WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DU COMMERCE  
ORGANIZACIÓN MUNDIAL DEL COMERCIO  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
7 December 2010 
 (10-6581) 
Trade Policy Review Body 
3 & 5 November 2010 Original:  English/ 
 anglais/  inglés 
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
BELIZE 
Minutes of Meeting
 
Addendum  
Chairperson:  H.E. Mr. Bozkurt ARAN (Turkey) 
 This document contains the advance writte n questions, and replies provided by Belize.1 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales 
3 et 5 novembre 2010  
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUES COMMERCIALES 
BELIZE 
Compte rendu de la réunion
 
Addendum  
Président:  S.E. M. Bozkurt ARAN (Turquie) 
 
 Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance et les réponses fournies par Bélize.
1 
__________________________________________________________________________________  Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales 3 y 5 de noviembre de 2010  
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES 
BELICE 
Acta de la reunión
 
Addendum  
Presidente:  Excmo. Sr. Bozkurt ARAN (Turquía) 
 
 En el presente documento figuran las pre guntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito, 
junto con las respuestas facilitadas por Belice.1 
                                                      
1 In English only./En anglais seulement./En inglés solamente.  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
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 WTO TRADE POLICY REVIEW OF BELIZE 
3 AND 5 NOVEMBER 2010 
 
Questions Posed by Brazil, United States, Canada, EU, Japan and Mexico  
 
 
The report by the Secretariat mentions that in  2007 external debt was restructured by the 
Government, a new fiscal policy was underway, but  that the recent financial crises hit hard the 
country's economy.  
1. To what extent has the recent crisis affected Belize's economy?  
The recent international financial crisis has had an adverse impact on economic activity in Belize, 
leading to a recession in the first half of 2009, fo llowed by four consecutive quarters of very modest 
growth.  The economic contraction in advanced eco nomies resulted in reductions of 9.3% in tourism 
earnings and 40.1% in foreign investments in 2 009.  Prices for export commodities were negatively 
affected and this led to a reduc tion in export earnings.  Access to external credit by private sector 
companies also tightened.  The dampening eff ects in these key areas partly contributed to a 
contraction in real GDP from 3.6% in 2008 to 0.0% in 2009.  Reflecting the downturn, the growth in broad money supply slowed with lending to the private sector registering its smallest increase in seventeen years, amounting to only 4.1% in 2009 compared to 10.6% in 2008.  Central Government's fiscal position also deteriorated as the reduction in domestic consumption and crude oil prices 
contributed to lowering revenues by 12.7% while e xpenditures were up by 2.0% owing to slightly 
higher current outlays as expenditure on capital proj ects was down by 28.4%.  After achieving a fiscal 
surplus of 1.5% of GDP in 2008 (calendar year), fiscal operations resulted in an overall deficit of 
2.8% of GDP in 2009 (calendar year), while the primary surplus shrank from 5.4% to 0.8% of GDP.  Meanwhile, the unemployment rate rose substan tially from 8.2% in May 2008 to 13.1% in 
April 2009, as an 11.2% expans ion in the labour force outpaced a 5.3% growth in jobs.  The 
allocation of new SDRs and an IMF loan for disaster  relief helped to boost gross official reserves by 
28.4% to US$213.7mn, the equivalent of  4.2 months of merchandise imports. 
For the first half of 2010, the business environment remains sluggish, given the uncertain international 
climate.  Tourism has rebounded modestly while access to external financing remains tight for many 
export oriented companies.  Real GDP rose by 2.7% for the first half of the year, largely in response 
to the small recovery in tourism and government services.  Private sector credit demand contracted by 
3.9% as banks lowered their risk appetite and focu sed on strengthening loan portfolios, while loan 
demand from the private sector remained subdued.  The first semester nascent economic recovery and 
government tax increases resulted in a 10.6% increase in tax revenues that facilitated a reduction in 
the overall deficit from $31.0mn to $2.6mn.  The need to raise taxes was necessary to enable 
government to deal with the increase in the interest  rate on its external restructured debt as well as 
manage essential development projects. 
2. In the future, what sectors shall receive special  attention by the Government in its efforts to 
promote growth?  
The Government's medium term development strate gy for 2010 to 2013 has identified 5 sectoral focus 
areas.  These are:  
Enterprise development to support the continued de velopment of traditional and emerging industries 
and expansion of small, medium micro-enterprises.  Areas targ eted for investments include agro-
processing, aquaculture, environmental goods and services, information and communication 
technologies and tourism. WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
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  In support of the above, government will focus on: 
1. International trade capacity and competitiveness 
2. Environment and disaster risk management 
3. Human development 
4. National and citizen security 
5. Fiscal discipline, effective debt management and complementary    
 policies 
6. Public sector institutional strengthening 
7. Governance systems 
8. Transportation and communication infrastructure 
3. What are the main objectives of the Horizon 2030?  
The main output of the initiative - a National De velopment Framework - Horizon 2030 will be a 
comprehensive text with clearly established goals, performance targets, and measurable indicators to 
support monitoring and evaluati on of development progress over the medium and long term.  
This text is intended to clearly establish the framewo rk to guide concerted action by all stakeholders 
involved in development planning, implementation,  monitoring, and evaluation, as well as medium-
term development strategies and intermediate sector al programmes.  The Horizon 2030 is expected to 
be completed by the end of 2010.  
4. Does Belize plan to establish of a Permanent Mission in Geneva in the near future?  
Belize recognizes the importance of having a presence in Geneva and continues to work to make this 
a reality. 
II. TRADE POLICY REGIME:  FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES 
(4)
 TRADE AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS  
(i) Multilateral agreements 
Page 16, paragraph 19:   The Secretariat's Report notes that Belize has not submitted 
notifications in a number of areas.  When do es Belize expect to make these notifications? 
Belize recently had a technical mission from the WTO to provide assistance to deal with its 
notification commitments.  As a direct con sequence of this mission Belize strengthened its 
notification system and has made significant progress in reducing the number of outstanding 
notifications. Belize will continue to work on this aspect of its WTO obligations.   
Page 12:   The Government Report highlights Beli ze's efforts to attract foreign direct 
investment.  What steps has Belize taken to ensure that the decisions of arbitral panels 
established for investment disputes are implemented properly and in a timely manner? 
The Arbitration Act (CAP 125) prov ides the means through which decisions of arbitral panels may be 
enforced in the same manner as a judgment of the c ourt in Belize.  The Act applies to both local and 
foreign awards made in pursuance of an agreemen t for arbitration which was valid under the law by 
which it was governed.  The award must be made by  the tribunal provided for in the agreement or 
constituted in a manner agreed upon by the parti es, in conformity with the law governing the 
arbitration procedure, and must be treated as fina l in the country in which it was made.  The award 
must be in respect of a matter which may lawfully be referred to arbitrati on under the law of Belize 
and the enforcement thereof is not contrary to public policy.  In addition to providing for the  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
 Page 5 
 
