United States Model BIT (2004)
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Annex B. Expropriation

The Parties confirm their shared understanding that:

1. Article 6 [Expropriation and Compensation](1) is intended to reflect customary international law concerning the obligation of States with respect to expropriation.

2. An action or a series of actions by a Party cannot constitute an expropriation unless it interferes with a tangible or intangible property right or property interest in an investment.

3. Article 6 [Expropriation and Compensation](1) addresses two situations. The first is direct expropriation, where an investment is nationalized or otherwise directly expropriated through formal transfer of title or outright seizure.

4. The second situation addressed by Article 6 [Expropriation and Compensation](1) is indirect expropriation, where an action or series of actions by a Party has an effect equivalent to direct expropriation without formal transfer of title or outright seizure.

(a) The determination of whether an action or series of actions by a Party, in a specific fact situation, constitutes an indirect expropriation, requires a case-by- case, fact-based inquiry that considers, among other factors:

(i) the economic impact of the government action, although the fact that an action or series of actions by a Party has an adverse effect on the economic value of an investment, standing alone, does not establish that an indirect expropriation has occurred;

(ii) the extent to which the government action interferes with distinct, reasonable investment-backed expectations; and

(iii) the character of the government action. (b) Except in rare circumstances, non-discriminatory regulatory actions by a Party that are designed and applied to protect legitimate public welfare objectives, such as public health, safety, and the environment, do not constitute indirect expropriations.

Annex C. Service of Documents on a Party

United States Notices and other documents shall be served on the United States by delivery to: Executive Director (L/EX) Office of the Legal Adviser Department of State

Washington, D.C. 20520 United States of America

[Country]

Notices and other documents shall be served on [Country] by delivery to:

[insert place of delivery of notices and other documents for [Country]]

Annex D. Possibility of a Bilateral Appellate Mechanism

Within three years after the date of entry into force of this Treaty, the Parties shall consider whether to establish a bilateral appellate body or similar mechanism to review awards rendered under Article 34 in arbitrations commenced after they establish the appellate body or similar mechanism.

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  • Article   1 Definitions 1
  • Article   2 Scope and Coverage 1
  • Article   3 National Treatment 1
  • Article   4 Most-Favored-Nation Treatment 1
  • Article   5 Minimum Standard of Treatment  (8) 1
  • Article   6 Expropriation and Compensation  (9) 1
  • Article   7 Transfers 1
  • Article   8 Performance Requirements 1
  • Article   9 Senior Management and Boards of Directors 2
  • Article   10 Publication of Laws and Decisions Respecting Investment 2
  • Article   11 Transparency 2
  • Article   12 Investment and Environment 2
  • Article   13 Investment and Labor 2
  • Article   14 Non-Conforming Measures 2
  • Article   15 Special Formalities and Information Requirements 2
  • Article   16 Non-Derogation 2
  • Article   17 Denial of Benefits 2
  • Article   18 Essential Security 2
  • Article   19 Disclosure of Information 2
  • Article   20 Financial Services 2
  • Article   21 Taxation 2
  • Article   22 Entry Into Force, Duration, and Termination 2
  • Section   B 2
  • Article   23 Consultation and Negotiation 2
  • Article   24 Submission of a Claim to Arbitration 2
  • Article   25 Consent of Each Party to Arbitration 3
  • Article   26 Conditions and Limitations on Consent of Each Party 3
  • Article   27 Selection of Arbitrators 3
  • Article   28 Conduct of the Arbitration 3
  • Article   29 Transparency of Arbitral Proceedings 3
  • Article   30 Governing Law 3
  • Article   31 Interpretation of Annexes 3
  • Article   32 Expert Reports 3
  • Article   33 Consolidation 3
  • Article   34 Awards 3
  • Article   35 Annexes and Footnotes 3
  • Article   36 Service of Documents 3
  • Section   C 3
  • Article   37 State-State Dispute Settlement 3
  • Annex A  Customary International Law 3
  • Annex B  Expropriation 4
  • Annex C  Service of Documents on a Party 4
  • Annex D  Possibility of a Bilateral Appellate Mechanism 4