Australia - United Kingdom FTA (2021)
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2. Paragraph 1 of Article 18.4 (Non-discriminatory Treatment and Commercial Considerations) does not apply with respect to the supply of financial services by a state-owned enterprise pursuant to a government mandate if that supply of financial services:

(a) supports exports or imports, provided that these services are:

(i) not intended to displace commercial financing; or

(ii) offered on terms no more favourable than those that could be

obtained for comparable financial services in the commercial market; (26)

(b) supports private investment outside the territory of the Party, provided that these services are:

(i) not intended to displace commercial financing; or

(ii) offered on terms no more favourable than those that could be obtained for comparable financial services in the commercial market; or

(c) is offered on terms consistent with the Arrangement, provided that it falls within the scope of the Arrangement.

3. The supply of financial services by a state-owned enterprise pursuant to a government mandate shall be deemed not to give rise to adverse effects under subparagraphs 1(b), 1(c), 2(b) or 2(c) of Article 18.6 (Non-commercial Assistance) where the Party in which the financial service is supplied requires a local presence in order to supply those services, if that supply of financial services: (27)

(a) supports exports and imports, provided that these services are: (i) not intended to displace commercial financing; or

(ii) offered on terms no more favourable than those that could be obtained for comparable financial services in the commercial market;

(b) supports private investment outside the territory of the Party, provided that these services are:

(i) not intended to displace commercial financing; or

(ii) offered on terms no more favourable than those that could be obtained for comparable financial services in the commercial market; or

(c) is offered on terms consistent with the Arrangement, provided that it falls within the scope of the Arrangement.

4. Article 18.6 (Non-commercial Assistance) does not apply with respect to an enterprise located outside the territory of a Party over which a state-owned enterprise of that Party has assumed temporary ownership as a consequence of foreclosure or a similar action in connection with defaulted debt, or payment of an insurance claim by the state-owned enterprise, associated with the supply of the financial services referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3, provided that any support the Party, a state enterprise or state-owned enterprise of the Party, provides to the enterprise during the period of temporary ownership is provided in order to recoup the state-owned enterprise's investment in accordance with a restructuring or liquidation plan that will result in the ultimate divestiture from the enterprise.

5. Article 18.4 (Non-discriminatory Treatment and Commercial Considerations), Article 18.6 (Non-commercial Assistance), and Article 18.10 (Transparency) do not apply with respect to a state-owned enterprise or designated monopoly if in any one of the three previous consecutive fiscal years, the annual revenue derived from the commercial activities of the state-owned enterprise or designated monopoly was less than a threshold amount which shall be calculated in accordance with Annex 18-A (Threshold Calculation). (28)

(26) In circumstances where no comparable financial services are offered in the commercial market: (a) for the purposes of subparagraphs 2(a)(ii), 2(b)(ii), 3(a)(ii) and 3(b)(ii), the state-owned enterprise may rely as necessary on available evidence to establish a benchmark of the terms on which such services would be offered in the commercial market; and (b) for the purposes of subparagraphs 2(a)(i), 2(b)(i), 3(a)(i) and 3(b)(i), the supply of the financial services shall be deemed not to be intended to displace commercial financing.
(27) For the purposes of this paragraph, in cases where the Party in which the financial service is supplied requires a local presence in order to supply those services, the supply of the financial services identified in this paragraph through an enterprise that is a covered investment shall be deemed to not give rise to adverse effects.
(28) When a Party invokes this exception during consultations under Article 30.7 (Consultations - Dispute Settlement), the consulting Parties should exchange and discuss available evidence concerning the annual revenue of the state-owned enterprise or the designated monopoly derived from the commercial activities during the three previous consecutive fiscal years in an effort to resolve during the consultations period any disagreement regarding the application of this exception.

Article 18.14. Further Negotiations

Within five years of the date of entry into force of this Agreement, the Parties shall conduct further negotiations on extending the application of the disciplines in this Chapter in accordance with Annex 18-C (Further Negotiations).

Article 18.15. Process for Developing Information

Annex 18-B (Process for Developing Information Concerning State- Owned Enterprises and Designated Monopolies) applies in any dispute under Chapter 30 (Dispute Settlement) regarding a Party's conformity with Article 18.4 (Non-discriminatory Treatment and Commercial Considerations) or Article 18.6 (Non-commercial Assistance).

Chapter 19. SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES

Article 19.1. General Provisions

1. The Parties recognise the importance of:

(a) SMEs in their bilateral trade and investment relations; and

(b) provisions in this Agreement that are of particular benefit to SMEs.

2. The Parties affirm their commitment to promoting an environment that:

(a) facilitates and supports the development, growth, and competitiveness of SMEs;

(b) promotes job creation in SMEs; and

(c) enhances SMEs' ability to benefit from this Agreement.

3. The Parties recognise the importance of current initiatives, efforts and work on SMEs developed in relevant international fora, and in taking into account their findings and recommendations, where appropriate.

4. The Parties recognise the importance of the participation of SMEs owned or led by under-represented groups, such as women, youth, indigenous peoples, persons with a disability and minority groups in international trade.

5. The Parties also recognise the relevance of:

(a) working cooperatively to identify and address barriers to SMEs' access to international markets;

(b) considering the needs of SMEs when formulating new legislation, regulation and product standards; and

(c) assessing the effects of globalisation on SMEs and, in particular, examining issues related to SMEs' access to financing and to support for innovation.

Article 19.2. Information Sharing

1. Each Party shall establish or maintain its own publicly accessible website containing information regarding this Agreement, including:

(a) the full text of this Agreement;

(b) a summary of this Agreement; and

(c) information designed for SMEs that contains:

(i) a description of the provisions in this Agreement that the Party considers to be relevant to SMEs; and

(ii) any additional information that the Party considers useful for SMEs interested in benefitting from the opportunities provided by this Agreement.

2. Each Party shall include in its website referred to in paragraph 1 links to:

(a) the equivalent website of the other Party; and

(b) the websites of its own government agencies or authorities and other appropriate entities that provide information the Party considers useful to any person interested in trading, investing or doing business in that Party's territory.