 
 enforcement of local and foreign aw ards generally, the Arbitration Act also implements the New York 
Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.  
(iv) Foreign investment regime 
Page 20, paragraph 28:   The Secretariat's Report refers to the Economic Partnership 
Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and CARIFORUM.  The Secretariat says that 
"Article 73 states that the EU and the CARIFORUM states must ensure that investment is not 
encouraged through any lowering or relaxing of en vironmental, labour, occupational health and 
safety legislation, core labour standards or laws aimed at protecting and promoting cultural diversity."  What measures has Belize taken to  ensure that investment is not encouraged 
through any lowering or relaxing of labor, occupa tional health and safety legislation, or core 
labor standards as stated in Article 73 of the EPA? 
The Government of Belize has enacted legislation and adopted regulations a nd various guidelines to 
maintain high labour and environmental standards.   Belize's domestic law gives precedence to the 
core labour standards in the ILO Conventions to which Belize is a party.  This is clearly provided for 
in the International Labour Organization Convent ions Act (CAP 304.01) which complements the 
provisions of the Labour Act (CAP 297).  The Nati onal Assembly is currently considering a Bill to 
amend the Labour Act which would strengthen employees' rights to continuity of employment and 
protection against unfair dismissal and establish procedures for employees and employers to follow to terminate an employment relationship in a fair and equitable manner.  The Bill would also establish a 
Labour Complaints Tribunal to provide for greater be nefits to workers, including better provisions in 
respect of severance pay.  The commitment of  the Government of Belize to high labour and 
environmental standards is uncha llengeable. Reference may also be made to the Factories Act 
(CAP 296) and Workmen's Compensation Act (CAP 303) on issues concerning occupational health and safety.  The Environmental Protection Act (CAP 328) and the regulations adopted thereto 
including the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Act establish the basic regulatory framework for the protection of the environment.  
Page 12, paragraph 45:
  Belize states in its Report that while it has repealed the Stamp Duty, the 
Revenue Replacement Duty remains in force. Beli ze further states that it "recognizes the need 
to remain within its bound RRD rate, and work has already begun to address this matter".  
What are the steps that the government has ta ken to address this matter and what is the 
timeframe that the government has set to achieve this objective? 
The Revenue Replacement Duty Order 2010 implem ents certain reforms to the RRD and possibly 
further reforms may be introduced.  We believe that  Belize remains within its bound rates.  Questions 
have been raised with r espect to two (2) products, i.e. cigarettes and rum due to the need to calculate 
ad valorem  equivalents of specific excise taxes (applicab le to domestically produced products but not 
imports) in order to compare this with  the RRD applied to imported products.  
The government of Belize will carry out studies on  the rationalization of the RRD and other tax 
measures.  This will, inter alia, ascertain if indeed the applied rates are higher than the bound rates 
and if this is so the rates will be decreased.  We e xpect to do this within a framework of two to three 
years.  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
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 (v) Other charges affecting imports 
Page 45, paragraph 39:
  The Secretariat Report states that an environmental tax is levied on all 
imports, while domestic products are not subject to the tax.  What is the environmental issue 
being addressed and how does the tax achieve en vironmental goals?  Please explain this 
environmental tax in light of Belize’s national treatment obligations.  
The Environmental Tax began as a "plastic tax" an d was initially applied only to plastic packaging 
including plastic bottles.  The practical applica tion of the tax became problematic.  The revenue 
derived from this tax was and is earmarked to fund the Department of the Environment.  
It must be clarified that the Environmental Ta x is not applied to all imports. Many products, 
especially food products are exempted.  As Belize's i ndustrial base is very small, most products are 
imported and hence the burden of the tax effectively falls on imports.  However, if the Environmental 
Tax was extended to local production the difference w ould likely not be significant.  The intention is 
to conduct economic analysis on the incidence of th e environmental tax with a view to rationalizing 
Belize's import duties and internal taxes consistent with our WTO obligations.  
(v) Other charges affecting imports  
(a) Environmental tax 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 45, para. 39 As indicated in the Secretariat's Report, an enviro nmental tax is only applicable on all imported 
products and not on domestic products;  this  constitutes a discriminatory treatment between 
imported and domestic items.  
1. Could Belize explain the rationale for ap plying environmental tax only on imported 
products?  
2. How and when does Belize plan to ab olish this discriminatory treatment?  
See response above. 
III. Trade Policies and practices by measure 
(1)
 INTRODUCTION  
Page 34, paragraph 8:   The Secretariat's Report notes that  Belize adopted new legislation on 
government procurement in 2005.  What procedures are in place to ensure that Belizean government agencies adhere to the new legislation? 
The regulatory body for government procurement is the Office of the Contractor General to whom 
almost all contracts and all other relevant bid docum ents must be submitted before they are signed and 
become effective.  While it is required by Circular  from the Cabinet Secretary that all contracts above 
BZD $100,000 are to be sent to the Contractor Gene ral, and given priority, contracts below that 
threshold are also sent to the Contractor General fo r his review.  Moreover, the Contractor General's 
Act empowers the Contractor General to request in formation as regards any contract signed by the 
government agency and any complaint may be sent to him.  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
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 (4) MEASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE  
(iv) Government procurement 
Page 66, paragraph 104 :  According to the Secretariat, "Belize is not a party to the WTO 
plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA).  At the time of its previous review, 
Belize indicated that a decision to join the GP A would be taken in conjunction with a regional 
decision by CARICOM.  This remains Belize's position."  What are CARICOM'S plans in this 
regard?  Is such a decision under review?  What is the status of this decision? 
CARICOM is in the process of completing negotiatio ns on its protocol on G overnment Procurement. 
Completion of this will inform Belize's next steps. 
Page 66, paragraph 107:   The Secretariat Report notes that open tendering procedures are 
required for contracts exceeding BZ$5 million.  Wh at procedures are in place to track the 
number of these contracts and to whom they were awarded? 
All contracts and relevant bid /tender documents, especially those above BZD $100,000 must be 
submitted to the office of the Contractor General.   The Contractor General, after reviewing the 
documents, will issue a letter stating that the bid documents comply with the established procedures 
and that the contract can be executed.  The law is specific, however, in that contracts above BZD 
$5.0mn must be made by Open Tendering (as define d in the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act of 2005. 
Page 68, paragraph 113 :  The Secretariat Report notes that the most recent Report on 
procurement was for the 2005-06 period.  What meas ures are in place to properly track data on 
government procurement?  Is there a central electronic government resource that lists government procurement opportunities? 
Procurement contracts are reflected in the annual accounts figures (re expenditures) and also 
documentation submitted to the Contractor Genera l under the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act.  
Currently there is no central government electronic re source that lists procurement opportunities.  The 
intention is to establish an online resource in the near future.   
Part III. Trade Policies by Measures:  (4) Measures Affecting Production and Trade:  
(iv) Government Procurement:   paragraph 106, page 66: 
The Secretariat report notes "[…] that further re forms are considered necessary, inter alia, to 
standardize or harmonize procedures" 
1. Could Belize explain what kinds of reforms  are necessary to standardize or harmonize 
procedures? 
While the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act of 2005 fo r the first time brought into force a Procurement 
Law, complementary Regulations were not included a nd have still not been published.  In the absence 
of Regulations for the better implementation of  the Law, each Ministry carries out its own 
procurement and uses its own prac tices and norms.  The reforms needed, therefore, are to produce 
relevant Regulations that would indicate the steps and procedures to be followed by all 
Ministries and 
which would include information such as:  1) Mi nimum information to be included in all bids 
2) Closing Dates 3) Evaluation Criteria;  etc. 
See also subsequent responses on pending  reforms on Government Procurement. WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
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 Part III. Trade Policies by Measures:  (4) Measures Affecting Production and Trade: (iv) 
Government Procurement: paragraph 109, page 67: 
The Secretariat report states that "foreign companies are therefore, in principle,  allowed to 
participate in public procurement." 
2. Could Belize please clarify how it is ensured  that foreign companies will be allowed to 
participate in public procurement?  
The current Finance and Audit Act does not have any requirement for a company to be registered in 
Belize or to have significant business activity in  the country to participate in government 
procurement.  This condition, therefore, provides opportunity for foreign companies to participate in bids.  
Belize has a very small industrial base and must  import almost all products used in offices 
(computers, printers, cabinets), hospitals (pharmac euticals, vitamins, etc. ) machinery (vehicles, 
tractors, etc).  It is not uncommon, therefore, that  bids from companies established in other countries 
and not established in Belize are considered. 
For example, when purchasing computers Ministries  routinely include companies located in other 
countries (for example Dell).   
(iv) Government procurement 
WTO Secretaria's Report, page 66, para 105 
According to the Secretariat's Report, until 2005 there was a centralized tendering process.  In 
2005, procurement was decentralized.  It is reported that the authorities are currently considering the possibility to re-establish a cen tralized government procurement system.  
1. Could Belize describe in detail their current pl ans related to re-establishing the centralized 
government procurement system?  
Prior to the Finance and Audit Act of 2005, (the "Act") there was no actual Government Procurement 
(GP) Law and the Financial Orders that were in ef fect at the time required the existence of Central 
Tenders Committee located in the Ministry of Fina nce.  The Act of 2005 decentralized the process of 
government procurement and so each Ministry estab lished their own "Tender Unit" to receive and 
evaluate tenders and to recommend to the Ministry of Finance who should be granted a contract.  The 
Ministry of Finance then concurs/does not conc ur with the recommendation (and releases/does not 
release  the funds) to execute the contract.  The tender doc uments are then forwarded to the Contractor 
General for his review.  
With the decentralization of the Tenders Committee a lot of expertise and experience were lost.  The 
procurement system was recently evaluated using the OECD method and the consultant's  opinion was 
that it would be better to re-establish the Central Te nders Committee in the Ministry of Finance.  The 
Ministry whose tenders documents were being evalua ted would form part of  the committee.  It is 
expected that, with the help of regulations to be developed, the procedures in regard to the evaluation 
criteria could be harmonized and im proved.  This is work in progr ess and should be operational in the 
near future.  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
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 (2) Measures Directly Affecting Imports 
(i) Customs procedures Page 35, paragraph 13:
  The Secretariat report notes that Belizean authorities have identified 
shortcomings in the customs system and that the GoB is working to implement a new computerized customs system.  The Report furt her notes that in order to accept electronic 
signature, Belize must pass a law that accepts such signatures.  What is the status of the 
legislation to accept electronic signatures?  What  is the target date for full deployment of the 
new system to all ports of entry? 
The Electronic Transaction Act (CAP 290.01) is designed 
(a) to eliminate legal barriers to the effec tive use of electronic communications in 
transactions; 
(b) to promote the harmonization of legal rules on electronic transactions across national 
boundaries; (c) to facilitate the appropriate use of electronic transactions; 
(d) to promote business and community confidence in electronic transactions;  and 
(e) to enable business and the community to use electronic communications in their 
transactions with government. 
Section 9 of the Act specifically provides that if a ru le of law requires the signature of a person, that 
requirement is met by an electronic signature.  It  also gives parties the freedom to agree to use a 
particular method of electronic signature, unless otherwise provided by law.  
Page 36, paragraph 16:
  According to the Secretariat Report, Belize does not have a system for 
requesting binding advance rulings.  Does Belize plan to implement such a system? 
Belize is in the process of implementing a custom s modernization project as elaborated below. 
Page 36, paragraph 17:   According to the Secretariat Report, Belize has made no changes to its 
system of handling customs complaints since it s previous TPR.  When does Belize expect to 
develop more formal procedures and inst itutions to process customs complaints? 
The Harmonized CARICOM Customs Bill is presen tly in the law review office and should be 
concluded and implemented by D ecember 2011.  This law will cover the issue of setting up of a 
complaint and appeals board and pr ovide for binding advance rulings. 
Implementation of the customs modernization project  has started with the trial rollout of the new 
computerized system in Big Creek and full implementation of the whole country should be concluded by December 2011.  
III. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE 
(2)
 MEASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING IMPORTS  
(i) Customs procedures 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 35 para-s 12 - 14 The Secretariat's Report states that "The authorities have identified some shortcomings in 
Belize's customs system.  These include:  comp lex and inefficient procedures and documentary 
requirements;  the absence of a computerised sy stem for processing customs documentation; WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
Page 10  
 
