Expert Groups - National Trade Facilitation Body

The NTFB may create Expert Groups tasked with considering individual issues and proposing solutions for trade facilitation; remove barriers to trade; streamline and modernize customs procedures and import, export, and transit controls; simplify processes and eliminate red tape. These groups will ensure that interested members of the business community are able to actively participate in the NTFB’s deliberations.

STRUCTURE OF THE NTFB

I – EXPERT GROUP ON AGRICULTURE AND SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES

The Expert Group on Agriculture and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures is tasked with considering issues and proposing initiatives designed for promotion and trade facilitation in agricultural produce and food products. In doing so, it ensures that veterinary, sanitary, and phytosanitary measures are introduced and applied so as to avoid unduly burdening businesses while ensuring appropriate protection of human, plant, and animal health, as well as that technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures are enacted and implemented without constituting unnecessary obstacles to trade in these products.

The Expert Group on Agriculture and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures is chaired by a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.

Composition of the Expert Group I

2018-19 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Agriculture and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

2020-21 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Agriculture and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

2022-23 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Agriculture and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

II – EXPERT GROUP ON TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE AND EQUIVALENT MEASURES

The Expert Group on Technical Barriers to Trade and Equivalent Measures is charged with considering issues and proposing initiatives designed for promotion and trade facilitation in industrial (non-food) products (which include cosmetics, general products, medicines, medical devices, chemicals, machinery and various types of technical equipment, etc.). In doing so, it ensures that technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures are enacted and implemented without constituting unnecessary obstacles to trade.

The Expert Group on Technical Barriers to Trade and Equivalent Measures is chaired by a representative of the Ministry of Economy.

Composition of the Expert Group II

2018-19 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Technical Barriers to Trade and Equivalent Measures

2020-21 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Technical Barriers to Trade and Equivalent Measures

2022-23 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Technical Barriers to Trade and Equivalent Measures

III – EXPERT GROUP ON CUSTOMS PROCEDURES

The Expert Group on Customs Procedures is responsible for considering issues and proposing initiatives designed to enhance and facilitate customs procedures; broader application of simplified customs procedures for imports, exports, and transit of goods; and greater consistency and predictability of actions taken by customs bodies.

The Expert Group on Customs Procedures is chaired by a representative of the Ministry of Finance.

Composition of the Expert Group III

2018-19 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Customs Proceduress

2020-21 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Customs Procedures

2022-23 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Customs Procedures

IV – EXPERT GROUP ON COORDINATION OF TRADE FACILITATION ACTIVITIES UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS

The Expert Group on Coordination of Trade Facilitation Activities under International and Regional Trade Agreements provides support to structures envisaged by these agreements for coordination and prioritization of trade facilitation activities at the national level. It promotes compliance with best global and regional practices and aims to reduce costs incurred by the private sector due to inefficient procedures.

The Expert Group on Coordination of Trade Facilitation Activities under International and Regional Trade Agreements is chaired by a representative of the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications.

Composition of the Expert Group IV

2018-19 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Coordination of Trade Facilitation Activities under International and Regional Trade Agreements

2020-21 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Coordination of Trade Facilitation Activities under International and Regional Trade Agreements

2022-23 Action Plan of the Expert Group on Coordination of Trade Facilitation Activities under International and Regional Trade Agreements