WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  TN/TF/W/160 
22 October 2009 
 
 (09-5237) 
Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation 
  
 
 
 
COMMENTS AND TEXTUAL SUGGESTIONS 
 
  This document contains written comments and textual suggestions
1 submitted by Members 
after the end of the last meeting of the Nego tiating Group.  Those falling under GATT Articles V and 
X have been incorporated in the Draft Consolidated Text in JOB(09)/147.   The submissions are from the following Members:  
• Brazil 
• Chile 
• Cuba 
• European Communities 
• Malaysia 
 
                                                     
 
1 Comments that have been reflect ed in the Draft Consolidated Text  are shaded in this document. TN/TF/W/160 
Page 2  
 
  SUBMISSION FROM BRAZIL 
 
ARTICLE 1:  PUBLICATION AND AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION  
3. Establishment of enquiry points 
3.1 "Each Member shall ensure that at l east one or more enquiry points exist(s)." 
Counterproposal :  "Each Member shall establish one or more enquiry points which should be issue 
specific whenever possible." 
 
ARTICLE 3:  ADVANCE RULINGS 
1.  Provision of Advance Rulings  
1.1 "A Member shall, in a time bound manner, i ssue an advance ruling to  an applicant submitting 
a written request which contains all necessary information." 
Counterproposal :  "A Member shall, in a time bound manner,  issue an advance ru ling to applicants 
with legal representation in the Member concerne d submitting a written request which contains all 
necessary information." 
 
ARTICLE 4:  APPEAL PROCEDURES  
4. Appeal Mechanism in a Customs Union  
General comment:   Brazil considers that provisions on app eal should apply to all Members, without 
making specific reference to customs unions.  
2.1 "There shall be a mechanism for redress of  adverse findings of inspection authorities, in 
particular for inspection decision relating to food items, at the import points of a customs union." 
Counterproposal :  "There shall be a mechanism for re dress of adverse findings of inspection 
authorities at import points." 
 
2.1 "In order to ensure quick and uniform a ppellate decisions, appeals against findings of 
inspection authorities at the level of a member state of a customs union shall be heard and decided at 
the customs union level. 
2.1 Such appellate decisions shall be binding on th e inspection authorities of all member states of 
a customs union." 
Counterproposal :  Delete both sentences.  TN/TF/W/160 
 Page 3 
 
 
  ARTICLE 5:  OTHER MEASURES TO ENHANCE IMPARTIALITY, NON-
DISCRIMINATION AND TRANSPARENCY 
3. Test Procedures  
3.1  (d) "For a customs union, the results of a confirmatory test carried out in one member 
  state of a customs union shall be valid for and accepted in all other member states of 
  the customs union." 
 
Counterproposal :  Delete sentence 
ARTICLE 6:  FREEDOM OF TRANSIT 
2. Basic Freedom of Transit  
2.1 "There shall be freedom of transit through the territory of each Member via the routes most 
convenient for international transit [for traffic in tr ansit to or from the territory of other contracting 
parties].  No distinction shall be made in the treatment  of traffic in transit which is based on flag of the 
vessel, the place of origin, departure, entry, exit or  destination, or any circumstances relating to the 
ownership of goods or means of transport." 
Counterproposal :  "There shall be freedom of transit th rough the territory of each Member via the 
routes most convenient for international transit [for tr affic in transit to or from the territory of other 
contracting parties].  No distinction shall be made in  the treatment of traffic in transit which is based 
on flag of the vessel, the place of origin, departure, entry, exit or destination, or any circumstances 
relating to the ownership of goods or means of tran sport, providing for exceptions set out in bilateral 
or plurilateral agreements." TN/TF/W/160 
Page 4  
 
   
SUBMISSION FROM CHILE 
 
ARTICLE 1: PUBLICATION AND AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION 
1. Publication  
1.1 [In meeting its obligation u nder paragraph 1 of Article X of  GATT 1994], [[a][each]] Member 
shall [promptly] publish [[the following information] [its trade related [legislation][rules, regulations] 
and procedures via officially designated sources]] in a non-discriminatory and convenient manner, in 
order to enable [[interested parties][government s and traders]] to become acquainted with them, 
[including procedures carried out by third parties on behalf of the government] [inter alia]: [Its]  
1.1 (c) General rules for the [[classification or  the valuation][customsvaluation,classification, 
  [origin]]]of products for customs purposes [as well as examples of such valuations 
  and classifications];  2. Internet Publication/Establishment of Official Website 
2.1 (a) [A full and precise] description of] its importation, exportation and transit procedures
  [that informs traders of the practical steps needed to import and export, and for transit   ,][including appeal procedures];   
ARTICLE 2:  PRIOR PUBLICATION AND CONSULTATION 
2. Prior Consultation and Commenting on New and Amended Rules  
2.2 Members [shall] [where possible] ensure th at new or amended trad e-related [legislation] 
[rules, regulations] and procedures be published on the national website  [at least X days] before its 
entry into force so that the inter ested parties shall be able to subm it their comments on the [legislation] 
[rules and regulations] and take necessary measures for the adaptation.  [This provision shall not apply 
except in cases of urgency.] [Exceptions to this provision are the legislation requiring urgency [[and 
cases where publication in advance [may distort market conditions] [will unduly impede the pursuit of 
legitimate policy objectives.]]]  
ARTICLE 3:  ADVANCE RULINGS 
1. Provision of Advance Rulings 
1.1 [A Member shall issue [[in a time bound manner][in a maximum period of 180 days]] an 
advance ruling to [[an applicant][applicants with legal representation in the Member concerned]] 
submitting a written request which contains all nece ssary information.  A Member that declines to 
issue an advance ruling shall promptly notify the a pplicant in writing [setting out the relevant facts 
and] the basis for its [[response][decision]]].  
 [Each Member shall maintain or set up an Authority for [Advance Rulings for the purpose of] 
issuing, [in a time bound manner,] an advance ruli ng to an applicant upon submission of a written 
application which contains all necessary information.   The Advance Ruling Authority that declines to 
issue an advance ruling shall promptly inform the applicant in writing, setting out the relevant facts 
and the basis for its decision.]   TN/TF/W/160 
 Page 5 
 
 
  ARTICLE 5: OTHER MEASURES TO ENHANCE IMPARTIALITY, NON-
DISCRIMINATION AND TRANSPARENCY 
3. Test Procedures   
[3.1 (a) In case of the first test of a sample having shown an adverse finding, each Member 
  conducting such a test [[shall][may]] grant the concerned importer or the exporter or 
  their authorized agent the right to a second confirmatory test. 
 
(b) A clear procedure shall be laid down fo r such a confirmatory test including a 
validated test method. 
(c) (A list of accredited laboratories shall be  published where confirmatory tests can be 
 carried out. 
[(d) For a customs union, the results of a c onfirmatory test carried out in one member 
 state of a customs union shall be valid for and be accepted in all other member states 
 of the customs union.]] 
ARTICLE 6:  FREEDOM OF TRANSIT 
4. Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
    
4.1 Publication of Fees and Charges:  
[(a) Publication :  Members shall publish promptly in formation on [all] charges [imposed 
in respect of traffic in transit].  This information shall include the reason for the 
charge, the responsible authority, the charg es that will be applied, and when and how 
payment is to be made.  The information shall be published, [in one of the three 
official WTO languages,] via an officially  designated medium, and to the extent 
practicable, an official website.] 
 
5. Disciplines on Transit Formalities and Documentation Requirements 
5.1 Publication:  
[(a) Publication :  Each Member shall publish all transit formalities and documentation 
requirements, and regional transit agreem ents or arrangements [except if a non-
Member-Party to such an agreement or arrangement opposes publication].  
The information shall be published[, in one  of the three official WTO languages,] via 
an officially designated source, such as the official gazette, the official journal or an 
official web-site.]  
 TN/TF/W/160 
Page 6  
 
  SUBMISSION FROM CUBA 
 
Comments and counterproposals with which Cuba agrees:
 
 
• Comment G7, counterproposal 7 :  "Revise transit aspect to reflect that transit is exempted 
from duties".  
 
• Comment G46, counterproposal 6 :  Delete "or their drafts".  
 
• Comment G54, counterproposal 4 :  Clarify that "interested parties" refers only to parties 
that are located within the territory of a Me mber (as opposed to that of other Members).  
Although we disagree with holding public consu ltations on new or amended rules, in the 
event that this requirement should be agreed, c onsultations at national level would be the most 
appropriate (this is for your information).  
 
• Comment n91, counterproposal 35 :  Eliminate lit. (b), (c) and (d) and limit coverage to (a) 
(we only want advance rulings concerning the classification of goods). 
 