 incomplete or inaccurately prepared declarations ;  difficulties in monitoring the movement of 
transit cargo between offices; and, out of date computer equipment.[…]". 
1. Could Belize share its plans, including relat ed timeframes, to reform and improve customs 
procedures and in implementing ASYCUDA?  
Belize is receiving technical assistance on Customs reform and modernization.  A phased 
implementation of ASYCUDA World – a computerized customs system – should begin in 2011.  This 
will facilitate the customs clearance process by a llowing traders to submit customs declarations on-
line; assess duties and taxes themselves;  and, make  payments online.  With the implementation of 
ASYCUDA new guidelines will be circulated and these will be included in new Customs legislation.  
The Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Cent re (CARTAC) is also providing training on 
general risk management procedures.  This will  also be facilitated by the implementation of 
ASYCUDA World.  
(ii) Customs valuation 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 37, para-s 20 - 23  
The Secretariat's Report notes that Belize uses the transaction value as the primary basis for 
determining customs valuation.  In addition to the rules on customs valuation set out in the 
Customs and Excise Duties Act, the Customs Regula tion Act contains customs valuation rules, 
giving the Comptroller of Customs wide discre tion to determine the customs value of an 
imported product.  
2. Could Belize explain its plans to create a more objective mechanism for assessing the value of 
imported goods? 
The Customs and Excise Duty Act adopts the prescr ibed WTO methodology for customs valuation.  
The referred to provisions of the Customs Regul ations Act which provide the Comptroller with 
certain discretionary powers are not utilized in pr actice.  The provision will be repealed with the 
enactment of new Customs legislation which should occur in 2011. 
(vi) Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing 
(b) Import licensing 
Page 49, paragraph 46
:  The Secretariat Report states that Belize has an extensive and largely 
discretionary import licensing regime, which has changed little during the review period.  
During Belize's last TPR review in 2004, Belize stat ed it was trying to enhance the transparency 
and predictability of its import licensing reg ime.  Can Belize provide an update on its 
compliance with the WTO Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures?  We also note that 
Belize has not made any notifications und er the WTO Agreement on Import Licensing 
Procedures, nor has it replied to the Questionna ire on Import Licensing Procedures.  When 
does Belize plan to submit notifica tions and reply to the questionnaire?  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
 Page 11 
 
