On January 19, 2019, Global Affairs Canada reported that the inaugural Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission meeting was successfully concluded. The CPTPP Commission, consisting of representatives from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam (the countries for which the CPTPP has entered into force), met in Tokyo, Japan and concluded their session by issuing a Ministerial statement. The Commission meeting allowed CPTPP countries to chart a course for next steps as well as agree on a framework for the accession of new members. The Ministerial Statement follows:Read more…
US – USTR requests environmental consultations with Peru under PTPA
On January 4, 2019, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it has requested consultations with Peru under the Environment Chapter of the United States – Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA). Through these environment consultations, the United States and Peru will discuss and attempt to resolve concerns regarding a recent Peruvian action to move the Agency for the Supervision of Forest Resources and Wildlife (OSINFOR) from its position as a separate and independent agency to a subordinate position within Peru’s Ministry of Environment (MINAM). This is the first request for consultations made under the PTPA.
The PTPA’s Annex on Forest Sector Governance states: “OSINFOR shall be an independent and separate agency and its mandate shall include supervision of verification of all timber concessions and permits.” Peru’s Supreme Decree 122-2018-PCM, published on December 14, 2018, appears to conflict with this provision.
Australia – CPTPP – entry into force 30 December 2018
On 30 December 2018, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP or TPP-11) will enter into force for Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore. On 14 January 2019, the TPP-11 will enter into force for Vietnam. DHA Notice № 2018/37 summarises the implementation for goods.Read more…
Vietnam has ratified the CPTPP
On 12 November 2018 the Vietnam National Assembly officially ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (“CPTPP”). The agreement has already been ratified by Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore and it will enter into force on 30 December 2018 in those countries. Read more…
CPTPP ratified by New Zealand, Canada and Australia – to enter into force on 30 December 2018
On 25 October 2018, New Zealand formally ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) bringing the number of ratifications to four. Canada cleared its last legislative hurdle when the Senate approved it on October 25 and Royal Assent was given the same day. Canada became the fifth to ratify when it notified New Zealand of its ratification on October 29, 2018. The Australian House and Senate also approved it and sent it to the Governor General who has given Royal Assent. Read more…
CPTPP Product Specific Rules of Origin: Identifying Opportunities for your Business
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is moving forward and has gained momentum recently as Japan, Singapore and Mexico have ratified the 11-party agreement and Australia’s ratification is imminent because the deal recently passed both Houses of Parliament. Canada is closing in on ratification as well.Read more…
How Can Businesses Begin to Prepare for Certificate of Origin Verifications under the CPTPP?
With the ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) by Mexico, Japan and Singapore, and the expectation that other parties will follow, we anticipate the agreement will enter into force by early next year. Although the CPTPP differs from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) due to the suspension of 22 provisions, most chapters of the new agreement remain untouched. One of those is Chapter 3: Rules of Origin and Origin Procedures. Certificate of Origin, CPTPP, verification, ASEAN, ATIGA, Form D, self-certification, trade, customs, prepare, free trade agreementRead more…
Asia Pacific Free Trade Agreements March Ahead
As the trade conflict between the United States and China continues, three free trade agreements are pressing ahead, including– the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), soon to enter into force, the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (JEEPA), recently signed and which represents 30% of global economic output, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), an agreement that includes both India and China and comprises the largest trading block in the region.Read more…
UK – New public consultations announced for future trade agreements
The Department for International Trade (DIT) announced that in a speech to business and civil society leaders hosted by the Federation of Small Businesses on 18 July 2018, International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox announced 4 public consultations ahead of post-Brexit trade negotiations.Read more…
Mexico approves Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
On May 23, 2018, after approval by the Mexican Senate on April 24, 2018, the Diario Oficial de la Federación (Federal Official Gazette) published President Peña’s Decree approving the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Treaty, made in Santiago, Chile on March 8, 2018, as well as the four parallel agreements negotiated in the framework of its subscription. Read more…