WT/REG470/1  
26 March 2024 
(24-2114) Page: 1/24 
Committee on Regional Trade Agreements   
 
  
FACTUAL PRESENTATION  
FREE TRADE AGREEMENT  BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA  AND CAMBODIA  
(GOODS ) 
Report by the Secretariat  
This report, prepared for the consideration of the Free Trade Agreement  between the 
Republic of Korea  and Cambodia , has been drawn up by the WTO Secretariat on its own 
responsibility and in full consultation with the Parties. The factual presentation 
reproduces as closely as possible the terminology used in the Agreement and in the 
comments provided and does n ot imply official endorsement or acceptance by the 
Secretariat of such terminology. The report has been drawn up in accordance with the 
rules and procedures contained in the Decision for a Transparency Mechanism for 
Regional Trade Agreements (WT/L/671) and  thus does not imply any value judgement 
by the Secretariat regarding the contents of the Agreement.  
Any technical questions arising from this report may be addressed to Ms. Rohini Acharya 
(tel: +41 22 739 5874). Any statistical questions arising from this  report may be 
addressed to Ms. Pamela Bayona (tel:  +41 22 739 5529).   WT/REG470/1  
 
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  Table of Contents  
 
1   TRADE ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4 
2   CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT  ................................ ......................  5 
2.1   Background information  ................................ ................................ ...............................  5 
3   PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS  ................................ ................................ .............  7 
3.1   Import duties and charges, and quantitative restrictions ................................ ...................  7 
3.1.1    General provisions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 7 
3.1.2    Liberalization of trade and tariff lines  ................................ ................................ ..........  7 
3.1.3    Liberalization schedule  ................................ ................................ ..............................  7 
3.1.3.1    Korea  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  7 
3.1.3.2    Cambodia  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  9 
3.1.4    Tariff rate quotas  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....11 
3.2   Rules  of origin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 11 
3.3   Export duties and charges, and quantitative restrictions  ................................ .................. 12 
3.4   Regulatory provisions of the agreement  ................................ ................................ ........ 12 
3.4.1    Standards  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 12 
3.4.1.1    Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  ................................ ................................ ......12 
3.4.1.2    Technical barriers to trade  ................................ ................................ ..................... 12 
3.4.2    Safeguard mechanism s ................................ ................................ ............................ 13 
3.4.2.1    Global safeguards  ................................ ................................ ................................ .13 
3.4.2.2    Bilateral safeguards  ................................ ................................ ............................... 13 
3.4.3    Anti-dumping and countervailing measures  ................................ ................................ .14 
3.4.4    Subsidies and state -aid ................................ ................................ ............................ 14 
3.4.5    Customs -related procedures ................................ ................................ ...................... 14 
3.4.6    Other regulations  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....15 
3.5   Sector -Specific Provisions of the Agreement  ................................ ................................ ..15 
4   GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT  ................................ .............................  15 
4.1   Transparency  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 15 
4.2   Current payments and capital movements  ................................ ................................ .....15 
4.3   Exceptions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 15 
4.3.1    General Exceptions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..15 
4.3.2    Security Exceptions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..15 
4.3.3    Other Exceptions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....16 
4.4   Accession and withdrawal  ................................ ................................ ............................ 16 
4.5   Institutional framework  ................................ ................................ ............................... 16 
4.6   Dispute settlement  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....16 
4.7   Relationship with other agreements concluded by the parties  ................................ ........... 17 
4.8   Government procurement  ................................ ................................ ............................ 18 
4.9   Intellectual property rights  ................................ ................................ .......................... 18 
4.10   Competition  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 18 WT/REG470/1  
 
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  4.11   Environment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 18 
4.12   Labour  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 18 
4.13   Electronic commerce  ................................ ................................ ................................ .18 
4.14   Small and medium -sized enterprises  ................................ ................................ ........... 18 
4.15   Economic cooperation  ................................ ................................ ............................... 18 
ANNEX 1  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  20 
KOREA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  20 
CAMBODIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  22 
 
  WT/REG470/1  
 
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Key Facts  
 
Parties to the Agreement:  The Republic of Korea and the 
Kingdom of Cambodia  
 
Date of Signature:    26 October 2021  
 
Date of Entry into Force:  1 December 2022  
 
Date of Notification:   21 June 2023  
 
Full implementation:   2041  
 
 
1  TRADE ENVIRONMENT  
1.1.  In 2022, the Republic of Korea held the position of the 6th largest global exporter, with a total 
export value of USD 683 billion, and the 8th largest global importer, with imports amounting to 
USD 731 billion in merchandise. In contrast, Cambodia was ranked as the 79th largest global 
exporter, with merchandise ex ports totalling USD 22 billion, and the 72nd largest global importer, 
with merchandise imports reaching USD 29 billion during the same period.  Trade between Korea 
and Cambodia represents a relatively small portion of their respective global imports and exp orts. 
Korean imports from Cambodia account for 0.06% of Korea's total global imports, while Cambodian 
imports from Korea make up approximately 2.15% of its total imports.  
1.2.  Globally and bilaterally, Korea was a net exporter (until 2021)  during 2012 -2022, and 
Cambodia was a net importer.  Although Korea's surplus with Cambodia has declined steadily during 
this period.  Both Parties experienced a significant increase in global imports from 2020 to 2022,  
reaching  USD 731 billion in 2022 for Korea and USD 29.9 bill ion for Cambodia (Chart 1.1) . 
Chart 1.1 Korea, Republic of - Cambodia: Merchandise global and bilateral trade 
(2012 -2022)  
 
Source:  UNSD, Comtrade.  
 
1.3.  Chart 1.2 shows an overview of the product composition of global and bilateral merchandise 
trade categorized by HS Sections during 2020 to 2022.  Globally, Korea's main exports consist of 
machinery (43%) and vehicles (14%), while its major imports include machinery (including 
machinery appliances) ( 30%) and mineral products (28%). Cambodia's primary exports are textiles 
(46%) , raw hides (10%)  and footwear and machinery (8% each) , with major imports being textiles 
(21%), precious stones (15%), mineral products (11%), and machinery (10%). Korea's impor ts 
from Cambodia reflect Cambodia's global exports and  are dominated by  textiles (50%) , footwear 
(17%)  and machinery (14%). Of Korea's main global exports, Cambodia mainly imports  vehicles 
WT/REG470/1  
 
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  (28%), and to a lesser extent machinery (8%); other key imports are  textiles (17%), and prepared 
foods (13%).   
Chart 1.2 Korea -Cambodia: Product composition of merchandise trade, By HS Section 
(2020 -2022)  
 
Sources:  UNSD, Comtrade database.  
2  CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT  
2.1  Background information  
2.1.  The Free Trade Agreement (hereafter the Agreement)  between the Government s of the 
Republic of Korea (referred to as "Korea") and the Kingdom of Cambodia (referred to as "Cambodia")  
entered into force . on 1 December 2022. It was notified on 21 June 2023 under Article XXIV:7(a) of 
GATT 1994.1 The text of t he Agreement is available on the Parties' websites .2 A significant share of 
tariffs and trade had already been liberalized between the Parties under the Korea -ASEAN Free Trade 
Agreement which has been in force since 2010.  
2.2.  The Parties agree to initiate neg otiations on trade in services and investment within one year 
of entry into force of the Agreement.  The primary objective  of the Agreement includ es the substantial 
liberalization  goods trade, the promotion of competition and innovation in areas of mutual interest, 
 
1 WTO document WT/REG470/N/1, da ted 21 June 2023.  
2 WTO | Regional trade agreements  
WT/REG470/1  
 
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  and establishment of a framework for cooperation (Article 1.3).  The Agreement does not derogate 
from any more favourable commitments on goods, services, investment or pe rsons provided under 
any other international agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the Agreement and 
any agreement to which both Parties are party, they shall consult with a view to finding a mutually 
satisfactory solution taking into consid eration the general principles of international law (Article 1.4). 
The Parties shall also ensure the observance of all obligations and commitments under the 
Agreement by local governments and authorities and non -governmental bodies exercising 
governmental powers delegated to them (Article 1.5).  
2.3.  A review of the Agreement may be conducted four years after its entry into force or any time 
thereafter upon the request of a Party including to enhance market access and trade between the 
Parties (Article 10.7). Mod ifications to bring domestic legal requirements and procedures in line with 
the Agreement can also be proposed in writing (Article 10.8). The Parties will engage in consultations 
regarding amendments to the Agreement if any amendments are made to the WTO A greements 
(Article 10.9).  
2.4.  The Parties are required to submit an annual review of the application and functionality of 
Article 3.5 to the Joint Committee (Annex 3 -B). This should consist of a concise factual report 
encompassing export statistics from the pr eceding one -year period, along with details regarding the 
rejection of requests for preferential tariff treatment, including the number of Certificates of Origin 
not accepted and the reasons for such denials.  
2.5.  The Structure of the Agreement is in  Box 2.1 be low.  
Box 2.1 Structure of the Agreement  
Chapter, Section and Annex  Title/Description  
CHAPTER ONE  GENERAL PROVISIONS  
CHAPTER TWO  TRADE IN GOODS  
Section A  Common Provisions  
Section B  National Treatment  
Section C  Tariff Reduction or Elimination  
Section D  Special Regimes  
Section E  Non-Tariff Measures  
Section F  Institutional Provisions  
CHAPTER THREE  RULES OF ORIGIN  
Section A  Rules of Origin  
Section B  Operational Certification Procedures  
CHAPTER FOUR  CUSTOMS PROCEDURES AND TRADE FACILITATION  
CHAPTER FIVE  TRADE REMEDIES  
Section A  Safeguard Measures  
Section B  Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties  
CHAPTER SIX  ECONOMIC COOPERATION  
CHAPTER SEVEN  TRANSPARENCY  
CHAPTER EIGHT  DISPUTE SETTLEMENT  
CHAPTER NINE  EXCEPTIONS  
CHAPTER TEN  INSTITUTIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS  
Section A  Institutional Provisions  
Section B  Final Provisions  
Source:  The Agreement.  WT/REG470/1  
 
