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9 - How Far Beyond the TFA? Trade Facilitation in the WTO and the TPP

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 November 2021

By
Carlos Gabriel Enriquez Montes
Edited by
Jorge A. Huerta-Goldman  and
David A. Gantz
Jorge A. Huerta-Goldman
Affiliation:
TILPA, Geneva
David A. Gantz
Affiliation:
University of Arizona
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Summary

This chapter seeks to analyze the level of commitment assumed by the TPP signatory countries in the area of Trade Facilitation (TF), taking the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) as a benchmark, whilst analyzing the implications of both instruments for governments and traders.

The author provides a background to the concept of TF and its evolution. Then he identifies key areas where the TPP upgraded the TFA, including express shipments; prohibition of consular transactions; streamlining of border procedures, including time for release, and single window, in line with international standards; automation; government-to-government electronic sharing of data; availability of practical information for users; advance rulings; and a more feasible framework for customs cooperation.

To assess the level of "upgrade," the author provides an in-depth analysis of the key aspects of both instruments, based on three main areas: (1) support for development; (2) overall approach: "customs-only implementation" versus "coordinated border management" (CBM); and (3) key TF measures and practical implications. The last section provides some conclusions that suggest future work on TF that could be explored in the context of the TPP and future RTAs.

Keywords

WTOtrade facilitationTFAcoordinated border managementWCORKCcustoms cooperationred tapeTPPRTA
Type
Chapter
Information
The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership
Analysis and Commentary
 , pp. 214 - 245
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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References

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