Why services can’t realistically be tariffed and shouldn’t be
New ICC brief outlines why tariffs on cross-border services are unworkable and what policymakers should do instead.
WTO e-commerce Moratorium
The World Trade Organization (WTO) e-commerce Moratorium keeps digital trade tariff-free, cutting costs and barriers for small businesses, creators and entrepreneurs worldwide. To keep the digital economy open, affordable and accessible for all, this vital commitment must be renewed at the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference in March 2026.
Keep the digital economy open and affordable for everyone.
For over 25 years, members of the WTO have upheld a vital rule: no customs duties on electronic transmissions.
Known as the WTO Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions, or e-commerce Moratorium, this agreement ensures digital trade can flow freely across borders – without tariffs, without red tape and without added cost.
Millions of small businesses, entrepreneurs and independent creators benefit from a borderless digital economy to compete, grow and reach customers across borders. From cloud-based tools to apps, digital content and services helps people connect, create and earn a living.
Losing the Moratorium would fragment the digital economy, replacing open access with a patchwork of national rules. It would drive up the cost of digital tools and services, with micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and consumers in developing countries paying the highest price. Digital growth would slow, competitiveness would decline and affordable access – where it matters most – would be harder to achieve.
At the same time, businesses would face more red tape and higher compliance costs, while governments gain little additional revenue. Digital trade and innovation would be disrupted, closing doors to global markets. And with no clear way to tax ‘data at the border’, uncertainty – both legal and technical – would deepen.
STABILITY
Clarity and lower trade barriers that give businesses the confidence to invest and grow across borders.
PREDICTABILITY
A reliable policy environment, so that business can plan, trade and innovate without disruption.
OPPORTUNITY
A level playing field that lets small players export, scale, and innovate – generating far more revenues than tariffs ever could.
INCLUSION
Affordable digital trade that keeps MSMEs connected, competitive and part of the global economy.
As the global voice of business, we know what’s at stake. That’s why at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in March 2026, we are calling on governments to renew and permanently adopt the Moratorium to ensure a digital economy that is open, affordable and accessible for everyone, everywhere.
Your voice makes it stronger. Governments need to hear from businesses, creators and innovators like you. Add your story, share this message and help show why keeping the digital economy open matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Unless the Moratorium is renewed, it will expire by the conclusion of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, which is taking place 26-29 March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. WTO members will need to agree a ministerial decision, which will be adopted at the close of the conference.
Digital trade is much more than e-books or software. It underpins the operations of almost every modern business. Manufacturers rely on cloud computing for design and logistics, farmers use apps for weather and market data and retailers depend on online platforms to reach customers.
Tariffs on electronic transmissions would increase costs across sectors and disrupt complex global supply chains. MSMEs in particular rely on affordable digital services to innovate, expand exports and create jobs. If digital tariffs raise the price of these essential tools, the ripple effects will hurt the broader economy and everyday consumers.
Publications and insights
Global Industry Statement on the WTO Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has joined a global coalition of industry associations in a united call to renew the pivotal digital safeguard.
WTO e-commerce Moratorium: what’s at stake
In this series of joint policy briefs, ICC and the International Trade Centre (ITC) address topical trade policy issues from a development perspective, their potential and practical implications for business, particularly micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses, and make policy recommendations.
