The role of WTO committees through the lens of specific trade concerns raised in the TBT committee

We analyse the content of 555 STCs raised in the TBT committee in the period 1995-2018. We find that: (i) STCs are used to acquire new and higher quality information than that provided merely by notifications; (ii) STCs are used as a monitoring tool, thus making members more accountable; and (iii) STCs facilitate the resolution of trade concerns non-litigiously. By reviewing existing literature, we provide evidence that all this is important because transparency and monitoring reduce trade costs, improve regulatory practices and build and sustain trust.

We also indicate the potential for some reforms to improve the efficiency of the system. These include: introducing a reporting system on the outcome of STCs, use of STCs raised in committees to fill the gap of missing notifications, systematic use of the STC mechanism at the stage of draft measures, building-in the dispute settlement system the requirement to raise the matter and discuss it within the relevant committee before filing a formal dispute settlement case.

No: ERSD-2020-09

Authors: Kian Cassehgari Posada, Emmanuelle Ganne and Roberta Piermartini

Manuscript date: May 2020

Key Words:

Transparency, WTO reform, Monitoring, Value of WTO, Good Governance, Dispute Settlement, Negotiations.

JEL classification numbers:

F02, F13, F53, F55.

back to top

Disclaimer 

This is a working paper, and hence it represents research in progress. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of its author. They are not intended to represent the positions or opinions of the WTO or its members and are without prejudice to members' rights and obligations under the WTO. Any errors are attributable to the author.

Download paper in pdf format (24 pages, 476KB; opens in a new window)