WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  TN/TF/W/159 
1 May 2009 
 
 (09-2142) 
Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation Original:   English 
  
 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
 
  The following communication, dated 30 April 2009,  is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of the European Communities. 
 
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WTO TRADE FACILITATION PROPOSALS 
 
 1. These proposals concern facilitation measures spec ific to maritime traffic.  They would 
supplement proposals already made for a future TF Agreement. 
2. The texts of these proposals are annexed, with an  indication of their suggested placement in 
the Compilation (TN/TF/W/43/Rev.18). TN/TF/W/159 
Page 2  
 
  1. Trans-Shipment of Cargos
 
Placement :  In the WTO Trade Facilitation Compilation (TN/TF/W/43/Rev.18). 
 Where:  Under  K.1. Matters Related to Goods Transit -  Scope (page 24 ), add the following text: 
 
"Consignments which are being transhipped
1 shall not be subject to transit 
procedures."  
2. Trans-shipment and Feedering of Cargo  
Placement :  In the WTO Trade Facilitation Compilation (TN/TF/W/43/Rev.18). 
 
Where :  Under I.1 Coordination of Activities and Requi rements of all Border Agencies (page 19), 
add the following as point 3:  
"3. When goods being transhipped are ulti mately destined for the territory of 
that Member, the person concerned shall be permitted to declare the goods for 
the relevant customs procedure at the port or place of destination where these 
obligations can be fulfilled." 
3. Declaration of Vessels and Cargoes
 
Placement :  In the WTO Trade Facilitation Compilation (TN/TF/W/43/Rev.18). 
 Where :  Under  G.1 Release and Clearance of Goods –Pre Arrival Processing (page 13) , add as  
point 4: 
 
"4. With respect to vessels subject to pro cedures for the declaration (by manifest 
or similar document) of the vessel and its cargo, such procedures will be applied immediately prior to the vessels' arrival, or as rapidly as not to unduly delay the 
vessel and the discharge of its cargo. 
Members will provide for advance electronic lodging of documents in electronic 
format and for pre-arrival processing of  such documents appropriate to the 
procedure applicable." 
4. Shipping Royalties or Taxes 
 
Placement :  In the WTO Trade Facilitation Compilation (TN/TF/W/43/Rev.18). 
 
Where:  Under F.1 Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation 
and Exportation  (page 13), add the following phrase ( indicated in bold and italics) to the Scope of the 
provision, to read as follows:  
"The provisions [of this article] apply to all fees and charges,  including shipping 
royalties or similar charges/taxes ," imposed …for importation or exportation."  
                                                     
 
1 Defined as "transferred under customs control from the importing means of transport to the exporting 
means of transport within the area of one Customs office respon sible for import and export."  TN/TF/W/159 
 Page 3 
 
 
  5. Cargo Tracking Notes (Bordereaux de Suivi des Cargaisons)  
Placement :  In the WTO Trade Facilitation Compilation (TN/TF/W/43/Rev.18). 
 
Where:   Under J.6 Elimination of Pre-shipment Inspection  (page 23), add the following as point 6: 
 
"6. No Member shall require the provision of shipping notes ( Bordereau de Suivi 
des Cargaisons ) and associated documents as a condition for the import, 
unloading or transhipment of cargos." 
 
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