3. Subject to each Party's laws and regulations, the information described in subparagraph 2(b) may include:

(a) customs regulations and procedures; (1)

(b) enquiry points;

(c) regulations and procedures concerning intellectual property rights;

(d) technical regulations, standards, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures relating to importation and exportation;

(e) foreign investment regulations;

(f) business registration procedures;

(g) employment regulations;

(h) taxation information;

(i) trade promotion programmes;

(j) information related to the temporary entry of business persons as defined in Chapter 11 (Temporary Entry for Business Persons); and

(k) rules on government procurement.

4. Each Party shall include in the website referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 a link to a database that is electronically searchable including where possible by HS code, and that may include, ifthe Party considers applicable, the following information with respect to access to its market:

(a) rates of customs duty to be applied by the Party to the originating goods of the other Party;

(b) the most-favoured-nation applied rates of customs duty;

(c) tariff rate quotas established by the Party;

(d) rules of origin; and

(e) other relevant measures as agreed by the Parties.

5. Each Party shall regularly, or on request of the other Party, review the information and links on the website referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 to ensure that such information and links are up to date and accurate.

6. Each Party may recommend additional information that the other Party may consider including on its website referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2.

(1) This may include links to information on customs or other fees, including product-specific fees, imposed or in connection with importation and exportation; and duty drawback, deferral or other types of relief that reduce, refund or exempt customs duties.

Article 19.3. Contact Points on SMEs

1. Each Party shall designate and notify a contact point on SMEs.

2. Each Party shall promptly notify the other Party of any change to its contact point.

3. The contact points shall:

(a) facilitate communications between the Parties on any matter the Party considers relevant to SMEs;

(b) exchange information to assist in monitoring the implementation of this Agreement as it relates to SMEs; and

(c) where appropriate, facilitate coordination between the Parties and any committee, working group or other subsidiary body established by this Agreement, on any matter covered by this Chapter.

Article 19.4. Cooperation to Increase Trade and Investment Opportunities for SMEs

1. The Parties acknowledge the importance of cooperating to achieve progress in reducing barriers to SMEs' access to international markets.

2. The Parties may undertake activities to strengthen cooperation under this Chapter including:

(a) identifying ways to assist SMEs of the Parties to take advantage of the commercial opportunities under this Agreement;

(b) exchanging and discussing each Party's experiences and best practices in supporting and assisting SMEs with respect to, among other things:

(i) training programmes;

(ii) trade education;

(iii) trade finance;

(iv) identifying commercial partners in the other Party;

(v) establishing good business credentials; and

(vi) payment practices in the other Party's market.

(c) facilitating the development of programmes to assist SMEs to participate in and integrate effectively into global markets and supply chains;

(d) identifying non-tariff barriers that adversely affect trade outcomes for SMEs and considering ways to minimise these barriers;

(e) exchanging information relating to the participation of SMEs in digital trade and e-commerce, with a view to assisting SMEs to take advantage of opportunities resulting from this Agreement; and

(f) considering any other matter pertaining to SMEs, including any issues raised by SMEs regarding their ability to benefit from this Agreement.

3. In carrying out any activities or programmes pursuant to paragraph 2, the Parties may seek to collaborate with experts, international organisations, or the private sector, as appropriate.

Article 19.5. Other Provisions That Benefit SMEs

The Parties recognise that, in addition to the provisions in this Chapter, there are provisions in this Agreement that seek to enhance cooperation between the Parties on SME issues, or that may be of benefit to SMEs.

Article 19.6. Non-Application of Dispute Settlement

Neither Party shall have recourse to dispute settlement under Chapter 30 (Dispute Settlement) for any matter arising under this Chapter.

Chapter 20. INNOVATION

Article 20.1. Definitions

For the purposes of this Chapter:

"innovation" means the development or implementation of a new or improved product, process, or organisational method, or combination thereof.

Article 20.2. Objective

The objective of this Chapter is to support trade and economic growth between the Parties through collaboration on innovation, consistent with the laws, regulations and policies of each Party.

Article 20.3. General Provisions

1. The Parties recognise the important role that innovation plays in their economies, including by stimulating competitiveness, increasing productivity, encouraging investment and promoting international trade.

2. The Parties confirm that their intention is for this Agreement to support innovation in their respective economies, including by fostering opportunities in innovation-intensive industries and encouraging trade in innovative goods and services.

3. The Parties acknowledge the existing collaboration on innovation between their governments, industries, universities, publicly funded research agencies and other non-governmental bodies, and confirm their commitment to further strengthening this collaboration.

Article 20.4. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

1. The Parties recognise that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and other digital technologies, are becoming increasingly important within the global economy, and offer significant social and economic benefits.

2. The Parties shall cooperate, where appropriate through the Strategic Innovation Dialogue established pursuant to paragraph 1 of Article 20.5 (Strategic Innovation Dialogue), in activities aimed at encouraging the development and adoption of emerging technologies, and facilitating trade in related products and services. Those activities may include:

(a) sharing research and industry practices related to emerging technologies and their governance;

(b) promoting and sustaining the responsible use and adoption of emerging technologies by businesses and across the community;

(c) encouraging commercialisation opportunities and collaboration between research institutions, industries and businesses related to emerging technologies;

(d) playing an active role in the development of international standards, regulations and conformity assessment procedures that provide clear expectations for businesses and support the growth of emerging technologies;

(e) facilitating and promoting investment in research and development related to emerging technologies; and

(f) facilitating and promoting trade in emerging technologies, including by exchanging views on effective trade policy approaches.

3. The Parties also recognise the importance of developing governance frameworks for the trusted, safe, and responsible use of emerging technologies that will help realise the benefits of these technologies. The Parties further acknowledge the benefits of ensuring that those frameworks are internationally aligned as far as possible. To this end, the Parties shall endeavour to:

(a) collaborate on, and promote the development and adoption of, governance frameworks that support the trusted, safe, and responsible use of emerging technologies, through relevant international fora, in particular the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence; and

(b) take into consideration internationally recognised principles or guidelines, in particular the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's Principles on Artificial Intelligence adopted by its Council on 22 May 2019, when developing those frameworks.

Article 20.5. Strategic Innovation Dialogue

1. The Parties hereby establish a Strategic Innovation Dialogue for the purposes of facilitating an open business environment that supports and stimulates innovation in their territories, promoting and strengthening trade-facilitative innovation policy, identifying unnecessary barriers to trade in innovative goods and services, and identifying other opportunities to further the objective of this Chapter.

2. Through the Strategic Innovation Dialogue, the Parties shall mutually identify areas of cooperation to promote and facilitate innovation in their territories. Examples of areas of cooperation may include:

(a) regulatory approaches that facilitate innovation, including the uptake and implementation of international innovation best practice standards;

(b) emerging and transformative technologies, including clean and low emissions technologies, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies;

(c) the commercial application of new technologies, including in economic sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, mineral tesources, space, and manufacturing;

(d) value chain matters, including supply chain resilience; and

(e) global innovation networks and cross-border trade in intangible assets, including through higher education and research collaboration.

3. Through the Strategic Innovation Dialogue, the Parties shall:

(a) share best practice principles and explore opportunities in innovation policy across government, academia, research organisations, industry and business;

(b) review existing relationships for opportunities to strengthen bilateral engagement on the impacts of innovation on trade and investment;

(c) explore ways in which innovation can further promote trade and investment; and

(d) consider any other matter that the Parties deem appropriate which furthers the objective of this Chapter.

4. Consistent with the objective of this Chapter, the Strategic Innovation Dialogue may develop a cooperative activity between the Parties in an area of mutual interest.

5. The Parties may consult with or seek advice from a qualified non- governmental expert or stakeholder in relation to furthering the objective of this Chapter, including by inviting them to participate in the Strategic Innovation Dialogue.

6. The Strategic Innovation Dialogue shall be co-chaired by a representative from each Party.

7. The Strategic Innovation Dialogue shall convene within 12 months of the date of entry into force of this Agreement and thereafter at least once every two years, unless the Parties agree otherwise.

8. Each Party shall, on entry into force of this Agreement, designate a contact point for the Strategic Innovation Dialogue and notify the other Party of that contact point. Each Party shall promptly notify the other Party of any change to those contact details.

9. The Strategic Innovation Dialogue may engage with any committee, working group, or other subsidiary body established under this Agreement to further the objective of this Chapter. (1)

10. The Joint Committee may refer a matter to the Strategic Innovation Dialogue for its consideration.

(1) The Strategic Innovation Dialogue shall not be considered a committee, working group, or other subsidiary body established under this Agreement for the purposes of Chapter 29 (Administrative and Institutional Arrangements).

Article 20.6. Review of this Agreement

1. The Parties recognise the importance of ensuring that the disciplines contained in this Agreement remain relevant to the trade and investment issues and challenges confronting them, including those arising from innovation.

2. Where a review is conducted pursuant to paragraph 1 and in accordance with subparagraph 3(a) of Article 32.6 (General Review - Final Provisions), the Parties shall take into account developments in innovation, including as discussed through the Strategic Innovation Dialogue.

Article 20.7. Non-Application of Dispute Settlement

Neither Party shall have recourse to dispute settlement under Chapter 30 (Dispute Settlement) for any matter arising under this Chapter.

Chapter 21. LABOUR

Article 21.1. Definitions

For the Purposes of this Chapter:

"ILO Declaration" means the International Labour Organization ("ILO") Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow- up done at Geneva on 18 June 1998;

