ANNEX TO THE PROTOCOL AMENDING THE MARRAKESH AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

AGREEMENT ON TRADE FACILITATION

Preamble

MEMBERS,

HAVING REGARD to the negotiations launched under the Doha Ministerial Declaration;

RECALLING and reaffirming the mandate and principles contained in paragraph 27 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration (WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1) and in Annex D of the Decision of the Doha Work Programme adopted by the General Council on 1 August 2004 (WT/L/579), as well as in paragraph 33 of and Annex E to the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration (WT/MIN(05)/DEC);

DESIRING to clarify and improve relevant aspects of Articles V, VIII and X of the GATT 1994 with a view to further expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit;

RECOGNIZING the particular needs of developing and especially least-developed country Members and desiring to enhance assistance and support for capacity building in this area;

RECOGNIZING the need for effective cooperation among Members on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues;

HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION I

Article 1

Publication and availability of information

1.   Publication

1.1.   Each Member shall promptly publish the following information in a non-discriminatory and easily accessible manner in order to enable governments, traders, and other interested parties to become acquainted with them:

(a)	procedures for importation, exportation, and transit (including port, airport, and other entry-point procedures), and required forms and documents;

(b)	applied rates of duties and taxes of any kind imposed on or in connection with importation or exportation;

(c)	fees and charges imposed by or for governmental agencies on or in connection with importation, exportation or transit;

(d)	rules for the classification or valuation of products for customs purposes;

(e)	laws, regulations, and administrative rulings of general application relating to rules of origin;

(f)	import, export or transit restrictions or prohibitions;

(g)	penalty provisions for breaches of import, export, or transit formalities;

(h)	procedures for appeal or review;

(i)	agreements or parts thereof with any country or countries relating to importation, exportation, or transit; and

(j)	procedures relating to the administration of tariff quotas.

1.2.   Nothing in these provisions shall be construed as requiring the publication or provision of information other than in the language of the Member except as stated in paragraph 2.2.

2.   Information Available Through internet

2.1.   Each Member shall make available, and update to the extent possible and as appropriate, the following through the internet:

(a)	a description (1) of its procedures for importation, exportation, and transit, including procedures for appeal or review, that informs governments, traders, and other interested parties of the practical steps needed for importation, exportation, and transit;

(b)	the forms and documents required for importation into, exportation from, or transit through the territory of that Member;

(c)	contact information on its enquiry point(s).

2.2.   Whenever practicable, the description referred to in subparagraph 2.1(a) shall also be made available in one of the official languages of the WTO.

2.3.   Members are encouraged to make available further trade-related information through the internet, including relevant trade-related legislation and other items referred to in paragraph 1.1.

3.   Enquiry Points

3.1.   Each Member shall, within its available resources, establish or maintain one or more enquiry points to answer reasonable enquiries of governments, traders, and other interested parties on matters covered by paragraph 1.1 and to provide the required forms and documents referred to in subparagraph 1.1(a).

3.2.   Members of a customs union or involved in regional integration may establish or maintain common enquiry points at the regional level to satisfy the requirement of paragraph 3.1 for common procedures.

3.3.   Members are encouraged not to require the payment of a fee for answering enquiries and providing required forms and documents. If any, Members shall limit the amount of their fees and charges to the approximate cost of services rendered.

3.4.   The enquiry points shall answer enquiries and provide the forms and documents within a reasonable time period set by each Member, which may vary depending on the nature or complexity of the request.

4.   Notification

Each Member shall notify the Committee on Trade Facilitation established under paragraph 1.1 of Article 23 (referred to in this Agreement as the ‘Committee’) of:

(a)	the official place(s) where the items in subparagraphs 1.1(a) to (j) have been published;

(b)	the Uniform Resource Locators of website(s) referred to in paragraph 2.1; and

(c)	the contact information of the enquiry points referred to in paragraph 3.1.

Article 2

Opportunity to comment, information before entry into force, and consultations

1.   Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry into Force

1.1.   Each Member shall, to the extent practicable and in a manner consistent with its domestic law and legal system, provide opportunities and an appropriate time period to traders and other interested parties to comment on the proposed introduction or amendment of laws and regulations of general application related to the movement, release, and clearance of goods, including goods in transit.

1.2.   Each Member shall, to the extent practicable and in a manner consistent with its domestic law and legal system, ensure that new or amended laws and regulations of general application related to the movement, release, and clearance of goods, including goods in transit, are published or information on them made otherwise publicly available, as early as possible before their entry into force, in order to enable traders and other interested parties to become acquainted with them.

1.3.   Changes to duty rates or tariff rates, measures that have a relieving effect, measures the effectiveness of which would be undermined as a result of compliance with paragraphs 1.1 or 1.2, measures applied in urgent circumstances, or minor changes to domestic law and legal system are each excluded from paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2.

2.   Consultations

Each Member shall, as appropriate, provide for regular consultations between its border agencies and traders or other stakeholders located within its territory.

Article 3

Advance rulings

1.   Each Member shall issue an advance ruling in a reasonable, time-bound manner to the applicant that has submitted a written request containing all necessary information. If a Member declines to issue an advance ruling, it shall promptly notify the applicant in writing, setting out the relevant facts and the basis for its decision.

2.   A Member may decline to issue an advance ruling to the applicant where the question raised in the application:

(a)	is already pending in the applicant's case before any governmental agency, appellate tribunal, or court; or

(b)	has already been decided by any appellate tribunal or court.

3.   The advance ruling shall be valid for a reasonable period of time after its issuance unless the law, facts, or circumstances supporting that ruling have changed.

4.   Where the Member revokes, modifies, or invalidates the advance ruling, it shall provide written notice to the applicant setting out the relevant facts and the basis for its decision. Where a Member revokes, modifies, or invalidates advance rulings with retroactive effect, it may only do so where the ruling was based on incomplete, incorrect, false, or misleading information.

5.   An advance ruling issued by a Member shall be binding on that Member in respect of the applicant that sought it. The Member may provide that the advance ruling is binding on the applicant.

6.   Each Member shall publish, at a minimum:

(a)	the requirements for the application for an advance ruling, including the information to be provided and the format;

(b)	the time period by which it will issue an advance ruling; and

(c)	the length of time for which the advance ruling is valid.

7.   Each Member shall provide, upon written request of an applicant, a review of the advance ruling or the decision to revoke, modify, or invalidate the advance ruling (2).

8.   Each Member shall endeavour to make publicly available any information on advance rulings which it considers to be of significant interest to other interested parties, taking into account the need to protect commercially confidential information.

9.   Definitions and scope:

(a)

An advance ruling is a written decision provided by a Member to the applicant prior to the importation of a good covered by the application that sets forth the treatment that the Member shall provide to the good at the time of importation with regard to: (i) the good's tariff classification; and (ii) the origin of the good (3).

(b)

In addition to the advance rulings defined in subparagraph (a), Members are encouraged to provide advance rulings on: (i) the appropriate method or criteria, and the application thereof, to be used for determining the customs value under a particular set of facts; (ii) the applicability of the Member's requirements for relief or exemption from customs duties; (iii) the application of the Member's requirements for quotas, including tariff quotas; and (iv) any additional matters for which a Member considers it appropriate to issue an advance ruling.

(c)	An applicant is an exporter, importer or any person with a justifiable cause or a representative thereof.

(d)

A Member may require that the applicant have legal representation or registration in its territory. To the extent possible, such requirements shall not restrict the categories of persons eligible to apply for advance rulings, with particular consideration for the specific needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. These requirements shall be clear and transparent and not constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination.

Article 4

Procedures for appeal or review

1.   Each Member shall provide that any person to whom customs issues an administrative decision (4) has the right, within its territory, to:

(a)	an administrative appeal to or review by an administrative authority higher than or independent of the official or office that issued the decision; and/or

(b)	a judicial appeal or review of the decision.

2.   The legislation of a Member may require that an administrative appeal or review be initiated prior to a judicial appeal or review.

3.   Each Member shall ensure that its procedures for appeal or review are carried out in a non-discriminatory manner.

4.   Each Member shall ensure that, in a case where the decision on appeal or review under subparagraph 1(a) is not given either:

(a)	within set periods as specified in its laws or regulations; or

(b)	without undue delay

the petitioner has the right to either further appeal to or further review by the administrative authority or the judicial authority or any other recourse to the judicial authority (5).

5.   Each Member shall ensure that the person referred to in paragraph 1 is provided with the reasons for the administrative decision so as to enable such a person to have recourse to procedures for appeal or review where necessary.

6.   Each Member is encouraged to make the provisions of this Article applicable to an administrative decision issued by a relevant border agency other than customs.

Article 5

Other measures to enhance impartiality, non-discrimination and transparency

1.   Notifications for enhanced controls or inspections

Where a Member adopts or maintains a system of issuing notifications or guidance to its concerned authorities for enhancing the level of controls or inspections at the border in respect of foods, beverages, or feedstuffs covered under the notification or guidance for protecting human, animal, or plant life or health within its territory, the following disciplines shall apply to the manner of their issuance, termination, or suspension:

(a)	the Member may, as appropriate, issue the notification or guidance based on risk;

(b)	the Member may issue the notification or guidance so that it applies uniformly only to those points of entry where the sanitary and phytosanitary conditions on which the notification or guidance are based apply;

(c)	the Member shall promptly terminate or suspend the notification or guidance when circumstances giving rise to it no longer exist, or if changed circumstances can be addressed in a less trade-restrictive manner; and

(d)	when the Member decides to terminate or suspend the notification or guidance, it shall, as appropriate, promptly publish the announcement of its termination or suspension in a non-discriminatory and easily accessible manner, or inform the exporting Member or the importer.

2.   Detention

A Member shall promptly inform the carrier or importer in case of detention of goods declared for importation, for inspection by customs or any other competent authority.

3.   Test Procedures

3.1.   A member may, upon request, grant an opportunity for a second test in case the first test result of a sample taken upon arrival of goods declared for importation shows an adverse finding.

3.2.   A Member shall either publish, in a non-discriminatory and easily accessible manner, the name and address of any laboratory where the test can be carried out or provide this information to the importer when it is granted the opportunity provided under paragraph 3.1.

3.3.   A Member shall consider the result of the second test, if any, conducted under paragraph 3.1, for the release and clearance of goods and, if appropriate, may accept the results of such test.

Article 6

Disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties

1.   General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation

1.1.   The provisions of paragraph 1 shall apply to all fees and charges other than import and export duties and other than taxes within the purview of Article III of GATT 1994 imposed by Members on or in connection with the importation or exportation of goods.

1.2.   Information on fees and charges shall be published in accordance with Article 1. This information shall include the fees and charges that will be applied, the reason for such fees and charges, the responsible authority and when and how payment is to be made.

1.3.   An adequate time period shall be accorded between the publication of new or amended fees and charges and their entry into force, except in urgent circumstances. Such fees and charges shall not be applied until information on them has been published.

1.4.   Each Member shall periodically review its fees and charges with a view to reducing their number and diversity, where practicable.

2.   Specific disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs Processing Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation

Fees and charges for customs processing:

(i)	shall be limited in amount to the approximate cost of the services rendered on or in connection with the specific import or export operation in question; and

(ii)	are not required to be linked to a specific import or export operation provided they are levied for services that are closely connected to the customs processing of goods.

3.   Penalty Disciplines

3.1.   For the purpose of paragraph 3, the term ‘penalties’ shall mean those imposed by a Member's customs administration for a breach of the Member's customs laws, regulations, or procedural requirements.

3.2.   Each Member shall ensure that penalties for a breach of a customs law, regulation, or procedural requirement are imposed only on the person(s) responsible for the breach under its laws.

3.3.   The penalty imposed shall depend on the facts and circumstances of the case and shall be commensurate with the degree and severity of the breach.

3.4.   Each Member shall ensure that it maintains measures to avoid:

(a)	conflicts of interest in the assessment and collection of penalties and duties; and

(b)	creating an incentive for the assessment or collection of a penalty that is inconsistent with paragraph 3.3.

3.5.   Each Member shall ensure that when a penalty is imposed for a breach of customs laws, regulations, or procedural requirements, an explanation in writing is provided to the person(s) upon whom the penalty is imposed specifying the nature of the breach and the applicable law, regulation or procedure under which the amount or range of penalty for the breach has been prescribed.

3.6.   When a person voluntarily discloses to a Member's customs administration the circumstances of a breach of a customs law, regulation, or procedural requirement prior to the discovery of the breach by the customs administration, the Member is encouraged to, where appropriate, consider this fact as a potential mitigating factor when establishing a penalty for that person.

3.7.   The provisions of this paragraph shall apply to the penalties on traffic in transit referred to in paragraph 3.1.

Article 7

Release and clearance of goods

1.   Pre-arrival Processing

1.1.   Each Member shall adopt or maintain procedures allowing for the submission of import documentation and other required information, including manifests, in order to begin processing prior to the arrival of goods with a view to expediting the release of goods upon arrival.

1.2.   Each Member shall, as appropriate, provide for advance lodging of documents in electronic format for pre-arrival processing of such documents.

2.   Electronic Payment

Each Member shall, to the extent practicable, adopt or maintain procedures allowing the option of electronic payment for duties, taxes, fees, and charges collected by customs incurred upon importation and exportation.

3.   Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges

3.1.   Each Member shall adopt or maintain procedures allowing the release of goods prior to the final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees, and charges, if such a determination is not done prior to, or upon arrival, or as rapidly as possible after arrival and provided that all other regulatory requirements have been met.

3.2.   As a condition for such release, a Member may require:

(a)	payment of customs duties, taxes, fees, and charges determined prior to or upon arrival of goods and a guarantee for any amount not yet determined in the form of a surety, a deposit, or another appropriate instrument provided for in its laws and regulations; or

(b)	a guarantee in the form of a surety, a deposit, or another appropriate instrument provided for in its laws and regulations.

3.3.   Such guarantee shall not be greater than the amount the Member requires to ensure payment of customs duties, taxes, fees, and charges ultimately due for the goods covered by the guarantee.

3.4.   In cases where an offence requiring imposition of monetary penalties or fines has been detected, a guarantee may be required for the penalties and fines that may be imposed.

3.5.   The guarantee as set out in paragraphs 3.2 and 3.4 shall be discharged when it is no longer required.

3.6.   Nothing in these provisions shall affect the right of a Member to examine, detain, seize or confiscate or deal with the goods in any manner not otherwise inconsistent with the Member's WTO rights and obligations.

4.   Risk Management

4.1.   Each Member shall, to the extent possible, adopt or maintain a risk management system for customs control.

4.2.   Each Member shall design and apply risk management in a manner as to avoid arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination, or a disguised restriction on international trade.

4.3.   Each Member shall concentrate customs control and, to the extent possible other relevant border controls, on high-risk consignments and expedite the release of low-risk consignments. A Member also may select, on a random basis, consignments for such controls as part of its risk management.

4.4.   Each Member shall base risk management on an assessment of risk through appropriate selectivity criteria. Such selectivity criteria may include, inter alia, the Harmonized System code, nature and description of the goods, country of origin, country from which the goods were shipped, value of the goods, compliance record of traders, and type of means of transport.

5.   Post-clearance Audit

5.1.   With a view to expediting the release of goods, each Member shall adopt or maintain post-clearance audit to ensure compliance with customs and other related laws and regulations.

5.2.   Each Member shall select a person or a consignment for post-clearance audit in a risk-based manner, which may include appropriate selectivity criteria. Each Member shall conduct post-clearance audits in a transparent manner. Where the person is involved in the audit process and conclusive results have been achieved the Member shall, without delay, notify the person whose record is audited of the results, the person's rights and obligations, and the reasons for the results.

5.3.   The information obtained in post-clearance audit may be used in further administrative or judicial proceedings.

5.4.   Members shall, wherever practicable, use the result of post-clearance audit in applying risk management.

6.   Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times

6.1.   Members are encouraged to measure and publish their average release time of goods periodically and in a consistent manner, using tools such as, inter alia, the Time Release Study of the World Customs Organization (referred to in this Agreement as the ‘WCO’) (6).

6.2.   Members are encouraged to share with the Committee their experiences in measuring average release times, including methodologies used, bottlenecks identified, and any resulting effects on efficiency.

7.   Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators

7.1.   Each Member shall provide additional trade facilitation measures related to import, export, or transit formalities and procedures, pursuant to paragraph 7.3, to operators who meet specified criteria, hereinafter called authorized operators. Alternatively, a Member may offer such trade facilitation measures through customs procedures generally available to all operators and is not required to establish a separate scheme.

7.2.   The specified criteria to qualify as an authorized operator shall be related to compliance, or the risk of non-compliance, with requirements specified in a Member's laws, regulations or procedures.

(a)

Such criteria, which shall be published, may include: (i) an appropriate record of compliance with customs and other related laws and regulations; (ii) a system of managing records to allow for necessary internal controls; (iii) financial solvency, including, where appropriate, provision of a sufficient security or guarantee; and (iv) supply chain security.

(b)	Such criteria shall not: (i) be designed or applied so as to afford or create arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination between operators where the same conditions prevail; and (ii) to the extent possible, restrict the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises.

7.3.   The trade facilitation measures provided pursuant to paragraph 7.1 shall include at least three of the following measures (7):

(a)	low documentary and data requirements, as appropriate;

(b)	low rate of physical inspections and examinations, as appropriate;

(c)	rapid release time, as appropriate;

(d)	deferred payment of duties, taxes, fees, and charges;

(e)	use of comprehensive guarantees or reduced guarantees;

(f)	a single customs declaration for all imports or exports in a given period; and

(g)	clearance of goods at the premises of the authorized operator or another place authorized by customs.

7.4.   Members are encouraged to develop authorized operator schemes on the basis of international standards, where such standards exist, except when such standards would be an inappropriate or ineffective means for the fulfilment of the legitimate objectives pursued.

7.5.   In order to enhance the trade facilitation measures provided to operators, Members shall afford to other Members the possibility of negotiating mutual recognition of authorized operator schemes.

7.6.   Members shall exchange relevant information within the Committee about authorized operator schemes in force.

8.   Expedited Shipments

8.1.   Each Member shall adopt or maintain procedures allowing for the expedited release of at least those goods entered through air cargo facilities to persons who apply for such treatment, while maintaining customs control (8). If a Member employs criteria (9) limiting who may apply, the Member may, in published criteria, require that the applicant shall, as conditions for qualifying for the application of the treatment described in paragraph 8.2 to its expedited shipments:

(a)	provide adequate infrastructure and payment of customs expenses related to processing of expedited shipments in cases where the applicant fulfils the Member's requirements for such processing to be performed at a dedicated facility;

(b)	submit in advance of the arrival of an expedited shipment the information necessary for the release;

(c)	be assessed fees limited in amount to the approximate cost of services rendered in providing the treatment described in paragraph 8.2;

(d)	maintain a high degree of control over expedited shipments through the use of internal security, logistics, and tracking technology from pick-up to delivery;

(e)	provide expedited shipment from pick-up to delivery;

(f)	assume liability for payment of all customs duties, taxes, fees, and charges to the customs authority for the goods;

(g)	have a good record of compliance with customs and other related laws and regulations;

(h)	comply with other conditions directly related to the effective enforcement of the Member's laws, regulations, and procedural requirements, that specifically relate to providing the treatment described in paragraph 8.2.

