WTO updates 04/21
HS 2022 amendments to SACU Common External Tariff published for consultation
In an effort to strengthen the inclusive and transparent character of the process of implementation of the Harmonized System (HS), the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) has recently made available the HS 2022 amendments to its Common External Tariff for public consultation. All SACU Member States - Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa - have simultaneously placed draft tariff amendments on their official web-sites, inviting comments and feedback from the public. Public consultation on draft tariff amendments is part of the SACU strategy to improve the process of migration of Union’s Common External Tariff to new versions of the HS. The strategy is intended at ensuring that the process is handled in a meaningful and transparent fashion, creating a level playing field for all stakeholders wishing to contribute to this work. The SACU has been successfully implementing the strategy in cooperation with the EU-WCO Programme for Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme), funded by the European Union. The publication of draft tariff amendments is one of the initial phases in the process of implementation of the HS 2022 amendments. Comments and feedback received from the public will be discussed at a regional workshop to be held later in the year, which will be followed by further consultations before the amended tariff is finalized.
WCO signs an agreement with United Kingdom Border Force to enhance the WCO Cargo Targeting System
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the United Kingdom Border Force (UKBF) have concluded an agreement to enhance the WCO Cargo Targeting System (WCO CTS). This marks the latest chapter in the growing partnership between the WCO and UKBF following the recent agreement to deploy the WCO CTS to Guatemala and Thailand. The new agreement will see the WCO and UKBF working together to update and improve every aspect of the WCO CTS from cargo manifest data handling to risk assessment and targeting functionality. It will combine UKBF expertise with that of the established project partners, such as United States Customs and Border Protection and private sector cargo transportation industries, to deliver an enhanced version of the popular WCO tool that is available to all WCO Members, which will be available in 2022.
WTO members consider EU-Singapore, Peru-Australia trade agreements
WTO members considered the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Singapore and the Free Trade Agreement between Peru and Australia at the 22 March meeting of the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). The Committee was also informed of the considerable increase in the number of notifications of RTAs following the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
United States appeals panel report regarding US duties on Korean products
The United States notified the Dispute Settlement Body on 19 March of its decision to appeal the panel report in the case brought by Korea in “United States — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties on Certain Products and the Use of Facts Available” (DS539). The panel report was circulated to WTO members on 21 January.
CBP publishes dates and draft agenda for 67th Session of the WCO HSC
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published the dates and draft agenda for the 67th session of the Harmonized System Committee (HSC) of the World Customs Organization. Due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the next session of the HSC, the 67th, will be held virtually April 12 – 30, 2021. See the Customs Bulletin and Decisions for the Agenda. [Note: In accordance with section 1210 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100–418), the Department of Homeland Security, represented by CBP, the Department of Commerce, represented by the Census Bureau, and the US International Trade Commission (ITC), jointly represent the United States. The CBP representative serves as the head of the delegation at the sessions of the HSC.
EAC tariff experts gather to prepare HS 2022 version of Common External Tariff
In pursuit of its efforts to implement the 2022 version of the Harmonized System in a timely manner, the East African Community (EAC) held a regional meeting of tariff experts from 15 to 19 March 2021 in Moshi, Tanzania. It was jointly organized by the EAC Secretariat and the WCO, within the framework of the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme), funded by the European Union. The objective of the meeting was to transpose the EAC Common External Tariff (CET) to the 2022 version of the HS. Participants reiterated the importance of a well-coordinated approach to the implementation of HS amendments for EAC Partner States, to fully respect their commitments of Contracting Parties to the HS Convention and of signatories of the EAC Treaty.
Launch of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme in Uzbekistan
The State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan officially welcomed the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) in Uzbekistan on 17 March 2021.This high-level event was attended by representatives of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan and the Swiss Embassy in Tashkent. In their opening remarks, both parties welcomed this collaboration, highlighting the important benefits it will achieve for an even more efficient and competitive business environment in Uzbekistan. The official launch of the Programme in Uzbekistan was also the opportunity to organise the first meeting of the National Project Steering Committee, whose members include representatives of the State Customs Committee, SECO, the WCO and other relevant national bodies involved in trade facilitation and modernization in Uzbekistan as well as representatives of business associations and private sector. During this meeting, the Committee approved the Work Plan and activities for years 2021-2022.
WCO signs an agreement with United Kingdom Border Force to enhance the WCO Cargo Targeting System
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the United Kingdom Border Force (UKBF) have concluded an agreement to enhance the WCO Cargo Targeting System (WCO CTS). This marks the latest chapter in the growing partnership between the WCO and UKBF following the recent agreement to deploy the WCO CTS to Guatemala and Thailand. The new agreement will see the WCO and UKBF working together to update and improve every aspect of the WCO CTS from cargo manifest data handling to risk assessment and targeting functionality. It will combine UKBF expertise with that of the established project partners, such as United States Customs and Border Protection and private sector cargo transportation industries, to deliver an enhanced version of the popular WCO tool that is available to all WCO Members, which should be available in 2022.
EAC tariff experts gather to prepare HS 2022 version of Common External Tariff
In pursuit of its efforts to implement the 2022 version of the Harmonized System in a timely manner, the East African Community (EAC) held a regional meeting of tariff experts from 15 to 19 March 2021 in Moshi, Tanzania. It was jointly organized by the EAC Secretariat and the WCO, within the framework of the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme), funded by the European Union.