The Committee on Import Licensing Procedures, chaired by Tyesha Turner of Jamaica, has been working to improve transparency and simplify the notification process for import licensing. Two key initiatives have been launched: the eAgenda in September 2022 and the Import Licensing Notification Portal (ILNP) in October 2023.
"The Chair noted that members are now familiar with the eAgenda and have been using it to add items and statements to the meeting agenda and to prepare for the meetings of the Committee."
Regarding the ILNP, Ms. Turner emphasized its role in enabling delegations to file import licensing notifications online. "Members have been able to file notifications directly online and access a comprehensive database of all import licensing procedures," she said.
Ms. Turner encouraged more delegations to utilize this tool, acknowledging that while switching from email may require initial effort, it simplifies future notifications. She also highlighted that the portal stores previous notifications, aiding in updating N3 notifications annually.
To assist members with these new tools, the WTO Secretariat has provided training sessions attended by over 170 participants from 57 members. "Delegates from more than 20 least-developed countries (LDCs) joined the sessions dedicated to them," Ms. Turner added.
The Secretariat has distributed guidelines and a training video accessible via an e-learning platform. Delegations expressed gratitude for these resources, noting their usefulness in both Geneva and national capitals.
Since the last meeting, 48 notifications were received under various provisions of the Agreement. Notably, Cabo Verde and Mongolia submitted their first N2 notifications. The Chair stressed that regulations must be notified within 60 days of publication.
"Submitting replies to the questionnaire before 30 September each year is an annual notification obligation for all members but only 26 members have submitted their replies for the year 2024," she stated.
To enhance compliance, workshops on import licensing were held in Geneva from September 25-27, 2024. The Secretariat also offered technical assistance through virtual and national workshops.
During this period, members adopted a factual report on the Fifteenth Biennial Review covering October 8, 2022, to November 4, 2024. New submissions after October 23 will be included in the final report.
Ten specific trade concerns were addressed during this session:
- Egypt's agricultural product requirements raised by the European Union
- India's pneumatic tyres issue raised by Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand
- India's viscose staple fiber concern raised by Indonesia
- India's electronic products measures raised by Japan
- Indonesia's commodity balancing mechanism raised by Japan
- Indonesia's textile products regime raised by Japan
- Indonesia's steel product registration requirement raised by Japan
- Indonesia's air conditioner restrictions raised by Japan
- Indonesia's agricultural product registration requests raised by the United Kingdom
- Mongolia's alcoholic beverage requirements raised by the United Kingdom
The next committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 8, 2025.