8.2.   Subject to paragraphs 8.1 and 8.3, Members shall:

(a)	minimize the documentation required for the release of expedited shipments in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 10 and, to the extent possible, provide for release based on a single submission of information on certain shipments;

(b)	provide for expedited shipments to be released under normal circumstances as rapidly as possible after arrival, provided the information required for release has been submitted;

(c)

endeavour to apply the treatment in subparagraphs (a) and (b) to shipments of any weight or value recognizing that a Member is permitted to require additional entry procedures, including declarations and supporting documentation and payment of duties and taxes, and to limit such treatment based on the type of good, provided the treatment is not limited to low value goods such as documents; and

(d)

provide, to the extent possible, for a de minimis shipment value or dutiable amount for which customs duties and taxes will not be collected, aside from certain prescribed goods. Internal taxes, such as value added taxes and excise taxes, applied to imports consistently with Article III of the GATT 1994 are not subject to this provision.

8.3.   Nothing in paragraphs 8.1 and 8.2 shall affect the right of a Member to examine, detain, seize, confiscate or refuse entry of goods, or to carry out post-clearance audits, including in connection with the use of risk management systems. Further, nothing in paragraphs 8.1 and 8.2 shall prevent a Member from requiring, as a condition for release, the submission of additional information and the fulfilment of non-automatic licensing requirements.

9.   Perishable Goods (10)

9.1.   With a view to preventing avoidable loss or deterioration of perishable goods, and provided that all regulatory requirements have been met, each Member shall provide for the release of perishable goods:

(a)	under normal circumstances within the shortest possible time; and

(b)	in exceptional circumstances where it would be appropriate to do so, outside the business hours of customs and other relevant authorities.

9.2.   Each Member shall give appropriate priority to perishable goods when scheduling any examinations that may be required.

9.3.   Each Member shall either arrange or allow an importer to arrange for the proper storage of perishable goods pending their release. The Member may require that any storage facilities arranged by the importer have been approved or designated by its relevant authorities. The movement of the goods to those storage facilities, including authorizations for the operator moving the goods, may be subject to the approval, where required, of the relevant authorities. The Member shall, where practicable and consistent with domestic legislation, upon the request of the importer, provide for any procedures necessary for release to take place at those storage facilities.

9.4.   In cases of significant delay in the release of perishable goods, and upon written request, the importing Member shall, to the extent practicable, provide a communication on the reasons for the delay.

Article 8

Border Agency cooperation

1.   Each Member shall ensure that its authorities and agencies responsible for border controls and procedures dealing with the importation, exportation, and transit of goods cooperate with one another and coordinate their activities in order to facilitate trade.

2.   Each Member shall, to the extent possible and practicable, cooperate on mutually agreed terms with other Members with whom it shares a common border with a view to coordinating procedures at border crossings to facilitate cross-border trade. Such cooperation and coordination may include:

(a)	alignment of working days and hours;

(b)	alignment of procedures and formalities;

(c)	development and sharing of common facilities;

(d)	joint controls;

(e)	establishment of one stop border post control.

Article 9

Movement of goods intended for import under Customs Control

Each Member shall, to the extent practicable, and provided all regulatory requirements are met, allow goods intended for import to be moved within its territory under customs control from a customs office of entry to another customs office in its territory from where the goods would be released or cleared.

Article 10

Formalities connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit

1.   Formalities and Documentation Requirements

1.1.   With a view to minimizing the incidence and complexity of import, export, and transit formalities and to decreasing and simplifying import, export, and transit documentation requirements and taking into account the legitimate policy objectives and other factors such as changed circumstances, relevant new information, business practices, availability of techniques and technology, international best practices, and inputs from interested parties, each Member shall review such formalities and documentation requirements and, based on the results of the review, ensure, as appropriate, that such formalities and documentation requirements are:

(a)	adopted and/or applied with a view to a rapid release and clearance of goods, particularly perishable goods;

(b)	adopted and/or applied in a manner that aims at reducing the time and cost of compliance for traders and operators;

(c)	the least trade restrictive measure chosen where two or more alternative measures are reasonably available for fulfilling the policy objective or objectives in question; and

(d)	not maintained, including parts thereof, if no longer required.

1.2.   The Committee shall develop procedures for the sharing by Members of relevant information and best practices, as appropriate.

2.   Acceptance of Copies

2.1.   Each Member shall, where appropriate, endeavour to accept paper or electronic copies of supporting documents required for import, export, or transit formalities.

2.2.   Where a government agency of a Member already holds the original of such a document, any other agency of that Member shall accept a paper or electronic copy, where applicable, from the agency holding the original in lieu of the original document.

2.3.   A Member shall not require an original or copy of export declarations submitted to the customs authorities of the exporting Member as a requirement for importation (11).

3.   Use of International Standards

3.1.   Members are encouraged to use relevant international standards or parts thereof as a basis for their import, export, or transit formalities and procedures, except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement.

3.2.   Members are encouraged to take part, within the limits of their resources, in the preparation and periodic review of relevant international standards by appropriate international organizations.

3.3.   The Committee shall develop procedures for the sharing by Members of relevant information, and best practices, on the implementation of international standards, as appropriate. The Committee may also invite relevant international organizations to discuss their work on international standards. As appropriate, the Committee may identify specific standards that are of particular value to Members.

4.   Single Window

4.1.   Members shall endeavour to establish or maintain a single window, enabling traders to submit documentation and/or data requirements for importation, exportation, or transit of goods through a single entry point to the participating authorities or agencies. After the examination by the participating authorities or agencies of the documentation and/or data, the results shall be notified to the applicants through the single window in a timely manner.

4.2.   In cases where documentation and/or data requirements have already been received through the single window, the same documentation and/or data requirements shall not be requested by participating authorities or agencies except in urgent circumstances and other limited exceptions which are made public.

4.3.   Members shall notify the Committee of the details of operation of the single window.

4.4.   Members shall, to the extent possible and practicable, use information technology to support the single window.

5.   Preshipment Inspection

5.1.   Members shall not require the use of preshipment inspections in relation to tariff classification and customs valuation.

5.2.   Without prejudice to the rights of Members to use other types of preshipment inspection not covered by paragraph 5.1, Members are encouraged not to introduce or apply new requirements regarding their use (12).

6.   Use of Customs Brokers

6.1.   Without prejudice to the important policy concerns of some Members that currently maintain a special role for customs brokers, from the entry into force of this Agreement Members shall not introduce the mandatory use of customs brokers.

6.2.   Each Member shall notify the Committee and publish its measures on the use of customs brokers. Any subsequent modifications thereof shall be notified and published promptly.

6.3.   With regard to the licensing of customs brokers, Members shall apply rules that are transparent and objective.

7.   Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements

7.1.   Each Member shall, subject to paragraph 7.2, apply common customs procedures and uniform documentation requirements for release and clearance of goods throughout its territory.

7.2.   Nothing in this Article shall prevent a Member from:

(a)	differentiating its procedures and documentation requirements based on the nature and type of goods, or their means of transport;

(b)	differentiating its procedures and documentation requirements for goods based on risk management;

(c)	differentiating its procedures and documentation requirements to provide total or partial exemption from import duties or taxes;

(d)	applying electronic filing or processing; or

(e)	differentiating its procedures and documentation requirements in a manner consistent with the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

8.   Rejected Goods

8.1.   Where goods presented for import are rejected by the competent authority of a Member on account of their failure to meet prescribed sanitary or phytosanitary regulations or technical regulations, the Member shall, subject to and consistent with its laws and regulations, allow the importer to re-consign or to return the rejected goods to the exporter or another person designated by the exporter.

8.2.   When such an option under paragraph 8.1 is given and the importer fails to exercise it within a reasonable period of time, the competent authority may take a different course of action to deal with such non-compliant goods.

9.   Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward and Outward Processing

9.1.   Temporary Admission of Goods

Each Member shall allow, as provided for in its laws and regulations, goods to be brought into its customs territory conditionally relieved, totally or partially, from payment of import duties and taxes if such goods are brought into its customs territory for a specific purpose, are intended for re-exportation within a specific period, and have not undergone any change except normal depreciation and wastage due to the use made of them.

9.2.   Inward and Outward Processing

(a)	Each Member shall allow, as provided for in its laws and regulations, inward and outward processing of goods. Goods allowed for outward processing may be re-imported with total or partial exemption from import duties and taxes in accordance with the Member's laws and regulations.

(b)

For the purposes of this Article, the term ‘inward processing’ means the customs procedure under which certain goods can be brought into a Member's customs territory conditionally relieved, totally or partially, from payment of import duties and taxes, or eligible for duty drawback, on the basis that such goods are intended for manufacturing, processing, or repair and subsequent exportation.

(c)	For the purposes of this Article, the term ‘outward processing’ means the customs procedure under which goods which are in free circulation in a Member's customs territory may be temporarily exported for manufacturing, processing, or repair abroad and then re-imported.

Article 11

Freedom of transit

1.   Any regulations or formalities in connection with traffic in transit imposed by a Member shall not be:

(a)	maintained if the circumstances or objectives giving rise to their adoption no longer exist or if the changed circumstances or objectives can be addressed in a reasonably available less trade-restrictive manner;

(b)	applied in a manner that would constitute a disguised restriction on traffic in transit.

2.   Traffic in transit shall not be conditioned upon collection of any fees or charges imposed in respect of transit, except the charges for transportation or those commensurate with administrative expenses entailed by transit or with the cost of services rendered.

3.   Members shall not seek, take, or maintain any voluntary restraints or any other similar measures on traffic in transit. This is without prejudice to existing and future national regulations, bilateral or multilateral arrangements related to regulating transport, consistent with WTO rules.

4.   Each Member shall accord to products which will be in transit through the territory of any other Member treatment no less favourable than that which would be accorded to such products if they were being transported from their place of origin to their destination without going through the territory of such other Member.

5.   Members are encouraged to make available, where practicable, physically separate infrastructure (such as lanes, berths and similar) for traffic in transit.

6.   Formalities, documentation requirements, and customs controls in connection with traffic in transit shall not be more burdensome than necessary to:

(a)	identify the goods; and

(b)	ensure fulfilment of transit requirements.

7.   Once goods have been put under a transit procedure and have been authorized to proceed from the point of origination in a Member's territory, they will not be subject to any customs charges nor unnecessary delays or restrictions until they conclude their transit at the point of destination within the Member's territory.

8.   Members shall not apply technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures within the meaning of the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade to goods in transit.

9.   Members shall allow and provide for advance filing and processing of transit documentation and data prior to the arrival of goods.

10.   Once traffic in transit has reached the customs office where it exits the territory of a Member, that office shall promptly terminate the transit operation if transit requirements have been met.

11.   Where a Member requires a guarantee in the form of a surety, deposit or other appropriate monetary or non-monetary (13) instrument for traffic in transit, such guarantee shall be limited to ensuring that requirements arising from such traffic in transit are fulfilled.

12.   Once the Member has determined that its transit requirements have been satisfied, the guarantee shall be discharged without delay.

13.   Each Member shall, in a manner consistent with its laws and regulations, allow comprehensive guarantees which include multiple transactions for same operators or renewal of guarantees without discharge for subsequent consignments.

14.   Each Member shall make publicly available the relevant information it uses to set the guarantee, including single transaction and, where applicable, multiple transaction guarantee.

15.   Each Member may require the use of customs convoys or customs escorts for traffic in transit only in circumstances presenting high risks or when compliance with customs laws and regulations cannot be ensured through the use of guarantees. General rules applicable to customs convoys or customs escorts shall be published in accordance with Article 1.

16.   Members shall endeavour to cooperate and coordinate with one another with a view to enhancing freedom of transit. Such cooperation and coordination may include, but is not limited to, an understanding on:

(a)

charges;

(b)	formalities and legal requirements; and

(c)	the practical operation of transit regimes.

17.   Each Member shall endeavour to appoint a national transit coordinator to which all enquiries and proposals by other Members relating to the good functioning of transit operations can be addressed.

Article 12

Customs cooperation

1.   Measures Promoting Compliance and Cooperation

1.1.   Members agree on the importance of ensuring that traders are aware of their compliance obligations, encouraging voluntary compliance to allow importers to self-correct without penalty in appropriate circumstances, and applying compliance measures to initiate stronger measures for non-compliant traders (14).

1.2.   Members are encouraged to share information on best practices in managing customs compliance, including through the Committee. Members are encouraged to cooperate in technical guidance or assistance and support for capacity building for the purposes of administering compliance measures and enhancing their effectiveness.

2.   Exchange of Information

2.1.   Upon request and subject to the provisions of this Article, Members shall exchange the information set out in subparagraphs 6.1(b) and/or (c) for the purpose of verifying an import or export declaration in identified cases where there are reasonable grounds to doubt the truth or accuracy of the declaration.

2.2.   Each Member shall notify the Committee of the details of its contact point for the exchange of this information.

3.   Verification

A Member shall make a request for information only after it has conducted appropriate verification procedures of an import or export declaration and after it has inspected the available relevant documentation.

4.   Request

4.1.   The requesting Member shall provide the requested Member with a written request, through paper or electronic means in a mutually agreed official language of the WTO or other mutually agreed language, including:

(a)	the matter at issue including, where appropriate and available, the number identifying the export declaration corresponding to the import declaration in question;

(b)	the purpose for which the requesting Member is seeking the information or documents, along with the names and contact details of the persons to whom the request relates, if known;

(c)	where required by the requested Member, confirmation (15) of the verification where appropriate;

(d)	the specific information or documents requested;

(e)	the identity of the originating office making the request;

(f)	reference to provisions of the requesting Member's domestic law and legal system that govern the collection, protection, use, disclosure, retention, and disposal of confidential information and personal data.

4.2.   If the requesting Member is not in a position to comply with any of the subparagraphs of paragraph 4.1, it shall specify this in the request.

5.   Protection and Confidentiality

5.1.   The requesting Member shall, subject to paragraph 5.2:

(a)	hold all information or documents provided by the requested Member strictly in confidence and grant at least the same level of such protection and confidentiality as that provided under the domestic law and legal system of the requested Member as described by it under subparagraphs 6.1(b) or (c);

(b)	provide information or documents only to the customs authorities dealing with the matter at issue and use the information or documents solely for the purpose stated in the request unless the requested Member agrees otherwise in writing;

(c)	not disclose the information or documents without the specific written permission of the requested Member;

(d)	not use any unverified information or documents from the requested Member as the deciding factor towards alleviating the doubt in any given circumstance;

(e)	respect any case-specific conditions set out by the requested Member regarding retention and disposal of confidential information or documents and personal data; and

(f)	upon request, inform the requested Member of any decisions and actions taken on the matter as a result of the information or documents provided.

5.2.   A requesting Member may be unable under its domestic law and legal system to comply with any of the subparagraphs of paragraph 5.1. If so, the requesting Member shall specify this in the request.

5.3.   The requested Member shall treat any request and verification information received under paragraph 4 with at least the same level of protection and confidentiality accorded by the requested Member to its own similar information.

6.   Provision of Information

6.1.   Subject to the provisions of this Article, the requested Member shall promptly:

(a)	respond in writing, through paper or electronic means;

(b)	provide the specific information as set out in the import or export declaration, or the declaration, to the extent it is available, along with a description of the level of protection and confidentiality required of the requesting Member;

(c)

if requested, provide the specific information as set out in the following documents, or the documents, submitted in support of the import or export declaration, to the extent it is available: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and bill of lading, in the form in which these were filed, whether paper or electronic, along with a description of the level of protection and confidentiality required of the requesting Member;

(d)	confirm that the documents provided are true copies;

(e)	provide the information or otherwise respond to the request, to the extent possible, within 90 days from the date of the request.

6.2.   The requested Member may require, under its domestic law and legal system, an assurance prior to the provision of information that the specific information will not be used as evidence in criminal investigations, judicial proceedings, or in non-customs proceedings without the specific written permission of the requested Member. If the requesting Member is not in a position to comply with this requirement, it should specify this to the requested Member.

7.   Postponement or Refusal of a Request

7.1.   A requested Member may postpone or refuse part or all of a request to provide information, and shall inform the requesting Member of the reasons for doing so, where:

(a)	it would be contrary to the public interest as reflected in the domestic law and legal system of the requested Member;

(b)	its domestic law and legal system prevents the release of the information. In such a case it shall provide the requesting Member with a copy of the relevant, specific reference;

(c)	the provision of the information would impede law enforcement or otherwise interfere with an on-going administrative or judicial investigation, prosecution or proceeding;

(d)	the consent of the importer or exporter is required by its domestic law and legal system that govern the collection, protection, use, disclosure, retention, and disposal of confidential information or personal data and that consent is not given; or

(e)	the request for information is received after the expiration of the legal requirement of the requested Member for the retention of documents.

7.2.   In the circumstances of paragraphs 4.2, 5.2, or 6.2, execution of such a request shall be at the discretion of the requested Member.

8.   Reciprocity

If the requesting Member is of the opinion that it would be unable to comply with a similar request if it was made by the requested Member, or if it has not yet implemented this Article, it shall state that fact in its request. Execution of such a request shall be at the discretion of the requested Member.

9.   Administrative Burden

9.1.   The requesting Member shall take into account the associated resource and cost implications for the requested Member in responding to requests for information. The requesting Member shall consider the proportionality between its fiscal interest in pursuing its request and the efforts to be made by the requested Member in providing the information.

9.2.   If a requested Member receives an unmanageable number of requests for information or a request for information of unmanageable scope from one or more requesting Member(s) and is unable to meet such requests within a reasonable time, it may request one or more of the requesting Member(s) to prioritize with a view to agreeing on a practical limit within its resource constraints. In the absence of a mutually-agreed approach, the execution of such requests shall be at the discretion of the requested Member based on the results of its own prioritization.

10.   Limitations

A requested Member shall not be required to:

(a)	modify the format of its import or export declarations or procedures;

(b)	call for documents other than those submitted with the import or export declaration as specified in subparagraph 6.1(c);

(c)	initiate enquiries to obtain the information;

(d)	modify the period of retention of such information;

(e)	introduce paper documentation where electronic format has already been introduced;

(f)	translate the information;

(g)	verify the accuracy of the information; or

(h)	provide information that would prejudice the legitimate commercial interests of particular enterprises, public or private.

