WT/REG335/1  
16 January 2014  
(14-0237)  Page: 1/29  
Committee on Regional Trade Agreements   
 
 FACTUAL PRESENTATION 
FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETW EEN CANADA AND JORDAN 
(GOODS) 
Report by the Secretariat 
This report, prepared for the considerat ion of the Free Trade Agreement between 
Canada and Jordan has been drawn up by the WTO Secretariat on its own 
responsibility and in full consultation with the Parties. 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). 
Any technical questions arising from this report may be addressed to Rohini Acharya 
(tel: +41 22 739 5874). Any statistical questions arising from this report may be 
addressed to Ms. Rowena Cabos (tel: +41 22 739 5185). WT/REG335/1 
 
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
Page 
1  TRADE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................. 3  
2  CHARACTERISTIC ELEMEN TS OF THE AGREEMENT ....................................................... 5  
2.1  Background Information .............................................................................................. 5  
3  PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS .............................................................................. 6  
3.1  Import duties and charges, and quantitative restrictio ns .................................................. 6  
3.1.1  General provisions ................................................................................................... 6  
3.1.2  Liberalization of trade and tari ff lines .......................................................................... 6  
3.1.3  Liberaliza tion schedule ............................................................................................. 8  
3.1.4  Tariff ra te quotas .................................................................................................... 10 
3.2  Rules of origin ........................................................................................................... 10 
3.3  Export duties and charges, and quantitative restrict ions .................................................. 12 
3.4  Regulatory Provisions of the Agreement ........................................................................ 12 
3.4.1  Standards .............................................................................................................. 12 
3.4.1.1  Sanitary and ph ytosanitary measures ..................................................................... 12 
3.4.1.2  Technical barriers to trade ..................................................................................... 12 
3.4.2  Safeguard mechanisms ............................................................................................ 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 ..................................................................................... 15 
3.4.6  Other regulations .................................................................................................... 16 
3.5  Sector-Specific Provis ions of the Agreement .................................................................. 16 
4  GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT .............................................................. 16  
4.1  Transp arency ............................................................................................................ 16 
4.2  Current payments and capital movements ..................................................................... 17 
4.3  Exceptions ................................................................................................................ 17 
4.4  Accession and Withdrawal ........................................................................................... 18 
4.5  Institutio nal framework .............................................................................................. 18 
4.6  Dispute settlem ent .................................................................................................... 19 
4.7  Relationship with other agr eements concluded by the Parties ........................................... 22 
4.8  Government  procurement ........................................................................................... 23 
4.9  Intellectual Pr operty Rights ......................................................................................... 23 
4.10  Other ................................................................................................................... .. 23 
4.10.1  Inve stment  .......................................................................................................... 23 
4.10.2  Environment and Labour ........................................................................................ 23 
ANNEX 1 ....................................................................................................................... . 26 
 WT/REG335/1 
 
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Key Facts 
 
Parties to the Agreement:  Canada and Jordan 
 
Date of Signature:   28 June 2009 
 
Date of Entry into Force:  1 October 2012 
 
Date of Notification:   10 April 2013 
 
Full implementation:   1 January 2016 
(tariff liberalization)  
 
1  TRADE ENVIRONMENT 
1.1.  The Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Jordan (hereinafter "the Agreement"), is 
aimed at establishing a free trade area between Canada and Jordan consistent with Article XXIV of 
GATT 1994. The Agreement is, inter alia , aimed at creating an expanded and secure market for 
the goods produced in their territories, reducing distortions to trade, establishing clear, 
transparent and mutually advantageous rules to govern their trade, ensuring a predictable 
commercial framework for business planning and enhancing the competitiveness of their firms in 
global markets. The Agreement covers trade in goods. 
1.2.   Canada's GDP in 2012 wa s US$1.82 trillion compared to US $31.2 billion for Jordan. Canada 
ranks as the world's eighth largest importer and exporter of merchandise (excluding intra-EU 
trade), accounting for 2.5% of world exports, while Jordan ranks 75th and 54th respectively for 
exports and imports accounting for 0.11% of worl d imports and 0.04% of world exports. Both 
exports and imports of the Parties are domina ted by manufactures, with 70% and 49.5% of 
Jordan's exports and imports respectively being manufactured products, while Canada's manufactured exports make up 46.3% of its total exports and 73.6% of total imports. Fuels and 
mining products are also important exports for Canada (32.7%) and imports for Jordan (31.5%). 
Their trade to GDP ratios during 2010-12 were 61.3 and 116.1 for Canada and Jordan, 
respectively. 
1.3.  Chart 1.1 below shows both bilateral trade between the Parties and their trade with the world 
from 2000 to 2012 for Canada and 2000-2011 for Jo rdan. While Canada maintained an overall 
trade surplus up to 2009, Jordan's deficit has widened especially since 2003 as growth in imports outpaced growth in exports. In their bilateral trade Canada has also maintained a trade surplus 
with Jordan during the period covered. 
1.4.  Chart 1.2 below shows the product composition of the Parties' bilateral and global trade by 
broad HS Section during the period 2009-2011. While Jordan's main global exports are chemicals (HS Section VI) (30% of total exports), textiles (HS Section XI) (14%) and machinery 
(HS Section XVI) (9%), almost three quarters (73%) of Canada's imports from Jordan are textiles, 
followed by chemicals (10%). Of Canada's four main global export categories (minerals (HS V), 
vehicles (HS XVII), machinery (HS XVI) and base metals (HS XV)) which accounted for 60.3% of 
its exports in 2009-11, machinery and vehicles accounted for 25% of Jordan's imports from 
Canada. Jordan's largest import from Canada was vegetable products (HS Section II) (26%) with wood and articles of wood (HS IX) accounting for 13% of imports from Jordan. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 Chart 1.1 Canada and Jordan: Merchandise bilateral trade and with world 
0.00.20.40.60.81.0
0100200300400500600A. Canada 2000-2012
(US$ billions)
Imports from Jordan (Right Axis)
Exports to Jordan (Right Axis)
Total Imports
Total Exports
0.00.20.40.60.81.0
05101520B. Jordan 2000-2011 
(US$ billions)
Imports from Canada (Right Axis)
Exports to Canada (Right Axis)
Total Imports
Total Exports
 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database and ITC (Jordan 2005). 
 
Chart 1.2 Canada and Jordan: product co mposition of merchandise trade, annual 
average (2009-2011) 
7310755Canada imports from Jordan (%)
25
16
1197543333226Canada's Global Imports (%)
30
14
98875533334Jordan's Global Exports (%)
26
15
131010643211Jordan's imports from Canada (%)
24
14
9
886664489Jordan's Global Imports(%)
26
14
118754442228Canada's Global Exports(%)Total: US$ 18 million Total: US$ 388 billion
Total: US$ 16 billionTotal: US$ 384 billionTotal:  US$ 7 billion
Total: US$ 70 million
Animal 
products
Vegetables Chemicals
PlasticsWood& articles 
of wood
Wood pulpPrecious 
stones
Base metalsVehicles
Optical OtherMiscellaneous
Prepared 
foodsMachinery TextilesMinerals
 
 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 2  CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT 
2.1  Background Information 2.1.  Building on the respective rights and obligations of the Parties under the Marrakesh 
Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other multilateral and bilateral 
instruments of cooperation, the Agreement between Canada and Jordan was signed on 28 June 
2009 and entered into force for both Parties on 1 October 2012. 
2.2.  The Agreement was notified to the WTO on 10 April 2013 under Article XXIV:7(a) of 
GATT 1994.
1 
2.3.  The text of the Agreement with related annexes is available on the Parties' official websites:  Canada:  
"http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreem ents-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/jordan-
jordanie/agreement-toc-tdm-accord.aspx?lang=eng&view=d" 
 
Jordan:  
http://www.mit.gov.jo/portals/0/A RAB%20Jordan%20FTA%20-210609.pdf  
 
2.4.  The Agreement is composed of a Preamble, 16 Chapters (including Annex 4-1) and 2 
separate Annexes: 
Box 2.1  
Structure of the Agreement 
Preamble 
Chapter 1: Initial Provisions and General Definitions 
Chapter 2: National Treatment and Market Access for Goods 
Chapter 3: Electronic Commerce 
Chapter 4: Rules of Origin 
Chapter 5: Customs Procedures 
Chapter 6: Trade Facilitation 
Chapter 7: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 
Chapter 8: Emergency Action 
Chapter 9: Monopolies and State Enterprises 
Chapter 10: Environment 
Chapter 11: Labour 
Chapter 12: Transparency 
Chapter 13: Administration of the Agreement 
Chapter 14: Dispute Settlement 
Chapter 15: Exceptions 
Chapter 16: Final Provisions 
Annex I: Schedule of Canada - List of Pr oducts Excluded from Tariff Elimination 
Annex II: Tariff Schedule of Jordan 
Source: The Agreement. 
                                               
1 WTO document WT/REG335/N/1, 12 April 2013. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 2.5.  In addition the Parties have two separa te agreements, the Agreement on the Environment 
and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation which came into force on 1 October 2012. In addition, there is a separate agreement on investment, which entered into force on 28 June 2009.  
3  PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS  
3.1  Import duties and charges,  and quantitative restrictions 
3.1.1  General provisions 3.1.  Chapter 2 covers trade in goods. Under Article 2-1 the Parties commit to provide each other 
national treatment in trade in goods in accordance with Article III of GATT 1994 which is 
incorporated into the Agreement. However, Article 2-2 does not apply to certain measures or actions listed in Annex 2-2; for imports these concern items prohibited for import by Canada and Jordan.
2 Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, neither Party may increase any existing 
customs duty, or adopt any customs duty, on an originating good and will eliminate their customs 
duties on originating goods in accordance with the rules set out in Annex 2-3, except as otherwise provided in the Agreement (Article 2-3).  
3.2.  At the request of a Party, the Parties shall consult to consider accelerating the elimination of 
customs duties set out in their Schedules to Annex 2-3 or incorporating into a Schedule goods that 
are not subject to tariff elimination. An agreement between the Parties to accelerate the 
elimination of a customs duty on a good or to include a good in a Schedule shall supersede any 
duty rate or staging category determined pursuant  to their Schedules for that good when approved 
by each Party in accordance with its applicable legal procedures. In addition, a Party may, consistent with the WTO Agreement, modify its tariffs outside the Agreement on goods for which 
no tariff preference is claimed under the Agreement; raise a customs duty to the level established 
in its Schedule to Annex 2 - 3 following a unilateral reduction; or maintain or increase a customs duty as authorized by the Dispute Settlement Bo dy of the WTO in a dispute between the Parties 
under the WTO Agreement. 
3.3.  Neither Party may apply a customs duty to a good, regardless of its origin, that re-enters its 
territory after that good has been exported from it s territory to the territory of the other Party for 
repair or alteration or that is imported temporarily from the territory of the other Party for repair 
or alteration (Article 2-4). 
3.4.  Article 2-5 stipulates that except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, particularly in 
Annex 2-2, neither Party may adopt or maintain any prohibition or restriction on the import (or 
export) of any good of (to) the other Party, except in accordance  with Article XI of the GATT 1994, 
which is incorporated into and made part of the Agreement. In the event that a Party adopts or 
maintains a prohibition or restriction on the import of a good from a non-party, it may limit or 
prohibit the import of the good concerned from th e other Party or require as a condition of export 
of the good to the other Party that the good not be re-exported to the non-party directly or indirectly. In such cases at the request of the othe r Party, the Parties shall consult with a view to 
avoiding undue interference with or distortion of pricing, marketing, or distribution arrangements 
in the other Party. 
3.5.  The above-mentioned rules do not apply to the measures set out in Annex 2-2. The Parties 
shall make available to each other any amendments to the measures set out in the Annex 2-2. 
3.1.2  Liberalization of trade and tariff lines 
3.6.  The base rate of customs duty shall be th e MFN rate applied on January 1, 2008. Annex 2-3 
provides the tariff elimination schedule for the Parties. For Canada, customs duties shall be 
                                               
