Dominican Republic - Central America - United States FTA (CAFTA-DR) (2004)
Previous page Next page

(b) duties, taxes, and customs brokerage fees on the material paid in the territory of one or more of the Parties, other than duties and taxes that are waived, refunded, refundable, or otherwise recoverable, including credit against duty or tax paid or payable; and

(c) the cost of waste and spoilage resulting from the use of the material in the production of the good, less the value of renewable scrap or by-product.

2. Each Party shall provide that, for non-originating materials, the following expenses, where included under Article 4.3, may be deducted from the value of the material:

(a) the costs of freight, insurance, packing, and all other costs incurred in transporting the material within a Party's territory or between the territories of two or more Parties to the location of the producer;

(b) duties, taxes and customs brokerage fees on the material paid in the territory of one or more of the Parties, other than duties and taxes that are waived, refunded, refundable, or otherwise recoverable, including credit against duty or tax paid or payable;

(c) the cost of waste and spoilage resulting from the use of the material in the production of the good, less the value of renewable scrap or by-product; and

(d) the cost of originating materials used in the production of the non-originating material in the territory of a Party.

Article 4.5. Accumulation

1. Each Party shall provide that originating goods or materials of one or more of the Parties, incorporated into a good in the territory of another Party, shall be considered to originate in the territory of that other Party.

2. Each Party shall provide that a good is originating where the good is produced in the territory of one or more of the Parties by one or more producers, provided that the good satisfies the requirements in Article 4.1 and all other applicable requirements in this Chapter.

Article 4.6. De Minimis

1. Except as provided in Annex 4.6, each Party shall provide that a good that does not undergo a change in tariff classification pursuant to Annex 4.1 is nonetheless originating if the value of all non-originating materials used in the production of the good and that do not undergo the applicable change in tariff classification does not exceed ten percent of the adjusted value of the good, provided that the value of such non-originating materials shall be included in the value of non-originating materials for any applicable regional value content requirement and that the good meets all other applicable requirements in this Chapter.

2. With respect to a textile or apparel good, Article 3.25.7 (Rules of Origin and Related Matters) applies in place of paragraph 1.

Article 4.7. Fungible Goods and Materials

1. Each Party shall provide that an importer may claim that a fungible good or material is originating where the importer, exporter, or producer has:

(a) physically segregated each fungible good or material; or

(b) used any inventory management method, such as averaging, last-in-first-out (LIFO) or first-in-first-out (FIFO), recognized in the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles of the Party in which the production is performed or otherwise accepted by the Party in which the production is performed.

2. Each Party shall provide that the inventory management method selected under paragraph 1 for a particular fungible good or material shall continue to be used for that good or material throughout the fiscal year of the person that selected the inventory management method.

Article 4.8. Accessories, Spare Parts, and Tools

1. Each Party shall provide that a good's standard accessories, spare parts, or tools delivered with the good shall be treated as originating goods if the good is an originating good and shall be disregarded in determining whether all the non-originating materials used in the production of the good undergo the applicable change in tariff classification, provided that:

(a) the accessories, spare parts, or tools are classified with and not invoiced separately from the good, regardless of whether they appear specified or separately identified in the invoice itself; and

(b) the quantities and value of the accessories, spare parts, or tools are customary for the good.

2. If a good is subject to a regional value content requirement, the value of accessories, spare parts, or tools shall be taken into account as originating or non-originating materials, as the case may be, in calculating the regional value content of the good.

Article 4.9. Packaging Materials and Containers for Retail Sale

Each Party shall provide that packaging materials and containers in which a good is packaged for retail sale shall, if classified with the good, be disregarded in determining whether all the non-originating materials used in the production of the good undergo the applicable change in tariff classification set out in Annex 4.1 and, if the good is subject to a regional value content requirement, the value of such packaging materials and containers shall be taken into account as originating or non-originating materials, as the case may be, in calculating the regional value content of the good.

Article 4.10. Packing Materials and Containers for Shipment

Each Party shall provide that packing materials and containers for shipment shall be disregarded in determining whether a good is originating.

Article 4.11. Indirect Materials Used In Production

Each Party shall provide that an indirect material shall be considered to be an originating material without regard to where it is produced.

Article 4.12. Transit and Transshipment

Each Party shall provide that a good shall not be considered to be an originating good if the good:

(a) undergoes subsequent production or any other operation outside the territories of the Parties, other than unloading, reloading, or any other operation necessary to preserve the good in good condition or to transport the good to the territory of a Party; or

(b) does not remain under the control of customs authorities in the territory of a non- Party.

Article 4.13. Sets of Goods

1. Each Party shall provide that if goods are classified as a set as a result of the application of rule 3 of the General Rules of Interpretation of the Harmonized System, the set is originating only if each good in the set is originating and both the set and the goods meet all other applicable requirements in this Chapter.

2. Notwithstanding paragraph 1, a set of goods is originating if the value of all the non- originating goods in the set does not exceed 15 percent of the adjusted value of the set.

3. With respect to a textile or apparel good, Article 3.25.9 (Rules of Origin and Related Matters) applies in place of paragraphs 1 and 2.

Article 4.14. Consultation and Modifications

1. The Parties shall consult regularly to ensure that this Chapter is administered effectively, uniformly, and consistently with the spirit and objectives of this Agreement, and shall cooperate in the administration of this Chapter.

2. A Party that considers that a specific rule of origin set out in Annex 4.1 requires modification to take into account developments in production processes, lack of supply of originating materials, or other relevant factors may submit a proposed modification along with supporting rationale and any studies to the Commission for consideration.

3. On submission by a Party of a proposed modification under paragraph 2, the Commission may tefer the matter to an ad hoc working group within 60 days or on such other date as the Commission may decide. The working group shall meet to consider the proposed modification within 60 days of the date of referral or on such other date as the Commission may decide.

4. Within such period as the Commission may direct, the working group shall provide a report to the Commission, setting out its conclusions and recommendations, if any.

5. On receipt of the report, the Commission may take appropriate action under Article 19.1.3(b) (The Free Trade Commission).

6. With respect to a textile or apparel good, paragraphs 1 through 3 of Article 3.25 (Rules of Origin and Related Matters) apply in place of paragraphs 2 through 5.

Section B. Origin Procedures

Article 4.15. Obligations Relating to Importations

1. Each Party shall grant any claim for preferential tariff treatment made in accordance with this Chapter, unless the Party issues a written determination that the claim is invalid as a matter of law or fact.

2. A Party may deny preferential tariff treatment to a good if the importer fails to comply with any requirement in this Chapter.

3. No Party may subject an importer to any penalty for making an invalid claim for preferential tariff treatment if the importer:

(a) did not engage in negligence, gross negligence, or fraud in making the claim and pays any customs duty owing; or

(b) on becoming aware that such a claim is not valid, promptly and voluntarily corrects the claim and pays any customs duty owing.

4. Each Party may require that an importer who claims preferential tariff treatment for a good imported into its territory:

(a) declare in the importation document that the good is originating; (b) have in its possession at the time the declaration referred to in subparagraph (a) is made a written or electronic certification as described in Article 4.16, if the certification forms the basis for the claim;

(c) provide a copy of the certification, on request, to the importing Party's customs authority, if the certification forms the basis for the claim;

(d) when the importer has reason to believe that the declaration in subparagraph (a) is based on inaccurate information, correct the importation document and pay any customs duty owing;

(e) when a certification by a producer or exporter forms the basis for the claim, either provide or have in place, at the importer's option, an arrangement to have the producer or exporter provide, on request of the importing Party's customs authority, all information relied on by such producer or exporter in making such certification; and

(f) demonstrate, on request of the importing Party's customs authority, that the good is originating under Article 4.1, including that the good satisfies the requirements of Article 4.12.

5. Each Party shall provide that, where a good was originating when it was imported into its territory, but the importer of the good did not make a claim for preferential tariff treatment at the time of importation, that importer may, no later than one year after the date of importation, make a claim for preferential tariff treatment and apply for a refund of any excess duties paid as the result of the good not having been accorded preferential tariff treatment on presentation to its customs authority of:

(a) a written declaration, stating that the good was originating at the time of importation;

(b) on request of its customs authority, a copy of a written or electronic certification if a certification forms the basis for the claim, or other information demonstrating that the good was originating; and

(c) such other documentation relating to the importation of the good as its customs authority may require.

6. Each Party may provide that the importer is responsible for complying with the requirements of paragraph 4, notwithstanding that the importer may have based its claim for preferential tariff treatment on a certification or information that an exporter or producer provided.

7. Nothing in this Article shall prevent a Party from taking action under Article 3.24.6 (Customs Cooperation).

Article 4.16. Claims of Origin

1. Each Party shall provide that an importer may make a claim for preferential tariff treatment based on either:

(a) a written or electronic (3) certification by the importer, exporter, or producer; or

(b) the importer's knowledge that the good is an originating good, including reasonable reliance on information in the importer's possession that the good is an originating good. (4)

2. Each Party shall provide that a certification need not be made in a prescribed format, provided that the certification is in written or electronic form, including but not limited to the following elements:

(a) the name of the certifying person, including as necessary contact or other identifying information;

(b) tariff classification under the Harmonized System and a description of the good;

(c) information demonstrating that the good is originating;

(d) date of the certification; and

(e) in the case of blanket certification issued as set out in paragraph 4(b), the period that the certification covers.