  • Chapter   1 INITIAL PROVISIONS AND GENERAL DEFINITIONS 1
  • Article   1.1 Establishment of a Free Trade Area 1
  • Article   1.2 Relation to other Agreements 1
  • Article   1.3 Laws and Regulations and Their Amendments 1
  • Article   1.4 General Definitions 1
  • Chapter   2 TRADE IN GOODS 1
  • Article   2.1 Definitions 1
  • Article   2.2 Scope 1
  • Article   2.3 National Treatment 1
  • Article   2.4 Classification of Goods 1
  • Article   2.5 Treatment of Customs Duties 1
  • Article   2.6 Goods Re-entered after Repair or Alteration 1
  • Article   2.7 Application of Non-Tariff Measures 1
  • Article   2.8 Technical Consultations on Non-Tariff Measures 1
  • Article   2.9 Import and Export Restrictions 2
  • Article   2.10 Import Licensing 2
  • Article   2.11 Administrative Fees and Formalities 2
  • Article   2.12 Export Duties, Taxes or other Charges 2
  • Article   2.13 Export Subsidies 2
  • Article   2.14 Export Licensing 2
  • Article   2.15 Remanufactured Goods 2
  • Article   2.16 Committee on Trade In Goods 2
  • Chapter   3 TRADE REMEDIES 2
  • Section   A General Provisions 2
  • Article   3.1 Definitions 2
  • Section   B Anti-dumping and Countervailing Measures 2
  • Article   3.2 General Provision 2
  • Article   3.3 Investigations 2
  • Article   3.4 Lesser-duty Rule 2
  • Section   C Global Safeguard Measures 2
  • Article   3.5 General Provisions and Transparency 2
  • Section   D Bilateral Safeguard Measures 2
  • Article   3.6 Application of a Bilateral Safeguard Measure 2
  • Article   3.7 Duration and Scope 2
  • Article   3.8 Investigation Procedure 2
  • Article   3.9 Notification and Consultation 2
  • Article   3.10 Provisional Application of a Bilateral Safeguard Measure 2
  • Article   3.11 Compensation 2
  • Article   3.12 Non-cumulation 2
  • Article   3.13 Non-application of Dispute Settlement 2
  • Chapter   4 RULES OF ORIGIN AND ORIGIN PROCEDURES 2
  • Section   A Rules of Origin 2
  • Article   4.1 Definitions 2
  • Article   4.2 Origin Criteria 2
  • Article   4.3 Wholly Obtained or Produced Goods 3
  • Article   4.4 Regional Value Content 3
  • Article   4.5 Materials Used In Production 3
  • Article   4.6 Value of Materials Used In Production 3
  • Article   4.7 Further Adjustments to the Value of Materials 3
  • Article   4.8 Recovered Materials and Remanufactured Goods 3
  • Article   4.9 Accumulation 3
  • Article   4.10 Tolerance 3
  • Article   4.11 Fungible Goods or Materials 3
  • Article   4.12 Accessories, Spare Parts, Tools, and Instructional or other Information Materials 3
  • Article   4 Packaging Materials and Containers for Retail Sale 3
  • Article   4.14 Packing Materials and Containers for Shipment 3
  • Article   4.15 Indirect Materials 3
  • Article   4.16 Sets of Goods 3
  • Article   4.17 Non-Alteration 3
  • Section   B Origin Procedures 3
  • Article   4.18 Claims for Preferential Tariff Treatment 3
  • Article   4.19 Basis of a Declaration of Origin or Importer's Knowledge 3
  • Article   4.20 Discrepancies 3
  • Article   4.21 Waiver of Declaration of Origin 3
  • Article   4.22 Obligations Relating to Importation 3
  • Article   4.23 Record Keeping Requirements 3
  • Article   4.24 Verification of Origin 4
  • Article   4.25 Determinations on Claims for Preferential Tariff Treatment 4
  • Article   4.26 Refunds and Claims for Preferential Tariff Treatment after Importation 4
  • Article   4.27 Penalties 4
  • Article   4.28 Confidentiality 4
  • Section   C Other Matters 4
  • Article   4.29 Working Group on Rules of Origin and Customs and Trade Facilitation 4
  • Chapter   5 CUSTOMS PROCEDURES AND TRADE FACILITATION 4
  • Article   5.1 Definitions 4
  • Article   5.2 Scope 4
  • Article   5.3 Customs Procedures and Facilitation of Trade 4
  • Article   5.4 Data, Documentation and Automation 4
  • Article   5.5 Transparency and Publication 4
  • Article   5.6 Simplified Customs Procedures 4
  • Article   5.7 Expedited Shipments 4
  • Article   5.8 Release of Goods 4
  • Article   5.9 Risk Management 5
  • Article   5.10 Advance Rulings 5
  • Article   5.11 Customs Valuation 5
  • Article   5.12 Review and Appeal 5
  • Article   5.13 Penalties 5
  • Article   5.14 Customs Cooperation 5
  • Article   5.15 Single Window 5
  • Article   5.16 Transit and Transhipment 5
  • Article   5.17 Post-clearance Audit 5
  • Article   5.18 Customs Brokers 5
  • Article   5.19 Temporary Admission of Goods 5
  • Article   5.20 Perishable Goods 5
  • Article   5.21 Confidentiality 5
  • Article   5.22 Working Group on Rules of Origin and Customs and Trade Facilitation 5
  • Chapter   6 SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES 5
  • Article   6.1 Definitions 5
  • Article   6.2 Objectives 5
  • Article   6.3 Scope 5
  • Article   6.4 Affirmation of the SPS Agreement 5
  • Article   6.5 Science and Risk Assessment 5
  • Article   6.6 Adaption to Regional Conditions 5
  • Article   6.7 Equivalence 5
  • Article   6.8 Trade Conditions 5
  • Article   6.9 Audit and Verification 5
  • Article   6.10 Certification 6
  • Article   6.11 Import Checks and Fees 6
  • Article   6.12 Emergency SPS Measures 6
  • Article   6.13 Cooperation 6
  • Article   6.14 Transparency, Notification and Information Exchange 6
  • Article   6.15 Technical Consultations 6
  • Article   6.16 Committee on SPS Measures 6
  • Article   6.17 Competent Authorities and Contact Points 6
  • Article   6.18 Non-Application of Dispute Settlement 6
  • Chapter   7 TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE 6
  • Article   7.1 Definitions 6
  • Article   7.2 Objective 6
  • Article   7.3 Scope 6
  • Article   7.4 Affirmation of the TBT Agreement 6
  • Article   7.5 Technical Regulations 6
  • Article   7.6 International Standards, Guides, and Recommendations 6
  • Article   7.7 Conformity Assessment Procedures 6
  • Article   7.8 Marking and Labelling 6
  • Article   7.9 Transparency 6
  • Article   7.10 Cooperation and Trade Facilitation 6
  • Article   7.11 Information Exchange 6
  • Article   7.12 Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade 6
  • Article   7.13 Contact Points 6
  • Article   7.14 Dispute Settlement 6
  • Article   7.15 Annex 6
  • Chapter   8 CROSS-BORDER TRADE IN SERVICES 6
  • Article   8.1 Definitions 6
  • Article   8.2 Scope 7
  • Article   8.3 National Treatment  (5) 7
  • Article   8.4 Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment 7
  • Article   8.5 Market Access 7
  • Article   8.6 Local Presence 7
  • Article   8.7 Non-Conforming Measures 7
  • Article   8.8 Domestic Regulation 7
  • Article   8.9 Recognition 7
  • Article   8.10 Denial of Benefits 7
  • Article   8.11 Transparency 7
  • Article   8.12 Payments and Transfers 8
  • Article   8.13 Committee on Services and Investment 8
  • Chapter   9 FINANCIAL SERVICES 8
  • Article   9.1 Definitions 8
  • Article   9.2 Scope 8
  • Article   9.3 Prudential Exception 8
  • Article   9.4 Specific Exceptions 8
  • Article   9.5 National Treatment  (4) 8
  • Article   9.6 Market Access 8
  • Article   9.7 Local Presence 8
  • Article   9.8 Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment 8
  • Article   9.9 Senior Management and Boards of Directors 8
  • Article   9.10 Non-Conforming Measures 9
  • Article   9.11 Transparency 9
  • Article   9.12 Financial Data and Information  (17) 9
  • Article   9.13 Payment and Clearing 9
  • Article   9.14 Performance of Back-Office Functions 9
  • Article   9.15 Self-Regulatory Organisations 9
  • Article   9.16 Electronic Payments 9
  • Article   9.17 Financial Services New to the Territory of a Party 9
  • Article   9.18 Financial Services New to the Territories of Both Parties 9
  • Article   9.19 Sustainable Finance 9
  • Article   9.20 Recognition of Prudential Measures 9
  • Article   9.21 Institutional Provisions 9
  • Article   9.22 Consultations 9
  • Article   9.23 Dispute Settlement 9
  • Article   9.24 Financial Services Regulatory Cooperation 9
  • ANNEX 9A  Cross-Border Trade in Financial Services 9
  • ANNEX 9B  Authorities Responsible for Financial Services 10
  • ANNEX 9C  Financial Services Regulatory Cooperation 10
  • Article   9C.1 Objectives of Regulatory Cooperation 10
  • Article   9C.2 Scope of Regulatory Cooperation 10
  • Article   9C.3 Principles of Regulatory Cooperation 10
  • Article   9C.4 Joint Financial Regulatory Forum 10
  • Article   9C.5 Framework for Regulatory Cooperation 10
  • Article   9C.6 Mediation 10
  • Article   9C.7 Termination of Deference 10
  • Article   9C.8 Emerging Issues 10
  • Article   9C.9 Non-Application of Dispute Settlement 11
  • Chapter   10 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND RECOGNITION OF PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 11
  • Article   10.1 Definitions 11
  • Article   10.2 Scope 11
  • Article   10.3 Objectives 11
  • Article   10.4 General Principles for Professional Services 11
  • Article   10.5 Recognition of Professional Qualifications 11
  • Article   10.6 Professional Services Working Group 11
  • Article   10.7 Legal Services 11
  • Article   10.8 Legal Services Regulatory Dialogue 11
  • Chapter   11 TEMPORARY ENTRY FOR BUSINESS PERSONS 11
  • Article   11.1 Definitions 11
  • Article   11.2 Scope 11
  • Article   11.3 Application Procedures 11
  • Article   11.4 Grant of Temporary Entry 11
  • Article   11.5 Provision of Information 11
  • Article   11.6 Relation to other Chapters 11
  • Article   11.7 Dispute Settlement 11
  • Article   11.8 Cooperation on Return and Readmissions 11
  • Chapter   12 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 12
  • Article   12.1 Definitions 12
  • Article   12.2 Scope 12
  • Article   12.3 Approaches to Regulation 12
  • Article   12.4 Access and Use 12
  • Article   12.5 Access to Essential Facilities and Unbundled Network Elements 12
  • Article   12.6 Resale 12
  • Article   12.7 Competitive Safeguards 12
  • Article   12.8 Treatment by Major Suppliers 12
  • Article   12.9 Interconnection with Suppliers 12
  • Article   12.10 Interconnection with Major Suppliers 12
  • Article   12.11 Number Portability 12
  • Article   12.12 Access to Numbers 12
  • Article   12.13 International Mobile Roaming 12
  • Article   12.14 Submarine Cable Landing Stations and Systems 12
  • Article   12.15 Independent Regulatory Authorities 12
  • Article   12.16 Universal Service 12
  • Article   12.17 Licensing and Authorisation Process 12
  • Article   12.18 Scarce Resources 12
  • Article   12.19 Flexibility In the Choice of Technology 12
  • Article   12.20 Resolution of Telecommunications Disputes 13
  • Article   12.21 Transparency 13
  • Article   12.22 Enforcement 13
  • Article   12.23 Relation to International Organisations 13
  • Article   12.24 Cooperation 13
  • Article   12.25 Confidentiality 13
  • Chapter   13 INVESTMENT 13
  • Article   13.1 Definitions 13
  • Article   13.2 Scope 13
  • Article   13.3 Relation to other Chapters 13
  • Article   13.4 Market Access 13
  • Article   13.5 National Treatment  (9) 13
  • Article   13.6 Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment 13
  • Article   13.7 Minimum Standard of Treatment  (11) 13
  • Article   13.8 Treatment In Case of Armed Conflict or Civil Strife 13
  • Article   13.9 Expropriation and Compensation  (12) 13
  • Article   13.10 Transfers 13
  • Article   13.11 Performance Requirements 14
  • Article   13.12 Senior Management and Boards of Directors 14
  • Article   13.13 Non-Conforming Measures 14
  • Article   13.14 Subrogation 14
  • Article   13.15 Special Formalities and Information Requirements 14
  • Article   13.16 Denial of Benefits  (23) 14
  • Article   13.17 Investment and Environmental, Health, and other Regulatory Objectives 14
  • Article   13.18 Investment and the Environment 14
  • Article   13.19 Corporate Social Responsibility 14
  • ANNEX 13A  CUSTOMARY INTERNATIONAL LAW 14
  • ANNEX 13B  EXPROPRIATION 14
  • ANNEX 13C  FOREIGN INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK 14
  • Chapter   14 DIGITAL TRADE 14
  • Article   14.1 Definitions 14
  • Article   14.2 Scope and General Provisions 14