• Comment G205, counterproposal 7 :  Add more flexibility, recognizing that some countries 
do not have guarantee systems. 
 
• Comment G206, counterproposal 8 :  Incorporate flexible language allowing countries to 
apply their national practices, taking into account that not all countries apply guarantees and use other instruments. 
 
• Comment G207, counterproposal 9 :  Ensure right of a Member government to collect duty 
in cash. 
 
• Comment G245, counterproposal 1 :  Modify language.  Do not  make the use of financial 
guarantees a requirement. 
 
• Comments n360 and 361, counterp roposals 2 and 3 respectively :  Call for progressive 
voluntary elimination of preshipment inspection ra ther than mandatory one with a deadline.  
(Cuba and other developing countries use preshipme nt inspection, so the phrase "to the extent 
possible" should be included.) 
 
• Comments n372 and 373, counterproposals 4 and 5 respectively :  Information should be 
exchanged to the extent possible, in accordance with Cuba's position expressed in 
TN/TF/W/123/Rev.2.  
 
Comments and counterproposals that we wish to include: 
 
 (Please note that the comments to TN/TF/W/133/Rev.3 were added to the draft consolidated text.  Comments on GATT Article VIII proposals (TN/TF/W/138/Rev.2) will be added after the next NGTF meeting.)  
• TN/TF/W/138/Rev.2 :  As regards  the single window:  Add the phrase "to the extent 
possible".  Take into account the cost-related impact of such a proposal, meaning that it should be a best endeavour commitment, and provide for gradual implementation of this 
provision, for which technical, technological, fina ncial and training-related assistance will be  TN/TF/W/160 
 Page 7 
 
 
  needed.  This likewise applies to document  TN/TF/W/133/Rev.3, which also addresses the 
single window issue.  
 
• TN/TF/W/133/Rev.3 :  Following on from paragraph 6, add the following new  paragraph:  
"Members recognize that the general and security exceptions provided for in GATT 
Articles XX and XXI shall be fully applicab le, but for valid reasons not constituting a 
disguised restriction on international trade".  
  TN/TF/W/133/Rev.3 :  Improved cooperation and coordina tion, lit. (a), between authorities 
 and the private sector:  Add "to the extent po ssible" in order to provide flexibility for the 
 developing countries. 
 TN/TF/W/160 
Page 8  
 
  SUBMISSION FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
 
ARTICLE 6:  FREEDOM OF TRANSIT 
7. Regional Transit Agreements or Arrangements 
 Keep paragraph 7.1(c) in brackets so as to read: 
 
 [(c) Mutually recognize au thorized trader schemes;] 
  TN/TF/W/160 
 Page 9 
 
 
  SUBMISSION FROM MALAYSIA 
 
ARTICLE 1:  PUBLICATION AND AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION 
1. Publication  
1.1 In meeting its obligation under paragraph 1 of Article X of GATT 1994, a Member [to the 
extent possible] [shall promptly ] publish, in a non-discriminatory a nd convenient manner, in order to 
enable interested parties to become  acquainted with them, inter alia: 
(c) General rules for customs valuation, cl assification of products for customs purposes 
 [as well as examples of such valuations and classifications ]; 
 2.  Internet Publication/Establishment of Official Website 
2.1 Recognizing that electronic means of publica tion are usually the most cost effective and 
easily accessible format for publication, each Member [to the extent possible] shall make available 
and keep current on one or more publicly accessible official websites:  
 [(c)  Relevant trade related legislation, as well as electronic links to forms and documents  
  as provided for in subparagraph 2.1 (b). ]  
3. Establishment of Enquiry Points 
[3.1  Each Member shall ensure that at least one or more enquiry points exist(s).  Enquiry points 
shall answer all reasonable enquiries on the issues c overed by paragraph 1 from interested parties as 
well as provide the required forms re ferred to in paragraph 1(a). 
 
