WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
16 November 2017  
(17-5951) Page: 1/226 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
  
OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPM ENTS  
IN THE INTERNATIONAL  TRADING ENVIRONMENT  
ANNUAL REPORT BY THE  DIRECTOR -GENERAL1 
 
(Mid-October 201 6 to mid -October  2017)  
Table of contents  
KEY FINDINGS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  4 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 7 
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  9 
2   RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENTS  ................................ ......................  11 
2.1   Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 11 
2.2   Economic Developments  ................................ ................................ .............................. 12 
2.3   Merchandise Trade  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....14 
2.4   Trade in Commercial Services  ................................ ................................ ...................... 17 
2.5   Trade Forecast and Economic Outlook  ................................ ................................ ........... 18 
3   TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED POLICY ISSUE S ................................ ...........................  24 
3.1   Overview of trends identified during the period under review  ................................ ........... 24 
3.2   Trade -Remedies  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 28 
3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS)  ................................ ................................ ..41 
3.4   Technical Bar riers to Trade (TBT)  ................................ ................................ ................. 48 
3.5   Trade Concerns Raised in Other WTO Bodies  ................................ ................................ ..57 
3.6   Policy Developments in Agriculture  ................................ ................................ ............... 65 
3.7   General Economic Support  ................................ ................................ ........................... 71 
3.8   Overview of Trade Policy Reviews  ................................ ................................ ................. 72 
3.9   Other Selected Trade Policy Issues  ................................ ................................ ............... 84 
4   POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE IN SERVICES  ................................ ......................  95 
5   POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE AND INTELLECTUAL PRO PERTY  ........................  102  
6   TRANSPARENCY OF TRAD E POLICIES  ................................ ................................ ...... 106  
ANNEX 1  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  123  
                                                
1 This Report covers the period mid -October 2016 to mid -October 2017. It is presented pursuant to 
Paragraph G of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism mandate and aims to assist the Trade Policy Review Body 
to undertake its annual overview of developments in the international trading environment that are having an 
impact on the multilateral trading system. The Report is issued und er the sole responsibility of the 
Director -General. It has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of Members, nor does it have any legal 
implications with respect to the conformity of any measure noted in the Report with any WTO Agreements or 
any pr ovisions thereof.   WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  MEASURES FACILITATIN G TRADE  ................................ ................................ ................  123  
ANNEX 2  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  138  
TRADE REMEDIES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  138  
ANNEX 3  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  158  
OTHER TRADE -RELATED MEASURES  ................................ ................................ .............  158  
ANNEX 4  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  171  
MEASURES AFFECTING T RADE IN SERVICES  ................................ ................................  171  
APPENDIX 1 - PARTICIPATION  ................................ ................................ ....................  225  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Box 1 About the WTO Trade Monitoring Report  
This Monitoring Report reviews tr ade and trade -related measures implemented by WTO Members during the 
period from 16 Oc tober 2016 to 15 October 2017. It is the  annual overview by the Director -Genera l under the 
Trade Policy Review Mechanism  (TPRM ) mandate  which  provides the WTO membership with selected 
developments in the international trading environment. The most recent mid -year Trade Monitoring Report was 
circulated on 10 July 2017 and the last annual Report by the Director -General was issued on 21  November 
2016 (WT/TPR/OV/19) . 
 
This Rep ort is issued under the sole responsibility of the Director -General of the WTO.  
 
The Trade Monitoring Report is first and foremost a transparency exercise. It is intended to be purely factual 
and has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of WTO Me mbers. It is without prejudice to Members' 
negotiating positions and has no legal implication with respect to the conformity of any measure noted in the 
Report with any WTO Agreement or any provision thereof.  
 
The Report aims to shed light on the latest t rends in the implementation of a broad range of policy measures 
that facilitate as well as restrict the flow of trade and provide an update on the state of global trade. The 
Report neither seeks to pronounce itself on whether a trade measure is protectioni st, nor does it question the 
explicit right of Members to take certain trade measures. The Reports continue to evolve in terms of the 
coverage and analysis of trade -related issues and take into account discussions among WTO Members in the 
Trade Policy Revi ew Body.  
 
Although the restrictive trade measures as covered by the Report have a restraining impact on the flow of 
trade, almost all such measures appear to have been taken within the flexibilities provided for in the 
multilateral trading system. With res pect to the tariff increases included in the Reports, it is equally important 
to stress that the overwhelming majority of these measures are taken within bound ceilings and do not appear 
to break WTO rules.  Regarding trade remedy actions , it has been highl ighted in discussions among WTO 
Members that several of these measures are taken to address what is perceived by some as a market 
distortion resulting from trade practices of entities in another trading partner. In fact, the WTO Antidumping 
and Subsidies A greements permit WTO Members to impose antidumping (AD) or countervailing (CVD) duties to 
offset what is perceived to be injurious dumping or subsidization of products exported from one Member to 
another. The Reports are not in a position to establish if, where or when such perceived distortive practices 
have taken place. The Reports have never categorized the use of trade remedies as protectionist, WTO -
inconsistent or critici zed governments for utilizing them. The main objective of monitoring these measure s is to 
provide added transparency and to identify emerging trends  in the application of trade policy measures . 
 
With respect to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT) measures covered in the 
Report, it is important to empha size that they are neither classified nor counted as trade -restrictive or trade -
facilitating, and the increasing trend with respect to the number of notifications of such measures is carefully 
linked to the transparency provisions of the Agreements only. T he Reports have consistently underlined the 
basic premise that an increased number of SPS and TBT notifications do es not automatically imply greater use 
of protectionist or unnecessarily trade -restrictive measures, but rather enhanced transparency regardin g these 
measures. Finally, the Reports clearly emphasize that the SPS and TBT Agreements specifically allow Members 
to take measures in the pursuit of a number of legitimate policy objectives.  
 
The WTO Secretariat strives to ensure that the Trade Monitori ng Reports are factual and objective accounts of 
recent trends in trade policy making. Since 200 9, the Reports have also sought to provide a nuanced 
perspective to developments in the area of international trade. For example,  the Reports  have consistently  
drawn  attention  to the fact that although  the number  of specific  and often long-term restrictive  trade measures  
remains  a source  of serious  concern,  other  key factors  may influence  trade developments . During discussions 
of the Trade Monitoring Reports at t he TPRB , Members have also drawn attention to this point and to the fact 
that, with respect to both, vigilance remains imperative.  
 
 WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  KEY FINDINGS  
 WTO Members applied 108 new trade -restrictive measures during the review period from 
mid-October 201 6 to mid -October 2017, including new or increased tariffs, customs 
procedures, quantitative restrictions  and local content measures.  This equates to an average 
of nine measures per month compared to fifteen in the previous period . 
 
 WTO Members also implemented 128 measures aimed at facilitating trade, including 
eliminated or reduced tariffs and simplified customs procedures. At almost 
11 trade -facilitating measures per month, this remains significantly lower than the monthly 
average of 18 recorded in the previous an nual overview report . WTO Members continue to 
implement more trade -facilitating than trade -restrictive measures, a trend observed over 
the past four years.  
 
 It is noteworthy that t he estimated trade coverage of import -facilitating measures 
(US$1 69 billion)  is more than two times larger than that of import -restricting measures 
(US$79 billion). In addition,  the import -facilitating measures implemented during the review 
period in the context of the ITA Expansion Agreement  are estimated at around 
US$385  billion  or 2.4% of the value of world merchandise imports.  
 
 On trade remedy measures, the review period saw a slight deceleration  both in initiations of 
investigations and in terminations  of measures , compared to the previous annual overview 
and to the  whole of 2016.  Anti-dumping measures continue to make up the bulk of all trade 
remedy initiations.  
 
 Transparency and predictability in trade policy remains vital for all actors in the global 
economy. Collectively, WTO Members must  show leadership in reiterating the ir commitment 
to open and mutually beneficial trade as a key driver of economic growth and a major 
engine for prosperity. In preparing for the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference , Members must 
continue to work together to achieve a successful meeting in Buenos  Aires in December . 
 
Trade -restrictive measures , excluding trade remedies  
(average per month)  
13 14 
14 19 
11 15 
9 
0510152025
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 mid-Oct15 to
mid-Oct16mid-Oct16 to
mid-Oct17Chart KF1
Trade restrictive measures, excluding trade remedies
Source:   WTO Secretariat.(Average per month)
Values are rounded.
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Trade -facilitating measures, excluding tr ade remedies  
(average per month)  
16
121521
1518
11
0510152025
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 mid-Oct15 to
mid-Oct16mid-Oct16 to
mid-Oct17Chart KF2
Trade facilitating measures, excluding trade remedies
Source:   WTO Secretariat.(Average per month)
Values are rounded.
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Overview of measures taken by WTO Members and Observers,  mid-October 201 6 to 
mid-October 2017  
(by number)  
301 125 128 108 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Measures facilitating trade Trade-restrictive measures662Chart 1.[w]
Trade measures, mid -October 2016 to mid -October 2017
Source:  WTO Secretariat.
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Trade coverage of import measures, mid -October 201 6 to mid -October 201 7 
76 12 169 79 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Measures facilitating trade Trade-restrictive measuresUS$ 336 billion Chart 1.[w]
Trade coverage of import measures, mid -October 2016 to mid -October 2017
(US$ billion)
Source:  WTO Secretariat
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.   
Trade  remedy initiations and terminations  
2128
25
2329
28
25
17
1618 18
14
13
10
 - 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 mid-Oct15 to
mid-Oct16mid-Oct16 to
mid-Oct17Chart 05
WTO Trade remedies intitiations & terminations 
Initiations avg per month Terminations avg per month
Source:  WTO Secretariat.
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  
This WTO Trade  Monitoring  Report  reviews  trade-related  developments  during  the period  from 
16 October  2016 to 15 October  2017.2 The Report  continues  to demonstrate  the import ance of 
transparency  and predictability  for all actors  in the global  economy.  The rules-based  multilateral  
trading  system,  under -pinned  by the WTO,  remains  a key pillar in the global  economy  to create  
the conditions  for improved  economic  growth  and prosper ity.  
 
During  the review  period,  108 new trade -restrictive  measures  were put in place,  including  new or 
increased  tariffs,  customs  regulations , quantitative  restrictions  and local content  measures . This 
equates to an average of nine measures per month comp ared to fifteen in the previous period.   
 
WTO Members  also implemented  128 measures  aimed  at facilitating  trade in the review  period,  
including  eliminated  or reduced  tariffs  and simplified  customs  procedures.  At almost  eleven  
trade -facilitating  measures  per month,  this remains  significantly  lower  than the monthly  average  
recorded  in the previous  annual  overview  report . It is noteworthy, however, that t he estimated 
trade coverage of import -facilitating measures (US$1 69 billion) is more than twice  that of imp ort-
restrictive measures ($79 billion).  
 
The trade coverage of liberalization associated with measures implemented in the context of the 
WTO's Information Technology Agreement (ITA) Expansion amounted to around US$385 billion, 
according to Secretariat esti mates.  
 
Initiations  of trade remedy  investigations  represented  the bulk (around  46%)  of all trade measures  
recorded.  Initiations  of anti-dumping  investigations  accounted  for 83% of all trade remedy  
initiations.  WTO Members  initiated  on average  25 and terminated  10 trade  remedy  investigations  
per month  during  the review  period.  This marked a slight  deceleration  both in initiations  of 
investigations  and in terminations  of trade  remed y measures  compared  to the previous  annual  
overview  and to the whole  of 2016. The main sectors  affected  by trade  remedy  initiations  during  
the review  period  were electrical  machinery  and parts thereof,  iron and steel,  articles  of iron and 
steel and wood  and articles  of wood.  The trade coverage  of trade  remedy  initiations  and 
termi nations  recorded  in this Report  is estimated  at US$76  billion  and US$12  billion,  respectively.   
 
A range  of other  subjects  are also covered  by this Report.  In the context  of the Sanitary  and 
Phytosanitary  (SPS)  Committee,  WTO Members  continued to show thei r commitment in notifying  
their SPS measures.  Developing  Members  accounted  for two thirds  of these  notifications.  Similarly,  
WTO Members continue d to notify their Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) measures,  the majority 
of which being submitted by develop ing Members.  The protection of human health or safety 
continues to represent the bulk of TBT measures.  The SPS and TBT notification obligations are 
meant to promote enhanced predictability and transparency regarding measures taken to address 
legitimate poli cy objectives. In both the SPS and the TBT Committee s, WTO Members continued to 
discuss  Specific Trade Concerns (STCs), suggesting that they increasingly see the SPS and TBT 
Committee s as fora in which trade concerns may be resolved non -litigiously.  
 
In the area of agriculture, in light of some Members' incomplete notifications, WTO Members 
continued to rely on Article 18.6 of the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) to ask questions on 
implementation of commitments. In 2017, the average number of questions rais ed under Article 
18.6 reached an all -time high of 43 questions per meeting, in the March and June 2017 Committee 
meetings. A large number of these questions focused on Members' domestic support policies and 
on policies with the potential to restrict trade of agricultural products.  
Work on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) continues to advance. Many 
Members concluded their domestic ratification processes, raising the total number of acceptances 
to three -quarters of the entire WTO membership. Members also continued to submit  their 
implementation schedules, and other notifications under the TFA. The Trade Facilitation Committee 
started its work and is now fully operational.  
 
On trade  in services,  several  new measures,  some  horizonta l in nature  and some  affecting  a 
variety  of service  sectors,  were introduced  by WTO Members  during  the review  period.  As in the 
past, the majority  of these  measures  provided  for additional  liberalization  or was aimed  at 
                                                
2 Unless otherwise indicated in the relevant Section.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  strengthening  or clarifying  regulato ry frameworks.  At the same  time, however,  a number  of 
services  measures  implemented  during  the review  period  appear  to be trade restrictive.   
 
The report draws also attention to developments in the area of Trade -Related  Aspects  of 
Intellectual  Property  Rights (TRIPS).  The entry into force of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS 
Agreement, on 23 January 2017 is an important milestone and marks the first amendment to a 
multilateral trade agreement since the creation of the WTO in 1995.  
 
International trade flows rebounded strongly during the review period after a sharp slowdown  in 
2016.  World merchandise trade volume growth in the first half of 2017 was 4.2%, well above the 
1.3% increase recorded for the whole of  2016. World real GDP growth at market exchange rate s is 
projected to pick up to 2.8% in 2017 from 2.3% in 2016.   Despite improvements in several 
forward -looking economic indicators, downside risks could still undermine any trade recovery, 
including trade policy measures, geopolitical tensions and natural d isasters.  The WTO's latest trade 
forecast (21 September 2017) has world merchandise trade volume increasing by 3.6% in 2017, 
with growth placed within an expected range from 3.2% to 3.9% reflecting past forecast 
performance.   The pace of expansion should m oderate to 3.2% in 2018, set within a wider range 
from 1.4% to 4.4% reflecting the greater uncertainty of longer -term forecasts.  
Transparency and predictability in trade policy remains vital for all actors in the global economy. 
Collectively, WTO Members m ust show leadership in reiterating their commitment to open and 
mutually beneficial trade as a key driver of economic growth and a major engine for prosperity. In 
preparing for the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference Members must continue to work together to 
achieve a successful meeting in Buenos Aires in December.  
 WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  This Report is submitted to the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) pursuant to Paragraph G of 
the Trade Policy Review Mechanism mandate in Annex 3 to the WTO Agreement . This provides for 
an annual Report by the Director -General to assist the TPRB in undertaking its annual overview of 
developments in the international trading environment that are having an impact on the 
multilateral trading system. It builds on the Director -General's Report to the TPRB on trade -related 
developments circulated to Members on 10 July 201 7.3  
1.2.  This Report  covers the period from 16 October 201 6 to 15 October 201 7, unless otherwise 
indicated .4 Measures implemented outside the reviewed period are not included in the Annexes . 
The Report  is intended to be purely factual and is issued under the sole  responsibility of the 
Director -General. It has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of Members, nor does it have 
any legal implication with respect to the conformity  of any measure noted in the Report  with any 
WTO Agreement or any provision thereof. Specifically, the Report  does not question the explicit 
right of Members to resort to trade -remedy measures , and is without prejudice to Members' 
negotiating positions . 
1.3.  At the Eighth WTO Ministerial Conference in December 2011, Ministers recognized the regular 
work undertaken by the TPRB through  the monitoring exercise of trade and trade -related 
measures, took note of the work initially done in the context of the global fin ancial and economic 
crisis and directed it to be continued and strengthened. Ministers invited the Director -General to 
continue presenting his trade  monitoring reports on a regular basis, and asked the TPRB to 
consider these monitoring reports in addition to the meeting dedicated to undertaking  the annual 
overview of developments in the international trading environment. Ministers committed to duly 
comply with the existing transparency obligations and reporting requirements needed for the 
preparation of the se monitoring reports, and to continue to support and cooperate with the WTO 
Secretariat in a constructive fashion.5  
1.4.  Section 2 of the Report  provides a comprehensive  overview of recent economic and trade 
developments. Section 3 presents an account of sele cted trade and trade -related policy trends. 
Overviews of policy developments in trade in services and trade -related aspects of intellectual 
property rights are included in Sections 4 and 5, respectively. Section 6 covers the transparency of 
trade policies across a wide range  of WTO bodies. The R eport's annexes list specific trade policy 
measures of individual WTO Members implemented during the period under review in four 
categories: trade -facilitating measures (Annex  1), trade -remedy actions (Annex 2), othe r trade 
and trade -related measures (Annex 3) and services measures (Annex 4). As a result of the very 
limited information provided by Members on their programmes of economic support  and subsidies , 
it has, unfortunately, not been feasible to establish a cre dible separate annex on such measures. 
The country -specific measures listed in the four annexes are new measures implemented by 
Members and Observers during the period under review  and recorded by the Report .6 The 
compilation of all measures that have been  recorded in Annexes 1 -3 by the trade -monitoring 
reports since October  2008 is available in the Trade Monitoring Database.7 
1.5.  Specific developments related to SPS measures and TBT are covered separately in Section 3.  
1.6.  Information on the measures included in this Report has been collected from inputs 
submitted by Members and Observers, as well as from other official and public sources .8 Replies to 
the Director -General's initial request for information on measures taken during the period under 
                                                
3 WTO document WT/TPR/OV/W/11, 10 July 2017.  
4 In addition to the trade policy measures implemented during the period under review and recorded by 
this Report, other measures which i mpact trade flows may have been taken by WTO Members and Observers.  
5 WTO document WT/L/848, 19 December 2011.  
6 The inclusion of any measure in this Report or in  its annexes implies no judgement by the 
WTO Secretariat on whether or not such measure, or it s intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in 
this Report implies any judgement, either direct or indirect, as to the consistency of any measure referred to in 
the Report with the provisions of any WTO Agreement.  
7 Viewed at: http://tmdb.wto.org/ . The database does not include SPS and TBT measures, general 
economic support measures, services measures or TRIPS -related measures.  
8 Appendix 1 contains a full overview of the participation of Members and Observe rs in the preparation 
of this Report.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  review and replie s to the requests for verification were received from 75 Members9 (see box 
below ), which represents 46% of the membership , and covers around 95% of world imports .10 
Two Observers also replied to the request for information. The WTO Secretariat has drawn on 
these replies, as well as on a variety of other sources, to prepare this R eport.  Participation in the 
verification process was uneven, and in many cases the Secretariat received only partial responses 
and often after the indicated deadline.11 Where it has n ot been possible to confirm the information, 
this is noted in the Annexes.  
1.7.  The OECD has contributed three topical boxes to this Report. The first is on the topic of 
Making Trade Work for All. The second looks at Global Value Chains and Economic Transformat ion 
and the third focuses on the Changing Face of Agriculture and Food Trade. The International Trade 
Centre has provided a box on How Non -Tariff Measures Affect MSMEs.  
Participation in the preparation  of this R eport  
Albania  
Algeria* 
Argentina  
Australia  
Bahrain, Kingdom of  
Brazil  
Canada  
Chile 
China  
Colombia  
Costa Rica  
Democratic  Republic of the Congo  
Egypt  
European Union (28)  
Georgia  
Hong Kong, China  
India Indonesia  
Japan  
Kazakhstan  
Korea, Republic  of 
Malaysia  
Mauritius  
Mexico  
Moldova, Republic  of 
Mongolia  
Nepal  
New Zealand  
Norway  
Pakistan  
Peru 
Philippines  
Qatar  
Russian Federation  Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Serbia*  
Seychelles  
Singapore  
South Africa  
Switzerland  
Chinese Taipei  
Thailand  
Turkey  
Ukraine  
United Arab Emirates  
United States of America  
Uruguay  
Viet Nam  
Zimbabwe  
 
* Observer 
WTO Members and Observers Participating in the WTO Monitoring Exercise  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
                                                
9 The European Union and its Member States counted separately.  
10 This figure includes intra -EU trade.  
11 The information contained in the annexes reflects the overall participation in the exercise and 
responses to the v erification request and should therefore not be considered exhaustive.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  2  RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENTS  
2.1  Overview  
2.1.  World trade growth picked up markedly in the first half of 2017 after slowing sharply in 2016. 
The volume of world merchandise trade as measured by the average of seasonally -adjusted 
exports and imports was up 4.2% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last 
year. Trade was also up strongly in value terms, with year -on-year increases of 9.3% for 
merchandise exports and 4.9% for commercial services exports in current U.S. dollar terms.  
2.2.  These increases represent a substantial improvement over 2016, when international trade 
flows declined in value terms and trade volume grow th fell to its lowest level since the financial 
crisis. The dollar value of world merchandise exports fell 3.2% to US$16 trillion in 2016 while 
exports of commercial services were nearly unchanged at US$4.8 trillion. Meanwhile, merchandise  
trade grew just 1.3% in volume terms in 2016 (average of exports and imports), down from 2.6% 
in 2015.   
2.3.  Global economic activity also appears to be strengthening in 2017 according to consensus 
estimates of  gross domestic product (GDP). World real GDP growth at market exc hange rates 
looks set to expand by 2.8% in 2017, up from 2.3% in 2016 and roughly equal to the average rate 
of increase since 1980.   
2.4.  Several factors have contributed to the upturn in world trade in 2017.  Asian trade flows have 
strengthened, partly due to  stronger intra -regional trade as China and its neighbours have 
recovered from a period of financial volatility in early 2016, a nd partly due to stronger 
extra-regional shipments as demand has risen in the United States and remained steady in the 
European Union.  
2.5.  Prospects for imports in resource exporting regions have also brightened as commodity prices 
have risen year -on-year, boosting export revenues that support  higher imports. South America in 
particular should exert less of a drag on the world economy  going forward as Brazil emerge s from 
its two -year recession.  
2.6.  Global economic performance has also been influenced by more fundamental changes in the 
structure of global demand. In particular, the rebalancing of China's economy away from 
manufacturing and toward services may cause Chinese import demand to moderate , due to the 
fact that the import content of services is relatively low. An increasing share of services in Chinese 
value added (up from 43% in 2008 to 54% in October 2017 ) may weigh on trade growt h in the 
short-run, but this shift should permit stronger, more sustainable growth over the longer term.  
2.7.  Export volumes of developed economies are up 3.1% for the year -to-date in 2017, compared 
to 1.4% for the whole of 2016. Shipments of developing economi es have grown even more, up 
5.9% in 2017 compared to 1.3% in 2016. Imports of developed economies have continued to grow 
at a modest pace, rising 2.1% in the first two quarters of 2017 compared to 2% in 2016, but this 
is expected to pick up in the second h alf of the year. Meanwhile, imports of developing economies 
are up sharply this year (6.8%) after stagnating last year (0.2%). Trade developments in current 
dollar terms should be interpreted with caution as they are strongly influenced by commodity 
prices  and exchange rates. In the first half of 2017, the dollar depreciated by 2.5% on average 
against the currencies of U.S. trading partners , while the price of oil increased by 34%. Despite 
their recent rise, oil prices remain low by recent historical standa rds. 
2.8.  Trade growth was stronger than expected in the first half of the year, prompting the WTO to 
upgrade its trade forecast for 2017 and 2018 on 21 September. The WTO Secretariat now 
anticipates merchandise trade volume growth of 3.6% in 2017, set within a  range of from 3.2% to 
3.9%. Trade volume growth should moderate to 3.2% in 2018, set within a wider range of from 
1.4% to 4.4% reflecting the higher level of uncertainty associated with longer -term forecasts. The 
improved outlook for trade could still be undermined by downside risks , including the possibility 
that protectionist rhetoric translates into trade-restrictive actions, increasing geopolitical tensions 
and a rising economic toll from natural disasters  across several regions . On the other hand, 
synchronized trade expansion across regions could be self -reinforcing, leading to more positive WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  outcomes. As a result, optimism about trade prospects should be tempered with an appropriate 
degree of caution.  
Box 2.1 Making Trade Work for All  - OECD  
Since the crisis of 2008 -09, trade growth has slowed, while public scepticism about trade in some countries 
has grown. Against this background, the OECD recently released a document entitled Making Trade Work for 
All, which argues that while there are good reasons for public dissatisfaction in some advanced economies, 
trade is not the root of many problems, nor can it solve them on its own.1  
 
The concerns expressed by the public have their roots in genuine problems: prolo nged low growth in many 
advanced economies; rapid technological change; rising inequalities; widening productivity gaps among firms; 
and stagnant wages for many workers.  
 
But cutting off trade is not the answer: trade has helped lift more than a billion p eople out of poverty. Trade 
lowers prices, particularly important for low -income households who spend more of their income on tradables, 
such as food and clothing. Trade is not about imports vs exports: exports provide firms with access to larger 
markets, but in an age of global value chains, imports are also ingredients for both domestic production and 
exports, and can contain the country's own previous exports - all sustaining jobs at home. Open economies 
create more and better jobs, while clos ed markets do the opposite.  
 
To make trade work better for more people, governments need to take a much more integrated policy 
approach, acting across three main areas:  
 
Creating the environment at home where the benefits of trade can materiali ze through policies th at 
encourage opportunity, innovation and competition : This means reducing the unnecessary costs that 
policies can impose on traders, especially MSMEs and young firms. Streamlining trade procedures and tackling 
restrictions on services offer significant, ec onomy -wide benefits – including for manufacturers and agrofood 
exporters. It also means investing more in people, in the education and training that equip women and men 
with the skills to adapt to changing economies. It means connecting people to jobs and markets through 
investments in physical and digital infrastructure. And it means transparent regulations that enable 
competition, underpinned by the rule of law.  
 
Doing more to bring everyone along : This goes beyond adjustment assistance to investments for  inclusive 
growth, from health and education to activation frameworks that make work pay; from labour -market inclusion 
to promoting mobility, by linking entitlements to people, not jobs; and from well -designed income support and 
counter -cyclical social spe nding to targeted measures that revitali ze regional economies, where trade shocks 
can be concentrated. It means looking to future challenges in an era of digitali zation, and ensuring that policy 
toolkits are fit for purpose.  
 
Making the international syste m work better, harnessing the full range of international economic 
cooperation tools : Trade is also shaped by the other ways that countries interact with each other in the 
global economy, from cooperation on competition policy, taxation and anti -corruption , to responsible business 
conduct, labour standards, and environmental protection. The international economic cooperation toolkit 
includes legally binding rules and dispute settlement mechanisms, centred at the WTO, a range of plurilateral, 
regional and bi lateral trade and investment arrangements, voluntary guidelines and 'soft law ', such as those 
housed at the ILO and the OECD, as well as policy transparency and dialogue. Policy makers need to do more 
to level the international playing field, addressing ga ps in the rules and doing more to ensure that everyone, 
from companies to countries, plays by the rules. How governments do trade policy also matters. Trade policy -
making needs to become a more open conversation, where more people can inform and be informe d by the 
debate, and feel more confident that the trade -offs inherent in reaching agreements make sense.  
 
The world is more integrated than ever before; policy needs to catch up. This calls for an integrated approach, 
nationally and internationally, to ma ke the whole system more free, fair, and open; making trade work for all.  
_______________  
1 https://www.oecd.org/trade/making -trade -work-for-all.pdf  
Source:  OECD.  
2.2  Economic Developments  
2.9.  Global merchandise trade in volume terms has tended to grow faster tha n world real GDP at 
market exchange rates over the past decades , about 1.5 times as fast on average since 1950 and 
twice as fast between 1990 and 2008. The ratio of world trade growth to world GDP growth 
dropped sharply after the global financial crisis, f alling to around 1:1 from 2012 -15 and declining 
further to 0.6:1 in 2016. The ratio for 2016 was the lowest since 2001 but it is expected to 
rebound in 2017.  If current forecasts are realized, the ratio should rise to 1.3:1 in 2017.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 13 - 
 
  2.10.   The global economy app ears to have picked up in the review period, although some 
countries and regions continue to outpace others in terms of output growth. In the United States, 
GDP growth slowed to an annualized rate of 1.2% in the first quarter of 2017 before strengthening 
to 3.1% in the second quarter. Growth in the second quarter was the strongest since Q2 of 2007 , 
and was led by private consumption expenditure. The unemploy ment rate fell to 4.2% in 
April 2017 from 4.9% in the second quarter of last year.  
2.11.   GDP growth also ac celerated in the European Union in the latest period, rising to 2.7% 
(annualized) in Q2 from 2.2% in Q1 and 1.7% in the second quarter of 2016.  Growth in the euro 
area in Q2 was slightly slower than for the E uropean Union as a whole (2.6%) , while the pace  of 
expansion in the United Kingdom was considerably weaker (1.2%). Unemployment in the 
European Union has continued to fall, dropping to 7.6% in August from 7.7% in July and fro m 
8.5% in August of last year. Unemployment varies con siderably across EU coun tries. For examp le, 
the jobless rate for August  2017 was 3.6% in Germany while it was 9.8% in  France. 
Unemployment remained relatively low in the United Kingdom,  at 4.3% in June, the latest month 
for which data were available.  
2.12.   Japan 's economy grew at a 2. 5% annualized rate in the second quarter, up from 1.7% in 
the first and 2% in the second quarter of 2016. The latest period marked the strongest quarterly 
growth since the first quarter of 2012, with private consumption and investment contributing in 
equal  measure to the expansion in Q2. The country's unemployment rate of 2.8% in August  2017 
was unchanged from the previous month and was within range of the 3.1% rate recorded for 
August last year.  
2.13.   China 's economy grew at an annualized rate of approximately 7% in the second quarter of 
2017, up from 5.3% in the first quarter. No comparable harmonized employment rates are 
available for China, but economic activity and presumably employment continues to shift gradually 
away from manufacturing and toward services .  
2.14.   Economic growth in South and Central America remains weak, but prospects are improving 
as the region 's largest economy exits recession.  Brazilian GDP growth of 4.2% in the first quarter 
ended eight consecutive quarters of economic contraction. Although  growth slowed to 1.1% in the 
second quarter , the economy continued to expand.  Meanwhile, growth in Argentina slowed from 
4.8% in Q1 to 2.8% in Q2.   
2.15.   Large exchange rate fluctuations in recent years have strongly affected nominal trade 
statistics, most of  which are expressed in U.S. dollar terms. Recent developments are illustrated 
by Chart  2.1, which shows indices of nominal effective exchange rates for selected economies 
through August 2017. The dollar has been depreciating against the currencies of U.S.  trading 
partners since the start of 2017, falling 6.8% since last December and 1.2% year -on-year in 
August. However, the dollar remains up slightly (+1.6%) for the year -to-date (January -August) 
compared to the same period in 2016.  Dollar depreciation ten ds to inflate commodity prices as 
well as trade flows not denominated in dollars, most notably in intra-EU trade. Other key exchange 
rate developments through August include a 0.6% year -on-year depreciation in the Chinese yuan, 
an 8.7% fall in the value of  the Japanese yen, a 3.6% drop in the UK pound, and a 4.6% rise in 
the euro.   
2.16.   Commodity prices for metals and fuels bottomed out in January of 2016 but subsequently 
rose over the course of that year. Prices eased slightly in the first half of 2017 but hav e started to 
recover in recent months ( Chart 2.2). For the year -to-date (January to September), prices for 
fuels and metals have both risen 26% in comparison to 2016. On the other hand, food prices are 
nearly unchanged (+0.4%) ove r the same period. The recovery of fuel and metal prices is 
explained partly by the depreciation of the U.S. dollar and partly by increased demand for raw 
materials as gl obal economic growth picks up. U.S. crude oil production, which has put downward 
press ure on oil prices in recent years, remains resilient despite a dip associated with recent 
hurricane activity. Under current supply conditions , a return to prices close US$100/barrel is 
unlikely in the near future.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 14 - 
 
  Chart 2.1 Nominal effective exchange rate indices for selected economies, January 2014 
- August 2017a 
(index, January 2014 = 100)  
60708090100110120130
United States Japan China Euro area Brazil United KingdomChart 1[Coleman]
Exchange rate indices for selected economies, January 2014 -August 2017a
Index, January 2014=100
Source:  Bank for International Settlements (BIS).a   Nominal effective exchange rate indices against a broad basket of currencies.
 
 
a Nominal effective exchange rate indices against a broad basket of currencies.  
Source:  Bank for International Settle ments.  
Chart 2.2 Prices of primary commodities, January 2014 - September 2017  
(index, January 2014 = 100)  
20406080100120
Food Agricultural raw materials Metals FuelChart 2[Coleman]
Prices of primary commodities, January 2015 -September 2017
Indices, January 2014=100
Source:  World Bank Commodity Price Data.
 
Source:  World Bank Commodity Prices.  
2.3  Merchandise Trade  
2.17.   Chart 2.3 shows year -on-year growth in the dol lar value of world merchandise trade (red 
line), as well as relative contributions to nominal trade growth from developed and developing 
economies (stacked bars). World trade was up sharply in the first quarter of 2017, with exports 
rising 11.3%. Growth ea sed somewhat in the second quarte r but remained strong at 7.3%. 
Developing economies contributed more to nominal export growth than developed economies in 
both Q1 and Q2. Developing economies were responsible for 6.9 percentage points out of the WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 15 - 
 
  11.3% incr ease in exports in Q1,  or 61% of the total increase. Developing economies also 
accounted for 4.9 percentage points out of the 7.3% increase in exports in  Q2, or 67%. A similar 
breakdown is found on the import side. Reasons for the strong contribution from developing 
economies include both stronger recent trade growth and depressed dollar values for developing 
economy trade in 2016 due to low commodity prices and the appreciation of the U.S. currency 
over the previous two years.  
2.18.   Merchandise trade volume grow th picked up in most major economies during the first two 
quarters of 2017, although expansion was uneven across countries and time periods ( Chart  2.4). 
Seasonally -adjusted exports and imports of the United States were up 4.9% and  4%, respectively, 
in the first half of 2017 compared to 2016. EU-extra exports also increased by 3.8% over the 
same period while E U-extra imports were flat. Flat year -on-year growth in extra -EU imports does 
not fully reflect recent growth, as imports incr eased by 2.5% in Q2 after a weak first quarter. 
Meanwhile, intra -EU trade was up 1.7%, with str onger growth in Q2 than in Q1. Japan's exports 
and imports were up 6.5% and 2%, respectively, in the first half of 2017 compared to 2016. 
Developing Asia (which includes China) recorded a strong 7.8% increase in exports in the first half 
of 2017, while import growth was even stronger at 10.1%. Brazil's exports stagnated in the first 
half of 2017, up 0.1% over 201 6, while import growth was up to  1.9% compared to th e first half 
of 2016.  
2.19.   Monthly merchandise trade statistics in current U.S. dollar terms are more  timely than 
quarterly statistics in volume terms. These are shown in Chart 2.5 through August 2017. Growth in 
most countries has continued to strengthen over t he course of 2017, although the fact tha t data 
are reported in nominal U.S. dollar terms means that exchange rate fluctuations have to be taken 
into account when considering developments for particular economies.  
 WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 16 - 
 
  Chart 2.3 Contributions to year -on-year growth in world merchandise exports and 
imports, 201 4Q1 - 2017Q2  
(% change in US$ values)  
1.80.8 0.6
-2.1
-6.7 -6.3 -6.0-5.3-2.5-0.1 -0.21.34.4
2.4
-0.31.2 1.6
-2.0
-5.8 -6.9-8.6-6.9-6.2-3.5-1.81.26.9
4.9
1.52.0 2.3
-4.1
-12.5-13.2
-14.6-12.2-8.7-3.6-2.02.511.3
7.3
-20-15-10-5051015
2014Q1 2014Q2 2014Q3 2014Q4 2015Q1 2015Q2 2015Q3 2015Q4 2016Q1 2016Q2 2016Q3 2016Q4 2017Q1 2017Q2Chart 3[Coleman]
Contributions to year -on-year growth in world merchandise exports and imports, 2014Q1 
-2017Q2
Source:(Percentage change in US$ values)
Notea Includes significant re -exports. Also includes the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Due to scarce data availability, Africa and Middle East are under -represented in world totals.
WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data compiled from IMF International Financial Statistics; Eurostat 
Comext Database; Global Trade Atlas; and national statistics.Developed economies Developing economiesa
World, year -on-year percentage change2.12.3
1.2
-2.3
-6.7
-6.8-6.6-5.1-2.6-0.4 -0.10.54.22.9
-0.1 -0.30.5
-0.9
-5.4 -5.7
-6.6-6.5-5.5-3.0-2.01.16.6
4.8
2.0 2.01.6
-3.1
-12.1-12.5
-13.3-11.6-8.1-3.4-2.11.610.8
7.7
-20-15-10-5051015
2014Q1 2014Q2 2014Q3 2014Q4 2015Q1 2015Q2 2015Q3 2015Q4 2016Q1 2016Q2 2016Q3 2016Q4 2017Q1 2017Q2Exports
Imports
 
a Includes significant re -exports. Also includes the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).  
Note:  Due to scarce data  availability, Africa and Middle East are under -represented in world totals.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data compiled from IMF International Financial Statistics; 
Eurostat Comext Database; Global Trade Atlas; and national statistics.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 17 - 
 
  Chart  2.4 Volume of exports and imports of selected economies, 2012Q1 - 2017Q2  
(seasonally -adjusted volume indices, 2012Q1 = 100)  
708090100110120130
2012Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2013Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2014Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2017Q1
Q2Chart 4.[Coleman]
Volume of exports and imports of selected economies, 2012Q1 -2017Q2
708090100110120130
2012Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2013Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2014Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2017Q1
Q2(Seasonally adjusted volume indices, 2012Q1 = 100)
Exports
Imports
Source: WTO Secretariat / UNCTAD.JapanEU-extra trade EU-intra trade United States
Developing Asia
Note: Data for the United States, Japan and the EU were obtained from national statistical sources while figures 
for Brazil and Developing Asia are seasonally adjusted Secretariat estimates.Brazil
 
Note:  Data for the United States, Japan and the E uropean Union were obtained from national statistical 
sources while figures for Brazil and  Developing Asia are seasonally -adjusted Secretariat estimates.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat/ UNCTAD . 
2.4  Trade in Commercial Services  
2.20.   World trade in commercial services accelerated in the second quarter of 20 17, with exports 
rising 5.1% year -on-year (up from 3.4% in Q1) and imports growing 4.7% (up from 4.3% in the 
previous quarter). Exports by North America, Europe and Asia were up 4%, 4.4% and 5.4%, WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 18 - 
 
  respe ctively, in the latest period. Meanwhile, imports incr eased by 5.3% in North America, 0.4% in 
Europe and 9.3% in Asia.   
2.21.   The fastest growing services sector in Q2 was transport, with year -on-year growth of 6.6%, 
followed by travel (6.3%), other commercial services (4.2%, including financial services) and 
goods related services (2.7%).  
2.22.   Exports and imports of commercial services for selected economies are shown in  Chart 2.6. 
Exports of services in the United States were up 4.1% year -on-year in Q2 to US$185 billion.  
Meanwhile, U.S. imports rose 6.1% to US$131 bi llion.  Extra -exports of the European Union were 
also higher in the latest quarter, rising to 3.8% above their level in the second quarter of 2016, or 
US$238 billion. On the other hand, extra -EU imports of services were down 1.9% to 
US$192  billion. Extra -EU commercial services trade growth looks more impressive when measured 
in euros. In this case, exports were up 7% and imports were up 1% compared to the previous 
year. Japanese services exports increased by 8% to US$45 billion , while imports rose 3.5% to 
US$48 billion.  
2.23.   Exports of commercial services were up strongly over the previous year in most emerging 
economies including Brazil (5.5%, US$8 billion), the Russian Federation (17.4%, US$15 billion) 
and India (16.6%, US$46 billion). China was a notable excep tion, with exports falling slightly to 
US$51 billion. Meanwhile, imports were up 0.8% in Brazil ( US$16 billion), 21.3% in the 
Russian  Federation (US $22 billion) , 20.0% in India ( US$39 billion) and 18.2% in China 
(US$124 billion).   
2.5  Trade Forecast and Econo mic Outlook  
2.24.   Due to stronger than expected trade growth in the first half of 2017, the WTO issued an 
upward revision to its trade forecast on 21 September 2017. The volume of world merchandise 
trade is now forecast to grow by 3.6% in 2017.  The previous est imate for 2017 was 2.4%, though 
this was set within a range of 1.8% -3.6%, reflecting high economic and policy uncertainty. The 
new estimate puts the focus on the top end of that range. Growth of 3.6% represents a substantial 
improvement on the lacklustre 1 .3% increase in 2016. The new estimate is placed within a range 
of from 3.2% to 3.9% , reflecting the typical variability of previous forecasts. Trade in 2018 should 
grow by 3.2%, with this figure set within a wider range of from 1.4% to 4.4% to reflect the  
inherent uncertainty of more distant forecasts.  
2.25.   Table 2.1 summarizes the revised trade forecast. If these estimates are realized, 2017 will 
be the first year since 2013 with imports of developing economies growing faster than those of 
developed economies . Whether this means an end to the so -called emerging market trade 
slowdown remains to be seen. The trade recovery in 2017 should be led by increased shipments in 
Asia and North America. South America and other resource rich regions may continue to see 
relatively weak export growth, but their imports should see stronger growth.  
2.26.   The ratio of world trade growth to world GDP growth, also known as the "elasticity" of world 
trade, has been stuck at historically low levels of 1:1 or  less for the last five years.  The ratio fell 
below 1 to 0.6 in 2016, leading to concern s about a weakening relationship b etween world trade 
and output. If the current trade forecast is realized , the elasticity should rebound to 1.3:1 in 2017, 
easing those concerns  somewhat . 
2.27.   Despite th e improved outlook, world trade could easily be undermined by several downside 
risks, including trade policy measures, tighter monetary policy in developed countries, geopolitical 
tensions and natural disasters.  Some of these risks , although real,  are dif ficult to quantify. As a 
result, risks to the forecast are pred ominantly on the downside. On the other hand, the fact that 
trade growth is now more synchronized across regions than it has been for some time could make 
the current expansion self -reinforcing  and provide some upside potential.  More positive outcomes 
could convince countries to limit recourse to trade-restrictive measures and engage constructively 
within the multilateral trading system.   
2.28.   Table 2.1 shows merchandise trade volume and real GDP g rowth between 2013 and 2018.   WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 19 - 
 
  Table 2.1 Merchandise trade volume and real GDP growth, 2013 -18 
(annual % change)  
 2013  2014  2015  2016  2017d 2018d 
Volume of world merchandise 
tradea 2.4 2.7 2.6 1.3 3.6 (3.2 - 3.9) 3.2 (1.4 - 4.4) 
Exports        
Developed economies  1.7 2.4 2.7 1.4 3.0 (2.8 - 3.2) 2.8 (1.6 - 3.5) 
Developing economiesb 4.0 3.0 1.9 1.3 4.7 (4.2 - 5.2) 4.1 (2.1 - 5.7) 
North America  2.7 4.2 0.7 0.5 4.2 (2.5 - 5.3) 3.8 (0.8 - 6.0) 
South and Central  America  1.7 -2.2 2.5 2.0 0.5 (-1.9 - 2.4) 1.3 (-1.5 - 3.0) 
Europe  1.7 2.0 3.6 1.4 2.5 (1.6 - 3.3) 2.5 (1.3 - 3.3) 
Asia 5.4 4.3 1.1 1.8 6.4 (5.9 - 7.2) 4.8 (1.9 - 7.5) 
Other regionsc 0.5 0.9 4.3 0.3 0.5 (-1.4 - 2.7) 2.1 (1.2 - 2.8) 
Imports        
Devel oped economies  0.0 3.6 4.7 2.0 3.0 (2.5 - 3.8) 2.9 (2.6 - 3.3) 
Developing economiesb 4.7 1.7 0.5 0.2 5.1 (3.6 - 6.0) 3.7 (-0.9 - 7.0) 
North America  1.3 4.8 6.7 0.4 4.1 (3.2 - 4.8) 3.5 (0.7 - 6.1) 
South and Central America  4.5 -2.4 -5.8 -8.7 1.1 (-6.8 - 5.9) 2.4 (-8.9 - 9.2) 
Europe  -0.2 3.2 4.3 3.1 2.4 (1.7 - 3.3) 2.8 (2.2 - 3.4) 
Asia 4.8 3.0 2.9 2.0 5.8 (5.0 - 6.3) 4.0 (1.3 - 6.2) 
Other regionsc 1.8 -0.9 -5.1 -2.4 4.0 (1.5 - 5.6) 2.4 (-3.1 - 6.6) 
Real GDP at market exchange 
rates  2.3 2.7 2.7 2.3 2.8 2.8 
Developed economies  1.2 1.8 2.2 1.6 2.0 1.8 
Developing economiesb 4.7 4.3 3.7 3.5 4.1 4.4 
North America  1.7 2.4 2.5 1.5 2.1 2.1 
South and Central America  3.4 0.9 -0.9 -1.9 0.9 1.8 
Europe  0.7 1.8 2.3 1.9 2.2 1.9 
Asia 4.6 4.1 4.2 4.1 4.4 4.3 
Other  regionsc 2.6 2.5 1.1 1.8 2.1 2.9 
a Average of exports and imports.  
b Includes the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including associate and former member 
States.  
c  Other regions comprise Africa, Middle East and CIS.  
d  Figures for 2017 and 2018 are projections.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat for trade; consensus estimates for GDP, with data source from the International 
Monetary Fund (IMF), Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United 
Nations, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and national sources.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 20 - 
 
  Chart 2.5 Merchandise exports and imports of selected economies, January 2012 - 
August 2017  
(US$ billion)  
Chart 2.5[Coleman]
Merchandise exports and imports of G20 economies, January 2012 -August 2017
United States Japan(US$ billion)
European Union (extra -trade) China
Canada Turkey050100150200250
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-170102030405060708090
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17
050100150200250
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17050100150200250
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17
0102030405060
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-1705101520
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17Australia Republic of Korea
051015202530354045
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-170510152025
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17
05101520
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17Indonesia
051015202530
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17Brazil
 
 
 
 
 
 WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 21 - 
 
  
Russian Federation India
MalaysiaViet Nam
Mexico Argentina
Imports ExportsChart 2.5 (continued)[Coleman]
0102030405060
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-1705101520253035404550
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17
024681012
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17South Africa
01020304050
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17Singapore
0510152025
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-170100200300400500600
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17
01020304050
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-170123456789
Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 
Source:  IMF International Financial Statistics, Global Trade Infor mation Services, Global Trade Atlas 
database, and national statistics.  
 WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 22 - 
 
  Chart 2.6 Commercial services exports and imports of selected economies, 201 6Q4 - 
2017Q2  
(year -on-year percentage change in current US$ v alues)  
-35-30-25-20-15-10-50510152025
United States European Union
(extra)Japan China India Brazil Russian
FederationChart 6[Coleman]
Commercial services exports and imports of selected G -20 economies, 2016Q2 -2017Q2
-30-25-20-15-10-5051015202530
United States European Union
(extra)Japan China India Brazil Russian
Federation(Year -on-year % change in current US$ values)
Exports
Imports
Source: WTO and UNCTAD Secretariats.2017Q1 2016Q2 2016Q3 2016Q4 2017Q2
 
Source:  WTO and UNCTAD Secretariats.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 23 - 
 
  Box 2.2 Global Value Chains (GVCs) and Economic Transformation – OECD  
The movement of labour and other resources from lower - to higher - productivity activities, wit hin and between 
firms and sectors, is central to the process of development. Firm integration in GVCs can bolster this process of 
economic transformation through two main channels:  trade in tasks and, more broadly, trade in intermediate 
inputs, which enab le more firms to participate in markets by avoiding the need to develop entire  value chains 
domestically; and  transfer of technologies, know -how and opportunities to "learn through importing " higher 
quality intermediates and "learn by exporting " which enab le more firms to benefit from, and upgrade within, 
GVCs.  
From a national perspective, what matters is not the share of domestic value added (DVA) in a country's 
exports but rather the way that country builds on its comparative advantages and uses domestic and foreign 
inputs to drive increased productivity, competitiveness and its overall level of sustainable economic activity. 
Effective integration in GVCs can contribute to higher overall levels of DVA, growth and jobs.  
So rather than attempting to "force" upgrading processes through measures that seek to increase the share of 
DVA in exports within GVCs, policies should seek to ensure that the overall operating environment for 
businesses is conducive to increasing productivity growth on a sustainable basis. Reducing import tariffs and 
other trade restrictions is critical, as are the needed domestic investments in human capital and physical 
infrastructure, for example.  
GVCs vary and their structure matters for the way in which GVC integration supports economi c transformation. 
Vertically organized sectors (such as electronics or autos , characterized by few sellers and buyers at each of 
the stages of the value chain) are more likely to act as a springboard for economic transformation , compared 
to horizontal sect ors (characterized by many sellers and buyers). But vertically organized sectors may also 
create new vulnerabilities and risks, as local shocks may be more likely to be passed through the value chain.  
This underscores the importance of policies aimed at b uilding resilience to shocks , such as those related to FDI 
strategies which help enable diversification into sectors with different risk profiles. Services are the glue that 
binds GVCs together. Indicators of the importance of sectors as sellers of value a dded to others highlight the 
centrality of support services in GVCs. Regulations reducing competition in support services sectors such as 
transport and storage, in particular maritime logistics services, are detrimental to the efficiency of the sector 
itself and of other sectors that rely on it, and for GVC integration.  Finally, the longer run economic 
transformation opportunities from GVC integration are not always in the form of a direct upgrading of 
production in the integrated sectors. For some, transf ormation may come in the form of opportunities related 
to upgrading in support and upstream sectors; this is the case, for example, for supporting services for the 
mining and quarrying sectors. However,  these support services are often highly regulated; a move toward 
pro-competitive domestic policies would enhance productivity and competitiveness in those sectors.  
Source:  OECD.  
 WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 24 - 
 
  3  TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED POLICY ISSUES  
3.1  Overview  of trends identified during the period under review  
3.1.  The following Sections provid e in-depth analysis of a number of selected trade and 
trade -related policy developments during the period from mid -October 2016 to mid -October 2017.  
3.2.  The WTO trade monitoring exercise is first and foremost about transparency. It is intended to 
be purely fac tual and without prejudice to the rights and obligations of WTO Members (see Box 1). 
The regular monitoring reports seek to capture the most recent trends in the implementation of 
trade measures , and contextualize them with the global economic environment and other 
developments in the international trading system. The contribution of WTO Members and 
Observers in the trade monitoring effort , and in establishing a platform for a regular and collective 
peer review of trade measures , is not only fundamental, bu t also conducive to continuing the 
substantive debate on the importance of transparency and predictability in trade policy -making.  
3.3.  The tr ade measures compiled for this R eport are presented in three categories: (i) measures 
that clearly facilitate trade (An nex 1); (ii) trade -remedy measures (Annex  2); and (iii) other trade 
and trade -related measures (Annex 3).  
3.4.  The total number of measures in these three categories recorded over the period mid -
October 201 6 to mid -October 2017 was 662. This figure includes  128 trade-facilitating measures, 
426 trade-remedy measures and 108 other tr ade and trade -related measures.12 
3.1.1  Measures Facilitating Trade  
3.5.  Annex 1 to this Report lists measures which may be considered as trade-facilitating.  
3.6.  During the review period, 128 measures aimed at facilitating trade were recorded for WTO 
Members (Table 3.1), representing  19% of the  total number of measures captured  in this Report . 
This amounts to a monthly average of around 11 trade -facilitating measures , significantly lower 
than the monthly average (18) recorded in the previous annual overview, and  a slight decrease 
compared to the June 2017 Report. More importantly, however, is the fact that the estimated 
trade coverage13 of the import -facilitating measures recorded for the review period 
(US$169. 3 billion) is  more t han two times higher than the est imated trade coverage of 
import -restrictive measures (US$ 78.7 billion) . More information on these numbers is provided 
below.  
3.7.  From Table 3.1 it is clear that among trade -facilitating measures, the reduction or elimination 
of import tariffs continue to dominate.14 A number of simplified customs procedures for imports 
were also recorded. On the export side, the elimination and si mplification of specific customs 
procedures make up the most commonly recorded type of export -related measures. Other 
facilitating measures applied to exports during the review period include a temporary elimination 
of QRs on exports of certain light proce ssed minerals and the reduction of various duties.  
 
                                                
12 See Annexes 1 -3. These Annexes do not include SPS and TBT measures which are covered in Sections 
3.3 and 3.4. Services measures are analyzed in Section 4 and are listed in Annex 4.  
13 The value of trade is calculated using the UNSD Comtrade database, and is counted at the six -digit 
tariff line level.  In cases where the same product is subject to more than one restrictive measure against the 
same partner, the trade coverage is counted o nly once.  When the relevant HS codes were not provided or 
could not be clearly identified, no calculation was done.  
14 E.g. reduction or elimination of import tariffs on capital goods, telecommunication and informatics.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 25 - 
 
  Table 3.1 Measures facilitating trade (Annex 1)  
Type of measure  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Mid-Oct 15 to 
mid-Oct 16  
(WT/TPR/OV/19)  
Mid-Oct 16 to 
mid-May 17 
(7 months)  
Mid-Oct 16 to 
mid-Oct 1 7 
 
Import  171 137 169 203 145 173 68 110 
- Tariff 149 107 142 160 110 128 57 94 
- Customs procedures  12 25 15 32 28 35 10 14 
- Tax 2 4 2 6 4 5 1 2 
- QRs  7 1 10 5 1 3 0 0 
- Other  1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 
Export  17 8 9 42 31 40 12 18 
- Duties  7 3 3 18 4 6 2 2 
- QRs 8 4 3 4 1 4 0 1 
- Other  2 1 3 20 26 30 10 15 
Othera 6 1 1 4 3 3 0 0 
Total  194 146 179 249 179 216 80 128 
Average per month  16.2 12.2 14.9 20.8 14.9 18.0 11.4 10.7 
a Other than local content measures.  
Note:  Revisions o f the data reflect changes undertaken in the TMDB to fine -tune and update the available 
information. Facilitating measures now mainly cover Annex 1 measures and those Annex 3 measures 
which have been reported as terminated by Members.  
Source:  WTO Se cretariat.  
3.8.  The trade coverage of the import -facilitating measures introduced durin g the review period 
was US$169. 3 billion, i.e.  1.07%15 of the value of world merchandise imports.16 The HS Chapters 
within which the majority of trade -facilitating measures wer e taken include mineral fuels and oils 
(HS27) 35.7%, machinery an d mechanical appliances (HS84) 14.4 %, electrical machinery and 
parts thereof (HS85) 6.6%, animal and vegetable fats and oils (HS15) 3.8 %, and plastics and 
articles thereof (HS39) 3.3 %.17  
Box 3.1 Trade coverage of the ITA Expansion Agreement  
The review period covered by this Report includes measures resulting from the implementation of the ITA Expansion 
Agreement.  
According to preliminary estimates,  the trade coverage of the import -facilitating measures implemented during the 
review period in the context of the ITA Expansion Agreement amounted to US$38 4.5 billion, or around 2.4% of the 
value of world merchandise imports.a These measures were implemen ted by Australia; Canada; China; the European 
Union;  Guatemala ; Hong Kong, China;  Iceland;  Israel; Japan; the Republic of Korea; Macao, China; Malaysia; 
Mauritius; Montenegro; New Zealand; Philippines; Switzerland; Chinese Taipei; Thailand and the United S tates and 
are reflected in Annex 1.  
Given the very significant trade coverage value of these measures, they have not been included in the figures 
evaluating the trade coverage of the trade -facilitatin g measures in Section 3.1 .1, as it would undermine the v alue of 
any comparison with previous Reports.  
For more details on the ITA Expansion Agreement see Section 3. 9. 
_____________  
 a Calculated at HS six -digit level and using 2016 import figures.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
                                                
15 In the previous annual overview re port the trade coverage was US$248.9 billion (1.51% of world 
merchandise imports) . 
 16 The trade coverage of a measure is calculated to be the value of annual  imports of the specific 
product concerned from countries affected by the measure as a share of the  value of total world merchandise 
imports. Highly -traded goods may significantly influence the estimation of the trade coverage. The trade 
coverage calculation includes : one measure by the Republic of Korea (elimination of import tariffs on 132 
items) accounting for 40.8% of the total, three measure s by Brazil (reduction of import tariffs on capital goods) 
accounting for 14.3% of the total, and one measure by Ecuador (elimination of temporary import surcharges) 
accounting for 9.6% of the total . 
17 These figu res do not include import -facilitating measures implemented in the context of the ITA 
Expansion Agreement (see Box 3.1).  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 26 - 
 
  3.1.2  Trade Remedy Actions18 
3.9.  A detailed  overview of trade remedy measures taken by WTO Members during the review 
period is contained in Annex 2. A single methodology is being applied across the R eport to the 
counting of anti -dumping and countervailing investigations, i.e. on the basis of the nu mber of 
exporting countries or customs territories affected by an investigation or by a termination. Thus, 
one anti -dumping or countervailing investigation involving imports from n countries/customs 
territories is counted as n investigations. Similarly, th e termination of an anti -dumping or 
countervailing action is counted as n terminations.  
3.10.   During the review period, 426  trade remedy actions were recorded ( Table 3.2), i.e. 64% of 
the total of all trade measures captured in this Report . WTO Members have typically initiated more 
new trade remedy investigations compared to the number of trade remedy actions they have 
terminate d.19 The period under review witnessed a deceleration of the monthly average of 
initiations comp ared to the previous annual overview , and broadly similar to the June 2017 Report.  
The monthly average of terminations was also down compared to the previous annual overview . 
Anti-dumping measures continue to make up the bulk (8 3%) of initiations and (8 6%) of 
terminations.  
3.11.   The trade remedy actions taken during the review period covered a wide range of products. 
In the case of initiations of investigations, the main sectors were electrical machinery and parts 
thereof (HS85) 22.3%, iron and steel (HS72) 19.2% , articles of iron and steel (HS73) 10.7%, and 
wood and articles of wood (HS44) 10.7%.  
3.12.   The trade coverage of trade -remedy initiations introduced during the review period by WTO 
Members was US$76.4 billion (0.48% of world merchandise imports). For terminati ons, the trade 
coverage was valued at US$1 2 billion (0.08% of world merchandise imports).20  
Table 3.2 Trade remedy actions (Annex 2)  
Type of measure  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Mid-Oct 15 to 
mid-Oct 16 
(WT/TPR/OV
/19) 
Mid-Oct 16 
to 
mid-May 17 
(7 months)  
Mid-Oct 16 to 
mid-Oct 17 
 
Initiations  255 338 304 277 343 340 174 301 
- AD 208 287 236 229 298 290 147 251 
- CVD 23 33 45 31 34 33 24 42 
- SG 24 18 23 17 11 17 3 8 
Average per month  21.3 28.2 25.3 23.1 28.6 28.3 24.9 25.1 
Terminations  208 186 221 212 166 161 71 125 
- AD 177 160 186 167 136 132 63 108 
- CVD 21 17 23 25 15 17 7 12 
- SG 10 9 12 20 15 12 1 5 
Average per month  17.3  15.5  18.4  17.7  13.8  13.4 10.1 10.3 
Note:  The information on trade remedy ac tions for 2012 -16 is based on the semi -annual notifications by 
WTO Members . For mid -May 2017 to mid-October  2017, the information is based on the responses 
and the verification received directly from WTO Members . Anti -circumvention measures are not 
include d in the above numbers.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
                                                
18 The coverage o f trade remedy actions in this R eport in no way prejudges the right of WTO Members 
to take trade remedy actions. See al so Box 1.   
19 Termination means either the termination of the investigation (without imposition of a measure) or 
elimination of the imposed measure.  
20 In the pre vious annual overview report initiations represented US$89.6 billion (0.55% of world 
merchandise  imports) and terminations US$18.2 billion (0.11% of world merchandise imports).  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 27 - 
 
  3.1.3  Other Trade and Trade -Related Measures  
3.13.   Annex 3 to this Report lists measures which may be considered to have a trade -restrictive 
effect.  
3.14.   During the review period, 108 new trade -restrictive measures  were recorded,  representing 
16% of the total number contained in Annexes 1 to 3 . The monthly average of nine 
trade -restrict ive measures  is lower  compared to the average of 15 recorded for the previous 
annual overview .  
3.15.   Out of the total number of the measures  recorded  in Annex 3, more than two -thirds were 
applied to imports. Tariff increases account for almost 60% of all import restrictive measures, 
followed by a range of customs procedures, quantitative restrictions21 and import taxes.22 With 
respect to export,  the majority of measures taken were QRs23, followed by duties.24 As for ' other 
measures' introduced by the WTO Members, local content regulations ma de up the bulk of the 
measures recorded ( Table 3.3).  
Table 3.3 Other trade and trade -related measures (Annex 3)  
Type of measure  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Mid-Oct 15 to 
mid-Oct 16 
(WT/TPR/OV/19)  
Mid-Oct 16 to 
mid-May 17 
(7 months)  
Mid-Oct 16 to 
mid-Oct 17 
Import  124 131 125 169 101 133 56 78 
- Tariff 70 82 77 105 65 81 32 46 
- Customs procedures  32 26 18 30 17 26 18 21 
- Tax 6 5 8 16 6 11 1 3 
- QRs 14 16 7 12 12 11 5 7 
- Other  2 2 15 6 1 4 0 1 
Export   22 31 25 44 21 34 10 17 
- Duties  3 5 11 13 7 7 2 5 
- QRs 12 10 8 7 10 12 6 7 
- Other 7 16 6 24 4 15 2 5 
Other  13 7 12 15 13 15 8 13 
- Othera 8 1 1  4 4 1 1 
- Local content  5 6 11 15 9 11 7 12 
Total  159 169 162 228 135 182 74 108 
Average per month   13.3   14.1   13.5   19.0   11.3  15.2 10.6 9.0 
a Other than local content measures.  
Note:  Revisions o f the data reflect changes undertaken in the TMDB to fine -tune and update the available 
information.   
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.16.   The other trade and trade -related measures recorded in Annex 3, and which may be 
considered trade -restrictive, cover a wide range of products. The main sectors  were machinery and 
mechanical appliances (HS84) 13%, electrical equip ment and parts thereof (HS85) 12.9 %, animal 
and vegetable fats and oils (HS15) 11 %, iron and steel (HS72)  10.3%, and plastic s and articles  
thereof (HS39) 9.7%.  The trade coverage of the import -restrictive measures25 affecting imports 
                                                
21 E.g. QRs applied on wheat, vegetable, fruits and worn clothing.  
22 E.g. taxes on washing machines, lamps and sweetened sugar beverages. One WTO Member applies 
taxes on all im ported products.  
23 E.g. QRs on liquefied natural gas, rubberwood, wood, leather, unprocessed timber, gold, silver and 
waste or scrap of precious metals.  
24 E.g. duties on food products, sugar, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, machinery, cotton, base 
metals and articles of base metals.  
25 The trade coverage calculation includes: one measure by Argentina (non -automatic import licensing) 
accounting for 21% of the total, one measure by India (increase of import tariffs on soya -bean oil) accounting 
for 10.9%, and one measure by Turkey (increase of import tariffs) accounting for 8.1%.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 28 - 
 
  introduced during the review period was US$ 78.7 billion, i.e.  0.5% of the value of world 
merchandise imports.26 
Chart 3.1 Overview of measures taken by WTO Members and Observers, 
mid-October  2016 to mid -October 2017  
(by number)  
301 125 128 108 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Measures facilitating trade Trade-restrictive measures662Chart 1.[w]
Trade measures, mid -October 2016 to mid -October 2017
Source:  WTO Secretariat.
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
Chart 3.2 Trade coverage of import measures, mid -October 2016 to mid -October  2017  
76 12 169 79 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Measures facilitating trade Trade-restrictive measuresUS$ 336 billion Chart 1.[w]
Trade coverage of import measures, mid -October 2016 to mid -October 2017
(US$ billion)
Source:  WTO Secretariat
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.17.   The above Section has attempted to provide a more in -depth look at the latest trends 
among WTO Members in trade policy making. A number of findings of previous reports have been 
confirmed. For example, the numerical  importance of trade remedy measures, and anti-dumping 
measures in particular, in the overall number of trade and trade -related measures is fully 
consistent with previous reports.  
3.18.   This report has seen the monthly average of trade -restrictive measures impl emented by 
WTO Members fall compared to the previous annual overview . Further , despite the low monthly 
average  of trade -facilitating measures, the esti mated trade coverage for import -facilitating 
measures (US$169.5  billion) is more than two times higher th an that of import -restricting 
measures (US$7 8.7 billion). Broadly in line with the findings of the previous report, the trade 
coverage of all trade remedy investigations introduced during this review period was significantly 
lower (US$76.4 billion) than th e trade coverage of trade -facilitating measures and slightly lower 
than the trade coverage for import -restrictive measures.  
3.2  Trade -Remed ies 
3.19.   This analysis provides a n assessment of trends in trade remedy actions in the periods from 
July 2014 – June 2015 ("fi rst period"), July 2015 – June 2016 ("second period") and July 2016 – 
June 2017 ("current period").27 Concerning anti -dumping, data for the current period indicate a 
                                                
26 In the previous annual overview report , the trade coverage of the import -restrictive measures 
affecting imports was US$101.2 billion (0.62% of the value of world merchandise impo rts). 
27 These periods coincide with the Member's semi -annual reporting periods. This Section does not in any 
way question Members' rights to take trade remedy actions.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 29 - 
 
  significant increase in the number of new investigations initiated. The number of counterva il 
investigations initiated , however, remained constant over the three periods examined.  The number 
of safeguard investigations initiated decreased. The total number of initiations for the latter two 
types of trade -remedy investigations remained considerab ly lower than for anti -dumping.  
Anti-Dumping Measures28 
3.20.   Global anti -dumping initiations increased slightly by 13% in the second period , from 238 in 
the first period to 268 , and reached 290 in the current period ( Table 3.4). The tab le below 
provides information on which Members initiated anti -dumping investigations.  
Table 3.4 Initiations of anti -dumping investigations  
Reporting Member  July 2014 - June 2015  July 2015 - June 2016  July 201 6 - June 2017  
Argentina  6 8 21 
Australia  14 18 18 
Bahrain, Kingdom of; 
Kuwait, State of; Oman; 
Qatar; Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of; United Arab 
Emiratesa 0 1 1 
Brazil  18 15 12 
Canada  12 4 19 
Chile 1 1 2 
China  6 10 12 
Colombia  7 1 3 
Costa Rica  0 2 0 
Dominican Republic  0 1 0 
Egypt  10 4 13 
El Salvador  0 0 1 
European Union  15 12 12 
India 37 66 55 
Indonesia  16 2 7 
Israel  0 1 4 
Japan  2 0 3 
Korea, Republic of  3 3 7 
Malaysia  13 3 4 
Mexico  17 5 6 
Morocco  2 4 1 
Pakistan  3 22 13 
Paraguay  0 0 1 
Peru 1 0 1 
Philippines  0 1 0 
Russian Federationb 5 0 2 
South Africac 1 0 0 
Chinese  Taipei  0 8 0 
Thailand  1 13 3 
Trinidad and Tobago  1 0 0 
Turkey  22 8 19 
Ukraine  3 2 2 
                                                
28 Anti-dumping and countervailing investigations are counted on the basis of the number of exporting 
countries or customs territories affected by an investigation. Thus, one anti -dumping or countervailing 
investigation involving imports from n countries/customs territories is counted as n investigations.   WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 30 - 
 
  Reporting Member  July 2014 - June 2015  July 2015 - June 2016  July 201 6 - June 2017  
United States  21 51 47 
Uruguay  1 0 0 
Viet Nam  0 2 1 
Total  238 268 290 
a Investig ations are initiated at the level of the Gulf Cooperation Council.  
b  Notified by the Russian Federation;  investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic Union 
on behalf of all of its members  collectively.  
c Notified by South Africa;  investigations a re initiated at the level of the Southern African Customs 
Union  on behalf of all of its members  collectively . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.21.   Chart 3.3 shows that the number of anti -dumping investigations initiated increased to 298 
investigations. This is the hig hest number of initiations since the beginning of the monitoring 
exercise, but still lower than  the 311 recorded in 2002 and the all-time high of 372 in 2001. The 
initial figure covering the first six months of 2017 may indicate a downward trend in anti -dumping 
initiations for the full year.  
Chart 3.3 Total anti -dumping investigation initiationsa 
218 217
173
165208287
236
229298
139
050100150200250300
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Chart 3.1
Anti-dumping initiations by reporting Member, 2008 -17a
Source:    WTO Secretariat.a        Data for 2017 relate to the January to June period.
 
a Data for 2017 relate to the January to June period.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.22.   While anti -dumping investigations d o not necessarily lead to the imposition of measures, a 
rise in the number of investigations initiated is an early indicator suggesting a likely increase  in the 
number of measures imposed.  Over the three periods, a total of 557 anti -dumping measures were 
imposed ( Table 3.5). However, as it can take up to 18 months for an investigation to be concluded 
once initiated, these measures may not necessarily be the result of initiations in the same period.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 31 - 
 
  Table 3.5 Number of anti -dumping measures imposed  
Reporting Member  July 2014 - June 2015  July 2015 - June 2016  July 2016 - June 2017  
Argentina  14 4 2 
Australia  16 8 11 
Bahrain, Kingdom of; 
Kuwait, State of; Oman; 
Qatar; Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of; United Arab 
Emiratesa 0 0 1 
Brazil  50 9 14 
Canada  12 2 12 
Chile 0 0 2 
China  2 8 10 
Colombia  2 2 0 
Costa Rica  0 0 1 
Dominican Republic  1 0 1 
Egypt  0 2 4 
European Union  1 10 11 
India 32 38 41 
Indonesia  3 3 2 
Israel  0 0 1 
Japan  1 0 2 
Korea, Republic of  5 4 2 
Malaysia  5 5 0 
Mexico  6 14 7 
Morocco  4 1 0 
Pakistan  0 3 4 
Peru 1 0 1 
Philippines  1 0 0 
Russian Federationb 2 6 1 
South Africac 3 2 0 
Chinese  Taipei  0 0 8 
Thailand  0 1 9 
Trinidad and Tobago  0 1 0 
Turkey  8 8 7 
Ukraine  2 1 3 
United States  23 19 49 
Viet Nam  4 0 2 
Total  198 151 208 
a Measures are imposed at the level of the Gulf Cooperation Council.  
b  Notified by the Russian Federation;  investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic Union 
on behalf of all of its mem bers collectively.  
c Notified by South Africa;  investigations are initiated at the level of the Southern African Customs 
Union  on behalf of all of its members  collectively.   
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.23.   Chart 3.4 shows that there was little change in terms o f the products affected by 
anti-dumping investigations initiated during the three periods examined, with the majority of 
initiations focused on products in the metals, chemicals and plastics and rubber sectors.  
3.24.   Metal products were subject to the most initiations in each period, accounting for 36% of all 
initiations in the first period, 47% in the second period and 41% in the current period. In each 
period, at least 86 initiations targeted metals, of which 94% involved  steel products  (goods 
classified under C hapters 72 and 73 of the HS Code) . Over the three periods combined, the 
United  States  (73), Australia (39), the European Union (29), Canada (25), and Mexico (21) 
accounted for more than half of the 333 initiations on metals. An in crease in the number of 
initiations on metal products was seen in the current period with 16 investigations initiated by 
Australia, 12 by Canada, 11 by the European Union, 9 by Egypt, and 7 by Brazil. Initiations on WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 32 - 
 
  metals across the three periods targeted  mostly products from China (88, of which 79 involved 
steel products), the Republic of Korea (35, of which 34 involved steel), India (20, of wh ich 
19 involved steel) and Viet  Nam (17, of which 15 involved steel). In many instances, investigations 
were laun ched on the same product from several exporting countries. For instance, five steel 
products were the focus of 78 investigations.  
3.25.   Chemical pr oducts accounted for the second -largest share of initiations over the three 
reporting periods, with a 24% share of  initiations in the first period , a 13% share in the second 
and a 27% share in the current period. India accounted for 72 of the 169 new investigations on 
products in this sector over the three reporting periods, followed by China (12) and Pakistan (11). 
These initiations involved mostly chemical products from China (35), the Republic of Korea (20), 
Chinese Taipei (9) and the United States  (9). As with the metals sector, investigations into 
chemicals frequently involved the same product from different count ries – 18 products accounted 
for 90 of the investigations in this area.  
3.26.   Plastics and rubber ranked third over the three periods examined, accounting for 16% of all 
initiations in the first period, 7% in the second, and 11% in th e current period. Brazil, I ndia and 
the United States accounted for almost half of the 87 plastic s and rubber investigations 
(13 investigations by each). China was the main subject of investigations in this sector (21), 
followed by Thailand (9) , the Republic of Korea (8) and India ( 8). 
3.27.   In terms of countries targeted  by new anti -dumping investigations, 42 exporting Members 
were involved  in the first period, 43 in the second period and 50 in the current period. China 
remained, by some margin , the most frequent subject to anti-dumping i nitiations during the three 
reporting periods – investigations into Chinese products accounted for 28% of all investigations 
during these periods. The Republic of Korea was t he second most frequent subject during the 
three reporting periods , account ing for 9% of total initiations, followed by India at 5%.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 33 - 
 
