WT/REG299/1  
22 January 2016  
(16-0459)  Page: 1/59  
Committee on Regional Trade Agreements   
 
FACTUAL PRESENTATION 
FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TH E EFTA STATES AND COLOMBIA 
(GOODS AND SERVICES) 
Report by the Secretariat 
This report, prepared for the consideratio n of the Free Trade Agreement between the 
EFTA States and Colombia, has been drawn up by the WTO Secretariat on its own 
responsibility and in full consultation with the Parties. The factual presentation 
reproduces as closely as possible the terminology used in the Agreement and in the comments provided and does not imply offi cial endorsement or acceptance by the 
Secretariat of such terminology. The report has been drawn up in accordance with the 
rules and procedures contained in the Decision for a Transparency Mechanism for 
Regional Trade Agreements (WT/L/671) and thus does not imply any value judgement by the Secretariat regarding the contents of the Agreement. 
Any technical questions arising from this report may be addressed to Jo-Ann Crawford 
(tel: +41 22 739 5422). Any statistical questions arising from this report may be addressed to Ms Rowena Cabos (tel: +41 22 739 5185). 
 
 WT/REG299/1 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
Page 
1   TRADE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................. 4  
1.1   Merchand ise trade ..................................................................................................... 4  
1.2   Trade in servic es and inve stment ................................................................................. 6  
2   CHARACTERISTIC ELEMEN TS OF THE AG REEMENT .................................................... 12  
2.1   Background  Information ............................................................................................ 12 
3   PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS ........................................................................... 13  
3.1   Import duties and charges,  and quantitative  restrict ions ................................................ 13 
3.1.1   Genera l provisions ................................................................................................. 13 
3.1.2   Liberalization of  trade and ta riff lines ........................................................................ 13 
3.1.3   Liberali zation schedule............................................................................................ 14 
3.1.3.1   Iceland ............................................................................................................. . 14 
3.1.3.2   Norway .............................................................................................................. 16 
3.1.3.3   Sw itzerland ........................................................................................................ 18 
3.1.3.4   Colombia ........................................................................................................... 19 
3.1.4   Tariff rate quotas ................................................................................................... 24 
3.2   Rules of origin .......................................................................................................... 24 
3.3   Export duties and charges,  and quantitative  restrictions ................................................. 25 
3.4   Regulatory provisions on trade in goods ....................................................................... 26 
3.4.1   Standards ............................................................................................................. 26 
3.4.1.1   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures .................................................................... 26 
3.4.1.2   Technical barriers to trade .................................................................................... 26 
3.4.2   Safeguard mechanisms ........................................................................................... 26 
3.4.2.1   Global safeguards ............................................................................................... 26 
3.4.2.2   Bilateral safeguards ............................................................................................. 26 
3.4.2.3   Balance of payments safeguards ........................................................................... 27 
3.4.3   Anti -dumpi ng ........................................................................................................ 27 
3.4.4   Subsidies and countervailing measures and State-aid .................................................. 27 
3.4.5   Customs-re lated procedures .................................................................................... 28 
4   PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN SERVICES AND IN VESTMENT ......................................... 28  
4.1   Scope and definitions ................................................................................................ 28 
4.2   Denial of benefits ..................................................................................................... 29 
4.3   General provisions on trade in services ........................................................................ 29 
4.3.1   Mark et acce ss ....................................................................................................... 29 
4.3.2   National treatment and MFN .................................................................................... 29 
4.3.3   Commercial presence ............................................................................................. 29 
4.3.4   Movement of  natural persons .................................................................................. 29 
4.4   Liberalization commitments ........................................................................................ 30 WT/REG299/1 
 
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  4.4.1   Iceland ................................................................................................................. 31 
4.4.2   Liechtenstein ......................................................................................................... 33 
4.4.3   Norway  ................................................................................................................  35 
4.4.4   Switzerland ........................................................................................................... 37 
4.4.5   Colombia ..............................................................................................................  39 
4.5   Regulatory provisions ................................................................................................ 41 
4.5.1   Domestic regulation ............................................................................................... 41 
4.5.2   Recognition ........................................................................................................... 41 
4.5.3   Subsidies .............................................................................................................. 41 
4.5.4   Safeguards ........................................................................................................... 41 
4.5.5   Tran sparen cy ........................................................................................................ 41 
4.5.6   Monopolies and Excl usive Service Suppliers ............................................................... 41 
4.5.7   Business Practices .................................................................................................. 41 
4.6   Sector specific provis ions on trade in services ............................................................... 42 
4.6.1   Financial Services .................................................................................................. 42 
4.6.2   Telecommuni cations Services .................................................................................. 42 
4.7   Investment .............................................................................................................. 42 
4.8   Balance of Pa yments Safe guards ................................................................................ 43 
5   GENERAL PROVISIONS  OF THE AGREEMENT ............................................................. 43  
5.1   Tran sparency ........................................................................................................... 43 
5.2   Current payments and capital movements .................................................................... 43 
5.3   Exceptions ............................................................................................................... 43 
5.4   Security exceptions ................................................................................................... 43 
5.5   Taxation .................................................................................................................. 44 
5.6   Accession and Withdrawal .......................................................................................... 44 
5.7   Institutio nal framework ............................................................................................. 44 
5.8   Disput e settlement ................................................................................................... 44 
5.9   Relationship with other agr eements concluded by the Parties .......................................... 45 
5.10   Government  procurement ........................................................................................ 47 
5.11   Intellectual property rights ....................................................................................... 48 
5.12   Other .................................................................................................................. .. 50 
5.12.1   Competition ........................................................................................................ 50 
5.12.2   C ooperat ion ........................................................................................................ 50 
5.12.3   Electronic Commerce ............................................................................................ 50 
ANNEX 1 ....................................................................................................................... . 51 
 WT/REG299/1 
 
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Key Facts 
 
Parties to the Agreement:  
 
Colombia and the EFTA Member States (Iceland, 
Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). 
 
Date of Signature: 25 November 2008 
 
Date of Entry into Force:  1 July 2011 (Colombia; 
Liechtenstein; and Switzerland); 1 September 2014 for 
Norway; 1 October 2014 for Iceland 
 
Dates of Notification:  14 September 2011 and  
8 January 2015. 
 
Full implementation: 2027  
 
 
1  TRADE ENVIRONMENT 
1.1.  The Free Trade Agreement between the EFTA  States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and 
Switzerland), and Colombia, hereinafter referred to as "the Agreement" is Colombia's 10th RTA. The EFTA States are collectively currently party to 26 RTAs (including the Agreement). The EFTA 
States are also party to a number of RTAs negoti ated individually or within subsets of EFTA 
Member States. 
1.1  Merchandise trade 
1.2.  With a combined GDP of  US$1,182.7 billion and a populati on of 13.6 million, in 2013, the 
EFTA States' total merchandise trade was valued at US$684 billion (exports of US$388.5 billion and imports of US$295.6 billion); in the same year  Colombia had a population of 48.3 million, 
while its total trade was US$118.2 billion (exports of US$58.8 billion and imports of 
US$59.4 billion), with a GDP of US$378.1 billion.
1 The trade to GDP ratios (2011-2013) of the 
Parties were 108.9 for Iceland; 67.5 for Norway; 92.6 for Switzerland (including data on Liechtenstein for trade in goods); and 36.2 for Colombia. 
1.3.  Colombia, like Norway and, to a lesser extent, Iceland exports mostly fuels and mining 
products. Switzerland, on the other hand, expo rts mostly manufactured goods. In terms of 
imports, manufactured goods account for the lion's share of all Parties' imports. The United States, 
EU(28) and China are Colombia's top three destinations in terms of both imports and exports and 
are also the EFTA States' main trading partners.
2 
1.4.  Charts 1.1-1.2 summarize the trends in global trade of the Parties as well as bilateral trade 
relations between the EFTA States and Colombia. The EFTA States' merchandise trade has 
expanded considerably, with imports rising from US$124.5 billion in 2002 to US$369.6 billion in 
2014, and exports from US$153.8 billion to US$460 billion. After falling in 2009, trade recovered, and fell again in 2014. The EFTA States have run a growing global merchandise trade surplus over 
the period surveyed. From 2002, Colombia's total imports and exports rose steadily with trade 
mostly in balance until 2014 when Colombia ran a trade deficit. Trade fell sharply in 2009, but picked up in 2010. In 2014, imports grew to US$64 billion while exports fell to US$54.8 billion. 
Bilateral trade has generally expanded during this period though subject to year-to-year 
fluctuations. Figures for the EFTA States show that exports to Colombia increased from US$131 million in 2002 to US$505 million in 2014, whil e exports by Colombia to the EFTA States 
                                               
1 Figures in this section unless indicated otherwise are from the WTO Trade Profiles as of August 2015 
(2013 data) and the UNSD/Comtrade database. Export figu res are calculated f.o.b. and imports c.i.f. World 
trade rankings exclude intra-EU trade. For bilateral trad e, figures reported by the Parties to UNSD, Comtrade 
database are used. 
2 In the case of Iceland, Norway is one of its main sources of both imports and exports. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 5 - 
 
  increased from US$176 million to US$542 million over the same period. In most years surveyed, 
Colombia has run a trade surplus in this bilateral trade. 
Chart 1.1 EFTA – Colombia: Merchandise tr ade bilaterally and with world, 2002-2014 
0.00.51.01.52.0
010203040506070
2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014B. Colombia 2002-2014
(US$ billions)
Imports from EFTA (Right Axis)
Exports to EFTA (Right Axis)
Total Imports
Total Exports
0.00.51.01.52.0
0100200300400500600
2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014A. EFTA 2002-2014
(US$ billions)
Imports from Colombia (Right Axis)
Exports to Colombia (Right Axis)
Total Imports
Total Exports
 
Source: UNSD Comtrade database. 
 
1.5.  The commodity structure of trade among the Parties, as well as of their imports and exports 
to the world in the period 2011-2013, is shown in Chart 1.2 on the basis of Harmonized System 
(HS) sections. Over the period 2011-2013, the EFTA States' four largest export product categories – minerals, precious stones, chemicals, and machinery – made up 74% of its total exports and 
accounted for 76.3% of Colombia's imports from the EFTA States. Over the same period, the four 
largest export product categories from Colombia – minerals, vegetables, precious stones and chemicals – made up 83% of its total exports and accounted for 89.4% of the EFTA States' 
bilateral imports from Colombia. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 6 - 
 
  Chart 1.2 EFTA and Colombia: product co mposition of merchandise trade, annual 
average (2011-2013) 
5730211EFTA imports from Colombia (%)
25
15
1397743333225EFTA's Global Imports (%)
66854333226Colombia's Global Exports (%)
61171524Colombia's imports from EFTA (%)
23
15
1410865443226Colombia's Global Imports(%)
25
20
191195328EFTA's Global Exports(%)Total: US$ 666 million Total: US$ 369 billion
Total: US$ 57 billionTotal: US$ 466 billionTotal:  US$ 59 billion
Total: US$ 543 million
 
Source: UNSD Comtrade database. 
 
1.2  Trade in services and investment 
1.6.  In 2013, the EFTA States' shares of total commercial services exports were, respectively, 
0.07% (Iceland); 0.87% (Norway); and 2.01% (Switzerland); and 0.07% (Iceland); 1.13% 
(Norway); and 1.21% (Switzerland) of total impo rts. Colombia's share represented 0.12% and 
0.25% of world exports and imports. Among the EFTA States, with total cumulated commercial 
services exports of US$137.7 billion, and imports of US$105.1 billion, Switzerland was the world's 
9th largest exporter and 15th largest importer, followed by Norway (17th largest exporter and 
importer), Iceland (55th largest exporter and 68th largest importer). In comparison, Colombia 
ranked 45th largest exporter and 42nd largest importer (with exports of US$5.7 billion and imports 
of US$11.1 billion).3 
1.7.  Chart 1.3 shows the EFTA States' global imports and exports of services for the period 
2001-2013. Transportation services, travel and communications services account for the largest 
share of services imports of the EFTA States over the period, with personal, cultural and 
recreational services growing in importance. In te rms of services exports, transportation services, 
personal, cultural and recreational services, travel services and communications services account 
for the largest share. 
                                               
3 WTO Trade Profiles 2014 (2013 data). No specific profile is available for Liechtenstein and data 
corresponding to Switzerland does not incl ude trade in services for Liechtenstein. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 7 - 
 
  Chart 1.3 EFTA: Trade in commercial services with world, 2001-2013 
050100150200250
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013EFTA imports from world
2001-2013
(US$ Billion)
050100150200250300
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013EFTA exports to world
2001-2013
(US$ Billion)
 
Source: WTO Statistics database (based on BMP5). 
 
1.8.  Chart 1.4 shows Colombia's global services trade, together with bilateral trade data with 
Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Transportation services, computer and information services, communication services and royalties and licence fees account for the largest share of Colombia's global services imports, while transportation services, computer and 
information services and communication services account for the largest share of its global 
services exports (in 2008-2013). In 2011-2013 Colombia's services imports from Iceland accounted solely of transportation services, while communication services accounted for all of 
Colombia's services exports to Iceland. Over the same period Colombia's services imports from 
Norway were composed mostly of transportation services and some royalties and licence fees, while its services exports to Norway were compos ed of transportation services, other business 
services and personal, cultural and recreational services. In 2008-2010 Colombia's services 
imports from Switzerland and Liechtenstein were composed primarily of royalties and licence fees, while its exports to these countries were mostly communication services and computer and information services. Colombia has run a services deficit with the EFTA States over the period 
surveyed. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 8 - 
 
  Chart 1.4 Colombia: Trade in commercial services with world and EFTA States 
0.00.51.01.52.02.53.03.54.04.55.0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Colombia imports from world
2008-2013
(US$ Billion)
0.00.51.01.52.02.53.03.54.04.55.0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Colombia exports to world
2008-2013
(US$ Billion)050100150200250
2011 2012 2013Colombia imports from Iceland
2011-2013
(US$ thousand)
050100150200250
2011 2012 2013Colombia exports to Iceland
2011-2013
(US$ thousand)
02,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,00014,00016,000
2011 2012 2013Colombia imports from Norway
2011-2013
(US$ Thousand)
020406080100120140
2011 2012 2013Colombia exports to Norway
2011-2013
(US$ Thousand)
0102030405060
2008 2009 2010Colombia imports from Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein
2008-2010
(US$ Million)
0102030405060
2008 2009 2010Colombia exports to Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein
2008-2010
(US$ Million)
 
Source: Colombian authorities (based on BMP5). WT/REG299/1 
 
- 9 - 
 
  1.9.  The EFTA States' FDI stock and flow and Switzerland's bilateral investment position with 
Colombia are shown in Chart 1.5. Switzerland and Norway are net sources of FDI, while Iceland's 
net flow of FDI has fluctuated over the period. FD I flows from Switzerland to Colombia grew from 
US$49 million to US$198 million from 2008 to 2010.  WT/REG299/1 
 
- 10 - 
 
  Chart 1.5 EFTA States: Foreign di rect investment stock and flow 
05001,0001,5002,000
2008 2009 2010Switzerland FDI stock with Colombia
2008-2010
(US$ Million) 
Outward
050100150200250
2008 2009 2010Switzerland FDI flow with Colombia
2008-2010
(US$ Million) 
Outward
02004006008001,0001,2001,400
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013Switzerland FDI stock with world
2001-2013
(US$ Billion) 
Outward
Inward
-20020406080100
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013Switzerland FDI flow with world
2001-2013
(US$ Billion) 
Outward
Inward051015202530
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013Iceland FDI stock with world
2001-2013
(US$ Billion)
Outward
Inward
050100150200250
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013Norway FDI stock with world
2001-2013
(US$ Billion)
Outward
Inward-6-4-2024681012
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013Iceland FDI flow with world
2001-2013
(US$ Billion)
Outward
Inward
051015202530
2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013Norway FDI flow with world
2001-2013
(US$ Billion)
Outward
Inward
 
Source: UNCTAD and Swiss National Bank (2008-2010). WT/REG299/1 
 
- 11 - 
 
  1.10.  Colombia's investment position with the world and EFTA States is shown in Chart 1.6. 
Colombia is a net recipient of FDI from th e world and from Norway and Switzerland. 
Chart 1.6 Colombia: Foreign Direct Investment  Stock and Flow with the EFTA States and 
the World  
0.01.02.03.04.05.06.0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Colombia FDI stock with Switzerland 
and Liechetenstein
2008-2013
(US$ Billion) 
Outward
Inward
-0.50.00.51.01.52.02.5
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Colombia FDI flow with Switzerland 
and Liechtenstein
2008-2013
(US$ Billion) 
Outward
Inward
020406080100120140
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Colombia FDI stock with world
2008-2013
(US$ Billion) 
Outward
Inward
-2024681012141618
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Colombia FDI flow with world
2008-2013
(US$ Billion) 
Outward
Inward0.00.51.01.5
2011 2012 2013Colombia FDI stock with Iceland
2011-2013
(US$ Million)
Outward
020406080100120140160
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Colombia FDI stock with Norway
2008-2013
(US$ Million)
Inward0.00.20.40.60.81.0
2010 2011Colombia FDI flow with Iceland
2010-2011
(US$ Million)
Outward
0510152025
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Colombia FDI flow with Norway
2008-2013
(US$ Million)
Inward
 
Source: Colombian authorities. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 12 - 
 
  2  CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT 
2.1  Background Information 2.1.  The Agreement covers goods and services. It was signed by the Parties on 25 November 
2008 and entered into force on 1 July 2011 (for Colombia, Liechtenstein and Switzerland), 
1 September 2014 for Norway and 1 October 2014 for Iceland. 
2.2.  The Agreement was notified to the WTO by the Parties on 14 September 2011 and 8 January 
2015 under Article XXIV:7(a) of GATT 1994 and Article V:7(a) of the GATS (WT/REG299/N/1-N/2 
and S/C/N/600 and Add.1). The text of the Agreement, along with its schedules and annexes, is 
available on the website of the Parties' authorities.
4  
2.3.  The Agreement contains 13 Chapters and 20 separate Annexes (Box 2.1). In addition there 
are three bilateral agreements on agriculture (b etween Colombia and Iceland, between Colombia 
and Norway and between Colombia and Switzerland), which also form part of the free trade area 
established by the EFTA-Colombia FTA.  
Box 2.1 Structure of the Agreement 
Preamble 
Chapter 1 General provisions 
Chapter 2 Trade in goods 
Chapter 3 Processed agricultural products 
Chapter 4 Trade in services 
Chapter 5 Investment 
Chapter 6 Protection of intellectual property 
Chapter 7 Government procurement 
Chapter 8 Competition Policy 
Chapter 9 Transparency 
Chapter 10 Cooperation 
Chapter 11 Administration of the Agreement 
Chapter 12 Dispute settlement 
Chapter 13 Final provisions 
Annexes   
Annex I Electronic Commerce 
Annex II Excluded Products 
Annex III Processed agricultural products 
Annex IV Fish and other Marine products 
Annex V Rules of Origin and Mutual Administrative Cooperation in Customs Matters 
Annex VI Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters 
Annex VII Trade facilitation 
Annex VIII Dismantling of Impo rt Duties for Industrial Products 
Annex IX Export duties 
Annex X Import and export restrictio ns and national treatment 
Annex XI List of MFN exemptions 
                                               
4 http://www.efta.int/media/documents/legal-texts/free-trade-relations/columbia/EFTA-
Colombia%20Free%20Trade%20Agreement%20EN.pdf  
and http://www.tlc.gov.co/publicaciones.php?id=709 . WT/REG299/1 
 
- 13 - 
 
  Annex XII Recognition of Qualifications of Service Suppliers 
Annex XIII Movement of Natural Persons Supplying Services 
Annex XIV Payments and Capital Movements 
Annex XV Schedules of specific commitments  
Annex XVI Financial services 
Annex XVII Telecommunications services 
Annex XVIII Reservations/non-conforming measures 
Annex XIX Covered entities 
Annex XX General notes 
 