 
 In the latter part of 2009, a task force on the import licensing regime was commissioned by the Prime 
Minister of Belize to address th e legislative framework governing th e regime.  Specifically, emphasis 
was placed on the administration of the regime to make it more predictable in terms of transparency and equity.  After several rounds of discussions a nd with guidance from the Solicitor General's Office, 
in the Attorney General’s Ministry, th e task force has at hand the following: 
i. Draft Supplies Control Amendment Bill, 2010. 
ii. Draft Supplies Control Import/Export Amendment Regulations, 2010. iii. Draft Supplies Control Comptroller of Su pplies Terms of Reference Regulations, 2010. 
It is highly anticipated that these amendments will be endorsed by the Cabinet and thereby enacted.  
This will facilitate the administration of the import licensing regime in accordance with the 
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures and address concerns with respect to transparency and 
predictability. 
The Supplies Control Unit (SCU) remains positive that  the proposed amendments will be endorsed by 
the Cabinet upon review.  While the Task Force has been working assiduously to amend the Supplies 
Control Act and its subsidiary regulations it was not completed in time to submit Belize's notification 
which was due on the 30
th of September.  However, with th e proposed amendments at hand the SCU 
and by extension the Government of Belize will make every attempt to submit its notification in 2011.  
The intention is to respond to the questionnaire in the interim. 
Page 50, paragraph 47 :  The Secretariat Report states that almost all import licenses, which are 
primarily for agriculture and processed food pr oducts, are non-automatic and in place to 
control the supply of imports, and thereby protec t domestic production.  Does Belize have any 
time frames for providing non-au tomatic import licenses, and ho w do these time frames relate 
to Belize's WTO obligations?  Please explain Belize's system in light of its WTO obligations. 
While the regime appears rigid, the processing pe riod  for import licences despite its non automatic 
nature is far less than that required under the Agreement on Import Licensing (AILP).  The unit suffers from the lack of adequate data to guide th e administration of the regime as there are limited 
resources for market intelligence/information gather ing across regulatory agencies.  Belize remains an 
agrarian based economy, heavily dependent on the ag ricultural sector as a primary source of income 
and employment.  As such exploring measures such  as tariff rate quotas consistent with WTO rules 
must be articulated carefully considering the soci o-economic implications for its highly vulnerable 
agricultural sector.  There is a need for a coor dinated mechanism to m onitor production on a 
consistent basis.  Considering these limitations the proposed changes aim to vastly improve the data 
by legally mandating local manufacturers/producers to  furnish production data in a timely manner to 
the Supplies Control Unit.  The onus will be on the producers and manufacturers to contribute to the 
administration of the regime in a fair and transparent manner.  This does not rule out monitoring from the regulatory agencies as a check and balance mech anism is envisaged for accuracy and reliability.  
Pages 51-52, paragraph 49:
  The Report states that "As part of its Uruguay Round 
Commitments, Belize undertook to remove import  licensing requirements for liquid bleaches,  
t-shirts of all types for commercial purposes, an d brooms for sweeping floors:  it has fulfilled 
these commitments with respect to brooms and blea ches, but not yet to t-shirts."  When will 
Belize remove its import licensing requirements on T-shirts? 
Belize will remove t-shirts by the end of the curre nt fiscal year.  In addition, Belize has removed 
brooms, pasta, liquid household bleach and other h ypochlorite, matches, gases from the import licence 
regime.  At present it is reviewing the regime with the aim to remove additional items.  This exercise 
will be completed during the course of fiscal year 2010/2011. WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
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 Page 72, paragraph 10
:  The Secretariat Report states that "most support to agriculture is 
provided through tariff protection and import co ntrols through discretionary import licences, 
along with the regulation of production and tr ade by various official agencies."  How does 
Belize justify supporting agriculture through the use of discretionary import licenses?  Please 
describe how this import licensing system work s in light of Belize's obligations under the WTO 
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures.  Also , what is meant by "regulation of production 
and trade by various official agencies?"  Please ex plain such regulation in light of WTO rules.   
Please see above response.   
The Ministry of Economic Development – the Supplies Control Unit in coordination with the 
Ministry of Agriculture and the Customs Department implement the licensing regime. 
Trade Policies and Practices by Measure:  (1 ) Introduction:  paragraph 2, page 33:  
This paragraph of the Secretariat Report states, in part, that "Belize's import licensing regime 
applies to 123 tariff lines, mainly agr icultural products and processed foods.   Almost all licences 
are non-automatic.  The system also lacks tran sparency:  no detailed information is currently 
available on licences applied for and granted, alth ough a database to captu re this information is 
being developed."  
1. Would Belize please indicate when it ex pects to have the database in operation? 
The Supplies Control Unit through technical assistan ce from the Taiwanese International Cooperation 
Development Fund will be piloting the online database a pplication before the end of the year.  It is 
anticipated that the database will be launched by mid- year 2011. 
Part III. Trade Policies and Practices by Measure:  (2) Measures Directly Affecting Imports:  
(vi) Import prohibitions, controls, a nd licensing:  paragraph 46, page 49,  
The Secretariat Report states that "Belize has an extensive and largely discretionary import 
licensing regime, which has changed little durin g the review period.  Belize has not made any 
notifications under the WTO Agreement on Import  Licensing Procedures, nor has it replied to 
the Questionnaire on Import Licensing Procedures."  
2. Would Belize please indicate when its WTO submissions will be made? Please see response above. 
(vi) Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing 
(b) Import licensing 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 49, para. 46 The Secretariat's Report informs that  “Belize has an extensive and largely discretionary import 
licensing regime, which has changed little durin g the review period.  Belize has not made any 
notifications under the WTO Agreement on Import  Licensing Procedures, nor has it replied to 
the Questionnaire on Import Licensing Procedures. 
3. Is Belize planning to set up a new more transp arent and predictable import licensing regime?  
Please see above.  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
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 III.TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICIES BY MEASURE 
(1) INTRODUCTION (Question 1:  Page 33, paragraph 2) 
The Secretariat report states that Belize's im port license system is extensive and mostly 
discretionary to protect domestic production and that it lacks transparency.  Please describe 
how Belize is presently addressing and will address this issue.  
Please see response below. 
(ii) Standards and other technical requirements Page 54, paragraph 57:
  The Secretariat Report states that Belize has made no notifications to 
the Committee, has not submitted its statement on  the implementation and administration of 
the TBT Agreement, and has not notified the ad option of the Agreement's Code of Good 
Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Appl ication of Standards by the Belize Bureau of 
Standards.  When will Belize fulfill these requirements? 
The area of standards and technical regulations  is just now entering mainstream development 
planning.  The country's inability to meet with its  obligations under the TBT Agreement stems simply 
from the lack of an institutional infrastructure a nd adequate skills to effectively carry out this 
responsibility as prescribed in the Agreement.  In early August of 2010 the Belize Bureau of 
Standards completed an institu tional strengthening project which was undertaken by the British 
Standards Institution, the Bureau will as an outco me operationalise its functionary role as the TBT 
enquiry point as well as make necessary amendments to key pieces of legislation.  These include the 
Standards Act and its subsidiary regula tions and the National Metrology Act.  
Opertionalization of the enquiry point entails the monitoring of enquiries on both international and 
national fronts – creating manuals to respond to no tifications and enquiries in a timely manner, 
creation of an in-house database to network with a ll relevant stakeholders, serving as a hub for matters 
relating to TBT issues that is sharing of inform ation on documents relevant to Standards and 
Technical Regulations [basically establishing a resource center/library/information services], establishment of a National TBT committee, notifying  draft/proposed Standards to the WTO central 
registry of notifications through the Directorate for Foreign Trade etc.. Process maps are currently 
being discussed so that the Standards development process is transparent as well as developed in a 
fashion that will grant trading partners an opportuni ty to comment within th e timeframe as required 
under the Agreement re: notifications.  Belize will submit its notification on the acceptance of Annex 
3 of the TBT Agreement before the end of the cu rrent fiscal year.  Note that Belize has, since 
becoming a signatory submitted its first notification to the Central Registry in the WTO – Consumer 
Protection Act. 
(3)
 MEASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING EXPORTS  
(v) Export finance, insurance, and guarantees 
Page 62, paragraph 90 :  The Report states "The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has 
made export financing one of its new areas of le nding, and protocols for this activity are being 
developed;  export insurance is also being consid ered.  The authorities stressed that it is not the 
DFC's objective to compete with commercial  banks, but to focus on catering for the 
development needs of the country."  
 WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
Page 14  
 
