Iceland - Liechtenstein - Norway - United Kingdom FTA (2021)
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(d) the criteria for, and procedures relating to, revocation of the registration.

4. The relevant authority shall make available to professionals information about:

(a) the documentation required of professionals and the form in which it should be presented; and

(b) the acceptance of documents and certificates issued in relation to professional qualifications and other conditions that apply to the practice of the regulated profession.

5. The relevant authority shall deal promptly with enquiries from professionals about the professional qualifications required to practise the regulated profession and any other conditions that apply to the practice of the regulated profession.

Article 12.9. Knowledge of Languages

Relevant authorities may require that professionals demonstrate they possess the language skills necessary to the practice of the relevant profession. If the regulated profession has patient safety implications, language skills may be controlled. Any language test shall be proportionate to the activity to be pursued.

Article 12.10. Appeals

Each Party shall adopt measures granting professionals a right of appeal against:

(a) a relevant authority’s decision to refuse a professional’s access to and pursuit of the regulated profession; and

(b) a relevant authority’s failure to make a decision about a professional’s access to and pursuit of the regulated profession.

Article 12.11. Fees

Each Party shall ensure fees charged by its relevant authorities in relation to measures under paragraph 3 of Article 12.4 (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) are:

(a) reasonable and proportionate to the cost of the professional’s application;

(b) transparent, including in relation to fee structures, and made public in advance; and

(c) payable by electronic means through the relevant authority’s own website.

Article 12.12. Implementation of this Chapter by the Sub-Committee on Services and Investment

1. The Sub-Committee on Services and Investment, established under Article 3.3 (Sub-Committee on Services and Investment) of Chapter 3 (Services and Investment), shall be responsible for the effective implementation and operation of this Chapter.

2. The Parties may decide to invite representatives of relevant entities other than the Parties, including representatives of relevant authorities, having the necessary expertise relevant to the issues to be discussed, to attend meetings of the Sub-Committee on Services and Investment.

3. The Sub-Committee on Services and Investment shall have the following functions:

(a) reporting to the Joint Committee, established under Article 15.1 (Joint Committee) of Chapter 15 (Institutional Provisions), as required;

(b) reviewing and monitoring the implementation and operation of this Chapter, including having regard to how relevant authorities apply the measures adopted under this Chapter;

(c) identifying areas for improvement in the implementation and operation of this Chapter;

(d) exchanging information on any matters relating to this Chapter, including facilitating the sharing of good practice on the implementation and operation of this Chapter between the Parties;

(e) issuing guidance to the Parties on best practices in relation to the implementation and operation of this Chapter;

(f) formulating recommendations which it considers necessary for the effective implementation and operation of this Chapter. These recommendations shall be made to the Joint Committee, which may, in turn, decide to adopt those recommendations;

(g) developing guidelines for the development of the mutual recognition arrangements referred to in Article 12.13 (Establishment of Mutual Recognition Arrangements);

(h) discussing issues related to this Chapter and other issues relevant to the recognition of professional qualifications; and

(i) carrying out any other functions delegated to it by the Joint Committee.

4. The Parties shall have regard to any guidance issued by the Sub-Committee on Services and Investment in accordance with paragraph 3.

Article 12.13. Establishment of Mutual Recognition Arrangements

1. The United Kingdom, on the one hand, and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, acting together or independently, on the other hand (81), may establish mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) to facilitate recognition of professional qualifications.

2. A MRA may build on the provisions of this Chapter. A MRA may provide for partial access to a profession, and recognition may be conditional upon completing any compensatory measures.

3. The Parties may agree to use the Sub-Committee on Services and Investment to facilitate discussions on MRAs.

4. The Parties may agree by consensus that a MRA established pursuant to this Article shall be considered to form an integral part of this Agreement (82), by means of an Annex or otherwise.

(81) For the purposes of this Article, MRAs may be concluded between the Parties or between their relevant authorities, in accordance with each Party’s domestic law.
(82) For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding that agreement, the MRA shall only bind the parties thereto.

Chapter 13. TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Section 13.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 13.1. Context and Objectives

1. The Parties recall the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development of 1992, the Agenda 21 on Environment and Development of 1992, the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development of 2002 and the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development of 2002, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up of 1998, the Ministerial Declaration of the United Nations Economic and Social Council on “Creating an environment at the national and international levels conducive to generating full and productive employment and decent work for all, and its impact on sustainable development” of 2006, the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation of 2008, the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work of 2019, the Rio+20 Outcome Document “The Future We Want” of 2012, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women of 1979, and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of 2015.

2. The Parties shall promote sustainable development which encompasses economic development, social development and environmental protection, all three being interdependent and mutually reinforcing components. The Parties underline the benefit of cooperation on trade-related and investment-related aspects of labour and environmental issues as part of a global approach to trade and sustainable development.

3. The Parties reaffirm their commitments to promote the development of international trade and investment as well as commit to promote their preferential economic relationship in a manner that is beneficial to all and that contributes to sustainable development. The Parties are therefore determined to maintain and improve their respective high standards within the areas covered by this Chapter.

Article 13.2. Definitions

1. For the purposes of this Chapter, “labour law and standards” means a Party’s law and standards, or other legally binding measure of a Party, that are directly related to the following rights, principles and protections:

(a) the fundamental principles and rights at work as referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 13.13 (International Labour Standards and Agreements); and

(b) labour protections in respect of wages, employment standards, information and consultation rights at company level, hours of work and health and safety at work which are consistent with the ILO Decent Work Agenda, as set out in the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation.

