RESTRICTED  
  
S/C/W/381  
3 de diciembre de 2018  
(18-7642) Página: 1/20 
Consejo del Comercio de Servicios  Original: inglés 
 
  
COMUNICACIÓN DEL REI NO UNIDO DE GRAN BRE TAÑA  
E IRLANDA DEL NORTE  
CERTIFICACIÓN DE LA LISTA DE EXENCIONES DEL ARTÍCULO II (NMF ) 
El Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte (en adelante el "Reino Unido") ha presentado a 
la Secretaría de la OMC la siguiente comunicación, con el ruego de que se inicie el procedimiento de 
certificación de la Lista de exenciones del artículo II ( NMF) del Reino Unido anexa al AGCS de 
conformidad con el "Procedimiento para la certificación de la terminación, reducción o rectificación 
de las exenciones de las obligaciones (NMF) del artículo II" (S/L/106). Por consiguiente, si en el 
plazo de 45 días c ontados a partir de la fecha de la presente comunicación no se notifican objeciones1 
a la Secretaría, se dará por concluido el procedimiento de certificación y se certificará la Lista del 
Reino  Unido adjunta.  
 
 
_______________  
 
 
La Lista de exenciones del artículo II (NMF) del Reino Unido que figura adjunta (en adelante, la "Lista 
del Reino Unido") ha sido presentada a la Secretaría de la OMC por el Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña 
e Irlanda del Norte (en adelante, el "Reino Unido") con el ruego de que se inicie  el procedimiento de 
certificación de conformidad con el párrafo 3 del Procedimiento para la certificación de la 
terminación, reducción o rectificación de las exenciones de las obligaciones (NMF) del artículo II 
(documento S/L/106, de 11 de junio de  2002).  
La presente comunicación consta de cuatro partes:  
• Parte I: Nota por la que se solicita la iniciación del procedimiento de certificación y se indica 
la base jurídica del procedimiento de certificación  
• Parte II: Nota explicativa sobre los cambios de natural eza meramente técnica reflejados en 
la Lista del Reino Unido (de conformidad con el párrafo 3 del documento S/L/106)  
• Parte III: Lista del Reino Unido en que se indican los cambios técnicos2 
• Parte IV: Versión en limpio de la Lista del Reino Unido3 
 
 
_______________  
 
 
                                                
1 De conformidad con el párrafo 4 del documento S/L/106, todo Miembro que desee formular objeciones 
respecto de la certificación presentará una notificación en tal sentido a la Secretaría para que se distribuya a 
todos los Miembros, en la medida de lo posib le identificando los elementos específicos de la modificación que 
motivan su objeción.  
2 En inglés solamente.  
3 En inglés solamente.  S/C/W/381  
- 2 - 
  PARTE  I 
NOTA POR LA QUE SE S OLICITA LA INICIACIÓ N DEL PROCEDIMIENTO DE  
CERTIFICACIÓN  Y SE INDICA LA BASE JURÍDICA DEL  
PROCEDIMIENTO DE CER TIFICACIÓN  
1. El 29 de marzo de  2017 el Reino Unido activó el artículo 50 del Tratado de Funcionamiento de 
la Unión Europea. En consecuencia, el Reino Unido desea ahora separar sus exenciones NMF de las 
de la UE y sus Estados miembros. Ese  es el objeto de la iniciación del presente procedimiento de 
certificación.  
2. Como se indica en la carta conjunta de 11 de octubre de  2017 remitida por el Representante 
Permanente del Reino Unido y el Representante Permanente de la Unión Europea a los 
Repres entantes Permanentes ante la OMC, la Lista del Reino Unido reproduce las concesiones y 
compromisos aplicables al Reino Unido consignados en la Lista de exenciones del artículo II (NMF) 
de las Comunidades Europeas y sus Estados miembros (la "Lista de la UE" ).1 
3. De conformidad con el párrafo 3 del documento S/L/106, se adjunta una nota explicativa 
sobre los cambios de naturaleza meramente técnica que no alteran la esencia de las exenciones en 
vigor.  
4. El Reino Unido está dispuesto a celebrar, previa solicitud, consultas con cualquier Miembro de 
la OMC que formule una objeción de conformidad con el párrafo 4 del documento S/L/106. A fin de 
garantizar la eficacia de las consultas, el Reino Unido solicita a los Miembros que formulen objeciones 
que identifiquen, en la medida de lo posible, los elementos específicos que hayan motivado su 
objeción.  
5. Si no se comunican objeciones a la Secretaría en un plazo de 45 días contados a partir de la 
fecha de distribución de la Lista del Reino Unido, el presente procedimiento de certificación se 
considerará concluido, y la Lista del Reino Unido entrará en vigor en una fecha que será especificada 
por el Reino Unido.2 
 
