 RESTRICTED  
  
G/VAL/M/74  
 
31 January  2023 
(23-0703) Page: 1/24 
Committee on Customs Valuation    
 
  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 4 NOVEMBER  2022  
CHAIRPERSON: MR  FRANK RITTNER (GERMANY)  
The Chairperson  recalled that the proposed agenda for the meeting had been circulated in 
document s WTO/AIR/VAL/ 15/Rev.2  and WTO/AIR/VAL/1 5/Rev. 2/Corr.1 . 
 
The Committee  on Customs Valuation (CCV, or the Committee)  adopted  the agenda as follows:  
 
1   REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON CUSTOMS 
VALUATION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  2 
2   INFORMATION ON IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE 
AGREEMENT  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  3 
2.1   Notification of National Legislation ................................ ................................ ................  3 
2.1.1   Afghanistan  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  3 
2.1.2   Belize  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  3 
2.1.3   Benin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  3 
2.1.4   Plurinational State of Bolivia  ................................ ................................ .....................  4 
2.1.5   Brazil  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  4 
2.1.6   Burund i ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  4 
2.1.7   Colombia  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  5 
2.1.8   El Salvador  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  5 
2.1.9   European Union  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 5 
2.1.10    The Gambia  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  6 
2.1.11    Georgia  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  6 
2.1.12    Guinea  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  6 
2.1.13    Guatemala  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  7 
2.1.14    Honduras  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  7 
2.1.15    Iceland ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  7 
2.1.16    India ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  7 
2.1.17    Israel  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  8 
2.1.18    Malawi  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  8 
2.1.19    Mongolia  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  8 
2.1.20    Namibia  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  9 
2.1.21    Nepal  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  9 
2.1.22    Nigeria  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  9 
2.1.23    Paraguay  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  10 G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  2.1.24    Russian Federation  ................................ ................................ ...............................  10 
2.1.25    Saint Kitts and Nevis  ................................ ................................ ............................  10 
2.1.26    Solomon Islands  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 11 
2.1.27   Sri Lanka  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  11 
2.1.28    Togo ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  11 
2.1.29    Tonga  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  12 
2.1.30    Ukraine  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  12 
2.1.31    United Kingdom  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 14 
2.1.32    Vanuatu ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  14 
2.1.33    Viet Nam  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  14 
2.2   Concluding Agenda Item  B ................................ ................................ .........................  15 
3   INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION OF DECISIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON 
CUSTOMS VALUATION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 17 
4   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  ................................ ................................ ...........................  17 
4.1   Article  20.3 – Technical Assistance Activities  ................................ ................................ . 17 
4.2   Information on Technical Assistance by the WCO  ................................ ...........................  18 
5   PRESHIPMENT INSPECTION  ................................ ................................ ......................  19 
5.1   Status of Notifications by Members  ................................ ................................ .............  19 
5.2   Questions and Responses  ................................ ................................ ..........................  19 
5.2.1   China  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  19 
5.2.2   Indonesia  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  19 
5.2.3   Saint Lucia  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  19 
5.3   Information on the PSI  Programme Compiled by the TIC  Council  ................................ ..... 20 
6   ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE CVA (G/VAL/W/383)  ................................ ........................  20 
7   ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CTG (G/VAL/W/384) ................................ .........................  20 
8   CTG REQUEST FOR REPORT ON ACTIONS ADOPTED BY THE CCV TO IMPROVE 
ITS WORK  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  20 
9   CHAIR REPORT ON CONSULTATIONS RE GARDING A POSSIBLE INFORMAL 
SESSION ON EXPERIENCE -SHARING IN 2023  ................................ ................................  21 
10   PRESENTATION OF A CCV -SPECIFIC E -AGENDA PROTOTYPE FOR 
CONSIDERATION ON NEXT STEPS BY THE COMMITTEE  ................................ ..................  22 
ANNEX  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  23 
 
1  REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON CUSTOMS VALUATION  
1.1.  The representative  of the World Customs Organization  (WCO), Mr Joseph OUEDRAOGO , 
reported on the work of the WCO  Technical Committee on Customs Valuation (TCCV)  during the 
55th Session , which had taken place from 19 September  to 21 October  2022.1 
1.2.  The representative of China  thanked  the WCO for its report  and noted  the TCCV's recent work 
regard ing a question concerning paragraph  7 of Annex  3 of the Customs Valuation Agreement  (CVA)  
as it related to the meaning of "price actually paid or payable" , which was also addressed in the 
interpretative notes in the CVA's Annex  1. She noted the possibility of  the TCCV's engagement with 
the present Committee on this question and encouraged Members to continue follow ing the work of 
the TCCV.  
 
