Sixty-six WTO members adopt WTO Agreement on E-Commerce with interim arrangements
28 April 2026
On 28 March 2026, 66 World Trade Organization (“WTO”) members, representing approximately 70% of global trade, adopted a clear pathway to implement the world’s first baseline set of global digital trade rules. The interim arrangements, adopted by the participating 66 WTO members, would provide a pathway to bring the WTO Agreement on Electronic Commerce (“E-Commerce Agreement”) into force, while continuing to work towards its incorporation into the WTO legal framework of rules.
The E-Commerce Agreement includes provisions relating to enabling e-commerce through the adoption of legal frameworks that recognise electronic transactions, recognising the validity of electronic invoicing and electronic signatures, as well as ensuring that electronic contracts are not denied validity and legal enforceability because they have been made by electronic means. It also seeks to streamline import, export, and transit procedures for businesses by encouraging parties to allow trade administration documents to be submitted through a single-entry point in each jurisdiction.
The Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry (“MTI”), in a joint press release with its Japan and Australia counterparts, notes that the E-Commerce Agreement will significantly bolster stability and predictability for businesses and consumers around the world. It will unlock new opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises by reducing regulatory barriers and enhancing access to global markets. Recognising the importance of inclusive growth, the E-Commerce Agreement will also support developing and least developed country parties through flexible implementation periods, technical assistance, and initiatives under the Capacity Building Framework.
In addition, the implementation of the E-Commerce Agreement demonstrates that the WTO remains a vital platform for developing modern trade rules and addressing pressing trade policy issues at a critical time for global trade and the multilateral trading system. The 66 WTO members will proceed with their respective domestic procedures and the E-Commerce Agreement will enter into force for those members that have accepted it, after 45 Members have deposited their instruments of acceptance.
Reference materials
The following materials are available on the MTI website www.mti.gov.sg: