AN EXPLORATION OF THE NEED FOR AND COST OF SELECTED TRADE FACILITATION MEASURES IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC IN THE CONTEXT OF THE WTO NEGOTIATIONS

CONTENTS

Page

Executive Summary ............................................................................................... vii

Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................... xiii

PART I
SYNTHESIS REPORT

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3

I. OVERVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE............................................ 5

II. ASSESSMENT OF TRADE FACILITATION MEASURES
IMPLEMENTATION IN SELECTED ASIA-PACIFIC COUNTRIES .............. 8

A. Measures related to Articles VIII and X................................................. 8

1. Publication and availability of information .................................... 8

2. Time period between publication and implementation ................. 12

3. Consultation and commenting on new or amended rules ............ 12

4. Advance ruling .............................................................................. 12

5. Appeal procedures ........................................................................ 12

6. Advance lodgment of data ............................................................ 14

7. Other measures to enhance impartiality and non-discrimination 14

8. Fees and charges connected with importation and exportation 17

9. Formalities connected with importation and exportation .............. 18

10. Border agency coordination .......................................................... 19

11. Release and clearance of goods .................................................. 19

12. Tariff classification ......................................................................... 20

B. Measures related to GATT Article V...................................................... 20

III. PRIVATE SECTOR SURVEYS OF NEEDS AND PRIORITIES ................... 25

A. Perceived level of implementation of Articles V, VIII and X .................. 25

B. Private sector priorities.......................................................................... 30

C. Key problem areas for trade facilitation ................................................ 30

IV. IMPLEMENTATION COSTS OF TRADE FACILITATION ............................ 32

A. Selected quantitative information from country case studies ............... 32

B. Expert surveys on implementation costs and sequencing ................... 34

V. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WTO NEGOTIATIONS .... 39