[Home] [Databases] [WorldLII] [Search] [Feedback] [Help] Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement

You are here:  AsianLII >> Databases >> Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement >> Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement

[Database Search] [Name Search] [Help]

TRANS-PACIFIC

STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

AGREEMENT

PREAMBLE

The Governments of Brunei Darussalam, the Republic of Chile, New Zealand and the Republic of Singapore, (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Parties” or individually as a “Party”, unless the context otherwise requires), resolve to:

STRENGTHEN the special links of friendship and cooperation among them;

ENLARGE the framework of relations among the Parties through liberalising trade and investment and encouraging further and deeper cooperation to create a strategic partnership within the Asia - Pacific region;

CONTRIBUTE to the harmonious development and expansion of world trade and provide a catalyst for broader cooperation at international forums;

CREATE an expanded and secure market for the goods and services in their territories;

AVOID distortions in their reciprocal trade;

ESTABLISH clear rules governing their trade;

ENSURE a predictable commercial framework for business planning and investment;

BUILD on their respective rights and obligations under the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization and other multilateral and bilateral agreements and arrangements;

AFFIRM their commitment to the Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation

(APEC) goals and principles;

REAFFIRM their commitment to the APEC Principles to Enhance Competition and Regulatory Reform with a view to protecting and promoting the competitive process and the design of regulation that minimises distortions to competition;

1. MINDFUL that economic development, social development and environmental protection are interdependent and mutually reinforcing components of sustainable development and that closer economic partnership can play an important role in promoting sustainable development;
   

ENHANCE the competitiveness of their firms in global markets;

FOSTER creativity and innovation, and promote the protection intellectual property rights to encourage trade in goods and services among the Parties;

1

STRENGTHEN their strategic economic partnership to bring economic and

social benefits, to create new opportunities for employment and to improve the living standards of their peoples;

UPHOLD the rights of their governments to regulate in order to meet national policy objectives;

PRESERVE their flexibility to safeguard the public welfare;

ENHANCE their cooperation on labour and environmental matters of mutual interest;

PROMOTE common frameworks within the Asia – Pacific region, and affirm their commitment to encourage the accession to this Agreement by other economies;

HAVE AGREED as follows:

2

CHAPTER 1

INITIAL PROVISIONS

Article 1.1: Objectives

1. This Agreement establishes a Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership among the Parties, based on common interest and on the deepening of the relationship in all areas of application.
   
2. This Agreement covers in particular the commercial, economic, financial, scientific, technological and cooperation fields. It may be extended to other areas

to be agreed upon by the Parties in order to expand and enhance the benefits of this Agreement.

1. The Parties seek to support the wider liberalisation process in APEC

consistent with its goals of free and open trade and investment.

1. The trade objectives of this Agreement, as elaborated more specifically through its principles and rules, including national treatment, most-favoured- nation treatment and transparency, are to:
   

(a) encourage expansion and diversification of trade among each Party’s territory;

(b) eliminate barriers to trade in, and facilitate the cross-border movement of, goods and services among the territories of the Parties;

(c) promote conditions of fair competition in the free trade area;

(d) substantially increase investment opportunities among each Party’s territory;

(e) provide adequate and effective protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in each Party's territory; and

(f) create an effective mechanism to prevent and resolve trade disputes.

Article 1.2: Establishment of the Free Trade Area

The Parties to this Agreement, consistent with Article XXIV of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and Article V of the General Agreement on Trade in Services, which are part of the WTO Agreement, hereby establish a free trade area.

1-1

CHAPTER 2

GENERAL DEFINITIONS

Article 2.1: Definitions of General Application

For the purposes of this Agreement, unless otherwise specified:

Agreement means the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement;

APEC means the Asia - Pacific Economic Cooperation;

Commission means the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Commission established under Article 17.1 (Establishment of the Strategic Economic Partnership Commission);

customs administration means the competent authority that is responsible under the laws of a Party for the administration of customs laws, regulations and policies, and

(a) in relation to Brunei Darussalam means the Royal Customs and

Excise Department;

(b) in relation to Chile means the National Customs Service of Chile;

(c) in relation to New Zealand means the New Zealand Customs

Service; and

(d) in relation to Singapore means the Singapore Customs;

customs duty includes any duty or charges of any kind imposed in connection with the importation of a good, and any surtaxes or surcharges imposed in connection with such importation, but does not include:

(a) charges equivalent to an internal tax imposed consistently with GATT

1994, including excise duties and goods and services tax;

(b) fees or other charges that

(i) are limited in amount to the approximate cost of services rendered, and

(ii) do not represent a direct or indirect protection for domestic goods or a taxation of imports for fiscal purposes; and

2-1

(c) any anti-dumping or countervailing duty applied consistently with the provisions of Article VI of GATT 1994, the WTO Agreement on the Implementation of Article VI of GATT 1994, and the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures;

Customs Valuation Agreement means the Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994, which is part of the WTO Agreement;

days means calendar days;

enterprise means any corporation, company, association, partnership, trust, joint venture, sole-proprietorship or other entity constituted or organised under applicable law, regardless of whether or not the entity is organised for profit, privately or otherwise owned, or organised with limited or unlimited liability;

enterprise of a Party means an enterprise constituted or organised under the law

of a Party;

existing means in effect on the date of entry into force of this Agreement for a

Party;

GATS means the General Agreement on Trade in Services, which is part of the

WTO Agreement;

GATT 1994 means the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994, which is part of the WTO Agreement;

goods of a Party means domestic products as these are understood in GATT

1994 or such goods as the Parties may agree and includes originating goods of a

Party;

goods and products shall be understood to have the same meaning unless the context otherwise requires;

Harmonized System (HS) means the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System administered by the World Customs Organisation, including its General Rules of Interpretation, Section Notes and Chapter Notes, as adopted and implemented by the Parties in their respective tariff laws;

heading means the first four digits in the tariff classification under the Harmonized

System;

measure includes any law, regulation, procedure, requirement or practice;

2-2

national means a natural person who has the nationality of a Party according to

Annex 2.A or a permanent resident of a Party;

originating means qualifying under the rules of origin set out in Chapter 4 (Rules

of Origin);

person means a natural person or an enterprise;

person of a Party means a national or an enterprise of a Party;

producer means a person who grows, raises, mines, harvests, fishes, captures, gathers, collects, breeds, extracts, hunts, manufactures, processes, assembles or disassembles a good;

preferential tariff treatment means the customs duty rate applicable to an originating good, pursuant to the Parties' respective Tariff Elimination Schedules set out in Annex I;

Safeguards Agreement means the Agreement on Safeguards, which is part of the

WTO Agreement;

subheading means the first six digits in the tariff classification under the

Harmonised System;

territory means for a Party the territory of that Party as set out in Annex 2.A;

WTO means the World Trade Organisation;

WTO Agreement means the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade

Organization, done on April 15, 1994.

2-3

Annex 2.A

Country-Specific Definitions

For the purposes of this Agreement, unless otherwise specified:

natural person who has the nationality of a Party means:

(a) with respect to Brunei Darussalam, a subject of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan in accordance with the Laws of Brunei;

(b) with respect to Chile, a Chilean as defined in Article 10 of the

Constitución Política de la República de Chile;

(c) with respect to New Zealand, a citizen as defined in the Citizenship Act

1977, as amended from time to time, or any successor legislation; and

(d) with respect to Singapore, any person who is a citizen within the meaning of its Constitution and domestic laws.

territory means:

(a) with respect to Brunei Darussalam, the territory of Brunei Darussalam and the maritime areas adjacent to the coast of Brunei Darussalam to the extent to which Brunei Darussalam may exercise sovereign rights or jurisdiction in accordance with international law and its legislation;

(b) with respect to Chile, the land, maritime, and air space under its sovereignty, and the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf within which it exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction in accordance with international law and its domestic law;

(b) with respect to New Zealand, the territory of New Zealand and the exclusive economic zone, seabed and subsoil over which it exercises sovereign rights with respect to natural resources in accordance with international law, but does not include Tokelau; and

(c) with respect to Singapore, its land territory, internal waters and territorial sea as well as and any maritime area situated beyond the territorial sea which has been or might in future be designated under its domestic law,

in accordance with international law, as an area within which Singapore may exercise sovereign rights or jurisdiction with regard to the sea, seabed, the subsoil and the natural resources.

2-4

CHAPTER 3

TRADE IN GOODS

Article 3.1: Definitions

For the purposes of this Chapter:

advertising films and recordings means recorded audio/visual (film, tape, or disc), or audio (tape or disc) media designed to advertise or promote goods or services by any company, firm or person, having an established business or resident in the territory of a Party, excluding such media for general public exhibition;

agricultural goods means those goods referred to in Article 2 of the Agreement on Agriculture, which is part of the WTO Agreement;

commercial samples of negligible value means commerical samples having a value, individually or in the aggregate as shipped, of not more than one US dollar,

or the equivalent amount in the currency of a Party, or so marked, torn, perforated

or otherwise treated that they are unsuitable for sale or for use except as comercial samples;

consular transactions means requirements that goods of a Party intended for export to the territory of the other Party must first be submitted to the supervision of the consul of the importing Party in the territory of the exporting Party for the purpose of obtaining consular invoices or consular visas for commercial invoices, certificates of origin, manifests, shippers’ export declarations or any other customs documentation required on or in connection with importation;

duty-free means free of customs duty;

export subsidies shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Article 1(e) of the Agreement on Agriculture, which is part of the WTO Agreement, including any amendment of that article;

goods admitted for sports purposes means articles and equipment for use in sports contests, demonstrations or training in the territory of the Party into whose territory such goods are imported;

goods intended for display or demonstration includes instruments, apparatus and models designed for demonstrational purposes, unsuitable for other purposes, and classified in Harmonized System Tariff heading 90.23;

3-1

printed advertising materials means those goods classified in Chapter 49 of the Harmonized System, including brochures, pamphlets, leaflets, trade catalogues, yearbooks published by trade associations, tourist promotional materials and posters, that are used to promote, publicise or advertise a good or serviced, are essentially intended to advertise a good or services, and are supplied free of charge.

Article 3.2: Scope

Except as otherwise provided, this Chapter applies to trade in all goods between any of the Parties.

Article 3.3: National Treatment

Each Party shall accord national treatment to the goods of the other Parties

in accordance with Article III of GATT 1994. To this end, the provisions of Article III

of GATT 1994 are incorporated into and shall form part of this Agreement, mutatis mutandis.

Article 3.4: Elimination of Customs Duties

1. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no Party may increase any existing customs duty, or adopt any customs duty, on an originating good.
   
2. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, and subject to a Party’s Schedule as set out in Annex I, as at the date of entry into force of this Agreement each Party shall eliminate all customs duties on originating goods of another Party.
   
3. On the request of any Party, the Parties shall consult to consider accelerating the elimination of customs duties set out in their Schedules. An agreement between two or more of the Parties to accelerate the elimination of a customs duty on a good shall supersede any duty rate or staging category determined pursuant to their Schedules for such good when approved by each Party in accordance with Article 17.2 (Functions of the Commission). Any such acceleration shall be extended to all Parties.
   

Article 3.5: Goods Re-entered after Repair and Alteration

1. The Parties may not apply a customs duty to a good, regardless of its origin, that re-enters its territory after that good has been temporarily exported from its territory to the territory of another Party for repair or alteration, regardless of whether such repair or alteration could be performed in its own territory.
   

3-2

1. The Parties may not apply a customs duty to a good, regardless of its origin, admitted temporarily from the territory of another Party for repair or alteration.
   
   1. For the purposes of this Article, repair and alteration does not include an operation or process that:
      

(a) destroys a good's essential characteristics or creates a new or commercially different good; or

(b) transforms an unfinished good into a finished good.

Article 3.6: Duty-Free Entry of Commercial Samples of Negligible Value and

Printed Advertising Material

With the exception of liquor and tobacco products, the Parties shall grant customs duty-free entry to commercial samples of negligible value and to printed advertising materials imported from the territory of another Party, regardless of their origin, but may require that:

(a) such samples be imported solely for the solicitation of orders for goods,

or services provided from the territory, of another Party or a non-Party;

or

(b) such advertising materials are imported in packets that each contain no more than one copy of each material and that neither such materials nor packets form part of a larger consignment.

Article 3.7: Temporary Admission of Goods

1. With the exception of liquor and tobacco products each Party shall grant customs duty-free temporary admission for:
   

(a) professional equipment, including equipment for the press or television, software and broadcasting and cinematographic equipment, necessary for carrying out the business activity, trade or profession of a business person;

(b) goods intended for display or demonstration;

(c) commercial samples and advertising films and recordings; and

(d) goods admitted for sports purposes, including racing or others similar events, regardless of their origin.

3-3

1. Each Party shall, at the request of the person concerned and for reasons deemed valid by its customs authority, extend the time limit for temporary admission beyond the period initially fixed, provided that the period of extension, having regard to the particular goods and circumstances of each case, is reasonable and the period of extension is no greater than the period initially fixed.
   
2. No Party may condition the duty-free temporary admission of goods referred

to in Paragraph 1, other than to require that such goods:

(a) be used solely by or under the personal supervision of a national or resident of another Party in the exercise of the business activity, trade, profession, or sport of that person;

(b) not be sold or leased or disposed of or transferred while in its territory;

(c) be accompanied by a security in an amount no greater than the charges that would otherwise be owed on entry or final importation, releasable on exportation of the good;

(d) be capable of identification when imported and exported;

(e) be exported on the departure of the person referenced in Subparagraph

(a), or within such other period, related to the purpose of the temporary admission, as the Party may establish;

(f) be admitted in no greater quantity than is reasonable for their intended use; and

(g) be otherwise admissible into the Party’s territory under its laws.

1. If any condition that a Party imposes under Paragraph 3 has not been fulfilled, the Party may apply the customs duty and any other charge that would normally be owed on the good plus any other charges or penalties provided for under its domestic law.
   
2. Each Party, through its customs authority, shall adopt procedures providing

for the expeditious release of goods admitted under this Article. To the extent possible, such procedures shall provide that when such a good accompanies a national or resident of another Party who is seeking temporary entry, the good shall

be released simultaneously with the entry of that national or resident.

1. Each Party shall permit a good temporarily admitted under this Article to be exported through a customs authorised point of departure other than that through which it was admitted.
   

3-4

1. Subject to Chapter 12 (Trade in Services):
   

(a) each Party shall allow a vehicle or container used in international traffic that enters its territory from the territory of another Party to exit its territory on any route that is reasonably related to the economic and prompt departure of such vehicle or container;

(b) no Party may require any bond or impose any penalty or charge solely by reason of any difference between the customs authorised point of entry and the customs authorised point of departure of a vehicle or container;

(c) no Party may condition the release of any obligation, including any bond, that it imposes in respect of the entry of a vehicle or container into

its territory on its exit through any particular customs authorised point of departure; and

(d) no Party may require that the vehicle or carrier bringing a container from the territory of another Party into its territory be the same vehicle or carrier that takes such container back to the territory of that other Party.

Article 3.8: Non-Tariff Measures

1. No Party shall adopt or maintain any non-tariff measures on the importation

of any good of another Party or on the exportation of any good destined for the territory of another Party except in accordance with its rights and obligations under the WTO Agreement or in accordance with other provisions of this Agreement.

1. Paragraph 1 shall not apply to the measures set out in Annex 3.A.
   

Article 3.9: Administrative Fees and Formalities

1. The Parties agree that fees, charges, formalities and requirements imposed

in connection with the importation and exportation of goods shall be consistent with their obligations under GATT 1994.

1. No Party may require consular transactions, including related fees and charges, in connection with the importation of any good of the other Parties.
   
2. Each Party shall make available through the Internet or a comparable computer-based telecommunications network a current list of the fees and charges

it imposes in connection with importation or exportation.

3-5

Article 3.10: Export Duties

No Party may adopt or maintain any duty, tax, or other charge on the export

of any good to the territory of the other Parties, unless such duty, tax, or charge is adopted or maintained on any such good when destined for domestic consumption.¹

Article 3.11: Agricultural Export Subsidies

1. The Parties share the objective of the multilateral elimination of all forms of export subsidies for agricultural goods and shall cooperate in an effort to achieve such an agreement and prevent their reintroduction in any form.
   
2. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, the Parties agree to eliminate, as of the date of entry into force of this Agreement, all forms of export subsidy for agricultural goods destined for the other Parties, and to prevent the reintroduction of such subsidies in any form.
   

Article 3.12: Price Band System

1. Chile may maintain its Price Band System as established in Article 12 of Law 18.525 and its subsequent legal modifications or succeeding system, for the products covered by that law.²
   
2. With respect to the products referred to in Paragraph 1, Chile shall give to the other Parties a treatment not less favourable than the preferential tariff treatment given to any third country, including countries with which Chile has concluded or will conclude in the future an agreement notified under Article XXIV of GATT 1994.
   