 
_______________  
 
                                                
1 Documento GATS/EL/31, de 15 de abril de  1994.  
2 La fecha de aplicación que se especifique no será anterior a la fecha de vencimiento del período de 
transición acordado entre la Unión Europea y el Reino Unido de conformidad con el artículo 50 del Tratado de 
Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea o, en ausencia de ese período, al 30 de marzo de  2019.  S/C/W/381  
 
- 3 - 
 
  PARTE II  
NOTA EXPLICATIVA SOB RE LOS CAMBIOS DE NATURALEZ A MERAMENTE  
TÉCNICA  (DE CONFORMIDAD CON EL PÁRRAFO 3 DEL DOC UMENTO S/L/106)  
1. El texto auténtico que recoge las actuales exenciones del trato NMF del Reino Unido figura en 
la Lista de la UE. Por lo tanto, ese es el documento que se ha tomado como punto de partida para 
elaborar la Lista del Reino Unido. El principio en el que se basa la elaboración de la Lista del Reino 
Unido es que el Reino Unido se beneficia de las exenciones que le son aplicables de conformidad de 
la Lista de la UE. P or lo tanto, el presente proceso de certificación es de naturaleza técnica, y el 
procedimiento que es apropiado seguir es el establecido en el documento S/L/106.  
 
2. De conformidad con el párrafo 3 del documento S/L/106, la presente nota tiene por objeto 
indicar, con respecto a la Lista del Reino Unido, los cambios de naturaleza meramente técnica (en 
adelante, "los cambios técnicos"), que no alteren la esencia de las exenciones en vigor.  
3. Para facilitar el examen, en la presente nota se describen de manera sist emática los cambios 
técnicos que se han introducido para separar las exenciones NMF del Reino  Unido de las de la UE y 
sus Estados miembros.  
4. En la presente nota se describirán sucesivamente: I) los cambios técnicos de carácter general; 
y II) los cambios téc nicos específicos de exenciones concretas. Para garantizar la transparencia, 
siempre que es posible, se indican en las notas de pie de página de la presente nota las referencias 
a las páginas de la Lista de la UE. Cuando se proporcionan referencias a págin as de la Lista del Reino 
Unido, estas se refieren a la Lista del Reino Unido en que se indican los cambios técnicos.  
5. La presente nota no es un anexo a la Lista del Reino Unido y se entiende sin perjuicio de la 
posición del Reino Unido  con respecto a la int erpretación jurídica del AGCS.  
1. CAMBIOS TÉCNICOS DE CARÁCTER GENERAL  
1.1  SUPRESIÓN O SUSTITUCIÓN DE REFERENCIAS INADECUADAS  
1.1. Cuando el Reino Unido abandone la UE dejará de ser adecuado que en la Lista del Reino Unido 
se haga referencia a la UE, los tratados  de la UE y la legislación de la UE promulgada en virtud de 
esos tratados, o que se afirme que se prevén exenciones para los Estados miembros de la UE. Ello 
se debe a que el Reino Unido ya no será parte en los tratados de la UE ni miembro de la UE y, por 
lo tanto, solo podrá consignar exenciones con respecto al trato dado dentro de su territorio.  
1.2. En consecuencia:  
• las referencias a las "CE" o a los "Estados miembros" se han suprimido o se han sustituido 
por referencias al "Reino Unido" (según proceda);  
• las referencias a la legislación de la UE se han suprimido y sustituido por una descripción 
de las medidas pertinentes del Reino Unido; y  
• las referencias a "terceros países" se han sustituido por referencias a "otros Miembros de 
la OMC", ya que la primera de esas expresiones se utiliza en la Lista de la UE para 
establecer una distinción entre los Estados miembros de la UE y los demás países.  
1.3. En la Lista del Reino Unido en que se indican los cambios se muestra claramente cada caso en 
que se han introduc ido esas modificaciones y el texto utilizado en sustitución del anterior.  S/C/W/381  
 
