WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1 
20 December 2007 
 (07-5696) 
Negotiating Group on Market Access Original:   English 
  
 
MARKET ACCESS FOR NON-AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS 
 
Sectoral Negotiations in Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA)
 
 
Revision  
 
Communication from Canada; European Communities;  Hong Kong, China; Iceland; Japan; Korea; 
New Zealand; Norway; Oman;  the Separate Cu stoms Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu; Singapore; Switzerland; Thailand; the United Arab Emirates; and  the United States 
  The following communication, dated 19 December 2007, is being circulated at the request of 
the delegations of Canada; European Communities;  Hong Kong, China; Iceland; Japan; Korea; New 
Zealand; Norway; Oman;  the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; 
Singapore; Switzerland; Thailand; the United Arab Emirates; and  the United States. 
 
_______________ 
 
 1. Paragraph 7 of Annex B of the Decision a dopted by the General Council on 1 August 2004 
recognises the importance of the sectoral tariff component as another key element to achieving the 
objectives of paragraph 16 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration. 
 
2. The sectoral initiatives shall aim to reduce, ha rmonize or as appropriate eliminate tariffs, 
including the reduction or elimination of tariff peak s, high tariffs and tariff escalation, over and above 
that which would be achieved by the formula modality , in particular on products  of export interest to 
developing Members.  
3. At Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, Minister s instructed Members to “review proposals 
with a view to identifying those which could garner  sufficient participation to be realized” based on 
participation on a non-mandatory basis.  4. The sectoral initiatives currently  proposed are, as mentioned in the Chair’s draft NAMA 
modalities (JOB(07)/126): “automotive and related pa rts; bicycle and related parts; chemicals; 
electronics/electrical products; fish and fish products ; forest products; gems and jewellery; hand tools; 
open access to enhanced health care;  raw materials;  sports equipment; toys; and textiles, clothing and 
footwear.”    
5. For Members’ quick reference, Annex A of this communication provides a summary of the 
papers which have been submitte d on the above-mentioned sectoral initiatives.  This summary is a 
revision of that found in TN/MA/W/8/Add.2, circul ated in February 2007, and reflects the progress 
made to date.  Annex B of this communicati on provides, for each sectoral initiative, a brief 
description of its current stat e and its contact point(s). 
 TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1 
Page 2  
 
  6. We wish to underscore the importance of th e sectoral tariff reduction component in the 
NAMA and wider DDA negotiations.  We will be in tensifying our negotiations with Members, 
particularly our substantive trade partners, on this  component.  We reiterate that we are open to 
discussions with all interested Members.  These di scussions would continue to focus on: defining the 
critical mass which may include the share of worl d trade and level of participation of competitive 
producers; the scope of product coverage; the implementation period for tariff reduction or 
elimination; and special and differential tr eatment for developing-country participants. 
 7. The co-sponsors request that paragraph 12 of the Chair’s draft NAMA modalities 
(JOB(07)/126) be revised to change the deadline for Members to indicate their intent to participate in 
sectoral agreements from establishment of modalities (EOM) plus one month to EOM plus two 
months.  8. On 7 June 2007, the NAMA Chair provided Me mbers with a timeline for the preparation and 
verification of schedules.  According to this time line, Members have three months from the EOM to 
prepare their comprehensive draft schedules.  Memb ers who are requesting Secretariat assistance in 
the preparation of their schedules will advise the Secr etariat of which flexibilities they intend to utilize 
at EOM plus two months.  9. Several sectoral proponents developed a timeta ble for incorporating the outcomes of sectoral 
negotiations into Members’ schedules based on the Secretariat timeline. Accordingly, we proposed 
that Members notify the Secretariat and sectoral propone nts of their intent to participate at EOM plus 
two months if the Secretariat is responsible for preparing their schedules.  The EOM plus two month 
period aligns with the deadline for selecting flexib ilities and allows Members to consider both sectoral 
participation and flexibility together.  This two m onth period also provides Members sufficient time to 
secure the critical mass necessary to complete their sectoral tariff agreements. 
 
10. This communication, including its Annex, is without prejudice to the negotiating positions of 
its individual co-sponsors with regard to any of the sectoral initiatives .  
   TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1
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Annex A :  Summary of Papers Tabled on Sectoral Tariff Initiatives  
 
Sector Document Co-Sponsors Product Coverage Modality for Tariff 
Reduction S&D Treatment1 Notes 
Automotive 
and Related Parts Sector  JOB(06)/87
2 Japan Automotives 
HS 870321, 870322, 870323, 870324, 
870331, 870332, 870333, 870390  
Related Parts 
Products almost exclusively used for 
manufacturing automobiles are picked out and proposed from Chapters 40, 68, 70, 73, 83, 84, 85, 87, 90, 91, 94 (please refer to Attachment 2 of the JOB document for 
a complete list) End rate : zero 
 Critical Mass : 
99 percent of global trade for automotives 
98 percent of global trade for 
related parts  Staging :  
Equal annual instalments, 
starting after the completion of 
general tariff cuts by formula Staging period: [5] years. For example, if implementation of formula cuts is to be 
completed within [4] equal 
annual instalments, then total period for tariff elimination shall be [4] plus [5] years.  
 Possible options might 
include: 
For Automotives 
(i) Longer staging period 
(plus up to [6] years at the 
discretion of developing 
Members taking this option) 
(ii) Exceptions to equal 
annual instalment: how to 
arrange instalments should 
be at the discretion of the developing Member which chose this option 
(iii) Zero for X (0 < X < 
end rate by general 
formula cut for developing Members; may be applied to only limited number of tariff lines or all of the 
tariff lines.) 
For Related parts 
(i) Longer staging period 
(plus up to [3] years at the discretion of developing 
Members taking this 
option)  
                                                      
1 Not applicable to developed countries. 
2 13 April 2006.   
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Page 4 
Sector Document Co-Sponsors Product Coverage Modality for Tariff 
Reduction S&D Treatment1 Notes 
     (ii) Exceptions to equal 
annual instalment: how to arrange instalments should be at the discretion of the developing Member which 
chose this option 
(iii) Zero for X (0 < X < end rate by general formula cut for developing Members; this exceptional 
treatment is for limited 
number of products of not more than [10]% of the developing Member’s import volume.) 
  
Bicycle and 
Related Parts TN/MA/W/843 Japan; Singapore; 
Switzerland; the 
Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu; and Thailand  HS 401150, HS 401320 
Ex 6506.10 (Bicycle helmets) 
Ex 731511 (roller chain of a kind used on 
bicycles) Ex 732020 (stainless steel spring for bicycle valve inside core use) Ex 830610 (Bells for bicycles) 
Ex 848180 (valves, inner-tube, for 
bicycles) HS 851210 Ex 851290 Parts of lighting or visual signalling equipment of a kind used on 
bicycles 
HS 871200, HS 871491 HS 871492, HS 871493, HS 871494, HS871495, HS 871496 Ex 871499 (other parts and accessories of 
bicycles and other cycles, not motorized) 
Ex 871640  Other trailers and semi-trailers 
for bicycles Ex 871690 Parts of other trailers and semi-trailers for bicycles End rate : zero 
 
Critical Mass : no less than [90] 
percent of the world trade in bicycles and related parts.  Staging: the participant shall 
implement the tariff elimination 
over [five] years in equal instalments, or the final implementation period for general tariff reductions by 
formula, whichever is shorter. Possible options might 
include: 
- Longer implementation 
period 
- Harmonization levels 
for certain products 
  
                                                      
3 5 April 2007 .  
   TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1
 Page 5Sector Document Co-Sponsors Product Coverage Modality for Tariff 
Reduction S&D Treatment1 Notes 
Chemicals TN/MA/W/58 
 Canada; Japan; 
Norway; the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu; 
Singapore; 
Switzerland; and the United States  HS Chapters 28 - 39  Possible options might 
include: : 
- Longer implementation 
periods for all chemical products 
- Different 
implementation periods in certain products/sub-sectors 
- Zero for “x” 
- Participation in certain 
sub-sectors 
  