1 His report is contained in the Annex to this document.  G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  1.3.  The representative of the European Union  confirmed that the question concerning the meaning 
of "price actually paid or pay able" as reflected in the referenced provisions of the C VA was at an 
early stage of discussion  before the TCCV , and that, depending on the direction and duration of that 
technical discussion, the present Committee might also consider examining the issue.  
1.4.  The representative of the  World Customs Organization  responded to a question from the 
Chairperson  regarding topics to be addressed at the WCO's upcoming thematic session . The 
representative  stated that the aim of the thematic session was to improve understanding of the CVA 
and to discuss difficulties in its administration and implementation. The session would explore  issues 
that were topical and of interest to WCO members  although no decision had yet been taken as to 
which specific issues would be discussed. Nevertheless, the representative provided examples of 
topics that had been discussed in some of the WCO's previous thematic sessions, or that could be 
explored  in its upcoming session , such as  the implementat ion of the CVA's Article  7, and the topic 
of e-commerce . 
1.5.  The Committee took note  of the report  and statement s made . 
2  INFORMATION ON IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE AGREEMENT  
2.1  Notification of National Legislation  
The Chairperson  recalled that, pursuant to Article  22 of the CVA and the Decision on 
"Notification and Circulation of National Legislation in Accordance with Article  22 of the Agreement", 
Members  must submit the complete texts of their national legislation on customs valu ation in one of 
the three  official WTO  languages. They should also inform the Committee of any changes in their 
laws and regulations relevant to the CVA and in the administration of such laws and regulations. The 
notification procedures had been adopted by  the Committee at its meeting of 12  May 1995 and were 
contained in section  B.2 of document  G/VAL/5.  
The Chairperson noted that document  G/VAL/ W/232/Rev .16 summarized the current status of 
notifications, as well as the status of questions and responses regarding legislation. The Chairperson 
further recalled that the situation regarding the consideration of Chinese Taipei's legislation 
remained unchanged.  
2.1.1   Afghanistan  
The Chairperson  recalled that it had been agreed at the Committee's previous meeting to revert 
to Afghanistan's notification of its national legislation,  which had been circulated in 
document  G/VAL/N/1/AFG/1.  Canada had posed questions in document  G/VAL/ Q/AFG/1. 
The Committee agreed  to revert to Afghanistan 's notification at its next meeting.  
2.1.2   Belize  
The Chairperson  recalled that it had been agreed at the Committee's previous meeting to revert 
to Belize's notification of its national legislation and responses to the checklist of issues, which had 
been circulated in documents  G/VAL/N/1/BLZ/1 and G/VAL/N/2/BLZ/1. The l atest questions raised 
by the United States had been circulated in document  G/VAL/W/330, to which Belize had responded 
in document s G/VAL/Q/BLZ/1  and G/VAL/Q/BLZ/2 . 
The representative of the United States  thanked Belize for providing an update on the statu s 
of the draft CARICOM  Harmonized Customs Bill and looked forward to reviewing the bill  once it had 
been adopted.  
The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to Belize 's notification s 
at its next meeting.  
2.1.3   Benin 
The Chairperson  recalled that it had been agreed at the Committee's previous meeting to revert 
to Benin 's notification of its national legislation, which had been circulated in G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  document  G/VAL/N/1/BEN/1 . The United States  had subsequently submitted questions in  
document  G/VAL/ Q/BEN/1 , and Benin had responded in document  G/VAL/Q/BEN/2.  
The representative of the United State s thanked Benin for its replies to the questions on 
transport and insurance cost deductions.  The US noted that Benin had indicated in its repl y that 
responses to the checklist of issues would be submitted by 20  June 2022, and the US awaited  those 
responses  and notification of Benin's revised valuation measures once amended by its 2023 Finance 
Law. 
The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to Be nin's notification 
at its next meeting.  
2.1.4   Plurinational State of Bolivia  
The Chairperson  drew the Committee's attention to the notification by the Plurinational State 
of Bolivia of its checklist of issues, whi ch had been circulated in document  G/VAL/N/2/BOL/1.  
The representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia  thanked the United States for its 
interest and questions  and indicated that it would soon provide answers.  
The representative of the United States  thanked the Plurinational State of Bolivia for its replies 
to the checklist of issues , and noted  that the US had reviewed those replies and submitted its 
questions in document  G/VAL/Q/BOL/1, which had been  circulated  on 16  September  2022. The US 
sought clarification of the new regulations that Bolivia was  currently in the process of drafting.  
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to the Plurinational 
State of Bolivia's notification at its next meeting . 
2.1.5   Brazil  
The Chairperson  drew the Committee's attention to the notification by Brazil of its national 
customs legislation in document  G/VAL/N/1/BRA/4.  
The representative of the United States  thanked Brazil for notifying i ts updated national 
customs valuation legislation  and stated that the US was in the process of reviewing it and would  
revert back to Brazil with any questions before the Committee's next meeting . 
The representative of the European Union  thanked Brazil for notifying its legislation  and 
indicated that the EU was looking at it and might have questions for the Committee's next meeting . 
The representative of Brazil  thanked the U nited States and the European Union  and indicated 
its availability  for further consul tations. Brazil highlighted  that this new legislation had revoke d 
four previous pieces of legislation in an effo rt to streamline its customs valuation  legislation . 
The Committee took note of the statements made and agreed  to revert to Brazil's  notification 
at its next meeting . 
2.1.6   Burundi  
The Chairperson  recalled that it had been agreed at the Committee's previous meeting to 
revert to Burundi's notification of its national legislation , which had been circulated in 
document  G/VAL/N/1/BDI/1. The Unit ed States had raised questions  in document  G/VAL/W/361.  
The representative of the United States  thank ed Burundi for its notification of its national 
customs valuation  legislation. The US  encourage d Burundi to submit its responses to the checklist 
of issues and look ed forward to receiving written replies to the questions  that had been submitted 
in 2020, in document  G/VAL/W/361 . 
The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to Burundi 's notification 
at its next meeting . G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  2.1.7   Colombia  
The Chairperson  recalled that it had been agreed at the Committee's previous meeting to 
revert to the examination of Colombia's notification of its amended national legislation, which had 
been circulated in document  G/VAL/N/1 /COL/4, and its amended responses to the checklist of 
issues, which had been circulated in document  G/VAL/N/2/COL/3. Colombia had since responded in 
document  G/VAL/Q/COL/ 3 to questions from the European Union , and in document  G/VAL/Q/COL/ 4 
to questions from the United States . 
The representative of the European Union  thanked Colombia fo r its replies to the EU's 
question s. The EU stated that it did not have any further questions.  
The representative of the United States  appreciate d Colombia's replies to its questions  seeking 
further clarification  regarding  the use of reference prices and on the requirements for a detailed 
value declaration.  The US stated that it would review Colombia's response and provide any follow -up 
questions in writing before the Committee's next meeting. In the meantime, the US looked  forward 
to Colombia's notification of the additional measures referenced in its replies.  
The representative of Colombia  thanked the European Union  and the United States for their 
questions and indicated that it would  work with delegation s until their questions had been answered . 
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Colombia 's 
notification s at its next meeting . 
2.1.8   El Salvador  
The Chairperson  drew the Committee's attention to the notification by El  Salvador of its  
national customs legislation, which had been circulated in document  G/VAL/N/1/SLV/1, and to its 
checklist of issues, which had been circulated in document  G/VAL/N/2/SLV/ 1. The United  States  had 
submitted questions in document  G/VAL/Q/SLV/1 . 
The representative of the United States  thanked  El Salvador  for its  notification of its national 
customs valuation  legislation and for its replies to the checklist of issues. The US stated that it had 
reviewed both notifications and had recently submitted several follow -up questions , in 
document  G/VAL/Q/SLV/1, seeking more information on El  Salvador's use of value declarations  and 
a value database . 
The representative of El Salvador  thanked the United States for its questions and stated that 
it would send written responses before the Committee's next meeting . Regarding Article  29 of the 
Central American Customs Regulations, El Salvador explained that it  provide d for the establishment  
of a database with information like the value of similar or identical merchandise for the declared 
value of the goods. El  Salvador used the invoice price as a rule and noted that  it was the Central 
Bank that publishe d exchange rates in accordance with Art icle 9.1 of the CVA.  
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to El Salvador 's 
notification s at its next meeting . 
2.1.9   European Union  
The Chairperson  recalled that it had been agreed at the Committee's previous meeting to 
revert to the examination of the European Union's notification of its amended national legislation, 
which had been circulated in document  G/VAL/N/1/EU/1.  The EU had responded in 
document  G/VAL/W/377 to a question from the US, and China  had submitted questions in 
document  G/VAL/ Q/EU/1.  
The representative of China  thanked  the European Union for notifying its national legislation 
and noted that i t had submitted questions that had been circulated to Members in 
document  G/VAL/Q/EU/1. China stated that it looked  forward to receiving the EU's responses to 
those questions.  China believe d that an exchange of questions and responses on notification s 
promote d the WTO  principle of transparency and enhance d experience -sharing among Members.  G/VAL/M/74  
 
