no WTO rules , e.g.  competition, electronic commerce, environment and labour. WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Nevertheless, even for some of these provisions, it is interesting to see that a number of countries 
tend to follow the same approach in their RTAs. For others, for instance competition, envi ronment 
or labour policies, legislative changes resulting from RTA commitments are, for practical purposes, 
best applied in a non -discriminatory manner even though they were negotiated through an RTA. 
Thus, while it may be true that RTAs establish new rule s and standards, these new rules and 
standards are not as diverse as we might expect . In addition, their application is sometimes 
non-discriminatory.  
Trade Facilitation  
3.160.   Members intensified their preparations for the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to e nter 
into force. Advancements were achieved on several fronts, especially with respect to the 
amendment protocol (WT/L/940)86, which has to be accepted by two -thirds of all WTO Members 
for the TFA to take effect.  As of 10 October 2016, the WTO has received  94 valid instruments – an 
increase of 45 additional instruments since the last report. This amounts to 85 % of the overall 
number required for the Trade Facilitation Agreement to enter into force.   
3.161.   Delegations also continued to notify the commitments they  will immediately implement 
upon the TFA's entry into force (frequently referred to as "category A commitments"). The 
Preparatory Committee received 15 additional notifications since mid -October of 2015, coming not 
only from developing countries , but also from LDCs. This brought the overall number of submitted 
category A notifications to 87 as of 10  October 2016.  Members further started to indicate which 
provisions of the TFA they consider to require additional time ("category B commitments") or time 
and th e acquisition of implementation capacity ("category C commitments"). A first related 
notification was presented in February 201687 by Georgia and was followed by four additional 
submissions during the months that followed, by Mauritius, Malawi, the Solomon Islands and 
Zambia.88  
3.162.   Work continued with respect to technical assistance and capacity -building initiatives. In 
2014 the Director -General launched a WTO Trade Facilitation Facility (the Facility) to assist 
developing and LDC Members in implementing the TFA  that became operational on 
27 November  2014. The Facility works closely with individual Members to ensure they are 
receiving the information and support needed. It also provides information on assistance 
programmes and, where needed, it can conduct match -making between donors and recipients. The 
Facility supports Members' efforts to implement the Agreement by acting as a repository for 
training materials, case studies and best practices on implementation of the measures. It provides 
training programmes and  support materials to assist Members to fully understand their 
obligations.    This year the Facility assisted Members to prepare their category ABC notifications 
and build the capacity of the national trade facilitation committees by conducting national an d sub -
regional workshops.   It also offered an advanced course for chairs of national trade facilitation 
committees, with the cooperation of partner organizations.   Two courses were conducted in English 
in 2016 with courses in French and Spanish planned for  early 2017.   The Facility also assisted 
Members to find support for implementation of the Agreement in a variety of ways.89 
ITA Expansion  
3.163.   A new agreement to expand the product coverage of the 1996 Information Technology 
Agreement (ITA) was announced at the  10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi on 16 December 
2015. The ITA Expansion Declaration was signed by 24 Participants, which represent 53 WTO 
Members, including both developed and developing members, and account for approximately 90 % 
of world trade in t hese products.  The new deal eliminates customs duties on an additional list of 
201 products, including new generation semi -conductors, semi -conductor manufacturing 
equipment, optical lenses, GPS navigation equipment, and medical equipment such as magnetic  
resonance imaging products and ultra -sonic scanning apparatus. Secretariat estimates of the 
annual trade in these products are around US$1.3 trillion per year and accounts for approximately 
10% of global trade in goods.  
                                                
86 This was decided at the Ninth Ministerial Conference in Bali on 7 December 2013 ( WT/MIN(13)/36).  
87 (WT/PCTF/GEO/N/1).  
88 WT/PCTF/N/MUS/2,  WT/PCTF/N/MWI/1, WT/PCTF/N/SLB/1 and WT/PCTF/N/ZMB/1.  
89 Additional information can be found on the Facility website ( www.TFAFacility.org ). WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  3.164.   Under the ITA Expansion , import ta riffs and other duties and charges on  most of the 201 
IT products are set for elimination either starting on 1 July 2016 , and/or progressively over three 
years  (by 1 July 2019) .  For a limited number of sensitive products, tariffs will be phased out  over 
five or seven  years for the most exceptional cases  (Box 3.1). As of October  2016, most 
Participants were on track with the implementation of the first tariff  cut, subject to the completion 
of do mestic procedural requirements.90 As required by paragraph 6 of the Declaration, 17 
Participants have also initiated the 1980 Procedures for Modification and Rectification of Schedules 
in order to include the new ITA Expansion concessions into their WTO Schedules and extend them 
to all WTO Mem bers on an MFN basis.  The ITA Expansion Declaration also provides for further 
work on non -tariff barriers in the IT sector, and for keeping the list of products covered under 
review to determine whether further expansion may be needed to reflect future tec hnological 
developments.  
Aid for Trade  
3.165.   The new biennium Aid for Trade Work Programme, themed "Promoting Connectivity", was 
issued on 16 February 2016. The 2016 -17 Aid for Trade Pr ogramme draws on the results of the 
2015 Global Review, which recognised the burden of high trade costs on developing countries, 
particularly LDCs, in connecting to the global trading system. The work pr ogramme builds on the 
2015 Nairobi Ministerial Declaration that emphasised the importance of continuing support to 
developing cou ntries and LDCs in building supply side capacity and trade -related  infrastructure, 
paying specific attention to LDC priorities. The centre -piece of the work programme is the 6th 
Global Review scheduled for 11 -13 July 2017.  
3.166.   A key activity underpinning the wo rk programme is the Aid for Trade  monitoring and 
evaluation (M&E) exercise, carried out in partnership with the OECD. The current M&E programme 
was launched on 27 July 2016, via a joint communic ation from WTO Director -General, Roberto 
Azevêdo and OECD Secr etary-General, Angel Gurría. The 2016 monitoring and evaluation exercise 
focuses on: how and why Aid for Trade  priorities have changed since 2015; the status of 
implementation of the WTO  TFA; e-commerce and digital connectivity; and infrastructure 
enhancem ent and the improvement of related services markets through support of investment 
climate reforms. The evaluation exercise also includes a call for case studies, which spotlights on -
the-ground initiatives to promote connectivity.  As part of the joint monit oring and evaluation work, 
the OECD keeps track of Aid for Trade flows. OECD figures highlight that overall disbursements in 
Aid for Trade reached the highest recorded amount in 2014 at US$42.4billion. However, total 
commitments fell by US$1 billion to US$ 54.4Billion between 2013 and 2014. Specifically, LDC Aid 
for Trade  commitments in 2014 fell from US$18.5 billion in 2013 to US$14.4billion. Disbursements 
also slowed, albeit more gradually with a drop of US$0.4 billion to US$10.5 billion in 2014.  T otal 
disbursements of Aid for Trade since 2005 stand at more than US$308 billion in official 
development aid, and a further US$ 208 billion in other official flows.  
Trade Financing  
3.167.   Since the issuance of the Director -General's proposals on Trade Finance and SMEs in  
May 201691, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with support from several institutions (including 
the WTO), has released its 2016 Trade Finance Gap Survey. The estimated global trade finance 
gap was US$1.6 trillion in 2015, an increase of US$200 billion over  the previous year, despite the 
fall in trade in 2015. Although around US$700 billion of the gap is estimated to be in the Asia 
region, Africa, the CIS, Europe and Latin America are also affected. Globally, surveys show that 
while multinational corporation s face trade finance rejection rates of around 10%, around 56% of 
the trade finance requests by SMEs are rejected by banks. Part of the trade finance gap reflects a 
knowledge gap, notably in developing countries. Several international intergovernmental 
institutions as well as private entities are engaged in complementary efforts to narrow this gap 
through increased trade finance training and the objective of training 1,000 trade financiers per 
year is considered achievable.  
3.168.   In the area of trade finance, as indeed across the whole spectrum of cross -border financial 
activities , questions about regulations largely have focused on the cost of compliance to non-
                                                
90 Members implementing the ITA expansion agreement are reflected in Annex  1. 
91 For more details, see https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/tradefinsme_e.htm . 
  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  prudential regulation, so -called "know -your-customers" (KYC) requirements and related 
regulations on an ti-money laundering (AML). The causality between the cost of compliance and 
"de-risking" by global banks has been difficult to establish , but it has been subject of several 
reports and studies over the past couple of years . With respect to trade finance fa cilitation 
schemes , discussions have continued among partner institutions about increasing existing 
programmes or promoting new ones. However, such efforts have faced a number of challenges, 
including the fact that trade declined in value (albeit not in vo lume) in 2015 and in early 2016  and 
that t he amount of trade to be financed in low -income countries – in particular in the commodity 
area - also f ell. 
Government Procurement  
3.169.   The WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) continues to gain importance as 
an instrument for promoting trade and good governance in government procurement markets. The 
updated and modernized version of the Agreement that was adopted by the Parties in 2012 is now 
in force for all but one of the Agreement's Parties. The Agreement c overs the procurement of 
goods, services and construction services, subject to relevant thresholds and other exclusions, and 
contains important disciplines on transparency and the prevention of corruption in addition to 
market access.  
3.170.   Following the deposit  by Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova of their instruments of 
accession during the review period, the Agreement came into force for these two Members on 18 
May 2016 and 14 July 2016, respectively. This brings the total number of WTO Members covered 
by th e Agreement to 47. The number of WTO Members participating in the GPA Committee as 
observers is now 29, with Kazakhstan being granted observer status on 19 October 2016. 
Increasingly, WTO Members are joining the GPA for reasons relating to the promotion of  good 
governance and economic reform in addition to market access advantages for their national 
suppliers. Further additions to the Agreement's membership are expected in the short to medium 
term. Negotiations on Australia's and the Kyrgyz Republic's acces sions may be concluded in the 
first half of 2017. Negotiations on Tajikistan's accession are also progressing well. Discussions 
continue on China's accession to the Agreement. As well, the Russian Federation has applied for 
accession as a Party to the Agre ement and its first market access offer is expected to be circulated 
by the end of 2016. Four other WTO Members — Albania, Georgia, Jordan and Oman have applied 
to join the GPA. Another six WTO Members have provisions regarding accession to the Agreement 
in their respective Protocols of Accession to the WTO: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Seychelles and t he former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.  
3.171.   With regard to ongoing work in the Committee, the GPA Parties have now initiated  
discussions on a number of specific work programmes. These address, inter alia: (i) promoting 
access to government procurement markets by SMEs; (ii)  ensuring sustainability in public 
procurement activities; (iii) improving the statistics that Parties subm it pursuant to relevant 
provisions of the GPA; and (iv) identifying and (potentially) reducing the number of exceptions and 
exclusions to coverage that are included in the Parties' market access schedules.  The purpose of 
these work programmes is to enhanc e transparency and, where relevant, contribute to the future 
evolution of the Agreement.92 Also during the review period, the GPA Committee adopted a 
decision on Arbitration Procedures regarding Parties' modification of their coverage schedules.  The 
purpos e of the new Procedures is to expedite, where appropriate, adjustments to the Parties' 
market access schedules in light of developments such as the elimination of government control 
over listed procuring entities. Throughout the review period, the Committe e has monitored the 
implementation of the new "e -GPA system", an interactive, automated web portal created by the 
Secretariat to enhance the accessibility and usability of the market access and other information 
provided by Parties pursuant to the Agreemen t. 
Electronic Commerce  
3.172.   Consideration of e -commerce has gained renewed momentum in the WTO, particularly 
since the Nairobi Ministerial in December 2015.  Delegations have tabled a number of submissions. 
Workshops have been held in various formats, including  by Members and as a part of WTO 
technical assistance. Members have also requested that more events allowing for expert views on 
various e -commerce topics be organized.  In addition, an exchange of information on e -commerce, 
                                                
92 A review of the text and coverage of the Agreement is scheduled to commen ce in 2017.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  including on initiatives to hel p SMEs participate more fully, was agreed under the Council on Trade 
in Services.  Moreover, the WTO's Aid for Trade initiative will include issues on connectivity and 
e-commerce readiness in its 2016/2017 mandate.  Bearing these developments in mind, some  of 
the emerging features of e -commerce trade and related measures are briefly highlighted below, 
along with some existing sources of  further information .   
3.173.   E-commerce in all its forms, whether ordering on line or delivery on line, continues to grow 
unabat ed.  By the end of 2015, business to consumer retail (B2C) e -commerce both domestic and 
cross border was estimated at about US $1.7 trillion.93 By 2019, retail e -commerce is expected to 
reach US$ 3.6 trillion, or nearly 13% of total global retail sales.94  Patterns are shifting as well. As 
of 2014, the value of B2C e -commerce in Asia -Pacific outstripped that of North America, and even 
exceeded the combined total of North America and Western Europe. Annual growth of on -line B2C 
sales in Africa and the Middle Eas t, although from a lower base, exceeds that of every region 
except Asia Pacific.95 Rough estimates are that business to business (B2B) e -commerce, hard to 
measure, may be worth about ten times that of B2C e -commerce.96      
3.174.   As e-commerce grows, and permeates  business activities at all levels of global value 
chains, governments are struggling to adapt their legal and regulatory frameworks to deal with – 
and face the challenges raised by – on-line economic activities. Members have identified a number 
of relevan t policy areas in recent submissions to the E -commerce Work Program. These range 
from e -signatures and authentication, encryption and source codes, standards and interoperability, 
conformity assessment, privacy of personal data, consumer protection and cyb ersecurity to 
network neutrality and competitive conditions, choice of technology and transfer thereof, IP 
protection, customs and customs procedures and data regulations.  
3.175.   It is important to note, however, that measures adopted by governments in the conte xt of 
these different policy areas mentioned can help or hinder the potential for growth of e -commerce. 
Some updates are necessary to provide legal predictability and inspire consumer confidence. Laws 
recognizing e -signatures or providing on -line consumer protection are among these. However, 
other measures can pose obstacles, unintended or not, to the efficient conduct of business and 
trade online. Burdensome customs procedures and various types of data flow regulations, if poorly 
designed or overreaching t heir objectives, are often cast as examples of this.97  Where measures 
result in significant added costs of supplying goods and services online, these costs will ultimately 
be passed on to business clients and ordinary consumers, thus reducing the anticipat ed benefits of 
internet -enabled trade accruing to consumers, on -line businesses and traditional industries, as 
well.98 The challenge for governments, in devising new and adapted laws and regulations for to 
e-commerce, is to strike a balance between obtainin g the benefits for economic growth and 
development, and protecting legitimate, yet competing, policy concerns.   
3.176.   UNCTAD reports that t he share of countries having enacted relevant e -commerce enabling 
laws is typically highest for e -transactions and lowest for the protection of online consumers, but 
that patterns vary. In Central America, for example, UNCTAD reports that seven out of eight 
countries have consumer protection legislation in place, but more than half of them lack laws 
related to data protection . Illustrating that an increase in related measures is a recent 
phenomenon, with regard to disciplines on data transfers, the European Centre for International 
Political Economy (ECIPE) reports that the number of various types of controls on data began 
rising in the 1990s, showing a significant upward trajectory since the early to mid -2000s. Of the 
                                                
93 "Worldwide Retail Ecommerce Sales: The eMarketer Forecast for 2016", issued by  eMarketer.com 
available for sale at   viewed at:  https://www.emarketer.com/  
94 Among the leading B2C activities are the or dering of goods, such as apparel and computer 
equipment, and services, such as hotel and flight reservations and event tickets.  
95 Data from eMarketer Inc., Worldwide Retail Ecommerce Sales: Emarketer’s Updated Estimates and 
Forecast Through 2019 , (c) 2015.  
96 B2B trade represents, for example, on -line ordering of a wide variety  of industrial equipment and 
on-line supply of services, such as computer services, back office functions and professional services.       
 97 Chander, Anupam and Le, Uyen P., " Data Nati onalism", March 13, 2015, Emory Law Journal, Vol.  64, 
No. 3. 
 98 See McKinsey Global Institute. Internet matters: The Net’s sweeping impact on growth, jobs, and 
prosperity, May 2011; McKinsey Global Institute. The great transformer: The impact of the Intern et on 
economic growth and prosperity, Oct. 2011; and Ahmed, Usman and Chander, Anupam, "Information Goes 
Global: Protecting Privacy, Security, and the New Economy in a World of Cro ss-border Data Flows", 
November  2015,  Think Piece, E15 Expert Group on the D igital Economy.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  65 countries ECIPE has reviewed, few, if any, had local storage or local data processing 
requirements up until the 1990s, but as of 2016 a total of 84 such measu res were in place.  
3.177.   Currently, some agencies or organizations are seeking to incorporate information on laws 
and regulations affecting e -commerce and digital trade into new or existing databases. Many of the 
issues examined in the monitoring reports since 2009 could potentially impact Members' ability to 
engage in electronic commerce, even where e -commerce may not be specifically cited in the 
measures concerned. For example, government measures concerning net neutrality, privacy 
protection and investment me asures relating to, among other things, e -commerce portals have 
been covered . The WTO's ITIP database, developed in collaboration with the WB, includes 
information on regulations and policies relating to trade in cross -border services which may impact 
e-commerce.99 The Secretariat is also in the process of adding information on measures relevant 
to cross -border data flows.  
3.178.   Two other recent initiatives are specifically dedicated to cataloguing cyber measures.  This 
includes the Global Cyberlaw Tracker compil ed by UNCTAD and the Digital Trade Estimates (DTE) 
Project of ECIPE. The UNCTAD Global Cyberlaw Tracker maps cyberlaws in the 194 UNCTAD 
member states.100 It tracks the state of e -commerce legislation in the fields of e -transactions, 
consumer protection, dat a protection/privacy and cybercrime. The database indicates whether or 
not a given country has adopted legislation, or has a draft law pending adoption. In instances 
where information about a country's legislation is not readily available, "no data " is ind icated.  
Data was collected through UNCTAD research as well as contributions by its partners, including the 
Commonwealth Secretariat, the Council of Europe, the International Telecommunication Union, the 
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law , the United Nations Economic and Social 
Commission for West Africa, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Bank. 
UNCTAD's focus in mapping the global legal e -commerce landscape has been on primary 
legislation, rather than implementing regulations. In addition, over the past few years, UNCTAD 
has conducted individual studies on e -commerce and related cyber laws in Latin America, and 
ECOWAS, ASEAN, East Africa and Central America and the Caribbean.101 
3.179.   ECIPE has launched the DTE project with  the objective of shedding light on the types of 
measures that are affecting digital trade.102 The database currently covers 65 economies. In 
addition, the DTE includes an index which attempts to quantify the cost of all these measures on 
digital trade. The DTE database is a comprehensive database entirely dedicated to digital trade 
policy. It covers measures in 13 policy areas, which have been grouped within four broad clusters, 
i.e. fiscal restrictions, establishment restrictions, restrictions on data and trading restrictions. In 
association with the database, ECIPE is also producing an index and a report. The index is based 
on the information in the database. It  relies on an analysis of the trade -restrictiveness of digital 
trade policies and assigns a score  to the countries, from zero (most open) to 1 (least open). The 
index  provides an overview of the digital environment of the countries as well as their ranking in 
each of the areas covered. The report, to be issued annually, summarises the findings of the DTE 
project and includes detailed information on the methodology used to classify the measures and 
calculate the index.   
Dispute Settlement  
3.180.   The high level of dispute settlement activity witnessed in previous years has intensified in 
2016. Twenty new disput e settlement reports, awards and decisions were circulated between 9 
October 2015 and 9 October 2016. Seven of these were reports by panels (including a report by 
one compliance panel established under Article 21.5 of the DSU). The Appellate Body circulate d 
eight reports (including two reports under Article 21.5 of the DSU). In addition, there were three 
                                                
99Access the ITIP database at https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/itip_e.htm    
 100 Access the UNCTAD Global Cyberlaw tracker at 
http://unctad.org/en/Pages/DTL/STI_and_ICTs/ICT4D -Legislation/eCom -Global -Legislation.aspx   
 101 Study on the harmonization of cyberlegislation in Latin America , (UNCTAD/DTL/STICT/2015/4), 
5 October  2016; review of e -commerce legislation harmonization in the Economic  Community of West African 
States , (UNCTAD/DTL/STICT/2015/2) 30 November 2015; review of e -commerce legislation harmonization in 
the Association of Southeast Asian Nation s, (UNCTAD/DTL/STICT/2013/1) 25 September 2013; Harmonizing 
Cyberlaws and Regulations: The Experience of the East African Community , (UNCTAD/DTL/STICT/2012/4) 
23 October  2012; study on prospects for harmonizing cyberlegislation in Central America and the Caribbean  
(UNCTAD/DTL/STICT/2009/3) 19 Jan uary 2012.  
 102 Access the DTE database, index and repo rt at http://ecipe.org/dte/ .  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  awards issued by arbitrators under Article 21.3(c) of the DSU and two Article 22.6 decisions. As of 
the end of the review period, an additional five final panel reports issued to parties are currently 
being translated before they are circulated. Similar to previous years, the subject -matter of WTO 
dispute settlement covered many agreements, including the GATT 1994, the SCM Agreement, the 
Anti-Dumping Agreeme nt, the TBT Agreement, the SPS Agreement, the GATS and the TRIPS 
Agreement. Several ongoing disputes involve complex factual and legal issues. Nearly all of the 
dispute settlement proceedings over the review period involved at least one developing country 
Member, either as the complainant or the respondent.  
3.181.   While the high level of dispute settlement activity shows that the Membership has great 
confidence in the system, it has resulted in a number of panels not being able to proceed 
immediately after compos ition as not enough lawyers were immediately available to staff them. An 
increase in the number of staff in the Rules and Legal Affairs Divisions, as well as collaboration 
between the two divisions, made it possible to assign lawyers, by April 2016, to ass ist all of the 
panels that were awaiting staff as of October 2015 in accordance with the Director -General's 
announcement to WTO Members. Nevertheless, the continuing establishment and composition of 
panels over the past year has led to new delays with pane ls not always in a position to proceed 
with their work immediately after composition. As of the end of the review period, there were 28 
ongoing panel and compliance panel proceedings and three panels at the composition stage. Based 
on the number of cases c urrently at the panel stage, it is expected that the workload of the 
Appellate Body will increase further and will remain very high in coming years. The panel report in 
the compliance proceedings in the EC and Certain Member States – Large Civil Aircraft  dispute was 
circulated to WTO Members on 22 September 2016 and appealed in October. Further large appeals 
are expected in 2017, including an appeal in United States – Measures Affecting Trade in Large 
Civil Aircraft (Second Complaint) (Article 21.5) , in whi ch the panel report is expected to be 
circulated in early 2017. Overall, more than 25 panel reports coul d be circulated between 
October  2016 and October 2017 and on average two -thirds of all panel reports are appealed . 
OECD contribution  
3.182.   The following two t opical boxes (Boxes 3.3 and 3.4) by the OECD look at the jobs that 
trade and GVCs sustain domestically and globally, and the benefits from GVCs in enhancing export 
performance.  
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Box 3.3 Trade, GVCs and Jobs  
The income generated within value chains is a well understood part of the GVC story; a less researched part is the jobs that 
GVCs sustain domestically and globally. In 2011, over 590 million workers (in the 61 countries covered in the OECD -WTO TiVA 
database) were engaged in producing exports. Nearly 111  million of these worked in firms producing the intermediates used by 
other countries in their exports. These jobs, selling inputs into GVCs, are known as forward GVC jobs.  
 
Although these employment figures rep resent a relatively small share of global employment, they are growing fast: since 1995, 
export jobs grew more than twice as fast as total jobs - and forward GVC jobs grew over six times faster.1 
 
Asia is a key employment hub…  
 
The countries of North and S outheast Asia2, supplied, in 2011, 52% of forward GVC jobs globally. China was the largest global 
supplier, providing 31.5% of all forward GVC jobs, with the ASEAN region providing nearly 17% of such jobs (more than India, 
despite a smaller combined popula tion).  
 
In Asia, as in other regions, the jobs associated with exports and forward GVC participation are growing fast (Table 1). In V iet 
Nam, for example, over five million people (10% of the working population) were engaged in producing exports of interme diate 
goods and services in 2011, a 330% rise from 1995.  
 
Table 1. Jobs linked to trade in Asia  
  2011  Changes 1995 -2011  
Country  Total 
employment  Employment 
in exports  Forward  
GVC jobs  Total 
employment  Employment 
in exports  Forward  
GVC 
jobs 
Brunei 
Darussalam  188,000 37,442 9,047 47% 72% 156%  
Singapore  2,826,000 1,509,607 378,667 66% 60% 156%  
Cambodia  8,235,000 2,615,104 463,168 81% 105%  46% 
Malaysia  12,012,000 5,528,904 1,287,411 51% 60% 91% 
Philippines  37,534,000 8,361,848 2,238,441 47% 47% 150%  
Thailand  38,842,000 16,502,280 3,677,286 24% 75% 148%  
Viet Nam  52,108,000 23,246,610 5,348,009 39% 203%  336%  
Indonesia  108,725,000 19,089,300 5,519,080 31% 18% 97% 
Hong Kong, 
China  3,582,000 1,404,839 296,768 20% 42% 97% 
Chinese Taipei  10,910,000 4,604,291 1,237,168 18% 40% 133%  
Republic of 
Korea  24,010,000 7,532,696 1,815,572 16% 46% 113%  
Japan  62,398,000 8,163,711 2,336,723 -3% 47% 114%  
China  761,493,000 172,083,900 35,206,020 15% 57% 129%  
Note:  All values are estimates derived from a model that c ombines the information in the TiVA ICIO with ILO data on 
employment by sector.  
Source:  Lopez -Gonzalez (2016).  
_______________  
 1 These values do not distinguish between jobs created and jobs destroyed. Assessing the net impact of GVCs on jobs is 
a comp licated empirical exercise which requires digging deeper into the type of jobs that are affected as well as the interaction 
between domestic and foreign jobs as substitutes and the role of technological progress. (See Lopez -Gonzalez, J. (2016), 
“Using Fore ign Factors to Enhance Domestic Export Performance: A Focus on Southeast Asia”, OECD Trade Policy Papers, No. 
191, OECD Publishing, Paris. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/5jlpq82v1jxw -en). 
 2 Asia includes Brunei  Darussalam ; Singapore; Cambodia; Malaysia; Philip pines; Thailand; Viet Nam; Indonesia; Hong -
Kong, China; Chinese Taipei; Rep. of Korea; Japan and China.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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…and also supports jobs abroad  
 
In 2011, ASEAN exports used foreign inputs produced by over 14 million workers located in other countries. China acc ounted 
for more than 4.5 million of these workers; ASEAN countries for 4 million and India for 2.5 million. ASEAN exports also 
supported 600 ,000 jobs in the E uropean Union, 400 ,000 in Japan, 370 ,000 in North America and Mexico, 140 ,000 in Korea, 
Rep. of  and 100 ,000 in Australia and New  Zealand. Rising job interdependencies, through GVCs, means that there are 
increasingly shared interests in the success of other countries’ exports. More ASEAN exports now mean more European, 
Japanese and American export jobs.3 
 
These jobs might also be more productive. Evidence suggests that domestic workers engaged in forward GVC jobs have, on 
average, a higher productivity than workers employed in the production of gross exports.  
 
International productivity differences drive  GVC interactions  
 
Countries with higher output per worker tend to source from regions with lower output per worker (and vice versa). This means  
that the share that foreign workers represented in the production of exports differs markedly from how value ad ded is shared 
across borders. For example, only 4.7% of the workers that China relies on to produce exports are located in other countries 
(that is, are engaged in producing the intermediates it uses). By contrast, 32% of the value added in Chinese exports  is 
foreign.  
 
This high domestic labour content of exports is characteristic of labour abundant economies such as China and ASEAN (where 
84% of the workers engaged in producing exports are employed domestically). The domestic job content of exports in 
economies like the United States or Germany is closer to 60%, but the value added per worked is almost 10 times that of 
China, reflecting their relative endowment of high -skilled labour.   
 
How can policy support export and forward GVC jobs?  
 
Increased employme nt in export industries is strongly determined by the growing use of foreign value added (in agriculture, 
manufacturing and service sectors). Industries which source more from foreign providers expand their economic activity and 
demand more workers; as suc h foreign sourcing is complementary to employment creation in exports and GVCs.  
 
An open trade and investment policy can help to increase the number of workers that are engaged in producing exports and in 
producing the intermediates sold into GVCs. While t here are still some broad differences between developed and emerging 
countries in terms of the relative importance of skills and wages in participating in GVCs, policies aimed at increasing the skills 
of the labour force will help deliver better GVC outcom es. Knowledge and skills are becoming an increasingly important and 
perhaps more sustainable source of comparative advantage in current and future GVCs.  
 
_______________  
 3 This analysis captures only the employment in exports and not overall employment. T he impact of imports on 
employment is discussed in Autor et al. (2013a, 2013b, 2013c and 2016) and Acemoglou et al., (2014). When assessing the 
net employment effects, these findings need to be taken into account (see Lopez -Gonzalez, 2016 for a discussion) . 
 
Bibliography  
 
Acemoglu, D., D. Autor, D. Dorn, G. Hanson and B. Price (2014), " Import Competition and the Great U.S. Employment Sag of 
the 2000s ," NBER Working Papers  20395, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.  
Autor, D., D. Dorn and G. Hanson (20 16), "The China Shock: Learning from Labor Market Adjustments to Large Changes in 
Trade". NBER Working Papers 21906, National Bureau of Economic Research.  
Autor, D., D. Dorn and G. Hanson (2013a), "The geography of Trade and Technology Shocks in the United  States." American 
Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 103(3), pages 220 -25, May.  
Autor, D., D. Dorn and G. Hanson (2013b), "The China Syndrome: Local Labor Market Effects of Import Competition in the 
United States," American Economic Revi ew, American Economic Association, vol. 103(6), pages 2121 -68, October.  
Autor, D., D. Dorn, G. Hanson and J. Song (2013c), "Trade Adjustment: Worker Level Evidence" NBER Working Papers 19226, 
National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.  
Lopez -Gonzalez, J. (2 016), “Using Foreign Factors to Enhance Domestic Export Performance: A Focus on Southeast Asia”, 
OECD Trade Policy Papers, No. 191, OECD Publishing, Paris. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/5jlpq82v1jxw -en 
Source:  OECD . WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Box 3.4 Benefits of GVCs: Using foreign value added to enhance export performa nce  
The debate on where countries locate in the value chain is often predicated on the idea that countries should seek a higher 
share  of the value added of the products they pr oduce.  In fact, in terms of the domestic benefits from GVCs, it is not the 
share of value added that matters but rather the amount, or total value  that the economic activities within the value chain 
generate.   
Re-thinking upgrading  
 
A country or firm's p osition in the value chain will largely depend on its comparative advantage and the mix of skills and 
resource endowments it brings to international production. For some countries or firms, this might initially involve speciali sing 
in labour intensive segm ents while for others it may involve specialising in high -tech elements.    
A hypothetical “smiley curve” plots, for a particular product, the stages of GVC participation against their possible value a dded 
contribution (Figure 1). At the extremities, pre - and post -production activities such as R&D and marketing tend to command a 
higher share of the value of a particular finished product, while manufacturing or assembly activities tend to be located at the 
bottom of the curve (lower value added share).  
Howeve r, this “smiley curve” does not give the whole story on economic benefit of participating in value chains.  It does not 
take into consideration that firms increasingly specialise in tasks along the value chain and therefore operate across a rang e of 
produc ts. Hence while the firm that assembles the iPhone will retain a small share of the value of phone, that firm can 
specialise in assembly and can grow by assembling the smartphones of other companies.  The firm can thereby reap value 
over a range of product s and generate a much larger overall amount of domestic value added.  
Figure 1. The Smiley Curve: share of value added along the value chain  
 
Source:  Adapted from OECD (2015) based on Shih (1996) and Gereffi (2005).  
Ultimately, the benefits of engaging in GVCs do not depend on the position held in the value chain, but on the extent to whic h 
countries c an leverage their participation to become more efficient and maximise the income and benefits from the activities 
they undertake now and in the future. This can be measured through changes in the domestic value  added that the activity 
generates.  
In a worl d of GVCs, access to cheaper and more sophisticated imported inputs is key to growing domestic value added. 
Assembly requires sourcing from various countries in the same way that developing the high -end specs of a smartphone 
requires locating elements of i ts production in the most cost -effective location. So in fact growth in domestic value can rely on 
an increasing share of foreign value added in production.  
Policy -makers should therefore focus on the value that the firms are generating and not the share t hat is being performed 
domestically. In ASEAN, for example, the domestic value added share  of exports fell from 71% to 67% between 1995 and 
2011 but the volume  of domestic value added in exports increased nearly fourfold (Figure 2). ASEAN increased the vol ume of 
its economic activity by relying on more foreign value added; that is, it is the total return that is important, not the shar e in 
any given production activity. In other words, a country may only be receiving $1 of value added per item, but if it is  producing 
500 of those items it makes a greater overall return than if it receives $2 per item on a product of which it can only sell 1 00 
units competitively .  
 
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Figure 2. Lower share, but much higher volume, ASEAN exports in 2011  
 
  
Source : Own calculations using OECD -WTO TiVA database.  
Developing domestic value added is inextricably tied to foreign value added. Recent empirical analysis shows th at the use of 
foreign value added is one of the most important determinants of positive changes in domestic value added in exports across 
all types of activities (agriculture, manufacturing and services) and levels of development (for developed and emergin g 
economies). Foreign value added is therefore a complement to, rather than a substitute for, domestic value added in exports. 
In a world of GVCs, more than ever, export competitiveness requires import openness.  
Source:  OECD . WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  4  POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE IN SERVICES  
4.1.  The period under review was eventful in the area of trade in services, with new measures 
being introduced by 41 Members in such diverse sectors as air transport, construction, distribution, 
financ e, postal, maritime transport and telecommunicat ions, as well as in the supply of services  
through the movement of natural persons. Albeit with exceptions, the trend has been towards 
further liberalization and the strengthening and clarification of relevant regulatory requirements. 
Annex 5 contains more  in-depth descriptions of these services measures.  
Measures affecting various service sectors  
 
4.2.  The general FDI regimes of Australia;  Kingdom of Bahrain;  China;  India;  Indonesia and 
Ukraine were significantly changed, in most cases improving access conditio ns in various service 
sectors. In the case of Australia, recent legislative changes are part of a broad  reform package  
commenced in 2015  with the stated aim of strengthening the foreign investment framework and 
applying greater scrutiny to some foreign investments. While not removing the need for Foreign 
Investment Review Board (FIRB) clearance of acquisitions of 'substantial interest' in Australian 
entities, some aspects of the regime have been improved, such as the increase of the threshold for 
mandatory notifications (with a preference granted to some bilateral trading partners). China, i n 
successive regulations, expanded the legal forms available and eliminated minimum capital 
requirements for foreign suppliers in a number of sectors103, and reformed its s ystem for the 
admission of foreign investment enterprises (FIEs) in all sectors of the economy (shifting from the 
substantial review and approval system to a "filing for the record " system). In the same vein, 
Ukraine abolished state registration of foreign  investment in all sectors of the economy.  
4.3.  Changes in their respective FDI catalogues have resulted in significant liberalization in India 
and Indonesia. In a recent circular, India consolidated the liberalization measures introduced over 
the last year, no tably in the air transport, retail distribution and telecommunications sectors. The 
new aviation policy, part of a long -anticipated reform, allows 100% foreign ownership of scheduled 
and non -scheduled air transport operators, under given conditions, 100% f oreign ownership of 
new airports and up to 74% foreign ownership (and beyond, subject to government approval) of 
existing airports. Full foreign ownership is also allowed for providers of ground handling services, 
maintenance and repair services, flying tr aining institutes and technical training institutions. The 
new Indonesian FDI catalogue allows increased levels of foreign participation – ranging from 49% 
to 100% – in many services sectors  where foreign investment had previously been prohibited, 
limited or not expressly permitted . The sectors benefiting from this liberalization notably include 
audiovisual services, business services, health care support services, fixed and mobile 
telecommunication services, internet services, distribution and warehousing,  and various transport 
services. In some sectors where foreign investment has been capped at 67%, the measure 
foresees preferences for ASEAN investors, who are allowed to invest up to 70%.104 The new 
catalogue , however , reserved some business sectors – certain construction services and retail 
trading via mail or internet order  – for investment by, or in partnership with, domestic SMEs. The 
Kingdom of Bahrain also allowed 100% foreign ownership in various  sectors, such as 
administrative services, health and so cial work, information  and communications , and real estate 
activities.  
4.4.  Contrary to this trend, Namibia has recently reserved certain business activities, in particular 
local small businesses, such as hairdressing, street vending, retail, take -away business es and 
beauty salons , for nationals  only. 
Distribution services  
 
4.5.  In the period under review, new measures affecting the supply of distribution services were 
introduced by China, Colombia, India, Myanmar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Viet  
Nam. 
                                                
103 The sectors covered by this measure are: auction services, leasing services, freight forwarding 
agency services, wholesale and storage of refined oil, sale and storage of crude oil, engi neering and 
construction services, logistics and commercial factoring.  
104 Annex 5 contains the list of sectors, as well as the foreign equity limitations applicable . WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  4.6.  India allowed 100% foreign ownership of business -to-business e-commerce  under the 
automatic route (i.e. without prior authorization), and authorized established single -brand retailers 
to undertake retail trading through e -commerce. The Kingdom of Saudi A rabia liberalized the retail 
and wholesale distribution sectors , increasing the ceiling for foreign investment from 75% to 
100%.  
4.7.  Colombia made it mandatory for foreign companies seeking to engage in multi -level 
marketing and distribution of goods and serv ices in the country to establish as branches. However, 
natural persons, including foreign ones, are not allowed to be representatives of multi -level 
marketing companies or to directly carry out those activities in Colombia.  Viet Nam  introduced 
stricter re quirements for the establishment of r epresentative offices and branches by foreign 
traders. A foreign trader is prohibited from forming more than one foreign representative office 
and branch with a similar name in a province or a city , and, when applying t o open branches in 
Viet Nam, foreign traders must have had an operating activity in Viet Nam for at least five years 
from the date of establishment or registration . China modified the taxation of cross -border 
business -to-consumer retail sales, while Singap ore introduced new  regulations on the sale and 
distribution of tobacco products. Finally, Myanmar allowed foreign investors to trade in 
construction materials, provided they form  joint ventures with local firms. In addition, subject to 
conditions, Myanmar allowed the import and wholesale distribution of products by distributors or 
agents, as well as the import and wholesale distribution of products manufactured by the investor, 
its parent company or an affiliated company.  
Financial services  
 
4.8.  Important libe ralization initiatives have taken place in China, India and the Philippines. In 
February 2016, China broadened the scope of foreign investors qualified to invest in the Chinese 
interbank bond market (CIBM), and removed quotas. The new measure permits most types of 
foreign institutional investors (e.g. commercial banks, insurance companies, securities firms, fund 
management companies and other asset management institutions, pension funds, charity funds, 
endowment funds and other mid - or long -term institution  investors recognized by the PBOC) to 
invest in the CIBM. In June this year, China also  issued new regulations allowing foreign payment 
card companies to operate in the country . Under the new regime, overseas institutions that only 
provide bank card cleari ng services in foreign currencies for cross -border transactions are not 
required to establish any bank card clearing institution within the territory of China, while overseas 
bank card clearing institutions wishing to engage in RMB -denominated bank card cl earing business 
must apply for a licence  to establish a bank card clearing institution within the territory of China.  
4.9.  India authorized full foreig n ownership of "white label ATM operations" by non -bank entities 
without prior authorization, reviewed the gui delines on ownership of private sector banks  (which 
envisaged diversified shareholding in private sector banks by a single entity/corporate entity/group 
of related entities ), allowed full foreign ownership of 18 types of non -banking finance companies 
(including suppliers of portfolio management, securities trading and underwriting, and financial 
consultancy services) and raised the foreign shareholding cap in stock exchanges to 15%.  
4.10.   In February 2016, the Philippines announced the gradual lifting of the ban  on new banking 
licences. The plan envisages the removal of all restrictions on the grant of new bank licences in 
2018. In addition, a recent law allows 100% foreign ownership of adjustment companies (up from 
40%), lending companies (up from 69%) and finan cing companies and investment houses (up 
from 60%).  
4.11.   New restrictions on the supply of reinsurance services were introduced by Indonesia. 
Indonesian insurers are now required to cede all risks within motor, health, personal accident, 
credit, life and surety ship business lines (so -called "simple risks") to domestic Indonesian 
reinsurance companies. For other insurance business (so -called "non -simple risks"), a minimum of 
25% of risks must be placed with domestic reinsurers and up to 75% may be placed with off -shore 
reinsurers. However, exceptions to the 100% local cession requirement fo r "simple risks" can be 
granted.  
4.12.   Other developments worth noting include the simplification of licensing requirements for the 
establishment and operation of foreign banks and in surance companies in Thailand, as well as new 
regulatory frameworks for cross -border clearing and settlement of securities in Australia and 
Switzerland.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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Maritime transport services  
 
4.13.   In June 2015, China allowed sino -foreign joint ventures to establish in f ree trade zones to 
supply international transport business between Chinese ports (without limitation on share -
holding) and international transport agency services (with foreign equity limited to 51%). In 
addition, wholly foreign -owned enterprises establish ed in free trade zones are now allowed to 
supply cargo handling, container station and depot services auxiliary to international maritime 
transport, and international ship management services.  
4.14.   In October 2015, Indonesia introduced a new regulation on frei ght forwarding services. The 
new regulation contains more detailed provisions  on, inter alia , licensing, scope of business, 
foreign investment, liability, and sanctions, and raises minimum capital requirements. Foreign 
shareholding in freight forwarding co mpanies remains limited to 49%, as per the relevant 
regulation issued in 2014. Further, the new regulation continues to limit the operational scope of a 
foreign invested freight forwarding company to a number of airports and seaports. New legislation 
passe d by the Congress of the Philippines in June 2015 allows foreign vessels to transport and co -
load foreign cargoes for domestic transshipment.  
4.15.   Finally, South Africa amended its Merchant Shipping Act, 1951, so as to give effect to the 
Maritime Labor Conventi on 2006 and the Work in Fishing Convention 2007 and to provide for 
matters connected therewith . 
Communication services  
 
4.16.   Several Members introduced changes to different aspects of their telecommunication, 
information technology and media regulatory framewo rks, mostly with a view to promoting and 
consolidating convergence, facilitating access, fostering competition, setting up regulatory bodies, 
and addressing specific regulatory issues. While many of these measures relate to domestic 
regulatory regimes, the y have implications for suppliers operating cross -border or through a 
commercial presence.  
4.17.   Some of the most important measures affecting market access in this sector include the 
amendment by Argentina of its media and telecommunications regimes, allowing cable TV owners 
to hold a single nationwide licence , with no regional limits , but restrict ing telecom companies from 
participating in the TV or cable business unless they do so by associating with cooperatives. The 
amendments still maintain existing restri ctions on satellite TV provider s on enter ing the radio, 
broadcast TV and pay -TV markets, or run telecommunications services . 
4.18.   China simplified the approval procedures applicable to audio -visual and media services, and 
established pre -approval requirements f or publishing mobile games. However, new regulation on 
online publication services, enacted in February 2016, prohibits the engagement of S ino-foreign 
joint ventures, Sino -foreign cooperative ventures and wholly foreign owned suppliers in network 
publishin g services.  
4.19.   Another restrictive piece of legislation was introduced by Tanzania. This involved an 
amendment to its Electronic and Postal Communications Act , making it mandatory for network 
facilities, network services and application services licensees to  have a minimum local shareholding 
of 25% of its authorized share capital throughout the life of the licence , obtained through public 
offer in the stock exchange market.  Existing licensees of network facilities, network services or 
application services wi ll be required to offer shares to the public and list the shares within six 
months from 1 July 2016, and new licence  holders are to list, within two years from the date of 
grant ing of the licen ce. Content service licensees must have a minimum of 51% local shareholding 
throughout the life of the licen ce. New Measures for the Supervision and Administration of 
Universal Postal Services , released by the Chinese Ministry of Transport and effective since 
1 December 2015, defines the scope of universal postal serv ices, and grants China Post the 
exclusive right to handle letters.   Foreign investors and overseas postal operators are not allowed 
to provide postal services within the territory of China.  
4.20.   New regulations relating to privacy and the transfer of data have been introduced by the 
European Union and the Russian Federation. In May 2016, the European Union issued the General WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Data Protection Regulation, which will be applicable as of 25 May 2018. The regulation applies to 
data processing of personal data of data subjects who are in the Union in the context of activities 
of an establishment of a company in the Union, and to processing of personal data by a company 
not established in the European Union where the processing relates to (i) offering goods or 
services t o such data subjects in the European Union, or (ii) profiling or tracking their behaviour as 
far as this behaviour takes place within the European Union. The R egulation dedicates a chapter to 
transfers of personal data to third countries or international o rganizations. Separately, i n 
July 2016, the European Union  approved a new EU -U.S. privacy shield, which is  expected to 
facilitate the transfer of personal data in the E uropean Union to the United States. For its part, the 
Russian Federation introduced new data retention obligations applicable to communications service 
providers and internet -based data distributors.  
Services supplied through the movement of natural persons  
4.21.   During the period under review, several Members implemented, or modified the 
implement ation of,  quota systems for work permits issued to foreign ers, and modified salary 
requirements or visa fees for foreigners . Most of these measures also amend relevant procedures.  
4.22.   Box 4.1 below offers a closer look at the strengthening of the services -investment nexus.  
Box 4.1 Globalisation, digitisation and the strengthening 'services -investment' nexus  
1. Deepening 'trade -investment -services' nexus  
Trade and investment have always been interlinked – since both contribute to the efficient allocation of economic resources 
(capital, labour and knowledge), both domestically and internationally.  However, the relationship between trade and 
investment is rapidly evolving as a result of technological developments, econ omic liberalization and new ways of organizing 
production and distribution. Since the mid -1990s, three related developments in the global   
economy  are blurring the lines between goods and services, shifting the sources of value creation, and reinforcing t he 
complementarity and interdependence between trade ( including notably services trade) and investment:   
i. The spread and continuing evolution of GVCs  
A key driver of the growing interconnection and interdependence of trade and investment is the globalizat ion of production and 
distribution of goods and services organized around GVCs.  Today, some 70% of global trade is in intermediate goods and 
services; and 80% of world trade takes place within international production networks of multinational enterprises . Trade and 
investment have become two sides of the same  strategy for producing, distributing, marketing, selling and delivering goods 
and services across multiple foreign markets. In this new business model, foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade are n ot 
"substitutes" anymore. Rather, more investment gives rise to more trade and , vice-versa  more trade gives rise to more 
investment flows . 
i. ii. The growing importance of services in both global trade and investment  
The share of services in global GDP has r isen steadily during the past four decades, reaching 68%  in 2014 (+10% since 
1995).1 Services also make an increasingly important contribution to world trade. In 2011, services accounted for almost half  
of world exports on a value -added  basis ( figure 1).2   
Concurrently, global FDI is also shifting towards services. In 2014, services accounted for almost two -thirds (64%)  of global 
FDI stock – followed by manufacturing (27%) and the primary sector (7%) (figure 2).3 This shift results from the worldwide 
expan sion of services in economies more generally, the liberalization and privatization of key services industries4 as well as the 
rising 'trans -nationalization' of services and services companies. Services industries increasingly produce in regional and global  
networks.5 Interestingly, the share of services in FDI stock is nearly the same in developed and developing economies – albeit 
with significant regional differences within the latter group (figure 3).  
Services – such as transport, information and communic ation technology, logistics, supply chain management and financial 
services – made the rise of GVCs possible in the first place. They act as the "glue" allowing geographically dispersed firms and 
service suppliers to deliver just -in-time output at required  specifications, in a tightly coordinated manner. As a result, GVCs 
tend to raise concomitantly  the share of services in both trade and investment (positive "feedback link").  
i. iii. The rise of the "digital economy"  
The rise of the digital economy is further  transforming the 'trade -investment -services' nexus, in yet unforeseen ways. Modern 
services can now be unbundled and splintered into value chains, and electronically transported internationally through satell ite 
and telecom networks.6 The offshoring of se rvices (i.e. the cross -border outsourcing of information technology, business and/or 
knowledge processing) has already generated changes in the direction, as well as in the sectoral and geographic distribution of 
global services and FDI flows. Finally, the  line between goods and services is blurring, with value creation and innovation 
increasingly coming from the services embodied in the manufacturing and distribution of goods.7 
______________  
     1 World Bank, World Development Indicators (last updated 0 1/11/2016).  
          2 Latest available estimate. The share of services in world exports in value -added  terms accounts for the value of 
services embodied in exported goods.  
     3 UNCTAD, World Investment Report 2016.  In comparison, the services' share in  global FDI a mounted to 25% in 1970 and 
to less than 50% in 1990.  
     4 Such as financial, telecommunications, energy -related, environmental, and postal and courier services.  
     5 See for instance Lanz, R. and Maurer, A. (2015), Services and Global Valu e Chains – Some Evidence on Servicification of 
Manufacturing and Services Networks, WTO Working Paper ERSD -2015-03. 
     6 Ghani, E., Grover, A., Kharas, H. (2011), Can services be the next growth escalator?, Vox, 12 December 2011.  
     7 For example, ene rgy systems shift from a centrally, supply -side approach to a demand -oriented model as digital services 
and technologies create a novel nexus between production, transportation, distribution and consumption. As a result, energy 
increasingly "becomes a serv ice". WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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Figure 1: World gross exports (2011), value -added inputs to exports (2011) and global inward FDI stock (2014), by sector  
     (%) 
 
Source: − Share of services in world exports (BoP) and value -added inp uts to exports: WTO and OECD - WTO TiVA Databa se; 
− Global inward FDI stock: UNCTAD, World Investment Report 2016.  
Figure 2:  Global inward FDI stock, by sector, 2014 (Trillions of dollars and %) 
 
Source: UNCTAD, World Investment Report 2016, FDI/MNE database ( www.unctad.org/fdistatistics ). 
Figure 3: Global inward FDI stock, sectoral distribution by grouping and region, 2014  
     (%) 
 