3. Each Party shall provide that a certification by the producer or exporter of the good may be completed on the basis of:

(a) the producer's or exporter's knowledge that the good is originating; or

(b) in the case of an exporter, reasonable reliance on the producer's written or electronic certification that the good is originating.

No Party may require an exporter or producer to provide a written or electronic certification to another person.

4. Each Party shall provide that a certification may apply to:

(a) a single shipment of a good into the territory of a Party; or

(b) multiple shipments of identical goods within any period specified in the written or electronic certification, not exceeding 12 months from the date of the certification.

5. Each Party shall provide that a certification shall be valid for four years after the date it was issued.

6. Each Party shall allow an importer to submit a certification in the language of the importing Party or the exporting Party. In the latter case, the customs authority of the importing Party may require the importer to submit a translation of the certification in the language of the importing Party.

(3) Each Central American Party and the Dominican Republic shall authorize importers to provide electronic certifications beginning no later than three years after the date of entry into force of this Agreement.
(4) Each Central American Party and the Dominican Republic shall implement subparagraph (b) no later than three years after the date of entry into force of this Agreement.

Article 4.17. Exceptions

No Party may require a certification or information demonstrating that the good is originating where:

(a) the customs value of the importation does not exceed 1,500 U.S. dollars or the equivalent amount in the currency of the importing Party, or such higher amount as may be established by the importing Party, unless the importing Party considers the importation to be part of a series of importations carried out or planned for the purpose of evading compliance with the certification requirements; or

(b) it is a good for which the importing Party does not require the importer to present a certification or information demonstrating origin.

Article 4.18. Obligations Relating to Exportations

1. Each Party shall provide that:

(a) an exporter or a producer in its territory that has provided a written or electronic certification in accordance with Article 4.16 shall, on request, provide a copy to the appropriate authority of the Party;

(b) a false certification by an exporter or a producer in its territory that a good to be exported to the territory of another Party is originating shall be subject to penalties equivalent to those that would apply to an importer in its territory that makes a false statement or representation in connection with an importation, with appropriate modifications; and

(c) when an exporter or a producer in its territory has provided a certification and has reason to believe that the certification contains or is based on incorrect information, the exporter or producer shall promptly notify in writing every person to whom the exporter or producer provided the certification of any change that could affect the accuracy or validity of the certification.

2. No Party may impose penalties on an exporter or a producer for providing an incorrect certification if the exporter or producer voluntarily notifies in writing all persons to whom it has provided the certification that it was incorrect.

Article 4.19. Record Keeping Requirements

1. Each Party shall provide that an exporter or a producer in its territory that provides a certification in accordance with Article 4.16 shall maintain, for a minimum of five years from the date the certification was issued, all records and documents necessary to demonstrate that a good for which the producer or exporter provided a certification was an originating good, including records and documents concerning:

(a) the purchase of, cost of, value of, and payment for, the exported good;

(b) the purchase of, cost of, value of, and payment for, all materials, including indirect materials, used in the production of the exported good; and

(c) the production of the good in the form in which it was exported.

2. Each Party shall provide that an importer claiming preferential tariff treatment for a good imported into the Party's territory shall maintain, for a minimum of five years from the date of importation of the good, all records and documents necessary to demonstrate the good qualified for the preferential tariff treatment.

Article 4.20. Verification

1. For purposes of determining whether a good imported into its territory from the territory of another Party is an originating good, each Party shall ensure that its customs authority or other competent authority may conduct a verification by means of:

(a) written requests for information from the importer, exporter, or producer;

(b) written questionnaires to the importer, exporter, or producer;

(c) visits to the premises of an exporter or producer in the territory of the other Party, to review the records referred to in Article 4.19 or observe the facilities used in the production of the good, in accordance with the framework that the Parties develop pursuant to Article 4.21.2;

(d) for a textile or apparel good, the procedures set out in Article 3.24 (Customs Cooperation); or

(e) such other procedures to which the importing and exporting Parties may agree. 2. A Party may deny preferential tariff treatment to an imported good where:

(a) the exporter, producer, or importer fails to respond to a written request for information or questionnaire within a reasonable period, as established in the importing Party's law;

(b) after receipt of a written notification for a verification visit to which the importing and exporting Parties have agreed, the exporter or producer does not provide its written consent within a reasonable period, as established by the importing Party's law; or

(c) the Party finds a pattern of conduct indicating that an importer, exporter, or producer has provided false or unsupported declarations that a good imported into its territory is an originating good.

3. Except as provided in Article 3.24.6(d) (Customs Cooperation), a Party conducting a verification shall provide the importer a determination, in writing, of whether the good is originating. The Party’s determination shall include factual findings and the legal basis for the determination.