3.2 If a Member requires payment of a fee fo r enquiries, such fees shall not exceed the 
[approximate] cost of the service rendered. 
3.3.  The enquiry points shall reply to enquiries within a time period set by each individual 
Member.] 
[3.5 Developing countries whic h are members of a customs union or involved in a regional 
integration process shall have the options of estab lishing one or more enquiry points at the regional 
level. The existence of a notified regional enqu iry points would satisfy the requirements for t he 
existence of a national enquiry points under this current provision. ] 
4. Notification 
4.1 Each Member shall notify [the  Trade Facilitation Committee of] : 
(a) [Where the items in paragraph 1.1(a) to  (h) have been published, and in case of 
 publications in more than one place, [the most conveniently accessible place and most 
 likely publication that will enable interest ed parties to become acquainted with the 
 materials;  and  
 
(b) The URLs of website[s] referred to in pa ragraph 2, as well as the contact information 
 of the enquiry points referred to in paragraph 5.]   
 TN/TF/W/160 
Page 10  
 
  ARTICLE 2:  PRIOR PUBLICATION AND CONSULTATION 
1. Interval between Publication and Entry into Force  
 
1.1 Except in urgent circumstances and other limited exceptions [which are made public ], 
Members shall [where possible and when deemed  necessary], within the competence of their 
respective government, that a reasonable interval is provided between the publication of new or 
amended laws, regulations and administrative rulings  of general application, [or their drafts or  
summaries, ] and their entry into force in  such a manner as to allow [interested parties] [traders] to 
become acquainted with and well prepared for the compliance with them. 
2. [Prior ] Consultation and Commenting on Ne w and Amended Rules [(and Information 
 on Policy Objectives Sought)]  
2.1 Except in urgent circumstances and other exceptions, Members within the competence of 
their respective government, [where possible provide ] appropriate opportunities to interested parties 
within their territories to comment on proposed introduction or amendment of trade-related laws, 
regulations and administrative ruli ngs of general application.  
2.2 Members [where possible], ensure that ne w or amended trade-re lated legislation and 
procedures be published on the [nationa l] websites before its entry into force so that interested parties 
may be able to submit their comments on the le gislation [and take necessary measures for the 
adaptation .] [This provision shall not apply in cases of urgency. ] 
3.  Regular Consultation 
 
3.1 Members shall [when deemed necessary] hold regular consultations between border agencies 
and traders within their territories."  
ARTICLE 3:  ADVANCE RULINGS 
1. Provision of Advance Rulings 
1.1  [A Member shall, in a time bound manner [in a maximum of 180 days ], ruling to an applicant 
submitting a written request which contains all necessar y information.  A Member's that declines to 
issue an advance ruling shall promptly notify the ap plicant in writing, setting out the relevant facts 
and the basis for its decision. 
 
 Each Member shall maintain or set up a Authority for the purpose of issuing in a time bound 
manner, an advance ruling to applicant upon submissi on of a written applications which contains all 
necessary information.  The Ad vance Ruling Authority that declines to issue an advance ruling shall 
promptly inform the applicant in writing, setting out  the relevant facts and the basis for its decision.  
 
1.2 A Member shall apply an advance ruling for a reasonable period of time after its issuance, 
unless the facts or circumstances supporting the orig inal ruling have changed.  Where a Member 
revokes or modifies a ruling it shall provide written notice to the applicant setting out the relevant 
facts and the basis for its decision.]  
 1.3 A Member shall publish, at a minimum:  
(a) The [indicative] time period by wh ich it [its Advance Ruling Authority ] will issue an 
 advance ruling; 
  TN/TF/W/160 
 Page 11 
 
 
  1.4 A Member [shall ] [may] provide, upon the request of the applicant, for a review by the 
issuing authority of the advance ruling or the decision to revoke or modify the advance ruling.  In cases where the information presented as the b asis for the advance ruling was incorrect, the 
competent authority shall revoke or modify the ruling with retroactive. 
1.5 A Member shall endeavour to ma ke available information [publicly ] on advance rulings 
which it considers to be of significant interest to ot her traders, taking into account the need to protect 
commercially confidential information. 
1.6  Definitions :  
 [An "advance ruling" is a written decision made by  a Member, that is provided to an applicant 
prior to the importation of the good concerned into its territory that sets forth the treatment the 
Member where possible or applicable shall provi de the good in connection with an importation 
covered by the application, with regard to: 
 
 An advance ruling is written decision provided by the advance Ruling Authority to the 
applicant prior to the importation of the goods concer ned into its territory that sets forth the trea tment 
the Member shall provide the good at time of importation  
 
 (a) The good's tariff classification [including ] the applied duty rate for the product [or, 
  where appropriate, the way the applie d duty rate for a product is calculated ]; 
 
