SITPRO has long argued for a new WTO agreement on trade facilitation.
- In July 2004, WTO Members agreed a mandate for negotiations on trade facilitation.
- Their aim is to clarify and improve three articles of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) covering Transit (Article V), Fees and Formalities (Article VIII) and Transparency (Article X).
- They also aim to enhance technical assistance and capacity building, and to provide for effective co-operation between Customs and other authorities.
- Around 70 proposals have been tabled, sponsored by over 100 delegations, almost half from developing countries.
- Trade facilitation measures should offer comparable gains to liberalisation of trade in agricultural products.
- The OECD estimates potential annual worldwide gains of some $40 billion from just a 1% reduction in trade transaction costs for goods, with most of the gains benefiting developing countries.
5 Reasons Why SITPRO Believes A Trade Facilitation Agreement Would Be Good For Developed Countries
- Reduced delays at international borders
- Enhanced trade revenues
- Integration of international systems
- Improved transit arrangements
- Greater access to new markets
5 Reasons Why SITPRO Believes A Trade Facilitation Agreement Would Be Good For Developing Countries
- Transparency of border controls
- Foreign direct investment
- Technical assistance
- Enhanced trading capacity
- Accelerated economic development
5 Reasons Why SITPRO Believes A Trade Facilitation Agreement Would Be Good For Everyone
- A common framework of international rules that all WTO Members can use
- Significantly enhanced trader compliance, while facilitating legitimate trade
- Reduced Customs clearance formalities to expedite the rapid release of goods
- Prior knowledge of rules and regulations minimising unnecessary delays and costs
- Certainty, predictability and transparency at all points in the transaction chain
Simpler Trade Transactions For Everyone
A Classic Win-Win Situation!
Areas Covered By Proposals
- Publication and availability of information
- Time periods between publication and implementation
- Consultation and comments on new and amended rules
- Advanced rulings
- Appeal procedures
- Other measures to enhance impartiality and non-discrimination
- Fees and charges connected with importation and exportation
- Formalities connected with importation and exportation
- Consularisation
- Border agency co-operation
- Release and clearance of goods
- Tariff classification
- Matters related to goods transit
- Effective co-operation between Customs and other authorities
- Needs and priorities
- Technical assistance and capacity building
SITPRO is dedicated to encouraging and helping business trade more effectively and simplifying the international trading process.
For further information contact:
SITPRO Ltd
Kingsgate House
66-74 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 6SW
Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 8150
Fax: +44 (0)20 7215 4242
Email: info@sitpro.org.uk 
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