 TN/MA/W/724 Canada; Norway; The 
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu; Singapore; 
Switzerland; the 
United States   HS Chapters 28-39 
One member proposed the addition of semi-processed rubber (HS 4002-4008) to the product coverage  End rate:  zero 
 Implementation period : 
Immediate tariff elimination  
 (a) CTHA Developing-
Country Participants  
may elect to eliminate 
chemical duties based on the following two-step 
process: (i)  Each Member 
must first fulfil CTHA harmonization according to its previously negotiated staging 
schedule and CTHA end 
rates (refer to table A in proposal).  (ii) Then, after the CTHA rate has been attained,  the Member 
must eliminate its bound 
tariffs in 5 equal, annual instalments.  
(b) Developing Members 
that are not CTHA 
participants  may elect to 
eliminate chemical duties according to a staging schedule no less ambitious than what was agreed to 
by the CTHA (as reflected 
in table B in the proposal).   S&D modalities 
evolving in positive manner as a result of feedback from 
ongoing 
consultations with prospective co-sponsors.  
                                                      
4 15 May 2006.   
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Page 6 
Sector Document Co-Sponsors Product Coverage Modality for Tariff 
Reduction S&D Treatment1 Notes 
Electronics/ 
Electrical TN/MA/W/59 
TN/MA/W/59/Add.1 Japan; Korea; 
Singapore; Thailand and the United States Product coverage s hould be wide-ranging 
and simple for Members to implement.  Broad product coverage that would include a significant range of products, potentially including information 
technology, electrical equipment and 
machinery, semiconductors, audio visual products and consumer electronics  Possible options might 
include : 
- Longer implementation 
periods 
- Different 
implementation 
patterns for different product groups or sectors 
- “Zero for X” 
- Participation in a 
smaller number of products 
  
 TN/MA/W/695 
 Hong Kong, China; 
Japan; Korea; Singapore; Thailand and the United States 
  Initiative should cover a broad range of 
products, such as information technology products, audio-visual products, home electrical appliances, office machines and 
other electrical/electronic equipment.   
Totally new products which have emerged after the ITA such as  multi-chip packages 
(MCPs) should also be covered.  Precise product coverage to be elaborated further. End rate :  zero. 
 
Implementation period:   same 
as standard NAMA 
implementation period (to be 
agreed)  Staging : Equal annual 
installments. (equal steps each 
year) Possible options might 
include:  
(i)  Longer 
implementation periods 
for specific tariff lines up to a certain trade value share of the total product coverage. 
 
(ii) Zero for X: As a limited exception, tariff rate of [X]% may be maintained for specific 
tariff lines up to a certain 
trade value share of the sectoral product coverage, if the tariff rate after tariff reduction in accordance 
with the general 
modalities is above [X]%.  
 JOB(06)/84/ Rev.16 
 Japan; Hong Kong, 
China Illustrative Product List    
                                                      
5 28 April 2006. 
6 30 June 2006.  
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 Page 7Sector Document Co-Sponsors Product Coverage Modality for Tariff 
Reduction S&D Treatment1 Notes 
Fish and fish 
products TN/MA/W/63 
JOB(06)/132 JOB(06)/132/Add.1
7 
TN/MA/W/63/Add.1 JOB(06)132/Add.2 
JOB(06)/132/Add.3 
JOB(06)/132/Add4 Canada; Hong Kong, 
China; Iceland; New Zealand; Norway; Oman; Panama; Singapore Thailand 
and Uruguay. HS 03, HS 0509, HS 0511.91, HS 
1504.10, HS 1504.20 Ex HS 1603 (juices and extracts of meat and fish) HS 1604, HS 1605, HS 2301.20 End rate : zero 
 
Critical mass : [90] percent of 
world trade 
 
Implementation : For 
developed country participants, entry-into-force of DDA commitments.  Possible options might 
include: 
- Longer 
implementation: implement tariff 
reductions in [four] 
equal rate reductions 
- Zero for x: choose up 
to [y] percent of tariff lines to bind at not 
more than [x] percent  
- Additional flexibility in 
cases of extreme sensitivity: choose one 6 digit sub-heading to 
bind at not more than 
[10] percent. 
 Full draft 
modalities are in the final stages of development.  These modalities 
will identify 
values for [x] and [y] which co-sponsors believe will allow 
developing 
countries to address sensitive lines in this sector. 
Forest Products TN/MA/W/64 Canada; Hong Kong, 
China; New Zealand; Thailand and the United States HS Chapters 44, 47, 48, and 49, and 
additional products in Chapter 94 (e.g. some furniture items and pre-fabricated buildings)  Possible options might 
include : 
- Varied  implementation 
period periods to accommodate different 
needs 
- Zero for X (some 
Members eliminate tariffs while others reduce and harmonise 
them) 
- Limited product 
exemption 
- Participation credits (if 
this is agreed as part of 
the modalities for the 
formula) 
  
