WTO Prelims Economy | UPSC Updates | Qualify IAS

WTO E-Transmission Moratorium - Quick Notes

What it is: WTO members agreed in 1998 to not impose customs duties on digital products (software, music, films, apps) transmitted electronically.

Renewed every 2 years at Ministerial Conferences — last extended at MC13, Abu Dhabi (2024).

India's Stand:

Opposes the moratorium

Demands policy space to tax digital products

Not a member of JSI (Joint Statement Initiative) on e-commerce

Key Classification Issue: Are digital products goods (GATT) or services (GATS)? — Still unresolved.

Examm Relevance: Prelims Economy and GS II & III — International trade, India's WTO position.