Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular first subparagraph of Article 207(4) in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

The Agreement on Trade Facilitation^f1 (‘the Agreement’) was concluded by the Union on the basis of Council Decision (EU) 2015/1947^f2 and entered into force on 22 February 2017.

Pursuant to Article 23.1.2 of the Agreement, the Committee on Trade Facilitation is to establish its own rules of procedure.

Pursuant to Article IV.6 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization, the rules of procedure of the Committee on Trade Facilitation are subject to the approval of the Council for Trade in Goods.

It is appropriate to establish the position to be taken, on behalf of the Union, in the Council for Trade in Goods, as the envisaged decision will be binding on the Union.

It is appropriate to agree with the proposed rules of procedure, which will enable the Committee on Trade Facilitation to operate efficiently. They are based on the Rules of Procedure of the General Council of the World Trade Organization with adjustments to meet the specific needs of the Committee on Trade Facilitation,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: