The document discusses Article 10.2 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) which encourages member states to accept paper or electronic copies of supporting documents from traders to streamline trade. It notes the TFA recommends governments accept copies rather than original documents and calls for better inter-agency coordination, use of certified copies, supporting legislation, and engagement with the private sector to facilitate electronic information sharing. The document also questions what are considered best practices for implementing this article and lists potential benefits such as reduced costs, improved trade rankings, and stronger customs-business partnerships.

1. WTO TFA
Article 10.2
Acceptance of Copies
Leonardo Macedo
Mohammad Obeidat

2. Why TFA encourages Member States to
accept paper or electronic copies?
Question

3.  2.1 – Members shall endevour to accept paper
or electronic copies of supporting documents
 2.2 – Government agency holds the original and
other agencies shall accept copies
 2.3 – Members shall not require original or
copy of export declarations
Article 10.2

4.  Better coordination inter agencies
 Certified copies
 Legislation
 Change of mentality
 Private sector coordination
 Electronic security inter connectivity
with private sector and agencies
Challenges

5. What are the best practises?
Question

6. Best practises
 Mercosur
 Jordan and neighbour countries
 Regional Trade Agreements

7.  Save time and money
 Improve ranking in Doing Business
 Improve ranking in International
Competitiveness
 Better coordination
 Systems integration
 Enhance Customs – Business
partenership
Benefits