Article 3.13: Special Agricultural Safeguard Measures

1. Chile may apply a special safeguard measure to a limited number of specified sensitive agricultural goods listed in Annex 3.B.
   
2. Chile shall endeavour to apply special safeguard measures in a manner that

is consistent with its commitments under this Agreement to liberalise and promote the expansion of trade in these goods among the Parties.

¹ For greater certainty, this Article shall not apply to fees, charges, formalities and requirements on the exportation of goods imposed consistent with the provisions of Article VIII of GATT 1994.

² The only products covered by the Price Band System are HS 1001.9000, 1101.0000, 1701.1100,

1701.1200, 1701.9100, 1701.9910, 1701.9920 and 1701.9990.

3-6

1. Chile may impose a special safeguard measure on a good only during the period, following the grace period specified in Chile’s Schedule as set out in Annex

I, in which tariffs are being eliminated. Chile may not impose a special safeguard measure on a good after that good achieves duty-free status under this Agreement.

1. Notwithstanding Article 3.4, Chile may impose a special safeguard measure

in the form of additional import duties as set out below on those goods listed in Annex 3.B. The sum of any such additional duty and any import duties or other charges applied pursuant to Article 3.4 shall not exceed the lesser of:

(a) the prevailing most-favoured-nation applied rate; or

(b) the base rate.

1. Chile may impose a special safeguard measure if the quantity of imports of the good during any semester exceeds the quantity trigger level, corresponding to that specific semester, for those goods listed in Annex 3.B.
   
2. Chile may maintain a special safeguard measure, under Paragraph 5, only until the end of the semester in which Chile applies the measure.
   
3. Supplies of the good in question which were en route on the basis of a contract settled before the additional customs duty is imposed under the terms of this Article shall be exempted from any such additional customs duty, provided that they may be counted in the volume of imports of the good in question during the following semester for the purposes of triggering the provisions of Paragraph 5 in that semester.
   
4. Chile may not apply, with respect to the same good, a special safeguard measure and at the same time apply or maintain a measure under Article XIX of GATT 1994 and the Safeguards Agreement.
   
5. Chile shall apply any special safeguard measure in a transparent manner. Chile shall ensure that the current volume of imports is published in a manner which is readily accessible to the other Parties, and shall give notice in writing, including relevant data, to the other Parties as far in advance as may be practicable and in any event within 10 working days of the implementation of such action. If Chile decides not to apply a special safeguard measure where the specified trigger volume has been or is about to be met, it shall notify the other Parties promptly of its decision.
   
6. Upon request of a Party, Chile shall consult promptly and cooperate in exchanging information, as appropriate, with respect to the conditions for applying

a special safeguard measure.

3-7

1. The Committee on Trade in Goods may review the implementation and operation of this Article.
   
2. For purposes of this Article, special safeguard measure means a special safeguard measure described in Paragraph 4 and base rate means the rate of customs duty for an imported good as indicated in the Schedule of the importing Party as set out in Annex I.
   

Article 3.14: Committee on Trade in Goods

1. The Parties may establish a Committee on Trade in Goods that may meet

on the request of any Party or the Commission to consider any matter arising under this Chapter and Chapter 4 (Rules of Origin).

1. The Committee’s functions shall include:
   

(a) reviewing the implementation of the Chapters referred to above; and

(b) identification and recommendation of measures to promote and facilitate improved market access, including addressing barriers to trade in goods among the Parties, and to accelerate the tariff elimination under this Agreement.

3-8

Annex 3.A

Import and Export Measures

Measures of Chile

Article 3.8 shall not apply to measures of Chile relating to imports of used vehicles.

3-9

Annex 3.B

Special Safeguard Measures

For purposes of Article 3.13, goods originating in Brunei Darussalam, New Zealand or Singapore that may be subject to a special safeguard measure and the trigger levels for each such good are set out below:

List of Chile

Code Description

Quantity Trigger Level

3-10

3-11

Basket 1 : 112.2 tons Basket 2 : 5.4 tons Basket 3 : 27.6 tons Basket 4 : 2.4 tons Basket 5 : 0.6 tons Basket 6 : 156 tons Basket 7 : 240 tons Basket 8 : 3.6 tons Basket 9 : 87 tons

Notes:

• The quantities set out above for baskets correspond to each semester. The semesters run from January 1 to June 30 and July 1 to December 31 for each year.
  
• Each basket will have an annual growth rate of 8 percent which will be calculated at the end of each calendar year.
  
• In the first calendar year following entry into force of the Agreement, the

8 percent annual growth rate will apply to that calendar year and each calendar year thereafter.

3-12

CHAPTER 4

RULES OF ORIGIN

Article 4.1: Definitions

For the purposes of this Chapter:

aquaculture means the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, other aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants, from seedstock such

as eggs, fry, fingerlings and larvae, by intervention in the rearing or growth processes to enhance production, such as regular stocking, feeding, or protection from predators;

CIF means the value of the good imported and includes the cost of insurance and freight up to the port or place of entry in the country of importation. The valuation shall be made in accordance with the Customs Valuation Agreement;

FOB means the value of the good free on board, independent of the means of transportation, at the port or site of final shipment abroad. The valuation shall be made in accordance with the Customs Valuation Agreement;

goods wholly obtained or produced entirely in a Party means:

(a) mineral goods extracted from the soil or seabed in the territory of a

Party;

(b) agricultural and plant products grown and harvested, picked or gathered

in the territory of a Party;

territorial sea or the relevant maritime zone of a Party seaward of the territorial sea under that Party's applicable law in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 by a vessel flying, or entitled to fly, the flag of that Party, or taken from the high seas by a vessel registered or recorded with that Party and flying its flag;

4-1

(g) goods obtained or produced on board a factory ship registered or recorded with that Party and flying its flag, exclusively from products referred to in Subparagraph (f);

(h) waste and scrap derived from production in the territory of a Party or used articles or goods collected in the territory of a Party, provided that such goods are fit only for the recovery of raw materials;

(i) goods taken by a Party, or a person of a Party, from the seabed or subsoil beneath the territorial sea or the continental shelf of that Party, in accordance with the provision of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982;

(j) recovered goods derived in the territory of a Party from used goods and utilised in the territory of the Party in the production of remanufactured goods; and

(k) goods produced entirely in the territory of a Party exclusively from goods referred to in Subparagraphs (a) to (j) or from their derivatives, at any stage of production;

indirect material means a good used in the production, testing or inspection of another good but not physically incorporated into the good, or a good used in the maintenance of buildings or the operation of equipment associated with the production of a good, including:

(a) fuel, energy, catalysts and solvents;

(b) equipment, devices, and supplies used for testing or inspecting the goods;

(c) gloves, glasses, footwear, clothing, safety equipment and supplies;

(d) tools, dies and moulds;

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

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

(g) any other goods that are not incorporated into the good but whose use

in the production of the good can reasonably be demonstrated to be a part of that production.

4-2

material means a good or any matter or substance that is used or consumed in the production of goods or transformation of another good;

minimal operations or processes means operations or processes which contribute minimally to the essential characteristics of the goods and which by themselves, or in combination, do not confer origin;

packing materials and containers for shipment means goods used to protect a good during its transportation, other than containers and packaging materials used

for retail sale;

production means methods of obtaining goods including, but not limited to growing, raising, mining, harvesting, fishing, farming, trapping, hunting, capturing, aquaculture, gathering, collecting, breeding, extracting, manufacturing, processing, assembling or disassembling a good;

recovered goods means materials in the form of individual parts that result from:

(a) the complete disassembly of used goods into individual parts; and

(b) the cleaning, inspecting, or testing or other processing of those parts, and as necessary for improvement to sound working condition one or more of the following processes: welding, flame spraying, surface machining, knurling, plating, sleeving and rewinding in order for such parts to be assembled with other parts, including other recovered parts

in the production of a remanufactured good as listed in Annex 4.A;

remanufactured goods means an industrial good assembled in the territory of a

Party as listed in Annex 4.A, that:

(a) is entirely or partially composed of recovered goods;

(b) has the same life expectancy and meets the same performance standards as a new good; and

(c) enjoys the same factory warranty as such a new good;

transaction value means the price paid or payable for a good as determined by the provisions of the Customs Valuation Agreement;

used means used or consumed in the production of goods;

value means the value of a good or material, pursuant to the provisions of the

Customs Valuation Agreement.

4-3

Article 4.2: Originating Goods

Unless otherwise indicated in this Chapter, a good shall be considered as originating in a Party when:

(a) the good is wholly obtained or produced entirely in the territory of one

Party, pursuant to the definition in Article 4.1;

(b) the good is produced entirely in the territory of one or more Parties, exclusively from materials whose origin conforms to the provisions of this Chapter; or

(c) the good is produced in the territory of one or more Parties, using non- originating materials that conform to a change in tariff classification, a regional value content, or other requirements specified in Annex II, and the good meets the other applicable provisions of this Chapter.

Article 4.3: Regional Value Content

1. Where Annex II refers to a regional value content, each Party shall provide that the regional value content of a good shall be calculated on the basis of the following method:
   

TV - VNM

1. = --------------- x 100

TV

where:

basis, except as provided in Paragraph 3. If no such value exists or cannot be determined, pursuant to the principles of Article 1 of the Customs Valuation Agreement, it shall be calculated pursuant to the principles of Articles 2 to 7 of that Agreement; and

1. is the transaction value of the non-originating materials, when they were first acquired or supplied to the producer of the goods, adjusted on a CIF basis, except as provided in Paragraph 4. If such value does not exist or cannot be determined, pursuant to the principles

of Article 1 of the Customs Valuation Agreement, it shall be calculated pursuant to that Agreement.

4-4

1. The value of the non-originating materials used by the producer in the production of a good shall not include, for purposes of calculating the regional value content, pursuant to Paragraph 1, the value of non-originating materials used

to produce the originating materials subsequently used in the production of the good.

1. When the producer of a good does not export it directly, the value shall be adjusted up to the point at which the purchaser receives the good within the territory of a Party where the producer is located.
   
2. When the producer of the good acquires a non-originating material in the territory of the Party where it is located, the value of such material shall not include freight, insurance, packing costs and any other costs incurred in transporting the material from the supplier's warehouse to the producer's location.
   

Article 4.4: Operations that do not Confer Origin

The minimal operations or processes that do not confer origin, include the following:

(a) operations to ensure the preservation of products in good condition during transport and storage (such as drying, freezing, ventilation, chilling and like operations);

(b) simple operations consisting of sifting, classifying, washing, cutting, slitting, bending, coiling, or uncoiling;

(c) changes of packing and breaking up and assembly of consignments;

(d) packing, unpacking or repacking operations;

(e) affixing of marks, labels or other like distinguishing signs on products

or their packaging; and

(f) mere dilution with water or another substance that does not materially alter the characteristics of the goods.

Article 4.5: Accumulation

Originating goods or materials of any of the Parties used in the production of goods in the territory of another Party shall be considered to originate in the territory of the latter Party.

4-5

Article 4.6: De Minimis

A good that does not conform to a change in tariff classification, pursuant to the provisions of Annex II, shall be considered to be originating if the value of all non-originating materials used in its production not meeting the change in tariff classification requirement does not exceed 10 percent of the transaction value of the given good pursuant to Article 4.3, and the good meets all the other applicable criteria of this Chapter.

Article 4.7: Accessories, Spare Parts, and Tools

1. Normal accessories, spare parts, or tools provided with the good as part of the standard accessories, spare parts, or tools shall be regarded as originating goods and shall be disregarded in determining whether or not all the non- originating materials used in the production of the originating goods undergo the applicable change in tariff classification, provided that:
   

(a) the accessories, spare parts, or tools are classified with and not invoiced separately from the good; and

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

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

Article 4.8: Packaging Materials and Containers for Retail Sale

Packaging materials and containers in which goods are packaged for retail sale, if classified with the goods, shall be disregarded in determining whether all the non-originating materials used in the production of those goods have undergone the applicable change in tariff classification set out in Annex II. However, if the goods are subject to a regional value content requirement the value

of the packaging used for retail sale will be counted as originating or non- originating, as the case may be, in calculating the regional value content of the goods.

4-6

Article 4.9: Packing Materials and Containers for Shipment

Packing materials and containers in which a good is packed exclusively for transport shall not be taken into account for purposes of establishing whether the good is originating.

Article 4.10: Indirect Materials

Indirect materials shall be considered to be originating materials without regard to where they are produced and its value shall be the cost registered in the accounting records of the producer of the good.

Article 4.11: Transit through Non-Parties

1. Preferential tariff treatment provided for in this Agreement shall be applied to goods that satisfy the requirements of this Chapter and which are directly transported among the Parties.
   
2. Notwithstanding Paragraph 1, goods shall be authorised to transit through non-Party countries, and to remain stored for a reasonable period of time, which in

no case shall be more than 6 months from the date of entry of the goods into the third non-Party country.

1. Goods shall be eligible for preferential tariff treatment in accordance with this Agreement if they are transported through the territory of one or more non- Parties, provided that the goods:
   

(a) did not undergo operations other than unloading, reloading, or any other operation necessary to preserve them in good condition; and

(b) did not enter the commerce of such non-Parties after the shipment from the Party and before the importation into another Party.

1. Compliance with the provisions set out in Paragraphs 2 and 3 shall be proved by means of supplying to the customs authorities of the importing Party either customs documents of the third country or documents of the competent authorities, including commercial shipping or freight documents.
   

4-7

Article 4.12: Outward Processing

1. Notwithstanding the relevant provisions of Article 4.2 and the product- specific requirements set out in Annex II, a good listed in Annex 4.B shall be considered as originating even if it has undergone processes of production or operation outside the territory of a Party on a material exported from the Party and subsequently re-imported to the Party, provided that:
   

(a) the total value of non-originating materials as set out in Paragraph 2 does not exceed 55 percent of the customs value of the final good for which originating status is claimed;

(b) the materials exported from a Party shall have been wholly obtained or produced in the Party or have undergone therein, processes of production or operation going beyond the minimal processes or operations in Article 4.4, prior to being exported outside the territory of the Party;

(c) the producer of the exported material is the same producer of the final good for which originating status is claimed;

(d) the re-imported good has been obtained through processes of production or operation of the exported material; and

(e) the last process of manufacture of the good was performed in the territory of the Party, and this process is the last activity undertaken in respect to a good that finally transforms it into a good different from its component parts or materials and a new good is therefore manufactured.

1. For the purposes of Paragraph 1(a), the total value of non-originating materials shall be the value of any non-originating materials added in a Party as well as the value of any materials added and all other costs accumulated outside the territory of the Party, including transportation costs.
   
2. For greater certainty, the verification procedures referred to in Article 4.16 shall apply in order to ensure the proper application of this Article. Such procedures include the provision of information and supporting documentation, including that relating to the export of originating materials and the subsequent re- import of the goods subsequently exported as originating goods, by the exporting customs administration or exporter upon receipt of a written request from the customs administration of the importing Party through the customs administration

of the exporting Party.

1. Upon the request of a Party, the list of products in Annex 4.B may be modified by the Commission.
   

4-8

Article 4.13: Treatment of Goods for which Preference is Claimed

1. A Party can accept either; a declaration as to origin on the export invoice

(declaration), or a certificate of origin, in respect of a good imported from any other

Party for which an importer claims preferential tariff treatment.

1. An exporter or producer may elect to use either a declaration as to origin on the export invoice or a certificate of origin, either of which may then be used by the importer as evidence of origin in respect to goods for which preferential tariff treatment is claimed.
   
2. The declaration or certificate of origin shall be completed by the exporter or producer, as the case may be. The declaration or certificate of origin shall:
   

(a) specify that the goods enumerated thereon are the origin of the exporting Party and meet the terms of this Chapter;

(b) be made in respect of one or more goods; and which can include a variety of goods; and

(c) be completed in English.

1. The export invoice upon which the declaration as to origin is affixed and in respect of the goods subject to the declaration shall include:
   

(a) a full description;

(b) six digit Harmonized System Code;

(c) the producer's name(s) if known; and

(d) the importer's name(s) in respect of imported goods, if known.

1. If the export invoice does not include the information referred to in Paragraph 4, it must be added in "observations" on the declaration as to origin in the form set out in Annex 4.C.
   
2. The declaration shall be in the form set out in Annex 4.C, and the certificate

of origin shall be in the form set out in Annex 4.D. These requirements may thereafter be revised or modified by an Implementing Arrangement agreed among the Parties.

1. The declaration and the certificate of origin shall remain valid for a period of

2 years from the date on which the respective documents were issued.

4-9

1. If the exporter is not the producer of the good referred to on the declaration

or on the certificate of origin, that exporter may complete and sign the declaration on the basis of:

(a) the exporter's knowledge of whether the good qualifies as an originating good; or

(b) a producer’s written declaration that the good qualifies as an originating good in that it meets the terms of this Chapter.

1. Nothing in Paragraph 8(b) shall be construed to require a producer who is not the exporter of the good to make a declaration or complete a certificate of origin.
   