  Chart 3.4 Anti-dumping initiations by product  
Chart 3.3
Anti-dumping initiations by product
July 2014 -June 2015 July2015 -June 2016
Chemicals
24%Plastics 
16%Metals
36%
Other
17%Metals
47%
Chemicals
13%Plastics
7%
Other
20%Machinery
4%Paper
4%Paper
5%
Textiles
7%
 
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat.July 2016 -June 2017
Chemicals
27%Textiles
7%
Metals
41%Glass/Ceramics
4%
Plastics
11%Other
10%
Note: Values are rounded.
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 34 - 
 
  Countervailing Measures  
3.28.   As shown in Table 3.6, global initiations of countervailing duty investigations have remained  
broadly constant over the three periods examined. Over the three periods examined, 91% of 
countervail investigations were conducted concurrently with an anti -dumping investigation .  
3.29.   Among the fourteen Members that initiated countervailing investigations during the three 
periods examined, the United States  initiated the most new investigations (60) , accounting for 
54% of initiations. Canada, the second largest user, acc ounted for 17%  of all initiations and 
Australia for 9%. The remaining investigations were conducted by eleven  different countries.  
Table 3.6 Initiations of countervailing duty investigations  
Reporting Member  July 2014 - June 2015  July 2015 - June 2016  July 2016 - June 2017  
Australia  0 5 5 
Brazil  1 0 1 
Canada  11 2 6 
China  0 1 1 
Egypt  5 0 2 
European Union  2 2 0 
India 0 1 0 
New Zealand  0 0 1 
Pakistan  0 1 0 
Peru 1 0 1 
Russian Federationa 1 0 0 
Turkey  1 0 0 
Ukraine  1 0 0 
United States  17 24 19 
Total  40 36 36 
a Notified by the Russian Federation;  investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic Union 
on behalf of all of its members collectively.  
Note:   Counted on the basis of exporting countries or customs territories affected.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat  
3.30.   Chart 3.5, reflecting annual figures, shows an upward trend in countervail ing initiations from 
2010 to 2014 , notwithstanding some fluctuation in 2012. In fact, the number of  initiations 
recorded in 2014 (45) exceeds the previous peak of 41 initiations observed in 1999.29 The number 
of countervail ing initiations  recorded from January to June 2017 may suggest that an increase of 
investigations  is on the cards for 2017 .  
                                                
29 Report to the TPRB from the Direct or-General on the Financial and Economic Crisis and Trade -Related 
Developments, 26 March 2009, p. 18.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 35 - 
 
  Chart 3.5 Countervailing investigation initiationsa  
218 217
173
165208287
236
229298
139
050100150200250300
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Chart 3.1
Anti-dumping initiations by reporting Member, 2008 -17a
Source:    WTO Secretariat.a        Data for 2017 relate to the January to June period.
 
a Data for 2017 relates to the January to June period.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.31.   As with anti -dumping, countervailing duty investigations do not necessarily lead to the 
imposition of measures. However, a rise in the number of investigations initiated may be an early 
indicator of a likely rise in the number of measures imposed. Over the three periods, a total of 61 
countervailing measures were imposed ( Table 3.7) and the number of countervailing measures 
imposed almost doubled between the first and current period. However, as it can take up to 18 
months for a n investigation to be concluded , these measures may not necessarily be the result of  
initiations in the same period.  
Table 3.7 Number of countervail measures imposed  
Reporting Member  July 2014 - June 2015  July 2015 - June 2016  July 2016 - June 2017  
Australia  2 0 3 
Brazil  0 1 0 
Canada  1 2 2 
China  0 0 1 
European Union  2 1 1 
India 0 1 0 
Mexico  1 0 0 
Peru 0 1 0 
Ukraine  0 1 0 
United States  9 11 21 
Total  15 18 28 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.32.   Concerning the products affected by countervail ing investigations, Chart 3.6 shows that 
metals accounted for most of the initiations reported over the three reporting periods, accounting 
for 52%, 63% and 44% of all initiations , respectively. For the three periods combined, 60 of the 
112 total initiations recorded covered metals and 56 of these targeted steel products. The 
United  States  initiated 28  of the 56 investigations o n steel products. Five of the 13 steel -related 
initiations in the current period involved products from China .  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 36 - 
 
  3.33.   Over the three reporting periods, chemicals we re the second most -investigated sector with 
17 initiations, followed closely by plastics with 14 initiations.  
Chart 3.6 Countervailing duty initiations by product  
Chart 3.5
Countervailing duty initiations by product
July 2014 -June 2015 July 2015 -June 2016
Paper
6%
Metals
52%Metals
63%Plastics
11%
Plastics
25%Other
7%
Other
14%Chemicals
8%Paper
8%Chemicals
6%
 
 
 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat.July 2016 -June 2017
Other
22%
Metals
44%
Chemicals
33%
Note: Values are rounded.
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.34.   In terms of countries or customs territories affected  by new  countervail investigations, 
18 exporting Members were affected during the first, 10 during the second and 15 during the 
current period. China was the most frequent subject of  investi gations , account ing for 34% of all 
investigations during these three periods. India, the second most frequent subject during the three 
reporting periods, account ed for 14% of all initiations, followed by Turkey, which accounted for 
7%.  
Sunset Reviews  
3.35.   This Section examines the effect the global financial crisis may have had on anti -dumping 
and countervailing actions, by analysing the extent to which measures imposed following the 
financial crisis have been extended or have expired (or have otherwise been te rminated) - possibly WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 37 - 
 
  suggesting that the financial crisis could have been a factor that contributed to the imposition of 
the measure. This Section, therefore, examines measures imposed as a result of investigations 
initiated in 2008, before the financial c risis, as well as in 2009 and 2010, when the full effects of 
the financial crisis were being felt.30   
3.36.   The relevant WTO Agreements stipulate that anti -dumping and countervailing measures can 
remain in force only for as long as necessary to counteract injury  caused by dumped or subsidi zed 
imports. In addition, they must expire no later than five years after their imposition unless it is 
determined, through a review, that removal of a measure would likely lead to a continuation or 
recurrence of dumping or subs idization and injury. In such a case, the measure can be extended 
for up to a further five years. This review process is often referred to as a sunset review. 
Investigating authorities generally invite applications for a sunset review before a measure expi res 
and, in the absence of a review, they allow the measure to lapse .  
3.37.   As of 30 June 2017, measures imposed as a result of investigations initiated in 2008 -10 are 
in various stages of their lifecycle. Some measures are still within the initial five -year im position 
period, some are under review31, some have been extended and some have expired .  
3.38.   Chart 3.7 shows the status of AD and CVD measures resulting from investigations initiated 
in 2008, 2009 and 2010 by WTO Members as at 30 June  2017.  
Chart 3.7 Status of measures resulting from AD and CVD investigations initiated in 2008, 
2009 and 2010  
020406080100120140160180
2008 2009 2010
Original measure Under review Extended No longer in effectChart 3.8
Status of measures resulting from AD and CVD investigations initiated in 
2008, 2009 and 2010 as at 30 June 2017
Source:   WTO Secretariat.
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.39.   All of the 168 measures resulting from investigations initiated by WTO Members in 2008 
have now been subject to expiry action (either a sunset review or termination), along with all of 
the 166 measures for 2009. Only 10 of the 113 measures resulting from investigations initiated in 
2010 have not yet been subject to any expiry  action.  
                                                
30 Given the application requirements for anti -dumping and countervail investigations, it is assumed that 
investigations in response to the financial crisi s would not have been initiated before January 2009.  
31 A sunset review must be initiated prior to the expiration date of the measure, but the measure may 
remain in force after this date pending the outcome of the review.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 38 - 
 
  Table 3.8 Proportion of expiring measures that were subject to a sunset review  
Expiring measures  Investigation initiated in  
2008  2009  2010a 
Not reviewed  36% 28% 22% 
Reviewed  64% 72% 78% 
a Only 80 measures resulting from investigations initiated in 2010 have so far been subject to review.  
Note:  Based on the year the investigation was initiated.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.40.   Table 3.8 shows the proportion of measures that wer e due to expire for which a sunset 
review has been conducted . Measures not reviewed will automatically expire. For measures 
resulting from investigations initiated in 2009 ("the 2009 measures"), 72% were reviewed, higher 
than the 64% found for 2008 ("the 2 008 measures"), although there is insufficient information to 
determine whether this difference is significant.  
3.41.   As at 30 June 2017, 107 sunset reviews had been completed for measures resulting from 
investigations initiated in 2008, 114 for 2009 and 44 for  2010 (Table 3.9). Available information 
suggests that the expiry of the measure would lead to a continuation or recurrence of 
dumping/subsidi zation and injury and , as a result , extended the measures for 89% of the 2008 
measures a nd 83% of the 2009 measures - no significant change after the financial crisis began.  
Preliminary data for 2010 remain broadly along the same line s. In other words, b ased on the data 
currently available, there is no discernible change in extension versus e xpiry of measures 
coinciding with the financial crisis.   
Table 3.9 Results from completed reviews (based on the year the investigation was 
initiated)  
 Investigation initiated in  
2008  2009  2010  
Number of com pleted reviews  107 114 44 
Measure extended  89% 83% 91% 
Expiry of measure  11% 17% 9% 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Safeguards  
3.42.   Safeguard measures are temporary measures imposed on products from all sources (i.e. all 
exporting countries) , in response to increas ed imports of goods that are causing a serious injury.32 
Thus, safeguards are subject to different rules and timelines than the anti-dumping and 
countervailing measures and , therefore, are not directly comparable to these other types of trade 
remedies.  
3.43.   Chart 3.8 shows the recent trend of initiations of safeguard investigations. An exceptionally 
large number of safeguard investigations was recorded in 1995 (25), 2000 (25), 2002 (34), 2009 
(25), 2012 (24), and 2014 (23). Since 2014, i nitiations of safeguard investigation s have been  
declining. The January -June 2017 figure would seem to indicate a small further decline in 2017. 
This trend has been also confirmed by the number of investigations initiated in the July -June cycle 
for the thr ee recent periods ( Table 3.10).  
                                                
32 With the exception of special and  differential treatment as provided for certain developing countries in 
Article 9.1 of the Safeguards Agreement.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 39 - 
 
  Chart 3.8 Safeguard investigation initiationsa 
1025
20
1224
1823
17
11
5
051015202530
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Chart 3.8
Safeguard investigation initiations
Source:     WTO Secretariat.aData for 2017 relate to the to the period January to June, as reported by Members
 
a Data for 2017 relate to the period January to June, as reported by Members.  
Note:  Some notification s are ambiguous about the timing when the measure takes effect. For those 
notifications, Members sometimes subsequently file an additional notification clarifying, ex post , the 
timing of the taking effect. For this reason, the number of imposition s indicat ed in past reports might  
differ from the figures indicated in the most recent report.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 3.10 Initiations of safeguard investigations  
(number of new investigations)  
Reporting Member  July 2014 –  
June 2015  July 2015 – 
June 2016  July 2016 –  
June 2017  
Bahrain, Kingdom of; Kuwait, State of; Oman; Qatar; Saudi 
Arabia, Kingdom of; United Arab Emiratesa 0 1 1 
Chile 0 4 0 
China  0 0 1 
Ecuador  1 0 0 
Egypt  3 1 0 
India 1 3 0 
Indonesia  0 1 0 
Jordan  1 0 1 
Malaysia  1 3 0 
Morocco  1 0 0 
South Africab 0 1 1 
Thailand  0 1 0 
Tunisia  2 1 0 
Turkey  3 0 2 
Ukraine  0 1 0 
United States  0 0 2 
Viet Nam  0 2 2 
Zambia  0 1 0 
Total  13 20 10 
a Investigations are initiated at the level of the Gulf Co operation Council.  
b Notified by South Africa; investigations are initiated by the Southern African Customs Union on 
behalf of a ll of its members collectively.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 40 - 
 
  3.44.   The decline in initiations is mainly driven by the fact that Members t hat were previously 
often resorting to SG actions now take fewer such measures . India, having initiated the most 
investigations in the years 2014 and 2015, initiated only one in 2016 and none in the 
January -June 2017 period. Chile, Egypt and Indonesia, eac h having initiated the second most 
investigations after India in 2014 and 2015, initiated none in 2016 and the January -June 2017 
period.  The United States and China have initiated SG investigations  recently, something neither 
has done since 2001 (United St ates) and 2002 ( China) .  
Table 3.11 Safeguard initiations by major users 
Reporting Member  2014  2015  2016  2017  
(January -June)  
India 7 2 1 0 
Indonesia  3 1 0 0 
Egypt  2 2 0 0 
Chile 0 4 0 0 
All other countries  11 8 10 5 
TOTAL  23 17 11 5 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.45.   On the other hand, imposition figures paint a different picture. If projected to an annual 
basis, the January -June 2017 figures would amount to 16 impositions, or nearly a threefold 
increase from 2016 (Table 3.12).  
Table 3.12 Imposition of safeguard measures by calendar year  
Year Number  Year Number  
2006 7 2012 6 
2007 5 2013 8 
2008 6 2014 12 
2009 10 2015 12 
2010 4 2016 6 
2011 11 2017a  8 
a Data for 2017 relate to the January to June period, as reported by Members.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.46.   The July -June cycle figure also shows that the imposition almost doubled from the previous 
cycle ( Table 3.13).  
Table 3.13 Imposition of safeguard measures (July -June cycle)  
 July 2014 – June 2015  July 2015 – June 2016  July 2016 – June 2017  
Measures imposed  16 6 11 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.47.   Chart 3.9 shows the products covered by these investigations. The share of investigations in 
the metal products ( primarily  steel products) more than tripled between the first and second 
period s, and it nearly halved in the current period compar ed with the J uly 2016 –June 2017 period .  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 41 - 
 
  Chart 3.9 Safeguard initiations by product  
Chart 3.9 Safeguard initiations by product
July 2014 -June 2015 July2015 -June 2016
Paper
23%Metals
23%
Metals
75% Wood
15%Machinery
15%Foodstuffs
8%
Plastics
10%
Stone /Plaster
15%Foodstuffs
5%Chemicals
5%Stone/Plaster
5%
 
Source: WTO Secretariat.July 2016 -June 2017
Chemicals
10%Metals
40%Plastics
10%
Foodstuffs
10%
Machinery
20%Miscellaneous
10%
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.3  Sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS)33 
3.48.   Under the SPS Agreement, WTO Members are obliged to p rovide an advance notice of 
intention to introduce new or modified SPS measures34, or to notify immediately when emergency 
measures are imposed. The main objective of complying with the SPS notification obligations is to 
inform other Members about new or ch anged regulations that may significantly affect trade. 
Therefore, an increased number of notifications does not automatically imply greater use of 
                                                
33 Information presented in this Section has been retrieved from the SPS Information Management 
System (SPS IMS: http://spsims.wto.org ). This Section is based on notificati ons to the WTO for the period 
1 October 201 6 to 30 September 201 7. Specific trade concerns (STCs) are only raised at SPS Committee 
meetings. The information in this Section summarizes the ST Cs raised at the October 2016, March 2017 and 
July 2017 SPS Committee meetings.  
34 Transparency obligations are contained in Article 7 and Annex B of the SPS Agreement. Annex B 
requires that Members notify measures whose content is not substantially the sam e as that of an international 
standard, guideline or recommendation, and when the measure may have a significant effect on trade.  
However, the Recommended Procedures for Implementing the Transparency Provisions of the SPS Agreement, 
adopted by the SPS Com mittee in 2008 (G/SPS/7/Rev.3), recommend that Members also notify measures 
which are based on the relevant international standards, and provide a broad interpretation of effects on trade.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 42 - 
 
  protectionist measures, but rather enhanced transparency regarding food safety, animal and plant 
health measu res, many or most of which are presumably legitimate health -protection measures.  
3.49.   In the period from October 2016 through September 201735, 1,378 SPS notifications 
(regular and emergency, including addenda) were submitted36 to the WT O, resulting in a slight 
decrease in total notified measures compared to the previous period (1 October 2015 to 
30 September  2016). Notifications from developing -country Members accounted for 6 5% of the 
total number. In the previous year, the total number of notifications  was margi nally higher  and the 
proportion of measures notified by developing -country Members slightly lower : from October 2015 
through September 2016, a total of 1,395  notifications (regular and emergency, including 
addenda) were submitted . Of these , 63% were notifi ed by developing -country Members.  
3.50.   From October 2016 through September 2017, WTO Members submitted 1,134 regular SPS 
notifications (including addenda), 60% of which were submitted by developing -country Members. 
Compared with the previous period ( 2015-16), there was a 13% decrease in the total number of 
regular notifications and a 15% decrease in regular notifications by developing -country Members.  
3.51.   The number of notifications of emergency measures (including addenda) increased 
significantly  compared with the previous period ( Chart 3.10). The proportion  of all emergency 
notifications  (including addenda) submitted by developing -country Members  increased slightly , 
constituting 90% of the total , up from 87% in the previous period. These h igh percentage figures 
are consistent with the general trend of the majority of emergency measures being notified by 
developing -country Members. This might stem from the fact that they may not have as extensive 
SPS regulatory systems as developed -country M embers do, and consequently, when facing 
emergency challenges, are more likely to have to introduce new regulations or change existing 
ones.  
Chart 3.10 Number of SPS notifications (including addenda)  
1,308
8001,134
68287
76244
220
02004006008001,0001,2001,4001,6001,8002,000
All Members Developing-country
MembersAll Members Developing-country
MembersChart 3.9
Number of SPS notifications (including addenda)
Source: WTOSecretariat.Regular notifications Emergency notificationsOct. 2015 -Sep. 2016 Oct. 2016 -Sep. 2017
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.52.   Many Members are following the recommendation to notify SPS measures even when these 
are based on a relevant international standard, as this substantially increases transparency of SPS 
measures. Of the 835 regular notifications (excluding  addenda) submitted from October 2016 
through September 2017, 404 (about 48 % of the total) indicated that at least one  international 
standard, guideline or recommendation was applicable to the notified measure  (Chart 3.11). Of 
these, about 81% (327 in total)  indicated that the proposed measure was in conformity with the 
existing international standard.  
                                                
35 For the SPS Section, the review period covers 1 October 2016  to 30 September 2017. 
36 For this Report, submission refers to the date of circulation.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 43 - 
 
  Chart 3.11 Regular SPS notifications and international standards (excluding addenda ) 
Codex
58%
OIE
13%
IPPC
29%
Source: WTO Secretariat.Chart 3.10
Regular SPS notifications (excluding addenda) and international standards
None
52%Relevant 
international 
standard
48%
 
Note:  Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant 
Protection Convention (IPPC).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.53.   International standards often provide useful guidance regarding measures to address 
disease out breaks and other emergency situations. Indeed, about 93% (186 in total) of the 201 
emergency notifications (excluding addenda) submitted from October 201 6 through September 
2017 indicated that an international standard, guideline or recommendation was appl icable to the 
notified measure ( Chart 3.12). Of these, all but one indicated that the measure was in conformity 
with the existing international standard.  
Chart 3.12 Emergency SPS noti fications and international standards (excluding 
addenda)  
Codex
2%
OIE
94%
IPPC
5%
Source: WTO Secretariat.Chart 3.11
Emergency SPS notifications (exluding addenda) and international 
standards
None
7%Relevant 
international 
standard
93%
 
Note:  Codex, OIE and IPPC.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 44 - 
 
  3.54.   Of the 835 regular notifications (excluding addenda) submitted in the review period , the 
majority were related to food safety and plant protecti on.37 The remaining notifications related to 
animal health, the protection of humans from animal diseases or plant pests  and/or  the protection 
of the Member's territory from other damage from pests.  It is worth noting that regular 
notifications may contain  more than one objective.  
3.55.   Of the 201 emergency measures (excluding addenda) notified in the same period, the 
majority related to animal health, followed by measures related to food safety, the protection of 
humans from animal diseases or plant pests,  plant protection  and/or  the protection of the 
Member's territory from other damage from pests. Emergency notifications may also contain  more 
than one  objective . 
3.56.   While there is no formal provision for "counter notification", concerns regarding the failure 
to noti fy an SPS measure, or regarding a notified measure, can be raised a s a specific trade 
concern (STC ) at any of the three regular meetings of the SPS Committee each year. In the 
Committee meetings of October 2016, March 2017 and July 2017, 15 new STCs were r aised. Of 
these, six related to food safety , five related to plant health , two to animal health  and two were 
related to other concerns ( Table 3.14).  
3.57.   The margins of the SPS Committee meetings provide important opportunities for 
delegations, which often include experts from capital, to discuss and resolve STCs bilaterally. 
Three  STCs included on the proposed agenda were withdrawn following bilateral consultations. 
These were Mexico's concerns regarding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's restrictions on honey 
imports (October 2016) , Senegal's concern s regarding India's fumigation requirements for cashew 
nuts38 (March 2017) , and Japan's concern s regarding Thailand's import restrictions on plant 
products  (March 2017) . Furthermore, during the period under review, one STC was reported as 
partially resolved under the specific agenda item.39 Since 1995,  35% of all STCs raised at the 
Committee have been reported as resolved.  
                                                
37 The objective of an SPS measure falls under one or more of the following categories: (i)  food safety, 
(ii) animal health, (iii) plant protection, (iv) protection of  humans  from animal/plant pest or disease, and 
(v) protect territory from other damages from pests. Members are required to identify the purpose of the 
measure in their notifications. It is not uncommon for more than one objective to be identified for a measure.  
38 This concern was raised for the first time during the July 2017 meeting.  
39 This was STC 399.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 45 - 
 
  Table 3.14 SPS new STCs rais ed in October 2016, March 2017 or July 2017  
STC Document title  Members 
maintaining 
the 
measure  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
supporting 
the concern  Date raised  Primary 
objective  
412 European Union Maximum 
Residue Levels (MRLs) for 
bitertanol, tebufe npyrad 
and chlormequat 
(G/SPS/N/EU/168)  European 
Union  India  27/10/2016  Food 
safety  
413 Guatemala's restrictions 
on egg products  Guatemala  Mexico   27/10/2016  Food 
safety  
414 Indonesia's food safety 
measures affecting 
horticultural products and 
animal pr oducts  Indonesia  Philippines   27/10/2016  Food 
safety  
415 U.S. seafood import 
monitoring programme  United 
States  China  Chile 27/10/2016  Other 
concerns  
416 China's import ban on 
fresh mangosteen  China  Indonesia   27/10/2016  Food 
safety  
417 India's import 
requirements for teak tree 
wood  India Panama  Ecuador  27/10/2016  Plant 
health 
418 Viet Nam's suspension of 
groundnut seed imports  Viet Nam  Senegal   22/03/2017  Plant 
health 
419 United States MRLs for 
chlorpyrifos  United 
States  Israel  Ecuador  22/03/2017  Food 
safety  
420 European Union 
non-recognition of 
regionalization for Avian 
Influenza  European 
Union  Russian 
Federation   22/03/2017  Animal 
health 
421 Thailand's import 
restriction on papaya 
seeds  Thailand  Chinese 
Taipei   22/03/2017  Plant 
health 
422 Brazil's measures on 
bananas  Brazil  Ecuador   13/07/2017  Plant 
health 
423 Gulf Cooperation Council 
(GCC) Guide for Control of 
Imported Foods  GCC 
Members  United 
States  Brazil  13/07/2017  Other 
concerns  
424 The Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia's measures on 
shrimp  Saudi  
Arabia, 
Kingdom of  Ecuador   13/07/2017  Animal 
health 
425 The Russian Federation's 
import restrictions on 
wine  Russian 
Federation  Montenegro  Moldova, 
Republic of  13/07/2017  Food 
safety  
426 India's fumigation 
requirements for cashew 
nuts India Senegal  Burkina Faso; 
Kenya; 
Madagascar; 
Nigeria; Togo  13/07/2017  Plant 
health 
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
3.58.   At the October 2016, March 2017 or July 2017 SPS Committee meetings , 19 previously 
raised STCs were discussed  (almost half of which – 9 STCs – were discussed in all three 
meetings) .40 Of these, six addressed persistent problems that have been discussed seven times or 
more. In particular, two have been discussed on 20 or more occasions ( Table 3.15).  
                                                
40 The nine STCs that were raised at the three meetings are marked with an asterisk (*) beside their 
number in Table 3.15. WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 46 - 
 
  Table 3.15 Previously -raised SPS STCs discussed in October 2016, March 2017 or 
July 2017  
STC Document title  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
maintaining the 
measure  Members 
supporting the 
concern  First date 
raised  Times 
subsequently 
raised  
184 Lack of 
transparency for 
certain SPS 
measures  United States  China    01/03/2004  2 times  
193* General import 
restrictions due to 
BSE European Union; 
United States  Certain Members  Canada; 
Switzerland; 
Uruguay  01/06/2004  30 times  
238 Application and 
modific ation of the 
EU Regulation on 
Novel Foods  Colombia; 
Ecuador; Peru  European Union  Argentina; Benin; 
Bolivia, 
Plurinational State 
of; Brazil; Chile; 
China; Costa 
Rica; Cuba; 
Dominican 
Republic; El 
Salvador; 
Guatemala; 
Honduras; India; 
Indonesia; 
Mexico; 
Nicaragua; 
Paraguay; 
Philippines; 
Uruguay; 
Venezuela, 
Bolivarian 
Republic of  01/03/2006  23 times  
289 Measures on 
catfish  China; Viet Nam  United States  Thailand  28/10/2009  9 times  
344* Measures on 
shrimp  Ecuador  Brazil    18/10/2012  5 times  
354* Import restr ictions 
in response to the 
Japanese nuclear 
power plant 
accident  Japan  China    27/06/2013  11 times  
382* European Union 
revised proposal 
for categorization 
of compounds as 
endocrine 
disruptors  Argentina; 
China; United 
States of 
America  European Union  Australia; Benin; 
Brazil; Burkina 
Faso; Burundi; 
Canada; Central 
African Republic; 
Chile; Colombia; 
Costa Rica; 
Dominican 
Republic; 
Ecuador; Egypt; 
The Gambia; 
Guatemala; 
Guinea; India; 
Indonesia; Israel; 
Jamaica; Kenya; 
Madagascar; 
Malaysia; Mexico; 
New Zeala nd; 
Nigeria; Pakistan; 
Paraguay; Peru; 
Philippines; 
Senegal; Sierra 
Leone; South 
Africa; Chinese 
Taipei; Thailand; 
Togo; Uruguay; 
Viet Nam; Zambia  25/03/2014  8 times  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 47 - 
 
  STC Document title  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
maintaining the 
measure  Members 
supporting the 
concern  First date 
raised  Times 
subsequently 
raised  
387* Chinese Taipei's 
import restrictions 
in response to the 
nuclear power 
plant accident   Japan  Chinese Taipei    26/03/2015  7 times  
390* The Russian 
Federation's 
import restrictions 
on processed 
fishery products 
from Estonia and 
Latvia  European Union  Russian 
Federation    15/07/2015  6 times  
392* China's import 
restrictions due to 
African swi ne fever  European Union  China    15/07/2015  6 times  
393* The Republic of 
Korea's import 
restrictions due to 
African swine fever  European Union  Korea, Republic of    15/07/2015  6 times  
394 Costa Rica's 
suspension of the 
issuing of 
phytosanitary 
import cer tificates 
for avocados  Guatemala; 
Mexico  Costa Rica  Ghana;  
South Africa;  
United States; 
Venezuela, 
Bolivarian 
Republic of  15/07/2015  5 times  
395* China's proposed 
amendments to 
the 
implementation 
regulations on 
safety assessment 
of agricultural 
GMOs  Paraguay;  
United States  China    15/07/2015  6 times  
396 European Union 
proposal to amend 
Regulation (EC) 
No. 1829/2003 to 
allow EU member 
States to restrict 
or prohibit the use 
of genetically 
modified food and 
feed Argentina; 
Paraguay;  
United States  European Union  Brazil; Canada; 
Uruguay  15/07/2015  2 times  
397 India's amendment 
to its import policy 
conditions for 
apples; Restriction 
to Nhava Sheva 
port  Chile; New 
Zealand  India European Union; 
United States  14/10/2015  3 times  
406 China's import 
restric tions due to 
Highly Pathogenic 
Avian Influenza  European Union; 
United States  China    16/03/2016  3 times  
411 Russian Federation 
import restrictions 
on certain animal 
products from 
Germany  European Union  Russian 
Federation    30/06/2016  3 times  
       WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 48 - 
 
  STC Document title  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
maintaining the 
measure  Members 
supporting the 
concern  First date 
raised  Times 
subsequently 
raised  
415 U.S. seafood 
import monitoring 
programme  China  United States  Chile 27/10/2016  1 time  
416 China's import ban 
on fresh 
mangosteen  Indonesia  China    27/10/2016  1 time  
Note:  The STCs marked with an asterisk (*) beside their number in this table are STCs th at were raised in 
all three SPS Committee meetings.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.59.   Analysing the October 2016, March 2017 and July 2017 SPS Committee meetings, 40% of 
all STCs raised for the first time concerned food safety , 33% concerned measures covering plant 
health , 13% covered animal health  and 13% related to other types of concerns.41 Regarding 
previously raised STCs in the reviewed period,  47% concerned measures covering food safety, 
26% concerned animal health, 21% covered other types of concerns42 and 5% related to plant 
health. Of the total raised or discussed STCs in the review period, 44% concerned measures 
covering food safety , 21% covered animal health , 18% concerned plant health and 18% related to 
other types of concerns.  
Box 3.2 Enhancing Monitoring and Transparency in SPS and TBT  
Accessing relevant information on SPS or TBT product requirements in export markets can be a huge 
challenge, especially for SMEs. The WTO helps tackl e this potential trade barrie r through a combination of 
transparency requirements included in the SPS and TBT Agreements and online tools that make information 
easily accessible: the SPS and TBT Information Ma nagement Systems (SPS/TBT IMSs) and ePing.  
WTO Members are required to notif y proposed SPS and TBT measures if they may significantly affect 
international trade. Each year , the WTO receives more than 3,500 such notifications.  
Publicly available online tools help stakeholders find notifications of relevance to their trade:  
 - SPS IMS www.spsims.wto.org ,  
 - TBT IMS www.tbtims.wto.org , and  
 - ePing www.epingalert.org .  
 
The SPS/TBT IMSs are search -platforms that help find, among others , SPS or TBT notifications by using 
parameters such as products, notifying Member and objective. ePing is an online alert system allowing users  
(governments, e conomic operators, civil society)  to receive daily or weekly email alerts about SPS and TBT 
notifications covering products and markets of interest to them.   
 
Timely access to notifications is key given the 60 -day period that normally should be provided f or submitting 
comments on regulations , usually still in draft  form. The ePing platform also facilitates dialogue among the 
public and private sector s to discuss and shar e information on notifications of concern, allowing stakeholders to 
address potential t rade problems at an early stage of the regulatory lifecycle . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.4  Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)43 
3.60.   Under the TBT Agreement, WTO Members are required  to notify their intention to introduce 
new or modified TBT measures, or to notify ad opted emergency measures immediately . The main 
objective of complying with the TBT notification obligations is to inform other Members about new 
or changed regulations that may  significantly affect trade.44 Therefore, an increased number of 
                                                
41 Specificall y: control, inspection and approval procedures.  
42 Specifically: control, inspection and approval procedures, and transparency . 
43 For the TBT Section, the review period covers 1 October 2016 to 30 September 2017.  
44 Under the TBT Agreement, WTO Members are not required  to notify all proposed TBT measure s 
(technical  regulations or conformity assessment procedures) . Rather, they are only required to notify those 
measures that may have a significant effect on trade  of other Members and are  not in accordance with  a 
relevant international standard  (in the case of technical regulations), or relevant guides or recommendations 
issued by international standardizing bodies (in the case of  conformity assessment procedures ). However, the 
TBT Committee in its Sixth Trienn ial Review encouraged Members, "for the purpose of enhancing predictability 
and transparency in situations where it is difficult to establish or foresee whether a draft technical regulation or WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 49 - 
 
  notifications do es not necessarily imply greater use of unnecessarily trade -restrictive measures. 
Rather, TBT notification obligations are meant to promote enhanced transparency regarding 
measures taken to address legitimate policy objectives, e.g. the protection of human , animal or 
plant life or health , or the environment.45 
3.61.   From 1  October  2016 to 30 September  2017 (the "review  period") , WTO  Members 
submitted 1,608  new regular notifications of TBT measures ,46 which is marginally less than the 
1,738 regulations notified in t he previous 12 -month  period. Developing country  Members 
(including CIS and LDC  Members) notified around 77% of new regular regulations during the 
review  period , an equivalent share compared to the previous  period  (around 80%). T he vast 
majority of regular TBT notifications continue to come from developing countries . 
3.62.   The Members which notified the most measures  during the review period  covering almost 
65% of all new regular TBT notifications  were United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom 
of Saudi Ara bia, Oman, Qatar, State of Kuwait and Yemen  (247 collectively  as Gulf  Cooperation 
Council (GCC) Standardization Organization  (GSO) members )47, Uganda  (164), the European 
Union  (147)48, United  States  (106), Kenya  (96), Tanzania  (69), the Republic of Korea (57 ), Brazil 
(52), Mexico  (48), and Chile  (47). During the review period , an important development , was the 
continuing increase in regionally -harmonized GCC draft technical regulations notified by GCC-GSO 
members in joint notifications on behalf of all its seven members , provid ing a common deadline for 
comments and facilitat ing the handling of comments received.  
3.63.   Of the 1,608 new regular notifications received during the review period , the main indicated 
objectives49 were: the protection of human health or safet y (65%), quality requirements ( 25%), 
the protection of the environment ( 20%) and the preven tion of deceptive practices and consumer 
protection  (17%).50 Although "national security" in absolute terms does not feature among the 
most indicated objectives, as Chart 3.13 shows, since 2007 , there has been a marked increase of 
notified measures indicating the national  security  objective.  
                                                                                                                                                  
conformity assessment procedure may  have a 'significant effect on trade of other Members', to notify such 
measures."  
45 TBT Agreement obligations are also subject to 25 separate Special and Differential Treatment (S&D) 
provisions, conferring developing country Members, and LDC Members in particular, with certain flexib ilities. 
The TBT  Agreement contains more S&D provisions than any other WTO Agreement apart from the GATT  1994.  
46 Viewed at: http://tbtims.wto.org  
47 The GSO -GCC has ad  hoc observer status to the TBT  Committee.  
48 110 EU -wide notifications plus 37 notifications from certain individual EU member States: 
Czech  Republic  (6); Est onia (2); Finland (4); France (10 ); Hu ngary (2); Ireland (1); Italy (3); Lithuania (2); 
Slovenia  (2); Spain (3) ; Sweden  (1) and the United Kingdom  (1). 
49  A TBT measure may  pursue a variety of legitimate objectives, although historically the majority falls 
under one of the following categories: the protection of human, animal or plant life or health, or the 
environment. Members are required to identify the purpose of the measure in their notifications. It is not 
uncommon that more than one objective is identified for a measure.  
50 Similar to the previous period, the protectio n of human health or safety remained the objective stated 
by the majority of the measures notified in the review period. The share of notifications covering quality 
requirements and those indicating the protection of the environment increased significantly, (from 15% to 25% 
and from 13% to 20%, respectively) compared to the previous  12-month period, while the share of 
notifications indicating the prevention of deceptive practices and consumer protection decreased significantly  
(from 25% to 17%).  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 50 - 
 
  Chart 3.13 Regular notifications indicating national se curity as their objective, 
1995 -2017  
0246810121416
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Chart 1.[TBT]
Regular notifications indicating national security as their objective, 1995 -2017
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.64.   In terms of follow -up notifications51, a total of 804 were submitted during the review period, 
significantly higher (more than  20% increase) as compared to the 65 1 notified during the 
previous  period. This is a positive development , given that f ollow-up notifications have an 
important role as they help increas e transparency and predictability across the measures' 
regulatory lifecycle.  
3.65.   Members use the TBT Committee as a forum for discuss ing trade  issues related to specific 
measures (technical regulations, standards or conformity assessment procedures) maintained by 
other Members. As for SPS measures, t hese are referred to as "STCs", and normally relate to 
proposed draft measures notified to the TB T Committee , or to the implementation of existing 
measures. Issues raised range from simple requests for additional information and clarifications to 
questions on the consistency of measures with TBT Agreement disciplines.  As indicated in  Chart 
3.14, STCs are frequently discussed in the regular meetings of the TBT  Committee, with almost  60 
STCs discussed per  meeting in recent years . Depending on the extent of the trade -restrictiveness  
and importance of the issue to the Members rais ing the STC, the same measure may come  up at 
one or more meetings of the TBT Committee. For example, a n STC may be discussed at only one 
meeting , as a new STC, and subsequently a resolution to the trade concern may be found . 
Alternatively,  an STC may be di scussed at subsequent meetings , as a previously raised STC , 
usually reserved for long -standing and more serious concerns. Since 1995, Members have raised 
more than 540  new STCs.52 
                                                
51 Follow -up notifications are called "addenda", "corrigenda", or "supplements". They can als o be in the 
form of "revisions" when the original  measure has been substantially re -drafted prior to adoption or entry into 
force. A revision replaces the original notification. They are linked to the original notification of a new 
regulation and include a dditional pertinent information, such as updated deadlines for entry into force, access 
to the final adopted text, withdrawal or cancellation, unofficial translations or other updates with respect to 
notified regulations.  See G/TBT/35 for further informati on on different types of TBT notifications.  
52 In March 2016, the WTO TBT Committee discussed the 500th new STC. Viewed at: 
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news16_e/tbt_11mar16_ e.htm  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 51 - 
 
  Chart 3.14 STCs raised per com mittee meeting, January 2007 to September 2017  
223544354465
40515560 57303447
365159
3945505656
263740
465535
51515657
78106131
117150159
130147161173
020406080100120140160180200
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
March Meeting June Meeting  November MeetingChart x.[TBT]
STCs raised per committee meeting, January 2007 to September 2017
Source:  WTO Secretariat.
 
Note:  With a view to provid ing a more accurate image of the number of concerns discussed in the TBT 
Committee in a given year, the methodology of counting previously raised STCs  has been 
revised. In previous  reports, an STC raised in the TBT Committee in a given year, was counted 
once, either as a new or as a previously raised STC.  This method resulted in underreporting the 
number of previously raised STCs. The new methodology counts an STC each time it is ra ised: if 
raised for the first time, it is counted as a new STC, and if it is raised again, it is counted as a 
previously raised STC.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.66.   Overall, the number of new and previously raised STCs has been increasing every year, 
despite Mem bers raising fewer new STCs and more previous  STCs in the last two years  Since 
2008, Members have raised more than 100  STCs every year  (Chart 3.15).53 As this Chart 
indicates, 173 STCs were discussed during the three Committee meet ings held in 2016, the 
highest number since 1995. This figure also represents a 400% -plus increase as compared to that 
for 2005 when only 32  STCs were discussed. Additionally, the total number of STCs discussed in 
the first two Committee meeting s of 2017 i s close to the number recorded in the corresponding 
2016 meeting s, which seems to suggest that the upward trend of STCs discussed 
per year/per  meeting is not abating  as 2017 draws to an end .  
                                                
53 In 2016, Members reviewed a total of 173 STCs, a record number. The number of new concerns, 
however, dropped to 31, that is 6 less than in 2015. This continues a new trend of declining number s of new 
concerns raised in the Committee: in 2015, the number of new trade concerns dropped by 21% compared to 
2014. On the other hand, the number of times previously raised STC were discussed continues to increase. In 
2016, Members discussed 142 previously raised concerns in TBT Committee meetings (in 2015, t his number 
was 124; in 2014, 100). Source : Twenty -Second  Annual Review of the Implementation and Operation of the 
TBT Agreement , G/TBT/39/Rev.1 (24 May 2017), para. 3.18.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 52 - 
 
  Chart 3.15 STCs r aised, January 1995 to October 2017  
4 611 13513 152015 14 1224 273246
2943354247
3731
204612
12322034
2235
2041517485
88107 124
88100124142
95
4101725
1745
3554
3749
326578106131
117150159
130147161173
115
020406080100120140160180200
New STCs Previously raised STCsChart x.[TBT]
STCs raised, January 19995 to October 2017
Source: WTO Secretariat.
 
* Figures reflect period up to October 2017.  
Note:  With a view to provid ing a more accurate image of the number of concerns discussed in the TBT 
Committee in a given year , the methodology of counting previously raised STCs has been revised . In 
previous reports, an STC raised in the TBT Committee in a given year was counted once, either as a 
new or as a previously raised STC . This method resulted in underreport ing the number of previously 
raised STCs. The new methodology  counts an STC each time it is raised : if raised for the first time, it 
is counted as a new STC , and i f raised again, it is counted as a previously raised STC.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.67.   As illustrated in Chart 3.16, there is a mar ked correlation between the number of new 
notifications  and new STCs raised each year. This may also suggest an increasing use of the TBT 
Committee as a forum for Members to raise and resolve trade  concerns non -litigiously, rather than 
allowing them to esc alate into formal disputes.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 53 - 
 
  Chart 3.16 Number of TBT notifications and new STCs, January 1995 to 2016  
05101520253035404550
020040060080010001200140016001800
New Notifications New STCsChart a.TBT
Number of TBT notifications and new STCs. January 1995 to 2016
Source: WTO Secretariat.
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.68.   During the review period, a total of  170 ( 30 new and 140  previously raised) STCs  were 
discussed during t he three Committee meetings that fell within th is period : 57 (10  new and 47 
previously raised)  at the  November  2016 meeting , 57 (9  new and 48 previously raised) at the 
March  2017 meeting , and 56 (11  new and 45 previously raised) at the June 2017 meeting .  
3.69.   With respect to the 30 new STCs raised during the review period ( Table 3.16), the Members 
whose measures attracted the majority of the new STCs were China  (7), the European  Union54 (7) 
and the Russian Federa tion (3). STCs were also raised with respect to TBT  measures from the 
Republic of Korea  (2), the United  States  (2), followed by the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Brazil, 
the Dominican Republic, India,  Mexico, Nepal, and Viet  Nam (1  each) . Also, a single STC has been 
raised with respect to measures taken by (i)  the Russian Federat ion, Kazakhstan, and the 
Kyrgyz  Republic; (ii)  United  Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 
Oman, Qa tar, State of Kuwait,  and Yemen55, and (iii)  Kenya , Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and 
Burundi .56  
3.70.   These 30 new STCs discussed in the review period covered  a wide range of products, 
including tobacco and alcoholic beverages, ICT products (including "e -waste" and issues related to 
"cybersecurity"), agricultural and food products, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, toys, 
vehicles, chemicals and steel.  
                                                
54 Five STCs with respect to EU -wide measures and two STCs with respect to a measure f rom Italy and a 
measure from Ireland.  
55 Collectively , as GCC -GSO m embers .  
56 Collectively , as EAC (East African Community) members.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 54 - 
 
  Table 3.16 New STCs raised in the TBT Committee meetings (November 2016, 
March  2017 and June 2017)  
New STCs with r espect to measures maintained by Members  
Bolivia, Plurinational State of: concerning t echnical regulations on the labelling of foods and products 
destined for human consumption that consist of, contain or derive from genetically modified organisms (ID 
517) (raised by Guatemala and Mexico) ; 
Brazil:  concerning Regulation RDC No 123 on food additives and processing aids authori zed for use in wine , of 
4 November 2016  (ID 531)  (raised by  the European Union) ; 
China:  concerning Tentative Administrative Rules on  Enterprises Average Fuel Consumption and New Energy 
Vehicle Credits and Administration Regulation on the Access of New Energy Vehicle Manufactures and Products  
(ID 527)  (raised by the United States, the  European Union and Japan );  
China:  concerning Cyber  Security Law (ID 526) (raised by Canada, the United States, Japan, the European 
Union and Australia ); 
China:  concerning Cyberspace Administration of China – Draft implementing measures for the Cybersecurity 
Review of Network Products and Services  (ID 533 ) (raised by the European Union,  the United States, Japan,  
Austra lia and  Canada ); 
China : concerning Draft revised Encryption Law of the People's Republic of China by the Office of State 
Commercial Cryptography Administration (OSCCA) (ID 534)  (raised by th e European Union,  Japan, the United 
States and  Canada ); 
China: concerning Limits and Measurement Methods for Emissions of Light -duty Vehicles (ID 536)  (raised by 
Japan ); 
China: concerning Internet of Vehicles Cybersecurity Protection Guideline Rules (ID 537) (raised by the United 
States) ; 
China: concerning Civil Aviation Network Information Security Management Rules (ID 538)  (raised by the 
United States of America, the European Union and  Canada ); 
Dominican Republic: concerning requirements for importing  steel rebar - RTD 458 and other requirements 
(ID 528) (raised by the United States ); 
European Union: concerning Country of Origin Labelling (ID 523) (raised by New Zealand and the United 
States) ; 
European Union:  concerning organic production and labelli ng - Maté ( yerva-mate)  (ID 524)  (raised by 
Brazil ); 
European Union: concerning  Radio Equipment Directive  (ID 525)  (raised by China and the United States ); 
European Union: concerning  Regulation (EC) No . 1107/2009 - non-renewal of approval of the active 
substance picoxystrobin (ID 535)  (raised by Brazil, Canada and Argentina) ; 
European Union : concerning Titanium dioxide: Regulation (EC) No . 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation), Annex VI, 
Part (ID 539)  (raised by the United States ); 
European Union  (Ireland ): concer ning the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 (ID 516) (raised by Guatemala 
and Mexico) ; 
European Union  (Italy ):  concerning labelling requirements of the origin of grains used in the preparation of 
dried pasta (ID 530) (raised by Brazil, Mexico, the United States and Canada ); 
India: concerning the E -waste (Management) Rules, 2016 (ID 515) (raised by Japan, the Republic of Korea 
and the United States) ; 
Korea, Rep. of: concerning Household Chemical and Biocidal Products  (ID 529)  (raised by the United States 
and Japan ); 
Korea, Rep . of: concerning the Amendment of the Notifications on Warning Messages on Smoking and 
Drinking (ID 518) (raised by Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico,  New Zealand and the United States) ; 
Oman, Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Qat ar, Kingdom of Sau di Arabia, United Arab Emirates 
and Yemen:  concerning  the Guide for control of imported foods – Certification requirements for animal 
products (ID 540)  (raised by the United States and the European Union ); 
Mexico: concerning  Official Sta ndard PROY -NOM-199-SCFI-2015: Alcoholic beverages - Designations, 
physicochemical specifications, commercial information and test methods (ID 522) (raised by the 
European  Union) ; 
Nepal: concerning National Alcohol Regulation and Control Policy – Graphic W arnings and Statements for 
Alcoholic Beverages (ID 541)  (raised by the United States, the European Union and Canada );  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 55 - 
 
  New STCs with r espect to measures maintained by Members  
Russian Federation: concerning Medical devices (ID 520) (raised by the United States , Ukraine  and the 
European Union) ; 
Russian Federati on: concerning Pharmaceutical products - Resolution 1314 of the Government of the Russian 
Federation on determining compliance of medicinal products' manufacturers with the requirements of Good 
Manuf acturing Practice (non -notified ); draft decisions of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Union (ID 521) 
(raised by the United States , Ukraine  and the European Union) ; 
Russian Federation, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic:  concerning amendment No. 2 to the Technical 
Regulation of the Customs Union on Safety of Toys (TР МС 008/2011) (ID 514) (raised by Ukraine, the 
United  States and the European Union) ; 
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi : concerning Alcoholic beverages specifications (ID 519) 
(raised by the United States and the European  Union) ; 
United Sta tes: concerning Standards of Identity for Cheese (ID 542)  (raised by Canada );  
United States: concerning the  Wisconsin butter laws (ID 543)  (raised by Canada );  
Viet Nam: concerning Alcoholic Beverages  (ID 532)  (raised by Mexico) . 
Source:  WTO Secretaria t. 
3.71.   As indicated above, STCs may be discussed at subsequent meetings, as previously raised 
STCs. These are  usually reserved for long -standing and more serious concerns. Historically, the 
majority of STCs (55%) have been raised at one or two Committee meetin gs, whereas 26% were 
raised  three  to five times , and 19% more than five times ( Chart 3.17). The share of 
"persiste nt" STCs, i.e.  those raised more than five times has increased in 2016 in comparison with 
2015, in line with the abo ve-indicated finding that fewer new and more previous STCs were raised 
in 2016.  
Chart 3.17 STCs raised in the TBT Committee, 1995 -2016  
(number of times)  
1-2 Meetings
55%
3-5 Meetings
26%>5 Meetings
19%Chart1.[TBT]
Number of times an STC is raised in the TBT Committee, 1995 -2016
Source: WTO Secretariat. Twenty Second Annual Review of the Implementation and Operation of 
the TBT Agreement, G/TBT/39/Rev.1 (24 May 2017).
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat. Twenty -Second  Annual Review of the Implementation and Operation of the TBT 
Agreement, G/TBT/39/Rev.1 (24 May 2017), Chart  23. 
3.72.   During the review period, six "persistent"  STCs, that wer e raised more than 16 times in TBT 
Committee meeting s were discussed ( Table 3.17).  
Table 3.17 "Persistent" STCs raised between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2017  
"Persistent" STCs  
European Union:  Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chem icals (REACH) (ID 88) 
- raised 37 times  since 2003  
India:  Pneumatic tyres and tubes for automotive vehicles (ID 133) - raised 32 times  since 2006  
India:  New Telecommunications -related Rules (Department of Telecommunications, No. 842 -725/2005 -
VAS/Vol. III  (3 December 2009); No. 10 -15/2009 -AS-III/193 (18 March 2010); and No. 10 -15/2009 -
AS.III/Vol. II/(Pt.)/(25 -29) (28 July 2010); Department of Telecommunications, No. 10 -15/2009 -
AS.III/Vol.  II/(Pt.)/(30) (28 July 2010) and accompanying template, "Security an d Business Continuity 
Agreement") (ID 274) - raised 20 times  since 2010  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 56 - 
 
  "Persistent" STCs  
China:  Provisions for the Administration of Cosmetics Application Acceptance (ID 296) - raised 20 times  
since 2011 
China:  Requirements for information security products, including, inter alia , the Office of State Commercial 
Cryptography Administration (OSCCA) 1999 Regulation on commercial encryption products and its on -going 
revision and the Multi -Level Protection Scheme (MLPS) (ID 294) - raised 19 times  since 2011  
Korea, Republic of : Regulation on Registration and Evaluation of Chemical Material (ID 305) - raised 16 times  
since 2011  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.73.   Among previously raised STCs involving measures implemented by WTO Members, 
regulations in the area of food and food products h ave featured prominently during discussions in 
the TBT Committee. Box 3.3 takes a closer look at the nature of these regulations.   
Box 3.3 Trade and Food Standards  
The annual value of t rade in agricultural products has grown almost three -fold over the past decade, largely in 
emerging economies and developing countries, reaching US$1.7 trillion. However, in order to trade 
internationally and access markets for high -value products, produce rs must be able to meet food standards, 
which set out requirements for food safety, quality and labelling requirements, among others. If every 
government applies different food standards, trade is more costly, and it is more difficult to ensure that food i s 
safe and meets consumers' expectations.  
 
The use of common international food standards worldwide not only contributes to public health, but also helps 
reduce trade costs by making trade more transparent and efficient, allowing food to move more smoothly  
between markets. The WTO SPS and TBT Agreements strongly encourage WTO Members to use international 
standards, guidelines and recommendations as the basis of their measures. Through the joint FAO/WHO Codex 
Alimentarius Commission, governments establish sc ience-based food standards. The SPS Agreement 
recognizes Codex as the international standard -setting body in the area of food safety; with respect to the TBT 
Agreement, over the past ten years, Members are more frequently drawing on Codex standards as the basis 
for food -related TBT measures, in particular measures addressing food labelling or quality. By reducing the 
need for producers to comply with different standards in different markets, harmonization becomes a powerful 
tool to make trade less costly an d more inclusive.  
 
Underpinning the system of food standards and trade rules is the highly technical and often unseen work that 
takes place at Codex and the WTO, led by WTO Members. At the WTO, the work of the TBT and SPS 
Committees help resolve trade fric tions that inevitably arise in the application of food standards, particularly in 
light of the growing number of food -related measures. Between 2007 and 2016, the share of SPS notifications 
related to food safety increased from 44% to 74%, while the share of TBT notifications related to food 
increased from 14% to 28%.a A similar trend is observable for STCs: between 2006 and 2017 the share of 
food-related STCs discussed in the TBT Committee increased from 17% to 29%; and from 23% to 43% in the 
SPS Committee .b The work of the SPS and TBT Committees makes an important contribution to averting 
problems escalating into full -fledged disputes.  
 
The participation and engagement of Members is vital to making the system of food standards and trade 
function effectivel y. Members' preparation and coordination, notably through multi -stakeholder coordination at 
the national level, is critical to the SPS and TBT Committees' work. The basis for effective participation at the 
international level is strong domestic dialogue an d coordination. Capacity building is essential to ensure that 
Members have the tools and skills they need to meet requirements in export markets. The Standards and 
Trade Development Facility (STDF)c, of which the WTO is a partner, helps build capacity in t he SPS area, to 
support developing countries in complying with international food standards.  
 
Growing interconnectedness, technological innovation, and evolving health concerns pose new and emerging 
challenges for food standards and trade. The mechanisms a nd processes available to them through Codex, the 
FAO and the WTO are important tools Members can use to meet these new challenges.d 
_______________  
a TBT notifications are included when the notification text mentions food or beverages. SPS notifications 
are included when the notification has the stated objective of food safety.  
b TBT STCs are included when the measure at issue deals with food or beverages. SPS STCs are 
included when the measure at issue has the objective of food safety.  
c http://standardsfacility.org/  
d See "Trade and Food Standards", FAO and WTO, 2017. 
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/tradefoodfao17_e.htm 
Source:  WTO Secretariat .  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 57 - 
 
  3.5  Trade Concerns Raised in Other WTO Bodies57 
3.74.   During the review period , a number of other trade concerns were raised by Members in 
formal meetings of various WTO bodies. This Section aims to provide a factual overview of such 
concerns raised between mid -October 2016 and mid-October 2017 .58 The trade concer ns covered 
in this Section have neither the status nor the procedural framework of the STCs raised in the SPS 
and TBT Committees. Nevertheless, they provide an interesting and up -to-date insight into which 
trade issues are being discussed in various commit tees and councils across the WTO and, as such, 
add important transparency to the operation of the Organization. This Section does not aim to 
reproduce the full substantive description of the trade concerns outlined by Members, but does 
provide a reference to the formal meeting(s) where a particular issue is featured.  A full account 
and context of the concerns  is provided in the formal meeting records of the respective WTO 
bodies. The list of concerns and issues mentioned in this Section is not exhaustiv e. 
3.75.   At the meeting of the Council for Trade in Goods  (CTG) on 17 November 201659, new 
concerns were raised on : (i) the European Union (Croatia)  regulations of import a nd sale of certain 
oil products which affected petroleum products and biofuels from third count ries (raised by the 
Russian Federation ); (ii)  Turkey' s measures regarding additional customs duties on imported tyres 
(raised by Japan ); and (iii)  the Russian Federation' s certification requirements for cement enacted 
through a GOST standard in January 201 6 (raised by the European Union) .60 At that meeting, 
previously raised trade concerns were repeated on : (i) the U.S. Seafood Monitoring Programme 
(raised by China); (ii)  Nigeria's import restricting measures and , in particular , on the valuation 
purposes (ra ised by Norway) and on the licensing regime for fishery products (raised by Iceland); 
(iii) Indonesia's import and export restricting policies and practices (raised by the European  Union, 
Japan and the United States ); (iv)  Ecuador's BOP  measures (raised by  Japan and the 
United  States ); (v)  India's import restricting measures, including import duties on IT  products 
covered by the ITA, port closures to apple imports, Minimal Import Prices (MIPs) and safeguard 
measures on hot -rolled steel products (raised by the European Union, Japan, New Zealand and the 
United States ); (vi)  China's measures related to trade in seafood (raised by Norway); and 
(vii) China's import tax on personal effects at the border (raised by Japan).  
3.76.   At the 6 April 2017 meeting of the CTG61, four new trade concerns were raised on: 
(i) Egypt's manufacturer registration system and Decree No.  43 of 2016 (raised by  the European 
Union and the United States )62; (ii) the African Union (AU) WTO Members ' import levy 
implementation to finance the AU's act ivities further to the Kigali Decision of July  2016 (raised by  
Japan  and the United States ); (iii) China's lack of timely and complete notifications in the area of 
subsidies and state trading enterprises (STEs),  and China's governmental intervention in sev eral 
key industrial sectors, such as steel and aluminium (raised by the United States )63; and 
(iv) Brazil's measures on shrimp imports from Ecuador ( raised by  Ecuador ).64 Under "other 
business" , new concerns were raised on : (i) Pakistan's trade and transit m easures imposed 
between 17 February and 21 March  2017, in particular , the closing of the entry points at the 
Durand line with Afghanistan to all trade and transit (raised by  Afghanistan ); (ii) the U .S. Seafood 
Import Monitoring Programme (raised by the Rus sian Federation); and (iii) the increasing use of 
trade remedy measures and the failure to implement the obligation under Article  15(a) of China's 
Accession Protocol regarding the methodology in anti -dumping investigations  (raised by  China). At  
the same me eting, the Council considered s ix additional trade concerns that had already been 
brought to its attention at previous  meetings on : (i) the European Union (Croatia) regulation of 
import and sale of certain oil products (raised by the Russian Federation ); (ii) Nigeria’s import 
restricting measures , including restrictions on the use of foreign exchange for a wide range of 
imports, local content requirements and outright import bans  (raised by the European Union, 
                                                
57 This Section does not include SPS and TBT Committees (covered separately) or issues brought to the 
Dispute Settlement Body . Some of the trade concerns raised may  be the subject of a dispute.  
58 Members and Observers are encouraged to communicate to the WTO's Trade Policy Review Division 
the non -tariff measures which they have raised in WTO bodies and which they believe are rel evant to the 
monitoring exercise.  
59 Document  G/C/M/127.  
60 The issue was also raised during the Russian Federation's Trade Policy Review and in the TBT 
Committee.  
61 Document  G/C/M/128.  
62 The issue was also raised at the TBT Committee.  
63 The issues were als o raised at the SCM and STE Committees.  
64 The issue had already been raised at the SPS Committee.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 58 - 
 
  Norway , the United States and Uruguay ); (iii) Indonesia' s import - and export -restricting policies 
(raised by the European Union,  Japan and the United States ); (iv) Turkey' s measures regarding 
additional customs duties on imported tyres (raised by  Japan ); (v) India' s import restricting 
measures, particu larly the import duties imposed on certain telecommunication products already 
covered by the ITA and the MIPs for steel products (raised by the European Union , Japan and the 
United  States); and (vi) the Russian Federation's  mandatory certification for ceme nt (raised by the 
European Union ). 
3.77.   At the 30 June 2017 meeting of the CTG65, four new trade concerns were brought to the 
Council 's attention : (i) the trade measures adopted in early June 2017 by the Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain which affected the importation 
and exportation of goods to and from Qatar (raised by Qatar)66; (ii) the United States'  
investigations under Section 232 , to determine the effects on national  security of steel and 
aluminium imports , with regard  to two investigations initiated in April 2017 ( raised by the  
Russian  Federation ); (iii) Brazil' s measures restricting banana imports of Ecuadorian origin ( raised 
by Ecuador )67; and (iv) Ukraine' s anti -dumping measures on imports of nitrogen fertilizers , in 
particular on the practices to determine the value and level of duties ( raised by the  Russian 
Federation) .68  
3.78.   At the same meeting, previously raised concerns were repeated on: (i) China' s trade 
distorting measures (raised by the United States ); (ii) the Un ited States ' trade distorting measures 
(raised by  China ); (iii) the import levy applied by WTO Members of the African Union ( raised by  
Japan and the United States ); (iv) Brazil' s measures restricting Ecuadorian shrimp imports ( raised 
by Ecuador ); (v) Egypt 's manufacturer registration system ( raised by  the United  States ); 
(vi) Nigeria’s import -restricting measures  (raised by Norway and the United States )69; 
(vii) Indonesia’s import and export -restricting policies  (raised by the European Union, Japan and 
the U nited States ); and  (viii) the Russian Federation's  trade -restrict ing measures regarding the 
GOST standard and the "good manufacturing practice " certificates for pharmaceutical products  
(raised by the European Union ).70 
3.79.   At the 2 May and 22 September 2017 meetings of the Committee on Market Access71, new 
and persistent trade concerns  were raised on : (i) Angola's  consumption tax  (raised by the 
European  Union )72; (ii) Argentina's  law on the auto -part sector  (raised by the European Union  and 
Mexico ); (iii) China's  customs duties on certain integrated circuits  (raised by the European Union , 
Japan, Chinese Taipei and the United States ); (iv) China's  import tax on personal effects at the 
border  (raised by  Japan ); (v) India's  customs duties on telecommunication and othe r products  
(raised by Canada; the European Union ; Japan; Korea, Republic of; Chinese Taipei; and the 
United  States )73; (vi) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's  excise tax on energy drinks and carbonated soft 
drink products  (raised by  Switzerland )74; (vii)  Oman's  MFN c ustoms duties on cigarettes  (raised by 
Switzerland ); and (viii) the Russian Federation's  taxation on wine  (raised by the European Union ). 
3.80.   At the meetings of the Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade in Information 
Technology Products  on 1 No vember 2016 and 28 June 201775, trade concerns continued to be 
raised regarding India's Customs Notification No. 11/2014 on the 10% import duty increase on 
certain telecommunication equipment with concessions that are bound at duty -free levels in India's 
WTO schedule of concessions (raised by the European Union ; Japan; Korea, Republic of and the 
United States ). In addition, at the June meeting, concerns were expressed with respect to China's 
application of tariffs on certain semiconductor devices, known as " multi-component integrated 
circuits" (MCOs), as a result of their reclassification under the 2017 nomenclature of the 
                                                
65 Minutes G/C/M/129 (forthcoming).  
66 Similar concerns were previously raised at the CTS.  
67 Similar concerns had been raised at the SPS Committee.  
68 Similar co ncerns were raised at the AD Committee.  
69 This issue ha s been discussed during Nigeria' s Fifth TPR, and, with regard to which , the US indicated 
that, based on the assurances provided by Nigeria during its TPR, it would not continue to raise the issue at th e 
CTG level  (document WT/TPR/M/356).  
70 Similar concerns had been raised at the TBT Committee.  
71 Includes issues raised under "other business".  Documents G/MA/M/64  and G/MA/M/65 (forthcoming).  
72 Document G/MA/W/129.  
73 Document s GMA/W/120 and G/MA/W/128.  
74 Document G/MA/W/132.  
75 Documents G/IT/M/65 and G/IT/M/66 (forthcoming ). WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Harmonized System , that were previously duty -free by virtue of China's commitments under the 
ITA Agreement (raised by the European Union , Japan  and the United  States ). 
3.81.   A number of concerns were repeated at the meetings of the Committee on Import Licensing 
(CIL)76 on 5 May 2017 and 3 October 2017 regarding : (i) Indonesia's import licensing regime for 
cell phones, handheld computers and tablets  (raised by the United States ); (ii)  Brazil's regulatory 
requirements for imports of nitrocellulose ( raised by the European Union ); (iii)  India's import 
licensing requirements on boric acid ( raised by the United States ); (iv) Mexico's steel import 
licensi ng programme ( raised by Canada and the United States ); (v) Viet Nam's importation of 
distilled spirits ( raised by the United States ); (vi) Morocco's import licensing requirements on the 
importation of certain arms and gear wheels ( raised by the European Un ion); (vii) the Plurinational 
State of Bolivia's import licensing regime on certain products (raised by the European Union ); and 
(viii) Thailand's import procedures on feed wheat (raised by  the European Union ). New tr ade 
concerns were raised on : (i) the Eu ropean Union's steel import licensing system (raised by the 
Russian Federation ); (ii)  Indonesia's import licensing system on tyres (raised by Thailand ); 
(iii) Indonesia's import requirements related to milk supply and circulation  (raised by the 
United  States); and (iv)  China's changes to import licensing for certain recoverable wastes and 
recovered materials  (raised by the United  States ).  
3.82.   At the meeting of the Committee on Customs Valuation on 15 May 201777, concerns were 
raised on : (i) Armenia's reference prices (raised by the United States ); (ii) Indonesia's lack of 
notifications on PSI measures (raised by the United States ); (iii) Pakistan's determination of 
customs value of paper as stated in Pakistan's valuation Ruling No. 827/2016 dated 6 April 2016 
(raised by Thailand ); and (iv) Egypt's status of notification of PSI in light of Egypt's Decree 
No. 991/2015 ( raised by the United States ).  
3.83.   In the Committee on Agriculture78, a number of questions and concerns were raised with 
respect to Members' individual notifications and on implementation -related issues under 
Article  18.6. During the period concerned, a total of 288 questions were discussed on individual 
notifications (157 questions), Article 18.6 issues (112 questions on 57 implementation -related 
issues ) and on overdue notifications (19 questions). Additional details regarding these questions 
and concerns can be found in Section 3.6  of this  Report.  
3.84.   At the meetings of the Committee on Anti -Dumping Practices79 on 27 October 2016 and 
27 April 2017, concerns w ere raised as per  Table 3.18. 
Table 3.18 Concerns raised on anti -dumping practices  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Argentina  
Investigation on aluminium wheels  China 
Australia  
Sunset review on ammonium nitrate  Russian Federation  
Bahrain, Kingdom of; Oman; Qatar; Kuwait, State of;  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; and United Arab Emirates   
Investigation on automotive batteries  Korea, Rep. of  
Brazil  
Sunset review on PET films  Turkey  
Measures on white crystal sugar  Costa Rica  
Canada  
Investigation on certain fabricated industrial steel components  European Union  
Investigation on silicon metal  Kazakhstan and  
Russian Federation  
China  
Measures on unbleached sack pap er European Union  
Measures on acrylic fibre  Turkey  
                                                
76 Documents  G/LIC/M/45 and G/LIC/M/46  (forthcoming) . 
77 Document G/VAL/M/64.  
78 Questions and responses to the issues raised under the review process in the CoA meetings on 
9 November 201 6, 27 March and 7 June 2017 are available in G/AG/W/159 issued on 13 December 2016, 
G/AG/W/161 issued on 9 May 2017 and G/AG/W/165 issued on 24 July 2017.  
79 Documents G/ADP/M/51 and G/ADP/M/52.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Investigation on v inylidene chloride  Japan  
Colombia  
Investigation on gypsum board  Mexico  
Dominican Republic  
Sunset review on steel reinforcing bar  Turkey  
Egypt  
Measures on welding electrodes  Turkey  
Investigation on steel rebar  Ukraine  
European Union  
Investigations on cold -rolled steel products and aluminium foil  Russian Federation  
Investigation on certain hot -rolled flat products of iron  China  
India  
Investigation on low -ash metallurgical coke  Australia  
Investigation on linear alkyl benzene  Qatar  
Investigation on styrene butadiene rubber  European Union  
Investigations covering "complete value chain"  China  
Measures on cold -rolled flat steel products  Ukraine  
Investigations on cold -rolled flat steel products; hot -rolled flat products; and 
resorcinol  Japan  
Investigation on dimethyl acetamide  Turkey  
Indonesia  
Investigation on wheat flour  Turkey  
Israel  
Investigation on float glass  Turkey  
Korea, Republic of  
Sunset review on stainless steel b ar Japan  
Mexico  
Investigation on seamless steel tubes  Ukraine  
Sunset review on cold -rolled sheet  Kazakhstan  
Morocco  
Investigations on hot -rolled steel sheets and refrigerators  Turkey  
Investigation on ceramic tiles  European Union  
Pakistan  
Investigat ion on cold -rolled coils and sheets  Ukraine  
Investigations on hydrogen peroxide  Turkey  
Russian Federation, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyz Republic  
Investigations on bars and rods and hot -rolled steel angles  Ukraine  
Thailand  
Investigation on hot -rolled non all oy steel in coils and not in coils  Turkey  
Turkey  
Sunset review on copper wire rod  Ukraine  
Sunset review on motorcycle and bicycle tyres  Chinese Taipei  
Investigation on bleached kraftliner paper  Brazil  
Ukraine  
Investigation on certain nitroge n fertilizers  Russian Federation  
Interim review on ammonium nitrate  Russian Federation  
United States  
Investigation on ammonium nitrate  Russian Federation  
Investigation on carbon and alloy steel cut -to-length plate  European Union and Japan  
Investigatio ns on corrosion resistant steel products, cold -rolled flat steel 
products, hot -rolled flat steel products and large transformers  Korea, Rep. of  
Administrative review on oil country tubular goods  China and Korea, Rep. of  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.85.   Additiona l concerns were raised on issues such as : (i) the expiration of China's Accession 
Protocol Section 15(a); (ii)  the recent rapid increase in AD measures, especially in the steel sector 
(raised by Japan and Brazil ); (iii) India's "complete value chain" pract ice in investigations (raised 
by China ); (iv) the length of the United  States anti -dumping measures (raised by Japan ); 
(v) El Salvador's anti -dumping legislation (raised by the United States ); (vi) the organization of 
the meetings of the various groups and  committees related to trade remedies and the participation 
of the Investigating Authorities in those meetings (raised by Mexico ); (vii) Australia's decision to 
extend for another five years its 10 -year-old AD measures on canned pineapples (raised by the 
Philippines ); (viii) Indonesia's extension of an AD  measure on Philippine Cavendish banana (raised 
by the Philippines ); (ix) the application filed by Turkish producers to initiate an AD investigation on 
flat hot -rolled steel products (raised by the Russian Federation ); (x) the European Union's draft WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  amendments to the Basic AD Regulation (raised by the Russian  Federation ); (xi) India's 
amendments to the AD legislation (raised by Ukraine ); and (xii)  the development of the Particular 
Market Situation test pract ices among Members (raised by the Russian Federation ). 
3.86.   At the meetings of the  Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures80 on 
25 October 2016 and 25 April 2017, concerns were raised on countervailing duty actions as per  
Table 3.19. 
Table 3.19 Concerns raised on CVD actions  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Brazil  
Investigation on hot -rolled steel  China  
Canada  
Investigation on silicon metal  Kazakhstan  
United States  
Measures on steel products  Brazil  
Measures on iron and steel products  Turkey  
Investigation on silicon metal  Kazakhstan  
Investigation on  certain cold -rolled steel flat products  Russian Federation  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.87.   At the same meeting s, concerns were raised on subsidies as per  Table 3.20. 
Table 3.20 Concerns raised on subsidies  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Canada  
Government support for th e Canadian Aircraft Industry  Brazil  
Government support for a new cement facility in Quebec  United States  
China  
Non-notification of alleged subsidies  United States  
Non-notification of alleged subsidies in the fisheries sector  United States  
Non-notific ation of alleged subsidies under the Internationally Well -
known Brand Programme  United States  
Requests for information on certain alleged subsidy programmes in the 
steel sector  European Union and United States  
Request for information on the China Structu ral Reform Fund  European Union  
India  
Export subsidies in the textile and apparel sector  United States  
United States  
Request for information on certain alleged subsidy programmes  China  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.88.   Additional concerns were raised on issues such as: (i) elimination of export subsidies by the 
Members that received extensions under Article 27.4 of the SCM Agreement; (ii) low and declining 
level of compliance with the notification and transparency obligati ons in the SCM Agreement; 
(iii) requests  for information pursuant to Article s 25.8 and 25.9 (proposal from the United  States ); 
(iv) enhancing fisheries subsidies transparency ( raised by the United States); and (v) subsidies 
and overcapacity ( raised by Canada, the European Union , Japan, Mexico an d the United States ). 
3.89.   At the meetings of the Trade -Related Investment Measures (TRIMs)  Committee meetings on 
17 October 2016 and 12 May 201781, new or continuing issues were raised as per Table 3.21. Nine 
issues were raised regardi ng alleged trade-related investment measures considered as inconsistent 
with the TRIMs Agreement that involved five different Members. All of the issues raised referred to 
alleged local content requirements , and one measure involved alleged restrictions on  imports or 
exports.  
                                                
80 Documents G/SCM/M/99 and G/SCM/M/101, respectively.  
81 Docum ents G/TRIMS/M/41 and G/TRIMS/M/42.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Table 3.21 Concerns raised at the TRIMs Committee  
Measure implemented by  Member(s) raising the 
concern  
Argentina   
Act 27,263 on the development and strengthening of auto -parts82 Mexico  
China   
Provisions on i nsurance system informatization83 United States  
Indonesia   
Requirements for 4G LTE mobile devices84 Canada , European Union , 
Japan , United States  
Certain provisions in the energy sector (mining, oil and gas)85 Canada , European Union , 
Japan , United States  
Industry Law and Trade Law86 European Union , Japan , 
United States  
Minimum local product requirement for modern retail sector87 European Union , Japan , 
United States  
Certain measures relating to investment in the telecommunications sect or88 Japan , United States  
Nigeria   
Guidelines in information communications technology (ICT)89 Canada , United States  
Russian Federation   
Measures implementing the Russia n Federation 's import substitution policy90 European Union ,  
United States  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.90.   At the meetings of the Committee on Safeguards91, on 24 October 2016 and 24 April 2017, 
concerns were raised on specific SG actions as per Table 3.22. 
Table 3.22 Concern s raised at the Committee on Safeguards  
Measure implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Chile  
Investigation on steel wire rod  United States  
China  
Investigation on sugar  Australia ; Brazil ; Cuba; Korea, Rep.of  
Colombia   
Investigation on PVC  Chine se Taipei  
Bahrain, Kingdom of; Kuwait. State of; Oman;  
Qatar; Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of;  
United Arab Emiratesa 
Investigation on ferro silico manganese  Ukraine  
India  
Investigation on hot -rolled flat sheets and plates of 
alloy or non -alloy steel  Japan;  Korea, Rep.of ; Ukraine  
Investigation on  unwrought aluminium  European Union, the United States  
Indonesia  
Investigation on  flat-rolled product of iron or non -
alloy steel  Japan, Chinese Taipei, Viet Nam  
 
Jordan  
Investigation on aluminium bars, rods and p rofiles  United States  
Malaysia  
Investigation on steel concrete reinforcing bars  Japan, European Union  
Investigation on steel wire rod and deformed bar -in-
coil Brazil;  European Union;  Korea, Rep. of  
Morocco  
Investigation on paper in rolls and paper in reams  United States  
                                                
82 Document G/TRIMS/Q/ARG/1.  
83 Document G/TRIMS/Q/CHN/1.  
84 Documents G/TRIMS/W/148 and G/TRIMS/W/162.  
85 Documents G/TRIMS/W/70; 74; 79; 88; 100; 108; 123; 128; 137; and 137/Corr.1.  
86 Documents G/TRIMS/W/138; 140; 157; an d 158.  
87 Documents G/TRIMS/W/139; 141; 159; and 161.  
88 Documents G/TRIMS/W/61; 63; 71; 75; 78; 80; 86; 96; 104; 131; 154; 160; and G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/1.  
89 Document G/TRIMS/Q/NGA/1.  
90 Document s G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/4; 5; and 6.  
91 Documents G/SG/M/50 and G/SG/M/51.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Measure implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Philippines  
Investigation on testliner board  Korea, Rep. of ;  Viet Nam  
South Africa  
Investigation on flat-rolled products of iron or non -
alloy steel  Japan, Chinese Taipei, Turkey  
Investigation on certain flat -rolled products of iro n, 
non-alloy steel or other alloy  Japan, Chinese Taipei, United States  
Thailand  
Investigation on non -alloy hot -rolled steel flat 
products , in coils and not in coils  Japan  
Tunisia  
Investigation on medium density fibreboard  United States  
Investigation on glass bottles  United States  
Investigation on ceramic tiles  Turkey, United States  
Turkey  
Investigation on pneumatic tyres  China, European Union, Japan and Chinese Taipei  
Investigation on wallpaper and similar wallcoverings  European Union, Ukraine  
Ukraine  
Investigation on  flexible porous plates, blocks and 
sheets of polyurethane foams  United States  
Investigation on tableware and kitchenware of 
porcelain  European Union  
Viet Nam  
Investigatio n on semi-finished and certain finished 
products of all oy and non -alloy steel  Japan, European Union  
Investigation on pre-painted galvanized steel sheet 
and strip  Korea, Republic of  
Zambia  
Investigation on flat–rolled products of iron, non –alloy 
steel, trailers and semi -trailers  United States  
a Investigati ons are initiated at the level of the  GCC. 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.91.   Other issues and concerns were discussed regarding : (i) the E uropean Union 's system of 
prior surveillance of imports of certain steel products, in troduced in April 2016 
(Russian  Federation ); and (ii) the general request to Members imposing safeguards  to closely 
follow the rules in the SG Agreement ( Australia;  Brazil;  Canada;  the European Union;  Hong Kong, 
China; Japan;  Korea, Republic of; Chinese Taipei and the United States). 
3.92.   At the meetin gs of the Working Party on State Trading Enterprises  on 21 October 2016 and 
9 May 201792, the following trade concerns (Table 3.23) were raised:  
Table 3.23 Concerns raised at the Worki ng Party on State Trading Enterprises  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Canada  
Provincial liquor boards  United States, European Union, 
Australia, New Zealand  
Canadian Dairy Commission  Australia, New Zealand  
Costa Rica  
Costa -Rican P etroleum Refining Company  European Union  
European Union   
Alko Inc.  Russian Federation  
India   
Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited  European Union  
New Zealand   
Zespri Group Ltd.  Chile, European Union  
Tunisia   
Pharmacie Centrale de Tunisie  European Union  
United States   
Commodity Credit Corporation  European Union  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
                                                
92 Documents G/STR/M/30 and 31.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  3.93.   Additional concerns were raised on: (i) several aspects of China's first notification of STEs 
since accession (raised by  Australia, the European Union and the United States ); (ii) the 
notifications of Viet  Nam (raised by the United States ); (iii) the non -notification by the Russian 
Federation of its  STEs, including the non -notification of enterprises considered by some 
delegations to be  STEs, including Gazpr om (questions from the European Union  and the United 
States ); (iv) Australia's Rice Marketing Act (raised by the European  Union ); (v) the omission of 
statistics in the United States'  notifications for certain years (raised by China ); (vi) the 
non-notificat ion by the United Arab Emirates of its STEs (raised by the United States ); and 
(vii) the overall poor level of compliance among Members concerning the noti fication obligations of 
Article  XVII of GATT 1994 regarding  STEs. 
3.94.    At the Committee on Balance -of-Payments (BOPs) Restrictions  consultations with Ecuador 
continued in late 2016 and in the first half of 201793 and which were concluded after Ecuador 
announced that it had eliminated the tariff surcharge applied under the BOPs provisions as of 
1 June 2017. Dur ing the consultations , concerns were repeated by a number of Members on the 
introduction of this import surcharge for BOP purposes and its compliance wit h WTO rules. Some 
other Members  expressed support for the measures. A report of the consultations was i ssued in 
late August 2017.94 The conclusions of the report reflect the disagreement between Members with 
respect to the WTO -consistency of the measure.  
3.95.   At the meetings of the Council for Trade in Services  (CTS) held on 25 November  2016, 
16-17 March  2017, 16  June 2017 and 6  October  2017, concerns were repeated about certain 
measures related to Ukraine's reforms of its Unified Gas Transportation System ( raised by the 
Russian Federation, echoed by Armenia and Cuba  at the November meeting).95  These concerns 
were first mentioned in November 2014, and have been restated at all subsequent regular 
meetings of the CTS.96  
3.96.   Additional c oncerns were also raised under "other business " on: (i) China 's measures in 
tourism and distribution services were mentioned at the CTS m eetings of March and June  2017 
(Republic of Korea; echoed by Japan and the United States  at the June meeting)97; (ii) Ukraine's 
measures in financial services ( raised by the Russian Federation )98; (iii) China's cybersecurity law 
(raised by Japan , supported b y Australia; Korea, Republic of; Chinese  Taipei and the 
United  States )99; and (iv) measures enacted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of 
Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates in a number of sectors and modes of supply were mentioned 
in June (raised  by Qatar  and Turkey ).100 
3.97.   At the meeting held on 6  October  2017, under an item on the Council's agenda, concerns 
were raised on China 's and Viet  Nam's cybersecurity measures ( raised by Japan  and the 
United  States101, individually, with support from Australia, the European Union,  New Zealand and 
Chinese Taipei and comments by India and Brazil ). 
3.98.   In the Committee on Government Procurement , concerns were raised regarding current 
developments related to buy -American  initiatives in the United States , and were discuss ed at the 
Committee's meeting on 18 October 2017.102 
3.99.   At the meetings of  the Committee on Trade and Development  (CTD)103 on 14 March and 
21 June 2017, Members discuss ed, in the context of the 1998 work programme on e -commerce , 
how the WTO could contribute to ad dressing the development aspects of e -commerce. A number 
                                                
93 Meetings were held on 29 November 2016 and 25 April 2017.  
94 Document WT/BOP/R/114, 31 August 2017.  
95 Documents S/C/M/129, S/C/M/130, S/C/M/132 and S/C/M/133 (forthcoming).  
96 Documents S/C/M/122 to 124, and S/C/M/126 to 128.  
97 Documents S /C/M/130 and S/C/M/132.  
98 Document S/C/M/130.  
99 Document S/C/M/132.  
100 Document S/C/M/132.  
101 The United States also circulated a communication under that item, entitled "Measures adopted and 
under development by China relating to its Cybersecurity  Law" (document S/C/W/374).  
102 Meeting of 21 June 2017, Chairman's Statement at the Informal Closing Session; and meeting of 
18 October 2017, Chairman's Statement at the Informal Closing Session.  
103 Documents WT/COMTD/M/101  and WT/COMTD/M/103 (forthcoming) . WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  of developing countries raised concerns with respect to capacity and infrastructure constraints 
which hinder them from fully benefitting from the opportunities presented by e -commerce.  
3.100.   The above Sec tion shows that a greater number of trade concerns were raised in the 
various WTO bodies where meetings took place between mid -October 2016 and mid -October 2017 
compared to the same period in 2015 -16. A larger number of trade concerns on measures 
implement ed by WTO Members were raised in nearly all committees and councils , and several 
measures were raised in more than one WTO body during this period. The latter may suggest that 
the trade concerns raised involve increasingly complex and cross -cutting issues.  It may also 
provide an indication that WTO Members are soliciting multiple platforms within the WTO 
committee structure to address various aspects of such trade concerns. From a systemic point of 
view, this is significant because of the increased transpar ency which it brings, but also because it 
demonstrates that Members are actively using the WTO committees to constructively engage 
trading partners on potential areas of trade friction.  
3.6  Policy Developments in Agriculture  
3.101.   The Committee on Agriculture (CoA) provides a forum for Members to discuss matters 
related to agriculture trade , and to consult on matters relating to the Members' implementation of 
commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture ( AoA), including rules -based commitments. The 
review work by t he CoA is based on notifications Members make on their commitments. There is 
also a provision in Article 18.6 that allows Members to raise any matter relevant to the 
implementation of the commitments under the AoA.  
3.102.   In the framework of the CoA meetings in November 2016 , and March and June 2017, 
Members posed a total of 288 questions, including questions on both individual notifications and 
under Article 18.6, with a large number of these questions directed at issues related to domestic 
support notifications  or implementation of domestic support commitments.   
3.103.   In total, 1 5 Members raised 112 questions on 57 implementation -related issues 
(Article  18.6) in the November 2016 , March and June 2017 CoA meetings. As can be seen in Chart 
3.18, the average number of questions raised under Article 18.6 per meeting has been increasing 
since 2011 reaching an all -time high in 201 7 with an average of 43 questions per meeting. These 
numbers include questions that were repeated from one meeting to the  next because responses 
were not provided in the relevant time -frames.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Chart 3.18 Average number of questions raised under Article 18.6 per meeting 
(1995 -2017a)  
01020304050Chart 1.A
Average number of questions raised under Article 18.6 per meeting (1995 -2017a)
Source:  WTO Secretariat.a2017 data covers the CoA March and June 2017 meetings.
 
a 2017 data covers the March and June 2017 CoA meetings.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.104.   Out of the 57 implementation -related issues raised in the CoA during  the review period, 
38 were discussed for the first time, whereas the remaining issues had been discussed one or 
more times in previous years under mat ters raised under Article 18.6. Table 3.24 indicates the 
specific issues relating to implementation commitments that were discussed for the first time in 
the CoA during the three  meeting s. The complete questions, and answers, can be accessed 
through the Agriculture Information Management System  (AG IMS) by using the ID numbers 
provided in the tables .104  
3.105.   A total of 16 new issues related to domestic support policies (42%)  were raised in the 
November 2016, March and June 2017 CoA meeti ngs; measures benefiting producers of dairy, 
fruit, rice, livestock, oilseeds, sugar and wheat were subject to questioning by Members. Similarly, 
questions were also raised regarding agricultural policies of a general scope , such as the 
European  Union 's intervention programmes, Canada's agri -marketing programme , and Turkey's 
national agricultural model . Members also raised 14 new issues (37%) in relation to measures that 
restricted , or had the potential to restrict, trade of agricultural  product s (e.g. Indonesia's draft 
regulation on supply and distribution of milk products, Switzerland's domestic purchase 
requirements for meat TRQs, Philippine's rice waiver, the Russia n Federation 's higher applied 
tariffs than bound rates in some agricultural products, Thai land's import permits for feed wheat 
and the U.S. border adjustment tax proposal). For the first time, the subject of how trade policies 
may be affected by the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union was raised in the 
CoA. There w ere four questi ons seeking clarification in the area of export subsidies , all of them in 
connection with the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Export Competition105 (i.e. India's export 
subsidies for onions,  Canada's butter export subsidies, the European Union's  export subsi dy 
commitments and its sugar policies) . There was one question raised in the area of export 
restrictions and prohibitions (i.e India's export restrictions on sugar).  
                                                
104 In the AG IMS ( http://agims.wto.org/ ),select the function "Search Q&A Submitted Since 1995 " and 
input the ID number of the question concerned.  
105 Documents WT/MIN(15)/45 and WT/L/980.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Table 3.24 Article 18.6 new issues  
Questio n summary  Question 
raised by  Products  Number 
of 
questions  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
Thailand's import permits 
for feed wheat  Australia, 
European 
Union, 
United 
States  Animal 
feed, 
wheat, 
corn 5 83, 84  84074, 84059, 83107, 
83045, 83013  
U.S. Federal Milk Marke ting 
Order (FMMO)  Canada  Milk, 
butter, 
cheese  4 83, 84  84064, 84056, 84055, 
83124  
Philippines' rice waiver  Australia, 
Thailand, 
United 
States  Rice 3 84 84057, 84015, 84079  
U.S. regulations on fluid 
ultrafiltered milk  Canada  Milk 3 84 84061, 84062, 84063  
India's support price for 
rabi crops  European 
Union, 
United 
States  Wheat  2 83, 84  84071, 83009  
Canada's market price 
support for dairy products  New 
Zealand  Dairy, 
milk, milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other  2 82, 83  83001, 82058  
India's minimum support 
price for kharif crops  Canada, 
United 
States  Rice, oil 
seeds, fats 
and oils, 
seeds, 
vegetable 
oils and 
fats, 
fats/oils of 
animal 
origin, 
other fats 
and oils, 
cotton  2 82, 83  83043, 83123, 82005  
Canada's butter export 
subsidies  Australia  Butter  1 84 84016  
China's sugar imports  Australia  Sugar, 
cane or 
beet sugar, 
other  1 84 84036  
European Union's export 
subsidy commitments  Guatemala    1 84 84109  
European Union's sugar 
policies  Australia  Sugar, 
cane or 
beet sugar, 
other  1 84 84037  
India's pulses policies  Canada  Processed 
vegetables  1 84 84044  
Indonesia's dairy import 
system  United 
States  Dairy, 
milk, milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other  1 84 84075  
Malaysia' s import licensing 
procedures for sugar  Australia  Sugar, 
cane or 
beet sugar, 
other  1 84 84046  
Mexico's agricultural diesel 
programme  Ukraine    1 84 84050  
The Russian Federation's 
decoupled support  United 
States    1 84 84083  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 68 - 
 
  Questio n summary  Question 
raised by  Products  Number 
of 
questions  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
Switzerland's domestic 
purchase requirements for 
meat TRQs  United 
States  Meat, 
bovine, 
swine, 
sheep and 
goat, 
poultry, 
horse,  
other  1 84 84104  
Switzerland's 
reclassification of customs 
position for seasoned meat  European 
Union  Meat, 
bovine, 
swine, 
sheep and 
goat, 
poultry, 
horse, 
other  1 84 84058  
Turkey's National 
Agriculture Model  European 
Union    1 84 84060  
U.S. Border Adjus tment Tax 
proposal  Ukraine  All 
agricultural 
products  1 84 84054  
Turkey's IPR programme  Russian 
Federation  Wheat  1 84 84113  
Australia's wine equalization 
tax European 
Union  Alcoholic  1 83 83006  
Canada's Agri -Marketing 
Program  Indonesia    1 83 83067  
Egypt's new regulations  Indonesia    1 83 83068  
United Kingdom - 
modification of agricultural 
schedule of commitments  Indonesia    1 83 83069  
European Union's support 
for livestock sector  New 
Zealand  Live 
animals, 
bovine, 
swine, 
sheep and 
goats, 
poultry, 
horse s, 
other  1 83 83055  
India's minimum support 
price for wheat  Australia  Wheat  1 83 83106  
India - minimum price for 
sugar cane in Uttar Pradesh  European 
Union  Cane or 
beet sugar  1 83 83010  
India's trade statistics  United 
States    1 83 83044  
India's buffe r stocks of 
pulses  Canada  Processed 
vegetables  1 83 83122  
Indonesia's draft regulation 
on supply and distribution 
of milk products  European 
Union  Milk 1 83 83011  
Japan's mark -up on 
imported rice  China  Rice 1 83 83035  
Russia's higher applied 
tariffs than  bound rates  European 
Union    1 83 83012  
Thailand's financial 
assistance to fruit farmers  United 
States  Fruit 1 83 83047  
European Union's  
intervention programmes  Australia    1 82 82023  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 69 - 
 
  Questio n summary  Question 
raised by  Products  Number 
of 
questions  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
India's export restriction on 
sugar  European 
Union  Sugar, 
cane or 
beet sugar, 
other  1 82 82033  
India's export subsidies for 
onions  European 
Union  Fresh 
vegetables  1 82 82032  
Greek coffee tax  Viet Nam  Coffee  1 82 82003  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.106.   Other measures that were discussed related to follow -up questions on persiste nt areas of 
concern.  A number of these issues have been raised in the CoA multiple times. One case has been 
raised in 18 CoA meetings (i.e. Brazil's domestic support programmes). India's sugar export 
subsidies were the subject of questioning in the CoA for  the fourteenth time at the CoA March 
2017 meeting. C anada's new milk ingredient class , its wine sale policy  and its TRQ for cheese 
continue d to be subject of considerably scrutiny  in the CoA , receiving various questions co -
sponsored by two or three WTO Me mbers . Other recurrent issues include d India's wheat stocks 
and exports; India's importation of apples and Sri Lanka's increase in milk powder tariffs (Table 
3.25).  
Table 3.25 Questi ons previously raised under Article 18.6  
Question 
summary  Question 
raised by  Products  Number 
of 
questions  Number 
of CoA 
meetings 
in which 
the issue 
was 
discussed  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
Canada's 
New Milk 
Ingredient 
Class Australia, 
India, New 
Zealand, 
United 
States  Dairy, 
milk, milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other 25 6 79, 80, 
81, 82, 
83, 84  84012, 84018, 84020, 
84021, 84022, 84023, 
84025, 84027, 84029, 
84030, 84035, 84111, 
84107, 84031, 83054, 
83039, 82012, 82059, 
82013, 82001, 81001, 
81009, 81049, 81054, 
81055, 81056, 80003, 
80005, 80006,   80025,  
79035  
India's sugar 
export 
subsidies  Australia, 
Brazil, 
Colombia, 
European 
Union, 
Thailand  Sugar, 
cane or 
beet 
sugar, 
other 24 14 50, 51, 
52, 73, 
74, 75, 
76, 77, 
78, 79, 
80, 81, 
82, 83  83105, 82024, 81025, 
81062, 80011, 80037, 
79023, 79047, 78016, 
78017, 77035, 77044, 
76016, 76025, 76050, 
75028, 74007, 74055, 
73036, 73055, 73067, 
73068, 52005, 51001, 
50003  
Brazil's 
domestic 
support 
programmes  United 
States  Wheat, 
corn, 
rice, 
malt, 
coarse 
grains, 
cotton 18 18 65, 66, 
68, 69, 
70,71, 
72, 73, 
74, 75, 
76, 77, 
78, 79, 
80, 81, 
83, 84  84073, 83038, 81008, 
80024, 79001, 78002, 
77066, 76039, 75023, 
74021, 73026, 72051, 
71028, 70007, 69027, 
68007, 66002, 65011  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Question 
summary  Question 
raised by  Products  Number 
of 
questions  Number 
of CoA 
meetings 
in which 
the issue 
was 
discussed  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
Canada's 
wine sale 
policy  Australia, 
European 
Union, New 
Zealand, 
United 
States  Alcoholic  
products  15 6 79, 80, 
81, 82, 
83, 84  84017, 84106, 84033, 
84112, 84105, 83007, 
83041, 83104, 83135, 
82057, 82002, 81003, 
81011, 81024, 81046, 
81047, 81097, 80008, 
80009, 80094, 80095, 
79003  
India's 
wheat stocks 
and exports  Australia, 
Canada, 
United 
States  Wheat  9 5 72, 73, 
74, 83. 
84 84072, 84041, 83042, 
72061, 72008, 73039, 
73003, 74048, 74001  
Canada's 
TRQ for 
cheese, and 
domestic 
support  New 
Zealand, 
Norway, 
Switzerland, 
United 
States  Cheese  8 7 75, 76, 
77, 80, 
81, 83, 
84 84110, 84108, 83003, 
83004, 83005, 81004, 
81051, 81052, 80001, 
80002, 80007, 77037, 
77001, 76023, 75026  
Sri Lanka's 
increase in 
milk powder 
tariffs  Australia, 
New 
Zealand  Dairy, 
milk, milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other 8 6 69, 70, 
78, 80, 
81, 82  82062,  81007, 81063, 
80016, 78001, 78022, 
70006, 69002  
European 
Union's 
agriculture 
policies  Australia, 
India, New 
Zealand  Dairy, 
milk, milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other, 
bovine, 
swine,  7 3 80, 81, 
82 82027, 82028, 81005, 
81058, 81060, 81061, 
80010  
India's 
importation 
of apples  Chile, 
European 
Union, New 
Zealand, 
United 
States  Fruit 6 6 78, 79, 
80, 81, 
82, 83  83056, 82060, 81006, 
80014, 79067, 78084, 
78085, 78086, 78088  
Switzerland's 
export 
subsidy 
budget  Australia, 
New 
Zealand    5 3 77, 78, 
83 83057, 7700 6, 77030, 
78023, 78025  
India's new 
crop 
insurance 
scheme  Canada, 
European 
Union    4 3 79, 80, 
82 82031,80068, 79024, 
79051  
Zambia's 
public stocks 
and exports 
of maize  European 
Union  Corn 3 3 81, 82, 
83 83014, 82030, 81033,  
Turkey's 
subsidies 
aimed at 
incentivi zing 
the use of 
domestic 
dairy New 
Zealand  Dairy, 
milk, milk 
powders, 
butter, 
cheese, 
other 3 3 81, 82, 
83 83058, 82067, 81065  
U.S. 
purchase of 
cheese stock  Australia, 
Canada  Cheese  3 2 81, 82  82061, 82025, 81066  
Thailand's 
rice policies  United 
States  Rice 3 3 79, 83, 
84 84103, 83046, 79005  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 71 - 
 
  Question 
summary  Question 
raised by  Products  Number 
of 
questions  Number 
of CoA 
meetings 
in which 
the issue 
was 
discussed  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
China's 
regional 
assistance 
programmes  Australia    2 2 81, 82  81053, 82014  
Turkey's 
domestic 
support 
policies  Canada    2 2 81, 82  82056, 81064  
U.S. Price 
Loss 
Coverage 
and 
Agriculture 
Risk 
Coverage 
progr ammes  India   2 2 81, 82  82026, 81070,  
Argentina's 
tax policies  Ukraine    2 2 80, 82  80059, 82041  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Box 3.4 The Changing Face of Agriculture and Food Trade. The Role of Global Value 
Chains - OECD  
Global value chains (GVCs) have changed the nature of production and specialization around the world. While 
these changes have been most obvious in manufacturing, they have also occurred in the agricultural and food 
sector.  
New OECD research is  shedding light on the extent of GVCs in 20 different agro -food sectors. It shows that 
GVC engagement has a regional dimension: European agro -food value chains source more globally, but supply 
more locally, compared with those of China and the United State s. In China, agro -food GVCs have a greater 
global span in terms of both sourcing inputs and supplying other markets, whereas the United States sources 
more regionally and supplies globally.  
The value of trade in agro -food products is comprised of a number  of components.  While agriculture remains 
the dominant source of value, services form an important part of value added in agro -food exports. Indeed, 
the service value added component is often greater than that of the industrial sector.  
The emergence of a gro-food GVCs has important policy implications. Trade restrictions cannot be thought of as 
providing 'protection' for individual sectors: tariffs, non -tariff measures and services trade restrictions can all 
reduce GVC participation and the resulting benef its (including increased value added, export earnings and 
employment). Similarly, domestic support policies that disrupt access to inputs or distort incentives between 
sectors limit the ability of firms to participate in GVCs and to benefit from doing so.  
 
With GVCs playing a greater role in agro -food trade for all countries, there is an even greater need for 
international markets to be free from unnecessary distortions. Restrictive trade policies that insulate domestic 
markets reduce access to world class  intermediate inputs and can directly reduce the competitiveness of a 
country's own production and exports, compounding the efficiency costs of those policies on the domestic 
economy. In contrast, policies that seek to enhance productivity and competitiven ess through public and 
private investments in innovation and removing distorting forms of support to agricultural producers – 
underpinned by efficient border procedures and more open markets - are likely to have even higher payoffs 
than before. The case fo r services reforms to underpin the competitiveness the agro -food sector has never 
been stronger.  
Source:  OECD.  
3.7  General Economic Support  
3.107.   The number of WTO Members that provided information on general economic support 
measures in response to the request for  information by the Director -General on 4  September was , 
again , disappointingly low , and underlines the challenges faced by the Secretariat in collecting and 
verifying information on general economic support measures and in reporting on trends in this 
area.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  3.108.   The last annual overview (WT/TPR/OV/19) provided a brief historical overview of trends in 
the area of general economic support measures taken by WTO Members  since 2008. This 
concluded that , although the large economy -wide subsidies and high -profile bail -outs of the early 
years of the financial crisis are no w rarer , there was no evidence that Members had turned their 
back on subsidization as a policy tool, particularly in certain strategic sectors.  
3.109.   However, reflecting the poor response rate to the reques t for information on general 
economic support measures , there is currently little basis for maintaining an annex for these types 
of policies which would provide a balanced and credible account of recent developments in the 
area of subsidies and general eco nomic support across the WTO membership . Members may wish 
to reflect and provide further guidance on how this issue mig ht be best addressed in future 
reports.  
3.8  Overview of Trade Policy Reviews  
3.110.   Between mid -October 2016 and mid -October 2017, 18 Trade Policy Reviews (TPRs) were 
undertaken. The TPRs provided the WTO membership with a better understanding of the trade and 
economic development s in each of the Members reviewed, and led to constructive and insightful 
discussions among participants.106 
Table 3.26 Trade Policy Reviews from mid -October 2016 to mid -October 2017 - summary 
tariff indicators  
 Simple applied average (%)  
Duty 
freea Non- 
ad valorema 
 Total  WTO 
agriculture  WTO  
non-
agriculture  
Congo, Dem. Rep. of  (2016)  11.2 11.1 11.2 0.4 0.0 
Sri Lanka (2016)  10.9 28.6 7.8 56.3 3.6 
Guatemala (2015)  5.7 9.6 5.0 49.5 0.0 
Solomon Islands (2015)  9.3 10.1 9.1 1.0 1.7 
United States (2016)  4.8 9.1 4.0 36.8 10.9 
Sierra Leone (2016)  12.0 15.6 11.4 0.3 0.0 
Japan (FY20 16/17)  6.1 16.3 3.6 40.1 6.8 
Mexico (2016)  5.5 14.3 4.6 58.1 0.7 
Belize (2016)  12.6 23.3 10.5 11.0 0.7 
Mozambique (2016)  10.0 13.4 9.5 3.6 0.0 
Switzerland and  
Liechtenstein (2016)  9.0 30.8 2.3 19.7b 100.0b 
Nigeria (2016)  12.7 16.6 12.0 2.7 0.0 
Europ ean Union (2016)  6.3 14.1 4.3 26.1 10.6 
Brazil (2017)  11.6 10.2 11.8 7.7 0.0 
Jamaica (2017)  10.4 20.8 7.9 49.9 0.0 
Paraguay (2017)  8.4 9.9 8.2 16.0 0.0 
Iceland (2017)  4.6 20.2 0.2 89.6 4.4 
a % of total tariff lines.  
b 19.7% of all non -ad valorem  rates are considered to be duty free.  
Note:  Calculations are based on national tariff line levels; including AVEs as availab le; in case of 
unavailability, the ad valorem  part of alternate and compound rates is included; excluding in -quota 
rates. Figure s in brac kets refer to the year of the tariff schedule applied.  
Source:  WTO calculations, based on data received from the authorities.  
The Democratic Republic of the Congo: 25 and 27 October 2016  
 
3.111.   Members commended the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on its strong economic 
performance, and also on the marked improvement in the country's Human Development Index 
ranking. They recognized the DRC's efforts aimed at implementing macroeconomic and structural 
reforms, and expressed an interest in the new Strategic N ational Development Plan which set the 
goal of modernizing and industrializing the country by 2035. They noted that the DRC had 
streamlined its tax system, introduced VAT and enacted a new customs and excise act, as well as 
a procurement code.  
                                                
106 The summaries provided in this  Section draw on the Chair's concluding remarks for each of the TPRs.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 73 - 
 
  3.112.   At the same  time, Members noted  that the DRC's economy needed diversification , its 
growth was not inclusive enough and much of its abundant natural resources and economic 
potential remained untapped. They were of the view that the business environment could be 
furthe r improved by enhancing legal certainty and addressing infrastructural constraints , such as 
electricity supply, and structural bottlenecks  in the bureaucracy. They expressed hope that trade 
barriers could be removed and cumbersome procedures streamlined to  make the DRC a more 
attract ive place for FDI. Members noted that the DRC was still maintaining a long list of taxes on 
trade. Some sought clarification about the DRC's Public -Private Partnership initiative, its land 
tenure system, and its plan to attain the UN Sustainable Development Goals . They urged the DRC 
to accelerate the ratification of the TF A, and to fully meet the notification requirements and other 
commitments such as those related to trade procedures, technical requirements and intellectual 
property (IP) protection . 
Sri Lanka: 1 and 3 November 2016  
 
3.113.   Members recognized  Sri Lanka's active involvement in the WTO, especially the role played 
by the delegation as coordinator of the Asian Group of Developing Countries. They praised Sri 
Lanka for achievi ng robust real GDP growth despite adverse circumstances. Many Members 
commended Sri  Lanka on its ratification of the T FA and the establishment of a customs single 
window for exports and imports. Some Members encouraged Sri Lanka to accede to the GPA. 
While  they welcomed Sri Lanka 's overall commitment to the multilateral trading system, some 
Members raised concern s about customs valuation and the use of minimum values , as well as  
delay s in submitting notifi cations in the agriculture area.  
3.114.   Members acknowledge d Sri Lanka's improvement in the doing business and corruption  
indices , and hoped to see further progress. In particular, Members sought the removal of obstacles 
to trade and investment, such as the restrictions on foreign ownership of land and rigid capit al 
controls. Many expressed concern about the unpredictable tariff regime which was compounded by 
a myriad of additional taxes and levies , including a high excise duty on automobiles and the 
special commodity levy. Members also noted an increase in the num ber of tariff lines where the 
applied rates exceeded the bound rates. Noting the country's high and increasing level of public 
debt, members urged Sri Lanka to continue with its fiscal consolidation efforts and deepen its 
structural reforms.  
Guatemala: 16 and 18 November 2016  
 
3.115.   Members acknowledged Guatemala's strong commitment to the multilateral trading system 
and its active participation in the WTO. In particular, they praised its leadership of Small and 
Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) and its valuable contri bution to the negotiation of the TFA. Noting 
that the TFA had already been submitted to the legislature for approval, Members urged 
Guatemala to ratify it as soon as possible. Members commended Guatemala for continuing on the 
path of trade liberalization a nd economic reform, and welcomed the adoption of its Integrated 
Policy on Foreign Trade, Competitiveness and Investment, as well as other measures and 
programmes aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth. They congratulated 
Guatemala for  achieving sustained growth during the review period, while maintaining a relatively 
low level of inflation. Guatemala's participation in RTAs and its efforts to deepen economic 
integration with Central American countries were noted and Members encouraged Guatemala to 
further deepen this integration process. There was discussion on how the customs union between 
Guatemala and Honduras worked; how that would impact on the overall integration process in 
Central America; and how technical regulations and SPS me asures would be harmonized at the 
regional level. Members appreciated that Guatemala had an open trade regime , and noted that the 
applied average MFN tariff of 5.7% was relatively low. They invited Guatemala to reduce the gap 
between applied and bound rate s. Guatemala was also commended for not using trade remedies. 
Members congratulated Guatemala for having eliminated export subsidies in free zones and in the 
maquila  programme, in order to comply with its WTO commitments. They congratulated 
Guatemala for m aintaining an open services regime, with virtually no restrictions on foreign 
investment. Guatemala's adoption of a law authorizing the entry of branches of foreign insurance 
companies into the domestic market was a welcome development, as were measures ta ken to 
facilitate cross -border land transport.  
3.116.   At the same time, Members noted that poverty had increased , and urged Guatemala to 
continue on the reform path so as to reduce it, strengthen institutions and increase social welfare. WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 74 - 
 
  They hoped that Guatemal a could simplify its customs procedures and ensure that they were 
implemented effectively. Members also noted that, although Guatemala had notified to the WTO 
that it did not have an import licensing regime, import permits were still required for a number of 
products. Clarification was sought with respect to how these permits are granted and 
administered . Noting the lack of competition policy legislation and of a competition authority, 
many Members called for Guatemala to adopt legislation in the area as so on as possible , and were 
informed that a draft law had already been submitted to Congress . On government procurement, 
Members acknowledged the legislative changes introduced by Guatemala to enhance control and 
transparency . They noted, however, that  no exp ress requirement to use competitive methods had 
been included in the new legislation. Members had several queries with respect to the protection of 
IP rights, including on the status of legislation for the protection of plant varieties and Guatemala's 
accession to UPOV, and regarding  evidence to assess whether a term is generic.  In the 
telecommunications sector, concerns were expressed about market concentration and the lack of 
legal means for addressing anti -competitive behaviour. Some Members expressed co ncerns about 
congestion and long delays at border posts due to limited operations schedules and infrastructure. 
Recognizing the importance of the tourism sector to the Guatemalan economy, Members were 
keen to learn more about the implementation of Guatemal a's Sustainable Tourism Master Plan. 
They also noted the Government 's plan to promote exports in areas such as software and call -
centre services . 
Solomon Islands: 13 and 15 December  2016  
 
3.117.   Members acknowledged Solomon Islands'  commitment to the multilateral  trading system, 
and commended it for advancing the interests of LDCs and SVEs in the WTO, and for  its active 
participation in fisheries subsidies negotiations. Members praised Solomon Islands  for having 
promptly notified its Category A commitments under t he TFA and looked forward to its early 
ratification of the Agreement. Some Members also encouraged Solomon Islands to participate in 
the G PA and ITA . The country 's participation in regional trade and economic cooperation , notably 
in the Pacific region,  was also welcome . Members were pleased to note that, notwithstanding the 
numerous challenges that Solomon Islands faced during the review period, it achieved sustained 
economic growth at rates of between 2% and 10%, leading to an increase in per capita income ; 
reduced poverty; and a significant fall in government debt. Members commended Solomon Islands 
on its many reforms and policy measures aimed at supporting economic development and 
promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. These include d reforms in public financ e and the debt 
management framework , as well as monetary and exchange rate policies. Members also welcomed 
the adoption of the country 's first Trade Policy Framework last year , and the mainstreaming of 
trade policies into its National Development S trategy  2016-35. Members welcomed Solomon 
Islands ' reforms in taxation  and its adoption of public procurement legislation . They also welcomed 
its plans to reform the IP regime, and hoped that it would  become  a party to the WIPO , sign on to 
relevant IP trea ties, and establish a national IP office . 
3.118.   However , Members noted that economic diversification is indeed important for Solomon 
Islands,  as a small island state  dependent on only a few natural resources, mainly logging and 
fisheries . Regarding logging , they expressed concern about the impending depletion of Solomon 
Islands ' forest resources, and urged the authorities to  enhance its forestry management and 
combat illegal logging . While noting its generally open foreign investment regime, Members hoped 
Solomon  Islands could make further efforts to facilitate investment. Issues highlighted included 
uncertainties in land ownership ; corruption ; and the lack of transparency  in public administration . 
Among other things, the Government has made commendable efforts up dating the Companies Act; 
setting up an electronic registry; launching a business registry website; and establishing a 
competition policy. An anti-corruption bill was expected to be re -introduced in parliament in 2017. 
Some Members urged Solomon Islands to  undertake reforms in port infrastructure and services. 
One aspect of Solomon Islands ' participation in the WTO which continued to attract Members ' 
attention was its inability to comply with certain obligations under WTO agreements. More 
specifically, Memb ers were concerned about the persistent application of some MFN tariffs in 
excess of bound rates , and the discriminatory application of certain internal taxes. They also urged 
Solomon Islands to increase  its efforts regarding  submitting notifications to th e WTO . 
Notwithstanding the scope for improvement in these areas , Solomon Islands was commended for 
its reforms in customs procedures and  the enactment of legislation  implementing the Customs 
Valuation  Agreement . In this context, Members noted Solomon Islan ds' need for additional 
capacity and resources to institute improvements , and the  important role that the WTO and Aid for 
Trade  could play in this regard .  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  United States: 19 and 21 December 2016  
 
3.119.   Members highlighted the United States' commitment to open an d liberal trade and 
investment policies , and noted that it remained the world's top importer and second -largest 
exporter of goods and services , and the number one destination for FDI. They praised the United 
States for its prompt ratification of the TFA in  early 2015 as well as the single window International 
Trade Data System (ITDS), which was to  be fully implemented by the end of 2016. Several 
Members noted the importance of U.S. unilateral trade preferences , and welcomed the 
re-authorization of the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences and the extension of the African 
Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2015. While recognizing the United States' security 
concerns and its desire to implement necessary import controls, several delegations also stressed 
that a balance should be struck between the promotion of trade flows and security, and that 
measures at the border should be proportionate to the risks. Members recognized the openness of 
the U.S. trade regime for goods through its generally low tariffs (wit h a trade -weighted average 
tariff of 1.5% on an applied basis; or 3.5% on the simple (unweighted) average tariff), with nearly 
70% of all imports entering duty free in 2015. While recognizing the legitimacy of trade defensive 
instruments  within the WTO fra mework, many Members noted that the United States was a 
particularly active user of AD and CVD measures. They also stressed that certain methodologies 
applied by the United States were disputed , and that the continued extension of such measures in 
many cas es was perceived as unwarranted.  
3.120.   On non –tariff measures, some delegations expressed appreciation for the "Standard 
Alliance" initiative to ensure broad and effective implementation of WTO obligations related to 
TBTS. However, others perceived that a lack of information about standards and technical 
requirements at federal and sub -federal levels acted as barriers for exporters. They suggested that 
the creation of a single point of information could help overcome the existing information gap. 
Concerning SPS measures, while Members generally supported and understood the United States'  
efforts to modernize its food safety system , some felt that new requirements regarding 
verification, certification, audit and inspection had become undue barriers to trade. Speci fic 
concerns were also expressed regarding inspection procedures for certain fish products and the 
establis hment of maximum residue limits  for food. Commenting on new measures to address 
concerns regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing,  in particular the introduction 
of traceability requirements for seafood, some Members stressed that such measures should be 
consistent with WTO rules and based on objective risk analysis . 
3.121.   Several delegations expressed concern about government procurement policies, including 
about a ra nge of services  where the prevalence of Buy America legislation and local content 
provisions at federal and state levels remained. Members raised questions about the 2014 Farm 
Act, and urged the United States to provide more t imely notifications of its domestic support. They 
pointed to the subsidies provided for soybeans, cotton, sugar and dairy products. Concerns were 
also raised about the credit mechanism for agricultural exports, the recent use of special 
safeguards on impor ts, inefficiencies stemming from restrictive maritime services and cabotage 
regulation, and foreign investment restrictions in the air transport sector. Members also showed 
interest in the recent IP patent reform,  the new trade secret laws and the level of  protection for 
geographical indications.  
Sierra Leone: 14 and 16 February 2017  
 
3.122.   Members commended Sierra Leone on the resilience of its economy and its people. They 
also acknowledged Sierra Leone's commitment to the multilateral trading system and its act ive 
participation in the WTO.  They note d that the country was back on the recovery path after the 
outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease and despite the numerous constraints it continue d to face. 
Members  praised Sierra Leone for the reforms that ha d helped it  improve its business 
environment,  in particular its efforts to  fight against corruption, establish a one -stop-shop for 
business registration, and participat e in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.  They saw 
a need for Sierra Leone to tackle supply -side constraints , so that these achievements would not be 
undermine d. Members welcomed its plan to develop an IP strategy, and encouraged it to promptly 
ratify the TRIPS Agreement.  
3.123.   At the same time, Members noted Sierra Leone's need for additional capacity -building 
assistance. They appreciated the measures taken to enhance the transparency and effectiveness of 
its custom system, such as the automation of procedures and the adoption of new legislation that WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  updated provisions on customs valuation. How ever, some Members pointed out that, despite the 
binding of all its tariff lines, frequent revisions and the large gap between bound and applied rates 
had undermined the predictability of the country 's tariff regime and created uncertainty for 
businesses. Members noted that Sierra Leone would implement the ECOWAS common external 
tariff as from April 2017, and hoped it would be done in a WTO -consistent manner . Regarding 
government procurement, Members congratulated Sierra Leone on the reform that had enhance d 
transparency and openness to international competition. Nonetheless, concerns were expressed 
about Sierra Leone's local content policy, which emphasized the use of locally available goods and 
services, and national preferences in public procurements and contracts. Some Members 
encouraged Sierra Leone to consider becoming an  observer to the WTO G PA. They also urged 
Sierra Leone to fully comply with its WTO obligations, in particular notification requirements and 
the implementation of the TBT Agreement .  
Japan: 8 and 10 March 2017  
3.124.   Members recognized Japan' s firm commitment to the multilateral trading system  and to 
trade liberalizati on, and several delegations commended the prominent and constructive role that 
Japan had played in the multilateral and plurilat eral negotiations within the WTO.  Many developing 
countries, including LDCs, appreciated Japan 's development assistance and preferential schemes , 
including its duty -free, quota -free scheme, and support for Aid for Trade. They highlighted  that 
Japan is the world 's fourth  largest importer and exporter of goods and services , and a highly 
valued trading partner for many WTO  Members.  Several delegations also pointed out that Japan 
played a leading role in manufacturing and innovation and in many  GVCs . Members noted Japan 's 
intention to actively pursue economic partnership and investment  agreements which could 
complement the multilateral trading system in promoting free trade. Clarifications were sought on 
the way forward for preferential agreements,  including the TPP and the Regional Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). Many Members acknowledged Japan 's efforts to 
streamline customs procedures, such as the Authorized Economic Operators  programme . Members 
also commended Japan on its predictable tari ff regime, which had a binding coverage of more than 
98% and a negligible difference between the average bound and applied rates. Some Members 
praised  Japan for promoting renewable energies in lieu of fossil  fuels, and for deregulat ing its 
electricity and gas markets . As regards services , Members noted that the market was  largely open, 
and they were interested in the recent reforms in banking and telecommunications . 
3.125.   At the same time, Japan continue d to face serious economic and demographic challenges. 
Slow GDP growth, low inflation and budget deficits persisted , while imports and exports declined 
against a backdrop of an ageing and shrinking population. To address these challenges , Members  
encouraged Japan to continue pursu ing the "three arrows" of Abenomics , in particular the 
structural reforms that would allow further liberalization of trade and the removal of non -tariff 
barriers . Members were pleased to note that reforms were underway in various sectors, including 
agriculture , and they  commended Japan 's efforts to increase women 's participation in the 
workforce . On FDI, the inflow remained modest , and Members noted Japan 's recent initiatives to 
attract FDI . They expressed concerns about certain market access issues, e.g. a stringent 
regulatory framework  which made it difficult for foreign and local pharmaceutic companies to form  
joint ventures. Similarly, while Members congratulated Japan on recent reforms facilitating the  
participation of SMEs in government procurement , they also saw room for improvement in  the 
bidding process , as well as in the administrative p rocedures and practices , to allow for more 
transparency and foreign competition . In general, Members urged Japan to seek a more 
predictable investment regime , better corporate governance  and business -friendly regulations . 
They raised concerns regarding  the relatively high tariffs for agriculture products and some 
industrial goods. Members encouraged Japan to reduce tariff peaks, bind all its tariff lines and 
further simplify its tariff structure.  Comme nting on SPS and TBT measures, some Members said 
their exporters were subject to high compliance costs mainly because some of the Japanese 
requirements were more rigorous than international standards.  In the area of IP, Members noted 
that companies had suf fered significant economic loss due to infringement of their IP rights , and 
encouraged Japan to step up enforcement efforts to combat counterfeiting. They also showed 
interest in Japan's recent patent reform, the new trade secrets law, and the level of pro tection for 
geographical indications . While some Members appreciated Japan 's recent initiatives to reform the 
cooperatives system and land tenure, they also expressed  concern about the many protective 
measures still in place, such as high tariffs, price and import  controls, and high levels of domestic 
support,  which could be  trade -distorting  and create significant market access barriers . Members  
urged Japan to enhance the transparency of its agricultural policies by, inter alia , submitting timely WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  notificati ons and to press ahead with reforms which would liberalize trade in this sector . Individual 
Members expressed concerns about protective measures in specific sectors such as automotive, 
aircraft manufacturing, insurance, air and maritime transport , broadcas ting, accounting and visa -
related issues concerning professionals . 
Mexico: 5 and 7 April 2017  
 
3.126.   Members praised Mexico for its strong commitment to free trade and the multilateral 
trading system. Mexico was congratulated on its ratification of the TFA and w as encouraged to join 
the plurilateral agreements on IT , Government Procurement and Trade in Civil Aircraft . They  noted 
that, since the last TPR , the global environment had been very challenging, characterized by a rise 
in financial market volatility and a collapse in oil prices. Despite all these, Mexico's economy, 
including trade, continued to grow moderately. Mexico ha d weathered difficult times with sound 
macroeconomic management , and was determined to boost productivity and economic growth by 
encouragi ng competition and foreign investment . This was being done as part of Mexico' s 
comprehensive and ambitious structural reforms , which covered areas such as taxation and 
competition policies , energy, financial services and telecommunications sectors , educati on and the 
labour market. Members welcomed th ese reforms , as they attempted  to address some of the 
concerns raised at the previous TPR, such as insufficient competition, and barriers to foreign 
investment in the relevant sectors. Regarding domestic trade p olicies and measures, Members 
congratulated Mexico on having unilaterally and significantly reduced the tariffs applied to certain 
agricultural products and encouraged Mexico to further reduce tariffs, not only for agricultural 
goods, but also for products  such as textiles and shoes. Mexico was also commended for having 
simplified its customs procedures, e.g. by adopting a digital window and making the use of a 
customs broker optional, but it was encouraged to make further improvements, especially 
regarding  the unified application of customs procedures and the use of reference prices.  
3.127.   Members noted that Mexico's trade remained highly dependent on one single market , and 
that there was a clear need to diversify. In this regard, they encouraged Mexico to capita lize on its 
many preferential trade agreements and strengthen its economic ties with different trading  
partners . As regards other non -tariff measures, they hoped that import licensing, even if required, 
would not creat e unnecessary burdens or disruptions t o trade. Similar concerns were raised 
regarding SPS and TBT measures and the use of trade remedies, in particular AD measures. 
Members also urged Mexico to further open its market to foreigners, in particular in the area of 
government procurement and servi ces. On IP rights, Mexico was encouraged  to strengthen 
enforcement, particularly at the border. On sectoral policies, Members ' main focus was on the 
agriculture sector, more specifically on the numerous support programmes, their scope and their 
effectivene ss.  
Belize: 24 and 26 April 2017  
 
3.128.   Members welcomed Belize's participation in the WTO , and several  encouraged it to 
consider establishing a permanent mission in Geneva. Belize was commended for being among the 
first Members to ratify the TFA , and for havin g notified its Category A commitments (Category B 
and C commitments to be notified to the WTO by the third quarter of 2017). With these, and the 
recent establishment of a National Committee on Trade Facilitation, Belize was getting itself ready 
for the ful l implementation of the Agreement. Members noted that the tourist industry has become  
the main driver of economic growth , and a significant source of foreign exchange and employment , 
which was particularly useful in diversifying the economy. They welcomed Belize's efforts in this 
regard , and encouraged it to address supply capacity constraints by further improving the 
country's infrastructure and international connectivity. The adoption of the country 's first National 
Trade Policy Framework , which was antic ipated to lead to the formulation of a comprehensive 
trade policy by the end of 2018 , was widely welcomed. Regarding specific trade policies, Members 
welcomed Belize's efforts to modernize its trade regime and customs procedures. They 
commended Belize for having implemented ASYCUDA  World, setting up a Voluntary Compliance 
Programme for importers , and for trying out a virtual licence application system. They also 
appreciated the reduction by half of the number of products subject to import licensing. Members  
encouraged Belize to continue its engagement in regional integration and trade liberalization 
schemes. Commenting on Belize's sectoral trade policies, Members recognized the importance of 
the services sector , and acknowledged the recent reforms to its fin ancial services regulatory 
framework. Regarding telecommunications, the establishment of its first Internet Exchange Point 
was considered as a positive step to reducing the costs of local Internet services. They also noted WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  that ICT services were fast becom ing more popular. In the area of transport, some Members 
welcomed its efforts to improve the air transport infrastructure and air links , and encouraged 
Belize to replicate such efforts to enhance land and maritime transport.  
3.129.   Belize's small and open econom y remained vulnerable to internal and external shocks, 
including natural hazards, resulting in highly volatile GDP growth and a significant widening of the 
trade deficit. Developments that had affected the economy during this review period included: the 
decline in oil production and international oil prices, disease outbreaks affecting agriculture and 
aquaculture , and problems caused by global banks' de -risking measures and the loss of  
correspondent banking relations. Some Members noted the implementation o f tariffication, 
resulting in some applied MFN tariffs exceeding their bound rates. Members took note that the 
Government was exploring the possibility of further reducing import licensing requirements, and 
that breaches of bound rates were expected to be corrected by June 2017 with the introduction of 
a revised Tariff Schedule. Members, however, were concerned that Belize had not submitted 
notifications in a number of areas , and urged compliance with WTO requirements. Several 
Members highlighted Belize's t hree export subsidies  programmes  which , according to WTO rules , 
should have been eliminated by 31 December 2015. Although t hey acknowledged Belize's ongoing 
efforts to amend the relevant legislation , they urged it to complete the amendment process , as 
envisaged, by the end of 2017.  Some Members noted that Belize was developing a competition bill 
and, together with other CARICOM members, new legislation on government procurement.  
Mozambique: 3 and 5 May 2017  
 
3.130.   Mozambique's active participation in the WTO was acknowledged by Members. They 
highlighted , in particular , its support, as a member of both the ACP and LDC groups, for the 
multilateral negotiations on fisheries subsidies. Members noted that, since its last Review, 
Mozambique's GDP had grown annually by o n average 7%, but had started to slow down in 2015. 
Some Members pointed out that Mozambique's abundant natural resources and strategic location 
would allow it to play the important role of a regional transport corridor. They congratulated 
Mozambique on th e progress made in various reforms aimed at diversifying the economy, 
enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment and improving the business environment. They 
took note of the enactment of its first Competition Law, the reform of the government 
procur ement regime, the introduction of a new completion -friendly Telecommunication Law and 
the promotion of economic zones and development corridors. Members also welcomed measures 
taken to streamline customs procedures , and acknowledged the ratification and im plementation of 
the TFA and the introduction of a single window for customs transactions. Regarding sectoral trade 
policies, Members commended Mozambique for working towards transforming its agriculture sector 
from subsistence to the commercial level throu gh increasing productivity and product diversity. 
They also noted the extensive efforts made by Mozambique to effectively manage the expanding 
extractive industries, and underlined the importance of its membership in the Extractive Industries 
Transparency Initiative.  
3.131.   The Mozambique economy is facing a number of challenges, such as reduced global 
demand, lower prices for commodity exports like coal and natural gas , and reductions in FDI and 
official development assistance. Economic and institutional reforms,  however, remained key to the 
country's sustainable development. Regarding the tariff regime, Members encouraged Mozambique 
to improve predictability and keep applying tariffs within bound rates. Regarding notifications to 
the WTO, while Members noted an i mprovement since the previous Review, they remained 
concerned about the absence of notification in several areas. They urged Mozambique to eliminate 
pre-shipment inspection requirements. They also encouraged it to review some of its regulations 
to bring th em in line with WTO commitments, including regulations governing "control stamps" for 
alcoholic beverages, surcharges on imported sugar, indiscriminate scanning charges and cross -
border charges for foreign trucks. Some Members urged Mozambique to make further efforts to 
fully implement existing WTO agreements, including customs valuation, SPS and TBT. Members 
suggested that Mozambique consider participating in WTO plurilateral initiatives, such as the ITA 
and GPA. Several delegations looked forward to Mozam bique's early acceptance of the 
amendments to the TRIPs Agreement. Members were aware of Mozambique's needs for technical 
assistance and capacity building in order to address supply -side constraints and challenges , and 
encouraged it to work closely with ot her WTO Members and development partners to meet these 
needs.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Switzerland and Liechtenstein: 16 and 18 May 2017  
 
3.132.   There was universal appreciation among the membership for the consistent and staunch 
support of the rules -based multilateral trading system by  both Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Both 
had consistently advocated further trade liberalization, and been actively engaged in numerous 
initiatives to expand trade, including efforts to promote the participation of MSMEs in  GVCs . 
Switzerland and Liechtens tein relied on an extensive network of trade agreements, mostly through 
the EFTA, to complement their membership of the WTO. Members were generally impressed by the 
resilience demonstrated by the economies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the face of st rong 
economic headwinds. As trading nations , they depended on foreign markets for economic 
prosperity. Unemployment has remained low and the economies had continued to expand although 
the pace had been moderated by several factors, particularly the appreci ation of the Swiss franc 
and low productivity growth. The economic resilience was underpinned by a skilled workforce and 
flexible labour market, hi -tech production, an emphasis on research, development and innovation, 
good governance and fiscal prudence. O verall stability characterized the trade and investment 
regimes of Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the period under review. Members noted that the 
trade and investment regimes were generally open and liberal for goods as well as for services. 
Tariffs on non-agricultural goods were either zero or very low on an MFN basis. Some Members 
highlighted that Switzerland and Liechtenstein had never resorted to trade defensive measures to 
remedy perceived imbalances, nor were they involved in dispute settlement cas es inside or outside 
the WTO. Within the overall picture of stability, Members welcomed the introduction of some 
measures that will further liberalize trade. The prompt ratification of the TFA and the 
establishment of trade facilitation committees by Switz erland and Liechtenstein were appreciated. 
Tariff reductions stemming from the expanded ITA II had been applied since 1 January 2017, and 
Switzerland had unilaterally suspended the MFN tariffs on certain textile items from 1 January 
2016 for a period of fo ur years. Liechtenstein had been the first WTO Member to ratify the revised 
plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement in 2013, and several Members indicated that 
they are looking forward to its formal acceptance by Switzerland. Switzerland was compl imented 
for its emphasis on sustainable development, including renewable energy. It recently introduced a 
ban on imports stemming from  IUU fishing. Several Members pointed to the automatic exchange 
of information in tax matters and the reinfor cement of ant i-money laundering legislation as 
positive steps for the financial sectors of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. With regard to LDCs, 
beyond the longstanding commitment to the Enhanced Integrated Framework and the Aid for 
Trade initiative, positive development s included the termination in April 2016 of export subsidies 
on products for LDCs, and participation in the Registered Exporter System (REX) to facilitate self -
certification of origin. Members noted with interest the Growth Agenda of the Swiss Government 
for 2016 -19, in particular its focus on enabling the digital economy and streamlining government 
regulations. Looking forward to further such initiatives, many Members underscored that the 
present high agricultural tariffs and some TBT provided scope for su bstantial trade liberalization 
and would contribute to a significant reduction in the "high -price island" effect experienced by both  
countries . 
3.133.   On the other hand, Members noted that the tariff regime is unique in its reliance on 
specific duties based on gr oss weight , and several delegations reiterated their recommendation 
that a more transparent ad valorem  regime should be considered. The agriculture sector remained 
a weak point both in terms of high domestic support and border protection in the form of hig h 
tariffs. Although the Agricultural Policy 2014 -17 involved a rearrangement and fine -tuning of direct 
payments, support remains high, and some Members called for further market -oriented reforms. 
Apart from agriculture, it was noted that state monopolies r estricted investments in certain rail 
transport, postal and insurance services, and that competition could be enhanced in sectors such 
as telecommunications and construction services. Several other aspects of the trade regime also 
attracted the attention o f Members, notably the reform of the Swiss food safety regime, the 
implementation of the "Cassis de Dijon" principle to dismantle TBT s, and the levying of fees 
relating to reserve stocks of certain commodities. The recent introduction of "Swissness" 
legislation to enhance the Swiss brand at home and abroad and the protection of copyright in a 
digital environment in Switzerland also attracted substantial interest. Members were waiting for 
the completion of domestic procedures to eliminate export subsidies fo r processed agricultural 
products, and welcomed the statement by the State Secretary that the Government had approved 
the necessary measures to eliminate export subsidies by 1 January 2019, ahead of the Nairobi 
schedule.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Nigeria: 13 and 15 June 2017  
 
3.134.   Membe rs commended Nigeria on its active participation in the WTO, for having ratified the 
TFA and for having accepted the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement. They welcomed 
Nigeria's recent notification of categories B and C measures under the TFA. For Nigeri a, the 26th 
largest economy in the world and with a wealth of natural resources, global demand and high 
prices of oil and gas had helped Nigeria experience rapid economic growth during most of the last 
decade. Members welcomed Nigeria's Economic Recovery a nd Growth Plan for 2017 -20, which 
aims at sustained inclusive growth through a structural transformation and diversification of the 
economy. In particular, they appreciated the steps taken to develop the manufacturing sector and 
the digital economy, especi ally e -commerce, with a view to speeding up the economic recovery 
process. They were of the view that further structural reforms aimed at improving the business 
environment, by streamlining trade procedures, establishing a market -driven and fully floating the 
foreign exchange rate regime, addressing governance weaknesses and regulatory uncertainties, 
combating insecurity, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring access to affordable and reliable 
electricity, would help to attract investment for the diversif ication of the economy, thus reducing 
its dependence on crude oil. More investment in vocational training would contribute to enhancing 
the competitiveness of the economy. Members stressed the growing importance of the services 
sector to Nigeria's economy , and called upon the country to enhance PPPs for the further 
development of the sector. They noted the significance of Nigeria's entertainment sector as the 
third largest in the world in terms of production. Members also acknowledged the increased 
competit ion introduced in the telecommunications sector through privatization reforms , and 
highlighted the growth potential in the insurance sector due to its low penetration rate. They 
welcomed the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, which had created market di stortions in the oil 
sector, and enquired about the status of the Petroleum Industry Bill expected to regulate the oil 
and gas sector.  
3.135.   On the other hand, Members noted that t he sharp decline in oil prices since the third 
quarter of 2014 had posed major cha llenges to Nigeria's economy that was plunged into recession 
in 2016. Despite the significant decline in its contribution to Nigeria's GDP (to less than  10% in 
2016), oil continued to contribute about 70% to government revenue and 90% to export earnings. 
Members called upon Nigeria to fully meet its notification commitments, mainly in the various 
areas where they remained outstanding, including TBT and SPS. Members noted that  Nigeria has 
largely aligned its tariff with the ECOWAS common external tariff sinc e 2015 albeit  with most of 
the flexibilities offered by the community's provisions. They encouraged Nigeria to improve the 
predictability of its tariff regime by increasing its binding coverage and by lowering its high bound 
rates. It was also urged to eli minate its numerous additional duties and charges on imports. 
Members encouraged Nigeria to phase out its longstanding import prohibition lists and local 
content requirements in the oil sector. They expressed concerns about Nigeria's ban on 41 
categories o f items for which importers are not allowed access to foreign exchange  from the 
Central Bank. Several delegations enquired about the standardization process in Nigeria,  and 
about the operational procedures and processing time for issuing import permits and  licences for 
certain products. Although Nigeria has taken steps to automate them, concerns were raised about 
its burdensome customs procedures  and erratic customs valuation. On IPR, Members highlighted 
the importance for Nigeria to complete the ratificati on of several WIPO treaties with a view to 
enhancing IPR protection. It was encouraged to update its legal framework on government 
procurement and to become an observer to the WTO GPA. On competition policy, Members 
welcomed the draft law and looked forwar d to its entry into force. They sought information about 
the trade regimes foreseen for the priority sectors identified by Nigeria in its diversification 
strategy. They commended Nigeria on its agricultural policies but raised concerns regarding its 
price support schemes for certain commodities under the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme 
and regarding  its subsidies to fisheries. Several Members called upon Nigeria to dismantle its 
taxes and other restrictions on imports of seafood, including fish and fish products.  
European Union: 5 and 7 July 2017  
 
3.136.   Members expressed appreciation for the crucial role the European Union , as a large open 
economy, continued to play in the global economy and in international trade. It remained firmly 
committed to the multilater al trading system and the principles which the WTO represent s. 
Members commended the European Union  for its continued efforts to advance negotiations on, 
inter alia, agriculture, disciplines on fisheries subsidies, environmental goods and trade in services . 
They welcomed the European Union 's commitment to, and active participation in, the WTO, WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  including its efforts to make a success of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference. Members 
appreciated that, since the previous Review in 2015, the European Union  has un dertaken several 
initiatives aimed at facilitating trade, including its ratification of the TFA and the entry into force of 
the Union Customs Code to simplify and modernize customs procedures. Some delegations also 
noted that they were following with inter est several new developments, e.g. the implementation of 
the new trade and investment policy initiatives in the Trade For All strategy of October 2015, the 
digital single market strategy, the e -commerce package and the implications of the ruling by the 
Court of Justice of the European Union  on competence relating to the EU -Singapore FTA. In 
addition, the importance of labour mobility and the mutual recognition of qualifications were noted, 
as well as the reform of financial services and the liberalization o f railways and of port services. 
Delegations were encouraged by reforms in fisheries policies , and urged the European Union  to 
increase transparency and take further steps to reduce support for fisheries. However, despite 
internal problems and global uncer tainty, the European Union  has not retreated from trade, nor 
has it introduced new policies intended to restrict trade. Instead, it has continued to pursue trade 
liberalization through bilateral FTAs, while continuing to provide non -reciprocal preferential  access 
for developing countries under the EBA, GSP and GSP -plus schemes. Furthermore, during the 
review period, the European Union  contributed to the successful expansion of the ITA and is 
constructively engaged in the Environmental Goods Agreement and th e plurilateral TISA 
negotiations.  
3.137.   On the other hand, Members noted that the European Union  faces several internal 
problems. The euro crisis may be over and unemployment falling, but economic recovery across 
the European Union  was weak and uneven. Further, the international trading community faces 
many uncertainties , notably over Brexit, which will have implications for the European Union's  
trading partners and its WTO Schedule of Commitments. In this regard, Members expected that 
any process to make adjustm ents to the Schedule of the European Union  as a result of Brexit 
would be open, transparent, WTO -compliant and include consultations with third countries. Many 
Members noted that agriculture remains an exception to the overall openness of the 
European  Union's trade regime. They expressed concern that the European Union  retains many 
complex and prohibitive tariffs on highly -traded products, such as agricultural products, fish, and 
some textiles. High tariffs, tariff escalation, non -ad valorem  tariffs, and th e many tariff quotas with 
high out -of-quota duties continue to be significant import barriers. While some Members were 
concerned about the European Union 's approach to domestic support in the agricultural sector, 
they commended recent reforms of the Common  Agricultural Policy towards less trade -distortive 
measures and fewer payments linked to production. However, they remained concerned about the 
total value of support, voluntary coupled support in all but one member State, and the absence of 
market access reform. Furthermore, while praising the European Union 's role in getting an 
agreement on the elimination of export subsidies at the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference, they 
noted that it had yet to modify its Schedule to reflect the agreement. Members also ra ised 
concerns about the use of trade remedy actions and the trade impact of steel surveillance 
measures taken by the European Union,  and encouraged it to take such measures in accordance 
with WTO disciplines under its new regulations. While recognizing the  importance of protecting 
human, animal and plant health and the environment, some Members stated that a number of SPS 
measures in the European Union  are not based on objective criteria offered by scientific 
assessments of risk, as required under the WTO S PS Agreement. In this regard, mention was 
made , inter  alia, of the European Union's  proposed regulations on endocrine disruptors, current 
maximum residue limits and delays in the European Union 's authorization process for genetically 
modified products. Oth er points that were raised several times included the need for more 
information from the European Union  on the public procurement market, the investment regime, 
the concept of the multilateral investment court, geographical indications, the European Union 's 
actions on climate change, and various TBT issues, including aspects of the REACH initiative.  
Brazil: 17 and 19 July 2017  
 
3.138.   Delegations noted that Brazil had resumed e conomic growth in the first quarter of 2017 
and that unemployment was decreasing . The Br azilian financial system ha d remained stable and 
inflation ha d been successfully contained. They remarked  with appreciation that Brazil had stayed 
the course of fiscal responsibility . Thanks to its sound fundamentals, it continued to attract 
substantial fo reign investment , ranging from between 2% and  3.3% of GDP , throughout the 
review period, maintaining its position as the top destination for FDI in Latin America. Brazil has 
remained committed to the multilateral trading system , striving to make it more op en. Members 
commended it for furthering its WTO commitments, for example, by ratifying the TFA and WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  depositing its instrument of acceptance of the Fifth Protocol on Financial Services , and some 
delegations reiterated their wish for Brazil to participate in the plurilateral GPA. Many Members 
commended its active, constructive and engaged participation in all areas of WTO work, in 
particular in negotiations on agriculture, fisheries subsidies, and discussions on investment 
facilitation and e -commerce. Members also referred to its commitment in the drive toward the 
expansion of MERCOSUR's regional trade agreements, including outside the region, and the 
inclusion of GATS plus commitments, considered by some as a complement to the multilateral 
framework. They welc omed Brazil's implementation of its single window project and the upgrading 
of its Authorized Economic Operator programme. They noted with satisfaction the progress made 
towards enabling online submission of documents and Brazil's plans to implement fully digitalized 
export and import procedures by the end of 2017 and 2018, respectively.  
3.139.   On the other hand, since its last TPR in 2013, Brazil has faced both internal and global 
headwinds. It recorded negative GDP growth of 3.8% and 3.5% in 2015 and 2016, respe ctively, 
and unemployment rose to 11.3% by 2016. With aggregate two -way trade in goods and services 
representing about 25% of GDP throughout the review period, the significance of trade vis-à-vis 
the size of the Brazilian economy remained relatively low, s imilar to that of some other large 
economies in the world. Some Members raised questions about plans to raise the productivity and  
competitiveness of the economy so as to facilitate the integration of Brazilian companies into  
GVCs , referring to Brazil's cu rrent standing in indicators such as the Doing Business Report of the 
World Bank. While Members acknowledged Brazil's robust performance in attracting foreign 
investment, they expressed concern over the level of complexity of its business environment , and 
encouraged improvements in a number of areas, e.g. easing the regulatory burden. Members 
noted  Brazil' s recent request to initiate accession procedures to the OECD as a signal of Brazil's 
"commitment to change".  Some Members flagged Brazil's complex tax re gime as a major obstacle 
to doing business , and raised concerns about possible tax distortions between imported and 
domestic products. They also noted that the large gap between Brazil's bound and applied tariffs 
was generally seen to undermine the predict ability of its trade regime. Members also enquired 
about Brazil's extensive use of non -automatic import licensing and AD measures , as well as its 
continued reliance on local content and local production requirements  in incentive schemes and in 
public procu rement . Some Members expressed concern about support measures or programmes in 
certain manufacturing activities, such as INOVAR -Auto in the automotive sector, and expressed 
interest in following up on the development of new program mes, such as ROTA 2030 . Several 
Members referred to barriers affecting their exports to the Brazilian market due to operational 
aspects of Brazil's TBT and SPS systems. They also encouraged Brazil to ensure longer periods for 
public consultations  between the publication and entry into force of these measures. Regarding 
IPR, although Members welcomed Brazil's recent steps to reduce the significant backlog of 
applications for registration of IPR titles, notably patents and trademarks, they encouraged further 
efforts to address shortc omings in some areas of IPR protection and enforcement . While 
acknowledging the relatively low level of Brazil's domestic support in agriculture, several Members 
asked about some trade policy instruments and practices, for example, tariffs being higher tha n in 
manufacturing, SPS, rural credit and insurance. Several Members appreciated Brazil's green  
energy policy and achievements, including the reduction of state involvement in this sector. 
Recognizing the reforms undertaken, some Members noted the continue d influence of the 
state-controlled PETROBRAS in the hydrocarbons market. Services were recognized as key drivers 
for future growth , and some Members encouraged Brazil to increase the productivity and 
competitiveness of the sector by, inter alia,  reducing limitations in certain activities . 
Jamaica: 13 and 15 September 2017  
 
3.140.   Members congratulated Jamaica for its active participation in the WTO, for having ratified 
the Fifth Protocol to the GATS in 2012 as well as the TFA in 2016 , and for having submitted its  
commitments under this Agreement. They commended it for having made important strides in 
restoring macroeconomic stability since its previous Review in 2011, and for maintaining a 
programme of fiscal prudence, debt reduction and tax policy reform that was  showing positive 
results. Jamaica had registered its lowest current account deficit in 15 years and its lowest 
inflation rate since 1964 , and was taking significant steps to attract FDI and improve the business 
climate. Members noted that Jamaica had set an ambitious target of achieving a 5% GDP annual 
growth rate in the next four years and that the country was aiming to achieve developed country 
status by 2030. It was encouraged to further diversify trade , and several delegations enquired 
about Jamaica's new Customs Act which had been adopted to facilitate trade. Members 
congratulated Jamaica for having issued or amended a large amount of legislation since 2011, WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  including the Insolvency Act, the Fiscal Incentives Act, the Banking Services Act, and the Elec tricity 
Act. Jamaica was particularly praised for having adopted a new Special Economic Zones Act that 
meets its obligations under the WTO's Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, as 
well as for its Omnibus Incentives Legislation 2014 which re pealed the four incentive schemes that 
had been notified to the WTO as containing export subsidies. Some Members urged Jamaica to 
become an observer to the Agreement on Government Procurement with a view to future GPA 
accession. Others encouraged the count ry to focus on policies that enable investment in growth 
areas such as the services sector, which accounts for around 70% of its GDP. Members 
commended Jamaica for the changes introduced in banking services, and noted that the financial 
services sector was  now more resilient to shocks, but also noted that challenges remained. 
Members highlighted that the overall Internet penetration rate had jumped from 4.4% in 2011 to 
65% in 2016. Reforms in the transport sector, aiming at improving connectivity and boosti ng 
tourism, were advancing. Some Members encouraged Jamaica to continue to explore, in particular, 
tourism opportunities, which could help address unemployment, in particular among the youth.  
3.141.   At the same time, it was noted that the average real GDP growth rate of below 1%, 
observed during the review period, was insufficient to reduce poverty levels. Tariffs and other 
duties and charges on imports remain ed Jamaica's main trade policy instrument and the largest 
source of government revenues. In this regard, s ome concerns  were expressed concerning  
Jamaica's  numerous duties and charges on imports, including additional stamp duties on certain 
agricultural products, as well as the fact that MFN applied rates exceed ed their bound levels for 32 
tariff lines. Members  also noted that  Jamaica's simple average applied MFN tariff rose from 9.4% 
in 2010 to 10.4% in 2017 , mainly due to increases on some items of CARICOM's CET . Agriculture 
in Jamaica faces many challenges , such as inadequate infrastructure and natural disast ers. 
Members were concerned by border protection measures on agricultural products: in addition to 
tariff protection, additional stamp duties are collected , while non -automatic import licensing is 
applied on some products. Members urged Jamaica to expand m arket access opportunities for 
agricultural products.  Questions were raised about the  status of the implementing regulations for 
the Public Procurement Act, following the adoption of Jamaica's first stand -alone Public 
Procurement Act . Some delegations expr essed concern that the new Act will keep a domestic 
preference of up to 10% and a reservation of 15% of procurements for domestic SM Es. Other 
issues of interest to Members included  the creation of the single market within CARICOM, SPS 
certification procedu res, and IPR protection and amendments to the Copyright Act . They 
encouraged the country to adopt  the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement  and to fully meet its 
notification commitments in the various areas where they remain ed outstanding, including on 
customs valuation and GATS . 
Paraguay: 20 and 22 September 2017  
 
3.142.   Members acknowledged Paraguay's strong commitment to the multilateral trading system, 
its active participation in the WTO and its leadership as coordinator of the Group of Landlocked 
Countries. Paraguay was commended for its commitment to trade liberalization, and for achieving 
sustained growth during the review period, with real GDP expanding at an annual average rate of 
4.7% between 2011 -17, while maintaining a relatively low level of inflation , a current account 
surplus and a high level of foreign exchange reserves. Paraguay i s an open trade regime with a 
relatively low applied average MFN tariff of 8.4% in 2017 , and its limited use of non -tariff 
measures was widely recognized. Members also app lauded Paraguay for its Fiscal Responsibility 
Law of 2013, and several stressed the importance of the National Development Plan 2030 in 
addressing poverty alleviation, social development, economic growth, and integration into the 
world economy. On trade fa cilitation, Members noted the progress made with respect to the 
adoption of a risk management system, the introduction of an Approved Economic Operator 
programme and the digitalization of customs documents. They expressed interest in obtaining 
further info rmation about other measures Paraguay intended to take to facilitate trade, including 
the use of digital certificates of origin and the use of the single window for imports. Several 
Members commended it on the adoption of its recent E -commerce Law as well as other measures 
aimed at improving the business environment and attracting investment. The new Law on SMEs 
and Paraguay's acceptance of the OECD's Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of 
Informati on for Tax Purposes  were also mentioned . Members acknowledged the changes 
introduced to legislation on government procurement to enhance transparency , and progress 
made in the enforcement and protection of IPRs. They also commended Paraguay for having 
implemented competition policy legislation and for creating a competition authority.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  3.143.   On the other hand, several delegations urged Paraguay to submit its list of pending 
commitments under the TFA by the end of the year , and to accept the Protocol of Amendment to 
the TRIPS Agreement. Some Members encouraged it to bring up to date its notifications in areas 
such as domestic support in agriculture, import licensing and customs valuation. Others also 
believed that further regulatory reforms would improve Paraguay's  business environment.  They 
encouraged it to continue to seek diversification of its export base to mitigate vulnerabilities to 
potential external shocks.  Certain Members expressed concern with respect to the fact that , for 
some 80 tariff lines , the applie d rate exceeded the bound rate. Some delegations noted that 
improvements could be made  with respect to some SPS restrictions and the use of non -automatic 
import licenses for certain produc ts (e.g. textiles and clothing, footwear, cement, agrochemicals 
and cell phones ). Concern was expressed over the use of reference values for imports of clothing 
products , and about the use of other duties and charges on imports, in particular of consular fees.  
Some delegations sought clarification on the lack of certain su bsidy notifications by Paraguay . 
Some Members encouraged Paraguay to make more use of international tendering procedures , 
while others urged it to become a party to the GPA.  Some enforcement concerns, including with 
respect to the protection of patents, co pyright and trademarks, as well as of undisclosed test 
results or other data , were also raised.  
Iceland : 4 and 6 October  2017  
 
3.144.   At the fifth Trade Policy Review of Iceland,  Members recognized that the country continued 
to be a n active and constructive Membe r of the WTO , and praised its commitment to the 
multilateral trading system and the WTO's work. This had been demonstrated through its 
ratification of the TFA and the TRIPs amendment , and by the full implementation of revised 
Agreement on Government Procur ement and the expanded Information Technology Agreement.  
Members noted that , since its last Review , Iceland had managed a remarkable turnaround in its 
economy and was outperforming many other developed countries to become the OECD's fastest 
growing economy . It was also stressed that Iceland did not resort to protectionist measures during 
its financial crisis and had maintained a liberal trade regime. Nearly all capital controls imposed at 
the start of the crisis had now been lifted , and the banking system h ad stabilized under tighter 
regulation and increased surveillance .  
3.145.   As an island nation with a narrow range of natural resources, trade ha d always been 
important to Iceland,  imports and exports of goods and services accounting for  90% of Iceland's 
GDP. It had continued to unilaterally remov e the remaining tariffs on non -agricultural products and 
improv e customs procedures  and, on its own behalf and through EFTA, had expanded its network 
of trade agreements and deepened existing ones .  
3.146.   At the same time, some  delegations pointed to the continued need for diversification of the 
country's goods exports. It was suggested that recent economic growth had been achieved despite 
low prices for traditional exports of fish and aluminum and the appreciation of the króna , partly 
because of the significant growth in tourism, improvements in transportation and favourable tax 
and other policies. Several delegations cautioned about the potential danger of the economy 
overheating and the vulnerability to external shocks. A numb er of Members pointed to a number of 
tariff peaks and non -ad valorem  tariffs applied in the agriculture sector, in particular for meat and 
dairy. Others expressed concern about the high levels of domestic support for agriculture and the 
use of stringent SP S measures. Compliance with WTO notification obligations was another 
important area where Members sought improvements from Iceland, in particular in the areas of 
TBT, SPS, preferential rules of origin and import licensing. It was noted that while Iceland 
remained largely open to foreign investment, restrictions remained in fisheries, energy, air 
transport and real estate , and several Members encouraged it to open these areas to foreign 
investment. Several delegations praised Iceland for its leadership role in incorporating women in 
all levels of society, integrating gender issues in trade and other policies , and pledging to eradicate 
the gender pay -gap by 2022.  
3.9  Other Selected Trade Policy Issues  
Regional Trade Agreements  
3.147.   During the period 15 October 2016 to 15 October 2017, WTO Members notified 18 RTAs, 
as well as three accessions to existing RTAs (29 notifications) as compared to nine RTAs 
(19 notifications) during the previous period (15 October 2015 - 15 October 2016) ( Table 3.27). Of WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  the new RTAs notified to the WTO, eleven concern only trade in goods, while seven include trade 
liberalization in both goods and services. Of the RTAs in trade in goods only, six were notified 
under the Enabling Clause, while five were notified under GATT Article XXIV .  
Table 3.27 Notifications of Regional Trade Agreements between 15 October 2016 and 
15 October 2017  
RTA name (parties)  Coverage  Date of 
notification  
(date of entry into 
force)  Notification  
Costa Rica – Colombia  Goods & Services  31/10/16  
(01/08/16)  GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Pacific Alliance  Goods & Services  03/11/16  
(01/05/16)  GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Turkey – Republic of Moldova  Goods  13/12/16  
(01/11/16)  GATT Art. XXIV  
Common Market  for Eastern and 
Southern Africa (COMESA) - 
Accession of Egypt  Goods  03/01/17  
(17/02/99)  Enabling Clause  
Turkey - Malaysia  Goods  20/02/17  
(01/08/15)  GATT Art. XXIV  
European Union  - Colombia and 
Peru – Accession of Ecuador  Goods & Services  02/03/17  
(01/01 /17) GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
GUAM  Goods & Services  03/04/17  
(10/12/03)  GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
European Union  - Ghana  Goods  03/04/17  
(15/12/16)  GATT Art. XXIV  
European Union  - SADC  Goods  03/04/17  
(10/10/16)  GATT Art. XXIV  
Central American Com mon Market 
(CACM) - Accession of Panama  Goods  24/04/17  
(06/05/13)  GATT Art. XXIV  
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) - 
Viet Nam  Goods & Services  04/05/17  
(05/10/16)  GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Southern Common Market 
(MERCOSUR) - Chile Goods  15/06/17  
(10/03/1 7) Enabling Clause  
Southern Common Market 
(MERCOSUR) - Mexico  Goods  15/06/17  
(28/12/16)  Enabling Clause  
Argentina - Brazil  Goods  15/06/17  
(01/07/16)  Enabling Clause  
Brazil - Uruguay  Goods  15/06/17  
(pending)  Enabling Clause  
India – Thailand  Goods  18/06/ 17 
(01/09/04)  Enabling Clause  
Southern Common Market 
(MERCOSUR) – Southern African 
Customs Union (SACU)  Goods  19/07/17  
(01/04/16)  Enabling Clause  
EFTA – Georgia  Goods & Services  29/08/17  
(01/09/17)  GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Chile – Thailand  Goods & S ervices  12/09/17  
(05/11/15)  GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Canada – Ukraine  Goods  13/09/17  
(01/08/17)  GATT Art. XXIV  
European Union  - Canada  Goods & Services  19/09/17  
(21/09/17)  GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Source:  RTA Database. Viewed at:  http://rtais.wto.org . 
3.148.   As of 15 October 2017, the total number of RTAs notified to the WTO and to the GATT 
before it, amounted to 284 (142 covering goods and services, 141  goods only, and one services 
only). The WTO Secretariat has al so identified and verified, through the respective parties, 74 
RTAs that are in force, but not yet notified to the WTO.107  
3.149.   Judging from overall notifications, RTA activity is strongest in Europe (20% of RTAs in 
force), with successive European Union enlarge ments and agreements with countries in Eastern 
Europe and around the Mediterranean basin as well as RTAs notified by the European Free Trade 
                                                
107 WTO document WT /REG/W/119, 12 September 2017.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Area (EFTA); this is followed by East Asia (17%) and South America (12%). These regions also 
continue to be active in RTA negotiations ( Chart 3.19).  
Chart 3.19 RTAs in force, and under negotiation by region  
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150EuropeEast AsiaSouth AmericaCISNorth AmericaCentral AmericaAfricaMiddle EastOceaniaWest AsiaCaribbean
Intra-Regional RTAs in force Cross-Regional RTAs in force RTAs under negotiation/signedChart 1
RTAs in force, and under negotiation by region
Source:  RTA Section, WTO Secretariat.
 
Source:  RTA Section, WTO Secretariat.  
3.150.   The WTO Members with the most RTAs in force remain  the European Union , EFTA, and 
Chile with over 25 RTAs in force each, followed by Singapore, and Turkey which have over 20 RTAs 
in force each ( Chart 3.20). A number of other developing countries also have several RTAs in 
force, su ch as Peru, India, and Mexico.  
Chart 3.20 WTO Members with the largest number of RTAs in force  
051015202530354045Chart 2.[RTA]
WTO Members with the largest number of RTAs in force
Source:  RTA Section, WTO Secretariat.
 
Source:  RTA Section, WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  3.151.   WTO Members also continue to negotiate new bilateral and/or plurilateral R TAs. The 
regions that are most heavily involved in RTA negotiations include Europe and East Asia. In 
Europe, the European Union has recently concluded an RTA with Japan. It is also negotiating with 
the United States, MERCOSUR, India, and Economic Partnersh ip Agreements with African, 
Caribbean and Pacific countries and has recently announced that it will start negotiations with 
Australia and New Zealand. EFTA is also continuing negotiations with the EAEU, India and several 
ASEAN member states. In Asia negoti ations are being held to complete the 16 party Regional 
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, which brings together the ten ASEAN 
member states and six others with which ASEAN already has RTAs in force (Australia, China, India, 
Republic of K orea, Japan, and New Zealand).  
Trade Facilitation  
3.152.   Work on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) intensified over the 
reporting period with Members presenting a growing number of acceptance instruments. On 22 
February 2017, those effo rts culminated in the reaching of an important milestone when the 
required number of ratifications was received for the TFA to enter into force.  
3.153.   Additional instruments were deposited over the months that followed, bringing their overall 
number to 122 by m id-October. This means that almost 75% of all WTO Members have already 
completed their domestic ratification process.  
3.154.   Progress was also achieved on the notification side. Members presented additional 
information on which commitments they will immediately implement , which require additional time 
and which also capacity building support (commonly referred to as "category A, B and C 
notifications"). By mid -October 2017, the Committee had received 99 notifications for category A, 
27 for category B and 20 for c ategory C.  
3.155.   Members also started to present a series of transparency notifications as mandated under 
section I of the TFA.108 Several donor Members further provided information on their technical 
assistance activities.  
3.156.   Work continued with respect to technica l assistance and capacity -building initiatives. In 
2014, the Director -General launched a WTO Trade Facilitation Facility (the Facility) to assist 
developing and LDC Members in implementing the TFA that became operational on 27 November 
2014. The Facility w orks closely with individual Members to ensure they are receiving the 
information and support needed. It also provides information on assistance programmes and, 
where needed, it can conduct match -making between donors and recipients. The Facility supports 
Members' efforts to implement the Agreement by acting as a repository for training materials, case 
studies and best practices on implementation of the measures. It provides training programmes 
and support materials to assist Members fully understand their obligations. This year , the Facility 
assisted Members to prepare their category ABC notifications and build the capacity of the national 
trade facilitation committees by conducting national and sub -regional workshops. It also offered an 
advanced course for  chairs of national trade facilitation committees, with the cooperation of 
partner organizations. Two courses were conducted in English in 2016 , with courses in French and 
Spanish conducted in early 2017. The Facility also assisted Members in finding suppo rt for 
implementation of the Agreement in a variety of ways.  
ITA Expansion  
3.157.   Under the ITA Expansion  Agreement , import tariffs on most of the 201 IT products covered 
by the Agreement have been progressively reduced since 1 July 2016 and will be eliminated af ter 
three years (by 1 July 2019), whereas other duties and charges are to be removed upon entry into 
force. For a limited number of sensitive products, tariffs will be phased out over five or seven 
years for the most exceptional cases (Box 3.1). On  9 Decem ber 2016, Macao, China,  joined the 
ITA Expansion  Agreement , bringing the total number of Particip ants to 25, representing 
54 WTO Members.  
                                                
108 Articles 1:4, 10:4:3, 10:6:2 and 12:2:2.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  3.158.   As of October 2017, 21 Participants were on track with the implementation of the first 
tariff cut, while the others we re awaiting the completion of domestic procedural requirements.109 
As required by paragraph 6 of the Declaration, 24 Participants have also initiated the 1980 
Procedures for Modification and Rectification of Schedules in order to include the new ITA 
Expansio n concessions into their WTO Schedules and extend th em to all WTO Members on an 
MFN basis. To date, the ITA Expansion schedules of 21 Participants  have been certified by the 
WTO Director General , and their concessions properly reflected in their WTO Schedu les. Remaining 
Participants' ITA Expansion schedules were waiting for the completion of domestic procedures 
before they could be certified.  
3.159.   The ITA Expansion Declaration also provides for further work on non -tariff barriers in the 
IT sector, and for keepi ng the list of products covered under review to determine whether further 
expansion may be needed to reflect future technological developments.  
Aid for Trade  
3.160.   The 2017 Global Review of Aid for Trade, held from 11 to 13 July 2017, focused on the 
theme " Promo ting Trade, Inclusiveness and Connectivity for Sustainable Development ". It 
provided an opportunity to discuss the constraints facing developing  countries , and in parti cular 
LDCs, in areas of supply -side capacity and trade -related infrastructure , and how  Aid for Trade can 
help advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A particular focus will be placed on 
the economic empo werment of women . The 2017 Global Review was underpinned by an extensive 
monitoring and evaluation (M&E) exercise. A total of 1 11 self -assessment questionnaires were 
received from governments, donor agencies and regional economic communities/transport 
corridors. In addition, 145 case stories were submitted, including from the private sec tor and 
academia, describing on -the-ground e xperiences.  
3.161.   The information collected from the M&E exercise provided the narrative for the joint OECD -
WTO report, "Aid for Trade at a Glance 2017: Promoting Trade, Inclusiveness and Connectivity for 
Sustainable Development ", which was presented at the 2017  Global Review. Chapters were also 
authored by Business for eTrade Development, the Enhanced Integrated Framework, the ITC, the 
ITU, UNCTAD,  and the World Bank Group.  
3.162.   Key messages that emerged from the Review and the report confirm that digital 
connectivit y now intertwines with physical connectivity. Digital networks have rapidly become 
integral to global trade, and offer opportunities for growth as a marketplace. While accessible and 
affordable connections are indispensable for trade connectivity, the Inte rnet remains unavailable to 
3.9 billion people, many of whom live in LDCs. The report also concludes that the digital divide can 
be viewed as a market access divide, with the cost of digital connections as trade costs.  
3.163.   Since 2006, a total of US$298.3 billi on has been disbursed for financing Aid for Trade 
programmes and projects, with disbursements to LDCs amounting to US$80.43 billion. More than 
three quarters of total Aid for Trade has financed projects in four sectors: transport and storage 
(28.6%), energ y generation and supply (21.6%), agriculture (18.3%), and banking and financial 
services (11.1%).  
Trade Financing  
3.164.   The WTO has been continuing its advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the challenges of 
accessing trade finance, particularly for SMEs and in d eveloping countries. At its July 2017 
meeting, the WTO Working Group on Trade, Debt and Finance reiterated its support for the 
Director -General outreach to the heads of other relevant institutions.  With the support of WTO 
Members, the Director -General had outlined a number of possible measures aimed at addressing 
the challenges of accessing trade finance , including  enhancing trade finance facilitation 
program mes, helping local banking sectors to grow by improving training, better monitoring of 
problems, and  maintaining a closer dialogue with regulators.  
3.165.   The 2017 survey of the Asian Development Bank  (ADB)  on trade finance gaps br ought  
additional relevance to th ese effort s. The global trade finance gap (the " gap") for the year 2016 is 
                                                
109 Measures implementing the ITA Expansion Agreement are reflected in Annex 1.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  estimated to have been re latively stable in U.S. dollar terms, at $1.5 trillion, against $1.6 trillion in 
2015 and $1.4 trillion in 2014. However, given that the value of trade in U.S. dollars has fallen by 
16% over the last two years, this gap would have been expected to fall.  Geographically, 40% of 
the gap comes from Asia, 23% from Latin America, and 15% from Africa and the Middle East.  
3.166.   One result  of high rejection rates is foregone trade. Firms were asked what happened to 
the trade transaction after rejection of the requested t rade finance . Some 60% of respondents 
reported that they had been unable to execute the trade transaction. The remaining 40% of firms 
were able to complete the sale without bank -intermediated trade finance. Taking a different 
approach to the question of wh at happens after a transaction is rejected, 53% of surveyed firms 
did not look for alternative sources of financing when a transaction was rejected. Among those 
respondents that found an alternative (both formal and informal solutions), only half of such f irms 
used it – the other half found it too expensive. Firms  in Africa and in Latin America resorted to 
informal financial providers more than firms from other regions.  The 2017 survey confirms that 
trade finance does not flow equally throughout the global trading system. While there is enough 
liquidity at the higher end of the market, in particular for large companies in the largest trading 
nations, SMEs, particularly in developing countries, are disproportionally affected by credit 
rejection and lack of al ternatives to bank financing. The trade finance gap has become a major 
obstacle to trade inclusion.   
3.167.   With this in mind, the Director -General held an informal round table on trade finance with 
senior officials from multilateral development banks (MDBs), on the margins of the 6th Global Aid 
for Trade Review. During this discussion, MDBs generally indicated a willingness to do more in 
favour of trade finance, although wit hin existing resources.  The outcome of the ADB survey had 
been consistent with what they s aw in the field. For example, the European Bank for 
Reconstruction and Development witnessed rejection rates affecting SMEs in the order of 50%. It 
was acknowledged that there were also structural and legitimate reasons for such rejections, 
including lack of know -how by local traders and local banks in managing the risks of trade and 
trade finance, lack of collateral for lending , lack of credit history, etc. However, the impact of some 
regulations and the greater selectivity of banks had played an important  role as well. The 
International Financial Corporation had conducted a survey of 306 banks in 92 developing 
countries, which indicated that smaller banks faced major challenges in complying with new 
international regulations on anti -money laundering and ot her sanction requirements. These 
challenges have reduced their ability to serve their customers generally , and in particular the 
traders. In some countries, local banks were being cut off from the international financial system. 
Specific cases were mention ed. MDBs were interested in increasing their capacity to serve 
markets, but there was also a recognition that there were limits to this. Compared to a global 
finance gap estimated at US$1.5 billion, they were supporting an average of US$20  to 25 billion of  
trade per annum, consisting mainly of relatively small trade transactions in low -income countries. 
The solution was hence to bring the private sector back into the most challenging markets. One 
way was to develop co -financing and co -risk sharing operation al among MDBs where geographical 
coverage overlapped, and between MDBs and commercial banks. For example, the IFC and the 
Islamic Trade Finance Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct joint trade 
finance operations in Western Africa.  
3.168.   All MDBs agreed to boost capacity building on trade finance in countries where  trade was 
growing rapidly, but where knowledge about trade finance products was limited. They also asked 
for a regulatory dialogue with the Financial Stability Board. Discussions  had made it clear that 
MDBs, in their support to local banks, could do a lot to get these banks to comply with 
international norms. At the same time, it had become obvious that the international bar had been 
placed quite high for these smaller banks. It w as felt that these small banks would always struggle 
to satisfy compliance requirements, in particular those which differed from country to country. 
Nevertheless, MDBs were continuing to promote the pooling of information for compliance 
purposes. Participa nts are considering meeting further, notably with private sector representatives 
and international financial regulatory agencies.  
Government Procurement  
3.169.   The WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) continues to gain importance as 
an instrument for pro moting trade and good governance in government procurement markets. The 
updated and modernized version of the Agreement that was adopted by the Parties in 2012 is now 
in force for all but one of the Agreement's Parties. The Agreement covers the procurement  of WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  goods, services and construction services, subject to relevant thresholds and other exclusions, and 
contains important disciplines on transparency and the prevention of corruption , in addition to 
market access.  
3.170.   The total number of WTO Members covered b y the Agreement reached 47, following 
Ukraine's and the Republic of Moldova's accessions in 2016 . The number of WTO Members 
participating in the GPA Committee as observers is now  31, with Afghanistan and Brazil having 
been granted observer status in Octobe r 201 7. Increasingly, WTO Members are joining the GPA for 
reasons relating to the promotion of good governance and economic reform , in addition to market 
access advantages for their national suppliers. Further additions to the Agreement's membership 
are ex pected in the short to medium term. Negotiations on Australia's , the Kyrgyz Republic's and 
Tajikistan's accessions may be concluded in the first half of 201 8. Discussions continue on China's 
accession to the Agreement. As well, the Russian Federation has circulated its initial market access 
in June 2017, which was subsequently discussed at the Committee's meetings in June and 
October . The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has also applied for accession to the 
Agreement , and its first market access offer  is expected to be circulated in the first half of 2018. 
The accessions of four  other WTO Members — Albania, Georgia, Jordan and Oman — are pending . 
Another five WTO Members have provisions regarding accession to the Agreement in their 
respective Protocols  of Accession to the WTO: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia  and Seychelles.  During the review period, the Chairman of the GPA Committee, 
working together with the Secretariat, also reached out to Latin American countries to inf orm them 
of the revised GPA and potential benefits and challenges related to participation in the GPA.  
3.171.   With regard to the Committee's ongoing work, the GPA Parties have now initiated 
discussions on a number of specific work programmes. These address, inter alia : (i) promoting 
access to government procurement markets by SMEs; (ii)  ensuring sustainability in public 
procurement activities; (iii) improving the statistics that Parties submit pursuant to relevant 
provisions of the GPA; and (iv) identifying and ( potentially) reducing the number of exceptions and 
exclusions to coverage that are included in the Par ties' market access schedules. The purpose of 
these work programmes is to enhance transparency and, where relevant, contribute to the future 
evolution of the Agreement. An important input to the work programme on sustainability was a 
Symposium which took place on 22 February 2017. The Symposium featured inputs for diverse 
non-governmental experts , national experts and representatives of other international 
organizations  on sustainability issues . Throughout the review period, the Secretariat, at the 
Committee's request,  has also worked to strengthen the  new "e -GPA system", an interactive, 
automated web portal to enhance the accessibility and usability of the market access and other 
information provided by Parties pursuant to the Agreement.  
Electronic Commerce  
3.172.   WTO Members have continued their discussions on e -commerce , and acknowledged a need 
to continue to explore many of the relevant issues that have been rai sed in submissions over the 
past year, including the implications for developing countries . Issues identified by Members 
cover ed a wide gamut of issues related to GATT, GATS, TRIPS , as well as cross -cutting issues. 
These include, for example, consumer prot ection, anti-spam measures and cybersecurity, to name 
but a few of the items suggested to enhance consumer trust in e -commerce, as well as proposals 
on ways to facilitate e-commerce in goods (such as customs handling) or ways in which to expand 
the availab ility of e -commerce enabling services, such as ICTs, delivery services  and mobile 
payments . While it is not yet clear how these  efforts will evolve, it is fair to say that, despite varied 
positions, no WTO Member believe s that e -commerce is not important b oth to their economies and 
to the global trading system .  
3.173.   The WTO E -commerce Work Program is based on a broad definition of "electronic 
commerce", understood to mean the production, distribution, marketing, sale or delivery of goods 
and services by electro nic means. The definition , therefore , includes the use of the Internet -based 
networks to search, purchase, sell or deliver goods and services across borders . Much e -commerce 
today takes place within domestic markets, although there are many examples whereb y even this 
is facilitated by foreign investment or partners . UNCTAD reports that global e-commerce sales in 
2015 reached US$25.3 trillion, 90 % of which were in the form of business -to-business (B2B) 
e-commerce and 10 % in the form of business -to-consumer ( B2C) sales . Patterns of on -line 
spending illustrate this mix. In the United States, for example, spending relates not only to the WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  manufacturing and wholesale trade, which lead the way, but also to the retail sector, business 
services, entertainment, financ ial services, health care and education.110 
3.174.   The United States was the largest e -commerce market, recording sales of over 
US$7  trillion, with Japan and China featur ing as the next -largest  markets. Yet, while the 
United  States ranked higher due to the extent  of its B2B e -commerce, China ranked first in the 
B2C e -commerce market . Moreover, if global B2C sales alone are considered, economies such as 
the Russian Federation and India rank inside the top 15.111  However, accurate comparisons are 
difficult because e -commerce data are not readily available for most developing countries.  
3.175.   The digital economy, and electronic commerce which forms an integral part of it, is 
expanding rapidly , driven by ICT goods and services . Global production of ICT goods and services 
accoun ts for an estimated 6.5 % of global gross domestic product (GDP), and employs 
approximately  100 million people. Exports of ICT services grew by 40 % between 2010 and 2015. 
UNCTAD estimates that cross -border B2C e -commerce was worth about US$189 billion in 20 15, 
which corresponds to 7 % of total B2C e -commerce. Also, by 2019, the volume of global Internet 
traffic is expected to increase 66 times from 2005  levels .112   
3.176.   As Members have acknowledge d in WTO discussions, connectivity is essential to 
participation in e -commerce, yet significant gaps exist between developed and developing 
countries . The number of Internet users grew by 60 % between 2010 and 2015, but more than half 
of the world population and many MSMEs remain offline. Broadband connectivity in developing  
economies tends to be slower and more expensive than in developed economies , and this  limits 
the effective access of businesses and citizens. UNCTAD reports that only 16 % of the adult 
population of the world uses the Internet to pay bills or purchase item s, while, in some developed 
countries, more than 70 % already buy goods and services online.113    
3.177.   According to the ITU, mobile broadband service  costs much more in LDCs ( in PPP terms ) 
than in developed or developing countries . Yet the cost of mobile broadban d in LDCs is 
significantly lower than  the cost of their fixed broadband, which can cost two and a half times 
more than a basic mobile broadband subscription. Although LDCs only have about 20 mobile 
broadband subscriptions per 100 persons (compared with a w orld average of close to 60 per 100), 
the growth rate of mobile broadband uptake in LDCs is high, at over 50 % per annum over the 
2012-2017 period . Moreover, mobile broadband costs for LDCs are recording steeper  declines  than 
any other group, having fallen from an average of 32.4 % of GNI per capita to 14.1 % since 
2013.114   
3.178.   At the same time, governments continue to take steps to enhance connectivity, by means 
of competition  policy  in mobile and fixed services, as demonstrated by some of the telecom/ICT 
measure s listed in this Report . For example, Australian and Canadian measures are aimed at  
calibrat ing wholesale access at lower rates , and European Union  and Indian measures  aim to 
reduce and eliminate mobile roaming and termination fees . Also cited, Somalia is set to create an 
independent regulator , and Tanzania will now allow foreigners to purchase shares in telecom 
operators .  
Dispute Settlement  
3.179.   As in previous years, the level of dispute settlement activity continued to increase 
throughout the current review p eriod ( Chart 3.21). Between 10 October 2016 and 
10 October  2017, 22 panel, appellate and arbitration proceedings  were handled , on average, each 
month. Eighteen dispute settlement reports, awards and decisions were circulated durin g this 
period. Eleven of the circulated reports were issued by panels, including one issued by a 
compliance panel established under Article 21.5 of the DSU. The Appellate Body circulated four 
reports. In addition, arbitrators issued two decisions regarding  the reasonable period of time for 
implementation of DSB recommendations and rulings under Article 21.3(c) of the DSU , and one 
                                                
110 A. Hoar and P. Sheldon, Forrester Research, Presentation, 2 June 2015.  
111 UNCTAD, Information Economy Report 2017: Digitalization, Trade and Development , 
New York/Geneva 2017.  
112 A. Hoar and Sheldon, P., Forrester Research, Presentation, 2 June 2015.  
113 A. Hoar and Sheldon,  P., Forrester Research, Presentation, 2 June 2015.  
114 ITU, ICT Facts and Figures 2017, Geneva, July 2017.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  decision on the level of suspension of concession s and obligations under Article  22.6 of the DSU. 
By mid -October 2017 , an additio nal seven appeals were pending , and five panel reports issued to 
parties were being translated for circulation to Members.  
3.180.   The continued establishment and composition of new panels has again placed strains on 
staff resources. During the review period, WTO Members filed 19 requests for consultations 
concerning new disputes and four requests seeking compliance proceedings. Sixteen new panels 
were established and 11 new panels were composed during the review period. A s of early 
October  2017, six established pa nels were in composition, as compared with three panels in 
composition at the end of the previous review period. The continuing influx of new and complex 
cases has once again resulted in some delays in the Secretariat's ability to allocate staff for panels .  
3.181.   As anticipated in last year's Report, the high number of recently circulated panel reports 
has resulted in an increased workload for the Appellate Body. By mid -October 2017 , there were 
seven ongoing appeal proceedings, including in the compliance procee dings in the EC and Certain 
Member States – Large Civil Aircraft (Article 21.5 – United States) and U.S. — Large Civil Aircraft 
(second complaint) (Article 21.5 – European Union ) disputes . Of these, three ongoing appeals 
were awaiting the availability of s taff. The circulation of a large number of panel and Appellate 
Body reports has resulted in increases in the time needed for their translation, up to ten months in 
some cases.  
3.182.   The Appellate Body is currently lacking the full complement of seven Appellate B ody 
Members, with two positions currently vacant and a third vacancy arising in December 2017. The 
WTO Membership has so far been unable to agree to initiate the appointment process in order to 
fill these vacancies.  
3.183.   The subject  matter of disputes brought t o the WTO continues to span a wide range of 
agreements, including the GATT 1994, the Anti -Dumping Agreement, the SCM Agreement, the  
Safeguards Agreement, the SPS Agreement, the TBT Agreement, the GATS, the TRIPS Agreement 
and the Agreement on Agriculture. As in previous years, both developed and developing countries 
have been involved in the dispute settlement mechanism, both as complainants and as 
respondents.  
Chart 3.21 Total number of active disputes per yea r (as at August 2017)  
051015202530354045Chart 3.13
Total non -weighted active disputes per year (as at August 2017)
Number of subject matters Moving average
Source: WTO Secretariat.
 
Note:  Several disputes are counted as one if they deal with the same subject matter.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Non-tariff Measures and MSMEs  
3.184.   Box 3.5 below on how non -tariff measures affect MSMEs has been con tributed by the ITC.  
Box 3.5 How Non -Tariff Measures Affect MSMEs  
Micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs) are integral to economic development, particularly in 
developing and least developed countries,  and are an essential component of making growth inclusive and 
sustainable. In most countries, MSMEs represent well above 90% of all private enterprises and over 60% of 
employment.  
 
Evidence shows that exporters tend to be larger in size than firms that d o not trade. Smaller and less 
productive firms may find it harder to connect to global markets. One reason for this is likely the existence of 
fixed costs that weigh more heavily on a small business.  
 
Non-tariff measures (NTMs) represent one set of fixed costs.  While trade -related standards, regulations and 
procedures are usually identical for exporters of all sizes, their impact on MSMEs can be very different from 
that on large businesses. Research by the International Trade Centre (ITC) suggests that reg ulatory measures 
hit small firms'  exports twice as hard as they do those of large firms. For each 10% increase in the regulatory 
or procedural burden faced by an exporter, export value decreases by 1.6% for large firms, but 3.2% for 
MSMEs.a  
 
Certain kinds  of trade policies disproportionately affect women -owned enterprises. In ITC surveys, businesses 
owned by women do not report a higher burden from regulations than those owned by men. When it comes to 
trade -related procedures, however, the story is differe nt. If exports are subject to a licence, for example, 
obtaining one often requires personal interaction between firm personnel and national officials. Indeed, ITC 
Business Surveys on NTMs show that the share of procedural obstacles to trade reported by fem ale-owned 
exporting firms is higher than for male -owned firms.  
 
Helping MSMEs overcome NTM -related challenges  
 
Access to information on regulatory requirements is likely to be key in order to help MSMEs to overcome NTM -
related challenges . When asked to ra nk trade costs in terms of where they saw most room for improvement, 
MSMEs listed access to information about procedures to be followed and regulations to be met as third.b Their 
top priority was access to information on export opportunities, which represe nted a significantly bigger 
challenge for MSMEs (over 60% of responses) than for large firms (over 40%; see figure below). Notably, the 
share of cases associated with 'information and transparency issues ' is greater among female -owned firms 
than male -owned  firms.  
 
Firm perception of trade costs with room for improvement  
 
 
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70Border procedures in destination countryBorder procedures in home countryCosts related to overcoming non-tariff measures and
regulatory burdensNetwork infrastructure in home countryTransportation systemsTariffs, fees and other chargesAccess to information about procedures to be followed and
regulations to be met in order to export or importAccess to trade financeAccess to information about export opportunities
SME Large firmNUMBER OF RESPONSES
Note: SMEs are defined as firms with less than 250 employees. The chart reflectsresponses of 418 SMEs and 103 large firms.
Source: ITC Monitoring Survey (2015).WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  ITC, UNCTAD and the WTO are working to remedy both information shortfalls at once, with a new 'SME Trade 
Help Desk '. Set to be launched at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Argentina in December 2017, the Help 
Desk will serve as a one -stop shop for MSMEs to access intelligence on tariffs and NTMs along with other 
trade -related information to help them understand what to produce and how, and when and where to tra de it.  
 
Making cross -border procedures related to NTMs more efficient is important in helping MSMEs ' trade.  Improved 
inter-agency coord ination, simplified documents and procedures, enhanced transparency and predictability , 
and reduced charges and fees can  lower the obstacles NTMs present to businesses of all sizes. These reforms 
are embedded in the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), providing a unique opportunity to reduce trade 
transaction times and costs and increase MSMEs ' participation in global t rade. National efforts should go in the 
direction of ensuring MSMEs are fully included in the public -private dialogue mechanisms established under the 
auspices of the TFA.  
_______________  
a ITC (2016), SME Competitiveness Outlook: Meeting the Standard for  Trade, 
http://www.intracen.org/SMECompetitiveness/2016/  
b ITC (2015), Aid for Trade at a Glance 2015 - How Aid for Trade Helps Reduce the Burden of Trade Costs on 
SMEs. In WTO & OECD, Aid for Trade at a Glance 2015: Reducing Trade Costs for Inclusive, Su stainable Growth, 
Chapter 7, http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Publications/a4tataglance.pdf  
Source:  ITC. WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  4  POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE IN SERVICES  
4.1.  Several new measures affecting trade in services were introduced by WTO Members and  
Observers dur ing the period covered by this R eport. Several new measures were horizontal in 
nature – relating to measures affecting the supply of services through commercial presence and 
the movement of natural persons – while others pertained to a variet y of service sectors, including 
financial, communication, transport, and business services. While the majority of the measures 
covered are trade -facilitating, certain other measures appear more trade-restrict ive. Annex 4 
provides additional information on all these measures, which concern 55 WTO Members115 and two 
Observers .  
Measures affecting supply through commercial presence  
 
4.2.  Various governments introduced changes to their investment policy that affect the supply of 
services through commercial presence. F or example, the governments of Egypt , Myanmar , and 
Tunisia  each adopted new investment laws, generally aiming to improve the investment climate, 
attract more foreign investment, and clarify and streamline procedures . For example, Myanmar's 
Investment Law, effective since 1 April 2017, subjects only selected investment proposals to 
government screening. In Tunisia, the new investment law increases the number of sectors open 
to foreign investment and makes it easier for investors to hire foreign management pe rsonnel. In 
Egypt, the new law reduces documentary requirements on investors and eases restrictions on the 
employment of foreign employees in investment projects .  
4.3.  China  released the 2017 version of the Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment 
Industries , which removes foreign investment limits for certain services sectors ( e.g. certain 
passenger transport services and wholesale trade services) and introduces limits in others 
(e.g. certain Internet public information services; radio and television o n-demand services) . China 
also further relaxed restrictions on foreign investment in the country's free trade zones, including 
in a range of services sectors.  
4.4.  India approved , in May 2017 , the phasing out of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, 
aiming t o make the country more attractive to foreign investors . Foreign investment applications 
that require government approval will , instead , be processed by the relevant sectoral 
Ministries/Departments in consultation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry . India also 
introduced additional modifications to its foreign investment regime through the Consolidated FDI 
Policy Circular of 2017 , which, for example, eases foreign ownership limits in such sectors as 
broadcasting carriage services and cable networks .  
4.5.  Australia  introduced a series of changes to the foreign investment framework, with the aim of 
streamlining and enhancing its operation . This includes a new exemption allowing foreign investors 
in securities to obtain pre -approval for multiple investments  through one application. Canada  has 
increased certain thresholds for the 'net benefit' review of direct acquisitions of Canadian 
businesses by foreign investors under the Investment Canada Act . This concerns the threshold for 
private investors from WTO Me mbers (increased to CAN$ 1 billion compared to CAN$ 600 million 
the previous year) and the threshold for private investors from countries with which preferential 
trade agreements have been concluded (inc reased to CAN$ 1.5 billion on 21  September 2017) .  
4.6.  Kenya  repealed a provision that required companies established in the country to have at 
least 30% of their shareholding held by Kenyan citizens. Viet Nam  amended its list of 'conditional 
business lines' pursuant to its Law on Investment, removing a number of s ervices from the list and 
adding a number of other activities. Such conditional business lines are subject to additional 
conditions . Thailand , for its part, removed certain services sectors from the 'restricted business 
activities' categories .  
4.7.  The Russian  Federation  enacted new rules with respect to transactions involving foreign 
investors in Russian companies . A transaction by a foreign investor in relation to a Russian 
company is now subject to prior approval by the Government Commission on Control over Foreign 
Investment  if the transaction is deemed to threaten national defence and state security .  
                                                
115 Counting the European Union as one.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  4.8.  Germany  (European Union) amended its foreign investment regime to expand the scope for 
review of acquisitions of equity participation of more than 25% in dome stic companies by non -EU 
and non -EFTA investors . The amendment introduces a list of areas that are explicitly covered by 
cross-sector review obligations, and expands the scope of the sector -specific review procedures. 
Japan  modified its notification requir ements under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act 
with respect to certain foreign investment relating to national security. Prior notification to 
authorities will be required if foreign investors acquire from other foreign investors non -listed 
shares  of Japanese enterprises in certain industries ( e.g. manufacture of weapons; nuclear power 
plants) .   
4.9.   Several governments took steps to streamline procedures or otherwise facilitate (foreign) 
investment in services and other sectors. Th ese include Algeria , Bangladesh , Brazil , Colombia , 
Mauritius, Nigeria , South Africa, and Ukraine . For example, South Africa  launched a " one-stop 
shop"  to provide a focal point in government to assist investors in relation to regulatory, 
registration, and licensing procedures  and requirements, while Mauritius  adopted the Business 
Facilitation Act 2017, aiming to eliminate regulatory and administrative constraints in order to 
facilitate investment and improve the business environment .  
Services supplied through the movement of natural persons  
 
4.10.   Various Members adopted measures affecting the supply of services through the movement 
of natural persons . For example, Australia  announced in April 2017 that its  "457 visa" for 
temporary work by skilled foreign workers would be abolished in March 2018 and replaced by a 
new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa . Implementation of this reform is taking place in 
different stages . From 19 April 2017, the occupation lists that underpin the 457 visa have been 
condensed from 651 to 435 occupations,  and further modifications to the lists were announced on 
1 July.  
4.11.   France  created "ICT Mobile Permits", which allow for eign nationals holding an 
intra-corporate transferee permit in one European Union member State to work temporarily in 
France without the n eed to obtain a new work permit . India introduced improvements to its visa 
schemes . It expanded the number of countries eligible under its e -Visa programme, which allows 
entering the country for up to 60 days for business visits and other specific activiti es, and launched 
a new "intern visa" category . For its part, the Republic of Korea  issued new guidelines that limit 
the use of the Short Term Travellers Visa to non -profit activities . All for -profit activities, including 
the supply of services pursuant to a contract, require an employment visa before entry .  
4.12.   On 1 January, Switzerland  increased by 1 ,000 its maximum number of work permits for 
highly qualified workers from non -EU and non -EFTA countries for 2017, compared to the previous 
year. This brings the t otal of such work permits to 7 ,500. Half of the additional work permits are 
for short stays (L permit) and the other half for long stays (B permits) . These 1 ,000 additional 
work permits are held as a federal reserve by the Confederation in order to meet, o n request, 
further needs from the cantons. Angola  abolished a rule capping at three years the validity of work 
permits for foreign workers. Work permits may now be valid for the duration of an employee 's 
work contract . Kazakhstan  removed a quota on intra -corporate transferees , and the Republic of 
Moldova  eased rules on the movement of natural persons from the European Union.  
4.13.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  took measures to increase the level of "saudiz ation" (Nitaqat 
framework) of the workforce across a number of industries . Companies complying with the 
domestic workforce thresholds enjoy a number of advantages, such as expedited immigration 
processing, lower processing fees, and other administrative benefits . In Zambia , employment 
permits will no longer be vali d for a standard two -year period, as their duration will rather be 
determined on a case -by-case basis.  
4.14.   In addition, several Members undertook initiatives and legislative changes aiming to 
streamline procedures or otherwise facilitate the movement of foreig n natural persons, including 
Canada, Lesotho, Morocco , Pakistan , and Ukraine . For example, Canada  introduced a streamlined 
temporary worker program me that features shorter processing times for applications by highly -
skilled foreign workers . Lesotho  has lau nched a new e -Visa application platform that allows foreign 
business travelers to get single -entry and multiple -entry visas in 72  hours, compared to the 
previous offline process that required up to 14 days.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Communication services  
 
4.15.   Several Members introduce d new measures in relation to the communication sector or 
broader frameworks relating to electronic transactions and data . The Russian Federation  adopted, 
on 1 May 2017, a law that limits foreign participation in certain audiovisual services . The new 
measu re applies to systems that distribute collections of audiovisual works online, provided they 
have more than 100 ,000 users per day in the Russian Federation and that they offer content for a 
fee or conditional on viewing advertising targeted at residents of  the Russian Federation . The law 
provides that only a Russian legal entity or a Russian Federation citizen that does not hold the 
citizenship of another state can own such systems . Foreign persons that own an information 
resource used for online distributi on of collections of audiovisual works that has less than 50% of 
its users in the Russian Federation are not allowed to own more than 20% of the capital of such 
Russian legal entities, unless permission is received from a government commission .  
4.16.   In China , the Cybersecurity Law, effective since 1 June 2017, requires "personal information 
and important data" collected and generated in China to be stored domestically . Security 
assessments by authorities will be conducted in relation to information and data tra nsferred 
abroad because of business requirements . China also adopted a new Film Industry Promotion Law 
that sets out new requirements and procedures in relation to the production, distribution, review, 
and exhibition of feature films in China . For instance , the law requires local theatre operators to 
ensure that the screening time for Chinese films is no less than two thirds of the annual screening 
time of all films . Indonesia , for its part, issued a new regulation on data protection, which, among 
other thi ngs, requires electronic system providers to have data centres located in Indonesia and 
sets out procedures for cross -border data transfers, which are subject to coordination with 
authorities .  
4.17.   Moreover, Argentina  established rules and standards with respe ct to the convergence 
between television, telecommunication, and information technology services, and the 
United  States  adopted a new measure easing the capacity of Internet Service Providers to 
commercialize user data . The European Union  ended roaming sur charges for all people who travel 
periodically within the European Union . As of 15 June 2017, subscribers only pay domestic charges 
when roaming . India lowered the interconnection usage charge for mobile to mobile 
communications as from 1 October 2017, and  directed termination charges to end completely in 
January 2020 . Somalia  is set to create an independent regulator, Tanzania  will now allow 
foreigners to purchase shares in telecom operators, Canada  took measures aimed to calibrate 
wholesale access at lowe r rates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  lifted its ban on voice over 
Internet (VoIP) calling on 21 September .  
Financial services  
 
4.18.   Various policy changes took place during the review period in the financial services sector . 
For instance, as regards insura nce, Thailand  liberalized foreign shareholding limits for life and non -
life insurance companies. Foreign insurance companies in Thailand may be permitted, under 
certain conditions, to hold more than 49% of the voting shares of a Thai insurance company and 
to have foreigners comprise more than half of directors.  
4.19.   Argentina  adopted a new resolution easing limits on the cross -border supply of reinsurance 
and retrocession services . Insurance companies will be allowed to place their risks directly with 
Admitted R einsurers (cross -border reinsurers) according to the following scheme: up to 50% of 
their ceded premiums for contracts beginning 1 July 2017; up to 60% of their ceded premiums for 
contracts beginning on 1 July 2018; up to 75% of ceded premiu ms for contract s beginning on 
1 July 2019 . Brazil  also introduced new liberalization measures for the reinsurance market . 
Regulations increased to 70% the percentage of risks that can be ceded to foreign reinsurers. This 
figure will continue to increase each year until i t reaches 85% in 2020.  
4.20.   Indonesia  announced that it will limit foreign ownership in insurance companies to 80% . The 
amended regulations will be applied to established companies with foreign ownership below 80% 
and to new insurance companies . In Malaysia , foreign insura nce companies are facing a June  2018 
deadline to comply with a 2009 rule that capped foreign ownership of local insurance companies at 
70%. The government had earlier granted exemptions from the rule, but Malaysia's Central Bank 
informed in Ju ly 2017 that foreign insurers operating in Malaysia will be required to comply with 
the cap .   WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  4.21.   Since 16 January 2017, e very insurer in India must comply with the order of preference for 
cessions by Indian insurers prescribed by Regulation 28(9) of the Bran ch Office Regulations. The 
regulation specifies that an Indian insurer is first required to approach India's official reinsurer GIC 
Re before reaching out to the branch operations of foreign reinsurers. After exhausting these two 
channels, insurers are all owed to approach reinsurers located in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), 
Indian primary insurers, and, lastly, reinsurers located outside the country . In Kenya , since 
1 January 2017, marine cargo insurance (MCI) is reserved to local insurance companies.  
4.22.   With respect to banking and other financial services, China  eased approval requirements for 
foreign -owned banks to supply some investment banking services in the country and to invest in 
domestic banking institutions . In addition, the People's Bank of China iss ued new guidelines on the 
market access of suppliers of bankcard clearing services, and has taken new measures to allow 
foreign institutions to operate rating agencies and permit foreign -based agencies to provide rating 
services for the domestic market.  
4.23.    For its part, Indonesia  imposes, since 15 November 2016, a 20% limit on foreign ownership 
of enterprises that supply electronic payment processing services . The limit applies to ( i) new 
enterprises in the electronic payment services sector, ( ii) existing en terprises that expand into this 
sector, and ( iii) enterprises already active in the sector that experience a change of ownership . 
Finally, on 13 March 2017, the Central Bank of Kenya  lifted the moratorium that it had imposed on 
the licensing of new banks s ince November 2015.  
Transport Services  
 
4.24.   Malaysia  exempted the states of Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan from cabotage laws with 
respect to the transport of cargo between peninsular Malaysia and east Malaysia . Previously, 
foreign vessels were not allowed to move cargo between ports of Malaysia . Vanuatu , adopted its 
new Maritime Sector Regulatory Act . The new law establishes an independent regulator for the 
maritime transport sector, which will oversee the safety and security of Vanuatu's shipping and 
ports, and re gulate to ensure fair and equitable access to Vanuatu's port services .  
4.25.   On 26 June 2017, Mexico  raised the cap on foreign capital participation from 25% to 49% in 
regular and non -regular domestic air transport service, non -scheduled international air trans port 
service in the air taxi mode, and specialized air transport service . China  implemented, in May, 
additional measures liberalizing foreign investment in selected sectors relating to air transport for 
pilot free trade zones, and eased certain limits on s uppliers from Hong Kong, China and Macao, 
China .  
4.26.   With respect to road transport services, New Zealand  introduced a regulatory framework for 
a new single class of small passenger services, aiming to reduce regulatory requirements faced by 
operators and to enable taxis and ridesharing operators to compete on a level playing field . The 
Kingdom of Bahrain  took new measures permitting up to 100% foreign ownership in domestic 
tourist transport services, and up to 49% foreign ownership in certain other transport services .  
Other Services Sectors  
 
4.27.   A more limited number of policy changes over the review period touched on services sectors 
not mentioned above.  Italy (European Union) introduced new measures liberalizing the retail 
pharmacy sector, notably by allowing c orporate entities to run a pharmacy business, while Poland  
(European Union) restricted the right to open a pharmacy to professional pharmacists and 
introduced limits on the number of pharmacies .    
4.28.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  removed the 25% limit on forei gn ownership in the 
engineering services sector, China  lifted the 70% foreign investment limit for medical clinics, 
Thailand  adopted measures to facilitate the establishment and operation of foreign universities, 
including by easing foreign ownership limit s in certain zones, and Australia , in the context of the 
Single Economic Market agenda with New Zealand, removed the requirement that patent attorneys 
seeking registration in Australia be ordinarily resident in Australia . Further, Egypt  ended state 
monopol y in the natural gas market and allowed private companies to directly ship, transport, 
store, market and trade natural gas using the pipeline and network infrastructure . WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Air Transport Agreements  
 
4.29.   The table below presents information on air services agreeme nts (ASAs) concluded during 
the period under review. These include both new ASAs and revisions of pre -existing ones. As far as 
can be assessed from available sources, the vast majority of these ASAs provides for access 
conditions that are more liber al than  was previously the case . 
Table 4.1 Air Transport Agreements concluded or amended during the reporting period  
Parties  Date of 
signature  Source  
Guyana  Republic of 
Korea  09.12.2016  http://www.caribbeannewsnow.c om/topstory -Guyana -signs-
open-skies-agreements -32993.html  
Guyana  Dominican 
Republic  09.12.2016  http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory -Guyana -signs-
open-skies-agreements -32993.html  
Guyana  India 09.12.2016  http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory -Guyana -signs-
open-skies-agreements -32993.html  
Chinese 
Taipei  Australia  15.12.2016  https://www.ch -aviation.com/portal/news/51723 -taiwan -
australia -agree -to-further -liberalise -skies 
Canada  Jamaica  20.12.2016  http://jamaica -gleaner.com/article/lead -
stories/20161221 /jamaica -canada -see-major -benefits -open-
skies-agreement  
United Arab 
Emirates  Tanzania  20.12.2016  http://exchange.co.tz/?p=12447  
China  Australia  21.12.2016  https://centreforaviation.com/insights/analysis/china -and-
australia -remove -airline -growth -restrict ions-as-china -
cautiously -embraces -open-skies-319894  
Azerbaijan  Israel  26.12.2016  https://www.azernews.az/business/107072.html  
Russian 
Federation  Turkey  29.12.2016  https://centreforaviation.com/news/ ------- 629718  
Qatar  Montenegro  29.01.2017  http://www.gu lf-times.com/story/530885/Qatar -Montenegro -
sign-air-transport -agreement  
Singapore  Cook Islands  08.02.2017  http://malaysiandigest.com/world/657358 -singapore -
concludes -open-skies-agreement -with-cook-islands.html  
Bhutan  United Arab 
Emirates  13.02.2017  http://www.kuenselonline.com/air -services -agreement -
signed -with-uae/ 
Rwanda  Mali 14.02.2017  http://exchange.co.tz/rwanda -and-mali-sign-open-air-
operations -agreement -in-kigali/  
India Rwanda  15.02.2017  http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/gov
t-approves -india-rwanda -air-services -agreement -
1003986.html  
India Greece  22.02.2017  http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Education -&-
Careers/2017 -03-02/Air -Services -Agreement/284249  
India Fiji 08.03.2017  http://fijisun.com.fj/2017/03/09/fiji -and-india-sign-air-
services -agreement/  
New 
Zealand  Kenya  15.03.2017  http://business.scoop.co.nz/2017/03/15/new -zealand -to-
benefit -from-stronger -air-links/  
New 
Zealand  Botswana  15.03.2017  http://business.scoop.co.nz/2017/03/15/new -zealand -to-
benefit -from-stronger -air-links/  
New 
Zealand  Dominican 
Republic  15.03.2017  http://business.scoop.co.nz/2017/03/15/new -zealand -to-
benefit -from-stronger -air-links/  
New 
Zealand  Italy 15.03.2017  http://business.scoop.co.nz/2017/03/15/new -zealand -to-
benefit -from-stronger -air-links/  
Finland  Cuba 15.03.2017  http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Cuba -signs-air-
services -agreement -with-Finland  
Cameroon  Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  16.03.2017  http://www.arabnews.com/node/1068961/saudi -arabia  
Qatar  Saint Vincent 
and the 
Grenadines  20.03.2017  http://www.gulf -times.com/story/558479/Emir -ratifies -
cabinet -decisions  
India  Serbia  31.03.2017  http://www.business -standard.com/article/news -ians/cabinet -
approves -updatin g-of-air-services -agreement -with-serbia -
117040100014_1.html  
Ghana  Algeria  31.03.2017  https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general -news/ghana -
algeria -draft-air-services -agreement.html  
India  Malaysia  31.03.2017  http://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?n ewsID=4
45231  
India  Georgia  31.03.2017  http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report -cabinet -approves -air-
services -agreement -between -india-georgia -2382805  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Parties  Date of 
signature  Source  
India  Cyprus  28.04.2017  http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/india -cyprus -sign-
4-agreements -on-merchant -shipping -air-services/398976.html  
Mozambique  France  04.05.2017  http://journalducameroun.com/en/mozambique -france -ink-
air-services -deal/ 
United Arab 
Emirates  Belize  06.05.2017  http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/uae -signs-open-skies-
agreement -with-belize-1.2022782  
Australia  Fiji 08.05.2017  http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/05/australia -and-fiji-
expand -air-services -agreement/  
Qatar  Bosnia and 
Herzegovina  08.05.2017  http://www.gulf -times.com/story/547340/Qatar -Bosnia -sign-
air-service -agreement  
Barba dos Canada  09.05.2017  http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/96649/barbado
s-canada -sign-air-transport -agreement  
Hong Kong, 
China  Spain  09.05.2017  http://7thspace.com/headlines/535287/hong_kong_signs_air_
services_agreement_with_spain.html  
Singapore  Belize 11.05.2017  http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore -and-belize -
sign-open-skies-agreement  
Sri Lanka  Canada  18.05.2017  http://www.colombopage.com/archive_17A/May18_14950802
69CH.php  
Peru Australia  24.05.2017  http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/notici a-peru-australia -ink-
air-services -agreement -668145.aspx  
Philippines  Qatar  01.06.2017  http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/noticia -peru-australia -ink-
air-services -agreement -668145.aspx  
Hong Kong, 
China  Israel  08.06.2017  http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking -
news.php?id=90857  
Canada  Thailand  07.07.2017  https://centreforaviation.com/news/expanded -air-transport -
agreement -with-thailand -to-provide -more-travel -options -for-
canadians -690743  
Singapore  Armenia  14.07.2017  http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/si ngapore -
signs-open-skies-agreement -with-armenia -9031506  
Thailand  Australia  03.08.2017  http://gazette.com/thailand -australia/article/feed/481443  
Barbados  Chile 25.08.2017  https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/barbados -chile-
strengthen -ties 
Russian 
Feder ation Kazakhstan  05.09.2017  http://www.rusaviainsider.com/russia -kazakhstan -increase -
bilateral -frequencies -designate -carriers/  
Brazil  China  13.09.2017  https://centreforaviation.com/news/brazil -anac-anac-e-
autoridade -de-aviaco -civil-chinesa -assinam -acordo -para-
ampliar -servicos -aereos -714656  
Mauritius  Portugal  14.09.2017  http://allafrica.com/stories/201709140878.html  
India Japan  14.09.2017  http://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2017/sep/14/indi
a-japan -sign-open-sky-agreement -allowing -unlimited -flight-
service-1657281.html  
Singapore  Hungary  28.09.2017  http://sbr.com.sg/aviation/news/singapore -hungary -ink-air-
transport -deal 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Box 4.1 Trade in S ervices and Connectivity  
Services trade polici es can play a fundamental role in addressing the difficulties faced by a number of countries 
in connecting to the international trading system, thereby reducing economic isolation. Indeed, well -
functioning services markets are central to advancing both phy sical and digital connectivity. Services help 
connect economies to the international trading system and the global trading system through four main 
channels.  
 
1.    Services provide the basic infrastructure on which trade in goods relies. A diverse range of services 
are necessary to bring final goods from their production site to consumers across borders. The more 
expensive or inadequate the underlying services, the harder it is to trade goods.  
2.    Services are key enablers of global value chains (GVCs), which  now play a preponderant role in 
connecting economies through trade. Services permit the coordination of GVCs, but also provide 
increasingly significant inputs to the production of goods. Efficient services are thus essential for 
industrialization and trad e.  
3.    Services are key enablers of the digital supply of services and the functioning of e -commerce more 
generally. Telecommunication and IT services can have a transformational impact on economic 
development. They provide the basic infrastructure that al lows for a range of services to be provided 
digitally and for goods to be offered and purchased online .  
4.    Services supplied online  enhance connectivity by providing developing countries with new export 
opportunities. Their share of world services trade h as increased and a number of developing countries 
have experienced the most rapid export growth in certain services segments.  
 
Services policies play a fundamental role in connecting countries. When trade -facilitating, they promote 
connectivity. When trade -restrictive, they tend to limit it. Services trade costs are much higher on average 
than for trade in goods, and barriers to trade in services contribute significantly to such costs. Existing 
evidence shows that barriers to trade in services are relativel y high and widespread. Sectors essential to 
physical connectivity (e.g. transport) and digital connectivity (e.g. telecommunications) face trade restrictions 
in a number of countries.  
 
Recent research has found that services trade policies can limit – or enhance – connectivity in different ways. 
Services sectors facing lower trade costs – themselves associated in part with lower services barriers – have 
been found to have higher productivity growth. Restrictive services policies limit physical connectivity.  For 
example, policy restrictions in the road transport sector increase the price of trucking services and raise trade 
costs, especially for landlocked countries. Services trade restrictions also negatively affect foreign investment, 
as well as the export of manufactured products.  
 
Further, countries that have introduced quality regulation – including allowing competition – have had greater 
success than others in developing their digital economy. Such regulatory settings are key to driving investment 
in information and communications technology (ICT) and uptake.  Over the past 25 years, the regulation of the 
telecommunication sector has undergone fundamental transformations, as the large majority of countries has 
moved from monopolies to regulatory environme nts encouraging effective competition, with lower barriers to 
entry and often privatized state -owned incumbents. Competition in the telecommunications sector has reduced 
prices and increased penetration levels.   As reported by the UN Broadband Commission, a study of 165 
countries between 2001 and 2012 showed that competitive markets had mobile broadband penetration levels 
that were 26.5% higher than those countries without competitive markets.  Many studies have also found that 
this change in policy approac h has been associated with enhanced affordability, as well as higher quality and 
greater diversity of telecommunication services. Accordingly, adequate services trade policies in the 
telecommunication sector, supported by appropriate regulatory frameworks,  figure as key building blocks to 
develop quality infrastructure and help reduce the digital divide, and consequently provide a platform to take 
advantage of digital opportunities.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat  on the basis of Cha pter 4 in WTO & OECD, "Aid for Trade at a Glance 2017" . WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  5  POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE AND INTELLE CTUAL PROPERTY  
5.1.  The entry into force of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement, on 23  January 2017, 
was an important milestone in the period under review. It marked the first amendment to a 
multilateral trade agreement, since the creation of the WTO in 1995. The Protocol follows the 2005 
Decisio n116 to amend the TRIPS Agreement in order to address public health needs of developing 
and least -developed country Members.  
5.2.  The Amended TRIPS Agreem ent applies to all Members who have accepted the Protocol117, 
thirteen of which did so during the review period. The  Decision of 2003118 continues  to apply  for 
those Members who are yet to accept the Protocol . The map, below, shows Members that have 
accepted t he Protocol in blue and those that have not in red:  
Accep tance of the Amendment to the TRIPS Agreement  
 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
5.3.  The relation between intellectual property (IP) and trade  was further strengthened , as 
evidenced by  the entry into force of laws clearly linked to trade in goods and services, such as  the 
Swissness Legislation and the domestic implementation of the Canada -EU Comprehensive 
Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), as well as the development of national policies aimed at 
streamlining IP into the economy, described in  Box 5.1. Technological innovation and the need to 
protect and enforce intellectual property rights in the digital economy are consolidating the 
importance of IP for trade and economic development and diversification.  
Box 5.1 Examples of IP Policy Initiatives  
Canada – Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Canada -European Uniona 
 
As a result of the implementation of CETA, the following steps we re taken in September 2017:  
 
- The Patent Act was amended to include the issuance and administration of certificates of supplementary 
protection (CSP). This regime provides additional protection from the date of the expiry of the eligible 
pharmaceutical pate nt, based on the first authorization for sale of a drug containing a new medicinal ingredient 
or combination of medicinal ingredients. This new protection is intended to partly compensate for time spent in 
research and obtaini ng marketing authorization; an d provides patent -like rights in respect of drugs containing 
the same medicinal ingredient or combination.  
 
- The system for the protection of geographical indications was expanded beyond wines and spirits to also 
cover agricultural products and foods.  
 
- The Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations , which establish Canada' s patent linkage 
regime, were amended to replace summary prohibition proceedings with full actions to determine patent 
                                                
116 Document WT/L/641 . 
117 Viewed at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/trips_e/amendment_e.htm . 
118 Document WT/L/540 and its Corr.1 . WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 103 - 
 
  validity and infringement. Thus, all litigants under the Regulations  have an equivalent and  effective right of 
appeal; and the costly and inefficient practice of 'dual litigation ', whereby a patent could be separately litigated 
under both the Regulations and the Patent Act , was eliminated.  
 
China – Implementatio n of "Sword Net 2017"b 
"Sword Net 2017" is a special action to fight against online infringement and piracy, launched in July 2017. It 
is designed to strengthen the copyright protection of the press, publication, film and TV industries in the digital 
environment; and rectify the copyright order of e -business platforms and application stores. The objectives 
pursued are to consolidate the achievements of copyright administration in online literature, music, cloud 
storage and adverti zing alliances; strengthen the primary responsibility that the internet companies should 
assume; and maintain a good online copyright order.  
 
