The World Trade Organization (WTO) has published a informative note which describes how COVID-19 vaccines are being developed, manufactured and distributed around the world. The text details the vaccine value chain and identifies intersections with government trade policies and WTO rules.
The report titled "Development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines worldwide» highlights the national and global goals that have been set as part of an ambitious COVID-19 vaccination and response plan. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine are expected to be distributed by the end of 2021An August 2020 survey by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) estimates that there is capacity to produce up to 4 billion doses this year. However, the WTO notes that vaccine shortages occur regularly, with 69 countries reporting “stockouts” of yellow fever, measles and polio vaccines in 2018 (shortages lasting at least one month).
The report further notes that successful immunization programs needed to curb the pandemic “rely on functional, end-to-end temperature-sensitive logistics and supply chain systems by logistics providers, including through multimodal transport.” Accordingly, WTO provides a seven-step overview of the vaccine development and administration process in a graphics included in the text, addressed to policymakers to ensure that government efforts on COVID-19 result in prompt distribution of vaccines. Stresses that quality assurance is a continuing challenge and transparency is needed in all seven steps, which cover the following:
- Vaccine development
- National approval (manufacturing)
- Vaccine manufacturing
- National approval (importer)
- International distribution
- Border clearance
- Distribution and domestic surveillance
In identifying the role that trade policy can play in ensuring the rapid deployment of COVID-19 vaccines, the briefing note Expand the checklist with additional issues and questions for consideration as part of each step. On the first (Vaccine Development), the WTO notes the need for policies that promote the effective and timely cross-border exchange of scientific information, data and physical samples, as well as the need for national laws that facilitate international collaboration in research and development.
On the international physical distribution of a vaccine and border clearance (Steps 5 and 6), lawmakers are asked to consider what steps their governments can take to support expanded airline cargo capacity, ensure that export restrictions do not impede access to raw materials and components, and that COVID-19-related goods are prioritized for clearance, with simplified or expedited arrival procedures. They are also asked to consider what actions border agencies can take to ensure cold chain integrity, as several vaccines must be kept at subzero temperatures to remain viable and effective.
For each step, the note provides links to complementary WTO resources and additional literature.
Aduana News foi o primeiro jornal aduaneiro da Argentina a lançar sua versão digital. Com mais de 20 anos de trajetória, suas publicações e iniciativas têm como objetivo oferecer o conhecimento mais relevante sobre temas aduaneiros, contribuindo para a promoção do comércio seguro e da facilitação do comércio na região.