11.   Unauthorized Use or disclosure

11.1.   In the event of any breach of the conditions of use or disclosure of information exchanged under this Article, the requesting Member that received the information shall promptly communicate the details of such unauthorized use or disclosure to the requested Member that provided the information and:

(a)	take necessary measures to remedy the breach;

(b)	take necessary measures to prevent any future breach; and

(c)	notify the requested Member of the measures taken under subparagraphs (a) and (b).

11.2.   The requested Member may suspend its obligations to the requesting Member under this Article until the measures set out in paragraph 11.1 have been taken.

12.   Bilateral and regional agreements

12.1.   Nothing in this article shall prevent a member from entering into or maintaining a bilateral, plurilateral, or regional agreement for sharing or exchange of customs information and data, including on a secure and rapid basis such as on an automatic basis or in advance of the arrival of the consignment.

12.2.   Nothing in this Article shall be construed as altering or affecting a Member's rights or obligations under such bilateral, plurilateral, or regional agreements, or as governing the exchange of customs information and data under such other agreements.

SECTION II

SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT PROVISIONS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRY MEMBERS AND LEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRY MEMBERS

Article 13

General principles

1.   The provisions contained in Articles 1 to 12 of this Agreement shall be implemented by developing and least-developed country Members in accordance with this Section, which is based on the modalities agreed in Annex D of the July 2004 Framework Agreement (WT/L/579) and in paragraph 33 of and Annex E to the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration (WT/MIN(05)/DEC).

2.   Assistance and support for capacity building (16) should be provided to help developing and least-developed country Members implement the provisions of this Agreement, in accordance with their nature and scope. The extent and the timing of implementation of the provisions of this Agreement shall be related to the implementation capacities of developing and least-developed country Members. Where a developing or least-developed country Member continues to lack the necessary capacity, implementation of the provision(s) concerned will not be required until implementation capacity has been acquired.

3.   Least-developed country Members will only be required to undertake commitments to the extent consistent with their individual development, financial and trade needs or their administrative and institutional capabilities.

4.   These principles shall be applied through the provisions set out in Section II.

Article 14

Categories of provisions

1.   There are three categories of provisions:

(a)	Category A contains provisions that a developing country Member or a least-developed country Member designates for implementation upon entry into force of this Agreement, or in the case of a least-developed country Member within one year after entry into force, as provided in Article 15.

(b)	Category B contains provisions that a developing country Member or a least-developed country Member designates for implementation on a date after a transitional period of time following the entry into force of this Agreement, as provided in Article 16.

(c)

Category C contains provisions that a developing country Member or a least-developed country Member designates for implementation on a date after a transitional period of time following the entry into force of this Agreement and requiring the acquisition of implementation capacity through the provision of assistance and support for capacity building, as provided for in Article 16.

2.   Each developing country and least-developed country Member shall self-designate, on an individual basis, the provisions it is including under each of the Categories A, B and C.

Article 15

Notification and implementation of Category A

1.   Upon entry into force of this Agreement, each developing country Member shall implement its Category A commitments. Those commitments designated under Category A will thereby be made an integral part of this Agreement.

2.   A least-developed country Member may notify the Committee of the provisions it has designated in Category A for up to one year after entry into force of this Agreement. Each least-developed country Member's commitments designated under Category A will thereby be made an integral part of this Agreement.

Article 16

Notification of definitive dates for implementation of Category B and Category C

1.   With respect to the provisions that a developing country member has not designated in category a, the member may delay implementation in accordance with the process set out in this article.

Developing Country Member Category B

(a)	Upon entry into force of this Agreement, each developing country Member shall notify the Committee of the provisions that it has designated in Category B and their corresponding indicative dates for implementation (17).

(b)

No later than one year after entry into force of this Agreement, each developing country Member shall notify the Committee of its definitive dates for implementation of the provisions it has designated in Category B. If a developing country Member, before this deadline, believes it requires additional time to notify its definitive dates, the Member may request that the Committee extend the period sufficient to notify its dates.

Developing Country Member Category C

(c)

Upon entry into force of this Agreement, each developing country Member shall notify the Committee of the provisions that it has designated in Category C and their corresponding indicative dates for implementation. For transparency purposes, notifications submitted shall include information on the assistance and support for capacity building that the Member requires in order to implement (18).

(d)

Within one year after entry into force of this Agreement, developing country Members and relevant donor Members, taking into account any existing arrangements already in place, notifications pursuant to paragraph 1 of Article 22 and information submitted pursuant to subparagraph (c) above, shall provide information to the Committee on the arrangements maintained or entered into that are necessary to provide assistance and support for capacity building to enable implementation of Category C (19). The participating developing country Member shall promptly inform the Committee of such arrangements. The Committee shall also invite non-Member donors to provide information on existing or concluded arrangements.

(e)

Within 18 months from the date of the provision of the information stipulated in subparagraph (d), donor Members and respective developing country Members shall inform the Committee of the progress in the provision of assistance and support for capacity building. Each developing country Member shall, at the same time, notify its list of definitive dates for implementation.

2.   With respect to those provisions that a least-developed country Member has not designated under Category A, least-developed country Members may delay implementation in accordance with the process set forth in this Article.

Least-Developed Country Member Category B

(a)

No later than one year after entry into force of this Agreement, a least-developed country Member shall notify the Committee of its Category B provisions and may notify their corresponding indicative dates for implementation of these provisions, taking into account maximum flexibilities for least-developed country Members.

(b)

No later than two years after the notification date stipulated under subparagraph (a) above, each least-developed country Member shall notify the Committee to confirm designations of provisions and notify its dates for implementation. If a least-developed country Member, before this deadline, believes it requires additional time to notify its definitive dates, the Member may request that the Committee extend the period sufficiently to notify its dates.

Least-Developed Country Member Category C

(c)

For transparency purposes and to facilitate arrangements with donors, one year after entry into force of this Agreement, each least-developed country Member shall notify the Committee of the provisions it has designated in Category C, taking into account maximum flexibilities for least-developed country Members.

(d)	One year after the date stipulated in subparagraph (c) above, least-developed country Members shall notify information on assistance and support for capacity building that the Member requires in order to implement (20).

(e)

No later than two years after the notification under subparagraph (d) above, least-developed country Members and relevant donor Members, taking into account information submitted pursuant to subparagraph (d) above, shall provide information to the Committee on the arrangements maintained or entered into that are necessary to provide assistance and support for capacity building to enable implementation of Category C (21). The participating least-developed country Member shall promptly inform the Committee of such arrangements. The least-developed country Member shall, at the same time, notify indicative dates for implementation of corresponding Category C commitments covered by the assistance and support arrangements. The Committee shall also invite non-Member donors to provide information on existing and concluded arrangements.

(f)

No later than 18 months from the date of the provision of the information stipulated in subparagraph (e), relevant donor Members and respective least-developed country Members shall inform the Committee of the progress in the provision of assistance and support for capacity building. Each least-developed country Member shall, at the same time, notify the Committee of its list of definitive dates for implementation.

3.   Developing country Members and least-developed country Members experiencing difficulties in submitting definitive dates for implementation within the deadlines set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 because of the lack of donor support or lack of progress in the provision of assistance and support for capacity building should notify the Committee as early as possible prior to the expiration of those deadlines. Members agree to cooperate to assist in addressing such difficulties, taking into account the particular circumstances and special problems facing the Member concerned. The Committee shall, as appropriate, take action to address the difficulties including, where necessary, by extending the deadlines for the Member concerned to notify its definitive dates.

4.   Three months before the deadline stipulated in subparagraphs 1(b) or (e), or in the case of a least-developed country Member, subparagraphs 2(b) or (f), the Secretariat shall remind a Member if that Member has not notified a definitive date for implementation of provisions that it has designated in Category B or C. If the Member does not invoke paragraph 3, or in the case of a developing country Member subparagraph 1(b), or in the case of a least-developed country Member subparagraph 2(b), to extend the deadline and still does not notify a definitive date for implementation, the Member shall implement the provisions within one year after the deadline stipulated in subparagraphs 1(b) or (e), or in the case of a least-developed country Member, subparagraphs 2(b) or (f), or extended by paragraph 3.

5.   No later than 60 days after the dates for notification of definitive dates for implementation of Category B and Category C provisions in accordance with paragraphs 1, 2, or 3, the Committee shall take note of the annexes containing each Member's definitive dates for implementation of Category B and Category C provisions, including any dates set under paragraph 4, thereby making these annexes an integral part of this Agreement.

Article 17

Early warning mechanism: Extension of implementation dates for provisions in Categories B and C

(a)

A developing country Member or least-developed country Member that considers itself to be experiencing difficulty in implementing a provision that it has designated in Category B or Category C by the definitive date established under subparagraphs 1(b) or (e) of Article 16, or in the case of a least-developed country Member subparagraphs 2(b) or (f) of Article 16, should notify the Committee. Developing country Members shall notify the Committee no later than 120 days before the expiration of the implementation date. Least-developed country Members shall notify the Committee no later than 90 days before such date.

(b)

The notification to the Committee shall indicate the new date by which the developing country Member or least-developed country Member expects to be able to implement the provision concerned. The notification shall also indicate the reasons for the expected delay in implementation. Such reasons may include the need for assistance and support for capacity building not earlier anticipated or additional assistance and support to help build capacity.

2.   Where a developing country Member's request for additional time for implementation does not exceed 18 months or a least-developed country Member's request for additional time does not exceed 3 years, the requesting Member is entitled to such additional time without any further action by the Committee.

3.   Where a developing country or least-developed country Member considers that it requires a first extension longer than that provided for in paragraph 2 or a second or any subsequent extension, it shall submit to the Committee a request for an extension containing the information described in subparagraph 1(b) no later than 120 days in respect of a developing country Member and 90 days in respect of a least-developed country Member before the expiration of the original definitive implementation date or that date as subsequently extended.

4.   The Committee shall give sympathetic consideration to granting requests for extension taking into account the specific circumstances of the Member submitting the request. These circumstances may include difficulties and delays in obtaining assistance and support for capacity building.

Article 18

Implementation of Category B and Category C

1.   In accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 13, if a developing country Member or a least-developed country Member, having fulfilled the procedures set forth in paragraphs 1 or 2 of Article 16 and in Article 17, and where an extension requested has not been granted or where the developing country Member or least-developed country Member otherwise experiences unforeseen circumstances that prevent an extension being granted under Article 17, self-assesses that its capacity to implement a provision under Category C continues to be lacking, that Member shall notify the Committee of its inability to implement the relevant provision.

2.   The Committee shall establish an Expert Group immediately, and in any case no later than 60 days after the Committee receives the notification from the relevant developing country Member or least-developed country Member. The Expert Group will examine the issue and make a recommendation to the Committee within 120 days of its composition.

3.   The Expert Group shall be composed of five independent persons that are highly qualified in the fields of trade facilitation and assistance and support for capacity building. The composition of the Expert Group shall ensure balance between nationals from developing and developed country Members. Where a least-developed country Member is involved, the Expert Group shall include at least one national from a least-developed country Member. If the Committee cannot agree on the composition of the Expert Group within 20 days of its establishment, the Director-General, in consultation with the chair of the Committee, shall determine the composition of the Expert Group in accordance with the terms of this paragraph.

4.   The Expert Group shall consider the Member's self-assessment of lack of capacity and shall make a recommendation to the Committee. When considering the Expert Group's recommendation concerning a least-developed country Member, the Committee shall, as appropriate, take action that will facilitate the acquisition of sustainable implementation capacity.

5.   The Member shall not be subject to proceedings under the Dispute Settlement Understanding on this issue from the time the developing country Member notifies the Committee of its inability to implement the relevant provision until the first meeting of the Committee after it receives the recommendation of the Expert Group. At that meeting, the Committee shall consider the recommendation of the Expert Group. For a least-developed country Member, the proceedings under the Dispute Settlement Understanding shall not apply to the respective provision from the date of notification to the Committee of its inability to implement the provision until the Committee makes a decision on the issue, or within 24 months after the date of the first Committee meeting set out above, whichever is earlier.

6.   Where a least-developed country Member loses its ability to implement a Category C commitment, it may inform the Committee and follow the procedures set out in this Article.

Article 19

Shifting between Categories B and C

1.   Developing country Members and least-developed country Members who have notified provisions under Categories B and C may shift provisions between such categories through the submission of a notification to the Committee. Where a Member proposes to shift a provision from Category B to Category C, the Member shall provide information on the assistance and support required to build capacity.

2.   In the event that additional time is required to implement a provision shifted from Category B to Category C, the Member may:

(a)	use the provisions of Article 17, including the opportunity for an automatic extension; or

(b)	request an examination by the Committee of the Member's request for extra time to implement the provision and, if necessary, for assistance and support for capacity building, including the possibility of a review and recommendation by the Expert Group under Article 18; or

(c)

in the case of a least-developed country Member, any new implementation date of more than four years after the original date notified under Category B shall require approval by the Committee. In addition, a least-developed country Member shall continue to have recourse to Article 17. It is understood that assistance and support for capacity building is required for a least-developed country Member so shifting.

Article 20

Grace period for the application of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes

1.   For a period of two years after entry into force of this Agreement, the provisions of Articles XXII and XXIII of GATT 1994 as elaborated and applied by the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes shall not apply to the settlement of disputes against a developing country Member concerning any provision that the Member has designated in Category A.

2.   For a period of six years after entry into force of this Agreement, the provisions of Articles XXII and XXIII of GATT 1994 as elaborated and applied by the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes shall not apply to the settlement of disputes against a least-developed country Member concerning any provision that the Member has designated in Category A.

3.   For a period of eight years after implementation of a provision under Category B or C by a least-developed country Member, the provisions of Articles XXII and XXIII of GATT 1994 as elaborated and applied by the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes shall not apply to the settlement of disputes against that least-developed country Member concerning that provision.

4.   Notwithstanding the grace period for the application of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, before making a request for consultations pursuant to Articles XXII or XXIII of GATT 1994, and at all stages of dispute settlement procedures with regard to a measure of a least-developed country Member, a Member shall give particular consideration to the special situation of least-developed country Members. In this regard, Members shall exercise due restraint in raising matters under the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes involving least-developed country Members.

5.   Each Member shall, upon request, during the grace period allowed under this Article, provide adequate opportunity to other Members for discussion with respect to any issue relating to the implementation of this Agreement.

Article 21

Provision of assistance and support for capacity building

1.   Donor Members agree to facilitate the provision of assistance and support for capacity building to developing country and least-developed country Members on mutually agreed terms either bilaterally or through the appropriate international organizations. The objective is to assist developing country and least-developed country Members to implement the provisions of Section I of this Agreement.

2.   Given the special needs of least-developed country Members, targeted assistance and support should be provided to the least-developed country Members so as to help them build sustainable capacity to implement their commitments. Through the relevant development cooperation mechanisms and consistent with the principles of technical assistance and support for capacity building as referred to in paragraph 3, development partners shall endeavour to provide assistance and support for capacity building in this area in a way that does not compromise existing development priorities.

3.   Members shall endeavour to apply the following principles for providing assistance and support for capacity building with regard to the implementation of this Agreement:

(a)	take account of the overall developmental framework of recipient countries and regions and, where relevant and appropriate, ongoing reform and technical assistance programs;

(b)	include, where relevant and appropriate, activities to address regional and sub-regional challenges and promote regional and sub-regional integration;

(c)	ensure that ongoing trade facilitation reform activities of the private sector are factored into assistance activities;

(d)

promote coordination between and among Members and other relevant institutions, including regional economic communities, to ensure maximum effectiveness of and results from this assistance. To this end: (i) coordination, primarily in the country or region where the assistance is to be provided, between partner Members and donors and among bilateral and multilateral donors should aim to avoid overlap and duplication in assistance programs and inconsistencies in reform activities through close coordination of technical assistance and capacity building interventions; (ii) for least-developed country Members, the Enhanced Integrated Framework for trade-related assistance for the least-developed countries should be a part of this coordination process; and (iii) Members should also promote internal coordination between their trade and development officials, both in capitals and in Geneva, in the implementation of this Agreement and technical assistance.

(e)	encourage use of existing in-country and regional coordination structures such as roundtables and consultative groups to coordinate and monitor implementation activities; and

(f)	encourage developing country Members to provide capacity building to other developing and least-developed country Members and consider supporting such activities, where possible.

4.   The Committee shall hold at least one dedicated session per year to:

(a)	discuss any problems regarding implementation of provisions or sub-parts of provisions of this Agreement;

(b)	review progress in the provision of assistance and support for capacity building to support the implementation of the Agreement, including any developing or least-developed country Members not receiving adequate assistance and support for capacity building;

(c)	share experiences and information on ongoing assistance and support for capacity building and implementation programs, including challenges and successes;

(d)	review donor notifications as set forth in Article 22; and

(e)	review the operation of paragraph 2.

Article 22

Information on assistance and support for capacity building to be submitted to the Committee

1.   To provide transparency to developing country Members and least-developed country Members on the provision of assistance and support for capacity building for implementation of Section I, each donor Member assisting developing country Members and least-developed country Members with the implementation of this Agreement shall submit to the Committee, at entry into force of this Agreement and annually thereafter, the following information on its assistance and support for capacity building that was disbursed in the preceding 12 months and, where available, that is committed in the next 12 months (22):

(a)	a description of the assistance and support for capacity building;

(b)	the status and amount committed/disbursed;

(c)	procedures for disbursement of the assistance and support;

(d)	the beneficiary Member or, where necessary, the region; and

(e)	the implementing agency in the Member providing assistance and support.

The information shall be provided in the format specified in Annex 1. In the case of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (referred to in this Agreement as the ‘OECD’) Members, the information submitted can be based on relevant information from the OECD Creditor Reporting System. Developing country Members declaring themselves in a position to provide assistance and support for capacity building are encouraged to provide the information above.

2.   Donor Members assisting developing country Members and least-developed country Members shall submit to the Committee:

(a)

contact points of their agencies responsible for providing assistance and support for capacity building related to the implementation of Section I of this Agreement including, where practicable, information on such contact points within the country or region where the assistance and support is to be provided; and

(b)	information on the process and mechanisms for requesting assistance and support for capacity building.

Developing country Members declaring themselves in a position to provide assistance and support are encouraged to provide the information above.

3.   Developing country Members and least-developed country Members intending to avail themselves of trade facilitation-related assistance and support for capacity building shall submit to the Committee information on contact point(s) of the office(s) responsible for coordinating and prioritizing such assistance and support.

4.   Members may provide the information referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 through internet references and shall update the information as necessary. The Secretariat shall make all such information publicly available.

5.   The Committee shall invite relevant international and regional organizations (such as the International Monetary Fund, the OECD, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the WCO, United Nations Regional Commissions, the World Bank, or their subsidiary bodies, and regional development banks) and other agencies of cooperation to provide information referred to in paragraphs 1, 2, and 4.

