WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation

The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) entered into force on 22 February 2017. It is a result of the Doha Round of Trade Negotiations, which was launched in 2001. The text of the TFA was adopted by WTO Members at the 9th Ministerial Conference in Bali, 3-6 December 2013. The Agreement entered into force in accordance with the provisions of Article X:3 of the WTO Agreement and Members have to individually accept the amendment of the WTO Agreement by depositing an instrument of acceptance for the Protocol of Amendment, adopted on 27 November 2014. An updated list of Members that have accepted the Protocol  can be found on the WTO website. With the trade facilitation agreement WTO Members aim:

• to “expedite the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit;”
• to facilitate “effective cooperation among Members on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues;” and
• to enhance “assistance and support for capacity building” for developing and least developed country Members.

The full text of the Agreement can be found on the WTO website or in document attached (pdf of the Protocol and Agreement).

We have assisted with the implementation of the WTO TFA in APEC Mauritius, Mozambique, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

We can provide technical assistance in the following areas:

• Publication and availability of information;
• Opportunity to comment, information before entry into force, and consultation;
• Advance rulings;
• Appeal and review procedures;
• Other measures to enhance impartiality, non-discrimination and transparency;
• Disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with importation and exportation;
• Release and clearance of goods;
• Border Agency Cooperation;
• Movement of Goods under Customs Control intended for import;
• Formalities connected with importation and exportation and transit;
• Freedom of Transit;
• Customs Cooperation.