Covid-19 measures notified under the TFA
On this page you will access information on temporary measures that Members have notified in response to the Covid-19 under the Trade Facilitation Agreement.
For more information on Covid-19 , please visit the WTO page on Covid-19
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Canada |
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| e-Longroom initiative | The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has recently implemented an e-Longroom initiative which created a new process for providing electronic copies of release documents to the CBSA, thereby further reducing the paper burden. CITES and Kimberley permits must still be presented in hard copy. The e-… Read all The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has recently implemented an e-Longroom initiative which created a new process for providing electronic copies of release documents to the CBSA, thereby further reducing the paper burden. CITES and Kimberley permits must still be presented in hard copy. The e-Longroom process will remain in place following the pandemic. Hide | |
| Timeframe for all payments | The timeframe for all payments due to the CBSA (customs duties and GST on regular imports, re-assessments, penalties, etc.) was extended to June 30, 2020. This included charges on the statement of account of March 2020 due on April 1, 2020. The measure served to alleviate burden on businesses experi… Read all The timeframe for all payments due to the CBSA (customs duties and GST on regular imports, re-assessments, penalties, etc.) was extended to June 30, 2020. This included charges on the statement of account of March 2020 due on April 1, 2020. The measure served to alleviate burden on businesses experiencing financial hardship and provide additional flexibility to traders. Information on deferral of payments is set out in Customs Notice 20-11 - Extension of Timeframes for Payment of Customs Duties and GST (COVID-19). Measure expired June 30, 2020. Hide | |
| Grace period for late accounting penalties | The CBSA provided a 45-day grace period for late accounting penalties. Clients did not have to submit an application to have late accounting penalties waived. This was a temporary measure applied to transactions released from March 11 to May 26, 2020, inclusively. The measure served to alleviate bur… Read all The CBSA provided a 45-day grace period for late accounting penalties. Clients did not have to submit an application to have late accounting penalties waived. This was a temporary measure applied to transactions released from March 11 to May 26, 2020, inclusively. The measure served to alleviate burden on businesses experiencing financial hardship and provide additional flexibility to traders. Information on the grace period for late accounting penalties is set out in Customs Notice 20-10 - Waiver of Late Accounting Penalties (COVID-19). Measure expired May 26, 2020. Hide | |
| Extension of 30 days for submitting corrections following a CBSA trade compliance verification | Canada temporarily extended by 30 days the period of 90 days for submitting corrections following a CBSA trade compliance verification where errors were found. The measure, which expired on November 11, 2020, served to alleviate administrative burden on businesses and provide additional flexibility … Read all Canada temporarily extended by 30 days the period of 90 days for submitting corrections following a CBSA trade compliance verification where errors were found. The measure, which expired on November 11, 2020, served to alleviate administrative burden on businesses and provide additional flexibility to traders. Information on the extension of the 90 day correction period is set out in the following notice. Measure expired November 11, 2020. Hide | |
| Waiving customs duties and sales taxes on goods used in response to COVID-19 | To ensure the flow of vital medical supplies in response to the COVID-19 crisis, Canada is waiving customs duties and sales taxes on goods used in response to COVID-19 that are imported by or on behalf of public health agencies, hospitals, testing sites, and first response organizations, as well as … Read all To ensure the flow of vital medical supplies in response to the COVID-19 crisis, Canada is waiving customs duties and sales taxes on goods used in response to COVID-19 that are imported by or on behalf of public health agencies, hospitals, testing sites, and first response organizations, as well as public or private care residences such as seniors' residences, retirement homes, nursing homes and shelters. Canada is also waiving customs duties on certain goods for all importers, including personal protective equipment, in order to support efforts to combat the spread of COVID 19. Both measures remain in effect until further notice. Further information is set out in Canada's notifications G/MA/W/145 and G/MA/W/153 to the WTO. Hide | |
China |
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| Covid-19 measures - Ministry of Commerce | Notice on Effectively Conducting the Work Related to Further Facilitating Enterprises’ Application for Import and Export Licenses during the Prevention and Control of the COVID-19 Pandemic issued by the General Office of the Ministry of Commerce | |
| Covid-19 measures - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs | <p>Circular of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Optimizing Approval Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic Circular No.1 [2020] of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.</p> | |
Dominican Republic |
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| Preventive measures taken by the Directorate General of Customs (DGA) due to the COVID 19 pandemic |
