WTO : Trade Policy Review Mechanism – UPSC Prelims

The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) was an early result of the Uruguay Round.

It is the main transparency instrument of the WTO, affording opportunities for a process of collective evaluation of the trade policies and practices of individual members.

Facilitating the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system by enhancing the transparency of Members’ trade policies.

To examine the impact of a Member’s trade policies and practices on the multilateral trading system.

The reviews take place in the Trade Policy Review Body which is actually the WTO General Council — comprising the WTO’s full membership — operating under special rules and procedures.

The trade policy review allows members to put the overall trade and economic policies of a country under the scanner.

The trade policies of developing countries are taken up for review every four years while developed ones face similar scrutiny every two years.

The mandate of the TPRM was broadened to cover services trade and intellectual property.

All WTO Members are subject to review under the TPRM.