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The representative of the European Union  thank ed China for its questions  and indicated that 
it would  respond to them before the Committee's next meeting . 
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to the European 
Union 's notification at its next meeting . 
2.1.10   The Gambia  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of The Gambia's notification of its national legislation, which had been circulated in 
documents  G/VAL/N/1/GMB/1 and G/VAL/N/1/GMB/1/Add. 1, as well as its responses to the checklist 
of issues in document  G/VAL/N/2/GMB/1. The United States had raised questions in 
document  G/VAL/W/376 , and The Gambia had responded in document  G/VAL/Q/GMB/1.  The US had 
submitted follow -up questions in document  G/VAL/Q/GMB/2.  
The representative of the United States  noted that it had  submitted several follow -up 
questions  to The Gambia , in document  G/VAL/Q/GMB/2 , seeking The Gambia's  clarification s 
regarding its understanding of reasonable doubt and communication with importers . The US looked 
forward  to receiving The Gambia's replies  to its questions . 
The representative of The Gambia  thanked  the United States for its interest in The Gambia's 
customs legislation . The Gambia would  submit its answers to the US  questions in advance of the 
Committee 's next meeting.  
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to The Gambia' s 
notification s at its next meeting . 
2.1.11   Georgia  
The Chairperson  recalled that  the Committee had agreed at  its previous  meeting  to revert to 
Georgia 's notification  of its customs legislation in document  G/VAL/N/1/GEO/2 . The United States  
had since posed questions to Georgia in document  G/VAL/ Q/GEO/1.  
The representative of the United States  thanked Georgia for updating its national customs 
legislation notification.  The US noted that it had  submitted questions , in document  G/VAL/ Q/GEO/1 , 
seeking clarification of Georgia's treatment of confidential information.  The US indicated that it 
looked forward to receiving Georgia's written replies to its questions. In addition, the US encourage d 
Georgia to submit its responses to the checklist of issues.  
The representative of Georgia  thank ed the United States for its interest  in Georgia's 
notification , and for its questions. Georgia reported that  work was under  way to finalize its responses 
to those questions , which would  be submitted in due course.  
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Georgia's 
notification at its next meeting . 
2.1.12   Guinea  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Guinea's notification of its national legislation, which had been circulated in 
document  G/VAL/N/1/GIN/1. The United States had raised questions in document  G/VAL/W/266.  
The representative of the United States  noted that it had submitted questions to Guinea  in 
2015,  in document  G/VAL/ W/266 , which had sought  clarification on Guinea's implementation of 
Article  5 of the CVA . Additionally, the US noted that  Guinea ha d yet to submit its response s to the 
checklist of issues. The US urged  Guinea to submit its responses  as soon as possible . 
The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to Guinea 's notificatio n 
at its next meeting . G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  2.1.13   Guatemal a 
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Guatemala's notification of its checklist of issues, which had been circulated in 
document  G/VAL/N/2/GTM/1. The United States had submitted follow -up questions in 
document  G/VAL/ Q/GTM/3.  
The representative of the United States  noted  that it had submitted questions in 
document  G/VAL/Q/GTM/ 3 regarding transportation and insurance costs . The US looked  forward to 
receiving Guatemala's written response s to those questions . 
The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to Guatemala 's 
notification at its next meeting . 
2.1.14   Honduras  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Honduras' notification of its national legislation , and its responses to the checklist 
of issues, which had been circulated in documents  G/VAL/N/1/HND/1 and G/V AL/N/2/HND/1. The 
United States had submitted follow -up questions  in document  G/VAL/Q/HND/3 . 
The representative of the United States  thank ed Honduras for its responses to their previous 
questions , contained  in document  G/VAL/ Q/HND/2 . In addition, the US lo oked forward to receiving 
Honduras' written replies to its further questions  on opportunities for importers to comment when 
customs doubt ed the truth or accuracy of a declared value , recently submitted in 
document  G/VAL/Q/HND/3.  
The representative of Honduras  thanked the United States for its interest and questions  and 
noted it that it was  working on the responses  and hoped  to submit them soon. 
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Honduras' 
notification s at its next meeting . 
2.1.15   Iceland  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Iceland's notification of its revised legislation, which had been circulated in 
document  G/VAL/N/1/ISL/2. The United States had since submitted questions in 
document  G/VAL/Q/ISL/3.  
The representative of the United States  thanked Iceland for submitting its updated notification 
of its national CV  legislation . In this regard, the US looked forwar d to receiving Iceland's written 
replies to its submitted questions on Iceland's communication with importers . 
The representative of Iceland  thanked the United States for its questions and informed the 
Committee that they would respond  in writing  shortly . 
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Iceland 's 
notification at its next meeting . 
2.1.16   India  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of India's notification of its revised legislation, in document  G/VAL/N/1/IND/4, 
together with its revised responses to the checklist of issues, in document  G/VAL/ N/2/IND/2.  Since 
the Committee's previous meeting, India had  provided responses to the United States and China, 
which would be circulated as documents  G/VAL/Q/IND/5 and G/VAL/Q/IND/6, respectively.  
The representative of China  thanked India for notifying it s national legislation on 
CVA implementation . China also thanked India for its response s to China's questions raised  in 
document  G/VAL/Q/IND/ 1. China recalled that its questions concerned the  valuation treatment of G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  the cost of transport in relation to tran sactions using ex-factory I ncoterms. China stated that it would  
review India's  replies and may have follow -up questions  further to that review . China again 
expressed its view that the exchange of questions and responses regarding notifications promote d 
the WTO  principle of transparency and enhance d experience -sharing among Members.  
The representative of the United States  thanked India for its response to the questions raised 
by the US in document  G/VAL/Q/IND/4 . The US noted that it would review those responses and 
follow up with any additional questions before the Committee's next meeting.  
The representative of India thanked China and the United States for their interest in its 
custo ms legislation . India had recently replied to the questions submitted; in addition, India would 
be pleased to engage with China and the US in further discussion s and exchanges of information.  
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to India's notification s 
at its next meeting . 
2.1.17   Israel  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Israel's notification of its responses to the checklist of issues, which had been  
circulated in document  G/VAL/N/2/ISR/1. The United States had raised questions in 
document  G/VAL/Q/ISR/1 , to which Israel  had responded in document  G/VAL/Q/ISR/2.  The US had 
since raised further questions in document  G/VAL/Q/ISR/3.  
The representative of t he United States  thank ed Israel for the reply to its questions  in 
document  G/VAL/Q/ISR/2 and stated that it had submitted follow -up questions in 
document  G/VAL/Q/ISR/3 on determining whether the relationship between related parties affect ed 
the price . The US looked forward to receiving Israel's written responses  to its questions . 
The representative of Israel  thanked the United States for its questions and stated that these 
had been sent to Capital . Israel would follow -up with its replies in due course.  
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Israel 's notification 
at its next meeting . 
2.1.18   Malawi  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Malawi's notification of national legislation and its responses to the checklist of 
issues, which had been circulated in documents  G/VAL/N/1/MWI/2  and G/VAL/N/2/ MWI/1. The 
United States had raised questions in document  G/VAL/W/303.  
The representative of the United States  noted that it had submitted a question in 2017, in 
document  G/VAL/ W/303 , in response  to Malawi's national customs valuation  legislation notificat ion. 
The US  question sought clarification on whether Malawi was using the Brussels Definition of Value . 
The US looked forward to receiving Malawi's written reply to its question as soon as possible . 
The representative of Malawi  thanked the United States fo r its question and stated that it was 
being considered by Capital . Malawi added  that they would soon be meeting with the US to discuss 
this matter  bilaterally . 
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Malawi's 
notification s at its next meeting . 
2.1.19   Mongolia  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Mongolia's notification of its national legislation, which had been circulated  in 
document  G/VAL/N/ 1/MNG/ 1. The European Union had raised questions in  
document  G/VAL/Q/MNG/1 , and following the circulation of the meeting's agenda, the United States 
had submitted questions in document  G/VAL/Q/MNG/2 . G/VAL/M/74  
 
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The representative of the European Union  thanked  Mongolia for its notified legislation  and 
recalled that it had submitted question s to Mongolia to which it would welcome  a response.  
The representative of the United States  thanked  Mongolia for notifying its  national legislation  
and stated that it had review ed the notification and had submitted several questions  to Mongolia,  in 
document  G/VAL/Q/MNG/2 , to which it would welcome a response.  
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Mongoli a's 
notification at its next meeting . 
2.1.20   Namibia  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Namibia's notification of its responses to the checklist of issues, which had been 
circulated in document  G/VAL/N/2/NAM/1. The United States had raised questions in 
document  G/VAL/Q/NAM/1.  
The representative of the United States  thank ed Namibia for submitting its replies to the 
checklist of issues  and noted that it had submitted several questions to Namibia in 
document  G/VAL/Q/NAM/1 . The US looked forward to receiving Namibia's written replies  to those 
questions . 
The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to Namibia's  notification 
at its next meet ing. 
2.1.21   Nepal  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Nepal's notification of its national legislation, which had been circulated in 
document  G/VAL/N/1/NPL/1. The United States had raised questions in document  G/VAL/W/301, to 
which  Nepal had responded in document  G/VAL /Q/NPL/1 . The US had since raised follow -up 
questions in document  G/VAL/Q/NPL/2.  
The representative of the United States  thanked Nepal for its response to its questions . The 
US also looked forward to receiving Nepal's responses to its follow -up questions  in 
document  G/VAL/Q/NPL/2 . Finally, the  US urged Nepal to submit its responses to the checklist of 
issues as soon as possi ble. 
The representative of Nepal thank ed the United States for its continued interest in Nepal 's 
legislation on customs valuation . Nepal noted that it  had submitted its response s to the previous  
US questions . In addition, Nepal had recently  received follow -up questions  from the US, which had 
been forwarded to  the relevant agencies in Capital . Nepal noted that it was holding upcoming 
elections and that it might  therefore take time to prepare its responses to the follow -up questions  
from the U S. 
The Committee took note  of the statements made and agreed  to revert to Nepal's n otification 
at its next meeting . 
2.1.22   Nigeria  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Nigeria's notification of its national legislation and its responses to the checklist 
of issues, which had been circulated in documents  G/VAL/N/1/NGA/1 and G/VAL/N/2/NGA/1. The 
United States had raised questions in document  G/VAL/W/356.  
The representative of the United States  noted that it  had submitted additional questions in 
2020, in document  G/VAL/ W/356 , seeking clarification  on revisions to Nigeria's Customs Service Act 
of 2013. Nigeria had mentioned at the prior meeting that its parliament had passed the revised 
legislation , and the US looked forward to a notification of  this updated legislation as soon as possible.  G/VAL/M/74  
 
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The repre sentative of Nigeria  thanked the United States for its interest  in Nigeria's  customs 
legislation  and confirmed  that t he National Assembly had passed the revised  customs bill , which was 
still awaiting  the President 's approval . Nigeria expressed its confidence that , once the law had been 
finalized and made publicly available , all the US concerns would have been addressed.  
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Nigeria's  
notification s at its next meeting . 
2.1.23   Paraguay  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Paraguay's notification of its responses to the checklist of issues, which had been 
circulated in document  G/VAL/N/2/PRY/1. The European Union had  raised questions in 
document  G/VAL/Q /PRY/2 , and the United States had raised questions in document  G/VAL/Q/PRY/4. 
Following circulation of the meeting's agenda, Paraguay had submitted its replies to the 
US questions . 
The representative of the United States  thanked Paraguay for its reply to  previous  questions  
and noted  that the US  had submitted additional questions in document  G/VAL/Q/PRY/4. The US 
stated that it looked forward to reviewing Paraguay's  responses and would submit any follow -up 
questions in wri ting prior to the Committee's next meeting.  
The representative of the European Union  thanked Paraguay for its notification and noted that 
the EU had submitted a question to Paraguay to which they would welcome a response.  
The representative of Paraguay  thanked the United States for its additional questions  and 
confirmed that it had sent its responses , which had been drawn up with its customs directorate , to 
the Secretariat . The responses would  be circulated to Members in due course.  Paraguay also took 
note of the EU's intervention and would follow up on the matter with a view to responding to 
Members as quickly as possible. Paraguay stood ready to respond  to any questions in relation to 
future notifications.  
The Committee took note of the stateme nts made and agreed  to revert to Paraguay's  
notification at its next meeting . 
2.1.24   Russian Federation  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of the Russian Federation's notification of legislation, which had been circulated in 
documents  G/VAL/N/1/RUS/4, G/VAL/N/1/ RUS/4/Add.1, and G/VAL/N/1/RUS/5. The Ru ssian 
Federation's responses to the checklist of issues had been circulated in document  G/VAL/N/2/RUS/1. 
The United States , the European Union,  and China  had raised questions in documents  G/VAL/W/360 , 
G/VAL/Q/RUS/1 , and G/VAL/Q/RUS/2 , respectively . 
The rep resentative of China  thanked the Russian Federation for notifying its national customs 
valuation legislation. China had submitted questions in document  G/VAL/Q/RUS/2  and looked 
forward to receiving Russia's responses to them in the near future.  
The represe ntative of the Russian Federation  thanked China for its interest in Russia's trade 
policy  and stated  that the questions were being considered and would be answered  in due course.  
The Committee took note  of the statements made and agreed  to revert to the Russian 
Federation's notification s at its next meeting . 
2.1.25   Saint Kitts and Nevis  
The Chairperso n recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of Saint Kitts and Nevis' notification of its nation al legislation , which had been 
circulated in document  G/VAL/N/1/KNA/1.  Following  circulation of the meeting's agenda, the US had 
submitted questions in document  G/VAL/Q/KNA/1.  G/VAL/M/74  
 
