Japan - United Kingdom CEPA (2020)
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Article 3.20. Small Consignments and Waivers

1. Products sent as small packages from private persons to private persons or forming part of travellers' personal luggage shall be admitted as originating products provided that such products are not imported by way of trade (1), have been declared as satisfying the requirements of this Chapter and if there is no doubt as to the veracity of such a declaration.

2. Provided that the importation does not form part of importations that may reasonably be considered to have been made separately for the purpose of avoiding the requirement for a statement on origin, the total value of the products referred to in paragraph 1 shall not exceed such value limits as the importing Party may set out in its laws and regulations and which have been notified to the other Party.

3. Each Party may provide that the basis for the claim as referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 3.16 shall not be required for an importation of a product for which the importing Party has waived the requirements.

(1) The imports which are occasional and consist solely of products for the personal use of the recipients or travellers or their families shall not be considered as imports by way of trade if it is evident from the nature and quantity of the products that no commercial purpose is in view.

Article 3.21. Verification

1. For the purposes of verifying whether a product imported into a Party is originating in the other Party or whether the other requirements of this Chapter are satisfied, the customs authority of the importing Party may conduct a verification based on risk assessment methods, which may include random selection, by means of a request for information from the importer who made the claim referred to in Article 3.16. The customs authority of the importing Party may conduct a verification either at the time of the customs import declaration, before the release of products, or after the release of the products.

2. The information requested pursuant to paragraph 1 shall cover no more than the following elements:

(a) if a statement on origin was the basis of the claim referred to in subparagraph 2(a) of Article 3.16, that statement on origin;

(b) the tariff classification number of the product under the Harmonized System and origin criteria used;

(c) a brief description of the production process;

(d) if the origin criterion was based on a specific production process, a specific description of that process;

(e) if applicable, a description of the originating and non-originating materials used in the production process;

(f) if the origin criterion was "wholly obtained", the applicable category (such as harvesting, mining, fishing and place of production);

(g) if the origin criterion was based on a value method, the value of the product as well as the value of all the non-originating or, as appropriate to establish compliance with the value requirement, originating materials used in the production;

(h) if the origin criterion was based on weight, the weight of the product as well as the weight of the relevant non-originating or, as appropriate to establish compliance with the weight requirement, originating materials used in the product;

(i) if the origin criterion was based on a change in tariff classification, a list of all the non-originating materials including their tariff classification number under the Harmonized System (in two-, four- or six-digit format depending on the origin criteria); or

(j) the information relating to the compliance with the provision on non-alteration referred to in Article 3.10.

3. When providing the requested information, the importer may add any other information that it considers relevant for the purpose of verification.

4. If the claim for preferential tariff treatment was based on a statement on origin referred to in subparagraph 2(a) of Article 3.16, the importer shall inform the customs authority of the importing Party when the requested information may be provided in full or in relation to one or more data elements by the exporter directly.

5. If the claim for preferential tariff treatment was based on the importer's knowledge referred to in subparagraph 2(b) of Article 3.16, after having first requested information in accordance with paragraph 1, the customs authority of the importing Party conducting the verification may request information from the importer if that customs authority considers that additional information is necessary in order to verify the originating status of the product. The customs authority of the importing Party may request the importer for specific documentation and information, if appropriate.

6. Ifthe customs authority of the importing Party decides to suspend the granting of preferential tariff treatment to the product concerned while awaiting the results of the verification, release of the product shall be offered to the importer subject to appropriate precautionary measures including guarantees. Any suspension of preferential tariff treatment shall be terminated as soon as possible after the originating status of the product concerned or the fulfilment of the other requirements of this Chapter has been ascertained by the customs authority of the importing Party.

Article 3.22. Administrative Cooperation

1. In order to ensure the proper application of this Chapter, the Parties shall cooperate, through the customs authority of each Party, in verifying whether a product is originating and in compliance with the other requirements provided for in this Chapter.

2. Ifthe claim for preferential tariff treatment was based on a statement on origin referred to in subparagraph 2(a) of Article 3.16, after having first requested information in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 3.21, the customs authority of the importing Party conducting the verification may also request information from the customs authority of the exporting Party either by the end of two years after the date of importation of the products or by the end of 38 months after the date of the making out of that statement on origin, whichever is earlier, if the customs authority of the importing Party conducting the verification considers that additional information is necessary in order to verify the originating status of the product. The request for information should include the following information:

(a) the statement on origin;

(b) the identity of the customs authority issuing the request;

(c) the name of the exporter;

(d) the subject and scope of the verification; and

(e) if applicable, any relevant documentation.

In addition to this information, the customs authority of the importing Party may request the customs authority of the exporting Party for specific documentation and information, where appropriate.

3. The customs authority of the exporting Party may, in accordance with its laws and regulations, request documentation or examination by calling for any evidence or by visiting the premises of the exporter to review records and observe the facilities used in the production of the product.

4. Without prejudice to paragraph 5, the customs authority of the exporting Party receiving the request pursuant to paragraph 2 shall provide the customs authority of the importing Party with the following information:

(a) the requested documentation, where available;

(b) an opinion on the originating status of the product;

(c) the description of the product subject to examination and the tariff classification relevant to the application of this Chapter;

(d) adescription and explanation of the production process sufficient to support the originating status of the product;

(e) information on the manner in which the examination was conducted; and

(f) supporting documentation, if appropriate.

5. The customs authority of the exporting Party shall not provide the information referred to in paragraph 4 to the customs authority of the importing Party if that information is deemed confidential by the exporter. 6. Each Party shall notify the other Party of the contact details, including postal and email addresses, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the customs authorities and shall notify the other Party of any modification regarding such information within 30 days after the date of the modification.

Article 3.23. Mutual Assistance In the Fight Against Fraud

In case of a suspected breach of the provisions of this Chapter, the Parties shall provide each other with mutual assistance, in accordance with CMAA.

Article 3.24. Denial of Preferential Tariff Treatment

1. Without prejudice to paragraph 3, the customs authority of the importing Party may deny preferential tariff treatment, if:

(a) within three months after the date of the request for information pursuant to paragraph 1 of Article 3.21:

(i) no reply is provided; or

(ii) if the claim for preferential tariff treatment was based on the importer's knowledge as referred to in subparagraph 2(b) of Article 3.16, the information provided is inadequate to confirm that the product is originating;

(b) within three months after the date of the request for information pursuant to paragraph 5 of Article 3.21:

(i) no reply is provided; or

(ii) the information provided is inadequate to confirm that the product is originating;

(c) within 10 months after the date of the request for information pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 3.22:

(i) no reply is provided; or

(ii) the information provided is inadequate to confirm that the product is originating; or

(d) following a prior request for assistance pursuant to Article 3.23 and within a mutually agreed period, in respect of products which have been the subject of a claim as referred to in paragraph 1 of Article 3.16:

(i) the customs authority of the exporting Party fails to provide the assistance; or

(ii) the result of that assistance is inadequate to confirm that the product is originating.

2. The customs authority of the importing Party may deny preferential tariff treatment to a product for which an importer claims preferential tariff treatment where the importer fails to comply with requirements of this Chapter other than those relating to the originating status of the products.

3. Ifthe customs authority of the importing Party has sufficient justification to deny preferential tariff treatment under paragraph 1, in cases where the customs authority of the exporting Party has provided an opinion pursuant to subparagraph 4(b) of Article 3.22 confirming the originating status of the products, the customs authority of the importing Party shall notify the customs authority of the exporting Party of its intention to deny the preferential tariff treatment within two months after the date of receipt of that opinion. If such notification is made, consultations shall be held on request of a Party, within three months after the date of the notification. The period for consultation may be extended on a case by case basis by mutual agreement between the Parties. The consultation may take place in accordance with the procedure set out by the Committee on Rules of Origin and Customs-Related Matters established pursuant to Article 23.3. Upon the expiry of the period for consultation, the customs authority of the importing Party may deny the preferential tariff treatment solely on the basis of sufficient justification and after having granted the importer the right to be heard.

Article 3.25. Confidentiality

1. Each Party shall maintain, in accordance with its laws and regulations, the confidentiality of any information provided to it by the other Party pursuant to this Chapter, and shall protect that information from disclosure.

2. Information obtained by the customs authority of the importing Party pursuant to this Chapter may only be used by that customs authority for the purposes of this Chapter.

3. Confidential business information obtained from the exporter by the customs authority of the exporting Party or of the importing Party through the application of Articles 3.21 and 3.22 shall not be disclosed, unless otherwise provided for in this Chapter.

4. Information obtained by the customs authority of the importing Party pursuant to this Chapter shall not be used by the importing Party in any criminal proceedings carried out by a court or a judge, unless permission to use such information is granted by the exporting Party in accordance with its laws and regulations.

Article 3.26. Administrative Measures and Sanctions

Each Party shall impose administrative measures and, where appropriate, sanctions, in accordance with its laws and regulations, on any person who draws up a document, or causes a document to be drawn up, which contains incorrect information provided for the purpose of obtaining preferential tariff treatment for a product, who does not comply with the requirements set out in Article 3.19, or who does not provide the evidence or refuses the visit referred to in paragraph 3 of Article 3.22.

Section C. Miscellaneous

Article 3.27. Committee on Rules of Origin and Customs-Related Matters

1. The Committee on Rules of Origin and Customs-Related Matters established pursuant to Article 23.3 (hereinafter referred to in this Chapter as "the Committee") shall be responsible for the effective implementation and operation of this Chapter, in addition to the other responsibilities specified in paragraph 1 of Article 4.14.

2. For the purposes of this Chapter, the Committee shall have the following functions:

(a) reviewing and making appropriate recommendations, as necessary, to the Joint Committee on:

(i) the implementation and operation of this Chapter; and

(ii) any amendments of the provisions of this Chapter proposed by a Party;

(b) adopting explanatory notes to facilitate the implementation of the provisions of this Chapter;

(c) setting the consultation procedure referred to in paragraph 3 of Article 3.24; and

(d) considering any other matter related to this Chapter as the representatives of the Parties may agree.

Article 3.28. Transitional Provisions for Products In Transit or Storage

The provisions of this Agreement may be applied to products which comply with the provisions of this Chapter and which on the date of entry into force of this Agreement are either in transit from the exporting Party to the importing Party or under customs control in the importing Party without payment of import duties and taxes, subject to the making of a claim for preferential tariff treatment referred to in Article 3.16 to the customs authority of the importing Party, within 12 months of that date.

Chapter 4. CUSTOMS MATTERS AND TRADE FACILITATION

Article 4.1. Objectives

The objectives of this Chapter are to:

(a) promote trade facilitation for goods traded between the Parties while ensuring effective customs controls, taking into account the evolution of trade practices;

(b) ensure transparency of each Party's customs legislation and other trade-related laws and regulations and consistency thereof with applicable international standards;

(c) ensure predictable, consistent and non-discriminatory application by each Party of its customs legislation and other trade-related laws and regulations;

(d) promote simplification and modernisation of each Party's customs procedures and practices;

(e) further develop risk management techniques to facilitate legitimate trade while securing the international trade supply chain; and

(f) enhance cooperation between the Parties in the field of customs matters and trade facilitation.

Article 4.2. Scope

1. This Chapter applies to matters relating to each Party's customs legislation, other trade-related laws and regulations and general administrative procedures related to trade, including their application to goods traded between the Parties, as well as the cooperation between the Parties.

2. Nothing in this Chapter shall affect the rights and obligations of a Party under Chapters 6 and 7.

3. In the event of any inconsistency between this Chapter and Chapter 6 or 7, Chapter 6 or 7 shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

4. This Chapter applies without prejudice to the fulfilment of each Party's legitimate policy objectives and its obligations under international agreements to which it is a party, regarding the protection of:

(a) public morals;

(b) human, animal or plant life or health;

(c) national treasures of artistic, historic or archaeological value; or

(d) the environment.