2 Other restrictions include, the import of any g oods of the prohibited provisions of tariff items 
9897.00.00, 9898.00.00,and 9899.00.00 referred to in Canada’s Schedule of the Customs Tariff,  Canadian 
excise duties on absolute alcohol used in manufacturing under the existing provisions of the Excise Act 2001, 
S.C. 2002, cc 22 as amended; measures by Canada relating to the use of ships in the Coasting trade of 
Canada; the internal sale and distribution of wine and distilled spirits; and any actions by Canada and Jordan 
authorized by the Dispute Settlement Body of the WTO in a dispute between the Parties under the WTO Agreement. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 eliminated as of the date of entry into force of  the Agreement, except as otherwise listed in 
Canada's Schedule to Annex 2-3. The products listed in the Schedule to Annex 2-32 are almost all (except one line) subject to tariff rate quotas under Canada's WTO commitments.  
3.7.  For Jordan, tariff elimination is to be carried out in stages with tariffs on goods in category A 
being liberalized immediately; in three equal stages beginning on the entry into force of the 
Agreement and liberalized on 1 January of Year 3 (2014) for goods in category B; in five equal stages beginning at the date of entry into force and liberalized on 1 January of Year 5 (2016) for 
goods in category C. Tariffs for goods in category D are to be reduced in five equal stages by a 
margin of preference of the base rate of 10% (thus reaching 50% of the base rate by 1 January 2016). If Jordan's MFN applied rate of du ty for goods in category D is reduced below the 
base rate, the duties on goods in category D will be reduced proportionately. Finally, duties on 
goods in category E are excluded from tariff  elimination or reduction under the Agreement.
3 
3.8.  Tariff and trade liberalization is detailed in Tables 3.1A and B for Canada and Jordan 
respectively. At the time the Agreement entered into force in 2012 Canada already provided 
duty-free treatment on an MFN basis for 64.9% of its tariff, corresponding to 19.1% of its average 
imports from Jordan during 2009-2011.4 A further 33.7% of the tariff (2,440 tariff lines) was 
liberalized for imports from Jordan, which corresponded to 80.9% of Canada's imports from Jordan 
during 2009-2011. Once the tariff liberalization commitments are fully implemented, 101 tariff 
lines or 1.4% of the tariff will continue to remain dutiable; 100 of these lines are subject to tariff rate quotas and the in quota duties on these lines are liberalized for imports from Jordan. 
3.9.  For Jordan, when the Agreement entered into force in 2012, 3,060 tariff lines (49.5%) were 
duty free for all sources of imports, corresponding to a value of 71.6% of its imports from Canada 
during 2009-2011.
5 In 2012, a further 17.8% of the tariff was liberalized for imports from Canada, 
corresponding to 27.3% of Jordan's imports from  Canada during 2009-2011. A further 583 (9.4%) 
and 1,407 (22.8%) lines will be liberalized in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Following full 
implementation in 2016 Jordan will maintain tariffs on 33 lines (0.5% of the tariff). 
Table 3.1 Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement and corresponding 
average trade  
A. Canada 
Duty phase-out 
period Number of 
lines % of total lines 
in Canada's tariff 
schedule Value of Canada's 
imports from Jordan 
(2009-2011) 
in million US$ a % of 
Canada's 
total imports 
from  
Jordan 
2009-2011 
MFN duty free (2012)  4,704 64.9 3.4 19.1 
2012 2,440 33.7 14.2 80.9 
Remain dutiable 101b 1.4 0.0 0.0 
Total 7,251c 100.0 17.6 100.0 
 
a Import coverage is from HS chapters 1-97. 
b 100 lines are subject to TRQ at the MFN level where in quota tariffs are already duty-free. c 6 tariff lines under HS chapter 17 only relates to Canada-Peru FTA (17019110, 17019910, 
17029021, 17029061, 17029070 and 17029081). These tariff lines are only included for completeness of the tariff line count but are excluded in the Canada-Jordan FTA. 
Note: Tariff lines subject to in quota rates are excluded  in the computation; for the calculation of averages, 
specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. 
 Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature.  Source:  WTO estimates based on data  provided by Canada and WTO-IDB. 
                                               
3 The staged rates of customs duties are to be rounded down, except as indicated in Jordan's schedule 
to Annex 2-2, at least to the nearest tenth of a percentage point, or if the rate of duty is expressed in monetary units, at least to the nearest 0.001 of  the official monetary unit of the Party. 
4 In 2012 Canada's MFN applied tariff had 7,251 lines at the HS 8-digit level of which 6,962 had 
ad valorem  rates of duty. Of the non ad valorem  rates 153 had mixed rates of duty, and 88 and 42 with 
specific and compound rates respectively. 
5 In 2012 Jordan's MFN applied tariff had 6,183 tariff lines at the HS 8-digit level of which 6,176 lines 
had ad valorem  rates of duty. Six lines carried compound rates. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 Table 3.1 Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement and corresponding 
average trade 
B. Jordan 
Duty phase-out 
period Number of 
lines % of total lines 
in Jordan's 
tariff schedule Value of Jordan's 
imports from Canada 
(2009-2011) 
in million US$ % of Jordan's total 
imports from  
Canada 2009-2011 
MFN duty free (2012)  3,060 49.5 36.6 71.6 
2012 1,100 17.8 13.9 27.3 
2014 583 9.4 0.1 0.2 
2016 1,407 22.8 0.4 0.9 
Remain dutiable 33 0.5 0.0 0.0 
Total 6,183 100.0 51.1 100.0 
 
Note: For the calculation of averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  parts of alternate 
rates are included. 
 Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature.  Source:  WTO estimates based on data  provided by Jordan and WTO-IDB. 
 
3.1.3  Liberalization schedule 
3.10.  Further details about the Parties' tariff elimination under the Agreement are presented by 
broad HS Section in Tables 3.2 and 3.3 and by HS Chapter in Chart 3.1. Table 3.2 below shows 
that once the agreement is fully implemented by Ca nada, tariffs will remain in HS Sections I, III, 
IV and VI (live animals and animal products, animal or vegetable fats and oils, prepared foods and chemicals and chemical products), while Table 3.3 sh ows that for Jordan tariff will remain dutiable 
in HS sections I and IV (live animals and animal  products and prepared foods). The average final 
tariffs by broad HS Section will range from 138.3%  to 228.9% for Canada and 25.3% to 99.8% for 
Jordan. As indicated above, Canada liberalizes in-quota duties for imports from Jordan for all but 
one of these products but maintains out of quota duties at the current applied MFN rates. 
3.11.  Chart 3.1 shows that the remaining tariffs are found in HS Chapters 1, 2-4, 15-16, 18-19, 
21-23 and 35 for Canada and HS Chapters 2, 16, 22 and 24 for Jordan. Canada's final average preferential duties are the same as the applied average in these Chapters although additional 
access is provided to imports from Jordan for most of these products through zero in-quota duties. 
In the case of Jordan the average preferential ta riff is the same as the average MFN tariff for the 
corresponding lines in HS Chapters 2, 16 and 24 im plying no preferential liberalization for these 
tariffs. In Chapters 22, the average MFN rate is 162.7%, compared to a lower preferential average 
of 150.7%. 
Table 3.2 Canada: Tariff elimination under the Agreement, by HS Section 
 
HS 
Section MFN 
average
% No. of 
lines No. of duty-free lines in  
MFN 2012 Duty-free lines 
under the 
Agreement Remain 
dutiable b Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable) 
2012 
I 37.9 408 278 61 69 227.7 
II 4.1 467 278 189   
III 8.0 68 25 42 1 218.0 
IV 17.1 539  160 346 27 228.9 
V 0.4 158 150 8   
VI 1.4 876 717 155 4 138.3 
VII 1.8 302 210 92   
VIII 3.3 98 65 33   
IX 2.4 133 75 58   
X 0.0 141 141    
XI 5.8 1,246 586 660   
XII 10.7 100 28 72   
XIII 2.1 168 110 58   
XIV 1.7 60 45 15   
XV 1.3 669 533 136   
XVI 0.8 1,056 911 145   
XVII 5.4 238 101 137   
XVIII 1.7 289 201 88   
XIX 3.8 29 7 22   WT/REG335/1 
 
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 HS 
Section MFN 
average
% No. of 
lines No. of duty-free lines in  
MFN 2012 Duty-free lines 
under the 
Agreement Remain 
dutiable b Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable) 
2012 
XX 5.3 197 76 121   
XXI 1.4 9 7 2   
Total 5.8 7,251 a 4,704 2,440 101 226.0 
 
a 6 tariff lines under HS Section IV only relate to the Canada-Peru FTA (17019110, 17019910, 
17029021, 17029061, 17029070 and 17029081). These tariff lines are only included for completeness of the tariff line count but are excluded in the Canada-Jordan FTA. 
b 100 lines are subject to TRQ at the MFN level where in quota tariffs are already duty-free. Note: Tariff lines subject to in-quota rates are excl uded in the computation; for the calculation of 
averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. 
 Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature.  Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Canada.  
Table 3.3 Jordan: Tariff elimination und er the Agreement, by HS Section  
HS 
Section MFN 
average%  No. of 
lines No. of duty-free 
lines in 
MFN 2012 Number of  
duty-free lines under the 
Agreement Remain 
dutiable Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable) 
2012 2014 2016 
I 15.2 251 21 42 56 129 3 25.3 
II 16.6 318 80 45 57 136   
III 11.6 66 37 7 6 16   
IV 26.6 257 77 67 32 51 30 99.8 
V 8.8 160 94 8 19 39   
VI 1.7 894 723 48 109 14   
VII 5.6 290 174 48 36 32   
VIII 13.7 69 32 4 8 25   
IX 11.6 130 62 65 1 2   
X 12.9 225 97 128     
XI 9.5 835 470 51 23 291   
XII 26.4 50 5 6  39   
XIII 18.0 182 48 24 17 93   
XIV 16.1 59 1 10 24 24   
XV 11.7 731 313 68 129 221   
XVI 9.0 1,004 618 296 6 84   
XVII 10.1 204 84 71 23 26   
XVIII 13.8 291 102 64 31 94   
XIX 25.8 24  7 1 16   
XX 24.3 135 22 40 4 69   
XXI 27.0 8  1 1 6   
Total 11.0 6,183 3,060 1,100 583 1,407  33 93.0 
 
Note: For the calculation of averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  parts of alternate 
rates are included. 
 Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature.  Source:  WTO estimates based on data  provided by Jordan and WTO-IDB. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 Chart 3.1 Canada and Jordan: Average of dutiable rates, by HS Chapter 
050100150200250300
01 02 04 15 16 18 19 21 22 23 35050100150200250300
02 16 22 24A. Canada B. JordanAverage rate of duty (%)  
Average rate of duty (%)  
HS Chapter HS Chapter
MFN Preferential
 
Note on Canada: Tariff lines subject to in-quota ra tes are excluded in the computation of Canada and 
Jordan: the calculation of averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are 
included.   Source: WTO Secretariat estimates based on the WTO-IDB and the data provided by the authorities of 
Canada and Jordan. 
 
