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WTO E‑Commerce Moratorium on Customs Duties
The WTO e-commerce moratorium is set to expire at the 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The issue is under discussion as members consider continuation of duty-free digital trade.
WTO E-commerce Moratorium:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Agreement | Provides commitment not to impose customs duties on electronic transmissions |
| Coverage | Includes software e books music films games and streaming services |
| Adoption | Established in 1998 at WTO Second Ministerial Conference Geneva |
| Renewal Cycle | Typically renewed every two years at WTO Ministerial Conferences |
| Latest Extension | Extended at MC13 in 2024 for two years |
| Current Status | Set to expire at 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé Cameroon |
| Purpose | Provides promotion of digital trade predictability and open internet without tariffs |
| WTO Establishment | Established in 1995 replacing General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade |
| Headquarters | Located in Geneva Switzerland |
| Functions | Comprises dispute settlement trade negotiations rule making and policy monitoring |
| Membership | Includes 166 members representing about 98 percent of world trade |
| Recent Members | Includes Comoros and Timor Leste joining in 2024 |
| Decision Making | Provides decision making by consensus among member countries |