2. Slight discrepancies as between the wording and detail stated on the export invoice or certificate of origin produced to the customs administration of the importing Party in clearance of goods shall not, of itself, cause any claim for preferential tariff treatment to be denied.
   
3. Any declaration or certificate of origin presented in the clearance of goods issued in advance of the entry into force of this Agreement shall, if presented on or after the date of entry into force of this Agreement, be accepted as evidence as to the origin of the good specified thereon.
   
4. The customs administration of the importing Party shall, in accordance with

its domestic legislation, grant preferential tariff treatment to goods of another Party only in those instances that an importer:

(a) provides to the customs administration a declaration or certificate of origin in accord with the provisions of this Article; or

(b) provides sufficient documentary or other evidence to substantiate the tariff preference claimed for the goods.

1. The Parties shall, in accordance with their domestic legislation, provide that where an importer claims at the time of importation a good can meet the terms of this Chapter and would thereby have qualified for preferential tariff treatment but was unable to provide a declaration or a certificate of origin or other such evidence

as provided for in Paragraph 12 the importer may, in accordance with domestic legislation or within 1 year from date of importation, apply for a refund of any excess customs duties paid as a result of the goods not having been accorded preferential tariff treatment, on production of:

(a) a declaration or certificate of origin that the good qualifies as an originating good; and

4-10

(b) such other evidence as the customs administration may require to

satisfactorily evidence the tariff preference claimed.

1. An importing Party may not require a declaration or certificate of origin to admit goods pursuant to tariff preference where:
   

(a) the customs value does not exceed US$1000 or the equivalent amount

in the Party's currency or a higher amount as it may establish; or

(b) in respect of specific goods, a Party has waived the requirement for such evidence.

1. In accordance with Paragraph 14, where an importation forms part of a series of importations that may reasonably be considered to have been undertaken

or arranged for the purposes of avoiding the origin requirements of this Article, the customs administration of the importing Party may deny preferential tariff treatment.

Article 4.14: Obligations Regarding Exports

1. Where the exporter or producer becomes aware that it has provided an erroneous or false declaration or certificate of origin or any other such erroneous or false evidence, the exporter or producer shall give notice as soon as possible to the customs administrations of the importing and exporting Party, as well as the importer, of any change that would affect the accuracy or validity of a declaration or certificate of origin.
   
2. The exporter or producer that has provided a declaration or a certificate of origin, shall provide a copy of these documents to its exporting Party's customs administration upon request.
   
3. With respect to exports, each Party shall provide penalties for false declarations, certification, or documentation related to origin submitted to a customs administration by an exporter or producer in its territory.
   

Article 4.15: Records

Each Party shall require that producers, exporters and importers in their respective territories maintain for a period of not less than 3 years after the date of exportation or importation, as the case may be, all records relating to that exportation or importation which are necessary to demonstrate that a good for which a claim for tariff preference was made qualifies for preferential tariff treatment.

4-11

Article 4.16: Verification of Origin

1. For the purposes of determining whether goods imported into the territory of

a Party from the territory of another Party qualify as originating goods, the importing Party may, through its customs administration, verify any claims made for tariff preference by means of:

(a) written requests for information addressed to the importer;

(b) written questions and requests for information addressed to the exporter

or producer in the territory of the exporting Party through the customs administrations of the exporting Party;

(c) requests to the customs administration of the exporting Party to verify the origin of the good; or

(d) such other procedures as the customs administrations of the Parties may agree.

1. If the mechanism established in Paragraph 1 fails to determine the origin of

a good, the importing Party may request, through the customs administration of the exporting Party, to visit the premises of the exporter or producer in the territory of the exporting Party:

(a) to review records referring to origin; and

(b) to observe the facilities used in production of the goods.

1. The requesting Party shall, through its customs administration:
   

(a) ensure that any request made to the customs administration of the exporting Party is sufficiently material to warrant the request and is accompanied by sufficient information to identify the particular goods and the exporter or producer of those goods; and

(b) specify a period of 60 days from the date the written questions or request was sent to the exporter or producer to fully respond to the questions or request.

1. The Parties agree to facilitate requests for assistance through their customs administrations under this Article within 10 days of receipt of the request.
   

4-12

Article 4.17: Decision on Origin

1. If as a result of questions put or visits made to the exporter or producer the requesting Party is satisfied the goods about which those questions were put or visits made are originating goods pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, it shall permit preferential access for those goods.
   
2. Preferential tariff treatment may be denied if:
   

(a) the goods do not or did not meet the requirements of this Chapter;

(b) the exporter or producer fails to respond fully to questions put by the customs administration of the importing Party within 60 days of the date

of the request of the importing Party, or such other extended period of time as may be specified by the customs administrations of the importing Party, but not more than an additional 30 days;

(c) the requested customs administration is, for any reason, unable to comply with a request from the customs administration of the importing Party to verify the origin of goods and advises the requesting customs administration of this inability or, fails to respond to a request within 90 days; or

(d) the exporter or producer does not agree to a visit by the customs administration of the importing Party within 30 days.

1. In the event preferential tariff treatment is denied the importing Party shall ensure that its customs administration provides in writing to the exporter, the importer or producer, as the case may be, full reasons for that decision.
   
2. Where verifications by a Party indicate a pattern of conduct by an exporter

or a producer of false or unsupported representations that a good imported into its territory qualifies as an originating good, the Party may withhold preferential tariff treatment to identical goods exported or produced by such a person until it is satisfied that the exporter or producer is no longer making false or unsupported representations as to origin.

Article 4.18: Costs Incurred

1. The ordinary costs of complying with a request for verification will be borne by:
   

(a) the requested Party; or

4-13

(b) the Party which visits an exporter or producer, as the case may be, in the territory of the other Party.

1. Where extraordinary costs or doubts in determining costs arise, these shall be resolved by mutual agreement between Parties.
   

4-14

Annex 4.A

Goods classified in the following Harmonized System subheadings may be considered remanufactured goods, except for those designed principally for use in automotive goods of Harmonized System headings or subheadings 8702, 8703,

8704.21, 8704.31, 8704.32, 8706 and 8707:

8408.10

8408.20

8408.90

8409.10

8409.91

8409.99

8412.21

8412.29

8412.39

8412.90

8413.30

8413.50

8413.60

8413.91

8414.30

8414.80

8414.90

8483.10

8483.30

8483.40

8483.50

8483.60

8483.90

8503.00

8511.40

8511.50

8526.10

8537.10

8542.21

4-15

Annex 4.B

Goods classified in the following Harmonized System subheadings are goods to which Article 4.12 (Outward Processing) applies:

4014.90

7015.40

7019.90

8207.19

8409.99

8412.80

8414.59

8414.80

8414.90

8415.81

8415.90

8421.21

8421.99

8422.30

8422.40

8423.82

8423.89

8423.90

8424.30

8424.90

8437.90

8441.10

8443.90

8451.29

8462.31

8462.99

8467.22

8467.91

8467.99

8471.60

8471.70

8471.80

8473.29

8473.30

8479.89

8479.90

8480.20

8480.49

8480.79

4-16

8483.50

8484.20

8501.20

8501.31

8501.32

8501.33

8501.34

8501.53

8501.61

8501.62

8502.11

8502.12

8502.13

8502.20

8502.31

8502.39

8502.40

8504.21

8504.22

8504.31

8504.32

8504.33

8504.34

8504.40

8504.90

8505.11

8505.19

8506.90

8507.40

8509.20

8509.90

8511.20

8511.80

8514.10

8514.30

8514.40

8514.90

8515.11

8515.19

8515.21

8515.31

8515.80

8515.90

8516.21

8516.33

8518.29

4-17

8518.50

8520.32

8520.33

8520.39

8520.90

8522.10

8522.90

8523.30

8524.60

8525.10

8525.30

8526.10

8526.91

8526.92

8531.90

8535.29

8535.40

8536.41

8536.49

8539.29

8539.32

8539.39

8539.41

8539.49

8539.90

8540.72

8540.79

8540.89

8542.21

8542.29

8543.20

8543.30

8543.90

8544.41

8545.20

8546.10

8548.10

8714.93

8714.96

8803.30

8905.20

9001.10

9001.50

9006.10

9008.30

9010.90

4-18

9013.80

9017.20

9017.80

9018.11

9027.90

9031.10

9031.80

9032.90

9033.00

9403.70

9403.80

9405.50

4-19

Annex 4.C DECLARATION AS TO ORIGIN

1. [state name and position] being the

[producer and exporter][producer][exporter] (insert only that which applies) hereby declare that the goods enumerated on this invoice are originating from [Brunei Darussalam] [Chile] [New Zealand] [Singapore] (insert only that which applies) in that they comply with the provisions of Article 4.13 of the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement entered into among Brunei Darussalam, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore.

