   
  
G/TFA/W/24  
 
29 September 2020  
(20-6601) Page: 1/26 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
OTTAWA GROUP: TRADE FACILITATION MEASURES TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO COVID -19 
COMMUNICATION FROM CANADA  
The following communication, dated 28 September 2020, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Canada on behalf of the Ottawa Group (Australia, Brazil, Chile, European Union, Japan, 
Kenya, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore and Switzerland) for Members' 
information.  
_______________  
 
 
1. Efforts by WTO Members to address the health and economic effects of the COVID -19 global 
pandemic have resulted in many changes to our domestic procedures for the administration of import 
and export transactions. In order to s upport the movement of essential and other goods across 
borders as smoothly as possible, some Members have implemented digital solutions to make cross -
border business transactions more convenient and transparent while ensuring regulatory 
compliance. In add ition, some Members have established "green lanes" to prioritize and expedite 
the customs clearance processes or have suspended customs duties and/or taxes on imports to 
reduce costs for users of these goods.  
2. The Ottawa Group has compiled a list of a numbe r of the measures its Members have 
implemented over the past half -year in response to COVID -19. We share these experiences to 
support identifying ways to take full advantage of the opportunities for trade facilitation in the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement an d to promote best practices for the implementation of the TFA. We look 
forward to hearing the experiences of other WTO Members in upcoming Trade Facilitation Committee 
meetings.  
  