3.1.4  Tariff rate quotas 
3.12.  For all products subject to WTO tariff rate quotas (approximately 100 tariff lines), except 
one, Canada provides additional market access for imports from Jordan through zero rates of in-
quota duties.  
3.2  Rules of origin 
3.13.  Rules of origin are addressed in Chapter 4 while customs procedures are covered in 
Chapter 5. There are also provisions on trade facilitation in Chapter 6 (see section 3.4.5 below). Under Article 4-1 a good is considered originating where: 
a. it is wholly obtained or produced entirely in the territory of one or both of the Parties
6; 
b. each of the non-originating materials used in the production of the good undergoes an 
applicable change in tariff classification (CTC) either at the Chapter, sub-heading or heading level, in accordance with Annex 4-1 on specific rules of origin, as a result of 
production occurring entirely in the territory of one or both of the Parties, or in 
accordance with other applicable requirements of that Annex when the good satisfies all other applicable requirements of Chapter 4 where no change in tariff classification is 
required; 
c. the good is produced entirely in the territory of one or both of the Parties, exclusively 
from originating materials; or 
d. except as provided in Annex 4-1 or except fo r a good of HS Chapter 39 or HS Chapters 
50-63, one or more of the non-originating materials used in the production of the good cannot satisfy the requirements set out in Annex 4-1 because both the good and the 
                                               
6 As defined in paragraph 2 of Article 4-1. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 non-originating materials are classified in the same subheading or heading that is not 
further subdivided into subheadings, provided that: the good is produced entirely in the 
territory of one or both of the Parties; the value of the non-originating materials classified as or with the good does not exc eed 65% of the transaction value of the good; 
and the good satisfies all other applicable requirements of Chapter 4. 
3.14.  Except for wholly produced and obtained products, in cases where the applicable rules of 
origin in Annex 4-1 require a value test, the value test shall be satisfied provided the value of 
non-originating materials used in the production of the good does not exceed a given percentage 
(for the most part ranging from 35% to 65%) of the transaction value of the good (Article 4-2). 
For goods in headings 87.01-87.08 an alternate rule may be used at the choice of an exporter or a 
producer of such good with the value test being met if the value of non-originating materials used 
in the production of the good does not exceed a given percentage of either the transaction value 
or the net cost of the good whose calculation is defined in paragraph 3 of Article 4-2. 
3.15.  Accumulation between the Parties is perm itted where the production of a good in the 
territory of one or both Parties by one or more producers shall, at the choice of the exporter or 
producer of the good for which preferential tariff tr eatment is claimed, be considered to have been 
performed in the territory of either of the Parties by that exporter or producer, provided that all 
non-originating materials used in the production of the good satisfy the requirements set out in 
Annex 4-1 entirely in the territory of one or both  of the Parties; and the good satisfies all other 
applicable requirements of Chapter 4 (Article 4- 3). Paragraph 2 of the same Article also permits 
cumulation with third Parties, provided that both Parties have free trade agreements, with a 
provision of effect equivalent to Paragraph 2, with the same third party; where the provisions in 
force between one of the Parties and the third party apply only to certain goods or under certain conditions, the other Party may limit the application of paragraph 2 to those goods and under 
those conditions and as otherwise set out in the Agreement (Article 4-3 paragraph 3).  
3.16.  The Agreement under Article 4-4 has a de minimus provision which treats a good as 
originating if the value of all non-originating materials used in the production of the good that do 
not undergo an applicable CTC set out in Annex 4-1 does not exceed 10% of the transaction value 
of the good, provided that the good satisfies th e applicable requirements of Chapter 4. If the 
specific rules of origin applicable to the good require that non-originating materials not exceed a maximum percentage of the total value, the value of such non-originating materials shall be 
included in calculating the value of non-originating materials. Unless the specific rules of origin 
state so, these rules do not apply to non-originating material used in the production of a good of HS Chapters 1-21 unless the non-originating material is under a different subheading from the 
good for which origin is being determined under Article 4-4. For goods in HS Chapters 50-60, 
headings 63.01-63.05, subheading 6307.10 or 6307.90, heading 63.08 or a new rag of heading 63.10, that does not originate because certain non-originating yarns or fabrics used in the 
production of the good do not fulfill the specific rules of origin requirements, shall nonetheless be 
considered originating if the total weight of all such yarns or fabrics does not exceed 10% of the total weight of that good. For HS Chapters 61 and 62 the specific rule applying to the good shall apply only to the component that determines the tariff classification of the good and the 
component must satisfy the CTC rule for the good; for goods in heading 63.06 and subheading 
6307.20 the rule requires a change from any other Chapter provided that the good is both cut (or 
knit to shape) and sewn or otherwise assembled in the territory of either Party. 
3.17.  Chapter 4 also contains rules for determining the origin of fungible materials and goods 
(Article 4-5), sets or assortments of goods (Article 4-6), accessories, spare parts and tools (Article 4-7), indirect materials (Article 4-8) and intermediate materials used in production 
(Article 4-9), and packaging and packaging materials for retail sale and shipment (Articles 4-10 
and 4-11 respectively).  
3.18.  Transshipment is not permitted if, subsequent to production that complies with the specific 
rules of origin in the Agreement, a good undergoes further production or any other operation 
outside the territories of the Parties, other than unloading, reloading or any other operation 
necessary to preserve it in good condition or to transport the good to the territory of a Party; or does not remain under customs control while outside the territories of the Parties. 
 WT/REG335/1 
 
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 3.19.  Under Chapter 5, certificates of origin are required for all imports except imports of goods 
whose customs value does not exceed US$1,000 or its equivalent in the Party's currency or any 
higher amount as it may establish or where the Party has waived the requirement of a certificate of orig in p ro vid e d  that the  imp ort d oe s  not form p art of a s e ri e s  of imp ort s  that the  i mp orting 
Party reasonably considers has been done to circumvent the certificate of origin requirements 
(Article 5-3). Verification of origin may be cond ucted by the competent authority of the importing 
Party through letters and questionnaires requesting information from the exporter or producer and 
visits to their premises to review records and observe their facilities and other as well as through 
any other means of communication used by the authority to conduct its verification. The Parties will also provide for the authority to request the importer of the good to voluntarily obtain and 
supply information voluntarily obtained from the expo rter or producer provided that the failure of 
the importer to provide the information will not be considered a failure by the producer or exporter 
to provide the information or as ground for denyin g preferential tariff treatment. The exporter or 
producer is to be provided up to 30 days which can be extended once by a period not exceeding 
30 days upon written request to the importing Party. A failure to provide the information requested 
or by the deadline or extended deadline may lead  to the importing Party denying benefits to the 
good concerned. The Party conducting the verification must provide the exporter or producer 
whose good is the subject of the verification a written determination of whether the good qualifies 
for preferential treatment including findings of fact and the legal basis for the determination. If it is determined that the good does not qualify for preferential treatment, the Party must provide 
written notice of its intent to deny preferential treatment in its determination while the exporter or 
producer must be given at least 30 days in which to respond with written comments or additional 
information for the verification. 
3.3  Export duties and charges,  and quantitative restrictions 
3.20.  Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, neither Party may adopt or maintain any 
prohibition or restriction on the export or sale for export of any good destined for the territory of the other Party, except in accordance with Articl e XI of the GATT 1994, and to this end Article XI 
of the GATT 1994 is incorporated into and made a part of the Agreement (Article 2-5). Under 
Annex 2-2 however, restrictions and prohibitions may be maintained by Canada on exports of logs of all species and unprocessed fish pursuant to applicable provincial legislation while Jordan may maintains export restrictions and prohibitions pursuant to the Decision by the Council of Ministers 
in accordance with the Import and Export Law No. 21 of 2001, and its amendments provided that 
the restriction or prohibition is coherent with Articles 15-1 and 15-2. 
3.21.   In the event that a Party adopts or mainta ins a prohibition or restriction on the export to a 
non-party of a good, that Party may require as a condition of the export by the Party to the 
territory of the other Party, that the good not be re-exported to the non-party, directly or 
indirectly, without being consumed in the territory of the other Party. 
3.22.  The rules mentioned in Article 2-5 do not apply to the measures set out in Annex 2-2. The 
Parties shall make available to each other any amendments to the measures set out in Annex 2-2. 
3.4  Regulatory Provisions of the Agreement 3.4.1  Standards 
3.4.1.1  Sanitary and phytosanitary measures 
3.23.  Article 7 of the Agreement provides that th e rights and obligations of the Parties in respect 
of sanitary and phytosanitary measures (as the term is defined in Annex A of the SPS Agreement) 
shall be governed by the WTO SPS Agreement. 
3.4.1.2  Technical barriers to trade 3.24.  Article 2-7 of the Agreement provides that  the rights and obligations of the Parties in 
respect of technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures (as defined in 
Annex 1 of the TBT Agreement) are governed by  the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to 
Trade. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 3.25.  Each Party must ensure that its transpar ency procedures on the development of technical 
regulations and conformity assessment procedures allow interested Parties to participate at an early appropriate stage when amendments can still be introduced and comments taken into account, except where urgent problems of safety, health, environmental protection, or national 
security arise or threaten to arise. Each Party shall recommend to standardization bodies in its 
territory that they observe these procedures for their consultation processes in the development of standards and voluntary conformity assessment procedures. Where a consultation process on the 
development of technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures is open to the public, 
each Party shall permit persons of the other Party to participate on terms no less favourable than those accorded to its own persons. 
3.26.  Each Party shall allow a period of at least 60 days following its notification to the WTO's 
Central Registry of Notifications of proposed technical regulations and conformity assessment 
procedures, for the other Party to provide written comments, except where urgent problems of safety, health, environmental protection, or national security arise or threaten to arise. 
3.27.  Each Party shall, on the request of the other Party, provide information regarding the 
objectives of and rational for, a technical regula tion or conformity assessment procedure that the 
Party has adopted or is proposing to adopt. 
3.28.  Any issue raised by a Party related to the development, adoption or the application of 
standards, technical regulations or conformity a ssessment procedures in the territory of the other 
Party may be discussed in the Committee on Trade in Goods and Rules of Origin. 
3.29.  These commitments only apply to the national Governments of the Parties. Each Party shall 
take such reasonable measures as may be available to it to ensure the compliance of subnational 
governments with Article 2-8 as appropriate. Article 2-7 also does not apply to purchasing specifications prepared by a governmental body for production or consumption requirements of a 
governmental body. 
3.30.  Each Party shall designate a contact poin t, which shall be responsible for communications 
related to all matters pertaining to Article 2-8 with the relevant authorities in its territory. Although 
no contact points have been established, the Parties indicate the following may be contacted if 
required: for Canada the Director, Technical Barriers and Regulations Division in Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada and for Jordan Director, Foreign Trade Policies and Relations in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply. 
3.4.2  Safeguard mechanisms 
3.4.2.1   Global Safeguards 3.31.  The Parties retain their rights and obli gations under Article XIX of the GATT 1994 and the 
Agreement on Safeguards  of the WTO Agreement (Chapter 8, Article 8-1). 
3.4.2.2  Bilateral Safeguards 3.32.  Bilateral safeguards under Article 8-2 may only be used during the transition period (ten 
years from the entry into force of the Agreement,  unless mutually extended by the Parties or by 
the Joint Commission). If an originating good, as a result of the reduction or elimination of a duty provided for in the Agreement, is being imported  into the territory of the other Party in such 
increased quantities, in absolute terms, and under  such conditions that the imports of the good 
from that Party alone constitute a principal cause of serious injury or threat to a domestic industry 
producing a like or directly competitive good, the Party into whose territory the good is being imported may to the minimum extent necessary to remedy or prevent the injury: suspend the 
further reduction of any rate of duty provided  for under the Agreement on the good; and/or 
increase the rate of duty on the good to a leve l not to exceed the lesser of (i) the most-favoured-
nation (MFN) applied rate of duty at the time the action is taken, and (ii) the MFN applied rate of 
duty in effect on the day immediately preceding the date of entry into force of this Agreement; or 
in the case of a duty applied to a good on a season al basis, increase the rate of duty to a level not 
to exceed the MFN applied rate of duty that was in  effect on the good for the corresponding season 
immediately preceding the date of entry into force of the Agreement. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 3.33.  The Party starting an investigation shall, without delay, deliver to the other Party written 
notice of, and a request for consultations regarding, the institution of a proceeding that could result in the application of a bilateral safeguard against an originating good.  
3.34.  Any safeguard shall be initiated no later than one year after the date of institution of the 
proceeding. No safeguard may be maintained for a period exceeding three years, or beyond the 
expiry of the transition period, except with the consent of the Party against whom the action is 
taken. Bilateral safeguards may not be taken by a Party against the same originating good more 
than twice during the transition period provided that the period of non-application is at least two 
years. Upon the termination of a safeguard, the ra te of duty shall be the rate that, according to 
the Party's Schedule to Annex 2-3 for the staged elimination of the tariff, would have been in 
effect but for the safeguard. In order to facilitate the adjustment in a situation where the expected 
duration of a bilateral safeguard is over one year, the Party taking the action shall progressively 
liberalize it at regular intervals during the period of application. 
3.35.  The Party taking an action under Article 8-2 shall provide to the other Party mutually agreed 
trade liberalizing compensation in the form of concessions having substantially equivalent trade 
effects or equivalent to the value of the additional duties expected to result from the action. If the Parties are unable to agree on the compensation, the Party against whom the action is taken may 
take tariff action having trade effects substantiall y equivalent to the trade effects of the emergency 
action over the full period of its application. The Party taking the tariff action shall apply the action only for the minimum period necessary to achieve the substantially equivalent effects. The right to take such tariff action shall not be exercised for the first 12 months that a bilateral safeguard is in 
effect, provided that the Parties consult actively with a view to finding mutually agreed 
compensation. Until such time as compensation is mutually agreed, or until the 12 month period has expired, the Joint Commission shall meet ev ery three months at the request of the Party 
against whose goods the action is taken to discuss the continued application of the action and with 
a view to finding mutually agreed compensation. 
3.36.  The Parties will ensure the consistent, impartial and reasonable administration of their laws, 
regulations, decisions and rulings governing a ll safeguard proceedings. They shall entrust 
determinations of serious injury, or threat thereof, in a safeguard investigation to a competent investigating authority.
7 Furthermore, negative injury determinations will not be subject to 
modifications. The Parties will only apply safeguar ds following an investigation by their competent 
investigating authorities in accordance with Articl es 3 and 4.2 of the Agreement on Safeguards and 
will maintain equitable, timely, transparent and effective procedures for safeguard proceedings in 
accordance with these requirements (Article 8-3). 
3.4.3  Anti-dumping and countervailing measures 
3.37.  The WTO Agreement exclusively governs the rights and obligations of the Parties in respect 
of the application of anti-dumping and counterva iling measures, including the settlement of any 
disputes in respect thereof (Article 1-3). 
3.4.4  Subsidies and State-aid 3.38.  The WTO Agreement exclusively governs the rights and obligations of the Parties in respect 
of the application of subsidies, including the settlement of any disputes in respect thereof 
(Article 1-3). 
3.39.  There are no provisions in the Agreement on State aid. Under Chapter 9 the Parties are 
permitted to designate and maintain an existi ng State monopoly (Article 9-1) and a State 
enterprise (Article 9-2). Where a Party intends to designate a State monopoly and where the 
designation may affect the interests of persons of the other Party, the Party shall wherever possible provide prior written notification to the other Party before the designation, and endeavour 
to introduce at the time of designation such conditions on the operation of the monopoly so as to 
minimize or eliminate any nullification or impairment of benefits within the scope of paragraph 1(c) of Article 14-2 of the Agreement (Dispute Settlement). 
                                               
7 For Canada, the Canadian International Trade Tribun al or its successor notified to Jordan through 
diplomatic channels and for Jordan, the National Producti on Protection Directorate (N PPD) at the Ministry of 
Industry and Trade or its successor notified  to Canada through diplomatic channels. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 3.40.  The Parties will ensure through regulatory control, administrative supervision or other 
measures that all designated monopolies (private or public), acts in a manner that is not inconsistent with the Parties' obligations under the Agreement wherever such a monopoly exercises any regulatory, administrative or governme ntal authority delegated to it by the Party for 
the good concerned such as the power to grant import or export licences, approve commercial 
transactions or impose quotas, fees or other charges. The Parties shall ensure that the monopoly acts solely in accordance with commercial considerations in its purchase or sale of the monopoly 
good in the relevant market, including with respect to price, quality, availability, marketability, 
transportation and other terms and conditions of purchase or sale; provides non-discriminatory treatment to goods of the other Party in its purchase or sale of the monopoly good in the relevant market; and does not use is monopoly position to en gage, either directly or indirectly (including in 
dealings with its parent, subsidiary or other commonly owned companies), in anticompetitive 
practices in a non-monopolized market in its territory that adversely affects the other Party including through the discriminatory provision of the monopoly good. These conditions do not 
apply to procurement by government agencies of goods for governmental purposes and not for 
commercial resale or for use in the production of goods for commercial sale. Any State enterprise maintained by the Parties must provide non-discriminatory treatment in the sales of its goods. 
3.41.  Chapter 9 does not apply to practices and arrangements that are exempted from the 
application of national competition legislation. The Parties will provide each other public information on exemptions and relevant changes to their national competition legislation. 
3.4.5  Customs-related procedures 
3.42.  Chapter 5 of the Agreement establishes Customs Procedures, while Chapter 6 covers trade 
facilitation. 
3.43.  Article 5-1 requires the Parties to establish, by the date of entry into force of the 
Agreement, a Certificate of Origin which can be modified thereafter as agreed by them, for the 
purpose of certifying that a good being exported fr om the territory of a Party into the territory of 
the other Party qualifies as an originating good.  
3.44.  Each Party shall apply a Certificate of Origin to a single importation of one or more goods 
into its territory. The Parties shall endeavour to modify the Certificate of Origin so that it may be used for multiple imports of identical goods into a Party's territory when these imports are carried out by the same importer and occur within a specified period, not exceeding 12 months. 
3.45.  Article 5-9 sets out provisions for advance rulings. Each Party shall provide for the 
expeditious issuance of written advance rulings, prio r to the import of a good into its territory, to 
an importer in its territory or an exporter or a producer in the territory of the other Party, on the 
basis of the facts and circumstances presented by su ch importer, exporter or producer of the good, 
concerning whether a good qualifies as an originating good under Chapter 4 (Rules of Origin). The competent authority during the course of the determination request additional information from 
the person requesting the ruling and must issue the ruling within 120 days of receipt of all the 
required information. A procedure for review and appeal of advance rulings is provided in Article 5-10 requiring each Party to grant substant ially the same rights of review and appeal of 
determinations of origin and advance rulings issued by its customs administration as it provides to 
importers in its territory to any person who completes and signs a certificate of origin that has 
been the subject of a determination of origin or wh o has received an advance ruling. In addition to 
Articles 12-3 and 12-4 (review and appeal of the Chapter on Transparency) each Party shall give 
access to at least one level of administrative review  independent of the official or office responsible 
for the determination under review and judicial or  quasi-judicial review of the determination or 
decision taken at the final level of administrative review in accordance with its domestic law. 
3.46.  Article 6-1 of Chapter 6 on trade facilitation aims to facilitate trade under the Agreement 
and cooperation to pursue trade facilitation initiatives on a multilateral basis. In this regard each Party shall administer its import and export processes for goods traded under the Agreement to the extent possible, inter alia , on the basis that procedures be efficient to reduce costs for 
importers and exporters and simplified where approp riate to achieve such efficiencies; be based on 
any international trade instruments or standards to which the Parties have agreed; be transparent to ensure predictability for importers and exporters. The Parties reaffirm their rights and WT/REG335/1 
 