The DGA has attempted to address the impact of the emergency situation due to the COVID 19 pandemic by adopting the following measures: (1) Elimination of the surcharge for late declaration (Art. 52 of Law No. 3489), through an application submitted to the customs administration. (2) The period fro… Read all The DGA has attempted to address the impact of the emergency situation due to the COVID 19 pandemic by adopting the following measures: (1) Elimination of the surcharge for late declaration (Art. 52 of Law No. 3489), through an application submitted to the customs administration. (2) The period from Friday, 20 March 2020, until three working days after the lifting of the state of emergency will not be included when calculating the number of days goods were kept at the bonded warehouse for any purpose (fiscal, re export or cargo consolidation). (3) From 24 March, customs administrations will not count the days under lockdown in calculating the period of time after which goods are declared abandoned. (4) From 24 March, for procedures involving digital signatures, support will be provided via the email address firmasdigitales@aduanas.gob.do and by phone. (5) From 24 March, the following applications can only be submitted by email (info.corresporidenciayarchivo@aduanas.gob.do): applications for the payment of tax under Law No. 253.42, applications for exemption from the payment of tax under Provision No. 7204, and WTO quota authorizations (technical rectifications). (6) From 23 March, the administrations will be open for payments until 3 p.m. Users are therefore invited to make payments electronically. (7) The registration of importers/exporters, inclusion of administrators and access authorizations may be carried out digitally from 23 March, provided that the requirements established by the DGA have already been met. Details of these requirements can be found at www.aduanas.gob.do. Applications must be sent to unidadregistro@aduanas.gob.do. (8) From 26 March, the administrations will stop clearing containers at 5 p.m., due to the curfew imposed by the Government. (9) From 2 April and for the duration of the emergency, the collection of all import taxes via the Integrated Customs Management System will be temporarily suspended on masks, clothing, medical protective equipment and devices, machines and appliances required to combat the pandemic. This suspension of taxes specifically includes customs duty, where applicable, and tax on the transfer of goods and services (ITBIS). (10) With regard to the clearance of vehicle imports during this emergency, the DGA, in order to minimize the risk of infection from the coronavirus and reduce the presence of persons and taxpayers at its facilities in the country's ports, has adopted a number of measures to facilitate the import of vehicles that will take effect from 20 March. Hide |
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| Trade facilitation measures taken due to the COVID 19 pandemic |
Customs intelligence: The following measures have been implemented since 20 March 2020 to mitigate customs risks and maintain trade facilitation: (1) The risk analysis has focused on items that are of key importance in the current circumstances, such as medicines and medical industry products, wit… Read all Customs intelligence: The following measures have been implemented since 20 March 2020 to mitigate customs risks and maintain trade facilitation: (1) The risk analysis has focused on items that are of key importance in the current circumstances, such as medicines and medical industry products, with a view to mitigating the risks of, inter alia, counterfeits and expired products. The same applies to the analysis of imports of high risk products, such as contraband cigarettes. (2) An analysis of businesses with low risk profiles is under way in order to speed up the clearance of these businesses' goods, so that efforts can be focused on cases of a more sensitive nature. (3) Through the World Customs Organization's Customs Enforcement Network Communication Platform, the task force is keeping abreast of the various modus operandi used internationally in order to gather information on confiscations made by other customs administrations. (4) According to information from administrators at each border crossing, the transit of goods is occurring twice a week at land border crossing points. The goods in custody are clothing, alcohol and juices. (5) Vehicle related applications will be handled remotely. It is hoped that the following applications can be received by email: • applications for payment of tax and clearance of vehicles; • applications for the correction of vehicle related manifests or characteristics; • applications for the clearance of buses. Hide |
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| Trade facilitation measures taken due to the COVID 19 pandemic | Customs administrators have been instructed to authorize, as of 2 April, the clearance, using tariff preferences, of imports on goods from the European Community, without the submission of the EUR.1 Movement Certificate. This is subject to prior evaluation of the risk profile of the taxpayer and the… Read all Customs administrators have been instructed to authorize, as of 2 April, the clearance, using tariff preferences, of imports on goods from the European Community, without the submission of the EUR.1 Movement Certificate. This is subject to prior evaluation of the risk profile of the taxpayer and the submission of a document in which the taxpayer commits to providing said certificate when it is subsequently issued. Hide | |
| Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE) |
