Ban Tariffs on Data Flows, International Chamber of Commerce Asks WTO

The International Chamber of Commerce urged the World Trade Organization to permanently ban tariffs on “cross-border data flows,” as a temporary ban soon expires. A 1998 moratorium should be made permanent to continue digital trade growth and prevent “trade barriers and burdensome customs duties,” ICC said Tuesday. Since the moratorium, “consumers have gained unprecedented access to new products and services” and international businesses accessed new markets. Three countries suggested ending the moratorium, including Indonesia, “going so far as to create tariff codes for ‘software and other digital goods transmitted electronically,” the business lobby said.