132/ Myanmar queried on import licensing requirements for agricultural products
4 October 2019
Myanmar was questioned about its import licensing requirements on agricultural products at the meeting of the Committee on Import Licensing on 4 October. In addition to this new trade concern, WTO members reiterated concerns over a number of issues previously raised, such as China’s import ban on solid waste, India’s quantitative restrictions on pulses, Brazil’s import licensing on nitrocellulose and Thailand’s import restriction on feed wheat.
The United States said it has received reports that indicate Myanmar restricts the importation of certain agricultural products, operating its licensing regime at its discretion in a non-transparent manner. These include reports of unofficial and unpublished quotas, bans and other restrictions on various agricultural product imports. The US also requested greater transparency regarding a list of products that Myanmar deems to be “sensitive” and therefore not eligible for import permits. Myanmar said it will convey these questions back to capital.
Members also asked questions and expressed concerns about some countries’ import licensing regimes for specific products: Indonesia for cellular phones, handheld computers and tablets and India for boric acid. Several of these issues have been raised in previous meetings.
The committee, which meets twice a year, reviewed 18 new notifications from members while the review of 20 additional notifications was postponed to the next meeting due to late submission. The committee chair, Ms Carol Tsang of Hong Kong, China, reported that 14 members have not yet submitted any notification under any provision of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures since joining the WTO.
Regarding N1 notifications, which refer to members’ laws and regulations on import licensing, as well as the sources of information on these laws, 24 members have still not submitted any such notifications, added the chair. She invited these members to make their submissions and seek support from the WTO Secretariat if required.
On improving transparency, members expressed their support for further enhancing awareness of notification obligations, and for the need to explore ways to streamline notification procedures. The United States and the European Union underlined the importance of holding more technical assistance activities on import licensing, both in Geneva and in capitals.
Under the agenda item “Improving transparency in notification procedures of the Agreement”, the chair reported on the informal meeting held on 18 September 2019 and indicated her intention to hold further consultations on improving notification compliance. Chinese Taipei, echoed by Japan, thanked the Secretariat for its targeted technical assistance. Colombia and other members shared their positive feedback on the new N2 (changes in import licensing procedures) notification form.
The meeting was a good start, said the chair, calling on members to share further views and suggestions bilaterally or in any other format soon.
The chair also welcomed the 31 capital-based officials from developing WTO members who attended the import licensing workshop held from 30 September to 4 October and who were invited to observe the committee meeting. “I sincerely hope that what you have learnt at the workshop, experience shared with counterparts in other countries, and your participation at this meeting would impress upon you the significance of notifications in enabling a transparent and predictable international trading environment, which is crucial to our economy,” she said.
Background
Import licences are permits granted before a product is imported. The administrative procedures for obtaining the licences should be simple, neutral, equitable and transparent. Where possible they should be given automatically and quickly, and even if they are non-automatic, they should not obstruct trade unnecessarily.
Transparency is largely achieved through information supplied in three types of notifications, and questions and answers circulated in writing, some of these discussed in the committee’s meetings. The committee also discusses any other issues arising from the Import Licensing Agreement’s implementation.
Next meetings
The next formal meetings of the committee are tentatively scheduled for 2 April 2020 and 9 October 2020.
Vice-chair
Mr Gregory MacDonald of Canada was elected as the new vice-chair.
Source: wto.org
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