  • Article   14.3 Customs Duties 15
  • Article   14.4 Domestic Electronic Transactions Framework 15
  • Article   14.5 Conclusion of Contracts by Electronic Means 15
  • Article   14.6 Electronic Authentication and Electronic Trust Services 15
  • Article   14.7 Digital Identities 15
  • Article   14.8 Paperless Trading 15
  • Article   14.9 Electronic Invoicing 15
  • Article   14.10 Cross-Border Transfer of Information by Electronic Means 15
  • Article   14.11 Location of Computing Facilities 15
  • Article   14.12 Personal Information Protection 15
  • Article   14.13 Open Government Data 15
  • Article   14.14 Data Innovation 15
  • Article   14.15 Open Internet Access 15
  • Article   14.16 Online Consumer Protection 15
  • Article   14.17 Unsolicited Commercial Electronic Messages 15
  • Article   14.18 Source Code 15
  • Article   14.19 Commercial Information and Communication Technology Products That Use Cryptography 15
  • Article   14.20 Cybersecurity 15
  • Article   14.21 Cooperation 15
  • Chapter   15 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 16
  • Section   A General Provisions 16
  • Article   15.1 Definitions 16
  • Article   15.2 Objectives 16
  • Article   15.3 Principles 16
  • Article   15.4 Understandings In Respect of this Chapter 16
  • Article   15.5 Nature and Scope of Obligations 16
  • Article   15.6 Understandings Regarding Certain Public Health Measures 16
  • Article   15.7 International Agreements 16
  • Article   15.8 National Treatment 16
  • Article   15.9 Transparency 16
  • Article   15.10 Application of Chapter to Existing Subject Matter and Prior Acts 16
  • Article   15.11 Exhaustion of Intellectual Property Rights 16
  • Article   15.12 Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions 16
  • Section   B Cooperation 16
  • Article   15.13 Contact Points for Cooperation 16
  • Article   15.14 Cooperation 16
  • Article   15.15 Committee on Intellectual Property Rights 16
  • Article   15.16 Patent Cooperation and Work Sharing 16
  • Article   15.17 Public Domain 16
  • Article   15.18 Cooperation In the Area of Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources 16
  • Article   15.19 Cooperation on Request 17
  • Section   C Trade Marks 17
  • Article   15.20 Types of Signs Registrable as Trade Marks 17
  • Article   15.21 Collective and Certification Marks 17
  • Article   15.22 Rights Conferred 17
  • Article   15.23 Exceptions 17
  • Article   15.24 Well-Known Trade Marks 17
  • Article   15.25 Procedural Aspects of Examination, Opposition and Cancellation 17
  • Article   15.26 Bad Faith Applications 17
  • Article   15.27 Electronic Trade Marks Systems 17
  • Article   15.28 Term of Protection for Trade Marks 17
  • Article   15.29 Efforts Toward the Harmonisation of Trade Mark Systems 17
  • Article   15.30 Domain Names 17
  • Section   D Geographical Indications 17
  • Article   15.31 Procedures for the Recognition and Protection of Geographical Indications 17
  • Article   15.32 System and Standard of Protection for Geographical Indications 17
  • Article   15.33 Protection of Geographical Indications 17
  • Article   15.34 Consultations on Geographical Indications 17
  • Article   15.35 Amendments Relating to Geographical Indications 17
  • Section   E Patents and Data 17
  • Article   15.36 Rights Conferred 17
  • Article   15.37 Patentable Subject Matter 17
  • Article   15.38 Exceptions 17
  • Article   15.39 Experimental Use 17
  • Article   15.40 Regulatory Review Exception 17
  • Article   15.41 Other Use without Authorisation of the Right Holder 17
  • Article   15.42 Patent Filing 17
  • Article   15.43 Amendments, Corrections and Observations 17
  • Article   15.44 Publication of Patent Applications 17
  • Article   15.45 Information Relating to Published Patent Applications and Granted Patents 17
  • Article   15.46 Conditions on Patent Applicants 17
  • Article   15.47 Extension of the Duration of Rights Conferred by a Patent 17
  • Section   F Undisclosed Test or other Data 17
  • Article   15.48 Protection of Undisclosed Test or other Data for Agricultural Chemical Products 17
  • Article   15.49 Protection of Undisclosed Test or other Data for Pharmaceutical Products 17
  • Section   G Registered Industrial Designs 17
  • Article   15.50 Protection of Registered Industrial Designs 17
  • Article   15.51 Duration of Protection 17
  • Article   15.52 Multiple Design Applications 17
  • Article   15.53 Improving Industrial Design Systems 17
  • Article   15.54 International Classification System for Industrial Designs 17
  • Article   15.55 International Registration of Industrial Designs 17
  • Section   H Copyright and Related Rights 18
  • Article   15.56 Authors 18
  • Article   15.57 Performers 18
  • Article   15.58 Producers of Phonograms 18
  • Article   15.59 Broadcasting Organisations 18
  • Article   15.60 Broadcasting and Communication to the Public of Phonograms Published for Commercial Purposes 18
  • Article   15.61 Artist's Resale Right 18
  • Article   15.62 Limitations and Exceptions 18
  • Article   15.63 Balance In Copyright and Related Rights Systems 18
  • Article   15.64 Term of Protection 18
  • Article   15.65 Collective Management Organisations 18
  • Article   15.66 Technological Protection Measures 18
  • Article   15.67 Rights Management Information 18
  • Article   15.68 Application of Article 18 of the Berne Convention and Article 14.6 of the TRIPS Agreement 18
  • Section   I Trade Secrets 18
  • Article   15.69 Trade Secrets 18
  • Section   J Enforcement 18
  • Subsection   J.1 General Obligations 18
  • Article   15.70 General Obligations 18
  • Subsection   J.2 Enforcement - Civil Remedies 18
  • Article   15.71 Availability of Civil Enforcement 18
  • Article   15.72 Measures for Preserving Evidence 18
  • Article   15.73 Provisional and Precautionary Measures 18
  • Article   15.74 Right to Information 18
  • Article   15.75 Injunctions 18
  • Article   15.76 Corrective Measures 18
  • Article   15.77 Damages 18