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  3  PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS  
3.1  Import duties and charges, and quantitative restrictions  
3.1.1   General provisions  
3.1.  Each Party shall afford national treatment to the goods of the other Party, in accordance with 
the provisions of Article III of GATT 1994, which along with its interpretative notes is incorporated 
into the Agreement mutatis mutandis  (Article 2.3). The Parties must adhere to the principle that 
fees and charges associated with imports or exports should reflect the approximate cost of services, 
as specified in Article VIII:1 and Article III:2 of GATT 1994 (Article 2.13). Article VII of GATT 1994 
and An nex I of the Customs Valuation Agreement are applicable for determining the customs value 
of traded goods (Article 2.5).  
3.2.  Import (and export) prohibitions and restrictions are not permitted by the Agreement except 
in accordance with Article XI of the GATT 1994. If a Party proposes to adopt a measure on imports 
of foodstuffs or any other product in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article XI it shall notify the 
other Party in advance and provide adequate opportunity for consultation through appropriate 
mechani sms (Article 2.10). Non -tariff measures are also prohibited except for those maintained in 
accordance with WTO rights and obligations and the Agreement (Article 2.9). Technical consultations 
on non -tariff measures considered by a Party as adversely affecti ng its trade are foreseen in 
Article  2.11. Import licensing procedures are to be implemented transparently and predictably and 
in accordance with the Agreement on Importing Licensing Procedures in Annex 1A to the WTO 
Agreement (Article 2.12).  
3.1.2   Liberalizatio n of trade and tariff lines  
3.3.  Except as provided in the Agreement, the Parties will not impose new, or raise existing customs 
duties on o riginating goods . Any adjustments, whether an elimination, maintenance or increase of 
customs duties, must align with the  Schedule in Annex 2 -A of the Agreement or be sanctioned by 
the Dispute Settlement Body of the WTO (Article 2.4). If the applied  most-favoured -nation (MFN) 
duty is lower than  the rate stipulated in Annex 2 -A, the MFN rate will apply . A Party may also 
accelerate the reduction or elimination of tariffs as scheduled in Annex 2 -A.  
3.4.  Tariff liberalization is to be completed in annual stages within 20 years from entry into force of 
the Agreement. The base rate on which the liberalization applies is the lower of th e applied MFN 
tariff in force on 1 January 2019 and the preferential rate applied under the Korea -ASEAN free trade 
agreement on 1 January 2019  (Annex 2 -A-2). 
3.1.3   Liberalization schedule  
3.1.3.1   Korea  
Table 3.1 shows Korea's tariff elimination commitments under the Agr eement, compared to the MFN 
applied rate in 2022.  In 2022  Korea's applied MFN tariff  consisted of 11,293 lines at the 10 -digit 
level (HS 2022). Of these 99.6% had ad valorem rates while 40 lines had mixed rates of duty. 
Around 19.5% of the MFN applied tari ff was already duty free in 2022 under which 6.5% of Korea's 
imports, on average, from Cambodia entered during 2019 -21. Under the Agreement an additional 
72.4% of the tariff had been liberalized by 2022, under which 88.6% of Korea's imports from 
Cambodia entered during 2019 -21. Much of this liberalization had already been achieved un der the 
Korea -ASEAN FTA,  under which Korea was to have liberalized 76.3% of its tariff by 2010 .3 A further 
1.4% of the tarif f is to be liberalized following 10 years of implementation (in 2031), under which 
0.4% of imports entered Korea from Cambodia in 2019 -21. At the end of liberalization in 2041 5.3% 
of Korea's tariff will remain dutiable, corresponding to 4.4% of its import s during 2019 -21 from 
Cambodia.  
 
3 Table 3. 2 in WTO document WT/COMTD/RTA13/1 and WT/REG287/3, dated 14 January 2020.  WT/REG470/1  
 
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  Table 3.1 Republic of Korea: Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement  
Duty phase -out 
period  Tariff lines in Republic of Korea's 
tariff schedule  Republic of Korea's imp orts from 
Cambodia (2019 -2021)  
Number  % Value (USD millions)  %  
MFN (2022)   2,206  19.5 21.4 6.5 
2022  8,179  72.4 292.4  88.6 
2026     38 0.3 0.8 0.2 
2028     29 0.3 0.1 0.0 
2031     88 0.8 0.7 0.2 
2036    151 1.3 0.0 0.0 
2041      7 0.1 0.0 0.0 
Remaining Dutiable     595 5.3 14.7 4.4 
Total 11,293  100.0  330.0  100.0  
Note:  For the calculation of averages for non -ad valorem tariffs, specific rates are excluded, and the ad 
valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. Based on the HS 2022 Nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Republic of Korea authorit ies and WTO IDB.  
 
3.5.  Table 3.2 shows tariffs elimination by Korea under the Agreement by broad HS Sections. At 
the end of liberalization tariffs will remain mainly in HS Sections I, II, IV and IX.  
Table 3.2 Repub lic of Korea -Cambodia: Tariff elimination under the Agreement, by HS 
Section  
HS 
Section  MFN 
Avg. 
Tariff 
(%) MFN 
Total 
lines MFN 
Duty -
free 
lines 2022 2026 2028 2031 2036 2041 Remaining 
Dutiable  Avg. final 
tariff (%) 
(dutiable)  
I 20.5 749 21 458 12  9 42 2 205 21.6 
II 105.8 684 39 397 6 5 16 22 5 194 234.9 
III 12.2 109  92 3 5 5   4 138.9 
IV 30.0 552 4 381 14 19 15 34  85 74.4 
V 3.8 385 45 325   2 2  11 4.3 
VI 7.6 1,870 187 1,653 1  5 17  7 350.6 
VII 6.6 364 6 348 1  1 8    
VIII 6.6 179 26 153        
IX 5.5 359 55 181   31 26  66 5.9 
X 0.0 252 252         
XI 9.6 1,113 33 1,068   2   10 5.0 
XII 10.3 82  82        
XIII 7.7 319 1 306      12 5.0 
XIV 4.9 106 5 101        
XV 4.0 1,006 415 591        
XVI 4.8 1,931 656 1,273   2     
XVII 6.1 401 94 306 1       
XVIII 4.1 455 205 250        
XIX 3.4 81 47 34        
XX 5.5 263 82 180      1 5.0 
XXI 0.0 33 33         
Total 14.2 11,293  2,206 8,179 38 29 88 151 7 595 100.6 
Note:  For the calculation of averages for non -ad valorem  tariffs, specific rates are excluded, and the 
ad valorem parts of alternate rates are included. Based on the HS 2022 Nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Republic of Korea authorities and WTO IDB.  
 
