Trade Facilitation Enquiry Points: Analysis and Best Practices for Operating Enquiry Points (Transport and Trade Facilitation Series)

In today’s complex global trade environment, many businesses - particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and informal traders - face persistent barriers to participating in international trade.A major challenge is the lack of accessible, clear, and up-to-date information on import, export, and transit procedures.For smaller actors, navigating trade processes can be confusing, time-consuming, and costly, limiting their competitiveness and growth potential.The World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade Facilitation (WTO TFA) addresses this issue by emphasizing transparency.It mandates that trade-related information be publicly available and easily accessible through national platforms.It also requires the establishment of Enquiry Points - designated contact offices to provide clarification and support.These are not mere formalities, but vital tools that bridge the gap between policy and practice, helping to unlock inclusive trade opportunities.This publication ex