Source: UNCTAD, World Investment Report 2016, FDI/MNE database ( www.unctad.org/fdistatistics ). WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  2. In services, trade is investment and investment is trade  
Nowhere is the inter -relationship, and overlap, between trade and investment more 'tangible' than in services. As reflected in 
the General Agreement on Trade in Ser vices (GATS), in many instances trade in services is (and implies) investment; and, 
conversely, investing for the purpose of supplying a service is considered as trade.  
Recognizing that supplying services to a foreign market often involves establishing a commercial presence (i.e. an investment) 
in that  market, the GATS has defined "m ode 3 " as the supply of a service  "by a service supplier of one [WTO] Member through 
commercial presence in the territory of another [WTO] Member".8,9 Thus, under the GATS, for eign investment is identified as a 
form of trade subject to the disciplines of the Agreement. When WTO Members undertake comm itments on market a ccess 
under m ode 3 in the GATS, they commit to open a given service sector to foreign investment and, consequent ly, to allow at 
least some foreign participation in that sector. Mode 3 is the commercially most significant means of supplying services, 
representing some 55 to 60% of all trade covered by the GATS.  
Accordingly, when it comes to services, barriers to trad e and to investment are closely intertwined  – as evidenced 
also in Annex 5  to this report on 'Measures Affecting Trade in Services'. Many of the (cross -sectoral as well as sector -specific) 
measures cited therein are investment measures.   They include restr ictions on foreign ownership or on the legal form 
(e.g. only joint -ventures are allowed); non -automatic approval requirements for foreign investors; investment screening 
measures; nationality requirements for board members and/or managers; commercial prese nce and/or performance 
requirements; etc.  
3. Policy consequences – the need for greater trade -investment policy coherence  
Trade and investment are increasingly interdependent and intertwined − driven by the spread of global supply chains, the 
expansion of  services trade, and the rise of digital commerce. With services and investment flows being increasingly 
interdependent, restrictive measures in one area may constitute obstacles across the other area as well.  
As their production and distribution networks  become more integrated and global, multinational enterprises are pressing for 
international trade and investment rules that are more integrated and global, too. Similarly, it becomes crucial for 
governments to ensure consistency across their trade and inv estment obligations/commitments in order to minimize the risk of 
legal tension regarding their implementation.  
In that context, it is worth noting that at the bilateral, regional and 'mega -regional' level, new -generation agreements (in fact 
regional trade  and investment  agreements (RT IAs)) are redefining the trade -investment policy interface by addressing trade 
and investment measures in a more integrated manner – including across  goods and services. As a result, such agreements 
often include a range of re lated disciplines to facilitate both trade and investment, with chapters notably on the temporary 
movement of business people, domestic regulation10, competition or regulatory transparency that apply to both trade (and 
notably trade  in services) and invest ment.   
_______________  
8 In the GATS, the concept of "commercial presence" is defined very broadly, covering any type of business and 
professional establishment.  
9 The GATS applies to measures "affecting trade in services" which, in turn, is defined to co nsist of four types of 
transactions or modes of supply. Apart from the conventional concept of cross -border product flows (m ode 1), these are 
supplies to consumers and/or their property that stay within another WTO Member’s territory (mode 2), as well as s upplies 
provided vi a foreign commercial presence (m ode 3) and the presen ce of foreign natural persons (m ode 4) within a WTO 
Member’s own jurisdiction.  
10 The domestic regulation obligations often apply both to cross -border supply of services and to service s supplied by a 
covered investment, i.e. m ode 3 (and thus to investment in service sectors).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  5  POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE AND INTELLE CTUAL PROPERTY  
5.1.  The linkage between intellectual property (IP) and trade strengthened during the r eview 
period, as evidenced by continued growth in the share in global trade of IP -intensive goods and 
services, and of trade in IP rights (IPRs) as such. This trend was supported by technological 
innovation, new business models including e -commerce, and th e wider dissemination of 
information and telecommunications technology.  These developments were also apparent in the 
pattern of recent notifications of national legislative measures submitted to the TRIPS Council and 
the measures reviewed in national trade  policy reviews . These reviews illustrated how the adoption 
of national and regional policies related to IP and the digital economy responded to the changing 
technological landscape and the increasing significance of IP in economic development.  
Box 5.1 Recent IP policy initiatives – three examples  
Creative India – Innovative India  
In May 2016, the Indian Government released its National Intellectual Property Policy. The  objective of the Policy is to 
catalyse the  potential of IP for economic growth and development while protecting the public interest. The Policy recognizes 
the need to raise awareness of the importance of IP rights as a marketable financial asset and economic tool .105 
Digital Single Market – European  Union  
The Digital Single Market Strategy aims to revamp regulations to improve access to digital goods and services, enhance the 
business environment to match the pace of technology and ensure that digitalization serves as a driver for growth. It is 
estim ated that the EU Digital Single Market is worth €415 billion per year .106 On 14 September  2016, the European 
Commission proposed moderniz ing copyright rules with a view to increase cultural diversity and content available online .107 
This proposal aims to update the regulatory framework and take into account  technological developments to foster access to 
copyrighted works in the European Union  market.  
Intellectual Property Financial Policy – Republic of Korea  
The Intellectual Property Financial Policy, implemented by the Korean Intellectual Property Office, p rovides for the utilization 
of IP assets (e.g. patents) as collateral when SMEs are raising funds. The Policy has allowed Korean SMEs to access the 
financial market and obtain the necessary resources to invest and operate by utilizing their high -value inta ngible property.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
5.2.  The link between balanced IP systems, public policy goals and international trade was 
illustrated by the entry into force, on 30 September 2016 , of the WIPO Marrakesh Treaty to 
Facilitate Access to Published Works  for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise 
Print Disabled (Marrakesh VIP Treaty) .108  In providing for exceptions and limitations to copyright 
works to enhance access to formats for visually impaired persons, it facilitates the exchange of 
these works across borders to serve those beneficiaries . Currently, the VIP Treaty has 25 
Contracting Parties.  
5.3.  The expected  entry into force of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement will make this 
public health flexibility an integral and permanent part of the TRIPS Agreement. Almost two -thirds 
of WTO Members have already deposited their respective instruments of acceptance. The  entry 
into force of the TRIPS Amendment will consolidate this avenue for exports of generic medicines, 
which will benefit Member s which rely on imported medicines. Members annually review the 
implementation of the Paragraph 6 System in the framework of the TRIPS Council and have 
discussed its implementation at the national level during trade policy reviews.  
5.4.  The network of bilateral  and RTAs that contain IP provisions continues to expand. As of 
October 2016, the WTO RTA Database contain ed 148 RTAs that incorporate IP-related provisions  
on, inter alia : enforcement measures applied at the border or covering the online environment , 
exam ination and administration of industrial property rights , the scope of rights accorded to IP 
holders , and the substantive standards defining the eligibility for protection of certain forms of IP 
subject matter. Some RTAs also cover exhaustion of IPRs and p rovide for competition policy 
measures that may have implications for the IP system. An increasing number of RTAs, or their 
"side-letters", contain provisions related to e -commerce and IP. Amongst the e -commerce 
provisions, those on online copyright protec tion tend to be more detailed.  
                                                
105 Viewed at: http://pib .nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=145338  and 
http://dipp.gov.in/English/Schemes/Intellectual_Property_Rights/National_IPR_Policy_08.08.2016 .pdf  
106 Viewed at: https://ec.europa.eu/priorities/digital -single -market_en   
107 Viewed at: https://ec.europa.eu/digital -single -market/en/news/proposal -directive -european -
parliament -and-council -copyright -digital -single -market   
108 Viewed at: http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/notifications/marrakesh/treaty_marrakesh_21.html   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  5.5.  Intangible exchanges in IP are an integral part of  GVCs . Collaborative work between 
international organizations and their members continues to further develop the collection of data 
on cross -border exchanges of IP, as part of  the research and analysis of GVCs109 and of digital 
trade .110 One of the data sources available to the WTO Secretariat is the trade in financial services 
statistics on the import and export of charges for the use of IP.111 Table 5.1 shows the exports of 
charges for the use of IP, by region, for the years 2014 and 2015 , as well as the percentage share 
change in 2010 -2015, 2014 and 2015 . While the participation of the major exporters - North 
America and Europe - has slight ly decreased, the participation of other regions - Central and South 
America, the CIS, the Middle East and Asia - has grown. This illustrates the diversifying trend in 
international trade in IP, with the increasing engagement in global trade of emerging ec onomies 
and some developing countries as producers and exporters of IP.  
Table 5.1 Exports of charges for the use of IP by region  
 Value  
US$ billions  Share  
% Annual % change  
 2014  2015   2010  2015   2010 -15 2014  2015  
Exports                    
World  305 295  100.0  100.0   4 4 -3 
North America  135 131   45.6 44.0   3 0 -3 
South and Central America  1 1   0.3 0.4   14 -2 19 
Europe  119 113   39.5 38.0   3 5 -5 
European Union (28)  101 98   30.7 33.0   6 12 -3 
Com monwealth of Independent States (CIS)  1 1   0.2 0.3   10 -10 2 
Africa  0 0   0.1 0.1   -1 2 -9 
Middle East  1 1   0.2 0.3   15 8 -12 
Asia 50 50  14.1 17.0  8 15 0 
Source: 2016 WTO Statistical Review . 
TRIPS Council  
5.6.  In October 2015, f ollowing a request by the LDC Group112, the TRIPS Council agreed to 
extend the transition period for the pharmaceutical sector for LDCs until 2033, ensuring maximum 
flexibility for LDC s in line with the Sustainable Development Goals .113 This is particularly relevant 
in practice bot h for those LDCs which remain highly reliant on imported medicines, and for local 
and regional program mes to build production capacity for medicines that would help service LDC 
needs. Members also undertook the Annual Review of the Paragraph 6 System, reco gnizing the 
importance of the System and agreeing to extend the deadline for accepting the TRIPS 
Amendment until end -2017.  A study of Members' implementation of the System by exporters 
concluded that around 80% of the world's pharmaceutical export capacit y is now covered by the 
System114, thus greatly increasing the potential scope of its use by those countries in need of 
imports of affordable medicines, notably LDCs.     
5.7.  The TRIPS Council debate has continued on the question of whether non-violation and 
situation complaints should be available under the TRIPS Agreement, following the decision to 
extend the current moratorium on such disputes .115 Discussions covered the need to engage in 
factual analysis and work towards a permanent solution.  
5.8.  Transparency oblig ations in the TRIPS Agreement have always been an important part of the 
work of the TRIPS Council. During the review period , Members notified legislative developments 
regarding copyrights and related rights , trademarks , geographical indications , patents , industrial 
                                                
109 Viewed at: https://www.oecd.org/tad/global -value -chains -trade -policy.htm  and Deborah K. Elms and 
Patrick  Low, "Global Value Chains in a Changing World".  
110 Joscelyn Magdeleine and Andreas Maurer , June 2016.  
111 WTO Statistical Review, 2016.  Charges for the use of IP n.i.e. include: (i) Charges for the us e of 
proprietary rights (such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial processes and designs including trade 
secrets, franchises); these rights can arise from research and development, as well as from marketing; and (ii) 
Charges for licence s to repro duce or distribute (or both) IP embodied in produced originals or prototypes (such 
as copyrights on books and manuscripts, computer software, cinematographic works, and sound recordings) 
and related rights (such as for live performances and television, cab le, or satellite broadcast).  
112 IP/C/W/605 . 
113 Viewed at: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/   
114 WTO Secretariat.  
115 WT/MIN/(15)/41 and WT/L/976  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  designs and, enforcement measures. For example, d uring the review of its national legislation, Fiji 
noted that IP has had a  growing influence on its trade relations , and that trademarks and patents 
have become a source of economic and technologic al development . This  resulted in the 
establishment of the Fiji Intellectual Property Office, under the Office of the Attorney General .116 
5.9.  Japan notified the amendment to its  "Unfair Competition Prevention Act ".117  This amendment 
strengthened the  combat agains t trade-secret infringements , and expanded the scope of penalties 
for infringements to cover acquisition of trade secrets under management of Japanese companies 
which are stored in servers overseas. Chinese Taipei notified operational directions governing the 
mutual cooperation between its Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) and the Japan Patent Office 
(JPO) in the field of deposit of biological materials. The main objective of this legislation is to 
facilitate the process for applicants in both jurisdictio ns, and to implement the Mutual Cooperation 
Agreement in the Field of Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure, 
between TIPO and JPO .118 Mexico notified the "Support System for Patent Applications 
Management for the Central American Countries and the Dominican Republic"119, which is a service 
provided by the Mexican Industrial Property Institute (IMPI) to help various national industrial 
property offices in Latin America, the Caribbean and English -speaking Africa to carry out the 
patentabi lity examinations for which they are responsible . Open exchanges and availability of 
information on TRIPS -related legislative developments ensure smooth access to the protection of 
IPRs and due process.   
5.10.   At the June 2016 TRIPS Council  meeting , discussions on the Work Programme on Electronic 
Commerce were resumed, at the request of Canada120, which shared its experience on the 
suppression of online sales of counterfeit products. Members have recently notified provisions that 
are applicable in the digital envir onment, for example, concerning online copyright and trademark 
protection .121 Additionally, during the reporting period, Members continued sharing experiences on 
different aspects of IP and innovation . These included SMEs and start -up enterprises in the area  of 
new and mobile technologies, illustrating the role that IP played in bringing innovation to the 
market , and  education on IP as an essential factor for countries to fully exploit their potential for 
innovation . Other experiences included how to use the IP regime to foster green technologies and 
innovation to tackle climate change  and the transfer of environmentally friendly technologies.  
TRIPS -related Discussions in Trade Policy Reviews  
5.11.   Trade Policy Reviews during the review period  included discussions  of a wide spectrum of IP 
issues with bearing on trade policy, including on exhaustion of IPRs, copyright registration and 
management organizations , use of copyright statutory licences , protection of well -known 
trademarks , geographical indications , expedit e screening and examination of green technology 
patents , patentability criteria , test data protection , anti-competitive practices , enforcement 
measures online and , at the border , adjudication procedures , and, judicial review of administrative 
decisions. Na tional policies and strategies aimed at fostering innovation and IP as a tool for 
economic growth were also discussed.  
5.12.   In the first trade policy review of the Russian Federation,  Members noted the significant 
reforms undertaken by the Russian Federation i n the area of IP, inter alia  concerning the 
amendment s to the Civil Code in 2014 , the establishment of the Intellectual Pro perty Rights Court 
in July 2013 , and the "Strategy for Innovative Development 2020". Members enquired about 
implementation of interna tional exhaustion , administrative and enforcement framework , the 
inclusion of royalty payments in customs valuation methodologies , protection of databases , State 
accreditation for collective copyright management , protection of well -known trademarks in the 
Eurasian Economic Union , trademark invalidation , the geographical indications regime , the 
Eurasian Economic Union patent regime and fees , compulsory licences , protection of test data and 
undisclosed information , enforcement , online anti -piracy measures , and preliminary injunctions 
and judicial procedures.  
                                                
116 IP/C/M/81/Add.1  
117 IP/N/1/JPN/O/9  
118 IP/N/1/TPKM/12  
119 IP/C/W/615  
120 IP/C/W/613  
121 IP/N/1/CAN/8, IP/N/1/NHV/16, IP/N/1/KAZ/2 . WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  6  TRANSPARENCY OF TRADE POLICIES  
Notifications and Surveillance in WTO Councils and Committees  
6.1.  This Section aims to provide an overview of the compliance and timeliness of Members' 
notifications to the WTO.  Notifications are the primary instrument for ensuring transparency in the 
multilateral trading system; they are submitted by each Member and reviewed by the relevant 
bodies of the WTO. The importance attached by governments to this issue explains the very  
elaborate system of notifications and cross -notifications put in place under the terms of most 
Agreements. The Section covers the compliance record of notification requirements in the different 
WTO Bodies.122 
Agriculture  
6.2.  The CoA continued its review of the implementation of Members' commitments under the 
Agreement. T imely and complete notifications are fundamental for effective monitoring of the 
implementation of commitments. Twelve distinct notification requirements are applicable in the 
domain of agricultu re covering the following areas: market access, domestic support, export 
subsidies, export prohibitions or restrictions and the follow -up to the Marrakesh NFIDC Decision. 
The applicability of a notification requirement to a Member is largely dependent on i ts specific 
commitments under the AoA. Out of the 12 notification requirements the following five are 
"regular" or "annual" notification requirements: (i) imports under tariff and other quotas (MA:2), 
(ii) special safeguards (MA:5), (iii) domestic support (DS:1), (iv) export subsidies (ES:1) and 
(v) total exports (ES:2). Annual notifications are required to be submitted no later than a certain 
number of days following t he end of the year in question, in accordance with the deadlines set out 
in document G/AG /2.  
6.3.  For the period 1995 -2014, there are a total of 1,663 outstanding regular notifications.123 
Out of the five annual notification requirements, domestic support (Table DS:1) and 
export  subsidy (Table ES:1) notifications have the highest number of outstandi ng notifications with 
743  and 764 of notifications pending, respectively ( Chart  6.1).124 
                                                
122 Notifications in the SPS and TBT Committees are dealt with in Sections 3.3 and 3.4 of this report.  
123 "Ad hoc " notification  obligations applicable only upon maintenance  of a specific measure 
(e.g. Table  ER:1 required upon the application of export restrictions) as well as the annual notifications where 
it was not possible to determine a priori whether the concerned notification requirement would be applicable 
(e.g. Table  NF:1 applicable to donor Members only) are excluded.  
124 Compliance with notification obligations – Note by the WTO Secretariat ( G/AG/GEN/86/Rev.25)  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Chart. 6.1 Total outstanding notifications per type of notification requirement 
(1995 -2014)  
MA:2 (58)
MA:5 (55)
DS:1 (743)
ES:1 (764)
ES:2 (43)Chart x.[4]Agri
Outstanding notifications per type of notification requirement, 1995 -2014
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Submitted
(4,598)Outstanding
(1,663)
 
 
Note:  MA:2 - Imports under tariff and other quotas, MA:5 - Special safeguards, DS:1 - Domestic support, 
ES:1 - Export subsidies, ES:2 - Total exports. This number represents reported years and does not necessarily 
match the number of notifications submitted on the same period since some notifications covered more than 
one year.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.4.  While a large number of outstanding notifications remain, there has been a concerted effort 
by Members to bring their notifications up -to-date, as can be seen in Chart  6.2, where notif ications 
reporting more than one year (which might include the required year and/or any pending previous 
years) have been increasingly submitted by Members. From 2009 -2015, the average number of 
years reported per notification has been close to three.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Char t 6.2 Number of regular notifications in agriculture and years reported 
(1995 -2016a) 
050100150200250300350400450500
Number of regular notifications Total number of years reported
Source:  WTO Secretariat.
 
a Until 1 September  2016.  
Note:  The total number of years reported might include the required year and/or any pending prev ious 
year(s). For example, in 2009 Mexico submitted one Table MA:2 notification reporting in -quota 
imports for eight years (2000 -2007). For the purpose of this table, t his means that Mexico reported 
eight implementation years.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.5.  From 15 October 2015 to 1 September 2016 , Members submitted 16 7 notifications, 
(including addenda and corrigenda). A total of 163  questions were posed during the March, June 
and September 2016 CoA  meetings concerning these and previously submitted notification s. As 
seen in  Chart 6.3, during the review period the majority of questions raised related to domestic 
support notifications (7 2%). In particular, domestic support notifications by China, Israel, Brazil, 
Mexico, Panama, United Ara b Emirates, United States and Viet Nam  were the subject of a 
considerable number of questions.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Chart 6.3 Number of questions raised per section (mid -October 2015 – September  2016)  
Overdue notifications
12
NFIDC Decision
3
Market access
32
Export Competition
11
Source: WTO Secretariat.Article 
18.6
108Individual 
notifications
163 Domestic 
support
117
 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Quantitative Restrictions (QRs)  
6.6.  The notification of quantitative restrictions  to the Market Access Committee is an obligation 
established by the 2012 Decision on Notification Procedures for Quantitative Restrictions 
(G/L/59/Rev.1). The Decision requires Me mbers to notify every two years the QRs they have in 
force, as well as  any changes in the interim. Since the last report, two Members have submitted 
complete notifications for the period 2012 -14; five Members have submitted complete notifications 
for the p eriod 2014 -16 and eight Members for the period 2016 -18.   
6.7.  The Decision on Reverse Notification of Non -Tariff Measures (G/L/60) gives Members the 
possibility of making reverse notifications of non -tariff measures imposed by another Member 
subject to certain  conditions. Only one notification has been made since the adoption of the 
decision in 1995.  
Table 6.1 Notification procedures for QRs  
No. Notification requirement  Total n umber of notifications received as of  17 October 2016, 
by biennial period  
1 Quantitative restrictions in 
force (regular notification)  2012-2014: 28 notifications from 22 Members . 
2014-2016: 30 notifications from 25 Members .  
2016-2018: eight notifications from eight Members.  
 
2 Changes to t he quantitative 
restrictions maintained  
(ad hoc ) or introduction of 
new restrictions  2012-2014: two Members notified changes to their existing QRs  
2014-2016: one Member notified changes to its existing QRs  
2016-2018: no Member has notified changes  
3 Restrictions maintained by 
other Members  
(reverse notification)  No Member has notified.  
4 Non-tariff measures, 
maintained by other 
Members  
(reverse notification)  No Member has notified.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Import Licensing  
6.8.  Notification requirements in the area of import licensing procedures result from the WTO 
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures and are complemented by the "Procedures for 
Notification and Review under the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures" adopted by the 
Committee on Impo rt Licensing in 1995 (G/LIC/3) and the "Understanding on Procedures for the 
Review of Notifications submitted under the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures" adopted 
on 23 October 1996 (G/LIC/4). The notification requirements are described in Table 6.2. 
Table 6.2 Notification procedures for import licensing  
No. Notification 
requirement  Established in:  Type  Notification  
Category  
1 Submission of full texts 
of relevant laws and 
regulations and any 
changes thereto  Article 8.2(b) of the Agreement; G/LIC/3  One-off and  
ad hoc  N/1 
2 Sources in which 
information concerning 
import licensing 
procedures are 
published  Article 1.4(a) of the Agreement; G/LIC/3  One-off and  
ad hoc  N/1 
3 New impor t licensing 
procedures and 
changes to existing 
procedures  Article 5 of the Agreement  Ad hoc  N/2 
4 Reply to the 
Questionnaire on 
Import Licensing 
Procedures  Article 7.3 of the Agreement; G/LIC/ 2 Annual,  by 
30 September 
each year  N/3 
Source: WTO Secretaria t. 
6.9.  The N/1 notification requires a WTO Member to notify all relevant laws and regulations with 
regard to import licensing procedures as well as identify the source/publications containing such 
information. It contains both a one -off element (notification o f existing laws and regulations and 
source/publications) and an ad hoc element (changes to laws and regulations thereafter). In 
theory, a WTO Member should have at least one N/1 submission, providing its laws and 
regulations on import licensing and indicat ing that its Government does not maintain any import 
licensing regime.  
6.10.   The N/2 notification is an obligation for Members to notify new licensing procedures or 
changes being made to existing procedures. It is ad hoc in nature and only due when specific 
circumstances occur. The N/3 notification obliges each Member to reply to a Questionnaire 
describing all import licensing procedures in place by 30 September every year.  
6.11.   As of 11 October 2016, 84 new notifications under the Agreement on Import Licensing have 
been received and circulated by the Secretariat. Of these, 24 were N/1 notifications from the 
following members: Tajikistan;  Russian Federation;  Bolivia, Plurinational State of ; European 
Union;  Macao, China;  Afghanistan;  Paraguay;  Chinese Taipei ; Seychelles ; Brazil;  Ecuador and 
Philippines.  
6.12.   The Committee also reviewed 17 N/2 notifications from the following members: Indonesia; 
Russian Federation;  Argentina;  Jamaica;  El Salvador;  European Union;  Bolivia, Plurinational State 
of; Hong Kong, China;  Paraguay;  Brazil and Malaysia. Finally,  43 N/3 notifications have been 
received and reviewed from the following members: European Union;  Russian Federation;  Korea,  
Rep. of ; Indonesia;  Switzerland;  Costa Rica;  Kuwait, State of ; Dominican Republic ; Canada ; 
Australia ; India; Malaysia ; Mali; Singapore ; Colombia ; Uruguay ; Jamaica ; Seychelles ; El Salvador ; 
Cameroon ; Panama ; Macao , China ; Kazakhstan ; Mauritius ; Ukraine ; Honduras ; Chinese Taipei ; 
Brazil ; Cuba; Hong  Kong, China ; Japan ; Jordan ; Turkey  and Philippines.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Rules of O rigin  
6.13.   The Agreement on Rules of Origin contains two notification obligations, described in  
Table  6.3. Recent notifications have improved the overall compliance with notification obligations; 
about 70% of Members have already submitted information about the ir preferential or 
non-preferential rules of origin (or the absence thereof).  
Table 6.3 Notification procedures for rules of origin  
No. Legal source  Notification requirement  Type  
1 Article 5 of the 
Agreement  Non-Preferential Rules of Origin : All Members must submit a notification 
indicating:  
- if they apply non -preferential rules of origin (informing what the rules are);  
- or if they do not apply any non -preferential rules of origin . 
Changes to the legislation mus t also be notified.  One-off 
2 Paragraph 4 of 
Annex II of the 
Agreement  Preferential Rules of Origin : Members only notify if they adopt new 
preferential rules of origin or if they make changes to existing preferential 
rules (e.g. new FTAs or other new trad e preferences) . Ad hoc  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.14.   To date, 47 Members have notified the Committee that they do implement some type of 
non-preferential rules of origin; 56 Members have notified that they do not implement rules of 
origin for non -preferential purposes; whereas 35 Members have never submitted notifications to 
the Committee.  
6.15.   A recent development in the area of rules of origin in the WTO is the Ministerial Decision on 
Preferential Rules of Origin for LDCs (WT/L/917/Add.1), adopted during the meeti ng in Nairobi. 
The Nairobi Decision builds on the earlier 2013 Bali Ministerial Decision on preferential rules of 
origin by providing more detailed directions on specific issues, such as methods for determining 
when a product qualifies as “made in an LDC”,  and when inputs from other sources can be 
“cumulated” — or combined together — into the consideration of origin. The provisions also call on 
preference -granting Members to consider simplifying documentary and procedural requirements 
related to origin as w ell as other measures to further streamline customs procedures . 
Implementation of the decision is expected to meaningfully facilitate exports from LDCs to 
developed and developing preference -granting Members.   
Customs Valuation  
6.16.   Notifications  in the area of  customs valuation stem not only from the Agreement on 
Customs Valuation  itself, but also from a number of Decisions that have been adopted by the 
Committee on Customs Valuation. There are five main not ification requirements ( Table 6.4). 
Table 6.4 Notification procedures for customs valuation  
No. Notification 
requirement  Established in:  Type  
1 Submission of 
complete texts of 
national legislation 
(laws, regulations, 
etc.) Decision on t he Notification and circulation of national 
legislation  in accordance with Article  22 of the 
Agreement  
(G/VAL/5, B.2, paragraph (i))  One-off 
2 Changes in laws and 
regulations on customs 
valuation  Article 22.2 of the Agreement on Customs Valuation  Ad hoc  
3 Responses to the 
checklist of issues  Decision on the Checklist of Issues  
(G/VAL/5, B.3)  One-off 
4 Decision on interest 
charges - Date of 
implementation  Decision on the treatment of interest charges in the 
customs value of imported goods (G/VAL/5, A. 3, last 
paragraph)  One-off 
5 Decision on Carrier 
Media (software) - 
Application of 
paragraph  2 Decision on the valuation of carrier media bearing 
software for data processing equipment (G/VAL/5, 
A.4, paragraph 2)  Ad hoc  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  6.17.   The notif ication requirements in the area of customs valuation are either one -off or ad hoc, 
which means that different approaches are required to estim ate their level of compliance. In 
addition, any estimate must take into account that the European Union  notifies on behalf a group 
of Members, and that this number has changed several times since the WTO entered into force.  
6.18.   Taking all these elements into account, the maximum number  of one -off notifications as at 
10 October 2016 cover 135 Members (counting the Europea n Union  as one). This denominator has 
been used to estimate the degree of compliance for the following notifications : (i) submission of 
the complete texts of national legislation; (ii) responses to the checklist of issues; and (iii) date of 
implementation of the Decision on the treatment of interest charges in the customs  value of 
imported goods ( Table 6.5).  
6.19.   Because ad hoc  notifications are, by definition, only due when specific circumstances occur, 
there is no maximum number of n otifications that can be used to estimate the  overall degree of 
compliance. This is the case of  the: (i) changes in laws and regulations on customs valuation; and 
(ii) application of paragraph 2 of the Decision on Carrier Media (software).  
Table 6.5 Compliance in customs valuation notifications  
No Notification requirement  Compliance  
as of 15 October 2016  
1 Submission of complete texts of 
national legislation (laws, 
regulations, etc.)  The large bulk of these n otifications were received before 2003 and not 
many notifications have been received since then.  The current 
compliance rate is approximately 73%, as 37 Members still need to fulfil 
this notification requirement.  
2 Changes in laws and regulations 
on cust oms valuation  Since this is an ad hoc  type of notification (i.e. a Member is only required 
to notify if there is a change in its national legislation), it is not possible 
to assess the level of compliance.  Only 37 notifications of changes to 
their nationa l legislation on customs valuation have been notified by 28 
Members since 1995.  
3 Responses to the checklist of 
issues  The large bulk of these notifications were received before 2003 and 
progress has been very slow since then.  The current compliance leve l 
stands at approximately 49%, as 69 Members still need to fulfil this 
requirement.  
4 Decision on interest charges - 
Date of implementation  The level of compliance of this notification is very low as 44 of the 
Members have submitted it.  This means that 90 Members still need to 
notify the date in which they implemented the Decision on interest 
charges.  
5 Decision on Carrier Media 
(software) - Application of 
paragraph  2 Since this is an ad ho c notification (i.e. a Member is only required to 
notify if it i mports of carrier media bearing data and software are valued 
as provided for in paragraph 2 of the Decision), it is not possible to 
assess the level of compliance.  To date, 41 Members have made this 
notification, but it is not possible to know whether the re are Members 
applying the paragraph without having submitted the notification.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Preshipment Inspection  
6.20.   Article 5 of the Agreement on Preshipment Inspection (PSI) provides that Members shall 
submit to the Secretariat copies of the  laws and regulations by which they put the Agreement into 
force, as well as copies of any other laws and regulations relating to preshipment inspection. 
Changes in such laws and regulations shall also be notified immediately after their publication. 
Since  the last report, two Members have submitted notifications relating to PSI to the Committee 
on Customs Valuation, which is the body responsible for administering the implementation of the 
PSI agreement (see Table 6.6). WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Table 6.6 Compliance with PSI notifications  
No Notification requirement  Notifications received in 2016 (up to 17 October)  
1 Submission of copies of laws and 
regulations putting the Agreement 
into force  No Member  
2 Other laws and regulations relating to 
PSI No Member  
3 Changes in laws and regulations 
relating to PSI  No Member  
4 Absence of laws and regulations on 
PSI  Two Members -  Vanuatu and Kazakhstan  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Integrated Database  
6.21.   The submission of t ariff and import information to the Integrated Database (IDB) is a 
notification requirement provided in the General Council Decision of 16 July 1997.125 To overcome 
gaps in Members' notifications and delays in providing information to users the Committee on 
Market Access adopted in July 2009126 a framework to enhance the IDB notifications' compliance. 
The decision gave the WTO Secretariat flexibility to collect missing information from official sources 
and after approval from the Member concerned, to include it  in the IDB. Therefore, the information 
included in the IDB is either directly notified to the Secretariat by Members or collected by the 
Secretariat.  
6.22.   The IDB follows a unique pattern, as it is the only notifications' database in the WTO where 
Members have authorized the Secretariat to proactively collect missing information to assist them 
in complying with their notification requirements. Since the adoption of the IDB framework 
decision in 2009, the IDB completeness and timeliness have significantly improv ed. The IDB data 
collection policy could serve as an example of good-practice for other databases, as of the 
establishment of a network of data providers and a set of reliable data sources.  
6.23.   Charts 6.4 and 6.5 present the number of tariff and import notifi cations received by the 
IDB, and show the number of notifications directly submitted by Members or collected by the 
Secretariat.  
6.24.   As of October 2016, the yearly average coverage of IDB notifications was 79% for tariffs 
and 66% for imports. The highest year  coverage for tariffs was in 2010 with 97% complete 
coverage.  For imports, however, it was in 2006 with a data -coverage of 86%. As of the last IDB 
status of submissions127, about 27 Members (of which 19 are developing) have complete tariff data 
up to the ye ar 2014 and 23 Members (of which 15 are developing) have complete imports up to 
2013. These same 23 Members have complete data for both tariff and imports.  
                                                
125 Document WT/L/225. T he deadlines are 30 March for the tariff of the current year and 30 September 
for impo rts of    the previous year (WTO document G/MA/IDB/1/Rev.1/Add.1, 4 December  1997.  
126 Document G/MA/239.  
127 Document G/MA/IDB/2/Rev.42  of 22 September  2015.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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Chart 6.4 Completeness of IDB tariff notificationsa 
(%) 
0102030405060708090100
Submitted Collected MissingChart 5.4[IDB]
Completeness of IDB tariff notifications
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Per cent
 
 
a Data for 2016 cover January to October.  
Note:  The completeness of notifications is calculated on the number of Members' schedules and not on the 
number of WTO Members (i.e. European Union  member States are included in the European Union  
schedule and Lichtenstein in Switzerland's schedule).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.25.   As shown in Chart 6.4, the IDB tariff coverage has been at more than 90% since 2006 until 
2013. National submissions have priority over data col lected from other sources and when valid, 
they supersede collected data. The completeness of import data is slightly lower ( Chart 6.5) 
mainly because very few countries make available publicly detailed import stati stics, making the 
Secretariat's work to find reliable sources of import statistics very challenging. Nonetheless, from 
2004 to 2014, more than a quarter of IDB import statistics were collected by the Secretariat, with 
a peak  in 2011 with more than 40% of i mports collected.  
6.26.   The IDB notifications' timelines is illustrated in Table 6.7 where the percentage of data 
available within the years of the deadlines for tariffs and imports is provided  since 2000 . In cases 
where a valid submission has been received on time but was replaced or revised at a later date, 
the initial submission is included in the count of timely notification. The same is true for data 
collected within the deadline but eventually replaced either by a notification or by another 
framework -sourced data.128 Timeliness has improved across the years especially for tariff s. In 
2013, 75% of tariff data were submitted and/or collected on time. On the other hand, for imports, 
timeliness is a bigger issue. The time ly notification and/or collection from another source have 
yielded generally less than half of expected data, except in 2010 when 50% of data were available 
by the deadline. Hence, on imports, more data awareness measures need to be undertaken by the 
Secre tariat both in terms of proactive data gathering from alternative sources as well as urging 
Members to make their notifications in a timely manner.  One measure that was put in place to 
address this issue is facilitating data notification through a dynamic , user -friendly and secure 
internet -based application which became operational during the second quarter of this year.  
                                                
128 The percentage of timely notifications is calculated as  for the c ompleteness, i.e. based on the numb er 
of expected schedules.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 109 - 
 
  Chart 6.5 Completeness of IDB import notifications  
(%) 
0102030405060708090100
Submitted Collected Missing
 
Note:  The completeness of notific ations is calculated on the number of Members' schedules and not on the 
number of WTO Members (i.e. European Union  member States are included in the European Union  schedule 
and Lichtenstein in Switzerland's schedule).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 6.7 Percentage of IDB data available within the year of the deadlinea 
 (% of expected schedules)  
 
2000  
2001  
2002  
2003  
2004  
2005  
2006  
2007  
2008  
2009  
2010  
2011  
2012  
2013  
2014  
2015  
2016  
Tariff 26 33 42 32 31 28 24 22 26 38 53 69 62 75 51 50 41 
Imports  29 34 29 27 19 17 22 21 31 27 50 45 43 38 21 22 n.a. 
a The numbers slightly differ from those reported in the past as the review of some submissions 
indicated that data were not suitable for inclusion in the IDB because of technical problems.  
n.a. Not applicable.  
Source:  IDB, 5 October  2016.  
6.27.   The notification of non -MFN regimes to the IDB, mostly the preferential tariffs resulting from 
FTAs and RTAs is becoming more regular. During  2015 and 2016, 69% of applied tariff 
notifications included at least a non -MFN tariff regime, usually a preferential tariff regime. This 
information is of great value and the revised status of submissions document circulated on paper 
during the Committee on Market Access regular meeting reflect t hese additional data.  The old 
format which includes the status of submission from 1996 for all Members and all years is now 
only available electronically.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Anti-Dumping  
6.28.   Pursuant to Article 16.4  of the Agreement on the Implementation of Article VI of GATT 1 994 
("the Anti -Dumping Agreement"), all Members are required to submit to the Committee on 
Anti-Dumping Practices, on a semi -annual basis, reports of any anti -dumping actions taken within 
the preceding six months, using an agreed standard form.  Members  that have not established an 
authority competent to conduct anti -dumping investigations have the option to make a one -time 
"nil" notification, valid unless and until they establish an investigating authority, in lieu of 
submitting nil notifications each six m onths.  
6.29.   Approximately 45 Members (counting the European Union as a single Member) regularly 
submit semi -annual reports, either of anti -dumping actions taken, or of no actions having been 
taken, during the preceding six months.  Forty-seven Members have submi tted one -time nil 
notifications . The remaining (approximately 4 0) Members generally fail to submit semi -annual 
reports in respect of anti -dumping actions.  
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
6.30.   The trends in the status of compliance with the obligation to n otify subsidies to the 
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures under Article 25.1 during the period 
1995-2015 are shown in Table 6.8. Subsidy notifications are required every two years and the 
most recent notifications were due on 30 June 2015. Further notifications for this period are 
expected to be received.  The share of Members that have notified subsidies has remained between 
39% and 50% between 1995 and 2013 .129 The share of Members that made a "nil" notification fell  
significantly  over the same period. Excluding 1995 and 2015 , the share of Members making the 
required notifications has not exceeded 70%, and generally has hovered around 57%. Conversely, 
the share of Members not making any notification registered a subst antial increase since 1995, 
from 27% to 44%, albeit with some intervening fluctuation s. 
Table 6.8 Status of subsidy notifications  
New and full subsidy 
notification  
1995  
1998  
2001  
2003  
2005  
2007  
2009  
2011  
2013  
2015  
% share of total  
Members that notified subsidies  50 39 44 44 46 47 46 46 44 24 
Members that made a "nil" 
notification  23 15 15 12 11 10 15 16 15 4 
Sub-total notifying Members  73 54 59 56 57 57 61 62 59 28 
Members that did not make any 
notificati on 27 46 41 44 43 43 39 38 41 72 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
6.31.   Pursuant to Article 25.11 of the SCM Agreement, all Members are required to submit to the 
SCM Committee, on a semi -annual basis, reports of any countervailing duty actions taken within 
the precedin g six months  using an agreed standard form . Members that have not established an 
authority competent to conduct countervailing duty  investigation s have the option to make a 
one-time "nil" notification, valid unless and until they establish an investigating  authority, in lieu of 
submitting nil notifications each six months.  
6.32.   Approximately 45 Members (counting the European Union  as a single  Member) regularly 
submit semi -annual reports, either of countervailing duty actions taken, or of no actions having 
been t aken, during the preceding six months.  Thirty -four Members have submitted one -time nil 
notifications.  The remaining (approximately 57 ) Members generally fail to submit semi -annual 
reports in respect of countervailing duty actions.  
                                                
129 For purposes of this Section, the European Union is counted as one Member.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  State Trading Enterprises  
6.33.   Notifications related to state trading enterprises are reviewed by the Working Party on State 
Trading Enterprises on behalf of the CT G. In July 2012, the Council agreed to extend indefinitely 
the new biannual frequency of new and full notifications. Thus,  all WTO Members must notify their 
state trading enterprises every two years, with no updating notifications in the intervening years.  
6.34.   Table 6.9 presents notifications received for the years in which a new and full notification 
was due. The table shows a declining trend in total notifications over the period examined, which 
has accentuated over the past few years.   Although it is likely that additional notifications will be 
received for more recent periods, it remains clear that co mpliance with this notification 
requirement has been deteriorating.    
Table 6.9 Status of STE notificationsa 
New and full STE 
notification  % share of total  
 1995  1998  2001  2004  2006  2008  2010  2012  2014  2016  
Members submitting 
notifications (including 
"nil" notifications)  67 54 55 50 48 49 49 42 37 28 
a As at 10 October 2016  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Balance -of-Payments Restrictions  
6.35.   Notification obligations in relation to restrictions to safeguard a country's balance of 
payments stem from Articles XII and XVIII of the GATT 1994 and the Understanding on 
Balance -of-Payments (BOP) Provisions (described in Table 6.10). 
Table 6.10 Notification procedures for BOPs restrictions  
Legal source  Notification requirement  Type  
GATT Article 
XII:4(a)  
 
GATT Article 
XVIII:12(a)  Any Member applying new restrictions or raising the general 
level of restrictions by a substantial intensification of the 
measures applied under this Article shall immediately after 
instituting or intensifying such restrictions (or, in 
circumstances in which prior consultation is practicable, 
before doing so) consult with Members as to the nature of 
its balance of payments difficultie s, alternative corrective 
measures which may be available, and the possible effect of 
the restrictions on the economies of other Members.  Ad hoc, followed by annual 
consultations  
 
Ad hoc, followed by biennial 
consultations  
Understanding on 
BOP Provisions,  
para. 9  A Member shall notify to the General Council the 
introduction of or any changes in the application of 
restrictive import measures taken for balance -of-payments 
purposes, as well as any modifications in time -schedules for 
the removal of such measur es as announced under 
paragraph 1. Significant changes shall be notified to the 
General Council prior to or not later than 30 days after their 
announcement.  Ad hoc, followed by a yearly 
consolidated notification  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.36.   In 2016, the BOP C ommittee received notifications from two Members, Ukraine 
(WT/BOP/N/80) under GATT Article XII, and Ecuador (WT/BOP/N/81, WT/BOP/N/82, 
WT/BOP/G/24) under GATT Article XVIII.  
Regional Trade Agreements  
6.37.   The improvements made in the notifications of RTAs noted  in last year's overview continued 
through 2016. The improvements are due largely to a simplification of the various notification 
formats and active efforts by the Chairman of the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements 
(CRTA) and the WTO Secretariat in mon itoring RTAs and reminding Members of their notification 
obligations. Following an announcement by the Chairman at the CR TA meeting of 28 and 
29 June 2011, the Secretariat has continued to circulate a list of agreements that have been WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 112 - 
 
  verified by their par ties as being in force , but not notified to the WTO , as a working document in 
advance of all CRTA meetings. The most recent of these , circulated on 22 September 2016 , 
contained 83 such agreements.130 The response by Members has been positive with some 50 RTA s 
being notified as a result. The Secretariat continues to remind Members of their notification 
obligations by keeping track of dates of signature and entry into force of agreements and verifying 
these with Members. The notification tables included in each  factual presentation prepared by the 
Secretariat and requests by Members to notify at each CRTA meeting have also been helpful in 
improving notifications. The Secretariat is aware of (but has not yet verified) some 30 other 
agreements that continue to be in force and are not yet notified to the WTO.  
Preferential Trade Arrangements  
6.38.   Under the Transparency Mechanism for Preferential Trade Arrangements (PTAs), which was 
established in December 2010131, newly notified PTAs are to be considered in dedicated sessio ns of 
the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD), on the basis of Secretariat -prepared factual 
presentations. Since the establishment of the Transparency Mechanism, seven PTAs have been 
notified to the WTO. Two of these have been considered by the CTD me eting in dedicated session, 
while for several others the notifying Members have yet to provide to the Secretariat the full set of 
data required for the preparation of the factual presentations. The CTD Chairman provides an 
update at each CTD meeting on the  PTAs that are to be considered in dedicated sessions, and 
urges the notifying Members to provide the data as soon as possible.  
6.39.   The Transparency Mechanism for PTAs also stipulates that an electronic database on 
individual PTAs is to be maintained by the Se cretariat. The Database on PTAs132 currently contains 
information on 30 PTAs. Table 6.11 provides an overview of the PTAs included in the database, 
which is updated based on the information provided by the Members im plementing PTAs. The CTD 
Chairman has urged Members to ensure that they are up to date with their notificati on and 
information requirements  and has invited them to remain in touch with the Secretariat on this 
matter.  
Table 6.11 Preferential Trade Arrangements of WTO Members  
WTO Member  Number of 
PTAs  Name or description of PTA  
Australia  2 Generalized System of Preferences  
   South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreementa 
Canada  2 Generalized  System of Preferences  
   Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff  
Chile 1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
China  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
European Union  4 Generalized System of Preferences  
   Trade preferences for countries of the Western Balkans  
   Trade preferences for Pakistanb 
   Trade preferences for the Republic of Moldovac 
Iceland  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
India 1 Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme for LDCs  
Japan  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
Kazakhstan  1 Generalized Syst em of Preferences 
Republic of Korea  1 Preferential Tariff for LDCs  
Kyrgyz Republic  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Morocco  1 Duty-free treatment for African LDCs  
New Zealand  2 Generalized System of Preferences  
   South Pacific Regional Trade and Econom ic Cooperation Agreementa 
Norway  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
Russian Federation  1 Generalized System of Preferences 
Switzerland  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
Chinese Taipei  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Tajikistan  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Thailand  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Turkey  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
                                                
130 WTO document WT/REG/W/107, 22 September 2016.  
131 WTO document WT/L/806, 16 December 2010.  
132 Viewed at: http://ptadb. wto.org  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  WTO Member  Number of 
PTAs  Name or description of PTA  
United States  5 African Growth and Opportunity Act  
   Andean Trade Preference Actd 
   Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act  
   Former Trust Territory of the P acific Islands  
    Generalized System of Preferences  
a Australia and New Zealand both provide preferences under this PTA.  
b The preferences granted under this PTA expired on 31 December 2013.  
c The preferences granted under this PTA expired on 31 Decemb er 2015.  
d The preferences granted under this PTA expired on 31 July 2013.  
 
