6th March 2026
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is urging countries to strengthen trade transparency mechanisms, warning that when information on trade procedures is difficult to access, smaller traders and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) bear the greatest burden.
In a new study, UNCTAD examines how to turn trade transparency from a formal regulatory obligation into a practical tool that delivers real benefits for businesses. The report highlights that unclear guidance on import, export and transit procedures increases uncertainty, driving up costs and causing delays that disproportionately affect smaller firms seeking to participate in global trade.
Gaps in Trade Facilitation Enquiry Points
Under Article 1 of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), member states must publish and make easily accessible information on trade procedures. Article 1.3 further requires the establishment of trade facilitation enquiry points to provide traders with clear guidance.
However, UNCTAD’s study, “Trade facilitation enquiry points: Analysis and best practices for operating enquiry points,” finds significant shortcomings in implementation. Using a “mystery client” approach, researchers discovered that although nearly three-quarters of WTO members have formally notified the creation of enquiry points, more than 60% failed to respond to a standard trade-related enquiry.
The report stresses the need for continuous improvement to ensure enquiry points become effective trade facilitation tools rather than merely procedural requirements.
What Makes Enquiry Points Effective?
The study shows that performance depends less on formal designation and more on organization and management practices.
Centralized enquiry points—often operated by customs or revenue authorities—tend to function more reliably than systems fragmented across multiple agencies. Those using institutional email addresses also show higher response rates compared to those relying on individual staff accounts.
While rapid replies are important, the report notes that accurate and meaningful responses may require coordination across agencies. Setting realistic response timelines and managing expectations can therefore be just as critical as speed. Enquiry points integrated with trade information portals were also found to provide clearer and more precise guidance.
Importantly, the study highlights successful examples from developing and least developed countries, demonstrating that effective enquiry systems can be established even with limited resources.
From Compliance to Practical Results
UNCTAD calls on WTO members to move beyond formal compliance and ensure that enquiry points operate effectively in practice. The report recommends country-specific roadmaps to strengthen service standards, improve responsiveness and support performance monitoring.
National trade facilitation committees are identified as key actors in coordinating enquiry mechanisms, tracking performance and sharing practical solutions across agencies.
UNCTAD has pledged to continue supporting countries through targeted technical assistance, capacity-building and advisory services. Efforts will focus on enhancing accessibility, responsiveness and coordination to ensure that trade transparency commitments translate into tangible benefits—particularly for MSMEs seeking to engage in international trade.
The message from UNCTAD is clear: effective transparency is not just about meeting legal obligations, but about creating a predictable and inclusive trading environment where smaller businesses can compete and grow.