| 英文摘要 |
The WTO transparency mechanism aims to ensure the trade regulations are open, transparent, and predictable. Many WTO agreements contain transparency provisions, which stipulate WTO Member’s obligations that new or amended regulations affecting trade must be published, announced, and notified, etc. However, numerous Members did not satisfy their transparency obligations and thus some Members have circulated communications for reforming the transparency mechanism, hoping that the mechanism can play its due role. The COVID-19 epidemic made the transparency mechanism even more challenged. During the epidemic, Members implemented many trade-restricted regulations and measures, but few of them fulfilled their notification obligations because of lack of capacity and resources. Under this background, this article first introduces the WTO’s transparency provisions, including GATT Article XI, TBT, and SPS, and reviews the latest Member communications for reform of the transparency mechanism. Then analyze the challenges and opportunities of notification obligations during the epidemic. Finally, this article made suggestions for ways to strengthen the notification obligation in the postepidemic era. |