2. For the purposes of this Chapter, “environmental law” means a law or other legally binding measure of a Party, the purpose of which is the protection of the environment (which is taken to include the mitigation of climate change), including the prevention of a danger to human life or health from environmental impacts, such as those that aim at:

(a) the prevention, abatement or control of the release, discharge, or emission of pollutants or environmental contaminants including greenhouse gases;

(b) the management of chemicals and waste or the dissemination of information related thereto; or

(c) the conservation and protection of wild flora or fauna, including endangered species and their habitats, as well as protected areas,

but does not include a measure of a Party solely related to worker health and safety.

Article 13.3. Right to Regulate and Levels of Protection

1. The Parties affirm the right of each Party to set its own policies and priorities in the areas covered by this Chapter, to establish its own levels of protection relating to labour and the environment (including resource efficiency, mitigation of and adaptation to climate change), and to adopt or modify its law and policies in a manner consistent with its international commitments and with this Agreement.

2. Each Party shall seek to ensure that its law and policies covered by this Chapter provide for and encourage high levels of labour and environmental protection, and shall strive to continue to improve in a manner consistent with its international commitments, its law and policies and their underlying levels of protection, with the goal of providing high levels of labour and environmental protection.

Article 13.4. Upholding Levels of Protection

1. The Parties shall not encourage trade or investment between the Parties by relaxing or lowering the level of protection provided by their respective environmental law or labour law and standards.

2. A Party shall not waive or otherwise derogate from, or offer to waive or otherwise derogate from, its environmental law, or its labour law or standards in order to encourage trade or investment between the Parties.

3. A Party shall not, through a sustained or recurring course of action or inaction, fail to effectively enforce its environmental law, or its labour law or standards in order to encourage trade or investment between the Parties.

Article 13.5. Transparency

The Parties stress the importance of ensuring transparency as a necessary element to promote public participation and making information public within the context of this Chapter and in accordance with their respective law and practices.

Article 13.6. Public Information and Awareness

1. In addition to Article 13.5 (Transparency), each Party shall encourage public debate with and among non-State actors as regards the development of law and policies covered by this Chapter.

2. Each Party shall promote public awareness of its law and standards covered by this Chapter, as well as enforcement and compliance procedures, by ensuring the availability of information to stakeholders, and by taking steps to further the knowledge and understanding of workers, employers and their respective representatives.

3. Each Party shall ensure that access to relevant environmental information held by or for public authorities is provided to the public upon request and shall take the necessary measures to actively disseminate such information to the public by electronic means.

4. Each Party shall be open to receive and shall give due consideration to submissions from the public on matters related to this Chapter, including communications on implementation concerns. Each Party shall inform its respective civil society organisations, in accordance with its law and practices, of those submissions it considers relevant through the consultative mechanisms referred to in Article 13.31 (Sub-Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development).

Article 13.7. Scientific and Technical Information

1. When preparing and implementing measures related to the environment or labour conditions that affect trade or investment between them, the Parties shall take account of relevant and available scientific, technical and other information such as traditional knowledge, and relevant international standards, guidelines and recommendations.

2. The Parties acknowledge that where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, the lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.

Article 13.8. Cooperation

1. The Parties recognise the importance of cooperation on trade-related and investment-related aspects of labour and environmental issues in order to achieve the objectives of this Chapter. Therefore, the Parties agree to dialogue and to consult with each other with regard to trade-related sustainable development issues of mutual interest. Each Party may, as appropriate, invite the participation of its social partners or other relevant stakeholders in relevant cooperation projects and in identifying potential areas of cooperation.

2. Accordingly, the Parties may cooperate on issues of mutual interest in areas such as:

(a) improved understanding of the effects of economic activity and market forces on the environment and labour conditions;

(b) the international promotion and the effective application of fundamental principles and rights at work referred to in Article 13.13 (International Labour Standards and Agreements), and the ILO

Decent Work Agenda, including on the interlinkages between trade and full and productive employment, core labour standards, decent work in global supply chains, social protection, social dialogue, and gender equality;

(c) dialogue and information-sharing on the labour, gender equality and environmental provisions of their respective trade agreements, and the implementation thereof; and

(d) monitoring and reviewing the impact of the implementation of this Agreement on sustainable development and women’s economic empowerment.

3. The Parties shall strive to strengthen their cooperation on trade-related and investment-related labour and environmental issues of mutual interest in relevant bilateral and multilateral fora in which they participate such as ILO, WTO, OECD, United Nations Environment Programme and fora established under multilateral environmental agreements. They may, as appropriate, establish cooperative arrangements with such organisations to draw on their expertise and resources.

Article 13.9. Means of Cooperation

1. The Parties shall strive to cooperate on issues of mutual interest to promote the objectives of this Chapter through actions such as:

(a) the exchange of information on best practices, events, activities and initiatives;

(b) the exploration of collaboration in initiatives regarding third parties;

(c) technical exchanges, research projects, studies, reports, conferences and workshops; and

(d) any other form of cooperation deemed appropriate.

2. Cooperation under this Chapter shall be subject to the availability of funds and resources of each participating Party. Costs of cooperation under this Chapter shall be borne by the Parties concerned, in a manner to be agreed between them.