4. If an importing Party makes a determination under paragraph 3 that a good is not originating, the Party shall not apply that determination to an importation made before the date of the determination where:

(a) the customs authority of the exporting Party issued an advance ruling regarding the tariff classification or valuation of one or more materials used in the good under Article 5.10 (Advance Rulings);

(b) the importing Party's determination is based on a tariff classification or valuation for such materials that is different than that provided for in the advance ruling referred to in subparagraph (a); and

(c) the customs authority issued the advance ruling before the importing Party’s determination.

5. Where an importing Party determines through verification that an importer, exporter, or producer has engaged in a pattern of conduct in providing false or unsupported statements, declarations, or certifications that a good imported into its territory is originating the Party may suspend preferential tariff treatment to identical goods covered by subsequent statements, declarations, or certifications by that importer, exporter, or producer until the importing Party determines that the importer, exporter, or producer is in compliance with this Chapter.

Article 4.21. Common Guidelines

1. The Parties shall agree on and publish common guidelines for the interpretation, application, and administration of this Chapter and the relevant provisions of Chapter Three (National Treatment and Market Access for Goods) and shall endeavor to do so by the date of entry into force of this Agreement. The Parties may agree to modify the common guidelines.

2. The Parties shall endeavor to develop a framework for conducting verifications pursuant to Article 4.20.1(c).

Article 4.22. Definitions

For purposes of this Chapter:

adjusted value means the value determined in accordance with Articles 1 through 8, Article 15, and the corresponding interpretative notes of the Customs Valuation Agreement, adjusted, if necessary, to exclude any costs, charges, or expenses incurred for transportation, insurance, and related services incident to the international shipment of the merchandise from the country of exportation to the place of importation;

class of motor vehicles means any one of the following categories of motor vehicles:

(a) motor vehicles provided for in subheading 8701.20, motor vehicles for the transport of 16 or more persons provided for in subheading 8702.10 or 8702.90, and motor vehicles of subheading 8704.10, 8704.22, 8704.23, 8704.32, or 8704.90, or heading 87.05 or 87.06;

(b) motor vehicles provided for in subheading 8701.10 or subheadings 8701.30 through 8701.90;

(c) motor vehicles for the transport of 15 or fewer persons provided for in subheading 8702.10 or 8702.90, and motor vehicles of subheading 8704.21 or 8704.31; or

(d) motor vehicles provided for in subheadings 8703.21 through 8703.90;

fungible goods or materials means goods or materials that are interchangeable for commercial purposes and whose properties are essentially identical;

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles means recognized consensus or substantial authoritative support given in the territory of a Party with respect to the recording of revenues, expenses, costs, assets, and liabilities, the disclosure of information, and the preparation of financial statements. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles may encompass broad guidelines for general application, as well as detailed standards, practices, and procedures;

good means any merchandise, product, article, or material;

goods wholly obtained or produced entirely in the territory of one or more of the Parties means:

(a) plants and plant products harvested or gathered in the territory of one or more of the Parties;

(b) live animals born and raised in the territory of one or more of the Parties;

(c) goods obtained in the territory of one or more of the Parties from live animals;

(d) goods obtained from hunting, trapping, fishing, or aquaculture conducted in the territory of one or more of the Parties;

(e) minerals and other natural resources not included in subparagraphs (a) through (d) extracted or taken from the territory of one or more of the Parties;

(f) fish, shellfish, and other marine life taken from the sea, seabed, or subsoil outside the territory of one or more of the Parties by vessels registered or recorded with a Party and flying its flag;

(g) goods produced on board factory ships from the goods referred to in subparagraph (f), provided such factory ships are registered or recorded with that Party and fly its flag;

(h) goods taken by a Party or a person of a Party from the seabed or subsoil outside territorial waters, provided that a Party has rights to exploit such seabed or subsoil;

(i) goods taken from outer space, provided they are obtained by a Party or a person of a Party and not processed in the territory of a non-Party;

(j) waste and scrap derived from

(i) manufacturing or processing operations in the territory of one or more of the Parties, or

(ii) used goods collected in the territory of one or more of the Parties, provided such goods are fit only for the recovery of raw materials;

(k) recovered goods derived in the territory of one or more of the Parties from used goods, and utilized in the territory of one or more of the Parties in the production of remanufactured goods; and

(l) a goods produced in the territory of one or more of the Parties exclusively from goods referred to in subparagraphs (a) through (j), or from their derivatives, at any stage of production;

identical goods means "identical goods" as defined in the Customs Valuation Agreement; indirect material means a good used in the production, testing, or inspection of a good, but not physically incorporated into the good, or a good used in the maintenance of buildings or the operation of equipment associated with the production of a good, including:

(a) fuel and energy;

(b) tools, dies, and molds;

(c) spare parts and materials used in the maintenance of equipment and buildings;

(d) lubricants, greases, compounding materials, and other materials used in production or used to operate equipment and buildings;