2.4.  The Agreement establishes a free trade area between the individual EFTA States (Iceland, 
Liechtenstein, Norway5 and Switzerland) and Colombia (Article 1.1). It does not apply to trade 
relations between individual EFTA States (Article 1.5). As a result of the customs union established by the Treaty of 29 March 1923 between Switzerlan d and Liechtenstein, Switzerland represents 
the Principality of Liechtenstein in matters covered thereby (Article 1.5). 
2.5.  The Agreement shall not enter into force between Colombia and an EFTA State unless the 
complementary Agreement on Agriculture between Colombia and that EFTA State enters into force simultaneously and shall remain in force as long as the complementary agreement remains in 
force between those Parties (Article 13.6). 
3  PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS 3.1  Import duties and charges,  and quantitative restrictions 
3.1.1  General provisions 
3.1.  Upon entry into force, Colombia agreed to dismantle its customs duties on imports of 
products originating in the EFTA States for processed agricultural products (in accordance with Annex III), fish and other marine products (Anne x IV) and industrial products (Annex VIII). The 
EFTA States agreed to eliminate all customs duties on imports of products originating in Colombia, 
as defined by the scope of the agreement, unless otherwise provided for in Annexes III (processed 
agricultural products) and IV (fish and other marine products) (Article 2.6). In addition, 
concessions on a number of basic agricultural products are contained in the three bilateral 
Agreements on Agriculture between Colombia and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland respectively. 
3.2.  At the request of a Party, consultations sha ll be held to consider accelerating the elimination 
of customs duties (Article 2.6). No new customs duties or other charges in relation to the 
importation of originating products to a Party shall be introduced nor shall those already applied be increased, except as provided for in the Agreement (Article 2.6). 
3.3.  The base rate to which successive reductions  of customs duty apply is the MFN rate applied 
as of April 2007 (Article 2.7). 
3.4.  Except as provided for in Annex X, the Parties agree to apply national treatment in 
accordance with Article III of GATT 1994, including it s interpretative notes, which is incorporated 
and made part of the Agreement, mutatis mutandis  (Article 2.11).  
3.1.2  Liberalization of trade and tariff lines 3.5.  Chapter 3 of the Agreement deals with processed agricultural products. In order to take 
account of differences in the cost of the agricultural raw materials incorporated into processed 
agricultural products, the Agreement does not preclude the levying of an import duty to be based on, but not exceed, the differences between the domestic price and world market price of the 
                                               
5 The Agreement does not apply to the Norwegian terr itory of Svalbard, with the exception of trade in 
goods. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 14 - 
 
  agricultural raw materials incorporated into the products concerned (Article 3.2). The EFTA States 
agree to notify Colombia of all measures applied under Article 3.2 and of all changes in the treatment of processed agricultural products accorded to the EU (Article 3.6). 
3.6.  The EFTA States agree to accord to produc ts listed in Table 1 of Annex III, originating in 
Colombia, treatment no less favourable than that accorded to the EU in January 2008 (Article 3.3). 
Under the Agreement, export subsidies as defi ned in the WTO Agreement on Agriculture are 
prohibited on products subject to tariff concessions (Article 3.4). Should a Party introduce an 
export subsidy on a product subject to tariff concessions, the other Parties may increase the rate 
of duty on such imports up to the appl ied MFN tariff in effect at that time. 
3.7.  Colombia may maintain its Price Stabilization Mechanism for agricultural products which 
applies to a total of 143 products (at the tariff line level) falling in HS Chapters 2, 4, 10-12, 15-17, 
19, 23, 35 and 38 as outlined in Table 3 to Annex III.  
3.8.  The Parties agree to periodically review their trade in processed agricultural products and 
may decide on changes taking into account arrangements between the Parties and the EU or in the 
WTO (Article 3.7). 
3.1.3  Liberalization schedule 3.1.3.1  Iceland 
3.9.  Table 3.1 shows Iceland's tariff elimination commitments with respect to Colombia.
6 Before 
the entry into force of the Agreement, 5,968 lines were duty free, representing 70% of Iceland's 
tariff, and corresponding to 95.7% of its import s from Colombia during 2011-2013. At the entry 
into force of the Agreement, an additional 2,103 lines (24.7% of the tariff) became duty-free for 
imports from Colombia. As a result, 94.7% of Ic eland's tariff was duty free for imports from 
Colombia, corresponding to 100% of imports by valu e. 449 tariff lines (corresponding to 5.3% of 
Iceland's tariff) remain dutiable.  
Table 3.1 Iceland 
Tariff elimination commitments under the Ag reement and corresponding average trade 
Duty phase-out 
period  Number of lines  % of total 
lines in 
Iceland's 
tariff 
schedule  Value of Iceland's 
imports from 
Colombia 
(2011-2013)  
in million US$ % of Iceland's total 
imports from  
Colombia 
2011-2013 
MFN duty free (2014) 5,968 70.0 1.8 95.7 
2014 2,103 24.7 0.1 4.3 
Remain dutiable 449 5.3 0.0 0.0 
Total 8,520 100.0 1.9 100.0 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. 
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates based on da ta provided by Iceland and the WTO-IDB. 
 
3.10.  Table 3.2 shows Iceland's tariff elimination, by HS section with regard to Colombia. The 449 
lines that remain subject to duties are found in sections I (live animals); II (vegetable products), III (animal or vegetable fats and oils) and IV (prepared food) with final average tariffs of between 
29.7% and 43.8%.  
                                               
6 Iceland's applied tariff in 2014 consisted of 8,520 lines at the HS eight-digit level (HS 2012), 94.8% of 
which were ad valorem  and 440 were composed of either specific duties (53 lines) or compound duties 
(387 lines).  WT/REG299/1 
 
- 15 - 
 
  Table 3.2 Iceland 
Tariff elimination commitments under  the Agreement, by HS Section 
HS 
Section MFN 
average 
% Total 
No. of 
lines MFN duty-
free lines 
2014 Number of 
additional duty-
free lines under 
the Agreement 
2014 No. of lines 
remaining 
dutiable Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable) % 
I 7.5 870 631 32 207 29.7 
II 12.6 467 294 115 58 43.8 
III 0.0 109 105  4 - 
IV 9.5 1,081 557 344 180 39.3 
V 0.1 192 190 2   
VI 1.2 971 819 152   
VII 2.4 368 238 130   
VIII 5.4 123 25 98   
IX 1.9 218 158 60   
X 2.1 186 137 49   
XI 5.1 899 550 349   
XII 12.7 71 6 65   
XIII 3.5 192 110 82   
XIV 3.0 61 43 18   
XV 1.3 690 583 107   
XVI 2.2 1,113 836 277   
XVII 0.7 465 431 34   
XVIII 0.1 227 224 3   
XIX 5.9 24 6 18   
XX 8.7 185 18 167   
XXI 1.3 8 7 1   
Total 4.4 8,520 5,968 2,103 449 34.6 
- Contains specific duties. 
Note: For the calculation of averages, sp ecific rates are excluded and only the ad valorem part of alternate 
rates is included. 
 Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. 
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Iceland. 
3.11.  Chart 3.1 shows the average remaining duti able rates by HS Chapter for Iceland's imports 
from Colombia. In HS Chapter 20 there has been a slight reduction of the preferential rate 
vis-à-vis the MFN rate; in all other Chapters the MFN and preferential duties are the same,7 
indicating no liberalization of these tariff rates at the preferential level. 
                                               
7 HS chapters 18, 19 and 22 contain specific duties at the preferential level. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 16 - 
 
  Chart 3.1 Iceland: Average of du tiable rates, by HS Chapter  
010203040506070
02 04 06 07 10 11 12 *15 16 17 *18 *19 20 21 *22 23Rate of duty (%)
HS ChapterMFN Preferential
 
Note: 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. 
* HS chapter 15 contains specific duties only. HS chapters 18, 19 and 22 contain specific duties at the 
preferential level. 
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Iceland. 
3.1.3.2  Norway 
3.12.  Table 3.3 shows Norway's tariff elimination commitments with respect to Colombia.8 Before 
the entry into force of the Agreement, 5,913 lines we re duty free, representing 83.5% of its tariff, 
and corresponding to 96.7% of its imports from Colombia during 2011-2013. At the entry into 
force of the Agreement, an additional 480 lines (6 .8% of the tariff) became duty-free for imports 
from Colombia. As a result, 90.2% of Norway's  tariff was duty free for imports Colombia, 
corresponding to 99.8% of imports by value. Th e lines remaining dutiable represent 0.2% of 
Norway's imports from Colombia during 2011-13.  
Table 3.3 Norway 
Tariff elimination commitments under the Ag reement and corresponding average trade 
Duty phase-out 
period  Number 
of lines  % of total 
lines in 
Norway's tariff 
schedule  Value of Norway's 
imports from Colombia 
(2011-2013)  
in million US$ % of Norway's total 
imports from  
Colombia 
2011-2013 
MFN Duty free (2014) 5,913 83.46 53.2 96.7 
2014 480 6.77 1.7 3.1 
Remain dutiable 692 9.77 0.1 0.2 
Total 7,085 100.0 54.9 100.0 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data  provided by Norway and WTO-IDB. 
3.13.  Table 3.4 shows Norway's tariff elimination,  by HS section with regard to Colombia. The 692 
lines that remain subject to duties, are found in sections I (live animals); II (vegetable products), 
III (animal or vegetable fats and oils), IV (prepared food) and VI (chemicals) with final average 
tariffs of between 8.6% and 397%.  
                                               
8 Norway's applied tariff in 2014 consisted of 7,085 lines at the HS eight-digit level (HS 2012), 88.7% of 
which were ad valorem  and 801 were composed of either specific duties (798 lines) or other duties (3 lines).  WT/REG299/1 
 
- 17 - 
 
  Table 3.4 Norway 
Tariff elimination commitments under  the Agreement, by HS Section  
HS 
Section MFN 
average 
% Total 
No. of 
lines MFN duty-
free lines 
2014 Number of 
additional duty-
free lines under 
the Agreement 
2014 No. of lines 
remaining 
dutiable Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable) 
% 
I 15.6 528 330 7 191 397.0 
II 19.4 577 240 107 230 110.3 
III 5.7 126 50 16 60 8.6 
IV 2.7 449 172 85 192 75.2 
V 0.0 191 191    
VI 1.1 960 941  19 337.1 
VII 0.0 303 303    
VIII 0.0 90 90    
IX 0.0 173 173    
X 0.0 172 172    
XI 2.6 932 667 265   
XII 0.0 62 62    
XIII 0.0 180 180    
XIV 0.0 54 54    
XV 0.0 662 662    
XVI 0.0 963 963    
XVII 0.0 215 215    
XVIII 0.0 227 227    
XIX 0.0 24 24    
XX 0.0 190 190    
XXI 0.0 7 7    
Total 2.4 7,085 5,913 480 692 136.5 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Norway. 
3.14.  Chart 3.2 shows the average remaining dutiable rates by HS Chapter for Norway's imports 
from Colombia. In most HS Chapters there has been a slight reduction of the preferential rate 
vis-à-vis the MFN rate; in Chapters 1, 4 and 35 the MFN and preferential duties are the same, 
indicating no liberalization of these tariff ra tes at the preferential level. In a number of 
HS Chapters the tariff rates on rema ining dutiable lines exceed 100%. 
Chart 3.2 Norway: Average of du tiable rates, by HS Chapter  
0100200300400500600
1
2
4
*5
67
*8
*10
*11
121516
*17
*18*19*20
21
*22
2335
*38Rate of duty (%)
HS ChapterMFN Preferential
 
Note: 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.  
* HS chapters which contain specific duties only.  
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Norway.  WT/REG299/1 
 
- 18 - 
 
  3.1.3.3  Switzerland 
3.15.  Table 3.5 shows Switzerland's tariff elimination commitments with respect to Colombia.9 
Before the Agreement's entry into force, 1,474 lines or 18.2% of Switzerland's tariff were duty-free, corresponding to 43.5% of its imports from Colombia during 2008-2010. Upon entry 
into force of the Agreement, an additional 5,502 lines (67.8% of the tariff) became duty-free for 
imports from Colombia. As a result, 86% of its tariff was duty free for imports from Colombia, corresponding to 99.9% of imports by value. 1,140 tariff lines (14% of the tariff) remain dutiable 
representing 0.03% of Switzerland's imports from Colombia.  
Table 3.5 Switzerland 
Tariff elimination commitments under the Ag reement and corresponding average trade 
Duty phase-out 
period  Number 
of lines  % of total lines 
in Switzerland's 
tariff schedule  Value of Switzerland's 
imports from Colombia 
(2008-2010)  
in million US$ % of Switzerland's 
total imports from  
Colombia 
2008-2010 
MFN  
Duty free (2011) 1,474 18.2 75.9 43.51 
2011 5,502 67.8 98.5 56.46 
Remain dutiable 1,140 14.0 0.1 0.03 
Total 8,116 100.0 174.5 100.0 
Note: Tariff lines subject to in-quota rate s are excluded in the tariff line count. 
 Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data pr ovided by Switzerland and the WTO-IDB. 
 
3.16.  Table 3.6 shows Switzerland's tariff elimination, by HS section with regard to Colombia. The 1,140 lines that remain subject to duties, are found in sections I (live animals); II (vegetable 
products), III (animal or vegetable fats and o ils), IV (prepared food) and VI (chemicals). 
Switzerland applies specific duties on all lines.  
Table 3.6 Switzerland 
Tariff elimination under the Agreement, by HS Section 
HS 
Section MFN 
average 
% Total 
No. of 
lines MFN duty-free lines 
2011 Number of additional 
duty-free lines under 
the Agreement 
2011 No. of lines 
remaining 
dutiable 
I … 337 123 68 146 
II … 948 192 217 539 
III … 189 40 82 67 
IV … 623 104 144 375 
V … 182 119 63  
VI … 1,021 412 596 13 
VII … 241 30 211  
VIII … 74 15 59  
IX … 130 14 116  
X … 181 24 157  
XI … 1,094 34 1,060  
XII … 61  61  
XIII … 160 2 158  
XIV … 61 7 54  
XV … 913 39 874  
XVI … 1,234 204 1,030  
XVII … 196 18 178  
XVIII … 257 55 202  
XIX … 28  28  
XX … 176 34 142  
                                               
9 Switzerland's applied tariff in 2011 consisted of 8,116 lines at the HS eight-digit level (HS 2007), all of 
which are specific duties (18.2% are MFN duty-free lines). WT/REG299/1 
 
- 19 - 
 
  HS 
Section MFN 
average 
% Total 
No. of 
lines MFN duty-free lines 
2011 Number of additional 
duty-free lines under 
the Agreement 
2011 No. of lines 
remaining 
dutiable 
XXI … 10 8 2  
Total … 8,116 1,474 5,502 1,140 
… Not available: Switzerland's tariff is subject to specific duties for which ad valorem  equivalents are 
 not available. 
Note: All tariff calculations exclude in-quota lines. 
 Based on HS 2007 nomenclature. 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Switzerland. 
 
3.1.3.4  Colombia 
3.17.  Tables 3.7-3.12 show Colombia's tariff elimination commitments with respect to the EFTA 
States.10  
3.18.  Table 3.7 shows Colombia's tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement with 
Iceland. Before the entry into force of the Agre ement, 264 of Colombia's lines were duty free, 
representing 3.5% of its tariff, and corresponding to 0.1% of its imports from Iceland during 2011-2013. At the entry into force of the Agreem ent, an additional 4,183 lines (56.1% of the 
tariff) became duty-free for imports from Iceland.  By the end of the transition period in 2023, 
92.5% of Colombia's tariff is scheduled to be duty free for imports from Iceland, corresponding to 99.7% of imports by value. 557 tariff lines will remain dutiable representing 0.3% of Colombia's 
imports from Iceland during 2011-13.  
Table 3.7 Colombia (Iceland): Tariff elimin ation commitments under the Agreement and 
corresponding average trade 
Duty  
phase-out 
period  Number of 
lines  % of total lines in 
Colombia's tariff 
schedule  Value of Colombia's 
imports from Iceland 
(2011-2013)  
in million US$ % of Colombia's 
total imports from  
Iceland 
2011-2013 
MFN Duty Free 
(2014) 264 3.5 0.0 0.1 
2014 4,183 56.1 0.4 34.6 
2018 1,819 24.4 0.3 23.3 
2020 13 0.2 0.0 0.0 
2023 618 8.3 0.5 41.7 
Remain Dutiable 557 7.5 0.0 0.3 
Total 7,454 100.0 1.3 100.0 
Note:  Based on HS 2012 nomenclature.  
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Colombia.  
3.19.  Table 3.8 shows Colombia's tariff elimination, by HS section with regard to Iceland. The 557 
lines that remain subject to duties are found in sections I (live animals); II (vegetable products), III (animal or vegetable fats and oils), IV (prepa red food), VI (chemicals), VIII (raw hides and 
skins) and XI (textiles) with final average tariffs of between 5% and 31.3%. 
                                               
10 Colombia's applied tariff in 2011 (used for calculations with Switzerland) consisted of 7,457 lines at 
the HS 10-digit level (HS 2007), all of which were ad valorem . Colombia's applied tariff in 2014 (used for 
calculations with Iceland and Norway) consisted of 7,454  lines at the HS 10-digit level (HS 2014), all of which 
were ad valorem .  WT/REG299/1 
 
- 20 - 
 
  Table 3.8 Colombia (Iceland): Tariff elimin ation under the Agreement, by HS Section 
HS 
Section MFN 
average 
% Total No. 
of lines MFN duty-free 
lines 2014 Number of additional duty-free 
lines under the Agreement No. of 
lines 
remaining 
dutiable Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable)  2014 2018 2020 2023 
I 19.8 413  80 184  4 145 31.3 
II 13.2 427  295  8  124 17.3 
III 15.5 66  6  1 6 53 17.2 
IV 14.0 310  86 24 4 31 165 13.8 
V 5.0 193 1 159 31  2   
VI 5.0 1,416 173 897 270  41 35 8.7 
VII 7.4 315 8 126 93  88   
VIII 8.9 78  15 23  26 14 5.0 
IX 7.5 108  27 67  14   
X 8.1 197 14 54 92  37   
XI 10.2 933 1 819 64  28 21 9.5 
XII 13.5 55  12 8  35   
XIII 7.8 167  66 87  14   
XIV 7.1 59  39 12  8   
XV 6.3 718 18 367 291  42   
XVI 6.0 1,231 35 740 391  65   
XVII 12.2 246 12 75 99  60   
XVIII 5.7 282 2 249 25  6   
XIX 14.9 69  19 27  23   
XX 13.2 164  49 31  84   
XXI 15.0 7  3   4   
Total 8.7 7,454 264 4,183 1,819 13 618 557 18.7 
Note:  Based on HS 2012 nomenclature.  
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Colombia.  
3.20.  Chart 3.3 shows the average remaining dutiable rates by HS Chapter for Colombia's imports 
from Iceland. In HS Chapters 20 and 22 there has been a very slight reduction of the preferential 
rate vis-à-vis  the MFN rate; in all other Chapters the MFN and preferential duties are the same, 
indicating no liberalization of these tariff rates at the preferential level. 
Chart 3.3 Colombia with Iceland: Averag e of dutiable rates, by HS Chapter 
0102030405060
1
2
4
57
9
10
11
1214
15
16
17
1819
20
21
22
2329
33
35
38
4143
50
51
53Rate of duty (%)
HS ChapterMFN Preferential
 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature.  
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Colombia.  
 
