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WT/CTE/M/66  
 
22 March 2019  
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Committee on Trade and Environment    
 
REPORT OF THE MEETIN G HELD ON 30 NOVEMBER 2018  
NOTE BY THE SECRETAR IAT1  
The Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE Regular) met on  30 November  2018, chaired by   
Ms Irene Y oung, Permanent Representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China 
to the WTO . The Committee adopted the Airgram,  WTO/AIR/CTE/ 8, issued on  
9 November  2018. The latest list of documents of the Committee was circulated on  
29 February 2016 in document WT/CTE/INF/5/Rev.12 . The Report of the last CTE  meeting, held 
on 28 June 2018  is contained in WT/CTE/M/6 5.   
_______________  
Contents  
1   PARAGRAPH 32 OF THE DOHA MINISTERIAL  DECLARATION  ................................ ...... 4 
1.1   Paragraph 32(i)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  4 
1.1.1    Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFSR)  ................................ ................................ .............  4 
1.1.2    Ocean Economy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 6 
1.1.2.1    Presentation by Norway  ................................ ................................ .........................  6 
1.1.2.2    Presentation by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States (FAO)  
on the 2018 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report  ................................ ...... 7 
1.1.3    Presentation by China on pollution control measures from an SDGs' perspective  ..............  9 
1.1.4    Other issues  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  10 
1.2   Other items of the CTE work programme (Items 1, 2, 3(a), 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10)  ................  10 
1.2.1    Item 1  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  10 
1.2.1.1    MEAs dealing w ith chemicals and wastes (the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm  
(BRS) Conventions)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  10 
1.2.1.1.1    Presentation by the European Union (EU) on the EU plastics strategy  .....................  10 
1.2.1.1.2    Presentations by other Members  ................................ ................................ ........  12 
1.2.1.1.3    Presentation by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions  
(UNEP) on recent activities and the preparation for the 2019  Conferences of Parties  ................  13 
1.2.1.1.4    Presentation by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development  
(OECD) on its concept paper on trade and the circular economy.  ................................ ...........  14 
1.2.2    Item 4  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  16 
2   OTHER BUSINESS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 17 
2.1   Update on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) Negotiations  ...............................  17 
                                                
1 This document has been prepared under the Secretariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice to 
the positions of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO.  WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  2.2   New Zealand's recent policy developments and the Trade for All Agenda  .........................  18 
2.3   WTO Secretariat and UNEP briefing on the "Leadership Dialogue: Making Trade Work  
for the Environment, Prosperity and Resilience" held during the 2018 WTO Public Forum  ..........  19 
2.4   Briefings by observer organizations  ................................ ................................ ............  20 
2.4.1    Briefing by the OECD  ................................ ................................ .............................  20 
2.4.2    Briefing by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild  
Fauna and Fl ora (CITES)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 21 
3   DATE OF NEXT MEE TING ................................ ................................ ...........................  22 
ANNEX 1: ITEMS OF TH E CTE WORK PROGRAMME  ................................ .........................  23 
ANNEX 2: PARTS OF TH E DOHA MINISTERIAL D ECLARATION THAT RELA TE  TO 
THE WORK  OF THE CTE  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 24 
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  ACRONYMS  
BRS Conventions  Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions  
CoP Conference of the Parties  
CITES  Convention on  International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 
and Flora  
CTE Committee on Trade and Environment  
EDB WTO Environmental Database  
EGA Environmental Goods Agreement  
EPR Extended Producer Responsibility  
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations  
FFSR Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform  
GDP Gross Domestic Product  
GHG Greenhouse Gas  
IUU fishing  Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing  
MC Ministerial Conference  
NDF Scientifically -based non -detriment finding  
OECD  Organisation for Economic Co -operation and Development  
PSMA  Port State Measures Agreement  
RTA Regional Trade Agreement  
SC Standing Committee  
SDG Sustainable Development Goal  
SOFIA  State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report  
TPR Trade Policy Review  
UNEP  United Nations Environment Programme  
UNFCCC  United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change  
WCO World Customs Organization  
 
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  1  PARAGRAPH 32 OF THE DOHA MINISTERIAL DEC LARATION  
1.1  Paragraph 32(i)  
"The effect of environmental measures on market  access, especially in relation to 
developing countries, in particular the least  developed among them, and those situations 
in which the elimination or reduction of trade restrictions and distortions would benefit 
trade, the environment and development."  
1.1.1   Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFSR)  
1.1.  The representative of New Zealand  provided an update on Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFSR) , 
on behalf of the signatories of the Joint Statement on FFSR at the eleventh WTO Ministerial 
Conference  (MC11) . In th e statement , signatories confirmed their intention to seek the 
rationalisation and phase out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encouraged wasteful 
consumption, while recognising that reform should  take into account the specific needs and 
conditions of developing c ountries and to minimize the possible adverse impacts on their 
development in a way that protect ed poor and affected communities.  The group recognized the 
importance of the WTO as a forum to advance discussions to achieve ambitious and effective 
discipline s, including through enhanced transparency and reporting to enable the evaluation of the 
trade and resource effects of fossil fuel subsidies programmes.  As had been  noted at the 
June meeting of the CTE, signatory Members had continued to raise awareness of  the impacts of 
fossil fuel subsidies and the opportunities that reform presented, including through a range of 
informational events with partner agencies and organi zations in Geneva and beyond. A centre piece 
of this had been  the High-Level Discussion at the WTO Public Forum on 2 October 2018 . 
1.2.  In addition to awareness raising, a methodology to measure and collect national data on fossil 
fuels subsidies in the context of Sustainable Development Goal ( SDG) 12(c) had now been approved 
by the Inter -Agency Expe rt Group on SDGs, composed of member States and regional and 
international agencies as observers. Th is group  was tasked to develop and implement the global 
indicator framework for  the g oals and targets of the 2030 Agenda. Data was pivotal to provide a 
foundation for further work in this area, including at the WTO. The intention was to organize a 
seminar on this topic in 2019, which would  be open to interested delegates.   
1.3.  Beyond work in Geneva, a wider group of Friends of FFSR were staging several events at the 
24th climate change Conference of Parties (CoP) in Katowice , Poland . Friends of FFSR were 
successfully embedding the idea that FFSR was an important policy choice for delivering a low -
emissions future. There would be side events and a high-level media conference to highlight the 
work of the Friends and to launch the Friends Network.  
1.4.  Research had identified that fossil fuel subsidies were valued at more than US$425 billion per 
year. This estimate equated to an estimated 20 % of the value of internationall y traded fuels each 
year, and the " World Energy Outlook 2017 " showed  the direct link between increasing petrol prices 
and increasing fossil fuel subsidies – which only highlight ed the relevance and importance of working 
towards reform. Subsidies affect ed production and consumption decisions of fuels directly but also 
transport costs and the relative competitiveness of products for which fuel/energy was a significant 
input cost – all of which impact ed trade in those products. Further research was being under taken 
on the effects of different types of fossil fuel subsidies. The Friends of FFSR would continue to share 
insigh ts from this research with WTO M embers through the CTE and  encouraged  other Members to 
discuss and share their experiences in reforming foss il fuel subsidies . They also  welcome d Members' 
views on how action could be taken at the W TO to implement l eaders'  commitments under SDG  12(c) 
to reform fossil fuel subsidies.  
1.5.  The representative of Switzerland  noted that  Switzerland strongly support ed the work on FFSR 
with a view to advanc ing mutually beneficial outcomes in the field s of trade, environment and 
development.  The Friends of FFSR had organized a session at the WTO Public Forum called "The role 
of FFSR towards achieving Agenda 2030' s sustainable  objectives and its impact on trade" . The 
purpose of the session had been  to demonstrate how FFSR could  create a triple -win situation for 
economic development, trade and the environment.  There had been  high-level participation on the 
panel with Kimmo Tiili kainen,  Finnish Minister of the Environment, Energy and Ho using; 
Steven  Stone , UN Environment ; Ron Steenblik , Organization for Economic Cooperation and WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  Development (OECD) ; H. E. Alvaro Cedeño Molinari, Costa Rica Ambassador to the WTO ; and 
Valérie  Ducrot , World Energy Council , as an industry representative.  
1.6.  During the discussions,  experts had presented research that demonstrated the contributions 
of fossil fuel subsidies to increased carbon emissions as well as the reduction of incentives to 
efficiency gains.  Furthermore, the need for a standardized, global database of fossil fuel subsidies 
had been  demonstrated. In this regard, WTO notifications on fossil fuel subsidies were  almost 
entirely absent. Nevertheless, a methodology for an indicator for SDG 12 had been presented.  
FFSR could  be politically costly and some sectors could be worse off. Nevertheless, experience 
showed that the overall result of such reforms was positive.  
1.7.  Regarding  trade effects of fossil fuel subsidies , the discussion showed that tr ade distortion s 
happened  due to artificially low prices for fossil f uels. This affect ed trade and investment in solar, 
wind, hydro -electric and other clean energy sectors negatively. Furthermore, t rade could  play a 
major role for reforming fossil fuel subs idies through different means, such as the Agreement on 
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures ( ASCM ), transparency mechanisms, Trade Policy Reviews , 
and by expanding existing trade rules with a view to disciplin ing fossil fuel subsidies . The WTO had 
a spec ial role to play. Awareness raising was essential . Further steps such as outreach were needed . 
A more detailed summary of th e event had been  distributed to all Members in advance of the CTE.2  
1.8.  The representative of  the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  reiterated that this issue was dealt with 
under the G20, where a voluntary phasing out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage d 
wasteful consumption was a country -specific choice, with two clear qualifiers: voluntary and in 
accordance with countries' national circumstances, priorities and needs. Saudi Arabia did not agree 
to link this and similar issues to  the WTO and these issues needed  to stay under their respective  
entities. In addition, Saudi Arabia warned that WTO responsibilities should no t be clouded with work  
that was voluntary in nature such as G20 activities or activities discussed under international bodies 
with legal binding nature.   
1.9.  The representative of Norway  supported ongoing efforts to bring the issue of fossil fuels 
subsidies in to the work of the WTO.  
1.10.   The representative of Ecuador  stated her delegation's position that the CTE was not the 
appropriate forum to address the issue of FFSR. The CTE should take into consideration its mandate, 
which aimed to identify the relationship be tween trade measures and environmental measures in 
order to promote sustainable development. In this respect, it was important to consider that the 
only mention made to sustainable development and subsidies was found in SDG 14.6, which read : 
"by 2020, proh ibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and 
overfishing, and eliminate subsidies that contribute to IUU fishing, and refrain from introducing new 
such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and diff erential treatment for 
developing and least developed cou ntries" . The relevant  negotiations we re taking place  in the WTO 
Negotiating Group on Rules. In that sense, Ecuador noted that fulfilling the Doha Ministerial 
Declaration on Trade and Environment should promote the mutual supportiveness between 
obligations derived from WTO Agreements and obligations in Multilateral Environmental Agreements  
(MEAs) , as well as complementarity and coherence between both legal bodies.  
1.11.   The representative of Costa Rica , as a signatory of the Joint Statement at MC11, underscored 
his delegation's  firm conviction that the WTO could play a positive role in addressing FFSR.  FFSR 
was at the core of achieving Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement. Costa Rica did not share the 
view of certain Members that bringing this issue in to the WTO would undermine efforts in other fora. 
On the contrar y, trade was an important enabler  that could complement these efforts and foster a 
triple win scenario for economic and social development and the env ironment. As noted by the 
Costa  Rican Ambassador to the WTO at the Public Forum, our generation ha d the potential and 
leadership to reduce CO 2 emissions generated by fossil fuels subsidies.  
1.12.   The representative of Chine se Taipei  supported  these discussion s at the WTO, including  in the 
High-Level Event. The CTE and the WTO had an important role to play in defining the next steps of 
the discussion . 
                                                
2 The summary of the event is available in document JOB/TE/53 . WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  1.13.   The representative of the Bolivarian Republic of  Venezuela  reiterated her delegation's  position 
that the WTO was not the place to discuss this type of initiative , as the appropriate  forum to deal 
with this issue was the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change  (UNFCCC) . In this 
regard, her delegation was concerned about  possible duplication of work . 
1.14.   The representative  of Hong Kong, China  noted that New Zealand and Switzerland's updates 
were helpful in facilitat ing Members ' understand ing of the issue  and advancing  discussion s, including 
on the appropriate forum for taking forward the issue . Hong Kong, China  welcome d the continuation 
of Members ' dialogue, with a view to forging a consensus.  
1.1.2   Ocean Economy  
1.1.2.1   Presentation by Norway  
1.15.   The representative of Norway  briefed the CTE on the session on "Blue Economy and Green 
Trade " hosted by Norway on 2 October at the WTO Public Forum. The focus had been  on how blue 
economy strategies could improve the health and productivity of ocean ecosys tems and reverse the 
current cycle of decline in certain areas and sectors. In the session, it had been  highlighted that the 
world's oceans faced over -exploitation, pollution, declining biodiversity and climate change. 
Sustainable use, better governance an d appreciation of the economic value of the ocean was 
essential. In this regard, it was of paramount importance to harvest from the ocean resources 
without reducing their value.  
1.16.   The High -Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy was a central part of the Norwegian 
Ocean Strategy. The Panel, led by the Norwegian Prime Minister, met in New York in September  2018 
for the inaugural meeting  and the newly established Expert group met in  November in  Bergen, 
Norway. With input from experts, the private sector and civil society, the High -Level Panel would 
launch several  initiatives. Norway would host  the "Our Ocean " conference in Oslo, in October  2019, 
and the focus would be on the importance of science -based knowledge as the basis of actions and 
policies to ens ure sustainable future economic growth.  
1.17.   Norway welcomed the results from the sustainable blue economy conference in Nairobi held 
in November 2018 . The conference had  raised important issues such as ports, shipping, maritime 
security, illegal, unreported a nd unregulated  (IUU) fishing, as well as the need for integrating 
sustainable blue economy in national development plans. Multilateral solutions for the blue economy 
and the international ocean dialogue were needed, and the conference in Nairobi had been  a strong 
driving force to get Africa involved in the blue economy and the international ocean dialogue. In 
Nairobi,  the Norwegian  Minister of International Development had signed an agreement with the 
World Bank to combat marine litter and microplastics. Th e Norwegi an support to the PROBLUE fund 
would  help developing countries conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine 
resources. Plastic waste in the oceans was a pressing global concern. There was a  need to develop 
a global response. At the fou rth UN Environment Assembly in March  2019, Norway would deliver  a 
strong message on how to enhance international cooperation and increase commitments to combat 
marine litter. Norway hoped other Members would  join in this important effort.  
1.18.   The representative of Canada  explained that Canada was deeply committed to ocean 
sustainability. Oceans were a theme in Canada's G7 presidency this year, and through the Charlevoix 
Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas, and Resilient Coastal Communities and t he Oceans Plastics 
Charter, Canada had pledged to work internationally to strengthen global ocean observation efforts, 
build stronger coasts and coastal communities, combat global IUU fishing and tackle marine litter. 
Canada was also taking action at home to improve the health of the world's oceans, including through 
its national Oceans Protection Plan.  In November 2018, Canada together with Kenya and Japan, and 
participants from over 150 countries, had successfully concluded the first ever global conferenc e on 
the sust ainable blue economy in Nairobi . Canada was grateful for Norway's contribution to this 
conference. During the conference, Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans had announce d 
Canada's c ontributions of: up to CA D 9.5 million to advance activ ities of the Decade of Ocean 
Science; and up to CA D 1 million to the World Economic Forum's Friends of Ocean Action Group and 
for the Government of Canada's support to the United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean.  
1.19.   The representative of the European Union  noted that the ocean was seen as a driver of the 
economy  with great potential for innovation and growth. Ocean industries would only be able to WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  grow if the oceans were managed sustainably. Tackling global problems like overfishing, pollution, 
marine litte r, ocean acidification  and global warming, which brought  about rapid changes in Artic 
sea areas , or the loss of biological diversity would require even closer international cooperation. 
Norway was a key partner for the European Union in many ocean -related areas at the global and 
regional levels. The European Union looked forward to developing such partnership and encouraged 
other Members to take similar initiatives.  
1.20.   The representative of New Zealand  was of  the view that the CTE was an  important way for 
stakeholders to inform Members'  discussions on  these issues. New  Zealand was an ocean nation  and 
believe d oceans were a global good which underpin ned sustainable development and that it was 
incumbent on everyone  to protect them.  Oceans were critical resources for small island developing 
states and coastal states. The blue economy  was particularly crucial to partners in the Pacific  and 
New Zealand was  working to empower them to realise the full potential of their marine resources, 
including b y facilitating and developing trade links. The Pacific was a potential world leader on 
emerging oceans issues like acidification, which were both environmental and economic in nature.  
New Zealand would be  investing significant development assistance in the  Pacific over the coming 
years to help inc rease the blue economic returns, with a particular focus  on sustainable fishing.  
1.21.   New Zealand believe d that environmental protection and sustainable development were 
mutually compatible. New Zealand was  an ocean -dependent economy, with significant fisheries, 
aquaculture and sea tourism industries throughout its exclusive economic zone , amongst the largest 
in the world. Oceans were key to New Zealand's  culture and heritage  and n o place was further than 
120km from the  ocean. New Zealand had pioneered a rights -based fisheries management system 
grounded in science. Recreational and indigenous fishers ' rights were provided for, and stakeholders 
were involved in decision -making.  
1.22.   New Zealand was  active in securing marine protected areas . His delegation was  pleased to 
see strong progress towards the Con vention on Biological Diversity' s target of 10%  global coverage 
of coastal and marine areas . New Zealand supported  the international rules -based system for oceans 
governance and management. Maintaining the integrity of this system protect ed and empowered  
small states who ha d significant stakes in the ocean. For these reasons , New Zealand was engage d 
at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) , Regional  Fisheries 
Management Organisations (RFMOs) , and at the WTO . Finally, New Zealand supported  UN leadership 
on multilateral oceans issues, and encourage d action on emerging global oceans issues , including 
marine renewable energy, food security, ocean acidifi cation  and marine plastics.  
1.23.   The representative of Chile explained that Chile had recently adopted its  National Ocean  
Policy, and highlight ed two of its objectives . The first was the  conservation of the ocean and its 
biodiversity. This objective was being implemented through an  intersectoral approach , which fed 
into social development, economic growth and the  sustainable  management of marine resources for 
the benefit of today's society without endangering  the development of future generations.  The 
second objective was the sustainable economic development of ocean  resources. This objective 
sought  to ensure compatibility among  the different permit ted uses in order to turn the o cean into 
one of the pillars of Chile's economic activity, in line wit h the principle of sustainability.  
1.24.   The representative of Chinese Taipei  noted the significant importance of oceans both from an 
environmental and economic point of view.  Collective efforts were vital to preserve the sustainability 
of ocean ecosystem for fu ture generations. Chinese Taipei had a strong interest in learning about 
the trade aspects of this issue and welcomed discussions in the CTE.  
1.1.2.2   Presentation by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States ( FAO) 
on the 2018 State of World Fisher ies and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report  
1.25.   The representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States (FAO)  
presented the 2018 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report3. SOFIA was a flagship 
publication of the FAO which  had been published on a biennial basis since 1994. It served as a global 
reference document on fisheries and aquaculture. SOFIA 2018 was framed in the context of the 
SDGs. SDG 14, among others, was particularly relevant with clear connections to the fisheries and  
aquaculture sectors. The focus of fisheries governance had been broadened to include not only 
resource conservation, biodiversity and the environment, but also to recognize the economic and 
                                                
