WTO E-Commerce Moratorium
First adopted at the Second Ministerial Conference in Geneva in 1998 as part of the Global Declaration on E-Commerce, the moratorium prohibits WTO members from levying customs duties on electronic transmissions — software, music, streaming, online financial services, and similar digital goods. Originally intended as a temporary measure for a "fledgling" sector, it has been renewed at every subsequent MC. The moratorium expired formally in March 2026, and its renewal or termination is a central agenda item at MC14.
- Developing countries like India, South Africa, and Indonesia argue the moratorium costs them tariff revenue on high-value digital goods predominantly exported by the US, EU, and China.
- UNCTAD estimated foregone revenue for developing countries at $10 billion annually.
- Developed countries and digital industry lobbies argue that imposing duties would fragment the global digital economy and raise costs for all consumers.
● Tracked since March 08, 2026 · last seen April 02, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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