  • Chapter   One Initial Provisions 1
  • Article   1.1 Establishment of a Free Trade Area 1
  • Article   1.2 Objectives 1
  • Article   1.3 Relation to other Agreements 1
  • Article   1.4 Extent of Obligations 1
  • Chapter   Two General Definitions 1
  • Article   2.1 Definitions of General Application 1
  • Annex 2.1  Country-Specific Definitions 1
  • Chapter   Three National Treatment and Market Access for Goods 1
  • Article   3.1 Scope and Coverage 1
  • Section   A National Treatment 1
  • Article   3.2 National Treatment 1
  • Section   B Tariff Elimination 1
  • Article   3.3 Tariff Elimination 1
  • Section   C Special Regimes 1
  • Article   3.4 Waiver of Customs Duties 1
  • Article   3.5 Temporary Admission of Goods 1
  • Article   3.6 Goods Re-entered after Repair or Alteration 2
  • Article   3.7 Duty-Free Entry of Commercial Samples of Negligible Value and Printed Advertising Materials 2
  • Section   D Non-Tariff Measures 2
  • Article   3.8 Import and Export Restrictions 2
  • Article   3.9 Import Licensing 2
  • Article   3.10 Administrative Fees and Formalities 2
  • Article   3.11 Export Taxes 2
  • Section   E Other Measures 2
  • Article   3.12 Distinctive Products 2
  • Section   F Agriculture 2
  • Article   3.13 Administration and Implementation of Tariff-Rate Quotas 2
  • Article   3.14 Agricultural Export Subsidies 2
  • Article   3.15 Agricultural Safeguard Measures 2
  • Article   3.16 Sugar Compensation Mechanism 2
  • Article   3.17 Consultations on Trade In Chicken 2
  • Article   3.18 Agriculture Review Commission 2
  • Article   3.19 Committee on Agricultural Trade 2
  • Section   G Textiles and Apparel 2
  • Article   3.20 Refund of Customs Duties 2
  • Article   3.21 Duty-Free Treatment for Certain Goods 2
  • Article   3.22 Elimination of Existing Quantitative Restrictions 2
  • Article   3.23 Textile Safeguard Measures 2
  • Article   3.24 Customs Cooperation  (3) 2
  • Article   3.25 Rules of Origin and Related Matters 3
  • Article   3.26 Most-Favored-Nation Rates of Duty on Certain Goods 3
  • Article   3.27 Preferential Tariff Treatment for Wool Apparel Goods Assembled In Costa Rica 3
  • Article   3.28 Preferential Tariff Treatment for Non-Originating Apparel Goods of Nicaragua 3
  • Article   3.29 Definitions 3
  • Section   H Institutional Provisions 3
  • Article   3.30 Committee on Trade In Goods 3
  • Section   I Definitions 3
  • Article   3.31 Definitions 3
  • Chapter   Four Rules of Origin and Origin Procedures 3
  • Section   A Rules of Origin 3
  • Article   4.1 Originating Goods 3
  • Article   4.2 Regional Value Content 3
  • Article   4.3 Value of Materials 3
  • Article   4.4 Further Adjustments to the Value of Materials 3
  • Article   4.5 Accumulation 4
  • Article   4.6 De Minimis 4
  • Article   4.7 Fungible Goods and Materials 4
  • Article   4.8 Accessories, Spare Parts, and Tools 4
  • Article   4.9 Packaging Materials and Containers for Retail Sale 4
  • Article   4.10 Packing Materials and Containers for Shipment 4
  • Article   4.11 Indirect Materials Used In Production 4
  • Article   4.12 Transit and Transshipment 4
  • Article   4.13 Sets of Goods 4
  • Article   4.14 Consultation and Modifications 4
  • Section   B Origin Procedures 4
  • Article   4.15 Obligations Relating to Importations 4
  • Article   4.16 Claims of Origin 4
  • Article   4.17 Exceptions 4
  • Article   4.18 Obligations Relating to Exportations 4
  • Article   4.19 Record Keeping Requirements 4
  • Article   4.20 Verification 4
  • Article   4.21 Common Guidelines 4
  • Article   4.22 Definitions 4
  • Chapter   Five Customs Administration and Trade Facilitation 5
  • Article   5.1 Publication 5
  • Article   5.2 Release of Goods 5
  • Article   5.3 Automation 5
  • Article   5.4 Risk Management 5
  • Article   5.5 Cooperation 5
  • Article   5.6 Confidentiality 5
  • Article   5.7 Express Shipments 5
  • Article   5.8 Review and Appeal 5
  • Article   5.10 Advance Rulings 5
  • Article   5.12 Capacity Building 5
  • Chapter   Six Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 5
  • Article   6.1 Affirmation of the SPS Agreement 5
  • Article   6.2 Scope and Coverage 5
  • Article   6.3 Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Matters 5
  • Chapter   Seven Technical Barriers to Trade 5
  • Article   7.1 Affirmation of the TBT Agreement 5
  • Article   7.2 Scope and Coverage 5
  • Article   7.3 International Standards 5
  • Article   7.4 Trade Facilitation 5
  • Article   7.5 Conformity Assessment 5
  • Article   7.6 Technical Regulations 6
  • Article   7.7 Transparency 6
  • Article   7.8 Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade 6
  • Article   7.9 Information Exchange 6
  • Article   7.10 Definitions 6
  • Chapter   Eight Trade Remedies 6
  • Section   A Safeguards 6
  • Article   8.1 Imposition of a Safeguard Measure 6
  • Article   8.2 Standards for a Safeguard Measure 6
  • Article   8.3 Administration of Safeguard Proceedings 6
  • Article   8.4 Notification and Consultation  6
  • Article   8.5 Compensation 6
  • Article   8.6 Global Actions 6
  • Article   8.7 Definitions 6
  • Section   B Antidumping and Countervailing Duties 6
  • Article   8.8 Antidumping and Countervailing Duties 6
  • Chapter   Nine Government Procurement 6
  • Article   9.1 Scope and Coverage 6
  • Article   9.2 General Principles 6
  • Article   9.3 Publication of Procurement Measures 6
  • Article   9.4 Publication of Notice of Intended Procurement 6
  • Article   9.5 Time Limits for the Tendering Process 6
  • Article   9.6 Tender Documentation 6
  • Article   9.7 Technical Specifications 6
  • Article   9.8 Requirements and Conditions for Participating In Procurement 7
  • Article   9.9 Tendering Procedures 7
  • Article   9.10 Awarding of Contracts 7
  • Article   9.11 Information on Contract Awards 7
  • Article   9.12 Non-Disclosure of Information 7
  • Article   9.13 Ensuring Integrity In Procurement Practices 7
  • Article   9.14 Exceptions 7
  • Article   9.15 Domestic Review of Supplier Challenges 7
  • Article   9.16 Modifications and Rectifications to Coverage 7
  • Article   9.17 Definitions 7
  • Chapter   Ten Investment 7
  • Section   A Investment 7
  • Article   10.1 Scope and Coverage 7
  • Article   10.2 Relation to other Chapters 7
  • Article   10.3 National Treatment 7
  • Article   10.4 Most-Favored-Nation Treatment 7
  • Article   10.5 Minimum Standard of Treatment  (1) 7
  • Article   10.6 Treatment In Case of Strife 7
  • Article   10.7 Expropriation and Compensation  (3) 7
  • Article   10.8 Transfers 7
  • Article   10.9 Performance Requirements 8
  • Article   10.10 Senior Management and Boards of Directors 8
  • Article   10.11 Investment and Environment 8
  • Article   10.12 Denial of Benefits 8
  • Article   10.13 Non-Conforming Measures 8
  • Article   10.14 Special Formalities and Information Requirements 8
  • Section   B Investor-State Dispute Settlement 8
  • Article   10.15 Consultation and Negotiation 8
  • Article   10.16 Submission of a Claim to Arbitration 8
  • Article   10.17 Consent of Each Party to Arbitration 8
  • Article   10.18 Conditions and Limitations on Consent of Each Party 8
  • Article   10.19 Selection of Arbitrators 8
  • Article   10.20 Conduct of the Arbitration 8
  • Article   10.21 Transparency of Arbitral Proceedings 8
  • Article   10.22 Governing Law 9
  • Article   10.24 Expert Reports 9
  • Article   10.25 Consolidation 9
  • Article   10.26 Awards 9
  • Article   10.27 Service of Documents 9
  • Section   C Definitions 9
  • Article   10.28 Definitions 9
  • Annex 10-A  Public Debt 9
  • Annex 10-B  Customary International Law 9
  • Annex 10-C  Expropriation 9
  • Annex 10-D  Treatment in Case of Strife 9
  • Annex 10-E  Submission of a Claim to Arbitration 9
  • Annex 10-F  Appellate Body or Similar Mechanism 9
  • Annex 10-G  Service of Documents on a Party Under Section B 9
  • Chapter   Eleven Cross-Border Trade In Services 10
  • Article   11.1 Scope and Coverage 10
  • Article   11.2 National Treatment 10
  • Article   11.3 Most-Favored-Nation Treatment 10
  • Article   11.4 Market Access 10
  • Article   11.5 Local Presence 10
  • Article   11.6 Non-conforming Measures 10
  • Article   11.7 Transparency In Developing and Applying Regulations  (3) 10
  • Article   11.8 Domestic Regulation 10
  • Article   11.9 Mutual Recognition 10
  • Article   11.10 Transfers and Payments 10