South Africa's IP National Policy – Recent Developmentsc 
A National IP Policy is being developed with the objective of ensuring a coordinated  and balanced approach to 
provide effective protection of IPRs and, at the same time, respond to the country 's socio -economic dynamics 
and developmental objectives. The Draft IP National Policy Phase 1 was published in September 2017 for public 
comment. Th e objectives of the Policy are to: (i)  consider the development dynamics of the country and 
improve the way IP supports small institutions and vulnerable individuals in society, including in the domain of 
public health; (ii) nurture and promote a culture o f innovation, by enabling creators and inventors to reach 
their full potential and contribute towards improving the competitiveness of industries; (iii)  promote arts and 
culture; and (iv) solidify various international obligations, such as the Convention o n Biological Diversity and 
the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising 
from their Utilisation.d 
 
----------------------------  
a Submission by Canada for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
b Submis sion by China for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
c Submission by South Africa for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
d As seen in: http://www.dti.gov.za/gazzettes/IP_Policy.pdf   
Source:  WTO Sec retariat.  
5.4.  The network of bilateral and regional trade agreements that contain  specific  IP provisions 
continues to expand. The WTO RTA Database currently contains 151 RTAs that incorporate 
substantive IP -related provisions, including for example , on: copyri ght and related rights; 
trademarks, geographical indications; industrial designs; patents; undisclosed information; layout 
designs of integrated circuits; new plant varieties; enforcement measures applied at the border or 
covering the online environment; e xamination and administration of industrial property rights; the 
scope of rights accorded to IP holders; and the substantive standards defining the eligibility for 
protection of certain forms of IP subject matter. IP Chapters in RT As continue to evolve and  cover 
substantive standards for protection in areas not addressed by the TRIPS Agreement, such as 
traditional knowledge, biodiversity, domain names, encrypted satellite signals, liability of internet 
service providers, as well as cooperation mechanisms be tween the parties to the agreement. WTO 
Members are actively negotiating agreements that contain sophisticated IP provisions and also 
cover e-commerce, investment and provide for competition policy measures that may have  
implications for the IP system . 
TRIPS Council  
5.5.  During the review period, the TRIPS Council met five times: in November 2016 and in 
January, March , June  and October 2017. The January 2017  session  was a high -level meeting 
dedica ted to the entry into force of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agr eement. Members 
welcomed the entry into force and encouraged those Members that had not yet accepted the 
Amendment to do so, as soon as possible. Members also highlighted the need to share practical 
experiences on the effective implementation of the Amendm ent to foster access to affordable 
medicines  
5.6.  At the November 2016 and March 2017 meetings, Members exchanged views on the "United 
Nations High Level Panel Report on Access to Medicines" .119 Some Members referenced the 
recommendations in this Report, includin g making full use of TRIPS flexibilities, while others 
highlighted the need for a coherent and holistic approach recognizing the role of intellectual 
property rights in the development of new medicines. Additionally, Members acknowledged the 
                                                
119 Viewed at: http://www.unsgaccessmeds.org/final -report/   WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 104 - 
 
  need to focus work on how to effectively implement the mechanism established by the Protocol 
Amending the TRIPS Agreement.  
5.7.  Debate continued on the possibility of non-violation and situation complaints  under the TRIPS 
Agreement, as per the directions of the 10th Minister ial Conference120 and Article 63.3 of the 
Agreement itself. Members expressed their long -standing positions and also discussed the need to 
engage in factual analysis and work towards a permanent solution.  
5.8.  Members also discussed the Work Programme on Electro nic Commerce, at the request of 
Canada121; as well as Brazil and other co -sponsors .122 Members highlighted the importance of IP in 
e-commerce a nd its benefits for innovative technologies, ideas and business models, including its 
role in trade and development.  Some Members expressed support for focused e -commerce 
discussions on the protection of copyrights and related rights, trademarks and access to 
technology.  
5.9.  The TRIPS Council has always given importance to the work on t ransparency. During the 
review period , 21 Members123 notified legislative measures under Ar ticle 63.2. Some of these 
measures were briefly introduced during the meetings which provided insights into recent 
legislative changes in the areas, for instance, of: copyrights  and related rights; tradema rks; use of 
country brands; geographical indications; protection of specific agricultural, forestry and fishery 
products; industrial designs and models; patents; compulsory licences; trade secrets; integrated 
circuits; plant variety protection; anticompeti tive practices; enforcement; as well as procedural IP 
registration updates such as fees and electronic filing and accession to WIPO Treaties.  
5.10.   At the November 2016 meeting, the European Union and the United States introduced their 
new legislatio n to protec t trade secrets. The European Union  highlighted the important role of 
trade secrets to protect the exchange of knowledge between businesses, in particular SMEs and 
research institutions. The Directive, adopted in June 2016, harmonized the protection of tra de 
secrets within the E uropean Union, while making sure that fundamental rights, including freedom 
of speech and mobility of workers, were preserved. The United States noted that the protection of 
trade secrets was essential to foster innovation and promot e economic growth. The 2016 Defend 
Trade Secrets Act provided businesses with a uniform, reliable, and predictable way to protect 
their trade secrets anywhere in the country. This was complemented by brief overviews of the 
relevant legislation in Canada, J apan, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei.124  
5.11.   Regarding the review of Article 24.2, El  Salvador and Switzerland shared  information on  
their system s for the protection of geographical indications, which  had led them to  prepare and 
update their respective checklis ts. In the run -up to the TRIPS Council meeting in October 2017, 
India submitted questions to the European Union on enforcement of intellectual property rights 
with regard to goods in transit.125 Additionally, during the period under review, the TRIPS Council  
concluded its review of the implementing legislation submitted by St. Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles 
and Kazakhstan.  
5.12.   Members cont inued to share their experiences on the relation between intellectual property 
and innovation. They engaged in a constructive di scussion on regional innovation models; national 
and regional experiences to strengthen collaboration between micro, small  and medium  
enterprises (MSMEs) and other companies,  universities and government entities ; the role of IP in 
the growth and success of  MSMEs; inclusive innovation and MSMEs' trade. In June 2017, Members 
also started the discussion on IP and the public interest, which revolved around the use of 
compulsory licences.  
                                                
120 Documents WT/MIN/(15)/41 and WT/L/976.  
121 Document IP/C/W/613 /Add.1.  
122 Documents JOB/IP/19 to JOB/IP/22.  
123 Bahrain, Kingdom of;  Brunei Darussalam; Canada;  China; Croatia;  Ecuador; the European Union; 
Gabon; Greece; Japan; Hong Kong, China; India; Liberia; Madagascar; Mexico;  Moldova, Republic of ; 
Montenegro; Norway; Switzerland; Chinese Taipei; and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.  
124 Document IP/C/M/83/Add.1 . 
125 Document IP/C/W/636.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  TRIPS -related Discussions in Trade Policy Reviews  
5.13.  During the review perio d, the Trade Policy Reviews of  18 Members126 took place. 
These  reviews included discussions on a wide range of intellectual property  issues with bearing on 
trade policy . In particular the discussion touched upon  exhaustion  regimes,  copyright s and related 
rights, copyright protection in the digital environment,  statutory licences, collective management, 
royalty rate determination, trademarks,  protection of well -known and service marks, certification 
marks, geographical indications,  opposition procedures, imple mentation of standard essential 
patents, patent quality,  compulsory licences , data exclusivity, linkage to the regulatory regime, 
use and validity of supplementary protection certificates , utility models, protection of undisclosed 
information and trade sec rets, plant variety  protection, anticompetitive practices , enforcement 
measures online and at the border , ex officio  border procedures, application of enforcement 
measures to goods in transit, adjudication procedures,  judicial rev iew of administrative deci sions, 
appeal mechanisms, national IP strategies, procedural innovations in the granting of intellectual 
property rights , implications of rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union , and 
ratification of WIPO Treaties. In some discussions, the abs ence of notifications to the TRIPS 
Council was flagged . 
                                                
126 Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Salomon Islands, United States, Sierra 
Leone, Jap an, Mexico, Belize, Mozambique, Switzerland/Liechtenstein, Nigeria, European Union, Brazil, 
Jamaica, Paraguay and Iceland.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  6  TRANSPARENCY OF TRADE POLICIES  
Notifications and Surveillance in WTO Councils and Committees127 
6.1.  This Section provides an overview of the compliance and timeliness of Members' notifications 
to the WTO. Transparency in trade and in trade policy -making is fundamental for allowing 
economic agents make informed decisions and this, in turn, permits markets to operate more 
efficiently. Notifications are the primary instrument for ensuring transparency in the m ultilateral 
trading system. They are submitted by each Member and reviewed by the relevant bodies of the 
WTO. The importance attached by governments to this issue explains the very elaborate system of 
notifications and cross -notifications put in place unde r the terms of most Agreements.  
6.2.  The overview of the compliance and timeliness of Members' notifications to the WTO clearly 
illustrates that, with a few exceptions, compliance with notification requirements of the various 
WTO Agreements leaves much to be i mproved. Transparency and predictability are the first 
casualties of this situation as information of the existence and true cost of specific policies elude 
policy -maker and traders.  
6.3.  The lack of compliance with notification obligations across WTO bodies is  problematic because 
it undermines individual agreements and more generally the operation of the multilateral trading 
system. There are several reasons for the low compliance with many notification requirements and 
an important one relates to the lack of c apacity of many WTO Members. This lack of capacity, as 
well as other reasons behind the poor compliance must be addressed collectively by the WTO 
membership.  
Anti-Dumping  
6.4.  Pursuant to Article 16.4  of the Agreement on the Implementation of Article VI of GATT  1994 
("the Anti -Dumping Agreement"), all Members are required to submit to the Committee on 
Anti-Dumping Practices, on a semi -annual basis, reports of any anti -dumping actions taken within 
the preceding six months, using an agreed standard form.  Members t hat have not established an 
authority competent to conduct anti -dumping investigations have the option to make a one -time 
"nil" notification, valid unless and until they establish an investigating authority, in lieu of 
submitting nil notifications each six  months.  
6.5.  Some 53 Members (counting the European Union  and its member States as one) regularly 
submit semi -annual reports, either of anti -dumping actions taken, or of no actions having been 
taken, during the preceding six months.  Forty-seven Members have su bmitted one -time nil 
notifications.  The remaining 36 Members generally fail to submit semi -annual reports in respect of 
anti-dumping actions. It should be noted that few , if any , of these non -notifiers are likely to have 
taken anti -dumping actions.  
Subsidi es and Countervailing Measures  
6.6.  The trends in the status of compliance with the obligation to notify subsidies to the 
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures under Article 25.1 during the period 
1995-2017 are shown in Table 6.1. Subsidy notifications are required every two years and the 
most recent notifications were due on 30 June 2017. Further notifications for this period are 
expected to be received. The share of Members that have notified subsidies has remained betwee n 
38% and 50% between 1995 and 201 5.128 The share of Members that made a "nil" notification fell 
significantly over the same period. Excluding 1995 and 2017, the share of Members making the 
required notifications has not exceeded 70%, and generally has hover ed around 59%. Conversely, 
the share of Members not making any notification registered a substantial increase since 1995, 
from 27% to 48%, albeit with some intervening fluctuations.  
                                                
127 Notifications in the SPS and TBT Committees are dealt with in Sections 3.3 and 3.4 of this Report.  
128 For purposes of this Section, the European Union is counted as one Member.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Table 6.1 Status of subsidy  notifications  
New and full subsidy 
notification  
1995  
1998  
2001  
2003  
2005  
2007  
2009  
2011  
2013  
2015  
2017  
% share of total  
Members that notified 
subsidies  50 38 43 44 46 47 46 45 45 40 27 
Members that made a "nil" 
notification  25 16 15 14 13 11 17 20 18 14 7 
Sub-total notifying Members  75 54 59 58 59 58 63 65 63 54 34 
Members that did not make 
any notification  25 46 41 42 41 42 37 35 38 48 66 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.7.  Pursuant to Article 25.11 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, a ll 
Members are required to submit to the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, on a 
semi-annual basis, reports of any countervailing duty actions taken within the preceding 
six months using an agreed standard form. Members that have not estab lished an authority 
competent to conduct countervailing duty investigations have the option to make a one -time "nil" 
notification, valid unless and until they establish an investigating authority, in lieu of submitting nil 
notifications each six months.  
6.8.  Some 52 Members (counting the European Union  and its member States as one ) regularly 
submit semi -annual reports, either of countervailing duty actions taken, or of no actions having 
been taken, during the preceding six months.  Thirty -nine Members have submit ted one -time nil 
notifications.  The remaining (approximately 45) Members generally fail to submit semi -annual 
reports in respect of countervailing duty actions. It should be noted that few , if any , of these non -
notifiers is likely to have taken countervail ing actions.  
State Trading Enterprises  
6.9.  Notifications related to state trading enterprises are reviewed by the Working Party on State 
Trading Enterprises on behalf of the CTG. In July 2012, the Council agreed to extend indefinitely 
the new biannual frequen cy of new and full notifications. Thus, all WTO Members must notify their 
state trading enterprises every two years, with no updating notifications in the intervening years.  
6.10.   Table 6.2 presents notifications received for the years in which a new and full notification 
was due. The table shows a declining trend in total notifications over the period examined, which 
has accentuated over the past few years. Although it is likely that additional notifications will be 
received for more re cent periods, it remains clear that compliance with this notification 
requirement has been deteriorating.  
Table 6.2 Status of subsidy notificationsa 
New and full 
STE notification  % share  
1995  1998  2001  2004  2006  2008  2010  2012  2014  2016  
Members 
submitting 
notifications 
(including "nil" 
notifications)  67 54 55 50 48 49 49 43 40 33 
a As at 16 October 2017 . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Agriculture  
6.11.   The CoA continued its review of the implementation of Members' comm itments under the 
Agreement. T imely and complete notifications are fundamental for effective monitoring of the WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  implementation of commitments. Twelve distinct notification requirements are applicable in the 
domain of agriculture covering the following areas : market access, domestic support, export 
subsidies, export prohibitions or restrictions and the follow -up to the Marrakesh NFIDC Decision. 
The applicability of a notification requirement to a Member is largely dependent on its specific 
commitments under t he AoA. Out of the 12 notification requirements , the following 5 are "regular" 
or "annual" notification requirements: (i) imports under tariff and other quotas (MA:2), (ii) special 
safeguards (MA:5), (iii) domestic support (DS:1), (iv) export subsidies (ES :1) and (v)  total exports 
(ES:2). Annual notifications are required to be submitted no later than a certain number of days 
following t he end of the year in question, in accordance with the deadlines set out in document 
G/AG/2.  
6.12.   For the period 1995 -2015, th ere are a total of 1,744 outstanding regular notifications.129,130 
Out of the five annual notification requirements, Domestic Support (DS:1) and Export  Subsidy 
(ES:1) notifications have the highest number of outstanding notifications, as seen in Chart 6.1 and 
frequently constitute the majority of pending notifications in every year since 1995. Members' 
outstanding notifications  of imports under tariff and other quotas  (MA:2), s pecial safeguards  
(MA:5) and notification of total exports (ES:2) is much lower. It should be noted, however, that 
domestic support and export subsidy notifications must be submitted by the whole Membership, 
whereas, in the other areas the obligation to notify will depend upon each Members' commitments .   
Chart 6.1 Total outstanding notifications per type of notification requirement per year 
(1995 -2015)  
020406080100120140160180200
MA:2 MA:5 DS:1 ES:1 ES:2Chart X.[2]Agri
Total outstanding notifications per type of notification requirement per year (1995 
-2015)
Source: WTO secretariat
 
Note:  MA:2 - Imports under tariff and other quotas, MA:5 - Special safeguards, DS:1 - Domestic support, 
ES:1 - Export subsidies, ES:2 - Total exports.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.13.   While a large number of outstanding notifications remain, there has been a concerted effort 
by Members to bring their notifications up -to-date, as can be seen in  Chart 6.2, where notifications 
reporting more than one year (which might include the required year and/or any pending previous 
years) have been increasingly submitted by Members. Since  2009 onwards, the average number of 
years reported per notification has fluct uated between two and three . 
                                                
129 "Ad hoc " notification  obligations applicable only upon maintenance of  a specific measure 
(e.g. Table  ER:1 required upon the application of export restrictions) as well as the annual notifications where 
it was  not possible to determine a priori whether the concerned notification requirement would be applicable 
(e.g. Table NF:1 applicable to donor Members only) are excluded.  
130 Compliance with notification obligations – Note by the WTO Secretariat ( G/AG/GEN/86/Re v.29).  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Chart 6.2 Number of regular agriculture notifications and years reported (1995 -2017a) 
050100150200250300350400450
Number of regular notifications Total number of years reportedChart x.[3]Agri
Number of regular notifications and years reported, 1995 -2017a
a   Until 5 October 2017.
Source:  WTO Secretariat.
 
a Until 5 October  2017. 
Note:  The total number of years reported might include the required year and/or any pending previous 
year(s). For example, in 2009 Mexico submitted one MA:2 notification reporting in -quota imports for 
eight years (2000 -2007). For the purpose of this table, this means that Mexico reported eight 
implementation years.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat  (G/AG/GEN/86/Rev.29) . 
6.14.   From 15 October 2016 to 10 October 2017 , Members submitted 211 notifications, (including 
addenda and corrigenda). A total of 157  questions were posed during the November 2016, 
March  and June 2017 CoA  meetings concerni ng these and previously submitted notifications. As 
seen in  Chart 6.3, during the review period the majority of  questions raised related to domestic 
support notifications ( 86%). In particular, domestic support notifications by United States, 
European Union and Russia n Federation  attracted a considerable number of questions. In addition, 
19 questions were raised concerning the lack of notifications from Egypt, European Union, India, 
Indonesia, Nigeria, Thailand and Turkey.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Chart 6.3 Number of questions raised per section (mid -Oct. 2016 – mid-Oct. 2017a) 
Overdue 
notifications
19
Market access
14
Export Competition
8
Article 
18.6
112Individual 
notifications
157Domestic 
support
135Chart 5.4
Number of questions raised per section (Mid -October 2016 -Mid-October 2017a)
Source:  WTO Secretariat.a   Questions raised in the CoA November 2016, March and June 2017 meetings .
 
a Questions raised in the CoA meetings in November 20 16, March and June 2017 . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.15.   The Committee held its second annual dedicated discussion in the field of export 
competition at the June 2017 CoA meeting , further to  the Nairobi Ministerial  Decisions . The 
discussion was held on the basis of the Secretariat's  background document .131 The background 
document was based on the answers to a questionnaire sent to Members, and relevant information 
from export subsidy ( ES:1) and food aid ( ES:3) notifications and notifications to the Working Party 
on State Trading Enterprises.  In the context of the discussion , four Members posed questions to 14 
Members regarding their policies in the area of export subsidies; e xport credits, export credit 
guarantees or insurance programmes ; agricultural exporting State Trading Enterprises; and 
international food aid ( Table 6.3).132 A number of these questions requested clarification from 
Members on how they intended to ensure compliance of their policies with the relevant provisions 
of the Nairobi Decision on Export Competition.133 Additionally, at the November 2016 and March 
2017 CoA meetings, Chile posed a question to New Zealand on the implementation of the 
Ministerial Decision on Export Competition.134  
Table 6.3 Questions at the CoA annual dedicated discussion on export competit ion, 
June  2017  
ID number  Question 
answered by  Question raised by  Areas  
84065, 84114  Argentina  European Union, 
United  States  Export subsidies; export credits, export 
credit guarantees or insurance 
programmes.  
84066, 84115  Australia  European Union, 
United  States  Agricultural exporting state trading 
enterprises; export credits, export 
credit guarantees or insurance 
programmes.  
84116  Brazil  United States  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes.  
84067, 84006, 
84117, 84121  Canada  European Union, 
New Zealand, United States  Export subsidies; export credits, export 
credit guarantees or insurance 
programmes; international food aid.  
                                                
131 Document G/AG/W/125/Rev.6 and addenda.  
132 Document G/AG/W/166 . 
133 Document WT/MIN(15)/45.  
134 Documents G/AG/W/159 (ID 82065) and G/AG/W/160 (ID 83037).  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  ID number  Question 
answered by  Question raised by  Areas  
84070, 84118  China  European Union, 
United  States  Export subsidies; export credits, export 
credit guarantees or insurance 
programmes.  
84119, 84122  European Union  United States  Export credits, export credit guarantees 
or insurance programmes; international 
food aid.  
84005  Iceland  New Zealand  Export subsidies.  
84120  India United States  Export credits, export cre dit guarantees 
or insurance programmes.  
84004  Israel  New Zealand  Export subsidies.  
84123  Japan  China  International food aid.  
84069  New Zealand  European Union  Export subsidies; Agricultural exporting 
state trading enterprises.  
84003  Norway  New Zealand  Export subsidies.  
84002  Switzerland  New Zealand  Export subsidies.  
84124, 84068, 
84001  United States  China, European Union, 
New Zealand  International food aid; export subsidies.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Quantitative Restrictions (QRs)  
6.16.   The notification of quantitative restrictions (QRs) to the Market Access Committee is an 
obligation established by the 2012 Decision on Notification Procedures for Quantitative Restrictions 
(G/L/59/Rev.1). The Decision requires Members , every two years , to notify the WTO Secretariat of 
the QRs they have in force, as well as any changes in the interim. As of 2 October 2017, a total of 
33 Members had submitted notifications of QRs in force. The number of notifications for each 
biennial period is provided in Table 6.4. 
6.17.   The Decisi on on Reverse Notification of Non -Tariff Measures (G/L/60) gives Members the 
possibility of making reverse notifications of non -tariff measures imposed by another Member , 
subject to certain conditions. Only one notification has been made since the adoption  of the 
Decision in 1995.  
Table 6.4 Notification procedures for QRs  
No. Notification requirement  Total number of notifications received as of 2 October 2017, 
by biennial period  
1 QRs in force (regular 
notific ation)  2012-14: 27 notifications from 22 Members.  
2014-16: 30 notifications from 27 Members.  
2016-18: 16 notifications from 16 Members.  
2 Changes to the QRs 
maintained ( ad hoc ), or 
introduction of new QRs  2012-14: two Members notified the WTO Secretariat  of changes 
made to their existing QRs.  
2014-16: one Member notified the WTO Secretariat of changes made 
to its existing QRs.  
2016-18: no Member has notified the WTO Secretariat of any 
changes.  
3 QRs maintained by other 
Members  
(reverse notification)  No Member has given notification.  
4 Non-tariff measures 
maintained by other 
Members  
(reverse notification)  No Member has given notification.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Import Licensing  
6.18.   Notification requirements in the area of import licensing procedures res ult from the WTO 
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures and are complemented by the "Procedures for 
Notification and Review under the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures" adopted by the 
Committee on Import Licensing in 1995 (G/LIC/3) and the "Unders tanding on Procedures for the WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Review of Notifications submitted under the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures" adopted 
on 23 October 1996 (G/LIC/4). The notification requirements are described in  Table 6.5. 
Table 6.5 Notification procedures for import licensing  
No. Notification requirement  Established in:  Type  Notification  
Category  
1 Submission of full texts of 
relevant laws and regulations 
and any changes thereto  Article 8.2(b) of the Agreement; 
G/LIC/3  One-off and  
ad hoc  N/1 
2 Sources in which information 
concerning import licensing 
procedures are published  Article 1.4(a) of the Agreement; 
G/LIC/3  One-off and  
ad hoc  N/1 
3 New import licensing 
procedures and changes to 
existing  procedures  Article 5 of the Agreement  Ad hoc  N/2 
4 Reply to the Questionnaire on 
Import Licensing Procedures  Article 7.3 of the Agreement; 
G/LIC/ 2 Annual,  by 
30 September 
each year  N/3 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.19.   The N/1 notification requires a WTO Member to notify all relevant laws and regulations with 
regard to import licensing procedures as well as identify the source/publications containing such 
information. It contains both a one -off element (notification of existing laws and regulations and 
source/pub lications) and an ad hoc element (changes to laws and regulations thereafter). In 
theory, a WTO Member should have at least one N/1 submission, providing its laws and 
regulations on import licensing and indicating that its Government does not maintain any import 
licensing regime.  
6.20.   The N/2 notification is an obligation for Members to notify new licensing procedures or 
changes being made to existing procedures. It is ad hoc in nature and only due when specific 
circumstances occur. The N/3 notification requires  Members to reply to a Questionnaire describing 
all import licensing procedures in place by 30 September every year.  
6.21.   As of 3 October2017, 16  Members have not yet submitted any notification under any 
provision of the Agreement since joining the WTO.  26 Members have not yet submitted 
notifications regarding domestic import licensing -related laws and regulations and 24  Members 
have never submitted any Replies to the Annual Questionnaire under Article 7.3.  
6.22.   During the review period, as of 3 October 2017, 66 new  notifications under the Agreement 
on Import Licensing have been received and circulated by the Secretariat. Of these, 13 N/1 
notifications are from the following  11 Members: Brunei Darussalam; European Union; 
Kazakhstan; Mauritius; Republic of Moldova; So uth Africa; Switzerland;  Chinese Taipei ; Thailand; 
Ukraine and United States.  
6.23.   The Committee also reviewed, 22 N/2 notifications relating to the institution of new import 
licensing procedures or changes in these procedures from 11 Members: Argentina; Europe an 
Union; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Korea, Rep. of ; Malawi; Malaysia; Paraguay; Philippines; 
Togo and Ukraine.  The Committee reviewed also 31 N/3 notifications from 26 Members: 
Argentina; Australia; Burundi; Cameroon; China; European Union; Hong Kong, C hina; Gabon; 
Georgia; Japan; Malawi; Malaysia; Mali; Mauritius; Nicaragua; Panama; Qatar; Saint Lucia; 
Singapore; South Africa; Switzerland; Chinese Taipei; the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; 
Togo; Ukraine and United States.   
6.24.   During the review peri od, six Members for the first time, submitted notifications to the 
Committee under various Articles of the Agreement: (i) under Articles 1.4(a)/8.2(b): Brunei 
Darussalam, Kazakhstan and South Africa; (ii) under Article 5: Philippines and Togo; (iii) under 
Article 7.3: Gabon. In addition, the following Members updated their N/1 notifications and provided 
a full list of import licensing -related legislations: Mauritius and the Republic of Moldova.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Rules of Origin  
6.25.   The Agreement on Rules of Origin contains two notification obligations, described in  Table 
6.6. Recent notifications have improved the overall compliance with notification obligations; about 
75% of Members have already submitted information about their preferential or non -preferential 
rules of origin (or the absence thereof).  
Table 6.6 Notification procedures for rules of origin  
No. Legal source  Notification requirement  Type  
1 Article 5 of the 
Agreement  Non-Preferential Rules of Origin : All Members must submit a notification 
indicating:  
- if they apply non -preferential rules of origin (informing what the rules 
are); 
- or if they do not apply any non -preferential rules of origin.  
Changes to the legislation must also be notified.  One-off 
2 Paragraph 4 of 
Annex II of the 
Agreement  Preferential Rules of Origin : Members only notify if they adopt new 
preferential rules of origin or if they make changes to existing 
preferential rules (e.g. new FTAs or other new trade preferences).  Ad hoc  
Source: WTO Secretariat.  
6.26.   To date, 48 Members have notified the Committee that they have non -preferential origin 
requirements in place; 55 Members have notified that they do not implement rules of origin for 
non-preferential purposes; whereas 33 Members have never submitted notifications to the 
Committee .135 
6.27.   A related development is the Ministerial Decision on Preferential Rules of Origin for LDCs 
(WT/L/917/Add.1), adopted during the Nairobi Ministerial Conference. The Nairobi Decision builds 
on the earlier 2013  Ministerial Decision on preferential rules of origin by providing more detailed 
directions on specific issues, such as methods for determining when a product qualifies as “made 
in an LDC”, and when inputs from other sources can be “cumulated” — or combine d together — 
into the consideration of origin. The provisions also call on preference -granting Members to 
consider simplifying requirements related to origin . As part of the efforts to implement the 
Decision, the Committee on Rules of Origin adopted in 201 7 a detailed template for the notification 
of preferential rules of origin for LDCs. Fifteen preference -granting WTO Members have notified 
their preferential rules of origin for LDCs using the new template (G/RO/LDC/N document series). 
Furthermore, documen t G/RO/W/163/Rev.3 contains a summary of all notifications related to 
preferential rules of origin for LDCs.  
Customs Valuation  
6.28.   Notifications  in the area of customs valuation stem not only from the Agreement on 
Customs Valuation  itself, but also from a numb er of Decisions that have been adopted by the 
Committee on Customs Valuation. There are five main not ification requirements ( Table 6.7). 
Table 6.7 Notification procedures for customs valuation  
No. Notification 
requirement  Established in:  Type  
1 Submission of 
complete texts of 
national legislation 
(laws, regulations, 
etc.) Decision on the Notification and circulation of 
national legislation  in accordance with 
Article  22 of the Agreeme nt  
(G/VAL/5, B.2, paragraph (i))  One-off 
2 Changes in laws and 
regulations on 
customs valuation  Article 22.2 of the Agreement on Customs 
Valuation  Ad hoc  
3 Responses to the 
checklist of issues  Decision on the Checklist of Issues  
(G/VAL/5, B.3)  One-off 
                                                
135 The European Union and its member States are counted as one.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  No. Notification 
requirement  Established in:  Type  
4 Decision on interest 
charges - Date of 
implementation  Decision on the treatment of interest charges 
in the customs value of imported goods 
(G/VAL/5, A.3, last paragraph)  One-off 
5 Decision on Carrier 
Media (software) - 
Application of 
paragraph  2 Decis ion on the valuation of carrier media 
bearing software for data processing 
equipment (G/VAL/5, A.4, paragraph 2)  Ad hoc  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
6.29.   The notification requirements in the area of customs valuation are either one -off or ad hoc, 
which means that different approaches are required to estim ate their level of compliance. In 
addition, any estimate must take into account that the European Union  notifies on behalf a group 
of Members, and that this number has changed several times since the WTO entered in to force.  
6.30.   Taking all these elements into account, the maximum number  of one -off notifications as of 
12 October 2017  cover 136 Members (counting the European Union and its member States as 
one). This denominator has been used to estimate the degree of compl iance for the following 
notifications  (i) submission of the complete texts of national legislation; (ii) responses to the 
checklist of issues; and (iii) date of implementation of the Decision on the treatment of interest 
charges in the customs  value of imp orted goods ( Table 6.8).  
6.31.   Because ad hoc  notifications are, by definition, only due when specific circumstances occur, 
there is no maximum number of notifications that can be used to estimate the  overall degree of 
compliance. This is the case of  the: (i) changes in laws and regulations on customs valuation; and 
(ii) application of paragraph 2 of the Decision on Carrier Media (software).  
Table 6.8 Compliance in customs valuation notific ations  
No Notification requirement  Compliance  
as of 12 October 2017  
1 Submission of complete texts 
of national legislation (laws, 
regulations, etc.)  Currently, 98 Members have notified their legislation and 38 
Members have still to notify. This gives a compliance rate of 72%.  
2 Changes in laws and 
regulations on customs 
valuation  Since this is an ad hoc  type of notification (i.e. a Member is only 
required to notify if there is a change in its national legislation), it is 
not possible to assess the level  of compliance.  Thirty -three 
Members have notified changes to their national legislation on 
customs valuation since 1995.  
3 Responses to the checklist of 
issues  Currently, 66 Members have notified responses to the checklist of 
issues and 70 Members have not yet fulfilled this requirement, giving 
a compliance rate of 49%.   
4 Decision on interest charges - 
Date of implementation  To date, 48 Members have notified the date from which it will apply 
the Decision on Interest Charges and 88 Members have still to 
notify. This gives a compliance rate of 35% .  
5 Decision on Carrier Media 
(software) - Application of 
paragraph  2 Since this is an ad ho c notification (i.e. a Member is only required to 
notify if it imports of carrier media bearing data and software are 
valued as provided for in paragraph 2 of the Decision), it is not 
possible to assess the level of compliance.  To date, 41 Members 
have made this notification, but it is not possible to know whether 
there are Members applying the paragraph without having  submitted 
the notification.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat . 
Preshipment Inspection  
6.32.   Article 5 of the Agreement on Preshipment Inspection (PSI) provides that Members shall 
submit to the Secretariat copies of the laws and regulations by which they put the Agreemen t into 
force, as well as copies of any other laws and regulations relating to preshipment inspection. 
Changes in such laws and regulations shall also be notified immediately after their publication. No WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 115 - 
 
  Members have submitted notifications relating to PSI t o the Committee on Customs Valuation, 
which is the body responsible for administering the implementation of the PSI agreement , since 
the last report.  
Table 6.9 Compliance with PSI notifications  
No Notification  requirement  Notifications received in 2016 (up to 12 
October 2017)  
1 Submission of copies of laws and regulations 
putting the Agreement into force  No Member  
2 Other laws and regulations relating to PSI  No Member  
3 Changes in laws and regulations relati ng to PSI  No Member  
4 Absence of laws and regulations on PSI  No Member  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Integrated Database  (IDB)  
6.33.   The submission of tariff and import information to the Integrated Database (IDB) is a 
notification requirement under  the General Co uncil Decision of 16 July 1997.136 To overcome gaps 
in Members' notifications and to reduce delays in providing the information to users the Committee 
on Market Access adopted in July 2009 a framework to enhance the IDB notifications' compliance. 
The decisio n gave the WTO Secretariat flexibility to collect missing information from official sources 
and, after approval from the Member concerned, to integrate  it in the IDB . Therefore, the 
information included in the IDB is either directly notified to the Secreta riat by Members or 
collected by the Secretariat . These data are disseminated through the online portals : Tariff 
Analysis Online (TAO) and Tariff Download Facility (TDF) .137 
6.34.   The IDB follows a unique pattern, as it is the only notifications' database in the WT O where 
Members have authorized the Secretariat to proactively collect missing information to assist them 
in complying with their notification requirements. Since the adoption of the IDB framework 
decision in 2009, the IDB data coverage has significantly  improved. The IDB data collection policy 
could serve as an example of good  practice for other in-house notification requirements , whereby 
a network of external reliable data providers can be used to ease the notification burden of 
Members .  
6.35.   Chart 6.4 and 6. 5 present the number of tariff and import notifications received by the IDB, 
and show the number of notifications directly submitted by Members or collected by the 
Secretariat.  
6.36.   As at September  2017, the yearly average coverage of  IDB notifications was 79% for tariffs 
and 66% for imports. The highest year coverage for tariffs was in 2010 with 97% complete 
coverage . For imports, however, it was in 2006 with a data -coverage of 86%. As of the last IDB 
status of submissions138, about 41 Members ( 31 developing  non-LDCs and two LDCs) have 
complete tariff notifications from the year of their accession up to the year 201 6 and 46 Members 
(33 developing  non-LDCs and five LDCs) have fulfilled their imports notification obligations  up to 
2015. Using these corresponding reference years for tariffs and imports, t here are 32 Members 
which have no outstanding notification obligation to the IDB . 
6.37.   As shown in  Chart 6.4, the IDB tariff coverage was at more than 90% between  2006 and 
2013. National submissions have priority over data collected from other sources and when valid, 
they supersede collected data. The completeness of import data is slightly lower ( Chart 6.5) 
mainly because only a few countries pu blish detailed import statistics, making the Secretariat's 
work to find reliable alternative sources of import statistics very challenging. Nonetheless, from 
2004 to 2014, more than a quarter of IDB import statistics were collected by the Secretariat.  
                                                
136 Document WT/L/225. T he deadlines are 30 March for the tariff of the current year and 30 September 
for imports of   the previous year (WTO document G/MA/IDB/1/Rev.1/Add.1, 4 December  1997) . 
137 Viewed at: https://tao.wto.org  and http://tariffdata.wto.org/  
138 Document G/MA/IDB/2/Rev.46  of 12 September  2017.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Chart 6.4 Completeness of IDB tariff notificationsa 
(%) 
0102030405060708090100
Submitted Collected MissingChart 6.4[IDB]
Completeness of IDB tariff notificationsa
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Per cent
 
a Data for 201 7 cover January to September . 
Note:  The completeness of notifications is calculated on the number of Members' schedules and not on the 
numbe r of WTO Members (i.e. European Union  member States are included in the European Union  
schedule and Lichtenstein in Switzerland's schedule).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.38.   The IDB notifications' timelines s is illustrated in Table 6.10 where the percentage of data 
available within the years of the deadlines for tariffs and imports is provided since 2000. In cases 
where a valid submission has been received on time but was replaced or revised at a later date, 
the initial submission is inclu ded in the count of timely notification. The same applies  for data 
collected within the deadline , but eventually replaced either by a notification or by another 
framework -sourced data.139 Timeliness has improved across the years especially for tariffs. In 
2013, 75% of tariff data were submitted and/or collected on time. For import  statistics , timeliness 
is a bigger issue. The timely notification and/or collection from another source have yielded 
generally less than half of expected data, except in 2010 when 5 0% of data were available by the 
deadline. Hence, on imports, more data awareness measures need to be undertaken by the 
Secretariat both in terms of proactive data gathering from alternative sources as well as urging 
Members to make their notifications in a timely manner . One measure that was put in place to 
address this issue is facilitating data notification through a dynamic, user -friendly and secure 
internet -based application which became operational during the second quarter of 2016.140 
                                                
139 The percentage of timely notifications is calculated as  for the c ompleteness, i.e. based on the number 
of expected schedules.  
140 The IDB File Exchange Facility https://idbfileexchange.wto.org . WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Chart 6.5 Completeness of IDB import notificationsa 
(%) 
0102030405060708090100
Submitted Collected MissingChart 6.5 [IDB] 
Completeness of IDB import notificationsa
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Per cent
 
a Data for 2016 are due from 30 September 2017 .  
Note:  The completeness of notifications is calculated on the number of Members' schedules and not on the 
number of WTO Members (i.e. European Union  member States are included in the European Union  
schedule and Lichtenstein in Switzerland's schedule).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 6.10 Percentage of IDB data available within t he year of the deadlinea 
(% of expected schedules)  
 
2000  
2001  
2002  
2003  
2004  
2005  
2006  
2007  
2008  
2009  
2010  
2011  
2012  
2013  
2014  
2015  
2016  
2017  
Tariff 26 33 42 32 31 28 24 22 26 38 53 69 62 75 51 50 50 38 
Imports  29 34 29 27 19 17 22 21 31 27 50 45 43 38 21 41 18 n.a. 
a The numbers differ slightly from those reported in the past as the review of some submissions 
indicated that data were not suitable for inclusion in the IDB because of technical problems.  
n.a. Not applicable.  
Source:  IDB, 3 October  2017. 
6.39.   The notification of non -MFN regimes to the IDB, mostly the preferential tariffs resulting from 
PTAs, FTAs and RTAs has becom e more regular. This is partly due to the requirement under the 
Transparency Mechanism for PTAs whereby Members, who are covered by th is agreement, are 
obliged to notify non -reciprocal preferences (usually the GSP and LDC preferential schemes) and 
the amount of trade that occurs under these regimes. In the tariff submissions for the years 2015 
or later,  63% of applied tariff notification s included at least one non-MFN tariff regime, usually a 
PTA. Moreover, the very detailed requirement to notify PTAs at the tariff line level, by partner and 
by preferential duty scheme is more time -consuming and has repercussions on the timeliness of 
import submissions. The IDB S tatus of Submissions document circulated as hardcopy  during the 
Committee on Market Access regular meeting s reflect s the number of additional trading regimes 
alongside the MFN for the latest ten years . The old format , which include s the S tatus of 
Submissions of MFN tariffs and imports from 1996 for all Members and for all years, is now only 
available electronic ally. WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Balance -of-Payments Restrictions  
6.40.   Notification obligations in relation to restrictions to safeguard a country's balance  of 
payments stem from Articles XII and XVIII of the GATT 1994 and the Understanding on 
Balance -of-Payments (BOP) Provisions (described in Table 6.11). 
Table 6.11 Notification procedu res for BOPs restrictions  
Legal source  Notification requirement  Type  
GATT Article 
XII:4(a)  
  
GATT Article 
XVIII:12(a)  Any Member applying new restrictions or raising the 
general level of restrictions by a substantial 
intensification of the measures applie d under this Article 
shall immediately after instituting or intensifying such 
restrictions (or, in circumstances in which prior 
consultation is practicable, before doing so) consult with 
Members as to the nature of its balance of payments 
difficulties, alt ernative corrective measures which may 
be available, and the possible effect of the restrictions 
on the economies of other Members.  Ad hoc, followed by annual 
consultations  
  
Ad hoc, followed by biennial 
consultations  
Understanding on 
BOP Provisions, 
para. 9 A Member shall notify to the General Council the 
introduction of or any changes in the application of 
restrictive import measures taken for balance -of-
payments purposes, as well as any modifications in 
time-schedules for the removal of such measures as  
announced under paragraph 1. Significant changes shall 
be notified to the General Council prior to or not later 
than 30 days after their announcement.  Ad hoc, followed by a yearly 
consolidated notification  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
6.41.   In late 2016 and the fi rst half of 2017, the BOP Committee received notifications from one 
Member, Ecuador (WT/BOP/N/83, and WT/BOP/N/84) under GATT Article XVIII.  In 2016, the BOP 
Committee received notifications from two Members, Ukraine ( WT/BOP/N/80) under GATT 
Article  XII, a nd Ecuador (WT/BOP/N/81, WT/BOP/N/82, WT/BOP/G/24) under GATT Article XVIII.  
Regional Trade Agreements  
6.42.   Following an announcement by the Chair of the CRTA at the Committee meeting of 28 and 
29 June 2011, the Secretariat has continued to circulate a list of agreements that have been 
verified by their parties as being in force through factual presentations prepared by the 
Secretariat, but not notified to the WTO. The list is circulated as a working document of the 
Committee before each meeting. The most recent  list was circulated on 12 September 2017 and 
contained 74 such agreements .141 The Secretariat is also aware of a number of other agreements 
that are in force but this has not yet been verified with the parties. Members have intervened in 
various meetings of  the CRTA to urge those whose agreements are on the list to notify them to the 
WTO. The Secretariat also continues to keep track of agreements under negotiation and reminds 
Members to notify these agreements when they come into force. The Secretariat's tec hnical 
assistance work has also been used to explain notification requirements and procedures to 
Members.  
Preferential Trade Arrangements  
6.43.   Under the Transparency Mechanism for Preferential Trade Arrangements (PTAs), which was 
established in December 2010142, newly notified PTAs are to be considered in dedicated sessions of 
the Committee on Trade and Development (CTD), on the basis of Secretariat -prepared factual 
presentations. Since the establishment of the Transparency Mechanism, eight PTAs have been 
notified  to the WTO. Two of these have been considered by the CTD in dedicated sessions, while 
for several others the notifying Members have yet to provide the Secretariat with the full set of 
data required for the preparation of the factual presentations. The CTD  Chairman provides an 
update at each CTD meeting on the PTAs that are to be considered in dedicated sessions, and 
urges the notifying Members to provide the data as soon as possible.  
                                                
141 WTO document WT/REG/W/119, 12 September 2017.  
142 WTO document WT/L/806, 16 December 2010.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 119 - 
 
  6.44.   The Transparency Mechanism for PTAs also stipulates that an electronic da tabase on 
individual PTAs is to be maintained by the Secretariat. The Database on PTAs143 currently contains 
information on 31 PTAs. Table 6.12 provides an overview of the PTAs included in the database, 
which is updated based on the  information provided by the Members implementing PTAs. The CTD 
Chairman has urged Members to ensure that they are up -to-date with their notification and 
information requirements, and has invited them to remain in touch with the Secretariat on this 
matter.  
Table 6.12 PTAs of WTO Members  
WTO Member  Number of 
PTAs  Name or description of PTA  
Australia  2 Generalized System of Preferences  
  South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreementa 
Canada  2 Generalized System of Preferences  
  Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff  
Chile 1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
China  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
European Union  4 Generalized System of Preferences  
  Trade preferences for countries of the Western Balkans  
  Trade preferences for Pakistanb 
  Trade preferences for the Republic of Moldovac 
Iceland  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
India 1 Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme for LDCs  
Japan  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
Kazakhstan  1 Generali zed System of Preferences 
Republic of Korea  1 Preferential Tariff for LDCs  
Kyrgyz Republic  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Morocco  1 Duty-free treatment for African LDCs  
New Zealand  2 Generalized System of Preferences  
  South Pacific Regional Trade and  Economic Cooperation Agreementa 
Norway  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
Russian Federation  1 Generalized System of Preferences 
Switzerland  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
Chinese Taipei  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Tajikistan  1 Duty-free tre atment for LDCs  
Thailand  1 Duty-free treatment for LDCs  
Turkey  1 Generalized System of Preferences  
United States  6 African Growth and Opportunity Act  
  Andean Trade Preference Actd 
  Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act  
  Former Trust Territory of t he Pacific Islands  
  Generalized System of Preferences  
  Trade preferences for Nepal (in force since 30.12.2016)  
a Australia and New Zealand both provide d preferences under this PTA.  
b The preferences granted under this PTA expired on 31 December 2013.  
c The preferences granted under this PTA expired on 31 December 2015.  
d The preferences granted under this PTA expired on 31 July 2013.  
Source:  Database on Preferential Trade Arrangements.  
Government Procurement  
6.45.   To ensure the transparency and predictabili ty of its Parties' procurement regimes, the 
Government Procurement Agreement sets out notification obligations for its Parties in five areas: 
(i) national implementing legislation on government procurement ,  (ii) procurement thresholds in 
national currenci es, (iii) statistics on procurement activities , (iv) modifications to schedules of 
commitments , and (v) media for the publication of procurement -related information.  
6.46.   Numerous notifications are made during the year pursuant to each of these requirements. 
Some of the foregoing obligations have been simplified in the recent revision of the Agreement to 
facilitate the use of electronic tools in providing relevant information. This is expected to facilitate 
more timely compliance with reporting responsibilities over time.  
                                                
143 Viewed at: http://ptadb.wto.org . WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
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  Transparency of TRIPS  
6.47.   The TRIPS Agreement requires WTO Members to notify to the Council for TRIP S of their IP 
laws and regulations,  establish and notify contact points in their administrations for the purposes 
of cooperation with each other aime d at the eliminati on of trade in infringing goods,  and notify the 
Council in the event that they wish to avail themselves of certain possibilities provided for in the 
TRIPS Agreement that relate to the substantive obligations. Additionally, Members have 
undertaken to provide information on how they met TRIPS obligations by responding to specific 
Checklists on Enforcement and the respective Reviews of Articles 24.2 and 27.3(b). Developed 
country Members also agreed to provide certain information and make not ifications which are not 
specifically provided for in the Agreement, including on technical cooperation and transfer of 
technology incentives for the benefit of LDCs.  
6.48.   The bulk of notifications are laws and regulations notified pursuant to Article 63.2.144 
Chart 6.6 below provides information on laws and regulations notified from 1995 to mid-October 
2017. Notifications peaked in 1996, when developed country Members notified existing laws or 
amendments that implemented the TRIPS Agreement. Notifications of laws  and regulations from 
2000 onwards have been predominantly from developing countries and recently -acceded 
Members. The most recent rise in notifications also corresponds to a trend of diverse approaches 
by Members to the revision and updating of their IP l egal and policy settings so as to respond to 
changing economic, technological and social dimensions of IP in the national development and 
economic context. The Chart shows  the cumulative total of laws and regulations notified as of 
12 October 201 7 was 3, 112 legal texts, representing a wide array of distinct national means of 
adapting and applying TRIPS standards according to their national priorities and wider policy 
frameworks.  
Chart 6.6 TRIPS Notifications 19 95 – mid-October 2017  
48398
169
103
64328
219 218
140204
453868132
8293
66139209
96
67109
77
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,500
0100200300400500
Annual number of IP laws notified
Cumulative numberChart 1.[TRIPS]
TRIPS notifications, 1995 -mid-October 2017
Source: WTO Secretariat (2017 data covers until mid -October).
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat  (2017 data covers until mid -October) . 
6.49.   Transparency obligations also refer to final judicial decisions and administrative  rulings of 
general application, pertaining to the subject matter of the TRIPS Agreement , as well as, to 
agreements which are in force between the government or a governmental agency of a Member 
and the government or a governmental agency of another Member , as provided for by Article 63.1.  
So far, few Members have shared this information with  the TRIPS Council.145 
                                                
144 Circulated in the IP/N/ - series of documents . 
145 See, for example: IP/N/1/PHL/2; IP/N/1/GBR/1; IP/N/1/HKG/3.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 121 - 
 
  6.50.   Following the recommendation made by the TRIPS Council in  March 2010146, Members 
agreed to share information on and notify bilateral agreements related to the protection of 
geographical indications to which they belon g. The records indic ate that few Members have shared 
or notified such agreements to the TRIPS Council.147 
TRIPS Checklists  
6.51.   The TRIPS Council agreed that Members should provide responses to illustrative lists of 
questions ( i.e. checklists) on Issues on Enforcement148, as well as, on the Review under Article 
24.2 of the Section on Geographical Indications149 and the Review of the Provisions of Article 
27.3(b) .150 These checklists are circulated and reviewed by the TRIPS Council. They provide 
detailed  information on measures taken to imp lement the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement, at 
the national level. More specifically, the three Checklist s have significant trade policy components 
on many aspects of the global economy.  
6.52.   Chart 6.7 shows the C hecklists on Enforce ment, Geographical Indications and 
Article  27.3(b) submitted until mid -October 201 7. Submissions  peaked in 1997 , 1999  and 
2000-2001, when developed -country and developing -country Members deposited their respective 
Checklists.  
Chart 6.7 TRIPS checklists 1995 – mid-October 2017  
024681012141618202224262830
IP Enforcement Checklist - First Submissions
GI Checklist - First Submissions
Art. 27.3(b) Checklist - First Submissions
IP Enforcement Checklist - Updates
GI Checklist - Updates
Art. 27.3(b) Checklist - Updates
Source: WTO Secretariat (2017 data covers until mid -October 2017).Chart2.[TRIPS]
Checklists on enforcement, geographical indications and Article 27.3(b)
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat (2017 data covers until mid -October).  
6.53.   During the review period, Kazakhstan151 and Gabon152 submitted their respective Checklists 
on Enforcement. Since 1996, a total of 109 Members have submitted their Checklists, and 14 have 
notified revisions . 
                                                
146 Paragraphs 73 and 74 of IP/C/M/62 . 
147 Paragraph 9.2 of IP/C/M/74 . 
148 See checklist in document IP/C/5; and responses circulated in the IP/N/6/ - series of docum ents. 
149 See checklist in documents IP/C/13 and its Addendum; and, responses circulated in the 
IP/C/W/117/ - series of documents.  
150 See checklist in document IP/C/W/ 122 and documents IP/C/W/273 and its Rev.1; and, responses 
circulated in the IP/C/W/125/ - series of documents.  
151 Document IP/N/6/KAZ/1 of 6 June 2017.  
152 Document IP/N/6/GAB/1 of 3 October 2017.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 122 - 
 
  6.54.   The Checklist on Geographical Indications has been submitted only by 35 Members153, of 
which five have notified updates. During the review period, Switzerland submitted its updat ed 
Checklist detailing the implementation of laws notified to the TRIPS Council.154   
6.55.   The submission of Checklists peaked with the start of the review of Article 27.3(b) of TRIPS 
Agreement, in 1999. So far, 26 Members155 have notified their Checklists, of whic h only one has 
provided an update. The last Checklist was circulated in January 2004 .  
eTRIPS  
6.56.   The Secretariat has advanced in the development of eTRIPS, an information management 
system, designed to facilitate processing of and online access to notificatio ns and enforcement 
checklists, as well as other types of TRIPS -related information . The objectives of this system are to 
provide Members with an effective web -based service and to enhance the Secretariat's technical 
assistance activities. As reported regul arly to the TRIPS Council and interested Members, the 
Secretariat is currently testing and fine -tuning the prototype.  
Services   
6.57.   From mid -October 2016 to mid -October 2017, 19 notificatio ns were made under GATS 
Article  III:3 by six WTO Members . GATS Article  III:3 requires each Member to notify to the Council 
for Trade in Services at least annually any regulatory changes that significantly affect trade in 
services covered by its specific commitments .  
6.58.   During the same reporting period, nine agreements concerni ng economic integration in 
services were notified under GATS Article V:7, which involve 19 WTO Members (counting the 
European Union  as one). These agreements were subject to examination in the Committee on 
Regional Trade Agreements.  
6.59.   There were no notificat ions received under other GATS provisions during this period.  
                                                
153 Australia ; Bulgaria ; Canada ; Chinese Taipei ; Colombia ; Croatia ; Cuba; Czech Republic ; Ecuador ; 
El Salvador ; Estonia ; European Union ; Honduras ; Hong Kong , China ; Hungary ; Iceland ; Japan ; Republic  of 
Korea ; Liechtenstein ; Lithuania ; Mexico ; Republic of Moldova ; Morocco;  New Zealand; Norway; Peru; Poland; 
Romania; Slovak Republic; Slovenia; Switzerland; Turkey; United States; Uruguay; and Bolivarian Republic of 
Venezuela.  
154 Document IP/C/W/117/Add.13/Rev.1  of 18 September 2017.  
155 Australia ; Bulgaria; Canada; China; Czech Republic; Estonia; European Union ; Hong Kong, China; 
Hungary ; Iceland; Japan ; Republic of Korea ; Lithuania;  Moldova; Morocco; New Zealand ; Norway;  Poland ; 
Romania ; Slovak Republic; Slovenia ; South Africa; Switzerland; Thailand; United States; and Zambia.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 123 - 
 
  ANNEX 1  
MEASURES FACILITATING TRADE1 
(MID-OCTOBER 201 6 TO MID -OCTOBER  2017) 
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on 
disperse dyes and preparations based thereon (NCM 
3204.11.00), under an import quota of 1,000 tonnes; 
and on paper and paperboard of the kind used for 
writing, printing or other graphic purposes, of which 
more than 10% by weight of the total fibre content 
consists of fibres obtained by a mechanical or 
chemi -mechanical process (NCM 4810.19.90), under an 
import quota of 2,500 tonnes  Permanent Delegat ion of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(21 April 2017)  Effective  
7 December 2016 for 
12 months  
Further extension of the deadl ines (from 1,825 calendar 
days to 3,650 calendar days) for exporters to register 
foreign currency originating from export operations (all 
NCM Chapters) with the financial system  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(30 May 2017); Resolución 
Secret aría de Comercio 
No. 242 -E/2016 Ministerio 
de Producción (29 August 
2016); and WTO 
document WT/TPR/OV/19, 
21 November 2016  Effective  
19 January 2017  
Elimination of import tariffs on 72 informatics and 
telecommunication tariff lines (NCM 8443; 8471; 8473;  
8517; 8523; 8531; 8541; 8542; 8543; 8471)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(30 May 2017) and 
Decreto No. 117/2017 
Comercio Exterior  
(17 February 2017)   
Elimination of export duties on hydrocarbons  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WT O  
(30 May 2017)  Effective  
7 January 2017  
Termination on 4 May 2017 of "reference values" for 
exports of natural honey (NCM 0409.00.00), to certain 
specified destinations (effective 24 November 2015)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO  
(21 Apri l 2017) and 
Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos -  
Resolución General No.   
4038-E (2 May 2017)  Effective 4 May 2017  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain hybrid 
motor vehicles (NCM 8703; 8704), under an import 
quota of 6,000 vehicles  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Decreto No. 331/2017  
(11 May 2017)  Effective 12 May 2017 
for 36 months  
Measures to facilitate trade through the implementation 
of the Simplified Export Regime ( Régimen de 
Exportaci ón Simpli ficada "Exporta Simple" ) for SMEs, 
with the aim of simplifying export procedures, under 
certain conditions: (i) maximum annual export amount 
of US$600,000 (fob); (ii) individual transaction total 
amount of US$15,000 (fob); and (iii) maximum export 
weight t ransaction of 300 kg  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and  
Resolución General 
Conjunta No. 4049 -E/2017 
Ministerio de Producción 
(12 May 2017)  Effective 16 May 2017  
                                                
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex  implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is pro tectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex  implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
2 This Section  includes information which has either been provid ed by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 124 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Elimination of the Import Operation Register  ( Registro 
de Op eraciones de Importación ) for the import of 
certain live animals, and meat and edible meat offal 
(NCM 0103; 0203; 0206; 0209) requiring the recording 
of import operations (established in March 2009)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Resolución No. 181 -
E/2017 Ministerio de 
Agroindustria  
(26 July 2017)  Effective 27 July 2017  
Elimination of the "specialized customs offices" 
(aduanas especializadas ) for imports of certain articles 
for consumption  Permanent Delegation of 
Argent ina to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Resolución General  
No. 4097 -E/2017 
Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos  
(26 July 2017)  Effective 28 July 2017  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 292 tariff 
lines, e.g. machinery and mechanical applianc es; 
electrical machinery and parts; railway and tramway 
locomotives and parts;  vehicles and parts; and certain 
apparatus, parts and accessories (NCM Chapters 84; 
85; 86; 87; 90)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Decreto No . 622/2017 
Comercio Exterior  
(8 August 2017)  Effective  
9 August 2017  
Temporary reductiom of import tariffs on certain 
machinery, equipment and goods (NCM Chapters 73; 
84; 85; 87; 90; 94) destined for the hydrocarbon 
industry  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Decreto No. 629/2017 
Importación  
(9 August 2017)  Effective  
10 August 2017  
Termination on 25 August 2017 of the revised 
regulation on exports of dairy products, lactose, milk 
preparations for infant use, ice cream, casein, and egg 
albumin (NCM 0401; 0402; 0403; 0404; 0405; 0406; 
1702; 1901; 2105; 3501; 3502); introduction of sworn 
declaration requirement ( Declaración Jurada de Ventas 
al Exterior de Productos Lácteos "DJVEL" ) (originally 
implemented on 30 March 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(20 October 2017), 
Resolución No. 225 -
E/2017 Ministerio de 
Agroindustria  
(24 August 2017)   
Australia  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (136 tariff 
lines at 6 -digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 
49; 59; 84; 85; 88; 90; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.1 -24,  
26 January 2016  Effective 1 January 
2017, with all covered 
tariffs to be phased 
out by no later than  
1 July 2019  
Further reduction of imp ort tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (86 
tariff lines at 6 -digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 
39; 49; 59; 84; 85; 90; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.2, 26 
January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
Brazil  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs  on 538 
capital goods tariff lines (NCM Chapters 84; 85; 86; 87; 
89; 90) and 45 informatics and telecommunications 
goods tariff lines, through the "ex -out" regime 
(mechanism designed to temporarily reduce import 
tariffs o n capital goods and informatics and 
telecommunications equipment not locally produced)  Camex Resolutions Nos. 
107/2016, 108/2016  
(31 October 2016) and 
113/2016, 114/2016  
(23 November 2016)  Effective as of  
October 2016/  
November 2016 until 
30 June 2018  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 125 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on an 
aqueous solution  (soda lye or liquid soda) 
(NCM  2815.12.00), under an import quota of 180,000 
tonnes (effective 10 November 2016 to 9 November 
2017); certain printing ink (NCM 3215.19.00), under an 
import  quota of 924 tonnes (effective 10 November 
2016 to 9 November 2017); polycarbonates (NCM 
3907.40.90), under an import quota of 35,040 tonnes 
(effective 10 November 2016 to 9 November 2017); 
poly(ethylene terephthalate)  (NCM 3907.60.00), under 
an import q uota of 20,000 tonnes (effective 10 
November 2016 to 9 November 2017);  other amino -
resins (N CM 3909.30.20), under an import quota of 
105,000 tonnes (effective 10 November 2016 to  
9 November 2017); other plastics of poly(vinyl butyral) 
(NCM 3920.91.00), u nder an import quota of 
11,130,250 kg (effective 10 November 2011 to  
9 November 2017); certain synthetic filament yarn 
(NCM 5402.47.10), under an import quota of 2,200 
tonnes (effective 10 November 2016 to 9 November 
2017); acrylic or modacrylic synthetic  filament yarn 
(NCM 5501.30.00), under an import quota of 4,800 
tonnes (effective 10 November 2016 to 9 November 
2017); malt, not roasted (NCM 1107.10.10), under an 
import quota of 156,531 tonnes (effective  
28 November 2016 to 27 November 2017); sardines 
(NCM 0303.53.00), under an import quota of 80,000 
tonnes (effective 15 December 2016 to  
14 December 2017). Temporary elimination of import 
tariffs on antisera and other blood fractions 
(soroalbumina humana ) (NCM 3002.10.37), under an 
import quota of 556,0 80 flasks of 10 g (effective  
10 November 2016 to 9 September 2017); vaccines for 
human medicine (NCM 3002.20.29), under an import 
quota of 2,250,000 doses (effective 10 November 2016 
to 8 May 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(29 May 2017);  Camex 
Resolutions Nos. 
109/2016, 110/2016  
(8 November 2016), 
123/2016 (23 November 
2016) and 138/2016  
(29 December 2016); and 
Secex Portarias Nos. 
47/2016  
(11 November 2016) 
49/2016 and 50/2016  
(29 November 2016)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 126 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on 
isocyanates (NCM 2929.10.10), under an import quota 
of 23,000 tonnes (effective 11 January 2017 to  
10 January 2018); hop cones, ground, powdered or in 
the form of pellets, lupulin (NCM 1210.20.10), un der an 
import quota of 1,800 tonnes (effective  
23 January 2017 to 22 January 2018); methylamine, di 
or trimethylamine and their salts (NCM 2921.11.21), 
under an import quota of 12,000 tonnes (effective  
23 January 2017 to 22 January 2018); certain 
isocyan ates (NCM 2929.10.30), under an import quota 
of 1,000 tonnes (effective 23 January 2017 to 22 
January 2018); disodium sulphate (NCM 2833.11.10), 
under an import quota of 910,000 tonnes (effective  
23 January 2017 to 22 January 2018); black printing 
ink  (N CM 3215.11.00), under an import quota of 396 
tonnes (effective 23 January 2017 to 22 January 2018); 
polyamide -6 or 6,6 (NCM 3908.10.24), under an import 
quota of 5,400 tonnes (effective 23 January 2017 to  
22 January 2018); other yarn, single, of viscose r ayon, 
untwisted or with a twist not exceeding 120 turns per 
metre (NCM 5403.31.00), under an import quota of 625 
tonnes (effective 22 February 2017 to 21 August 2017); 
unwrought nickel, not alloyed ( catodos )  
(NCM  7502.10.10), under an import quota of 3,60 0 
tonnes (effective 23 January 2017 to 22 July 2017); 
rectangular (including square) plates, sheets and strip 
of a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm of aluminium alloys  
(NCM 7606.12.90), under an import quota of 600 
tonnes (effective 23 January 2017 to 22 July 2 017); 
aluminium foil, not backed, rolled but not further 
worked (NCM 7607.11.90), under an import quota of 
2,137 tonnes (effective 1 February 2017 to  
31 January 2018); certain rectangular plates, sheets 
and strip of a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm of alumini um 
alloys (NCM 7606.12.90), under an import quota of 
2,937 tonnes (effective 1 February 2017 to  
31 January 2018); coffee, not roasted and not 
decaffeinated ( variedade Conilon ) (NCM 0901.11.10), 
under an import quota of 60,000 tonnes (effective  
21 Februar y 2017 to 31 May 2017) . Temporary 
elimination of import tariffs on vaccines for human 
medicine ( Hepatite A ) (NCM 3002.20.29), under an 
import quota of 2,250,000 doses (effective 10 May 2017 
to 9 November 2017); vaccines for human medicine 
(Papilomavirus Hu mano ) (NCM 3002.20.29), under an 
import quota of 3,000,000 doses (effective 22 February 
2017 to 21 August 2017); vaccines for human medicine 
(tetano ) (NCM 3002.20.27), under an import quota of 
2,500,000 doses (effective 22 February 2017 to  
21 August 2017) ; cotton, not carded or combed (NCM 
5201.00.20), under an import quota of 75,000 tonnes 
(effective 21 February 2016 to 31 July 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(28 September 2017); 
Camex Resolutions  
Nos. 123/2016 (23 
November 2016), 1/2017  
(19 January 2017), 
14/2017 and 15/2017  
(17 February 2017); and 
Secex Portarias  
Nos. 2/2017 (10 January 
2017) 5/2017, 6/2017, 
7/2017, 8/2017  
(24 January 2017) and 
11/2017  
(22 February 2017)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Temporary reductio n (to 2%) of import tariffs  on 1,022 
capital goods tariff lines (NCM Chapters 84; 85; 86; 90; 
94) and 66 informatics and telecommunications goods 
tariff lines, and temporary elimination of import tariffs 
on 3 capital goods tariff lines, through the "ex -out" 
regime  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(29 May 2017), Camex 
Resolutions Nos. 
133/2016, 134/2016  
(22 December 2016), 
18/2017, 19/2017  
(17 February 2017) 
27/2017, 28/2017  
(29 March 2017) and 
37/2017, 38/2017  
(5 May 2017)  Effective as of 
December 
2016/February 
2017/March 2017 
until  
31 December 2018  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 127 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on 
artificial staple fibres of viscose rayon, not carded, 
combed or otherw ise processed for spinning 
(NCM  5504.10.00), under an import quota of 40,000  
tonnes (effective 9 March 2017 to 8 March 2018); on 
titanium oxides (NCM 2823.00.10), under an import 
quota of 8,000 tonnes (effective 24 April 2017 to 23 
April 2018); on mono -acids, their salts and esters 
(NCM  2915.40.10), under an import quota of 4,500 
tonnes (effective 24 April 2017 to 23 April 2018); on 
lignin sulphonates (NCM 3804.00.20), under an import 
quota of 72,000 tonnes (effective 24 April 2017 to  
23 April 2018); on other film of polymers of propylene 
(NCM 3920.20.19), under an import quota of  600 
tonnes (effective 24 April 2017 to 23 April 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(29 May 2017), Camex 
Resolutions Nos. 21/2017 
(8 March 2017) and 
30/2017  
(20 April 2 017),  and 
Secex Portarias 
Nos. 12/2017  
(9 March 2017) and 
15/2017 (24 A pril 2017)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Establishment of the "International Logistic Operator" as 
a legal entity to facilitate activities related to customs 
clearance, cargo procedures, licensing requirements and 
storage of imported goods on  behalf of SMEs  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(29 May 2017)   
Establishment of the "International Logistic Operator" as 
a legal entity to facilitate activities related to customs 
clearance, cargo procedures, licensing requirements and 
storage of exported goods on behalf of SMEs  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(29 May 2017)   
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on 
sardines (NCM 0303.53.00), under an import quota of 
60,000 tonnes; on plastics of poly(vinyl butyral) 
(NCM  3920. 91.00), under an import quota of 11,130.25 
tonnes; on acrylic or modacrylic (NCM 5501.30.00), 
under an import quota of 4,800 tonnes; and on other 
amino -resins (NCM 3909.31.00), under an import quota 
of 105,000 tonnes  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the W TO  
(29 May 2017), Camex 
Resolution No. 34/2017  
(5 May 2017), and Secex 
Portaria No. 16/2017  
(8 May 2017)  Effective 7 May 2017 
to 8 May 2018  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on certain 
products, i.e. palm kernel (NCM 1513.29.10), under an 
import quota of 224,785 tonnes; diphenylmethane 
diisocyanate  (NCM 2929.10.10), under an import quota 
of 23,000 tonnes; amethrin   (NCM 2933.69.91), under 
an import quota of 7,500 tonnes; certain 
enzymes  (NCM  3507.90.49), under an import quota of 
4,000 tonnes ; chemical preparations for photographic 
uses (NCM 3707.90.21), under an import quota of 
1,700 tonnes; polymers of vinyl chloride 
(NCM  3904.90.00), under an import quota of 3,794 
tonnes; polyamide -6 or polyamide -6,6 without load 
(NCM 3908.10.24), under an import quota of 7,000 
tonnes; high tenacity yarn of polyesters 
(NCM  5402.20.00), under an import quota of 7,000 
tonnes; synthetic filament yarn (NCM 5402.46.00), 
under an import quota of 33,000 tonnes; non -electrical 
articles of graphite or other carbon (N CM 6815.10.90), 
under an import quota of 200 tonnes;  and certain 
electrical apparatus (NCM 8535.90.00), under an import 
quota of 500 units. Temporary elimination of import 
tariffs on antisera (NCM 3002.12.36), under an import 
quota of 556,080 doses of 10 g , and certain 
immunological products (NCM 3002.13.00), under an 
import quota of 500 g  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(29 May 2017), Camex 
Resolution No.  39/2017  
(10 May 2017) and Secex 
Portaria No. 19/2017  
(12 May 2017)  Effective 11 May 2017 
to 10 May 2018  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 128 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Measures to facilitate trade through the implementation 
of a new system to be used as platform for the 
declaration of export operations. Upon initial release, 
only air -shipped cargo was enabled to be declared. 
From 28 June 2017, the new syste m included road, rail 
and maritime transportation at Brazil´s main ports of 
entry. The objective is that, by the end of the year, 
100% of the exports submitted only to Customs control 
are declared in the new Single Window system. For the 
exports that requi res previous analysis of other 
agencies for license purposes, a new functionality will 
be released by the end of the year, which will integrate 
the licenses into the customs declaration. With the new 
system, it is expected that the total time of the export  
process will be reduced by 40%, as the new system 
integrates procedures and automatic data analysis  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(23 October  2017)  Effective  
28 June 2017  
Creation of new tariff lines resulting in the reduction of 
import tari ffs  (from 10% to 2%) on other compounds, 
amalgams (NCM 2843.90.20; 2843.90.30); (from 14% 
to 2%) on isocyanates (NCM 2929.10.30); and (from 
20% to 14%) on motor vehicles for the transport of 
goods with g.v.w. exceeding 20 tonnes 
(NCM  8704.23.40)  Permanent  Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(23 October 2017) and 
Camex Resolution 
No. 35/2017 (5 May 2017)  Effective 1 July 2017  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs on 
sensitized photographic film in rolls for x -ray  
(NCM  3702.10.20), under an import quot a of 1,000 
tonnes (effective 29 June 2017 to 28 June 2018); on 
vinyl chloride -vinyl acetate copolymers 
(NCM  3904.30.00), under an import quota of 5,000 
tonnes (effective 29 June 2017 to 28 June 2018); on 
acrylic polymers in primary forms ( poli(acrilato de 
potássio) ) (NCM 3906.90.49), under an import quota of 
460 tonnes (effective 29 June 2017 to 28 June 2018); 
on certain acrylic polymers in primary forms 
(NCM  3906.90.49), under an import quota of 10,000 
tonnes (effective 29 June 2017 to 28 June 2018); on 
caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid 
soda) (NCM 2815.12.00), under an import quota of 
180,000 tonnes (effective 7 July 2017 to 6 July 2018); 
on acrylic or modacrylic (NCM 5503.30.00), under an 
import quota of 9,000 tonnes (effective 14 August  2017 
to 13 August 2018); on certain amine -function 
compounds (NCM 2921.19.23), under an import quota 
of 26,282 tonnes (effective 14 August 2017 to 
13 August 2018); on casein (NCM 3501.10.00), under 
an import quota of 950 tonnes (effective  
14 August 2017 to 13 February 2018); on shelled 
walnuts (NCM 0802.22.00), under an import quota of 
5,000 tonnes (effective 14 August 2017 to  
13 August 2018); on tunas, skipjack and bonito 
(NCM  1604.14.20), under an import quota of 3,000 
tonnes (effective 14 August 2017 to 13 August 2018); 
on yarn of viscose rayon, untwisted or with a twist not 
exceeding 120 turns per metre (NCM 5403.31.00), 
under an import quota of 1,249 tonnes (effective  
20 September 2017 to 19 September 2018). Elimination 
of import tariffs on undenatu red ethyl alcohol of an 
alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol or higher and 
ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any 
strenght (NCM 2207.10.10; 2207.20.11), under an 
import quota of 1.2 billion litres (effective  
1 September 2017 to 31 August 20 18) Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(23 October 2017), Camex 
Resolution Nos. 41/2017 
(27 June 2017), 49/2017 
(5 July 2017), 59/2017, 
61/2017 (11 August 
2017), 72/2017  
(29 August 2017) and 
Secex Portaria Nos. 
23/2017 (29 June 2017), 
25/2017 (10 J uly 2017), 
29/2017, 30/2017  
(15 August 2017), 
32/2017  
(1 September 2017) and 
35/2017  
(21 September 2017)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 129 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary reduction (to 2%) of import tariffs  on 790 
capital goods tariff lines (NCM Chapters 84; 85; 86 ; 87; 
89; 90) and 93 informatics and telecommunications 
goods tariff lines. Temporary elimination of import 
tariffs on 312 capital goods tariff lines and 6 informatics 
and telecommunications goods tariff lines, through the 
"ex-out" regime  Permanent Delegat ion of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(23 October 2017) and 
Camex Resolution 
Nos. 50/2017, 51/207  
(5 July 2017), 69/2017 
and 70/2017  
(21 August 2017)  Effective as of July 
2017/August 2017 to 
30 June 2019  
Elimination of import tariffs (from 2%) on saturated 
acyclic h ydrocarbons ( etano ) (NCM 2901.10.00) 
(effective 20 July 2017), and on certain petroleum 
resins (NCM 3911.90.29) (effective 2 August 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(23 October  2017) and 
Camex Resolution 
Nos. 55/2017  
(20 July 2017) and 
57/2017 (2 August 2017)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Canada  
Elimination of import tariffs on 200 products used as 
agro-food processing ingredients (HS Chapters 07; 08; 
09; 10; 11; 12; 15; 16; 18; 19; 21; 22; 33; 35; 99)  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(29 May 2017)  Effective  
16 January 2017  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (56 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 35; 37; 39; 
84; 85; 88; 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.3,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
Chile  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs on cane and be et 
sugar (effective 1 August 2017 to 31 August 2017) and 
on wheat and meslin (effective 16 August 2017 to  
15 October 2017) (HS 1701; 1001; 1 101) Permanent Delegation of 
Chile to the WTO  
(25 October 2017) and 
Ministerio de Hacienda, 
Decretos Nos. 280  
(19 July 2017) and 298 
(11 August 2017)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
China  
VAT rebate rates increased (to 17%) on exports of 
certain products, e.g. cameras, video cameras, internal 
combustion engines, gasoline, aviation kerosene and 
diesel  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(29 May 2017)  Effective  
1 November 2016  
Measures to facilitate trade through the implementation 
of the Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection 
and Quarantine Single Window for international trade 
(import)  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(29 May 2017)  Effective  
20 March 2017  
Measures to facilitate trade through the implementation 
of the  Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection 
and Quarantine Single Window for international trade 
(export)  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(29 May 2017)  Effective  
20 March 2017  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (253 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 
39; 49; 59; 84; 85; 88; 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.4,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
Reduction of the VAT (from 13% to 11%) on imports of 
certain products, e.g. agricultural products (including 
grains), edible vegetable oil, tap water, liquefied 
petroleum gas, natural gas, air conditioning equipment, 
coal/charcoal for household uses, edible salt, 
agricultural machinery, feed, pesticides, ferti lizers, 
biogas, methyl ether, books, newspapers, magazines, 
audio and video products  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(20 October  2017)  Effective 1 July 2017  
Colombia  
Implementation of an import tariff of 15% on ground -
nuts ( maníes - cacahuetes ) (HS 1202.42.00) (removed 
from the Andean Price Band  System)  Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO  
(21 April 2017)  Effective  
24 October 2016  
Various measures to enhance customs procedures and 
facilitate the flow of goods (import)  Permanent Delegati on of 
Colombia to the WTO  
(21 April 2017)   
Various measures to enhance customs procedures and 
facilitate the flow of goods (export)  Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO  
(21 April 2017)   WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 130 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Costa Rica  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on bean s 
(HS 0713.33.10; 0713.33.40), under an import quota of 
6,294.65 metric tonnes, and maize (HS 1005.90.30), 
under an import quota of 2,602 metric tonnes  Permanent Delegation of 
Costa Rica to the WTO  
(30 October 2017)  Effective  
6 September 2017 to 
30 June 2018 
Congo, Democratic Republic of  
Temporary elimination of VAT on imports of certain food 
products, e.g. meat and edible meat offal; fish, fresh or 
chilled; guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other 
than fish); rice; soya -bean oil and its fractions;  ground -
nut oil and its fractions; palm oil and its fractions; palm 
kernel or babassu oil and fractions thereof  Permanent Delegation of 
the Democratic Republic of 
the Congo to the WTO  
(21 April 2017)  Effective  
30 November 2016 to 
end-February 2017  
Measu res to facilitate trade through: (i) mandatory use 
of the Single Electronic  Window ( Plateforme 
Electronique du Guichet Unique ) for all foreign trade 
operations; and (ii) establishment of an electronic 
tracking system of cargo (import)  Permanent Delegation  of 
the Democratic Republic of 
the Congo to the WTO  
(21 April 2017)  Effective  
January 2017  
Measures to facilitate trade through: (i) mandatory use 
of the Single Electronic  Window ( Plateforme 
Electronique du Guichet Unique)  for all foreign trade 
operati ons; and (ii) establishment of an electronic 
tracking system of cargo (export)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Democratic Republic of 
the Congo to the WTO  
(21 April 2017)  Effective  
January 2017  
Ecuador  
Reduction on 1 April 2017 of the import surcharge rate s 
by one third, from 35% to 23.3% and from 15% to 
10%, with a view to restoring balance -of-payments 
(implemented on 25 February 2015). On 1 May 2017, 
further reduction of the import surcharge rates from 
23.3% to 11.7% and from 10% to 5%  Permanent Delegatio n of 
Ecuador to the WTO  
(1 June 2017); WTO 
documents  WT/BOP/N/84, 
20 June 2017 and 
WT/BOP/R/112,  
18 November 2016  On 1 June 2017 
completely eliminated  
European Union  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology  Agreement (ITA) (131 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 35; 37; 39; 
59; 84; 85; 88; 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.7,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
Guatemala  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technol ogy Agreement (ITA) (206 tariff 
lines at 8 -digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 49; 
68; 84; 85; 88; 90; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.8,  
28 January 2016  Effective  
1 January 2017, with 
all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no 
later than 1 July 2 024 
Iceland  
Elimination of import tariffs on all non -agricultural 
products (HS Chapters 25 to 97). This measure was 
implemented in two phases, with tariffs eliminated on 
clothing and footwear products on 1 January 2016 and 
the remaining products on 1 Jan uary 2017  WTO document 
WT/TPR/S/361,  
30 August 2017   
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (196 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 
39; 49; 84; 85; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.10,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
India  
Reduction of import tariffs (from 7.5% -10% to 5%) on 
all items of machinery, including instruments, apparatus 
and appliances, transmission equipment and auxiliary 
equipment (including those req uired for testing and 
quality control) and components required for: (i) initial 
setting -up of fuel cell based system for generation of 
power or for demonstration purposes; or (ii) balance of 
systems operating using bio -gas or bio -methane or 
hydrogen by -product Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(30 May 2017) and 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue 
No. 5/2017  
(2 February 2017)  Effective  
2 February 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 131 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Reduction of import tariffs (from 5% to 2.5%) on 
liquified natural gas (LNG) (HS 2711.11.00); (from 
7.5% to 2.5%) on wattle extract and myrobalan fruit 
extract (HS 3201.20.00; 3201.90.20); (from 15% to 
5%) on catalysts and resins for use in the manufacture 
of cast components of wind operated electricity 
generators (HS 381 5.90.00; 3909.40.90). Elimination of 
import tariffs on toughened glass with low iron content 
and transmissivity of minimum 91%, for use in solar 
thermal collectors or heaters (HS Chapter 70); (from 
2.5%) on nickel and articles thereof (HS Chapter 75); 
and (from 10%) on o -xylene (HS 2902.41.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(30 May 2017) and 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of Revenue 
No. 6/2017  
(2 February 2017)   
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 30% to 
10%) on sunflower seeds (HS 1206.00.90) for the 
purpose of extraction and refining of oil  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(30 May 2017) and 
Notification No. 9/2017 -
Customs (23 March 2017)  Effective 1 April 2017 
to 30 September 2017  
Temporary elimination  of import tariffs (from 40%) on 
raw sugar (HS 1701) under an import quota of 5 lakh 
metric tonnes. The sugar shall be processed by the 
importing mills within 60 days from the date of filing of 
the bill of entry. Imports only permitted through certain 
designated ports  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(28 September 2017), 
Notification Nos. 12/2017 -
Customs (5 April 2017) 
and 13/2017 -Customs  
(13 April 2017)  Effective 5 April 2017 
to 1 July 2017  
Elimination of the minimum export price "MEP" on the 
export of potatoes (US$450/metric tonne FOB) 
(HS 0701.90.00) (originally implemented on  
26 June 2014)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(30 May 2017)  Effective  
27 December 2016  
Further extension of the temporary minimum import 
price "MIP" (c.i.f. basis/metric tonne) for 66 iron and 
steel tariff lines (HS Chapter 72) (originally 
implemented on 1 February 2016, for 6 months)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(30 May 2017)  Effective  
5 February 2017  
Elimination of import tariffs (from 7.5%) o n palm 
stearin, whether crude, RBD or other, having free fatty 
acids (FFA) of 20% or more for the manufacture of 
oleochemicals (HS 1511)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(30 May 2017) and 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of R evenue 
No. 18/2017 (9 May 2017)  Effective 9 May 2017  
Reduction of import tariffs on natural rubber (HS 4001)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(30 May 2017)   
Indonesia  
Temporary elimination of the export ban on certain light 
processed minerals, e.g. low -grade nickel ore, washed 
bauxite and anode slime (HS 2604.00.00; 2606.00.00; 
2620.29.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO 
(October 2017)  Effective  
1 February 2017  
Israel  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the  Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (119 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 
39; 49; 84; 85; 88; 90; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.11,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
Japan  
Elimination of import tariffs on p-nitrochloro benzene, 
m-aramid, synthetic filament tow, certain toys and 
sanitary articles (HS 2904.99; 3908.90; 5501.10; 
9503.00; 9619.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
Japan to the WTO  
(30 May 2017)  Effective 1 April 2017  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion o f the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (7 tariff lines 
at 6-digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35; 39; 59)  Permanent Delegation of 
Japan to the WTO  
(20 October 2017) and 
WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.12,  
28 January 2016  Effective 16 May 
2017, with all c overed 
tariffs to be phased 
out by no later than  
1 July 2019  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 132 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Korea, Rep. of  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (522 tariff 
lines at 10 -digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 
59; 63; 84; 85; 88; 90)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Republic of Korea to 
the WTO (30 May 2017) 
and WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.13,  
28 January 2016  Effective  
1 December 2016, 
with all covered tariffs 
to be phased out by 
no later than  
1 July 2023  
Temporary reduction or elimination of import tariffs on 
132 items, e.g. whey, modified whey (for feeding) 
(HS 0404.10) (under an import quota of 25,000 metric 
tonnes); manioc (cassava) (pellets for feeding) (HS 
0714.10) (all imported); oil -cake and other solid 
residues, whether or not ground or in the form of 
pellets, resulting from the extraction of soyabean oil 
(for feeding) (HS 2304.00) (under an import quota of 
2,451,000 metric tonnes); cotton seeds (for feeding) 
(HS 1207.29); artificial graphite (for manufacturing 
secondary batteries) (HS 3801.10); machines and 
apparatus for the manufacture of flat panel displays (for 
manufacturing organic light emitting diodes (OLED)) 
(HS8486.30); microscopes other than optical 
microscopes; diffraction apparatus (focused ion beam 
system for OLED manufacturing) (HS9012.10)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Republic of Korea to 
the WTO (20 April 2017)  Effective  
1 January 2017 to  
31 December 2017 for 
122 items. Effective  
4 January 2017 to  
30 June for 8 items 
(HS 0407.21; 
0407.90; 0408.11; 
0408.19;  0408.91; 
0408.99; 3502.11; 
3502.19). Effective  
1 January 2017 to  
31 March 2017 for 2 
items  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (443 
tariff lines at 10 -digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35;  37; 
39; 63; 84; 85; 88; 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.13,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on eggs (HS 
0407; 0408; 3502)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Republic of Korea to 
the WTO  
(24 October 2016)  Effective  August 2017  
Malaysia  
Implementation of the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff 
Nomenclature (AHTN) resulting in the reduction of 
import tariffs on certain products, e.g. fish, vegetables, 
bananas, pineapples, guavas, mangoes, durians, 
raspberries, oil seeds, pig an d poultry fat, animal fats 
and oils and their fractions, pasta, pastry, petroleum 
oils, alums, plastics and articles thereof, plywood, 
wallpaper and similar wall coverings, parts of footwear, 
remelted scrap ingots, tube or pipe fittings of copper 
alloys, f ans, transformers, motor cars  (HS Chapters 03; 
07; 08; 12; 15; 19; 27; 28; 39; 44; 48; 64; 72; 74; 
84; 85; 87)  Permanent Delegation of 
Malaysia to the WTO  
(7 June 2017)  Effective 1 April 2017  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (50 
tariff lines at 9 -digit level, in HS Chapters 35; 37; 39; 
49; 84; 85; 90; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.14,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
Trade facilitation measures for exports through tax 
exemption s on services  Permanent Delegation of 
Malaysia to the WTO 
(9 October  2017)  Effective 1 July 2017  
Elimination of import licensing requirement on 181 tariff 
lines of iron and steel products (HS Chapters 72 and 73 ) WTO document 
G/LIC/N/2/MYS/8/Add.1, 
20 September  2017 Effective  
1 August 2017  
Mauritius  
Elimination of import tariffs (from 15%) on animal feeds 
(except poultry and pet feed)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mauritius to the WTO  
(23 October 2017)  Effective 9 June 2017  
Further reduction of import tariff s under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (5 tariff 
lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 49; 85; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.15,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 133 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Mexico  
Elimination of import tariffs on potatoes, toma toes, 
onions and shallots, fre sh and dried chili and apples, 
(HS 0701.90.99; 0702.00.99; 0703.10.01; 0709.60.99; 
0808.10.01; 0904.21.01; 0904.21.99; 0904.22.01; 
0904.22.99), under certain import quotas  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO  
(29 May 201 7) and Diario 
Oficial de la Federación 
(Official Journal),  
20 January 2017  Effective  
21 January 2017  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on beans ( frijol) 
(HS 0713.33.02; 0713.33.03; 0713.33.99), under an 
import quota of 100,000 metric tonnes  Perman ent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO  
(29 May 2017) and Diario 
Oficial de la Federación 
(Official Journal),  
14 April 2017  Effective  
16 April 2017 to  
30 November 2017  
Moldova, Republic of  
Reduction of import tariffs (to their bound levels) on 
meat and e dible meat offal, and butter (HS 0201; 0202; 
0203; 0207; 0405). Elimination of import tariffs (from 
15%) on certain spark -ignition reciprocating or rotary 
internal combustion piston engines (HS 8407.31; 
8407.32; 8407.33; 8407.34; 8408.20)  Permanent Delegat ion of 
the Republic of Moldova to 
the WTO (18 May  2017)  Effective  
1 January 2017  
Montenegro  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (109 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 
39; 59; 84; 85; 88; 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.16,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
New Zealand  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (193 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS  Chapters 32; 35; 37; 
39; 84; 85; 90; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.17,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
Pakistan  
Implementation of the Budget 2016 -17 resulting in the 
decrease of import tariffs (from 5% to 2%) on certain 
products, e.g. dairy, li vestock, poultry, machinery, 
harvesting, threshing and storage equipment, and fish 
or shrimp farming and sea food processing machinery. 
Elimination of import tariffs on cotton and man -made 
staple fibres  Permanent Delegation of 
Pakistan to the WTO  
(1 June 2017)   
Peru  
Various measures to enhance customs procedures and 
facilitate the flow of goods (import)  Permanent Delegation of 
Peru to the WTO  
(1 June 2017)   
Various measures to enhance customs procedures and 
facilitate the flow of goods (export)  Permane nt Delegation of 
Peru to the WTO  
(1 June 2017)   
Philippines  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (389 tariff 
lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 
49; 84; 85; 88; 90; 93; 95)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Philippines to the WTO 
(1 June 2017) and WTO 
document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.19,  
28 January 2016  Effective  
18 May 2017, with all 
covered tariffs to be 
phased out by no later 
than 1 July 2019  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 134 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Russian Federation (for the Eurasian Economic Union)  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on oranges, 
seed of anise, badian, coriander, cumin or caraway, 
juniper berries, precious metal ores and concentrates, 
silver, gold and platinum (effective 2 January 2017 to 
31 December 2017); on waste and sc rap of precious 
metals or of metals clad with precious metals, artificial 
staple fibres of viscose rayon (effective 2 January 2017 
to 31 December 2019); on organic surface -active 
agents (effective 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2019); 
on apple purée including  compotes (effective 2 January 
2017 to 31 December 2018); on halides and halide 
oxides of non -metals, hydrides, nitrides, and other 
organo -inorganic compounds (effective 22 January 2017 
to 31 December 2019); and on polyethylene (effective  
1 January 2017 t o 31 December 2017). Reduction of 
import tariffs (to 5%) on paper and paper board 
(effective 3 March 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO (30 May 2017)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Temporary elimination (from 5%) o f import tariffs on 
paints and varnishes used for the leather and footwear 
industries (effective 2 September 2017 to  
31 August 2019); on tanning substances, tanning 
preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning 
substances, enzymatic preparations  for pre -tanning 
(effective 1 September 2017 to 30 June 2019); on lead 
ores and concentrates containing not less than 45% by 
weight of lead (effective 25 May 2017 to 24 May 2019); 
on parts for the production of bicycles (effective 19 
September 2017 to 31 A ugust 2020); and (from 6.5%) 
on platicised poly(vinyl chloride) and certain acrylic 
polymers in primary forms (effective 14 October 2017 
to 31 August 2018); (from 5%) on certain synthetic 
filament yarn (other than sewing thread) (effective  
14 October 2017  to 31 July  2019); on concrete or 
mortar mixers (effective 26 May 2017); on glass rods 
(effective 7 September 2017 to 31 August 2019) 
(HS 3210.00.90; 3202.90.00; 2607.00.00; 4011.50.00; 
4013.20.00; 7315.11.10; 8714.91.10; 8714.93.00; 
8714.94.20; 8714.96.1 0; 8714.96.30; 8714.99.50; 
8714.99.90; 904.22.00; 3906.90.90; 5402.19.00; 
8474.31.00; 7002.20.10)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO  
(24 October 2017)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Implementation of the Eurasian Common  Customs 
Tariffs resulting in the decrease of import tariffs in 
accordance with the obligations of the Russian 
Federation in the WTO on certain products: e.g. fish and 
crustaceans; edible fruit and nuts; cereals; preparations 
of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants; 
organic chemicals; plastics and articles thereof; rubber 
and articles thereof; articles of apparel and clothing 
accessories; machinery and mechanical appliances, 
parts thereof; certain vehicles; eggs, natural honey, 
edible products o f animal origin, edible vegetables; 
beverages; perfumery and cosmetics; clocks and 
watches and parts thereof; furniture, bedding, 
mattresses, lamps and lighting fittings, prefabricated 
buildings (HS Chapters 3; 4; 5; 7;  8; 10; 20; 22; 29; 
33; 39; 40; 62; 84; 87;  91; 94)  Permanent Delegation of 
the Russian Federation to 
the WTO  
(24 October 2017)  Effective  
1 September 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 135 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
South Africa (for Southern African Customs Union)  
Creation of new tariff lines "liquids and pastes" (HS 
3907.61.10; 3907.69.10), res ulting in an elimination of 
import tariffs (from 10%) (effective 17 March 2017). 
Elimination of import tariffs (from 10%) on atrazine  
(HS 2933.69.30) (effective 31 March 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(25 April 2017) and 
Internation al Trade 
Administration 
Commission Notices 
Nos. R. 236 -Government 
Gazette No. 40692 (17 
March 2017) and R. 289  - 
Government Gazette No. 
40734 (31 March 2017  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Elimination of import tariffs on rack and pinion stee ring 
assemblies (excluding certain power -assisted types) 
(HS 8708.94.20) (effective 1 September 2017); and 
(from 15%) on thermal transfer printing ribbons in 
cartridges (HS 9612.10.10) (effective 6 October 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission Notice Nos. 
R. 948 Government 
Gazette No. 41083  
(1 September 2017) and 
R. 1082 Government 
Gazette No. 41165 
(6 October 2017)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Serbia  
Elimin ation in December 2016 of the temporary specific 
import levies (imposed on 1 July 2016) on 429 
agriculture and food products tariff lines (at 8 -digit 
level), e.g. live bovine animals, live sheep and goats, 
live poultry, meat and edible meat offal, live fis h, dairy 
produce, eggs, edible vegetables and fruits, margarine, 
certain preparations of meat, sugar, miscellaneous 
edible preparations, undenatured ethyl alcohol, and 
unmanufactured tobacco (HS 0102; 0103; 0104; 0105; 
0201; 0202; 0203; 0204; 0207; 0209; 0 210; 0301; 
0401; 0402; 0403; 0405; 0406; 0407; 0701; 0702; 
0703; 0704; 0707; 0708; 0709; 0710; 0711; 0806; 
0807; 0808; 0809; 0904; 1517; 1601; 1602; 1701; 
1702; 2103; 2104: 2207; 2208; 2401)  Permanent Delegation of 
Serbia to the United 
Nations (18  May 2017) 
and WTO document 
WT/TPR/OV/19,  
21 November 2016   
Switzerland  
Reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (178 tariff 
lines at 8 -digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 39; 48; 
49; 59; 84; 85; 88; 90; 95 ) WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.21,  
28 January 2016  Effective  
1 January 2017, with 
all covered tariffs to 
be phased out by no 
later than 1 July 2019  
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
Measures to facilitate trade through the i mplementation 
of paperless import declarations and documents, and 
intelligent mobile cargo inspection services. Regarding 
paperless import C2 (document review) declarations, 
traders can transmit electronic files of the required 
documents, such as the invoi ce, the packing list, and 
other commercial documents, for selected C2 
declarations to Customs via the Internet, in lieu of the 
traditional practice of submitting paper documents. As 
for the intelligent mobile cargo inspection services on 
import C3 (documen t review and cargo inspection) 
declarations, customs inspection officers use 4G 
Internet and mobile devices to update the cargo 
inspection information, so that classification and 
valuation officers can conduct the next customs 
procedures while the inspecti on officers stay at the 
inspection site. This measure will enable the trader to 
keep abreast of real -time inspection status  Permanent Delegation of 
the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu  to the WTO  
(12 June 2017)  Effective  
December 2016  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 136 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Measures to facilitate trade through the implementation 
of paperless export declarations and documents, and 
intelligent mobile cargo inspection services. Regarding 
paperless export C2 (document review) declarations, 
traders can transmit electr onic files of the required 
documents, such as the invoice, the packing list, and 
other commercial documents, for selected C2 
declarations to Customs via the Internet, in lieu of the 
traditional practice of submitting paper documents. As 
for the intelligent  mobile cargo inspection services on 
import C3 (document review and cargo inspection) 
declarations, customs inspection officers use 4G 
Internet and mobile devices to update the cargo 
inspection information, so that classification and 
valuation officers can  conduct the next customs 
procedures while the inspection officers stay at the 
inspection site. This measure will enable the trader to 
keep abreast of real -time inspection status  Permanent Delegation of 
the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kin men and 
Matsu  to the WTO  
(12 June 2017)  Effective  
December 2016  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (129 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 
39; 59; 84; 85; 90)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.22,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
Thailand  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (176 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 35; 37; 39; 
59; 68; 84; 85; 90; 95)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.23,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
Turkey  
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (from 60% to 
10%) on bovine breeding animals (effective 1 January 
2017); and (from 75% to 15%) on red pepper (effective 
11 May  2017 to 31 August 2017); and on furniture 
(effective 8 March 2017). Temporary elimination of 
import tariffs (from 19.3%) on chickpeas (effective 8 
March 2017 to 1 July 2017)  (HS 0102.29; 0713.20; 
0904.21; 9401; 9402; 9403; 9404)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(May 2017)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Measures to facilitate trade through the establishment 
of the "Trade Facilitation Board", co -chaired by the 
Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Customs and 
Trade. The Ministry of Customs and Trade (Directorate 
General for European Union  and External Relations) 
serves as the Board’s Secretariat (import)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(May 2017)  Effective  
3 December 2016  
Measures to facilitate trade through the establis hment 
of the "Trade Facilitation Board", co -chaired by the 
Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Customs and 
Trade. The Ministry of Customs and Trade (Directorate 
General for European Union  and External Relations) 
serves as the Board’s Secretariat  (expor t) Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(May 2017)  Effective  
3 December 2016  
Termination of registration requirements on exports of 
aluminium waste and scrap (HS 7602) (originally 
implemented on 21 April 2011)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(24 October 2017)  Effective 11 July 2017  
Decrease of import tariffs on certain products, 
e.g. (from 135% to 26%) on live bovine animals for 
slaughter; (from 100% to 40%) on bovine carcass 
meat; (from 130% to 45%) on  wheat; (from 130% to 
35%) on barl ey; and (from 130% to %25) on maize 
(HS 0102; 0201; 0202; 1001; 1003; 1005)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO  
(24 October 2017)  Effective  
27 June 2017  
United States  
Tariff reclassifications resulting in the elimination of 
import tariffs on cert ain hole saw kits for door lockset 
installations (HS 8202.99.00), and in the decrease of 
import tariffs (to 4.2%) on five types of plastic sheeting 
(coverfab, safety pool fabric, DAF escape, double sided 
tape, and backlit polyester film) (HS 3921.12.11; 
3921.90.11)  US Customs and Border 
Protection 19 CFR PART 
177  - Customs Bulletin 
and Decisions, Vol. 50  
No. 48  
(30 November 2016)  Effective  
30 January 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 137 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (I TA) (92 
tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS Chapters 32; 35; 37; 
39; 85; 90; 94)  WTO document 
G/MA/W/117/Add.24,  
28 January 2016  Effective 1 July 2017  
 