                                                      
7 22 May 2006.  
  TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1 
Page 8 
Sector Document Co-Sponsors Product Coverage Modality for Tariff 
Reduction S&D Treatment1 Notes 
 TN/MA/W/75 
JOB(06)/1288 Canada; Hong Kong, 
China; New Zealand; Singapore; Thailand and the United States  Chapters 44, 47, 49, products made of 
wood in Chapter 94 (to date, members have proposed HS  9401.61, 9401.69, 9403.30, 9403.40, 9403.50, 9403.60, 9403.80 and 9406.00) 
 End rate :  Zero 
 Critical mass : Interested 
members have defined critical mass as 90 percent of world 
trade 
Implementation : As soon as 
possible and no later than dates specified in the modalities for implementing formula 
reductions 
 Possible options might 
include: 
(a) Longer implementation 
periods for a specific number of tariff lines up to 
a maximum level of trade. 
(b) Zero for X:  Participants will decide whether it is appropriate for developing-country 
Members to reduce and 
harmonize their tariffs rather than eliminating them. Participants will decide whether this 
provision could apply to 
the full product coverage or to specified lines.  (c) Limited Product 
Exemptions:  To date, 
participants have urged as comprehensive a product coverage as possible, and therefore they generally 
support modalities such as 
longer implementation periods or “zero for x” rather than product exemptions. Nevertheless, 
it will be up to all 
participants in the agreement to decide whether this provision could be used. Since the 
issuance of TN/MA/W/75, Switzerland has joined the list of 
co-sponsors. 
 
Full draft modalities are in the final stages 
of development.  
These modalities will identify the implementation 
periods for both 
developed and developing Members as well as the 
specific 
flexibilities co-sponsors believe will allow developing 
countries to 
address sensitive lines in this sector.  
Gems and 
Jewellery TN/MA/W/61 
TN/MA/W/61/Add.1 TN/MA/W/61/Add.2
9 Hong  Kong, China; 
Japan; the Separate Customs Territory of 
Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen, and Matsu; Articles under Chapter 71 of the HS, 
which includes pearls, diamonds, precious stones, synthetic stones, silver, gold, 
platinum, and other articles of the products 
aforementioned, jewellery, imitation End rate : zero 
 Critical mass: interested 
Members have proposed  90% 
of  WTO’s Members’ trade Possible options might 
include:  
A three-step staging for 
certain sensitive products  
                                                      
8 19 June 2006 . 
9 24 June 2006.   
   TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1
 Page 9Sector Document Co-Sponsors Product Coverage Modality for Tariff 
Reduction S&D Treatment1 Notes 
Singapore; 
Switzerland; Thailand and the United States  jewellery, and coin.   Step 1 - Reduce the bound 
tariffs of those specific products to [Y]% or to the post-formula values, whichever is the lower, 
over [Z
1] years in equal 
installments.  Step 2 - Maintain  the rate(s) in Step 1) for [Z
2] 
years 
 
Step 3 - Eliminate the tariffs  [Others] 
 
Hand Tools 
 JOB(06)/9810 The Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen, and 
Matsu 820110, 820120, 820130, 820140, 
820150, 820160, 820190, 820210, 
820220, 820231, 820239, 820240, 
820291, 820299, 820310, 820320, 820330, 820340, 820411, 820412, 820420, 820510, 820520, 820530, 820540, 820551, 820559, 820560, 
820570, 820580, 820590, 820600 
 End rate : zero 
 
Critical mass :  no less than 
[90] percent of world trade   Implementation  over [ ] years 
in equal instalments. Possible options might 
include: 
- Longer implementation 
period 
- Harmonization levels 
for certain products 
- Limited product 
coverage exemption 
  