Source:  Database on Preferential Trade Arrangements.  
Government Procurement  
6.40.   To ensure the transparency and predictability of its Parties' procurement regimes, the 
Government Procur ement Agreement sets out notification obligations for its Parties in five areas:  
(i) national implementing legislation on government procurement;   (ii) procurement thresholds in 
national currencies;  (iii) statistics on procurement activities;  (iv) modifica tions to schedules of 
commitments; and  (v) media for the publication of procurement -related information.  
6.41.   Numerous notifications are made during the year pursuant to each of these requirements. 
Some of the foregoing obligations have been simplified in the r ecent revision of the Agreement to 
facilitate the use of electronic tools in providing relevant information. This is expected to facilitate 
more timely compliance with reporting responsibilities over time.  
Transparency of Trade -Related IP Measures  
6.42.   The TRIP S Agreement requires WTO Members to notify to the Council for TRIPS their IP laws 
and r egulations , establish and notify contact points in their administrations for the purposes of 
cooperation with each other aimed at the eliminati on of trade in infringing goods , and notify the 
Council in the event that they wish to avail themselves of certain possibilities provided for in the 
TRIPS Agreement that relate to the substantive obligations. Additionally, Members have 
undertaken to provide information on how they meet TRIPS obligations by responding to a 
Checklist of Issues on Enforcement. Developed country Members also agreed to provide certain 
information and make notifications which are not specifically provided for in the Agreement, 
including on technical coope ration and transfer of technology  incentives for the benefit of LDCs . 
6.43.   The bulk of notifications are laws and regulations notified pursuant to Article 63.2.133 
Chart  6.3 below provides information on laws and regulations notified from 1995 to 15 October 
2016. Notifications peaked in 1996 , when developed country Members notified existing laws or 
amendments that implemented the TRIPS Agreement. Notifications of laws and regulations from 
2000 onwards have been predominately from developing countries  and recently -acceded Members . 
The most recent rise in notifications also corresponds to a trend of diverse approaches by Members 
to the revision and updating of their IP legal and policy settings so as to respond to changing 
economic, technological and social dimension s of IP in the national development and economic 
context. As the chart shows, the cumulative total of laws and regulations notified as of 15 October 
2016 was 3,035  legal texts , representing a wide array of distinct national means of adapting and 
applying T RIPS standards according to their national priorities and wider policy frameworks . 
                                                
133 Circulated in the IP/N/ - series of documents . WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Chart 6.6 TRIPS Notifications 1995 – 15 October 2016  
48398
169
103
64328
219 218
140204
453868132
8293
66139209
96
67109
05001 0001 5002 0002 5003 0003 500
0100200300400500
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016Annual number of IP laws notified
Cumulative number
Source: WTO Secretariat.
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat.  
Enforcement Checklists  
6.44.   The Checklist of Issue s on Enforcement provides unique information on national measures 
with a significant trade policy component, especially in relation to border measures.  Since 1995, 
Members have deposited a total of 175 Responses to the Checklist.134 Chart 6.7 below shows the 
checklists submitted until mid -October 2016. Notifications peaked in 1997 and 200 -2001, when 
developed -country and developing -country Members deposited their respective Checklists.  
                                                
134 Circulated in the IP/N/6/ - series of documents.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 115 - 
 
  Chart 6.7 Notifications of TRIPS Enforcement Checklists 1995 -15 October 2016  
0826
8
22528
8
12
014
2
01 123
2 2
1
051015202530
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016Chart IP.3
Notifications of TRIPS Enforcement Checklists, 1995 -15 October 2016
Source:  WTO Secretariat.
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.45.   Few original WTO Members have notifie d revisions to their checklists;  the latest was 
Switzerland, which submitted an updated version o f its original Checklist .135 During the reporting 
period, Thailand and Sri Lanka submitted their Checklists .136 Seychelles, a recently -acceded 
Member, submitted its Checklist in April 2016 .137 
eTRIPS  
6.46.   The Secretariat continues developing an  information management  system to enable 
streamlined and more efficient processing of legislative notifications and enforcement checklists , 
along with other types of TRIPS information , with the goal of providing an improved information 
service for Members to make effective use o f the notified materials including for capacity building 
and support for policy discussions .  
Services  
6.47.   From mid -October 2015 to mid -October 2016, 19 notifications in total were made under 
GATS Article III:3 by five WTO Members (counting the EU as one). As indicated in previous 
reports, GATS Article III:3 requires each Member to notify to the Council for Trade in Services at 
least annually any regulatory changes that significantly affect trade in services covered by its 
specific commitments. However, complia nce with this obligation has been de facto  left to Members' 
discretion. Some of the notifications continued to be made under the caveat that "there is no 
common understanding among WTO Members on when a measure 'significantly affects trade in 
services' wit hin the meaning of GATS Article III:3" and that "the notified measures may be 
relevant to trade in services without prejudice to the interpretation of the phrase 'significantly 
affect trade in services' in Article III:3".  
                                                
135 IP/N/6/CHE/1 and IP/N/6/CHE/2  
136 IP/N/6/LKA/1 and IP/N/6/THA/1  
137 IP/N/6/SYC/1  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  6.48.   During the same reporting period, eight agreements concerning economic integration in 
services were notified under GATS Article V:7, which involve 11 WTO Members (counting the EU as 
one). These agreements were subject to examination in the Committee on Regional Trade 
Agreements.  
6.49.   There were  no notifications received under other GATS provisions during this period.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  ANNEX 1  
MEASURES FACILITATING TRADE138 
(MID-OCTOBER 2015 TO MID -OCTOBER  2016)  
Confirmed information139 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Angola  
Temporary elimination on import tariffs on h orse mackerel fish 
(HS 0302), under an import quota of 90,000 tonnes  Presidential Decree 
No. 20/16  
(January 2016)  Effective 1 January 2016 
to 31 December 2016  
Argentina  
Elimination of export duties on live animals; animal products; 
vegetable products; a nimal or vegetable fats and oils; prepared 
foodstuffs; raw hides and skins; leather; wood and articles of 
wood; paper and paperboard; silk; wool; cotton (NCM Chapters 
01 to 24; 41 to 53). Reduction of export duties for certain 
products, e.g. soya, soya -bean oils, soya products; certain raw 
hides and skins (NCM 1201; 1507; 1517; 2302; 2304; 2308; 
4101; 4102; 4103; 4104)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(31 May 2016), 
Decretos Nos. 
133/2015 Ministerio 
de Agroindustria  
(16 December 2015) 
and 361/20 16 
(16 February 2016), 
and 640/2016  
(2 May 2016)  Effective  
16 December 2015  
Elimination of export duties on merchandise products 
(NCM  Chapters 28 to 40; 54 to 76 ; and 78 to 96). Export duties 
set at 32% for biodiesel (NCM 3826.00.00) and set at 5% for 
ferrous waste and scrap (NCM 7204)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(31 May 2016) and 
Decreto No. 60/2015 
Ministerio de 
Producción  
(18 December 2015)  Effective  
21 December 2015  
Reduction of import tariffs (from 10% to 2%) on fluorides of 
alumini um (NCM 2826.12.00)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(31 May 201 6) and 
Decreto No. 5/2016 
Comercio Exterior 
(18 January 2016)  Effective  
19 January 2016  
Elimination of the enforcement requirements established by the 
Secretariat of Foreign Tra de of the Ministry of the Economy in 
October 2015 for certain products, e.g. foodstuffs, beverages, 
perfumery, cosmetics, and personal hygiene (NCM Chapters 16; 
17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 34; 38)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(31 May 2016) and  
Resolución 
No. 6/2016 Ministerio 
de Producción – 
Secretaría de 
Comercio  
(27 January 2016)  Effective  
28 January 2016  
Elimination of export duties on mineral products; anthracite; 
bituminous coal; coal; peat (including peat litter), whether or not 
agglom erated ; certain  bitumen and asphalt ; silk; wool, fine or 
coarse animal hair, horsehair yarn and woven fabric; cotton, and 
other vegetable textile fibres (NCM  Chapters 25; 26; 50; 51; 52; 
53; 2701.11.00; 2701.12.00; 2701.19.00; 2703.00.00; 
2714.90.00)  Perma nent 
Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(31 May 2016), 
Decretos Nos. 
349/2016  
(12 February 2016) 
and 361/2016  
(16 February 2016)  Effective  
12 February 2016  
                                                
138 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex  implies no judgement by t he WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex  implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agre ement.  
139 This section  includes information which has either been provid ed by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain machinery, 
equipment and goods not locally pr oduced (NCM Chapters 39; 
70; 72; 73; 74; 84; 85) destined for new projects for the 
production of renewable energy ( Régimen de Fomento de las 
Energías Renovables )  Resoluciones 
Conjuntas 
Nos. 123/2016 - 
313/2016  
(5 July 2016) and  
1-E/2016  
(1 September 2016 ) 
Ministerio de Energía 
y Minería - Ministerio  
de Producción   
Increase of the deadlines (from 365 calendar days to 1,825 
calendar days) for exporters to register the foreign currency 
originating from export operations (all sectors) with the financial 
system Permanent 
Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(12 October 2016) 
and Resolución 
Secretaría de 
Comercio No. 242 -
E/2016 Ministerio de 
Producción  
(29 August 2016)  Effective August 2016  
Azerbaijan  
Elimination of export licensing requirements on alcoholic 
beverages, ethyl spirits and tobacco products (HS 2203; 2204; 
2205; 2206; 2207; 2208; 24) Permanent 
Delegation of 
Azerbaijan  
(26 April 2016)   
Elimination of import licensing requirements on alcoholic 
beverages, ethyl spirits and tobacco products (HS 2203; 2204; 
2205; 2206; 2207; 2208; 24) Permanent 
Delegation of 
Azerbaijan  
(26 April 2016)   
Trade facilitation measures for imports through the introduction 
of simplified licensing requirements and reduction of issuance 
time period (from 15 to 10 working days).  Import licences are 
now issued on a permanent basis  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Azerbaijan  
(26 April 2016)   
Trade facilitation measures for imports through the introduction 
of simplified customs declaration  forms and electronic customs 
declaration  forms  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Azerbaijan  
(26 April 2016)   
Trade facilitation measures for exports shortening the time of 
issuance of certificates of origin (from three working days to one)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Azerbaijan  
(26 April 2016)   
Bosnia and Herzegovina  
Implementation of trade facilitation measures through the 
establishment of the ASYCUDA World Application for imports  Permanent 
Delegation of Bosnia 
and Herzegovina to 
the WTO  
(11 October 2016)  Effective December 2015  
Implementation of trade facilitation  measures through the 
establishment of the ASYCUDA World Application for exports  Permanent 
Delegation of Bosnia 
and Herzegovina to 
the WTO  
(11 October 2016)  Effective December 2015  
Brazil  
Pilot project on customs clearance for imports using electronic 
documentation and electronic certification implemented in 
customs in Paranaguá Port, Brasília Airport, Belo Horizonte 
Inspectorate and Pecém Port  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016)  Effective  
20 December 2015  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary reduction of impor t tariffs (to 2%) on 1,104 capital 
goods tariff lines (in NCM Chapters 82; 84; 85; 86; 90) and 110 
informatics and telecommunications tariff lines, through the "ex -
out" regime (mechanism designed to temporarily reduce import 
tariffs on capital goods and in formatics and telecommunication 
equipment not locally produced)  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016); 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 100/2015, 
101/2015 (26 
October 2015 ), 
6/2016 , 7/2016  
(26 January 2016), 
8/2016, 9 /2016  
(18 February 2016), 
21/2016, 22/2016 
(24 March 2016) and 
33/2016, 34/2016 
(20 April 2016)  Effective until  
31 December 2017  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on p -Xylene 
(NCM  2902.43.00), under an import quota of 90,000 tonnes 
(effective 26 November 2015 to 23 May 2016). Te mporary 
reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on sardines, brisling or sprats 
(NCM 0303.53.00), under an import quota of 30,000 tonnes 
(effective 30 October 2015 to 26 April 2016); certain amino -
resins (NCM 3909.30.20), under an import quota of 52,500 
tonnes  (effective 30 October 2015 to 26 April 2016); certain 
chemical products (NCM 3808.91.95), under an import quota of 
1,250 tonnes (effective 30 October 2015 to 29 October 2016); 
and certain polyesters (NCM 3907.99.99), under an import quota 
of 3,200 tonnes (effective 30 October 2015 to 29 October 2016)  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(14 October 2016); 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 96/2015  
(26 October 2015), 
102/2015, 103/2015 
(29 October 2015), 
39/2016  
(20 April 2016); and 
Secex Portarias 
Nos. 76/2015  
(28 October 2015), 
77/2015 and 
78/2015  
(29 October 2015)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure. On 
April 2016, tariff 
elimination fo r p-Xylene 
extended from  
24 May 2016 until  
19 November 2016  
Elimination of import tariffs on certain vehicles, with sp ark-
ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engines  
(NCM  8703.90.00)  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Camex Resolution 
No. 97/2015  
(26 October 2015)  Effective  
27 October 2015  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tarif fs on parts suitable 
for use on lifts, skip hoists or escalators (NCM 8431.31.10) and 
static converters (NCM 8504.40.9 0), through the "ex -out" regime  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 112/2015  
(24 November 2015) 
and 34/2016  
(20 April 2016)  Effective until  
31 December 2016  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on 843 capital 
goods tariff lines (NCM Chapters 73; 84; 85; 86; 90) and 92 
informatics and telecommunications goods tariff lines. Temporary 
elimination of import tariffs on 10 capital goods tariff lin es, 
through the "ex -out" regime  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016); 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 111/2015, 
112/2015  
(24 November 
2015), 116/2015 and 
117/2015  
(17 December 2015)  Effective until  
30 June 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on other 
phosphates of calcium (NCM 2835.26.00), under an import quota 
of 25,000 tonnes (effective 18 December 2015 to  
17 December 2016); disodium sulphates (NCM 2833.11.10), 
under an import quota of 455 ,000 tonnes (effective  
31 December 2015 to 27 June 2016); carboxyamide -function 
compounds (NCM 2924.19.22), under an import quota of 5,300 
tonnes (effective 11 January 2016 to 10 January 2017); 
isocyanates (NCM 2929.10.10), under a n import quota of 23,000 
tonnes (effective 11 January 2016 to 10 January 2017); artificial 
staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for 
spinning of viscose rayon (NCM 5504.10.00), under an import 
quota of 20,000 tonnes (effective 11 January  2016 to  
10 January 2017); other amino -resins (NCM 3909.30.20), under 
an import quota of 52,500 tonnes (effective 27 April 2016 to  
26 October 2016); titanium oxides (NCM 2823.00.10), under an 
import quota of 8,000 tonnes (effective 16 January 2016 to  
15 January 2017); rectangular (including square) aluminium 
plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm of 
aluminium alloys (NCM 7606.12.90), under an import quota of 
2,937 tonnes (effective 31 January 2016 to 30 January 2017); 
and not backed al uminium foil rolled but not further worked   
(NCM 7607.11.90), under an import quota of 2,137 tonnes 
(effective 31 January 2016 to 30 January 2017). Temporary 
elimination of import tariffs on antisera and other blood fractions 
and modified immunological pro ducts, whether or not obtained by 
means of biotechnological processes (NCM 3002.10.29), under an 
import quota of 500  grams (effective 11 January 2016 to  
10 January 2017)  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016); 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 122/2 015 
(17 December 2015), 
123/2015  
(30 December 2015), 
1/2016  
(8 January 2016) and 
Secex Portarias 
Nos. 85/2015  
(18 December 2015), 
1/2016  
(4 January 2016), 
2/2016, 3/2016, 
4/2016, 5/2016  
(12 January 2016)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Reduct ion of import tariffs (from 10% to 2%) on certain 
sulphates of barium (NCM 2833.27.10) and (from 14% to 2%) 
certain sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives of 
hydrocarbons, whether or not halogenated (NCM 2904.90.14); 
and certain esters of other in organic acids of non -metals 
(excluding esters of hydrogen halides) and their salts, their 
halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives 
(propargite ) (NCM 2920.90.22)  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Camex Resoluti on 
No. 4/2016  
(26 January 2016)  Effective  
27 January 2016  
Creation of new tariff lines resulting in the reduction of import 
tariffs (from  8% to zero) on certain pharmaceutical products 
(NCM 3004.90.69); (from 14% to zero) on certain insecticides 
(NCM 3 808.91.91); and (from 30% to 14%) on injection or 
compression types moulds for rubber or plastics  
(NCM 8480.71.00)  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Camex Resolution 
No. 31/2016  
(31 March 2016)  Effective 1 April 2016  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on antisera ( soroalbumina 
humana ) (NCM 3002.10.37), under an import quota of 240,780 
flasks of 10 grams (effective 4 April 2016 to 3 October 2016); 
methanol (methyl alcohol) (NCM 2905.11.00), under an import 
quota of 225,000 t onnes (effective 4 April 2016 to 3 October 
2016); and maize (NCM 1005.90.10), under an import quota of 
1 million tonnes (effective 22 April 2016 to 18 October 2016). 
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on casein 
(NCM  3501.10.00), under an import quota of 1,900 tonnes 
(effective 4 April 2016 to 3 April 2017); and vinyl chloride -vinyl 
acetate copolymers (NCM 3904.30.00), under an import quota of 
5,000 tonnes (effective 4 April 2016 to 3 April 2017)  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016), 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 28/2016  
(24 March 2016), 
32/2016  
(1 April 2016), 
40/2016  
(20 April 2016) and 
95/2016  
(10 October 2016) 
and Secex Portarias 
Nos. 15/2016  
(30 March 2016), 
18/2016  
(6 April 2016) and 
20/2016  
(25 April 2016)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure. On  
11 October 2016, tariff 
elimination for maize  
extended until  
31 December 2016  
Elimination of import taxes on corn (NCM 1005), under an import 
quota of 1 million tonnes  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2 016) Effective 20 April 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 121 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on palm kernel or 
babassu oil (NCM 1513.29.10), under an import quota of 224,785 
tonnes; barium carbonate (NCM 2836.60.00), under an import 
quota of 7,300 tonnes; and photographic film in rolls for x -ray 
(NCM 3702.10.20), under an import quota of 1,000 tonnes  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016), 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 41/2016 and 
43/2016  
(5 May 2016), and 
Secex Portaria 
No. 22/2016  
(9 May 2016)  Effective 6 May  2016 to  
5 May 2017  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on disodium 
sulphate (NCM 2833.11.10), under an import quota of 
455,000  tonnes (effective 28 June 2016 to 27 December 2016); 
on sardines (NCM 0303.53.00), under an import quota of 
30,000  tonnes (effective 15 June 2016 to 14 December 2016); 
on acyclic monoamines and their derivatives, salts thereof 
(NCM  2921.19.23), under an import quota of 26,282 tonnes 
(effective 23 July 2016 to 22 July 2017); on nickel not alloyed 
(catodos ) (NCM 7502.10.1 0), under an import quota of 
3,600  tonnes (effective 15 June 2016 to 11  December 2016)  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(14 October 2016), 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 43/2016  
(5 May 2016), 
44/2016, 45/2016, 
46/2016  
(14 June 2016) and 
Secex Portaria s 
Nos. 3/2016  
(9 May 2016), 
32/2016, 33/2016 
(16 June 2016)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on 983 capital 
goods tariff lines (NCM Chapters 84; 85; 89; 90; 94) and 47 
informatics and telecommunicati ons goods tariff lines, through 
the "ex -out" regime  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(14 October 2016), 
Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 47/2016, 
48/2016, 55/2016, 
56/2016  
(23 June 2016), 
63/2016 and 
64/2016  
(20 July 2016)  Effective until  
31 December 2 017 
Decrease of import tariffs (from 10% to 2%) on certain barium 
carbonate (NCM 2836.60.10) (effective 24 June 2016 ) and (from 
14% to 2%) on sulphonamides (NCM 2935.00.94) (effective  
1 July 2016). Elimination of import tariffs on kidney beans, 
including  white pea beans ( phaseolus vulgaris ) 
(NCM  0713.33.19; 0713.33.99) (effective 24 June 2016)  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) 
and Camex 
Resolutions 
Nos. 53/2016 and 
58/2016  
(23 June 2016)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measu re 
Decrease of import tariffs (from 14% to 2%) on pentaerythritol 
(NCM 2905.42.00), (from 1 2% to 2%) on tall oil (NCM 
3803.00.10) and (from 16% to 2%) on other variable resistors, 
including rheostats and potentiometers (NCM 8533.40.11)  Permanent 
Delegatio n of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) 
and Camex 
Resolution 
No. 73/2016  
(20 July 2016)  Effective 20 July 2016  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on other yarn 
single: of viscose rayon, untwisted or with a twist not exceeding 
120 turns per me tre (NCM 5403.31.00), under an import quota of 
624 tonnes. Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain 
vaccines for human ( papilomavirus ) (NCM 3002.20.29), under an 
import quota of 3 million doses; and on certain vaccines for 
human  (tétano ) (NCM 300 2.20.27), under an import quota of  
2.5 million doses  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(14 October 2016), 
Camex Resolution 
No. 76/2016  
(19 August 2016) 
and Secex Portaria 
No. 40/2016  
(23 August 2016)  Effective 22 August 2016 
to 17 February 2017  
Pilot project on digital certificate of origin for exports of certain 
Brazilian and Argentinian exporters  Permanent 
Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)  Effective  
10 October 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 122 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs  on 228 capita l 
goods tariff lines (NCM Chapters 82; 84; 85; 86; 90; 94) and 10 
informatics and telecommunications goods tariff lines 
(NCM  8473.30.11; 8517.62.59; 8517.69.00; 8534.00.51; 
8543.70.99; 8537.10.2 0), through the "ex -out" regime  Camex Resolutions 
Nos. 81/2016   
(28 September 2016) 
and 91/2016  
(27 September 2016)  Effective until  
30 June 2018  
Canada  
Elimination of import tariffs on certain products used in 
manufacturing (11 tariff lines), e.g. wood handles for 
brooms/mops, metal heads for handheld yard tools,  embossed 
aluminium cans for packaging beverages, certain lithium -ion 
accumulators used for electric motorcycles, and unfinished lenses 
for spectacles (HS 4417.00.10; 7612.90.91; 8201.10.10; 
8201.90.91; 8201.30.10; 8201.40.10; 8205.20.10; 8205.59.10; 
8507. 60.20; 9001.40.40; 9001.50.40); and (from 25%) on 
ferries of all sizes (HS 8901.10) (for ferry -boats imported on or 
after 1 October 2015)  Permanent 
Delegation of Canada 
to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)  Effective 13 June 2016  
Reduction of import tariffs under  the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (252 tariff lines at 
8 digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 59; 84; 85; 88; 90)  Permanent 
Delegation of Canada 
to the WTO 
(14 October  2016) 
and WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.3, 
28 January 20 16 Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  
Chile  
Trade facilitation measures for exports through the 
implementation of electronic processing of applications to 
determine service transactions as export s  Permanent 
Delegation of Chile to 
the WTO  
(20 April 2016)  Effective 4 January 2016  
China  
Trade facilitation measures for imports through the elimination of 
customs declarers fees, suspension of collection of intellectual 
property right declaration fee s, and overdue fines of imported 
goods no longer included as administrative charges  Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO  
(20 April 2016)  Effective  
1 November 2015  
Trade facilitation measures for exports through the elimination of 
customs declarers f ees, and suspension of collection of 
intellectual property right declaration fees  Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO  
(20 April 2016)  Effective  
1 November 2015  
Exclusion of imports of silver ores and concentrates; other ores 
and concentrates; and p olymers of styrene waste, paring and 
scrap (HS 2616.10.00; 2617.90.90; 3915.20.00) from the 
Prohibited Catalogue of Goods for Processing Trade  Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO  
(20 April 2016)  Effective  
10 November 2015  
Exclusion of exports of a mino-alcohol -phenols, amino -acid-
phenols and other amino compounds with oxygen function; 
colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin; and bismuth and 
articles thereof, including waste and scrap (HS 2922.50.90; 
3203.00.19; 8106.00.10) from the Prohibited  Catalogue of Goods 
for Processing Trade  Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO  
(20 April 2016)  Effective  
10 November 2015  
Release in December 2015 of the catalogue of goods subject to 
automatic import licensing  Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the W TO 
(20 April 2016)  Effective 1 January 2016  
Elimination of export duties on steel billet and pig iron  Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO 
(20 April 2016)  Effective 1 January 2016  
Reduction of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. advanced 
equipme nt, energy raw materials and key components  Permanent 
Delegation of China 
to the WTO 
(20 April 2016)  Effective 1 January 2016  
Reduction of import tariffs (under the APEC Environmental Goods 
Initiative) on 54 environmentally friendly goods, e.g. auxiliary  
plant for use with boilers, parts of steam turbines, gas turbines, 
non-electric instantaneous or storage water heaters, dryers, 
machinery for filtering or purifying water and liquids, AC 
generators (alternator), wind -powered generating sets, furnaces 
and ovens, photosensitive semiconductors devices including 
photovoltaic cells, instruments and apparatus for measuring or 
checking pressure, instruments for physical or chemical analysis, 
and automatic regulating or controlling instruments  Permanent 
Delegation  of China 
to the WTO 
(October  2016)  Effective 1 January 2016  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (253 
tariff lines at 8 digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 49; 59; 
84; 85; 88; 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.4, 
28 January 201 6 Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 123 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Colombia  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain machinery, 
equipment and goods destined for new projects for the 
production of renewable energy. I mports also exempted from 
VAT Permanent 
Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Decreto No. 2143 
Ministerio de Minas y 
Energía  
(4 November 2015)  Effective November 2015  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain fertilizers and 
miscel laneous chemical products (18 tariff lines) (HS 3102.21.00; 
3102.29.00; 3102.60.00; 3102.80.00; 3105.20.00; 3105.51.00; 
3105.90.20; 3808.50.00; 3808.91.11; 3808.91.19; 3808.91.92; 
3808.91.99; 3808.92.19; 3808.92.99; 3808.93.92; 3808.94.19; 
3808.99.19)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Decreto No. 2180  
Ministerio de 
Comercio, Industria y 
Turismo - Diario 
Oficial No. 49.693 
(11 November 2015)  Effective  
11 November 2015 for 
two years  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on cert ain beans and 
lentils ( lenteja, frijol, ajo ) (effective 29 February 2016 u ntil 
30 June 2016), animal or vegetable fats and oils, and stearic and 
oleic acids (effective 29 Fe bruary 2016 for six months) 
(HS 0713.40.90; 0713.31.90; 0713.32.90; 0713.33.91; 
0713.33.92; 0713.33.99; 0713.33.49; 0713.35.90; 0713.39.91; 
0713.39.99; 0703.20.90; 1501.10.00; 1501.20.00; 1501.90.00; 
1502.10.10; 1502.10.90; 1502.90.10; 1502.90.90; 1503.00.00; 
1506.00.10; 1506.00.90; 1507.10.00; 1507.90.10; 1507.90.90; 
1508.10.00; 1508.90 .00; 1511.10.00; 1511.90.00; 1512.11.10; 
1512.11.20; 1512.19.10; 1512.19.20; 1512.21.00; 1512.29.00; 
1513.11.00; 1513.19.00; 1513.21.10; 1513.29.10; 1514.11.00; 
1514.19.00; 1514.91.00; 1514.99.00; 1515.21.00; 1515.29.00; 
1515.30.00; 1515.50.00; 1515.90.00;  1516.20.00; 1517.10.00; 
1517.90.00; 1518.00.10; 1518.00.90; 3823.11.00; 3823.12.00; 
3823.19.00)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Decreto No. 343 
Ministerio de 
Comercio, Industria y 
Turismo  
(29 February 2016)  Effective: see in dividual 
dates in measure  
New Law updating customs procedures resulting in improvement 
of import procedures  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(21 April 2016) and 
Decreto No. 390 
Ministerio de 
Hacienda y Crédito 
Público  
(7 March 2016)  Implemente d as from 
March 2016  
New Law updating customs procedures resulting in improvement 
of export procedures  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(21 April 2016) and 
Decreto No. 390 
Ministerio de 
Hacienda y Crédito 
Público  
(7 March 2016)  Implemented as from 
March 2016  
Creation of new tariff lines resulting in the elimination of import 
tariffs on certain LED lamps and lighting (HS 9405.10.10; 
9405.10.20; 9405.10.90; 9405.40.11; 9405.40.19; 9405.40.90)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Decreto No. 588 
Ministerio de 
Comercio, Industria y 
Turismo  
(11 April 2016)  Effective 11 April 2016  
Decrease of import tariffs (to 5%) on 11 informatics and 
telecommunication tariff lines (HS 8428.39.00; 8504.40.90; 
8523.29.21; 8523.29.90; 8523. 49.90; 8523.80.90; 8528.69.00; 
8528.71.00; 8528.72.00; 8536.90.10), under the ITA  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(21 October  2016) 
and Decreto No. 
1246 Ministerio de 
Comercio, Industria y 
Turismo  
(1 August 2016)  Effective  
1 August 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 124 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temp orary elimination of import tariffs on cotton not carded 
(HS 5201.00.30), under an import quota of 15,000 tonnes  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(21 October  2016) 
and Decreto No. 
1347 Ministerio de 
Comercio, Industria y 
Turismo  
(22 August 2016 ) Effective  
6 September 2016 to  
31 December 2016  
Costa Rica  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on beans 
(HS 0713.33.10; 0713.33.40), under an import quota of 
9,432.46 metric tonnes and maize (HS 1005.90.30), under an 
import quota of 15,444 metric tonnes  Permanent 
Delegation of Costa 
Rica to the WTO  
(22 September 2016)  Effective 6 July 2016 to 
30 June 2017  
Dominican Republic  
Trade facilitation measures through the establishment of a single -
window system ( ventanilla única de comercio exterior "VU CE") 
for imports  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Dominican Republic 
to the WTO  
(10 June 2015)  Effective December 2015  
Trade facilitation measures through the establishment of a single -
window system ( ventanilla única de comercio exterior "VUCE" ) 
for exports  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Dominican Republic 
to the WTO  
(10 June 2015)  Effective December 2015  
Various measures to enhance customs procedures and facilitate 
the flow of goods (imports)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Dominican Republic 
to the WTO  
(22 Apri l 2016) and 
Decreto Presidencial 
No. 262 -15   
Various measures to enhance customs procedures and facilitate 
the flow of goods (exports)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Dominican Republic 
to the WTO  
(22 April 2016) and 
Decreto Presidencial 
No. 262 -15   
Egypt  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs (20%) on raw sugar 
(HS 1701)  Permanent 
Delegation of Egypt  
to the WTO 
(October  2016)  Effective 20 May 2016 to 
31 December 2016  
El Salvador  
Elimination of import tariffs on certain machinery, equipment and 
materia ls for renewable energy projects generating more than 
20 MW. The application for this measure is subject to previous 
analysis by the Superintendencia General de Electricidad y 
Telecomunicaciones and to the compliance of requirements 
established by Law " Ley de incentivos fiscales para el fomento de 
las energías renovables " Permanent 
Delegation of El 
Salvador to the WTO 
(October 2016)  Effective for 10 years  
European Union  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (347 
tariff lines at 8 digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 59; 84; 
85; 88; 90; 93; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.7, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  
Iceland  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (99 
tariff lines at 8 digit level in HS Chapters 37; 84; 85; 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.10, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 125 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
India  
Elimination of impor t tariffs (from 5%) on iron ore pellets 
(HS 2601.12.10) (originally implemented on 27  January  2014)  Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Notification 
No. 1/2016 -Customs 
Ministry of Finance 
(4 January  2016)  Effective 4 January 2016  
Elimination of export duties on iron ore lumps and fines below 
58% Fe content (HS 2601), chr omium ores and concentrates 
(HS 2610). Reduction of export duties (from 20% to 15%) on 
bauxite (natural) (HS 2606.00.20)  Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO 
(27 May 2016); WTO 
document 
WT/TPR/OV/18,  
17 November 2015; 
and D.O.F No. 
334/8/2016 -TRU - 
Department of 
Revenue - Ministry  
of Finance  
(29 February 2016)  Effective 1 March 2016   
Reduction of import tariffs (from 5% to 2.5%) on raw materials, 
parts or acc essories for use in manufacture of instruments  or 
appliances required for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary use 
falling under headings HS 9018; 9019; 9020; 9022  Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Notification 
No. 4/2016 -Custom s 
Ministry of Finance 
(19 January  2016)  Effective  
19 January 2016  
Elimination of import tariffs on certain goods required for 
medical, surgical, dental or veterinary use (HS 9018.32.30; 
9018.50.20; 9018.90.21; 9018.90.24; 9018.90.43; 9018.90.95; 
9018.90 .96; 9018.90.97; 9018.90.98; 9019.10.20; 9022.90.10; 
9022.90.30)  Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Notification 
No. 5/2016 -Customs 
Ministry of Finance 
(19 January  2016)  Effective  
19 January 2016  
Reduction of import tariffs (from  5% to 2.5%) on denatured ethyl 
alcohol, silica sand, fibres, filaments/yarns, brass sc rap, 
anthracite, bituminous coal, briquettes, ovoids and similar solid 
fuels manufactured from coal, lignite, peat, oils and other 
products of the distillation of high t emperature coal tar, pulp of 
wood, acyclic hydrocarbons, cyclic hydrocarbons; (from 7.5% to 
5%) on aluminium oxide, super absorbent polymer (SAP); and 
(from 10% to 5%) on refrigerated containers. Elimination of 
import tariffs (from 7.5%) on medical use fis sion molybdenum -
99, polypropylene granules/resins; (from 5%) on wood in chips 
or particles for manufacture of paper; (from 10%) on braille 
paper; and (from 2.5%) on electrolysers membranes and their 
parts  Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO 
(27 May 2016), 
D.O.F 
No. 334/8/2016 -TRU 
- Department of 
Revenue - Ministry of 
Finance  
(29 February 2016) 
and Notification 
No. 12/2016 -
Customs Ministry of 
Finance 
(1 March  2016)  Effective 1 March 2016   
Reduction of the special additional duty (SAD) (from 4% to 2% ) 
on orthoxylene when used in the manufacture of phthalic 
anhydride (HS 2902.41.00)  Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
D.O.F No. 
334/8/2016 -TRU - 
Department of 
Revenue - Ministry of 
Finance  
(29 February 2016)  Effective 1 March 201 6   
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 30% to 10%) on 
potatoes (HS 0701.90.00) (effective 23 September 2016 to 31 
October 2016), (from 12.5% to 7.5%) on crude palm oil of edible 
grade and (from 20% to 15%) on refined palm oil of edible grade 
(HS 1511) (effective 23 September 2016)  Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO  
(18 October 2016) 
and Notification 
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance - Department 
of Revenue 
No. 51/2016  
(23 September 2016)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 126 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Elimination o f import tariffs on technetium -99m (HS 2844)  Permanent 
Delegation of India to 
the WTO  
(18 October 2016) 
and Notification 
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance - Department 
of Revenue 
No. 55/2016 -
Customs  
(3 October 2016)  Effective 3 October 2016  
Indonesia  
Elimin ation of import tariffs on 21 categories of aircraft spare 
parts  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Indonesia to the 
WTO (27 May 2016) 
and Regulation 
MOF No. 35/  
PMK-010/2016  Effective April 2016  
Reduction of import tariffs (under the APEC Environmental Goods 
Initiative) on 54 environmentally friendly goods, e.g. auxiliary 
plant for use with boilers, st eam turbines, gas turbines, 
non-electric instantaneous or storage water heaters, dryers, 
machinery for filtering or purifying water and liquids, AC 
generators (altern ator), wind -powered generating sets, furnaces 
and ovens, photosensitive semiconductors devices including 
photovoltaic cells, instruments and apparatus for measuring or 
checking pressure, instruments for physical or chemical analysis, 
and automatic regulati ng or controlling instruments  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Indonesia to the 
WTO 
(14 October  2016) 
and Regulation No. 
134/2016 Ministry of 
Finance  
(14 September 2016)  Effective  
September 2016  
Israel  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (119 
tariff lines at 8 digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 49; 84; 
85; 88; 90;  95) WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.11, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  
Korea, Rep. of  
Reducti on of import tariffs (under the APEC Environmental Goods 
Initiative ) on 54 environmentally friendly goods, e.g. auxiliary 
plant for use with boilers, st eam turbines, gas turbines, 
non-electric instantaneous or storage water heaters, dryers, 
machinery for f iltering or purifying water and liquids, AC 
generators (alternator), wind -powered generating sets, furnaces 
and ovens, photosensitive semiconductors devices including 
photovoltaic cells, instruments and apparatus for measuring or 
checking pressure, instrum ents for physical or chemical analysis, 
and automatic regulating or controlling instruments (HS 4418.72; 
8402.90; 8404.10; 8404.20; 8404.90; 8406.90; 8411.82; 
8411.99; 8412.90; 8417.80; 8417.90; 8419.19; 8419.39; 
8419.60; 8419.89; 8419.90; 8421.21; 8421.29 ; 8421.39; 
8421.99; 8474.20; 8479.82; 8479.89; 8479.90; 8501.64; 
8502.31; 8502.39; 8503.00; 8504.90; 8514.10; 8514.20; 
8514.30; 8514.90; 8541.40; 8543.90; 9013.80; 9013.90; 
9015.80; 9026.10; 9026.20; 9026.80; 9026.90; 9027.10; 
9027.20; 9027.30; 9027.50; 90 27.80; 9027.90; 9031.49; 
9031.80; 9031.90; 9032.89; 9032.90; 9033.00)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Republic of Korea  
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016)  Effective 1 January 2016  
Temporary reduction or elimination of import tariffs on 134 
items, e.g. whey, modified  whey (for feeding) (HS 0404.10) 
(under an import quota of 25,00 M/T); manioc (cassava) (pellets 
for feeding) (HS 0714.10) (all imported); oil -cake and other solid 
residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, 
resulting from the extraction of soyabean oil (for fee ding) 
(HS 2304.00) (under an import quota of 2,451,000  M/T); cotton 
seeds (for feeding) (HS 1207.29) (all imported); artificial  
graphite (for manufacturing secondary battery) (HS 3801.10) (all 
imported); glass of heading HS 7003, 7004 or 7005, bent, 
edge-worked, engraved, drilled, enamelled or otherwise worked, 
but not framed or fitted with other materials (for blank mask 
used in the manufacture of semiconductor, or of FPD (flat panel 
display)) (HS 7006.00) (all imported)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Republic of Korea  
to the WTO  
(29 September 2016)  Effective 1 January 2016 
to 31 December 2016 
(reduction for 18 items 
effective on  
1 August 2016, for 
materials or equipment 
for manufacturing 
secondary battery or for 
organic light emitting 
diodes)  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs on 51 products (e.g. cobalt 
oxides, liquefied propane and manioc chips) (HS 0714.10.20; 
2711.12.00; 2822.00.10)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Republic of Korea  
to the WTO  
(27 May 2016)  Effective 1 January 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Macao, China  
Trade facilitation measures for importers through:  
(i) incorporation of ATA carnet as an official instrument under the 
scope of external trade for the operation of temporary admission 
of goods and their subsequent re -export, simplifying th e import 
declaration procedures; (ii) introduction of post -customs 
clearance declaration procedure for import with the aim of 
facilitating the trade flows as well as the development of the 
Logistics Industry; and (iii) creation of one -stop for all procedur es 
related to motor vehicle licensing  Macao Economic and 
Trade Office to  
the WTO  
(19 October 2016)  Effective August 2016  
Trade facilitation measures for exporters through:  
(i) incorporation of ATA carnet as an official instrument for the 
operation of t emporary admission of goods and their subsequent 
re-export, simplifying the export declaration procedures;  
(ii) introduction of post -customs clearance declaration procedure 
to facilitate trade flow and the development of the Logistics 
Industry; and (iii) elimination of fees, simplification of procedure 
and shortening of approval time required for application of 
certificate of origin  Macao Economic and 
Trade Office to the 
WTO  
(19 October 2016)  Effective August 2016  
Malaysia  
Reduction of import tariffs ( under the APEC Environmental Goods 
Initiative) (from 30% to 5%) on certain instantaneous gas water 
heaters; and parts for machinery, plant and equipment 
(HS 8419.19.10; 8419.90.41); and (from 25% to 5%) certain 
parts for centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or 
purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids; and intake air 
filters for internal combustion engines (HS 8419.90.10; 
8421.29.51; 8421.29.60; 8421.39.90; 8421.99.10)  Customs Duties 
(Amendment) 
(No. 3) - Order 2015 
(29 December 2015)  Effective 1 January 2016  
Elimination of import licensing requirements on motorhomes; 
used pneumatic tyres and used re -treated pneumatic tyres, of 
rubber; motorcyclists' safety helmets (except as worn by 
motorcyclists or motorcycle pillion  riders) and wheat and meslin 
flours (including atta flour) (HS 8703.21.40; 8703.22.40; 
8703.23.40; 8703.24.40; 8703.31.40; 8703.32.40; 8703.33.40; 
8703.90.30; 4012.20.10; 4012.20.20; 4012.20.90; 6506.10.10; 
1101.00.00)  WTO document 
G/LIC/N//MYS/7,  
23 September 2016  Effecti ve  
1 September 2016  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (209 
tariff lines at 9  digit level in HS Chapters 35; 37; 39; 49; 59; 84; 
85; 88; 90;  95) WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.14, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all cover ed tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  
Mauritius  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (4 
tariff lines at 8 digit level) (HS 4911.99.00; 8539.39.00; 
9504.30.10; 9504.30.90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.15, 
28 January  2016 Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  
Mexico  
Elimination of import tariffs (from 7%) on non -ionic organic 
surface -active agent ( poliéter polisiloxano ) (HS 3402.13.03); 
(from 10%) vinyl acetate  (HS 2915.32.01); and certain toys and 
ice skates and roller skates (10 tariff lines) (HS 9503.00.07; 
9503.00.08; 9503.00.09; 9503.00.13; 9503.00.26; 9504.90.01; 
9504.90.02; 9504.90.04; 9506.70.01; 9506.99.99). Reduction of 
import tariffs (from 15% to 10%)  on certain rackets  
(HS 9506.59.99)  Permanent 
Delegation of Mexico 
to the WTO  
(30 September 2016) 
and Diario Oficial de 
la Federación (Official 
Journal),  
6 January 2016  Effective 6 January 2016  
Reduction of import tariffs (under the APEC Environmental Goods 
Initiative) on 29 tariff lines, e.g. industrial or laboratory furnaces 
or ovens, certain machines and mechanical appliances, electric 
motors and generators, wind -powered generating sets, 
instantaneous or storage water heaters, filtering or purifying 
machinery, crushing or grinding machinery, certain cooling 
machinery ( torres de enfriamiento ) and surveying instruments 
and appliances (HS 4418.72.02; 8417.80.04; 8417.80.05; 
8479.82.05; 8501.64.03; 8502.39.04; 8514.10.04; 8514.20.05; 
9015.80.07; 8419.19.0 2; 8419.19.03; 8419.89.15; 8421.29.03; 
8421.39.01; 8421.39.04; 8474.20.01; 8474.20.02; 8474.20.03; 
8474.20.05; 8474.20.06; 8474.20.99; 8479.89.03; 8479.89.19; 
8502.31.99; 9015.80.02; 9015.80.06; 9015.80.99; 9026.20.04; 
8419.89.03)  Permanent 
Delegation of M exico 
to the WTO  
(30 September 2016)  Effective 6 January 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 128 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Elimination of import tariffs on live bovine animals, fresh and 
frozen bovine meat and rice (HS 0102.29.99; 0201.10.01; 
0201.20.99; 0201.30.01; 0202.10.01; 0202.20.99; 0202.30.01; 
1006.10.01; 1006.20.01; 1006.30.01; 1006.30.99; 1006.40.01), 
under certain import quotas  Permanent 
Delegation of Mexico 
to the WTO  
(13 October 2016) 
and Diario Oficial de 
la Federación (Official 
Journal),  
8 June 2016  Effective 8 June 2016  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on beans ( frijol) 
(HS 0713.33.02; 0713.33.03; 0713.33.99), under an import 
quota of 150,000 tonnes  Permanent 
Delegation of Mexico 
to the WTO  
(13 October 2016) 
and Diario Oficial de 
la Federación (Official 
Journal),  
29 March 2016  Effective 15 August to  
30 November 2016  
Moldova, Rep. of  
Reduction of import tariffs (from 4% to 1%) on synthetic filament 
yarn and electrical transformers; (from 5% to 1%) on leather 
further prepared after tanning or crusting; nonwovens, whether 
or not impregna ted, coated, covered or laminated; textile fabrics; 
certain electrical machinery and equipment; parts and 
accessories of the motor vehicle; and slide fasteners; (from 6.5% 
to 1%) on plastic and articles thereof, and rubber and articles 
thereof; (from 8% to  1%) on man -made staple fibres; 
nonwovens, electrical transformers and electrical apparatus; 
(from 10% to 1%) on knitted or crocheted fabrics, articles of 
mica; ceramic articles; rovings , and certain electrical machinery 
and equipment; (from 11% t o 1%) on folding cartons of 
non-corrugated paper or paperboard ; (from  12%) certain woven 
fabrics; and (from 15% to 1%) on articles of leather 
(HS 5402.34.00; 8504.31.80; 4107.19.90; 4107.92.10; 
4107.99.10; 5603.11.90; 5903.20.90; 8501.10.99; 8538.90.91; 
8708.29.90;  9607.20.90; 3916.90.50; 3917.32.00; 3919.10.80; 
3921.12.00; 3921.13.10; 3921.19.00; 3926.90.97; 4016.93.00; 
4016.99.57; 5515.99.80; 5603.13.10; 5603.13.90; 5603.14.90; 
8504.90.11; 8504.90.18; 8536.10.10; 8536.41.90; 8538.90.99; 
8544.11.90; 6001.10.00; 681 4.10.00; 6914.90.00; 7019.12.00; 
8544.30.00; 8544.49.93; 8546.90.90; 8547.20.00; 9405.92.00; 
4819.20.00; 5806.39.00; 4205.00.90)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Republic of Moldova 
to the WTO  
(7 October 2016)  Effective 3 March 2016  
Reduction of import tariff s (from 5% to 1%) on miscellaneous 
chemical products, plastics and articles thereof, rubber and 
articles thereof, raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and 
leather, nonwovens, textile fabrics impregnated, miscellaneous 
articles of base metal, certain s lide fasteners and parts thereof; 
(from 6% to 1%) on rubberi zed textile fabrics; (from 6.5% to 
1%) on colour lakes,  plastics and articles thereof, (from 8% to 
1%) unbleached woven fabrics of jute; and (from 10% to 1%) on 
quilted textile products, glass fib res (including glass wool) and 
articles thereof, certain electric conductors, and ribbons  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Republic of Moldova 
to the WTO  
(7 October 2016)  Effective 1 July 2016  
Mongolia  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on wheat (HS 100 1)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Mongolia to the WTO 
(21 October 2016)  Terminated on 1 June  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain agricultural 
machinery (e.g. tractors, combine harvesters), irrigation 
equipment, fertilizers and pesticides. Import s also exempted 
from VAT  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Mongolia to the WTO 
(21 October 2016)  Effective until  
31 December 2016  
Amendments introduced to the Tax Code, harmonizing rates of 
excise duty applied on imports and locally produced alcoholic 
beverages ( HS 2204; 2205; 2206; 2207; 2208)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Mongolia to the WTO 
(21 October 2016)   
Montenegro  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (167 
tariff lines at 8  digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 59; 84; 
85; 88; 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.16, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 129 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
New Zealand  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (233 
tariff lines at 8  digit level in HS C hapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 84; 85; 
88; 90; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.17, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  
Norway  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (144 
tariff lines at 7 digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 84; 85; 
88; 90; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.18, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  
Pakistan  
Reduction of regula tory duty (from 10% to 5%) on certain woven 
fabrics (HS 5407; 5408; 5512; 5513; 5514; 5515; 5516)  Ministry of Finance, 
Economic Affairs, 
Statistics and 
Revenue  
Notification S.RO. 
No. 475(I)/2016  
(24 June 2016)  Effective 25 June 2016  
Panama  
Trade facili tation measures for imports through the 
implementation of the "Authorized Economic Operator" scheme of 
the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards 
to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Panama to the WTO 
(20 October 2 016)  
Trade facilitation measures for exports through the 
implementation of the "Authorized Economic Operator" scheme of 
the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards 
to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Panama to the  WTO 
(20 October 2016)   
Peru  
Trade facilitation measure for importers through the 
implementation of new procedures relating to: customs transit, 
transfer, temporary admission, re -import, customs warehouses, 
control of goods, simplified clearances and sim plified restitution 
of customs duties  Permanent 
Delegation of Peru to 
the WTO  
(10 October 2016)   
Trade facilitation measure for exporters through the 
implementation of new procedures relating to: customs transit, 
transfer, temporary admission, re -import,  customs warehouses, 
control of goods, simplified clearances and simplified restitution 
of customs duties  Permanent 
Delegation of Peru to 
the WTO  
(10 October 2016)   
Philippines  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain products, 
e.g. frozen poult ry cuts and offal; frozen turkey cuts and offal ; 
pig and poultry fat; peas; walnuts; fresh grapes; rape or colza 
seeds; certain oil seeds; rape, colza or mustard oil and fractions; 
turkey prepared or preserved meat (HS 0207.25.00; 0207.27.99 
0403.90.10; 04 05.10.00; 0406.20.10; 0406.20.90; 1006.10.90; 
1006.20.10; 1006.20.90; 1006.30.30; 1006.30.40; 1006.30.91; 
1006.30.99; 1006.40.10; 1006.40.90; 2004.10.00; 2306.41.10; 
2306.41.20; 2306.49.10; 2306.49.20)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Philippines to the 
WTO (27  May 2016) 
and Executive Order 
No. 190, s. 2015  
(5 November 2015)   
Russian Federation (for Eurasian Economic Union between the Russian Federation,  
Armenia, Belarus , Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Rep. ) 
Temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain nuts, dates, 
dried grapes, Brussels sprouts (effective 22 April 2016 to  
31 May 2019), cauliflowers and headed broccoli (effective  
22 April 2016 to 31 May 2017), and (to 5%) on certain products 
used in the printing industry (effective 4 March 2016 to  
31 August 2017).  Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 
other photographic plates and film, with any side exceeding 255 
mm (HS 3701.30.00) (effective 12 December 2015 to  
31 December 2018); on ungrounded natural calcium phosphates, 
natural aluminium calcium phosphates  and phosphatic chalk 
(HS 2510.20.00) (effective 5 January 2016 to 4 January 2019); 
on cocoa paste and cocoa butter (HS 1803.10.00; 1804.00.00) 
(effective 26 March 2016 to 31 December 2017); on beryllium 
oxide and hydroxide (HS 2825.90.20) (effective 2 Jan uary 2016 
to 31 December 2017); on terephthalic acid and its salts 
(HS 2917.36.00) (effective 1 January 2016 to  
31 December 2017); and bleached non -coniferous chemical wood 
pulp (HS 4703.29.00) (effective 6 May 2016 to 31 May 2019)  Permanent 
Delegation of  the 
Russian Federation to 
the WTO 
(27 May 2016)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Extension of the temporary elimination of import tariffs on gas 
turbines parts (HS 8411.99.00)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Russian Federation to 
the WTO  
(27 May  2016)  Effective 2 April 2016 to 
31 December 2021  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 130 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Decrease of import tariffs (from 7.5% to 5%) on certain 
pharmaceutical products containing alkaloids or derivatives 
thereof, but not containing antibiotics (HS 3004.40.00)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Russian Federation to 
the WTO 
(27 May 2016)  Effective  
17 January 2016  
Extension of the temporary elimination (from 10%) of import 
tariffs on fluoride of aluminium (HS 2826.12.00) (originally 
effective from 5 June 2015 to 30 April 2016)  Permanent 
Delegation of  the 
Russian Federation to 
the WTO  
(14 October 2016)  Effective 11 July 2016 to 
31 December 2020  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 16%) on vehicles 
with electric motor (HS 8703.90.10) (effective 11 July 2016 to  
31 August 2017); on natural gas  tanks with a working pressure 
of 20 MPa or more designed as a component for vehicles using 
natural gas as fuel (HS 3926.90.97) (effective 2 September 2016 
to 31 December 2016); on pressure control valves 
(HS 8481.10.99; 8481.30.99; 8481.80.99) and on fuel  nozzles 
(HS 8409.91.00) (effective 2 September 2016 to 31 December 
2020). Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 15% to 5%) 
on vehicles with electric motors  with a maximum weight not 
exceeding 5,000 kg (HS 8704.90.00) (effective  
2 September 2016 to 31 August 2017)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Russian Federation to 
the WTO  
(14 October 2016)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
South Africa (for Southern African Customs Union between  
Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland)  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from R 304 c/kg to 
R 245.4 c/kg) on cane and beet sugar. On 11 April 2016, further 
reduction of import tariffs (from R 245.4 c/kg to R 239.5 c/kg). 
On 5 August, further reduction of import tariffs (from  
R 239.5 c/kg to  R 144.33 c/kg) on cane and beet sugar. On  
16 September 2016, further reduction to R 31.89 c/kg  (HS 
1701.12; 1701.13; 1701.14; 1701.91; 1701.99)  Permanent 
Delegation of South 
Africa to the WTO 
(13 October  2016) 
and Notices  
Nos. R 1244 of 2015 
(18 Decembe r 2015 ), 
R 419 of 2016  
(11 April 2016) and 
R 961 of 2016  
(26 August 2016) - 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government 
Gazettes Nos. 39524, 
39915 and 40230  Effective  
18 December 2015  
Elimination of import tariffs (from 25%) on canned mus sels in 
airtight metal containers (HS 1605.53.21; 1605.53.22)  Permanent 
Delegation of South 
Africa to the WTO 
(30 May 2016) and 
Notice No. R 240 of 
2016 - International 
Trade Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette 
No. 39799  
(11 March 2016)  Effect ive 11 March 2016  
Elimination of import tariffs (from 15%) on offset  duplicating 
masters and lithographic plates of aluminium (HS 3701.30.25)  Permanent 
Delegation of South 
Africa to the WTO 
(13 October 2016) 
and Notice No. R 711 
of 2016 - 
International Tr ade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette 
No. 40059  
(10 June 2016)  Effective 10 June 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 131 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Elimination of import tariffs (from 25%) on certain motor vehicles 
(HS 8703.21.75; 8703.31.85; 8703.90.31; 8704.21.77; 
8704.31.77; 8704.90.35)  Permanent 
Delegation of South 
Africa to the WTO 
(13 October 2016) 
and Notice  
No. R 961 of 2016 
(26 August 2016) - 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette 
No. 40230  Effective 26 August 2016  
Singapore  
Trade facilitation measures for impor ters through the reduction of 
certain port payable charges  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Singapore to the 
WTO (19 April 2016)    
Trade facilitation measures for exporters through the reduction of 
certain port payable charges  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Singapore to the 
WTO (19 April 2016)    
Switzerland  
Reduction of import tariffs for beef pieces from the upper thigh, 
seasoned for further processing to dried meat (from 
Sw F 1,190/100 kg to Sw F 638/100 kg) (HS 0201.30.99)  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Switzerland to the 
WTO  
(20 October 2016)  Effective  
1 September 2016  
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
Reduction of import tariffs (under the APEC Environmental Goods 
Initiative) on parts of pneumatic power engines and motors, AC 
generators (al ternators) of an output exceeding 750 kVA, and 
wind-powered generating sets (HS 8412.90.00; 8501.64.90; 
8502.31.00; 8502.39.90) (effective 11 December 2015) and on 
certain AC generators (alternators) of an output exceeding 
750 kV, and certain generating se ts (HS 8501.64.10; 
8502.39.10) (effective 20 May 2016)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu to the WTO 
(18 October 2016)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs  (from 25% to 12.5%) on 4 
products of goose  meat (HS 0207.51; 0207.52; 0207.54; 
0207.55)  Permanent 
Delegation of the 
Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu to the WTO 
(18 October 2016)  Effective  
25 November 2015 to  
31 December 201 6 
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (166 
tariff lines at 8  digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 59; 84; 
85; 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.22, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out  by no later 
than 1 July 2019  
Thailand  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (299 
tariff lines at 8  digit level in HS Chapters 35; 37; 39; 59; 68; 84; 
85; 90; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.23, 
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2016,  
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  
Elimination of export licensing requirement on live Tiger prawns  Permanent 
Delegation of 
Thailand to the WTO 
(21 October 2016)  Effective 4 August 2016  
Tunisia  
Elimination of import tariffs (2,168 tariff lines) on raw materials 
and certain equipment not locally produced (HS Chapters 25; 27; 
28; 30; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 44; 45; 46; 
47; 48; 49; 51; 52; 54; 55; 56; 58; 59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 65; 66; 
67; 68; 69; 70; 71 ; 72; 73; 74; 76; 80; 82; 83; 84; 85; 87; 90; 
91; 93; 94; 95; 96)  Permanent 
Delegation of Tunisia 
to the WTO  
(11 May 2016)  Effective 1 January 2016  
Reduction of import tariffs (to 10%) on yeasts (active or 
inactive); other single -cell micro -organisms, dea d (but not 
including vaccines of heading HS 3002); prepared backing 
powders (HS 2102)  Permanent 
Delegation of Tunisia 
to the WTO  
(7 October 2016)  Effective June 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 132 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Turkey  
Decrease of import tariffs (from 15% to 10%) on breeding 
animals weighing  less t han 80 kg; (to 20%) on certain species; 
on triticale seeds for sowing (effective 1 January 2016). 
Elimination of import tariffs (from 6%) on certain iron and steel 
products (HS 7225.40.12; 7226.91.20) (effective 1 January) and 
on dates (HS 0102.10; 0906.11 ; 0906.19; 0907.10; 0908.11; 
0908.31; 0910.11; 0910.30; 0 804.10) (effective 18 May 2016)  Permanent 
Delegation of Turkey 
to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Ukraine  
Elimination of the temporary tariff increases (import  surcharge) 
on all goods with a view to restoring balance -of-payments 
(implemented on 25 February 2015)  WTO documents 
WT/BOP/N/78,  
21 January 2015 and 
WT/BOP/N/80,  
14 January 2016  Effective 1 January 2016  
Elimination of import tariffs on electric vehic les  Permanent 
Delegation of Ukraine 
to the WTO  
(20 October 2016)  Effective 1 January 2016  
Trade facilitation measures for imports through the establishment 
of a single window system  Permanent 
Delegation of Ukraine 
to the WTO  
(20 October 2016)  Effectiv e 1 August 2016  
Trade facilitation measures for exports through the establishment 
of a single window system  Permanent 
Delegation of Ukraine 
to the WTO  
20 October 2016)  Effective 1 August 2016  
United States  
Elimination of export ban on crude oil  H.R. 2029 - 
Consolidated 
Appropriation ACT, 
2016 - Title I –  
Sec. 101  
(18 December 2015)  Effective  
18 December 2015  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the ITA (239 
tariff lines at 8 digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 84; 85; 
88; 90; 94) WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.1 -
24, 26 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2016, 
with all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  
Venezuela (Bolivarian Rep. of)  
Trade facilitation measures by the simplification of export 
procedures for non-traditional products ( Instructivo sobre 
Simplificación de los Trámites y Procesos Vinculados con la 
Exportación de Mercancías No Tradicionales )  Decreto No. 2.292  
(1 April 2016)  Effective 11 April 2016  
 