Recorded, but non -confirmed information3 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Algeria  
Temporary special autho rization ( contingents 
quantitatifs pour l’importation des produits et des 
marchandises au titre des licences d’importation pour 
l’année 2017 ) to import certain products (e.g. motor 
vehicles, iron and steel, wood and articles of wood, 
ceramic products, meat s, cheeses, fruits, barley and 
maize, garlic, residues and waste from the food 
industries, tomatoes prepared or preserved) under 
certain import quotas  Avis No. 1/2017 Ministère 
du Commerce. Viewed at: 
http://www.commerce.gov
.dz/avis/avis -n-deg-01-
2017-portant-ouverture -
des-contingents -
quantitatifs -pour-l-
importation -des-produits -
et-des-marchandises -au-
titre-des-licences -d-
importation -pour-l-annee -
2017 Effective 1 April 2017  
Temporary special authorization ( contingents 
quantitatifs pour l’importation des pr oduits et des 
marchandises au titre des licences d’importation pour 
l’année 2017 ) to import certain products (e.g. air 
conditioning machines, refrigerators, freezers, dish 
washing machines, household washing machines, 
reception apparatus for television, mo bile telephones, 
cosmetics and perfumery) (HS 8415; 8418; 8422; 
8450; 8528; 8517.12.91; 8517.12.99; 33) under 
certain import quotas  Avis No. 3/2017 Ministère 
du Commerce  
(30 May 2017)  Effective 31 May 2017 
to 14 June 2017  
Angola  
Extension of the tempora ry elimination on import tariffs 
on horse mackerel fish (HS 0302), under an import 
quota of 90,000 tonnes (originally effective  
1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016)  Agência Angola Press and 
Noticiasaominuto 
(February 2017)  Effective  
6 March 2017  
Egypt  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on fresh or 
chilled fish (HS 0302)  Press reports referring to 
Prime Minister Decree  
No. 1325 (June 2017)  Effective  
12 June 2017 for 4 
months  
Iceland  
All customs duties on specified foods cancelled in two 
stages i n 2016 and 2017  Ministry of Finance and 
Economic Affairs - National 
Budget Proposal 2017. 
Viewed at: 
https://eng.fjarmalaradun
eyti.is/news/national -
budget -proposal -2017  
(12 June 2016)    
Nigeria  
Temporary decrease of import tariffs (below ECOWAS 
level) on 89 products, (e.g. machinery and equipment, 
solid minerals, cement, textiles, cold -rolled steel, 
certain vehicles), through the import adjustment tax list  Africa News  
(5 January 2017) and 
Deloitte Trade Newsletter  Effective  
17 October 2016  
Sri Lanka  
Temporary decrease of the special commodity levy 
(from SL Rs 5/kg to SL Rs 0.25/kg) on imports of 
broken rice (HS 1006.40) and (from SL Rs 25/kg to 
SL Rs 15/kg on wheat ( HS 1001)  Press reports referring to 
Extraordinary Gazette 
2030/20 -2017 Effective August for 5 
months  
 
                                                
3 This Section includes information which has been obtained from public sources but has not yet been 
confirmed by the delegation concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 138 - 
 
  ANNEX 2  
TRADE REMEDIES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 2016 TO MID -OCTOBER  2017) 
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Termination on 18 October  2016 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of load cells 
(NCM 9031.80.60) from China (initiated on  
11 March 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/ARG,  
8 March 2017    
Initiation on 29 October 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of   stainless steel knives with 
cutting blades, spoons and forks (NCM 8211.10.00; 
8211.91.00; 8215.20.00; 8215.99.10) from Brazil and 
China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/ARG,  
8 March 2017    
Initiation on 8 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of household type dish washing 
machines (NCM 8422.11.00) from China and Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/ARG,  
8 March 2017    
Initiation on 8 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of plates, sheets, film, foil and 
strip of poly(methyl meth acrylate), non -cellular and not 
reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined 
with other materials (NCM 3920.51.00; 3926.90.90) 
from Brazil and China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/ARG,  
8 March 2017    
Initiation on 8 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of metal protection grilles (NCM 
8414.90.20) from China and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/ARG,  
8 March 2017    
Initiation on 8 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of food grinders and mixers; 
and fruit or vegetable juice extractors 
(NCM  8509.40.50; 8509.40.20; 8509.40.10) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/ARG,  
8 March 2017; Resolución 
No. 521 -E/2017 Ministerio 
de Producción  
(6 October 2017)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
9 October 2017  
Initiation on 8 D ecember 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of steel pipes of the type used 
in oil and gas pipelines (NCM 7304.19.00; 7306.19.00) 
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/ARG,  
8 March 2017    
Termination on 15 March 2017 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of poly(ethylene 
terephthalate)  (NCM 3907.60.00) from the United 
States (investigation initiated on 16 September 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/ARG,  
24 August 2017  (Duty imposed on 
imports from 
Indonesia)  
Initiation on 5 Ap ril 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of phthalic anhydride and bis(2 -ethylhexyl) 
phthalates "DOP" (NCM 2917.32.00; 2917.35.00) from 
Chile; Korea, Rep. of and Mexico   WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/ARG,  
24 August 2017    
Termination on 11 May 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of steel spring lock washers (NCM 7318.21.00) 
from China (investigation initiated on 2 April 2016 and 
provisional duty imposed on 7 December 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/ARG,  
24 August 2017    
Initiation on 20 May 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of ceramic sanitary ware (NCM 6910.10.00; 
6910.90.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/ARG,  
24 August 2017    
                                                
1 The inclusion of any measure in  this Annex  implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex  implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
2 This Section  includes information which has either been provid ed by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at t he request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 139 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 16 June 2017 (without measure) of anti -
dumping investigation on imports of certain pol ymers of 
propylene plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, non -cellular 
and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly 
combined with other materials (NCM 3920.20.90) from 
Peru (investigation initiated on 13 April 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/ARG,  
24 August 2017    
Termination on 20 July 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of paper and paperboard, coated on one or both 
sides with kaolin (China clay) or other inorganic 
substances, with or without a binder, and with no other 
coating, whether or not surface -coloured, 
surface -decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular 
(including square) sheets, of any size  (NCM 
4810.13.89; 4810.13.90; 4810.19.89; 4810.19.90) 
from Finland (investigation initiated on  
15 December 2010. Provisional and definitive duti es 
imposed on 20 March and 14 June 2012)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/230/ARG,  
4 October 2012; and 
Resolución No. 316 -
E/2017 Ministerio de 
Producción  (19 July 2017)    
Initiation on 4 September 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of emergency lighting 
equipment ( aparatos para iluminaci ón de emergencia ) 
(NCM 9405.10.99) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Resolución Secretaría de 
Comercio No. 665 -E/2017 
Ministerio de Producción 
(31 August 2017)    
Initiation on 1 2 September 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of textured yarn of polyesters 
(NCM 5402.33.00) from India and Indonesia  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Resolución Secretaría de 
Comercio No. 677 -E/2017 
Ministeri o de Producción  
(7 September 2017)    
Australia  
Termination on 17 October 2016 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of certain 
crystalline silicon photovol taic modules or panels 
(HS 8501.61.00; 8501.62.00; 8501.63.00; 8501.64.00; 
8541.40.00) from China  (investigation initiated on 
14 May 2014. Terminated on 6 October 2015, but 
investigation resumed on 8 January 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/AUS, 
27 February 2017    
Termination on 19 October 2016 (without measure) of 
countervailing in vestigation on imports of steel 
reinforcing bar (HS 7214.20.00; 7228.30.90: 
7213.10.00; 7227.90.10; 7227.90.90; 7228.30.10; 
7228.60.10) from China (initiated on  
23 December 2015)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/313/AUS, 
1 March  2017   
Termination on 19 October 2016  (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of rod in coils 
(HS 7213.91.00; 7227.90.90) from China (initiated on 
17 February 2016)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/313/AUS, 
1 March  2017   
Termination on 24 November 2016 (without measure) 
of anti -dumping investigation on imports of quicklime 
(HS 2522.10.00) from Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam 
(initiated on 18 April 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/AUS, 
27 February 2017    
Initiation on 10 January 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of alloy r ound steel bars (HS 
7228.20.10; 7228.20.90; 7228.30.10; 7228.30.90; 
7228.60.10; 7228.60.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/AUS, 
28 August 2017    
Initiation on 23 January 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of cooling tower water 
treatment c ontrollers (HS 9032.89.80) from the 
United  States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/AUS, 
28 August 2017; 
Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(29 September  2017) and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice 
No. 2017/54  
(18 April 2017)  Provisional and 
definitive  duties 
imposed on 18 April 
and 28 July 2017 , 
respectively  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 140 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 17 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of resealable can end closures 
(RTFs) (HS 8309.90.00) from India  (investigation 
initiated on 18 May 2016 and provisional duty  imposed 
on 5 October 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/AUS, 
28 August 2017    
Termination on 23 February 2017 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of steel shelving 
units (HS 9403.10.00; 9403.20.00) from China 
(investigation initiated o n 4 July 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/AUS, 
28 August 2017    
Termination on 23 February 2017 (without measure)  of 
countervailing investigation on imports of steel shelving 
units (HS 9403.10.00; 9403.20.00) from China 
(investigation initiated on 4 July 2 016) WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/AUS, 
28 August  2017   
Termination on 17 April 2017 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of A4 copy paper 
(HS 4802.56.10) from Indonesia (initiated on  
12 April 2016)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/AUS, 
28 August 2017   
Initiation on 26 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of certain wire rope (HS 7312.10.00) from 
South Africa  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/AUS, 
28 August 2017; and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice  
No. 2017/116  
(16 August 2017)  Provisional duty 
imposed on 16 August 
2017 
Termination on 24 May 2017 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of aluminium 
extrusions (HS 7604.10.00; 7604.21.00; 7604.29.00; 
7608.10.00; 7608.20.00; 7610.10.00; 7610.90.00) 
from Viet Nam (i nvestigation initiated on  
16 August 2016)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/AUS, 
28 August  2017   
Initiation on 7 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of steel rod in coils (HS 7213.91.00; 
7227.90.90) from Indonesia; Korea, Rep. of and 
Viet Nam WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/AUS, 
28 August 2017    
Initiation on 8 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of certain wind towers (HS 7308.20.00; 
7308.90.00; 8502.31.10) from Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/AUS, 
28 August 2017    
Initiation on 27 Ju ne 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of steel reinforcing bar (HS 7213.10.00; 
7214.20.00; 7227.90.10; 7227.90.90; 7228.30.10; 
7228.30.90; 7228.60.10) from Greece, Indonesia, 
Spain, Chinese Taipei and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/AUS, 
28 August 2017    
Termination on 17 July 2017 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of zinc coated 
(galvanized) steel (HS 7210.49.00; 7212.30.00; 
7225.92.00; 7226.99.00) from Viet Nam (investigation 
initiated on 7 October 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice No. 
2017/98 (17 July 2017)    
Termination on 12 September 2017 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of hollow structural sections "HSS" 
(HS 7306.30.00; 7306.50.00; 7306. 61.00; 7306.69.00; 
7306.90.00) from India and United Arab Emirates 
(investigation initiated on 22 December 2015, 
provisional duty imposed on 22 February 2016 and 
terminated on 25 July 2016. On 28 January 2017, the 
investigation was resumed)  Permanent Deleg ation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Australia Customs 
Dumping Notice  
No. 2017/129  
(12 September 2017)    
Brazil  
Termination on 18 November 2016 (without measure) 
of anti -dumping investigation on imports of 
polyurethane (PU) synthetic lea ther (NCM 3921.13.90; 
3921.90.19; 3921.90.90; 5603.14.10; 5603.14.20; 
5603.14.30; 5603.14.40; 5603.14.90; 5603.94.10; 
5603.94.20; 5603.94.30; 5603.94.90; 5903.20.00) 
from China (initiated on 21 July 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/BRA, 
24 February  2017   WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 141 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 21 November 2016 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of hot -rolled steel (NCM 
7208.10.00; 7208.25.00; 7208.26.10; 7208.26.90; 
7208.27.10; 7208.27.90; 7208.36.10; 7208.36.90; 
7208.37.00; 7208.38.10; 7208.38.90; 7208.39.10; 
7208.39.90; 72 08.40.00; 7208.53.00; 7208.54.00; 
7208.90.00; 7225.30.00; 7225.40.90) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/313/BRA,  
28 February 2017    
Termination on 9 February 2017 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of analogical or 
digital panorami c x-ray systems for dental use (NCM 
9022.12.00; 9022.13.11) from Germany (initiated on 
22 October 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/BRA, 
2 October  2017   
Temporary suspension on 20 November 2016 of anti -
dumping duties on imports of cold polymerized emulsion 
styrene -butadiene rubber (E -SBR) (NCM 4002.19.11; 
4002.19.19) from the European Union (investigation 
initiated on 27 May 2014 and duty imposed on  
20 November 2015)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO  
(29 May 2017) and Camex 
Resolution No. 96/2016 
(10 October 2016)    
Initiation on 24 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of seamed tubes of austenitic stainless steel 
(HS 7306.40.00; 7306.90.20) from Malaysia, Thailand 
and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/BRA, 
2 October  2017   
Initiati on on 26 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of nitrile rubber (NBR), not hydrogenated  
(HS 4002.59.00) from France and Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/BRA, 
2 October  2017   
Initiation on 3 July 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of grinding balls and similar articles for mills 
(HS 7325.91.00) from India  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(23 October  2017) and 
Secex Circular No. 
39/2017 (30 June 2017)    
Temporary suspension on 7 July 2017 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of vacuum flasks (NCM 9617.00.10) 
from China (imposed on 21 July 1999)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(23 October  2017)    
Termination on 9 August 2017 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of calcium phosphate monobasic 
monohydrate (NCM 28 35.26.00) from Argentina 
(imposed on 10 October 2005)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(23 October  2017) and 
Secex Circular No. 
44/2017 (8 August 2017)    
Initiation on 2 October 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of grinding balls a nd similar 
articles for mills (HS 7325.91.00) from India  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(23 October  2017) and 
Secex Circular No. 
51/2017  
(29 September 2017)    
Canada  
Termination on 25 January 2017 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigati on on imports of certain 
fabricated industrial steel components (HS 7216.99.00; 
7301.20.00; 7308.40.00; 7308.90.00; 7326.90.90; 
8421.99.90; 8428.31.00; 8428.32.00; 8428.33.00; 
8428.39.00) from United Arab Emirates and the United 
Kingdom (initiated on 12 Se ptember 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/CAN,  
15 September 2017    
Initiation on 20 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain silicon metals (HS 
2804.69.00) from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Lao People's 
Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Norway , Russian 
Federation and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/CAN,  
15 September 2017; 
Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(20 October 2017) and 
Canada Border Service 
Agency Notice SM2 2017 
IN (3 October 2017)  Terminated on  
5 July 2017 on imports 
from the Russian 
Federation. Terminated 
on 3 October 2017 on 
imports from Norway. 
Provisional duty 
imposed on 5 July 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 142 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 20 February 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on import s of certain silicon metals 
(HS 2804.69.00) from Brazil, Kazakhst an, Malaysia, 
Norway and Thailand  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/CAN,  
21 September 2017; 
Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(20 October 2017) and 
Canada Border Service 
Agency Notice SM2 2017 
IN (3 October 2017)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
5 July 2017. 
Terminated on  
3 October 2017 on 
imports from Thailand  
Initiation on 8 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of certain carbon and alloy steel line pipe 
(HS 7304.19.00; 7305.11.00; 7305.12.00; 7305.19.00; 
7306.19.00) from Korea, Rep. of  WTO d ocument 
G/ADP/N/300/CAN,  
15 September 2017; 
Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(20 October 2017) and 
Canada Border Service 
Agency Notice LP2 2017 IN 
(6 September 2017)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
6 September 2017  
Initiation on 18 August 2017 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of certain polyethylene 
terephthalate (PET resin) (HS 3907.61.00; 3907.69.00) 
from China, India, Oman and Pakistan  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(20 October 2017) and 
Canada Border Service 
Agency Notice PE TR 2017 
IN (18 August 2017)    
Initiation on 18 August 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain polyethylene 
terephthalate (PET resin) (HS 3907.61.00; 3907.69.00) 
from China, India, Oman and Pakistan  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO  
(20 October 2017) and 
Canada Border Service 
Agency Notice PETR 2017 
IN (18 August 2017)    
Chile  
Initiation on 31 January 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of steel bars used for the 
production of conventional mill balls for grinding 
minerals, of a diameter of less than 3.5 inches (HS 
7228.30.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/CHL,  
21 July 2017    
China  
Initiation on 24 October 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of polyformaldehyde copolymer 
(HS 3907.10.10) from Korea, Re p. of; Malaysia and 
Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/CHN,  
4 August 2017  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
30 June 2017  
Termination on 22 March 2017 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of photographic paper and paper board 
(HS 3703.10.10; 3703.20.10; 3703.90.1 0) from the 
European Union and the United States (investigation 
initiated on 23 December 2010. Provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 10 August 2011 and  
23 March 2012)  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO  
(29 May 2017) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 61/2016  
(7 November 2016)    
Initiation on 13 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of ortho chloro para nitroaniline 
(HS 2921.42.00) from India  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/CHN,  
4 August 2017    
Initiation on 13 February 2017 of counter vailing 
investigation on imports of ortho chloro para nitroaniline 
(HS 2921.42.00) from India  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/CHN, 
7 August  2017   
Initiation on 6 March 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of bisphenol A (HS 2907.23.00) from 
Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/CHN,  
4 August 2017    
Initiation on 27 March 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of methyl isobutyl ketone 
(HS 2914.13.00) from Japan; Korea, Rep. of and  
South Africa  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/CHN,  
4 August 2017    
Termin ation on 21 May 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of catechol (HS 2907.29.10) from Japan and 
the United States (imposed on 22 May 2006)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/CHN,  
4 August 2017    
Initiation on 8 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports  of meta phenoxy benzaldehyde 
(HS 2912.49.90) from India  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/CHN,  
4 August 2017    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 143 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 23 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of styrene (HS 2902.50.00) from Korea, 
Rep. of; Chinese Taipei and the United State s  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/CHN,  
4 August 2017    
Termination on 27 June 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of epichlorohydrin (HS 2910.30.00) from Japan; 
Korea, Rep. of; Russian Federation and the 
United  States (imposed on 28 June 2006)   WTO document  
G/ADP/N/300/CHN,  
4 August 2017    
Initiation on 18 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of  broiler products (HS 0207; 
0504) from Brazil  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 39/2017  
(18 August 2017)    
Initiation on 30 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of  halogenated butyl rubber 
(HS 4002.39.10; 4002.39.90) from the European Union, 
Singapore and the United States  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 45/2017  
(30 August 2017)    
Termination on 12 October 2017 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of polyurethane (HS 5402) from Japan; 
Korea, Rep. of; Singapore; Chinese Taipei and the 
United States (imposed on 13 October 2006)   Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 54/2017  
(14 October 2017)    
Colombia  
Initiation on 3 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of  cylindrical metal drums with 
a capacity of 208 litres  (HS 7310.10.00) from Chile  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/COL, 
13 September  2017   
Termination on 11 April 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of galvanized wire ( alambre galvanizado ) 
(HS 7217.20.00) from China (investigation initiated on 
19 June 2013. Prov isional and definitive duties imposed 
on 26 August 2013 and 11 April 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/COL, 
13 September  2017   
Termination on 11 April 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of wood -based panels (HS 4412.31.00; 
4412.32.00) from China (invest igation initiated on  
18 July 2013. Provisional and definitive duties imposed 
on 20 September 2013 and 11 April 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/COL, 
13 September  2017   
Initiation on 27 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of stainless steel  sinks weighing not more 
than 8 kg (HS 7324.10.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/COL, 
13 September  2017   
Initiation on 2 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of prepared or preserved 
potato chips (HS 2004.10.00) from Belgium, German y 
and the Netherlands  Resolución No. 121/2017 
Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo  
(2 August 2017)    
Initiation on 8 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of L and U sections of hot -
rolled iron or non -alloy steel  (HS 7216.21.00; 
7216.10.00; 7228.70.00) from China  Resolución No. 123/2017 
Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo  
(8 August 2017)    
Initiation on 22 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of woven fabrics of cotton 
(denim) (HS 5209.42.00; 5209.49.00; 52 11.42.00; 
5211.49.00) from China  Resolución No. 133/2017 
Ministerio de Comercio, 
Industria y Turismo  
(22 August 2017)    
Costa Rica  
Termination on 6 July 2017 (without measure) of anti -
dumping investigation on imports of certain steel tanks 
for any mater ial (other than compressed or liquefied 
gas), of a capacity not exceeding 300 litres, whether or 
not lined or heat -insulated, but not fitted with 
mechanical or thermal equipment (HS 7310.10.00) from 
Chile (investigation initiated on 15 June 2016)  WTO docum ent 
G/ADP/N/300/CRI, 
14 September  2017   
Egypt  
Initiation on 16 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of tableware and kitchenware 
of plastic (melamine) (HS 3924.10) from China and 
Malaysia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/EGY,  
7 February 2017    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 144 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 16 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of trays made of urea (HS 
3924.10) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/EGY,  
7 February 2017    
Initiation on 16 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of polyvinyl  chloride 
(HS 3904.10.00) from the United States  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/EGY,  
7 February 2017    
Initiation on 22 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of  bars and rods of iron alloy 
or non -alloy steel rebar, hot -rolled in wound coil o r bars 
or rods (steel rebar for construction) (HS 7213; 7214; 
7227; 7228) from China, Turkey and Ukraine  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/EGY,  
20 July 2017  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
7 June 2017  
Initiation on 22 December 2016 of countervailing 
investigation on  imports of  bars and rods of iron alloy 
or non -alloy steel rebar, hot -rolled in wound coil or bars 
or rods (steel rebar for construction) (HS 7213; 7214; 
7227; 7228) from China and Turkey  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/313/EGY,  
28 February 2017    
Termination on 6  June 2017 of safeguard duties on 
imports of steel rebar (HS 7213; 7214) (initiated on  
14 October 2014)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/8/EGY/7/Suppl.1, 
8 June 2017    
European Union  
Termination on 12 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of saturated fatt y alcohols with a 
carbon chain length of C8, C10, C12, C14, C16 or C18 
(not including branched isomers) including single 
saturated fatty alcohols (also referred to as "single 
cuts") and blends predominantly containing a 
combination of carbon chain lengths C6-C8, C6 -C10, 
C8-C10, C10 -C12 (commonly categorized as C8 -C10), 
blends predominantly containing a combination of 
carbon chain lengths C12 -C14, C12 -C16, C12 -C18, C14 -
C16 (commonly categorized as C12 -C14) and blends 
predominantly containing a combination of  carbon chain 
lengths C16 -C18 (HS 2905.16.85; 2905.17.00; 
2905.19.00; 3823.70.00) from India, Indonesia and 
Malaysia (investigation initiated on 13 August 2010, 
provisional and definitive duties imposed on 11 May and 
11 November 2011)  Commission Notice  
2016/C 418/03  
(12 November 2016)    
Termination on 5 December 2016 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of certain 
manganese oxides (HS 2602.00.00; 2820.90.90) from 
Brazil, Georgia, India and Mexico (initiated on  
17 December 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/EU,  
11 April 2017    
Initiation on 9 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain corrosion resistant 
steels "CRS" (HS 7210.41.00; 7210.49.00; 7210.61.00; 
7210.69.00; 7212.30.00; 7212.50.61; 7212.50.69; 
7225.92. 00; 7225.99.00; 7226.99.30; 7226.99.70) 
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/EU,  
11 April 2017; and 
Commission Implementing 
Regulation No. 2017/1444 
(9 August 2017)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
10 August 2017  
Initiation on 10 December 2016 of anti -dumpin g 
investigation on imports of certain cast iron articles  
(HS 7325.10.00; 7325.99.10) from China and India  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/EU,  
11 April 2017; and 
Commission Implementing 
Regulation No. 2017/1480 
(16 August 2017)  Provisional duty 
imposed on 17 Aug ust 
2017 on imports from 
China  
Termination on 8 January 2017 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of certain stainless steel fasteners and parts 
thereof  (HS  7318.12.10; 7318.14.10; 7318.15.30; 
7318.15.51; 7318.15.61; 7318.15.70) from China and 
Chinese Taipe i (imposed on 19  November  2005)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/EU,  
19 October 2017    
Termination on 7 February 2017 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of certain polyethylene terephthalate (PET) 
(HS 3907.60.20) from China (imposed on  
19 August 2004)  WTO docu ment 
G/ADP/N/300/EU,  
19 October 2017    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 145 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 10 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of steel ropes and cables (steel wire 
ropes)  (HS  7312.10.81; 7312.10.83; 7312.10.85; 
7312.10.89; 7312.10.98) from the Republic of Moldova 
(imposed o n 24 April 2004), Morocco (imposed on  
30 October 2004) and Ukraine (imposed on  
16 November 2005)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/EU,  
19 October 2017    
Termination on 7 June 2017 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of purified 
terephtha lic acid and its salts (HS 2917.36.00) from 
Korea, Rep. of (investigation initiated on  
3 August 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/EU,  
19 October 2017    
Initiation on 23 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of low carbon -ferro-chrome (HS 7202. 49.50) 
from China, Russian Federation and Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/EU,  
19 October 2017    
Initiation on 2 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of ferro -silicon (HS 
7202.21.00; 7202.29.10; 7202.29.90) from Egypt and 
Ukraine  Commissio n Notice 2017/C 
251/04 (2 August 2017)    
Initiation on 11 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of new and retreaded tyres for 
buses (HS 4011.20.90; 4012.12.00) from China  Commission Notice 2017/C 
264/13 (11 August 2017)    
Termination on 6  October 2017 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of certain hot -
rolled flat products of iron, non -alloy or other alloy steel 
(HS 7208.10.00; 7208.25.00; 7208.26.00; 7208.27.00; 
7208.36.00; 7208.37.00; 7208.38.00; 7208.39.00; 
7208.40 .00; 7208.52.99; 7208.53.90; 7208.54.00; 
7211.14.00; 7211.19.00; 7225.19.10; 7225.30.10; 
7225.30.30; 7225.30.90; 7225.40.12; 7225.40.15; 
7225.40.60; 7225.40.90; 7226.19.10; 7226.20.00; 
7226.91.20; 7226.91.91; 7226.91.99) from Serbia 
(initiated on 7 July 20 16) Commission Implementing 
Regulation No. 2017/1795 
(5 October 2017)    
Initiation on 14  October  2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of new and retreaded tyres for 
buses or lorries (HS  4011.20.90; 4012.12.20) from 
China  Commission Notice 2017/ C 
346/10 (14 October 2017)    
India  
Termination on 24 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of flat products of stainless steel, hot -
rolled (HS  7219.11; 7219.12; 7219.13; 7219.14; 
7219.21; 7219.22; 7219.23; 7219.24; 7220.11; 
7220.12)  from the E uropean Union; Korea, Rep. of; 
South Africa; Chinese Taipei and the United States 
(investigation initiated on 12 April 2010 and definitive 
duty imposed on 25 November 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/IND, 
11 April 2017   
Termination on 16 December 2016 (wit hout measure) 
of safeguard investigation on imports of unwrought 
aluminium (aluminium, not alloyed, and aluminium 
alloys) (HS 7601) (investigation initiated on  
19 April 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO (30 May 
2017) and WTO document 
G/SG/N/8 /IND/29/Suppl.1 
20 December 2016    
Termination on 12 January 2017 of  anti -dumping 
duties on imports of silk fabric (HS 5007) from China 
(imposed on 31 May 2006)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 2 February 2017 of anti -dumpin g 
investigation on imports of polyester staple fibre "PSF"  
(HS 5503.20.00) from China, Indonesia, Malaysia and 
Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 9 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of methyl ethyl ketone "MEK" 
(HS 2914.12.00) from China, Japan, South Africa and 
Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 17 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of veneered engineered 
wooden flooring (HS 44) from Chin a, the European 
Union, Indonesia and Malaysia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 146 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 15 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of monoisopropylamine "MIPA" 
(HS 2921.11.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 17 March 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of dimethylacetamide (HS 
2924.19.00; 2902.11.00; 2905.19.90; 2911.00.90; 
2915.29.90; 2915.39.90; 2921.11.10; 2921.11.90; 
2921.29.90; 2922.50.90; 2924.19.00; 2924.21.90; 
2924.29.90; 2926.90.00; 2042.00.90) from China and 
Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 17 March 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of phosphorus pentaoxide  
(HS 2809.10.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 28 March 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of glassware (HS 7013.29; 
7013.37; 7013.39; 7013.49; 7014.99) from China and 
Indonesia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 30 March 2017 of ant i-dumping 
investigation on imports of playing cards (HS 
9504.40.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 31 March 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of fishing nets (HS 5608.11.10) 
from Bangladesh and China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 19 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of acrylic fibre (HS 5501.30; 5503.30; 
5506.30) from Belarus, China, the European Union, 
Peru and Ukraine  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October 2017   
Initiation on 19 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of ceramic rollers (HS 69) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 24 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of saturated fatty  alcohols (HS 3823.70.10; 
3823.70.20; 3823.70.40; 3823.70.90) from Indonesia, 
Malaysia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Termination on 28 May 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of aniline (HS 292 1.41) from the European 
Union (investigation initiated on 20 December 2010 and 
definitive duty imposed on 29 May 2012)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 1 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of dioctyl phthalate " DOP" (HS 2917.39.20) 
from Korea, Rep. of and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Termination on 14 June 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of hydrogen peroxide (HS 
2847.00.00) from Indonesia (investigation initiated o n 
14 January 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 15 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of high tenacity polyester yarn (HS 
5402.20.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Termination o n 19 June 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of pentaerythritol (HS 2905.42.00) from the 
European Union (excluding Sweden) (investigation 
initiated on 11 January 2011 and definitive duty 
imposed on 20 June 2012)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/IND, 
9 October  2017   
Initiation on 4 July 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of sodium dichromate (HS 2841.30.00) from 
Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, South Africa and 
Turkey  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(28 September 2017) and 
Notification No.  6/4/2017 -
DGAD, Case No. 
O.I/09/2017 -  Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry - 
Directorate General of 
Anti-Dumping and Allied 
Duties (4 July 2017)    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 147 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 21 July 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of solar cells, whether or not assembled,  
partially or fully, in modules or panels, or on glass or 
some other suitable substrates (HS 8541.40.11) from 
China, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(28 September 2017), 
Notification No. 
6/30/2017 -DGAD, Case 
No. OI/33/ 2017 -  Ministry 
of Commerce and Industry 
- Directorate General of 
Anti-Dumping and Allied 
Duties (21 July 2017)    
Initiation on 22 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of nylon filament yarn 
(multi -filament)  (HS 5402.10) from the Europea n 
Union and Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(28 September 2017) and 
Notification No. 
14/33/2016 -DGAD -  
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties  
(22 August 2017)    
Initiation on 23 Augus t 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of belting fabric (HS 5910.00) 
from China  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO  
(28 September 2017) and 
Notification No. 
14/35/2016 -DGAD -  
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties  
(23 August 2017)    
Initiation on 22 September 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of straight length bars and rods 
of alloy steel (HS 7228; 7214; 7215) from China  Notification No. 
6/10/2017 -DGAD - (Case 
No. O.I. 16/2 017)  
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry - Directorate 
General of Anti -Dumping 
and Allied Duties  
(22 September 2017)    
Indonesia  
Termination on 31 October 2016 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of cold -rolled 
stainless steel (HS 7219.32.00; 7219.33.00; 
7219.34.00; 7219.35.00; 7219.90.00; 7220.20.10; 
7220.20.90; 7220.90.10; 7220.90.90) from China; 
Korea, Rep. of;  Malaysia; Singapore; Chinese Taipei 
and Thailand (initiated  22 December 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/IDN, 
21 March  2017   
Initiation on 23 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of coloured steel, coated (HS 
7210.70.10; 7212.40.10; 7212.40.20) from China and 
Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/IDN, 
21 March  2017   
Israel  
Initiation on 18 May 2017 of ant i-dumping investigation 
on Portland cement (HS 2523.29.00) from Greece and 
Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/ISR,  
19 October 2017    
Initiation on 27 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on low voltage copper cables (HS 8544.49.90) from 
Turkey  WTO docume nt 
G/ADP/N/300/ISR,  
19 October 2017    
Japan  
Initiation on 31 March 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of carbon steel butt welding 
fittings (HS 7307.93) from China and Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/JPN, 
21 July 2017   
Korea, Rep. o f 
Initiation on 7 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of ferro -silico-manganese 
(HS 7202.30) from India, Ukraine and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/KOR,  
17 August 2017  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
31 May 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 148 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 19 Dece mber 2016 of ant i-dumping 
duties on imports of polyester filament draw textured 
yarn (HS  5402.33) from China, Malaysia and Chinese 
Taipei (imposed on 20 October 2006)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/KOR,  
15 February 2017    
Initiation on 17 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of PET film (HS 3920.62.00; 3920.69.00) 
from Chinese Taipei, Thailand and United Arab Emirates  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/KOR,  
17 August 2017    
Initiation on 10 July 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of coated pri nting paper (HS 4802.55.10; 
4802.57.10; 4810.13.10; 4810.14.10; 4810.19.10; 
4810.22.00) from China, Japan and Finland  Permanent Delegation of 
the Republic of Korea to 
the WTO  
(24 October 2016)    
Malaysia  
Termination on 19 October 2016 of anti -dumping du ties 
on imports of p oly(ethylene terephthalate) 
(HS 3907.60.00) from Thailand (imposed on  
23 October 2005)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/MYS, 
8 March  2017   
Initiation on 15 May 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of cold -rolled stainless steel in c oils, sheets 
or any other forms (HS 7219.31.00; 7219.32.00; 
7219.33.00; 7219.34.00; 7219.35.00; 7220.20.13; 
7220.20.19; 7220.20.90) from China; Korea, Rep. of; 
Chinese Taipei and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/MYS, 
6 September  2017   
Mexico  
Initiation  on 7 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of carbon and alloy steel tubing 
with longitudinal seams and a circular, square or 
rectangular cross -section  (HS 7306.61.01; 7306.19.99; 
7306.30.99; 7306.30.01) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/ 294/MEX,  
28 February 2017; and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 11 August 2017  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
11 August 2017  
Initiation on 15 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of seamless carbon steel tubing 
(HS 7304 .19.01; 7304.19.02; 7304.19.99; 7304.39.05; 
7304.39.06; 7304.39.99) from India; Korea, Rep. of; 
Spain and Ukraine  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/MEX,  
28 February 2017; and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 3 August 2017    Provisional duty 
imposed on  
3 August 2017  
Termination on 15 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of multilayer paper sacks for lime and 
cement (HS  4819.30.01)  from Brazil (imposed on  
26 January 2006)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/MEX,  
28 February 2017    
Terminati on on 3 April 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of mushrooms of the genus Agaricus 
(HS 2003.10.01)  from Chile (imposed on 18 May 2006)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/MEX,  
31 August 2017    
Initiation on 26 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on impor ts of foil balloons (HS 9503.00.23; 9505.90.99)  
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/MEX,  
31 August 2017    
Initiation on 10 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of polybutadiene -styrene 
rubber in emulsion "SBR" (HS 4002.19.01; 4002.19.02;  
4002.19.03; 4002.19.99)  from Japan; Korea, Rep. of; 
Poland and the United States  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO 
(28 September  2017) and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 10 August 2017      
Initiation on 10 August 2017 of an ti-dumping 
investigation on imports of micro -wire for welding (HS 
7229.20.01; 7229.90.99; 8311.90.01)  from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO 
(28 September  2017) and 
Diario Oficial de la 
Federación (Official 
Journal), 10 August 2017      
Morocco 
Initiation on 11 May 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of exercise -books (HS 4820.20)  from 
Tunisia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/MAR,  
27 September 2017    
New Zealand  
Initiation on 19 December 2016 of countervailing 
investigation on imports  of  galvanized steel coil (HS 
7210.49.31) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/NZL,  
30 August 2017  Terminated on  
5 July 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 149 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 1 March 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of peaches in preserving liquid, in containers up 
to and includin g 4 kg (HS 2008.70.09) from Spain 
(investigation initiated on 7 February 2011 and 
definitive duty imposed on 4 August 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/NZL,  
4 September 2017    
Termination on 17 July 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of plasterboard (H S 6809.11.00) from Thailand 
(imposed on 21 December 1989)   Permanent Delegation of 
New Zealand to the WTO 
(26 September 2013)    
Initiation on 15 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of reinforcing steel bar and coil 
(rebar) (HS 7213.10.90;  7213.91.90; 7213.99.90; 
7214.20.90; 7214.99.90; 7227.90.00; 7228.30.00; 
7228.50.00; 7228.60.00) from China and Malaysia  Permanent Delegation of 
New Zealand to the WTO 
(26 September 2013) and 
Ministry of Business, 
Innovation and 
Employment - Non-
Confidenti al Initiation 
Report: Application for 
Anti-Dumping Duties 
(August 2017)    
Initiation on 15 August 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of reinforcing steel bar and coil 
(rebar) (HS 7213.10.90; 7213.91.90; 7213.99.90; 
7214.20.90; 7214.99.90; 722 7.90.00; 7228.30.00; 
7228.50.00; 7228.60.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
New Zealand to the WTO 
(26 September 2013) and 
Ministry of Business, 
Innovation and 
Employment – 
Non-Confidential Initiation 
Report: Application for 
Countervailing Duties 
(August 2017)    
Pakistan  
Initiation on 26 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of deformed concrete 
reinforcing steel bars (HS 7214.20.10; 7214.20.90; 
7214.30.10; 7214.30.90; 7214.99.10; 7214.99.90; 
7215.10.10; 7215.10.90; 7215.50.10; 7215. 50.90; 
7215.90.10; 7215.90.90; 7228.20.90; 7228.30.90; 
7228.10.00; 7228.40.00; 7228.50.00; 7228.60.00) 
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/PAK,  
31 July 2017    
Initiation on 28 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of sulphonic acid (HS 
3402.11.10) from China; India; Indonesia; Iran, Islamic 
Rep. of; Korea, Rep. of and Chinese Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/PAK,  
31 July 2017  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
25 May 2017  
Initiation on 29 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of polyvinyl chloride 
(suspension grade) (HS 3904.10.90) from China; Korea, 
Rep. of;  Chinese Taipei and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/PAK,  
31 July 2017  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
13 June 2017  
Termination on 9 February 2017 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of phthalic anhydride (PA) (HS 2917.35.00)  
from India (imposed on 13 February 2006)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/PAK,  
31 July 2017    
Termination on 22 February 2017 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of cotton yarn 
55.5 and  above (HS 5205.15.00; 5205.27.00; 
5205.28.00; 5205.35.00; 5205.47.00; 5205.48.00) 
from India (initiated on 20 August 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/PAK,  
31 July 2017    
Termination on 28 March 2017 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of phthalic anhydride (PA) (HS 2917.35.00)  
from Brazil; China; Indonesia; Korea, Rep. of and 
Chinese Taipei (investigation initiated on 25 May 2009 
and definitive duty imposed on 30 September 2010)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/PAK,  
31 July 2017    
Termination on 12 May 2017 of an ti-dumping 
investigation on imports of dextrose monohydrate  
(HS 1702.30.00) from India (investigation initiated on 
13 November 2015 and provisional duty imposed on  
28 October 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/PAK,  
31 July 2017    
Initiation on 9 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of colour coated steel coils/sheets (HS 
7210.70.10; 7210.70.20; 7210.70.90; 7212.40.10; 
7212.40.90) from China and South Africa  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/PAK,  
31 July 2017    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 150 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Peru  
Initiation on 19 February 2017 of anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of zip fasteners and parts 
thereof (HS 9607.11.00; 9607.19.00; 9607.20.00) from 
China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/PER,  
15 September 2017; 
Permanent Delegation of 
Peru to the WTO  
(25 September 2017) and 
Resolución No. 16 9-
2017/CDB -INDECOPI  
(9 August 2017)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
17 August 2017  
Initiation on 10 May 2017 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of certain undenatured ethyl alcohol ( etanol ) 
(HS  2207.10.00; 2207.20.00; 3826.00) from the 
United State s  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/PER,  
20 September 2017    
Termination on 21 June 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of hot -rolled steel tubes and pipes 
(HS 7306.30.99; 7306.61.00; 7306.90.00) from China 
(investigation initiated on 25 October 2013 and 
definitive duty imposed on 22 April 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/PER,  
15 September 2017    
Termination on 24 August 2017 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of polyester/cotton poplin fabrics 
(HS 5407.81.00; 5407.82.00; 5512.11.00; 5512.19.00; 
5513.11.00; 551 3.21.00; 5514.11.00; 5514.21.00) 
from China (definitive duty imposed on 21 May 2004)  Permanent Delegation of 
Peru to the WTO  
(16 October 2017) and 
Resolución No. 168 -
2017/CDB -INDECOPI  
(9 August 2017)    
Russian Federation (for the Eurasian Economic Union ) 
Initiation on 16 January 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of herbicides (HS 3808.93) 
from the European Union  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/RUS,  
25 September 2017    
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of (for the Gulf Co -operation Council)  
Initiation on 25 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of seamless pipes and tubes of iron or steel 
of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines and drilling, of 
circular cross -section, of an external diameter not 
exceeding 16 inches (406.4 mm) (HS 7304.19.00; 
7304.29.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/SAU, 
29 August 2017    
Termination on 3 May 2017 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of ferro -silico-manganese (HS 7202.30.00) 
(investigation initiated on 3 October 2016 and 
provisional duty imposed on 1 Novem ber 2016)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/SAU/2 and 
G/SG/N/7/SAU/1/Suppl.2, 
18 May 2017   
Initiation on 31 July 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of uncoated Kraft paper and paperboard in 
rolls, other than that of heading HS 4802 or HS 4803 
(HS 4804.11. 00; 4804.19.00; 4804.31.00; 4804.39.00; 
4804.41.00) from Italy, Poland and Spain  Permanent Delegation of 
the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia to the WTO 
(October  2017)    
Initiation on 20 September 2017 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of prepared additives fo r 
cements, mortars or concretes (chemical plasticizers) 
(HS 3824.40.00)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/BHR/3,  
3 October 2017    
South Africa (for the Southern African Customs Union)  
Termination on 29 September 2017 (without measure) 
of safeguard investigation on  imports of flat -rolled 
products of iron or non -alloy steel (HS 7209.15; 
7209.16; 7209.17; 7209.18; 7225.50; 7226.92) 
(initiated on 29 July 2016)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/ZAF/2,  
6 October 2017    
Termination on 26 July 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
drawn an d float glass (HS 7005.29.05) from Indonesia 
(imposed on 3 October 2006)  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(20 October  2017 and 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission Notice No. R. 
1083  - Government 
Gazette No. 41165  
(6 October 2017)    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 151 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Thailand  
Termination on 31 May 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of unglazed/glazed ceramic flags and paving, 
hearth or wall tiles; and unglazed/glazed ceramic 
mosaic cubes and the like, whether or not on the 
backing (HS  6907.10.00; 6907.90.00; 6 908.10.00, 
6908.90.10; 6908.90.90) from China (investigation 
initiated on 3 December  2009 and definitive duty 
imposed on 2 June 2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/THA, 
23 August  2017   
Termination on 2 August 2017 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigati on on imports of flat hot -rolled 
steel-pickled and oiled in coils or not (HS 7208.25.00; 
7208.26.00; 7208.27.10; 7208.27.90; 7211.14.19; 
7211.19.11; 7211.19.21) from Korea, Rep. of (initiated 
on 4 February 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
Thailand to the WTO   
(28 September 2017)    
Termination on 1 September 2017 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of bead wire (HS 7217.30.31) from 
China (investigation initiated on 15 March 2016 and 
provisional duty imposed on 8 December 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
Thailand t o the WTO  
(28 September 2017)    
Turkey  
Termination on 28 October 2016 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of seamless 
tubes, pipes and hollow profiles of iron (other than cast 
iron) or steel (HS 7304) from China (initiated on  
15 May 2015)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/313/TUR,  
8 March 2017    
Initiation on 30 October 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of unbleached kraftliner paper 
(HS 4804.11.11; 4804.11.15; 4804.11.90) from Brazil, 
Finland, Poland and the Russian Federatio n WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/TUR,  
2 March 2017    
Termination on 30 October 2016 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of cold -rolled 
stainless steel flats (HS 7219.31.00; 7219.32.10; 
7219.32.90; 7219.33.10; 7219.33.90; 7219.34.10; 
7219.34.90; 7219.35.10; 7219.35.90; 7220.20.21; 
7220.20.29; 7220.20.41; 7220. 20.49; 7220.20.81; 
7220.20.89) from China and Chinese Taipei 
(investigation initiated on 22 August 2015)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/TUR,  
2 March 2017    
Initiation on 23 November 201 6 of anti -dumping 
investigation on impor ts of dioctyl terephthalate 
(HS 2917.39.95) from Korea, Rep. of  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/TUR,  
2 March 2017    
Termination on 29 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
duties on dioctyl phthalate "DOP" (HS 2917.32.00) from 
Romania (investigation initiated on 19 February 2011 
and definitive duty imposed on 29  November  2011)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/TUR,  
2 March 2017    
Initiation on 21 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of heavy plate (HS 7208.51.20; 
7208. 90.80; 7211.13.00; 7211.14.00; 7225.40.40; 
7225.99.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/TUR,  
2 March 2017    
Termination on 31 January 2017 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of pre -finished engineered laminated flooring 
(HS 4411.13, 4411.14; 4411.92; 4411.93) from China 
and Indonesia (imposed on 8  July 2006)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/TUR,  
4 September 2017    
Initiation on 23 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of terephthalic acid 
(HS 2917.36.00) from Belgium; Korea, Rep. of and 
Spain WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/TUR,  
4 September 2017    
Initiation on 24 March 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of sodium percarbonates 
(HS 2836.99.90) from Germany and Sweden  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/TUR,  
4 September 2017    
Initiation on 6 April 2017 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of pneumatic tyres (HS 4011.10; 4011.20; 
4011.70; 4011.80; 4011.90; 8708)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/TUR/22,  
12 April 2017    
Initiation on 22 April 2017 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of toothbrushes (H S 9603.21.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/TUR/23,  
3 May 2017    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 152 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 14 May 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of glass fibre reinforcement materials 
(HS 7019) from Egypt  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/TUR,  
4 September 2017    
Initiation on 17 June 2017 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of poly(ethylene terephthalate) 
(HS 3907.61.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/TUR/16/Suppl.1 , 
23 June 2017    
Ukraine  
Initiation on 18 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of armature and wire rod (HS 
7213; 7214; 7227; 7228) from the Russian Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/UKR, 
4 September  2017   
Termination on 27 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of methanol (methyl alcohol) 
(HS 2905.11.00) from the Russian Federation 
(investigat ion initiated on 13 July 2010 and definitive 
duty imposed on 26 February 2012)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/UKR, 
4 September  2017   
Initiation on 15 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of carbamide -formaldehyde produce 
(HS 3909.10.00) from the  Russian Federation  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/UKR, 
4 September  2017   
Temporary suspension from 13 February to  
20 May 2017 of the anti -dumping duties on imports of 
certain nitrogen fertilizers (urea, UAN) (HS 3102.10; 
3102.80.00) from the Russian Federati on (investigation 
initiated on 27 June 2015 and definitive duty imposed 
on 30 December 2016)  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the WTO  
(26 September 2017)  Resumption of duty on 
22 May 2017 (duty 
temporary suspended 
from 13 February to  
20 May 2017)  
Termination on 20 May 2017 of safeguard duties on 
imports of tableware and kitchenware of porcelain 
(HS 6911.10.00) (investigation initiated on  
21 May 2013 and duty imposed in May 2014)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/UKR/10/Suppl.2 , 
9 June 2017   
Termination on 29  May 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of  float glass (thermally polished sheet glass) 
(HS 7005.29.25; 7005.29.35; 7005.29.80) from the 
Russian Federation (investigation initiated on 27 April 
2011 and definitive duty imposed on 28 May 2012)  WTO docum ent 
G/ADP/N/300/UKR, 
4 September  2017   
Initiation on 10 August 2017 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of sulfuric acid and oleum (HS 2807.00.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/UKR/12, 
21 August  2017   
United States  
Initiation on 18 October 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of steel concrete reinforcing 
bar (HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7228.30.80; 
7215.90.10; 7215.90.50; 7221.00.00; 7222.11.00; 
7222.30.00; 7227.20.00; 7227.90.60; 7228.20.10; 
7228.60.60) from Japan, Chinese Taipei and Turkey  WTO d ocument 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017; and 
Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -489-829 
and A -588-876, Federal 
Register/Vol 82 FR No. 
32532 (14 July 2017); and 
A-583-859 Federal 
Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 45809  
(2 October 2017)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
7 March 2017. 
Definitive duty imposed 
on 14 July 2017 on 
imports from Japan and 
Turkey. Definitive duty 
imposed on  
2 October 2017 on 
imports from  
Chinese Taipei  
Initiation on 18 October 2016 of countervailing 
investigation on  imports of steel concrete reinforcing 
bar (HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7228.30.80; 
7215.90.10; 7215.90.50; 7221.00.00; 7222.11.00; 
7222.30.00; 7227.20.00; 7227.90.60; 7228.20.10; 
7228.60.60) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/313/USA,  
14 March 2017    
Termination on 18 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of certain iron mechanical transfer 
drive components (HS 8483.30.80; 8483.50.60; 
8483.50.90; 8483.90.30; 8483.90.80; 7325.10.00; 
7325.99.10; 7326.19.00; 8431.31.00; 8431.39.00; 
8483.50.40) from Canada and China (investigation 
initiated on 25 November 2015 and provisional duty 
imposed on 8 June 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/USA,  
9 March 2017    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 153 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 18 November 2016 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain iron mechanical  
transfer drive components (HS 8483.30.80; 
8483.50.60; 8483.50.90; 8483.90.30; 8483.90.80; 
7325.10.00; 7325.99.10; 7326.19.00; 8431.31.00; 
8431.39.00; 8483.50.40) from China (investigation 
initiated on 25 November 2015 and provisional duty 
imposed on 11 Ap ril 2016)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/313/USA,  
14 March 2017    
Termination on 18 November 2016 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of circular welded carbon -quality steel 
pipe (HS 7306.19.10; 7306.19.51; 7306.30.10; 
7306.30.50; 7306.50.10; 7306.50.50) from Viet N am 
(investigation initiated on 25 November 2015 and 
provisional duty imposed on 8 June 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/USA,  
9 March 2017    
Termination on 18 November 2016 of countervailing 
duties on imports of circular welded carbon -quality steel 
pipe (HS  7306.19.10; 7306.19.51; 7306.30.10; 
7306.30.50; 7306.50.10; 7306.50.50) from Pakistan 
(investigation initiated on 25 November 2015 and 
provisional duty imposed on 8 April 2016)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/313/USA,  
14 March 2017    
Initiation on 16 December 2016  of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain hardwood plywood 
products (HS 4412) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
23 June 2017  
Initiation on 16 December 2016 of countervailing 
investigation o n imports of certain hardwood plywood 
products (HS 4412) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/313/USA,  
14 March 2017    
Initiation on 22 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain softwood lumber 
products (HS 4407.10.01; 4409.10.05; 440 9.10.10; 
4409.10.20; 4409.10.90; 4418.90.25; 4415.20.40; 
4415.20.80; 4418.90.46; 4421.90.70; 4421.90.94; 
4421.90.97) from Canada  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
30 June 2017  
Initiation on 22 December 2016 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain softwood lumber 
products (HS 4407.10.01; 4409.10.05; 4409.10.10; 
4409.10.20; 4409.10.90; 4418.90.25; 4415.20.40; 
4415.20.80; 4418.90.46; 4421.90.70; 4421.90.94; 
4421.90.97) from Canada  WTO document 
G/SCM/ N/313/USA,  
14 March 2017; and 
Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -122-858,  
Federal Register/Vol. 82 
FR No. 19657  
(28 April 2017)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
 27 April 2017  
Termination on 30 December 2016 of anti -dumping 
duties  on imports of solid urea (HS 3102.10) from 
Russian Federation and Ukraine (imposed on  
14 July 1987)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/294/USA,  
9 March 2017    
Termination on 17 January 2017 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of certain new pneumatic off -the-road tir es  
(HS 4011.20.10; 4011.20.50; 4011.61.00; 4011.62.00; 
4011.63.00; 4011.69.00; 4011.92.00; 4011.93.40; 
4011.93.80; 4011.94.40; 4011.94.80; 4011.99.45; 
4011.99.85; 8424.90.90; 8431.20.00; 8431.39.00; 
8431.49.10; 8431.49.90; 8432.90.00; 8433.90.50; 
8503.00. 95; 8708.70.05; 8708.70.25; 8708.70.45; 
8709.90.00; 8716.90.10; 8716.90.50) from India 
(investigation initiated on 10 February 2016, provisional 
and definitive duties imposed on 19 August 2016 and  
6 March 2017)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017   
Termination on 22 February 2017 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of truck and bus tyres 
(HS 4011.20.10; 4011.20.50; 4011.99.45; 4011.99.85; 
8708.70.45; 8708.70.60) from China (investigation 
initiated on 25 February 2016 and provisional duty 
impose d on 6 September 2016)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 154 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 22 February 2017 of countervailing 
duties on imports of  truck and bus tyres 
(HS 4011.20.10; 4011.20.50; 4011.99.45; 4011.99.85; 
8708.70.45; 8708.70.60) from China (inv estigation 
initiated on 25 February 2016 and provisional duty 
imposed on 5 July 2016)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/USA,  
3 October 2017    
Initiation on 30 March 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain aluminium foil 
(HS 7607.11.30; 7607.11.60 ; 7607.11.90; 7607.19.60; 
7606.11.30; 7606.11.60; 7606.12.30; 7606.12.60; 
7606.91.30; 7606.91.60; 7606.92.30; 7606.92.60) 
from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017    
Initiation on 30 March 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain aluminium foil 
(HS 7607.11.30; 7607.11.60; 7607.11.90; 7607.19.60; 
7606.11.30; 7606.11.60; 7606.12.30; 7606.12.60; 
7606.91.30; 7606.91.60; 7606.92.30; 7606.92.60) 
from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/USA,  
3 October 2017    
Initiation on 4 April  2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of silicon metals (HS 2804.61.00; 
2804.69.10; 2804.69.50) from Australia, Brazil and 
Norway  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017    
Initiation on 4 April 2017 of countervailing investigation 
on imp orts of silicon metals (HS 2804.61.00; 
2804.69.10; 2804.69.50) from Australia, Brazil and 
Kazakhstan  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/USA,  
3 October 2017    
Initiation on 19 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of biodiesel (HS 3826.00.30) from Ar gentina 
and Indonesia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017    
Initiation on 19 April 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of biodiesel (HS 3826.00.30) 
from Argentina and Indonesia  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/USA,  
3 October 2017    
Initiation on 26 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod 
(HS 7213.91.30; 7213.91.45; 7213.91.60; 7213.99.00; 
7227.20.00; 7227.90.60) from Belarus; Italy; Korea, 
Rep. of; Russian Federation; South Africa; Spain; 
Turkey; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates and the United 
Kingdom  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017    
Initiation on 26 April 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of carbon and alloy steel wire 
rod (HS 7213.91.30; 7213.91.45; 7213.91.60;  
7213.99.00; 7227.20.00; 7227.90.60) from Italy and 
Turkey  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/USA,  
3 October 2017    
Initiation on 27 April 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of carton -closing staples (HS 7317.00; 
8305.20.00) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017    
Initiation on 9 May 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of certain tool chests and cabinets 
(HS 9403.10.00; 9403.20.00; 7326.90.86; 7326.90.35) 
from China and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017   
Initiation on 9 May 2017 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of tool chests and cabinets (HS 9403.10.00; 
9403.20.00; 7326.90.86; 7326.90.35) from China  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/USA,  
3 October 2017    
Initiation on 16 May 2017 of anti -dumpi ng investigation 
on imports of certain cold -drawn mechanical tubing of 
carbon and alloy steel (HS 7304.31.30; 7304.31.60; 
7304.51.10; 7304.51.50; 7306.30.50; 7306.50.50; 
7306.30.10; 7306.50.10) from China; Germany; India; 
Italy; Korea, Rep. of and Switzerl and  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017   
Initiation on 16 May 2017 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of certain cold -drawn mechanical tubing of 
carbon and alloy steel (HS 7304.31.30; 7304.31.60; 
7304.51.10; 7304.51.50; 7306.30.50; 73 06.50.50; 
7306.30.10; 7306.50.10) from China and India  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/USA,  
3 October 2017   WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 155 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 17 May 2017 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells (whether 
or not partially or fully assembled in to other products)  
(HS 8541.40.60; 8501.61.00; 8507.20.80; 8501.31.80)  WTO documents 
G/SG/N/6/USA/11,  
29 May 2017 and 
G/SG/N/8/USA/9,  
4 October 2017    
Initiation on 26 May 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of 100 - to 150 -seat large civil ai rcraft 
(HS 8802.40.00) from Canada  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017    
Initiation on 26 May 2017 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of 100 - to 150-seat large civil aircraft 
(HS 8802.40.00) from Canada  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/USA,  
3 October 20172017; and 
Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -122-860, 
Federal Register/Vol. 82 
FR No. 45807  
(2 October 2017)  Provisional duty 
imposed on  
2 October 2017  
Termination on 1 June 2017 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports  of certain frozen warmwater shrimp 
(HS 0306.17) from Brazil (imposed on 1 February 2005)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017    
Initiation on 5 June 2017 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of large residential washers "LRWs" 
(HS 8450.20.00 ; 8450.11.00; 8450.90.20; 8450.90.60)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/USA/12,  
12 June 2017    
Initiation on 27 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of fine denier polyester staple fibre 
(HS 5503.20.00) from China; India; Korea, Rep. of; 
Chinese Taipei  and Viet Nam  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017; and 
Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -552-822 
Federal Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 33480 (20 July 2017)  Terminated on  
20 July 2017 on 
imports from Viet Nam  
Initiation on 27 June 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of fine denier polyester fibre 
(HS 5503.20.00) from China and India  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/USA,  
3 October 2017    
Initiation on 30 June 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of citric acid and certain citrate salts 
(HS 2918.14.00; 2918.15.10; 2918.15.50; 3824.99.92) 
from Belgium, Colombia and Thailand  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/300/USA,  
6 September 2017    
Initiation on 30 June 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of citric acid and ce rtain citrate 
salts (HS 2918.14.00; 2918.15.10; 2918.15.50; 
3824.99.92) from Thailand  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/321/USA,  
3 October 2017    
Initiation on 12 July 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of ripe olives (HS 2005.70.20; 2005.70.04; 
2005.70.50 ; 2005.70.60; 2005.70.70; 2005.70.75; 
2005.70.06; 2005.70.08; 2005.70.12; 2005.70.16; 
2005.70.18; 2005.70.23; 2005.70.25; 2005.70.91; 
2005.70.93; 2005.70.97) from Spain  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -469-817 
Federal Register/ Vol 82 FR 
No. 33054 (19 July 2017)    
Initiation on 12 July 2017 of countervailing investigation 
on imports of ripe olives (HS 2005.70.20; 2005.70.04; 
2005.70.50; 2005.70.60; 2005.70.70; 2005.70.75; 
2005.70.06; 2005.70.08; 2005.70.12; 2005.70.16; 
2005.70.1 8; 2005.70.23; 2005.70.25; 2005.70.91; 
2005.70.93; 2005.70.97) from Spain  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -469-818 
Federal Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 33050 (19 July 2017)    
Initiation on 17 July 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of low melt polyester staple fibre 
(HS 5503.20.00) from Korea, Rep. of and 
Chinese  Taipei  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -580-895 
and A -583-861 Federal 
Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 34277 (24 July 2017)    
Initiation on 18 July 2017 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of certain tapered roller bearings (HS 
8482.20.00; 8482.91.00; 8482.99.15; 8482.99.45) 
from Korea, Rep. of  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -580-894 
Federal Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 34477 (25 July 2017)    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 156 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 22 July 2017 of  anti -dumping duties on 
imports of oil country tubular goods "OCTG" 
(HS 7304.29.10; 7304.29.20; 7304.29.31; 7304.29.41; 
7304.29.50; 7304.29.61; 7304.39.00; 7304.59.60; 
7304.59.80; 7305.20.20; 7305.2 0.40; 7305.20.60; 
7305.20.80; 7305.31.40; 7305.31.60; 7306.29.10; 
7306.29.20; 7306.29.31; 7306.29.41; 7306.29.60; 
7306.29.81; 7306.30.50; 7306.50.50) from Chinese 
Taipei (investigation initiated on 29 July 2013, 
provisional and definitive duties imposed on   
25 February and 10 September 2014)  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -583-850 
Federal Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 35181 (28 July 2017)    
Initiation on 2 August 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of cast iron soil pipe fi ttings 
(HS 7307.11.00) from China  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -570-062 
Federal Register/Vol 82  
FR No. 37053  
(8 August 2017)    
Initiation on 2 August 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of cast iron soil pipe fittings 
(HS 7307.11.00) from China  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -570-063 
Federal Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 37048  
(8 August 2017)    
Initiation on 1 September 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain uncoated 
groundwood paper (HS 4801.00.01; 4802.61.10; 
4802.61.20; 4802.61.31; 4802.61.60; 4802.62.10; 
4802.62.20; 4802.62.30; 4802.62.61; 4802.69.10; 
4802.69.20; 4802.69.30; 4805.91.50; 4805.91.70; 
4805.91.90) from Canada  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade  
Administration A -122-861 
Federal Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 41599  
(1 September 2017)    
Initiation on 1 September 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain uncoated 
groundwood paper (HS 4801.00.01; 4802.61.10; 
4802.61.20; 4802.61.31; 4802.61 .60; 4802.62.10; 
4802.62.20; 4802.62.30; 4802.62.61; 4802.69.10; 
4802.69.20; 4802.69.30; 4805.91.50; 4805.91.70; 
4805.91.90) from Canada  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -122-862 
Federal Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 41603  
(1 Septembe r 2017)    
Initiation on 11 September 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of stainless steel flanges 
(HS 7307.21.10; 7307.21.50) from China and India  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -533-877 
and A -570-064, Federal 
Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 42649  
(11 September 2017)    
Initiation on 11 September 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of stainless steel flanges 
(HS 7307.21.10; 7307.21.50) from China and India  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administrat ion C-533-878 
and C -570-065, Federal 
Register/Vol 82 FR  
No. 42654  
(11 September 2017)    
Initiation on 13 September 2017 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of titanium sponge 
(HS 8108.20.00) from Japan and Kazakhstan  Department of Commerce, 
Interna tional Trade 
Administration A -588-877 
and A -834-809, Federal 
Register/Vol 82 FR  
No. 43939  
(20 September 2017)    
Initiation on 13 September 2017 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of titanium sponge 
(HS 8108.20.00) from Kazakhstan  Department of C ommerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -834-810, 
Federal Register/Vol 82 FR 
No. 43936  
(20 September 2017)    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 157 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Viet Nam  
Initiation on 12 May 2017 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of mineral or chemical fertilizers 
(HS 3105.10.90; 3105.30.00; 310 5.40.00; 3105.51.00; 
3105.59.00; 3105.90.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/VNM/6,  
18 May 2017    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 158 - 
 