Open Access to 
Enhanced 
Healthcare JOB(07)/2311 
 
 Singapore, the United 
States and Switzerland 
 HS ex.2844, 2936, 2937, 2939, 2941, 
3001, 3002, 3003, 3004, 3005, 3006, 
3822, ex.4015, ex.8419, ex.8543, 8713, 
ex.8714,  9018, 9019, 9021, ex.9022, ex.9025, 9402, ex Bednets, treated or untreated, wherever classified End rate : zero 
(for donated pharmaceutical and 
medical device products: 
immediate elimination) Possible options might 
include (for other-than-
donated products):  
 
(a)   eliminate duties in a  
two-step process:    
(i)   reduce base tariffs to 
an agreed upon rate of harmonization over an agreed upon staging;   Initiative contains 
an NTB 
component for 
members’ consideration 
                                                      
10 21 April 2006. 
11 23 February 2007 (a previous generation of the proposal  can be found in JOB(06)/35, dated 24 February 2006).   
  TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1 
Page 10 
Sector Document Co-Sponsors Product Coverage Modality for Tariff 
Reduction S&D Treatment1 Notes 
     (ii)  eliminate base tariffs 
at the harmonized rate as agreed under (a)(i) within [5] years in annual, equal instalments after the 
previously negotiated 
harmonized tariff rate is attained.  (b)  [8] years in annual 
equal instalments to 
eliminate tariffs to zero on all products.   (c)   for a limited number 
of highly sensitive 
products, tariffs may be eliminated with longer implementation periods. 
  
Raw Materials TN/MA/W/37/Add.2 
TN/MA/W/37/Add.3  
 United Arab Emirates HS2515, 2516, 2519, 2523, 2601.1, 
2601.11, 2602.00- 2611.00, 2707, 2708, 2710, 2711, 2715.00, 2818, 2820, 7101, 
7401.10, 7401.20, 7403.11, 7403.12, 
7403.13, 7403.19, 7403.21, 7403.22, 7403.23, 7403.29, 7404.00, 7405.00, 7406.10, 7406.20, 7602.00, 7603.10, 7603.20, 8104.11, 8401.19, 8401.20, 
8401.30, 8111.00 
 End rate : Zero Not specified  
 TN/MA/W/37/Add.412 
 United Arab Emirates Raw materials from earth and from plant 
extraction (such as primary aluminium) 
which are used and processed by manufacturing industries.  An indicative list of products from HS Chapters 25, 26, 27, 28, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76 and 78 can be 
found in TN/MA/W/37/Add.4 
 End rate:  Zero  
 
Critical mass : interested 
members have been considering 90% of world trade 
 Possible options 
discussed include: 
- Longer implementation 
periods 
- Zero for “X” 
- Limited product 
exemptions  
                                                      
12 26 May 2006.   
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 Page 11Sector Document Co-Sponsors Product Coverage Modality for Tariff 
Reduction S&D Treatment1 Notes 
Sports 
Equipment TN/MA/W/8513 Japan, Norway, 
Singapore, Switzerland,  the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen, and 
Matsu; and the United States.  Ex 630720 (Life vests), Ex 650610 (Safety 
headgear), HS 890310, HS 890391, HS 890392, HS 890399, HS 950420, HS 950490, HS 950611, HS 950612, HS 950619, HS 950621, HS 950629, HS 
950631, HS 950632, HS 950639, HS 
950640, HS 950651, HS 950659, HS 950661, HS 950670, HS 950691, HS 950699, HS 950710, HS 950720, HS 950730, HS 950790, HS 950800 End rate : Zero 
 Critical Mass : no less than [90] 
percent of world trade in sports equipment. 
 Possible options might 
include 
- Longer implementation 
period 
- Harmonization levels 
for certain products 
   
    Staging: the participant shall 
implement the tariff elimination over [five] years in equal 
instalments, or the final 
implementation period for general tariff reductions by formula, whichever is shorter    
Textiles, 
Clothing and Footwear TN/MA/W/11/Add.2 EC HS Chapters 50-64 
All NTBs as well as export restrictions on raw materials for the products included must equally be removed. End rate : as close to zero as 
possible Not specified . 
All Members should participate  
Toys Room Document dated 10 
May Hong Kong, China; 
the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen, and 
Matsu HS9501-HS9505 
End rate  : zero  
 