Recorded, but non -confirmed information140 
Measur e Source/Date  Status  
Algeria  
Import of second -hand vehicles ( not older  than three 
years) authorized under certain conditions  La Nouvelle République  
(20 September 2016)   
Botswana  
Trade facilitation measures through the establishment of 
a single -window web-platform system for imports  Mmegionline  
(27 January 2016)   
Trade facilitation measures through the establishment of 
a single -window web -platform system for exports  Mmegionline  
(27 January 2016)   
Brazil  
Rates of internal tax ( imposto sobre produto s 
industrializados ) applied on imports and locally produced 
alcoholic beverages harmonized (NCM 2204; 2205; 2206; 
2208) (except for " cachaça " (NCM 2208.90.00))  Press reports referring to 
Law No. 13.241  
(30 December 2015)   
Brunei Darussalam  
Implementatio n of trade facilitation measures through the 
establishment of the National Single Wi ndow "BDNSW" 
scheme for imports  The Brunei Times  
(30 March 2016)   
Implementation of trade facilitation measures through the 
establishment of the National Single Wi ndow "B DNSW" 
scheme for exports  The Brunei Times  
(30 March 2016)   
                                                
140 This section includes information which has been obtained from public sources but has not yet been 
confirmed by the delegation concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 133 - 
 
  Measur e Source/Date  Status  
Côte d'Ivoire  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain 
informatics goods. Imports also exempted from VAT  Abidjan  
(26 November 2015)  Effective until  
31 December 2018  
Ethiopia  
Trade fa cilitation measures through the implementation 
of a single -window system for imports  The Ethiopian Herald  
(17 December 2015)    
Trade facilitation measures through the implementation 
of a single -window system for exports  The Ethiopian Herald  
(17 Decemb er 2015)   
Guinea  
Trade facilitation measures through the implementation 
of a mobile scanner for imports in the port of Conakry  Guineenews.org  
(13 November 2015)   
Trade facilitation measures through the implementation 
of a mobile scanner for exports in  the port of Conakry  Guineenews.org  
(13 November 2015)   
Indonesia  
Temporary elimination of import taxes on salt for 
industrial purposes (HS 2501.00)  Jakarta Globe  
(4 November 2015)    
Elimination of specific import requirements, e.g. pre -
shipment inspe ctions, limited entry points (selected 
seaports), and non -automatic import licensing for certain 
food products (e.g. preparation of meat; sugars; cocoa, 
preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; and 
preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other  plants) 
(HS 1601; 1602; 1603; 1604; 1605; 1704; 1806; 1901; 
1902; 1904; 1905; 2002; 2007; 2008)  Press reports referring to 
Decree No. 83/2012 
(December 2015)  Effective 1 January 2016  
Jordan  
Elimination of import tariffs on information technology 
goods. Im ports also exempted from VAT  Zawya, Thomson Reuters 
(31 October 2015)   
Kenya  
Trade facilitation measures through the implementation 
of a new customs software system for imports  AllAfrica  
(16 December 2015)   
Trade facilitation measures through the imp lementation 
of a new customs software system for exports  AllAfrica  
(16 December 2015)   
Madagascar  
Trade facilitation measures through the adoption of the 
"Tradenet" platform, allowing the online payment of 
import duties by importers  L'Express  
(9 Decem ber 2015)    
Morocco  
Temporary reduct ion of import taxes on eggs 
(HS 0407.21.00), under an import quota of 4,000 tonnes  Press reports referring to 
Government 
Announcement (May 2016)  Effective 15 May 2016 to 
15 July 2016  
Myanmar  
Elimination of import lic ensing requirements on 267 items  Mmtimes (28 June 2016)    
Nigeria  
Elimination of import ban on rice (HS 1006) (only through 
land borders)  AllAfrica.com  
(25 October 2015)   
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Elimination of export ban on cement and steel  Reuter s  
(29 November 2015)   
Measures to facilitate trade through the introduction of a 
single import customs declaration form  Arab News  
(13 September 2015)   
Measures to facilitate trade through the introduction of a 
single export customs declaration form  Arab News  
(13 September 2015)   
Extension (from 6 to 12 months) of exemption of import 
tariffs on raw materials, half -manufactured goods, 
equipment and spare parts  Arab News  
(5 September 2015)   
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of (for Gulf Cooperation Council  - 
Bahrain, Kingdom of;  Kuwait, State of; Oman;  Qatar;   
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  and United Arab Emirates)  
Measures to facilitate intra trade GCC  through the 
introduction of a new i mport electronic customs system  Albawaba Business  
(16 December 2015)   
Measures  to facilitate intra trade GCC  through the 
introduction of a new export electronic customs system  Albawaba Business  
(16 December 2015)   
Sri Lanka  
Elimination of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. 
books, journals, magazines, caravan carriages, yac hts, 
and mini boats  Dailymirror.lk referring to 
Budget 2016  
(20 November 2015)   
Reduction of import taxes on certain construction 
materials  Dailymirror.lk referring to 
Budget 2016  
(20 November 2015)   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 134 - 
 
  Measur e Source/Date  Status  
Uzbekistan  
Trade facilitation measures for import s through the 
adoption of a unified and harmonized customs code  Trend News Agency  
(4 December 2015)   
Trade facilitation measures for exports through the 
adoption of a unified and harmonized customs code  Trend News Agency  
(4 December 2015)   
Viet Nam  
Elimination of export tax (15%) on stainless steel scrap  Press reports referring to 
Notice No. 10937/TCHQ -
TXNK Ministry of Finance  
(November 2015)   
Reduction of import tariffs on jet fuel and diesel (from 
10% to 7%) and kerosene (from 13% to 7%) (HS 2710) Saigon Times referring to 
Circular 46/2016/TT -BTC 
(17 March 2016 )   
Elimination of import ban on certain used machinery  Thanhnien News  
(18 November 2015)  Effective 1 July 2016  
Zambia  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on transmission 
equipment  ITWeb Africa  
(20 October 2015)  Effective for 2 years  
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 135 - 
 
  ANNEX 2  
TRADE REMEDIES141 
(MID-OCTOBER 2015 TO MID -OCTOBER  2016)  
Confirmed information142 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Termination on 14 December 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
solid fumigant pesticides (NCM 3808.91) from China (imposed 
on 27 December 2002)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/ARG,  
18 March 2016   
Termination on 19 January 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of printing inks (NCM  3204.17.00; 3212.90.90; 
3215.11.00; 3215.19.00) from Braz il (investigation initiated on 
17 July 2009 and duties imposed on 17 January 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/ARG,  
23 September 2016   
Termination on 21 January 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of insulati on displacement connectors 
(NCM  8536.90.90) fro m India (investigation initiated on 
21 July 2009, provisional and definitive duties imposed on 
26 May 2010 and 20 January 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/ARG,  
23 September 2016   
Initiation on 2 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of steel s pring lock washers (NCM 7318.21.00) from 
China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/ARG,  
23 September 2016   
Initiation on 13 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain polymers of propylene plates, sheets, film, 
foil and strip, non -cellular and no t reinforced, laminated 
supported or similarly com bined with other materials 
(NCM  3920.20.90) from Peru  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/ARG,  
23 September 2016   
Termination on 5 May 2016 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of plastic swimmi ng pools 
(NCM  9506.99.00) from Brazil and China (initiated on  
25 April 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/ARG,  
23 September 2016   
Initiation on 25 May 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of rubber balloons (NCM 9503.00.99; 9505.90.00) from 
China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/ARG,  
23 September 2016   
Initiation on 31 May 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of woven fabrics of wool (NCM 5112.11.00; 
5112.19.10; 5112.20.10; 5112.30.10; 5112.90.00; 
5515.13.00) from Brazil, China and Peru  WTO document  
G/ADP/N/286/ARG,  
23 September 2016   
Termination on 10 June 2016 (without measure) of anti -
dumping investigation on imports of certain vaccines for 
veterinary medicine (NCM 3002.30.10; 3002.30.40; 
3002.30.50; 3002.30.90) from France and the United States 
(initiated on 11 November 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/ARG,  
23 September 2016   
Initiation on 7 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of road wheels (NCM 8708.70.90) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(30 September 2016)  and 
Resolución No. 169/2016 
Ministerio de Producción -
Secretaría de Comercio  
(1 July 2016)   
Initiation on 18 August 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of unglazed and glazed ceramic flags and paving, 
hearth or wall tiles, whether or not on a backing ( porcellanato ) 
(NCM 6907.90.00; 6908.90.00) from Brazil, China, India, 
Malaysia and Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(30 September 2016) and 
Resolución No. 220 -E/2016 
Ministerio de Producción -
Secretaría de Comercio 
(12 August 2016)   
                                                