SECTION III

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 23

Institutional arrangements

1.   Committee On Trade Facilitation

1.1.   A Committee on Trade Facilitation is hereby established.

1.2.   The Committee shall be open for participation by all Members and shall elect its own Chairperson. The Committee shall meet as needed and envisaged by the relevant provisions of this Agreement, but no less than once a year, for the purpose of affording Members the opportunity to consult on any matters related to the operation of this Agreement or the furtherance of its objectives. The Committee shall carry out such responsibilities as assigned to it under this Agreement or by the Members. The Committee shall establish its own rules of procedure.

1.3.   The Committee may establish such subsidiary bodies as may be required. All such bodies shall report to the Committee.

1.4.   The Committee shall develop procedures for the sharing by Members of relevant information and best practices as appropriate.

1.5.   The Committee shall maintain close contact with other international organizations in the field of trade facilitation, such as the WCO, with the objective of securing the best available advice for the implementation and administration of this Agreement and in order to ensure that unnecessary duplication of effort is avoided. To this end, the Committee may invite representatives of such organizations or their subsidiary bodies to:

(a)	attend meetings of the Committee; and

(b)	discuss specific matters related to the implementation of this Agreement.

1.6.   The Committee shall review the operation and implementation of this Agreement four years from its entry into force, and periodically thereafter.

1.7.   Members are encouraged to raise before the Committee questions relating to issues on the implementation and application of this Agreement.

1.8.   The Committee shall encourage and facilitate ad hoc discussions among Members on specific issues under this Agreement with a view to reaching a mutually satisfactory solution promptly.

2.   National Committee On Trade Facilitation

Each Member shall establish and/or maintain a national committee on trade facilitation or designate an existing mechanism to facilitate both domestic coordination and implementation of the provisions of this Agreement.

Article 24

Final provisions

1.   For the purpose of this Agreement, the term ‘Member’ is deemed to include the competent authority of that Member.

2.   All provisions of this Agreement are binding on all Members.

3.   Members shall implement this Agreement from the date of its entry into force. Developing country Members and least-developed country Members that choose to use the provisions of Section II shall implement this Agreement in accordance with Section II.

4.   A Member which accepts this Agreement after its entry into force shall implement its Category B and C commitments counting the relevant periods from the date this Agreement enters into force.

5.   Members of a customs union or a regional economic arrangement may adopt regional approaches to assist in the implementation of their obligations under this Agreement including through the establishment and use of regional bodies.

6.   Notwithstanding the general interpretative note to Annex 1A to the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as diminishing the obligations of Members under the GATT 1994. In addition, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as diminishing the rights and obligations of Members under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade and the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

7.   All exceptions and exemptions (23) under the GATT 1994 shall apply to the provisions of this Agreement. Waivers applicable to the GATT 1994 or any part thereof, granted according to Article IX:3 and Article IX:4 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization and any amendments thereto as of the date of entry into force of this Agreement, shall apply to the provisions of this Agreement.

8.   The provisions of Articles XXII and XXIII of GATT 1994 as elaborated and applied by the Dispute Settlement Understanding shall apply to consultations and the settlement of disputes under this Agreement, except as otherwise specifically provided for in this Agreement.

9.   Reservations may not be entered in respect of any of the provisions of this Agreement without the consent of the other Members.

10.   The Category A commitments of developing country Members and least-developed country Members annexed to this Agreement in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 15 shall constitute an integral part of this Agreement.

11.   The Category B and C commitments of developing country Members and least-developed country Members taken note of by the Committee and annexed to this Agreement pursuant to paragraph 5 of Article 16 shall constitute an integral part of this Agreement.

---

(1)  Each Member has the discretion to state on its website the legal limitations of this description.

(2)  Under this paragraph: (a) a review may, either before or after the ruling has been acted upon, be provided by the official, office, or authority that issued the ruling, a higher or independent administrative authority, or a judicial authority; and (b) a Member is not required to provide the applicant with recourse to paragraph 1 of Article 4.

(3)  It is understood that an advance ruling on the origin of a good may be an assessment of origin for the purposes of the Agreement on Rules of Origin where the ruling meets the requirements of this Agreement and the Agreement on Rules of Origin. Likewise, an assessment of origin under the Agreement on Rules of Origin may be an advance ruling on the origin of a good for the purposes of this Agreement where the ruling meets the requirements of both agreements. Members are not required to establish separate arrangements under this provision in addition to those established pursuant to the Agreement on Rules of Origin in relation to the assessment of origin provided that the requirements of this Article are fulfilled.

(4)  An administrative decision in this Article means a decision with a legal effect that affects the rights and obligations of a specific person in an individual case. It shall be understood that an administrative decision in this Article covers an administrative action within the meaning of Article X of the GATT 1994 or failure to take an administrative action or decision as provided for in a Member's domestic law and legal system. For addressing such failure, Members may maintain an alternative administrative mechanism or judicial recourse to direct the customs authority to promptly issue an administrative decision in place of the right to appeal or review under subparagraph 1(a).

(5)  Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a Member from recognizing administrative silence on appeal or review as a decision in favor of the petitioner in accordance with its laws and regulations.

(6)  Each Member may determine the scope and methodology of such average release time measurement in accordance with its needs and capacity.

(7)  A measure listed in subparagraphs 7.3 (a) to (g) will be deemed to be provided to authorized operators if it is generally available to all operators.

(8)  In cases where a Member has an existing procedure that provides the treatment in paragraph 8.2, this provision does not require that Member to introduce separate expedited release procedures.

(9)  Such application criteria, if any, shall be in addition to the Member's requirements for operating with respect to all goods or shipments entered through air cargo facilities.

(10)  For the purposes of this provision, perishable goods are goods that rapidly decay due to their natural characteristics, in particular in the absence of appropriate storage conditions.

(11)  Nothing in this paragraph precludes a Member from requiring documents such as certificates, permits or licenses as a requirement for the importation of controlled or regulated goods.

(12)  This paragraph refers to preshipment inspections covered by the Agreement on Preshipment Inspection, and does not preclude preshipment inspections for sanitary and phytosanitary purposes.

(13)  Nothing in this provision shall preclude a Member from maintaining existing procedures whereby the means of transport can be used as a guarantee for traffic in transit.

(14)  Such activity has the overall objective of lowering the frequency of non-compliance, and consequently reducing the need for exchange of information in pursuit of enforcement.

(15)  This may include pertinent information on the verification conducted under paragraph 3. Such information shall be subject to the level of protection and confidentiality specified by the Member conducting the verification.

(16)  For the purposes of this Agreement, ‘assistance and support for capacity building’ may take the form of technical, financial, or any other mutually agreed form of assistance provided.

(17)  Notifications submitted may also include such further information as the notifying Member deems appropriate. Members are encouraged to provide information on the domestic agency or entity responsible for implementation.

(18)  Members may also include information on national trade facilitation implementation plans or projects, the domestic agency or entity responsible for implementation, and the donors with which the Member may have an arrangement in place to provide assistance.

(19)  Such arrangements will be on mutually agreed terms, either bilaterally or through appropriate international organizations, consistent with paragraph 3 of Article 21.

(20)  Members may also include information on national trade facilitation implementation plans or projects, the domestic agency or entity responsible for implementation, and the donors with which the Member may have an arrangement in place to provide assistance.

(21)  Such arrangements will be on mutually agreed terms, either bilaterally or through appropriate international organizations, consistent with paragraph 3 of Article 21.

(22)  The information provided will reflect the demand driven nature of the provision of assistance and support for capacity building.

(23)  This includes Articles V:7 and X:1 of the GATT 1994 and the Ad note to Article VIII of the GATT 1994.

ANNEX 1

FORMAT FOR NOTIFICATION UNDER PARAGRAPH 1 OF ARTICLE 22

Donor Member:

Period covered by the notification:

	Description of the technical and financial assistance and capacity building resources	Status and amount committed/disbursed	Beneficiary country/Region (where necessary)	The implementing agency in the Member providing assistance	Procedures for disbursement of the assistance

ANNEX TO THE AGREEMENT ON TRADE FACILITATION

NOTIFICATION OF CATEGORY A COMMITMENTS UNDER THE AGREEMENT ON TRADE FACILITATION

ALBANIA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Albania has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that it hereby designates the following provisions of the Agreement under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Article 1.1	Publication
Article 1.2	Information Available Through Internet
Article 1.4	Notification
Article 2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry Into Force
Article 2.2	Consultations
Article 4.1	Right to Appeal or Review
Article 5.2	Detention
Article 6.1	General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 6.2	Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs Processing Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
Article 7.3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees, and Charges
Article 7.4	Risk Management
Article 7.6	Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times
Article 7.8	Expedited Shipments
Article 7.9	Perishable Goods
Article 8	Border Agency Cooperation
Article 9	Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control
Article 10.1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Article 10.2	Acceptance of Copies
Article 10.3	Use of International Standards
Article 10.5	Preshipment Inspection
Article 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Article 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Article 10.8	Rejected Goods
Article 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward and Outward Processing
Article 11-3	Transit Charges, Regulations, and Formalities
11-4	Transit Strengthened Non-Discrimination
11.11.1-5	Transit Guarantees
11.12-13	Transit Cooperation and Coordination
Article 12	Customs Cooperation

BOTSWANA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of the 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN (13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (herein referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, received Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement of Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Republic of Botswana has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that the Republic of Botswana designates the following provisions contained in Section I of the Agree as Category A commitments, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Article 2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry into Force
Article 2.2	Consultations
Article 5.1	Notifications for enhanced controls or inspections
Article 5.2	Detention
Article 7.1	Pre-arrival Processing
Article 7.2	Electronic Payment
Article 7.3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges
Article 7.4	Risk Management
Article 7.5	Post-clearance Audit
Article 7.6	Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times
Article 7.8	Expedited Shipments
Article 7.9	Perishable Goods
Article 9	Movement of goods intended for import under customs control
Article 10.3	Use of International Standards
Article 10.5	Preshipment Inspection
Article 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Article 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Article 10.8	Rejected Goods
Article 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward and Outward Processing

BRAZIL

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Mission of Brazil has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation that it designates all the provisions in Section I of the Agreement as Category A commitments, except for the following:

—	Article 3.6.b;

—	Article 3.9.a.ii;

—	Article 7.1;

—	Article 7.7.3; and

—	Article 11.9.

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911) and in accordance with Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notification of Category A commitments under the Agreement.

With reference to the above, the Government of Brunei Darussalam has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Brunei Darussalam hereby designates all the provisions in Articles 1 to 12 of the Agreement under Category A, except for the following:

Article 1.2	Information Available Through Internet: sub-paragraphs 2.1 (a) and (b)
Article 4	Procedures for Appeal or Review
Article 7.6	Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times: sub-paragraph 2
Article 7.7	Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators
Article 10.4	Single Window

CHILE

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and in accordance with Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (‘the Agreement’), Chile hereby advises that all the provisions in Section I of the Agreement have been designated as Category A commitments for implementation upon its entry into force, except for Article 7.7 on authorized operators.

CHINA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notification of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the People's Republic of China has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that the People's Republic of China hereby designates all the provisions in Section I of the Agreement as Category A commitments except for the following:

— Paragraph 6 of Article 7	Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times;
— Paragraph 4 of Article 10	Single Window;
— Paragraph 9 of Article 10	Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward and Outward Processing; and
— Article 12	Customs Cooperation.

COLOMBIA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and in accordance with Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (‘the Agreement’), Colombia hereby notifies that all the provisions in Section I of the Agreement have been designated as Category A commitments for implementation upon its entry into force, except for the following:

— Article 5.3	Test Procedures
— Article 7.9	Perishable Goods

CONGO

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and Article 15 of Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, the Government of the Republic of the Congo has the honour to notify its Category A commitments, in accordance with the provisions listed below:

Article 3.1	Advance Rulings
Article 4.1	Right to Appeal or Review
Article 5.1	Notifications for Enhanced Controls or Inspections
Article 5.2	Detention
Article 5.3	Test Procedures
Article 7.9	Perishable Goods
Article 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Article 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Article 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward and Outward Processing

COSTA RICA

Pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and in accordance with Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (‘the Agreement’), Costa Rica hereby notifies that all the provisions in Section I of the Agreement have been designated as Category A commitments, except for the following:

— Article 10.1.1	Formalities and documentation requirements
— Article 10.2.2	Acceptance of copies

CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911) and Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire hereby notifies its Category A commitments, in accordance with the provisions listed below:

Article 4.1	Right to Appeal or Review
Article 5.1	Notifications for Enhanced Controls or Inspections
Article 5.2	Detention
Article 5.3	Test Procedures
Article 7.4	Risk Management
Article 7.5	Post-Clearance Audit
Article 7.8	Expedited Shipments
Article 7.9	Perishable Goods
Article 9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
Article 10.3	Use of International Standards
Article 10.5	Preshipment Inspection
Article 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Article 10.8	Rejected Goods
Article 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
Article 11	Freedom of Transit

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Dominican Republic has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee of the provisions designated in Category A, corresponding to Section I of the Agreement.

Art. 1.2	Information Available Through Internet
Art. 1.3	Enquiry Points
Art. 2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information Before Entry into Force
Art. 2.2	Consultations
Art. 3	Advance Rulings
Art. 4.1	Right to Appeal or Review
Art. 5.2	Detention
Art. 6.1	General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Art. 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
Art. 7.1	Pre-Arrival Processing
Art. 7.2	Electronic Payment
Art. 7.3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges
Art. 7.5	Post-Clearance Audit
Art. 7.7	Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators
Art. 9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
Art. 10.1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.3	Use of International Standards
Art. 10.5	Preshipment Inspection
Art. 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Art. 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.8	Rejected Goods
Art. 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
Art. 11	Freedom of Transit
Art. 12	Customs Cooperation
Art. 13.2	National Committee on Trade Facilitation

ECUADOR

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and Article 15 of Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, the Republic of Ecuador hereby notifies its Category A commitments, in accordance with the provisions listed below:

Article No./Paragraphs (1)	Description
2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information Before Entry into Force
4	Appeal or Review Procedures
7.1	Pre-Arrival Processing
7.6	Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times
9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
10.3	Use of International Standards
10.5	Preshipment Inspection
10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
10.8	Rejected Goods
10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
11.1	Freedom of Transit
11.2	Freedom of Transit
11.3	Freedom of Transit
11.4	Freedom of Transit
11.5	Freedom of Transit
11.6	Freedom of Transit
11.16	Freedom of Transit
11.17	Freedom of Transit

EGYPT

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and Article 15 of Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, Egypt hereby notifies its Category ‘A’ commitments, in accordance with the provisions listed below:

Article Number	Description
Article 4 paragraphs (1,3,4,5)	Procedures for Appeal or Review
Article 5.2	Detention
Article 6.2	Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs Processing Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 6.3 sub - paragraphs (3.2,3.4,3.5,3.6)	Penalty Disciplines
Article 7.3 sub - paragraphs (3.1,3.2,3.3,3.4,3.5)	Separation of release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges
Article 9	Movement of goods intended for import under customs control
Article 10.5 paragraph (5.1)	Preshipment inspection
Article 10.6	Use of customs brokers
Article 10.7	Common border procedures and uniform documentation requirements
Article 10.8	Rejected goods
Article 10.9	Temporary admission of goods and inward and outward processing
Article 11 paragraphs (2,3,11,12,13,14,15,16)	Freedom of transit

EL SALVADOR

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and in accordance with Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’), El Salvador hereby notifies its Category A commitments, in accordance with the provisions listed below:

Art. 1	Publication and Availability of Information
Art. 2	Opportunity to Comment, Information Before Entry Into Force and Consultation
Art. 3	Advance Rulings
Art. 4	Appeal or Review Procedures: paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Art. 5	Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non-Discrimination and Transparency
Art. 6	Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation, and Penalty Disciplines: paragraphs 1 and 3
Art. 7	Release and Clearance of Goods: paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (sub-paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6), 8 and 9
Art. 8	Border Agency Cooperation: paragraph 1
Art. 9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
Art. 10	Formalities Connected with Importation and Exportation and Transit: paragraphs 1, 2 (sub-paragraphs 2 and 3), 3, 5 (sub-paragraph 1), 6, 7, 8 and 9
Art. 11	Freedom of Transit: paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16 and 17
Art. 12	Customs Cooperation: paragraphs 1, 3, 4, 5 (sub-paragraphs 1 and 2), 12

GABON

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911) and Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, the Gabonese Republic hereby notifies its Category A commitments, in accordance with the provisions listed below:

Article 5.2	Detention
Article 7.1	Pre-arrival Processing
Article 7.8	Expedited Shipments
Article 7.9	Perishable Goods
Article 9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
Article 10.5	Preshipment Inspection
Article 10.8	Rejected Goods
Article 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward and Outward Processing

GUATEMALA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Guatemala wishes hereby to notify the Preparatory Committee that all the provisions in Section I of the Agreement have been designated as Category A commitments in accordance with WTO document WT/PCTF/W/27 of 7 July 2014, except for the following:

Article 1.1.1(d) and (f)

Article 1.2.1(a) and (b)

Article 1.3.1

Article 1.3.2

Article 1.4(b) and (c)

Article 2.1.1

Article 3.9(b)(iii)

Article 5

Article 6.1.4

Article 7.1.2

Article 7.4.3

Article 7.6.1

Article 7.6.2

Article 7.7.3(a), (d), (e), (f) and (g)

Article 7.8.2(c) and (d)

Article 7.9.3

Article 8.1

Article 8.2(d) and (e)

Article 10.1.1

Article 10.2.3

Article 10.4.1

Article 10.4.2

Article 11.17

Article 12.2.1

Article 12.3

Article 12.4

Article 12.5

Article 12.6

Article 12.7

Article 12.8

Article 12.9

Article 12.10

Article 12.11

HONDURAS

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (‘the Agreement’), Honduras hereby notifies its Category A commitments, in accordance with the provisions listed below:

Art. 1.1	Publication
Art. 1.2	Information Available Through Internet
Art. 1.3	Enquiry Points
Art. 1.4	Notification
Art. 3	Advance Rulings
Art. 4	Appeal or Review Procedures
Art. 6.1	General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation (except for Art. 6.1.3 and 6.1.4)
Art. 6.2	Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Art. 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
Art. 7.1	Pre-arrival Processing
Art. 7.2	Electronic Payment
Art. 7.4	Risk Management
Art. 7.5	Post-Clearance Audit
Art. 7.8	Expedited Shipments (except for Art. 7.8.2(d))
Art. 7.9	Perishable Goods (except for Art. 7.9.3)
Art. 8	Border Agency Cooperation (except for Art. 8.2(c), (d) and (e))
Art. 9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
Art. 10.1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.3	Use of International Standards
Art. 10.5	Pre-shipment Inspection
Art. 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Art. 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.8	Rejected Goods
Art. 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
Art. 11	Freedom of Transit
Art. 12.12	Bilateral and regional agreements

HONG KONG, CHINA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Hong Kong, China has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Hong Kong, China hereby designates all provisions contained in Articles 1 to 12 of the Agreement (annexed to the above Ministerial Decision) under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement.