Critical mass :  no less than 
[90] percent of world trade  Not specified – to be 
discussed by participating members   
 
 
 
_______________ 
 
                                                      
13 4 April 2007 . TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1 
Page 12  
 
  Annex B
: Brief description on current state and contact point(s)  
 
 Automotives and related parts
: Members interested in tariff elimin ation in the automotives and related 
parts sector have engaged in informal discussions since September 2005.  There was a shared 
recognition of the important role that this sect or plays in each economy as well as in world trade 
among participants to the discussion.  Beyond benefits  of tariff elimination, such key elements as 
product coverage, critical mass and special and diffe rential treatment have been discussed.  The 
delegation of Japan tabled a proposal on sectoral tariff elimination in automotives and related parts (JOB(06)87). Drafting of more specific sectoral moda lity proposal is under way and is open to further 
inputs and co-sponsorship of interested Members. 
 Contact:  Nobuo Kiriyama, delegation of Japan: kiriyama-nobuo@meti.go.jp
 
  
Bicycles and related parts:
  The first paper on this sectoral initia tive, JOB(05)/202, generated concrete 
discussions among Members interested in the liberaliza tion of the bicycle and related parts sector.  A 
“second generation” proposal (TN/MA/W/84) was submitted on behalf of Japan, Singapore, 
Switzerland, Thailand and the Separate Customs Te rritory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, 
reflecting progress made.  Recent discussions have been focusing on key elements, special and 
differential treatment for developing countries, an d the encouragement of more co-sponsorship.  A 
“third generation” paper is expected to  be circulated to Members shortly. 
 Contact:  Antonia Mei, delegation of the Separa te Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu: bcmei@taiwanwto.ch
  
Su-hua Lee, delegation of the Separate Cu stoms Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu: suhualee@moea.gov.tw  
  Chemicals
:  Chemicals are the building blocks for a broad range of industrial products, including a 
significant percentage of goods exported by devel oping countries. To date, 42 Members (25 of which 
are developing countries) have atte nded and participated in chemical sector discussions.  On behalf of 
interested Members, the United States along with  Canada, Chinese Taipei, Norway, Singapore, and 
Switzerland tabled its most recent proposal on chemical sector liberalization (TN/MA/W/72). The proposal remains open for co-sponsorship, and we en courage other Members’ input.  Participants 
continue to discuss product coverage, based on the existing chemical harmonization initiative and the 
principle of comprehensive product coverage, incl uding a full range of chemical products along the 
processing chain (HS chapters 28-39).  Discussions am ong interested Members have also focused on 
incorporating flexibility for developing countries, en couraging participation of  additional key traders, 
and target tariff end rates.   
Contact: Meredith Broadbent, U.S. Delegation: Meredith_broadbent@ustr.eop.gov
 
Barbara Norton, U.S. Delegation: Barbara_Norton@ustr.eop.gov  
Adam O’Malley, U.S. Delegation: Adam_OMalley@ita.doc.gov  
  
Electronics/Electrical Products
:  Members have held informal discussions on tariff elimination in the 
electronics/electrical sector since February 2005.  The concept of key elements, i.e. product coverage, 
benefits of tariff elimination, critical mass and special and differential treatment is shown in the 
document circulated in July 2005 (TN/MA/W/59). Building on the discussions with a high level of participation, proponents to this sector submitted “second generation” proposal  which contains more 
detailed tariff elimination moda lity in April 2006 (TN/MA/W/69).  Some of the proponents also 
circulated illustrative product list (JOB(06)/84/Re v.1), which shows example of products to be  TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1 
 Page 13 
 
 
  covered under this initiative, to facilitate fu rther discussions among interested Members.  The 
proposal, including product coverage, is open to fu rther inputs of all interested Members. More 
specific sectoral modality proposal is being drafted and will be elaborated with interested Members. 
 