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 2 -  
 
BRAZIL  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. Simplification and 
streamlining of customs 
procedures for certain 
products, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Temporary  18 March 
2020/TBD  Personal 
protective 
equipment and 
medicines for the 
management, 
diagnosis and 
treatment of 
COVID -19, such 
as protective 
masks, 
thermometers, 
hand sanitizers, 
and respirators  Article 7.3: 
Separation of 
Release from 
Final 
Determination 
of Customs 
Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and 
Charges  
Article 7.7: 
Trade 
Facilitation  
Measures for 
Authorized 
Operators  
Article 10.1: 
Formalities 
Connected with 
Importation  
Article 10.4: 
Single Window  Expedited release of 
goods needed to tackle 
COVID -19 
Additional flexibility to 
traders  
Additional fluidity of 
foreign trade  Normative Instructions 
RFB Nos. 1927/2020, 
1929/2020, 1936/2020, 
1944/2020 and 
1955/2020 . 
https://receita.economi
a.gov.br/covid -
19/covid -19-brazil -
en.pdf  
http://normas.receita.f
azenda.gov.br/sijut2co
nsulta/link.action?idAto
=15618  
http://normas.receita.f
azenda.gov.br/sijut2co
nsulta/link.action?visao
=anotado&idAto=1077
85 AUSTRALIA  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. Australia's Department of 
Agriculture, Water and the 
Environment (DAWE) 
extended temporary 
alternative arrangements to 
the use of original paper 
import certificate 
requirements for a range of 
imported plant -based, animal, 
biological and animal -based 
goods.  Temporary  Expires 1 
October 2020  Imports of goods 
lodged under 
scheduled 3, 
Section 2 and 9 of 
Australia's tariff 
system  Article 10: 
Formalities 
Connected with 
Importation, 
Exportation and 
Transit  Simplified import 
processes  G/SPS/N/AUS/497  
G/SPS/N/AUS/501   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 3 - BRAZIL  (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
2. Temporary elimination of 
import tariffs on certain 
personal protective equipment 
due to the COVID -19 
pandemic  Temporary  18 March 2020 
to 30 
September 
2020 Personal 
protective 
equipment  Article 10.1: 
Formalities 
Connected with 
Importation  Reduce the cost of 
purchase of essential 
goods needed to combat 
COVID -19 Gecex/Camex 
Resolutions Nos. 
17/2020 (17 March 
2020), 22/2020 (25 
March 2020), 28/2020 
(01 April 2020), 
31/2020 (07 April 2020) 
32/2020 (16 April 
2020), 33 (29 April 
2020) , 34 (29 April 
2020), 44 (14 May 
2020), 51 (17 June 
2020), 67 (10 July 
2020) and 75 (25 
August 2020)  
http://normas.receita.f
azenda.gov.br/sijut2co
nsulta/link.action?idAto
=23977&visao=anotad
o 
http://camex.gov.br/tar
ifa-externa -comum -
tec/listacovid  
3. Implementation of a 
Customs Operational Center 
for Crisis Management to 
supervise, monitor and guide 
the customs procedures  Temporary  27 March 2020  Foreign trade of 
inputs and 
medicines for the 
management, 
diagnosis and 
treatment of 
COVID -19. Article 10.1: 
Formalities 
Connected with 
Importation, 
Exportation and 
Transit  Expedit ed release of 
goods needed to tackle 
COVID -19 
Additional fluidity of 
foreign trade  http://normas.receita.f
azenda.gov.br/sijut2co
nsulta/link.action?vi sao
=anotado&idAto=1081
88  
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 4 - BRAZIL (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
4. Prioritized transit, release 
and clearance of goods 
according to HS Classification 
Reference from WCO  Some 
temporary 
measures 
and other 
permanent 
measures  18 March 2020  Inputs and 
medicines for the 
management, 
diagnosis and 
treatment of 
COVID -19, such 
as protective 
masks, 
thermometers, 
hand sanitizers, 
respirators  Article 7.3: 
Separation of 
Release from 
Final 
Determination 
of Customs 
Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and 
Charges  
Article 7.7: 
Trade 
Facilitation 
Measures for 
Authorized 
Operators  
Article 10.1: 
Formalities 
Connected with 
Importation, 
Exportation and 
Transit  
Article 10.4: 
Single Window  Expedited release of 
goods needed to tackle 
COVID -19 
Additional flexibility to 
traders  
Additional fluidity of 
foreign trade  http://normas.receita.f
azenda.gov.br/sijut2co
nsulta/link.action?idAto
=15618  
http://normas.receita.f
azenda.gov.br/sijut2co
nsulta/link.action?visao
=anotado&idAto=1077
85 
http://normas.receita.f
azenda.gov.br/siju t2co
nsulta/link.action?visao
=anotado&idAto=1088
98 
http://normas.receita.f
azenda.gov.br/sijut2co
nsulta/link.action?visao
=anotado&idAto=1091
57   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 5 - BRAZIL (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
5. Temporary elimination of 
import licensing requirements 
on certain products (e.g. 
vacuum plastic tubes for blood 
collection and syringes)  Temporary  17, 20 and 23 
March 2020  Goods for the 
management, 
diagnosis and 
treatment of 
COVID -19 Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  Facilitate customs 
procedures f or the import 
of relief goods relating to 
countermeasures to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  SECEX Portaria No. 
18/2020 (20 March 
2020)  
Noticia Siscomex 
Importação No. 
13/2020 (23 March 
2020)  
Notícia Siscomex 
23/2020 (08 April 
2020); Notícia Siscomex 
12/2020 (20 March 
2020); Gecex/Camex 
Resolutions Nos. 
17/2020 (17 March 
2020) and 31/2020 (07 
April 2020)  
Notícia Siscomex 
23/2020 (08 April 
2020); Notícia Siscomex 
11/2020 (17 March 
2020); Gecex/Camex 
Resolutions Nos. 
17/2020 (17 March 
2020) and 31/2020 (07 
April 202 0) 
6. Temporary simplification of 
requirements on the 
manufacture, import and 
purchase of certain products 
identified as essential for use 
in healthcare services on the 
fight against the C OVID -19 Temporary  23 March 2020 
to 18 
September 
2020 Goods for the 
management, 
diagnosis and 
treatment of 
COVID -19 Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  Facilitate customs 
procedures for the import 
of relief goods relating to 
countermeasures to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Resolution No. 
356/2020 Ministéri o da 
Saúde/Agência Nacional 
de Vigilância Sanitária 
(23 March 2020); 
Notícia Siscomex 
Importação no. 20/2020 
(27 March 2020).   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 6 - BRAZIL (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
7. Extraordinary and 
temporary criteria and 
procedures for the certification 
of good manufacturing 
practices for the purposes of 
registration and post -
registration changes to active 
pharmaceutical ingredients, 
medicines and health products 
due to the COVID -19 
international public health 
emergency  Temporary  Valid for 180 
days from  13 
March 2020  Active 
pharmaceutical 
ingredients, 
medicines and 
health products  Article 10.3: Use 
of Intern ational 
Standards  Enable fast access to 
essential goods needed to 
combat COVID -19 Resolution No. 
346/2020 Ministério da 
Saúde/Agência Nacional 
de Vigilância Sanitária 
(12 March 2020)  
8. Extraordinary and 
temporary criteria and 
procedures for handling 
requests for regularization of 
personal protective 
equipment, medical 
equipment of the ventilator 
type and other medical 
devices identified as strategic  Temporary  Valid for 180 
days from 20 
March 2020  Personal 
protective 
equipment, 
medical 
equipme nt of the 
ventilator type 
and other medical 
devices  Article 10.3: Use 
of International 
Standards  Enable fast access to 
essential goods needed to 
combat COVID -19 Resolution No. 
349/2020 Ministério da 
Saúde/Agência Nacional 
de Vigilância Sanitária 
(19 March 2020)  
9. Extraordinary and 
temporary criteria and 
procedures for handling 
requests for registration of 
medicines, biological products 
and products for in vitro 
diagnosis and post -
registration change of 
medicines and biological 
products due to the COVID -19 
international public health 
emergency  Temporary  Valid for 180 
days from  18 
March 2020  Medicines, 
biological 
products and 
products for in 
vitro diagnosis  Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  Enable fast access to 
essential goods needed to 
combat COVID -19 Resolution No. 
348/2020 Ministério da 
Saúde/Agência Nacional 
de Vigilância Sanitária 
(17 March 2020)  
10. Temporary criteria for the 
import of products for in vitro 
diagnostics  Temporary  2 Apr il 2020  Products for in 
vitro diagnostics  Article 7.8: 
Expedited 
Shipments  
Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  Enable fast access to 
essential goods needed to 
combat COVID -19 Resolution No. 
366/2020 Ministério da 
Saúde/Agência Nacional 
de Vigilância Sanitária 
(02 April 2020)   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 7 - BRAZIL (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
11. Temporary exemption 
from the requirement of 
inexistence of national 
production for the import of 
used pulmonary ventilators, 
vital signs monitors, infusion 
pumps, oximeters and 
capnographs and stretchers 
for the transport of patients  Temporary  11 May 2020  Pulmonary 
ventilators, vital 
signs monitors, 
infusion pumps, 
oximeters and 
capnographs and 
stretchers for the 
transport of 
patients.  Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  Enable fast access to 
essential goods needed to 
combat COVID -19 SECEX Portaria Nos. 
25/2020 (08 May 2020) 
and 40/2020 (24 June 
2020)  
 