The Single Window for Foreign Trade continues to operate as usual. However, due to COVID 19 measures, assistance is being offered remotely as of 26 March. Institutions are accepting copies of plant and animal health certificates, which are being reviewed electronically. A number of resources have b… Read all The Single Window for Foreign Trade continues to operate as usual. However, due to COVID 19 measures, assistance is being offered remotely as of 26 March. Institutions are accepting copies of plant and animal health certificates, which are being reviewed electronically. A number of resources have been created to coordinate the granting of authorizations in the Single Window for Foreign Trade, which enables importers and exporters to schedule inspections (if necessary) and monitor the authorization process at the port. Users in need of assistance can call (+1) 809 547 7070, ext. 2662 and 2663, email gestiónyprocesosvuce@aduanas.gob.do or visit the website: www.vucerd.gob.do. Hide |
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European Union |
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| COVID-19 measures | Commission Decision on relief from import duties and VAT exemption on importation granted for goods needed to combat the effects of the COVID 19 outbreak during 2020 is extended until 30 April 2021. Member States can grant VAT relief to sales of coronavirus vaccines and testing kits to hospitals and… Read all Commission Decision on relief from import duties and VAT exemption on importation granted for goods needed to combat the effects of the COVID 19 outbreak during 2020 is extended until 30 April 2021. Member States can grant VAT relief to sales of coronavirus vaccines and testing kits to hospitals and medical practitioners. The European Commission has also proposed a Council directive amendment 2006/112/EC. If adopted, the new rules would allow a temporary VAT exemption to be given to vaccines and testing kits being sold to hospitals and medical practitioners, as well as closely related goods and services. member States would also be able to apply reduced rates to testing kits if they so choose. Once agreed by all Member States, the new rules would allow a temporary VAT exemption to be given to vaccines and testing kits being sold to hospitals and medical practitioners, as well as closely related goods and services. Member States would also be able to apply reduced rates to testing kits if they so choose. Hide | |
| COVID-19 measures | Specific Trade facilitation measures have been adopted by the EU to facilitate trade in the specific circumstances under COVID 19. Guidance on Customs issues related to the COVID-19 emergency, 30 March 2020 . | |
| COVID-19 measures | Guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services, 16 March 2020 | |
| COVID-19 measures | Communication from the Commission on the implementation of the Green Lanes under the Guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services, 23 March 2020 | |
| COVID-19 measures |
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2020/S... |
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/466 of 31 March on temporary measures to contain risks to human, animal and plant health and animal welfare during certain serious disruptions of Member States' control systems due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) |
| COVID-19 measures | Communication from the Commission - European Commission Guidelines: Facilitating Air Cargo Operations during COVID-19 outbreak, 26 March 2020 | |
Switzerland |
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| Utilisation de voies prioritaires dans le trafic rou-tier (dites «Green Lanes») pour certaines catégories de marchandises | <p><strong>DATE 1.1.2022 </strong></p><p>Dans le contexte de la situation extraordinaire de la pandémie de COVID-19, l'Office fédéral de la douane et de la sécurité des frontières (OFDF) a introduit des dispositions pour la mise en place de voies prioritaires. Cette mesure reste également en vi… Read all <p><strong>DATE 1.1.2022 </strong></p><p>Dans le contexte de la situation extraordinaire de la pandémie de COVID-19, l'Office fédéral de la douane et de la sécurité des frontières (OFDF) a introduit des dispositions pour la mise en place de voies prioritaires. Cette mesure reste également en vigueur pendant la situation normale.</p><p><strong>Règlement 10-27</strong></p><p>Les "green lanes" mises en place à certains postes-frontière pour des marchandises importantes (par exemple,ex. produits médicaux, denrées alimentaires, matériaux d'emballage et pièces de machines pour l'industrie médicale et alimentaire, courrier postal et carburants) sont maintenues.</p><p><strong>Codes du SH - Dispositifs médicaux</strong></p><p>Appareils de respiration</p><p>Systèmes de mesure des états et des fonctions de l'organisme</p><p>Diagnostic in vitro ("tests COVID-19")</p><p>Masques chirurgicaux/masques OP</p> Hide | |
| Utilisation de voies prioritaires dans le trafic routier (dites "Green Lanes") pour certaines catégories de marchandises | <p>Gants chirurgicaux/gants d'examen Oxygène médical Solutions de perfusion Équipements de protection individuels Masques d'hygiène Masques de protection Gants à usage unique Surblouses Vêtements de protection Lunettes de protection Désinfectant pour les mains Désinfectant de surfaces Articles d'hyg… Read all <p>Gants chirurgicaux/gants d'examen Oxygène médical Solutions de perfusion Équipements de protection individuels Masques d'hygiène Masques de protection Gants à usage unique Surblouses Vêtements de protection Lunettes de protection Désinfectant pour les mains Désinfectant de surfaces Articles d'hygiène en médecine intensive (ex. tapis médicaux absorbants, couches, entérocollecteurs rectaux, articles pour l'hygiène buccale et de la gorge) Médicaments Chapitre 30 Denrées alimentaires Chapitres 1 à 23, excepté les marchandises contenant de l'alcool et les tabacs manufacturés Carburants de tout genre Chapitre 27 Machines et pièces de rechange Uniquement si elles sont destinées à l'industrie médicale et alimentaire Matériel d'emballage Uniquement s'il est destiné à l'industrie médicale et alimentaire Lettres et colis postaux Selon Convention postale universelle</p> Hide | |