  ANNEX 3  
OTHER TRADE -RELATED MEASURES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 201 6 TO MID -OCTOBER  2017) 
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Inclusion of 74 new tari ff lines in the list of products 
requiring non -automatic import licensing requirements 
(e.g. parts for motorcycles, percussion musical 
instruments, paper and paperboard, blades for saws, 
machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical 
machinery and equipme nt and parts thereof, optical 
fibres, sulphuric acid, organic chemicals, chemical 
products, plastics and articles thereof, conveyor or 
transmission belts of vulcanized rubber, glass and 
glassware, iron and steel, aluminium and articles 
thereof, bedding, ma ttresses, lamps and lighting 
fittings) (NCM Chapters 28; 29; 38; 39; 40; 48; 70; 72; 
76; 79; 82; 84; 85; 87; 90; 91; 92; 94; 96)  Permanent Delegation 
of Argentina to the 
WTO (30 May 2017), 
Resolución No. 301 -
E/2016 Ministerio de 
Producción -Secretaría 
de Comercio  (19 
October 2016) and 
Resolución No. 152 -
E/2017 -Secretaría de 
Comercio  
(2 March 2017)  Elimination of certain 
items (27 tariff lines) 
from the list of products 
requiring non -automatic 
import licensing 
requirements (NCM 
7219.34.00; 7408.19.00; 
7604.29.19; 8205.59.00; 
8207.30.00; 8207.80.00; 
8207.90.00; 8208.20.00; 
8424.30.10; 8456.90.00; 
8457.10.00; 8477.10.99; 
8501.20.00; 8515.90.00; 
8546.90.00; 9018.31.90; 
8471.30.12; 8471.30.19; 
8471.30.90; 8471.41.10; 
8471.49.00; 8504.40.90; 
8528.41.10; 8528.4 1.20; 
8528.51.10; 8528.51.20; 
8544.42.00)  
Implementation of a Certificate of  Import of Used 
Capital Goods ( Certificado de Importación de Bienes 
Usados "CIBU" ) (NCM Chapters 84; 85; 86; 87; 88; 89; 
90) Permanent Delegation 
of Argentina to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and Decreto No. 
1205/2016   
(29 November 2016)  Effective  
30 November 2016  
Updated list of "criterion values" ( valores criterio de 
carácter preventivo ) for imports of cotton toilet linen 
and kitchen linen, terry towelling or similar terry fabrics 
(NCM 6302.60.00), from specific origins  Permanent Delegation 
of Argentina to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and Administración 
Federal de Ingresos 
Públicos -  Resolución 
General No. 3992 -E  
(7 February 2017)  Effective 9 February 2017  
Updated list of "criterion val ues" ( valores criterio de 
carácter preventivo ) for imports of plastic tableware, 
kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles 
(NCM 3924.10.00; 3924.90.00), from specific origins  Permanent Delegation 
of Argentina to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and A dministración 
Federal de Ingresos 
Públicos -  Resolución 
General No. 3995 -E 
(22 February 2017)  Effective  
22 February 2017  
                                                
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex  implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex  implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
2 This Section  includes information which has either been provid ed by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 159 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Updated list of "reference values" for exports of 
cranberries (NCM 0810.40.00), for certain specified 
destinations  Permanent Delegat ion 
of Argentina to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and Administración 
Federal de Ingresos 
Públicos -  Resolución 
General No. 4001 -E  
(3 March 2017)  Effective 3 March 2017  
Establishment of new requirements ( Registro de 
Operaciones de Importación de Petróleo Crudo y  sus 
Derivados ) for the import of crude oil and its derivatives 
(NCM 2709; 2710): (i) registration of import 
operations; (ii) prior import authorization by the 
Ministry of Energy; and (iii) submission of an application 
by importers to the Ministry. Imports  allowed only if 
insufficient: (i) supply of locally -produced crude oil; (ii)  
processing capacity in refineries; and (iii) supply of local 
derivatives  Permanent Delegation 
of Argentina to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and Decreto No. 
192/2017 - Ministerio 
de Ener gía y Minería 
(20 March 2017)  Effective 21 March 2017  
Updated list of "criterion values" ( valores criterio de 
carácter preventivo ) for imports of meat of swine and 
frozen meat of swine (NCM 0203.29.00; 0210.19.00), 
from specific origins  Permanent Delegat ion 
of Argentina to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and Administración 
Federal de Ingresos 
Públicos -  Resolución 
General No. 4039 -E  
(2 May 2017)  Effective 4 May 2017  
Extension of the import prohibition of worn clothing and 
other worn articles (NCM 6309.00.10; 630 9.00.90)  Permanent Delegation 
of Argentina to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and Decreto No. 
333/2017 Ministerio de 
Producción  
(12 May 2017)  Effective 15 May 2017 for 
5 years  
Amendments introduced in the implementation of 
automatic import licensing requirements t hrough the 
"Sistema Integral de Monitoreo de Importaciones " 
(SIMI) for all imports, except  for certain tariff lines, 
e.g. those continuing to require non -automatic import 
licensing requirements    Permanent Delegation 
of Argentina to the 
WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Resolución Secretaría 
de Comercio  
No. 523 -E/2017 
Ministerio de 
Producción  
(5 July 2017), and  
No. 292 -E/2017 
Ministerio de 
Producción  
(5 July 2017)  Effective 8 July 2017  
Updated list of "reference values" for exports of milk 
and cream in powder not containing added sugar or 
other sweetening matter (NCM 0402.21.10; 
1901.90.90), for certain specified destinations  Permanent Delegation 
of Argentina to  
the WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Administración Federal 
de Ingresos Públicos -  
Resolución General  
No. 4092 -E   
(12 July 2017)  Effective 14 July 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 160 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Further extension of the increase of import tariffs (from 
20% to 35%) on certain products, i.e. fruits, coffee, 
prepared foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, organic 
chemicals, chemical products, rubber, wood, articles of 
wood, cork, footwear, ceramic products, articles of iron 
or steel, articles of base metal, machinery and 
mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, 
motorcycles, musical instruments, and miscellaneous 
manufactured articles  (100 tariff lines a t 8-digit level) 
(NCM Chapters 08; 09; 15; 21; 22; 23; 24; 29; 33; 36; 
38; 40; 44; 45; 64; 68; 69; 71; 73; 82; 83; 84; 85; 
87; 89; 90; 92; 94; 95; 96), following Mercosur 
Decision No. 39/11 (special authorization to increase 
the Mercosur Common Tariff appl ied rates on 100 tariff 
lines) (originally implemented on 23 January 2013 and 
renewed on 25 September 2014)  Permanent Delegation 
of Argentina to the 
WTO 
(20 October  2017) and 
Decreto No. 674/2017 
Comercio Exterior   
(24 August 2017)  Effective 25 August 20 17 
Australia  
Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism 
establishing temporary exports restrictions on liquefied 
natural gas (LNG) (HS 2711.11.10), due to shortage of 
domestic gas supplies  Permanent Delegation 
of Australia to the WTO 
(20 October  2017)  Effective 1 July 2017  
Bolivia, (Plurinational State of)  
Temporary increase of import tariffs (up to 15%) on 
certain machinery and mechanical appliances, television 
image and sound recorders and telephones 
(HS Chapters 84 and 85)  Decreto Supremo  
No. 3069  Effective February 2017  
Brazil  
Increase of import tariffs (to 18%) on certain LED lamps 
(NCM 8539.50.00) and (to 14%) on semi -bleached or 
bleached coniferous chemical wood pulp 
(NCM  4703.21.00)  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(29 May 2017) and  
Camex Resolution  
No. 137/2016  
(28 December 2016)  Effective  
29 December 2016  
Temporary increase of import tariffs (from 10% to 
35%) on coffee, not roasted and not decaffeinated 
(variedade Conilon ) (NCM 0901.11.10)  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(29 May 2017)  Effective 21 February 
2017 to 31 May 2017  
Creation of new tariff lines resulting in the increase of 
import tariffs  (from 2% to 12%) on stearyl alcohol and 
certain esters of acetic acid ( n-propila ) (NCM 
2905.17.30; 2915.39.31); (from 8% to 12%) on 
titanium dioxide (NCM 3206.11.11); and (from 2% to 
16%) on certain tubes and pipes of iron (other than 
cast iron) or steel of a diameter lower or equal to 
229 mm (NCM 7304.59.10)  Permanent Delegation 
of Brazil to the WTO 
(23 October 2017) and 
Camex Resolution No. 
35/2017 (5 May 2017)  Effective 1 July 2017  
China  
Tariff Implementation Plan for 2017 resulting in the 
adjustment of export duties on selected products  Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO 
(26 April 2017) and 
State Council Tariff 
Commission Notice No. 
31/2016. Viewed at: 
http://gss.mof.gov.cn/
zhengwuxinxi/zhengcef
abu/201612/t2016122
3_2498029.html  Effective 1 January 2017  
VAT rebate rates decreased (from 13% to 11%) on 
exports of certain products, e.g. meat and edible meat 
offal; fis h; products of animal origin; products of the 
milling industry; residues and waste from the food 
industries; salt; organic chemicals; pharmaceutical 
products; printed books; cotton; machinery and 
mechanical appliances; electrical machinery and 
equipment; v ehicles; fishing vessels; factory ships and 
other vessels for processing or preserving fishery 
products (389 tariff lines in HS Chapters 02; 03; 05; 
11; 23; 25; 29; 30; 49; 52; 84; 85; 87; 89; 98)  Permanent Delegation 
of China to the WTO 
(20 October  2017)  Effective 1 July 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 161 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Costa Rica  
Imposition of a temporary special agricultural safeguard 
(11.67%) on imports of husked (brown) rice 
(HS 1006.20.00)  Permanent Delegation 
of Costa Rica to  
the WTO  
(30 October 2017)  Effective  
6 September 2017 to  
31 Decem ber 2017  
Egypt  
Non-automatic import licensing requirements on 
strategic agricultural commodities  Permanent Delegation 
of Egypt to the WTO  
(8 June  2016)  Effective  
13 November 2016  
Temporary export taxes (LE 1,300/tonne) on iron scrap; 
(LE 15,000/tonne)  on copper ore and copper scrap; (LE 
5,000/tonne) on aluminium scrap and residue of 
aluminium; (LE 3,000/tonne) on zinc ore and zinc 
scrap; (LE 6,000/tonne) on lead scrap and lead ore; (LE 
2,800/tonne) on draft paper; (LE 125/tonne) on azotic 
fertilizers; (LE 8,000/tonne) on used or new rags, scrap 
twine, cordage, rope and cables; and worn out articles 
of twine, cordage, rope or cables, of textile materials 
(effective 25 December 2016 to 26 December 2017); 
(LE 100/tonne) on natural sands; (LE 400/tonne) on 
marble and raw granite; (LE 150/tonne) on quartz ore; 
(LE 900/tonne) on blocks of talc and crushed talc; (LE 
500/tonne) on talc powder; (LE 400/tonne) on felspar 
ore (effective 7 February 2017 to 8 February 2018); (LE 
3,000/tonne) on waste, parings and scr aps of plastic 
except crushed plastic (pranged or granular) (effective 
21 December 2016 to 13 September 2017); (LE 
600/tonne) on fodder components (effective 21 
December 2016 to 22 December 2017); and (LE 
2,000/tonne) on sugar (effective 21 December 2016)  Permanent Delegation 
of Egypt to the WTO  
(8 June  2016)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Temporary export taxes (LE 3,000/tonne) on sugar 
(effective 5 April 2017); (LE 7,000/tonne) on aluminium 
scrap and residue of aluminium (effective 13 April 2017 
to 26 December 2017); (LE 3,600/tonne) on draft paper 
(effective 24 April 2017 to 26 December 2017); (from 
LE 7.5/piece to LE 250/piece) on crust leather (cow, 
buffalo, calf, sheep, goat, camel) (effective 2 May 2017 
to 2 May 2018); (LE 20,000/tonne) on copper ore and 
copper scrap (effective 30 August 2017 to 26 December 
2017); (LE 5,000/tonne) on waste, parings and scraps 
of plastic except crushed plastic (pranged or granular) 
(effective 30 August 2017 to 30 August 2018); (LE 
12,000/tonne) on fresh, c hilled, or frozen fish (effective 
27 April 2017 to 24 August 2018)  Permanent Delegation 
of Egypt to the WTO  
(2 October  2017)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
India  
Re-imposition of import tariffs (to 10%) on wheat 
(HS 1001) (temporary eliminat ed on 8 December 2016)  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(18 October 2017) and 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of 
Revenue Nos. 60/2016 
(8 December 2016) 
and 50/2017  
(30 June 2017)  Effective 1 June 2017  
On 1 December 2016, r estoration of the "additional duty 
rate" (CVD) on gold coins having a gold content not 
below 99.5 and gold findings  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(18 October 2017) and 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of 
Revenue No. 59/201 6 
(1 December 2016)  Eliminated on  
1 July 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 162 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Reimposition of import tariffs (7.5%) on 
techne tium-99m (HS 2844) (originally eliminated on  
3 October 2016)  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(30 May 2017); 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of 
Revenue No. 61/2016 
(27 December 2016); 
and WTO document 
WT/TPR/OV/19,  
21 November 2016  Effective  
27 December 2016  
Temporary import ban on reptile leather, raw mink, fox 
and chinchilla fur skins and tanned mink skins 
(HS 4113.30.00; 430 1.10.00; 4301.60.00; 4302.11.00)  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(18 October 2017)  Effective 3 January 2017  
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 2%) on 
populated printed circuit boards (PCBs) for use in the 
manufacture of mobile phones (HS 85 17.70)  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(30 May 2017) and 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of 
Revenue No. 4/2017  
(2 February 2017)  Effective 2 February 2017  
Increase of import tariffs (from 6% to 10%) on silver, in 
any form , other than medallions and silver coins having 
silver content not below 99.9%, or semi -manufactured 
forms of silver falling under sub -heading HS 7106.92; 
and medallions and silver coins having silver content 
not below 99.9% or semi -manufactured forms of s ilver 
falling under sub -heading HS 7106.92 (HS 71); (from 
zero to 10%) on hot -rolled coils for use in the 
manufacture of welded tubes and pipes falling under 
heading HS 7305 or 7306 (HS 7208); and co -polymer 
coated MS tapes/stainless steel tapes for use in  the 
manufacture of telecommunication grade optical fibres 
or optical fibre cables (HS 7212.40.00);  (from zero to 
5%) on magnesium oxide (MgO) coated cold -rolled steel 
coils for use in the manufacture of cold -rolled grain 
oriented steel (CRGO) falling und er HS 7225.11.00) (HS 
7225.19.90); (from 5% to 7.5%) on all goods other 
than reverse osmosis (RO) membrane elements for 
household type filters (HS 8421.99.00)  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(30 May 2017) and 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Fina nce - 
Department of 
Revenue No. 6/2017  
(2 February 2017)    
Increase of export duties (from zero to 15%) on other 
aluminium ores including laterite (HS 2606.00.90)  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(30 May 2017) and 
Notification Customs, 
Ministry of Finance - 
Department of 
Revenue No. 3/2017  
(2 February 2017)  Effective 2 February 2017  
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 10%) on wheat 
and tur (HS 0713.40.00; 0713.60.00)  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(30 May 2017) and 
Notification No. 
10/2017 -Customs  
(23 March 2017)  Effective 28 March 2017  
Further extension of the temporary minimum import 
price "MIP" (CIF basis/metric tonne) for 66 iron and 
steel tariff lines (HS Chapter 72) (originally 
implemented on 1 February 2016, for 6 month s)  Permanent Delegation 
of India to the WTO 
(30 May 2017)  Effective December 2016 
for 2 months  
National Steel Policy 2017 providing preference to 
domestically manufactured iron and steel products in 
government procurement  Ministry of Steel  
(May 2017)  Effective May 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 163 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
On 10 July 2017, increase of import tariffs (from 40% 
to 50%) on raw sugar, refined or white sugar (raw 
sugar if imported by bulk consumer) (HS 1701). On 7 
September 2017, the import tariff was decreased to 
25%, under certain conditions  Ministry of Finance - 
Department of 
Revenue Notifications 
Nos. 66/2017 -Customs 
(10 July 2017) and 
74/2017 -Customs (7 
September 2017)    
Increase of import tariffs (from 12.5% to 17.5%) on 
crude soya bean oil; (from 7.5% to 15%) on crude palm 
oil of edible g rade; and (from 15% to 25%) on refined 
palm oil of edible grade (HS 1507.10.00; 1511.10.00; 
1511.90.10; 1511.90.20; 1511.90.90)  Ministry of Finance - 
Department of 
Revenue Notification 
No. 71/2017 -Customs 
(11 August 2017)  Effective 11 August 2017  
Indones ia 
New requirement for imports of iron, steel and alloy 
steel and their derivative products (HS Chapter 72)  Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and Minister of Trade 
Regulation No. 82/  
M-DAG/PER/12/2016  
(9 December 2016)  Effective  1 January 2017 
to 31 December 2019  
New requirement for exports of processed and refined 
mining products (HS Chapter 48)  
 Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and Minister  of Trade 
Regulations Nos. 
01/M-DAG/PER/1/2017   
(19 January 2 017) and 
13/M-DAG/PER/2/2017 
(2 March 2017)  Effective  1 February  2017 
Revised regulation on issuance of business trade 
licences and company registration certificates  Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and Minister of Trade 
Regulat ions Nos. 07/M -
DAG/PER/2/2017 and 
08/M-DAG/PER/2/2017 
(17 February 2017)  Effective 22 February 
2017 
New requirements for imports of animals and animal 
products  Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 2017) 
and Minister of Trade 
Regulation No . 13/M -
DAG/PER/2/2017  
(2 March 2017)  Effective 2 March 2017  
New requirement for imports of tyres (HS 4011), 
establishing import restrictions and pre -shipment 
inspections and restricting entry points  Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (30 May 2 017) 
and Regulation  
No. 77/M -
DAG/PER/11/2016  
(11 November 2016)  Effective 1 January 2017  
Import permit requirements for certain locally produced 
horticulture products   Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (October 2017)  Effective 17 May 2017  
Revised import requirements for milk (HS 0401; 0402), 
authorizing its import only if domestic production is not 
able to fulfil national demand  Permanent Delegation 
of Indonesia to the 
WTO (October 2017)  Effective 17 July 2017  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 164 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Iraq, Rep. of  
Increase of i mport tariffs on certain products, e.g. (from 
25% to 75%) on cigarettes; (from 30% to 35%) on 
juices and televisions; (from 80% to 100%) on 
alcohols; (from 20% to 25%) on split air conditioning; 
(from 15% to 25%) on certain vehicles (HS 2402; 
2009; 2203; 8 415; 8703; 8528)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Republic of Iraq 
(5 June 2017)    
Temporary import ban on certain locally produced 
vegetables and fruits, e.g. potatoes, tomatoes, lettuces, 
carrots, and melons (HS 0701; 0702; 0705; 0706; 
0807)  Permanent Deleg ation 
of the Republic of Iraq 
(5 June 2017)    
Japan  
Imposition of "tariff emergency measures " (applied 
tariff rate (38.5%) back to the bound tariff rate (50%)) 
on frozen beef (HS 0202)   Permanent Delegation 
of Japan to the WTO 
(20 October 2017)  Effective  1 August 2017 
to 31 March 2018  
Mauritius  
Electronic payment mandatory for payment of customs 
duties, excise duties and VAT when amount per bill of 
entry is MUR 50,000 or more  Permanent Delegation 
of Mauritius to the 
WTO (5 May 2017)  Effective  
15 Decemb er 2016  
Import levy (25%) on household washing machines and 
certain lamps (HS 8450; 8539)  Permanent Delegation 
of Mauritius to the 
WTO (5 May 2017)  Effective 1 February 2017  
Mexico  
Further extension of the temporary increase of import 
tariffs (from zero  to 15%) on 97 iron and steel tariff 
lines (HS Chapter 72) (originally implemented on  
7 October 2015 for 180 days and extended on  
4 April 2016  for an additional period of 180 days)  Permanent Delegation 
of Mexico to the WTO 
(29 May 2017); Diario 
Oficial de la Federación 
(Official Journal),  
6 April 2017; and WTO 
document 
WT/TPR/OV/19,  
21 November 2016   Effective 6 April 2017, for 
180 days  
Moldova, Republic of  
Temporary export ban on wood and certain articles of 
wood (HS 4403; 4404.20; 4406; 4407.91; 4 407.99)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Republic of 
Moldova to the WTO 
(18 May  2017)  Effective  
1 December 2016  
Mongolia  
Increase of import tariffs (to 30%) on tobacco 
(HS Chapter 24)  Permanent Delegation 
of Mongolia to the WTO 
(6 June 2017)  Effective 1 May  2017 
Philippines  
Further extension of the  special treatment for rice 
(HS 1006), granting minimum market access for rice 
imports and establishing country -specific quotas 
(originally effective until 30 June 2017)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Philippines t o 
the WTO (1 June 2017) 
and WTO document 
WT/L/932,  
25 July 2014  Effective 17 June 2017 to 
30 June 2020  
Russian Federation  
Further extension of the temporary export ban on 
tanned leather (HS 4104.11; 4104.19) (originally 
effective from 18 July 2016 to 18  January 2017)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(30 May 2017)  Effective 1 February 2017 
to 1 August 2017  
Government Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 9 
of 14 January 2017, established limitations on 
government procurement of foreign products and 
services for state security reasons  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(30 May 2017)    
Addition of 62 new items manufactured in the Eurasian 
Economic Union to the list of medical devices receiving 
preferentia l treatment in government procurement  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(30 May 2017)    
Amendments introduced to the list of goods essential to 
the internal market, resulting in a temporary export ban  Permanent Delegation 
of the R ussian 
Federation to the WTO 
(24 October 2017)    WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 165 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Establishment of a 15% price preference for Russian 
goods, works, or services purchased by state -owned 
entities or by legal persons using state funding for 
certain investment projects  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(24 October 2017)  Effective 1 January 2017  
Government Resolution of the Russian Federation  
No. 804 of 6 July 2017 established limitations on 
government procurement of foreign electronic products 
for State and municipal  needs  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(24 October 2017)  Effective 19 July 2017  
Russian Federation (for the Eurasian Economic Union)  
Introduction of mandatory presentation of preliminary 
information for goods imported by air  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(14 October 2016)  Effective 1 April 2017  
Implementation of the Eurasian Common Customs 
Tariffs resulting in the increase of import tariffs in 
accordance with the obligations of the Russian 
Federation in the WTO on certain products: e.g. fish and 
crustaceans; edible fruit and nuts; cereals; preparations 
of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants; 
organic chemicals; plastics and articles thereof; rubber 
and articles thereof; articles of apparel and clothing 
accessories; machinery and mechanical appliances, 
parts thereof; certain vehicles; eggs, natural honey, 
edible products of animal origin, edible vegetables; 
beverages; perfumery and cosmetics; clocks and 
watches and parts thereof; furniture, b edding, 
mattresses, lamps and lighting fittings, prefabricated 
buildings  (HS Chapters 3; 4; 5; 7; 8; 10; 20; 22; 29; 
33; 39; 40; 62; 84; 87;  91; 94)  Permanent Delegation 
of the Russian 
Federation to the WTO 
(24 October 2017)  Effective  
1 September 2017  
South Africa (for the Southern African Customs Union)  
Increase of import tariffs (from 20% to 30%) on plastic 
baths, shower -baths, sinks and wash -basins (HS 
3922.10) (effective 2 December 2016); (from zero to 
10%) on adhesive bandages (HS 3005.10.10; 
3005.10.90) (effective 9 December 2016). Imports from 
the European Union, EFTA, MERCOSUR and the 
Southern African Development Community (SADC) 
members exempted  Permanent Delegation 
of South Africa to the 
WTO (25 April 2017) 
and Notices Nos. R. 
1466 (2 Decembe r 
2016), R 1537  
(9 December 2016) - 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission - 
Government Gazettes 
Nos. 40460 and 40481   Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 5%) on certain 
flat-rolled products of stai nless steel (HS 7219; 7220) 
(effective 3 March 2017); and (to 10%/30%) on wire of 
iron or non -alloy steel (HS 7217); screws, bolts, nuts, 
coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter -pins, 
washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, 
of iron or steel (HS 7318)  (effective 31 March 2017). 
Imports from the European Union, EFTA and the 
Southern African Development Community (SADC) 
members exempted  Permanent Delegation 
of South Africa to the 
WTO (25 April 2017) 
and International Trade 
Adminis tration 
Commission Notices 
Nos. R. 199 - 
Government Gazette 
No. 40661  
(3 March 2017) and R. 
291 Government 
Gazette No. 40734  
(31 March 2017)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 166 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 10%) on U, I or 
H sections o f iron or non -alloy steel, not further worked 
than hot -rolled, hot -drawn or extruded, of a height of 
80 mm or more (effective 4 August 2017);  (from 15% 
to 30%) on stoves for gas fuel, having two or more 
plates with gas burners and a gas oven with a gross 
capacity not exceeding 100 litres (effective 25 August 
2017); (from zero to 15%) on other chains (effective 1 
September 2017); and (from zero to 30%) on gabions 
of wire netting. Imports from the European Union, EFTA 
and the Southern African Development Com munity 
(SADC) members exempted (HS 7216.31; 7216.32; 
7216.33; 7216.50; 7321.11.10; 7315.82.01; 
7315.82.03; 7315.82.05; 7315.82.07; 7315.82.90; 
7326.11; 7326.20.10)  Permanent Delegation 
of South Africa to the 
WTO 
(20 October  2017), 
International Trade 
Administration 
Commission Notice 
Nos. R. 774  - 
Government Gazette 
No. 41023  
(4 August 2017), R. 
901  - Government 
Gazette No. 41065  
(25 August 2017), R. 
950 and  R. 951 
Government Gazette 
No. 41083  
(1 September 2017)  Effective: see individual 
dates in meas ure 
Switzerland  
Increase of the import quota (by 1,500 tonnes to 4,000 
tonnes) on potatoes for consumption (HS 0701.10.10)  Permanent Delegation 
of Switzerland to the 
WTO (8 June 2017)  Effective 1 January 2017  
Temporary increase of the import quotas (by 47,500 
tonnes) on potatoes for consumption and potato seeds 
(effective 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017), and 
(by 30,000 tonnes) on wheat and meslin, rye, grain 
sorghum and buckwheat (effective 1 March 2017 to  
31 December 2017) (HS 0701.10.10; 0701.90.1 0; 
1001.99.21; 1002.90.21; 1007.90.21; 1008.29.21; 
1008.10.21; 1008.60.31; 1008.40.21; 1008.50.21; 
1008.90.23)  Permanent Delegation 
of Switzerland to the 
WTO (8 June 2017)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Reduction of the out -of-quota tariff ra tes on cut flowers 
(HS 0603.11.10; 0603.12.10; 0603.13.10; 0603.14.10; 
0603.15.10; 0603.19.11 ; 0603.19.18) to the current 
in-quota tariff rate (Sw F 12.5 -25/100 kg)  Permanent Delegation 
of Switzerland to the 
WTO (8 June 2017)  Effective 1 January 2017  
Thailand 
Changes in the import licensing procedures on wheat 
(HS 1001.99.90)  Permanent Delegation 
of Thailand to the WTO 
(28 September 2017)  Effective 14 June 2017  
Imposition of import certificate on oil cake and other 
solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of 
pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya -bean oil fit 
for human consumption (HS 2304.00.90)  Permanent Delegation 
of Thailand to the WTO 
(28 September 2017)  Effective September 2017  
Turkey  
Increase of import tariffs on tableware, kitchenware and 
other household articles (effective 11 November 2016); 
on office materials  (effective 11 November 2016); on 
carpets and other textile products (effective 8 
December 2016); on leather apparel and other apparel 
(effective 31 December 2016); o n kashmir (cashmere) 
apparel (effective 31 December 2016)  Permanent Delegation 
of Turkey to the WTO 
(May 2017)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Increase of import tariffs (from 25% to 40%) on bulk 
undenatured ethyl alcohol  and (from 30% to 50%)  on 
packaged undenatured ethyl alcohol (effective 1 
January 2017); (from zero to 15%) on flat -rolled 
products of iron or non -alloy steel, plated or coated with 
aluminium -zinc alloys of a width of 600 mm or more 
(effective 1 January 2017); on cosmetic and c leaning 
preparations (effective 11 January 2017); (from 5.8% 
to 30%) on ductile pipes, internal combustion engines, 
electric motors and generators, generator sets, rotary 
electric converters, and tractors and gearboxes 
(effective 18 January 2017); (to 21%)  on tractors, 
generators, accumulators and diesel motors (effective 
18 January 2017) (HS 3302; 3303; 3304; 3305; 3306; 
3307; 3401; 3402; 3405; 3406; 7003; 7210)  Permanent Delegation 
of Turkey to the WTO 
(3 October 2017)  Effective: see individual 
dates in m easure  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 167 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Increase of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. on 
sunglasses and its parts (29.8%) (effective 1 June 
2017); (from 10% to 20%) on motorcycles, bicycles, 
wheels, bicycle and motorcycle parts (effective 28 July 
2017); (from 10% to 20%) on boiler s, (from 7.5% to 
14.9%) on fuel -burner, on elevators (7.6%), on LED 
lamps (20%) (effective 17 August 2017); and (from 
2.5% to 20%) on air, fuel and oil filters, tower cranes, 
tunnelling machines, laser processing machines, drilling 
machines (effective 17 A ugust 2017) (HS Chapters 40; 
84; 85; 87; 90)  Permanent Delegation 
of Turkey to the WTO 
(24 October 2017)  Effective: see individual 
dates in measure  
Ukraine  
Non-automatic import licensing requirements on certain 
products: (i) ozone -depleting substances, t he export 
and import of which are subject to licensing, (such as 
carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide); and (ii) goods 
that can contain ozone -depleting substances, the export 
and import of which are subject to licensing (except 
goods transported in contain ers with private property), 
such as medical drugs, synthetic organic colorants, and 
paints and lacquers based on synthetic polymers  Permanent Delegation 
of Ukraine to the WTO 
(2 June 2017) and 
WTO documents 
G/LIC/N/1/UKR/6 and 
G/LIC/N/2/UKR/6  
(28 February  2017)  Effective 1 January 2017  
Volumes of export quotas for certain commodities 
(e.g. silver, gold and waste or scrap of precious metals) 
(HS 7106; 7108; 7112) subject to licensing procedures 
set at zero g   Permanent Delegation 
of Ukraine to the WTO 
(20 April 2017)  Effective 1 January 2017 
to 31 December 2017  
Export licensin g requirement on anthracite 
(HS 2701.11.00)  Permanent Delegation 
of Ukraine to the WTO 
(26 September 2017)  Effective 21 May 2017  
Extension of the temporary increase of export dut ies 
(from €10/tonne to €30/tonne) on waste and scrap of 
ferrous metals (HS 7204.10.00; 7204.30.00; 
7204.41.10; 7204.41.91; 7204.41.99; 7204.49.10; 
7204.49.30; 7204.49.90; 7204.50.00) (originally 
implemented on 15 September 2016, for one year)  Permanent De legation 
of Ukraine to the WTO 
(26 September 2017)  Effective 4 August 2017  
United States  
"Buy America" requirements included in the Water 
Infrastructure Improvements For the Nation Act (WIIN 
Act). The WIIN Act maintained existing requirements, 
during fi scal year 2017, by mandating that funds made 
available from a state loan fund may not be used for 
projects for the construction, alteration, or repair of a 
public water system unless all of the iron and steel 
products used in the project are produced in th e United 
States. This provision could be waived if: (i) enforcing 
this requirement would be inconsistent with the public 
interest; (ii) iron and steel products are not produced in 
the United States in sufficient and reasonably available 
quantities and of s atisfactory quality; and (iii) inclusion 
of iron and steel products produced in the United States 
would increase the cost of the overall project by more 
than 25%. Provisions included in the WIIN Act shall be 
applied in a manner consistent with United State s 
obligations under international agreements  Permanent Delegation 
of the United States to 
the WTO (May 2017) 
and Water 
Infrastructure 
Improvements for the 
Nation Act S.612 
(December 2016)  Effective 1 January 2017  
Tariff reclassifications resulting in the increase of import 
tariffs on photomask pellicles (HS 3926.90.99), on cam 
fasteners and dowels made of zinc (HS 7907.00.60), 
and on reusable bags of woven polypropylene strips 
used for yard waste and recycling (HS 6305.32.00)  US Customs and 
Border Protecti on 19 
CFR PART 177  - 
Customs Bulletin and 
Decisions, Vol. 50  
No. 48  
(30 November 2016)  Effective 30 January 2017  
 WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 168 - 
 
  Recorded, but non -confirmed information3 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Bolivia, (Plurinational State of)  
Temporary import ban on grapes (HS  0806.10)  Comunicación 
Ministerio de Desarollo 
Rural y Tierras  
(28 January 2017)  Effective 27 January to  
27 April 2017  
Egypt  
Automotive Tax Incentive Scheme providing tax 
deductions for companies reaching required local 
component percentage, local prod uction quantity and/or 
exportation threshold  Report from the 
Commission to the 
European Parliament 
and the Council on 
Trade and Investment 
Barriers (1 January - 
31 December 2016)    
Export of leather authorized only after having being 
inspected by the Gen eral Organization for Import and 
Export Control "GOIEC"   Press reports referring 
to Minister of Trade 
Decree No. 879  
(June 2017)    
Increase of import tariffs on 551 tariff lines, e.g. edible 
fruits and nuts; sugar and sugar confectionery; cocoa 
and coco a preparations; preparations of cereals; 
preparations of vegetables; miscellaneous edible 
preparations; perfumery and cosmetics; certain 
combustible preparations; plastics and articles thereof; 
articles of leather; paper and paper board; carpets; 
articles of apparel and clothing accessories; made up 
textile articles; footwear; articles of stone; cement; 
ceramic products; glass and glassware; imitation 
jewellery; articles of iron and steel; aluminium and 
articles thereof; miscellaneous articles of base metal ; 
machinery and mechanical appliances; certain vehicles 
and accessories thereof; furniture and toys (at 10 -digit 
level, in HS Chapters 08; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 33; 34; 
36; 39; 42; 48; 57; 61; 62; 63; 64; 67; 68; 69; 70; 
71; 73; 76; 83; 84; 85; 87; 94; 95; 9 6 )  Press reports referring 
to Decree of the 
President of the Arab 
Republic of Egypt  
No. 538/2016, Official 
Journal - Issue  
No. 47(Bis -B) 
(30 November 2016)  Effective 1 December 2016  
India  
Imposition through the implementation of the Goods 
and Service s Tax Regime (GST) of import duties (10%) 
on certain  telecom products, e.g. mobile phones, digital 
still video cameras and other electronic integrated 
circuits, classified as ITA -1 products   The Hindu - 
BusinnesLine  
(11 December 2016 
and 8 May 2017) and  
India Times  
 (26 April 2017)    
"Make in India" requirements for government 
procurement through the  new e -market platform GEM 
(Government e -Market)  Asit Ranjan Mishra  
(28 February 2017)    
Imports of apples (HS 0808) now permitted through sea 
ports and a irports in Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and 
Cochin; through the land port and airport in Delhi; and 
through India's land borders  Minutes of the meeting 
of Council of Trade in 
Goods, forthcoming    
Malaysia  
Temporary export ban on rubberwood  The Star online  
(30 June 2017)  Effective 1 July 2017  
Nigeria  
Import ban on 23 products  Africa News  
(5 January 2017) and 
Deloitte Trade 
Newsletter  Effective 17 October 2016  
Introduction of local content requirements on certain 
products and sectors, e.g. information a nd 
telecommunication technology   Minutes of the meeting 
of Council of Trade in 
Goods, forthcoming    
                                                
3 This Section includes information which has been obtained from public sources but has not yet been 
confirmed by the delegation concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 169 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Increase of import tariffs on certain products (e.g. 
tobacco, alcoholic products, raw materials, consumer 
goods) through the import adjustment tax list  Africa News  
(5 January 2017) and 
Deloitte Trade 
Newsletter  Effective 17 October 2016  
Withdrawal of certain furniture and plastic sanitary 
wares from the import restricted list  Deloitte Trade 
Newsletter    
Made in Nigeria Initiative introducing local conte nt 
requirements (up to 40%) on certain products and 
sectors, e.g. uniforms and footwear, food and 
beverages, furniture and fittings, stationery, motor 
vehicles, pharmaceuticals and construction materials  The News Nigeria  
(19 May 2017)    
Philippines  
Increase of excise tax on imports of sweetened sugar 
beverages. The excise tax applied to beverages 
produced locally  remains lower than for imports  The Manila Times  
(24 June 2017)    
Thailand  
Temporary import ban on wheat  Bangkok Post  
(3 July 2017)    
Temporary increase of import tariffs (from zero to 35%) 
on wheat  Bangkok Post  
(3 July 2017)    
Ukraine  
Inclusion of pine wood in the export ban list on 
unprocessed timber (HS Chapter 44) (originally 
implemented on 1 November 2015 for three species)  Press  reports and WTO 
document 
WT/TPR/OV/19,  
21 November 2016  Effective 1 January 2017  
United States  
"Buy America" initiative for pipeline companies, 
requiring them to purchase locally produced pipes and 
raw materials for the Keystone Pipelines and Dakota 
Access Pipelines projects  CNBC  
(30 January 2017), Oil 
Price.com (13 February 
2017) and The White 
House - Office of the 
Press Secretary 
"Remarks by President 
Trump in Press 
Conference", East 
Room  
(16 February 2017). 
Viewed at: 
https://www.whitehous
e.gov/t he-press -
office/2017/02/16/rem
arks-president -trump -
press -conference    
The Executive Order (EO) on Buy American and Hire 
American requires U.S. federal agencies to 
“scrupulously monitor, enforce, and comply with Buy 
American Laws, to the extent they apply,  and minimize 
the use of waivers, consistent with applicable law.”  The 
EO also calls a report by the Secretary of Commerce to 
prepare a report for the President that assesses, 
amongst other things, the “monitoring of, enforcement 
of, implementation of, an d compliance with Buy 
American Laws” and the impact of US free trade 
agreements and the WTO Agreement on Government 
Procurement on domestic procurement preferences.  
The report is due to the President by 24 November 
2017.  The EO specifically stipulates th at it shall not be 
construed to impair or otherwise affect existing rights or 
obligations under international agreements, such as the 
WTO Agreement on Government Procurement  Presidential Executive 
Order on Buy American 
and Hire American  
(18 April 2017). 
Viewed at: 
https://www.whitehous
e.gov/the -press -
office/2017/04/18/pres
idential -executive -
order -buy-american -
and-hire-american    
Uruguay  
Temporary increase (from 2% to 5%) of the consular 
fee (tasa consular ) on imports. Rate applied on imports 
from Merco sur members set at 3%. Imports from 
Mexico  exempted  Rendición de Cuentas 
2016 - Artículo 265 
(September 2017)  Effective until  
1 January 2020  WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 170 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Viet Nam  
Increase of import tariffs on used cars  The Saigon Times Daily 
(29 August 2017)     
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 171 - ANNEX 4 
MEASURES  AFFECTING TRADE IN SERVICES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 201 6 TO MID -OCTOBER  2017) 
Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
MEASURES AFFECTING VARIOUS SECTORS  
Algeria  (Observer)  
Algeria issued six executive decrees that 
clarify  the application of Law No. 16-09 on 
the Promotion of Investment, which had 
been adopted in August 2016. The decrees 
establish the list of activities excluded from 
investment incentives foreseen in the Law, 
specify the procedures for pre -registration 
of investments, and redefine the 
responsibilities and simplify the operation 
of the National Agency for the 
Development of Investments.  Mode 3  All sectors  
 Executive Decrees nos. 17 -100, 17 -101, 17 -102, 
17-103, 17 -104 and 17 -105 of 5 March 2017.  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.aps.dz/economie/55359 -
promulgation -des-textes -
d%E2%80%99application -de-la-nouvelle -loi-sur-
l%E2%80%99inve stissement  Effective  
5 March 2017  YES 
Australia  
The government of Australia made a series 
of changes to the foreign investment 
framework, with the aim of streamlining 
and enhancing its operation.  
 
Amendments concern such aspects as:  
- a new exemption  certificate allowing 
foreign investors in securities to obtain 
approval for multiple investments;  
- clarification that residential premises that 
have commercial use, such as student 
accommodation or age care facilities, will 
be screened under commercial land 
thresholds;   
- a 10% increase in application fees for 
foreign purchases of residential properties 
valued at less than A$10 Million;  
 
 Mode 3  All sectors  
 Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Amendment 
(Exemption and Other Measures) Regulations 
2017   
 
Viewed at:  
http://firb.gov.au/slide/changes -to-the-foreign -
investm ent-framework -announced -in-the-2017-
18-budget -and-additional -technical -
amendments -take-effect -from-1-july-2017/  Effective 1 July 2017  YES 
                                                
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex  implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether or not such meas ure, or its intent, is protectionist in 
nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex  implies any judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any WT O 
agreement.   
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 172 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
- thresholds for notification of acquisitions 
of Australian interests by a foreign 
government investor have been in creased 
to only capture acquisitions that result in 
less than 5% of the global firm's total 
assets  and/or where the value is 
A$55 million or less.  
Bangladesh  
The Cabinet approved the One -Stop 
Service Act 2017, aiming to facilitate 
services provided to investors and reduce 
the cost of doing business. Investors will 
receive 16 types of services from the one -
stop service centre, including issuance of 
trade licenses, land registration and 
mutation, environmental clearances, 
construction permits, as well as 
connection s for power, gas, water, 
telephone and internet.    Mode 3  All sectors  
 
 Viewed at:  
http://www.dhakatribune.com/business/regulatio
ns/2017/05/08 /cabinet -approves -one-stop-
service -act/ Effective 8 May 2017   
Brazil  
On 24 November 2016, the Central Bank of 
Brazil amended rules concerning the 
registration of foreign direct investment 
with the Central Bank.  
 
The new rules bring back the requirement 
that companies recipient of foreign direct 
investment register their financial economic 
statements with the Central Bank on a 
yearly basis.  This requirement is applied 
on a quarterly basis for companies with 
assets or net worth equal to or greater 
than R$ 250 million.  
 
The rules also provide that the Brazilian 
company recipient of the foreign 
investment will be legally responsible for 
the registration of the foreign investment 
and that it may appoint representatives to 
carry out the registrations on its beh alf. Mode 3  All sectors  Resolution No. 4,533 of the National Monetary 
Council  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bcb.gov.br/ pre/normativos/busca/d
ownloadNormativo.asp?arquivo=/Lists/Normativo
s/Attachments/50287/Res_4533_v1_O.pdf  
 
 
 Effective  
30 January 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 173 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Canada  
The government, under the Investment 
Canada Act, issued guidelines concerning 
the national security review of foreign 
investments.  The guidelines provide 
further information on the review process 
and set out factors that the government 
may take into account when making a 
determination on grounds of national 
security.  Mode 3  All sectors  "Guidelines on the Natio nal Security Review of 
Investments", Innovation, Science and Economic 
Department Canada, 19 December 2016  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ica -
lic.nsf/eng/lk81190.html  
 Effective 19 
December 2016  YES 
Canada ha s increased thresholds for the 
"net benefit " review of direct acquisitions of 
Canadian businesses by foreign investors 
under the Investment Canada Act. For 
private investors from WTO Members, the 
threshold has been inc reased to 
CAN$ 1 billion as of 22 June 2017. This 
threshold had been raised to 
CAN$ 800 million on  
24 April 2017, from CAN$ 600 million 
previously.   
 
With respect to private investors from 
countries with which preferential trade 
agreements have been conclud ed, the 
threshold was increased to CAN$ 1.5 billion 
on 21 September 2017. This covers private 
investors from Chile, Colombia, Honduras, 
the European Union, Rep. of Korea, Mexico, 
Panama, Peru, and the United States.  
 
The threshold for review of direct 
investments remains lower for acquisition 
of a Canadian cultural business or for non -
WTO investors ( CAN$ 5 million), as well as 
for investors that are state -owned 
enterprises ( CAN$ 379 million).  Mode 3  All sectors  
 Investment Canada Act  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ica -
lic.nsf/eng/h_lk00050.html#p4  Effective  
22 June 2017 for 
WTO investors and 
21 September for 
'trade agreements' 
investors.    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 174 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
China  
The State Council approved the creation of 
seven additional free trade zones in the 
provinces of Shanxi, Sichuan, Hubei, 
Henan, Zhejiang and Liaoning, as well as in 
the city of Chongqing.  
 
The policy provides, among other things, 
for easier approval procedures.  Foreign 
investment is treated on a national 
treatment basis, except in specific areas 
set out in a negative list.  Such negative 
list provides for bette r treatment of foreign 
investment in China than what is provided 
in the Catalogue for the Guidance of 
Foreign Investment Industries, which 
applies to other parts of China.  Modes 3 
and 4  Various sectors  Circular of the State Council on Printing and 
Distribu ting the overall plan on China (Shanxi) 
pilot free trade zone (Guo Fa (2017) No.21);  
Circular of the State Council on Printing and 
Distributing the overall plan on China (Sichuan) 
pilot free trade zone (Guo Fa (2017) No.20);  
Circular of the State Council o n Printing and 
Distributing the overall plan on China 
(Chongqing) pilot free trade zone  
(Guo Fa (2017) No.19);  
Circular of the State Council on Printing and 
Distributing the overall plan on China (Hubei) 
pilot free trade zone (Guo Fa (2017) No.18);  
Circula r of the State Council on Printing and 
Distributing the overall plan on China (Henan) 
pilot free trade zone (Guo Fa (2017) No.17);  
Circular of the State Council on Printing and 
Distributing the overall plan on China (Zhejiang) 
pilot free trade zone (Guo Fa  (2017) No.16);  
Circular of the State Council on Printing and 
Distributing the overall plan on China (Liaoning) 
pilot free trade zone (Guo Fa (2017) No.15).  Effective  
15 March 2017  YES 
On 12 October 2016, China designated 10 
additional cities as "outsour cing 
demonstration cities".  Such designation 
involves preferential tax treatment for 
advanced technology service enterprises.  
 
These 10 cities are: Shenyang, Changchun, 
Nantong, Zhenjiang, Fuzhou (inclusive of 
Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental 
Area), Nan ning, Urumqi, Qingdao, Ningbo 
and Zhengzhou.  Mode 3  Various sectors  Circular of the Ministry of Finance, the State 
Administration of Taxation, the Ministry of 
Commerce, the Ministry of Science and 
Technology, and the National Development and 
Reform Commiss ion on Application of Income 
Tax Policies for Technology -Advanced Service 
Enterprises to Newly Added China Outsourcing 
Demonstration Cities (Cai Shui [2016] No.  108) Effective  
12 October 2016  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 175 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
China adopted new rules providing 
preferential tax treatme nt for the 
recognized technology -advanced service 
enterprises in the 15 Service Trade 
Innov ation Development Pilot Areas. The 
rate of  income tax is reduced to 15%. 
Regarding training expenses in these 
enterprises, expenses that do not exceed 
8% of total sa laries are allowed to be 
deducted before taxation, and the excess 
portion is allowed to be carried over and 
deducted in the following taxable year.  Mode 3  Computer and 
information 
services, R&D and 
technology 
services, cultural 
technology 
services and 
medical services of 
traditional Chinese 
medicine  Circular on Promoting Preferential Income Tax 
Policies for Technology Advanced Service 
Enterprises in Service Trade Innovation 
Development Trial Areas  
(Cai Shui [2016] No. 122)  Effective  
10 November 2016  YES 
On 17 February 2017, the government 
issued a revision to the Catalogue of 
Priority Industries for Foreign Investment 
in Central and Western Regions.  
 
The measure expands the list of priority 
industries for foreign investment.  The 
2017 Catalogue lists 639 priority industrial 
items, among which 173 were added in this 
most recent revision.  34 items were 
deleted and 84 were modified.  
Modifications relate, for example, to 
tourism and leisure, engineering, and 
logistics services.  For projects falling 
within t he scope of the revised Catalogue, 
foreign invested enterprises are eligible for 
favourable tax reductions and preferential 
access to land.  Mode 3  Various sectors  Order 33 of 2017 – Revision of Catalogue of 
Priority Industries for Foreign Investment in 
Central and Western Regions  
 
Viewed at:  
http://hkmb.hktdc.com/en/1X0A94PZ/hktdc -
research/China -Revises -Catalogue -of-Priority -
Industries -for-Foreign -Investment -in-Central -
and-Western -Regions  Effective  
20 March 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 176 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
China's Cybersecurity Law, which entered 
into force on 1 June 2017, introduced 
various new requirements in relation to the 
collec tion, use and protection of personal 
information, the protection of "critical 
information infrastructure", the 
responsibilities of network service 
providers, and the preservation of sensitive 
information.  
 
Among other things, the Law requires 
"personal inf ormation and important data" 
collected and generated in China to be 
stored domestically.  Security assessments 
by authorities will be conducted in relation 
to information and data transferred abroad 
pursuant to business requirements.  More 
detailed regulat ions will be issued to 
support implementation of these provisions 
of the Law.  Multiple 
modes  All sectors  Cybersecurity Law  Effective  
1 June 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 177 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The government of China released the 
2017 version of the Catalogue for the 
Guidance of Foreign Investment In dustries .  
The 2017 Catalogue introduces a national 
negative list, which is comprised of a 
'restricted' category, where certain 
restrictions are imposed and prior approval 
from authorities is required, and a 
'prohibited' category, where foreign 
investment is not permitted.  For activities 
not listed on the negative list, foreign 
investors are entitled to the same 
treatment as national investors.  
 
The 2017 Catalogue removes foreign 
investment restrictions for certain services, 
such as: highway passenger tran sport; 
credit investigation and rating services; 
and large -scale wholesale markets for 
agricultural products.  
 
The new measure also introduces certain 
limits on foreign investment, as some 
activities now fall under the 'prohibited' 
category.  These include : Internet services 
for the delivery of public information; radio 
and television on -demand services; 
installation services for the receipt of 
satellite TV broadcasts; editing of 
audiovisual products and electronic 
publications; and research institutes on 
humanities and social sciences.  Mode 3  All sectors  Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign 
Investment Industries (2017 Revision)  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.china -
briefing.com/news/2017/07/11/china -releases -
2017-foreign -investment -catalogue -opening -
access -new-industries.html  
 
 Effective  
28 July 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 178 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
China's State Council further relaxed limits 
on foreign investment in the country's free 
trade zones (FTZ). For example, as regards 
services sectors: foreign investment is no 
longer prohibited for the importation of 
cultural products like arts and literature 
databases, and digital publications; 
restrictions on foreign inv estment in 
highway passenger transportation have 
been removed; accounting and auditing 
services are subject to fewer restrictions; 
restrictions preventing foreign insurance 
companies from engaging in reinsurance 
with affiliated enterprises have been lifted . 
 
Currently, the 11 FTZ are in Shanghai, 
Guangdong, Tianjin, Fujian, Chongqing, 
Liaoning , Zhejiang , He'nan, Hubei, Sichuan 
and Shan 'anxi. Mode 3  All sectors  Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) 
for Foreign Investment Access to Pilot Free Trade 
Zones (2017 Revision)  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/economy/arti
cle/2098807/beijing -cuts-list-restrictions -foreign-
direct -investment -free 
 
 Effective  
10 July 2017  YES 
Colombia  
The Government of Colombia issued Decree 
119, which updates the countr y's foreign 
investment regime. One of the changes 
brought about by the decree is the 
elimination of registration dead lines and 
related sanctions in case of 
non-compliance.  Mode 3  All sectors  Decree 119 of 26 January 2017  
 
Viewed at:  
http://es.presidencia.gov.c o/normativa/normativ
a/DECRETO%20119%20DEL%2026%20ENERO%
20DE%202017.pdf  
 Issued on  
26 January 2017. 
Effective, at latest, 
six months after 
issuance of the 
decree.   
The government of Colombia, through 
Decree no. 1759, required Colombian 
companies to regis ter their databases with 
the Superintendencia de Industria y 
Comercio  by 30 June 2017.  The purpose is 
to regulate the treatment of personal data.  Multiple 
modes  All sectors  Decree No. 1759  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.sic.gov.co/registro -nacional -de-
bases -de-datos   8 November 2016    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 179 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
 Democratic Republic of the Congo  
This measure reserves sub -contracting by 
multinational enterprises to companies that 
are domestically owned.  
 Multiple 
modes  All sectors  Law No. 17/001  
 
Viewed at:  
http://juriafrique.com/blog/2017/03/29/congo -k-
le-legislateur -regit-la-sous-traitance -dans-le-
secteur -prive/  8 February 2017   
Egypt  
The President of Egypt signed on 
31 May 2017 a new Investment Law. It 
aims to streamline requirements and 
processes relatin g to investment 
authorizations.  For example, under the law, 
the General Authority for Inves tment (GAI) 
will introduce a new system allowing 
companies to register and incorporate 
electronically. The law also sets deadlines 
for completion of tasks by the GAI, and 
reduces documentary requirements 
imposed on investors.  
 
Further, investment projects are allowed to 
employ up to 10% of foreign employees if 
local employees with necessary 
qualifications are unavailable. For some 
strategic projects, a higher percentage of 
foreign workers can be allowed, subject to 
a commitment to train local workers. The 
law sets out, in addition, various tax 
incentives.  Modes 3 
and 4  All sectors  Law No. 72 of 2017  Effective  
1 June 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 180 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Germany  
On 12 July, the Government amended its 
foreign investment regime to expand the 
scope for review of acquisitions of equity 
participation of more than 25% in domestic 
companies by non -EU and non -EFTA 
investors.  
 
The amendment introduces a list of areas 
that are explicitly covered by cross -sector 
review obligations.  These include: 
businesses contributing to a critical 
infrastruct ure, including in sectors of 
energy, information technology and 
telecommunications, traffic and transport, 
health, water, finance, and insurance; 
developers of software for the operation of 
critical infrastructure; key businesses for 
the telematics infrast ructure; certain cloud 
computing services.  
 
In addition, the scope of the sector -specific 
review procedures was expanded to a 
broader range of military products and 
components.   
 
The amendments also provide for 
modifications to the procedural framework, 
notably by extending time periods for 
reviews by authorities.  Mode 3  All sectors  
 Amendment to the German Foreign Trade 
Regulation  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.ft.com/content/5087c106 -66fc-
11e7-9a66-93fb352ba1fe  Effective  
18 July 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 181 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
India  
On 24 May 2017, the Union Cabinet 
approved the phasing out of the Foreign 
Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), 
aiming to make India more attractive to 
foreign investors and to improve ease of 
doing business.  Applications for FDI 
requiring government approval will instead 
be processed by the relevant sectoral 
Ministries/Departments in consultation with 
the Department of Industrial Policy & 
Promotion (DIPP) of the Ministry of 
Commerce & Industry.   
 
In pursuance of this policy change, the 
DIPP has issued on 29 June 2017 a 
standard operating procedure setting out 
the process for the treatment of FDI 
propos als by Ministries/Departments. 
Among other things, the procedure 
foresees an 8 -week timeframe fo r approval 
of FDI, unless security clearance from the 
Ministry of Home Affairs is required.   Mode 3  All sectors  
 Viewed at: 
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid
=162097  
 
 24 May 2017  
   
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 182 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The Ministry of Commerce issued the 
Consolidated FDI Policy Circular of 2017 on 
28 August.   
 
Changes brought about by the new policy 
include:  
- 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic 
route for broadcasting carriage services 
and cable net works.  The previous policy 
allowed FDI up to 49% under the 
automatic route;  
- FDI in brownfield pharmaceutical projects 
is permitted up to 74% under the 
automatic route and beyond 74% under 
the government route.  Before, no FDI was 
permitted without gover nment approval;  
- new rules allow the conversion of an FDI 
funded limited liability partnership (LLP) 
into a company and vice versa;  
- wholesale cash & carry suppliers are 
allowed to undertake multi -brand retailing, 
in addition to single -brand retailing;  
- new procedures for assessing applications 
for exemptions from local sourcing 
requirements in case of single brand 
retailers with more than 51% FDI;  
- Start-ups are allowed to issue convertible 
notes to foreign investors. Previously, FDI 
in start -ups could  only be made by 
subscribing to equity or equity -linked 
instruments or debt instruments;  
- Foreign ownership and control of an 
Indian pension fund is restricted to resident 
Indian entities.  The previous policy 
permitted foreign ownership/control 
provided that prior government approval 
was sought.  Mode 3  All sectors  Consolidated FDI Policy Circular of 2017  
 
Viewed at:  
http://dipp.nic.in/sites/default/files/CFPC_2017_
FINAL_RELEASED_28.8.17.pdf  
 
 Effective  
28 August 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 183 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Japan  
Japan amended the Foreign Exchange and 
Foreign Trade Act with respect to national 
security -related notification requirements 
for certain foreign investment.  Prior 
notification to authorities will be required if 
foreign investors acquire from other foreign 
investors non -listed shares of Japanese 
enterprises in certain industries ( e.g. 
manufacture of weapons; nuclear power 
plants).  Authorities will examine whether 
the proposed transfer of share s constitutes 
a threat to national security.  Mode 3  All sectors  Amendments to the Foreign Exchange and 
Foreign Trade Act (Law No.228 of 1949), 
including the introduction of Article 28.  Effective  
1 October 2017  YES 
Jordan  
The Jordan Investment Commissio n has 
adopted simplified regulations for 
investors, with the objective of improving 
the business environment.  The amended 
regulations reduce the time needed to 
register an investment to four days, cut 
down the number of committees with 
responsibility for investment approval, and 
eliminate a range of licensing procedures.   Mode 3  All sectors  
 Viewed at:  
http://country.eiu.com/article.aspx?articleid=90
5750674&Country=Jordan&topic=Economy&subt
opic=Forecast&subsubtopic=Policy+trends&u=1&
pid=135756597&oid=135756597&uid=1   
 
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/single -
security -approval -replaces -multiple -existing -
procedures -new-investors  Effective  
5 August 2017   
Kenya  
The Finance Act, adopted on 20 Sep tember 
2016, repealed the provision of the 
Companies Act of 2015 that required 
enterprises established in Kenya to have at 
least 30% of their shareholding held by 
Kenyan citizens by birth.  
 Mode 3  All sectors  Finance Act (Act No. 38 of 2016)  
 
Viewed at:  
http://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/A
mendmentActs/2016/FinanceAct_No38of2016.pd
f 
 
http://www.oraro.co.ke/alert/karibu -kenya -
welcome -to-kenya -repeal -of-the-30-local-
shareholding -requirement -for-foreign -
companies -in-the-companie s-act-2015/  Effective  
1 January 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 184 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Moldova, Republic of  
The Republic of Moldova has adopted a 
series of measures in relatio n to various 
services sectors. In many cases, these new 
measures aim to transpose the 
requirements of European Union  Directive s 
into domestic law. For example, the 
National Commission of Financial Markets 
(NCFM) adopted new measures to regulate 
capital markets and the  supply of insurance 
services. With respect to energy services, 
new regulations have been adopted in 
relation to c ross-border electricity 
distribution and natural gas transmission 
services, which aim, among other things, to 
promote greater integration into the 
European energy market. The Republic of 
Moldova also adopted a number of 
measures in view of requirements of 
European Union Directives relating to the 
development of the internal market and 
quality standards for postal services, as 
well as the access to and use of electronic 
communications networks.  
 
 
 
 Multiple 
modes  Financial services;  
energy services;  
postal s ervices;  
telecommunication 
services;  
audiovisual 
services  
 
 Regulation on market abuse (NCFM Decision No. 
14/15);  
Instruction regarding direct and indirect holdings 
(NCFM Decision no. 59/6);  
Regulation on training requirements and 
professional competence i n insurance (NCFM 
Decisions no. 49/5 and 59/14);  
The Law amending the Law 407/2006 on 
insurance;  
Regulation on access to the network for cross -
border exchanges in electricity and congestion 
management;  
Regulation on access to the natural gas 
transmission n etworks and congestion 
management;  
Rules regarding providing postal services 
(Decision no.1457);  
The quality standards regarding the universal 
postal services (Decision no. 1226);  
Mode and conditions of using of postal networks 
for necessity of national se curity and protection 
in case of force major and exceptional situations 
(Decision no. 1453);  
Calculation methodology of maximum tariffs for 
the right of access on public properties and/or for 
shared use of physic infrastructure (Decision 
no.1343);  
Decision  no.52 modifying Decision no.240 "For 
approving Program regarding the transition from 
analog television to digital terrestrial"  November 2016 -
March 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 185 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The Republic of Moldova has adopted a 
series of measures which essentially aim to 
transpose European Union Directives into  
the national legal framework. This includes:  
 
- In the field of insurance, the adoption of 
new measures with respect to: 
requirements for insurers' reinsurance 
programs and rules on reinsurance 
contracting; requirements on the 
transpa rency of shareholders and 
beneficiaries in insurance companies; rules 
in relation to the operation of credit history 
bureaus;  
- Amendments to the Law on Electronic 
Communications;  
- Amendments to Law on Electronic 
Commerce.  Multiple 
modes  All sectors  
 Law no 59 from 6 April 2017 for the amendment 
and completion of Law 284/2004 on electronic 
commerce (entry into force from 6 January 
2018);  
NCFM Decision Nos. 17/6 and 17/5 of 21 April 
2017;  
Decision No. 656 of 23 August 2017 approving 
the draft Law amending  the Art. 29 of Law 
407/2006 on insurance;  
Law No. 149 of 14 July 2017 amending the Law 
122/2008 on credit history bureau;  
Law No. 135 of 07 July 2017 amending and 
supplementing the Law on Electronic 
Communications No. 241 -XVI; 
Law No. 145 of 14 July 2017 amending and 
supplementing Law no. 77 of 21 April 2016 on 
Information Technology Parks.  
 April-July 2017  YES 
Mauritius  
The Government of Mauritius adopted the 
Business Facilitation Act 2017, aiming to 
address legal impediments to doing 
business. The Act amends 26 existing 
legislations, and addresses seven key 
areas: facilitating cross -border trade; 
expediting the process to start a business; 
expediting the processing and issue of 
construction permits; facilitating the 
process to register property; improvi ng 
insolvency procedures; improving the 
system for collection of taxes and levies; 
implementing the e -licensing project.  Mode 3  All sectors  Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) 
Act 2017  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.investmauritius.com/news -
room/newsletters/newsletter -may-2017.aspx  Effective  
20 May 2017  
 YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 186 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Myanmar  
In October 2016, the government enacted 
Myanmar's new Investment Law.  While 
earlier legisla tion required all investment 
proposals to obtain permission of the 
Myanmar Investment Commission, the new 
law subjects only selected investment 
proposals to government screening and 
authorization.  
 