CANADA  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. 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 place following the 
pandemic.  Permanent  Ongoing  All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  Simplified import process  
Reduced paper burden  
Decreased cost of doing 
business  There are currently 26 
locations offering the E -
Longroom service.  
CBSA plans to expand to 
100 offices by end of 
2021.  
2. 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 due on April 1, 2020.  Temporary  27 March to 30 
June 2020  All N/A Additional flexibility to 
traders  
Alleviated burden on 
businesses experiencing 
financial hardship  More information on the 
deferral of payments: 
https://www.cbsa -
asfc.gc.ca/publications/
cn-ad/cn20 -11-
eng.html   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 8 - CANADA  (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
3. The CBSA is 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 applied to transactions 
released from March 11 to May 
26 2020, inclusively.  Temporary  11 March to 26 
May 2020  All N/A Additional flexibility to 
traders  
Alleviated burden on 
businesses experiencing 
financial hardship  More information on the 
grace period for late 
accounting penalties: 
https://www.cbsa -
asfc.gc.ca/publications/
cn-ad/cn20 -10-
eng.html   
4. Canada has extended by 30 
days the period of 90 days for 
submitting corrections 
following a CBSA trade 
compliance verification where 
errors were found.  Temporary  18 March 2020 
to present 
(termination 
date is 
currently under 
review)  All N/A Additional flexibility to 
traders  
Helps alleviate 
administrative burden  More information on the 
extension of the 90 day 
correction period: 
https://www.cbsa -
asfc.gc.ca/publications/
cn-ad/cn20 -09-
eng.html  
5. Canada is temporarily 
waiving customs duties and 
sales taxes on all goods used 
in response to COVID -19 
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’ residence s, 
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. Temporary  16 March 2020; 
7 April 2020;  5 
May 2020  Medical goods  N/A Reduced cost of imported 
medical goods used in 
response to COVID -19 G/MA/W/145  
G/MA/W/153  
  
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 9 - CHILE  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. National Customs Service 
(SNA) - Resolution Nº 1179 
establishes new modalities for 
the handling of a number of 
procedures related to 
verification overseen by the 
Customs Service, with the 
view to facilitate trade, meet 
social distancing instructions 
and sanitary 
recommenda tions. These 
include the implementation of 
electronic procedures 
(responses to requests from 
customs brokers, exchanges 
or modifications of B&L by 
email and remote working of 
customs brokers), as well as 
the suspension of some 
deadlines deemed unmeetable 
due to COVID -19 outbreak . Temporary  March 
2020/TBC  All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  
Article 10.6: 
Use of Customs 
Brokers  To protect the health of all 
persons in connection to 
trade operations.  
To facilitate trade 
operations.  G/MA/W/148  
https://docs.wto.org/do
l2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc
.aspx?filename=S:/G/M
A/W148.pdf  
Reso. Exenta Nº 
1179/2020  
http://www.aduana.cl/a
duana/site/docs/20200
319/20200319112817/r
esolucion_n_1179_de_
18_03_20.pdf  
2. National Customs Service 
(SNA) –Resolution No. 
1377/2020, amends Exempt 
Resolution No. 1179. 
Authorizes individuals and 
state administration bodies to 
make their submissions to the 
National Customs Directorate, 
by email . Temporary  April 2020/TBC  All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  To protect the health of all 
persons in connection to 
trade operations.  
To facilitate trade 
operations.  G/MA/W/148/Add.1  
https://docs.wto.org/do
l2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc
.aspx?filename=S:/G/M
A/W148A1.pdf  
Reso. Exenta Nº 
1377/2020  
http://www.aduana .cl/a
duana/site/docs/20200
103/20200103160956/
1377_2020_oficina_de_
partes.pdf   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 10 - CHILE (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
3. National Customs Service 
(SNA) - Resolution N° 1313, 
provides instructions for the 
importation (including 
donations) of essential inputs 
for the management, 
diagnosis and treatment of 
COVID -19. Measures include 
the preferential entry of such 
merchandises (a special code 
for priority in their 
assessment), as well as the 
use of simplified import 
declaration for expedited 
processing and clearance of 
such goods . Temporary  March 
2020/TBC  Inputs critical for 
the management, 
diagnosis and 
treatm ent of 
COVID -19 
(determined by 
health authority)  Article 7.8: 
Expedited 
Shipments  
Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  To facilitate trade 
operations related to 
inputs critical for the 
management, diagnosis 
and treatment of 
COVID -19. G/MA/W/148  
https://docs.wto.org/do
l2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc
.aspx?filename=S:/G/M
A/W148.pdf  
Reso. Exenta N° 
1313/202 0 
http://www.aduana.cl/a
duana/site/docs/20200
326/20200326110017/r
es1313_26_03_20.pdf  
4. Agriculture and Livestock 
Service of Chile (SAG) – 
Measures related to 
phytosanitary certificates in 
order to facilitate trade in the 
context of the problems 
related to C OVID -19. Sets -up 
a webpage available to all 
national plant protection 
organizations (NPPOs) to 
verify and obtain directly from 
the SAG certificati on system 
an image of all original data 
from phytosanitary certificate. 
In the case of imports, SAG 
will accept the submission of a 
scanned image of the 
phytosanitary certificate, as 
an alternative for importers 
that do not have the original 
document . Temp orary  April 2020/TBC  Products of plant 
origin  Article 1.2:  
Information 
Available 
Through 
Internet  
Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  To ensure the fluidity of 
foreign trade in relation to 
measures adopted to 
avoid contagion of 
COVID -19. G/SPS/GEN/1770  
https://docs.wto.org/do
l2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc
.aspx?filename=q:/G/S
PS/GEN1770.pdf&Op en
=True  
  
