The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Proposal for Notification of Commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of World Trade Organization (WTO), ratification and acceptance of the Instrument of Acceptance of Protocol of TFA to the WTO Secretariat and constitution of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF).

The Trade Facilitation Agreement contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues. These objectives are in consonance with India’s “Ease of Doing Business” initiative.

The Trade Facilitation Agreement shall enter into force for the notified members upon acceptance by two-third WTO Members.

To facilitate both domestic coordination and implementation of the provisions of the Agreement, a National Committee on Trade Facilitation would be set up under the Joint Chair of Secretary, Department of Revenue and Secretary, Department of Commerce.

Trade Facilitation Agreement commitments approved for notification and ratification, with a national committee established for implementation. Cabinet approved notification of commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement, acceptance of the Instrument of Acceptance to the WTO, and ratification measures; the Agreement emphasizes expediting movement, release and clearance of goods and cooperation between customs and other authorities. A National Committee on Trade Facilitation, jointly chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Revenue and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, will be constituted to coordinate domestic implementation and notification actions.