3 The presentation is available in document RD/CTE/142 . WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  social role of the sector, supporting and contributing to interco nnected global agendas such as 
livelihoods, food security, nutrition and trade.  
1.26.    Combatting IUU fishing, including subsidies which affect ed fisheries sustainability and 
restoring fish stocks to sustainable levels, was one of the major calls for action und er SDG14. 
Tackling IUU fishing was given prominence at the FAO. Achievements at the international level 
included: the entry into force in June 2016 of FAO's Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA); the 
adoption in June 2017 of voluntary guidelines to promote catch documentation schemes  for better 
traceability of fish and fish products; and the launch in April 2017 of the Global Record for fishing, 
refrigerated transport and supply vessels. At the national level, the Code of Conduct for Responsible 
Fisheries an d its principles of responsible fisheries management had had wide uptake in national 
policies. However, IUU fishing was undermin ing national, regional and global efforts to manage 
fisheries sustainably. It was not enough for states to detect IUU fishing ; fisheries laws and 
regulations needed to be strengthened to take effective action against perpetrators.   
1.27.   Turning to the SOFIA report, he said that in 2016 total fish production and human 
consumption had reached an all -time high of 171 and 151 million ton nes, respectively. Global 
capture fisheries amounted to 90.9 million tonnes, with marine capture fisheries recording a small 
decrease in 2016. Global aquaculture production amounted to  80 million tonnes of food fish and over 
30 million tonnes of aquatic pl ants. Aquaculture had continued to grow faster than other major food 
sectors, with a 5.8 % annual growth rate between 2001  and 2016. About 88 % of total fish production 
was for direct human consumption. Per capita global fish consumption had increased from 9 kg in 
1961 to an estimated 20.3 kg per person in 2016. Fish provided over 20 % of the global protein 
needs for 4 million people worldwide. He added that the fisheries sector was crucial in meeting the 
FAO's goal of a world without hunger and malnutrition. H owever, the status of fish stocks exhibited 
worrying trends. Overfished stocks had increased from 10 % in 1974 to 33.1 % in 2015. In contrast, 
stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels had decreased from 90 to 66.9 % over the same 
period. The globa l picture masked disparate patterns between countries and signs of recovery with 
improved fisheries management in the developed world.  
1.28.   In 2016, about 35 % of global fish production  had been traded , with an export value of 
USD 143 billion. Developing countr ies had increased their share in the volume of fish trade from 
37% in 1976 to 59 % in 2016. In value terms, developing countries accounted for 54 % of fish 
exports. For these countries, n et trade revenue from fish exceeded revenues from all meats, tobacco, 
rice and sugar combined. China was the largest producer and exporter of fish and fish products , 
followed by Norway and Viet Nam. The European Union, followed by the United States and Japan, 
was the major importer of fish and fish products. Fisheries offered  opportunities to generate 
employment and bolster livelihoods in developing countries. In 2016, about 60 million people had 
been primarily engaged in capture fisheries and aquaculture. With the secondary sector included, 
over 50 % of persons employed were w omen. Fishing was estimated to provide a living to 12 % of 
the world population with 300 million people directly employed. Asia accounted for 85 % of the global 
population engaged in fisheries and aquaculture, followed by Africa with almost 10 % and Latin 
America and the Caribbean with 4 %.  
1.29.   For the projections for 2030, world fish production, consumption and trade were expected to 
increase, but with a growth rate that would slow over time. World aquaculture production would also 
grow more slowly than in the pa st. Prices would remain high and increase in nominal terms while a 
decline  in real terms. Food fish supply would increase in all regions but with population growth the 
per capita fish consumption was expected to decline in Africa , raising food security con cerns.  
1.30.   The representative of Ecuador  said that FAO's report presented a complete and objective 
analysis of the present state of global fisheries and aquaculture. Ecuador agreed with the report that 
Agenda 2030 and its goals  provided a single, transformational and all -encompassing approach 
towards a sustainable and resilient agenda in favour of humankind. SDGs , which were the theme of 
the report, provided a framework to manage and protect marine and costal ecosystems. In 
particular, SDG 14 on conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources sought 
to stop IUU fishing by 2020. Ecuador, committed to this  goal, had unanimously approved in its 
National Assembly in November 2018 the PSMA. The Agreement would al low to protect the rights of 
fishermen, to defend fair trade as well as provide a greater control of fisheries resources for future 
generations. The Agreement established a national objective that would benefit more than 
87.000  artisanal fishermen and thei r families, communities and its business es, small, medium and 
large exporters of fish products and, by extension, the protection of nature and its biodiversity. WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  Ecuador considered the protection of the environment essential for its development as reflected  in 
its national policy to protect nature rights, Article 71 of its Constitution, as well as the promotion of 
environmental sustainability in its 2017 -2021 national development plan.  
1.31.   The representative of Canada  said his delegation  attached  great importan ce to the sustainable 
and responsible exploitation of marine resources. FAO's presentation outlined the importance of 
achieving an outcome on the negotiations regarding disciplines on harmful fisheries.  
1.32.   The representative of Mexico  highlighted  that the SOF IA report indicated that productive 
activities continued to put pressure on marine resources. For that reason, fishing activities should 
be oriented towards sustainability. Mexico considered that the WTO could make an important 
contribution through the fis heries subsidies negotiation.  
1.33.   The representative of the European Union  noted the importance of the trade perspective in 
this debate as the report highlighted  that fish and fish products were the most trade d goods  in the 
world. The report also provided very  valuable inputs to the fisheries negotiations and the 
European  Union was strongly committed to the conclusion of these negotiations.  
1.34.   The representative of the United States  was of the view that the WTO could and should make 
a contribution  to improving the status of fisheries through an agreement on ambitious disciplines on 
fisheries subsidies.  
1.35.   The representative of New Zealand  noted the importance of the fisheries negotiations.  
1.1.3   Presentation by China on pollution control measures from a n SDGs' perspective  
1.36.   The representative of China  provided an overview of  China's experience with pollution control 
measures from the perspective  of the SDGs . In 2016, China had issued a national action plan for 
the implementation of Agenda 2030. The plan stepped  up environmental protection efforts focused 
on pollution prevention and control. Promoting comprehensive prevention and control of air, water 
and soil pollution would lead to improved environmental quality and would contribute to the 
achievement of the SDGs.  
1.37.   The representative also introduced the framework for the protection of the ecological 
environment in China. With the rapid economic development during  the last 30 years, environmental 
protection was considered an important component for sustainable development in China. China's 
approach had evolved from simple industrial pollution control to a comprehensive and integrated 
approach. The Ministry of Ecolo gy and Environment (MEE) was the highest administrative authority 
within the State Council for ecological and environmental protection. Each level of government 
(provincial, city and county) had their own environmental departments for the eco -environmental  
supervision. MEE provided technical guidance to the lower environmental protection departments. 
The Departments of Climate Change was integrated into the MEE, making it easy to integrate its 
management with other conventional air pollutants. Moreover, the environmental management  of 
water , which had been  under the responsibility of other departments such as water resources 
department and agricultural department, was also delegated to the MEE.  
1.38.   At the macro level, the environmental protection strategy was s et as a national policy.  The 
government also tried to mainstream environment protection policy into the decision -making 
process through advocating for a green economy, recycling and clean production. Integrated 
approaches had been initiated such as for river basin management and regional management. The 
government was also engaged in international environmental cooperation.  
1.39.   The focus of environmental management had also evolved over time, from covering only 
industrial pollution control to covering all pol lution sources, ecological conservation, environmental 
quality management, risk management and health impact management. China also applied 
command and control policy instruments for environmental protection, including laws and 
management systems. Several market -based instruments had also been instituted for 
environmental protection. Examples include d: pollution lev ies; environmental taxes ; price subsidies 
for electricity produced from desul furization, de -nitrogenization, dust removal and ultra -low emission  
facilities ; and green financing such as loan and credit, environmental insurance and green security. 
The earliest market -based instrument had been in the form of a pollution levy, which could be traced WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  back to 1982. It had played an important role in environment al management as it had provided the 
revenue for pollution control and an incentive for industries to reduce their pollution. Moreover, 
China had also promulgated an environmental protection tax law, which replaced  the pollution levy 
regulation and had been in force since 2018.  
1.40.   China promoted voluntary instruments such as environment al labelling, clean production and 
voluntary agreements. The government used a social approach, for instance, public participation 
and information disclosure. It als o promoted green development through environmental model city 
planning and ecological province/city/county/town planning. China attached great importance to 
environmental planning. Every five years, there would be a new plan, covering economic, social and 
environment al aspects. Currently, China was in its 13th five-year plan. The plan focused on reduc ing 
emissions of major pollutants, enhanc ing ecosystem stability and ecological security, and 
moderniz ing the national environmental governance system.  
1.41.   The go vernment considered that environmental pressure was reaching its limits in terms of 
environmental carrying capacity. The year 2020 had been set as  an overall target to improve eco -
environmental quality, reduce main pollutants  substantially , control environ mental risk and to 
ensure that the environmental protection level matched the overall moderate prosperous society. 
By mid -century, the target was to develop further  the ecological civilization and realize the 
modernization of environmental governance and c apacity.  
1.42.   The government promoted green development patterns and a green lifestyle. It made efforts 
for blue air, clean water, pure soil, accelerated ecological conservation and restoration, and a 
reformed eco -environmental governance system. Pollution con trol actions comprised the battle for 
a blue sky, control of air pollution from diesel cargo freight and the protection of water source s. 
China had made structural reforms through strict enforcement of environmental laws and 
regulations, use of market base d instruments, and by articulating clear responsibilities between 
different levels of government as well as in the corporate and public spheres.  
1.43.   China had made progress in environmental protection since the late 1970s , when it adopted 
reforms. However, th e government recognized that there was a lot to be done to achieve the SDGs. 
Environmental protection was an integral part of sustainable development policy in China, and 
improving environmental protection could eventually contribute to sustainable develop ment in 
China. Current actions for pollution control would contribute to environmental improvement, 
livelihood s and the realization of SDGs.  
1.1.4   Other issues  
1.44.   The representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  informed the CTE that her delegation was  
interested in having discussions in the Committee on the spill -over impacts of reported 
environmental policies on Members' economies and trade. Her delegation  was consider ing sharing 
its experience on this issue in the future.  
1.2  Other items of the CTE work programme (Items 1, 2, 3(a), 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10)  
1.2.1   Item 1  
"The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral trading system and trade 
measures for environmental purposes, including those pursuant to multilateral 
environmental agreements (MEAs)."  
1.2.1.1   MEAs dealing  with chemicals and wastes (the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm 
(BRS) Conventions)  
1.2.1.1.1   Presentation by the European Union (EU) on the EU plastics strategy   
1.45.   The representative from the European Union (EU)  presented  the EU's Plastics Strategy4 in the 
circular eco nomy and the proposed EU Directive on single -use plastics. The Strategy was developed 
in the broader context of the EU Action Plan for Circular Economy adopted in 2015. There were a 
                                                