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 11 - EUROPEAN UNION  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. VAT and duty exemption 
applied to certain goods 
procured by certain entities 
designed by EU MS  Still in force  30 January 
2020 - 31 
October 2020  Medical 
equipment  Article 1.4 and 
1.1 b)  Reduce the cost of 
purchase of essential 
goods needed to combat 
COVID -19. It applies to 
purchasing entities listed 
by MS  All detai ls on EU 
websites notified to the 
WTO and WCO  
https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=u
riserv:OJ.LI.2020.103.0
1.000 1.01.ENG&toc=OJ
:L:2020:103I:TOC  
2. Border management 
flexibilities in conformity 
with/consistent with the 
European Union Customs Code 
legal framework  Still ongoing 
and should 
last till the 
crisis 
continues  20 March/…  All sectors  Article 1.4 and 
1.1 a)  To facilitate the trade 
during the COVID -19 
pandemia, including 
measures concerning the 
submission of proof of 
preferential origin.  https://ec.europa.eu/ta
xation_customs/covid -
19-taxud -
response/guidance -
customs -issues -related -
covid-19-
emergency_en  
Communication from the 
Commission on the 
implementation of the Green 
Lanes under the Guidelines for 
border management 
measures to p rotect health 
and ensure the availability of 
goods and essential services, 
23 March 2020 –     Adjustment of procedures 
within the legal 
framework set by the EU 
Customs Code to speed 
up the trade of essential 
goods to cope with 
COVID -19 https://ec.europa.eu/tr
ansport/sites/transport/
files/legislation/2020 -
03-23-communication -
green -lanes_en.pdf  
https://ec.europa.eu/tr
ansport/sites/transport/
files/legislation/c20202
010_en.pdfCommission  
Air cargo related customs 
procedures      Adjustment of air cargo 
customs proced ures to 
cope with the need to 
facilitate the trade of 
essential goods  Communication from 
the European 
Commission Guidelines: 
Facilitating Air Cargo 
Operations during 
COVID -19 outbreak, 26 
March 2020  
https://ec.europa.eu/tr
ansport/sites/transport/
files/legislation/c20202
010_en.pdf   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 12 - EUROPEAN UNION  (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
Temporary measures to 
contain risks to human, 
animal, plant welfare during 
COVID -19     To address the specific 
customs related issues 
regarding trade of certain 
goods and the risks to 
human, animal, plant 
welfare taking into 
account COVID -19 
specificities  Implementing 
Regulation (EU) 
2020/466 of 31 March 
on temporary measures 
to contain risks to 
human, animal and 
plant hea lth and animal 
welfare during certain 
serious disruptions of 
Member States' control 
systems due to 
Coronavirus disease 
(COVID -19) 
https://members.wto.o
rg/crnattachments/20 2
0/SPS/EEC/20_2299_0
0_e.pdf  
https://members.wto.o
rg/crnattachments/202
0/SPS/EEC/20_2299_0
0_f.pdf  
https://members.wto.o
rg/crnattachments/202
0/SPS/EEC/20_2299_0
0_s.pdf  
(This measure has been 
notified to the WTO SPS 
committee under 
G/SPS/N/EU/380)  
  