141 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex  implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex  implies any 
judgement,  either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
142 This section  includes information which has either been provid ed by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at the request of the Secre tariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 136 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 18 August 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of electrical transformers having a power handling 
capacity exceeding 10,000 kVA but not exceeding 600,000 kVA 
(NCM 8504.23.00) from India  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to th e WTO  
(30 September 2016) and 
Resolución No. 221 -E/2016 
Ministerio de Producción -
Secretaría de Comercio 
(12 August 2016)   
Australia  
Termination on 19 October 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of steel reinforcing bar (HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 
7227.90.90; 7228.30.90) from Malaysia, Thailand and Turkey 
(investigation initiated on 17 October 2014 and provisional duty 
imposed on 13 March 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/AUS, 
25 February 2016   
Initiation on 10 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation  
on imports of chrome bars (HS 7215.90.00; 7215.50.90; 
7222.30.00; 7228.30.10; 7228.60.10; 7228.60.90) from Italy 
and Romania  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/AUS, 
29 August 2016; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on 
24 March  2016 on 
imports from 
Romania. Terminated 
on 8 August 2016 
(without measure) on 
imports from Italy. 
Definitive duty 
imposed on  
9 September 2016 on 
imports from 
Romania  
Initiation on 17 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on impo rts of grinding balls (HS 7325.91.00; 7326.11.00; 
7326.90.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/AUS, 
29 August 2016; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(29 September 2016)  Provisional and 
definitive duties 
imposed on  
21 April and  
10 Septemb er 2016, 
respectively  
Initiation on 17 November 2015 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of grinding balls (HS 7325.91.00; 7326.11.00; 
7326.90.90) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/AUS, 
29 August  2016; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the  WTO 
(29 September 2016)  Provisional and 
definitive duties 
imposed on  
21 April and  
10 September 2016, 
respectively  
Termination on 19 November 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of power transformers (HS 8504.22.00; 8504.23.00) 
from Viet Nam (investig ation initiated on 29 July 2013 and 
definitive duty imposed on 10 December 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/AUS, 
25 February 2016   
Termination on 25 November  2015 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of hot rolled plate steel 
(HS 7208. 40.00; 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00; 7225.40.00) from 
Korea, Rep. of and Chinese Taipei (initiated on 31 March 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/AUS, 
25 February 2016   
Initiation on 22 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of hollow structural sec tions "HSS" (HS 7306.30.00; 
7306.50.00; 7306.61.00; 7306.69.00; 7306.90.00) from India 
and United Arab Emirates (provisional duty imposed on  
22 February 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/AUS, 
29 August 2016; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)  Terminated on  
25 July 2016  
Termination on 22 December 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of newsprint (HS 4801.00.20; 4801.00.31; 
4801.00.39) from France (investigation initiated on  
22 April 2014 and provisional and definitive duties i mposed on 
30 January and 30 April 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/AUS, 
25 February 2016   
Initiation on 23 December 2015 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of steel reinforcing bar (HS 7214.20.00; 
7228.30.90: 7213.10.00; 7227.90.10; 7227.90.90; 
7228.30.10; 7228.60.10) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/AUS, 
29 August  2016  
Termination on 1 January 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of poly(vinyl chloride) homopolymer resin "PVC" 
(HS 3904.10.00) from Korea, Rep. of (investigation initiated on 
23 April 2012 and provisional and definitive duties imposed on 
28 June and 19 October 2012)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/AUS, 
29 August 2016   
Termination on 1 January 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of poly(vinyl chloride) homopolymer resin "PVC" 
(HS 3904.10.00) from Japan (imposed on 22 October 1992) 
and the United States (imposed on 23 January 1992)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/AUS, 
29 August 2016   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 137 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Anti-dumping investigation resumed on 8 January 2016 on 
imports of certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic m odules or 
panels (HS 8501.61.00; 8501.62.00; 8501.63.00; 8501.64.00; 
8541.40.00) from China (investigation initiated on 14 May 2014 
and terminated on 6 October 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/AUS, 
29 August 2016   
Initiation on 17 February 2016 of counterva iling investigation 
on imports of rod in coils (HS 7213.91.00; 7227.90.90) from 
China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/AUS, 
29 August  2016  
Initiation on 12 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of A4 copy paper (HS 4802.56.10) from Brazil, China, 
Indonesia and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/AUS, 
29 August 2016; and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice 
No. 2016/100  
(28 September 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
28 September 2016 
on imports from 
China and Thailand  
Initiation on 12 April 2016 of count ervailing investigation on 
imports of A4 copy paper (HS 4802.56.10) from China and 
Indonesia  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/AUS, 
29 August  2016  
Initiation on 18 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of quicklime (HS 2522.10.00) from Malaysia, Tha iland 
and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/AUS, 
29 August 2016   
Termination on 19 April 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of "biodiesel" - fuel manufactured by chemically altering non -
fossil origin feedstocks (including recycled materials from these  
sources) through a process of transesterification and/or 
esterification to form mono -alkyl esters - whether in pure form 
(B100) or in a blend with a biodiesel percentage in excess of 
20% (B20) (HS  2710.11.80; 2710.19.80; 2710.91.80; 
2710.99.80; 3824.90.20 ; 3824.90.30) from the United  States 
(investigation initiated on 22  June 2010, provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 18 October 2010 and  
19 April 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/AUS, 
29 August 2016   
Termination on 19 April 2016 of countervailing dut ies on 
imports of "biodiesel" - fuel manufactured by chemically 
altering non -fossil origin feedstocks (including recycled 
materials from these sources) through a process of 
transesterification and/or esterification to form mono -alkyl 
esters - whether in pu re form (B100) or in a blend with a 
biodiesel percentage in excess of 20% (B20) (HS  2710.11.80; 
2710.19.80; 2710.91.80; 2710.99.80; 3824.90.20; 
3824.90.30) from the United  States (investigation initiated on 
22 June 2010, provisional and definitive duties i mposed on 
18 October 2010 and 19 April 2011)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/AUS, 
29 August  2016   
Initiation on 18 May 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of resealable can end closures (RTFs) (HS 8309.90.00) 
from India, Malaysia, Philippines and Sing apore  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/AUS, 
29 August 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
6 October 2016  
Initiation on 4 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of steel shelving units (HS  9403.10.00; 9403.20.00) 
from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO  
(14 Otober 2016) and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice 
No. 2016/65  
(27 June 2016)   
Initiation on 4 July 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of steel shelving unit s (HS 9403.10.00; 9403.20.00) 
from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice 
No. 2016/65  
(27 June 2016)   
Initiation on 16 August 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of aluminium e xtrusions (HS 7604.10.00; 7604.21.00; 
7604.29.00; 7608.10.00; 7608.20.00; 7610.10.00; 
7610.90.00) from Malaysia and Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice 
No. 2016/77  
(16 August 2016)   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 138 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 16 August 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of aluminium extrusions (HS 7604.10.00; 7604.21.00; 
7604.29.00; 7608.10.00; 7608.20.00; 7610.10.00; 
7610.90.00) from Malaysia and Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice 
No. 2016/77  
(16 August 2016)   
Initiation on 7 October 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of zinc coated (galvanized) steel (HS 7210.49.00; 
7212.30.00; 7225.92.00; 7226.99.00) from India, M alaysia and 
Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice 
No. 2016/105  
(7 October 2016)   
Initiation on 7 October 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of zinc coated (galvanized) ste el (HS 7210.49.00; 
7212.30.00; 7225.92.00; 7226.99.00) from India and Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice 
No. 2016/105  
(7 October 2016)   
Brazil  
Initiation on 22 October 2015 of an ti-dumping investigation on 
imports of panoramic x -ray systems for dental use, analogical 
or digital (NCM 9022.12.00; 9022.13.11) from Germany  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/BRA, 
30 August  2016  
Initiation on 3 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of heavy plates in coils (NCM 7208.36.10; 7208.36.90; 
7208.37.00; 7225.30.00) from China (possible circumvention 
of anti -dumping measures of imports from China imposed in 
2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/BRA, 
25 February  2016; 
Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(27 May 2016 ) and Camex 
Resolution No. 2/2016  
(26 January 2016)  Duty extended on  
27 January 2016  
Temporary suspension on 20 November 2015 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of cold polymerized emulsion 
styrene -butadiene rubber (E -SBR) (N CM 4002.19.11; 
4002.19.19) from the European Union (investigation initiated 
on 27 May 2014 and duty imposed on 20 November 2015)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and Camex 
Resolution No. 110/2015 
(19 November 2015)  Effective 1 year  
Initiation on 14 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of frozen potatoes (NCM 2004.10.00) from Belgium, 
France, Germany and the Netherlands  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/BRA, 
30 August  2016  
Termination on 18 December 2015 of anti -dumping du ties on 
imports of polycarbonate resins (NCM 3907.40.90) from 
Thailand (investigation initiated on 29 December 2011 and 
definitive duty imposed on 20 June 2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/BRA, 
25 February  2016 On  
20 December 2013, 
the duty was 
suspended for  1 year  
Initiation on 21 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of flat bars of alloy steel (NCM 7228.30.00) from 
China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/BRA, 
30 August  2016   
Initiation on 21 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports  of agricultural tyres (NCM 4011.61.00; 4011.69.90; 
4011.92.10; 4011.92.90; 4011.99.10; 4011.62.00; 
4011.63.90; 4011.93.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/BRA, 
30 August  2016   
Initiation on 11 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of  toughened (tampered) and laminated safety glass 
for vehicles (NCM 7007.11.00; 7007.19.00; 7007.21.00; 
7007.29.00; 8708.29.99) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/BRA, 
30 August  2016 Provisional duty 
imposed on  
24 June 2016  
Initiation on 11 January 2016 o f anti-dumping investigation on 
imports of n -butanol (NCM 2905.13.00) from the Russian 
Federation and South Africa  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/BRA, 
30 August  2016   
Initiation on 13 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of concrete reinforcin g bars (NCM 7213.10.00; 
7214.20.00; 7227.20.00; 7227.90.00; 7228.30.00) from 
Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/BRA, 
30 August  2016 Terminated on  
5 May 2016 (without 
measure)  
Termination on 15 February 20 16 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on  imports of graphite electrodes up 
to 450 mm (NCM 3801.10.00; 8545.11.00) from United Arab 
Emirates and the United Kingdom (possible circumvention of 
anti-dumping measures of imports from China imposed in 
2009) (initiated on 9 September 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/BRA, 
30 August  2016   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 139 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 7 May 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of polymeric MDI (NCM 3909.3 0.20) from China and the 
United  States (investigation initiated on 8 June 2011, 
provisional and definitive  duties imposed on 9 May an d 
31 October 2012. Duty suspended for 1 year on 7 May 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/BRA, 
30 August  2016   
Termination on 22 May 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of one piece crank (NCM 8714.96.00) from China (imposed on 
11 October 2007)  Permanent D elegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Camex Resolution 
No. 62/2016  
(28 June 2016)    
Termination on 2 June 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of emulsion styrene -butadiene rubber "E -SBR 1502 and 
E-SBR 1712 (NCM 4002.19.19) from Korea, Rep. of 
(investigation initiated on 1  June 2010 and definitive duty 
imposed on 2 June 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/BRA, 
30 August  2016   
Initiation on 11 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain wire of iron or non -alloy steel 
(NCM  7217.10.19; 7217.10.90) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Secex Circular 
No. 40/2016 (8 July 2016)    
Initiation on 18 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of stranded wire, ropes and cables (NCM 731 2.10.90) 
from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Secex Circular 
No. 43/2016  
(15 July 2016)    
Initiation on 20 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of flat -rolled products of iron or non -alloy steel, of a 
width of 600 mm or more, hot -rolled, not clad, plated or coated 
(NCM 7208.10.00; 7208.25.00; 7208.26.10; 7208.26.90; 
7208.27.10; 7208.27.90; 7208.36.10; 7208.36.90; 
7208.37.00; 7208.38.10; 7208.38.90; 7208.39.10; 
7208.39.90; 7208.40.00; 7208.53.00; 7208.54 .00; 
7208.90.00; 7225.30.00; 7225.40.90) from China and the 
Russian Federation  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Secex Circular No. 
45/2016 (19 July 2016)   
Initiation on 21 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain cellular film of polyurethanes 
(NCM  3921.13.90; 3921.90.19; 3921.90.90; 5603.14.10; 
5603.14.20; 5603.14.30; 5603.14.40; 5603.14.90; 
5603.94.10; 5603.94.20; 5603.94.30; 5603.94.90; 
5903.20.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Secex Circular 
No. 47/2016  
(20 July 2016)   
Termination on 29 July  2016 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of films of poly(ethylene 
terephthalate) "PET" (NCM 3920.62.19; 3920.62.91; 
3920.62.99) from Bahrain,  Kingdom of and Peru (investigation 
initiated on 10 July 2015)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Secex Circular 
No. 49/2016  
(28 July 2016)   
Initiation on 10  August 2016of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of flat -rolled  products of iron or non -alloy steel, of a 
width of 600 mm or more, hot -rolled, not clad, plated or 
coated, of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more (NCM 7208.51.00; 
7208.52.00; 7225.40.90) from China (possible circumvention 
of anti -dumping measures imposed in 20 13) Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Secex Circular 
No. 52/2016  
(9 August 2016)   
Initiation on 16  September 2016 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of esters of acetic acid (NCM 2915.31.00; 
2915.39.31) from Mexico an d the United States  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Secex Circular 
No. 58/2016  
(15 September 2016)   
Termination on 6 October 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of glassine and other glazed transparent or translucent 
papers (NCM 4806.40.00) from France, Hungary and Italy 
(investigation initiated on 19 April 2010. Provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 2 June and 6 October 2011)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Secex Circular 
No. 74/2015  
(25 November 2015)   
Canada  
Termination on 16 October 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of greenhouse bell peppers (HS  0709.60.90) from the 
Netherlands (investigation initiated on 22 March 2010, 
provisional and definitive duties imposed on 21  June and  
19 October 2010)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/CAN,  
1 March 2016   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 140 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 6 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of certain hot -rolled carbon steel plate and 
high-strength low -alloy steel plate (HS 7208.51.00; 
7208.52.00) from  India and the Russian Federation 
(investigation initiated on 10 June 2015 and provisional duty 
imposed on 8 September 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/CAN,  
22 September 2016   
Termination on 6 January 2016 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of cert ain hot -rolled carbon steel plate and 
high-strength low -alloy steel plate (HS 7208.51.00; 
7208.52.00) from India and the Russian Federation 
(investigation initiated on 10 June 2015 and provisional duty 
imposed on 8 September 2015)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/298/ CAN/Corr.1, 
18 May 2016; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(30 May 2016)  Terminated on  
7 December 2015 on 
imports from the 
Russian Federation  
Initiation on 24 March 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain large diameter carb on and alloy steel line 
pipe (HS 7305.11.00; 7305.12.00; 7305.19.00) from China and 
Japan  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/CAN,  
22 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
22 June 2016  
Initiation on 24 March 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of certain large diameter carbon and alloy steel line 
pipe (HS 7305.11.00; 7305.12.00; 7305.19.00) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/CAN,  
27 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
22 June 2016  
Initiation on 8 June 2016 of anti -dumping investigation o n 
imports of certain gypsum board (HS 6809.11.00) from 
United  States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/CAN,  
22 September 2016; 
Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Canada Border Service 
Agency Notice of 
Preliminary Determination 
(6 Sept ember 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
6 September 2016  
Termination on 12 August 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of certain hot -rolled steel sheet (HS 7208.25; 7208.26; 
7208.27; 7208.36; 7208.37; 7208.38; 7208.39; 7208.53; 
7208.54; 7208.90; 7211. 13; 7211.14; 7211.19; 7211.90; 
7225.30; 7225.40; 7225.99; 7226.20; 7226.91; 7226.99) from 
India and Chinese Taipei (imposed on 17 August 2001)  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Canada Border Service 
Agency Statement of 
Reasons  (21 April 2016)   
Initiation on 19 August 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain concrete reinforcing bar (HS 7213.10.00; 
7214.20.00; 7215.90.00; 7227.90.00) from Belarus; 
Hong Kong, China; Japan; Portugal, Spain and Chinese Taipei  Perma nent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Canada Border Service 
Agency Notice  
(19 August 2016)   
Initiation on 12 September 2016 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of certain fabricated industrial steel components  
(HS 7216.99.00; 7 308.40.00; 7308.90.00; 8428.31.00; 
8428.39.00; 7301.20.00; 8428.32.00; 7326.90.90; 
8428.33.00; 8421.99.90) from China; Ireland; Korea, Rep. of; 
Spain; United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Canada Border Service 
Agency Notice  
(12 September 2016)   
Initiation on 12 September 2016 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of certain fabricated industrial steel components  
(HS 7216.99.00; 7308.40.00; 7308.90.00; 8428.31.00; 
8428.39.00; 7301.20. 00; 8428.32.00; 7326.90.90; 
8428.33.00; 8421.99.90) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Canada Border Service 
Agency Notice  
(12 September 2016)   
Chile  
Initiation on 27 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of steel bars (HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 
7227.90.00; 7228.30.00) from Mexico  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/CHL,  
6 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
19 May 2016  
Initiation on 1 December  2015 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of steel wi re (HS 7210.30.00; 7217.10.00; 
7217.20.00; 7217.30.00; 7217.90.00; 7229.90.00; 
7312.10.10; 7313.00.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/CHL/9,  
14 June 2016  Terminated on  
4 June 2016 (without 
measure)  
Initiation on 1 December  2015 of safeguard investigation on 
impor ts of steel nails (HS 7317.00.10; 7317.00.90; 
7326.20.00; 7326.90.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/CHL/10,  
14 June 2016  Terminated on  
4 June 2016 (without 
measure)  
Initiation on 1 December  2015 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of steel mesh (HS 7314.19.00; 7314.31.00; 
7314.39.00; 7314.41.10; 7314.41.90; 7314.42.00; 
7314.49.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/CHL/11,  
14 June 2016  Terminated on  
4 June 2016 (without 
measure)  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 141 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 22 August  2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of iron or low -carbon st eel wire rods ( alambrón de 
acero ) (HS 7213.20.00; 7213.91.10; 7213.91.20; 7213.91.90; 
7213.99.00; 7227.10.00; 7227.20.00; 7227.90.00) from China  Normas Generales CVE 
1102054 Comisión de 
Distorsiones - Diario Oficial 
Np. 41.539  
(22 August 2016)   
China  
Termination on 13 November 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of ethanolamine (monoethanolamine and 
diethanolamine) (HS 2922.11; 2922.12) from Japan, Malaysia, 
Chinese Taipei and the United States (imposed on  
14 November 2004)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/ CHN,  
10 March 2016   
Initiation on 18 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of iron -based amorphous alloy ribbon (strip) 
(HS 7202.99.99; 7224.90.90; 7226.91.99) from Japan and the 
United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/CHN,  
10 March 2016 ; Permanent 
Delegation of China to the 
WTO (3 October 2016) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 42/2016  
(18 August 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
18 August 2016  
Termination on 23 December 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of methyl -alcohol (HS  2905.11) from Indonesia, 
Malaysia, and New Zealand (investigation initiated on  
24 June 2009, provisional and definitive duties imposed on 
28 October and 24 December 2010)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/CHN,  
10 March 2016    
Initiation on 12 January 2016 of anti -dumping  investigation on 
imports of distiller's dried grains with or without solubles 
(HS 2303.30.00) from the United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/CHN,  
7 September 2016; and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 49/2016  
(23 September 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
23 September 2016  
Initiation on 12 January 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of distiller's dried grains with or without solubles 
(HS 2303.30.00) from the United States  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/CHN, 
5 September  2016; and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 48/2016  
(28 September 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
30 September 2016  
Initiation on 20 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of vinylidene chloride -vinyl chloride copolymer resin 
(HS 3904.50.00) from Japan  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/CHN ,  
7 September 2016   
Termination on 16 June 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of hydrazine hydrate (HS 2825.10.10; 2928) from France; 
Japan; Korea, Rep. of and the United States (imposed on  
17 June 2005)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/CHN,  
7 September 20 16   
Termination on 29 June 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of photographic paper and paper board (HS 3703.10; 3703.20; 
3703.90) from Japan (investigation initiated on  
23 December 2010, provisional and definitive duties imposed 
on 10 August 2011 a nd 23 March 2012)  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO  
(3 October 2016) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 25/2016  
(29 June 2016)    
Termination on 21 July 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of trichloroethylene (HS  2903.22.00) from Japan and Russian 
Federation (imposed on 22 July 2005)  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO  
(3 October 2016) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 32/2016  
(21 July 2016)    
Termination on 22 August 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of certain high -performance stainless steel se amless 
tubes (HS  7304.41.10; 7304.49.10; 7304.51.10; 7304.59.10) 
from the European Union and Japan (investigation initiated on  
8 September 2011, provisional and definitive duties imposed on 
8 May and 8 November 2012)  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the W TO  
(3 October 2016) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 34/2016  
(22 August 2016)   
Initiation on 22 September 2016 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of sugar (HS 1701.12.00; 1701.13.00; 1701.14.00; 
1701.91.00; 1701.99.10; 1701.99.20; 1701.99.90)  WTO document  
G/SG/N/6/CHN/5,  
26 September 2016   
Colombia  
Termination on 9 December 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of non -wired glass coloured throughout the mass (body 
tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground 
(HS 7005.21.11; 7005.21.90) from Chi na (investigation 
initiated on 19 January 2015 and provisional duty imposed on 
23 April 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/COL, 
21 March  2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 142 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 19 February 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of stockings and hosiery products (HS 6115.10.10; 
6115.30.10; 6115.10.90; 6115.30.90; 6115.95.00; 
6115.96.00; 6115.99.00) from China (imposed on  
14 May 2007)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/COL, 
11 October  2016  
Termination on 4 April 2016 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of triangula r files, six inch 
(HS 8203.10.00) from India (initiated on 23 December 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/COL, 
11 October  2016  
Initiation on 12 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of panels of plaster faced or reinforced with paper or 
paperboa rd only (HS 6809.11.00) from Mexico  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/COL, 
11 October  2016  
Costa Rica  
Termination on 11 February 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of water -based latex paint (HS  3209.90.10) from the 
United States (imposed on 30 January 2007)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/CRI, 
12 October  2016  
Initiation on 15 June 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain steel tanks for any material (other than 
compressed or liquefied gas), of a capacity not exceeding 300 l, 
whether or not lined o r heat -insulated, but not fitted with 
mechanical or thermal equipment (HS 7310.10.00) from Chile  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/CRI, 
12 October  2016  
Dominican Republic  
Initiation on 28 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of corrugated or def ormed steel rods and bars for 
concrete reinforcement (HS 7213.10.00; 7213.20.90; 
7214.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7214.30.00; 7214.91.00; 
7214.99.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/DOM, 
12 September  2016 Provisional duty 
imposed on  
11 July 2016  
Egypt  
Termin ation on 3 November 2015 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of polyethylene 
terephthalate "PET" (HS  3907.60) from China, India, Malaysia, 
Oman, Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and United Arab 
Emirates (initiated on 25 August 2014 ) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/EGY,  
18 January 2016   
Termination on 3 November 2015 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of polyethylene 
terephthalate "PET" (HS  3907.60) from China, India, Malaysia, 
Oman, and Pakistan (initiated on 2  July 2014)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/298/EGY, 
25 January  2016  
Initiation on 30 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of dioctyl orthophthalates "DOP" (HS 2917.32) from 
Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/EGY,  
18 January 2016   
Terminatio n on 7 December 2015 (without measure) of 
safeguard investigation on imports of automotive batteries  
(HS 8507.10.00) (initiated on 15 December 2014)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/EGY/1,  
11 December 2015   
Initiation on 8 December  2015 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of polyethylene terephthalate "PET" (HS 3907.60)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/EGY/2,  
2 September 2016  Terminated on  
16 August 2016 
(without measure)  
Termination on 7 February 2016 (without measure) of 
safeguard investigation on imports of white sugar  
(HS 1701.99.90) (initiated on 16 April 2015)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/EGY/12/Suppl.1, 
22 April 2016   
Initiation on 10 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of matches (in boxes) (HS 3605.00) from Pakistan  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EGY,  
27 July  2016  
Termination on 21 June 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of plastic containers (boxes) of PET (HS 3923.10) from Italy 
(investigation initiated on 24 December 2009 and definitive 
duty imposed on 22 June 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EGY,  
27 July 2016   
European Union  
Termination on 27 October 2015 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of certain aluminium foil 
(CAF) (HS 7607.11.19) from China (initiated on  
12 December 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/EU,  
8 April 2016   
Initiation on 29 October 2015 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain stainless steel tube and pipe butt -welding 
fittings, whether or not finished (HS 7307.23.10; 7307.23.90) 
from China and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/EU,  
8 April 201 6  
Initiation on 16 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of slightly modified hand pallet trucks and their 
essential parts, e.g. chassis and hydraulics (HS 8427.90.00; 
8431.20.00) from China (possible circumvention of 
anti-dumping measur es of imports from China imposed in 
2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/EU,  
8 April 2016; and 
Commission Implementing 
Regulation No. 2016/1346 
(8 August 2016)  Duty extended on  
9 August 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 143 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 17 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on impo rts of certain manganese oxides (HS 2602.00.00; 
2820.90.90) from Brazil, Georgia, India and Mexico  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/EU,  
8 April 2016   
Termination on 18 December 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of aluminium foil of a thickness of not less t han 
0.008  mm and not more than 0.018 mm, not backed, not 
further worked than rolled, in rolls of a width not exceeding 
650 mm and of a weight exceeding 10 kg "aluminium 
household foils (AHF)" (HS 7607.11.19) from Brazil (imposed 
on 6 October 2009)  WTO docu ment 
G/ADP/N/280/EU,  
8 April 2016   
Termination on 10 February 2016 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of tartaric acid 
(HS 2918.12.00) from China limited to one producer (Hangzhou 
Bioking Biochemical Engineering Co. Ltd) (initiate d on  
4 December 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EU,  
7 October 2016   
Initiation on 13 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain hot -rolled flat products of iron, non -alloy or 
other alloy steel (HS 7208.10.00; 7208.25.00; 7208.26.00 ; 
7208.27.00; 7208.36.00; 7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 
7208.39.00; 7208.40.00; 7208.52.99; 7208.53.00; 
7208.54.00; 7211.14.00; 7211.19.00; 7225.19.10; 
7225.30.10; 7225.30.30; 7225.30.90; 7225.40.12; 
7225.40.15; 7225.40.60; 7225.40.90; 7226.19.10; 
7226.20.00; 72 26.91.20; 7226.91.91) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EU,  
7 October 2016 and 
Commission Implementing 
Regulation No. 2016/1778 
(6 October 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
7 October 2016  
Initiation on 13 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on  
imports of certain heavy plate of non -alloy or other alloy steel 
(HS 7208.51.20; 7208.51.91; 7208.51.98; 7208.52.91; 
7208.90.20; 7208.90.80; 7225.40.40; 7225.40.60; 
7225.99.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EU,  
7 October 2016 and 
Commission Impleme nting 
Regulation No. 2016/1777 
(6 October 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
7 October 2016  
Initiation on 13 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain seamless pipes and tubes of iron (other than 
cast iron) or steel (other than sta inless steel), of circular cross 
section, of an external diameter exceeding 406.4 mm 
(HS 7304.19.90; 7304.29.90; 7304.39.98; 7304.59.99) from 
China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EU,  
7 October 2016    
Initiation on 18 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain lightweight thermal paper "LWTP" weighing 
65 gr/m2 or less (HS 4809.90.00; 4811.90.00; 4816.90.00; 
4823.90.85) from Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EU,  
7 October 2016    
Termination on 27 February 2016 of anti -dumping duties o n 
imports of certain iron or steel fasteners, other than of stainless 
steel, e.g. wood screws (excluding coach screws), self -tapping 
screws, other screws and bolts with heads (whether or not with 
their nuts or washers, but excluding screws turned from bars , 
rods, profiles or wire, of solid section, of a shank thickness not 
exceeding 6 mm and excluding screws and bolts for fixing 
railway track construction material), and washers 
(HS 7318.12.90; 7318.14.91; 7318.14.99; 7318.15.59; 
7318.15.69; 7318.15.81; 7318 .15.89; 7318.15.90; 
7318.21.00; 7318.22.00) from Malaysia (possible 
circumvention of anti -dumping measures of imports from China 
imposed in 2009) (investigation initiated on 27 October 2010 
and definitive duty extended on 26 July 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N /286/EU,  
7 October 2016    
Termination on 3 March 2016 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of silico -manganese 
(HS 7202.30.00) from India (initiated on 20 December 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EU,  
7 October 2016   
Initiation on 31  March 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain concrete reinforcement bars and rods 
(HS 7214.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7214.30.00; 7214.91.10; 
7214.91.90; 7214.99.10; 7214.99.71; 7214.99.79; 
7214.99.95) from Belarus  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EU,  
7 October 2016   
Initiation on 13 May 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of hot -rolled flat products of iron, non -alloy or other 
alloy steel (HS 7208.10.00; 7208.25.00; 7208.26.00; 
7208.27.00; 7208.36.00; 7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 
7208.39.00; 72 08.40.00; 7208.52.99; 7208.53.90; 
7208.54.00; 7211.14.00; 7211.19.00; 7225.19.10; 
7225.30.10; 7225.30.30; 7225.30.90; 7225.40.12; 
7225.40.15; 7225.40.60; 7225.40.90; 7226.19.10; 
7226.20.00; 7226.91.20; 7226.91.91; 7226.91.99) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/ N/305/EU,  
27 September 2016   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 144 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 13 May 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of zeolite A powder (HS  2842.10.00) from Bosnia and 
Herzegovina (investigation initiated on 17  February  2010, 
provisional and definitive duties imposed on 16 Novemb er 2010 
and 14 May 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EU,  
7 October 2016   
Initiation on 1 June 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain slightly modified aluminium foil 
(HS 7607.11.19; 7607.11.90) from China (possible 
circumvention of anti -dumping measures of imports from China 
imposed in 2009)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/EU,  
7 October 2016   
Termination on 2 July 2016 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain ceramic foam filters 
(HS 6903.10.00; 6903.20.10; 6903.20.9 0; 6903.90.10; 
6903.90.90; 6909.19.00) from China (investigation initiated on 
14 August 2015)  Commission Implementing 
Decision No. 2016/1072 
(29 June 2016)   
Initiation on 7 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain hot -rolled flat prod ucts of iron, non -alloy or 
other alloy steel (HS 7208.10.00; 7208.25.00; 7208.26.00; 
7208.27.00; 7208.36.00; 7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 
7208.39.00; 7208.40.00; 7208.52.99; 7208.53.90; 
7208.54.00; 7211.14.00; 7211.19.00; 7225.19.10; 
7225.30.10; 7225.30.30; 722 5.30.90; 7225.40.12; 
7225.40.15; 7225.40.60; 7225.40.90; 7226.19.10; 
7226.20.00; 7226.91.20; 7226.91.91; 7226.91.99) from 
Brazil; Iran, Islamic Rep. of; Russian Federation; Serbia and 
Ukraine  Commission Notice 2016/C 
246/08 (7 July 2016)   
Initiation on 3 August 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of purified terephthalic acid and its salts 
(HS 2917.36.00) from Korea, Rep. of  Commission Notice 2016/C 
281/11 (3 August 2016)   
Termination on 10 August 2016 (without measure) of 
countervailing investi gation on imports of European sea bass 
and gilthead (HS 0302.84.10; 0302.85.30; 0303.84.10; 
0303.89.55; 0304.49.90; 0304.89.90) from Turkey 
(investigation initiated on 14 August 2015)  Commission Implementing 
Decision No. 2016/1360  
(8 August 2016)   
Termin ation on 10 August 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of ring binder mechanisms which consist of at least two 
steel sheets or wires with at least four half -rings made of steel 
wire fixed on them and which are kept together by a steel 
cover (HS  8305.10. 00) from Thailand (investigation initiated on 
20 May 2010. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on  
11 February and 9 August 2011)  Commission Notice  
2016/C 329/06  
(7 September 2016)   
India  
Initiation on 20 October 2015 of anti -dumping investigatio n on 
imports of AA dry cell batteries (HS 8506.10) from China and 
Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/IND, 
12 April 2016  
Initiation on 21 October 2015 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of jute products (HS 5301; 5307; 5310; 6305) from 
Bangladesh and  Nepal  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/IND, 
12 April 2016  
Termination on 21  October  2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of all fully drawn yarn (HS  5402.47) from Viet Nam 
(imposed on 11  November  2009)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/IND, 
12 April 2016  
Termination  on 18 November 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of carbon black (HS  2803.00.10) from Thailand 
(investigation initiated on 26 December 2008. Provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 30  July 2009 and 
28 January  2010)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/IND, 
12 April 2016  
Termination on 20 November 2015 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of carbon black 
(HS 2803.00.10) from Korea, Rep. of (initiated on  
9 February 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/IND, 
12 April 2016  
Initiation on 7 Dec ember 2015 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of linear alkyl benzene "LAB" (HS 3817.00.11) from 
China; Iran, Islamic Rep. of and Qatar  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/IND, 
12 April 2016  
Initiation on 7 December 2015 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of hot -rolled flat sheets and plates (excluding hot -rolled 
flat products in coil form) of alloy or non -alloy steel having 
nominal thickness less than or equal to 150 mm and nominal 
width of greater than or equal to 600 mm (HS 7208; 
7225.40.41; 7225.40.19; 7225.40.20; 7225.40.30; 
7225.99.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IND/42,  
10 December 2015   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 145 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 15 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of aluminium foil (HS 7607) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/IND, 
12 April 2016  
Initiation on  23 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of clear float glass (HS 7003; 7004; 7005; 
7005.10.90; 7009; 7013; 7015; 7016; 7018; 7019; 7020) 
from Iran, Islamic Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/IND, 
12 April 2016  
Initiation on 28 December 2 015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of axle for trailers (HS 8716.90.10) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/IND, 
12 April 2016  
Initiation on 30 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of low ash metallurgical coke (HS 2704.00.10;  
2704.00.20; 2704.00.30; 2704.00.90) from Australia and 
China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/IND, 
12 April 2016  
Initiation on 1 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of aluminium radiators, aluminium radiator 
sub-assemblies and aluminium radiat or core (HS 8708.91.00) 
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 14 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of styrene butadiene rubber "SBR" of 1,500 series and 
1,700 series (HS 4002.19) from the European Union ; Korea, 
Rep. of and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 14 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of hydrogen peroxide (HS 2847.00.00) from 
Bangladesh; Indonesia; Korea, Rep. of; Pakistan; Chinese 
Taipei an d Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 27 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of elastomeric filament yarn of all deniers up to and 
including 150 denier, excluding coloured yarns (spandex or 
elastane) (HS 5404.11.00; 5402.44.00; 5402.69.90) from 
China; Korea, Rep. of; Chinese Taipei and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 1 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of castings of wind operated electricity 
gener ators/windmills (HS 8503) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 17 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of diclofenac sodium (HS 2942) from China (possible 
circumvention of anti -dumping measures of import s imposed in 
2008)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Termination on 18 February 2016 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on 2 -ethyl hexanol "2EH" 
(HS 2905.16.20) from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (initiated on 
20 November 2014)  WTO docu ment 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 19 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of cold -rolled flat products of stainless steel (HS 72) 
from China; European Union; Korea, Rep. of; South Africa; 
Chinese Taipei; Thailand and th e United States (possible 
circumvention of anti -dumping measures of imports imposed in 
2010)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 24 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of flexible slabstock polyol (HS 3907.20) fr om Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Termination on 8 April 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of acetone (HS  2914.11) from Japan and Thailand 
(investigation initiated on 3 September 2009, provisional and 
definitive duties imposed  on 9 April 2010 and 18 April 2011)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(30 September 2016)   
Initiation on 11 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of hot -rolled flat products of alloy or non -alloy steel in 
coils of a width up to 2,100 mm and thickness up to 25 mm 
and hot -rolled flat products of alloy or non -alloy steel not in 
coils (commonly known as sheets and plates) of a width up to 
4,950 mm and thickness up to 150 mm (HS 7208; 7211; 7225; 
7226) from Brazil; China; Indonesia; Japan; Korea, Rep. of; 
and the Russian Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016 and 
Notification No. 44/2016 -
Customs (ADD) Ministry of 
Finance (Department of 
Revenue) (8 August 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
8 August 2016  
Initiation on 12  April 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of certain hot -rolled and cold -rolled stainless steel flat 
products (HS  7219; 7220) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Termination on 18 April 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of phenol (HS  2707.99.00; 2907.11.10) from Japan and 
Thailand (investigation initiated on 11 August 2009, provisional 
and definitive duties imposed on 19  April and 
1 December  2010)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(30 September 2016)   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 146 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on  19 April 2016 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of unwrought aluminium (aluminium not alloyed and 
aluminium alloys) (HS 7601)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/IND/43,  
22 April 2016   
Initiation on 19 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of cold -rolled cold -reduced flat steel products of iron or 
non-alloy steel, or other alloy steel, of all widths and thickness, 
not clad, plated or coated (HS 7209; 7211; 7225; 7226) from 
China; Japan; Korea, Rep. of and Ukraine  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 Octob er 2016 and 
Notification No. 45/2016 -
Customs (ADD), Ministry of 
Finance - Department of 
Revenue (17 August 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
17 August 2016  
Initiation on 27 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of amoxycillin (HS 2941.10.30 ) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 3  May 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of new/unused pneumatic radial tyres, with or without 
tubes and/or flap of rubber (including tubeless tyres) having 
nominal rim co de above 16" used in buses and lorries/trucks 
(HS 4011.20.10; 4012.90.49; 4013.10.20) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 12 May 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of sodium chlorate (HS 2829.11.00) from Canad a, 
China and European Union  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 1 June 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of refined naphthalene (HS 2902.90.40) from China, 
European Union and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND,  
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 1 June 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of crude naphthalene (HS 2707.40.00) from China; 
European Union; Iran, Islamic Rep. of; Japan and Russian 
Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiat ion on 2 June 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of wire rod of alloy or non -alloy steel (HS 7213.10.90; 
7221; 7227.10.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 15 June 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of non -woven fabric made of polypropylene of GSM 25 
or less (HS 5603.11.00; 5603.91.00) from China, Indonesia, 
Malaysia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 23 June 2016 of anti -dumping inve stigation on 
imports of textured tempered glass whether coated or uncoated 
(HS 7007.19.00; 7003.19.90; 7005.10.10; 7005.10.90; 
7005.21.90; 7005.29.90; 7005.30.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Termination on 23 June 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of PVC paste resin (HS  3904.22.10) from the Russian 
Federation (investigation initiated on 3 November 2009, 
provisional and definitive duties imposed on 26 July 2010 and 
on 26 July 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 29 June 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of colour -coated/pre -painted flat products of alloy and 
non-alloy steel (HS 7210.70.00; 7212.40.00; 7225.99.00; 
7226.99.90; 7210.11.10; 7210.11.90; 7210.12.10; 
7210.12.90; 7210.30.10;  7210.30.90; 7210.41.00; 
7210.49.00; 7210.50.00; 7210.61.00; 7210.69.00; 
7210.90.10; 7210.90.90; 7212.10.10; 7212.10.90; 
7212.30.90; 7212.50.20; 7212.50.90; 7212.60.00; 
7225.50.30; 7225.92.00; 7226.11.00) from China and the 
European Union  WTO document 
G/AD P/N/286/IND, 
7 October  2016  
Initiation on 5 August 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of ammonium nitrate (HS 3102.30.00) from Georgia; 
Indonesia; Iran, Islamic Rep. of and Russian Federation  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 Octob er 2016) and 
Notification 
No. 14/1/2016 -DGAD, 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties  
(5 August 2016)    
Termination on 22 August 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of sodium hydroxide "caustic soda" ( HS 2815.11; 
2815.12) from Norway and Thailand (investigation initiated on 
31 May 2010 and definitive duty imposed on 23 August 2011)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016)   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 147 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 2 September 2016 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of normal butanol (n -butyl alcohol) (HS 2905.13.00) 
from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016) and 
Notification No. 
14/20/2016 -DGAD, 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties  
(2 September 2016)   
Initiation on 16 September 2016 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of polybutadiene rubber (butadiene rubber "PBR") 
(HS 4002.20.00) from Iran, Islamic Rep. of; Korea,  Rep. of; 
Russian Federation; Singapor e and South Africa  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016) and 
Notification No. 
14/40/2016 -DGAD, 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties  
(16 September 2016)   
Termination on 19 Septembe r 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of morpholine (HS 2933.39.17) from China and 
European Union (investigation initiated on 7 December 2010, 
provisional and definitive duties imposed on  
20 September 2011 and 24 January 2012)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016)   
Initiation on 21 September 2016 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of ofloxacin acid (o -acid) (HS 2941.90.30; 
2915.29.90; 2916.39.90; 2918.30.90; 2918.99.00; 
2934.99.00; 2941.10.90; 2941.90.90; 2942.00.90) from Ch ina Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016) and 
Notification No. 
14/31/2016 -DGAD, 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties  
21 September 2016)   
Initiation on 4 October 2016 of anti -dumpi ng investigation on 
imports of ofloxacin (HS 3004.20.34; 2915; 2916; 2918; 2941) 
from China  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016) and 
Notification No. 
14/06/2016 -DGAD, 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties  
(4 October 2016)   
Initiation on 5 October 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of toluene di -isocyanate -TDI (HS 2929.10.20; 
2909.43.00; 2929.10.90; 2929.10.10, 3824.90.90; 
3909.50.00) from China; Japan and Korea, Rep. of  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016) and 
Notification No. 
14/36/2016 -DGAD, 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties  
(5 October 2016)    
Initiation on 13 October 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF) (HS 
3824.40.90) from China  Notification 
No. 14/15/2016 -DGAD, 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties 
(13 October 2016)   
Initiation on 13 October 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of resorcinol (HS 2907.21.00) from China and Japan  Notification 
No. 14/37/2016 -DGAD, 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties 
(13 October 2016)   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 148 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 13 October 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of ceramic tablewares and kitchen wares, excluding 
knives and toilet items (HS 6911; 6912) from China  Notification 
No. 14/05/2016 -DGAD, 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
Gener al of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties 
(13 October 2016)   
Initiation on 14 October 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of caustic soda (HS 2815.11.01; 2815.11.02; 
2815.12.00) from Japan and Qatar  Notification 
No. 14/31/2015 -DGAD, 
Ministry of Comme rce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties 
(14 October 2016)   
Indonesia  
Termination on 13 June 2016 (without measure) of safeguard 
investigation on imports of glucose, not containing fructose or 
containing in the dry state l ess than 20% by weight of fructose, 
not including dextrose monohydrate pharmaceutical grade, 
dextrose monohydrate pyrogen free, maltodextrine, and 
dextrose anhydrous (HS 1702.30.10) (initiated on  
14 July 2015)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/IDN/10,  
14 June 2016   
Initiation on 8 August 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of glass frit and other glass (HS 3207.20.90; 
3207.40.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO 
(14 October  2016)   
Initiation on 22 August 2016 of anti -dumping investi gation on 
imports of poly(ethylene terephthalate) "PET" (HS 3907.60.10; 
3907.60.20; 3907.60.90) from China; Korea, Rep. of and 
Malaysia  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO 
(14 October  2016)   
Initiation on 31 August 2016 of anti -dumping investigat ion on 
imports of steel wire rods (HS 7213.91.10; 7213.91.20; 
7213.91.90; 7213.99.10; 7213.99.20; 7213.99.90; 
7227.90.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO 
(14 October  2016)   
Israel  
Initiation on 27 October 2015 of anti -dumping inve stigation on 
float glass (HS 7005.29.90) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/ISR, 
27 July 2016 Provisional duty 
imposed on  
18 April 2016  
Japan  
Initiation on 30 September 2016 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of poly(ethylene terephthalate) "PET " with a high 
degree of polymerization (HS 3907.60) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Japan to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)   
Jordan  
Termination on 3 November 2015 (without measure) of 
safeguard investigation on imports of writing and printing 
papers size A4 (HS  4802.56) (initiated on 28 August 2014)  WTO document  
G/SG/N/8/JOR/9/Suppl.1, 
20 November 2015   
Termination on 16 December 2015 of safeguard duties on 
imports of bars and rods of iron and steel (HS 7213.10.5; 
7213.20.6; 7214.10.5; 7214.20.5; 7214.30 .5; 7214.91.5; 
7214.99.5; 7215.10.5; 7215.50.5; 7215.90.5) (initiated on 
4 April 2012 and definitive duty imposed on 16 June 2013)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/10/JOR/8/Suppl.2, 
6 January  2016  
Initiation on 24  July 2016 of safeguard investigation on imports 
of aluminium bars, rods and profiles (HS 7604)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/JOR/18, 
25 July 2016 and 
G/SG/N/7/JOR/2/Suppl.1, 
17 August  2016 Provisional duty 
imposed on  
31 July 2016  
Korea, Rep. of  
Initiation on 22 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on impo rts of butyl glycol ether (HS 2909.43) from France and 
the United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/KOR,  
6 April 2016   
Initiation on 30 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of titanium dioxide (HS 3206.11) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N /286/KOR,  
28 September 2016  Terminated on  
10 August 2016 
(without measure)  
Termination on 3 January 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of aluminium bottle can (HS 7612.90.90) from Japan 
(investigation initiated on 27 January 2012 and definitive duty  
imposed on 3 January 2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/KOR,  
28 September 2016   
Termination on 21 August 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of choline chloride (HS  2309.90, 2923.10) from 
Canada, China, India and the United States (imposed on  
20 October  2004)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Republic of Korea  
to the WTO  
(19 October 2016)   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 149 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 8 September 2016 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of pre -sensitized aluminium plate for offset printing 
(HS 3701.30.91) from China  Permanent Delegat ion of 
the Republic of Korea  
to the WTO  
(19 October 2016)   
Malaysia  
Termination on 8 January 2016 (without measure) of safeguard 
investigation on imports of hot -rolled coils (HS 7208.36.00; 
7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 7208.39.20; 7208.39.90; 
7225.30.00) (i nitiated on 11 September 2015)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/MYS/2, 
19 January  2016  
Initiation on 28 May 2016 of safeguard investigation on imports 
of steel concrete reinforcing bars (HS 7214.10.21; 7214.10.29; 
7214.10.91; 7214.10.99; 7214.20.21; 7214.20.29; 
7214.20.91; 7214.20.99; 7214.30.10; 7214.30.90; 
7214.99.21; 7214.99.29; 7214.99.91; 7214.99.99; 
7228.10.10; 7228.10.90; 7228.20.10; 7228.20.90; 
7228.30.10; 7228.30.90; 7228.40.10; 7228.40.90; 
7228.50.10; 7228.50.90; 7228.60.10; 7228.60.90; 
7228.80.10; 7228.80 .91; 7228.80.99)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/MYS/4,  
2 June 2016 and 
G/SG/N/7/MYS/2,  
29 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
26 September 2016  
Initiation on 29 May 2016 of safeguard investigation on imports 
of steel wire rod and deformed bar -in-coil (H S 7213.10.00; 
7213.91.00; 7213.99.00; 7227.90.00)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/MYS/5,  
2 June 2016 and 
G/SG/N/7/MYS/3,  
29 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
27 September 2016  
Mexico  
Termination on 4 November 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of nuts of carbon steel, black or coated 
(HS 7318.16.03; 7318.16.04) from China (investigation 
initiated on 3  February  2009 and definitive duty imposed on  
3 August 2010)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/MEX,  
22 February 2016   
Initiation on 17 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of coated flat steel products (HS 7210.30.01; 
7210.30.99; 7210.41.01; 7210.41.99; 7210.49.01; 
7210.49.02; 7210.49.03; 7210.49.04; 7210.49.99; 
7210.61.01; 7210.70.01; 7210.70.99; 7212.20.01; 
7212.20.02; 7212.20.99; 7212.30.0 1; 7212.30.02; 
7212.30.99; 7212.40.03; 7212.40.99; 7225.91.01; 
7225.92.01; 7226.99.01; 7226.99.02; 9802.00.01; 
9802.00.02; 9802.00.03; 9802.00.04; 9802.00.06; 
9802.00.07; 9802.00.10; 9802.00.13; 9802.00.15; 
9802.00.19) from China and Chinese Taipei  WTO doc ument 
G/ADP/N/280/MEX,  
22 February 2016; and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 29 July 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
29 July 2016  
Initiation on 22 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of cold -rolled sheet (HS 7225. 50.02; 7225.50.03) 
from China (possible circumvention of anti -dumping measures 
of imports from China imposed in 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/289/MEX,  
24 August 2016; and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 11 July 2016  Definitive duty 
impose d on  
11 July 2016  
Initiation on 8 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of high -carbon ferro -manganese (HS 7202.11.01; 
9802.00.13) from Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/MEX,  
7 September 2016; and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Of ficial 
Journal), 11 July 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
11 July 2016  
Termination on 29 May 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of synthetic polybutadiene -styrene rubber in emulsion 
(HS 4002.19.02) from Brazil (imposed on 28 May 1996)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/MEX,  
7 September 2016   
Termination on 7 June 2016 (without measure) of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of apples (HS  0808.10.01) from the 
United States (investigation initiated on 4 December 2014 and 
provisional duty imposed on 6 January 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/MEX,  
7 September 2016   
Termination on 5 August 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of hydraulic bottle jacks (HS  8425.42.02) from China 
(imposed on 24 September 2005)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO  
(13 Octobe r 2016) and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 5 August 2016   
Morocco  
Initiation on 21 March 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of refrigerators (HS 8418.10.00; 8418.21.00) from 
China, Thailand and Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/ 286/MAR,  
30 August 2016   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 150 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 18 May 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of ceramic tiles (HS 6908.90.00) from Spain  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/MAR,  
30 August 2016   
New Zealand  
Termination on 2 June 2016 of anti -dumping duties on impo rts 
of wire nails, bright (plain) and galvanized (coated), of various 
lengths and diameter (other than collated or for collation) 
(HS 7317.00.09) from China (investigation initiated on 
15 November 2010. Definitive duty imposed on 2 June 2011 
(on 1 June 201 4, duty temporarily suspended for a period of 3 
years))  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/NZL,  
29 August 2016   
Pakistan  
Initiation on 19 October 2015 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of wire rod (HS 7213.90.10; 7213.91.90; 7213.99.90; 
7227.90.00) from Ch ina WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/PAK, 
29 August 2016   
Initiation on 13 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of dextrose monohydrate (HS 1702.30.00) from 
India WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/PAK, 
25 February 2016   
Initiation on 7 December 2015 of anti-dumping investigation on 
imports of offset printing ink (HS 3215.11.10; 3215.11.90; 
3215.19.10; 3215.19.90) from China and Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/PAK, 
25 February 2016   
Termination on 11 January 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports  of secondary quality tinplate (HS 7210.12.10) from 
Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands and the United States 
(investigation initiated on 16 January 2009. Provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 16 July and 14 November 2009 ) WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286 /PAK, 
29 August 2016   
Initiation on 15 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain uncoated writing and printing paper 
(HS 4802.55.10; 4802.56.00; 4802.57.00; 4802.61.00; 
4802.62.00) from Brazil, China, Indonesia, Japan and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/PAK, 
29 August 2016   
Initiation on 30 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of one side coated duplex board -grey back 
(HS 4810.92.00; 4810.99.00) from China, Indonesia and Japan  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/PAK, 
29 August 2016   
Initiation on 8 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of coated bleached board/folding box board with back 
(HS 4810.92.00; 4810.99.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/PAK, 
29 August 2016   
Initiation on 19 February 2016 of an ti-dumping investigation on 
imports of wall and floor tiles (HS 6907.10.00; 6907.90.00; 
6908.10.00; 6908.90.10; 6908.90.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/PAK, 
29 August 2016   
Initiation on 27 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of  polyester filament yarn (HS 5402.33.00; 
5402.47.00; 5402.62.00) from China and Malaysia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/PAK, 
29 August 2016   
Termination on 8  March  2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of formic acid 85% (HS 2915.11.00) from Finland and 
German y (imposed on 9 March 2006)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/PAK/Rev.1, 
5 October 2016   
Initiation on 20 April 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of fine cotton yarn (HS 5205.15.00; 5205.27.00; 
5205.28.00; 5205.35.00; 5205.47.00; 5205.48.00) from Ind ia WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/PAK, 
29 August 2016   
Russian Federation (for Eurasian Economic Union between the Russian Federation, Armenia,  
Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Rep. ) 
Termination on 24 June 2016 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of ferrosilicon 
manganese (HS 7202.30) from Ukraine (initiated on  
26 December 2014)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/RUS,  
7 October 2016   
South Africa (for Southern African Customs Union between  
Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland ) 
Termination on 3 February 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
blankets (excluding electric blankets) of acrylic fibres 
(HS 6301.40; 6301.90) from China and Turkey (imposed on 
18 June 1999)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/ZAF, 
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 24 Mar ch 2016 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of certain flat -rolled products of iron, non -alloy steel or 
other alloy steel (not including stainless steel) (HS 7208.10; 
7208.25; 7208.26; 7208.27; 7208.36; 7208.37; 7208.38; 
7208.39; 7208.40; 7208.51; 7208.5 2; 7208.53; 7208.54; 
7208.90; 7211.14; 7211.19; 7225.30; 7225.40; 7225.99; 
7226.91; 7226.99)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/ZAF/4,  
4 April 2016   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 151 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 5 May 2016 of anti -dumping duties on bolts and 
nuts of iron and steel (HS 7318.15.43; 7318.16.20; 
7318. 16.30) from China (imposed on 6 August 1999)  Notice No. R 912 of 2016 
(12 August 2016) - 
International Trade 
Administration Commission 
- Government Gazette  
No. 40204   
Initiation on 29 July 2016 of safeguard investigation on imports 
of flat -rolled product s of iron or non -alloy steel (HS 7209.15; 
7209.16; 7209.17; 7209.18; 7225.50; 7226.92)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/ZAF/5,  
1 August 2016   
Termination on 12 August 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of bolts and nuts of iron or steel (HS 7318.15) from 
China (imposed on 6 August 1999)  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(13 October 2016)   
Termination on 23 September 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of paper insulated lead covered electrical cable 
(HS 8544.60.10) from India (imposed on 31 Ma rch 2000)  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(13 October 2016) and 
Notice No. R 1150 of 2016 
(23 September 2016) - 
International Trade 
Administration Commission 
- Government Gazette  
No. 40294   
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of (for Gulf Cooperation C ouncil  - Bahrain, Kingdom of;  Kuwait, State of; Oman;  
Qatar;  Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  and United Arab Emirates)  
Initiation on 31 December 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of electric lead -acid accumulators of capacity of 35 
up to 115 Amp -hour, whether or not rectangular (including 
square) of a kind used for starting piston engines (automotive 
batteries) (HS 8507.10) from Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/SAU, 
31 August 2016   
Initiation on 9 June 2016 of safeguard investigation on import s 
of flat -rolled products of iron or non -alloy steel (HS 7210.70; 
7210.90)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/BHR/1; 
G/SG/N/6/KWT/1; 
G/SG/N/6/OMN/1; 
G/SG/N/6/QAT/1; 
G/SG/N/6/SAU/1 and 
G/SG/N/6/ARE/1,  
10 June 2016   
Initiation on 3 October 2016 of safeguard investigat ion on 
imports of ferro -silico-manganese (HS 7202.30.00)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/BHR/2; 
G/SG/N/6/KWT/2; 
G/SG/N/6/OMN/2; 
G/SG/N/6/QAT/2; 
G/SG/N/6/SAU/2 and 
G/SG/N/6/ARE/2,  
10 October 2016   
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
Initiation on 22 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain flat -rolled steel products, plated or coated 
with zinc or zinc -alloys (HS 7210.30.00; 7210.41.00; 
7210.49.00; 7210.61.00; 7210.90.90; 7212.20.00; 
7212.30.00; 7212.50.90; 7225.9 1.00; 7225.92.00; 
7225.99.10; 7226.99.10; 7226.99.20) from China and  
Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/TPKM, 
14 October  2016 and 
Permanent Delegation of 
the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu 
to the WTO  
(6 October 2016)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
22 August 2016  
Initiation on 22 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain carbon steel plate, including, without 
limitation, other flat -rolled products of iron or non -alloy steel, 
hot-rolled, not in co il, not clad, plated or coated, of a thickness 
of 6 mm or more (HS 7208.51.10; 7208.51.20; 7208.51.30; 
7208.51.40; 7208.52.10; 7208.52.20; 7208.52.30; 
7208.90.10; 7208.90.21; 7208.90.30; 7208.90.40; 
7211.14.10; 7211.14.20; 7211.14.30; 7211.14.40; 
7225.40.0 0) from Brazil; China; India; Indonesia; Korea, Rep. 
of and Ukraine  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/TPKM, 
14 October  2016 and 
Permanent Delegation of 
the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu 
to the WTO  
(6 October 2016)  Provisional duty  
imposed on  
22 August 2016  
Thailand  
Initiation on 18 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain iron steel pipe and tube (HS 7305.11; 
7305.12; 7305.19; 7305.31; 7305.39; 7305.90; 7306.19; 
7306.29; 7306.30; 7306.50; 7306.61; 7306.69;  7306.90) from 
China and Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/THA, 
2 September  2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 152 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 18 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of flat hot -rolled in coils and not in coils (HS 7208; 
7211.13; 7211.14; 7211.19) from Brazil; I ran, Islamic Rep. of 
and Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/THA, 
2 September  2016  
Initiation on 4 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of flat hot -rolled steel -pickled and oiled in coils and not 
in coils (HS 7208.25.00; 7208.26.00; 7208.2 7.10; 7208.27.90; 
7211.14.19; 7211.19.11; 7211.19.21) from Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/THA, 
2 September  2016  
Initiation on 4 February 2016 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of structural hot -rolled h -beam with alloy 
(HS 7228.70.10; 7228.7 0.90)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/THA/5, 
9 February  2016  
Initiation on 15 March 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of bead wire (HS 7217.30.31) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/THA, 
2 September  2016  
Initiation on 14 September 2016 of anti -dumpi ng investigation 
on imports of galvanized flat sheet and coil (HS 7210.49; 
7212.30; 7225.92.90) from China; Korea, Rep. of and  
Chinese Taipei  Permanent Delegation of 
Thailand to the WTO  
(21 October 2016)   
Turkey  
Initiation on 12 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of unframed glass mirrors (HS 7009.91) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/TUR,  
25 February 2016; and 
Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(7 October 2016)  Definitive duty 
imposed on  
1 July 2016  
Initiation on 6 Febr uary 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of concrete pumps, concrete pump trucks 
(HS 8413.40.00; 8705.90.30) from China and Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/TUR,  
6 September 2016   
Termination on 4 March 2016 (without measure) of safegu ard 
investigation on imports of transmission apparatus 
incorporating reception apparatus "cellular" portable telephone 
(HS 8517.12.00) (initiated on 5 December 2014)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/TUR/6,  
15 March 2016   
Termination on 15 April 2016 (without measur e) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of BOPP film  
(HS 3920. 20.21) from China, Egypt, India  and the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia (initiated on 15 October 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/TUR,  
6 September 2016   
Initiation on 17 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of phthalic anhydride (HS 2917.35.00) from Korea, 
Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/TUR,  
6 September 2016   
Termination on 20 April 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of hot -rolled coil steel (HS 7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 
7208.39 .00; 7225.30.90) from China, France, Japan, Romania, 
Russian Federation, Slovak Republic and Ukraine (investigation 
initiated on 28 January 2015, and provisional duty imposed on 
28 August 2015 on imports from China, Japan, Russian 
Federation and Slovak Rep ublic)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/TUR,  
6 September 2016   
Termination on 3 May 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of skid chain for motor vehicles of iron or steel (HS  7315.11; 
7315.12; 7315.19) from China (imposed on 20  August  2005)  WTO document 
G/ADP/ N/286/TUR,  
6 September 2016   
Initiation on 24 June 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of uncoloured float glass (HS 7005.29) from the 
Russian Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/TUR,  
6 September 2016   
Initiation on 1 July 2016 of anti -dumpin g investigation on 
imports of quilted textile products (HS 5811.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)   
Initiation on 1 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of solar panels (HS 8541.40.90) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)   
Initiation on 14 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of tubes and pipes of refined copper (HS 7411.10.10; 
7411.10.90) from Greece  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(14 Octob er 2016)   
Initiation on 21 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of dioctyl orthophthalates (HS 2917.32.00) from  
Korea, Rep. of  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)   
Initiation on 31 July 2016 of anti -dumping investi gation on 
imports of tubes and pipes of cast iron (HS 7303.00.10; 
7303.00.90) from India and United Arab Emirates  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)   
Initiation on 24 September 2016 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of por celain and ceramic tableware and kitchenware 
(HS 6911.10.00; 6912.00.21; 6912.00.23; 6912.00.25; 
6912.00.29) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 153 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 13 August 2016 of safeguard duties on imports 
of poly(ethyl ene terephthalate), having a viscosity number of 
78 ml/g or higher (HS 3907.60.20) (investigation initiated on 
28 February 2011 and definitive duty imposed on 
8 November  2011)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)   
Ukraine  
Initiati on on 13 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of ceramic grinding wheels (HS 6804.22.30) from 
the Russian Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/UKR, 
7 April 2016  
Initiation on 28 May 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certai n types of chocolate and other processed food 
products containing cocoa (HS 1806.31.00; 1806.90.11; 
1806.90.19; 1806.90.50) from Russian Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/UKR, 
7 October  2016  
United States  
Initiation on 27 October 2015 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of welded stainless pressure pipe (HS 7306.40.10; 
7306.40.50) from India  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
10 May 2016  
Initiation on 27 October 2015 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of welded stainless pressure pipe (HS 7306.40.10; 
7306.40.50) from India  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
11 March 2016  
Initiation on 25 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of circular we lded carbon -quality steel pipe 
(HS 7306.19.10; 7306.19.51; 7306.30.10; 7306.30.50; 
7306.50.10; 7306.50.50) from Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, 
United Arab Emirates and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016  Terminated on  
18 December 2015 
on imports from 
Philippines. 
Provisional duty 
imposed on  
8 June 2016  
Initiation on 25 November 2015 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of circular welded carbon -quality steel pipe 
(HS 7306.19.10; 7306.19.51; 7306.30.10; 7306.30.50; 
7306.50.10; 730 6.50.50) from Pakistan  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA, 
26 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
8 April 2016  
Initiation on 25 November 2015 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of certain iron mechanical transfer drive 
components (HS 8483.30.80; 8 483.50.60; 8483.50.90; 
8483.90.30; 8483.90.80; 7325.10.00; 7325.99.10; 
7326.19.00; 8431.31.00; 8431.39.00; 8483.50.40) from 
Canada and China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
8 June 2016  
Initiation on 25 November  2015 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of certain iron mechanical transfer drive 
components (HS 8483.30.80; 8483.50.60; 8483.50.90; 
8483.90.30; 8483.90.80; 7325.10.00; 7325.99.10; 
7326.19.00; 8431.31.00; 8431.39.00; 8483.50.40) from China  WTO do cument 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
11 April 2016  
Termination on 24 December 2015 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of melamine (HS 2933.61.00) from Trinidad and 
Tobago (investigation initiated on 9 December 2014 and 
provisional duty imposed on 17 June 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/280/USA,  
11 March 2016   
Termination on 24 December 2015 of countervailing duties on 
imports of melamine (HS 2933.61.00) from Trinidad and 
Tobago (investigation initiated on 9 December 2014 and 
provisional duty imposed on 20 April 2015)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/298/USA,  
11 March 2016   
Initiation on 12 January 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of large residential washers (HS 8450.11.00; 
8450.20.00; 8450.90.20; 8450.90.60) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 10 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of new pneumatic off -the-road tires (HS 4011.20.10; 
4011.20.50; 4011.61.00; 4011.62.00; 4011.63.00; 
4011.69.00; 4011.92.00; 4011.93.40; 4 011.93.80; 
4011.94.40; 4011.94.80; 4011.99.45; 4011.99.85; 
8424.90.90; 8431.20.00; 8431.39.00; 8431.49.10; 
8431.49.90; 8432.90.00; 8433.90.50; 8503.00.95; 
8708.70.05; 8708.70.25; 8708.70.45; 8709.90.00; 
8716.90.10; 8716.90.50) from China and India  WTO doc ument 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016  Terminated on  
19 February 2016 on 
imports from China  
Initiation on 10 February 2016 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of new pneumatic off -the-road tires (HS 
4011.20.10; 4011.20.50; 4011.61.00; 4011.62.00 ; 
4011.63.00; 4011.69.00; 4011.92.00; 4011.93.40; 
4011.93.80; 4011.94.40; 4011.94.80; 4011.99.45; 
4011.99.85; 8424.90.90; 8431.20.00; 8431.39.00; 
8431.49.10; 8431.49.90; 8432.90.00; 8433.90.50; 
8503.00.95; 8708.70.05; 8708.70.25; 8708.70.45; 
8709.90.00; 87 16.90.10; 8716.90.50) from China, India, and WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016  Terminated on  
19 February 2016 on 
imports from China. 
Provisional duty 
imposed on  
20 June 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 154 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Sri Lanka  
Initiation on 16 February 2016 of anti -dumping invest igation on 
imports of certain biaxial integral geogrid products 
(HS 3926.90.99; 3920.20.00; 3925.90.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 16 February 2016 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of certain biaxia l integral geogrid products 
(HS 3926.90.99; 3920.20.00; 3925.90.00) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
24 June 2016  
Initiation on 18 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain cut -to-length carbon steel plate 
(HS 7208.40.30; 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00; 7208.53.00; 
7208.90.00; 7210.70.30; 7210.90.90; 7211.13.00; 
7211.14.00; 7211.90.00; 7212.40.10; 7212.40.50; 
7212.50.00) from China (possible circumvention of 
anti-dumping measures of imp orts from China imposed in 
2003)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 23 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain amorphous silica fabric (HS 7019.59.40; 
7019.59.90; 7019.40.40; 7019.40.90; 7019.51.90; 
7019.52.90; 7019.90.10) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 23 February 2016 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of certain amorphous silica fabric (HS 7019.59.40; 
7019.59.90; 7019.40.40; 7019.40.90; 7019.51.90; 
7019.52.90; 7019.90.10) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016   
Initiation on 25 February 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of truck and bus tyres (HS 4011.20.10; 4011.20.50; 
4011.99.45; 4011.99.85; 8708.70.45; 8708.70.60)  from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 25 February 2016 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of truck and bus tyres (HS 4011.20.10; 4011.20.50; 
4011.99.45; 4011.99.85; 8708.70.45; 8708.70.60) from China  WTO docume nt 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016   
Initiation on 10 March 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of stainless steel sheet and strip (HS 7219.13.00; 
7219.14.00; 7219.23.00; 7219.24.00; 7219.32.00; 
7219.33.00; 7219.34.00; 7219.35.00; 7219.90.00;  
7220.12.10; 7220.12.50; 7220.20.10; 7220.20.60; 
7220.20.70; 7220.90.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Termination on 11 March 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of silicomanganese (HS 7202.30.00) from Australia 
(investig ation initiated on 17 March 2015 and provisional duty 
imposed on 25 September 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 14 March 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of stainless steel sheet and strip (HS 7219.13.00; 
7219.14.00; 7219.23.00; 7219.24.00; 7219.32.00; 
7219.33.00; 7219.34.00; 7219.35.00; 7219.90.00; 
7220.12.10; 7220.12.50; 7220.20.10; 7220.20.60; 
7220.20.70; 7220.90.00) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016   
Termination on 14 March 20 16 of countervailing duties on 
imports of polyethylene terephthalate resin "PET" 
(HS 3907.60.00) from Oman (investigation initiated on  
6 April 2015 and provisional duty imposed on 14 August 2015)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 155 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiati on on 21  March  2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of certain aluminium extrusions (HS  7609.00.00; 
7610.10.00; 7610.90.00; 7615.10.30; 7615.10.71; 7615.10.91; 
7615.19.10; 7615.19.30; 7615.19.50; 7615.19.70; 7615.19.90; 
7615.20.00; 7616.99.10; 761 6.99.50; 8479.89.98; 8479.90.94; 
8513.90.20; 9403.10.00; 9403.20.00; 7604.21.00; 7604.29.10; 
7604.29.30; 7604.29.50; 7608.20.00; 8302.10.30; 8302.10.60; 
8302.20.00; 8302.30.30; 8302.41.30; 8302.41.60; 8302.42.30; 
8302.49.60; 8302.50.00; 8302.60.90; 8305.10 .00; 8306.30.00; 
8414.59.60; 8415.90.80; 8418.99.80; 8419.90.10; 8422.90.06; 
8473.30.20; 8473.30.51; 8479.90.85; 8486.90.00; 8487.90.00; 
8503.00.95; 8508.70.00; 8515.90.20; 8516.90.50; 8516.90.80; 
8517.70.00; 8529.90.73; 8529.90.97; 8536.90.80; 8538.10.00;  
8543.90.88; 8708.29.50; 8708.80.65; 8803.30.00; 9013.90.50; 
9013.90.90; 9401.90.50; 9403.90.10; 9403.90.25; 9403.90.40; 
9403.90.50; 9403.90.60; 9403.90.70; 9403.90.80; 9506.11.40; 
9506.51.40; 9506.51.60; 9506.59.40; 9506.70.20; 9506.91.00; 
9506.99.05; 950 6.99.15; 9506.99.20; 9506.99.25; 9506.99.28; 
9506.99.55; 9506.99.60; 9507.30.20; 9507.30.40; 9507.30.60; 
9507.90.60; 9603.90.80)  from China (possible circumvention of 
anti-dumping measures of imports from China imposed in 
2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA ,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 21  March  2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of certain aluminium extrusions ( HS 7609.00.00; 
7610.10.00; 7610.90.00; 7615.10.30; 7615.10.71; 7615.10.91; 
7615.19.10; 7615.19.30; 7615.19.50; 7615.19.70; 7615.19 .90; 
7615.20.00; 7616.99.10; 7616.99.50; 8479.89.98; 8479.90.94; 
8513.90.20; 9403.10.00; 9403.20.00; 7604.21.00; 7604.29.10; 
7604.29.30; 7604.29.50; 7608.20.00; 8302.10.30; 8302.10.60; 
8302.20.00; 8302.30.30; 8302.41.30; 8302.41.60; 8302.42.30; 
8302.49.60;  8302.50.00; 8302.60.90; 8305.10.00; 8306.30.00; 
8414.59.60; 8415.90.80; 8418.99.80; 8419.90.10; 8422.90.06; 
8473.30.20; 8473.30.51; 8479.90.85; 8486.90.00; 8487.90.00; 
8503.00.95; 8508.70.00; 8515.90.20; 8516.90.50; 8516.90.80; 
8517.70.00; 8529.90.73; 852 9.90.97; 8536.90.80; 8538.10.00; 
8543.90.88; 8708.29.50; 8708.80.65; 8803.30.00; 9013.90.50; 
9013.90.90; 9401.90.50; 9403.90.10; 9403.90.25; 9403.90.40; 
9403.90.50; 9403.90.60; 9403.90.70; 9403.90.80; 9506.11.40; 
9506.51.40; 9506.51.60; 9506.59.40; 9506.70 .20; 9506.91.00; 
9506.99.05; 9506.99.15; 9506.99.20; 9506.99.25; 9506.99.28; 
9506.99.55; 9506.99.60; 9507.30.20; 9507.30.40; 9507.30.60; 
9507.90.60; 9603.90.80 ) from China (possible circumvention of 
countervailing measures of imports from China imposed in 
2011)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016   
Initiation on 1 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane (R -134a) (HS  2903.39.20) 
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 5 A pril 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of phosphor copper (HS 7405.00.10) from  
Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 25 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of ferrovanadium (HS 7202.92.0 0) from Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 28 April 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of 1 -hydroxyethylidene -1, 1-diphosphonic acid 
(HS 2811.19.60; 2931.90.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,   
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 28 April 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of 1 -hydroxyethylidene -1, 1-diphosphonic acid 
(HS 2811.19.60; 2931.90.90) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016   
Initiation on 5 May 2016 of anti-dumping investigation on 
imports of certain carbon and alloy steel cut -to-length plate 
(HS 7208.40.30; 7208.40.60; 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00; 
7208.53.00; 7208.90.00; 7210.70.30; 7210.90.90; 7211.13.00; 
7211.14.00; 7211.19.15; 7211.19.20; 7211.19.45; 7211 .19.60; 
7211.19.75; 7211.90.00; 7212.40.10; 7212.40.50; 7212.50.00; 
7214.10.00; 7214.30.00; 7214.91.00; 7225.11.00; 7225.19.00; 
7225.40.11; 7225.40.30; 7225.40.51; 7225.40.70; 7225.99.00; 
7226.11.10; 7226.11.90; 7226.19.90; 7226.20.00; 7226.91.05; 
7226.91. 15; 7226.91.25; 7226.91.50; 7226.91.70; 7226.91.80; 
7226.99.01; 7226.19.10)  from Austria; Belgium; Brazil; China; 
France; Germany; Italy; Japan; Korea, Rep. of; South Africa;  
Chinese Taipei and Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016    WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 156 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 5 May 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of certain carbon and alloy steel cut -to-length plate 
(HS 7208.40.30; 7208.40.60; 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00; 
7208.53.00; 7208.90.00; 7210.70.30; 7210.90.90; 7211.13.00; 
7211.14.00; 7211.19.15; 7211.19.20; 7211.19.45; 7211.19.60; 
7211.19.75; 7211.90.00; 7212.40.10; 7212.40.50; 7212.50.00; 
7214.10.00; 7214.30.00; 7214.91.00; 7225.11.00; 7225.19.00; 
7225.40.11; 7225.40.30; 7225.40.51; 7225.40.70; 7225.99.00; 
7226.11.10; 7226.11.90; 7226.19.90; 7226 .20.00; 7226.91.05; 
7226.91.15; 7226.91.25; 7226.91.50; 7226.91.70; 7226.91.80; 
7226.99.01; 7226.19.10)  from Brazil; China and Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016 and 
Permanent Delegation of 
the United States to the 
WTO (14 Octo ber 2016)  Terminated on  
27 May 2016 
(without measure) on 
imports from Brazil  
Termination on 2 June 2016 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of certain 
corrosion -resistant steel products (HS 7210.30.00; 7210.41.00; 
7210.49.00; 721 0.61.00; 7210.69.00; 7210.70.60; 7210.90.60; 
7210.90.90; 7212.20.00; 7212.30.10; 7212.30.30; 7212.30.50; 
7212.40.10; 7212.40.50; 7212.50.00; 7212.60.00) from Chinese 
Taipei (investigation initiated on 30 June 2015 and provisional 
duty imposed on 6 November  2015)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016   
Initiation on 22 June 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of ammonium sulphate (HS 3102.21.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/USA,  
7 September 2016   
Initiation on 22 June 2016 of cou ntervailing investigation on 
imports of ammonium sulphate (HS 3102.21.00) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/305/USA,  
26 September 2016   
Termination on 18 July 2016 of anti -dumping duties on imports 
of granular polytetrafluoroethylene resin (HS 3904.61.00) from 
Italy (imposed on 30 August 1988)  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -475-703, 
Federal Register/Vol 81  
FR No. 53119  
(11 August 2016)   
Initiation on 20 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of finished carbon st eel flanges (HS 7307.91.50) from 
India, Italy and Spain  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -533-871, 
A-475-835 and A -469-815, 
Federal Register/Vol 81 FR 
No. 49619 (28 July 2016)   
Initiation on 20 July 2016 of countervailing invest igation on 
imports of finished carbon steel flanges (HS 7307.91.50) from 
India Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -533-872 
Federal Register/Vol 81 FR 
No. 49625 (28 July 2016)   
Initiation on 20 July 2016 of anti -dumping investigati on on 
imports of dioctyl terephthalate (HS 2917.39.20; 2917.39.70; 
3812.20.10) from Korea, Rep. of  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -580-889 
Federal Register/Vol 81 FR 
No. 49628 (28 July 2016)   
Initiation on 10 August 2016 of an ti-dumping investigation on 
imports of emulsion styrene -butadiene rubber (HS 4002.19.00) 
from Brazil; Korea, Rep. of; Mexico and Poland  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -351-849, 
A-580-890, A -201-848 and 
A-455-805, Federal 
Regis ter/Vol 81  
FR No.  55438  
(19 August 2016)   
Termination on 15 August 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of stainless steel wire rod (HS 7221.00.00) from Italy 
and Spain (imposed on 15 September 1998)  Permanent Delegation of 
the United States to the 
WTO (14 October 2016)   
Termination on 20 August 2016 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of ammonium nitrate (HS 3102.29.00; 3102.30.00) 
from the Russian Federation (imposed on 27 April 2011)  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -821-811, 
Federal Register/Vol 81  
FR No. 53433  
(12 August 2016)   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 157 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 16 September 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain cold -rolled steel flat products 
(HS 7209.15.00; 7209.16.00; 7209.17.00; 7209.18.15; 
7209.18.25; 7209.18.60; 72 09.25.00; 7209.26.00; 7209.27.00; 
7209.28.00; 7209.90.00; 7210.70.30; 7210.90.90; 7211.23.15; 
7211.23.20; 7211.23.30; 7211.23.45; 7211.23.60; 7211.29.20; 
7211.29.45; 7211.29.60; 7211.90.00; 7212.40.10; 7212.40.50; 
7212.50.00; 7215.10.00; 7215.50.00; 7215.9 0.50; 7217.10.10; 
7217.10.20; 7217.10.30; 7217.10.70; 7217.90.10; 7217.90.50; 
7225.19.00; 7225.50.60; 7225.50.80; 7225.99.00; 7226.19.10; 
7226.19.90; 7226.92.50; 7226.92.70; 7226.92.80; 7226.99.01; 
7228.50.50; 7228.60.80; 7229.90.10)  from Russian Federatio n 
(initiated on 24 August 2015 and provisional duties imposed on 
8 March 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
the United States to the 
WTO (14 October 2016)   
Termination on 16 September 2016 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain cold -rolled steel  flat products 
(HS 7209.15.00; 7209.16.00; 7209.17.00; 7209.18.15; 
7209.18.25; 7209.18.60; 7209.25.00; 7209.26.00; 7209.27.00; 
7209.28.00; 7209.90.00; 7210.70.30; 7210.90.90; 7211.23.15; 
7211.23.20; 7211.23.30; 7211.23.45; 7211.23.60; 7211.29.20; 
7211.29.4 5; 7211.29.60; 7211.90.00; 7212.40.10; 7212.40.50; 
7212.50.00; 7215.10.00; 7215.50.00; 7215.90.50; 7217.10.10; 
7217.10.20; 7217.10.30; 7217.10.70; 7217.90.10; 7217.90.50; 
7225.19.00; 7225.50.60; 7225.50.80; 7225.99.00; 7226.19.10; 
7226.19.90; 7226.92.50; 7 226.92.70; 7226.92.80; 7226.99.01; 
7228.50.50; 7228.60.80; 7229.90.10)  from Russian Federation 
(investigation initiated on 24 August 2015 and provisional duty 
imposed on 22 December 2015)  Permanent Delegation of 
the United States to the 
WTO (14 October 201 6)  
Termination on 29 September 2016 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain hot -rolled steel flat products 
(HS 7208.10.15; 7208.10.30; 7208.10.60; 7208.25.30; 
7208.25.60; 7208.26.00; 7208.27.00; 7208.36.00; 7208.37.00; 
7208.38.00; 7208.39.0 0; 7208.40.60; 7208.53.00; 7208.54.00; 
7208.90.00; 7210.70.30; 7210.90.90; 7211.14.00; 7211.19.15; 
7211.19.20; 7211.19.30; 7211.19.45; 7211.19.60; 7211.19.75; 
7211.90.00; 7212.40.10; 7212.40.50; 7212.50.00; 7214.91.00; 
7214.99.00; 7215.90.50; 7225.11.00; 7 225.19.00; 7225.30.30; 
7225.30.70; 7225.40.70; 7225.99.00; 7226.11.10; 7226.11.90; 
7226.19.10; 7226.19.90; 7226.91.50; 7226.91.70; 7226.91.80; 
7226.99.01; 7228.60.60)  from Turkey (initiated on  
9 September 2015 and provisional duty imposed on  
15 January 2 016) Permanent Delegation of 
the United States to the 
WTO (14 October 2016)   
Initiation on 12 October 2016 of anti -dumping investigation on 
imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar (HS 7213.10.00; 
7214.20.00; 7228.30.80; 7215.90.10; 7215.90.50; 7221.00.0 0; 
7222.11.00; 7222.30.00; 7227.20.00; 7227.90.60; 7228.20.10; 
7228.60.60)  from Japan, Chinese  Taipei and Turkey  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -701-TA-
564 and 731 -TA-1338-
1340, Federal Register/  
Vol 81 FR No. 66294  
(27 Septem ber 2016)   
Initiation on 12 October 2016 of countervailing investigation on 
imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar (HS 7213.10.00; 
7214.20.00; 7228.30.80; 7215.90.10; 7215.90.50; 7221.00.00; 
7222.11.00; 7222.30.00; 7227.20.00; 7227.90.60; 7228.20.10; 
7228.60.60)  from Turkey  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -701-TA-
564 and 731 -TA-1338-
1340, Federal Register/  
Vol 81 FR No. 66294  
(27 September 2016)   
Uruguay  
Termination on 18 March 2016 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping invest igation on imports of transparent 
heat-shrinkable polyethylene film of a thickness exceeding 
30 micrometres in rolls (NCM 3920.10.99) from Brazil (initiated 
on 5 January 2015)  Resolución Interministerial 
No. 148/2016  
(3 March 2016) and 
Permanent Delegatio n of 
Uruguay to the WTO  
(15 April 2016)   
Viet Nam  
Initiation on 25 December  2015 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of semi -finished and certain finished products of alloy 
and non -alloy steel (HS 7207.11.00; 7207.19.00; 7207.20.29; 
7207.20.99; 7224.9 0.00; 7213.10.00; 7213.91.20; 
7214.20.31; 7214.20.41; 7227.90.00; 7228.30.10; 
9811.00.00)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/VNM/4,  
4 January 2016 and 
G/SG/N/7/VNM/2,  
11 March 2016  Provisional duty 
imposed in 
March  2016 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 158 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 3 March 2016 of anti -dumping in vestigation on 
imports of galvanized coating steel ( HS 7210.41.11; 7210.41.12; 
7210.41.19; 7210.49.11; 7210.49.12; 7210.49.13; 7210.49.19; 
7210.50.00; 7210.61.11; 7210.61.12; 7210.61.19; 7210.69.11; 
7210.69.12; 7210.69.19; 7210.90.10; 7210.90.90; 7212.30.1 0; 
7212.30.20; 7212.30.91; 7212.30.99; 7212.50.11; 7212.50.12; 
7212.50.19; 7212.50.21; 7212.50.22; 7212.50.29; 7212.50.91; 
7212.50.92; 7212.50.99; 7212.60.10; 7212.60.20; 7212.60.90; 
7225.92.90; 7225.99.90; 7226.99.11; 7226.99.19; 7226.99.91; 
7226.99.99)  from China and Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/286/VNM, 
29 August 2016   
Initiation on 6 July  2016 of safeguard investigation on imports 
of pre -painted galvanized steel sheet and strip (HS 7210.70.10; 
7210.70.90; 7212.40.10; 7212.40.20; 7212.40.90; 7225 .99.90; 
7226.99.19; 7226.99.99)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/VNM/5,  
19 July 2016   
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 159 - 
 
  ANNEX 3  
OTHER TRADE -RELATED MEASURES143 
(MID-OCTOBER 2015 TO MID -OCTOBER  2016)  
Confirmed information144 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Updated list of "reference values" fo r exports of natural honey 
(NCM  0409.00.00), for certain specified destinations. On  
19 July 2016 "reference values" further updated  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(31 May 2016) and 
Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos - 
Resoluciones G enerales 
Nos. 3810  
(18 November 2015) and 
3912 (19 July 2016)  Effective  
24 November 2015  
Updated list of "criterion values" ( valores criterio de carácter 
preventivo ) for imports of percussion musical instruments 
(NCM  9206.00.00), from specific origins  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(31 May 2016) and 
Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos - 
Resolución General  
No. 3812  
(18 November 2015)  Effective  
24 November 2015  
Amendments introduced in the "Internal Taxes Law", temporary 
eliminat ing the domestic internal tax applied on vehicles with a 
retail sale price up to Arg$225,000 (previously tax set at 10% 
compared to 30% for imported goods). For vehicles with retail 
sale price exceeding Arg$225,000, the internal tax is reduced to 
10% (prev iously tax set at 30% compared to 50% for imported 
goods) (originally effective 1 July to 31 December 2015)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(31 May 2016), Decreto 
No. 11/2016 "Impuestos 
Internos"  
(5 January 2016) and 
825/2016  
(30 June 2016) ; and WTO 
document 
WTO/TPR/OV/18,  
17 November 2015  Effective  
1 January 2016 to 
30 June 2016. 
Extended until  
31 December 2016  
Implementation of a new monitoring import mechanism " Sistema 
Integral de Monitoreo de Importaciones " (SIMI) eliminating the 
sworn declaration of product composition (DJAI) (originally 
implemented on 1 February 2012)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(31 May 2016) and 
Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos - 
Resolución General  
No. 3823  
(21 December 2015)  Effectiv e  
22 December 2015  
                                                