5. This Chapter shall be implemented by each Party in accordance with its laws and regulations.

Each Party shall use its available resources in an appropriate way to implement this Chapter.

Article 4.3. Transparency

1. Each Party shall ensure that its customs legislation and other trade-related laws and regulations as well as its general administrative procedures and relevant information of general application related to trade are published and readily available to any interested person in an easily accessible manner, including, as appropriate, through the Internet.

2. Each Party shall publish and make readily available its customs legislation, other trade-related laws and regulations and general administrative procedures related to trade as early as possible before their entry into force, in order to enable any interested person to become acquainted with them, except in the case:

(a) of urgent circumstances;

(b) of minor changes to such laws, regulations or general administrative procedures;

(c) the effectiveness of such laws and regulations or their enforcement is undermined as a result of prior publication; or

(d) of measures having relieving effects.

3. Each Party shall designate one or more enquiry points to answer reasonable enquiries from any interested persons on the matters covered by paragraph 1. Enquiry points shall answer such enquiries and provide any relevant forms and documents within a reasonable time period set by each Party.

4. Each Party shall, as appropriate, provide for regular consultations between its customs authority and other trade-related agencies and traders or other stakeholders located within its territory.

5. Information on fees and charges shall be published in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2. That information shall include the fees and charges that will be applied, the reason for such fees and charges, the responsible authority and when and how payment is to be made. Such fees and charges shall not be applied until information on them has been published.

Article 4.4. Procedures for Import, Export and Transit

1. Each Party shall apply its customs legislation and other trade-related laws and regulations in a predictable, consistent, transparent and non-discriminatory manner.

2. Each Party shall ensure that its customs procedures:

(a) are consistent with international standards and recommended practices applicable to each Party in the area of customs procedures such as those made under the auspices of the World Customs Organization (1) (hereinafter referred to as "the WCO"), including the substantive elements of the Protocol of Amendment to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures, done at Brussels on 26 June 1999, the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, done at Brussels on 14 June 1983, and the Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade of the WCO (hereinafter referred to as "the SAFE Framework");

(b) aim at facilitating legitimate trade, taking into account the evolution of trade practices, while securing compliance with its laws and regulations;

(c) provide for effective enforcement in case of breaches of its laws and regulations concerning customs procedures, including duty evasion and smuggling; and

(d) do not include mandatory use of customs brokers or preshipment inspections.

3. Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures granting favourable treatment with respect to customs controls prior to the release of goods to traders or operators fulfilling criteria specified in its laws and regulations.

4. Each Party shall promote the development and use of advanced systems, including those based on information and communications technology, to facilitate the exchange of electronic data between traders or operators and its customs authority and other trade-related agencies.

5. Each Party shall work towards further simplification and standardisation of data and documentation required by its customs authority and other trade-related agencies.

(1) For greater certainty, the WCO was established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC).

Article 4.5. Release of Goods

Each Party shall adopt or maintain customs procedures that:

(a) provide for the prompt release of goods within a period that is not longer than necessary to ensure compliance with its laws and regulations;

(b) allow for advance electronic submission and processing of documentation and any other required information prior to the arrival of the goods; and (c) allow for the release of goods prior to the final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees and charges, subject to the provision of a guarantee, if required by its laws and regulations, in order to secure their final payment.

Article 4.6. Simplification of Customs Procedures

1. Each Party shall work towards simplification of its requirements and formalities for customs procedures in order to reduce the time and costs thereof for traders or operators, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

2. Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures allowing traders or operators fulfilling criteria specified in its laws and regulations to benefit from further simplification of customs procedures. Such simplification may allow periodical declaration for the determination and payment of customs duties and taxes covering multiple imports within a given period, after the release of the goods.

3. Each Party shall adopt or maintain programmes which enable operators fulfilling criteria specified in its laws and regulations to benefit further from or have easier access to the simplification referred to in paragraph 2.

Article 4.7. Advance Rulings

1. Each Party shall issue, through its customs authority, an advance ruling that sets forth the treatment to be provided to the goods concerned. That ruling shall be issued in a reasonable, time-bound manner to the applicant that has submitted a written request, including in electronic format, containing all necessary information in accordance with the laws and regulations of the issuing Party.

2. An advance ruling shall cover tariff classification of the goods, origin of goods including their qualification as originating goods under Chapter 3 or any other matter as the Parties may agree, in particular regarding the appropriate method or criteria to be used for the customs valuation of the goods.

3. Subject to any confidentiality requirements in its laws and regulations, a Party may publish its advance rulings, including through the Internet.

Article 4.8. Appeal and Review

1. Each Party shall guarantee the right of appeal or review to any person to whom an administrative decision has been addressed by the customs authority or other trade-related agencies of that Party.

2. Appeal or review shall include:

(a) an administrative appeal to or review by an administrative authority higher than or independent of the official or office that issued the decision; or

(b) a judicial appeal or review of the decision.

3. Each Party shall ensure that, if the decision on appeal or review referred to in subparagraph 2(a) is not issued within a period of time provided for in its laws and regulations or without undue delay, the person referred to in paragraph 1 has the right to further administrative or judicial appeal or review.

4. Each Party shall ensure that the person referred to in paragraph 1 is provided with the reasons for the administrative decision to enable that person to have recourse to appeal or review procedures when necessary.

Article 4.9. Risk Management

1. Each Party shall adopt or maintain a risk management system that enables its customs authority to concentrate inspection activities on high-risk consignments and that expedites the release of low-risk consignments.

2. Each Party shall base risk management on assessment of risk through appropriate selectivity criteria.

3. A Party may also select, on a random basis, consignments for inspection activities referred to in paragraph 1 as part of its risk management.

4. Each Party shall design and apply risk management in a manner as to avoid arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination, or disguised restrictions to international trade.

Article 4.10. Post-clearance Audit

1. With a view to expediting the release of goods, each Party shall adopt or maintain post-clearance audit to ensure compliance with its customs legislation and other trade-related laws and regulations. The customs authority of each Party shall use the results of post-clearance audit performed by it when applying the risk management referred to in Article 4.9. A Party may provide that its customs authority uses the results of the post-clearance audit performed by other trade-related agencies when applying risk management, and vice-versa.

2. Each Party shall select a person or a consignment for post-clearance audit in a risk-based manner, which may include appropriate selectivity criteria. Each Party shall conduct post-clearance audits in a transparent manner. Where the person is involved in the audit process and conclusive results have been achieved, the Party shall, without delay, notify the person whose record is audited of the results, the person's rights and obligations and the reasons for the results.

Article 4.11. Transit and Transhipment

Each Party shall adopt or maintain procedures to facilitate the movement of goods from or to the other Party that are in transit through or in transhipment within its customs territory, while maintaining appropriate control.

Article 4.12. Customs Cooperation

1. Without prejudice to other forms of cooperation provided for in this Agreement, the customs authorities of the Parties shall cooperate, including by exchanging information, and provide mutual administrative assistance in the matters referred to in this Chapter in accordance with CMAA, notwithstanding Article 1.6. 2. The customs authorities of the Parties shall enhance cooperation on the matters referred to in this Chapter with a view to further developing trade facilitation while ensuring compliance with their respective customs legislation and improving supply chain security, in the following areas:

(a) cooperation on further simplification of customs procedures, taking into account the evolution of trade practices;