- 4 - 
 
  1.2  SUPRESIÓN DE EXENCIONES QUE SOLO AFECTAN A OTROS ESTADOS MIEMBROS DE 
LA UE  
1.4. Algunas de las exenciones de la Lista de la UE no son aplicables al Reino Unido. Por lo tanto, se 
han suprimido. Esas exenciones son las siguientes:  
Sector o subsector  Descripción de la medida  
Servicios audiovisuales: Distribución de obras 
audiovisuales  Exención del requisito exigido en España de obtener 
licencia para la distribución de películas dobladas  de origen 
no comunitario, en favor de las películas de origen europeo 
que estén especialmente recomendadas para el público 
infantil.1 
Servicios audiovisuales: Servicios de televisión y 
radiodifusión  En Italia, la participación de extranjeros en las socie dades 
que exceda del 49% del capital y de los derechos de votos 
está sujeta a la condición de reciprocidad.2 
Servicios audiovisuales: Producción y distribución 
de obras cinematográficas y programas de 
televisión en los Países Nórdicos  Medidas adoptadas po r Dinamarca para acogerse a los 
beneficios derivados de programas de apoyo tales 
como  NORDIC FILM y TV FUND, con el fin de promover la 
producción y distribución de obras audiovisuales 
producidas en los Países Nórdicos.3 
Servicios de transporte por carrete ra: Carga 
(CPC 7123)  La autorización para el establecimiento de una presencia 
comercial en España puede ser denegada a los 
proveedores de servicios cuyo país de origen no conceda 
acceso efectivo a su mercado a los proveedores de 
servicio españoles.4 
Servicios de transporte: Vías navegables 
interiores  Medidas basadas en acuerdos vigentes o futuros sobre el 
acceso a las vías navegables interiores (con inclusión de 
los acuerdos relativos a la conexión Rhin -Main-Danubio), 
que reserven derechos de tráfico a los  operadores 
establecidos en los países afectados y cuya propiedad 
cumpla ciertos criterios de nacionalidad .5 
Servicios de transporte: Vías navegables 
interiores  Normas de aplicación de la Convención de Mannheim 
sobre la navegación por el Rhin .6 
Servicios  de arrendamiento o alquiler de buques 
sin tripulación (CPC 83103). Alquiler de 
embarcaciones con tripulación (CPC 7213, 7223)  El fletamento de buques extranjeros por consumidores 
residentes en Alemania puede estar sujeto a la condición 
de reciprocidad .7 
Servicios editoriales (parte de CPC 88442)  En Italia, la participación de extranjeros en las sociedades 
que exceda del 49% del capital y de los derechos de voto 
está sujeta a la condición de reciprocidad .8 
Servicios de agencias de noticias (parte de 
CPC 962) La participación extranjera en sociedades de Francia que 
editen publicaciones en idioma francés, en cuanto exceda 
del 20% del capital o de los derechos de voto, está sujeta 
a la condición de reciprocidad .9 
Servicios de agencias de prensa (parte de 
CPC 962) Acceso a los mercados en Francia. Sujeto a la condición de 
reciprocidad.10 
Servicios financieros  Medida que concede un trato fiscal favorable (régimen 
extraterritorial) en Italia a los proveedores de servicios 
que comercien con los países a los que s e aplica la 
medida .11 
                                                
1 Véase la página 3 del docume nto GATS/EL/31, de 15 de abril de  1994.  
2 Ibid. 
3 Ibid. 
4 Véase la página 5 del documento GATS/EL/31, de 15 de abril de  1994.  
5 Véase la página 6 del documento GATS/EL/31, de 15 de abril de  1994.  
6 Ibid. 
7 Ibid. 
8 Véase la página 7 del documento GATS/EL/31 , de 15 de abril de  1994.  
9 Ibid. 
10 Ibid. 
11 Véase la página 8 del documento GATS/EL/31, de 15 de abril de  1994.  S/C/W/381  
 