INDONESIA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Indonesia hereby designates the following provisions of the Agreement under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Art. 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
Art. 7.1	Pre-arrival Processing
Art. 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers

ISRAEL

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement.

With reference to the above, the State of Israel has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation that the State of Israel hereby designates all of the provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement as Category A.

JORDAN

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Jordan has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that it designates all of the provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement (annexed to the above-mentioned Ministerial Decision) under Category A for implementation in full upon the entry into force of the Agreement, except for the following:

Article 1.1	Publication
Article 1.2	Information Available Through Internet
Article 1.3	Enquiry Points
Article 3.1	Advance Rulings
Article 6.1	General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 7.1	Pre-arrival Processing
Article 10.1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Article 10.2	Acceptance of Copies
Article 10.4	Single Window
Article 11.5-10	Transit Procedures and Controls

KOREA

I have the honour to refer to the Ministerial Decision on 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), under which the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation was established under the General Council (herein referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (herein referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

Further, I have the additional honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that the Government of the Republic of Korea has decided to designate all provisions contained in Articles 1 through 12 of the Agreement under Category A.

KUWAIT

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the State of Kuwait has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that the State of Kuwait hereby designates the provisions contained in Annex I under Category A, except for the following:

Article 3.1	Advance Rulings
Article 6.2	Specific disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs Processing Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 7.4	Risk Management
Article 7.5	Post-Clearance Audit
Article 7.7	Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators
Article 7.9	Perishable goods
Article 8	Border Agency Co-operation
Article 10.4	Single Window
Article 11.11-15	Transit Guarantees
Article 12	Customs cooperation

KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, on behalf of the Ministry of Economy of the Kyrgyz Republic we are pleased to notify the Preparatory Committee that the Kyrgyz Republic designates the following provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement (annexed to the above mentioned Ministerial Decision) as Category A commitments, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Article 4	All provisions (Procedures for Appeal or Review)
Article 5	Paragraph 2 (Detention)
Article 9	(Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control)
Article 10	Paragraph 5 (Preshipment Inspection)
Article 11	Paragraphs 1 to 4 (Transit Charges, Regulations, Formalities and Non-Discrimination)

MACAO CHINA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN (13)/36), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Macao, China has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Macao, China hereby designates all the provisions contained in Articles 1 to 12 of the Agreement under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement, except for the following:

Art. 7:	Paragraph 4 — Risk Management;
Art. 7:	Paragraph 5 — Post-Clearance Audit;
Art. 9:	Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control;
Art. 10:	Paragraph 4 — Single Window.

MALAYSIA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Malaysia has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Malaysia hereby designates all provisions contained in Articles 1 to 12 of the Agreement (annexed to the above Ministerial Decision) under Category A, except for the following:

Article 7.8	(Expedited Shipments); and
Article 11.9	(Advance filing and processing of transit documentation and data prior to the arrival of goods).

MAURITIUS

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Republic of Mauritius has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that the Republic of Mauritius hereby designates the following provisions of the Agreement (annexed to the above Ministerial Decision) under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Article 1.1	Publication
Article 1.2	Information Available Through Internet
Article 1.4	Notification
Article 2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry into Force
Article 2.2	Consultation
Article 3	Advanced Rulings
Article 4	Procedures for Appeal or Review
Article 5.1	Notifications for Enhanced Controls or Inspections
Article 5.2	Detention
Article 6.1	General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 6.2	Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs Processing Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
Article 7.1	Pre-arrival Processing
Article 7.2	Electronic Payment
Article 7.3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and charges
Article 7.5	Post-clearance Audit
Article 7.9	Perishable Goods
Article 9	Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control
Article 10.1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Article 10.2	Acceptance of Copies
Article 10.5	Pre-shipment Inspection
Article 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Article 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Article 10.8	Rejected Goods
Article 10.9.1	Temporary Admission of Goods
Article 11	Freedom of Transit
Article 23.2	National Committee on Trade Facilitation

MEXICO

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Mexico has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that it designates all of the provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement (annexed to the above-mentioned Ministerial Decision) under Category A for implementation in full upon the entry into force of the Agreement.

MOLDOVA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Republic of Moldova has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that the Republic of Moldova designates the following provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement (annexed to the above-mentioned Ministerial Decision) as Category A commitments, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Article 1	Paragraphs 1 and 4 (Publication, Notification)
Article 3	(ADVANCE RULINGS)
Article 4	(PROCEDURES FOR APPEAL OR REVIEW)
Article 5	Paragraph 2 (Detention)
Article 6	Paragraph 2 (Specific disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs Processing Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation)
Article 7	Paragraphs 2, 4 and 5 (Electronic Payment, Risk Management, Post-clearance Audit)
Article 8	(BORDER AGENCY COOPERATION)
Article 9	(MOVEMENT OF GOODS INTENDED FOR IMPORT UNDER CUSTOMS CONTROL)
Article 10	Paragraphs 3 and from 5 to 9 (Use of International Standards, Preshipment Inspection, Use of Customs Brokers, Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements, Rejected Goods, Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward and Outward Processing)
Article 12	All provisions

MONGOLIA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Mongolia has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Mongolia hereby designates the following provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement (annexed to the above-mentioned Ministerial Decision) as Category A commitments which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Art. 1.4	Notifications
Art. 2.2	Consultations
Art. 4	Procedures for appeal or review
Art. 5.2	Detention
Art. 6.1	General disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with importation exportation
Art. 6.2	Specific disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with importation exportation
Art. 10.1	Formalities and documentation requirements
Art. 10.2	Acceptance of copies
Art. 10.7	Common border procedures and uniform documentation requirements
Art. 10.8	Rejected goods
Art. 11	Freedom of transit

MONTENEGRO

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (wt/min(13)/36, wt/l/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Montenegro has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Montenegro hereby designates the following provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the agreement:

Art. 1.1	Publication
Art. 2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry into Force
Art. 2.2	Consultations
Art. 3.1	Advance Rulings
Art. 4	Procedures for Appeal or Review
Art. 5.2	Detention
Art. 5.3	Test Procedures
Art. 6.2	Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Art. 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
Art. 7.2	Electronic Payment
Art. 7.3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges
Art. 7.7	Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators
Art. 8	Border Agency Cooperation
Art. 9	Movement of Goods intended for import under Customs Control
Art. 10.1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.2	Acceptance of Copies
Art. 10.3	Use of International Standards
Art. 10.5	Preshipment Inspection
Art. 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Art. 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.8	Rejected Goods
Art. 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward and Outward Processing
Art. 11.1-11.3	Transit Charges, Regulations, and Formalities
Art. 11.4	Transit Strengthened Non-Discrimination
Art. 11.11-11.15	Transit Guarantees
Art. 11.16-11.17	Transit Cooperation and Coordination
Art. 12	Customs Cooperation

KINGDOM OF MOROCCO

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36 — WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation.

With reference to the above, the Kingdom of Morocco has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that it designates the following provisions under Category A.

Art. 1.1	Publication
Art. 1.2	Information Available Through Internet
Art. 1.3	Enquiry Points
Art. 1.4	Notification
Art. 2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry into Force
Art. 2.2	Consultations
Art. 3	Advance Rulings
Art. 4	Procedures for Appeal or Review
Art. 5.2	Detention
Art. 5.3	Test Procedures
Art. 6.1	General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Art. 6.2	Specific disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs Processing Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Art. 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
Art. 7.2	Electronic Payment
Art. 7.3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges
Art. 7.5	Post-Clearance Audit
Art. 7.6	Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times
Art. 7.7	Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators
Art. 7.8	Expedited Shipments
Art. 8	Borger Agency Cooperation
Art. 9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
Art. 10.1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.2	Acceptance of Copies
Art. 10.3	Use of International Standards
Art. 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Art. 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.8	Rejected Goods
Art. 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
Art. 11	Freedom of Transit
Art. 12	Customs Cooperation
Art. 13.2	National Committee on Trade Facilitation

NICARAGUA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Nicaragua has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee of the provisions designated in Category A, corresponding to Section I of the Agreement.

Art. 1.2	Information Available Through Internet
Art. 1.4	Notification
Art. 2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information Before Entry into Force
Art. 2.2	Consultations
Art. 3	Advance Rulings
Art. 4.1	Right to Appeal or Review
Art. 5.2	Detention
Art. 6.1	General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Art. 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
Art. 7.1	Pre-arrival Processing
Art. 7.3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges
Art. 7.4	Risk Management
Art. 7.5	Post-Clearance Audit
Art. 7.8	Expedited Shipments
Art. 7.9	Perishable Goods
Art. 9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
Art. 10.1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.3	Use of International Standards
Art. 10.5	Pre-shipment Inspection
Art. 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Art. 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.8	Rejected Goods
Art. 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
Art. 11	Freedom of Transit
Art. 12.1	Measures Promoting Compliance and Cooperation
Art. 12.2	Exchange of Information
Art. 12.3	Verification
Art. 12.4	Request
Art. 12.5	Protection and confidentiality
Art. 12.6	Provision of information
Art. 12.7	Postponement or refusal of a request
Art. 12.8	Reciprocity
Art. 12.9	Administrative burden
Art. 12.10	Limitations
Art. 12.11	Unauthorized use or disclosure
Art. 12.12	Bilateral and regional agreements
Art. 13.2	National Committee on Trade Facilitation

NIGERIA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN (13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (herein referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement of Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Nigeria hereby designates the following provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Art. 6.3:	Penalty Disciplines;
Art. 7.1:	Pre arrival processing;
Art. 7.3:	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, taxes, fees and charges;
Art. 9:	Movement of goods intended for import under Customs control;
Art. 10.7:	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements;
Art. 10.9:	Temporary Admission of Goods and/Inward and Outward Processing;
Art. 11.3:	Voluntary Restraints;
Art. 11.4:	Non-Discrimination;
Art. 11.6:	Documentation Requirements;
Art. 11.8:	Non-Application of TBTs;
Art. 11.9:	Advance Filling and Processing of Transit Documentation;
Art. 11.10:	Prompt Termination of Transit Operation; and
Art. 11.11:	Transit guarantees.

OMAN

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Sultanate of Oman has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Oman hereby designates the following provisions of the Agreement under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Article 1:	Publication:
1.1	Information available through Internet
1.4	Notification
Article 2:	Opportunity to comment, information before entry into force and consultation:
2.2	Consultations
Article 4:	Appeal or review procedures:
4.1	Right to appeal or review
Article 5:	Other measures to enhance impartiality, non–discrimination and transparency:
5.1	Notifications for enhanced controls or inspections
5.2	Detention
5.3	Test procedures
Article 6:	Disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with importation and exportation:
6.1	General disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with importation and exportation
6.2	Specific disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with importation and exportation
Article 7:	Release and clearance of goods:
7.3	Separation of release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges
Article 9:	Movement of goods under customs control intended for import
Article 10:	Formalities connected with importation and exportation and transit:
10.3	Use of international standards
10.5	Pre-shipment inspection
10.6	Use of customs brokers
10.7	Common border procedures and uniform documentation requirements
10.8	Rejected goods
10.9	Temporary admission of goods-inward and outward processing
Article 11:	Freedom of Transit:
11.1.3	Transit charges, regulations and formalities
11.4	Transit strengthened non-discrimination
11.11.1	Transit guarantees
Article 13:	Institutional Arrangements:
13.2	National Committee on Trade Facilitation

PANAMA

Pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911) and in accordance with Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’), Panama hereby notifies that the following provisions in Section I of the Agreement have been designated as Category A commitments for implementation upon its entry into force:

Article 1.3	Enquiry Points
Article 4	Procedures for Appeal or Review
Article 5.1	Notifications for Enhanced Controls or Inspections
Article 5.2	Detention
Article 6.1	General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 6.2	Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs Processing Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
Article 7.1	Pre-arrival Processing
Article 7.3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges
Article 7.4	Risk Management
Article 7.5	Post-clearance Audit
Article 7.6	Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times
Article 7.7	Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators
Article 7.8	Expedited Shipments
Article 7.9	Perishable Goods
Article 9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
Article 10.1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Article 10.2	Acceptance of Copies
Article 10.3	Use of International Standards
Article 10.5	Pre-shipment Inspection
Article 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Article 10.8	Rejected Goods
Article 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
Article 11	Freedom of Transit
Article 12.1	Measures Promoting Compliance and Cooperation
Article 12.2	Exchange of Information
Article 12.3	Verification
Article 12.4	Request
Article 12.5	Protection and Confidentiality
Article 12.6	Provision of Information
Article 12.7	Postponement or Refusal of a Request
Article 12.8	Reciprocity
Article 12.9	Administrative Burden
Article 12.10	Limitations
Article 12.11	Unauthorized Use or Disclosure
Article 12.12	Bilateral and Regional Agreements

PARAGUAY

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and Article 15 of Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, the Republic of Paraguay hereby notifies its Category A commitments, in accordance with the provisions listed below:

Article No./Paragraphs (2)	Description
3	Advance Rulings
4	Appeal or Review Procedures
5.2	Detention
7.2	Electronic Payment
7.4	Risk Management
9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
10.2	Acceptance of Copies
10.3	Use of International Standards
10.4	Single Window
10.5	Preshipment Inspection
10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
10.8	Rejected Goods
10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
11	Freedom of Transit
12	Customs Cooperation

PERU

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and in accordance with Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (‘the Agreement’), Peru hereby notifies that all the provisions in Section I of the Agreement have been designated as Category A commitments for implementation upon its entry into force, except for the following:

— Article 3	Advance Rulings
— Article 5.1	Notifications for Enhanced Controls or Inspections
— Article 5.3	Test Procedures
— Article 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
— Article 8	Border Agency Cooperation
— Article 10.4	Single Window
— Article 12	Customs Cooperation

PHILIPPINES

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Philippines has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that it designates the following provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement (annexed to the above-mentioned Ministerial Decision) under Category A:

Article 1.1	Publication
Article 1.2	Information Available Through Internet
Article 1.3	Enquiry Points
Article 1.4	Notification
Article 2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry Into Force
Article 3	Advance Rulings
Article 4	Procedures for Appeal or Review
Article 5.2	Detention
Article 5.3	Test Procedures
Article 6.1	General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 6.2	Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for Customs Processing Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Article 6.3	Penalty Disciplines
Article 7.1	Pre-arrival processing
Article 7.3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees, and Charges
Article 7.4	Risk Management
Article 7.6	Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times
Article 7.7	Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators
Article 7.8	Expedited Shipments
Article 7.9	Perishable Goods
Article 9	Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control
Article 10.2	Acceptance of Copies
Article 10.3	Use of International Standards
Article 10.5	Preshipment Inspection
Article 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Article 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Article 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward and Outward Processing
Article 11	Freedom of Transit
Article 12	Customs Cooperation

QATAR

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notification of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the State of Qatar has the privilege to notify the Preparatory Committee that the State of Qatar hereby designates all the provisions in Section I of the Agreement as Category A commitments except for the following:

— 7.7

Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that it designates all of the provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement (annexed to the above-mentioned Ministerial Decision) under Category A for implementation in full upon the entry into force of the Agreement, except for the following:

— Article 2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry into Force
— Article 10.4	Single Window

SENEGAL

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) on the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, Senegal hereby notifies its Category A commitments, in accordance with the provisions listed below:

	ARTICLE/PARAGRAPH	DESCRIPTION
1	2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry into Force
2	2.2	Consultations
3	4	Appeal or Review Procedures
4	5.2	Detention
5	5.3	Test Procedures
6	7.1	Pre-Arrival Processing
7	7.2	Electronic Payment
8	7.3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges
9	7.4	Risk Management
10	7.6	Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times
11	9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
12	10.2	Acceptance of Copies
13	10.3	Use of International Standards
14	10.4	Single Window
15	10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
16	10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
17	10.8	Rejected Goods
18	10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
19	12	Customs Cooperation

SINGAPORE

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Republic of Singapore has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that the Republic of Singapore hereby designates all provisions contained in Articles 1 to 12 of the Agreement (annexed to the above Ministerial Decision) under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement.

SRI LANKA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Sri Lanka designates the following provisions of the Agreement (annexed to the above Ministerial Decision) under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Provisions	Title
4.1	Right to Appeal or Review
5.2	Detention
6.3	Penalty Disciplines
7.2	Electronic Payment
7.8	Expedited Shipments
9	Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control
10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
10.8	Rejected Goods
10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward and Outward Processing
11	Freedom of Transit

SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that it designates all provisions contained in Articles 1 to 12 of the Agreement (annexed to the above-mentioned Ministerial Decision) under Category A for full implementation upon the entry into force of the Agreement.

TAJIKISTAN

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council is authorized, inter alia, to receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation.

With reference to the above, the Government of Tajikistan has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that it designates the following provisions of Section I of the Agreement (annexed to the above-mentioned Ministerial Decision) under Category A for implementation in full upon the entry into force of the Agreement:

Article 1
Paragraph 1	Publication
Paragraph 2	Information Available Through Internet
Article 4	All provisions
Article 5
Paragraph 2	Detention
Paragraph 3	Test Procedures
Article 6	All provisions
Article 7
Paragraph 1	Pre-arrival Processing
Paragraph 3	Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges
Paragraph 4	Risk Management
Paragraph 5	Post-clearance Audit
Paragraph 6	Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times
Paragraph 8	Expedited Shipments
Paragraph 9	Perishable Goods
Article 8	Item 1
Article 9	All provisions
Article 10
Paragraph 1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Paragraph 2	Acceptance of Copies
Paragraph 3	Use of International Standards
Paragraph 5	Pre-shipment Inspection
Paragraph 6	Use of Customs Brokers
Paragraph 7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Paragraph 8	Rejected Goods
Paragraph 9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
Article 11	All provisions

THAILAND

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive from Members their notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Royal Thai Government has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Thailand hereby designates all of the provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement, except for the following:

Article 3	Advanced ruling: paragraph 5 and 6
Article 4	Procedures for appeal or review: paragraph 4
Article 5	Other measures: paragraph 1 Notifications and paragraph 3 Test procedures
Article 6	Disciplines on fees and charges: sub-paragraph 3.4 and 3.7 Penalty disciplines
Article 7	Release and clearance of goods: sub-paragraph 1.1 Pre-arrival processing
Article 10	Formalities: paragraph 8 Rejected goods and paragraph 9 Temporary admission
Article 11	Freedom of transit: paragraph 1, 8, and 9
Article 12	Customs cooperation: paragraph 2 exchange of information, sub-paragraph 5.1 (c)-(f) and sub-paragraph 6.1 Provision of information

TUNISIA

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911) and Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, the Government of the Tunisian Republic hereby notifies the following provisions of that Agreement under Category A:

Article or paragraph number (3)	Description
1.1	Publication
1.2	Information available through internet
1.3	Enquiry points
1.4	Notification
2.1	Opportunity to comment and information before entry into force
4	Appeal or review procedures
5.2	Detention
6.3	Penalty disciplines
7.1	Pre-arrival processing
7.3	Separation of release from final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges
9	Movement of goods under customs control intended for import
10.2	Acceptance of copies
10.5	Pre-shipment inspection
10.6	Use of customs brokers
10.7	Common border procedures and uniform documentation requirements
10.8	Rejected goods
10.9	Temporary admission of goods/inward and outward processing
11 except for 11.5	Freedom of transit except for the making available of physically separate infrastructure for traffic in transit.
12	Customs cooperation
23.2	National Committee on Trade Facilitation

TURKEY

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Turkey has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that it designates all of the provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement (annexed to the above-mentioned Ministerial Decision) under Category A for implementation in full upon the entry into force of the Agreement, except for the following:

Article 7.9

‘Perishable Goods’

UKRAINE

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of Ukraine has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Ukraine hereby designates the following provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Art. 1.1	Publication
Art. 1.2	Information Available Through Internet
Art. 7.1	Pre-arrival Processing
Art. 7.4	Risk Management (except for Art. 7.4.1, Art.7.4.2, Art.7.4.3)
Art. 7.7	Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized Operators
Art. 7.8	Expedited Shipments
Art. 7.9	Perishable Goods (except for Art. 7.9.1, Art.7.9.2)
Art. 8	Border Agency Cooperation
Art. 9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control Intended for Import
Art. 10.8	Rejected Goods (except for Art. 10.8.2)
Art. 10.9	Temporary Admission of Goods/Inward and Outward Processing
Art. 11	Freedom of Transit (except for Art.11.3, Art.11.4, Art.11.5, Art.11.6, Art.11.7, Art.11.8, Art.11.10)

URUGUAY

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36) and in accordance with Article 15 in Section II of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (‘the Agreement’), the Oriental Republic of Uruguay shall designate all the provisions in Section I of the Agreement as Category A commitments upon its entry into force, with the exception of Article 7.3, ‘Separation of Release from Final Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, Fees and Charges’, which shall be designated as Category B commitments.

