WTO updates February 2024
WCO supports Single Window assessment in Kazakhstan
The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Single Window Workshop in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 29 November to 1 December 2023, hosted by the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This mission to Kazakhstan was facilitated with the support of the Customs Cooperation Fund of China (CCF China). The main objective of the Workshop was to conduct a performance evaluation and measurement of implementation of the Single Window system using the WCO assessment tools. The assessment was designed both to establish whether Kazakhstan’s Single Window system was aligned with WCO tools and instruments, especially the WCO Data Model, and to pinpoint any areas for improvement in order to move Kazakhstan’s Single Window Environment forward to the next level of ‘maturity’.
WCO supports Single Window implementation in Kyrgyzstan
The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Single Window Workshop in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 4 to 8 December 2023. The Workshop was hosted by the State Customs Service under the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic. The WCO Single Window mission to Kyrgyzstan was facilitated with the support of the Customs Cooperation Fund of China (CCF China). The new information system had been developed on the principles of the Single Window, such as single submission and interoperability. Like the current information system, the new one would be interfaced with the Single Window system being implemented and promoted by the Single Window Centre under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, to allow for electronic exchange of information.
The main objective of the Workshop was to provide Kyrgyzstan Customs officials with the WCO perspective, tools and instruments, and knowledge required for implementation of a Single Window system, coupled with sharing the experiences and best practices of other countries having successfully implemented similar solutions.
Exploring Key Themes: Highlights from the 42nd Technical Committee on Rules of Origin (TCRO)
The 42nd Technical Committee on Rules of Origin (TCRO) was successfully held from 7 to 9 February 2024, in an in-person format in Brussels, under the chairmanship of Ms. Sun Hwa Cho from the Korea Customs Service. The meeting gathered 167 registered participants attending both in person and online with only passive participation, including WCO Member delegates, representatives of intergovernmental organizations (WTO and UNCTAD), and the International Chamber of Commerce.
The TCRO meeting deliberated on a diverse range of topics, sharing experiences and insights from members and highlighting the dynamic nature of rules of origin in international trade. Discussions covered significant subjects such as the digitisation of certificates of origin, the feasibility study on Origin Interconnectivity, cumulation, product-specific rules, the use of blockchain and other technologies for self-certification, and the performance measurement mechanism for customs. The World Trade Organization (WTO) delivered a comprehensive report on the Committee on Rules of Origin activities, offering valuable insights.
Additionally, the TCRO discussed, examined, and supported several ongoing WCO activities, including the Study on the Digitalization of Certificates of Origin (Summary Findings), Feasibility Study on the Interconnectivity Framework for Certificates of Origin, particularly on its Business Process Model (BPM) and dataset components, Study on Accumulation/Cumulation, and the work plan for the Study on Product-Specific Rules.
Côte d’Ivoire Customs puts its national pool of Harmonized System and Rules of Origin trainers to use
Under the framework of the EU-WCO HS and RoO Africa Programmes, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the German Alliance for Trade Facilitation, through GIZ, provided assistance during the first training delivered by new trainers on HS and rules of origin within Côte d’Ivoire Customs. The workshop was held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 15 to 19 January 2024 and was part of an overall assistance to Côte d’Ivoire Customs in enhancing its knowledge and application of the Harmonized System and preferential rules of origin in the light of the imminent implementation of a national advance rulings mechanism. The workshop built on the skills and knowledge acquired by participants in the intermediate and advanced training and training of trainers conducted in 2023.
Indonesia initiates WTO dispute complaint against EU duties on imports of fatty acids
Indonesia has requested WTO dispute consultations with the European Union regarding the EU’s imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of fatty acids from Indonesia. The request was circulated to WTO members on 12 February.
WTO: Türkiye appeals WTO dispute panel report regarding Turkish duties on certain US goods
Türkiye notified its decision to appeal the panel report in the case brought by the United States in “Turkey — Additional Duties on Certain Products from the United States” (DS561). The panel report was circulated to WTO members on 19 December 2023. The appeal was circulated to members on 31 January.
WTO: Türkiye launches two safeguard investigations: on “knitted or crocheted fabrics” and on “other paper and cardboard”
On 17 January 2024, Türkiye notified the WTO's Committee on Safeguards that it initiated on 12 January 2024 two safeguard investigations: on “knitted or crocheted fabrics” and on “other paper and cardboard”.