Declaration on global electronic commerce
The World Trade Organization (WTO) adopted a declaration on global electronic commerce during the second session of its Ministerial conference, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 18 to 20 May 1998. This follows the EU's request for a WTO debate on removing the obstacles to electronic commerce, and establishing a basic set of principles to improve transparency and legal certainty in this area. The General Council of the WTO has therefore undertaken, by the time of its next special session, to establish a comprehensive work programme examining all trade-related issues relating to global electronic commerce. The General Council will produce a report on progress on this work programme, and will submit any recommendations for action during the next session. It is recognized that work is ongoing in other international fora on this subject and that members will continue their current practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions. This declaration will be reviewed during the next session, taking into account the progress on the work programme.