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The representative of the United States  thanked Saint Kitts and Nevis for notify ing its national 
customs valuation  legislation  and sought clarification on which provisions of its national legislation 
incorporate d CVA Articles  9-13, 16 , and the interpret ative notes. The US stated that it had submitted 
questions in document  G/VAL/Q/KNA/1  and looked forward to receiving Saint Kitts and Nevis' written 
replies. The  US also urged Saint Kitts and Nevis to respond to the checklist of issues.  
The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to Saint Kitts and Nevi s' 
notification at its next meeting . 
2.1.26   Solomon Islands  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert to 
its examination of the Solomon Islands' national legislation, which had been circulated in 
documents  G/VAL/N/1/SLB/1 and  G/VAL/N/1/SLB/ 1/Add.1. The United States had raised questions  
in document  G/VAL/W/ 375. 
The representative of the United States  thank ed the Solomon Island s for its previous  replies 
to its questions and noted that it had submitt ed additional questions  in 2021 , on the implementation 
of CVA  Articles  10, 11, 12, and 13 , in document  G/VAL/W/375 . The US  urged  the Solomon Islands 
to submit its response s to the checklist of issues and noted that it looked forward to receiving a 
written response to its questions.  
The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to the notification of 
the Solomon Islands at its next meeting . 
2.1.27   Sri Lanka  
The Chairperso n recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert 
to its examination of Sri  Lanka's notification of its national legislation and its responses to the 
checklist of issues, circulated in documents  G/VAL/N/1/LKA/1, G/VAL/N/1/LKA/1/Corr.1, and 
G/VAL/N/2/LKA /1. The United States  had raised certain addit ional questions in 
document  G/VAL/W/328.  
The representative of the United States  stated that they continue d to have concerns 
regarding Sri Lanka's  apparent use of minimum values for used vehicles . In this regard, the US 
recalled that it had submitted follow -up questions to Sri  Lanka in 2019, in document  G/VAL/ W/328.  
The US expressed its appreciation for Sri Lanka 's intervention explaining that it ha d conducted a 
review and would be updating its legi slation in the near future ; accordingly , the US awaited  Sri 
Lanka's responses to its questions and a notification of the updated measure.  
The representative of Sri Lanka  thanked the United States for its  interest in Sri  Lanka's 
customs valuation legislatio n for the determination of customs value for imported motor vehicles . 
Sri Lanka stated that its capital -based authorities continued their deliberations with the interested 
groups to ascertain the specific nature of the further refinements needed for the  existing regulations . 
Having noted the US questions, Sri Lanka's capital -based authorities had identified that there might  
be a need for amending the Customs Ordinance of Sri  Lanka in order to ascertain the customs value 
of imported used motor vehicles, as per the provisions of the CVA. Sri Lanka's  officials were in the 
process of making this determination but  had been delayed by ongoing  preparations of the 
2023 budget . Sri Lanka stated that, o nce any specific amendments had been incorporated into the 
Customs Ordinance, such amendments would be notified  to the WTO.  
The Committee took note  of the statement s made  and agreed  to revert to Sri Lanka' s 
notification s at its next meeting . 
2.1.28   Togo  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed  at its previous meeting to revert 
to its examination of Togo's notification of its national legislation, which had been circulated in 
document  G/VAL/N/1/TGO/1. Canada had raised questions in document  G/VAL/W/340, to which  
Togo had responded  in document  G/VAL/W/370. The United States had also raised questions in  
document  G/VAL/W/37 2. G/VAL/M/74  
 