- 5 - 
 
  Sector o subsector  Descripción de la medida  
Todos los sectores  Medidas de Dinamarca destinadas a promover la 
cooperación nórdica, por ejemplo:  
- apoyo a proyectos de investigación y desarrollo 
(Fondo  Industrial Nórdico);  
- financiación de estudios de viabilidad de proyectos 
internacionales (Fondo Nórdico para Proyectos de 
Exportación);  
- asistencia financiera a empresas que utilizan tecnología 
respetuosa del medio ambiente (Corporación Nórdica de 
Financiación de la Protección del Medio Ambiente) .12 
Todos los sectores  La autor ización a las personas físicas y jurídicas 
extranjeras para adquirir inmuebles en Italia se concede 
sobre la base de la reciprocidad .13 
Todos los sectores  Exención del requisito de nacionalidad para ejercer en 
Portugal ciertas actividades y profesiones por  personas 
físicas que prestan servicios desde determinados países .14 
Todos los sectores  Facilitar las condiciones de acceso en Francia al ejercicio 
de ciertas actividades de servicios y ciertas profesiones por 
personas físicas y jurídicas de ciertos países  terceros .15 
Todos los sectores  Medidas basadas en acuerdos bilaterales entre Italia y 
terceros países que aseguran el otorgamiento de permisos 
de trabajo para trabajadores temporales .16 
 
2. CAMBIOS DE CARÁCTER TÉCNICO DE EXENCIONES ESPECÍFICAS  
2.1. En lo que respecta a la exención relativa a los Servicios audiovisuales: Producción y 
distribución de obras cinematográficas y programas de televisión17 (página 7),  se ha 
suprimido la lista ilustrativa de países con los que la UE había establecido, o estaba negociando, 
acuerdos sobre la coproducción de obras audiovisuales. El alcance de esa exención está definido por 
las palabras "Todos los países con los que pueda r esultar aconsejable una cooperación cultural", y 
la lista de países se indicaba entre paréntesis por motivos de transparencia. Así pues, se ha 
suprimido la lista ilustrativa de países para evitar que la Lista del Reino Unido induzca a error cuando 
el Reino  Unido abandone la UE.  
2.2. Por lo que se refiere a la exención relativa a los Sistemas de reserva informatizados y 
venta y comercialización de servicios de transporte aéreo18 (página 9),  se ha suprimido la 
referencia al " Reglamento (CE) Nº 2299/89, modific ado por el Reglamento (CE) Nº  3089/93", ya 
que el Reino Unido dejará de ser parte en los tratados de la UE . Esa referencia se ha sustituido por 
una referencia a la norma del Reino Unido relativa a los sistemas de reserva informatizados.  
 
 
_______________  
 
 
                                                
12 Véase la página 9 del documento GATS/EL/31, de 15 de abril de  1994.  
13 Ibid. 
14 Véase la página 10 del documento GATS/EL/31, de 15 de abril de  1994.  
15 Ibid. 
16 Véase la página 11 del documento GATS/EL/31, de 15 de abril de  1994.  
17 Véase la página 2 del documento GATS/EL/31, de 15 de abril de  1994.  
18 Véase la página 5 del documento GAT S/EL/31, de 15 de abril de  1994.   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 6 - PART III  
UK LIST OF ARTICLE I I (MFN) EXEMPTIONS I NDICATING THE TECHNI CAL CHANGES  
 