Article 13.10. Promotion of Trade and Investment Favouring Sustainable Development

1. The Parties recognise the important role of trade and investment in promoting sustainable development in all its dimensions.

2. Pursuant to paragraph 1, the Parties undertake to continue to:

(a) promote and facilitate foreign investment and trade in, and dissemination of, goods and services that contribute to sustainable development, including those goods and services subject to ecological, fair or ethical trade schemes;

(b) promote and encourage the development and use of sustainability certification schemes that enhance transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain in line with domestic priorities;

(c) promote trade and investment policies that support the objectives of employment, social dialogue, and rights at work;

(d) promote trade and investment in goods and services that contribute to sustainable development, such as renewable energy and energy- efficient products and services, including through addressing related non-tariff barriers, or the adoption of policy frameworks which will support the use of the best practicable environmental options, as appropriate;

(e) recognise the importance of trade and investment to a more resource- efficient and circular economy, promote life-cycle management of goods and the promotion of sustainable product value chains, including carbon accounting and end-of-life management, extended producer-responsibility, recycling and reduction of waste;

(f) promote sustainable procurement practices;

(g) encourage cooperation between enterprises in relation to goods, services and technologies that contribute to sustainable development;

(h) encourage the integration of sustainability considerations in private and public consumption decisions; and

(i) promote the development, establishment, maintenance or improvement of environmental performance goals and standards.

Article 13.11. Responsible Business Conduct

The Parties commit to promote responsible business conduct, including by encouraging relevant practices such as responsible management of supply chains by businesses, as well as providing supportive policy frameworks to encourage the uptake of relevant practices by businesses. In this regard, the Parties acknowledge the importance of dissemination, adherence, implementation and follow-up of internationally recognised principles and guidelines, such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy, the UN Global Compact and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Article 13.12. Anti-Corruption

Recognising the need to build accountability, transparency and integrity within both the public and private sectors and that each sector has complementary responsibilities in this regard, the Parties affirm their resolve to eliminate bribery and corruption in international trade and investment and their commitment to implement their respective obligations of the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, with its Annex, done at Paris on 17 December 1997, and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, done at New York on 31 October 2003. The Parties shall consult with a view to identifying and agreeing measures or areas of cooperation to prevent and combat bribery and corruption in matters affecting international trade and investment.

Section 13.2. TRADE AND LABOUR

Article 13.13. International Labour Standards and Agreements

1. The Parties shall continue to promote the development of international trade and investment in a way that is conducive to full and productive employment and decent work for all.

2. Each Party shall ensure that its labour law and practices embody and provide protection for the fundamental principles and rights at work. In this respect the Parties recall the obligations deriving from membership of the ILO and affirm their respective commitments to respect, promote and realise the principles concerning the fundamental rights as reflected in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up of 1998, namely:

(a) freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;

(b) the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour;

(c) the effective abolition of child labour; and

(d) the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

3. Each Party who is a member of the ILO:

(a) shall make continued and sustained efforts towards ratifying the fundamental ILO Conventions (as identified by the ILO Governing Body) and related Protocols;

(b) reaffirms its commitments under Article 5(1)(c) of ILO Convention 144 to the re-examination at appropriate intervals of unratified Conventions and of Recommendations to which effect has not yet been given; and

(c) shall exchange information on their respective situations and advances regarding the ratification of the fundamental as well as priority and other ILO Conventions that are classified as up to date by the ILO.

4. Each Party reaffirms its commitments to effectively implement in its law and practices the ILO Conventions which each Party has ratified.

5. Each Party reaffirms its commitments to effectively implement in its law and practices the different provisions of the European Social Charter (83) that, as members of the Council of Europe, each Party has accepted respectively.

6. The Parties recognise the importance of the strategic objectives of the ILO Decent Work Agenda, as reflected in the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization of 2008.

7. The Parties commit to:

(a) promote the development and enhancement of measures for decent working conditions for all and related employment rights, including with regard to wages and earnings, hours, health and safety at work and other conditions of work;

(b) promote social dialogue on labour matters among workers and employers, and their respective organisations, and governments;

(c) the maintenance of a well-functioning labour enforcement system; and

(d) ensure non-discrimination in respect of working conditions;

and each Party that is a member of the ILO shall do so in accordance with the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization of 2008.

8. The Parties note, as set out in the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization, that the violation of fundamental principles and rights at work shall not be invoked or otherwise used as a legitimate comparative advantage and that labour standards shall not be used for protectionist trade purposes.

9. The Parties recognise the value of international cooperation and agreements on labour affairs as a response of the international community to economic, employment and social challenges and opportunities resulting from globalisation.

10. Affirming the value of policy coherence in decent work, including core labour standards, and high levels of labour protection, coupled with their effective enforcement, the Parties recognise the beneficial role that those areas can have on economic efficiency, innovation and productivity, including export performance.

(83) The Council of Europe, established in 1949, adopted the European Social Charter in 1961, which was revised in 1996. For the United Kingdom, the reference to the European Social Charter in paragraph 5 refers to the original 1961 version.

Article 13.14. Non-Discrimination and Equality In the Workplace

1. The Parties support the goals of eliminating discrimination in employment and occupation, and of promoting gender equality in relation to trade and the workplace.

2. Each Party affirms its commitments to effectively implement in its laws, policies and practices the international agreements pertaining to inclusive economic development, gender equality or non-discrimination to which they are a party.