  • Article   11.11 Implementation 10
  • Article   11.12 Denial of Benefits 10
  • Article   11.13 Specific Commitments 10
  • Article   11.14 Definitions 10
  • Chapter   Twelve Financial Services 10
  • Article   12.1 Scope and Coverage 10
  • Article   12.2 National Treatment 10
  • Article   12.3 Most-Favored-Nation Treatment 10
  • Article   12.4 Market Access for Financial Institutions 11
  • Article   12.5 Cross-Border Trade 11
  • Article   12.6 New Financial Services  (3) 11
  • Article   12.7 Treatment of Certain Information 11
  • Article   12.8 Senior Management and Boards of Directors 11
  • Article   12.9 Non-Conforming Measures 11
  • Article   12.10 Exceptions 11
  • Article   12.11 Transparency 11
  • Article   12.12 Self-Regulatory Organizations 11
  • Article   12.13 Payment and Clearing Systems 11
  • Article   12.14 Domestic Regulation 11
  • Article   12.15 Expedited Availability of Insurance Services 11
  • Article   12.16 Financial Services Committee 11
  • Article   12.17 Consultations 11
  • Article   12.18 Dispute Settlement 11
  • Article   12.19 Investment Disputes In Financial Services 11
  • Article   12.20 Definitions 11
  • Chapter   Thirtheen Telecommunications  (1) 12
  • Article   13.1 Scope and Coverage 12
  • Article   13.2 Access to and Use of Public Telecommunications Services 12
  • Article   13.3 Obligations Relating to Suppliers of Public Telecommunications Services  (2) 12
  • Article   13.4 Additional Obligations Relating to Major Suppliers of Public Telecommunications Services  (4) 12
  • Article   13.5 Submarine Cable Systems 12
  • Article   13.6 Conditions for the Supply of Information Services 12
  • Article   13.7 Independent Regulatory Bodies and Government-Owned Telecommunications Suppliers  (9) 12
  • Article   13.8 Universal Service 12
  • Article   13.9 Licenses and other Authorizations 12
  • Article   13.10 Allocation and Use of Scarce Resources 12
  • Article   13.11 Enforcement 12
  • Article   13.12 Resolution of Domestic Telecommunications Disputes 12
  • Article   13.13 Transparency 12
  • Article   13.14 Flexibility In the Choice of Technologies 12
  • Article   13.15 Forbearance 12
  • Article   13.16 Relationship to other Chapters 13
  • Article   13.17 Definitions 13
  • Chapter   Fourteen Electronic Commerce 13
  • Article   14.1 General 13
  • Article   14.2 Electronic Supply of Services 13
  • Article   14.3 Digital Products 13
  • Article   14.4 Transparency 13
  • Article   14.5 Cooperation 13
  • Article   14.6 Definitions 13
  • Chapter   Fifteen Intellectual Property Rights 13
  • Article   15.1 General Provisions 13
  • Article   15.2 Trademarks 13
  • Article   15.3 Geographical Indications Definition 13
  • Article   15.4 Domain Names on the Internet 13
  • Article   15.5 Obligations Pertaining to Copyright and Related Rights 13
  • Article   15.6 Obligations Pertaining Specifically to Copyright 14
  • Article   15.7 Obligations Pertaining Specifically to Related Rights 14
  • Article   15.8 Protection of Encrypted Program-Carrying Satellite Signals 14
  • Article   15.9 Patents 14
  • Article   15.10 Measures Related to Certain Regulated Products 14
  • Article   15.11 Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights 14
  • Article   15.12 Final Provisions 15
  • Chapter   Sixteen Labor 15
  • Article   16.1 Statement of Shared Commitment 15
  • Article   16.2 Enforcement of Labor Laws 15
  • Article   16.3 Procedural Guarantees and Public Awareness 15
  • Article   16.4 Institutional Arrangements 15
  • Article   16.5 Labor Cooperation and Capacity Building Mechanism 15
  • Article   16.6 Cooperative Labor Consultations 15
  • Article   16.7 Labor Roster 15
  • Article   16.8 Definitions 15
  • Annex 16.5  Labor Cooperation and Capacity Building Mechanism 15
  • Chapter   Seventeen Environment 16
  • Article   17.1 Levels of Protection 16
  • Article   17.2 Enforcement of Environmental Laws 16
  • Article   17.3 Procedural Matters 16
  • Article   17.4 Voluntary Mechanisms to Enhance Environmental Performance 16
  • Article   17.5 Environmental Affairs Council 16
  • Article   17.6 Opportunities for Public Participation 16
  • Article   17.7 Submissions on Enforcement Matters 16