3.21.  Table 3.9 shows Colombia's tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement with Norway. Before the entry into force of the Agr eement, 264 of Colombia's lines were duty free, 
representing 3.5% of its tariff, and corresponding  to 3.1% of its imports from Norway during WT/REG299/1 
 
- 21 - 
 
  2011-2013. Upon the entry into force of the Agr eement, an additional 4,165 lines (55.9% of the 
tariff) became duty-free for imports from Norway. By the end of the transition period in 2023, 
92.6% of Colombia's tariff is scheduled to be du ty free for imports from Norway, corresponding to 
99.9% of imports by value. 553 tariff lines will remain dutiable representing 0.1% of Colombia's 
imports from Norway during 2011-13.  
Table 3.9 Colombia (Norway): Tariff elimin ation commitments under the Agreement and 
corresponding average trade 
Duty  
phase-out period  Number of 
lines  % of total lines in 
Colombia's tariff 
schedule  Value of Colombia's 
imports from 
Norway 
(2011-2013)  
in million US$ % of 
Colombia's total 
imports from  
Norway 
2011-2013 
MFN  
Duty Free (2014) 264 3.5 1.5 3.1 
2014 4,165 55.9 42.0 85.1 
2015 21 0.3 0.0 0.0 
2018 1,820 24.4 5.6 11.4 
2020 14 0.2 0.0 0.0 
2023 617 8.3 0.2 0.4 
Remain Dutiable 553 7.4 0.0 0.1 
Total 7,454 100.0 49.4 100.0 
Note:  Based on HS 2012 nomenclature.  
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Colombia.  
3.22.  Table 3.10 shows Colombia's tariff elimination, by HS section with regard to Norway. The 
553 lines that remain subject to duties are found in sections I (live animals); II (vegetable products), III (animal or vegetable fats and oils), IV (prepared food), and VI (chemicals) with final 
average tariffs of between 10.5% and 30.4%. 
Table 3.10 Colombia (Norway): Tariff eliminat ion under the Agreement, by HS Section 
HS 
Section MFN 
average %  Total No. 
of lines MFN duty-
free lines 
2014 Number of additional duty-free 
lines under the Agreement No. of 
lines 
remaining 
dutiable Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable)  2014 2015  2018 2020  2023 
I 19.8 413  76  184  1 152 30.4 
II 13.2 427  216 21  8  182 15.6 
III 15.5 66  6   1 6 53 17.2 
IV 14.0 310  101  25 5 33 146 13.5 
V 5.0 193 1 159  31  2   
VI 5.0 1,416 173 912  270  41 20 10.5 
VII 7.4 315 8 126  93  88   
VIII 8.9 78  29  23  26   
IX 7.5 108  27  67  14   
X 8.1 197 14 54  92  37   
XI 10.2 933 1 840  64  28   
XII 13.5 55  12  8  35   
XIII 7.8 167  66  87  14   
XIV 7.1 59  39  12  8   
XV 6.3 718 18 367  291  42   
XVI 6.0 1,231 35 740  391  65   
XVII 12.2 246 12 75  99  60   
XVIII 5.7 282 2 249  25  6   
XIX 14.9 69  19  27  23   
XX 13.2 164  49  31  84   
XXI 15.0 7  3    4   
Total 8.7 7,454 264 4,165  21 1,820  14 617 553 19.1 
Note:  Based on HS 2012 nomenclature.  
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Colombia.  
 WT/REG299/1 
 
- 22 - 
 
  3.23.  Chart 3.4 shows the average remaining dutiable rates by HS Chapter for Colombia's imports 
from Norway. In HS Chapters 16, 20 and 22 there has been a slight reduction of the preferential 
rate vis-à-vis  the MFN rate; in all other Chapters the MFN and preferential duties are the same, 
indicating no liberalization of these tariff rates at the preferential level. 
Chart 3.4 Colombia with Norway: Averag e of dutiable rates, by HS Chapter  
051015202530354045
1245789 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 9 3 5 3 8Rate of duty (%)
HS ChapterMFN Preferential
 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature.  
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Colombia.  
 
3.24.  Table 3.11 shows Colombia's tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement with 
Switzerland. Before the entry into force of the Agreement, 263 of Colombia's lines were duty free, 
representing 3.5% of its tariff, and corresponding to 6.9% of its imports from Switzerland during 
2008-2010. Upon the entry into force of the Agr eement, an additional 4,234 lines (56.8% of the 
tariff) became duty-free for imports from Switzerlan d. By the end of the transition period in 2027, 
93.6% of Colombia's tariff is scheduled to be duty free for imports from Switzerland, 
corresponding to 99.7% of imports by value. 476 tariff lines will remain dutiable representing 0.3% of Colombia's imports from Switzerland during 2008-2010.  
Table 3.11 Colombia (Switzerland): Tari ff elimination commitments under the 
Agreement and corresponding average trade 
Duty  
phase-out 
period  Number 
of lines  % of total lines 
in Colombia's 
tariff schedule  Value of Colombia's 
imports from 
Switzerland 
(2008-2010)  
in million US$ % of Colombia's total 
imports from  
Switzerland 
2008-2010 
MFN  
Duty Free 
(2011) 263 3.5 26.9 6.9 
2011 4,234 56.8 307.0 78.8 
2015 1,831 24.6 45.3 11.6 
2017 14 0.2 0.0 0.0 
2018 2 0.0 0.0 0.0 
2020 625 8.4 9.0 2.3 
2022 1 0.0 0.0 0.0 
2023 3 0.0 0.0 0.0 
2027 8 0.1 0.0 0.0 
Remain 
dutiable 476 6.4 1.3 0.3 
Total 7,457 100.0 389.5 100.0 
Note:  Based on HS 2012 nomenclature.  
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Colombia.  WT/REG299/1 
 
- 23 - 
 
  3.25.  Table 3.12 shows Colombia's tariff elimination, by HS section with regard to Switzerland. 
The 476 lines that remain subject to duties are found in sections I (live animals); II (vegetable products), III (animal or vegetable fats and oils), IV (prepared food), and VI (chemicals) with final average tariffs of between 12.3% and 35.5%. 
Table 3.12 Colombia (Switzerland): Tari ff elimination under the Agreement, by 
HS Section 
HS 
Section 
MFN average 
% 
Total No. of 
lines 
MFN duty-free 
lines 2011 Number of additional duty-free lines under the 
Agreement 
No. of lines 
remaining 
dutiable 
Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable) 2011 
2015 
2017 
2018 
2020 
2022 
2023 
2027 
I 19.9 413  96 184  1 2 1 3 8 118 35.5 
II 13.2 427  274  8      145 16.1 
III 15.5 66  6  1  6    53 17.2 
IV 14.0 310  82 35 5  40    149 13.6 
V 5.0 193 1 159 31   2      
VI 5.0 1,417 173 920 271  1 41    11 12.3 
VII 7.4 316 8 127 93   88      
VIII 8.8 78  29 23   26      
IX 7.5 108  27 67   14      
X 8.1 197 14 54 92   37      
XI 10.2 933 1 840 64   28      
XII 13.3 55  12 8   35      
XIII 7.6 167  66 87   14      
XIV 7.1 59  39 12   8      
XV 6.3 718 17 367 292   42      
XVI 6.0 1,232 35 741 391   65      
XVII 12.2 246 12 75 99   60      
XVIII 5.7 282 2 249 25   6      
XIX 14.9 69  19 27   23      
XX 13.2 164  49 31   84      
XXI 15.0 7  3    4      
Total 8.6 7,457 263 4,234  1,831  14 2 625 1 3 8 476 20.1 
Note:  Based on HS 2012 nomenclature. Tariff lines subject to in-quota tariffs are excluded in the 
calculation. 
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Colombia.  
3.26.  Chart 3.5 shows the average remaining dutiable rates by HS Chapter for Colombia's imports 
from Switzerland. In HS Chapters 16, 17, 20 an d 22 there has been a slight reduction of the 
preferential rate vis-à-vis  the MFN rate; in all other Chapters the MFN and preferential duties are 
the same, indicating no liberalization of these tariff rates at the preferential level. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 24 - 
 
  Chart 3.5 Colombia with Switzerland: Aver age of dutiable rates, by HS Chapter 
0102030405060
1245679 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 9 3 5 3 8Rate of duty (%)
HS ChapterMFN Preferential
 
Note:  Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature.  
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Colombia.  
3.1.4  Tariff rate quotas 
3.27.  Under the Agreement, Colombia applies a tariff rate quota on imports of cheese (6 tariff 
lines at the HS 8-digit level) from Switzerland (see Table 3.13). These TRQs are independent of 
WTO TRQs.  
Table 3.13 TRQs applied by Colombia to Switzerland under the Agreement 
Tariff 
lines Quantity Base rate for 
elimination of out-
of-quota tariff Out of quota tariff 
04061000 100 tons/year, duty-
free. As of year 17, 
duty-free entry on all goods. 15% Duties to be removed in 17 equal 
annual stages. Duty-free as of 
year 17. 
04063000 200 MT duty-free, 
increasing by 19 
MT/year. From year 17 
onwards, 500 MT duty-
free. 20% The fixed component of the price 
stabilization mechanism is to be 
removed in 17 equal annual 
stages. Duty free as of year 17. 
04069040 04069050 
04069060 
04069090 200 MT duty-free, 
increasing by 19 
MT/year. From year 17 
onwards, the aggregate quantity of duty-free 
goods is 500 MT. 20% 
20% 
20% 
20% The fixed component of the price 
stabilization mechanism is to be 
removed in 17 equal annual 
stages. Duty free as of year 17. 
3.2  Rules of origin 
3.28.  Rules of origin and provisions on mutual administrative cooperation in customs matters are 
set out in Annex V to the Agreement. Title I defines terms used in Annex V and Title II clarifies the concept of "originating products". For the purposes of the Agreement, a product is considered as originating in a Party if: WT/REG299/1 
 
- 25 - 
 
  a. it has been wholly obtained in a Party11; 
b. the non-originating materials of that product have undergone sufficient working or 
processing in a Party, in conformity with the product-specific rules contained in Appendix 2 to Annex V; or  
c. it has been produced in a Party exclusively from materials that qualify as originating 
pursuant to Annex V of the Agreement. 
3.29.  Product-specific rules of origin set out in Appendix 2 to Annex V represent the minimum 
working or processing required to be carried ou t on non-originating materials for the resulting 
product to achieve originating status. For most HS  Chapters covering agricultural products, the 
products are originating if they are wholly obtained (in particular for HS Chapters 1-12) or if their transformation involves a change in tariff classification (CTC). In a number of HS Chapters (in 
particular HS Chapters 27-39; 41-47; 49; 65-76; 78-90; and 92-97), either a CTC or value 
addition criterion, (where the value of non-orig inating materials does not exceed 47% to 67% of 
the ex-works price of the product) is required. Specified manufacturing or processing operations 
are required for some textile products. 
3.30.  Rules on accumulation of origin are set out in Article 3 of Annex V. Accumulation is 
permitted among the Parties provided that sufficient working or processing has taken place. If not, 
products retain their origin. The provisions on a ccumulation do not apply to processed agricultural 
products when exported from one EFTA State to another. The Parties agree no later than four years after the Agreement's entry into force to revi ew the provisions on accumulation to take into 
account new concepts, such as cross-accumulation or pan-free-trade-agreement-accumulation. 
3.31.  Minimal operations that do not confer origin are defined in Article 6 of Annex V. Provisions 
relating to unit of qualification; packing materials and containers; accessories, spare parts and tools; sets; indirect materials; and fungible materials are set out in Articles 7-12 of Annex V.  
3.32.  Title III of Annex V clarifies the principle of territoriality and direct transport provisions 
applicable to the Agreement. Title IV of Annex V lays down the general and specific documentary requirements for proof of origin, including the issuance of a movement certificate EUR.1, approved 
exporters, importation requirements, exemptio ns, supporting documents and preservation of 
proofs of origin and supporting documents. 
3.33.  Title V of Annex V governs arrangements for administrative cooperation, in particular, 
notifications; verification of proofs of origin; disp ute settlement; confidentiality; penalties; and free 
zones.  
3.3  Export duties and charges,  and quantitative restrictions 
3.34.  The Parties agree upon entry into force of  the Agreement to eliminate all customs duties 
and other charges, including surcharges and other fo rms of contributions, in relation to the export 
of goods to a Party, except as provided for in A nnex IX. No new customs duties or other charges in 
relation to the export of goods to a Party shall be introduced nor shall those already applied be 
increased (Article 2.8).  
3.35.  Under Annex IX, Colombia retains export duties on coffee and emeralds. If Colombia lowers 
or eliminates its export duties on these products to a non-party, it shall accord the same treatment to the EFTA States.  
                                               
11 Article 4 of Annex V provides the categories of  products considered wh olly obtained under the 
Agreement. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 26 - 
 
  3.4  Regulatory provisions on trade in goods 
3.4.1  Standards 3.4.1.1  Sanitary and phytosanitary measures 3.36.  The rights and obligations of the Parties in respect of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) 
measures are governed by the WTO SPS Agreement (Article 2.13).  
3.37.  The Parties agree to strengthen their cooperation in SPS matters. To facilitate access to 
their respective markets, the Parties agree to develop bilateral agreements including those 
between their respective regulatory authorities.
12  
3.38.  The Parties agree to designate and notify  upon the entry into force of the Agreement 
contact points for notification and information exchange on issues related to SPS matters. The Parties establish a forum for SPS experts which shall meet when requested by one of the Parties. 
The objectives of the forum include overviewing an d ensuring the implementation of the Article on 
SPS matters; considering measures affecting access to markets of another Party with a view to finding a solution; assessing progress on market access interests of the Parties and establishing 
technical expert groups, as needed.
13  
3.4.1.2  Technical barriers to trade 3.39.  The rights and obligations of the Parties on technical regulations, standards and conformity 
assessment measures are governed by the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) 
(Article 2.14).  
3.40.  The Parties agree to strengthen cooperation in TBT matters, in particular to reinforce the 
role of international standards used as a basis for technical regulations, including conformity 
assessment procedures, the promotion of the accr editation of conformity assessment bodies on 
the basis of relevant standards and guides of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC); the promotion of mutual 
acceptance of conformity assessment results of recognised bodies; and reinforcement of 
transparency in the development of technical re gulations and conformity assessment procedures. 
The Agreement also provides for disciplines on noti fication, the establishment of contact points on 
TBT matters, and technical consultations in cases where a Party considers that another Party has 
taken or is considering a measure not in conformity with the WTO TBT Agreement. 
3.4.2  Safeguard mechanisms 3.4.2.1  Global safeguards 
3.41.  The Parties' rights and obligations in respect of global safeguards are governed by 
Article XIX of the GATT 1994 and the WTO Agreement on Safeguards (Article 2.17). In taking a global safeguard measure, a Party shall exclude imports of an originating product from one or 
several Parties if such imports do not in and of themselves cause or threaten to cause serious 
injury. The Party making such exclusion shall do so in accordance with WTO jurisprudence. No Party may apply, with respect to the same prod uct and at the same time, a bilateral safeguard 
measure and a global safeguard measure under the relevant WTO provisions.  
3.4.2.2  Bilateral safeguards 3.42.  Disciplines on bilateral safeguard measures are contained in Article 2.18. Such measures 
may only be applied to the minimum extent necessary to remedy or prevent an injury substantially 
caused (or threatened to be caused) by a Party's competing product imported in increased 
quantities into another Party. This is applicable only when such a situation results from the reduction or elimination of a customs duty under the Agreement. The investigation shall be 
                                               
12 According to the Parties, no bilateral agreem ents have been concluded (as of December 2015). 
13 According to the Parties, contact points were shared at the Joint Committee meeting in November 
2014.  The SPS forum has not met (as of December 2015). WT/REG299/1 
 
- 27 - 
 
  conducted in accordance with the procedures laid down in the WTO Safeguards Agreement. The 
importing Party may suspend further reductions of customs duties. As an alternative, it may increase the rate of customs duties to a level not exceeding the lesser of: i) the MFN rate of duty applied at the time the action is taken or ii) th e MFN rate of duty applied on the day immediately 
preceding the entry into force of the Agreement.  
3.43.  Bilateral safeguards shall only be taken duri ng the transition period which is defined as 10 
years from the date of entry into force of the Agreement. Where the liberalization process lasts 
more than 10 years, the transition period mean s the tariff elimination period of the good in 
question. The duration of a bilateral safeguard me asure shall not exceed two years, extendable by 
up to one year, if the competent authority of the importing Party determines that the measure continues to be necessary to prevent or remedy serious injury and to facilitate adjustment and 
that there is evidence that the domestic indu stry is adjusting. The Agreement provides for 
consultations in the Joint Committee before a measure is taken. No bilateral safeguard shall be applied on a product which has previously been subject to such a measure.  
3.44.  For critical circumstances, the Agreemen t also foresees provisional bilateral safeguard 
measures, which shall be terminated within 180 days at the latest. The period of application of any provisional safeguard measure shall count as part of the duration of the bilateral safeguard 
measure.  
3.4.2.3  Balance of payments safeguards 3.45.  While the Parties shall endeavour to avoid the imposition of restrictive measures for balance 
of payments (BOP) purposes, a Party, in serious BOP difficulties, or under imminent threat thereof, 
may, in accordance with GATT 1994 and the WTO Understanding on Balance of Payments 
Provisions, adopt trade restrictive measures (Article 2.21). Such measures shall be notified to the other Parties. 
3.4.3  Anti-dumping  
3.46.  The Parties' rights and obligations relating to anti-dumping measures are governed by 
Article VI of GATT 1994 and the WTO Agreement on its implementation (the WTO Antidumping 
Agreement) (Article 2.16). Article 2.16 provides for prior notification and a 20 day period for 
consultations between the Parties if an investigation under the WTO Antidumping Agreement is anticipated. A mutually acceptable solution shou ld be sought between the concerned Parties. If 
such a solution cannot be reached, each Party retains its rights and obligations under the WTO 
antidumping provisions. The Parties agree to review  the Agreement's provisions on antidumping to 
determine whether its content is still necessary considering the policy objectives of the Parties. The Agreement's dispute settlement mechanism may be used only for the Parties' obligations on 
antidumping that are not already covered in the relevant WTO provisions, namely notification and 
consultations. 
3.4.4  Subsidies and countervailing measures and State-aid 
3.47.  The rights and obligations relating to subsidies and countervailing measures are governed 
by Articles VI and XVI of GATT 1994 and the WT O Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures (Article 2.15). Before a Party initiates an investigation to determine any alleged subsidy in another Party, it shall notify the other Party in writing and allow 30 days to find a mutually 
acceptable solution. Consultations are to take place within 15 days from the receipt of the 
notification in the Joint Committee if any Party so requests. The Agreement's dispute settlement mechanism may only be invoked with regard to the Parties' obligations on subsidies and 
countervailing measures that are not already covered in the relevant WTO provisions, namely 
notification and consultations.  
3.48.  The rights and obligations of the Parties in respect of state trading enterprises are governed 
by Article XVII of GATT 1994 and the Understanding on the Interpretation of Article XVII of GATT 
1994, which are made part of the Agreement mutatis mutandis  (Article 2.12). WT/REG299/1 
 
- 28 - 
 
  3.4.5  Customs-related procedures 
3.49.  The Parties may not institute or maintain any prohibitions or restrictions other than duties, 
taxes or other charges, whether made effective through quotas, import or export licences or other measures. Article XI of GATT 1994 is incorporated and made part of the Agreement 
mutatis mutandis  (Article 2.9). The Parties may not adopt or maintain export and import price 
requirements (except as permitted in the enforcement of countervailing or anti-dumping measures and undertakings), or import licensing conditioned on the fulfilment of a performance requirement 
except as provided for in Annex X. 
3.50.  The Parties shall ensure that all fees and charges other than import and export duties and 
taxes referred to in Article III of GATT 1994 are applied in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article VIII of GATT 1994 and its interpretative notes (Article 2.10). The Parties agree to make 
available and maintain through the internet updated information about fees and charges imposed 
in connection with importation or exportation. 
3.51.  Annex VI of the Agreement contains provisions regarding mutual administrative assistance 
in customs matters including requests for assistance (and exemptions to the obligation to provide 
assistance); delivery/notification; confidentiality; use of information; experts and witnesses; and assistance expenses. 
3.52.  Provisions on trade facilitation are laid out in Annex VII. The Parties agree to publish 
promptly and as far as practicable on the internet, all laws and regulations of general application relevant for international trade in goods and related services between the Parties. Provisions on simplification of international trade procedures; risk management; fees and charges; advance 
rulings; cooperation; confidentiality; and review and appeal are laid out in Articles 3-9 of 
Annex VII. 
4  PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN SERVICES AND INVESTMENT 
4.1  Scope and definitions 
4.1.  Rules governing trade in services are found in Chapter 4 of the Agreement.
14 Chapter 4 
applies to measures by Parties affecting trade in services, provided through any of the four 
traditional modes of supply, by central, regional or local governments and authorities as well as by 
non-governmental bodies in the exercise of powers delegated by these governments or authorities. The Parties' schedules of specific commitments (including limitations on national treatment and market access) are contained in Annex XV, MFN exemptions are in Annex XI, 
specific disciplines affecting trade in financial services are in Annex XVI and disciplines affecting 
telecommunications services are in Annex XVII. 
4.2.  Chapter 4 does not cover measures affecting air traffic rights, or measures affecting services 
directly related to the exercise of air traffic rights (except as provided for in paragraph 3 of the 
Annex on Air Transport Services to the GATS).
15 Moreover, nothing in the Chapter shall be 
construed to impose any obligation with respect to government procurement.16 
4.3.  The Parties may negotiate additional commitments with respect to measures affecting trade 
in services, including those regarding qualifications, standards or licensing matters (Article 4.6).  
4.4.  The Parties agree to review their schedules of specific commitments and their lists of MFN 
exemptions at least every three years to provide for the reduction or elimination of substantially all 
remaining discrimination between the Parties. The first such review was scheduled to take place 
not later than two years after the Agreement's entry into force (Article 4.18).17 The Parties shall 
                                               
14 The definitions in the Agreement relating to trade in and supply of services mirror those found in the 
GATS. "Trade in services" covers the supply of a service through the four modes of supply defined in the GATS. 
15 Accordingly, the provisions of Ch apter 4 cover measures affecting (a) aircraft repair and maintenance 
services; (b) the selling and marketing of air transpor t services; and (c) computer  reservation system (CRS) 
services. 
16 Government procurement is subject to Chapter 7 of the Agreement and is summarized below. 
17 At the first meeting of the Joint Committee in November 2014, the Parties reviewed the commitments 
under the Trade in Services Chapter and agreed that th ere was no immediate need to adapt the schedules of WT/REG299/1 
 
- 29 - 
 
  jointly review the negotiations provided for in paragraph 4 of Article VI (domestic regulation) and 
paragraph 1 of Article XV (subsidies) of the GATS and incorporate any results of such negotiations 
into the Services Chapter of the Agreement. 
4.5.  Chapter 5 on investment applies to commercial presence in all sectors with the exception of 
services sectors covered by the Trade in Servic es Chapter of the Agreement. Reservations and 
non-conforming measures with respect to commercial presence as defined by the Investment Chapter are set out in Annex XVIII. The provis ions of the Investment Chapter are without 
prejudice to the rights and obligations of the Parties under other international agreements to which 
they are party. Any dispute settlement mechanism in an investment protection agreement to which Colombia and one EFTA State are parties is not applicable to alleged breaches of the Investment Chapter (Article 5.7). 
4.2  Denial of benefits 
4.6.  There are no specific provisions in the Agreement on the denial of benefits. 4.3  General provisions on trade in services  
4.3.1  Market access 
4.7.  The Agreement's provisions on market acce ss mirror those found in Article XVI of the GATS 
(Article 4.4). 
4.3.2  National treatment and MFN 
4.8.  The Agreement's provisions on national treatment in trade in services mirror those found in 
Article XVII of the GATS (Article 4.5). The Parties' specific commitments, including national treatment limitations are contained in Annex XV to the Agreement and are summarized in Section 
4.4 of this report.  
4.9.  In respect of all measures affecting the suppl y of services, the Parties accord to services and 
service suppliers of another Party treatment no less favourable than the treatment they accord to 
like services and service suppliers of any non-party, except for the MFN exemptions contained in 
Annex XI (Article 4.3). Treatment granted under ot her agreements concluded by one of the Parties 
and notified under GATS Article V or Article V bis, as well as treatment granted in accordance with 
GATS Article VII, are not subject to MFN treatment.  If a Party enters into an agreement notified 
under GATS Article V or Article V bis, it shall upon request from another Party afford adequate 
opportunity to that Party to negotiate the benefits granted therein. 
4.3.3  Commercial presence 
4.10.  Under the Agreement, trade in services is defined as in Article I:2 of GATS and includes the 
supply of a service through Mode 3, i.e. by a service supplier of one Party, through commercial 
presence in the territory of any other Party (Art icle 4.2). Commercial presence with regard to 
investment (Chapter 5 of the Agreement) is defi ned as being any type of business establishment 
within the territory of another Party for the purpose of performing an economic activity (Article 5.2). 
4.3.4  Movement of natural persons 
4.11.  The Agreement's provisions on the movement of natural persons mirror those found in the 
Annex on Movement of Natural Persons Supplying Services under the Agreement  of the GATS 
(Article 4.9).  
4.12.  Annex XIII on the Movement of Natural Person s Supplying Services forms an integral part of 
the Services Chapter of the Agreement and also applies to Article 5.5 (key personnel) of the 
                                                                                                                                               
specific commitments or the lists of MFN exemptions. Th e Parties also agreed that because EFTA countries and 
Colombia are currently negotiating the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA), they will review the FTA's schedules after the TiSA is concluded. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 30 - 
 
  Investment Chapter (see Section 4.7 of this Report). The Annex provides for information to be 
made publicly available for an effective applicatio n of the grant of entry, temporary stay and work 
in the Parties' territories. The Annex also makes provision for contact points and expeditious application procedures. 
4.13.  The Parties' horizontal commitments contained in their services schedules in Annex XV of 
the Agreement are shown in Table 4.1. 
Table 4.1 Mode 4 commitments under the Agreement  
Country Category Period of Stay 
Iceland Intra-corporate transferees 
 Executives  Managers  Specialists  Service sellers Not specified 
Liechtenstein Intra-corporate transferees 
 Executives and senior managers 
 specialists Three years 
Norway Intra-corporate transferees 
 Managers and executives  Specialists Business visitors Four years 
  Three months in 12 month period 
Switzerland Intra-corporate transferees 
 Executives and senior managers 
 Specialists 
Business visitors and services salespersons 
Contractual service suppliers 
Installers and maintainers Three years (may be extended to five 
years) 
 
90 days within a 1 year period 
90 days within a 1 year period 
90 days within a 1 year period 
Colombia Managers, legal representatives and technical 
specialists (except professional services subsectors) Business visitors Installers and maintainers Not specified 
  Six months 45 days 
Source: Annex XV of the Agreement. 
 
4.14.  Colombia has provided data on the movement of natural persons to and from the EFTA 
Parties (Table 4.2). 
Table 4.2 Colombia: Movement of natu ral persons to and from EFTA states  
Year Iceland Norway Switzerland 
going to coming from going to coming from going to coming from 
2008     67 242 
2009     77 250 
2010     150 266 
2011  2 22 57   
2012 1 3 45 50   
2013  2 37 31   
Note: no data on Liechtenstein. 
Source: Colombian authorities. 
4.4  Liberalization commitments 
4.15.   With respect to sectors with commit ments, each Party's schedule specifies terms, 
limitations and conditions on market access; conditions and qualifications on national treatment; 
undertakings relating to additional commitments; and, where appropriate, the time-frame for implementation of such commitments, and the date  of entry into force of such commitments. The 
Parties' lists of MFN exemptions are in Annex XI to the Agreement.
18 
4.16.  Liberalization modalities for Chapter 4 (trade in services) follow a "positive list" approach 
comparable to the approach used under GATS.  
                                               
18 Reservations on investment comm itments (applicable to non-servic es sectors) are in Annex XVIII. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 31 - 
 
  4.17.  The sub-sections below present the Parties' liberalization commitments under the 
Agreement as compared to their GATS commitments. After summarizing MFN exemptions and horizontal limitations listed in the Agreement by  each Party, Tables 4.3 to 4.7 summarize the 
Parties' specific commitments under the Agreement, by main sectors and subsectors. 
Improvements in existing GATS commitments are either a reduction in the limitations applicable to 
national treatment, additional sub-sectors in which commitments are made, and/or new commitments. It should be noted, however, that ho rizontal limitations in the GATS Schedules, MFN 
reservations or exemptions in the Agreement, and mode 4 commitments are not included in the 
Tables. Horizontal commitments in mode 4 made under the Agreement are summarized in Table 4.1. 
4.4.1  Iceland 
4.18.   In its GATS schedule, Iceland has made commitments in 113 out of 155 services sectors,
19 
leaving in particular education services and health related and social services unbound.  
4.19.  Iceland's GATS MFN exemptions cover certain measures, in all sectors, aimed at promoting 
Nordic co-operation, as well as related to European programmes and initiatives in the audio-visual 
services sector, also linked to the production, distribution, and transmission of audio-visual work. Under the Agreement, Iceland reproduces these exemptions. An MFN exemption taken by Iceland 
under the GATS on computer reservation syst ems and sales and marketing of air transport 
services has not been listed under the Agreement. 
4.20.  Under the GATS, Iceland's horizontal limitations mainly cover certain measures on the 
provision of services through mode 3 (certain investment by foreigners and non-residents, as well 
as real-estate lease and acquisition) and mode 4 (unbound except for the temporary entry and 
stay of executives, managers, specialists and service sellers). Subsidies are unbound for modes 1 and 2 for all sectors. There are some horizontal  limitations on national treatment related to 
Iceland's membership of the European Economic  Area. The Agreement maintains most of these 
horizontal limitations though, in relation to mode 3, conditions on investment by non-residents in the manufacturing industry are relaxed and national treatment accorded to subsidiaries may be 
extended to branches or agencies established in an EEA Member State of an EFTA Member State 
by a third-party company if an effective and continuous link with the economy of the concerned party can be shown.  
4.21.  Iceland's sector-specific commitments under the Agreement mirror to a large extent its 
GATS commitments with improved commitments in tourism and travel related services and 
transport services (Table 4.3).  
Table 4.3 Iceland: comparison between the GATS and Agreement specific commitments 
in trade in services 
Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS FTA 
Sectoral 
Commitments Sectoral commitments Compared to 
GATS 
1. Business services    
A. Professional Services Partial Partial Similar 
B. Computer and Related Services  Partial Partial Similar 
C. Research and Development Services  Partial Partial Similar 
D. Real Estate Services  Partial Partial Same 
E. Rental/Leasing Services without Operators  Partial Partial Similar 
F. Other Business Services Partial Partial Similar 
2. Communication services     
A. Postal services --- --- Same 
B. Courier services --- --- Same 
C. Telecommunication services  Partial Partial Same 
D. Audiovisual services --- --- Same 
3. Construction and related engineering 
services     
A. General construction work for buildings Full Full Same 
B. General construction work for civil Engineering Full Full Same 
C. Installation and assembly work  Full Full Same 
D. Building completion and finishing work  Full Full Same 
E. Other --- --- Same 
                                               
19 Source: WTO country profile, September 2014. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 32 - 
 
  Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS FTA 
Sectoral 
Commitments Sectoral commitments Compared to 
GATS 
4. Distribution services    
A. Commission agents' services Full Full Similar 
B. Wholesale trade services Full Full Similar 
C. Retailing services Full Full Similar 
D. Franchising Full Full Similar 
E. Other Full --- less 
5. Education services    
A. Primary education services --- --- Same 
B. Secondary education services  --- --- Same 
C. Higher education services  --- --- Same 
D. Adult education --- --- Same 
E. Other education services  --- --- Same 
6. Environmental services    
A. Sewage services Partial Partial Same 
B. Refuse disposal services Partial Partial Same 
C. Sanitation and similar services  Partial Partial Same 
D. Other Partial Partial Same 
7. Financial services    
A. All insurance and insurance-related services  Partial Partial Similar 
B. Banking and other financial services Partial Partial Same 
8. Health related and social services    
A. Hospital services --- --- Same 
B. Other Human Health Services --- --- Same 
C. Social Services --- --- Same 
D. Other --- --- Same 
9. Tourism and travel related services     
A. Hotels and restaurants (including catering) Partial Partial Improved 
B. Travel agencies and tour operators services Partial Partial Improved 
C. Tourist guides services Full Full Same 
10. Recreational and cultural and sporting 
services    
A. Entertainment services Partial Partial Same 
B. News agency services Partial Partial Same 
C. Libraries, archives, museums and other 
cultural services Partial Partial Same 
D. Sporting and other recreational services  Partial Partial Same 
E. Other Partial --- Less 
11. Transport services     
A. Maritime Transport Services Partial Partial Improved 
B. Internal Waterways Transport --- --- Same 
C. Air Transport Services Partial Partial Improved 
D. Space Transport  --- --- Same 
E. Rail Transport Services --- --- Same 
F. Road Transport Services Partial Partial Same 
G. Pipeline Transport  --- --- Same 
H. Services auxiliary to all modes of transport  Partial Partial Same 
I. Other Transport Services  Full --- less 
Partial:  GATS commitments subject to some limitation (s) under market access or national treatment, under 
any of the three modes. 
Full: GATS commitments not subject to limitation(s) under market access or national treatment, under 
any of the three modes. 
---: No commitments. 
Improved: Overall improved commitments made under th e Agreement as compared to those under the GATS. 
Similar: Similar commitments (Agreement vs GATS); though possibly, in specific individual cases, with 
limited improvements and/or li mited additional reservations. 
Source:  Draft Consolidated GATS Schedule of Spec ific Commitments (S/DCS/W /ISL/Rev.1) and Iceland's 
Schedules annexed to the Agreement.  
4.22.  In business services, there are minor differences between Iceland's commitments under the 
Agreement and the GATS for legal advice activities on home country law; research and development services on natural sciences; and printing and publishing. In insurance and insurance 
related services, the residency or establishment requirement in EFTA/EEA Member States for 
insurance brokers may be subject to exemption subject to approval from the Minister of 
Commerce. In tourism and travel related services, the granting of licences is still dependent on 
residency under the Agreement (but not tied to one year's previous residency as in the GATS). 
Iceland has added freight forwarding services under  maritime auxiliary services (a subsector for 
which it has no commitments in the GATS). In air transport services Iceland has liberalized WT/REG299/1 
 
- 33 - 
 
  modes 1 and 3 of sales and marketing and comput er reservation systems under the Agreement. 
Iceland has made no commitments under other transport services, a sector for which it has GATS commitments. 
4.4.2  Liechtenstein 
4.23.  In its GATS schedule, Liechtenstein has made commitments in 86 out of 155 services 
sectors
20, leaving construction and related engineering services and health related and social 
services unbound. Under the Agreement, the coverage of specific commitments remains broadly 
the same, though additional commitments are made in particular for a number of basic 
telecommunication services, which are unbound under the GATS. 
4.24.  Liechtenstein's GATS MFN exemptions cove r measures related to the granting of work 
permits and temporary entry authorizations in favour of EFTA States in distribution services; 
measures related to European programmes and initiatives in the audio-visual services sector, also 
linked to production, distribution, and transm ission of audio-visual work; exemptions in 
construction and related engineering services (based on reciprocity); insurance and banking 
services (in the context of the monetary union with Switzerland); CRS and sales and marketing of 
air transport services; and bilateral agreements on road transport. Under the Agreement, Liechtenstein reproduces its MFN exemptions on audio-visual services, construction and related 
engineering services, and road transport and adds measures on the movement of natural persons 
in favour of Switzerland and based upon reciprocity across all sectors.  
4.25.  Liechtenstein's horizontal limitations in the GATS cover certain measures restricting the 
provision of services through mode 3 (establishm ent of commercial presence is subject to the 
requirement that no objection for reasons of "national economy" is raised) and through mode 4 
(unbound except for the temporary entry and st ay of executives and senior managers, and 
specialists). Some horizontal limitations on national treatment are registered for modes 1 and 2 for 
some subsidies and tax incentives and for mode 3 regarding the establishment and operation of 
forms of commercial presence, relating to its membership in the EEA. The Agreement repeats these horizontal limitations.  
Table 4.4 Liechtenstein: comparison be tween the GATS and Agreement specific 
commitments in trade in services 
Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS FTA 
Sectoral 
Commitments Sectoral commitments Compared to 
GATS 
1. Business services    
A. Professional Services Partial Partial Same 
B. Computer and Related Services  Full Full Same 
C. Research and Development Services  Full Full Same 
D. Real Estate Services  --- --- Same 
E. Rental/Leasing Services without Operators  Partial Partial Same 
F. Other Business Services Partial Partial Improved 
2. Communication services     
A. Postal services --- --- Same 
B. Courier services --- --- Same 
C. Telecommunication services  Partial Full Improved 
D. Audiovisual services --- --- Same 
3. Construction and related engineering 
services     
A. General construction work for buildings --- --- Same 
B. General construction work for civil Engineering --- --- Same 
C. Installation and assembly work  --- --- Same 
D. Building completion and finishing work  --- --- Same 
E. Other --- --- Same 
4. Distribution services    
A. Commission agents' services Partial Partial Similar 
B. Wholesale trade services Partial Partial Improved 
C. Retailing services Partial Partial Improved 
D. Franchising Full Full Same 
5. Education services    
A. Primary education services Partial Partial Same 
B. Secondary education services  Partial Partial Same 
                                               
20 Source: WTO country profile, September 2014. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 34 - 
 
  Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS FTA 
Sectoral 
Commitments Sectoral commitments Compared to 
GATS 
C. Higher education services  Partial Partial Same 
D. Adult education Partial Partial Same 
E. Other education services  --- --- Same 
6. Environmental services    
A. Sewage services Full Full Same 
B. Refuse disposal services Partial Partial Same 
C. Sanitation and similar services  Full Full Same 
D. Other Full Full Same 
7. Financial services    
A. All insurance and insurance-related services  Partial Partial Improved 
B. Banking and other financial services Partial Partial Improved 
8. Health related and social services    
A. Hospital services --- --- Same 
B. Other Human Health Services --- --- Same 
C. Social Services --- --- Same 
D. Other --- --- Same 
9. Tourism and travel related services     
A. Hotels and restaurants (including catering) Partial Partial Improved 
B. Travel agencies and tour operators services Full Full Same 
C. Tourist guides services Full Full Same 
10. Recreational and cultural and sporting 
services    
A. Entertainment services --- --- Same 
B. News agency services Full Full Same 
C. Libraries, archives, museums and other 
cultural services --- --- Same 
D. Sporting and other recreational services  Full Full Same 
11. Transport services     
A. Maritime Transport Services --- --- Same 
B. Internal Waterways Transport --- --- Same 
C. Air Transport Services --- --- Same 
D. Space Transport  --- --- Same 
E. Rail Transport Services --- --- Same 
F. Road Transport Services Partial Partial Same 
G. Pipeline Transport  --- --- Same 
H. Services auxiliary to all modes of transport  Partial Partial Same 
I. Other Transport Services  --- --- Same 
Partial:  GATS commitments subject to some limitation (s) under market access or national treatment, under 
any of the three modes. 
Full: GATS commitments not subject to limitation(s) under market access or national treatment, under 
any of the three modes. 
---: No commitments. Improved: Overall improved commitments made under th e Agreement as compared to those under the GATS. 
Similar: Similar commitments (Agreement vs GATS); though possibly, in specific individual cases, with 
limited improvements and/or li mited additional reservations. 
Source:  Draft Consolidated GATS Schedule of Spec ific Commitments (S/DCS/W/LIE) and Liechtenstein's 
Schedules annexed to the Agreement.  
 
4.26.  In business services, Liechtenstein has added a full commitment for translation and 
interpretation services. Basic telecommunication services are unbound in Liechtenstein's GATS schedule, while full commitments are made under the Agreement.
21 Liechtenstein has made no 
commitments for construction and related engineering services either under the GATS or the 
Agreement. In distribution services, Liechtenstein removes a restriction on sales area in mode 3 for wholesale trade services and retailing services and adds a full commitment in retail sales of motor fuel. In insurance services, Liechtenstein liberalizes mode 2 under the Agreement and 
removes establishment requirements in modes 1 and 3. In banking and other financial services, 
Liechtenstein has removed commercial presence market access requirements under mode 1 and eased licensing requirements under mode 3. However, under the Agreement Liechtenstein has 
scheduled additional licensing requirements limiting national treatment for foreign financial 
institutions. In tourism and travel related services, Liechtenstein has removed an economic needs test for hotels and restaurants.  
                                               
21 Covering voice telephone services; packet-switched data transmission; circuit-switched data 
transmission; telex services; telegraph services; facsimile services; and private leased circuit services. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 35 - 
 
  4.4.3  Norway 
4.27.  In its GATS schedule, Norway has made commitments in 111 out of 155 services sectors22, 
leaving in particular health related and social  services unbound. Under the Agreement, Norway 
expands its commitments in business services, distribution services, environmental services, 
financial services, and transport services. 
4.28.  Norway's GATS MFN exemptions cover certain measures, in all sectors, aimed at promoting 
Nordic co-operation, as well as some measures related to European programmes and initiatives in 
the audio-visual services sector, also linked to production, distribution, and transmission of 
audio-visual work. An exemption is also register ed for provisions of existing and future road 
transport agreements and for CRS and sales and marketing of air transport services. Under the Agreement, Norway replicates the above exempt ions and adds an exemption for passenger and 
freight for agreements on access to domestic maritime transport.
23 
4.29.  Norway's GATS horizontal limitations includ e national treatment limitations on the purchase 
and lease of real estate and the requirement for the granting of a concession for the operation of 
certain forms of companies. There are also limita tions on the treatment of branches and agencies 
of subsidiaries of third country companies established in EEA Member States. Subsidies are unbound for modes 1 and 2 for all sectors. Under the Agreement Norway has removed certain 
horizontal restrictions on real estate concessions.  
Table 4.5 Norway: comparison between the GATS and Agreement specific commitments 
in trade in services 
Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS FTA 
Sectoral 
Commitments Sectoral commitments Compared to 
GATS 
1. Business services    
A. Professional Services Partial Partial Same 
B. Computer and Related Services  Full Full Same 
C. Research and Development Services  Partial Partial Same 
D. Real Estate Services  Partial Partial less 
E. Rental/Leasing Services without Operators  Partial Partial Improved 
F. Other Business Services Partial Partial Improved 
2. Communication services     
A. Postal services --- --- Same 
B. Courier services Full Full Same 
C. Telecommunication services  Full Full Same 
D. Audiovisual services --- --- Same 
3. Construction and related engineering 
services     
A. General construction work for buildings Full Full Same 
B. General construction work for civil Engineering Full Full Same 
C. Installation and assembly work  Full Full Same 
D. Building completion and finishing work  Full Full Same 
E. Other Full Full Same 
4. Distribution services    
A. Commission agents' services --- Partial Improved 
B. Wholesale trade services Partial Partial Improved 
C. Retailing services Partial Partial Improved 
D. Franchising Full Full Same 
5. Education services    
A. Primary education services Partial Partial Same 
B. Secondary education services  Partial Partial Same 
C. Higher education services  Partial Partial Same 
D. Adult education Partial Partial Same 
E. Other education services  --- --- Same 
6. Environmental services    
A. Sewage services Partial Partial Improved 
B. Refuse disposal services Partial Partial Improved 
C. Sanitation and similar services  Partial Partial Improved 
D. Other Partial Full Improved 
7. Financial services    
A. All insurance and insurance-related services  Partial Partial Improved 
B. Banking and other financial services Partial Partial Improved 
                                               
22 Source: WTO country profile, September 2014. 
23 With Denmark, Finland, Icelan d, Germany, Sweden and the UK. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 36 - 
 
  Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS FTA 
Sectoral 
Commitments Sectoral commitments Compared to 
GATS 
8. Health related and social services    
A. Hospital services --- --- Same 
B. Other Human Health Services --- --- Same 
C. Social Services --- --- Same 
D. Other --- --- Same 
9. Tourism and travel related services     
A. Hotels and restaurants (including catering) Full Full Same 
B. Travel agencies and tour operators services Full Full Same 
C. Tourist guides services Full Full Same 
10. Recreational and cultural and sporting 
services    
A. Entertainment services --- --- Same 
B. News agency services Full Full Same 
C. Libraries, archives, museums and other 
cultural services --- --- Same 
D. Sporting and other recreational services  --- --- Same 
11. Transport services     
A. Maritime Transport Services Partial Partial Similar 
B. Internal Waterways Transport --- --- Same 
C. Air Transport Services Partial Partial Improved 
D. Space Transport  --- --- Same 
E. Rail Transport Services Partial Partial Same 
F. Road Transport Services Partial Partial Improved 
G. Pipeline Transport  --- Partial Improved 
H. Services auxiliary to all modes of transport  --- Partial Improved 
I. Other Transport Services  --- --- Same 
Partial:  GATS commitments subject to some limitation (s) under market access or national treatment, under 
any of the three modes. 
Full: GATS commitments not subject to limitation(s) under market access or national treatment, under 
any of the three modes. 
---: No commitments. Improved: Overall improved commitments made under th e Agreement as compared to those under the GATS. 
Similar: Similar commitments (Agreement vs GATS); though possibly, in specific individual cases, with 
limited improvements and/or li mited additional reservations. 
Source:  Draft Consolidated GATS Schedule of Specific Commitments (S/DCS/W/NOR) and Norway's 
Schedules annexed to the Agreement.  
4.30.  Under the Agreement, the provision of real estate services on a fee or contract basis is 
unbound for mode 1 while Norway has no limitations in its GATS commitments. Under the Agreement Norway has added commitments relating to other machinery and equipment under rental and leasing services without operators. Norway has made additional commitments in 
advisory services related to hunting, services incidental to mining and has expanded the coverage 
of convention services. Under the Agreement, No rway has removed a restriction reserving labour 
placement for labour recruitment and provision of  personnel to a government monopoly. Norway 
has made commitments for commission agents' services with some limitations,
24 while for 
wholesale trade services it has removed the exemption for alcohol, fish and grain present in its GATS schedule. In retailing services, Norway ha s removed the residency requirement for branch 
managers of foreign companies and board members. In environmental services, Norway has added 
a commitment on advisory services in mode 1 for a number of subsectors.  
4.31.  In insurance and insurance-related servic es, Norway has expanded the list of insurance 
services that non-resident insurance companies can supply.
25. Norway has also relaxed the ceiling 
on share capital in Norwegian insurance companies, subject to approval and when this is part of a 
strategic alliance. In banking and other financial services, Norway has increased the ceiling on share capital of commercial banks, subject to appr oval. In addition, it has removed the monopoly 
on registration of securities and the residency re quirements for managers and boards of directors 
of commercial banks. In transport services, ownership in maritime transport which is restricted to Norwegian citizens under the GATS is expanded to  include EEA citizens. Additional commitments in 
domestic freight transportation and domestic maritime towing and pushing services are made, as 
                                               
24 Subject to exemptions for arms , alcohol and pharmaceuticals. 
25 Insurance related to passenger vessels (including cruise vessels), ocean-going fishing vessels, 
offshore exploration or insurance contracts regarding do mestic companies with an ac tivity of at least 10 man-
years or annual sales above a certain threshold. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 37 - 
 
  are commitments for ground handling related to air transport services and for mode 1 of aircraft 
repair and maintenance services, which are unbound under the GATS. In road transport services, the requirement to use vehicles with national regi stration for passenger and freight transportation 
has been removed. New commitments are made in pipeline transportation and services auxiliary to 
all modes of transport. 
4.4.4  Switzerland 4.32.  In its GATS schedule, Switzerland has made commitments in 115 out of 155 services 
sectors
26, leaving in particular audiovisual, health related and social services unbound. Under the 
Agreement, Switzerland has improved its commitmen ts under business services, postal and courier 
services, distribution services, environmental services, financial services, tourism services, recreational services, education services, and transport services. 
4.33.  Switzerland's GATS MFN exemptions cover measures related to distribution services, 
audiovisual services and internal waterways transport, road transport (both passenger and freight), CRS and sales and marketing of air transport services and measures regulating 
immigration into Switzerland from EU and EFTA States.  
4.34.  Under the GATS, Switzerland's horizontal limitations include measures that have an impact 
on the provision of services through mode 3 (e .g. domicile requirements on establishment and 
limitations on the acquisition of real estate) and mode 4 (unbound except for measures concerning 
the temporary entry and stay of intra-corporate transferees, and other essential persons). Subsidies are unbound for modes 1 and 2 for all se ctors. Most of Switzerland's GATS horizontal 
limitations are replicated under the Agreement. However, the nationality requirement is eliminated 
in the composition of governing boards for certain forms of commercial presence. In addition, 
some conditions on the acquisition of real estate have been relaxed.  
Table 4.6 Switzerland: comparison betw een the GATS and Agreement specific 
commitments in trade in services 
Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS FTA 
Sectoral 
Commitments Sectoral commitments Compared to 
GATS 
1. Business services    
A. Professional Services Partial Partial Improved 
B. Computer and Related Services  Partial Full Improved 
C. Research and Development Services  Full Full Same 
D. Real Estate Services  --- Partial Improved 
E. Rental/Leasing Services without Operators  Partial Partial Improved 
F. Other Business Services Partial Partial Improved 
2. Communication services     
A. Postal services --- Partial Improved 
B. Courier services --- Partial Improved 
C. Telecommunication services  Full Full Same 
D. Audiovisual services --- --- Same 
3. Construction and related engineering 
services     
A. General construction work for buildings Full Full Same 
B. General construction work for civil Engineering Partial Partial Improved 
C. Installation and assembly work  Partial Partial Similar 
D. Building completion and finishing work  Full Full Same 
E. Other Partial Partial Improved 
4. Distribution services    
A. Commission agents' services Partial Partial Improved 
B. Wholesale trade services Partial Partial Similar 
C. Retailing services Partial Partial Similar 
D. Franchising Full Full Same 
5. Education services    
A. Primary education services Partial Partial Same 
B. Secondary education services  Partial Partial Same 
C. Higher education services  Partial Partial Same 
D. Adult education Partial Partial Same 
E. Other education services  --- Partial Improved 
6. Environmental services    
A. Sewage services Full Full Same 
                                               
26 Source: WTO country profile, September 2014. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 38 - 
 
  Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS FTA 
Sectoral 
Commitments Sectoral commitments Compared to 
GATS 
B. Refuse disposal services Partial Partial Improved 
C. Sanitation and similar services  Full Full Same 
D. Other Partial Partial Improved 
7. Financial services    
A. All insurance and insurance-related services  Partial Partial Improved 
B. Banking and other financial services Partial Partial Improved 
8. Health related and social services    
A. Hospital services --- --- Same 
B. Other Human Health Services --- --- Same 
C. Social Services --- --- Same 
D. Other --- --- Same 
9. Tourism and travel related services     
A. Hotels and restaurants (including catering) Partial Partial Improved 
B. Travel agencies and tour operators services Full Full Same 
C. Tourist guides services Partial Partial Improved 
10. Recreational and cultural and sporting 
services    
A. Entertainment services --- --- Same 
B. News agency services Full Full Same 
C. Libraries, archives, museums and other 
cultural services --- --- Same 
D. Sporting and other recreational services  Full Full Same 
11. Transport services     
A. Maritime Transport Services --- Partial Improved 
B. Internal Waterways Transport Partial Partial Same 
C. Air Transport Services Partial Partial Improved 
D. Space Transport  Partial Partial Same 
E. Rail Transport Services Partial Partial Same 
F. Road Transport Services Partial Partial Improved 
G. Pipeline Transport  --- --- Same 
H. Services auxiliary to all modes of transport  Full Full Same 
I. Other Transport Services  --- --- Same 
Partial:  GATS commitments subject to some limitation (s) under market access or national treatment, under 
any of the three modes. 
Full: GATS commitments not subject to limitation(s) under market access or national treatment, under 
any of the three modes. 
---: No commitments. Improved: Overall improved commitments made under th e Agreement as compared to those under the GATS. 
Similar: Similar commitments (Agreement vs GATS); though possibly, in specific individual cases, with 
limited improvements and/or li mited additional reservations. 
Source:  Draft Consolidated GATS Schedule of Specific Commitments (S/DCS/W/CHE) and Switzerland's 
Schedules annexed to the Agreement.  
4.35.  In business services, Switzerland has removed limitations in legal services and architectural 
services and expanded the scope of other comput er and related services. Switzerland has added 
commitments in real estate services, other rental/leasing services without operators, investigation 
and security services, related scientific and technical consulting services, and other business services. Commitments are made in postal and courier services, unbound in the GATS, for both 
market access and national treatment, th ough only for express delivery services.
27 Audiovisual 
services remain unbound. In construction and related engineering services, Switzerland has expanded commitments in general construction work for civil engineering and other services. In distribution services, some improvements are made particularly for conditions applicable to 
commercial presence for commission agents' services. In education services, Switzerland has 
added commitments in foreign languages and cooking.  
4.36.  In insurance services, Switzerland has removed mode 1 limitations on the underwriting of 
aircraft liability insurance and the acquisition of real estate by foreigners. In banking services, 
conditions applicable to the acquisition of real estate (under modes 1 and 3), and to lead-management of Swiss franc denominated issues are simplified. In tourism and travel-related 
services, Switzerland has removed an economic needs test under hotels and restaurants and 
removed restrictions on ski instructors under tourist guides services. In transport services, Switzerland has made commitments for passengers and freight transportation in maritime transport services as well as for some maritime auxiliary services, which are unbound in the GATS. 
                                               
27 "Express delivery services" are defined under the Swiss Sche dule in Annex XV. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 39 - 
 
  For aircraft repair and maintenance services, commitments are made for modes 1 and 2 (unbound 
in the GATS), while for supporting services fo r air transport a number of new commitments are 
made. In road transport, Switzerland ha s liberalized other supporting services. 
4.4.5  Colombia 
4.37.  In its GATS schedule, Colombia has made commitments in 57 out of 155 services sectors,28 
in business services, telecommunication services, construction, financial services and tourism and travel related services. Under the Agreement, Colombia has added new commitments in all 
services sectors except health related and social services. 
4.38.  Colombia's GATS MFN exemptions cover measures related to value-added 
telecommunications services and land transport (w here preferential treatment is reserved for 
Andean Community service providers), audiovisua l services, and banking and insurance services 
(where access is based on reciprocity). Under the Agreement, Colombia retains MFN exemptions 
on telecommunications and land transport (in favour of Andean Community countries) and audiovisual services. 
4.39.  Under its horizontal limitations in the GATS , Colombia's imposes a mode 3 restriction on FDI 
in activities relating to national defence and the processing and disposal of toxic, hazardous or radioactive waste not produced in Colombia. With regard to foreign corporations, a tax exists on 
remittances of profits. Colombia also imposes restrictions on the acquisition of land, particularly in 
coastal areas or along its borders. Colombia's GATS horizontal limitations are replicated under the Agreement.  
Table 4.7 Colombia: comparison betwee n the GATS and Agreement specific 
commitments in trade in services 
Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS FTA 
Sectoral 
Commitments Sectoral commitments Compared to 
GATS 
1. Business services    
A. Professional Services Partial Partial Improved 
B. Computer and Related Services  Partial Partial Improved 
C. Research and Development Services  ---l Partial Improved 
D. Real Estate Services  --- Partial Improved 
E. Rental/Leasing Services without Operators  Partial Partial Improved 
F. Other Business Services Partial Partial Improved 
2. Communication services     
A. Postal services --- --- Same 
B. Courier services --- --- Same 
C. Telecommunication services  Partial Partial Improved 
D. Audiovisual services --- --- Same 
3. Construction and related engineering 
services     
A. General construction work for buildings Full Full Same 
B. General construction work for civil Engineering Partial Full Improved 
C. Installation and assembly work  --- Full Improved 
D. Building completion and finishing work  --- Partial Improved 
E. Other Partial Partial Improved 
4. Distribution services    
A. Commission agents' services --- Partial Improved 
B. Wholesale trade services --- Partial Improved 
C. Retailing services --- Partial Improved 
D. Franchising --- Partial Improved 
5. Education services    
A. Primary education services --- --- Same 
B. Secondary education services  --- --- Same 
C. Higher education services  --- --- Same 
D. Adult education --- Partial Improved 
E. Other education services  --- --- Same 
6. Environmental services    
A. Sewage services --- Partial Improved 
B. Refuse disposal services --- Partial Improved 
C. Sanitation and similar services  --- Partial Improved 
D. Other --- Partial Improved 
7. Financial services    
                                               
28 Source: WTO country profile, September 2014. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 40 - 
 
  Sectors (CPC Classification) GATS FTA 
Sectoral 
Commitments Sectoral commitments Compared to 
GATS 
A. All insurance and insurance-related services  Partial Partial Improved 
B. Banking and other financial services Partial Partial Improved 
8. Health related and social services    
A. Hospital services --- --- Same 
B. Other Human Health Services --- --- Same 
C. Social Services --- --- Same 
D. Other --- --- Same 
9. Tourism and travel related services     
A. Hotels and restaurants (including catering) Partial Partial Improved 
B. Travel agencies and tour operators services Full Full Same 
C. Tourist guides services --- Partial Improved 
10. Recreational and cultural and sporting 
services    
A. Entertainment services --- --- Same 
B. News agency services --- Partial Improved 
C. Libraries, archives, museums and other 
cultural services --- Partial Improved 
D. Sporting and other recreational services  --- Partial Improved 
11. Transport services     
A. Maritime Transport Services --- Partial Improved 
B. Internal Waterways Transport --- --- Same 
C. Air Transport Services --- Partial Improved 
D. Space Transport  --- --- Same 
E. Rail Transport Services --- Partial Improved 
F. Road Transport Services --- Partial Improved 
G. Pipeline Transport  --- --- Same 
H. Services auxiliary to all modes of transport  --- Partial Improved 
I. Other Transport Services  --- --- Same 
Partial:  GATS commitments subject to some limitation (s) under market access or national treatment, under 
any of the three modes. 
Full: GATS commitments not subject to limitation(s) under market access or national treatment, under 
any of the three modes. 
---: No commitments. Improved: Overall improved commitments made under th e Agreement as compared to those under the GATS. 
Similar: Similar commitments (Agreement vs GATS); though possibly, in specific individual cases, with 
limited improvements and/or li mited additional reservations. 
Source:  Draft Consolidated GATS Schedule of Specific Commitments (S/DCS/W/COL) and Colombia's 
Schedules annexed to the Agreement.  
4.40.  In professional services Colombia has scheduled commitments in architectural services, 
engineering and integrated engineering services , urban planning and landscape architectural 
services while retaining the right to adopt or maintain measures according rights and preferences to socially or economically disadvantaged minorities or ethnic groups. In computer and related 
services, Colombia has added commitments under other related services and partially removed 
mode 1 restrictions in the other subsectors. Colombia has scheduled new commitments in research and development services and real estate serv ices, both unbound under GATS, and added new 
commitments under rental/leasing services without operators. Under other business services 
Colombia has added a number of new commitments (subject to the right to adopt or maintain 
measures in favour of disadvantaged groups). 
4.41.  In telecommunications services, Colombia has removed the 70% foreign equity ceiling on a 
number of telephony and carrier services listed in its GATS Schedule. Value-added 
telecommunications services which are subject to mode 3 restrictions under GATS are liberalized 
under the Agreement. Facilities-based services fo r non-public use are fully liberalized for modes 1-
3 under the Agreement. In construction and rela ted engineering services, Colombia has expanded 
the scope of its commitments under the Agreement.  In distribution services, education services 
and environmental services, unbound under GATS , Colombia has scheduled commitments subject 
to a number of limitations including the right to adopt or maintain measures according rights and 
preferences to socially or economically disadvanta ged minorities or ethnic groups, the granting of 
subsidies, and branching requirements. 
4.42.  In financial services, Colombia's schedule contains a horizontal limitation stating that any 
legal change needed to comply with the commitments agreed must be implemented four years WT/REG299/1 
 
- 41 - 
 
  after the Agreement's entry into force.29 Under the Agreement Colombia has removed an economic 
needs test on the operation of financial entities (both national and foreign). The establishment of foreign suppliers of financial services in the form of branches, restricted under GATS, is liberalized, though Colombia reserves the right to choose how to regulate them. The supply of financial 
services in Colombia requires prior Government authorization. In insurance and insurance-related 
services, Colombia has liberalized mode 2 of life and non-life insurance, insurance intermediation 
subject to a number of restrictions. Services auxiliary to insurance are liberalized for modes 1-3. 
In banking and other financial services, Colombia has liberalized additional subsectors and modes, 
subject to certain restrictions such as regulation in the case of branching. 
4.43.  In tourism and travel related services, Colombia has liberalized hotels and restaurants and 
tourist guide services. Recreational, cultural an d sporting services, unbound under GATS, have 
been partially liberalized but remain subject to a number of restrictions. In transport services, 
unbound under GATS, Colombia has liberalized a number of subsectors of maritime, air, rail, road and services auxiliary to all modes of transport. 
4.5  Regulatory provisions  
4.5.1  Domestic regulation 4.44.  The Agreement's provisions on domestic regu lation generally mirror those found in Article VI 
of the GATS (Article 4.7), but go beyond the respective obligations arising from GATS by extending 
the obligations to ensure that measures of general application affecting trade in services are administered in a reasonable, objective and impartial manner (para. 1) and to provide for adequate procedures to verify the competence of professionals of any other Party (para. 6) to all 
sectors, not limiting them to sectors where specific commitments have been undertaken as in 
GATS. 
4.5.2  Recognition 
4.45.  The Agreement's provisions on recognitio n mirror those found in Article VII of the GATS 
(Article 4.8). 
4.5.3  Subsidies 
4.46.  No specific provisions referring to subsidies are contained in the Agreement.  
4.5.4  Safeguards 4.47.  There are no provisions on safeguards in trade in services in the Agreement.  4.5.5  Transparency 
4.48.  The Agreement’s provisions on transparency mirror the key elements found in Article III and 
Article III bis of the GATS (Article 4.10). 
4.5.6  Monopolies and Exclusive Service Suppliers 
4.49.  The Agreement's provisions on monopolie s and exclusive service suppliers mirror those 
found in Article VIII of the GATS (Article 4.11). 
4.5.7  Business Practices 
4.50.  The Agreement's provisions on business practices mirror those found in Article IX of the 
GATS (Article 4.12). 
                                               
29 In 2009, Colombia made changes to its entire fina ncial sector issuing Law 1328/09 also known as the 
"Reform to the Financial System Organic Statute". With  these reforms Colombia complied with all financial 
commitments under the Agreement one year after negotiat ions on the Agreement were finished and before its 
entry into force. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 42 - 
 
  4.6  Sector specific provisions on trade in services 
4.6.1   Financial Services 4.51.  Annex XVI on Financial Services reiterates  many of the key principles of the WTO's Annex 
on financial services and the Understanding on commitments in financial services including the 
scope and definitions of financial services, market access for new financial services, national 
treatment, domestic regulation, recognition of prudential measures, and transfers of information and processing of information. In addition, Annex XVI contains provisions on regulatory 
transparency in financial services and expeditious application procedures related to the supply of 
financial services submitted by service suppliers of other Parties. 
4.6.2   Telecommunications Services 4.52.  Annex XVII on Telecommunications Services reiterates certain elements of the WTO's Annex 
on telecommunications and the Telecoms Reference Paper such as scope and definitions,
30 
competitive safeguards, universal service, independent regulatory authority, scarce resources,31 
and transparency. With regard to interconnection, Annex XVII provides that suppliers of public 
telecommunications transport networks take appropriate steps to protect privacy and 
confidentiality. Licensing procedures are laid out in Article 5 of the Annex. Where a licence or concession is required for the supply of a telecommunications service, the competent authority of 
a Party shall make publicly available the terms, conditions and time period normally required to 
reach a decision concerning such application. Article 8 of the Annex elaborates on the resolution of telecommunications disputes between the Parties. Suppliers have recourse to the regulatory authority of the Party or other relevant body to resolve disputes regarding major suppliers and 
may appeal decisions of the regulatory authority to an independent administrative body and/or 
court in accordance with the Party's laws and regulations. 
4.7  Investment 
4.53.  Chapter 5 on investment applies to commercial presence in all sectors other than services 
sectors covered by Chapter 4 (trade in services). Articles 5.3 and 5.4 provide that each Party shall 
accord national treatment to juridical and natural persons of another Party and to the commercial 
presence of such persons, subject to each Party's reservations, as laid out in Annex XVIII 
(Article 5.3). A Party may amend an existing rese rvation to the extent that the amendment does 
not increase the non-conformity of the reservatio n with Article 5.3 (national treatment) or add a 
new one as long as it does not affect  the overall level of commitments made. 
4.54.  The Parties agree to review at least every three years the status of reservations/non-
conforming measures with a view to reducing or removing them (Article 5.4).
32 
4.55.  Article 5.5 contains provisions related to "key personnel". Each Party shall, subject to its 
laws and regulations, grant natural persons of another Party, and key personnel, which is 
employed by natural or juridical persons of another Party, temporary entry and stay in its territory in order to engage in activities connected with commercial presence, including the provision of 
advice or key technical services. Each Party shall also permit natural or juridical persons of another 
Party, and their commercial presence, to employ, in connection with commercial presence, any key personnel of the natural or juridical person's ch oice provided that such key personnel has been 
permitted to enter, stay and work in its territory and that the employment concerned conforms to 
the terms, conditions and time limits of the permission granted to such key personnel. The Parties 
shall grant temporary entry, stay and provide any necessary confirming documentation to the spouse and minor children of a person who has been granted temporary entry, stay and 
authorization to work. The spouse and minor childr en shall be admitted for the period of the stay 
of that person.  
                                               
30 The Agreement defines the terms "regulatory auth ority" and "reference interconnection offer". 
31 The Agreement provides that when assigning a spectrum for non-gove rnment radio-electric 
telecommunications services, each Party shall endeavour to  rely as a rule on market-based approaches, taking 
full account of public interests. 
32 At the first meeting of the Joint Committee in November 2014, the Parties reviewed the Investment 
Chapter and exchanged information about developments regarding their respective investment regimes. No 
need for an immediate update of the Parties' commitments was identified. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 43 - 
 
  4.8  Balance of Payments Safeguards 
4.56.  With respect to trade in services and inve stment in non-services sectors, the Parties shall 
endeavour to avoid the imposition of restrictions to safeguard the balance of payments. The rights 
and obligations of the Parties in respect of such re strictions are governed by paragraphs 1 to 3 of 
Article XII of the GATS, which are incorporated and made part of the Chapter (mutatis mutandis in 
the case of the investment chapter). Such restrict ions are to be promptly notified (Articles 4.14 
and 5.11). 
5  GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT 
5.1  Transparency 5.1.  In addition to the provisions on transparency  in specific parts of the Agreement, Chapter 9 on 
transparency contains general provisions on publication and disclosure of information. The Parties 
shall ensure that their laws, regulations, administrative rulings of general application and their 
respective international agreements which may affect the operation of the Agreement are published or made publicly available. 
5.2.  Nothing in the Agreement shall require any Party to disclose confidential information, which 
would impede law enforcement, or otherwise be cont rary to the public interest or would prejudice 
the legitimate commercial interests of any economic operator. 
5.2  Current payments and capital movements 
5.3.  With regard to trade in services, the Part ies shall not apply restrictions on international 
transfers and payments for current transactions with another Party (except in case of balance of payments difficulties and in accordance with Annex XIV) (Article 4.13). The Parties shall not apply 
restrictions on current payments and capital movements relating to activities with regard to 
"commercial presence" in non-services sectors (except in case of balance of payments difficulties and in accordance with Annex XIV) (Article 5.10). 
5.4.  Under Annex XIV, Colombia reserves the right to adopt or maintain measures pursuant to its 
laws in order to ensure currency stability and the normal operation of domestic and foreign payments. For this purpose the Central Bank is empowered to regulate the supply of money and 
credit in circulation and international credit and exchange operations; and issue regulations 
governing monetary, credit, financial, and foreig n exchange matters. Such measures may include 
the establishment of restrictions or limitation s on current payments and transfers (capital 
movement) to or from Colombia, as well as transactions related thereto, such as requiring that 
deposits, investments or credits from or to a foreign country be subject to a reserve requirement 
(deposits). 
5.3  Exceptions 
5.5.  The rights and obligations of the Parties in respect of general exceptions on trade in goods 
are governed by Article XX of GATT 1994 (Article 2.19). For trade in services, the Agreement's 
provisions on general exceptions mirror those found in Article XIV of the GATS (Article 4.15). For 
the investment chapter, the rights and obligations of the Parties in respect of general exceptions, 
including measures necessary to maintain public order,
33 are governed by Article XIV of the GATS. 
5.4  Security exceptions 5.6.  With respect to trade in goods, the rights  and obligations of the Parties are governed by 
Article XXI of GATT 1994 which is incorporated into the Agreement, mutatis mutandis  
(Article 2.20). For trade in services, the Agreement's provisions on security exceptions mirror those found in Article XIV bis of the GATS (Article 4.16). 
                                               
33 Colombia reserves the right to adopt measures for reasons of public order pursuant to Article 100 of 
the Constitución Política de Colombia (1991), subject to written notice and procedural requirements. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 44 - 
 
  5.5  Taxation 
5.7.  The Agreement does not restrict a Party's fiscal sovereignty to adopt taxation measures, 
except for the disciplines of national treatment (Article 2.1134, 4.535, and 5.336), and MFN 
treatment (Article 4.3). 
5.6  Accession and Withdrawal 
5.8.  Any State becoming a member of EFTA may accede to the Agreement, provided that the 
Joint Committee decides to approve its accession on such terms and conditions as may be agreed 
between such State and the Parties (Article 13.4). 
5.9.  Any Party may withdraw from the Agreement upon written notification. Such withdrawal will 
be effective six months after the date on which the notification is received by the Depositary (Article 13.5). If any individual EFTA State or Colombia withdraws from the complementary 
Agreement on Agriculture between that EFTA State and Colombia, it shall be understood that it is 
also withdrawing from the Agreement (Article 13.6). 
5.7  Institutional framework 
5.10.  The Agreement establishes the EFTA – Colombia Joint Committee (Joint Committee), 
inter alia , to supervise and review the implementation  of the Agreement (Article 11.1). The Joint 
Committee may decide to set up sub-committees and working groups as it considers necessary to 
assist it in accomplishing its tasks. It may decide to amend the tariff elimination schedules, specific 
rules of origin and the list of entities listed in the Government Procurement Chapter. It may, except as otherwise provided for, consider and propose any amendments to the rights and 
obligations under this Agreement, subject to the fulf ilment of the legal requirements of each Party. 
The Joint Committee shall take decisions and make recommendations by consensus. Each Party 
shall designate an Agreement Coordinator with the responsibility inter alia  to act as a contact point 
to facilitate communications between the Parties. 
5.11.  A Sub-Committee on rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation is established 
under the Agreement (Article 2.5). Its functions are to exchange information, review developments, prepare technical amendments relating to excluded products; processed 
agricultural products; fish and other marine products; rules of origin and mutual administrative 
cooperation in customs maters; mutual administrative assistance in customs matters; trade facilitation; and dismantling of import duties for industrial products, and to assist the Joint Committee. 
5.8  Dispute settlement 
5.12.  Chapter 12 of the Agreement establishes a dispute settlement mechanism between the 
Parties regarding the interpretation and application of the Agreement. Disputes arising on the 
same matter under the Agreement and the WTO Agreement may be settled in either forum at the 
discretion of the complaining Party. Once the forum is  selected, it shall be used to the exclusion of 
the other in respect of the matter under dispute. Before a Party initiates a dispute against another 
Party under the WTO Agreement, the initiating Party shall notify other Parties of its intention 
(Article 12.3). 
5.13.  Good offices, conciliation and mediation are procedures that are undertaken voluntarily if 
the Parties so agree. They may begin and be terminated at any time and may continue while 
proceedings of a panel established in accordance with Chapter 12 are in progress. These 
procedures shall be confidential and without pr ejudice to the Parties' rights in any other 
proceedings (Article 12.4). 
                                               
34 And other such provisions of the Ag reement necessary to give  effect to that Article to the same extent 
as does Article III of the GATT 1994. 
35 To the extent relevant for taxation accord ing to Article 4.15 (General exceptions). 
36 To the extent relevant for taxation according to Article 5.8 (Exceptions). WT/REG299/1 
 
- 45 - 
 
  5.14.  Requests for consultation shall be made in writing and shall commence within 45 days from 
the date of receipt of the request (30 days for urgent matters) or such other period as the consulting Parties agree (Article 12.5). Consultations shall take place in the Joint Committee if the Parties making and receiving the request for consultations so agree. Consultations are confidential 
and without prejudice to the rights of the consulting Parties in any further proceedings. 
5.15.  A Panel may be requested and established (Article 12.6), if the requested Party has not 
responded to the request for consultations within 15 days of the receipt of such request; if 
consultations are not held within the established periods or within any other periods as the 
requested and requesting Parties may have agreed; or the dispute is not resolved through consultations within 60 days (45 days for urgent matters). A copy of the request shall be communicated to the other Parties. A Party which is not a party to the dispute shall be entitled, on 
delivery of a written note to the disputing Parties and the panel, to make written submissions to 
the panel, receive written submissions including annexes of the disputing Parties, attend hearings and make oral statements.  
5.16.  Article 12.9 lays out the conditions applying to panel selection including time thresholds for 
appointment. The panel shall comprise three members. The selection of the panel is regulated in Article 12.9. The Joint Committee shall adopt Model Rules of Procedure for the panel within six 
months of the entry into force of the Agreement (Article 12.11).
37 The panel shall normally present 
its initial report within 90 days (50 days in case of urgent matters) from the date of its establishment (Article 12.13). A disputing Party may submit written comments on the initial report within 14 days of its presentation. A final report sh all be presented within 30 days of presentation 
of the initial report. The ruling by the panel is final and binding on the disputing Parties 
(Article 12.16). Suspension or termination of panel proceedings is regulated in Article 12.15. 
5.17.  The Party complained against shall within 30 days after the issuance of the report notify the 
other Party as to when and how it will comply with the ruling (Article 12.16). The Party complained 
against may also notify the complaining Party within 30 days after the issuance of the report that it considers it impracticable to comply with the ruling and offer compensation. If the complaining 
Party considers the proposed compensation to be unacceptable or not sufficiently detailed to 
assess properly, it may request consultation on  compensation. If there is no agreement on 
compensation, the Party complained against must comply with the ruling of the original panel.  
5.18.   If the Party complained against fails to comply with the ruling in the report promptly or 
within the agreed timeframe, or fails to comply with an agreement on compensation within the 
agreed time period, the complaining Party may susp end benefits equivalent to those affected by 
the measure that the panel found violated the Ag reement. The complaining Party shall notify the 
Party complained against of the benefits which it intends to suspend, the grounds for such 
suspension and when suspension will commence, no  later than 30 days before the date on which 
the suspension is due to take effect. Within 15 days from that notification, the Party complained 
against may request the original panel to rule on any disagreement regarding the notified 
suspension, including whether the suspension of benefits is justified and whether the benefits which the complaining Party intends to suspend are excessive. The ruling of the panel shall be given within 45 days from that request. Benefits shall not be suspended until the panel has issued 
its ruling (Article 12.17). 
5.9  Relationship with other agreements concluded by the Parties 5.19.  The Parties confirm their rights and obligations under the WTO Agreement and the other 
agreements negotiated thereunder to which they are a party and any other international 
agreement to which they are a party (Article 1.4). 
5.20.  Table 5.1 below shows the Parties' participation in RTAs, notified and non-notified, other 
than the Agreement.  
                                               
37 According to the Parties this has been done, as re flected in the Joint Committee Decision 2 of 2014, 
adopted on 7 November 2014. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 46 - 
 
  Table 5.1 EFTA and Colombia: Participation in  other RTAs (notified and non-notified in 
force), as of 4 September 2015 
RTA Name Date of 
entry into 
force Coverage GATT / WTO Notification 
Year WTO Provision 
EFTA STATES - COLLECTIVELY 
EFTA - Bosnia and Herzegovina 01-Jan-15 Goods 2015 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Central America  
(Costa Rica and Panama) 19-Aug-14 Goods & Services 2014 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
EFTA - Hong Kong, China 01-Oct-12 Goods & Services 2012 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
EFTA - Montenegro 01-Sep-12 Goods 2012 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Ukraine 01-Jun-12 Goods & Services 2012 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
EFTA - Peru 01-Jul-11 Goods 2011 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Albania 01-Nov-10 Goods 2011 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Serbia 01-Oct-10 Goods 2010 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Canada 01-Jul-09 Goods 2009 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - SACU 01-May-08 Goods 2008 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Egypt 01-Aug-07 Goods 2007 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Lebanon 01-Jan-07 Goods 2006 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Korea, Republic of 01-Sep-06 Goods & Services 2006 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
EFTA - Tunisia 01-Jun-05 Goods 2005 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Chile 01-Dec-04 Goods & Services 2004 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
EFTA - Singapore 01-Jan-03 Goods & Services 2003 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
EFTA - Jordan 01-Sep-02 Goods 2002 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Former Yugoslav 
Republic of Macedonia 01-May-02 Goods 2000 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Mexico 01-Jul-01 Goods & Services 2001 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
EFTA - Morocco 01-Dec-99 Goods 2000 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Palestinian Authority 01-Jul-99 Goods 1999 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Israel 01-Jan-93 Goods 1992 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA - Turkey 01-Apr-92 Goods 1992 GATT Art. XXIV 
European Free Trade 
Association (EFTA) 03-May-60 
01-Jun-02 Goods  
Services 1959 
2002 GATT Art. XXIV 
GATS Art. V 
EFTA - Gulf Cooperation Council 01-Jul-14 Goods & Services Not notified 
INDIVIDUAL EFTA STATES 
Switzerland - China 01-Jul-14 Goods & Services 2014 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Iceland - China 01-Jul-14 Goods & Servic es 2014 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Japan - Switzerland 01-Sep-09 Goods & Services 2009 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Iceland - Faroe Islands 01-Nov-06 Goods & Services 2008 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Faroe Islands - Switzerland 01-Mar-95 Goods 1996 GATT Art. XXIV 
Faroe Islands - Norway 01-Jul-93 Goods 1996 GATT Art. XXIV 
EU - Norway 01-Jul-73 Goods 1973 GATT Art. XXIV 
EU - Iceland 01-Apr-73 Goods 1972 GATT Art. XXIV 
EU - Switzerland - Liechtenstein 01-Jan-73 Goods 1972 GATT Art. XXIV 
COLOMBIA 
European Union - Colombia and 
Peru 01-Mar-13 Goods & Services 2013 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
United States - Colombia 15-May-12 Goods & Services 2012 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Canada - Colombia 15-Aug-11 Goods & Services 2011 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Colombia - Northern Triangle 
(El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras) 12-Nov-09 Goods & Services 2012 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Chile - Colombia 08-May-09 Goods & Services 2009 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Colombia - Mexico 01-Jan-95 Goods & Services 2010 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Global System of Trade 
Preferences among Developing 
Countries (GSTP) 19-Apr-89 Goods 1989 Enabling Clause 
Andean Community (CAN) 25-May-88 Goods 1990 Enabling Clause 
Latin American Integration 
Association (LAIA) 18-Mar-81 Goods 1982 Enabling Clause WT/REG299/1 
 
- 47 - 
 
  RTA Name Date of 
entry into 
force Coverage GATT / WTO Notification 
Year WTO Provision 
Colombia - Venezuela  
[LAIA, AAP.C Nº 28] 19-Oct-12 Goods Not notified 
LAIA - Accession of Panama 03-May-12 Goods Not notified 
Andean Community  14-Dec-06 Services Not notified 
MERCOSUR - Andean 
Community (except Peru) 
[LAIA,AAP.CE N°59] 05-Jan-05 Goods & Services Not notified 
Colombia - Cuba [LAIA,AAP.CE 
N°49] 10-Jul-01 Goods Not notified 
Colombia - CARICOM [LAIA, 
AAP.A25TM N°31] 01-Jan-95 Goods Not notified 
Colombia - Panama [LAIA, 
AAP.A25TM N°29] 01-Jan-95 Goods Not notified 
LAIA - Seeds [AAP.AG N°2]  n.a. Goods Not notified 
LAIA - Cultural Goods [LAIA 
AR.CEYC N°7] n.a. Goods Not notified 
LAIA - Preferences in favour of 
Ecuador [LAIA, AR.AM N°2] n.a. Goods Not notified 
LAIA- Preferences in favour of 
Paraguay [LAIA, AR.AM N°3] n.a. Goods Not notified 
LAIA - Preferences in favour of 
Bolivia [LAIA, AR.AM N°1] n.a. Goods Not notified 
n.a. Not available. 
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
 
5.10  Government procurement 
5.21.  Chapter 7 of the Agreement contains rules applicable to government procurement. In 
addition to defining the scope and coverage of the Parties' commitments, the Chapter lays out general principles relating to national treatment and non-discrimination with respect to any 
measure regarding covered procurement; use of electronic means; conduct of procurement; rules 
of origin; offsets; and measures not specific to procurement. It also defines general exceptions applicable to measures necessary to protect public morals, order or safety; human, animal or plant life or health; intellectual property; or relating to goods or services of persons with disabilities, 
philanthropic institutions, or prison labour.  
5.22.  The Parties agree to promptly publish any measure of general application regarding to 
covered procurement (and modifications) in the a ppropriate publications referred to in Appendix 2 
of Annex XX of the Agreement. Article 7.6 of the Agreement lists the elements required in each 
notice of intended procurement. Provisions on the conditions for participation; tender documentation and technical specifications; time limits; tendering procedures; information 
technology; electronic auctions; negotiations; opening of tenders and contract awards; 
transparency in procurement information, disclosure of information; domestic review procedures for supplier challenges; modifications and rectific ations to coverage; and small and medium sized 
enterprises participation; and cooperation are laid out in Articles 7.7.7-7.20. In case any of the 
Parties offers a non-party additional advantages in its government procurement market access 
coverage than that under the Agreement, it shall, in accordance with Article 7.21, upon request, enter into negotiations with a view to extending coverage under the Chapter on a reciprocal basis.  
5.23.  The Parties' covered entities are listed in Annex XIX to the Agreement. Procurement 
thresholds under the Agreement and the revised GPA are shown in Table 5.2. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 48 - 
 
  Table 5.2 Procurement Thresholds under the Agreement and the Revised GPA  
SDR 
 Central level Sub-central level Utilities and other covered 
entities 
 EFTA States Colombia* EFTA States Colombia* EFTA States Colombia* 
 FTA GPA FTA FTA GPA FTA FTA GPA FTA 
Goods 130,000 
same 130,000 200,000 
same 200,000 400,000 
same 220,000 
Services 130,000 130,000 200,000 200,000 400,000 220,000 
Construction 
services 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 5,000,000 
* Colombia is an observ er to the revised GPA. 
Source: The Agreement.  
5.24.  Appendices 1-3 list the covered entities and goods and services to which procurement 
applies. Appendices 4 -6 provide details of covered goods, services and construction services. 
General notes on the Chapter, including details of public works concessions; means of publication; time limits; value of thresholds in the Parties' national currencies; and impartial authorities and interim measures are contained in Annex XX.  
5.25.  All the EFTA States are Parties to the revised WTO Agreement on Government Procurement 
(GPA).
38 Colombia is an observer.  
5.11  Intellectual property rights 
5.26.  Chapter 6 of the Agreement covers protection of intellectual property.39 The Parties agree to 
grant and ensure adequate, effective and non-disc riminatory protection of IPR and provide for 
measures for the enforcement of such rights against infringement thereof, counterfeiting and 
piracy. They reaffirm their commitment to grant national and MFN treatment for the protection of 
intellectual property subject to exceptions alread y provided in Articles 3-5 of the TRIPS Agreement 
(Article 6.1).  
5.27.  The Parties reaffirm basic principles includ ing under Article 7 and paragraph 1 of Article 8 of 
the TRIPS Agreement, and recognise the principles  established in the Declaration on the TRIPS 
Agreement and Public Health, the Decision of th e WTO's General Council on the Implementation of 
Paragraph 6 of the Doha Declaration, and the Am endment of the TRIPS Agreement (Article 6.2). 
5.28.  The Parties reaffirm their existing righ ts and obligations in a number of multilateral 
agreements40; agree to ratify or accede to a number of  multilateral agreements (if they are not 
already parties) at entry into force of the Agreement41 and within one year of the Agreement's 
entry into force42; and commit to carry out the necessary actions to submit as soon as possible for 
the consideration of the Parties' competent national authorities the adherence to the Geneva Act (1999) of the Hague Agreement concerning the In ternational Registration of Industrial Designs 
(Article 6.4).  
5.29.  On measures related to biodiversity, the Parties reaffirm their sovereign rights over their 
natural resources and recognise their rights and obligations as established by the Convention of Biological Diversity with respect to access to genetic resources, and to the fair and equitable 
                                               
38 The revised GPA will apply to Switzerland as soon as Switzerland has ratified it. 
39 Defined as referring to all categories of IP that are the subject of Articles 6.6 (Trademarks) to 6.11 
(undisclosed Information/Measures Re lated to Certain Regulated Products) of the Agreement (Article 6.3). 
40 The TRIPS Agreement; the 1883 Paris Convention for th e Protection of Industrial Property (Stockholm 
Act, 1967); the Berne Convention of 9 September 1886 for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (Paris Act, 1971); the International Convention of 26 October 1961 for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organisations (Rome Convention). 
41 Budapest Treaty of 28 April 1977 on the Internatio nal Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms 
for the Purposes of Patent Procedure;  International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants 
1978 (UPOV Convention), or the International Convention of the Protection of New Varieties of Plants 1991 (1991 UPOV Convention); and the Patent Cooperation Tr eaty of 19 June 1970 (Washington Act, amended in 
1979 and modified in 1984).   
42 WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treat of  20 December 1996 (WPPT); and WIPO Copyright 
Treaty of 20 December 1996 (WCT). WT/REG299/1 
 
- 49 - 
 
  sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of  these genetic resources (Article 6.5). The Parties 
shall take legislative, administrative or policy measures, as appropriate, with the aim of ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge on mutually agreed terms. 
5.30.  The Parties agree to grant adequate and effective protection to trademark right holders of 
goods and services (Article 6.6). Any sign, or combination of signs, capable of distinguishing goods or services can constitute a trademark. Where signs are not inherently capable of distinguishing 
the relevant goods or services, registrability may depend on distinctiveness acquired through use. 
The Parties recognise the importance of and shall be guided by the principles of the WIPO Joint 
Recommendation Concerning Provisions on the Protection of Well-Known Marks (1999) and the Joint Recommendation Concerning Provision on the Protection of Marks and other Industrial 
Property Rights in Signs, on the Internet (2001). 
5.31.  The Parties shall ensure adequate and effective means to protect geographical indications, 
including appellations of origin and indications of source, both of which are defined in Article 6.7. 
An indication of source may not be used in the course of trade for a good or service where that 
indication is false or misleading or where its use is likely to cause confusion as to the geographic 
origin of the good or service in question, or which constitutes an act of unfair competition within 
the meaning of Article 10bis of the Paris Conventi on. Without prejudice to Article 23 of the TRIPS 
Agreement, the Parties shall provide the legal mean s to interested parties to prevent the use of a 
GI not originating in the place indicated by the de signation in question in a manner which misleads 
the public as to the geographical origin of the goods or which constitutes an act of unfair 
competition.  
5.32.  With regard to copyright and related rights , the Parties shall grant and assure to the authors 
of literary and artistic works and to performe rs, producers or phonograms and broadcasting 
organizations, an adequate and effective protecti on of their works, performances, phonograms and 
broadcasts, respectively (Article 6.8).  
5.33.  Patents shall be available and rights enjo yable without discrimination as to the place of 
invention, the field of technology and whether products are imported or locally produced, provided 
they are new, involve an inventive step and are ca pable of industrial application (Article 6.9). The 
Parties may exclude from patentability inventions when necessary to protect ordre public  or 
morality, including to protect human, animal or plant life or health or to avoid serious prejudice to 
the environment, provided that such exclusion is not made merely because the exploitation is 
prohibited by law. Exclusion from patentability is also possible for diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical methods for the treatment of humans or animals; and for plants and animals other than 
micro-organisms, and biological processes for the production of plants or animals other than non-
biological and microbiological processes.
43 With respect to any pharmaceutical product that is 
covered by a patent, the Parties shall make available a restoration/compensation of the patent 
term to compensate the patent owner for unreasonable curtailment of the effective patent term 
resulting from the marketing approval process related to the first commercial marketing of the product in that Party. Any such restoration shall co nfer all exclusive rights of a patent subject to 
the same limitations and exceptions applicable to the original patent. 
5.34.  The Parties shall ensure in their national laws adequate and effective protection of industrial 
designs by providing an adequate term of protecti on in accordance with internationally prevailing 
standards, and they shall seek to harmonize their respective term of protection (Article 6.10).  
5.35.  The Parties agree to protect undisclosed information in accordance with Article 39 of the 
TRIPS Agreement (Article 6.11). The Parties shall not allow the marketing of a product containing new chemical entities for a reasonable period, normally five years in the case of pharmaceutical 
products and ten years for agricultural chemical products from the date of the marketing approval 
in the territory of the Party. The Parties may take measures to protect public health in accordance with the implementation of the Declaration of th e TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, any waiver 
of any provision of the TRIPS Agreement adopte d by WTO Members in order to implement the 
Declaration and any amendment thereto. 
                                               
43 Protection shall however be given to plant varieties either by patents or by an effective sui generis  
system or by a combination thereof. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 50 - 
 
  5.36.  Where the acquisition of an IPR is subjec t to the right being granted or registered, the 
Parties shall ensure that the procedures for grant or registration are at least equivalent to that provided in the TRIPS Agreement (Article 6.12). 
5.37.  The Parties agree to establish provisions fo r the enforcement of IPR in their national laws 
that are the same level as that provided under the TRIPS Agreement, in particular Articles 41 to 61 
(Article 6.13).  
5.38.  Articles 6.14 to 6.17 deal with right of in formation in civil and administrative procedures, 
suspension of release of goods by competent au thorities, right of inspection, and liability 
declaration, security or equivalent assurance. 
5.39.  The Parties agree to promote research, technological development and innovation in IPRs 
(Article 6.18). 
5.12  Other 
5.12.1  Competition 5.40.  Chapter 8 addresses competition policy. Anti-competitive practices identified under Article 
8.2 are incompatible with the proper functioning of  the Agreement insofar as they may affect trade 
between Colombia and an EFTA State. Article 8.2 defines anti-competitive practices as (a) 
horizontal or vertical agreements, concerted prac tices or arrangements between enterprises, which 
have as their object or effect the prevention restriction or distortion of competition; and (b) the 
abuse by one or more enterprises of a dominant position in a market. When applicable, Colombia may implement its obligations on anti-competitive practices through the Andean Community competition laws and the Andean enforcement authority (Article 8.2). Articles 8.3-8.4 contain 
provisions on cooperation and consultations. Nothing in Chapter 8 shall be construed to prevent a 
Party from establishing or maintaining a state enterprise and/or designated monopoly. The Parties shall ensure that state enterprises and designated monopolies do not adopt or maintain 
anti-competitive practices affecting trade between th em, insofar as the application of this provision 
does not obstruct the performance, in law or in fact, of the particular public tasks assigned to them (Article 8.5). Article 8.5 does not apply to government procurement. The Agreement's dispute 
settlement mechanism may not be used for matters arising under Chapter 8. 
5.12.2  Cooperation 5.41.  In Chapter 10, the Parties declare their readiness to foster cooperation that allows support 
of trade capacity building initiatives in order to  expand and improve the benefits of the Agreement 
on mutually agreed terms. Instruments to promote cooperation may be: exchange of information 
and experience; joint identification, development and implementation of projects and innovative 
activities of cooperation, including seminars and workshops; and technical and administrative 
cooperation. Contact points for the implementati on of the cooperation Chapter are detailed in 
Article 10.3. 
5.12.3  Electronic Commerce 
5.42.  The Parties undertake to intensify their cooperation on electronic commerce (Article 1.8). 
They establish a framework for electronic commerce (Annex I to the Agreement), through which they affirm their intent to pursue efforts to increase cooperation in promoting electronic commerce between them, to strengthen the multilateral trading system and to exchange information in 
electronic commerce. They identify the national au thorities responsible for the coordination of that 
exchange of information. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 51 - 
 
  ANNEX 1 
INDICATORS OF TRADE LIBERALIZATION UNDER THE AGREEMENT 
1. Tables A1.1-A1.4 present the Parties' tariff elimination schedule by agricultural and non-
agricultural products.  
2. In the case of Iceland, the sh are of duty-free tariff lines applied on all products rose from 
70% to 94.7% upon the Agreement's entry into fo rce and the overall average applied tariff fell 
from 4.4% to 1.4% (Table A1.1). For agricultural goods, Colombian exporters face in Iceland an 
average tariff rate of 6.6% instead 11.4%, and 0% instead of 2.5% for non-agricultural goods.  
Table A1.1 Iceland: Indicators of MFN tariff rates and preferential rates for imports from 
Colombia  
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 2014 4.4 15.0 70.0 11.4 26.6 55.6 2.5 9.5 74.3 
Colombia 2014 1.4 34.6 94.7 6.6 34.6 76.5 0.0 0.0 100.0 
a WTO Definition. 
Note: For the calculation of averages, sp ecific rates are excluded and only the ad valorem part of alternate 
rates is included. Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. 
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Iceland. 
3. In the case of Norway, the shar e of duty-free tariff lines applied on all products rose from 
83.5% to 90.2% upon the Agreement's entry into fo rce and the overall average applied tariff fell 
from 2.4% to 1.7% (Table A1.2). For agricultural goods, Colombian exporters face in Norway an average tariff rate of 13.5% instead 20.8%, and 0% instead of 0.4% for non-agricultural goods. 
Table A1.2 Norway: Indicators of MFN tariff ra tes and preferential rates for imports from 
Colombia  
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 2014 2.4 41.1 83.5 20.8 120.1 36.2 0.4 9.1 95.13 
Colombia 2014 1.7 136.2 90.2 13.5 136.2 51.0 0.0 0.0 99.98 
a WTO Definition. 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. Source: WTO Secretariat estimates ba sed on data provided by Norway. 
4. In the case of Switzerland, the share of duty -free tariff lines applied on all products rose 
from 18.2% to 86% upon the Agreement's entry into force (Table A1.3) For agricultural goods, the 
share of duty-free lines is 43.7% (up from 19.2%) and for non-agricultural goods it is 99.98% (up 
from 17.85%).  WT/REG299/1 
 
- 52 - 
 
  Table A1.3 Switzerland: Indicators of MFN ta riff rates and preferential rates for imports 
from Colombia  
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 2011 … … 18.2 … … 19.2 … … 17.85 
Colombia 2011 … … 86.0 … … 43.7 … … 99.98 
a WTO Definition. 
…  Not available: Switzerland's tariff is subject to specific duties for which ad valorem equivalents are 
not available. 
Note: Calculation excludes specific and in-quota rates. 
 Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Switzerland. 
5. In the case of Colombia's trade with Iceland, the share of duty-free tariff lines applied on all 
products rose from 3.5% to 59.7% upon the Agr eement's entry into force and the overall average 
applied tariff fell from 8.7% to 4.6% (Table A1.4). By the end of the transition period in 2023, the 
share of duty-free tariff lines will rise to 92.5%. For agricultural goods, Iceland's exporters in 
Colombia will face an average tariff rate of 10% instead of 15.5%, and 0% instead of 7.6% for 
non-agricultural goods. 
6. In the case of Colombia's trade with Norway, th e share of duty-free tariff lines applied on all 
products rose from 3.5% to 59.7% upon the Agr eement's entry into force and the overall average 
applied tariff fell from 8.7% to 4.6%. By the en d of the transition period in 2023, the share of 
duty-free tariff lines will rise to 92.5%. For agricu ltural goods, Iceland's exporters in Colombia will 
face an average tariff rate of 10% instead of 15.5%, and 0% instead of 7.6% for non-agricultural goods. 
7. In the case of Colombia's trade with Switzerland, the share of duty-free tariff lines applied 
on all products rose from 3.5% to 60.3% upon the Agreement's entry into force and the overall average applied tariff fell from 8.6% to 4.5%. By the end of the transition period in 2027, the 
share of duty-free tariff lines will rise to 93.6%. For agricultural goods, Switzerland's exporters in 
Colombia will face an average tariff rate of 9. 2% instead of 15.5%, and 0% instead of 7.5% for 
non-agricultural goods. 
Table A1.4 Colombia: Indicators of MFN tari ff rates and preferential rates for imports 
from the EFTA States  
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 
(%) Overal
l (%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overal
l (%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overal
l (%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
MFN 2014 8.7 9.0 3.5 15.5 15.5 0.0 7.6 7.9 4.1 
Iceland 2014 4.6 11.3 59.7 10.5 18.4 42.9 3.6 9.5 62.4 
 2015 4.3 10.7 59.7 10.4 18.3 42.9 3.3 8.9 62.4 
 2016 3.8 9.5 59.7 10.4 18.2 42.9 2.8 7.3 62.4 
 2017 3.1 7.6 59.7 10.3 18.0 42.9 1.9 5.0 62.4 
 2018 2.2 14.0 84.1 10.2 18.2 43.9 0.9 10.1 90.6 
 2019 2.1 13.0 84.1 10.1 18.1 43.9 0.8 8.1 90.6 
 2020 1.9 12.1 84.2 10.1 18.4 45.1 0.6 6.2 90.6 
 2021 1.7 11.1 84.2 10.1 18.3 45.1 0.4 4.2 90.6 
 2022 1.6 10.0 84.2 10.0 18.3 45.1 0.2 2.1 90.6 
 2023 1.4 18.7 92.5 10.0 18.8 46.7 0.0 15.0 100.0 
Norway 2014 4.6 11.3 59.7 10.5 18.4 42.9 3.6 9.5 62.4 
 2015 4.3 10.7 59.7 10.4 18.3 42.9 3.3 8.9 62.4 
 2016 3.8 9.5 59.7 10.4 18.2 42.9 2.8 7.3 62.4 
 2017 3.1 7.6 59.7 10.3 18.0 42.9 1.9 5.0 62.4 WT/REG299/1 
 
- 53 - 
 
  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 
(%) Overal
l (%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overal
l (%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overal
l (%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
 2018 2.2 14.0 84.1 10.2 18.2 43.9 0.9 10.1 90.6 
 2019 2.1 13.0 84.1 10.1 18.1 43.9 0.8 8.1 90.6 
 2020 1.9 12.1 84.2 10.1 18.4 45.1 0.6 6.2 90.6 
 2021 1.7 11.1 84.2 10.1 18.3 45.1 0.4 4.2 90.6 
 2022 1.6 10.0 84.2 10.0 18.3 45.1 0.2 2.1 90.6 
 2023 1.4 18.7 92.5 10.0 18.8 46.7 0.0 15.0 100.0 
MFN 2011 8.6 9.0 3.5 15.5 15.5 0.0 7.5 7.8 4.1 
Switzerlanda  2011 4.5 11.3 60.3 10.2 19.5 47.7 3.6 9.5 62.3 
 2012 4.3 10.8 60.3 10.1 19.4 47.7 3.3 8.9 62.3 
 2013 3.8 9.5 60.3 10.0 19.1 47.7 2.8 7.3 62.3 
 2014 3.0 7.5 60.3 9.8 18.7 47.7 1.9 5.0 62.3 
 2015 2.2 14.3 84.9 9.6 19.1 49.7 0.9 10.0 90.5 
 2016 2.0 13.1 84.9 9.5 18.9 49.7 0.8 8.1 90.5 
 2017 1.8 12.2 85.0 9.4 19.3 51.0 0.6 6.2 90.5 
 2018 1.6 11.1 85.1 9.4 19.2 51.2 0.4 4.2 90.5 
 2019 1.5 9.9 85.1 9.3 19.1 51.2 0.2 2.2 90.5 
 2020 1.3 19.8 93.5 9.3 19.9 53.4 0.0 13.0 99.9 
 2021 1.3 19.8 93.5 9.2 19.8 53.4 0.0 13.0 99.9 
 2022 1.3 19.8 93.5 9.2 19.8 53.5 0.0 13.0 99.9 
 2023 1.3 19.9 93.5 9.2 19.9 53.8 0.0 13.0 99.9 
 2024 1.3 19.9 93.5 9.2 19.9 53.8 0.0 13.0 99.9 
 2025 1.3 19.8 93.5 9.2 19.9 53.8 0.0 13.0 99.9 
 2026 1.3 19.8 93.5 9.2 19.9 53.8 0.0 13.0 99.9 
 2027 1.3 20.1 93.6 9.2 20.2 54.6 0.0 13.0 99.9 
Note:  Based on the HS 2007 and 2012 nomenclatures.  
a  Tariff lines subject to in-quota tariffs are excluded in the calculation. 
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Colombia.  
8. Table A1.5 shows market access opportunities for Colombia's top 25 exported goods in 
Iceland and Norway.1 These exports accounted for 82.6% of Colombia's global exports during 
2011-2013 and involved 103 tariff lines (in Iceland's tariff) and 81 tariff lines (in Norway's). In the 
case of Iceland, 79 lines were already duty-free,  20 were liberalized when the Agreement entered 
into force and four remain dutiable. The main export products of Colombia remaining subject to duties in Iceland are cut flowers. In the case of  Norway, 61 lines were already duty-free, 7 lines 
were liberalized upon the Agreement's entry into  force and 13 remain dutiable. Colombia's main 
export products remaining subject to duties in Norway are cut flowers, sugar, copper waste and 
scrap, sugar confectionary and live cattle. 
Table A1.5 Iceland and Norway: Market access opportunities under the agreement for 
Colombia's top 25 exports to the world 
Colombia's top export products in 2011-2013 Iceland  Norway  
MFN 2014  
Duty-free in 
2014 
Remain dutiable MFN 2014 
Duty-free in 
2014 
Remain dutiable HS number and description of the 
product  
Share in 
global exports 
(%) 
Average (%) No of lines  
Average (%) No of lines Duty-free 
Dutiable 
Duty-free 
Dutiable 
270900 Petroleum oils and oils obtained 
from bituminous minerals, crude. 43.9 0.0 1    0.0 2    
270112 -- bituminous coal  12.2 0.0 1    0.0 1    
271019 Medium oils and preparations, of 
petroleum or bituminous 
minerals, not containing biodiesel, n.e.s. 4.8
 0.6 8 1 1  0.0 20    
710812 -- other unwrought forms 4.5 0.0 1    0.0 1    
090111 -- not decaffeinated 3.6  0.0 1    0.0 1    
271012 -- light oils and preparations 1.6 0.0 6    0.0 11    
720260 - ferro-nickel 1.4  0.0 1    0.0 1    
                                               
1 Based on the three years prior to entry into force of the Agreement, i.e. 2011-2013. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 54 - 
 
  Colombia's top export products in 2011-2013 Iceland  Norway  
MFN 2014  
Duty-free in 
2014 
Remain dutiable MFN 2014 
Duty-free in 
2014 
Remain dutiable HS number and description of the 
product  
Share in 
global exports 
(%) 
Average (%) No of lines  
Average (%) No of lines Duty-free 
Dutiable 
Duty-free 
Dutiable 
271020 - petroleum oils and oils 
obtained from bituminous 
minerals (other than crude)  1.3 0.3 14 1 1  0.0 1    
080390 Fresh or dried bananas (excl. 
plantains) 1.1 0.0 1    0.0 1    
270400 Coke and semi-coke of coal, of 
lignite or of peat, whether or not 
agglomerated; retort carbon. 0.8 0.0 1    0.0 3    
060319 Fresh cut flowers and buds, of a 
kind suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes (excl. 
roses, carnations, orchids, 
chrysanthemums and lilies) 0.8
 30.0  6 4 2 249  10 5  5 
271121 -- natural gas 0.7 0.0 1    0.0 1    
170199 Cane or beet sugar and 
chemically pure sucrose, in solid 
form (excl. cane and beet sugar 
containing added flavouring or 
colouring and raw sugar) 0.6 0.0 8    - 3 1  1 
060311 -- roses 0.6 30.0  1  1 249  2 1 1 
740400 Copper waste and scrap. 0.6  0.0 1    0.0 1    
870323 -- of a cylinder capacity 
exceeding 1,500 cc but not 
exceeding 3,000 cc 0.6 0.0 21    0.0 3    
390410 - poly(vinyl chloride), not mixed 
with any other substances 0.5 0.0 2    0.0 1    
390210 - polypropylene 0.5 0.0 2    0.0 2    
300490 Medicaments consisting of mixed 
or unmixed products for 
therapeutic or prophylactic purposes 0.5
 4.0 4 1 1  0.0 2    
210111 -- extracts, essences and 
concentrates 0.4 20.0  1 1  0.0 1    
170490 Sugar confectionery not 
containing cocoa, incl. white chocolate (excl. chewing gum) 0.4
 15.6 2 7 7  -  4  4 
060312 -- carnations 0.4 30.0  2 1 1 249  2 1 1 
010229 Live cattle (excl. pure-bred for 
breeding) 0.4 0.0 1    -  1  1 
961900 Sanitary towels (pads) and 
tampons, napkins and napkin 
liners for babies and similar 
articles, of any material. 0.3 11.3  4 4  0.0 4    
710813 -- other semi-manufactured 
forms 0.3 0.0 2    0.0 1    
Total of above  82.6   79 24 20 4  61 20 7  13 
- contains specific duties. 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. Source:  WTO estimates based on da ta provided by Iceland and Norway  authorities and UNSD, Comtrade 
database. 
9. Table A1.6 shows market access opportunities for Colombia's top 25 exported goods in 
Switzerland.2 These exports accounted for 72.5% of Co lombia's global exports during 2008-2010 
and involved 63 tariff lines. 28 of these lines were  already duty-free in Switzerland's market and a 
further 18 were liberalized upon the Agreement's entry into force. The 17 lines that remain dutiable include cut flowers, meat, and sugar confectionary. 
                                               
2 Based on the three years prior to entry into force of the Agreement, i.e. 2008-2011. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 55 - 
 
  Table A1.6 Switzerland: Market access opportunities under the agreement for 
Colombia's top 25 exports to the world 
Colombia's top export products in 2008-2010 Access Conditions to Switzerland's import 
markets 
MFN (2011) Duty-
free 
in 
2011 
Remain 
dutiable HS number and description of the product Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate 
(%) No. of tariff lines 
Duty-
free Dutiable 
270900 Petroleum oils and oils obtained 
from bituminous minerals, crude. 27.9 0.0 2    
270112 -- bituminous coal 13.9   1 1  
271019 -- other 5.0 0.0 9    
090111 -- not decaffeinated 4.8 0.0 1    
710812 -- other unwrought forms 3.9 0.0 1    
720260 - ferro-nickel 2.3 0.0 1    
080300 Bananas, including plantains, fresh 
or dried. 2.0 -  1 1  
271011 -- light oils and preparations 1.8 0.0 6    
060319 -- other 1.2 -  5 3 2 
270400 Coke and semi-coke of coal, of 
lignite or of peat, whether or not 
agglomerated; retort carbon. 1.0 -  1 1  
060311 -- roses 1.0 0.0 a 1 1  1 
020110 - carcasses and half-carcasses 0.8 -  2  2 
170199 -- other 0.7 0.0 a 1 1  1 
300490 - other 0.6 0.0 1    
390410 - poly(vinyl chloride), not mixed 
with any other substances 0.6 -  1 1  
740400 Copper waste and scrap. 0.6 0.0 a 1 1 1  
060312 -- carnations 0.6 -  2 1 1 
210111 -- extracts, essences and 
concentrates 0.6 -  1 1  
390210 - polypropylene 0.5 0.0 1    
271121 -- natural gas 0.5 0.0 2    
481840 - sanitary towels and tampons, 
napkins and napkin liners for babies and similar sanitary articles 0.5 -  1 1  
170490 - other 0.5 -  12 4 8 
020130 - boneless 0.4 -  2  2 
380892 -- fungicides 0.4 -  2 2  
151110 - crude oil 0.4 0.0 a 1 1 1  
Total of above 72.5  28 35 18 17 
0.0 a  contains specific and duty-free lines. 
Note: Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by the Swiss authorities and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 
10. Table A1.7 shows market access opportunities for Iceland's top 25 exported goods in 
Colombia.3 These exports accounted for 75.6% of Iceland's global exports during 2011-2013 and 
involved 50 tariff lines, all of which were dutiable in Colombia's market on an MFN basis. Upon 
entry into force of the Agreement 20 lines became du ty-free. By the end of the transition period in 
2023, two lines will remain dutiable. These are flours, meals and pellets of fish.  
                                               
3 Based on the three years prior to entry into force of the Agreement, i.e. 2011-2013. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 56 - 
 
  Table A1.7 Colombia: Market access opportuni ties under the agreement for Iceland's top 
25 exports to the world 
Iceland's top export products in 2011-2013 
HS number and description of the product Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Access conditions to Colombia's import markets 
MFN (2014) Duty-free in 
Remain Dutiable  
Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate No. of tariff 
lines 
2014 
2018 
2023 Duty-free  
Dutiable 
760110 - aluminium, not alloyed 33.5 5.0  1 1    
230120 - flours, meals and pellets, of fish or of 
crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic 
invertebrates 3.5 13.3  3   1 2 
030354 -- mackerel  3.4 15.0  1 1    
720221 -- containing by weight more than 55 
% of silicon 3.1 5.0  1 1    
030562 -- cod (gadus morhua, gadus ogac, 
gadus macrocephalus) 2.5 15.0  1 1    
030499 Frozen fish meat n.e.s. (excl. fillets) 2.3 15.0  1  1   
030389 Frozen fish, n.e.s. 2.2 15.0  1  1   
030453 -- fish of the families bregmacerotidae, 
euclichthyidae, gadidae, macrouridae, 
melanonidae, merlucciidae, moridae 
and muraenolepididae 2.2 15.0  1  1   
300490 Medicaments consisting of mixed or 
unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes  2.1 7.9  7 7    
030471 -- cod (gadus morhua, gadus ogac, 
gadus macrocephalus) 2.0 15.0  1  1   
150420 - fats and oils and their fractions, of 
fish, other than liver oils 2.0 10.0  2   2  
760719 Aluminium foil, not backed, rolled and 
further worked, of a thickness of <= 2 
mm (excl. stamping foils of heading 
3212, and foil made up as christmas 
tree decorating material) 1.8 5.0  1  1   
271019 Medium oils and preparations, of 
petroleum or bituminous minerals, not containing biodiesel, n.e.s. 1.8 5.0  17 5 12   
030444 -- fish of the families bregmacerotidae, 
euclichthyidae, gadidae, macrouridae, 
melanonidae, merlucciidae, moridae 
and muraenolepididae 1.4 15.0  1  1   
030495 -- fish of the families bregmacerotidae, 
euclichthyidae, gadidae, macrouridae, melanonidae, merlucciidae, moridae and muraenolepididae, other than alaska pollack (theragra chalcogramma) 1.4 15.0  1  1   
030331 -- halibut (reinhardtius 
hippoglossoides, hippoglossus 
hippoglossus, hippoglossus stenolepis) 1.4 15.0  1 1    
760120 - aluminium alloys 1.3 5.0  1 1    
030572 -- fish heads, tails and maws 1.2 15.0  1 1    
160521 -- not in airtight container 1.1 15.0  1   1  
760511 -- of which the maximum cross-
sectional dimension exceeds 7 mm 1.1 5.0  1  1   
030532 -- fish of the families bregmacerotidae, 
euclichthyidae, gadidae, macrouridae, melanonidae, merlucciidae, moridae and muraenolepididae 1.0 15.0  1  1   
030473 -- coalfish (pollachius virens) 1.0 15.0  1  1   
030390 - livers and roes 1.0 15.0  1  1   
030351 -- herrings (clupea harengus, clupea 
pallasii) 0.7 15.0  1 1    
030472 -- haddock (melanogrammus 
aeglefinus) 0.7 15.0  1  1   WT/REG299/1 
 
- 57 - 
 
  Iceland's top export products in 2011-2013 
HS number and description of the product Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Access conditions to Colombia's import markets 
MFN (2014) Duty-free in 
Remain Dutiable  
Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate No. of tariff 
lines 
2014 
2018 
2023 Duty-free  
Dutiable 
Total of above 75.6  0 50 20 24 4 2 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by th e Colombian authorities and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
11. Table A1.8 shows market access opportunities for Norway's top 25 exported goods in 
Colombia.4 These exports accounted for 77.7% of Norway's global exports during 2011-2013 and 
involved 70 tariff lines, of whic h 10 were already duty-free in Colombia's market on an MFN basis. 
Upon entry into force of the Agreement 30 lines became duty-free with the remainder becoming 
duty-free in 2018.  
Table A1.8 Colombia: Market access opportunities under the agreement for Norway's top 
25 exports to the world 
Norway's top export products in 2011-2013 
HS number and description of the product Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Access conditions to the Colombia's 
import markets 
MFN (2014) Duty-free in  
Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate No. of tariff 
lines 
2014 
2018 Duty-
free 
Dutiable  
270900 Petroleum oils and oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals, crude. 34.2 5.0  1  1  
271121 -- natural gas 24.6 5.0  1 1  
271012 -- light oils and preparations 2.5 5.0  10 5 5  
271019 Medium oils and preparations, of petroleum 
or bituminous minerals, not containing 
biodiesel, n.e.s. 2.5 5.0  17 5 12 
030214 -- atlantic salmon (salmo salar) and danube 
salmon (hucho hucho) 2.4 15.0  1 1  
760120 - aluminium alloys 2.1 5.0  1 1  
271112 -- propane 1.3 5.0  1 1  
750210 - nickel, not alloyed 1.1 0.0 1    
271113 -- butanes 1.0 5.0  1 1  
271111 -- natural gas 0.9 5.0  1 1  
843143 -- parts for boring or sinking machinery of 
subheading 8430.41 or 8430.49 0.5 5.0  2  2  
271020 - petroleum oils and oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals (other than crude)  0.5 5.0  1  1 
271600 Electrical energy. (optional heading) 0.5 0.0 1    
890190 - other vessels for the transport of goods 
and other vessels for the transport of both 
persons and goods 0.4 3.3 1 2  2 
030213 -- pacific salmon  0.4 15.0  1 1  
292429 Cyclic amides, incl. cyclic carbamates, and 
their derivatives; salts thereof (excl. ureines 
and their derivatives, salts thereof, 2-
acetamidobenzoic acid "N-acetylanthranilic 
acid" and its salts and ethinamate "INN") 0.4 1.5 7 3 2 1 
                                               
4 Based on the three years prior to entry into force of the Agreement, i.e. 2011-2013. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 58 - 
 
  Norway's top export products in 2011-2013 
HS number and description of the product Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Access conditions to the Colombia's 
import markets 
MFN (2014) Duty-free in  
Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate No. of tariff 
lines 
2014 
2018 Duty-
free 
Dutiable  
030354 -- mackerel (scomber scombrus, scomber 
australasicus, scomber japonicus) 0.3 15.0  1 1  
730890 Structures and parts of structures, of iron or 
steel, n.e.s. (excl.  bridges and bridge-
sections, towers and lattice masts, doors and 
windows and their frames, thresholds for 
doors, props and similar equipment for 
scaffolding, shuttering, propping or pit-
propping) 0.3 8.3  3  3 
280469 Silicon containing < 99,99% by weight of 
silicon 0.3 5.0  1 1  
847990 Parts of machines and mechanical 
appliances, n.e.s. 0.3 5.0  1  1 
847989 Machines and mechanical appliances, n.e.s. 0.3 5.0  7 7  
030551 -- cod (gadus morhua, gadus ogac, gadus 
macrocephalus) 0.3 15.0  1  1 
030441 -- pacific salmon, atlantic salmon and 
danube salmon  0.3 15.0  1  1  
271119 Gaseous hydrocarbons, liquefied, n.e.s. 
(excl. natural gas, propane, butane, 
ethylene, propylene, butylene and 
butadiene) 0.2 5.0  1 1  
381800 Chemical elements doped for use in 
electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms; chemical compounds doped for use in electronics. 0.2 5.0  1 1 
 
Total of above 77.7 10 60 30 30 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by th e Colombian authorities and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 
12. Table A1.9 shows market access opportunities for Switzerland's top 25 exported goods in 
Colombia.5 These exports accounted for 44.9% of Switzerland's global exports during 2008-2010 
and involved 68 tariff lines, of which 11 were already duty-free on an MFN basis in Colombia's market. Upon entry into force of the Agreement 54 lines became duty-free. By the end of the 
transition period, one line (non-alcoholic beverages) will remain dutiable.  
Table A1.9 Colombia: Market access opportunities under the agreement for 
Switzerland's top 25 exports to the world 
Switzerland's top export products in 2008-2010 
HS number and description of the product Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Access conditions to Colombia's import markets 
MFN (2011) Duty-free in 
Remain Dutiable  
Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate No. of tariff 
lines 
2011 
2015 
2020 Duty-free  
Dutiable 
300490 Medicaments consisting of mixed or 
unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes  11.7 7.9  7 7    
300210 - antisera, other blood fractions and 
immunological products 4.2 5.0  8 8    
                                               
5 Based on the three years prior to entry into force of the Agreement, i.e. 2008-2010. WT/REG299/1 
 
- 59 - 
 
  Switzerland's top export products in 2008-2010 
HS number and description of the product Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Access conditions to Colombia's import markets 
MFN (2011) Duty-free in 
Remain Dutiable  
Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate No. of tariff 
lines 
2011 
2015 
2020 Duty-free  
Dutiable 
300290 Human blood; animal blood 
prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses; toxins, cultures of micro-organisms and similar products (excl. yeasts and vaccines) 3.9 5.0  6 6    
910221 -- with automatic winding 2.9 5.0  1 1    
271600 Electrical energy. (optional heading) 2.5 0.0 1      
711319 -- of other precious metal, whether 
or not plated or clad with precious 
metal 2.3 15.0  1   1  
293399 Heterocyclic compounds with 
nitrogen hetero-atom[s] only  1.8 3.3 1 2 2    
910211 -- with mechanical display only 1.5 5.0  1 1    
910121 -- with automatic winding 1.5 5.0  1 1    
711011 -- unwrought or in powder form 1.4 5.0  1 1    
292429 Cyclic amides 1.1 1.5 7 3 2 1   
300420 - containing other antibiotics 1.0 8.3  3 3    
841199 Parts of gas turbines, n.e.s. 1.0 5.0  1 1    
294190 Antibiotics  0.8 3.8 2 6 6    
293719 Polypeptide hormones, protein 
hormones and glycoprotein hormones, their derivatives and 
structural analogues, used primarily as hormones  0.8 5.0  2 2    
710239 Diamonds, worked, but not mounted 
or set (excl. industrial diamonds) 0.8 5.0  1 1    
902110 - orthopaedic or fracture appliances 0.8 5.0  2 2    
300439 Medicaments containing hormones 
or steroids used as hormones but 
not antibiotics  0.8 8.3  3 3    
220290 Non-alcoholic beverages (excl. 
water, fruit or vegetable juices and milk) 0.7 15.0  1    1 
910129 Wrist-watches of precious metal or 
of metal clad with precious metal 0.6 5.0  1 1    
902150 - pacemakers for stimulating heart 
muscles, excluding parts and accessories 0.6 5.0  1 1    
901890 - other instruments and appliances 0.6 5.0  2 2    
330290 Mixtures of odoriferous substances 
and mixtures 0.5 5.0  1 1    
902190 Articles and appliances, which are 
worn or carried, or implanted in the 
body, to compensate for a defect or 
disability  0.5 5.0  1 1    
711419 -- of other precious metal, whether 
or not plated or clad with precious metal 0.5 15.0  1 1    
Total of above 44.9  11 57 54 1 1 1 
Note: Based on the HS 2012 nomenclature. 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by th e Colombian authorities and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
__________