WTO Trade Facilitation Package Will Reform Least-Advanced Customs Administrations

At the Bali Ministerial Meeting in December, 159 World Trade Organization (WTO) members adopted a package of trade facilitation measures that features binding global Customs reforms intended to cut global traders' clearance time and costs (the "Bali Package"). 

The Customs provisions, which formally adopt standards for Customs administrations already met by many WTO members, are expected to primarily impact processes in least-developed countries (LDCs), which have the most burdensome administrative processes.  Specifically, the provisions are intended to:

• Provide for advanced processing of import documentation;
• Establish limits on certain Customs fees;
• Prohibit certain transit regulations that restrict the "freedom of movement" (a WTO principle);