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The representative of the United States  thank ed Togo for its notification of their national 
customs valuation  legislation. The US had review ed the notification and had provided its questions 
to Togo  in 2021,  in document  G/VAL/ W/372 . The US encouraged  Togo to respond to the checklist 
of issues and look ed forward to receiving Togo's written reply to its questions.  
The Committee took note  of the st atement made and agreed  to revert to Togo's notification 
at its next meeting . 
2.1.29   Tonga  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert 
to its examination of Tonga's notification of its responses to the checklist of iss ues, which had been 
circulated in document  G/VAL/N/2/TON/1. The United States  had raised questions in 
document  G/VAL/W/37 3. 
The representative of the United States  thank ed Tonga for submitting its replies to the 
checklist of issues. The US had reviewed Tonga's notifications  and had submitted its questions  in 
2021,  in document  G/VAL/W /373. The US  looked  forward to receiving Tonga's written replies.  
The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to Tonga 's notification 
at its next meeting . 
2.1.30   Ukraine  
The Chairperson  drew the Committee's attention to the notification by Ukraine of 
amendments to its national customs legislation , circulated  in document  G/VAL/N/1/ UKR/3. 
The representative of Ukraine  stated that, d espite the horror of the war unleashed by the 
Russian Fede ration, Ukraine continue d to fulfil its notification obligations and demonstrate its 
commitment to the WTO principle of t ransparency.  As indicated in its mo st recent  notification, 
Ukraine had  introduced  amendments to its customs code  with the intention of adopt ing European 
practices by preparing national legislation for the implementation of organi zational procedures for 
Ukraine's accession to a 1987 convention on common transit procedure s. Ukraine also highlighted 
its participation in a new computerized transit system that was used by the contracting parties to 
the convention and promote d effective protection of the rights and interests of subjects of foreign 
economic activity.  Ukraine acknowledged the work on this notification by collea gues who, along with 
their families, and millions of other Ukrainians , were hiding in bomb shelters  and obliged  to wait for 
the lighting , communication network, and internet  to be restored after forced power cuts, and a 
return to normal life for a couple o f hours each day. Ukraine stated that the Russian Federation  
continue d its act of state terrorism against Ukraine and its people, including through deliberate 
attacks on Ukraine's energy and water supply infrastructure. Ukraine noted that n early 30% of its 
energy facility had been  damaged or destroyed by Russia's attacks , and that, on  the morning of 
31 October, Russia had launched over 50  missiles at targets across Ukraine, causing blackouts and 
disruptions to Ukraine's heating and water supplies . Neverthel ess, Ukrainian  officials were doing 
everything they could to ensure  that businesses could continue to operate . For example, Ukrainian 
Customs continue d to work 24  hours/7  days a week to ensure the stability of its systems and an 
optimal  deliver y of its services.  Ukraine  thank ed all those WTO Members that were stand ing by it, 
including  for their economic , military, humanitarian , and financial support in countering the Russian 
military invasion and contributing to the effort to end th e war. 
The repres entative of the European Union  commend ed Ukraine for its notification , despite 
the war and its terrible consequences. The EU stated that it was  committed to strengthen ing the 
multilateral trading system because it believe d in a rule s-based international or der that would best 
serve the interest s of all countries, including smaller and more vulnerable countries . The EU added 
that it  firmly  and unequivocally condemn ed Russia's continued aggression in Ukraine,  including the 
recent illegal annex ation of territories that did not belong to Russia,  and the recent missiles that 
were damaging people's lives, causing loss of life , and damaging infrastructure.  Indeed, the EU 
considered that Russia was putting world security at risk by violating Ukraine's  fundamental rights 
to independence, sovereignty , and territorial integrity, namely the  core principles  of the U N Charter 
on International Law.  For these reasons, the  EU would  strengthen restrictive measures against 
Russia 's illegal actions to further increase  pressure on Russia to end its war of choice. The EU G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  reiterated that it  stood firmly by Ukraine and w ould continue to provide strong economic, military, 
social , and financial support to Ukraine, for as long as it took. 
The representative of the United King dom commended  Ukraine for its notification and 
customs work in very difficult times. The  UK stated that the  invasion of Ukraine was an outrageous 
violation of international law that struck at the heart  of international cooperation, whether on 
customs matte rs or anything else . The UK  added that b usiness as usual with countries that took part 
in such violations of UN  principles was  not possible . The UK stood  in full solidarity with Ukraine.  
The representative of Canada  thank ed Ukraine for its notification and the report on the 
circumstances affecting its participation in the multilateral trading system. Canada condemn ed, in 
the strongest possible terms,  Russia's continuing military strikes against civilian infrastructure in 
cities across Ukraine . For Canada, Russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine was not 
only a blatant violation of international law and the rules-based  system, but also a constant threat 
to Ukraine's participation at the WTO . It was therefore g ermane to any discussion regarding Ukraine.  
Canada supported  Ukraine's right to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression.  
The representative of  Japan  appreciate d Ukraine's notification , adding that the  illegal 
annexation of the areas that had been forcibly placed under Russia 's temporary control by its 
aggression against Ukraine were nothing but attempts to acquire territory by force . Such actions 
violated international law, including the U N Charter. Japan considered that s uch attempts were 
invalid and went against the principle of the rule of law in the international community.  Japan also 
condemn ed Russia 's missile attacks against civilian infrastructure and cities across Ukraine.  Japan 
urged  Russia immediately to stop its aggression and withdraw its forces from Ukraine to within its 
internationally recognized borders . Japan stated that it would  work firmly on the two  pillars of 
imposing strong sanctions against Russia and , in cooperation with  the international community , of 
supporting Ukraine . 
The representative of the United States  commend ed Ukraine for its commitment to fulfilling 
its WTO  notification requirements even in the midst of Russia 's brutal war , noting that Ukraine 's 
undeterred com mitment to the WTO was demonstrated in its act of notification.  By contrast , the US 
stated that Russia 's actions contravene d the principles and values of the WTO , and that respect for 
WTO Members ' sovereignty was crucial to maintaining open and predictable  markets and facilitating 
international trade.  The US added that it  condemn ed Russia 's unwarranted and illegal war of 
aggression against Ukraine  and called  upon all WTO Member s unequivocally to condemn Russia 's 
war of aggression and its attempt to acquire territory by force.  The US concluded by stating that it 
would review Ukraine's notification and revert with any questions prior to the Committee's next 
meeting.  
The representative of Australia  thank ed Ukraine for its notification and update to the 
Committee. Australia  acknowledge d the difficult circumstances Ukraine was operating  under , and its 
commitment to transparency . Australia sought to echo  the comments of others by reiterating its  
condemnation of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Australi a considered that Russia's illegal 
invasion of Ukraine  was a gross violation of international law , including the UN Charter . For its part, 
Australia strongly support ed Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity . Australia called  upon 
Russia to cease i ts attacks and withdraw its forces.  
The representative of  the Russian Federation  objected to the previous interventions by 
Member s, noting that the mandate of the Committee  did not include discussions on the world's 
security situation. The Russian Federation considered it  symptomatic that the delegations that ha d 
just taken the floor had once again decided to v iolate the mandate of the Committee  to remind the 
Member ship that the WTO was a rules -based system. In this regard, the  Russian Federation 
reminded the  Chairperson  of his right, stipulated by rule 17 of the rules of procedure , to call a 
speaker to order if the ir remarks were not relevant to the meeting. The Russian Federation further 
recalled  that rule  27 of the rules of procedure prescribed  that delegates refrain from the repetition 
of statements on issues that had already been raised before , noting that the p ositions by delegations 
on this situation in Ukraine had already been raised multiple times, and had not changed. The 
Russian Federatio n reiterated that discussions on this situation , on Ukraine's security concerns , on 
UN Charter enforcement , and on compliance , went beyond the mandate of the present Committee , 
and that the Russian Federation  stood ready to discuss, as indeed it was discus sing, any issues 
concerning its special military operation in Ukraine in the speciali zed UN bodies and agencies.  The 
Russian Federation had repeated its position before  the General Council  that the referenda held G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  represented  the right to self-determination  of the people that live d in the territories  in question . The 
referenda  had been  held in accordance with international standards ; more than 130  foreign 
observers , from 20  countries , had participated  in the proceedings;  and a nyone who had wanted to 
witness the process had had the opportunity  to do so . 
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Ukraine's 
notification at its next meeting.  
2.1.31   United Kingdom  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert 
to its examination of the United Kingdom's notification of its national legislation and responses to 
the checklist of issues, which had been circulated in documents  G/VAL/N/1/GBR/1 and 
G/VAL/N/2/GBR/1. The United States and China  had submitted questions in 
documents  G/VAL/Q/GBR/1  and G/VAL/Q/GBR/2 , respectively . 
The representative of China  thanked the United Kingdom for notifying its national customs 
valuation legislation. After reviewing the notification, China had submitted questions to the UK in 
document  G/VAL/Q/GBR/2. China looked forward to receiving the UK's responses  to those questio ns. 
The representative of the United States  thank ed the United Kingdom for notifying its national 
customs valuation  legislation and replies to the checklist of issues. The US  had submitted questions 
to the UK in document  G/VAL/Q/ GBR/1 and looked forward to  receiving  the UK's written reply. 
The representative of the United Kingdom  thanked  China and the United States for their 
interest in the UK's notification s. The questions were still being reviewed and the UK hoped to provide 
its responses to them in time for the Committee's next meeting.  
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to the United 
Kingdom 's notification s at its next meeting . 
2.1.32   Vanuatu  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee had agreed at its previous meeting to revert 
to Vanuatu's notification of its national legislation , which had been circulated  in 
document  G/VAL/N/1/VUT/1. The United States had submitted questions in 
document  G/VAL/W/359.  
The representative of the United States  thanked Vanuatu for notifying its national customs 
valuation  legislation. The US noted that it had submitted questions  to Vanuatu  in 2020,  in 
document  G/VAL/ W/359 . In addition,  the US  continued  to urge Vanuatu to submit its responses to 
the checklist of issues  and looked forward to receiving Vanuatu's written response  to its questions . 
The representative of Vanuatu  thanked the United States for its questions and looked 
forward to engaging with the US on this matter. Vanuatu stressed  that its  laws relating to customs 
valuation contained in the Import Duties  Act ha d been notified to the WTO.  Vanuatu referred to 
Schedule  2 of the Import Duties Act , which related to the customs valuation of imported goods , and 
hoped to be able to provide responses to the specif ic questions regarding those provisions.  Also, 
with respect to lost and damaged goods, Vanuatu pointed to provisions in Schedule  3, Section  2, 
relating to how  to value such goods . Vanuatu also made reference to its intention to provide further 
information on Article  5.2 and 5.6  as they relate d to transaction value , and to  Article  8.2 and the 
fact that they  were guided by Incoterms.  Vanuatu would provide detailed  responses  to the US' 
questions  in writing . 
The Committee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Vanuatu's 
notification at its next meeting . 
2.1.33   Viet Nam  
The Chairperson  drew the Committee's attention to Viet Nam's  notification of its checklist of 
issues , which had been circulated  in document  G/VAL/N/ 2/VNM/1 . The United States had submitted G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  questions in document s G/VAL/Q/VNM/3  and G/VAL/Q/VNM/4 . Following circulation of the meeting's 
agenda, Viet  Nam had circulated its responses  to the US in documents  G/VAL/ Q/VNM/5 and 
G/VAL/ Q/VNM/6 , which would be placed on the agenda of the Committee's next meeting . 
The representative of  the United States  thank ed Viet Nam for its response s. Those responses 
were being reviewed and the US would follow -up again with Viet  Nam as necessary.  
The represen tative of Canada  noted that it had provided questions to Viet  Nam prior to that 
day's meeting . Canada looked  forward to receiving Viet  Nam's responses  to those questions . 
The representative of  Viet Nam thanked the United States for its interest and questions and 
stood ready for further engagement with the US. Viet  Nam also thanked  Canada for its questions . 
The questions would be forwarded to Capital and Viet Nam would respond to them in due course.  
The C ommittee took note  of the statement s made and agreed  to revert to Viet Nam's 
notification at its next meeting . 
2.2  Concluding Agenda Item  B 
The Chairperson  noted that, to date, 111  Members had notified their national legislation on 
customs valuation, and 7 8 Members had provided responses to the checklist of issues . He thank ed 
the delegates concerned for their work in preparing such notifications . In addition, he intended  to 
contact Members bilaterally to offer his support  in expediting their notification s. 
The representative of  the United State s noted that his delegation continually discusse d 
transparency and notifications in the CCV because it was so integral to their work and  efforts to 
understand how each Member was implementing the CVA. Accordingly, the US provide d an update 
on the current status of the Transparency and Notification proposal in the General Council and 
Council on Trade in Goods.  The US noted that t he transparency proposal, Procedures to Enhance 
Transparency and Improve Co mpliance with Notification Requirements (G/GC/204/Rev/12 -
G/CTG/14/Rev/12 ), was last discussed at the General Council 's meeting  of July  2022, and that it 
had received the support of over one -third of the WTO  Member ship (32  co-sponsors).  The US noted 
that this effort called  for an open, Member -driven process to identify and recommend improvements 
to notification practices, including constructive suggestions for process improvements and other 
actions that would streamline the submission of notifications and im prove Members ' capabilities. The 
US explained that t he co -sponsors continue d to see the benefits of advancing practical, technical 
work aimed at improving Member notification capabilities in the subsidiary bodies of the Council for 
Trade in Goods (CTG) and enabling the WTO to function more effectively for the benefit of Members 
and traders. In this regard, the US encourage d the Committee to consider new approaches that 
would place no additional burden on Members but would allow for timely and complete submi ssion 
of notifications.  
The representative of Colombia  expressed Colombia's support for the  initiative. Colombia  
stated that  transparency was the key, and that the proposal took concrete steps to  strengthen 
transparency. The proposal was also flexible, constructive, and progressive . And it recognized that 
sometimes Members  faced difficulties . Indeed,  Colombia itself had faced a backlog  on a number of 
occasions.  For Colombia,  the proposal 's approach was  not punitive ; rather , it realigned  incenti ves in 
order to improve transparency and generate greater confidence.  
The representative of the European Union  echoed the statement from the United States . The 
EU noted that  the US and other co -sponsors had made a significant effort to be proactive in speak ing 
to Members about accommodating their comments and concerns. The EU considered that the  
proposal ha d been significantly recalibrated ; its most recent revision was more focused on 
incentives , for example . In addition, the EU noted that the decision relate d to existing notification 
requirements . It would launch a process open to all to consider ways to help Members submit their 
notifications . And it include d a strong focus on support ing and assisting Members.  The EU agreed 
that transparen cy concerning  notifications was critical . The EU also noted that the proposal was 
about launching a positive process, without prejudice to the outcome.  
The representative of Japan  appreciate d all the notifications submitted on customs valuation 
legislation and echoed  the statements made by the United States  and the European Union . As a G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  co-sponsor of the Transparency and Notification Proposal, Japan stressed  the fundamental 
importance of notification to the proper functioning of WTO  bodies.  Japan considered that the 
proposal aimed to promote individual Members' efforts and to initiate serious discussions among 
Members on how to enhance transparency in their implementation of the WTO Agreements.  Japan 
welcomed  any relevant information from Members f acing difficulty in submitting notifications  and 
looked forward to working on improving the notification system for enhanced transparency in this  
and other  committee s. 
The representative of Türkiye  noted that  Türkiye , as the most recent co -sponsor of this 
proposal, also  wished to add its voice to the transparency proposal 's call  for an open and Member -
driven process to increase the transparency  that was essential for trade. Türkiye  believe d that the 
approach taken by the proposal, namely identifying and rec ommending  improvements to notification 
practices, was convenient  in that it rested on Member -driven practical work  while taking into account 
the capacity constraints of developing and least developed Members.  
The representative of Canada  thanked the United States  for informing the Committee on the 
discussion before the  General Council of this proposal to improve transparency. Canada remain ed 
convinced of the long-term benefits that further efforts by the Working Group on Notifications would 
bring to the Organization . Canada remained  supportive of the search for new tools to help each 
Member in its efforts to comply with its notification obligations . Canada also encouraged  the 
provision of the assistance that produce d positive results.  
The representative of Paraguay  thanked the United States for its statement. As co-sponsors , 
Paraguay  wished to underscore the importance of transparency and notifications as pillars of the 
monitoring function of the WTO. Developing countries like Paraguay , with a small network of 
embassies and institutional resources, use d notifications as the only source of trade information and 
intelligence, thereby strengthening their negotiating capacity . Paraguay  encourage d the Committee  
to look at new approaches that would not represent an extra burden but that would ensure that 
Members' notifications were up to date.  
The representative of China  thank ed the United States for the information  that it had shared . 
China underst ood that notification activities were essentia l to the promotion of the important 
WTO principle of transparency.  Indeed, this was the purpose of the work undertaken in the 
Committee . China expressed its desire to work  with all Members of the Committee  on the important 
issue of the Committee's agenda, and with a view to further promoting the princip le of transparency.  
The representative of Ukraine  thank ed the United States  for its update on this transparency  
proposal . Ukraine stated that, d espite the continuing terrorist war of the Russian Federation against 
Ukraine and its people, Ukraine  continued  to fulfil its notification obligations and to demonstrate its 
commitment to one of the fundamental principles of transparency.  Ukraine announced  that it had 
decided to become a co -sponsor of the transparency proposal  as it believe d that this initiative offered 
opportunities, including technical assistance and capacity building, for developing countries that 
experience d human resource and instituti onal capacity constraints.  Ukraine  expresse d its 
appreciation to all the document's co-sponsors for their efforts to improve the practice of 
transparency and enhance Members' capacity to implement their notification obligations . Ukraine 
encouraged other Me mbers to support and join this initiative.  
The representative of Chinese Taipei  express ed its  appreciation to the Members of the 
Committee for their continued efforts to fulfil their notification obligations. Chinese Taipei noted that 
they had  submitted an updated notification in 2020  and reiterated that it would continue to fulfil its  
notificatio n obligations. Chinese Taipei also thanked the US for its intervention on the transparency 
proposal. Transparency was an essential element of the world trading  order and constitute d the very 
foundation of the WTO. As a co -sponsor of the transparency propos al, Chinese Taipei  support ed this 
work and look ed forward to working with Members to enhance transparency and improve the 
operation and effectiveness of notification requirements.  
The representative of Australia  joined colleagues in highlighting the import ance of this 
notification and transparency proposal. Australia noted that it had long been a  co-sponsor of this 
proposal and commend ed Ukraine for joining as a co -sponsor. Australia underscored that the 
intent ion was not to place additional burdens  on Memb ers, but rather to make things easier for 
them. In this regard, Australia fully acknowledge d that developing and developed Members face d G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  challenges in fulfilling their obligations. Australia added that t he intent ion was to set up a process 
by which Members  could review and improve notifications and transparency , a fundamental pillar of 
the WTO . 
The representative of Mexico  thank ed the United States  for bringing this item to the attention 
of the Committee. As a co -sponsor of the proposal, Mexico was convince d of the importance of 
improving and facilitating compliance with transparency obligations for all Members. Mexico 
considered that all WTO  Members  should be able to comply with commitments so that they could  
check those of trading  parties as well , and  so that monitoring and transparency would strengthen 
the multilateral system. Better transparency could reduce trade costs, improve predictability , and 
help the decision -making of public and private decision makers, such that Mexico encouraged  all 
Members to j oin these efforts at improving the functioning of the Committee and the WTO  more 
generally.  
The representative of the United Kingdom  thanked the United States for raising this issue . 
The UK saw the value and importance of transparency and the work  on notification s. 
The representative of Ecuador  appreciated Members' comments on the transparency 
proposal . Indeed, Ecuador expressed its full commitment to transparency, which was one of the 
Organization 's fundamental pillars. Ecuador noted that the proposal  was already being addressed 
before the General Council and the Council for Trade for Goods and thus sought clarification as to 
how the proposal would be addressed in the context of the present Committee.  
The Chairperson  stated that, in the interest s of time, he would encourage the proposal's 
proponents of to contact interested delegations to discuss the matter bilaterally . 
The Committee took note  of the information  and statements made . 
3  INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION OF DECISIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON CUSTOMS  
VALUATION  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee was required to take note of any new notifications 
concerning the application of two of the Decisions adopted at its meeting of 12  May 1995, and 
contained in document  G/VAL/5, which were the "Decision on the Treatment of Interest Charges in 
the Customs Value of Imported Goods" , and the "Decision on the Valuation of Carrier Media Bearing 
Software for Data Processing Equipment". Since the Committee 's previous meeting, notifications 
relating to these two  decisions had been received from  Liechtenstein (G/VAL/N/3/LIE/1), 
Switzerland  (G/VAL/N/3/CHE/1) , and Viet Nam (G/VAL/N/3/VNM/1 and G/VAL/N/3/VNM/2) . The 
Chairperson noted that t he most recent status report, which covered all notifications, had been 
circulated in document  G/VAL/W/5/Rev.3 6. 
The Committee took note  of the information . 
4  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  
4.1  Article  20.3 – Technical Assistance Activities  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Committee 's Work Programme on Technical Assistance for 
Capacity -Building as Regards the Implementation and Administration of the WTO  Agreement on 
Customs Valuation was incorporated into the overall technical assistance program me of the WTO. 
He thanked the Secretariat for its role in delivering technical assistance on customs valuation matters 
in an eRTPC  for Asia-Pacific Members  that had taken place in June 2022. He also noted that Members 
could request technical assistance at any time , and that a national activity could be designed to 
meet the needs of the recipient.  Finally, he  noted that, in the context of notification require ments, 
this agenda item could provide an opportunity for Members to consider whether it would be helpful 
to request assistance with their notification s. 
The representative  of Ecuador  underscore d the importance of technical assistance in the work 
of this Committee , as indeed in other committee s too. Ecuador indicated that it had  received a 
request from its customs agency to organi ze a national activity on customs valuation specifically, 
and that it would  coordinate that request with the ITTC.  G/VAL/M/74  
 