3. The Parties commit to:

(a) promote policies that aim to ensure an inclusive labour market, equal rights and opportunities and address unlawful discrimination in relation to trade and the workplace;

(b) implement policies and measures to protect workers against employment discrimination on the basis of sex or gender, pregnancy, or sexual orientation;

(c) provide for job-protected leave for parents following birth or adoption of a child;

(d) work towards the elimination of gender wage gaps by promoting equal pay laws and policies with the aim to achieve equal pay; and

(e) promote policies that aim to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Article 13.15. Access to Remedies and Procedural Guarantees

Pursuant to Article 13.4 (Upholding Levels of Protection) each Party shall promote compliance with and shall effectively enforce its labour law, including by:

(a) maintaining a system of labour enforcement in accordance with its international obligations aimed at securing the enforcement of legal provisions relating to working conditions and the protection of workers; and

(b) ensuring that administrative and judicial proceedings are available to persons with a legally recognised interest in a particular matter who maintain that a right is infringed under its law, in order to permit effective action against infringements of its labour law, including appropriate remedies for violations of such law.

Section 13.3. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND TRADE

Article 13.16. Objectives

1. The Parties acknowledge the importance of incorporating a gender perspective in the promotion of inclusive economic development and that gender-responsive policies are key elements to ensure more equitable participation of all in the domestic, regional and global economy and international trade, in order to achieve sustainable economic growth.

2. The Parties recognise that women’s participation in international trade can contribute to advancing women’s economic empowerment and economic independence. As such, the Parties agree to advance women’s economic empowerment across this Agreement, and incorporate a gender perspective in their trade and investment relationship.

3. The Parties further recognise the importance of enhancing opportunities for women, including in their roles as workers, business owners and entrepreneurs, and appreciate the benefits of sharing their different experiences in and best practices for addressing the systemic barriers which may exist for women in international trade.

Article 13.17. International Commitments

1. The Parties recognise the importance of international agreements relating to inclusive economic development, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

2. Each Party affirms its commitments to effectively implement in its laws, policies and practices the international agreements pertaining to inclusive economic development, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment to which it is a party.

3. The Parties recognise the commitments made in the Joint Declaration on Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment on the occasion of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in December 2017, including acknowledgement of the need to develop evidence-based interventions to address the barriers that limit opportunities for women in the economy.

Article 13.18. Cooperative Activities

The Parties may carry out cooperate activities to support the achievement of the objectives in Article 13.16 (Objectives) on issues of mutual interest. Cooperative activities shall be carried out with the inclusive participation of women. Areas of cooperation may include sharing experiences and best practices relating to:

  • Chapter   1 GENERAL PROVISIONS 1
  • Article   1.1 Objectives 1
  • Article   1.2 Territorial Application 1
  • Article   1.3 Territorial Extension 1
  • Article   1.4 Trade and Economic Relations Governed by this Agreement 1
  • Article   1.5 Relation to other International Agreements 1
  • Article   1.6 Fulfilment of Obligations 1
  • Article   1.7 Transparency 1
  • Chapter   2 TRADE IN GOODS (1) 1
  • Section   2.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS (2) 1
  • Article   2.1 Objective 1
  • Article   2.2 Scope 1
  • Article   2.3 Definitions 1
  • Article   2.4 National Treatment on Internal Taxation and Regulation 1
  • Article   2.5 Classification of Goods 1
  • Article   2.6 Customs Duties 1
  • Article   2.7 Export Duties, Taxes and other Charges 1
  • Article   2.8 Fees and Charges 1
  • Article   2.9 Administration and Implementation of TRQs 1
  • Article   2.10 Temporary Admission of Goods 1
  • Article   2.11 Inward and Outward Processing 2
  • Article   2.12 Import and Export Restrictions 2
  • Article   2.13 Import Licensing 2
  • Article   2.14 Export Licensing 2
  • Article   2.15 Goods for Repair or Alteration 2
  • Article   2.16 Remanufactured Goods 2
  • Article   2.17 Data Sharing on Preference Utilisation 2
  • Article   2.18 Review Clause 2
  • Article   2.19 Sub-Committee on Trade In Goods 2
  • Article   2.20 Annexes 2
  • Section   2.2 TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE 2
  • Article   2.21 Objective 2
  • Article   2.22 Scope 2
  • Article   2.23 Relationship with the TBT Agreement 2
  • Article   2.24 Technical Regulations 2
  • Article   2.25 Standards 2
  • Article   2.26 Conformity Assessment 2
  • Article   2.27 Transparency 2
  • Article   2.28 Marking and Labelling 3
  • Article   2.29 Cooperation on Market Surveillance and Non-Food Product Safety and Compliance 3
  • Article   2.30 Technical Discussions 3
  • Article   2.31 Cooperation 3
  • Article   2.32 Contact Points 3
  • Article   2.33 Sub-Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade 3
  • Section   2.3 SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES 3
  • Article   2.34 Objectives 3
  • Article   2.35 Scope 3
  • Article   2.36 Definitions 3
  • Article   2.37 Rights and Obligations 3
  • Article   2.38 General Principles 3
  • Article   2.39 Specific Provisions and Arrangements Concerning Sanitary and Phytosanitary Matters 3
  • Article   2.40 Minimum Standard of Treatment on Sanitary Measures 3
  • Article   2.41 Cooperation on Sanitary Matters 3
  • Article   2.42 Transparency and Exchange of Information 3
  • Article   2.43 Recognition of Plant Pest Status and Regional Conditions 3
  • Article   2.44 Notification and Consultation 3
  • Article   2.45 Multilateral International Fora 3
  • Article   2.46 Implementation and Competent Authorities 3
  • Article   2.47 Cooperation on Antimicrobial Resistance 4
  • Article   2.48 Cooperation on Animal Welfare 4
  • Article   2.49 Sustainable Food Systems 4
  • Article   2.50 Sub-Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 4
  • Section   2.4 CUSTOMS AND TRADE FACILITATION 4
  • Article   2.51 Objectives and Principles 4
  • Article   2.52 Transparency, Publication and Consultations 4
  • Article   2.53 Data, Documentation and Automation 4
  • Article   2.54 Simplified Customs Procedures 4
  • Article   2.55 Release of Goods 4
  • Article   2.56 Risk Management 4
  • Article   2.57 Advance Rulings 4
  • Article   2.58 Customs Valuation 4
  • Article   2.59 Authorised Economic Operator 5
  • Article   2.60 Review and Appeal 5
  • Article   2.61 Penalties 5
  • Article   2.62 Customs Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance 5
  • Article   2.63 Single Window 5
  • Article   2.64 Transit and Transhipment 5
  • Article   2.65 Post-Clearance Audit 5
  • Article   2.66 Customs Brokers 5
  • Article   2.67 Competent Customs Offices 5
  • Article   2.68 Border Agency Cooperation 5
  • Article   2.69 Confidentiality 5
  • Section   2.5 TRADE REMEDIES 5
  • GENERAL PROVISIONS 5
  • Article   2.70 Dispute Settlement 5
  • ANTI-DUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING MEASURES 5
  • Article   2.71 General Provisions 5
  • Article   2.72 Investigations 5
  • Article   2.73 Lesser Duty Rule and Public Interest 5
  • SAFEGUARD MEASURES 5
  • Article   2.74 General Provisions and Transparency 5
  • Chapter   3 SERVICES AND INVESTMENT 5
  • Section   3.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS ON SERVICES AND INVESTMENT 5
  • Article   3.1 Scope 5
  • Article   3.2 Definitions 5
  • Article   3.3 Sub-Committee on Services and Investment 5
  • Article   3.4 Denial of Benefits 6
  • Section   3.2 INVESTMENT LIBERALISATION 6
  • Article   3.5 Scope 6
  • Article   3.6 Market Access 6
  • Article   3.7 National Treatment 6
  • Article   3.8 Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment 6
  • Article   3.9 Senior Management and Boards of Directors 6
  • Article   3.10 Performance Requirements 6
  • Article   3.11 Investment and Sustainable Development 6
  • Article   3.12 Non-Conforming Measures 6
  • Section   3.3 CROSS-BORDER TRADE IN SERVICES 6
  • Article   3.13 Scope 6
  • Article   3.14 Market Access 6
  • Article   3.15 Local Presence 6
  • Article   3.16 National Treatment 6
  • Article   3.17 Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment 6
  • Article   3.18 Non-Conforming Measures 6
  • Section   3.4 ENTRY AND TEMPORARY STAY OF NATURAL PERSONS 6
  • Article   3.19 General Provisions and Scope 6
  • Article   3.20 Definitions 6
  • Article   3.21 General Obligations 7
  • Article   3.22 Application Procedures 7
  • Article   3.23 Cooperation on Return and Readmissions 7