The law also includes a list of prohibited 
activities, as well as a list of activities 
where foreigners will be requested to set 
up joint -ventures with Myanmar citizens.  
 
In certain areas, such as market access, 
land lease and technical support, local 
businesses and SMEs would benefit from 
more favourable treatme nt compared to 
foreign investors.  Investment incentives in 
the form of corporate tax holidays will be 
granted to "promoted" sectors.  
 
Full details of the sectors that are 
"promoted", subject to screening, and 
subject to joint venture requirements will 
be set out in forthcoming implementation 
rules.  Mode 3  All sectors  Myanmar Investment Law, viewed at:  
http://www.dica.gov.mm/ sites/dica.gov.mm/files
/document -
files/myanmar_investment_law_official_translati
on_3-1-2017.pdf  Effective  
1 April 2017   
The Ministry of Commerce has revoked the 
ceiling on the amount of funds that foreign -
domestic joint venture enterprises can use 
in their operations.  Foreign investors 
engaged in joint venture businesses with 
Myanmar companies will no longer have 
their expenditure limited to the initial sum 
they declared to the Central Bank.  This 
removes the obligation to register any 
additional amount s of foreign currency 
required for investment purposes.  Mode 3  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/business/2
4068-limits -lifted-on-joint-venture -trading -
firms.html  
 
http://investmentpolicyhub.unctad.org/IPM/Meas
ureDetails?id=3013&rgn=&grp =&t=&s=&pg=3&c
=&dt=&df=07%2F08%2F2008&isSearch=true  
 22 November 2016    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 187 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Nigeria  
Nigeria adopted new measures aiming to 
enhance transparency and efficiency of 
governmental actions in order to improve 
the business climate.   
An Executive Order, signed on 1 8 May 
2017, requires all ministries, departments, 
and agencies of the federal government to 
publish a complete list of requirements 
(including fees) on their websites within 
21 days of the issuance of the order.  The 
list shall state the stipulated time fo r 
getting an approval.  Any application for 
permits, registration or licenses not 
approved or rejected within the stipulated 
time would be deemed approved.  Mode 3  All sectors  
 Executive Order on the Promotion of 
Transparency and Efficiency in the Business 
Environment  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.budgetoffice.gov.ng/index.php/resou
rces/internal -resources/executive -order Effective  
18 May 2017   
Qatar  
Qatar has ad opted new legislation 
governing investment of non -Qatari capital 
in the economy.  The new law, replacing 
Law No. 13 from 2000, allows non -Qataris 
to invest up to 100% of project capital in 
all sectors of the economy, provided they 
have a Qatari agent.  
 
Subject to government approval, foreign 
investors may own 49% of the capital of 
companies listed on the Qatar Exchange.  
Foreign investors may own more than 49% 
of these companies if supported by 
Ministers.  
 
Citizens of countries of the Gulf 
Cooperation Counc il are treated as Qatari 
citizens with respect to ownership of Qatar 
stock exchange -listed companies.  Mode 3  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://www.arab ianbusiness.com/qatar -passes -
law-approving -100-foreign -investment -
649747.html  
 
 19 October 2016    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
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of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Russian Federation  
The government of the Russian Federation 
enacted new measures with respect to 
transactions involving foreign investors in 
Russian compani es. 
 
Under the new rules, the Chair of the 
Government Commission on Control over 
Foreign Investment in the Russian 
Federation  may decide that a transaction 
by a foreign investor in relation to a 
Russian company is subject to prior 
approval by the Commissio n if the 
transaction is deemed to threaten national 
defence and state security.  
 
Prior to the amendments, a review applied 
to acquisitions of more than 25% of voting 
shares in a Russian company by a foreign 
investor controlled by a foreign state or 
interna tional organization.   
 
Further, foreign investors that own 5% or 
more of shares of strategic companies 
registered in Crimea or the City of 
Sevastopol are required to notify the 
Federal Antimonopoly Service by 28 
October 2017.  
 
Another set of amendments se ts limitations 
on investments of 'offshore companies' in 
Russian strategic companies and on their 
participation in privatizations of Russian 
state assets.  Under these new measures, 
investments by offshore companies are 
treated the same way as those of for eign 
states or international organizations.  
Offshore companies are those that are 
registered in a list of jurisdictions, including 
the British Virgin Islands, United Arab 
Emirates, Monaco, Gibraltar, and Hong 
Kong, China.  Mode 3  All sectors  Federal Law o n Amendments to the Federal Law 
No. 160 -FZ "On Foreign Investment in the 
Russian Federation" and to the Federal Law No. 
57-FZ "On Procedure for Foreign Investment in 
Business Entities of Strategic Importance for 
National Defence and Security". (Law No. 165 -
FZ) 
 
Amendments to the Law "On Foreign 
investments in Strategic Companies" and to the 
Privatization Law (Law No. 155 -FZ) 
 
Viewed at:  
http://en.kremlin.ru/acts/news/55093  
 
http://investmentpolicyhub.unctad.org/IPM/Meas
ureDetails?id=3115&rgn=&grp=&t=&s=&pg=4&c
=&dt=&df=&isSearch=false  Dated 18 July 2017 
and effective  
30 July 2017  
 
 
 
 
 
Effective 1 July 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
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of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
South Africa  
The government launched a 'One Stop 
Shop' for investors, aiming to improve the 
business environment by lowering the cost 
of doing business in South Africa.  The 'One 
Stop Shop' aims to be the focus point in 
government to assist investors in relation 
to regulatory, registration, and licensing 
procedures and requirements.   Mode 3  All Sectors  Viewed at:  
https://ww w.gov.za/speeches/invest -south -
africa -one-stop-shop-launch -17-mar-2017-0000 
 Effective  
17 March 2017   
Thailand  
Thailand adopted new measures, including 
amendments to the Law for Facilitation of 
Business Operations, which aim to further 
improve the ease  of doing business in the 
country.  For example, Thailand no longer 
requires from employers of more than 10 
employees that they submit a copy of Work 
Rules to the Director –General of the 
Department of Labour Protection and 
Welfare within seven days from th e date of 
the entry into force of the Rules.  Mode 3  All Sectors  Order of the Head of the National Council for 
Peace and Order No. 21/2560 (2017)  
Amendment to the Laws for Facilitation of 
Business Operations (Royal Gazette Book No. 
134 Special Section 97D, page 49)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.dlapiper.com/en/us/insights/publica
tions/2017/04/summary -of-the-order -of-ncpo-
no-21_2560/  
 Effective  
4 April 2017   
The Ministry of Commerce of Thailand 
issued a ministerial regulation removing 
certain businesses from the category of 
'restricted business activities' under the 
Foreign Business Act.   
 
The relevant businesses fall in two groups. 
First, busine sses governed by the laws on 
financial institutions, including commercial 
banking, bank representative offices, and 
financial institution agents.  Second, 
businesses covered by specific laws, which 
are: asset management companies; 
representative offices of  a foreign legal 
person in relation to an international 
trading business; regional office of a 
foreign legal person in relation to an 
international trading business; service 
business operators that have entered into a 
contract with government agencies; ser vice 
business operators that have entered into a 
contract with state -owned enterprises.  Mode 3  All sectors  Ministerial Regulation Prescribing Businesses Not 
Subject to Application for Foreign Business 
Permission (No. 3), B.E. 2560   
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/publi
cations/2017/06/restrictions -eased -for-foreign -
investors/  Effective  
9 June 2017  
   
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 190 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Tunisia  
Tunisia's new Investment Law aims to 
facilitate foreign investment by reducing 
the need for government approvals, 
simplifying processes, allowing higher 
percentages of foreign employees, and 
increasing the number of sectors that are 
open to foreign investment.  
 
The law allows investors to recruit foreign 
managing staff up to 30% of the entire 
managing staff during the first three years 
of activity, and up to 10% of the entire 
managing staff from the fourth year 
onward.  The law also grants foreign 
investors the right  to purchase non -
agricultural properties as part of 
investment projects, and simplifies 
procedures in relation to the transfer of 
funds.  
 
A list of economic activities where 
investment will be subject to authorization 
shall be issued by the government with in a 
year of the law's entry into force.  Modes 3 
and 4  All sectors  Investment Law (No. 71) of 20 November 2016  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.utica.org.tn/Fr/telecharger.php?cod
e=250  
 Effective   
1 April 2017   
Ukraine  
On 26 June 2017, the President of Ukraine 
signed a law aiming to facilitate doing 
business and to foster a more favourable 
climate for foreign investments.  In 
addition to measures relating to the 
movement of natural person (see b elow), 
the law abolished the requirement that 
foreign investments be registered with the 
state.  Registration is therefore no longer a 
pre-requisite for foreign investors to enjoy 
protection and benefits under the Foreign 
Investment Act.  Mode 3  All secto rs Law 'On Amendments to Some Legislative Acts of 
Ukraine on Eliminating Barriers to Attracting 
Foreign Investment'.   
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.wolftheiss.com/fileadmin/content/6_
news/clientAlerts/2016/2016_Q2/160606_WT_Cl
ient_Alert_Law_on_Foreign_Investment_Ukraine.
pdf Effective  
27 September 2017  
   
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 191 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Viet Nam  
On 22 November 2016, Viet Nam amended 
the list of 'conditional business lines' in 
Annex 4 of the Law on Investment.  
Companies operating in 'conditional 
business lines' must satisfy additional 
conditions, such as sub -licences or other 
requirements, as per the Investment Law. 
Business lines removed incl ude: 
- company valuation services in relation to 
initial public offerings;  
- consultancy services in relation to 
assessment of investment projects;  
- management training services for 
investment and construction projects;  
- establishment and assessment serv ices 
for investment and construction projects;  
- management and operation services for 
common infrastructure facilities;  
- insurance agency training services;  
- import of radio transmitters and 
transceivers;  
- organisation of festivals and conferences;  
- water drainage services;  
- printing carton and other packages;  
- art and photographic work dealings;  
- tender agency services;  
- consultancy services for land survey, 
assessment and planning;  
- services for preparation of environmental 
impact assessment and  detailed 
environmental protection plan.  Mode 3  Various sectors  Law No. 03/2016/QH14 amending the list of 
conditional business lines in Annex 4 of the Law 
on Investment  
 
Viewed at:  
http://asemconnectvietnam.gov.vn/Law.aspx?ZI
D1=10&ID1=2&MaVB_id=2535  Effective  
1 January 2017, 
except for specific 
business lines 
identified in the law 
(see first column).    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 192 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
On the other hand, new business lines were 
added to the list:  
- manufac turing, repairing bottles of liquid 
petroleum gas (LPG bottles);  
- energy auditing;  
- educational quality test services;  
- manufacturing, assembling and importing 
automobiles (effective only on 1 July 
2017);  
- training, coaching marine crew and 
organizing to recruit, and to supply marine 
crew;  
- trading experiment services specializing 
in construction;  
- trading services of management, and 
operation of cremation establishment;  
- trading services of registra tion and 
remaining domain name ".vn" ; 
- trading pro ducts and services of civil 
cryptography;  
- overseas study consultancy services, 
trading aquatic breeding;       
- trading services of meteorological 
forecasting and warning;  
- trading services of basic survey, 
consultancy of establishing emplacements;  
- projects and water resource reports;  
- trading camouflage equipment, software 
used for recording, video recording and 
positioning (effective only on 1 July 2017).        
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 193 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
FINANCIAL SERVICES  
Argentina  
The Resolution established that reinsurance 
and retrocess ion services may be supplied 
through local reinsurers and/or admitted 
reinsurers (cross -border reinsurers).  
 
Insurance companies will be allowed to 
place their risks directly with admitted 
reinsurers according to the following 
scheme: up to 50% of their ce ded 
premiums for contracts beginning 1 July 
2017; up to 60% of their ceded premiums 
for contracts beginning on 1 July 2018; up 
to 75% of ceded premiums for contracts 
beginning on 1 July 2019.  Before this 
Resolution, insurance companies could only 
reinsure  individual risk with Admitted 
Reinsures above US$50 million in their 
entirety.  
 
The Resolution also amended the intra -
group limitation whereby retrocession 
between a local reinsurer and a related 
company, which used to be 40% of the 
aggregate premiums in a given fiscal year, 
is increased to 75%.  Finally, the new 
measure eliminated the requirement that 
admitted reinsurers register as a 
representative office or branch, and 
introduced a more straightforward 
registration procedure.  Mode 1  Reinsurance and 
retrocession 
services  Resolución SSN  
No. 40.422 -E/2017. Published in the Official 
Gazette on 4 May 17  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/#!DetalleNorm
a/163138/20170504  Effective  
13 May 2017  YES 
Australia  
The Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission exempts financial services 
providers regulated by the Luxembourg 
CSSF from compliance with parts of the 
Corporations Act in relation to the provision 
of particular financial services in respect of 
specific financial products.  It enables 
certain foreign financial suppliers to 
operate in Australia with reduced 
regulatory requirements.  Mode 3  Financial services  ASIC Corporations (CSSF -Regulated Financial 
Services Provi ders) Instrument 2016/1109  
 
Viewed at: 
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2016L01
757 
 Effective  
9 November 2016. 
Ceases to apply  
28 September 2018.  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 194 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The Australian Securities and I nvestments 
Commission (ASIC) added Euronext 
Brussels and Euronext Lisbon to the 
definition of "approved foreign market".  
The concept of "approved foreign market" 
is used in a number of ASIC legislative 
instruments that give certain disclosure 
relief for s ecurities that are quoted on such 
foreign markets.  Modes 1 
and 3  Banking and other 
financial services 
(participation in 
issues of all kinds 
of securities)  ASIC Corporations (Definition of Approved 
Foreign Market) Instrument 2017/669  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L01
126  Effective  
24 August 2017  YES 
Brazil  
Brazil introduced new liberalization 
measures for the reinsurance market. 
Regulations increased to 70% the 
percentage of risks that can be ceded to 
foreign reinsurers.  This figure will continue 
to increase each year until it reaches 85% 
in 2020.  Previously, reinsurance allocation 
required preferential offers to the local 
market.  Mode 1  Reinsurance 
services  Lei Complementar  No. 126 Effective  
1 January 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 195 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
China  
The Circular eases approval requirements 
for foreign -owned banks to supply certain 
investment banking services in the country 
and to invest in domestic banking 
institutions in China.  
 
Approval fro m the China Banking 
Regulation Commission (CBRC) is no longer 
required for foreign -invested banks (which 
include foreign -invested legal entity banks 
and onshore branches of foreign banks) to 
provide the following services:  
underwriting of treasury bonds, custodian 
services, and financial advisory and 
consultancy services (beyond that which is 
only related to traditional banking).  
 
Instead, foreign -invested banks are now 
only required to report to the CBRC within 
five days upon commencement of the 
relevant business, subject to the 
administrative approval of other regulatory 
authorities where applicable.  In addition, 
the Circular expressly allows foreign -
invested banks to make onshore 
investments in domestic banks, although it 
is unclear whether such investm ent is 
subject to shareholding restrictions and 
whether there are particular requirements 
on capital adequacy or otherwise in order 
to be approved for investment.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Circular of the General Office of CBRC on Matters  
Concerning the Operation of Certain Businesses 
by Foreign -invested Banks  
 Effective  
10 March 2017  YES 
The People's Bank of China issued new 
Guidelines on the market access of 
suppliers of bankcard clearing services.  
The Guidelines contain provisions on  the 
opening, operation and termination of 
bankcard clearing services, as well as on 
the application process, deadlines, and 
rights and obligations of applicants.  Multiple 
modes  Banking and other 
financial services  
 Guidelines on Providing Bankcard Cleari ng 
Services  Effective  
30 June 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
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of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The People's Bank of China allowed foreign 
institutions to operate rating agencies and 
permit foreign -based agencies to provide 
rating services for the domestic market.  
Under the previous framework, global 
rating a gencies could only have minority 
stakes in joint venture operations and 
could not issue ratings on local bonds.  Modes 1 
and 3  Rating agency 
services  People's Bank of Chin a Announcement 
No. 7/2017  Effective 3 July 2017  YES 
Egypt  
The Egyptian Financial Sup ervisory 
Authority (EFSA) has adopted new 
regulations with respect to securities, 
including on standards of solvency of 
companies operating in the field of 
securities, and rules of registration and 
cancellation of securities on the Egyptian 
Stock Exchange.  
 Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  EFSA Board of Directors Decree No. (67) of 2017 
on the amendment of some provisions of the 
standards of solvency of the companies 
operating in the field of securities ;  
EFSA Board of Directors Decree No. (68) o f 2017 
on the controls of the use of the special reserve, 
this is composed in accordance with Annex No. 
(1) issued by the Board of Directors Decree No. 
(27) of 2017;  
EFSA Board of Directors Decree No. 76 of 2017 
on the amendment of the Board of Directors 
Decree No. 11 of 2014 on the rules of 
registration and cancellation of securities on the 
Egyptian Stock Exchange;  
EFSA Board of Directors Resolution No. (95) of 
2017 issued on 25/7/2017 regarding the 
measures taken by the Authority in case of 
violation of  the Companies of  Central  Depository 
and Registry of Securities, and the rules for 
applying these measures;  
EFSA Board of Directors Decree No. (96) of 2017 
issued on 25/7/2017 amending the Decree of the 
Board of Directors of the Authority No. (11) of 
2014 regarding the rules of registration and 
cancellation of securities in the Egyptian Stock 
Exchange.  May-July 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
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classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
India  
Every Indian insurer must comply with the 
order of preference for cessions by Indian 
insurers prescribed by Regulation 28(9) of 
the Br anch Office Regulations. The order of 
preference contained in Regulation 28(9) 
sets out the hierarchy between the various 
entities with which an Indian insurer can 
place its reinsurance business .  The 
regulations specify that an Indian insurer 
first has to  approach India's official 
reinsurer GIC Re before reaching out to the 
branch operations of foreign reinsurers to 
place any reinsurance deals.  After 
exhausting these two channels, the 
insurers are allowed to approach reinsurers 
located in Special Economic  Zones (SEZs), 
Indian primary insurers, and, lastly, the 
cross-border reinsurers located outside the 
country.  Mode 1  
 Reinsurance 
services  IRDAI circular (IRDAI/NL/CIR/RIN/021/01/2017)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.irda.gov.in/admincms/cms/what
sNew_Layout.aspx?p age=PageNo3053&flag=
1. 
 
 Effective  
16 January 2017  YES 
Indonesia  
Indonesia announced that it will amend 
existing regulations in order to limit foreign 
ownership of insurance companies to 80%.  
 
The amendment will be applied to 
companies with foreign owne rship below 
80% and to new insurance companies.  For 
existing insurance companies where foreign 
ownership exceeds 80%, adjustments 
would not be required, except in the 
context of new capital injections.  
 
The initial regulation from 1992 capped 
foreign owne rship at 80%.  In 1999, in the 
wake of the financial crisis, authorities 
allowed foreign investors to exceed the 
ceiling.  Mode 3  Insurance services  Viewed at: 
http://www.kemenkeu.go.id/en/Berita/minister -
finance -and-house -representatives -discussed -
limits -foreign -ownership -insurance  
 Announced on  
18 April 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 198 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The Regulation imposes a 20% limit on 
foreign ownership of enterprises that offer 
electronic payment processing services.  
The new limit applies to (i) new enterprises 
in the electronic payments services sector, 
(ii) existing enterprises that expand into 
this sector, and (iii) enterprises already 
active in the sector that experience a 
change of ownership.   Mode 3  Electronic payment 
processing services  Bank of Indonesia Regulation No. 
18/40/PBI/201 6 on Payment Transaction 
Processing, issued on 14 November 2016  
 
Viewed at: 
http://www.bi.go.id/id/peraturan/sistem -
pembayaran/Pages/pbi_184016.aspx  
 Effective  
15 November 2016  YES 
Kenya  
Since 1 January 2017, marine cargo 
insurance (MCI) is reserved to local 
insurance companies.  This requirement is 
implemented pursuant to the 2016/2017 
budget policy statement and the Insurance 
Act Cap 487 section 20 (1).  Mode 1  Non-life insurance 
services  Insurance Act Cap 487 section 20  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.treasury. go.ke/component/jdownloa
ds/send/7 -budget -statement/2 -2016-budget -
statement.html  
 
http://kentrade.go.ke/FAQsonMCI.pdf  Effective  
1 January 2017   
On 13 March 2017, the Central Bank of 
Kenya lifted the morat orium that it had 
imposed on the licensing of new banks 
since November 2015.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Viewed at:  
https:// www.centralbank.go.ke/uploads/press_re
leases/1077140393_Press%20Release%20 -
%20Licensing.pdf  Effective March 2017   
Malaysia  
Foreign insurance companies are facing a 
June 2018 deadline to comply with a 2009 
rule that capped foreign ownership of local 
insurance companies at 70%.  
 
The G overnment had earlier granted 
various foreign insurance compa nies 
exemptions from the rule. In July 2017, 
Malaysia's Central Bank said that foreign 
insurers operating in Malaysia will need to 
honour the promises made when the y 
originally applied for entry into the market.  
It said that it "expects adherence to these 
agreements and will play a facilitative role 
to ensure these commitments are met."  Mode 3  Insurance services  Viewed at: 
https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow -
jones/stocks -to-
watch/TDJNDN_201709188882/foreign -firms-to-
sell-large-stakes -in-malaysian -insurers.html  
 Effective July 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 199 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Mongolia  
The new law establishes a legal framework 
for the Development Bank to operate 
independently from the government. 
According to the law, the Bank of Mongolia 
would conduct an audit of the bank each 
year, and the government wou ld conduct 
an audit every three years.  Mode 3  Financial services  Law on Development Bank of Mongolia  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.dbm.mn/the -law-on-development -
bank-of-mongolia -adopted -on-10-february -2017/   Effective  
1 April 2017  YES 
Myanmar  
Foreign insurance companies setting up 
business in special economic zones must 
show at least US$1 billion in capital funding 
(prior, US$3 billion), and must have been 
in the business for at least 10 years.  Mode 3  Insurance services  Criteria for foreign insurance companies to do 
business in special economic zones  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/business/846 3 
 Effective  
mid-March 2017   
Philippines  
The Philippines adopted a series of new 
measures affecting banking and other 
financial services, relating to such aspects 
as: 
- transparency of remittance charges;  
- safeguards against the financing of 
terrorism ; 
- risk-focused supervision in the licensing 
process;  
- the regulation of virtual currency 
exchanges;  
- oversight of the operations of MSBs (i.e. 
remittance and transfer companies, money 
changers/foreign exchange dealers);  
- guidelines for new bank servic e channels, 
such as convenience stores, pharmacies 
and other highly accessible retail outlets;  
- regulation of activities of pawnshops;  
- allocation of liability in relation to 
fraudulent transactions arising from 
counterfeit cards;  
- the conversion of mic ro finance -oriented 
banking offices into regular banking offices;  
- fees on retail bank products and dormant 
deposit accounts.  
 Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Circular No. 952: Disclosure of Domestic 
Remittance Charges by All BSP -Supervised 
Entities with Domestic Remittance Transactions;  
Circular No. 950: Amendments to Anti -Money 
Laundering (AML) Regulations;  
Circular No. 947: Supervisory Policy on Granting 
of a Licence/Authority;  
Circular No. 944 - Guidelines for Virtual Currency 
Exchanges;  
Circular No. 942: Enhanced Oversight 
Framework for Money Service Businesses;  
Circular No. 940: Guidelines on Deposit and 
Cash Servicing Outside of Bank Premises;  
Circular No 938: New Supervisory Framework for 
Pawnshops to Enhance Financial Inclusion and 
Consu mer Protection, and Strengthen Licensing 
Process;  
Circular No. 937: Amendments to Foreign 
Exchange Regulations;  
Circular No. 936: Guidelines on the 
Implementation of Europay Mastercard and Visa 
Card Fraud Liability Shift Framework; Circular 
No. 929: Conver sion of Microfinance -Oriented 
Thrift Banks/Rural Banks  Into Regular TBs/RBs;  
Circular No. 928: Amendments to the 
Regulations Governing Fees on Retail Bank 
Products/Services and Dormant Deposit 
Accounts.2  Implemented 
between  
October 2016 and 
March 2017   
                                                
2 Information provided by the governmen t.  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 200 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The amendments aim to provide banks 
with more flexibility to expand their 
branching network to strategic locations, 
including in cities previously considered as 
restricted areas.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Circular No. 932: Amendments to Regulations 
for Banks on the Establishment 
/Relocation/Voluntary Closure/Sale of Branches  Effective  
16 December 2016  YES 
The Circular removed the use of theoretical 
capital as well as the combined capital 
requirement tied to geographic location in 
evalua ting branch applications.  New 
measures were adopted to establish the 
minimum standards to regulate the use of 
telemarketing platforms by insurance 
companies and insurance brokers.  Mode 3  Insurance services  Circular Letter 2016 -61: Amendments to 
Guidelines on Electronic Commerce of Insurance 
Products  Effective  
16 November 2016  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 201 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The Philippines adopted a series of new 
measures in relation to insurance services, 
which regulate, inter alia : 
- Micro -insurance products;  
- Reporting requirements;  
- Reserve re quirements;  
- Solvency requirements;  
- Demutualization of domestic mutual life 
insurance companies;  
- Safeguards against the financing of 
terrorism;  
- Combating money laundering;  
- The acquisition and ownership of stocks 
and shares of brokerage companies;  
- Health maintenance organizations.  
 
 Modes 1 
and 3  Insurance services  Circular Letter 2016 -63: Enhanced Performance 
Indicators and Standards For Micro insurance;  
Circular Letter No. 2016 -64: Adoption and 
Implementation of Micro insurance Distribution 
Channels Regulatory Framework;  
Circular Letter No. 2016 -65: Financial Reporting 
Framework;  
Circular Letter Nos. 2016 -66 and 2016 -67: 
Valuation Standards For Life and Non -Life 
Insurance Policy Reserves;  
Circular Letter No. 2016 -68: Amended Risk -
Based Capital (R BC2) Framework;  
Circular Letter No. 2016 -69 
Circular Letter No. 2017 -06: Rules And 
Regulations on Demutualization of Domestic 
Mutual Life Insurance Companies Doing Business 
In The Philippines;  
Circular Letter No. 2017 -07; 
Circular Letter No. 2017 -14: Minim um Members’ 
Equity Requirements for Mutual Companies;  
Circular Letter No. 2017 -15: Regulatory 
Requirements and Actions for the New 
Regulatory Framework;  
Circular Letter No. 2017 -19: Guidelines on the 
Approval of HMO Products and Forms  
Circular Letter No. 2 017-20-Accreditation of 
HMO Actuaries;  
Circular Letter No. 2017 -23: Joint Certification 
And Undertaking For Health Maintenance 
Organizations (HMOs);  
Circular Letter No. 2017 -26: Guidelines on the 
Voluntary Cessation of Non -Life Insurance 
Business;  
Circular  Letter No. 2017 -28; 
Circular Letter No. 2017 -29: Guidelines on 
Related Party Transactions for Insurance 
Commission's Covered Institutions;  
Circular Letter No. 2017 -30: Regulatory 
Requirements And Actions For The New 
Regulatory Framework.  Implemented 
betwe en  
December 2016 and 
May 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 202 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The Philippines adopted a series of new 
measures affecting banking and other 
financial services, relating to such aspects 
as: 
- enhanced corporate governance 
guidelines;  
- reporting requirements for trust entities;  
- the capacity of rural and cooperative 
banks to invest in readily marketable bonds 
and other debt securities without prior 
Central Bank approval;  
- enhanced regulations to prevent 
cyberattacks involving fund transfers and 
other transactions via online channels.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Circular No. 972 (effective 14/09/2017)  
Circular No. 971 (effective 14/09/2017)  
Circular No. 970 (effective 14/09/2017)  
Circular No. 969 (effective 14/09/2017)  
Circular No. 967 (effective 16/08/2017)  
Circular No.  966 (effective 1/08/2017)  
Circular No. 965  (effective 26/07/2017)  
Circular No. 964 (effective 20/07/2017)  
Circular No. 963 (effective 15/07/2017)  
Circular No. 962 (effective 30/06/2017)  
Circular No. 961 (effective 29/06/2017)  
Circular No. 960 (effective 25/05/2017)  
Circular No. 958  (effective 19/05/2017)  May-September 2017   
Thailand  
The measure liberalizes foreign 
shareholding limits for life and non -life 
insurance companies. According to the new 
measure, foreign insurance companies in 
Thailand may be permitted by the Finance 
Minister, pursuant to a recommendation 
from the Thai Insurance Commission (IC), 
to hold more than 49% of the voting 
shares in a Thai insurance company and to 
have foreigners comprise more than half of 
its directors, if the insuranc e company can 
show that it will strengthen and stabilize 
the insurance company and the insurance 
industry.  Mode 3  Insurance services  Ministry of Finance (MOF)'s notification published 
in the government gazette on 18 January 2017  
 
Viewed at: 
https://www.dlapiper.com/en/thailand/insights/p
ublications/2017/01/mof -foreign -insurance -
companies -thailand/  
 
 Effective  
18 January 2017   
Ukrain e 
On 23 February 2017, the National Bank of 
Ukraine clarified its approach to the use of 
foreign bank accounts by Ukrainian 
individuals. The new approach permits the 
placement of funds and holding assets by 
Ukrainian individuals in foreign banks and 
financial institutions, provided that such 
funds and assets have originated from 
overseas.  Mode 2  Banking services  Viewed at: 
http://www.lexology.com/library/detai l.aspx?g=
62ad28d3 -5bf7-471e-849e-3341ebb64617  
 Effective  
23 February 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 203 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Viet Nam  
Viet Nam adopted a series of new 
measures affecting banking and other 
financial services, which relate to such as 
aspects as:  
- Lending transactions of credit instit utions 
and/or foreign bank branches with 
customers;  
- Consumer lending by finance companies;  
- Overdraft and overnight lending in 
interbank electronic payment;  
- Scope of foreign exchange transactions;  
- Foreign currency loans by credit 
institutions and fo reign bank branches to 
residents.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Circular 19/2016/TT -NHNN  
Circular 43/2016/TT -NHNN  
Circular 29/2016/TT -NHNN  
Circular 30/2016/TT -NHNN  
Circular 32/2016/TT -NHNN  
Circular 28/2016/TT -NHNN  
Circular 31/2016/TT -NHNN  
Circular 40/2016/TT -NHNN  
 Implemented 
between October and 
December 2016   
TELECOMMUNICATION/ICT/AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES  
Argentina  
On 2 January 2017, the government issued 
Decree 1340, which established rules and 
standards regarding the convergence 
between tele vision, telecommunication, 
and information technology services.  
 
The decree allows licensees of such 
services to supply certain convergent 
services as of 1 January 2018 within 
specified territories. This includes, for 
example, the operation of telephone 
companies in the cable TV market, or the 
supply of telecommunication services by 
satellite TV companies.  The decree allows 
satellite TV suppliers that already hold 
licenses for information technology services 
to continue providing such services, 
including b roadband Internet access.  Multiple 
modes  
 Telecommunication 
and audiovisual 
services  Presidential Decree 1340, pursuant to 
Presidential Decree 267/2015 and Laws 27.078 
and 26.522  
 
Viewed at:  
http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/an
exos/270000 -274999/270115/norma.htm  
 Effective  
2 January 2017 YES 
Australia  
The government committed A$220 million 
to the Mobile Black Spot Program to 
improve mobile coverage in regional and 
remote Australia. Rounds 1 and 2 of the 
program will deliver 765 new or upgraded 
mobile base stations across Australia.  The 
rollout of these base stations is expected to 
be completed by the end of 2018. Further, 
the Government has  allocated A$60 million 
to target 125 specific priority locations.  Mode 3  Mobile 
telecommuni -
cation services  Department of Communications and the Arts  
 
Viewed at: 
https://www.communications.gov.au/what -we-
do/phone/mobile -services -and-coverage/mobile -
black-spot-program  
 
 Ongoing.  Round 2 
was launched on  
1 December 2016.  
The rollout of rounds 
1 and 2 base 
stations is expected 
to be compl eted by 
the third quarter of 
2018.  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 204 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Canada  
The Minister of Canadian Heritage 
announced on 28 September 2017 that an 
agreement had been reached with Netflix, 
whereby the company would establish a 
presence in Canada and invest a minimum 
of CAD$500 milli on in original productions 
in Canada over the next 5 years.  Netflix 
also undertook to support Canadian 
French -language content through a market 
development strategy centred on a CAD$25 
million investment.  Modes 1 
and 3  Audiovisual 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian -
heritage/news/2017/09/launch_of_netflixcanada
arecognitionofcanadascreativetalentandit s.html  
 Effective  
28 September 2017   
The Canadian Radio -television and 
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) 
issued interim rates for 'disaggregated' 
wholesale high speed access services in 
Ontario and Quebec.  Access wholesalers 
must offer the interim r ates to competing 
Internet Service Providers.  An in -depth 
review on final rates is underway, but the 
interim rates will apply in the meantime.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Telecom Order CRTC 2017 -312 of 29 August 
2017 
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2017/2017 -
312.htm  
 Effective  
8 September 2017   
China  
The new Film Industry Promotion Law, 
adopted on 7 November 2016, sets out 
new requirements and procedures in 
relation  to production, distribution, review, 
and exhibition of feature films in China.  
The law requires local theatre operators to 
ensure that the screening time for Chinese 
films is no less than 2/3 of the annual 
screening time of all films.  
 
The law reiterates  that coproductions are 
entitled to the treatment granted to films 
produced by domestic entities.  The law 
also aims to simplify the procedures for 
state approval of scripts.  Moreover, it 
prohibits work with foreign organizations or 
individuals that have damaged the 
country's honour and interests, or 
threatened social stability.  The law also 
transfers to the provincial level a number 
of administrative responsibilities, such as 
examination and approval of movie 
production, release, and projection.  Multiple  
modes  Production, 
distribution and 
exhibition of 
motion pictures  Film Industry Promotion Law  Effective  
1 March 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 205 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Dominica; Grenada; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent & the Grenadines  
The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications 
Author ity (EcTel) approved new legislation 
aimed at boosting competition in the 
region. The new regulations, approved by 
the Council of Ministers, address 
(i) consumer protection, which among 
other provisions, guard against unfair 
restrictions on consumer choice s in 
services; (ii) submarine cable regulations, 
which set out conditions for fair access to 
submarine cable capacity; (iii) access to 
network infrastructure and wholesale 
services regulations, which impose 
conditions on licensees holding significant 
marke t power to share their networks; and 
(iv) regulations and guidelines on the 
conduct of market analyses.  Multiple 
modes  Telecommunication 
services  Electronic Communications Bill  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.ectel.int/  
 Approved on  
21 October 2016.  
The legislation will 
be published in the 
Official Gazette of 
each ECTEL 
Contracting State.   
European Union  
As of 15 June 2017, the European Union  
ended roaming surcharges for all people 
who travel periodically within the Europea n 
Union .  As of that date, subscribers pay 
only domestic charges when roaming.  
Under the regulations, operators can 
request authorization to apply surcharges if 
offering roaming could cause unreasonable 
financial losses, defined as more than 3% 
of the mob ile services margin.  Multiple 
modes  Telecommunication 
services  
 Commission Implementing Regulation C(2016) 
8784  
 
Viewed at:  
http://ec.europa.eu/smart -
regulation/impact/ia_carried_out/docs/ia_2016/c
_2016_8784_en.pdf  Effective  
15 June 2017  
 YES 
India  
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India 
(TRAI) issued a decision lowering the 
interconnection usage charge for mobile to 
mobile communications as from  1 October 
2017.  The decision also directed 
termination charges to end completely in 
January 2020.   Multiple 
Modes  Telecommunication 
services  The Telecommunication Interconnection Usage 
Charges (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations 
2017  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/IUC_Re
gulations_2017_Final.pdf  Effective  
1 October 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 206 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Indonesia  
The Ministry of Communications and 
Informatics issued a new regulation on 
data protection, pursuant to the Electronic 
Information and Transactions Law of 2008 
and Government Regulation 82 of 2012.  
The regulation requires electronic system 
providers (ESPs) to have data centres and 
disaster recovery centres located in 
Indonesia.  
 
The regulation also requires ESPs to get 
express written consent for the collection 
and utilisation of personal data, and to 
store personal data in encrypted form.  
Further, the regulation sets out procedures 
for cross -border data transfers,  which are 
subject to coordination with the Ministry.  Modes 1 
through 3  Electronic system 
services  Ministry of Communication and Informatics 
(MOCI) Regulation 20 of 2016 on Personal Data 
Protection in Electronic Systems  1 December 2016  YES 
Russian Federat ion 
On 1 May 2017, the President of the 
Russian Federation signed a Federal Law 
that limits foreign participation in certain 
audiovisual services.  
 
The new law applies to owners of Internet 
websites, website pages, information 
systems, and computer softwa re that are 
used for online distribution of collections of 
audiovisual works, access to which is 
provided for a fee or on the condition of 
viewing advertising targeted at users in the 
Russian Federation, and which are 
accessed by more than 100,000 users pe r 
day in the Russian Federation.  Modes 1 
and 3  Online distribution 
of collections of 
audiovisual works  Federal Law No. 87 -FZ of 1 May 17 "On 
Amendments to the Federal Law on Information. 
Information Technologies and Information 
Protection" and Certain Legi slative Acts of the 
Russian Federation.  Effective  
1 July 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 207 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The measure provides that only a Russian 
legal entity or Russian Federation citizen 
that does not hold the citizenship of 
another state can own such websites and 
systems.  Unless stated oth erwise in an 
international agreement of the Russian 
Federation, foreign persons3 that own an 
information resource used for online 
distribution of collections of audiovisual 
works that has less than 50% of its users 
in the Russian Federation are not allowed  
to own more than 20% of the charter 
capital of such Russian legal entities, unless 
they receive permission from a government 
commission.  
 
The law will not apply to Internet search 
systems or information resources that 
primarily distribute content posted b y 
individual Internet users.       
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lifted its ban 
on voice over Internet (VoIP) calling as of 
21 September. All applications providing 
voice and video communications over the 
Internet will become access ible, subject to 
suppliers meeting regulatory requirements.     
Such VoIP applications had previously been 
prohibited since 2013.  Multiple 
modes  Telecommunication 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.iol.co.za/business -report/ban -on-
internet -calls-lifted-in-saudi-arabia -11302735  
 Effective  
21 September 2017  YES 
Somalia  (Observer)  
The government of Somalia adopted the 
National Communications Act, which a ims 
to establish the legal, regulatory and 
institutional frameworks for the telecom 
sector.  The new law creates of a telecom 
regulatory authority, aims to protect the 
rights of operators and consumers, to 
prevent cybercrime, and to encourage 
more particip ation by the private sector.  Multiple 
modes  Telecommunication 
services  
 National Communications Act  
 
Viewed at:  
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017 -
06/23/c_136389616.htm  Effective  
2 October 2017  
  
                                                
3 A foreign state, an international organization, as well as an organization controlled by them, a foreign legal entity, a Russ ian legal entity with foreign participation in the charter capital of more than 20%, a foreign 
citizen, a person without citiz enship, a citizen of the Russian Federation holding citizenship of another state, and their affiliates.   
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 208 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Tanzania  
The government of Tanzania has decided to 
allow foreign investors to purchase shares 
in telecommunication companies that are 
listed on the domestic stock exchange.   
 
In June 2016, the government required  
telecom operator s to float at least 25% of 
shares on the exchange.  The first such IPO 
was been limited to domestic investors.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017
-06-23/tanzania -opens -telecom -ipos-to-
foreigners -after-vodacom -stalls  
 
 June 2017   
United States  
The President of the United States signed a 
resolution that was recently passed b y the 
Senate and House and which brings an end 
to the Federal Communications 
Commission's earlier broadband privacy 
rules from the previous administration.  
Internet Service Providers are now legally 
allowed to commercialise user data without 
their explici t permission.  Multiple 
modes  Telecommunication 
services  SJ Res. 34  
 4 April 2017  
BUSINESS SERVICES  
Australia  
The Australian Government has reformed 
the registration requirements for patent 
attorneys, including through the 
development of a trans -Tasman patent 
attorney regime. The reform is part of the 
Single Economic Market agenda between 
Australia and New Zealand.  
 
The reforms removed the requirement that 
an individual seeking registration as a 
patent attorney in Australia be ordinarily 
resident in Aust ralia. Under the reforms, 
applicants must now meet an employment 
requirement to ensure they have the 
appropriate level of experience in Australia 
and New Zealand patent law and practice.  Modes 1, 3 
and 4  Patent attorney 
services  Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2015 
(Cth);  
Intellectual Property Legislation Amendment 
(Single Economic Market and Other Measures) 
Regulation 2016 (Cth)  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2 015A0
0008  
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2016L01
754 
 Effective  
24 February 2017  YES 
China  
On 20 August 2017, China's Ministry of 
Finance issued new rules on the conditions 
and procedures in relation to the licensing, 
supervision and management of accounting 
firms.  Mode 3  Accounting, 
auditing and 
bookkeeping 
services  Measures for the Licensing, Supervision and 
Administration of Accounting Firms (Order of 
MOF, No. 89)  Effective   
1 October 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 209 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allowed full 
foreign ownership of companies providing 
engineering services. To qualify, the foreign 
company shall have been incorporated for 
at least 10 years and have been operati ng 
in at least four countries.  Previously, 
engineering companies were required to 
have at least 25% of capital owned by a 
Saudi professional.  Mode 3  Engineering 
services  
 Viewed at:  
http://w ww.arabnews.com/node/1141826/saudi -
arabia   
 
https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/services/tax/me -
tax-legal-news/2017 /ksa-to-permit -100-percent -
foreign -ownership -of-engineering -entities.html  Effective  
7 August 2017   
MEDICAL AND HEALTH -RELATED SERVICES  
China  
The G overnment of China has lifted the 
70% foreign investment limit for medical 
clinics.  
 Mode 3  Medical clini cs Notice on Deepening Reforms to Delegate Power, 
Streamline Administration and Optimize 
Government Services to Stimulate Investment in 
the Medical Field (National Health and Family 
Planning Commission 2017, No. 43)  Effective  
8 August 2017  YES 
Thailand  
The Thailand Board of Investment made a 
number of medical services eligible for 
investment promotion activities.  Subject to 
certain conditions, such activities as Thai 
traditional medicine, specialized medical 
centres, sanatorium clinics, transportation 
services of patients, doctors or medical 
equipment, are therefore eligible for certain 
corporate income tax exemptions.   Mode 3  Medical services  Announcement of the Board of Investment No. 
6/B.E.2560 (2017): Investment Promotion for 
medical services  
 
Viewe d at: 
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte
/th/Documents/legal/th -legal-newsletter -en-
210617.pdf  Effective  
24 March 2017    
TRANSP ORT SERVICES   
Bahrain, Kingdom of  
The Cabinet agreed to permit foreign 
ownership of certain transport activities.  
 
Foreign investors can have up to 100% 
ownership in internal tourism 
transportation activities, and up to 49% in 
other transport companies if there is a 
Bahraini partner who owns 51%.  
 
Car rental activities are limited to 
Bahrainis.  Mode 3  Operation of land 
tours (domestic 
and international 
transport of 
tourists); Rental 
and leasing of 
motor vehicles; 
Motorcycle rental; 
Taxi and call taxi; 
Domestic and 
international road 
transport of goods; 
domestic and 
international land 
transport of 
passengers.  Government Announcement  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/759565  
 
 Effective  
13 December 2016  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 210 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
China  
China has implemented additional 
measures concerning foreign investment in 
services relating to air transport:  
 
- Service suppliers from Hong Kong, China 
and Macao, China are allowed to invest in 
aircraft maintenance, airline cater ing, air 
cargo transportation and warehousing, 
parking lot and ground service items 
(excluding security -related services) on a 
wholly -owned basis.  
 
- The requirements that service suppliers 
from Hong Kong, China and Macao, China 
go through economic needs t ests before 
obtaining a business licence for setting up 
joint venture computer reservation system 
(CRS) enterprises are abolished.  
 
- The new measure provides for the 
following within the China (Shanghai) Pilot 
Free Trade Zone and other pilot free trade 
zones: foreign investors are allowed to 
establish and invest in wholly -owned air 
transportation sales agency enterprises;  
foreign investors are allowed to set up and 
invest in wholly -owned enterprises to 
undertake the business of air cargo 
transportation an d warehousing, ground 
services, airline catering and parking lots;  
the requirement that the Chinese side shall 
hold controlling shares in the general 
aircraft maintenance joint venture 
enterprise is relaxed, and foreign investors 
are allowed to invest in general aircraft 
maintenance projects in the form of equity 
or cooperative joint ventures; and, the 
requirement that foreign investors that 
invest in aircraft maintenance business 
shall be under the obligations to contract 
business on the international mai ntenance 
market is abolished.  Mode 3  Air transport 
services  Supplementary Requirements on Foreign 
Investment in China's Civil Aviation Industry  Effective 1 May 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 211 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Malaysia  
Malaysia exempted the states of Sabah, 
Sarawak and Labuan from cabotage laws  
with respect to the transport of cargo 
between peninsular Malaysia and east 
Malaysia.  Previously, pursuant to cabotage 
laws in force since 1980, foreign vessels 
were not allowed to move cargo between 
ports of Malaysia.  Mode 1  Maritime transport 
services  Viewed at:  
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/0
5/07/pm -cabotage -policy -in-sabah -scrapped/  Effective  
1 June 2017   
Mexico  
On 26 June 2017, the government of 
Mexico published a decree amending the 
Foreign Investment Law, allowing foreign 
capital participation up to 49% in regular 
and non -regular domestic air transport 
service, non -scheduled international air 
transport service in the air taxi mode,  and 
specialized air transport service. Previously, 
foreign ownership was limited to 25%.  Mode 3  Air transport 
services  
 Viewed at:  
http://investmentpolicyhub.unctad.org/IPM/Meas
ureDetails?id=3024&rgn=&grp=&t=&s=&pg=&c
=&dt=&df=&isSearch=false  
 
http://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo
=5488029&f echa=26/06/2017  Effective  
26 June 2017   
New Zealand  
New Zealand introduced a regulatory 
framework for a new single class of small 
passenger services (covering old taxis, 
private hire, ridesharing, dial -a-driver). The 
separate regulations that governed taxis 
and private hire operators (and imposed 
different costs on different types of 
operator) have been removed and New 
Zealand now has one set of regulations 
covering a single class of small passenger 
services. The reforms aim to reduce the 
regulatory req uirements that operators and 
drivers have to comply with, and enable 
taxis and ridesharing operators to compete 
on a level playing field.  Mode 3  Road transport 
services of 
passengers  
 Land Transport Amendment Act 2017  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.transport.govt.nz/land/small -
passenger -services -review/  Effective  
1 October 2017  YES 
Vanuatu  
The government adopted a law that 
establishes an independent regulator for 
the maritime tra nsport sector.  The Office 
of the Maritime Regulator (OMR) will 
oversee the safety and security of 
Vanuatu's shipping and ports.  It will also 
regulate to ensure fair and equitable access 
to Vanuatu's port services.  All modes  Maritime transport 
services  Maritime Sector Regulatory Act 2016  
 
Viewed at:  
https://parliament.gov.vu/images/Bills/2nd_ordi
nary_2016/English/Bill_ for_the_Maritime_Sector
_Regulatory_Act_No._of_2016.pdf  
 Gazetted  
19 April 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 212 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES  
Angola  
On 22 August 2017, Angola issued new 
regulations on the licensing of companies 
involved in distributions services, including 
wholesale trade, retailing, and itinerant 
trading.  Unlike the previous legislation, the 
new regulations do not contain specific 
requirements or procedures for foreign -
owned entities.  The time -frame for 
rendering a decision on an application for a 
licence is reduced from 15 to 5 days.  Mode 3  Distribution 
services  
 Presidential Decree 193/17  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.vda.pt/xms/files/Newsletters/2017/L
egal_Flash_Angola_Regulamento_Licenciamento
_Comercial_EN.pdf  Effective  
21 October 2017   
Italy  
The Italian government introduced new 
measures that liberalize the retail 
pharmacy sector, notably by allowing 
corporate entities to run a pharmacy 
business.  Pre viously, only licensed 
pharmacists and non -corporate entities 
composed of licensed pharmacists could 
own retail pharmacies.  
 
The new law maintains the prohibition for 
pharmacy owners (including corporate 
entities) to directly or indirectly control 
more th an 20% of pharmacies located 
within the same region or autonomous 
province.  Mode 3  Pharmacy services  
 Law No. 124 of 4 August 2017  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.hlregulation.com/2017/08/02/italy -
opens -the-door-to-corporate -ownership -of-
pharmacies -a-revolution -for-the-italian -pharma -
distribution/  Effective  
29 August 2017   
Myanmar  
On 12 June 2017, t he Ministry of 
Commerce issued Notification 36/2017, 
allowing foreign -owned enterprises to  
engage in the trading of fertilizers, seeds, 
pesticides, hospital equipment, and 
construction materials.  Previously, only 
locally -owned enterprises and local -foreign 
joint ventures were allowed to engage in 
such activities.   Mode 3  Distribution 
services  
 Notification 36/2017  
 
Viewed at:  
https://consult -
myanmar.com/2017/06/26/foreigners -can-now-
trade-in-construction -materials -hospital -
equipment -fertilizers -seeds -and-pesticides -
without -having -to-jv-with-myanmar -citizens/  Effective  
12 June 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 213 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Poland  
On 15 May 2017, the President of Poland 
executed amendments to the 
Pharmaceutical Law that restrict the right 
to open a pharmacy to professional 
pharmacists.  Further, under the 
amendments, a permit to open a pharmacy 
cannot  be granted if the number of 
inhabitants per one pharmacy in a given 
municipality is less 3000, and the distance 
between the planned pharmacy and the 
closest operating one is less than 500 
meters.  
 
Prior to the amendments, any natural 
person or legal pers on established as a 
commercial law company was allowed to 
operate a pharmacy.  Mode 3  Pharmacy services  
 Act of 7 April 2017 amending the Pharmaceutical 
Law Effective  
25 June 2017  
  
POSTAL -COURIER SERVICES  
Mali 
Mali adopted a new law regulating the 
postal sector. The Law defines the scope of 
universal postal services and specifies the 
reserved and non -reserved areas.   
 Mode 3  Postal services  
 Law No. 2017 -016 
 
Viewed at:  
http://juriafrique.com/blog/2017/08/13/le -mali-
se-dote-dune-nouvelle -legislation -dans-le-
secteur -postal/  Effective  
12 June 2017   
EDUCATION SERVICES  
Thailand  
The government of Thailand has adopted 
measures to facil itate the establishment 
and operation of foreign universities.  
Foreign institutions establishing in the 
Eastern Economic Corridor and other 
Special Economic Zones will be subject to 
relaxed foreign ownership limits.  Foreign 
institutions would be allowed to offer 
courses not currently provided by Thai 
institutions.  Previously, foreign educational 
institutions could only operate in Thailand if 
Thai partners held at least 51% of shares.  Mode 3  Higher education 
services  Order of the Head of the National Cou ncil for 
Peace and Order No.27/2560 On National 
education development on science and 
technology  
 
Viewed at:  
https://thepienews.com/news/thailand -open-up-
to-foreign -institu tions/  
 
 Effective  
26 May 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 214 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
ENERGY SERVICES  
Egypt  
The President of Egypt signed a law 
providing for the participation of private 
companies, and the end of state monopoly, 
in the natural gas market. Private 
companies will be able to directly ship, 
transport, store, market and trade natural 
gas using the pipeline and network 
infrastructure. The Law foresees the 
establishment of the Gas Market 
Regulatory Authority, an independent 
public body, to re gulate the sector. 
Executive regulations are to be iss ued 
within six months of the enactment of the 
legislation  Modes 1 
and 3  Services relating to 
natural gas  
 
 Viewed at:  
https://www. bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017
-08-08/egypt -liberalizes -natural -gas-market -
ending -state-monopoly  
 Effective  
7 August 2017   
SERVICES SUPPLIED THROUGH THE MOVEMENT OF NATURAL PERSONS  
Angola  
The government of Angola has abolished a 
rule capping at three  years the validity of 
work permits for foreign workers.  Work 
permits may now be valid for the duration 
of an employees' work contract.   Mode 4  All sectors  Presidential Decree 151/17   
 
Viewed at: 
http://www.mirandalawfirm.com/en/insights -
knowledge/publications/alerts/hiring -of-
expatriates -no-longer -subject -to-3-year-term  Effective 4 July 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 215 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Australia  
On 18 A pril 2017, the government of 
Australia announced that the Temporary 
Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457 visa) will 
be abolished and replaced with a new 
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in 
March 2018.  Implementation of this 
reform is taking place in diffe rent stages. 
As of 19 April 2017, the lists of occupations 
that underpin the 457 visa have been 
condensed from 651 to 435 occupations, 
with 216 occupations removed and access 
to 59 other occupations restricted.  
 
The occupation lists under the 457 visa 
have been renamed.  First, the 
Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List 
(CSOL) is renamed the Short Term Skilled 
Occupations List (STSOL).  The list will be 
updated every six months.  For occupations 
under this list, the maximum duration of 
stay is of two years.  
 
Second, the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) 
is renamed the Medium and Long Term 
Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which 
concerns occupations that are deemed to 
be of high value to the Australian economy.  
The maximum duration of stay for these 
occupations r emains of four years.  
 
On 1 July, updated MLTSSL and STSOL 
occupation lists have been released.  28 
occupations were added to the lists, and 12 
others removed.  Visa integrity 
requirements such as minimum work 
experience, location of the position, base 
salary and size and turnover of the 
nominating employer for a number of 
occupations have also been updated.  An 
earlier exemption from the English 
language requirement for applicants whose 
salary exceeded a certain threshold has 
been removed.   Mode 4  All sec tors Viewed at:  
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/457 -
abolition -replacement  
 Commenced on  
18 April 2017 and to 
be completed by 
March 2018  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 216 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Bahrain, Kingdom of  
The Kingdom of Bahrain has launched a 
two-year pilot programme allowing foreign 
workers to live and work in the country 
without requiring local sponsorship.  
Holders of Flexible Permits will be 
considered as self -employed, and can have 
a renewable residency permit for  two 
years, allowing them to work with any 
employer (company or individual).  Holders 
are allowed to work with multiple 
employers.  
 
During the pilot phase, the Flexible Work 
Program is only available to foreigners that 
are already in the Kingdom of Bahrain  with 
an illegal status due to work permit 
cancellation or expiry.  It is envisaged that 
the eligibility will be expanded after 
assessment of the performance of the 
programme.  48,000 Flexible Permits will 
be issued at the rate of 2,000 per month 
during th e pilot phase.  Holders may not 
work in occupations requiring a specific 
licence (e.g. doctors, engineers) and in 
restaurants, hotels, and beauty salons.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://blog.lmra.bh/en/2016/09/20/flexi -work-
permit -plan/ 
 Effective April 2017  YES 
Canada  
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship 
Canada (IRCC) eliminated the four -year 
cumulative duration rule for temporary 
foreign workers in Canada.  This rule 
meant t hat certain foreign workers became 
ineligible to work in Canada for four years 
upon completion of four years of work in 
Canada.  
 Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at: 
http://www.c ic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/te
mp/work/cumulative.asp  
 Effective 13 
December 2016  YES 
The government of Canada introduced a 
streamlined temporary worker programme 
that features shorter processing times for 
applications by highly -skilled foreign 
worke rs and possible work permit 
exemptions with stays of up to 30 days for 
such highly -skilled workers and of up to 
120 days for academic researchers.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://www. canadavisa.com/global -talent -
stream.html  Effective June 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 217 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
France  
The new law creates a category of "ICT 
Mobile Permits", which allows foreign 
nationals holding an intra -corporate 
transferee permit in one European Union  
member State to work temporari ly in 
France without the nee d to obtain a new 
work permit. It also includes an "ICT 
Trainee" permit that entitles foreign 
nationals to enter France for training 
purposes in a company of the same 
corporate group for up to one year, as well 
as a correspondin g "ICT Trainee Mobile" 
permit.  
 
Moreover, the law simplifies the application 
process for intra -company transferees 
holding specialist or senior management 
positions, and introduces a short term work 
permit exemption for assignment up to 90 
days in selected  sectors and for specific 
types of assignments.  Mode 4  All sectors  Loi n° 2016 -274 du 7 mars 2016 relative au droit 
des étrangers en France, viewed at:  
 
http://www.immigration.interieur.gouv.fr/Info -
ressources/Actualites/L -actu-immigration/La -loi-
du-7-mars-2016-relative -au-droit-des-etrangers  
 Effective  
1 November 2016  YES 
India  
India has further exp anded its e -Visa 
programme.  As of 24 May 2017, nationals 
from a total of 162 countries are eligible 
under the programme, which enables 
international travellers whose sole 
objective in visiting India concerns 
recreation, sight -seeing, casual visit to 
meet friends or relatives, short duration 
medical treatment or casual business visit 
to enter the territory for a period of up to 
60 days.  The nomenclature of the existing 
e-Tourist Visa has been changed to e -Visa, 
with three subcategories: e -Tourist Visa, e -
Business Visa, and e -Medical Visa.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at: 
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html  Effective  
30 March 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 218 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
A new Intern Visa category was introduced 
for foreig n nationals seeking to intern in 
Indian companies, educ ational institutions 
and NGOs. It permits a stay of up to one 
year, provided that studies were completed 
recently and that a minimum salary 
threshold is met.  A quota of 50 Intern 
Visas per year has be en set for each Indian 
Mission, except for countries where the 
population of foreign nationals of Indian 
origin exceeds one million, where it has 
been set at 100 visas per year.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at: 
https://www.fragomen.com/knowledge -
center/immigration -alerts/intern -visa-category -
introduced  
 Effective  
1 April 2017  YES 
Kazakhstan  
Kazakhstan has made a number of changes 
to its Laws "On Migr ation" (from 22 July 
2011) and "On Population Employment" 
(from 6 April 2016).  As a result, the quota 
annually established by the government is 
no longer applicable to intra -corporate 
transferees (ICTs).  
 
The new measures have also increased the 
maximum s hare of foreign managers and 
specialists in a services company to 50%.  
Executives are not subject to this 
limitation. Executives are also exempted 
from an economic needs test, which is 
instead applied to managers and 
specialists.  
 
ICTs will have the possi bility of extending 
their 3 -year duration of stay by one 
additional year upon expiration of the initial 
3-year term, subject to an economic needs 
test. 
 
Further, work permits are now issued free 
of charge, and a new set of work permit 
rules stipulate that foreigners -to-nationals 
ratio requirements no longer apply to 
branches and representative offices that 
have no more than 30 employees.  Mode 4  All sectors  -The Order of the Acting Minister of Health and 
Social Development of the Republic of 
Kazakhstan No. 5 59 “On Approval of the Rules 
and Conditions for Issuance and Extending 
Permits on Attracting Foreign Labor Force to 
Employers as well as for Intra -corporate 
transfer” dated 27 June 2016;  
- Order No. 1069 issued on 15 December 2016, 
substantially amending O rder No. 559;  and 
Resolution No. 802 adopted on 15 December 
2016, supplementing Order No. 559.  Effective  
1 January 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 219 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Korea, Rep. of  
New guidelines limit activities under the 
Short Term Travellers visa to non -profit 
activities (attending meetings , 
negotiations, finalizing contracts, etc.).  All 
for-profit activities, including the supply of 
services pursuant to a contract ( e.g. 
installation and repair or imported 
machinery), now require an employment 
visa before entry.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at : 
http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/Kore
a_limits_permissible_busines s_visitor_activities/
$FILE/Korea%20 -%20Immigration%20 -
%20Business%20visitor%20activities.pdf  
 
https://www.visa.go.kr/  
 Effective  
8 March 2017  YES 
Lesotho  
Lesotho launched a new E -Visa application 
platform, allowi ng foreign business 
travelers to get single -entry and multiple -
entry visas in 72 -hours, compared to the 
previous 'in person' process that required 
up to 14 business days.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://evisale sotho.com/  
 Effective 1 May 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 220 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Moldova, Republic of  
The Republic of Moldova adopted new 
measures that transpose some European 
Union  instruments, easing rules on the 
movement of natural persons from the 
European Union.  The measures implement 
the Asso ciation Agreement and the Deep 
and Comprehensive Free Trade Area 
(DCFTA) between the Republic of Moldova 
and the European Union . 
 
The new rules allow business sellers to stay 
in the Republic of Moldova for 90 days 
within 12 consecutive months. Contractual 
service suppliers and independent 
professionals are entitled to stay in the 
Republic of Moldova for an overall six -
month period within 12 consecutive 
months.  
 
Rules were also eased for managers, 
specialists and graduate trainees from the 
European Union.  Managers and specialists 
transferred from a n EU legal entity to a 
branch, representative office or subsidiary 
in the Republic of Moldova are entitled for 
stay of up to three years, compared to the 
default 1 year period applying to foreign 
workforce.  Unive rsity graduate trainees 
from the European Union  are entitled to a 
stay of up to one year.  Mode 4  All sectors  Law No. 23 of 10 March 2017  Effective  
20 July 2017  YES 
Morocco  
All employers seeking to sponsor foreign 
nationals for employment in Morocco must  
register through the online portal "Taechir", 
which enables applications to be processed 
within ten working days and allows 
applicants, inter alia, to keep track of the 
processing of their application.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://www.emploi.gov.ma/index.php/fr/presse/
actualites/21 -services -en-ligne/79 -services -au-
profit -des-migrants.html  
 Effective  
1 June 2017   
Pakistan  
Pakistan's Board of Investment launched 
an online portal allowing employers to 
submit all Work Visa applications online.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://visa.boi.gov.pk/  Effective May 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 221 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Peru  
Peru exempts natural persons of India from 
the requirement of a temporary visa for the 
Tourist and Business Visitor categories.  Mode 4  All sectors  Decreto Supremo No. 006 -2017-RE 
 
Viewed at:  
http://busquedas.elperuano.com.pe/normaslegal
es/exoneran -del-requisito -de-visa-temporal -en-
las-calidades -mig-decreto -supremo -n-006-2017-
re-1493143 -11/ Effective  
27 March 2017  YES 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The Ministry of Labour and Social 
Development (MOLSD) announced an 
update to the existing Nitaqat framework 
(Saudisation of the workforce).  The 
updates aim to increase the threshold for 
obtaining a higher  Nitaqat grade across 
most industries.  For example:  
- "Small" companies (10 to 49 employees) 
in the oil & gas sector are now required to 
adhere to a Saudisation percentage of at 
least 66% (rather than 56%) in order to be 
classified a "Platinum" entity;  
- "Small" financial institutions are now 
required to adhere to a Saudisation 
percentage of at least 88% (rather than 
80%) in order to be classified a "Platinum" 
entity; and  
- "Small" IT companies are now required to 
adhere to a Saudisation percentage of at 
least 56% (rather than 30%) in order to be 
classified a "Platinum" entity.  
 
Higher ranked companies (such as those 
classified "Platinum") enjoy a number of 
advantages, such as expedited immigration 
processing, lower processing fees, and 
other administrativ e benefits.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
http://www.pwc.com/m1/en/services/tax/me -
tax-legal-news/2017/saudi -arabia -update -
existing -nitaqat -percentages.html  Effective  
3 September 2017    
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 222 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Switzerland  
The Decree on Admittance, Residence and 
Employment (RS 142.201) was partially 
amended.  The yearly fixed ceilings of work 
permits for highly qualified workers from 
non-EU/EFTA State s have been increased 
by 1,000 compared to the previous year, 
reaching a total of 7,500. Allocations are as 
follows:  
- Work permits for short stay (L permit) of 
persons from non -EU/EFTA States: an 
additional 500 permits to be allotted in 
2017, for a total of 4,500 permits.  
- Work permits for long stay (B permit) for 
persons from non -EU/EFTA States: an 
additional 500 work permits to be allotted 
in 2017, for a total of 3,000 permits.  Mode 4  All sectors  Decree on Admittance, Residence and 
Employment (RS 142.20 1). 
 
WTO document: S/C/N/873, 3 February 2017  Effective  
1 January 2017  YES 
The Swiss Confederation will hold the 
additional  1,000 work permits (500 B, 
500 L) as a federal reserve in order to 
meet, on request, further needs from the 
cantons.  
 
The situatio n for service suppliers from 
EU/EFTA States with a short stay will 
remain as in 2016:  
- Work permits for service suppliers from 
EU/EFTA States holding a short term 
permit (L permit): 2 ,000 permits to be 
allotted in 2017;  
- Work permits for service supplier s from 
EU/EFTA States holding a long term permit 
(B permit): 250 permits to be allotted in 
2017.4      
                                                
4 The situation for service suppliers from EU/EFTA States with a short stay will remain as in 2016: -work permits for service suppliers from EU/EFTA Sta tes 
holding a short term permit (L permit): 2 ,000 permits to be allotted in 2017; - work permits for service suppliers from EU/EFTA States holding a long term permit (B 
permit): 250 permits to be allotted in 2017.   
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 223 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Ukraine  
Ukraine introduced a number of changes to 
work permit rules.  These include reduced 
documentary requirements when applying 
for a temporary work  or residence permit; 
a permitted duration of stay for intra -
corporate transferees that covers their full 
assignment period, with the possibility of 
renewal (instead of the previous maximum 
duration of three years); and the possibility 
of remedying incompl ete or incorrect 
applications, instead of needing to restart 
the process.  Mode 4  All sectors  Law No. 2058 -VIII "On Amendments to Certain 
Legislative Acts of Ukraine On Eliminating 
Barriers to Foreign Investments"  
 
Viewed at:  
http://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/publi
cations/2017/07/procedure -for-issuing -work-
permits/  
 Effective  
27 September 2017   
United Kingdom  
The Tier 2 Intra -Company Tra nsferee visa 
category has been reduced to two sub -
categories, namely Long Term Staff and 
Graduate Trainees.  The Short Term Staff 
sub-category has been eliminated.  
Another change that was introduced is to 
exempt intra -company transferees earning 
over GBP 7 3,900 from the requirement to 
have at least 12 months of employment 
experience.  Changes have also been made 
to the Tier 2 (General) visa category, 
including an increase in the salary 
threshold above which no labour market 
test is applied.  Mode 4  All secto rs Viewed at:  
https://www.gov.uk/tier -2-intracompany -
transfer -worker -visa/overview  
 Effective  
 6 April 2017  YES  
  WT/TPR/OV/20  
 
- 224 - Measure  Mode(s) 
of supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Zambia  
The Department of Immigration (DOI) has 
revised t he guidelines for the issuance of 
Employment Permits (work authoriza tions 
longer than six months). Permits will no 
longer be valid for a standard two -year 
period. Rather, the duration of the permit 
will be determined by the DOI on a case -
by-case basis. Spo nsoring companies must 
specify in the application the length of 
intended employment in Zambia for the 
foreign employee, and the DOI will then 
rule on the maximum duration of the 
permit. Points to be considered by the DOI 
are the industry in question, size and stage 
of the company's development, and the 
scarcity of the worker's skills. Sponsoring 
companies will be required to submit a 
"succession plan" providing the names of 
local employees and a plan to train them to 
eventually replace the foreign worker.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at: 
https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/index.p
hp?option=com_content&view=article&id=100:re
vised-guidelines -for-permit -
issuance&catid=39:press -release&Itemid=120  
 Effective  
29 May 2017   
 WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 225 - 
 
  APPENDIX 1 - PARTICIPATION  
Member/  
Obser ver Replies to DG 
fax 
(OV/W/11)  
(√ = replies 
received)  Replies to 
DG fax  
(OV/20)  
(√ = 
replies 
received)  Annual 
overview  
(OV/20) - 
Replies to 
request for 
verification  
(√ = replies 
received)  New 
measures  
(√ = 
information 
sent)  Services  
(√ = 
information 
sent) Summary  
and 
status  
(√ = 
information 
sent)  
1. Albania    √ √   
2. Algeria*    √ √ √  
3. Angola     √ √  
4. Argentina  √ √ √ √  √ 
5. Armenia     √   
6. Australia  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
7. Bahrain, 
Kingdom of    √ √ √  
8. Bangladesh      √  
9. Belarus     √   
10. Bolivia,  
Plurinational  
State of     √   
11. Botswana  
(SACU)     √   
12. Brazil  √ √ √ √  √ 
13. Canada  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
14. Chile √ √ √ √  √ 
15. China  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
16. Colombia  √   √  √ 
17. Costa Rica  √ √ √ √  √ 
18. Democratic 
Rep. of the 
Congo  √      
19. Ecuador     √   
20. Egypt   √ √ √ √ √ 
21. European 
Union  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
22. Georgia  √ √     
23. Hong Kong, 
China  √ √     
24. Iceland     √   
25. India √ √ √ √ √ √ 
26. Indonesia  √ √ √ √  √ 
27. Israel     √  √ 
28. Japan  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
29. Jordan      √ √ 
30. Kazakhstan   √  √   
31. Kenya      √  
32. Korea , 
Republic  of √  √ √  √ 
33. Kuwait, State 
of    √   
34. Kyrgyz 
Republic     √   
35. Lesotho 
(SACU)     √ √  
36. Malaysia  √ √  √ √ √ 
37. Mali     √  
38. Mauritius  √  √ √ √  
39. Mexico  √ √  √ √ √ 
40. Moldova, 
Republic  of √ √ √  √  
41. Mongolia  √      
42. Montenegro     √   
43. Morocco     √ √ √ 
44. Myanmar      √  
45. Namibia 
(SACU)     √   
46. Nepal  √      
47. New Zealand  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
48. Nigeria     √ √  
49. Norway  √ √     
50. Oman     √   
51. Pakistan  √  √ √ √ √ 
52. Peru √ √ √ √  √ 
53. Philippines  √ √  √  √ 
54. Qatar    √ √   WT/TPR/OV/ 20 
 
- 226 - 
 
  Member/  
Obser ver Replies to DG 
fax 
(OV/W/11)  
(√ = replies 
received)  Replies to 
DG fax  
(OV/20)  
(√ = 
replies 
received)  Annual 
overview  
(OV/20) - 
Replies to 
request for 
verification  
(√ = replies 
received)  New 
measures  
(√ = 
information 
sent)  Services  
(√ = 
information 
sent) Summary  
and 
status  
(√ = 
information 
sent)  
55. Russian 
Federation  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
56. Rwanda     √   
57. Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
58. Serbia*  √ √     
59. Seychelles  √ √     
60. Singap ore √      
61. Somalia*      √  
62. South Africa 
(SACU)  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
63. Sri Lanka     √   
64. Swaziland 
(SACU)     √   
65. Switzerland  √ √     
66. Chinese Taipei  v √ √ √   
67. Tanzania      √  
68. Thailand  √ √  √ √ √ 
69. Turkey  √ √ √ √  √ 
70. Ukraine  √ √ √ √ √  
71. United Arab 
Emirates    √ √ √  
72. United States 
of America  √ √ √ √ √ √ 
73. Uruguay  √   √   
74. Viet Nam  √     √ 
75. Zambia      √  
76. Zimbabwe    √ √   
* Observer  
 
__________