4 The presentation is available in document RD/CTE/144 . WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  number of other closel y related measures under the Action Plan that had be en developed in the 
context of SDGs, particularly SDG 12, but transversely also under a number of other SDGs. The 
Plastics Strategy had been adopted in January 2018  and contained a list of 39 EU actions  as well as 
measures recommended to EU member States and industries. Moreover, the Plastics Strategy had 
been adopted together with the New Waste Package  and consisted of four pillars, namely: 
(i) improving the economics and quality of plastics recycling; (ii) curbing plastic waste and littering; 
(iii) driving investments and innovation towards circular solutions; and (iv) harnessing global action.  
1.46.   The first pillar had several policy objectives, including stimulating design for circularity, 
promoting better separation of waste collection and boosting recycli ng content. By 2030, the aim 
was that all plastic packaging would be reusable or recyclable, that more than 50 % of plastic wastes 
would be recycled, and that the sorting recycling capacity would grow four times compared with 
2015. Measures of the first pil lar included: eco -design requirements to support recyclability of 
plastics, evaluation in the context of construction products and end -of-life vehicles, revision of the 
essential requirements in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive , work on food -contact 
materials, development of quality standards for sorted and recycled plastics, along with incentives 
for recycled plastics through eco-labelling and green public procurement, extended producer 
responsibility (EPR) and deposit schemes, and industry pled ges and voluntary commitments.  
1.47.   The second pillar comprised setting  up a clear regulatory framework for the use of 
biodegradable and compostable plastics, a report on oxo -degradable plastics, the adoption of a 
proposal for a new Directive on Port Reception Facilities, and the assessment of additional measures 
to curb micro -plastic pollution. There were two main streams of work under this pillar, one focused 
on intentionally added micro -plastic products regulated under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, 
Authorisation and Restriction  of Chemicals ) regulation, and the other focused on unintentional 
release , particularly from tires, textiles, paints and plastic pellets.  
1.48.   The third pillar o n investment and  innovation consisted of, among others : guidance on eco -
modulation of EPR fees; a Strategic Research  Innovation Agenda for Plastics;  the EU Research and 
Innovation Programme Horizon 2020 , which would invest an additional EUR 100 million in plastics 
innovation ; and support for the development of alternative feedstock for plastics production.  
1.49.   The fourth pillar strategy focused on international  action  and included a number of initiatives 
both at the multilateral and bilateral level s. The European Union  supported multilateral initiatives on 
plastics in fora such  as the U nited Nations , the G7 and the G20. At the bilateral level, the 
European  Union was in cooperating closely with several countries in Africa and Asia. An important 
element of this pillar was the work  on development and funding.  
1.50.   The Strategy also cove red the development of quality standards for sorted plastics waste and 
recycled plastics in cooperation with the European Standardisation Committee. It supported the 
development of international industry standards on sorted plastic waste and recycled plast ics.  
1.51.   The proposed  Directive on single -use plastics and fishing gear focused on the ten most 
common plastic objects found on European  beaches . It contained  measures for each plastic item 
taking into account  consumer behaviour  and needs and opportunities for business. The single -use 
plastic items represented 50 % of marine litter , which posed a significant challenge both in terms of 
health concerns and the  degradation of marine eco -system s. It had a clear impact on fisheries and  
aquaculture, port s and shipping , and tourism and coastal communities. The two most important 
objectives of the proposal were: (i) to reduce  the negative economic and environmental impacts 
arising from littering of single -use plastic items and abandoned fishing gear ; and (ii) to reduce  
littering while creating economic opportunities and protecting the environment. By focusing on the 
top 10 single -use plastics items  and on fishing gear,  70% of all marine litter would be covered.  
1.52.   The proposal was not again st plastics but it sought to tackle unsustainable plastics use. The 
objective was to  facilitate the prevention, re -use, collection and recovery of single -use items that 
were wholly or partially made of plastics. The definition of plastic mirrored the defin ition contained  
in the REACH regulation  (with the exception of natural polymers that had not been chemically 
modified) . The proposal for a Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on 
the environment included several work streams . One was focused on items with available sustainable 
alternatives  and considered market bans to promote the  less harmful alternatives. The other 
workstream focused  on items with no clear alternatives and involved prevention measures such as WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  design requirem ents, consumption reduction, consumer information and better waste management 
including separate collection, EPR, and clean -up. The proposal also included prevention measures 
such as labelling requirements  (for balloons and products inappropriately dispose d of through the 
sewers, for instance, sanitary towels and wet wipes) and awareness raising.  
1.53.   The evaluation of the directive would take place after six years  and the EU Commission would 
report on the feasibility to review the list of single -use plastics  and lift market restrictions where 
alternatives were possible with biodegrada ble plastic that fully addressed  the concerns of 
biodegradability in the marine environment . Impact assessment showed that in the longer -term 
reusable products would be cheaper. The European Commission, the European Parliament, and the 
EU Council were discussing  the proposal. The discussions were expected to be finalized soon and the 
Directive would be adopted early  in 2019 .  
1.54.   The representative of Norway  highlighted  that the management of plastics pollution was at 
the centre of Norway's ocean strategy presented earlier.  
1.55.   The representative of Australia  indicated that policies aimed at addressing plastic pollution 
and the unstainable production , use and disposal of pl astics were of great interest to Australia, 
including as an input to its own policy deliberations in this area. Australia was active internationally 
on marine pollution and micro -plastics, given the transboundary nature of these pollutants. Australia 
looke d forward to working with WTO Members and international organizations to progress relevant 
work already on the way.  
1.56.   The representative of the United States  noted the variety of approaches evolving across the 
membership to address plastics pollution. Multi prong strategies were much more effective in spurring 
innovation than overly prescriptive and restrictive policy approaches.  
1.57.   The representative of Switzerland  said that the EU plastics strategy was a concrete example 
of how to achieve a green and blue economy simultaneously . The representative  inquired about 
waste trade as well as the extent to which consumer behaviour and the reduction of plastics 
production played a role in the strategy.  
1.58.   The representative of the European Union  explained that consumer be havior was a focus area 
of the plastics strategy and the EU circular economy action plan. On plastics more specifically, the 
focus was on the access of consumers to the right information. Waste trade was very important in 
EU policy. In relation to plastics , this was approached using standards. More broadly, there were 
several workstreams on waste trade at the EU level, for instance on the need for a better definition 
of secondary raw materials.  
1.2.1.1.2   Presentations by other Members  
1.59.   The representative of Peru noted that the first International Forum on Circular Economy  had 
been held in September 2018, in Lima, Peru. The Forum was co -organized by the Ministries  of 
Production and of the Environment of Peru  with the support of the European Union  and the 
United  Nations  Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) . The Forum aimed to bring together 
representatives of the public and private sectors to discuss circular economy public policies focusing 
on plastic waste management and water and solid waste management. Peru wa s firmly committed 
to the circular economy as a strategy to achieve sustainable development, minimiz e resource use in 
productive processes and generat e new value to wastes. A proposal to regulate the use and 
production of disposable plastics was being deba ted in Congress. The proposed bill sought mainly to 
reduce gradually the use and production of plastic bags, ice cream containers and styrofoam 
containers. Concomitantly to the legislative track, the Ministry of Environment of Peru continuously 
led environ mental education campaigns , which were necessary to raise awareness  about the impact 
of plastic wastes, especially on oceans, and the need to reduce them. 
1.60.   The representative of Canada  noted as part of its G7 presidency, Canada had proposed the 
Ocean Plasti cs Charter. To date, 11 governments and 20 organizatio ns inside and outside of the 
G7 had endorsed the Charter. The document  outlined  actions around five pillars , including ambitious 
targets on recyclability and reuse, collection and value recovery from al l plastics, and investments 
in research, innovation and new technologies.  In November , Canada had published its domestic 
strategy to implement the Charter. The Canada -wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste applie d the WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  principles of circular economy to plastic s management and propose d outcomes along the entire 
plastics value chain.  
1.61.   The federal and sub -national governments in Canada were working together, in consultation 
with stakeholders and the public, to develop an action plan to outline specific measures an d priority 
actions to achieve zero plastic waste. The action plan was expected to be finalized by mid -2019.  
Canada also look ed forward to hosting the 2020 World Circular Economy Forum, which would  offer 
an opportunity to support international and national dialogue on how to move toward the broader 
circular economy.  
1.62.   The representative of Chile indicated that t he contamination caused by plastic waste was a 
matter of special concern for Chile. Evidence of this was the adoption in August 2018 of Law 21.100 , 
which  prohibited  the delivery of plastic bags in shops throughout the national territory. The purpose 
of this law was to reduce the generation of plas tic waste that seriously damaged  the environment, 
especially ocean s. It was important to note that the law  established  a period of adaptation of six 
months for large businesses to stop delivering plastic bags. In the case of small shops and free fairs, 
the period of adaptation was two years. During these periods, businesses could  deliver a maximum 
of two plast ic bags to each cust omer for each purchase made . The inspection of this procedure was 
carried out by the municipalities and non -compliance would be  subject to fines . 
1.63.   The representative of Chinese Taipei  shared information on Chinese Taipei's  efforts in 
promoting a circular economy. Since the industrial revolution, the economy had developed a "take -
make -consume and dispose" pattern of growth — a linear model based on the assumption that 
resources were abundant, available, easy to source and cheap to dispose of. However, that was not 
the reality. The reality was that resources were not abundant and Chinese Taipei depended on 
import s of many resources. It was therefore essential to move towards a more circular economy by 
maximizing resource efficiency.  
1.64.   Since 2016, circular economy had been  part of Chinese Taipei's economic policy. Circular 
economy and green energy were two key sustainability elements. Chinese Taipei , which boasted the 
third highest recycling rate in the world,  aimed to transform itself into a circular economy hub in 
Asia. The circular economy was reshaping the future by turning waste into renewable resources. The 
top priorit y was  to tap the potential of this area, including by lifting water reuse rates for related 
sectors, reducing air pol lution and environmental waste, and spurring exports of high -quality and 
innovative green products. This would not only generate economic benefits such as business and job 
opportunities , but would also encourag e the development of innovative business model s.  
1.65.   This successful approach had ma de a difference in several  industr ies such as textile s, food 
processing and plastic s. For example , a company made tissues from recycled paper, without bleach, 
and with renewable energy. Another example was popsicles  that contributed to reduc e food waste. 
A company was buying over -ripe fruits from farmers, who usually thr ew them out, and was turning 
them into popsicles. In conclusion, higher and sustained improvements in resource  use were within 
reach and could bring major economic benefits.  
1.2.1.1.3   Presentation by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions 
(UNEP ) on recent activities and the preparation for the 2019  Conferences of Parties  
1.66.   The representative of  the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions  Secretariat  
briefed the CTE on the forthcoming C oPs, scheduled to take place from  29 April  to 10 May 2019  in 
Geneva. The C oPs would start with a joint session that would c onsider cross-cutting  issues , such as 
technical assistance , international cooperatio n and compliance.  Then, under the 
Stockholm  Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) the main issue for discussion would 
be the l isting of new chemicals : perfluorooctanoic acid  (PFOA) with some proposed exemptions , and 
dicofol. The C oP would also  review the progress in the elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB).  
1.67.   Under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes 
and their Disposal , the C oP would discuss the progress made in  the environmentally sound 
management of waste s, as well as the issue of m arine litter and microplastics . There was also a 
proposal  to amend several annexes to the Basel Convention: Annex 2 (in order for the Convention 
to also cover plastics ), Annex 8 (which classified the hazardousness of wastes, in particular how to 
address the hazardousness components of wastes ); and A nnex 9 ( in order to require that plastic WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  waste  trade for recycling would be managed in an environmentally sound manner ). Another proposal 
related to the creation of a new partnership on plastic litter.  
1.68.   Under the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure  (PIC) for Certain 
Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade , the C oP would discuss the l isting of new 
chemicals : five pesticides (a cetochlor , phorate , carbosulfan , fenthion  and p araquat ), as well as two 
industrial chemicals (h exabromocyclododecane , a flame retardant,  and c hrysotile asbestos ). The 
CoP would also discuss ways to clarify the objectives  and the P IC procedure , along with  compliance 
mechanisms  for both Rotterdam and Stockholm c onventions . 
1.69.   The representative of  the European Union  said that her delegation hoped that a decision on a 
compliance mechanism for the Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention s would not be deferred again.  
1.2.1.1.4   Presentation by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 
(OECD) on its concept paper on trade and the circular economy  
1.70.   The representative from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)  
gave a presentation on the OECD's work on trade and the transition to a circular economy5. In the 
context of the Re -Circle Project, the macro -economic consequences of a transition to a circular 
economy had been examined and the OECD had published  the "Globa l Material Resources Outlook 
to 2060". Global materials use would more than double by 2060. The e nvironmental consequences 
of such materials extraction and use  included  consequences for climate change, land use and local 
pollution. Primary materials were m uch more polluting than secondary materials, and over half of 
GHG emissions could be attributed to materials management activities. There was a need for tailored 
policies to transform the use of materials in the economy . 
1.71.   There was growing momentum towards a more resource efficient and circular economy , as 
reflected by emerging national level initiatives on material s management frameworks , including: 
circular economy roadmaps in China, Finland, France, and the Netherlands;  Japan's  Fundamental 
Law for a Sound Material -Cycle Society ; and the Sustainable Materials Management Action Plan  in 
the United States . There had also been  continued progress at the regional and international level s, 
for instance, the G7 Alliance on Resource Efficiency, the SDGs , and the EU Circular Economy Action 
Plan (2016). The expected benefits of a transition to a circular economy were five -fold, namely: 
reduced extraction of virgin natural resources, lessened exposure to (geo -political) supply risk, 
reduced environmental pre ssures, new economic and employment opportunities, and synergies with 
climate objectives.  
1.72.   There had been several  discussions on trade and circular economy  recently , including two 
sessions at the  2018 WTO Public Forum (one on "The Low -Carbon Circular Econo my – Identifying 
Sustainable Trade Options" organized by Costa  Rica and Finland  and the other by the  Institute of 
European Environment Policy on "How can trade contribute to make t he world economy more 
circular" ) and a dedicated session on circular global value chains at the World Circular Economy 
Forum held in Yokohama, Japan, in October 2018 . At the World Circular Economy  Forum , the 
OECD  had released a concept paper  on "International Trade and the Transition to a Resource Efficient 
and Circular Economy" , which set forth the potential interaction between  international trade and the 
circular economy as a first step towards further research on this topic . 
1.73.   Several examples o f the interaction between trade and circular economy  were alluded to . 
First, some data at the national level showed a trend towards decoupling between GDP and material 
consumption in OECD countries , i.e. even though GDP was growing, material consumption was 
stable . However, when also considering  material consumption embedded in trade, decoupling 
appeared more mitigated. The second example  related to trade in waste and scrap , which had 
increased in recent years. F or the period 2003 -2016, global trade in waste had grown by 48% in 
weight , and 183% i n value.  
1.74.   In a linear economy, materials were produced, consumed and disposed of without treating 
them. The circular economy transition entailed closing and narrowing loops , including  through : the 
recycling of secondary raw materials ; refurbishment and manu facturing ; reuse of second -hand 
goods ; and repair. Even though such  efforts often took place within national boundaries, trade came 
                                                