143 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex  implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex  implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
144 This section  includes information which has either been provid ed by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 160 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Implementation of automatic import licensing requirements 
through the SIMI for all imports, except for certain tariffs lines, 
e.g. inorganic chemicals; organic chemicals; candles; matches; 
plastics and articles thereof; rubber and arti cles thereof; articles 
of leather; wood and articles of wood; paper and paperboard; 
printed books and newspapers; wool; cotton; textiles and textiles 
articles; footwear; ceramic products; glass and glassware; base 
metals and articles of base metals; machin ery and mechanical 
appliances; vehicles; apparatus; furniture; and toys continuing 
requiring non -automatic import licensing requirements  
(NCM Chapters 28; 29; 34; 36; 39; 40; 42; 44; 48; 49; 51; 52; 
54; 55; 56; 57; 58; 59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 65; 68; 69; 70; 72; 
73; 74; 76; 82; 83; 84; 85; 87; 89; 90; 91; 94; 95)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(31 May 2016), 
Resolución No. 5/2015 
Ministerio de Producción  
(22 December  2015) and 
Resolución No. 2/2016 
Secretaría de Comercio  
(7 January 2016)  Effective  
23 December 2015  
Revised regulation on exports of dairy products, lactose, milk 
preparations for infant use, ice cream, casein, and egg albumin 
(NCM 0401.10.10; 0401.10.90; 0401.20.10; 0401.20.90; 
0401.40.10; 0401.40.21; 0401.40.29; 0401.50.10; 0 401.50.21; 
0402.10.10; 0402.10.90; 0402.21.10; 0402.21.20; 0402.21.30; 
0402.29.10; 0402.29.20; 0402.29.30; 0402.91.00; 0402.99.00; 
0403.10.00; 0403.90.00; 0404.10.00; 0404.90.00; 0405.10.00; 
0405.20.00; 0405.90.10; 0405.90.90; 0406.10.10; 0406.10.90; 
0406. 20.00; 0406.30.00; 0406.40.00; 0406.90.10; 0406.90.20; 
0406.90.30; 0406.90.90; 1702.11.00; 1702.19.00; 1901.10.10; 
1901.10.20; 1901.10.90; 1901.90.20; 1901.90.90; 2105.00.10; 
2105.00.90; 3501.10.00; 3501.90.11; 3501.90.19; 3501.90.20; 
3502.20.00) introduci ng sworn declaration requirement 
(Declaración Jurada de Ventas al Exterior de Productos Lácteos 
"DJVEL" ) Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(31 May 2016), 
Resolución Conjunta  
Nos. 69/2016, 101/2016 
and 84/2016 Ministerio de 
Agroindustria, Minis terio 
de Hacienda y Finanzas 
Públicas y Ministerio de 
Producción  
(29 March 2016)  Effective  
30 March 2016  
Amendments introduced to the SIMI increasing the validity of 
non-automatic import licensing from 90 days to 180 days  Permanent Delegation of 
Argenti na to the WTO  
(31 May 2016) and 
Resolución No. 32/2016 
Secretaría de Comercio 
(11 March 2016)  Effective  
14 March 2016  
Extension of the increase of the Mercosur Common Tariff applied 
rates, but not over their bound levels, for imports of certain 
products , e.g. (to 28%) 11 dairy products tariff lines (NCM  0402) 
(originally implemented on 31  January  2010), (to 35%) prepared 
or preserved peaches, including nectarines (NCM 2008.70.10; 
2008.70.20; 2008.70.90) (originally implemented on 
1 April 2011), and 14 to ys tariff lines (NCM Chapter 95) 
(originally implemented on 1 April 2011)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(31 May 2016) and 
Decreto No. 2166/2015 
Comercio Exterior  
(14 October 2015)  Effective  
3 November 2015 to 
31 December 2023 
for dairy pr oducts 
and nectarines. 
Effective until  
31 December 2021 
for toys  
Reestablishment of the Mercosur Common External Tariff (2%) 
for capital goods not locally produced in Mercosur (372 tariff 
lines)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(31 May 2016) and 
Decreto No. 2271/2015  Effective  
12 November 2015  
Updated list of "criterion values" for imports of backpacks and 
bags ( mochillas ) (NCM 4202.92.00); guitars (NCM 9202.90.00); 
certain semi -finished products of iron or non -alloy steel 
(NCM  7207.11.10; 7 207.11.90; 7207.12.00; 7207.19.00; 
7207.20.00); uppers and parts thereof, other than stiffeners; and 
outer soles and heels of rubber or plastics (NCM 6406.10.00; 
6406.20.00) from specific origins  Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos - 
Resoluciones G enerales 
Nos. 3889, 3893, 3894 
and 3895 (23 May 2016)  Effective  
23 May 2016  
Updated list of "reference values" for exports of maté  
(NCM 0903.00.10; 0903.00.90), for certain specified destinations  Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos - 
Resolución General  
No. 3892 (23 May 2016)  Effective  
23 May 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 161 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Inclusion of 68 new tariff lines in the list of products requiring 
non-automatic import licensing requirements (e.g. vitrifiable 
enamels and glazes, semi -bleached or bleached coniferous 
chemical wood pulp, unbleached kraftliner, certain uncoated 
paper and paper board, composite paper and paper board, 
filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for gases, certain 
appliances for pipes and boilers, and lawn -tennis balls)  
(NCM 3907.60.00; 3917.40.90; 3 920.20.90; 3920.30.00; 
3925.10.00; 4009.22.90; 4010.12.00; 4012.90.90; 4820.30.00; 
6907.90.00; 6910.10.00; 6910.90.00; 7214.10.10; 7214.10.90; 
7214.99.10; 7228.40.00; 7308.40.00; 7604.10.21; 7607.11.90; 
8307.90.00; 8409.10.00; 8409.99.14; 8412.21.90; 8413. 30.10; 
8419.50.10; 8422.30.21; 8427.20.90; 8428.32.00; 8430.39.90; 
8433.11.00; 8482.10.10; 8483.30.21; 8483.50.10; 8516.10.00; 
8518.22.00; 8519.81.10; 8523.80.00; 8711.20.10; 8711.20.20; 
8711.20.90; 7604.10.29; 7604.21.00; 7604.29.19; 7604.29.20; 
8714.10.0 0; 9206.00.00; 9209.30.00; 9405.40.90; 3920.20.19; 
8202.91.00; 9018.90.99; 3207.20.10; 3207.20.99; 3207.30.00; 
3207.40.10; 3207.40.90; 4703.21.00; 4804.11.00; 4805.93.00; 
4807.00.00; 8421.23.00; 8421.31.00; 8421.39.20; 8421.99.10; 
8421.99.99; 8481.80.19; 8 481.90.10; 9506.61.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(12 October 2016); 
Resoluciones Secretaría 
de Comercio Nos. 
114/2016 (31 May 2016), 
172/2016 (4 July 2016) 
and No. 264 - E/2016  
(8 September 2016); 
WTO documents 
G/LIC/N/2/ARG/27/Add.1, 
12 May 2016 and 
G/LIC/N/2/ARG/27/Add.2, 
8 August 2016   
Temporary export ban on waste and scrap of cast iron, waste and 
scrap of alloy steel, waste and scrap of tinned iron or steel, 
remelting scrap ingots, copper waste and scrap, and aluminium 
waste and sc rap (NCM 7204.10.00; 7204.21.00; 7204.29.00; 
7204.30.00; 7204.41.00; 7204.49.00; 7204.50.00; 7404.00.00; 
7602.00.00)  Decreto No. 823/2016 
(30 June 2016)  Effective 1 July 2016 
for one year  
Updated list of "criterion values" for imports of frames and 
mounti ngs for spectacles, goggles or the like, and parts thereof 
(NCM 9003.11.00; 9003.19.10; 9003.19.90), from specific 
origins  Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos - 
Resolución General  
No. 3908 (19 July 2016)  Effective  
19 July 2016  
Updated list of "r eference values" for exports of biodiesel  
(NCM 3826.00.00), for certain specified destinations  Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos - 
Resolución General  
No. 3907 (19 July 2016)  Effective  
19 July 2016  
Updated list of "criterion values" for import s of certain line 
telephones and magnetic discs (NCM 8517.18.91; 8523.41.10), 
from specific origins  Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos - 
Resoluciones Generales 
Nos. 3929 and 3930  
(12 August 2016)  Effective  
12 August 2016  
Bahrain, Kingdom of  
Import ban on used vehicles (for commercial vehicles not older 
than five years, and for private not older than 10 years)  
(HS 8703)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Kingdom of Bahrain to 
the WTO (27 May 2016)  Effective 1 May 2016  
Brazil  
Increase of import tarif fs (from 2% to 10%) on acrylic acid and 
its salts (NCM 2916.11.10); and (from 2% to 12%) on acrylic 
polymers in primary forms (NCM 3906.90.44)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Camex Resolution  
No. 109/2015  
(11 November 2015)  Effective  
12 November 2015  
Increase of import tariffs (from 2% to 14%) on tall oil fatty acids 
(NCM 3823.13.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Camex Resolution  
No. 53/2016  
(23 June 2016)  Effective 1 July 2016  
Increase of import tariffs (from 2% to 10%) on double or 
complex silicates, including aluminosilicates whether or not 
chemically defined (NCM 2842.10.10)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Camex Resolution  
No. 73/2016  
(20 July 2016)  Effective  
20 July 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 162 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Canada  
Ontario Regulation No. 232/16, permitting the sale of wine in 
authorized grocery stores, entered into force on 23 June 2016. 
Under the regulation, up to 70 authorized grocery stores will 
immediately be allowed to sell both imported and domestic 
wines, combining wine with the existing "Beer in Grocery 
initiative" and including specific requirements that will help all 
small wine producers thrive; and existing off -site Wine Retail 
Stores (WRS) outlets that are already located i n grocery stores 
outside of the checkout may amend their licences to operate their 
stores inside grocery with a shared checkout to sell wines of 
Ontario producers. To ensure a fair representation of grocers and 
an equitable geographic distribution, the lic ence allocation criteria 
for wine will be similar to the existing one for beer, with 
authorization reserved for independent grocers and allocated 
across regions  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO 
(14 October  2016) and 
Ontario Government 
website News  - Office of 
the Premier  
(18 February 2016)  Effective  
23 June 2016  
China  
Release in December 2015 of the catalogue of goods subject to 
non-automatic import licensing  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(20 April 2016)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Imposition of import consumption taxes (4%) on lead -acid 
batteries (HS 8507.10.00; 8507.20.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(20 April 2016)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Increase of the "parcel tax" on import of retail products. Foreign 
products pur chased directly by consumers (e -commerce) will now 
be subject to import tariffs and consumption taxes  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(20 April 2016)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Colombia  
Further extension of the temporary increase of import tariff s on 
apparel, clothing accessories, and footwear (HS Chapters 61; 62; 
63; 64) (originally implemented on 1 March 2013)  
(free-trade agreement partners exempted)  Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Decreto No. 515 
Ministerio de Com ercio, 
Industria y Turismo  
(30 March 2016)  Extended until  
30 July 2016  
Temporary export quota on raw hides and skins (6,341 tonnes) 
(HS 4101.20.00; 4101.50.00; 4101.90.00); and tanned or crust 
hides and skins in the wet state (wet -blue) (13,622 tonnes) 
(HS 4104.11.00; 4104.19.00) (originally implemented in 
November 2013 for two years)  Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(21 October  2016) and 
Decreto No. 586 
Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo  
(11 April 2016)  Effective  
26 April 2016, for  six 
months  
Elimination of 164 tariff lines (e.g. earths and stone, anthracite, 
inorganic chemicals, pharmaceutical products, fertilizers, tanning 
or dyeing extracts, miscellaneous chemical products, plastics and 
articles thereof, rubber and articles ther eof, raw hides and skins, 
paper and paperboard, cotton, man -made staple fibres, knitted 
or crocheted fabrics, ceramic products, glass and glassware, iron 
and steel, articles of iron and steel, aluminium and articles 
thereof, unwrought lead, miscellaneous a rticles of base metal, 
machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical machinery and 
equipment, parts and accessories for motor vehicles, and medical 
or surgical instruments and equipment) from the list of raw 
materials and capital goods not produced local ly exempted of 
import tariffs (HS Chapters 25; 27; 28; 30; 31; 32; 33; 35; 38; 
39; 40; 41; 48; 52; 54; 55; 60; 63; 65; 68; 69; 70; 72; 73; 74; 
76; 78; 82; 83; 84; 85; 87; 88; 89; 90; 94)  Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(21 October  2016) and 
Decretos Nos. 1084  
(7 July 2016), 1230  
(29 July 2016) and 1287 
(10 August 2016) - 
Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo  On 10 August 2016 
certain products 
removed (10 tariff 
lines)  
(HS 5308.90.00; 
5402.34.00; 
5402.48.00; 
5509.92.00; 
5604.10.00; 
5607. 21.00; 
5607.49.00; 
8422.30.90; 
8422.40.10; 
8434.20.00)  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 163 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Ecuador  
Temporary import tariff surcharges ( sobretasa arancelaria ) (5%, 
15%, 25%, 45%) on 2,961 tariff lines (at 10 digits) (Chapters  
HS 01; 02; 03; 04; 05; 06; 07; 08; 09; 10; 11; 12; 15; 16; 17; 
18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 39; 40; 
41; 42; 43; 44; 46; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54; 55; 56; 57; 58; 
59; 60; 61; 62; 63; 64; 65; 66; 67; 68; 69; 70; 71; 72; 73; 74; 
76; 78; 79; 82; 83; 84; 85; 86; 87; 88; 89; 90; 91; 92; 93; 94; 
95; 96; 97), with a view to restoring balance -of-payments 
(implemented on 11 March 2015). Imports from Plurinational 
State of Bolivia and Paraguay exempted  WTO documents 
WT/BOP/N/81,  
26 January 2016; 
WT/BOP/G/24,  
4 May 2016; 
WT/BOP/N/82,  
10 May 2016; and  
Resolución No. 006 -2016 
COMEX (29 April 2016)  On 31 January 2016, 
implementation of 
the first phase of the 
timetable for the 
dismantling of the 
measure by reducing 
the 45% surcharge 
rate to 40%. In 
May 2016, 
elimination of the 
5% level. 
Progressive 
elimin ation of the 
measure by 
one-third postponed 
until April 2017  
Amendments introduced to the import restriction regime for 
vehicles and auto parts (HS 8703; 8704; 8706), resulting in the 
elimination of the assigned quota per contributor and establishing 
instead a global quota of US$656 million but not more than 
84,555 units  Permanent Delegation of 
Ecuador to the WTO 
(31 May 2016) and 
Resolución No. 050 -2015 
(30 December 2015)  Effective  
1 January 2016 to 
31 December 2016  
Egypt  
Export taxes (LE 300/tonne) on  cereal straw and husks, 
unprepared, whether or not chopped, ground, pressed or in the 
form of pellets; swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, hay, lucerne 
(alfalfa), clover, sainfoin, forage kale, lupines, vetches and 
similar forage products, whether or not in t he form of pellets 
(HS 1213; 1214); bran, sharps and other residues, whether or 
not in the form of pellets, derived from the sifting, milling or 
other working of cereals or of leguminous plants; and vegetable 
materials and vegetable waste, vegetable residu es and by -
products, whether or not in the form of pellets, of a kind used in 
animal feeding (HS 2302; 2308); (LE 50/tonne) on azotic 
fertilizers; and (LE 3,500/tonne) used or new rags, scrap twine, 
cordage, rope and cables and worn out articles of twine, c ordage, 
rope or cables, of textile materials (HS 6310)  Permanent Delegation of 
Egypt to the WTO 
(29 April 2016)   
Temporary permission to export semi -milled or wholly milled rice, 
whether or not polished or glazed (HS 1006.30), under certain 
conditions  Permanent Delegation of 
Egypt to the WTO 
(29 April 2016)   
Increase of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. manufactured 
items, luxury goods. Raw material and intermediate goods 
exempted  Permanent Delegation of 
Egypt to the WTO 
(October  2016)  Effective 1 February 
2016 
Temporary imposition of export duties (LE 900/tonne) on sugar 
(HS 1701)  Permanent Delegation of 
Egypt to the WTO 
(October  2016)  Effective 18 May 
2016 to 31 
December 2016  
Temporary export ban on rice, including broken rice (HS 1006)  Permanen t Delegation of 
Egypt to the WTO 
(October  2016)  Effective 12 August 
2016 
New legislation requiring national preferences for local products 
and services in government contracts. It expanded the scope of 
application of national preferences to all supply and  project 
agreements, and extended it to public companies and companies 
in which the state has a share. Minimum requirement of 40% 
local content, unless such products/services are not available or 
the price of imported product is at least 15% lower  Permanen t Delegation of 
Egypt to the WTO 
(October  2016)   
European Union  
Imposition of "prior union surveillance" on imports of certain iron 
and steel products (HS Chapters 72; 73). Imports from Iceland, 
Norway and Liechtenstein exempted  Commission 
Implementing R egulation 
2016/670 (28 April 2016)  Effective 21 working 
days after the entry 
into force of this 
Regulation, until  
15 May 2020  
India  
Exports of finished leather, Wet Blue and EI Tanned Leather  
(HS 4107; 4111; 4112) now permitted through two additional 
ports Jalandhar and Nagpur  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and Notice 
No. 43 (RE -2015)/2015 -
20 Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry (Department 
of Commerce)  
(28 October 2015)  Effective  
28 October 2015  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 164 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Withdrawal of the tariff rate qu ota of 15,000 metric tonnes for 
total imports of white butter, butter oil and anhydrous milk fat 
(HS 0405) from zero import duty level  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Notification No. 52/2015 -
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance - Depar tment of 
Revenue  
(20 November 2015)  Effective  
20 November 2015  
Elimination of exemption/concessional customs duties on 76 
specified drugs (HS Chapters 28; 29; 30). On 17 February 2016, 
3 drugs (e.g. octreotide, somatropin and anti -haemophilic) were 
granted exemption/concessional of customs duties again  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Notifications  
Nos. 6/2016 -Customs 
(28 January  2016)  
and 10/2016  
(17 February 2016) 
Ministry of Finance  Effective  
28 January 2016  
Increase of  import tariffs (from zero to 5%) on nuts, solar 
tempered glass/solar tempered (anti -reflective coated) glass; 
(from 10% to 20%) on natural latex rubber; (from zero to 10%) 
on plans, drawings and designs, preform of silica; (from 10% to 
15%) imitation jewe llery; (from 5% to 7.5%) primary aluminium 
products, zinc alloys; (from 7.5 to 10%) aluminium products, 
industrial solar water heater; (from 10% to 60%) golf cars  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(27 May 2016), D.O.F  
No. 334/8/2016 -TRU - 
Departme nt of Revenue - 
Ministry of Finance  
(29 February 2016) and 
Notification No.  12/2016 -
Customs Ministry of 
Finance (1  March  2016)   
Increase of the special additional duty (SAD) on populated 
printed circuit boards (from zero to 4%)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and D.O.F 
No. 334/8/2016 -TRU - 
Department of Revenue - 
Ministry of Finance  
(29 February 2016)   
Increase of import tariffs (from 7.5% to 10%) on certain 
machinery and mechanical appliances and electrical machinery 
and equipme nt and parts thereof (96 tariff lines) (HS Chapters 84 
and 85)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(27 May 2016), D.O.F  
No. 334/8/2016 -TRU - 
Department of Revenue - 
Ministry of Finance  
(29 February 2016) and 
Notification No.  12/2016 -
Customs Ministr y of 
Finance (1  March  2016)  Effective  
1 March 2016  
Increase of import tariffs (from 5% to 7.5%) on certain medical 
devices (HS 9018; 9019; 9020; 9021; 9022). Additional customs 
duty (SAD) also increased (from zero to 4%) (12 tariff lines 
exempted (HS 901 8.32.30; 9018.50.20; 9018.90.21; 
9018.90.24; 9018.90.43; 9018.90.95; 9018.90.96; 9018.90.97; 
9018.90.98; 9019.10.20; 9022.90.10; 9022.90.30))  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(27 May 2016)  Effective  
19 January 2016  
Extension of the temporary inc rease of import tariffs (from 10% 
to 25%) on wheat (HS 1001.19.00; 1001.99.10) (originally 
increased on August 2015 and extended in October 2015 until  
30 June 2016). On 23 September 2016, import tariff decreased 
to 10%, effective until 29 February 2017  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016); 
Notifications Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue 
Nos. 38/2016  
(17 June 2016) and 
51/2016 (23 September 
2016); and WTO 
document 
WT/TPR/OV/W/10,  
4 July 2016  On 17 June 2016, 
measure  extended 
without an end date  
Imposition of export duties (20%) on raw sugar, white or refined 
(HS 1701)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016) and 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue 
No. 37/2016  
(16 Jun e 2016)  Effective  
16 June 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 165 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary elimination of export duties on sugar (HS 1701), 
exported under the Advance Authorization Scheme, under 
specified conditions  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016) and 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue 
No. 41/2016  
(6 July 2016)  Effective 6 July 2016  
Extension of the imposition of temporary minimum import price 
"MIP" (CIF basis/Metric tonne) for certain iron and steel tariff 
lines (HS Chapter 72) (originally imp lemented on  
1 February 2016 for six months). The number of tariff lines 
affected has been reduced from 173 to 66  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016); 
Notification No. 20/  
2015-2020 Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry 
(Department of 
Commerce)  
(4 August 2016) and  
WTO document 
WT/TPR/OV/W/10,  
1 July 2016  Effective until  
4 October 2016  
Increase of import tariffs (to 40%) on specified items of marble 
and travertine blocks/slabs and granite blocks/slabs. Effective 
rates: (i) (40%) roug h marble and travertine blocks  
(HS 2515.11.00; 2515.12.10; 2515.12.90); (ii) (20%) marble 
slabs (HS 2515.12.20); (iii) (10%) all goods other than rough 
marble and travertine blocks and marble slabs (HS 2515.11.00; 
2515.12.10; 2515.12.20; 2515.12.90); (iv)  (10%) all goods 
falling under tariff lines HS 2516.11.00; 2516.12.00; (v) (20%) 
marble slabs (HS 6802.10.00; 6802.21.10; 6802.21.20; 
6802.21.90; 6802.91.00; 6802.92.00); (vi) (20%) granite slabs 
(HS 6802.23.10; 6802.23.90; 6802.29.00; 6802.93.00); and  
(vii) (10%) all goods other than marble slabs and granite slabs 
(HS 6802.10.00; 6802.21.10; 6802.21.20; 6802.21.90; 
6802.23.10; 6802.23.90; 6802.29.00; 6802.91.00; 6802.92.00; 
6802.93.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016) and 
Notific ations Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue 
Nos. 48/2016  
(8 September 2016)  
and 49/2016  
(16 September 2016)  Effective  
8 September 2016  
New extension until 31 March 2017 of the temporary increase of 
import tariffs (from 30% to 40%) on g hee, butter and butter oil 
(HS 0405) (originally effective from October 2015 until  
31 March 2016, and then extended until 30 September 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(18 October 2016); 
Notification No. 53/2016 -
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance  - Department  
of Revenue  
(29 September 2016)  
and WTO document 
WT/TPR/OV/18,  
17 November 2015  Effective until  
31 March 2017  
Indonesia  
New requirement for imports of tyres (HS 4011), establishing 
import quotas and restricting entry points  Permanent De legation of 
Indonesia to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Regulation No. 
78/M-DAG/PER/6/2015 
(September 2015)   
Revised regulation on imports of cellulose nitrate  
(HS 3912.20.11; 3912.20.19; 3912.20.20) introducing stricter 
requirements  Permanent Delegation of  
Indonesia to the WTO  
(27 May 2016)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Export prohibition for forestry products not attaining locally 
minimum processing/refining threshold  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Regulation No. 97/  
M-DAG/PE R/11/2015  
(4 November 2015)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Revised import requirement for sugar (HS 1701) resulting in:  
(i) imports restricted but allowed to ensure availability and price 
stability in local market; (ii) elimination of the import ban outside 
the milling season; and (iii) removal of the threshold reference 
price below which imports not authorized  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Regulation No. 117/  
M-DAG/PER/12/2015 
Ministry of Trade  
(23 December 2015)  Effective  
1 January 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 166 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Revised import requirements establishing 
preparation/procurement of all required licences before goods 
enter into Indonesian customs area  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Regulation No. 48/  
M-DAG/PER/7/215 
Ministry of Trade  
(3 July 2015)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Temporary revised import regulations for used capital goods 
introducing certain technical requirements. Goods can only be 
imported by: (i) direct user companies; (ii) recondition 
companies; and (iii ) remanufacturing companies  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO  
(27 May 2016) and 
Regulation MOI No. 14/  
M-IND/PER/2/2016  Effective  
25 February 2016  
Amendments introduced to the producer import license (API) 
stipulating that only companies wit h an API -U (General Importer 
Identity's Number) licence can import  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO  
(27 May 2016)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Imports of salt (consumption and industrial) (HS 2501.00) 
authorized under certain conditions. Importe rs must hold a 
Producer Importer Identification Number (API -P) and submit an 
electronic application to obtain import approval  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Regulation No. 125/  
M-DAG/PER/2015  
Ministry of Trade  
(29 Dec ember 2015)  Effective  
1 April 2016  
Forestry products (HS 44) imports must comply with forestry 
products legality according to related law and regulations, 
including import approval from the Ministry of Trade. The 
application for import approval can only be conducted through 
the electronic system  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO  
(14 October 2016) and 
Regulation No. 97/  
M-DAG/PER/11/2015 
(November 2015)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Import requirements for textiles and textile products (including 
batik textiles and batik textiles products) could only be conducted 
by companies with Producer Importer Identification Number  
(API-P) which have obtained an import approval (HS 5208; 5209; 
5210; 5211; 5212; 5402; 5407; 5501; 5503; 5506; 5512; 5513; 
5514; 5515; 5516; 5801; 6001; 6002; 6004; 6005; 6006; 7019; 
5007; 5111; 5112; 5113; 5309; 5310; 5311; 5701; 5702; 5703; 
5704; 5705; 5802; 5804; 5805; 5806; 5807; 5808; 5809; 5810; 
5811; 5901; 5902; 5903; 5907; 5911)  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO 
(14 October  2016) and 
Regulation 85/  
M-DAG/PER/10/2015 
Ministry of Trade  
(October 2015)  Effective  
20 October 2015  
Korea, Rep. of  
Temporary increase of import tariffs on 19 items (e.g. certain 
pastas, sauces and preparations) (HS 1902.19; 2103.90)  Perman ent Delegation of 
the Republic of Korea  
to the WTO  
(29 September 2016)  Effective  
1 January 2016 to 
31 December 2016  
Malaysia  
Increase of import tariffs (from 5% to 20%) on multilayer 
flooring panels (HS 4418.72.90)  Customs Duties 
(Amendment) (No. 3) - 
Order 2015  
(29 December 2015)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Mauritius  
Inclusion of "roll your own cigarette" paper (HS 4813), rolling 
machines for cigarette manufacturing (effective 17 December 
2015), and small size fishing hooks (other than for re -
exporta tion) (effective 26 March 2016), in the list of prohibited 
items  Permanent Delegation of 
Mauritius to the WTO  
(27 May 2016)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Temporary export ban on scrap metals (HS 7204.10; 7204.21; 
7204.29; 7204.30; 7204.41; 7 204.49; 7204.50; 7404.00; 
7503.00; 7602.00; 7802.00; 7902.00; 8002.00; 8101.97; 
8103.30; 8104.20; 8102.97; 8105.30; 8106.00; 8107.30; 
8108.30; 8109.30; 8110.20; 8111.00; 8112.13; 8112.22; 
8112.52; 8112.92; 8113.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mauritius to the WTO  
(27 May 2016)  Effective  
26 March 2016  
Mexico  
Increase of import tariffs (up to 15%) on 31 tariffs lines,  
e.g. vinyl acetate, certain machinery and mechanical appliances, 
wind-powered generating sets, and certain toys (HS 2915.32.01, 
8419.19.02; 84 19.19.03; 8419.89.15; 8421.29.03; 8421.39.01; 
8421.39.04; 8474.20.01; 8474.20.02; 8474.20.03; 8474.20.05; 
8474.20.06; 8474.20.99; 8479.89.03; 8479.89.19; 8502.31.99; 
9015.80.02; 9015.80.06; 9015.80.99; 9026.20.04; 9503.00.07; 
9503.00.08; 9503.00.09; 9503.0 0.13; 9503.00.26; 9504.90.01; 
9504.90.02; 9504.90.04; 9506.59.99; 9506.70.01; 9506.99.99)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO  
(26 May 2016)  Effective  
6 January 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 167 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Increase of export duties (from zero to 50%) on 23 tariffs lines, 
e.g. vegetable s aps and extracts, certain animal fats and oils, 
pharmaceutical products, essential oils, furskins, and certain 
works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques (HS 0507.90.01; 
1211.90.05; 1302.19.12; 1302.39.03; 1506.00.02; 3001.90.01; 
3001.90.02; 3001.90.03;  3001.90.04; 3001.90.06; 3001.90.99; 
3002.10.14; 3002.90.01; 3002.90.02; 3002.90.03; 3002.90.99; 
3301.90.05; 4301.80.03; 4302.19.01; 4302.20.01; 4302.30.01; 
9705.00.06; 9706.00.01)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO  
(26 May 2016)  Effective  
6 Janua ry 2016  
Extension of the temporary increase of import tariffs (from zero 
to 15%) on 97 iron and steel tariff lines (HS Chapter 72) 
(originally implemented on 7 October 2015 for 180 days)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO  
(26 May 2016) and  
WTO do cument 
WT/TPR/OV/18,  
17 November 2015  Effective  
4 April 2016 for an 
additional 180 days  
Mongolia  
Increase of import tariffs on alcoholic beverages (HS 2204; 2205; 
2206; 2207; 2208)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mongolia to the WTO  
(21 October 2016)   
Increase of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. dairy 
products; certain edible vegetables; ice cream; builders' ware of 
plastics; plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood; 
calendars and other printed matter; yarn of carded wool, not put 
up for r etail sale; yarn of combed wool, not put up for retail sale; 
yarn of fine animal air, not put up for retail sale; felt, whether or 
not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated; articles of 
apparel and clothing accessories; sacks and bags, of a kind used 
for the packing of goods; certain footwear; articles of plaster, 
stone or cement; ceramic building bricks and furniture (HS 0401; 
0403; 0404; 0405; 0406; 0701; 0702; 0703; 0704; 0706; 0707; 
0710; 2105; 3925; 4412; 4910; 4911; 5106; 5107; 5108; 5602; 
6114; 6 305; 6403; 6806; 6810; 6904; 9403)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mongolia to the WTO  
(21 October 2016)   
Morocco  
Increase of import tariffs (to 50%) on soft wheat and its 
derivatives (HS 1001.99.00)  Décret No. 2 -15-810 - 
Bulletin Officiel No. 6404 
(14 October 2015)  Effective  
1 November 2015  
Pakistan  
Imposition of regulatory duty on imports of cotton yarn and 
cotton fabrics (HS 5205; 5206; 5207; 5208; 5209; 5210; 5211; 
5212)  Ministry of Finance, 
Economic Affairs, 
Revenue and Statistics 
(Revenue Division) 
Notification, S.R.O. 
1055(I)/2015  
(30 October 2015)  Effective  
1 November 2015  
Increase of import tariffs (by 1%) on certain products, e.g. 
pepper; rice; machinery and mechanical appliances; aerials and 
aerial reflectors; and used vehicles (HS 0904.11.30; 09 04.21.20; 
1006.10.10; 1209.00.00; 31; 84; 85; 8517; 8529.10.90; 99)  Ministry of Finance, 
Economic Affairs, 
Revenue and Statistics 
(Revenue Division) 
Notification, S.R.O. 
1178(I)/2015  
(30 November 2015)  Effective  
1 December 2015  
Imposition of regulatory duty (up to 15%) on imports of 400 
items, e.g. poultry; fish; dairy products; honey; fruits; certain 
prepared or preserved meats, sugar confectionery, cocoa and 
cocoa preparations, preparations of cereals, pasta, preparation of 
vegetables, fruits and nuts;  miscellaneous edible preparations; 
mineral waters; dog or cat food; perfumes and toilet waters; 
cosmetics; toilet preparations; soap; pneumatic tyres; travel 
goods; handbags and similar containers; cotton; apparel and 
clothing; other made up textiles arti cles; footwear; marble; 
ceramic products; glass and glassware; iron and steel; articles of 
iron and steel; razors and razor blades; miscellaneous articles of 
base metal; machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical 
machinery and equipment; watches; furn itures; toys; and 
miscellaneous manufactured articles (HS Chapters 01; 03; 04; 
08; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 33; 34; 40; 42; 52; 62; 63; 
64; 68; 70; 71; 72; 73; 76; 82; 83; 84; 85; 91; 94; 95; 96 )  Ministry of Finance, 
Economic Affairs, 
Revenue and S tatistics 
(Revenue Division) 
Notification, S.R.O. 
1177(I)/2015  
(30 November 2015)  Effective  
1 December 2015  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 168 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Increase of regulatory duty (up to 60%) on certain vehicles  
(HS 8703.23.23; 8703.23.29; 8703.24.90; 8703.32.23; 
8703.32.25; 8703.32.29; 8703.33. 90; 8703.90.90)  Ministry of Finance, 
Economic Affairs, 
Statistics and Revenue 
Notification S.RO.  
No. 1190(I)/2015  
(1 December 2015)  Effective  
1 December 2015  
Increase of regulatory duty (up to 25%) on milk, cream, 
concentrated or containing sugar or ot her sweetening matter and 
whey powder (HS 0402; 0404.10.10)  Ministry of Finance, 
Economic Affairs, 
Statistics and Revenue 
Notification S.RO.  
No. 475(I)/2016  
(24 June 2016)  Effective  
25 June 2016  
Qatar  
Import ban on high -glow light bulbs (tungsten 75 a nd 100 watts) 
and certain air -conditioner equipment  Ministry of Municipality 
and Environment - News 
(8 March 2016)  Effective 1 May 2016  
Russian Federation  
Certain imported pharmaceutical products included in the list of 
"vital pharmaceuticals" restricted  from public procurement 
purchases. Imports from the Eurasian Economic Union members 
exempted  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (27  May 2016) 
and Government 
Resolution No. 1289  
(30 November 2015)  Effective  
10 December 2015  
The Go vernment Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 1236 
established limitations on government procurement of foreign 
software products. A software programme would be considered 
as a Russian product if the IP rights for such software are owned 
by either the State, or a Russian non -governmental organization 
controlled by the State, or by a Russian legal entity with the 
share of 50% or more owned by the State or Russian nationals. 
Russian government buyers should purchase, by default, only the 
software included  in the state register. In order to be able to 
purchase foreign software products, the Russian government 
buyers would have to formally demonstrate that the products 
listed in the Russian state register do not meet their 
requirements. The procedure and cri teria specifying the purchase 
of the foreign software is to be elaborated by the Russian 
Government  Permanent Mission of the 
Russian Federation to the 
WTO (27 May 2016)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
For state corporations, state and business companies with 
Russian Federation ownership capital of more than 50%, or other 
government -supported legal entities (with investment -intended 
funds of no less than Rub 10 billion), the Russian Government 
has adopted a list of 139 types of industrial products to be 
procured abroad only with prior approval by the Import 
Substitution Commission. The products covered are: finished 
metal products (e.g. tankers and cisterns); computer, electronic 
and optical equipment (e.g. tomography scans); electric 
equipment (e.g. electric accu mulators and components); plant 
and equipment (e.g. cranes and earthmovers); motor vehicles, 
trailers and semitrailers (e.g. auto cranes); transport vehicles 
and equipment (e.g. railway locomotives)  Permanent Mission of the 
Russian Federation to the 
WTO (2 7 May 2016)   
Mandatory requirement on trucks for goods in transit crossing the 
Russian Federation towards Kazakhstan to use (and remove) 
identification means (seals) operating on the basis of the Russian 
Global Navigation Satellite System "GLONAS" (instea d of GPS). 
The imposition and removal of seals occurs at the entrance/exit 
of the territory of the Russian Federation at the expense of the 
shipper or the consignee  Permanent Mission of the 
Russian Federation to the 
WTO (27 May 2016)  Effective  
16 April 20 16 
Extension of the temporary export ban on tanned leather  
(HS 4104.11; 4104.19) (originally effective from 1 October 2014 
to 1 April 2015, extended from 25 May 2015 to  
28 November 2015, and extended again until May 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Rus sian Federation  
to the WTO 
(14 October  2016);  
WTO documents 
G/MA/QR/N/RUS/3, 5 
October 2016 and 
WT/TPR/OV/18,  
17 November 2015  Effective from  
18 July 2016 to  
18 January 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 169 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Restrictions on the admission of certain types of imported food 
products (e. g. fishery products, fresh, chilled or frozen; fish 
otherwise prepared or preserved, caviar and caviar substitutes; 
crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrate aquatic organisms, 
frozen, prepared or preserved; evaporated food salt; evaporated 
iodized salt ; fresh or chilled beef, fresh or chilled veal; fresh or 
chilled pork; cattle by -products fresh or chilled; beef and veal 
frozen; frozen pork meat; poultry chilled; poultry by -products 
frozen; milk and cream powder sublimated; butter; butter paste; 
cheese and cheese products; condensed milk or cream with sugar 
or other sweeteners (not in powder); brown rice; white beet or 
cane sugar, sucrose chemically purified in solid state with no 
additives) on government procurement  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian F ederation  
to the WTO 
(14 October  2016) and 
Resolution No. 832  
(22 August 2016)  Effective  
3 September 2016  
Russian Federation (for Eurasian Economic Union between the Russian Federation,  
Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyz Rep. ) 
Inclusion of jewe ls, precious metals and raw materials containing 
precious metals in the Common List of Goods subject to import 
prohibition or restriction. Imposition of non -automatic import 
licensing requirements for imports of precious metals and raw 
materials containing  precious metals, and "special administrative 
measures" for imports of jewels (HS Chapters 25; 26; 71)  WTO document 
G/LIC/N/1/RUS/10,  
24 November 2015   
Inclusion of jewels, precious metals and raw materials containing 
precious metals in the Common List o f Goods subject to export 
prohibition or restriction. Imposition of non -automatic export 
licensing requirements for exports of precious metals and raw 
materials containing precious metals, and "special administrative 
measures" for exports of jewels (HS Cha pters 25; 26; 71)  WTO document 
G/LIC/N/1/RUS/10,  
24 November 2015   
South Africa (for Southern African Customs Union between  
Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland)  
On 30 October 2015, extension of the temporary increase of 
import tariffs  (from R 242.6 c/kg to R 304 c/kg) on cane and beet 
sugar (HS 1701.12; 1701.13; 1701.14; 1701.91; 1701.99) 
(originally implemented on 26 September 2014 and extended 
several times)  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(30 May 2016); Notice 
No. R 1027 of 2015 - 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette  
No. 39340  
(30 October 2015); and 
WTO document 
WT/TPR/OV/18,  
17 November 2015  Effective  
30 October 2015  
Increase of import tariffs (to 15%) on tubes, pipes and hollow 
profiles, of cast iron (HS 7303.00; 7305.11; 7305.12; 7305.19; 
7305.20; 7305.31.10; 7305.31.90; 7305.39.10; 7305.39.90; 
7305.90.10; 7305.90.90; 7306.19; 7306.29; 7306.30.30; 
7306.30.40). Imports from the EU, EFTA, and the Southern 
African Development Communit y (SADC) members exempted  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(30 May 2016) and Notice 
No. R 601 of 2015 - 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette  
No. 39478  
(4 December 2015)  Effective  
4 December 2015  
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 10%) on steel wire rod, 
steel reinforcing bar and structural steel (HS 7213.91; 7214.20; 
7227.90; 7228.30; 7228.60). Imports from the EU, EFTA, and 
the SADC members exempted  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(30 May 2016) and Notice 
No. R 1265 of 2015 - 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette  
No. 39539  
(18 December 2015)  Effective  
18 December 2015  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 170 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Increase of import tariffs (to 10%) on certain iron and steel 
products (28 tariff lines)  (HS Chapter 72). Imports from the EU, 
EFTA, and SADC members exempted  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(30 May 2016) and Notice 
No. R 172 of 2016 - 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette  
No. 39686  
(12 February 2016)  Effective  
12 February 2016  
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 10%) on prepolymers 
with a NCO percentage of less than 20% by mass  
(HS 3909.50.10). Imports from the EU, EFTA, and SADC 
members exempted  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to th e WTO 
(30 May 2016) and Notice 
No. R 239 of 2016 - 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette  
No. 39799  
(11 March 2016)  Effective  
11 March 2016  
On 11 April 2016, further extension of the temporary increase of 
import tariffs (to  R 122.43 c/kg) on wheat (HS 1001.91; 
1001.99), and (to R 183.65 c/kg) on wheat flour  
(HS 1101.00.10; 1101.00.90). On 22 August 2016, further 
extension (to R 159.14 c/kg) on wheat (HS 1001.91; 1001.99), 
and (to R 238.71 c/kg) on wheat flour. Imports from SADC 
members exempted  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(30 May 2016) and 
Notices Nos. R 418 of 
2016 - Government 
Gazette No. 39915  
(11 April 2016) and R 939 
of 2016 - Government 
Gazette No. 40223  
(22 August 2016), 
International Trade 
Admin istration 
Commission  Effective  
11 April 2016  
Inclusion of waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries 
and electric accumulators, spent primary cells, spent primary 
batteries and spent electric accumulators (HS 8548.10) in the list 
of goods subjec t to export permits  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(30 May 2016) and Notice 
No. R 1043 of 2015 - 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette  
No. 39348  
(30 October 2015)  Effective  
30 October 2015  
Increase of impor t tariffs (from zero to 10%) on certain  
hot-rolled steel (HS 7208.10; 7208.25; 7208.26; 7208.27; 
7208.36; 7208.37; 7208.38; 7208.39; 7208.53; 7208.54; 
7208.90; 7211.13; 7211.14; 7211.19; 7225.30; 7226.91). 
Imports from the EU, EFTA, and SADC members exemp ted Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(13 October 2016) and 
Notice No. R 712 of 2016 
- International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette  
No. 40059  
(10 June 2016)  Effective  
10 June 2016  
Increase of import tariffs (from zer o to 10%) on certain bars and 
rods, hot -rolled of iron or non -alloy steel (HS 7213.20; 7213.99; 
7214.10; 7214.30; 7214.91; 7214.99; 7215.90; 7228.40; 
7228.80). Imports from the EU, EFTA, and SADC members 
exempted  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the  WTO 
(13 October 2016) and 
Notice No. R 752 of 2016 
- International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazette  
No. 40091  
(24 June 2016)  Effective  
24 June 2016  
Serbia  
Imposition of temporary specific duties on imports on 42 
agriculture and fo od products tariff lines, e.g. live swine; meat of 
swine; dairy produce; and hams and cuts of swine (HS 0103; 
0203; 0209; 0210; 0401; 0403; 0405; 0406; 1602)  Permanent Delegation of 
Serbia to the United 
Nations (7  April 2016)  Effective  
1 January 2016 to 
30 June 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 171 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Imposition of temporary specific import levies on 429 agriculture 
and food products tariff lines (at 8 digit level), e.g. live bovine 
animals, live sheep and goats, live poultry, meat and edible meat 
offal, live fish, dairy produce, eggs, edib le vegetables and fruits, 
margarine, certain preparations of meat, sugar, miscellaneous 
edible preparations, undenatured ethyl alcohol, and 
unmanufactured tobacco (HS 0102; 0103; 0104; 0105; 0201; 
0202; 0203; 0204; 0207; 0209; 0210; 0301; 0401; 0402; 0403;  
0405; 0406; 0407; 0701; 0702; 0703; 0704; 0707; 0708; 0709; 
0710; 0711; 0806; 0807; 0808; 0809; 0904; 1517; 1601; 1602; 
1701; 1702; 2103; 2104: 2207; 2208; 2401)  Permanent Delegation of 
Serbia to the United 
Nations 
(12 October  2016)  Effective 1 July 2016 
to  
31 December 2016  
Seychelles  
Import tariffs replaced by excises taxes (up to 100%) on motor 
vehicles and certain parts and accessories thereof  
(HS Chapter 87)  Permanent Delegation of 
Seychelles to the WTO  
(4 October 2016)  Effective  
8 April 2016  
Singapore  
Extension for certain alcohol and tobacco products (HS 2203; 
2204; 2205; 2206; 2207; 2208; 24) of the security requirement 
(at least 50% of potential duty) to certain cargo movement types 
of such goods (movements between warehouses, export from 
licensed premises, transhipment involving road transportation) 
on the grounds of a potentially higher risk of non -compliance for 
these movements  Permanent Delegation of 
Singapore to the WTO 
(31 May 2016) and 
Singapore Customs 
Circular No. 1/2016  
(15 January  2016)  Effective  
1 April 2016  
Sri Lanka  
Temporary increase of the special commodity levy (from  
SL Re 15/kg to SL Re 35/kg) on imports of potatoes  
(HS 0701.90) and (from SL Re 5/kg to SL Re 25/kg) onions  
(HS 0703.10.20)  Ministry of Finance  
Notificati on No. 1956/10 
(29 February 2016)  Effective for  
4 months  
Switzerland  
Reclassification of seasoned meat from HS Chapter 16 to 
Chapter  02, resulting in an increase of import tariffs (from 
Sw F 638/100 kg to Sw F 2,212/100 kg) (HS 02; 1602)  Permanent Deleg ation of 
Switzerland to the WTO 
(20 October 2016)  Effective 1 July 2016  
Tunisia  
Increase of import tariffs on 911 tariff lines  WTO document 
WT/TPR/S/341,  
8 June 2016  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Turkey  
Increase of import tariffs (from 8% to 10%) on cert ain flat -rolled 
stainless iron and steel products (HS 7219.31; 7219.32; 
7219.33; 7219.34; 7219.35; 7220.20.21; 7220.20.29; 
7220.20.41; 7220.20.49; 7220.20.81; 7220.20.89), (from zero 
to 22.5%) on sunflower -seed oil for technical use  
(HS 1512.19.10); and o n certain processed agricultural products 
(HS 0710.40; 0711.90.30; 2001.90.30; 2004.90.10; 2005.80; 
2008.99.85; 2905.44.11; 3824.60.19)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Exports of poppy seeds not for s owing subject to registration  
(HS 1207.91.90)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO (31 
May 2016)  Effective 11 March 
2016 
Increase of import tariffs (to 21.8%) on new pneumatic tyres of 
rubber (effective 7 September 2016); (from zero to 7.8%) on 
pure-bred breeding animals (effective 2 July 2016); (from 40% 
to 135%) on animals for slaughter (effective 2 July 2016); (from 
4% to 23.4%) on certain sunflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius); 
(from 12% to 23.4%) on sunflower seed oil; and (to 67.5%) on 
certain sunflower seed oils (effective 1 September 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(14 October 2016)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Ukraine  
Export ban on unprocessed timber (HS Chapter 44)  WTO documents 
WT/TPR/S/334,  
15 March 2016 a nd 
G/MA/QR/N/UKR/3,  
20 September 2016  Effective  
1 November 2015 
for tree species, 
except pine trees  
Volumes of export quotas for certain commodities (e.g. silver, 
gold and waste or scrap of precious metal) (HS 7106; 7108; 
7112) subject to licensing proc edures set at zero grammes  WTO document 
G/LIC/N/3/UKR/9,  
9 August 2016 and 
Resolution of the Cabinet 
of Ministers No. 117  
(30 December 2015)  Effective  
1 January 2016 to 
31 December 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 172 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary increase of export duties (from €10/tonne to 
€30/tonne) on waste and scrap of ferrous metals  
(HS 7204.10.00; 7204.30.00; 7204.41.10; 7204.41.91; 
7204.41.99; 7204.49.10; 7204.49.30; 7204.49.90; 7204.50.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the W TO  
(20 October 2016)  Effective  
15 September 2016, 
for one year  
United States  
Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act gradually increasing 
domestic content rules (from 60% to 70% by 2020) for 
procurement of rolling -stock by the Federal Highway 
Admin istration  Public Law 114 -94-DEC. 
4, 2015 - 
Sec.3011.General 
Provisions  
(4 December 2015)  Effective  
4 December 2015  
Zimbabwe  
Inclusion of new items in the list of products requiring non -
automatic import licensing (e.g. certain food preparations; plastic  
pipes and fittings; wheelbarrows; certain flat -rolled products of 
iron or non -alloy steel; doors, windows and their frames of iron 
or steel; certain metal furniture; metal clad insulated panels; 
prepared potatoes and beans; cereals; second hand tyres; 
certain binder or baler twine; fertilizers; woven fabrics of cotton; 
and prepared foodstuffs (HS 2106.90.90; 3304.99.90; 
3917.21.10; 3917.21.90; 3917.23.10; 3917.23.20; 3917.23.90; 
8424.81.00; 8716.80.10; 7308.30.90; 7210.41.00; 9403.20.90; 
8418.99.10; 8418.9 9.90; 9406.00.91; 2005.59.00; 2005.20.00; 
1904.10.10; 4012; 5607.21.00; 5607.41.00; 5211)  Statutory Instrument 64 
of 2016 - Control of 
Goods (Open General 
Import Licence) (No. 2) 
(Amendment) Notice, 
2016 (No. 8)  
(17 June 2016)   
 
Recorded, but non -confirm ed information145 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Algeria  
Imposition of import quotas on steel rebars  Press reports  
(January 2016)  Effective  
January 2016  
Systematic controls of imported goods (mainly consumers goods) 
by the Customs Administration and antifra ud services of the 
Ministry of Trade resulting in delays in import clearance 
procedures  Press reports  
(February 2016)   
Import ban on certain products, e.g. cosmetics, foodstuffs, 
perishable goods, detergent  Press reports  
(February 2016)   
Non-automatic import licensing requirements for certain 
products, e.g. cement, concrete, and vehicles  Press reports referring to 
Executive Decree 15 -306 
(6 December 2015)   
Angola  
Temporary export ban on certain food products imported for 
domestic consumption (e.g. ric e, sugar, beans, corn flour, soap 
and cooking oil) (HS 1006; 1102.20; 12; 1701)  COM-Watch Africa Issue 
58 - March 2016   
Bangladesh  
Temporary export ban on raw jute (HS 5303; 5307; 5310; 
5607.10; 6305.10)  Fibre2fashion.com  Effective  
3 November to  
2 Dece mber 2015  
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)  
Temporary increase of import tariffs on certain food products, 
e.g. milk, cream, coffee, yogurt, grapes, potatoes, and certain 
footwear (HS 0401; 0403.10; 0806; 0901; 0710.10; 64)  America Economica  
(1 December 2015)   
Increase of import tariffs (up to 40%) on alcoholic beverages 
(HS 2203; 2204; 2205; 2206; 2207; 2208)  La Razón referring to 
Decreto Supremo  
No. 2657  
(27 January 2016)   
Brazil  
Intervention of the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and 
Technology (INMETRO) in the issuance of non -automatic import 
licensing  Press reports  
(March 2016)   
Burkina Faso  
Export ban on live mules and mule skin (HS 0101)  The Guardian  
(13 September 2016)   
Imposition of import taxes ( taxe d'ajustement à l'importatio n) 
(15%) on certain agricultural insecticides  Press reports  
(January 2016)  Effective  
January 2016  
                                                
145 This section includes  information which has been obtained from public sources but has not yet been 
confirmed by the delegation concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 173 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Cambodia  
Amendments introduced to the export tax scheme on natural 
rubber (HS 4001). Duties set at US$150/tonne on shipments 
valued up to US$2,000/tonne, a nd US$200/tonne on shipments 
valued up to US$3,000/tonne. Current duty set US$50/tonne 
when export price below US$2,000/tonne  The Phnom Penh Post  
(7 March 2016)   
Cameroon  
Re-imposition of import tariffs (5%) on rice (HS 1006) and (20%) 
on cement (HS 252 3) Star Africa  
(8 December 2015)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
China  
Requirement for hospitals to purchase medical devices from 
"national manufacturers", not including domestically 
manufactured in China by foreign invested enterprises  Press reports  
(Januar y 2016)   
India  
New requirement for the oil and gas sector providing for 50% 
local content in certain services and equipment, e.g. rigs and 
pipes Press Trust of India and 
Bloomberg BNA  
(9 February 2016)   
New requirement by the Central Electricity Author ity establishing 
local content requirement for equipment to be used in power 
projects  The Times of India  
(25 May 2016)   
Indonesia  
"Priority lane importer status" removed for imports of all products  Press reports referring to 
Decree No. 83/2012 
(December  2015)   
Introduction of new formulas for the calculation of the value of 
local content requirement for laptops computers, smartphones 
and tablets. Current required threshold set at 30% of the 
components  Global Legal Monitor  
(15 September 2016)   
Malaysia  
Import licensing requirements on certain liquid filled electrical 
heating products  Press reports referring to 
Customs Order No. 7/2015 
(9 October 2015)  Effective  
1 November 2015  
Morocco  
Increase of import tariffs (to 2.5%) on butter (HS 0405.10)  Challenge  
(20 October 2015)  Effective  
1 January 2016  
Imposition of import tariffs on certain oil products  Le 360 (21 October 2015)   
Mozambique  
Reduction of preference margin (from 15% to 10%) of the 
contract value for national competitors for both public w orks 
contracts and the provision of services, and a preference of 15% 
of the contract value for goods  Press reports referring to 
Decree No. 05/2016 
(March 2016)  Effective  
6 June 2016  
Nepal  
Increase of import tariffs (from 15% to 20%) on ghee and milk 
related products (HS Chapter 04)  The Kathmandu Post  
(5 September 2015)   
Niger  
Export ban on live mules and mule skin (HS 0101)  The Guardian  
(13 September 2016)   
Nigeria  
Increase of import tariffs on aircraft parts (HS 8803)  ThisDayLive  
(30 October 201 5)  
Increase of import tariffs on used vehicles (HS 8703)  Vanguard  
(9 November 2015)   
Inclusion of cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose  
(HS 1701.11; 1701.12; 1701.91; 1701.99) and farmed fish  
(HS Chapter 03) in the import prohibition list  Press reports  
(February 2016)   
Philippines  
Temporary import ban on rice (HS 1006). Imports only permitted 
through State agency "National Food Authority" (NFA)  Business World Online  
(18 May 2016)   
Elimination of import quota on rice (HS 1006)  Philippines  Daily Inquirer 
(3 September 2016)   
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Increase of import tariffs (up to 30%) on cigarettes (HS 2402)  Arab News  
(13 September 2015)   
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of (for Gulf Cooperation Council  - Bahrain, Kingdom of;  Kuwait, State of; O man;  
Qatar;  Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  and United Arab Emirates)  
Increase of import taxes (to 100%) on certain tobacco products 
(HS Chapter 24)  Arab Times Online  
(18 November 2015)   
Sri Lanka  
Re-imposition of export duties on raw spices  Economy Next  
(17 December 2015)   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 174 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Increase of import tariffs (from SL Rs 35/kg to SL Rs 50/kg) on 
rice (HS 1006)  Press reports referring to 
Extraordinary  
Gazette 1952/  
10 (February 2016)  Effective  
1 February 2016  
Uruguay  
Local content requirements for equipment used i n power projects  La Républica  
(24 May 2016)   
Viet Nam  
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 10%) on certain alloy 
steel with a 0.3% of chrome content  Thanh Nien News  
(27 October 2015)   
Zimbabwe  
Temporary import ban on certain agricultural products ,  
e.g. sugar, corn -meal, flour (HS 11; 1701)  The Herald  
(27 November 2015)   
 