  • Article   15.78 Costs 18
  • Article   15.79 Safeguards 19
  • Article   15.80 Administrative Procedures 19
  • Subsection   J.3 Enforcement - Border Measures 19
  • Article   15.81 Border Measures 19
  • Subsection   J.4 Enforcement - Criminal Remedies 19
  • Article   15.82 Criminal Offences 19
  • Article   15.83 Penalties 19
  • Article   15.84 Seizure, Forfeiture and Destruction 19
  • Article   15.85 Ex Officio Enforcement 19
  • Article   15.86 Liability of Legal Persons 19
  • Subsection   J.5 Enforcement In the Digital Environment 19
  • Article   15.87 General Obligations on Enforcement In the Digital Environment 19
  • Article   15.88 Limitations on Liability of Internet Service Providers 19
  • Article   15.89 Blocking Orders 19
  • Article   15.90 Procedures for Domain Registrars 19
  • Article   15.91 Disclosure of Information 19
  • Subsection   J.6 Enforcement Practices with Respect to Intellectual Property Rights 19
  • Article   15.92 Transparency of Judicial Decisions and Administrative Rulings 19
  • Article   15.93 Voluntary Stakeholder Initiatives 19
  • Article   15.94 Public Awareness 19
  • Article   15.95 Specialised Enforcement Expertise, Information and Domestic Coordination 19
  • Article   15.96 Environmental Considerations In Destruction and Disposal of Infringing Goods 19
  • Chapter   16 GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 19
  • Article   16.1 Definitions 19
  • Article   16.2 Scope 19
  • Article   16.3 General Exceptions. 20
  • Article   16.4 General Principles 20
  • Article   16.5 Information on the Procurement System 20
  • Article   16.6 Notices 20
  • Article   16.7 Conditions for Participation 20
  • Article   16.8 Qualification of Suppliers 20
  • Article   16.9 Technical Specifications and Tender DocumentationTechnical Specifications 20
  • Article   16.10 Time-Periods 21
  • Article   16.11 Negotiations 21
  • Article   16.12 Limited Tendering 21
  • Article   16.13 Electronic Auctions 21
  • Article   16.14 Treatment of Tenders and Awarding of ContractsTreatment of Tenders 21
  • Article   16.15 Transparency of Procurement 21
  • Article   16.16 Disclosure of Information 21
  • Article   16.17 Environmental, Social and Labour Considerations 21
  • Article   16.18 Ensuring Integrity In Procurement Practices 21
  • Article   16.19 Domestic Review Procedures 21
  • Article   16.20 Modifications and Rectifications to Annex 21
  • Article   16.21 Facilitation of Participation by SMEs 22
  • Article   16.22 Cooperation 22
  • Chapter   17 COMPETITION POLICY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION 22
  • Article   17.1 Competition Law and Authorities 22
  • Article   17.2 Procedural Fairness In Competition Law Enforcement 22
  • Article   17.3 Private Rights of Action 22
  • Article   17.4 Transparency 22
  • Article   17.5 Consumer Protection 22
  • Article   17.6 Cooperation on Competition Policy and Consumer Protection 22
  • Article   17.7 Consultation 22
  • Article   17.8 Non-Application of Dispute Settlement 22
  • Chapter   18 STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES AND DESIGNATED MONOPOLIES 22
  • Article   18.1 Definitions 22
  • Article   18.2 Scope  (8) 22
  • Article   18.3 Delegated Authority 23
  • Article   18.4 Non-discriminatory Treatment and Commercial Considerations 23
  • Article   18.5 Courts and Administrative Bodies 23
  • Article   18.6 Non-commercial Assistance 23
  • Article   18.7 Adverse Effects 23
  • Article   18.8 Injury 23
  • Article   18.9 Application to Sub Central State-Owned Enterprises and Designated Monopolies 23
  • Article   18.10 Transparency 23
  • Article   18.11 Cooperation 23
  • Article   18.12 Contact Points 23
  • Article   18.13 Exceptions 23
  • Article   18.14 Further Negotiations 24
  • Article   18.15 Process for Developing Information 24
  • Chapter   19 SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES 24
  • Article   19.1 General Provisions 24
  • Article   19.2 Information Sharing 24
  • Article   19.3 Contact Points on SMEs 24
  • Article   19.4 Cooperation to Increase Trade and Investment Opportunities for SMEs 24
  • Article   19.5 Other Provisions That Benefit SMEs 24
  • Article   19.6 Non-Application of Dispute Settlement 24
  • Chapter   20 INNOVATION 24
  • Article   20.1 Definitions 24
  • Article   20.2 Objective 24
  • Article   20.3 General Provisions 24
  • Article   20.4 Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies 24
  • Article   20.5 Strategic Innovation Dialogue 24
  • Article   20.6 Review of this Agreement 24
  • Article   20.7 Non-Application of Dispute Settlement 24
  • Chapter   21 LABOUR 24
  • Article   21.1 Definitions 24
  • Article   21.2 Right to Regulate and Levels of Protection 25
  • Article   21.3 Statement of Shared Commitment 25
  • Article   21.4 Labour Rights 25
  • Article   21.5 Non Derogation 25
  • Article   21.6 Enforcement of Labour Laws 25
  • Article   21.7 Modern Slavery 25
  • Article   21.8 Non-Discrimination and Gender Equality In the Workplace 25
  • Article   21.9 Corporate Social Responsibility 25
  • Article   21.10 Public Awareness and Procedural Guarantees 25
  • Article   21.11 Public Submissions 25
  • Article   21.12 Cooperation 25
  • Article   21.13 Committee on Cooperation 25
  • Article   21.14 Contact Points 25
  • Article   21.15 Public Engagement 25
  • Article   21.16 Labour Consultations and Dispute Settlement 25
  • Chapter   22 ENVIRONMENT 25
  • Article   22.1 Definitions 25
  • Article   22.2 Objectives 25
  • Article   22.3 General Commitments 25
  • Article   22.4 Multilateral Environmental Agreements 26
  • Article   22.5 Climate Change 26
  • Article   22.6 Environmental Goods and Services 26
  • Article   22.7 Circular Economy 26
  • Article   22.8 Ozone Depleting Substances and Hydrofluorocarbons 26
  • Article   22.9 Air Quality 26
  • Article   22.10 Protection of the Marine Environment from Ship Pollution 26
  • Article   22.11 Marine Litter 26
  • Article   22.12 Marine Wild Capture Fisheries  (9) 26