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 13 - JAPAN  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. Prioritization of customs 
clearance for relief goods 
relating to countermeasures to 
the COVID -19 and other goods 
that require an urgent 
clearance to maintain the 
lifeline  Temporary  3 March 
2020/TBD  Relief goods 
relating to 
countermeasures 
to the COVID -19 
etc. Article 7.8: 
Expedited 
Shipments  
Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  To facilitate customs 
procedures for relief 
goods relating to 
countermeasures to the 
COVID -19 etc.  Further information:  
http://www.customs.g o.
jp/english/news/covid -
19/index.htm  
2. Simplified import and 
export declaration forms for 
relief goods relating to 
countermeasures to the 
COVID -19 etc.  Temporary  3 March 
2020/TBD  Relief goods 
relating to 
countermeasures 
to the COVID -19 
etc. Article 7.8: 
Expedited 
Shipments  
Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  To facilitate customs 
procedures for relief 
goods relating to 
countermeasures to the 
COVID -19 etc.  Further information:  
http://www.customs.go.
jp/english/news/covid -
19/index.htm  
3. Exemption of customs duty 
and (domestic) consumption 
tax for imported goods which 
are proved to be provided free 
of charge  Permanent   All N/A To alleviate burden on 
those who import relief 
goods relating to 
countermeasures to the 
COVID -19 etc.  Further information:  
https://www.customs.g
o.jp/english/news/covid
-19/index.htm  
4. Extension of time limits for 
customs procedures, including 
those for payment of customs 
duties in certain cases, due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic  Temporary  11 May 
2020/TBD  All N/A To alleviate burden on 
those who are affected by 
the COVID -19 pandemic  Further information:  
https://www.customs.g
o.jp/news/news/202005
11_index.htm   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 14 - JAPAN  (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
5. Refund of, reduction of, or 
exemption from certain 
customs fees, due to the 
COVID -19 pandemic  Temporary  11 May 
2020/TBD  All Article 6.1: 
General 
Disciplines on 
Fees and 
Charges 
Imposed on or 
in Connection 
with 
Importation and 
Exportation  
Article 6.2: 
Specific 
disciplines on 
Fees and 
Charges for 
Customs 
Processing 
Imposed on or 
in Connection 
with 
Importation and 
Exportation  To alleviate burden on 
those who are affected by 
the COVID -19 pandemic  Further information:  
https://www.customs.g
o.jp/news/news/202005
11_index.htm  
6. Accept scanned or hard 
copies of export certificates  Temporary  21 April 
2020/TBD  Animals, plants 
and their 
products  Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  To facilitate customs 
procedures for relief 
goods relating to 
countermeasures to the 
COVID -19 etc.  Further information:  
(Plants)  
https://members.wto.or
g/crnattachments/2020
/SPS/JPN/20_2863_00_
e.pdf 
(Animals)  
https://members.wto.or
g/crnattachments/2020
/SPS/JPN/20_2863_01_
e.pdf 
(This measure has been 
notified to the WTO SPS 
committee under 
G/SPS/N/JPN/755)   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 15 -  
KENYA  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. Protocol providing best 
practices on the importation 
and sale of used textiles and 
used shoes and how the 
supply chain operators 
conduct their operations while 
ensuring the health and safety 
of the sellers, importers, 
wholesalers and buyers from 
the risk of spread of COVID -19 
virus. Temporary  11 September  
2020 Used Garments  
(ICS 61.020)  
Used Footwear  
(ics 61.020)  Art. 5.1 (a)  Public Health protection 
since COVID –19 
Transmission is still not 
clear G/TBT/N/KEN/999/Add.
2 
https://docs.wto.org/do
l2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc
.aspx?filename=q:/G/T
BTN20/999A2.pdf&O pe
n=True  
 
REPUBLIC OF KOREA  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. Accept a copy instead of the 
original document of the 
certificate of origin to impose 
preferential tariffs.  Temporary  March 2020 
(until further 
notice)  All Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  
 Reduced paper burden  Considering that 
international mail 
delivery service is 
delayed or suspended 
due to the pandemic  
2. Omit document screening 
and visit inspection in the 
process of issuing certificates 
of origin in case companies 
recognized by the Korea 
Customs Service as excellent 
companies in export safety 
management.  Temporary  April 2020 
(until further 
notice)  All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  Simplified procedures 
related to import process  Consideration of 
difficulties in preparing 
evidential documents 
due to the expansion of 
work from home by 
COVID -19 
3. Include surgical and 
protective masks, hand 
sanitizers and thermometers 
in the list of tariff exemptions 
for self -use of small quantities 
of goods.  Temporary  March 2020 
(July 2020)  Masks, 
thermometers, 
hand sanitizers  Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  Simplified import process   
  
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 16 - REPUBLIC OF KOREA  (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
4. Minimize customs clearance 
procedures for protective 
masks imported for the 
purposes of relief, donation 
and free distribution to 
employees by companies.  Temporary  March 2020 
(June 2020)  Protective masks  Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirem ents Simplified import process   
 
MEXICO  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. There will be special 
protocols to expedite the 
clearance of the following 
goods : 
-Supplies donated to the 
Ministry of Health ; 
-Goods (import) in accordance 
with the rule for simplified 
procedure for imports made 
by the Ministry of Health and 
decentralized agencies of the 
Health Sector ; 
-Perishable good s, medicines, 
and health products or other 
essential goods.  Temporary  (Until further 
notice)  Health and 
medical.  Article 7.8: 
Expedited 
Shipments  
Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  
Article 10.4: 
Single Window  Simplified customs import 
process  
Reduced paper burden  
Decreased cost of doing 
business  More information on the 
website of the Federal 
Commission for the 
Protection against 
Sanitary Risks 
(COFEPRIS)  
https://www.gob.mx/co
fepris  
2. Staff (Except priority 
workers) is currently working 
in staggered periods from 25 
March 2020, with 2 officials 
per area in each shift, in order 
to provide services to 
customers as necessary.  Temporary  (Until further 
notice)  All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  Prevent the spread 
COVID -19  
3. Assistance is provided to 
adults over 60, pregnant, 
lactating or staff with a chronic 
illness to carry out their work 
activities from their home.  Temporary  (Until further 
notice)  All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  To protect the health of all 
persons in connection to 
foreign trade operations.    
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 17 - MEXICO (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
4. Attention and processing of 
matters related to the 
clearance of goods, through 
digital means.  
Presentation of documents 
through e lectronic means.  Permanent   All Article 10.4: 
Single Window  Simplified procedures 
related to import process   
5. Use institutional records to 
find out the tax situation of 
importers.  Permanent   All Article 1.2:  
Information 
Available 
through 
Internet  To facilitate the access 
information on trade 
operations   
6. Communication channels 
with CBP (USA), as well as 
with other authorities that act 
at the border.  Permanent   All Article 8: Border 
Agency 
Cooperation  Permanent   
7. Transport services 
measures. Extended the 
validity of permits, licences 
and certificates for technical 
personnel.  Temporary  21 March 2020 
(until further 
notice)  Federal trucking  
Civil Aviation  
Merchant navy  
Railway material  Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentatio n 
Requirements  To protect the health of all 
persons in connection to 
foreign trade operations  
Facilitate the transport of 
goods and services.    
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 18 - MEXICO (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
8. Suspension of legal terms, 
deadlines, the receipt of 
documents and reports, 
procedures, actions, 
proceedings, initiation, 
substantiation and resolution 
of administrative procedures, 
notifications, requests for 
reports or documents and 
means of challenge, as well as 
any administrative act that is 
requested from its attached 
public servants.  
 