VIET NAM

Pursuant to the Ministerial Decision of 7 December 2013 (WT/MIN(13)/36, WT/L/911), the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation established under the General Council (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Preparatory Committee’) shall, inter alia, receive Members' notifications of Category A commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Agreement’).

With reference to the above, the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam has the honour to notify the Preparatory Committee that Viet Nam hereby designates the following provisions contained in Section I of the Agreement under Category A, which will be implemented upon entry into force of the Agreement:

Art. 1.3	Enquiry Points
Art. 1.4	Notification
Art. 2.1	Opportunity to Comment and Information before Entry into Force
Art. 2.2	Consultations
Art. 4.1	Right to Appeal or Review
Art. 6.1	General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Art. 6.2	Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation
Art. 7.8	Expedited Shipments
Art. 9	Movement of Goods under Customs Control intended for Import
Art. 10.1	Formalities and Documentation Requirements
Art. 10.2	Acceptance of Copies
Art. 10.6	Use of Customs Brokers
Art. 10.7	Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation Requirements
Art. 11.1-3	Transit Charges, Regulations, and Formalities
Art. 11.4	Transit Strengthened Non-Discrimination

---

(1)  Where reference is made to specific paragraphs, the commitment undertaken by the Republic of Ecuador is limited to the content of those specific paragraphs, not to that of the Article as a whole.

(2)  Where reference is made to specific paragraphs, the commitment undertaken by the Republic of Paraguay is limited to the content of those specific paragraphs, not to that of the Article as a whole.

(3)  Where a particular paragraph of an article is specified, Tunisia's commitment is limited to the content of that specific paragraph and does not concern the other provisions of the article.

ANNEX

Text of Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006.

ANNEX

I.	The following entities are deleted from the list set out in Part B (Entities) of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006: 8. LLC Triple Metal Trade 10. JV LLC Triple-Techno 18. MSSFC Logoysk 19. Triple-Agro ACC

II.

The entries for the following persons set out in Part A of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 are replaced by the following:   Names Transcription of Belarusian spelling Transcription of Russian spelling Names (Belarusian spelling) Names (Russian spelling) Identifying Information Reasons for listing 4. Alinikau Siarhei Aliaksandravich (Alinikau Siarhey Alyaksandravich) Aleinikov Sergei Aleksandrovich АЛИНИКАЎ, Сяргей Аляксандравич АЛEЙНИКOВ, Сергей Aлександрович Address: Исправительное учреждение ‘Исправительная колония № 17’ управления Департамента исполнения наказаний МВД Республики Беларусь по Могилевской области, г. Шклов, Могилевская область Major, head of operative unit of penal colony IK-17 in Shklov. Exerted pressure on political prisoners by denying their right to correspondence and meetings, issued orders to subject them to a stricter criminal regime, searches, and made threats in order to extort confessions. He was directly responsible for violating the human rights of political prisoners and opposition activists in 2011-2012 by using excessive force against them. His actions constituted a direct violation of the international commitments of Belarus in the field of human rights. 7. Ananich, Liliia Stanislavauna (Ananich, Lilia Stanislavauna; Ananich, Liliya Stanislavauna) Ananich, Liliia Stanislavovna (Ananich, Lilia Stanislavovna; Ananich, Liliya Stanislavovna) АНАНIЧ, Лiлiя Станiславаўна АНАНИЧ, Лилия Станиславовна DOB: 1960 Place of birth: Leonovo, district of Borisov, region of Minsk ID: 4020160A013PB7 Address: 220004, г. Минск, пр. Победителей, 11 Министерствo информации Belarus Minister of Information since 30.6.2014, former First Deputy Minister of Information. She has played a major role since 2003 in promoting state propaganda, which provokes, supports and justifies the repression of the democratic opposition and of civil society, and by suppressing the freedom of the media. Democratic opposition and civil society are systematically highlighted in a negative and derogatory way using falsified information. 10. Atabekau, Khazalbek Bakhtibekavich Atabekov, Khazalbek Bakhtibekovich АТАБЕКАЎ, Хазалбек Бактiбекавiч АТАБЕКОВ, Хазалбек Баxтибекович (АТАБЕКОВ, Кхазалбек Баxтибекович) Address: Главное Управление Командующего Внутренними Войсками 220028 г. Минск, ул.Маяковского, 97 Colonel, Deputy Head of Department of fight training of the Ministry of Interior's troops, former commander of a special brigade of Interior Troops in the Uruchie suburb of Minsk. He commanded his unit during the crackdown on the post-election protest demonstration in Minsk on 19 December 2010 where an excessive use of force was applied. His actions constituted a direct violation of the international commitments of Belarus in the field of human rights. 11. Badak Ala Mikalaeuna Bodak Alla Nikolaevna БАДАК, Ала Мiкалаеўна БОДАК, Алла Николаевна DOB: 30.8.1967 Passport Number: SP0013023 Address: 220004, г.Минск, ул. Коллекторная, 10 Министерство юстиции (10 Kollektornaya str.) Belarus Deputy Minister of Justice, in charge of the supervision of, and control over, the Legal Bar, formerly in charge of legal support to the institutions that draft legislative and regulatory acts. She was responsible for the role and the action of the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary of Belarus, which are major instruments of repression of the population, by elaborating laws that are repressive towards civil society and the democratic opposition. 12. Bakhmatau, Ihar Andreevich Bakhmatov, Igor Andreevich БАХМАТАЎ, Irap Андрэевiч БАХМАТОВ, Игорь Андреевич   Has been actively involved in the repression of civil society in Belarus. As a former Deputy Head of the KGB, in charge of the staff and the organisation of their tasks, he was responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition. Reassigned to the reserve forces in May 2012. 16. Barouski Aliaksandr Genadzevich Borovski Aleksandr Gennadievich БАРОЎСКI, Аляксандр Генадзевiч БОРОВСКИЙ, Александр Геннадиевич Address: Прокуратура Октябрьского района 220039 г. Минск, ул. Авакяна, 32 Deputy Prosecutor of the Oktiabrski (Kastrichnitski) District of Minsk. He dealt with the case of Pavel Vinogradov, Dmitri Drozd, Ales Kirkevich and Vladimir Homichenko. The accusation presented by him had a clear and imminent political motivation and was a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It was based on an incorrect classification of the events of 19 December 2010, not sustained by evidence, proof or testimonies of witnesses. 17. Barsukou, Aliaksandr Piatrovich Barsukov, Aleksandr Petrovich БАРСУКОЎ, Аляксандр Пятровiч БАРСУКОВ, Александр Петрович DOB: 29.4.1965 Address: Беларусь, 220007 г. Минск, переулок Добромысленский, 5 ГУВД Минского Горисполкома General, Chief of Minsk police. Since his appointment as Chief of Minsk police on 21 October 2011, he has been responsible, as commander, for the repression of approximately a dozen peaceful protesters in Minsk, who were later convicted for breaking the law on mass events. For several years he commanded police action against street protests of the opposition. 22. Bileichyk, Aliaksandr Uladzimiravich Bileichik, Aleksandr Vladimirovich (Bileychik, Aleksandr Vladimirovich) БIЛЕЙЧЫК, Аляксандр Уладзiмiравiч БИЛЕЙЧИК, Александр Владимирович DOB: 1964 Former first Deputy Minister of Justice (until December 2014), in charge of the judicial services, the civil status and the notaries' services. His functions include the supervision of, and control over, the Legal Bar. He has played a major role in almost systematically debarring lawyers who defended political prisoners. 25. Bulash, Ala Biukbalauna Bulash, Alla Biukbalovna БУЛАШ, Ала Бюкбалаўнa БУЛАШ, Алла Бюкбаловнa   Former Deputy President of the Kastrichnitski District Court of Minsk in charge of criminal matters and former judge of the Oktiabrski (Kastrichnitski) District Court of Minsk. She dealt with the case of Pavel Vinogradov, Dmitri Drozd, Ales Kirkevich, Andrei Protasenia and Vladimir Homichenko. Her way of conducting the trial was a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure. She sustained the use of evidence and testimonies irrelevant to the accused. 28. Busko, Ihar Iauhenavich (Busko, Ihar Yauhenavich) Busko, Igor Evgenievich (Busko, Igor Yevgenyevich) БУСЬКО, Irap Яўгенавiч БУСЬКО, Игорь Евгеньевич Address: КГБ 210623, г. Минск, проспект Независимости, 17 Deputy Head of the KGB, former Head of the KGB of the Region of Brest. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition in the region of Brest and in Belarus. 31. Charkas, Tatsiana Stanislavauna (Cherkas, Tatsiana Stanislavauna) Cherkas, Tatiana Stanislavovna ЧАРКАС, (ЧЭРКАС) Таццяна Станiславаўна ЧЕРКАС, Татьяна Станиславовна Address: Суд Партизанского района г. Минска 220027, г. Минск, ул. Семашко, 33 President of the Partizanski District court of Minsk, former Deputy President of the Frunzenski District court of Minsk, former judge of the Frunzenski District court of Minsk, dealing with the cases of protestors Aleksandr Otroshchenkov (sentenced to 4 years of restricted imprisonment), Aleksandr Molchanov (3 years) and Dmitri Novik (3,5 years of restricted imprisonment). Responsible for implementing the politically-motivated administrative and criminal sanctions against representatives of civil society. 38. Davydzka, Henadz Branislavavich Davydko, Gennadi Bronislavovich ДАВИДЗЬКА, Генадзь Бранiслававiч ДАВЫДЬКО, Геннадий Брониславович DOB: 29.9.1955, Senno, Vitebsk region Address: Белтеле-радиокомпания, ул. Макаенка, 9, Минск, 220807, Беларусь President of the State Radio-TV company since 28 December 2010. Describing himself as an authoritarian democrat, he was responsible for promoting state propaganda on TV, propaganda which supported and justified the repression of the democratic opposition and of civil society after the elections in December 2010. Democratic opposition and civil society are systematically highlighted in a negative and derogatory way using falsified information. 40. Dysko, Henadz Iosifavich Dysko, Gennadi Iosifovich ДЫСКО, Генадзь Iосiфавiч ДЫСКО, Генадий Иосифович DOB: 22.3.1964 POB: Oshmiany, Hrodna region Address: 210601 г.Витебск, ул. Жесткова, 14а (ul. Zhestkova, 14a Vitebsk) Head prosecutor of the Region of Vitebsk since October 2006. Responsible for the repression of civil society following the December 2010 elections. This includes responsibility for cases against Siarhei Kavalenka and Andrei Haidukow. 41. Dzemiantsei, Vasil Ivanavich (Dzemyantsey, Vasil Ivanovich) Dementei, Vasili Ivanovich (Dementey, Vasili Ivanovich) ДЗЕМЯНЦЕЙ, Васiль Iванавiч ДЕМЕНТЕЙ, Василий Иванович DOB: 20.9.1954 POB: Chashniki district, Vitebsk region ID: 3200954E045PB4 Address: Гродненская региональная таможня 230003, г. Гродно, ул. Карского, 53 Head of the Hrodna regional Customs committee (since 22 April 2011), former First deputy Chairman of the KGB (2005-2007), former Deputy Head of the State Customs Committee (2007-2011). Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and the democratic opposition, in particular in 2006-2007. 42. Dziadkou, Leanid Mikalaevich Dedkov, Leonid Nikolaevich ДЗЯДКОЎ, Леанiд Мiкалаевiч ДЕДКОВ, Леонид Николаевич DOB: 10.1964 ID: 3271064M000PB3 Former Deputy Head of the KGB (2010-July 2013), in charge of foreign intelligence. He shared responsibility for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition. 48. Halavanau, Viktar Ryhoravich Golovanov, Viktor Grigorievich ГАЛАВАНАЎ, Biктap Pыгopaвiч ГОЛОВАНОВ, Виктор Григорьевич DOB: 15.12.1952, Borisov Address: ul. Oktyabrskaya, 5 Minsk Rector of the private ‘Belarus Institute of Law’. As former Minister of Justice, his services elaborated laws that are repressive towards civil society and the democratic opposition. He also denied or deprived registration for NGOs and political parties and he ignored unlawful acts undertaken by the security services against the population. 50. Herasimenka, Henadz Anatolievich Gerasimenko, Gennadi Anatolievich ГЕРАСIМЕНКА, Генадзь Анатольевiч ГЕРАСИМЕНКО, Геннадий Анатольевич Address: ‘Институт национальной безопасности Республики Беларусь’ 220034, г. Минск, ул. З. Бядули, 2 Deputy Head of the Institute of National Security (KGB school) and former Head of the KGB of the District of Vitebsk. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition in the region of Vitebsk. 54. Hrachova, Liudmila Andreeuna (Hrachova, Lyudmila Andreyeuna) Gracheva, Liudmila Andreevna (Grachova, Lyudmila Andreyevna; Grachiova, Ludmila Andreevna) ГРАЧОВА, Людмiла Андрэеўна ГРАЧЕВА, Людмила Андреевна Address: Суд Ленинского района города Минска ул. Семашко, 33 220027, г. Минск Former judge and Deputy President of the Leninski District Court of Minsk. She dealt with the case of ex-presidential candidates Nikolai Statkevich and Dmitri Uss, as well as political and civil society activists Andrei Pozniak, Aleksandr Klaskovski, Aleksandr Kvetkevich, Artiom Gribkov and Dmitri Bulanov. Her way of conducting the trial was a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure. She sustained the use of evidence and testimonies irrelevant to the accused. 55. Hureeu Siarhei Viktaravich (Hureyeu Siarhey Viktaravich) Gureev Sergei Viktorovich, (Gureyev Sergey Viktorovich) ГУРЭЕЎ, Сяргей Biктapaвiч ГУРЕЕВ, Сергей Викторович   Has been actively involved in the repression of civil society in Belarus. As a former Deputy Minister of Interior and Head of Preliminary Investigation, he was responsible for the violent suppression of protests and violations of human rights during investigation proceedings in relation to the December 2010 elections. Joined the reserve forces in February 2012. Currently a General in the reserve forces . 60. Iaruta, Viktar Heorhevich (Yaruta, Viktar Heorhevich) Iaruta, Viktor Gueorguievich (Yaruta, Viktor Gueorguievich) ЯРУТА, Вiктар Георгіевіч ЯРУТА, Виктор Георгиевич   Head of the KGB Board on State Communications. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition. 61. Iasianovich, Leanid Stanislavavich (Yasianovich, Leanid Stanislavavich) Iasenovich, Leonid Stanislavovich (Yasenovich, Leonid Stanislavovich) ЯСЯНОВIЧ, Леанiд Станiслававiч ЯСЕНОВИЧ, Леонид Станиславович DOB: 26.11.1961 POB: Buchani, Vitebsk district Address: Glavnoye Upravlenie Yustitsy Mingorispolkoma 220030 Minsk Prospekt Nezavisimosti 8 Passport Number: MP0515811 First Deputy Head of the Main Justice Department at the Minsk City Administration. Former Deputy President of the Minsk Central District Court, former Judge of the Minsk Central District Court. On 6 August 2006, he sentenced the civil society activists of the Civic Initiative ‘Partnership’ to jail for having monitored the presidential elections in 2006. Nikolai Astreiko was sentenced to 2 years in jail, Timofei Dranchuk to 1 year, Aleksandr Shalaiko and Enira Bronitskaya to 6 months. In 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2012, he sentenced several activists to days in jail; particularly on 20 December 2010, he sentenced Andrei Luhin, Serhey Krauchanka and Stanislau Fedorau to 10 days in jail, and Volha Chernykh to 12 days in jail. On 21 December 2010, he sentenced Mykalai Dzemidenka to 15 days in jail. On 20 December 2011, he sentenced two activists who participated in an action on the anniversary of the events of 19 December 2010, Vassil Parfenkau and Siarhey Pavel respectively to 15 and 12 days in jail. On 6 September 2012, he sentenced Aliaksey Tseply to 5 days in jail for alleged resistance to policeman, whereas he was distributing an opposition newspaper in central Minsk. His way of conducting the trials was a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 62. Iauseev, Ihar Uladzimiravich (Yauseev, Ihar Uladzimiravich; Yauseyev, Ihar Uladzimiravich) Evseev, Igor Vladimirovich (Yevseev, Igor Vladimirovich; Yevseyev, Igor Vladimirovich) ЯЎСЕЕЎ, Irap Уладзiмiравiч ЕВСЕЕВ, Игорь Владимирович DOB: 1968 Address: Minsk 220073 Kalvariiskaya 29 Head of the regional Minsk police (since March or April 2015), former Head of the regional Vitebsk police, police general (since 2013). Former Deputy Head of Minsk Police and Head of the Minsk anti-riot (OMON) operation team. He commanded the troops that put down the peaceful demonstrations on 19 December 2010 and personally took part in the brutality, for which he received an award and an acknowledgement letter from President Lukashenka in February 2011. In 2011, he also commanded the troops that repressed several other protests by political activists and peaceful citizens in Minsk. 63. Ihnatovich-Mishneva, Liudmila Ignatovich-Mishneva, Liudmila IГНАТОВIЧ-МIШНЕВА Людмiла ИГНАТОВИЧ-МИШНЕВА Людмила   Prosecutor in Minsk dealing in 2011 with the dismissal of the appeal against the sentence of Dmitri Dashkevich and Eduard Lobov, activists of the Molodoi Front (Young Front). The trial was a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 66. Kachanau Uladzimir Uladzimiravich Kachanov Vladimir Vladimirovich КАЧАНАУ, Уладзiмiр Уладзiмiравiч КАЧАНОВ, Владимир Владимирович Address: 220004, г.Минск, ул. Коллекторная, 10 Министерство юстиции (10 Kollektornaya str.) Belarus Aide/Advisor to the Minister of Justice. As the aide to the Minister of Justice, he was responsible for the role and the action of the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary of Belarus, by elaborating laws that are repressive towards civil society and the democratic opposition, supervising the work of the judges and prosecutors, denying or depriving registration for NGOs and political parties, taking decisions against lawyers who defended political prisoners, as well as deliberately ignoring the unlawful acts undertaken by the security services against the population. 67. Kadzin, Raman Viktaravich Kadin, Roman Viktorovich КАДЗIН, Раман Вiктаравiч КАДИН, Роман Викторович DOB: 17.7.1977 Present passport: MP3260350 Commanding officer of Weaponry and Technical Supply of the Motorised Patrol Service. In February 2011, he received an award and an acknowledgement letter from President Lukashenka for his active participation and implementation of orders during the repression of the 19 December 2010 demonstrations. 68. Kakunin, Aliaksandr Aliaksandravich (Kakunin, Aliaxandr Aliaxandravich) Kakunin, Aleksandr Aleksandravich (Kakunin, Alexandr Alexandrovich) Alexander Aleksandrovich Kakunin Alexander Aleksandrovich Kakunin (Александр Александрович Какунин, Аляксандр, Аляксандровіч Какунін) КАКУНИН Александр Александрович КАКУНІН Аляксандр, Аляксандровіч Address: Исправительная колония № 2 213800, г. Бобруйск, ул. Сикорского, 1 Head of penal colony IK-2 in Bobruisk, responsible for inhumane treatment of political prisoners A. Sannikau and A. Beliatski in penal colony IK-2 in Bobruisk. Opposition activists were tortured, denied access to lawyers and placed in the solitary confinement in the penal colony under his supervision. Kakunin put pressure on A. Beliatski and A. Sannikau in order to force them to sign an appeal for pardon. 69. Kalach, Uladzimir Viktaravich Kalach, Vladimir Viktorovich КАЛАЧ, Уладзiмiр Вiктаравiч КАЛАЧ, Владимир Викторович   Head of the KGB of the region and city of Minsk and former Deputy Head of the KGB for Minsk. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB civil society and the democratic opposition in Minsk. 73. Kanapliou, Uladzimir Mikalaevich Konoplev, Vladimir Nikolaevich КАНАПЛЕЎ, Уладзiмiр Мiкалаевiч КОНОПЛЕВ, Владимир Николаевич DOB: 3.1.1954 POB: Akulintsi, Mohilev region ID: 3030154A124PB9 Address: 220114, Filimonova Str., 55/2, Minsk, Belarus Has close ties with President Lukashenka with whom he worked closely during the 1980s and mainly in 1990s. Deputy Head of the National Olympic Committee (Head is Alexandr Lukashenka). Head of the Handball federation, re-elected in 2014. Former Chairman of the Lower House of the Parliament. He was one of the main actors in the fraudulent presidential election in 2006. 80. Kazheunikau Andrey Kozhevnikov Andrey КАЖЭЎНIКАЎ, Андрэйу КОЖЕВНИКОВ, Андрей   Head of the Investigative Committee of the Minsk Oktiabrsky district, former public prosecutor of the case against ex-presidential candidates Vladimir Neklyaev, Vitaly Rimashevsky, members of Neklyaev's campaign team Andrei Dmitriev, Aleksandr Feduta and Sergei Vozniak, as well as Young Front deputy chairperson Anastasia Polozhanka. The accusation presented by him had a clear and imminent political motivation and it was a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It was based on an incorrect classification of the events of 19 December 2010, and not sustained by evidence, proof or testimonies of witnesses. 83. Kharyton, Aliaksandr Khariton, Aleksandr ХАРЫТОН, Аляксандр ХАРИТОН, Александр Address: 220004, г.Минск, ул. Коллекторная, 10 Министерство юстиции (10 Kollektornaya str.) Belarus Senior Consultant of the Division of Social Organisations, Parties and NGOs of the Ministry of Justice. He has taken an active part in the repression of civil society and of the democratic opposition since 2001, by personally refusing to register NGOs and political parties, which in many cases has lead to their abolition. 89. Kisialiou, Anatol Siamionavich Kiselev, Anatoli Semenovich (Kiselyov, Anatoli Semyonovich) КИСЯЛЕЎ, Анатоль Сяменавiч КИСЕЛЕВ, Анатолий Семенович Address: Брестский областной комитет профсоюза работников государственных учреждений 224005, г. Брест, ул. К. Маркса, 19 Former Head of the Regional Election Commission of the Brest region for the presidential election of 2010. Head of the Regional Election Commission of the Brest region for the local elections in March 2014. Head of the pro-regime regional trade union organisation. As Chairman of a Regional Electoral Commission, he was responsible for the violations of international electoral standards in the presidential elections on 19 December 2010 and for falsifications in the local elections of March 2014 in the Brest region. 94. Kornau, Uladzimir Uladzimiravich Kornov, Vladimir Vladimirovich КОРНАЎ, Уладзiмiр Уладзiмiравiч КОРНОВ, Владимир Владимирович Address: Суд Советского района г. Минска 220113, г. Минск, Логойский тракт, 3 Head of the Sovetski District Court of Minsk, former judge at the City Court of Minsk who authorised the rejection of Byalyatski's appeal. Byalyatski was active in defending and providing assistance to those who suffered from repression in relation to the 19 December 2010 elections and the crackdown on civil society and on the democratic opposition. 95. Korzh, Ivan Aliakseevich Korzh, Ivan Alekseevich КОРЖ, Iван Аляксеевiч КОРЖ, Иван Алексеевич Address: KGB Training Centre Бядули 2, 220034, Минск Major General, appointed as the Head of the KGB Training Center, former Head of the KGB of the Region of Hrodna. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition in the region of Hrodna. 101. Kryshtapovich, Leu Eustafievich (Kryshtapovich, Leu Yeustafievich) Krishtapovich, Lev Evstafievich (Krishtapovich, Lev Yevstafievich) КРЫШТАПОВIЧ, Леў Еўстафьевiч КРИШТАПОВИЧ, Лев Евстафьевич DOB: 1949 POB: Pekalin, Smolevichi district, Minsk region Address: Научно-исследовательский отдел Белорусского государственного университета культуры Minsk Head of the Scientific Research Department of the State Culture and Arts University (since September 2014). Former Deputy Director of the Information and Analytical Centre of the President's Administration which acts as one of the main sources of state propaganda, supporting and justifying the repression of the democratic opposition and of civil society. 104. Kuliashou, Anatol Nilavich Kuleshov, Anatoli Nilovich КУЛЯШОЎ, Анатоль Нiлавiч КУЛЕШОВ, Анатолий Нилович DOB: 25.7.1959 POB: Ali-Bairamly, Azerbaijan ID: 3250759A066PB3 Address: 220030 Minsk, K. Marx st. 3 Advisor in the Department for the fight against organised crime, terrorism and drugs, cooperation in the area of safety and new challenges and threats of the CIS Executive Committee. Has been actively involved in the repression of civil society in Belarus. In his former role as Minister of Interior he commanded the troops of the Ministry of Interior that brutally repressed the peaceful demonstrations on 19 December 2010 and showed some pride for this responsibility. Assigned to the army reserve forces in January 2012. 105. Kuzniatsou, Ihar Nikonavich Kuznetsov, Igor Nikonovich КУЗНЯЦОЎ, Irap Нiконaвiч КУЗНЕЦОВ, Игорь Никонович   Major General, former Head of KGB Training Centre, former Head of the KGB in the Minsk region and in Minsk city, sent to the reserve forces. As the person responsible for preparing and training KGB staff, he was responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and the democratic opposition. In relation to his previous functions, he was responsible for the same repressive activity of the KGB in Minsk city and in the region of Minsk. 110. Laptsionak, Ihar Mikalaevich Laptionok, Igor Nikolaevich ЛАПЦЕНАК, Irap Мiкалаевiч ЛАПТЕНОК, Игорь Николаевич DOB: 31.8.1947, POB: Minsk Address: 220034, г. Минск, ул. Фрунзе, 5 Member of the Board of the pro-regime Union of Writers. Responsible for organising and implementing the dissemination of falsified information through the state-controlled media. As former Deputy Minister of Information, he played a major role in promoting state propaganda which supports and justifies the repression of the democratic opposition and of civil society. Democratic opposition and civil society have been systematically highlighted in a negative and derogatory way using falsified and untrue information. 112. Lazavik, Mikalai Ivanavich Lozovik, Nikolai Ivanovich ЛАЗАВIК, Мiкалай Iванавiч ЛОЗОВИК, Николай Иванович DOB: 18.1.1951 Nevinyany, Minsk region (Невинянн Вилейского р-на Минской обл) ID: 3180151H004PB2 Address: 220010, г. Минск, ул. Советская, 11 Secretary of the Central Election Commission of Belarus. Since 2000 he has been one of the main actors involved in the falsifications in fraudulent elections and referenda, in particular in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014. 113. Lemiashonak, Anatol Ivanavich Lemeshenok, Anatoli Ivanovich ЛЕМЯШОНАК, Анатоль Iванавiч ЛЕМЕШЕНОК, Анатолий Иванович DOB: 14.5.1947 Address: 220013, г. Минск, ул. Б. Хмельницкого 10а President of the pro-regime Belarusian Union of Journalists. Editor-in-Chief of ‘Respublika’, newspaper of the Council of Ministers. In his position he is one of the most vocal and influential members of the state propaganda machine in the printed press. He has supported and justified the repression of the democratic opposition and of civil society, which are systematically highlighted in a negative and derogatory way using falsified information, particularly after the presidential elections in 2010. 116. Liushtyk, Siarhei Anatolievich (Lyushtyk, Siarhey Anatolyevich) Liushtyk, Sergei Anatolievich (Lyushtyk, Sergey Anatolyevich) ЛЮШТЫК, Сяргей Анатольевiч ЛЮШТЫК, Сергей Анатольевич Address: Суд Первомайского района г. Минска 220012, г. Минск, ул. Толбухина, 9 Judge at Pervomaiski District Court of Minsk. In 2010-2011 he fined or sentenced the following representatives of civil society for their peaceful protests: a) 2011.7.14, Struy Vitali, 10 daily base units (35 000 BLR); b) 2011.7.4, Shalamitski Paval, 10 days in prison; c) 2010.12.20, Sikirytskaya Tatsyana, 10 days in prison; d) 2010.12.20, Dranchuk Yuliya, 13 days in prison; e) 2010.12.20, Lapko Mikalay, 12 days in prison; f) 2010.12.20, Pramatoraw Vadzim, 12 days in prison. Repeatedly imposed prison terms and large fines against those involved in peaceful protests and, as a result, he was responsible for the repression of civil society and of the democratic opposition in Belarus. On 24 July 2012, even after his inclusion in the sanction list, he fined for malicious hooliganism opposition activist, Andrej Molchan, who had been severely beaten by two policemen. 