  • Chapter   1 GENERAL PROVISIONS 1
  • Article   1.1 Objectives 1
  • Article   1.2 General Definitions 1
  • Article   1.3 Territorial Application 1
  • Article   1.4 Taxation 1
  • Article   1.5 Security Exceptions 1
  • Article   1.6 Confidential Information 1
  • Article   1.7 Fulfilment of Obligations and Delegated Authority 1
  • Article   1.8 Laws and Regulations and Their Amendments 1
  • Article   1.9 Relation to other Agreements 1
  • Chapter   2 TRADE IN GOODS 1
  • Section   A General Provisions 1
  • Article   2.1 Objective 1
  • Article   2.2 Scope 1
  • Article   2.3 Definitions 1
  • Article   2.4 Customs Duty 1
  • Article   2.5 Agricultural Safeguards 1
  • Section   B National Treatment and Market Access for Goods 1
  • Article   2.6 Classification of Goods 1
  • Article   2.7 National Treatment 1
  • Article   2.8 Reduction and Elimination of Customs Duties on Imports 1
  • Article   2.9 Goods Re-entered after Repair and Alteration 1
  • Article   2.10 Temporary Admission of Goods 2
  • Article   2.11 Customs Valuation 2
  • Article   2.12 Export Duties 2
  • Article   2.13 Standstill 2
  • Article   2.14 Export Competition 2
  • Article   2.15 Import and Export Restrictions 2
  • Article   2.16 Fees and Formalities Connected with Importation and Exportation 2
  • Article   2.17 Import and Export Licensing Procedures 2
  • Article   2.18 Remanufactured Goods 2
  • Article   2.19 Non-tariff Measures 2
  • Article   2.20 Restrictions to Safeguard the Balance of Payments 2
  • Article   2.21 General Exceptions 2
  • Section   C Facilitation of Wine Product Export 2
  • Article   2.22 Scope 2
  • Article   2.23 General Principle 2
  • Article   2.24 Authorisation of Oenological Practices - Phase One 2
  • Article   2.25 Authorisation of Oenological Practices — Phase Two 2
  • Article   2.26 Authorisation of Oenological Practices - Phase Three 2
  • Article   2.27 Self-certification 2
  • Article   2.28 Review, Consultations and Temporary Suspension of Self-certification 2
  • Article   2.29 Standstill 2
  • Article   2.30 Amendments 2
  • Section   D Other Provisions 2
  • Article   2.31 Exchange of Information 2
  • Article   2.32 Special Measures Concerning the Management of Preferential Tariff Treatment 2
  • Article   2.33 Committee on Trade In Goods 2
  • Article   2.34 Working Group on Wine 2
  • Chapter   3 RULES OF ORIGIN AND ORIGIN PROCEDURES 2
  • Section   A Rules of Origin 2
  • Article   3.1 Definitions 2
  • Article   3.2 Requirements for Originating Products 2
  • Article   3.3 Wholly Obtained Products 3
  • Article   3.4 Insufficient Working or Processing 3
  • Article   3.5 Accumulation 3
  • Article   3.6 Tolerances 3
  • Article   3.7 Unit of Qualification 3
  • Article   3.8 Accounting Segregation 3
  • Article   3.9 Sets 3
  • Article   3.10 Non-alteration 3
  • Article   3.11 Returning Products 3
  • Article   3.12 Accessories, Spare Parts, Tools and Instructional or other Information Materials 3
  • Article   3.13 Neutral Elements 3
  • Article   3.14 Packing Materials and Containers for Shipment 3
  • Article   3.15 Packaging Materials and Containers for Retail Sale 3
  • Section   B Origin Procedures 3
  • Article   3.16 Claim for Preferential Tariff Treatment 3
  • Article   3.17 Statement on Origin 3
  • Article   3.18 Importer's Knowledge 3
  • Article   3.19 Record Keeping Requirements 3
  • Article   3.20 Small Consignments and Waivers 4
  • Article   3.21 Verification 4
  • Article   3.22 Administrative Cooperation 4
  • Article   3.23 Mutual Assistance In the Fight Against Fraud 4
  • Article   3.24 Denial of Preferential Tariff Treatment 4
  • Article   3.25 Confidentiality 4
  • Article   3.26 Administrative Measures and Sanctions 4
  • Section   C Miscellaneous 4
  • Article   3.27 Committee on Rules of Origin and Customs-Related Matters 4
  • Article   3.28 Transitional Provisions for Products In Transit or Storage 4
  • Chapter   4 CUSTOMS MATTERS AND TRADE FACILITATION 4
  • Article   4.1 Objectives 4
  • Article   4.2 Scope 4
  • Article   4.3 Transparency 4
  • Article   4.4 Procedures for Import, Export and Transit 4
  • Article   4.5 Release of Goods 4
  • Article   4.6 Simplification of Customs Procedures 4
  • Article   4.7 Advance Rulings 4
  • Article   4.8 Appeal and Review 4
  • Article   4.9 Risk Management 4
  • Article   4.10 Post-clearance Audit 4
  • Article   4.11 Transit and Transhipment 4
  • Article   4.12 Customs Cooperation 4
  • Article   4.13 Temporary Admission 5
  • Article   4.14 Committee on Rules of Origin and Customs-Related Matters 5
  • Chapter   5 TRADE REMEDIES 5
  • Section   A General Provisions 5
  • Article   5.1 Definitions 5
  • Section   B Bilateral Safeguard Measures 5
  • Article   5.2 Application of Bilateral Safeguard Measures 5
  • Article   5.3 Conditions and Limitations 5
  • Article   5.4 Investigation 5
  • Article   5.5 Notification 5
  • Article   5.6 Consultations and Compensations 5
  • Article   5.7 Provisional Bilateral Safeguard Measures 5
  • Article   5.8 Miscellaneous 5
  • Section   C Global Safeguard Measures 5
  • Article   5.9 General Provisions 5
  • Article   5.10 Application of Safeguard Measures 5
  • Section   D Anti-dumping and Countervailing Measures 5
  • Article   5.11 General Provisions 5
  • Article   5.12 Transparency and Disclosure of Essential Facts 5
  • Article   5.13 Consideration of Public Interest 5
  • Article   5.14 Anti-dumping Investigation 5
  • Article   5.15 Imposition of Anti-dumping and Countervailing Duties ("Lesser Duty Rule") 5
  • Chapter   6 SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES 5
  • Article   6.1 Objectives 5
  • Article   6.2 Scope of Application 5
  • Article   6.3 Definitions 5
  • Article   6.4 Relation to the WTO Agreement 5
  • Article   6.5 Competent Authorities and Contact Points 5
  • Article   6.6 Risk Assessment 5
  • Article   6.7 Import Conditions, Import Procedures and Trade Facilitation 5
  • Article   6.8 Audit 5
  • Article   6.9 Procedure for Listing of Establishments or Facilities 6
  • Article   6.10 Adaptation to Regional Conditions 6
  • Article   6.11 Transparency and Exchange of Information 6
  • Article   6.12 Technical Consultations 6
  • Article   6.13 Emergency Measures 6
  • Article   6.14 Equivalence 6
  • Article   6.15 Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 6
  • Article   6.16 Dispute Settlement 6
  • Chapter   7 TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE 6