UNITED KINGDOM OF GR EAT BRITAIN AND NORT HERN IRELAND – LIST OF ARTICLE II (MFN) EXEMPTIONS  
 
Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Audiovisual services - 
Distribution of 
audiovisual works  Redressive duties which may be 
imposed in order to  respond to 
unfair pricing practices, by certain 
third countries other WTO Members  
distributors of audiovisual works.  All Members  Indefinite  Unfair pricing practices may cause 
serious disruption to the 
distribution of European works  
Audiovisual services  Measures taken to prevent, 
correct or counterbalance 
adverse, unfair or unreasonable 
conditions or actions affecting 
ECUK audiovisual services, 
products or service providers, in 
response to corresponding or 
comparable actions taken by other 
Members.  All Me mbers  Indefinite  
The need for exemption will lapse 
together with corresponding 
exemption from other Members  Need to protect the European 
Communities and their Member 
States UK from adverse, unfair or 
unreasonable unilateral actions 
from other Members  
Audiovisual Services - 
production and 
distribution of 
audiovisual works 
through broadcasting 
or other forms of 
transmission to the 
public.  Measures which define works of 
European origin, in such a way as 
to extend national treatment to 
audiovisual works wh ich meet 
certain linguistic and origin criteria 
regarding access to broadcasting 
or similar forms of transmission.  Parties to the Council of Europe 
Convention on Transfrontier 
Television or other European 
countries with whom an 
agreement may be concluded.  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  The measures aim, within the 
sector, to promote cultural values 
both within EC Member States and  
with other countries in Europe, as 
well as achieving linguistic policy 
objectives    
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 7 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Audiovisual Services - 
Production and 
distribution of 
cinematographic 
works and television 
programmes  Measures based upon 
government -to-government 
framework agreements, an d 
plurilateral agreements, on 
coproduction of audiovisual works, 
which confer National Treatment 
to audiovisual works covered by 
these agreements, in particular in 
relation to distribution and access 
to funding.  All countries with whom cultural 
cooperation  may be desirable 
(agreements already exist, or are 
being negotiated, with the 
following countries:  Algeria, 
Angola, Argentina, Australia, 
Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, 
Cape Verde, Chile, Côte d'Ivoire, 
Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Guinea 
Bissau, India, Israel,  Mali, Mexico, 
Morocco, Mozambique, New 
Zealand, São Tomé e Principe, 
Senegal, States in Central, 
Eastern and South -Eastern 
Europe, Switzerland,Tunisia, 
Turkey, Venezuela) . Indefinite  The aim of these agreements is to 
promote cultural links between the 
countries concerned  
Audiovisual Services - 
Production and 
distribution of 
television 
programmes and 
cinematographic 
works  Measures granting the benefit of 
any support programmes (such as 
Action Plan for Advanced 
Television Services , MEDIA  or 
EURIMAGES ) to audiovisual 
works, and suppliers of such 
works, meeting certain European 
origin criteria.  European countries  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  These programmes aim at 
preserving and promoting the 
regional identity of countries 
within Europe which have long -
standing cultural links  
Audiovisual -
Distribution services  Waiver of the requirement in Spain 
to obtain licences for the 
distribution of dubbed films of 
non-Commu nity origin, granted to 
films of European origin which are 
especially recommended for 
children's audiences.  Parties to the Council of Europe  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed for certain 
countries, until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  The measure aims at promoting 
European cultural values and 
linguistic policy objectives toward 
the youth.   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 8 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Audiovisual services:  
television and radio 
broadcasting services  Foreign participation in companies 
in Italy exceeding 49% of the 
capital  and voting rights, subject 
to a condition of reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for Italian service suppliers  
Audiovisual services:  
production and 
distribution of 
cinematographic 
works and television 
programmes in Nordic 
countries  Measures taken in Denmark that 
are adopted for the 
implementation of benefits in 
conformity with such support 
programmes as the NORDIC FILM 
and TV FUND in order to enhance 
production and distribution of 
audiovi sual works produced in 
Nordic countries.  Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland  Indefinite  Preservation and promotion of the 
regional identity of the countries 
concerned  
Road transport - 
passenger and freight  Provisions in existing or future 
agreements on international road 
haulage (including combined 
transport - road/rail) and 
passenger transport, concluded 
between the EC or their Member 
States UK and third countries other 
WTO Members , which:  
 
-reserve or limit the provision of a 
transport service between 
the contracting parties or 
across the territory of the 
contracting parties to 
vehicles registered in each 
contracting party;  
 
-provide for tax exemption for 
such vehicles.  Switzerland, States in Central, 
Eastern  and South -Eastern Europe 
and all Members of the 
Commonwealth of Independent 
States, Albania, Turkey, Lebanon, 
Israel, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, 
Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Cyprus, 
Malta, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, 
Kuwait  Indefinite  The need for exemption is link ed 
to the regional characteristics of 
the cross -border provision of road 
transport services   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 9 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Road transport 
services - 
Freight  
(CPC 7123)  Authorization for the 
establishment of a commercial 
presence in Spain may be refused 
to service suppliers, whose 
country of origin does not accord 
effective market access to Spanish 
service suppliers  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for Spanish service suppliers  
CRS and sales and 
marketing of air 
transport services  Provision of Article 7 of Regulation 
(EC) No. 2299/89, as amended by 
Regulation (EC) No. 3089/93, 
whereby t The obligations of CRS 
system vendors or of parent and 
participating air carriers shall not 
apply where equivalent treatment 
to that applied  under the 
Regulation UK CRS rules  is not 
accorded in the country of origin of 
the parent carrier or of the system 
vendor.  All countries where a CRS system 
vendor or a parent air carrier is 
located.  Indefinite  The need for the exemption results 
from the insufficient development 
of multilaterally agreed rules for 
the operation of CRS.  
Internal waterways 
transport  Measures based upon existing or 
future agreements on access to 
inland waterways (incl. 
agreements following the Rhine -
Main-Danube link), which r eserve 
traffic rights for operators based in 
the countries concerned and 
meeting nationality criteria 
regarding ownership.  Switzerland, States in Central, 
Eastern and South -Eastern Europe 
and all Members of the 
Commonwealth of Independent 
States.  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  To regulate transport capacity on 
inland waterways taking into 
account geographic specificity.  
Internal waterways 
transport  Regulations implementing the 
Mannheim Convention on Rhine 
Shipping.  Switzerland  Indefinite  To regulate transport capacity on 
inland waterways taking into 
account geographic specificity.   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 10 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Rental/leasing 
services without 
operators, relating to 
ships 
(CPC 83103).  
Rental of vessels with 
crew  
(CPC 7213, 7223).  Chartering in of foreign ships by 
consumers resident in Germany 
may be subject to condition of 
reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for German service suppliers.  
Publishing  
(Part of CPC 88442)  Foreign participation in companies 
in Italy exceeding 49% of the 
capital and voting rights, subject 
to a condition of reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for Italian service suppliers.  
Newsagency Services  
(Part of CPC 962)  Foreign participation in companies 
in France publishing publications 
in the French language exceeding 
20% of the capital or of voting 
rights in the company, subject to 
a condition of reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for French service suppliers.  
Press Agency Services  
(Part of CPC 962)  Market access in France.  Subject 
to a condition of reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for French service suppliers.   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 11 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Direct non -life 
insurance  Measures based on a bilateral 
agreement between the European 
Communities UK and Switzerland 
on direct insurance other than life 
insurance.  This agreement 
provides on a reciprocal basis for 
freedom of establishment and the 
right to take up or pursue non -life 
insurance business for agencies 
and branches of undertakings 
whose head office is situated in the 
territory of the other contracting 
party.  Switzerland  Indefinite  Need to remove obstacles to the 
taking up and pursuit of non -life 
insurance business in the 
framework of an agreement 
between the European 
Communities UK and Switzerl and 
on non -life insurance consistent 
with the provisions of paragraph 3 
of the Annex of Financial Services  
Financial services  Measure granting favourable tax 
treatment (off -shore regime) in 
Italy to service suppliers trading 
with the countries to which the 
measure applies.  States in Central, Eastern and 
South -Eastern Europe, and all 
Members of the Commonwealth of 
Independent States  10 years  The need to aid the countries 
concerned in their transition to a 
market economy.   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 12 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
All sectors  Measures taken in Denmark aimed 
at promoting Nordic cooperation, 
such as:  
 
-financial support to R&D projects 
(the Nordic Industrial Fund);  
 
-funding of feasibility studies for 
international projects (the 
Nordic Fund for Project 
Exports);  
 
-financial assistance to 
companies* utilizing 
environmental technology 
(the Nordic Environment 
Finance Corporation).  Sweden, Finland, Iceland and 
Norway  Indefinite  To maintain and develop Nordic 
cooperation.  
All sectors  Authorization for purchase of real 
estate in Italy by foreign natural 
persons and juridical persons 
granted on the basis of reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  The reciprocity requirement is put 
in place to ensure equivalent 
treatment for Italians in oth er 
countries.  
All sectors  Waiver of nationality requirements 
for the exercise, in Portugal, of 
certain activities and professions 
by natural persons supplying 
services from the designated 
countries  Countries of Portuguese official 
language (Angola, Brazil , Cape 
Verde, Guinea -Bissau, 
Mozambique and São Tomé & 
Principe)  Indefinite  This measure reflects historical 
links between Portugal and these 
countries.  
                                                
*     Applies to East European companies, which are cooperating with one or more Nordic companies.   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 13 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
All sectors  Facilitation of access procedures in 
France for the exercise of certain 
services activities and professions 
by natural and legal persons of 
certain third countries  Francophone African countries, 
Algeria, Switzerland and Romania  10 years  This measure reflects historical 
links between France and these 
countries.  
All sectors  For citizens  of Commonwealth 
countries with a grandparent born 
in the UK, the UK waives the 
requirement for a work permit in 
all services sectors  Countries members of the British  
Commonwealth of Nations  Indefinite  This measure reflects historical 
links between these countries and 
the UK.  
All sectors  Measures based on bilateral 
agreements between the 
European Communities and/or 
their Member States UK and 
Switzerland with the objective of 
providing for the movement of all 
categories of natural persons 
supplying service s Switzerland  Indefinite  The agreements reflect a process 
of progressive trade liberalisation 
between the EC UK and its 
regional trading partner.   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 14 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
All sectors  Measures based on existing or 
future bilateral agreements 
between the European 
Communities and certain Member 
States  UK and the countries and 
principalities concerned, providing 
for: 
 
a)the right of establishment for 
juridical and natural persons 
and; 
 
b)waiving the requirements of 
work permits for natural 
persons supplying services.  San Marino, Monaco, Andorra, 
Vatican City State.  Indefinite  The geographical situation and  
historical, economic and cultural 
links between the Member States 
of the European Communities UK 
and the countries and 
principalities concerned.  
All sectors  Measures based upon bilateral 
agreements between Italy and 
third countries guaranteeing work 
permits for seasonal workers.  States in Central Eastern and 
South -Eastern Europe and in the 
Mediterranean Basin.  Indefinite  Seasonal shortages of workers 
and to ensure the orderly 
movement of seasonal workers.   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 15 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
All sectors - 
principally 
construction and hotel 
and catering  Measures based upon bilateral 
agreements between Community 
Member States the UK  and 
European and Mediterranean 
countries guaranteeing work 
permits, for the purposes of 
temporary contract work, on the 
basis of contracts between an 
employer of the third country 
concerned and a UK company in 
the Member State concerned , and 
which permit limited numbers of 
workers from the countries 
concerned to be employed in 
certain service sectors;  the 
numbers are subject to variation 
according to criteria established in 
the agreement.  States in Central, Eastern and 
South -Eastern Europe, including 
Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and 
Georgia, and in the Mediterranean 
Basin.  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  The agreements form part of a 
broader initiative to assist the 
countries concerned in their 
process of economic transition and 
development.   
 
 
_______________  
 
  
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 16 - PART IV  
CLEAN VERSION OF THE  UK LIST UK LIST OF ARTICLE II (MFN) EXE MPTIONS  
 
UNITED KINGDOM OF GR EAT BRITAIN AND NORT HERN IRELAND – LIST OF ARTICLE II (MFN) EXEMPTIONS  
 
Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating  the need 
for the exemption  
Audiovisual services - 
Distribution of 
audiovisual works  Redressive duties which may be 
imposed in order to respond to 
unfair pricing practices, by other 
WTO Members distributors of 
audiovisual works.  All Members  Indefinite  Unfair pricing practices may cause 
serious disruption to the 
distribution of European works  
Audiovisual services  Measures taken to prevent, 
correct or counterbalance 
adverse, unfair or unreasonable 
conditions or actions affecting UK 
audiovisual services, products or 
service providers, in response to 
corresponding or comparable 
actions taken by other Members.  All Members  Indefinite  
The need for exemption will lapse 
together with corresponding 
exemption from other Members  Need to protect the UK from 
adverse,  unfair or unreasonable 
unilateral actions from other 
Members  
Audiovisual Services - 
production and 
distribution of 
audiovisual works 
through broadcasting 
or other forms of 
transmission to the 
public.  Measures which define works of 
European origin, in such a way as 
to extend national treatment to 
audiovisual works which meet 
certain linguistic and origin criteria 
regarding access to broadcasting 
or similar forms of transmission.  Parties to the Council of Europe 
Convention on Transfrontier 
Television or other European 
countries with whom an 
agreement may be concluded.  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  The measures aim, within the 
sector, to promote cultural values 
with other countries in Europe, as 
well as achieving linguistic policy 
objectives    
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 17 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating  the need 
for the exemption  
Audiovisual Services - 
Production and 
distribution of 
cinematographic 
works and television 
programmes  Measu res based upon 
government -to-government 
framework agreements, and 
plurilateral agreements, on 
coproduction of audiovisual works, 
which confer National Treatment 
to audiovisual works covered by 
these agreements, in particular in 
relation to distribution and  access 
to funding.  All countries with whom cultural 
cooperation may be desirable.  Indefinite  The aim of these agreements is to 
promote cultural links between the 
countries concerned  
Audiovisual Services - 
Production and 
distribution of 
television 
programmes and 
cinematographic 
works  Measures granting the benefit of 
any support programmes (such as 
Action Plan for Advanced 
Television Services , MEDIA  or 
EURIMAGES ) to audiovisual 
works, and suppliers of such 
works, meeting certain European 
origin crite ria. European countries  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  These programmes aim at 
preserving and promoting the 
regional identity of countries 
within Europe which have long -
standing cultural links   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 18 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating  the need 
for the exemption  
Road transport - 
passenger and freight  Provisions in existing or future 
agreements on international road 
haulage (including combined 
transport - road/rail) and 
passenger transport, concluded 
between the UK and other WTO 
Members, which:  
 
