The European Union (EU) has asked the World Trade Organization (WTO) to discuss removing obstacles to electronic commerce and to help establish a clear set of rules for online trade. The EU suggests a deadline of December this year to clarify the international trade rules for electronic transactions. It backs the US government’s view that no duties should be imposed on the import of on-line products and services. An agreement within the WTO on this matter is due within the next few months, according to the US government. But as expected, the EU takes a tougher line than the US in calling for data protection rules to ensure the protection of privacy of individuals (see separate story today). The WTO is also urged to clarify the status of electronic commerce to see which existing WTO rules apply to electronic services and debate the issues of government procurement and intellectual property. Competition in the electronic commerce arena is another issue the EU wants discussed, along with unnecessary restrictions on access and use of the internet.