  • Article   7.1 Objectives 6
  • Article   7.2 Scope 6
  • Article   7.3 Incorporation of Certain Provisions of the TBT Agreement 6
  • Article   7.4 Definitions 6
  • Article   7.5 Technical Regulations 6
  • Article   7.6 International Standards 6
  • Article   7.7 Standards 6
  • Article   7.8 Conformity Assessment Procedures 6
  • Article   7.9 Transparency 6
  • Article   7.10 Market Surveillance 7
  • Article   7.11 Marking and Labelling 7
  • Article   7.12 Lot Identification Codes 7
  • Article   7.13 Cooperation 7
  • Article   7.14 Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade 7
  • Article   7.15 Contact Points 7
  • Chapter   8 TRADE IN SERVICES, INVESTMENT LIBERALISATION AND ELECTRONIC COMMERCE 7
  • Section   A General Provisions 7
  • Article   8.1 Scope 7
  • Article   8.2 Definitions 7
  • Article   8.3 General Exceptions 7
  • Article   8.4 Committee on Trade In Services, Investment Liberalisation and Electronic Commerce 7
  • Article   8.5 Review 7
  • Section   B Investment Liberalisation 7
  • Article   8.6 Scope 7
  • Article   8.7 Market Access 8
  • Article   8.8 National Treatment 8
  • Article   8.9 Most-favoured-nation Treatment 8
  • Article   8.10 Senior Management and Boards of Directors 8
  • Article   8.11 Prohibition of Performance Requirements 8
  • Article   8.12 Non-conforming Measures and Exceptions 8
  • Article   8.13 Denial of Benefits 8
  • Section   C Cross-border Trade In Services 8
  • Article   8.14 Scope 8
  • Article   8.15 Market Access 8
  • Article   8.16 National Treatment 8
  • Article   8.17 Most-favoured-nation Treatment 8
  • Article   8.18 Non-conforming Measures 8
  • Article   8.19 Denial of Benefits 8
  • Section   D Entry and Temporary Stay of Natural Persons 8
  • Article   8.20 General Provisions and Scope 8
  • Article   8.21 Definitions 9
  • Article   8.22 General Obligations 9
  • Article   8.23 Transparency 9
  • Article   8.24 Obligations In other Sections 9
  • Article   8.25 Business Visitors for Establishment Purposes, Intra-corporate Transferees and Investors 9
  • Article   8.26 Contractual Service Suppliers and Independent Professionals 9
  • Article   8.27 Short-term Business Visitors 9
  • Article   8.28 Contact Points 9
  • Section   E Regulatory Framework 9
  • Subsection   1 Domestic Regulation 9
  • Article   8.29 Scope and Definitions 9
  • Article   8.30 Conditions for Licensing and Qualification 9
  • Article   8.31 Licensing and Qualification Procedures 9
  • Article   8.32 Technical Standards 9
  • Subsection   2 Provisions of General Application 9
  • Article   8.33 Administration of Measures of General Application 9
  • Article   8.34 Review Procedures for Administrative Decisions 9
  • Article   8.35 Mutual Recognition 9
  • Subsection   3 Postal and Courier Services 9
  • Article   8.36 Scope and Definitions 9
  • Article   8.37 Universal Service 10
  • Article   8.38 Border Procedures 10
  • Article   8.39 Licences 10
  • Article   8.40 Independence of the Regulatory Body 10
  • Subsection   4 Telecommunications Services 10
  • Article   8.41 Scope 10
  • Article   8.42 Definitions 10
  • Article   8.43 Approaches to Regulation 10
  • Article   8.44 Access and Use 10
  • Article   8.45 Number Portability 10
  • Article   8.46 Resale 10
  • Article   8.47 Enabling Use of Network Facilities and Interconnection 10
  • Article   8.48 Obligations Relating to Major Suppliers 10
  • Article   8.49 Regulatory Authority 10
  • Article   8.50 Universal Service 10
  • Article   8.51 Authorisation to Provide Telecommunications Networks and Services 10
  • Article   8.52 Allocation and Use of Scarce Resources 10
  • Article   8.53 Transparency 10
  • Article   8.54 Resolution of Telecommunications Disputes 10
  • Article   8.55 Relation to International Organisations 11
  • Article   8.56 Confidentiality of Information 11
  • Article   8.57 International Mobile Roaming 11
  • Subsection   5 Financial Services 11
  • Article   8.58 Scope 11
  • Article   8.59 Definitions 11
  • Article   8.60 New Financial Services  (1) 11
  • Article   8.61 Payment and Clearing Systems 11
  • Article   8.62 Self-regulatory Organisations 11
  • Article   8.63 Financial Information 11
  • Article   8.64 Effective and Transparent Regulation 11
  • Article   8.65 Prudential Carve-out 11
  • Article   8.66 Supply of Insurance Services by Postal Insurance Entities 11
  • Article   8.67 Regulatory Cooperation In Financial Services 11
  • Subsection   6 International Maritime Transport Services 11
  • Article   8.68 Scope and Definitions 11
  • Article   8.69 Obligations 11
  • Section   F Electronic Commerce 11
  • Article   8.70 Objective and General Provisions 11
  • Article   8.71 Definitions 11
  • Article   8.72 Customs Duties 12
  • Article   8.73 Source Code 12
  • Article   8.74 Domestic Regulation 12
  • Article   8.75 Principle of No Prior Authorisation 12
  • Article   8.76 Conclusion of Contracts by Electronic Means 12
  • Article   8.77 Electronic Authentication and Electronic Signature 12
  • Article   8.78 Principles on Access to and Use of the Internet for Electronic Commerce 12
  • Article   8.79 Consumer Protection 12
  • Article   8.80 Personal Information Protection 12
  • Article   8.81 Unsolicited Commercial Electronic Messages 12
  • Article   8.82 Open Government Data 12
  • Article   8.83 Cooperation on Electronic Commerce 12
  • Article   8.84 Cross-border Transfer of Information by Electronic Means 12
  • Article   8.85 Location of Computing Facilities 12
  • Article   8.86 Commercial Information and Communication Technology Products That Use Cryptography  (1) 12
  • Chapter   9 CAPITAL MOVEMENTS, PAYMENTS AND TRANSFERS AND TEMPORARY SAFEGUARD MEASURES 12
  • Article   9.1 Current Account 12
  • Article   9.2 Capital Movements 12
  • Article   9.3 Application of Laws and Regulations Relating to Capital Movements, Payments or Transfers 12
  • Article   9.4 Temporary Safeguard Measures 12
  • Chapter   10 GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 13
  • Article   10.1 Incorporation of the GPA (1) 13
  • Article   10.2 Additional Scope of Application 13
  • Article   10.3 Additional Rules 13
  • Article   10.4 Publication of Notices 13
  • Article   10.5 Conditions for Participation 13
  • Article   10.6 Qualification of Suppliers 13
  • Article   10.7 Selective Tendering 13
  • Article   10.8 Technical Specifications 13
