WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement

Members must publish import procedures, forms and fees online, issue advance rulings, allow pre-arrival processing and electronic payment, apply risk management and post-clearance audit, release goods before final duty determination against a guarantee, and offer expedited procedures for air cargo under Article 7.8. Perishable goods should be released quickly. Developing countries schedule obligations as category A, B or C with capacity-building support. Members also work toward a single window.

The TFA is the legal basis for many conveniences cross-border shippers now expect, such as electronic pre-arrival filing, binding classification rulings and express clearance lanes. For a brand entering a new market, it means published rules and the option of an advance ruling on classification or origin before inventory is committed. For example, an importer can ask a customs authority whether a product qualifies for a lower duty rate, then price accordingly. Expedited procedures under Article 7.8 also support the express carriers that move most e-commerce parcels.

• Customs BrokerLicensed filer of US customs entries
• Harmonized System CodeHS CodeSix-digit international product code

• World Trade Organization (WTO) Established1995 · The WTO takes over from GATT as the trade rules forum
• Doha Round2001 · WTO talks on development that never fully concluded

• Revised Kyoto Convention1999, in force 2006 · WCO blueprint for modern, simplified customs procedures
• WCO SAFE Framework of Standards2005, latest edition 2025 · WCO standards for supply chain security and AEO programs
• Kyoto Convention (Customs)1973, in force 1974 · 1973 treaty on simplifying customs procedures

1. WTO: Trade facilitation wto.org