 In paragraph 52 of Section II Trade Policy Regime:  Framework and Objectives
, the Report 
states "This agency aims to provide development and trade finance to traders, especially SMEs, 
at rates lower than the commercial rates." 
• Please explain how the DFC will not compete wi th commercial banks if it is offering 
rates lower than commercial rates. 
• Please explain Belize's export financing prac tices in light of Belize’s obligations under 
Article 3 of the Subsidies Agreement. 
The DFC re-opened for business earlier this year and is providing funding for SMEs.  Its lending 
operations are geared to fostering economic devel opment on an environmentally sustainable basis.  
Funding is being made available to the productiv e sector including activities in Agriculture, Agro-
processing, Manufacturing, Aquaculture and commerc ial Fishing, Tourism, Forestry and Micro 
Enterprise development, Environmental Conser vation, and Services (including tourism, 
transportation, communication, and entertainment).  The loans provided are not  conditional on 
exportation or the use of dom estic over imported products. 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 65, para 102  
According to the Secretariat's Report, th e government-owned Development Finance 
Corporation (DFC) was reinstated in 2009 (under new legislation) and resumed lending after a five-year lapse.  
1. Could Belize provide more updated informatio n regarding the DFC and describe whether the 
DFC has begun lending and how many loans have been given?  
Please see above. 
(vi) Export promotion and marketing assistance Page 63, paragraph 91:
  The Report states that the Belize Trade and Investment Development 
Services (BELTRAIDE)'s activities "vis-à-vis export promotion include:  designing and 
assisting in the implementation of export pr ogrammes, especially for Belizean non-traditional 
export products;  identifying viable export markets;  undertaking publicity campaigns;  and 
maintaining an exporters' register." 
• Does BELTRAIDE provide any financial assistance for export promotion?  
• Please explain whether or not Belize will be notifying these programs to the WTO.  
No. 
(v) Intellectual property rights 
Page 68, paragraph 114:   When does the government of Belize anticipate that legislation to 
implement a system of protection for undi sclosed information will be enacted? 
In Belize there is no distinct piece of legislation th at deals specifically with issues of undisclosed 
information.  The Belize legal system is essentia lly founded on a modification of English Common 
Law, and the common law remedies of unfair competition would protect such undisclosed information.   WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
 Page 15 
 