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 obligations under Articles VIII and X of the GA TT 1994. They agree to release unrestricted, 
uncontrolled and non-regulated goods promptly except for certain goods and under certain circumstances which may require the submission of more extensive information before or at the time of arrival of the goods, to allow the authorities the time to examine the goods for release 
(Article 6-2). They will facilitate and simplify th eir procedures for the release of low risk goods and 
improve controls on the release of high risk goods by basing their examination and release and post entry verification procedures on risk management principles rather than comprehensively 
examining each shipment for compliance with all import requirements. Nevertheless, this shall not 
prevent them from conducting quality control and compliance reviews which may require more extensive examination. The Parties will also take steps to harmonize the data requirements of all 
agencies that have requirements on the import or export of goods to allow importers and 
exporters to present all required data to only one border agency. For the clearance of express 
consignments the Parties will apply, as much  as possible, the World Customs Organization 
"Guidelines for the Immediate Release of Consignm ents by Customs". They also endeavour to use 
common processes, and simplification of informatio n necessary for the release of goods, applying 
where appropriate existing international standa rds; and electronic exchange of information 
between competent authorities, and importers and exporters or their agents and representatives 
to encourage rapid release, also where possible ba sed on international standards such as the WCO 
recommendations.
8 Finally, each Party shall publish or otherwise make available including through 
electronic means all their legislation, regulations, judicial decisions and administrative rulings or policies of general application as well as general administrative notices relating to its requirements 
for imported or exported goods. 
3.47.  Article 6-3 recognizes that technical cooperation is fundamental to facilitating compliance 
with the obligations in the Agreement and for reaching a better degree of trade facilitation. The 
Parties agree to develop a technical cooperation programme in customs related areas such as 
training, risk assessment, prevention and dete ction of contraband and illegal activities, 
implementation of the Customs Valuation Agreemen t, audit and verification frameworks, customs 
laboratories, implementation of the WCO Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global 
Trade at Pillar 1, Customs to Customs Level, an d implementation of Chapter 6 of the Agreement. 
They will also cooperate in the development of effective mechanisms to communicate with the trade and business communities. Article 6-4 details a future work programme which may be 
reviewed periodically to add new cooperation actions. The Parties also agree to monitor work on 
trade facilitation in international agencies to identify areas where further joint action would 
facilitate trade between them and promote their shared multilateral objectives.  
3.4.6  Other regulations 
3.48.  Article 3-1 states that a Party shall not apply customs duties on products delivered 
electronically. The Article does not preclude a Party from imposing internal taxes or other internal 
charges on products delivered electronically, provid ed that such taxes or charges are imposed in a 
manner consistent with the Agreement. 
3.5  Sector-Specific Prov isions of the Agreement 
3.49.  There are no sector-specific provisions in the Agreements.  
4  GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT 
4.1  Transparency 4.1.  In addition to transparency provisions under various chapters, Chapter 12 deals with 
transparency. Article 12-1 states that each Party shall ensure that its laws, regulations, procedures 
and administrative rulings of general applicatio n respecting any matter covered by the Agreement 
are promptly published or otherwise made available in such a manner as to enable interested 
persons and the other Party to become acquainted with them. Each Party shall also, to the extent 
possible, publish in advance any such measure that it proposes to adopt and provide interested persons and the other Party a reasonable opportunity to comment on such proposed measures. 
                                               
8 Such as "Concerning the Use of UN/EDIFACT Rules for Electronic Data Exchange" and "Concerning the 
Use of Codes for the Representation of Data Elements". WT/REG335/1 
 
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 4.2.  Article 12-2 requires each Party notify the other Party of any proposed or actual measure 
that the Party considers might materially affect  the operation of the Agreement or otherwise 
substantially affect the other Party's interests under the Agreement. 
4.3.   On request of the other Party, a Party shall, to the maximum extent possible, promptly 
provide information and respond to questions pert aining to any actual or proposed measure, 
whether or not the other Party has been previously notified of that measure. 
4.4.  Any notification or information provided und er Article 12-2 shall not be determinative without 
prejudice as to whether the measure is consistent with the Agreement. 
4.5.  Article 12-3 requires each Party to ensure that its administrative proceedings applying to 
publication (Article 12-1 above) should ensure wherever possible that persons affected by the 
proceeding are provided reasonable notice in accordance with domestic procedures when a 
proceeding is initiated, that such persons are afforded a reasonable opportunity to present facts 
and arguments to support their positions prior to any final administrative action, and its procedures are in accordance with domestic laws. The Parties are also required to establish or 
maintain judicial, quasi-judicial or administrative tribunals or procedures to promptly review and 
where warranted, correction of final administrative actions. In such tribunals the Parties to the proceedings are to be provided a reasonable opportunity to support or defend their respective 
positions, and the right to a decision based on the evidence and submission of record, or where 
required by domestic law, the record compiled by the administrative authority (Article 12-4). Under Article 12-5 the Parties agree to cooperate to  the extent possible in bilateral, regional or 
multilateral fora on ways to promote transparency in international trade. Section B of Chapter 12 
covers a statement of principles on corruption and anti-corruption measures. The Parties also 
agree to work together in regional and multilateral fora to advance efforts to prevent and combat bribery and corruption in international trade. 
4.2  Current payments and capital movements 
4.6.  There are no provisions in the Agreemen t on current payments and capital movements.  
4.3  Exceptions 
4.7.  Chapter 15 of the Agreement establishes exceptions. Article 15-1 states that for the purposes 
of Chapters 2 (National Treatment and Market Access for Goods), 4 (Rules of Origin), 5 (Customs Procedures), 6 (Trade Facilitation) and 8 (E mergency Action), Article XX of GATT 1994 is 
incorporated into and made part of the Agreement. The Parties understand that the measures 
referred to in Article XX(b) of GATT 1994 include environmental measures necessary to protect 
human, animal or plant life or health and that Article XX(g) of GATT 1994 applies to measures relating to the conservation of living and non-living exhaustible natural resources. 
4.8.  Article 15-2 establishes exceptions relating to national security, stating that nothing in the 
Agreement shall be construed: to require either Party to furnish or allow access to any information the disclosure of which it determines to be contrary to its essential security interests to prevent 
either Party from taking any actions: that it considers necessary for the protection of its essential 
security interests; or in pursuance of its obligations under the United Nations Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security. 
4.9.  In addition under Article 15-3 nothing in the Agreement shall apply to taxation measures, 
except for the provisions enshrined in it, and under paragraph 2 nothing in the Agreement shall 
affect the rights and obligations of any Party under any tax convention. In the event of any 
inconsistency between the Agreement and any such convention, the convention shall prevail to the 
extent of the inconsistency. Notwithstanding paragraph 2, Article 2-2 and such other provisions of 
the Agreement as are necessary to give effect to the Article shall apply to taxation measures to the same extent as does Article III of the GATT 1994. 
4.10.  Nothing in the Agreement shall be construed to require a Party to furnish or allow access to 
information the disclosure of which would impede law enforcement or would be contrary to the Party's law protecting the deliberative and policy-making processes of the executive branch of government at the cabinet level, personal privacy or the financial affairs and accounts of individual WT/REG335/1 
 
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 customers of financial institutions (Article 15-4). In addition nothing in the Agreement shall be 
construed to require, during the course of any dispute settlement procedure under the Agreement, 
a Party to furnish or allow access to information protected under its competition laws, or a competition authority of a Party to furnish or allow access to any other information that is 
privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure. 
4.11.  Article 15-5 states that nothing in the Agreement shall be construed to apply to measures 
adopted or maintained by either Party with respect to cultural industries except as specifically 
provided in Article 2-3. 
4.12.  In case of overlapping rights and obligations in the Agreement and the  WTO Agreement, the 
Parties agree that any measures adopted by a Party in conformity with a waiver decision adopted by the World Trade Organization pursuant to pa ragraph 3 of Article IX of the WTO Agreement, 
shall be deemed to be also in conformity with the present Agreement. (Article 15-6). 
4.4  Accession and Withdrawal 4.13.  There are no provisions on accession by third Parties to the Agreement. 
4.14.  The Agreement shall remain in force unless terminated by either Party by written 
notification to the other Party. It shall terminat e six months after the date of such notification 
(Article 16-5). 
4.15.  The Agreement may be amended by either Party through written notification of the 
completion of the domestic procedures required for the entry into force of the amendment. Unless 
the Parties agree otherwise, the amendment shall en ter into force from the date of the second of 
these notifications (Article 16-3). 
4.5  Institutional framework 
4.16.  The Agreement establishes a Joint Commission comprised of the Parties' Ministers 
responsible for trade or a designee, to supervise the implementation of the Agreement; review the 
general functioning of the Agreement, including th e overall trade relationship between the Parties; 
oversee the further elaboration of the Agreem ent, including proposing amendments to the 
Agreement; supervise the work of all bodies es tablished under the Agreement; adopt procedural 
rules that shall apply to dispute settlement proceedi ngs, in addition to the provisions of Chapter 14 
(Dispute Settlement); and consider any other matter that may affect the operation of the Agreement.(Article 13-1).  
4.17.  The Commission may also adopt interpretati ve decisions concerning the Agreement that are 
binding on panels composed under Article 14-8; recommend to the Parties an extension of the 
transition period defined in Article 8-4 (Emergen cy Action); seek the advice of non-governmental 
persons or groups; take such other action in the exercise of its functions as the Parties may agree; 
and propose amendments to the Parties in accordan ce with the objectives of the Agreement, to: 
the schedule of a Party in Annex 2-3, for the purpose of adding one or more goods excluded in the Tariff Elimination Schedule, the phase-out periods in Annex 2-3, for the purpose of accelerating 
the tariff reduction, and the rules of origin in Annex 4-1. 
4.18.   At the request of the Committee on the Environment established under the Agreement on 
the Environment, the Commission may propose amendments to Annex 1-5 to include other MEAs, to include amendments to any MEAs, or remove any MEAs listed in that Annex. It shall consider 
the reports and recommendations of the Committee on the Environment, established under the 
Agreement on the Environment, in respect of an y issues related to trade and the environment. 
4.19.   The Commission may establish and delegate responsibilities to committees, subcommittees 
or working groups. The Parties clarify that no new committees or working groups have been 
created to date.  Except where specifically provided for in the Agreement, the committees, 
subcommittees and working groups shall work under a mandate recommended by the Contact 
Points referred to in Article 13-2 and approved by the Commission. The Commission shall establish 
its rules and procedures. All its decisions shall be taken by mutual agreement. The Commission shall convene as agreed, or upon the request in writ ing of either Party. Unless otherwise agreed by WT/REG335/1 
 