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The represent ative of the United States  remarked that several federal  agencies ha d been active 
in supporting trading partners in the area of customs valuation . The US  Department of Commerce 
Commercial Law Development Program and U S Customs and Border Protection had provided a 
virtual seminar with representatives from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala on Advance Rulings 
Best Practices for Customs Valuation , and an in -person training on Revocations, Modifications, 
Appeals, and Effective Customs Coordination in Customs Valuation.  The US stated that p roviding 
advance rulings was critical to speeding up the flow of goods across borders , and that it  support ed 
Members implementing their obligations  under the CVA  and the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
The representative of Nigeri a thank ed the Secretariat for its work in upscal ing the capacity of 
developing countries towards  implementation of the CVA, and they also thanked  donors, including 
the United States  and other developed countries , which had been giving assistance to d eveloping 
countries. Nigeria requested an update regarding plans for the in-person customs valuation 
workshop with ECOWAS  member States that had been discussed when Nigeria had been the 
coordinator of the ECOWAS  informal group in Geneva , but which had then  been put on hold during 
the COVID -19 pandemic.  
The Secretariat  thanked Nigeria for its enquiry and confirmed that, while there had been plans 
to hold the workshop in 2020, COVID -19 restrictions had then entered into force  and the 
preparations had been halted given that there had been a preference to wait until the activity could 
be carried out in person. Since then, WTO  travel arrangements  had been modified to allow  for 
in-person missions to take place  again . Therefore, the Secretariat would reach out to assess whether 
the activity could be re -activated . 
The representative of Japan  wished to report on its technical assistance activities that had 
taken place since the Committee's previous formal meeting . As mentioned in the WCO 's report, 
Japan  had organized  nine training courses on the subject of Customs Valuation and Post -Clearance 
Audit in certain Asian and African countries , based on the needs of their respective customs offices. 
Japan planned  to resume in -person training sessions and to provide courses t hat were richer in 
content. Japan also indicated that future  workshops provided under the Master Trainer Programme 
for the Pacific Islands would  be carried out in November , in Fiji. Japan explained  that the programme 
was a joint project of the WCO and  the Japan International Cooperation Agency  that aimed to train 
Master Trainers in the field of Customs Valuation to assume a leading role in training and 
capacity -building in the region. The project's goal was for all of the participants to be recognized as 
competent Master Trainers upon completion of the programme in 2024.  
The Committee took note  of the information and statement s made.  
4.2  Information on Technical Assistance  by the WCO  
The Chairperson  recalled that , at its meeting of 12  May 1995, and as refle cted in section  B.4 
of document  G/VAL/5, the Committee had agreed that greater transparency in technical assistance 
activities would be ensured if information documents prepared for the WCO  TCCV were also made 
available as WTO  document s. In this regard, document  G/VAL/8/Add.4 4 contained the most recent 
information by the TCCV concerning technical assistance activities carried out by the 
WCO Secretariat.  
The representative of the World Customs Org anization  explained  that the TCCV had  asked the 
Secretariat to report on the activities of WTO Members , and to disseminate that report, in order to 
avoid overlap in terms of the different activities that WTO Members undertook . They had received 
communicati ons from Japan, the United States, and Uruguay, regarding technical assistance  
activities that had been  carried out , and these had been compiled  for a report by the WCO  Secretariat  
for the TCCV 's last session . In addition, t he WCO  Secretariat itself had carried out a number of 
activities  that had also been reflected in the report . 
The Committee took note  of the information  and statement made . G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  5  PRESHIPMENT INSPECTION  
5.1  Status of Notifications by Members  
The Chairperson  drew the Committee 's attentio n to the compilation of notifications pursuant 
to Article  5 of the Agreement on Preshipment Inspection. The current status of all preshipment 
inspection ( PSI) notifications was contained in the updated document  G/PSI/N/1/Rev.5 , together 
with document  G/PSI/N/1/Rev.5 /Add.1 , which reflect ed a notification from Botswana, and 
G/PSI/N/1/Rev.5/ Add.2 , which reflect ed a notification from the United Kingdom . 
The Committee took note  of the information.  
5.2  Questions and Responses  
5.2.1   China  
The Chairperson  recalled  that t he United States had raised follow -up questions in 
document  G/PSI/Q/ CHN/ 3, and noted that China had provided responses that would be circulated 
in document G/PSI/Q/CHN/4 . 
The representative of  the United States  thanked China for its replies, which would be reviewed 
and followed  up on, if necessary.  
The representative of China  noted that it had  received follow -up question s on preshipment 
inspection from the United States , and that it had  recently replied to the r elevant questions  and 
would  continue to actively maintain communication  with the US . 
The Committee took note  of the statements made and agreed  to revert to this matter  at its 
next meeting . 
5.2.2   Indonesia  
The Chairperson  recalled that the United States had submitted follow -up questions in 
document  G/PSI/Q/IDN/ 4. 
The representative of  the United States  thanked  Indonesia for its reply , in 
document  G/PSI/Q/IDN/3 , indicating that its measures had been revoked.  The US had  recen tly 
submitted a follow -up question , in document  G/PSI/Q/IDN/4 , asking  when the replacement measure 
would  be notified . The US looked forward to receiving Indonesia 's notification of its current 
PSI regulation.  
The representative of  Indonesia  thanked  the United States for its continued interest regarding 
Indonesia's Import Verification policy. Regarding the recent US questions , in 
document  G/PSI/Q/IDN/2, Indonesia reiterated its  response as provided in 
document  G/PSI/Q/IDN/3 , namely  that Import Verifi cation  (VPTI)  was not a PSI activity because the 
said measure only involve d document check activity to verify the conformity of goods imported in to 
Indonesia with the import documents from the origin countries. Indonesia added that VPTI was 
intended to ens ure that its trade respect ed health, safety, and environmental concern s. Indonesia 
considered it irrelevant to  notify the regulation concerning Import Verification to the Committee but 
would  provide a written reply  in due course . 
The Committee took note  of the statements made and agreed  to revert to this matter  at its 
next meeting . 
5.2.3   Saint Lucia  
The Chairperson  recalled that the United States had raised questions in 
document  G/VAL/W/354 regarding Saint Lucia's  notification of legisla tion relating to PSI.  G/VAL/M/74  
 