All administrative procedures 
before the Ministry of 
Economy will be  conducted by 
electronic means of 
communication, so the receipt 
of documentation is 
suspended physically . Temporary  26 March 2020 
(until further 
notice ) All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  Simplified import process  
Reduced paper burden  
Decreased cost of doing 
business  More information on the 
website of the Ministry 
of Economy:  
https://www.gob.mx/se
/ 
 
9. There will be special 
protocols to expedite the 
import of:  
-Products and by -products of 
plant origin that require the 
presentation of an original 
Phytosanitary Certificate ; 
-Merchandise subject to 
compliance with Official 
Mexican Standards.  Temporary  27.03.2020/  
until further 
notice  Products that 
require the 
presentation of an 
original 
Phytosanitary 
Certificate.  Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements.  To protect the health of all 
persons in connection to 
foreign trade operations  
Facilitate the transport of 
goods and services.  
Prevent the spread 
COVID -19  
10. Certificates of origin, 
certificates of eligibility for 
textile goods and clothing 
(TPL) and certificates of quota, 
which by their nature require 
to be printed, stamped and 
signed, the form of delivery 
will be through the webs ite 
designed by the Ministry of 
Economy . Temporary  March 2020  All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  
Article 10.4: 
Single Window  Simplified import process  
Reduced paper burden  
Decreased cost of doing 
business  More information on the 
website of the National 
Foreign Trade 
Information Service 
(SNICE)  
https://www.snice.gob.
mx and the Twitter 
account @SNICEmx   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 19 - MEXICO (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
11. Federal Commission for 
the Protection against 
Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) 
has published a list of 219 
priority procedures related to 
the disease caused by the 
SARS -CoV2 virus (COVID -19), 
including import health 
certificates, notices or sanitary 
authorizations for medicines 
or medical products, among 
others . Temporary  April 2020  Health and 
medical  Article 1 0.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  
Article 10.4: 
Single Window  Simplified import process  
Reduced paper burden  
Decreased cost of doing 
business  More information on the 
website of the Federal 
Commission for the  
Protection against 
Sanitary Risks 
(COFEPRIS):  
https://www.gob.mx/co
fepris  
https://www.gob.mx/co
fepris/articulos/listado -
de-homoclaves -de-
atencion -prioritaria -
para-la-emergencia -
sanitaria -derivada -del-
covid-19-actualizacion -
al-publicado -el-
240420?idiom=es  
 