(c) The application o f the Member’s requirements for duty drawback, deferral, or other 
relief from customs duties;  
(d) The application of the Member’s requirements for quotas, including tariff quotas;  
(e) The origin of the good;]  
(f) Additional matters on which a Member cons iders [[itself capable][appropriate]] to 
issue an advance ruling; 
(g) fees and charges that will be applied [or,  where appropriate, information on the way  
such fees and charges are calculated .] 
 [An "applicant" is an importer, exporter or a representative thereof, who meets the criteria 
specified in the national legislation of the importing Member.]  
 ARTICLE 4:  APPEAL PROCEDURES 
1. Right of Appeal  
1.1 Each Member [shall ] [may] provide that any person to whom customs or another relevant 
border agency issues a decision has the right, within its territory, without penalty, to: 
(a) [Administrative appeal independent of the employee or office of the agency which 
 issued the decision; or] 
1.3 Transparency :  Members [shall ] [may] ensure that appeal procedures are carried out in a non-
discriminatory manner, and that information concerni ng such procedures is made available to traders 
in such a manner as defined in Article [X].  Traders [shall ] [may] be allowed to be represented at all TN/TF/W/160 
Page 12  
 
  stages of appeal procedures by independent legal counsel [subject to the national legislation of a 
Member].   
1.4 Set Period :  Members [shall ] [may] ensure that customs and other relevant border agencies 
adopt and maintain set periods for their review  and correction of decisions under the appeal 
procedures.  The appellant shall have the right, fo r procedures mentioned in paragraph 1(a), in a case 
of undue delay, to bring the case to the next higher  instance subject to the national legislation of a 
Member.    
1.5 Opportunities To Receive Information And Grievances:   Members [shall ] [may] ensure that 
customs and other relevant border agencies afford opportunities for traders, upon request, to receive 
information concerning the administrative decisi on such as the reasoning of the decision including 
applied laws and regulations.  
1.6 Members [shall ] [may] ensure that customs and other relevant border agencies receive 
grievances from traders concerning the admini strative decision they are addressed to".  
 
ARTICLE 6:  FREEDOM OF TRANSIT 
 1. Scope  
 
1.1 Definition of traffic in transit : Goods – include means of transport (including [those moved  
via fixed infrastructure, inter alia pipelines and electricity grids ] baggage and the personal belongings 
of the person operating the means of transport), shall be  deemed to be in transit across the territory of 
a Member when the passage across such territory is  only a portion of a complete journey beginning 
and terminating beyond the frontier of the Member whose territory the traffic passes.  Traffic of this nature is termed "traffic in transit" irrespective of (i) trans-shipment, short-term storage, breaking 
bulk, or change in the mode of transport, and ( ii) whether the goods or means of transport, after 
passing across a territory of a Member, return to the territory of a Member in which they originate or 
through which they have previously transited.  Means of transport shall be deemed  to be in transit also 
if they carry exclusively goods in transit, even if the means of transport are not in themselves in transit 
according to the above definition. 
 
1.4 Consignments which are being transhipped shall [not ] be subject to transit procedures.  
2. Basic freedom of transit 
 
2.1 There shall be freedom of transit through the territory of each Member via [designated routes] 
[the routes  most convenient ] for international transit [for traffic in transit to or from the territory of 
other contracting parties].  No dis tinction shall be made in the treatment of traffic in transit which is 
based on flag of the vessel, the place of origin, departure, entry, exit or destination, or any 
circumstances relating to the ownership of goods or [means of transport].  
 
3. Regulations, Restrictions and Non-Discrimination 
 
3.1 Regulation on Traffic in Transit :  [All regulation] imposed by [contracting parties] on traffic 
in transit to or from the territories of other [contrac ting parties] shall be reasonable, having regard to 
the conditions of the traffic. 
  TN/TF/W/160 
 Page 13 
 
 
  4. Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
 
4.1 Publication of Fees and Charges : 
 
(a) Publication:  Members shall [to the extent  possible] publish information on charges. 
This information shall include the reason for the charge, the responsible authority, the 
charges that will be applied, and how paymen t is to be made. The information [to the 
extent possible] shall be published via an officially designated medium, and to the 
extent practicable, on one or more official websites. 
[(b) Prior publication : Except in urgent circumstances and other limited exceptions 
 [which are made public ], Members shall [where possible and when deemed 
 necessary], [provide] [shall accord ] an adequate time period between the publication 
 of information on new or amended charges and their entry into force.  
4.2 Periodic Review of Fees and Charges : 
 