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The representative of  the United States  thank ed Saint Lucia for notifying its preshipment 
inspectio n measures for vehicles.  The US noted that it had submitted questions in 2020, in 
document  G/VAL/ W/354 , and look ed forward to receiving Saint Lucia 's written response.  
The Committee took note  of the statement made and agreed  to revert to this matter  at its 
next meeting . 
5.3  Information on the PSI Programme Compiled by the TIC Council  
The Chairperson  recalled that the Testing, Inspect ion and Certification (TIC)  Council had 
provided the most recent information from its members regarding the existence of PSI  programmes. 
This information had been circulated to WTO Members in document  G/VAL/W/63/Rev.2 9. 
The Committee took note  of the information.  
6  ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE CVA (G/VAL/W/383)  
The Chairperson  drew Members' attention to Article  23 of the Agreement, which provided that 
the Committee should annually  review the implementation and  operation of the Agreement, taking 
into acco unt the objectives thereof. The Secretariat had prepared a draft in line with previous 
reviews . This draft had been circulated in document  G/VAL/W/38 3. 
The Committee agreed  to adopt the report on the basis of the draft contained in 
document  G/VAL/W/38 3, and to instruct the Secretariat to circulate it as document  G/VAL/7 9. 
7  ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CTG (G/VAL/W/384)  
The Chairperson  recalled that Article  23 of the Agreement also require d the Committee to 
inform the C TG annually of any developments during the relevant reporting period. To that end, the 
Secretariat had prepared a draft Annual Report, which had been circulated in 
document  G/VAL/W/38 4. 
The Committee agreed  to adopt the report on the basis of the draft contai ned in 
document  G/VAL/W/38 4, and to instruct the Secretariat to finalize it for circulation as a  
G/L document.2 
8  CTG REQUEST FOR REPORT ON ACTIONS ADOPTED  BY THE CCV TO IMPROVE ITS WORK  
The Chairperson  explained that the Chair person  of the C TG had been engaging in bilateral 
consultations with the aim of addressing certain implementation matters flowing out of MC12, 
including those relating to improving the functioning of WTO  Committees. As part of that process, 
the CTG  Chairperson  had requested the Chair person s of the CTG's subsidiary bodies to prepare a 
report  under their  own responsibility, describing the concrete actions their committees ha d adopted 
over the past years to improve their work, as well as any proposals for improvements  that had been 
submitted.  This first  report was to be a factual mapping exercise that would list the Committee 's 
current practi ces and identify past efforts to improve its work, as well as the current status of the 
Committee's practices. It would  list, for  example, any work that the Committee undertook in the 
area of providing assistance to delegates, plus how the Committee 's work was organized – for 
example, the planning and organization of meetings and whether any digital tools were used to 
facilitate its work.  The Chairperson explained that he  was in the early stages of preparing the report  
and that his intention was to circulate a n advance draft to the Committee allowing 48 hours for 
comment. The Chairperson requested to hear Members' responses to the st eps that he had outlined.  
The representative of the United States  expressed US appreciation for the Chair person 's effort s 
to assemble the requested factual report . The US indicated that it would review the draft report 
careful ly once it had been circulated to Members for comment.  At the same time, the  US hoped that 
Members would receive more time in which to provide their comment s, especially  as it wished to be 
sure of making a useful and comprehensive contribution to the exercise.  The US saw  a great deal of 
 
