Which WTO agreement introduced multilateral rules for trade facilitation and customs procedures?

The WTO agreement that introduced multilateral rules for trade facilitation and customs procedures is the Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The Trade Facilitation Agreement, or TFA, aims to simplify, modernize and harmonize import and export procedures. Its provisions address subjects such as publication of information, advance rulings, release and clearance of goods, border-agency cooperation and customs cooperation.

The agreement was concluded at the WTO’s Ninth Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia, in 2013. It entered into force on 22 February 2017 after the required number of WTO members deposited their instruments of acceptance. It was the first multilateral agreement concluded since the WTO was created.

A distinctive feature is its implementation structure for developing and least-developed members. They classify commitments into categories linked to their ability to implement them and can receive technical assistance and capacity-building support. The agreement is about border procedures, not reducing every tariff or replacing customs laws.