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 the Parties, meetings of the Commission may be held in person or by any technological means 
available and shall be held or deemed to be held alternately in the territory of each Party. 
4.20.   The Agreement also establishes a Committee on Trade in Goods and Rules of Origin, 
comprising representatives of each Party and headed by senior officials responsible for 
international trade matters of each Party. Article 2-8 stipulates that the Committee shall meet on 
the request of a Party or the Commission to consider any matter arising under Chapter 2 (National Treatment and Market Access for Goods), Chapter 4 (Rules of Origin), Chapter 5 (Customs 
Procedures), Chapter 6 (Trade Facilitation), Chapter 7 (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures), 
Chapter 8 (Emergency Action), or Chapte r 9 (Monopolies and State Enterprises). 
4.21.  Contact points are established in Article 13-2 and area to be notified by the Parties to: 
monitor the work of the Committee on Trade in Goods and Rules of Origin; recommend to the 
Commission the establishment of such bodies as they consider necessary to assist the 
Commission; coordinate preparations for Commission meetings; follow up on any decisions taken by the Commission, as appropriate; receive all notifications and information provided pursuant to 
the Agreement, and, as necessary, facilitate communications between the Parties on any matter 
covered by the Agreement; and deal with any other matter that may affect the operation of the Agreement, as mandated by the Commission. Regula r meetings of the Contact Points may be held 
as often as requested. Special meetings requested in writing may also be held within 30 days of 
receipt of the request. 
4.6  Dispute settlement 4.22.  Chapter 14 on dispute settlement states that the Parties shall at all times endeavour to 
agree on the interpretation and application of  the Agreement, and shall make every attempt 
through cooperation and consultations to arrive at a mutually satisfactory resolution of any matter that might affect its operation (Article 14-1). It shall apply to all disputes between the Parties 
regarding the interpretation or application of th e Agreement or wherever a Party considers that: 
a. an actual or proposed measure of the other Party is or would be inconsistent with the 
obligations of the Agreement; 
b. the other Party has otherwise failed to carry out its obligations under the Agreement; or 
c. any benefit that the Party could reasonably have expected to accrue to it under any 
provision of Chapters 2 (National Treatment and Market Access for Goods), 3 (Electronic Commerce), 4 (Rules of Origin), 5 (Customs Procedures) or 6 (Trade Facilitation) is 
being nullified or impaired as a result of the application of any measure of the other 
Party that is not inconsistent with the Agreement. 
4.23.  In any dispute in respect of (c) above, a panel established under Chapter 14 of the 
Agreement shall take into consideration the jurisprudence interpreting Article XXIII:1(b) of the 
GATT 1994. A Party may not invoke (c) with respect to any measure subject to an exception under Article 15-1 (general exceptions) nor with respect to any measure excluded from the Agreement 
under Article 15-5 (cultural industries). In addition, any measures relating to subsidies and the 
application of anti-dumping and countervailing measures (Article 1-3), investment (Article 1-4), SPS measures (Chapter 7), environment (Chapter  10) and labour (Chapter 11) are outside the 
scope of the Agreement's dispute settlement chapter (Article 14-3:3). Neither Party may request 
the establishment of an arbitral panel for any pr oposed action under Chapter 8 (Emergency Action) 
(Article 14-2:4). 
4.24.  A party may request in writing consultations regarding any matter referred to in Article 14-2 
setting out the reasons for the request, including the identification of the measure or other matter 
at issue under Article 14-2 and the legal basis for the complaint (Article 14:4(2)). The Parties shall, unless otherwise agreed, enter into consultations within 30 days of the date of receipt of the 
request by the other Party or 15 days in cases of urgency, including those involving goods that 
rapidly lose their trade value, such as perishable goods (Article 14-4:4). They Parties shall make every attempt to arrive at a mutually satisfactory resolution of any matter through consultations including by providing sufficient information that is reasonably available to enable a full 
examination of the measure or other matter at issue. The parties are required to treat any WT/REG335/1 
 
- 20 - 
 
 confidential or proprietary information received in the course of consultations on the same basis as 
the Party providing the information. Consultations are confidential and without prejudice to the rights of the Parties in dispute settlement proceedings. They may be held in person or by other means agreed to by the Parties. The Parties may also agree to alternative methods of dispute 
resolution such as recourse to good offices, conciliation or mediation. 
4.25.  Article 14-3 contains a choice of forum clause where disputes regarding any matter arising 
under both the Agreement and the WTO Agreement or any other free trade agreement to which 
both Parties to the Agreement are party, may be settled in either forum at the discretion of the 
complaining Party. In any such dispute where the Party complained against claims that its measures are subject to Article 1-5 (inconsisten cy between the Agreement and obligations under 
Multilateral Environmental Agreements) and requests in writing that the matter be considered 
under the Agreement, the complaining Party may, in respect of that matter, thereafter only have 
recourse to dispute settlement procedures under the Agreement (Article 14-3:2). Where the complaining Party requests the establishment of a dispute settlement panel under both the 
Agreement and the WTO Agreement or any other free trade agreement to which both Parties are 
party, the forum selected shall be used to the exclusion of the others, unless the Party complained against makes the request in writing relating to Article 1-5 14-3:2.  
4.26.  Under Article 14-6, unless the Parties agree otherwise, if a matter has not been resolved 
through consultations within 45 days (25 days for urgent matters) of the date of receipt of the request for consultations, the complaining Party may refer the matter to a dispute settlement panel by providing written notice to the other Party. A dispute settlement panel may not be 
established to review a proposed measure. The Panel shall be composed following the rules and 
procedures in Articles 14-8. Unless the Parties determine otherwise, the panel shall issue reports in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14 (Article 14-10:1). The Report shall be based on: 
the provisions of the Agreement applied and interpreted in accordance with the rules of 
interpretation of public international law; the submissions and arguments of the Parties; and any 
information and technical advice put before the panel pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 14. 
4.27.  The initial panel report containing findings of fact and its determination whether the 
measure is inconsistent with the Party's obligations under the Agreement or any other matter issue included in its terms of reference shall be presented to the Parties within 90 days of the appointment or selection of the panel members (Article 14-10:3). On request by a Party, the panel 
shall include in its initial report, recommendations for resolution of the dispute (Article 14-10:6). A 
Party may submit written comments on the initial report (Article 14-10:7). The panel shall present to the Parties a final report within 60 days of presentation of the initial report (Article 14-10:6). 
The initial report of the panel shall be confidential (Article 14-10:7). The final report of the panel 
may be published by either Party or the panel 15 da ys after it is presented to the Parties, or a 
longer period as the Parties may agree, subject to the protection of confidential information 
(Article 14-10:7). Clarifications of any determinations or recommendations in the report must be 
requested by the Parties in writing within 10 days of its presentation, to which the Panel must respond within 10 days of the request (Article 14-11:1). 
4.28.  On receipt of the final report of the panel, the Parties shall mutually agree on the resolution 
of the dispute, which shall be in conformity with the determinations and recommendations, if any, 
of the panel, unless the Parties otherwise reach a mutually satisfactory solution (Article 14-12:1). Wherever possible, the resolution shall be the removal of any measure found to be inconsistent 
with obligations under the Agreement or removal of the nullification or impairment in the sense of 
subparagraph 1(c) of Article 14-2. If the Parties are unable to reach a mutually satisfactory solution within 60 days of presentation of the fina l report, or such other period as they may agree, 
the Party complained against shall, with the cons ent of the complaining Party, propose an action 
plan to bring it into compliance with the obligations in the Agreement. If the complaining Party accepts the proposed action plan, the Party complained against shall implement the plan 
(Article 14-12:3). If no mutually satisfactory solution  or an action plan is reached within 90 days of 
presentation of the final report or any other the agreed period, the Party complained against shall, 
if so requested by the complaining Party, enter into negotiations regarding compensation (Article 14-12:4). 
4.29.  The complaining Party may suspend the application of the benefits of the Party complained 
against of equivalent effect, following notice to that Party specifying the level of benefits the 
complaining Party proposes to be suspended and until the Parties have reached a mutually WT/REG335/1 
 
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 satisfactory solution of the dispute, if no satisf actory compensation has been agreed pursuant to 
paragraph 4 of Article 14-12 within 30 days from the date of the complaining Party's request; 90 days have passed since the presentation of the final report, where compensation is not requested pursuant to paragraph 4 of Article 14-12; or the Parties have agreed to a mutually satisfactory 
solution of the dispute, an action plan, or compensation, and the complaining Party considers that 
the Party complained against has failed to observe the terms of such an agreement (Article 14-13:1). The suspension of benefits shall be temporary and be applied by the complaining 
Party only until the measure found to be inconsistent with the obligations of the Agreement or 
otherwise nullifying or impairing benefits in the sense of subparagraph 1(c) of Article 14-2 has been withdrawn or amended to bring it into confor mity with the Agreement, including as a result 
of the panel process, or until such time as th e Parties have otherwise reached agreement on a 
resolution of the dispute (Article 14-13:2). 
4.30.  A Party may, by a written notice to the other Party, request that the panel be reconvened to 
make a determination with respect to: whether the level of benefits suspended by a Party 
pursuant to paragraph 1 of Article 14-12 is manifestly excessive; or any disagreement as to the 
existence or consistency with the Agreement of measures taken to comply with the determinations or recommendations of the panel made pursuant to Article 14-10 (Article 14-14:1).
9 A complaining 
Party may continue to suspend benefits during proceedings under Article 14-14:1 
(Article 14:14:3). The reconvened panel must present a final report within 45 days of being reconvened where the request concerns whether the level of benefits suspended is excessive, or 90 days for other matters, and an interim report is to be presented 15 days before the 
presentation of the final report (Article 14:14-6). The reconvened panel may include in its final 
report a recommendation, where appropriate, that any suspension of benefits be terminated or 
that the amount of benefi ts suspended be modified. 
4.31.  Issues of interpretation or application of the Agreement arising in any domestic judicial or 
administrative proceeding of a Party that either Party considers would merit its intervention, or if a court or administrative body solicits the views of a Party, that Party shall notify the other Party. 
The Joint Commission shall endeavour to determine an appropriate response as expeditiously as 
possible (Article 14-15:1). Any agreed interpretation of the Joint Commission is to be submitted to the court or administrative body (Article 14-15:2). If the Joint Commission is unable to act, each Party may submit its own views to the court or administrative body in accordance with the rules of 
that forum (Article 14-15:3). No Party may provid e for a right of action under its domestic law 
against another Party on the ground that a measure of the other Party is inconsistent with the Agreement (Article 14:16). 
4.32.  In addition to the dispute settlement proced ures in the Agreement, there are similar dispute 
resolution provisions in the Agreement on the Environment and the Agreement on Labour 
Cooperation. Article 23:1 of the Agreement on th e Environment calls for the Parties to endeavour 
to agree on their interpretation and application of  that agreement. The Parties are to address any 
matter that might affect the operation of the Agreement on the Environment through consultations and exchange of information (Article 23:2). Consultations regarding any matter arising under the Agreement may be requested in writing by either Party to the National Point of Contact of the 
other Party which shall then forward the request to the Committee on the Environment 
(Article 23:3). If the Parties fail to resolve the issue in the Committee, further consultations at the Ministerial level may be requested which shall be concluded no later than 120 days after the 
request unless otherwise agreed (Article 23:4).  
4.33.  If a Party, following the Ministerial consultations, considers that there is a persistent pattern 
of failure by the other Party to effectively enforce its environmental laws or a breach of Article 5 of 
the Agreement on the Environment, which prohibits the Party from encouraging trade or 
investment by weakening or reducing the levels of protection afforded in its environmental laws, the Party may call for the establishment of a Review Panel (Article 23:5). The Panel must present an initial report to the Parties within 120 days after the last panelist is selected or as otherwise 
agreed by the Parties (Annex 1 (Dispute Resolution), paragraph 1). The report will contain findings 
of fact; a determination as to whether there has been  a persistent pattern of failure by the Party to 
effectively enforce its environmental laws or a breach of the obligations under Article 5 
                                               
9 In interpreting the terms "the existence or consistency with" and "measures taken to comply", the 
panel acting pursuant to paragraph 1 shall take into account the relevant jurisprudence under the Dispute Settlement Understanding of the WTO Agreement (Article 14-4:2). WT/REG335/1 
 