 
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 175 - 
 
  ANNEX 4  
GENERAL ECONOMIC SUP PORT MEASURES146 
(MID-OCTOBER 2015 TO MID -OCTOBER  2016)  
Confirmed information147 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Temporary aid scheme Régimen  de Compensaciones para 
Productores Tamberos  (overall budget Arg$600  million) for 
small dairy producers (Arg$0.4/litre) (originally effective 
October to December 2015). Scheme extended for the months 
of February and March 2016 (overall budget Arg$500 milli on) 
for small dairy producers (Arg$0.4/litre)  Resolución Conjunta 
Nos. 8/2016 and 
9/2016 Ministerio de 
Agroindustria y 
Ministerio de 
Producción  
(1 February 2016)  
Resolución 
No. 162/2016 
Ministerio de 
Agroindustria  
(2 May 2016)   
Implementation of a new ele ctricity price scheme Régimen 
Tarifario de Transición  resulting in the gradual phasing out of 
electricity price subsidies  Resolución No. 7/2016 
Ministerio de Energía y 
Minería  
(27 January 2016)  Effective 
27 January  2016 
Aid scheme Fondo Semilla  (Arg$70 mi llion) through preferential 
credit lines for SMEs in certain sectors (e.g. informatic, 
electronic, chemicals, pharmaceutical, renewable energies, 
telecommunication, food processing, automotive, textile and 
garment, footwear, fishery, mining and wood)  Permanent Delegation 
of Argentina to the 
WTO 
(12 October 2016) and 
Resoluci ón No. 
146/2016 Ministerio de 
Producci ón – 
Secretar ía de 
Emprendedores y de la 
Pequeña y Mediana 
Empresa  
(15 July 2016)  Effective  
21 July 2016  
Further extension of the temporary aid sc heme Ahora 12  to 
encourage the purchase of certain locally produced products, 
e.g. home appliances, apparel and clothing, footwear, 
construction materials, furniture, motorcycles, bicycles, books, 
toys, cell phones and certain services (tourism) (originall y 
implemented in September 2014 and effective until 
30 September 2016)  Disposición  
No. 51 -E/2016 
Subsecretar ía de 
Comercio Interior  
(29 September 2016) 
and WTO document 
WT/TPR/OV/W/10,  
1 July 2016  Extended until  
31 January 2017  
Australia  
Temporary prefer ential export finance for Australian wine 
producers through an agreement established between the 
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) and Wine 
Australia  Permanent Delegation 
of Australia to the 
WTO (27  May 2016)  Effective 
29 October  2015 to 
29 October  2016 
Implementation of the first round of the Black Spots 
Programme ($A 100 million) to deliver 499 new and upgraded 
mobile base stations. The full rollout of all mobile base stations 
funded under round one has begun and will occur over three 
years . Several rounds are being considered in the future  Permanent Delegation 
of Australia to the 
WTO (27  May 2016)   
Aid scheme "Freight Equalization Scheme" for Tasmania 
increased to $A 203 million. Scheme has been expanded to 
include goods bound for internat ional markets  Permanent Delegation 
of Australia to the 
WTO (27  May 2016)  Effective January 2016  
Financial aid scheme through income tax rebates for start -up 
enterprises  Permanent Delegation 
of Australia to the 
WTO 
(14 October  2016)  Effective  
July 2016  
                                                
146 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex  implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex  implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
147 This section  includes information which has either been prov ided by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 176 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Bahrain, Kingdom of  
Reduction of subsidies on electricity, water (effective 
1 March  2016) and gasoline (effective 11 January 2016), 
resulting in retail price increases  Permanent Delegation 
of the Kingdom of 
Bahrain to the WTO 
(6 June 2016)  Effective: see i ndividual 
dates in measure  
Brazil  
Financial aid scheme (R$1.3 billion) through the Brazilian 
National Development Bank (BNDES) for wind mill park 
complex in Piauí  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Press Release - BNDES 
(October  2015)   
Financial aid scheme (R$14.6 million) through BNDES for Etage 
Indústria e Comércio Ltda  for the construction of a new factory 
in São Bernardo do Campo to produce spare parts for oil 
companies  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Press Release - BNDES 
(October  2015)   
Financial aid scheme (R$9.5 million) through BNDES for 
Brazilian IT company Accesstage  for investments in capacity 
expansion for data warehouse storage  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Press Release - BNDES 
(October  2015)   
Financial aid scheme (R$6.8 million) through BNDES to medical 
and cosmetic producer CIMED group for the construction of a 
distribution centre in Minas Gerais  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Press Release - BNDES 
(23 October  2015)   
Long-term loan from BNDES (R$552.7  million) to the highway 
concessionaire Minas Gerais Goiás S.A (MGO Rodovias) for the 
construction of a 436.6 km sector on highway BR -050/GO/MG  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to th e WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Press Release - BNDES 
(30 October  2015)   
Financial aid scheme (R$494.2 million) through BNDES for the 
implementation of six wind mil l parks (180 MW) for the 
Complexo Morrinhos Energias Renováveis S.A . in Bahia State  Permanent Deleg ation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Press Release - BNDES  
(9 November 2015)   
Financial aid scheme (R$665.4 million) through BNDES for nine 
new wind mill parks in Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Press Release - BNDES 
(17 November 2015)   
Aid scheme (R$25 million) through BNDES for family 
agriculture projects in Rio Grande do Sul  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Press Release - BNDES 
(18 November 2015)   
Amendm ents introduced to the Drawback legislation resulting 
in: (i) increased access of exporting companies to drawback 
exemptions; (ii) clarification on the import/export licensing 
requests and drawback requests; and (iii) clarification on 
consignation export p rocedures  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(27 May 2016)  Effective 
December  2015 
Canada  
"CanExport" export programme (overall budget Can$50 million) 
to help SMEs take advantage of global export opportunities. 
CanExport will provide contributions  (between Can$10,000 and 
Can$100,000) towards export developments costs. Eligible 
SMEs must employ fewer than 250 employees, have an annual 
revenue of between Can$200,000 and Can$50  million and 
promote export development  Permanent Delegation 
of Canada to t he WTO 
(30 May 2016) and 
Ministers of 
International Trade 
and Small Business 
and Tourism News 
(5 January 2016)  Effective 
5 January  2016 
Alberta Small Brewers Development Programme (ASBD) 
supporting the development of the small alcohol beverage 
manufacturi ng industry. ASBD targeted for Alberta -based 
brewers producing and selling no more than 300,000 hectolitres 
in Alberta annually and an annual worldwide production of no 
more than 400,000 hectolitres. The grants are designed to: 
(i) give brewers the flexibi lity to invest in their business; 
(ii) increase their production capacity; (iii) launch new 
products; (iv) develop new markets; (v) create jobs; and 
(vi) realize capital improvements  Permanent Delegation 
of Canada to the WTO 
(19 October  2016) and 
Alberta T reasury Board 
and Finance Newsroom 
(12 July 2016)  Effective 5 August 
2016 for 10 years  
Enhancement of the tax credit for the integration of information 
technology (IT) in SMEs in the primary and manufacturing 
sectors in Québec. Enterprises can claim refun dable tax credit 
(20% of expenditure) for the integration of IT in primary and Permanent Delegati on 
of Canada to the WTO 
(14 October 2016)  Effective until  
31 December 2019  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 177 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
manufacturing sector SMEs in respect of expenditures relating 
to the supply of a qualified management software package that 
are incurred before 1 January 2020  
Temporary refundable tax credit to support the implementation 
and maintenance of major digital transformation projects in 
Québec. The tax credit applies to eligible digitization co ntracts 
entered after 17 March 2016 and before 1 January 2019. The 
tax credit is equal to 24% of qualified wages paid by a 
corporation to eligible employees under an eligible digitization 
contract over a two -year period, up to a maximum of 
Can$20,000 per e mployee each year  Permanent Delegation 
of Canada to the WTO 
(14 October 2016)  Effective until  
31 December 2018  
China  
Reform of subsidy scheme for corn producers, replacing the 
temporary policy for stockpiling with market purchasing  Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO 
(October  2016)   
Extension of the scheme encouraging the early scrapping and 
renewal of outdated ships and single -hulled oil tankers  Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO 
(October  2016)  Extended until 
31 December  2017 
Elimination of the financial support to the "Foreign Trade 
Service Platform"  Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO 
(October  2016)   
Colombia  
Support scheme for sugar exports panela excedentaria  to the 
amount of Col$400 for every kilo exported  Resolución No. 
423/2015 Ministerio de 
Agricultura y 
Desarrollo Rural, 
(19 November 2015)  Effective 
19 November  2015 to 
31 December 2015  
PIPE 2.0 scheme (overall budget US$80  million) for promotion 
of export activity and exports of non -traditional products 
(mining and quarrying s ectors not included)  Permanent Delegation 
of Colombia to the 
WTO (27  May 2016)  Effective 
1 January  2016 
Extension of the support scheme for construction of new hotels. 
Exemption of income tax for 30 years for hotel construction 
projects initiated before 3 1 December 2017  Permanent Delegation 
of Colombia to the 
WTO (27  May 2016)   
Plan Colombia Siembra  aimed at diversifying the variety of 
crops, increasing by one million hectares the cultivated area up 
to 2018, and promoting exports. The plan provides prefer ential 
credit lines, crop and livestock insurance against meteorological 
events and diseases, and certain fiscal advantages for new 
investments in machinery, and infrastructure modernization  Permanent Delegation 
of Colombia to the 
WTO 
(21 October  2016)  Effective May 2016  
Ecuador  
Extension of the support scheme granting to exporters of non -
traditional products partial reimbursement (between 2% and 
5%) of certain taxes  Permanent Delegation 
of Ecuador to the WTO 
(31 May 2016)  Effective until 
31 December 2015  
European Union  
Temporary excepti onal aid (€420 million) for farmers in the 
livestock sectors (e.g. beef and veal, milk and milk products, 
pig meat, sheep meat, and goat meat)  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(27 May 2016) and 
Commission Delegated 
Regulation 2015/1853 
(15 October 2015)  Effective 
16 October  2015 to 
30 June 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 178 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary exceptional private storage aid (€15.57/tonne of 
storage for fixed storage cots, and €0.4/tonne per day of 
contractual storage) for certain  cheeses limited to a maximum 
quantity of 100,000  tonnes  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the  
EU Delegation  
(27 May 2016) and 
Commission Delegated 
Regulation 2015/1852 
(15 October 2015)  Effective 
16 October  2015 
Temporary exceptional measures for the milk and milk products 
sector in the form of extending the public intervention period 
for skimmed milk powder in 2016 and advancing the public 
intervention period for skimmed milk powder in 2017. To 
provide for t he possibility to use all possible market measures 
and cater for a situation where the prices of skimmed milk 
powder would further deteriorate, it is necessary that: (i) public 
intervention remains available without interruption until the 
start of the next  intervention period on 1 March 2017; and 
(ii) extend the intervention buying -in period in 2016 until 
31 December 2016, and to fix the start of the intervention 
buying -in period in 2017 at 1 January 2017  Commission Delegated 
Regulation 
No. 2016/1614  
(8 Sep tember 2016)  Effective  
10 September 2016  
Aid for reducing milk production. Aid available to eligible 
applicants reducing cow milk deliveries for a three month 
period (reduction period). Aid fixed at €14/100 kg of cow milk 
for the volume corresponding to t he difference between the 
cow milk delivered during the reference period (same period in 
the previous year) and the cow milk delivered during the 
reduction period (but not more than a total volume of cow milk 
delivery reduction corresponding to €150 millio n) Commission Delegated 
Regulation 
No. 2016/1612  
(8 September 2016)  Effective  
10 September 2016  
Belgium  
Aid for the construction of an offshore wind farm of 294 MW 
located in the North Sea, 42  km from Ostend harbour  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(27 May 2016) and 
European Investment 
Bank Reference 
20150619 
(14 December 2015)   
Aid (budget €57 million) for sea and coastal freight water 
transport  EU State Aid SA. 
43117 (2015/N)  
(16 March 2016)  Effective 1 July 2016 to 
30 June 2026  
Aid (budget €1.85 million) for specialized construction activities 
enterprise "Atelier Roger Poncin"  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid SA. 
45295 (2016/NN)  Effective 24 May 2016 
to 24 November 2016  
Czech Republic  
Aid for modernization of inland waterway f reight transport 
vessels  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation 
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid 
SA. 43080  Effective  
1 January 2016 to  
31 December 2021  
Estonia  
State aid (€70 million) for the modernization of the 
infrastructure at Tallinn airport  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(27 May 2016) and EU 
State Aid SA. 39315   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 179 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Short term export credit in surance scheme (budget €3.9 
million)  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid 
SA. 45282 (2016/N)  Effective 20 June 2016 
to 31 December 2023  
Finland  
Aid (€32.1 mi llion) for bio -product pulp mill Metsä Fibre Oy  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(19 April 2016) and EU 
State Aid SA. 42382   
Energy and environmental aid (€28  million) for the construction 
of a liquefied natural gas terminal at Hamina  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(27 May 2016) and EU 
State Aid SA. 42889   
Germany  
Aid schemes for various transport related projects, includi ng: 
(i) sea and coastal freight water transport (extension of the 
port of Rostock) (€5.6 million) (effective 16  December  2015); 
(ii) to NPorts GmbH & Co. KG for water transport in the 
Niedersachsen region (Cuxhaven seaport) (€21 million) 
(effective 11  February 2016); (iii)  Bremerhaven offshore 
terminal (budget €155.3 million) (e ffective 14 July 2016); 
(iv) inland freight water transport (budget €7.5 million) 
(effective 28 July 2016); (v)  extension of cruise ship terminal in 
Putbus -Lauterbach (budget €4.14 m illion) (e ffective 19 August 
2016); and (vi)  ferry port Sassnitz -breakwater (budget €4.5 
million) (e ffective 19 August 2016)  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(27 May 2016) and EU 
State Aids SA. 43376 
(2015/N), SA. 41927 
(2015/N), SA.  40680, 
SA. 43852 (2016/N), 
SA. 45849, and 
SA. 45848  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Prolongation of aid scheme (€92.8  million) for freight rail 
transport and inland freight water transport  Public info rmation 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(27 May 2016) and EU 
State Aid SA. 43008 
(2015/N) 
(14 December 2015)  Effective 
1 January  2016 to 
31 December 2016  
Aid (budget €32.89 million) for Rieger GmbH manufactu rer of 
paper and paperboard in the region of Spree -Neisse  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid SA. 
43624 (2015/N)  Effective 13 June 2016  
Italy  
Rescue aid (up  to €4.9 million) through six months guarantees 
for IMT S.p.A. manufacturer of special -purpose machinery in 
the Emilia -Romagna, Piemonte region  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(27 May 2016)  and EU 
State Aid SA. 42864 
(2015/N) 
(17 December 2015)  Effective 
1 January  2016 to 
1 July 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 180 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Aid (budget €3 million) for information and promotion of sheep 
milk products in the European Union and third countries  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid  
SA. 44338 (2016/N)  Effective until 
31 December 2020  
Aid (budget €16.8 million) for the construction of a new 
passenger terminal at Lamezia Terme airport in the region of 
Calabria  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid  
SA. 43023  Effective 28 July 2016  
Latvia  
Aid for the dredging of the ports of Ventspils (€3.4 million)  
(effective 25  November 2015 to 31  December  2015) and 
Liepaja (€32.4  million) (effective 19 October 2015 to 
31 December 2015)  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(27 May 2016), EU 
State Aid SA.  42538 
(2015/N) 
(25 November 2015) 
and SA. 41734 
(2015/NN) 
(30 November 2015)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Lithuania  
Various infrastructure projects, including: (i)  financial aid for 
the Vilnius Congress Centre project (budget €17.86 millio n) 
(effective 31 May 2016); and (ii) for Vilnius airport (budget 
€34.7 million) ( effective 1 September 2016 to  
31 December 2020)  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the EU 
Delegation (18 October 
2016) and EU St ate 
Aid SA. 43206 and EU 
State Aid SA. 40197  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Aid (budget €26.1 million) for flights from regional airports  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid  
SA. 40605  Effective  
1 May 2016 to  
30 April 2025  
Poland  
Restructuring aid (budget Zl 765 million) for SMEs in all sectors 
excluding undertakings operating in the coal, steel or financial 
sector  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid  
SA. 43594  Effective  
29 August 2016 to  
31 December 2020  
Slovenia  
Restructuring aid (budget €3.1 million) to Polzela d.d. 
manufacturer of socks and stockings  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid  
SA. 40419  Effective 12 May 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 181 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Sweden  
Aid (budget SkR  62.5 million) for construction of two new 
terminals at Kvarken ports (Umea) due to increasing demand 
for transport of freight to and from the port by railway  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegatio n 
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid  
SA. 43724  Effective  
1 August 2016  
United Kingdom  
Low Emission Bus Scheme (budget £30 million)  Public information 
available on the 
European 
Commission's website 
transmitted by the 
EU Delegation  
(18 October 2016) and 
EU State Aid SA. 
42167 (2015/N)  Effective 1 April 2016 
to 31 March 2019  
Hong Kong, China  
Further extension of the time -limited special concessionary 
measures providing 80% loan guarantee coverage on eligible 
loans approved by participating lending institut ions, through 
the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) (originally 
effective from 31  May 2012 to end -February 2013 and then 
extended until February 2016)  Permanent Delegation 
of Hong Kong, China to 
the WTO 
(24 May 2016) and 
WTO document 
WT/TPR/OV/18, 
17 November  2015 On 1 March  2016, 
extended until 
28 February  2017 
India  
Exemption from import tariffs on raw materials and parts for 
use in the manufacturing of specified ships, boats and other 
floating structures  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
Notification  
No. 54/2015 -Customs 
Ministry of Finance 
Department of 
Revenue 
(24 November 2015 ) Effective 
24 November  2015 
Export promotion scheme to increase funds allocated to 
promote exports, through the "Merchandise Exports from India 
Scheme" (MEIS). List of products/sectors eligible for MEIS has 
been increased (e.g. chemicals and medical equipment)  Delegation of India to 
the WTO 
(27 May 2016)   
Indonesia  
Tax incentive scheme for companies operating on special 
industrial estates (special area of land developed as a site for 
factories and other industrial businesses)  Permanent Delegation 
Indonesia to the WTO 
(27 May 2016)  Effective 
28 December  2015 
Further reduction in the gasoline and diesel support price 
scheme  Permanent Delegation 
Indon esia to the WTO 
(27 May 2016)  Effective 1 April 2016  
Jordan  
Extension of the transitional period for the elimination of the 
Jordan Subsidy Programme  WTO documents 
G/C/W/705/Rev.2, 
6 November 2015 and 
WT/TPR/OV/18,  
17 November 2015  Effective 
1 January  2016 to 
31 December 2018  
Korea, Rep. of  
Financial aid scheme through the Korea Development Bank 
granting to small enterprises up to W 5 billion and to medium 
enterprises W 7 billion, and providing, through the Korea Credit 
Guarantee Fund, associated compani es with guarantees if they 
struggle to keep employees during the restructuring process  Permanent Delegation 
of the Republic of 
Korea to the WTO 
(27 May 2016)  Gradually implemented 
through the year 2016  
Simplified tariff refund scheme for the year 2016 for  certain 
SME exports (4,321  products) using imported raw materials  Permanent Delegation 
of the Republic of 
Korea to the WTO 
(27 May 2016)   WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 182 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
New stimulus package (W 27.1 trillion). The package includes a 
supplementary budget of W 11 trillion as well as othe r fiscal 
stimulus including expenditures financed with public funds 
(W 3.3 trillion); investment made by public institutions 
(W 1.3 trillion); and loans, guarantees and insurance offered 
through public financial institutions (W 11.5 trillion). The 
Governme nt seeks to maximize the package 's impact b y driving 
up budget execution rate and encouraging regional 
government s to draw up  their own supplementary budgets  
(W 20 trillion)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Republic of 
Korea to the WTO 
(19 October 2016)  Effecti ve 
2 September 2016 to 
31 December 2016  
Mauritius  
Export Credit Insurance scheme for eligible enterprises for 
exports to Africa  Permanent Delegation 
of Mauritius to the 
WTO (21 April 2016)   
Freight Rebate scheme available for exports to Africa, granting  
a 25% refund of the basic freight cost (maximum amount 
US$300) per 20 feet container  Permanent Delegation 
of Mauritius to the 
WTO (21 April 2016)   
Norway  
Aid (overall budget NKr 122.7 million) through a single grant 
under the Energy Fund Scheme for the construction of a 
demonstration plant at Tyssedal  EFTA State Aid Case 
No. 77900 and 
Decision 
No. 476/15/COL 
(11 November 2015)   
Extension of the aid scheme (annual budget NKr 130 million) 
through grants under "CLIMIT Demo" (originally implemented 
in 2005)  Permanent Delegation 
of Norway to the WTO 
(1 June 2016) and 
EFTA State Aid Case 
No. 78009 and 
Decision 
No. 478/15/COL 
(25 November 2015)  Effective for 5 years  
Aid scheme (NKr 1,331 million) for the European Rail Traffic 
Management System "ERTMS"  Permanen t Delegation 
of Norway to the WTO 
(14 October 2016) and 
EFTA Surveillance 
Authority Decision  
No. 063/16/COL – 
Case No. 78750  
(15 March 2016)  Effective 1 July 2016 to 
1 July 2021  
Pakistan  
Financial aid scheme extended to all producers of agricultural 
comm odities through subsidized inputs and targeted cash 
transfers (US$50/acre) for farmers as a rural development 
relief package. Currently only wheat and sugar cane are 
covered  Permanent Delegation 
of Pakistan to the WTO 
(15 October  2015)  One-off arrangement 
for the financial year 
July 2015 to June 2016  
Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2015 -18 (PRs 6 billion over 
the Framework period) to promote exports from certain 
sectors, compliance with standards, investment policy, 
technology up -grade, multilateral and r egional trade 
agreements. Implementation in July 2016 of some Export 
Development Initiatives, including technology upgrade and 
brand and certification development as well as the placement of 
Intellectual Property Organization in the Ministry of Commerce  Permanent Delegation 
of Pakistan to the WTO 
(20 October 2016)   
Peru  
Extension of the scheme granting imports of goods for final 
consumption in the region of Amazonía exemption from the 
general sale tax ( impuesto general a las ventas "IGV" ) Permanent Delega tion 
of Peru to the WTO 
(22 April 2016)  Effective 
1 January  2016 to 
31 December 2018  
Russian Federation  
Financial aid increased by Rub 3.82 billion for the development 
of crop production, processing and development of 
infrastructures and logistics market  production  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(27 May 2016)  Effective 
24 October  2015 to 
31 December 2015  
Financial aid scheme for motor vehicle manufacturers, through 
additional budgetary allocations (Rub  419,824  billion), the 
implementation of a programme of preferential leasing of 
vehicles (Rub 3.5 billion) and the lifting of restrictions on the 
volume limit of subsidies provided to the lessee (under lease 
contracts concluded in 2015)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federatio n to the WTO 
(27 May 2016)   
Financial aid scheme (Rub 1.35 billion) for the creation and 
modernization of greenhouses and dairy farms  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(27 May 2016)  Terminated on 
31 December 2015  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 183 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Russian Automotiv e Support scheme (Rub 3.3 billion) granting 
compensation up to 80% of the cost of transportation by land 
and 50% by sea. Cost of certification and homologation are 
totally covered. Subsidies are provided to: (i) stimulate the use 
of environmental friendly means of transportation; (ii)  reduce 
freight traffic on the roads; (iii) use combined transportation in 
the territory of the Russian Federation; (iv) adjust the level of 
expenditures to conform with international standards and good 
homologation; (v) protec t the interest of automotive industry in 
the development of international harmonized rules; and 
(vi) enhance the production of safe and high quality goods 
based on international standards  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(14 Octobe r 2016)  Effective  
10 September 2016  
Financial aid (Rub 5.3 billion) to Russian railways for the 
development of Moscow railway infrastructure  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(14 October  2016)   
Extension of the temporary financial  support (Rub 5.3 billion) 
for construction and reconstruction of facilities for dairy cattle 
(originally effective from 18  August  2015 to 
31 December  2015)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(27 May 2016) and 
WTO document 
WT/TPR/OV/ 18, 
17 November 2015   
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Creation of the General Authority for SMEs with the aim of 
raising productivity and transforming them into agents of 
national growth and development  Permanent Delegation 
of the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia to the  
WTO (22  April 2016)   
Singapore  
Extension of the support package scheme to help businesses, 
especially SMEs, restructure, and invest in skills and capability 
development. The package includes: a Wage Credit Scheme, 
under which the Government subsidizes 4 0% of wage increases 
given to nationals earning a gross monthly wage of up to 
S$4,000 (the total pay -out over 2013 -15 estimated at 
S$4.1  billion). In the 2015 Budget, the scheme was extended 
for two more years with a reduced level of co -funding (20%)  WTO d ocument 
WT/TPR/S/343,  
7 June 2016   
Switzerland  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on raw materials 
(60 tariff lines) for the textile industry  Permanent Delegation 
of Switzerland to the 
WTO (27  May 2016)  Effective 
1 January  2016 to 
31 December 2019  
Financial aid (Sw F 94.6 million for the year 2016) for export of 
certain dairy products and cereals (funds allocated for the year 
2015: Sw F 95.6 million)  Permanent Delegation 
of Switzerland to the 
WTO (27  May 2016)  Effective 
1 January  2016 
Conditions fo r export -oriented SMEs conducting innovation 
projects with the Commission for Technology and Innovation 
(CTI) facilitated (budget Sw F 61 million)  Permanent Delegation 
of Switzerland to the 
WTO  
(11 October  2016) and 
WTO document 
WT/TPR/OV/18,  
17 November 2015 Effective 1 July 2016 
until end of the year  
Thailand  
Financial aid scheme through low -interest loans for cassava 
producers with the aim of: (i) increasing production efficiency; 
(ii) postponing its harvest period; and (iii)  creating value added 
products Permanent Delegation 
of Thailand to the WTO 
(22 April 2016)   
Financial aid scheme through low -interest loans for rice 
producers with the aim of creating value added products  Permanent Delegation 
of Thailand to the WTO 
(22 April 2016)   
Turkey  
Extens ion of the temporary elimination of import tariffs on 
certain meats from the European Union, for state owned 
enterprise "Meat and Milk Board (ESK)", under certain import 
quotas  Permanent Delegation 
of Turkey to the WTO 
(14 October 2016)  Extended until 
31 December 2016  
United States  
Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (overall 
budget USS$305  billion) providing long -term funding certainty 
for surface transportation infrastructure planning and 
investment (e.g. highway, highway and motor vehicl e safety, 
public transportation, motor carrier safety, hazardous materials 
safety, rail, research technology, and statistics programmes)  Federal Highway 
Administration, U.S. 
Department of 
Transportation 
(December 2015)  Effective 
4 December  2015 
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 184 - 
 
  Recorded,  but non -confirmed information148 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Algeria  
Gradual reduction of subsidy scheme for petrol and electricity  Arabnews.com 
(22 November 2015)   
Reintroduction of consumer credit for the purchase of products 
domestically manufactured o r assembled in Algeria  Press reports referring 
to Loi de Finances and 
Arrêté interminist ériel 
(31 December 2015)   
Angola  
Elimination of fuel subsidies and liberalization of fuel prices for 
eight types of fuels including gasoline and diesel, except for LN G 
and kerosene  VdAtlas Flash News 
(4 February 2016) 
referring to  
Decree 706/15  Effective 
1 January  2016 
Bangladesh  
Financial aid scheme for export -oriented pharmaceutical 
enterprises  The Daily Star 
(29 January 2016)   
Brazil  
Extension of the scope and v alidity of the "Special Tax Refund 
Regime for Exporting Companies (Reintegra)", covering most of 
the exporting sectors, with a few exceptions in the agriculture 
sector. Amendments introduced in the regime delaying the 
application of the maximum tax -refunda ble percentage, but also 
entailing the possibility to have it increased depending on the 
macroeconomic situation  Press reports referring 
to Decree 8.415  
(March 2016)   
National Export Plan increasing available financing and 
guarantees for exporters, as wel l as improvement of mechanism 
and tax regimes for export support  Press reports 
(March  2016)   
Cambodia  
Aid scheme for rice millers and exporters  The Cambodia Daily 
(18 March 2016)   
Egypt  
Financial aid for local car manufacturers  Press reports 
(April  2016)  
Malaysia  
Aid scheme (150 programmes) through the Malaysian External 
Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) for exporting SMEs in 
the oil  and gas, aerospace, maritime, medical, electric, electronic 
and construction sectors  The Star Online 
(21 March 2 016)  
Aid scheme (RM 1.5 billion) through direct grants for Proton car 
manufacturer  Press reports 
(20 April 2016)   
Malawi  
Elimination of VAT on imports of raw materials for the medical, 
pharmaceutical industry and fertilizer manufacturing industries  Malawi Revenue 
Authority, Press Release 
(25 November  2015)   
Myanmar  
Aid scheme through tax exemptions for export oriented 
enterprise  Myanmar Eleven  
(15 August 2016)   
Nepal  
Scheme (Nr 16 million) for milk producers  The Kathmandu Post 
(5 September 2015)   
Nigeria  
Vehicle credit purchase scheme through the National Automotive 
Design and Development Council  Vanguard 
(9 November  2015)   
Philippines  
Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) scheme 
(₱27 billion)  Business Mirror 
(23 November 2015)   
Aid scheme ( ₱3.14 billion) for SMEs and manufacturing sector  Business Mirror 
(3 April 2016)   
                                                
148 This section includes information which has been obtained from public sources but has not yet been 
confirmed by the delegation concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 185 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Sri Lanka  
Aid schemes: (i) (SL Rs 1,500 million per village) to encourage 
the production of spices; (ii) for the development of rubber 
industry research (SL Rs 100  million); (iii) allocation  of 
SL Rs 25,000/hectare to farmers, replacing the fertilizer subsidy 
previously in place; and (iv) insurance scheme for fishermen 
(SL Rs 1 million)  Dailymirror.lk referring 
to Budget 2016 
(20 November 2015)   
Financial aid (SL R s 750 million) for Chilaw, Mirissa, Kalmuniai, 
Karainagar and Pornawella harbours development  Dailymirror.lk referring 
to Budget 2016 
(20 November 2015)   
Thailand  
Financial aid (B 35 million) for rural economy  The Brunei Times 
(26 January 2016)   
Financi al aid for the pharmaceutical sector  Bangkok Post  
(19 May 2016)   
United States  
Support scheme "Grow America Act" included in the budget 
proposal for fiscal year 2015 -16 Bloomberg BNA 
(12 February 2015)   
Financial aid for dairy producers. Department of A griculture 
(USDA) to purchase approximately 11 million pounds of cheese 
(valued at US$20  million) t o reduce current cheese surplus  The Wall Street Journal 
Europe  
(15 August 2016) and 
USDA News Releases 
Nos. 181.16 and 220.16   
Uruguay  
Emergency aid (US$6 22 million) to state -owned oil enterprise 
ANCAP  El Observador 
(29 January 2016)   
Viet Nam  
Financial aid through preferential credit lines (D 100 billion) for 
domestic investors in certain sectors, e.g. technology, industry, 
industrial support, trade, agr icultural production, healthcare, 
education and training, culture and sports, and infrastructure and 
environment sectors  Viet Nam News 
(25 November 2015)   
Development of large textile and garment industrial zones (500 
to 1,000 hectares) to develop fabric and yarn production  Viet Nam News  
(19 July 2016)   
 
 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 186 - 
 
  ANNEX 5  
MEASURES AFFECTING TRADE IN SERVICES149 
(MID-OCTOBER 2015 TO MID -OCTOBER  2016) 
Confirmed information150 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
MEASURES AFFECTING VARIOUS SECTORS  
Australia  
Under the new regime, foreign persons must give notice 
to the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) before 
taking a ‘notifiable action’. Generally, a proposed action 
will be a notifiable action if a foreign person seeks to 
acquire: ‘direct interest’ in a n Australian agribusiness; a 
‘substantial interest’ in an Australian entity; or an 
‘interest’ in Australian land.  
 
An action will only be notifiable if it meets the threshold 
test. Whether a proposed transaction requires FIRB 
approval depends on whether th e threshold tests are 
met. The threshold for a foreign investor seeking to 
acquire interests in an Australian entity or the assets of 
an Australian business is $A 252 million, or $A  1,094 
million for private (non -government) investors from the 
United State s; New Zealand; Chile, China; Japan or the 
Republic of Korea. If the proposed transaction concerns 
an agribusiness, the threshold drops to $A  55 million.  
All foreign government investors require approval to 
acquire a direct interest in an Australian entity , 
irrespective of the value.  Foreign 
Investment 
Review 
Framework, 
implemented 
through 
amendments to 
the Foreign 
Acquisitions and 
Takeovers Act 
1975 and the 
introduction of the 
Foreign 
Acquisitions and 
Takeovers 
Imposition Fees 
Act 2015  Effective  
1 Decembe r 2015  √ 
Foreign investment: All foreign investors must now apply 
for approval (subject to normal monetary screening 
thresholds) when acquiring critical infrastructure assets 
from state and territory governments. Previously, only 
sales of critical infrast ructure by the states and territories 
to foreign government investors needed foreign 
investment approval.  
 Department of the 
Treasury  
(20 September 
2016) See 
http://sjm.ministe
rs.treasury.gov.au
/media -
release/031 -2016/  Effective as of  
31 March 2016  √ 
China 
The existing approval requirements for the establishment, 
changes and operation periods of "foreign -invested 
enterprises" (FIEs), will be replaced by a filing system 
(the Special Administrative Measures for the Market 
Access of   Foreign Investment iss ued or approved by the 
State Council  are not involved ). 
 Amendments to 
relevant laws, 
including the  
Wholly Foreign -
owned Enterprise 
Law, the Sino -
Foreign Equity 
Joint Venture 
Enterprise Law, 
and the Sino -
Foreign 
Cooperative Joint 
Venture Enterprise 
Law (D ecision by 
the National 
People’s Congress 
Standing 
Committee on 3 
September 2016)  Effective  
1 October 2016  √ 
                                                
149 The inclusion of any measure  in this Annex  implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex  implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referre d to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
150 This section  includes information which has either been provid ed by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 187 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
Revision of regulations and normative documents 
applicable to foreign invested enterprises (FIEs) 
regarding the registered capital system and eli mination of 
minimum capital requirements for  the following services 
sectors: auction services; leasing services; freight 
forwarding agency services; wholesale and storage of 
refined oil; sale and storage of crude oil; engineering and 
construction services ; logistics; and commercial factoring. 
The decision also modifies the regulatory framework on 
the establishment of investment companies by foreign 
investors. Such companies may now adopt the form of 
companies limited by shares, and are thereby no longer 
restricted to limited liability companies. The minimum 
registered capital requirement of US$30 million has been 
abolished.  Order No. 2 of 
2015 on Revising 
Certain 
Regulations and 
Regulated 
Documents, issued 
by MOFCOM.151  Effective 
28 October  2015 √ 
India  
The Government of India, on 7 June 2016, released 
"Consolidated FDI Circular of 2016" (which is released on 
an annual basis), consolidating the policy changes 
occurred during the last year.  Further, vide Press Note  5 
(2016) dated 24  June 2016, India introd uced another 
comprehensive liberalization in FDI policy. For example:  
 
the Government permitted 100% FDI under the 
government approval route for trading , including through 
e-commerce, in respect of food products manufactured 
and/or produced in India.  
 
Sectoral cap on Broadcasting sector has been raised 
across various activities viz. Teleports, DTH, Cable 
Networks (Digital), Mobile TV, HITS (from 74% to 
100%);  FM Radio, up -linking of news and current affairs 
(from 26% to 49%) and Cable Networks (not undert aking 
digitization) (from 49% to 100%). Further, FDI route for 
Teleports, DTH, Cable Networks (Digital), Mobile TV, 
HITS, Cable Networks (not undertaking digitization), and 
Up-linking of Non - "news and current affairs" and 
down -linking of channels has been  changed to automatic 
route.  
 
Regional Air Transport Service has been opened for 
foreign investment up to 100%, with 49% under 
automatic route, and beyond that through government 
approval route. Foreign equity cap of activities of 
Scheduled Air Transport S ervice/Domestic Scheduled 
Passenger Airline has been increased from 49% to 100%, 
with 49% under automatic route, and beyond that 
through government approval route. Further, foreign 
equity cap of activities of Non -Scheduled Air Transport 
Service, as well as  Ground Handling Services, have been 
increased from 74% to 100% under the automatic route. 
Also, 100% FDI under automatic route has been 
permitted in Brownfield Airport projects. 100% FDI 
through the automatic route is permitted for construction 
developmen t sector. The Government liberalized certain 
requirements regarding area restriction, minimum 
capitalization and exit and repatriation of foreign 
investment.  The Department of 
Industrial Policy 
and Promotion, 
Ministry of 
Commerce and 
Industry, 
Government o f 
India 
viewed at:  
http://dipp.gov.in/
English/policies/FD
I_Circular_2016.p
df 
 
viewed at:  
Review of Foreign 
Direct Investment 
(FDI) policy on 
various sectors 
(Press note No. 5) , 
Jun 24, 2016  
 
Note: The policy 
amendments 
made vide Press 
Note 5(2016) are 
pending 
notification in 
relevant schedules 
of FEMA.  Effective  
7 June 2016  √ 
                                                
151 It revises "Circular of the State Council on Printing and I ssuing Reform Proposals for the Registered 
Capital Registration System" (issued by State Council [2014] No.7) and in the "Notice of the General Office of 
the State Council on Accelerating the Implementation of the Relevant Matters Concerning the Reform of the 
Registration System for Registered Capital" (Notice of the General Office of the State Council [2015] No.14).  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 188 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
Liberalization of FDI Policy. Changes include the increase 
in sectoral caps and the removal of prior authorization 
requirements. Foreign equity caps have been increased 
as follows: 1) from 26% to 49% in FM Radio Broadcasting 
and News TV channels service s; and 2) from 74% to 
100% in Teleports, Direct -to-Home, Cable Networks, 
Mobile TV, Headend -in-the sky broadcasting service 
(HITS) services, satellites establishment and operation 
services, credit information services, non -scheduled air 
transport services,  and ground -handling services. Full 
foreign -ownership is also permitted in construction 
development projects, and duty free shops. Foreign 
equity caps of 49% remain in force for scheduled air 
transport services, domestic scheduled passenger airline 
service s, and regional air transport services (included as 
part of new policy issued vide Press Note No 12 (2015 
series)), though without any prior authorization 
requirement.  Press Note No 12 
(2015 series), 
issued by the 
Ministry of 
Commerce and 
Industry on  
24 No vember 
2015 24 November 2015  √ WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 189 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
Indonesia  
Indonesia's new 2016 negative investment list.  
100% foreign ownership is now possible in certain 
e-commerce activities (in the form of marketplace, daily 
deals, price grabber and/or online classified ads model) 
involving investments of more than RP 100 billion; 
telecommunication equipment certification; business and 
management consultancy/hospital consultancy services; 
healthcare support services (medical equipment rental 
and laboratory, medical check -up clinic services); cold 
storage; distri bution affiliated with production; futures 
brokers; direct selling through marketing networks; 
certain activities in tourism and creative economy sector 
(bars, cafes and operation of sports facilities (e.g. gyms; 
film studios, film processing laboratories,  film dubbing 
facilities, film printing and/or duplication facilities; film 
shooting facilities, film editing facilities, film subtitling 
facilities, film production, cinema, recording studios, film 
distribution; restaurants)).  
 
The 2016 Negative List perm its an increased level of 
foreign ownership in a number of business lines, where 
previously foreign investment was either prohibited, 
limited or not expressly permitted. Categories where 
foreign investment has been capped at 49%: certain 
e-commerce activit ies (in the form of marketplace, daily 
deals, price grabber and/or online classified ads model) 
with investments of less than RP  100 billion; and 
examination and testing of high voltage electrical 
installation. Sectors where foreign investment has been 
capped at 67%: fixed and mobile telecommunication 
networks; telecommunication networks integrated with 
telecommunication services; internet service providers; 
professional training (e.g. computer courses); 
construction consultancy services involving advanced 
technology, high risk, and/or a value of more than  
RP 10 billion (up to 70% for ASEAN investors); certain 
activities in tourism and creative economy sector (golf 
courses, travel bureaus, motels, private museums, 
meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhi bitions (MICE) 
operations) (up to 70% for ASEAN investors); 
department stores (retail space between 400m2 and 
2,000m2); distribution (non -affiliated with production) 
and warehousing; passenger land transportation 
(inter -city and inter -province transport, r ural transport, 
urban transport, in province intercity transport, 
cross-border transport); non -scheduled land 
transportation (taxis, tourism transport, certain 
area/destination transport); supporting services for 
transport terminals; air transportation sup porting 
services (computer reservation system, ground handling 
and aircraft leasing); services activities related to 
airports; freight forwarding services; air cargo expedition 
services; general sales agencies for foreign airlines; and 
maritime cargo handl ing services  (up to 70% for ASEAN 
investors).  
 
The 2016 Negative List has, however, increased certain 
limitations/restrictions that are applicable for certain 
business lines, by reserving these business lines for 
investment by, or in partnership with, dom estic SMEs, 
namely in certain construction services and retail trading 
via mail or internet order (for goods under certain 
categories).  Presidential 
Resolution  
44/2016,  
viewed at:  
http://www2.bkp
m.go.id/images/up
loads/prosedur_in
vestasi/file_upload
/REGULATION -OF-
THE-PRESIDENT -
OF-THE-
REPUBLIC -OF-
INDONESIA -
NUMBER -44-YEAR-
2016.pdf  Signed by pres ident 
on 12 May 2016  √ WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 190 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
New Zealand  
From 1 October 2016, the goods and services tax (GST) 
will apply to cross -border "remote" services and 
intangibles supplied by non -resident suppliers to New 
Zealand -resident consumers.   The new rules will require 
non-resident suppliers to r egister and return GST on any 
remote (including online) services they supply to 
customers who reside in New Zealand  if the supplies 
exceed (or are expected to exceed) $NZ  60,000 in a 
12-month period. Below is a more detailed summary of 
the measure.  Permane nt 
Delegation of New 
Zealand to  
the WTO 
(October  2016)  Effective  
1 October 2016  √ 
Ukraine  
Abolition of mandatory state registration of foreign 
investment   The Law of 
Ukraine as of  
31 May 2016 
No. 1390-VIII "On 
amendments to 
some legislative 
acts of Ukraine 
concerning the 
abolition of 
mandatory state 
registration of 
foreign 
investme nt".  Effective  
25 June 2016  √ 
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES  
China  
The circular concerns B2C e -commerce. It specifies 
taxation conditions for cross -border (B2C) online sales of 
goods. Individual transactions are limited to Y 2,000, and 
all transactions per pers on per year are limited to a 
maximum of Y 20,000.  Circular of 
Taxation on the 
Tax Policy for 
Cross -border 
E-commerce Retail 
Imports (Cai Guan 
Shui [2016] 
No. 18) 
(“Circular”), jointly 
issued by State 
Administration of 
Taxation, the 
Ministry of Finance 
and the General 
Administration of 
Customs.  Effective 
8 April 2016 √ 
Colombia  
As per Law 1700, multilevel marketing and distribution 
cannot cover financial products, sales or placement of 
securities, food products for which caution is necessary 
for public health reasons, or goods and services which 
necessitate a prescri ption from a health professional. 
Decree 024 establishes that foreign companies seeking to 
develop multi -level marketing and distribution activities 
directly in Colombia must establish a branch in Colombia. 
Natural persons, including foreign ones, are not allowed 
to act as representatives of multi -level marketing 
companies or to directly carry out these activities in 
Colombia.  Regulatory decree 
024/2016, which 
regulates Law 
1700 of 2013, on 
multilevel 
marketing and 
distribution of 
goods and 
services.  Effect ive 
12 January 2016  √ 
India  
Subject to the general conditions on single brand 
retailing, an entity operating though brick and mortar 
stores is permitted to undertake retail trading through 
e-commerce. Also, sourcing norms for firms with more 
than 51% for eign investment (i.e. 30% of local -sourcing 
requirements, referring to manufacturing materials 
bought from Indian vendors) will not be applicable up to 
3 years from commencement of the business (i.e. 
opening of the first store) for entities undertaking sin gle 
brand retail of products having “state -of-the-art” or 
“cutting -edge” technology, or if local sourcing is not 
possible.  Consolidated FDI 
Policy  
http://dipp.nic.in/
English/acts _rules/
Press_Notes/pn5_
2016.pdf  
http://dipp.nic.in/
English/Policies/FD
I_Circular_2016.p
df Effective  
7 June 2016  √ WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 191 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
Allows 100% foreign ownership of business -to-business 
e-commerce u nder the automatic route (i.e. without prior 
authorization).  Press Note No. 3 
(2016 series), 
issued by the 
Ministry of 
Commerce and 
Industry  Effective  
29 March 2016  √ 
Singapore  
Requirement that stores keep tobacco products out of 
sight.  Amendments to 
the Tobacco 
(Control of 
Advertisements 
and Sale) Bill, 
passed on 
14 March 2016  
(https://www.parli
ament.gov.sg  
/sites/default/files/
Tobacco%20  
(Control%20of  
%20 
Advertisments%20
and%20  
Sale)%20(Amend
ment)%20Bill  
%2010 -2016.pdf)  Effective from 2017  √ 
FINANCIAL  SERVICES  
Australia  
Since July 2012, Australia has imposed additional 
requirements on cross -border clearing and settlement 
facilities (i.e. central counterparties and securities 
settlement systems) based on the materiality of domestic 
participation in th e facility, the systemic importance of 
the facility in Australia, and the strength of its connection 
to the domestic financial system or real economy.152 
Under this framework, if a facility is systemically 
important in Australia and has a strong domestic 
connection then the facility is required to be domestically 
incorporated and there will be restrictions on the degree 
of offshore provision of services. The application of this 
framework was clarified in March 2014.153 The new 
November 2015 measure clarifies  the scope of the 
licensing regime for overseas clearing and settlement 
facilities.  An overseas clearing and settlement facility is 
required to be licensed in Australia (or formally exempted 
from licensing) if, and only if, it has a material domestic 
connect ion. Council of 
Financial 
Regulators (2015), 
Overseas Clearing 
and Settlement 
Facilities: The 
Australian 
Licensing Regime, 
November. 
http://ww w.cfr.go
v.au/publications/c
fr-
publications/2015/
ocsf-aus-licensing -
regime/pdf/report.
pdf Effective  
November 2015  √ 
                                                
152 Council of Financial Regulators (2012), Ensuring Appropriate Influence for Australian Regulators over 
Cross -border Clearing and Settlement F acilities, July. 
http://www.treasury.gov.au/ConsultationsandReviews/Consultations/2012/cross -border -clearing  
153 Council of Financial Regulators (201 4), Application of the Regulatory Influence Framework for Cross -
border Central Counterparties, March. http://ww w.cfr.gov.au/publications/cfr -publications/2014/pdf/app -reg-
influence -framework -cross-border -central -counterparties.pdf  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 192 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
China  
In principle, an overseas institution that only provides 
bank card clearing services in foreign currencies for 
cross-border transactions (hereinafter referred to as the 
“Overseas Institution”) is not obligated to establish any 
bank card clearing institution within the territory of 
China. However, if the Overseas Institution exerts 
significant impact on the sound operation of the domestic 
bank card clearing system or public payment confidence, 
it shall establish a legal person entity within the ter ritory 
of China and obtain the bank card clearing business 
permit pursuant to the relevant regulations.  
 
An overseas bank card clearing institution wishing to 
engage in RMB -denominated bank card clearing business 
shall apply for a license to establish a b ank card clearing 
institution within the territory of China pursuant to the 
law.  
 