117. Lomats, Zianon Kuzmich Lomat, Zenon Kuzmich ЛОМАЦЬ, Зянон Кузьмiч ЛОМАТЬ, Зенон Кузьмич DOB: 27.1.1944, Karabani, Minsk region Has actively undermined democracy in Belarus. In his former role as President of the State Control Committee (until 28 December 2010) he was one of the main persons involved in the case of Ales Byalyatski, one of the most prominent human rights defenders, Chief of the Belarusian Human Rights Centre ‘Vyasna’, Vice President of FIDH. A. Byalyatski was active in defending and providing assistance to those who suffered from repression in relation to the 19 December 2010 elections and the crackdown on civil society and on the democratic opposition. 118. Lapatka, Aliaksandr Aliaksandravich (Lapatka, Aliaxandr Aliaxandravich) Lopatko, Aleksandr Aleksandrovich (Lopatko, Alexandr Alexandrovich) ЛОПАТКО Александр Александрович ЛАПАТКА Аляксандр Аляксандровіч Address: Исправительная колония № 9 213410, г. Горки, ул. Добролюбова, 16 Head of penal colony IK-9 in Horki, responsible for inhumane treatment of D. Dashkevich, including tortures and denial of access to legal representatives. Lopatko had a key position in the penal colony where Dashekevich was held and where psychological pressure, including denial of sleep and isolation, was applied to political prisoners including Mr Dashekevich. 119. Lukashenka, Aliaksandr Ryhoravich Lukashenko, Aleksandr Grigorievich ЛУКАШЭНКА, Аляксандр Pыгopaвiч ЛУКАШЕНКО, Александр Григорьевич DOB: 30.8.1954 POB: Kopys, Vitebsk district Address: Резиденция Президента Республики Беларусь г. Минск, ул.Кирова, д. 43 President of the Republic of Belarus. 121. Lukashenka, Viktar Aliaksandravich Lukashenko, Viktor Aleksandrovich ЛУКАШЭНКА, Biктap Аляксандравiч ЛУКАШЕНКО, Виктор Александрович DOB: 28.11.1975 Address: Администрация президента Республики Беларусь 220016, Минск, Маркса 38 Assistant/Aid to the President in National Security Affairs. In May 2013, appointed co-supervisor of the Belarusian-Russian Commission on Potash Exports by his father. As one of his closest collaborators, he has played a key role in the repressive measures implemented against the democratic opposition and civil society. As a key member of the State Security Council, he was responsible for the coordination of repressive measures against the democratic opposition and civil society, in particular in the crackdown of the demonstration on 19 December 2010. 122. Lukomski, Aliaksandr Valiantsinavich Lukomski, Aleksandr Valentinovich ЛУКОМСКI, Аляксандр Валянцiнавiч ЛУКОМСКИЙ, Александр Валентинович DOB: 12.8.1971 ID: 3120871A074PB7 Commander of the Special Regiment of the Ministry of Interior of the City of Minsk. He commanded the troops that repressed a peaceful demonstration on 19 December 2010, for which he received an award and an acknowledgement letter from President Lukashenka in February 2011. In June 2011, he also commanded troops that repressed peaceful citizens in Minsk. On 7 May 2014, the regiment under his command received a special recognition flag from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 124. Makei, Uladzimir Uladzimiravich (Makey, Uladzimir Uladzimiravich) Makei, Vladimir Vladimirovich (Makey, Vladimir Vladimirovich) МАКЕЙ, Уладзiмiр Уладзiмiравiч МАКЕЙ, Владимир Владимирович DOB: 5.8.1958, Hrodna region ID: 3050858A060PB5 Address: Ministry of Foreign Affairs ул.Ленина, 19, Минск 220030 Minister for Foreign Affairs, former Head of the President's Administration. As Head of the President's Administration, he was considered to be the second most powerful person in the regime and, as such, was responsible for organising fraudulent elections in 2008 and 2010 and for the subsequent repression of peaceful demonstrators. 127. Maslakou, Valery Anatolievich Maslakov, Valeri Anatolievich МАСЛАКОЎ, Валерый Анатольевiч МАСЛАКОВ, Валерий Анатольевич Address: КГБ 210623, г. Минск, проспект Независимости, 17 Head of the KGB Board of military counter-intelligence. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and the democratic opposition. 133. Miklashevich, Piotr Piatrovich Miklashevich, Petr Petrovich МIКЛАШЭВIЧ, Пётр Пятровiч МИКЛАШЕВИЧ, Петр Петрович DOB: 18.10.1954 POB: Kosuta, Minsk region Address: ul. Gvardeiskaya, 16-17 Head of the Constitutional Court and former Prosecutor General who has been active in the repression of civil society and of the democratic opposition. In his previous capacity, he was one of the main persons involved in the repression of the democratic opposition and of civil society from 2004 to 2008. Since his appointment to the Constitutional Court in 2008, he has faithfully implemented the repressive policies of the regime and has validated repressive laws even when they violated the constitution. 135. Morozau, Viktar Mikalaevich Morozov, Viktor Nikolaevich МАРОЗАЎ, Biктap Мiкалаевiч МОРОЗОВ, Виктор Николаевич Address: Прокуратурa Гродненской области г. Гродно, 230012, ул. Доватора, 2а Prosecutor of the region of Hrodna. Responsible for the repression of civil society following the December 2010 elections. 136. Motyl, Tatsiana Iaraslavauna (Motyl, Tatsiana Yaraslavauna) Motyl, Tatiana Iaroslavovna (Motyl, Tatyana Yaroslavovna) МОТЫЛЬ, Таццяна Яраславаўна МОТЫЛЬ, Татьяна Ярославовна Address: Суд Московского района г. Минска 220042, г. Минск, Проспект газеты ‘Правда’, 27 Judge at the Moskovski Rayon Court of the city of Minsk. She was directly involved in the judicial repression of peaceful demonstrators on 19 December 2010. On 10 January 2011, she sentenced Young Front activist, Yulian Misiukevich, to 12 days in jail and, on 21 January 2011 and 31 January 2011 respectively, she sentenced political activist, Usevalad Shasharin, and civil society activist, Tsimafei Atranschankau, each to 9 days in jail. She also sentenced on 27 December 2010 and 20 January 2011 respectively human rights defender, Mikhail Matskevich, to 10 days in jail and civil society activist, Valer Siadou, to 12 days in jail for their participation in an action in support of political prisoners. She was also directly involved in the judicial repression of civil society activists in 2011. On 4 and 7 July 2011, she sentenced Anton Glinisty and Andrei Ignatchyk to 10 days in jail. She has also been directly involved in the judicial repression of political activists in 2012. On 22 February 2012, she sentenced the prominent political activist, Pavel Vinagradau, to 10 days in jail, on whom she also imposed, on 10 April 2012, a preventive police supervision for two years. On 23 March 2012, she sentenced political activists Mikhas Kostka and Anastasia Shuleika of ‘Revolution through social networks’ to 5 days in jail. On 21 April 2012, she sentenced the latter again to 10 days in jail. On 24, 25 and 26 May 2012, she sentenced Young Front activists, Uladzimir Yaromenak, Zmitser Kremenetski and Raman Vasiliev to 10, 10 and 12 days in jail respectively. On 22 June 2012, she sentenced the Euroradio journalist, Paval Sverdlou, to 15 days in jail. On 18 July 2012, she sentenced the activist Katsiarina Halitskaya to 10 days in jail. On 8 and 9 November 2012, she sentenced again Young Front activists, Uladzimir Yaromenak and Raman Vasiliev to 15 days in jail. On 7 May 2013, she sentenced the acitivst Aliaksandr Yarashevich to 12 days in jail. Her way of conducting the trials was a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure. She sustained the use of evidence and testimonies irrelevant to the accused. On 6 August 2014 she sentenced activist Oleg Korol to 10 days of administrative detention without giving him a chance to speak in court; instead she stated: ‘I know that you admit your guilt’. 137. Navumau, Uladzimir Uladzimiravich Naumov, Vladimir Vladimirovich НАВУМАЎ, Уладзiмiр Уладзiмiравiч НАУМОВ, Владимир Владимирович DOB: 7.2.1956, POB: Smolensk (Russia) Failed to take action to investigate the case of the unresolved disappearances of Yuri Zakharenko, Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovski and Dmitri Zavadski in Belarus in 1999-2000. Former Minister of Interior and also former Head of the President's Security Service. As a Minister of Interior he was responsible for the repression over the peaceful demonstrations until his retirement on 6 April 2009 for health reasons. Received a residence in the Drozdy nomenklatura district in Minsk from the Presidential Administration. In October 2014, was awarded ithe Order ‘For Merit’ III degree by President Lukashenka. 142. Padabed, Iury Mikalaevich (Padabed, Yury Mikalaevich) Podobed, Iuri Nikolaevich (Podobed, Yuri Nikolaevich) ПАДАБЕД, Юрый Мiкалаевiч ПОДОБЕД, Юрий Николаевич DOB: 5.3.1962, POB: Slutsk (Minsk Region) Address: ul. Beruta, 15-62 (2 korp) ID: 3050362A050PB2 Passport: MP2272582 Head of the security service of the holding company Triple of Yuri Chizh, former Head of the Unit for Special Purposes, Ministry of Interior. As a commander of internal anti-riot troops he was directly responsible for and was directly involved in the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations, notably in 2004 and 2008. 148. Piakarski, Aleh Anatolievich Pekarski, Oleg Anatolievich ПЯКАРСКI, Алег Анатольевiч ПЕКАРСКИЙ, Олег Анатольевич ID: 3130564A041PB9 Has been actively involved in the repression of civil society in Belarus. As former first Deputy Minister of Interior (until December 2012), he was responsible for the repression of civil society following the December 2010 elections. Colonel in the reserve forces. 152. Praliaskouski, Aleh Vitoldavich Proleskovski, Oleg Vitoldovich (Proleskovsky, Oleg Vitoldovich) ПРАЛЯСКОЎСКI, Алег Вiтольдавiч ПРОЛЕСКОВСКИЙ, Олег Витольдович DOB: 1.10.1963 POB: Zagorsk (Sergijev Posad/Russia) Former Minister of Information (left office in June 2014), former Deputy Head of the President's Administration, former Head of the General Directorate for Ideology in the President's Administration, former Director of the Centre of Analysis and Information of the President's Administration. He has been one of the main sources and voices of state propaganda and ideological support for the regime. He has been promoted to the position of Minister, and has since continued to be a vocal propagandist and supporter of the acts of the regime towards the democratic opposition and civil society. 156. Radzkou, Aliaksandr Mikhailavich Radkov, Aleksandr Mikhailovich РАДЗЬКОЎ, Аляксандр Мiхайлавiч РАДЬКОВ, Александр Михайлович DOB: 1.7.1951 POB: Votnia, Mohilev region ID: 3010751M102PB0 Former Adviser to President Lukashenka (since 18 May 2015), former First Deputy Head of the President's Administration, former Minister of Education. He closed down the European Humanity University, ordered the repression of opposition students, and organised students in order to force them to vote for the regime. He played an active role in organising fraudulent elections in 2008, 2010 and 2012, and in the subsequent repression of peaceful demonstrators in 2008 and 2010. He is very close to President Lukashenka. He is the Head of Belaya Rus, the main ideological and political organisation of the regime. 161. Rusak, Viktar Uladzimiravich Rusak, Viktor Vladimirovich РУСАК, Вiктар Уладзiмiравiч РУСАК, Виктор Владимирович DOB: 4.5.1955 POB: Minsk Address: Палата представителей Национального собрания Республики Беларусь 220010, Республика Беларусь, г. Минск, ул. Советская, 11 Member of the Lower Chamber of the Parliament, Deputy Chairman of Standing Committee on National security, Deputy Head of the Committee on National Security. Former Head of the KGB Board on Economic Security. He was responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition. 163. Saikouski Valeri Yosifavich Saikovski Valeri Yosifovich САЙКОЎСКI, Валерый Iосiфавiч САЙКОВСКИЙ, Валерий Иосифович DOB: 1977 Address: 220035 Minsk, ul. Saperov. 7 Appointed Deputy Head of Minsk Division of the Investigation Committee in January 2012. As Public Prosecutor of the Pervomaiski District of Minsk, he dealt with the trial of Ales Byalyatski, one of the most prominent human rights defenders, Chief of the Belarusian HR Centre ‘Vyasna’, Vice President of FIDH. The accusation presented by the prosecutor in the trial had a clear and imminent political motivation and was a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Byalyatski was active in defending and providing assistance to those who suffered from repression in relation to the 19 December 2010 elections and the crackdown on civil society and on the democratic opposition. 166. Sauko, Valery Iosifavich Savko, Valeri Iosifovich САЎКО, Валерый Iосiфавiч САВКО, Валерий Иосифович Address: 230023 Hrodna, vul. Ozheshko, 1 Head of the Hrodna branch of the pro-regime trade union. Former Head of Regional Election Commission (REC) of Hrodna Region for the presidential election of 2010 and the local elections of March 2014. As Chairman of a Regional Electoral Commission, he was responsible for the violations of international electoral standards in the residential elections on 19 December 2010, and for the falsifications in the local elections of March 2014 in the Hrodna region. 167. Shaeu, Valiantsin Piatrovich (Shayeu, Valyantsin Piatrovich) Shaev, Valentin Petrovich (Shayev, Valentin Petrovich) ШАЕЎ Валянцiн Пятровiч ШАЕВ, Валентин Петрович Address: 220034 Minsk, vul. Frunze, 19 Member of the Security Council, Head of the Investigation Committee, former Deputy Head of the Investigation Committee, former Prosecutor of the region of Homel. Responsible for the repression of civil society following the December 2010 elections. 168. Shahrai, Ryta Piatrouna Shagrai, Rita Petrovna ШАГРАЙ, Рнта Пятроўна ШАГРАЙ, Рита Петровна Address: Суд Заводского района г. Минска 220107, г. Минск, пр. Партизанский, 75А President of the Zavodskoy District court of the city of Minsk (since 2014), former Deputy President at the Partizanski District court of the city of Minsk, former judge at the Oktiabrski District Court of the city of Minsk. She was directly involved in the judicial repression of peaceful demonstrators on 19 December 2010. On 20 December 2010, she sentenced civil society activists, Ales Sobal, Maksim Hrishel and Kastantsin Chufistau, to 10 days in jail, and Siarhei Kardymon to 15 days in jail. On 7 July 2011, she sentenced the activist Artur Zauharodny to 13 days in jail. On 12 October 2012 she sentenced the activists Aleh Korban and Uladzimir Siarheeu to 5 days in jail. Her way of conducting the trials was a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure. She sustained the use of evidence and testimonies irrelevant to the accused. 169. Shamionau Vadzim Iharavich Shamenov Vadim Igorevich (Shamyonov Vadim Igorevich) ШАМЁНАЎ, Вадзiм Iгаравiч ШАМЁНОВ, Вадим Игоревич Address: Исправительная колония № 17 213004, г. Шклов, ул. 1-я Заводская д. 8 Captain, head of operative unit of penal colony IK-17 in Shklov. Exerted pressure on political prisoners, denying their right to correspondence, and made threats in order to extort confessions. Directly responsible for violating the human rights of political prisoners and opposition activists by the use of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. His actions constituted a direct violation of the international commitments of Belarus in the field of human rights. 173. Sheiman, Viktar Uladzimiravich (Sheyman, Viktar Uladzimiravich) Sheiman, Viktor Vladimirovich (Sheyman, Viktor Vladimirovich) ШЭЙМАН, Biктap Уладзiмiравiч ШЕЙМАН, Виктор Владимирович DOB: 26.5.1958, POB: Hrodna region Address: Управлениe Делами Президента ул. К.Маркса, 38 220016, г. Минск Head of the Management Department of the President's Administration. Responsible for the unresolved disappearances of Yuri Zakharenko, Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovski and Dmitri Zavadski in Belarus in 1999-2000. Former Secretary of the Security Council. Sheiman remains a Special Assistant/Aid to the President. 174. Shastakou, Iury Valerievich (Shastakou, Yury Valerievich) Shestakov, Iuri Valerievich (Shestakov, Yuri Valerievich) ШАСТАКОЎ, Юрый Валер'евiч ШЕСТАКОВ, Юрий Валерьевич Address: Суд Московского района г. Минска 220042, г. Минск, Проспект газеты ‘Правда’, 27 Judge and Deputy President at the Moskovski Rayon Court of the city of Minsk. He was directly involved in the judicial repression of peaceful demonstrators on 19 December 2010. On 20 and 27 December 2010, he sentenced civil society activists Illya Vasilievich, Nadzeya Chayukhova, Tatsiana Radzetskaya, Siarhei Kanapatski and Volha Damarad to 10 days in jail. On 20 December 2011 he sentenced the activist Siarhei Kanapatski for the commemoration of the repression on 19 December 2010. His way of conducting the trials was a clear violation of the Code of Criminal Procedure. He sustained the use of evidence and testimonies irrelevant to the accused. 175. Shuhaeu, Siarhei Mikhailavich (Shuhayeu, Siarhei Mikhailavich) Shugaev, Sergei Mikhailovich (Shugayev, Sergey Mikhailovich) ШУГАЕЎ, Сяргей Михайлaвiч ШУГАЕВ, Сергей Михайлович Address: КГБ 210623, г. Минск, проспект Независимости, 17 Head of the KGB Counter-Intelligence Division and former Deputy Head of the KGB Counter-Intelligence Board. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and the democratic opposition. 177. Shykarou, Uladzislau Aleksandravich Shikarov, Vladislav Aleksandrovich ШЫКАРОЎ, Уладiзлаў Александравiч ШИКАРОВ, Владислав Александрович Address: Суд Железнодорожного района города Витебска 210001, г. Витебск, ул. Кирова,16 Judge of the Zheleznodorozhny District Court of Vitebsk. He sentenced several protesters during the appeal trial, despite the fact that they were not found guilty by the Court of First Instance. Responsible for implementing the politically-motivated administrative and criminal sanctions against representatives of civil society, including the political activist Siarhei Kavalenka. 179. Siankevich, Eduard Aliaksandravich Senkevich, Eduard Aleksandrovich СЯНЬКЕВIЧ, Эдуард Аляксандравiч СЕНЬКЕВИЧ, Эдуард Александрович DOB: 15.4.1952 POB: Slonim, Hrodna region Address: Палата представителей Национального собрания Республики Беларусь 220010, Республика Беларусь, г. Минск, ул. Советская, 11 Member of the Lower Chamber of the Parliament, Deputy Head of the Permanent Comittee on Law, former Prosecutor of the region of Mohilev. Responsible for the repression of civil society following the December 2010 elections. 180. Siarheenka, Ihar Piatrovich Sergeenko, Igor Petrovich (Sergeyenko, Igor Petrovich) СЯРГЕЕНКА, Iгар Пятровiч СЕРГЕЕНКО, Игорь Петрович DOB: 14.1.1963 POB: Stolitsa, Vitebsk region Address: КГБ 210623, г. Минск, проспект Независимости, 17 First Deputy Head of the KGB, former Head of the KGB of the Mohilev region. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition in the region of Mohilev and in Belarus. 184. Sirenka, Viktar Ivanavich Sirenko, Viktor Ivanovich CIРЭНКА, Biктap Iванавiч СИРЕНКО, Виктор Иванович DOB: 4.3.1962 POB: Borisov, Minsk region ID: 3040362B062PB7 Passport number: MP2249974 (issued on 30.3.2007) Address: ул. Лобанка, 81, кв. 19, 220000, г. Минск Deputy Governor of the Minsk region (since January 2015), former Head of the Committee for Health Care of Minsk City and former Chief Surgeon of the Minsk Emergency Hospital. He did not oppose the kidnapping of the presidential candidate, Nekliayev, who was transported to his hospital after being severely beaten on 19 December 2010 and, by failing to call the police, cooperated with the unknown perpetrators. Such inaction led him to be promoted. As Head of the Committee for Health Care of Minsk City he was responsible for supervising use of labour-sanitory institutions in the suppression of human rights. 187. Slizheuski, Aleh Leanidavich Slizhevski, Oleg Leonidovich СЛIЖЭЎСКI, Алег Леанідавіч СЛИЖЕВСКИЙ, Олег Леонидович DOB: 16.8.1972 POB: Hrodna Address: 220004, г.Минск, ул. Коллекторная, 10 Министерство юстиции (10 Kollektornaya str.) 220004 Minsk Belarus Minister of Justice, Member of the Central Election Commission (CEC) and former Head of Division of Social organisations and political parties in the Ministry of Justice. As a Member of the CEC, he was responsible for the violations of international electoral standards which have occurred in elections since 2007. With his positions in the Ministry of Justice and the control he exercises over the judiciary, he has taken an active part in the repression of civil society and of the democratic opposition, by refusing registration of NGOs and political parties, which in many cases has lead to their abolition. 188. Smalenski, Mikalai Zinouevich Smolenski, Nikolai Zinovievich СМАЛЕНСКI, Мiкалай 3iноўeвiч СМОЛЕНСКИЙ, Николай Зиновьевич   Deputy Head of CIS Anti-terrorism Centre and former Deputy Head of the KGB, in charge of staff and the organisation of their tasks. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition. 196. Talstashou, Aliaksandr Alehavich Tolstashov, Aleksandr Olegovich ТАЛСТАШОЎ, Аляксандр Алегавiч ТОЛСТАШОВ, Александр Олегович Address: КГБ 210623, г. Минск, проспект Независимости, 17 Head of the KGB Board on Protection of the Constitutional Order and Fight Against Terrorism. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition. 201. Traulka Pavel Traulko Pavel ТРАУЛЬКА, Павел ТРАУЛЬКО, Павел Address: 220034, г. Минск, ул. Фрунзе, 5 Lieutenant Colonel, former operative of the military counter-intelligence of the KGB (currently head of the press service of the Investigative Committee of Belarus). He falsified evidence and used threats in order to extort confessions from opposition activists in the KGB detention centre in Minsk after the crackdown on the post-election protest demonstration in Minsk on 19 December 2010. He was directly responsible for the use of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment and for denying the right to a fair trial. His actions constituted a direct violation of the international commitments of Belarus in the field of human rights. 202. Trutka, Iury Igorevich (Trutka, Yury Igorevich) Trutko, Iury (Yurij, Yuri) Igorevich ТРУТКA, Юрый Iгаравич ТРУТКО, Юрий Игоревич Address: Исправительная колония № 2 213800, г. Бобруйск, ул. Сикорского, 1 Ul. Sikorskogo 1 213800 Bobruisk Deputy Head of penal colony IK-2 in Bobruisk, responsible for inhumane and cruel treatment of political prisoners A. Sannikau and A. Beliatski in penal colony IK-2 in Bobruisk. Opposition activists were tortured, denied access to legal representation and placed in the solitary confinement in the penal colony under his supervision. Trutko put pressure on A. Beliatski and A. Sannikau in order to force them to sign an appeal for pardon. 204. Tsertsel, Ivan Stanislavavich Tertel, Ivan Stanislavovich ЦЕРЦЕЛЬ, Iван Станiслававiч ТЕРТЕЛЬ, Иван Станиславович Address: КГБ 210623, г. Минск, проспект Независимости, 17 Deputy Head of the KGB, in charge of economic crime and the fight against corruption. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and the democratic opposition. 207. Tushynski Ihar Heraninavich Tushinski Igor Geroninovich ТУШЫНСКИЙ, Irap Геранiнавiч ТУШИНСКИЙ, Игорь Геронинович Address: 220004, г. Минск, ул. Коллекторная, 10 Министерство юстиции (10 Kollektornaya str.) 220004 Minsk Belarus Deputy Minister of Justice in charge of legal support to the institutions that draft legislative and regulatory acts on economic issues and in charge of the registration of legal entities. Responsible for the role and the action of the Belarusian Ministry of Justice and of the judiciary, which are major instruments of repression of the population, by imposing state propaganda in the judiciary, which provokes, and justifies the repression of the democratic opposition and of civil society, by denying or depriving registration for NGOs and political parties. 209. Utsiuryn, Andrei Aliaksandravich (Utsiuryn, Andrey Aliaksandravich; Utsyuryn, Andrei Aliaksandravich) Vtiurin, Andrei Aleksandrovich (Vtiurin, Andrey Aleksandrovich; Vtyurin, Andrei Aleksandrovich) УЦЮРЫН, Андрэй Аляксандравiч ВТЮРИН, Андрей Александрович DOB: 1971, Penza (Russia) Deputy Head of the Security Council of the Republic of Belarus (since 2014). Former Head of the Security Service of the President. Under his supervision, several members of his service took part in interrogations of political activists after the demonstrations on 19 December 2010. 210. Vakulchyk, Valery Paulavich Vakulchik, Valeri Pavlovich ВАКУЛЬЧЫК, Валерый Паўлавiч ВАКУЛЬЧИК, Валерий Павлович DOB: 19.6.1964, Brest region Address: КГБ 210623, г. Минск, проспект Независимости, 17 Head of the KGB, former Head of the Investigation Committee, former Chief of the Operational and Analytical Centre of the President's Administration, responsible for telecommunications, including monitoring, filtering, controlling and intervening different communication channels, for example the internet. As Head of the KGB, he is responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition. 216. Vehera, Viktar Paulavich Vegera, Viktor Pavlovich BEГEPA, Biктap Паўлавiч ВЕГЕРА, Виктор Павлович   Former First Deputy Head of the KGB, in charge of counter-intelligence. Retired since 1 April 2013 and sent to reserve forces. Responsible for the repressive activity of the KGB against civil society and democratic opposition. He was the initiator of the case of the political prisoner Ales Byaliatski, one of the most prominent human rights defenders, Chief of the Belarusian Human Rights Centre ‘Vyasna’, Vice President of FIDH. A. Byalyatski was active in defending and providing assistance to those who suffered from repression in relation to the 19 December 2010 elections and the crackdown on civil society and on the democratic opposition.