How to obtain documents

Documents are distributed in both electronic format and on paper. Dissemination procedures vary according to the format required.


Electronic document distribution

All official documents for which an electronic distribution is required are posted in Documents online  (official documents are those which bear a symbol). The inclusion of documents in this application is determined by the status assigned to them at the time of posting - either restricted (for Members only) or unrestricted (for everybody):


Paper document distribution

Unless instruction is given to the contrary, all official documents issued are circulated on paper to authorized recipients. The Documents Reproduction and Distribution Section (DRDS), a part of the Language Services and Documentation Division, is responsible for the paper dissemination of WTO documents and maintains official mailing lists of all subscribers (Member, Observer and other), together with information on the series that they are entitled to receive.


Mailing list procedures

To be included in a mailing list, the following procedures apply (for every category of user - Members, Observers, Organizations, Secretariat, Others):

New documents are distributed on a daily basis according to a structured and timely procedure; other types of distribution are determined by different priorities, including immediate temporary requirements.


Daily distribution

The daily distribution of documents comprises a number of dispatches to different subscriber groups:


Documents & Information Services (DIS)

The purpose of the DIS team is to provide information on official WTO documentation as well as other generic information to Members, observers, staff, other organizations and the public. The team also controls and distributes official WTO related documentation from delegations and the Secretariat to the pigeonholes, especially those concerning trade disputes.

Activities

 

Location: CWR (ground floor), the Atrium, and the SWR (ground floor)

Official timetable: 08:30 – 13:00 / 14:00 – 17:30

Phone number: +41 (0) 227395032

Email: [email protected]