NEW ZEALAND  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. In April 2020, New Zealand 
concluded a plurilateral 
declaration (initially between 
New Zealand and Singapore) 
which: removes tariffs on a 
range of medical supplies 
needed for the C OVID -19 
respons e; commits not to 
impose export restrictions; 
includes commitments on 
NTBs; and contains 
commitments to expedite and 
facilitate the flow and transit 
of these products consistent 
with TFA obligations.  Permanent  April 2020  Health  Expedited 
shipments 
under Article 7 
of the TFA  Faster clearance of goods 
needed to address 
COVID -19   
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 20 - NEW ZEALAND (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
2. The New Zealand Customs 
Service (Customs) and its 
Trade Single Window enables 
a goods clearance process 
before goods arrive to New 
Zealand. This ensures that 
critical supplies i.e. PPE and 
test kits continue to be cleared 
before arrival in New Zealand.  Permanent   Health (is also 
being used for 
other goods)  Single Window 
under Article 10 
of TFA  Faster processing through 
a single point entry 
submission. (Trade Single 
Window (TSW) is an 
electronic channel that 
allow traders to  submit 
information to and 
receive responses from 
border agencies 
(Customs, Ministry for 
Primary industries, 
Maritime NZ and Ministry 
of Health).   
3. When New Zealand went 
into lockdown as a result of 
COVID -19, The New Zealand 
Customs Service published on  
its website COVID -19 related 
updates for traders . Temporary  March 2020  All Article 1: 
Publication and 
availability of 
information  Information was 
published for traders on 
how Customs was helping 
to keep trade flowing with 
relevant links to other 
governme nt agencies   
4. 12-month deferral of the 
scheduled fees and charges for 
Customs’ clearance of 
imported and exported goods 
across New Zealand’s border . Temporary  April 2020   Article 6.1: 
Disciplines on 
fees and 
charges 
imposed or in 
connection with 
importation and 
exportation and 
penalties  Relief to importers   
5. All payments to New 
Zealand Customs should be 
made online or on deferred 
accounts . Temporary  April 2020   Article 7.2: 
Release and 
clearance of 
goods – 
Electronic 
payments  Relief to importers    
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 21 - NEW ZEALAND (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
6. Implementation of e -
Invoicing in New Zealand. This 
initiative represents a joint 
commitment by the Prime 
Ministers of Australia and New 
Zealand to combine efforts 
through the Trans -Tasman e -
Invoicing arrangement heads 
of agreement.  Permanent  2020 e-Procurement  Not directly 
linked to TFA 
but facilitates 
trade and 
business and 
supports 
economic 
recovery  As part of the Single 
Economic Market, both 
countries have agreed to 
create a seamless Trans -
Tasman business 
environment across the 
full e -Procurement cycle. 
Both countries have 
entered into a contractual 
relationship with the 
Peppol system, a global 
standard for e -
Procurement. By 
implementing global 
standards, New Zealand 
will become better 
equipped to participate in 
global trade. e -Invoicing 
is the foundation for the 
full e-Procurement digital 
infrastructure,  aiming to 
improve productivity, for 
both public and private 
sectors.   
7. Notices of direction 
provided for New Zealand 
border clearance staff to clear 
consignments (based on an 
emailed copy of a health 
certificate where authenticity 
could be verified in other ways 
with the relevant competent 
authority – provided an 
original is subsequently sent).  Temporary  April 2020 –
ongoing  Primary sectors  Consistent with 
the TFA and 
supports 
economic 
recovery  Faster clearance of 
essential goods during 
COVID -19.  
8. Agreement with the EU to 
allow the long running meat 
and seafood trial to go fully 
paperless.  Trial basis  April 2020 –
ongoing  Meat and seafood  Consistent with 
the TFA and 
supporting 
economic 
recovery  Increased efficiencies, 
and faster clearance of 
essential goods during 
COVID -19 and beyond.   
  
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 22 - NORWAY  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. Norwegian Customs 
introduced a temporary 
regulation giving the 
opportunity to economic 
operators to postpone the 
completion of customs 
declarations. The regulation 
was repealed when the 
situat ion normalised.  Temporary  From 20 March 
to 4 June 2020  All Article 10.1: 
Formaliti es and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 7.3: 
Separation of 
Release from 
Final 
Determination 
of Customs 
Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and 
Charges  Simplified import process  
Postponement of burden   
2. The Norwegian Ministry of 
Agriculture and Food 
introduced a tempo rary 
regulation giving an exception 
from the plant health 
regulation section 19 on 
import certificates.  Temporary  From 8 April to  
1 October 
2020 Plants etc.  Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  Reduced paper burden   
3. The Norwegian Ministry of 
Finance has allowed the 
import of donated aid with 
personal protective equipment 
without collecting customs 
duty and VAT.  Temporary  During the 
pandemic  Personal 
protective 
equipment  Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  Simplified import  process   
4. Norwegian Customs 
introduced an electronic 
version of the preferential 
Movement Certificate EUR.1. 
The launch was expedited as a 
corona measure, but the 
solution is a permanent trade 
facilitating measure.  Permanent  From 2 April 
2020  All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.4: 
Single Window  Simplified export process  
Reduced paper burden  
Accessible 24/7  More information on the 
electronic EUR.1 can be 
found here:  
https://www.toll.no/en/
corporate/export/duty -
free-status -or-lower -
duties -when -exporting -
to-other -
countries/completing -
movement -certificates -
eur1-and-eur-med-for-
export -/  
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 23 - NORWAY  (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
5. Norwegian Customs 
introduced a temporary 
regulation giving the carriers 
who have a permit for goods 
transport outside opening 
hours on roads where there is 
a customs office, may as a 
result of the outbreak of 
COVID -19 viruses also pass 
during opening hours  on the 
terms otherwise provided by 
the permit granted.  Temporary  23 March 2020 
to until further 
notice  Primarily wood in 
the rough and 
wood in chips  Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements;  Simplified import process  
Reduced paper burden   
 
SINGAPORE  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. Singapore and New Zealand 
launched the Declaration on 
Trade in Essential Goods for 
Combatting the C OVID -19 
Pandemic ("Declaration") on 
15 Apr 2020. Under the 
Declaration, both economies 
agree to eliminate tariffs, 
refrain from imposing export 
prohibitions or restrictions as 
well as expedite the 
movement through sea an d 
airports for a list of essential 
goods including medical, 
hygiene, pharmaceutical and 
agriculture products. The 
purpose of the Declaration is 
to facilitate trade in these 
essential products and ensure 
that they continue to flow 
freely to their intended 
destinations during the 
COVID -19 global pandemic.  Temporary  April 15, 2020  For products 
listed under 
Annex I and II of 
the Declaration 
Text Article 7.1: Pre -
arrival 
Processing  
Article 7.8: 
Expedited 
Shipments  Expedited clearance of 
essential goods  More information can be 
found at:  
WTO Notification 
G/C/W/777 (16 April 
2020)  
  
