The Agreement on Import Licencing is a multilateral trade agreement that aims to regulate and standardise the use of import licencing procedures among member countries. The agreement sets out guidelines for the use of import licencing, including transparency, non-discrimination, and procedural fairness. It also aims to prevent the use of import licencing as a means of restricting trade or protecting domestic industries. The agreement is overseen by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is intended to promote a more open and predictable trading system.
The Agreement on Import Licensing is a legal framework established by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to regulate and standardize import licensing procedures among member countries. The agreement aims to ensure transparency, predictability, and non-discrimination in the administration of import licencing requirements.
Under the agreement, member countries are required to notify the WTO of their import licencing procedures and any changes made to them. These procedures should be based on objective and transparent criteria, such as the quantity, value, or type of goods being imported. Import licencing requirements should not be used as a means to restrict trade or protect domestic industries.
The agreement also prohibits the use of import licencing procedures for purposes such as price control, quantitative restrictions, or unfair trade practices. It encourages member countries to simplify and streamline their import licencing procedures to facilitate trade and reduce administrative burdens.
In case of any disputes or concerns regarding import licencing procedures, member countries can seek resolution through the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism. The agreement provides a framework for resolving such disputes in a fair and timely manner.
Overall, the Agreement on Import Licencing promotes fair and transparent trade practices by establishing rules and guidelines for member countries to follow in their import licencing procedures. It aims to create a level playing field for international trade and ensure that import licencing requirements are not used as barriers to trade.
Q: What is the Agreement on Import Licensing?
A: The Agreement on Import Licensing is a multilateral agreement administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO) that aims to ensure that import licensing procedures are transparent, predictable, and non-discriminatory.
Q: What is the purpose of the Agreement on Import Licensing?
A: The purpose of the Agreement on Import Licensing is to prevent the use of import licensing measures as a means of restricting international trade. It promotes fair and open trade by establishing rules and procedures for the administration of import licensing systems.
Q: Who is bound by the Agreement on Import Licensing?
A: All WTO member countries are bound by the Agreement on Import Licensing. However, developing countries may have certain flexibilities and transitional periods to implement the agreement.
Q: What are import licensing measures?
A: Import licensing measures refer to any requirements or procedures imposed by a country on imports, including the requirement to obtain an import license, quotas, prohibitions, and other non-automatic import restrictions.
Q: What are the key principles of the Agreement on Import Licensing?
A: The key principles of the Agreement on Import Licensing include transparency, non-discrimination, and procedural fairness. Import licensing procedures should be transparent, allowing interested parties to have access to relevant information. They should not discriminate between countries or arbitrarily favor certain imports. Additionally, the procedures should be fair, providing an opportunity for interested parties to present their views and objections.
Q: What information should be provided in import licensing procedures?
A: Import licensing procedures should include information such as the applicable laws and regulations, the criteria for granting or denying licenses, the duration of licenses, and any fees or charges associated with the licensing process.
Q: Can import licensing measures be used to protect domestic industries?
A: Import licensing measures should not be used as a means of protecting domestic industries. They should be administered in a manner that does not create unnecessary obstacles to international trade.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the Agreement on Import Licensing?
A: The Agreement on Import Licensing allows for certain exceptions, such as measures taken to protect public morals, human, animal or plant life or health, national security, or the environment. However, these exceptions should be applied in a non-discriminatory manner and not used as disguised protectionism.
Q: How are disputes related to import licensing resolved?
A: Disputes related to import licensing can be resolved through the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism. If a country believes that another country’s import
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This glossary post was last updated: 11th April 2024.
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