Questions about Ecuador's “mixed” tariffs

The United States, the European Union, Canada, Japan and Panama requested Ecuador for more information on recent measures that changed its tariff system to  mixed tariffs for footwear, and for textiles and apparel. They expressed concern that the new tariff system would lead to Ecuador exceeding its WTO-bound tariffs (30%) on these products.

Ecuador said that it had published the new tariff structure in accordance with the WTO, and that its  imports of these two products rose from 2009 to 2010. It said that nothing in the WTO prevents a member from restructuring its tariffs so long as they remain within the bound tariff levels. Ecuador said its new tariff structure is consistent with its WTO obligations, and invited the members concerned to discussions on their specific trade concerns.

The Chair, Amb. Anthony Maruping (Lesotho), encouraged consultations among members concerned on this issue.
  

Concerns about Ukraine's customs procedures

The European Union and Norway expressed concern over reports by their companies on difficulties they have encountered during the past six months  in clearing goods through Ukraine's customs, especially with respect to customs valuation procedures. They said that Ukraine customs have been using minimum values instead of declared values in calculating tariffs at significant loss to their companies. They said they will continue to discuss this issue with Ukrainian authorities.

The United States said it has also received reports of similar problems encountered by its exporters.

The Ukrainian representative said she would refer the concerns to capital, and urged the members concerned to submit specific questions on the problems they have encountered.

Waiver request from Cape Verde

Cape Verde requested a waiver of one year to fulfil its obligations under the WTO's Customs Valuation Agreement. It said it needed the extra time to establish a customs database as well as train customs personnel.

Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Brazil, Senegal and China supported the request and urged other members to show understanding for Cape Verde's situation as a newly-acceded member and as one that just graduated from being a least-developed country.

The United States, the European Union and Switzerland did not object to the waiver request but  requested more information from the country.

Cape Verde requested the WTO Secretariat for assistance in drafting the waiver decision.

The Council agreed to revert to Cape Verde's request at its next meeting.

“Other business”

Under “Other Business”, Chile expressed concern about new tax measures on alcoholic beverages in Ecuador that it said would give a less favourable treatment to imported wine as compared to local products. Ecuador said that it does not produce wine, and that the measures in question do not discriminate against imports.

The Chair announced that the next meeting is scheduled for 21 March 2011.