ProposalsArticleV

The GATT Article V //Freedom of Transit// is one of the three GATT Articles that constitute the basis for the WTO negotiations on trade facilitation. The objective of the negotiations is to review and, if necessary, change the existing GATT rules to expedite the movement of goods across borders. In the negotiating process that was launched in August 2004, WTO members have put forward proposals regarding GATT Article V. These proposals address the following issues:
 * the use of guarantees to ensure that all fiscal obligations towards the transit country are met (limitation of the amount of the guarantees, prompt release and possibility to use running guarantees)
 * cross-border cooperation to exchange information on regulations in place
 * en-route treatment of traffic in transit
 * possibility or not to levy a transit charge
 * physical separate infrastructure at border crossings
 * strengthening of non-discrimination and most-favoured nation treatment
 * information and transparency on transit-related regulations
 * extension of coverage of GATT Article V to fixed infrastructures, such as pipelines and electricity grids

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