2 The final report was circulated as document  G/L/1442. G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  value in the discussion and look ed forward to further exchanges on ways to improve the functioning 
of the CCV.  
9  CHAIR REPORT ON CONSULTATIONS REGARDING A POSSIBLE INFORMAL SESSION ON 
EXPERIENCE -SHARING IN 2023  
The Chairperson  recall ed that, at the Committee 's previous  meeting , Members  had expressed 
their support for exploring the possibility of holding an informal experience -sharing session. An 
invitation to Members to participate in consultation s was issued to allow for an exchange of views 
on the suggestion , and the  first consultation  meeting  took place in September  2022. Following an 
initial small -group discussion, the Chairperson also met with  delegates bilaterally to receive any 
feedback that they might have further to that first meeting . The consultations were still at an early 
stage  and no issue or issues to be covered in the session  had yet been defined , and nor was there 
a defined structure for the session  as yet . The Chairperson also invited  other Members that might 
be interested in part icipating in the process to contact him. Overall, the Chairperson reported that 
in principle there was  general support among Members for having an experience -sharing session , 
although work remained to be done to identify the topics and process that would b e agreeable to 
the Committee.  The Chairperson indicated that he wished to convene an informal meeting in January 
of the following year to discuss the status of the experience -sharing session and to work out its 
details . In the meantime , his door remained open for further consultation s. 
The representative of the United States  thanked  the Chair for these efforts to provide a venue 
for a more informal exchange of information on valuation and Committee issues.  The US looked 
forward to furth er discussions with the Chair  and Members to develop a useful format and to ensure 
a productive informal exchange on the margins of the spring meeting.  
The representative  of China  noted that it had participated in the discussions regarding an  
experience -sharing session . China had been supportive of the proposal because it considered it to 
be an opportunity for Member s and stakeholders to exchange views on  matters relating to customs 
valuation , and also to share their experience s in implementation of the CVA. To this end, China 
looked forward to discussing possible topics, format, and expected outcomes. With regard to 
references to "reform" in a proposed topic, China wondered whether this would be a systematic issue 
that might limit the scope of the sharing and proposed adjusting this to refer to something like 
"possible solutions".  If the experience -sharing meeting was to be held in spring 2023, China would 
be willing to deliver a presentation outlining its customs valuation practices ; however, China  may 
require some time to consider the topic and content of their presentation.  China also invited the  
Committee to think about the possibility of sharing information on the history of the Agreement. In 
this regard, China noted that the TCCV was now encoun tering difficulties in uniform interpretation 
of the definition of "price actually paid or payable" , which might relate to the history of the 
Agreement. This issue was relevant to the topic of the informal meeting because the question 
discussed at the TCCV  reflect ed certain major challenges faced by Member s, which touche d upon 
the fundamental concept of the Agreement, and for which uniform interpretation  was needed . The 
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)  had provided some historical perspective,  but China 
hoped that the C ommittee might  shed additional light on the issue.  
The representative of Ecuador  thanked the Chair for holding consultations on this topic. Ecuador 
had been listening v ery carefully to the discussions in this and other committees and would continue 
its consultations in Capital to confirm the possibility of participating with a presentation once they 
had a clearer understanding of  the topics and specific dates.  
The repres entative of the European Union  expressed its support for  the initiative of 
experience -sharing and looked  forward to receiving further details , including on the participation of 
other Members.  
The representative of India stated that India had been a keen participant in these discussions 
because it believe d that such a session  would be very important as a way for Members to share their 
experience and knowledge on this very important topic of customs valuation. India stated that it  
would be happy to participat e in further consultations or discussions on this topic.  
The Chairperson  thanked delegations for their comments and indicated that he would continue 
the consultations at  an informal meeting to be held in January  2023. G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  10  PRESENTATION OF A CCV -SPECIFIC E -AGEND A PROTOTYPE FOR CONSIDERATION ON 
NEXT STEPS BY THE COMMITTEE  
The Chairperson  explained that , at the Committee's previous meeting , the Secretariat had 
been asked to develop the eAgenda platform for the CCV with the aim of having a prototype to 
present to Members at that meeting. Before he opened the floor to Members, the Chairperson  invite d 
the Secretariat to make a short presentation regarding the mock eAgenda platform that had since 
been developed for the Committee . 
The representative of the United States  requested the opportunity to test a pilot version of 
the CCV's eAgenda . The US encourage d other Members to do likewise in order to evaluate the CCV's 
prototype eAgenda before agreeing to adopt it.  
The Chairperson  indicated that a session could be organized in January so that the Committee  
could test the prototype and see if they could agree to adopt it . 
The meeting was adjourned . 
  G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  ANNEX  
REPORT TO THE WTO  COMMITTEE ON CUSTOMS VALUATION   
ON THE WORK OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON CUSTOMS VALUATION  
(55TH SESSION)  
The 55th Session of the Technical Committee on Customs Valuation (Technical Committee) was held 
from 19  September to 21  October  2022 in the form of a hybrid meeting. It was chaired by Ms  Santa 
Marianela MARTE of the Dominican Republic. The period from 19  September to 7  October was 
devoted to online discussions followed by the consultation phase from 10 to 14  October  2022. The 
virtual meeting was held from 17 to 21  October on Zoom. 281  delegates fro m 93  delegations 
(91 countries and two  international organizations) registered to take part in the meeting. Since the 
meeting took place in hybrid form, certain participants were able to attend in person.  
 
Specific Technical Questions  
 
The Technical Committee continued the examination of six  specific technical questions submitted by 
Members.  
 
– Valuation treatment of ancillary charges under Article  1 of the Agreement – Request by 
Mauritius  
 
The Technical Committee concluded the examination o f this question raised by Uruguayan 
Customs and adopted Advisory Opinion  25.1, which will be submitted to the Council for 
approval.  
– Treatment of costs associated with the return of carriages used in the transportation of 
imported goods – Request by North  Macedonia  
 
The Technical Committee decided to place this question in Part  III of the "Conspectus of 
Technical Valuation Questions".  
 
The Technical Committee decided to continue examining the following four  questions at its next 
Session, i.e., the 56th Session.  
 
– Treatment applicable to goods subject to licensing contracts for distinctive signs – 
Request by Uruguay  
 
– Accumulated discounts in e-commerce sales – Request by Uruguay  
 
– Valuation treatment of ex clusive distribution fees – Request by Fiji  
 
– Meaning of the expression "the price for the imported goods" under paragraph  4 of the 
Interpretative Note to Article  1 – Request by Uruguay  
 
Two questions were received in the period prior to the 55th Session.  
 
– Meaning of the expression "in substantially the same quantity" under Articles  2 and 3 
of the Agreement and the Interpretative Notes to these Articles – Request by Guatemala  
 
– Treatment applicable to transactions concluded in units of cryptocur rency – Request by 
Uruguay  
 
The Technical Committee agreed to examine these two  questions as new specific technical questions 
at the 56th Session.  
 G/VAL/M/74  
 
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  Other Issues  
 
The Technical Committee decided to hold a "Theme Meeting" at its 57th Session, on a topic to b e 
determined during the next Session.  
 
As part of the presentations given by Members or observers on specific customs valuation issues, 
the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) delivered a presentation on "exclusive distribution 
arrangements".  
 
Elections  
 
The Technical Committee on Customs Valuation:  
 
– Re-elected by acclamation Ms  Santa Marianela MARTE of the Dominican Republic as 
Chairperson and Ms  Qianyu LIN of China as Vice Chairperson, for an additional one -year 
term;  
 
– Elected by acclamation Mr  Yacouba MEITE of Côte d'Ivoire as Vice Chairperson for a 
first one-year term.  
 
Date of next Session  
 
The dates of the 56th Session of the Technical Committee are provisionally set as 2 to 5  May 2023.  
 
__________  