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 (non-derogation); and in such cases its reco mmendation to remedy the matter (Annex I, 
paragraph 2). The Parties may comment on the initial report within 60 days of its presentation and a final report will be presented to the Parties within 30 days of the receipt of the comments (Annex I, paragraph 4). The final report will be published 60 days after being presented to the 
Parties (Annex I, paragraph 5). 
4.34.  Part Three (Articles 11-13) of the Agreemen t on Labour Cooperation provides for Ministerial 
consultations regarding any obligation under the Agreement which must be requested in writing 
(Article 11:1). The Ministerial consultations shall be concluded no later than 180 days after the 
request unless otherwise agreed by the Parties (Article 11:4). The requesting Party may request a review panel if it feels that the Ministerial Consultations have not satisfactorily addressed the matter, if the matter is trade related and the other Party has failed to comply with its obligations 
through a persistent pattern of failure to effectively enforce its labour law, or failed to comply with 
its obligations under Articles 1 and 2 of the Agr eement on Labour Cooperation to the extent that 
they refer to the ILO 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work 
(Article 12:1). The Panel shall present a report to the Parties that: makes findings of fact; 
addresses all facts, views and arguments submitte d by the Parties and other relevant information 
received from organizations, institutions, the public and persons with relevant information or 
expertise; determines whether the Party has engaged in non-compliance through a persistent 
pattern of failure to enforce its labour law or comply with its obligations under Articles 1 and 2 of the Agreement to the extent that they refer to the ILO 1998 Declaration; or any other determination requested in its terms of referenc e; and makes recommendations for resolution of 
such non-compliance (Article 13:2). In cases where such a recommendation is made, the 
resolution will normally be that the Party that is  the object of the review adopt and implement an 
action plan sufficient to remedy the pattern of non-compliance. 
4.7  Relationship with other agreements concluded by the Parties 
4.35.  In Article 1-2 the Parties affirm their existing rights and obligations with respect to each 
other under the WTO Agreement and other agreements to which they are party. In the event of 
any inconsistency between the Agreement and these other agreements the former shall prevail to 
the extent of the inconsistency except as otherwis e provided in the Agreement. In the event of any 
inconsistency between the Agreement and a Party's obligations under the multilateral environmental agreements listed in Annex 1-5, the obligations will prevail to the extent of the 
inconsistency provided the measure taken is necessary to comply with the obligation and is not 
applied in a manner that would constitute arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade. 
4.36.  In addition to the Agreement, as mentio ned above, the Parties have an Agreement on the 
Environment and an Agreement on Labour Coop eration which are an integral part of the 
Agreement and an Agreement on the Promotion an d Protection of Investments (Sections 4.10.2 
and 4.10.1 below).  
4.37.  Table 4.1 lists the Parties' other notified and non-notified (if any) RTAs. Table 4.1 Canada and Jordan: Participation in  other regional trade agreements (notified 
and non-notified, in force), as of 26 November 2013 
Trading partner 
or Agreement Date of 
entry 
into 
force Type of 
Agreement Notification of the GATT or WTO 
Year WTO provision 
CANADA  
Panama 01.04.13 Goods & 
Services 2013 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Colombia 15.08.11 Goods & 
Services 2011 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Peru 01.08.09 Goods & 
Services 2009 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
EFTA 01.07.09 Goods 2009 GATT Art. XXIV 
Costa Rica 01.11.02 Goods 2003 GATT Art. XXIV WT/REG335/1 
 
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 Trading partner 
or Agreement Date of 
entry 
into 
force Type of 
Agreement Notification of the GATT or WTO 
Year WTO provision 
Chile 05.07.97 Goods & 
Services 1997 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Israel 01.01.97 Goods 1997 GATT Art. XXIV 
NAFTA 01.01.94 Goods 
Services 1993 
1995 GATT Art. XXIV 
GATS Art. V 
JORDAN  
Turkey 01.03.11 Goods 2011 GATT Art. XXIV 
Singapore 22.08.05 Goods & 
Services 2006 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
EFTA 01.09.02 Goods 2002 GATT Art. XXIV 
European Union 01.05.02 Goods 2002 GATT Art. XXIV 
United States 17.12.01 Goods & 
Services 2002 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
PAFTA 01.01.98 Goods 2006 GATT Art. XXIV 
Israel 19.04.96 Goods Not notified 
Agadir 06.07.06 Goods Not notified 
 
EFTA:  European Free Trade Association. NAFTA:  North American Free Trade Agreement. PAFTA:  Pan-Arab Free Trade Area.  Source: WTO Secretariat.  
4.8  Government procurement 
4.38.   There are no provisions in the Agreem ent on Government procurement per se. Chapter 9 
which covers monopolies and State enterprises notes explicitly that the rules regulating such enterprises do not apply to procurement by governmental agencies of goods for governmental 
purposes and not with a view to commercial resale or with a view to use in the production of goods 
for commercial sale. 
4.9  Intellectual Property Rights 4.39.  There are no provisions on intellectual property rights in the Agreement.  
4.10  Other 
4.10.1  Investment 4.40.  In Article 1-4 of the Agreement the Part ies note the existence of the Agreement between 
Canada and Jordan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments done at Amman on 28 June 
2009.
10 
4.10.2  Environment and Labour 
4.41.  The Agreement is accompanied by parallel agreements on Environment and Labour 
Cooperation. In addition, Chapters 10 and 11 of the Agreement have provisions on the 
environment and labour respectively. In the En vironment Chapter, Article 10-1, the Parties 
recognize each others' sovereign rights and responsibilities to conserve and protect the 
environment and affirm their environmental obli gations under their domestic laws and under 
multilateral environmental agreements. They re cognize the mutual supportiveness between trade 
and environment policies, and the need to implement the Agreement in a manner consistent with 
high levels of environmental protection and co nservation. Article 10-2 recognizes their mutual 
obligations in the Environment Agreement, including the establishment of high levels of domestic environmental protection through their environmental laws and policies, the commitment not to 
                                               
10 The Text of the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments is available at: 
http://www.sice.oas.org/Trade/CAN_ JOR_FTA/Canada-JordanFIPA-eng.pdf .  WT/REG335/1 
 
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 derogate from domestic environmental laws to encourage trade or investment, compliance with 
and the enforcement of environmental laws, accoun tability, transparency and public participation 
on environmental matters and the assessment of th e environmental impacts of proposed projects. 
Finally, in Article 10-3 they recognize the impo rtance of balancing trade and environmental 
obligations; that the Agreement on the Environment complements the Agreement and the two are 
mutually supportive; and that the Joint Commission shall consider the reports and recommendations of the Committee on Environm ent established under the Agreement on the 
Environment, with respect to any issues  related to trade and the environment. 
4.42.  Article 1-5 of the Agreement also notes th at in the event of any inconsistency between the 
Agreement and obligations under the multilateral environmental agreements to which the Parties 
are party (listed in Annex 1-5), the obligations will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency 
provided that the measure taken is necessary to comply with the obligations and is not applied in a 
manner that would constitute arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade. 
4.43.  The objectives of the Agreement on the En vironment are provided in Article 2. It commits 
the Parties to pursuing high levels of environmental protection; to enforce their environmental laws effectively; to maintain appropriate environmental assessment procedures; and Article 5 
includes a non-derogation provision, which ensures that neither Party may encourage trade or 
investment by weakening or reducing the levels of protection afforded in its environmental laws. The Agreement also provides for cooperative activi ties between the Parties aimed at achieving the 
environmental objectives and obligations of the Agreement as well as provisions encouraging the 
use of voluntary best practices of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and a commitment to 
promote public awareness of the Parties’ environmental laws.  
4.44.  The Parties agree to make every attempt, through consultations and the exchange of 
information, with an emphasis on cooperation, to  address any matter affecting the operation of the 
Agreement on the Environment. Consultations may be requested on any matter arising under the Agreement on the Environment through a request in writing to the National Point of Contact 
(maintained under Article 16) which will be forwarded to the Committee on the Environment. 
Failure to resolve the issue through consultations may result in a request to hold consultations with the other Party at the Ministerial level. Following the Ministerial consultations, if the requesting Party considers that there is a persistent pattern of failure by the other Party to 
effectively enforce its environmental laws or a breach of the obligation under Article 5, the 
requesting Party may call for the establishment of a Review Panel whose rules of procedure are indicated in Annex I of the Agreement on the Environment. Under Annex II Canada agrees to 
provide to Jordan a written declaration indicating any provinces for which Canada is bound in 
respect of matters within their jurisdiction and shall use its best efforts to make the Agreement on the Environment applicable to as many provinces as  possible. At this time, no Canadian provinces 
or territories have signed on.  
4.45.  Under Chapter 11 of the Agreement, the Parties reaffirm their obligations as members of 
the International Labour Organization (ILO) and their commitments to the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its follow up, as well as their continuing respect for 
each other’s Constitutions and laws. The objectives of the Chapter are to improve working 
conditions and living standards of their workers; promote their commitments to internationally recognized principles and rights; promote complian ce with and enforcement of their labour laws; 
promote social dialogue on labour matters among workers, employers and their organizations and 
governments; pursue cooperative labour-related activities; strengthen the capacity of labour 
ministries and other institutions responsible for enforcing labour laws, and foster full and open 
exchange of information between these institutions. To further these objectives, the Parties have 
signed an Agreement on Labour Cooperation in whic h they declare that they will not, as a means 
to encourage trade or investment, waive or otherwise derogate from, their labour laws in a manner that weakens or reduces adherence to inte rnationally recognized labour principles and 
rights (Article 2).
11 Government enforcement of national labour legislation is to be ensured through 
effective labour inspection divisions, monitoring of compliance, required record keeping and reporting, encouraging the establishment of wo rker-management committees to address labour 
regulations in the workplace, providing or encouraging mediation and initiating in a timely manner 
                                               
11 These international principles and rights are described in Article I of the Agreement on Labour 
Cooperation. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 proceedings to seek appropriate sanctions or remedies for violations (Article 3). Such proceedings 
are to be fair, equitable and transparent, they must respect due process of law and be open to the public, among other guarantees (Article 5). Transparency is assured through a commitment to promptly publish or otherwise make available labour laws, regulations, procedures and 
administrative rulings of general application on any matter covered by the Agreement on Labour 
Cooperation (Article 6). 
4.46.  The Parties establish a Ministerial Council comprised of Ministers responsible for labour 
affairs of the Parties or their designees. The Council is to meet within the first year of entry into 
force of the Agreement on Labour Cooperation an d thereafter as deemed necessary to discuss 
matters of common interest and to oversee implementation and progress (Article 7). Other issues covered include cooperative activities (Article 8), national mechanisms such as advisory or 
consultative committees (Article 9) and general consultations between the parties (Article 10). 
Procedures for the review of obligations are laid out in Part Three and with further details on procedures related to review in Annex 3. Annex I deals with cooperative activities, Annex 2 with 
public communications, Annex 3 with procedures related to review panels and Annex 4 on 
monetary assessments. Finally, under Annex 5, Canada commits to notify Jordan at the time of entry into force of the Agreement of any provinces for which Canada is to be bound in respect of 
matters within their jurisdiction, as well as to notify Jordan of any modifications to its declaration 
at any time. Under Annex 5, Canada also commits to make its best efforts to have as many of its provinces as possible agree to be added to the declaration. Canada may not request the establishment of a review panel at the instance of a government of a province not included in its 
declaration, while Jordan may not request the establishment of a review panel on any matter 
related to the labour law of a province not included in Canada's declaration. WT/REG335/1 
 
