What Changed
- WTO Secretariat survey revealed that 68% of participants face difficulties obtaining import licensing information from responsible domestic authorities.
- The Committee reviewed 33 notifications and highlighted that 21 members have never submitted an annual questionnaire reply since joining the WTO.
- Members raised 16 trade concerns covering import licensing, quality control orders, and due diligence requirements across multiple jurisdictions including the EU, India, and Indonesia.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Import Licensing met on 15 October 2026 to review national notification practices, evaluate survey findings on administrative challenges, and discuss 16 trade concerns raised by member states.
At the meeting, the Secretariat presented survey results from a September 2026 workshop. Among respondents, 68% reported difficulties obtaining information from responsible national authorities, 72% faced challenges gathering up-to-date data for the annual questionnaire, and 48% struggled to identify relevant administrative procedures. To improve notification processes, respondents highlighted the need for clearer inter-agency responsibilities (52%), designated national focal points (44%), stronger inter-agency coordination, and technical assistance.
Committee Chair Ms. Mi Jin Ryu (Republic of Korea) reported receiving 49 notifications under the Agreement on Import Licensing since June 2026. Of the 33 reviewed during the meeting, 23 were submitted under Article 7.3, which mandates prompt and full completion of the annual questionnaire. The Chair noted that 21 WTO members have never submitted a reply to the annual questionnaire since joining the WTO, while 11 members have never submitted any notifications under the Agreement.
Members addressed follow-up and new trade concerns concerning import licensing and administrative restrictions across various jurisdictions. Key topics included:
- European Union: Due diligence requirements under the EU Deforestation Regulation, raised by Brazil and Australia;
- India: Quality Control Orders on plywood, wooden flush door shutters, and furniture (raised by Indonesia); pneumatic tyres import measures (raised by the EU, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand); licensing for personal computers, tablets, and electronic products (raised by Japan); and a licensing suspension for refurbished medical devices (raised by the United States);
- Indonesia: Import restrictions on electric products, steel products, fabrics, air conditioners, and textiles, as well as compulsory steel importer registration (raised by Japan) and its commodity balancing mechanism (raised by Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom);
- Other Measures: Angola's agricultural import licensing (raised by the US); Egypt's agricultural licensing requirements (raised by the EU); Thailand's wheat feed import procedures (raised by the EU); and Türkiye's two-wheeler restrictions (raised by India).
To enhance transparency, the Committee highlighted experience-sharing sessions held in April 2025 and June 2026 involving public and private sector representatives. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for 22 April 2027.
Who May Be Affected
Importers, exporters, and businesses trading in agricultural products, electronics, steel, textiles, medical devices, and forest-risk commodities across WTO member jurisdictions.
Cross-Border Context
The meeting reviewed import licensing measures and regulatory standards affecting cross-border trade flows between major economies, including the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, the United States, and other WTO members.
What to check next
- Monitor formal WTO meeting minutes for full details on specific member interventions.
- Track the next WTO Committee on Import Licensing meeting tentatively scheduled for 22 April 2027.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.