-reserve or limit the provision of a 
transport service between 
the contracting parties or 
across the territory of the 
contracting parties to 
vehicles registered in each 
contracting party;  
 
-provide for tax exemption for 
such vehicles.  Switzerland, States in Central, 
Eastern and South -Eastern Europe 
and all Members of the 
Commonwealth of Independent 
States, Albania, Turkey, Lebanon, 
Israel, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, 
Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Cyprus, 
Malta, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, 
Kuwait  Indefinite  The need for exemption is linked 
to the regional characteristics of 
the cross -border provision of road 
transport services  
CRS and sales and 
marketing of air 
transport services  The obligations of CRS system 
vendors or of parent and 
participating air carriers shall not 
apply where equivalent treatment 
to that applied under UK CRS rules 
is not accorded in the country of 
origin of the parent carrier or of 
the system vendor.  All countries where a CRS system 
vendor or a parent air carrier is 
located.  Indefinite  The need for the exemption results 
from the insufficient development 
of multilaterally agreed rules for 
the operation of CRS.   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 19 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating  the need 
for the exemption  
Direct non -life 
insurance  Measures based on a bilateral 
agreement between the UK and 
Switzerland on direct insurance 
other than life insurance.  This 
agreement provides on a 
reciprocal basis for freedom of 
establishment and the right to 
take up or pursue non -life 
insurance business for agencies 
and branches of undertakings 
whose head office is situated in the 
territory o f the other contracting 
party.  Switzerland  Indefinite  Need to remove obstacles to the 
taking up and pursuit of non -life 
insurance business in the 
framework of an agreement 
between the UK and Switzerland 
on non -life insurance consistent 
with the provisions of paragraph 3 
of the Annex of Financial Services  
All sectors  For citizens of Commonwealth 
countries with a grandparent born 
in the UK, the UK waives the 
requirement for a work permit in 
all services sectors  Countries members of the 
Commonwealth of Nations  Indefinite  This measure reflects historical 
links between these countries and 
the UK.  
All sectors  Measures based on bilateral 
agreements between the UK and 
Switzerland with the objective of 
providing for the movement of all 
categories of natural p ersons 
supplying services  Switzerland  Indefinite  The agreements reflect a process 
of progressive trade liberalisation 
between the UK and its regional 
trading partner.   
  S/C/W/381  
 
- 20 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating  the need 
for the exemption  
All sectors  Measures based on existing or 
future bilateral agreements 
between the UK and  the countries 
and principalities concerned, 
providing for:  
 
a) the right of establishment for 
juridical and natural persons 
and; 
 
b) waiving the requirements of 
work permits for natural 
persons supplying services.  San Marino, Monaco, Andorra, 
Vatican City  State.  Indefinite  The historical, economic and 
cultural links between the UK and 
the countries and principalities 
concerned.  
All sectors - 
principally 
construction and hotel 
and catering  Measures based upon bilateral 
agreements between the UK and 
European and Mediterranean 
countries guaranteeing work 
permits, for the purposes of 
temporary contract work, on the 
basis of contracts between an 
employer of the country 
concerned and a UK company , and 
which permit limited numbers of 
workers from the countries 
concerned to be employed in 
certain service sectors; the 
numbers are subject to variation 
according to criteria established in 
the agreement.  States in Central, Eastern and 
South -Eastern Euro pe, including 
Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and 
Georgia, and in the Mediterranean 
Basin.  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  The agreements form part of a 
broader initiative to assist the 
countries concerned in their 
process of economic transition and 
development.   
 
 
__________