  • Article   3.24 Transparency 7
  • Article   3.25 Business Visitors for Establishment Purposes and Intra-Corporate Transferees 7
  • Article   3.26 Contractual Service Suppliers and Independent Professionals 7
  • Article   3.27 Short-Term Business Visitors 7
  • Article   3.28 Non-Conforming Measures 7
  • Article   3.29 Contact Points 7
  • Section   3.5 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 7
  • Subsection   3.5.1 DOMESTIC REGULATION 7
  • Article   3.30 Scope 7
  • Article   3.31 Definitions 7
  • Article   3.32 Submission of Applications 7
  • Article   3.33 Application Timeframes 7
  • Article   3.34 Electronic Applications and Acceptance of Copies 7
  • Article   3.35 Processing of Applications 7
  • Article   3.36 Fees 7
  • Article   3.37 Assessment of Qualifications 7
  • Article   3.38 Publication and Information Available 7
  • Article   3.39 Technical Standards 7
  • Article   3.40 Conditions for Authorisation 8
  • Subsection   3.5.2 PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION 8
  • Article   3.41 Review Procedures for Administrative Decisions 8
  • Article   3.42 Opportunity to Comment Before Entry Into Force 8
  • Article   3.43 Regulatory Cooperation 8
  • Subsection   3.53 FINANCIAL SERVICES 8
  • Article   3.44 Scope 8
  • Article   3.45 Definitions 8
  • Article   3.46 New Financial Services 8
  • Article   3.47 Financial Information and Data 8
  • Article   3.48 Payments and Clearing 8
  • Article   3.49 Senior Management and Boards of Directors 8
  • Article   3.50 Self-Regulatory Organisations 8
  • Article   3.51 Prudential Carve-Out 8
  • Article   3.52 Confidential Information 8
  • Article   3.53 International Standards 8
  • Article   3.54 Recognition of Prudential Measures 8
  • Subsection   3.5.4 TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES 8
  • Article   3.55 Scope 8
  • Article   3.56 Definitions 8
  • Article   3.57 Access and Use 9
  • Article   3.58 Access to Major Suppliers’ Essential Facilities 9
  • Article   3.59 Interconnection 9
  • Article   3.60 Interconnection with Major Suppliers 9
  • Article   3.61 Number Portability 9
  • Article   3.62 Scarce Resources 9
  • Article   3.63 Competitive Safeguards on Major Suppliers 9
  • Article   3.64 Treatment by Major Suppliers 9
  • Article   3.65 Telecommunications Regulatory Authority 9
  • Article   3.66 Authorisation to Provide Telecommunications Networks or Services 9
  • Article   3.67 Transparency 9
  • Article   3.68 Universal Service Obligation 9
  • Article   3.69 International Mobile Roaming Services (50) 9
  • Article   3.70 Dispute Resolution 9
  • Article   3.71 Confidentiality 9
  • Subsection   3.5.5 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME TRANSPORT SERVICES 9
  • Article   3.72 Scope and Definitions 9
  • Article   3.73 Obligations 9
  • Subsection   3.5.6 LEGAL SERVICES 10
  • Article   3.74 Scope 10
  • Article   3.75 Definitions 10
  • Article   3.76 Obligations 10
  • Article   3.77 Non-Conforming Measures 10
  • Chapter   4 DIGITAL TRADE 10
  • Article   4.1 Objectives 10
  • Article   4.2 Definitions 10
  • Article   4.3 Scope 10
  • Article   4.4 Customs Duties (53) 10
  • Article   4.5 Electronic Contracts 10
  • Article   4.6 Electronic Authentication and Electronic Trust Services 10
  • Article   4.7 Paperless Trading (54) 10
  • Article   4.8 Online Consumer Protection 10
  • Article   4.9 Unsolicited Commercial Electronic Messages 10
  • Article   4.10 Source Code 10
  • Article   4.11 Cross-Border Data Flows 10
  • Article   4.12 Protection of Personal Data and Privacy 10
  • Article   4.13 Open Internet Access 10
  • Article   4.14 Open Government Data 10
  • Article   4.15 Cybersecurity 10
  • Article   4.16 Cooperation on Regulatory Issues with Regard to Digital Trade 11
  • Article   4.17 Emerging Technology Dialogue 11
  • Chapter   5 CAPITAL MOVEMENTS, PAYMENTS AND TRANSFERS (57) 11
  • Article   5.1 Objectives 11
  • Article   5.2 Current Account 11
  • Article   5.3 Capital Movements 11
  • Article   5.4 Measures Affecting Capital Movements, Payments or Transfers 11
  • Article   5.5 Restrictions In Case of Balance of Payments and External Financial Difficulties 11
  • Chapter   6 GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 11
  • Article   6.1 Scope and Coverage 11
  • Article   6.2 Additional Disciplines 11
  • Article   6.3 Use of Electronic Means 11
  • Article   6.4 Electronic Publication of Procurement Notices 11
  • Article   6.5 Supporting Evidence 11
  • Article   6.6 Conditions for Participation 11
  • Article   6.7 Registration Systems and Qualification Procedures 11
  • Article   6.8 Selective Tendering 11
  • Article   6.9 Abnormally Low Prices 11
  • Article   6.10 Facilitating Participation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) 11
  • Article   6.11 Environmental, Social and Labour Considerations 11
  • Article   6.12 Modifications and Rectifications of Market Access Commitments 11
  • Article   6.13 Modifications 11
  • Article   6.14 Rectifications 11
  • Article   6.15 Further Negotiations 11
  • Chapter   7 CHAPTER 7 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (59) 11
  • Section   7.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS 11
  • Article   7.1 Objectives 11
  • Article   7.2 Scope 11
  • Article   7.3 Definitions 11
  • Article   7.4 International Agreements 11
  • Article   7.5 Exhaustion 12
  • Article   7.6 National Treatment 12
  • Section   7.2 STANDARDS CONCERNING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 12
  • Subsection   7.2.1 COPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS 12
  • Article   7.7 Authors 12
  • Article   7.8 Performers 12
  • Article   7.9 Producers of Phonograms 12