[(a) Periodic review:  Each Member [where possible] shall [periodically ] review its 
 charges with a view to reducing their number  and diversity [to ensure that they are in  
 line with WTO commitments and where appropriate ] [whenever deemed necessary]. 
5. Disciplines on Transit Formalities and Documentation Requirements 
 
 5.1 Publication: 
 
(a) Publication :  Each Member [where possible] sh all publish all transit formalities and 
 documentation requirements, and regional transit agreements or arrangements [[, 
 except if a non-Member-Party to such an agreement or arrangement opposes  publication]].  The information shall be published via an officially designated source, 
 such as the official gazette, the offici al journal or an official web-site.  
(b) Prior publication :  Except in urgent circumstances and other limited exceptions, 
[which are made public ] [where possible and when deemed necessary], Members 
shall [accord ] [provide] an adequate time peri od between the publication of new or 
amended transit formalities and documenta tion requirements and their entry into 
force. 
5.2 [Periodic ] Review : 
(a) Each Member [where possible] shall [periodically ] review its transit formalities and 
documentation requirements [to ensure that  they are in line with WTO commitments  
and] with a view to consolidating them a nd reducing their impact on trade [whenever 
deemed necessary].  Such reviews shall allo w for the participation of all interested 
parties and, as appropriate, may be held at a regional or international level. 
5.3 Reduction/Limitation/Simplification/Adjustment : 
  (a) Any Member may require that traffic in tr ansit through its territory be entered at the 
proper customs office without prejudice to th e other commitments on transit, but such 
traffic in transit through their territory sh all not be subject to any unnecessary delays, 
restrictions, inspections or controls[, except in cases of failure to comply with 
applicable laws and regulati ons,] and [where possible] sh all be granted expedited and 
simplified treatment at border crossing points,  including sea, fluvial and air ports or TN/TF/W/160 
Page 14  
 
  inland terminals as applicable. Such expedite d and simplified treatment implies, inter 
alia: 
 
 (iv) Reducing the administrative bur den for traffic in transit:   Transit formalities 
and documentation requirements shall be  reasonable having regard to the 
conditions of the traffic, applied uniform ly and be not more trade restrictive 
than necessary to permit the control of th e operation and to ensure that all 
requirements relating to the application of relevant law have been complied 
with. For traffic in transit, Members shall provide for: 
 
- [the establishment of a single window;  and  
- the establishment of an authorised  trader scheme with a view to  grant 
simplified treatment to traders with a good track record of compliance with 
transit formalities  and documenta tion  requirements.]  
6. Bonded Transport Regime and Guarantees 
 
6.1  Where a Member operates a guarantee system to avoid inland diversi on of goods in transit, 
any person required to provide security [may] [shall ] be allowed to choose any form of security 
provided that it is acceptable to the customs and other border authorities.  This Member shall also ensure that the guarantees required from transit operators are: 
 
6.3  [In cases where a Member chooses to apply other appropriate measures to prevent the inl and 
diversion of goods, no guarantee shall be required for the transit of goods. ] 
 
7. Regional Transit Agreements or Arrangements 
 
7.1  Members [may] [shall]  promote bilateral and regional tr ansit agreements or arrangements 
with a view to reducing trade barriers and enhance freedom of transit.  Members shall take full account of international standards and instruments wh en designing and applying those agreements or 
arrangements.  In particular, contracting parties to  regional transit agreements or arrangements shall 
strive to: 
8. Improved Coordination and Cooperation 
 
8.1  Amongst Authorities:  Members shall [end eavour to] ensure coope ration and coordination 
between all concerned authorities and agencies in thei r territory to facilitate traffic in transit.  
[Members shall ensure cooperation with other Member s on issues of traffic in transit, including with 
regard to standardizing transit formalities and documentation requireme nts, coordinating operations of 
border crossings and mutual recognition of authorize d trader schemes.  To this end, neighbouring 
Members shall, as far as necessary, meet periodically  to discuss and come to an understanding on the 
fees and charges, formalities, legal requirements a nd practical operation of transit regimes relating to 
goods  moving in transit between them.]   
8.2  Between Authorities and the Private Sector :  Members shall [where possible], provide 
opportunities for interested traders or their represen tatives [within their territo ries] to comment on the 
transit regime and its operation, including with re gard to the introduction of new or amended transit 
fees and charges, and transit formalities and documen tation requirements, with a view to minimizing 
unnecessary delays and restrictions on traffic in transit.  
 
__________