The Malaria Project

From Advocacy to Implementation

Gene Rosengardengene.rosengarden@verizon,net

Setting the Stage

Advocacy – Defining the Objective Eliminate tariffs on anti-malaria commodities

Bednets Insecticides Diagnostic kits Medications Insecticide sprayers

Facilitate clearance of shipments at the border

Implementation – Carrying out the objectives Questions

How do governments regulate their international trade? How to legally define the terms of reference, i.e. anti-malaria commodities?

Regulating International Trade

Product-specific approach Country-specific approach Country by product

Examples Customs tariffs Quotas Antidumping duties Anti-subsidy duties Embargoes

The Importance of the Tariff in Formulating Trade Policy

Tariff and statistical descriptions – 2 systems in one The significance of international trade data

You cannot responsibly regulate the international trade of a country unless you have access to complete and reliable foreign trade statistics

The tariff description is generally the starting point for defining trade policy in terms of product orientation

Defining the Product Terms of Reference

The World Customs Organization (WCO) (Established 1960)

Intergovernmental organization focused on; Harmonization and standardization of customs procedures and

programs Major commercial programs

Tariff classification systems Customs valuation Customs rules of origin Trade facilitation

Trade supply chain security Methodologies for facilitating international trade Enhancement of Customs enforcement and compliance activities

Defining the Product Terms of Reference – The Harmonized System (1988)

An international tariff and statistical classification for all goods used by almost 200 countries Set in a legal framework suitable for the imposition of tariffs and other

taxes. Aim is to classify each product in one place and one place only Approximately 5000 categories Each country may subdivide categories to reflect its tariff and

international trade statistical requirements System is maintained by a committee of its signatories in order to

promote uniformity of interpretation and to keep the system abreast of changes in technology and trading patterns.

Our Agenda

For the 5 major classes of anti-malaria commodities: Seek to establish the proper HS classifications

Provides uniform HS treatment on universal basis Facilitates analysis of trade

Encourage all malaria countries to immediately publish its international data for these goods based on WCO recommendation

Provides specific focus on goods of interest Develop unique categories in the Harmonized System (effective 2017)

Provides world wide opportunity for capturing and monitoring trade data, for assessing needs and for coordinating supply efforts

Provides basis for seeking tariff reduction/elimination Seek elimination of tariffs based on WCO classification decisions Seek preferred border clearance status

Permits expeditious release of shipments at the border thereby facilitating internal distribution