5 The presentation is available in document RD/CTE/140 . WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  into play in various ways , as there was  trade in second hand goods, goods for refurbishment and 
remanufacturing, waste for r ecovery and in secondary raw materials.  Four aspects of  the interface  
between trade and circular economy  deserved further consideration : how the circular economy 
transition could affect trade patterns; how to achieve policy coherence between circular econo my 
policies and trade policies; how to better understand the nature of trade in waste, secondary raw 
materials and second -hand goods; and the role of international cooperation.  
1.75.   The c ircular economy transition could alter trade flows . It could potentially decrease import  
demand for primary and secondary materials  and decrease export s of waste and scrap. However, 
the transition also presented trade opportunities , for instance  for services  and government 
procurement . The challenge  was to analyse how resource -dependent developing countries might 
need to shift their economies in terms of infrastructure and labour force. Because many circular 
economy policies were innovative, they were difficult to foresee  and incorporate in modelling work.   
1.76.   Concerning  policy coherence , trade could provide opportunities via comparative advantage. 
Therefore, it was important to avoid  trade barriers such as import or export restrictions. 
Nevertheless, the benefits should not be at the expense of environmental consequences . Potential 
challenges included  the fragmentation  of circular economy regulations and standards such as 
standards for repa irability, recyclability and eco -design, among others.  There was a potential need 
for international standards and mutual recognition . Potential trade -offs had to be considered, for 
example, the lock-in of importing economies to inefficient secondary products.  
1.77.   Regarding the recycling of waste and secondary raw -materials, trade could help boost the 
global recycling of wastes by shipping w aste to countries with comparative advantage in sorting and 
processing. However, there were also potential challenges in this area. Among them was the 
definition and classification of waste and secondary raw materials , the multitude of regulation s in 
transboundary movement s of waste , and the importation of  waste into countries with inefficient 
waste management capacity. On reuse and remanufacturing , trade could provide opportunities . 
However, there were some challenges , including  "leakage " from EPR schemes , the possible role of 
second -hand good imports in hinder ing the transition towards energy eff icient and low -carbon 
economies , issues regarding the recovery  of end-of-life products across borders for refurbishment 
and remanufacturing , as the se were often le gally classified as waste ; and the paucity of  trade data 
on second -hand goods and goods for refurbishment and remanufacturing.  
1.78.   International co -operation was needed to: exploit  synergies to achieve material circularity at 
the global level ; improve  understanding and identify priority materials for recovery ; avoid 
environmentally harmful activities ; seek possible harmonization of quality standards of materials ; 
and to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers. There were some ongoing cooperation efforts , for 
example, the North Sea Resource Roundabout and the EU Cir cular Economy missions. These 
activities could be encouraged through multilateral frameworks and trade agreements.  
1.79.   The representative of Japan  noted  that Japan attached great importance to the circular 
economy and had hosted the World C ircular Economy Forum in 2018 . Japan looked forward to 
discussing this topic and how best to make a successful transition to the circular economy.  
1.80.   The representative of China  indicated  that China attached great i mportance to the topic of 
circular economy. He asked for clarification on GDP growth rates and m aterials extraction rates in 
OECD and non -OECD countries . 
1.81.   The representative of New Zealand  explained that New Zealand  was undertaking domestic 
policy work to support the transition to a circular economy.  An important component of this transition 
was the government' s goal of achieving a significant reduction of waste to landfill by 2020. 
New Zealand was  looking at ways to incorporate the circular economy concept into its trade 
agreements. New Zealand  welcome d further engagement on this topic in the CTE . 
1.82.   The representative of the European Union  supported  OECD  work on circular economy. The 
work of the European Union in this area entail ed cooperation with OECD countries and non-OECD  
countries. For example, a workshop on trade and environment had taken  place in  Chile in 2018 and 
had provided an opportunity to discuss the circular economy and other issues with other Latin 
Americ an countries . WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  1.83.   The representative of Norway  said that given resource constraints, a discussion on circular 
economy was timely.  
1.84.   The representative of Chile welcomed the  discussions on the relationship between the circular 
economy and trade at the WTO and oth er forums.  In the case of Chile, Law No. 20,920 , which  had 
entered into force in 2016, establish ed a Framework for Waste Management, Extended Producer 
Responsibility and Recycling Promotion. The purpose of th e law was "to reduce the generation of 
waste and encourage its reuse, recycling and other type s of recovery through the establishment of 
extended producer responsibility and other waste management instruments, in order to protect the 
health of people and the enviro nment."  
1.85.   The representative of the OECD  noted that, w hen accounting for  materials embedded in trade, 
domestic consumption of materials was more tha n it appeared  if the materials embedded in trade 
were not taken into consideration . 
1.2.2   Item 4  
"The provisions of the multilateral trading system with respect to the transparency of trade 
measures used for environmental purposes and environmental measures and requirements 
which have significant trade effects. " 
1.86.   The representatives of the WTO Secretariat  presented the E nvironmental Database (EDB)6 for 
2017 circulated on 19 November  2018 in document WT/CTE/EDB/17 . The Secretariat also presented 
the new web -based application for the EDB, developed following requests by Members to improve 
the user -friendliness of the tool. The website address was https://edb. wto.org7 and it could be 
accessed through different platforms, including smartphones and tablets. The mandate for the 
Secretariat to develop the EDB dated almost 20 years and the database had since been developed 
in different formats, from word to excel and now we b-based, taking into consideration comments 
and suggestions from Members throughout the years.  
1.87.   Two EDB updates (201 6 and 201 7) had been circulated in 2018 and the database now had 
data available from 2009 -2017. The update exercise continued to be  resource intensive, with 
3'786  notifications and 17 trade policy reviews (TPRs) analysed for 2017 alone. In 201 7, out of the 
3'786  notifications submitted by Members , 602 notifications ( or 15. 9%) were environment -related. 
Eighty -one Members had submitted environmen t-related notifications in 2017. Within these 
602 notifications,  1'492  environment -related measures were identified.  There were also 
1'191  environment -related entries from the 17 TPRs published in 2017 . Albeit with year -on-year 
fluctuations, the overall tr end was an increase in environmental measures and entries identified, 
both in absolute and relative terms.  
1.88.   The Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement continued to account for the highest number of 
environment -related notifications – around two thirds – followed by the ASCM, the Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary  Measures Agreement and the Agreement on Agriculture. One single notification 
contained several environment -related measures under some agreements. For instance, over 500 
environment -related measures were ide ntified in the around 60 environment -related notifications 
under the ASCM included in the EDB for 2017.  
1.89.   In the 17 TPRs, environment -related entries included information under trade policy 
frameworks, trade policies and practices by measures or trade polici es and practices by sectors.  The 
different types of measures identified in these entries included regulatory measures, bans, 
prohibitions, support schemes and price or market -based measures. The database could be used to 
filter and search through the info rmation in different ways and that had been the objective of the 
effort to improve the database and move it to a web -based interface. Next, the Secretariat provided 
a brief demonstration of the new web -based application for the EDB.  
                                                