Contact:  Nobuo Kiriyama, delegation of Japan: kiriyama-nobuo@meti.go.jp  
  Fish and fish products
:  Two papers have been circulated on a possible sector on fish and fish 
products (TN/MA/W/63 and TN/MA/W/63 Add 1). The sectoral continues to attract interst from a 
diverse range of developed and de veloping Members. Since the papers were submitted several more 
members have become co-sponsors of the initiativ e. Fisheries contributes significantly to export 
earnings and employment in a large number of deve loping countries. High tariffs and tariff escalation 
are particularly prevalent in fish and fish products , therefore the interested members have determined 
that the product coverage should be comprehensive. Co-sponsors have made significant progress in 
refining the modality, including special and differe ntial treatment which will allow developing 
countries longer implementation, zero for x flexibil ity for senitive lines (the ability to choose up to [y] 
percent of tariff lines to bind at not more than [5] percent), and additiona l flexibility in cases of 
extreme sensitivity (the ability to choose one 6 digit sub-heading to bind at not more than [10] percent). 
 
Contact:  Barney Riley, delegation of New Zealand: barney.riley@mfat.govt.nz
  
Camilla Blom, delegation of Norway: Camilla.Blom@mfa.no  
  
Forest Products
:  Members interested in a sectoral agreement on tariff liberalization for forest 
products have agreed to seek expa nsion of product coverage in the existing agreement on pulp and 
paper products (HS 47, 48, 49) and also to signifi cantly increase participation in the agreement.  
Specifically, Members want to include HS Chap ter 44 (wood products) and some products in HS 
Chapter 94 (certain furniture items and prefabricat ed buildings).  Full Draft Modalities, including 
special and differential treatment for developing coun tries, are in the final stages of development but 
is still open for further refinement.  Extensive out reach is ongoing in an attempt to achieve critical 
mass and one new co-sponsor has joined (bringing th e proposal’s total co-sponsor participation almost 
50% of world trade).  Contact:     Doug Rubbra , delegation of Canada: doug.rubbra@international.gc.ca
 
Chris O’Toole, delegation of Canada: christopher.o’toole@international.gc.ca  
  Kevin Selch, delegation of Canada: selch.kevin@ic.gc.ca  
  Footwear
:  In its communication of 31 October 2002 (TN/MA/W/11), the European Communities 
proposed that all Members agree to deeper cuts footw ear, with a view to bringing these tariffs within a 
narrow common range as close to zero as possible. Th is would also require that non-tariff barriers are 
substantially reduced and all expor t restrictions on raw materials are removed.  For the EU the 
elimination of export taxes is a pre-condition for ach ieving the elimination of tariff escalation through 
this sectoral.  
Contact: Sandra Gallina, delegation of European Communities: Sandra.Gallina@ec.europa.eu
 
  Cornelis Keijzer, delegati on of European Communities: Cornelis.Keijzer@ec.europa.eu  
  Gems and Jewellery products
:  Several informal meetings have been held among Members interested 
in the gems and jewellery sector. The discussions have been focused on key issues such as product 
coverage, level of critical mass, a nd special and differential treatment.  It is widely accept that product TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1 
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  coverage should cover articles under HS Chapter 71. Some have expressed concerns on certain 
sensitive products, which, for devel oping countries, will be considered in the context of Special and 
Differential Treatment. Many have recognized the im portance of participation by major traders in 
order to achieve successful liberalization. The pr oponents of tariff elimination in the gems and 
jewellery sector has put forward the second genera tion proposal (TN/MA/W/61/Add.2) describing 
more details on product coverage, ta rget rate, implementation, and special and differential treatment. 
 Contact: Juntra Siriuthaikorn, delegation of Thailand: juntra@thaiwto.com
 
  M.L.Sasiwimol Rajani, delegation of Thailand: sasiwimolr@dtn.go.th  
 
 
Hand tools :  Hand tools are products that many developing countries enjoy export trade interests.  The 
Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu,  Kinmen and Matsu submitted a position paper 
(JOB(06)/98) on Hand Tool sector hoping to attract the attention and the participation of other 
Members.    Some Members have expressed interest in this sectoral initiative.   The elements of the 
initiative, including product coverage, the level of  critical mass, final target rates, and the S&D 
options, remain open for discussion.  We welc ome more comments and input in the sector.  
 Contact:  Antonia Mei, delegation of the Separa te Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu: bcmei@taiwanwto.ch
  
 Su-hua Lee, delegation of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu: suhualee@moea.gov.tw  
  
