WTO Import Licensing Committee Addresses Notifications and Trade Concerns
WTO Import Licensing Committee reviews notification challenges, trade concerns, and transparency efforts at its 15 October 2026 meeting.
The story in focus
At its 15 October 2026 meeting, the WTO Import Licensing Committee examined challenges in preparing notifications, reviewed members' notification practices, and addressed 14 trade concerns. A survey showed 68% of respondents reported difficulties obtaining information from responsible authorities.
- Survey of workshop participants found 68% reported difficulties obtaining information from responsible authorities, and 72% cited challenges getting up-to-date information for the annual questionnaire.
- The Committee reviewed 33 notifications, including 23 under Article 7.3, and addressed 14 trade concerns, two of which were raised for the first time.
- The Chair noted that 21 members have never submitted any reply to the annual questionnaire since joining the WTO.
Notification Challenges
The WTO Secretariat presented findings from a survey of participants in the September 2026 Workshop on Import Licensing and Notifications. Among respondents, 68% reported difficulties obtaining information from responsible authorities, while 72% cited challenges obtaining up-to-date information for the annual questionnaire. Nearly half, 48%, reported challenges identifying all relevant licensing and similar administrative procedures.
Respondents suggested improvements such as clearer responsibilities among authorities (52%) and the designation of a national focal point (44%). The survey allowed multiple responses and reflects participants' experiences, not those of the full WTO membership.
Notifications and Trade Concerns
The Chair, Ms Mi Jin Ryu of the Republic of Korea, reported that 49 notifications were received since the June meeting. Of these, 16 arrived after the agenda closed and will be reviewed at the next meeting. The Committee reviewed 33 notifications, including 23 submitted under Article 7.3, which requires members to complete the annual questionnaire promptly and in full.
The Committee addressed 14 trade concerns regarding import licensing regimes. Two were new, while the others had been raised previously. Concerns covered measures by Angola, Egypt, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Türkiye, raised by various members including the United States, European Union, Japan, Australia, and Indonesia.
Transparency Efforts
The Chair noted two experience-sharing sessions aimed at improving transparency. The first, in April 2025, focused on overcoming roadblocks to notifications. A second session on 4 June 2026 included private-sector representatives and addressed enhancing transparency through effective notification practices, public-private collaboration, and digitalization of import licensing procedures.
The Chair said the Secretariat would compile suggestions from members and hold an informal meeting to determine next steps. The next Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for 22 April 2027.
What share of surveyed workshop participants reported difficulties obtaining information from responsible authorities?
Sixty-eight percent of respondents reported difficulties obtaining information from responsible authorities, according to the WTO Secretariat's survey of participants in the September 2026 workshop.
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