 
 Page 70, paragraph 119:   The Secretariat Report notes that Belize was considering a national 
enforcement strategy for intellectual property at th e time of the last review in 2004.  When will 
this strategy be completed and implemented?  Please elaborate on these efforts. 
This matter is currently under review by the Attorney General 's Ministry 
(4) MEASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE 
(v) Intellectual property rights 
(Question 2:  Page 70, paragraph 119) 
The Secretariat report states that the Government  was considering develo ping a comprehensive 
national enforcement strategy on IPRs in 2004, incl uding capacity building.  There has been no 
development since 2004.  Please describe the curre nt status of the strategy and any future plans 
for the Intellectual Property Rights regime.  
Please see above. 
Intellectual property rights 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 69 para. 118 
The Secretariat's Report states that "The Co pyright Act and the Trade Marks Act allow the 
owner of the copyright in any published work, f ilm or sound recording, or of a registered trade 
mark to alert the Customs Department to treat pi rated or counterfeit copies of such items made 
outside Belize as prohibited goods.  To this end,  the right holder must provide relevant evidence, 
a security "in respect of any liability or ex pense which the Comptroller [of the Customs 
Department] may incur in consequence of the dete ntion of any article or anything done to an 
article detained," and "indemnification of the Comptroller against any liability or expenses". 
1. Could Belize confirm that all special requirements related to border measures as provided in 
articles 51-60 of TRIPS Agreement are duly applie d - namely the adoption of procedures to 
enable a right holder to lodge an appl ication with competent authorities?  
Some regulations are still outstanding. 
2. Could Belize confirm that the security required  by the applicant shall not unreasonably deter 
recourse to these procedures, in compliance with art. 53 of the TRIPS agreement? 
Yes, the security required in the view of the Belize Government is not unreasonable.  
(v) Intellectual property rights 
In relation to geographical indications: 
Table III.3  
1. Are there any foreign geographical indications that are registered and protected in Belize, 
and what is the procedure for their recognition? 
Yes, the applicant must apply for registration as a certification mark under the Trade Marks Act. 
2. Is it possible for a GI to coexist with a tr ademark in Belize?  What are the requirements? WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
Page 16  
 
 Yes, for example, registration of a certification mark with geographical origin will not preclude use by 
another applicant who is entitled to use the geogra phical name in accordan ce with honest commercial 
practices. 
In relation to enforcement measures: 
Paragraph 118
 
1. With respect to border measures, are agents fr om the Customs Department authorized to act 
ex officio when they detect goods that are in vi olation of intellectual property rights, or does it 
have to be at the request of a party? 
The party must request in writing to the Comptro ller of Customs that the goods be treated as 
infringing goods.  
2. Does the Customs Department advise the inte llectual property right holders of the existence 
of goods that allegedly violate their intellectual property rights? 
In practice, yes. 
3. Do intellectual property right holders have to file their complaints of violation of their rights 
with any other authority before addressing the Customs Department? 
No. 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
(4) SERVICES (vi) Tourism services 
(b) Regulations 
(Question 3:  Page 93, paragraph 86) Tour guides in Belize must be licensed and they must be citizens of Belize or CARICOM 
country members.  It would bring benefits to the tourism industry, and increase the numbers of 
tourists if foreigners could also be licensed to wo rk as tour guides in Belize.  Please indicate if 
there are any plans for further liberalization of  the tourism industry, including the possibility 
for foreigners to be licensed as tour guides in Belize. 
Currently there are no plans for further liberalizati on of Tour Guide Licensing.  Limited authorization 
may be provided for foreign skille d professionals for training and skills transfer programs.  There is 
much scope for capacity building in the Tour Guide sub-sector to improve the skills of local guides, 
particularly in respect to language skills and forei gn culture sensitization, a nd facilitating expansion of 
a more global market for visitors.  A new policy and strategy in destination planning and quality 
development is being prepared and will address these issues. 
II. TRADE POLICY REGIME: FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES  
(6)
 AID FOR TRADE  
(ii) Mainstreaming trade into national development strategies 
(b) Medium-Term Development Strategy 2010-13 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 23 para. 43, 44 and 51  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
 Page 17 
 
