The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) is a multilateral treaty, in force since 2017, that sets binding measures to expedite the movement, release, and clearance of goods across borders. It mandates simplified customs procedures, advance ruling systems, electronic payment, single-window submission, and cooperation between border agencies. The TFA matters because it reduces trade costs and delays, with provisions tied to the capacity of developing-country members.
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- The TFA harmonises customs practice through single-window electronic submission, advance rulings, and inter-agency border cooperation. Its differentiated implementation schedule lets developing and least-developed members phase in commitments according to their administrative capacity, often with technical assistance.