Observations:

Signature Date:

4-20

Annex 4.D

TRANS-PACIFIC STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN

Issuing Number:

4-21

TRANS-PACIFIC STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN INSTRUCTIONS

Pursuant to Article 4.13, for the purposes of obtaining preferential tariff treatment this document must be completed legibly and in full by

the exporter or producer and be in the possession of the importer at the time the declaration is made. Please print or type:

Issuing Number: Fill in the serial number of the certificate of origin.

Field 1: State the full legal name, address (including country) and legal tax identification number of the exporter. The legal tax identification number in Chile is the Unique Tax Number (“Rol Unico Tributario”). The tax identification number is not applicable for Brunei Darussalam, New Zealand and Singapore.

Field 2: If one producer, state the full legal name, address (including country, telephone number, fax number and email address) and legal tax identification number, as defined in Field 1, of said producer. (Tax ID is not applicable to Brunei Darussalam, New Zealand and Singapore.) If more than one producer is included on the Certificate, state "Various" and attach a list of

all producers, including their legal name, address (including country, telephone number, fax number and email address) and legal tax identification number, cross referenced to the good or goods described in Field 4. If you wish this information to

be confidential, it is acceptable to state " Available to Customs upon request". If the producer and the exporter are the

same, complete field with "SAME". If the producer is unknown, it is acceptable to state "UNKNOWN".

Field 3: State the full legal name, address (including country) as defined in Field 1, of the importer; if the importer is not known, state "UNKNOWN"; if multiple importers, state "VARIOUS".

Field 4: Provide a full description of each good. The description should be sufficient to relate it to the invoice description and to the

Harmonized System (HS) description of the good.

Field 5: For each good described in Field 4, identify the HS tariff classification to six digits.

Field 6: For each good described in Field 4, state which criterion (1 through 3) is applicable. The rules of origin are contained in Chapter 4 and Annex II of the Agreement. NOTE: In order to be entitled to preferential tariff treatment, each good must meet at least one of the criteria below.

Preference Criteria

1. The good is "wholly obtained or produced entirely" in the territory of one or more of the Parties, as referred to in Article 4.1 and

4.2 of the Agreement. NOTE: The purchase of a good in the territory does not necessarily render it "wholly obtained or produced".

1. The good is produced entirely in the territory of one or more of the Parties exclusively from originating materials. All materials used in the production of the good must qualify as "originating" by meeting the rules of Chapter 4 of the Agreement.
   
2. The good is produced entirely in the territory of one or more of the Parties and satisfies the specific rule of origin set out in Annex II of the Agreement (Specific Rules of Origin) that applies to its tariff classification as referred to in Article 4.2, or the provisions under Article 4.12 of the Agreement. The rule may include a tariff classification change, regional value-content requirement and a combination thereof, or specific process requirement. The good must also satisfy all other applicable requirements of Chapter 4 (Rules of Origin) of the Agreement.
   

Field 7: For each good described in Field 4, state "YES" if you are the producer of the good. If you are not the producer of the good, state "NO" followed by (1) or (2), depending on whether this certificate was based upon: (1) your knowledge of whether the good qualifies as an originating good; (2) Issued by the producer's written Declaration of Origin, which is completed and signed by the producer and voluntarily provided to the exporter by the producer.

Field 8: For each good described in Field 4, where the good is subject to a regional value content (RVC) requirement stipulated in the

Agreement, indicate the percentage.

Field 9: Identify the name of the country. ("BN" for all goods originating from Brunei Darussalam, "CL" for all goods originating from Chile, "NZ" for all goods originating from New Zealand, "SG" for all goods originating from Singapore)

Field 10: This field must be completed, signed and dated by the exporter or producer. The date must be the date the Certificate was completed and signed.

4-22

CHAPTER 5

CUSTOMS PROCEDURES

Article 5.1: Definitions

For the purposes of this Chapter:

customs law means any legislation administered, applied or enforced by the customs administration of a Party;

customs offence means any breach or attempted breach of customs law;

customs procedures means the treatment applied by the customs administration

of each Party to goods, which are subject to customs control.

Article 5.2: Objectives

The objectives of this Chapter of the Agreement are to:

(a) ensure predictability, consistency and transparency in the application of customs laws and other customs administrative policies of the Parties;

(b) ensure efficient, economical administration of customs procedures, and the expeditious clearance of goods;

(c) facilitate trade among the Parties;

(d) apply simplified customs procedures; and

(e) promote cooperation among the customs administrations.

Article 5.3: Scope

This Chapter shall apply, in accordance with each Party's respective international obligations and customs law, to customs procedures applied to goods traded among the Parties.

5-1

Article 5.4: Customs Procedures and Facilitation

1. Customs procedures of the Parties shall, where possible and to the extent permitted by their respective customs law, conform with the standards and recommended practices of the World Customs Organisation, including the principles of the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonisation

of Customs Procedures.

1. Each Party shall ensure that its customs procedures and practices are predictable, consistent, transparent and facilitate trade.
   
2. The customs administrations of the Parties shall periodically review their customs procedures with a view to their further simplification and the development

of further mutually beneficial arrangements to facilitate trade.

Article 5.5: Customs Cooperation

1. To the extent permitted by their domestic law, the customs administrations

of the Parties may, as they deem fit, assist each other, in relation to originating goods, by providing information on the following:

(a) the implementation and operation of this Chapter;

(b) the movement of goods among the Parties;

(c) investigation and prevention of prima facie customs offences;

(d) developing and implementing customs best practice and risk management techniques;

(e) simplifying and expediting customs procedures;

(f) advancing technical skills and the use of technology;

(g) application of the Customs Valuation Agreement; and

(h) additional assistance in respect to other matters.

1. Where a Party providing information to another Party in accordance with this Chapter designates the information as confidential, the other Party shall maintain the confidentiality of the information.
   

5-2

Article 5.6: Customs Valuation

The Parties shall determine the customs value of goods traded among them

in accordance with the provisions of Article VII of GATT 1994 and the Customs

Valuation Agreement.

Article 5.7: Advance Rulings

1. Each Party, through its customs administration, shall provide in writing advance rulings in respect of the tariff classification and origin of goods and whether a good qualifies for entry free of customs duty in accordance with Article 3.5 (Goods Re-entered After Repair or Alteration) (hereinafter referred to as

“advance rulings”), to a person described in Subparagraph 2(a).

1. Each Party shall adopt or maintain procedures for advance rulings, which shall:
   

(a) provide that an importer in its territory or an exporter or producer in the territory of another Party may apply for an advance ruling before the importation of goods in question;

(b) require that an applicant for an advance ruling provide a detailed description of the goods and all relevant information needed to issue an advance ruling;

(c) provide that its customs administration may, at any time during the course of issuing an advance ruling, request that the applicant provide additional information within a specified period;

(d) provide that any advance ruling be based on the facts and circumstances presented by the applicant, and any other relevant information in the possession of the decision-maker; and

(e) provide that an advance ruling be issued to the applicant expeditiously,

or in any case within 60 days of the receipt of all necessary information.

1. A Party may reject requests for an advance ruling where the additional information requested by it in accordance with Subparagraph 2(c) is not provided within a specified time.
   
2. Subject to Paragraph 5, each Party shall apply an advance ruling to all importations of goods described in that ruling imported into its territory within

3 years of the date of that ruling, or such other period as required by that Party's laws.

5-3

1. A Party may modify or revoke an advance ruling upon a determination that the ruling was based on an error of fact or law, the information provided is false or inaccurate, if there is a change in domestic law consistent with this Agreement, or there is a change in a material fact, or circumstances on which the ruling is based.
   
2. Subject to the confidentiality requirements of a Party’s domestic law, each

Party shall publish its advance rulings.

1. Where an importer claims that the treatment accorded to an imported good should be governed by an advanced ruling, the customs administration may evaluate whether the facts and circumstances of the importation are consistent with the facts and circumstances upon which an advanced ruling was based.
   
2. The importing Party may apply measures as provided in Article 5.12.
   

Article 5.8: Review and Appeal

1. Each Party shall ensure that the importers in its territory have access to:
   

(a) administrative review independent of the official or office that issued the determination subject to review; and

(b) judicial review of the determination taken at the final level of administrative review, in accordance with the Party's domestic law.

1. Notice of the decision on appeal shall be given to the appellant and the reasons for such decision shall be provided in writing.
   