Open Access to Enhanced Healthcare
:  Many bilateral, plurilateral and open-ended informal meetings 
have been held among Members interested in an Op en Access to Enhanced H ealthcare in the field of 
both Drugs and Medical Devices. There has been a wi de recognition of the importance of this sector 
and the gains that this initiative will represent, notably for developing and poor countries.  The 
concept of key elements - product c overage, critical mass and special and differential treatment - have 
been illustrated in the revised proposal circulated  in February 2007 (JOB(07)/23).  The discussion 
among interested Members has recen tly focused, in particular, on flexibilities options available to 
developing countries and products of  key interest to these countries. 
 Contact: Desmond Tay, de legation of Singapore: desmond_tay@mti.gov.sg
 
  Anne-Sophie Dreyfus, delegation of Switzerland: anne-sophie.dreyfus@seco.admin.ch  
  Barbara Norton, U.S. Delegation: Barbara_Norton@ustr.eop.gov  
  Raw materials
:   Several bilateral and ope n informal meetings have taken place to discuss the UAE-
sponsored sectoral initiative on raw materials, and a pr eliminary list of tariff lines has been circulated. 
To further build support, intense diplomatic action has been undertaken by the UAE at the ministerial 
level, resulting in the support of Arab States for a sectoral initiative in raw materials (the Amman 
declaration by Arab Ministers of Trade, Septem ber 2005). The UAE has circulated a questionnaire in 
order to assess whether meaningful participation can  be achieved and to ascertain Members’ thoughts 
regarding product coverage, includi ng product sensitivities and offens ive and defensive interests. 
Participants generally recognize the benefits of lib eralization in this sector, although some developing 
countries have concerns that will be further discusse d in the group.  Members can refer to the most 
recent document (TN/MA/W/37/Add.4) for fu rther details on this sectoral initiative. 
 
Contact: Obaid Alkendi, delegation of the United Arab Emirates: Obaid.Alkendi@uae2wto.ch  
  Ahmed Njima, delegation of the United Arab Emirates: Ahmed.Njima@uae2wto.ch  
  Roger Bertozzi, delegation of the United Arab Emirates: Roger.Bertozzi@hotmail.com  
  TN/MA/W/97/Rev.1 
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Sports Equipment : The first paper on this sectoral initia tive, JOB(05)/201, generated concrete 
discussions among Members interested in the liberali zation of the sports equipment sector.  A “second 
generation” proposal (TN/MA/W/85) was submit ted on behalf of Japan, Norway, Singapore, 
Switzerland, the United States and the Separate Cu stoms Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu, reflecting progress made.  Recent discussions have been focusing on differential treatment for 
developing countries, and the encouragement of more  co-sponsorship.  A “third generation” paper is 
expected to be circulated to Members shortly.  
Contact:  Antonia Mei, delegation of the Separa te Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu: bcmei@taiwanwto.ch
  
Su-hua Lee, delegation of the Separate Cu stoms Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu: suhualee@moea.gov.tw   
  
Textiles and Clothing
:  In its communication of 31 October 2002 (TN/MA/W/11), the European 
Communities proposed that all Members agree to deep er cuts textiles and clothing, with a view to 
bringing these tariffs within a narrow common range  as close to zero as possible.  This would also 
require that non-tariff barriers are substantially reduced  and all export restrictions on raw materials are 
removed.  For the EU, the elimination of export ta xes is a pre-condition for achieving the elimination 
of tariff escalation through this sectoral. 
 Contact: Sandra Gallina, delegation of European Communities: Sandra.Gallina@ec.europa.eu
 
  Cornelis Keijzer, delegati on of European Communities: Cornelis.Keijzer@ec.europa.eu  
 
 
Toys :  A room document on the proposed sectoral on to ys was tabled at the open-ended meeting in 
May 2007.  Currently the proposal is cosponsored by Hong Kong, China and the Separate Customs 
Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.   The two delegations are discussing the proposal 
with other interested members and intend to table a formal document as soon as possible.  
Contact: Arsene Yiu, delegation of Hong Kong, China : arsene_yiu@hketogeneva.gov.hk
 
Antonia Mei, delegation of the Separate Cu stoms Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu: bcmei@taiwanwto.ch  
 
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