Reduced Tariffs on Environmental Goods in Asia Pacific by 2015

The APEC Asia Pacific countries have agreed to reduce tariffs on environmental goods to 5% or less by 2015 and eliminate non-tariff barriers on goods and services, such as local content requirements. The area of services will be most contentious, as for example, will other nations professional qualifications and certifications be recognized. An example of international harmonization, is the UK developed SFIA set of skills for ICT professionals, as cited in my ICT Sustainability course.

As part of our larger commitment to promoting a green economy, APEC leaders agreed to support sustainable growth and create green jobs by:

• Developing a list in 2012 of environmental goods on which APEC economies will reduce applied tariffs to 5% or less by 2015, and eliminating non-tariff barriers to environmental goods and services, including local content requirements, which will help lower their costs, increase the dissemination of clean technologies, and create more green jobs;
• Pursuing a more aggressive target for reducing energy intensity across APEC economies by promoting technology and best practices in energy-smart buildings, transportation, and infrastructure;
• Phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, which encourage wasteful consumption, and reporting on progress annually; and
• Incorporating low-emissions development strategies into APEC economies’ growth plans.

From: APEC: Fact Sheet on 19th Annual Leaders Meeting Outcomes Creating Jobs, Growth, and Economic Opportunity with AELM Declaration & Annexes, The White House, USA, November 13, 2011