WCO: Seychelles Customs enforces its Rules of Origin capacities
Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Regional Training Center (RTC) Kenya and the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC), held a national training workshop on rules of origin for Seychelles Customs. The workshop was held in Victoria, Seychelles, from 8 to 12 April 2024 with the objective to assist Seychelles in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin. The training is part of a workplan established with the RTC for competency development for several countries in the ESA region. During the workshop, participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and origin irregularities, as well as the establishment of efficient origin management. In addition, participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the low level of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to verification of origin including trough administrative cooperation. They also discussed recommendations for better management and implementation of rules of origin on a national and regional level.
WCO engages Customs administrations in ASEAN region to discuss strategic trade controls in Free Trade Zones
From 15 to 18 April, 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the EU P2P, the US Department of State’s Export Control and Related Border Security Programme (EXBS), the US Department of Energy’s Non-proliferation Export Control Programme (INECP) and Singapore Customs, convened two back-to-back events focused on enhancing strategic trade controls in Free Trade Zones (FTZ). The first event on Strategic Trade Management in FTZ was a high-level multistakeholder engagement bringing together over 60 participants and observers from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The delegates represented licensing authorities, various governmental agencies overseeing FTZ and Customs administrations.
WTO members review six regional trade agreements.
At the meeting of the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) on 8 April, WTO members considered six RTAs involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia, Colombia, the European Union, Japan, Pacific Island countries, Peru, the United Kingdom, and Viet Nam. Members furthermore discussed how to improve the functioning of the Committee.
WTO: Türkiye launches safeguard investigation on ethyl acetate
On 8 April 2024, Türkiye notified the WTO's Committee on Safeguards that it initiated on 6 April 2024 a safeguard investigation on ethyl acetate.
WTO: Australia and China announce mutually agreed solution in dispute over wine duties
On 29 March, Australia and China submitted a notification to the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body of a mutually agreed solution in dispute DS602, “China — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Wine from Australia.” The notification was circulated to WTO members on 3 April.
WTO: China initiates dispute regarding US tax credits for electric vehicles, renewable energy
China has requested WTO dispute consultations with the United States regarding certain tax credits under the US Inflation Reduction Act to promote the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy projects. The request was circulated to WTO members on 28 March.
WTO panel issues report regarding Australian duties on certain Chinese goods
On 26 March, the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by China in “Australia — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products from China” (DS603).
WTO: India, US announce mutually agreed solution in dispute over agricultural import measures
On 15 March, India and the United States submitted a notification to the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body of a mutually agreed solution in dispute DS430, “India — Measures Concerning the Importation of Certain Agricultural Products.” The notification was circulated to WTO members on 21 March.
WTO issues panel report regarding Chinese duties on Australian wine
On 19 April, the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by Australia in “China — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Wine from Australia” (DS602).