CTE negotiators discuss way forward on identifying environmental goods

02 Mar '06

5 min read

During an informal 21-22 February meeting of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment Special Session (CTE-SS), Members decided on a work plan to at least start proceeding with the identification of environmental goods for the purpose of liberalising trade in them.

Divisions, however, remain about the broad approach to follow when liberalising trade in environmental goods, as well as on the overall scope of products to be discussed.

Also, while Members agreed that there is a distinction between goods that only have environmental uses and those that have additional purposes as well, they could not agree on a procedure for discussing these so-called dual or multiple use products.

They also remain uncertain about how to address issues such as special and differential treatment for developing countries and non-tariff barriers.

Paragraph 31(iii) of the Doha Declaration mandated Members to negotiate on "the reduction or, as appropriate, elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers to environmental goods and services."

The December 2005 Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration instructed them to complete this work "expeditiously."

Chair, US propose parameters to identify environmental goods

Members adopted a step-by-step approach towards fulfilling the Paragraph 31(iii) mandate. They decided to consider products from among the 480 that have already been identified in the environmental goods lists submitted by nine Members (and compiled into an informal document by the WTO Secretariat in November 2005, TN/TE/W/63).

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