The UK has reaffirmed its strong support for the E-Commerce Agreement (ECA) and its implementation within the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This statement was delivered by Kumar Iyer, UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, at the General Council meeting held on 5-6 October 2026 in Geneva.
Ambassador Iyer addressed questions from member states regarding the ECA, stating that the UK believes there is a robust institutional basis for the agreement within the WTO. He noted that the intention for the ECA has always been, and remains, to be incorporated into Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement.
The UK also highlighted that the WTO Secretariat's provision of logistical support and facilitation of technical assistance for ECA-related activities is a continuation of the support offered to other plurilateral groups, such as the Working Group on MSMEs. The UK stated that pursuing an agreement outside the WTO would be less transparent, open, and inclusive.