6 The presentation is available in document  RD/CTE/138 . 
7 The EDB is also available on the WTO website: www.wto.org/edb .  WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  1.90.   The representative of Japan welcomed the new EDB which had excellent searchability, 
appreciated the hard work and supported the initiative. The database was valuable for future work, 
not only in the CTE but also in a broader context.  
1.91.   The representative of Guatemala  welcomed the new EDB as  her delegation had felt the need 
for such improvements to be able to appropriately review and use the database considering the 
length of information received after every update. She recognized and thanked the efforts and 
considered that the resu lt facilitated considerably the work of their experts in capital, in particular 
since not all notifications were presented as envi ronment -related ones. She also asked  whether the 
Secretariat was planning to provide technical assistance to Members on the be st use of the database.  
1.92.   The representative of the European Union  welcomed the hard work involved  in developing the 
EDB, including the annual updates. It was a unique, comprehensive and useful source of information 
for policy makers and researchers. The new web -based interface would greatly improve the utility 
of the database. She recognized that updating the EDB was extremely resource intensive, but 
encou raged the Secretariat to continue its efforts  as it was a  valuable tool for Members.  
1.93.   The representative of Switzerland  thanked the Secretariat for the valuable and hard work on 
updating the EDB. Switzerland believed the new interface increased the user -friendliness of the 
database, allowing other users to have better access to the data which was a very good basis for 
further analytical work in trade and environment. He believed it would be opportune to inform the 
CTE on the extent to which the database was used in other work.  
1.94.   The representative of Chile considered the EDB as an important tool to provide information 
on environmental measures being adopted by Members. The EDB provided a complete picture of the 
notifications related to the environment, helped Members to follow notifications across several years 
and allowed the id entification of all environment -related notifications in a single database. He 
recognized the amount of work involved in updating the database and encouraged the Secretariat 
to continue its efforts . 
1.95.   The representative of Mexico  thanked the Secretariat for the effort in updating the EDB and 
for the new web -based tool, which her delegation believed to be very useful. She encouraged the 
Secretariat to continue updating the database which provided valuable information on all aspects of 
environment -related measu res adopted by WTO Members.  
1.96.   The representative of the OECD  believed the EDB to contain very useful and rich information. 
He enquired about the criteria used to determine which measures were environment -related.  
1.97.   The representatives of the WTO Secretariat  replied to the question by the OECD that the 
annex to the EDB report contained a list of keywords8 used in a preliminary text -based filter to 
determine whether measures were environment -related. The process was complemented by in -
depth analysis of the result s, including to determine false -positives and false -negatives. On the 
analytical work and use of the database, the Secretariat mentioned that the EDB was extensively 
used internally, including in technical assistance and research analysis, but also encoura ged 
Members, researche rs and other institutions, including the OECD, to make increase d use of the 
database. He mentioned that the new free -text search option could provide interesting results in 
current areas of interest such as oceans, fisheries and fossi l fuels. As the interface became more 
user-friendly and the data available was now up -to-date, the use of the database would also 
increase. With regards to training, the Secretariat mentioned  the possibility of requesting a 
traditional technical assistance  activity focused on the new web -based interface, or to hold a 
dedicated informal meeting in the WTO to demonstrate in more details the tool and its functionalities.  
2  OTHER BUSINESS  
2.1   Update on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) Negotiations   
2.1.  The repres entative of Australia , as Chair of the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) 
negotiations, provided an update on the EGA negotia tions. Australia  welcomed this opportunity to 
                                                