  • Article   17.8 Factual Records and Related Cooperation 16
  • Article   17.9 Environmental Cooperation 16
  • Article   17.10 Collaborative Environmental Consultations 16
  • Article   17.11 Environmental Roster 16
  • Article   17.12 Relationship to Environmental Agreements 16
  • Article   17.13 Definitions 16
  • Annex 17.9  Environmental Cooperation 17
  • Chapter   Eighteen Transparency 17
  • Section   A Transparency 17
  • Article   18.1 Contact Points 17
  • Article   18.2 Publication 17
  • Article   18.3 Notification and Provision of Information 17
  • Article   18.4 Administrative Proceedings 17
  • Article   18.5 Review and Appeal 17
  • Article   18.6 Definitions 17
  • Section   B Anti-Corruption 17
  • Article   18.7 Statement of Principle 17
  • Article   18.8 Anti-Corruption Measures 17
  • Article   18.9 Cooperation In International Fora 17
  • Article   18.10 Definitions 17
  • Chapter   Nineteen Administration of the Agreement and Trade Capacity Building 17
  • Section   A Administration of the Agreement 17
  • Article   19.1 The Free Trade Commission 17
  • Article   19.2 Free Trade Agreement Coordinators 17
  • Article   19.3 Administration of Dispute Settlement Proceedings 17
  • Section   B Trade Capacity Building 17
  • Article   19.4 Committee on Trade Capacity Building 17
  • Annex 19.1  The Free Trade Commission 17
  • Annex 19.1.4  Implementation of Modifications Approved by the Commission 17
  • Annex 19.2  Free Trade Agreement Coordinators 17
  • Annex 19.3  Remuneration and Payment of Expenses 17
  • Chapter   Twenty Dispute Settlement 17
  • Section   A Dispute Settlement 17
  • Article   20.1 Cooperation 17
  • Article   20.2 Scope of Application 17
  • Article   20.3 Choice of Forum 18
  • Article   20.4 Consultations 18
  • Article   20.5 Commission - Good Offices, Conciliation, and Mediation 18
  • Article   20.6 Request for an Arbitral Panel 18
  • Article   20.7 Roster 18
  • Article   20.8 Qualifications of Panelists 18
  • Article   20.9 Panel Selection 18
  • Article   20.10 Rules of Procedure 18
  • Article   20.11 Third Party Participation 18
  • Article   20.12 Role of Experts 18
  • Article   20.13 Initial Report 18
  • Article   20.14 Final Report 18
  • Article   20.15 Implementation of Final Report 18
  • Article   20.16 Non-Implementation - Suspension of Benefits 18
  • Article   20.17 Non-Implementation In Certain Disputes 18
  • Article   20.18 Compliance Review 18
  • Article   20.19 Five-Year Review 18
  • Section   B Domestic Proceedings and Private Commercial Dispute Settlement 18
  • Article   20.20 Referral of Matters from Judicial or Administrative Proceedings 18
  • Article   20.21 Private Rights 18
  • Article   20.22 Alternative Dispute Resolution 19
  • Annex 20.2  Nullification or Impairment 19
  • Annex 20.17  Inflation Adjustment Formula for Monetary Assessments 19
  • Chapter   Twenty-One Exceptions 19
  • Article   21.1 General Exceptions 19
  • Article   21.2 Essential Security 19
  • Article   21.3 Taxation 19
  • Article   21.4 Balance of Payments Measures on Trade In Goods 19
  • Article   21.5 Disclosure of Information 19
  • Article   21.6 Definitions 19
  • Annex 21.3  Competent Authorities 19
  • Chapter   Twenty-Two Final Provisions 19
  • Article   22.1 Annexes, Appendices, and Footnotes 19
  • Article   22.2 Amendments 19
  • Article   22.3 Amendment of the WTO Agreement 19
  • Article   22.4 Reservations 19
  • Article   22.5 Entry Into Force 19
  • Article   22.6 Accession 19
  • Article   22.7 Withdrawal 19
  • Article   22.8 Depositary 19
  • Article   22.9 Authentic Texts 19
  • Annex I  Explanatory Notes 19
  • Annex I  Schedule of Costa Rica 19
  • Annex I  Schedule of the Dominican Republic 22
  • Annex I  Schedule of El Salvador 24
  • Annex I  Schedule of Guatemala 25
  • Annex I  Schedule of Honduras 26
  • Annex I  Schedule of Nicaragua 28
  • Annex I  Schedule of the United States 30
  • Annex II  31
  • Annex II  Schedule of Costa Rica 31
  • Annex II  Schedule of the Dominican Republic 31
  • Annex II  Schedule of El Salvador 31
  • Annex II  Schedule of Guatemala 31
  • Annex II  Schedule of Honduras 31
  • Annex II  Schedule of Nicaragua 32
  • Annex II  Schedule of the United States 32