2. The level of administrative review may include any authority supervising the customs administration.
   

Article 5.9: Consultation

The customs administrations of the Parties will encourage consultation with each other regarding significant customs issues that affect goods traded among the Parties.

5-4

Article 5.10: Paperless Trading

1. The customs administrations shall each endeavour to provide an electronic environment that supports business transactions between it and its trading communities.
   
2. In implementing initiatives that provide for paperless trading, the customs administrations of the Parties shall take into account the methods developed in APEC and the World Customs Organisation.
   

Article 5.11: Express Consignments

Each Party shall ensure efficient clearance of all shipments, while maintaining appropriate control and customs selection. In the event that a Party's existing system does not ensure efficient clearance, it should adopt procedures to expedite express consignments to:

(a)

(b)

(c)

provide for pre-arrival processing of information related to express
consignments;

permit the submission of a single document covering all goods contained in a shipment transported by the express shipment company through electronic means if possible; and

minimise, to the extent possible, the documentation required for the release of express consignments.

Article 5.12: Penalties

Each Party shall adopt or maintain measures that provide for the imposition

of civil, criminal or administrative penalties, whether solely or in combination, for violations of its customs laws consistent with the provisions of this Chapter.

Article 5.13: Risk Management

1. The Parties shall administer customs procedures so as to facilitate the clearance of low-risk goods and focus on high-risk goods. To enhance the flow of goods across their borders the customs administrations shall regularly review these procedures.
   
2. Where a customs administration deems that the inspection of goods is not

necessary to authorise clearance of the goods from customs control, the Party shall endeavour to provide a single point for the documentary or electronic processing of all imports and exports.

5-5

Article 5.14: Release of Goods

Each Party shall adopt or maintain procedures allowing, to the greatest extent possible, goods to be released:

(a) within 48 hours of arrival; and

(b) at the point of arrival, without temporary transfer to warehouses or other locations.

Article 5.15: Enquiry Points

Each Party shall designate one or more enquiry points to address enquires from interested persons concerning customs matters, and shall make available on the Internet or in print form information concerning procedures for making such enquires.

Article 5.16: Confidentiality

Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to require any Party to furnish or allow access to confidential information pursuant to this Chapter the disclosure of which it considers would:

(a) be contrary to the public interest as determined by its legislation;

(b) be contrary to any of its legislation including but not limited to those protecting personal privacy or the financial affairs and accounts of individual customers of financial institutions;

(c) impede law enforcement; or

(d) prejudice the competitive position of the person providing the information.

5-6

CHAPTER 6

TRADE REMEDIES

Article 6.1: Global Safeguards

1. Nothing in this Agreement affects the rights and obligations of the Parties under Article XIX of GATT 1994 and the Safeguards Agreement or any amendments or provisions that supplement or replace them.
   
2. This Agreement does not confer any additional rights or obligations on the Parties with regard to actions taken pursuant to Article XIX of GATT 1994 and the Safeguards Agreement.
   
3. As a courtesy, a Party shall advise the other Parties of a safeguard action on initiation of an investigation and the reasons for it.
   

Article 6.2: Antidumping and Countervailing Duties

1. Nothing in this Agreement affects the rights and obligations of the Parties under Article VI of GATT 1994, the Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 which is part of the WTO Agreement (Antidumping Agreement) and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures which is part of the WTO Agreement (SCM Agreement) with regard to the application of antidumping and countervailing duties or any amendments or provisions that supplement or replace them.
   
2. This Agreement does not confer any additional rights or obligations on the Parties with regard to actions taken pursuant to Article VI of GATT 1994, the Antidumping Agreement and the SCM Agreement.
   

6-1

CHAPTER 7

SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES

Article 7.1: Definitions

1. For the purposes of this Chapter:
   

SPS Agreement means the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and

Phytosanitary Measures, which is part of the WTO Agreement.

1. The definitions in Annex A of the SPS Agreement are incorporated into this

Chapter and shall form part of this Chapter, mutatis mutandis.

1. The relevant definitions developed by the international organisations

International Office of Epizootics (OIE), International Plant Protection Convention

(IPPC), and Codex Alimentarius Commission apply in the implementation of this

Chapter.

Article 7.2: Objectives

The objectives of this Chapter are to:

(a) uphold and enhance implementation of the SPS Agreement and applicable international standards, guidelines and recommendations developed by relevant international organizations (OIE, IPPC and Codex Alimentarius Commission);

(b) expand trade opportunities through facilitation of trade among the Parties through seeking to resolve trade access issues, while protecting human, animal or plant life or health in the territory of the Parties;

(c) provide a means to improve communication, cooperation and resolution

of sanitary and phytosanitary issues; and

(d) establish a mechanism for the recognition of equivalence of sanitary and phytosanitary measures and regionalisation practices maintained by the Parties consistent with the protection of human, plant and animal life or health.

7-1

Article 7.3: Scope

1. This Chapter shall apply to all sanitary or phytosanitary measures of a Party that may, directly or indirectly, affect trade among the Parties.
   
2. Nothing in this Chapter or Implementing Arrangements shall limit the rights

or obligations of the Parties pursuant to the SPS Agreement.

Article 7.4: Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Matters

1. The Parties hereby establish a Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Matters (the Committee) which shall include representatives of the competent authorities of the Parties.
   
2. The Committee shall meet within one year of the entry into force of this Agreement and at least annually thereafter or as mutually determined by the Parties. The Committee shall establish its rules of procedure at its first meeting. It shall meet in person, teleconference, video conference, or through any other means, as mutually determined by the Parties. The Committee may also address issues through correspondence.
   
3. The Committee may agree to establish technical working groups consisting

of expert-level representatives of the Parties, which shall identify and address technical and scientific issues arising from this Chapter. When additional expertise

1. needed, the membership of these groups need not be restricted to representatives of the Parties.
   

1. The Committee shall consider any matters relating to the implementation of the Chapter including:
   

(a) establishing, monitoring and reviewing work plans; and

(b) initiating, developing, adopting, reviewing and modifying Implementing Arrangements on technical matters which further elaborate the provisions of this Chapter in order to facilitate trade among the Parties.

1. The Implementing Arrangements referred to in Paragraph 4(b) shall include the following:
   

(a) Competent Authorities and Contact Points (Implementing Arrangement

1);

(b) Diseases and Pests for which Regionalisation Decisions can be Taken

(Implementing Arrangement 2);

7-2

(c) Criteria for Regionalisation Decisions (Implementing Arrangement 3);

(d) Recognition of Measures (Implementing Arrangement 4);

(e) Guidelines for Conducting an Audit (Implementing Arrangement 5);

(f) Certification (Implementing Arrangement 6);

(g) Import Checks (Implementing Arrangement 7); and

(h) Equivalence: Procedures for Determination (Implementing Arrangement

8).

1. Each Party responsible for the implementation of an Implementing Arrangement shall take all necessary actions to implement such Arrangement within three months following its adoption, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant Parties.
   
2. The Committee shall report to the Commission on the implementation of this

Chapter.

Article 7.5: Competent Authorities and Contact Points

1. The competent authorities responsible for the implementation of the measures referred to in this Chapter are listed in Implementing Arrangement 1. The contact points that have the responsibilities relating to notification are also set out in Implementing Arrangement 1.
   
2. The Parties shall inform each other of any significant changes in the structure, organisation and division of the competency of its competent authorities

or contact points.

Article 7.6: Adaptation to Regional Conditions

1. Where a Party has an area or part of its territory free of a disease or pest, the Parties may agree in accordance with Implementing Arrangement 3, to list this status and the measures in place in Implementing Arrangement 2 to ensure that the disease or pest free status will be maintained in the event of an incursion.
   
2. In the event of an incursion of a disease or pest specified in Implementing Arrangement 2, the importing Party shall recognise the exporting Party’s measures specified in Implementing Arrangement 2 for the purpose of facilitating trade among the Parties.
   

7-3

1. The Parties may agree to list additional diseases or pests in Implementing Arrangement 2, in accordance with the criteria specified in Implementing Arrangement 3.
   
2. Where one of the Parties considers that it has a special status with respect

to a specific disease or pest, it may request recognition of this status. The Party concerned may also request specific guarantees in respect of imports of animals and animal products, plants and plant products, and other related goods appropriate to the agreed status. The guarantees for specific diseases and pests shall be specified in Implementing Arrangement 4.

Article 7.7: Equivalence

1. Equivalence may be recognised by the Parties in relation to an individual measure and/or groups of measures and/or systems applicable to a sector or part

of a sector as specified in Implementing Arrangement 4. The equivalence determinations recorded in Implementing Arrangement 4 shall be applied to trade among the relevant Parties in animals and animal products, plants and plant products, or as appropriate to related goods.