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 ANNEX 1 
MARKET ACCESS 
1. Tables A1.1 and A1.2 show tariff liberalizatio n by Canada and Jordan by total, and by 
agricultural and non-agricultural products. When the Agreement entered into force in 2012, more 
than half (64.9%) of Canada's tariff was already duty free on a MFN basis, 46.8% for agricultural 
products and 68.8% for non-agricultural products . Following entry into force of the Agreement, 
98.5% of the Canada's tariff became duty-free for imports from Jordan, 91.8% for agricultural 
products and 100% for non-agricultural products. The average overall tariff for exporters from 
Jordan was 2.9%, giving them an average margin  of preference of 50% over the MFN rate of 
5.8%. Their average margin of preference was 22.2% and 100% for agricultural and non-
agricultural products, respectively. By the end of  implementation of the Agreement 98.5% of the 
tariff (91.8% for agricultural products and 100% for non-agricultural products) will be duty free for 
imports from Jordan. 
Table A1.1 Canada: Indicators of MFN tariff ra tes and preferential rates for imports from 
Jordan 
Origin of 
goods Year ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%)  Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
MFN 2012 5.8 16.9 64.9 21.2 42.8 46.8 2.7 8.6 68.8 
Jordan 2012 2.9 226.0 98.5 16.5 226.0 91.8 0.0 0.0 100.0 
 2013 2.9 226.0 98.5 16.5 226.0 91.8 0.0 0.0 100.0 
 2014 2.9 226.0 98.5 16.5 226.0 91.8 0.0 0.0 100.0 
 2015 2.9 226.0 98.5 16.5 226.0 91.8 0.0 0.0 100.0 
 2016 2.9 226.0 98.5 16.5 226.0 91.8 0.0 0.0 100.0 
 
a WTO Definition.  Note: Tariff lines subject to in-quota rates are excl uded in the computation; for the calculation of 
averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  parts of alternate rates are included. 
 Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature.  Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Canada.  
2. Table A1.2 shows that when the Agreement entered into force in 2012 49.5% of Jordan's 
tariff was duty-free for all imports; 33.1% and 52% of agricultural and non-agricultural products 
respectively were duty free. Upon entry into force of the Agreement 67.3% of tariffs became duty 
free for imports from Canada, 50.9% for agricult ural products and 69.8% for non-agricultural 
products. As a result exporters from Jordan had an  average margin of preference of 47.3% overall 
and 34.5% and 50% for agricultural and non-agricultural products respectively. By the end of 
implementation of the Agreement in 2016 for Jordan  99.5% of tariffs are expected to be duty free 
for imports from Canada, 96% for agricultural pr oducts and 100% for non-agricultural products. 
Table A1.2 Jordan: Indicators of MFN tariff rates and preferential rates for imports from 
Canada  
Origin of 
goods Year ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%)  Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
MFN 2012 11.0 21.8 49.5 17.1 25.6 33.1 10.0 20.9 52.0 
Canada 2012 5.8 17.8 67.3 11.2 22.9 50.9 5.0 16.5 69.8 
 2013 4.3 13.3 67.3 9.0 18.3 50.9 3.6 12.0 69.8 
 2014 2.9 12.4 76.7 6.7 21.2 68.3 2.3 10.4 78.0 
 2015 1.7 7.2 76.7 5.2 16.4 68.3 1.1 5.2 78.0 WT/REG335/1 
 
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 Origin of 
goods Year ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%)  Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
 2016 0.5 93.0 99.5 3.7 93.0 96.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 
a WTO Definition. 
 Note: For the calculation of averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  parts of alternate 
rates are included. 
 Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature.  Source:  WTO estimates based on data  provided by Jordan and WTO-IDB. 
 
3. Table A1.3 shows market access opportunities in Canada for Jordan's top 25 exports. In 
2012 when the Agreement entered into force these products were covered by 70 tariff lines  at the 
HS 8-digit level and 57.6% of Jordan's 2009-11 export s. Of these, 28 were already duty free on an 
MFN basis. 38 tariff lines were liberalized when the Agreement entered into force and four tariff 
lines in  relation to food preparations will  continue to remain dutiable  
4. Table A1.4 shows market access in Jordan for Canada's top 25 exports. These products 
accounted for 48.1% of Jordan's global exports in 2009-11 and 47 tariff lines at the HS 8-digit 
level. Of these lines 19 were already duty free for all imports. Following entry into force of the 
Agreement Jordan liberalized 24 lines in 2012 for im ports from Canada, followed by 2 lines in 2014 
and the remaining 2 lines will be eliminated in 2016. 
Table A1.3 Canada: Market access opportuni ties under the Agreement for Jordan's top 
25 exports to the world 
Jordan's top export products in 2009-2011 Access Conditions to Canada's 
import markets 
MFN (2012)  
Duty-free in 
2012 
Remain 
dutiable HS number and description of the product 
Share in 
global 
exports (%) 
Average 
MFN applied 
rate 
(%) No. of 
tariff lines Duty-
free 
Dutiable 
310490 Mineral/chemical fertilisers, potassic (excluding of 
3104.20 and 3104.30) 9.0 0.0 1    
251010 - unground 6.4 0.0 1    
300490 Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 
30.02/30.05/30.06/3004.10-3004.50) consisting of mixed/unmixed products for therapeutic/prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses (including those in the form of transdermal 
administration systems)/in forms/packing's for retail sale 5.8 0.0 1    
611420 - of cotton 5.2 18.0  1 1  
310290 - other, including mixtures not specified in the 
foregoing subheadings 3.9 0.0 1    
710812 -- other unwrought forms 3.3 0.0 1    
070200 Tomatoes, fresh or chilled. 2.9 7.3 2 4 4  
611490 - of other textile materials 2.5 18.0  1 1  
300390 Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 30.02, 
30.05/30.06/of 3003.10-3003.40) consisting of two/more constituents which have been mixed together for therapeutic/prophylactic uses, not put up in measured doses/in forms/packing's for retail sale 1.7 0.0 1    WT/REG335/1 
 
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 Jordan's top export products in 2009-2011 Access Conditions to Canada's 
import markets 
MFN (2012)  
Duty-free in 
2012 
Remain 
dutiable HS number and description of the product 
Share in 
global 
exports (%) 
Average 
MFN applied 
rate 
(%) No. of 
tariff lines Duty-
free 
Dutiable 
761290 Aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar 
containers, including rigi d tubular containers but 
excluding collapsible tubular containers, for any 
material(other than compressed/liquefied gas),of a 
capacity not >300 l, whether/not line/heat-
insulated, but not fitted with mechanical/thermal 
equipment 1.7 6.5  2 2  
610910 - of cotton 1.6 18.0  1 1  
711319 -- of other precious metal, whether or not plated or 
clad with precious metal 1.6 5.8  2 2  
280920 - phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids 1.4 0.0 1    
070700 Cucumbers and gherkins, fresh or chilled. 1.3 6.2 1 2 2  
854420 - co-axial cable and other co-axial electric 
conductors 1.3 0.0 1    
854411 -- of copper 1.1 0.0 2    
283421 -- of potassium 1.0 0.0 1    
210690 Food preparations, n.e.s. 0.9 47.5 2 16 12 4 
480300 Toilet or facial tissue stock, towel or napkin stock 
and similar paper of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres, whether or not creped, crinkled, embossed, perforated, surfa ce-coloured, surface- 
decorated or printed, in rolls or sheets. 0.9 0.0 1    
621143 -- of man-made fibres 0.8 10.5  3 3  
010410 - sheep 0.8 0.0 1    
300420 - containing other antibiotics 0.8 0.0 1    
080930 - peaches, including nectarines 0.7 5.4 2 3 3  
961900 Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins and 
napkin liners for babies and similar articles, of any 
material. 0.7 10.2 3 7 7  
740400 Copper waste and scrap. 0.6 0.0 4    
Total of above 57.6  28 42 38 4 
 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. 
 Source: WTO estimates based on data provided  by Canada and UNSD, Comtrade database.  
 
Table A1.4 Jordan: Market access opportuniti es under the Agreement for Canada's top 
25 exports to the world 
Canada's top export products in 2009-2011 Access Conditions to Jordan's 
import markets 
MFN (2012)  Duty-
free in 
HS number and description of the product Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) 
Average MFN 
applied rate 
(%) No. of 
tariff lines Duty-
free 
Dutiable 
2012 
2014 
2016 
270900 Petroleum oils and oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals, crude. 13.7 5.0  1  1  
870324 -- of a cylinder capacity exceeding 3,000 cc 5.9 13.3  3 3   
271121 -- natural gas 3.7 30.0  1   1  
710812 -- other unwrought forms 3.3 0.0 1     
870323 -- of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,500 cc but 
not exceeding 3,000 cc 2.7 10.9 2 9 9   WT/REG335/1 
 
- 29 - 
 
 Canada's top export products in 2009-2011 Access Conditions to Jordan's 
import markets 
MFN (2012)  Duty-
free in 
HS number and description of the product Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) 
Average MFN 
applied rate 
(%) No. of 
tariff lines Duty-
free 
Dutiable 
2012 
2014 
2016 
271019 Petroleum oils and oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals (other than crude) & 
preparations not elsewhere specified/including, 
containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum 
oils or of oils obtained from bituminous 
minerals, these oils being the basic constituents 
of the preparations, other than waste oils and 
light oils and preparations 2.3 18.7  3 3   
270112 -- bituminous coal 1.6 0.0 1     
271011 -- light oils and preparations 1.4 18.7  3 3   
310420 - potassium chloride 1.3 5.0  1  1  
440710 - coniferous 1.1 0.0 1     
880240 - aeroplanes and other aircraft, of an unladen 
weight exceeding 15,000 kg 1.1 0.0 1     
100190 Wheat other than durum wheat; meslin 1.1 0.0 1     
120510 - low erucic acid rape or colza seeds 1.0 10.0  1 1   
470321 -- coniferous 0.9 0.0 1     
300490 Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 
30.02/30.05/30.06/3004.10-3004.50) consisting of mixed/unmixed products for therapeutic/prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses (including  those in the form of 
transdermal administration systems)/in forms/packing's for retail sale 0.9 0.0 1     
760110 - aluminium, not alloyed 0.8 0.0 1     
480100 Newsprint, in rolls or sheets. 0.7 0.0 1     
760120 - aluminium alloys 0.6 0.0 1     
840734 -- of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,000 cc 0.6 15.3 1 2 1  1  
870829 Parts & accessories of bodies (incl. cabs) of the 
motor vehicles of 87.01-87.05, n.e.s., in 87.08 0.6 21.0  1 1   
260112 -- agglomerated 0.6 0.0 1     
260300 Copper ores and concentrates. 0.6 0.0 1     
750210 - nickel, not alloyed 0.6 0.0 1     
870899 Other parts & accessories for the motor vehicles 
of 87.01-87.05, excluding 
8708.91/92/93/94/95. 0.6 10.5 2 2 2   
480261 -- in rolls 0.5 10.5 1 1 1   
Total of above 48.1  19 28 24 2 2 
 
Note: Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature.  Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by  Jordan, WTO-IDB and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 
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