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 24 - SINGAPORE (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
2. Since 31 Jan uary 2020, 
importers of surgical masks, 
particulate respirators (such 
as N95 masks), thermometers 
for measuring human body 
temperature, and any 
protective gear for medical 
professionals (such as 
isolation gown and gloves) , do 
not require an importer 's 
licence from Health Sciences 
Authority (HSA). Instead, 
importers only need to notify 
HSA of their intention to 
import, as well as provide 
information on the brand and 
quantity of the devices to be 
imported into Singapore. The y 
must also maintain proper 
sales and distribution records, 
which might be required for 
submission when necessary 
(such as for a recall of 
products).  Temporary  31 January 
2020 Protective 
garments and the 
likes, including 
3926.20, 
4015.11, 
4015.19, 
6116.10,  
6210.10/20/30/4
0/50 6216.00, 
6307.90, 
6505.00, 
9004.90, 9020.00  
Masks and 
respirators, 
including 
3926.90, 
4818.50, 
6307.90, 9020.00  
Thermometers 
such as 9025.19  Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  Simplify import 
procedures for these 
medical equipment  More information can be 
found at:  
https://www.hsa.gov.sg
/announcements/regulat
ory-updates/import -of-
hand-sanitisers -masks -
thermometers -and-
protective -gear 
 
  
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 25 - SINGAPORE (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
3. Singapore has already put 
in place a National Single 
Window (NSW) since 1989 
that has put us in good stead 
during the COVID -19 
situation. Singapore’s NSW 
provides a single platform for 
Singapore’ s trade and logistics 
community to fulfil all import, 
export and transhipment 
related regulatory 
requirements. All customs 
declarations can be submitted 
electronically via the NSW 
prior to the arrival of the 
goods, and traders are notified 
when the permit application is 
approved or rejected. This 
minimises face -to-face 
interactions without delaying 
processing times  and allows 
fees and taxes to be processed 
electronically.  Permanent  1 January 
1989 All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  
Article 10.4: 
Single Window  Reduce administrative 
cost and time for traders 
to prepare, submit and 
process trade documents  
Reduce need for paper 
documentations  
Simplify customs 
documentation 
processing procedures  More information can be 
found at:  
https://www.customs.g
ov.sg/businesses/nation
al-single -
window/tradenet  
 
SWITZERLAND  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
1. Accelerated border crossing 
for goods: green lanes  
Use of priority lanes ( "green 
lanes") in road traffic for 
certain categories of goods. 
The "green lanes" set up at 
certain border crossings for 
important goods are 
maintained.  Permanent  April 2020  Medical products, 
foodstuffs, 
packaging 
materials and 
machine parts for 
the medical and 
food industry, 
postal mail an d 
fuels Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  Simplified import process  Further information:  
https://www.ezv.admin.
ch/ezv/fr/home/teaser -
page-d-accueil/a -la-
une-
teaser/coronavirus/mass
nahmen -im-
warenverkehr.html  
       
        
  G/TFA/W/24  
 
- 26 - 
 
__________  SWITZERLAND (Cont'd)  
Description of Measure  Temporary 
or 
Permanent  Dates 
(Effective 
/Expiry)  Products 
/Sectors  Link to TFA 
Provisions  Expected/Realised 
Benefits  Additional Details  
2. Simplified procedures 
(imports)  
Customs declarants have the 
possibility of completing Swiss 
customs formalities before 
lorries arrive, so that 
consignments of goods are 
stopped at the border only in 
certain necessary cases.  Permanent  April 2020  All Article 7.1: Pre -
arrival 
Processing  
Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  Simplified import process  Further information: 
https://www.ezv.admin.
ch/ezv/fr/home/teaser -
page-d-accueil/a -la-
une-
teaser/coronaviru s/mass
nahmen -im-
warenverkehr.html  
3. Simplified procedures 
(exports)  
The "Libero Export" procedure 
provides a fully electronic 
export process, so that over 
95% of consignments can be 
handled by the transporter 
without additional Swiss 
customs formalities.  Permanent  April 2020  All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  Simplified export process  
Reduced paper burden  Further information: 
https://www.ezv.admin.
ch/ezv/fr/home/teaser -
page-d-accueil/a -la-
une-
teaser/coronavirus/mass
nahmen -im-
warenverkehr.html  
4. Digitalisation: Electronic 
communication  
From July 2020, the 
possibility, via the E -
Begleitdokument and E -com 
applications, to send 
documents, applications and 
requests directly to the 
customs system using an 
instant messaging function. 
Customs clearance, as well as 
the processing of applications 
and requests, will thus be 
considerably accelerated and 
simplified.  Permanent  July 2020  All Article 10.1: 
Formalities and 
Documentation 
Requirements  
Article 10.2: 
Acceptance of 
Copies  Simplified import and 
export process  
Reduced paper burden  Further information: 
https://www.ezv.admin.
ch/ezv/fr/home/teaser -
page-d-accueil/a -la-
une-
teaser/coronavirus/mass
nahmen -im-
warenverkehr.html  