1. The recognition of equivalence requires an assessment and acceptance of:
   

(a) the legislation, standards and procedures, as well as the programmes in place to allow control and to ensure domestic and importing country requirements are met;

(b) the documented structure of the competent authority(ies), their powers, their chain of command, their modus operandi and the resources available to them; and

(c) the performance of the competent authority in relation to the control and assurance programmes.

In this assessment, the Parties shall take account of experience already acquired.

1. The importing Party shall accept the sanitary or phytosanitary measure of the exporting Party as equivalent if the exporting Party objectively demonstrates that its measure achieves the importing Party's appropriate level of protection. In reaching a determination of whether a sanitary or phytosanitary measure applied

by an exporting Party achieves the importing Party's appropriate level of protection, those Parties shall follow the process specified in Implementing Arrangement 8. The Parties may add to or amend the steps in the process in the future as the Parties’ experience in regard to the determination of equivalence process increases.

7-4

1. Where equivalence has not been recognised or where an application is pending, trade shall take place under the conditions required by the importing Party

to meet its appropriate level of protection. These conditions shall be as set out in Implementing Arrangement 4 where such conditions have been agreed. If conditions have not been agreed and incorporated in Implementing Arrangement 4, then the conditions to be met by the exporting Party shall be those specified by the importing Party. The exporting Party may agree to meet the importing Party's conditions, without affecting the result of the process set out in Implementing Arrangement 8.

1. Implementing Arrangement 4 may list :
   

(a) those individual measures and/or groups of measures and/or systems applicable to a sector or part of a sector, for which the respective sanitary or phytosanitary measures are recognised as equivalent for trade purposes;

(b) actions to enable the assessment of equivalence to be completed in accordance with the process set out in Implementing Arrangement 8, and by the date indicated in Implementing Arrangement 4, or if not indicated, as specified by the importing Party; or

(c) the specific guarantees related to recognition of special status provided for Article 7.6(4); and

(d) may also list those sectors, or parts of sectors, for which the Parties apply differing sanitary or phytosanitary measures and have not concluded the determination provided for in Paragraph 3.

1. Unless otherwise agreed among the relevant Parties, an official sanitary or phytosanitary certificate will be required for each consignment of animals and animal products, plants and plant products, or other related goods intended for import and for which equivalence has been recognised. The model attestation for such certificates will be prescribed in Implementing Arrangement 6. The Parties may jointly determine principles or guidelines for certification, which shall be included in Implementing Arrangement 6.
   

Article 7.8: Verification

1. In order to maintain confidence in the effective implementation of the provisions of this Chapter, each Party shall have the right to carry out audit and verification of the procedures of the exporting Party, which may include an assessment of all or part of the competent authorities' total control programme, including, where appropriate:
   

7-5

(a) reviews of the inspection and audit programmes; and

(b) on-site checks.

These procedures shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of

Implementing Arrangement 5.

1. Each Party shall also have the right to carry out import checks for the purposes of implementing sanitary and phytosanitary measures on consignments

on importation, consistent with Article 7.9, the results of which form part of the verification process.

1. With the consent of the importing and exporting Parties, a Party may:
   

(a) share the results and conclusions of its audit and verification procedures and checks with non-Parties; or

(b) use the results and conclusions of the audit and verification procedures and checks of non-Parties.

Article 7.9: Import Checks

1. The import checks applied to imported animals and animal products, plants and plant products, or other related goods shall be based on the risk associated with such importations. They shall be carried out without undue delay and with a minimum effect on trade between the Parties.
   
2. The frequencies of import checks on such importations shall be made available on request and where set out in Implementing Arrangement 7 shall be applied accordingly. The Parties may amend the frequencies, within their responsibilities, as appropriate, as a result of progress made in accordance with Implementing Arrangement 4, or as a result of other actions or consultations provided for in this Chapter.
   
3. In the event that the import checks reveal non-conformity with the relevant standards and/or requirements, the action taken by the importing Party should be based on an assessment of the risk involved. Wherever possible, the importer or their representative shall be given access to the consignment and the opportunity

to contribute any relevant information to assist the importing Party in taking a final decision.

7-6

Article 7.10: Notifications

1. The Parties shall notify each other in writing through the contacts points set out in Implementing Arrangement 1 of:
   

(a) significant changes in health status including the presence and evolution

of diseases or pests in Implementing Arrangement 2, in a timely and appropriate manner so as to ensure continued confidence in the competence of the Party with respect to the management of any risks of transmission to one of the other Parties which may arise as a consequence;

(b) scientific findings of importance with respect to diseases or pests which are not in Implementing Arrangement 2 or new diseases or pests without delay; and

(c) any additional measures beyond the basic requirements of their respective sanitary or phytosanitary measures taken to control or eradicate diseases or pests or to protect public health, and any changes

in preventive policies, including vaccination policies.

1. In cases of serious and immediate concern with respect to human, animal or plant life or health, immediate oral notification shall be made to the contact points and written confirmation should follow within 24 hours.
   
2. Where a Party has serious concerns regarding a risk to human, animal or plant life or health, consultations regarding the situation shall, on request, take place as soon as possible, and in any case within 13 days unless otherwise agreed between the Parties. Each Party shall endeavour in such situations to provide all the information necessary to avoid a disruption in trade, and to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
   
3. Where in the case of products subject to sanitary or phytosanitary measures, there is non-conformity with the relevant standards and/or requirements, the importing Party shall notify the exporting Party as soon as possible of the non-conformity as set out in Implementing Arrangement 7.
   

Article 7.11: Provisional Measures

Without prejudice to Article 7.10, and in particular Article 7.10(3), any Party may, on serious human, animal or plant life or health grounds, adopt provisional measures necessary for the protection of human, animal or plant life or health. These measures shall be notified within 24 hours to the other Parties and, on request, consultations regarding the situation shall be held within 13 days unless

7-7

otherwise agreed by the Parties. The Parties shall take due account of any information provided through such consultations.

Article 7.12: Exchange of Information

1. The Parties, through the contacts points set out in Implementing Arrangement 1, shall exchange information relevant to the implementation of this Chapter on a uniform and systematic basis, to provide assurance, engender mutual confidence and demonstrate the efficacy of the programmes controlled. Where appropriate, achievements of these objectives may be enhanced by exchanges of officials.
   
2. The information exchange on changes in the respective sanitary or phytosanitary measures, and other relevant information, shall include:
   

(a) opportunity to consider proposals for changes in regulatory standards or requirements which may affect this Chapter in advance of their finalisation;

(b) briefing on current developments affecting trade; and

(c) information on the results of the verification procedures provided for in

Article 7.8.

1. The Parties may provide for the sharing of scientific papers or data to relevant scientific forums on sanitary or phytosanitary measures and related matters.
   

Article 7.13: Technical Consultation

1. A Party may initiate consultations with another Party with the aim of resolving issues on the application of measures covered in this Chapter or interpretation of the provisions of this Chapter.
   
2. Where a Party requests consultations, these consultations shall take place as soon as practicable.
   
3. If a Party considers it necessary, it may request that the Committee facilitate such consultations. The Committee may refer the issues to an ad hoc working group for further discussion. The ad hoc working group may make a recommendation to the Committee on the resolution of the issues. The Committee shall discuss the recommendation with a view to resolving the issue without undue delay.
   

7-8

1. Such consultations are without prejudice to the rights and obligations of the

Parties under Chapter 15 (Dispute Settlement).

Article 7.14: Cooperation

1. The Parties shall explore opportunities for further cooperation and collaboration on sanitary or phytosanitary matters of mutual interest consistent with the provisions of this Chapter.
   
2. The Parties acknowledge that the provisions of Chapter 16 (Strategic Partnership) and its accompanying Implementing Arrangement relating to primary industry matters will be of relevance to the implementation of this Chapter.
   
3. The Parties agree to cooperate together to facilitate the implementation of this Chapter, and in particular the development of this Chapter’s Implementing Arrangements.
   

7-9

CHAPTER 8

TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE

Article 8.1: Definitions

1. For the purposes of this Chapter:
   

equivalence of technical regulations means that one or more of the Parties accepts that the technical regulations of another Party fulfil the legitimate objectives of its own regulations;

regulatory authority means the authority that is responsible for preparing or adopting technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures applicable

to goods;

1. regulations also includes standards that regulatory authorities recognise as meeting the mandatory requirements related to performance based regulation;
   

TBT Agreement means the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, which is part of the WTO Agreement.