EEC measures to adapt Customs Union to WTO entry terms

– The Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission has adopted a plan of top priority measures for 2013-2014 to adapt the economies of the Customs Union and Single Economic Space member states to the terms they have to meet to join the World Trade Organization. The document was published on the Eurasian Economic Commission website on 27 November, BelTA has learned.

The plan provides for working out methods to detect, analyze and remove the barriers that third countries introduce against Customs Union products. Assistance will be provided to remove such barriers.

The Eurasian Economic Commission will monitor the implementation of third countries’ trade and economic measures that influence the access of Customs Union merchandise to the markets of those countries. These measures will be analyzed for compliance with international obligations. Plans have been made to formulate common approaches to promote sensitive Customs Union exports to third countries bearing in mind WTO rules.

In line with the document the Commission is intent on monitoring statistics regarding the import of certain kinds of merchandise and on preparing the relevant proposals to regulate trade. Apart from that, a database of scientific rationale for veterinary and sanitary measures will be set up.

The plan also provides for raising the awareness of business circles of the Customs Union member states about the application of WTO rules and norms.