3.6.  Chart 3.1 shows tariff lines which remain dutiable once the Agreement is fully implemented by 
HS Chapter.  Korea provides additional preferences to Cambodia across almost all HS Chapters in 
which tariffs remain dutiable, as a result of which the average preferential rate is lower  than the 
corresponding MFN average in these chapters.  The largest number of lines remaining dutiable are 
found in Chapter 3 (fish and crustacean products, 126 lines), Chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood, 
66 lines), and Chapter 7 (edible vegetables, 47 lines).  The average dutiable rates remaining once 
the A greement is implemented range from 4.5% (preferential average of 4.3%) in Chapter 27  
(mineral fuels and oils) to 754.3% (preferential average of 603.4%) in Chapter 33 (essential oils 
and resinoids).  WT/REG470/1  
 
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  Chart 3.1 Republic of Korea: Average of Dutiable Rates  
 
Note:  For the calculation of averages for non -ad valorem  tariffs, specific rates are excluded, and the 
ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. Based on the HS 2022 Nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates  based on data provided by Republic of Korea authorities and WTO IDB.  
3.1.3.2   Cambodia  
3.7.  Although the Agreement entered into force in 2022, the Secretariat has used the MFN tariff 
for 2021 as a concordance table to align the tariff from HS2017 nomenclature to HS2021  was not 
available. In 2021, Cambodia imposed ad valorem duties on 99.87% of a total of 10,813 tariff lines 
on an MFN basis. For the remaining tariff lines, 0.11% were subject to compound duties (12 lines), 
and 0.02% were subject to specific duties (2 line s).  
3.8.  Table 3.3 indicates Cambodia's tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement for 
imports from Korea. In 2021,  14.6% of Cambodia's tariff was already duty free  on an MFN basis  
which corresponded to 11.9% of its imports from Korea during 2019 -2021. Under the Korea -ASEAN 
FTA, 73.7% of the tariff was expected to have been liberalized by Cambodia by 2019.4 The 
Agreement however envisages liberalizing only a further  68.8% of tariff lines by 2022 which 
corresponded to  about 28.6% of Cambodia's imports from Korea  during 2019 -2021. Following ten 
years of liberalization by 2030 Cambodia is expected to have  liberalized 7,511 lines (69.4% of the 
tariff). F urther liberalization is scheduled for 2031, 2036 and 2041 . Following  implementation  of the 
Agreement , 10.5% of the tariff lines will remain dutiable which relates  to 24.6% of Cambodia's  
imports from Korea.  
Table 3.3 Cambodia: Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement  
Duty phase -out 
period  Tariff lines in Cambodia's tariff 
schedule  Cambodia's imports from Korea, Republic of 
(2019 -2021)  
Number  % Value (USD millions)  % 
MFN (2021)  1,578 14.6 71.6 11.9 
2022 7,441 68.8 171.7 28.6 
2026     70 0.6 0.3 0.1 
2031     68 0.6 36.0 6.0 
2036    498 4.6 98.5 16.4 
2041     28 0.3 74.5 12.4 
 
4 Table 3.1 in WTO document WT/COMTD/RTA13/1 and WT/REG287/3, dated 14 January 2020.  
WT/REG470/1  
 
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  Duty phase -out 
period  Tariff lines in Cambodia's tariff 
schedule  Cambodia's imports from Korea, Republic of 
(2019 -2021)  
Number  % Value (USD millions)  % 
Remaining Dutiable  1,130 10.5 147.7 24.6 
Total 10,813  100.0 600.2 100.0 
Note:  For the calculation of averages for non -ad valorem tariffs, specific rates are excluded, and the 
ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. Based on the HS 2017 Nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Cambodia authorities and W TO IDB.  
3.9.  Among the 1,130 tariff lines that continue to have duties for Cambodia's imports from Korea, 
as shown in Table 3.4, the majority fall under HS Section XVII, pertaining to vehicles, aircraft, 
vessels and associated transport equipment, comprising 60 0 lines (53.1%  of lines remaining 
dutiable ) with average dutiable tariff s in 2021 of 24.2%. This is followed by HS Section XVI 
(machinery and mechanical appliances ) which consisted of 1 72 lines (15. 22%) with an average rate 
of 14.4%. Section XVI  also had t he highest number of tariff lines liberalised under the Agreement . 
Table 3.4 Cambodia -Korea, Republic of: Tariff elimination under the Agreement, by HS 
Section  
HS 
Section  MFN 
Avg. 
Tariff 
(%) MFN 
Total 
lines MFN 
Duty -
free 
lines 2022 2026 2031 2036 2041 Remaining 
Dutiable  Avg. final 
tariff (%) 
(dutiable)  
I 12.5 589 38 522 9 2   18 11.9 
II 8.4 491 90 334 5 7 11  44 9.4 
III 7.0 175  166 3  6    
IV 21.5 470 40 379 1 9 9  32 19.5 
V 7.9 218 70 109 2    37 13.5 
VI 7.5 1,259 242 963 13 3 9 1 28 11.6 
VII 8.9 565 137 339 4 3 27 3 52 13.8 
VIII 12.5 91  86 2  3    
IX 11.8 228  228       
X 6.6 300 15 238 5 5 14 1 22 7.0 
XI 8.3 1,175 187 885 11 9 50 6 27 8.5 
XII 14.8 84  78 2  1  3 15.0 
XIII 10.9 250  238   4  8 7.0 
XIV 2.5 86 55 31       
XV 8.2 1,035 218 743 2  31 1 40 12.4 
XVI 13.1 2,133 226 1,465 1 8 257 4 172 14.4 
XVII 19.9 1,033 145 217 6 12 42 11 600 24.2 
XVIII 14.6 326 37 264 2 1 9  13 11.9 
XIX 26.8 30 7 23       
XX 15.0 267 63 133 2 9 25 1 34 22.1 
XXI 0.0 8 8        
Total 11.6 10,813  1,578 7,441 70 68 498 28 1,130 19.2 
Note:  For the calculation of averages for non -ad valorem  tariffs, specific rates are excluded, and the 
ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. Based on the HS 2017 Nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Cambodia authorities and WTO IDB.  
3.10.   Chart 3.2 illustrates the HS Chapters that remain dutiable, based on the ad valorem part of 
the tariffs. The average preferential tariff rates were generally equal to the average MFN rates for 
the lines remaining dutiable, except for HS Chapters 9 ( coffee, tea, mate and spices ), 
19 (preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastry cooks' produc ts), 22 ( beverages, spirits and 
vinegar ), 25 ( salt; sulphur, earths and stones; plastering materials, lime and cement ), 27 ( mineral 
fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation ), 62 ( articles of apparel and clothing accessories ), 
87 (vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling -stock) and 94 ( furniture; bedding, mattresses, 
mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings ) where the average preferential was 
lower than the average MFN rates.  The average preferential tariff rates within these chapters ranged 
from 7% to 35%. The highest margins of preference are found in HS Chapters 22 and 9 at 12% 
and 8%, respectively.  WT/REG470/1  
 
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  Chart 3.2 Cambodia: Average of dutiable rates by HS Chapter  
 
Note:  For the calculation of averages for non -ad valorem  tariffs, specific rates are excluded, and the 
ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. Based on the HS 2017 Nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Cambodia authoriti es and WTO IDB.  
3.1.4   Tariff rate quotas  
3.11.   The Agreement does not include provisions related to tariff rate quotas.  
3.2  Rules of origin  
3.12.   An originating good eligible for preferential tariff treatment is one that is wholly obtained or 
produced within the exporting Part y's territory; exclusively produced in the territory of the exporting 
Party using originating materials; or produced within the exporting Party territory using non -
originating materials, provided it meets the specified requirements in Annex 3 -A of the Agre ement 
of either a change in tariff classification (CTC) at the Chapter, Heading or Sub -Heading levels or 
regional value content of at least 40% -45% (Article 3.2  and Annex 3 -A).  
3.13.   Bilateral accumulation is permitted by Article 3.6 which also envisages a review with a view 
to extending its application further . Cumulation with other ASEAN members is not permitted under 
the Agreement; however the provisions of the ASEAN -Korea FTA or the Regional Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement  apply. Article 3.8 recognizes the absorption principle 
whereby if non -originating materials undergo further production and meet the originating criteria, 
the non-originating material shall be treated as originating in determining the origin of any 
subsequ ently produced good. De minimis provisions recognize goods that do not undergo a CTC as 
originating if the value of all non -originating materials used in production is less than 10 % of the 
free on board ( FOB) value of the good, except  for goods in HS Chapt ers 50 -63, where the weight of 
all non -originating materials used in production should be  less than 10 % of the total weight of the 
good (Article 3.10).  
3.14.   The originating status of goods will be retained even when transported through third 
countries , if they remain under the control of the customs administration  (Article 3.18)  and undergo 
no operations beyond what is necessary to preserve their condition (Article 3.9). The determination 
of the originating status of the goods shall not consider the packaging ma terials , containers , 
accessories, spare parts, tools, and instructional or other information materials used for the goods 
(Article s 3.11, 3.12 and 3.13 ).  
3.15.   A Certificate of Origin issued by an authorized body  (Article 3.16)  or a Declaration of Origin  
by an approved exporter  (Article 3.17)  serves as a valid proof of origin for one year from its issuance 
or completion (Article 3.15). The certification document should include, inter alia , information that 
fulfils the minimum requirements in Annex 3 -C for Certificate of Origin and  Declaration of Origin , as 
well as in Annex 3 -D for Certificate of Origin . A secure website will be established by the Parties to 
display information requirements from the last three years (Article 3.16) . Approved exporters shall 
be authorized in accordance with the Parties' domestic legislation  (Article 3.19) . An importing Party 
is empowered to conduct a verification process for a good claiming originating status through an on -
site verification visit (with 30 days' notice ) and must decide within 90 days from receiving the 
necessary information (Article 3.22).  
WT/REG470/1  
 
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  3.16.   Where the customs administration of the importing Party rejects preferential tariff treatment, 
it must communicate the decision in writing to the importer, along with the rati onale for the decision 
(Article 3.23). The rejection cannot be founded on minor discrepancies or errors that do not cast 
doubt on the originating status of the good (Article 3.24).  
3.17.   The Parties shall establish an Electronic Origin Data Exchange System for t he purpose of 
monitoring and assessing the implementation of the Rules of Origin (Article 3.27).  Communication 
between  the Parties shall be English (Article 3.30).  
3.18.   The Parties must, within 30 days of the Agreement's entry into force, appoint one or more 
contact points responsible for the implementation of the Rules of Origin, and the ir details should be 
regularly updated (Article 3.31).5 
3.19.   There is an  obligation for the Parties to take measures against violations in accordance with 
their respective laws and regulations (Article 3.29). Disputes related to Annex 3 -B will not be subject 
to the dispute settlement procedures and mechanisms outlined in Chapter 8 of the Agreemen t. 
3.3  Export duties and charges, and quantitative restrictions  
3.20.   In accordance with Article XI of GATT 1994, export prohibitions or restrictions of any goods 
between the Parties  are not permitted , particularly concerning foodstuffs, unless sanctioned by the 
subcommittees or working groups established by the Joint Committee (Article 2.10).  The Parties 
indicate that the first meeting of the Joint Committee is scheduled for March 2024 and therefore no 
exceptions have been sanctioned at present.  A Party has the righ t to initiate technical consultations 
with the Party imposing a measure that negatively impacts its trade. These consultations must 
commence within 60 days of receiving the written request and aim to find a mutually agreeable 
solution within 180 days from the date of the request, with expedited timelines for perishable goods 
(Article 2.11).  
3.4  Regulatory provisions of the agreement  
3.4.1   Standards  
3.4.1.1   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
3.21.   The Parties reaffirm their rights and obligations under the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures (WTO SPS Agreement ) and international standards (Article 2.15). The 
Parties commit to sharing information on SPS issues of shared interest, enhanci ng technical 
cooperation and capacity building, and designating contact points. Dispute resolution in Chapter 8 
does not cover  SPS matters.  
3.4.1.2   Technical barriers to trade  
3.22.   The Parties affirm their existing rights and obligations under  the WTO Agreement on Tech nical 
Barriers to Trade  (TBT) and  shall consider  transparency decisions adopted by the WTO Committee 
on TBT. They agree to use  international standards as the basis for technical regulations and shall 
ensure that central government entities use internationa l standards for conformity assessment 
except where ineffective or inappropriate. Contact points are designated by the Parties to address  
TBT matters.6  
 
5 The contact point for Korea is the Deputy Director, FTA Customs Implementation Division, Ministry of 
Economy and Finance.  
6 The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards and Institute of Standards of Cambodia.  WT/REG470/1  
 
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  3.4.2   Safeguard mechanisms  
3.4.2.1   Global safeguards  
3.23.   The Parties retain their rights and obligations under Article XIX of GATT 1994 and the WTO 
Safeguards Agreement. A Party intending to apply a global safeguard measure must , at the request 
of the other Party,  submit written notifications regarding the commencement of a n investigation, 
the preliminary determina tion, and the final findings of the investigation (Article 5.6).  Provisional 
and definitive safeguards shall not be taken at the same time and for the same good, as a measure 
under Article XIX of the GATT 1994 and the WTO Safeguards Agreement.  
3.4.2.2   Bilateral sa feguards  
3.24.   Bilateral safeguards may be taken for a period from the date of entry into force of the 
Agreement up to three years following the implementation of tariff liberalization commitments for a 
particular product (thus at the latest up to 2044). If as a  result of a reduction or elimination of tariffs 
under the Agreement, a good is being imported in such increased quantities and under such 
conditions to substantially cause serious injury or threat of serious injury to the domestic industry 
producing a lik e or directly competitive good, a Party may (a) suspend the further reduction of tariffs 
on the good envisaged under the Agreement or (b) increase the rate of customs duty on the good 
to a level not exceeding the lesser of the MFN rate of duty in effect at  the time the safeguard duty 
is imposed or the base rate of customs duty under the Agreement. N either tariff rate quotas nor 
quantitative restrictions are acceptable forms of a safeguard measure , in accordance with the  WTO 
Safeguards Agreement  (Article 5.2 ). 
3.25.   A prior notification is mandatory before implementing the safeguard, and must be supported 
by evidence from the investigation, which should also be communicated in writing (Article 5.3). The 
investigation itself should follow the WTO Safeguards Agreemen t whose Articles 3, 4.2(a) and (c) 
are incorporated into the Agreement mutatis mutandis . The investigation's duration should not 
exceed one year from its initiation date, and there is a limit on the number of safeguard measures 
applied to the same product.  The duration of the measure may not exceed two years (compared to 
four years in the WTO Safeguards Agreement) and may be extended by one year if the competent 
authorities determine that the measure continues to be necessary to prevent or remedy serious 
injury and to facilitate adjustment and there is evidence that the industry is adjusting. After a 
safeguard measure has been terminated, it may not be applied for the same product until a period 
of time equal to the duration of the previous safeguard measure  including any extension , has elapsed 
and in any case for  at least two years. If the safeguard measure extends beyond one year, the 
importing Party must gradually ease it at regular intervals.  
3.26.   Provisional measures may be taken in critical circumstances wh ere delay would cause 
damage. The Party taking  the measure must facilitate consultations with interested parties, including 
importers and exporters, both before and after the provisional safeguard is put into effect . It shall 
not extend beyond 200 days (Article 5.4). If the investigation does not justify the safeguard 
measure, any tariff increases must be refunded  (Article 5.4) . Following its imposition of a safeguard 
a Party shall afford adequate opportunity to the other Part y for consultations on compensation. If 
no agreement is reached within 30 days, the Party against which the measure is taken may suspend 
the application of concessions on originating goods that have trade effects that are substantially 
equivalent to the sa feguard measure  (Article 5.5).7 
3.27.   Under Annex 3 -B special safeguards are envisaged for products listed in the Annex.8 Any 
intention to impose safeguards by suspending the application of Article 3.5 on these products shall 
be notified to the other Party two  months before the suspension (or provisionally at any time in 
critical circumstances). For safeguards under this provision there is no obligation to prove serious 
injury, advance consultations, and for compensation and there is no duration to the limit or  frequency 
of safeguard action.  
 
7 The right of suspension shall not be exercised for the first two years of the safeguard being in effect 
provided the measure has been taken as a result of an absolute increase in imports.  
8 Paragraph 7 of Annex 3 -B mostly lists textiles, clothing and footwear products.  WT/REG470/1  
 
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  3.4.3   Anti-dumping and countervailing measures  
3.28.   The Parties retain their rights and obligations under  Article VI of GATT 1994, the WTO Anti-
Dumping Agreement, and the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures ( SCM 
Agreement ) with respect to the imposition of anti -dumping and countervailing duties. Following 
imposition of any provisional measures and p rior to making a final determination, the Party imposing 
such measures shall provide written disclosure of all essential facts and considerations forming the 
basis for the decision. The lesser duty rule applies where it would be adequate to remove the injury 
to the domestic industry (Article 5.7).   
3.29.   The importing Party investigating  is required to furnish written information outlining 
procedures for the exporting Party to request the authorities of the importing Party to consider a 
price undertaking, which includes specified time frames for presenting and finalizing such an 
undertaki ng. Once a preliminary affirmative determination of dumping or subsidization and injury 
caused is made , the importing Party shall provide an opportunity for consultations to exporters of 
the other Party regarding a proposed price undertaking. If the undertaking is accepted the 
investigation may be suspended without the need for anti -dumping duties  (Article 5.9) . 
3.30.   The Parties commit not to initi ate an investigation within the 12 months following termination 
resulting from a review  unless a pre -initiation investigation determines that the circumstances have 
changed  (Article 5.10).  
3.31.   When conducting an anti -dumping or countervailing duty investigatio n involving imports from 
multiple countries, a Party shall thoroughly assess whether a cumulative evaluation of the impact of 
imports from the other Party is suitable (Article 5.11).  
3.32.   Disputes related to anti -dumping and countervailing measures are not elig ible for resolution 
through the dispute settlement procedures outlined in Chapter 8 (Article 5.12).  
3.4.4   Subsidies and state -aid 
3.33.   Apart from the regulations on anti -dumping and countervailing measures, the Agreement 
does not contain specific clauses addressing s ubsidies and State-aid.  
3.4.5   Customs -related procedures  
3.34.   To promote transparency, the Parties shall promptly publish  online various  customs related  
information, including procedures, applied rates of duties and taxes for import, export, and transit, 
as well as necessary forms and documents (Article 4.5). Additionally, they shall communicate any 
new or amended customs laws and regulations and afford interested persons  a reasonable 
opportunity to submit comments. One or more inquiry points must be specified to fac ilitate access 
to forms and documents required for importation, exportation, and transit (Article 4.6).  
3.35.   The customs laws and regulations of the Parties must  be predictable, consistent and 
transparent and where possible  align with the standards and recommen ded practices of the World 
Customs Organization (Article 4.7).  
3.36.   Pre-shipment inspections are not mandatory between the Parties  although  this does not 
exclude the possibility of pre -shipment inspections for sanitary and phytosanitary purposes 
(Article  4.8). 
3.37.   Advance rulings , prior to import shall  be issued within 90 days upon receiving all necessary 
information (Article 4.9). They are valid for  three years from the date of issuance. Information on 
advance rulings can be publicly disclosed, with due consideration given to protecting commercially 
confidential information.  
3.38.   The Parties shall establish or uphold procedures that enable the release of goods, priorit izing 
perishable goods, before the final determination of customs duties, taxes, fees, and charges 
(Article  4.10). However, a Party may mandate the provision of a guarantee in accordance with its 
laws and regulations.  Customs controls shall b e concentrated on high-risk consignments while the 
release of low-risk consignments shall be expedited; consignments may be randomly selected as WT/REG470/1  
 
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  part of the Party's risk management process. C ustoms administrators from the Parties will share 
best practices related to risk management techniques. (Article 4.11).  A post-clearance audit shall 
be adopted and maintained to ensure compliance with customs procedures using a transparent and 
risk-based approach . The audited party will be notified of the results (Artic le 4.12). The Parties are 
encouraged to measure the time required for the release of goods by customs periodically and in a 
consistent manner. They may use  resources like The Guide to Measure the Time Required for the 
Release of Goods by the World Customs Organization and share its experiences (Article 4.13).  
3.39.   Customs administrative decisions may undergo review by an administrative authority and 
subsequently be subject to appeal within a judicial process (Article 4.14).  The confidentiality of 
information exc hanged between the Parties must be upheld (Article 4.15).  Any substantial 
administrative changes or modifications to laws or regulations governing imports or exports  shall be 
notified  (Article 4.16) , while the  exchange of information and experience  sharing on  the development 
of customs administration  is provided for . 
3.40.   A Committee on Rules of Origin and Customs Procedures is formed to, among other things, 
examine, discuss, suggest, and provide suitable recommendations to the Joint Committee.  The 
Committee is scheduled to convene annually (Article 4.18). Matters arising from customs 
administration will be first dealt with through consultations and, if a resolution cannot be reached 
between the Parties, will be escalated to the Committee (Artic le 4.17). The Parties are also required 
to appoint one or more contact points.  
3.4.6   Other regulations  
3.41.   Apart from the regulations discussed above, there are no other specific regulations in the 
Agreement.  
3.5  Sector -Specific Provisions of the Agreement  
3.42.    Except for t he provisions related to cooperation (Article 6.2) on specific areas such as 
agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and e -commerce, the Agreement does not include sector -specific 
provisions.  
4  GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT  
4.1  Transparency  
4.1.  All laws, regulations, procedures, and general administrative rulings pertaining to the 
Agreement must be published or provided by Parties to one another (Article 7.2 and 7.3). E ach Party 
shall establish or uphold judicial, quasi -judicial, or administrative tribunal s or procedures to promptly 
review and, if necessary, rectify administrative actions (Article 7.5).  
4.2.  The Parties commit to enhancing transparency by fostering regulatory quality and performance 
to prevent bribery and corruption in international trade and in vestment (Article 7.6).  
4.2  Current payments and capital movements  
4.3.  There are no current payments and capital movement provisions  in the Agreement.   
4.3  Exceptions  
4.3.1   General Exceptions  
4.4.  Article XX of the GATT on general exceptions is incorporated into the Agreement mu tatis 
mutandis for matters relating to Chapters 2 -5. 
4.3.2   Security Exceptions  
4.5.  Security exceptions in the Agreement follow those in GATT Article XXI (Article 9.2)  WT/REG470/1  
 
- 16 - 
 
  4.3.3   Other Exceptions  
4.6.  Nothing in the Agreement shall apply to taxation and in the event of any inconsis tency between 
the Agreement and any tax convention, the latter shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency  
(Article 9.3).  
4.7.  The Agreement does not  require  a Party to provide or permit access to confidential information 
if such disclosure would hinder l aw enforcement, be against the public interest, or jeopardize the 
legitimate commercial interests of specific enterprises (Article s 9.4 and 9.5).  
4.4  Accession and withdrawal  
4.8.  There are no provisions  on accession to the Agreement.  Either Party may terminate the 
Agreement through written notification through diplomatic channels to the other Party. The 
termination shall take effect six months after the date of notification (Article 10.11).  
4.5  Institutional framework  
4.9.  The Parties form a J oint Committee whose d ecisions will be reached through mutual agreement  
(Article 10.1) . It will hold regular sessions annually and convene special sessions within 30 days  
from receipt of a request from either Party , alternating between the territories of e ach Party 
(Article  10.2).  
4.10.   The Joint Committee oversees the activities of the Committee s on Trade in Goods, Rules of 
Origin and Customs Procedures, Economic Cooperation, and Transparency (Article s 10.3 and 10.6). 
Any changes in the contact points for Commit tees must be communicated to the Joint Committee 
(Article 10.4). Additionally, it has the authority to create extra committees, working groups, or other 
entities as needed. The Joint Committee is tasked with initiating negotiations on trade in services 
and investment within one year of the Agreement coming into effect (Article 10.6).  
4.6  Dispute settlement  
4.11.   The dispute resolution mechanism outlined in the Agreement is not applicable to matters 
related to Economic Cooperation, Anti -Dumping and Countervailing Duti es, Trade Remedies, 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Cooperation on Promoting Increased Transparency and 
Combating Corruption, and Treatment for Certain Goods (Article 8.3).  
4.12.   The Parties have the option to select a forum or dispute resolution panel under the Agreement 
or the WTO Agreements. Once the forum is selected it shall be used to the exclusion of the other 
(Article 8.4). The Parties may request  consultations regarding th e interpretation and implementation 
of the Agreement (Article 8.5). A mutually agreeable resolution should be achieved within 30 days, 
or within 15 days in urgent situations.   
4.13.   An arbitration panel may be formed when the Parties fail to engage in consultati ons or when 
a resolution is not reached through consultations within 60 days, or within 30 days in urgent cases 
(Article 8.7  and 8.8 ).  
4.14.   The arbitration panel must issue an interim report, to the Parties within 90 days or no later 
than 120 days from the  date of establishment (Article 8.12). The Parties may submit written 
comments within 15 days from the report's issuance . The final report  (which is binding)  must be 
issued within 30 days from the interim report's issuance or no later than 150 days after the 
arbitration panel's establishment (Article 8.13  and 8.14 ). 
4.15.   If the arbitration panel finds that the Party complained against has not conformed with its 
obligations under the Agreement, unless agreed otherwise, that Party shall eliminate the non -
conformity immediately or within a reasonable period of time to be agreed by the Parties. If they 
fail to agree on a reasonable period of time within 45 days from the  date of issuance of the report, 
either Party may refer the matter to the original arbitration panel to do so. Any disagreement 
between the Parties on measures to eliminate the non -conformity shall be referred to the original 
arbitration panel (Article 8.1 4). The complaining Party may suspend concessions or obligations under 
the Agreement 30 days following notification to the other Party if there is no agreement on WT/REG470/1  
 
- 17 - 
 
  satisfactory compensation. The suspension should in the first instance focus on the same sect or or 
sectors in which failure to comply with the Agreement  was found ; if the Party believes it is not 
practicable or effective to do so, it may suspend obligations in other sectors with the level of 
suspension equivalent to the level of nullification or i mpairment. If the Party complained against 
feels that the requirements for suspension or other obligations have not been met, it may refer the 
matter to the original arbitration panel (Article 8.15).  
4.7  Relationship with other agreements concluded by the part ies 
4.16.   The Parties rea ffirm their rights and obligations under  the WTO Agreements and the Korea -
ASEAN Free Trade Agreement . The Agreement shall not derogate from any rights and obligations 
that provide more favourable treatment of goods, services, investment or persons provided by the 
Agreement. In the event of inconsistency between the Agreement and any agreement to which the 
Parties are party, the Parties shall consult to find a mutually satisfactory solution (Article 1.4).  
4.17.   Table 4.1 indicates participation  of the Parties  (including ASEAN)  in other agreements  which 
are in force . 
Table 4.1 Republic of Korea and Cambodia: Participation in other RTAs (notified and 
non-notified in force), as of 4 March  2024  
RTA Name  Entry into 
forcea Coverageb GATT/WTO Notification  
Year WTO Provision  
REPUBLIC OF KOREA  
Indonesia - Republic of Korea  01-Jan-23 G & S  2023 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
United Kingdom - Republic of Korea  01-Jan-21 G & S  2020 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Republic of Korea - Central America  01-Oct-19 G & S  2021 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Republic of Korea - Colombia  15-Jul-16 G & S  2016 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Republic of Korea - New Zealand  20-Dec-15 G & S  2015 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
China - Republic of Korea  20-Dec-15 G & S  2016 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Republic of Korea - Viet Nam  20-Dec-15 G & S  2016 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Canada - Republic of Korea  01-Jan-15 G & S  2015 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Republic of Korea - Australia  12-Dec-14 G & S  2014 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Republic of Korea - Türkiye  01-May-13 
01-Aug-18 G  
S 2013 
2022 GATT Art. XXIV  
GATS Art. V  
Republic of Korea - United States  15-Mar-12 G & S  2012 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Peru - Republic of Korea  01-Aug-11 G & S  2011 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
EU - Republic of Korea  01-Jul-11 G & S  2011 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
ASEAN - Republic of Korea  01-Jan-10 
01-May-09 G 
S 2010 GATT Art. XXIV, Enabling Clause 
GATS Art. V  
Republic of Korea - India 01-Jan-10 G & S  2010 GATT Art. XXIV, Enabling Clause & 
GATS Art. V  
EFTA - Republic of Korea  01-Sep-06 G & S  2006 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Republic of Korea - Singapore  02-Mar-06 G & S  2006 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Republic of Korea - Chile 01-Apr-04 G & S  2004 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
Global System of Trade Preferences 
among Developing Countries (GSTP)  19-Apr-89 G 1989 Enabling Clause  
Asia Pacific Trade Agreement 
(APTA)  17-Jun-76 
17-Sep-13 G 
S 1976 
2019 Enabling Clause  
GATS Art. V  
- APTA - Accession of China  01-Jan-02 G 2004 Enabling Clause  
- APTA - Accession of Mongolia  01-Jan-21 G & S  Not notified  
Protocol on Trade Negotiations 
(PTN)  11-Feb-73 G 1971 Enabling Clause  
Republic of Korea - Israel  01-Dec-22 G & S  Not notified  
Regional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership (RCEP) Agreement  01-Jan-22 G & S  Not notified  
CAMBODIA  
China – Cambodia  01-Jan-22 G & S  2024 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
ASEAN – Hong Kong, China  11-Jun-19 G & S  2021 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  
ASEAN - Australia - New Zealand  01-Jan-10 G & S  2010 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V  WT/REG470/1  
 
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  RTA Name  Entry into 
forcea Coverageb GATT/WTO Notification  
Year WTO Provision  
ASEAN - India 01-Jan-10 
01-Jul-15 G 
S 2010 
2015 Enabling Clause  
GATS Art. V  
ASEAN - Republic of Korea  01-Jan-10 
01-May-09 G 
S 2010 GATT Art. XXIV, Enabling Clause  
GATS Art. V  
ASEAN - Japan  01-Dec-08 
01-Aug-20 G 
S 2009 
2022 GATT Art. XXIV  
GATS Art. V  
ASEAN - China  01-Jan-05 
01-Jul-07 G 
S 2005 
2008 Enabling Clause  
GATS Art. V  
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)  
- ATIGA  
- AFAS 
- ATISA   
17-May-10 
12-Aug-98 
05-Apr-21  
G 
S 
S  
2021 
2022  
GATT Art. XXIV  
GATS Art. V  
Not notified  
Regional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership (RCEP) Agreement  01-Jan-22 G & S  Not notified  
a Dates of the first entry into force/provisional application for at least one of the Parties.  
b G stands for trade in goods and S for trade in services.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat. Further information on these Agreements and on specific dates of entry into 
force/provisional applications may be found in the WTO Database on RTA s: http://rtais.wto.org . 
4.8  Government procurement  
4.18.   There are no provisions on Government procurement in the Agreement.  
4.9  Intellectual property rights  
4.19.   The Agreement does not address intellectual property rights.   
4.10  Competition  
4.20.   Other than the Agreement's objective to enhance competition between the Parties 
(Article  1.3), there are no specific provisions addressing competition in the Agreement. The 
Agreement incorporates Article XVII and the Understanding on the Interpretation of Article XVII of 
GATT 1994 with respect to state trading enterprises (Article 2.14).  
4.11  Environment  
4.21.   The Parties acknowledge that the measures mentioned in Article XX(b) of GATT 1994 
encompass environmental measures a nd Article XX(g) of GATT 1994 is applicable to measures 
pertaining to the conservation of natural resources (Article 9.1).  
4.12  Labour  
4.22.   There are no provisions on labour in the Agreement.  
4.13  Electronic commerce  
4.23.   Apart from  the provision related to cooperation (Artic le 6.2) on e -commerce, the Agreement 
does not contain specific provisions addressing e -commerce .  
4.14  Small and medium -sized enterprises  
4.24.   The Agreement does not have specific provisions on small and medium sized enterprises 
although the Parties agree to provide  economic and technical cooperation to support them . 
4.15  Economic cooperation  
4.25.   The Parties will engage in economic and technical cooperation across multiple domains, 
including the promotion of trade and investment, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, electron ic 
commerce (including policy and regulation development), support for small and medium enterprises, WT/REG470/1  
 
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  cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT), 
infrastructure development, industrial development, informa tion and communication technology 
(including the provision of e -government services), and other relevant areas (Article s 6.2 and 6.3 ). 
4.26.   The Parties formed a Committee on Economic Cooperation, comprising representatives from 
each government. It is tasked with creating and coordinating a Work Programme along with its 
implementation mechanism , which shall prioritise the investment projects in  areas of mutual interest 
(Article 6.4) . The Parties are required to appoint relevant officials as contact points to oversee the 
implementation of the Work Programme (Article 6.5). To facilitate the implementation of the Work 
Programme, the Parties may uti lize existing financial channels, seek support from non -Parties, 
engage with development partners, and collaborate with international organizations (Article 6.6).   
4.27.   Annex 6 -A acknowledges that the Coronavirus virus presents an unprecedented and severe 
globa l challenge to the health and well -being, livelihood and safety of peoples which requires a 
coordinated response to ensure the continued flow of goods, services and personnel in global supply 
chains. The Parties acknowledge the importance of facilitating t rade in accordance with the WTO 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation and endeavour to refrain from introducing export prohibitions or 
restrictions, non -tariff barriers on essential goods, including food, pharmaceuticals and critical 
mineral supplies ensuring th at such measures are targeted, proportionate, temporary and consistent 
with the WTO rules.  They also acknowledge the need to facilitate the essential movement of people 
and to develop guidelines to provide support and assistance to each other. They also en deavour to 
enhance cooperat ion to provide support and assistance to each others' nationals who live and work 
in the others country and strengthen solidarity to control the spread of the pandemic.   
4.28.   Dispute resolution in the Agreement will not be applicable to any issues arising under 
Chapter  6 (Article 6.7) . WT/REG470/1  
 
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  ANNEX 1  
INDICATORS OF TRADE LIBERALIZATION UNDER THE AGREEMENT  
1. The following tables present tariffs liberalized under the Agreement by all, agricultural and 
industrial products. A comparison is made with the average applied MFN tariffs at the time of entry 
into force of the Agreement.  
 
KOREA  
2. Table A1.1 shows that Korea's average applied MFN tariff in 2022 was 14.2% overall, 6% for 
industrial p roducts but significantly higher at 50.5% for agricultural products. Around 19.5% of the 
tariff was duty -free on an MFN basis, 23.3% for industrial products and only 3.1 % for agricultural 
products. In 2022, Korea 's average applied preferential tariff for Cambodia  fell to  5.7% overall, 0.4% 
for industrial products and 28.8% for  agricultural product s. As a result , Cambodian  exporters 
benefited from a relative margin of preference of 59.9% overall and 93.3% and 43% for industrial 
and agricultural products respectively. The proportion of duty -free lines for imports from Cambodia  
was 92% for all products, 66.5% for agricultural products, and 97.8% for industrial products in  2022. 
The shares are expected to rise to 94.7%, 76.7%, and 98.8%, respectively, by 2041 . 
Table A1. 1 Republic of Korea: Indicators of MFN tariff rates and preferential rates for 
bilateral imports  
Origin of 
goods  Year ALL PRODUCTS  HS Chapters 1 -24 HS Chapters 25 -97 
Overall 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Dutiable 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Share 
of 
duty-
free 
lines 
(%) Overall 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Dutiable 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Share 
of 
duty-
free 
lines 
(%) Overall 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Dutiable 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Share 
of 
duty-
free 
lines 
(%) 
MFN 2022 14.2 17.7 19.5 50.5 52.1 3.1 6.0 7.8 23.3 
Cambodia  2022 5.7 70.7 92.0 28.8 85.9 66.5 0.4 19.0 97.8 
2023 5.6 70.2 92.0 28.6 85.4 66.5 0.4 18.6 97.8 
2024 5.6 69.7 92.0 28.4 84.9 66.5 0.4 18.3 97.8 
2025 5.6 69.3 92.0 28.3 84.3 66.5 0.4 17.9 97.8 
2026 5.5 71.8 92.3 28.1 88.2 68.1 0.4 17.8 97.8 
2027 5.5 71.4 92.3 28.0 87.8 68.1 0.4 17.4 97.8 
2028 5.5 73.4 92.6 27.8 91.3 69.5 0.4 17.1 97.8 
2029 5.4 72.9 92.6 27.7 90.8 69.5 0.4 16.7 97.8 
2030 5.4 72.5 92.6 27.5 90.4 69.5 0.4 16.4 97.8 
2031 5.4 80.5 93.3 27.4 96.7 71.7 0.4 20.3 98.3 
2032 5.4 80.3 93.3 27.4 96.6 71.7 0.3 20.0 98.3 
2033 5.3 80.1 93.3 27.3 96.4 71.7 0.3 19.7 98.3 
2034 5.3 79.9 93.3 27.3 96.3 71.7 0.3 19.4 98.3 
2035 5.3 79.7 93.3 27.2 96.1 71.7 0.3 19.1 98.3 
2036 5.3 99.5 94.7 27.2 115.0 76.4 0.3 28.1 98.8 
2037 5.3 99.5 94.7 27.2 114.9 76.4 0.3 28.1 98.8 
2038 5.3 99.5 94.7 27.2 114.9 76.4 0.3 28.1 98.8 
2039 5.3 99.5 94.7 27.2 114.9 76.4 0.3 28.1 98.8 
2040 5.3 99.5 94.7 27.2 114.9 76.4 0.3 28.1 98.8 
2041 5.3 100.6 94.7 27.2 116.5 76.7 0.3 28.1 98.8 
Note:  For the calculation of averages for non -ad valorem  tariffs, specific rates are excluded, and the 
ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. Based on the HS 2022 Nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Republic of Korea authorities and WTO IDB.  
 
3. Table A1.2 shows market access opportunities in Korea under the Agreement for Cambodia's 
top 25 global exports which accounted for 52.1% of its total exports between 2019 -2021. The 25  top 
global exports corresponded to 50 lines in Korea's tariff at the six -digit level (using the HS 2017). 
Out of these lines, one was already MFN duty -free, and 49 lines were MFN dutiable. Under the 
Agreement, 45 lines were liberalized for imports from Cambodia while one line relating to bicycles 
will be liberalized in 2026. Once the Agreement is implemented three lines will remain dutiable (rice 
which faced an MFN average tariff of 513% in 2022 and men's trousers which faced an MFN duty 
of 1% in 2022).  WT/REG470/1  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Table A1. 2 Republic of Korea: Market access opportunities under the Agreement for 
Cambodia, top 25 exports to the world (2019 -2021)  
HS 
number  Product description  
(%) global exports  
MFN Avg. Tariff (%)  
MFN Duty -free lines  
MFN Dutiable lines  
2022 
2026 
Remaining Dutiable  
710812  Gold, incl. gold plated with platinum, unwrought, for non -
monetary purposes (excl. gold in powder form) 7.0 3.0  2 2   
611020  Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles, of 
cotton, knitted or crocheted (excl. wadded waistcoats)  3.9 13.0  1 1   
871200  Bicycles and other cycles, incl. delivery tricycles, not motorised  3.1 8.0  3 2 1  
610910  T-shirts, singlets and other vests of cotton, knitted or crocheted  2.7 13.0  2 2   
100630  Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or 
glazed  2.6 513.0  2   2 
611030  Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles, of 
man-made fibres, knitted or crocheted (excl. wadded waistcoats)  2.6 13.0  2 2   
620462  Women's or girls' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and 
shorts of cotton  2.4 13.0  2 2   
610990  T-shirts, singlets and other vests of textile materials, knitted or 
crocheted (excl. cotton)  2.3 13.0  8 8   
420292  Travelling -bags, insulated food or beverage bags, toilet bags, 
rucksacks, shopping -bags, map -cases, tool bags, sports bags, 
jewellery boxes, cutlery cases, binocular cases, camera cases, 
musical instrument cases, gun cases, holsters and similar 
containers,  with outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile 
materials  2.0 8.0  4 4   
610463  Women's or girls' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and 
shorts of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted (excl. panties and 
swimwear)  2.0 13.0  1 1   
420222  Handbags, whether or not with shoulder straps, incl. those 
without handles, with outer surface of plastic sheeting or textile 
materials  2.0 8.0  4 4   
611120  Babies' garments and clothing accessories of cotton, knitted or 
crocheted (excl. hats) 1.9 8.0  2 2   
430211  Tanned or dressed furskins of mink, whole, with or without 
heads, tails or paws, not assembled  1.8 5.0  1 1   
640419  Footwear with outer soles of rubber or plastics and uppers of 
textile materials (excl. sports footwear, incl. tennis shoes, 
basketball shoes, gym shoes, training shoes and the like, and toy 
footwear)  1.7 13.0  2 2   
940539  Electric lighting strings of a kind used for Christmas trees (excl. 
those solely for light -emitting diode "LED" light sources)  1.7 8.0  1 1   
400129  Natural rubber in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip 
(excl. smoked sheets, technically specified natural rubber "TSNR" 
and natural rubber latex, whether or not prevulcanised)  1.6 0.0 1     
610469  Women's or girls' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and 
shorts of textile materials, knitted or crocheted  1.6 13.0  1 1   
610462  Women's or girls' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and 
shorts of cotton, knitted or crocheted  1.5 13.0  1 1   
392530  Shutters, blinds, incl. Venetian blinds, and similar articles and 
parts thereof, of plastics (excl. fittings and similar articles)  1.2 6.5  1 1   
620342  Men's or boys' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and 
shorts, of cotton  1.2 13.0  2 2   
610342  Men's or boys' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and 
shorts of cotton, knitted or crocheted  1.2 13.0  1 1   
621010  Garments made up of felt or nonwovens, whether or not 
impregnated, coated, covered or laminated  1.1 13.0  2 2   
854430  Ignition wiring sets and other wiring sets for vehicles, aircraft or 
ships 1.1 8.0  1 1   
610343  Men's or boys' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and 
shorts of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted  1.0 13.0  1   1 WT/REG470/1  
 
- 22 - 
 
  HS 
number  Product description  
(%) global exports  
MFN Avg. Tariff (%)  
MFN Duty -free lines  
MFN Dutiable lines  
2022 
2026 
Remaining Dutiable  
620469  Women's or girls' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and 
shorts of textile materials  1.0 13.0  2 2   
Total  52.1  1 49 45 1 3 
Note:  For the calculation of averages for non -ad valorem  tariffs, specific rates are excluded, and the 
ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. Based on the HS 2022 Nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Republic of Korea authorities and UNSD, Comtrade.  
CAMBODIA  
4. As Table A1. 3 shows  in 2021, Cambodia's average applied MFN tariff was 11.6% overall, 
11.3% for industrial products and a slightly higher rate at 13.2% for agricultural products. Around 
14.6% of the tariff w as duty-free on an MFN basis , with 15.5% for industrial product s and 9.7% for 
agricultural products. In 2022, Cambodia's average applied preferential tariff for Korea  was 
significantly lower at  2.8% overall, 3.1% for industrial products and  1.1% for  agricultural products . 
As a res ult, Korean exporters benefited from a  relative margin of preference of 75.9% overall and 
75.6% and 91.7% for industrial and agricultural products respectively. The proportion of duty -free 
lines for imports from Korea was  83.4% for all products, 91% for agricultural products, and 82% for 
indus trial products in 2022 . The shares are expected  to rise to 89.5%  overall , and 94.6%, and 
88.6%, respectively, for agricultural and industrial products by 2041.  
Table A1. 3 Cambodia: Indicators of MFN and preferential rates for bi lateral imports  
Origin 
of 
goods  Year ALL PRODUCTS  HS Chapters 1 -24 HS Chapters 25 -97 
Overall 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Dutiable 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Share 
of 
duty-
free 
lines 
(%) Overall 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Dutiable 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Share 
of 
duty-
free 
lines 
(%) Overall 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Dutiable 
avg. 
applied 
tariff 
(%) Share 
of 
duty-
free 
lines 
(%) 
MFN 2021 11.6 13.6 14.6 13.2 14.7 9.7 11.3 13.3 15.5 
Rep. of 
Korea 2022 2.8 17.1 83.4 1.1 12.1 91.0 3.1 17.5 82.0 
2023 2.7 16.7 83.4 1.1 11.7 91.0 3.1 17.2 82.0 
2024 2.7 16.3 83.4 1.0 11.2 91.0 3.0 16.8 82.0 
2025 2.6 15.9 83.4 1.0 10.7 91.0 2.9 16.4 82.0 
2026 2.6 16.2 84.1 0.9 11.6 92.0 2.9 16.6 82.5 
2027 2.5 15.9 84.1 0.9 11.3 92.0 2.8 16.3 82.5 
2028 2.5 15.5 84.1 0.9 10.9 92.0 2.8 15.9 82.5 
2029 2.4 15.2 84.1 0.8 10.5 92.0 2.7 15.6 82.5 
2030 2.4 14.9 84.1 0.8 10.2 92.0 2.7 15.3 82.5 
2031 2.3 15.2 84.7 0.8 11.3 93.0 2.6 15.5 83.1 
2032 2.3 14.8 84.7 0.8 11.1 93.0 2.5 15.1 83.1 
2033 2.2 14.5 84.7 0.8 11.0 93.0 2.5 14.8 83.1 
2034 2.2 14.2 84.7 0.8 10.8 93.0 2.4 14.4 83.1 
2035 2.1 13.8 84.7 0.7 10.6 93.0 2.4 14.1 83.1 
2036 2.0 19.3 89.3 0.7 13.4 94.6 2.3 19.9 88.3 
2037 2.0 19.2 89.3 0.7 13.4 94.6 2.3 19.8 88.3 
2038 2.0 19.1 89.3 0.7 13.4 94.6 2.3 19.6 88.3 
2039 2.0 19.0 89.3 0.7 13.3 94.6 2.3 19.5 88.3 
2040 2.0 18.9 89.3 0.7 13.3 94.6 2.2 19.4 88.3 
2041 2.0 19.2 89.5 0.7 13.3 94.6 2.2 19.8 88.6 
Note:  For the calculation of averages for non -ad valorem  tariffs, specific rates are excluded, and the 
ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. Based on the HS 2017 Nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Cambodia authorities and WTO IDB.  WT/REG470/1  
 
- 23 - 
 
  5. Table A1. 4 shows market access opportunities in Cambodia  under the Agreement for Korea 's 
top 25 global exports which accounted for 46.6% of its total exports between  2019-2021. Electronic 
integrated circuits  as memories  contributed a significant proportion (10.3%) of global exports to 
Cambodia . The 25 top global exports corresponded to 284 lines in Cambodia 's tariff at the six -digit 
level (using the HS 2017). Out of these, 51 lines were already  MFN duty -free, and 233 lines were 
MFN dutiable. Under the Agreement,  out of the 233 MFN dutiable lines,  65 lines will be duty -free 
by 2041 and 168 lines will remain dutiable. The lines remaining dutiable mainly concern motor 
vehicles  with applied MFN tariffs in 2021 ranging from 15% to 29.2%. 
Table A1. 4 Cambodia: Market access opportunities under the Agreement for Korea, 
Republic of, top 25 exports to the world (2019 -2021)  
HS 
number  Product description  
(%) global exports  MFN 2021  
2022 
2026 
2036 
2041 
Remaining Dutiable  MFN Avg. Tariff (%)  
MFN Duty -free lines  
MFN Dutiable lines  
854232  Electronic integrated circuits as memories  10.3 7.0  1 1     
854231  Electronic integrated circuits as processors and 
controllers, whether or not combined with memories, 
converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing 
circuits, or other circuits  4.4 7.0  1 1     
271019  Medium oils and preparations, of petroleum or 
bituminous minerals, not containing biodiesel, n.e.s.  4.3 11.9 1 15 1    14 
870323  Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed 
for the transport of <10 persons, incl. station wagons 
and racing cars, with only spark -ignition internal 
combustion reciprocating piston engine of a cylinder 
capacity > 1.500 cm³ but <= 3.000 cm³ (excl. vehicles 
for travelling on snow and other specially designed 
vehicles of subheading 8703.10)  3.0 29.2 6 30     30 
851770  Parts of telephone sets, telephones for cellular networks 
or for other wireless networks and of other apparatus for 
the transmission or reception of voice, images or other 
data, n.e.s.  2.4 14.2  10 10     
847330  Parts and accessories of automatic data -processing 
machines or for other machines of heading 8471, n.e.s.  2.3 7.0  2 2     
890120  Tankers  1.9 15.0  3 3     
852351  Solid-state, non -volatile data storage devices for 
recording data from an external source [flash memory 
cards or flash electronic storage cards] (excl. goods of 
chapter 37)  1.6 10.0  8 8     
852990  Parts suitable for use solely or principally with 
transmission and reception apparatus for radio -
broadcasting or television, television cameras,digital 
cameras, video camera recorders, radar apparatus, radio 
navigational aid apparatus or radio remote contr ol 
apparatus, monitors and projectors, n.e.s. (excl. for 
aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds)  1.5 15.0  11 11     
271012  Light oils and preparations, of petroleum or bituminous 
minerals which >= 90% by volume "incl. losses" distil at 
210°C "ASTM D 86 method" (excl. containing biodiesel)  1.5 13.6 2 20     20 
870899  Parts and accessories, for tractors, motor vehicles for the 
transport of ten or more persons, motor cars and other 
motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of 
persons, motor vehicles for the transport of goods and 
special purpose motor vehicle s, n.e.s.  1.5 15.0  15  2  2 11 
854239  Electronic integrated circuits (excl. such as processors, 
controllers, memories and amplifiers)  1.2 7.0  1     1 WT/REG470/1  
 
- 24 - 
 
  HS 
number  Product description  
(%) global exports  MFN 2021  
2022 
2026 
2036 
2041 
Remaining Dutiable  MFN Avg. Tariff (%)  
MFN Duty -free lines  
MFN Dutiable lines  
890190  Vessels for the transport of goods and vessels for the 
transport of both persons and goods (excl. refrigerated 
vessels, tankers, ferry -boats and vessels principally 
designed for the transport of persons)  1.1 15.0  10 10     
330499  Beauty or make -up preparations and preparations for the 
care of the skin (other than medicaments), incl. 
sunscreen or suntan preparations (excl. medicaments, lip 
and eye make -up preparations, manicure or pedicure 
preparations and make -up or skin care powders, incl. 
baby powders)  1.0 35.0  3     3 
870322  Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed 
for the transport of <10 persons, incl. station wagons 
and racing cars, with only spark -ignition internal 
combustion reciprocating piston engine of a cylinder 
capacity > 1.000 cm³ but <= 1.500 cm³ (excl. vehicles 
for travelling on snow  and other specially designed 
vehicles of subheading 8703.10)  0.9 24.5 6 14     14 
853400  Printed circuits  0.9 3.5 2 2 2     
850760  Lithium -ion accumulators (excl. spent)  0.9 21.7  3 3     
290243  p-Xylene  0.9 7.0  1 1     
870324  Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed 
for the transport of <10 persons, incl. station wagons 
and racing cars, with only spark -ignition internal 
combustion reciprocating piston engine of a cylinder 
capacity > 3.000 cm³ (excl. vehicles for travelling on 
snow and other specially designed vehicles of subheading 
8703.10)  0.8 23.3 6 12     12 
851712  Telephones for cellular networks "mobile telephones" or 
for other wireless networks  0.8 0.0 1       
901380  Liquid crystal devices, n.e.s.  and other optical appliances 
and instruments not elsewhere specified in chapter 90  0.8 35.0  3 3     
870380  Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed 
for the transport of <10 persons, incl. station wagons 
and racing cars, with only electric motor for propulsion 
(excl. vehicles for travelling on snow and other specially 
designed vehicles of subheading 8703.10)  0.7 23.3 6 12     12 
847989  Machines and mechanical appliances, n.e.s.  0.6 15.0  4 4     
870340  Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed 
for the transport of <10 persons, incl. station wagons 
and racing cars, with both spark -ignition internal 
combustion reciprocating piston engine and electric 
motor as motors for propulsion (excl. vehicles for 
travelling on snow, other specially designed vehicles of 
subheading 8703.10 and plug -in hybrids)  0.6 25.7 18 50     50 
854140  Photosensitive semiconductor devices, incl. photovoltaic 
cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up 
into panels; light emitting diodes (excl. photovoltaic 
generators)  0.6 2.8 3 2   1  1 
Total  46.6  51 233 60 2 1 2 168 
Note:  For the calculation of averages for non -ad valorem  tariffs, specific rates are excluded, and the 
ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. Based on the HS 2017 Nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Cambodia authorities and UNSD, Comtrade.  
__________