 
 According to the Secretariat's Report, a Medi um-Term Development Strategy 2010-13 identifies 
also Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as on e of the key factors for the local economy.  
1. What actions are put in place to reduce admini strative obstacles for SMEs and for investors, 
to provide administrative services for entrepreneu rs and to offer specific financing incentives?  
BETRAIDE is the agency designated to facilitate inward and outward investments by establishing 
effective public and private sector networks, ma intaining accurate statistics on the economy, 
administering the fiscal incentives program and guiding local and international investors on establishing a business.  As noted above, the Developm ent Finance Corporation is now also providing 
funding for SMEs. 
Government's Report, page 18, para. 77 
According to the Report by the Government "There  have been concerted efforts on the part of 
The Government of Belize (GoB) towards the mainstreaming of trade into the country's 
development agenda.  The diversification of the economy, expanding trade and generating 
export-led growth are seen as being fundament al to the achievement of the overarching socio-
economic policy objectives.  This policy thrust  is articulated in several national policy 
documents such as the Medium  Term Development Strategy (2010-13), Horizon 2030 (the 
country’s twenty year development framework),  the draft National Export Strategy (NES) , as 
well as other sector specific plans and projects." 
2. Could the Government of Belize provide more de tails on how to obtain a copy of the Medium 
Term Development Strategy (2010-13)? 
This can be obtained from the Gove rnment's website:  www.belize.gov.bz 
3. The National Export Strategy for 2007-12 is still at the draft stage.  The strategy was 
presented to Cabinet and amendments were su ggested and made but it has still not been 
implemented.  Could the Government  of Belize please provide an update? 
The Caribbean Development Fund will be updating the draft National Export Strategy.  It is 
anticipated that this should be completed by mid 2011. 
(vii) Contingency measures  WTO Secretariat's Report, page 53, para-s 53 and 54  
According to the Secretariat's Report, Belize does not have legislation on anti-dumping or 
countervailing measures.  The authorities state that  there are currently no initiatives in Belize to 
enact anti-dumping and countervailing legislation,  and Belize is waiting for the development of 
a more uniform CARICOM approach, as foreseen in Article 74 of the Revised Treaty.  
4. Has CARICOM made any progress in relation to the setting up of the above mentioned 
approach? 
A fact finding mission was conducted earlier this year  to determine the status of implementation of 
anti-dumping and countervailing legisla tion in Member States.  Work is  ongoing to determine the best 
administrative set-up considering the high administra tive cost associated with the implementation of 
such policies in small states. WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
Page 18  
 
 (4)
 MEASURES AFFECTING PRODUCTION AND TRADE  
(i) Competition policy and price controls 
(a) Competition policy 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 63, para. 93 
The Secretariat's Report notes that Belize does not yet have a competition law but the 
authorities are actively considering how to apply model CARICOM competition legislation. 
7. Could Belize explain in detail how it plans to implement CARICOM competition legislation 
and the related timeframes for its entry into force? 
The greatest hindrance in implementing the CARICO M Competition Legislation has been securing 
the resources required to establish the institutional framework.  Belize is currently in discussion with a 
regional and an international agency to secure  possible funding to legislate and implement 
competition policy.  
(ii) State trading, state-owned enterprises, and privatization 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 64, para. 99 
The Secretariat's Report lists the main state owne d enterprises in Belize without explaining in 
what activities these enterprises are engaged in.  
8. Could Belize elaborate what are the main ac tivities of the Belize Marketing and Development 
Corporation and whether it has any monopoly or  exclusive rights as regards importation and 
distribution of some particular products?  
The Belize Marketing & Development Corporation w as set up to assist small producers in processing 
and marketing their product given the high le vels of poverty among indigenous farmers which 
exceeds 75%.  The Belize Marketing & Development Corporation has a de facto  monopoly in dealing 
with importation of rice and onions.  
Rice production in Belize is divided among large/me dium size producers which number less than 50 
well organized producers which control more than 85%  of total output.  In contrast, the remaining 
production is controlled by 1,500 sm all poor indigenous farmers.  These small farmers are unable to 
compete with the large producers and the BMDC provides assistance to them. 
(iii) Incentives and other government assistance 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(4) SERVICES  
(ii) Banking and insurance (b) Banking 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 84, para. 49 
9. Could Belize elaborate on the foreseen changes to  the Banks and Financial Institutions Act, in 
particular what kind prudential measures are foreseen and if these will be discriminatory towards foreign owned banks? 
The proposed revised BFIA will not be discriminator y towards foreign owned banks.  The purpose of 
the revision is 1) to increase the original re quired capital for a licensee;  2) to implement 
administrative penalties for non-compliance with the BFIA;  3) place restrictions on related party  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
 Page 19 
 
 
 transactions and ensure that they are conducted at arm's length;  4) allow the Central Bank to conduct 
consolidated supervision;  and 5) allow for early  intervention strategies for potential problem banks. 
(iii) Telecommunications  
(a) Features  WTO Secretariat's Report, pages 86-87, para. 56 
10. Could Belize elaborate on the progress of revie w of telecommunication licensing regulations 
- what kind of amendments it is foreseeing to  introduce into the already existing licences? 
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued the Belize Telecommunications Interconnection and 
Infrastructure Sharing Regulations Order (Amended) (18
th August 2010).  Interconnection network 
and facilities and interconnection ag reements between telecommunications licensees are governed by 
Schedule 1;  infrastructure and facilities shar ing and any agreements therefor between 
telecommunications licensees are governed by Schedule 2;   and rates, fees or charges in respect of 
interconnection and infrastructure and facilities are gove rned by Schedule 3.  The PUC also issued the 
Belize Telecommunications General Order (Interconnection, Infrastructure Sharing, International 
Access) (Amended) No. 1 of 2010 (18th August 2010). 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 87 para. 57 According to the Secretariat's Report on the telecommunication sector, the "majority of shares 
in BTL [Belize Telemedia Limited] were acquired by the Government in August 2009" and re-privatization is pending.  The referenced press conference statement calls re-privatization the "final objective" of the interim BTL-Board of Directors and speaks of re-privatization "on a timely basis".  
11. Could Belize give an update on the progress of the re-privatisation, including if a timeline or 
road map for re-privatization has been drawn up? 
The Government of Belize is currently in discussion w ith companies with an interest in this sector.  
(b) Regulations 
WTO Secretariat's Report, pages 88 – 89, para. 62 
12. Could Belize elaborate on its progress in  developing universal service obligations and 
universal access fund policies?  
The Telecommunications Act (Cap 229) provides for th e development of universal service obligations 
for telecommunications and a fund into which provide rs of telecommunication services shall pay fees 
as prescribed by the Public Utilities Commission fo r the development of universal services.  A 
licensee who is required to provide universal serv ice is entitled to compensation in relation to the 
actual cost incurred in meeting that obligation. 
13. In addition, as the report does not elaborate on the postal and courier services, could Belize 
explain its regulation in the area and in partic ular as regards the universal service obligations 
and universal access fund policies?  
There is no specific legislation governing Courier Services.  The Post Office Act (Cap 228) governs 
postal services provided by the Government throughout Belize. 
(iv) Air transport WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
Page 20  
 
