Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
Her Majesty's Government over what period of time they expect World Trade Organisation (WTO) members to (1) verify, and (2) certify, UK WTO members' schedules
Answered by Lord Price
The Government is preparing UK-specific WTO schedules which, as far as possible, will not alter the scope of UK market access obligations either in goods or services. This includes the market access currently enjoyed by trading partners under tariff rate quotas. The schedules will be circulated to the WTO membership, as the UK leaves the European Union. Following circulation if no objection has been raised within 3 months for goods and 45 days for services, the schedules will be certified. If an objection is raised the schedules will still come into effect but remain uncertified while we resolve it. An uncertified schedule does not stop a WTO member from trading with other countries or from negotiating Free Trade Agreements. The EU has traded without problem for many years whilst waiting for revised schedules to be certified.
Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in drafting UK-specific World Trade Organisation members' schedules for (1) members' goods schedules setting out upper limits for tariffs and detailing tariff rate quotas, and (2) members' services schedules setting out specific sectoral commitments and reservations
Answered by Lord Price
The Government is preparing UK-specific WTO schedules which, as far as possible, will not alter the scope of UK market access obligations either in goods or services. This includes the market access currently enjoyed by trading partners under tariff rate quotas. The schedules will be circulated to the WTO membership, as the UK leaves the European Union. Following circulation if no objection has been raised within 3 months for goods and 45 days for services, the schedules will be certified. If an objection is raised the schedules will still come into effect but remain uncertified while we resolve it. An uncertified schedule does not stop a WTO member from trading with other countries or from negotiating Free Trade Agreements. The EU has traded without problem for many years whilst waiting for revised schedules to be certified.