  • Article   22.13 Sustainable Forest Management and Trade 26
  • Article   22.14 Trade and Biodiversity 26
  • Article   22.15 Invasive Alien Species 26
  • Article   22.16 Conservation and Illegal Wildlife Trade 27
  • Article   22.17 Corporate Social Responsibility 27
  • Article   22.18 Opportunities for Public Participation 27
  • Article   22.19 Public Submissions 27
  • Article   22.20 Cooperation Frameworks 27
  • Article   22.21 Environment Working Group 27
  • Article   22.22 Environment Contact Points 27
  • Article   22.23 Environment Consultations 27
  • Article   22.24 Joint Committee Consultations 27
  • Article   22.25 Ministerial Consultations 27
  • Article   22.26 Dispute Resolution 27
  • ANNEX 22A  27
  • ANNEX 22.B  27
  • Chapter   23 DEVELOPMENT 27
  • Article   23.1 General Provisions 27
  • Article   23.2 Joint Development Activities 27
  • Article   23.3 Committee on Cooperation 27
  • Article   23.4 Non-Application of Dispute Settlement 27
  • Chapter   24 TRADE AND GENDER EQUALITY 27
  • Article   24.1 Objectives 27
  • Article   24.2 Trade and Gender Equality Cooperation Activities 27
  • Article   24.3 Dialogue on Trade and Gender Equality 27
  • Article   24.4 Non-application of Dispute Settlement 27
  • Chapter   25 ANIMAL WELFARE AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE 27
  • Article   25.1 Animal Welfare 27
  • Article   25.2 Antimicrobial Resistance 27
  • Article   25.3 Non-application of Dispute Settlement 27
  • Chapter   26 GOOD REGULATORY PRACTICES 28
  • Article   26.1 Definitions 28
  • Article   26.2 General Provisions 28
  • Article   26.3 Internal Coordination and Review Processes or Mechanisms 28
  • Article   26.4 Descriptions of Regulatory Processes and Mechanisms 28
  • Article   26.5 Impact Assessment 28
  • Article   26.6 Public Consultation 28
  • Article   26.7 Use of Plain Language 28
  • Article   26.8 Regulatory Register 28
  • Article   26.9 Retrospective Review 28
  • Article   26.10 Regulatory Cooperation 28
  • Article   26.11 Contact Points 28
  • Article   26.12 Relation to other Chapters 28
  • Article   26.13 Non-Application of Dispute Settlement 28
  • Chapter   27 COOPERATION 28
  • Article   27.1 General Provisions 28
  • Article   27.2 Areas of Cooperation 28
  • Article   27.3 Contact Points 28
  • Article   27.4 Committee on Cooperation 28
  • Article   27.5 Resources 28
  • Article   27.6 Non-Application of Dispute Settlement 28
  • Chapter   28 TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION 28
  • Article   28.1 Definitions 28
  • Section   A Transparency 28
  • Article   28.2 Publication 28
  • Article   28.3 Administrative Proceedings 29
  • Article   28.4 Review and Appeal  (1) 29
  • Article   28.5 Provision of Information 29
  • Article   28.6 Accessible and Open Government 29
  • Section   B Anti-Corruption 29
  • Article   28.7 Scope 29
  • Article   28.8 General Provisions 29
  • Article   28.9 Measures to Prevent and Combat Bribery and Corruption 29
  • Article   28.10 Persons That Report Bribery or Corruption Offences 29
  • Article   28.11 Promoting Integrity Among Public Officials 29
  • Article   28.12 Participation of Private Sector and Civil Society 29
  • Article   28.13 Application and Enforcement of Measures to Prevent and Combat Bribery and Corruption 29
  • Article   28.14 Relation to other Agreements 29
  • Article   28.15 Cooperation, Consultation, and Dispute Settlement 29
  • Chapter   29 ADMINISTRATIVE AND INSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS 29
  • Article   29.1 Establishment of the Joint Committee 29
  • Article   29.2 Functions of the Joint Committee 29
  • Article   29.3 Decision-Making 29
  • Article   29.4 Rules of Procedure of the Joint Committee 29
  • Article   29.5 Contact Points 29
  • Chapter   30 DISPUTE SETTLEMENT 29
  • Article   30.1 Definitions 29
  • Article   30.2 Objective 29
  • Article   30.3 Cooperation 29
  • Article   30.4 Scope 29
  • Article   30.5 Choice of Forum 30
  • Article   30.6 Good Offices, Conciliation, and Mediation 30
  • Article   30.7 Consultations 30
  • Article   30.8 Request for Establishment of a Panel 30
  • Article   30.9 Establishment and Reconvening of Panels 30
  • Article   30.10 Qualifications of Panellists 30
  • Article   30.11 Functions of a Panel  (3) 30
  • Article   30.12 Reports of a Panel 30
  • Article   30.13 Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct 30
  • Article   30.14 Compliance with the Final Report 30
  • Article   30.15 Compliance Review 30
  • Article   30.16 Temporary Remedies for Non-Compliance 30
  • Article   30.17 Compliance Review after the Adoption of Temporary Remedies 31
  • Article   30.18 Suspension or Termination of Proceedings 31
  • Article   30.19 Time Periods and Cases of Urgency 31
  • Article   30.20 Mutually Agreed Solution 31
  • Article   30.21 Administration of the Dispute Settlement Procedure 31
  • Article   30.22 Contact Point 31
  • Chapter   31 GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS 31
  • Article   31.1 General Exceptions 31
  • Article   31.2 Security Exceptions 31
  • Article   31.3 Temporary Safeguard Measures 31
  • Article   31.4 Taxation Measures 31
  • Article   31.5 Disclosure of Information 31
  • Article   31.6 Confidentiality of Information 31
  • Article   31.7 The National Health Service and Australia's Health System 31
  • Chapter   32 FINAL PROVISIONS 31
  • Article   32.1 Annexes, Appendices and Footnotes 31
  • Article   32.2 Amendments 31
  • Article   32.3 Amendment of International Agreements 31
  • Article   32.4 Territorial Extension 31
  • Article   32.5 Territorial Disapplication 31
  • Article   32.6 General Review 31
  • Article   32.7 Entry Into Force 31
  • Article   32.8 Termination 31
  • ANNEX I  EXPLANATORY NOTES 31
  • ANNEX I  SCHEDULE OF AUSTRALIA 32
  • ANNEX I  SCHEDULE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 35
  • ANNEX II  EXPLANATORY NOTES 36
  • ANNEX II  SCHEDULE OF AUSTRALIA 36
  • ANNEX II  SCHEDULE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 38