8 See also the following documents containing information on search words: WT/CTE/W/46 , 
WT/CTE/W/78  and WT/CTE/W/102 . WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  reiterate the considerable environmental and commercial benefits such an agreement could provide. 
Almost two years had elapsed since the last meeting of EGA officials and ministers , which had  ended 
without concluding an agreement. Although EGA participants had considered the core priorities and 
sensitivities identified during that meetin g, progress towards a n outcome remained  elusive.  
2.2.  In the interim, the importance of the EGA and its trade and environment objectives had 
continued to grow. An EGA could enhance global commitments to trade and the environment. It 
would provide significant co mmercial benefits, boost trade and provide cheaper access to 
environmentally beneficial technologies. A successful outcome would eliminate tariffs on a very 
extensive range of goods and this would have numerous direct and positive impacts on key 
environmen tal issues facing WTO Members, including  in relation to more sustainable generation and 
use of energy ; minimisation of waste and promotion of recycling; and for the conservation of the 
environment . Concluding the EGA would demonstrate the contribution the multilateral trading 
system could make to addressing environmental challenges. An EGA had great potential to help 
facilitate further liberalisation of trade in environmental goods and services. In this vein, the 
innovative and liberalising approach that un derpinned the EGA negotiations provided a positive 
example that could help Members in thinking about the WTO's wider work and trade negotiating 
function.  Membership to the EGA had always been open to all WTO Members who shared the 
ambition and vision of gl obal free trade in environmental goods.  
2.3.  The representative of Norway  underlined that Norway was fully committed to the EGA and 
stood ready to engage.  
2.4.  The representative of Canada  remained  committed to resuming negotiations towards an 
ambitious,  future -oriented EGA that covered  a broad range of environmental goods, when conditions 
were appropriate.  Canada encouraged  renewed engagement from EGA participants, as a successfu l 
EGA would support WTO Members'  green growth obje ctives and help achieve Members'  
comm itments to SDGs.  
2.5.  The representative of Japan  highlighted that the importance of the environment objectives of 
the EGA negotiations had become greater. Japan remained committed to the EGA negotiations.  
2.6.  The representative of the European Union  highlighted the importance of liberalizing trade in 
environmental products as a concrete trade contribution to environmental protection including 
climate mitigation. The European Union also remained strongly committed to concluding an 
ambitious and forwar d looking EGA and looked forward to relaunching negotiations once 
circumstances would allow and participants were ready to reengag e.  
2.7.  The representative of New Zealand  reaffirm ed New Zealand's  commitment to reaching an 
ambitious and timely EGA, and express ed a desire to work closely with others to explore options for 
renewed engagement when the time was right.  
2.8.  The representative of Switzerland  said that the EGA negotiations would create a triple win 
situation for the environment, trade and development . Swi tzerland  remained committed to the 
negotiations when the time was right.  
2.9.  The representative of Chinese Taipei  noted  that the EGA had a trade benefit as well as merit 
in addressing global warming. Chinese Taipei remained strongly committed to concluding the  EGA 
negotiations.  
2.10.   The representative of Hong Kong, China  reiterate d her delegation's  strong support for this 
important initiative. An EGA would, in addition to liberalising trade, bring enviro nmental benefits. It 
would be a significant step towards reduci ng pollution, preserving natural resources and stimulating 
the develo pment of technologies that helped meet environmental challenges. Hong Kong, China  
looked  forward to an early resumption of negotiation, and was committed to working closely with 
other WTO Members for a fruitful outcome.  
2.2  New Zealand's  recent policy developments  and the Trade for All Agenda  
2.11.   The representative of New Zealand  update d the CTE on th e launch of the "Trade for All" policy.  
In August 2018, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had launched the public consultation on a progressive WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  and inclusive Trade for All Agenda. The goal was a trade policy that worked alongside other 
government policies to support productive, sustainable and inclusive economic development. 
Sustainable development  took into account impact s on the environment. Inclusive development 
enabl ed all New Zealanders t o succeed on the global stage. The public consultation had been  
completed in October 2018. An independent Trade for All Advisory Board would  consider and devel op 
recommendations.  His delegation  looked  forward to sharing more details on this at a future 
CTE meeting , particularly New Zealand's  thinking on how trade could  support sustainable 
development, including to address global environmental issues.  
2.12.   The represe ntative of Norway  noted that a broader and more inclusive trade agenda was for 
the benefit of all and should be commended. A comprehensive and transparent dialogue was 
essential to ensure that the benefit from trade was shared equally.  
2.13.   The representative of Canada  highlighted  strong parallels between New Zealand' s Trade for 
All Agenda and Canada's inclusive trade agenda and looked forward to further updates . 
2.14.   The representative of the European Union  noted that the EU  trade and investment strategy , 
entitled "Trade for All", was based on three key principles . First, the strategy aimed to make sure 
that trade delivered on its promises for new economic opportunities . This  meant addressing issues 
that affected today's economy such as services a nd digital trade, while providing the means and 
information necessary to ensure that SMEs, consumers and workers could take full advantage  of 
open markets. Second, negotiations were open to increased  public scrutiny by publishing key 
negotiating texts. The  third pillar was on values and covered issues such as  safeguarding the 
european social and regulatory model by using EU trade agreements and preference program mes 
as levers to promote sustainable development, human rights, fair and ethical trade and  the fight 
against corruption. A nti-corruption rules were included in the EU's trade agreements, along  with co-
labour standards, the right of workers to organize themselves and  the abolition of child labo ur. The 
third pillar also covered ef forts to ensure responsible supply chain  management . 
2.3  WTO Secretariat and UNEP briefing on the "Leadership Dialogue: Making Trade Work 
for the Environment, Prosperity and Resilience" held during the 2018  WTO Public Forum  
2.15.   The representative of the WTO Secretariat  briefed  the CTE on several joint activities 
undertaken in collaboration with UN Environment during the WTO Public Forum. The activities had 
comprised a high -level leadership dialogue, a publication and a sustainability exhibition. The idea 
had originated with the Director -General of the WTO and the Executive Director of UN Environment . 
At a meeting in Davos, Switzerland in January 2018, the two heads had expressed willingness to 
strengthen cooperation between their institutions and to facilitate  a dialogue between stakeholders 
on ways to ensure that trade and environmental policies would work in tandem. The high -level event, 
held on the first day of the Public Forum, had brought together a range of leading personalities from 
the private and publi c sectors and civil society, along with the heads of UN Environment and the 
WTO. The dialogue, which was livestreamed on social media, had been very well attended.9 The 
discussions had emphasized the need for ever closer and positive links between open, ru les-based 
and inclusive trade on the one hand, and a healthy environment on the other. The role that trade 
and the WTO  could play in supporting the achievement of environmental goals was also considered. 
Trade could serve as a tool to disseminate and scale  up environmentally sound technologies, and to 
accelerate the transition to a green economy. More green investment was needed in developing 
countries, not least to improve access to energy and sanitation.  
2.16.   At the high -level leadership dialogue, the WTO and UN Environment had launched the joint 
publication "Making Trade Work for the Environment, Prosperity and Resilience".10,11 The publication 
identified opportunities to use trade to help tackle mounting environmental challenges while 
fostering economic and soc ial prosperity. Open, predictable and equitable trade relations among 
countries could accelerate the worldwide diffusion of environmentally sound technological solutions 
and facilitate the creation and expansion of markets for sustainable products. Moreove r, with the 
growing impacts of climate change and resource scarcity – felt in varying magnitudes across different 
                                                
9 The webcast is available at: https://player.4am.ch/wto/20181002 -
03/fullscreen/player.html?lang=en&media=wto_vod_20181002_101 .  
10 The publication is available at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/unereport2018_e.htm .  
11 The presentation is available in document RD/CTE/139 .  WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  parts of the world – trade had an important role to play in strengthening environmental resilience. 
The third joint activity was a sustainabil ity exhibition, which had been organized in cooperation with 
Climate Show, Solar Impulse Foundation, the World Intellectual Property Organization ( WIPO ) Green 
and the Permanent Mission of Japan. It had brought together 12 exhibitors showcasing a wide range  
of sustainability technologies. The technologies exhibited included a lamp that ran on saltwater and 
a fully recycled electric race car, along with technologies for waste management and energy storage.  
2.17.   Holding additional dialogues of this type would be be neficial. It would be important to consider 
how the WTO and UN Environment could deepen their cooperation, including in those areas where 
both agencies had already been collaborating such as technical assistance and capacity building.  
2.18.   The representative of  UNEP  noted that UN Environment stood ready to work alongside the 
WTO Secretariat, WTO Members and stakeholders to bui ld on the success of the 
WTO-UN Environment initiative, explore innovative ways of bringing the trade and environment 
communities closer t ogether and to build synergies between those communities. From an 
organizational perspective, the collaboration with the WTO was a hig h and strategic priority for 
UN Environment.  
2.19.   The representative of Japan  said that the WTO -UN Environment initiative at the WTO Public 
Forum, which had comprised the leadership dialogue, several panels hosted by WTO Members and 
the exhibition, had been very useful. The initiative had helped to raise awareness of the close links 
between t rade and the environment and to build momentum for environment -related discussions at 
the WTO.  
2.20.   The representative of New Zealand  welcomed effort s by the WTO Secretariat and 
UN Environment to articulate and explain the links between trade, the environment, prosperity and 
resilience. His delegation encourage d cooperation betw een the WTO Secretariat and UN Environment 
towards fostering a dialogue between governments, businesses and civil society on strengthening 
the economy and the environment globally. His  delegation encouraged all WTO M embers to get 
involved.  
 
2.21.   The representative of Canada  underscored the importance of th e WTO -UN Environment 
initiative . Canada had contributed to the initiative through an event on trade and climate change. 
His delegation encour aged the WTO -UN Environment collaboration to continue.  
2.22.   The representative of the European Union  noted that the high -level leadership dialogue had 
been one of the key events at the WTO Public Forum. It had shown how important it was to break 
down silos and engage the environment and trade communities in policy dialogue. Her delegation 
encouraged continued cooperation between the WTO and UN Environment and stood ready to 
engage in these efforts.  
2.4  Briefings by observer organizations  
2.4.1   Briefing by the OECD  
2.23.   The rep resentative of the OECD  briefed the CTE on recent developments in the work of the 
Joint Working Party on Trade and Environment12. In the biennium 2017 -2018, the OECD was work ing 
on the following: g reening Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) with a focus on  investment and 
subsidies ; trade and resource efficiency/c ircular economy ; and i ndicators on trade and 
environmental policies . On RTAs, two papers had been published  in 2017 : one on the  implementation 
of environmental provisions in RTAs  and the other one on their effectiveness , using air quality as a 
proxy. The work was now focusing on how environmental objectives could be streamlined across 
chapters of RTAs to ensure policy coherence, particularly on investment (including the right to 
regulate and green inve stments) and on subsidies (including the development  of guidelines for 
environmentally supportive subsidies  and the phaseout of  environmentally harmful subsidies ).  
2.24.   Regarding  indicators on trade and environmental policies , the OECD had put together a set 
of ten indicators: (1) t he volume of trade in environmentally r elated goods; (2) t ariffs applied t o 
environmentally related goods; (3) e mbodied raw materials in trade ; (4) t he vol ume of trade in 
                                                