  • Article   10.9 Test Reports 13
  • Article   10.10 Environmental Conditions 13
  • Article   10.11 Treatment of Tenders and Awarding of Contracts 13
  • Article   10.12 Domestic Review Procedures 13
  • Article   10.13 Collection and Reporting of Statistics 13
  • Article   10.14 Modifications and Rectifications to Coverage 13
  • Article   10.15 Cooperation 13
  • Article   10.16 Committee on Government Procurement 13
  • Article   10.17 Contact Points 13
  • Chapter   11 COMPETITION POLICY 13
  • Article   11.1 Principles 13
  • Article   11.2 Anticompetitive Practices 13
  • Article   11.3 Legislative and Regulatory Framework 13
  • Article   11.4 Operational Independence 13
  • Article   11.5 Non-discrimination 13
  • Article   11.6 Procedural Fairness 13
  • Article   11.7 Consumer Protection 13
  • Article   11.8 Transparency 14
  • Article   11.9 Enforcement Cooperation 14
  • Article   11.10 Dispute Settlement 14
  • Chapter   12 SUBSIDIES 14
  • Article   12.1 Principles 14
  • Article   12.2 Definitions 14
  • Article   12.3 Scope 14
  • Article   12.4 Relation to the WTO Agreement 14
  • Article   12.5 Notification 14
  • Article   12.6 Consultations 14
  • Article   12.7 Prohibited Subsidies 14
  • Article   12.8 Use of Subsidies 14
  • Article   12.9 General Exceptions 14
  • Article   12.10 Dispute Settlement 14
  • Chapter   13 STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES, ENTERPRISES GRANTED SPECIAL RIGHTS OR PRIVILEGES AND DESIGNATED MONOPOLIES 14
  • Article   13.1 Definitions 14
  • Article   13.2 Scope 14
  • Article   13.3 Relation to the WTO Agreement 14
  • Article   13.4 General Provisions 14
  • Article   13.5 Non-discriminatory Treatment and Commercial Considerations 14
  • Article   13.6 Regulatory Framework 14
  • Article   13.7 Information Exchange 14
  • Article   13.8 General Exceptions 14
  • Chapter   14 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 14
  • Section   A General Provisions 14
  • Article   14.1 Initial Provisions 14
  • Article   14.2 Agreed Principles 14
  • Article   14.3 International Agreements 14
  • Article   14.4 National Treatment 15
  • Article   14.5 Most-favoured-nation Treatment 15
  • Article   14.6 Procedural Matters and Transparency 15
  • Article   14.7 Promotion of Public Awareness Concerning Protection of Intellectual Property 15
  • Section   B Standards Concerning Intellectual Property 15
  • Subsection   1 Copyright and Related Rights 15
  • Article   14.8 Authors 15
  • Article   14.9 Performers 15
  • Article   14.10 Producers of Phonograms 15
  • Article   14.11 Broadcasting Organisations 15
  • Article   14.12 Use of Phonograms 15
  • Article   14.13 Term of Protection  (1) 15
  • Article   14.14 Limitations and Exceptions 15
  • Article   14.15 Artist's Resale Right In Works of Art 15
  • Article   14.16 Collective Management 15
  • Article   14.17 Protection of Existing Subject Matter 15
  • Article   14.18 Technological Protection Measures 15
  • Article   14.19 Rights Management Information 15
  • Subsection   2 Trademarks 15
  • Article   14.20 Rights Conferred by a Trademark 15
  • Article   14.21 Exceptions 15
  • Article   14.22 Preparatory Acts Deemed as Infringement 15
  • Article   14.23 Well-known Trademarks 15
  • Article   14.24 Bad Faith Trademarks 15
  • Article   14.25 Registration and Renewal Processes 15
  • Subsection   3 Geographical Indications 15
  • Article   14.26 Scope 15
  • Article   14.27 System of Protection of Geographical Indications 15
  • Article   14.28 Lists of Geographical Indications 15
  • Article   14.29 Scope of Protection of Geographical Indications 15
  • Article   14.30 Scope of the Use of Geographical Indications 16
  • Article   14.31 Relationship with Trademarks 16
  • Article   14.32 Enforcement of Protection 16
  • Article   14.33 Exceptions 16
  • Article   14.34 Amendment of the Lists of Geographical Indications 16
  • Subsection   4 Industrial Designs  (1) 16
  • Article   14.35 Industrial Designs 16
  • Article   14.36 Multiple Design Applications  (1) 16
  • Subsection   5 Unregistered Appearance of Products 16
  • Article   14.37 Unregistered Appearance of Products 16
  • Subsection   6 Patents 16
  • Article   14.38 Patents 16
  • Article   14.39 Patents and Public Health 16
  • Article   14.40 Extension of the Period of Protection Conferred by a Patent on Pharmaceutical Products and Agricultural Chemical Products  (1) (2) 16
  • Subsection   7 Trade Secrets and Undisclosed Test or other Data 16
  • Article   14.41 Scope of Protection of Trade Secrets 16
  • Article   14.42 Treatment of Test Data In Marketing Approval Procedure 16
  • Subsection   8 New Varieties of Plants 16
  • Article   14.43 New Varieties of Plants 16
  • Subsection   9 Unfair Competition 16
  • Article   14.44 Unfair Competition 16
  • Section   C Enforcement 16
  • Subsection   1 General Provisions 16
  • Article   14.45 Enforcement - General 16
  • Article   14.46 Entitled Applicants 16
  • Subsection   2 Enforcement - Civil Remedies  (1) (2) 16
  • Article   14.47 Measures for Preserving Evidence 16
  • Article   14.48 Right of Information 16
  • Article   14.49 Provisional and Precautionary Measures 16
  • Article   14.50 Corrective Measures 16
  • Article   14.51 Injunctions 16
  • Article   14.52 Damages 17
  • Article   14.53 Costs 17
  • Article   14.54 Presumption of Authorship or Ownership 17
  • Article   14.55 Access to Justice 17
  • Subsection   3 Enforcement of Protection Against Misappropriation of Trade Secrets 17
  • Article   14.56 Civil Procedures and Remedies 17
  • Subsection   4 Enforcement - Border Measures 17
  • Article   14.57 Enforcement - Border Measures 17
  • Subsection   5 Enforcement - Criminal Remedies 17
  • Article   14.58 Criminal Procedures and Penalties 17
  • Subsection   6 Enforcement In the Digital Environment 17
  • Article   14.59 Enforcement In the Digital Environment 17
  • Section   D Cooperation and Institutional Arrangements 17
  • Article   14.60 Cooperation 17
  • Article   14.61 Committee on Intellectual Property 17
  • Article   14.62 Security Exceptions 17
  • Article   14.63 Dispute Settlement 17
  • Chapter   15 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 17
  • Article   15.1 Objectives 17
  • Article   15.2 Definitions 17
  • Article   15.3 General Principles 17
  • Article   15.4 Rights of Shareholders and Ownership Functions 17
  • Article   15.5 Roles of the Board 17
