Notification requirements for WTO Members: who needs to notify what, by when and how?
Section I - Transparency notifications
In broad terms, the TFA states that WTO Members shall publish information online on import and export procedures while within available resources, establishing contact points to respond to enquiries. The information is available on each Member profile of this website and on a dedicated page for traders
A notification template that Members may wish to follow in preparing their transparency notification can be downloaded here
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Art. 1.4 | import, export and transit procedures |
| Art. 10.4.3 | the operation of the single window |
| Art. 10.6.2 | the use of customs brokers |
| Art. 12.2 | contact points for the exchange of customs information |
Section II – Implementation notifications (categories A, B, C)
To benefit from special and differential treatment, developing and LDC Members must notify when they will implement each trade facilitation measure using A, B and C categories:
CATEGORY A = developing Members will implement the measure by 22/02/2017 and LDCs by 22/02/2018
CATEGORY B = Members will need additional time to implement the measure
CATEGORY C = Members will need additional time and capacity building support to implement the measure
A notification template that Members may wish to follow in preparing their category A, B or C notification is available here.
Besides the notification of categories A, B and C designations, the TFA sets out different timelines for the notification of indicative and definitive dates for implementation of categories B and C commitments as well as the technical assistance required for the implementation of category C commitments.
The TFA sets out the following timelines for these notifications:
| Notification requirement | Due dates for
developing members | Due dates
for LDCs |
| ABC designations | 22/02/2017 | 22/02/2018 |
| Category B Indicative Dates | 22/02/2017 | 22/02/2021 |
| Category C Indicative Dates | 22/02/2017 | 22/02/2021 |
| Category B Definitive Dates | 22/02/2018 | 22/02/2020 |
| Category C Definitive Dates | 22/08/2019 | 22/08/2022 |
| Category C technical assistance requirements | 22/02/2017 | 22/02/2019 |
| Donor arrangements for the provision of technical assistance | 22/02/2018 | 22/02/2021 |
| Progress in the provision of technical assistance | 22/08/2019 | 22/08/2022 |
View timeline
Section II – Information on assistance and capacity building
Donor Members have committed to submit information on the assistance and support for capacity building (TACB) that was disbursed - and where available that is committed - to the Committee on Trade Facilitation. They are also to submit different contact points and information on the process and mechanism for requesting assistance.
Developing and LDCs seeking assistance and support for capacity building have committed to submit to the Committee on Trade Facilitation contact points for coordinating such assistance.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Art. 22.1 | support for capacity building provided by Donor Members |
| Art. 22.2 | process and mechanisms to request assistance |
| Art. 22.3 | contact points of those developing and LDCs seeking assistance and support for capacity building |