The TFA contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. The Agreement requires members to establish a National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) in order to build domestic consensus around a roadmap for its implementation. With approximately 36 technical provisions to be implemented, some of which require the coordination of up to 50 national agencies, the establishment of the National Committee is one of the fundamental steps needed to reap the benefits of the Agreement.

The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) is organizing a series of advanced courses for the chairs and other officers of NCTFs. English courses were successfully organized in June and November 2016 and a Spanish course will take place in March 2017.

The courses are particularly timely in light of the imminent entry into force of the TFA, which currently requires just two further ratifications.

The purpose of the courses is to enhance the officials' knowledge of the TFA, to familiarize them with their responsibilities as Committee members or technical experts, and to provide them with some of the tools needed to carry out their functions. In addition, the courses provide participants with an opportunity to build a network of contacts, including with capacity-building organizations that will provide technical assistance to support the implementation of the TFA.

The courses are co-organized with the World Bank Group, World Customs Organization, the International Trade Centre, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the UN Economic Commission for Europe. The Enhanced Integrated Framework, the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, the International Air Transport Association and the Standards and Trade Development Facility have also participated.

The TFA is intended to substantially reduce the red tape that slows international trade, thereby significantly reducing both the cost and time needed to trade across borders.  According to a 2015 study carried out by WTO economists, full implementation of the TFA would reduce members’ trade costs by an average of 14.3 per cent, with developing countries having the most to gain. It is estimated that implementation of the TFA could reduce the current average time to import goods by 47 per cent and to export goods by 91 per cent. The TFA also has the potential to increase global merchandise exports by up to $1 trillion.

The TFA also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues. It further contains provisions for technical assistance and capacity building in this area.

The TFAF was created at the request of developing and least-developed country (LDC) members of the WTO to help ensure that they receive the assistance they need to reap the full benefits of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and to support the ultimate goal of full implementation of this new agreement by all members. In addition to providing capacity-building courses, the TFAF supports developing and LDC members in assessing their specific needs and identifying possible development partners to help them meet those needs.   

Further information on TFAF is available at www.TFAFacility.org.

More information on the WTO and trade facilitation is available at www.wto.org/tradefacilitation.