 (b) Airports and domestic airlines 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 90, para 71  
The Secretariat's Report states that self-ha ndling and mutual handling of ground-handling 
services are not permitted.  
14. Could Belize confirm that this means that Aero  Dispatch Services Ltd has an exclusive right 
for all ground handling services, or does this mean that third party ground-handling services 
are allowed? 
No.  Aero Dispatch Services Ltd does not have ex clusive rights.  Third party ground-handling services 
are allowed. 
(c ) Other related services 
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 91 para. 74 
The Secretariat's Report states that "Beliz e does not regulate the provision of computer 
reservation services. 
15. Could Belize confirm that this is indeed the case for all modes of supply? 
There is no specific legislation addressing this.  
(vi) Tourism services 
(b) Regulations WTO Secretariat's report, page 93, para. 86  
The Secretariat's Report states that tour opera tors must be citizens or permanent residents of 
Belize.  
16. Could Belize confirm that no foreign investme nt is allowed into tour operating company or 
does this restriction apply only to persons employed as natural persons in the sector? 
The exact wording of the Tour Operator SI is:  
"tour operator" means, subject to Regulation 6(2) be low: (a) a Belizean citizen, or permanent resident 
with the business of tour operator defined as his occupation on his permanent residency permit, who 
falls into one of the various categories set out in sub-regulation (2) below; or (b) an entity which is 
controlled by a majority of Belizeans or permanent residents of Belize, or a company whose majority 
shareholding is owned by Belizean c itizens or permanent residents, whic h falls into one of the various 
categories set out in sub-regulation (2) below. 
Upon applying for a Tour Operator’s License, th e owners are required to submit their company 
documents which include the registration of the company at the Business Registry in Belmopan, 
Belize.  They are also required to submit th eir Memorandum of Association and Articles of 
Association.  In addition, the application form ask s Tour Operators to declar e Belizean versus Foreign 
ownership. 
Not withstanding the regulations above, because the re gulations require that anyone who is selling or 
booking tours must have a Tour Operator's License, Hotels which offer tours to their guests must also apply for a license.  There are no Belizean interest requirements for hotels.  This causes a problem for 
those foreign owned hotels which understandably woul d not want to give up 51% of their ownership  WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
 Page 21 
 
 
 in the hotel in order to get a Tour Operator Li cense.  So, exceptions are made for licensed hotels 
which also apply for Tour Operator Licenses.   
(vi) Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
(b) Import licensing  
III.TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICIES BY MEASURE  
(1) INTRODUCTION 
(ix) Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
WTO Secretariat's Report, page 58, para. 75  
According to the Secretariat's Report, "Permits ar e required for imports of animals and animal 
products, plants and plant products, veterinary  drugs, veterinary biologicals, veterinary 
pesticides, and supplementary animal feed.  All applications must be made to the BAHA, which 
liaises with other responsible agencies when necessa ry.  Once granted, the permit will list the 
requirements that must be met for the import to be accepted. […]" 
Could Belize inform whether an import permit is required for all plants and plant products?  
A phytosanitary import permit is required for all plan ts and plant products and is legally supported by 
the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act, Chapte r 211, Part VI, Section 27(1), of the Substantive 
Laws of Belize, 2000-2003 Revised Edition.  
Could Belize inform whether the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures, ISPM 32, 
has been taken into consideration?  
Yes, we consider that specific standard a guida nce document to determine the category of a product 
according to their phytosanitary risk. If the risk as sociated to a product is significantly high this is 
then subjected to a full-fledged risk analysis as per ISPM 2, 11, and 21 depending on the commodity 
in question.   
Could Belize inform for which products a phyto sanitary certificate is required, and if this 
information has been published? 
All plant and plant products require phytosanita ry certificates because Belize needs assurance from 
the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPP O) of the exporting country that its import 
requirements are met, thereby providing Belize with the appropriate level of protection it needs to 
trade in such commodities.  A list has not been published. 
Could Belize explain whether the import perm its specifies any phytosanitary conditions 
products have to meet, and if so, where the exporters can find information on these required 
conditions for certain products beforehand? 
The import permit specifies the conditions that  are required for importation of a commodity. 
The conditions for these commodities are not yet publis hed. Importers contact the Belize Agricultural 
Health Authority (Plant Health Department, SPS E nquiry Point, BAHA offices countrywide) to obtain 
the information before any application is taken. 
There is an application procedure that is availabl e on our website at www.baha.bz.  This procedure 
contains step by step, the entire process for obtaining an import permit for a commodity.  If the person does not want to submit an application and is simply requesting information, he or she will be directed 
to the Enquiry Point who will inform them of the following:  if the product has been imported before WT/TPR/M/238/Add.1 
Page 22  
 
 from the same source and same phytosanitary st atus, the condition remains the same and is 
communicated to the importer.  If the commodity is being imported for the first time, or the phytosanitary status has changed, the importer is th en informed if a risk analysis is required.  
Could Belize inform, whether information on import requirements for plants and plant 
products as well as a list of quarantine pests w ill be made available e.g. on the IPPC web page? 
These lists are currently being developed and will eventually be published in the BAHA website as 
well as the IPPC website.  
 
__________