Lists of Environmental Goods: An Overview

This note provides an overview of developments related to the construction of lists of environmental goods (EGs). Such lists have been developed both for purposes of research as well as to facilitate trade negotiations (with a view to reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers). The note seeks to examine, in particular, the motivations or drivers behind various lists of EGs that have been developed, the broad scope of ‘environmental’ sectors and goods that have been included or excluded—particularly on lists submitted in the context of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations—and some broad observations that can be drawn from a preliminary observation of the scope or content of these lists. It will conclude by highlighting some implications for future trade negotiations on EGs and putting forward proposals that could help increase momentum, in particular, toward a ‘dual-pronged’ approach for developing EGs lists that could help economies reap both ‘environmental’ and ‘development’ benefits.