12 Tre presentation is available in document RD/CTE/141 . WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  waste and scrap; (5) s upport measures for fossil fuels ; (6) e nabling policy and regulatory 
environment for renewable energy; (7) n utrient balances of exported grains; (8) the amount of 
carbon emissions embodied in trade; (9) carbon emissions embodied in trade under the equal ca rbon 
intensity assumption; and (10) scale, composition and technique effects of imported carbon 
emissions . Next, the OECD would carry  out empirical analyses on clean technology diffusion  through 
trade. The two other lines of work , subject to funding,  were on c arbon leakage and trade in waste . 
2.4.2   Briefing by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 
Fauna and Flora (CITES)  
2.25.   The representative of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 
Fauna and Flora (CITES)  briefed13 delegates  on recent  developments under the Convention, 
including the most recent annual meeting of its Standing Committee (SC) and the next meeting of 
the C oP which would take place in 2019 . The Convention regulated trade in around 36'000 species 
listed in three appendices, w ith trade in around 97% of such species allowed under certain 
conditions. Only the commercial trade in the remaining 3% was banned, which included species such 
as tigers, whales and other more charismatic mammals.  
2.26.   The CITES SC had met in the first week of October in Russia covering over 70 items in its 
agenda. The representative focused on  three cases  which were more relevant for CTE delegates. 
The first case comprised  trade -related compliance measures adopted by the SC. One of the main 
conditions for tradi ng under CITES was a scientifically -based non -detriment finding (NDF), a 
scientific view from an independent authority that the proposed trade would  not put at risk the 
survival of the species in the wild. Trade could  occur as long as a prior NDF demonstra ted that any 
impact was sustainable. Some Parties faced considerable challenges in implementing NDFs, in 
particular for listed species of timber for which assessing the sustainable level of harvest and trade 
was particularly complex or when species were li sted for the first time and no prior controls existed.   
2.27.   This was the case of Nigeria with regard to trade in specimens of Rosewood Pterocarpus 
erinaceus , a species  that had been listed during the last C oP in 2016 and for which trade required a 
NDF from 201 7. Nigeria faced an additional challenge with regards to its federal government 
composition in which the federal level was responsible for issuing trade license but its sustainability 
had to be assessed at the state level. During the 2017 meeting of the SC , the CITES Secretariat was 
requested to report on exports of Rosewood from Nigeria and the need for a NDF. By August 2018, 
Nigeria had exported 181'000 cubic meters of Rosewood timber with out a prior NDF. In its 
October  2018 meeting, the SC had decided to  recommend all parties to suspend commercial trade 
in this species from Nigeria until a satisfactory NDF had been prepared. It further encouraged 
countries of import (Viet Nam and China) to inform the CITES Secretariat of the volumes imported 
since the lis ting in Appendix II. This strong decision by the SC had raised questions about the exports 
which were under way  from Nigeria to China and Viet  Nam when the decision was adopted.  
2.28.   The second case involved Lao PDR. The country had faced difficulties in implem enting and 
enforcing the Convention since becoming a Party. Lao PDR had r ecently made progress as a result 
of more actions to combat illegal trade and better enforcement. A few remaining outstanding issues 
were national legislation and capacity to carry  out NDFs. Lao PDR recognized the issues and had 
requested capacity building assistance to implement NDFs. The SC had made a similar 
recommendation to suspend commercial trade in respect of dalbergia , another Rosewood species, 
until a NDF was in place.  
2.29.   Finally, the representative shared the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which  
faced significant challenges to implement the Convention given its size and location. The country 
faced challenges regarding the management of the African grey parrot  species which had been 
included in CITES Appendix I in 2016 (which meant that no commercial trade could happen ). DRC 
had made a reservation to the listing and continued to trade the species as if it continued to be listed 
under Appendix II (for which trad e was allowed subject to a previous NDF). However, the country 
was still not able to implement the NDF for the species and the SC had made a recommendation to 
suspend trade in these specimens. The SC had also decided to maintain a recommendation of 
suspens ion of trade with  regards to Madagascar which had  been in place since 2016.  
                                                
13 The presentation is available in document  RD/CTE/143 . WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  2.30.   CITES had been making efforts to move to the 21st century and allow permits to be issued 
electronically under the Convention while exploring the use of novel technologies such as d igital 
signatures and blockchain. She also mentioned CITES collaboration with the World Customs 
Organization (WCO) to put in place better algorithms to ensure that containers at risk were being 
inspected. CITES was also addressing the consequences of movin g species from Appendix II to 
Appendix I, in particular with regards to stockpiles which had been acquired prior to the up -listing 
with the intent of exporting and which now were banned from commercial trade. Some Parties 
considered this an unfair retroact ive application of the restriction whereas others considered it to be 
the application of current rules to current trade. At the request of Parties, the CITES Secretariat had 
prepared a recommendation on what approach should be adopted. The proposal would b e addressed 
at the following COP in 2019.  
2.31.   Although the Convention only regulated international trade, domestic markets for frequently 
illegally traded specimens had an impact on international demand for listed species and interest had 
been raised in addres sing domestic regulations and controls regarding species that could not be 
traded internationally. Particular subjects of discussion were ivory, rhino horns and pangolin scales.  
2.32.   The next C oP would take place from 23 May to 3 June 2019 in Colombo, Sri Lank a. Proposals 
to include new species to the appendices or for new decisions, resolutions or amendments had to be 
presented up to 150 days before the meeting. One of the proposed animals to be listed in the 
upcoming C oP would be a species of sea cucumber bei ng traded from Sri Lanka mainly to Asian 
markets. Developing countries could apply for sponsorship to allow participation in the C oP up to 
31st December 2018. The final agenda was expected in late January 2019.  CTE delegates were 
encouraged to take the new  online course jointly  developed by CITES and the WTO  Secretariat 
entitled " CITES and the WTO - Enhancing Cooperation for Sustainable Development ". It explained 
the coexistence of WTO and CITES over the previous 40 years. The course had been made available  
in the WTO e -campus website.14 
2.33.    The representative of the European Union  welcomed the engaging presentation and 
appreciated the effort by the CITES Secretariat to make a direct connection to the work of the CTE. 
She also appreciated the refence to the work between CITES and the WCO and to modern tools such 
as blockchain, and how they could contribute to discussions on these issues.  
2.34.   The representative of CITES  commented that the work on blockchain had just been presented 
with support of the Technical  University of Berlin . It would be brought up at the 2019 C oP to seek 
the endorsement for further work.  
3  DATE OF NEXT MEETING  
3.1.  The next meeting of the Committee would take in May 2019.  The precise date would be 
communicated to Members in due course.  
_______ _______  
                                                
14 https://ecampus.wto.or g/. WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  ANNEX 1: ITEMS OF TH E CTE WORK PROGRAMME  
 
Item 1:  The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral trading system and trade 
measures for environmental purposes, including those pursuant to multilateral 
environmental agreements.  
Item 2:  The relationship between environmental policies relevant to trade and environmental 
measures with significant trade effects and the provisions of the multilateral trading 
system.  
Item 3(a):  The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral tradin g system and 
charges and taxes for environmental purposes.  
Item 3(b):  The relationship between the provisions of the multilateral trading system and 
requirements for environmental purposes relating to products, including standards 
and technical regulations , packaging, labelling and recycling.  
Item 4:  The provisions of the multilateral trading system with respect to the transparency of 
trade measures used for environmental purposes and environmental measures and 
requirements which have significant trade effe cts. 
Item 5:  The relationship between the dispute settlement mechanisms in the multilateral 
trading system and those found in multilateral environmental agreements.  
Item 6:  The effect of environmental measures on market access, especially in relation to 
developing countries, in particular to the least developed among them, and 
environmental benefits of removing trade restrictions and distortions.  
Item 7:  The issue of exports of domestically prohibited goods.  
Item 8:  The relevant provisions of the Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual 
Property Rights.  
Item 9:  The work programme envisaged in the Decision on Trade in Services and the 
Environment.  
Item 10:  Input to the relevant bodies in respect of appropriate arrangements for relations 
with intergo vernmental and non -governmental organizations referred to in Article  V 
of the WTO.  
 
 
 WT/CTE/M/66  
 
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  ANNEX 2: PARTS OF TH E DOHA MINISTERIAL D ECLARATION THAT RELA TE  
TO THE WORK  OF THE C TE 
 
32. We instruct the Committee on Trade and Environment, in pursuing work on all items on its 
agenda within its current terms of reference, to give particular attention to:  
 
(i) the effect of environmental measures on market access, especially in relation t o 
developing countries, in particular the least  developed among them, and those situations in 
which the elimination or reduction of trade restrictions and distortions would benefit trade, 
the environment and development;  
 
(ii) the relevant provisions of th e Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual 
Property Rights; and  
 
(iii) labelling requirements for environmental purposes.  
 
Work on these issues should include the identification of any need to clarify relevant WTO rules. The 
Committee shall repor t to the Fifth Session of the Ministerial Conference, and make 
recommendations, where appropriate, with respect to future action, including the desirability of 
negotiations. The outcome of this work as well as the negotiations carried out under paragraph  31(i) 
and (ii) shall be compatible with the open and non -discriminatory nature of the multilateral trading 
system, shall not add to or diminish the rights and obligations of members under existing WTO 
agreements, in particular the Agreement on the Applicati on of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, 
nor alter the balance of these rights and obligations, and will take into account the needs of 
developing and least  developed countries.  
 
33. We recognize the importance of technical assistance and capacity buildi ng in the field of trade 
and environment to developing countries, in particular the least  developed among them. We also 
encourage that expertise and experience be shared with members wishing to perform environmental 
reviews at the national level. A report shall be prepared on these activities for the Fifth Session.  
 
51. The Committee on Trade and Development and the Committee on Trade and Environment shall, 
within their respective mandates, each act as a forum to identify and debate developmental and 
environmental aspects of the negotiations, in order to help achieve the objective of having 
sustainable development appropriately reflected.  
 
__________