| Simplification des procédures douanières: Déclaration en douane préalable | <p><strong>Règlement 10-00</strong> </p><p>Les déclarants en douane ont la possibilité d'effectuer les formalités de dédouanement suisses avant l'arrivée du moyen de transport. À cet effet, les déclarants en douane transmettent une prédéclaration. Cette dernière équivaut à une déclaration en douane … Read all <p><strong>Règlement 10-00</strong> </p><p>Les déclarants en douane ont la possibilité d'effectuer les formalités de dédouanement suisses avant l'arrivée du moyen de transport. À cet effet, les déclarants en douane transmettent une prédéclaration. Cette dernière équivaut à une déclaration en douane définitive, à la seule différence qu'elle est transmise avant l'arrivée de l'envoi. Ainsi, les marchandises peuvent davantage franchir la frontière aux heures creuses.</p> Hide | |
| Communication électronique | <p>E-Begleitdokument et E-Com</p> | |
| Simplification dans la procédure d'exportation (Libero Export) | <p><strong>Règlement R-10-26</strong></p><p>Récemment, la procédure "Libero Export" permettant une procédure à l'exportation simplifiée aux bureaux de douane de frontière a été introduite dans toute la Suisse (dans les limites des possibilités logistiques). Le déclarant en douane sélectionne lui-mêm… Read all <p><strong>Règlement R-10-26</strong></p><p>Récemment, la procédure "Libero Export" permettant une procédure à l'exportation simplifiée aux bureaux de douane de frontière a été introduite dans toute la Suisse (dans les limites des possibilités logistiques). Le déclarant en douane sélectionne lui-même les déclarations en douane d'exportation et peut exporter les envois sélectionnés " libre " sans formalités douanières suisses supplémentaires. De cette manière, la présentation des documents douaniers aux guichets suisses ainsi que les temps d'attente occasionnés vont disparaître.</p> Hide | |
Taipei, Chinese |
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| COVID-19 – Import-related measures (goods) | Setting up contact points to speed up customs clearance | |
| COVID-19 – Import-related measures (goods) | Guidelines for clearance procedures | |
| COVID-19 – Import-related measures (goods) | Press release related to trade facilitation measures taken by customs | |
| COVID-19 – Import-related measures (goods) | Relaxation of the storage period of bonded goods in duty-free shops. Article 20 of the Regulations Governing the Establishment and Management of Duty-free Shops | |
| COVID-19 – Import-related measures | Temporary reduction of customs duty on "masks" and "ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol". Ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol, 27 Feb to 26 Aug 2021 | |
| COVID-19 – Import-related measures | Temporary reduction of customs duty on "masks" and "ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol". Ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol, 27 Nov 2020 to 26 Feb 2021 | |
| COVID-19 – Import-related measures | Temporary reduction of customs duty on "masks" and "ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol". Ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol, 27 Aug to 26 Nov 2020 | |
| COVID-19 – Import-related measures | Temporary reduction of customs duty on "masks" and "ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol". Ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol, 27 May to 26 Aug 2020 | |
| COVID-19 – Import-related measures | Temporary reduction of customs duty on "masks" and "ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol". Ingredients of pharmaceutical alcohol and masks, 27 Feb to 26 May 2020 | |
United States |
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| The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), pursuant to the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other authorities, issued a temporary final rule banning the export of certain personal protective equipment (PPE), including certain respirators, certain sur | ||
| The Department of State's Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy announced that they are temporarily suspending, modifying, and excepting certain International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements in an effort to mitigate the impact of the COV | ||
| Treasury and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a temporary final rule to temporarily postpone the deadline for importers of record with a significant financial hardship to deposit certain estimated duties, taxes, and fees that they would ordinari | ||
| The US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has extended the interim guidance for the electronic submission of veterinary health certificates for shipment clearance due to COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance is | ||
| USDA extended the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification due to the COVID crisis. This only applied to US and Canada producers. This is extension was for only 60 days for those certifications scheduled to expire on or before 31 May. | ||
| USDA's main Coronavirus response page | ||
| APHIS continues to regulate some animal-derived products: | ||
| The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly updates its COVID-19 information for Filing Personal Protective Equipment and Medical Devices During COVID-19 here: | ||
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