  • Article   15.6 Takeovers 17
  • Article   15.7 Dispute Settlement 17
  • Chapter   16 TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 17
  • Article   16.1 Context and Objectives 17
  • Article   16.2 Right to Regulate and Levels of Protection 18
  • Article   16.3 International Labour Standards and Conventions 18
  • Article   16.4 Multilateral Environmental Agreements 18
  • Article   16.5 Trade and Investment Favouring Sustainable Development 18
  • Article   16.6 Biological Diversity 18
  • Article   16.7 Sustainable Management of Forests and Trade In Timber and Timber Products 18
  • Article   16.8 Trade and Sustainable Use of Fisheries Resources and Sustainable Aquaculture 18
  • Article   16.9 Scientific Information 18
  • Article   16.10 Transparency 18
  • Article   16.11 Review of Sustainability Impacts 18
  • Article   16.12 Cooperation 18
  • Article   16.13 Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development 18
  • Article   16.14 Contact Points 18
  • Article   16.15 Domestic Advisory Group 18
  • Article   16.16 Joint Dialogue with Civil Society 18
  • Article   16.17 Government Consultations 18
  • Article   16.18 Panel of Experts 18
  • Chapter   17 TRANSPARENCY 18
  • Article   17.1 Definitions 18
  • Article   17.2 Transparent Regulatory Environment 18
  • Article   17.3 Publication 18
  • Article   17.4 Enquiries 18
  • Article   17.5 Administration of Measures of General Application 18
  • Article   17.6 Review and Appeal 18
  • Article   17.7 Cooperation on the Promotion of Increased Transparency 18
  • Article   17.8 Relation to other Chapters 18
  • Article   17.9 Anti-Corruption 18
  • Chapter   18 GOOD REGULATORY PRACTICES AND REGULATORY COOPERATION 18
  • Section   A Good Regulatory Practices and Regulatory Cooperation 18
  • Subsection   1 General Provisions 18
  • Article   18.1 Objectives and General Principles 18
  • Article   18.2 Definitions 19
  • Article   18.3 Scope 19
  • Subsection   2 Good Regulatory Practices 19
  • Article   18.4 Internal Coordination 19
  • Article   18.5 Regulatory Processes and Mechanisms 19
  • Article   18.6 Early Information on Planned Regulatory Measures 19
  • Article   18.7 Public Consultations 19
  • Article   18.8 Impact Assessment 19
  • Article   18.9 Retrospective Evaluation 19
  • Article   18.10 Opportunity to Submit Comments 19
  • Article   18.11 Exchange of Information on Good Regulatory Practices 19
  • Subsection   3 Regulatory Cooperation 19
  • Article   18.12 Regulatory Cooperation Activities 19
  • Article   18.13 Good Practices to Promote Regulatory Compatibility 19
  • Subsection   4 Institutional Provisions 19
  • Article   18.14 Committee on Regulatory Cooperation 19
  • Article   18.15 Contact Points 19
  • Article   18.16 Exchange of Information on Planned or Existing Regulatory Measures 19
  • Section   B Animal Welfare 19
  • Article   18.17 Animal Welfare 19
  • Section   C Final Provisions 19
  • Article   18.18 Application of Section a 19
  • Article   18.19 Dispute Settlement 19
  • Chapter   19 COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF AGRICULTURE 19
  • Article   19.1 Objectives 19
  • Article   19.2 Scope 19
  • Article   19.3 Cooperation for the Improvement of the Business Environment 19
  • Article   19.4 Request for Information 19
  • Article   19.5 Working Group on Cooperation In the Field of Agriculture 19
  • Article   19.6 Contact Points and Communications 20
  • Article   19.7 Relation to other Chapters 20
  • Article   19.8 Dispute Settlement 20
  • Chapter   20 SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES 20
  • Article   20.1 Objective 20
  • Article   20.2 Cooperation 20
  • Article   20.3 Information Sharing 20
  • Article   20.4 SME Contact Points 20
  • Article   20.5 Dispute Settlement 20
  • Chapter   21 TRADE AND WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT 20
  • Article   21.1 Women and the Economy 20
  • Article   21.2 Cooperation Activities 20
  • Article   21.3 Working Group on Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment 20
  • Article   21.4 Dispute Settlement 20
  • Chapter   22 DISPUTE SETTLEMENT 20
  • Section   A Objective, Scope and Definitions 20
  • Article   22.1 Objective 20
  • Article   22.2 Scope 20
  • Article   22.3 Definitions 20
  • Section   B Consultations and Mediation 20
  • Article   22.4 Request for Information 20
  • Article   22.5 Consultations 20
  • Article   22.6 Mediation 20
  • Section   C Panel Procedure 20
  • Article   22.7 Establishment of a Panel 20
  • Article   22.8 Composition of a Panel 20
  • Article   22.9 List of Arbitrators 21
  • Article   22.10 Qualifications of Arbitrators 21
  • Article   22.11 Replacement of Arbitrators 21
  • Article   22.12 Functions of Panels 21
  • Article   22.13 Terms of Reference 21
  • Article   22.14 Decision on Urgency 21
  • Article   22.15 Panel Proceedings 21
  • Article   22.16 Rules of Interpretation 21
  • Article   22.17 Receipt of Information 21
  • Article   22.18 Interim Report 21
  • Article   22.19 Final Report 21
  • Article   22.20 Compliance with the Final Report 21
  • Article   22.21 Compliance Review 21
  • Article   22.22 Temporary Remedies In Case of Non-compliance 21
  • Article   22.23 Compliance Review after the Adoption of Temporary Remedies 21
  • Article   22.24 Suspension and Termination of Proceedings 21
  • Section   D General Provisions 21
  • Article   22.25 Administration of the Dispute Settlement Procedure 21
  • Article   22.26 Mutually Agreed Solution 21
  • Article   22.27 Choice of Forum 21
  • Article   22.28 Time Period 21
  • Article   22.29 Expenses 21
  • Article   22.30 Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct 21
  • Chapter   23 INSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS 21
  • Article   23.1 Joint Committee 21
  • Article   23.2 Decisions and Recommendations of the Joint Committee  21
  • Article   23.3 Specialised Committees 21
  • Article   23.4 Working Groups 22
  • Article   23.5 Work of Specialised Committees, Working Groups and other Bodies 22
  • Article   23.6 Contact Points 22
  • Chapter   24 FINAL PROVISIONS 22
  • Article   24.1 General Review 22
  • Article   24.2 Amendments 22
  • Article   24.3 Entry Into Force 22
  • Article   24.4 Termination 22
  • Article   24.5 No Direct Effect on Persons 22
  • Article   24.6 Annexes, Appendices, Protocol and Footnotes 22
  • Article   24.7 Authentic Texts 22