At its 15 October 2026 meeting, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Import Licensing examined challenges WTO members face in preparing notifications, including findings from a recent WTO workshop for government officials. It also reviewed the latest information on members’ notification practices. The Committee also considered a range of trade concerns. It reflected on lessons from recent experience-sharing sessions aimed at strengthening communication, public-private engagement and access to information on import licensing procedures.
Notifications
At the meeting, the WTO Secretariat presented findings from a survey of participants in the workshop on Import Licensing and Notifications, held in September 2026, highlighting the practical challenges participants face in preparing notifications. Some 68% of respondents reported difficulties obtaining information from the responsible authorities. For the annual questionnaire, 72% cited difficulties obtaining up-to-date information. In comparison, 48% reported challenges identifying all relevant licensing and similar administrative procedures.
For improvements, respondents highlighted clearer responsibilities among authorities (52%) and the designation of a national focal point (44%), along with stronger inter-agency coordination, regular reporting of changes to licensing procedures, practical guidance and examples, and additional technical assistance. The findings suggest that the main challenges arise before drafting, particularly in identifying relevant procedures and gathering current information. The survey allowed multiple responses, and its findings reflect participants’ experiences rather than the WTO membership as a whole.
The Chair (South Korea) informed members that since the last committee meeting in June, a total of 49 notifications had been received under various provisions of the Agreement on Import Licensing. Of these, 16 were received after the meeting agenda closed and will be reviewed at the next committee meeting.
Of the 33 notifications reviewed at the 15 October 2026 meeting, 23 notifications were submitted under Article 7.3 of the Agreement. Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing requires members to promptly complete the annual questionnaire on import licensing procedures in full.
Regarding the annual questionnaire, the Chair noted that 21 members had never submitted a reply since joining the WTO. In addition, 11 members have never submitted any notifications under the Agreement on Import Licensing. The Chair encouraged these members to take the first step or contact the WTO Secretariat for technical assistance.
Trade concerns
The committee addressed follow-up questions on two (2) trade concerns raised at the 15 October 2026 meeting. These included one from Brazil on submitting due diligence statements under the European Union (EU) Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and another from Japan on import restrictions in Indonesia on various products, including electrical products, steel products, and fabrics.
The committee then addressed 14 trade concerns regarding import licensing regimes of various products. Two (2) of these concerns were raised for the first time, while the others were raised at the committee’s previous meeting in June 2026 or at earlier meetings. The trade concerns cover:
- Angola’s import licensing procedures for agricultural products, raised by the United States of America (US);
- Egypt’s import licensing requirements for certain agricultural and processed products, raised by the EU;
- The EU’s due diligence requirements under the EUDR, raised by Australia;
- India’s Quality Control Order on plywood and wooden flush door shutters, raised by Indonesia;
- India’s importation of pneumatic tyres, raised by the EU, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand;
- India’s import licensing measures on personal computers, tablets and other electronic products, raised by Japan;
- India’s import licensing suspension for refurbished medical devices, raised by the US;
- India’s furniture quality control order, raised by Indonesia;
- Indonesia’s commodity balancing mechanism, raised by Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (UK);
- Indonesia’s import licensing regime for certain textile products, raised by Japan;
- Indonesia’s compulsory registration by importers of steel products, raised by Japan;
- Indonesia’s import restriction on air conditioners, raised by Japan;
- Thailand’s import procedures for wheat feed, raised by the EU; and
- Türkiye’s import restrictions on two-wheelers, raised by India.
Transparency and experience-sharing
The Chair noted that the committee had undertaken several initiatives to improve further transparency, with active member involvement and support from the Secretariat. These initiatives include organising two experience-sharing sessions that brought together representatives from the public and private sectors.
The first experience-sharing session took place in April 2025 and focused on “Overcoming Roadblocks to Notifications”. Building on members’ sustained interest and engagement, the second experience-sharing session took place on 04 June 2026, this time with private-sector representatives.
Entitled “Enhancing Transparency and Trade Predictability through Effective Notification Practices, Public-Private Collaboration, and Digitalisation of Import Licensing Procedures,” the second session allowed participants to exchange practical experiences and perspectives on the challenges of import licensing procedures and their impact on traders and businesses.
The Chair said the presentations and subsequent exchanges highlighted three closely related areas for further consideration: first, improving notification practices; second, strengthening the communication and accessibility of information; and third, enhancing interaction among members and with the private sector.
Seven (7) members took the floor to comment. The Chair said the interventions showed members valued this kind of experience sharing. The Chair added that the Secretariat would compile all suggestions and hold an informal meeting to decide how to move forward.
Next meeting
It is tentatively scheduled for 22 April 2027.