  • Article   7.10 Broadcasting Organisations 12
  • Article   7.11 Broadcasting and Communication to the Public of Phonograms Published for Commercial Purposes 12
  • Article   7.12 Term of Protection 12
  • Article   7.13 Resale Right 12
  • Article   7.14 Collective Management of Rights 12
  • Article   7.15 Exceptions and Limitations 12
  • Article   7.16 Protection of Technological Measures 12
  • Article   7.17 Obligations Concerning Rights Management Information 12
  • Subsection   7.2.2 TRADE MARKS 12
  • Article   7.18 Trade Mark Classification 12
  • Article   7.19 Signs of Which a Registered Trade Mark May Consist 12
  • Article   7.20 Rights Conferred by a Registered Trade Mark 12
  • Article   7.21 Registration Procedure 12
  • Article   7.22 Well-Known Trade Marks 12
  • Article   7.23 Exceptions to the Rights Conferred by a Trade Mark 12
  • Article   7.24 Grounds for Revocation 12
  • Article   7.25 The Right to Prohibit Preparatory Acts In Relation to the Use of Packaging or other Means 12
  • Article   7.26 Bad Faith Applications 12
  • Subsection   7.23 DESIGN 12
  • Article   7.27 Protection of Registered Designs 12
  • Article   7.28 Duration of Protection 12
  • Article   7.29 Exceptions and Exclusions 12
  • Article   7.30 Relationship to Copyright 12
  • Subsection   7.2.4 GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS AND TRADITIONAL TERMS 12
  • Article   7.31 Effect of this Sub-Section 12
  • Article   7.32 Scope 12
  • Article   7.33 Systems for the Registration and Protection of Geographical Indications 13
  • Article   7.34 Recognition of Specific Geographical Indications 13
  • Article   7.35 Protection of Traditional Terms 13
  • Article   7.36 Right of Use 13
  • Article   7.37 Scope of Protection 13
  • Article   7.38 Enforcement of Protection 13
  • Article   7.39 Relationship with Trade Marks 13
  • Article   7.40 Amending the Annexes on Geographical Indications 13
  • Article   7.41 Processing of Specific Geographical Indications 13
  • Article   7.42 Individual Applications for Protection of Geographical Indications and Traditional Terms 13
  • Article   7.43 Indications of Source and Country Names 13
  • Subsection   7.2.5 PATENTS 13
  • Article   7.44 Patents and Public Health 13
  • Article   7.45 Extension of the Period of Protection Conferred by a Patent on Medicinal Products and on Plant Protection Products (66) 13
  • Subsection   7.26 PROTECTION OF UNDISCLOSED INFORMATION 13
  • Article   7.46 Protection of Trade Secrets 13
  • Article   7.47 Protection of Data Submitted to Obtain an Authorisation to Put a Medicinal Product on the Market (68) 13
  • Article   7.48 Protection of Data Submitted to Obtain Marketing Authorisation for Plant Protection Products or Biocidal Products  (69) 13
  • Section   7.3 ENFORCEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 13
  • Subsection   7.3.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS 13
  • Article   7.49 General Obligations 13
  • Article   7.50 Persons Entitled to Apply for the Application of the Measures, Procedures and Remedies 13
  • Subsection   7.3.2 CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT 13
  • Article   7.51 Measures for Preserving Evidence 13
  • Article   7.52 Evidence 13
  • Article   7.53 Right of Information 13
  • Article   7.54 Provisional and Precautionary Measures 14
  • Article   7.55 Corrective Measures 14
  • Article   7.56 Injunctions 14
  • Article   7.57 Alternative Measures 14
  • Article   7.58 Damages 14
  • Article   7.59 Legal Costs 14
  • Article   7.60 Publication of Judicial Decisions 14
  • Article   7.61 Presumption of Authorship or Ownership 14
  • Subsection   7.3.3 CIVIL JUDICIAL PROCEDURES AND REMEDIES OF TRADE SECRETS 14
  • Article   7.62 Civil Judicial Procedures and Remedies of Trade Secrets 14
  • Subsection   7.3.4 BORDER ENFORCEMENT 14
  • Article   7.63 Border Measures 14
  • Article   7.64 Consistency with GATT 1994 and the TRIPS Agreement 14
  • Section   7.4 OTHER PROVISIONS 14
  • Article   7.65 Cooperation 14
  • Chapter   8 COMPETITION POLICY 14
  • Article   8.1 Definitions 14
  • Article   8.2 Competition Law 14
  • Article   8.3 Application of Competition Law to Public Enterprises 14
  • Article   8.4 Cooperation 14
  • Article   8.5 Dispute Settlement 14
  • Chapter   9 SUBSIDIES (71) 14
  • Article   9.1 Principles 14
  • Article   9.2 Relationship with the WTO Agreement 14
  • Article   9.3 Definition and Scope 14
  • Article   9.4 Transparency 14
  • Article   9.5 Consultations 14
  • Article   9.6 Use of Subsidies 14
  • Article   9.7 Confidentiality 14
  • Article   9.8 Dispute Settlement 14
  • Chapter   10 SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES 14
  • Article   10.1 General Principles 14
  • Article   10.2 Information Sharing 14
  • Article   10.3 SME Contact Points 14
  • Article   10.4 Dispute Settlement 15
  • Chapter   11 GOOD REGULATORY PRACTICES AND REGULATORY COOPERATION 15
  • Section   11.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS 15
  • Article   11.1 Objectives and General Principles 15
  • Article   11.2 Definitions 15
  • Article   11.3 Scope 15
  • Section   11.2 GOOD REGULATORY PRACTICES 15
  • Article   11.4 Internal Coordination 15
  • Article   11.5 Regulatory Processes and Mechanisms 15
  • Article   11.6 Public Consultations 15
  • Article   11.7 Proportionate Analyses 15
  • Article   11.8 Retrospective Evaluation 15
  • Article   11.9 Exchange of Information on Good Regulatory Practices 15
  • Section   11.3 REGULATORY COOPERATION 15
  • Article   11.10 Regulatory Cooperation Activities 15
  • Section   11.4 INSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS 15
  • Article   11.11 Contact Points 15