Domestic and foreign investors applying to establish bank 
card clearing institutions are equally treated and subject 
to uniform requirements in terms of establishment 
condit ions, application procedures and business 
management in accordance with the Administrative 
Measures for Bank Card Clearing Institutions.  Administrative 
Measures for Bank 
Card Clearing 
Institutions (Order 
No. 2 of 2016 of 
the People's Bank 
of China and the 
China Banking 
Regulatory 
Commission).  
[Note: 
implementation 
regulation of the 
Decision of the 
State Council on 
the Market Access 
Administration of 
Bank Card 
Clearing 
Institutions 
(Guo Fa  No. 22 of 
2015)]  
Press Conference 
of the People’s 
Bank of China on  
Administrative 
Measures for Bank 
Card Clearing 
Institutions  Effective  
8 June 2016  
 √ 
The new measure broadens the scope of foreign investors 
qualified to invest in the Chinese interbank bond market 
(the CIBM), and removes quotas. Most types of foreign 
institutional investors (including "commercial banks, 
insurance companies, securities firms, fund management 
companies and other asset management institutions", 
their investment products, "pension funds, charity funds, 
endowment funds" and "other mid -term or long -term 
institution investors recognized by PBOC", are now 
allowed to invest in t he CIBM (the "Foreign Institutional 
Financial Investors"). Prior to the Announcement, access 
to the CIBM was limited to foreign Central Bank -type 
institutions (including foreign central banks or monetary 
authorities, international financial organizations a nd 
sovereign wealth funds), clearing banks for RMB 
business, foreign participating banks for RMB settlement 
of cross -border trade, foreign insurance companies in 
some regions, qualified foreign institutional investors 
(QFIIs) and RMB qualified foreign inst itutional investors 
(RQFIIs). Foreign Institutional Financial Investors must 
be "mid -term or long -term investors recognized by 
PBOC", and are not subject to investment quotas.  Announcement on 
Issues relating to 
Investment by 
Foreign 
Institutional 
Investor s in 
Interbank Bond 
Market 
(Announcement 
No. 3, the "2016 
Announcement"), 
published by the 
People's Bank of 
China (PBOC).  Effective  
17 February 2016  √ 
India  
The Decision raised the foreign shareholding limit from 
5% to 15% in Indian Stock Exchanges for a  stock 
exchange, a depository, a banking company, an 
insurance company and a commodity derivative 
exchange . Decision by the 
Union Cabinet of 
India. Press 
Information 
Bureau   
Government of 
India 
Cabinet,  
27 July 2016.   √ WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 193 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
The Amendments permit 100% foreign  investment 
through automatic route in 18 non -banking finance 
companies (if these services are regulated by financial 
sector regulators like the Reserve Bank of India, the 
Securities and Exchange Board of India, the Pension Fund 
Regulatory and Development Authority and the Insurance 
Regulatory and Development Authority), including 
suppliers of merchant banking, under writing, portfolio 
management services, financial consultancy, and stock 
broking  Amendments to 
the Foreign 
Exchange 
Management 
(Transfer or Is sue 
of Security by the 
Person Resident 
Outside India) 
regulations on 
NBFCs, adopted by 
the Cabinet on  
10 August 2016.  
(Press Information 
Bureau   
Government of 
India Cabinet)   √ 
Allows 100% foreign ownership of "white label ATM 
operations" by non -bank ent ities under the automatic 
route (i.e. without prior authorization).  Press Note No. 11 
(2015 series), 
issued by Ministry 
of Commerce and 
Industry  1 October 2015  √ 
Revision of the extant guidelines154 on ownership in 
private sector banks which envisaged diver sified 
shareholding in private sector banks by a single 
entity/corporate entity/group of related entities.  Press Release: 
2015-2016/2651, 
issued by the 
Reserve Bank 
India (RBI), 
amending the 
Guidelines on 
Ownership/Shareh
olding in Private 
Sector Banks  
viewed at:  
(https://www.rbi.o
rg.in/Scripts/BS_P
ressReleaseDisplay
.aspx?prid=36968 ) 12 May 2016  √ 
Indonesia  
Indonesian insurers are required to place all reinsurance 
of motor, health, personal accident, credit, life and 
suretyship business (so -called "simple risks") with 
domestic Indonesian reinsurers. For other insurance 
business (so -called "non -simple risks"), a minimum of 
25% of reinsurance of that business must be placed with 
domestic reinsurers and up to 75% may be placed with 
off-shore reinsurers. However, subject to approval by the 
OJK, exceptions to the 100% local cession requirement 
for "si mple risks" can be granted. The exemptions for 
simple risks that may be considered by the OJK are for 
the following products: products specifically designed for 
multinational companies (e.g. group and employment 
benefit insurance); medical reimbursement pr oducts with 
global coverage; and new products developed by a 
foreign reinsurer. In the latter case, a new product 
designed by a foreign reinsurer can be reinsured with the 
foreign reinsurer for a maximum of four years, after 
which the new policies will be subject to the local cession 
rules.  Regulation No. 
14/POJK.05/2015 
on Self -Retention 
and Domestic 
Reinsurance 
Support 
("Regulation 14"), 
issued by the 
Financial Services 
Authority ("OJK") 
on 10 November 
2015; and OJK 
Circular Letter No. 
31/SEOJK.05/2015 
on Self-Retention 
Limitation, Portion 
of Reinsurance 
Support and 
Reports on 
Reinsurance and 
Retrocession 
Program ("Circular 
Letter 31"),  
issued on  
16 November 2015.  Effective 
1 January  2016 √ 
                                                
154 Reserve Bank of India, Roadmap for presence of Foreign Banks in India and Ownership and 
Governance in Private Sector banks, RBI/2004 -05/377, DBOD.No.BP.BC.71/21.01.01/2004 -05, at 
https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=2142&Mode=0 .  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 194 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
Philippines  
Gradual lifting of the ban on the grant of licens es for the 
establishment of new banks. The circular, which lifts the 
suspension relative to the grant of new banking licences 
or the establishment of new banks established by 
Subsection X102.2 of the Manual of Regulations for 
Banks, provides for a two -phase liberalization approach: 
phase 1, in effect until the end of 2017, allows existing 
thrift banks to apply for a licence to become a universal 
or commercial bank; phase 2, which will commence on 
1 January 2018, involves the removal of all restrictions 
on the grant of new bank licences. The granting of 
licences for new banks in unbanked areas, as well as for 
microfinance -oriented thrift and rural banks, which were 
exempted from the moratorium, shall continue to be 
allowed as governed by existing regulations.  Circular 902 
(series 2016), 
issued by the 
Central Bank of 
the Philippines 
(Bangko Sentral 
ng Pilipinas or 
BSP), issued on  
15 February 2016  Two stages: 1) from 
February 2016 until 
end 2017, and 
2) starting 
1 January  2018 √ 
Switzerland  
The Act and its Implementing Ordinance govern the 
organization and operation of financial market 
infrastructures and the trading of derivatives. They 
establish an authorization regime alongside authorization 
conditions and requirements spec ific to central 
counterparties, central securities depositaries, trade 
repositories and payment systems. In the case of 
cross-border transactions, as a general rule, transactions 
between a Swiss counterparty and a counterparty 
domiciled abroad are subject to the provisions of the law 
regarding clearing, reporting and risk mitigation 
obligations. However, the Swiss rules provide for a 
substituted compliance regime: a foreign counterparty 
may satisfy its obligations under the Swiss law by 
complying with forei gn regulations, if (i) the relevant 
foreign law is recognized by the Swiss authorities as 
being equivalent; and (ii) with respect to clearing and 
reporting obligations, if the relevant foreign central 
counterparty (CCP) or trade repository has been 
recogni zed by FINMA (or has been exempted from the 
recognition requirement by FINMA).  Implementing 
ordinance to the 
Federal Act on 
Financial Market 
Infrastructures 
and Market 
Conduct in 
Securities and 
Derivatives 
Trading 
(RS 958.1). WTO 
document 
S/C/N/859.  Effective 
25 November 2015  √ 
MARITIME TRANSPORT SERVICES  
China  
Sino-foreign equity joint ventures and sino -foreign 
cooperative joint ventures are now allowed to establish in 
the free trade zones to engage in international transport 
business between Chinese p orts, without limitation on 
share -holding. They are allowed to supply international 
transport agency services (with foreign investment 
limited to 51%).  
 
Foreign wholly owned enterprises established in the free 
trade zones are now allowed to supply cargo h andling, 
container station and depot services auxiliary to 
international maritime transport, and international ship 
management services.  Notice Concerning 
the 
Implementation of 
Maritime Policies 
in the Free Trade 
Zones, issued by 
the Ministry of 
Transport.  Effective  June 2015  √ WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 195 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
Indonesia  
Domestic investment companies ("PMDN") must apply for 
licences to the local Governor where the PMDN company 
is located, while joint ventures and foreign investment 
companies must apply for licenses to Indonesia 
Investmen t Coordinating Board (“BKPM”). The minimum 
required capital of an entity engaged in freight forwarding 
is increased to RPl 25 billion (from RPl 200 million), of 
which at least 25% (i.e. RPl 6.25 billion) must be fully 
paid-up. Different minimum capital req uirements apply to 
freight forwarders with foreign investment: 
US$10  million, of which at least 25% must be in the form 
of equity and paid -up. Further, the new regulation 
continues to limit the operational scope of a foreign 
invested freight forwarding com pany to a specific number 
of airports and seaports. Pursuant to the Presidential 
Regulation No. 39 of 2014 concerning List of Lines of 
Business that are Closed and Conditionally Open for 
Investments (the so -called Negative List), foreign share 
ownership in  a freight forwarding company is limited to 
49%.  Regulation No. 
PM 146 Year 2015 
on Organizing and 
Managing Freight 
Forwarding 
Services 
Businesses 
(“PM 146/2015”), 
issued by the 
Ministry of 
Transportation, 
amending several 
provisions in 
Regulation 
No. PM 74 Year 
2015 
(“PM 74/2015”) 
which had been 
amended by 
Regulation 
No. PM 78  
Year 2015 
(“PM 78/2015”).  Effective 
20 October  2015 √ 
Philippines  
Act allows foreign vessels to transport and co -load foreign 
cargoes for domestic transshipment. For this purpose , 
foreign ship operators are required to submit their cargo 
manifest to the Port Authorities to ensure that no 
domestic cargoes are carried by the foreign ship.  Act No. 10668, 
enacted by the 
Congress of the 
Philippines.  Effective  
9 June 2015  √ 
South Afri ca 
Amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act, 1951, so as 
to give effect to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 
and the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007; and to provide 
for matters connected therewith  
 
 Act No. 12 of 
2015, enacted by 
the Parliament of 
the Republic of 
South Africa on  
19 October 2015.   √ 
POSTAL SERVICES  
China  
Universal postal services in China cover the handling of 
letters, press products weighing less than 5 kg, parcels 
and packages weighing less than 10 kg, as well as postal 
remittance. Letter mail is operated exclusively by China 
Post; foreign investors and overseas postal operators are 
not allowed to provide postal services within the territory 
the People’s Republic of China.  Measures for the 
Supervision and 
Administration of 
Universal Postal 
Services (Order 
No. 19 of 2015 of 
the M inistry of 
Transport of the 
People’s Republic 
of China),  
released on  
14 October 2015 
by the Ministry of 
Transport.  Effective  
1 December 2015  √ 
SERVICES SUPPLIED THROUGH THE MOVEMENT OF NATURAL PERSONS  
Canada  
New entry requirement, the Electronic Travel 
Authorization (eTA), for foreign nationals from countries 
whose citizens normally do not need a visa to travel to, 
or transit through, Canada  by air. Exceptions exist. To 
ensure a smooth transition to the new requirement, a  
leniency period has been put in place until the autumn of 
2016, to allow travellers without an eTA to board their 
flights as long as they have other appropriate travel 
docum ents. Viewed at:  
http://www.cic.gc.
ca/english/ visit/et
a.asp?utm_campai
gn=eta_20150417
_ 
travel&utm_source
=online_vanity -
url&utm_medium=
web-
marketing&utm_co
ntent=  
canada.ca -
eta&_ga=1.73702
738.1710299441.1
462191863  Effective 
15 March  2016 √ WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 196 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
India  
Further expansion of e -Tourist Visa (eTV) programme, 
which enables International Travelers whose sole 
objective of visiting India is recreation, sight -seeing, 
casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short duration 
medical treatment or casual business visit to visit India 
for a maximum of 30 days of stay.  As of end -February 
2016, nationals from a total of 150 countries were eligible 
under the programme.  Viewed at:  
https://indianvisao
nline.gov.in/visa/t
voa.html   
 As of 
end-February  2016 √ 
Indonesia  
Abolishes the requirement that companies hire ten 
Indonesian workers for every foreign national they 
employ that had been introduced in June 2015 with 
Regulation 16/2015.   Regulation 
No. 35/2015, 
issued by the 
Ministry of 
Manpower  Effective 
23 October  2015 √ 
Peru  
Restructuring of the country's system of work visas and 
relevant procedures. The main changes comprise revised 
immigration categories that include a " short stay work " 
visa allowing foreign nationals to work in the country for 
up to 30 days, an "appointed worker visa" enabling 
temporary foreign workers not employed in Peru to come 
and perform specialized work on behalf of their 
employing foreign company for a period of 30 days, and a 
"temporary worker resident visa" issued to 
intra-corporate transferees for a non -renewable period of 
up to two years. The changes will take effect 90 days 
after the publication of accompanying regulations.  New Aliens Act, 
enacted on  
26 September 2015  
viewed at:  
(http://www.bizlati
nhub.com/the -
changes -brought -
by-the-new-
peruvian -
immigration -law/; 
https://www .linke
din.com/pulse/per
u-new-aliens -act-
impact -peruvian -
immigration -
carolina ) Effective  
26 September 2015  √ 
Singapore  
Increase of the monthly levy payable by employers for 
hiring foreign workers, including S Pass holders (mid -
level skilled workers) in all industries and (semi -skilled) 
work permit holders in the services sector. From  
1 July 2016, the monthly  levy for S Pass holders in all 
industries will increase to SGD 330 (from SGD315) or to 
SGD650 (from SGD550) depending on the proportion of 
foreign workers hired by the employer. The monthly levy 
for less skilled work permit holders in the services sector 
will increase, depending on the proportion of foreign 
workers hired by the employer, to SGD 450, to SGD 450 
(from SGD420), SGD600 (from SGD550) or SGD 800 
(from SGD700).  
 Viewed at:  
http://www.mom.
gov.sg/passes -
and-permits/s -
pass/quota -and-
levy/levy -and-
quota -
requirements  
 Effective  
1 July 2016  √ 
Thailand  
The Royal Ordinance aims to regulate the conduct of 
business of bringing migrant workers to wor k in Thailand, 
to help improve Thailand's management of recruitment 
agencies, prevent migrant workers from being exploited 
and prevent trafficking in persons, debt bondage and 
forced labour, as well as promote the rights and benefits 
of migrant workers.  Royal Ordinance: 
Concerning Rules 
on Bringing 
Migrant Workers to 
Work with 
Employers in the 
Kingdom. 
Published in the 
Government 
Gazette, Vol.  133, 
Part 70a, dated 
15th August B.E. 
2559 (2016)  Effective:  
16 August 2016  √ WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 197 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
Turkey  
The International Workforce Law No. 6735, which 
regulates, inter alia, the issuance of work permits for 
foreigners, entered into force after being published in the 
Official Gazette on 13 August 2016 and replaced the 
former "Law on Work Permits o f Foreigner, No. 4817".  
The Law contains new rules on posted or seconded 
foreigners, which for the first time provide specific 
recognition of temporary international seconded workers 
under Turkish legislation, and introduces the new concept 
of cross -borde r service provider (i.e. a foreigner who lives 
in Turkey temporarily to render any service and is paid by 
a source within or outside Turkey).  Viewed at:  
http://www.hurriy
etdailynews.com/n
ew-law-on-the-
international -
labor-force-in-
turkey.aspx?pageI
D=449&nID =1028
78&NewsCatID=39
6 Effective  
13 August 2016  √ 
TELECOMMUNICATIONS/ICT/AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES  
Australia  
Reducing regulatory burden on industry: continuing to 
simplify and remove outdated or unnecessary conditions 
on carriers and carriage service provider s. Department of 
Communications 
and the Arts  
(18 April 2016)  Ongoing  √ 
The Government committed $A  100 million to the first 
round of a new initiative "the Black Spots Programme"’ 
which is delivering 499 new and upgraded mobile base 
stations across Austra lia. The locations to benefit under 
Round 1 were announced in June 2015. The full rollout of 
all 499 mobile base stations funded under Round 1 has 
begun and will occur over three years. Several Rounds 
are being considered in the future.  Department of 
Commu nications 
and the Arts  
(18 April 2016)  Ongoing  √ 
China  
The decision reforms and simplifies the system of 
administrative approvals related to audiovisual and media 
services:  
- report for initial project and approval requirements.155 
imposed to Sino -foreign co -produce films, for the 
overseas processing o r post production of negatives and 
workprints, have been removed.  
- approval procedures for film exhibition events in China, 
co-hosted with foreign countries, have been simplified. 
Depending on the number of foreign countries involved, 
approvals may be ob tained with the provincial -level (one 
country) or the central -level (more than one country) 
SAPPRFT.156 
- central -level SAPPRFT approval requirement for Chinese 
domestic TV series that involve foreigners in their 
creation, has been changed, delegating this r esponsibility 
now to provincial -level authority. This change gives them 
the same treatment as Chinese domestic TV series 
without foreign involvement.  
 
Exceptions to this provincial -level delegation apply.  Decision on the 
Amendment of 
certain rules 
issued b y State 
Administration of 
Press, Publication 
radio, Film and 
Television 
(SAPPRFT) on  
18 May 2016   √ 
                                                
 155 Previously, demonstration of special technical need was requi red for overseas processing and 
post-production.  
 156 Previously, all localized film festivals with foreign elements, had to be organized by the Government 
and centrally approved.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 198 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
"Sword Net 2016", campaign to crack down on internet 
infringement and piracy. The campaign will focus on 
combating infringement and piracy of unauthorized illegal 
distribution of online literature, news, movies and TV 
plays, safeguarding legal rights an d interests of right 
holders.  Notice by the 
National Copyright 
Administration, 
State Internet 
Information Office, 
the Ministry of 
Industry and 
Information 
Technology, and 
the Ministry of 
Public Security 
(Guo Ban Fa No. 2 
of 2016)  Effective  
17 June 2016  
 √ 
The measure sets out the pre -approval requirements for 
publishing mobile games in China. The Notice is 
applicable to any mobile game published in China, 
regardless of the game genre or origin. From 1 July 2016, 
no mobile game can be published without pre -approval 
from the SAPPRFT. A simplified approval process, which is 
expected to be completed within 18 working days, will be 
applicable to qualified domestic games only.  
 
Foreign copyrighted mobile games are subject to the 
currently applicable approval requ irements, which are not 
subject to specific timelines.  Notice on the 
Administration  of 
Publishing Services 
of Mobile Games, 
promulgated by 
the State 
Administration of 
Press, Publication, 
Radio, Film and 
Television 
("SAPPRFT") on  
2 June 2016.  Effective  
1 July 2016  √ 
The National Copyright Administration issued to 
departments of the Central Government, provinces, 
autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the 
central government the Notice on Printing and Releasing 
the Guide for Managing Legitimate Software .  Guo Ban BanFa   
No. 13 of 2016/  
11 July 2016   √ 
European Union  
The regulation applies to data processing in the context 
of activities of an establishment of a company in the 
Union and to processing of personal data of data subjects 
who are in the Union  by a company not established in the 
Union where the processing relates to (i) offering goods 
or services to such data subjects in the Union, or 
(ii) profiling or tracking their behaviour as far as this 
behaviour takes place within the EU (Article 3).  
 
The regulation dedicates a chapter to transfers of 
personal data to third countries or international 
organizations. The system of international transfers 
pursues and further clarifies the approach of Directive 
95/46/EC which is based on adequacy decisions, 
appropriate safeguards and derogations. The Regulation 
provides for a system of international data transfers 
outside the European Union based on three avenues:  
 
 an adequacy decision by the Commission which does 
not require any other specific authorisation ( i.e. if is 
found that the 3rd country or a territory or one or 
more specified sectors within that third country, or 
the international organization ensures an adequate 
level of protection);  
 in the absence of adequacy,  the controller must 
provide for approp riate safeguards (e.g. through 
binding corporate rules or standard contractual 
clauses);  
 in the absence of adequacy or appropriate 
safeguards, derogations apply (e.g. if the transfer is 
necessary for important reasons of public interest).  Regulation (EU) 
2016/679 on the 
protection of 
natural persons 
with regard to the 
processing of 
personal data and 
on the free 
movement of such 
data (General Data 
Protection 
Regulation).  Effective as of 
25 May 2018  √ WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 199 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
The European Commission has adopted an "adequacy 
decision157" facilitating the transfer of personal data from 
the EU to the United States.  
 
The U.S. Department of Commerce has designed a set of 
privacy rules (the "Privacy Shield") to which U.S. 
companies can voluntarily commit. If they do so, 
companies in the EU can transfer the personal data of 
their customers to those Privacy Shield companies in the 
US without a need for any authorisation.  
 Commission 
Implementing 
Decision (EU) 
2016/1250 of 
12 July 2016 
pursuant to 
Directive 95/46/EC 
of the European 
Parliament and of 
the Council on the 
adequacy of the 
protection 
provided by the 
EU-U.S. Privacy 
Shield 158 Entry into force 
12 July 2016.  √ 
Germany  
The German telecom regulator (BNetzA) has changed its 
numbering rules to ease market access for Machine to 
Machine (M2M) services providers allowing extraterritorial 
use of International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)159 
numbers.  
 
The new rule s will now allow:  
- the use of German IMSIs for M2M services in other 
countries.  Decree no. 
32/2016160  
Decree no. 
33/2016161  
Decree no. 
34/2016162 
(Published on  
15 June 2016)  Effective  
16 June 2016  √ 
United Kingdom  
Framework to be applied by Ofcom to future  spectrum 
authorisation decisions to assess spectrum sharing 
opportunities. It follows a consultation which Ofcom 
published July 2015. The framework reflects the need to 
consider carefully the circumstances of each potential 
opportunity, covering its costs  and benefits. New sharing 
opportunities will result in benefits for citizens and 
consumers from better and potentially new wireless 
services.  
The framework consists of three elements to help identify 
potential sharing opportunities in particular bands:  
(i)  characteristics of use for both incumbent and 
prospective users that inform an initial view of the 
potential for sharing and what tools may be relevant;  
(ii) barriers that may limit the extent of current or future 
sharing, despite the liberalisation of  licences and existing 
market tools such as trading or leasing; and  
(iii) regulatory tools and market and technology enablers 
that match the characteristics of use and barriers to 
facilitate new and/or more intense sharing.  Ofcom statement 
"A framework for  
spectrum sharing"  
viewed at: 
https://www.ofco
m.org.uk/__data/a
ssets/pdf_file/002
8/68239/statemen
t.pdf.  
 Effective  
14 April 2016  
 √ 
                                                
157 "Adequacy decisions” can be adopted by the European Commission on the basis of Article 25(6) of 
Directive 95/46/EC upon an application from a third country which guarantee an adequate level of protection of 
personal data by reason of its domestic law or the international commitments it has entered into. This helps to 
ensure that d ata protection standards in the EU are not circumvented by transferring personal data outside the 
European Union. 
158 http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2016.207.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ:L:2016:207:TOC  
159 This number is used to identify a particular SIM in a cellular network.  
160 Viewed at: 
http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Sachgebiete/Telekommunikation/Unternehmen
_Institutionen/Nummerierung/ TechnischeNummern/IMSI/IMSI_NP.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2  
161 Viewed at:  
http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Sachgebiete/Telekommunikation/Unternehmen
_Institutionen/Nummerierung/TechnischeNummern/IMSI/IMSI_exterritNutzung.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=
1 
162 Viewed at:  
http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/Downloads /DE/Sachgebiete/Telekommunikation/Unternehmen
_Institutionen/Nummerierung/TechnischeNummern/IMSI/IMSI_Tw_Widerruf.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 200 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  Verified by 
Member  
India  
Prohibits the offering or  charging of discriminatory tariffs 
for data services on the basis of content. Prohibits 
operators from preferential treatment, such as including 
unlimited free access to certain applications or websites 
as part of an overall service packages.  Sanctions, 
including penalties, are imposed in response to acts of 
contravention against the new regulations.  Prohibition of 
Discriminatory 
Tariffs for Data 
Services  
Regulations, 2016. 
(Press Release 13 
(2016 series), 
published by the 
Telecom 
Regulatory 
Authority of  India 
(TRAI))  Effective  
8 February 2016  √ 
Philippines  
The new act creates the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT), which shall be the 
primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing and 
administrative entity of the gover nment is tasked to that 
will plan, develop, and promote the national information 
and communications technology (ICT) development 
agenda  Republic Act 
No. 10844 
“Department of 
Information And 
Communications 
Technology Act of 
2015”  The rules and 
regulations o f RA 
10844 were issued 
on 17 October 2016 
to implement the 
law. The Rules take 
effect 15 days after 
publication in the 
Official Gazette or in 
two newspapers of 
general circulation.  √ 
Russian  Federation  
Under the law, communications service providers and 
internet -based data distributors will now have to store 
information on actual instances of the transmission of a 
message via a communication channel for up to three 
years or via th e internet, for up to one year.  
They will also be required to store the actual content of 
voice data, written texts, images, sounds, videos or other 
messages (electronic messages) after the end of the 
receipt, transmission, delivery and/or processing there of, 
for up to six months.  
Finally, they will be required to transfer to the authorities, 
the information required to decode electronic 
communications in cases where users have the possibility 
to code messages.163 Federal Law 374 -
FZ Amendments to  
the 
Commun ications 
Law Federal Law 
No. 126 -FZ the 
and the 
Information Law -
Federal Law 
No. 149-FZ 
(signed by 
President  
7 July  2016)  Effective  
20 July 2016.  
Provisions relating 
to store information 
on actual instances 
of the transmission 
of a message via a 
communica tion 
channel and content 
will be effective  
1 July 2018.  √ 
Turkey  
Turkey’s Presidency of Telecommunication and 
Communication (Telekomunikasyon Iletisim Baskanligi – 
TIB) has been merged into the  Information Technology 
and Communications Authority (Bilgi Teknolojileri ve 
Iletisim Kurumu – BTK). The TIB’s respo nsibilities 
included determination of communications made by any 
telecommunication network, evaluation of signal 
information, recordings, and also the implementation of 
the country's website blocking laws.164 Decree No. 671 - 
regarding the 
arrangement on 
some institutions 
and entities within 
the scope of the 
State of 
Emergency 
(Published in 
Official Gazette on 
17 August, 
2016)165 Effective  
17 August 2016  √ 
                                                
163 Viewed at: http://www.garant.ru/news/782190/  
164 Viewed at: https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2016/08/16/turkish -
internet -content -authority -tib-scrapped -merged -into-telecoms -  regulator/index.html  
165 Viewed at: http://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2016/08/20160817 -18.pdf  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 201 - 
 
  Recorded, but non -confirmed information166 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
MEASURES AFFECTING VARIOUS SERVICES SECTORS  
Bahrain, Kingdom of  
New law allowing 100% foreign ownership in various 
sectors. The new law will allow 100% foreign ownership in 
residency , administrative services , health and social work , 
information and communications , mining and quarrying , 
real estate activities , amongst other sectors.  Amendment to the 
Commercial Companies Law.  Effective  
19 July 2016  
Namibia  
Reservation of business ac tivities, in particular local small 
businesses, such as hairdressing, street vending, retail, 
take-away businesses and beauty salons for nationals  Investment Promotion Act  
Only references available in 
news clippings, 17/8 and 
15/8 viewed at:  
http://allafrica.com/stories/
201608150558.html , 
http://www.namibian.com.n
a/index.php?page=archive -
read&id=154556 . Signed into  law on  
12 August 2016  
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES  
Myanmar  
Allow trade in construction materials, provided that foreign 
investors engage in such activities in joint ventures with 
local firms. Conditions are as follows: joint -venture 
company must be a company  with permission to engage in 
trading; permission will be granted according to the equity 
ratio of the joint -venture companies at the time of company 
registration; foreign companies in the joint -venture may 
engage in trade only to the amount of foreign cur rency they 
have brought in officially; joint -venture company may 
engage in wholesale or retail sale of construction materials; 
on applying for Exporter -Importer Registration License, 
Form 6/26 issued by the Department of Investments and 
Company Administrat ion, as well as Bank Statement must 
be submitted; construction materials imported shall accord 
with standard specifications prescribed by relevant 
departments.  
 
For allocating licences, joint ventures will be treated in 
same way as domestic companies and T he list of goods 
permitted to foreign joint -venture companies to trade will 
be amended as needed according to the domestic demand, 
market situation and condition of domestic businesses.  
 
Concerning the foreign -Myanmar ownership ratio stipulated 
and the imp ort restriction stipulated above, a revised 
notification may be issued to clarify ambiguities in the 
wording.  Notification No.  56/2016  
Permit to Trade (56 -2016) 
Construction (in local 
language), viewed at: 
http://www.commerce.gov.
mm/sites/default/files/docu
ments/2016/07/Permit%20t
o%20Trade%20%2856 -
2016%29%20Construction.p
df 
 
unofficial translation of 
Notification viewed at:  
http://www.luther -
services.com/fileadmin/user
_upload/PDF/Newsletter/My
anmar/NL_Myanmar_07_20
165_Trading_in_constructio
n.pdf Effective 7 July 2016  
                                                
166 This section includes information which has been obtained from public sources but has not yet been 
confirmed by the delegation concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 202 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Import and wholesale throughout the country is permitted 
for products manufactured by the investor, its pare nt 
company or a group company, provided that the following 
requirements are met: minimum investment of US $2 
million, excluding leasing costs for the land; Establishment 
of a warehouse at its own lot in the Thilawa Special 
Economic Zone (SEZ); and provision  of value adding 
services or activities.  Instruction 2/2015 by 
Management Committee of 
the Thilawa Special 
Economic Zone (“Thilawa 
SEZ”),  viewed at:  
http://www.myanmarthilawa
.gov.mm/sites/default/files/I
nstruction%20on%20Tradin
g_Final.pdf  Effective 27 May 2015  
Also, import and wholesale of products by a distributor or 
agent, provided that the following requirements are met: „ 
minimum investment of US $3 million, excluding leasing 
costs for the land; official agency or distributor relationship 
with the manufacturer; established place of business in at 
least five countries, a minimum of ten year experience in 
international trading and minimum three year a verage 
annual consolidated sales of at least US $500 million of 
either the investor, its parent company or a group 
company; paid up capital of at least US $25 million of either 
the investor, its parent company or a group company; 
establishment of a warehouse  at its own lot in the Thilawa 
SEZ; and provision of value adding services or activities.    
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Increase the ceiling for foreign investment in wholesale and 
retail trade sector from 75% to 100% . 
 
Foreign firms licensed to own 100% of retail and wholesale 
businesses in Saudi Arabia under the new laws will have to 
invest at least SR l 200 million ( US$53 million) in the first 
five years after obtaining a licence. They must also have 
minimum capital of SR L 30 million ( US$7.9  million) and 
operations in at least three international markets.  Viewed at: 
https://www.sagia.gov.sa/e
n/mediaandEvents/News/Pa
ges/News15062016.aspx#   
 Effective  
14 June 2016  
Viet N am 
Regulates the establishment of representative offices and 
branches by foreign traders. A foreign trader is prohibited 
from forming more than one foreign representative office 
and branch with a similar name in a province or a city. 
Stricter requirements  apply to foreign branches: when 
applying to open branches in Viet Nam, foreign traders 
must have ha d an operating activity in Viet  Nam for at least 
five years from the date of establishment or registration.  Decree 07/2016/ND -CP, 
issued on  
25 January 2016 , guiding 
implementation of the 
Commercial Law 2005 
viewed at: 
(http://moj.gov.vn/en/Page
s/Activities -of-public -
administrative -and-justice -
reform.aspx?ItemID=3162 ) Effective 
10 March  2016 
FINANCIAL SERVICES  
Philippines  
New law lifting foreign ownership restrictions in financial 
industries.  
 
The new law allows 100% foreign ownership in adjustment 
companies, lending companies, and financing c ompanies 
and investment houses. Previously, foreign investors were 
allowed up to 60% ownership in financing companies and 
investment houses, 69% in lending companies and 40% in 
adjustment companies.  
 
 Republic Act No.  10881 
titled “An Act Amending 
Investme nt Restrictions in 
Specific Laws Governing 
Adjustment Companies 
(insurance companies), 
Lending Companies, 
Financing Companies and 
Investment Houses Cited in 
the Foreign Investment 
Negative List and For Other 
Purposes”  Effective  
16 August 2016  
Thailand  
Foreign commercial banks, representative offices of foreign 
banks, and life and non -life insurance companies are no 
longer required to apply for a foreign business license to 
operate (as foreseen in Schedule 3 of the Foreign Business 
Act), but will still be  subject to sector -specific licensing and 
foreign shareholding limit requirements.  Regulation by the Ministry of 
Commerce  Effective  
19 February 2016  
SERVICES SUPPLIED THROUGH THE MOVEMENT OF NATURAL PERSONS  
Azerbaijan  
Introduction of a work permit quota  system for foreign 
workers. As of now, prior to the start of the year, the 
Cabinet of Ministers will announce the quota for the year 
based on estimates of needs provided by employers of 
foreign nationals.  Viewed at:  
http://www.celsiummobility.
com/news/2016/3/23/azerb
aijan Effective March  2016 WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 203 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Bahrain, Kingdom of  
New regulation that provides companies that  are not in 
compliance with Bahrainisation (i.e. employment quota of 
Bahraini) with the possibility to pay an additional fee of BD  
300 for each renewal or recruitment of expatriate 
employees.  Viewed at:  
http://www.newsofbahrain.c
om/viewNews.php?ppId=19
760&TYPE=Posts&pid=&MN
U=&SUB=8  Effective 2 May 2016  
Ghana  
African Union nationals  whose countries do not have a visa -
free arrangement with Ghana are now eligible for a 30 -day 
visa-on-arrival for business and tourism  Viewed at:  
http://www.africanews.com/
2016/07/02/ghana -begins -
issuance -of-visa-on-arrival -
to-african -nationals/  Effective 1 July 2016  
Hungary  
Imposition of an annual quota on work permits for non -EEA 
nationals. 59,000 work permits could be issued until the 
end of 2015.  Viewed at:  
http://fakhouryglobal.com/2
015/10/30/hungary -quota -
introduced -for-non-eea-
national -workers -plus-
changes -to-headcount -
statement -requirement/  Effective  
August 2015  
Israel  
A one -year pilot progra mme, introduced on  
31 July 2016 allows, under certain conditions, spouses of 
holders of a B -1 Foreign Expert Visa to work in Israel.  Viewed at:  
http://pwc.blogs.com/legal/
2016/08/spouses -of-b-1-
work-permit -holders -now-
able-work-on-a-derivative -
visa-israel .html Effective  
31 July 2016  
Mozambique  
New work permit regulations will introduce stricter 
requirements in the hiring of foreign labour. These include 
the following changes:  
 
• employers will be required to dismiss a foreign 
national employee if a Mozam bican employee is 
dismissed;  
•  employment agencies will no longer be able to 
sponsor work permits for foreign employees to be 
allocated to third -party employers;  
• the Directorate of Labour will be allowed a longer 
time frame to process applications;  
•  new fees for short -term work authorisation will be 
applicable;  
•  academic certification and an equivalence certificate 
issued by the Ministry of Education will be required 
for quota and non -quota work permit applications;  
•  foreign national employees will only be allowed to 
transfer to a new employer or location if the new 
employer or location has a foreign national quota.  Viewed at:  
http://www.peregrine.im/ne
wsletter/RBr1Z9f2144  Effective  
29 November 2016  
Philippines  
Foreign intra -corporate transfer ees holding executive, 
managerial or specialist positions who have previously been 
employed by the sending company abroad for at least one 
year, as well as contractual service suppliers who are 
managers, executives of specialists employed by a foreign 
services supplier without a commercial presence in the 
Philippines, are now exempted from the documentary and 
process requirements of the Alien Employment Permit (AEP)  Viewed at:  
www.dole.gov.ph/files/DO%
20146 -15.pdf  Effective 28  September 
2015 
Saudi Arabia,  Kingdom of  
The Ministry of Labour in Saudi Arabia has announced 
several immigration changes, which include the introduction 
of a Labour Market Test for companies applying for new 
block visas starting on 1 August and an increase of 
immigration fees across  several visa categories as of 
2 October 2016.  Viewed at:  
http://www.ey.com/Publicati
on/vwLUAssets/Saudi_Arabi
a_Introduces_new_Labor_M
arket_Test_and_increased_v
isa_application_fees_impacti
ng_immigration_timing_and
_costs/$FILE/Saudi%20Arab
ia%20 -
%20Introduct ion%20of%20
new%20Labor%20Market%
20Test%20and%20increase
d%20visa%20application%2
0fees%20impacting%20imm
igration%20timing%20and
%20costs.pdf  Effective 1 August 2016 
and 2  October 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 204 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Senegal  
Elimination of visa requirements and fees for virtually all 
foreign tourists and business travellers on visits of up to 90 
days; an entry stamp may be obtained free of charge on 
arrival. Previously, business visitors needed to obtain and 
pay for a visa or electronic authorisation prior to travelling 
to the country.  http://www.cp -
africa.com/2015/04/30/visiti
ng-senegal -just-became -
easier -as-visa-is-now-on-
arrival -for-all-nationalities/  Effective  1 May 2015  
Switzerland  
After a reduction of quotas for 2015, the new decision kept 
the number of permits available Swiss -wide for citizens of 
EU/EFTA member states and non -EU/EFTA nationals at the 
same level for 2016. As of 1 January 2016 the quo tas for 
non-EU/EFTA nationals are 4 ,000 for L -permits and 2 ,500 
for B-permits, and for EU/EFTA nationals there are 2 ,000 
L-permits and 250 B -permit s. In addition, starting from 
1 June 2016, nationals from Bulgaria and Romania taking 
up employment in Switze rland will no longer be subject to 
transitory measures and will enjoy the same entry 
conditions as EU -25/EFTA nationals. Citizens of Croatia are 
still subject to separate measures.  Decision by the Federal 
Council  viewed at:  
(https://www.sem.admin.ch
/sem/en/home/themen/fza_
schweiz -eu-efta/eu -
efta_buerger_schweiz.html ) Effective 2016  
United Kingdom  
Reforms to the Tier 2 category, which include an in crease in 
Tier 2 (General) salary thresholds for experienced 
workers167; a simplified sin gle visa category for all 
intra-company transferees (ICTs), with a minimum salary 
threshold of £41,500168; the elimination of the twelve -
month experience requirement for I CTs who earn more 
than £73,900; and an "Immigration Skills Charge" levied 
from April 2017 on Tier 2 employers at a rate of £1,000 per 
person per year in most cases.  Announcement by Minister 
of State for Immigration on 
24 March 2016 viewed at: 
(https://www.gov.uk/govern
ment/news/migration -
advisory -committee -
reviews -of-tier-2) Changes will come into 
effect in two stages 
(autumn  2016 and 
April 2017)  
United Sta tes 
Increase in the fees for certain H -1B and L -1 applicants. All 
employers with 50 or more employees in the Unite d States, 
of which more than 50%  are in H -1B or L -1 status, are now 
require d to pay additional fees of US$ 4,000 and US$4 ,500, 
respectively, f or each H -1B and L -1 petition and extension. 
These fees will remain in force ten years, until 30 
September 2025.  Consolidated Appropriations 
Act of 2016, signed into law 
on 18  December  2015 
viewed at:  
(https://www.uscis.gov/new
s/alerts/new -law-increases -
h-1b-and-l-1-petition -fees) Effective  
18 December 2015  
Viet Nam  
Measure exempts foreign nationals working in the country 
for less than 30 days and for a total cumulative period not 
exceeding 90 days per year from having to obtain a work 
permit. It also reduces the official processing time to issue 
work permits, from ten to seven  working days.  
 Decree 11/2016/ND -CP of 
3 February 2016 viewed at:  
(http://www.itpc.gov.vn/inves
tors/how_to_invest/law/Decre
e_No.11_2016/mldocument_vi
ew/?set_language=en ) Effective  
3 February 2016  
                                                
167 To £25,000 in autumn 2016 and £30,000 in April 2017, except for some health and education 
professionals who will be exempt from the higher threshold until July 2019; the minimum threshold of £20,800 
for new entrants will be maintained.  
168 With the exception of  the graduate trainees, whose minimum salary will be reduced from £24,800 to 
£23,000.  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 205 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
TELECOMMUNICATION/ICT/AU DIOVISUAL SERVICES  
Argentina  
Removal of the pr ohibition on transferring audio -visual 
services licences and of the prohibition for the same 
company to own cable, radio and broadcast TV licences at 
the same time. Cable TV operators are now authorized to 
hold a single nationwide license, with no regional limits. 
Telecom companies are restricted from participating in the 
TV or cable business unless they do so by associating with 
cooperatives. Existing restrictions on satellite TV operators 
entering the teleco mmunications market are maintained. 
Creation of a new single regulator, by merging the National 
Entity for Communications ( Ente Nacional de 
Comunicaciones,  ENACOM ) with the Federal Authority of 
Audiovisual Communication Services ( Autoridad Federal de 
Servicios de Comunicación Audiovisual,  AFSCA ) and the 
Federal ICT  Authority ( Autoridad Federal de Tecnologías de 
la Información y las Comunicaciones,  AFTIC ). DNU (N ecessity and Urgency 
Decree) No.  267/2015, 
amending the Broadcast 
Media Law (Law No.  26.522) 
and the Digital Argentina 
Law (Law No. 27.078)  Effective 
4 January  2016 
Australia  
Establishment of a strategy and a work plan to address the 
growth in mobile broadband capacity.  The strategy 
involves a greater reliance on contingency planning, which 
will en able the regulator to work with industry and 
international bodies on a wider range of potential band 
assignments, to harmonise spectrum uses and more easily 
make adjustments in use of those bands domestically.  The 
plan will allow work to begin, with immed iate effect, on 
allocating and assigning new frequency bands for mobile 
broadband services, as well as reconfiguration of the 
900MHz band.  Australian Communications 
and Media Authority  
viewed at:  
http://www.acma.gov.au/In
dustry/Spectrum/Spectrum -
planning/About -spectrum -
planning/mobile -broadband -
strategy -caps-off-decade -of-
work Effective  
February 2016  
Chile  
New numbering system enabling fixed -mobile number 
portability.  The new system is significant in going beyond 
the more common trend in mandating number portability 
only as between mobile operators.  Viewed at:  
http://nuevaformademarcar.
cl/ Effective 
6 February  2016 
Guyana  
It calls for the liberalization of and promotes competition in 
the sector. The bill includes the creation of a new regulator, 
the Telecommunication Agency, which will incorporate the 
National  Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), and be 
under the Minister’s supervision. It will oversee the sector 
alongside existing economic regulator, the Public Utilities 
Commission (PUC).169 Telecommunications Bill 
No. 15 of 2016  
(signed by President 
5 August 2016 )170  
Oman  
New regulation by Oman's Telecom Regulatory Authority 
(TRA) on access and interconnection. All licensees are now 
obliged to provide interconnection services on an equal and 
non-discriminatory basis. A public telecommunications 
licensee should be  able to terminate a call or other public 
telecommunications service on any public 
telecommunications network (commonly referred to an "any 
to any" interconnection requirement). Licensees must 
provide access to their physical infrastructures and other 
facilities over which they have ownership, upon reasonable 
and valid request, and in reasonable conditions, unless the 
authority determines, based on a justifiable request by the 
providing party, that the provision of such access is not 
technically or economic ally feasible.  Viewed at:  
http://www.muscatdaily.co
m/Archive/Oman/TRA -
passes -legislation -on-
Access -and-Interconnection -
Regulation -4old Effective 13 April 2016  
                                                
169 Viewed at: http ://gina.gov.gy/telecoms -bill-transformational -agent -for-lives-of-guyanese -minister -
hughes/  
170 Viewed at: http ://www.officialgazette.gov.gy/images/gazettes -files/Extraordinary -
gazette_5aug16.pdf  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 206 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Pakistan  
The Act introduces a range of sanctions on offenses against 
information and data systems, persons via the Internet, 
including criminal defamation and cyber -terrorism. The Act 
establishes an investigation agency with powers of 
preservation, search and seizure, retention of data, and 
also the real time collection and recording of information 
through a court order or warrant. It also grants the 
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority a wide -range of 
powers to remove or bloc k information considered illegal.171 Prevention of Electronic 
Crimes Act  
(signed by President 
18 August  2016)172  
Philippines  
The new act creates the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT), which is mandated to 
be the primary policy,  planning, coordinating, implementing 
and administrative agency of the Executive Branch of the 
Philippine Government, and is tasked to plan, develop, and 
promote the national Information and Communications 
Technology (ICT) development agenda.173 Republic Act  No. 10844 
(signed into law  
23 May 2016)  Effective  
9 June 2016  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
New Int erconnection Rules  and update of the rules for 
Access to Physical Facilities.  The Interconnection Rules 
seek to ensure that all service providers are treated  fairly 
and in a non -discriminatory manner with respect to 
interconnection. T he updated Guidelines for Access to 
Physical Facilities call for the collocation and sharing of 
physical facilities in a technologically neutral manner and 
establish a process for  dealing with access disputes, among 
other things.  Decision 333/1437, by the 
Communications and 
Information Technology 
Commission (CITC)  
viewed at: 
http://www.citc.gov.sa/Engli
sh/Decisionsoffers/Decisions
/Pages/333 -1437.aspx  Effective  
23 February 2016  
Singapore  
Info-communications Development Authority of Singapore 
(IDA) and the Media Development Authority (MDA) merged 
into the Info -Communications Media Development Authority 
(IMDA) in order to better address challenges and 
opportunities resulting from t he fusion of 
info-communications technologies and media content.  
 
The IMDA will now take over the regulatory framework for 
telecommunications, postal, broadcasting and film sectors, 
as well personal data protection regulation and consumer 
protection polic ies, among others.174 Info-communications media 
development Authority Act  
(Bill No.  21/2016)175 Effective  
16 August 2016  
Spain  
Final regulations governing the wholesale broadband 
market for the next three years. Differentiated obligations 
are maintained fo r fixed -line incumbent Telefonica, based 
on geographical competition criteria. In areas deemed to 
have enough competition (basically 66 cities), the 
incumbent will not be required to open its infrastructure to 
alternative operators.  Press Release issued o n  
25 February 2016 by the 
National Commission on 
Markets and Competition 
(CNMC) viewed at:  
(https://www.cnmc.es/es -
es/telecomunicacionesysaudio
visuales/novedadestelecomuni
cacionesysaudiovisuales/noved
adestelecomunicacionesysaudi
ovisualesdetalle.aspx?id=5783
8) Effective  
25 February 2016  
                                                
171 Viewed at:  http://www.reuters.com/article/us -pakistan -internet -idUSKCN10N0ST  and 
http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign -news/article/pakista n-national -assembly -passes -new-cybercrime -law/ 
172 Viewed at:  http://www.na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1472635250_246.pdf  
173 Viewed at:  http://icto.dost.gov.ph/department -of-ict-law-takes -effect -today/  
174 Viewed at:  https://www.mci.gov.sg/web/corp/press -room/categories/speeches/content/second -
reading -speech -on-the-info-communications -media -development -authority -imda-bill 
175 Viewed at:  http://www.parliament.gov.sg/sites/default/files/Info -
communications%20Media%20Development%20Authority%20Bill%2021 -2016.pdf  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 207 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Sweden  
The new law on expansion of bro adband networks is aimed 
at lowering  costs of the expansion of broadband .176 
 
Entities who want to develop broadband will have the right 
to: 
 
 access to information about other infrastructure and 
construction projects;  
 the right to request access to other inf rastructure;  
 the right to coordinate construction projects with 
public bodies or carry out a construction projects 
funded by public funds.  
 
In addition , the infrastructure owners and network 
operators, will be subject to new obligations. Under certain 
conditions, they will be required to provide information, 
access to the infrastructure and coordinate on expansion 
projects.177 Act 2016:534 on measures 
for the development of 
Broadband/Published  
26 May 2016178 Effective 1  July 2016  
 
Tanzania  
The Finance Act 20 16, amends the Electronic and Postal 
Communications Act, as follows:  
 
 network facilities, Network services or Application 
services licensees, must have a minimum local 
shareholding of 25% of its authorized share capital 
throughout the life of the license, obtained through 
public offer in stock exchange market;  
 existing licensees of network facilities, network 
services or Application services will be required to 
offer shares to the public and list the shares within 6 
months from 1  July 2016 and new license h olders 
are to list on, within two years from the date of 
grant of the licence;  
 content service licensees, must have a minimum of 
51% local shareholding throughout the life of the 
licence. The Finance Act  2016,  
(23 June 2016)179 Effective 1 July 2016  
Tonga  
The new regulation institutes new measures governing 
internet access in the country and, among other things, 
also sets up a new regulatory body with powers to block 
selected content for internet users.  New Communications Act 
2015, replacing the previous 
Act enacted in 2000.  
(MIC Press Release,  
viewed at: 
http://www.mic.gov.to/news
-today/press -releases/5629 -
clarification -regarding -the-
new-communications -act-
2015) Effective  
6 October 2015  
 
 
 
                                                
 176 The Act implements the Directive of the European Parliament and Council Directive 2014 /61 / EU of 
15 May 2014 actions to reduce the cost of deploying electronic communications high speed.  
177 Viewed at:  http://www.pts.se/sv/Nyheter/Internet/2016/Ny -lag-ska-bidra-till-sankta -kostnader -for-
bredbandsutbyggnad -/ 
178 Viewed at:  https://www.riksdagen .se/sv/dokument -lagar/dokument/svensk -forfattningssamling/lag -
2016534 -om-atgarder -for-utbyggnad -av_sfs -2016-534 
179 http://parliament.go.tz/polis/uploads/bills/1466686197 -
A%20BILL%20FOR%20THE%20FINANCE%20BILL,%202016%20(PRINTED)(THIRD).pdf  WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 208 - 
 
  APPENDIX 1 - PARTICIPATION  
Member/  
Observer  Replies to DG 
fax 
(OV/W/10)  Replies to 
DG fax  
(OV/19)  Annual 
overview  
(OV/19) - 
Replies to 
request for 
verification 
(√ = replies 
received)  New 
measures  Economic  
support  Services  Summary  
and  
status  
1. Albania      √    
2. Algeria     √ √   
3. Angola     √ √   
4. Argentina  √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
5. Armenia     √    
6. Australia  √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
7. Azerbaijan  √     √  
8. Bahrain, 
Kingdom of     √  √ √ 
9. Bangladesh     √ √   
10. Belarus     √    
11. Bolivia,  
Plurinational  
State of     √    
12. Bosnia and 
Herzegovina    √ √    
13. Botswana  
(SACU)  √   √    
14. Brazil  √ √ √ √ √  √ 
15. Brunei 
Darussalam     √    
16. Burkina 
Faso     √    
17. Cambodia     √ √   
18. Cameroon     √    
19. Canada  √ √ √ √ √  √ 
20. Chile  √   √  √ √ 
21. China  √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
22. Colombia  √ √ √ √ √  √ 
23. Costa Rica  √ √ √ √   √ 
24. Côte 
d'Ivoire     √    
25. Dominican 
Republic  √  √    √ 
26. Ecuador    √   √  
27. Egypt  √  √ √ √  √ 
28. El Salvador    √ √    
29. Ethiopia     √    
30. European 
Union  √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
31. Ghana       √  
32. Guinea     √    
33. Guyana       √  
34. Hong Kong, 
China  √ √ √ √    
35. Iceland     √    
36. India  √ √ √ √  √ √ 
37. Indone sia √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
38. Iraq    √ √    
39. Israel     √  √  
40. Jamaica  √       
41. Japan  √ √ √ √ √  √ 
42. Jordan     √   √ 
43. Kazakhstan  √  √ √    
44. Kenya     √    
45. Korea, 
Republic  of √ √ √ √ √  √ 
46. Kuwait, 
State of   √ √ √    
47. Kyrgyz 
Republ ic    √    
48. Macao, 
China  √ √ √ √    
49. Madagascar  √   √    
50. Malaysia   √ √ √ √  √ 
51. Malawi      √   
52. Mali  √       WT/TPR/OV/ 19 
 
- 209 - 
 
  Member/  
Observer  Replies to DG 
fax 
(OV/W/10)  Replies to 
DG fax  
(OV/19)  Annual 
overview  
(OV/19) - 
Replies to 
request for 
verification 
(√ = replies 
received)  New 
measures  Economic  
support  Services  Summary  
and  
status  
53. Mauritius  √   √    
54. Mexico  √ √ √ √   √ 
55. Moldova, 
Republic  of √ √      
56. Mongolia    √ √    
57. Montenegro  √ √ √ √    
58. Morocco     √   √ 
59. Mozambique     √  √  
60. Myanmar     √ √ √  
61. Namibia 
(SACU)     √  √  
62. Nepal     √ √   
63. New 
Zealand   √  √   √ 
64. Niger     √    
65. Nigeria      √   
66. Norway  √  √ √ √   
67. Oman     √  √ √ 
68. Pakistan    √  √ √ √ 
69. Panama    √ √    
70. Papua New 
Guinea     √    
71. Paraguay    √ √    
72. Peru  √ √ √ √   √ 
73. Philippines  √ √ √ √  √ √ 
74. Qatar    √ √   √ 
75. Russian 
Federation  √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
76. Saudi 
Arabia, Kingdom 
of √ √  √  √ √ 
77. Senegal    √   √  
78. Serbia  √ √      
79. Seychelles  √ √ √ √    
80. Singapore  √ √ √ √  √  
81. Solomon 
Islands     √    
82. South Africa  √ √ √ √  √ √ 
83. Sri Lanka     √ √   
84. Swaziland 
(SACU)     √    
85. Switzerland  √ √ √ √ √ √  
86. Chinese  
Taipei  √ √ √ √   √ 
87. Ta nzania       √  
88. Thailand  √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
89. Tonga       √  
90. Trinidad and 
Tobago   √     √ 
91. Tunisia  √ √     √ 
92. Turkey  √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 
93. Ukraine  √ √ √ √   √ 
94. United Arab 
Emirates     √   √ 
95. United 
States of 
America  √  √ √ √ √ √ 
96. Uru guay  √ √  √ √  √ 
97. Uzbekistan     √    
98. Venezuela, 
Bolivarian  
Rep. of     √    
99. Viet Nam     √ √ √ √ 
100. Zambia    √ √   √ 
101. Zimbabwe     √    
 
 
__________