  • Article   11.12 Exchange of Information on Planned or Existing Regulatory Measures 15
  • Article   11.13 Dispute Settlement 15
  • Chapter   12 RECOGNITION OF PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 15
  • Article   12.1 Definitions 15
  • Article   12.2 Objectives and Scope 15
  • Article   12.3 Domestic Regulation 15
  • Article   12.4 Recognition of Professional Qualifications 15
  • Article   12.5 Conditions for Recognition 15
  • Article   12.6 Compensatory Measures 15
  • Article   12.7 Procedure for Applications 15
  • Article   12.8 Licensing and other Provisions 15
  • Article   12.9 Knowledge of Languages 16
  • Article   12.10 Appeals 16
  • Article   12.11 Fees 16
  • Article   12.12 Implementation of this Chapter by the Sub-Committee on Services and Investment 16
  • Article   12.13 Establishment of Mutual Recognition Arrangements 16
  • Chapter   13 TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 16
  • Section   13.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS 16
  • Article   13.1 Context and Objectives 16
  • Article   13.2 Definitions 16
  • Article   13.3 Right to Regulate and Levels of Protection 16
  • Article   13.4 Upholding Levels of Protection 16
  • Article   13.5 Transparency 16
  • Article   13.6 Public Information and Awareness 16
  • Article   13.7 Scientific and Technical Information 16
  • Article   13.8 Cooperation 16
  • Article   13.9 Means of Cooperation 16
  • Article   13.10 Promotion of Trade and Investment Favouring Sustainable Development 16
  • Article   13.11 Responsible Business Conduct 16
  • Article   13.12 Anti-Corruption 16
  • Section   13.2 TRADE AND LABOUR 16
  • Article   13.13 International Labour Standards and Agreements 16
  • Article   13.14 Non-Discrimination and Equality In the Workplace 16
  • Article   13.15 Access to Remedies and Procedural Guarantees 16
  • Section   13.3 WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND TRADE 16
  • Article   13.16 Objectives 16
  • Article   13.17 International Commitments 16
  • Article   13.18 Cooperative Activities 16
  • Article   13.19 Dispute Settlement 17
  • Section   13.4 TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT 17
  • Article   13.20 Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Principles 17
  • Article   13.21 Access to Remedies and Procedural Guarantees 17
  • Article   13.22 Trade and Climate Change 17
  • Article   13.23 Air Quality 17
  • Article   13.24 Ozone-Depleting Substances and Their Alternatives 17
  • Article   13.25 Trade and Biological Diversity (85) 17
  • Article   13.26 Conservation of Marine Ecosystems and Species 17
  • Article   13.27 Sustainable Forest Management and Associated Trade (86) 17
  • Article   13.28 Trade and Sustainable Management of Fisheries and Aquaculture 17
  • Article   13.29 Trade In Waste and Chemicals and Prevention of Pollution 17
  • Article   13.30 Trade and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems 17
  • Section   13.5 INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS 17
  • Article   13.31 Sub-Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development 17
  • Article   13.32 Implementation and Dispute Resolution 17
  • Article   13.33 Consultations 17
  • Article   13.34 Panel of Experts 18
  • Chapter   14 EXCEPTIONS 18
  • Article   14.1 General Exceptions 18
  • Article   14.2 Security Exceptions 18
  • Article   14.3 Taxation 18
  • Chapter   15 INSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS 18
  • Article   15.1 Joint Committee 18
  • Chapter   16 DISPUTE SETTLEMENT 18
  • Article   16.1 Objective 18
  • Article   16.2 Scope 18
  • Article   16.3 Request for Information 18
  • Article   16.4 Consultations 18
  • Article   16.5 Good Offices, Conciliation and Mediation 18
  • Article   16.6 Establishment of a Panel 18
  • Article   16.7 Composition of a Panel 18
  • Article   16.8 Qualifications of Arbitrators 18
  • Article   16.9 Terms of Reference 18
  • Article   16.10 Urgent Cases 18
  • Article   16.11 Panel Proceedings 18
  • Article   16.12 Rules of Interpretation 19
  • Article   16.13 Receipt of Information 19
  • Article   16.14 Panel Reports 19
  • Article   16.15 Compliance with the Final Report 19
  • Article   16.16 Compliance Review 19
  • Article   16.17 Temporary Remedies In Case of Non-Compliance 19
  • Article   16.18 Compliance Review after the Adoption of Temporary Remedies 19
  • Article   16.19 Suspension and Termination of Proceedings 19
  • Article   16.20 Administration of the Dispute Settlement Procedure 19
  • Article   16.21 Mutually Agreed Solution 19
  • Article   16.22 Choice of Forum 19
  • Article   16.23 Time Period 19
  • Article   16.24 Expenses 19
  • Article   16.25 Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct 19
  • Chapter   17 FINAL PROVISIONS 19
  • Article   17.1 Annexes and Appendices 19
  • Article   17.2 Amendments 19
  • Article   17.3 Withdrawal and Expiration 19
  • Article   17.4 Review 19
  • Article   17.5 Entry Into Force 19
  • Article   17.6 Depositary 19
  • ANNEX XVI  EXISTING MEASURES 19
  • Headnotes 19
  • Schedule of the United Kingdom 19
  • Schedule of Iceland 21
  • Schedule of Liechtenstein 21
  • Schedule of Norway 22
  • ANNEX XVII  FUTURE MEASURES 23
  • Headnotes 23
  • Schedule of the United Kingdom 24
  • Schedule of Iceland 26
  • Schedule of Liechtenstein 28
  • Schedule of Norway 29
  • ANNEX XXV  ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE SCOPE OF “REGULATORY MEASURES” REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 11.2 (DEFINITIONS) OF SECTION 11.1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS) OF CHAPTER 11 (GOOD REGULATORY PRACTICES AND REGULATORY COOPERATION) 31